• Title/Summary/Keyword: Visual cortex

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Effects of Fatty Acids and Vitamin E Supplementation on Behavioral Development of the Second Generation Rat

  • Hwang, Hye-Jin;Um, Young-Sook;Chung, Eun-Jung;Kim, Soo-Yeon;Park, Jung-Hwa;Lee, Yang-Cha-Kim
    • Preventive Nutrition and Food Science
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    • v.7 no.3
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    • pp.265-272
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    • 2002
  • In this study, we examined the effects of dietary fatty acids on the fatty acid composition of phospholipid fractions in regions of the brain and on behavioral development in rats. The Sprague Dawley rats were fed the experimental diets 3~4 wks prior to the conception. Experimental diets consisted of 10% fat(wt/wt) which were from either safflower oil (SO, poor in $\omega$3 fatty acids), mixed oil MO, P/M/S ratio : 1:1.4:1, $\omega$6/$\omega$3 ratio = 6.3), or mixed oil supplemented with vitamin E (+500 mg/kg diet). At 3 and 9 weeks of age, frontal cortex (FC), corpus striatum (CS), hippocampus (H), and cerebellum (CB) were dissected from the whole brain. The fatty acid content was determined in the different phospholipid fractions: phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidyl-serine (PS), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) in the rat brain regions. In the visual discrimination test, the order of the cumulative errors made in Y-water maze test were SO > MO > ME. This suggested that the balanced diet supplemented with vitamin I had the most beneficial effect on learning ability. The overall characteristics of correlation between fatty acids and behavior development were that the frequency of cumulative errors were negatively correlated significantly with monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), ie., 18:1 $\omega$9 and 22:1 $\omega$9. Docosa-hexaenoic acid (22:6 $\omega$3) of PS in frontal cortex (FC) was negatively correlated with the number of errors made in the Y-water maze test.22:5 $\omega$6 PS in hippocampus (H), PC and PE in corpus striatum (CS), PC in cerebellum (CB) were positively correlated with cumulative errors. And these errors were negatively correlated with 20:4 $\omega$ 6 of PE in corpus striatum (CS) and PC in cerebellum (CB). Especially, O1eic acid (18:1 u 9) in all phospholipid fractions (PC, PS, PE) of hippocampus was negatively correlated with the number of errors. These findings demonstrate that the MUFAs were might be essential for proper brain development, especially in hippocampus which is generally thought to be the regions of memory and learning.

Beyond Clot Dissolution; Role of Tissue Plasminogen Activator in Central Nervous System

  • Kim, Ji-Woon;Lee, Soon-Young;Joo, So-Hyun;Song, Mi-Ryoung;Shin, Chan-Young
    • Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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    • v.15 no.1
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    • pp.16-26
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    • 2007
  • Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a serine protease catalyzing the proteolytic conversion of plasminogen into plasmin, which is involved in thrombolysis. During last two decades, the role of tPA in brain physiology and pathology has been extensively investigated. tPA is expressed in brain regions such as cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and cerebellum, and major neural cell types such as neuron, astrocyte, microglia and endothelial cells express tPA in basal status. After strong neural stimulation such as seizure, tPA behaves as an immediate early gene increasing the expression level within an hour. Neural activity and/or postsynaptic stimulation increased the release of tPA from axonal terminal and presumably from dendritic compartment. Neuronal tPA regulates plastic changes in neuronal function and structure mediating key neurologic processes such as visual cortex plasticity, seizure spreading, cerebellar motor learning, long term potentiation and addictive or withdrawal behavior after morphine discontinuance. In addition to these physiological roles, tPA mediates excitotoxicity leading to the neurodegeneration in several pathological conditions including ischemic stroke. Increasing amount of evidence also suggest the role of tPA in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis even though beneficial effects was also reported in case of Alzheimer's disease based on the observation of tPA-induced degradation of $A{\beta}$ aggregates. Target proteins of tPA action include extracellular matrix protein laminin, proteoglycans and NMDA receptor. In addition, several receptors (or binding partners) for tPA has been reported such as low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) and annexin II, even though intracellular signaling mechanism underlying tPA action is not clear yet. Interestingly, the action of tPA comprises both proteolytic and non-proteolytic mechanism. In case of microglial activation, tPA showed non-proteolytic cytokine-like function. The search for exact target proteins and receptor molecules for tPA along with the identification of the mechanism regulating tPA expression and release in the nervous system will enable us to better understand several key neurological processes like teaming and memory as well as to obtain therapeutic tools against neurodegenerative diseases.

