The vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a member of the nuclear receptor (NR) superfamily. The VDR binds to active vitamin D3 metabolites, which stimulates downstream transduction signaling involved in various physiological activities such as calcium homeostasis, bone mineralization, and cell differentiation. Quercetin is a widely distributed flavonoid in nature that is known to enhance transactivation of VDR target genes. However, the detailed molecular mechanism underlying VDR activation by quercetin is not well understood. We first demonstrated the interaction between quercetin and the VDR at the molecular level by using fluorescence quenching and saturation transfer difference (STD) NMR experiments. The dissociation constant (K(d)) of quercetin and the VDR was 21.15 ± 4.31 µM, and the mapping of quercetin subsites for VDR binding was performed using STD-NMR. The binding mode of quercetin was investigated by a docking study combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Quercetin might serve as a scaffold for the development of VDR modulators with selective biological activities.
Calcification, Physiologic ; Calcium ; Cell Differentiation ; Cholecalciferol ; Fluorescence ; Homeostasis ; Molecular Dynamics Simulation ; Quercetin* ; Receptors, Calcitriol* ; Transcriptional Activation ; Vitamin D* ; Vitamins*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pain is one of the most troublesome symptoms of pancreatitis. Transdermal fentanyl patches (TFPs) are long-acting analgesics with a reduced risk of dependency. This prospective study evaluated the effect of TFPs on sphincter of Oddi (SO) motility for the management of pain in pancreatitis. METHODS: SO manometry (SOM) was performed using triple-lumen catheters anterogradely inserted through the percutaneous transhepatic route during cholangioscopy in 16 patients. The basal pressure, amplitude, and frequency of the SO were assessed before and after applying a TFP at 24 hour at doses of 25 and 12.5microgram/hr, respectively. RESULTS: Two of 16 patients receiving a 25microgram/hr. TFP were excluded because of adverse side effects (headache and/or nausea). The mean basal pressure, amplitude, and frequency of SOM did not change significantly in the 25microgram/hr TFP group (n=4 patients). Parameters of SO function also did not significantly change in the 12.5microgram/hr TFP group (n=11 patients). CONCLUSIONS: TFPs below a dose of 25microgram/hr may not affect the motility of the SO. Administration of TFPs at lower dosages seems to be a safe analgesic treatment for the pain control of patients with pancreatitis without affecting the function of the SO.
Analgesics ; Catheters ; Dependency (Psychology) ; Fentanyl ; Humans ; Manometry ; Pancreatitis ; Prospective Studies ; Sphincter of Oddi

A 39-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of her chronic cough. She had undergone modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer 7 year before admission. A chest radiograph showed collapse of the left upper lobe (LUL) and computed tomography of the chest revealed a mass in the proximal portion of the LUL bronchus and distal atelectasis. Bronchoscopy showed obstruction of the LUL bronchus. The microscopic examination showed findings consistent with breast cancer with the same immunohistochemical features for the hormone receptors, as compared to those features of the previously resected tumor. Positron emission tomography showed increased fluorodeoxyglucose uptake only in the LUL. Left upper lobectomy was performed and she is now undergoing systemic chemotherapy. We report here on this rare case to emphasize that when a patient with a history of breast cancer complains of respiratory symptoms, and even though the patient was treated curatively a long time ago, we should suspect the possibility of endobronchial metastasis.
Adult ; Breast ; Breast Neoplasms ; Bronchi ; Bronchoscopy ; Cough ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; Mastectomy, Modified Radical ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Pulmonary Atelectasis ; Thorax

