The aim of this study was to assess the effect of 6-week vegetable juice supplementation (360 ml/day) on serum lipid profiles and antioxidant activity in college women. Twenty women (mean age: 21) with normal life style and dietary pattern and who are free of any specific diseases were recruited among the student in S women's university. The subjects consumed vegetable juice to take part in an uncontrolled clinical trial for a 6-week intervention period. While there was no difference in the concentration of total cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol, serum concentrations of TG and HDL/LDL ratio were significantly reduced by 22% (p = 0.013) and 6% (p = 0.007) respectively. Significant decrease in malondialdehyde (p = 0.000) was accompanied by an increase in the activity of serum antioxidant enzymes, such as GSHPx (p = 0.000), SOD (p = 0.007). It was also found that total antioxidant status was improved by 5.4% (p = 0.009). Serum parameters were all changed without affecting body mass index, waist and hip circumferences, or nutrient intakes after six week of supplementation. This study demonstrated that the supplementation regular meals with vegetable juice can favorably affect serum lipid profiles and antioxidant systems, and hence could contribute to reduce the risks of chronic diseases in college women.
Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; Chronic Disease ; Female ; Hip ; Humans ; Life Style ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Malondialdehyde ; Meals ; Vegetables*

OBJECTIVE: The ovarian cycle is characterized by repeating patterns of cellular proliferation and differentiation that accompany follicular development and the formation and regression of the corpus luteum (CL). That angiogenesis may play an important role in this process. Angiogenesis is supposed to be regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The goal of the present investigation, therefore, was to determine whether the expression of VEGF was changed in the normally cycling human ovary. We also investigated VEGF expression in the regressed CL (ie, nonfunctiong CL) of normal term pregnancy to define the association with steroidogenic activity. To our knowledge there is no report available on VEGF expression in the CL of term pregnancy. METHODS: We assessed VEGF expression in ovaries obtained from, 26-42 yr of age, and from patients undergoing hysterectomy and salpingo-oophorectomy for nonendocrinological or nonovarian disorders. Tissue samples from premenopausal women included specimens from follicular (n=4) and luteal (n 4) phases. In addition, we studied ovarian specimens from pregnant women (n=3). Immunohistochemical analysis for VEGF was performed using a rabbit polyclonal antibody directed against human VEGF. RESULTS: These data demonstrate a development-related VEGF expression in the follicle and indirectly show that VEGF expression may be up to the existence of LH-receptor. And also, VEGF was overexpressed in the regressed CL of pregnant women compared with the functioning CL of nonpregnant cycles CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the intensity of VEGF expression is not correlated with steroidogenic activity, although both of them are stimulated by LH.
Cell Proliferation ; Corpus Luteum ; Female ; Humans* ; Hysterectomy ; Menstrual Cycle ; Ovarian Follicle ; Ovary* ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the economic loss due to the diagnosis of breast cancer within the female South Korean working-age population. A population-based cost analysis was performed for cancer-related diagnoses between 1999 and 2014, using respective public government funded databases. Among the five most common cancers, breast cancer mortality was strongly associated with the growth in gross domestic product between 1999 and 2014 (R=0.98). In the female population, breast cancer represented the greatest productivity loss among all cancers, which was a consequence of the peak in the incidence of breast cancer during mid-working age in the working-age population, in addition to being the most common and fastest growing cancer among South Korean women. Our study shows that breast cancer not only represents a significant disease burden for individual patients, but also contributes a real, nonnegligible loss in productivity in the South Korean economy.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Costs and Cost Analysis ; Diagnosis ; Efficiency ; Employment ; Epidemiology* ; Female* ; Financial Management ; Gross Domestic Product ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mortality ; Quality of Life

Despite widespread use of antibiotics and surgical procedures for treating peritonsillar abscess (PTA), symptoms of severe inflammation such as pain and trismus during treatment result in patient dissatisfaction. The goal of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of systemic steroids on the clinical course of PTA. Two reviewers independently searched the databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Database) from inception to December 2014. Studies comparing systemic administration of steroids (steroid group) with placebo (placebo group), where the outcomes of interest were pain, body temperature, hospitalization, and oral intake during the posttreatment period, were included. Baseline study characteristics, study quality data, numbers of patients in the steroid and control groups, and outcomes were extracted. Sufficient data for meta-analysis were retrieved for 3 trials with a total of 153 patients. Pain-related parameters (patient-reported scores and trismus), body temperature, and dysphagia during the first 24 hours after treatment were significantly improved in the steroid group compared with placebo group. The discharge rate during the first 5 days of the posttreatment period was significantly higher in the steroid group than the control group. However, although more patients in the steroid group returned to normal activities and dietary intake at 24 hours after treatment, the differences between the groups were not significant and disappeared after 48 hours. In the treatment of PTA, systemic administration of steroids with antibiotics could reduce pain-related symptoms, as well as provide a benefit with respect to the clinical course. However, further trials with well-designed research methodologies should be conducted to confirm our results.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones* ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Body Temperature ; Deglutition Disorders ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Peritonsillar Abscess* ; Steroids ; Trismus

