• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제61권4호
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• pp.463-470
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• 2023

This study aimed to identify the recent risk factors for Opisthorchis viverrini infection and cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) to improve disease prevention. The participants were divided into the following 3 groups based on their health status: healthy control (nonOV and nonCCA), those with O. viverrini infection (OV), and those with CCA. A questionnaire was used to explore their lifestyle and behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression and backward elimination were used to identify the significant risk factors. The results showed that the significant risk factors for both O. viverrini infection and CCA were age>50 years (odd ratio (OR)=8.44, P<0.001, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 2.98-23.90 and OR=43.47, P=0.001, 95% CI 14.71-128.45, respectively) and raw fish consumption (OR=8.48, P<0.001, 95% CI 3.18-22.63 and OR=3.15, P=0.048, 95% CI 1.01-9.86, respectively). A history of O. viverrini infection was identified as an additional risk factor for CCA (OR=20.93, P=0.011, 95% CI 2.04-215.10). This study provided an update on the risk factors for O. viverrini infection and CCA. Asymptomatic patients with O. viverrini infection, particularly those>50 years old, should be carefully monitored to prevent CCA.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제40권4호
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• pp.344-350
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• 2023

Background: 4-carvomenthenol[4-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-3-cyclohexen-1-ol] is a main component of Origanum vulgare L., Zanthoxylum piperitum (L.) DC., and other plants. It has been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, it is necessary to conduct a toxicity test on 4-carvomenthenol to ensure its safety. Methods: This study included 5-week-old Institute of Cancer Research mice that were categorized into 3 treatment groups (12, 25, and 50 mg/kg 4-carvomenthenol dose levels) and a control group (10% dimethyl sulfoxide, 40% polyethylene glycol 300, 5% Tween 80, and 45% normal saline injection of the final volume), with 5 male mice and 5 female mice per group. All groups were observed for clinical symptoms and body weight in a period of 14 days and were subjected to gross necropsy after euthanasia. Results: No deaths were recorded. No test substance-related clinical signs in the female mice of the 12 mg/kg dose group were observed. Abnormal gait was observed in 1 male from day 1 to day 3 in the 12 mg/kg dose group; 1-3 males from day 1 to day 7 and 1-5 females from day 1 to day 15 in the 25 mg/kg dose group; and 2-5 males and 2-5 females from day 1 to day 15 in the 50 mg/kg dose group. No test substance-related effect on the body weight and necropsy findings was observed. Conclusion: The results of this study suggested that the lethal dose of 4-carvomenthenol could be greater than 50 mg/kg. However, further research is needed, especially repeated-dose toxicity studies, to confirm the efficacy and safety of 4-carvomenthenol.

• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
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• 제47권1호
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• pp.29-37
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• 2024

This study aims to evaluate the performance of the U-Net based learning model that may vary depending on the histogram equalization algorithm. The subject of the experiment were 17 radiology students of this college, and 1,727 data sets in which the region of interest was set in the thyroid after acquiring ultrasound image data were used. The training set consisted of 1,383 images, the validation set consisted of 172 and the test data set consisted of 172. The equalization algorithm was divided into Histogram Equalization(HE) and Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization(CLAHE), and according to the clip limit, it was divided into CLAHE8-1, CLAHE8-2. CLAHE8-3. Deep Learning was learned through size control, histogram equalization, Z-score normalization, and data augmentation. As a result of the experiment, the Attention U-Net showed the highest performance from CLAHE8-2 to 0.8355, and the U-Net and BSU-Net showed the highest performance from CLAHE8-3 to 0.8303 and 0.8277. In the case of mIoU, the Attention U-Net was 0.7175 in CLAHE8-2, the U-Net was 0.7098 and the BSU-Net was 0.7060 in CLAHE8-3. This study attempted to confirm the effects of U-Net, Attention U-Net, and BSU-Net models when histogram equalization is performed on ultrasound images. The increase in Clip Limit can be expected to increase the ROI match with the prediction mask by clarifying the boundaries, which affects the improvement of the contrast of the thyroid area in deep learning model learning, and consequently affects the performance improvement.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.71-76
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• 2024

Background: The rising incidence of dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has underscored the need for collaboration between plastic surgeons and nephrologists, particularly concerning preoperative and postoperative management for facial reconstruction. This collaboration is essential due to a scarcity of comprehensive information in this domain. Methods: A study initiated in January 2015 involved 10 ESRD cases on dialysis undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery for facial skin cancer, followed by reconstructive surgery under general anesthesia. To ensure surgical safety, rigorous measures were enacted, encompassing laboratory testing, nephrology consultations, and preoperative dialysis admission. Throughout surgery, meticulous control was exercised over vital signs, electrolytes, bleeding risk, and pain management (excluding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Postoperative assessments included monitoring flap integrity, hematoma formation, infection, and cardiovascular risk through plasma creatinine levels. Results: Adherence to the proposed guidelines yielded a notable absence of postoperative wound complications. Postoperative plasma creatinine levels exhibited an average decrease of 1.10 mg/dL compared to preoperative levels, indicating improved renal function. Importantly, no cardiopulmonary complications or 30-day mortality were observed. In ESRD patients, creatinine levels decreased significantly postoperatively compared to the preoperative levels (p< 0.05), indicating favorable outcomes. Conclusion: The consistent application of guidelines for admission, anesthesia, and surgery yielded robust and stable outcomes across all patients. In particular, the findings support the importance of adjusting dialysis schedules. Despite the limited sample size in this study, these findings underscore the effectiveness of a collaborative and meticulous approach for plastic surgeons performing surgery on dialysis-dependent patients, ensuring successful outcomes.

