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Until now, SnO2 nanowires have been directly grown on alumina substrates with Au or Au-coated Pt electrodes by a thermal evaporation method using Sn or SnO2 powders under vacuum. However, in this study, SnO2 nanowires were successfully synthesized on the Pt phase of an alumina substrate by a thermal evaporation method using dibutyltin oxide [DBTO, (C4H9)2SnO] even at atmospheric pressure, resulting in nanowire networks between the Pt phases. Ar with 1% O2 was used as carrier gas with a flow rate of 100 mL/min at 900 °C (heating rate of 25 °C/min). The SnO2 nanowires consisted of straight and branched nanowires, and exhibited a SnO2 phase with a tetragonal structure. Both the DBTO and evaporation temperature play an important role on the synthesis of SnO2 nanowires at atmospheric pressure. The SnO2 nanowire sensor fabricated by an evaporation method showed a sensor response of ~ 500 for 0.05 ppm of NO2, being ~ 10 times greater than that of a SnO2 nanoparticle sensor. Furthermore, the SnO2 nanowire sensor showed excellent repeatability and selectivity for NO2 in the presence of SO2, Cl2, and H2S.

Two-dimensional (2D) materials with unique physicochemical properties have extraordinary advantages for various applications. Among different modifications for such 2D materials, intercalation provides the highest doping level and induces phase changes in the materials. However, the intercalation process currently in use is complicated, involving exfoliation and lamination of sheets, as well as transportation of model molecules. In this paper, we describe a novel one-pot method for the synthesis of 2D phyllosilicate material sheets and simultaneous intercalation of a model molecules in 2D sheets. The intercalation was performed simultaneously to the synthesis of magnesium-based 2D phyllosilicate material sheets, without interrupting the phyllosilicate structure formation. The intercalant showed sustained release over 10 d, while preserving their sensitive activity. Based on the obtained results, we concluded that this approach facilitated simpler intercalation compared to other existing methods and could be applicable to the field of cosmetic engineering and biomedicine.

The advanced wakefield experiment (AWAKE) at CERN is the first proton beam-driven plasma wakefield acceleration experiment. The main goal of AWAKE RUN 1 was to demonstrate seeded self-modulation (SSM) of the proton beam and electron witness beam acceleration in the plasma wakefield. For the AWAKE experiment, a 10-meter-long Rubidium-vapor cell together with a high-power laser for ionization was used to generate the plasma. The plasma wakefield is driven by a 400 GeV/c proton beam extracted from the super proton synchrotron (SPS), which undergoes a seeded self-modulation process in the plasma. The electron witness beam used to probe the wakefields is generated from an S-band RF photo-cathode gun and then accelerated by a booster structure up to energies between 16 and 20 MeV. The first run of the AWAKE experiment revealed that the maximum energy gain after the plasma cell is 2 GeV, and the SSM mechanism of the proton beam was verified. In this paper, we will present the details of the AWAKE electron injector. A comparison of the measured electron beam parameters, such as beam size, energy, and normalized emittance, with the simulation results was performed.

Background/Aims: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the efficacy of percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) for patients with acute cholecystitis (AC) ac cording to severity. Methods: A total of 325 patients who underwent cholecystectomy between January 2008 and October 2010 were enrolled. Patients were classified into three groups based on severity grade according to the Tokyo guidelines for AC: grade I (mild), grade II (moderate), and grade III (severe). These groups were further classified into two subgroups based on whether or not they underwent preoperative PC. Results: A total of 184 patients were classified into the grade I group (57%), 135 patients were classified into the grade II group (42%), and five patients were clas sified into the grade III group (1%). In the grade I and II groups, the mean length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the patients who did not undergo PC than in those who received PC (10.7 ± 4.4 vs. 13.7 ± 5.8, p < 0.001; 11.8 ± 6.5 vs. 16.9 ± 12.5, p = 0.003, respectively). The mean length of preoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter in the patients without PC than in those with PC in the grade I and II groups (5.8 ± 3.3 vs. 8.2 ± 4.6, p = 0.001; 6.0 ± 4.4 vs. 8.8 ± 5.2, p = 0.002). In addition, the operative time was shorter in patients without PC, especially in the grade I group (94.6 ± 36.4 vs. 107.3 ± 33.5, p = 0.034). Conclusions: Preoperative PC should be reserved for only selected patients with mild or moderate AC. No significant benefit of preoperative PC was identified with respect to clinical outcome or complications.

