Purpose: The mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin pathway signaling and abnormal expression of tumor suppressor genes is not well known in gastric cancer (GC). Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has recently been identified as a possible link therein. In this study, we investigated the role of lung cancer associated transcript 1 (LUCAT1) in GC. Materials and Methods: The expression of LUCAT1 in GC cell lines and 100 tissue samples was examined by qRT-PCR. Two different siRNAs were used for knockdown of LUCAT1 expression. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. To analyze metastasis, scratch wound-healing assay, a Matrigel invasion assay, and colony formation assay were performed. Apoptosis was analyzed by PI/Annexin-V staining. To check the methylation status in tumor suppressor genes, methylation-specific PCR was carried out.Western blot was performed to detect epithelial-mesenchymal transition and apoptosis markers upon silencing of LUCAT1 (siLUCAT1). Results: LUCAT1 expression in GC cell lines and tissues was significantly elevated, compared to that in normal gastric cells and adjacent non-tumor tissues (p<0.001). Two different siRNAs for LUCAT1 reduced cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, compared to siCT (p<0.05), and these reductions were restored by pcDNA-LUCAT1 (p<0.05). siLUCAT1 elicited upregulation of the expression of CXXC4 and SFRP2. The expression of H3K27me3 was reduced by siLUCAT1, and this reduction was correlated with methylation of CXXC4 and SFRP2. Inhibition of LUCAT1 up-regulated EZH2 expression and resulted in demethylation of CXXC4 and SFRP2 through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Conclusion We concluded that LUCAT1 induces methylation ofCXXC4 and SFRP2, thereby regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in GC.

The development of renal glomerular lesions secondary to severe visceral infection (pulmonary, pleural, retroperitoneal or hepatic abscess) is not generally appreciated. Such patients resemble those with infective endocarditis. The suggested pathogenetic mechanisms by which infection can cause glomerular damage are immunologic interaction, direct toxicity of a bacterial products, and some other triggering factors; However, direct correlation between the infectious and immunologic events has not been demonstrated. The histopathologic findings of infectious glomerulonephritis are variable, and these findings, as well as the clinical abnormalities, may resolve with effective antimicrobial therapy or abscess drainage. We experienced a case of glomerulonephritis and acute renal failure due to staphylococcal retroperitoneal abscess. The patient was a 58-year-old man who presented with abdominal and back pain. We performed an abdominal CT scan which showed a retroperitoneal abscess which was proven to be a staphylococcal infection upon percutaneous abscess drainage. Furthermore, we performed a renal biopsy in order to investigate hematuria, RBC casts, and proteinuria. Pathologic findings revealed postinfectious glomerulonephritis. Abscess drainage and sensitive antibiotics were administered, after which his symptoms and urinary abnormalities disappeared, and the retroperitoneal abscess subsided. Here, we report a case of a staphylococcal retroperitoneal abscess which led to postinfectious glomerulonephritis and acute renal failure along with a brief review of the literatures.
Abscess* ; Acute Kidney Injury ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Back Pain ; Biopsy ; Drainage ; Endocarditis ; Glomerulonephritis* ; Hematuria ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Proteinuria ; Staphylococcal Infections ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Purpose: HOX transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR), as a long non-coding RNA, has been reported to regulate carcinogenesis by epigenetic mechanism in various cancers. Protocadherin 10 (PCDH10) is one of the well-known tumor suppressor genes, and is frequently methylated in gastric cancers (GC). We aimed to investigate the detailed pathway of how HOTAIR contributes to the target gene in gastric carcinogenesis. Materials and Methods: We investigated the mechanism of HOTAIR on carcinogenesis and metastasis of GC. Methylation-specific PCR was performed to identify the interaction between HOTAIR and PCDH10. In addition, we investigated the interaction between miR-148b and HOTAIR by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. Results: The expression of HOTAIR was significantly upregulated in GC tissues (p<0.05) and GC cell lines (p<0.01), while PCDH10 was downregulated in GC tissues (p<0.05). The knockdown of HOTAIR (si-HOTAIR1 and 2) significantly upregulated the mRNA/protein expression of PCDH10 and reduced the methylation of PCDH10 compared to the control in MKN 28 and MKN 74. Si-HOTAIR1 and 2 significantly reduced DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) expression, and overexpression of HOTAIR increased DNMT1 expression. In RIP, we found that miR-148b interacted with HOTAIR. Si-HOTAIRs increased miR-148b expression, and miR-148b mimic inversely reduced HOTAIR expression. Si-HOTAIRs and miR-148b mimic reduced DNMT1 expression and increased PCDH10 expression compared to the control. Conclusion This study demonstrated that HOTAIR interacts with miR-148b and DNMT1, eventually leading to PCDH10 methylation, which contributes to the progression of GC. Our findings provide a better understanding for detailed pathway of HOTAIR in epigenetic mechanism of GC.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide with poor prognosis due to a lack of effective treatment modalities. Recent research showed that a long noncoding RNA named N-BLR modulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in colorectal cancer. However, the biological role of N-BLR in gastric cancer still remains to be explored. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of N-BLR as an EMT modulator in gastric cancer. METHODS: The expression of N-BLR was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction in fresh gastric cancer tissue, paired adjacent normal tissues and cell lines. Fresh gastric tissues, paired samples obtained by surgery and clinical data were collected prospectively. Knockdown of N-BLR was induced by small interfering RNA (siRNAs). Cell number and viability were assessed after treatment with siRNAs. The ability of N-BLR to promote metastasis was measured using migration and invasion assays. Additionally, an inverse correlation between N-BLR and miR-200c was measured by TaqMan microRNA assays. Western blotting was performed to detect EMT and apoptosis markers upon knockdown of N-BLR. RESULTS: N-BLR expression was significantly elevated in gastric cancer cell lines and tissues compared to that in a normal gastric cell line and adjacent normal tissues (p<0.01). Two different siRNAs significantly reduced cell proliferation of gastric cancer cells compared to the siCT. siRNAs for N-BLR significantly suppressed migration and invasion in AGS and MKN28 cells. N-BLR expression was inversely correlated with miR-200c, which is known to regulate EMT. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we confirmed N-BLR as a regulator of the EMT process in gastric cance
Adenocarcinoma ; Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Count ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; MicroRNAs ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; RNA, Long Noncoding ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Stomach Neoplasms

