In the present study, the effects of different photoperiods on stress, immunity, and hematological parameters in ICR mice were evaluated. Fifty male ICR mice 7 weeks old (body weight, 27.3 +/- 2.5 g) were divided into five groups: DP-0 (0/24-h light/dark cycle), DP-6 (6/18-h light/dark cycle), DP-12 (12/12-h light/dark cycle), DP-18 (18/ 6-h light/dark cycle), and DP-24 (24/0-h light/dark cycle). During the experimental period, no significant differences in body weight or feed intake were observed between the groups. Hematological analysis revealed that white blood cell, red blood cell, and hemoglobin values for the DP-0 group were significantly different compared to those of the other groups. After 28 days, no significant difference in serum cortisol concentration was observed among the groups, but serum cortisol levels increased in a light exposure-dependent manner. Total serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations of the DP-0 and PD-6 groups were significantly increased compared to those of the other groups (P < 0.05), and serum total IgG levels decreased in a light exposure-dependent manner. Results of the present study indicated that various photoperiods affect hematological parameters and total serum IgG levels in ICR mice while having no significant effects on body weight, feed intake, or cortisol levels.
Animals ; Body Weight ; Erythrocytes ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; Immunoglobulin G ; Leukocytes ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR* ; Photoperiod*

PURPOSE: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) of prematurity is very important disease to study because it causes many cases of perinatal morbidity and its incidence is now increasing. Nowadays indomethacin is the drug of choice for PDA closure, but its use has been limited due to its side effects. Therefore, we compared the effect and side effects of indomethacin according to the infusion method, continuous versus intermittent infusion, to find better an administration method. METHODS: Twenty-five preterm infants who were admitted to Seoul National University Children's Hospital (SNUCH) NICU from March 1995 to August 1996 with a diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and PDA, were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to intertmittent lV group or continuous lV group. Each group received three intermittent doses or continuous infusion over 36 hours, respectively. We analyzed the perinatal history, time of diagnosis and treatment of PDA, size of PDA, and compared the laboratory parameters, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular echogenecity (PVE), ductal closure and perinatal morbidity before and 48 hours after indomethacin administration between the two groups. RESULTS: Fourteen infants (birth weight 1,149 +/- 373g) were intermittent lV group and eleven infants (birth weight 1,212 +/- 504g) were continuous lV group. There were no significant difference between the groups in perinatal history, pretreatment laboratory parameters, ductal closure, and perinatal morbidity. Patients with IVH of grade 2 or more increased significantly in intermittent lV group (50%) compared to continuous lV group (9%), and PVE progressed significantly in intermittent lV group (64%) compared to continuous lV group (18%). CONCLUSION: Continuous infusion of indomethacin for PDA closure in preterm infants with RDS appears to be as effective as intermittent infusion of indomethacin in closing PDA and have less side effects such as IVH and PVE progress.
Diagnosis ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Indomethacin* ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature* ; Seoul

PURPOSE: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) of prematurity is very important disease to study because it causes many cases of perinatal morbidity and its incidence is now increasing. Nowadays indomethacin is the drug of choice for PDA closure, but its use has been limited due to its side effects. Therefore, we compared the effect and side effects of indomethacin according to the infusion method, continuous versus intermittent infusion, to find better an administration method. METHODS: Twenty-five preterm infants who were admitted to Seoul National University Children's Hospital (SNUCH) NICU from March 1995 to August 1996 with a diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and PDA, were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to intertmittent lV group or continuous lV group. Each group received three intermittent doses or continuous infusion over 36 hours, respectively. We analyzed the perinatal history, time of diagnosis and treatment of PDA, size of PDA, and compared the laboratory parameters, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular echogenecity (PVE), ductal closure and perinatal morbidity before and 48 hours after indomethacin administration between the two groups. RESULTS: Fourteen infants (birth weight 1,149 +/- 373g) were intermittent lV group and eleven infants (birth weight 1,212 +/- 504g) were continuous lV group. There were no significant difference between the groups in perinatal history, pretreatment laboratory parameters, ductal closure, and perinatal morbidity. Patients with IVH of grade 2 or more increased significantly in intermittent lV group (50%) compared to continuous lV group (9%), and PVE progressed significantly in intermittent lV group (64%) compared to continuous lV group (18%). CONCLUSION: Continuous infusion of indomethacin for PDA closure in preterm infants with RDS appears to be as effective as intermittent infusion of indomethacin in closing PDA and have less side effects such as IVH and PVE progress.
Diagnosis ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Indomethacin* ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature* ; Seoul