PRELIMINARY STUDY OF BRAIN SPECT IN CHILDREN WITH PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDER OR DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE DISORDER (전반적발달장애 아동 및 발달성언어장애 아동의 뇌 단일광자방출전산화단층촬영 소견에 대한 예비연구)

  • Shin, Yee-Jin;Ryu, Young-Hoon;Yook, Ki-Hwan;Noh, Kyung S;Song, Dong-Ho;Lee, Ho-Bun
    • Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
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    • v.8 no.2
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    • pp.256-265
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    • 1997
  • Objectives:The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and differences of brain function in pervasive developmental disorder and developmental language disorder. Method:The subjects were composed of 14 cases of pervasive developmental disorder and 13 cases developmental language disorder. They were investigated by technitium-99m-EDC SPECT. All SPECT were visually assessed by two nuclear medicine specialists, and then quantified by region of interest including temporal, parietal cortex, thalamus, basal ganglia and cerebellum. Result:In both groups, cerebral blood flow was decreased in the temporal, parietal cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, cerebellum by visual assessment. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups by quantitative and qualitative assessment. Conclusion:These results suggest that pervasive developmental disorder and developmental language disorder are caused by defects in the interneural connection and that both disorders are spectrum disorders.

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Metabolic Changes on Occipital Cortex during Visual Stimulation with Functional MR Imaging and H MR Spectroscopy (기능적 자기공명영상법과 양성자 가지공명분광법을 이용한 시각자극에 의한 후두염 피질의 대사물질 변화)

  • Kim, Tae;Suh, Tae-Suk;Choe, Bo-Young;Kim, Sung-Eun;Lee, Heung-Kyu;Shinn, Kyung-Sub
    • Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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    • v.3 no.1
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    • pp.47-52
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    • 1999
  • Purpose : The purpose of this study was aimed to evaluate the BOLD(blood oxygen level dependent) contrast fMRI(functional MR imaging) in the occipital lobe and to compare with the metabolic changes based on H MRS (MR spectroscopy) and MRSI (MR spectroscopic imaging) before and after visual stimulation Materials and Methods : Healthy human volunteers (eight males and two females with 24-30 year age) participated in this study. All of the BOLD fMRI were acquired on a 1.5T MR with EPI during supervised visual stimulation in the occipital lobe. The red flicker with 8Hz was used for visual stimulation. After imaging acquisition, the MR images were transferred into unix workstation and processed with acquired from the same location based on the activation map. MRSI (magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging) was also acquired to analyze the lactate changes before and after stimulation. Results : The activation maps were successfully produced by BOLD effect due to visual stimulation. NAA (N-acetyle aspartate)/Cr (creatine) ratio varied only from $1.79{\pm}0.28{\;}to{\;}1.88{\pm}0.20$ in activation area before and after stimulation. However, the signal intensity of lactate was elevated $9.48{\pm}4.38$ times higher than before activation. Lactate metabolite images were consistent with the activation maps. Conclusion : The BOLD contrast fMRI is enough sensitive to detect the activated area in human brain during the visual stimulation. Lactate metabolite map presents the evidence of lactate elevation on the same area of activation.

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Small animal brain functional MRI study using light stimulation (광자극을 이용한 소동물 뇌 fMRI 연구)

