Protoplast fusion is a useful technique for establishing fungal hybrids to overcome the natural barriers. The ultrastructure of protoplast and its fusion process were observed using a scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and a transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The protoplasts were variable in size from 0.5~15microm in diameter, and the mean diameter was about 3~5microm. It was impossible to discriminate protoplasts of Lentinula edodes from protoplasts of Coriolus versicolor by size and surface structure. Big aggregates of the dehydrated protoplasts were observed, after polyethylene glycol 4000 treatment. Nucleus, mitochondria, lipid granules and various vesicles having granules were scattered in the cytoplasm. The vesicles were heterogeneous in size and vary from one protoplast to another. The fused membrane layer of the two protoplasts was observed. Time protoplast membrane contact and reorganization of membrane components were essential condition for protoplast fusion. Transmission electron micrograph showed fused protoplasts and flattening of the cells in the area of the membrane contact. We hope that our electron microscopic observations provide some insights into the understanding of the fusion process of protoplast in fungi.
Cytoplasm ; Fungi ; Hope ; Lentinula* ; Membranes ; Mitochondria ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Protoplasts* ; Shiitake Mushrooms*

No abstract available.
Intussusception*

A 24-year-old man with tuberculosis meningitis developed acute paraplegia and sensory disturbances 5 weeks after receiving conventional antituberculous therapy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural extramedullary long segmental mass mimicking en plaque meningioma at the T2-T6 vertebrae levels. Prompt surgical decompression was performed. A histology examination of the mass revealed a tuberculoma. After surgery, the patient showed improved motor power and a normal bladder function. Intradural extramedullary tuberculoma of the spinal cord is rare complication of tuberculosis meningitis, which can occur as a response to conventional antituberculous therapy.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Male ; Meningeal Neoplasms/*diagnosis ; Meningioma/*diagnosis ; Spinal Cord Diseases/*diagnosis/surgery ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; Tuberculoma/*diagnosis/surgery ; Tuberculosis, Meningeal/*diagnosis/surgery ; Young Adult

No abstract available.
Follow-Up Studies* ; Lung Neoplasms* ; Lung*

Cancer tissues are characterized by increased glucose uptake. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG), a glucose analogue is used for the diagnosis of cancer in PET studies. This study was aimed to compare the glucose uptake and glucose transporter l(GLUT1) expression in various human colon cancer cells. We measured FDG uptake by cell retention study and expression of GLUTI using Western blotting. Human colon cancer cells, SNU-C2A, SNU-C4 and SNU-C5, were used. The cells were incubated with 1micro Ci/ml of FDG in HEPES-buffered saline for one hour. The FDG uptake of SNU-C2A,SNU-C4 and SNU-C5 were 16.8+/-1.36, 12.3+/-5.55 and 61.0+/-2.17cpm/microgram of protein, respectively. Dose-response and time-course studies represent that FDG uptake of cancer cells were dose dependent and time dependent. The rate of FDG uptake of SNU-C2A, SNU-C4 and SNU-C5 were 0.29+/-0.03, 0.21+/-0.09 and 1.07+/-0.07cpm/min/microgram of protein, respectively. Western blot analysis showed that the GLUT1 expression of SNU-C5 was significantly higher than those of SNU-C2A and SNU-C4. These results represent that FDG uptake into human colon cancer cells are different from each other. In addition, FDG uptake and expression of CLUT1 are closely related in human colon cancer cells.
Blotting, Western ; Colon* ; Colonic Neoplasms* ; Diagnosis ; Glucose ; Glucose Transport Proteins, Facilitative ; Humans*

