• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.113-122
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• 2014

Objectives : This study investigated the improvement effects of Pakistani (DF-a) and Chinese Ephedra herba-containing Gangjihwan (DF-b) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a high fat diet-induced obese mouse model. Methods : Eight-week-old C57BL/6N mice were divided into five groups: a normal lean group given a standard diet, an obese control group given a high fat diet, and atorvastatin, DF-a, and DF-b groups given a high fat diet with atorvastatin (10 mg/kg), DF-a (80 mg/kg), and DF-b (80 mg/kg), respectively. After 8 weeks of treatment, body weight gain, blood lipid markers, ALT concentrations, liver weight and histology were examined. Results : 1. Body weight gain was significantly decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control. The extent of decreases was eminent in DF-a group. 2. Circulating concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control. The decreases were most effective in atorvastatin group. 3. Liver weights were decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control. In particular, liver weight was significantly reduced in DF-b group. 4. Hepatic lipid accumulation was significantly decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control, and the magnitude of which was most effective in DF-b group. 5. Circulating ALT concentrations were decreased in DF-a, DF-b, and atorvastatin groups compared with control, but ALS levels were significantly reduced only in DF-b group. Conclusions : In conclusion, these results suggest that DF-a and DF-b decrease body weight gain, improve blood lipid metabolism, and reduce liver weight and hepatic lipid accumulation, contributing to the improvement of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, these effects were similar between Pakistani and Chinese Ephedra herba-containing Gangjihwan.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.22-29
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• 2007

Purpose: Metastatic thyroid cancers with I-131 uptake have been known to show no increase of FDG uptake whereas those without I-131 uptake tend to demonstrate increased uptake on PET. In this study, we evaluated the degree of FDG uptake in primary thyroid cancers of papillary histology before surgery. Material & Methods: Forty FDG PET studies were performed on the patients who had papillary cancer proven by fine needle aspiration. The degree of FDG uptake was visually categorized as positive or negative (positive if the tumor showed discernible FDG; negative if the tumor didn't) and the peak standard uptake value (peak SUV) of the papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) were compared with the size of PTC. Results: The mean size of 26 PTC with positive FDG uptake was $1.9{\pm}1.4\;cm(0.5{\sim}5\;cm)$. In 13 PTC with negative FDG uptake, the mean size of those was $0.5{\pm}0.2\;cm\;(0.2{\sim}0.9\;cm)$. All PTC larger than 1cm ($2.5{\pm}1.4\;cm,\;1{\sim}5\;cm$) have positive FDG uptake (peak $SUV=6.4{\pm}5.7,\;1.7{\sim}22.7$). Among the micropapillary thyroid cancer (microPTC; PTC smaller than 1cm), 8 microPTC show positive FDG uptake(peak $SUV=2.9{\pm}1.3,\;1.7{\sim}5.5$), while 13 microPTC show negative finding(peak $SUV=1.3{\pm}0.2,\;1.1{\sim}1.7$). The size of microPTC with positive FDG uptake is significantly larger than that of microPTC with negative FDG uptake ($0.7{\pm}0.1\;cm$ vs $0.4{\pm}0.2\;cm$, p=0.01). Conclusion: All PTCs larger than 1cm show positive FDG uptake in our study. In other words, thyroid lesions larger than 1cm with negative FDG uptake are unlikely to be PTC. So far, only poorly differentiated thyroid cancers are known to show increased FDG uptake. Our results seem to be contradictory to what is known in the literature. Further study is needed to understand better the significance of increased FDG uptake in PTC in relation to expression of NIS and GLUT.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.157-164
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• 2009

