• Journal of Ceramic Processing Research
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.492-498
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• 2018

In this study, a sea shell was converted into bioceramic phases at three different sintering temperatures ($450^{\circ}C$, $850^{\circ}C$, $1000^{\circ}C$). Among the obtained bioceramic phases, a valuable ${\beta}-TCP$ was produced via mechanochemical conversion method from sea snail Turritella terebra at $1000^{\circ}C$ sintering temperature. For this reason, only the bioceramic sintered at $1000^{\circ}C$ was concentrated on and FT-IR, SEM/EDX, BET, XRD, ICP-OES analyses were carried out for the complete characterization of ${\beta}-TCP$ phase. Biodegradation test in Tris-buffer solution, bioactivity tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) and cell studies were conducted. Bioactivity test results were promising and high rate of cell viability was observed in MTT assay after 24 hours and 7 days incubation. Results demonstrated that the produced ${\beta}-TCP$ bioceramic is qualified for further consideration and experimentation with its features of pore size and ability to support bone tissue growth and cell proliferation. This study suggests an easy, economic method of nanobioceramic production.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.253-257
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• 2022

A 5-year-old castrated male Golden Retriever dog weighing 15 kg presented with evidence of intestinal intussusception. The patient had cachexia and severe dehydration before being referred to our department. Ultrasound imaging revealed a target sign indicative of intestinal intussusception. Emergency surgery was performed shortly after diagnosis. After a successful surgery, the patient was hospitalised for postoperative care. Initial treatment was aimed at the reversion of dehydration and the provision of adequate nutrition. Fluid therapy and central parenteral nutrition were administered via the peripheral and central venous catheters, respectively. Ten days postoperatively, swelling and edema were observed in the head and neck. Ultrasound and computed tomography confirmed complete blockage of the cranial vena cava due to thrombosis, which consequently obstructed both the left and right jugular veins. For treatment, dalteparin and tissue plasminogen activator were administered. However, the patient lost all of its vital function on the daybreak of postoperative day 11. Venous thrombus formation secondary to central parenteral nutrition application via the central line is a rare but possible complication. Veterinarians who are concerned about taking care of patients receiving CPN through the central line should keep the possibility of venous thrombus formation in mind.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.101-111
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• 2022

The purpose of laboratory tests in the field of oral medicine can be divided into two categories: (1) medical evaluation of patients with systemic diseases that are planning to receive dental care and (2) diagnosis of patients with certain oral diseases. First, laboratory tests are commonly used to evaluate patients with systemic diseases who need dental management. A combination of multiple tests is usually prescribed as a test panel to diagnose and assess a specific disease. Test panels closely related to oral medicine include those for rheumatoid arthritis, connective tissue disease/lupus, liver function, thyroid screening, anemia, and bleeding disorders. Second, laboratory tests are used as auxiliary diagnostic methods for certain oral diseases. They often provide crucial diagnostic information for infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, and viruses that are associated with pathology in the oral and maxillofacial regions. Laboratory tests for infectious diseases are composed of growth-dependent methods, immunologic assays, and molecular biology. As the field develops, further application of laboratory tests, including synovial fluid analysis in temporomandibular joint disorders, salivary diagnostics, and hematologic biomarkers associated with temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain conditions, is currently under scrutiny for their reliability as diagnostic tools.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.327-332
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• 2022

Mucocele of the paranasal sinuses is a benign, slow-growing, expansile lesion. Maxillary sinus mucoceles are usually associated with painless bulging of the cheek; however, orbital expansion is rarely observed. Maxillary sinus mucoceles can be classified as primary or secondary according to their etiology. An impediment to sinus ostium ventilation is thought to be the cause of primary mucocele, while sequestering of residual mucosa after surgery in the wound and long-term retention of tissue fluid have been suggested to lead to the formation of secondary mucocele. This report presents 2 cases of primary and secondary mucoceles, with a focus on radiographic features. As primary and superiorly positioned secondary maxillary sinus mucoceles are uncommon and their close proximity to the orbit predisposes the patient to significant morbidity, the authors expect that this report will contribute to a better understanding and diagnosis of maxillary sinus mucocele involving the orbit.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.26-29
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• 2022

