Recent advances in proteomic studies of adipose tissues and adipocytes.

Obesity is a chronic disease that is associated with significantly increased levels of risk of a number of metabolic disorders. Despite these enhanced health risks, the worldwide prevalence of obesity has increased dramatically over the past few decades. Obesity is caused by the accumulation of an abnormal amount of body fat in adipose tissue, which is composed mostly of adipocytes.

Determination of surgical priorities in appendicitis based on the probability of undetected appendiceal perforation.

Aim: To identify risk factors of actual appendiceal perforation when computed tomography (CT) scans suggest nonperforated appendicitis and accordingly determine surgical priority.

Methods: We collected database of 1362 patients who underwent an appendectomy for acute appendicitis between 2006 and 2013. A single radiologist selected 1236 patients whose CT scans were suggestive of nonperforated appendicitis.

Secretome from human adipose-derived stem cells protects mouse liver from hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Background: Despite widespread interest in stem cells, their clinical application is largely limited owing to safety and cost concerns. We intended to overcome these limitations by evaluating whether the secretome of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ASCs) could be used to reverse ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury in mice.

Methods: After establishment of hepatic IR injury in BALB/c mice, the mice were infused with saline solution (saline group), 1.

A novel single-port laparoscopic operation for colorectal cancer with transanal specimen extraction: a comparative study.

Background: Extension of a single incision for the purpose of specimen extraction in single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) can undermine the merits of SPLS, either by hurting cosmesis or by increasing wound morbidity.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical outcomes of patients undergoing SPLS sigmoidectomy, either with transanal specimen extraction (TASE, n = 15) or transumbilical specimen extraction (TUSE, n = 68), for colorectal cancer between March 2009 and March 2013. The inclusion criterion was a tumor diameter of ≤ 5 cm.

Single-port laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure via the colostomy site.

Background: The aim of this study was to report our initial experience with single-port laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure (SP-LHR).

Methods: Between December 2009 and March 2014, 23 patients underwent single-port laparoscopic reversal of Hartmann's procedure. Single-port laparoscopic surgeries (SPLS) were performed through the preexisting stoma site.

Overall survival and renal function after partial and radical nephrectomy among older patients with localised renal cell carcinoma: a propensity-matched multicentre study.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the overall survival (OS) rate and renal function after radical nephrectomy (RN) and partial nephrectomy (PN) in patients aged ⩾65years.

Methods: Patients who underwent RN (n=622) or PN (n=622) for renal cell carcinoma (pT1N0M0) between 1999 and 2011 were propensity-score matched in our multicentre database. To investigate the relative effect of PN on OS according to age, we divided the patients into two age subgroups (<65 and ⩾65years).

Effects of a Rivastigmine Patch on Self-Care Activities in Patients with Alzheimer's Disease plus Cerebrovascular Disease.

Background/aims: In dementia patients, a deficit in activities of daily living (ADL) is one of the main problems. Our objective was to assess ADL using the Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) plus cerebrovascular disease (CVD) treated with a rivastigmine patch for 24 weeks in an open-label, observational study.

Methods: 29 patients were enrolled who met the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke/Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association (NINCDS/ ANDRA) criteria and had a score of 10-26 on the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE).

A correlation between tocopherol content and antioxidant activity in seeds and germinating seeds of soybean cultivars.

Background: Tocopherols are crucial lipid-soluble antioxidants and essential nutrients. There is increasing interest in the biofortification of crops with vitamin E for reducing micronutrient malnutrition. However, relatively little is known about the development of soybean cultivars with high levels of tocopherol through combined breeding.

The utility of the preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in predicting severe cholecystitis: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: To evaluate whether the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), as a prognostic indicator, in patients can differentiate between simple and severe cholecystitis.

Methods: A database of 632 patients who underwent cholecystectomy due to cholecystitis during approximately a seven-year span in a single institution was evaluated. Severe cholecystitis was defined when the cholecystitis was complicated by secondary changes, including hemorrhage, gangrene, emphysema, and perforation.

DUSP4 regulates neuronal differentiation and calcium homeostasis by modulating ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases have been recognized as critical components of multiple signaling regulators of fundamental cellular processes, including differentiation, cell death, and migration. In this study, we show that dual specificity phosphatase 4 (DUSP4) is crucial for neuronal differentiation and functions in the neurogenesis of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The endogenous mRNA and protein expression levels of DUSP4 gradually increased during mouse development from ESCs to postnatal stages.

Ultrasound-guided myofascial trigger point injection into brachialis muscle for rotator cuff disease patients with upper arm pain: a pilot study.

Objective: To assess the efficacy of trigger point injection into brachialis muscle for rotator cuff disease patients with upper arm pain.

Methods: A prospective, randomized, and single-blinded clinical pilot trial was performed at university rehabilitation hospital. Twenty-one patients clinically diagnosed with rotator cuff disease suspected of having brachialis myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) were randomly allocated into two groups.

Stratified computed tomography findings improve diagnostic accuracy for appendicitis.

Aim: To improve the diagnostic accuracy in patients with symptoms and signs of appendicitis, but without confirmative computed tomography (CT) findings.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the database of 224 patients who had been operated on for the suspicion of appendicitis, but whose CT findings were negative or equivocal for appendicitis. The patient population was divided into two groups: a pathologically proven appendicitis group (n = 177) and a non-appendicitis group (n = 47).

Identification of DNA aptamers toward epithelial cell adhesion molecule via cell-SELEX.

