• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.56 no.1
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• pp.141-144
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• 2023

Knowledge of variations of renal vessels is of utmost importance in retroperitoneal surgeries and kidney transplant surgeries. We report concurrent variations of the right renal vessels, observed in an adult male cadaver during dissection classes. The right kidney was supplied by three renal arteries, out of which two entered the kidney through the hilum and the other one entered through the lower pole of the kidney. There were five renal veins, emerging independently from the hilum and opening separately through five openings into the inferior vena cava. Among the veins, only one emerged anterior to the renal pelvis and the other four emerged behind it. Four of them terminated into the posterolateral aspect of the inferior vena cava, whereas one terminated into its anterior aspect. Fourth vein from above, received the right testicular vein. The renal hilum was clogged with the presence of seven vessels and renal pelvis.

• Composites Research
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.46-52
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• 2024

The development of transportation methods has improved human transportation convenience and made it possible to expand the travel radius of people with disabilities who have difficulty moving. However, in the case of WAV (wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), the safety that may occur in a vehicle accident is still lower than that of regular passenger seats. In particular, in the case of a rear-end collision that may occur in a defenseless situation, it can cause fatal neck injuries to disabled passengers. Therefore, a more detailed design plan must be reflected in the headrest to be applied to WAV. In this study, a multi-cell headrest was proposed to implement local compression characteristic distribution of the headrest during rear-end collision of WAV. Afterwards, a correlation analysis was performed between the passenger's NIC (Neck Injury Criterion) and impact energy absorption using the data set construction through analysis and the clustering results using k-means clustering. As a result of clustering, it was confirmed that data clusters with similar characteristics were formed, and a correlation analysis between NIC and impact energy absorption through the characteristics of each cluster was performed. As a result of the analysis, it was confirmed that the softer the cell compression characteristics in Mid3 and Mid6, the more impact energy absorption increases, and the harder the cell compression characteristics in Front2, Mid3, and Mid6, the more effective it is in reducing NIC.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.5
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• pp.1374-1381
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• 2004

The water extract of Dohongsamul-tang(DHSMT)has been traditionally used for treatment of ischemic heart in oriental medicine. However, little is known about the mechanism by which the water extract of DHSMT rescues cells from these damages. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of DHSMT on zinc-mediated cytotoxicity in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. This study demonstrates that treatment of H9c2 cells with zinc caused a decrease in cell viability in a dose dependent manner and a chromatin condensation. Zinc induced the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). In addition, zinc induced the decrease of Bcl-2, as well as increase of Bak expression and mitochondrial dysfunction. Zinc-induced H9c2 cell death was remarkably prevented by the pretreatment of DHSMT with consistent suppression of the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), mitochondrial dysfunction and the expression of Bak and Bcl-2. Taken together, the results suggest that zinc induced severe cell death in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells via intracellular GSH(reduced glutathione) depletion and the protective effects of DHSMT against oxidative injuries may be achieved through modulation of mitochondrial dysfunction and scavenging of ROS(reactive oxygen species).

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.434-440
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• 2018

Objective : The purpose of this study was to find an optimal delivery route for clinical trials of intrathecal cell therapy for spinal cord injury in preclinical stage. Methods : We compared in vivo distribution of Cy5.5 fluorescent dye in the spinal cord region at various time points utilizing in vivo optical imaging techniques, which was injected into the lateral ventricle (LV) or cisterna magna (CM) of rats. Results : Although CM locates nearer to the spinal cord than the LV, significantly higher signal of Cy5.5 was detected in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord region at all time points tested when Cy5.5 was injected into the LV. In the LV injection Cy5.5 signal in the thoracic and lumbar spinal cord was observed within 12 hours after injection, which was maintained until 72 hours after injection. In contrast, Cy5.5 signal was concentrated at the injection site in the CM injection at all time points. Conclusion : These data suggested that the LV might be suitable for preclinical injection route of therapeutics targeting the spinal cord to test their treatment efficacy and biosafety for spinal cord diseases in small animal models.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.674-684
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• 2009

