• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.444-453
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• 2023

Objective: Meningeal lymphatic vessels are predominantly located in the parasagittal dural space (PSD); these vessels drain interstitial fluids out of the brain and contribute to the glymphatic system. We aimed to investigate the ability of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in assessing the dynamic changes in the meningeal lymphatic vessels in PSD. Materials and Methods: Eighteen participants (26-71 years; male:female, 10:8), without neurological or psychiatric diseases, were prospectively enrolled and underwent DCE-MRI. Three regions of interests (ROIs) were placed on the PSD, superior sagittal sinus (SSS), and cortical vein. Early and delayed enhancement patterns and six kinetic curve-derived parameters were obtained and compared between the three ROIs. Moreover, the participants were grouped into the young (< 65 years; n = 9) or older (≥ 65 years; n = 9) groups. Enhancement patterns and kinetic curve-derived parameters in the PSD were compared between the two groups. Results: The PSD showed different enhancement patterns than the SSS and cortical veins (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) in the early and delayed phases. The PSD showed slow early enhancement and a delayed wash-out pattern. The six kinetic curve-derived parameters of PSD was significantly different than that of the SSS and cortical vein. The PSD washout rate of older participants was significantly lower (median, 0.09; interquartile range [IQR], 0.01-0.15) than that of younger participants (median, 0.32; IQR, 0.07-0.45) (P = 0.040). Conclusion: This study shows that the dynamic changes of meningeal lymphatic vessels in PSD can be assessed with DCE-MRI, and the results are different from those of the venous structures. Our finding that delayed wash-out was more pronounced in the PSD of older participants suggests that aging may disturb the meningeal lymphatic drainage.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.78 no.3
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• pp.180-189
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• 2015

Accurate lymph node staging of lung cancer is crucial in determining optimal treatment plans and predicting patient outcome. Currently used lymph node maps have been reconciled to the internationally accepted International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) map published in the seventh edition of TNM classification system of malignant tumours. This article provides computed tomographic illustrations of the IASLC nodal map, to facilitate its application in day-to-day clinical practice in order to increase the appropriate classification in lung cancer staging.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.4033-4037
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• 2014

Emerging evidence has shown associations of microRNA-205 (miR-205) with crucial cell processes such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and aberrant expression with tumorigenesis in many types of human malignancy. This prospective study characterized the contribution of miR-205 to the colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis. The real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to examine miR-205 levels prospectively in 36 pairs of samples of CRC tissue and adjacent noncancerous tissue (>2 cm from cancer tissue). In addition, the relationship between miR-205 levels and clinicopathological features was explored. The capability of miR-205 to function as a tumor marker was also examined. miR-205 expression levels did not show significant changes overall. However, miR-205 was significantly downregulated in a group of CRC samples compared with matched noncancerous tissue samples. Moreover, decreased miR-205 correlated significantly with lymphatic metastasis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve also showed an optimum cut off point of $1.4{\times}10^{-3}$ to distinguish lymphatic metastatic CRCs from non-metastatic CRCs. Interestingly we found lymphatic metastasis in almost 80% of the depressed samples. This study suggested that miR-205 could be reduced in the majority of metastatic CRCs and the risk of CRC metastasis may be predicted by monitoring miR-205 in patient samples collected at the time of the initial diagnosis. Therefore, targeting miR-205 and its potential environmental activators might be a promising therapeutic option to prevent malignant progression toward metastasis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.67 no.6
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• pp.565-568
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• 2009

Yellow nail syndrome is a rare cause of pleural effusions. This syndrome is characterized by yellow discoloration of nails, lymphedema, and respiratory disorders, including pleural effusion, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, and chronic sinusitis. The etiology of this syndrome is obscure, but the pathogenesis seems to be related with impaired lymphatic drainage. We report a case of yellow nail syndrome in a 70-year-old female with the typical clinical findings (yellow discoloration of nails, lymphedema, and chronic pleural effusion) of this disorder and with proven lymphatic obstruction on lymphoscintigraphy.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.279-285
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• 1990

Simultaneous presence of ascites and pleural effusion has been documented in patients with cirrhosis of the liver, renal disease, Meigs' syndrome and in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Mechanisms proposed in the formation of pleural effusion in most of the above diseases are lymphatic drainage and diaphragmatic defect. But sometimes, hepatic hydrothoraxes in the absence of clinical ascites and pleural effusion secondary to pulmonary or cardiac disease are noted. It is not always possible to differentiate between pleural effusion caused by transdiaphragmatic migration of ascites and by other causes based soly on biochemical analysis. Authors performed radionuclide scintigraphy after intraperitoneal administration of $^{99m}Tc-labeled$ colloid in 23 patients with both ascites and pleural effusion in order to discriminate causative mechanisms responsible for pleural effusion. Scintigraphy demonstrated the transdiaphragmatic flow of fluid from the peritoneum to pleural cavities in 13 patients correctly. In contrast, in 5 patients with pleural effusion secondary to pulmonary, pleural and cardiac diseases, radiotracers fail to traverse the diaphragm and localize in the pleural space. Ascites draining to mediastinal lymph nodes and blocked passage of lymphatic drainage were also clarified, additionaly. Conclusively, radionuclide peritoneal scintigraphy is an accurate, rapid and easy diagnostic tool in patients with both ascites and pleural effusion. It enables the causes of pleural effusion to be elucidated, as well as providing valuable information required when determining the appropriate therapy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.879-883
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• 1999

