• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1233-1239
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• 2014

Background: The incidence of brain metastases (BM) varies in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), calls into question the value of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI). It is possible that clinicopathologic characteristics are associated with the development of BM, but these have yet to be identified in detail. Thus, we conducted the present meta-analysis on risk factors for BM and the value of PCI in patients with NSCLC. Methods: Eligible data were extracted and the risk factors for BM and the value of PCI in patients with NSCLC were analyzed by calculating the pooled odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity was detected using Q and I-squared statistics, and publication bias was tested by funnel plots and Egger's test. Results: Six randomized controlled trials with a focus on the value of PCI and 13 eligible studies with a focus on risk factors for BM were included. PCI significantly reduced the incidence of BM in patients with NSCLC (p=0.000, pooled OR=0.34, 95% confidence interval = 0.37-0.59). Compared with non-squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma was associated with a low incidence of BM in patients with NSCLC (p=0.000, pooled OR=0.47, 95% confidence interval =0.34-0.65). The funnel plot and Egger's test suggested that there was no publication bias in the current meta-analysis. Conclusions: This meta-analysis provides statistical evidence that compared with non-squamous cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can be used as a predictor for BM in patients with NSCLC, and PCI might reduce the incidence of BM in patients with NSCLC, but does not provide a survival benefit.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.193-205
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• 1994

In order to understand fine structural and histochemical changes in the cyst cell and he interstitial cell in the testis of the spottybelly greenling Hexagrammos agrammus associated with the reproductive cycle from January to December, 1992, there cells were studied by electron microscopy and light microscopy. The cyst cells in the mature testis show a weak affinity to haematoxylin. while they become larger in size. At this time, these cells appear to be more functional than those on the growing stage because several mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, glycogen particles and a few lipid droplets appear in the cytoplasm of the cyst cell. It appears, therefore, that the cyst cell of this species has vital functions for nutrition, secretion and steroidogenesis. Well-developed interstitial cells contain large rod-shape or spherical mitochondria with tubular cristae and the large quantities of smooth endoplasmic recticulum and electron-dense materials in the vesicle at the mature and spawning stage. The interstitial cells of this species show characteristics of steroid interstitial cells having a vesicular nucleus, mitochondria with tubular cristae, and smooth endoplasmic reticulum. However, these interstitial cells of teleost give negative histochemical reactions for Sudan black B.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.83-107
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• 2014

This study presents spatial characteristics of cloud using satellite image in the extreme heavy snowfall of the Yeongdong region. 3 extreme heavy snowfall events in the Yeongdong region during the recent 12 years (2001 ~ 2012) are selected for which the fresh snow cover exceed 50 cm/day. Spatial characteristics (minimum brightness temperature; Tmin, cloud size, center of cloud-cell) of cloud are analyzed by tracking main cloud-cell related with these events. These characteristics are compared with radar precipitation in the Yeongdong region to investigate relationship between cloud and precipitation. The results are summarized as follows, selected extreme heavy snowfall events are associated with the isolated, well-developed, and small-scale convective cloud which is developing over the Yeongdong region or moving from over East Korea Bay to the Yeongdong region. During the period of main precipitation, cloud-cell Tmin is low ($-40{\sim}-50^{\circ}C$) and cloud area is small (17,000 ~ 40,000 $km^2$). Precipitation area (${\geq}$ 0.5 mm/hr) from radar also shows small and isolated shape (4,000 ~ 8,000 $km^2$). The locations of the cloud and precipitation are similar, but in there centers are located closely to the coast of the Yeongdong region. In all events the extreme heavy snowfall occur in the period a developed cloud-cell was moving into the coastal waters of the Yeongdong. However, it was found that developing stage of cloud and precipitation are not well matched each other in one of 3 events. Water vapor image shows that cloud-cell is developed on the northern edge of the dry(dark) region. Therefore, at the result analyzed from cloud and precipitation, selected extreme heavy snowfall events are associated with small-scale secondary cyclone or vortex, not explosive polar low. Detection and tracking small-scale cloud-cell in the real-time forecasting of the Yeongdong extreme heavy snowfall is important.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.143-151
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• 2010

