Astigmatic change in planned extracapsular cataract extraction (P-ECCE) using temporal scleral incision (n=25 eyes) was compared for 2 months with that using superior scleral incision(n=19 eyes), retrospectively. The astigmatic change was analyzed using Naeser`s polar value. Surgically induced astigmatism induced by temporal scleral incision was 0.96+/-1.38D of with the rule(WTR), 2.35+/-1.36D (WTR), and 2.45+/-1.24(WTR) at 3 days, 2 weeks, and 2 months, respectively. In contrast, that induced by superior scleral incision was 2.29+/-2.30D(WTR), 0.76+/-2.39(WTR)and -0.95+/-1.88D of against the rule(ATR) at 3 days, 2 weeks, and 2 months, respectively. In another words, temporal scleral incision in P-ECCE induced WTR astigmatism as early as postoperative 3 days that incerased by 2 weeks and stabilized after 2 weeks, whereas superior scleral incision in P-ECCE induced a prominent WTR astigmatism as early as postoperative 3 days, that was converted to ATR astigmatism from 1 month and increased the change by 2 months. With this result, it was found that most cataract patients existing ATR astigmatism would be candidates for temporal incision in P-ECCE.
Astigmatism* ; Cataract Extraction* ; Cataract* ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVES: To compare results of 4 different extraction methods in laparoscopic management of dermoid cyst. STUDY DESIGN: This article is a retrospective, multicenter study for 247 patients with benign dermoid cyst in period of 1995-1998. Dermoid cyst was extracted by Endopouch (99 cases), puncture-irrigation-extraction (69 cases), colpotomy (35 cases), and dermoid cyst as a "pouch bag" (44 cases). RESULTS: We analyzed irrigation amount, operative time, postoperative hospital stay and complications by four different extraction methods. Endopouch extraction method needed less amount of irrigation fluid for cleaning the abdominal cavity and had a shorter postoperative hospital stay (ANOVA, p=0.0001). There were no significant differences in operative times among groups. There were four cases of morbidity in puncture-irrigation-extraction method (6%), three had fever (> 38degrees C) and one intraabdominal abscess. One incisional hernia was noted in "pouch bag" method (2%). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend minimal spillage method for extraction of dermoid and careful irrigation of abdominal cavity to prevent potential risk of chemical peritonitis such as Endopouch, "pouch bag", and colpotomy with the exception of puncture-irrigation-extraction method.
Abdominal Cavity ; Abscess ; Colpotomy ; Dermoid Cyst* ; Fever ; Hernia ; Humans ; Laparoscopy* ; Length of Stay ; Operative Time ; Peritonitis ; Retrospective Studies*

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess toxicities of cryoprotectants. METHODS: Toxicities of two cryoprotectants, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and 1,2-propanediol (PROH), were investigated using a murine embryo model. Female F-1 mice were stimulated with gonadotropin, induced ovulation with hCG and mated. Two cell embryos were collected and cultured after exposure to either DMSO or PROH. Embryo development was evaluated up to the blastocyst stage. Blastocysts were stained with bis-benzimide to evaluate the cell count and with terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick labeling (TUNEL) to assess apoptosis. RESULTS: The total cell count of blastocysts that were treated with DMSO at the 2-cell stage was significantly lower than that were treated with PROH (75.9+/-27.0) or the control (99.0+/-18.3) (p<0.001). On comparison of two cryoprotectant treated groups, the DMSO treated group showed a decreased cell count compared with the PROH treated group (p<0.05). Both DMSO (14.2+/-1.5) and PROH (11.2+/-1.4) treated groups showed higher apoptosis rates of cells in the blastocyst compared with the control (6.2+/-0.9, p<0.0001). In addition, the DMSO treated group showed more apoptotic cells than the PROH treated group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The potential toxicity of cryoprotectants was uncovered by prolonged exposure of murine embryos to either DMSO or PROH at room temperature. When comparing two cryoprotective agents, PROH appeared to be less toxic than DMSO at least in a murine embryo model.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Blastocyst ; Cell Count ; Cryoprotective Agents ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase ; Embryonic Development* ; Embryonic Structures* ; Female ; Gonadotropins ; Humans ; Mice ; Ovulation ; Pregnancy ; Propylene Glycol

Mesenteric lymphangioma was first recognized when an autopsy case was recorded in 1507 by Benevieni. It has been known clinically rare disease and probably a congenital developmental abnormality due to failure of drainage of peripheral primary lymphatic spaces. We experienced a case of abnormal rotation in intestine by mesenteric lymphangioma in a 8 years old male who showed vomiting and abdominal pain. A brief review of related literatures is also presented.
Abdominal Pain ; Autopsy ; Child ; Drainage ; Humans ; Intestines ; Lymphangioma* ; Male ; Rare Diseases ; Vomiting

