BACKGROUND: Ischemic preconditioning enhances the tolerance of myocardium against ischemia/reperfusion injury, with the enhancement of the recovery of post-ischemic myocardial function. This study was disigned to assess whether the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning could provide one additional hour of myocardial preservation in four hour myocardial ischemia in a rate heart. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Fourty four Spargue-Dawley rats, weighing 300-450gm, were divided into four groups. Group 1(n=7) and group 3 (n=12) were subjected to 30 minutes of aerobic Langendorff perfusion without ischemic preconditioning and then preserved in saline solution at 2-4 degree C for 4 hours and 5 respectively. Group 2 (n=7) and group 4 (n=18) were perfused in the same way for 20 minutes, followed by 3 minutes of global mormothermic ischemia and 10 minutes of perfusion and then preserved in the same cold saline solution for 4 hours and 5 hours respectively. Heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), and coronary flow were measured at 15 minutes during perfusion as baseline. Spontaneous defibrillation time was measured after reperfusion. Heart rate, LVDP, and coronary flow were also recorded at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 45 minutes during reperfusion. Samples of the apical left ventricular wall were studied using a transmission electron microscope. Time of spontaneous defibrillation (TSD) was significantly longer in group 4 than in group 1 (p<0.001), and TSD in group 1 was significantly longer in comparision to that of group 2 (p<0.05). Heart rate at 45 minutes was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 4 (p<0.05). Heart rate at 15 min was significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1(p<0.001) and in group 4 than in group 3 (p<0.05). Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) at 30 minutes and 45 minutes was higher in group 1 than in group 4 (p<0.01), LVDP at 45 minutes was higher in group 4 than in group 3 (p<0.05). Rate-pressure product (RPP) at 30 minutes and 45 minutes was higher in group 1 than in group 4 (p<0.05). RPP at 15 minutes was higher in group 2 than in group 1 (p<0.01). RPP at 30 minutes and 45 minutes was higher in group 4 than in group 3 (p<0.05). Group 2 showed relatively less sarcoplasmic edema and less nuclear chromatin clearance than group 1. Group 4 showed less myocardial cell damage than group 3, group 4 showed less myocardial cell damage than group 3, group 4 showed more myocardial cell edema than group 1. CONCLUSION: Ischemic preconditioning enhanced the recovery of postischemic myocardial function after 4 hours and 5 hours preservation. However, it was not demonstrated that ischemic preconditioning could definitely provide one additional hour of myocardial preservation in four hour myocardial ischemia in a rat heart.
Animals ; Chromatin ; Edema ; Heart Rate ; Heart* ; Ischemia ; Ischemic Preconditioning* ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Myocardium ; Perfusion ; Rats* ; Reperfusion ; Sodium Chloride

No abstract available.
Rectovaginal Fistula*

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to define the cardioprotective effects (functional and metabolic) of newly developed DelNido cardioplegic solution (containing plasma solution, mannitol, magnesium and lidocaine). MATERIAL AND METHOD: This study assessed the function of rat hearts after itermittent infusion of DelNido cardioplegia with different preserving methods(Air or Icebox) for 2hours and perfusing the hearts on a Langendorff apparatus. Heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) and coronary flow, were measured at pre-ischemic, post-reperfusion 15min, 30min and 45min. Coronary flow was standardized to dry heart weight. Each weight was weighted to calculate water content. Creatine kinase-MB isoenzyme release was measured and ultrastructural assessment was done with electron microscopes. DelNido group was better than St, Thomas group and Icebox group was better than Room-air group. CONCLUSION: DelNido cardioplegia have better myocardial protective effects than St. Thomas cardioplegia when they were preserved in the Room-air. But we can not tell the difference between Delnido cardiplegia with Air preserving method and St. Thomas cardioplegia with Icebox.
Animals ; Cardioplegic Solutions ; Creatine ; Heart ; Heart Arrest, Induced* ; Heart Rate ; Magnesium ; Mannitol ; Plasma ; Rats ; Water

No abstract available.
Extracellular Space* ; Ischemia* ; Myocytes, Cardiac*

Three cases of Dupuytrens contracture which developed in hands were reported along with review of literatures. Partial fasciectomy was done as the choice of treatment for them to improve impairment of function of the hands. No attributable causes for the developement of the disease were found.
Dupuytren Contracture ; Hand

