BACKGROUND: This study was aimed at defining the varying responses of porcine coronary artery(PCA) to various wavelengths of ultraviolet irradiation, and at relating them to the changes in cyclic GMP contents. METHODS: The ring preparations of PCA with intact or removed endothelium were irradiated with the ultraviolet or visible light of wavelengths(240-520mm) from xenon lamp of a spectrofluorometer, and the changes in vascular tension were recorder on polygraph. For cyclic GMP assay, rat thoracic aorta was frozen after irradiation and homogenated. The supernatant was extracted with water-saturated ether and the cyclic GMP contents were measured with radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: Ultraviolet irradiation relaxed the preparations(UVR-relaxation) in resting state and those precontracted by prostaglandin F2alpha, the maximal relaxation occurring at 410nm, and the magnitude depending on the duration of irradiation. The UVR-relaxation was not affected by removing the endothelium, while it was markedly potentiated by pretreatment with Bay K 8644. The Bay K 8644-induced potentiation of UVR-relaxation was abolished by hemoglobin and slightly reduced by wrapping the rings with aluminum foil. Cyclic GMP contents in the increase was markedly potentiated by pretreatment with Bay K 8644. CONCLUSION: The observations suggest that UVR-relaxation in procine coronary artery is caused by activating the nitric oxide-cyclic GMP system, which is most sensitively activated by UVR of 410nm and that its potentiation induced by Bay K 8644 may be related nitrous substance released from the agent upon UVR.
3-Pyridinecarboxylic acid, 1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-5-nitro-4-(2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-, Methyl ester* ; Aluminum ; Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Bays* ; Coronary Vessels* ; Cyclic GMP ; Dinoprost ; Endothelium ; Ether ; Light* ; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis ; Radioimmunoassay ; Rats ; Relaxation* ; Ultraviolet Rays ; Vasodilation ; Xenon

BACKGROUND: Vibrio parahaemolyticus belonged to the new 03:K6 serotype was demonstrated an unusual potential to spread and an enhanced propensity to cause infection in the worldwide. Recently, increased numbers of V. parahaemolyticus 03:K6 had been isolated in Korea, and we analyzed the prevalence and molecular genetic characteristics of V. parahaemolyticus 03:K6 isolates. METHODS: V. parahaemolyticus were isolated from clinical specimens of patients with diarrhea in Hanyang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea, from 1998 to 2005. The serovars of isolates were determined by slide agglutination test with specific antisera. All isolates were examined for the presence of tdh/trh genes. AGS-PCR method detecting the new 03:K6 clone was used in this study. We analyzed clonality of these isolates by infrequent restriction site-polymerase chain reaction (IRS-PCR). RESULTS: Thirty-six strains were isolated from 1998 to 2005. The main serotype of isolates were 03:K6 (24/36: 67%), All of them have tdh gene but not trh gene and an unique toxRS gene of the new 03:K6. The morphotypes of 03:K6 isolates show a same pattern of IRS-PCR, but can easily be differentiated from non-03:K6 and 04:K68 isolates. CONCLUSION: The 03:K6 was a main serotype of V. parahaemolyticus isolated from 1998 to 2005 and they show same molecular characteristics.
Agglutination Tests ; Clone Cells ; Diarrhea ; Humans ; Immune Sera ; Korea ; Molecular Biology* ; Prevalence* ; Seoul ; Vibrio parahaemolyticus* ; Vibrio*

In clinical experience, patients complaining of knee joint pain which is not belong to the category of well documented causative diseases, such as rupture of menisci, collateral ligaments and so forth, have been encountered, Since the report of Mayedas chorda cavi articularis genu in 1918, internal derangement of knee due to rupture of plica synovialis has been presented from time to time, Numerous nomenclatures have been offered and various histologic and clinicopathologic features have been observed. Majority of uncomplicated plica synovialis are asymptomatic and respond well to conservative treatment, whereas in complicated cases operation is often inevitable. Here, a symptomatic case, due to rupture of plica synovialis mediopatellaris which was hard to differentiate from rupture of meniscus in clinical aspect and on operation field is reported with available references.
Collateral Ligaments ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; Knee ; Rupture

