Functional annotation of de novo variants from healthy individuals

The implications of germline de novo variants (DNVs) in diseases are well documented. Despite extensive research, inconsistencies between studies remain a challenge, and the distribution and genetic characteristics of DNVs need to be precisely evaluated. To address this issue at the whole-genome scale, a large number of DNVs identified from the whole-genome sequencing of 1,902 healthy trios (i.e., parents and progeny) from the Simons Foundation for Autism Research Initiative study and 20 healthy Korean trios were analyzed. These apparently nonpathogenic DNVs were enriched in functional elements of the genome but relatively depleted in regions of common copy number variants, implying their potential function as triggers of evolution even in healthy groups. No strong mutational hotspots were identified. The pathogenicity of the DNVs was not strongly elevated, reflecting the health status of the cohort. The mutational signatures were consistent with previous studies. This study will serve as a reference for future DNV studies.

Functional annotation of de novo variants from healthy individuals

The implications of germline de novo variants (DNVs) in diseases are well documented. Despite extensive research, inconsistencies between studies remain a challenge, and the distribution and genetic characteristics of DNVs need to be precisely evaluated. To address this issue at the whole-genome scale, a large number of DNVs identified from the whole-genome sequencing of 1,902 healthy trios (i.e., parents and progeny) from the Simons Foundation for Autism Research Initiative study and 20 healthy Korean trios were analyzed. These apparently nonpathogenic DNVs were enriched in functional elements of the genome but relatively depleted in regions of common copy number variants, implying their potential function as triggers of evolution even in healthy groups. No strong mutational hotspots were identified. The pathogenicity of the DNVs was not strongly elevated, reflecting the health status of the cohort. The mutational signatures were consistent with previous studies. This study will serve as a reference for future DNV studies.

Clinical Evaluation of OneTouch Diabetes Management Software System in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND: OneTouch Diabetes Management Software (OTDMS) is an efficient way to track and monitor the blood glucose level. It is possible to download data from the OneTouch Ultra via the meter's data port, and to transform the numbers of the blood glucose level into a graph, a chart, or statistics. The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether the use of OTDMS in consultation hours would improve patients' knowledge of diabetes mellitus (DM), compliance, satisfaction with doctor and medical treatment, doctor-patient reliability, and glucose control. METHODS: All patients were randomized into either the OTDMS group using OneTouch Ultra or the control groups not using it. Both groups had conventional DM education and only the OTDMS group used data from OTDMS as explanation materials during consultation hours. At enrollment and after 6 months, we performed a questionnaire survey consisting of the diabetes knowledge test, items for compliance of treatment, patient's satisfaction, doctor-patient reliability, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). RESULTS: We analyzed 6-month follow-up data from 92 patients (OTDMS 42 vs. control 50). Both groups showed significant improvements in HbA1c, diabetes knowledge, compliance, reliability, and satisfaction after 6 months. However, there were no significant differences between OTDMS and control groups overall. Only "weekly frequency of checking blood glucose level" of compliance and "trying to follow doctor's order" of reliability showed better results in the OTDMS group. CONCLUSION: Using the OTDMS system for explanation during consultation hours seems to be more helpful to improve patient's compliance and reliability, especially for checking blood glucose level and trying to follow the doctor's order.

Trends in the Incidence of Hospitalized Acute Myocardial Infarction and Stroke in Korea, 2006-2010

This study attempted to calculate and investigate the incidence of hospitalized acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and stroke in Korea. Using the National Health Insurance claim data, we investigated patients whose main diagnostic codes included AMI or stroke during 2006 to 2010. As a result, we found out that the number of AMI hospitalized patients had decreased since 2006 and amounted to 15,893 in 2010; and that the number of those with stroke had decreased since 2006 and amounted to 73,501 in 2010. The age-standardized incidence rate of hospitalized AMI, after adjustment for readmission, was 41.6 cases per 100,000-population in 2006, and had decreased to 29.4 cases in 2010 (for trend P < 0.001). In the case of stroke was estimated at 172.8 cases per 100,000-population in 2006, and had decreased to 135.1 cases in 2010 (for trend P < 0.001). In conclusion, the age-standardized incidence rates of both hospitalized AMI and stroke in Korea had decreased continuously during 2006 to 2010. We consider this decreasing trend due to the active use of pharmaceuticals, early vascular intervention, and the national cardio-cerebrovascular disease care project as the primary and secondary prevention efforts.

