A Study on Mineral Changes on the Weathering Human Hair after Burial using EDX / 대한법의학회지

This study was undertaken to investigate mineral changes in weathered scalp hair after burial. EDX (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) analysis was performed to measure the presence of minerals on the hair surface. Twelve scalp hairs, buried for 5-40 years, were chosen from deceased individuals buried in tombs in Soha-Ri, Kyonggi-Do, and other regions in Korea. Three normal hairs were used as the control group. EDX data showed that carbon, oxygen, and sulfur were detected in hair collected from all three burial grounds. In contrast, calcium was only detected in hair collected from tombs in Soha-ri. The amounts of calcium and sulfur were found to decrease with time for hair collected from tombs in Soha-ri. Similar results were observed with sodium for hair collected from other regions. These results show region specific mineral detection and a decrease in the concentration of minerals with time. Consequently, it is suggested that changes in minerals concentration in weathered hair could be used as basic data in the field of forensic medicine.

TEM Observation on the Weathering Human Scalp Hair after Burial / 체질인류학회지

This study was undertaken to investigate the morphological changes of scalp hair according to weathering after burial and to offer basic data for forensic science. To examine the effect of weathering degree, the 51 human scalp hairs buried after death were taken from deceased individuals in tombs in Korea. The morphological changes in weathering hair shafts of the scalp were investigated using the transmission electron microscopes (TEM). There were little morphological differences of weathering depending on the burial period. The weathering changes includes detachment of cuticle layer, aggregation of macrofibril and hollow formation in the cortex according to the burial period. These results could provide basic data to the field of forensic medicine.

TEM Observation on the Weathering Human Scalp Hair after Burial / 체질인류학회지

This study was undertaken to investigate the morphological changes of scalp hair according to weathering after burial and to offer basic data for forensic science. To examine the effect of weathering degree, the 51 human scalp hairs buried after death were taken from deceased individuals in tombs in Korea. The morphological changes in weathering hair shafts of the scalp were investigated using the transmission electron microscopes (TEM). There were little morphological differences of weathering depending on the burial period. The weathering changes includes detachment of cuticle layer, aggregation of macrofibril and hollow formation in the cortex according to the burial period. These results could provide basic data to the field of forensic medicine.

Microscopic Observation of Decomposition-inhibition Effect in GSE (Grapefruit Seed Extract) in Rat Liver / 체질인류학회지

Regarding to preserve the cadaver, formaldehyde has been used as a major preservative. However, the usage of formaldehyde has been considered by its harmful effects such as the disturbing ordor, toxicities and limitations to use. Therefore we studied the effect of decomposition-inhibition which is a natural product, grapefruit seed extract (GSE). Concerning the preservative activity, we sacrificed 8 week old male SD rat and collected liver. Using liver tissues, we treated GSE as a time dependant manner under 37degrees, 80+/-5% humidity conditions. To confirm GSE effects, we applied light and electron microscopic analysis. In results, we observed GSE attenuated the morphological changes and putrefaction of liver tissues more than 3 days. Herein, we introduced the potential substitute of formaldehyde to preserve the cadaver as well as animal tissues.

SEM Observation on the Weathering Human Hair after Burial / 체질인류학회지

This study was undertaken to investigate the morphological changes of hair according to weathering after burial and to offer basic data for forensic science. To examine the effect of weathering degree, the 45 hairs buried for 5~50 years were taken from deceased individuals in tombs in Korea. The morphological changes in weathering hair shafts of the scalp were investigated using the scanning electron microscopes. There were little morphological differences of weathering depending on the regions of burial. The weathering changes includes exclusion of cuticle, separation of hair cortex and hollow formation in the medulla according to the burial period. These results could provide basic data to the field of forensic medicine.

Glutathione S-Transferase P1 Polymorphism in Patients with Allergic Rhinitis / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Genetic factors play a role in the etiology of allergic rhinitis. The glutathione S-transferase (GSTP1) is one of the detoxifying enzymes for oxidative stress. The purpose of this study is to examine Polymorphisms of whether there is an association between some alleles of GSTP1 genes and allergic rhinitis. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Patients with allergic rhinitis were selected on the basis of the following criteria: 1) watery rhinorrhea, sneezing, nasal obstruction and/or itching for longer 3months and 2) positive reaction at the allergic skin prick test for DP, DF allergen and 3) positive reaction at specific IgE RAST for DP, DF allergen. GSTP1 gene polymorphisms in exon5 (Ile105Val) were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) in 149 patients with allergic rhinitis and 156 healthy control subjects. RESULTS: In allergic rhinitis, Ile105/Ile105 were 106 cases (71.1%), Ile105/Val105 were 42 cases (28.2%), Val105/Val105 were 1 case (0.7%) and in normal controls, Ile105/Ile105 were 100 cases (64.1%), Ile105/Val105 were 45 cases (28.8%), Val105/Val105 were 11 cases (7.1%)(p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Genetic polymorphism of Val105/Val105 in GSTP1 may be protective genotypes in allergic rhinitis.

Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning, Adenosine and Pinacidil on the Expression of Cu,Zn- and Mn-SOD mRNA in the Rectus Femoris Muscle of the Rat after Ischemia and Timely Reperfusion / 체질인류학회지

A brief episode of ischemia and reperfusion termed 'ischemic preconditioning' has been established as rendering muscle tolerance to damage during a subsequent prolonged ischemia. The effects of ischemic preconditioning in the cardiac muscle are related to the stimulation of adenosine A1 receptor and the opening of KATP channel. The effect and mechanisms of ischemic preconditioning in the skeletal muscle are not known clearly. The superoxide radical injures the skeletal muscle during the ischemia and reperfusion. There are two types of SOD, which metabolizes the superoxide radicals to H2O2 and O2, in the cell. One of them is Cu, Zn-SOD in the cytoplasm and the other is Mn-SOD in the mitochondria. The activities of SOD are increased against the formation of superoxide radical during the reperfusion. The author performed the present study to investigate the effect and the mechanisms of ischemic preconditioning by measuring the expression of SOD mRNA on timely reperfused ischemic muscles. The healthy Sprague-Dawley rats weighing from 300 g to 350 g were used as experimental animals. Under pentobarbital (50 mg/kg) anesthesia, lower abdominal incision was done and left common iliac artery was occluded by vascular clamp for 2 hours. Rectus femoris muscles were obtained respectively at 3, 6, 12, 24 and 72 hours after reperfusion. The ischemic preconditioning group underwent three episodes of 5 minute occlusion and 5 minute reperfusion of common iliac artery followed by 2 hours of ischemia and timely reperfusion. Adenosine (50 microgram/kg) or pinacidil (1 mg/kg) was administered intravenously before ischemia. 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3-dipropylxanthine (15 mg/kg) or glibenclamide (0.5 mg/kg) was administered intravenously before ischemic preconditioning. Paraffin sections with 4 micrometer thickness in all groups were obtained. The expression of Cu, Zn- and Mn-SOD mRNA was observed by use of in situ hybridization. The results obtained were as follows. 1. The expression of SOD mRNA was seen only in small muscle fibers of the rectus femoris muscle of the rat. 2. Weak expressions of Cu, Zn- and Mn-SOD mRNA were observed in the normal control rat. 3. After 2 hours of ischemia, moderate expression of Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA was observed until 72 hours of reperfusion. Weak or moderate expression of Mn-SOD mRNA at 3 hours and 6 hours of reperfusion, weak or trace expression at 12 hours of reperfusion, moderate expression at 24 hours of reperfusion and weak or moderate expression at 72 hours of reperfusion were observed. 4. After ischemic preconditioning, moderate expressions of Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA were seen in the groups of 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours of reperfusion. Moderate expressions of Mn-SOD mRNA were seen in the group of 0, 3, 6 and 12 hours of reperfusion and strong expression was seen in the group of 24 hours of reperfusion after ischemic preconditioning. 5. After 2 hours of ischemia with ischemic preconditoining, moderate expressions of Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA were seen in the groups of 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 hours of reperfusion. Moderate expressions of Mn-SOD mRNA were observed in the groups of 0, 3, 6, and 12 hours of reperfusion and moderate or strong expression was seen in the group of 24 hours of reperfusion. 6. After 2 hours of ischemia with the pretreatment of adenosine, moderate expressions of Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA were seen in the group of 0, 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours of reperfusion. Moderate expression of Mn-SOD mRNA in the groups and 3 hours of reperfusion, strong expression in the group of 6 and 12 hours of reperfusion and moderate expression in the group of 24 hours of reperfusion were seen. 7. After 2 hours of ischemia with the pretreatment of pinacidil, moderate expressions of Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA were seen in the groups of 0, 3, 6 and 12 hours of reperfusion and those of Mn-SOD mRNA were seen in the groups of 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours of reperfusion. 8. After 2 hours of ischemia with ischemic preconditioning and the pretreatment of 8-cyclopentyl-1, 3- dipropylxanthine, moderate expression of Cu, Zn-SOD mRNA were observed in the groups of 0, 3, 6, and 12 hours of reperfusion and those of Mn-SOD were seen in the groups of 6, 12 and 72 hours of reperfusion. 9. After 2 hours of ischemia with ischemic preconditioning and the pretreatment of glibenclamide, moderate expressions of Cu, Zn- and Mn-SOD mRNA were seen in all groups of reperfusion. Consequently, these results suggest that the expression of Cu, Zn and Mn-SOD mRNA increases during 2 hours ischemia and reperfusion with or without ischemic preconditioning. The effects of ischemic preconditioning are closely related to the stimulation of adenosine A1 receptor and KATP channel.

