Purpose: To verify the anti-microbiotic activity and to develop eco-friendly surface disinfectants using the Opuntia ficus-indica extract. Methods: The stem and fruits of the Opuntia cultivated in Jeju Island were extracted with hot water, 70% EtOH and 100% MeOH, respectively. To examine the antimicrobial activity of the extracts, gram positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus), gram negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium), yeast (Candida albicans), mold (Aspergillus flavus) and antibiotic resistant bacteria (E. coli, S. aureus) were measured to form a clear zone. Results: The antibacterial activity of the fruit extract was higher than that of the stem extract, and the antibacterial activity of the 100% MeOH (FM) extract and the 70% EtOH (FE) extract of the palm cactus fruit was suitable for the surface disinfectant overall, and clear-zone formed even at relatively low concentrations (250 mg/mL). The FM and FE have antibacterial activity against various bacteria, therefore they can be used as disinfectants. Conclusion The antimicrobial activity of Opuntia ficus-indica extract from Jeju Island by stem and fruit was determined at relatively low concentrations (250 mg/mL). The Opuntia ficus-indica extract will be useful for surface disinfectants dissolving the patients’ bath, oral gargling, and powdered powder in water or ethanol in appropriate concentrations.

Several studies showed that the inflammatory and fibrotic responses induced by polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-p) were similar to those observed for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in South Korea in 2011. “Omic” technologies can be used to understand the mechanisms underlying chemical-induced diseases. Studies to determine the toxicity of chemicals may facilitate understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of pulmonary fibrosis at a molecular level; thus, such studies may provide information about the toxic characteristics of various substances. In this review, we have outlined the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and described pulmonary fibrosis induced by various chemicals, including bleomycin, paraquat, and PHMG-p, based on the results of studies performed to date.
Bleomycin ; Epithelial Cells ; Guanidine ; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ; Korea ; MicroRNAs ; Paraquat ; Pulmonary Fibrosis*

Several studies showed that the inflammatory and fibrotic responses induced by polyhexamethylene guanidine phosphate (PHMG-p) were similar to those observed for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in South Korea in 2011. “Omic” technologies can be used to understand the mechanisms underlying chemical-induced diseases. Studies to determine the toxicity of chemicals may facilitate understanding of the mechanisms underlying the development of pulmonary fibrosis at a molecular level; thus, such studies may provide information about the toxic characteristics of various substances. In this review, we have outlined the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and described pulmonary fibrosis induced by various chemicals, including bleomycin, paraquat, and PHMG-p, based on the results of studies performed to date.
Bleomycin ; Epithelial Cells ; Guanidine ; Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ; Korea ; MicroRNAs ; Paraquat ; Pulmonary Fibrosis

Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) and metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) are differentiated by the presence of cardiometabolic risk factors (CMRFs) and insulin resistance (IR). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of MHO in Korean children and adolescents and to investigate the anthropometric, laboratory, and lifestyle predictors of MHO. This study included data from 530 obese subjects, aged 10–19 years, obtained from the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Subjects were classified into MHO and MUO groups according to the presence of CMRF (MHO(CMRF)/MUO(CMRF)) and degree of IR (MHO(IR)/MUO(IR)). Demographic, anthropometric, cardiometabolic, and lifestyle factors were compared between the groups. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis were performed to identify factors that predicted MHO. The prevalence of MHO(CMRF) and MHO(IR) in obese Korean youth was 36.8% (n = 197) and 68.8% (n = 356), respectively. CMRF profiles were significantly less favorable in MUO children. Longer and more vigorous physical activity and less protein intake were associated with MHO(CMRF) phenotype. The best predictors of MHO(CMRF) and MHO(IR) were waist circumference (odds ratio [OR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77–0.88; P < 0.001) and body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.15–0.39; P < 0.001), respectively. The prevalence of MHO differed depending on how it was defined. To adequately manage obesity in youth, the approach to individuals with MHO and MUO should be personalized due to variation in clinical characteristics. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate long-term consequences of MHO.
Adolescent* ; Body Mass Index ; Child* ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Korea* ; Life Style ; Logistic Models ; Longitudinal Studies ; Motor Activity ; Nutrition Surveys* ; Obesity ; Obesity, Metabolically Benign* ; Phenotype ; Prevalence* ; Risk Factors ; ROC Curve ; Waist Circumference

