• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제58권1호
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• pp.15-19
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• 2015

Purpose: Soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) is a truncated extracellular form of the membrane transferrin receptor produced by proteolysis. Concentrations of serum sTfR are related to iron status and erythropoiesis in the body. We investigated whether serum sTfR levels can aid in diagnosis and treatment of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in children. Methods: Ninety-eight patients with IDA were enrolled and were classified according to age at diagnosis. Group 1 comprised 78 children, aged 6-59 months, and group 2 comprised 20 adolescents, aged 12-16 years. Results: In group 1, patients' serum sTfR levels correlated negatively with mean corpuscular volume; hemoglobin (Hb), ferritin, and serum iron levels; and transferrin saturation and positively with total iron binding capacity (TIBC) and red cell distribution width. In group 2, patients' serum sTfR levels did not correlate with ferritin levels and TIBC, but had a significant relationship with other iron indices. Hb and serum sTfR levels had a significant inverse relationship in both groups; however, in group 1, there was no correlation between Hb and serum ferritin levels. In 30 patients of group 1, serum sTfR levels were significantly decreased with an increase in Hb levels after iron supplementation for 1 month. Conclusion: Serum sTfR levels significantly correlated with other diagnostic iron parameters of IDA and inversely correlated with an increase in Hb levels following iron supplementation. Therefore, serum sTfR levels can be a useful marker for the diagnosis and treatment of IDA in children.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.137-142
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• 2018

This study aimed to evaluate and verify a process for correcting the extended source-to-imager distance (SID) in portal dosimetry (PD). In this study, eight treatment plans (four volumetric modulated arc therapy and four intensity-modulated radiation therapy plans) at different treatment sites and beam energies were selected for measurement. A Varian PD system with portal dose image prediction (PDIP) was used for the measurement and verification. To verify the integrity of the plan, independent measurements were performed with the MapCHECK device. The predicted and measured fluence were evaluated using the gamma passing rate. The output ratio was defined as the ratio of the absolute dose of the reference SID (100 cm) to that of each SID (120 cm or 140 cm). The measured fluence for each SID was absolutely and relatively compared. The average SID output ratios were 0.687 and 0.518 for 120 SID and 140 SID, respectively; the ratio showed less than 1% agreement with the calculation obtained by using the inverse square law. The resolution of the acquired EPIDs were 0.336, 0.280, and 0.240 for 100, 120, and 140 SID, respectively. The gamma passing rates with PD and MapCHECK exceeded 98% for all treatment plans and SIDs. When autoalignment was performed in PD, the X-offset showed no change, and the Y-offset decreased with increasing SID. The PD-generated PDIP can be used for extended SID without additional correction.

• BMB Reports
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• 제52권3호
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• pp.214-219
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• 2019

The role of tumor-proximal factors in tumor plasticity during chemoresistance and metastasis following chemotherapy is well studied. However, the role of endothelial cell (EC) derived paracrine factors in tumor plasticity, their effect on chemotherapeutic outcome, and the mechanism by which these paracrine factors modulate the tumor microenvironment are not well understood. In this study, we report a novel mechanism by which endothelial miR-125a and let-7e-mediated regulation of interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling can manipulate vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. We found that endothelial IL-6 levels were significantly higher in response to cisplatin treatment, whereas levels of IL-6 upon cisplatin exposure remained unchanged in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells. We additionally found an inverse correlation between IL-6 and miR-125a/let-7e expression levels in cisplatin treated ECs. Interestingly, IL-6, IL-6 receptor (IL-6R), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) genes in the IL-6 pathway are closely regulated by miR-125a and let-7e, which directly target its 3' untranslated region. Functional analyses revealed that endothelial miR-125a and let-7e inhibit IL-6-induced adhesion of monocytes to ECs. Furthermore, conditioned medium from cisplatin treated ECs induced a significantly higher formation of VM in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells as compared to that from intact ECs; this effect of cisplatin treatment was abrogated by concurrent overexpression of miR-125a and let-7e. Overall, this study reveals a novel EC-tumor cell crosstalk mediated by the endothelial miR-125a/let-7e-IL-6 signaling axis, which might improve chemosensitivity and provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.110-122
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Due to limited real-world evidence on the association between time to presentation (T2P) and outcomes following acute myocardial infarction and diabetes (AMI-DM), we investigated the characteristics of patients with AMI-DM and their outcomes based on their T2P. Methods: 4,455 patients with AMI-DM from a Korean nationwide observational cohort (2011-2015) were divided into early and late presenters according to symptom-to-door time. The effects of T2P on three-year all-cause mortality were estimated using inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and survival analysis. Results: The incidence of all-cause mortality was consistently higher in late presenters than in early presenters (11.4 vs. 17.2%; p < 0.001). In the IPTW-adjusted dataset, the incidence of all-cause mortality was numerically higher in late presenters than in early presenters (9.1 vs. 12.4%; p = 0.072). In the survival analysis, the cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality was significantly higher in late presenters than in early presenters before and after IPTW. In the subgroup with ST-elevation myocardial infarction, late presenters had a higher incidence of cardiac death than early presenters before (4.8 vs. 10.5%; p < 0.001) and after IPTW (4.2 vs. 9.7%; p = 0.034). In the initial glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)-stratified analysis, these effects were attenuated in patients with HbA1c ≥ 9.0% before (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 1.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.80-2.64) and after IPTW (adjusted HR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.40-1.67). Conclusions: Late presentation was associated with higher mortality in patients with AMI-DM; therefore, multifaceted and systematic interventions are needed to decrease pre-hospital delays.

• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제24권3호
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• pp.154-161
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• 2013

본 연구는 총 10명의 전립선 암 환자를 대상으로 세기조절방사선치료(IMRT), 균일스캐닝양성자치료(USPT), 그리고 세기조절양성자치료(IMPT)기술을 이용한 치료계획의 결과를 비교, 평가 하였다. 각 치료 계획은 타깃 체적의 95%에 70 Gy가 28회 분할 조사되도록 하였으며 세기조절방사선치료(IMRT)에서는 step-and-shoot 기법을 이용하여 총 7개의 빔을 사용하여 방사선을 조사하였고, 균일세기양성자치료(USPT)와 세기조절양성자치료(IMPT)에서는 동일한 방사선 가중치의 측방향대향조사면(lateral opposing field)를 사용하여 타깃에 처방선량이 전달되도록 하였다. 한편, 세기조절양성자치료(IMPT)의 최적화를 위해 IMRT치료와 유사한 Inverse planning을 수행하였다. 결과 비교를 위해 타깃의 균질성지수(homogeneity index) 및 동형지수(conformity index)와 정상조직의 정상조직합병증확률(NTCP)을 계산하였다. 비록 치료기법간에 균질성지수(homogeneity index), 동형지수(conformity index)차이가 크지 않았지만, 직장의 경우 각 세기조절방사선치료(IMRT), 균일스캐닝 양성자치료(USPT) 및 세기조절양성자치료(IMPT)에서 2.233, 3.326 및 1.707로 계산되었다. 또한 방광의 정상조직합병증확률(NTCP)는 0.008, 0.003, 및 0.002를 나타내었다. 직장과 방광의 NTCP 값이 IMPT을 사용할 때 유의하게 낮은 값을 보이는 것을 확인하였다. 본 연구를 통해 전립선 암의 방사선 치료 시 세기조절방사선치료(IMRT)보다 양성자를 이용한 방사선 치료, 특히 최적화된 세기조절양성자치료(IMPT)가 치료 효과를 높일 수 있는 치료계획이 될 수 있음을 확인할 수 있었다.

• 보존과학회지
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.29-37
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• 2012

이 연구는 매장상태에서 출토되는 금동유물의 표면색이 고유한 금색 이외에 붉은 계열의 색들과 교반되어 나타나는 원인을 규명하고자 수은아말감도금법을 재현해 보고 완성품에 대하여 열처리 조건을 변화시켜 도금층의 표면색과 표면 및 단면의 상태변화를 알아보고자 하였다. 그 결과 높은 열처리 실험조건 일수록 도금층에 검은 산화물층이 넓게 생성되었으며, 산화물층을 제거한 부분에서는 붉은색의 도금 표면색이 표출되었다. 또한 표면이 노란색과 붉은색으로 교반된 시료의 미세 표면관찰에서는 색상에 따라 표면상태의 변화양상이 다르게 나타났으며 단면에서는 도금층 공극의 밀도와 크기가 점차 커지는 것으로 밝혀졌다. 열처리 실험 후 표면성분분석 결과 온도가 올라갈수록 Hg와 Au의 비율은 감소하였으나 Cu의 성분비는 증가하였다. 또한 단면분석 결과에서도 실험조건에 따른 층위별 Au와 Cu의 성분변화가 반비례하는 경향을 보였다. 이러한 실험결과들을 볼 때 아말감을 이용한 금동유물은 생산과정이나 생산 이후에 열이 도금층의 표면색에 영향을 미치는 것을 의미하며 도금층 상태에도 관계된다는 것을 확인할 수 있었다.