Autologous T cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T cells) have shown impressive outcomes in hematologic malignancies. However, safety concerns derived from the inability to control CAR-T cells in vivo remain a significant challenge to expand the application of CAR-T cell therapy. Switchable CAR-T cells can allow for turning on and off the activation and cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells in vivo, potentially increasing the safety of next-generation CART products. To this goal, CAR constructs targeting non-tumor antigens, e.g., haptens and peptide tags, can be designed and combined with tumor-targeting units that are fused to the hapten or peptide tag. In this study, we developed a novel switchable CAR-T system using cotinine as the hapten and an anti-cotinine CAR-T cell product. Of note, cotinine is physiologically absent in human and pharmacologically inert. A mouse antibody to cotinine was developed and successfully humanized. The anti-cotinine CAR confirmed to be displayed on T-cell surface. We first tested this approach to target epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in ovarian cancer. To target HER2, we developed an affibody-based antigen binding domain characterized by high stability, broad spectrum of specificity, and feasibility of large scale chemical synthesis. In in vitro cytotoxicity and cytokine release assays, the activity of CAR-T cells was controlled by cotinine-tagged anti-HER2 affibody in a HER2-specific and dose-dependent manner. We synthesized the cotinine-tagged HER2 affibodies using single isoform cotinine and selected the optimal cotinine-tagged anti-HER2 affibody at the cotinine-based switchable CAR-T system. In an orthotopic ovarian cancer model using NSG mice engrafted with SKOV3, tumor regression was observed only when CAR-T cells were administered in combination with the cotinine-tagged HER2 affibody. In subsequent studies, we demonstrated that the cotinine-based switchable CAR-T system can be applied to other tumor targets such as mesothelin and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Additional studies are ongoing to determine the kinetics of the on and off CAR-T activation of this system and define the optimal dosing strategy to ensure anti-tumor effect or to interrupt toxicity. In conclusion, we have developed a novel switchable cotinine-based CAR-T system to control CAR-T function in vivo and that could be broadly applicable to wide variety of tumors. Disclosures Kim: AbClon Inc.: Current Employment. Lee: AbClon Inc.: Current Employment. Ruella: viTToria biotherapeutics: Research Funding; Tmunity: Patents & Royalties; AbClon: Consultancy, Research Funding; BMS, BAYER, GSK: Consultancy; Novartis: Patents & Royalties. Chung: AbClon Inc.: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding.

Autologous T cells engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-T cells) have shown impressive outcomes in hematologic malignancies. However, safety concerns derived from the inability to control CAR-T cells in vivo remain a significant challenge to expand the application of CAR-T cell therapy. Switchable CAR-T cells can allow for turning on and off the activation and cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells in vivo, potentially increasing the safety of next-generation CART products. To this goal, CAR constructs targeting non-tumor antigens, e.g., haptens and peptide tags, can be designed and combined with tumor-targeting units that are fused to the hapten or peptide tag. In this study, we developed a novel switchable CAR-T system using cotinine as the hapten and an anti-cotinine CART cell product. Of note, cotinine is physiologically absent in human and pharmacologically inert. A mouse antibody to cotinine was developed and successfully humanized. The anti-cotinine CAR confirmed to be displayed on T-cell surface. We first tested this approach to target epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in ovarian cancer. To target HER2, we developed an affibody-based antigen binding domain characterized by high stability, broad spectrum of specificity, and feasibility of large scale chemical synthesis. In in vitro cytotoxicity and cytokine release assays, the activity of CAR-T cells was controlled by cotinine-tagged anti-HER2 affibody in a HER2-specific and dose-dependent manner. In an orthotopic ovarian cancer model using NSG mice engrafted with SKOV3, tumor regression was observed only when CAR-T cells were administered in combination with the cotinine-tagged HER2 affibody. In subsequent studies, we demonstrated that the cotinine-based switchable CAR-T system can be applied to other tumor targets such as mesothelin and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Additional studies are ongoing to determine the kinetics of the on and off CART activation of this system and define the optimal dosing strategy to ensure anti-tumor effect or to interrupt toxicity. In conclusion, we have developed a novel switchable cotinine-based CART system to control CART function in vivo and that could be broadly applicable to wide variety of tumors. Citation Format: Ki-Hyun Kim, Soohwan Kim, Ji-Hyeon Choi, Sung-Min Kim, Gae-Baik Kim, Jong-Ho Lee, Hyun-Jong Lee, Sang-Ho Ahn, Guewha Lee, LeiGuang Cui, Seong Yeol Kim, Min Yoon, Ki Hyun Kim, Soohyun Kim, Juwon Lee, Youngjin Han, Youngha Lee, In-Sik Hwang, Bong-Kook Ko, Jong-Seo Lee, Yong Sang Song, Marco Ruella, Junho Chung. A novel cotinine-based system for switchable chimeric antigen receptor T cell immunotherapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr LB149.

