• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.308-313
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• 2023

A 1-year-old castrated male Korean Shorthair cat presented with dyspnea, anorexia, lethargy, and seizures. Physical examination revealed salivation, right forelimb hemiparesis, and rapid breathing. No abnormalities were detected on auscultation. Laboratory findings revealed increased levels of bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), globulin, glucose, and a decreased albumin-to-globulin (A:G) ratio. Both N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and feline serum amyloid A (fSAA) levels were significantly elevated. Thoracic radiography revealed mild cardiomegaly and diffuse increased interstitial infiltration with soft tissue opacity in the periphery of the right caudal pleural space. Echocardiography and lung ultrasonography were performed to investigate the cause of mild cardiomegaly and soft tissue opacity in the pleural space. Echocardiography revealed a mild amount of echogenic pericardial effusion, and lung ultrasonography showed an echogenic soft tissue mass with no blood signal in the right caudal pleural space, suggestive of a granulomatous lesion. After obtaining 5 mL of pericardial fluid through pericardiocentesis, cytology of the pericardial effusion sample revealed marked neutrophils and macrophages with no bacteria. IDEXX feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) virus real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed the presence of the FIP virus biotype in the sample. This case presents a rarely reported atypical mixed form of FIP in a cat diagnosed ante-mortem using pericardial effusion analysis. In this case, ultrasound examination played a crucial role in the definitive diagnosis of FIP by PCR biotyping through pericardiocentesis. Ultrasonography can be highly beneficial in guiding the diagnosis and evaluation of cats with suspected FIP.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.199-203
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• 2009

This study investigated whether orthodontic force influences the production of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL) in vivo, both of which are affected by cortical activation. Mechanical force was applied to the maxillary premolars of orthodontic patients by fitting the transpalatal arch prior to cortical activation of the gingival tissue. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were then collected from each patient using paper strips before and after 1, 3, 7 or 14 days of treatment. The OPG and RANKL levels in the GCF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The levels of OPG were significantly increased after 1 day of fitting the appliance and decreased to basal levels at 3 days after fitting. In contrast, the RANKL levels were dramatically decreased at 1 day after fitting, but recovered to those of the untreated control at 3 days after the force application. The force-mediated changes in the OPG and RANKL levels of the GCF were unaffected by cortical activation during these experimental periods. Collectively, these results suggest that an acute and severe change between the OPG and RANKL levels plays an important role in stimulating the cellular responses required for alveolar bone remodeling by orthodontic treatment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.36-42
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• 2015

Objective : Complete sellar floor reconstruction is critical to avoid postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage during transsphenoidal surgery. Recently, the pedicled nasoseptal flap has undergone many modifications and eventually proved to be valuable and efficient. However, using these nasoseptal flaps in all patients who undergo transsphenoidal surgery, including those who had none or only minor CSF leakage, appears to be overly invasive and time-consuming. Methods : Patients undergoing endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal tumor surgery within a 5 year-period were reviewed. Since 2009, we classified the intraoperative CSF leakage into grades from 0 to 3. Sellar floor reconstruction was tailored to each leak grade. We did not use any tissue grafts such as abdominal fat and did not include any procedures of CSF diversions such as lumbar drainage. Results : Among 200 cases in 188 patients (147 pituitary adenoma and 41 other pathologies), intraoperative CSF leakage was observed in 27.4% of 197 cases : 14.7% Grade 1, 4.6% Grade 2a, 3.0% Grade 2b, and 5.1% Grade 3. Postoperative CSF leakage was observed in none of the cases. Septal bone buttress was used for Grade 1 to 3 leakages instead of any other foreign materials. Pedicled nasoseptal flap was used for Grades 2b and 3 leakages. Unused septal bones and nasoseptal flaps were repositioned. Conclusion : Modified classification of intraoperative CSF leaks and tailored repair technique in a multilayered fashion using an en-bloc harvested septal bone and vascularized nasoseptal flaps is an effective and reliable method for the prevention of postoperative CSF leaks.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.10-19
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• 2013

