• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.21-25
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• 2007

Background：Squamous cell carcinoma(SCC)of the palatine tonsils represents approximately 15-23% of all intraoral SCC. The most frequently reported risk factors for oropharyngeal cancer are smoking and alcohol. In a recent overview of HPV and tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma(TC), 51% contained HPV DNA, and HPV-16 being the most frequent type. We aimed to clarify whether HPV directly effects on the oncogenesis and biologic behavior of TC by comparison with infection prevalence, and physical status of virus. Material and Method：We used HPV genotyping DNA chip(Biocore, Korea, Seoul) arrayed by multiple oligonucleotide probes of L1 sequence of 26 types of HPV and HPV genotypes are identified by fluorescence scanner. The copy numbers of HPV E2 and E6 open reading frames(ORF) were assessed using a TaqMan-based 5'-exonuclease quantitative real-time PCR assay. The ratio of E2 to E6 copy numbers was calculated to determine the physical status of HPV-16 viral gene. Results：We observed a significant difference in HPV prevalence between 52 TCs and 69 CFTs(73.1% vs. 11.6%), and most of the HPVs were type 16(87.2%)and non-episomal(94.1%) state. Conclusions：This study regarding HPV infection prevalence and mechanism in the largest population of palatine tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma with chronic follicular tonsillitis revealed significant difference pf HPV prevalence between TC and CFT. Most of HPV were 16 type and integrated or mixed, HPV-16 integration could be directly related to tonsillar carcinogenesis.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.123-127
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• 2012

Gene set analysis (GSA) is useful in interpreting a genome-wide association study (GWAS) result in terms of biological mechanism. We compared the performance of two different GSA implementations that accept GWAS p-values of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) or gene-by-gene summaries thereof, GSA-SNP and i-GSEA4GWAS, under the same settings of inputs and parameters. GSA runs were made with two sets of p-values from a Korean type 2 diabetes mellitus GWAS study: 259,188 and 1,152,947 SNPs of the original and imputed genotype datasets, respectively. When Gene Ontology terms were used as gene sets, i-GSEA4GWAS produced 283 and 1,070 hits for the unimputed and imputed datasets, respectively. On the other hand, GSA-SNP reported 94 and 38 hits, respectively, for both datasets. Similar, but to a lesser degree, trends were observed with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) gene sets as well. The huge number of hits by i-GSEA4GWAS for the imputed dataset was probably an artifact due to the scaling step in the algorithm. The decrease in hits by GSA-SNP for the imputed dataset may be due to the fact that it relies on Z-statistics, which is sensitive to variations in the background level of associations. Judicious evaluation of the GSA outcomes, perhaps based on multiple programs, is recommended.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.12-20
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• 2016

Purpose: Pepper prices have risen continuously because of a decrease in cultivation area; therefore, mechanical harvesting systems for peppers should be developed to reduce cost, time, and labor during harvest. In this study, a screw type picking head for a self-propelled pepper harvester was developed, and the optimal working conditions were evaluated considering helix types, winding directions of helix, and rotational speeds of the helix. Methods: The screw type was selected for the picking head after analyzing previous studies, and the device consisted of helices and a feed chain mechanism for conveying pepper branches. A double helix and a triple helix were manufactured, and rotational speeds of 200, 300, and 400 rpm were tested. The device was controlled by a variable speed (VS) motor and an inverter. Both the forward and reverse directions were tested for the winding and rotating directions of the helix. An experiment crop (cultivar: Longgreenmat) was cultivated in a plastic greenhouse. The test results were analyzed using the SAS program with ANOVA to examine the relationship between each factor and the performance of the picking head. Results: The results of the double and triple helix tests in the reverse direction showed gross harvest efficiency levels of 60-95%, mechanical damage rates of 8-20%, and net marketable portion rates of 50-80%. The dividing ratio was highest at a rotational speed of 400 rpm. Gross harvest efficiency was influenced by the types of helix and rotational speed. Net marketable portion was influenced by rotational speed but not influenced by the type of helix. Mechanical damage was not influenced by the type of helix or rotational speed. Conclusions: Best gross harvest efficiency was obtained at a rotational speed of 400 rpm; however, operating the device at that speed resulted in vibration, which should be reduced.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.180-186
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• 1999

