OBJECTIVE: Nitric oxide (NO) produced in ovary may contribute to follicle maturation, ovulation, oocyte maturation and luteinization. In this study, the effect of nitric oxide on the spontaneous maturation of mouse oocyte was observed. Method: The index of oocyte maturation was checked by the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and appearance of polar body (PB) under microscope in the denuded oocytes and oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs) from mouse ovarian follicles after 24 hours pregnant-mare serum gonadotropin treatment. RESULTS: The GVBD appeared 50 %, 1 hour and 80 %, 2 hrs after changes of oocytes from dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP, 0.5 mM) contained media into dbcAMP-free media. dbcAMP (0.5 mM) completely blocked the GVBD until 24 hrs but dbcGMP (5 mM) delayed the GVBD by 1 hr. Sodium nitroprusside, the NO generator, inhibited the GVBD dose-dependently at 2 hr incubation in denuded and OCCs. The appearance of GVBD was not different between control and dbcGMP or SNP in denuded oocytes and OCCs at 24 hrs incubation. The guanylate cyclase activity in denuded oocyte cytosol was not detected whereas the guanylate cyclase activity in OCCs cytosol was 1.3 nmole/min/mg protein which was increased about 3 times by SNP (100 micrometer). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the NO in ovary may delay the spontaneous oocyte maturation in early stage by acting on the maturation signaling protein as well as guanylate cyclase.
Animals ; Bucladesine ; Cytosol ; Female ; Gonadotropins ; Guanylate Cyclase ; Lutein ; Luteinization ; Mice* ; Nitric Oxide* ; Nitroprusside ; Oocytes* ; Ovarian Follicle ; Ovary ; Ovulation ; Polar Bodies ; Staphylococcal Protein A

PURPOSE: To investigate the beneficial effect of ginkgo biloba (Ginexin(R)) on ischemic retina model by retinal vein occlusion after photodynamic injury. METHODS: Ginkgo biloba 20 mg/kg/day, 100 mg/kg/day or carboxymethyl cellulose as a control group was administrated orally from 1week before the retinal vein occlusion to 2weeks after. After rose bengal was injected through vein of tail, retinal vein was occluded with argon laser. And then venous occlusion was confirmed by fluorescein angiogram. Rats were examined by using an indirect ophthalmoscopy and fluorescein angiography to detect reperfusion and new vessels. Eyeballs were enucleated for histological examination, retinal ganglion cell count and intravitreal glutamate level. RESULTS: The reperfusion of occluded vein was faster in the ginkgo biloba-treated group than the control group. In the ginkgo biloba-treated group, damage of the inner retina and TUNEL-positive cells were smaller than the control group on histologic examination. The concentration of retinal ganglion cells in the control group was lower than in the ginkgo biloba-treated group. CONCLUSIONS: Ginkgo biloba has protective effects in experimental ischemic retina after vein occlusion.
Animals ; Argon ; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium ; Fluorescein ; Fluorescein Angiography ; Ginkgo biloba* ; Glutamic Acid ; Ophthalmoscopy ; Rats ; Reperfusion ; Retina ; Retinal Ganglion Cells ; Retinal Vein Occlusion ; Retinal Vein* ; Rose Bengal ; Veins

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy, quality of life of patients with gynecologic cancer. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey design. We collected 130 patients with gynecologic cancer. They complete a self reported questionnaire including items related neuropathy and quality of life (FACT-GOG/Ntx subscale, FACT-G scale). RESULTS: The neuropathy score was 14.3+/-7.9. The quality of life score was 64.8+/-16.4. The neuropathy induced significant difference according to diabetic status, difficulties in performing household chores and willing to discontinuity of chemotherapy. And duration of cancer diagnosis, neuropathy, number of total chemo agent associated with quality of life. There was a negative correlation between number of total chemo agent and quality of life. Neuropathy independently affected quality of life. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy of patients with gynecologic cancer adversely affected women's quality of life and activities of daily living. To improve patient's quality of life, it is important that accurate assess and appropriately manage neuropathy in patients with gynecologic cancer.
Activities of Daily Living ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diagnosis ; Drug Therapy ; Family Characteristics ; Female ; Genital Neoplasms, Female ; Humans ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* ; Quality of Life* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Self Report

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among sleep disturbance, depression, and quality of life in ovarian cancer during chemotherapy and to identify the influencing effect on quality of life. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to measure sleep disturbance, depression and quality of life of 152 ovarian cancer patients between May and July, 2015. The data were analyzed with t-tests, ANOVA, post-hoc comparison (Scheffe), Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 54.2, and most of them were married. 61.8% of the patients were recurrent, and 50.0% had a performance status of < or =1. The prevalence of poor sleepers was 63.8%, and depression among patients was 52.6%. Sleep disturbance and depression were significantly negatively correlated with quality of life. As a result of stepwise multiple regression analysis, depression, sleep disturbance, monthly income and recurrence were discovered to account for 52.0% of variance. Depression and sleep disturbance were the most important influential factors. CONCLUSION: The results of the study indicate that sleep disturbance and depression should be integrated when developing and implementing psychosocial, behavioral intervention to improve quality of life among ovarian cancer patients during chemotherapy.
Cross-Sectional Studies ; Depression* ; Drug Therapy* ; Humans ; Ovarian Neoplasms* ; Prevalence ; Quality of Life* ; Recurrence

The word "Delayed" in the legend of Figure 2 should have been written as "Controls."

