The authors presented an unusual case of an occipital artery aneurysm which developed spontaneously. The patient was a 41-year-old woman who suffered from the sudden onset of right hemiparesis and slurred speech. Computerized tomography scans of the brain demonstrated an intracerebral hemorrhage in the left parietal lobe. The carotid angiography revealed an incidental saccular aneurysm in the left occipital artery. The aneurysm was not treated because the patient's relatives refused operation and there were no subjective complaints by the patient. Certain particularities of this lesion are discussed in the context of the literature.
Adult ; Aneurysm* ; Angiography ; Arteries* ; Brain ; Cerebral Hemorrhage ; Female ; Humans ; Paresis ; Parietal Lobe

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate the in vitro antioxidant and cytoprotective effects of fermented sesame sauce (FSeS) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage in renal proximal tubule LLC-PK1 cells. MATERIALS/METHODS: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical (*OH), and H2O2 scavenging assay was used to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activity of FSeS. To investigate the cytoprotective effect of FSeS against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in LLC-PK1 cells, the cellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, and endogenous antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) were measured. RESULTS: The ability of FSeS to scavenge DPPH, *OH and H2O2 was greater than that of FSS and AHSS. FSeS also significantly inhibited H2O2-induced (500 microM) oxidative damage in the LLC-PK1 cells compared to FSS and AHSS (P < 0.05). Following treatment with 100 microg/mL of FSeS and FSS to prevent H2O2-induced oxidation, cell viability increased from 56.7% (control) to 83.7% and 75.6%, respectively. However, AHSS was not able to reduce H2O2-induced cell damage (viability of the AHSS-treated cells was 54.6%). FSeS more effectively suppressed H2O2-induced ROS generation and lipid peroxidation compared to FSS and AHSS (P < 0.05). Compared to the other sauces, FSeS also significantly increased cellular CAT, SOD, and GSH-px activities and mRNA expression (P < 0.05). CONCULUSIONS: These results from the present study suggest that FSeS is an effective radical scavenger and protects against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in LLC-PK1 cells by reducing ROS levels, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and stimulating antioxidant enzyme activity.
Animals ; Catalase ; Cats ; Cell Survival ; Glutathione Peroxidase ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; Hydrogen* ; Hydroxyl Radical ; Lipid Peroxidation ; LLC-PK1 Cells ; Oxidative Stress ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; RNA, Messenger ; Sesamum* ; Superoxide Dismutase ; Swine

No abstract available.
Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis ; Biopsy ; Carcinosarcoma/chemistry/*secondary/surgery ; Chemoradiotherapy, Adjuvant ; Fatal Outcome ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lung Neoplasms/chemistry/*pathology/surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mouth Floor/chemistry/*pathology/surgery ; Mouth Neoplasms/chemistry/*secondary/surgery ; Pneumonectomy ; Time Factors ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the color stability of resin cements with accelerated test. Four dual curing resin cements: Panavia-F (KURARAY), Duolink (BISCO), Variolink-II (Ivoclar Vivadent), and RelyX Unicem (3M ESPE) and 1 self curing resin cement: Resiment CE (j. l. Blosser) were used in this study. In control group, Gradia Anterior (GC) composite resin and Tescera Dentin (Bisco) indirect composite were used. Ten disk shape specimens were made from each resin cement. The specimens were subjected to an accelerated aging process in a refrigerated bath circulator at 60degrees C for 15 and 30 days. Spectrophotometric analyses were made before and after 15 days and 30 days of accelerated aging time. The color characteristics (L*, a*, b*) and the color difference (DeltaE*) of the specimens before and after immersion were measured and computed. Regardless of type of the resin cements, L* value was decreased and a* value was increased, but there were no significant difference. But b* value was increased significantly (p < 0.05). Tescera inlay showed least color change (p < 0.05), but Gradia showed notable color change after 15 days. After 30 days on accelerated aging, DeltaE* value was increased (Panavia-F < Variolink-II < Resiment CE < Duolink < Unicem) (p < 0.05), but there were no significant difference among Panavia-F, Variolink-II, and Resiment CE groups. After 30 days of accelerated aging, DeltaE* value of all resin cements were greater than 3.0 and could be perceived by the human eye.
Aging ; Baths ; Composite Resins ; Dentin ; Dentin-Bonding Agents ; Eye ; Humans ; Immersion ; Inlays ; Resin Cements

