• 한국의학물리학회지:의학물리
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.139-149
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• 2019

Purpose: With neurodegeneration, the signal intensity of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain increases. The objective of this study was to evaluate chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) signals with and without the contribution of CSF signals in elderly human brains using two different 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences Methods: Full CEST signals were acquired in ten subjects (Group I) with a three-dimensional (3D)-segmented gradient-echo echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequence and in ten other subjects (Group II) with a 3D gradient and spin-echo (GRASE) sequence using two different 3T MRI systems. The segmented tissue compartments of gray and white matter were used to mask the CSF signals in the full CEST images. Two sets of magnetization transfer ratio asymmetry (MTR_asym) maps were obtained for each offset frequency in each subject with and without masking the CSF signals (masked and unmasked conditions, respectively) and later compared using paired t-tests. Results: The region-of-interest (ROI)-based analyses showed that the MTR_asym values for both the 3D-segmented gradient-echo EPI and 3D GRASE sequences were altered under the masked condition compared with the unmasked condition at several ROIs and offset frequencies. Conclusions: Depending on the imaging sequence, the MTR_asym values can be overestimated for some areas of the elderly human brain when CSF signals are unmasked. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method to minimize this overestimation in the case of elderly patients.

• 대한두개안면성형외과학회지
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• 제18권1호
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• pp.21-24
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• 2017

Background: In evaluation of craniosynostosis patients in terms of neurodevelopmental delay, positron emission tomography computed tomography (PET-CT) scan can be used to assess brain abnormalities through glucose metabolism. We aimed to determine the unnecessity of PET-CT in this study. Methods: Thirty-eight patients diagnosed with craniosynostosis who underwent distraction osteogenesis from October, 2010 to November, 2013 were reviewed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET-CT scan were carried out for evaluation of the brain structure and function, whereas X-ray and CT scan were taken for evaluation of the skull. Results: Nine patients reported abnormal MRI findings which were not significant, and five patients showed local problem on brain on PET-CT scan. No correlation was found among them. Conclusion: PET-CT evaluation of possible abnormal brain findings do not affect surgical planning or require additional therapy. Preoperative PET-CT scan is not the essential study to get any etiologic information of the disease consequences or to establish the treatment plan.

• 대한한의학회지
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.68-78
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• 2000

Objective : This research was performed to investigate protective effects of Sophora subprostrata, against ischemic brain damage after a middle cerebral artery(MCA) occlusion. The effect was estimated using histological test, neurobehavioural test, and biochemical test. Methods : Rats(Sprague-Dawley) were divided into four groups: Sham operated group, MCA occluded group, Sophora subprostrata administrated group after MCA occlusion, and Normal group. The MCA was occluded by intraluminal method. Sophora subprostrata was administrated orally twice(l and 4 hours) after middle cerebral artery occlusion. The neurobeavioural test was performed at 3 hours, 6 hours, 9 hours and 24 hours after the surgery by posture reflex test and swimming behavioural test. All groups were sacrificed at 24 hours after the surgery. The brain tissue was stained with 2% triphenyl tetrazolium chioride(TTC) or 1 % cresyl violet solution, to examine effect of Sophora subprostrata on ischemic brain tissue. The blood samples were obtained from the heart of rats. Tumor necrosis factor-a level was measured from sera using Enzyme-Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay(ELISA). Results : The results showed that (1) Sophora subprostrata reduced infarct size and total infarct volume by 54.8% compared to the control group, (2) that neuronal death, which was shown by decrease in cell number and size, was attenuated significantly in the boundary area of the infarction, (3) that serum $TNF-{\alpha}$ㆍlevel was reduced significantly, and finally, there was significant recovery of motor deficit at 3 hours after MCA occluded by Swimming behavioural test. Conclusions :In conclusion, Sophora subprostrata has protective effects against ischemic brain damage at the early stage of ischemia.

• 대한본초학회지
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.23-30
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• 2014

Objectives : Dodam-tang has been reported to have a control effect against the hyperlipidemia and thrombosis. Based upon these previous reports, this study investigates the effects of Dodam-tang on the cerebral ischemic damage of the hyperlipidemic rats. Methods : Hyperlipidemia was induced by the beef tallow 30% diet for 14 days on Sprague-Dawley rats. Ischemic damage was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 2 hours with the intraluminal thread method. Then water extract of Dodam-tang was administered daily for 5 days. The effect of Dodam-tang was evaluated with the serum lipids, infarct volume and edema percentage, and immunohistochemical expressions of iNOS, MMP-9, and GFAP in the brain tissue. Results : The obtained results were as follows; Dodam-tang reduced significantly the infarct size in a TTC-stained 5th brain section of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Dodam-tang suppressed the infarct volume of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats, but not significant statistically. Dodam-tang suppressed the edema percentage of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats significantly in the brain tissue. Dodam-tang suppressed significantly the iNOS expression in the cerebral penumbra and caudate putamen of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Dodam-tang suppressed significantly the MMP-9 expression in the cerebral penumbra of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Dodam-tang suppressed significantly the GFAP-expressed atrocytes in the cerebral penumbra of the hyperlipidemic MCAO rats. Conclusions : These results suggest that Dodam-tang suppresses the brain edema formation through the suppression of the iNOS, MMP-9 and GFAP, but the neuroprotective effect against the cerebral infarct are not distinct.

