OBJECTIVES: Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are the major cause of the common cold. Currently there is no registered, clinically effective, antiviral chemotherapeutic agent to treat diseases caused by HRVs. In this study, the antiviral activity of dexamethasone (DEX) against HRV1B was examined. METHODS: The anti–HRV1B activity of DEX was assessed by sulforhodamine B assay in HeLa cells, and by RT-PCR in the lungs of HRV1B-infected mice. Histological evaluation of HRV1B-infected lungs was performed and a histological score was given. Anti-HRV1B activity of DEX via the glucocorticoid receptor (GCR)-dependent autophagy activation was assessed by blocking with chloroquine diphosphate salt or bafilomycin A1 treatment. RESULTS: In HRV1B-infected HeLa cells, treatment with DEX in a dose-dependent manner, resulted in a cell viability of > 70% indicating that HRV1B viral replication was reduced by DEX treatment. HRV1B infected mice treated with DEX, had evidence of reduced inflammation and a moderate histological score. DEX treatment showed antiviral activity against HRV1B via GCR-dependent autophagy activation. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that DEX treatment showed anti-HRV1B activity via GCR-dependent autophagy activation in HeLa cells and HRV1B infected mice. Further investigation assessing the development of topical formulations may enable the development of improved DEX effectiveness.
Animals ; Autophagy* ; Cell Survival ; Chloroquine ; Common Cold ; Dexamethasone* ; HeLa Cells ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Lung ; Mice ; Receptors, Glucocorticoid ; Rhinovirus*

Vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) consists of two different etiologic categories: human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated (HPV (+)) and HPV-non-associated (HPV (−)). There have been no genome-wide studies on the genetic alterations of vulvar SCCs or on the differences between HPV (+) and HPV (−) vulvar SCCs. In this study, we performed whole-exome sequencing and copy number profiling of 6 HPV (+) and 9 HPV (−) vulvar SCCs and found known mutations (TP53, CDKN2A and HRAS) and copy number alterations (CNAs) (7p and 8q gains and 2q loss) in HPV (−) SCCs. In HPV (+), we found novel mutations in PIK3CA, BRCA2 and FBXW7 that had not been reported in vulvar SCCs. HPV (−) SCCs exhibited more mutational loads (numbers of nonsilent mutations and driver mutations) than HPV (+) SCCs, but the CNA loads and mutation signatures between HPV (+) and HPV (−) SCCs did not differ. Of note, 40% and 40% of the 15 vulvar SCCs harbored PIK3CA and FAT1 alterations, respectively. In addition, we found that the SCCs harbored kataegis (a localized hypermutation) in 2 HPV (+) SCCs and copy-neutral losses of heterozygosity in 4 (one HPV (+) and 3 HPV (−)) SCCs. Our data indicate that HPV (+) and HPV (−) vulvar SCCs may have different mutation and CNA profiles but that there are genomic features common to SCCs. Our data provide useful information for both HPV (+) and HPV (−) vulvar SCCs and may aid in the development of clinical treatment strategies.

With the increasing use of the internet and the spread of smartphones, health information seekers obtain considerable information through the internet. As the amount of online health information increases, the need for quality management of health information has been emphasized. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the intention of using accredited online health information by applying the extended technology acceptance model (Extended-TAM). An online survey was conducted from September 15, 2016 to October 3, 2016, on 500 men and women aged 19–69 years. The results showed that the greatest factor influencing the acceptance of the accredited health information was perceived usefulness, and the expectation for the quality of the accreditation system was the most important mediator variable. In order to establish the health information accreditation system as a means to provide easy and useful information to the consumers, it is necessary to carry out quality management and promote the system through the continuous monitoring of the accreditation system.
Accreditation ; Female ; Humans ; Intention ; Internet ; Male ; Smartphone

The consensus guideline development committee of Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology was reconvened in March 2012. The committee consisted of 36 experts representing 12 university hospitals and professional organizations. The objective of this committee was to develop standardized guidelines for cervical cancer screening tests for Korean women and to distribute these guidelines to every clinician, eventually improving the quality of medical care. Since the establishment of the consensus guideline development committee, evidence-based guidelines have either been developed de novo considering specific Korean situations or by adaptation of preexisting consensus guidelines from other countries. Recommendations for cervical cancer screening tests, management of atypical squamous and glandular cells, and management of low-grade and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions were developed. Additionally, recommendations for human papillomavirus DNA testing and recommendations for adolescent and pregnant women with abnormal cervical screening test results were also included.
Adolescent ; Consensus ; DNA ; Female ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; Pregnant Women ; Societies ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

