• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
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• 제23권2호
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• pp.108-116
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• 2021

Background: Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is used in surgery and dentistry for its anesthetic and analgesic effects. However, neurological and psychiatric manifestations of N₂O abuse have been increasingly reported among Korean adults. The aim of this study was to demonstrate laboratory findings of N₂O abuse in Korean patients. Methods: Patients diagnosed with N₂O-induced neuropathy or myelopathy from August 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled. Their clinical presentations and laboratory and imaging findings were analyzed. Results: Sensory changes and limb weakness were present in nine of the enrolled patients. The laboratory findings revealed that seven patients had high homocysteine levels and five had high methylmalonic acid levels in their blood. Nerve conductions studies indicated that axonal neuropathy was present in four cases and longer F-wave and Hoffman's-reflex latencies were present in two cases. Signal changes in cervical spine imaging occurred in five patients, while two had normal results. Conclusions: Chronic N₂O abuse can cause neurological damage or psychiatric problems. Because N₂O is illegal for recreational use in Korea, patients tend to hide their history of use. Even though the spinal imaging results were normal, clinicians should consider the possibility of N₂O use, and further electrophysiological tests should be applied for precise evaluations.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.85-94
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• 2022

Background and Objectives: Brain organoids have the potential to improve our understanding of brain development and neurological disease. Despite the importance of brain organoids, the effect of vascularization on brain organoids is largely unknown. The objective of this study is to develop vascularized organoids by assembling vascular spheroids with cerebral organoids. Methods and Results: In this study, vascularized spheroids were generated from non-adherent microwell culture system of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, human dermal fibroblasts and human umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells. These vascular spheroids were used for fusion with iPSCs induced cerebral organoids. Immunostaining studies of vascularized organoids demonstrated well organized vascular structures and reduced apoptosis. We showed that the vascularization in cerebral organoids up-regulated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conclusions: We developed vascularized cerebral organoids through assembly of brain organoids with vascular spheroids. This method could not only provide a model to study human cortical development but also represent an opportunity to explore neurological disease.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제51권3호
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• pp.192-204
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• 2024

Objective: Cisplatin (CP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent, but its severe side effects impact testicular function. We investigated the potential protective effects of bilberry extract against CP-induced testicular toxicity. Methods: Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four groups. Control animals received a single oral dose of 0.9% saline. Bilberry-treated rats received oral bilberry extract (200 mg/kg body weight [BW] dissolved in 1 mL of saline) daily for 10 consecutive days. CP-treated animals were administered a single intraperitoneal dose (7.5 mg/kg BW). Finally, a bilberry+CP group received oral bilberry extract (200 mg/kg BW) daily for 10 consecutive days, with one intraperitoneal dose of CP (7.5 mg/kg BW) on day 2. We assessed sperm count, motility, viability, and abnormalities, along with testis weight, testis weight-to-BW ratio, antioxidant activity, levels of oxidative stress markers (malondialdehyde [MDA] and hydrogen peroxide [H₂O₂]), sex hormones (follicle-stimulating hormone [FSH], luteinizing hormone [LH], and testosterone), and apoptotic and anti-apoptotic markers, and DNA damage. Testicular tissue underwent histopathological examination. Results: Among CP-treated rats, significantly lower values were observed for testis weight; testis weight-to-BW ratio; levels of FSH, LH, testosterone, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione, and B-cell lymphoma 2; and sperm count, motility, and proportion of normal sperm. CP administration was associated with higher MDA, H₂O₂, p53, Bax, cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3 levels, along with elevated tail moment. However, bilberry extract administration significantly improved all altered parameters. Conclusion: Bilberry treatment demonstrated protective effects and reduced CP-induced testicular toxicity via antioxidant activity and cytoprotection.

• 생명과학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.105-111
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• 2014

본 연구의 목적은 말의 열충격 단백질 유전자의 특성을 구명하고 말의 각 조직과 운동 전과 후 혈액에서 열충격 단백질 유전자의 발현량을 분석함에 있다. 이전의 연구를 통해, 대표적인 경주마인 더러브렛의 혈액과 골격근에서 운동 전, 후 RNA-sequencing을 통해 차등발현유전자 분석을 실시하고, 본 연구를 위해 운동 전과 후에 차등 발현된 유전자 중, 열충격 단백질 유전자(HspH1, Hsp90${\alpha}$, Hsp70)를 선택하였다. 세 개의 열충격 단백질 유전자는 각각의 혈액이나 근육에서 운동 전에 비해 후에 발현이 증가된 것으로 확인됐다. 본 연구팀은 선정된 유전자에 대한 검증과 분석을 위해, 말의 조직별 RT-PCR 분석과 운동시간별 백혈구에서 real time qPCR 분석을 실시하였다. 그 결과 말의 각 조직(갑상선, 결장, 골격근, 맹장, 신장, 심장, 척수, 폐)에서 세 개의 열충격 단백질 유전자 mRNA가 모두 존재함을 알 수 있었다. 또한, 말의 운동 시간 별 혈액에서 mRNA를 추출하여 열충격 단백질의 운동 시간에 따른 발현 양상 분석을 실시한 결과, 운동 전에 비해 운동 120분 후 열충격 단백질 유전자의 발현량이 증가함을 확인하였다. 이러한 결과는 인간과 다른 동물 실험의 결과와 일치하며, 열충격 단백질 유전자 전사 조절기작이 종간에 보존이 되어왔음을 시사한다. 또한, 운동에 따른 열충격 단백질 유전자의 발현 양상과 운동 수행 및 회복 기작간의 상관관계에 대한 추가적인 연구가 필요함을 제안하는 바이다.

