No abstract available.
Lung* ; Tracheoesophageal Fistula*

Recently, it has been postulated that diabetic autonomic neuropathy is caused by reduction in availability of nerve growth factor (NGF) in enteric nervous system. This experiments were performed to determine the changes of the distribution of enteric neuropeptide by diabetes and these changes could be prevented by administration of NGF. Sprague Dawley rats (200~250gm) were made diabetic by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin 65 mg/kg in saline. Recombinant human NGF (Sigma, Co., Ltd.) were administered at a dose of 500ng/kg subcutaneously every day for consecutive 4 weeks after streptozotocin administration. After 4 weeks, rats were anesthetized with ether and perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde. ileum was dissected and prepared by whole mount preparation method. Prepared segments were immunostained for substance p, calcitonin gene-related peptide, vasoactive intestinal peptide, and galanin by PAP technique. For the observation of the interstitial cells of Cajal, segments were immersed in Champy-Maillet solution for 2 days Results obtained were as follows: 1. In myenteric plexus of diabetic rats, substance P-like and VIP-like immunoreactivity were not changed compared with that of the control group. CGRP-like and galanin-like immunoreactivity were decreased in diabetic group and immunoreactive cells for CGRP and galanin were also decreased 18.1% (P<0.01) and 43.7% (P<0.01) respectively. 2. In NGF administerd diabetic group, immunoreactivity of substance p, VIP, galanin in myenteric plexus were slightly increased and immunoreactive cells for substancre p, VIP, galanin were almost the same as that of the control group. However, immunoreactive cells for CGRP of myenteric plexus were not changed by NGF. 3. In submucous plexus of diabetic rats, immunoreactivity of all four neuropeptides(substance p, CGRP, VIP, galanin) were decreased compared with that of the control group. Immunoreactive cells for substance p, CGRP, VIP, and galanin were also decreased in 38.8%, 77.6%, 33.0%, and 35.7%, respectively (P<0.01). 4. In NGF administered diabetic group, immunoreactivities of substance p, VIP and galanin in submucous plexus were increased and the immunoreactive cells were increased significantly compared to diabetic group. However, immunoreactive cells for CGRP of submucous plexus were not changed by NGF. 5. Interstitial cells of Cajal of diabetic group were decreased 7.4% ovoidal cells (A type) and 28.3% round cells (B type) In NGF administered group, the morphology and the number of ICC were not different to the control group. With the above results, it could be assumed that NGF prevent the damage of neurotransmitter and ICC in enteric nervous system.
Animals ; Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide ; Diabetic Neuropathies ; Enteric Nervous System ; Ether ; Galanin ; Humans ; Ileum ; Injections, Intraperitoneal ; Interstitial Cells of Cajal ; Myenteric Plexus ; Nerve Growth Factor* ; Neuropeptides ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; Peristalsis* ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Streptozocin ; Submucous Plexus ; Substance P ; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide

In order to correct a maxillofacial-skeletal disharmony successfully and achieve a favorable facial profile, orthodontic treatment must begin at pubertal growth spurt. Therefore predicting the pubertal growth pattern and evaluating the growth potential is very important For an orthodontist, estimating skeletal maturity in relation to one's personal growth spurt is essential and it must be considered into the treatment. The objective of this study was to find out whether there was a difference in menacheal age among different malocclusion groups and to evaluate the skeletal maturity at menarche. The subjects were 64 Class I malocclusion patients, 51 Class 1I patients and 38 Class III patients. Skeletal maturity was estimated from handwrist radiographs of these patients. Handwrist radiographs were taken between 3 months before and after the menarche. The results were as follows. 1. The mean chronologic age of menarche was 12.50+/-1.01 years. 2. For the Class I malocclusion group the mean age cf menarche was 12.36+/-1.04 years, for Class II 12.81+/-1,03 years and for Class III 12.32+/-0.82 years. According to these results Class II malocclusion patients started mensturation later than Class I and. Class III malocclusion patients. 3. No difference was found considering the skeletal maturity at menarche among the malocclusion groups. 4. The skeletal maturity index at menarche was SMI 7 for 45.10%, SMI 8 for 27.25%, SW 9 for 10.46%, SMI 6 for 7.84%, SMI 10 for 7.84% and SMI 5 for 1.31% patients. 5. Statistically there was a significant correlation between skeletal maturity estimated by handwrist radiographs and menacheal age( P<0.05, r-0.25430).
Female ; Growth and Development ; Humans ; Malocclusion* ; Menarche*