OBJECTIVES: To examine the in vitro interactions of blastocyst attachment using type I collagen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ICR mice were used and follicular growth was stimulated by pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin. On day 4 of pregnancy, the uteri were removed and blastocysts were flushed. Mixtures of 1mL sterile water, 0.5mL DMEM, 2mL type collagen solution and 0.5mL 0.1M NaOH were prepared and transferred to an incubator where the collagen solution polymerized. Blastocysts were transferred to dishes previously coated with type I collagen. CMRL 1066 was used as the basic culture medium. It was supplemented with 1mM glutamine and 1mM sodium pyruvate plus 50 IU/ml penicillin and 50 mg/ml streptomycin. During the first 4 days the culture medium was supplemented with 20% fetal calf serum and thereafter with 20% heat inactivated human cord serum. All blastocysts were initially cultured for 2 days without media change. After 2 days, fresh medium was renewed daily. The stages of embryo growth were examined and recorded everyday under a dissecting microscope and classified according to the standard in vivo criteria set forth by Witschi. RESULTS: By 48h, nearly all blastocysts had attached to the surface of collagen pad. Following adhesion to the collagen pad, the blastocysts maintained their 3-dimensional integrity in contrast to control. The embryos in collagen pad were not flattening and kept polarity and spherical shape during culture. The polar trophoblast invaded the type I collagen downward unlike the horizontal growth in control. In the developmental stage of mouse blastocyst, there were significant differences between control and type I collagen group during day 4 and 5 culture. CONCLUSION: Blastocyst development was better in type I collagen group than control. Therefore, in vitro culture study using type I collagen could provide improved model for the establishment of blastocyst implantation study.
Animals ; Blastocyst ; Chorionic Gonadotropin ; Collagen ; Collagen Type I* ; Embryo Implantation ; Embryonic Structures* ; Female ; Glutamine ; Gonadotropins ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Incubators ; Mice* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Penicillins ; Polymers ; Pregnancy ; Pyruvic Acid ; Sodium ; Streptomycin ; Trophoblasts ; Uterus ; Water

Anesthesia, General ; Cleft Palate ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Electrocoagulation ; Emergencies ; Fistula ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Infant ; Critical Care ; Palate, Soft ; Shock ; Uvula ; Wounds and Injuries

No abstract available.
Femur*

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the cross-sectional area (CSA) and the moment arm length (MAL) of the paraspinal muscles in the degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients compared to the matched control patients, which is through contribution to the stability of the back. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied a comprised of 25 degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis on L4/5 patients and a controlled group with 42 chronic lower back pain patients. In both groups, we measured body mass index (BMI, kg/m2). On the standing lateral radiographs, we measured the total lumbar lordosis, and segmental lumbar lorodosis using Cobb's methods. We measured the degree of slippage by Meyerding classification. The CSA of erector spinae (CSA) and CSA of psoas were measured at the L4/5 level by using the MRI. The statistical analysis were performed to know the relationship between the CSA and the MAL of erector spinae, and the BMI. Multifidus and erector spinae atrophy were evaluated at the L4/5 level and the degree of fatty atrophy was estimated using three grades : mild, moderate, and severe. RESULTS: The patient group and the controlled group BMI (kg/m2) were 25.27+/-3.8 and 24.47+/-3.24. In patient group, Meyerding classification grade I was 92%. Total lumbar lordosis and each segmental lordosis were measured mean angle 44.54degrees(24.9degrees~70.4degrees), and each 9.23degrees(L3/4), 10.27degrees(L4/5), 18.81degrees(L5/S1). Pearson's rho indicated a positive association between the CSA and BMI (rho=0.603, p= 0.001), between the CSA of psoas and BMI (rho=0.445, p=0.026), and between the CSA and MAL (rho=0.627, p=0.001) in the degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis patients. In terms of the CSA versus MAL, there was a positive association in the both groups (rho=0.627, p=0.001, MAL=0.0008 CSA+/-5.293 in the degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis group; rho=0.812, p=0.000, MAL=0.001 CSA+/-5.245 in the control group with using linear regression analysis). Independent t-test revealed that both groups had statistically different mean values (p=0.038) in terms of the CSA. Proportion of fat deposits in the multifidus and erector spinae muscle at the L3/4 level were all mild grades. CONCLUSION: The patients with degenerative lumbar spondylolisthesis had atrophied erector spinal muscles, which means harmful because of the poor compensation for the lower back load and poor assists to the lumbar stability. This suggests that the biomechanical factor of the muscles influence to the lumbar disability.
Animals ; Arm ; Atrophy ; Body Mass Index ; Compensation and Redress ; Humans ; Linear Models ; Lordosis ; Low Back Pain ; Muscles ; Spondylolisthesis

We present a patient who complained of excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), which started three years ago. She had no other medical, neurological, and psychiatric disorders. Nocturnal polysomnography did not indicate any sleep disorders, which might cause daytime EDS, such as obstructive sleep apnea. The following multiple sleep latency test was not compatible for narcolepsy. Her laboratory findings were remarkable for subclinical hypothyroidism, although free T4 and T3 were within reference rage, she had elevated thyroid stimulating hormone. After four weeks of levothyroxine treatment, her EDS resolved. The hypersomnolence, as a presenting symptom of subclinical hypothyroidism, was optimally treated after thyroid hormone replacement.
Disorders of Excessive Somnolence* ; Humans ; Hypothyroidism* ; Narcolepsy ; Polysomnography ; Rage ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; Sleep Wake Disorders ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyrotropin ; Thyroxine*