The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of phenobarbital (PB) on hepatotoxic effect of carbon tetrachloride (CCI4) which induces centrilobular necrosis in liver. Rats were injected intraperitoneally CCI4 dissolved in olive oil by a dose of 0.4 mg/kg. For change related to PB pretreatment, rats were injected CCI₄ 0.4mg/kg after PB pretreatment. The liver samples were taken in 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 120 hours after CCI₄ and/ or PB injection. Extracted liver tissue was examined with light and electron microscopes. The results were summarized as follows: 1. Light microscopic findings: In CCI₄ group, centrilobular necrosis developed from 6 hours after injection, was the most severe in 48 hours, and recovered after 72 hours. In addition to necrosis, fatty change and pale cell change were accompanied. In PB-CCI4 group, necrosis occurred from 6 hours after CCI₄ injection and continued to 72 hours, and the degree of necrosis was more severe than that of CCI₄ group and pale cell change was decreased. 2. Electron microscopic findings: In CCI4 group, the early principal change was clumping and vesicular dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum. In PB-CCI₄ group, the degenerative change of endoplasmic reticulum was aggravated and the mitochondria also revealed severe degenerative change. According to the results, it was revealed that CCI₄ hepatotoxicity primarily began with the damage of endoplasmic reticulum, then damage of other cell organelles and cell necrosis followed, and these cytotoxic effects were aggravated by PB pretreatment.
Animals ; Carbon Tetrachloride* ; Carbon* ; Dilatation ; Endoplasmic Reticulum ; Liver ; Mitochondria ; Necrosis ; Olive Oil ; Organelles ; Phenobarbital* ; Rats*

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of the supportive nursing intervention program on Burden and Quality of Life in Mothers of Children with Nephrotic Sybdrome. The data were collected from a group of 67 mothers of nephrotic syndrome patients(34 in the intervention group, 33 in the control group) from July 1, 1998 to Dec, 30, 1988, Measurements were burden and quality of life from both groups at pre and post intervention. The supportive nursing educational program consists of individual lectures and discussion at the individual level. Listed are the summarized result: 1. The intervention group had a lower level of burden (p<0.05) than the control group intervention. 2. The level of quality of life was not significant during the intervention. According to this study a developed supportive musing intervention program is effective for reduction of the burden. For future research, it is necessary that experiments concerning quality of life in mothers of children with nephrotic syndrome, be conducted.
Alprostadil ; Child* ; Education, Nursing* ; Humans ; Lectures ; Mothers* ; Nephrotic Syndrome ; Nursing* ; Quality of Life*

PURPOSE: In non-excitable cells, which include parotid and pancreatic acinar cells, Ca(2+) entry is triggered via a mechanism known as capacitative Ca(2+) entry, or store-operated Ca(2+) entry. This process is initiated by the perception of the filling state of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the depletion of internal Ca(2+) stores, which acts as an important factor triggering Ca(2+) entry. However, both the mechanism of store-mediated Ca(2+) entry and the molecular identity of store-operated Ca(2+) channel (SOCC) remain uncertain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study we investigated the Ca(2+) entry initiation site evoked by depletion of ER to identify the localization of SOCC in mouse parotid and pancreatic acinar cells with microfluorometeric imaging system. RESULTS: Treatment with thapsigargin (Tg), an inhibitor of sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase, in an extracellular Ca(2+) free state, and subsequent exposure to a high external calcium state evoked Ca(2+) entry, while treatment with lanthanum, a non-specific blocker of plasma Ca(2+) channel, completely blocked Tg-induced Ca(2+) entry. Microfluorometric imaging showed that Tg-induced Ca(2+) entry started at a basal membrane, not a apical membrane. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Ca2+ entry by depletion of the ER initiates at the basal pole in polarized exocrine cells and may help to characterize the nature of SOCC.
Animals ; Calcium/*metabolism ; Calcium Channels/drug effects/metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Endoplasmic Reticulum/drug effects/*metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Pancreas/cytology/drug effects/*metabolism ; Parotid Gland/cytology/drug effects/*metabolism ; Thapsigargin/pharmacology

The receptor activator of NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) signal is an activator of tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), which leads to the activation of NF-kappaB and other signal transduction pathways essential for osteoclastogenesis, such as Ca2+ signaling. However, the intracellular levels of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and IP3-mediated cellular function of RANKL during osteoclastogenesis are not known. In the present study, we determined the levels of IP3 and evaluated IP3-mediated osteoclast differentiation and osteoclast activity by RANKL treatment of mouse leukemic macrophage cells (RAW 264.7) and mouse bone marrow-derived monocyte/macrophage precursor cells (BMMs). During osteoclastogenesis, the expression levels of Ca2+ signaling proteins such as IP3 receptors (IP3Rs), plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase, and sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase type2 did not change by RANKL treatment for up to 6 days in both cell types. At 24 h after RANKL treatment, a higher steady-state level of IP3 was observed in RAW264.7 cells transfected with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged pleckstrin homology (PH) domains of phospholipase C (PLC) delta, a probe specifically detecting intracellular IP3 levels. In BMMs, the inhibition of PLC with U73122 [a specific inhibitor of phospholipase C (PLC)] and of IP3Rs with 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2APB; a non-specific inhibitor of IP3Rs) inhibited the generation of RANKL-induced multinucleated cells and decreased the bone-resorption rate in dentin slice, respectively. These results suggest that intracellular IP3 levels and the IP3-mediated signaling pathway play an important role in RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis.
Animals ; Blood Proteins ; Boron Compounds ; Calcium-Transporting ATPases ; Cell Membrane ; Dentin ; Estrenes ; Inositol ; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate ; Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors ; Macrophages ; Mice ; NF-kappa B ; Osteoclasts ; Phosphoproteins ; Proteins ; Pyrrolidinones ; Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-kappa B ; Reticulum ; Signal Transduction ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Type C Phospholipases

