Search

Ethnopharmacological relevance Excessive inflammation can lead to tissue damage and dysfunction of vital organs. Hence, regulating inflammatory response is a viable therapeutic approach. In Asian countries, various inflammatory diseases have often effectively been treated with herbal remedies including the root extract of Aralia continentalis Kitagawa (Araliaceae). Here, we investigated the effect of kaurenoic acid ( ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid : KA), a diterpenoid that is extracted from Aralia continentalis Kitagawa root, on inflammation. Materials, methods, and results Western blot and RT-PCR analyses show that KA induced the nuclear localization of Nrf2 as low as 1 nM in concentration and that KA treatment induced the expression of Nrf2 dependent genes such as GCLC and HO-1. On the other hand, KA did not affect the degradation of cytoplasmic IκB-α, the nuclear localization of Rel A (p65), and NF-κB transcriptional activity in RAW264.7 cells treated with endotoxin. Consistent with these data, KA treatment failed to suppress gene expression of representative pro-inflammatory mediators including COX-2, nitric oxide, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-12, indicating that KA did not have an important impact on NF-κB activation. Conclusion Together, these results show that KA was an effective activator of Nrf2, and suggest that the beneficial effects of Aralia continentalis Kitagawa root extract are, at least in part, mediated by activating Nrf2.

The minimum-energy trajectory planning algorithm on a tangent with translational and rotational motion is proposed for battery-powered three-wheeled omni-directional mobile robots (TOMRs). We have chosen a practical cost function as the total energy drawn from the batteries, in order to lengthen the operational time of a mobile robot with given batteries. After establishing the dynamic equations of TOMRs, the optimal control theory is used to solve the minimum-energy trajectory. Various simulations are performed and the consumed energy is compared to the conventional velocity trajectory with trapezoidal velocity profile. Simulation results reveal that the energy saving is achieved of up to 7.55% compared to the conventional trapezoidal velocity profile.

Background EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) with the use of a fully covered metal stent can result in a large-diameter fistula between the bile duct and the duodenum or stomach. This sustainable fistula may constitute a new endoscopic route to the bile duct. Objective To assess the feasibility of performing endoscopic procedures through EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy or hepaticogastrostomy with a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS). Design Observational pilot study. Setting Tertiary-care referral center. Patients This study involved 3 consecutive patients who underwent EUS-BD with an FCSEMS for biliary decompression. Interventions One to four weeks after EUS-BD with an FCSEMS, endoscopic procedures for the bile duct were performed through the sinus tract to evaluate and manage intrabiliary lesions. Main Outcome Measurements Technical success and procedural complications of endoscopic procedures through EUS-BD with an FCSEMS. Results Endoscopic procedures were completed through the sinus tract of EUS-BD. Two patients underwent photodynamic therapy for tumor bleeding in the common bile duct and argon plasma coagulation on the biliary intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm repeatedly under direct visual guidance. In the other patient, photodynamic therapy was performed on the malignant hilar stricture through EUS-guided hepaticogastrostomy with an FCSEMS. Limitations Small sample size, pilot study. Conclusions EUS-BD with an FCSEMS may result in a large-diameter sustainable fistula. Endoscopic intervention through this fistula seems to be feasible and useful for the management of intrabiliary lesions.

This paper describes a method for constructing Cartesian meshes for embedded boundary algorithms by using a ray-tracing technique. In this approach, each mesh cell is distinguished as being inside, outside, or on the boundary of the input geometry, which is determined by firing rays parallel to x/y/z coordinates. The most expensive process of the embedded boundary mesh generation, an edge-geometry intersection test, is performed for the group of edges on a fired ray line together, which decreases the computational complexity of the whole method significantly. Produced boundary cells also have edge-cut fraction information and volume cut fraction information for each material. This work is implemented to be enable to directly import various CAD-based solid model formats and as an open-source code to be used easily in many engineering simulation fields.

Reed frequency that occurred during the motor operation in vertical cargo pump is important factor to control the limitation of operation speed. If the reed frequency has no consideration for motor in vertical cargo pump design, it may be impossible to design the operation design of vertical cargo pump. Therefore, in this paper, the optimization design of pump has done with common analysis programs to avoid the reed frequency resonance. And then the results are compared and analyzed.