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM, also known as CD326) is a transmembrane glycoprotein that is specifically detected in most adenocarcinomas and cancer stem cells. In this study, we performed a Cell systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) experiment to isolate the aptamers against EpCAM. After seven round of Cell SELEX, we identified several aptamer candidates.

Influence of aging process on the bioactive components and antioxidant activity of ginseng (Panax ginseng L.).

The effects of aging process on the ginsenosides and antioxidant activity of ginseng was investigated. Fresh ginseng roots were aged in oven at 70 or 80 °C for 7, 14, 21, or 28 d. Their ginsenosides, phenolics, and antioxidant activity were analyzed.

Cerium oxide nanoparticles impact yield and modify nutritional parameters in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

The implications of engineered nanomaterials on crop productivity and food quality are not yet well understood. The impact of cerium oxide nanoparticles (nCeO2) on growth and yield attributes and nutritional composition in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was examined.

Comparison of ultrasound-guided anterior and posterior approaches for needle insertion into the tibialis posterior in hemiplegic children with spastic cerebral palsy.

Objective: Although the tibialis posterior is a potentially difficult muscle to locate for botulinum toxin injection because of its deep location, needle insertion is usually performed using anatomic landmarks for guidance. Accordingly, the ultrasonographic anatomy of the lower leg was investigated in hemiplegic children with spastic cerebral palsy to improve the safety and the accuracy of needle placement into the tibialis posterior.

Design: Twenty-five subjects (2 yrs 2 mos to 5 yrs 11 mos; 12 boys, 13 girls; Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I-II) were recruited.

Two-port cholecystectomy maintains safety and feasibility in benign gallbladder diseases: a comparative study.

Purpose: In an effort to overcome the limitations of single-port laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) while preserving the cosmetic benefits of reduced ports cholecystectomy, we have developed a 2-port LC that allows for the full, unrestricted use of 4 laparoscopic instruments.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data of patients who had undergone either 4-port LC or 2-port LC for benign gallbladder diseases between March 2007 and March 2013. Two incisions of 2-port LC were composed of an umbilical incision as the manner of single-port laparoscopic surgery and a 5-mm epigastric incision.

Monitoring the differentiation and migration patterns of neural cells derived from human embryonic stem cells using a microfluidic culture system.

Microfluidics can provide unique experimental tools to visualize the development of neural structures within a microscale device, which is followed by guidance of neurite growth in the axonal isolation compartment. We utilized microfluidics technology to monitor the differentiation and migration of neural cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We co-cultured hESCs with PA6 stromal cells, and isolated neural rosette-like structures, which subsequently formed neurospheres in suspension culture.

The simultaneous application of positive-end expiratory pressure with the Trendelenburg position minimizes respiratory fluctuations in internal jugular vein size.

Background: The respiratory cycle alters the size of the right internal jugular vein (RIJV). We assessed the changes in RIJV size during the respiratory cycle in patients under positive pressure ventilation. Moreover, we examined the effects of positive-end expiratory pressure (PEEP) and the Trendelenburg position on respiratory fluctuations.

Single-port laparoscopic treatment of small bowel obstruction.

Background: The aim of this study was to report our initial experience with single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS) for small bowel obstruction (SBO).

Methods: Between October 2009 and April 2013, 36 patients underwent SPLS for SBO. SPLS was performed transumbilically.

Successful total shift from multiport to single-port laparoscopic surgery in low anterior resection of colorectal cancer.

Objective: To assess the possibility of using single-port low anterior resection (LAR) in place of conventional laparoscopic LAR.

Background: Though single-port LS is gradually evolving, the application of single-port LS techniques in LAR have been viewed with skepticism due to technical difficulties.

Methods: Data from patients who had undergone either conventional laparoscopic LAR (n = 49) or single-port LAR (n = 67) for colorectal cancers between March 2006 and March 2013 were analyzed retrospectively.

Dissecting the critical factors for thermodynamic stability of modular proteins using molecular modeling approach.

Repeat proteins have recently attracted much attention as alternative scaffolds to immunoglobulin antibodies due to their unique structural and biophysical features. In particular, repeat proteins show high stability against temperature and chaotic agents. Despite many studies, structural features for the stability of repeat proteins remain poorly understood.

Selection of aptamers for mature white adipocytes by cell SELEX using flow cytometry.

Background: Adipose tissue, mainly composed of adipocytes, plays an important role in metabolism by regulating energy homeostasis. Obesity is primarily caused by an abundance of adipose tissue. Therefore, specific targeting of adipose tissue is critical during the treatment of obesity, and plays a major role in overcoming it.

Single-port laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery in Korea: retrospective analysis of the multicenter, pooled database.

Introduction: Single-port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS), one of the advanced techniques of laparoscopic surgery, is performed through a single multichannel port. Regarding colorectal surgery, several colorectal procedures, including right colectomy, sigmoidectomy, and total proctocelectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis, have been performed successfully. The aim of this study was to elucidate the feasibility and safety of SPLS for the treatment of the patient with colorectal cancer in Korea.

Ultrasound-guided injection of the intrapelvic portion of the obturator internus in a cadaver model.

Background And Objectives: Musculoskeletal dysfunction of the pelvic floor is common. One of the intrapelvic muscles, the obturator internus (OI), can be substantially stressed during its sharply angulated exit from the pelvis. However, there may be considerable overlap between symptoms and signs arising from the OI and other potential pain generators including the levator ani in the pelvic region.