The lymphoid system of the lung represents a complex network of lymphoid tissue and lymphatic vessels. Lymph nodes are normally located in the hila, adjacent to the lobar bronchi and within the lung to the level of the fourth-order bronchi. Clinically apparent intrapulmonary lymph nodes are rare. Although of intrapulmonary lymph node histogenesis is uncertain, They are probably hyperplastic lymphoid nodules related to inhalation of irritant dusts and attendant distortion of local lymphatic vessels. Intrapulmonary lymph nodes are detected as solitary or multiple pulmonary nodules. These nodules are difficult to differentiate from intrapulmonary metastasis by radiologic finding. We experienced a case of intrapulmonary lymph nodes presenting multiple nodules in a 46 years old man, which was confirmed by thoracoscopic biopsy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.74 no.5
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• pp.215-221
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• 2013

Background: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are considered opportunistic pathogens, and several species of NTM are associated with human diseases that typically involve the pulmonary, skin/soft tissue, or lymphatic systems; such infection may also cause disseminated diseases. Recent studies have reported increasing rates of NTM-induced disease worldwide. Methods: Respiratory samples are being analyzed for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) culture and NTM identification at Dankook University Hospital in Cheonan, Korea, from September 2005 to September 2011. Identification is performed by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis targeting a novel region of the rpoB gene. Results: A total of 25,133 specimens were received for AFB culture, of which 1,014 (4.0%) were NTM-positive. A total of 267 samples from 186 patients were tested for NTM identifications, and 232 samples from 157 patients were positive for NTM species. Among the patients who tested positive for NTM, 65.6% were men and the average age was 63.3 years. Mycobacterium avium complex, the most commonly detected NTM pathogen, was found in 65.9% of the 232 samples. The annual average percentage of NTM isolates from AFB culture-positive specimens was 31.3%: the highest rate was seen in 2011 (44.3%), followed by 2009 (37.4%) and 2010 (37.2%). An upward trend in NTM incidence was found during the study period. Conclusion: The prevalence of pulmonary NTM isolates continues to increase in Cheonan, suggesting that pulmonary NTM disease is becoming increasingly common.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.401-408
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• 2018

Korea is successfully controlled intestinal parasitic infections owing to economic development and high health consciousness. The Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases (formerly the Division of Malaria and Parasitology) is in the Center for Laboratory Control of Infectious Diseases of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It has been the governmental agency responsible for controlling and leading scientific research on parasitic diseases. The Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases has conducted and funded basic research and disseminated the research results to various medical fields, ultimately promoting public health in Korea. Among the noteworthy achievements of this division are the national surveillance of healthcare-associated parasitic infections, prevention and control for parasitic infections, and the elimination of lymphatic filariasis from Korea. On a broader scale, the division's research programs and academic supports were influential in preventing and treating infectious parasitic diseases through public policies and laws. In this review, we summarize the past and present role of the Division of Vectors and Parasitic Diseases in preventing and treating infectious parasitic diseases in Korea.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.155-158
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• 2015

Lymphangioma is a congenital abnormality of the lymphatic system detected primarily in early childhood. There are rare reports of mediastinal lymphangioma in older adults. We hereby report on a 66-year-old female patient who underwent kidney transplantation 20 years previously and who developed pathologically confirmed solitary mediastinal lymphangioma 1 year ago. Chest radiography showed a mediastinal nodule, which was not observed 2 year previously, therefore she was referred to the pulmonary division. She had no symptoms, and chest computed tomography demonstrated a 25-mm, well-defined, low-density nodule located at the anterior mediastinum. The size of the nodule had increased from 25 mm to 34 mm 1 year later, and it was completely resected via video-assisted thoracic surgery. The histological diagnosis was cystic lymphangioma. Therefore, we recommend that clinicians consider cystic lymphangioma as a possible diagnosis even in older patients with a mediastinal cystic mass that shows progressive enlargement.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.73-78
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• 2012

Excessive intake of trans fats is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Previously, we have shown that green tea extract (GTE) lowers the intestinal absorption of lipids and lipid-soluble compounds in rats. This study was conducted to investigate a possible role of GTE on the lymphatic absorption of elaidic acid, a major trans fat in the diet. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats with lymph duct cannula were infused via an intraduodenal catheter at 3.0 mL/hr for 8 hr with a lipid emulsion containing $180.0{\mu}mol$ elaidic acid, $400.0{\mu}mol$ triolein, $20.7{\mu}mol$ cholesterol, $3.1{\mu}mol$ ${\alpha}$-tocopherol, and $396.0{\mu}mol$ sodium-taurocholate with or without (control) GTE in a 24 mL PBS buffer (pH, 6.4). Simultaneously, lymph was collected hourly for 8 hr via the lymph duct cannula. There was a significant difference in lymph flow by GTE. Also, the lymphatic absorption of elaidic acid for 8 hr was significantly lower in rats infused with GTE than in those not infused with GTE. Similarly, GTE infusion decreased the lymphatic outputs of cholesterol, oleic acid, and phospholipids, compared with the controls. These findings provide clear evidence that GTE has an inhibitory effect on the intestinal absorption of elaidic acid and other lipids. Our work here provides the foundation for further studies to examine and evaluate dietary strategies to ameliorate dietary trans fats from the diet.