Bamboo salt, a Korean folk medicine, is prepared with solar salt (sea salt) and baked several times at high temperatures in a bamboo case. In this study, we compared the preventive effects of bamboo salt and purified and solar salts on hepatic damage induced by carbon tetrachloride in Sprague-Dawley rats. Compared with purified and solar salts, bamboo salts prevented hepatic damage in rats, as evidenced by significantly reduced serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase (P < 0.05). Bamboo salt (baked 9x) triggered the greatest reduction in these enzyme levels. In addition, it also reduced the levels of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, interferon (IFN)-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Histopathological sections of liver tissue demonstrated the protective effect of bamboo salt, whereas sections from animals treated with the other salt groups showed a greater degree of necrosis. We also performed reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses of the inflammation-related genes iNOS, COX-2, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta in rat liver tissues. Bamboo salt induced a significant decrease (~80%) in mRNA and protein expression levels of COX-2, iNOS, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta, compared with the other salts. Thus, we found that baked bamboo salt preparations could prevent CCl4-induced hepatic damage in vivo.
Alanine Transaminase ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Blotting, Western ; Carbon Tetrachloride ; Cytokines ; Inflammation ; Interferons ; Interleukins ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; Liver ; Medicine, Traditional ; Necrosis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; RNA, Messenger ; Salts ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional and radiologic results in the using of external fixation with bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA) for unstable, osteoporotic distal radius fractures in elderly patients that have high morbidity and chronic medical problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 12 cases of 12 patients who were treated by external fixation and bone cement for unstable distal radius fractures in the aged persons with poor general condition from January 2003 to July 2004 and followed over one year. We analyzed the radiologic results, and measured the ranges of motion and grip strengths. Functional results were evaluated using the Modified Mayo Wrist Scoring System. RESULTS: Radiographically, mean volar tilt, mean radial inclination and mean radial length were 8.33o, 24.66 mm and 11.31o respectively on the last follow-up. The mean arc of range of motion was 74.4% of that the uninjured side, and the mean grip strength was 78.0% of that the contralateral side. The average Modified Mayo Wrist Score was 78.3. There were reflex sympathetic dystrophy in a case and pin tract infection in 3 cases as complications associated with external fixator. CONCLUSION: External fixation and bone cement is useful method for radial length maintenance, preventing reduction loss, restoring the articular surface, early exercise of the wrist joint without morbidity of donor site for unstable distal radius fractures requiring autogenous bone graft in the elderly patients.
Aged* ; External Fixators ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Radius Fractures* ; Radius* ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy ; Retrospective Studies ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants ; Wrist ; Wrist Joint

BACKGROUND: Numerous reports suggest the role of oxygen in melanogenesis. However, little has been reported on the effect of a hypoxic environment on cellular melanogenesis. OBJECTIVE: The effect of low oxygen tension on cellular melanogenesis was investigated in B16 murine melanoma cells. METHODS: Using cells cultured under an ambient (21% O2) or hypoxic (5% O2) condition, melanin content and tyrosinase activity were measured spectrophotometrically. The expression of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)- 1, and TRP-2 were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS: Culture of cells under hypoxic conditions caused significant inhibition of isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX)- induced increase of melanin content. No cytotoxicity was observed during the hypoxic culture periods. Decreased melanin content occurred through the decrease of tyrosinase protein and activity (p<0.01). The mRNA levels of tyrosinase and TRP-2 were also decreased by hypoxia, while that of TRP-1 was unchanged. Similar inhibitions of melanin content and tyrosinase activity were observed in the cells stimulated with dibutyryl-cAMP. CONCLUSION: IBMX-induced melanogenesis in B16 cells was significantly inhibited under hypoxic culture conditions, suggesting the important role of oxygen tension in cellular melanogenesis.
Anoxia* ; Blotting, Western ; Melanins ; Melanoma ; Melanoma, Experimental* ; Monophenol Monooxygenase ; Oxygen ; RNA, Messenger

PURPOSE: Fournier's gangrene is a rare and rapidly progressive infection of the genitalia, perineum, and abdominal wall. The mortality rate from this infection ranges from 0 to 67 percent. One of the most important determinants of the overall outcome is early recognition and extensive surgical debridement combined with broad-spectrum antibiotics therapy. The objective of this study was to review the clinical outcomes of 11 consecutive patients who suffered with Fournier's gangrene and the related medical literature to highlight the current status of this disease. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 11 patients with the Fournier's gangrene who had been treated at Gyeongsang National University Hospital between March 1995 and March 2005. RESULTS: The mean age was 60 years (range: 38~82), and the male to female ratio was 8 : 3. The most common cause of Fournier's gangrene was perianal abscess (n=4, 36.3%) and the most common disease associated with Fournier's gangrene was diabetes mellitus (n=6, 54.5%). The most common cultured organisms were E. coli and K. pneumoniae. We performed aggressive surgical debridement combined with broad spectrum antibiotics therapy. The number of surgical procedures per patients ranged between 1 and 7 (mean: 2.63). Diverting colostomy was required in 36.3% (n=4) of the cases. Two cases received reconstructive plastic surgery. The mortality rate of 11 patients was 27.2% (n=3) and the cause of death was sepsis. CONCLUSION: Fournier's gangrene is a life-threatening disease, but the mortality rate can be diminished via early diagnosis, aggressive surgical intervention, and the use of broad- spectrum antibiotics.
Abdominal Wall ; Abscess ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Cause of Death ; Colostomy ; Debridement ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Early Diagnosis ; Fasciitis, Necrotizing ; Female ; Fournier Gangrene* ; Genitalia ; Humans ; Male ; Mortality ; Perineum ; Pneumonia ; Retrospective Studies ; Sepsis ; Surgery, Plastic

Quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare congenital malformation of the aortic valve. A case is reported of a 51 year old woman with quadricuspid aortic valve associated with regurgitation. In the past, quadricuspid aortic valve was recognised at surgery or necropsy, but now transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography play a pivotal role in diagnosing this rare valve malformation. On occasion the transthoracic echocardiogram cannot show the quadricuspid nature of the aortic valve, and transesophageal echocardiography must be performed.
Aortic Valve* ; Echocardiography, Transesophageal ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged*

Intussusception is rare in adults accounting for 5% of all cases. It can be caused by various lesions but is rarely the result of trauma. Recently we encountered a case of adult intussusception after blunt abdominal trauma without any other leading causes. We report this case with a review of the relevant literatures.
Abdomen, Acute ; Adult* ; Humans ; Intussusception*