• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.175-181
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• 2002

Purpose : Scrub typhus(tsutsugamushi disease) is a febrile disease characterized by fever, rash, eschar, lymphadenopathy. Therapy with tetracycline(doxycycline) or chloramphenicol is currently recommended for the treatment for scrub typhus. But there are limitations in usage a tetracycline(doxycycline) for scrub typhus in the children. Recently, there was a report that azithromycin, a macrolide antibiotic was used for scrub typhus in pregnant woman successfully. So we evaluated the effectiveness of the Clarithromycin, other a macrolide antibiotic, for scrub typhus. Methods : Seven patients with scrub typhus at department of internal medicine and three patients with scrub typhus at department of pediatrics Masan Fatima Hospital were involved for this study. A serologic diagnosis for scrub typhus were performed by use of passive hemagglutination test. Clarithromycin(Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL, USA) was administrated orally in a daily dose of 500 mg for adult patients and 15 mg/kg/bid/day for pediatric patients. Results : There were 7 cases of adult patients, varying from 28 to 76 years of age and 3 cases of pediatirc patients, varying from 4 to 7 years of age with scrub typhus. All of cases had fever, myalgia, headache, rash, eschar. Seven cases had positive passive hemagglutination test and eight cases had abnormal liver function. Mean duration for the removal of fever after medication was 1.3 day(1~2 days) and all cases were recovered without complications. Conclusion : Our results suggest that Clarithromycin therapy may be effective for scrub typhus.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.355-361
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• 1993

Since May 1991, authors have conducted a pilot study to determine the feasibility and evaluate the effect of concurrent radiation therapy and chemotherapy with 5-FU and Cis-platinum for locally advanced cervical cancer (stage IIB-IVA). Radiation therapy consisted of external irradiation to whole pelvis (4140 cGy/23 fx) in 4.5 weeks followed by high dose rate intracavitary radiation therapy (HDR ICRT) to deliver a dose of 30 to 35 Gy to A point in 6 to 7 fractions. After the intracavitary radiation therapy, parametrial boost was delivered for B point dose of 60 Gy in Stage IIB and 65 Gy in stage IIIB. 5-FU (1000 $mg/m^2/24hr$ for 96 hour iv infusion) and Cis-platinum (20 $mg/m^2/day$ IV bolus for 3 days) were given during the second week of external RT and the second course chemotherapy administered at the first HDR ICRT with the same method as the first chemotherapy. Sixteen patients (10 stage IIB,4 stage IIIB,2 stage IVA) were registered to this protocol. Among these 16 patients, two refused treatment after 2 fractions of external irradiation, and one could not continue intracavitary irradiation because of treatment related genitourinary toxicity. So 14 patients were evaluated for toxicity and 13 patients were evaluated for response analysis. Five of 14 patients developed grade 3 gastrointestinal toxicity but 4 of them recovered at the completion of treatment. One stage IIIB patient with inguinal lymph node metastasis who received higher dose of radiation in spite of initial poor performance status did not recover from gastrointestinal toxicity at the completion of treatment. And she died of distant metastasis at one month after the completion of treatment. Two of 14 evaluable patients showed weight loss, more than $10\%$ of initial weight. One patient developed grade 3 leukopenia. In this study, the average total treatment period of completely treated patients was 75 days and three of them took more than 80 days (84, 84, 89 days). Toxicities were generally acceptable and there were no treatment related death. At the last follow-up, complete response was achieved in $62\%(8/13)$ and especially of nine patients with stage IIB, eight patients showed complete response. This study suggests that concurrent radiation therapy and chemotherapy (5-FU and Cis-platinum) is tolerable and effective. Further follow-up is needed to determine whether this protocol will have a favorable impact on survival and to evaluate the late effect on normal tissues. In future, prospective randomized trials are needed to compare the standard radiation therapy alone with concurrent chemotherapy and radiation therapy for locally advanced cervical carcinoma.

• Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.318-326
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• 1991

This study was devised to investigate the effects of flavonoids on carbon tetrachloride toxicity of rats. Through the experiments, the contents of total cholesterol, transaminase(GOT, GPT) and alkaline phosphatase(Alk. P) activities in the liver and serum were determined. The results obtained are summarized as follows; (1) The liver cholesterol concentration of flavonoid injected groups were remarkably increased up to 45% at 2 days after $CCl_4$ injection and then the values were almost recovered to the level of control group at 4 days after $CCl_4$ injection. The increase of serum cholesterol content was inhibited by the flavonoids after $CCl_4$ injection, but the result was not significant. (2) Flavonoids injection was found to have the ability to decrease the elevated serum GOT, Alk. P activities resulting from injection of $CCl_4$ and induce rapid recovery from such an elevated level and the extent of such a decreasing action was greatest in hesperidin injection group. The liver microsomal Alk. P and GOT activities were not affected by the treatment of flavonoids. (3) The elevated serum and liver microsomal GPT activities induced by $CCl_4$ injection were inhibited by the injection of flavonoids.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.550-558
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• 2017

