• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.59 no.1
• /
• pp.23-29
• /
• 2005

Background : Chronic obstructive lung disease is characterized by smoke-related, gradually progressive, fixed airflow obstructions. However, some studies suggested that a reversible bronchial obstruction is common in chronic obstructive lung disease. Such reversibility persists despite the continued treatment with aerosolized bronchodilators and it appears to be related to the diminution in symptoms. The isolated volume response to a bronchodilator is defined as a remarkable increase in the FVC in response to the administration of a bronchodilator whereas the $FEV_1$ remains unchanged. This has been suggested in patients with severe emphysema. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the response to a bronchodilator and the severity of an airflow obstruction in COPD patients using the GOLD classification. Methods : This study examined 124 patients with an airway obstruction. The patients underwent spirometry, and the severity of the airflow obstruction was classified by GOLD. The response groups were categorized by an improvement in the FVC or $FEV_1$ > 12%, and each group was analyzed. Results : Most subjects were men with a mean age of $65.9{\pm}8.5$ years. The mean smoking history was $41.26{\pm}20.1$ pack years. The isolated volume response group had relatively low $FEV_1$ and FVC values compared with the other groups. (p<0.001) Conclusion : In this study, an isolated volume response to a bronchodilator is a characteristic of a severe airway obstruction, which is observed in patient with a relatively poorer baseline lung function.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.67 no.2
• /
• pp.95-104
• /
• 2009

Background: The pathophysiologic mechanisms of early acute lung injury (ALI) differ according to the type of primary insult. It is important to differentiate between direct and indirect pathophysiologic pathways, and this may influence the approach to treatment strategies. NF-$\kappa$B decoy oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) is a useful tool for the blockade of the expression of NF-$\kappa$B-dependent proinflammatory mediators and has been reported to be effective in indirect ALI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of NF-$\kappa$B decoy ODN in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced direct ALI model. Methods: Five-week-old specific pathogen-free male BALB/c mice were used for the experiment. In the preliminary studies, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-$\alpha$, interleukine (IL)-6 and NF-$\kappa$B activity peaked at 6 hours after LPS administration. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and ALI score were highest at 36 and 48 hours, respectively. Therefore, it was decided to measure each parameter at the time of its highest level. The study mice were randomly divided into three experimental groups: (1) control group which was administered 50 ${\mu}L$ of saline and treated with intratracheal administration of 200 ${\mu}L$ DW containing only hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ) vector (n=24); (2) LPS group in which LPS-induced ALI mice were treated with intratracheal administration of 200 ${\mu}L$ DW containing only HVJ vector (n=24); (3) LPS+ODN group in which LPS-induced ALI mice were treated with intratracheal administration of 200 ${\mu}L$ DW containing 160 ${\mu}g$ of NF-$\kappa$B decoy ODN and HVJ vector (n=24). Each group was subdivided into four experimental subgroups: (1) tissue subgroup for histopathological examination for ALI at 48 hours (n=6); (2) 6-hour bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) subgroup for measurement of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-6 in BAL fluid (BALF) (n=6); (3) 36-hour BAL subgroup for MPO activity assays in BALF (n=6); and (4) tissue homogenate subgroup for measurement of NF-$\kappa$B activity in lung tissue homogenates at 6 hours (n=6). Results: NF-$\kappa$B decoy ODN treatment significantly decreased NF-$\kappa$B activity in lung tissues. However, it failed to improve the parameters of LPS-induced direct ALI, including the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-$\alpha$ and interleukin-6 in BALF, myeloperoxidase activity in BALF and histopathologic changes measured by the ALI score. Conclusion: NF-$\kappa$B decoy ODN, which has been proven to be effective in indirect models, had no effect in the direct ALI model.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.58 no.5
• /
• pp.473-479
• /
• 2005