  • Kim, Wook;Park, Yong Sung;Ko, In Ok;Kang, Kyung Joon;Kang, Joo Hyun;Lim, Sang Moo;Woo, Sang-Keun
    • Proceedings of the Korean Society of Computer Information Conference
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    • 2016.07a
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    • pp.295-296
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    • 2016
  • 본 연구에서는 LED 광 자극이 뇌의 어느 영역을 자극하여 신경신호를 전달하는지에 관해서 관찰하고자 연구를 진행하였다. 광 자극에 의한 뇌 영역의 활성변화를 관찰하기 위하여 실험용 소동물과 영상장비인 9.4T MRI를 이용하여 연구를 수행 하였다. 실험용 소동물은 Balb/c 마우스를 이용하였으며 기능적 자기공명영상 획득 방법 중 하나인 에코평면영상 기법을 이용하여 뇌 영상을 획득 하였다. 획득한 영상을 바탕으로 뇌 영역의 자극 정도를 확인해보기 위해 영상처리기법인 재편성(realignment), 일치(co-registration), 표준화(normalization), 평활화(smoothing) 방법으로 영상을 전처리 하고, statistical parametric map (SPM12)을 사용하여 분석하였다. 본 연구에서는 광자극이 소동물 뇌 영역 중 하나인 상구(Superior colliculus)영역과 대뇌의 시각피질 (visual cortex, V1) 영역에서 자극을 일으키는 것을 확인할 수 있었다.

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Comparing pain relief and functional improvement between methylprednisolone and dexamethasone lumbosacral transforaminal epidural steroid injections: a self-controlled study

  • Donohue, Nicholas K.;Tarima, Sergey S.;Durand, Matthew J.;Wu, Hong
    • The Korean Journal of Pain
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    • v.33 no.2
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    • pp.192-198
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    • 2020
  • Background: Previous studies have shown varying results between lumbosacral transforaminal epidural steroid injections (TFESIs) performed with particulate versus non-particulate corticosteroids. The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in pain relief and functional improvement between particulate and nonparticulate lumbosacral TFESIs in patients who had undergone both injections, sequentially. Methods: This was a self-controlled, retrospective study of 20 patients who underwent both a methylprednisolone and a dexamethasone TFESI to the same vertebral level and side. Primary outcomes included pain relief according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) and functional improvement determined by a yes/no answer to questions regarding mobility and the activities of daily living. Post-injection data was recorded at 2, 3, and 6 months. Results: A decrease in VAS scores of -3.4 ± 3.0 (mean ± standard deviation), -3.1 ± 3.1, and -2.8 ± 3.4 was seen for the methylprednisolone group at 2, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Similar decreases of -3.9 ± 3.5, -3.4 ± 2.8, and -2.3 ± 3.4 were seen in the dexamethasone group. There was no significant difference in pain relief at any point between the two medications. The percentage of subjects who reported improved function at 2, 3, and 6 months was 65%, 51%, and 41%, respectively, for the methylprednisolone group and 75%, 53%, and 42% for the dexamethasone group. Conclusions: These findings support the use of non-particulate corticosteroids for lumbosacral TFESIs in the context of documented safety concerns with particulate corticosteroids.

The Comparison of the Neurocognitive Functions between Dysthymic Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder (기분부전장애 환자군과 주요우울장애 환자군의 신경인지학적 기능 비교)

  • Kang, Rhee-Hun;Ham, Byung-Joo;Cha, Ji-Hyun;Lee, Min-Soo
    • Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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    • v.9 no.2
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    • pp.103-111
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    • 2002
  • Neurocognitive research focusing on cognitive deficits in Depression has resulted in several important but yet potentially contradictory findings. Much literature documents the presence of significant neurocognitive impairments in depressive patients. Studies have shown that dysthymic disorder patients demonstrate a diffuse pattern of cognitive impairment which is frequently indistinguishable from that of focal braindamaged patients. Some reports have suggested that there is a focal pattern of deficit, such as anterior cingulate dysfunction, frontal lobe impairment, or dysfunction of the temporal-limbic cortex. The aim of this study is to evaluate the neurocognitive functions in dysthymic disorder patients, and to compare the functions with those of major depressive disorder patients. The subjects are 17 dysthymic disorder patients. And their neurocognitive functions are compared with those of 23 major depressive episode patients. Patients with a history of neurologic disease, alcohol dependence, substance abuse and mental retardation are excluded. They are assessed with a part of Vienna Test System which is computerized neurocognitive function tests and can evaluate attention, eductive ability, reproductive ability, visuoperceptual analysis, vigilance, visual immediate memory, the speed of information-processing, judgement, and fine motor coordinations. There are no other specific difference between two groups, except the result of cognitrone test. This study provides information about the neurocognitive functions and some difference between major depressive disorder patients and carefully diagnosed dysthymic disorder patients.

