Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1 plays an important role in hepatocarcinogenesis and has been described as a useful tumor marker and one of the poor prognostic indicators in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To investigate the role and cellular localization of TGF-beta1 during multistep hepatocarcinogenesis we performed a quantitative analysis of TGF-beta1 mRNA and immunohistochemical expression of TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta receptor II (TGF-betarII) in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The experimental groups included neoplastic lesions produced by Solt-Farber's protocol, regenerating liver after partial hepatectomy, and normal control. Quantitative change of TGF-beta1 mRNA was analysed by competitive reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). TGF-beta1 protein and TGF-betarII expression were evaluated by immunohistochemical stain. The discrete tumor nodules were detected on 14th day and then increased in number and size. Three HCCs were induced on 8th or 9th month. RT-PCR demonstrated TGF-beta1 mRNA band in all examples of the normal and regenerating liver, nodules and HCCs. Competitive RT-PCR displayed higher TGF-beta1 mRNA in nodules, HCCs and regenerating liver than in normal controls. Hepatocytes from control and regenerating livers showed weak immunoreactivity for TGF-beta1. In contrast, the cytoplasm of hepatocytes of nodules in 7th, 8th and 9th month and HCCs were intensely stained for TGF-beta1. Some sinusoidal cells showed immunoreactivity for TGF-beta1 in all experimental groups. In early phase of carcinogenesis, the cytoplasm of hepatocytes in liver of 12h, 1d and 3d showed transiently increased immunoreactivity for TGF-beta1 and The immunoreactivity decreased thereafter. TGF-beta1 mRNA was also detected in the neoplastic hepatocytes by in-situ hybridization. Although TGF-betarII expression was correlated with TGF-beta1 immunoreactivity during early phase of carcinogenesis, hepatocytes in most nodules in 7th, 8th, 9th month and carcinomas showed decreased or little immunoreactivity for TGF-betarII. Based on the above results, it is concluded that TGF-beta1 expression increases not only in precancerous nodules but also in HCCs and its increase seems to be correlated with decrease or loss of TGF-betarII expression although its mechanism remains unclear. Hepatocytes may be a major cellular source of TGF-beta1 during hepatocarcinogenesis.
Carcinogenesis ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Cytoplasm ; Diethylnitrosamine* ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; Hepatocytes ; Humans ; Liver ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley* ; Receptors, Transforming Growth Factor beta* ; RNA, Messenger* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1* ; Transforming Growth Factors*

PURPOSE: This study was done to explore the rates and methods of contraception among Korean adolescents from 2007 to 2009. METHODS: The study was a descriptive study. The data were taken from a web-based survey on risk behavior of Korean youth that was conducted between 2007 and 2009 by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS: Among adolescents, 4.7% in 2007, 4.6% in 2008, and 4.7% in 2009 reported having had sexual intercourse. In those who had sexual experiences, less than 30% reported consistent use of contraception, whereas more than 45% report no contraceptive use at all. A condom was the most frequently used contraceptive method and its use has increased continuously among contraceptive users. Some of the adolescents were, nevertheless, using unreliable methods such as withdrawal or the rhythm method. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that most adolescents are not using contraception consistently and some were relying on unreliable contraceptive methods. Efforts to raise awareness about consistent and correct contraceptive use and the importance of dual protection are essential.
Adolescent ; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S.) ; Coitus ; Condoms ; Contraception ; Humans ; Korea ; Risk-Taking ; Sexual Behavior

The propolis, honey bee hive product, is a folk medicine for treating various ailrnents and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an extract of propolis. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ethanol extracted propolis (EEP) or CAPE on the tumorigenesis, pulmonary metastases, and proliferation and activity of splenocytes and macrophages in ICR mice. EEP at 0.2, 2 or 20mg/ml applied topically on the back of each mice 30 minutes before application of 7,12-dimethylbenz (a)anthracene and 12-0-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate inhibited the number of tumors per mouse by 61, 75 or 100%, respectively. ...continue...
Animals ; Bees ; Carcinogenesis* ; Ethanol ; Honey ; Macrophages* ; Medicine, Traditional ; Mice* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Propolis*

OBJECTIVEThe purpose of this study was to develop RT- PCR assay for Rapidly detect and distinguish between Norovirus genogroup I and genogroup II with a pair of primers.

