• Polymer(Korea)
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.527-533
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• 2010

The pioglitazone loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide)(PLGA) nanospheres were prepared by emulsion-evaporation method and optimized for particle size and entrapment efficiency. The optimized particles were 125~170 nm in size with narrow size distribution and showed above 85% entrapment efficiency at 30% of pioglitazone loading when prepared with 3% w/v of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) as a surfactant. These particulate carriers exhibited a controlled in vitro release of pioglitazone for 40 days at a nearly constant rate. The pioglitazone loaded PLGA nanospheres were not only effective to reduce the blood sugar level of diabetic rats but also non-toxic for the animal body, in particular for sensitive organs like kidney, liver, heart, lung and spleen. These results indicate that PLGA nanospheres have a great potential for oral delivery of pioglitazone.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.154-157
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• 2015

Plastibell is one of the three most common devices used for neonatal circumcision in the United States, with a complication rate as low as 1.8%. The Plastibell circumcision device is commonly used under local anesthesia for religious circumcision in male neonates, because of cosmetic reasons and ease of use. Occasionally, instead of falling off, the device may get buried under the skin along the shaft of the penis, thereby obstructing the normal flow of urine. Furthermore, the foreskin of neonates is highly vascularized, and hence, hemorrhage and infection are possible when the skin is cut. Necrosis of penile skin, followed by urethral obstruction and renal failure, is a serious surgical mishap requiring immediate corrective surgery and medical attention. We report a case of fulminant urosepsis, acute renal failure, and pyelonephritis in a 4-day-old male neonate secondary to impaction of a Plastibell circumcision device. Immediate medical management was initiated with fluid resuscitation and mechanical ventilation; thereby correcting life threatening complications. Pediatricians and Emergency Department physicians should be cognizant of the complications from Plastibell circumcision device in order to institute appropriate and timely management in neonates.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.393-397
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• 2016

BACKGROUND/OBJECFTIVES: Artemisinin, a natural product isolated from Gaeddongssuk (artemisia annua L.) and its main active derivative, dihydroartemisinin (DHA), have long been used as antimalarial drugs. Recent studies reported that artemisinin is efficacious for curing diseases, including cancers, and for improving the immune system. Many researchers have shown the therapeutic effects of artemisinin on tumors such as breast cancer, liver cancer and kidney cancer, but there is still insufficient data regarding glioblastoma (GBM). Glioblastoma accounts for 12-15% of brain cancer, and the median survival is less than a year, despite medical treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In this study, we investigated the anti-cancer effects of DHA and transferrin against glioblastoma (glioblastoma multiforme, GBM). MATERIALS/METHODS: This study was performed through in vitro experiments using C6 cells. The toxicity dependence of DHA and transferrin (TF) on time and concentration was analyzed by MTT assay and cell cycle assay. Observations of cellular morphology were recorded with an optical microscope and color digital camera. The anti-cancer mechanism of DHA and TF against GBM were studied by flow cytometry with Annexin V and caspase 3/7. RESULTS: MTT assay revealed that TF enhanced the cytotoxicity of DHA against C6 cells. An Annexin V immune-precipitation assay showed that the percentages of apoptosis of cells treated with TF, DHA alone, DHA in combination with TF, and the control group were $7.15{\pm}4.15%$, $34.3{\pm}5.15%$, $66.42{\pm}5.98%$, and $1.2{\pm}0.15%$, respectively. The results of the Annexin V assay were consistent with those of the MTT assay. DHA induced apoptosis in C6 cells through DNA damage, and TF enhanced the effects of DHA. CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that DHA, the derivative of the active ingredient in Gaeddongssuk, is effective against GBM, apparently via inhibition of cancer cell proliferation by a pharmacological effect. The role of transferrin as an allosteric activator in the GBM therapeutic efficacy of DHA was also confirmed.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.78-82
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• 2004

Henoch-$Sch{\ddot{o}}nlein$ purpura (HSP) is a vasculitis of the small vessels in skin, joints, gastrointestinal (GI) tract and kidney. GI symptoms occur in up to 85% of patients and may lead to severe problems such as intussusception, obstruction, and perforation. GI symptoms may not be easily controlled, showing refractoriness to the conventional corticosteroid therapy. Although GI involvements of HSP are acute, and self-limited in most instances, they may cause fatal results in some unusual cases. In such conditions all the possible therapeutic modalities should be considered. We report two cases of severe small bowel involvement of HSP. One case presented with severe abdominal pain showing refractoriness to corticosteroid, but improved with IV immunoglobulin therapy. In the second case, HSP with transmural infarction in the small bowel could be cured with surgical intervention.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.4101-4105
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• 2012