BACKGROUND: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in concentrations found in both the work and home environments may influence lung function. We investigated the prevalence of airway responsiveness in workers exposed to VOCs. METHODS: We used allergic skin tests, nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness testing and questionnaires to study twenty exposed workers and twenty-seven control subjects. Atopy was defined as a reactor who showed >3+ response to one or more allergens on the skin prick tests. Airway hyperresponsiveness (BRindex) was defined as log [% fall of FEV1/ log (last concentration of methacholine) +10]. RESULTS: The VOC exposed workers, in comparison with the control subjects, tended to have a higher BRindex (1.19+/-0.07 vs. 1.15+/-0.08, respectively). Workers exposed to VOCs with atopy or smoker, as compared with the workers exposed to VOCs with non-atopy and who were non-smokers and the control subjects with non-atopy and who were non-smokers, had a significantly higher BRindex (1.20+/-0.05 vs. 1.14+/-0.06 vs. 1.10+/-0.03, respectively p<0.05). The BRindex was not correlated with atopy, the smoking status or the duration of VOC exposure. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that VOCs may act as a contributing factor of airway hyperresponsiveness in workers exposed to VOCs.
Smoking ; Skin Tests ; Risk Factors ; Questionnaires ; Organic Chemicals/*toxicity ; Occupational Exposure/*adverse effects ; Occupational Diseases/*chemically induced ; Multiple Chemical Sensitivity ; Male ; Korea ; Humans ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Female ; Chemical Industry ; Case-Control Studies ; Bronchial Hyperreactivity/*chemically induced ; Air Pollutants, Occupational/*toxicity ; Adult

Renal nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is the entrapment of the left renal vein between the abdominal aorta and superior mesenteric artery. Although uncommon in pediatric patients, early diagnosis is crucial to avoid potential severe complications, such as anemia or renal vein thrombosis. NCS presents a variety of symptoms, most commonly including “Triade’s symptoms”–hematuria, proteinuria, and flank pain. Diagnosis and treatment include invasive and noninvasive management, although due to a lack of pediatric clinical studies, management is widely variable. Conservative diagnosis and treatment are recommended as a firstline option for pediatric patients; however, invasive surgical treatment may be recommended based on symptom severity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of NCS in children to better understand the widely variable incidence, occurrence, and management from early on to allow for early-onset management.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) plays the role of a hypophysiotropic factor, which regulates the synthesis and secretion of pituitary hormones through the hypothalamo-hypophysial portal system. No clear evidence has yet been reported regarding the regulation of prolactin (PRL) by PACAP. In the present study, we tested a hypothesis that PACAP regulates the synthetic machinery of PRL during the estrus cycle and pubertal process using intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) against type I PACAP receptor (PAC1). METHODS: An RNase protection assay (RPA) was used to determine the pattern of hypothalamic PACAP and PAC1 mRNA expressions during the estrus cycle. Antisense PAC1 ODN was administered via i.c.v. injection to the female rats in normal estrus cycle of pubertal process. Northern blot analysis was used to determine the mRNA ievel of PRL in the pituitary gland. RESULTS: 1) PACAP mRNA in the medial basal hypothalamus was significantly increased at the diestrus I, while PAC1 mRNA showed no significant change. 2) PRL mRNA level of pituitary was increased by an injection of antisense PAC1 ODN at the proestrus and estrus stages. 3) PRL mRNA level of pituitary was significantly decreased by antisense PAC1 ODN injection at stage of prepuberty and initiate puberty, while its level was increased at stage of puberty. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that PACAP suppresses PRL mRNA synthesis through the PAC1 signaling pathway in the certain estrus cycle environments. It may be also involved in the regulation of pituitary PRL gene expression during the pubertal process
Adolescent ; Animals ; Blotting, Northern ; Diestrus ; Estrus ; Female* ; Gene Expression* ; Humans ; Hypothalamus ; Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide* ; Pituitary Gland* ; Pituitary Hormones ; Portal System ; Proestrus ; Prolactin* ; Puberty ; Rats* ; Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide ; Ribonucleases ; RNA, Messenger

