PURPOSE: The authors sought to determine the neuroprotective effect of melatonin in a model of ischemic injury in rabbit retina. METHODS: Ischemia was induced by high intraocualr pressure. A dose of 100 microgram of melatonin or dimethyl sulfoxide(DMSO) alone was injected intravitreally just after the induction of ischemia. After 7 and 14 days, the neuroprotective effect of melatonin on ischemic retina was examined with light microscope and transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: The authors found reduction of cytoplasm of retinal ganglion cell(RGC), vacuole formation, chromatin condensation and rupture of nuclear membrane in ischemia-injured eyes treated with DMSO alone. But in melatonin treated eyes, we found that RGC layer's thickness and number of RGC reduced and destruction of cytoplasmic organells and nuclear damage were minimal. The partial recovery of wave is noted in melatonin-treated eyes after ischemia induction. CONCLUSIONS: The melatonin(100 microgram) protected the rabbit retina from high intraocular pressure-induced ischemic injury when administered intravitreally. Melatonin may be useful to decrease neuronal damage in the retina as a result of ischemic injury. But further investigations are neccesary to decide effective concentration, route and time of administration.
Chromatin ; Cytoplasm ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; Ganglion Cysts ; Ischemia* ; Melatonin* ; Neurons ; Neuroprotective Agents* ; Nuclear Envelope ; Retina ; Retinaldehyde* ; Rupture ; Vacuoles

PURPOSE: There were many studies on the distributions of the retinal ganglion cells(RGC) in the experimental model of the retinal ischemia. RGC was known to be more sensitive to the ischemic injury than the other types of the retinal cells. So, we would identify the changes of the retinal ganglion cell morphologies and distribution after the iatrogenic retinal ischemia induced by intraocular pressure(IOP) elevation. METHODS: Eight pigmented and six white rabbits were used and retinal ischemia was induced by increasing IOP higher than 120 mmHg for 60 minutes. Electroretinogram were recorded at 6 days or 13 days, and histologic findings were observed at 7 or 14 days. RESULTS: After 7 days, RGC densities decreased, cytoplasmic staining disappeared, and the intranuclear hyperpigmentation was noted. RGC densities decreased significantly at 14 days. In the vertical retinal section, some flattening of retinal ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer was observed. Changes in the cellular morphologies were prominent. CONCLUSIONS: It may be more appropriate to examine both the retinal whole-mount and the vertical tissue section for the estimatation of the changes of retinal ganglion cell layer in the pressure-induced retinal ischemia.
Cytoplasm ; Ganglion Cysts* ; Hyperpigmentation ; Ischemia ; Models, Theoretical ; Rabbits ; Retina* ; Retinal Ganglion Cells ; Retinaldehyde*

Collagen is the major component of scar tissue. Considerable progress of fibroblast growth kinetics and of collagen synthesis has been achieved in the past decade. We have been interested in fibroblasts activities as they are expressed by cells cultured in collagen substrate. This study is to examine the effects of collagen substrate and peptide growth factors In culture medium on DNA and protein synthesis of human dermal fibroblasts. Collagen, interleukin-1(IL-1) and transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-beta) were added to fibroblast culture media according to the designed experiment model and DNA and protein synthesis were measured by [3H]-thymidine, [3H]-leucine, and [3H]-proline incorporation method. The morphological features of fibroblasts were observed by light microscope. The results were as follows ; 1) There were significant decreases of DNA and protein synthesis of cultured fibroblasts in the presence of collagen substrate compared with those in Control groups(p<0.01). 2) DNA and protein synthesis were decreased as dose dependant manner of collagen density in culture media. 3) Morphological features of fibroblasts became less stellate and flat, more spindle-like in the presence of collagen. 4) In responsiveness to IL-1, collagen non-treated groups responded to IL-1 but collagen treated groups were unresponsive to IL-1 (P<0.05). 5) Cells In collagen non-treated groups responded to TGF-beta as dose-related manner(P<0.01). Collagen treated groups desponded to TGF-beta but did not show TGF-beta dose-dependant relationship. In Conclusion, collagen substrate in the culture medium could lower the DNA and protein synthesis of fibroblasts. Cells in collagen substrate were unresponsive or less responsive to peptide growth factors than those in non-collagen substrate.
Cicatrix ; Collagen* ; Culture Media ; DNA* ; Fibroblasts* ; Humans ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Interleukin-1 ; Kinetics ; Transforming Growth Factor beta

