• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.114-117
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• 2016

In vivo labeling of bone with fluorochromes is a widely used method for assessment of bone formation and remodeling processes. In particular, calcein is used as a marker for identification of bone growth, which is indicated by a green color. Calcein green is a calcium chelator that adheres to regions of mineralizing bone thereby allowing localization of new bone. Bone formation and remodeling in vivo can be assessed by calcium-binding calcein labeling. In this study, changes in the femoral bone of a normal mouse model at both 4 and 8 weeks were evaluated using calcein labeling. Intense deposition of calcium in the bone was observed after application for 8 weeks. A mouse model is suitable for application in in vivo experiments using genetically modified mice, such as knock-out mice, however data regarding femoral cross sectional bone in young mice are limited. The current study confirmed calcein as a useful marker for identification of bone growth, which was indicated by a green color on photomicrographs. This methodological process may provide basic information for interpreting bone formation and regeneration to pharmacologic or genetic manipulation in mice.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Laryngology, Phoniatrics and Logopedics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.75-78
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• 2014

Functional dysphonia refers to a voice disturbance that occurs in the absence of structural or neurologic laryngeal pathological characteristics. Poorly regulated activity of the intrinsic and extrinsic laryngeal muscles is cited as the proximal cause of functional dysphonia (FD). Recently, the term functional dysphonia has been replaced in some clinical circles by diagnostic label muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), which serves to highlight excess, dysregulated, or imbalanced activity of the intrinsic and extrinsic laryngeal muscles as proximal cause of the observed dysphonia. And recent research evidence points to specific personality traits as important contributors to its development and maintenance. However, the origin of this dysregulated laryngeal muscle activity has not been fully elucidated. Further research is needed to better understand the pathogenesis of functional dysphonia, and factors contributing to its successful management.

• Advances in pediatric surgery
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 2002

Abnormal distribution of the enteric nerves such as adrenergic, cholinergic and peptidergic nerves may cause the functional obstruction in Hirschsprung's disease (HD). Although the sustained contraction of the aganglionic segment is the main pathophysiology of HD, the etiology and pathogenesis is not thoroughly understood, With the recent progress of molecular biology and genetics,a more detailed approach to the pathogenesis of the HD can be undertaken. In this review, the roles of the nitric oxide, nitric oxide synthase and interstitial cells of Cajal on smooth muscle relaxation, the effects of extracellular matrix, cell adhesion molecules, neurotrophic factors on the migration and maturation of the neural crest cells are described. In the section of genetic factors, familial occurrences, association of chromosomal abnormalities, RET gene, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor gene, endothelin-3 gene and endothelin-B receptor gene and their r elationships to HD is briefly reviewed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.1
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• pp.70-83
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• 2022

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is mainly caused by atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD); however, it can also occur in patients with non-atherosclerotic CAD. Conventional coronary angiography only shows the lumen of arteries, indicating the presence of stenosis or dilatation. Thus, it has limited value in evaluating the coronary artery wall and offers low specificity for diagnosing CAD. Coronary CT angiography provides additional information, including the depiction of the concerned vessel and the aorta, as well as the pulmonary artery, which permits the diagnosis of non-atherosclerotic CAD and the differentiation of various causes of the disease. In this review, we present the pathophysiology and CT imaging features of non-atherosclerotic CAD.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.482-489
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• 1998

Purpose: Radionuclide cisternography may be helpful in understanding pathophysiology of postural head-ache and low CSF pressure in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. The purpose of this study was to characterize radionuclide cisternographic findings of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Materials and Methods: The study population consists of 15 patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Diagnosis was based on their clinical symptoms and results of lumbar puncture. All patients underwent radionuclide cisternography following injection of 111 to 222 MBq of Tc-99m DTPA into the lumbar subarachnoid space. Sequential images were obtained between 112 hour and 24 hour after the injection of Tc-99m DTPA. Radioactivity of the bladder, soft tissue uptake, migration of radionuclide in the subarachnoid space, and extradural leakage of radionuclide were evaluated according to the scan time. Results: Radionuclide cisternogram showed delayed migration of radionuclide into the cerebral convexity (14/15), increased soft tissue uptake (11/15), and early visualization of bladder activity at 30min (6/10) and 2hr (13/13). Cisternography also demonstrated leakage site of CSF in 4 cases and 2 of these were depicted at 30min. Epidural blood patch was done in 11 patients and headache was improved in all cases. Conclusion: The characteristic findings of spontaneous intracranial hypotension were delayed migration of radionuclide and early visualization of the soft tissue and bladder activity. These scintigraphic findings suggest that CSF leakage rather than increased CSF absorption or decreased production may be the main pathophysiology of spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Early and multiple imaging including the bladder and soft tissue is required to observe the entire dynamics of radionuclide migration.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.8
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• pp.763-768
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• 2003