• 한국식생활문화학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.236-243
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• 2009

This study was performed to investigate the effects of aluminum sulfate administration on the brain tissues of old rats, when given at different concentrations. The experiment attempted to further ascertain whether aluminum exposure cause Alzheimer's disease. Seventy-five aged Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups; a control group, 2 ppm aluminum sulfate group, 20 ppm aluminum sulfate group, 40 ppm aluminum sulfate group, and 200 ppm aluminum sulfate group, and were kept on the respective diets for 12 weeks. In order to understand the influence of aluminum on the brain, serum aluminum concentrations, phospholipid composition, and catecholamine concentrations were compared between the aluminum-treated groups and the normal group. According to the results, serum aluminum was higher in the aluminum sulfate-treated groups than in the normal group. Within the cortex, catecholamine concentrationes were significantly increased but cerebellum and brainstem tissue were significantly decreased, in the aluminum sulfate-treated groups compared to the normal group. For phospholipid composition, phosphatidyl inositol was significantly increased wherase phosphatidyl choline, phosphatidyl ethanolamine, and phosphatidyl serine were significantly decreased in the aluminum sulfate-treated groups versus the normal group. Based on the data, increased aluminum consumption in experimental animals causes increased serum aluminum levels and catecholamine variation. These phenomena are very similar to conditions of Alzherimer's disease. Therfore, the results of this experiment further suggest that aluminum cause Alzherimer's disease, coinciding with reports that aluminum is a cause of neurofibrilly tangles in the brain.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제62권2호
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• pp.243-250
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• 2024

We investigated organ specific Toxocara canis larval migration in mice infected with T. canis larvae. We observed the worm burden and systemic immune responses. Three groups of BALB/c mice (n=5 each) were orally administered 1,000 T. canis 2nd stage larvae to induce larva migrans. Mice were sacrificed at 1, 3, and 5 weeks post-infection. Liver, lung, brain, and eye tissues were collected. Tissue from 2 mice per group was digested for larval count, while the remaining 3 mice underwent histological analysis. Blood hematology and serology were evaluated and compared to that in a control uninfected group (n=5) to assess the immune response. Cytokine levels in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were also analyzed. We found that, 1 week post-infection, the mean parasite load in the liver (72±7.1), brain (31±4.2), lungs (20±5.7), and eyes (2±0) peaked and stayed constant until the 3 weeks. By 5-week post-infection, the worm burden in the liver and lungs significantly decreased to 10±4.2 and 9±5.7, respectively, while they remained relatively stable in the brain and eyes (18±4.2 and 1±0, respectively). Interestingly, ocular larvae resided in all retinal layers, without notable inflammation in outer retina. Mice infected with T. canis exhibited elevated levels of neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils, and immunoglobulin E. At 5 weeks post-infection, interleukin (IL)-5 and IL-13 levels were elevated in BAL fluid. Whereas IL-4, IL-10, IL-17, and interferon-γ levels in BAL fluid were similar to that in controls. Our findings demonstrate that a small portion of T. canis larvae migrate to the eyes and brain within the first week of infection. Minimal tissue inflammation was observed, probably due to increase of anti-inflammatory cytokines. This study contributes to our understanding of the histological and immunological responses to T. canis infection in mice, which may have implications to further understand human toxocariasis.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• 제27권5호
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• pp.457-462
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• 2005

The aim of this study is to evaluate the relative signal intensity of TMJ retrodiscal tissue in T2-weighted MRI as diagnostic marker of temporomandibular disorder(TMD). 58 temporomandibular joints from 29 TMD patients (14 men & 15 women) were evaluated. The relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue in T2-weighted MRI was referenced to brain gray matter same size of the region of interest(ROI). The collected data was compared to disc positions (normal, anterior disc displacement with reduction, anterior disc displacement without reduction), the presence of joint effusion. The relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue was significantly increased when the disc was displaced without reduction. And the relative signal intensity of retrodiscal tissue was significantly increased when joint effusion was present. The results suggest that evaluating the relative signal intensity of TMJ retrodiscal tissue using a T2-weighted MRI is valuable as a non-invasive tool for diagnosing the procession of TMD.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제19권4호
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• pp.319-326
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• 2001