Congenital pseudarthrosis is frequently associated with various stigmata of neurofibromatosis, particularly Cafe-Au-Lait spots and,subcutaneous nodules and in these patients, it is noteworthy that the treatment is very difficult even with extensive operative approach. Also it is interesting to find many controversies on etiological relation between neurofibroma and pseudarthrosis, per se and even the existance of nerve element in and around the tissue of pseudarthrosis. A thirteen years old female patient with definite neurofibromatosis associated with congenital tibial pseudarthrosis treated by intramedullary nailing and massive bone graft is reported.
Cafe-au-Lait Spots ; Christianity ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Humans ; Neurofibroma ; Neurofibromatoses ; Pseudarthrosis ; Transplants

This study was purposed to investigate the effect of onion or beet on plasma and liver lipids, erythrocyte Na efflux channels and platelet aggregation in simvastatin (SIM) treated hypercholesterolemic rats. Forty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups and fed 0.5% cholesterol based diets containing 2 mg/kg BW simvastatin or simvastatin with 5% onion or beet powder. Plasma total cholesterol was significantly increased in SIM group compared with the control (p<0.01), and the elevated plasma total cholesterol of SIM group was significantly decreased in SIM-onion and SIM-beet groups (p<0.05). HDL-cholesterol in SIM-beet group was significantly increased compared with other groups (p<0.05). Platelet aggregation in both the maximum and initial slope was significantly decreased in SIM group compared with SIM-onion group (p<0.05). Na-K ATPase was significantly decreased in SIM group compared with the control, SIM-onion and SIM-beet groups (p<0.05). Na passive leak was significantly increased in all groups treated with SIM compared with the control (p<0.05). The total Na efflux was decreased in SIM group and increased in SIM-onion group and the difference between these two groups was significant (p<0.05). There was no difference in intracellular Na among groups. In present study, simvastatin, a HMG CoA reductase inhibitor at dose of 2mg/kg BW/day rather increased plasma total cholesterol in rats, inferring that the action mechanism of simvastatin on cholesterol metabolism differ between rat and human. Onion and beet play favorable roles in cardiovascular system by restoring the reduced Na efflux through Na-K ATPase and Na-K cotransport in SIM treated rats.
Adenosine Triphosphatases ; Animals ; Beta vulgaris ; Blood Platelets ; Cardiovascular System ; Cholesterol ; Diet ; Erythrocytes ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA Reductases ; Liver ; Onions ; Plasma ; Platelet Aggregation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Simvastatin

We compared antiobese, hypocholesterolemic, antiplatelet and antioxidant effect of 10% green tea powder and 3% green tea extract in rats pair fed 5% cholesterol diets. The final body weight was decreased significantly compared with the control (p < 0.05). Plasma and liver total cholesterol were lower in group of green tea powder or extract, but not statistically different. HDL cholesterol was increased significantly in group of green tea powder compared with the control or green tea extract (p < 0.05). Plasma triglyceride was significantly decreased in group of green tea extract compared with green tea powder, and green tea powder compared with the control respectively (p < 0.05). Liver triglyceride was significantly decreased in group of green tea powder or green tea extract compared with the control (p < 0.01). Platelet aggregations in the maximum and initial slope were not different among groups. Hemolysis was significantly lower in group of green tea powder compared with the control (p < 0.05). Plasma TBARS production was decreased in group of green tea extract compared with the control (p < 0.05). Na passive leak in intact cells was not different, but Na leak in AAPH treated cell was significantly decreased in group of green tea powder than the control (p < 0.05). The leak increase (delta Na Leak) after AAPH treatment was significantly decreased in groups of green tea powder and extract compared with the control (p < 0.05). Isotope excretion after 14C-cholesterol ingestion was significantly increased in group of green tea extract compared with the control or the green tea powder (p < 0.05). Consumption of green tea in powder or extract may give beneficial effects in weight control and plasma lipid profiles, impeding metabolic syndrome. More studies are needed to clarify what component of green tea and what mechanism are involved in antiobese and hypolipedemic actions of green tea.
Amidines ; Animals ; Antioxidants ; Blood Platelets ; Body Weight ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Diet ; Eating ; Hemolysis ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Liver ; Plasma ; Rats ; Tea ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances ; Weight Gain