Pluripotency of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) is one of the most valuable ability of hESCs for applying cell therapy field, but also showing side effect, for example teratoma formation. When transplant multipotent stem cell, such as mesnchymal stem cell (MSC) which retains similar differentiation ability, they do not form teratoma in vivo, but there exist limitation of cellular source supply. Accordingly, differentiation of hESC into MSC will be promising cellular source with strong points of both hESC and MSC line. In this study, we described the derivation of MSC like cell population from feeder free cultured hESC (hESC-MSC) using direct differentiation system. Cells population, hESC-MSC and bone marrow derived MSC (BM-MSC) retained similar characteristics in vitro, such as morphology, MSC specific marker expression and differentiation capacity. At the point of differentiation of both cell populations, differentiation rate was slower in hESC-MSC than BM-MSC. As these reason, to verify differentially expressed molecular condition of both cell population which bring out different differentiation rate, we compare the molecular condition of hESC-MSC and BM-MSC using 2-D proteomic analysis tool. In the proteomic analysis, we identified 49 differentially expressed proteins in hESC-MSC and BM-MSC, and they involved in different biological process such as positive regulation of molecular function, biological process, cellular metabolic process, nitrogen compound metabolic process, macromolecule metabolic process, metabolic process, molecular function, and positive regulation of molecular function and regulation of ubiquitin protein ligase activity during mitotic cell cycle, cellular response to stress, and RNA localization. As the related function of differentially expressed proteins, we sought to these proteins were key regulators which contribute to their differentiation rate, developmental process and cell proliferation. Our results suggest that the expressions of these proteins between the hESC-MSC and BM-MSC, could give to us further evidence for hESC differentiation into the mesenchymal stem cell is associated with a differentiation factor. As the initial step to understand fundamental difference of hESC-MSC and BM-MSC, we sought to investigate different protein expression profile. And the grafting of hESC differentiation into MSC and their comparative proteomic analysis will be positively contribute to cell therapy without cellular source limitation, also with exact background of their molecular condition.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4539-4543
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• 2013

Background: Transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) is the most predominant type of urinary bladder tumor. As cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is recently introduced as an attractive target molecule in bladder TCC, we evaluated the immunohistochemical expression of this marker and its association with several clinicopathological characteristics. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in the Pathology department of Sina Hospital in Tehran, Iran during 2006-2011. Ninety-two paraffin embedded blocks were selected from patients with urinary bladder TCC who underwent cystectomy or transurethral resection (TUR). Then, we assessed COX-2 expression by immunohistochemical staining using antibody against COX-2. Staining in more than 5% of tumor cells was considered as positive expression. Results: COX-2 was expressed in 50 % of our patients. This marker was markedly expressed in high grade bladder TCC (62.1%) versus other grades and there was statistically a significant difference in COX-2 expression between various grades (p=0.008). In addition, patients' age, lymphatic and perineurial invasion were associated with the expression of COX-2 (p=0.001, 0.015 and 0.039, respectively). However, other parameters such as stage, tumor size, venous invasion and lymph node metastasis did not show any significant relationship with this marker (all, p>0.05). Conclusions: COX-2 was expressed in urinary bladder TCC especially in high grade forms, advocating its probable role in the differentiation of this tumor. Accordingly, COX-2 could be a valuable biological target molecule in the evaluation and treatment of patients with bladder TCC.

• Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.2-9
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• 2019

Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) maintain distinct capacities with respect to self-renewal, differentiation ability and immunomodulatory function, they have been highly considered as the therapeutic agents for cell-based clinical application. Of particular, differentiation condition alters characteristics of MSCs, including cellular morphology, expression of gene/protein and cell surface molecule, immunological property and apoptosis. However, the previous results for differentiation-related apoptosis in MSCs have still remained controversial due to varied outcomes. Therefore, the present study aimed to disclose periodical alterations of pro- and anti-apoptosis in MSCs under differentiation inductions. The human dental pulp-derived MSCs (DP-MSCs) were differentiated into adipocytes and osteoblasts during early (1 week), middle (2 weeks) and late (3 weeks) stages, and were investigated on their apoptosis-related changes by Annexin V assay, qRT-PCR and western blotting. The ratio of apoptotic cell population was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated during the early to middle stages of differentiations but recovered up to the similar level of undifferentiated state at the late stage of differentiation. In the expression of mRNA and protein, whereas expressions of pro-apoptosis-related makers (BAX and BAK) were not altered in any kind and duration of differentiation inductions, anti-apoptosis marker (BCL2) was significantly (p < 0.05) elevated even at the early stage of differentiations. The recovery of apoptotic cell population at the late stage of differentiation is expected to be associated with the response by elevation of anti-apoptotic molecules. The present study may contribute on understanding for cellular mechanism in differentiation of MSCs and provide background data in clinical application of MSCs in the animal biotechnology to develop effective and safe therapeutic strategy.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2012

Background: Peripheral neuropathy is the most frequent neurological complication in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, related with diverse etiologies including inflammation, opportunistic infection and side effects of medications. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate characteristics of HIV associated neuropathy according to the stage of HIV infection. Methods: In reviewing the medical records of HIV patients who underwent electrodiagnostic studies between 1997 and 2011, total 11 patients (all males; median age, 47 years; range, 28-71 years) with comorbid neuropathy were enrolled. Stage of HIV infection was categorized according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria. Classification of peripheral neuropathy was based on clinical and electrophysiological features. Results: Distal symmetric polyneuropathy was observed in 8 patients (72.7%), inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy in 2 patients (18.1%), and polyradiculopathy in 1 patient (9.1%). Median CD4+ T cell count was $123/mm^3$ (range, $8-540/mm^3$) and 7 patients (60%) had the most advanced HIV disease stage (CDC-C3). There was no neuropathy caused by CMV infection. Conclusions: Distal symmetric polyneuropathy was the most common type of neuropathy in HIV infection, but various forms of neuropathy such as inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and polyradiculopathy were also present. HIV associated neuropathy is more frequently associated with advancing immunosuppression, although it can occur in all stages of HIV infection.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.351-359
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• 2024