Eugenol has been reported to reduce odontogenic pain and is known to have a structure similar to capsaicin, a potent stimulant of certain nociceptors. We have hypothesized that the analgesic effect of eugenol may be due, in part, to inhibition of capsaicin-sensitive nociceptors. To test this hypothesis, we evaluate whether eugenol inhibits capsaicin-sensitive release of immunoreactive calcitonin generated peptide(iCGRP) from bovine dental pulp. Freshly extracted bovine incisors were transported to the lab. on ice, Spilitted and pulp tissue was removed. The tissue was chopped into 200${\mu}m$ slices. Dental pulp was superfused(340 ${\mu}l/min$) in vitro with oxygenated Kreb's buffer. Eugenol and vehicle(0.02% 2-hydroxyl-${\beta}$-cyclodextrin) were administered prior to stimulation of pulp with capsaicin and iCGRP was measured by RIA. The results were as follows: 1. Administration of eugenol has no effect on basal release of iCGRP. 2. In the vehicle treated group, capsaicin evoked a 2.5-fold increase over basal iCGRP levels. 3. Administration of eugenol(600 ${\mu}M$) reduced capsaicin evoked release of iCGRP by more than 40%(153.4${\pm}$41.1% vs 258.9${\pm}$21.7%). 4. 2-hydroxylpropyl-${\beta}$-cyclodextrin of less than 0.02% is found to be an effective vehicle to dissolve eugenol without evoking iCGRP release from dental bovine pulp. These data indicate that eugenol inhibits pulpal capsaicin-sensitive fibers and suggest that intracanal medicament of eugenol may relieve pain, in part, by this mechanism.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.145-150
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• 2017

Purpose: The gut microbiota can influence several diseases through immune modulation; however, the exact role of microbes such as Clostridium difficile and the relationship between microbiota colonization and allergic diseases are not well known. This study aimed to determine the relationship between C. difficile colonization and/or infection (CDCI) during infancy and allergic diseases during early childhood. Methods: Infants 1-12 months of age presenting changes in bowel habits for more than 2 weeks were enrolled in this study. After dividing them into 2 groups according to the presence and absence of C. difficile, the risk of allergic disease development during childhood was identified and compared. Results: Sixty-five patients were included in this study; 22 (33.8%) were diagnosed with CDCI. No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between the C. difficile-positive and-negative groups except for antibiotic exposure (22.7% vs. 60.5%, P=0.004). Compared to the C. difficile-negative group, the risk of developing at least one allergic disease was higher in the C. difficile-positive group after adjusting other variables (adjusted odds ratios, 5.61; 95% confidence interval, 1.52-20.74; P=0.007). Furthermore, food allergies were more prevalent in the C. difficile-positive group (P=0.03). Conclusion: CDCI during infancy were associated with a higher risk of developing allergic diseases during early childhood. These results suggest that CDCI during infancy might reflect the reduced diversity of the intestinal microbiota, which is associated with an increased risk of allergic sensitization. To identify the underlying mechanism, further investigation and a larger cohort study will be needed.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.1789-1793
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• 2014

Pseudo-first-order rate constants ($k_{obsd}$) have been measured spectrophotometrically for the reactions of 5-nitro-8-quinolyl nicotinate (4) and 5-nitro-8-quinolyl isonicotinate (5) with alkali metal ethoxides (EtOM; M = K, Na and Li) in anhydrous ethanol at $25.0{\pm}0.1^{\circ}C$. The plots of $k_{obsd}$ vs. [EtOM] curve slightly upward for the reactions with EtOK and EtONa but are linear for the reactions with EtOLi and for those with EtOK in the presence of 18-crown-6-ether. Dissection of $k_{obsd}$ into $k_{EtO^-}$ and $k_{EtOM}$ (i.e., the second-order rate constants for the reactions with the dissociated $EtO^-$ and ion-paired EtOM, respectively) has revealed that the reactivity increases in the order $EtO^-{\approx}EtOLi$ < EtOK < EtONa for the reactions of 4 and EtOLi < $EtO^-$ < EtOK < EtONa for the reactions of 5. Comparison of the kinetic results for the reactions of 4 and 5 with those reported previously for the corresponding reactions of 5-nitro-8-quinolyl benzoate (2) and picolinate (3) has revealed that the esters possessing a pyridine ring (i.e., 3-5) are significantly more reactive than the benzoate ester 2 due to the presence of the electronegative N atom (e.g., 2 << 3 < 4 < 5). It has been concluded that $M^+$ ion catalyzes the reactions of 3-5 by increasing the electrophilicity of the reaction center through a five-membered cyclic transition state (TS) for the reaction of 3 and via a four-membered cyclic TS for the reactions of 4 and 5.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.5 no.5
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• pp.593-603
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• 1996

