OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify the regions of the brain associated with recurrent nocturnal chronic hypoxic episodes in patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) using low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (LORETA) and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). METHODS: Nocturnal polysomnograph (NPSG) and subsequent morning electroencephalograph (EEG) were measured in 20 subjects with OSAS. Mild (n=10 ages 39.5+/-12.1 years) and severe (n=10 ages 41.7+/-13.6 years) right-handed male OSAS subjects were selected by interview and questionnaires including the NPSG, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The LORETA and QEEG were compared between the severe and mild OSAS groups by frequency bands (delta 1-3 Hz, theta 4-7 Hz, alpha 8-12 Hz, beta1 13-18 Hz, beta2 19-21 Hz, beta3 22-30 Hz, and total 1-30 Hz) made by spectral analysis during resting with the eyes closed. RESULTS: The LORETA analysis showed decreased alpha activity at the right posterior cingulate gyrus (Brodmann area 23) in cases with severe OSAS compared to mild OSAS (p<0.05). For the QEEG, the absolute power of the alpha activity (8-12 Hz) was decreased in P3 (p=0.047), PZ (p=0.039) and O2 (p=0.04) in cases with severe OSAS compared to mild OSAS cases. The LORETA and QEEG analyses had similar results with regard to band, activation and location. CONCLUSION: The decreased activity of the alpha frequency in the right posterior cingulate gyrus, in patients with severe OSAS compared to those with mild OSAS, suggests that chronic repeated short-term hypoxia during sleep, in OSAS, could provoke cortical brain dysfunction associated with cognitive dysfunction such as memory and attention.
Anoxia ; Anxiety ; Brain ; Depression ; Electroencephalography ; Gyrus Cinguli ; Humans ; Hypoxia, Brain ; Magnets* ; Male ; Memory ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive*

BACKGROUND: More attention is given to oxidative hypothesis which causes atherosclerosis to be recognized as inflammatory response. The relationship between serum ferritin which catalyzes lipid peroxidation and high sensitivity C-reactive protein which reflects vascular inflammation was investigated among adults in a health promotion center. METHODS: The study group consisted of 297 men and women (men 86, women 211) who visited the health promotion center of a hospital in Seoul to have a health checkup from October 1, 2004 to April 1, 2005. These subjects answered the questionnares and were measured in the following; blood tests, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and several anthropometric measurements. Statistical analysis was performed on 111 subjects after exclusion of those subjects who were taking antihypertensive agents or antidiabetic agents, and who had acute inflammatory diseases, acute liver diseases, anemia, and who had a WBC > or =11,000x10(3)/mm3 or a serum ferritin > or =200 ug/L or a ABI (Ankle Brachial Index) <0.9. RESULTS: The average serum ferritin concentration of men against women was 132.57+/-43.12 ng/ml to 78.23+/-38.10 ng/ml which means that men have about 1.7 times as high concentration than women (P<0.001). Serum ferritin was significantly correlated with high sensitivity C-reactive protein (r=0.332). Even in multiple stepwise regression analysis, there was a independent relationship between serum ferritin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (beta=0.138, P=0.010). When we analyzed with distinction of sex, this relationship in women was constant (beta=0.131, P=0.031), but serum ferritin in men just showed the trend of correlation with BMI (beta=9.510, P=0.059). CONCLUSION: There is a significant relationship between the increase of serum ferritin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein in healthy women; furthermore, studies in men need to be confirmed.
Acute Disease ; Adult ; Anemia ; Antihypertensive Agents ; Atherosclerosis ; C-Reactive Protein ; Female ; Ferritins ; Health Promotion ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Hypoglycemic Agents ; Inflammation ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Liver Diseases ; Male ; Oxidative Stress ; Pulse Wave Analysis

The present study compared the actigraphic indices between both wrist actigraphies (WATGs), and the sleep estimates between each WATG and nocturnal polysomnography (NPSG) to assess their differences and consistencies. We studied 22 right-handed subjects (mean age 43.9+/-13.3 years, M:F=14:8) with untreated primary sleep disorders (primary insomnia=8, simple snorer=2, obstructive sleep apnea=12) undergone by overnight both WATGs and NPSG, simultaneously. Comparison and correlation were analyzed between right and left wrist actigraphic data. In the sleep estimates of both WATGs and NPSG, each WATG was compared and correlated with NPSG in sleep period time (SPT), total sleep time (TST), sleep latency (SL), sleep efficiency (SE) and wake time (WT). Sleep indices between both WATGs showed significant positive correlations with no correlations in SL and fragmentation index (FI). There were no differences in sleep indices between both WATGs. SPTs of both WATGs, SL of left WATG, and TST of right WATG showed positively significant correlations, and SE of right WATG did negatively significant correlation in sleep indices between each WATG and NPSG. As each WATG was compared to PSG, SPTs of both WATGs and WT of right WATG were decreased, and TST and SE of right WATG and SL of left WATG were increased. Inconsistent SL and FI between both WATGs indicate that the activities between both WATGs can differentially happen during wake or arousal. Inconsistent sleep estimates between each WATG and NPSG may indicate the limited usefulness in measuring and analyzing one-night sleep by using WATG.
Arousal ; Functional Laterality ; Polysomnography* ; Sleep Wake Disorders ; Wrist*