Background: Various studies and experimental trials have been done to develop bioprosthetic devices to treat complex congenital heart disease due to the limited usage of homograft tissue. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of diamine bridges with using L-lysine, as compared with using ethanol. Material and Method: Porcine pericardium was fixed at 0.625% GA (commercial fixation). An interim step of ethanol (80%; 1 day at room temperature) or L-lysine (0.1 M; 2 days at $37^{\circ}C$) was followed by completion of the GA fixation (2 days at $4^{\circ}C$ and 7 days at room temperature). The tensile strength and thickness of the porcine percardium were measured, respectively. The treated pericardiums were implanted subcutaneously into three-week old Long-Evans rats for 8 weeks. The calcium content of the implants was assessed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and the histology. Result: Ethanol pretreatment ($13.6{\pm}10.0ug/mg$, p=0.008), L-lysine pretreatment ($15.3{\pm}1.0 ug/mg$, p=0.002), and both treatment ($16.1{\pm}11.1ug/mg$, p=0.012) significantly inhibited calcification, as compared with the controls $(51.2{\pm}8.5ug/mg)$. L-lysine pretreatment ($0.18{\pm}0.02mm,\;1.20{\pm}0.30kg$ f/5 mm) significantly increased the thickness and tensile strength, as compared with ethanol pretreatment ($0.13{\pm}0.03mm,\;0.85{\pm}0.36$ 1.0 kg f/5 mm) (p<0.01, p=0.035). Conclusion: The diamine bridges using L-lysine seemed to decrease the calcification of porcine pericardium fixed with glutaraldehyde, and this was comparable with Ethanol. Additionally, it seemed to enhance the thickness and tensile strength.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.563-567
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• 2008

Background: The histomorphological properties of the left anterior desecending artery (LAD), the left internal thoracic arteries (LITA), the radial arteries (RA) and the intercostal arteries (ICA) were studied for their use as a conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and we compared them with each other. Material and Method: All the vessels were harvested from nineteen cadavers (17 males and 2 females). The mid-portion of the LAD, the mid-portion of the LITA, the distal RA and the mid-portion of the 5th ICA were obtained. All of them were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and with Van Gieson's elastin stain. The morphological characteristics were examined and the thicknesses of the intima and media (I/M ratio: the intima to media ratio) were compared using one-way ANOVA tests. Result: The mean age of the cadavers was $61.5{\pm}9.6$ years. The LITA and ICA were elastic arteries, and the LAD and RA were muscular arteries. The I/M ratio showed statistically significant differences: $0.07{\pm}0.03$ in the LITA, $0.16{\pm}0.11$ in the ICA, $0.45{\pm}0.29$ in the RA and $0.93{\pm}0.52$ in the LAD, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed that the degrees of intimal hyperplasia of the CA and the various conduits for CABG were different significantly. The ICA was found to have relatively favorable characteristics as a coronary by pass conduit, but its suitability for clinical use is a challenging issue.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.105-114
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• 2009

Ethane 1,2-dimethane sulfonate (EDS) is a well-known alkylating agent used as selective Leydig cell (LC) toxicant to create a testicular dysfunction model. Previous studies including our own clearly demonstrated the dramatic weight loss of the androgen dependent accessory sex organs such as epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate gland in this 'LC knock-out' rats. The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of EDS administration on histological changes of the epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate in adult rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (350$\sim$400 g B.W.) were injected with a single dose of EDS (75 mg/kg, i.p.) and sacrificed on weeks 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Tissue weights (testis, epididymis, seminal vesicle and prostate gland) were measured. The histological changes of tissue were observed by a light microscopy using hematoxylin & eosin staining. Weights of the reproductive and accessory organs progressively declined after the EDS treatments (weeks 1, 2 and 3). After this, the decrease was stopped, then gradually returned to the normal levels. There was a partial (about 60%) recovery of the epididymis weight during weeks $6{\sim}7$. The cross section of epididymis revealed an increase in thickness of the epithelium during weeks $1{\sim}3$. In contrast, considerable reduction of epithelial thickness in seminal vesicle was observed during same period. Similarly, a reduction in thickness of prostate epithelial layer was found during weeks $1{\sim}3$, then it was back to normal thickness after week 4. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that the temporally induced androgen-deficiency by EDS treatment could result the prominent alterations in histology of the accessory sex organs. Further studies on the physiological and molecular regulation of these androgen-sensitive organs using EDS model will be helpful to understand the normal and pathological development and differentiation mechanism of these organs.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.3
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• pp.276-285
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• 2008