• 대한간호학회지
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.1-16
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• 1975

The newborn human is the only mammalian whose mother does not have a food supply ready for it's offspring at birth. From two to four days usually elapse before the mother's supply If milk appears, and during this period, some kind of artificial feeding should be supplied to the infants. Because of this factor, there has been continued debate fog the past hundreds of years as to when the first feeding should be started Accordingly, many experiments were carried out by scholars and because of these, Pre-lateral feedings were believed to be necessary. Many types of pre-lateral feedings were tried and the conclusion was reached that glucose water was the best food for the first infants'feedings. Traditionally, This has been started 12 hours after birth. The causes for the 12 hours delay were thought to (1) provide rest for the infants: (2) prevent regurgitation ana vomiting which tended to be prevalent during this tine: (3) in cases of low weight infants, prevention of aspiration pneumonia. From recent studies of newborn physiology and as pediatric medicine has been rapidly advancing, many studies hare been carried out concerning the improvement of infant nutrition and the early feeding of infants has been emphasized. This author believes it would be very beneficial to try two different kinds of feedings for the infant. (1) experimental feedings ana (2) comparative feeding, and during this period to investigate and compare the infants blood sugar level, hematocrit, gamma globulin level weight changes and to observe the infant reaction ill order to search for a more desirable feeding program. This study was conducted from January to March 1974 with data related to 40 healthy newborn infants (male 21, female 19: weight, 2.79∼4.20㎏ : gestation, 39∼40 weeks) born at Ewha Womens University Hospital and the results obtained were as follows : 1. At time of birth the blood sugar level from the cord sample averaged 88.99㎎/100㎖, but the blood sugar level rapidly dropped after 2 to 3 hours and reached the lowest point after 10 to 11 hours (54.48㎎/100㎖) and rose again by the 24 hour time period (76.80㎎/100㎖). Changes in the blood sugar level of the experiments: groups and the compare-five group was not significantly different until the 6 to 7 hour period, but by the 10 to 11 hour period the blood sugar levels of the experimental group (49,10㎎/100㎖) and the comparative group (49.70㎎/100㎖) were lower than the remainder of the experimental groups. 9. There ware no significant weight changes between the two groups. Average weight at birth was 3.35㎏, but at the 24 hours period birth weight averaged 3.29㎏. (1.8% reduction of birth weight). It continually lowered until at 48 hours, average weight was 3.26㎏ (2.7% reduction from birth weight.) 3. Hematocrit readings showed no significant difference between the groups. Hematocrit, the average value at birth, was 28.07% and abruptly elevated to average 64.35% at the 2 to 3 hour period, then slowly lowered to an average of 59.67% at the 6 to 7 hour period, 55.10% at the 10 to 11 hour period, ana 53.70% at the 24 hour period. 4. At birth, average gamma globulin value averaged 1,39㎎/100㎖. and at the 24 hour period averaged 1,52㎎/100㎖ revealing no significant difference between the two feeding groups. 5. Such factors as voiding, passing of meconium, regurgitation and vomiting showed no significance between the two feeding groups. However, the number of infants voiding and passing meconium in the experimental groups during the first 12 hours was slightly greater. In general there was an increased tendency for regurgitation and. vomiting among a small group of the infants during the first 24 hours which thereafter decreased. 6. Fluid intake averaged 24.38cc at the first feeding and increased to average 30.48cc at the third feeding and further increased to 73. 00cc at the fifteenth feeding. Finally it was suggested that the most reasonable method of early feeding is to give less than 25cc of 5% glucose water and/or 8% powdered milk at 8 to 9 flours after birth in order to prevent hypoglycemia and dehydration.