Purpose : This study was conducted to investigate the pulmonary cellular profiles and IL-8 levels in patients with post-measles wheezing. Methods : Twelve previously healthy infants with a minimum of three episodes of wheezing after measles pneumonia(Measles wheezing, median age, 1.3 years) were recruited by a retrospective examination of hospital records. They underwent bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL) with flexible bronchoscopy, and high-resolution computed tomography(HRCT) with a mean six(1-15) months interval. Comparisons were made with seven normal controls(Control, median age : 7.4 years). BAL cell counts and differentials were determined. IL-8 levels also were measured by ELISA. Results : The BAL cellular profiles were characterized by a significantly increased percentage of neutrophils in the Measles wheezing group(median 16.0%) compared to the control group(median 3.8 %)(P<0.01). IL-8 levels were markedly increased in the Measles wheezing group($mean{\pm}SD$, $512.7{\pm}324.0pg/mL$) compared to the control group($41.7{\pm}67.7pg/mL$)(P<0.01). Furthermore, IL-8 levels correlated significantly(r=0.816, P=0.001) with neutrophil percentages in BAL fluids in the Measles wheezing group. Abnormal HRCT findings were mosaic perfusion, bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening, and decreased vascularity. Conclusion : These results suggest that pulmonary neutrophils and IL-8 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the post-measles wheezing.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.5-12
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• 2004

I. Introduction : The constipation is one of the common gastrointestinal symptoms seen in the clinical practice. When people come to the clinic complaining of the constipation, it is generally one of the cases of infrequent, painful or difficult evacuation as well as the hardened feces and unsatisfactory evacuation sense. Since the constipation is heavily influenced by dietary habit as well as the social and medical environment, the diagnostic radiology is useful to establish the objective and standardized definition in consideration of those various factors before diagnosis and treatment of the constipation patient. This paper describes the study of such diagnosis. II. Main Subject : Testing of CTT (colon transit time) is key study of the colon performance. CTT is very helpful in classifying the pathologic physiological types and defining the treatment plan for the chronic constipation. The study methods include using the radipaque marker, multiple marker technique and scintigraphic measurement. The defecography is the functional radiologic examination a that provides not only the anatomical information of anorectal but also performance of the pelvic floor and rectal change during evacuation. Study of dynamic movement of the anorectal during evacuation is helpful for diagnosis and treatment planning as well as follow-up testing for the constipation patient. One of the issues essential for the case history is the thorough observation of whether the patient shows the psychic psychological symptoms such as the behavior disorder or emotional disturbance. In that case, the decision must be made whether or which type of medication is needed for such psychiatric problem. III. Conclusion : The main causes of the constipation are insufficient intake of fiber or liquid. The key objective of such tests is to check etiology of the constipation. In general, the radiological examination does not provde the colon or anorectal performance information. It is envisaged that this study will provide the information to decide the testing and treatment plans and predict the prognosis of the patient by classifying the pathologic physiological types.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.513-518
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• 2009

Purpose: Integration of the functional information of myocardial perfusion SPECT (MPS) and the morphoanatomical information of coronary CT angiography (CTA) may provide useful additional diagnostic information of the spatial relationship between perfusion defects and coronary stenosis. We studied to know the added value of three dimensional cardiac SPECT/CTA fusion imaging (fusion image) by comparing between fusion image and MPS. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight patients (M:F=26:22, Age: $63.3{\pm}10.4$ years) with a reversible perfusion defect on MPS (adenosine stress/rest SPECT with Tc-99m sestamibi or tetrofosmin) and CTA were included. Fusion images were molded and compared with the findings from the MPS. Invasive coronary angiography served as a reference standard for fusion image and MPS. Results: Total 144 coronary arteries in 48 patients were analyzed; Fusion image yielded the sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive value for the detection of hemodynamically significant stenosis per coronary artery 82.5%, 79.3%, 76.7% and 84.6%, respectively. Respective values for the MPS were 68.8%, 70.7%, 62.1% and 76.4%. And fusion image also could detect more multi-vessel disease. Conclusion: Fused three dimensional volume-rendered SPECT/CTA imaging provides intuitive convincing information about hemodynamic relevant lesion and could improved diagnostic accuracy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.53 no.2
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• pp.136-147
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• 2002

