• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.52 no.4
• /
• pp.281-287
• /
• 2012

Objective : To evaluate the effect of calcium supplementation on spinal bone fusion in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Methods : Sixteen female Sprague Dawley rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy at 12 weeks of age to induce osteoporosis and were randomly assigned to two groups : control group (n=8) and calcium-supplemented group (OVX-Ca, n=8). Autologous spinal bone fusion surgery was performed on both groups 8 weeks later. After fusion surgery, the OVX-Ca group was supplemented with calcium in drinking water for 8 weeks. Blood was obtained 4 and 8 weeks after fusion surgery. Eight weeks after fusion surgery, the rats were euthanized and the L4-5 spine removed. Bone fusion status and fusion volume were evaluated by manual palpation and three-dimensional computed tomography. Results : The mean fusion volume in the L4-5 spine was significantly greater in the OVX-Ca group ($71.80{\pm}8.06mm^3$) than in controls ($35.34{\pm}8.24mm^3$) (p<0.01). The level of osteocalcin, a bone formation marker, was higher in OVX-Ca rats than in controls 4 weeks ($610.08{\pm}10.41$ vs. $551.61{\pm}12.34$ ng/mL) and 8 weeks ($552.05{\pm}19.67$ vs. $502.98{\pm}22.76$ ng/mL) after fusion surgery (p<0.05). The level of C-terminal telopeptide fragment of type I collagen, a bone resorption marker, was significantly lower in OVX-Ca rats than in controls 4 weeks ($77.07{\pm}12.57$ vs. $101.75{\pm}7.20$ ng/mL) and 8 weeks ($69.58{\pm}2.45$ vs. $77.15{\pm}4.10$ ng/mL) after fusion surgery (p<0.05). A mechanical strength test showed that the L4-5 vertebrae in the OVX-Ca group withstood a 50% higher maximal load compared with the controls (p<0.01). Conclusion : Dietary calcium given to OVX rats after lumbar fusion surgery improved fusion volume and mechanical strength in an ovariectomized rat model.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.52 no.4
• /
• pp.359-364
• /
• 2012

Objective : Transpedicular screw fixation has some disadvantages such as postoperative back pain through wide muscle dissection, long operative time, and cephalad adjacent segmental degeneration (ASD). The purposes of this study are investigation and comparison of radiological and clinical results between interspinous fusion device (IFD) and pedicle screw. Methods : From Jan. 2008 to Aug. 2009, 40 patients underwent spinal fusion with IFD combined with posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF). In same study period, 36 patients underwent spinal fusion with pedicle screw fixation as control group. Dynamic lateral radiographs, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Korean version of the Oswestry disability index (K-ODI) scores were evaluated in both groups. Results : The lumbar spine diseases in the IFD group were as followings; spinal stenosis in 26, degenerative spondylolisthesis in 12, and intervertebral disc herniation in 2. The mean follow up period was 14.24 months (range; 12 to 22 months) in the IFD group and 18.3 months (range; 12 to 28 months) in pedicle screw group. The mean VAS scores was preoperatively $7.16{\pm}2.1$ and $8.03{\pm}2.3$ in the IFD and pedicle screw groups, respectively, and improved postoperatively to $1.3{\pm}2.9$ and $1.2{\pm}3.2$ in 1-year follow ups (p<0.05). The K-ODI was decreased significantly in an equal amount in both groups one year postoperatively (p<0.05). The statistics revealed a higher incidence of ASD in pedicle screw group than the IFD group (p=0.029) Conclusion : Posterior IFD has several advantages over the pedicle screw fixation in terms of skin incision, muscle dissection and short operative time and less intraoperative estimated blood loss. The IFD with PLIF may be a favorable technique to replace the pedicle screw fixation in selective case.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
• /
• v.26 no.2 s.62
• /
• pp.217-230
• /
• 2005

Objectives: Chungpaesagan-tang (CPSGT), which is frequently used for treating patients of cerebrovascular disease, has not been reported by clinical doctors concerning the effect of neuronal aptosis caused by brain ischemia. To study the effect of CPSGT on focal cerebral ischemia in normal and diabetic rats and SHR, focal cerebral ischemia was induced by transient MCAO, and after onset CPSGT was administrated. Methods: Rats (Sprague-Dawley) were divided into four groups: sham-operated group, MCA-occluded group, CPSGT­administrated group after MCA occlusion, and normal group. The MCA was occluded by intraluminal method. CPSGT was administrated orally twice (l and 4 hours) after middle cerebral artery occlusion. All groups were sacrificed at 24 hours after the surgery. The brain tissue Was stained with $2\%$ triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) or $1\%$ cresyl violet solution, to examine effect of CPSGT on ischemic brain tissue. The blood samples were obtained from the heart.~. Tumor necrosis $factor-\alpha$ level and interleukin-6 level of serum was measured from sera using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Then changes of immunohistochemical expression of $TNF-\alpha$ in ischemic damaged areas were observed. Results: In NC+MCAO+CP and DM+MCAO+CP, CPSGT significantly (p<0.01) decreased the number of neuron cells compared to the control group. CPSGT markedly reduced (p<0.01) the infarct size of the forebrain in distance from the interaural line on cerebral ischemia in diabetic rats. CPSGT significantly reduced the $TNF-\alpha$ expression in penumbra region of damaged hemisphere in diabetic rats. Conclusions: CPSGT had a protective effect on cerebral ischemia in SD rats, especially in diabetic rats compared with normal SD rats.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.48 no.1
• /
• pp.13-20
• /
• 2005

