γδ T cells are a rare and unique prototype of T cells that share properties with natural killer cells in secondary lymphoid organs. Although many studies have revealed the function and importance of adult-derived γδ T cells in cancer biology and regenerative medicine, the low numbers of these cells hamper their application as therapeutic cell sources in the clinic. To solve this problem, pluripotent stem cell-derived γδ T cells are considered alternative cell sources; however, few studies have reported the generation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived γδ T cells. In the present study, we investigated whether lymphoid lineage γδ T cells were successfully generated from human pluripotent stem cells via hemogenic endothelium under defined culture conditions. Our results revealed that pluripotent stem cells successfully generated γδ T cells with an overall increase in transcriptional activity of lymphoid lineage genes and cytolytic factors, indicating the importance of the optimization of culture conditions in generating lymphoid lineage γδ T cells. We uncovered an initial step in differentiating γδ T cells that could be applied to basic and translational investigations in the field of cancer biology. Based on our result, we will develop an appropriate method to purify γδ T cells with functionality and it helpful for the study of basic mechanism of γδ T cells in pathophysiologic condition as well as clinic application.

Firefighters are facing occupational hazards such as exposures to a variety of carcinogens and toxic agents, heat, physical stress and psychological stress. This occupation involves an increased risk of particular health concerns including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and reproductive hazards. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of lifetime mortality among the firefighters as well as the principal cause of on-duty deaths. In spite of "healthy worker effect", a number of studies have found an increased risk of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in firefighters. There are various carcinogens in the fire smoke. Many studies address that some types of cancers are related to firefighting. These cancers include brain tumors, cancers of hematopoietic and lymphatic systems, cancers of genitourinary tract, and skin cancers. To date, the relationship between firefighting and reproductive hazards has not been widely studied. However, since firefighters are exposed to various chemical and physical hazards which might influence the reproductive systems, the concerns are raising. It is important to recognize that firefighters are at a risk of several significant health problems. To reduce the risk, it should be encouraged to use protective equipments efficiently and manage physically exerted firefighters appropriately at the fire scene. Furthermore, we should activate not only screening programs to detect health risk factors, but also medical programs to help firefighters maintain a good physical fitness.
Brain Neoplasms ; Carcinogens ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Firefighters ; Fires ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Lymphatic System ; Mass Screening ; Occupations ; Risk Factors ; Skin Neoplasms ; Smoke ; Stress, Psychological

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the vertical position of maxillary first molar and vertical skeletal measurements in lateral cephalograms by using new linear measurements on the vertical axis of coordinates with calibration. Methods: The vertical position of maxillary first molar (U6-SN), and the conventionally used variables (ConV) and the newly derived linear variables (NwLin) for vertical skeletal patterns were measured in the lateral cephalograms of 103 Korean adults with normal occlusions. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were performed with and without calibration using the anterior and posterior cranial base (ACB and PCB, respectively) lengths to identify variables related to U6-SN. Results: The PCB-calibrated statistics showed the best power of explanation. ConV indicating skeletal hyperdivergency was significantly correlated with U6-SN.Six NwLin regarding the position of palatal plane were positively correlated with U6-SN. Each multiple linear regression analysis generated a two-variable model: sella and nasion to palatal plane. Among the three models, the PCBcalibrated model yielded highest adjusted R2 value, 0.880. Conclusions U6-SN could be determined by the vertical position of the maxilla, which could then be used to plan the amount of molar intrusion and estimate its clinical stability. Cephalometric calibration on the vertical axis of coordinates by using PCB for vertical linear measurements could strengthen the analysis itself.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the vertical position of maxillary first molar and vertical skeletal measurements in lateral cephalograms by using new linear measurements on the vertical axis of coordinates with calibration. Methods: The vertical position of maxillary first molar (U6-SN), and the conventionally used variables (ConV) and the newly derived linear variables (NwLin) for vertical skeletal patterns were measured in the lateral cephalograms of 103 Korean adults with normal occlusions. Pearson correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were performed with and without calibration using the anterior and posterior cranial base (ACB and PCB, respectively) lengths to identify variables related to U6-SN. Results: The PCB-calibrated statistics showed the best power of explanation. ConV indicating skeletal hyperdivergency was significantly correlated with U6-SN.Six NwLin regarding the position of palatal plane were positively correlated with U6-SN. Each multiple linear regression analysis generated a two-variable model: sella and nasion to palatal plane. Among the three models, the PCBcalibrated model yielded highest adjusted R2 value, 0.880. Conclusions U6-SN could be determined by the vertical position of the maxilla, which could then be used to plan the amount of molar intrusion and estimate its clinical stability. Cephalometric calibration on the vertical axis of coordinates by using PCB for vertical linear measurements could strengthen the analysis itself.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term functional changes and its underlying factors in stroke patients. METHOD: Data were collected retrospectively from the stroke patients who had been completed at least 2 times of functional evaluation after discharge. 60 stroke patients were included and we investigated long-term change of motor, cognition and activities of daily living score at 6 months from the onset and the last score during the follow up period. The motor function included manual function test (MFT), Korean version of Berg balance scale (K-BBS), cognitive function by Korean version of mini-mental status examination (K-MMSE), activities of daily living by Korean version of modified Barthel index (K-MBI). To identify the factors influencing long-term function outcome after stroke, biographical data and risk factors were collected and bivariate correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 23.4 months and MFT, BBS, MMSE, and K-MBI scores showed no significant difference between 6 months from the onset and final evaluation. History of recurrent stroke (p = 0.007) and hypertension (p = 0.017) were significantly related with decline of cognition during follow up period. All the other independent variables were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: None of the function showed significant changes during the 2 year of mean follow-up period. Recurrent stroke and hypertension were significant predictor for decline of cognitive function. Our results suggest that secondary prevention including blood pressure control is important to prevent decline of cognitive function after stroke.
Activities of Daily Living ; Blood Pressure ; Cognition ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Postural Balance ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Secondary Prevention ; Stroke ; Upper Extremity