A dual-porosity filmed agglomerate model for the porous cathode of the molten carbonate fuel has been investigated to predict the cell performance. A phenomenological treatment of molecular, kinetic and electrode parameters has been given. The major physical and chemical phenomena being modeled include mass transfer, ohmic losses and reaction kinetics at the electrode- electrolyte interface. The model predicts steady-state cell performance, given the above conditions that characterize the state of the electrode. Quasi-linearization and finite difference techniques are used to solve the coupled nonlinear differential equations. Also, the effective surface area of electrode pore was obtained by mercury porosimeter. The results of the investigation are presented in the form of plots of overpotential vs. current density with varied the electrode material, gas composition and mechanism. The predicted polarization curves are compared with the empirical data from 1 c$m^2$ cell. A fair correspondence is observed.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.231-237
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• 1984

The x-values in the nonstoichiometric chemical formulas $YO_{1.5+x}\;and\;HoO_{1.5+x}$, have been measured in the temperature range from 700$^{\circ}$C to 1000$^{\circ}$C under oxygen pressures from $2{\times}l0^{-1}\;to\;1{\times}10^{-6}$ atm by gravimetric method. The observed x-values increase with increasing temperature and oxygen pressure. The enthalpies of formation of excess oxygen in yttrium oxide and holmium oxide decrease with decreasing oxygen pressure and are all positive values representing an endothermic process. The 1/n values calculated from the slopes of the plots of log x vs. log $P_{O2}$ increase with temperature and are positive values which means the higher oxygen pressure dependence at higher temperature. We have examined the nonstoichiometric defect and conduction mechanism from x-values and thermodynamic data.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.125-130
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• 2013

Purpose: This study was undertaken in order to identify the characteristics of patients diagnosed with occult an hip fracture after hip trauma. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records and radiology reports of all patients who underwent hip skeletal computed tomography (CT) for suspected hip fractures but had normal initial X-rays after hip trauma between August 2006 and January 2012. The variables evaluated included age, gender, body mass index (BMI), accident mechanism, previous fracture, independence, late presentation, ability to bear weight, pain on passive rotation, tenderness of the groin area, diagnosis and treatment. Patients were divided into two groups, with hip fracture (occult hip fracture group) and without hip fracture (no fracture group) to evaluate the characteristics associated with an occult hip fracture. Results: The patients, a total of 139, had a mean age of 58.3 years and included 72 male patients(51.8%). The occult hip fracture group included 43 patients(30.9%). Of those 43, 21 patients(48.8%) had intertrochanteric or trochanteric fractures, 8 patients(18.6%) had femur neck fractures and 14 patients(32.6%) had acetabular fractures. Of the 43, 15 patients(34.9%) needed operative treatment. Age was higher in the occult hip fracture group than it was in the no fracture group($64.4{\pm}19.1$ years vs. $55.5{\pm}23.6$ years, p=0.021). A previous fracture was associated with the presence of a new fracture (p=0.014; OR=3.971, 95% CI=1.314-11.997). Conclusion: Further evaluation of patients who are older or have history of fractures is prudent, even though the initial X-rays are normal.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.166-169
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• 1997

Background: We have noted a high incidence of vasovagal episodes associated with use of interscalene block(ISB) for shoulder arthroscopy in the sitting position. The purpose of this retrospective study is to alert the possibility of potentially dangerous vasovagal events, describe the characteristics of this problem, and propose therapeutic devices. Methods: Results 62 patients who underwent shoulder arthroscopy in the sitting position with ISB were retrospectively analyzed. Group 1, 10 patients experienced vasovagal events characterized by sudden hypotension and bradycardia. Remaining 52 patients, Group 2, did not experience these symptoms. All patient charts were reviewed for age, sex, side of surgery, premedication, preoperative fluid and intraoperative medications. Perioperative hemodynamic changes were also compared between the two groups. Results: Vasovagal events experienced in 16% of patients(10/62) and occurred $39{\pm}18$ min after sitting position and $22{\pm}18$ min after start of operation. Number of patients who receiving anticholinergics for premedication were significantly lower in Group 1 than Group 2(2/10 vs. 28/52, p<0.05). Conclusions: Bezold-parish reflex is a potential mechanism for sudden hypotension and bradycardia which can occur during shoulder arthroscopy in sitting position. Therefore anticholinergic pretreatment and meticulous monitoring during operation are recommended to prevent B-J reflex.