OBJECTIVE: This study was to compare the characteristics between parthenogenetic mES (P-mES) cells and in vitro fertilization mES cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Mouse oocytes were recovered from superovulated 4 wks hybrid F1 (C57BL/6xCBA/N) female mice. For parthenogenetic activation, oocytes were treated with 7% ethanol for 5 min and 5microgram/ml cytochalasin-B for 4 h. For IVF, oocytes were inseminated with epididymal perm of hybrid F1 male mice(1x106/ml). IVF and parthenogenetic embryos were cultured in M16 medium for 4 days. Cell number count of blastocysts in those two groups was taken by differential labelling using propidium iodide (red) and bisbenzimide (blue). To establish ES cells, blastocysts in IVF and parthenogenetic groups were treated by immunosurgery and recovered inner cell mass (ICM) cells were cultured in LIF added ES culture medium. To identity ES cells, the surface markers alkaline phosphatase, SSEA-1, 3, 4 and Oct4 staining were examined in replated ICM colonies. Chromosome numbers in P-mES and mES were checked. Also, in vitro differentiation potential of P-mES and mES was examined. RESULTS: Although the cleavage rate (> or =2-cell) was not different between IVF (76.3%) and parthenogenetic group (67.0%), in vitro development rate was significantly low in parthenogenetic group (24.0%) than IVF group (68.4%) (p<0.05). Cell number count of ICM and total cell in parthenogenetic blastocysts (9.6+/-3.1, 35.1+/-5.2) were significantly lower than those of IVF blastocysts (19.5+/-4.7, 63.2+/-13.0) (p<0.05). Through the serial treatment procedure such as immunosurgery, plating of ICM and colony formation, two ICM colonies in IVF group (mES, 10.0%) and three ICM colonies (P-mES, 42.9%) in parthenogenetic group were able to culture for extended duration (25 and 20 passages, respectively). Using surface markers, alkaline phosphatase, SSEA-1 and Oct4 in P-mES and mES colony were positively stained. The number of chromosome was normal in ES colony from two groups. Also, in vitro neural and cardiac differentiation derived from mES or P-mES cells was confirmed. CONCLUSION: This study suggested that P-mES cells can be successfully established and that those cell lines have similar characteristics to mES cells.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Antigens, CD15 ; Bisbenzimidazole ; Blastocyst ; Cell Count ; Cell Line ; Embryonic Stem Cells* ; Embryonic Structures ; Ethanol ; Female ; Fertilization in Vitro* ; Humans ; Male ; Mice* ; Oocytes ; Propidium

In order to assess the effects of radiofrequency-induced local hyperthermia on the normal liver, histopathologic findings and biochemical changes after localized hyperthemia in canine liver were studied. Hyperthermia was externally administered using the Thermotron RF-8 (Yamamoto Vinyter Co., Japan; Capacitive type heating machine) with parallel opposed electrodes. Thirteen dogs were used and allocated into one control group (N=3) and two treatment groups according to the treatment temperature. GroupI(N=5) was heated with 42.5+/-0.5degree C for 30 minutes, and GroupII(N=5) was heated with 45+/-0.5degree C for 15-30 minutes. Samples of liver tissue were obtained through a needle biopsy immediately afterhyperthermia and 7, 14 and 28 days after treatment and examined for SGOT, SGPT and alkaline phosphatase. Although SGOT and SGPT were elevated after hyperthermia in both groups (three of five in each group), there was no liver cell necrosis or hyperthermia related mortality in GroupI. A hydropic swelling of hepatocytes was prominent histologic finding. Hyperthermia with 45degree C for 30 minutes was fatal and showed extensive liver cell necrosis. In conclusion, liver damage day heat of 42.5+/-0.5degree C for 30 minutes is reversible, and liver damage by heat of 45+/-0.5degree C for 30 minutes can be fatal or irreversible. However, these results cannot be applied directly to human trial. Therefore, in order to apply hyperthermic treatment on human liver tumor safely, close observation of temperature with proper thermometry is mandatory. Hyperthermic treatment should be confined to the tumor area while sparing a normal liver as much as possible.
Alanine Transaminase ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Biopsy, Needle ; Dogs ; Electrodes ; Fever ; Heating ; Hepatocytes ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Hyperthermia, Induced* ; Japan ; Liver* ; Mortality ; Necrosis ; Thermometry