Comparing lignocaine-adrenaline-tetracaine gel with lignocaine infiltration for anesthesia during repair of lacerations: A randomized trial / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

@#BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the topical anesthetic lignocaine, adrenaline, and tetracaine (LAT) (4% lignocaine, 1:2000 adrenaline, 1% tetracaine) with the conventional lignocaine infiltration(LI) for repair of minor lacerations, for the comfort of anesthetic administration, efficacy, adverse effects and cost. METHODS: This was a prospective randomized clinical trial. Forty Asian patients who required toilet and suture for minor lacerations in the emergency department of the Singapore General Hospital over a 4-month period. The patients were assigned randomly to 2 arms of treatment. The first was the LAT gel group who had LAT gel applied to the laceration prior to suturing. The second was the control group in whom the anesthetic administered was lignocaine infiltration (LI) via a syringe. The pain of the process of administering anesthetic and efficacy of anesthesia were scored using the visual pain scale included within. The efficacy of LAT vs. lignocaine infiltration as an anesthetic prior to the toilet and suture of minor lacerations and complications of therapy. RESULTS: Twenty patients were randomized to LAT gel and 16 to LI on an intention to treat analysis. The mean pain score by patients in the LAT gel group was 2.5 (0.52 SE), and 2.5 (0.58 SE) in the LI group. The pain score for pain during application of the anesthetic was 1.5 (0.40) in the LAT gel group, and 3.5 (0.46) in the LI group. There was no difference in complications between the LAT and LI groups. CONCLUSION: LAT gel prior to the toilet and suture of minor lacerations is proven to be as efficacious as LI in terms of patient comfort and effectiveness of anesthesia. The complications are also comparable to those treated with LI.

The Effect of the Addition of Fentanyl and Midazolam to Lidocaine in a Supraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fentanyl and midazolam when used as adjuvant in a supraclavicular brachial plexus block. METHODS: 100 adult patients with an ASA status of I-II that were scheduled to undergo upper extremity surgery performed under a supraclavicular brachial plexus block were prospectively evaluated in this study.The patients were randomly divided into 4 study groups:Group 1, which received 40 ml of 1.5% lidocaine, Group 2, which received 3 mg of midazolam with 40 ml of 1.5% lidocaine, Group 3, which received 100microgram of fentanyl with 40 ml of 1.5% lidocaine, and Group 4, which received 3 mg of midazolam and 100microgram of fentanyl with 40 ml of 1.5% lidocaine.The onset time, as well as the duration of analgesia and motor blocks, proportion of successful blocks, hemodynamic parameters, and adverse events were then noted. RESULTS: The incidence of successful block was higher in group 4 (92%) than in any other groups (68-72%) (P = 0.185). In addition, the mean duration of analgesia was longer in groups 2 and 4 (165 min and 175 min) than in groups 1 and 3 (114 min and 131 min) (P < 0.05).Furthermore, the mean duration of motor block was longer in groups 2 and 4 (169 min and 180 min) than in groups 1 and 3 (123 min and 126 min) (P < 0.05).No significant difference was observed in the onset time of the sensory block and motor block when the groups were compared. CONCLUSIONS: Although the addition of 3 mg of midazolam and 100microgram of fentanyl to lidocaine in a supraclavicular brachial plexus block does not affect the onset of sensory or motor block, it does prolong the duration of analgesia and motor block.

Heath Promotion Priorities of Older Adults in a Rural Community

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the priorities of health promotion for older adults in the rural community. The study attempts to display demographic characteristics subjective health status and chronic diseases status of the older adults. METHODS: We surveyed 384 senior residents in a community via face-to-face interviews in their homes, who were selected by proportional random sampling. We analysed the frequency, multiple responses and chi2 by SPSS 12.0K. RESULTS: The mean of subjective health status was 54.04+/-21.69 with a maximum of 100. Our study found that the high priorities in health promotion for older adults were prevention and management of hypertension and diabetes, strengthening of joint and muscles, cancer screening and physical exercise. Prevention of depression and social activities were low priorities. Strengthening of joints and muscles was a high priority among women while smoking cessation and social activities were high priorities of men. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, health promotion priorities of older adults differed by gender and subjective health status. Disease-related priorities received more attention than psycho-social health priorities. This study suggests comparing the priorities regionally and nationally.