Dysregulation of neutrophil apoptosis causes pathogenesis and aggravation of allergy. S100A9 exists as one of the proteins in the neutrophils, triggering inflammatory responses by activating the immune cells. In this study, we investigated whether S100A9 affects constitutive neutrophil apoptosis by activating the monocytes in normal and allergic subjects. Supernatant from human monocytic THP-1 cells after treatment with S100A9 suppressed normal neutrophil apoptosis by inhibiting the activations of caspase 9 and caspase 3. S100A9 upregulated the release of MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in THP-1 cells. An increase in cytokine was suppressed by CLI-095, a Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 inhibitor, PP2, a Src inhibitor, rottlerin, a PKCδ inhibitor, MAP kinase inhibitors, including PD98059, SB202190, and SP600125, and BAY-11-7085, an NF-κB inhibitor. Src, PKCδ, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and JNK were phosphorylated by S100A9. The phosphorylation of Src and PKCδ was suppressed by CLI-095, and the activation of ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, and JNK was inhibited by CLI-095, PP2, and rottlerin. S100A9 induced NF-κB activity, and the activation was suppressed by CLI-095, PP2, rottlerin, and MAPK kinase inhibitors. In normal and allergic subjects, supernatant from normal and allergic monocytes after stimulation with S100A9 suppressed normal and allergic neutrophil apoptosis, respectively; MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-8 in the supernatant was increased by S100A9. The cytokine secretion induced by S100A9 is related to TLR4, Src, PKCδ, ERK1/2, p38 MAPK, JNK, and NF-κB. Taken together, S100A9 induces anti-apoptotic effect on normal and allergic neutrophils by increasing cytokine secretion of monocytes. These findings may help us to better understand neutrophil apoptosis regulated by S100A9 and pathogenesis of allergic diseases.

[Purpose] The effect of duration of smartphone use on neck and shoulder muscle fatigue and pain was investigated in adults with forward head posture. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-four adults with forward head posture were classified into groups by duration of smartphone use: 11 used a smartphone for 10 minutes each (group 1), 12 for 20 minutes each (group 2), and 11 for 30 minutes each (group 3). Fatigue cervical erector spinae and upper trapezius muscles was measured by electromyography, and pain before and after the experiment was evaluated using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores. [Results] There was a significant difference in the degree of fatigue in the left upper trapezius muscles in group 2 and left cervical erector spinae and bilateral upper trapeziuses group 3. There was a significant difference in fatigue in the left upper trapezius in groups 1 and 3. The VAS showed significant differences in all groups before and after the experiment and between groups 1 and 3. [Conclusion] Pain and fatigue worsened with longer smartphone use. This study provided data on the proper duration of smartphone use. Correct posture and breaks of at least 20 minutes are recommend when using smartphones.