Anthracosis is a black pigment discoloration located mainly in the bronchi because of inhalation of dust or particulates. 1 Extrapulmonary anthracosis that includes the esophagus is very rare, and its etiology is not well established. 2,3 We present a case of esophageal anthracosis presenting as a submucosal tumor (SMT) complicated by mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis.

234 pISSN 0301-2875, eISSN 2005-3789 c cc 2015 The Korean Academy of Prosthodontics This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. *Corresponding Author: Chan-Ik Park Department of Prosthodontics, Sun Dental Hospital, 645 Daejong-ro (394-1, Jungchondong), Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-845, Republic of Korea +82 42 251 5000: e-mail, sjogren6323@gmail.com Article history: Received May 21, 205 / Last Revision June 23, 2015 / Accepted June 25, 2015 구강 내 디지털 인상채득을 통한 상악 전치부 임플란트 즉시 임시 보철 수복 증례

Background/Aims: Differentiating subepithelial tumor (SET) from non-neoplastic gastrointestinal subepithelial lesion (SEL) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) from leiomyoma are very important for proper management. This study was conducted to analyze factors that could predict the presence of SET and GIST in patients with upper gastrointestinal (UGI) SELs. Methods: A total of 527 patients were diagnosed with UGI SELs endosonographically at Gyeongsang National University Hospital from January 2008 to June 2013. Among these patients, histologic diagnosis was made in 84 patients. Data were collected by retrospectively reviewing the medical records. Variables that could differentiate neoplastic from non-neoplastic SELs and GIST from leiomyoma were analyzed. Results: Among 84 patients with SELs, 64 (76.2%) had SETs including GIST (42.9%) and leiomyoma (19.0%). The patients’ mean age (p=0.047), peak age distribution (p=0.047), proportions of patient ≥50 years (p=0.015), and number of proper muscle-originated lesions (p=0.001) were higher in neoplastic than non-neoplastic group. There were no significant differences in gender (p=0.195), size (p=0.266) and echogenicity (p=0.051) of the lesions. Older age (57.7 vs. 47.0 years, p=0.049), age ≥50 years (p=0.016), location in gastric body (p＜0.001), and proper muscle origin (p=0.003) were significantly related to the presence of GIST compared to leiomyoma. Multiple regression analysis showed that the patients’ age ≥50 years, size ≥30 mm, and proper muscle-origin of lesion were independent predictors of SET; however, there were no predictive factors that could differentiate GIST from leiomyoma. Conclusions: In patients with SEL, the possibility of having SET should be considered for patients ≥50 years with UGI SELs ≥30 mm that arise from the proper muscle. Thorough monitoring and aggressive management is warranted for those with gastric muscular SET since factors predictive of GIST are lacking. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2014;64:189-197)

BACKGROUND/AIMS Several studies reported a subgroup of gastric cancer patients showing elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) at the time of diagnosis. We investigated the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of AFP producing gastric cancer (AFPPGC) by comparing with AFP non-producing gastric cancer (AFPNPGC). METHODS A total of 909 patients were diagnosed with gastric cancer from January 2005 to March 2013 at Gyeongsang National University Hospital and their AFP levels were measured at the time of diagnosis. After excluding 138 patients with underlying liver diseases, 34 patients with elevated serum AFP level over 10 mg/mL were assigned to AFPPGC group and the remaining 737 patients with serum level of AFP below 10 ng/mL were assigned to AFPNPGC group. RESULTS The median survival length was shorter in AFPPGC group than AFPNPGC group (18.3 ± 25.5 months vs. 30.0 ± 22.0 months, p=0.004). The incidence of liver metastasis (47.1% vs. 3.3%, p