Factors Associated with Gastric Cancer Screening of Koreans Based on a Socio-ecological Model / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: We measured behavioral factors associated with Koreans receiving gastric cancer screening based on a socio-ecological model, in part to develop strategies to improve cancer screening rates. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted with 2,576 people chosen through stratified random sampling from April 1- May 31, 2004. Collected information included gastric cancer screening, socio-demographic factors, and socio-ecological factors at intrapersonal, interpersonal, community, and public policy levels. RESULTS: Among 985 survey respondents (380 men and 605 women), 402 had received gastric cancer screening. Logistic analysis was performed to compare those screened and unscreened. 'Age' was the only demographic factor that showed a statistically significant association with getting screening. People in their fifties (OR=1.731, 95% CI=1.190-2.520) and sixties (OR=2.098, 95% CI=1.301-3.385) showed a higher likelihood of getting screened, compared to those in the forties. 'Accessibility to a medical institution' was a significant factor related to having gastric cancer screening at the intrapersonal level. At the interpersonal level, recommendations by family members to be screened and a family practice of routine cancer screening were significantly related. People with frequent education about cancer screening or with stronger social feelings that cancer screening is necessary also demonstrated significantly higher tendencies to be screened. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, a socio-ecological model seems appropriate for explaining gastric cancer screening behavior and associated factors. Health planners should develop integrated strategies to improve cancer screening rates based on socio-ecological factors, especially at the interpersonal and community levels.

The effect of polyphosphate on exophytic bone formation / 대한치주과학회지

PURPOSE: It has been shown that the inorganic polyphosphate is effective for the regeneration of bones through the preliminary animal test of rabbits. The most effective concentration of the polyphosphate, however, is not known yet. Moreover, the effectiveness of carriers inside human body is not confirmed.. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, we examined the effect of the concentration of the inorganic polyphosphate on the process of the bone regeneration using the 6 weeks old rabbits with the weight of 2.0 kg in average. We performed the experiment using TR-ePTFE membrane(membrane) filled with collagen immersed in 4%, 8% of inorganic polyphosphate, respectively, following removal of the proper sized cortical bones from the rabbit calvaria. The experimental results were compared with the one of the following four groups: The negative control group for membrane only, the positive control group for membrane filled with collagen, the first experimental group for membrane filled with collagen immersed in 4% of inorganic polyphosphate, and the second experimental group for membrane filled with collagen immerse in 8% of inorganic polyphosphate. The fragments of the tissue with membrane obtained from each group of the sacrificed rabbits for 8 or 16 weeks sustained after surgery were then prestained by the Hematoxylin-Eosin stain and coated by resin to form non-decalcified specimens for the histologic examination and analysis. New bone formation was assessed by histomorphometric and statistical analysis. RESULTS: 1. All groups have shown better bone regeneration at 16weeks than 8weeks. 2. Negative control group has shown more bone regeneration relative to the other groups at 8 and 16 weeks. 3. All experimental groups have shown better bone regeneration relative to positive control group. 4. At 16 weeks, the first experimental group has shown more bone regeneration compared to the second experimental group. Exophytic bone formation is not good at the first and the second experimental groups compared with negative control group. But, the use of 4% inorganic polyphosphate was more effective to bone formation than the use of 8% inorganic polyphosphate. CONCLUSION: With above results, it is suggested the use of inorganic polyphosphate with vehicle under TR-ePTFE membrane.

The effect of the introduction of Picture Archiving and Communication System on interpretation rate of radiologic examinations / 대한의료정보학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of the introduction of picture archiving and communication system(PACS) by identifying the change of the interpretation rates of radiologic examinations. METHODS: The data about total of 297,314 radiologic examinations done from June, 2001 to June 2002 was collected through medical record. December, 2001 which was the month of PACS introduction was excluded from the analysis for controlling the bias. Data concerning the time spent on interpretation, types of patients, clinical departments and types of radiologic examinations were collected. Chi-square test was performed to evaluate differences before and after introduction of PACS. RESULTS: 1. The interpretation rates of total radiologic examinations significantly increased after the introduction of PACS. The interpretation rate within 1 day increased 2.3 times higher after the introduction of PACS. 2. Both of the interpretation rates of radiologic examinations for outpatients and inpatients were significantly increased after the introduction of PACS. The interpretation rate within 1 day of radiologic examinations among outpatients increased 2.1 times higher and that among inpatients increased 3 times higher after the introducton of PACS. CONCLUSION: There was overall increase of interpretation rate suggesting the improvement of performance in department of radiology. This indicated that introduction of PACS brought about a positive impact on medical service quality through improving operational efficiency.