The effect of Artemisia argyi H. under liquid-state fermentation by Monascus purpureus (AAFM) on cognitive impairments has been studied in a mice model of diabetes-associated cognitive decline induced by streptozotocin (STZ). C57BL/6 mice (9 weeks of age, male) were separated into four groups: a normal control, STZ-induced diabetic mouse group (STZ group), Artemisia argyi H. (AA) 10 group (diabetic mouse+AA 10 mg/kg/day), AAFM 10 group (diabetic mouse+AAFM 10 mg/kg/day). Administration of AA and AAFM significantly improved glucose tolerance, as shown by the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), and ameliorated cognitive deficit, as shown by the behavioral tests including passive avoidance, Morris water maze, and Y-maze tests. After behavioral tests, the cholinergic system was examined by assessment of the acetylcholine (ACh) level and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, and the antioxidant system was also assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the brain and liver.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2010

We recently reported the distributions of AMPA ($\alpha$-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate) receptor subtypes glutamate receptors (GluR) 1 and GluR4 in the superior colliculi (SC) of hamsters with antibody immunocytochemistry and the effect of enucleation on these distributions. We also compared these labelings to those of calcium-binding proteins calbindin D28K, calretinin, parvalbumin, and GABA. In the present study, we investigated whether the GluR1- and GluR4-immunoreactive (IR) neurons are interneurons or projection neurons by injection of the retrograde tracer horseradish peroxidase (HRP) into one of each major ascending and descending pathways of the SC. HRP injections were made into a tecto-reticulospinal pathway (TRS) and dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN). Animals were then allowed to recover and to survive for 48 hr before perfusion. Sections containing retrograde-labeled neurons were then treated for GluR-immunoreactivity. HRP injections proved that only a small population of the GluR1-IR cells project into TRS (1.4%) and dLGN (2.6%). However, a large subpopulation of GluR4-IR cells project into TRS (32.7%). The differential compositions of inter/projection neurons, along with our previous studies on the separate distribution of the GluR subunits, its differential co-localization with calcium-binding proteins and GABA, and differential reactions to enucleations, strongly imply the functional variety of the receptor subunits in visual behavior responses.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.517-523
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• 2017

This study was to investigate the role of antioxidants on the characteristics of arsenite-damaged boar semen. Collected sperm was diluted with semen extender, and $100{\mu}M$ arsenite was used for sperm damage. Then melatonin, silymarin, curcumin, and vitamin E were applied for 3, 6, and 9 hr in arsenite-treated boar sperm. Sperm characteristics were then analyzed for motility, plasma membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity, and lipid peroxidation. In the results, sperm motility (control, $77.3{\pm}1.8%$) was decreased by arsenite ($33.3{\pm}1.5%$), while the antioxidant treatment groups (100 nM melatonin, $55.8{\pm}3.4%$; $2{\mu}M$ silymarin, $48.8{pm}3.4%$; $10{\mu}M$ curcumin, $53.9{\pm}2.8%$; and $500{\mu}M$ vitamin E, $54.5{\pm}3.1%$) showed increases compared to the arsenite group (p<0.05). $100{\mu}M$ arsenite decreased the sperm plasma membrane integrity ($24.5{\pm}1.6%$) and mitochondrial activity ($58.2{\pm}2.6%$), and increased lipid peroxidation ($5.3{\pm}0.2%$) at 3 hr (p<0.05). However, arsenite-treated samples with 100 nM melatonin, $2{\mu}M$ silymarin, $10{\mu}M$ curcumin, and $500{\mu}M$ vitamin E increased the plasma membrane integrity and mitochondria activity, and decreased lipid peroxidation compared to the arsenite-treated samples. In summary, arsenite may induce sperm damage and oxidation stress, while antioxidants such as melatonin, silymarin, curcumin, and vitamin E are useful for maintaining sperm characteristics. Therefore, antioxidants can protect sperm against damage by arsenite in fresh boar semen.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.46 no.7
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• pp.790-800
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• 2017

As men get older, total testosterone levels decline gradually, and concentrations of free and bioavailable testosterone decline sharply with each decade beyond their 30s. Andropause or testosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) is defined as a decrease in sexual satisfaction or decline in general well-being accompanied by low levels of testosterone in older men. This male climacteric is characterized by nervousness, reduced potency, decreased libido, irritability, fatigue, depression, memory problems, sleep disturbances, and hot flushes. Cirsium japonicum (CJ) is used as a traditional medicine for hemorrhage, blood congestion, and inflammation in Korea. However, there is no report on the efficacy of CJ treatment for TDS. In this study, we observed the mitigating effect of CJ extract (CE) and fermented CJ extract (FCE) on symptoms of TDS. In elderly male rats, total and testosterone levels, hind limbs muscles, forced swimming time, and total and motile sperm counts significantly increased after daily intake of CE and FCE for 6 weeks. In contrast, sex hormone binding globulin, retroperitoneal fat, total serum cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced in CE and FCE groups. However, there was no difference in prostate specific antigen, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels among all groups, which means CE and FCE did not have putative adverse effects. In a cell experiment, we also observed that CE and FCE enhanced expression of genes related to testosterone biosynthesis but reduced genes involved in testosterone conversion. On the whole, these positive effects on TDS were greater in FCE compared to CE. Thus, these results suggest the potential of FCE as a promising natural product for recovering testosterone levels and alleviating TDS.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.144-152
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• 2004

The aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance to degradation of three commercial compomers in an alkaline solution. Dyract(Dentsply), Elan(Kerr) and F-2000(3M) polyacid modified resin composites(compomers) were used in this study. The resistance to degradation was evaluated on the basis of mass loss(%), degradation $depth({\mu}m)$ and Si, Al, Ba loss(ppm). The results were as follows : 1. The mass loss of each brand was $1.42%{\sim}2.14%$ and there was no statistically significant difference of mass loss among Dyract, F2000 and Elan. 2. The degradation layer depth of each brand was $182.92{\sim}227.7{\mu}m$ and there was no statistically significant difference of degradation layer depth among Dyract, F2000 and Elan. 3. There was statistically significant differences in Si-loss and Al-loss among three compomers (p<0.05). Si loss was the highest value in Dyract and Al loss was the highest value in F2000. 4. There was statistically significant correlation between mass loss and degradation layer depth (r=0.60, p<0.05). 5. In SEM finding, there was some destruction of compomer matrix-filler interface in post-exposure specimen to NaOH solution. As the matrix decreased, the filler particles distinguished and the periphery of the filler particles appeared whitish color due to degradation.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.190-201
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• 2004

The aim of this study was to evaluate the resistance to degradation and to compare the wear resistance characteristics of four esthetic restorative materials in an alkaline solution. The brands studied were Charmfil, Charmfil flow(composite resin), Compoglass F and PrimaFlow(compomer). The results were as follows: 1. The mass loss were not significantly different among the materials(p>0.05). 2. The sequence of the degree of degradation layer depth was in descending order by Compoglass F, PrimaFlow, Charmfil, and Charmfil flow. There were significant differences between Compoglass F and the others(p<0.05). 3. The sequence of the Si loss was in descending order by Charmfil flow, Charmfil, PrimaFlow, and Compoglass F. There were significant differences among these materials(p<0.05). 4. When observed with SEM, destruction of bonding between matrix and filler was observed and when observed with CLSM, the depth of degradation layer of specimen surface was observed. 5. The sequence of maximum wear depth was in descending order by Comfoglass, PrimaFlow Charmal, and Charmfil flow. There were significant differences among these materials(p<0.05). 6. The correlation coefficient between Si loss and degradation layer depth (r=0.602, p<0.05) Vicker's hardness number and maximum wear depth (r=0.501, p<0.05) were relatively high. These results indicate that wear and hydrolytic degradation may be considered to be evaluation factors of composite resins and compomers.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.119-126
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• 2012

State of problem: Cement-retained implant-supported prostheses are routinely used in dentistry. The use of high strength cements has become more popular with the increasing confidence in the stability of the implant-abutment screw connection and the high survival rates of osseointegrated implants. No clinical data on retention of metal copings using CAD/CAM. To evaluate retention of metal copings using CAD/CAM system bonded to short titanium abutment with four different cements and compare retentive strength of metal copings with sandblasting or without sandblasting before cementation. Forty titanium abutment blocks were fabricated and divided into 4 groups of 10 samples each. Forty metal copings with occlusal hole to allow for retention testing were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology. The four cements were Fujicem(Fuji, Japan), Maxcem Elite(Kerr, USA), Panavia F2.0(Kurarary, Japan) and Superbond C&B(Sunmedical, Japan). The copings were cemented on the titanium abutment according to manufacture's recommendation. All samples were stored for 24h at 37oC in 100% humidity and tested for retention using universal testing machine(Instron) at a crosshead speed of 1.0mm/min. Force at retentive failure was recorded in Newton. The mode of failure was also recorded. Means and standard deviations of loads at failure were analyzed using ANOVA and Paired t-test. Statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Panavia F2.0 provided significantly higher retentive strength than Fujicem, Maxcem Elite(P<0.05). Sandblasting significantly increased bond strength(P<0.05). The mode of failure was cement remaining principally on metal copings. Within the limitation of this study, Panavia F2.0 showed significantly stronger retentive strength than Fujicem, Maxcem Elite(p<0.05). The Ranking order of the cements to retain the copings was Panavia F2.0, Fujicem = Maxcem Elite. Sandblasting significantly increased bond strength(P<0.05). The retentive strength of metal copings on implant abutment were influenced by surface roughness and type of cements.