Purpose: The degree of radiation injury to kidneys which are located within the limits of radiotherapy area is determined by the volume and the dose of radiation to which the organ is exposed. When the tolerance dose of the kidney is exceeded after a latent period of 6 months acute nephritis develops and after 18 months chronic nephritis ensues. Melatonin is known to prevent the oxidative injury of toxins and radiotherapy with its free radical scavenging capacity. Methods and Materials: In this study 8 weeks old 24 Sprague -Dawley rats were allocated into 4 groups: Control group; Radiotherapy group (20 Gy bilaterally in 5 fractions); Melatonin group (10 mg/kg intraperitoneally), and Melatonin+radiotherapy group (20 Gy Radiotherapy in 5 fractions+ melatonin 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally). After a follow-up period of 6 months BUN was determined in all groups. After rats were euthanized the kidneys were removed for histopathological examination under both light and electron microscopes. Results: After 6 months follow-up, both at light and electron microscopy levels, the rats in radiotherapy+melatonin group were significantly protected against the radiation injury comparing to radiotherapy group (p<0.05). Conclusion: It was shown in this experimental model that melatonin has protective effects against radiation injury to kidneys.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3789-3795
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• 2014

This study aimed to analyze the expression, clinical significance of filamin A (FLNA) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and biological effects in a cell line by regulating FLNA expression. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to analyze FLNA protein expression in 70 cases of RCC and normal tissues to study the relationship with clinical factors. FLNA lentiviral and empty vectors were transfected into RCC to study the influence of up-regulated expression of FLNA. FLNA siRNA was transiently transfected into ACHN kidney carcinoma cells by a liposome-mediated method and protein was detected by Western blotting. The level of expression was found to be significantly lower in RCC than normal tissues (p<0.05). No correlation was noted with gender, age, tumor size or pathological types (p>0.05), but links with lymph node metastasis, clinic stage and histological grade were noted (p<0.05). Loss of FLNA expression correlated significantly with poor overall survival time by Kaplan-Meier analysis (p<0.05). Results for biological function showed that ACHN cells transfected with FLNA had a lower survival fraction, significant decrease in migration and invasion, higher cell apoptosis, higher percentage of the G0/G1 phases, and lower MMP-9 protein expression compared with ACHN cells untransfected with FLNA (p<0.05). However, renal 786-0 cells transfected with FLNA siRNA had a higher survival fraction, significant increase in migration and invasion, and higher MMP-9 protein expression compared (p<0.05). In conclusion, FLNA expression was decreased in RCC and correlated significantly with lymph node metastasis, clinic stage, histological grade and poor overall survival, suggesting that FLNA may play important roles as a a tumor suppressor in RCC by promoting degradation of MMP-9.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.91-96
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• 2018

Nephrotic syndrome in the first year of life, characterized by renal dysfunction and proteinuria, is associated with a heterogeneous group of disorders. These disorders are often related to genetic mutations, but the syndrome can also be caused by a variety of other diseases. We report an infant with nephrotic syndrome associated with a neuroblastoma. A 6-month-old girl was admitted with a 10% weight loss over 10 days and nephrotic-range proteinuria. She was ill-looking, and her blood pressure was higher than normal for her age. Her cystatin-C glomerular filtration rate was decreased, and levels of plasma renin, aldosterone, and catecholamines were elevated. Renal ultrasonography and abdominal computed tomography showed a retroperitoneal prevertebral mass encasing both renal arteries and the left renal vein. The mass was partially resected laparoscopically, and the pathologic diagnosis was neuroblastoma. Findings on a simultaneous renal biopsy were unremarkable. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and several anti-hypertensive drugs, including an alpha blocker. Two months later, the mass had decreased in size and the proteinuria and hypertension were gradually improving. In an infant with abnormal renin-angiotensin system activation, severe hypertension, and nephrotic-range proteinuria, neuroblastoma can be considered in the differential diagnosis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.590-595
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• 2005

