PURPOSE: It has been suggested in our previous study that the level of xanthine oxidase(XO) activity, glutathione(GSH) and malonydialdehyde(MDA) in renal tissue following renal ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) could be used as marker of oxidant stress. Present study was undertaken to investigate the serum level of XO activity. GSH and MDA following renal I/R and to elucidate potential use of the serum level of GS H and MDA as makers of renal function following I/R injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats(200-250gm) were divided into 3 groups : group A - occlusion of bilateral renal arteries for 60 min, group B - pretreatment allopurinol(20mg/Kg). a radical scavenger, plus occlusion of renal arteries, and group C(control group) - sham operation. In group A and B, recirculation of renal arteries were performed for 30min. XO activity, xanthine dehydrogenase(XD) type conversion ratio, level of GSH and MDA were measured from venous blood. RESULTS: Both XO activity(nM/mg/min) and XD type conversion ratio(%) were increased in group A(XO; 0.173+/-0.012, XD; 60.44+/-4.32) and decreased in group B(XO; 0.136+/-0.01, XD; 45.40+/-4.78) compared to control group(XO; 0.153+/-0.012, XD; 46.93+/- 3.45). The level of GSH(microM/g tissue), a scavenger of oxygen free radical(OFR), was also decreased in group A(0.130+/-0.021) compared to group B(0.179+/-0.021) and control group(0.186+/-0.017). In addition, the level of MDA(nM/g tissue), which is a stable end product of lipid peroxidation, was significantly increased in group A(0.076+/-0.006) compared to group B(0.057+/-0.005) and control group(0.053+/-0.004). CONCLUSIONS: From these results, it is suggested that renal I/R injury is highly correlated with the production of OFR. Furthermore. the serum levels of MDA and GSH might be used as early markers of oxidant stress in association with renal I/R injury.
Animals ; Glutathione* ; Humans ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Male ; Malondialdehyde* ; Oxygen ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Renal Artery ; Xanthine Oxidase* ; Xanthine*

PURPOSE: It has been suggested in our previous study that the serum level of xanthine oxidise(XO) activity, glutathione(GSH), malonyldialdehyde(MDA) could be used as marker of oxidant stress in association with renal ischemia/reperfusion(I/R) injury. The present study was undertaken to establish the early marker of renal 1/R injury and to investigate the effect of deferoxamine on renal 1/R injury. MATERIALS AND METHOD: In Sprague-Dawley rats(male, 200-250gm, n=60), bilateral renal arteries were clamped for 60mins after pretreatment with deferoxamine(group A) or saline(group B). After 30min of bilateral renal recirculation, left nephrectomy and blood sampling in inferior vena cava were performed for in-vitro spectrophotometric study. Control animals(group C) did not undergo I/R operation. In-vivo renal function studies were performed in both group A and B with measurement of creatinine clearance rate(Ccr) at 7th day of experiments a%or renal ischmia for 60min. RESULTS: The levels of XO activity and XO type conversion ratio in renal tissue (RT) and serum(5) were measured. These levels were significantly high in group B, but were lower in group A compared to those of control group. The values of GSH(micrometer/g tissue), a scavenger of OFR, were decreased in group A (RT:0.183+/-0.019,5:0.201+/-0.029) and greatly decreased in group B(RT:0.159+/-0.009,5:0.164+/-0.022) compared to control group(RT:0.201+/-0.006,5:0.224+/-0.031). The values of MDA(nM/g tissue), a stable end product of lipid peroxidation, were increased in group A(RT:0.149+/-0.003, 5:0.058+/-0.004) compared to control group(RT:0.128+/-0.013, 5;0.055+/-0.005), but the values were significantly lower in group A compared to group B(RT:0.171+/-0.005, 5:0.070+/-0.003). Subsequent investigation was focused on the established renal function study after 1/R, which was determined using Ccr(ml/min). The Ccr in group A(2.06+/-0.03) was significantly higher compared to that of group 8(1.48+/-0.18), although it was slightly lower than in control group(2.18+/-0.05). CONCLUSIONS: From these results, it is suggested that renal I/R injury is highly correlated with the production of OFR. The levels of GSH and MDA in renal tissue and serum seem to be probable markers of oxidant stress in association with renal I/R injury. Furthermore, deferoxamine could reduce the degree of renal damage resulting from ameliorating the production of OFR following renal I/R injury.
Animals ; Creatinine ; Deferoxamine* ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Nephrectomy ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Renal Artery ; Vena Cava, Inferior ; Xanthine

Median raphe cyst is known as congenital lesion of the perineum and genitalia, but its etiology is unclear. Most investigators believe that the median raphe cyst represent defects in the embryologic developenient bf the male genitalia. Simple surgical excision is effective in most cases. We report our experience with two cases of median raphe cyst without specific symptoms. Even though median raphe cyst is asymptomatic, surgical therapy is worth applicable because it relieve a patient from cosmetic and psychotic problem.
Genitalia ; Genitalia, Male ; Humans ; Male ; Perineum ; Research Personnel

