• 생명과학회지
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• 제24권6호
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• pp.700-706
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• 2014

본 연구에서는 anthracycline 계열 항암항생제인 doxorubicin의 암세포 전이 억제 여부를 LNCap 전립선 암세포를 이용하여 이동성 및 침윤성 억제 효능 측면에서 조사하였다. 본 연구의 결과에 의하면 doxorubicin은 LNCap 세포의 이동성과 침윤성을 현저하게 억제시켰으며, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 및 -9의 발현과 활성을 저해함과 동시에 tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 및 -2의 발현은 증가시켰다. Doxorubicin은 또한 tight junctions (TJs)의 전기적 저항성을 증대시켰으며, 이는 TJs의 주요 구성인자인 claudin family 인자들의 발현 억제와 연관성이 있었다. 따라서 LNCap 세포에서 doxorubicin에 의한 전이의 억제에는 최소한 TJ의 견고성 증대와 MMPs의 활성 억제가 관여할 것으로 추정된다.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제3권2호
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• pp.93-96
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• 2003

Purpose: Synthetic absorbable monofilaments offer excellent glide characteristics and cause minimal tissue trauma as a result of their smooth monofilament structure and gradual absorption within the healing tissues. For these reasons, these suture materials are commonly used in various surgical fields such as gastroenterology, urology, gynecology, and plastic surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and usefulness of a new synthetic absorbable monofilament, Glycoside-..-caprolactone-trimethylene carbonate interpolymer (GCT), in gastrointestinal anastomosis and closure. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 55 gastrointestinal anastomoses and closures using GCT $MONOSYN^{R}$, B. Braun, Germany) in 47 patients who underwent gastric surgery between December 2001 and May 2002 at Seoul National University Hospital. Patient's characteristics, operative procedure, surgeon's opinion of handling properties of GCT, and suture-related complications were analyzed. Results: There were 34 males and 13 females (M:F= 2.6:1) with an average age of 54.2 years old. Forty-five cases of gastrointestinal anastomosis (20 gastrojejunostomies and 25 jejunojejunostomies) and 10 cases of intestinal closure (7 gastrostomy closures and 3 duodenal stump closures) were performed in 41 cases of stomach cancer, three of peptic ulcer disease, two of GIST, and one MALToma. The handling properties of GCT according to the criteria of knot breaking load, knot security, and placing property were always scored with 7 to 9 points (10=excellent, 1=very poor). Two cases of postoperative complications ($3.6\%$) were noted. One was a leak of the gastrojejunostomy site which was successfully managed conservatively, and the other was a stricture of the gastrojejunostomy site which was managed by reoperation (side-to-side jejunojejunostomy). Conclusion: GCT seems to be an applicable suture material for various gastrointestinal anastomoses and closures.

• 대한세포병리학회지
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.119-125
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• 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.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제20권5호
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• pp.547-556
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• 2016

Myometrial relaxation of mouse via expression of two-pore domain acid sensitive (TASK) channels was studied. In our previous report, we suggested that two-pore domain acid-sensing $K^+$ channels (TASK-2) might be one of the candidates for the regulation of uterine circular smooth muscles in mice. In this study, we tried to show the mechanisms of relaxation via TASK-2 channels in marine myometrium. Isometric contraction measurements and patch clamp technique were used to verify TASK conductance in murine myometrium. Western blot and immunehistochemical study under confocal microscopy were used to investigate molecular identity of TASK channel. In this study, we showed that TEA and 4-AP insensitive non-inactivating outward $K^+$ current (NIOK) may be responsible for the quiescence of murine pregnant longitudinal myometrium. The characteristics of NIOK coincided with two-pore domain acid-sensing $K^+$ channels (TASK-2). NIOK in the presence of $K^+$ channel blockers was inhibited further by TASK inhibitors such as quinidine, bupivacaine, lidocaine, and extracellular acidosis. Furthermore, oxytocin and estrogen inhibited NIOK in pregnant myometrium. When compared to non-pregnant myometrium, pregnant myometrium showed stronger inhibition of NIOK by quinidine and increased immunohistochemical expression of TASK-2. Finally, TASK-2 inhibitors induced strong myometrial contraction even in the presence of L-methionine, a known inhibitor of stretch-activated channels in the longitudinal myometrium of mouse. Activation of TASK-2 channels seems to play an essential role for relaxing uterus during pregnancy and it might be one of the alternatives for preventing preterm delivery.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.182-191
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• 2007

