EphA/ephrin-A mediated signaling has emerged as a key mechanism regulating axon guidance and topographic mapping, particularly in the well-characterized visual system from the retina to the superior colliculus (SC). In this study, EphA8 bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) was manipulated to contain a floxed eGFP and human ephrin-A5 expression cassette using homologous recombination method. In the mice containing the recombinant BAC, it was shown that GFP is expressed in an anterior>posterior gradient in the SC. Furthermore, when these mice were crossed with the transgenic mice expressing Cre under the EphA8 promoter, it was evident that a GFP expression cassette was eliminated, and that human ephrin-A5 was ectopically expressed in the anterior region of the SC. This transgenic model would be useful to analyze the role of ephrin-A5 in the SC during the retinocollicular topography formation.
Animals ; Axons ; Chromosomes, Artificial, Bacterial ; Ephrin-A5 ; Homologous Recombination ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Retina ; Superior Colliculi

Mostly of the sudden deaths, except in-hospital death and death within 48 hours of discharge, are declared in the emergency department by emergency physician. The purpose of this study is to review the protocol of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest by understanding the cause of sudden death from autopsy results. A retrospective analysis was performed by 48 months of medical records from emergency department of a tertiary hospital. The analysis was made from the patient group which gone through autopsy in the main office of National Institute of Scientific Investigation. In the emergency department, 1913 patients were declared death and 43 patients have received autopsy and 19 (1.0%) were natural death. 14 partients received CPR in the natural death group, and 13 were specified as cardiovascular disease. Result of this study represents the importance of prehospital CPR in case of unexpected cardiac arrest patients. However to generalize this result, all dead patients must go through autopsies for medical purpose which the frequency alse should be increased.
Autopsy ; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Death, Sudden ; Emergencies ; Heart Arrest ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest ; Retrospective Studies ; Tertiary Care Centers

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of video-oculographic waveform analysis in nystagmus patients. Methods: We carried out an observational case study in 18 patients (age, 7-32 years) with nystagmus who visited our clinic regularly for more than 1 year. Video-oculography (VOG) recording was performed (SLVNG®; SLMED, Seoul, Korea/3D Video-Oculography®; SMI, Teltow, Germany), and the velocity, peak velocity, and frequency of ocular movement were evaluated. The results of VOG analysis were compared to the diagnosis based on clinical examination and video recording. Results: Eleven patients showed corresponding results, while the results differed between presumed diagnosis by VOG waveform analysis and clinical diagnosis in seven patients. Two of the discordant group showed additional waveforms that were not found on clinical examination. In addition, the number of inverse cases was two. The VOG waveform results corresponded to the diagnosis based on video recording in 16 patients. Conclusions Video-oculography is useful for diagnosis and management of nystagmus patients as it is noninvasive, comfortable, and can be performed in patients with difficulties with electronystagmography, such as pediatric patients. In addition, its waveform analysis and quantification are reliable taking into consideration diagnosis based on clinical examination and video recording.

Purpose: We report a case of regressed retinal astrocytic hamartomas (RAHs) in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients by mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (everolimus) treatment. Case summary: A 12-year-old girl diagnosed with TSC visited for regular checkups. The patient had undergone regular fundus examinations every year after the finding of multiple RAHs in both eyes in the initial screening at 3 months of age. There was no change in the size or thickness of the lesions until she reached 10 years of age. Two months later, the patient started systemic everolimus (5 mg, AFINITOR®, Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) treatment for 17 months under the care of a pediatric neurologist for seizure control. Subsequent fundus examination and measurements by optical coherence tomography showed improvement in the maximal thickness of all lesions, specifically, a reduction of 25%. Conclusions mTOR inhibitors are targeted agents that regress systemic hamartomas and control convulsions without serious side effects in TSC patients. The particular one used in this study, Afinitor everolimus, reduced the RAH size in our patient. Thus, in cases where an RAH affects vision due to its location, everolimus can considered as a therapeutic option.

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of video-oculographic waveform analysis in nystagmus patients. Methods: We carried out an observational case study in 18 patients (age, 7-32 years) with nystagmus who visited our clinic regularly for more than 1 year. Video-oculography (VOG) recording was performed (SLVNG®; SLMED, Seoul, Korea/3D Video-Oculography®; SMI, Teltow, Germany), and the velocity, peak velocity, and frequency of ocular movement were evaluated. The results of VOG analysis were compared to the diagnosis based on clinical examination and video recording. Results: Eleven patients showed corresponding results, while the results differed between presumed diagnosis by VOG waveform analysis and clinical diagnosis in seven patients. Two of the discordant group showed additional waveforms that were not found on clinical examination. In addition, the number of inverse cases was two. The VOG waveform results corresponded to the diagnosis based on video recording in 16 patients. Conclusions Video-oculography is useful for diagnosis and management of nystagmus patients as it is noninvasive, comfortable, and can be performed in patients with difficulties with electronystagmography, such as pediatric patients. In addition, its waveform analysis and quantification are reliable taking into consideration diagnosis based on clinical examination and video recording.

Purpose: We report a case of regressed retinal astrocytic hamartomas (RAHs) in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) patients by mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (everolimus) treatment. Case summary: A 12-year-old girl diagnosed with TSC visited for regular checkups. The patient had undergone regular fundus examinations every year after the finding of multiple RAHs in both eyes in the initial screening at 3 months of age. There was no change in the size or thickness of the lesions until she reached 10 years of age. Two months later, the patient started systemic everolimus (5 mg, AFINITOR®, Novartis, Basel, Switzerland) treatment for 17 months under the care of a pediatric neurologist for seizure control. Subsequent fundus examination and measurements by optical coherence tomography showed improvement in the maximal thickness of all lesions, specifically, a reduction of 25%. Conclusions mTOR inhibitors are targeted agents that regress systemic hamartomas and control convulsions without serious side effects in TSC patients. The particular one used in this study, Afinitor everolimus, reduced the RAH size in our patient. Thus, in cases where an RAH affects vision due to its location, everolimus can considered as a therapeutic option.