Purpose : Allergic proctocolitis is a major cause of bloody stool in early infancy. This study was aimed at ascertaining the clinical courses, sigmoidoscopic and histologic findings of allergic proctocolitis. We also analyzed the relationship between peripheral eosinophilia, the age at symptom onset, and sigmoidoscopic and histologic findings. Methods : We reviewed 25 infants retrospectively who had sigmoidoscopy and biopsy performed with a clinical diagnosis of allergic proctocolitis from April 2003 to April 2007. Results : The mean age at symptom onset was $15.2{\pm}13.2$ weeks. Fourteen infants (56.0%) were breast fed, one (4.0%) was formula fed, six (24.0%) were on combined formula, and four (16.0%) were on a weaning diet. Peripheral eosinophilia (${\geq}250/mm^3$) was seen in eighteen infants (75.0%), but total serum IgE was increased only in six (24.0%). Sigmoidoscopic findings were variable from normal (8.0%), erythema or edema (20.0%), lymphoid hyperplasia (8.0%), erosion (12.0%), hemorrhage and ulcer (4.0%) to lymphoid hyperplasia with erosion, hemorrhage, or ulcer (48.0%). Histologic findings showed focal infiltration of eosinophils in lamina propria (96.0%) and crypt epithelium (96.0%). In twenty four infants (96.0%), the number of eosinophils in mucosa was increased by a more than 60/10 high power field. There was a negative correlation between peripheral eosinophilia and the age at symptom onset. Among the twelve breast fed infants, bloody stool disappeared in ten (83.0%) with a maternal elimination diet of major food groups, but two improved spontaneously. Conclusion : Allergic proctocolitis should be considered as one of the major causes of bloody stool in healthy appearing infants. To confirm the diagnosis it is necessary to perform sigmoidoscopy and biopsy but histologic findings are more informative than sigmoidoscopic findings. Peripheral eosinophilia was prominent in the infants with an early onset of symptoms. Most infants experienced benign courses and recovered with the elimination of causative foods but did not need exclusive food restrictions.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.116-133
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• 1996

The biocompatibility of the titanium has been estabilished through various experimental studies such as cell culture toxicity test, pyrogen test, mutagen test and others. In order to confirm biocompatibility after fabrication of titanium and to clarify the difference between the bone reaction after insertion of the lathed titanium rods and the bone reaction after insertion of the finished and polished rods, both rods were implanted into the proximal femur of a rabbit. Histologic reactions in the bone were observed according to the ASTM standards at the intervals of 6 weeks, 12 weeks and 26 weeks after implantation. The result were as follows : In 6 weeks after implantation of lathed titanium rods, inflammatory reactions, such as minimal degree infiltration of polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lymphocytes were observed in all cases. This was thought to he caused by surgical trauma. However, inflammatory cell infiltration was not seen after implantation of polished and finished rods in all cases. The cellular infiltration and the histologic reaction of the hone after implantation of lathed group were significantly more pronounced than those after implantation of the finished group. In 12 weeks after implantation of lathed rods, two of four cases revealed a minimal degree of cellular infiltration. No inflammatory cell infiltration was demonstrated after implantation of the finished group. The cellular infiltration and histologic reaction seemed to be more pronounced in the lathed group, but they were not significant statistically. At 26 weeks after implantation of the lathed and finished group, there was no cellular infiltration in both groups. New bone formation was observed up 26 weeks, and no difference between lathed titanium rods and finished titanium rods were apparent. Mild bone necrosis was observed in 1 case out of 11 cases in which lathed titanium rods were implanted. Bone necrosis was not observed in the finished titanium rod group. Fibrosis was observed in both groups, but differences were not significant between the experimental groups. In the lathed titanium rods group and the shorter interval group, inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly higher. Finished titanium rods and longer interval groups had markedly decreased tendences in histologic reaction ratings. As a conclusion, although certificated titanium might be safe to use, difference of biocompatibility were observed depending on the method of surface finish. By identifying biocompatibility as a long-term standardized animal study, we can develop progressed internal fixation device that is safe for human beings.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.196-205
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• 1987

