OBJECTIVES: Inconsistent results are available regarding the association between low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and lung cancer risk. We aimed to explore the risk of lung cancer according to eGFR category in the Korean population. METHODS: We included 358,293 adults who underwent health checkups between 2009 and 2010, utilizing data from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. Participants were categorized into 3 groups based on their baseline eGFR, as determined using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation: group 1 (eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2), group 2 (eGFR ≥60 to <90 mL/min/1.73 m2), and group 3 (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2). Incidences of lung cancer were identified using the corresponding codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were employed to calculate the adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for lung cancer incidence up to 2019. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, group 2 exhibited a 26% higher risk of developing lung cancer than group 1 (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.35). Furthermore, group 3 demonstrated a 72% elevated risk of lung cancer relative to group 1 (HR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.58 to 1.89). Among participants with dipstick proteinuria of 2+ or greater, group 3 faced a significantly higher risk of lung cancer than group 1 (HR, 2.93; 95% CI, 1.37 to 6.24). CONCLUSIONS Low eGFR was significantly associated with increased lung cancer risk within the Korean population. A particularly robust association was observed in individuals with severe proteinuria, emphasizing the need for further investigation.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the most common prostate disease and one of the most common chronic diseases caused by aging in men. On the other hand, there has been no research on BPH using Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai (A.distichum). Therefore, this study investigated the effects of A. distichum on BPH.MATERIALS/METHODS: A. distichum leaves were extracted with distilled water, 70% ethanol, and 95% hexane as solvents. Subsequently, the inhibitory effects of each A. distichum extract on androgen receptor (AR) signaling were evaluated in vitro. The testosterone-induced BPH model was then used to confirm the efficacy of A. distichum leaves in 70% ethanol extract (ADLE). RESULTS: ADLE had the strongest inhibitory effect on AR signaling. A comparison of the activity of ADLE by harvest time showed that the leaves of A. distichum harvested in autumn had a superior inhibitory effect on AR signaling to those harvested at other times. In the BPH rat model, the administration of ADLE reduced the prostate size and prostate epithelial cell thickness significantly and inhibited AR signaling. Subsequently, the administration of ADLE also reduced the expression of growth factors, thereby inactivating the PI3K/AKT pathway. CONCLUSIONS An analysis of the efficacy of ADLE to relieve BPH showed that the ethanol extract grown in autumn exhibited the highest inhibitory ability of the androgen-signaling related factors in vitro. ADLE also inhibited the expression of growth factors by inhibiting the expression of the androgen-signaling related factors in vivo. Overall, ADLE is proposed as a functional food that is effective in preventing BPH.

The protein encoded by the Gene Associated with Retinoid-Interferon-Induced Mortality-19 (GRIM-19) is located in the mitochondrial inner membrane and is homologous to the NADH dehydrogenase 1-alpha subcomplex subunit 13 of the electron transport chain.Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease that damages the brain and spinal cord.Although both the cause and mechanism of MS progression remain unclear, it is accepted that an immune disorder is involved. We explored whether GRIM-19 ameliorated MS by increasing the levels of inflammatory cytokines and immune cells; we used a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) to this end. Six-to-eight-week-old male C57BL/6, IFNγ-knockout (KO), and GRIM-19 transgenic mice were used; EAE was induced in all strains. A GRIM-19 overexpression vector (GRIM19 OVN) was electrophoretically injected intravenously. The levels of Th1 and Th17 cells were measured via flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemical analysis. IL-17A and IFNγ expression levels were assessed via ELISA and quantitative PCR. IL-17A expression decreased and IFNγ expression increased in EAE mice that received injections of the GRIM19 OVN. GRIM-19 transgenic mice expressed more IFNγ than did wild-type mice; this inhibited EAE development. However, the effect of GRIM-19 overexpression on the EAE of IFNγ-KO mice did not differ from that of the empty vector. GRIM-19 expression was therapeutic for EAE mice, elevating the IFNγ level. GRIM-19 regulated the Th17/Treg cell balance.

Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) has various applications in research, as well as in the medical field and animal husbandry. However, the efficiency of SCNT is low and the accurate mechanism of SCNT in murine embryo development is unreported. In general, the developmental rate of SCNT murine embryos is lower than in vivo counterparts. In previous studies, polo-like kinase 1 (Plk1) was reported to be a crucial element in cell division including centrosome maturation, cytokinesis, and spindle formation. In an initial series of experiments in this study, BI2536, a Plk1 inhibitor, was treated to in vivo-fertilized embryos and the embryos failed to develop beyond the 2-cell stage. This confirmed previous findings that Plk1 is crucial for the first mitotic division of murine embryos. Next, we investigated Plk1's localization and intensity by immunofluorescence analysis. In contrast to normally developed embryos, SCNT murine embryos that failed to develop exhibited two types of Plk1 expressions; a low Plk1 expression pattern and ectopic expression of Plk1. The results show that Plk1 has a critical role in SCNT murine embryos. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the SCNT murine embryos fail to develop beyond the 2-cell stage, and the embryos show abnormal Plk1 expression patterns, which may one of the main causes of developmental failure of early SCNT murine embryos.
Animal Husbandry ; Cell Division ; Centrosome ; Cytokinesis ; Ectopic Gene Expression ; Embryonic Development ; Embryonic Structures ; Female ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Nuclear Transfer Techniques ; Phosphotransferases ; Pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Although pedobarographic measurement is increasingly used for clinical and research purposes, relatively few published studies have investigated normative data. This study examined pedobarographic findings in young healthy adults with regard to sex-related differences and correlations among measurement indices. METHODS: Twenty young healthy adults (mean age, 22.4 years; standard deviation, 1.2 years; and 10 males and 10 females) were included. Weight bearing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral foot radiographs were taken, and dynamic pedobarographic data during treadmill walking and maximum ankle dorsiflexion were obtained. AP talo-first metatarsal angle, naviculocuboid overlap, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and plantar soft tissue thickness were measured on foot radiographs. Pedobarographic data including peak pressure and pressure-time integral were measured on five plantar segments: medial forefoot (MFF), lateral forefoot (LFF), medial midfoot (MMF), lateral midfoot (LMF), and heel. RESULTS: Male and female subjects significantly differed in body mass index (BMI, p < 0.001), AP talo-first metatarsal angle (p = 0.018), soft tissue thickness under the metatarsal head (p = 0.040) and calcaneal tuberosity (p < 0.001), maximum dorsiflexion during stance phase (p = 0.041), peak pressure on the MFF (p = 0.005) and LFF (p = 0.004), and pressure-time integral on the MFF (p = 0.018) and heel (p = 0.001). BMI was significantly correlated with soft tissue thickness under the metatarsal head (r = 0.521, p = 0.018) and calcaneal tuberosity (r = 0.585, p = 0.007), peak pressure on the MFF (r = 0.601, p = 0.005) and LFF (r = 0.487, p = 0.029), pressure-time integral on the heel (r = 0.552, p = 0.012), and total pressure-time integral (r = 0.755, p < 0.001). Maximum dorsiflexion demonstrated significant negative correlations with pressure-time integral on the MFF (r = −0.595, p = 0.007) and total pressure-time integral (r = −0.492, p = 0.032). Pressure-time integral varus/valgus index was significantly correlated with pressuretime integral forefoot/heel index (r = 0.472, p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Sex-related differences in pedobarographic examination were observed, which could provide useful information in setting appropriate treatment goals and obtaining appropriate control data. The effects of subtalar motion in distributing plantar pressure should be investigated in a future study.
Adult* ; Ankle ; Body Mass Index ; Female ; Foot ; Head ; Heel ; Humans ; Male ; Metatarsal Bones ; Sex Characteristics* ; Walking ; Weight-Bearing

An 81-year-old male patient presented with complaint of a pulsating neck mass. The patient had a previous history of cervical lymphadenopathy by non-tuberculous mycobacterium infection. Rapid growth of the mass on admission and contrast enhanced computed tomography of the neck resulted in a diagnosis of non-tuberculous mycobacterium induced pseudoaneurysm. The patient underwent emergency open repair of the pseudoaneurysm. Pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery is regularly reported, but here we report a rare case of non-tuberculous mycobacterium induced pseudoaneurysm of the common carotid artery.
Aged, 80 and over ; Aneurysm, False* ; Carotid Arteries ; Carotid Artery, Common* ; Diagnosis ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Male ; Mycobacterium Infections ; Mycobacterium* ; Neck ; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria ; Vascular Diseases

In the Visible Korean project, 642 three-dimensional (3D) surface models have been built from the sectioned images of a male cadaver. It was recently discovered that popular PDF file enables users to approach the numerous surface models conveniently on Adobe Reader. Purpose of this study was to present a PDF file including systematized surface models of human body as the beneficial contents. To achieve the purpose, fitting software packages were employed in accordance with the procedures. Two-dimensional (2D) surface models including the original sectioned images were embedded into the 3D surface models. The surface models were categorized into systems and then groups. The adjusted surface models were inserted to a PDF file, where relevant multimedia data were added. The finalized PDF file containing comprehensive data of a whole body could be explored in varying manners. The PDF file, downloadable freely from the homepage (http://anatomy.co.kr), is expected to be used as a satisfactory self-learning tool of anatomy. Raw data of the surface models can be extracted from the PDF file and employed for various simulations for clinical practice. The technique to organize the surface models will be applied to manufacture of other PDF files containing various multimedia contents.
Cadaver ; Human Body ; Humans ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Male ; *Models, Biological ; *Software ; User-Computer Interface