PURPOSE: This study was designed to explore what experiences nurses had while caring and providing emotional support for patients. METHODS: Participants were eight nurses working at hospitals for more than one year. Data were collected from June, 2006 to January, 2007 through in-depth interview by using tape-recordings. Data were analysed with the phenomenological method proposed by Colazzi(1978). RESULTS: From significant statements, 4 clustered themes, 7 themes and 23 sub-themes were extracted from the essential meaning of the emotional experience of hospital nurses. The 4 clustered themes were 'movement of mind', 'affection and service for patients', 'worthwhile and conflict' and 'control oneself'. The 7 themes were 'special feeling', 'rapport formation', 'consideration', 'human interaction', 'value discovery', 'loss of volition', and 'keep to balance'. CONCLUSION: Although nurses had tough experiences for providing care for patients' emotional support, they had also experienced spiritual maturity from its experience. The result of this study would contribute for nurses not only to care for patients who need emotional support but also to develop knowledge in nursing.
Humans

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Several specific foods are known to precipitate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and GERD patients are usually advised to avoid such foods. However, foods consumed daily are quite variable according to regions, cultures, etc. This study was done to elucidate the food items which induce typical GERD symptoms in Korean patients. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six Korean patients with weekly typical GERD symptoms were asked to mark all food items that induced typical GERD symptoms from a list containing 152 typical foods consumed daily in Korea. All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy followed by 24-hour ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring. The definition of “GERD” was if either of the 2 studies revealed evidence of GERD, and “possible GERD” if both studies were negative. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-six cases (51 GERD and 75 possible GERD) were enrolled. In 19 (37.3%) of 51 GERD cases and in 17 (22.7%) of 75 possible GERD cases, foods inducing typical GERD symptoms were identified. In the GERD group (n = 19), frequent symptom-inducers were hot spicy stews, rice cakes, ramen noodles, fried foods, and topokki. In the possible GERD group (n = 17), frequent symptom-inducers were hot spicy stews, fried foods, doughnuts, breads, ramen noodles, coffee, pizza, topokki, rice cakes, champon noodles, and hotdogs. CONCLUSIONS: In one-third of GERD patients, foods inducing typical symptoms were identified. Hot spicy stews, rice cakes, ramen noodles, fried foods, and topokki were the foods frequently inducing typical symptoms in Korea. The list of foods frequently inducing typical GERD symptoms needs to be modified based on their own local experiences.
Bread ; Coffee ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Esophageal pH Monitoring ; Gastroesophageal Reflux* ; Humans ; Korea* ; Symptom Assessment

Acute total obstruction of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) is a serious emergency condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Unless properly treated, it will likely progress to cardiogenic shock and a high mortality rate. We report a case of acute LMCA total obstruction presenting with atypical momentary electrocardiogram (ECG) changes including right bundle branch block with left axis deviation, and ST-segment elevation in aVR and aVL. We focus on the unusual ECG changes associated with LMCA obstruction which should be noted in order to ensure revascularization without delay, especially when this condition is accompanied by cardiogenic shock.
Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Bundle-Branch Block ; Coronary Vessels ; Dietary Sucrose ; Electrocardiography ; Emergencies ; Shock, Cardiogenic