Received September 22, 2011 Revised November 18, 2011 Accepted November 29, 2011 Address for correspondence Hyun Seung Choi, MD Department of OtolaryngologyHead and Neck Surgery, National Health Insurance Corporation Ilsan Hospital, 100 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 410-719, Korea Tel +82-31-900-0972 Fax +82-31-900-0613 E-mail choihyunseung@gmail.com The most common cause of positional vertigo is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). BPPV is characterized by brief recurrent spells of vertigo often brought about by certain head position changes that occur when looking up, turning over in bed, or straightening up after bending over. Its diagnosis relies on a thorough history and physical examination, including Dix-Hallpike maneuver. BPPV usually resolves spontaneously, but treatment of persistent cases with canalolith repositioning maneuvers and exercise therapy has been relatively successful. Those patients with atypical findings or whose symptoms fail to respond to medical therapy and otolith repositioning maneuver, however, require further evaluation to rule out intracranial pathologic conditions. We report here on an unusual case of cerebellar hemangioblatoma showing paroxysmal positional vertigo with a review of the related literature. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2012;55:58-61 Key WordsZZPositional vertigo ᆞPositional nystagmus ᆞHemangioblastoma.

Received May 1, 2012 Revised August 30, 2012 Accepted September 10, 2012 Address for correspondence Jin Kim, MD Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Inje University College of Medicine, Ilsan Paik Hospital, 170 Juhwa-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang 411-706, Korea Tel +82-31-910-7250 Fax +82-31-910-7518 E-mail jinsound@gmail.com Background and ObjectivesZZThe change of pH in the external auditory canal (EAC) is an important factor in the pathogenesis of otitis externa. However, there is a lack of study focused in this area. Thus, we investigated the differences in the pH in the EAC between several different patient groups of otitis externa and the control group. Subjects and MethodZZThere were 100 patients with otitis externa and 150 normal controls participated in this study. Patients with otitis externa were divided into 3 groups; acute or subacute infective otitis externa, chronic infective otitis externa and chronic allergic otitis externa. The pH of the EAC was measured in otitis externa patients and control subjects on their first visit. ResultsZZThe mean EAC pH of the normal control subjects was significantly higher than that of the skin of other parts of the body. The pH difference among the 3 patient groups was statistically significant (the pH of acute or subacute infective otitis externa=6.83±0.64; the pH of chronic infective otitis externa=6.16±0.67 and the pH of chronic allergic otitis externa=5.78±0.59). ConclusionZZThe change in the pH of EAC can be considered as a predisposing factor of otitis externa. We quantified the level of pH at the EAC among three groups of otitis externa patients, and the results showed that the pH difference among the three patient groups was statistically significant. This study warrants a further investigation focusing on the proper choice of eardrops for otitis externa patients according to their pH at the EAC. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2012;55:628-32

A biloma is a rare abnormal accumulation of intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile caused by a traumatic or spontaneous rupture of the biliary tree. The reported incidence of postoperative biloma ranges from 4.8% to 7.6%. Biliary drainage is usually important and necessary for the treatment of biloma, but sometimes bile leakage fails to improve despite prolonged conservative drainage. We report a case of postoperative refractory biliary leakage managed with percutaneous ablation by N-butyl cyanoacrylate.

Backgrounds: Recently, two distinct histological patterns of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), type 1 AIP and type 2 AIP, have been recognized. Type 2 AIP has been reported mainly in western countries and is known to be rare in Asia. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence, clinical profiles, radiological findings and response to steroids of type 1 and type 2 AIP in Korea. Methods: From 120 patients diagnosed with AIP between January 2003 and March 2010, 52 patients with histologically confirmed type 1 (n=37) or type 2 (n=15) AIP were included. We reviewed the prospectively collected data on these patients. Results: The type 2 AIP patients' median age (34 years) was significantly lower than that of the type 1 AIP patients (61 years) (p 1,800 mg/dL, 54.1% in type 1 AIP vs. 0% in type 2, p 135 mg/dL, 70.3% in type 1 AIP vs. 0% in type 2 AIP, p