Trisomy 9p syndrome was first described by Rethore et al in 1970 and about 100 cases have been reported since. The phenotypic spectrum of this syndrome is characterized by craniofacial malformation, facial deformity, skeletal and dermatoglyphic anomalies with variable degrees of mental retardation. We experienced a case of partial trisomy 9 syndrome in a 15-month-old female who had multiple congenital anomalies of frontal bossing, oblique antimongoloid palpebral fissures, enophthalmos, hypertelorism, globular prominent nose, down-turned mouth, prominent low-set ears, simian creases of both hands, clinodactyly and single crease of 5th finger, congenital dislocation of both knees and mental retardation. In cytogenetic studies using G banding technique and fluorescent in situ hybridization(FISH), she presented with an extra derivative chromosome No. 9. The karyotype of the patient was confirmed as 47,XX,+der (9),t (6:9) (q27;q21.2) mat. We report the case with the review of the associated literatures.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Cytogenetics ; Dermatoglyphics ; Dislocations ; Ear ; Enophthalmos ; Female ; Fingers ; Hand ; Humans ; Hypertelorism ; Infant ; Intellectual Disability ; Karyotype ; Knee ; Mouth ; Nose ; Trisomy*

Anti-HLA antibody related neonatal thrombocytopenia is an uncommon disorder caused by platelet antigen incompatibility between mother and fetus in Korea. Mothers who lack the specific platelet antigen produce the IgG against the platelet antigen which the fetus inherits from the father. These IgG antibodies are then transported across the placenta into the fetal circulation where they lead to the destruction of fetal platelets. We report a case of neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia related with anti-HLA antibody in second baby of dizygotic twin who had petechia on trunk and platelet count 43,000/mm. Initially, mother and twin showed the positives in antiplatelet antibodies. In microlym- phocytotoxic test at 6 months of age, anti-HLA antibodies was negative in twins but anti-HLA A2, A24 was positive in their mother. The patient was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and clinically improved and her platelet count was norrnalized.
Antibodies ; Blood Platelets ; Fathers ; Fetus ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulins ; Infant, Newborn ; Korea ; Mothers ; Placenta ; Platelet Count ; Thrombocytopenia, Neonatal Alloimmune ; Twins ; Twins, Dizygotic

No abstract available.