Background : Gefitinib targets the epidermal growth factor receptor r(EGFR), and Gefitinib has antitumor activity in patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, only 10 to 20 percent of patients show a clinical response to this drug, and the molecular mechanisms underlying patient sensitivity to gefitinib are unknown. PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome Ten) plays a role for the modulation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway (PI3K), which is involved in cell proliferation and survival, so that it can inhibit cell cycle progression and induce G1 arrest. Therefore, we analyzed the relationship between PTEN expression and gefitinib's responsiveness in patients having advanced non small cell lung cancer that had progressed after previous chemotherapy. Methods : The expression of PTEN was studied by immunohistochemistry in paraffin-embedded tumor blocks that were obtained from 22 patients who had been treated with gefitinib from JAN, 2001 to AUG. 2004. For the evaluation of the relationships between the PTEN expression, the clinical stage and the basal characteristics, those cases that showed the respective antigen expression in >50% of the tumor cells were considered positive. Results : The positive rate of PTEN staining was 55% of the total of 22 patients. There was a significant relationship between the increased expression of PTEN and the response group (p=0.039). However, there was no significant relationship between the expression of PTEN and other clinicopathologic characteristics. Conclusion: The expression of PTEN in patients with advanced non small cell lung cancer that has progressed after previous chemotherapy may play a role in gefitinib's responsiveness.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.133-139
• /
• 2004

Objective: To investigate the association of FSH receptor (FSHR) polymorphism at position 680 with outcomes of controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation for IVF-ET in Korean women. Design: Genetic polymorphism analysis. Materials and Methods: The FSHR polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP in 172 ovulatory women below the age of 40 year. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, or previous history of ovarian surgery were excluded. Results: Genotype distribution was 41.9% for the Asn/Asn, 47.7% for the Asn/Ser, and 10.5% for the Ser/Ser FSHR genotype group. There was no difference in age of subjects and infertility diagnosis between genotype groups. When the patients were grouped according to their FSHR genotype, the basal levels of FSH (day 3) were significantly different among the three groups ($6.0{\pm}0.3\;IU/L$ (mean $\pm$ SEM), $5.8{\pm}0.3\;IU/L$, and $8.6{\pm}1.2\;IU/L$ for the Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser groups, respectively, p=0.002). The Ser/Ser group showed a higher total doses of gonadotropins required to achieve ovulation induction, and a lower serum estradiol levels at the time of hCG administration compared with other two groups, but the differences were of no statistical significance. The numbers of oocytes retrieved were significantly different among the three groups ($8.6{\pm}0.8$, $9.9{\pm}0.6$, and $6.3{\pm}0.9$, for the Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser groups, respectively, p=0.049). Clinical pregnancy rates were 42.4%, 25.9%, and 29.4% for the Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser groups, respectively. Conclusion: Homozygous Ser/Ser genotype of FSHR polymorphism at position 680 was associated with decreased ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation for IVF-ET.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.53 no.6
• /
• pp.619-634
• /
• 2002

Background : Many inflammatory mediators and collagenases are involved in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The increase of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9, gelatinase-B) produced mainly by inflammatory cells was reported in many ALI models and connective tissue cells. In this study, the expression of MMP-9 in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) model and the effects of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor (MMPI) on VILI were investigated. Methods : Eighteen Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: low tidal Volume (LVT, 7mL/Kg tidal volume, 3 $cmH_2O$ PEEP, 40/min), high tidal volume (HVT, 30mL/Kg tidal volume, no PEEP, 40/min) and high tidal volume with MMPI (HVT+MMPI) groups. Mechanical ventilation was performed in room air for 2 hours. The 20 mg/Kg of CMT-3 (chemically modified tetracycline-3, 6-demethyl 6-deoxy 4-dedimethylamino tetracycline) was gavaged as MMPI from three days before mechanical ventilation. The degree of lung injury was measured with wet-to-dry weight ratio and acute lung injury score. Expression of MMP-9 was studied by immunohistochemical stain with a mouse monoclonal anti-rat MMP-9 $IgG_1$. Results : In the LVT, HVT and HVT+MMPI groups, the wet-to-dry weight ratio was $4.70{\pm}0.14$, $6.82{\pm}1.28$ and $4.92{\pm}0.98$, respectively. In the HVT group, the ratio was significantly higher than other groups (p<0.05). Acute lung injury score measured by five-point scale was $3.25{\pm}1.17$, $12.83{\pm}1.17$ and $4.67{\pm}0.52$, respectively. The HVT group was significantly damaged by VILI and MMPI protects injuries by mechanical ventilation (p<0.05). Expression of MMP-9 measured by four-point scale was $3.33{\pm}2.07$, $12.17{\pm}2.79$ and $3.60{\pm}1.95$, respectively, which were significantly higher in the HVT group (p<0.05). Conclusion : VILI increases significantly the expression of MMP-9 and MMPI prevents lung injury induced by mechanical ventilation through the inhibition of MMP-9.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.66 no.1
• /
• pp.37-41
• /
• 2009