OBJECTIVE: To investigate long-term functional changes and its underlying factors in stroke patients. METHOD: Data were collected retrospectively from the stroke patients who had been completed at least 2 times of functional evaluation after discharge. 60 stroke patients were included and we investigated long-term change of motor, cognition and activities of daily living score at 6 months from the onset and the last score during the follow up period. The motor function included manual function test (MFT), Korean version of Berg balance scale (K-BBS), cognitive function by Korean version of mini-mental status examination (K-MMSE), activities of daily living by Korean version of modified Barthel index (K-MBI). To identify the factors influencing long-term function outcome after stroke, biographical data and risk factors were collected and bivariate correlation analysis was performed. RESULTS: The mean duration of follow-up was 23.4 months and MFT, BBS, MMSE, and K-MBI scores showed no significant difference between 6 months from the onset and final evaluation. History of recurrent stroke (p = 0.007) and hypertension (p = 0.017) were significantly related with decline of cognition during follow up period. All the other independent variables were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: None of the function showed significant changes during the 2 year of mean follow-up period. Recurrent stroke and hypertension were significant predictor for decline of cognitive function. Our results suggest that secondary prevention including blood pressure control is important to prevent decline of cognitive function after stroke.
Activities of Daily Living ; Blood Pressure ; Cognition ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Postural Balance ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Secondary Prevention ; Stroke ; Upper Extremity

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a core set of disorders, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and hypertension. Many studies have shown that MetS is associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. However, the relationship of MetS with early stage of cardiovascular diseases, which is even more important from a prevention prespective, has not been examined extensively. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is known to predict future cardiovascular events. Thus, we examined the relationship of MetS, defined using the NCEP-ATP III criteria, with baPWV. METHODS: We examined a total of 400 participants who did not have a past history of either coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease. All subjects underwent physical examination, blood chemistry, and baPWV. RESULTS: Compared with subjects without MetS, subjects with MetS had increased age, body mass index (BMI), and ALT. Mean value of baPWV (adjusted for age, BMI, and blood pressure) was significantly higher in subjects with MetS (P=0.002). The baPWV was positively correlated with age, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in subjects with MetS. In group without MetS, the baPWV was associated with age, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood sugar, AST, ALT, homocysteine, CRP, and ferritin. The mean values of baPWV with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 components of MetS were 1,362.3+/-182.2 cm/s, 1,531.3+/-267.0 cm/s, 1,694.1+/-315.8 cm/s, 1,777.0+/-334.0 cm/s, 2,087.7+/-192.3 cm/s, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, the MetS was associated with the risk for increased baPWV.
Ankle* ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Chemistry ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Coronary Disease ; Dyslipidemias ; Fasting ; Ferritins ; Glucose Intolerance ; Homocysteine ; Hypertension ; Mortality ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Peripheral Vascular Diseases ; Physical Examination ; Pulse Wave Analysis* ; Triglycerides ; Waist Circumference