Bioabsorbable devices have been utilized and experimented in many aspects of orthopaedic surgery. Depending upon their constituent polymers, these materials can be tailored to provide sufficient rigidity to allow bone healing, retain mechanical strength for certain period of time, and then eventually begin to undergo degradation. The objective of this study was to estimate extent in which Poly-L-latic acid (PLLA) implants had bioabsorbability and biocompatibility with bone and soft tissue in dogs and also to develop bioabsorbable, biocompatible materials with the appropriate strength and degradation characteristics to allow for regular clinical use for treating orthopedic problems in humans as well as animals. Eighteen dogs were used as experimental animals and were inserted two types of PLLA implants. PLLA rods were inserted into subcutaneous tissue of back or the abdomen wall. And the rods were tested for material properties including viscosity, molecular weight, melting point, melting temperature, crystallinity, flexural strength, and flexural modulus over time. PLLA screws were inserted through cortical bone into bone marrow in the femur of the dogs and stainless steel screw was inserted in the same femur. Radiographs were taken after surgery to observe locations of screw. Histological variations including cortical bone response, muscular response, bone marrow response were analyzed over the time for 62weeks. The physical properties of PLLA rods had delicate balances between mechanical, thermal and viscoelastic factors. PLLA screws did not induce any harmful effects and clinical complications on bone and soft tissue for degradation period. These results suggest that PLLA implants could be suitable for clinical use.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.213-221
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• 2017

Baicalein, a natural flavonoid obtained from the rhizome of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has been reported to have anticancer activities in several human cancer cell lines. However, its antimetastatic effects and associated mechanisms in melanoma cells have not been extensively studied. The current study examined the effects of baicalein on cell motility and anti-invasive activity using mouse melanoma B16F10 cells. Within the noncytotoxic concentration range, baicalein significantly inhibited the cell motility and invasiveness of B16F10 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Baicalein also reduced the activity and expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9; however, the levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 and -2 were concomitantly increased. The inhibitory effects of baicalein on cell motility and invasiveness were found to be associated with its tightening of tight junction (TJ), which was demonstrated by an increase in transepithelial electrical resistance and downregulation of the claudin family of proteins. Additionally, treatment with baicalein markedly reduced the expression levels of lipopolysaccharide-induced phosphorylated Akt and the invasive activity in B16F10 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that baicalein inhibits B16F10 melanoma cell migration and invasion by reducing the expression of MMPs and tightening TJ through the suppression of claudin expression, possibly in association with a suppression of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제39권2호
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• pp.141-148
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• 2006

Objectives : We wanted to evaluate the medical underutilization for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) among Korean elderly men and we wanted to determine their associated factors. Methods : This study was conducted on 239 men with LUTS and 116 men with BPH who were compatible with the diagnostic criteria from a total of 641 participants. These participants were over 50 years old and they were randomly chosen in a community-based study for estimating the prevalence of BPH. Using a self-reported questionnaire, we surveyed the sociodemographics, health status, quality of life, lower urinary tract symptoms, medical utilization and reasons for not seeking treatment. Results : Only 27.6% of the men with LUTS and 31.0% of the men with BPH reported having visited a doctor for urinary symptoms. The reasons for not visiting a doctor were, in order of responses from the group with LUTS: 'considered the symptoms as a part of the normal ageing process', 'not enough time to visit a doctor', 'financial difficulty' and 'the symptoms were not severe or bothersome'. Regarding BPH, the responses were the same as those of the group with LUTS however, 'financial difficulty' placed second. Among the men with experience of visiting a doctor for urinary symptoms, 33.3% of those with LUTS and 28.1% of those with BPH were not treated. The most common reason in both groups was 'the symptoms were not severe to be treated'. On a multiple logistic regression analysis, the larger size household (odds ratio (OR) 3.03, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.40-6.54) and an unsatisfactory quality of life related with urinary symptoms (OR 2.98, 95% CI=1.23-7.21) were associated with medical utilization in the group of LUTS. For BPH, the current employment status was related with the medical utilization (OR 2.80, 95% CI=1.10-7.11), in addition to the larger size household (OR 3.24, 95% CI=1.14-9.21). Conclusions : Many men with urinary symptoms do not visit a doctor. This medical underutilization for people with LUTS and BPH may be associated with economic status in Korea.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.189-196
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• 2003

목적 : 중복 요관은 부검상 전인구의 0.9%에서 발견되는 비교적 흔한 비뇨기계 기형이다. 과거에는 발열, 복통, 혈뇨 등을 단서로 하여 발견되었으나, 최근에는 산전초음파에 의하여 조기 진단되고 있다. 저자들은 최근 5년간 본원에서 진단된 환아들의 임상 양상 및 산전초음파에 의한 조기 진단의 유용성에 대해 고찰하였다. 방법 : 1998년부터 2003년 7월까지 본원에 입원하여 진단된 18세 미만의 55례의 중복 요관 환아들을 대상으로 후향적 고찰을 시행하였다. 결과 : 진단 당시 평균 연령은 2.2세였고, 추적 기간의 평균은 14개월이었으며, 남녀비는 1:2.7이었다. 완전 중복 요관은 49례(89%)였다. 발열을 주소로 내원한 경우는 15례(27%)였고, 산전 진찰로 진단된 경우는 26례(47%)였다. 방광요관역류가 동반된 경우는 14례(28%)였고, 수신증은43례(88%)에서 동반되었다. 산전 진찰을 통해 진단된 군과 생후에 진단된 군의 비교시, DMSA 신주사상 결손의 비율은 각각 70.8%와 67.7%였으며, 환측 신장의 동위원소 섭취율은 각각 48.2%와 45.5%로 두 군간에 통계학적인 차이는 없었다. 결론 : 과거와 달리 최근 5년간 산전초음파로 중복 요관이 진단되는 비율은 47%로 증가하고 있으며, 이에 따라 진단시 연령이 낮아져(2.2세) 경과 추적이 조기에 시작될 수 있었다. 그 외의 임상적인 양상은 과거와 유사하였다. 산전초음파로 진단된 경우와 생후에 진단된 경우를 비교할 때, 두 군간에 신손상의 차이에 대한 통계적학적 유의성은 발견하지 못하였다. 산전 초음파가 조기 진단과 이에 따른 추적 관찰을 통해 치료시기를 적절히 결정하는 데에 도움이 될 것인지 알아보기 위하여 향후 광범위한 다기관 연구가 필요하다.