OBJECTIVE: This study was to establish a reproducible differentiation system from the parthenogenetic mouse embryonic stem (P-mES02) cells into functional cardiomyocytes like as in vitro fertilization mouse embryonic stem (mES01) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To induce differentiation, P-mES02 cells were dissociated and aggregated in suspension culture environment for embryoid (EB) formation. For differentiation into cardiomyocytes, day 4 EBs were treated with 0.75% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for another 4 days (4-/4+) and then were plated onto gelatin-coated dish. Cultured cells were observed daily using an inverted light microscope to determine the day of contraction onset and total duration of continuous contractile activity for each contracting focus. This frequency was compared with the results of DMSO not treated P-mES02 group (4-/4-) and mES01 groups (4-/4+ or 4-/4-). For confirm the generation of cardiomyocytes, beating cell masses were treated with trypsin-EDTA, dispersed cells were plated onto glass coverslips and incubated for 48 h. Attached cells were fixed using 4% paraformaldehyde and incubated with specific antibodies (Abs) to defect cardiomyocytes (anti-sarcomeric alpha-actinin Ab, 1: 100; anti-cardiac troponin I Ab, 1: 2000) for 1 h. And the cells were finally treated with FITC or TRITC labelled 2nd Abs, respectively, then they were examined under fluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: Rhythmically contracting areas in mES01 or P-mES02 cells were firstly appeared at 9 or 10 days after EBs plating, respectively. The highest cumulative frequency of beating EBs was not different in both treatment groups (mES01 and P-mES02, 4-/4+) with the results of 61.3% at 13 days and 69.8% at 15 days, respectively. Also the contracting duration of individual beating EBs was different from minimal 7 days to maximal 53 days. However, DMSO not treated groups (mES01 and mES02,4-/4-) also had contracting characteristics although their frequency was a few compared to those of DMSO treated groups (6.0% and 4.0%). Cells recovered from the spontaneously contracting areas within EBs in both treated groups were stained positively with muscle specific anti-sarcomeric alpha-actinin Ab and cardiac specific anti-cardiac troponin I Ab. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the P-mES02 cell-derived cardiomyocytes displayed similarly structural properties to mES01 cell-derived cardiomyocytes and that the DMSO treatment enhanced the cardiomyocytes differentiation in vitro.
Actinin ; Animals ; Antibodies ; Cells, Cultured ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; Embryonic Stem Cells* ; Fertilization in Vitro ; Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate ; Glass ; Mice* ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Myocytes, Cardiac* ; Troponin I

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether the clinical severity of cervical dystonia (CD) significantly correlates with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) findings as well as to determine the threshold of the clinical severity of CD for positive 18F-FDG PET/CT study findings. METHODS: Forty-seven subjects with torticollis as one of the symptoms of CD were included. The clinical severity of CD was evaluated with the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) at the time of 18F-FDG PET/CT. The correlation between the clinical severity of CD and the highest SUVmax was examined. The threshold of the clinical severity of CD necessary for positive 18F-FDG PET/CT findings was determined using receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-three of the 47 subjects (70.21%) showed positive 18F-FDG PET/CT findings. The ipsilateral splenius capitis/cervicis, oblique capitis inferior, and longus colli/capitis were the rotators most frequently involved. The highest SUVmax of 18F-FDG PET/CT was significant correlated with the TWSTRS. Subjects with a total TWSTRS exceeding 39 showed positive 18F-FDG PET/CT findings, with those having a total TWSTRS < or =22 showing negative 18F-FDG PET/CT results. The cutoff value of the total TWSTRS for positive 18F-FDG PET/CT findings was set at 27.5 with 90.9% sensitivity and 64.3% specificity. CONCLUSION: A significant correlation was evident between the clinical severity of CD and 18F-FDG PET/CT findings, providing a threshold of the clinical severity of CD for acquisition of positive 18F-FDG PET/CT findings.
Electrons ; Fluorodeoxyglucose F18* ; Paraspinal Muscles ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Positron-Emission Tomography and Computed Tomography* ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Torticollis*