This study was conducted in order to obtain the informatin of the histochemical changes in each of 6 segments of the epididymal ducts in 32 Korean native male goats. The male goats were examined, dividing into 7 groups, at 4 잔 intervlas from 8 to 32 wks of age. The reuslts obtained were as follows: 1. PAS reaction showed positive on the basal and upper part beyond the nucleus of the peithelium of effernt ductules throughout all the classes of age. It was also positive on the free border and basal and upper part beyond the nucleus of the caput, on the free border andbasal parts of the corpus, and on the basal part of the cauda of the epididymal epithelium. 2. Acid phosphatase reaction was negative on the every part of epididymal epithelium at the age of 8 weeks, however, with the aging it became strangly positive on the areas between the free border and the nucleus, and moderately positive on the basal part of epithelium of the caput and corpus. In the free border adn basal part of the cauda, it was slightly positive. alkaline phosphatase reactin was negative on the every part of epididymal epithelium until 12 weeks of age. From 16 weeks, free border of epididymal epithelium becaqme slightly positive, and from 20 weeks, the reaction became stronger on the basal part but weekend on the free border with the aging. 3. In the sudan black B staining, many blue black granules between the free border and the nucleus, some granules on the basal part, and a few granules on the cytoplasm around the nucleus of the epididymal epithelium were observed from 8 weeks of age as early, and the granules were increased in number with the aging. 4. In Azan staining, reddish violet granules below the nucleus and blue granules on the upper part beyond the nucleus in some cells of epithelia of efferent ductules were noted at 12th and 16th week, and after 24th week, the granules were decreased with the aging. Golgi apparatus were clearly observable on the upper part beyond the nucleus of all parts of epididymal epithelium from 8th week, and also number of intracytoplasmic vacuoles(smaller ones on the upper part and larger ones on the basal part beyond the nucleus) and fine granules were increased with the aging. 5. In the toluidin blue staining, reddish purple granules on the basal part of the epithelium in all the parts of epididymal ducts, particularly brilliant in the cauda, were observed from 8th week as early. 6. In the Cowdry staining, numerous mitochondria, according to aging, were observed between the free border of epithelium and the upper part beyond the nucleus particularly in the catus and corpus of the epididymal ducts.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.76-90
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• 1993

To clarify the relations between photoperiodism and x-organ of eyestalks to the control of gonadal maturation in a freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium nipponense, the present investigation was performed with following examinations: 1) the influence of water temperature and daylength on the control of gonadal maturation, 2) the effect of eyestalk ablation on the gonadal maturation, 3) the seasonal variation of histology of MEX-organ (medulla externa X-organ) in the eyestalk. In previtellogenesis period (December${\sim}$March) and vitellogenesis period (April${\sim}$May), gonadal maturation was considerablely influnced by water temperature. In these periods, GSI increased and gonads were matured with water temperature rising without regard to photoperiod conditions (12L/12D and 15L/9D). In spawning period (June${\sim}$August), however, gonadal maturation was influenced by photoperiod condition. While high value of GSI was kept at long photoperiod regime (15L/9D), GSI was decreased at short photoperiod regime (12L/12D). In resting period (September${\sim}$November), no rematuration was occurred at all the experimental regimes combinated with water temperatures ($16^{\circ}C,\;22^{\circ}C,\;28^{\circ}C$) and photoperiod (12L/12D, 15L/9D). Effect of X-organ which inhibite the gonadal maturation was stronger in resting period than that in previtellogenesis and ealy spawning periods by observations on the effectiveness of eyestalk ablation on the gonadal maturation. In MEX-organ of eyestalk, the number of neurosecretory cells of which size was over $20{\mu}m$ in diameter varied according to the reproductive cycle. The number of cells increased $77{\pm}12$ in resting period, and decreased $55{\pm}7$ in vitellogenesis period. Volume of Bellonci's organ, however, increased in vitellogenesis period in comparison with that in resting period.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.272-283
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• 2016

This study compared and analyzed the occluding effects of fluoride compounds and desensitizers, which are commonly used in dental clinics, on dentinal tubules. This study also evaluated the persistence of the active ingredients over time by performing toothbrushing with an electric toothbrush. Thirty-five molar teeth, which had been extracted within the past 3 months from healthy people without tooth decays, amalgam fillings, or dental crowns, were divided into 4 pieces each. Of these, 135 teeth pieces were used as study specimens. These specimens were divided into a control group, an untreated group, and 5 experimental groups (acidulated fluoride gel, fluoride varnish, Gluma, Super Seal, and SE-Bond). The specimens were then subjected to toothbrushing equivalent to 1 week (140 times), 2 weeks (280 times), and 4 weeks (560 times), and the occluding effects on dentinal tubules in 3 regions of each specimen were examined under a scanning electron microscope. The fluoride varnish treated group showed the highest degree of dentinal tubule occlusion effects during the first, second, and fourth weeks of toothbrushing, with the SE-Bond treated group showing the second highest degree and the Gluma treated group showing the lowest degree. After 4 weeks of toothbrushing, the Gluma treated group and the Super Seal treated group showed the lowest degrees of dentinal tubule occlusion effects. In summary, the fluoride varnish treated group and the SE-Bond treated group displayed higher occlusion effects even after 4 weeks of treatment than did the other experimental groups. Therefore, it is the authors' belief that fluoride varnish and SE-Bond are effective for treating dentinal hyperesthesia.