OBJECTIVE: Immunofluorescence microscopy including confocal laser scanning microscopy and electron microscopy were used to study the production of fibronectin, tenascin, and laminin in the cumulus-corona (CC) cells surrounding mature, unfertilized oocytes after ovulation in view of their presumptive importance in the coordination of the processes leading to fertilization and early embryo cleavage, including the final maturation of the ovum, the sperm-egg interaction, and the complex biochemical mechanism between the ovum and the oviduct. METHODS: Mature oocyte-cumulus complex (OCC) was cultured for 24 and 48 hour and fixed in 3.7% formaldehyde. Specimens were incubated with a mixture of primary monoclonal antibodies recognizing different epitopes of fibronectin, tenascin, and laminin, and then with a mixture of secondary antibodies containing FITC, TRITC, and Cy-5 conjugated antibodies. Observation was made by confocal laser scanning microscope equipped with epifluorescece optics. Transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the OCC at 24 and 48 hours after cultrue. RESULTS: The immunocytochemical date demonstrated that CC masses are capable of producing fibronectin and tenascin but their production is heterogeneous in the CC population. Immunoreactivity to fibronectin and tenascin was shown mostly by inner corona cells, and the intensity of immunofluorescence decreased from the central corona cells to the peripheral cumulus cells. Colocalization of fibronectin and tenascin was evident in most CC cells. Moreover, fibronectin and tenascin immunoreactive material was observed in the intracytoplasmic areas, at the plasma membrane level as well as in the extracellular matrix. Whereas, laminin immunofluorescence was found around plasma membrane and extracellular area, but a intracytoplasmic reaction was rarely observed. The distribution of laminin immunofluorescence was similar to that of fibronectin and tenascin, but in some cumulus cells, colocalization between them was not found. Ultrastructurally, cumulus cells projected numerous long, thin microvilli into the intercellular area and some micovilli penetrated into zona pellucida. The inner layer of the cumulus mass was loose arrangement of relatively uniform, small cells with widened intercellular spaces, whereas in the outer layer, cumulus cells are rather larger in size and compact arrangement by narrow, irregular spaces. A small and large linear gap junctions were easily found at cell contacts. The cytoplasm of most cells had abundant organelles typical of steroidogenesis: numerous mitochondrias, a well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum, electron dense lipid droplets, and bundles of microtubules and microfilaments. Rudimentary disrupted basal lamina along the cytoplasmic border was rarely seen in a few inner conora cells. CONCLUSION: Even though the functional role of these extracellular matrix proteins remains still unclear, it is reasonable to suggest that they are necessary in various steps of the reproductive process. Cumulus cells appears to be a heterogeneous and dynamic system for suitable microenviroment of fertilization. And functional differences between corona and cumulus cells during the oocyte denudation may be accounted for particular distribution of these adhesive proteins and steroidogenesis-related organelles.
Actin Cytoskeleton ; Adhesives ; Animals ; Antibodies ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Basement Membrane ; Cell Membrane ; Cumulus Cells ; Cytoplasm ; Embryonic Structures ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Smooth ; Epitopes ; Extracellular Matrix ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; Extracellular Space ; Female ; Fertilization ; Fibronectins* ; Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Formaldehyde ; Gap Junctions ; Immunohistochemistry ; Laminin* ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Microscopy, Electron* ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Microtubules ; Microvilli ; Mitochondria ; Oocytes ; Organelles ; Oviducts ; Ovulation ; Ovum ; Sperm-Ovum Interactions ; Tenascin* ; Zona Pellucida

Authors report a case of separation anxiety disorder, which developed as a side effect during haloperidol treatment of Tourette syndromes(TS). In this case, 14 years old boys developed attention deficit symptoms during his infancy. At 4th grade of primary school, he developed vocal tic, motor tic, and coprolalia. With 5mg/day of haloperidol treatment his symptoms of TS were subsided. During the treatment, he developed features of separation anxiety disorder, including dependence, pleading, clinging, and sadness. Symptoms of attention deficit and separation anxiety disorder were improved by 25mg/day of imipramine treatment. During haloperidol treatment of TS, careful observation may be needed whether separation anxiety disorder-like symptom develops.
Adolescent ; Anxiety, Separation ; Haloperidol* ; Humans ; Imipramine ; Tics ; Tourette Syndrome*

The present study was performed to evaluate the effect of tetracycline-HCl on the change of implant surface microstructure according to application time. Implant with pure titanium machined surface, HA-coated surface and dual acid etched surface were utilized. Implant surface was rubbed with 50mg/ml tetracycline-HCL solution for 1/2min., 1min., 1 1/2min., 2min., and 2 1/2min. respectively in the test group. Then, specimens were processed for scanning electron microscopic observation. The results of this study were as follows. 1. Both test and control group showed a few shallow grooves and ridges in pure titanium machined surface implants. There were not significant differences between two groups. 2. In HA-coated surfaces, round particles were deposited irregularly. The roughness of surfaces conditioned with tetracycline-HCL was lessened and the cracks were increased relative to the application time. 3. The etched surfaces showed the honey comb structures. The surface conditioning with tetracycline-HCl didn't influence on its micro-morphology. In conclusion, the detoxification with 50mg/ml tetracycline-HCl must be applied respectively with different time according to various implant surfaces.
Animals ; Comb and Wattles ; Honey ; Titanium