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Reduced Gray Matter Volume of Auditory Cortical and Subcortical Areas in Congenitally Deaf Adolescents: A Voxel-Based Morphometric Study

  • Tae, Woo-Suk
    • Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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    • v.19 no.1
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    • pp.1-9
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    • 2015
  • Purpose: Several morphometric studies have been performed to investigate brain abnormalities in congenitally deaf people. But no report exists concerning structural brain abnormalities in congenitally deaf adolescents. We evaluated the regional volume changes in gray matter (GM) using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) in congenitally deaf adolescents. Materials and Methods: A VBM8 methodology was applied to the T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of eight congenitally deaf adolescents (mean age, 15.6 years) and nine adolescents with normal hearing. All MRI scans were normalized to a template and then segmented, modulated, and smoothed. Smoothed GM data were tested statistically using analysis of covariance (controlled for age, gender, and intracranial cavity volume). Results: The mean values of age, gender, total volumes of GM, and total intracranial volume did not differ between the two groups. In the auditory centers, the left anterior Heschl's gyrus and both inferior colliculi showed decreased regional GM volume in the congenitally deaf adolescents. The GM volumes of the lingual gyri, nuclei accumbens, and left posterior thalamic reticular nucleus in the midbrain were also decreased. Conclusions: The results of the present study suggest that early deprivation of auditory stimulation in congenitally deaf adolescents might have caused significant underdevelopment of the auditory cortex (left Heschl's gyrus), subcortical auditory structures (inferior colliculi), auditory gain controllers (nucleus accumbens and thalamic reticular nucleus), and multisensory integration areas (inferior colliculi and lingual gyri). These defects might be related to the absence of general auditory perception, the auditory gating system of thalamocortical transmission, and failure in the maturation of the auditory-to-limbic connection and the auditorysomatosensory-visual interconnection.

Surgical Treatment of the Fifth Metatarsal Base Fracture Using Multiple Kirschner Wires (다발성 Kirschner 강선을 이용한 제 5중족골 기저부 골절의 수술적 치료)

  • Kim, Jihyeung;Kim, Jang Woo;Lee, Jeong Ik;Kim, Sang Kil;Rhee, Seung Hwan
    • Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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    • v.18 no.1
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    • pp.24-28
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    • 2014
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of internal fixation using multiple Kirschner wires (K-wires) for the fifth metatarsal base fracture. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 14 patients with a displaced fifth metatarsal base fracture. We measured the distance of fracture displacement on the foot oblique radiograph pre- and post-operatively. We evaluated the clinical results using the visual analog pain scale at six weeks and three months postoperatively and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) mid-foot score at six months postoperatively. Results: In our series, 10 cases were zone I fracture and four cases were zone II fracture. We achieved anatomical reduction and bony union in all of our cases. The average time to bone union was 43 days. The degree of pain around the fifth metatarsal base was significantly decreased after surgery. The average AOFAS score was 95 at six months postoperatively. Conclusion: Multiple K-wire fixation is a relatively simple fixation method for displaced fifth metatarsal base fractures. If we place a K-wire into the medial cortex of the fifth metatarsal, we could prevent proximal migration of the K-wire.

The Understanding of The Ideomotor Apraxia: Focusing on The Neurological Causes (관념운동실행증의 이해: 신경학적 원인을 중심으로)

  • Shin, Su-Jung;Lee, Joo-Hyun;Park, Jin-Hyuck
    • Therapeutic Science for Rehabilitation
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    • v.4 no.1
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    • pp.19-28
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    • 2015
  • Introduction : The Understanding of neurological lesion relating to apraxia will help to predict symptoms according to a lesion and to establish a proper treatment and goal. So, This study will explain causes and mechanism of a movement error of ideomotor apraxia through literature review and also will suggest the evidence using in treatment. Body : Ideomotor apraxia may occur a damage of the production part in praxis system, and is common in damage of a cortex rater than damage of a subcortex. According to study with gesture, movement of upper limbs is relate of left parietal lobe but finger movement is relate of frontal lobe. The visual and tactile stimulation through using real objects could guide into proper movement aside from memory of a skilled action. Conclusion : Praxis can occur through diverse neurological processing and various external stimulations can help praxis processing. Therefore, the treatment of ideomotor apraxia need to use this stimulations.