PURPOSE: Due to an increased interest in health, there have been many types of marathon races for athletes and the general population. Marathon is an extremely difficult sport, therefore, many running injuries can occur. In this study, we aimed at characterization of injuries and clinical courses resulting from marathon induced heat stroke. Based on our findings, we provide suggestions for proper management of patients with marathon induced heat stroke. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 24 patients who visited the emergency department (ED) at Yeouido St. Mary's hospital between January 2000 and August 2011 with symptoms of heat stroke resulting from participation in a marathon race. We reviewed the medical records, which showed clinical presentation and laboratory findings. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients, 20(83.3%) were men. Their average age was 38.1+/-8.4 years old and their average initial rectal temperature was 39.9+/-1.3degrees C. Seventeen (70.8%) patients came to the ED complaining of syncope and seven(29.2%) came because of mental change. In follow-up laboratory tests, ten patients showed an increased level of serum Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) to over 1,000 IU/L, six showed serum Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) to over 300 IU/L, four showed serum creatinine to over 2.0 mg/dL, and two showed an increase in serum troponin-I and MB fraction of creatine kinase. Results of initial laboratory tests showed normal AST/ALT levels, however, they started to rise between 12 to 24 hours, and reached the highest record after 2~3 days of hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Marathon induced heat stroke can cause various complications, such as rhabdomyolysis, acute hepatic injury, acute renal failure, and metabolic acidosis. Therefore, we recommend follow-up and observation for patients with marathon induced heat stroke.
Acidosis ; Acute Kidney Injury ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Athletes ; Continental Population Groups ; Creatine Kinase ; Creatinine ; Emergencies ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heat Stroke ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Male ; Medical Records ; Porphyrins ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhabdomyolysis ; Running ; Sports ; Syncope ; Troponin I

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to assess the diagnostic validity of digital panoramic radiographs compared to cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders. METHODS: Panoramic radiograph and CBCT were taken from a total of 212 joints from 106 subjects. The joints were examined by two dentists and divided into the following six groups: normal, flattening, osteophyte formation, erosion, sclerosis, and unclassified. The sensitivity and specificity of each observer and inter-observer reliability were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The results showed relatively high intra-observer reliability in the diagnosis of both panoramic and CBCT images and the weighted Kappa indices of panoramic and CBCT images were 0.714 and 0.727, respectively. The sensitivities of panoramic images of observer A and B to CBCT images was 82.35% and 84.30%, respectively, while the specificity of observer A and B was 58.06% and 61.54%, respectively. However, guided diagnosis from panoramic and CBCT images were statistically different (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study suggests that the panoramic radiograph could be used as a primary diagnostic device to detect bony changes of temporomandibular joints in clinical orthodontics, because panoramic images showed relatively high sensitivity compared to CBCT images. However, CBCT images may be one of the best choices when a more accurate diagnosis is necessary.
Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Dentists ; Humans ; Joints ; Orthodontics ; Osteophyte ; Sclerosis ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Temporomandibular Joint ; Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

BACKGROUND: Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is a small single-stranded RNA virus which belongs to the family Picornaviridae, genus Apthovirus. It is a principal cause of FMD which is highly contagious in livestock. In a wild type virus infection, infected animals usually elicit antibodies against structural and non-structural protein of FMDV. A structural protein, VP1, is involved in neutralization of virus particle, and has both B and T cell epitopes. A RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, 3D, is highly conserved among other serotypes and strongly immunogenic, therefore, we selected VP1 and 3D as vaccine targets. METHODS: VP1 and 3D genes were codon-optimized to enhance protein expression level and cloned into mammalian expression vector. To produce recombinant protein, VP1 and 3D genes were also cloned into pET vector. The VP1 and 3D DNA or proteins were co-immunized into 5 weeks old BALB/C mice. RESULTS: Antigen-specific serum antibody (Ab) responses were detected by Ab ELISA. Cellular immune response against VP1 and 3D was confirmed by ELISpot assay. CONCLUSION: The results showed that all DNA- and protein-immunized groups induced cellular immune responses, suggesting that both DNA and recombinant protein vaccine administration efficiently induced Ag-specific humoral and cellular immune responses.
Animals ; Antibodies ; Clone Cells ; DNA ; DNA, Recombinant ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Enzyme-Linked Immunospot Assay ; Epitopes, T-Lymphocyte ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; Livestock ; Mice ; Picornaviridae ; Proteins ; RNA Replicase ; RNA Viruses ; Vaccines ; Virion ; Viruses

