• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.6871-6876
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• 2015

Background: The meningeal hemangiopericytoma (MHPC) is a vascular tumor arising from pericytes. Most intracranial MHPCs resemble meningiomas (MNGs) in their clinical presentation and histological features and may therefore be misdiagnosed, despite important differences in prognosis. Materials and Methods: We report 8 cases of MHPC and 5 cases of MNG collected from 2007 to 2011 from the Neuro-Surgery and Histopathology departments. All 13 samples were re reviewed by two independent pathologists and investigated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using mesenchymal, epithelial and neuro-glial markers. Additionally, we screened all tumors for a large panel of chromosomal alterations using multiplex ligation probe amplification (MLPA). Presence of the NAB2-STAT6 fusion gene was inferred by immunohistochemical staining for STAT6. Results: Compared with MNG, MHPCs showed strong VIM (100% of cases), CD99 (62%), bcl-2 (87%), and p16 (75%) staining but only focal positivity with EMA (33%) and NSE (37%). The p21 antibody was positive in 62% of MHPC and less than 1% in all MNGs. MLPA data did not distinguish HPC from MNG, with PTEN loss and ERBB2 gain found in both. By contrast, STAT6 nuclear staining was observed in 3 MHPC cases and was absent from MNG. Conclusions: MNG and MHPC comprise a spectrum of tumors that cannot be easily differentiated based on histopathology. The presence of STAT6 nuclear positivity may however be a useful diagnostic marker.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2 s.62
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• pp.77-84
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• 2005

Objectives: Chunghyul-dan is a combinatorial herbal medicine, and previous studies reported it had therapeutic effects for microangiopathy, which is a major part. in the progression of stroke, as well as having anti-hypertensive, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory activities, Therefore, we examined the inhibitory effect of Chunghyul-dan on stroke occurrence in patients with silent brain infarction. Methods: We prescribed Chunghyul-dan at 600 mg a day to patients with silent brain infarction confirmed by brain MRI, and monitored stroke occurrence, drug compliances, and adverse effects for 1 year, We then performed follow-up brain MRI to detect new vascular lesions after 1 year of Chunghyul-dan medication. As for the subjects lost to follow-up, we assessed their prognosis after 1 year by telephone. Results: There were twenty-one subjects who were treated with Chunghyul-dan for more than 1 year, None of them experienced new clinical syndromes characterized by rapidly developing clinical symptoms and signs of focal and at times global loss of brain function, which could be accompanied with evidence of stroke occurrence, or any adverse effects during the Chunghyul-dan medication period. These results might be explained by various biochemical effects of Chunghyul-dan on microangiopathy, which is closely related with cell cycle progression, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, vascular inflammation, and oxidative damage. Of the 10 subjects lost to follow-up, six were reached; two of them had stroke occurrence. Conclusions: We suggest Chunghyul-dan could be useful for prevention of stroke occurrence in patients with silent brain infarction by preventing the progression of microangiopathy. Further study with a randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm this suggestion.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.1233-1237
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• 2000

Objectives : In order to evaluate the metabolic changes associated with pericontusional edematous area in mild head injury, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy(1H-MRS) was performed in mild head injury patients (initial GCS score 13-15) with focal brain contusion. Methods : Seven head injury patients with initial GCS 13-15(3 males and 4 females : age range 15-65 years, mean age 33 years) have underwent 1H-MRS evaluations. The patients were examined within 7 days after injury(n=7) and 2 months after injury(n=5). The region of interest(ROI) was selected in the edematous area adjacent to traumatic brain contusion upon T2-weighted MR images and a corresponding region of the contralateral hemisphere (ROC, region of contralateral corresponding hemisphere) was examined as well. The metabolic ratios of NAA/Cr and lactate/Cr were compared between ROIs, ROCs and control values. Results : In initial NAA/Cr ratios, the values of ROIs were significantly lower than those of the controls(p=0.009), but there was no difference either between ROIs and ROCs(p=0.410) or between ROCs of patients and the control (p=0.199). In lactate/Cr ratios, the ROIs in all seven patients and the ROCs in two showed increased lactate signals. The lactate/Cr ratios of the ROIs were significantly elevated as compared to those of the ROCs(p=0.02) and the control(p=0.015). In two months follow-up, lactate signals were absent or significantly reduced(p=0.015). In no patients, clinical or radiological deterioration has been observed. Conclusion : Our 1H-MRS results demonstrate that there are significant ischemic changes in pericontusional edematous areas as indicated by elevated lactate signals in the patients with mild head injury. But there were no consistent neural loss or dysfunction in these area. There findings suggest that pericontusional edematous areas can be vulnerable to secondary brain insults even in the patients with mild head injury.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.115-134
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• 2017