The crucial obstacle to design an electrically conducting device is the poor and heterogeneous dispersion of the pristine CNTs in polymer matrices. The best method to overcome these problems is to create a CNT core-polymer shell structure, allowing a dense close-packing of the CNT core-polymer shell units, expecting in the formation of completely homogeneous CNT-polymer films and a big improvement in their physicochemical properties including the electrical conductivity. Poly[3-(5-carboxylpentyl)thiophene-2,5-diyl] wrapped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (P3PT-COOH/CNTs) in core-shell structure were successfully prepared as a bucky paper by simple pH-control of the aqueous solution containing different weight percentages of the both components (P3PT-COOH/CNTs = 50/50, 60/40, 70/30). The core-shell structure of P3PT-COOH/CNT-50 nanohybrid films showed a significantly high electrical conductivity increase of up to 17 fold compared with those of non-core-shell structure prepared by a simple mixing (e.g. from 1.33 to 1.81 S/cm up to 22 S/cm). The result could be considered to be a consequence of a homogeneous P3PT–COOH–wrapping on the surface of CNTs, the regular shell thickness of individual CNT-core/P3PT–COOH–shell nanohybrid fibers, and their three-dimensional close packing in a film.

The nano/macroporous polycaprolactone (PCL) microspheres with cell active surfaces were developed as an injectable cell delivery system. Room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL) and camphene were used as a liquid mold and a porogen, respectively. Various-sized spheres of 244-601μm with pores of various size and shape of 0.02-100μm, were formed depending on the camphene/RTIL ratio (0.8-2.6). To give cell activity, the surface of porous microspheres were further modified with nerve growth factors (NGF) containing gelatin to give a thin NGF/gelatin layer, to which the neural progenitor cells (PC-12) attached and extended their neurites on to the surface layers of the microspheres. The developed microspheres may be potentially applicable as a neuronal cell delivery scaffold for neuron tissue engineering.

[Purpose] Many assumptions have been made about taping and several studies have considered tape application methods; however, the true effect of taping on muscle strength remains unclear. Most previous studies compared application techniques using Kinesio tape (KT), but studies that compared muscle strength using non-elastic tape (NT) are limited. Moreover, no studies have applied KT and NT in the same way to assess grip strength in normal subjects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the immediate effect of application of two tapes with different elastic properties on maximal grip strength in healthy adults. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty healthy adults were divided into two groups (KT and NT). Maximal grip strength was measured with a dynamometer. Forearm extensor muscles of the dominant hand were then taped and subjects were immediately asked to perform hand grip movement with maximum strength in the same standardized manner. [Results] In the KT group, maximal grip strength was significantly increased compared to the initial value; however, in the NT group, there was no significant difference in maximal grip strength. [Conclusion] This study suggests that only Kinesio tape can increase maximal grip strength immediately after application on the extensor region of the forearm.

Der p 2, which is a major allergen of house dust mite, plays an important role in the pathogenesis of allergic disease. There is controversy regarding whether Der p 2 binds to Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and its inflammatory effect has not yet been elucidated. In the current study, we examined the interaction of Der p 2 with TLR4 and the effect of Der p 2 on cytokine release in THP-1 cells and lymphocytes. Among house dust mite extracts, recombinant TLR4 protein interacted with Der p 2. The overall structure of Der p 2 is characteristic of the immunoglobulin superfamily and contains ten β-strands, forming a β-cup fold with two anti-parallel β-sheets, and a short 310 helix. The two sheets can be separated, further allowing the formation of a large internal pocket, which is narrow and suitable for binding large flat molecules such as lipid-like molecules. Der p 2 caused increased secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1, which are neutrophil survival factors, in human monocytic THP-1 cells in a time-dependent manner. Der p 2 also induces the release of cytokines in normal and allergic lymphocytes. Supernatant after treatment with Der p 2 inhibited neutrophil apoptosis. In coculture of lymphocytes with neutrophils, Der p 2 inhibited spontaneous apoptosis of allergic neutrophils. In summary, Der p 2 binds to TLR4 and induces an inflammatory response such as cytokine secretion in immune cells. These findings may enable elucidation of allergy pathogenesis by specific allergen of house dust mite.