The Association between Recent Dietary Pattern as a Risk Factor of 12-month Asthma Symptom Prevalence in Korean Elementary School Children / 소아알레르기및호흡기학회지

PURPOSE:To investigate the impact of dietary pattern on the risk of asthma development, we undertook a nation-wide study with ISSAC written questionnaire. METHODS:We analyzed the relations between the previous 12-month dietary patterns (16 food groups) and asthma symptom prevalence, using the ISSAC written questionnaire and a domestically developed dietary questionnaire in 24,260 elementary school children. RESULTS:Odds ratios (OR) were significantly decreased by increased food intake of natural seafood (OR:0.88, P=0.0126, 95% CI:0.795-0.973), fruit (OR:0.785, P<0.0001, 95% CI:0.715-0.861), vegetables (OR:0.825, P<0.0001, 95% CI:0.764-0.891), and cow's milk (OR:0.9, P=0.0451, 95% CI:0.811-0.998). Compared to children that seldom consumed natural seafood, ORs of symptom development were lower in children that ate natural seafood 1-2 times per week (OR:0.863, P=0.028, 95% CI:0.761-0.978) and almost everyday (OR:0.802, P=0.0755, 95% CI:0.630-1.023), respectively. For green vegetables, ORs were significantly lower than in children who also ate gree vegetables 1-2 times per week (OR:0.753, P=0.0416, 95% CI:0.595-0.950) and almost everyday (OR:0.674, P=0.0179, 95% CI:0.408-0.752), respectively. Fruits showed the same pattern as green vegetables. CONCLUSION:Taken together, our study shows that the increased intake of natural seafood, fruit, and vegetables is significantly related to reduced asthma symptom prevalence in Korean children.

Intravenous Immunoglobulin Retreatment in Kawasaki Disease: The Comparison between Single 2 g/kg and 1 g/kg

PURPOSE: Patients with Kawasaki disease (KD) who remain febrile after first dose of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) are usually treated with a second dose of IVIG. However, the optimal dosage of IVIG in the retreatment of KD is still controversial. We evaluated the impact of IVIG dose difference on the coronary artery lesion (CAL) in the retreatment of KD. METHODS: We performed a prospective study on 24 patients with KD requiring IVIG retreatment from January 2000 to December 2004. The patients were assigned to receive IVIG in the retreatment of KD either as a single infusion of 2 g/kg (A group, 12 patients) or 1 g/kg (B group, 24 patients). We compared the CAL of B group to that of A group for comparable risk of both groups. RESULTS: The incidence of CAL was significantly higher in the 5 of 24 (20.9%) patients with IVIG retreatment vs the 18 of 315 (5.8%) afebrile patients after first course of IVIG treatment (P=0.016). There were no significant differences in age, sex, and other clinical and laboratory findings known as risk factors of CAL between the two groups. Among 24 patients with IVIG retreatment, there were no significant difference in the incidence of CAL between the two groups(Group A, 3/12=25%, vs Group B, 2/12=16.7%) (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Single 1 g/kg IVIG therapy is comparable outcome to single 2 g/kg IVIG therapy in the retreatment of KD, although the efficacy of this practice requires assessment with a randomized controlled prospective trial in more patients.

The Distribution of Time to Death in Trauma Patients

OBJECTIVE: In trauma patients, the distribution of time to death can be used in many ways. We examined the distribution of time to death in trauma patients who expired during a 10-year and analyzed the risk factors of early deaths. METHOD: From January 1994 to December 2003, trauma patients who had been admitted and had expired at tertiary hospitals were enrolled. A retrospective study was done to determine the distribution of trauma mortality and compared the differences between patients who succumbed during the first 5 years and those who succumbed during the second 5 years. We also analyzed the risk factors associated with early deaths that occurred within 6 hours after injury. RESULT: The distribution was bimodal for both the first and the second 5 years. During the second 5 years, there was about two times as many death within 1 hour after injury. The average ages were 36.5 years for the first 5 years and 43.6 years for the second 5 years (p<0.05). The transport times were 35 minutes for the first 5 years and 31.5 minutes for the second 5 years, and the transports by EMS (119) increased from 45.2% to 77.1%. Motor vehicle accidents were the most common mechanism of injury in both periods, but the number was lower in the second 5 years (p<0.05). The most common causes of death were injuries of head and spine and hemorrhages. Risk factor of early deaths were injury of nervous system and chest trauma. CONCLUSION: In our study, the distribution of trauma mortality was bimodal pattern. The trauma system in Korea should be improved to decrease the early and the late peak. To decrease early deaths, it is important to prevent accident, develop EMS for early transport and pre-hospital management, and connect effectively with the trauma center. To decrease late deaths, aggressive resuscitation, suitable antibiotic therapy, and conservative treatment are important.