A total number of 668 apparently healthy fish were obtained from farm to study the effect of two heavy metals (Copper and Mercury) on histopathology of liver, kidney, spleen, gills and muscles also residues in muscles. The $LC_{50}$/96 hr. of Cu and Hg were estimated and fish exposed to 1/2 $LC_{50}$ for 7 days and for 1/10 $LC_{50}$ for 8 weeks from each product separately. Histopathological findings in acute and chronic mercuric chloride toxicity revealed degeneration and necrosis in the glomeruli, interstitium tissue and epithelium lining renal tubules. The tubular epithelium became necrotic at several places. Eosinophilic hyaline droplets is exist in the cytoplasm of the necrosed cells. Degenerative changes and hyperactivity in melanomachrophage center was seen in the spleen together with some necrotic areas. Necrosis and aggregation of melanomachrophage were seen in the hepatic cells, Hepatic cells showed vacuolar degeneration in the hepatic cells. Gills showed loss in the lamellae of the filaments associated with edema, inflammatory cells infiltration and haemorrhages in the arch. The sarcoplasm of the bundles of the skeletal muscle showed granular degeneration and focal inflammatory cells infiltration between the hyalinized bundles. Mercury residues obtained from these studies in the acute toxicity were 0.22 ppm/gm in the 2nd day, 0.411 ppm/gm in the $5^{th}$ day ended with 0.96 ppm/gm in the $7^{th}$ day. In chronic toxicity it was 1.1320, 1.7140, 2.3620 and 3.5640 ppm/gm respectively from the $2^{nd}$ to the $8^{th}$ week of exposure. In acute and chronic copper toxicity, there was degenerative changes in renal tubules. Melanophores aggregation in the wall of the blood vessels of the spleen and depletion of some of the melanophores in the melanomachrophage were seen together with necrosis in some areas. Congested Mvs (Micro vessels) and vacuolation of hepatocytes were observed. Some areas of hemorrhage and melanophores vacuolar degeneration in the liver were seen. There was mitosis in some areas with displesia of hepatopancreatic cells and eosinophilic granular cells aggregation. Zymogen granules disappeared and there were dyplastic hepatocytes. Congestion in the blood vessels of the gill filaments, associated with massive number of granular eosinophilic cells infiltration were seen in the base of the filaments. There were sever vacuolization and hyalinization in the skeletal muscle bundles. Detection of residues of copper sulfate revealed increase of the amount of copper measured in ppm/gm comparing to the normal control starting from 0.60 ppm/g in the $2^{nd}$ day, 0.67 ppm/g in the $5^{th}$ day and 0.67 ppm/g in the $7^{th}$ day. Result obtained in chronic copper sulfate toxicity revealed gradual increase of the amount of copper which ranged from 0.18 ppm/g at the $2^{nd}$ week to 0.21 ppm/g in the $8^{th}$ week of exposure.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.79-85
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• 2011

OThe purpose of this article was to measure and compare the value of the metal artifact reduction (MAR) algorithm by Dual energy(kVp switching) CT (Computed Tomography) for non using MAR and we introduced new variable Dual energy CT applications through a clinical scan. The used equipment was GE Discovery 750HD with Dual-Energy system(kVp switching). CT scan was performed on the neck and abdomen area subject for patients. Studies were from Dec 20 2010 to Feb 10 2011 and included 25 subject patients with prosthesis. We were measured the HU (Hounsfield Unit) and noise value at metal artifact appear(focal loss of signal and white streak artifact area) according to the using MAR algorithm. Statistical analyses were performed using the paired sample t-test. In patient subject case, the statistical difference of showing HU was p=0.01 and p=0.04 respectively. At maximum black hole artifact area and white streak artifact area according to the using MAR algorithm. However noise was p=0.05 and p=0.04 respectively; and not the affected black hole and white streak artifact area. Dual Energy CT with the MAR algorithm technique is useful reduce metal artifacts and could improve the diagnostic value in the diagnostic image evaluation of metallic implants area.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.151-160
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• 1997

This study was planned to evaluate the urinary ascorbic acid as a new biological marker for the intoxication of cadmium, which could possibly be driven by its increased utilization and environmental pollution. In order to meet this goal, we have peformed measurement of urinary ascorbic acid concentration, histopathological examination of the kidney, and biochemical test for the liver function using cadmium-intoxicated rats by oral administration. The average concentrations of urinary ascorbic acid in the $CdCl_2$-treated rats were 214.0 mg/dl for 100 ppm group and 254.3 mg/dl for 200 ppm group during experimental period of 50 days. These levels are 24 and 28 times higher than one in the control group (9.0 mg/dl), respectively. Ultrastructural study showed the eosinophilic hyaline cast and focal effacement, fusion in the renal tubules, as well as loss of foot processes on the glomerular epithelial cells. These results suggested that cadmium may be responsible for renal glomerular injury. The blood levels of AST, ALT and LDH in the treated groups (199 IU/I, 88 IU/I, 1190 U/I for the 100 ppm group and 270 IU/I, 226 IU/I, 760 U/I for the 200 ppm group) were higher than ones in the control group(143 IU/I, 50 IU/I, 334 U/I). These results indicated the cadmium induced the damage of liver function. In conclusion, the administration of cadmium showed a remarkable increase of urinary ascorbic acid with renal and hepatic damage. Therefore, it is expected that measurement of urinary ascorbic acid would be an powerful method as a noninvasive biomarker for cadmium intoxication.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2717-2722
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• 2013

Background: The objective of this research is the computed axial tomography (CT) imaging grading of radiation induced pneumonitis (RP) and its correlation with clinical and radiotherapeutic parameters. Materials and Methods: The chest CT films of 20 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have undergone threedimensional conformal radiation therapy were reviewed. The proposed CT grading of RP is supported on solely radiological diagnosis criteria and distinguishes five grades. The manifestation of RP was also correlated with any positive pre-existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) history, smoking history, the FEV1 value, and the dosimetric variable V20. Results: The CT grading of RP was as follows: 3 patients (15%) presented with ground glass opacity (grade 1), 9 patients (45%) were classified as grade 2, 7 patients (35%) presented with focal consolidation, with or without elements of fibrosis (grade 3), and only one patient (5%) presented with opacity with accompanying atelectasis and loss of pulmonary volume (grade 4). Both univariate and multivariate analysis revealed as prognostic factors for the radiological grading of RP the reduction of FEV1 and the V20 (P=0.026 and P=0.003, respectively). There was also a significant (P<0.001) correlation of radiological grading of RP with FEV1 and V20 (spearman rho 0.92 and 0.93, respectively). Conclusions: The high correlation of the proposed radiological grading with the FEV1 and the V20 is giving a satisfactory clinical validity. Although the proposed grading scale seems relevant to clinical practice, further studies are needed for the confirmation of its validity and reliability.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.222-228
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• 1990