SV40 large T antigen, a viral oncoprotein, is known to immortalize human diploid fibroblast by soaking up cellular RB and p53, but its frequency is extremely low. Additional genetic alteration is necessary for single-step immortalization. We attempted to find out what this alteration is by overexpressing cellular signal mediator genes; c-myc and cyclin D frequently amplified in many cancer cells. Overexpression of cyclin D did not affect the immortalization, but, overexpression of c-myc along with T antigen could immortalize normal human diploid fibroblast. Several cellular markers tested during immortalization process showed that p21, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and a marker of cellular senescence, disappeared in the life span-extended cells by T antigen and in the immortalized cells by c-myc. p21 was, however, elevated in the senescent cells and in the cells of crisis. Interestingly, p16 was upregulated whenever T antigen is overexpressed. Telomerase activity was also activated only in the immortalized cells. These results suggest that overexpression of c-myc contributes to immortalization of human diploid fibroblast by activating telomerase activity and suppressing p21 activity.
Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming/genetics/*metabolism ; Biological Markers ; Cell Aging/*genetics ; Cell Transformation, Viral ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclins/metabolism ; Diploidy ; Fibroblasts/*metabolism ; Genes, myc/*genetics ; Human ; Protein p16/metabolism ; Simian virus 40/genetics ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Telomerase/metabolism

SV40 large T antigen, a viral oncoprotein, is known to immortalize human diploid fibroblast by soaking up cellular RB and p53, but its frequency is extremely low. Additional genetic alteration is necessary for single-step immortalization. We attempted to find out what this alteration is by overexpressing cellular signal mediator genes; c-myc and cyclin D frequently amplified in many cancer cells. Overexpression of cyclin D did not affect the immortalization, but, overexpression of c-myc along with T antigen could immortalize normal human diploid fibroblast. Several cellular markers tested during immortalization process showed that p21, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor and a marker of cellular senescence, disappeared in the life span-extended cells by T antigen and in the immortalized cells by c-myc. p21 was, however, elevated in the senescent cells and in the cells of crisis. Interestingly, p16 was upregulated whenever T antigen is overexpressed. Telomerase activity was also activated only in the immortalized cells. These results suggest that overexpression of c-myc contributes to immortalization of human diploid fibroblast by activating telomerase activity and suppressing p21 activity.
Antigens, Polyomavirus Transforming/genetics/*metabolism ; Biological Markers ; Cell Aging/*genetics ; Cell Transformation, Viral ; Cells, Cultured ; Cyclins/metabolism ; Diploidy ; Fibroblasts/*metabolism ; Genes, myc/*genetics ; Human ; Protein p16/metabolism ; Simian virus 40/genetics ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Telomerase/metabolism

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength (SBS) of orthodontic brackets bonded to zirconia surfaces using three different zirconia primers and one silane primer, and subjected to thermocycling. METHODS: We designed 10 experimental groups following the surface treatment and thermocycling. The surface was treated with one of the following method: no-primer (NP), Porcelain Conditioner (PC), Z-PRIME Plus (ZP), Monobond Plus (MP) and Zirconia Liner Premium (ZL) (n=20). Then each group was subdivided to non-thermocycled and thermocycled groups (NPT, PC, ZPT, MPT, ZLT) (n=10). Orthodontic brackets were bonded to the specimens using Transbond(TM) XT Paste and light cured for 15 s at 1,100 mW/cm2. The SBS was measured at a 1 mm/min crosshead speed. The failure mode was assessed by examination with a stereomicroscope and the amount of bonding resin remaining on the zirconia surface was scored using the modified adhesive remnant index (ARI). RESULTS: The SBS of all experimental groups decreased after thermocycling. Before thermocycling, the SBS was ZL, ZP > or = MP > or = PC > NP but after thermocycling, the SBS was ZLT > or = MPT > or = ZPT > PCT = NPT (p > 0.05). For the ARI score, both of the groups lacking primer (NP and NPT) displayed adhesive failure modes, but the groups with zirconia primers (ZP, ZPT, MP, MPT, ZL, and ZLT) were associated with mixed failure modes. CONCLUSIONS: Surface treatment with a zirconia primer increases the SBS relative to no-primer or silane primer application between orthodontic brackets and zirconia prostheses.
Adhesives ; Dental Porcelain ; Orthodontic Brackets* ; Prostheses and Implants