• 한국재료학회지
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• 제14권1호
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• pp.41-45
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• 2004

P-type $Bi_{0.5}$$Sb_{1.5}$ $Te_3$ thin films were deposited by the flash evaporation technique, and their thermoelectric properties and electronic transport parameters were investigated. The effective mean free path model was adopted to examine the thickness effect on the thermoelectric properties. Annealing effects on the carrier concentration and mobility were also studied, and their variations were analyzed in conjunction with the antisite defects. Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity versus inverse thickness showed a linear relationship, and the effective mean free path was found to be 3150$\AA$. No phase transformation and composition change were observed after annealing treatment, but carrier mobility increased due to grain growth. Carrier concentration decreased considerably due to reduction of the antisite defects, so that electrical conductivity decreased and Seebeck coefficient increased. When annealed at 473 K for 1 hr, Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity were $160\mu$V/K and 610 $W^{-1}$ $cm^{ -1}$, respectively. Therefore, the thermoelectric quality factor were also enhanced to be $16\mu$W/cm $K^2$.>.

• 세라미스트
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• 제10권3호
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• pp.28-33
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• 2007

The structural and optical properties of Ni-doped transparent glass-ceramics are reviewed. The quantum efficiencies of ceramics were examined to explore suitable crystalline phase for Ni-doping in glass-ceramics. Inverse spinel $LiGa_5O_8$ have the quantum efficiency of almost 100 % at room temperature. Transparent glass ceramics containing $LiGa_5O_8$ was successfully synthesized by heat treatment of $Li_2O-Ga_2-O_3-SiO_2-NiO$ glass. Most of $Ni^{2+}$ ions in glass-ceramic were incorporated into $LiGa_5O_8$ nanocrystals. The near-infrared emission covering from the O-band to L-band (1260-1625 nm) was observed from the Ni-doped $Li_2O-Ga_2O_3-SiO_2$ glass-ceramic though it was not observed from the as-cast glass. The lifetime of the emission was about $580\;{\mu}sec$ even at 300K. The emission quantum efficiency was evaluated as about 10 % that is enough high for practical usage as gain media of optical fiber amplifiers. The figure of merit (the product of the stimulated emission cross section and lifetime) was as high as that of rare-earth-doped glasses. The broad bandwidth, high quantum efficiency and high figure of merit show that transparent glass-ceramics containing $Ni^{2+}:LiGa_5O_8$ nanocrystals are promising candidates as novel ultra-broadband gain media.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권6호
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• pp.2973-2978
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• 2012

Background: Cancer stem cells (CSC) have been described in a variety of malignancies, including breast carcinomas. Among several markers, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 (ALDH1) has been identified as reliable for breast cancer stem cells. Knockdown of BRCA1 in primary breast epithelial cells leads to an increase in cells expressing ALDH1. Methods: We examined 127 breast carcinomas for expression of ALDH1, using immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological parameters as well as the BRAC1 status. Results: Comparing the results for both ALDH1 and BRCA1 expression showed a significant inverse association between the two, indicating that reduced BRCA1 was more often seen in breast cancer cells expressing ALDH1 (p-value = 0.044). A total of 24/110 (22%) of tumours displayed the ALDH1 + / BRCA1 -/low phenotype, which showed a trend for a relation with a high grade (p-value= 0.056). Cytoplasmic expression of ALDH1 was not correlated with tumour characteristics. Conclusion: Taken together, our findings suggest that increased ALDH1 is inversely correlated with decreased BRCA1 in a series of unselected breast carcinomas. Therefore, ALDH1 positive (cancer stem) cells with reduced BRCA1 phenotype may indicate a subset of patients for whom specific targeting of the CSC marker ALDH1 and more aggressive adjuvant treatment is appropriate.

• 대한화장품학회:학술대회논문집
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• 대한화장품학회 2003년도 IFSCC Conference Proceeding Book I
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• pp.570-577
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• 2003

The importance of cornified envelope (CE)-bound lipids to epidermal barrier function is increasingly being recognized. In the present study, we intentionally damaged the cornified layer of hairless mice by ultraviolet irradiation and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) treatment, and assessed the changes in epidermal barrier function by measuring Trans Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL). We also measured changes in the amount of CE-bound lipids using thin layer chromatography (TLC). The results showed that both treatments increased TEWL and decreased CE-bound lipids (omega-hydroxy cerami de and omega-hydroxy acid). In addition, investigation of the chronological changes in TEWL revealed an inverse relationship between TEWL and CE-bound lipids, and a correlation between CE-bound lipids and epidermal barrier function. We then measured the amount of CE-bound lipids in the cheek and the medial side of the upper arm in humans. The results showed that because the cheek receives external stimulation on a daily basis, the amount of CE-bound lipids was significantly lower, while the level of TEWL was higher. These observations, together with those from the animal study, indicate that CE-bound lipids are related to epidermal barrier function.