PURPOSE: Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease in children. However, the role of allergy in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis is still controversial. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of antigen sensitization and development of respiratory allergy disease on severity of atopic dermatitis. METHODS: 211 children with atopic dermatitis were monitored for 2-3 years and classified into three groups: mild, moderate, severe. The severity of atopic dermatitis was compared with antigen sensitization identified by MAST CLA Korea Panel and development of respiratory allergy disease; such as asthma and allergic rhinitis. RESULTS: The frequency of mild, moderate, severe atopic dermatitis was respectively, 38.4%, 33.6%, 28.0%. Food sensitization was significantly higher in patients under 4 years old and aeroallergen sensitization was higher in patients above 5 years old. There was a good correlation between the severity of atopic dermatitis and food sensitization but not in aeroallergen. There was no significant association the severity of atopic dermatitis and development of respiratory allergy disease. CONCLUSION: This result suggests that the sensitization to food allergen is associated with the severity of atopic dermatitis, but sensitization to aeroallergen and development of respiratory allergy disease are not correlated. The restriction of sensitized diets might be helpful in management of atopic dermatitis.
Asthma ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Diet ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Korea ; Rhinitis ; Skin Diseases

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of smoking on adult periodontitis after non-surgical periodontal therapy. The study population consisted of 40 patients with moderate to advanced periodontitis. Smokers(n=20) were defined as individuals smoking at least twenty cigarettes per day at the time of the initial examination. The non-smoking group(n=20) consisted of individuals who were not smoking at the initial examination. The average age was 42.4 years for the smoking and non-smoking group. Examination regarding plaque index, gingival index, pocket depth and contrast phase microscope were performed. Evaluation were made at the first, the second and the fourth weeks after periodontal non-surgical therapy. The results were as follows: 1. Clinical indices including plaque index, gingival index, and pocket depth were decreased in both smoking and non-smoking group at the first, the second, and the fourth weeks. Especially, clinical indices of non-smokers were more significantly decreased than those of smokers. 2. Non-motile rods were increased and motile rods were reduced at the fourth week. spirochetes were reduced significantly in the non-smoking group at the fourth week. These results suggest that smoking play a minor role in adult periodontitis after non-surgical periodontal therapy.
Adult* ; Chronic Periodontitis* ; Humans ; Periodontal Index ; Periodontitis ; Smoke* ; Smoking* ; Spirochaetales ; Tobacco Products

Peri-vater divertieula may interfere with the normal flow of biliary and pancreatic secretion, thus leading to pancreatobiliary diseasa and the very presence of juxtapapillary diverticulum makes cannulation technically difficult and contributes to the low success rate. In this present series, the relationship between duodenal diverticula and age, sex, and biliary-pancreatic pathology was stud.ied in 1400 patients examined with ERCP. The results are as follows. 1) Duodenal diverticula was demonstrated in 73 of 1400 patients(5, 2%). 2) The incidence of duodenal divertieular increased with age and they were more frequent in men. 3) The cannulation of one or both duct system was suecessful in 69 of the 73 patients, the success rate was 94. 5%. 4) The biliary pathology was found in 41 of the 73 patients and the pancreatic pathology in 6 of the 73 patients. The rnost common finding was biliary calculi which were demonstrated in 35 patients(47. 9%).
Catheterization ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde* ; Diagnosis* ; Diverticulum* ; Gallstones ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Pathology

The Di(a+b-) phenotype is extremely rare among Caucaclans and mostly confined to mongoloids. The incidences of Di antigen among Koreans were reported to be 6.1 to 14.5%, with an average of 9.6%; it can be calculated that the frequency of Di(a+b-) is 0.25% on the average. Authors report the first case of hemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-Dib in Korea. The Diego phenotypes of the mother, baby and father were Di(a+b-), Di(a+b+) and Di (a-b+), respectively. The mother's serum and eluate from infant's erythrocytes contained anti-DP antibody active in the antiglobulin phase. After transfusions of Di-negative red cells from the mother and mother's relative, the patient was recovered from anemia and jaundice.
Anemia ; Erythrocytes ; Fathers ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant, Newborn* ; Jaundice ; Korea ; Mothers ; Phenotype