Analysis of Human Leukocyte Antigen-G Expression in Ovarian Cancer / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a nonclassical major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule with highly limited tissue distribution that has been proposed to protect tumor cells from natural killer cell lysis. To delineate the potential role of HLA-G in ovarian cancer, we investigated expression patterns of this molecule in human ovarian cancer cell lines and tissues. METHODS: HLA-G expression was determined both at RNA level by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and protein level by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody against denatured heavy chain of HLA-G, MEM-G1, in 13 ovarian cancer patient tissues and 6 ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3, SKOV-3, ES-2, PA-1, TOV-112D, TOV-21G). RESULTS: We found mRNA transcripts of different HLA-G isoforms in five of 6 ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR-3, SKOV-3, ES-2, TOV-112D, TOV-21G). HLA-G protein was also detected in 5 cell lines that exhibited expression of HLA-G mRNA transcripts. Immunohistochemical analysis of human ovarian cancers revealed expression of HLA-G in eight of 13 tissue samples. CONCLUSION: Our results provide additional clues as to how a tumor can be selected in vitro and in vivo to escape from cytotoxic anti-tumor responses. We suggest that the aberrant expression of HLA-G may contribute to immune escape in human ovarian cancer.

Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy in the Epididymis: A Case Report / 소아과

Melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) is a rare neoplasm known by a variety of names including melanotic progonoma and retinal anlage tumor, and currently thought to be neural crest derivation. The vast majority develop within the first year of life. The behavior is generally benign, but recurrent and metastatic cases have been documented. It arises in the head and neck in over 90%, mainly in the maxilla, but is extremely rare in the epididymis. We report a case of MNTI together with a review of literature, which occurred in the right epididymis of a 6-month-old boy who presented with a painless, slowly growing, scrotal mass and was treated with radical orchiectomy.

Osteopromotive effect of Titanium Reinforced-ePTFE membrane / 대한치주과학회지

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the regenerated bone histollogically using titanium reinforced ePTFE(TR-ePTFE) membrane and to investigate cell occlusiveness, wound stabilization and tissue integration of TR-ePTFE membrane. Adult male rabbits (mean BW 2kg) and TR9W (W.L.Gore&Associate.INC,USA) were used in this study. Intramarrow penetration defects were surgically created with round carbide bur(HP long #6) on calvaria of rabbits. TR-ePTFE membrane was applied to defect. Then guided bone regeneration was carried out using TRePTFE membrane and resorbable suture. At 2,4,8,12 weeks after the surgery, animals were sacrificed. Nondecalcified specimens were processed for histologic analysis. The result and conclusion of this study were as follows: 1. TR-ePTFE membrane had good ability of biocompatibility and cell occlusiveness. 2. space making for guided bone regenerayion was good at TR-ePTFE membrane. 3. Tissue integration was not good at TR-ePTFE membrane. So, wound stabilization was not good. 4. At 8 weeks, 12 weeks after GBR procedure, bone formation was seen. From the above results, TR -ePTFE membrane fixed tightiy on alveolar bone might be recommended for the early bone formation.

Distribution of Refractive Errors and Quantified Optometric Values in Urban Elementary Fourth Graders in Korea

PURPOSE: To assess the distribution of ocular diseases, refractive errors, and quantified optometric values in urban elementary 4th graders in Korea. METHODS: A total of 234 schoolchildren were assessed in a population-based, cross-sectional study. The examination included uncorrected and corrected visual acuity measurements, corneal refractive power measurements using an autokeratometer (KR-8100, Topcon(R) Inc., Japan), ocular motility evaluation, slit-lamp biomicroscopy for the anterior segment and media, the measurements of anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and axial length using an A-scan ultrasound biometry (A/B-scan system 835, Humphrey(R) Inc., Dublin, CA), retinoscopy under cycloplegia, and fundus examination. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of strabismus, epiblepharon, and amblyopia were 1.3%, 2.6%, and 1.7%, respectively. Mean visual acuity was -0.18 +/- 0.31 LogMAR. The prevalence rates of myopia (or=+1.00 D SE), and anisometropia (SE difference>or=1.00 D) were 46.2%, 7.3% and 5.9%, respectively. The means of corneal refractive power, axial length, and anterior chamber depth were 43.29 +/- 1.45 D, 23.42 +/- 1.26 mm, and 3.29 +/- 0.30 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We assessed the distribution of ocular diseases, refractive errors, and quantified optometric values in a population-based study. The results showed that increases in the prevalence of reduced vision and myopia are an important public health problem in urban elementary 4th graders in Korea.