Background: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become a widespread treatment option for primary or metastatic tumor of liver. However, there is limitation to approach pancreas by percutaneous method. EUS has emerged as an essential diagnostic and therapeutic tool in pancreatic disease. The purposes of this study are to evaluate in vivo feasibility, efficacy and safety of EUS-guided RFA on porcine pancreas. Materials and Methods: Ex vivo RFA was performed using bovine liver to find out the optimal length of electrode, optimal duration and power of RFA. Then in vivo EUS-guided RFA was performed on the pancreas using 40 kg adult mini-pigs. A 18-gauge RFA electrode with 1 cm in length and a VIVA RF system (STARmed, Korea) were used. One week after RFA, laparotomy was done and ablated areas and possible complications were evaluated. Results: EUS-guided RFA was technically successful in 10 pigs. The RFA electrode was visible on the EUS view and electrode needle was deployed or retracted without difficulty. Pancreatic tissue ablation was achieved within 6 minutes with 50 Watts of power. There was no immediate complication. Laparotomy revealed a discrete, well-defined round ablation of pancreas measuring about 20mm in diameter and without injury to surrounding pancreas parenchyma or adjacent organs. Ablated lesion was demarcated from normal parenchyme by fibrous wall. However, some omental adhesions were observed. Conclusion: EUS-guided RFA of porcine pancreas was technically feasible and effective ablation was accomplished without causing serious complication. EUS-guided RFA may have therapeutic potential for human pancreatic tumors.

Orbital apex syndrome (OAS) has been described previously as a syndrome involving damage to the oculomotor nerve, trochlear nerve, abducens nerve, and ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve in association with optic nerve dysfunction. The conditions and symptoms of OAS are characterized by blindness, fixed dilated pupils, proptosis, ptosis of the eye and ophthalmoplegia. Infectious diseases involving the central nervous system, paranasal sinuses, and periorbital structures may lead to an OAS. We recently experienced a rare case of sphenoidal aspergillosis, which damaged the adjacent cavernous sinus structures and led to the definite symptom of OAS in a 75 year-old female. We present this rare case with a brief review of these disease’s entities. Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg 2010;53:644-7

A total of 197 fecal specimens was prepared for quantitative examination of helminth eggs by modified Kato's cellophane thick smear (M.C.T.S.) and Stoll's dilution egg counting technique (D.E.C.T.). The comparative effectiveness of two techniques was evaluated and conversion function was deduced. The average time required for the microscopic examination on one slide by M.C.T.S. was 12.6 minutes and that of D.E.C.T. was 14.6 minutes. M.C.T.S. showed lower false negative rate than D.E.C.T. in light worm burden cases. Functions to convert the counts obtained by M.C.T.S. to E.P.G. by Stoll's dilution egg counting technique were 47.86 x 10(0.87) logM.C.T.S. in A. lumbricoides, 41.69 x 10(0.82) logM.C.T.S. in T. trichiura and 63.10 x 10(0.85) logM.C.T.S. in C. sinensis. It was suggested M.C.T.S. be better than D.E.C.T. for the quantitative examination of intestinal helminthiases such as A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and C. sinensis infections even in the cases with low worm burden.

The present study was carried out to investigate the localization and isozyme patterns of acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase in metacercariae and in adults of F. seoulensis by enzyme-histochemistry method and electrophoresis. Acid phosphatase showed a strong activity at pH 5 in the intestinal caecum of adults, but showed no reactions in the non-substrate control and in the inhibitor-treated control. Alkaline phosphatase showed a strong activity at pH 8 in the intestinal caecum and the tribocytic organ of adults, and in the intestinal caecum and in the genital anlagen of metacercariae. In non-denature PAGE, ten bands of protein fraction from the extracts of metacercariae and twenty-two bands from adults were detected. In denature PAGE, two protein bands having molecular weights of 192 kDa and 123 kDa were detected in the metacercariae, but absent from adult stage. In adults, protein fractions of 27.5 kDa, 24.5 kDa, 21.4 kDa, 18 kDa, 16 kDa and 15 kDa were detected. In non-denature PAGE, isozymes of acid phosphatase showed the most strong activity at pH 5, whereas no activity was shown at pH 2 and pH 7. One isozyme band (62 kDa) of AcPase was recognized in metacercariae and 4 isozyme bands (95 kDa, 85 kDa, 73 kDa and 62 kDa) in adults.