• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.246-259
• /
• 2000

Background: As one of the etiologies of acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS), sepsis is one of the morbid causes of this cryptogenic malady. Even though many documents on the role of endotoxin(ETX) in the pathogenesis of ARDS have been issued, still the underlying mechanism associated with oxidative stress and activation of $PLA_2$ has been controversial. In the present study, the role of phospholipase $A_2(PLA_2)$ in the neutrophilic respiratory burst, which is presumed to cause acute lung injury during sepsis, was probed. Method: In glutathione-depleted Sprague-Dawley rats, lung leak, infiltration of neutrophils, $PLA_2$ activity and lipid peroxidation in the lung were measured after intratracheal instillation of endotoxin(delete). In addition, gamma glutamyl transferase(GGT) activity and the amount of pulmonary surfactant were measured. Morphologically, the changes in ultrastructure and cytochemical demonstration of oxidants were presented to confirm the neutrophilic oxidative stress and to elucidate the effects of $PLA_2$ activation on(delete) oxidative stress. Results: Instillation of ETX to glutathione-depleted rats intensified lung leak and lipid peroxidation when compared with non-glutathione depleted rats treated with the endotoxin. Moreover, oxidative stress was confirmed by the assay of GGT and malondialdehyde. Functionally, the depletion of glutathione altered the secretion of pulmonary surfactant from alveolar type II cells. Ultrastructurally and cytochemicaliy, oxidative stress was also confirmed after treatment of with ETX and diethylmaleate(DEM). Conclusion: The endotoxin-induced acute lung injury was mediated by oxidative stress, which in turn was provoked by the neutrophilic respiratory burst. The activation of $PLA_2$ in the lung seems to playa pivotal role in the oxidative stress of the lung.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.57-65
• /
• 2001

Purpose : $T_2$-weighted half courier Echo Planar Imaging (T2HEPI) method is proposed to reduce measurement time of existing EPI by a factor of 2. In addition, high $T_2$ contrast is obtained for clinical applications. High resolution single-shot EPI images with $T_2$ contrast are obtained with $128{\times}128$ matrix size by the proposed method. Materials and methods : In order to reduce measurement time in EPI, half courier space is measured, and rest of half courier data is obtained by conjugate symmetric filling. Thus high resolution single shot EPI image with $128{\times}128$ matrix size is obtained with 64 echoes. By the arrangement of phase encoding gradients, high $T_2$ weighted images are obtained. The acquired data in k-space are shifted if there exists residual gradient field due to eddy current along phase encoding gradient, which results in a serious problem in the reconstructed image. The residual field is estimated by the correlation coefficient between the echo signal for dc and the corresponding reference data acquired during the pre-scan. Once the residual gradient field is properly estimated, it can be removed by the adjustment of initial phase encoding gradient field between $70^{\circ}$ and $180^{\circ}$ rf pulses. Results : The suggested T2EPl is implemented in a 1.0 Tela whole body MRI system. Experiments are done with the effective echo times of 72ms and 96ms with single shot acquisitions. High resolution($128{\times}128$) volunteer head images with high $T_2$ contrast are obtained in a single scan by the proposed method. Conclusion : Using the half courier technique, higher resolution EPI images are obtained with matrix size of $128{\times}128$ in a single scan. Furthermore $T_2$ contrast is controlled by the effective echo time. Since the suggested method can be implemented by software alone (pulse sequence and corresponding tuning and reconstruction algorithms) without addition of special hardware, it can be widely used in existing MRI systems.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.3 no.2
• /
• pp.173-178
• /
• 1999

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness of functional MRI (fMRI) of visual cortex in patients with ischemic infarction in the occipital lobe. Materials and Methods : Four patients with the symptoms and signs of visual cortical ischemia were included. Functional MRI was performed by 2D-FLASH technique with the parameter of 90/56msec TR/TE, $40^{\circ}$ flip angle, $240{\times}240{\;}FOV,{\;}64{\times}128$ matrix number, 8.32 seconds acquisition time, 8mm slice thickness. An axial slice including both visual cortices was selected and alternative activation and resting of the visual cortex was performed using red color photostimulator. all patients undertook visual field test, and vascular abnormality was examined by MRA (n=4) and DSA (n=2). fMRI results were compared with the results of a visual field test, conventional MRI and cerebral angiography. Results : On fMRI, decreased activity of the visual cortex was found in the occipital lobe corresponding to stenosis of the posterior cerebral artery or its branch noted on angiogram. However, 2 of 4 patients showed no abnormal findings on conventional MRI. Visual field defect was noted in 3 patients, one and of whom showed no abnormality on conventional MRI and diffusion-weighted image, but revealed decreased activity in the corresponding visual cortex on fMRI. Conclusion : fMRI may be a sensitive method for detection of the status of decreased blood flow or vascular reserve which other methods can not.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
• /
• v.39 no.6
• /
• pp.445-455
• /
• 2005