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the CT features of the cystic masses in the neck and to review differential diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the CT findings of 22 histopathologically proved, cystic neck masses in regard to the location in fascial plane and relationship with adjacent organ. RESULTS: Of 22 cases, ten congenital cysts two ranulas, seven inflammatory lesions, and three solid tumors were includded. Ten congenital cystic masses were located in typical locations as branchial cleft cyst(5) in mandibular angle, thyroglossal duct cyst(3) in visceral space embeded within the strap muscles, cystic hygroma(1) and cavernous hemangioma(1) in posterior cervical space with insinuating appearance. Two cases of ranula included one simple ranula localized in sublingual space and a plunging ranula extending to adjacent submandibular space. Seven cases of inflammatory lesions were characterized by multispatial locations and good contrast-enhancement of walls and adjacent tissue. Solid masses of low density mimicking cyst were two pleomorphic adenomas of submandibular gland and one neurilemmoma. CONCLUSION: It is considered that thorough analysis of the CT findings with attention to typical location, CT appearance, and the relationship with the adjacent structures usually leads to the correct diagnosis.
Adenoma, Pleomorphic ; Branchial Region ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential* ; Muscles ; Neck* ; Neurilemmoma ; Ranula ; Retrospective Studies ; Submandibular Gland

PURPOSE: A consecutive series of 710 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for carcinoma was studied with a special reference to the number or frequency of lymph node metastasis and the patient's prognosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Survival rates were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the difference between each group was evaluated statistically by the log-rank method. Follow-up was obtained for 709 patients (99.9%). RESULTS: According to the number of lymph nodal metastases, the five year survival rate for group 1 (1~3 positive nodes) was 50.9%; for group 2 (4~6 positive nodes), 56.7%; and for group 3 (more than 6 positive nodes), 12.0% (p<0.0001). According to the frequency of lymph node metastases, the five year survival rate for those with up to 25 per cent frequency of metastases was 47.5%; for those with up to 50 per cent frequency of metastases, 15.6%; and for those with greater than 50 per cent metastases, 6.3% (p<0.0001). According to the frequency of the regional lymph nodes (which include perigastric nodes along the lesser and greater curvatures, nodes located along the left gastric, common hepatic, splenic, and celiac arteries) metastasis, we categorized them as group 0 (N0: no metastasis), 1 (N1: metastasis in up to 25%), and 2 (N2: metastasis in greater than 25%). CONCLUSION: This subdivision could be successfully applied to the clinical evaluation of gastric carcinoma (five year survival rate for N0, 86.9%; for N1, 49.0%; and for N2, 10.7% (p<0.0001)) without difficulty in dividing certain lymph nodes into the correct location.
Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prognosis ; Stomach Neoplasms* ; Survival Rate

BACKGROUND: There are many documents about the hemodynamic changes during sympathetic blockade produced by epidural anesthesia, but few reports have addressed the effects of epidural anesthesia on renal blood flow and function. We evaluated the effects of epidural anesthesia on renal function in patients undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy with general anesthesia. METHODS: Thirty patients were randomized to groups I (n = 15) or II (n = 15). The epidural catheter was inserted via 17 gauge Tuohy needle through the L2-L3 intervertebral space of the patients in both groups, only in group II, the patients received 15 ml of 0.125% bupivacaine. All the patients were anesthetized with enflurane, nitrous oxide and oxygen. We measured mean arterial pressure and urine output, creatinine clearence, Na clearence, fractional excretion of Na and free water clearance during operation and compared the data between the two groups. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure was lower in group II than in group I (P < 0.05), but other data were not different significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Renal function was maintained even though epidural anesthesia reduced mean arterial pressure.
Anesthesia, Epidural ; Anesthesia, General* ; Arterial Pressure ; Bupivacaine ; Catheters ; Creatinine ; Enflurane ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Hysterectomy* ; Needles ; Nitrous Oxide ; Oxygen ; Renal Circulation ; Water