PURPOSE: In IgA nephropathy (IgAN), crescent formation appears to represent a nonspecific response to severe injury to the glomerular capillary wall. This study was performed to evaluate the clinicopathological manifestations of the crescents and their effects on the clinical courses of IgAN. METHODS: The patients diagnosed IgAN were included and the information about their renal biopsies, chemistries and immunohistochemistry findings were collected retrospectively. Some patients that have similar renal function and protenuria were followed up for 12 months to examine the effects of crescents on the renal prognosis. RESULTS: 38 patients with crescents and 177 patients without crescents were enrolled. The patients with IgAN with crescents showed significantly lower renal function (MDRD eGFR 58.5 vs 88.4 ml/min/1.73m2), higher blood pressure, larger amount of proteinuria and more severe hematuria than those patients without crescents. In pathologic findings, HS Lee grades were higher (2.9 vs 1.9). When we selected patients with mildly decreased renal function (serum creatinine <2.5 mg/dL, PCR 0.5-8 g/gCr), the patients with crescents presented lower renal function and higher proteinuria but no statistical significance. After 12 months of treatment, the patients with crescents showed significantly lower renal function (MDRD eGFR 78.6 vs 96.5 ml/min/1.73m2) and higher proteinuria (0.9 vs 0.6 g/gCr). CONCLUSION: The patients with IgAN with crescents showed more deteriorated clinicopathological findings than those without crescents. Despite aggressive treatments, they presented a significantly decreased renal function and larger amount of proteinuria after 1 year. So crescents are supposed to have poor effects on the clinical course.
Biopsy ; Blood Pressure ; Capillaries ; Creatinine ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; Hematuria ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; Immunohistochemistry ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Proteinuria ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE:Enhanced immunosuppression for preventing acute rejection, But infection is an inevitable complication. This study was performed to evaluate the risk factors of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infection which are frequent and serious complication of renal transplant recipients. METHOD:We evaluated the incidence and risk factors for post-transplant HSV and VZV infection in three hundred and twenty three adult renal transplant recipients. RESULTS:The averaged period of infection was 37.8 months and 42% of infection occurred within six month after transplantation. Prevalence of HSV and VZV infection in diabetes patients are higher than that of non-diabetes patients (p=0.01). The other factors such as age, sex, acute rejection and immunosuppressive regimens, antibody induction didnt affect HSV and VZV infections in renal transplant recipients. CONCLUSION:As diabetic condition suggested more susceptibility to HSV and VZV infections, it is necessary to evaluate the possible occurrence of HSV and VZV infections carefully in transplant recipients with diabetes.
Adult ; Chickenpox ; Herpes Simplex ; Herpesvirus 3, Human ; Humans ; Immunosuppression ; Incidence ; Kidney ; Kidney Transplantation ; Methylmethacrylates ; Polystyrenes ; Prevalence ; Rejection (Psychology) ; Risk Factors ; Simplexvirus ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: Pleural drainage following video-assisted thoracic surgery has traditionally been achieved with large- bore, semi-rigid chest tubes. Recent trends in thoracic surgery have been toward less invasive approaches for a variety of diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of drainage by means of small, soft, and flexible 14Fr Blake drains. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between December 2007 and March 2008, 14Fr silastic Blake drains were used for drainage of the pleural cavity in 37 patients who underwent a variety of video- assisted thoracic surgical procedures at our institution. RESULT: The average postoperative length of hospital stay was 3.26 days (range, 2~12 days), Blake drains were left in the pleural space for an average of 3.15 days (range, 1~7 days), and the average amount of drainage was 43.8 ml/day. The maximal amount of blood removed daily by a Brake drain was as much as 290 mL. There were no drain-related complications. Blake drains seemed to cause less pain while in place, and particularly at the time of removal. CONCLUSION: The use of a Blake drain following minor thoracic surgery appeared to be safe and effective in drainage of fluid or air in the pleural space, and were associated with minimal discomfort.
Catheters ; Chest Tubes ; Dimethylpolysiloxanes ; Drainage ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Length of Stay ; Mitochondrial Diseases ; Ophthalmoplegia ; Pleural Cavity ; Thoracic Surgery ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ; Thoracic Surgical Procedures