• KSBB Journal
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• 제14권5호
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• pp.593-599
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• 1999

본 연구는 제대혈과 골수로부터 얻은 조혈모세포를 재조합 retrovirus로 감염시킬 때의 최적조건을 human growth hormone (hGH)과 $\beta$-galactosidase를 발현하는 두 가지의 다른 retroviral vector를 이용하여 찾았다. Retrovirus는 자라는 세포에만 감염하는 것으로 알려져 있어 이에 대한 최적조건을 구하기 위해 세포 배양을 통해 조혈모세포의 성장곡선을 얻었으며, 또한 감염된 세포를 환자에게 다시 넣는 유전자요법에서는 이 세포가 체내에서 가능하면 조혈모세포의 기능을 가지는 것이 요구되어 이 때 얻어진 세포의 분열능을 나타내는 집락형성 세포분율을 구하였다. 우선, 세포성장에 대해 조사한 결과 초기에 넣은 세포농도가 5$\times$$10^4$세포/mL일 때 세포성장속도가 가장 빠른 것으로 나타났다. 그러나, 배양시간이 지남에 따라 집락을 형성할 수 있는 능력은 급격하게 감소하여 유전자요법을 위한 최적조건을 구하기 위해서는 이를 고려한 최적화가 필요하였다. 이를 위한 예비실험으로 감염이 잘 된다고 알려진 NIH3T3 세포에 retrovirus 상층액으로 감염시킨 결과 성공적으로 유전자가 전달된 것을 배지에 분비되는 hGH을 측정하여 확인하였다. 이러한 결과로부터 hGH을 발현하는 재조합 retrovirus는 정상적으로 작동하는 것을 확인하였다. 그러나, 조혈모세포와 retrovirus를 분비하는 packaging cell을 동시 배양하는 방법을 채택하였다. 제대혈로부터 얻은 조혈모세포와 대장균 lacZ 유전자로부터 $\beta$-galactosidase를 분비하는 packaging cell을 이용한 경우 동시배양의 경우 조혈모세포를 3일 동안 세포배양을 한 후 이 증식된 세포를 48시간 동안 동시배양하면서 감염시켰을 때 최대의 감염율을 나타내었다. 한편, 골수로부터 얻은 조혈모세포와 hGH을 분비하는 packaging cell과 동시배양시켰을 때 세포농도가 다름에도 불구하고 제대혈에서와 마찬가지로 조혈모세포를 3일 동안 세포배양한 후 48시간 동안 동시배양하는 경우에 hGH이 최대로 분비되었다. 이러한 결과로부터 세포의 source나 세포농도와 관계없이 유전자전달을 통한 단백질의 발현에 있어서 최적조건이 존재하였다. 그러나, 이러한 경우에 유전자전달이 완료되는 시점이 배양을 시작한지 5일이 되므로 집락을 형성할 수 있는 세포의 분율이 약 1/3로 감소하였다. 따라서, 이러한 결과를 유전자요법에 적용하는 경우에는 그 목적에 따라 적절한 실험조건을 선정하는 것이 필요하리라 사료된다.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제50권12호
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• pp.1194-1199
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• 2007

목 적 : 본 연구자들은 전자간증, 부당 경량아, 자궁 내 발육지연 등의 질환들이 공통적으로 혈관내피세포의 기능 변화와 어느 정도 관련되어 있을 것으로 추론하였다. 따라서 전자간증 산모의 신생아, 부당 경량아의 제대혈관내피세포를 배양하여 제대의 혈관내피세포에서 발현되는 대표적인 혈관 수축작용 물질인 endothelin-1의 양을 측정한 후 정상 신생아 제대혈관 내피세포의 결과와 비교하여 각 질환에서 태아의 혈관내피세포의 endothelin-1 발현 기능에 어떤 차이가 있는지를 확인하고, 또한 배양된 정상아 제대혈관내피세포에 전자간증 산모의 신생아와 부당 경량아 및 정상아의 제대혈 혈청을 투여하여 발현된 endothelin-1의 양을 비교하여 혈청 내에 endothelin-1의 발현을 촉진시키는 인자가 있는지를 알아보았다. 방 법 : 전자간증으로 진단 받은 산모의 신생아를 전자간증군(n=7), 부당 경량아로 진단받은 신생아를 부당 경량아군(n=8), 정상 신생아를 정상군(n=12)으로 나누었다. 각 그룹에서 태어난 신생아 제대와 제대혈을 모아 제대혈은 그 혈청을 영하 $70^{\circ}C$ 이하에 보관하였다. 전자간증군, 부당 경량아군 및 정상군 신생아의 제대 혈관내피세포를 분리하고 배양하였다. 배양된 각각의 제대 혈관내피세포의 상층액에서 endothelin-1 level을 측정하였다. 다음에는 전자간증군, SGA군 및 정상군의 제대혈 혈장과 정상 신생아 제대 혈관내피세포를 함께 부양하여 그 상층액에서 endothelin-1 level을 측정하였다. 결 과 : 전자간증군, 부당 경량아군 및 정상군의 제대혈관내피세포를 배양하여 발현된 endothelin-1의 양을 측정한 결과 전자간증군과 SGA군의 제대혈관내피세포의 endothelin-1 발현은 정상군과 유의한 차이가 없었다. 그러나 배양된 정상아 제대혈관내피세포에 전자간증군과 SGA군의 제대혈 혈청을 투여하여 발현된 endothelin-1의 양은 정상군에 비하여 유의하게 증가되었다. 결 론 : 전자간증 신생아나 부당 경량아의 혈관내피세포의 기능이상을 유발하는 인자가 전자간증과 부당경량아 제대 혈청내에 존재할 가능성이 있을 것으로 생각된다.

