• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.65-70
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• 2010

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are composed of 8-12 carbon atoms, and are found in coconut, cuphea, and palm kernel oil. MCFA were introduced into clinical nutrition in the 1950s for dietary treatment of malabsorption syndromes because of their rapid absorption and solubility. Recently, MCFA have been applied to Gastrointestinal Permeation Enhancement Technology (GIPET), which is one of the most important parts in drug delivery system in therapeutics. Therefore, to accumulate the MCFA in seed oil of rapeseed, much effort has been conducted by classical or molecular breeding. Laurate can be successfully accumulated up to 60 mol% in the seed oil of rapeseed by the expression of bay thioesterase (Uc FatB1) alone or crossed with a line over-expressing the coconut lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAAT) under the control of a napin seed-storage protein promoter. Also, caprylate and caprate were obtained 7 mol% and 29 mol%, respectively, from plants over-expressing of the medium-chain specific thioesterase (Ch FatB2) alone or together with the chain-length-specific condensing enzyme (Ch KASIV). Despite the success of some research in utilizing parallel classical and molecular breeding to produce MCFA, commercially available seed oils have for the most part, not been realized. Recent research in the field of developing MCFA-enriched transgenic plants has established that there is no single rate-limiting step in the production of the target fatty acids. The purpose of this article is to review some of the recent progress in understanding the mechanism and regulation of MCFA production in seed oil of rapeseed.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.159-170
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• 2006

Objective: The purpose of this study is to find out risk factors related to uterine leiomyoma in Korean women and to compare with the results of previous western studies. Methods: A retrospective analysis was carried out. All the cases of uterine leiomyoma (n=244) were diagnosed surgically or sonographically between Jannuary 1998 and December 2004. Total of 269 controls not having uterine leiomyoma were collected from patients who visited Kyungpook national university hospital for routine gynecologic check-up or treatment of their gynecologic or obstetric diseases other than uterine leiomyoma. Data were collected through review of medical records and interviews and analyzed with $x^2$ and logistic regression model. Results: In multivariate analysis, patient's age (OR 1.070; 95% CI 1.041~1.099), number of artificial abortion (OR 1.182; 95% CI 1.018~1.374) and alcohol drinking (OR 1.865; 95% CI 1.231~2.824) had significantly positive correlation with uterine leiomyoma. The duration of lactation was the only factor which had negative correlation (OR 0.985; 95% CI 0.972~0.998). BMI, parity, age at menarche, the duration and interval of menstruation, caffeine consumption and marital status did not show any correlations. Conclusion: In this study, patient's age, number of artificial abortion, and alcohol drinking were the risk factors of uterine leiomyoma in Korean women and the result was similar to that of western studies. Though we couldn't find out the specific risk factors related to the development of uterine leiomyoma in this study, but it has a great meaning to be the first trial in Korean women. The role of information bias should be carefully evaluated and further multicentered, randomized, controlled prospective studies will be needed to know the possible risk factors among Korean women.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.5
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• pp.484-489
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• 2003

Purpose : To understand morphologic and hemodynamic variations in patients with pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum(PA/IVS), and to decide the best treatment modalities, we measured right ventricular volume, inflow, and outflow valvular annulus size in these patients and compared them with those of normal newborns. Methods : Eight patients with PA/IVS diagnosed by echocardiography from January to December 2001 were enrolled in this study. Among the total eight patients, five were male and three were female. The mean age of patients was 6.9 days(1-34 days), and the mean body weight was 3,343 gm (2,970-4,000 gm). Ten fullterm newborn infants with sepsis or hyperbilirubinemia without heart disease were enrolled as a control group. Echocardiographic and Doppler studies using Acuson Aspen (7Mh probe) were recorded on super-VHS videotape and later on, with review mode. We measured volumes of right and left ventricles, aortic, pulmonic, mitral and tricuspid valvular annulus sizes using an installed program, and then these parameters were compared with those of the control group. Results : Mean Z-value of tricuspid valvular annulus in PA/IVS was $-3.69{\pm}2.80$(-8.4--0.45), and tricuspid/mitral valvular annulus size ratio $0.68{\pm}0.15$(0.43--0.84). The more the tricuspid/mitral valvular annulus size ratio, the more Z-value of tricuspid valvular annulus(P=0.003, r=0.885). Those patients who underwent pulmonary valvuloplasty(balloon or surgical) had a tendency toward larger volume of the right ventricle, more Z-value of pulmonic and tricuspid valvular annulus, and more tricuspid/mitral valvular annulus size ratio than those patients who underwent a shunt operation. Conclusion : Compared to a measurement of the volume of the right ventricle, measurements of tricuspid/mitral valvular annulus size ratio and Z-value of tricuspid valvular annulus may be easier and better parameters to decide the treatment method and to predict prognosis in PA/IVS patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.8
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• pp.881-887
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• 2009