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to find out what clinicopathologic or immunohistochemical parameter that may affect FDG uptake of primary tumor in PET/CT scan of the gastric carcinoma patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-nine patients with stomach cancer who underwent pre-operative FDG PET/CT scans were included. In cases with perceptible FDG uptake in primary tumor, the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was calculated. The clinicopathologic results such as depth of invasion (T stage), tumor size, lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation and Lauren's classification and immunohistochemical markers such as Ki-67 index, expression of p53, EGFR, Cathepsin D, c-erb-B2 and COX-2 were reviewed. RESULTS: Nineteen out of 89 gastric carcinomas showed imperceptible FDG uptake on PET/CT images. In cases with perceptible FDG uptake in primary tumor, SUVmax was significantly higher in T2, T3 and T4 tumors than T1 tumors (5.8+/-3.1 vs. 3.7+/-2.1, p=0.002). SUVmax of large tumors (above or equal to 3 cm) was also significantly higher than SUVmax of small ones (less than 3 cm) (5.7+/-3.2 vs. 3.7+/-2.0, p=0.002). The intestinal types of gastric carcinomas according to Lauren showed higher FDG uptake compared to the non-intestinal types (5.4+/-2.8 vs. 3.7+/-1.3, p=0.003). SUVmax between p53 positive group and negative group was significantly different (6.0+/-2.8 vs. 4.4+/-3.0, p=0.035). No significant difference was found in presence of LN metastasis, tumor differentiation, Ki-67 index, and expression of EGFR, Cathepsin D, c-erb-B2 and COX-2. CONCLUSION: T stage of gastric carcinoma influenced the detectability of gastric cancer on FDG PET/CT scan. When gastric carcinoma was perceptible on PET/CT scan, T stage, size of primary tumor, Lauren's classification and p53 expression were related to degree of FDG uptake in primary tumor.
Cathepsin D ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Stomach Neoplasms

Ancient DNA analyses are widely used for evolutionary and phylogenetic study of mankind in anthropology and archeology. However, the DNA extraction from particularly poorly preserved ancient human samples is often unsuccessful in these analyses. In the present study, to improve the success rate of ancient DNA analysis, we introduced a high grade ancient DNA purification method using ion-exchange columns. We compared the success rate of ancient DNA analysis of this new method with that of the two methods that have been used for ancient DNA extraction, GENECLEAN(R) kit (Qbiogene) and Qiaquick column (Qiagen). Twelve ancient bone samples from Korea and Mongolia that are about 500 to 5,000 years old by an archeological estimation were used. As the DNA analysis methods, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for the amplification of a mitochondrial DNA HV1 segment, a male sex determination marker DNA and M175 marker DNA that is used for the determination of O haplogroup of Y chromosome that is reportedly a common one in modern Korean people. The method developed in this study remarkably increased the success rate of DNA analysis compared with the other two methods. Using the GENECLEAN(R) kit, only two samples were amplifiable for the mitochondrial DNA, no samples for the male sex determination marker and M175 marker DNAs. Using the Qiaquick columns, nine samples were amplifiable for mitochondirial DNA, nine samples for male sex determination marker and six samples for M175 marker. The developed method allowed for the amplification of mitochondrial DNA from all samples, male sex determination marker from eight samples and M175 marker from eight samples. The results demonstrate that ion-exchange columns can be useful for the improved ancient DNA extraction in anthropology and archeology.
Anthropology ; Archaeology ; DNA* ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Mongolia ; Polymerase Chain Reaction* ; Y Chromosome

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a critical and an independent factor for mortality of patients with end-stage renal disease, and numerous risk factors for LVH have been discussed in previous studies. In present study, we intended to clarify the factors that affect the progression of LVH in patients with their first continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and to analyse the influences of these risk factors on severity of LVH. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled the patients who performed echocardiography both before and in period between 24 to 30 months after CAPD. We estimated the change of LVH by the calculated difference of left ventricular mass index (LVMI) on echocardiography. We analyzed the factors that influence the change of LVMI such as age, sex, baseline renal disease, body mass index, blood pressure, hematocrit, calcium, phosphate, intact parathyroid hormone (i-PTH), serum albumin and peritoneal transport status on peritoneal equilibration test (PET). RESULTS: The causes of renal disease of the patients (male : female=10 : 16, mean age 55.74+/-12.0 years) were as follows : 13 cases (50.0%) of diabetic nephropathy, 11 cases (47.4%) of chronic glomerulonephritis, 1 case (3.8%) of hypertensive nephrosclerosis, and 1 case (3.8%) of unknown cause. Mean duration of follow-up was 25.5+/-2.1 months. As a result, the difference of LVMI positively correlated with mean systolic blood pressure (p=0.001, r=0.598) and mean diastolic blood pressure (p<0.001, r=0.718), difference of pulse pressure (p<0.001, r=0.893), and maximal i-PTH level (p=0.041, r=0.404). On the other hand, the difference of LVMI showed negative correlation with mean hematocrit (p=0.031, r=-0.421). In multiple linear regression analysis, the mean diastolic blood pressure and the difference of pulse pressure appeared to be the independent risk factors for the difference of LVMI (R2=0.923). CONCLUSION: The factors necessary to restrict the progression of LVH after initiation of CAPD are strict blood pressure control, correction of anemia, optimal treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism. These corrections could secure the amelioration of LVH.
Anemia ; Blood Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; Calcium ; Diabetic Nephropathies ; Echocardiography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glomerulonephritis ; Hand ; Hematocrit ; Humans ; Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular* ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Linear Models ; Mortality ; Nephrosclerosis ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory* ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors* ; Serum Albumin