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Abdominal distension from the insufflation of air can create more troublesome discomfort after colonoscopy (CFS) than after upper endoscopy. Many patients report difficulty in expelling insufflated air after CFS. One previous study demonstrated that insertion of rectal tube at the conclusion of CFS significantly improves patient satisfaction with the procedure. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of rectal tube placement for abdominal decompression after CFS in an effort to limit patient discomfort by carefully applying air suction during CFS. METHODS: We conducted a prospective trial in 103 consecutive patients undergoing elective CFS. Patients were randomized to receive rectal tube placement at the end of the procedure or simple air suction during the procedure. Patients were evaluated by clinical symptoms and signs 10 minutes after completion of CFS. RESULTS: All 103 patients had a complete examination of the colon to the cecum. No specific complications occurred during and a day after examination. The two groups were well matched with respect to age, sex, height, weight, chief complaints. There were no significant differences between the two groups for bowel preparation, duration of examination, abdominal pain during procedure, abdominal disten-sion 10 minutes after CFS, and abdominal pain 10 minutes after CFS (p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Meticulous air suction during CFS reduces abdominal discomfort and distension after CFS and is as effectively as the placement of a rectal tube at the con-clusion of CFS.
Abdominal Pain ; Cecum ; Colon ; Colonoscopy* ; Endoscopy ; Humans ; Insufflation ; Lower Body Negative Pressure ; Patient Satisfaction ; Prospective Studies ; Suction

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study of surgically managed patients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of posterior stabilization of a thoracolumbar fracture, without fusion, followed by the removal of metal implants within an appropriate period. Changes in the sagittal alignment and the restoration of segmental motion were also investigated. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: In managing unstable thoracolumbar and lumbar fractures, posterior fusion, using a transpedicular screw system, has been the treatment of choice, but results in the permanent loss of segmental motion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar spine fractures, under 40 years of age (mean 28.4 years), were managed using this non-fusion method. Implants were removed at mean 9.2 months after the initial fixation of the fracture. For metal-fixed segments, the sagittal alignment, such as the angle of kyphosis, height of body, recovered motion range in flexion-extension and right-left bending view, were measured radiologically and compared with a control group. Clinical aspects, such as gross deformity and functional ability, were also investigated. RESULTS: The average sagittal angle at the time of injury was average 17.2 degrees, but became 1.7 degrees post-fixation, which increased after removal of the implants, reaching 9.8 degrees at the final follow up. The height of the fractured body was maintained until the final follow-up. The mean segmental motion measured in the sagittal and coronal planes were 11.7 and 9.5 degrees, respectively. Most patients were satisfied with the final gross appearance and functional outcomes. Only one patient showed considerable development of kyphotic angulation, but the functional outcome was good. CONCLUSION: The author's non-fusion method seems to be effective in achieving stability and sagittal alignment, as well as in regaining segmental motion of the fixed segments. The non-fusion method seems to be an effective method for managing thoracolumbar fractures, especially for young active persons.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Fractures* ; Spine

With the development of microsurgery, autogenous nerve grafting is being used widely in the treatment of the injured facial nerve. To use a donor graft for repair of the facial nerve, fascicular area and fascicular number should be considered in the selection of the donor site. This study demonstrated a detailed morphologic description of the facial nerve, including a microscopic assessment of nerve size and shape, and fascicular number and diameters. 40 embalmed hemi-sectioned head specimens from Korean adult cadavers were dissected to identify the facial nerve branches and nerve samples for histologic examination were cut from the anterior margin of the parotid gland.At the border of the parotid gland, the facial nerve specimens were found to have an average of 11 branches (ranging from 8 to 16). The branches were distributed among the five distinct branches, the buccal branch had the greatest number of branches (3.47), and the zygomatic branch had the largest diameters (0.93 mm). The number of fascicles varied from one to 9 over the course of the nerve, the trunk had the greatest number of fascicles (4.36), and averages indicated a tendency for fascicular numbers to decrease distally, from trunk (4.36) to upper division (3.72) to lower division (3.60) to marginal mandibular branch (2.37). The total fascicular area was averaging 2.72 mm2, 1.88 mm2, and 1.04 mm2 at trunk, upper division, and lower division, respectively. However no significant differences of the fascicular diameter could be shown between five branches. This results of detailed facial nerve microanatomy should help in the treatment of the injured facial nerve.
Adult ; Cadaver ; Facial Nerve ; Head ; Humans ; Microsurgery ; Parotid Gland ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants

Antemortem diagnosis of inferior vena cava (IVC) and cardiac metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is difficult but important to decide on treatment strategy. There are only a few cases of cardiac metastasis of HCC which have been diagnosed antemortem by echocardiography. We experienced 3 cases of IVC and Right atrial metastasis and 1 case of Left atrial metastasis of HCC. The tumor was discovered during computed tomography scanning. The patients had exhibited no signs of cardiac involvement. In this case, transesophageal echocardiography was valuable in providing information regarding the exact location of the tumor and its relation to surrounding anatomical structures. Left atrial metastasis of HCC is unusual patterns and probably related to tumor growth from the pulmonary veins following massive metastasis to the lung.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Diagnosis ; Echocardiography ; Echocardiography, Transesophageal ; Humans ; Lung ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Pulmonary Veins ; Vena Cava, Inferior

The purpose of this paper is to provide reference data related to the body weight, food & water consumptions, urinalysis, hematology and serum biochemistry parameters and absolute & relative organ weights obtained from control Sprague-Dawley rats, used in the 4-week and 13-week repeated-dose toxicity studies conducted in our laboratory between 2005 and 2008. The mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum range values for hematology and serum biochemistry parameters, data of absolute & relative organ weights, and the difference between sexes and study duration of week 4 versus 13 week are presented. The studies were conducted according to "the standards of Toxicity Study for Medicinal Products" (2005) and The KFDA Notification No. 2000-63 'Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)' (2000) issued by KFDA. These data could be used as reference material of Sprague-Dawley rats by conducting the studies to evaluate the toxicological profile of pre-clinical toxicity studies.
Biochemistry ; Body Weight ; Hematology ; Organ Size ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Urinalysis ; Water

Background: and Purpose The rate of donepezil discontinuation and the underlying reasons for discontinuation in Asian patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are currently unknown. We aimed to determine the treatment discontinuation rates in AD patients who had newly been prescribed donepezil in routine clinical practice in Asia. Methods: This 1-year observational study involved 38 institutions in seven Asian countries, and it evaluated 398 participants aged 50–90 years with a diagnosis of probable AD and on newly prescribed donepezil monotherapy. The primary endpoint was the rate of donepezil discontinuation over 1 year. Secondary endpoints included the reason for discontinuation,treatment duration, changes in cognitive function over the 1-year study period, and compliance as assessed using a clinician rating scale (CRS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Donepezil was discontinued in 83 (20.9%) patients, most commonly due to an adverse event (43.4%). The mean treatment duration was 103.67 days in patients who discontinued. Among patients whose cognitive function was assessed at baseline and 1 year, there were no significant changes in scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Trail-Making Test–Black and White scores, whereas the Clinical Dementia Rating score increased significantly (p<0.001). Treatment compliance at 1 year was 96.8% (306/316) on the CRS and 92.6±14.1% (mean±standard deviation) on the VAS. Conclusions In patients on newly prescribed donepezil, the primary reason for discontinuation was an adverse event. Cognitive assessments revealed no significant worsening at 1 year, indicating that continuous donepezil treatment contributes to the maintenance of cognitive function.

Background: and Purpose The rate of donepezil discontinuation and the underlying reasons for discontinuation in Asian patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are currently unknown. We aimed to determine the treatment discontinuation rates in AD patients who had newly been prescribed donepezil in routine clinical practice in Asia. Methods: This 1-year observational study involved 38 institutions in seven Asian countries, and it evaluated 398 participants aged 50–90 years with a diagnosis of probable AD and on newly prescribed donepezil monotherapy. The primary endpoint was the rate of donepezil discontinuation over 1 year. Secondary endpoints included the reason for discontinuation,treatment duration, changes in cognitive function over the 1-year study period, and compliance as assessed using a clinician rating scale (CRS) and visual analog scale (VAS). Results: Donepezil was discontinued in 83 (20.9%) patients, most commonly due to an adverse event (43.4%). The mean treatment duration was 103.67 days in patients who discontinued. Among patients whose cognitive function was assessed at baseline and 1 year, there were no significant changes in scores on the Mini-Mental State Examination, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Trail-Making Test–Black and White scores, whereas the Clinical Dementia Rating score increased significantly (p<0.001). Treatment compliance at 1 year was 96.8% (306/316) on the CRS and 92.6±14.1% (mean±standard deviation) on the VAS. Conclusions In patients on newly prescribed donepezil, the primary reason for discontinuation was an adverse event. Cognitive assessments revealed no significant worsening at 1 year, indicating that continuous donepezil treatment contributes to the maintenance of cognitive function.