Curcumin attenuates adhesion molecules and matrix metalloproteinase expression in hypercholesterolemic rabbits.

Curcumin, the yellow substance found in turmeric, possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anticancer, and lipid-lowering properties. Because we hypothesized that curcumin could ameliorate the development of atherosclerosis, the present study focused on the effects and potential mechanisms of curcumin consumption on high-cholesterol diet-induced atherosclerosis in rabbits. During our study, New Zealand white rabbits were fed 1 of 3 experimental diets: a normal diet, a normal diet enriched with 1% cholesterol (HCD), or an HCD supplemented with 0.

Automated breast ultrasound system (ABUS): reproducibility of mass localization, size measurement, and characterization on serial examinations.

Background: Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) is gaining popularity for breast cancer detection and diagnosis with its high reproducibility. Consistent recognition of breast lesions on serial exams is critical, and high reproducibility for lesion characterization is expected with ABUS, but not well reported.

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the reproducibility of ABUS for mass localization, size measurement, and characterization.

Risk Factors for Developing Hyponatremia During Terlipressin Treatment: A Retrospective Analyses in Variceal Bleeding.

Goals: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors and clinical significance of terlipressin-induced hyponatremia.

Background: Patients receiving terlipressin treatment frequently develop hyponatremia. However, its clinical significance and risk factors are not fully elucidated.

A Novel Therapeutic Agent for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: SGLT2 Inhibitor.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex endocrine and metabolic disorder, and a major public health problem that is rapidly increasing in prevalence. Although a wide range of pharmacotherapies for glycemic control is now available, management of T2DM remains complex and challenging. The kidneys contribute immensely to glucose homeostasis by reabsorbing glucose from the glomerular filtrate.

Comparative evaluation of average glandular dose and breast cancer detection between single-view digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) plus single-view digital mammography (DM) and two-view DM: correlation with breast thickness and density.

Objectives: To compare the average glandular dose (AGD) and diagnostic performance of mediolateral oblique (MLO) digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) plus cranio-caudal (CC) digital mammography (DM) with two-view DM, and to evaluate the correlation of AGD with breast thickness and density.

Methods: MLO and CC DM and DBT images of both breasts were obtained in 149 subjects. AGDs of DBT and DM per exposure were recorded, and their correlation with breast thickness and density were evaluated.

Perirenal (18)F-FDG Uptake in a Patient with a Pheochromocytoma.

Increased (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake of brown fat on (18)F-FDG positron emission tomography (PET) originating from physiological activation is a common incidental finding and is usually located in the neck, shoulder, and supraclavicular areas. We present a case of an incidental pheochromocytoma showing diffusely increased (18)F-FDG uptake in bilateral perirenal fat tissue as well as supraclavicular and paravertebral fat tissue on (18)F-FDG PET/CT. The patient had no clinical symptoms except hypertension, and a pheochromocytoma was confirmed in a postsurgical specimen.

Reduction in oxidative stress during cellular responses to chemically functionalised graphene.

The two-dimensional nanocarbon material graphene (Gr) has been extensively studied due to its many potential biomedical applications including regenerative medicine, drug delivery, bioimaging, and biosensing. The effects of nitrogen-functionalisation on chemically driven Gr (CDG) cellular responses were studied by investigating the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial morphology as well as focal adhesion, shape, proliferation and viability of HeLa cells grown on functionalised CDG (f-CDG) films. The drop casting of CDG nanosheets formed thin CDG films and the formation of nitrogen groups on the f-CDG thin films was mediated by N plasma treatment without the formation of observable surface defects.

Association of metabolically healthy obesity with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in a Korean population.

Objective: The degree of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis detected by coronary multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in four groups defined by the state of metabolic health and obesity in an asymptomatic Korean population was compared.

Methods: The data of 4009 asymptomatic subjects who participated in a routine health screening examination were collected. Significant coronary artery stenosis defined as >50% stenosis, plaque, and coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) were assessed by MDCT.

Outcomes of second-line chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer in one institution.

Background: This study analyzed the negative prognostic factors in patients who received second-line chemotherapy for advanced inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 137 patients with inoperable stage III-IV NSCLC who received second-line chemotherapy. The effects of clinical parameters on survival were analyzed and the hazard ratios (HR) for mortality were identified by a Cox regression analysis.

Association of serum C1q/TNF-related protein-9 concentration with arterial stiffness in subjects with type 2 diabetes.

Context: Although recent animal studies have suggested that C1q/TNF-related protein-9 (CTRP9) is more likely to be involved in the regulation of vascular function, more specifically atherosclerosis, in rodents, little is known about whether serum CTRP9 level is associated with atherosclerosis in humans.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum CTRP9 concentration is associated with atherosclerosis by measuring brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in subjects with type 2 diabetes. In addition, we examined the clinical and biochemical variables associated with serum CTRP9 concentration.

Characteristics and self-rated health of overlap syndrome.

Background And Objective: Overlap syndrome shares features of both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to investigate characteristics of overlap syndrome and their effect on self-rated health (SRH).

Methods: We analyzed data from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey of 2007-2009.

Prevalence and risk factors for reflux esophagitis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background/aims: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is one of the most common causes of chronic cough and is a potential risk factor for the exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for reflux esophagitis (RE) in COPD patients.

