• 대한두경부종양학회지
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• 제13권2호
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• pp.180-186
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• 1997

Objectives: Salivary gland tumors pose considerable difficulty in diagnostic and prognostic assessment based on the histopathologic features alone. We studied the expression of type IV collagen and fibronectin in salivary gland tumors with special emphasis on the differential diagnostic significance. Materials and Methods: We did immunohistochemical stain on paraffin embedded tissues of 33 benign and 24 malignant salivary gland tumors using monoclonal antibody for type IV collagen and polyclonal antibody for fibronectin. Results: 1) Well preserved linear basement membrane-like staining of type IV collagen was detected in duct-cell-derived benign salivary gland tumors. But pleomorphic adenoma exhibited a heterogeneous pattern as focal augmentation and interruption. 2) In malignant tumors, type IV collagen was distributed in an irregular, interrupted manner or completely absent. Adenoid cystic carcinomas displayed a marked staining of the basal membrane associated substances in the pseudocysts. 3) The staining pattern of fibronectin was similar to that of type IV collagen execpt more dense in the stroma. 4) Salivary gland tumors which have a prominent myoepithelial cell component revealed a particular deposition of basement membrane materials adjacent to the myoepithelial cells. Conclusion: The study of the basal membrane substances may be helpful for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors and identifying special features of salivary gland tumors such as pseudocystic pattern of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Also we think that the myoepithelial cells contribute to the formation of basement membrane materials.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• 제41권4호
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• pp.340-344
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• 2003

The group I intron from Tetrahymena thermophila has been demonstrated to employ splicing reactions with its substrate RNA in the trans configuration. Moreover, we have recently shown that the transsplicing group I ribozyme can replace HCV-specific transcripts with a new RNA that exerts anti-viral activity. In this study, we explored the potential use of RNA replacement for cancer treatment by developing trans-splicing group I ribozymes, which could replace tumor-associated RNAs with the RNA sequence attached to the 3' end of the ribozymes. Thymidine phosphorylase (TP) RNA was chosen as a target RNA because it is known as a valid cancer prognostic factor. By performing an RNA mapping strategy that is based on a trans-splicing ribozyme library, we first determined which regions of the TP RNA are accessible to ribozymes, and found that the leader sequences upstream of the AUG start codon appeared to be particularly accessible. Next, we assessed the ribozyme activities by comparing trans-splicing activities of several ribozymes that targeted different regions of the TP RNA. This assessment was performed to verify if the target site predicted to be accessible is truly the most accessible. The ribozyme that could target the most accessible site, identified by mapping studies, was the most active with high fidelity in vitro. Moreover, the specific trans-splicing ribozyme reacted with and altered the TP transcripts by transferring an intended 3' exon tag sequence onto the targeted TP RNA in mammalian cells with high fidelity. These results suggest that the Tetrahymena ribozyme can be utilized to replace TP RNAs in tumors with a new RNA harboring anti-cancer activity, which would revert the malignant phenotype.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.318-325
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• 2021

Background: The diagnosis and prediction of prognosis are important in patients with sepsis, and presepsin is helpful. In this study, we aimed to examine the usefulness of presepsin in predicting the prognosis of sepsis in Korea. Methods: Patients diagnosed with sepsis according to the sepsis-3 criteria were recruited into the study and classified into surviving and non-surviving groups based on in-hospital mortality. A total of 153 patients (32 and 121 patients with sepsis and septic shock, respectively) were included from July 2019 to August 2020. Results: Among the 153 patients with sepsis, 91 and 62 were in the survivor and non-survivor groups, respectively. Presepsin (p=0.004) and lactate (p=0.003) levels and the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (p<0.001) were higher in the non-survivor group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed poor performances of presepsin and lactate in predicting the prognosis of sepsis (presepsin: area under the curve [AUC]=0.656, p=0.001; lactate: AUC=0.646, p=0.003). The SOFA score showed the best performance, with the highest AUC value (AUC=0.751, p<0.001). The prognostic cutoff point for presepsin was 1,176 pg/mL. Presepsin levels higher than 1,176 pg/mL (odds ratio [OR], 3.352; p<0.001), higher lactate levels (OR, 1.203; p=0.003), and higher SOFA score (OR, 1.249; p<0.001) were risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Presepsin levels were higher in non-survivors than in survivors. Thus, presepsin may be a valuable biomarker in predicting the prognosis of sepsis.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제60권12호
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• pp.29.1-29.11
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• 2018