• Annals of Clinical Microbiology
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.75-79
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• 2018

배경: 요배양검사는 요로감염 진단을 위한 표준검사로 가장 흔히 의뢰되는 미생물 배양 검사 중 하나이다. 소변 자동분석기는 감염과 관련된 많은 정보를 제공한다. 최근 개발된 Sysmex UF-5000 (Sysmex, Japan)은 유세포분석 방법에 의해 세균, 효모균, 백혈구 등의 입자를 정량적으로 측정하고, 그람 염색성 정보를 제공한다. 저자들은 UF-5000을 이용하여 불필요한 요배양검사를 얼마나 선별할 수 있는지 평가하였다. 방법: 요배양검사가 의뢰된 453 검체 중 비뇨기과/신장내과 의뢰 검체를 제외한 126 검체를 대상으로 요시험지봉검사와 UF-5000으로 검사를 시행하여 요배양검사 결과와 비교하였다. 소변 배양은 집락수가 $10^4CFU/mL$ 이상인 경우 양성으로 판정하였다. 결과: UF-5000의 세균 수 $50/{\mu}L$이하, 효모양 세포 $100/{\mu}L$ 이하를 기준으로 했을 때 분석 대상 요배양의 38.1% (48/126), 전체 요배양 453건의 10.6%를 불필요한 요배양검사로 선별해 낼 수 있었다. 결론: UF-5000에서 산출된 세균 및 효모양 세포의 수로 음성 배양 결과를 예측할 수 있으며 약 10%의 불필요한 배양검사를 줄일 수 있다.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.121-132
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• 2005

연구목적: 본 연구에서는 비폐쇄성 무정자증 환자에서 나타나는 정자형성과정의 이상과 고환세포의 세포자연사와의 연관관계 여부를 확인하였다. 또한 SELDI-TOF MS 분석을 통하여 고환 내 단백질 발현 양상을 확인하고, 질환에 따른 효과적인 biomarker 개발 가능성 여부를 확인하였다. 재료 및 방법: RT-PCR 및 면역조직화학법을 사용하여 고환에서의 Fas, FasL, Bcl-2, Bax와 Caspase-3의 발현 양상을 확인하고, in situ DNA 3'-end-labelling 방법으로 고환세포의 세포자연사 양상을 확인하였다. SELDI-TOF MS 분석법에 의한 고환의 병리학적 소견에 따른 단백질 발현 변화는 소수성 칩 ($H_4$)을 사용하여 분자량 10~100 kDa 범위 내에서 분석하였다. 결 과: 정상적인 정자형성과정을 보이는 폐쇄성 무정자증 환자의 고환에 비해 지주세포 증후군 (Sertoli cell only syndrome)과 성숙정지 (maturation arrest)를 보이는 고환 내 생식세포와 지주세포에서 세포자연사가 현저하게 증가한 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 세포자연사 관련인자들의 발현 양상을 확인한 결과, 지주세포 증후군과 성숙정지 환자군에서 Fas와 FasL mRNA의 발현이 증가하였으나, bcl-2, bax와 caspase-3 mRNA 발현의 경우에는 두 질환 모두에서 유의한 차이를 확인할 수 없었다. FasL 단백질 발현의 경우, 세포자연사의 증가가 관찰되었던 지주세포 증후군과 성숙정지를 보이는 환자의 간질세포와 지주세포에서 증가하는 양상을 나타내었다. SELDI-TOF MS 분석 결과에서 폐쇄성 무정자증 환자군에 비해 전체적인 단백질 발현양이 지주세포 증후군과 성숙정지 환자의 고환에서 감소하는 양상을 보였으며, 특히, 16.730 kDa 단백질의 현저한 감소를 확인할 수 있었다. 결 론: 본 연구결과를 통해 비폐쇄성 무정자증 환자에서 나타나는 정자형성과정의 장애는 생식세포의 비정상적인 세포자연사와 연관되어 있으며, 고환 내 Fas와 FasL의 비정상적인 발현이 주된 원인인 것을 확인할 수 있었다. 또한, SELDI-TOF MS 분석법을 통한 단백질 발현 양상의 연구는 무정자증 환자에서의 다양한 병리학적 소견을 쉽게 파악할 수 있는 biomarker 발굴뿐만 아니라 질환의 원인규명을 위한 연구에도 유용하게 이용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.