We describe a one-pot method for the mass production of polymeric microspheres containing water-soluble carbon-nanotube (w-CNT)-taxol complexes using an ammonium-based room temperature ionic liquid. Polycaprolactone (PCL), trioctylmethylammonium chloride (TOMAC; liquid state from -20 to 240°C), and taxol were used, respectively, as a model polymer, room temperature ionic liquid, and drug. Large quantities of white colored PCL powder without w-CNT-taxol complexes and gray colored PCL powders containing w-CNT-taxol (1:1 or 1:2 wt/wt) complexes were produced by phase separation between the hydrophilic TOMAC and the hydrophobic PCL. Both microsphere types had a uniform, spherical structure of average diameter 3-5μm. The amount of taxol embedded in PCL microspheres was determined by HPLC and (1)H NMR to be 8-12μg per 1.0mg of PCL (loading capacity (LC): 0.8-1.2%; entrapment efficiency (EE): 16-24%). An in vitro HPLC release assay showed sustain release of taxol without an initial burst over 60days at an average rate of 0.003-0.0073mg per day. The viability patterns of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) for PCTx-1 and -2 showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects. In the presence of PCTx-1 and -2, the MCF-7 cells showed high viability in the concentration level of, respectably

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of deep-breathing and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching exercises on upper limb lymphedema in stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The study consisted of 10 patients with lymphedema that had occurred after stroke. Neurodevelopmental treatment was applied in the same manner as that used for the existing treatment. The subjects performed deep-breathing and stretching exercises three times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total). Body water volume in the upper limbs was measured before and after exercise by using an InBody S10 analyzer. [Results] Performance of deep-breathing and stretching exercises significantly reduced body water volume in both the affected and unaffected arms. The extracellular-to-total cellular fluid volume ratio in the affected arm improved to 0.379 after exercise, although this change was not significant. [Conclusion] The results of the present study show that deep-breathing and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching exercises reduce upper extremity lymphedema in stroke patients.

This study investigated the patterns and correlations of spinopelvic alignments in in middle school and high schools students of Gyeongnam areas in Korea using rasterstereography. Sixty-one subjects were recruited from May to October 2013, the average age of subjects was 16.40±2.20 years. In the present results, PSIS ratio was statistically different between the sexes(male 21.15±2.40%, female 23.41±3.28%)(p

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Kinesio taping(KT) on the maximal power and muscle activity of erector spinae. 30 male subjects were allocated in this study and randomly divided into experimental and control groups. All subjects were measured for maximal power of trunk extensors and muscle activities of iliocostalis lumborum, longissimus, and multifidus between pre and post experiment. Maximal power was calculated using a dynamometer(Power Track Ⅱ, JTECH medical, USA), and muscle activities were calculated using a surface EMG(MP150 BIOPAC System Inc. CA. USA). Maximal power of trunk extensor showed no significant difference between pre and post intervention in both groups(p〉0.05). Muscle activity of iliocostalis lumborum, longissimus, and multifidus showed no significant difference between pre and post intervention(p〉0.05). Finally, there was no significant difference between Experimental and control group in maximal power and muscle activity of trunk extensor. These study results suggested that KT did not affect increase or decrease in maximal power and muscle activities of trunk extensor.

[Purpose] The purpose of this research was to determine the awareness of the actual conditions of the diagnosis and treatment of scoliosis by focusing on middle-school students in order to provide a basis for active education and treatment of scoliosis. [Subjects and Methods] The survey was conducted among 4,782 students. The students performed Adam's forward bend test, and some of the students who showed predictive features of scoliosis were further examined for the spine structure with rasterstereography. [Results] The proportion of students with awareness about scoliosis appeared to be 71.47%. Among the students, 50.84% knew the definition of scoliosis and 4.37% were diagnosed as having scoliosis, of whom 46.37% underwent treatment. It was a significant difference between to get a diagnosis and the predictive scoliosis or the scoliosis. [Conclusion] The results showed that the students in the second grade of middle school had high awareness levels, but about 50% of them did not know the definition of scoliosis. More than 50% of them did not receive treatment after diagnosed as having scoliosis. Therefore, active education and school screening for scoliosis should be provided to adolescent students.

The purpose of this study is to investigate how hotel employees` musculoskeletal pain, which is likely caused by their poor working environment, affects their intent on changing jobs. The participants of this study were 200 hotel employees who were experiencing musculoskeletal pain. They were asked four questions through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. They were asked four questions through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. These four questions were about musculoskeletal pain, the employees` working environment, their turnover intention, and their general personalities. This study finds that the musculoskeletal pain is related to the employee`s turnover intention. Based on its findings, this study claims that an adequate working environment and various preventative programs are necessary to decrease the number of employees resigning and to prevent musculoskeletal pain.