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to investigate the incidence and the clinical significance of inlet patch of heterotopic gastric mucosa in Koreans. This lesion can be found by close observation around the upper esophageal sphincter during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. METHODS: From March 1, 1996 to July 8, 1996, at Kwak's hospital, randomly selected 271 patients undergoing routine diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were included in this study. Patients with the inlet patch were confirmed by histology. Clinical symptoms observed through medical history were recorded. RESULTS: Twenty-six cases(9.6%) of the 271 patients studied had heterotopic gastric mucosa which was found at or just below the upper esophageal sphincter, varing from 3 to 30mm in diameter. It was velvety red in color and distinct from the surrounding normal squamous esophageal mucosa, resembling the Z-line at the esophagogastric junction. Parietal cells were identified in all 18 cases in which biopsy specimen contained deep glands, and chief cells were found in 14 cases. Histologically, fundic gland type was most frequent. The symptoms were relatively mild, 5 out of 6 patients who complained of throat discomfort were relieved by H2 antagonists. CONCLUSION: In Koreans the incidence of heterotopic gastric mucosa in the upper esophagus was similar to the reports from western countries unlike Barrett's esophagus. The etiology of these patches appeared to be congenital rather than acquired from reflux of gastric acid. This was supported by its location in the proximal esophagus and lack of correlation with reflux esophagitis. It must be considered as one of the differential diagnosis of a patient who complains of throat discomfort during diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Attention needs to be paid to find possible development of complications such as stricture and adenocarcinoma in patients with the inlet patch of heterotopic gastric mucosa.
Adenocarcinoma ; Barrett Esophagus ; Bays* ; Biopsy ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Esophageal Sphincter, Upper ; Esophagitis, Peptic ; Esophagogastric Junction ; Esophagus ; Gastric Acid ; Gastric Mucosa* ; Humans ; Incidence* ; Mucous Membrane ; Pharynx ; Rabeprazole

No abstract available.
DNA Topoisomerases* ; DNA*

The purpose of this study was to assess the energy value of breakfast and its relation to total daily nutrient intake and serum lipid. Dietary intakes were evaluated through the 3-day dietary recalls(interview for 1day and self-report for 2 days) from 333 Korean urban adults aged 20-49 year. Serum lipids in fasting blood samples were measured form 98 of those 333 adults. Low energy breakfast(<15% of daily energy intake) was consumed by 22.6% of males and 18.5% of females. 59.4 of males and 43.3% of females consumed a breakfast of average energy intake(15-25% daily energy intake) ; and 18.1 of males and 38.2% of females consumed a significant contribution to a total daily nutrient intake. The daily nutrient intake except crude fiber and vitamin A, B, B, and C in males and except vitamin C in females significantly increased as the energy value of breakfast increased. The differences in energy and nutrient intakes at breakfast were not made up for by other meals. To make matters worse, the satisfactory-energy breakfast group took more energy at dinner compared with the low-energy and average-energy breakfast group took more energy at dinner compared with the low-energy and average-energy breakfast groups in females. Among serum lipid parameters, TG was negatively correlated with energy provided at breakfast, and total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol had a negative correlation with energy and carbohydrates provided at breakfast in males. For females TG was positively correlated with the ratio of carbohydrates to energy at breakfast but negatively correlated with the ratio of fat to energy at breakfast. These results suggest that satisfactory energy intakes at breakfast have positive effects on the adequacy of daily nutrient intake and may positively affect the serum lipid status.
Adult* ; Ascorbic Acid ; Breakfast* ; Carbohydrates ; Cholesterol ; Fasting ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Meals ; Vitamin A

PURPOSE: We examined the ability of alpha-phenyl-tert-butyl-nitrone (PBN), an electron spin trapper, to determine the neuroprotective effect in the argon laser induced ischemic rat retina model. METHODS: After ischemic condition of rat retina was induced by argon green laser, PBN was given intraperitoneally at 50 or 100 mg/kg and normal saline was injected to control group. After 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days, the neuroprotective effect of PBN was examined by electroretinogram (ERG) and after 7 days, the enucleation of eyes was performed and histologic findings were compared by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: We found relatively reduced amplitude of ERG wave in the PBN injected group but not so greatly reduced as in normal saline control group. The retinal ganglion cell (RGC) layer and the number of RGCs were affected by acute ischemic changes but in the group of PBN treatment, the cell membrane was well preserved and vecuoles formation, cytoplasmic destructions, nuclear chromatin condensation were reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Systemic administration of PBN can ameliorate an argon laser induced retinal ischemia. Further investigations are necessary to decide effective dose without toxicity and to find more convenient methods of administrations.
Animals ; Argon* ; Cell Membrane ; Chromatin ; Cytoplasm ; Ischemia* ; Microscopy ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Neuroprotective Agents* ; Rats ; Retina ; Retinal Ganglion Cells ; Retinaldehyde*

