• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.52-55
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• 2005

Complications following a well conducted epidural steroid injection are rare. A 50-year-old man developed a headache and neck stiffness 2 days after a lumbar epidural steroid injection. Under the impression of aseptic meningitis, fluid and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy was started immediately after cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling. The CSF was turbid, and revealed a white blood cell count, protein, glucose and pressure of $550/{\mu}l$ (98% lymphocyte), 107.9 mg/dl, 48 mg/dl (serum 113 mg/dl) and $17cmH_2O$, respectively. The CSF stain and culture, and antibody test and polymerase chain reaction for pathogens were negative. A computed tomography (CT) scan of the brain revealed no abnormality, and a chest roentgenogram and the results of the neurological examination were normal. Under the impression of aseptic meningitis, the condition was managed conservatively, without antibiotics. Seven days later, the clinical symptoms had improved, and the patient discharged.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.1-5
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• 2009

Objectives : HRHDT has been known as a useful prescription with antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and immunosuppressive activity. To evaluate anti-inflammatory effect of HRHDT, we treated HRHDT-skin in Balb/c mice model induced contact hypersensitivity. Methods : Contact hypersensitivity, a local inflammatory respinse of skin, was induced by spreading the back skin of Balb/c mice with 1% DNCB. HRHDT-skin was prepared by dissolving 3% 1,3-butylene glycol extract of HRHDT in solution and treated 2 weeks on the back skin. Results: HRHDT-skin significantly reduced TEWL and erythema by 0.4-1% of DNCB treatment compared with control group. HRHDT-skin reduced IgE on serum obtained from blood of DNCB-treated Balb/c mice. Histopathological examination showed that thickening of the epidermis, hyperkeratosis and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were found in Balb/c mice under conventional circumstances. Conclusions : These results showed that HRHDT-skin could be used as a pharmaceutical material with antiinflammatory effects by reducing IgE in contact hypersensitivity dermatitis Balb/c mice by DNCB.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.399-402
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• 2011

In recent years, the mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) derived from various tissues have been widely tested for developing cell therapies, tissue repair and transplantation. Although there has been much interest in the immunomodulatory properties of MSC and their immunologic reactions following autologous, allogeneic and xenogenic transplantation of MSC in vivo, up to date, the expression of immunogenic markers, such as class I and II human leukocyte antigens (HLA), after differentiation of human umbilical cord blood (hUCB)-derived MSC has been poorly investigated and require extensive in vitro and in vivo testing. In this experiment, the expression of the HLA-ABC and HLA-DR on hUCB-derived MSC have been tested by immunocytochemical staining. The undifferentiated MSC were moderately stained for HLA-ABC but very weakly for HLA-DR. In order to investigate the inhibitory effect of allogeneic lymphocytes on proliferation of MSC, the MSC were cultured in the presence or absence of peripheral allogeneic lymphocytes stimulated with concanavalin A. The allogeneic lymphocytes did not significantly inhibit MSC proliferation. We conclude that hUCB-MSC expressed moderately class I HLA antigen while almost negatively class II HLA antigen. The MSC have an immunomodulatory effect which can suppress the allogeneic response of lymphocytes. These in vitro data suggest that allogeneic MSC derived from cord blood can be useful candidate for allogeneic cell therapy and transplantation without a major risk of rejection.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.115-133
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• 1974

