BACKGROUND: The aging process may be induced, at least in part, by reactive oxygen species(ROS). It has been though that the lung could be a good source of ROS because it has a high oxygen tension. In the present study, we invetigated the inducibility of the first and last lines against oxidative stress, superoxide dismutases (Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD) as a scavenger of O2- and metallothionein(MT) as a scavenger of OH·, respectively, in mouse lungs with age. METHODS: Oxidative stress was induced by paraquat, an intracellular superoxide generator, at 1, 4, 8, and 12 months of age and then SODs and MT mRNAs were determined by RT-PCR method. RESULTS: The steady-state level of Mn-SOD mRNA increased from 1 to 8 months but decreased thereafter. However, Mn-SOD mRNA was not induced by paraquat after 1 month. On the other hand, there was no change in the steady-state level of Cu/Zn/-SOD mRNA, which decrease abruptly at 12 months of age. Additionally, Cu/Zn/-SOD mRNA was not induced by paraquat at any age. There was no change in the steady-state level of MT mRNA with age whereas its inducibility by paraquat was intact at all ages. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that lack of induction of SODs with age may be one of the causative factors in the aging process while induction of MT may play an important role in the defense against oxidative stress. It is therefore implicated that the tissue antioxidant/proxidant balance could be one determinants of meal life span.
Aging* ; Animals ; Hand ; Lung* ; Meals ; Metallothionein* ; Mice* ; Oxidative Stress ; Oxygen ; Paraquat* ; RNA, Messenger ; Superoxide Dismutase ; Superoxides*

Recently, the number of cataract surgeries has rapidly increased. This study was devised to evaluate the post-operative daily life behavior and degree of satisfaction in the patients who underwent cataract surgery two or more years ago. Of 400 patients who underwent ECCE with IOL implantation, 125 patients[31%]replied to the mail questionnaire consisted of thirty questions. Hospital records were also reviewed. 84%of the patients were satisfied with outcomes of cataract surgery, which was significantly correlated with current visual acuity[p<0.01]. Degree of satisfaction was significantly higher in patients with bilateral surgery compared with those with unilateral surgery[p<0.05]. Age, sex, occupation, economic and general health status were not significantly associated with degree of satisfaction. As for life behavior, discomfort while driving an automobile was the most common complaint, especially in the patients who underwent unilateral surgery. Concerning ocular symptoms, many patients complained of foreign body sense, epiphora, glare, fatigue, and near vision discomfort. We reconfirmed that the decision to perform cataract surgery should be made with careful consideration of long term prognosis and above results.
Automobiles ; Cataract* ; Fatigue ; Foreign Bodies ; Glare ; Hospital Records ; Humans ; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases ; Occupations ; Postal Service ; Prognosis ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Triple arthrodesis is performed to obtain stable stature and walking, to eliminate pain, to correct the deformities of the foot. This is the result of 92 feet triple arthrodesis over a period from 1976 to 1991 at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine. The results are as follows 1. Mean age was 17.6 years, ranged from 10 to 51 years. 2. Of the total of 92 feet, sequelae of poliomyelitis was the most common etiology with 58 feet(63%). 3. Most common type of foot deformity was talipes equinovarus with 52 feet(56%). 4. Internal fixation was done with staple or Steinmann pin combined with autogenous bone graft. Among them, using of 2 staples was the most common fixation method, 47 cases(51%). 5. As necessary, triple arthrodesis was combined with tendo-calcaneus lengthening, plantar fasciotomy, posterior capsulotomy, modified Jones operation and tibiotalar arthrodesis. 6. Final results were ideal. in 22 cases(24%), good in 51 cases(56%), fair in 16 cases(17%) and fail in 3 cases(3%). 7. There were 2 cases of pseudoarthrosis and 1 case of residual equinus deformity after operation. In conclusion, triple arthrodesis was the efficient method of treatment for the deformed feet in skeletally matured patients.
Arthrodesis ; Clubfoot ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Equinus Deformity ; Foot Deformities ; Foot ; Humans ; Methods ; Poliomyelitis ; Posterior Capsulotomy ; Pseudarthrosis ; Transplants ; Walking

No abstract available.
Humans ; Shoulder*

This study was performed to assess the accuracy of 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy(MRS) in the evaluation of myocardial ischemia in cats. Twelve cats underwent myocardial ischemia and reperfusion induced by 90 minutes ligation followed by 90 minutes recirculation of the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD). MRS was performed using a 4.7T Biospec MRS/MRI system (Bruker, Switzerland). An inner diameter 1.5cm-sized doubly tuned surface coli was used for the collection of the MR signal. The coli was implanted to the epicardial surface at the expected area of infarction. 31P MRS was acquired before and during the periods of ischemia and reperfusion with 5-minute to 30-minute of intervals. After completion of the 31P MRS study, animals were sacrificed and the hearts were excised for 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTG0 histochemical staining. The area of infarct was measured on the photographs of TTG stained heart slices using a computer programmed planimetry and the results were compared with those of the 31P MRS study. The level of phosphocreatine (PCr) was decreased to 28.2±6.9% of the baseline level 90 minutes after occlusion and recovered to 43.8±4.8% of the baseline level at the end of the reperfusion. A 50% depletion of PCr was reached 5 minutes after the LAD occlusion. The ATP was decreased to a 26.6±3.6% of the baseline level 90 minutes after occlusion and recovered to a 35.9±6.0 of the baseline level 90 minutes after reperfusion. The decreasing rate of ATP was slower than that of PCr showing a 50% of depletion 15 minutes after occlusion. The PCr/ATP ratio was 1.16±0.09 at the baseline, decreased to 0.88±0.07 at 30 minutes of occlusion, and then progressively increased during the late ischemic and reperfused periods. The ratio of the infarcted area to the effective signal area of the surface coli was inversely correlated to the ATP (r=0.68) and PCr (r=0.40) levels obtained at the end of reperfusion. In conclusion, 31P MRS reflects the changes in myocardial high energy phosphorous metabolism during the actue ischemia and reperfusion. If on adequate localization technique is feasible, 31P MRS can be used clinically in the diagnosis and monitoring of the patients with acute myocardial infarction.
Adenosine Triphosphate ; Animals ; Cats* ; Coronary Vessels ; Diagnosis ; Heart ; Humans ; Infarction ; Ischemia ; Ligation ; Metabolism ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Phosphocreatine ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reperfusion ; Spectrum Analysis*

No Abstract Available.
Calmodulin* ; Cell Death* ; Humans* ; Retinoblastoma*

Cardiac rupture following blunt thoracic trauma is rarely encountered, since it commonly causes death at the scene. With advances in critical care, blunt cardiac rupture has been successfully treated with well-organized team approach including an emergency physician, anesthesiologist, and cardiac surgeon. We encountered a patient with blunt cardiac rupture of the junction of the superior vena cava and right atrium that extended 7 cm to the right ventricular junction. The patient was successfully resuscitated after a closed thoracostomy and pericardiocentesis with fluid loading. Cardiac injury was repaired via mid-sternotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass. The patient recovered without complications and was discharged on the 7th day after surgery.
Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Critical Care ; Emergencies ; Heart Atria* ; Heart Injuries ; Heart Rupture* ; Humans ; Pericardiocentesis ; Thoracostomy ; Vena Cava, Superior*

From 1960 through 1965, 39 cases with epileptic seizure caused by the Cystricercus cellulosae were experienced at Kaejong Mental Hospital, Okku-Gun, Chollapukdo province. The present study was carried on at the area of Chollapukdo province where Cysticercus cellulosae cases were frequently reported. Thrity-nine Cystricercus cellulosae cases(35 male and 4 female) with epileptic seizure visited Kaejong Mental Hospital . Okku-Gun, Chollapukdo during the years of 1960-1965 from various Gun(county): Okku-Gun 13, Kimje-Gun 7, and Soonchang-Gun 6. The high incidence was found at the age group of 20-49 years and the distribution of 214 subcutaneous nodules were as follows: Trunk 56.6 percent, upper extremities 26.6 percent, head and neck 9.3 percent, lower extremities 7.5 percent. According to the address of above 39 cases, taenia infestation of the inhabitants in the area was examined by questionaire form. Plain rural area (Maryong-Ri, Okku-Gun); Among 803 persons interviewed, 4.0 percent or 32 complained the output of Taenia segments. The male group showed higher incidence (6.4 percent) than the female(1.5 percent) . The highest incidence was observed at the age group of 30-39 years. Most of the inhabitants of the area had the eating habit of raw beef and pork. Mountainous rural area(Bok-Heung-Myun, Soonchang-Gun); Among 542 persons interviewed, 33 or 6.1 percent complained Taenia infection. The higher incidence was observed in the male group(8.7 percent) than in the female group(3.1 percent) , and also at the age group of 20-49 years. They had eating habit of raw beef and pork. The species of adult worm were identified by morphological examination. Totally 36 adult worms(Taenia saginata 21, T. solium 15) were obtained from 26 cases, and it was experienced that 5 T. solium were eliminated from one person.
parasitology-helminth-cestoda ; Taenia solium ; cysticercus ; epidemiology

No abstract available.

No abstract available.
Brachial Plexus Neuropathies*