• 한방재활의학과학회지
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.13-30
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• 2014

Objectives This study was designed to investigate the effects of Bambusae caulis in liquamen and Bambusae concretio silicae on blood sugar reduction and improvement of peripheral nerve function in diabetic rat models. Methods Diabetic rat models induced by streptozotocin were divided into five groups. We fed experimental group I of rats basal diet and administered normal saline (3 ml, 1 time/1 day) for 6 weeks. We fed experimental group II of rats basal diet and administered Bambusae caulis in liquamen (100 mg/kg, 1 time/1 day) for 6 weeks. We fed experimental group III, IV, V of rats basal diet and administered Bambusae concretio silicae (100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg once a day) for 6 weeks. We investigated weight and glucose level of rats, and carried out touch test, hot plate test, sensory & motor nerve conduction velocity test and immunohistochemical study after 48 hours, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks. Results 1. The weight of all experimental group was gradually decreased. And glucose level was significantly decreased in the experimental group II, III, IV, V as compared with experimental group I. Especially experimental group II, IV, V were significantly decreased as compared with experimental group III. 2. In the quantitative analysis by touch test and hot plate test, mechanical pain threshold and heat pain threshold were significantly decreased in the other experimental groups as compared with experimental group I. Especially experimental group II, IV, V were significantly decreased as compared with experimental group III. 3. In the sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity test, sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity were significantly increased in the other experimental groups as compared with experimental group I. Especially experimental group II, IV, V were significantly increased as compared with experimental group III. 4. In the substance P immunohistochemical study, experimental group II, IV, V showed strong immune response in spinal cord. Conclusions Bambusae caulis in liquamen and Bambusae concretio silicae were probably useful to treat patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제28권1호
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• pp.9-14
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• 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the seropositive prevalence of blood-borne infection in neurotrauma patients who underwent emergent surgical intervention, especially patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis and human immunodefIciency virus (HIV). Methods: A retrospective review identified 559 patients with traumatic brain injury and spinal trauma who underwent emergent surgery between 2007 and 2014. We reviewed the medical records and extracted data, including age, sex, location of lesion, result of serologic tests, time interval of admission and surgery after presenting to emergency room. Serologic tests for HBV, HCV, syphilis and HIV were performed and analyzed to determine whether the seropositive results were confirmed by the surgeon before surgery. Results: The majority of the patients were male (74.6%), and the mean age was $55.4{\pm}20.2years$. Most patients underwent surgery due to traumatic brain injury (90.0%). Fifty-three patients (10.0%) showed a positive result on at least one serologic test. Seropositive rates according to pathogens were 0.5% for syphilis, 5.2% for HBV and 3.9% for HCV. No positive results were noted on the serologic tests for HIV. HBV in patients with spinal cord injury and age from 40 to 49 years were associated with high serologic positive rate, and that result was statistically significant. However, no statistically significant differences were found in the other variables. Serologic results could not confirmed before surgery in the majority of the cases (62.1%), and 10.4% of these patients showed seropositive results. Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize the importance of taking precautions and conducting rapid serologic testing in preventing the occupational transmission of blood-borne viruses to health-care workers.

• BMB Reports
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• 제53권6호
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• pp.329-334
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• 2020

Inflammasomes are cytosolic, multiprotein complexes that act at the frontline of the immune responses by recognizing pathogen- or danger-associated molecular patterns or abnormal host molecules. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been reported to possess multipotency to differentiate into various cell types and immunoregulatory effects. In this study, we investigated the expression and functional regulation of NLR Family Pyrin Domain Containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in human umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs). hUCB-MSCs expressed inflammasome components that are necessary for its complex assembly. Interestingly, NLRP3 inflammasome activation suppressed the differentiation of hUCB-MSCs into osteoblasts, which was restored when the expression of adaptor proteins for inflammasome assembly was inhibited. Moreover, the suppressive effects of MSCs on T cell responses and the macrophage activation were augmented in response to NLRP3 activation. In vivo studies using colitic mice revealed that the protective abilities of hUCB-MSCs increased after NLRP3 stimulation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that the NLRP3 inflammasome components are expressed in hUCB-MSCs and its activation can regulate the differentiation capability and the immunomodulatory effects of hUCB-MSCs.