In this paper, we propose a new distribution and renewal scheme for a group key suitable for secure mobile communications based on identification protocol, in which all members of the group can reshare the new group common key except revoked members by using a key distribution center (a trusted center). The security of this scheme is based on the difficulty of the discrete logarithm problem. The proposed scheme can be appropriately managed in case that terminal`s capability of storage and computing power is relatively small and more than one caller are revoked. It also renews a group key easily when the center changes this key intervally for security.

Composite materials are used for main structural components of aircraft fuselage such as skin, stringer and frame to reduce weight. Failure and buckling analysis of the composite fuselage components have been done for structural design. The loads of MD90-30 are applied to each component. Various shapes of section such as I, Z and T-type are chosen as candidate composite stringer and frame. The analysis results of composite fuselage components are compared according to ply-angle and ply-number, and the section type. The numerical results shows that ply-angle and ply-number have important effects on failure caused by axial load for the frame are important design parameters of composite fuselage components. This study suggests several design tips for composite fuselage components.

The effects of the SnO2 pore size and metal oxide promoters on the sensing properties of SnO2-based thick film gas sensors were investigated to improve the detection of very low H2S concentrations (

The aim of this study was to classify nursing management competencies and develop behavioral indicators for nurse managers in hospitals. Also, levels of importance and performance based on developed criteria were to be identified and compared.Using expert survey we classified nursing management competencies and behavioral indicators with data from 34 nurse managers and professors. Subsequently, data from a survey of 216 nurse managers in 7 cities was used to analyze the importance-performance comparison of the classified nursing management competencies and behavioral indicators.Forty-two nursing management competencies were identified together with 181 behavioral indicators. The mean score for importance of nursing management competency was higher than the mean score for performance. According to the importance-performance analysis, 5 of the 42 nursing management competencies require further development: vision-building, analysis, change management, human resource development, and self-management competency.The classification of nursing management competencies and behavioral indicators for nurse managers in hospitals provides basic data for the development and evaluation of programs designed to increase the competency of nurse managers in hospitals.

[1] We investigated the impact of subseasonal basic-state changes on Rossby wave propagation between July and August. Our investigation was based on an experimental study that used a linear baroclinic model. Two sets of diabatic heating were imposed at the midlatitudes and the tropics. It was found that, by a principal component analysis, the atmospheric response to diabatic heating reaches a steady state on day 15. Thus, the response to midlatitude forcing reveals eastward Rossby wave propagation along the Asian jet, while that to tropical forcing shows a Gill-type response followed by propagation into the extratropics. The basic state differences between July and August are mainly revealed by thermal and dynamical effects: a strong land-sea thermal contrast and meridional shift of the Asian jet. With regard to midlatitude forcing, the Rossby wave response under the August basic state is higher than that under the July basic state. This can be attributed primarily to the dynamical effect of the basic state. On the other hand, the Rossby wave response to tropical forcing shows stronger amplitude under the July basic state than the August basic state. The response is caused mainly by both the thermal and dynamical effects of the basic state. In addition, the interdecadal change in the basic state induces a significant change in the Rossby wave propagation. The difference is most evident in the change to midlatitude forcing that is due to the dynamical effect of the basic state.

The sensing behavior of SnO(2)-based thick film gas sensors in a flow system in the presence of a very low concentration (ppb level) of chemical agent simulants such as acetonitrile, dipropylene glycol methyl ether (DPGME), dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP), and dichloromethane (DCM) was investigated. Commercial SnO(2) [SnO(2)(C)] and nano-SnO(2) prepared by the precipitation method [SnO(2)(P)] were used to prepare the SnO(2) sensor in this study. In the case of DCM and acetonitrile, the SnO(2)(P) sensor showed higher sensor response as compared with the SnO(2)(C) sensors. In the case of DMMP and DPGME, however, the SnO(2)(C) sensor showed higher responses than those of the SnO(2)(P) sensors. In particular, the response of the SnO(2)(P) sensor increased as the calcination temperature increased from 400 °C to 800 °C. These results can be explained by the fact that the response of the SnO(2)-based gas sensor depends on the textural properties of tin oxide and the molecular size of the chemical agent simulant in the detection of the simulant gases (0.1-0.5 ppm).