Objectives : In conditions of brain infarction, irreversible axon damage occurs in the central nerve system (CNS), because gliosis becomes a physical and a mechanical barrier to axonal regeneration. Reactive gliosis induced by ischemic injury such as middle cerebral artery occlusion is involved with up-regulation of GFAP and CD81. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of the Gongjin-dan (GJD) on CD81 and GFAP expression and its pathway in the rat brain following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Methods : In order to study ischemic injuries on the brain, infarction was induced by MCAO using insertion of a single nylon thread, through the internal carotid artery, into a middle cerebral artery. Cresyl violet staining, cerebral infarction size measurement, immunohistochemistry and microscopic examination were used to detect the expression of CD81 and GFAP and the effect on the infarct size and pyramidal cell death in the brain of the rat with cerebral infarction induced by MCAO. Also, c-Fos and ERK expression were measured to investigate the signaling pathway after GJD administration in MCAO rats. Results : Measuring the size of cerebral infarction induced by MCAO in the rat after injection of GJD showed the size had decreased. GJD administration showed pyramidal cell death protection in the hippocampus in the MCAO rat. GJD administration decreased GF AP expression in the MCAO rat. GJD administration decreased CD81 expression in the MCAO rat. GJD administration induced up-regulation of c-FOS expression compared with MCAO. GJD administration induced down-regulation of ERK expression compared with MCAO. Conclusion : We observed that GJD could suppress the reactive gliosis, which disturbs the axonal regeneration in the brain of a rat with cerebral infarction after MCAO by controlling the expression of CD81 and GFAP. The effect may be modulated by the regulation of c-Fos and ERK. These results suggest that GJD can be a candidate to regenerate CNS injury.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.177-183
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• 2000

We examined the neurotoxic effects of 3 glutathione (GSH) depletors, buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), diethyl maleate (DEM) and phorone, under the presence of trolox, cycloheximide (CHX), pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) or MK-801 in primary mouse cortical cell cultures. All three depletors induced neuronal death in dose and exposure time dependent manner, and decreased total cellular GSH contents. The patterns of the neuronal death and the GSH decrements were dependent on the individual agents. DEM $(200\;{\mu}M)$ induced rapid and irreversible decrement of the GSH. BSO (1 mM) also decreased the GSH irreversibly but the rate of decrement was more progressive than that of DEM. Phorone (1 mM) reduced the GSH content to 40% by 4 hr exposure, that is comparable to the decrement of BSO, but the GSH recovered and reached over the control value by 36 hr exposure. BSO showed a minimal neurotoxicity $(0{\sim}10%)$ at the end of 24 hr exposure, but marked neuronal cell death at the end of 48 hr exposure. The BSO (1 mM)-induced neurotoxicity was markedly inhibited by trolox or CHX and partially attenuated by MK-801. DEM induced dose-dependent cytotoxicity at the end of 24 hr exposure. Over the doses of $400\;{\mu}M,$ glial toxicity also appeared. DEM $(200\;{\mu}M)-induced$ neurotoxicity was markedly inhibited by trolox or PDTC. Phorone (1 mM) induced moderate neurotoxicity (40%) at the end of 48 hr exposure. Only CHX showed significant inhibitory effect on the phorone-induced neurotoxicity. These results suggest that the GSH depletors induce neuronal injury via different mechanisms and that GSH depletors should be carefully employed in the researches of neuronal oxidative injuries.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.235-242
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• 1998

Objectives : Alcohol-induced oxidative stress has been known to injure various tissues or organs. This stress is related with free radicals which are produced as the result of long-term alcohol consumption. Malonyldialdehyde(MDA) is produced by the interaction of free radicals and cell membrane lipids, and indicates the degree of lipid peroxidation indirectly. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between red blood cell(RBC) membrane lipid peroxidation by free radicals, and associated hepatic injuries and hematologic changes. Methods : Thirty-three subjects diagnosed as alcohol dependence according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria were evaluated within 72 hours after discontinuing alcohol drinking. Clinical characteristics were evaluated by CAGE questionnaire and Korean Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test(MAST). RBC membrane MDA level was measured as the marker of RBC membrane lipid peroxidation. Aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase(GGT) were used as the biochemical markers of liver damage due to alcohol ingestion. The alcohol-induced hematologic change was assessed by mean corpuscular volume(MCV). Results : The results were as follows. Clinical characteristics were not different between two groups having normal and abnormal levels of AST, ALT, GGT or MCV. The levels of MDA were not correlated with the clinical characteristics and serum levels of AST, ALT and GGT. However, there was a significant correlation between the levels of MDA and the value of MCV(p=0.017). Conclusions : These findings suggest that oxidative stress in alcohol dependence may not be reflected in liver enzyme markers such as AST, ALT and GGT, but may be reflected in MCV.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.167-171
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• 2009