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to document current practice patterns for the surgical treatment of endometrial cancer in Korea. METHODS: Questionnaires were distributed to 131 Korean gynecologic oncologists, all members of the Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group. Questions addressed extent of hysterectomy procedure, pelvic (PEN) or paraaortic (PAN) lymph node dissection, ovarian preservation, and omentectomy. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were returned by 64.1% (84/131) of the oncologists at 50 institutes. Extrafascial hysterectomy (EH) was used by 32% of respondents and modified radical hysterectomy (MRH) or radical hysterectomy (RH) by 17%. Hysterectomy procedures were selectively employed based on tumor-related factors by 51% of the respondents. Laparoscopic hysterectomy was routinely utilized by 49% and was more commonly used by younger surgeons with 10 years of experience or less. PEN dissection was routinely utilized by 67% and was used selectively based on tumor-related factors by 33%. PAN dissection/biopsy was used either routinely (43%) or selectively based on tumor-related factors (43%). PAN dissection/biopsy had never been employed by 12% of the respondents. Sixty-nine percent of respondents stated that grossly normal looking ovaries can be preserved during surgery in young aged patients with early stage disease, and 29% stated that bilateral oophorectomy should be performed irrespective of age or stage. Omentectomy was routinely performed by 11% of respondents, and was selectively performed when extrauterine spread was present by 41%. CONCLUSION: Surgical procedures for the treatment of endometrial cancer are still not standardized among Korean gynecologic surgeons. Clinical trials to determine the benefits of the different surgical procedures should be developed.
Academies and Institutes ; Aged ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Endometrial Neoplasms ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Korea ; Lymph Node Excision ; Ovariectomy ; Ovary

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the health information such as the general health information, the health product information, and the hospital information, and we wanted to identify the association between internet health information and the health related behavior by analyzing the process after people search the Internet. METHODS: A telephone survey with structured questionnaire was performed by trained surveyors. The respondents were sampled proportionate to the Korean demographic distribution with considering the city size and the populations' ages and gender. The survey was conducted from October 2006 to November 2006. RESULTS: Out of 3,758 successfully connected persons of age 20 or more, 871(23.2%) respondents had used Internet health information during the last year. The purposes of searching the Internet for health was, 1) to get general health information (717 cases, 81.0%), 2) shopping for health product (109 cases, 12.3%) and 3) seeking information about hospital selection (59 cases, 6.7%). Our research showed that the process after searching the Internet for health information depends on the purpose of the search. 68.8% of the searchers for general health information, 67% of the searchers for health product shopping and 64.4% of the searchers seeking information to guide hospital selection were satisfied with their Internet search. However one third of the respondents reported not being satisfied with the result of the search. CONCLUSIONS: Unsatisfied consumers with internet health information tended to ask lay referrals from others or they gave up seeking health information. The health information system should be improved to increase the accessibility and to provide reliable and effective information. Also, a more user-centric community is needed in order to strengthen the effective role of lay referrals among the internet users.
Adult ; Consumer Health Information/*methods ; *Consumer Satisfaction ; Educational Status ; Female ; *Health Behavior ; Health Status ; Humans ; *Internet ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Residence Characteristics

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the overall survival and the change in treatment modalities in patients with uterine endometrial cancer in Korea. METHODS: From January 1990 to March 2005, medical records of 740 patients with endometrial cancer in nine hospitals were reviewed. The overall survival was determined supported by the death statistics of Korea National Statistical Office. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 51.5 years (range: 21-82 years). The mean gravidity and parity were 3.3 and 2.1 (range: 0-18, 0-9), respectively. The most common stage, grade and histological type at diagnosis were FIGO stage I, grade 1 and endometrioid adenocarcinoma (76.5%, 56.4% and 87.2%), respectively. The main treatment modalities was surgery on stage I (59.8%), surgery-adjuvant radiotherapy on stage II (55.1%), surgery-adjuvant radiotherapy or surgery-adjuvant chemoradiation on stage III (38.3%) and surgery-adjuvant chemotherapy on stage IV (55.6%). The preferred treatment modality was surgery only on grade 1 (69.0%) and surgery-adjuvant radiotherapy on grade 2-3 (43.4% and 53.2%). Surgery had been the most common method of therapy before 1998 but its prevalence gradually decreased. As a result, surgery-adjuvant radiotherapy and surgery-adjuvant chemotherapy were most widely performed in 2004-2005 and surgery-adjuvant chemoradiation also increased more than a twofold. The overall 5 years survival rate (5YSR) for all 740 patients was 81.3%. The overall 5YSR of stage I was 89.0%. The overall 5YSR of grade 1, grade 2, grade 3 were 96.0%, 92.0%, 80.0%. Before 1998, the survival rate was 77.0%. Since then it increased to 83-88% and in 2000-2001 it increased to 88.0%, and it was the highest survival rate. CONCLUSION: The survival rate of endometrial cancer has been improving for the past 15 years and the method of treatment is also being changed currently. In order to improve the survival rate of endometrial cancer, a close investigation including genetic and environmental factors of the pathophysiology of endometrial cancer along with the epidemiology of risk factors, should be carried out.
Carcinoma, Endometrioid ; Diagnosis ; Drug Therapy ; Endometrial Neoplasms* ; Epidemiology ; Female ; Gravidity ; Humans ; Korea* ; Medical Records ; Parity ; Prevalence ; Radiotherapy ; Risk Factors ; Survival Rate