• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.37 no.3
• /
• pp.181-189
• /
• 2010

The placenta, which is a temporary organ derived from the fetus during pregnancy, is critical to support fetus development via optimal regulation between mother and fetus. Trophoblast as a major cell population of the placenta is one of the earliest to differentiate and shows an extensive proliferation or/and differentiation up to the formation of the placenta. The role of the trophoblast show dynamic changes from early embryo implantation to placentation during pregnancy. Implantation of the blastocyst into the endometrium of the maternal uterus is mediated by invasion of the differentiated trophoblast (e.g. syncytiotrophoblast) from the trophectoderm. During pregnancy, the unique role of the trophoblast is to invasion, eroding, and metastasizing in the placenta as well as to ensure appropriate bidirectional nutrient or waste flow required for growth and maturation of the embryo. The dysfunction of the trophoblast during pregnancy can result in several gynecological diseases including preeclampsia and congenital malformation in neonatal medicine. Therefore, trophoblasts act as a conclusive factor in placental and fetal development. This brief review outlines the classification of trophoblast and its function in the placenta during pregnancy. Also, we introduce the latest research in trophoblast for implantation and the placenta development, and the application potential of trophoblast for infertility and obstetrical diseases.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.119-125
• /
• 2007

Urine cytology is an important screening tool for urinary tract neoplasms. Liquid-based preparation methods, such as $ThinPrep^{(R)}$, have been introduced for non-gynecological samples. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of liquid-based preparations in urine cytology by comparing the results of the conventional Cytospin preparation method for the same samples. A total of 236 cases subject to urine cytology were enrolled in this study from January 2005 to December 2005. All cases were subjected to cystoscopy and if a malignancy was suspected, a biopsy was performed. Urine cytology slides were made using the $ThinPrep^{(R)}$ preparation method and the conventional Cytospin and/or direct smear method from the individual samples. The results of urine cytology were compared with the final cystoscopic or histological diagnoses. We analyzed the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of both cytology preparation methods. A total of 236 slides made using the liquid based method were satisfactory for slide quality, whereas 5 slides (2.1%) prepared by conventional methods were unsatisfactory because of air-drying, a thick smear, or a bloody or inflammatory background. The $ThinPrep^{(R)}$ method showed 53.1% sensitivity, 92.6% specificity, a 92,6% positive predictive value, a 94.1% negative predictive value and 85,6% accuracy, while the conventional method showed 51% sensitivity, 98.4% specificity, a 92.6% positive predictive value, a 98.4% negative predictive value and 88,6% accuracy. Although the diagnostic values were equivalent between the use of the two methods, the quality of the cytology slides and the time consumed during the microscopic examination for a diagnosis were superior for the $ThinPrep^{(R)}$ method than for the conventional method. In conclusion, our limited studies have shown that the use of the liquid based preparation method is beneficial to improve the quality of slides and reduce the duration for a microscopic examination, but did not show better sensitivity, accuracy and predictive values.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.35 no.5
• /
• pp.160-168
• /
• 2014

Continuous body temperature monitoring is useful and essential in diverse medical procedures such as infection onset detection, therapeutic hypothermia, circadian rhythm monitoring, sleep disorder assessment, and gynecological research. However, the existing thermometers are too invasive or intrusive to be applied to long-term body temperature monitoring. In our previous study, we invented the bi-medium deep body thermometer which can noninvasively and continuously monitor deep tissue temperature. And the ratio of thermal resistances expressed as K-value should be obtained to estimate body temperature with the thermometer and it can be different under various measurement environments. Although the device was proven to be useful through preliminary simulation test and small group of human study, the experimental environment was restrictive in our previous approach. In this study, a finite element simulation was executed to obtain the K-value and evaluate the accuracy of bi-medium thermometer under various measurement environments. In addition, K-value estimation equation was developed by analyzing the influence of 5 measurement environmental factors (medium length, medium height, tissue depth, blood perfusion rate, and ambient temperature) on K-value. The results revealed that the estimation accuracy of bi-medium deep body thermometer based on computer simulation was very high (RMSE < $0.003^{\circ}C$) in various measurement environments. Also, bi-medium deep body thermometer based on K-value estimation equation showed relatively accurate results (RMSE < $0.3^{\circ}C$) except for one case. Although the K-value estimation technology should be improved for more accurate body temperature estimation, the results of finite element simulation showed that bi-medium deep body thermometer could accurately measure various tissue temperatures under diverse environments.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.1-12
• /
• 2011

Objectives: The object of this study was to observe the in vitro antibacterial effects of Chungdae-tang aqueous extracts, traditionally used for treating various gynecological diseases including vaginitis in Korea against Gardnerella vaginalis, and combination effects of Chungdae-tang extracts with Clindamycin were also monitored in this study. Methods: Antibacterial activities against Gardnerella vaginalis of Chungdae-tang aqueous extracts were detected using standard agar microdilution methods. In addition, the effects on the bacterial growth curve were also monitored at MIC and MIC${\times}$2 levels. The combination effects of Chungdae-tang aqueous extracts with Clindamycin were observed by Checkerboard microtiter assay, and the effects of bacterial growth curve treated with or Chungdae-tang aqueous extracts MIC+Clindamycin MIC, 1/2MIC and 1/4MIC, respectively. In the present study, Gardnerella vaginalis were incubated under $37^{\circ}C$, 10% $CO_2$; and bacterial growth curves were calculated at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120hrs after incubations. Results: MIC of Chungdae-tang aqueous extracts against Gardnerella vaginalis were detected as $3.906{\pm}2.344$(0.782~6.250) mg/$m\ell$, respectively. MIC of Clindamycin was detected as $0.010{\pm}0.006$(0.004~0.016) ${\mu}g/m\ell$ at same conditions. In addition, Clindamycin and Chungdae-tang aqueous extracts also showed marked dosage-dependent inhibition of bacterial growth, and more dramatical inhibitions were detected in Clindamycin+Chungdae-tang aqueous extracts MIC treatment as compared with each of single Clindamycin MIC and Chungdae-tang aqueous extracts MIC treatments, respectively. In addition, quite similar inhibitory effects on bacterial growth were detected in Clindamycin 1/4 MIC+Chungdae-tang aqueous extracts MIC treatment as compared with single Clindamycin MIC treatment in the present study. FIC index in combination of Chungdae-tang and Clindamycin were detected as $0.775{\pm}0.285$ (0.500~1.250) at Checkerboard microtiter assay. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study suggest that Chungdae-tang aqueous extracts showed antibacterial effects against Gardnerella vaginalis, and it also showed dosage-dependent inhibitory effects on the bacterial growth. In addition, combination treatment of Chungdae-tang aqueous extract with Clindamycin showed more potent inhibitory effects on the growth of Gardnerella vaginalis with FIC index $0.775{\pm}0.285$(0.500~1.250), respectively. It means, the combination of Chungdae-tang aqueous extract with Clindamycin is partially synergistic effects. It, therefore, is expected that effective dosages of Clindamycin will be reduced to 1/4 or over 1/4 levels as combination with Chungdae-tang extracts, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
• /
• v.32 no.5
• /
• pp.448-456
• /
• 2019

Angelica gigas Nakai (Korean danggui), a member of the Umbelliferae family, is a Korean traditional medicinal plant whose roots have been used for treating gynecological diseases. In this study, the growth characteristics and decursin contents of Angelica gigas Nakai were compared according to the difference of cultivation area. As a result, the root diameter of A. gigas Nakai was the highest in the Duil-ri, and the number of the root of A. gigas was the highest in Topdong-ri. The fresh weight and dry weight of Angelica gigas Nakai was the highest in the Topdong-ri. The soil properties of cultivation area was Sandy Clay Loam and the content of organic matter was the highest in Topdong-ri. The total content of decursin was 5.31% the highest in Duil-ri. And 4.96% in Namhoeryong-ri, 4.41% in Kosun-ri, 4.25% in topdon-ri, 3.96% in Gugok-ri, and 3.64% in Gongjeon-ri was accumulated.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.29-45
• /
• 2015

Objectives: The object of this study was to observe the in vitro antibacterial effects of Yeonkyokeumpae-jeon (YKKPJ) have been used for treating various gynecological diseases including mastitis in Korea, and individual six kinds of herbal composition aqueous extracts - Forsythiae Fructus (FF), Millettiae Caulis (MC), Lonicerae Flos (LF), Fritillaria Thunbergii Bulb (FT), Taraxci Herba (TH) and Prunellae Spica (PS) against E. coli. Methods: Antibacterial activities against E. coli of YKKPJ, FF, MC, LF, FT, TH and PS aqueous extracts were detected using standard agar microdilution methods. In addition, the effects on the bacterial growth curve were also monitored at MIC and $MIC{\times}2$ levels. The effects on the intracellular killing and bacterial invasion of individual test materials were also observed using Raw 264.7 and MCF-7. The results were compared with ciprofloxacin, a second generation of quinolone antibiotics in the present study. Results: MIC of YKKPJ, FF, MC, LF, FT, TH, PS aqueous extracts against E. coli were detected as $0.039{\pm}0.013mg/ml$, $0.064{\pm}0.033mg/ml$, $0.108{\pm}0.053mg/ml$, $0.078{\pm}0.027mg/ml$, $16.250{\pm}8.385mg/ml$, $15.625{\pm}9.375mg/ml$, $0.254{\pm}0.131mg/ml$, repectively. YKKPJ, FF, MC, LF, FT, TH, PS aqueous extracts showed antibacterial effects against to E. coli, except for FT and TH, which were showed negligible antibacterial effects, respectively. In addition, ciprofloxacin with YKKPJ, FF, MC, LF and PS aqueous extracts also showed marked dosage-dependent inhibition of bacterial growth, and favorable inhibitory effects on the both bacterial invasion and intracellular killing assays using MCF-7 and Raw 264.7 cells were detected in this experiment. Conclusions: The results obtained in this study suggest that traditional polyherbal formula YKKPJ aqueous extracts showed more favorable antibacterial activities as compared to individual six kinds of herbal composition aqueous extracts. The antibacterial effects of YKKPJ against E. coli considered as results of complicated synergic effects of their six kinds of herbal components rather than simple antibacterial effects of single herbal components. It means, YKKPJ aqueous extracts may show potent anti-infectious effects against E. coil for mastitis.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.72-78
• /
• 2018

Purpose: Physicians' attitudes may have a strong influence on women's decision regarding prenatal screening options. The aim of this study is to assess the physicians' attitudes toward prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidy including non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in South Korea. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were distributed and collected at several obstetrics-gynecological conferences and meetings. The questionnaire included 31 multiple choice and 5 fill-in-the-blank questions. Seven questions requested physicians' demographic information, 17 questions requested information about the NIPT with cell-free fetal DNA, and 12 questions requested information about general prenatal screening practices. Results: Of the 203 obstetricians that completed the survey. In contrast with professional guidelines recommending the universal offering of aneuploidy screening, only 53.7% answered that prenatal aneuploidy testing (screening and/or invasive diagnostic testing) should be offered to all pregnant women. Physicians tended to have positive attitudes toward the clinical application of NIPT as both primary and secondary screening methods for patients at high-risk for fetal trisomy. However, for patients at average-risk for fetal trisomy, physicians tended to have positive attitudes only as a secondary screening method. Physicians with more knowledge about NIPT were found to tend to inform their patients that the detection rate of NIPT is higher. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate expert opinion on prenatal screening in South Korea. Education of physicians is essential to ensure responsible patient counseling, informed consent, and appropriate management after NIPT.