Background: Respiratory troubles have economic impacts in countries where livestock industry is an important segment of the agricultural sector, as well as these problems may cause significant economic losses for bovine producers. Various practical methods are used to assess diseases that affect the bovine respiratory system. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive tool that has been used frequently in diagnosis of various animal diseases. The present study was designed to establish whether thoracic ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool for detection of respiratory troubles in weaned buffalo and cattle calves, as well as to assess its prognostic value in comparison with clinical respiratory scores. Thirty five (15 buffalo and 20 cattle) calves were included. Twelve (6 buffalo and 6 cattle) clinically healthy calves were enrolled as controls. Results: Based on physical examinations, clinical respiratory scores (CRS), ultrasound lung scores (ULS) and postmortem findings, animals were classified into 4 groups as pulmonary emphysema (n = 8), interstitial pulmonary syndrome (n = 7), bronchopneumonia (n = 12), and pleurisy (n = 8). The mean values of CRS and ULS were significantly higher in diseased calves (P < 0.01). In calves with pulmonary emphysema and interstitial syndrome, thoracic ultrasonography revealed numerous comet-tail artifacts, which varied in numbers and imaging features. Furthermore, variable degrees of pulmonary consolidation with alveolograms and bronchograms were noticed in bronchopneumonic calves. In addition, thick irregular or fragmented pleura with pleural effusions and fibrin shreds were imaged in calves with pleurisy. A weak correlation was calculated between CRS and ULS (r = 0.55, P < 0.01). Hematologically, the counts of white blood cells, activities of aspartate aminotransferase and partial tensions of carbon dioxide were significantly increased in all diseased groups. Serum concentrations of total globulins were higher in claves with bronchopneumonia (P < 0.05). The partial tension of oxygen was decreased in all diseased calves (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Thoracic ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool for various lung troubles and assessment the grade and severity of pulmonary diseases, as well as it can be used as a follow-up tool for evaluating the prognosis of respiratory troubles and monitoring the efficacy of therapies.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.202-211
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• 2019

Purpose: Poor physiological reserve for withstanding major cancer surgery in older adults is an important concern in the selection of patients for oncologic gastrectomy. The present study aimed to analyze mortality patterns among patients who underwent gastrectomy for cancer according to age groups. The primary outcomes of this study were early- and middleterm results: 30-day and 3-, 6-, 12-, and 36-month mortality rates. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 288 patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric cancer in two centers was carried out. Patients were stratified into four groups according to age: 29-50 years (group I, n=27), 51-65 years (group II, n=117), 66-75 years (group III, n=81), and 76-92 years (group IV, n=58). Statistical calculations focused on the differences in the survival rates between groups I and II as well as between groups II and IV. Results: The middle-aged patients (group II) had significantly better 3-year survival than either the youngest (group I) or the oldest patients (group IV). The 6-month mortality rates were 16.9% in group III and 29.3% in group IV. Two-thirds of the patients from groups III and IV who died between 2 and 6 months after surgery had an uneventful postoperative course. Conclusions: Age is an important prognostic factor of middle-term survival after gastrectomy for cancer. Geriatric assessment and better patient selection for major surgery for cancer are required to improve the outcome of gastrectomy for cancer in patients aged over 75 years.

• 한방비만학회지
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.144-151
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• 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of case reports of the Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research by the Case Report (CARE) guidelines. Methods: Case reports published in the Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research from January 2013 to July 2018 were searched from Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS). We assessed the quality of reporting based on CARE guidelines. Results: A total of 8 case reports were finally included for the assessment. There was a deviation in the sub-item reporting rate by a maximum 75% and a minimum 57.14% in case reports. The 10 sub-items mentioned below, such as 'Timeline', 'Diagnostic challenges', 'Diagnostic reasoning including other diagnoses considered', 'Prognostic characteristics', 'Changes in intervention', 'Important follow-up diagnostic evaluations and other test results', 'Intervention adherence and tolerability', 'Adverse and unanticipated events', 'Patient perspective' and 'Informed consent' were reported below 30%. Conclusions: Efforts to diversify the subject of the case study and to apply appropriate reporting guidelines are needed to improve the quality of the case report contributed to the Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research.

• PNF and Movement
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• 제10권3호
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• pp.7-18
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• 2012

Purpose : This study was to compare the difference Trunk Control Test(TCT), Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke(PASS-TC), and Trunk Impairment Scale(TIS) and its subscales in relation to the difference MBI(Modified Barthel Index), BBS(Berg Balance Scale), and to establish the association between MBI, BBS, Fugl Meyer-motor function(FM-M), and to predict MBI-subscales from the variables. Methods : 58 stroke patients, attending a rehabilitation programme, participated in the study. Trunk control was measured with the use of the TCT, PASS-TC, TIS, and the performance of Activities daily living was obtained by MBI, and dynamic balance ability(by BBS). Trunk control scores from the difference MBI, BBS were compared using the 1-way ANOVA(Mann Whitney U test) and the data were analyzed using Pearson product correlation. Multiple stepwise regression analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors for ADL subscale. Results : Trunk control scores showed significant differences between MBI(F=2.139~13.737, p<.05~.001), BBS(t=3.491~7.705, p<.01~.001). It was significantly related with value of the MBI(r=.25~.50), BBS(r=.38~.68), FMM( r=.31~.48). Stepwise linear regression analysis showed an additional, significant contribution of the TCT, in addition to the PASS-TC, dynamic sitting balance subscale of the TIS for measures of MBI subscales. Conclusion : Measures of trunk control were significantly related with values of MBI, BBS score, so the management of trunk rehabilitation after stroke should be emphasized. The use of both quantitative and qualitative scales was shown to be a good measuring instrument for the classification of the general performance of the stroke patients. Further study about trunk control is needed using a longitudinal study design.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제55권3호
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• pp.189-196
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• 2022

