• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.268-271
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• 2007

Purpose : Premature narrowing of the foramen ovale is rare but serious clinical entity. Prenatal narrowing or obstruction of the foramen ovale shows symptoms such as right heart failure, fetal hydrops, triscupid regurgitation, left heart obstructive disease, and supraventricular tachycardia. This study aimed to assess the prenatal diagnosis and postnatal clinical course of restrictive foramen ovale in utero in otherwise normal heart. Methods : The subjects were five patients diagnosed with restrictive foramen ovale in utero from January 2001 to June 2005 at Chungnam National University Hospital. The diagnostic criteria was defined when the maximum diameter in a 4-chamber view is less than 2.5 mm and there is a continuous doppler velocity at the foramen ovale of more than 0.6m/s. Results : At the time of diagnosis of restrictive foramen ovale, gestation age was 34~37 wks, and chief complaints were fetal arrhythmia(2 cases), pericardial effusion, Ebstein anomaly and subaortic stenosis. Two cases which were diagnosed fetal hydrops and supraventricular tachycardia delivered by emergent cesarian section. Five cases were found to have right heart dilatation on echocardiogram after birth, but right heart dilatation became normalized at day 7 after birth and the clinical courses were not eventful. Conclusion : Identifying an obstructed foramen ovale in the fetus warrants the further search for additional cardiac and extracardiac anomalies, which may alter the prognosis. Delivery should be induced if possible in cases of foramen ovale obstruction with signs of cardiac decompensation.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.113-119
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• 2012

Epigenetic modification including genome-wide DNA demethylation is essential for normal embryonic development. Insufficient demethylation of somatic cell genome may cause various anomalies and prenatal loss in the development of nuclear transfer embryos. Hence, the source of nuclear donor often affects later development of nuclear transfer (NT) embryos. In this study, appropriateness of porcine embryonic germ (EG) cells as karyoplasts for NT with respect to epigenetic modification was investigated. These cells follow methylation status of primordial germ cells from which they originated, so that they may contain less methylated genome than somatic cells. This may be advantageous to the development of NT embryos commonly known to be highly methylated. The rates of blastocyst development were similar among embryos from EG cell nuclear transfer (EGCNT), somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) (16/62, 25.8% vs. 56/274, 20.4% vs. 16/74, 21.6%). Genomic DNA samples from EG cells (n=3), fetal fibroblasts (n=4) and blastocysts from EGCNT (n=8), SCNT (n=14) and ICSI (n=6) were isolated and treated with sodium bisulfite. The satellite region (GenBank Z75640) that involves nine selected CpG sites was amplified by PCR, and the rates of DNA methylation in each site were measured by pyrosequencing technique. The average methylation degrees of CpG sites in EG cells, fetal fibroblasts and blastocysts from EGCNT, SCNT and ICSI were 17.9, 37.7, 4.1, 9.8 and 8.9%, respectively. The genome of porcine EG cells were less methylated than that of somatic cells (p<0.05), and DNA demethylation occurred in embryos from both EGCNT (p<0.05) and SCNT (p<0.01). Interestingly, the degree of DNA methylation in EGCNT embryos was approximately one half of SCNT (p<0.01) and ICSI (p<0.05) embryos, while SCNT and ICSI embryos contained demethylated genome with similar degrees. The present study demonstrates that porcine EG cell nuclear transfer resulted in hypomethylation of DNA in cloned embryos yet leading normal preimplantation development. Further studies are needed to investigate whether such modification affects long-term survival of cloned embryos.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.209-216
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• 2010

