Background: To evaluate the chemosensitivity to doxorubicin (DOX) in two primary cells derived from a tumor of FVB/N-Trp53tm1Hw1 knockout (KO) mice with TALEN-mediated Trp53 mutant gene, we evaluated the cell survivability, cell cycle distribution, apoptotic cell numbers and apoptotic protein expression in solid tumor cells and ascetic tumor cells treated with DOX. Results: The primary tumor cells showed a significant (P < 0.05) defect for UV-induced upregulation of the Trp53 pro-tein, and consisted of different ratios of leukocytes, fibroblasts, epithelial cells and mesenchymal cells. The ­ IC50 level to DOX was lower in both primary cells ­(IC50 = 0.12 μM and 0.20 μM) as compared to the CT26 cells ­(IC50 = 0.32  μM), although the solid tumor was more sensitive. Also, the number of cells arrested at the G0/G1 stage was significantly decreased (24.7–23.1% in primary tumor cells treated with DOX, P < 0.05) while arrest at the G2 stage was enhanced to 296.8–254.3% in DOX-treated primary tumor cells compared with DOX-treated CT26 cells. Furthermore, apoptotic cells of early and late stage were greatly increased in the two primary cell-lines treated with DOX when compared to same conditions for CT26 cells. However, the Bax/Bcl-2 expression level was maintained constant in the primary tumor and CT26 cells. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, these results are the first to successfully detect an alteration in chemosensitivity to DOX in solid tumor cells and ascetic tumor cells derived from tumor of FVB/N-Trp53tm1Hw1 mice TALENmediated Trp53 mutant gene.

Sepsis, one of the most fatal diseases in the world, is known to culminate in multiple organ failure due to an uncontrolled inflammatory response. Hence, the use of animal models in sepsis research is very important to study complex immune responses. The current study was undertaken to compare commercial stocks with KFDA stocks of DBA/2 mice as an animal model for sepsis study. To compare responses of DBA/2 mice to lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced sepsis, we measured altered characteristics of various factors associated with sepsis, including survival curves, organ failure and inflammatory response, in DBA/2Korl stock and two commercial stocks (DBA/2A and DBA/ 2B). Survival rates after LPS exposure were similar for DBA/2Korl and DBA/2B; however, for times over 20 h, survival rates were reduced and concentration dependent in DBA/2A. In order to evaluate multiple organ failure caused by sepsis, H&E stains were evaluated for liver and spleen tissues obtained in the early (2 h) and later (20 h) stages after exposure to LPS; no significant differences were observed between the three stocks. mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed for evaluating inflammatory reactions, and were found to increase in a dose-dependent manner in most DBA/2 mice after LPS treatment. However, no changes were observed in the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines at 20 h after LPS exposure in the DBA/2A stock. The induction of inflammation-mediated factors by LPS exposure did not induce alterations in the mRNA levels of COX-2 and iNOS in all three DBA/2 stocks. Our results indicate that response of DBA/2Korl to LPS-induced sepsis is similar to the two commercial DBA/2 stocks, thus representing its potential as a useful biological resource established in Korea.

Sepsis, one of the most fatal diseases in the world, is known to culminate in multiple organ failure due to an uncontrolled inflammatory response. Hence, the use of animal models in sepsis research is very important to study complex immune responses. The current study was undertaken to compare commercial stocks with KFDA stocks of DBA/2 mice as an animal model for sepsis study. To compare responses of DBA/2 mice to lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced sepsis, we measured altered characteristics of various factors associated with sepsis, including survival curves, organ failure and inflammatory response, in DBA/2Korl stock and two commercial stocks (DBA/2A and DBA/ 2B). Survival rates after LPS exposure were similar for DBA/2Korl and DBA/2B; however, for times over 20 h, survival rates were reduced and concentration dependent in DBA/2A. In order to evaluate multiple organ failure caused by sepsis, H&E stains were evaluated for liver and spleen tissues obtained in the early (2 h) and later (20 h) stages after exposure to LPS; no significant differences were observed between the three stocks. mRNA and protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines were assessed for evaluating inflammatory reactions, and were found to increase in a dose-dependent manner in most DBA/2 mice after LPS treatment. However, no changes were observed in the mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines at 20 h after LPS exposure in the DBA/2A stock. The induction of inflammation-mediated factors by LPS exposure did not induce alterations in the mRNA levels of COX-2 and iNOS in all three DBA/2 stocks. Our results indicate that response of DBA/2Korl to LPS-induced sepsis is similar to the two commercial DBA/2 stocks, thus representing its potential as a useful biological resource established in Korea.