Purpose: We developed an animal SPECT system using clinical Philips ARGUS scintillation camera and pinhole collimator with specially manufactured small apertures. In this study, we evaluated the physical characteristics of this system and biological feasibility for animal experiments. Materials and Methods: Rotating station for small animals using a step motor and operating software were developed. Pinhole inserts with small apertures (diameter of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mm) were manufactured and physical parameters including planar spatial resolution and sensitivity and reconstructed resolution were measured for some apertures. In order to measure the size of the usable field of view according to the distance from the focal point, manufactured multiple line sources separated with the same distance were scanned and numbers of lines within the field of view were counted. Using a Tc-99m line source with 0.5 mm diameter and 12 mm length placed in the exact center of field of view, planar spatial resolution according to the distance was measured. Calibration factor to obtain FWHM values in 'mm' unit was calculated from the planar image of two separated line sources. Te-99m point source with i mm diameter was used for the measurement of system sensitivity. In addition, SPECT data of micro phantom with cold and hot line inserts and rat brain after intravenous injection of [I-123]FP-CIT were acquired and reconstructed using filtered back protection reconstruction algorithm for pinhole collimator. Results: Size of usable field of view was proportional to the distance from the focal point and their relationship could be fitted into a linear equation (y=1.4x+0.5, x: distance). System sensitivity and planar spatial resolution at 3 cm measured using 1.0 mm aperture was 71 cps/MBq and 1.24 mm, respectively. In the SPECT image of rat brain with [I-123]FP-CIT acquired using 1.0 mm aperture, the distribution of dopamine transporter in the striatum was well identified in each hemisphere. Conclusion: We verified that this new animal SPECT system with the Phlilps ARGUS scanner and small apertures had sufficient performance for small animal imaging.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
• /
• v.41 no.3
• /
• pp.226-233
• /
• 2007

Purpose: Dual reporter gene imaging has several advantages for more sophisticated molecular imaging studies such as gene therapy monitoring. Herein, we have constructed hepatoma cell line expressing dual reporter genes of sodium iodide symporter (NIS) and enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP), and the functionalities of the genes were evaluated in vivo by nuclear and optical imaging. Materials and Methods: A pRetro-PN vector was constructed after separating NIS gene from pcDNA-NIS. RSV-EGFP-WPRE fragment separated from pLNRGW was cloned into pRetro-PN vector. The final vector expressing dual reporter genes was named pRetro-PNRGW. A human hepatoma (HepG2) cells were transfected by the retrovirus containing NIS and EGFP gene (HepG2-NE). Expression of NIS gene was confirmed by RT-PCR, radioiodine uptake and efflux studies. Expression of EGFP was confirmed by RT-PCR and fluorescence microscope. The HepG2 and HepG2-NE cells were implanted in shoulder and hindlimb of nude mice, then fluorescence image, gamma camera image and I-124 microPET image were undertaken. Results: The HepG2-NE cell was successfully constructed. RT-PCR showed NIS and EGFP mRNA expression. About 50% of cells showed fluorescence. The iodine uptake of NIS-expressed cells was about 9 times higher than control. In efflux study, $T_{1/2}$ of HepG2-NE cells was 9 min. HepG2-NE xenograft showed high signal-to-background fluorescent spots and higher iodine-uptake compared to those of HepG2 xenograft. Conclusion: A hepatoma cell line expressing NIS and EGFP dual reporter genes was successfully constructed and could be used as a potential either by therapeutic gene or imaging reporter gene.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.83-90
• /
• 2011

This study was performed to investigate the effects of ramie (Boehmeria nivea) leaf powder on improvements in lipid metabolism in serum, liver and adipose tissue, and the anti-obesity effect in rats fed a high fat/high cholesterol diet for 4 weeks to induce a hyperlipidemic and obese model rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighting 210 g were divided into four groups; a normal diet group (N), a high fat/high cholesterol diet group (HFC), a high fat/high cholesterol diet with 5% ramie leaf powder group (HFC-RL), and a high fat/high cholesterol diet with 10% ramie leaf powder group (HFC-RH). The body weight gain increased with a high fat/high cholesterol diet, but gradually decreased in the ramie leaf powder fed groups compared with the HFC group. The liver index in the HFC group was highest among the four groups, although the difference was not significant compared with the ramie leaf powder fed groups. The adipose tissues weight in the HFC group was heavier than that of the N group, whereas those of groups fed ramie leaf powder decreased gradually. Alkaline phosphatase activity was not different between the HFC groups, but serum alkaline aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities decreased significantly after ramie leaf powder feeding. Levels of serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index and cardiac risk factors tended to decrease in the ramie leaf powder fed groups compared with the HFC group, whereas serum HDL-cholesterol level decreased in the HFC group and markedly increased in the ramie leaf powder fed groups. Levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in the liver were significantly lower in the ramie leaf powder fed groups than in the HFC group. Levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in adipose tissues were also lower in the ramie leaves powder fed groups than in the HFC group. The activities of heparinreleasable lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and total-extractable LPL in adipose tissues increased in the HFC group compared to that of the N group, but those of the ramie leaf powder fed groups decreased significantly. These results suggest that ramie leaf powder may improve lipid metabolism in serum, liver and adipose tissue and potentially reduce lipid storage.