Purpose : The survival rate of very low birth weight infant (VLBWI) had increased as a result of advances in neonatal intensive care. We evaluated the changes in outcomes of VLBWI who admitted to the neonatal care unit of Hallym University Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital. Methods : Retrospective review of 339 VLBWI who were born from 1st January 1997 to 31th December 2008 were performed. Outcomes including survival rate, birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA), morbidities, and mortality between period I (1997- 2003) and period II (2004-2008) were compared. Results : Overall incidence of VLBWI was 2.3% and it was significantly higher in period II(3.3%). Mean BW and GA were significantly decreased in period II (P<0.001, P=0.01). The survival rate increased from period I (59.1%) to period II (74.2%). BW-specific survival rate increased in 1,000-1,249 gm and GA-specific survival rate significantly increased in 27-28 weeks and 29-30 weeks. The incidences of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, and necorotizing enterocolitis were same except patent ductus arteriosus. Conclusion : The survival rate of VLBWI was increased in period II, especially in less than 1,000 gm and below 27 weeks. This may be due to recent dramatic improvement of neonatal care. But more efforts are needed to improve outcome during initial phase and to reduce long term complication such as BPD and ROP.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.576-583
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• 2008

Purpose : The identification of specific behaviors conducive to overeating or inactivity is the cornerstone of obesity management. The Committee on Nutrition of the Korean Pediatric Society developed parent and self-reporting questionnaires about eating behavior and physical activity in 2006. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the questionnaires in assessing modifiable lifestyle factors related to obesity. Methods : A retrospective chart review was performed for 177 children (6-11 years old) and 134 adolescents (12-16 years old) from 10 hospitals between May 2006 and January 2007 who had completed parent or self-reporting questionnaires. Cases were divided into normal and overweight groups at or above the age-gender-specific 85th percentile based on 2007 Korean national growth charts. Results : Compared to children, the adolescents tended to have a significantly more sedentary lifestvle and inappropriate dietary behaviors significantly (P<.05). Overweight mothers were significantly associated with overweight children and adolescents (P<.05). Being overweight was significantly associated with a family history of adult diseases for children and adolescents (P<.05). Inappropriate eating behaviors (strong appetite, eating fast, eating until they were full, binge eating, favoring greasy foods) were associated with being overweight in children and adolescents. Sedentary activity such as TV viewing and using a computer were significantly associated with overweight in children and adolescents (P<.05). Conclusion : Intervention to modify obesity-related lifestyle factors is needed before adolescence. These questionnaires are useful in identifying modifiable lifestyle factors and in individual counseling for overweight children and adolescents in pediatric clinics.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.7
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• pp.671-689
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• 2008

The economic recession of North Korea has been prolonged, the need for humanitarian assistance for the women and children of DPRK has been raised. In March 2006, South Korean government signed MOU with World Health Organization (WHO) to financially support "Improving Women's and Children's Health in DPRK (IWCH)" project. The assistance projects through UNICEF and the non-government organizations of South Korea were also followed. IWCH project consists of three parts; nutrition, disease management, children and maternity care. The first term (2006-2007) of the project leading by WHO was finished, and the second term (2008-2010) is just begun. The projects driven by NGOs have relatively been delayed due to difficulties in negotiating on project contents and places with North Korea. Recently, however, re-modeling processes of an obstetric/gynecology hospital and a children hospital in Nampo were started. Up to recently, South Korean government has played only a limited role in the humanitarian assistance for North Korea. IWCH project is, however, a full-scale initiative driven by government based on a systematic review of need and priorities. A significant amount of budget and relatively long term (five year) project compare to the previous short term and small size programs were expected to make more meaningful achievement. Despite these positive aspects, the project remains a list of unsolved problems a lack of mutual trust, a different decision making process between South and North Korea, a lack of conflict management process, and unpredictability and complexity of international politics. In spite of such kind of political uncertainty, the health care sector will be a leading area in the process of improving relationship between South and North Korea, particularly, humanitarian assistance for women and children will play a crucial role in the process. The successful implementation of IWCH project, therefore, will contribute to provide the reference model in developing the mutually constructive relationship between South and North

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.276-284
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• 2008