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify effects of guided imagery on stress including cognitive, affective, marital and social, and anxiety among women receiving in vitro fertilization (IVF). METHODS: Data were collected between April, 21 and June, 17, 2008. The participants in this study were 57 women (26 for the experimental group, 31 for the control group) receiving IVF for primary or secondary infertility in one of the outpatient infertility centers in Seoul. The guided imagery (Suk, 2001) was provided through audio CD to the experimental group by themselves 8 minutes per day for 2 weeks. Data were analyzed by SPSS 12.0 windows program. RESULTS: After guided imagery, the experimental group showed significantly lower affective stress and total stress scores. Anxiety scores increased significantly in the control group, but not in the experimental group after treatment. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that guided imagery is an effective nursing intervention for reducing stress especially affective stress and anxiety among infertile women receiving IVF in outpatient infertility center.
Anxiety ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Humans ; Imagery (Psychotherapy) ; Infertility ; Outpatients

PURPOSE: This study was done to examine the effects of abdominal breathing on VAS-Anxiety (VAS-A), blood pressure, peripheral skin temperature and saturation oxygen in pregnant women in preterm labor. METHODS: The study design was a matched control group interrupted time series. Forty-six women matched to gestational age were assigned to either the experimental group (26) or control group (20). Data were collected between March 2007 and May 2008. For the experimental treatment the women performed abdominal breathing 30 times, which took 5 minutes, and did one set of 5-minute abdominal breathing daily for three days. Data collection was done before and after the abdominal breathing to measure VAS-A, blood pressure, peripheral skin temperature and oxygen saturation. Descriptive, chi-square, Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze the data with the SPSS/PC+Win 15.0 program. RESULTS: For the experimental group there were significant decreases in VAS-A (Z=-4.37, p=.00), systolic blood pressure (Z=-3.38, p=.00), and an increase in skin temperature (Z=-4.50, p=.00) and oxygen saturation (Z=-3.66, p=.00). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that abdominal breathing in pregnant women in preterm labor results in decreases in anxiety(VAS-A) including biological evidences such as systolic blood pressure, and increases in peripheral skin temperature and oxygen saturation. Further longitudinal study is needed on the lasting effects and obstetric and neonatal outcomes following abdominal breathing.
Anxiety ; Arginine Vasopressin ; Blood Pressure ; Data Collection ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Oxygen ; Pregnancy ; Pregnant Women ; Respiration ; Skin ; Skin Temperature

Ten patients with muscle-invading bladder carcinoma (clinical stage T2-TsB Nx Mo, T.C.C.) who were not candidates for cystectomy were treated with combined cisplatin and external-beam radiotherapy From Mar. 1990 through Feb. 1992. Results of the combined therapy had been compared with those of the radiation therapy alone. Using this combined therapy, 5(71.4%) of 7 patients achieved partial remission with a mean follow-up of 10.8 months. Three patients died of unrelated causes. Partial remission following radialion therapy alone was 6 (60%) of 10 patients. Patients with complete remission was none in the two groups. All patients in the combined therapy group were nauseated on the day treatment was given and 7 patients developed total atopecia. The malaise associated with cisplatin therapy tended to increase with the number of courses. All patients refused further treatment on this account (mean amount of cisplatin received: 3 courses). Combined cisplatin and radiotherapy may be applied to patients unsuited for radical cystectomy. Tolerance to cisplatin and radiotherapy was poor due to relatively severe toxicity, poor performance status with old age and underlying medical disease. Refinement of this protocol, careful selection of patients and longer follow-up will be necessary to determine the real benefit of this alternative modality.
Cisplatin* ; Cystectomy ; Drug Therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Radiotherapy* ; Urinary Bladder*

Aneurysms of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) are rarely encountered. In particular, due to frequent anatomic complexity and the presence of nearby critical structures, PICA origin aneurysms are difficult to treat. However, recent reports of anecdotal cases using advanced endovascular instruments and skills have made the results of endovascular treatment rather outstanding. PICA preservation is the key to a successful endovascular treatment, based on the premise that a PICA origin aneurysm is well occluded. To secure PICA flow, stenting into the PICA would be the best method, however, it is nearly impossible technically via the ipsilateral vertebral artery (VA) if the PICA arose at an acute angle from the sac. In such a case, a bilateral approach for stent-assisted coiling can be a creative method for achievement of two goals of both aneurysm occlusion and PICA preservation: ipsilateral approach for coil delivery and contralateral cross-over approach for stent delivery via a retrograde smooth path into the PICA.
Achievement ; Aneurysm ; Arteries ; Intracranial Aneurysm ; Pica ; Stents ; Vertebral Artery