METHODSA pairs of primers specific to capsid prote in ORF2 gene of G I and G II Norovirus were dsigned according to the published complete genome sequence, with which the RNA of Norovirus was extracted and RT-PCR amplification. The sensitivity, specificity of the RT- PCR assay was estimated and apply it to the detection of Norovirus in clinical specimens.

RESULTSThe results showed that the assay possessed high specificity for Norovirus detection and without any evident cross-reaction with other viruses, including rotavirus, enteric adenovirus and hepatitis A virus. The detection limit of RT-PCR assay for Norovirus G I and G II were up to 100 pg/ml and 10 pg/ml respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe RT- PCR assay provide rapid and sensitive detection of Norovirus G I and G II and should prove to be useful for Norovirus diagnosis in the outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis.

Caliciviridae Infections ; diagnosis ; virology ; DNA Primers ; genetics ; Gastroenteritis ; diagnosis ; virology ; Humans ; Norovirus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; instrumentation ; methods

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe motivational factors and barriers which nurses experience while preparing for the NCLEX-RN Exam. METHOD: Data was collected from July 5 to August 28, 2002 using self-administered open questionnaires. A total 144 nurses preparing for the NCLEX-RN Exam participated in this study. Descriptive statistics were used and respondents' statements were analyzed using content analysis. RESULT: The motivation for taking the NCLEX-RN Exam was for a new adventure (23.7%), better working conditions and benefits (20.4%), children's education (14.5%), to study aboard (13.8%), economic issues (11.8%), and career issues (11.2%). The barriers while preparing for the NCLEX-RN Exam were studying in English (35.3%), fatigue (21.8%), limited time (16.0%), lack of information (8.3%), complicated documentation (5.1%), and cultural differences (4.5%). CONCLUSION: The result suggests that it is imperative to improve working conditions and benefits for nurses in Korea to prevent the brain drain of highly experienced nurses to other countries. It is also essential to develop strategies to minimize the barriers to support nurses preparing for the NCLEX-RN Exam and promote jobs overseas.
Brain ; Education ; Fatigue ; Korea ; Licensure ; Motivation* ; Questionnaires

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to examine the relationships between temperament and character dimensions and family environments, and to investigate the influences of those factors on the antisocial personality traits in delinquent adolescents. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 160 male adolescents detained at the public prosecutor's office on the suspicion of crimes. To assess personality dimensions and family environmental factors, the Temperament and Character Inventory(TCI) and the Family Environment Scale(FES) were completed. Antisocial personality traits were assessed by the number of antisocial personality disorder symptoms of the Personality Disorder Questionnaire-Revised. RESULTS: Most of the TCI dimensions except Reward Dependence(RD) were highly correlated with the subscales of FES. Among temperament dimensions, Novelty Seeking(NS) and Persistence(P) were significantly affected by Organization, and Harm Avoidance(HA) was influenced by Expressiveness of FES. Self-Directednss(SD) was best predicted by Organization and Achievement-Orientation. While the Independence had significant effect on Cooperativeness, Expressiveness and Achievement-Orientation best predicted the level of Self-Transcendence(ST). On factor analysis, NS, HA, SD and ST were allocated to the same factors with subscales of FES. The level of antisocial personality trait was best predicted by NS, P and SD scores of TCI, and conflict subscale scores of FES. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that not only the character dimensions but also the temperament dimensions have close relationships with family environmental factors, and that the antisocial personality traits of delinquent adolescents may developed by the interaction between temperament/character dimensions and family environments.
Adolescent* ; Antisocial Personality Disorder* ; Crime ; Humans ; Personality Disorders ; Reward ; Temperament*

Purpose: Septoturbinoplasty is frequently performed to correct nasal obstruction; however, there is still a lack of research on changes in nasal and nose-related symptoms early after septoturbinoplasty. Therefore, we aimed to investigate changes in subjective outcomes within 6 months after septoturbinoplasty. Materials and Methods: The medical records of patients who underwent septoturbinoplasty at Gangnam Severance Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Symptom scores were evaluated using the Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and obstruction scores.The SNOT-22 and obstruction scores were investigated before surgery and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Results: We noted significant decreases in both SNOT-22 and obstruction scores at 1 month after surgery, compared to those before surgery (p<0.001). However, there were no significant changes at 3 and 6 months after surgery, compared to scores at 1 month after surgery. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, a larger difference between SNOT-22 scores preoperatively and 1 month after surgery was significantly associated with a significant improvement in symptoms at 3 or 6 months after septoturbinoplasty (p=0.029). Conclusion These results imply that subjective outcomes and degree of improvement in the first month after septoturbinoplasty can be used as a predictor of the results thereof and for counseling patients about its progress.