The following conclusions are produced by the consideration of Bojungikki-tang(補中益氣湯) from the view point of Hyungsang medicine. A review on the explanation and provisions of Bojungikki-tang stipulated in 'Donguibogam(東醫寶鑑)' results in the idea that the main purpose of Dongwon(東垣) and various application in clinic by Jeesan(芝山) cannot be understood without the deep comprehension of ki(especially Jungki and Wonki) and the fire. Jungki(中氣, the middle warmer ki) is the ki of stomach. Wonki(元氣, the original ki) is a combination of innate Jung(先天之精, Ki stored between the two kidneys) and acquired Jung(後天之精, Ki of the stomach) and the sources of five Jang and six Bu, twelve meridians and triple warmer. Yin fire is referred to the ministerial fire of spleen, liver and kidney. Excess or lack of the ministerial fire can cause a disease and especially the excess of it is harmful to original ki. Deficiency of original ki is thought to be a cause of allergic diseases. Damages on the original ki by the abdominal surgery lead to a disease. Pale complexion, long face and the long limbs are considered as the Hyungsang of deficiency of Jung ki by Jeesan. Clinical cases of Bojungikki-tang in Hyungsang medicine draw the following conclusions ; Bojungikki-tang is usually prescribed to the person who has one of the following Hyungsang : Bangkwang type, pale complexion, long face, short-sight, astigmatism and wrinkles on face. Bojungikki-tang can be applied to the every disease caused by the deficiency of original ki regardless of name and symptoms of disease.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.408-420
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• 2016

This study proposes an alternative approach for the use of chitosan silver-based dressing for the control of foot infection with multidrug-resistant bacteria. Sixty-five bacterial isolates were isolated from 40 diabetic patients. Staphylococcus aureus (37%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.5%) were the predominant isolates in the ulcer samples. Ten antibiotics were in vitro tested against diabetic foot clinical bacterial isolates. The most resistant S. aureus and P. aeruginosa isolates were then selected for further study. Three chitosan sources were tested individually for chelating silver nanoparticles. Squilla chitosan silver nanoparticles (Sq. Cs-Ag⁰) showed the maximum activity against the resistant bacteria when mixed with amikacin that showed the maximum synergetic index. This, in turn, resulted in the reduction of the amikacin MIC value by 95%. For evaluation of the effectiveness of the prepared dressing using Artemia salina as the toxicity biomarker, the LC₅₀ was found to be 549.5, 18,000, and 10,000 μg/ml for amikacin, Sq. Cs-Ag⁰, and dressing matrix, respectively. Loading the formula onto chitosan hydrogel dressing showed promising antibacterial activities, with responsive healing properties for the wounds in normal rats of those diabetic rats (polymicrobial infection). It is quite interesting to note that no emergence of any side effect on either kidney or liver biomedical functions was noticed.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.255-278
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• 1992

Based on recent 27 document, reported in Huang Ti Nei Ching, the following results concering the tongue and Tongue-acupuncture were obtained: 1. It was observed that the tongue has direct or indirect connection with the Heart meridian, the Liver meridian, the Spleen meridian, the Kidney meridian, the Triple energizer meridian and the Stomach meridian. 2. The Tongue-acupunccture, needlingon tongue, is one of new acupunctures treating general disorder and 31 acu-points have been found; 17 points on the upper part and 14 points on the lower part of the tongue. 3. The Tongue-acupuncture is employed by dividing the tongue into threeregions; Sangcho area(下焦穴), Jungcho area(中焦穴) and Hacho area(下焦穴). Each region cures its own corresponding symptoms. 4. The upper part of the tongue is divided into 4 regions by the sidelines along with Chuy Cheon(聚泉), So Jang Hyul(小腸穴) and Dae Jang Hyul(大腸穴). Sangcho area(上焦穴) includes Sim Hyul(心穴), Pye Hyul(肺穴), Sang Gi Hyul(上肢穴) and Jungcho area(中焦穴) includes Ui Hyul(胃穴), Bi Hyul(脾穴), Dam Hyul(膽穴) and Hacho area(下焦穴) includes Gan Hyul(肝穴), Bang Kwang Hyul(膀胱), Sin Hyul(腎穴) and the inner region includes Yim Hyul(陰穴), Ha Gi Hyul(下肢穴), on The lower part of the tongue, there are aec Hyul(額穴), Mok Hyul(目穴), Bi Hyul(鼻穴), I Hyul(耳穴), In Hu Hyul(咽喉穴) in contrast with the face above the center of the tongue as well as Gi Maek Hyul(支脈穴), Hae Chun Hyul(海泉), Gyum Gin Ok Aek(金津玉液), Seol Ha Hyul(舌下穴), Seol Gu(舌柱), Joa Chun Hyul(佐泉穴), Sin Gyun Hyul(神根穴), Jung Gu(中矩), Aek Bang Hyul(液旁穴). 5. The Tongue-acupuncture can be applied to the disease internal medicine, surgery, ophthalmology, otorhinolaryngology, gynecology, musculoskeletal system, symptomatology.