No abstract available.
Ultrasonography*

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV core protein has been shown to modulate various cellular signaling pathways including the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway which is associated with inflammation, cell proliferation and apoptosis. However, there have been conflicting reports about the effect of HCV core protein on NF-κB pathway, and the mechanism by which the core protein affects NF-κB activity remains nuclear. In this study, the functional interaction of HCV core protein and IκB kinase γ (IKKγ) was investigated using the expression plasmids of core and the components of IKK complex. The data revealed that HCV core protein activates NF-κB. Also, HCV core protein up-regulated the phosphorylation and degradation of IκBα. The activating effect of HCV core protein on NF-κB was synergistically elevated by IKKγ. It was noticed that the N-terminal IKKβ binding site, C-terminal leucine zipper, and zinc finger domains of IKKγ are not necessary for its synergistic effect. HCV core protein and IKKγ appeared to activate NF-κB by up-regulating the IKKβ activity resulting in the degradation of IκBα. As expected, HCV core protein induced the expression of NF-κB-targeted pro-inflammatory genes such as iNOS, IL-1β and IL-6 in the transcription level. These results suggest that HCV core protein induces NF-κB through the interaction with IKKγ and may play a critical role in the development of inflammation and related liver diseases.
Apoptosis ; Binding Sites ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Cell Proliferation ; Hepacivirus* ; Hepatitis C* ; Hepatitis* ; Hepatitis, Chronic ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6 ; Leucine Zippers ; Liver Cirrhosis ; Liver Diseases ; Phosphorylation ; Phosphotransferases ; Plasmids ; Zinc Fingers

OBJECTIVES: Shift work is a stressful situation. It is important to know the factors associated with the ability to adapt to a shift work schedule. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between sleep, as well as personality variables, and the resilience of shift work nurses. METHOD: Self-report questionnaires were administered to 95 nurses who worked in one national university hospital. Connor-Davidson resilience scale, hospital anxiety and depression scale, morningness-eveningness scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, other sleep-related questionnaires, and Korean defense style questionnaires were used. RESULTS: Age, shift work duration, off-day oversleep, depression, anxiety, adaptive defense style, and self-suppressive defense style were significantly associated with resilience (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis showed that age (beta = 0.34, p < 0.05), depression (beta = -0.25, p < 0.05), adaptive defense style (beta = 0.45, p < 0.001), and self-suppressive defense style (beta = -0.19, p < 0.05) significantly predicted the resilience of shift work nurses. Concerning individual defense mechanisms, resignation (beta = -0.20, p < 0.05), sublimation (beta = 0.19, p < 0.05), omnipotence (beta = 0.19, p < 0.05), and humor (beta = 0.20, p < 0.05) significantly predicted the resiliency. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that a specific defense style and other mechanisms were associated with the resilience of shift work nurses. A future prospective study with more participants could further clarify the relationship between sleep-related variables, as well as personality factors, and resilience of shift work nurses.
Anxiety ; Appointments and Schedules ; Defense Mechanisms ; Depression ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sublimation

Objectives: This study aimed to identifying the relationship between exposure to secondhand smoking and oral diseases in adolescents, based on the web-based youth health risk behavior survey from 2020. Methods: Among the 54,948 adolescent respondents to the 16th youth health risk behavior survey in 2020, this study included a total of 48,867 non-smoking adolescent participants who had never used regular cigarettes, vapes, or e-cigarettes. Analysis of the complex sample survey data was performed by applying weights according to the complex sample provided by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Cross-tabulation analysis by complex sampling using the RaoScott chi-square test and complex-sample t-test was then performed to identify the relationship between subject characteristics and gingival pain and bleeding prevalence. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of secondhand smoking on symptoms of gingival pain and bleeding in non-smoking adolescents. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 version, and the statistical significance level was defined as P<0.05. Results: Among the participants, periodontal disease symptoms were reported 1.201 times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.101-1.310) more often in those with exposure to secondhand smoking exposure at home and 1.281 times (95% CI: 1.173-1.398) more often in those with exposure to secondhand smoking in public places than in those who did not report exposure to secondhand smoking. Conclusions The study results suggest that exposure to secondhand smoking increases the risk of gingival pain and bleeding in non-smoking South Korean adolescents and is a risk factor for periodontal diseases.