Background: This study investigated the predictive value of the frailty index calculated using laboratory data and vital signs (FI-L) in patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: This study included 508 patients (age 67.3±9.7 years, male 78.0%) who underwent CABG between 2018 and 2021. The FI-L, which estimates patients' frailty based on laboratory data and vital signs, was calculated as the ratio of variables outside the normal range for 32 preoperative parameters. The primary endpoints were operative and medium-term all-cause mortality. The secondary endpoints were early postoperative complications and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs). Results: The mean FI-L was 20.9%±10.9%. The early mortality rate was 1.6% (n=8). Postoperative complications were atrial fibrillation (n=148, 29.1%), respiratory complications (n=38, 7.5%), and acute kidney injury (n=15, 3.0%). The 1- and 3-year survival rates were 96.0% and 88.7%, and the 1- and 3-year cumulative incidence rates of MACCEs were 4.87% and 8.98%. In multivariable analyses, the FI-L showed statistically significant associations with medium-term all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.042; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.010-1.076), MACCEs (subdistribution HR, 1.054; 95% CI, 1.030-1.078), atrial fibrillation (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% CI, 1.002-1.039), acute kidney injury (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.014-1.108), and re-operation for bleeding (OR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.032-1.152). The minimal p-value approach showed that 32% was the best cutoff for the FI-L as a predictor of all-cause mortality post-CABG. Conclusion: The FI-L was a significant prognostic factor related to all-cause mortality and postoperative complications in patients who underwent CABG.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권2호
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• pp.255-268
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• 2022

Objective : Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common disease in neurosurgical departments, but optimal perioperative management guidelines have not yet been established. We aimed to assess the current clinical management and outcomes for CSDH patients and identify prognostic factors for CSDH recurrence. Methods : We enrolled a total of 293 consecutive patients with CSDH who underwent burr hole craniostomy at seven institutions in 2018. Clinical and surgery-related characteristics and surgical outcomes were analyzed. The cohort included 208 men and 85 women. Results : The median patient age was 75 years. Antithrombotic agents were prescribed to 105 patients. History of head trauma was identified in 59% of patients. Two hundred twenty-seven of 293 patients (77.5%) had unilateral hematoma and 46.1% had a homogenous hematoma type. About 70% of patients underwent surgery under general anesthesia, and 74.7% underwent a single burr hole craniostomy surgery. Recurrence requiring surgery was observed in 17 of 293 patients (5.8%), with a median of 32 days to recurrence. The postoperative complication rate was 4.1%. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with CSDH recurrence were separated hematoma type (odds ratio, 3.906; p=0.017) and patient who underwent surgery under general anesthesia had less recurrence (odds ratio, 0.277; p=0.017). Conclusion : This is the first retrospective multicenter generalized cohort pilot study in the Republic of Korea as a first step towards the development of Korean clinical practice guidelines for CSDH. The type of hematoma and anesthesia was associated with CSDH recurrence. Although the detailed surgical method differs depending on the institution, the surgical treatment of CSDH was effective. Further studies may establish appropriate management guidelines to minimize CSDH recurrence.

• Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
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• 제31권3호
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• pp.135-141
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• 2023

BACKGROUND: Global longitudinal strain (GLS) is an accurate and reproducible parameter of left ventricular (LV) systolic function which has shown meaningful prognostic value. Fast, user-friendly, and accurate tools are required for its widespread implementation. We aim to compare a novel web-based tool with two established algorithms for strain analysis and test its reproducibility. METHODS: Thirty echocardiographic datasets with focused LV acquisitions were analyzed using three different semi-automated endocardial GLS algorithms by two readers. Analyses were repeated by one reader for the purpose of intra-observer variability. CAAS Qardia (Pie Medical Imaging) was compared with 2DCPA and AutoLV (TomTec). RESULTS: Mean GLS values were -15.0 ± 3.5% from Qardia, -15.3 ± 4.0% from 2DCPA, and -15.2 ± 3.8% from AutoLV. Mean GLS between Qardia and 2DCPA were not statistically different (p = 0.359), with a bias of -0.3%, limits of agreement (LOA) of 3.7%, and an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.88. Mean GLS between Qardia and AutoLV were not statistically different (p = 0.637), with a bias of -0.2%, LOA of 3.4%, and an ICC of 0.89. The coefficient of variation (CV) for intra-observer variability was 4.4% for Qardia, 8.4% 2DCPA, and 7.7% AutoLV. The CV for inter-observer variability was 4.5%, 8.1%, and 8.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In echocardiographic datasets of good image quality analyzed at an independent core laboratory using a standardized annotation method, a novel web-based tool for GLS analysis showed consistent results when compared with two algorithms of an established platform. Moreover, inter- and intra-observer reproducibility results were excellent.