A policy concerning vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in the renal transplantation candidate has been surgical correction or nephroureterectomy before renal transplantation because theoretically immunosuppression can favour the occurrence of urinary tract infection(UTI), pyelonephritis or bacteremia. Nevertheless, surgical procedures prior to transplantation are associated with considerable morbidity and majority of teams have adopted a more conservative approach. The post-transplantation urinary morbidity of reflux patients is not well known. From November 1982 to October 1992, 247 living renal transplantation were performed by our kidney transplantation team. Of 247 patients who obtained voiding cystourethrography before transplantation, 209 patients (84.6% ) were checked urinalysis, serum BUN/creatinine and graft status following surgery every a week. Native VUR was seen to occur in 24 of the 209( 11.5%). Acute pyelonephritis( 16.7% vs 8.6% ) and graft survival(29% vs 23%) were not correlated with the presence or absence of reflux. Regardless of reflux, most of UTI episodes(79 %), including, pyelonephritis and asymptomatic UTI, developed within the first year of surgery. In summary, pre-transplantation surgicalcorrection or nephroureterectomy should not be per formed routinely in VUR patients because of a little morbidity and similar incidence of UTI episodes to that of non-reflux patients. Close attention and prompt, specific treatment is necessary to minimize the adverse influence of UTI during the first year following renal transplantation.
Bacteremia ; Humans ; Immunosuppression ; Incidence ; Kidney Transplantation* ; Pyelonephritis ; Transplantation ; Transplants* ; Urinalysis ; Urinary Tract Infections* ; Urinary Tract* ; Vesico-Ureteral Reflux*

We studied 73 patients with ischemic stroke (56 patients) and transient ischemic attacks (17 patients) to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the two techniques, tansthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). For detecting potential intracardiac sources of cerebral emboli. Group I (40 cases) patients had no clinical cardiac abnorrnality. And group II (33 cases) patients had cardiac abnormality upon clinical examination. In group I. Intracardiac abnormalities were detected in 5%(2 to 40) with TTE and 37.5%(15 to 40) with TEE, and 34.2%(13 to 38) with TEE among the patients with normal finding with TTE which was statistically significant difference. In group II. Intracardiac abnormalities were detected in 21.1%(7 to 33) with TTE and 75.8%(25 to 33) with TEE, and 69.2% (18 to 26) with TEE arnong the patients with normal finding with TTE In comparison of 40 patients uith intracardiac source of embolism by echocardiogram (group A) and 33 patients without cardiac source of embolism(group B), atrial fibrillation was observed in 12 patients in group A versus 2 in group B (p<0.01), mean atrial size was 41.5mm in group A versus 35.3mm in group B. and left ventricular hypertrophy was in lQ in group A versus 6 in group B. Territories of cerebral arteries in cerebral infarction or TlAs of 40 patients with intracardiac source of embolism showed middle cerebral artery in 32.5%, posterior cerebral artery in 25% and bilateral or multiple in l2.5%. We concluded that TEE is superior to TTE for detecting potential cardiac sources of embolism.
Atrial Fibrillation ; Cerebral Arteries ; Cerebral Infarction ; Echocardiography ; Echocardiography, Transesophageal* ; Embolism ; Humans ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; Intracranial Embolism* ; Ischemic Attack, Transient ; Middle Cerebral Artery ; Posterior Cerebral Artery ; Stroke

It is necessary to install ventilation facilities in the laboratory and to regularly monitor harmful gases including formalin for safe environment of the dissection laboratory. However, there are no indicators that can identify the current status of ventilation facilities, safety equipment, and protective equipment in the dissection laboratory. In this study, the status of safety management of anatomical lab at domestic medical, dental, and oriental medical universities are investigated through an online questionnaire. Of the total 32 universities, 7 universities (21.8%) regularly monitor harmful gases such as formalin in the dissection lab, 13 universities (40.6%) do it on an irregular basis, and 12 do not do it at all. Seven universities (21.8%) are using the exhaust-type dissection table, 24 universities (75%) are not using it. Regarding the need for standards for manpower and facilities in the management of the anatomy lab, 7 universities (21.8%) are mediocre, 21 universities are necessary (65.6%), and 4 universities (12.5%) are very necessary. The responsibility for anatomy lab is 27 universities (84.3%) of the schools that responded as head professors of the department of anatomy, 3 universities (9.3%) of technicians, and 2 universities (6.2%) of the dean of the medical school. Regarding the need for standards for the anatomical lab, 7 universities (21.8%) are very necessary, 21 universities (65.6%) are necessary, and 4 universities (12.5%) are mediocre. Based on this data, the standard for the quality improvement and safety of anatomical education should be prepared.