• Korean Journal of Psychosomatic Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.2
• /
• pp.179-187
• /
• 2018

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to assess physical illnesses, psychological difficulties, and daily life function of victims' family members one year after the Sewol ferry disaster, in order to establish a basis of strategies to promote their mental health and resilience. Methods : We statistically analyzed self-reported data collected from a survey conducted between March 22 and 28, 2015 with 139 family members of victims. Results : All respondents complained about one or more psychological difficulties, and 95.4% of them had newly diagnosed or exacerbated physical illnesses. An increased number of psychological difficulties was associated with a greater tendency to present physical illnesses including chronic headache, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, obstetrico-gynecological, genitourinary, and cardiovascular disease. In addition, the majority of respondents reported a decrease in life functioning. Specifically, 71.9% reported interpersonal avoidance and 63.9% reported difficulty in returning to work. Conclusions : Not only psychological trauma but also physical illness and daily functioning should be evaluated in detail and actively addressed in the bereaved family members after a catastrophe.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.29 no.8
• /
• pp.846-853
• /
• 2019

Phytochemical compounds of Ligusticum striatum Makino are used as traditional medicinal herbs in Asia. These compounds are reported to have pain relief and antioxidant activities in gynecological and brain diseases. In this study, we investigated the antioxidant effects of Ligusticum fermented ethanol extract from Lactobacillus plantarum BHN-LAB 129 isolated from Kimchi, a Korean traditional food. The total polyphenol and total flavonoid contents increased by about 116.2% and 281.0% respectively, in the fermented Ligusticum extract as compared with those in the nonfermented Ligusticum ethanol extract. Superoxide dismutase-like (SOD), DPPH radical scavenging, ABTS radical scavenging, and reducing power activities increased by around 139.9%, 199.6%, 301.0%, and 137.1%, respectively, in the fermented Ligusticum ethanol extract as compared with these parameters in the nonfermented Ligusticum ethanol extract, respectively. In conclusion, the fermented Ligusticum ethanol extract with L. plantarum BHN-LAB 129 was effective in increasing the antioxidant effects. The bioconversion process in this study points to the potential of using Ligusticum to produce phytochemical-enriched natural antioxidant agents with high added value. The findings may prove useful in the development of improved foods and cosmetic materials.

• Proceedings of the Plant Resources Society of Korea Conference
• /
• 2019.10a
• /
• pp.73-73
• /
• 2019

Angelica gigas Nakai (Korean danggui), a member of the Umbelliferae family, is a Korean traditional medicinal plant whose roots have been used for treating gynecological diseases. Transcriptomics is the study of the transcriptome, which is the complete set of RNA transcripts that are produced by the genome, using high-throughput methods, such as microarray analysis. In this study, transcriptome analysis of A.gigas Nakai was carried out. Transcriptome sequencing and assembly was carried out by using Illumina Hiseq 2500, Velvet and Oases. A total of 109,591,555 clean reads of A. gigas Nakai was obtained after trimming adaptors. The obtained reads were assembled with an average length of 1,154 bp, a maximum length of 13,166 bp, a minimum length of 200 pb, and N50 of 1,635 bp. Functional annotation and classification was performed using NCBI NR, InterprotScan, KOG, KEGG and GO. Candidate genes for phenylpropanoid biosynthesis were obtanied from A.gigas transcriptome and the genes and its proteins were confirmed through the NCBI homology BLAST searches, revealing high identity with other othologous genes and proteins from various plants pecies. In RNA sequencing analysis using an Illumina Next-Seq2500 sequencer, we identified a total 94,930 transcripts and annotated 71,281 transcripts, which provide basic information for further research in A.gigas Nakai. Our transcriptome data reveal that several differentially expressed genes related to flower color in A.gigas Nakai. The results of this research provide comprehensive information on the A.gigas Nakai genome and enhance our understanding of the flower color related gene pathways in this plant.