Limb bud (LB) and central nerve system (CNS) cells were prepared from 12.5 day old pregnant female Crj:CD (SD) rats and treated with olaquindox and vitamin A. Cytotoxicity and inhibition on differentiation were measured in each cell. Three doses of olaquindox (4, 21 and 100 mgkg), and 0.2 and 75 mg/kg of vitamin A were administered to pregnant rat for 11 days from $6^{th}$ to $16^{th}$ of pregnancy. $IC_{50}$ values of olaquindox for proliferation and differentiation in CNS cell were 22.74 and $28.32\;{\mu}g/ml$ and 79.34 and $23.29\;{\mu}g/ml$ in LB cell and those values of vitamin A were 8.13 and $5.94\;{\mu}g/ml$ in CNS cell and 0.81 and $0.05\;{\mu}g/ml$ in LB cell, respectively. Mean body weights of pregnant rats were decreased at high dose of olaquindox (110 mg/kg) but relative ovary weight, number of corpus lutea, and number of implantation were not changed. Resorption and dead fetus were increased at high dose of olaquindox, and relative ovary weight, the number of corpus lutea and implantation, and sex ratio of male to female were not significantly changed in all dose of olaquindox. Mean fetal and placenta weights were significantly (p < 0.01) decreased in rats of high group. Seven fetuses out of 103 showed external anomaly like bent tail, and 10 out of 114 fetuses showed visceral anomalies at high group. The ossification of sternebrae and metacarpals were significantly (p < 0.01) increased by low and middle dose of olaquindox but it was significantly (p < 0.01) prohibited by high dose of olaquindox. In rats treated with vitamin A, the resorption and dead fetus were increased by high dose. Mean fetal weights were significantly (p < 0.01) increased by low dose but significantly (p < 0.01) decreased by high dose. Thirty four fetuses out of 52 showed external anomaly; bent tail (1), cranioarchschisis (14), exencephaly (14), dome shaped head (22), anophthalmia (15), brcahynathia (10) and others (19). Forty five fetuses out of 52 showed soft tissue anomaly; cleft palate (42/52) and anophthalmia (22/52) by high dose of vitamin A. Sixty one fetuses out of 61 (85.2%) showed skull anomaly; defect of frontal, partial and occipital bone (21/61), defect of palatine bone (52/61) and others (50/61). In summary, we support that vitamin A is strong teratogen based on our micromass and in vivo data, and olaquindox has a weak teratogenic potential in LB cell but not in CNS cell. We provide the in vivo evidence that a high dose of olaquindox could have weak embryotoxic potential in rats.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.85-93
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• 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the benefit of Traditional Korean Medicine as an adjuvant therapy in management of mid-trimester oligohydramnios. Methods: It is a case report of a 31 year-old woman hospitalized for oligohydramnios at $24^{+4/7}$weeks of gestation. This patient diagnosed with special oligohydramnios had no abnormal findings such as fetal urinary abnormalities or other anomalies. Also, symptom of PPROM (preterm premature rupture of membrane) was not confirmed. The decoction, Gami-danggui-san (DG) was prescribed for the purpose of reducing unnecessary contraction of uterine muscle during pregnancy and promoting blood circulation and metabolism, thereby improving placental function and contributing to the increase of the fluid. DG decoction was administered twice a day until 19th of June, which was 10 days in total. During the treatment, level of amniotic fluid had been monitored by measuring AFI (amnioti fluid index). Results: After these conventional therapies, the amount of amniotic fluid increased steadily, and eventually reached the optimal level. AFI was found to be 3.2 on the $24^{+4/7}$ weeks, 8 on the $26^{+1/7}$ weeks, 11.5 on the $27^{+0/7}$ weeks of gestation. In the same periods, EFW (expected fetal weight) was also found to be increasing gradually: 545 g, 630, and 760 g. Conclusions: Our report implies the potential of herbal medicine as a effective therapy for oligohydramnios tratment. Further studies are needed to assess the efficacy of TKM herbal medicine and reveal the mechanisms of the decoction.

• The Journal of Korea Assosiation for Disability and Oral Health
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.92-95
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• 2009

In 1923, Pierre Robin, a French stomatologist, first reported the association of micrognathia with glossoptosis. As more than 80% of all Pierre Robin cases accompanied with other syndrome such as Stickler syndrome, velocardiofacial syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, Treacher Collins syndrome, etc, it is called Pierre Robin sequence(PRS). PRS is described in the literature as a triad of anomalies characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis and cleft palate. Clinically, the triad consists of airway obstruction and feeding difficulty, which are more frequent and severe in the neonatal period. In this case, a 14-month old boy with PRS was referred to the department of pediatric dentistry, Yonsei university dental hospital, who resolved airway obstruction by lateral positioning and feeding problem by percutaneous endocutaneous gastrotomy insertion. PRS is a developmental disorder as well as an anatomic obstructive disorder, therefore it should be dealt with by a multidisciplinary team.

• The Journal of Korea Assosiation for Disability and Oral Health
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.104-107
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• 2017

Kabuki syndrome is characterized by typical facial features (elongated palpebral fissures with eversion of the lateral third of the lower eyelid; arched and broad eyebrows; short columella with depressed nasal tip; large, prominent, or cupped ears), minor skeletal anomalies, persistence of fetal fingertip pads, mild to moderate intellectual disability, and postnatal growth deficiency. A 6-year-old male with kabuki syndrome was referred from the local dental clinic for left facial swelling and dental caries on all primary molars. He was treated for acute periapical abscess with incision and drainage under physical restraint, and left maxillary second primary molar was extracted. Other caries treatment was performed under general anesthesia. As the syndrome involves many different medical problems, special cares should be considered. Dental treatment should be carried out in comprehensive consultation system.

• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.143-157
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• 2010

Objectives : The objective of this study was to access the effect of Artemisiae capillaris herba Extracts on the organogenetic reproductive toxicity of New Zealand White rabbits when administered by oral gavage. Methods : Gestational New Zealand White rabbits were dosed from 6 days of gestation to 18 days of gestation. It was conducted in accordance with the recommendations of the KFDA Guideline for Detection of Toxicity to Reproduction for Medicinal Products. In addition, serum AST, ALT, LDH and ALP levels were detected with their necropsy and histopathological observation Results: No significant changes of body weights, gains and food consumption were demonstrated in all dosed groups compared to those of vehicle control group except for 2,000mg/kg-dosing group, which showed significantly increase of body weight compared to that of vehicle control group. Normal gross findings were demonstrated in all tested groups. No significant changes of number of corpora lutea, implantation, implantation rate, number of fetal death, loss rate of post-implantation, number of live youngs at C-section, survival rate of post-implantation, number of male live youngs at C-section, number of female live youngs, sex ratio of live young, external anomalies of live youngs and body weight of live youngs were demonstrated in all dosed groups compared to those of vehicle control group. Although some visceral variations such as thymic reminant in the neck, dilation of renal pelvis, dilated ureter and malpositioned left common carotid artery, no significant changes were demonstrated in all dosed groups compared to that of vehicle control group. Some malformations and variation were demonstrated with retardations. However, no significant changes were demonstrated in all dosed groups compared to that of vehicle control group. In addition, similar ossification numbers were detected in sternebrae, metacarpals, metatarsals, phalanges, cervical vertebrae, and sacral and caudal vertebrae. No Artemisiae capillaris herba Extracts treatment-related changes of serum AST, ALT, LDH and ALP levels were demonstrated in all dosed levels in this study. Conclusions : We could conclude that oral administration of Artemisiae capillaris herba Extracts hasn't an influence on the organogenetic reproductive toxicity.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.157-162
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• 2018

This study is a search for radiation protection effects of radiation exposure on the organogenic period during the prenatal period, which is known to be the most likely to have congenital malformations by radiation exposure. To study the radiation protection for the mixture of selenium that is strong antioxidant and folic acid that is essential vitamin for DNA synthesis, 2 Gy of radiation was irradiated to pregnant female rats. then, after 14 days of fetal birth, observing blood components, SOD(Superoxide Dismutase), histological changes and external malformations. There was a significant protective effect to reduce blood cell damage(p<0.05) in the irradiation group after selenium and folic acid mixture were administered than irradiation group, and the activation of SOD which is antioxidant enzymes was increased. In addition, confirmed the effect of suppressing the expression of apoptosis of small intestinal cells and the reduction of cerebral cortex layer reduction by radiation. thus, it was confirmed that the congenital malformations were reduced as a result of these protective effects. Based on these results, selenium and folic acid mixture may reduce the incidence of congenital malformations, and it will reduce the damage of the fetus caused by the exposure of the organogenic period due to accidents.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.10
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• pp.392-397
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• 2015

Purpose: Alagille syndrome is a complex hereditary disorder that is associated with cardiac, hepatic, skeletal, ocular, and facial abnormalities. Mutations in the Notch signaling pathway, such as in JAG1 and NOTCH2, play a key role in embryonic development. A cardiac or hepatic presentation is a critical factor for determining the prognosis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 41 patients with Alagille syndrome or a JAG1 mutation between 1983 and 2013. Results: The first presentations were jaundice, murmur, cyanosis, and small bowel obstruction at a median age of 1.0 months (range, 0-24 months). The JAG1 mutation was found in 27 of the 28 genetically-tested patients. Cardiovascular anomalies were identified in 36 patients, chronic cholestasis was identified in 34, and liver transplantation was performed in 9. There was no significant correlation between the severity of the liver and cardiac diseases. The most common cardiovascular anomaly was peripheral pulmonary stenosis (83.3%), with 13 patients having significant hemodynamic derangement and 12 undergoing surgical repair. A total bilirubin level of >15 mg/dL with a complex surgical procedure increased the surgical mortality (P=0.022). Eight patients died after a median period of 2.67 years (range, 0.33-15 years). The groups with fetal presentation and with combined severe liver and heart disease had the poorest survival (P<0.001). Conclusion: The group with combined severe liver and heart disease had the poorest survival, and a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to improve the outcome.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.245-251
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• 2006

We examined the radioprotection effects of acupoint (acupuncture point) stimulation during organogenesis stages of ICR mice. Pregnant mice received 1.5 Gy whole body X-irradiation on day 8 of gestation, which is the early stage of organogenesis. The embryonic death rate and teratogenesis rate by radiation were examined. Electroacupuncture to the leg acupoints and/ or transcutaneous stimulation to the back acupoints on the pregnant mice showed no protective effect against irradiation on embryonic or fetal death rate. On the contrary, the strong stimulation resulted in increase in the mortality after irradiation rather than protection. However acupoint stimulation to the pregnant mice never showed harmful effects by itself on embryos. It tended to reduce the skeletal malformations induced by X-ray irradiation. We suspect that acupoint stimulation removed the cells injured by irradiation during embryonic development, resulting in an increase in embryonic death rate and reduction in skeletal anomalies.