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite for patients who complained dental hypersensitivity. Before baseline of application of toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, tooth brushing instruction was done respectively and the several indices were measured at baseline, 2, 4, 8 weeks. Clinical indices were estimated, and responses to cold, compressive air, tactile stimulus were evaluated with verbal rating score. Relief effects and visual analogue scale were also evaluated. The results of this study were as follows 1. The occurrence rate of hypersensitivity in upper jaw was higher than that of lower jaws, and molar area showed more hypersensitivity than premolar and incisor area. Buccal site was hypersensitive followed by interproximal and lingual site. 2. Plaque index, gingival index and probing depth reduction were gradually improved after Tooth Brushing Instruction and using toothpaste. 3. Subjects showed most sensitive response to cold stimuli than compressive air and tactile stimuli. 4. The relief effect was increased during using tooth paste and complete relief was increased especially at 8 weeks. 5. Visual analogue scale was increased. In conclusion, it was confirmed that toothpaste containing microcrystalline hydroxyapatite have the relief effect of tooth hypersensitivity. During 8 weeks, stimulus responses were decreased and hypersensitivity relief effect was increased.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of toothpaste containing hydroxyapatite for patients who complained dental hypersensitivity. Before baseline of application of toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, tooth brushing instruction was done respectively and the several indices were measured at baseline, 2, 4, 8 weeks. Clinical indices were estimated, and responses to cold, compressive air, tactile stimulus were evaluated with verbal rating score. Relief effects and visual analogue scale were also evaluated. The results of this study were as follows 1. The occurrence rate of hypersensitivity in upper jaw was higher than that of lower jaws, and molar area showed more hypersensitivity than premolar and incisor area. Buccal site was hypersensitive followed by interproximal and lingual site. 2. Plaque index, gingival index and probing depth reduction were gradually improved after Tooth Brushing Instruction and using toothpaste. 3. Subjects showed most sensitive response to cold stimuli than compressive air and tactile stimuli. 4. The relief effect was increased during using tooth paste and complete relief was increased especially at 8 weeks. 5. Visual analogue scale was increased. In conclusion, it was confirmed that toothpaste containing microcrystalline hydroxyapatite have the relief effect of tooth hypersensitivity. During 8 weeks, stimulus responses were decreased and hypersensitivity relief effect was increased.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate exophytically vertical bone formation in the mandibular premolar area of beagle dogs by the concept of guided bone regeneration with a titanium reinforced e-PTFE membrane combined with human demineralized freeze-dried bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four one-year old beagle dogs were divided into control and experimental group. All mandibular premolars were extracted and surgical vertical defects of 5 mm in height were created in the extracted sockets. At 8 weeks after the extraction, TR e-PTFE membrane sized with 8 mm in length, 5 mm in width, and 4 mm in height was placed on the decorticated mandible, fixed with metal pins and covered with full-thickness flap and assigned as control group. In experimental group, decorticated mandibule was treated with TR e-PTFE membrane and human demineralized freeze-dried bone. The animals were sacrificed at 16 weeks after the regenerative surgery, and new bone formation was assessed by histomorphometric as well as statistical analysis. RESULTS: Average of new bone formation was 38% in the control group, whereas was 25% in the experimental group (p<0.05). Average of connective tissue formation was 42% in the experimental group, whereas was 30% in the control group (p<0.05). The lamellar bone formation with haversian canals was observed in the both groups. In the experimental group, the particles of human demineralized freeze-dried bone were observed after 16 weeks and complete resorption of graft was not observed. CONCLUSION: On the basis of these findings, we conclude that titanium reinforced e-PTFE membrane may be used alone for vertical guided bone regeneration, but demineralized freeze-dried bone has no additional effect on vertical guided bone regeneration.
Animals ; Bicuspid ; Bone Regeneration ; Connective Tissue ; Dogs ; Haversian System ; Humans ; Mandible ; Membranes ; Osteogenesis ; Titanium ; Transplantation, Heterologous ; Transplants

No abstract available.
Humans ; Microsporum* ; Siblings* ; Tinea Capitis* ; Tinea*

We present a patient with spinal epidural arteriovenous fistula presented with subdural hematoma and progressive myelopathy. Transarterial embolization using NBCA results in complete obliteration of fistula without complication. The pathophysiology, angioarchitexture of the lesion and strategy for its cure would be discussed.
Arteriovenous Fistula* ; Fistula ; Hematoma, Subdural* ; Humans ; Spinal Cord Diseases ; Spine

The isolation rate of Escherichia (E.) coli in poultry litter was investigated at 44 broiler farms, 20 that used fresh litter and 24 that used recycled litter. The patterns of resistance to antibiotics of the E. coli isolates were compared. In litter sampled before the rearing period, the isolation rate of E. coli was higher at farms that used fresh litter; E. coli was present in the litter in 94.5% (35 out of 37 flocks tested) of the farms that used fresh litter vs. 51.2% (21 out of 41 flocks) of the farms that used recycled litter. The susceptibility of the 93 isolates of E. coli to 13 antibiotics was studied. Before the rearing period, E. coli isolates from the farms that recycled litter showed higher resistance rates than isolates from farms that replaced litter with fresh litter. Comparing the antibiotic resistance patterns of isolates from litter sampled before and at the end of the rearing period, the antibiotic resistance rates at the end of the rearing period increased dramatically compared with rates before the rearing period.
Agriculture ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Drug Resistance, Microbial* ; Escherichia coli* ; Escherichia* ; Poultry*

Dermatologists often treat patients with complications arising from illegal cosmetic practices. Large numbers of non-medical personnel who claim to be “beauty experts” currently offer laser treatment, surgery, or injections that result in serious complications. Here we report two cases of adverse events: one after epilation with an unidentified laser device and the other after rhytidectomy performed using an unproven surgical method. Dermatologists should be aware of these complications and be able to educate both patients and fellow doctors about the potential risks.
Hair Removal ; Humans ; Methods ; Rhytidoplasty