Although considerable research has been done on the changes associated with age in the blood picture of domestic and laboratory animals, little work has been made of the changes occurring at different age in the blood picture of goats. And a comprehensive survey of the bood picture of Korean native goats has not been made. The object of the present investigation was to suggest standards for the blood picture of Korean native goats at frequent intervals from birth to maturity. The goats were kept under average farming conditions in this country. Observations were made at the following ages: at birth; 2,4 and 7 days; 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 weeks; 2.5, 3,6 and 12 months. Blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein. It was taken between 8 and 9 a.m. except those for the at-birth period. Erythrocyte and leukocyte enumerations and, determinations of hemoglobin in blood and hematocrit value were made in the usual manner. Reticulocytes were enumerated per 1,000 erythrocytes in blood smears stained with briIliant cresyl blue and counterstained with Wright's stain. Erythrocytes counts declined from $8.7{\times}10^8/mm^3$ at birth to a low of 7.0 at 4 days of age. These values increased to 11.5 at 5 weeks and reached a maximum of 14.0 at 3 months of age; it then fell to 11.5 at 12 months of age. Concentrations of hemoglobin in blood and hematocrit values were not related to the changes of erythrocyte counts. The values at birth were higher than at any other period during the first year of life. These fell from highs of 12.3 g/100 ml and 38.0 ml/100 ml to lows of 9.2 and 29 at 4 weeks for concentration of hemoglobin in blood and hematocrit value, respectively. There was a common pattern for the hematocrit value and hemoglobin in blood which showed three phases-a fall during the first month, a rise to the third month, and a fall to the mature level at 12 months of age. Mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin showed a common pattern. The values were $44.2{\mu}m^3$ and 14.2 pg at birth and fell, at first slowly and then rapidly, to reach adult levels of 24.1 and 7.9 at 6 weeks of age for mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin, respectively. Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was little affected by age. Reticulocyte was observed from birth to 4 weeks of age. Percentage of reticulocyte decreased from 0.85% at birth to 0.06% at 4 weeks of age. Total leucocyte counts increased from $5.64{\times}10^3/mm^3$ at birth to a maximum of 13.4 at 3 months; it then fell to 11.5 at 12 months of age. In differential counts myelocyte, juvenile and band form decreased with advancing age. No myelocyte and juvenile were seen after the age of 7 and 9 weeks, respectively, and band forms were rare after the age of 3 months. Percentage of mature neutrophil showed a quick decline from 52.5% at birth to reach a minimum level (34.5%) at 3 months of age; it then rose to 38% at 12 months of age. Percentage of lymphocyte increased from 39.2% at birth to maximum of 59% at 3 month of age; it then fell to 54.9% at 12 months of age. Percentage of monocyte was not affected with advance of age. Percentage of eosinophil and basophil were increased with advance of age to reach a maximum at 2 to 3 month of age. It then fell to adult level at 12 month of age.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.50 no.5
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• pp.599-606
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• 2001

Background : Since the advent of AIDS, tuberculosis has become a major public health problem in the western society. Therefore, it is essential that pulmonary tuberculosis be rapidly diagnosed. Light microscopic detection of acid-fast organisms in sputum has traditionally been used for rapidly diagnosing tuberculosis. However positive smears are only observed in about one-half to three-quarters of cases. Studies using PCR for diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis disclosed several shortcomings suggesting an inability to distinguish between active and treated or inactive tuberculosis. In this study, the clinical significance of a PCR-based rapid technique for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis DNA in peripheral blood was investigated. Materials and Methods : From July 1, 1998 through to August 30, 1999, 59 patients with presumed tuberculosis, who had no previous history of anti-tuberculosis medication use within one year prior to this study were recruited and followed up for more than 3 months. AFB stain and culture in the sputum and/or pleural fluids and biopsies when needed were performed. Blood samples from each of the 59 patients were obtained in order to identify Mycobacterium Tuberculosis DNA by a PCR test. Results : 1) Forty five out of 59 patients had a final diagnosis of tuberculosis ; Twenty eight were confirmed as having active pulmonary tuberculosis by culture or biopsy. Four were clinically diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis. The other 13 patients were diagnosed as having tuberculous pleurisy (9) and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (4). 2) Fourteen patients showed a positive blood PCR test. The PCR assay correctly identified active tuberculosis in 13 out of 14 patients. The overall sensitivity and specificity of this blood peR assay for diagnosing tuberculosis were 29% and 93%, respectively. The positive predictive value was 93%, the negative predictive value was 29% and the diagnostic accuracy was 44%.3) Six out of 14(43%) patients with blood PCR positive tuberculosis were immunologically compromised hosts. 4) A simple chest radiograph in blood PCR positive tuberculosis patients showed variable and inconsistent findings. Conclusion : A peripheral blood PCR assay for Mycobacterium tuberculosis is not recommended as a screening method for diagnosing active tuberculosis. However, it was suggested that the blood PCR assay could contribute to an early diagnostic rate due to its high positive predictive value.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.45-61
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to observe the effects of Carthami Flos herbal-acupuncture (CF-HA) at Joksamni($ST_{36}$) on arthritis in mice induced by Collagen II. Methods : The author performed several experimental items, including arthritis evaluation, change in weight, spleen size and stenosis rate, change in cytokine level, IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II, change of immunocyte count and histological change of the CIA mouse joint. Conclusions are as follows: Results : 1. In the CF-HA, the arthritis index and rate and the incidence of arthritis were decreased as the experiment proceeded. 2. In the CF-HA, spleen swell and stenosis, joint edema and change were decreased. 3. In the CF-HA, the level of $IL-1{\beta}$, IL-6, $TNF-{\alpha}$ and $IFN-{\gamma}$ in blood serum were significantly decreased. 4. In the CF-HA, the level of IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II were decreased. 5. In the CF- HA, $IFN-{\gamma}$, $IFN-{\gamma}/IL-4$, IL-10 of the culture fluid was decreased. 6. In the CF-HA, the cell rate of $CD3e^+$ and $CD45R^+$, $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$, $CD4^+/CD25^+$ in spleen was similar to the cell rate of the normal group. 7. In the CF-HA, the cell rate of $CD4^+/CD25^+$, $CD45R^+/CD69^+$ in a lymph node was decreased as in the normal group. 8. In the CF-HA, the cell rate of $CD3^+/CD69^+$, $CD11b^+/Gr-1^+$ in joints was decreased as in the normal group. 9. In the CF-HA, the cartilage destruction and the inflammation cell growth in the H&E stain were decreased. The collagen fiber in the M&T stain were less destructed, therefore the result was similar to the normal group. Conclusions : These results suggest that CH-HA at $ST_{36}$ has an effect in controlling immune reaction and suppressing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis therefore, the continuous flow of the following study is expected.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.183-194
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• 2006

The threadlike structures of fascia were examined by tight and electron microscopy. In order to distinguish its tissue organization, we used staining methods including hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, Van Gieson's collagen fiber stain and Kluver-Barrera's luxol fast blue for nerve stain. Under the light microscope, the threadlike structures were composed of many collagen fibers and nerve. In higher magnification, they looked like as the bundle of tubular structures. Many myoid cell-spindle nuclei were observed in the tissue, which were taken from the fascia. It was identical with Bonghan duct known as one of meridian network theory. In the early 1960's the North Korean Bong-Han Kim showed the anatomical structures of the acupuncture points, and explained the meridian system as the concrete duct network system. According to Bonghan theory the Bonghan ducts spread throughout the body Because it is believed that the duct could have the role of signal pathway, the theory was reinvestigated in these days. All of the threadlike structures isolated from fascia shows the abundance of collagen fibers. The electron microscope examination (TEM) could confirm the well arranged collagen fiber and nerve. This investigation reveals that superficial Bohghan duct are nerve fiber parallel running with collagen fibers. We conjectured that the intermingled structure of collagen fiber, blood vessel and nerve fiber might have the role of meridian system. And the more, regardless of histological research, the study on collagen fiber as response transmitter in acupuncture treatment are in need.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.1-20
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• 2004