• BMB Reports
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• 제57권5호
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• pp.256-261
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• 2024

In the context of aging, the susceptibility to infectious diseases increases, leading to heightened morbidity and mortality. This phenomenon, termed immunosenescence, is characterized by dysregulation in the aging immune system, including abnormal alterations in lymphocyte composition, elevated basal inflammation, and the accumulation of senescent T cells. Such changes contribute to increased autoimmune diseases, enhanced infection severity, and reduced responsiveness to vaccines. Utilizing aging animal models becomes imperative for a comprehensive understanding of immunosenescence, given the complexity of aging as a physiological process in living organisms. Our investigation focuses on Cisd2, a causative gene for Wolfram syndrome, to elucidate on immunosenescence. Cisd2 knockout (KO) mice, serving as a model for premature aging, exhibit a shortened lifespan with early onset of aging-related features, such as decreased bone density, hair loss, depigmentation, and optic nerve degeneration. Intriguingly, we found that the Cisd2 KO mice present a higher number of neutrophils in the blood; however, isolated neutrophils from these mice display functional defects. Through mass spectrometry analysis, we identified an interaction between Cisd2 and Calnexin, a protein known for its role in protein quality control. Beyond this function, Calnexin also regulates calcium homeostasis through interaction with sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium transport ATPase (SERCA). Our study proposes that Cisd2 modulates calcium homeostasis via its interaction with Calnexin and SERCA, consequently influencing neutrophil functions.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.36.1-36.13
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• 2020

Hippo signaling pathways are evolutionarily conserved signal transduction mechanisms mainly involved in organ size control, tissue regeneration, and tumor suppression. However, in mammals, the primary role of Hippo signaling seems to be regulation of immunity. As such, humans with null mutations in STK4 (mammalian homologue of Drosophila Hippo; also known as MST1) suffer from recurrent infections and autoimmune symptoms. Although dysregulated T cell homeostasis and functions have been identified in MST1-deficient human patients and mouse models, detailed cellular and molecular bases of the immune dysfunction remain to be elucidated. Although the canonical Hippo signaling pathway involves transcriptional co-activator Yes-associated protein (YAP) or transcriptional coactivator with PDZ motif (TAZ), the major Hippo downstream signaling pathways in T cells are YAP/TAZ-independent and they widely differ between T cell subsets. Here we will review Hippo signaling mechanisms in T cell immunity and describe their implications for immune defects found in MST1-deficient patients and animals. Further, we propose that mutual inhibition of Mst and Akt kinases and their opposing roles on the stability and function of forkhead box O and β-catenin may explain various immune defects discovered in mutant mice lacking Hippo signaling components. Understanding these diverse Hippo signaling pathways and their interplay with other evolutionarily-conserved signaling components in T cells may uncover molecular targets relevant to vaccination, autoimmune diseases, and cancer immunotherapies.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.649-661
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• 2019

Objective: To systematically review the evaluation of the diagnostic accuracy of pre-treatment apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and change in ADC during the intra- or post-treatment period, for the prediction of locoregional failure in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Materials and Methods: Ovid-MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched up to September 8, 2018, for studies on the use of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for the prediction of locoregional treatment response in patients with HNSCC treated with chemoradiation or radiation therapy. Risk of bias was assessed by using the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2. Results: Twelve studies were included in the systematic review, and diagnostic accuracy assessment was performed using seven studies. High pre-treatment ADC showed inconsistent results with the tendency for locoregional failure, whereas all studies evaluating changes in ADC showed consistent results of a lower rise in ADC in patients with locoregional failure compared to those with locoregional control. The sensitivities and specificities of pre-treatment ADC and change in ADC for predicting locoregional failure were relatively high (range: 50-100% and 79-96%, 75-100% and 69-95%, respectively). Meta-analytic pooling was not performed due to the apparent heterogeneity in these values. Conclusion: High pre-treatment ADC and low rise in early intra-treatment or post-treatment ADC with chemoradiation, could be indicators of locoregional failure in patients with HNSCC. However, as the studies are few, heterogeneous, and at high risk for bias, the sensitivity and specificity of these parameters for predicting the treatment response are yet to be determined.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제51권3호
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• pp.205-212
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• 2024