• Korean Security Journal
• /
• no.35
• /
• pp.125-149
• /
• 2013

In this study changes in biorhythm are observed by measuring heart rate variabilities in order to verify, compare, and evaluate stresses in guard duties of guards and CCTV monitoring works of staffs serviced in practical guard sites. Guard duties and CCTV monitoring works similar to a practical situation are implemented for nine students in the department of security at K University over 150 minutes. In the results of observing heart rate variabilities and autonomic function tests for six times with an interval of 30 minutes, the heart rate variability (HRV) in CCTV monitoring works represents lower levels than that of guard duties. Also, in a stable condition the guard duties for 30 and 60 minutes exhibit lower levels than that of 90, 120, and 150 minutes. Regarding SDNN, CCTV monitoring works show higher levels that guard duties and the guard duties for 30 and 60 minutes represent lower levels than that of 150 minutes. In autonomic function tests, there are no differences in TP between groups according to guard duties and CCTV monitoring works. Also, the guard duties for 150 minutes represent more differences in TP compared to that of 30 minutes. The interaction between the duty type and the duty duration is presented. In the case of LF, guard duties for 150 minutes show large differences in duty duration compared to that of 60 minutes. In the case of HF, the CCTV monitoring work group shows higher levels than the guard duty group in which the guard duties for 120 and 150 minutes represent higher levels than that of 30 minutes. The interaction between the duty type and the duty duration is presented. In the case of the LF/HF ratio, the guard duty group exhibits higher levels than the CCTV monitoring group. Also, there is an interaction between the duty type and the duty duration including the difference in durations. The CCTV monitoring works represent lower heart function activities than the guard duties according to increases in parasympathetic nervous activities. It shows that the long-term CCTV monitoring duty repeated everyday shows a high possibility of increasing the exposures of VDT syndrome and nervous breakdown.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
• /
• v.18 no.3
• /
• pp.133-162
• /
• 2001

Unexpected accidents in school has been gradually increased every year, and student's mistaken was the first reason of the accident. To preventing the students from Unexpected accidents in school, safety education is more important than having strong facilities to have much more strong protecting forces for the accidents. Therefore, systematic education of safety is needed most of all, and especially, strengthening safety education in school is needed. Hereby, this study is aimed at investigating and analysing the actual condition and demand of safety education. It also conducted a survey with the target of 1,255 students in the second grade of high school in Seoul from April 20 to May 19, and the result of this study is as follows. 1. In the general features of the subject of the survey, boy students and girl students occupied 50.8％ and 49.2％ each, and boys' high school (34.3％), girls' high school(32.2％) and co-ed(33.5％) participated in balance. In the location, north from Han river occupied 54.6％, south were 45.2％. 2. According to the status of experiencing an accident, boys were more experienced then girls(p〈0.05). From the section, home accident(56.8％) occupied most followed by school accident, traffic accident, sports accident and poisoning. The accident happening most often in detailed category is sports accident such as basket ball, foot ball and dodge ball. The actual condition of the subject's using a school health facility shows that boys students use it more often than girl students(p〈0.01) 3. In attitude toward safety, the subject showed lower interest in safety issues than other social issues. But attitude in seriality of safety problems were high. Also, they responded ‘individual citizen’(63.1％) as the one who should make efforts for safety. Regarding knowledge of preventing safety accidents in attitude toward individual safety, 42.2％ answered ‘they know a little’ and 32.6％ of respondents say ‘they do not know’. To a question of the degree of the subject's following safety rules, 36.4％ were answered ‘keeping’ and the group using a school health facility shows more ‘keeping’ the others(p〈0.05). 4. To a question of asking if they have experienced safety education, 51.2％ answered ‘yes’. Teachers who mainly take care of safety education are answered as training teacher(48.7％). As for education time, training class(51.3％) is said to have safety education most followed by health-related event and PE(Physical Education). Frequency of education shows once or twice a session (62.8％) most often, but in case of co-ed school, 5-7times a session or more(20.1％) are being practiced. Looking at education time, 1-2 hour(s)(22.1％) or for a short time(22.1％) during class are being practiced. As an education method, instruction(43.8％) and video education(32.5％) are being practiced, and when it comes to education evaluation method, ‘not practiced’(70.0％) answered. To the question if they are satisfied with school safety education, they answered more ‘no(43.1％)’ than ‘yes(6.7％)’, and the reason is that safety education class is just for formality's sake, and the fact they already know is being repeated. The contents of safety education is composed of school safety, home safety, and first aid. 5. It is turned out that 56.5％ of the total boy students and 61.1％ of the total girl students recognize the necessity of safety education. To the question if safety education is needed in an elementary and middle education course, 46.4％ of the subject answer answered' it's necessary'. The most reason for their answers are ‘safety education is directly related to life’. 6. Regarding the requested time of safety education is ‘one hour a week’ by 55.9％. For safety education, safety education teachers(38.7％) are answered to be the most proper. As a request for safety education, video education is answered to be the most appropriate(30.6％), followed by practical skills, lecture and discussion(p〈0.05). Demand of educational evaluation, practical skills, interview and observation are answered to be needed. To the question if they want to participate in the way of demanded safety education, 41.9％ of respondents answer ‘have a mind to participate in’ (41.9％). To benefits followed by completing safety education, 72.0％ of respondents answer ‘agree’, and 24.7％ ‘do not agree’, which means lout 4 disagrees with completing safety education. 7. Looking at demand of safety education according to the features of the subject, ‘our position for the person who has handicapped’ was answer to the most.