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) is one of the glycoproteins families synthesized by the placenta, and consists of 2 noncovalently joined subunits, namely, alpha and beta. The alpha and beta-subunits have a structural homology with the alpha and beta-subunits of TSH and LH. The thyrotropic action of HCG results from its structural similarity to TSH, so beta-HCG can bind to the TSH receptor in the thyroid gland. A high level of HCG, accompanied by an increased thyroid hormone level, can be observed in gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTD), such as a hydatidiform mole or a choriocarcinoma. However, the clinical symptoms of hyperthyroidism in GTD are rarely observed. A 27-years-old woman, admitted due to an amenorrhea of 11 weeks duration, with thyrotoxic symptoms, such as weight loss, palpitation, sweating, tremor, heat intolerance and anxiety, was evaluated. Her serum free T4 level was 8 times higher than normal, and her serum beta-HCG level was over 1,000,000IU/L. She had a curettage operation, with the pathological findings of a complete hydatidiform mole. These thyrotoxic symptoms developed due to a hydatidiform mole, and were accompanied with a highly increased serum beta-HCG level. After evacuation of the molar tissue, the thyroid hormone and thyrotoxic symptoms normalized. Here, this case is reported, with brief review of the literature.
Amenorrhea ; Anxiety ; Choriocarcinoma ; Chorionic Gonadotropin ; Curettage ; Female ; Gestational Trophoblastic Disease ; Glycoproteins ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Hydatidiform Mole* ; Hyperthyroidism ; Molar ; Placenta ; Pregnancy ; Receptors, Thyrotropin ; Sweat ; Sweating ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyrotoxicosis* ; Tremor ; Weight Loss

Primary cardiac lymphoma (PCL) is a rare disorder, but the incidence is increasing and its clinical manifestations are various. We report a case of PCL, which mimics an acute coronary and aortic syndrome. A 51 year-old female was presented with chest pain radiating to the back. Her initial electrocardiogram revealed T wave inversion in the leads of V 5-6, II, III and aVF. Additionally, cardiac troponin-T was slightly elevated. Chest radiography showed marked mediastinal widening. Computed tomography scan showed a huge pericardial mass. The histopathologic findings of the mass were compatible with diffuse large B cell lymphoma. She died of refractory ventricular tachycardia, probably, due to an extensive infiltration of PCL to the myocardium.
Acute Coronary Syndrome ; Chest Pain ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Heart Neoplasms ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lymphoma ; Lymphoma, B-Cell ; Myocardium ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; Thorax ; Troponin T

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Aspiration thrombectomy (AT) during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an effective adjunctive therapy for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). An elevated neutrophil count in STEMI is associated with microvascular dysfunction and adverse outcomes. We evaluated whether AT can improve microvascular dysfunction in patients with STEMI and an elevated neutrophil count. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventy patients with STEMI undergoing primary PCI from August 2007 to February 2009 in our institution were classified by tertiles of neutrophil count on admission (<5,300/mm3, 5,300-7,600/mm3, and >7,600/mm3). The angiographic outcome was post-procedural thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) flow grade. Microvascular dysfunction was assessed by TIMI myocardial perfusion (TMP) grade and ST-segment resolution on electrocardiography 90 minutes after PCI. The clinical outcome was major adverse cardiac event (MACE), defined as cardiac death, re-infarction, and target lesion revascularization at 9 months. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the clinical characteristics and pre- and post-procedural TIMI flow grades between the neutrophil tertiles. As the neutrophil count increased, a lower tendency toward TMP grade 3 (83% vs. 52% vs. 54%, p=0.06) and more persistent residual ST-segment elevation (>4 mm: 13% vs. 26% vs. 58%, p=0.005) was observed. The 9-month MACE rate was similar between the groups. On subgroup analysis of AT patients (n=52) classified by neutrophil tertiles, the same tendency toward less frequent TMP grade 3 (77% vs. 56% vs. 47%, p=0.06) and persistent residual ST-segment elevation (>4 mm: 12% vs. 28% vs. 53%, p=0.05) was observed as neutrophil count increased. CONCLUSION: A higher neutrophil count at presentation in STEMI is associated with more severe microvascular dysfunction after primary PCI, which is not improved with AT.
Death ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Myocardial Infarction ; Neutrophils ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Perfusion ; Thrombectomy ; Thymidine Monophosphate