Hot tub lung has been described as a pulmonary illness associated with exposure to nontuberculous mycobacteria,mainly hot bathtub water contaminated with Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) and hence the name. Although not entirely clear, its etiology has been thought to involve either an infection or a hypersensitivity pneumonitis secondary to MAC. Herein, we describe 2 female patients (60 and 53 years old) admitted to our hospital with hot tub lung, and both of whom worked in a public bath. Both women were initially admitted following several months of exertional dyspnea and cough. The patients had been working as body-scrubbers in a public bath for several years. Their chest CT scans showed bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities with multifocal air-trappings and poorly defined centrilobular nodules in both lungs. Pathological findings from lung specimens revealed small non-necrotizing granuloma in the lung parenchyme with relatively normal-looking adjacent alveoli. Discontinuation of working in the public bath led to an improvement in symptoms and radiographic abnormalities, without antimycobacterial therapy.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.51 no.8
• /
• pp.842-847
• /
• 2008

Purpose : Measurement of forced expiratory volume in 1 second ($FEV_1$) is usually difficult to obtain in children under six years of age because it requires active cooperation. This study evaluates the sensitivity of impulse oscillometry system (IOS) parameters for detecting airway obstruction in comparison with $FEV_1$. Methods : We studied 174 children who performed the lung function and methacholine challenge tests to diagnose asthma by IOS and spirometry. Children were divided into two subgroups according to their $PC_{20}$, which is a parameter for bronchial sensitivity. We compared IOS parameters with $FEV_1$ at the baseline, post-methacholine challenge, and evaluated their correlation. Results : At the baseline, reactance at 5 Hz (X5) and resistance at 5 Hz (R5) significantly differed between the $PC_{20}$ positive ($PC_{20}{\leq}16mg/mL$) group and $PC_{20}$ negative ($PC_{20}$ >16 mg/mL) group; however, $FEV_1$, $FEV_1$ % predicted, $FEV_1_-Zs$ (Z score) did not differ. $FEV_1$ is correlated with X5 (r=0.45, P<0.01) and R5 (r=-0.69, P<0.01). $FEV_1_-Zs$ is also correlated with X5_Zs (r=-0.26, P<0.01) and R5_Zs (r=-0.31, P<0.01). After the methacholine challenge test, dose-response slopes in $FEV_1$ and X5 significantly differed between the two subgroups (P<0.05). Conclusion : IOS parameters were more discriminative than $FEV_1$ for detecting decreased baseline lung function between two subgroups and have a good correlation with $FEV_1$.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.280-284
• /
• 2010

Approvals of medical device increase every year as industry of medical device grows. Therefore KFDA keeps trying to improve approval systems. However, the firms of medical device are in trouble due to regulation amendment, a firm of small size, exchange of the person in charge. The staffs of KFDA increase their work load because applicants of approval of medical device aren't used to writing of document. Therefore the firm of medical device in business have a long term. KFDA develops eight guidance document item by item for one-step evaluation and approval for Medical Devices because applicants of approval of medical device write documents easily. KFDA reviewer can carry on quick reviewing in use of this eight guidances. This guidance are improved on satisfaction of applicants of approval of medical device.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
• /
• v.39 no.3
• /
• pp.140-145
• /
• 2012