Background: Major pulmonary resection after neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiation therapy (nCCRT) is associated with a substantial risk of postoperative complications. This study investigated postoperative complications and associated risk factors to facilitate the selection of suitable surgical candidates following nCCRT in stage IIIA-N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with clinical stage IIIA-N2 NSCLC who underwent surgical resection following nCCRT between 1997 and 2013. Perioperative characteristics and clinical factors associated with morbidity and mortality were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: A total of 574 patients underwent major lung resection after induction CCRT. Thirty-day and 90-day postoperative mortality occurred in 8 patients (1.4%) and 41 patients (7.1%), respectively. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (n=6, 4.5%) was the primary cause of in-hospital mortality. Morbidity occurred in 199 patients (34.7%). Multivariable analysis identified significant predictors of morbidity, including patient age exceeding 70 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.8; p=0.04), low body mass index (OR, 2.6; p=0.02), and pneumonectomy (OR, 1.8; p=0.03). Patient age over 70 years (OR, 1.8; p=0.02) and pneumonectomy (OR, 3.26; p<0.01) were independent predictors of mortality in the multivariable analysis. Conclusion: In conclusion, the surgical outcomes following nCCRT are less favorable for individuals aged over 70 years or those undergoing pneumonectomy. Special attention is warranted for these patients due to their heightened risks of respiratory complications. In high-risk patients, such as elderly patients with decreased lung function, alternative treatment options like definitive CCRT should be considered instead of surgical resection.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.5675-5680
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• 2013

Background: Preexisting type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) affects the prognosis and mortality of patients with some cancers. Insulin like growth factor (IGF) and insulin receptor (IR) signaling axes play important roles in both cancer and diabetes development. We aimed to explore the expression characteristics of proteins in IGF/IR axis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cases with preexisting T2DM. Methods: Fifty-five NSCLC patients with preexisting T2DM were retrospectively included and matched by 55 NSCLC without diabetes at a 1:1 ratio. The expression of proteins in IGF/IR axis was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Clinicopathological data were collected to analyze their relationship with the protein expression. Results: Both IGF 1 receptor (IGF-1R) and insulin receptor substrate 2 (IRS-2) showed higher expression in the NSCLC with T2DM group, compared with those without T2DM. The high expression of IGF-1R and IRS-2 were found to be negatively associated with lymph node metastases and T staging in the T2DM group, respectively, and IRS-2 expression was also found more in the subgroup whose T2DM duration was more than 4 years. No difference was detected in the expression of IRS-1, IGF-1, IGF-2, IGFBP3, IR and mTOR between groups with or without T2DM. Conclusion: Our study found higher expression of IGF-1R and IRS-2 proteins in NSCLC patients with preexisting T2DM, and that there was an association with early stage NSCLC, which suggested that IGF signaling may play an important early event in development of NSCLC associated with diabetes.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.295-302
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• 2013

Some of the pituitary adenomas are invasive and spread into neighboring tissues. In previous studies, the invasion of pituitary adenomas is thought to be associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition to that, we thought that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) exist in relevant microenvironment in pituitary adenoma. However, it has been little known about the existence of MSCs from pituitary adenoma. So we investigated whether mesenchymal stem-like cells (MSLCs) can be isolated from the pituitary adenoma specimen. We isolated and cultured candidate MSLCs from the fresh pituitary adenoma specimen with the same protocols used in culturing bone marrow derived MSCs (BM-MSCs). The cultured candidate MSLCs were analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) for surface markers associated with MSCs. Candidate MSLCs were exposed to mesenchymal differentiation conditions to determine the mesenchymal differentiation potential of these cells. To evaluate the tumorigenesis of candidate MSLCs from pituitary adenoma, we implanted these cells into the brain of athymic nude mice. We isolated cells resembling BM-MSCs named pituitary adenoma stroma mesenchymal stem-like cells (PAS-MSLCs). PAS-MSLCs were spindle shaped and had adherent characteristics. FACS analysis identified that the PAS-MSLCs had a bit similar surface markers to BM-MSCs. Isolated cells expressed surface antigen, positive for CD105, CD75, and negative for CD45, NG2, and CD90. We found that these cells were capable of differentiation into adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes. Tumor was not developed in the nude mice brains that were implanted with the PAS-MSLCs. In this study, we showed that MSLCs can be isolated from a pituitary adenoma specimen which is not tumorigenic.