Background: This study aimed to explore the time interval distribution pattern between the Physicians Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form completion and death at a tertiary hospital in South Korea. It also examined the association between various independent parameters and POLST form completion timing. Methods: A total of 150 critically ill patients admitted to Korea University Guro Hospital between June 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018 who completed the POLST form were retrospectively analyzed and included in this study. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, and group comparisons were performed using the chi-square test for categorical variables. Fisher’s exact test was also used to compare cancer versus non-cancer groups. Results: More than half the decedents (54.7%) completed their POLST within 15 days of death and 73.4% within 30 days. The non-cancer group had the highest percentage of patients (77.8%) who died within 15 days of POLST form completion while the colorectal (39.1%) and other cancer (37.5%) groups had the lowest (P=0.336). Conclusion Our findings demonstrated a current need for more explicit guidance to assist physicians with initiating more timely, proactive end-of-life discussions.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to clarify the relevance of breastfeeding and its preventive effect on maternal hypertension as well as to evaluate the theoretical mechanism behind of it through systematic evaluation of existing articles. METHODS: For systematic evaluation of literatures in recent 5 years, 5 most suitable articles were selected with the key words, (breastfeeding or breastfeed or lactation) AND (hypertension or high blood pressure or hypertensive disorders) from PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochran Library, and carefully reviewed by 2 researchers. RESULTS: Breastfeeding women have less frequently developed hypertension in their later life. Depending on the duration of breastfeeding, compared to nonbreastfeeding women, breastfeeding women's odds ratio for developing hypertension are 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–0.99), 0.83 (95% CI, 0.68–1.00), and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.65–0.97) each for 0–6 months, 6–12 months, and greater than 12 months of breastfeeding. As the number of breastfeeding children increases, the incidence of maternal hypertension decreases. In addition, both partial and exclusive breastfeeding lower the risk of developing maternal hypertension. Though the mechanism of prophylactic effect of breastfeeding on hypertension is not conclusive, reset hypothesis, oxytocin release, the increase of ghrelin and protein peptide YY, as well as epigenetic programming are considered to be relevant to the etiology of the condition. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding prevents maternal hypertension later in life. Studies show dose-response relationship of breastfeeding as the duration matters. In addition, both partial and exclusive breastfeeding have preventive effect on maternal hypertension. Numerous mechanisms are continuously being reported and further studies are needed for clarification.
Breast Feeding ; Child ; Epigenomics ; Female ; Ghrelin ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Incidence ; Odds Ratio ; Oxytocin ; Peptide YY

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify the painkillers preferred for self-administration by doctors working at general hospitals in the capital of the Republic of Korea.METHODS: We collected data, using a questionnaire, from 224 doctors working at secondary or tertiary hospitals in the capital of the Republic of Korea from July 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017. The questionnaire included questions on the preferred type of painkiller for each type of pain and the frequency of painkiller intake. Further, we evaluated the participants on the Likert scale to analyze the consideration and cognition of self-administration of painkillers.RESULTS: The doctors in this study tended to state the trade name of the painkillers rather than the generic name. They preferred acetaminophen for headache and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for gastrointestinal (GI) pain, dysmenorrhea, toothache, and musculoskeletal pain. In the choice of painkiller for self-administration, they set utmost importance on the effectiveness of the medicine, followed by the potential side effects, physician's prescription, and the pharmacy's recommendation, in that order. The side effects attribute GI complications, hepatotoxicity, drug tolerance, and delayed diagnosis to painkiller use. There were some remarkable differences between surgeons and non-surgeons, men and women, and specialists and trainees in the conception of painkillers and pain control.CONCLUSION: This is the first study worldwide on the trait of the self-administration of painkillers by doctors, which can serve as a useful reference in clinical settings.
Acetaminophen ; Analgesics ; Cognition ; Delayed Diagnosis ; Drug Tolerance ; Dysmenorrhea ; Female ; Fertilization ; Headache ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Male ; Musculoskeletal Pain ; Prescriptions ; Republic of Korea ; Self Administration ; Self Medication ; Specialization ; Surgeons ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Toothache

BACKGROUND: Because conventional echocardiographic parameters have several limitations, strain echocardiography has often been introduced in clinical practice. However, there are also obstacles in using it in clinical practice. Therefore, we wanted to find the current status of awareness on using strain echocardiography in Korea. METHODS: We conducted a nationwide survey to evaluate current use and awareness of strain echocardiography from the members of the Korean Society of Echocardiography. RESULTS: We gathered total 321 questionnaires from 25 cardiology centers in Korea. All participants were able to perform or interpret echocardiographic examinations. All participating institutions performed strain echocardiography. Most of our study participants (97%) were aware of speckle tracking echocardiography and 185 (58%) performed it for clinical and research purposes. Two-dimensional strain echocardiography was the most commonly used modality and left ventricle (LV) was the most commonly used cardiac chamber (99%) for clinical purposes. Most of the participants (89%) did not think LV strain can replace LV ejection fraction (LVEF) in their clinical practice. The common reasons for not performing routine use of strain echocardiography was diversity of strain measurements and lack of normal reference value. Many participants had a favorable view of the future of strain echocardiography. CONCLUSION: Most of our study participants were aware of strain echocardiography, and all institutions performed strain echocardiography for clinical and research purposes. However, they did not think the LV strain values could replace LVEF. The diversity of strain measurements and lack of normal reference values were common reasons for not using strain echocardiography in clinical practice.
Cardiology ; Echocardiography* ; Heart Ventricles ; Korea* ; Reference Values

Iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate tablets are usually used to treat iron-deficiency anemia in some elderly patients with primary neurologic disorders or decreased gag reflexes due to stroke, senile dementia, or parkinsonism. While the aspiration of ferrous sulfate is rarely reported, it is a potentially life-threatening condition that can lead to airway necrosis and bronchial stenosis. A detailed history and high suspicion of aspiration are required to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment. The diagnosis can be confirmed by bronchoscopic examination and a tissue biopsy. Early removal of the aspirated tablet prevents acute complications, such as bronchial necrosis, hemoptysis, and lobar consolidation. Tablet removal is also necessary to prevent late bronchial stenosis. We presented the first case in Korea of a ferrous sulfate tablet aspiration that induced severe endobronchial inflammation.
Aged ; Alzheimer Disease ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ; Biopsy ; Bronchi ; Bronchoscopy ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Diagnosis ; Foreign Bodies ; Hemoptysis ; Humans ; Inflammation* ; Iron ; Korea ; Necrosis ; Nervous System Diseases ; Parkinsonian Disorders ; Reflex ; Respiratory Aspiration ; Stroke ; Tablets

Animal models of constipation induced with drugs and diet have been widely employed to investigate therapeutic effects and the action mechanism of drugs against this disease. ICR mice were selected to produce this disease model through oral administration of loperamide (Lop), even though SD rats are commonly utilized in studies of constipation. To compare the responses of ICR mice obtained from three different sources to constipation inducers, alterations in stool number, histopathological structure, mucin secretion and opioid-receptor downstream signaling pathway were measured in Korl:ICR (Korea FDA source), A:ICR (USA source) and B:ICR (Japan source) injected with low and high concentrations of Lop (LoLop and HiLop). The number, weight and moisture content of stools decreased significantly in the Lop treated group of all ICR relative to the Vehicle treated group. Additionally, decreased mucosa layer thickness, muscle thickness, and mucin secretion were observed in the transverse colon of Lop treated ICR mice, while a similar number of goblet cells and crypt of lieberkuhn were detected in the same group. Furthermore, a similar change in the level of Gα expression and PKC phosphorylation was detected in the Lop treated group relative to the vehicle treated group, while some differences in the change pattern were observed in the B:ICR group. Therefore, these results of the present study provide strong additional evidence that Korl:ICR, A:ICR and B:ICR derived from different sources have a similar overall response to constipation induced by Lop injection, although there were a few differences in the magnitude of their responses.
Administration, Oral ; Animals ; Colon, Transverse ; Constipation* ; Diet ; Goblet Cells ; Loperamide* ; Mice* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Models, Animal ; Mucins ; Mucous Membrane ; Phosphorylation ; Rats ; Therapeutic Uses

A 12-year-old spayed female mixed-bred dog presented with nasal bleeding of 2 days duration and a skin nodule in the left flank. No abnormalities were found in coagulation profiles and blood pressure. Cytological evaluation of the nodule revealed numerous characteristic round organisms having a nucleus and a bar within macrophages and in the background, consistent with leishmaniasis. In vitro culture was unsuccessful but PCR of the nodular aspirate identified the organisms as Leishmania infantum, and the final diagnosis was canine leishmaniasis. No history of travel to endemic countries was noted. Because the dog had received a blood transfusion 2 years before the illness, serological screening tests were performed in all donor dogs of the commercial blood bank using the commercial Leishmania ELISA test kit, and there were no positive results. Additional 113 dogs with hyperglobulinemia from Seoul were also screened with the same kits but no positive results were obtained. To the best of the author's knowledge this is the first autochthonous case of canine leishmaniasis in Korea.
Animals ; Base Sequence ; DNA, Protozoan/chemistry/genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/chemistry/genetics ; Dog Diseases/*diagnosis/epidemiology ; Dogs ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay/veterinary ; Female ; Giant Cells/pathology ; Leishmania infantum/genetics/immunology/*isolation & purification ; Leishmaniasis, Visceral/diagnosis/*veterinary ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/veterinary ; Protozoan Proteins/genetics ; Republic of Korea ; Sequence Analysis, DNA/veterinary ; Serologic Tests/veterinary