No abstract available.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Estrogens*

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Current therapy for acute ischemic stroke is highly focused on neuroprotective agents, and many ion channel blockers have been challenged for experimental models. In this study, we tried to reveal the neuroprotective effect of lamotrigine, a voltage-sensitive sodium channel blocker, for transient global ischemia of Mogolian gerbil. METHODS: Lamotrigine (50mg/kg) was administered via gastric tube 30 minutes before and after global ischemia (for 10 min) under body temperature monitoring. Sham-operated and non-treated ischemia group were compared. Seven days after reperfusion, gerbils were killed with perfusion/fixation technique and representative sections were cut through the hippocampus. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was done for microscopic examination and number of viable neurons in CA1 area was counted. RESULTS: Neuronal density was different between sham-operated (n=11), non-treated ischemic (n=11), and lamotrigine-treated (n=26) group (107.8+13.1/mm vs. 21.5+23.0/mm vs. 82.0+13.1/mm, p<0.01). Both pre-(n=17) and post-treated group (n=9) showed significant neuroprotective effect compared with non-treated group. Neuronal density of pre-treated group was slightly higher than in post-treated group, though statistically not significant (84.6+13.0/mm vs. 77.3+12.7/mm, p=0.13). CONCLUSION: These results show that lamotrigine may have some effects reducing the delayed neuronal death in transient global ischemia. Considering the mechanism of action, we suggest that activation of voltage-sensitive sodium channel and release of glutamate at early phase of ischemia may be related to the delayed neuronal death.
Body Temperature ; Cerebral Infarction ; Gerbillinae ; Glutamic Acid ; Hippocampus ; Ion Channels ; Ischemia* ; Models, Theoretical ; Neurons ; Neuroprotective Agents* ; Reperfusion ; Sodium Channels ; Stroke

Transient ischemic attack (TIA) often precede cerebral infarcts as a warning symptom. But the studies revealing the frequency and the correlation between preceding TIAs and following infarcts are rare. According to the western data, about one-quarter of the patients with cerebral infarct have been supposed to have the previous history of TIAs. We prospectively studied the exact frequency, clinical presentation, and presumed causes of TIAs preceding cerebral infarct. Ninety five patients diagnosed as acute cerebral infarction were interviewed whether they had had previous episodes of TIA. 4 check-list using ordinary language was used, and NINDS diagnostic criteria was applied on the consensus between several neurologists. Seventeen patients (18%) had history of preceding TIAs. Carotid territory was affected in 11 patients (65%), while vertebrobasilar in 4(24%) and undetermined in 2. Duration was less than an hour in 10 patients(59%), and attacks were multiple in about half. Time interval between the last attack and infarction was less than one week in 10 cases(59%). Incidence of recent TIA ((1 month) was 22% in large artery disease(LAD), 11% In cardioembolism(CE), 9% in small-artery disease(SAD), and 7% in mixed etiology. Conclusion, TIAs preceding cerebral infarcts are not rare, but seems to be less common in Koreans than in Caucasians. As expected, atherothrombosis of large artery is supposed to be the leading cause of TIAs.
Arteries ; Cerebral Infarction ; Consensus ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infarction ; Ischemic Attack, Transient* ; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke ; Prospective Studies

No abstract available.
Chorionic Gonadotropin* ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone* ; Gonadotropins* ; Humans* ; Progesterone* ; Superovulation*

BACKGROUND: Transient global ischemia causes delayed neuronal death (DND) in the CA1 area, of which the mecha-nism is controversial. Induction of apoptosis-regulating proteins during the process of DND has been reported, howev-er ,the exact role of Bcl-2/Bax is not well understood. We tried to reveal the pattern of the Bax/Bcl-2 expression modi-fied by the duration of ischemia and hypothermia. METHODS: Global ischemia was induced in Mongolian gerbils for 2, 5, and 10 minutes under the temperature of 36 degrees C and 32 degrees C. Hippocampal sections were evaluated 48 hours after ischemia with H&E and immunohistochemical staining to Bcl-2/Bax. Viable neuronal density and semi-quantitative grading were compared. RESULTS: In the CA1 area, neurons were intact in 2 min ischemia, while partial or significant ischemic changes were observed in 5-10 min ischemia of 36 degrees C setting, which were less severe in 32 degrees C . Bcl-2 was posi-tive in 2 min ischemia, while negative in 5~10 min ischemia of 36 degrees C . Bax was negative in 2 and 10 min ischemia, while positive in 5 min ischemia. In 32 degrees C setting, Bcl-2 was also positive in 2 min ischemia and partially positive in 5- 10 min ischemia, although Bax expression was not different from 36 degrees C. CONCLUSIONS: The complex mechanism of DND, which is in the spectrum of apoptosis and necrosis, seems to be determined by the severity of ischemia. The bal-ance between Bcl-2 and Bax may determine the survival of neurons in mild to moderate ischemia. Further evidence remains to be determined by morphological and molecular biological methods.
Apoptosis ; Body Temperature* ; Gerbillinae ; Hypothermia ; Ischemia* ; Necrosis ; Neurons

BACKGROUND: The information on nasal transport and the metabolism of peptides have been obtained from pharmacokinetic investigations in experimental animals. However, there are no transport and metabolic studies of human nasal epithelial cells. In this study, the permeability characteristics and the metabolic properties of in vitro human nasal cell monolayers were investigated. Material and METHODS: Normal human inferior nasal conchal tissue samples were obtained from patients undergoing endoscopic nasal cavitary surgery. The specimens were cultured in a transwell using an air-liquid interface (ALI) culture, and the transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) value of the blank filter and confluent cell monolayers were measured. To determine the % leakage of mannitol, 4µmol 14C-labelled mannitol was added and the % leakage was measured every 10 minute for 1 hour. RESULT: Human nasal epithelial cells in the primary culture grew to a confluent monolayer within 7 days and expressed microvilli. The tight junction between the cells was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The TEER value of the blank filter, fifth day and seventh day reached 108.5 ohm.cm2, 141 ohm.cm2 and 177.5 ohm.cm2, respectively. Transcellular % leakage of the 14C-mannitol at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes was 35.67±5.43, 34.42±5.60, 32.75±5.71, 31.76±4.22, 30.96±3.49 and 29.60±3.68 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: The human nasal epithelial monolayer using ALI using techniques is suitable for a transcellular permeability study. The data suggests that human nasal epithelial cells in as ALI culture technique shows some promise for a nasal transport and metabolism study.
Animals ; Culture Techniques* ; Electric Impedance ; Epithelial Cells* ; Humans* ; Mannitol ; Metabolism ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Microvilli ; Peptides ; Permeability ; Tight Junctions

Workplace violence is related to various health effects including mental illness such as anxiety or depression. In this study, the relationship between the experience of workplace violence and depression in substitute drivers in Korea, namely, daeri drivers, was investigated. To assess workplace violence, questions regarding types and frequency of the experience of violence over the past year were asked to the daeri drivers. In order to assess the risk of depression, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale was used. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals of depression were estimated using multiple logistic regression analysis. All of the daeri drivers had experienced instance of verbal violence while driving and 66 of the drivers (34.1%) had been in such a situation more than once in the past quarter of a year. Sixty-eight daeri drivers (42.2%) had experienced certain type of physical violence over the past year. Compared to daeri drivers who had experienced workplace verbal violence less than 4 times and who had not experienced workplace physical violence over the past year, higher odds ratio was observed in daeri drivers who had experienced workplace verbal violence or physical violence, more than 4 times and more than one time respectively, after adjustment. Experience of verbal or physical type of workplace violence over the past year increased the risk of depression in the daeri drivers. Because violence against drivers can compromise the safety of the driver, the customer, and all the passengers, it is imperative that the safety and health of daeri drivers be highlighted.
Adult ; Aged ; *Automobile Driving/psychology ; Depression/epidemiology/*etiology ; Driving Under the Influence/prevention & control/psychology ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Health ; Odds Ratio ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; *Workplace Violence

PURPOSE: Breast surgeons usually insert tissue expander or implant beneath the subpectoral-subcutaneous dual plane in breast reconstruction. But sometimes it happens unsatisfactory lower pole fullness, asymmetric inframammary fold and breast shape. To solve all the problem like these, we introduce implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm sling. METHODS: The AlloDerm sling was used in 13 patients and 18 breasts for implant breast reconstruction. After mastectomy, costal and lower sternal insertion of pectoralis major muscle was detached. Rehydrated AlloDerm was sutured to the chest wall and serratus anterior fascia at the level of inframammary fold downward and to lower border of the pectoralis major muscle upward like crescent shape with tension free technique after implant insertion into the subpectoral-subAlloDerm dual pocket. And we evaluate subpectoral capsule and subAlloDerm capsule histologically for the capsular thickness, amount of myofibroblast and TGF-beta expression. RESULTS: We make satisfactory lower pole fullness, symmetric inframammary fold and breast shape using AlloDerm sling. SubAlloDerm capsule was thin than subpectoral capsule. SubAlloDerm capsule have fewer myofibroblast and lower TGF-beta expression than subpectoral capsule. CONCLUSION: Implant breast reconstruction using AlloDerm sling makes easy to get natural breast shape through satisfactory lower pole fullness, symmetric inframammary fold and implant positioning.
Breast ; Breast Implants ; Collagen ; Fascia ; Female ; Humans ; Mammaplasty ; Mastectomy ; Muscles ; Myofibroblasts ; Thoracic Wall ; Tissue Expansion Devices ; Transforming Growth Factor beta

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Various double crown systems have been used with removable partial dentures in the clinical field. Although retentive force between inner and outer crown are affected by several factors, differences between the retentive forces of different double crown system types are expected. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the initial retentive force of outer crowns fabricated by the conventional casting technique in conus and hybrid double crowns. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ten double crowns were fabricated. The groups were as follows. Group 1, double crowns of hybrid inner and outer crowns using the conventional casting method; Group 2, double crowns of conus inner and outer crowns using the conventional casting method. Tensile strengths of double crowns when the inner and outer crowns were separated on a universal testing machine were measured. These values of retentive force were then statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: Retentive force in group 2 was significantly higher than that in group 1 (p<.05). CONCLUSION: The initial retentive forces of double crowns were affected by the types of the double crown system.
Conus Snail ; Crowns* ; Denture, Partial, Removable ; Tensile Strength

The purpose of this study was to prevent the dilutional effect of excessive absorption of irrigating solution by using furosemide intraoperatively during transurethral resection of the prostate. Thirty patients, classified as ASA ps 2 or 3, were selected randomly and divided them into two groups as follows: Group l(N=15); Not-administrated furosemide(control group) Group 2(N=15); Administrated furosemide(Experimental group) All patients were premedicated with hydroxyzine(1 mg/kg, IM) and were performed continuous epidural anesthesia with 2/ lidocaine(1-1.5 mg/segment). 5% D-sorbitols were used for irrigating solution, and Hartmans solutions were given for maintenance fluid. And fixed the irrigating container to 60 cm in height from symphysis pubis. With the starting of operation, 20 mg furosemide was administrated to experimental group. The blood samples for serum Na+, K+, glucose and BUN were obtained at preoperation, 10 min, 20 min, 30 min after the stating of operation and immediate postoperative period, and serum osmolality and effective osmolality were calculated. The results were as follows: l) The values of sodium concentration of control group were decreased significantly at 10 min, 20 min, 30 min after the starting of operation and immediate postoperative period as compared with the preoperative value(p<0.05). But those of experimental group were not changed significantly. 2) The values of serum osmolality and effective osmolality were decreased significantly at 30 min after the starting of operation and immediate postoperative period as compared with the preoperative value(p<0.05). But those of experimenta1 group were not changed significantly. These results show that the dilutional effect of excessive absorption of irrigating solution might be prevented by using furosemide intraopertively. So we would like to recommend the use of furosemide during TURP, especially in patients with congestive heart failure or renal failure.
Absorption ; Anesthesia, Epidural ; Electrolytes* ; Furosemide* ; Glucose ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Osmolar Concentration* ; Postoperative Period ; Prostate* ; Renal Insufficiency ; Sodium ; Transurethral Resection of Prostate