Purpose: It is important to begin a transfusion safely and appropriately as soon as possible in a hemorrhagic shock patient. A group $O^+$ unmatched pack red blood cell (universal $O^+$) transfusion may satisfy that requirement. We report our experiences with universal $O^+$ to compare its usefulness for hemorrhagic shock patients with that of a matched pack red blood cell transfusion in the emergency department (ED). Methods: This is a retrospective study. Patients who had systolic blood pressure of less than 90 mmHg or a pulse rate of more than 120 beats per minute in the ED were included, and their medical records were reviewed. The collected data were demographic data, vital signs, blood test results, time to transfusion, the amount of transfusion, complications, and diagnoses. We calculated the emergency transfusion score (ETS) based on the patients' medical records. Results: Two hundred thirty-five patients were included. Forty-eight patients (36 trauma and 12 non-trauma patients) were transfused with a universal $O^+$. These patients had less time to transfusion compared with the cross-matched transfusion groups (35${\pm}$42 versus $170{\pm}187$ minutes, p<0.001). There were no differences in complications between groups (p=0.076). Of the patients who were transfused with universal $O^+$, 94.4% got more than 3 ETS. Conclusion: The universal $O^+$ transfusion, compared with matched pack red blood cell transfusion, should be a useful treatment for ED hemorrhagic shock patient due to its having a shorter time to transfusion without an increase in complications.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.1-13
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• 2013

Objectives : This study was performed to choose more effective neuro-protective acupuncture point and to verify the effect of acupuncture in promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis as a result of its neuro-vasculo-regenerative effect in middle cerebral artery occlusion model in rats. Methods : By TTc staining we chose the most effective acupuncture point with neuro-protection. We randomly divided into four groups: Such as (1) sham group(with sham-operation), (2) sham+acupuncture group(with sham-operation), (3) middle cerebral artery occlusion group, (4) MCAO+AT group. Acupuncture procedure was performed for four days. Total RNA was extracted using TRIzol reagent, according to the manufacturer's instructions, and was purified using an RNAeasy mini kit. Immuno-histochemistry was performed using primary antibody mouse anti-BrdU, NeuN, Dcx, and VEGF. Results : We found that $ST_{36}$ had the more neuroprotective effect than $LI_{11}$ and $SP_3$. The microarray analysis revealed that 54 genes were more expressed neurogenesis pathway in MCAO+AT group compared with MCAO group(fold changes greater than or equal to twofold change). 11 genes were more expressed angiogenesis pathway. And 7 genes were more expressed VEGF pathway. Immuno-histochemistry revealed that cell proliferation, cell migration and cell maturation were increased. Conclusions : This study demonstrated that acupuncture on $ST_{36}$ had neuro-protective and neuro-restorative effect in ischemic brain injuries. And its mechanism might be related to promote neurogenesis and angiogenesis. These results suggest that acupuncture have potential benefits for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.179-186
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• 2003

Human embryonic stem (hES) cell lines have been derived from human blastocysts and are expected to have far-reaching applications in regenerative medicine. The objective of this study is to improve freezing method with less cryo-injuries and best survival rates in hES cells by comparing various vitrification conditions. For the vitrifications, ES cells are exposed to the 4 different cryoprotectants, ethylene glycol (EG), 1,2-propanediol (PROH), EG with dime-thylsulfoxide (DMSO) and EG with PROH. We compared to types of vehicles, such as open pulled straw (OPS) or electron microscopic cooper grids (EM grids). Thawed hES cells were dipped into sequentially holding media with 0.2 M sucrose for 1 min, 0.1 M sucrose for 5 min and holding media for 5 min twice and plated onto a fresh feeder layer. Survival rates of vitrified hES cells were assessed by counting of undifferentiated colonies. It shows high survival rates of hES cells frozen with EG and DMSO (60.8％), or EG and PROH(65.8％) on EM grids better than those of OPS, compared to those frozen with EG alone (2.4％) or PROH alone (0％) alone. The hES cells vitrified with EM grid showed relatively constant colony forming efficiency and survival rates, compared to those of unverified hES cells. The vitrified hES cells retained the normal morphology, alkaline phosphates activity, and the expression of SSEA-3 and 4. Through RT-PCR analysis showed Oct-4 gene expression was down-regulated and embryonic germ layer markers were up-regulated in the vitrified hES cells during spontaneous differentiation. These results show that vitrification method by using EM grid supplemented with EG and PROH in hES cells may be most efficient at present to minimize cyto-toxicity and cellular damage derived by ice crystal formation and furthermore may be employed for clinical application.