PURPOSE: The aim of present study was to assess the utility of serum biochemical markers for predicting the metabolic bone disease (MBD) in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). METHODS: Medical records of 104 VLBWI from 2003 to 2008 were reviewed in this retrospective study. Study patients were divided in MBD and control group according to the finding of wrist radiography performed at 4 weeks of life. We compared the serum biochemical markers including alkaline phosphate (ALP), calcium (Ca), phosphate (P) between two groups at birth, 1 and 4 weeks of life. The value of serum vitamin D (Vit. D) was measured at 4-5 weeks of life. RESULTS: The mean gestational age and birth weight of study patients were 30(+6) +/- 2.0 weeks and 1,308.2 +/- 136.7 g. The incidence of MBD was 28.9% (31 / 104). At birth, higher values of serum ALP (438.1 +/- 129.1 mg/dL vs 360.5 +/- 122.8 mg/dL) were found in MBD group. At 1 week of life, higher values of serum Ca (11.0 +/- 1.7 mg/dL vs 10.3 +/- 1.7 mg/dL) and lower values of serum P (3.2 +/- 1.2 mg/dL vs 4.1 +/- 1.3 mg/dL) were found in MBD group. At 4 weeks of life, higher values of serum ALP activities (1,397.6 +/- 635.6 U/L vs 789.0 +/- 573.0 U/L), lower values of serum P (4.2 +/- 2.0 mg/dL vs 5.4 +/- 1.8 mg/dL) and Vit. D (17.7 +/- 7.2 ng/mL vs 30.0 +/- 15.5 ng/mL) were found in MBD group. Risk factors of MBD were male and Vit. D deficiency with high ALP at 4 weeks of life. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that high ALP concentrations at 4 weeks of life may predict MBD with Vit. D deficiency in VLBWI.
Biomarkers ; Birth Weight ; Bone Diseases ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic ; Calcium ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Male ; Medical Records ; Parturition ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Vitamin D ; Wrist

PURPOSE: The aim of present study was to assess the utility of serum biochemical markers for predicting the metabolic bone disease (MBD) in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). METHODS: Medical records of 104 VLBWI from 2003 to 2008 were reviewed in this retrospective study. Study patients were divided in MBD and control group according to the finding of wrist radiography performed at 4 weeks of life. We compared the serum biochemical markers including alkaline phosphate (ALP), calcium (Ca), phosphate (P) between two groups at birth, 1 and 4 weeks of life. The value of serum vitamin D (Vit. D) was measured at 4-5 weeks of life. RESULTS: The mean gestational age and birth weight of study patients were 30(+6) +/- 2.0 weeks and 1,308.2 +/- 136.7 g. The incidence of MBD was 28.9% (31 / 104). At birth, higher values of serum ALP (438.1 +/- 129.1 mg/dL vs 360.5 +/- 122.8 mg/dL) were found in MBD group. At 1 week of life, higher values of serum Ca (11.0 +/- 1.7 mg/dL vs 10.3 +/- 1.7 mg/dL) and lower values of serum P (3.2 +/- 1.2 mg/dL vs 4.1 +/- 1.3 mg/dL) were found in MBD group. At 4 weeks of life, higher values of serum ALP activities (1,397.6 +/- 635.6 U/L vs 789.0 +/- 573.0 U/L), lower values of serum P (4.2 +/- 2.0 mg/dL vs 5.4 +/- 1.8 mg/dL) and Vit. D (17.7 +/- 7.2 ng/mL vs 30.0 +/- 15.5 ng/mL) were found in MBD group. Risk factors of MBD were male and Vit. D deficiency with high ALP at 4 weeks of life. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that high ALP concentrations at 4 weeks of life may predict MBD with Vit. D deficiency in VLBWI.
Biomarkers ; Birth Weight ; Bone Diseases ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic ; Calcium ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Male ; Medical Records ; Parturition ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Vitamin D ; Wrist