OBJECTIVE: Immunofluorescence microscopy including confocal laser scanning microscopy and electron microscopy were used to study the production of fibronectin, tenascin, and laminin in the cumulus-corona (CC) cells surrounding mature, unfertilized oocytes after ovulation in view of their presumptive importance in the coordination of the processes leading to fertilization and early embryo cleavage, including the final maturation of the ovum, the sperm-egg interaction, and the complex biochemical mechanism between the ovum and the oviduct. METHODS: Mature oocyte-cumulus complex (OCC) was cultured for 24 and 48 hour and fixed in 3.7% formaldehyde. Specimens were incubated with a mixture of primary monoclonal antibodies recognizing different epitopes of fibronectin, tenascin, and laminin, and then with a mixture of secondary antibodies containing FITC, TRITC, and Cy-5 conjugated antibodies. Observation was made by confocal laser scanning microscope equipped with epifluorescece optics. Transmission electron microscopy were used to observe the OCC at 24 and 48 hours after cultrue. RESULTS: The immunocytochemical date demonstrated that CC masses are capable of producing fibronectin and tenascin but their production is heterogeneous in the CC population. Immunoreactivity to fibronectin and tenascin was shown mostly by inner corona cells, and the intensity of immunofluorescence decreased from the central corona cells to the peripheral cumulus cells. Colocalization of fibronectin and tenascin was evident in most CC cells. Moreover, fibronectin and tenascin immunoreactive material was observed in the intracytoplasmic areas, at the plasma membrane level as well as in the extracellular matrix. Whereas, laminin immunofluorescence was found around plasma membrane and extracellular area, but a intracytoplasmic reaction was rarely observed. The distribution of laminin immunofluorescence was similar to that of fibronectin and tenascin, but in some cumulus cells, colocalization between them was not found. Ultrastructurally, cumulus cells projected numerous long, thin microvilli into the intercellular area and some micovilli penetrated into zona pellucida. The inner layer of the cumulus mass was loose arrangement of relatively uniform, small cells with widened intercellular spaces, whereas in the outer layer, cumulus cells are rather larger in size and compact arrangement by narrow, irregular spaces. A small and large linear gap junctions were easily found at cell contacts. The cytoplasm of most cells had abundant organelles typical of steroidogenesis: numerous mitochondrias, a well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum, electron dense lipid droplets, and bundles of microtubules and microfilaments. Rudimentary disrupted basal lamina along the cytoplasmic border was rarely seen in a few inner conora cells. CONCLUSION: Even though the functional role of these extracellular matrix proteins remains still unclear, it is reasonable to suggest that they are necessary in various steps of the reproductive process. Cumulus cells appears to be a heterogeneous and dynamic system for suitable microenviroment of fertilization. And functional differences between corona and cumulus cells during the oocyte denudation may be accounted for particular distribution of these adhesive proteins and steroidogenesis-related organelles.
Actin Cytoskeleton ; Adhesives ; Animals ; Antibodies ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Basement Membrane ; Cell Membrane ; Cumulus Cells ; Cytoplasm ; Embryonic Structures ; Endoplasmic Reticulum, Smooth ; Epitopes ; Extracellular Matrix ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; Extracellular Space ; Female ; Fertilization ; Fibronectins* ; Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Formaldehyde ; Gap Junctions ; Immunohistochemistry ; Laminin* ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Microscopy, Electron* ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Microtubules ; Microvilli ; Mitochondria ; Oocytes ; Organelles ; Oviducts ; Ovulation ; Ovum ; Sperm-Ovum Interactions ; Tenascin* ; Zona Pellucida

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the relationship between job complexity, infection prevention environment, and nursing intention for patients with emerging infectious diseases, with a focus on the mediating effect of job crafting in hospitals dedicated to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: The study surveyed 202 nurses with at least 3 months of work experience who encountered COVID-19 patients at a dedicated COVID-19 hospital. The collected data were analyzed using IBM SPSS/WIN 25.0, and the mediating effect was analyzed through the SPSS PROCESS macro, using regression analysis. Results: It was demonstrated that job crafting fully mediated the relationship between job complexity and nursing intention for patients with emerging infectious diseases. Furthermore, this study showed that job crafting partially mediated the relationship between infection prevention environment and nursing intention for patients with emerging infectious diseases. Conclusion It was confirmed that job crafting of nurses in a hospital dedicated to COVID-19 was an important mediating factor in their nursing intention for patients with emerging infectious diseases, and this finding is expected to support efforts to further improve nursing intention for patients with emerging infectious diseases.

