This study was conducted to invetigate the effect of high-dose steroid administration on adipogenesis and secretion of PAI-1 in rat. Sixty healthy Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group A consisted of 20 control animals received 5 ml/kg isotonic saline for 1 weeks. Group B consisted of 20 animals received 10 ml/kg of methylprednisolone intraperitoeally for 1 week. Group C comprized 20 animals received 10 ml/kg of methylprednisolone intraperitoneally for 1 week. After the completionof treatment, blood sampling was performed for measurenement of PAI-1 and the animale were sacrificed for histopathologic examination and immunohistochemical study. The PAI-1 protein expressin of femoral heads were evaluated with Western-blotting. Blood level of PAI-1 increased significantly in high-dose steroid treated group(Group B and C) compared to control group. In histopathologic examination, significant fat morrow conversion, fat cell hypertrophy and fat cyst formation were observed in high-dose steroid treated group. Immunohistochemically, PAi-1 expression was sprominent in the fat cells. Protein expression of PAI-1 of femoral heads increased significantly in highdose steroid treated group compared to control group. In lights of above results, it is postulated that increased secretion of PAI-1 from fat cells could play a major role in the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in rats treated with high-dose steroid.
Adipocytes ; Adipogenesis* ; Animals ; Head ; Hypertrophy ; Methylprednisolone ; Osteonecrosis ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1* ; Rats* ; Rats, Wistar

No abstract available.
Child* ; Humans ; Prone Position* ; Thoracotomy*

For improved examination of video capsule endoscopy (VCE) and device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE), bowel preparation is an essential issue. Multiple factors like air bubbles, food material in the small bowel, and gastric and small bowel transit time affect the small bowel visualization quality (SBVQ), diagnostic yield (DY) and cecal completion rate (CR). Bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution enhances SBVQ and DY, but it has no effect on CR. Bowel preparation with PEG solution 2 L is similar to PEG 4 L in SBVQ, DY, and CR. Bowel preparation with fasting or PEG solution combined with anti-foaming agents like simethicone enhance SBVQ, but it has no effect on CR. Bowel preparation with prokinetics is not commonly recommended. Optimal timing for purgative bowel preparation has yet to be established. However, the studies regarding bowel preparation for DAE are not sufficient. European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) recommends 8–12 hours fasting from solid food and 4–6 hours fasting from liquids prior to the antegrade DAE. For retrograde DAE, colonoscopy preparation regimen is recommended. This article reviews the literature and ESGE, 2013 Korean published guidelines regarding bowel preparation for VCE and DAE, following suggestion for optimal bowel preparation for VCE and balloon enteroscopy.
Capsule Endoscopy ; Cathartics ; Colonoscopy ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Fasting ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Simethicone

The topic of the extragastric manifestations of Helicobacter pylori infection continues to capture the attention of many researchers all over the world. Some extragastric diseases, possibly linked to H. pylori infection, have been largely investigated. Although evidence is emerging that the prevalence of H. pylori is declining in all age groups, the understanding of its disease spectrum continues to evolve. There are, in fact, several studies concerning cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, hematologic disease, eye and skin diseases, hepatobiliary disease, diabetes mellitus, and neurological disorders. Among them, this article reviews the literature published pertaining to H. pylori eradication and pulmonary disease such as bronchial asthma, chronic bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer.
Asthma ; Bronchitis, Chronic ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Helicobacter pylori* ; Helicobacter* ; Hematologic Diseases ; Humans ; Lung Diseases* ; Lung Neoplasms ; Nervous System Diseases ; Prevalence ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; Skin Diseases

No abstract available.
Cyclic GMP* ; Cytomegalovirus* ; Gene Expression* ; Humans*

PURPOSE: To assess the the accuracy and variability in pachymetry measurements obtained by Orbscan and ultrasonic pachymeter in laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Thirty two eyes of 16 patients before LASIK were measured by ultrasonic pachymeter and Orbscan. Thirty eyes of 16 patients that had LASIK were measured by ultrasonic pachymeter and Orbscan postoperatively. The theoretical residual corneal thickness was compared to measurements by both instruments in eyes that had LASIK procedures. RESULTS: The ultrasound pachymeter measurements (543.8+/-24.2 micrometer) were thicker than the Orbscan pachymetry measurements, (541.2+/-24.9 micrometer) by mean of 2.7+/-7.4 micrometer (SD), preoperatively. But this is not statistically significant (p>0.05). Postoperatively, the ultrsound measurements were consistent with theoretical residual corneal thickness, 461.8+/-37.4 micrometer versus 467.9+/-30.71 micrometer (p=0.064), while Orbscan measurements were statistically less than the theoretical residual corneal thickness, 433.2+/-48.75 micrometer versus 464.32+/-33.4 micrometer (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In LASIK eyes, the ultrasonic pachymetry was a more accurate measurement of corneal pachymetry than Orbscan topography system.
Corneal Pachymetry ; Humans ; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ* ; Ultrasonics* ; Ultrasonography

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship of refraction, geometry of the posterior corneal surface and the residual corneal thickness after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 15 patients were treated with Star S2 Smooth Scan (VISX, U.S.A.) and followed up for 3 months. The refractive, anteroposterior changes in the posterior corneal surface and residual corneal thickness were measured using slit-scanning topography, Orbscan IIR (Orbtek, Bausch & Lomb) at 1 week preoperatively, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean forward shift of the posterior cornea surface was 8.83+/-1.34 micrometer, 11.53+/-4.23 micrometer and 14.70+/-3.50 micrometer at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months respectively. Mean spherical equivalence of posterior cornea was = -7.01+/-0.31 D preoperatively; it changed to -7.17+/-0.47 D, -7.22+/-0.21 D and -7.17+/-0.6 D at 1 week, 1 month and 3 months. The degree of forward shift of posterior corneal surface is correlated with the posterior corneal refractive changes (r=-0.808, P< 0.01). The forward shift of the posterior corneal surface is correlated with the residual corneal thickness (r=-0.483, P< 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Photorefractive keratectomy significantly influenced the forward shift of the cornea, which is correlated with the residual corneal thickness.
Cornea ; Humans ; Lasers, Excimer ; Photorefractive Keratectomy*

No abstract available.
Capsule Endoscopy*

No abstract available.
Capsule Endoscopy*

The efficacy of standard 7~14 day triple therapy is decreasing, mainly due to increased primary bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Recent published studies have therefore focused on developing alternative strategies for first-line eradication of Helicobacter pylori. Clear evidence now exists that levofloxacin is a viable option for first-line therapy. In addition, data have emerged that the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus supplementation may be a useful adjunct to antibiotic therapy. Among the novel molecules, benzimidazole-derivatives, polycyclic compounds, pyloricidin, and arylthiazole analogues seem to be the most promising. The sequential and 'concomitant' regimes have also been studied in new settings and may have a role in future algorithms. Other studies promote individualized therapies based on host polymorphisms, age, and other demographic factors and resistance. In the near future, tailored therapy could optimize eradication regimens within the different countries. This article reviews the literature published pertaining to new clinical trials of H. pylori eradication.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Demography ; Helicobacter ; Helicobacter pylori ; Lactobacillus ; Ofloxacin ; Polycyclic Compounds ; Probiotics ; Saccharomyces