This experimental studies was to investigate the location of PNS and CNS labeled neurons following injection of 2% WGA-HRP and pseudorabies virus (PRV), beta-galactosidase inserted Bartha strain, into the epididymis of rats. After survival times 4~5 days following injection of 2% WGA-HRP and PRV-Ba-Gal, the rats were perfused, and their brain, spinal cord, sympathetic ganglia and spinal ganglia were frozen sectioned (30 mm). These sections were stained by HRP histochemical and beta-galactosidase histochemical staining methods, and observed with light microscope. The results were as follows : 1. The WGA-HRP labeled sympathetic ganglia projecting to the epididymis were observed in pelvic ganglion and L1-6 lumbar sympathetic ganglia. 2. The WGA-HRP labeled spinal ganglia projecting to the epididymis were observed in L1-6 spinal ganglia. 3. The beta-galactosidase labeled neurons projecting to the epididymis were observed in lamina VII of cervical segments. In thoracic segments, beta-galactosidase labeled neurons were observed in dorsomedial part of lamina I, II and III. Dense labeled neurons were observed in intermediolateral n. and dorsal commissural n.. In lumbar segment, labeled neurons were observed in lamina III, IV, V, dorsal commisural n. and superficial dorsal horn. 4. In the medulla oblongata, beta-galactosidase labeled neurons projecting to the epididymis were observed in the trigeminal spinal n., A1 noradrenalin cells/C1 adrenalin cells/caudoventrolateral reticular n., rostroventrolateral reticular n., area postrema, n. tractus solitarius, raphe obscurus n., raphe pallidus n., raphe magnus n., parapyra-midal n., lateral reticular n. and lateral paragigantocellular reticular n.. 5. In the pons, labeled neurons were observed in Kolliker-Fuse n., locus coeruleus, subcoeruleus n. and A5 noradrenalin cells. 6. In midbrain, labeled neurons were observed in periaqueductal gray substance, retrorubral n., substantia nigra and dorsal raphe n.. 7. In the diencephalon, labeled neurons were observed in paraventricular hypothalamic n., lateral hypothalamic nucleus., medial preoptic n. and retrochiasmatic n.. These results suggest that WGA-HRP labeled neurons of the spinal cord projecting to the rat epididymis might be the first-order neurons related to the viscero-somatic sensory and sympathetic postganglionic neurons, and beta-galactosidase labeled neurons of the brain and spinal cord may be the second and third-order neurons response to the movement of vascular smooth muscle in epididymis. These beta-galactosidase labeled neurons may be central autonomic center related to the integration and modulation of reflex control linked to the sensory and motor system monitoring the internal environment. These observations provide evidence for previously unknown projections from epididymis to spinal cord and brain which may be play an important neuroanatomical basic evidence in the regulation of epididymal function.
Animals ; Area Postrema ; beta-Galactosidase ; Brain ; Diencephalon ; Epididymis* ; Ganglia, Spinal ; Ganglia, Sympathetic ; Ganglion Cysts ; Herpesvirus 1, Suid* ; Horns ; Hypothalamic Area, Lateral ; Locus Coeruleus ; Male ; Medulla Oblongata ; Mesencephalon ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; Neural Pathways* ; Neurons ; Periaqueductal Gray ; Pons ; Pseudorabies* ; Rats* ; Reflex ; Spinal Cord ; Substantia Nigra ; Wheat Germ Agglutinin-Horseradish Peroxidase Conjugate*

The safety and efficacy of the CO2laser as a replacement for the steel scalpel is well documented in plastic surgery, but the use of the laser blepharoplasty has been controversy. This study compares and contrasts the use of the CO2 laser with conventional method in cosmetic upper eyelid blepharoplasty. Thirteen Patients underwent blepharoplasty in a paired comparison study. Four patients(Group A) underwent blepharoplasty by laser, another four patients (Group B) underwent blepharoplasty by conventional method, and the other five patients(Group C) underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty using the laser on one eye and a conventional method on the other side. Preoperative factor(set up time, equipment), intraoperative factor(actual operation time, bleeding, visibility), postoperative factor(swelling, ecchymosis, immediate & short term result) were evaluated. The advantage of using the CO2 laser rather than the steel scalpel in blepharoplasty are less bleeding and superior intraoperative visibility. The disadvantage of using the laser compared with steel scalpel include the cost of purchasing and maintaining the laser equipment, the need for additional and extensive laser training for surgeons and assistants, and the need for two assistants rather than the one needed for scalpel surgery There were no complications with either the scalpel or the laser.
Bleeding Time ; Blepharoplasty* ; Carbon Dioxide* ; Carbon* ; Ecchymosis ; Eyelids* ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Lasers, Gas* ; Matched-Pair Analysis ; Steel ; Surgery, Plastic

For many years the standard surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome has been division of the transverse carpal ligament under direct vision through a palm incision. Although the effectiveness and Patient acceptability of the conventional open carpal tunnel release are good, disability from a painful palm cutaneous neuroma, and prolonged swelling are reported Endoscopic carpal tunnel release seems to result in less postoperative morbidity, and minimal serious complications. Because endoscopic carpal tunnel release leaves the overlying skin, the subcutaneous fat and the palmer fascia and its attachments to the thenar and hypothenar musculature intact its proponents maintain that their patient have less scar tenderness, quicker recovery of grip strength, and earlier to return activities of daily living and work The endoscopic approach(Agee single portal technique), which includes specific localization of the hook of hamate, flexor retinaculum and the superficial palmar arch utilizing topographical landmarks, avoids entry into Guyon's canal and common digital nerves. We experienced four cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. In four cases, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome have been performed endoscopic carpal tunnel release with minor complication.
Activities of Daily Living ; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ; Cicatrix ; Fascia ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Ligaments ; Neuroma ; Skin ; Subcutaneous Fat