The aim was to investigate the proteolytic activity of plasmin and its long-term complications. Plasmin was injected into the vitreous cavity of rabbits' eyes. Slit lamp biomicroscopy and electroretinography were performed. Rabbits were serially sacrificed at four months, and globes fixated and prepared for light and transmission electron microscopy. In both the plasmin-injected and control eyes, electroretinography showed a transient decrease in the amplitude, but this recovered to the baseline level in a week. Under the light microscope, the plasmin-treated eyes had a smooth retinal surface, implying separation of the vitreous cortex from the retina. In the control eyes, the collagen fibers remained on the retinal surface. By transmission electron microscopy, the plasmin-treated eyes showed a vitreous-free retinal surface, but no vitreoretinal separation was observed in the control eyes. Plasmin induces a cleavage between the vitreous and the internal limiting membrane, with no long-term complications, so may be a useful pharmacologic adjunct to vitrectomy.
Animals ; Electroretinography ; Fibrinolysis/*drug effects ; Fibrinolytic Agents/*pharmacology ; Injections ; Plasmin/*pharmacology ; Rabbits ; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Retina/drug effects/physiology ; Vitreous Body/*drug effects ; Vitreous Detachment/*chemically induced/pathology

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the effect of rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs) on patient management in an emergency department for 3 years after 2009, and also identified factors associated with the choice of treatment for patients with influenza-like illnesses.METHODS: The study period consisted of three influenza epidemic seasons. Patients older than 15 years who underwent RIDTs in the emergency department and were then discharged without admission were included.RESULTS: A total of 453 patients were enrolled, 114 of whom had positive RIDT results and 339 had negative results. Antiviral medication was prescribed to 103 patients (90.4%) who had positive RIDT results, while 1 patient (0.3%) who tested negative was treated with antivirals (P<0.001). Conservative care was administered to 11 RIDT-positive patients (9.6%) and 244 RIDT-negative patients (72.0%) (P<0.001). Symptom onset in less than 48 hours, being older than 65 years, and the presence of comorbidities were not associated with the administration of antiviral therapy.CONCLUSION: RIDT results had a critical effect on physician decision-making regarding antiviral treatment for patients with influenza-like illnesses in the emergency department. However, symptom onset in less than 48 hours, old age, and comorbidities, which are all indications for antiviral therapy, were not found to influence the administration of antiviral treatment.
Antiviral Agents ; Comorbidity ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; Emergencies ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Humans ; Influenza, Human ; Seasons

BACKGROUND: Acute renal failure(ARF) is characterized by rapid decline in glomerular filtration rate and retension of nitrogenous waste products. This syndrome occurs in approximately 5 percent all hospital admissions and up to 30 percent of admissions to intensive care units. ARF is diagnosed when screening of hospital patients reveals a recent increase in serum BUN(blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine. The mortality rate for ARF is approximate 40-60% and has changed little in past three decades. This lack of improvement in outcome, despite significant advances in medicine. The reasons of high mortality rate is not certain. This study intend to identify prognostic risk factors influencing survivals. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 60 patients with ARF during 2 years period from Oct. 1996 to Oct. 1998 at chosun university hospital. Multiple factors which may influence mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: 1)Of the 60 patients, 34 were male and 26 were female. The mean age was 55.8+/-15.9 years. 2)The cause of ARF is Drug, toxin, dehydration, infection, trauma, surgery, urinary tract obstruction, HFRS, rhabdomyolysis and bleeding. 3)Underline disease is observed in 52 case. DM, Hypertension, Malignancy, Pulmonary disease, Liver disease, Renal disease 4)The mortality rate is 31.7%. The major cause of deaths is DIC, infection and hepatic failure. 5)Based on the unpaired t-test, chi-squre analysis, albumin, total bilirubin, hemoglobin, thrombocytopenia, APACHE II score, serum sodium, urine creatinine, number of multiple organ failure, cause of acute renal failure, pH, vital sign on admission, sepsis, DIC, oilguria, and hemodialysis were significant factors between survivors and nonsurvivors(p< 0.05). 6)APACHE II score on admission is good prognostic factor for patients with acute renal failure (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This results suggest that the evaluation of patients symptom, sign, laboratory data, APACHE II score is important for patients with acute renal failure. the discriminant score by multiple analysis and APACHE II score could relatively predict the mortality of ARF patients. however further evaluation and clinical apply of prognostic factors is required to confirm these results.
Acute Kidney Injury* ; APACHE ; Bilirubin ; Cause of Death ; Creatinine ; Dacarbazine ; Dehydration ; Female ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Hemorrhage ; Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Hypertension ; Intensive Care Units ; Liver Diseases ; Liver Failure ; Lung Diseases ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Mortality ; Multiple Organ Failure ; Nitrogen ; Renal Dialysis ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhabdomyolysis ; Risk Factors* ; Sepsis ; Sodium ; Survivors ; Thrombocytopenia ; Urea ; Urinary Tract ; Vital Signs ; Waste Products