A Study on Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life in Amenorrhea Schizophrenics Treated with Risperidone / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: Amenorrhea, one of the most common side effects of neuroleptics, has known to be associated with prolactin elevation. Hyperprolactinemia seriously affects mental health causing depression, anxiety or hostility, while also affecting physical health causing amenorrhea, galactorrhea or sexual dysfunction. The possible correlation between risperidone-induced amenorrhea and depression, anxiety and quality of life was evaluated in a cross-sectional open study. METHODS: During a five-month period, WHO quality of life-BREF (WHOQOL), Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Statetrait anxiety inventory (STAI) were applied twice at two-month intervals for 30 patients with risperidone-induced amenorrhea and 22 patients without amenorrhea. RESULTS: Amenorrhea group had significantly higher scores in BDI and STAI-state, while showing lower scores in the quality of life than control group. The total BDI and STAI-state scores were more negatively correlated with WHOQOL score in amenorrhea group. CONCLUSION: Patients with risperidone-induced amenorrhea rated themselves significantly more depressed and more anxious, and a lower quality of life compared to the control group. Clinicians should be more active in evaluating and treating hyperprolactinemic side effects such as amenorrhea, galactorrhea, depression and anxiety.

Effect of retinoic acid on the radiosensitivity of normal human oral keratinocyte / 대한구강악안면방사선학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) on the radiosensitivity of normal human oral keratinocyte (NHOK). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Relative cell survival fraction including SF2 (survival fraction at 2 Gy) was calculated on the basis of colony formation assay. Data were fitted to the linear-quadratic model to establish the survival curve and calculate alpha and beta values. Using flow cytometry at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 days after exposure to 2 and 10 Gy irradiation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis were analysed. To understand the molecular mechanism of the radiosensitization of ATRA on NHOK, proteins related with apoptosis and cell cycle arrest were investigated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: Treatment with ATRA resulted in a significant decrease of SF2 value for NHOK from 0.63 to 0.27, and increased alpha and beta value, indicating that ATRA increased radiosensitivity of NHOK. ATRA increased LDH significantly, but increasing irradiation dose decreased LDH, suggesting that the radiosensitizing effect of ATRA is not directly related with increasing cell necrosis by ATRA. ATRA did not induce appotosis but increased G2 arrest after 10 Gy irradiation, implying that the increased radiosensitivity of NHOK may be due to a decrease in mitosis casued by increasing G2 arrest. ATRA inhibited the reduction of p53 at 3 days after 10 Gy irradiation and increased p21 at 1 day after 10 Gy irradiation. Further study is required to determine the precise relationship between this effect and the radiosensitizing effect of ATRA. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that ATRA increase radiosensitivity by inhibiting mitosis caused by increasing G2 arrest.

Factors Affecting On-Line Medical Information Retrieval by Patients at a General Hospital in Seoul / 대한의료정보학회지

This study was designed to identify the factors relating to the retrieval of medical information from the Internet by patients at a general hospital in Seoul. A questionnaire survey was carried out for 440 inpatients and outpatients who visited the general hospital by 20 educated nurses between 24 and 25 October, 2002. The collected data were analyzed to evaluate the relationship between socioeconomic characteristics and Internet use, and opinions about medical information on the Internet and Internet use, by t-tests or chi-square tests. A logistic regression analysis was applied to find models explaining the factors affecting Internet use and the search for medical on the Internet. According to our logistic regression analysis, the younger, better educated, higher income, and singles showed a higher Odds ratio for Internet use. Age, education period, income and confidence level of the Internet contents were statistically significant in the search for medical information on the Internet(p< 0.05). The results showed the customers characteristics, needs, and problems with using the Internet in medical area on the customer s views. These results would be useful for building marketing strategies using the Internet as a way of servicing and communicating with the patients.