A computed tomography (CT) is a powerful system for the effectively fast and accurate diagnosis. The CT system, therefore, has used substantially and developed for improving the performance over the past decade, resulting in growing concerns over the radiation dose from the CT. Advanced CT techniques, such as a multidetector row CT scanner and dual energy or dual source CT, have led to new clinical applications that could result in further increases of radiation does for both patients and workers. The objective of this study was to review the international guidelines of the shielding requirements for a CT facility required for a new installation or when modifying an existing one. We used Google Search Engine to search the following keywords: computed tomography, CT regulation or shield or protection, dual energy or dual source CT, multidetector CT, CT radiation protection, and regulatory or legislation or regulation CT. In addition, we searched some special websites, that were provided for sources of radiation protection, shielding, and regulation, RSNA, AAPM, FDA, NIH, RCR, ICRP, IRPA, ICRP, IAEA, WHO (See in Table 1 for full explanations of the abbreviations). We finally summarized results of the investigated materials for each country. The shielding requirement of the CT room design was very well documented in the countries of Canada, United States of America, and United Kingdom. The wall thickness of the CT room could be obtained by the iso-exposure contour or the point source method. Most of documents provided by international organizations were explained in importance of radiation reduction in patients and workers. However, there were no directly-related documents of shielding and patient exposure dose for the dual energy CT system. Based international guidelines, the guideline of the CT room shielding and radiation reduction in patients and workers should be specified for all kinds of CT systems, included in the dual energy CT. We proposed some possible strategies in this paper.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.75-80
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• 2015

Purpose: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a serious threat in critically ill pediatric patients. Data regarding Stenotrophomonas maltophilia VAP in pediatric population is limited. We evaluated the clinical data of S. maltophilia associated VAP in critically ill pediatric patients. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed in pediatric patients 18 years old or younger who developed S. maltophilia associated VAP at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul Korea from January 2008 to December 2012. Results: A total of 31 patients were identified S. maltophilia associated VAP. Median age was 8 months (range, 0.5 month to 16.6 years) and 13 patients were male (40.6%). Underlying illnesses were cardiologic diseases (n=11, 34.4%), hematologic oncologic malignancies (n=7, 25%), neurologic diseases (n=4, 12.5%), pulmonary diseases (n=3, 9.4%), and others (n=4, 12.5%). The median duration of ventilator use before S. maltophilia VAP diagnosis was 14 days (range, 4-256 days). Overall mortality at 30 days was 12.5% (4/32). Conclusions: S. maltophilia should be also considered as a possible pathogen for VAP in critically ill pediatric patients. Empiric antibiotic choice should include agents that are active against S. maltophilia in patients who are deteriorating on broad spectrum beta-lactam antimicrobial agents.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.219-223
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• 1990

This is a retrospective review of 33 patients with large cell lung carcinoma treated at Yonsei University Cancer Center between Jan.1985 and Dec.1989. Of the thirty-three patients, twenty eight were men and five women. Median age was 59 years. Large cell undifferentiated carcinoma was the most common pathologic type, $78.8\%$. Twenty one of thirty three patients had far advanced diseases, stage IIIB-IV at the time of initial diagnosis. Pleural effusion was initially presented in 12 patients, and SVC syndrome appeared in 5 patients. As to location of the primary tumor,19($57.6\%$) appeared in the right lung and 14 ($42.4\%$) in the left. Patients with a centrally located primary tumor mass were nearly the same as those peripherally located (17 vs.16). Fifteen of thirty three patients developed metastasis involving not only bone, brain, the opposite lung, adrenal gland but also soft tissue, skin, pancreas and appendix. Treatment was individualized with 19 treated radically and 14 palliatively. After treatment, only two patients showed a complete response. Long term survival was observed in 4 patients: 1 (24 mo.),2 (41 mo.) and 1 (54 mo.). The overall 2 year survival rate was $14.3\%$ while the median survival time was 6.0 months. Through the analysis of the various factors affecting survival, we observed that pleural effusion-absent group and complete response group had a statistical significant better survival rate (p<0.01).

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.5 s.262
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• pp.387-393
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• 2006

Background: Esophageal perforation is an uncommon problem, but it is associated with high mortality. We performed a retrospective review of patients with instrumental esophageal perforation to assess the outcome of current management techniques. Material and Method: We retrospectively analyzed all cases of instrumental esophageal perforation diagnosed at our hospital from January 1999 through to March 2005. The study group consisted of 12 patients (8 women and 4 men) with a mean age of 48.8 years (range, $21{\sim}83$ years). We reviewed the effects of the surgical or medical treatments in various conditions of patients, such as of various sites of perforation and time delayed after injury. Result: Perforations were due to diagnostic endoscopy (50.0%, 6/12), esophageal bougination for benign stricture (33.3%, 4/12), endoscopic port insertion (8.3%, 1/12), and tracheal intubation (8.3%, 1/12). The perforated sites were thoracic in 7 patients and cervical in 5. The treatment included resection and reconstruction (5 cases), incision and drainage (4 cases), medical treatment (2 cases), and closed thoracostomy drainage only (1 case). Post-operative complications of transient pneumonia and wound infection were developed in 1 patient respectively. Both occurred in two patients with diffuse mediastinal abscess formation. The overall mortality was 8.3% (1/12) in one old patient who was managed medically for cervical esophageal perforation. Conclusion: We concluded that surgical treatment for esophageal perforations was safe and effective whether diagnosed early or lately.