OBJECTIVES: People at ultra-high risk for psychosis have heterogenous character and different long-term outcomes. We divided ultra-high risk subjects into two subgroups by presence of familial history and tried to find different pattern of functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN) between the two groups in order to examine the effects familial loading. METHODS: Eleven subjects at clinical-high risk (CHR) group with familial history of psychiatric illness and nineteen subjects of CHR group without familial history were recruited. All the subjects were scanned using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. A posterior cingulate cortex was the seed region of the analysis, and the DMN of the both high risk group were analyzed with voxel-wise two sample T test. RESULTS: The CHR group with familial history showed greater functional connectivity in the precuneus area in contrast with the other high risk subjects (peak-level t=5.49, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in total score on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Scales of Psychosis-risk Syndrome between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The study suggests that the abnormalities of functional connectivity between precuneus and posterior cingulate area may be associated with the genetic vulnerability of high risk trait.
Gyrus Cinguli ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Pilot Projects ; Psychotic Disorders ; Seeds ; Weights and Measures

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the genotoxic effects of 40-59 nm silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) by bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test), in vitro comet assay and micronucleus (MN) assay. In particular, we directly compared the effect of cytochalasin B (cytoB) and rat liver homogenate (S9 mix) in the formation of MN by Ag-NPs. METHODS: Before testing, we confirmed that Ag-NPs were completely dispersed in the experimental medium by sonication (three times in 1 minute) and filtration (0.2 microm pore size filter), and then we measured their size in a zeta potential analyzer. After that the genotoxicity were measured and especially, S9 mix and with and without cytoB were compared one another in MN assay. RESULTS: Ames test using Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535 and TA1537 strains revealed that Ag-NPs with or without S9 mix did not display a mutagenic effect. The genotoxicity of Ag-NPs was also evaluated in a mammalian cell system using Chinese hamster ovary cells. The results revealed that Ag-NPs stimulated DNA breakage and MN formation with or without S9 mix in a dose-dependent manner (from 0.01 microg/mL to 10 microg/mL). In particular, MN induction was affected by cytoB. CONCLUSIONS: All of our findings, with the exception of the Ames test results, indicate that Ag-NPs show genotoxic effects in mammalian cell system. In addition, present study suggests the potential error due to use of cytoB in genotoxic test of nanoparticles.
Animals ; Comet Assay ; Cricetinae ; Cricetulus ; Cytochalasin B ; DNA ; Female ; Filtration ; Liver ; Micronucleus Tests ; Mutagenicity Tests* ; Nanoparticles* ; Ovary ; Rats ; Salmonella typhimurium ; Silver* ; Sonication

Twin pregnancies are at substantially higher risks for premature delivery than singleton pregnancies. This further increases their risk of perinatal and infant mortality. Recently there has been a marked increase in multiple pregnancies as a direct result of assisted reproductive technology. Cervical incompetency is a condition in which a pregnant woman's cervix begins to dilate and efface before her pregnancy has reached term. And multiple pregnancies and pregnancies by in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been increasing the risk of cervical incompetency. In twin pregnancy during preterm delivery, successful delayed-interval deliveries may improve the neonatal outcomes of the second fetus. We report a case of a delayed interval delivery in twin pregnancy of incompetent of cervix with an interval of 28 days after 3rd emergency cerclage.
Cervix Uteri ; Emergencies* ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro* ; Fetus ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Multiple ; Pregnancy, Twin* ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Twins*