PURPOSE: For medical students to have a meaningful learning experience, the curriculum must integrate what students are learning in class with the skills and knowledge required in the clinicalsetting. To satisfy these needs, an integrated curriculum (IC) has been operating at Chonnam National University Medical School since 1999. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in IC students during two implementation periods, the first in 2001 and the second in 2004. This study focused on the student viewpointin order to create an authentic IC program. METHODS: Questionnaires were used to evaluate the differences in the student perception of IC. The content of the questionnaire dealt with the appropriateness of time management, coherence of the content, teachinglearning method, and IC evaluation. RESULTS: There were positive responses from the second implementation period than from the first, for almost all sub-items. However, the results showed that IC has to be reinforced by instructors teaching a coherentcontent, by using a variety of teaching-learning methods, by having the students participate actively, and by offering holistic and integrated assessments. CONCLUSION: The following three steps are recommended for the improvement of IC: facilitate an IC committee, develop teaching-learning methods, and guide student participation.
Curriculum* ; Humans ; Jeollanam-do ; Learning ; Schools, Medical ; Students, Medical ; Time Management ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Despite substantial progress in screening, early diagnosis, and the development of noninvasive technology, gastrointestinal (GI) cancer remains a major cause of cancer-associated mortality. Chemoprevention is thought to be a realistic approach for reducing the global burden of GI cancer, and efforts have been made to search for chemopreventive agents that suppress acid reflux, GI inflammation and the eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Thus, proton pump inhibitors, statins, monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents have been investigated for their potential to prevent GI cancer. Besides the development of these synthetic agents, a wide variety of the natural products present in a plant-based diet, which are commonly called phytoceuticals, have also sparked hope for the chemoprevention of GI cancer. To perform successful searches of chemopreventive agents for GI cancer, it is of the utmost importance to understand the factors contributing to GI carcinogenesis. Emerging evidence has highlighted the role of chronic inflammation in inducing genomic instability and telomere shortening and affecting polyamine metabolism and DNA repair, which may help in the search for new chemopreventive agents for GI cancer.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Biological Agents ; Chemoprevention ; Diet ; DNA Repair ; Early Diagnosis ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; Genomic Instability ; Helicobacter pylori ; Inflammation ; Mass Screening ; Proton Pump Inhibitors ; Telomere Shortening ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

PURPOSE: Recent changes in the population structure of Korea, such as rapid decline in birth rate and exponential increase in old-aged people, prompted us to prepare a new health improvement program in children and adolescents. METHODS: We reviewed current health screenings applied for children and adolescents in Korea and other developed countries. We collected and reviewed population-based data focused on mortality and morbidity, and other health-related statistical data. We generated problem lists in current systems and developed new principles. RESULTS: Current health screening programs for children and adolescents were usually based on laboratory tests, such as blood tests, urinalysis, and radiologic tests. Almost all of these programs lacked evidence based on population data or controlled studies. In most developed countries, laboratory tests are used only very selectively, and they usually focus on primary prevention of diseases and health improvement using anticipatory guidance. In Korea, statistics on mortality and morbidity reveal that diseases related to lifestyle, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, are increasing in all generations. CONCLUSION: We recommend a periodic health screening program with anticipatory guidance, which is focused on growth and developmental surveillance in infants and children. We no longer recommend old programs that are based on laboratory and radiologic examinations. School health screening programs should also be changed to meet current health issues, such as developing a healthier lifestyle to minimize risk behaviors.for example, good mental health, balanced nutrition, and more exercise.
Adolescent ; Birth Rate ; Child ; Developed Countries ; Family Characteristics ; Growth and Development ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Infant ; Korea ; Life Style ; Mass Screening ; Mental Health ; Obesity ; Primary Prevention ; School Health Services ; Urinalysis

PURPOSE: Sleep is correlated with various neurological disorders. Epilepsy and chronic headaches(CH) are the most common causes of visiting children in neurology clinics. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the sleeping patterns of patients with epilepsy and CH. METHODS: Children and adolescents of between the ages 6-18 suffering from epilepsy or CH were assessed using the sleep questionnaires. Patients with motor disabilities, chromosomal abnormalities or neuromuscular diseases were excluded. RESULTS: Sleeping patterns of the 276 patients were analyzed(200 epilepsy and 76 CH). The mean age of the patients was 11.8+/-3.3 years. CH patients had more excessive daytime sleepiness, shorter total sleep time on weekday, later bedtime, and more trouble getting up in the morning than epilepsy patients(P<0.001). CH patients also had more mood instabilities, resistance to going to bed on time, and uncomfortable feelings in legs than epilepsy patients(P<0.05). On the contrary, epilepsy patients had more bed-wettings than CH patients(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that CH is more associated with sleep problems than epilepsy. The consideration and proper treatment for accompanying sleep problems are needed when we treat chronic headaches or epilepsy.
Adolescent ; Child ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Epilepsy ; Headache ; Headache Disorders ; Humans ; Leg ; Nervous System Diseases ; Neurology ; Neuromuscular Diseases ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Stress, Psychological