Cryptococcus neoformans infection usually occurs in patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or with a CD4 T lymphocyte count of <100 cells/µL. Pulmonary and central nervous system infections are the most frequently encountered forms of cryptococcosis; however, colonic cryptococcosis is uncommon. We describe the case of a 41-year-old antiretroviral-naïve man with HIV infection diagnosed eight years prior and intermittent diarrhea for 4 months who presented to the emergency department with a 1-day history of low-grade fever and confusion. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed normal results; however, he was diagnosed with Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia based on chest computed tomography and bronchoalveolar lavage analysis. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole administration was initiated followed by antiretroviral treatment. Although his condition gradually improved, he developed fever and abdominal discomfort, and the diarrhea worsened. Endoscopy revealed a small ulcer in the distal transverse colon. Histopathological examination of a colon tissue sample revealed cryptococcal infection. He improved substantially during liposomal amphotericin B and fluconazole treatment. We encountered a rare case of colonic cryptococcosis that caused chronic diarrhea in a patient with advanced HIV infection. Colonic cryptococcosis should be considered when patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome present with gastrointestinal symptoms.

• BMB Reports
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• v.56 no.8
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• pp.439-444
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• 2023

Emphysema is a chronic obstructive lung disease characterized by inflammation and enlargement of the air spaces. Regorafenib, a potential senomorphic drug, exhibited a therapeutic effect in porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE)-induced emphysema in mice. In the current study we examined the preventive role of regorafenib in development of emphysema. Lung function tests and morphometry showed that oral administration of regorafenib (5 mg/kg/day) for seven days after instillation of PPE resulted in attenuation of emphysema. Mechanistically, regorafenib reduced the recruitment of inflammatory cells, particularly macrophages and neutrophils, in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In agreement with these findings, measurements using a cytokine array and ELISA showed that expression of inflammatory mediators including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and CXCL1/KC, and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloprotease-1 (TIMP-1), was downregulated. The results of immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that expression of IL-6, CXCL1/KC, and TIMP-1 was reduced in the lung parenchyma. Collectively, the results support the preventive role of regorafenib in development of emphysema in mice and provide mechanistic insights into prevention strategies.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.754-760
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• 2023

Background/Aims: Endoscopic vacuum therapy (EVT) can heal a variety of defects within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract via applying negative pressure, which reduces the defect size, aspirates the infected fluid, and promotes granulation tissue. Here we present our experience with EVT as it relates to both spontaneous and iatrogenic upper GI tract perforations, leaks, and fistulas. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted at four large hospital centers. All patients who underwent EVT between June 2018 and March 2021 were included. Data on multiple variables were collected, including demographics, defect size and location, number and intervals of EVT exchanges, technical success, and hospital length of stay. Student t-test and the chi-squared test were used to analyze the data. Results: Twenty patients underwent EVT. The most common defect cause was spontaneous esophageal perforation (50%). The most common defect location was the distal esophagus (55%). The success rate was 80%. Seven patients were treated with EVT as the primary closure method. The mean number of exchanges was five with a mean interval of 4.3 days between exchanges. The mean length of hospital stay was 55.8 days. Conclusions: EVT is a safe and effective initial management option for esophageal leaks and perforations.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.548-553
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• 2003

Purpose : Matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-9 is known to breakdown the blood-brain barrier by degrading the extracellular matrix of the subendothelial basement membrane in meningitis. Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase(TIMP)-1, a known inhibitor of MMP-9, has been postulated to inhibit the proteolytic activity of MMP-9 by bindng to MMP-9, but their interaction has not been fully understood yet. So far, there have been some reports on the relationship of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in bacterial meningitis, but few reports in viral meningitis. Furthermore, there has been no report on this in Korea. We investigated the concentrations of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of patients with viral meningitis and control subjects, and evaluated their relationship with other clinical parameters of meningitis. Methods : CSF and blood were obtained from 25 subjects with viral meningitis and 14 control subjects. After centrifugation, supernatants were stored at $-20^{\circ}C$ and we assayed concentrations of MMP-9 and TIMP-1 by the sandwich ELISA method. Results : Concentrations of CSF MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were significantly elevated in patients with viral meningitis, when compared with those in control subjects. Their serum levels showed no differences between the two groups. MMP-9 levels were closely correlated with TIMP-1 levels in the CSF($r_s=0.42$, P<0.05). CSF MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratios were significantly higher in patients with viral meningitis than those in the control subjects(P<0.05). Both CSF MMP-9 and TIMP-1 levels positively correlated with CSF total leukocyte counts($r_s=0.43$, P<0.05, $r_s=0.48$, P<0.05). TIMP-1 levels positively correlated with total protein concentrations in the CSF($r_s=0.43$, P<0.05). Conclusion : MMP-9 and TIMP-1 may play an important role in the breakdown and maintenance of BBB in viral meningitis, respectively.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.226-236
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• 1995

We studied to evaluate CT characteristics of bronchogenic cysts. We retrospectively evaluated CT of 11 patients with pathologically proved bronchogenic cyst. Precontrast and postcontrast CT scan was performed in all. We analyzed CT with viewpoints of location, size, attenuation on pre- and postcontrast scan, and calcification. Three of 11 bronchogenic cysts were intrapulmonary in location and eight were located in the mediastinum. Two of 3 intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts were located in the right lower lobe, and the remaining one was left lower lobe. Intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts ranged from 6cm to 12cm in diameter (average, 9.7 cm). On CT, intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts appeared as thin-wall air cyst, homogenous water attenuation and soft tissue attenuation with air bubble respectively. Mediastinal bronchogenic cysts were located in posterior mediastinum(n=5), superior mediastinum(n=2), middle mediastinum(n=1) respectively. These cysts ranged in size from 3cm to 8cm in diameter (average, 5.0 cm). On CT, five showed homogenous water attenuation, two soft tissue attenuation similar to that of muscle, one air-fluid level. Calcification or contrast enhancement was not detected in any cases. On operative findings, all of intrapulmonary bronchogenic cysts contained dirty pus-like material and all of mediastinal bronchogenic cysts contained whitish or yellowish mucus material. Bronchogenic cysts showed homogenous water density in many cases, homogenous soft tissue density, air-fluid level and air-filled cyst. The constellation of CT findings may be helpful in the diagnosis and differentiation of bronchogenic cyst.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.69-85
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• 2013

Objectives: This study investigated the anti-osteoarthritic effects of Kyejiinsam-tang (hereinafter referred to KIT) on the monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rats. Methods: Anti-oxidative effects of KIT were measured by scavenging activities of DPPH, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). Scavenging activities of anti-oxidation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells were also measured for inhibitory effects against the production of inflammatory mediators (tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$, interleukin-$1{\beta}$, interleukin-6). Osteoarthritis was induced in rats by injecting MIA in the knee joint. Rats were divided into a total of 4 groups (n=6). The normal group were not treated at all without inducing osteoarthritis whereas the control group were induced for osteoarthritis by MIA and oral medicated physiological saline per day. The positive comparison group was injected with MIA and after 7 days, 2 mg/kg of Indomethacin. The experimental group was injected with MIA and after 7 days was medicated with 34 mg/kg of KIT. Indomethacin and KIT were orally-medicated for each substance a total of 4 weeks, once per day. Weight-bearing on hind legs was measured every week after MIA injection. At the end of the experiment (5 weeks after MIA injection), micro CT (computed tomography)-arthrography and histopathological examinations on the articular structures of knee joint were performed. The effect on inflammatory cytokines and immunological cells in synovial fluid was measured. Volume of cartilage was measured by micro CT-arthrography. Injury to synovial tissue was measured by H & E (hematoxylin and eosin), Safranin-O immunofluorescence. Results: 1. Cytotoxicity against hFCs was insignificant. 2. KIT showed the potent full term for DPPH. 1. NO was significantly reduced by KIT (at 100, $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) and ROS was also reduced, but not significantly, by KIT (at $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$). 2. IL-6 and IL-$1{\beta}$ were significantly reduced by KIT (at 100, $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$) and TNF-${\alpha}$ was also reduced, but not significantly, by KIT (at $200{\mu}g/m{\ell}$). 1. In hind legs weight-bearing measurement, level of weight increased. 2. Functions of liver and kidney were not affected. 3. IL-$1{\beta}$ was significantly reduced and TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-6 were also reduced but not significantly. 4. PGE2 (prostaglandin E2), LTB4 (leukotriene B4) were significantly reduced in the KIT group. 5. MMP-9 (matrix metalloproteinase-9), TIMP-1 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1) and Osteocalcin were significantly reduced in the KIT group. 6. Destruction of cartilage on micro CT arthrography was reduced but had no significant differences. 7. Histopathologically, injury to synovial membrane of the KIT group was decreased and proteoglycan content of KIT group was increased. Conclusions: According to this study, Kyejiinsam-tang has inhibiting effect on the progression of arthritis in MIA-induced osteoarthritis rat. Kyejiinsam-tang has anti-oxidants and anti-inflammation effects, and is related to inhibiting the activity of inflammatory cytokine and injury of volume in cartilage.