BACKGROUND: Disability of Activities of daily living (ADL) is the most important factor for care of dementia patients. So Korean Dementia Association has prepared the survey for current state and cognition of active daily living in Korean dementia patients. METHODS: A total of 100 subjects were interviewed. Structured open and closed questions about ADL for dementia were asked. They are main caregivers of dementia patients who working over 5hours per day. Assessments included age, sex, education level, economic status, severity of dementia patients, pattern of the care-giving, current state and cognition of ADL, and needs of the caregivers. RESULTS: The cognition of ADL was very low (51%) and this is correlated with economic status. Increasing of care-giving time is the most stressful for caregivers, they frequently suffered from disability of outgoing and personal hygiene. Dementia patient's ADL disability causes serious economic losses, need of the caregivers about guide lines or education program was very high. CONCLUSION: Considering these results, we should design more detailed study about dementia patient's ADL disability and prepare guide line or program for it.
Activities of Daily Living ; Caregivers ; Cognition ; Dementia ; Humans ; Hygiene

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Variant alleles of CYP2C9 and VKORC1 account for differences in anticoagulation response. We sought to establish a warfarin dosing formula for individualized target International Normalization Ratio of Prothrombin Times (INRs) using data from single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VKORC1 and CYP2C9 in Korean patients. METHODS: Ischemic stroke patients displaying stable target INR for at least 3 months before enrollment were analyzed. Warfarin and vitamin K levels were measured to adjust for confounders. Phenotypes were defined using the 'warfarin response index' (WRI) defined as INR divided by the daily maintenance warfarin dose. We tested SNPs in CYP2C9 (3 sites: 430C>T (rs1799853), 1075A>C (rs1057910), 1076T>C) and VKORC1 (14 sites: 381C>T, 861C>A (rs17880887), 2653G>C, 3673A>G, 5496G>T, 5808T>G (r17882154), 6009C>T, 6484T>C (rs9934438), 6853C>T (rs17886369), 7566T>C, 8767G>C, 8814T>C, 9041G>A (rs17880624), and 9071G>T) using a standard sequencing method. Multivariate linear regression analysis was applied to establish the formula for warfarin dosage. RESULTS: All 204 patients had excellent drug compliance. The mean INR was 2.22 (+0.56) and mean daily maintenance dose of warfarin was 3.92 mg (+1.54). Patients with low WRI were younger (P<0.001) with high body mass index (P=0.003), high prevalence of wild-type CYP2C9 polymorphism (1075A>C, P<0.001), and six heterozygote SNPs in VRORC1 (P<0.001), which were tightly interlinked (381T>C, 3673G>A, 6484T>C, 6853C>G. 7566C>T, 9041G>A) (r2=1). Based on these data, a warfarin dosing formula was established. CONCLUSIONS: WRI is influenced by age, body mass index and SNPs in VKORC1 and CYP2C9 in Korean stroke patients. The obtained warfarin dosing formula may be clinically applicable.
Alleles ; Body Mass Index ; Compliance ; Genotype ; Heterozygote ; Humans ; International Normalized Ratio ; Linear Models ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Prevalence ; Prothrombin Time ; Stroke ; Vitamin K ; Warfarin

Corticosteroids are considered to be one of the most effective medicine for asthma by suppressing airway inflammation. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of prednisolone in the sputum of exacerbated asthmatics. Clinical severity, cell differentials, levels of interleukin (IL)-5, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), EG2+ eosinophils, and nitric oxide (NO) metabolites were measured. Sputum was examined 2 weeks apart in 13 exacerbated asthmatics before and after prednisolone treatment, and once in 12 stable asthmatics. We used a sandwich ELISA for IL-5, fluoroimmunoassay for ECP, immunohistochemical staining for EG2+ eosinophils, a NO metabolites assay using modified Griess reaction. Exacerbated asthmatics, in comparison with stable asthmatics, had significantly higher proportion of eosinophils, higher level of ECP, higher percentage of EG2+ eosinophils, and NO metabolites. Exacerbated asthmatics after treatment with prednisolone had reduced the proportions of eosinophils, reduced level of IL-5, ECP and percentage of EG2+ eosinophils. FEV1 was correlated with the proportion of eosinophils, ECP, and IL-5 respectively. These findings suggest that prednisolone is considered to be effective medicine for asthma by suppressing eosinophil activation through IL-5.
Administration, Oral ; Adolescence ; Adrenal Cortex/metabolism ; Adult ; Aged ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Steroidal/administration & dosage* ; Asthma/metabolism ; Asthma/immunology* ; Asthma/drug therapy* ; Biological Markers ; Blood Proteins/metabolism* ; Eosinophils/metabolism ; Eosinophils/immunology ; Eosinophils/drug effects* ; Female ; Human ; Interleukin-5/metabolism* ; Leukocyte Count ; Male ; Middle Age ; Nitric Oxide/metabolism ; Prednisolone/administration & dosage* ; Sputum/immunology ; Sputum/cytology