PURPOSE: After the administration of Organ Transplantation Law in Feb. 9. 2000, the number of brain death donation has decreased due to the strictness of donation process, the lack of publicity activities, so the activation of brain death donation issue has arose. Intensive Care Unit (ICU) nurse is the first person that contacts with the brain death donor, the provider of donor care and also the maker of rapport with patient family, accordingly they are considered to be one of the important human resource. The purpose of this study is to analyse the attitude of the brain death donation and the relative factors. METHODS: The subjects were 184 ICU nurses in hospitals, who work in the Neurosurgery and Neurology ICU. RESULTS: (1) The rate of positive attitude about organ donation for the nurses who have the knowledge of enforcement of 'Organ Transplantion Law', the knowledge of first connect point is KONOS (Korean Network for Organ Sharing) and the knowledge of brain death organ donation nursing care, was higher than the others with p=0.050, p=0.029 and p=0.048, respectively. (2) The rate of positive attitude about organ donation for the nurses who experienced the complete process of organ donation, received education on organ donation and transplant, was higher than the others with p=0.007, p=0.043, respectively. The nurses who did not experience brain death organ donation nursing care had higher rate of negative attitude than the others with p=0.022, and for those who have experienced the complete process of organ donation nursing care had a higher negative attitude than others with p=0.006. (3) The positive attitude items were divided 3 groups - the respondants' recognition and will, the benefits of organ donation, the role of organ donation process. The negative attitude items were divided 3 groups - the difficulty of organ donation, the respondants' opposition, the uncoorperation of gaurdians and medical staffs. CONCLUSION: The results of this study is believed to be a useful tool in facilitating organ donation as a groundwork for publicity, education and policy.
Brain Death* ; Brain* ; Critical Care* ; Education ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units* ; Jurisprudence ; Medical Staff ; Neurology ; Neurosurgery ; Nursing Care ; Organ Transplantation ; Tissue and Organ Procurement* ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify the factors associated with suicidal ideation among the elderly living alone received the elderly care service in a rural area. METHODS: This study was surveyed 206 the elderly living alone who received the elderly care service in G-gun, Jeollanamdo. The collected data were socio-demographic and health-related characteristics, family support and suicidal ideation. The used methods for statistical analysis were used t-test, analysis of variance, Pearson's correlational analysis and the multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: In univariate analysis, the suicidal ideation of the elderly living alone was statistically significant associated with age, monthly income, sufficiency of sleeping, depression, stress, activities of daily living, instrumental activities of daily living, perceived health status and family support. As a result of multiple regression analysis, the associated factors with suicidal ideation were age, depression, stress and the activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: The suicidal ideation of the elderly living alone in the rural area was associated with age, mental health and independency of living. It will be needed the multidisciplinary approaches to prevent the suicidal ideation and attempts of the elderly living alone.
Activities of Daily Living ; Aged* ; Depression ; Family Characteristics ; Humans ; Jeollanam-do ; Logistic Models ; Mental Health ; Suicidal Ideation*

PURPOSE: The identification of factors present at the time of initial evaluation may be important to predict the prognosis in patients with superficial bladder carcinoma. Attempts were made to identify predictive factors of recurrence and progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included twenty seven patients with superficial bladder tumor(pTa-pTl) who had no recurrence within 5 years. A comparative non-randomized study was performed of a control group of twenty six patients with same superficial bladder tumor who had recurrence within 1 year after transurethral resection of bladder tumor(TURBT) was done. Between the former and the latter patients cumulative and multivariate analyses were performed to estabilish predictive factors of pathological recurrence and progression. The resected tumors were immunohistochemically stained with anti-lamin rabbit serum to evaluate the presence or absence of basement membrane breakage, the vascular and/or lymphatic invasion, and to count number of neovascularizasion. RESULTS: In superficial bladder carcinoma, invasion of basement membrane, grade, invasion of lymphatics and vessels, and neoangiogenesis were significant factors affecting recurrence and progression, and these factors acted independently. CONCLUSIONS: These factors used to predict recurrence and progression of superficial bladder tumor were thought to be the important risk factors. These results suggested that close follow-up and aggressive treatment such as BCG instillation should be considered for the treatment of superficial bladder cancer with unfavourable prognostic factors.
Basement Membrane ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Mycobacterium bovis ; Prognosis ; Recurrence* ; Risk Factors ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* ; Urinary Bladder*