Methods: From our hospital database, between September 2006 and April 2010, we searched for subjects who were 40 years old or older and had undergone both postbronchodilator spirometry and esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).

Allyl isothiocyanate ameliorates insulin resistance through the regulation of mitochondrial function.

Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with the pathophysiology of insulin resistance. Allylisothiocyanate (AITC) is found in many cruciferous vegetables and has been reported to possess anticancer activity. However, the effect of AITC on insulin resistance and mitochondrial function has not yet been investigated.

Low rates of additional cancer detection by magnetic resonance imaging in newly diagnosed breast cancer patients who undergo preoperative mammography and ultrasonography.

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting additional malignancies in breast cancer patients newly diagnosed by breast ultrasonography and mammography.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 1,038 breast cancer patients who underwent preoperative mammography, bilateral breast ultrasonography, and subsequent breast MRI between August 2007 and December 2010 at single institution in Korea. MRI-detected additional lesions were defined as those lesions detected by breast MRI that were previously undetected by mammography and ultrasonography and which would otherwise have not been identified.

Optimal glycated albumin cutoff value to diagnose diabetes in Korean adults: a retrospective study based on the oral glucose tolerance test.

Introduction: Glycated albumin (GA) reflects short-term status of glycemic control. We suggest a GA cut-off value to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes in Korean adults. In addition, we compared the performance of GA for the diagnosis of diabetes with that of glycated hemoglobin (A1c).

Long-term intake of rice improves insulin sensitivity in mice fed a high-fat diet.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of rice as a carbohydrate source and its molecular mechanisms on insulin resistance induced by a high-fat diet (HFD).

Methods: C57 BL/6 J mice were divided into three groups and were fed a low-fat diet (LFD); a HFD (with 18% fat, 0.5% cholesterol, 51.

Added value of shear-wave elastography for evaluation of breast masses detected with screening US imaging.

Purpose: To evaluate the additional value of shear-wave elastography (SWE) to B-mode ultrasonography (US) and to determine an appropriate guideline for the combined assessment of screening US-detected breast masses.

Materials And Methods: This study was conducted with institutional review board approval, and written informed consent was obtained. From March 2010 to February 2012, B-mode US and SWE were performed in 159 US-detected breast masses before biopsy.

Radiologist-performed hand-held ultrasound screening at average risk of breast cancer: results from a single health screening center.

Background: Ultrasound (US) screening is not currently recommended as a routine screening modality in the general population of average risk. The cancer detection yield and positive predictive value in an average risk general population who undergo breast screening by experienced radiologists is unclear.

Purpose: To determine the performance of screening breast US in women at an average risk for breast cancer undergoing breast screening by experienced radiologists.

Acute duodenal ischemia and periampullary intramural hematoma after an uneventful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in a patient with primary myelofibrosis.

Acute duodenal ischemia and periampullary intramural hematoma are rare complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). A 77-year-old man with splenomegaly complained of abdominal pain caused by common bile duct (CBD) stone. After successful removal of the CBD stone without immediate complications, the patient developed intramural hematoma around the ampulla of Vater along with diffuse duodenal edema.

Practice guideline for the performance of breast ultrasound elastography.

Ultrasound (US) elastography is a valuable imaging technique for tissue characterization. Two main types of elastography, strain and shear-wave, are commonly used to image breast tissue. The use of elastography is expected to increase, particularly with the increased use of US for breast screening.

Tumour volume doubling time of molecular breast cancer subtypes assessed by serial breast ultrasound.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the tumour volume doubling time (TVDT) of molecular breast cancer subtypes by serial ultrasound (US).

Methods: Sixty-six patients (mean age, 50 years; range, 29-78 years) with invasive breast cancer underwent initial and follow-up breast US examinations (at least three months apart) with no intervention. TVDT was determined using the tumours' greatest dimensions in two orthogonal planes.

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia following secondhand cigarette smoke exposure.

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is a disease characterized by an acute febrile onset, eosinophilia in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and a dramatic response to corticosteroids. Although many studies have reported a close relationship between direct cigarette smoking and AEP, few studies have identified an association between passive smoking and AEP. Here, we report a case of AEP in a 19-year-old female with cough, fever, and dyspnea after 4 weeks of intense exposure to secondhand smoke for 6 to 8 hours a day in an enclosed area.

Fasting serum insulin levels and insulin resistance are associated with colorectal adenoma in Koreans.

Aims/introduction: Insulin has been associated with the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, few studies have evaluated the association between insulin and colorectal adenoma. We investigated the relationship between fasting serum insulin levels or homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and colorectal adenoma.

A new full-field digital mammography system with and without the use of an advanced post-processing algorithm: comparison of image quality and diagnostic performance.

Objective: To compare new full-field digital mammography (FFDM) with and without use of an advanced post-processing algorithm to improve image quality, lesion detection, diagnostic performance, and priority rank.

Materials And Methods: During a 22-month period, we prospectively enrolled 100 cases of specimen FFDM mammography (Brestige®), which was performed alone or in combination with a post-processing algorithm developed by the manufacturer: group A (SMA), specimen mammography without application of "Mammogram enhancement ver. 2.