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine effects of nefazodone on depression, anxiety, sleep and sexual function in depressive patients. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is an open, non-comparative, multi-center study. Antidepressant and other clinical effects of nefazodone were evaluated in 230 patients of 26 centers, aged 14 years or more, who met DSM-IV criteria to major depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder and didn't have other psychiatric disorders and were physically healthy. The clinical efficacy was assessed at week 1, 2, 4 and 8 using Clinical Global Improvement (CGI), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State and Trait Anxiety Inventory-State Anxiety (STAI-SA). Other clinical effects were assessed with Weekly Sleep Questionnaire, Sexual Functioning Questionnaire and GHQ-QOL-12, a scale for quality of life. Adverse drug reactions were checked with a questionnaire. Post-treatment effects of drug were compared with pre-treatment baseline condition. RESULTS: The response rates by Clincal Grobal Improvement and HAM-D after 8 weeks treatment were 62.4% and 75.2% respectively. Comparing to baseline, nefazodone was proved to have significantly higher antidepressant and antianxiety effects in depressive patients and it improved also sleep, sexual functions and quality of life. Both patients and physicians satisfied with the effects of drug. Adverse drug reactions were a few and not serious, and most of them disappeared as treatment continued. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that not only nefazodone has antidepressant effects and antianxiety effects, but also it improves sleep disturbance, sexual dysfunction and the quality of life in depressive patients. Adverse drug reactions were a few and not serious.
Anti-Anxiety Agents ; Anxiety* ; Depression* ; Depressive Disorder, Major ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; Dysthymic Disorder ; Humans ; Quality of Life* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Up to 1937, 357 cases of tongue tuberculosis had been reported. However, Since potent antituberculosis drugs had been introduced, the incidence of oral tuberculosis lesions has been dramatically decreased. This might be related to the marked vascularity of the tongue which enables a high concentration of the drug to be reached to the lesion. Both the primary and secondary types of tuberculosis can be revealed in the oral cavity. In the primary type, the causative organisms are directly inoculated in the oral mucosa of a person who has never been tuberculosis earlier and who has not acquired an immunity to the disease, In the secondary type, tuberculosis of the oral cavity is coexistent with pulmonary disease. We report a case of tongue tuberculosis with pulmonary tuberculosis, with a review of literature.
Humans ; Incidence ; Lung Diseases ; Mouth ; Mouth Mucosa ; Tongue* ; Tuberculosis* ; Tuberculosis, Oral ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary*

We have experienced nine patients with acute optic never injury after blunt head trauma. In each patient the optic cannal was decompressed via an ipsilateral external ethmoidectomy or transcranial approach. Two Patients recieved treatment with steroid during the perioperative period. There patient improved mild visual acuity. There was no morbidity or mortality but the results were controversial.
Craniocerebral Trauma ; Decompression* ; Humans ; Mortality ; Optic Nerve Injuries* ; Perioperative Period ; Visual Acuity

SPECT(single photon emission computed tomography) using 99m-Tc-HMPAO is a current method of identifying the relative condition of cerebral blood perfusion in pathologic conditions of the brain such as TIA, complete cerebral infarction, dementia, and psychologically ill states. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the significance of SPECT in head injuries. According to the other previous reports, there are several drawbacks in SPECT to evaluate the victims of head injury such as uncooperability of the patient, long scanning time. poor patient monitoring during the scanning time. poor availability, ete. The authors analyzed 54 cases of head injury patients, studying SPECT and CT in regard to the comparison of CT and SPECT, the relation of SPECT and the severity of the head injury, the duration of admission and the SPECT findings. The results were as follows: 1) In focal lesion, CT was more available for the quick evaluation of the location, size, and rapid decision making, and SPECT was available for the adjuvant method of postoperative follow-up. 2) In diffuse brain lesion, CT showed only the diffuse brain swelling and SPECT was available for more fine localization of the lesion. 3) In mild head injury, CT could not identify the location of the lesion and SPECT showed focal perfusion defects(55%).
Brain ; Brain Edema ; Cerebral Infarction ; Craniocerebral Trauma* ; Decision Making ; Dementia ; Follow-Up Studies ; Head* ; Humans ; Monitoring, Physiologic ; Perfusion ; Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon*