• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.195-202
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• 2018

Hyperglycemia is one of the major risk factors for stroke. Hyperglycemia can lead to a more extensive infarct volume, aggravate neuronal damage after cerebral ischemia. ${\alpha}$-Synuclein is especially abundant in neuronal tissue, where it underlies the etiopathology of several neurodegenerative diseases. This study investigated whether hyperglycemic conditions regulate the expression of ${\alpha}$-synuclein in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced cerebral ischemic injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with streptozotocin (40 mg/kg) via intraperitoneal injection to induce hyperglycemic conditions. MCAO were performed four weeks after streptozotocin injection to induce focal cerebral ischemia, and cerebral cortex tissues were obtained 24 hours after MCAO. We confirmed that MCAO induced neurological functional deficits and cerebral infarction, and these changes were more extensive in diabetic animals compared to non-diabetic animals. Moreover, we identified a decrease in ${\alpha}$-synuclein after MCAO injury. Diabetic animals showed a more serious decrease in ${\alpha}$-synuclein than non-diabetic animals. Western blot and reverse-transcription PCR analyses confirmed more extensive decreases in ${\alpha}$-synuclein expression in MCAO-injured animals with diabetic condition than these of non-diabetic animals. It is accepted that ${\alpha}$-synuclein modulates neuronal cell death and exerts a neuroprotective effect. Thus, the results of this study suggest that hyperglycemic conditions cause more serious brain damage in ischemic brain injuries by decreasing ${\alpha}$-synuclein expression.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.111-120
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• 2019

Background: Billroth I anastomosis is one of the most common reconstruction methods after distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Intracorporeal Billroth I (ICBI) anastomosis and extracorporeal Billroth I (ECBI) anastomosis are widely used in laparoscopic surgery. Here we compared ICBI and ECBI outcomes at a major gastric cancer center. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 2,284 gastric cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy between 2009 and 2017. We divided the subjects into ECBI (n=1,681) and ICBI (n=603) groups, compared the patients' clinical characteristics and surgical and short-term outcomes, and performed risk factor analyses of postoperative complication development. Results: The ICBI group experienced shorter operation times, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays than the ECBI group. There were no clinically significant intergroup differences in diet initiation. Changes in white blood cell counts and C-reactive protein levels were similar between groups. Grade II-IV surgical complication rates were 2.7% and 4.0% in the ECBI and ICBI groups, respectively, with no significant intergroup differences. Male sex and a body mass index (BMI) ${\geq}30$ were independent risk factors for surgical complication development. In the ECBI group, patients with a BMI ${\geq}30$ experienced a significantly higher surgical complication rate than those with a lower BMI, while no such difference was observed in the ICBI group. Conclusion: The surgical safety of ICBI was similar to that of ECBI. Although the chosen anastomotic technique was not a risk factor for surgical complications, ECBI was more vulnerable to surgical complications than ICBI in patients with a high BMI (${\geq}30$).

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제59권2호
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• pp.59-67
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• 2019

We investigated whether ${\beta}$-carotene (${\beta}-CA$) or ellagic acid (EA), originating from various fruits and vegetables, has a preventive effect against male infertility induced by exogenous scrotal hyperthermia. ICR adult mice were intraperitoneally treated with 10 mg/kg of ${\beta}-CA$ or EA daily for 13 days consecutively. During this time, mice were subjected to transient scrotal heat stress in a water bath at $43^{\circ}C$ for 20 min on day 7, and their testes and blood were obtained on day 14 for histopathologic and biochemical analyses. Heat stress induced significant testicular weight reduction, germ cell loss and degeneration, as well as abnormal localization of phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase (PHGPx) and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in spermatogenic and Leydig cells. Heat stress also altered the levels of oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation, SOD activity, and PHGPx, MnSOD, and $HIF-1{\alpha}$ mRNAs), apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-xL, caspase 3, $NF-{\kappa}B$, and $TGF-{\beta}1$ mRNAs), and androgen biosynthesis (serological testosterone concentration and $3{\beta}$-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase mRNA) in testes. These changes were all improved significantly by ${\beta}-CA$ treatment, but only slightly improved by EA treatment. These findings indicate that ${\beta}-CA$, through modulations of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and androgen biosynthesis, is a potent preventive agent against testicular injuries induced by scrotal hyperthermia.

• 대한상한금궤의학회지
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• 제13권1호
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• pp.21-44
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• 2021

Objective : This study aimed to assess the preventive effect of Bupleuri Radix aqueous extracts (BR) and red koji-fermented BR (fBR) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury in a rat model. Methods : Rats were administered 30, 60, or 120 mg/kg/day of fBR for 28 days before LPS treatments. All rats were sacrificed 5 h after LPS treatment (500 ㎍/head, intratracheal instillation). Body weights, lung weights, pulmonary transcapillary albumin transit, arterial gas parameters (pH, partial pressure [Pa] of O2, PaCO2), bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), total cell numbers, neutrophil/alveolar macrophage ratios, lung malondialdehyde (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured. In addition, histopathological changes including the luminal surface of alveoli (LSA), thickness of alveolar septum, and number of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were checked. Results : LPS injection led to increases in lung weights, pulmonary transcapillary albumin transit, BALF protein, LDH, TNF-α and IL-1β contents, total cells, neutrophil and alveolar macrophage ratios, lung MDA, MPO, alveolar septum thickness, and PMNs, and decreases in PaCO2 and pH of arterial blood and LSA. However, these LPS-induced acute lung injuries were inhibited by pretreatment of 30, 60, and 120 mg/kg of fBR. The most favorable effects were seen with 30 mg/kg fBR as compared with 60 mg/kg of α-lipoic acid and BR. Conclusions : fBR showed preventive effects on LPS-induced acute lung injury, which resembles acute respiratory distress syndrome. The mechanisms of action were likely via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory means.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제35권1호
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• pp.43-58
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• 2022

Background: Current therapies are quite unsuccessful in the management of neuropathic pain. Therefore, considering the inhibitory characteristics of GABA mediators, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of GABAergic neural precursor cells on neuropathic pain management. Methods: Search was conducted on Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A search strategy was designed based on the keywords related to GABAergic cells combined with neuropathic pain. The outcomes were allodynia and hyperalgesia. The results were reported as a pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: Data of 13 studies were analyzed in the present meta-analysis. The results showed that administration of GABAergic cells improved allodynia (SMD = 1.79; 95% CI: 0.87, 271; P < 0.001) and hyperalgesia (SMD = 1.29; 95% CI: 0.26, 2.32; P = 0.019). Moreover, the analyses demonstrated that the efficacy of GABAergic cells in the management of allodynia and hyperalgesia is only observed in rats. Also, only genetically modified cells are effective in improving both of allodynia, and hyperalgesia. Conclusions: A moderate level of pre-clinical evidence showed that transplantation of genetically-modified GABAergic cells is effective in the management of neuropathic pain. However, it seems that the transplantation efficacy of these cells is only statistically significant in improving pain symptoms in rats. Hence, caution should be exercised regarding the generalizability and the translation of the findings from rats and mice studies to large animal studies and clinical trials.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제65권5호
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• pp.680-687
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• 2022

Objective : The influence of moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) on acute pulmonary injury is well established, but the association between acute pulmonary injury and mild TBI has not been well studied. Here, we evaluated the histological changes and fluctuations in inflammatory markers in the lungs to determine whether an acute pulmonary inflammatory response occurred after mild TBI. Methods : Mouse models of mild TBI (n=24) were induced via open-head injuries using a stereotaxic impactor. The brain and lungs were examined 6, 24, and 72 hours after injury and compared to sham-operated controls (n=24). Fluoro-Jade B staining and Astra blue and hematoxylin staining were performed to assess cerebral neuronal degeneration and pulmonary histological architecture. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis was done to measure inflammatory cytokines. Results : Increased neuronal degeneration and the mRNA expression of interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-10, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β were observed after mild TBI. The IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β levels in mice with mild TBI were significantly different compared to those of sham-operated mice 24 hours after injury, and this was more pronounced at 72 hours. Mild TBI induced acute pulmonary interstitial edema with cell infiltration and alveolar morphological changes. In particular, a significant infiltration of mast cells was observed. Among the inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α was significantly increased in the lungs at 6 hours, but there was no significant difference 24 and 72 hours after injury. Conclusion : Mild TBI induced acute pulmonary interstitial inflammation and alveolar structural changes, which are likely to worsen the patient's prognosis.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제48권6호
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• pp.703-713
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• 2021

The field of vascularized composite allografts (VCAs) has undergone significant advancement in recent decades, and VCAs are increasingly common and accepted in the clinical setting, bringing hope of functional recovery to patients with debilitating injuries. A major obstacle facing the widespread application of VCAs is the side effect profile associated with the current immunosuppressive regimen, which can cause a wide array of complications such as infection, malignancy, and even death. Significant concerns remain regarding whether the treatment outweighs the risk. The potential solution to this dilemma would be achieving VCA tolerance, which would allow recipients to receive allografts without significant immunosuppression and its sequelae. Promising tolerance protocols are being studied in kidney transplantation; four major trials have attempted to withdraw immunosuppressive treatment with various successes. The common theme in all four trials is the use of radiation treatment and donor cell transplantation. The knowledge gained from these trials can provide valuable insight into the development of a VCA tolerance protocol. Despite similarities, VCAs present additional barriers compared to kidney allografts regarding tolerance induction. VCA donors are likely to be deceased, which limits the time for significant pre-conditioning. VCA donors are also more likely to be human leukocyte antigen-mismatched, which means that tolerance must be induced across major immunological barriers. This review also explores adjunct therapies studied in large animal models that could be the missing element in establishing a safe and stable tolerance induction method.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.329-336
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• 2023

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to compare the characteristics of patients with trauma by age group in a single center in Korea to identify the clinical characteristics and analyze the risk factors affecting mortality. Methods: Patients aged ≥18 years who visited the Chungbuk National University Hospital Regional Trauma Center between January 2016 and December 2022 were included. The accident mechanism, severity of the injury, and outcomes were compared by classifying the patients into group A (18-64 years), group B (65-79 years), and group C (≥80 years). In addition, logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting death. Results: The most common injury mechanism was traffic accidents in group A (40.9%) and slipping in group B (37.0%) and group C (56.2%). Although group A had the highest intensive care unit admission rate (38.0%), group C had the highest mortality rate (9.5%). In the regression analysis, 3 to 8 points on the Glasgow Coma Scale had the highest odds ratio for mortality, and red blood cell transfusion within 24 hours, intensive care unit admission, age, and Injury Severity Score were the predictors of death. Conclusions: For patients with trauma, the mechanism, injured body region, and severity of injury differed among the age groups. The high mortality rate of elderly patients suggests the need for different treatment approaches for trauma patients according to age. Identifying factors affecting clinical patterns and mortality according to age groups can help improve the prognosis of trauma patients in the future.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• 제56권3호
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• pp.334-341
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• 2023

Anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) injuries are the most common cause of ankle sprains. To ensure anatomically accurate surgery and ultrasound imaging of the ATFL, anatomical knowledge of the bony landmarks around the ATFL attachment to the distal fibula is required. The purpose of the present study was to anatomically investigate the ATFL attachment to the fibula with respect to bone morphology and attachment structures. First, we analyzed 36 feet using micro-computed tomography. After excluding 9 feet for deformities, the remaining 27 feet were used for chemically debrided bone analysis and macroscopic and histological observations. Ten feet of living specimens were observed using ultrasonography. We found that a bony ridge was present at the boundary between the attachments of the ATFL and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) to the fibula. These two attachments could be distinguished based on a difference in fiber orientation. Histologically, the ATFL was attached to the anterodistal part of the fibula via fibrocartilage anterior to the bony ridge indicating the border with the CFL attachment. Using ultrasonography in living specimens, the bony ridge and hyperechoic fibrillar pattern of the ATFL could be visualized. We established that the bony ridge corresponded to the posterior margin of the ATFL attachment itself. The ridge was obvious, and the superior fibers of the ATFL have directly attached anteriorly to it. This bony ridge could become a valuable and easy-to-use landmark for ultrasound imaging of the ATFL attachment if combined with the identification of the fibrillar pattern of the ATFL.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제41권3호
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• pp.195-199
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• 2024

A free-range wild raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) was rescued with cachexia. Physical examination revealed generalized hyperkeratosis and alopecia typical of scabies as well as hypothermia (35.6℃). The patient was obtunded and severely dehydrated (10%). Hematological parameters included a low packed cell volume (PCV; 15%) and hemoglobin concentration, leukocytosis, and hypoglycemia. A blood smear revealed different subtypes of hypochromic leptocytes, indicating a regenerative response against severe anemia. This case was initially tentatively diagnosed as a severe anemia due to chronic external bleeding presumed to be caused by scabies-induced skin injuries. Darbepoetin alpha (DPO), iron dextran, and fluralaner were administered at the initial presentation, and supportive care including oxygen supplementation, warming, and nutritional support was provided. However, on day 5, the PCV dropped to 5.9% presumably caused by rapid rehydration due to drinking water ad libitum. DPO was boosted on days 5 and 6 along with daily iron dextran. On day 21, the PCV had recovered to 19.8%, and a blood smear evaluation showed a strong regenerative response. This case shows that even if severe anemia occurs in a raccoon dog, it can be managed with an appropriate response. In particular, since the rehydration rate due to food intake is faster than the hematopoietic response rate of raccoon dogs, the PCV may decrease rapidly in the early stage of treatment; therefore, diagnostic examination and additional medical management for hematopoiesis are necessary.