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate effects of Angelica gigas Nakai(AGN) on the ischemic injury by intraluminal filament insertion in the rats. Methods : The ischemia was induced by intraluminal filament insertion into middle cerebral artery. AGN herbal acupuncture into SP10 was carried out during 3 weeks after ischemic injury. Eight-arm radial maze was designed for the behavioral task. AGN herbal acupuncture showed neuroprotective agents in cresyl violet, acetylcholinesterase(AchE), choline acetyltransferase(ChAT) and nerve growth factor(NGF)-stain. Then check the effect of regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) according to AGN herbal acupuncture in rats. Results : The errors in the eight-arm radial maze task were significantly decreased in normal group compared with control group on 1~6days, AGN2(0.02g/kg) herbal acupuncture group on 1~5days, AGN3(0.1g/kg) on 1~3days, AGN4(0.5g/kg) on 1, 3~6days. The rate of correct choice was significantly increased in AGN1(0.01g/kg) and AGN4 herbal acupuncture groups. The density of neurons in the hippocampal CA1 was the most increased in normal group and AGN1, AGN3, AGN4 herbal acupuncture groups compared with control group. The density of AchE in the hippocampal CA1 had a tendency to increase in all the groups when they were compared with control group, but not significant. The density of ChAT in the hippocampal CA1 was significantly increased in normal group and AGN1, AGN4 herbal acupuncture groups compared with control group. The density of NGF in the hippocampal CA1 was significantly increased AGN4 herbal acupuncture group compared with control group. The rCBF was significantly increased in AGN1, AGN3 and AGN4 herbal acupuncture groups without the change of blood pressure. Conclusions : These results suggest that AGN herbal acupuncture can be used for controlling stroke in early stage as herbal medication.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.205-213
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• 2000

Purpose : To determine the role of cytokines in the apoptosis of rat's liver following irradiation. Materials and Methods : Sprague-Dawley rats were irradiated to entire body with a single dose of 8 Gy. The rats were divided Into 5 groups according to the sacrlfice day after irradiation. The liver and blood after 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days irradiation were sampled for evaluation of mechanism of apoptosis and role of cytokine in relation to radiation-induced tissue damage. The study was composed of microscopic evaluation of liver tissue, in situ detection method for apoptosis, immunohistochemical stain of IL-1, IL-4, IL-6 and TNF, bioassay and radioimmunoassay of IL-6 in liver tissue and blood. Results : Radiation-induced liver damage was noted from first day of radiation, and most severe parenchymal damage associated with infiltration of chronic inflammatory cells was seen in the groups of 5 days after radiation. A number of apoptosis were observed 1 day after radiation on both light microscope and in situ method. Afterwards, the number of apoptosis was gradually diminished. On immunohistochemical study, IL-1 and TNF were expressed 1, 3 days after radiation, but not expressed after that. IL-4 was not expressed in the entire groups. IL-6 was expressed with strong positivity in 1, 3 days after radiation. Bioassay and RIA of IL-6 in liver tissue and blood showed the highest value in 1 day after radiation, and the value is diminished after then. Conclusion. Apoptosis seemed to be the important mechanism of radiation-induced liver damage, and is possibly induced by the release of cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, TNF in view the simultaneously increased appearance of pooptosis and cytokines.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.425-431
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of Achyranthes Radix(AR) and electroacupuncture(EA) in rats with rheumatoid arthritis induced by type II collagen for 28 days. Control group was daily administered 0.9% NaCl 0.5 $m{\ell}$, Group I was daily administered 0.9% NaCl 0.5 $m{\ell}$ to arthritic rats, Group II was orally administered with Achyranthes Radix 500 mg/kg 0.5 $m{\ell}$ to arthritic rats. Group III was given 2 Hz EA of chok samni acupoint(ST36) in the test group for 30 min/days to arthritic rats. Group IV was daily orally administered with Achyranthes Radix 500 mg/kg 0.5 $m{\ell}$ and 2 Hz EA of chok samni acupoint(ST36) in the test group for 30 min/days to arthritic rats. This studies have been designed to evaluate the hind paw edema, assessment of arthritis indices, analgetic effects by analysis of blood chemistry(WBC, CRP, ALP, AST). In each group, histologic observations, Safranin O-fast green stain were observed and analyzed. The following results were obtained. Group II, III, IV were significantly decreased arthritis indices and the rate of paw edema compared with Group I . Especially group IV was the most significantly decreased. The WBC, CRP, AST, ALT was that Group II, III, IV were significantly decreased compared with Group I . In conclusion, Achyranthes Radix and Ea contribute to the improvement of blood chemistry and change in safranin O-fast green by knee joint of arthritic rats.