Objectives: This study aimed to identifying the relationship between exposure to secondhand smoking and oral diseases in adolescents, based on the web-based youth health risk behavior survey from 2020. Methods: Among the 54,948 adolescent respondents to the 16th youth health risk behavior survey in 2020, this study included a total of 48,867 non-smoking adolescent participants who had never used regular cigarettes, vapes, or e-cigarettes. Analysis of the complex sample survey data was performed by applying weights according to the complex sample provided by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. Cross-tabulation analysis by complex sampling using the RaoScott chi-square test and complex-sample t-test was then performed to identify the relationship between subject characteristics and gingival pain and bleeding prevalence. Finally, a binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of secondhand smoking on symptoms of gingival pain and bleeding in non-smoking adolescents. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 version, and the statistical significance level was defined as P<0.05. Results: Among the participants, periodontal disease symptoms were reported 1.201 times (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.101-1.310) more often in those with exposure to secondhand smoking exposure at home and 1.281 times (95% CI: 1.173-1.398) more often in those with exposure to secondhand smoking in public places than in those who did not report exposure to secondhand smoking. Conclusions The study results suggest that exposure to secondhand smoking increases the risk of gingival pain and bleeding in non-smoking South Korean adolescents and is a risk factor for periodontal diseases.

OBJECTIVES: Klinefelter syndrome is the most common genetic cause of male infertility and presents with 47, XXY mainly or 46, XX/47, XXY mosaicism. It is characterized by hypogonadism and azoospermia due to testicular failure, however, sporadic cases of natural pregnancies have been reported. With the development of testicular sperm extraction (TESE) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), sperm can be retrieved successfully and ART is applied in these patients for pregnancy. It has been suggested that the risk of chromosome aneuploidy for both sex chromosome and autosome is increased in the sperms from 47, XXY germ cells. Considering the risk for chromosomal aneuploidy in the offspring, preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) could be applied as a safe and more effective treatment option in Klinefelter syndrome. The aim of this study is to assess the outcome of PGD cycles by using FISH for sex chromosome and autosome in patients with Klinefelter syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From Jan. 2001 to Dec. 2003, PGD was attempted in 8 cases of Klinefelter syndrome but TESE was failed to retrieve sperm in the 3 cases, therefore PGD was performed in 8 cycles of 5 cases (four 47, XXY and one 46, XY/47, XXY mosaicism). In one case, ejaculated sperm was used and in 4 cases, TESE sperm was used for ICSI. After fertilization, blastomere biopsy was performed in 6~10 cell stage embryo and the chromosome aneuploidy was diagnosed by using FISH with CEP probes for chromosome X, Y and 17 or 18. RESULTS: A total of 127 oocytes were retrieved and ICSI was performed in 113 mature oocytes. The fertilization rate was 65.3+/-6.0% (mean+/-SEM) and 76 embryos were obtained. Blastomere biopsy was performed in 61 developing embryos and FISH analysis was successful in 95.1% of the biopsied blastomeres (58/61). The rate of balanced embryos for chromosome X, Y and 17 or 18 was 39.7+/-6.9%. The rate of aneuploidy for sex chromosome (X and Y) was 45.9+/-5.3% and 43.2+/-5.8% for chromosome 17 or 18, respectively. Embryo transfer was performed in all 8 cycles and mean number of transferred embryos was 2.5+/-0.5. In 2 cases, clinical pregnancies were obtained and normal 46, XX and 46, XY karyotypes were confirmed by amniocentesis, respectively. Healthy male and female babies were delivered uneventfully at term. CONCLUSION: The patients with Klinefelter syndrome can benefit from ART with TESE and ICSI. Considering the risk of aneuploidy for both sex chromosome and autosome in the sperms and embryos of Klinefelter syndrome, PGD could be offered as safe and more effective treatment option.
Amniocentesis ; Aneuploidy ; Azoospermia ; Biopsy ; Blastomeres ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 17 ; Embryo Transfer ; Embryonic Structures ; Female ; Fertilization ; Germ Cells ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Infertility, Male ; Karyotype ; Klinefelter Syndrome* ; Male ; Mosaicism ; Oocytes ; Pregnancy ; Preimplantation Diagnosis* ; Prostaglandins D ; Sex Chromosomes ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic ; Spermatozoa