목적 : 폐, 간 등의 상 복부에 위치한 종양의 방사선 조사 체적은 호흡에 의한 종양의 이동을 포함하는 영역으로 조사 체적이 증가된다. 이로 인하여 방사선 독성 및 정상조직 선량이 증가되며, 호흡으로 인한 환자자세의 변화로 인해 종양의 정확한 위치파악이 어렵게 된다. 본 연구에서는 호흡에 따른 장기 움직임 유형을 분석하여 호흡에 의한 장기의 움직임을 최소화 할 수 있는 호흡운동 감소장치를 고안하고 방사선치료 시 호흡운동 감소장치의 유용성을 평가해 보고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법 : 간암환자 10명을 대상으로 하여 MeV-Green과 벨트, 스티로폼판 등을 사용하여 호흡운동감소장치(respiratory motion reduction device, RRD)를 제작하였다. 내부장기의 이동정도는 모의치료 시에 관찰된 횡경막의 이동 정도로 평가하였으며 앙와위와 복와위 및 RRD의 사용 시 이동정도를 쏠아보았고, 각각의 경우에서 이동정도를 고려하여 방사선치료계획을 수립하였다. 선량체적 히스토그램(dose-volume histogram, DVH)을 통해서 전체 간 용적 중 처방선량의 $50\%$가 조사되는 정상간 용적을 구하였다. 결과 : 호흡에 따른 횡경막의 평균이동거리는 앙와위 자세에서 $16{\pm}1.9\;mm$ 이었고, 복와위 자세에서는 $12{\pm}1.9mm$임을 알 수 있었다. 복와위 자세에서 본원에서 자체 제작한 RRD를 사용한 경우에는 $5{\pm}1.4\;mm$으로 감소되었고, 벨트 고정장치의 추가 사용 시에는 $3{\pm}0.9\;mm$으로 감소하여 총 9 mm 감소함을 알 수 있었다. 방사선치료계획에 따른 DVH에서 처방선량의 $50\%$가 조사되는 정상간의 용적은 호흡운동감소장치를 사용하지 않은 경우에 앙와위 자세에서 $43.7\%$, 복와위 자세에서 $40\%$ 이었고, 호흡운동 감소장치를 사용한 경우에 복와위 자세에서 $30.7\%$, 여기에 벨트 고정장치를 추가 사용하였을 경우에는 $21\%$로서 전체 간 용적 중 방사선에 조사되는 정상 간 용적은 최대 $22.7\%$ 감소됨을 알 수 있었다. 결론 : 호흡에 따른 내부장기의 움직임을 최소화 할 수 있는 RRD를 사용하여 정상조직에 불필요하게 조사되는 방사선을 감소시킬 수 있었다.

• Molecules and Cells
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.186-192
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• 2008

NELL2, a neural tissue-enriched protein, is produced in the embryo, and postembryonically in the mammalian brain, with a broad distribution. Although its synthesis is required for neuronal differentiation in chicks, not much is known about its function in the adult mammalian brain. We investigated the distribution of NELL2 in various regions of the adult rat brain to study its potential functions in brain physiology. Consistent with previous reports, NELL2-immunoreactivity (ir) was found in the cytoplasm of neurons, but not in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive glial cells. The highest levels of NELL2 were detected in the hippocampus and the cerebellum. Interestingly, in the cerebellar cortex NELL2 was observed only in the GABAergic Purkinje cells not in the excitatory granular cells. In contrast, it was found mainly in the hippocampal dentate gyrus and pyramidal cell layer that contains mainly glutamatergic neurons. In the dentate gyrus, NELL2 was not detected in the GFAP-positive neural precursor cells, but was generally present in mature neurons of the subgranular zone, suggesting a role in this region restricted to mature neurons.

• 대한간호학회지
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• 제45권6호
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• pp.802-811
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to test and validate a model to predict living and brain death organ donation intention in nursing students. The conceptual model was based on the theory planned behavior. Methods: Quota sampling methodology was used to recruit 921 nursing students from all over the country and data collection was done from October 1 to December 20, 2013. Results: The model fit indices for the hypothetical model were suitable for the recommended level. Knowledge, attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control explained 40.2% and 40.1% respectively for both living and brain death organ donation intention. Subjective norm was the most direct influential factor for organ donation intention. Knowledge had significant direct effect on attitude and indirect effect on subjective norm and perceived behavioral control. These effects were higher in brain death organ donation intention than in living donation intention. Conclusion: The overall findings of this study suggest the need to develop systematic education programs to increases knowledge about brain death organ donation. The development, application, and evaluation of intervention programs are required to improve subjective norm.