Soojin Kim

An increasing amount of research has suggested that Internet addiction is associated with abnormalities in the dopaminergic brain system. We hypothesized that Internet addiction would be associated with reduced levels of dopaminergic receptor availability in the striatum compared with controls. To test this hypothesis, a radiolabeled ligand [C]raclopride and positron emission tomography was used to assess dopamine D2 receptor binding potential in men with and without Internet addiction. Consiste

INTRODUCTION: Prolonged conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR) is associated with a poor prognosis in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. Alternative methods can be needed to improve the outcome in patients with prolonged CCPR and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) can be considered as an alternative method. The objectives of this study were to estimate the optimal duration of CPR to consider ECPR as an alternative resuscitation method in patients with CCP

Protection of endothelial integrity has been recognized as a frontline approach to alleviating sepsis progression, yet no effective agent for preserving endothelial integrity is available. Using an unusual anti-angiopoietin 2 (ANG2) antibody, ABTAA (ANG2-binding and TIE2-activating antibody), we show that activation of the endothelial receptor TIE2 protects the vasculature from septic damage and provides survival benefit in three sepsis mouse models. Upon binding to ANG2, ABTAA triggers clusteri

The sensitivity of PM detection is limited, even with modern CT techniques. In patients whose CT results are not definitely positive for PM, staging laparoscopy is still recommended if the aforementioned two predictive factors (greater tumor size and T stage) are suspected.

BACKGROUND: The BRAF(V600E) mutation is the most common genetic alteration found in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Recent studies show that this mutation occurs more frequently in patients with PTC showing aggressive clinicopathologic features. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of the BRAF(V600E) mutation in tumor samples and its association with high-risk clinicopathologic features prospectively. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 2009 to January 2010, 547 PTC patien

The cyclic AMP (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) cascade plays a central role in beta-cell proliferation and apoptosis. Here, we show that the incretin hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) stimulates expression of the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 gene in pancreatic beta cells through a pathway involving AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), cAMP-responsive CREB coactivator 2 (TORC2), and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). Stimulation of beta-INS-1 (clone 832/13) cells with GIP

The diagnoses of entrapment and compressive neuropathies have been based on the findings from clinical examinations and electrophysiologic tests, such as electromyography and nerve conduction studies. The use of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the diagnosis of entrapment or compressive neuropathies is increasing because MR imaging is particularly useful for discerning potential causes and for identifying associated muscle denervation. However, it is sometimes difficult to localize nerve entr

GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) is a gastrointestinal hormone that regulates pancreatic islet function. Additionally, emerging evidence suggests an important physiological role for GIP in the regulation of adipocyte metabolism. In previous studies on the lipogenic effects of GIP, it was shown to increase adipocyte lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity in both differentiated 3T3-L1 cells and human adipocytes through a pathway involving activation of protein kinase B (PKB)/Akt. In t

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether particular enhancement patterns of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in cirrhotic liver suggest the correct diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CT findings on 28 lesions in 26 patients with underlying liver cirrhosis and pathologically proven cholangiocarcinoma were retrospectively evaluated. The CT findings of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a control group of 79 subjects also were analyzed. The relative attenuation and enhancement

Abstract This study examines cancer patients' and companions' uses and gratifications of blogs and the relationship between different types of blogging activities and gratification outcomes. In an online survey of 113 respondents, cancer patients were found to be more likely than their companions to host their own blogs. Four areas emerged as gratifications of blog use: prevention and care, problem‐solving, emotion management, and information‐sharing. Cancer patients and companions both found bl

OBJECTIVE: The endopeptidase dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) has been shown to NH2-terminally truncate incretin hormones, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, and glucagon-like peptide-1, thus ablating their ability to potentiate glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Increasing the circulating levels of incretins through administration of DPP-IV inhibitors has therefore been introduced as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. DPP-IV inhibitor treatment has also b

OBJECTIVE: Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors have been introduced as therapeutics for type 2 diabetes. They partially act by blocking degradation of the incretin hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), thus increasing circulating levels of active hormones. In addition to their insulinotropic actions, GLP-1 and GIP also promote beta-cell proliferation and survival, and DPP-IV inhibitors exert similar effects in rodent type 2 diabe