• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2011

Introduction: The utility of the C-terminal cross-linking telopeptide test (CTX) as a method for staging Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) and its healing process was examined. Materials and Methods: A total 19 patients who were diagnosed with BRONJ underwent a fasted morning CTX test, were enrolled in this study. The serum CTX values ranged from 50 to 630 pg/mL (mean 60). The risk assessment was rated according to the CTX values of the individual patient (minimal risk, ${\geq}$ 150 pg/mL, moderate, 100 to 150 pg/mL, high, ${\leq}$100 pg/mL). The BRONJ scores were then calculated according to the number of BRONJ lesions and their stage. The operation was done as soon as possible, regardless of BORNJ stage. Results: The mean duration of bisphosphonate therapy was 4.1 years. Of the 19 patients, 15, 2 ans 2 received alendronate, risedronate and zoledronate, respecively. Of the 19 patients who underwent a sequestrectomy, saucerization and smoothing, 15 healed after the initial surgery, 1 patient healed after one more surgical procedure, 3 patients did not heal completely but showed improvement in symptoms. Therefore, 17 out of the 19 patients healed completely with complete mucosal coverage and the elimination of pain. The risk assessment using the CTX value and disease severity were not correlated (r=-0.264, P=0.275). In addition, the risk assessment using CTX value and healing after surgery were not correlated (r=-0.147, P=0.547). Conclusion: The serum CTX should be considered carefully by clinicians as part of overall management. Early surgical intervention is of benefit in the treatment of stage II BRONJ.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.46-51
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• 1999

Background: Total thyroidectomy and postoperative radiodiodine ablation therapy in differentiated thyroid carcinomas enhance the reliability of serum thyroglobulin(Tg) levels and radioiodine scan in detecting recurrence or distant metastasis. There have been, however, some limitations in using these methods under certain conditions. Recently, several reports have indicated that thyroid peroxidase(TPO) could be used as an alternative tumor marker. We aimed to estimate the significance of serum TPO levels in differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight patients who had undergone total thyroidectomy due to papillary thyroid carcinomas and who had been followed-up for at least 3 years were classified into two groups: 27 patients without any evidence of recurrence in group 1; and 20 patients with recurrence or distant metastasis in group 2. All patients were examined by radioiodine scans. Serum Tg, TSH, antithyroglobulin antibody, and TPO were measured and the relationships were statistically analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of $^{131}I$ scan, serum Tg, and serum TPO were evaluated. Results: Serum Tg levels were $3.81{\pm}5.16ng/mL$ in group 1 and $147.02{\pm}193.75ng/mL$ in group 2. Only 2 patients in group 1 showed Tg levels exceeding 10ng/mL. In contrast, 4 patients in group 2 were under 10ng/mL. Serum antithyroglobulin antibody and TSH levels showed no statistical difference between the two groups. In group 1, 16 patients showed negative serum TPO results, and 4 patients in group 2 showed negative results. There was no correlation among serum Tg levels, antithyroglobulin antibody titers, and serum TPO levels in each group. In group 2, 4 patients with negative serum Tg levels showed positive TPO results and positive whole body scans. Two cases with false negative $^{131}I$ scans showed positive serum TPO and Tg results. In 4 cases showing false negative serum TPO levels, serum Tg levels and $^{131}I$ scans were positive. Conclusion: Serum Tg levels, radioiodine scans, and serum TPO levels can be clinically used as complementary methods in the diagnosis of recurrent or metastatic thyroid carcinomas. Serum TPO levels may be helpful when other methods fail to detect recurrences or distant metastasis in highly suspected patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.173-177
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• 2019

Objective: We investigated the clinical characteristics of men with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)-induced hypogonadism and its effect on assisted reproductive technology (ART) in infertile couples. Methods: This study examined the records of 20 consecutive male patients diagnosed with azoospermia or severe oligozoospermia (< 5 × 10⁶/mL) who visited a single infertility center from January 2008 to July 2018. All patients were treated at a primary clinic for erectile dysfunction or androgen deficiency symptoms combined with low serum testosterone. All men received a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor and TRT with testosterone undecanoate (Nebido^®) or testosterone enanthate (Jenasteron^®). Patients older than 50 years or with a chronic medical disease such as diabetes were excluded. Results: The mean age of patients was 37 years and the mean duration of infertility was 16.3 ± 11.6 months. At the initial presentation, eight patients had azoospermia, nine had cryptozoospermia, and three had severe oligozoospermia. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone levels were below 1.0 mIU/mL in most patients. Three ongoing ART programs with female factor infertility were cancelled due to male spermatogenic dysfunction; two of these men had normal semen parameters in the previous cycle. After withholding TRT, serum hormone levels and sperm concentrations returned to normal range after a median duration of 8 months. Conclusion: TRT with high-dose testosterone can cause spermatogenic dysfunction due to suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, with adverse effects on infertility treatment programs. TRT is therefore contraindicated for infertile couples attempting to conceive, and the patient's desire for fertility must be considered before initiation of TRT in a hypogonadal man.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.43-53
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• 2017