Biomarkers of suicidal behavior (SB), particularly peripheral biomarkers, may aid in the development of preventive and intervention strategies. The peripheral biomarkers of SB should be easily accessible, cost-effective, and minimally invasive. To identify peripheral biomarkers of SB, we summarized the current knowledge related to SB biomarkers with a focus on suicidal outcomes (suicidal ideation [SI], suicide risk [SR], suicide attempt [SA], and suicide death [SD]), measured site (center or periphery), and study design (cross-sectional or longitudinal). We also evaluated the central findings to validate the findings of peripheral biomarkers of SB. We found reduced peripheral interleukin (IL)-2 levels in individuals with a recent SA, higher cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-6 levels in patients with a current SR and future SD, higher CSF tumor necrosis factor-α levels for current and future SRs, higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and lower peripheral total cholesterol levels for recent SAs, lower peripheral 5-HT levels for present SR, and a lower folate level for future SR and SA within 1 year. Previous studies have shown inconsistent associations of low peripheral leptin levels with SR and recent SA; therefore, further study is required. Given the multiple determinants of SB and weak associations with single biological markers, combinations of potential biological markers rather than single markers may improve the screening, diagnosis, and prediction of SB.

PURPOSE: Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that rhinitis and asthma commonly coexist in the same patients and that a temporary relationship exists between the onset of rhinitis and asthma, with rhinitis frequently preceeding the development of asthma. Despite the compelling evidence that rhinitis has a remarkable impact on asthma, it has been controversial how the presence of rhinitis causes asthma to be worsen. We studied to know the effect of coexistence of allergic rhinitis on lower airway eosinophilic inflammation in mild persistent bronchial asthma. METHODS: A total of 129 mild persistent asthmatics were enrolled and divided into three different groups as follows: 37 cases with asthma only; 40 cases with mild allergic rhinitis; and 52 cases with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis. Methacholine challage test and sputum induction were performed and sputum ECP, sputum eosinophils and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) were compared in each group. RESULTS: In mild asthmatics with moderate to severe allergic rhinitis, the BHR to methacholine increased compared to those with mild or no allergic rhinitis. Eosinophils and ECP in induced sputum were significantly higher in more severe allergic rhinitis groups. We also found a significant correlation between BR index and sputum eosinophils. (gamma=0.578, P< 0.05) CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that the severity of allergic rhinitis was related to lower airway eosinophilic inflammation and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in mild persistent asthmatics with allergic rhinitis.
Asthma* ; Child ; Eosinophils* ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Humans ; Inflammation* ; Methacholine Chloride ; Respiratory System ; Rhinitis* ; Sputum

As the use computed tomographic (CT) scanning spread, the diagnosis of blowout fractures of the medial orbital wall increased. Now, the diagnosis of blowout fracture in the medial wall are not uncommon. Conventionally, the surgery of blowout fractures in medial orbital wall was performed by the various approach with external incision. The conventional method had seveal possible disadvantages, including an external scar, incomplete reduction, increased mobidity rate and general anesthesia. Recently, endoscopic reconstruction of the medial orbital wall has provided good functional and cosmetic results. We performed endoscopic transnasal reduction surgery without external incision in 12 cases of medial blowout fracture under local anesthesia. The fractured bony fragments were removed after the intranasal ethmoidectomy and the entrapped medial rectus was released. And then a sheet of silicone late or uncinate process were placed on the fracture site. For the maintain of the position of fractured wall, Merocel packing or urinary ballon catheter were used in orbital fracture site for 1-3 weeks. There were no specific complications related to this procedure. Result of the surgery in all cases were satisfactory. In this article, we discussed the surgical procedure, the benifit of the transnasal endoscopic approach, the indications for surgery, and possible comlications.
Anesthesia, General ; Anesthesia, Local ; Catheters ; Cicatrix ; Diagnosis ; Orbit* ; Orbital Fractures ; Silicones