Background : Interstitial lung disease has various manifestations that are differentiated by their pathology, progress and treatment. However, all manifestations eventually progresses to pulmonary fibrosis. Recent studies have shown that apoptosis of pulmonary epithelial cells might be related to pulmonary fibrosis. The correlation of the apoptotic index with the clinical manifestations, pathological findings, HRCT findings and the response to treatment were examined. Materials and Methods : Twenty subjects (14 men, 16 women), who had been diagnosed with interstitial lung disease through an open lung biopsy, were enrolled in this study. The subtypes were one AIP, two NIP, eight BOOP, and seven UIP cases. The apoptotic index was scaled from 0-2 depending on the fraction of positive staining cells by TUNEL method. The clinical severity was assessed by a modification of a previously developed CRP scoring system. The pathologic scores were based on 4 components: fibrosis, cellularity, desquamation, and granulation. In the HRCT study, each lobe was scored by the radiologists on a scale for both fibrosis and ground-glass attenuation. The treatment response was assessed by an increase in more than 10% of the CRP score, and comparing the results 3 months before and after treatment. Results : The apoptotic index showed no correlation with the CRP and HRCT scoring system. The apoptotic index correlated with the pathologic elements including fibrosis, cellularity and the desquamation score (p<0.05). Of the 16 patients who received corticosteroid therapy, 9 patients (56.3%) responded to therapy. There was no correlation between the response to corticosteroid and the apoptotic index. In the case of patients with acute and subacute ILD, the apoptotic index showed a correlation with the cellularity, desquamation, and the total histological score (p<0.05). In the case of patients with chronic ILD, the apoptotic index correlated with the fibrosis and cellularity score (p<0.05). Conclusion : Apoptosis of the pulmonary epithelial cells is implicated in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease particularly on a pathological basis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.173-181
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• 1996

Background : Several studies have suggested that impaired mucociliary clearance plays a role in the pathophysiology of bronchial asthma. Cough productive of mucoid sputum is common, and mucous plugs in the airways are frequently observed. These clinical features are in keeping with the histologic lesions of asthma, which involve primarily the epithelial and mucous-producing structures of the conducting airways. Some studies have shown that the mucociliary clearance is impaired in adult asthma, but it has not been studied in childhood asthma. The objectives of this study were to examine whether the mucociliary clearance is impaired in childhood asthma and to estimate the degree of impairment in comparison with that of immotile cilia syndrome. Method : Thirteen children with mild stable asthma and eight patients with immotile cilia syndrome completed this study. Ten healthy children were recruited as a normal control group. The whole-lung mucociliary clearance was measured by the radioaerosol technique. Aerosols, tin colloid particles tagged with the radionuclide technetium-99m($^{99m}Tc$), were generated by means of nebulizer, and inhaled via a mouthpiece. The retention of radioactivity was measured at 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes by gamma camera, and mucociliary clearance was calculated as percent retention at each time. Results: 1) In each subject, the percent retention decreased variably with the lapse of time. 2) The percent retention of radionuclide decreased at each time in order of normal control, bronchial asthma and immotile cilia syndrome and the percent retention of immotile cilia syndrome was significantly higher than that of normal control at each time(p<0.05). 3) At two hours, the percent retention of bronchial asthma($65.0{\pm}1.8$(SE)%) was significantly higher than that of the normal control($54.4{\pm}3.5%$, p<0.05), and significantly lower than that of immotile cilia syndrome($73.3{\pm}1.4%$, p<0.01). 4) When the percent retention was analyzed according to $PC_{20}$ in the children with bronchial asthma, they had no relationship with each other. Conclusion: Mucociliary clearance in the children with bronchial asthma was significantly lower than normal control. This finding indicates that impaired mucociliary clearance operates in childhood asthma as well, and suggests that it may be one contributing factor in the pathogenesis of asthma. The degree of impairment, however, was not so severe as immotile cilia syndrome.