Objective: Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an alkylating agent commonly used in cancer treatment. It is known to have detrimental effects on the reproductive system, including the potential to cause infertility. Recently, herbal remedies have gained traction as a complementary approach to addressing these side effects. In this study, our goal was to investigate whether the aqueous-alcoholic extract of Withania somnifera (WS) could mitigate the adverse impacts of CP on testicular tissue. Methods: Animals were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: control, WS (500 mg/kg), CP (100 mg/kg), CP+WS pre-treatment, and CP+WS post-treatment. WS was administered orally through gavage for 1 month. We assessed sperm parameters, testicular histopathology, and the expression of the Bax and Bcl2 genes in the experimental groups. Results: Sperm parameters (including count, viability, and motility), the number of spermatogonia, the seminiferous tubule diameter, and Bcl2 gene expression, significantly decreased after CP injection (p<0.05). Conversely, the number of immotile sperm and Bax gene expression significantly increased (p<0.05). Treatment with WS, especially when administered as a pre-treatment, ameliorated the sperm parameters, histological alterations, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes (p<0.05). Conclusion: The data suggest that WS may mitigate the detrimental effects of CP on testicular tissue by reducing apoptosis. Consequently, WS has the potential to be used as an adjunctive therapy to reduce the complications associated with CP treatment.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제27권3호
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• pp.245-252
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• 2024

Objectives: Methotrexate (MTX), an immunosuppressant and anti-cancer medication, can harm the heart. The goal of the current investigation was to assess the cardiotoxicity caused by MTX and the potential cardioprotective properties of silymarin, citral, and thymoquinone as antioxidants. Methods: Forty-eight rats were divided into six groups, which included control, MTX, cosolvent, citral, thymoquinone, and silymarin groups. At the end of the study, the rats were anesthetized (ketamine and xylazine) and killed using CO2. Their blood samples were collected to measure the enzymatic activities of creatine kinase-myoglobin binding (CK-MB), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Also, the heart tissue was sampled to determine the antioxidant capacity and examine the histopathology. Results: The findings revealed that the activity of CPK, CK-MB, and LDH enzymes significantly reduced in the thymoquinone treatment group compared to the MTX group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in the thymoquinone group compared to the MTX group (p < 0.05). The pathological modifications (i.e. severe congestion, edema fluid, the presence of inflammatory cells around the blood vessels, mild to moderate hemorrhaging between cardiac muscle fibers) were seen in the MTX group. The treatment groups, particularly thymoquinone, did not experience any appreciable pathological changes. Conclusion: The thymoquinone was found to have the strongest protective effect against the heart damage caused by MTX.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.253-260
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• 2003

목적: 흉벽을 침범한 PT3N0 비소세포폐암 환자에서 수술 후 방사선치료를 추가하는 것이 필요한지의 여부와 적절한 방사선치료의 조사영역에 관해서는 아직 정립된 이론이 없다. 본 연구에서는 종양으로부터 수술 절제연까지 충분한 여유를 얻기가 힘들었던 소견으로 방사선치료를 추가한 흉벽침범 pT3N0 비소세포폐암 환자들에 대한 후향적 분석을 수행하였다. 대상 및 방법: 1994년 8월부터 2002년 6월까지 성균관의대 삼성서울병원에서 흉벽침범 pT3N0 비소세포폐암으로 수술 후 방사선치료를 추가한 환자는 모두 21명이었다. 모든 환자들은 근치적 폐절제술과 흉벽절제술과 함께 동측 폐문 및 종격동 림프절 곽청술을 시행받았다. 방사선치료는 수술 3$\~$4주 후에 시작하여 선택적 림프절 방사선조사를 고려하지 않고 원발종양에 의해 침범된 흉벽과 그 주변 조직에만 국한하여 최소 54 Gy를 조사하도록 예정하였다(1회선량 1.8$\~$2.0 Gy, 주 5회 치료). 환자들의 생존율과 재발양상을 후향적으로 분석하였다. 결과: 전체 환자의 5년 생존율, 무병생존율, 국소종양억제율, 무원격전이 생존율은 각각 38.8$\%$, 45.5$\%$, 90.2$\%$, 48.1$\%$였다. 모두 11명의 환자에서 치료실패를 경험하였는데, 원격전이가 6명, 흉곽내재발이 3명, 원격전이와 흉곽내재발의 동시재발이 2명이었다. 흉곽내재발 환자 5명 중 방사선치료 조사영역 내에서의 국소재발은 2명, 늑막파종이 2명, 종격동 림프절 재발이 1명이었다. 방사선치료와 관련되는 RTOG 3등급 이상의 급성 및 만성 부작용은 없었다. 결론: 흉벽침범 pT3 비소세포폐암의 치료성공에 있어 가장 중요한 요소는 완전절제를 통한 국소제어인바, 수술 소견상 충분한 여유 절제연의 확보가 불가능한 경우 수술 후 방사선치료를 추가하여 국소제어율을 높이도록 도모하는 것은 충분한 당위성을 갖는다. 또 방사선치료 조사영역의 결정에 있어서도 선택적 림프절 방사선조사를 배제함으로써 영역림프절 재발의 과도한 위험부담 없이도 급성 및 만성 부작용의 위험을 현저히 감소시켜 환자의 삶의 질을 향상시킬 수 있었다.