Although there are various reports on the prevalence of gallbladder (GB) polyp according to the race or area, there is no report on Daegu and Gyeongbuk provinces. Therefore, we investigated the prevalence and related risk factors of GB polyp in health screening population of Daegu and Gyeongbuk provinces.Of 28,911 adult health screening examinees from January 1997 to May 2003, age and gender-matched 8,008 (3,896 men, 4,112 women) were randomly selected to evaluate the prevalence. Independent risk factors were analyzed by comparing various variables between the GB polyp positive and negative groups.The prevalence of GB polyp was 2.2% (175/8,008). Those were 2.7% (104/3,896) among men and 1.7% (71/4,112) among women. Independent risk factors related with GB polyp were male gender (OR 1.434, p0.001), obesity (OR 1.237, p=0.024), and hepatitis B carrier (OR 1.888, p0.001)Prevalence of GB polyp in Daegu and Gyeongbuk provinces is 2.2%. Male, obesity, and hepatitis B carrier may be the risk factors related with GB polyp in this region.

췌장염 환자의 경우에 췌장 내에 동반된 낭종성 병변이 관찰된다면 보통 췌장의 가성낭종으로 생각되어 보존적 치료와 경과관찰하는 경우가 많다. 저자들은 급성 췌장염으로 내원한 환자에서 이에 동반된 췌장의 낭성병변에 대해 가성낭종으로 추정진단하고 12개월 동안 추적관찰했으나 그 낭성병변이 점액성 낭성종양으로 최종 진단된 증례를 경험하여 문헌고찰과 함께 보고한다.

44세 남자 환자가 10일 전부터 전신 쇠약감, 근육통, 열감을 주소 로 내원하였다. 만성 B형간염 환자로 15년 전 충수절제술 병력이 있었 으며 음주와 흡연은 하지 않았다. 활력 증후는 혈압 120/70 mmHg, 맥박 84회/분, 호흡 18회/분, 체온 38.4C였다. 급성 병색을 보였 고 신체검사에서 특이 소견은 없었다. 혈액검사에서 백혈구 7,500/ mm, 혈색소 12.9 g/dL, 혈소판 87,000/mm였으며 혈청 생화학 검사에서 총 빌리루빈 0.9 mg/dL, AST 83 IU/L, ALT 46 IU/L 이었다. 프로트롬빈 시간은 정상이었고 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) 양성, antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) 음성, anti-HCV 음 성이었다. 입원하여 시행한 흉부 엑스레이에서 좌상엽 및 하엽에 폐렴 침윤이 보여 폐렴으로 진단하고 항생제 치료 후 호전되었다. 만성 B 형간염이 동반되어 있었으므로 간암의 검진을 위해 시행한 복부전산 A Case of Acute Colonic Diverticulitis as a Complication of Colonoscopy

32세 남자가 24시간 이상 지속되는 복부 팽만감과 광범위한 복부 통증으로 응급실에 내원하였다. 의식은 명료하였으나 급성 병색을 보 였다. 활력징후는 분당 120회의 동성 빈맥과 40C의 발열을 보였고, 신체검진에서는 복부의 심한 압통과 반발통이 있었다. 혈액검사에서 혈색소 16.5 g/dL, 백혈구 18,200/mm, CRP 169.3 mg/dL, 알부민 4.3 g/dL로 백혈구 증가와 CRP 상승을 보였다. 급성 복증으로 진단 후 시행한 복부 CT에서 좌하복부에 공기액체층(air-fluid level)을 동반한 9×7 cm 크기의 병변이 관찰되었고, 이 병변의 내부에서는 콜 리플라워(cauliflower) 모양의 불균질한 음영이 관찰되어 소장 종양 에서 발생한 장천공과 이에 동반된 농양으로 판단하였다(Fig. 1). 종 양에 의한 장폐색 소견은 관찰되지 않았고, 주변 장기로의 직접적인 침윤이나 복강 내에 비정상적으로 비후된 림프절은 관찰되지 않았다. 치료를 위해 즉시 수액 공급 및 항생제 투여 후 개복술을 시행한 결 과 피막에 잘 싸여 있는 직경 10 cm 크기의 공장 종양이 확인되었고, 종양에 인접한 공장 두 군데에 장천공이 있었으며, 이 부분에서 복강 A Case of Perforated Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in the Jejunum as a Rare Cause of Acute Abdomen