• Progress in Medical Physics
• /
• v.21 no.1
• /
• pp.35-41
• /
• 2010

The purpose of this study is to quantitate regional neurochemical profile of regional normal adult mice brain and assess regional metabolic differences by using ex vivo $^1H$ high-resolution magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ($^1H$ HR-MAS NMRS). The animals were matched in sex and age. The collected brain tissue included frontal cortex, temporal cortex, thalamus, and hippocampus. Quantitative 1D spectra were acquired on 40 samples with the CPMG pulse sequence (8 kHz spectral window, TR/TE = 5500/2.2 ms, NEX = 128, scan time: 17 min 20 sec). The mass of brain tissue and $D_2O$+TSP solvent were 8~14 mg and 7~13 mg. A total of 16 metabolites were quantified as follow: Acet, NAA, NAAG, tCr, Cr, tCho, Cho, GPC + PC, mIns, Lac, GABA, Glu, Gln, Tau and Ala. As a results, Acet, Cho, NAA, NAAG and mIns were showed significantly different aspects on frontal cortex, hippocampus, temporal cortex and thalamus respectively. The present study demonstrated that absolute metabolite concentrations were significantly different among four brain regions of adult mice. Our finding might be helpful to investigate brain metabolism of neuro-disease in animal model.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.114-118
• /
• 1997

Purpose: Functional MR imaging is the method of demonstrating changes in regional cerebral blood flow produced by sensory, motor, and any other tasks. Functional MR of visual cortex is performed as a patient stares a photic stimulation, so adaptable photic stimulation is necessary. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the size of photic stimulator can affect the degree of visual cortex activation. Materials and Methods: Functional MR imaging was performed in 5 volunteers with normal visual acuity. Photic stimulator was made by 39 light-emitting diodes on a plate, operating at 8Hz. The sizes of photic stimulator were full field, half field and focal central field. The MR imager was Siemens 1.5-T Magnetom Vision system, using standard head coil. Functional MRI utilized EPI sequence (TR/TE= 1.0/51. Omsec, matrix $No.=98{\times}128$, slice thickness=8mm) with 3sets of 6 imaging during stimulation and 6 imaging during rest, all 36 scannings were obtained. Activation images were obtained using postprocessing software(statistical analysis by Z-score), and these images were combined with T-1 weighted anatomical images. The activated signals were quantified by numbering the activated pixels, and activation a index was obtained by dividing the pixel number of each stimulator size with the sum of the pixel number of 3 study using 3 kinds of stimulators. The correlation between the activation index and the stimulator size was analysed. Results: Mean increase of signal intensities on the activation area using full field photic stimulator was about 9.6%. The activation index was greatest on full field, second on half field and smallest on focal central field in 4. The index of half field was greater than that of full field in 1. The ranges of activation index were full field 43-73%(mean 55%), half field 22-40 %(mean 32%), and focal central field 5-24%(mean 13%). Conclusion: The degree of visual cortex activation increases with the size of photic stimulator.