Purpose : To examine the relative absolute reliability and validity of step test (ST) scores in subjects with chronic stroke. Method : A total of 27 stroke patients, participated in the study. A relative reliability index (intraclass correlation coefficient, ICC) was used to examine the level of agreement of inter-rater test-retest reliability for ST score. Absolute reliability indices, including the standard error of measurement(SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC), and limits of agreement by Bland and Altman analysis. The validity was demonstrated by spearman correlation of ST score with 10 m Walk Test (10mWT), Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower/Extremity (FMA-L/E)-total score, Berg Balance Scale (BBS)-total score. Result : An excellent inter-rater reliability in ST scores was found (paretic, ICC=0.993~0.996; nonparetic, ICC=0.982~0.991). In addition, excellent test-retest reliability was found (paretic, ICC=0.992; nonparetic, ICC=0.967). It all showed acceptable SEM of the ST score as paretic and nonparetic were 0.22 and 0.46 respectively (average score <10 %), and the MDC of the paretic and nonparetic were 0.61 and 1.27 respectively (possible highest score <20 %). indicating that measures had a small and acceptable measurement error. The ST score of paretic and nonparetic were also found to be significantly associated with 10MWT (r=0.77~0.79), FMA-LE scores (r=0.73~0.81) and BBS scores (r=0.72~0.76). Conclusion : The ST showed highly sufficient Inter-rater test-retest agreement and validity and acceptable measurement errors caused by due to chance variation in measurement. It also can be used by clinicians and researchers to assess the balance and mobility performance and monitor functional change in chronic stroke patients.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.41-46
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• 2018

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Exposure of the normal lung tissue around the cancerous tumor during radiotherapy causes serious side effects such as pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis. Radioprotectors used during cancer radiotherapy could protect the patient from side effects induced by radiation injury of the normal tissue. Delphinidin has strong antioxidant properties, and it works as the driving force of a radioprotective effect by scavenging radiation-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, no studies have been conducted on the radioprotective effect of delphinidin against high linear energy transfer radiation. Therefore, this study was undertaken to evaluate the radioprotective effects of delphinidin on human lung cells against a proton beam. MATERIALS/METHODS: Normal human lung cells (HEL 299 cells) were used for in vitro experiments. The 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay assessed the cytotoxicity of delphinidin and cell viability. The expression of radiation induced cellular ROS was measured by the 2'-7'-dicholordihydrofluorescein diacetate assay. Superoxide dismutase activity assay and catalase activity assay were used for evaluating the activity of corresponding enzymes. In addition, radioprotective effects on DNA damage-induced cellular apoptosis were evaluated by Western blot assay. RESULTS: Experimental analysis, including cell survival assay, MTT assay, and Western blot assay, revealed the radioprotective effects of delphinidin. These include restoring the activities of antioxidant enzymes of damaged cells, increase in the levels of pro-survival protein, and decrease of pro-apoptosis proteins. The results from different experiments were compatible with each to provide a substantial conclusion. CONCLUSION: Low concentration ($2.5{\mu}M/mL$) of delphinidin administration prior to radiation exposure was radioprotective against a low dose of proton beam exposure. Hence, delphinidin is a promising shielding agent against radiation, protecting the normal tissues around a cancerous tumor, which are unintentionally exposed to low doses of radiation during proton therapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4545-4548
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• 2014

Objective: To investigate the changes of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble interleukin-2 receptor (SIL-2R) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) contents in patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before and after percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) and determine their clinical significance. Materials and Methods: Fasting venous blood (3 mL) from 81 patients with primary HCC diagnosed by pathology was collected in the mornings 1 day before PMCT, and 1 day, 7 days and 1 month after PMCT, and then the serum was separated and stored in $-70^{\circ}C$. The contents of VEGF, SIL-2R and HGF were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The serum VEGF, SIL-2R and HGF contents in 81 patients with primary HCC had obviously dynamic changes before and after PMCT. By comparison to 1 day after PMCT with pre-operation, there was no statistical significance regarding VEGF and SIL-2R contents (P>0.05), but HGF content showed significant difference (P<0.01). Compared with pre-operation, VEGF, SIL-2R and HGF contents 7 days and 1 month after PMCT all manifested significant differences (P<0.01). By comparison to 7 days with 1 month after PMCT, there was no statistical significance regarding the VEGF content (P>0.05), whereas SIL-2R and HGF contents showed significant change (P<0.01). Conclusions: The contents of serum VEGF, SIL-2R and HGF have obviously dynamic changes in primary HCC before and after PMCT, and their joint detection is expected to be an effective hematologic evaluation index of PMCT for primary HCC.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Clinical Electrophysiology
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.1-9
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate influence of superficial heat and deep heat for lumbo-sacral segment on H-reflex. Methods: Subjects of this research were 12 normal men and women (6 men and 6 women) and they were assigned to superficial heat group (6) and deep heat group (6). Heat treatment was applied between Th12-L2 by placing them at prone posture. superficial heat was applied for 20 min at 30 cm height with infrared lamp. Deep heat was applied for 20 mm at 5 cm height with 100 watt of microwave diathermy. H-reflex used diagnostic electromyography, active electrode was placed at muscle belly of medial gastrocnemius muscle at prone posture and electrical stimulation was given to posterior tibial nerve. Measurement was made before and after experiment and 10 min. and 20 min. after experiment. All data were analyzed with window 12.0 program, comparison of differences among measured items of groups according to repeated measurement was made with repeated measures ANOVA and significance level a was 0.05. Results: M latency at latency analysis showed little changes at two groups. H latency was reduced a little immediately after experiment and recovered to original state, there was significant difference. In analysis of amplitude, Mmax amplitude showed rise a little immediately after.

• The Korean Journal of Food And Nutrition
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.513-520
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• 2012

This research was planned and executed to evaluate how the composition of Yack-sun tea can affect the health conditions of people who are suffering from diet-related such as being overweight, are obese and have hyperlipidemia, by taking Yack-sun tea in a form of a nutritional supplement with our daily meals. We produced Kangjieum with Lycium chinense Mill., Polygonum multflorum Thunb, Cassia tora L., Crataegus pinnatifida Bge and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge. Thus, we approach of oriental diet therapy area research of Kangjieum and analysis proximate composition, water soluble antioxidant content. The content(%, dry basis) of total carbohydrate was 60.23%, crude protein was 18.18%, crude ash was 11.36% and crude fat was 10.23% in Kangjieum. Total water soluble antioxidant content was 1.027 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Kangjieum. We think that scientific and objective evaluation was done on the components of the Kangjieum prescription. This basic data could help guide the application of oriental medicinal resources into other foods and serve as a stepping-stone for use of Kangjieum in the burgeoning field of nutraceutical foods. Last, the scientific effects of oriental medicinal foods developed according to oriental medicinal theory. This theory is believed to be essential for government policy development concerning validation of medicinal effects and assessment, with the aim of fostering systematic development and providing guidance to food development in the interest of national health.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.322-327
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• 2019

Purpose: This study examined the influence of the maximal aerobic capacity on the two-year cardiac-related re-hospitalization in patients with heart failure with a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in Korean society. Methods: The maximal aerobic capacity of the study population (n=95, male 63%) was evaluated using a cardiopulmonary exercise (CPX) testing system. Each patient was followed up for two years to divide the HFrEF patients into two groups according to cardiac-related re-hospitalization: re-hospitalization (RH) group (n=29, 30%) and no re-hospitalization (NRH) group (n=66, 70%). Results: The relative peak $VO_2$ (mL/kg/min, p<0.001), exercise duration (p<0.001), respiratory exchange ratio ($VCO_2/VO_2$, p=0.001), systolic blood pressure (SBP) reserve (p=0.004), heart rate (HR) reserve (p=0.007), SBP max (p=0.02), and HR max (p=0.039) were significantly lower in the RH group than the NRH group during the CPX test. On the other hand, the ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 slope, p=0.02) and age (p=0.022) were significantly higher in the RH group than in the NRH group. In binary logistic regression analysis, the relative peak $VO_2$ (p=0.001, Wald Chi-square 10.137) was the strongest predictive factor on cardiac-related re-hospitalization, which was followed by $VCO_2/VO_2$ (p=0.019, Wald Chi-square 5.54). On the other hand, age (p=0.063, Wald Chi-square 3.445) did not have a significant influence on cardiac related re-hospitalization. Conclusion: The maximal aerobic capacity, especially the relative peak $VO_2$, is the strongest factor on cardiac-related re-hospitalization within two years in patients with HFrEF in Korean society.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Applied Pharmacology
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• 1997.04a
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• pp.80-80
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• 1997

The object of this study was to develop a gene therapy strategy for ovarian cancer. We have previously shown that AV with a L-plastin (LP) promoter infects breast and ovarian cancer cells and expressed ${\beta}$-galactosidase cDNA in preference to normal fibroblast cells and hematopoietic cells. We now report on the cytotoxicity of Ad.LP.CD, an AV carrying a CD cDNA which converts the pro-drug, 5-Fluorocytosine (5-FC) into the toxic drug 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Infection of Ad.LP.CD into either 293 cells or ovarian cancer cells generated the functional CD as measured by HPLC analysis. Using a ratio of AV to OVCAR3 cell of 100 and a 5-FC concentration of 100 ${\mu}$M, we achieve an over 95 % of cell growth inhibition. We are using flow cytometry analysis for ${\beta}$ -galactosidase and ovarian cancer associated folate receptor to screen primary ascites samples for infectivity after infection with an adenoviral vector, i.e., Ad.LP.LacZ. This vector system may be of value in the treatment of microscopic disease of ovarian cancer in the peritoneal cavity.