Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) containing beta-glucans may be beneficial for human health; they have been used in the treatment of cancer, hypertension, and high cholesterol levels. The objective of this study was to determine the beta-glucan content in different sections of the fruiting bodies and mycelia of ten shiitake mushroom cultivars. The measured beta-glucan content ranged from 20.06 +/- 1.76% to 44.21 +/- 0.13% in the pileus sections, and from 29.74 +/- 1.40% to 56.47 +/- 4.72% in the stipe sections. The results of this study indicate that the variance in beta-glucan content dependent on the shiitake cultivar, and that the beta-glucan content is higher in the stipe than in the pileus.
beta-Glucans ; Cholesterol ; Fruit* ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Shiitake Mushrooms*

Nephrotic syndrome is associated with a hypercoagulable state, which results in thromboembolism as one of its main complications. Various pathogenetic factors that cause the hypercoagulable state in nephrotic syndrome have been recognized. We report on a 19-year-old female with a minimal-change disease who developed pulmonary thromboembolism combined with intracardiac thrombus while on tapering steroid. Our patient showed hypoalbuminemia with an episode of shock, and was successfully treated with thrombolysis and anticoagulation therapy.
Female ; Humans ; Hypoalbuminemia ; Nephrotic Syndrome* ; Pulmonary Embolism* ; Shock ; Thromboembolism ; Thrombosis* ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: It is well known that serum S-100 beta protein levels increased in adults after brain injury. However, there is no definite clinical data in children with isolated minor head trauma. The present study was conducted to validate S-100 beta protein levels as a screening test for brain damage in children with minor head trauma. METHODS: Serum S-100 beta protein levels were measured in 48 pediatric patients with minor head trauma. All patients had brain computed tomography (CT) scan to confirm brain injury. Data were analyzed using a contingency table and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to determine the diagnostic value of S-100 beta protein levels. RESULTS: Twelve (25%) patients had abnormal brain CT findings. Using a concentration cutoff value of 0.12 ug/L, patients with abnormal brain CT findings were identified by S-100 beta protein levels measurement with a sensitivity level of 100% and a specificity 38.9%. The area under the ROC curve for S-100 beta protein levels was 0.758 (95% CI, 0.606- 0.910). The number of high risk factors were 2.35+/-1.23 in the positive group and 1.53+/-0.76 in the negative group (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: Serum S-100 beta protein levels in children with minor head trauma were similar to those of adults. Our study supports the contention that rapid assessment of serum S-100 beta protein levels may reduce the use of brain CT in children with minor head trauma.
Adult ; Brain ; Brain Injuries ; Child ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; Head ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; Pediatrics ; Risk Factors ; ROC Curve ; S100 Proteins ; Sensitivity and Specificity

In this study, we designed to confirm the dietary effect of anti-obesity of fermented soybean curd residue (FSCR; SCR-Meju; Biji-meju) by A. oryzae, which is well known as a Korean traditional meju microbe. We observed that body weight gain, serum and hepatic lipid profile, as well as the activity of ROS generating enzyme and ROS scavenging enzyme in high-fat diet induced obese mice fed experimental diet (SCR and SCR-meju). Body weight gain and epididymal fat weight of HC (high-fat diet control) was markedly higher than that of NC (Normal control). Conversely, body weight gain and epididymal fat weight of the SCR (Biji) and SCR-meju (Biji-meju) group was significantly lower than that of HC; these of the SCR-meju group was lower than that of the SCR group. Furthermore, serum TG and total-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol contents of SCR and SCR-meju groups were lower than that of HC, and HDL-cholesterol level of the SCR-meju group was significantly higher than that of HC. In conclusion, although precise mechanisms of the antiobese effects of SCR-meju in this study are unknown, the present study provides an experimental evidence that SCR-meju may prevent obesity and obesity related metabolic syndromes, such as hyperlipidemia, hypertension and diabetes, and liver disease by high-fat diet. Nevertheless, further study in this filed will be needed.
Animals ; Aspergillus oryzae* ; Aspergillus* ; Body Weight ; Diet ; Diet, High-Fat ; Hyperlipidemias ; Hypertension ; Liver Diseases ; Mice ; Mice, Obese ; Obesity ; Oryza ; Soybeans*

Rabbit hemorrhagic disease is a highly acute and fatal viral disease caused by rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV). Since first outbreak in Korea 1987, RHDV has been continually affected in the country, but the pattern of outbreak seem to be changed. In this study, to understand the pathogenesis of the new RHDVa serotype, we therefore carried out to inoculate RHDVa to rabbits, and to examine the sequential histopathologic changes and viral distribution. Macroscopically, various sized dark red or white spots or appearance were observed in the liver, lung, kidney uterus and ureter. In euhanized rabbits, significant pathologic findings such as infiltration of heterophils and mononuclear cells were observed at 24 hours after inoculation (HAI), and these were sequentially extended periportal to centrilobular area. However, in dead rabbits, severe hepatic degeneration and/or necrosis with relatively weak inflammatory responses were observed. RHDV antigens began to detect in liver, spleen, and lung from 12 HAI by PCR. Immunohistochemically, RHDV positive cells were seen in only liver from 24 HAI, and the degree of immunogen reactivity was stronger in dead rabbits than in euthanized ones. In conclusion, RHDVa caused the subacute or chronic infection accompanying low mortality and moderate to severe inflammatory reaction in rabbits, suggesting the possibility that RHD could become endemic.
Dental Caries ; Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, Rabbit ; Kidney ; Korea ; Liver ; Lung ; Necrosis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rabbits ; Spleen ; Sprains and Strains ; Ureter ; Uterus ; Virus Diseases