PURPOSE: To report our experience of gastrointestinal operations performed in neonates including low birth weight infants and to evaluate their clinical characteristics. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent neonatal gastrointestinal surgery or had necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or inguinal hernia from January 2008 to December 2010 at Pusan National University School of Medicine. RESULTS: The main disease was anorectal malformation and male patients were dominant. Twenty four patients (19.2%) had one or more associated anomalies including hydronephrosis and congenital heart disease. Eighteen patients (43.9%) of anorectal malformation had other anomalies. Seventy six percent of NEC cases were very low birth weight infants. Concerning mean days of full enteral feeding after operation, NEC patients needed 30.8 days, which was the longest period. Overall mortality of operation (except NEC and inguinal hernia operation) was 1.6%. The mortality of NEC with surgical treatment was 18.8%. The direct bilirubin in the operation group was significant higher than in the non-operation group in NEC patients. CONCLUSION: The morbidity and mortality after neonatal gastrointestinal surgery were excellent. The direct bilirubin in the operation group was significant higher than in the non-operation group in NEC.
Anus, Imperforate ; Bilirubin ; Enteral Nutrition ; Enterocolitis, Necrotizing ; Gastrointestinal Diseases ; Heart Diseases ; Hernia, Inguinal ; Humans ; Hydronephrosis ; Infant ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Male ; Medical Records ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: Abdominoperineal solid tumors presenting in neonates often require surgical intervention during the neonatal period. Although we report our single-center experience, this study would be meaningful to understand the clinical implications of these neoplasms. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed the clinical data and characteristics of 22 patients (≤28 days old) diagnosed with histopathologically confirmed abdominoperineal solid neoplasms (benign or malignant) after surgical resection. RESULTS: The mean gestational age and postnatal age at the time of operation were 38.3±1.8 weeks and 13.5±8.3 days, respectively. Most patients (18/22, 81.8%) were diagnosed during antenatal care visits; however, 4 (18.2%) were identified after birth. The mean tumor size was 6.4×5.3 cm (3.5–17.0 cm), and tumors occurred most frequently within the sacrococcygeal region (8/22, 36.4%). Histopathologically, 14 patients (63.6%) demonstrated benign tumors and 8 (36.4%) demonstrated malignant tumors. Germ cell tumors and hepatoblastomas were the most commonly observed tumors. Fortunately, all patients showed a localized pattern of tumor involvement without distant metastasis. No recurrence or mortality was observed during the follow-up period (mean 66.4±44.2 months). CONCLUSION: Abdominoperineal solid tumors occurring in neonates show variable clinical patterns during the antenatal and postnatal monitoring/screening periods. We conclude that aggressive and multidisciplinary approaches could achieve good clinical results in these patients.
Follow-Up Studies ; Gestational Age ; Hepatoblastoma ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Mortality ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal ; Parturition ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Sacrococcygeal Region

PURPOSE: One of the major causes of bowel obstruction in extremely premature infants is a meconium obstruction. However, there are many challenges not only in the recognition and diagnosis, but also in the management of meconium obstruction. This study aimed to find perioperative clinical features and determine the postoperative course of meconium-related ileus in very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of premature infants (n = 11, VLBW infnats; n = 16, ELBW infants) with a meconium-related ileus who underwent operation for intractable ileus between January 2009 and May 2013. RESULTS: The average duration of conservative management was longer and postnatal age was older in ELBW infants than VLBW infants: 19.9 days vs. 11.5 days and 34.9 days vs. 19.2 days. The immediate postoperative course (day that beginning feeding and full feeding) was not significantly different based on birth weight, but the ELBW infants had slightly higher mortality. At 12 months of corrected age after operation, both average body weight and average height was below 10th percentile for growth in most infants (61.1%). CONCLUSION: There was a slightly high mortality in the ELBW infants, but two groups did not experience significant differences in the immediate postoperative course of meconium-related ileus. Nevertheless, considering their growth patterns, it is necessary to do a close follow-up and more aggressive nutritional management to achieve optimal growth and development in both patient groups.
Birth Weight ; Body Weight ; Diagnosis ; Growth and Development ; Humans ; Ileus* ; Infant* ; Infant, Extremely Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Extremely Premature ; Infant, Low Birth Weight* ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight* ; Meconium ; Mortality ; Retrospective Studies

Iliopsoas abscess (IPA) is rare in neonates. We present a case of neonatal IPA that was initially believed to bean inguinal hernia. A 20-day-old male infant was referred to our hospital for herniorrhaphy after a 2-day history of swelling and bluish discoloration of the left inguinal area and leg without limitation of motion. Abdominal and pelvic ultrasonography suggested a femoral hernia, but the anatomy was unclear. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a multi-septated cystic mass extending into the psoas muscle from the lower pole of the left kidney to the femur neck. Broad spectrum antibiotics were initiated, and prompt surgical exploration was planned. After opening the retroperitoneal cavity via an inguinal incision, an IPA was diagnosed and surgically drained. Culture of the abscess fluid detected Staphylococcus aureus, sensitive to methicillin. The patient was discharged without complication on the 17th postoperative day.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Drainage ; Hernia, Inguinal/*diagnosis ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Psoas Abscess/*diagnosis/*therapy ; Radiography, Abdominal/methods ; Rare Diseases ; Republic of Korea ; Staphylococcal Infections/*diagnosis/*therapy ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods ; Treatment Outcome