Objectives: In the present study, we evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of Lonicerae Flos on cigarette-induced lung inflammatory responses in animal model of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD). Methods: To inspect the effects of Lonicerae Flos, we evaluated Lonicerae Flos functions in vivo including immune cell profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, cytokine production and tissue morphological changes. Results: Lonicerae Flos significantly inhibited immune cell infiltrations into the BAL fluid (neutrophils, macrophages, lymphocytes). TNF-${\alpha}$, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were substantially decreased in the BAL fluid of Lonicerae Flos-treated mice compared with cigarette-exposed control mice. In addition, the hypertrophy of goblet cells in the epithelial cells was reduced in both Lonicerae Flos- and roflumilast-treated mice. Conclusions: The results of this study provide evidence that treatment with Lonicerae Flos exerts strong therapeutic effects against cigarette-induced lung inflammation in vivo. Therefore, this herbal medicine may represent a novel therapeutic agent for lung inflammation in general, as well as a specific agent for the treatment of COPD.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.111-116
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• 2014

Human neutrophils play an essential role in the innate immune response and are involved in the pathogenesis of the severe and corticosteroid-resistant asthma. Asthma is characterized by an infiltration of inflammatory cells into the lung and by a cytokine release. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) on the chemotaxis and apoptosis of neutrophils which were isolated from healthy subjects. The BALF of subjects with asthma induces the blood neutrophil chemotaxis in the opposite of that in normal subjects. The IL-8, IL-6, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in BALF were higher in subjects with asthma than in normal subjects. The BALF of normal and asthmatic subjects has no effect on neutrophil apoptosis of BALF. MCP-1 delays the constitutive apoptosis of normal blood neutrophils, but has no effect in normal BALF neutrophils. These results may indicate that inflammatory factors secreted by the lung tissue of patients with asthma trigger the neutrophil chemotaxis and also induce the neutrophil dysregulation.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.275-281
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• 2010

The aim of this study was to investigate what protein(s) of porcine epididymal fluid (pEF) are able to enhance the nuclear maturation of porcine germinal vesicle (GV) oocytes in vitro. Proteins of pEF were fractionated by affinity, ion exchange, and gel filtration chromatography. Porcine cumulus-oocytes complexes (COC) from follicles were cultured in tissue culture medium (TCM 199) containing various fractions obtained by chromatography. Porcine COCs were also cultured in TCM 199 containing various meiosis inhibitors and pEF. After 24 or 48 h culture, oocytes were examined for evidence of GV breakdown, metaphase I, anaphase-telophase I, and metaphase II. When porcine COCs were cultured in the medium with meiosis inhibitor such as, dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) and forskolin (Fo), more than 80% of oocytes were unable to resume meiosis. However, porcine COCs supplemented with pEF were able to overcome the inhibitory effect of dbcAMP and Fo. Maturation rate of oocytes was significantly (p<0.05) increased in the media supplemented with cationic protein(s) during in vitro maturation than in those with anionic protein(s) (44.1% vs 20.0%). When oocytes were cultured in the TCM 199 with fractions obtained by gel filtration, the maturation rate of oocytes was significantly (p<0.05) higher in fraction 11 containing 18 kDa than other fractions. The present study suggests that 1) dbcAMP and Fo prevent the spontaneous maturation of oocyte after isolation from follicles, and that pEF contain a substance(s) that improves meiosis resumption in vitro of porcine COCs, 2) cationic 18 kDa protein(s) are responsible for promotion of Mil stage.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.4
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• pp.619-630
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• 2021

Objective : The skull base reconstruction step, which prevents cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage, is one of the most challenging steps in endoscopic skull base surgery (ESS). The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes and complications of a reconstruction technique for immediate CSF leakage repair using multiple onlay grafts following ESS. Methods : A total of 230 consecutive patients who underwent skull base reconstruction using multiple onlay grafts with fibrin sealant patch (FSP), hydroxyapatite cement (HAC), and pedicled nasoseptal flap (PNF) for high-flow CSF leakage following ESS at three institutions were enrolled. We retrospectively reviewed the medical and radiological records to analyze the preoperative features and postoperative results. Results : The diagnoses included craniopharyngioma (46.8%), meningioma (34.0%), pituitary adenoma (5.3%), chordoma (1.6%), Rathke's cleft cyst (1.1%) and others (n=21, 11.2%). The trans-planum/tuberculum approach (94.3%) was the most commonly adapted surgical method, followed by the trans-sellar and transclival approaches. The third ventricle was opened in 78 patients (41.5%). Lumbar CSF drainage was not performed postoperatively in any of the patients. Postoperative CSF leakage occurred in four patients (1.7%) due to technical mistakes and were repaired with the same technique. However, postoperative meningitis occurred in 13.5% (n=31) of the patients, but no microorganisms were identified. The median latency to the diagnosis of meningitis was 8 days (range, 2-38). CSF leakage was the unique risk factor for postoperative meningitis (p<0.001). Conclusion : The use of multiple onlay grafts with FSP, HAC, and PNF is a reliable reconstruction technique that provides immediate and complete CSF leakage repair and mucosal grafting on the skull base without the need to harvest autologous tissue or perform postoperative CSF diversion. However, postoperative meningitis should be monitored carefully.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.674-681
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• 2023