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by a core set of disorders, including abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and hypertension. Many studies have shown that MetS is associated with increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and related mortality. However, the relationship of MetS with early stage of cardiovascular diseases, which is even more important from a prevention prespective, has not been examined extensively. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is known to predict future cardiovascular events. Thus, we examined the relationship of MetS, defined using the NCEP-ATP III criteria, with baPWV. METHODS: We examined a total of 400 participants who did not have a past history of either coronary heart disease or peripheral vascular disease. All subjects underwent physical examination, blood chemistry, and baPWV. RESULTS: Compared with subjects without MetS, subjects with MetS had increased age, body mass index (BMI), and ALT. Mean value of baPWV (adjusted for age, BMI, and blood pressure) was significantly higher in subjects with MetS (P=0.002). The baPWV was positively correlated with age, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure in subjects with MetS. In group without MetS, the baPWV was associated with age, waist circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood sugar, AST, ALT, homocysteine, CRP, and ferritin. The mean values of baPWV with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 components of MetS were 1,362.3+/-182.2 cm/s, 1,531.3+/-267.0 cm/s, 1,694.1+/-315.8 cm/s, 1,777.0+/-334.0 cm/s, 2,087.7+/-192.3 cm/s, respectively. CONCLUSION: In this study, the MetS was associated with the risk for increased baPWV.
Ankle* ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Chemistry ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Coronary Disease ; Dyslipidemias ; Fasting ; Ferritins ; Glucose Intolerance ; Homocysteine ; Hypertension ; Mortality ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Peripheral Vascular Diseases ; Physical Examination ; Pulse Wave Analysis* ; Triglycerides ; Waist Circumference

The chemical investigation of the 90% EtOH extract from Cicadidae Periostracum led to the isolation and identification of seven known N-acetyldopamine dimers (1-7). These compounds were identified by comparing mass spectrometry data and NMR spectroscopic data with those previously reported. In this study, complete interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR data of 1 and 2 were reported for the first time. In addition, compounds 3 and 4 were isolated from this material for the first time. All isolates were obtained as racemic mixtures, as confirmed by chiral HPLC. Furthermore, we evaluated the neuroprotective activities of compounds 1–7 and found that compounds 1, 5, and 6 significantly attenuated rotenone-induced death of SH-SY5Yneuroblastoma cells at a concentration of 100 μM. Parallel to this result, compounds 3 and 6 displayed antioxidant effects in the cytoplasm, as determined by CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence intensity, while compounds 1 and 5 showed antioxidant effects in the mitochondria, as assessed by MitoSox fluorescence intensity. Overall, these results suggest that some of these compounds protect neuroblastoma cells by ameliorating the release of reactive oxygen species. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which these compounds exhibit antioxidant and neuroprotective actions.

The chemical investigation of the 90% EtOH extract from Cicadidae Periostracum led to the isolation and identification of seven known N-acetyldopamine dimers (1-7). These compounds were identified by comparing mass spectrometry data and NMR spectroscopic data with those previously reported. In this study, complete interpretation of 1D and 2D NMR data of 1 and 2 were reported for the first time. In addition, compounds 3 and 4 were isolated from this material for the first time. All isolates were obtained as racemic mixtures, as confirmed by chiral HPLC. Furthermore, we evaluated the neuroprotective activities of compounds 1–7 and found that compounds 1, 5, and 6 significantly attenuated rotenone-induced death of SH-SY5Yneuroblastoma cells at a concentration of 100 μM. Parallel to this result, compounds 3 and 6 displayed antioxidant effects in the cytoplasm, as determined by CM-H2DCFDA fluorescence intensity, while compounds 1 and 5 showed antioxidant effects in the mitochondria, as assessed by MitoSox fluorescence intensity. Overall, these results suggest that some of these compounds protect neuroblastoma cells by ameliorating the release of reactive oxygen species. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which these compounds exhibit antioxidant and neuroprotective actions.