OBJECTIVE: This study was to examine in vitro neural cell differentiation pattern of the genetically modified human embryonic stem cells expressing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human embryonic stem (hES, MB03) cell was transfected with cDNAs cording for TH. Successful transfection was confirmed by western immunoblotting. Newly transfected cell line (TH#2/MB03) was induced to differentiate by two neurogenic factors retinoic acid (RA) and b-FGF. Exp. I) Upon differentiation using RA, embryoid bodies (EB, for 4 days) derived from TH#2/MB03 cells were exposed to RA (10-6 M)/AA (5x10-2 mM) for 4 days, and were allowed to differentiate in N2 medium for 7, 14 or 21 days. Exp. II) When b-FGF was used, neuronal precursor cells were expanded at the presence of b-FGF (10 ng/ml) for 6 days followed by a final differentiation in N2 medium for 7, 14 or 21 days. Neuron differentiation was examined by indirect immunocytochemistry using neuron markers (NF160 & NF200). RESULTS: After 7 days in N2 medium, approximately 80% and 20% of the RA or b-FGF induced Th#2/MB03 cells were immunoreactive to anti-NF160 and anti-NF200 antibodies, respectively. As differentiation continued, NF200 in RA treated cells significantly increased to 73.0% on 14 days compared to that in b-FGF treated cells (53.0%, p<0.05), while the proportion of cells expressing NF160 was similarly decreased between two groups. However, throughout the differentiation, expression of TH was maintained (~90%). HPLC analyses indicated the increased levels of L-DOPA in RA treated genetically modified hES cells with longer differentiation time. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that a genetically modified hES cells (TH#2/MB03) could be efficiently differentiated in vitro into mature neurons by RA induction method.
Antibodies ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Differentiation* ; Cell Line ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; DNA, Complementary ; Embryoid Bodies ; Embryonic Stem Cells* ; Humans* ; Immunohistochemistry ; Levodopa ; Neurons ; Transfection ; Tretinoin ; Tyrosine 3-Monooxygenase* ; Tyrosine*

BACKGROUND: Since better understanding of the associations between blood pressure and blood lipids may provide insight into the mechanisms by which hypertension is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease, this study is aimed to explore the associations of blood pressure with serum lipids, BMI, age, FBS and life style factors. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, 20,826 men and 10,209 women were included for the assessment of the cross-sectional relations of blood lipids, BMI, Blood pressure and Life style factors. Stratified analyses and multivariable methods were used to control for potential confounding anthropometric and lifestyle variables. Total cholesterol and Triglyceride levels increased significantly with increasing systolic or diastolic blood pressure in both sexes. Men of 20-29 years old had steeper regression slopes for blood pressure by total cholesterol level than did women of similar age. In men, the association between blood pressure and total cholesterol level decreased with age, whereas in women, no change was observed regarding age. Body mass index modified the relation, whereas smoking, exercise, and alcohol consumption had little influence on the association. HDL cholesterol level had little influence on blood pressure. In the group of age <40, age accounted more than BMI for hypertension, whereas in group of age > or =40, BMI accounted more. In the group of age < 40, other variables ,besides age and BMI, are suggested to influence more on male hypertension than female hypertension. CONCLUSION: These results provides evidence that there are interrelations between blood pressure, blood lipids and life style factors that may influence the mechanisms of coronary heart disease.
Adult* ; Alcohol Drinking ; Blood Pressure* ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Coronary Disease ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Life Style ; Male ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Triglycerides

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the maternal and fetal outcomes after transvaginal selective fetal reduction(SFR) in multifetal pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Transvaginal SFR using fetal intracardiac puncture with KCl injection and aspiration of amniotic fluid was performed in 58 multifetal pregnancies achieved after assisted reproductive technology(ART). After transvaginal SFR, 55 twin and 3 singleton pregnancies were evaluated and analyzed retrospectively with the medical records of mothers and babies. RESULTS: Of 58 cases, abortion within 4 weeks after SFR occurred in 1 case(1.7%). Miscarriage of all fetuses occurred in 8 cases(13.8%) from 4 weeks after SFR until 24 weeks of gestation. Perinatal death occurred in 8 newborns from 5 mothers due to extreme prematurity in 7 cases and anencephaly in 1 case. Take-home baby rate, that is, discharge with at least 1 healthy baby, was 77.6%(45/58). CONCLUSION: Transvaginal SFR is an acceptable and effective management option in the cases of excessive multifetal pregnancy after infertility treatment. The ultimate successful outcomes of reduced multifetal pregnancy may be enhanced by more extensive experience with SFR.
Abortion, Spontaneous ; Amniotic Fluid ; Anencephaly ; Female ; Fetus ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infertility ; Medical Records ; Mothers ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome* ; Pregnancy Reduction, Multifetal* ; Pregnancy* ; Punctures ; Retrospective Studies