Bile pigment, bilirubin, and biliverdin concentrations may change as a results of biliary tract cancer (BTC) altering the mechanisms of radical oxidation and heme breakdown. We explored whether changes in bile pigment components could help distinguish BTC from benign biliary illness by evaluating alterations in patients with BTC. We collected bile fluid from 15 patients with a common bile duct stone (CBD group) and 63 individuals with BTC (BTC group). We examined the bile fluid's bilirubin, biliverdin reductase (BVR), heme oxygenase (HO-1), and bacterial taxonomic abundance. Serum bilirubin levels had no impact on the amounts of bile HO-1, BVR, or bilirubin. In comparison to the control group, the BTC group had considerably higher amounts of HO-1, BVR, and bilirubin in the bile. The areas under the curve for the receiver operating characteristic curve analyses of the BVR and HO-1 were 0.832 (p<0.001) and 0.891 (p<0.001), respectively. Firmicutes was the most prevalent phylum in both CBD and BTC, according to a taxonomic abundance analysis, however the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was substantially greater in the BTC group than in the CBD group. The findings of this study showed that, regardless of the existence of obstructive jaundice, biliary carcinogenesis impacts heme degradation and bile pigmentation, and that the bile pigment components HO-1, BVR, and bilirubin in bile fluid have a diagnostic significance in BTC. In tissue biopsies for the diagnosis of BTC, particularly for distinguishing BTC from benign biliary strictures, bile pigment components can be used as additional biomarkers.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.7-14
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• 2008

Background: Residual pleural thickening (RPT) is the most frequent complication of tuberculous pleurisy (TP), and this can happen despite of administering adequate anti-tuberculous (TB) therapy. Yet there was no definite relation between RPT and other variables. The aim of this study was to examine matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and to identify the factors that can predict the occurrence of RPT. Methods: The patients with newly-detected pleural effusions were prospectively enrolled in this study from January 2004 to June 2005. The levels of MMP-1, -2, -8 and -9, and TIMP-1 and -2 were determined in the serum and pleural fluid by ELISA. The residual pleural thickness was measured at the completion of treatment and at the point of the final follow-up with the chest X-ray films. Results: The study included 39 patients with pleural fluid (PF). Twenty-three had tuberculous effusion, 7 had parapneumonic effusion, 7 had malignant effusion and 2 had transudates. For the 17 patients who completed the anti-TB treatment among the 23 patients with TP, 7 (41%) had RPT and 10 (59%) did not. The level of PF TIMP-1 in the patients with RPT ($41,405.9{\pm}9,737.3ng/mL$) was significantly higher than that of those patients without RPT ($29,134.9{\pm}8,801.8$) at the completion of treatment (p=0.032). In 13 patients who were followed-up until a mean of $8{\pm}5$ months after treatment, 2 (15%) had RPT and 11 (85%) did not. The level of PF TIMP-2 in the patients with RPT ($34.4{\pm}6.5ng/mL$) was lower than that of those patients without RPT ($44.4{\pm}15.5$) at the point of the final follow-up (p=0.038). Conclusion: The residual pleural thickening in TP might be related to the TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 levels in the pleural fluid.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.182-186
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• 2014

Lymphatic vessels are routes for leukocyte migration and fluid drainage. In addition to their passive roles in migration of leukocytes, increasing evidence indicates their active roles in immune regulation. Tissue inflammation rapidly induces lymphatic endothelial cell proliferation and chemokine production, thereby resulting in lymphangiogenesis. Furthermore, lymphatic endothelial cells induce T cell tolerance through various mechanisms. In this review, we focus on the current knowledge on how inflammatory cytokines affect lymphangiogenesis and the roles of lymphatic vessels in modulating immune responses.