목적: 성인 장중첩증은 소아에 비해 드문 질환이다. 이번 연구에서는 성인 장중첩증 환자를 조사하여, 성인 장중첩증의 진단방법과 치료에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 1999년 1월부터 2010년 10월까지 한림대학교성심병원에 입원하여 수술로 장중첩증이 확진된 성인 환자 25명을 대상으로 의무기록을 중심으로 후향적 조사를 통하여 분석하였다. 결과: 25예 중 남자가 14명, 여자가 11명이었고 평균 연령은 55세(23-94세)였다. 복통이 21예(84%)로 가장 흔한 증상이었다. 수술 전 복부CT와 초음파검사로 총 25명 중 23예(92%)에서 수술 전 장중첩증을 진단할 수 있었다. 소장소장형은 9예로 전체의 36%를 차지하였으며, 회장결장형이 8예, 회장맹장형이 1예, 결장결장형이 7예였다. 악성질환이 12예(48%)로 가장 많았고, 양성질환은 10예(40%)였으며, 특발성은 3예(12%)에 불과하였다. 악성의 빈도는 원발병소의 위치에 따라 분류하였을 때 대장에서 10예 중 8예(80%)로 소장에서 12예 중 4예(33%)에 비해 훨씬 높았다. 전 25예에서 개복 수술을 시행하여 12예(48%)는 장절제술, 11예(44%)는 도수정복술 이후 장절제술을 시행하였다. 결론: 성인의 장중첩증의 원인으로 악성종양이 차지하는 비율은 소장에 비해 대장에서 흔하며, 복부CT에서 선도점에 종괴가 보이거나 원인을 모르는 장폐색은 실험적 개복술을 고려해야 한다.

Hyperthyroidism combined with rhabdomyolysis is extremely rare. There are only 6 reported cases of hyperthyroidism accompanied with rhabdomyolysis in the medical literature. Rhabdomyolysis is a syndrome involving the breakdown of skeletal muscle, and this causes myoglobin and intracellular protein to leak into the circulation. The causes of rhabdomyolysis include trauma, electrolyte abnormality, infection, drug, toxin and hypothyroidism. We report here on a patient who presented with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis and rhabdomyolysis with hypokalemia. He complained of lower leg paralysis along with muscle tenderness, and the laboratory findings showed elevated creatine kinase (CK) levels. After treatment by hydration, potassium replacement and drug medication, including propylthiouracil and beta-blocker, his CK levels were normalized and his symptoms were much improved. For patient with thyrotoxic periodic paralysis and muscle tenderness, the possibility of rhabdomyolysis should be clarified by examining the CK levels. (J Korean Endocr Soc

Background Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MW-CNTs) have been extensively explored for their possible beneficial use in the nervous system. CNTs have shown to modulate neuronal growth and electrical properties, but its effect that varying length of MW-CNTs on primary astrocyte roles have not been clearly demonstrated yet. Results We investigate here the effect of MW-CNTs on astrocytic morphology, cell–cell interaction and the distribution of intracellular GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid). Primary cultured cortical astrocytes on MW-CNT-coated glass coverslips grow rounder and make more cell–cell interactions, with many cell processes, compared to astrocytes on poly-d-lysine (PDL) coverslips. In addition, intracellular GABA spreads into the cell processes of astrocytes on MW-CNT coverslips. When this GABA spreads into cell processes from the cell body GABA can be released more easily and in larger quantities compared to astrocytes on PDL coverslips. Conclusions Our result confirm that MW-CNTs modulate astrocytic morphology, the distribution of astrocytic GABA, cell–cell interactions and the extension of cell processes. CNTs look to be a promising material for use neuroprosthetics such as brain-machine interface technologies. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12951-015-0152-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.