Twin pregnancies are at substantially higher risks for premature delivery than singleton pregnancies. This further increases their risk of perinatal and infant mortality. Recently there has been a marked increase in multiple pregnancies as a direct result of assisted reproductive technology. Cervical incompetency is a condition in which a pregnant woman's cervix begins to dilate and efface before her pregnancy has reached term. And multiple pregnancies and pregnancies by in vitro fertilization (IVF) have been increasing the risk of cervical incompetency. In twin pregnancy during preterm delivery, successful delayed-interval deliveries may improve the neonatal outcomes of the second fetus. We report a case of a delayed interval delivery in twin pregnancy of incompetent of cervix with an interval of 28 days after 3rd emergency cerclage.
Cervix Uteri ; Emergencies* ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro* ; Fetus ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Mortality ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy, Multiple ; Pregnancy, Twin* ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Twins*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the combined treatment of anterior stromal puncture with the concurrent use of 5% NaCl eye drops for 6 months for recurrent corneal erosion syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for 21 patients (21 eyes) who underwent the combined treatment of anterior stromal puncture with 5% NaCl eye drops qid for 6 months to treat recurrent corneal erosion syndromes. The patients' age, gender, history of corneal trauma, history of ocular surgery, recurrence rate, need for additional treatments after recurrence and complication were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 42.05 ± 13.83 years (19-68 years) with no significant difference in gender, and the mean follow up period was 8.48 ± 2.76 months (6-15 months). Among the 21 eyes 14 eyes (66.7%) had a previous history of corneal trauma, 2 eyes (9.52%) had previous refractive surgery, 1 eye (4.8%) had corneal dystrophy, 2 eyes (9.5%) had diabetic mellitus and 5 eyes (28.81%) had an unknown origin. Furthermore, 3 eyes (14.3%) developed recurrences and 2 eyes were resolved with conservative treatment while 1 eye needed additional anterior stroma puncture. There was no recurrence after retreatment with anterior stroma puncture. No significant complications such as infection or inflammation developed with the exception of corneal opacity in which one patient developed glare due to corneal opacity. CONCLUSIONS: The combined treatment of anterior stromal puncture with 5% NaCl eye drops for a prolonged time might be effective at preventing the recurrence of refractory recurrent corneal erosion syndrome with conservative treatments.
Corneal Injuries ; Corneal Opacity ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glare ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Ophthalmic Solutions* ; Punctures* ; Recurrence ; Refractive Surgical Procedures ; Retreatment ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND: Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for their refusal of blood transfusions which, challenges the safety of performing cardiac surgeries. Their stand regarding blood transfusions has garnered criticism from some medical and legal sources, but has also added incentive for the development of many bloodless surgery techniques. To assess the impact on the continuing progress of blood saving protocols and increasing operative risk; herein our results in this specific population are reported. METHODS: The medical records of Jehovah's Witnesses, who underwent cardiac surgeries without blood transfusions, between Feb 1996 and Sep 2005, were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: 103 surgical procedures were performed on 102 patients. The age of patients varied from 2 months to 78 years, with a sex ratio of 60:42 (Male:Female). Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was used in 81 cases. The mean hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels were 13.2 g/dl (8.1-17.3), and 39.2% (24.3-52.5) before surgery, and 11.8 g/dl (8.0-16.5), and 35.3% (24-49) after surgery, respectively. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and iron were used in 95 and 69 cases before and after surgery, respectively. High dose aprotinin (2 million KIU IV loading dose, 2 million KIU into the pump prime volume and 500,000 KIU per hour of surgery as a continuous intravenous infusion) was used in 67 cases. Acute normovolemic hemodilutions were performed in 7 cases. Cell saver was used in all procedures. Re-operations were needed in two cases due to wound infections and one patient died-of arrhythmias on the 2nd post-operative day. CONCLUSIONS: Bloodless cardiac surgery can be performed on Jehovah's Witnesses, but effective care of such patients requires close collaborative team efforts and advance planning to ensure favorable outcomes. At our hospital, preoperative iron and rHuEPO, as well as high dose aprotinin and cell saver are routinely used where indicated.
Aprotinin ; Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Blood Transfusion ; Bloodless Medical and Surgical Procedures ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Disulfiram ; Erythropoietin ; Hematocrit ; Hemodilution ; Humans ; Iron ; Jehovah's Witnesses ; Medical Records ; Motivation ; Retrospective Studies ; Sex Ratio ; Thoracic Surgery ; Wound Infection