The development of histomorphometric and histodynamic investigations has permitted the description of a specific and complex osteopathy in hyperthyroidism. The increased bone turnover rate in hyperthyroid patients may be accompanied by a considerable bone loss. These features are associated with both inclosed osteoclastic bone resorption and increased osteoblastric bone formation, with an accelerated calcification rate. Conventional biochemical markers of bone metabolism, i.e. serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase and urinary hydroxyproline and calcium are normal in most patients with hyperthyroidism. However, the correlation between serum BGP and serum concentration of thyroid hormon suggests that serum BGP may be a sensitive marker of increased bone formation due to the hypersecretion of thyroid hormones. Any increase in bone turnover, whether focal or diffuse, will result in an increase in $^{99m}Tc-methylenediphosphonate$ uptake (MDP). The measurement of this uptake in hyperthyroid patients by bone provides a sensitive and objective means of quantifying skeletal metabolism. Using a standard shadow-shield whole-body monitor and radioimmunoassay kit, we have measured whole-body retention of $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ up to 24hr and concentration of serum Osteocalcin in 20 patients with hyperthyroidism and in 42 normals. The results were as follows; 1) The average of serum Osteocalcin level in 42 patients with normals was $9.90{\pm}4.87(ng/ml)$ and in 20 patients with hyperthyroidism was $19.54{\pm}5.7(ng/ml)$. Both the averages of serum Osteocalcin and 24hr $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ uptakes in hyperthyroid patients were higher than those in normals. 2) $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ uptakes in skeletal system increased in proportion to normal ageing after 40 yrs old in 42 patients with normals. The average of $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ uptakes in hyperthyroid patients were higher than those in normals without related ageing. 3) A significant relationships between the $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ uptakes and serum Osteocalcin level were peformed (r=0.55, $y=17.58+6.7\times$). From the above results we concluded that the measurement of serum Osteocalcin and 24hr $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ uptakes can be used for evaluation of bone turnover as a specific marker in hyperthyroid patients.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.232-238
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• 2009

Objective : Intracranial aneurysms are sometimes presented with visual symptoms by their rupture or direct compression of the optic nerve. It is because their prevalent sites are anatomically located close to the optic pathway. Anterior communicating artery is especially located in close proximity to optic nerve. Aneurysm arising in this area can produce visual symptoms according to their direction while the size is small. Clinical importance of visual symptoms presented by aneurysmal optic nerve compression is stressed in this study. Methods : Retrospective analysis of ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms compressing optic apparatus were carried out. Total 33 cases were enrolled in this study. Optic nerve compression of the aneurysms was confirmed by the surgical fields. Results : In 33 cases among 351 cases of ruptured anterior communicating artery aneurysms treated surgically, from 1991 to 2000, the dome of aneurysm was compressed in optic pathway. In some cases, aneurysm impacted into the optic nerve that deep hollowness was found when the aneurysm sac was removed during operation. Among 33 cases, 10 cases presented with preoperative visual symptoms, such as visual dimness (5), unilateral visual field defect (2) or unilateral visual loss (3), 20 cases had no visual symptoms. Visual symptoms could not be checked in 3 cases due to the poor mental state. In 6 cases among 20 cases having no visual symptoms, optic nerve was deeply compressed by the dome of aneurysm which was seen in the surgical field. Of 10 patients who had visual symptoms, 8 showed improvement in visual symptoms within 6 months after clipping of aneurysms. In 2 cases, the visual symptoms did not recover. Conclusion : Anterior communicating artery aneurysm can cause visual symptoms by compressing the optic nerve or direct rupture to the optic nerve with focal hematoma formation. We emphasize that cerebral vascular study is highly recommended to detect intracranial aneurysm before its rupture in the case of normal CT findings with visual symptoms and frequent headache.

• Proceedings of the SAREK Conference
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• 2007.11a
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• pp.570-575
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• 2007

The thermal performance of the air receiver filled with porous material for 5kWt dish solar collector installed in Inha University, Korea, is experimentally investigated. The diameter of the parabolic dish is 3.2 m, and its focal length is 2 m. It consists of 10 small pieces of glasses which have their own curvatures, and the effective reflecting area is 5.9 m2. The reflectivity of the glass is 0.95, and the thermal capacity of the system is about 5 kW thermal. The aperture diameter of the cylindrical-shape receiver which is made of stainless steel is 100 mm, and the height is 210 mm. A quartz window is installed at the receiver aperture to minimize the convective heat loss and prevent air leakages. In order to increase the heat transfer area, porous material (nickel-alloy) is inserted into the receiver. Air flows into the upper part of the receiver, which is the opposite side of the aperture. After the air flows through the inside receiver, that goes out of the receiver through 3 exits which are located near the aperture. The volumetric flow rates of air are varied from 600 to 1200 L/min. The thermal efficiency of the receiver ranges from 82% - 92% depending upon the flow rate. The results show that the system efficiency and receiver efficiency increase as the volume flow rate increases as expected. These results from the experiment will be useful for the applications to air heating receivers and solar reactors.