Purpose : Obesity is, along with metabolic syndrome, closely related with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This study tried to evaluate the prevalence of nonalcoholic liver disease in obese children and verify the factors associated with the disease. Methods : Two hundred and seventy nine children who showed a body mass index of 95 percentile over the baseline in health examinations of surrounding schools were evaluated. Questionnaires, body measurements, blood examinations, and ultrasonographic measurements of abdominal fat were examined. Results : Out of 279 children enrolled for the study, 27 children were found to possess nonalcoholic liver disease(9.7%). Among those found to be positive for nonalcoholic liver disease, it's prevalence increased to 15.2%(22 out of 144 children) among children with severe obesity. Factors known to be involved with metabolic syndrome, namely waist/hip circumference ratio and thickness of abdominal fat, were found to be closely related to nonalcoholic fatty liver as well. Conclusion : The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver in obese children was 9.7%, with higher incidence observable in severer obesity. Factors responsible for metabolic syndrome were closely associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and the level of insulin resistance, which is an useful index in both diseases, can be utilized in evaluation of the effect of treatment and control of risk factors.

• Journal of environmental and Sanitary engineering
• /
• v.22 no.3
• /
• pp.35-50
• /
• 2007

In order to investigate water pollution of spring, we carried out the experiments on mineral water, rainwater and surrounding soil of several springs collected in Incheon area from February to August in 2007. The results were as follows. 1. Soil : This study investigated the pH and organic matter contents in the soil which effect on microorganisms. The pH value was from 4.5 to 5.3 on average and organic matter contents ranged from 1.09% to 5.6% and E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. faecalis and other microorganisms were isolated. 2. Natural mineral water : As the rainfall increased, the concentration of $No_3-N$, consumption of $KMnO_4$ and the number of microorganisms was increased while the other physicochemical items were not affected. The microorganism isolated in the natural mineral water were as follows: E. coli, K. oxytoca S. faecalis, S. facium, and so on from evacuation; E. agglomerans, E. amnigenus, E. cloacae, E. sakazakii and so on from the environments and evacuation. Detection of these microorganisms shows that the environment around the spring had been exposed to excrements of the warm blood animal. 3. Rain : The coliforms in the rain were the identical one detected from the mineral water and the soil. In conclusion the quality of natural mineral water is influenced by rain, resident bacteria of soil and surrounding environment. This study will be the basic data of characteristics of spring in Incheon area and also this result will give useful aids for the efficient control of spring.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.23 no.1 s.29
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 1990

The protective effect of sodium selenite($Na_2SeO_3$) against the cytogenetic toxicity of heavy metals was investigated on human whole-blood cultures in relation to induction of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) in secondary metaphase chromosome. Methylmercury chloride($CH_3HgCl$), cadmium chloride($CdCl_2$), potassium dichromate($K_2Cr_2O_7$), and sodium selenite caused to the typically dose-dependent increase in sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) by the concentrations ranging from $0.3{\mu}M\;to\;10{mu}M$. However, the inductions of sister chromatid exchanges by methylmercury chloride or cadmium chloride were inhibited by the simultaneous addition of sodium selenite $1.2{mu}M$. The frequencies of SCE were decreased to the level of control in the molar ratios as 2:1, 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 of selenium selenite vs. methylmercury chloride, and as 1:1 and 1:2 of selenium selenite vs. cadmium chloride, while the frequencies of SCE induced by potassium dichromate were not changed by the addition of sodium selenite in culture condition. Mitotic indices were decreased in the higher concentrations of chemicals and not significantly changed by the simultaneous addition of sodium selenite to the culture condition containing each chemicals.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.474-483
• /
• 2004

To know the effects between Cd inhalation toxicity and extract of Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae, 4 rat groups were exposed to Cd aerosol in air using whole-body inhalation exposure for 6 hours/day, 5 days/week, and 4 weeks. Cd concentration in air was 1.03㎎/㎥ and mass median diameter(MMD) was 1.69㎛. 3 different dose intraperitoneal injections of extract of Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae to 3 inhalation exposure groups was done for 4 weeks and the results were as follows: The highest body weight gain for 4 weeks and food intake per day were from inhalation exposure group I and the highest lung and liver weight were also from inhalation exposure group I. The highest kidney weight was from inhalation exposure group III. The lowest Cd content in lung was 33.49㎍/g from inhalation exposure group I. The lowest Cd concentration in blood was 9.36㎍/㎗ from inhalation exposure control. Cd concentrations of 40.02㎍/g in liver and 69.18㎍/g in kidney were the lowest from inhalation exposure group I and III, respectively. The lowest Cd concentration in liver was 21.08㎍/g from inhalation exposure group III and The lowest Cd concentration in kidney was 15.78㎍/g from inhalation exposure group II. For weekly Cd concentration in urine, the value of the fourth week from inhalation exposure group III was the highest. For weekly Cd concentration in feces, the value of the first week from inhalation exposure group III was the highest. The highest metallothionein concentration in lung was 53.42 ㎍/g from inhalation exposure group III and the highest metallothionein concentration in liver was 188.18㎍/g from inhalation exposure group III. The highest metallothionein concentration in kidney was 143.92㎍/g from inhalation exposure group III. The highest Hct, Hb, and WBC values were from inhalation exposure group II and the highest RBC value was from inhalation exposure group III.

• Journal of Sericultural and Entomological Science
• /
• v.53 no.1
• /
• pp.55-60
• /
• 2015

Melittin is the main component of Bee Venom and has antibacterial activity against several bacteria. To produce the melittin antimicrobial peptide, we constructed transgenic silkworm that expressed melittin gene under the control BmA3 promoter using piggyBac vector. The use of the 3xP3-driven EGFP cDNA as a marker allowed us to rapidly distinguish transgenic silkworm. Mixtures of the donor vector and helper vector were micro-injected into 300 eggs of bivoltin silkworms, Baegokjam. In total, 131 larvae (G0) were hatched and allowed to develop into moths. The resulting G1 generation consisted of 36 broods, and we selected 4 broods containing at least 1 EGFP-positive embryo. The rate of successful transgenesis for the G1 broods was 11%. We identified 12 EGFP-positive G1 moths and these were backcrossed with wild-type moths. With the aim of identifying a melittin as antimicrobial peptide, we investigated the Radical diffusion Assay (RDA) and then demonstrated that melittin possesses high antibacterial activities against gramnegative bacteria.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.211-226
• /
• 1988

Among 165 patients of esophagus cancer treated by either radiation alone or postoperative radiation, median survival period was 6.6 months, $16\%$ 3 years and $8\%$ 5years crude survival. In biphasic plotting of survival curve semilogarithmically all nonresponder died within one year regardless of treatments and in responder each 1, 2, 3 years survival rate was $80\%,\;70\%,\;60\%$ in the group of postoperative radiation among 20 patients ($54\%$ of 37 patients) respectively and $62\%,\;38\%,\; 23\%$ each in the group of radiation alone among 61 patients ($48\%$ of 128 patients) respectively, better survival rate of postoperative radiation vs radiation alone in 3 year (P<0.01). The most common cause of death was dysphagia $55\%$, and majority of patients died by failure to control the disease locally $62\%,\;88\%$ of stricture were associated with persistenece of cancer in esophagus. $50\%$ of patients was found to have locoregional metastatc nodes. Preoperative diagnostic failure rate was for metastatic locoregional nodes was $54\%$, for grossly metastatic nodes $29.7\%$, for blood borne organ metastasis $13.5\%$, and for local extent of the disease $14\%$. The residual cancer at surgical margin o. postitive node was not effectively killed by either 5000 to 5500 cGy conventional radiation or 5290 to 5750 cGy with 115 cGy fraction in 2 times daily; hyperfractionated radiation. However hyperfractionation schedule decreased the both acute and late complications in this study.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.32 no.4
• /
• pp.503-510
• /
• 2005

If we could predict the necrosis of the flap caused by reperfusion injury, we can minimize the necrosis of the flap by taking appropriate action before necrosis begins. In this study, we examined whether we can predict the survival of flap under reperfusion injury or not, by measuring laser doppler flow meter values. We divided the group into the control and experimental groups corresponding to 6, 8, 9, 10, and 12hours after reperfusion(hours after ligation of auricular central artery). In each group, we examined necrotic change, perfusion unit (PU), serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, angiography and pathologic findings. No necrosis was observed in the 6 and 8 hours group but 8, 18, 20 hours after ligation, necrosis was observed, Also in each of 9, 10 and 12 hours group (each group consisted of 20 flaps), necrosis were noted. According to the above data, the critical time of necrosis in the auricular skin flap model lies between about 8 to 9 hours. Comparing the PU between the necrosis and non-necrosis groups, the former group showed a mean 39.57 PU increase after 60 min of reperfusion, and the latter group showed a mean increase of 21.21 PU. We can conclude that better flow can dilute oxygen free radical into systemic circulation, and this means less injuries are caused on vessels. Our study implies that if blood flow increase is less than 30 PU, intensive care is needed to save the flap. Additionally, we found significant decrease of serum SOD and glutathione peroxidase in the necrotic group. Therefore, monitoring these serum markers will be helpful in predicting reperfusion injury and supplementing these enzymes could be helpful to save the flap. The laser doppler flow meter is thought to be helpful in clinical circumstances for evaluating the circulation of the flap after the operation. However, more accumulation of clinical studies should be necessary establishing useful clinical data.