The flowering locus T (FT) gene, of which expression will be controlled at high temperature by heat shock promoter (it printed as to HSproFT), was introduced into spray-type chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitamura) 2 cultivars ('Pink PangPang' and 'Pink Pride' by co-cultivation with Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain C58C1 harboring pCAMBIA2300 containing the HSproFT gene. After leaf segments of the 2 cultivars were infected with the A. tumafaciens with C58C1 as explants, shoots were regenerated from the explants cultured on the $1^{st}$ selection medium (MS basal salts + 1.0 mg/L BA, 0.5 mg/L IAA + 10 mg/L kanamycin + 0.7% plant agar, pH 5.8). The shoots were transferred into the $2^{nd}$ selection medium (MS basal salts + 1.0 mg/L BA, 0.5 mg/L IAA + 20 mg/L kanamycin + 0.7% plant agar, pH 5.8). One hundred seventeen plantlets from 'Pink PangPang' and 5 ones from 'Pink Pride' were confirmed as transformants by PCR analysis. Twenty six of the transformants and non-transformants were acclimatized and established well in a green house. Eights of 26 transgenic lines showed flower bud 1.7~10 days earlier than nontransgenic plants, and 24 of them flowered 1~6 days earlier than non- transgenic plants. The shape and color of flower of all HSproFT-transgenic lines were not different with those of non- transgenic plants.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
• /
• v.36 no.4
• /
• pp.263-272
• /
• 2013

Consistent information on the chemical composition and its seasonal variation of goat udder half milk is limited in Korea. The objective of this study was to analyze the seasonal variation of the chemical composition of goat milk to take establish various parameters into consideration on the pricing of the goat milk. Variations in chemical composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and bacterial count of 1,038 udder half milk samples from 650 heads raised in 7 farms of Jeonnam province were determined by season. Fat, protein, lactose, non-fat solids, milk urea nitrogen (MUN), pH, SCC and bacterial counts were also analyzed. The average composition of the milk was: fat $3.80{\pm}1.36%$, protein $3.23{\pm}0.80%$, lactose $4.39{\pm}0.54%$, total solids $12.18{\pm}1.80%$, non-fat solids $8.38{\pm}0.80%$, and milk urea nitrogen $28.44{\pm}5.00mg/dL$. The average pH was $6.81{\pm}0.24$. The average of SCC and bacterial counts were $2.54{\pm}4.60{\times}10^6cells/mL$ and $1.25{\pm}3.76{\times}10^5CFU/mL$, respectively. Chemical composition, pH, SCC and bacterial counts of dairy goat milk varied widely during the lactation period and by season. The fat concentration was the lowest in spring ($3.39{\pm}1.53%$) and the highest in autumn and winter ($3.98{\pm}1.30%$ and $3.98{\pm}1.48%$). Protein concentration was the lowest during summer ($2.92{\pm}0.48%$) and the highest in winter ($2.92{\pm}0.48%$). Lactose concentration was the lowest in autumn ($4.24{\pm}0.41%$) and the highest in spring ($4.58{\pm}0.35%$). The lowest total solid value was obtained in the spring season ($11.75{\pm}1.80%$) which was then increased in winter ($12.85{\pm}1.96%$). Non-fat solid concentration was the lowest in summer ($8.07{\pm}0.64%$) and the highest in autumn ($8.94{\pm}0.82%$). MUN concentration was the highest in summer ($8.07{\pm}0.64%$), and the pH concentration was the highest in spring at $6.93{\pm}0.27%$. Seasonal variation of SCC and bacterial count were the lowest in spring ($0.94{\pm}1.54{\times}10^6cells/mL$ and $0.22{\pm}0.61{\times}10^5CFU/mL$, respectively) and was the highest in winter ($3.95{\pm}7.14{\times}10^6cells/mL$ and $2.23{\pm}5.54{\times}10^4CFU/mL$, respectively).