BACKGROUND: The Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate (HTK) solution has been shown to provide the excellent myocardial protection as a cardioplegia. The HTK solution has relatively low potassium as an arresting agent of myocardium, and low sodium content, and high concentration of histidine biological buffer which confer a buffering capacity superior to that of blood. Since HTK solution has an excellent myocardial protective ability, it is reported to protect myocardium from ischemia for a considerable time (120 minutes) with the single infusion of HTK solution as a cardioplegia. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of HTK solution on myocardium when the ischemia is exceeding 120 minutes at two different temperature (10 to 12degrees C, 22 to 24degrees C) using the Langendorff apparatus. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Hearts from Sprague-Dawley rat, weighing 300 to 340 g, were perfused with Krebs-Henseleit solution at a perfusion pressure of 100 cm H2O. After the stabilization, the heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), and coronary flow were measured. Single dose of HTK solution was infused into the ascending aorta of isolated rat heart and hearts were preserved at four different conditions. In group 1 (n=10), hearts were preserved at deep hypothermia (10~12degrees C) for 2 hours, in group 2 (n=10), hearts were preserved at moderate hypothermia (22~24degrees C) for 2 hours, in group 3 (n=10), hearts were preserved at deep hypothermia for 3 hours, and in group 4 (n=10), hearts were preserved at moderate hypothermia for 3 hours. After the completion of the preservation, the heart rate, left ventricular developed pressure, and coronary flow were measured at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 45 minutes after the initiation of reperfusion to assess the cardiac function. Biopsies were also done and mitochondrial scores were counted in two cases of each group for ultrastructural assessment. RESULT: The present study showed that the change of heart rate was not different between group 1 and group 2, and group 1 and group 3. The heart rate was significantly decreased at 15 minutes in group 4 compared to that of group 1 (p<0.05 by ANCOVA). The heart rate was recovered at 30 minutes and 45 minutes in group 4 with no significant difference compared to that of group 1. The decrease of LVDP was significant at 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 45 minutes in group 4 compared to that of group 1 (p<0.001 by ANCOVA). Coronary flow was significantly decreased at 15 minutes, 30 minutes, and 45 minutes in group 4 compared to that of group 1 (p<0.001 by ANCOVA). In ultrastructural assessment, the mean myocardial mitochondrial scores in group 1, group 2, group 3, and group 4 were 1.02+/-0.29, 1.52+/-0.26, 1.56+/-0.45, 2.22+/-0.44 respectively. CONCLUSION: The HTK solution provided excellent myocardial protection regardless of myocardial temperature for 2 hours. But, when ischemic time exceeded 2 hours, the myocardial hemodynamic function and ultrastructural changes were significantly deteriorated at moderate hypotherma (22~24degrees C). This indicates that it is recommended to decrease myocardial temperature when myocardial ischemic time exceeds 2 hours with single infusion of HTK solution as a cardioplegia.
Animals ; Aorta ; Biopsy ; Cardioplegic Solutions ; Heart Arrest, Induced ; Heart Rate ; Heart* ; Hemodynamics ; Histidine ; Hypothermia ; Ischemia ; Myocardium ; Organ Preservation ; Perfusion ; Potassium ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion ; Sodium

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), also referred to as complementary medicine describes those unconventional healthcare practices that are not considered standard medical approaches. The increasing popularity and use of CAM modalities by consumers indicate a high need to integrate CAM education into conventional medical curriculum and evaluate CAM-related educational outcomes including the medical students' attitudes towards CAM. The number of Korean medical schools offering courses in CAM has risen sharply in recent years. Educational courses of study in CAM have developed. The Korean Society of Complementary and Integrative Medicine proposed a standard 16-hour CAM curriculum for medical students. The CAM Health Belief Questionnaire (CHBQ) is useful in measuring the medical students' attitudes toward CAM theories and practices. The students have shown positive attitudes toward CAM. The findings of positive attitude/beliefs toward CAM is useful for guiding future CAM curriculum development. The didactic CAM instruction curriculum appeared not to have additionally impacted on already positive attitudes toward CAM. It seems that we have to collect information on changes in CAM knowledge and skills to demonstrate an increase in these domains of learning.
Complementary Therapies ; Curriculum ; Delivery of Health Care ; Humans ; Integrative Medicine ; Learning ; Schools, Medical ; Students, Medical ; Surveys and Questionnaires