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a rarely reported clinical manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although the exact pathogenesis is still unclear, several reports suggest that circulatory immune complexes or anti-phospholipid antibodies might play a pathological role in hearing impairment in patients with SLE. We describe a 28-year-old female with SLE who presented with sudden SNHL. She was treated with highdose methylprednisolone and plasmapheresis. After 5 times of the plasmapheresis, her hearing ability was improved from 56 dB to 46 dB by measured of pure tone audiometery.
Adult ; Antibodies ; Antigen-Antibody Complex ; Female ; Hearing ; Hearing Loss ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural* ; Humans ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* ; Methylprednisolone ; Plasmapheresis

In this study, to understand the pathogenesis of new rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDVa) serotype, we carried out to administrate RHDVa to rabbits, and to examine sequential electron microscopic changes and relationship between pathogenesis and apoptosis. TUNEL-positive cells began to be observed from 24 hours after inoculation (HAI) and the number of positive cells was slightly increased with the course of time. Whereas marked increase of positive cells was seen in the liver from the rabbits died acutely. Typical viral particles with cup-like projections and a diameter of 30~40 nm were detected in homogenized liver samples and tissues at 36 and 48, and 48 HAI, respectively. Ultrastructurally, glycogen deposition was observed from the first stage of hepatocellular degeneration by RHDVa infection and then, swelling and disruption of cristae of mitochondria by viral particles, swelling of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, vacuoles and vesicles were detected. Condensation, margination and fragmentation of chromatin were observed in degenerative hepatocytes at 36 and 48 HAI, indicating apoptotic bodies. These data offer that hepatocytic apoptosis by RHDV infection could be closely related with mitochondrial impairment in the hepatocytes.
Apoptosis ; Chromatin ; Electrons ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Smooth ; Glycogen ; Hemorrhagic Disease Virus, Rabbit ; Hepatocytes ; Liver ; Mitochondria ; Rabbits ; Sprains and Strains ; Vacuoles ; Virion

Primary small intestinal lymphoma is relatively uncommon. Small bowel tumors are difficult to diagnose, because they are usually asymptomatic in the initial phase, and they are not easily detected by traditional methods of investigating the small intestine. This case shows a successfully detected and treated gastrointestinal bleeding from rare ileal mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma, using double balloon endoscopy.
Aged ; Arteries ; Capsule Endoscopy ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Ileal Neoplasms/*diagnosis/pathology ; Intestinal Mucosa/pathology ; Lymphoid Tissue/*pathology ; Lymphoma, B-Cell, Marginal Zone/*diagnosis/pathology ; Male

The GlideScope® videolaryngoscope (GVL) is widely used in patients with difficult airways and provides a good glottic view. However, the acute angle of the blade can make insertion and advancement of an endotracheal tube (ETT) more difficult than direct laryngoscopy, and the use of a stylet is recommended. This randomized controlled trial compared Parker Flex-It™ stylet (PFS) with GlideRite® rigid stylet (GRS) to facilitate intubation with the GVL in simulated difficult intubations. Methods: Fifty-four patients were randomly allocated to undergo GVL intubation using either GRS (GRS group) or PFS (PFS group). The total intubation time (TIT), 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS) for ease of intubation, success rate at the first attempt, use of laryngeal manipulation, tube advancement rate by assistant, and complications were recorded. Results: There was no significant difference between the GRS and PFS groups regarding TIT (50.3 ± 12.0 s in the GRS group and 57.8 ± 18.8 s in the PFS group, P = 0.108). However, intubation was more difficult in the PFS group than in the GRS group according to VAS score (P = 0.011). Cases in which the ETT was advanced from the stylet by an assistant, were more frequent in the GRS group than in the PFS group (P = 0.002). The overall incidence of possible complications was not significantly different. Conclusions: In patients with a simulated difficult airway, there was no difference in TIT using either the PFS or GRS. However, endotracheal intubation with PFS is more difficult to perform than GRS.

Break of a stent delivery catheter and subsequent stent loss (SL) has been a rare event in the drug-eluting stent (DES) era. We here report a case of successful retrieval of a stent after a break if the delivery catheter and SL from a balloon catheter at a culprit lesion. We finally resolved this situation using a simple balloon technique for both the broken stent catheter inside of the guide catheter and the unexpanded stent in the culprit lesion. Thus balloons are an important weapon in our armamentarium in the cardiac catheterization laboratory for urgent retrieval of a lost stent. Their apt use definitely allowed our patient to avoid undergoing emergency cardiovascular thoracic surgery.
Angioplasty ; Cardiac Catheterization ; Cardiac Catheters ; Catheters ; Dimaprit ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Stents ; Thoracic Surgery