PURPOSE: Bone marrow has long been a source of primary cells. This study was performed to evaluate the effects of age and sex on the cellular viability and expression of stem cell markers of mRNA and on the protein expression of bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) derived from healthy donors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Stem cells were isolated from human bone marrow and plated in culture plates. The shape of the BMSCs was observed under inverted microscope. Quantitative cellular viability was evaluated using a Cell-Counting Kit-8 assay. The expression of stem cell surface markers was tested and a series of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot was performed to evaluate the expression in each group. RESULT: The shapes of the cells at 20s, 30s, and 50s were similar to each other. No significant changes in cellular viability were noted among different age groups or sex groups. The BMSCs expressed CD44, CD73, and CD90 surface markers but did not express CD14 and CD34. There were no noticeable differences in CD surface markers among the different age groups. The expressions of CD surface markers were similar between men and women. No significant differences in the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGFs) were noted at Day 3 between different age groups. qRT-PCR regarding the expression showed differences between the age groups. However, Western blot analysis showed a decrease in expression but did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study clearly showed no significant differences in shape, cell viability, expression of stem cell surface markers, or secretion of human VEGF among different age groups. However, western blot analysis showed a tendency of age-related decrease which did not reach statistical significance. Collectively, autologous or allogeneic BMSCs should be meticulously applied to obtain optimal results regarding age and sex.
Age Factors ; Blotting, Western ; Bone Marrow ; Cell Shape ; Cell Survival ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Messenger ; Stem Cells ; Tissue Donors ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factors

PURPOSE: This descriptive study was done to identify the academic achievement, self-directed learning (SDL), and critical thinking disposition (CTD) of nursing students according to their learning styles. METHOD: The participants were 240 nursing students. Data were collected using structured questionnaires which included Kolb's Learning Style Inventory, Academic Achievement in Fundamental Nursing and Health Assessment, Self Directed Learning Readiness Scale, and California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory. Data were analyzed using chi2 test, ANOVA, Pearson' correlation coefficients, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. RESULTS: One third of respondents were shown to be Convergers in their learning style (33.3%). The Academic Achievement of students who were Convergers was significantly higher than those who were Divergers or Accommodators (F=5.95, p=.001). The SDL and CTD of students who were Convergers were significantly higher than Divergers and Assimilators (F=9.67, p<.001 and F=8.42, p<.001). No significant correlations were found between Academic Achievement and SDL or CTD, but a statistically significant positive correlation was found between SDL and CTD (r=.68, p<.001). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicate that learning style influences academic achievement, SDL and CTD.
Achievement ; California ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Humans ; Learning ; Self-Assessment ; Students, Nursing ; Thinking

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the association between resting heart rate (RHR), the risk factors and prevalences of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Korean adults. METHODS: A cross sectional analysis was performed on data from the 2012 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V) using frequency analysis, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and logistic regression. Participants were stratified according to RHR into 5 groups; <60 bpm, 60-69 bpm, 70-79 bpm, 80-89 bpm, and > or =90 bpm. RESULTS: The results show that risk factors of MetS and T2D increased as RHR increased. Compared to those with a RHR of <60 bpm, the prevalence of MetS increased in those with RHR of 60-69 bpm, 70-79 bpm, 80-89 bpm and > or =90 bpm by 1.46 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-2.08), 2.05 (95% CI, 1.42-2.96), 2.34 (95% CI, 1.57-3.48), and 2.34 (95% CI, 1.23-4.47), respectively. Similarly, compared to those with a RHR of <60 bpm, the prevalence of T2D increased in those with RHR of 60-69 bpm, 70-79 bpm, 80-89 bpm, and > or =90 bpm by 1.01 (95% CI, 0.72-1.41), 1.44 (95% CI, 1.02-2.05), 1.83 (95% CI, 1.25-2.68), and 2.40 (95% CI, 1.30-4.44), respectively. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, RHR was significantly associated with risk factors and prevalences of MetS and T2D. This study suggests that RHR is associated with MetS and T2D and can be used to predict such diseases.
Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Heart Rate ; Heart ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Nutrition Surveys ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors

The fruit of the black raspberry (Rubus coreanus Miquel) has been employed in traditional medicine, and recent studies have demonstrated its measureable biological activities. However, the root of the black raspberry has not been studied. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of the root and unripe fruit polyphenols of the black raspberry. Both polyphenols proved to have anti-inflammatory activity as evidenced by the decreased nitric oxide (NO), cytokines (IL-1beta , IL-6, and IL-10) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages. However, root polyphenols showed stronger anti-inflammatory activity than fruit polyphenols. LPS-induced mRNA and protein expressions of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 levels were also decreased, confirming the anti-inflammatory activity. Root polyphenols showed lethal activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), and Bacillus anthracis. In contrast, the black raspberry fruit did not demonstrate these properties. These data provide the first demonstration that black raspberry root has potential anti-inflammatory and anti-superbacterial properties that can be exploited as alternatives for use in the food and cosmetic industries and/or as pharmaceuticals.
Acinetobacter baumannii ; Bacillus anthracis ; Cosmetics ; Cytokines ; Dinoprostone ; Fruit ; Interleukin-6 ; Macrophages ; Medicine, Traditional ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Polyphenols ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; RNA, Messenger