BACKGROUND: Behçet disease (BD) is a relapsing inflammatory disease with increased production of inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs); however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not well known. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether the differential expression of transcription factors is involved in the increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 production by PBMCs of BD patients compared to healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: Expression of transcription factors was examined by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Cytokine production by CD11b+ cells transfected with siRNAs against transcription factors was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: In the absence of lipopolysaccharide stimulation, the transcript level of CCAAT-enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP) β was increased in PBMCs from patients with active BD compared to that in PBMCs from patients with stable BD. The C/EBPδ transcript level was higher in PBMCs from patients with active BD than in those from HCs. The activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) transcript level was increased in PBMCs from patients with stable BD compared to that in PBMCs from HCs. siRNAs targeting C/EBPβ and C/EBPδ significantly reduced the production of IL-6 and TNF-α in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated CD11b+ cells from patients with BD as well as from HCs. CONCLUSION: We found differential expression of C/EBPβ, C/EBPδ, and ATF3 in PBMCs from patients with BD depending on disease activity, indicating the involvement of these molecules in BD pathogenesis.
Activating Transcription Factor 3 ; Behcet Syndrome* ; Blotting, Western ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Proteins ; Cytokines ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukins ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Transcription Factors* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

A 49-year-old man developed recurrent myalgia and hyperCKemia during acute attacks of neuromyelitis optica. Muscle biopsy was performed, and the pathological findings were analyzed. Predominant myofibrillar pathology was observed, which constitutes a unique finding that has not been reported before. This case result shows that neuromyelitis optica-associated hyperCKemia can produce variable pathologic phenotypes. Further studies are needed to elucidate the relationship between myofibril destruction and aquaporin 4 autoimmunity.

PURPOSE: Most terminally ill cancer patients die from cancer anorexia-cachexia syndrome. This study evaluated a prognostic role of plasma leptin levels in terminally ill cancer patients. METHODS: This study enrolled 69 terminally ill cancer patients who were aged above 20 years old from July 2009 to July 2010. For univariate analysis, an association between leptin levels and patient's characteristics or other variables was examined using Spearman's correlation analysis, Wilcoxon's rank-sum test or Kruskal-Wallis test, as appropriately. For multivariable analysis, Cox's proportional hazard regression model was used to evaluate a clinical significance of plasma leptin levels as a prognostic factor and to determine factors which affect the risk of death in terminally ill cancer patients. RESULTS: A statistically significant positive correlation between plasma leptin levels and survival time was found. Univariate Cox's proportional hazard regression analyses also showed a moderately significant association between plasma leptin levels and survival time. However, after adjusting variables for sex, white blood cell counts, total bilirubin, AST, ALT, albumin and CRP levels, plasma leptin levels were not significantly associated with survival time. CONCLUSION: No significant association was found between plasma leptin levels and survival time in terminally ill cancer patients. However, this study suggested a prognostic value of plasma leptin levels in gastrointestinal cancer patients.
Aged ; Bilirubin ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; Hospice Care ; Humans ; Leptin ; Leukocyte Count ; Life Expectancy ; Plasma ; Survival Rate ; Terminally Ill

BACKGROUND: ZD1839 (Iressa(R)Gefitinib) is an orally active, selective epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that blocks signal production pathways in cell proliferation. It is currently used in the treatment of advanced stage non-small cell lung cancer. Cutaneous side effects commonly associated with ZD 1839 treatment include acneiform eruption, dry skin and hair growth abnormalities. Cutaneous eruptions result from direct interference with functions of EGF receptor signaling in the skin. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to investigate the clinical features of cutaneous side effects of ZD 1839 in Korean with literature review. We also analysed the relationship between skin rash severity, onset and objective tumor response. METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed medical records and the histologic materials of 23 Korean patients who had been treated with ZD 1839 at Ajou University Hospital from March 2002 to September 2003 . RESULTS: The results are summarized as follows. 1. The most common cutaneous side effect was acneiform skin rash (56%) which is a well known complication of ZD 1839. 2. Acneiform eruptions were easily controlled by oral antibiotics, such as minocycline and topical retinoid ointment. 3. The second common side effect was dry scaly skin (43%). 4. We also found acute paronychia, finger tip desquamation, alopecia and intertrigo. 5. The severity of the skin rash correlated well with the treatment response of ZD 1839. 6. When the skin rash appeared within 1 week after taking ZD 1839, the skin rash was severe, and the tumor responded well to the ZD 1839. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that acneiform eruption and dry skin are the most common cutaneous side effects of ZD 1839. The association between rash severity and onset of tumor response suggests that the rash may serve as a marker of response to ZD1839 therapy and may be used to guide treatment to obtain optimal response. However, further prospective studies on the potentially important association between rash severity or onset and outcome of treatment with ZD 1839 are needed.
Acneiform Eruptions ; Alopecia ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; Cell Proliferation ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; Exanthema ; Fingers ; Hair ; Humans ; Intertrigo ; Medical Records ; Minocycline ; Paronychia ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin