• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.9-24
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• 2005

Objective: We have studied the effects of acupuncture and low level He-Ne laser therapy(LLLT) at $SI_3$, $BL_{40}$ on the tibial, sural nerve injury due to sports-damage or traffic accident and L5 spinal nerve ligature model like general herniation of nucleus pulposus(HNP) in a rat of neuopathic pain. Methods: A model of neuropathic pain was made by injuring tibial nerve and sural nerve while common peroneal nerve was maintained. Also, it was made by isolating left 5th lumbar spinal nerve. Three weeks after the neuropathic surgery, acupuncture and LLLT was injected at $SI_3$,$BL_{40}$ one time a day for one week. LLLT was divided three groups, that is LLLT-1(5mW), LLLT-2(10mW) and LLLT-3(30mW). After that, we examined the withdrawal response of neuropathic rats' legs by Von frey filament and acetone stimulation. And also we examined c-Fos, Nocieptin and KOR-3 in the midbrain central gray of neuropathic rats. Results: As we have observed the effect of mechanical allodynia, LLLT-3 group were diminished on 4 day, 5 day, 6 day and 7 day in the resection model compared with control model, LLLT-1 group were diminished on 5 day, LLLT-2 group were diminished on 3 day and 6 day, LLLT-3 group were diminished on 3 day, 4 day, 5 day, 6 day and 7 day in connected model compared with control group. As we have observed the effect of cold allodynia, LLLT-3 group were diminished on 7 day in the resection model compared with control model, LLLT-1 group were diminished on 6 day, 7 day, LLLT-3 group were diminished on 7 day in connected model compared with control group. As we have observed the effect of activity of c-Fos in the central gray part, LLLT-3 were diminished in resection model compared with control group, LLLT-1 group were diminished in connected model compared with control group. As we have observed the effect of activity of Nociceptin in the central gray part, resection model were not increased compared with control group, LLLT-1 group and LLLT-3 group were increased in connected model compared with control model. As we have observed the effect of activity of KOR-3 in the central gray part, resection model were not increased compared with control group, LLLT-3 group were increased in connected model compared with control model. Conclusions: We have noticed that LLLT-1 and LLLT-3 group have more controllable effect than acupuncture group. This study can be used in clinical therapy for neuropathic pain. But it is not reliability that Nociceptin and KOR-3 have effectively to control pain. Therefore We have to follow up about that.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.411-424
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• 1997

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effects during subgingival calculus removal using Nd:YAG laser. The study group was consisted of 30 teeth with advanced periodontal disease extracted before the start of periodontal therapy. The specimens were divided into 8 different groups : 1) untreated control 2) scaling and root planing only 3) laser treated using 150mJ/pulse, 1sec, 5sec, contact mode 4) laser treated using 200mJ/pulse, 5sec, contact mode 5) laser treated using 150mJ/pulse, 1sec, non-contact mode 6) laser treated using 200mJ/pulse, 5sec, non-contact mode 7) laser treated using l5OmJ/pulse, 1sec, contact mode with water irrigation 8) laser treated using 200mJ/pulse, 5sec, contact mode with water irrigation. All specimens were prepared for evaluation by scanning electron microscopy(SEM). Specimens from Group 2 exhibited a smear layer of scale like texture with parallel instrument tracks resulting from curet use. Specimens treated by contact mode, Group 3 and 4 featured surface changes not observed· in controls such as charring, randomly distributed pitting and crater formation, and melting down of the tooth material and calculus. Specimens treated by noncontact mode, Group 5 and 6 featured similar surface changes observed in contact mode. However, the differences between contact and non-contact groups not significant. Specimens treated by contact mode with water irrigation, Group 7 and 8 featured slight surface change compared to other groups. The results suggested that Nd: YAG laser did not completely remove the subgingival calculus but was possible the application as adjunctive method.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.38 no.5 s.250
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• pp.323-334
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• 2005

Background: Gene therapy is a new and promising option for the treatment of severe myocardial ischemia by therapeutic angiogenesis. The goal of this study was to elucidate the efficacy of therapeutic angiogenesis by using VEGF165 in large animals. Material and Method: Twenty-one pigs that underwent ligation of the distal left anterior descending coronary artery were randomly allocated to one of two treatments: intramyocardial injection of pCK-VEGF (VEGF) or intramyocardial injection of pCK-Null (Control). Injections were administered 30 days after ligation. Seven pigs died during the trial, but eight pigs from VEGF and six from Control survived. Echo-cardiography was performed on day 0 (preoperative) and on days 30 and 60 following coronary ligation. Gated myocardial single photon emission computed tomography imaging (SPECT) with $^{99m}Tc-labeled$ sestamibi was performed on days 30 and 60. Myocardial perfusion was assessed from the uptake of $^{99m}Tc-labeled$ sestamibi at rest. Global and regional myocardial function as well as post-infarction left ventricular remodeling were assessed from segmental wall thickening; left ventricular ejection fraction (EF); end systolic volume (ESV); and end diastolic volume (EDV) using gated SPECT and echocardiography. Myocardium of the ischemic border zone into which pCK plasmid vector had been injected was also sampled to assess micro-capillary density. Result: Micro-capillary density was significantly higher in the VEGF than in Control ($386\pm110/mm^{2}\;vs.\;291\pm127/mm^{2};\;p<0.001$). Segmental perfusion increased significantly from day 30 to day 60 after intramyocardial injection of plasmid vector in VEGF ($48.4\pm15.2\%\;vs.\;53.8\pm19.6\%;\;p<0.001$), while no significant change was observed in the Control ($45.1\pm17.0\%\;vs.\;43.4\pm17.7\%;\;p=0.186$). This resulted in a significant difference in the percentage changes between the two groups ($11.4\pm27.0\%\;increase\;vs.\;2.7\pm19.0\%\;decrease;\;p=0.003$). Segmental wall thickening increased significantly from day 30 to day 60 in both groups; the increments did not differ between groups. ESV measured using echocardiography increased significantly from day 0 to day 30 in VEGF ($22.9\pm9.9\;mL\;vs.\;32.3\pm9.1\;mL;\; p=0.006$) and in Control ($26.3\pm12.0\;mL\;vs.\;36.8\pm9.7\;mL;\;p=0.046$). EF decreased significantly in VEGF ($52.0\pm7.7\%\;vs.\;46.5\pm7.4\%;\;p=0.004$) and in Control ($48.2\pm9.2\%\;vs.\;41.6\pm10.0\%;\;p=0.028$). There was no significant change in EDV. The interval changes (days $30\~60$) of EF, ESV, and EDV did not differ significantly between groups both by gated SPECT and by echocardiography. Conclusion: Intramyocardial injection of pCK-VEGF165 induced therapeutic angiogenesis and improved myocardial perfusion. However, post-infarction remodeling and global myocardial function were not improved.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.12 s.269
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• pp.913-919
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• 2006

Background: Vasodilatory shock has been implicated in life-threatening complications after open heart surgery, where the systemic inflammatory reaction is attributed to the cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB). The secretion of arginine vasopressin(AVP) has been found to be defective in a variety of vasodilatory shock states and administration of AVP markedly improves vasomotor tone and blood pressure. So we reviewed our experience of AVP therapy in patients with vasodilatory shock following heart surgery using CPB. Material and Method: From January 2004 to July 2006, we reviewed the records of patients who received AVP therapy for vasodilatory shock following heart surgery using CPB. Vasodilatory shock was defined as a mean arterial pressure lower(MAP) than 70 mmHg, a cardiac index greater than 2.5 $L/min/m^2$, peripheral vascular resistance lower than 800 $dyn/s/cm^5$, and vasopressor requirements. The hemodynamic responses of patients who received AVP therapy for vasodilatory shock after cardiac surgery were analyzed retrospectively. Result: One hundred ninety nine open cardiac surgery patients were consecutively included in this study. Twenty two patients(11.1%) met criteria for vasodilatory shock. Despite the administration of high dose catecholamine vasopressor, all patients were hypotensive with a mean arterial pressure less than 70 mmHg. AVP therapy increased MAP from $53.3{\pm}7.4\;to\;82.0{\pm}12.0$ mmHg at 1 hour (p<0.001) and decreased other vasopressor requirements from $25{\pm}7\;to\;18{\pm}6$ at 1 hour(p<0.001) and individually maintained it for 12 hours. Conclusion: Our date suggest that AVP may be a safe and an effective vasopressor in patients with vasodilatory shock. In patients exhibiting vasodilatory shock after heart surgery, replacement of AVP increases blood pressure and reduces catecholamine vasopressor requirements.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2006

Purpose: The radioprotective effects of white and fermented ginseng on liver damage induced by $^{60}Co\;{\gamma}$-ray were investigated. Materials and Methods: To one group of ICR male mice were given white(150 mg/kg/day for 7 days, orally) and fermented ginseng(150 mg/kg/day for 7 days, orally) before $^{60}Co\;{\gamma}$-ray irradiation. To another group were irradiated by 5 Gy(1.01 Gy/min) dose of $^{60}Co\;{\gamma}$-ray. Contrast group were given with saline(0.1 mL). The levels of reduced(GSH) and oxidized(GSSG) glutathione in liver tissue were measured. Results: In the fermented(150 mg/kg) and white ginseng(150 mg/kg) groups than irradiation group, the GSH levels were significantly increased, but the GSSG levels were significantly decreased. The ratio of GSSG/total GSH was significantly decreased in the fermented(150 mg/kg) and white ginseng(150 mg/kg) groups than irradiation group. Conclusion: In the fermented(150 mg/kg) groups than white ginseng(150 mg/kg) groups the GSH levels were significantly increased. The radioprotective effects of fermented(150 mg/kg) groups than white ginseng(150 mg/kg) groups were increased.

• Clinical and Molecular Hepatology
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.374-383
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• 2018

Background/Aims: There have been numerous efforts to reduce mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with antiviral agents during pregnancy. However, there are limited data regarding the outcomes of pregnant women after delivery. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral agents in preventing MTCT of HBV and maternal long-term outcomes. Methods: The HBV-infected pregnant women treated with antiviral agents to prevent MTCT were retrospectively reviewed. Forty-one pregnant women who received telbivudine or tenofovir during late pregnancy (28-34 week) were analyzed. Hepatitis B virus surface antibody (HBsAb) positivity was tested in 43 infants after 7 months of birth. Eleven mothers were followed >1 year after delivery. Results: The mean HBV DNA titer before antiviral therapy was 8.67 (6.60-9.49) log copies/mL, and the median age at delivery was 32 years (range, 22-40). Eleven patients were treated with tenofovir and 30 with telbivudine. The median duration was 57 days (range, 23-100), and the median HBV DNA titer at birth was 5.06 log copies/mL (range, 2.06-6.50). Antiviral treatments were associated with significant HBV DNA reduction (P<0.001). Among 43 infants (two cases of twins), HBsAb was not detected in two, subsequently confirmed to have HBV infection. Biochemical flare was observed in two of 11 mothers followed >12 months, and an antiviral agent was administered. Conclusions: Antiviral treatment during late pregnancy effectively reduced MTCT. Long-term follow-up should be required in such cases. In addition, given that maternal biochemical flare occurred in 18% of mothers, re-administration of antiviral agents might be required.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.12
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• pp.1362-1369
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• 2005

Purpose : This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the plasma level of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(pro-BNP) and several known risk factors influencing outcomes after Fontan operations, and to assess whether pro-BNP levels can be used as predictive risk factors in Fontan operations. Methods : Plasma pro-BNP concentrations were measured in 35 patients with complex cardiac anomalies before catheterization. Cardiac catheterization was performed in all subjects. Mean right atrium pressure, mean pulmonary artery pressure(PAP), and ventricular end-diastolic pressure(EDP) were obtained. Cardiac output and pulmonary vascular resistance were calculated by Fick method. Results : Plasma pro-BNP levels exhibited statistically significant positive correlations with mean PAP(r=0.70, P<0.001), pulmonary vascular resistance(r=0.57, P<0.001), RVEDP(r=0.63, P<0.001), LVEDP(r=0.74, P<0.001), and cardiothoracic ratio(r=0.71, P<0.001). The area under the ROC curve using pro-BNP level to differentiate risk groups in Fontan operations was high : 0.868(95 percent CI, 0.712-1.023, P<0.01). The cutoff value of pro-BNP concentrations for the detection of risk groups in Fontan operations was determined to be 332.4 pg/mL(sensitivity 83.3 percent, specificity 82.7 percent). Conclusion : These data suggest that plasma pro-BNP levels may be used as a predictive risk factor in Fontan operations, and as a guide to determine the mode of therapy during follow-up after Fontan operations.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2007

Purpose : A simple, rapid, and highly sensitive analytical method for Gb3 in plasma was developed without labor-ex tensive pre-treatment by electrospray ionization MS/ MS (ESI-MS/MS). Measurement of globotriaosy lceramide (Gb3, ceramide trihex oside) in plasma has clinical importance for monitoring after enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease patients. The disease is an X-linked lipid storage disorder that results from a deficiency of the enzyme ${\alpha}$-galactosidase A (${\alpha}$-Gal A). The lack of ${\alpha}$-Gal A causes an intracellular accumulation of glycosphingolipids, mainly Gb3. Methods : Only simple 50-fold dilution of plasma is necessary for the extraction and isolation of Gb3 in plasma. Gb3 in diluted plasma was dissolved in dioxane containing C17:0 Gb3 as an internal standard. After centrifugation it was directly injected and analyzed through guard column by in combination with multiple reaction monitoring mode of ESI-MS/MS. Results : Eight isoforms of Gb3 were completely resolved from plasma matrix. C16:0 Gb3 occupied 50% of total Gb3 as a major component in plasma. Linear relationship for Gb3 isoforms w as found in the range of 0.001-1.0 ${\mu}g$/mL. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.001 ${\mu}g$/mL and limit of quantification was 0.01 ${\mu}g$/mL for C16:0 Gb3 with acceptable precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient of calibration curves for 8 Gb3 isoforms ranged from 0.9678 to 0.9982. Conclusion : This quantitative method developed could be useful for rapid and sensitive 1st line Fabry disease screening, monitoring and/or diagnostic tool for Fabry disease.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.451-464
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• 2009

Background and Objective : Cyperus rotundus L. (CR) is a commonly used herbal medicine in Asian countries such as Korea, China and Japan. The present study was designated to evaluate the direct effects of CR on helper T cell activities and on Th1/Th2 lineage development in vitro. Materials and Methods : Spleen cells from 8 week BALB/c mice were cultured in CR extracts containing medium without activation for 24 hours and with activation for 48 hours. CD4+ T cells were isolated and analyzed for mRNA expression levels of INF-$\gamma$, IL-4, T-bet and GATA-3 by RT-PCR and secretion cytokines levels of INF-$\gamma$, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-10 by ELISA. Results : The results demonstrated that CR had no mitogenic effects on unstimulated CD4+ T cells, but augmented CD4+ T-cell proliferation upon activation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies in a dose-dependent manner. CR treatment significantly increased CD4+ T cell population and the IFN-$\gamma$ expression was significantly enhanced, while IL-4 expression was significantly decreased. In addition, in vitro Th1/Th2 polarization experiments revealed that CR enhanced IFN-$\gamma$ secretion in Th1 cells, but reduced the IL-4 in Th2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : These results suggest that CR treatment could be a desirable alternative therapy for the prevention or correction of Th2 dominant pathological disorders, such as allergy and asthma.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.208-213
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• 2016

Recently, numerous studies have utilized graphene in biomedical applications such as drug delivery, cancer therapy, and bioimaging. In this study, graphene was eco-friendly prepared by liquid phase exfoliation of graphite using plant extracts in water. Initially, 12 different plants or plant parts were screened for the characteristic graphene peak at near 268 nm using UV-Vis spectrophotometric analyses. The ability to form stable black graphene dispersion was highest using Xanthium strumarium extract. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that about 5 layer-graphene was produced from 1 g/L of graphite, while more than 5 layers were formed from 2 g/L of graphite. The optimum X. strumarium concentration for graphene production was 2 g/100 mL.