The Incidence and Clinical Symptoms of Palatine Tonsillar Hypertrophy in Elementary School Children / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Snoring and sleep apnea from tonsillar hypertrophy are the main problems for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, which are the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the pediatric population. The relative size of the palatine tonsils to the oropharynx gets smaller with increasing age, but little has been studied about the age distribution and the associated change in the clinical symptoms. We attempted to observe the incidence according to age and to determine the relationship between the tonsillar hypertrophy and snoring, and sleep apnea in obese children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2,248 elementary school children in one district of Ansan City were entered in the study. The index of obesity, the presence and degree of tonsillar hypertrophy were determined and the symptoms due to tonsillar hypertrophy were investigated. RESULTS: The prevalence of tonsillar hypertrophy of grades 3 and 4 was 28.0% at 6yrs and 22.9% at 7yrs. The prevalence decreased dramatically after 10yrs, with the prevalence rate below 10%. The prevalence of palatine tonsillar hypertrophy was significantly higher in obese children than in non-obese children. The most common clinical symptoms determined from questionnaires were sore throat. Although snoring decreased with increasing age, sore throat accompanied by fever was more common with increasing age. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of palatine tonsillar hypertrophy rapidly decreased after the age of 10. Therefore, we believe that when making a decision to perform a tonsillectomy, the change in size of palatine tonsils with increasing age should be an important factor to consider along with clinical symptoms.

Distribution of Beta-Catenin Expression in Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma of the Head and Neck / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: beta-catenin has functions in cell-cell adhesion with a complex of proteins that link cadherin to the cortical actin cytoskeleton and signal transduction through wnt developmental pathway. In this study, we investigated the distribution of beta-catenin in adenoid cystic carcinoma according to the histologic subtypes, perineural invasion, T classification, nodal status and stage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded surgical specimens were obtained from seventeen patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma. We performed immunohistochemical staining with beta-catenin monoclonal antibodies and compared its staining patterns with patients' clinical characteristics. RESULTS: In tubular subtype, there were intense membranous staining pattern than other subtypes (p0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is suggest that there are mixed functional roles of beta-catenin in adenoid cystic carcinoma in tumor aggressiveness.

Ultrastructural Changes in Rat Anterior Tibial and Soleus Muscles Following Graded Periods of Ischemia and Reperfusion / 체질인류학회지

Skeletal muscles are known to have tolerance to ischemia, but a prolonged ischemia can cause damage to muscular tissues. The ischemia-reperfusion injury results from the oxygen free radicals released by leucocytes and formed by the reaction of hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), one of major antioxidant enzymes ocurring in the various tissues of the body metabolizes or scarvanges the oxygen free radicals. Although many studies reported difference in tolerance to ischemia and reperfusion between white and red muscles, some other investigators failed in finding such difference. The present study was performed to examine effects of graded periods of ischemia and reperfusion on the cellular ultrastructure and activity of SOD in white and red muscles. The Sprague-Dawley rats (200~250 g) were used as experimental animals. Under pentobarbital (50 mg/kg IP) anesthesia, incision was made on lower abdomen and left common iliac artery was occluded by means of a vascular clamp for 2, 4 and 6 hour (hrs). Thereafter, the superficial portion of mid-belly of anterior tibial muscle and soleus muscles were excised at 0, 24 and 72 hrs after onset of reperfusion. The specimens were sectioned into slices, 2 mm in length, 1 mm in width and thickness. Some specimens were prepared for electron microscopic observation and others for determination of SOD activity by using antihuman Cu, Zn- and Mn-SOD antibodies. The results obtained were as follows. 1. In anterior tibial muscle, areas with loose electron-density and dilated cristae were observed in the mitochondria immediately after 2 hrs of ischemia, while widened intermyofibrillar spaces and dilated cisternae of sarcoplasmic reticulum were seen after 2 hrs and 24 hrs reperfusion. When subjected to 2 hrs ischemia and 72 hrs reperfusion, no significant change was found in the cellular ultrastructure. 2. In soleus muscle, electron density was loose in the matrix of mitochondria immediately after 2 hrs of ischemia, while cisternae of sarcoplasmic reticulum were dilalated after 2 hrs of ischemia and 24 hrs reperfusion. Following 2 hrs of ischemia and 72 hrs reperfusion, the electron microscopic findings were similar to those of normal rats. 3. The changes in cellular ultrastructure were more prominent in both the 4 hrs and 6 hrs ischemia groups, in which degree of ultrastructural changes were proportional to duration of reperfusion. 4. In anterior tibial muscle, trace or weak immunoreactivities of Cu, Zn- and Mn-SOD were seen, whereas trace immunoreactivity of Cu, Zn-SOD and trace or weak immunoreactivity of Mn-SOD were observed in soleus muscle. 5. The immunoreactivities of Cu, Zn- and Mn-SOD were not altered in 2 hrs ischemic and 72 hrs reperfused group, while they were increased slightly in 2 hrs ischemic and 24 hrs reperfused group. 6. In both muscles, the activity of SOD increased following 4 hrs or 6 hrs ischemia and 24 hrs or 72 hrs reperfusion. The changes in immunoreactivity of Mn-SOD were not different between two muscles, whereas immunoreactivity of Cu, Zn-SOD were higher in anterior tibial muscle. Consequently, it is suggested that significant ischemia reperfusion injuries are produced after 4~6 hrs ishemia followed by 24 hrs or 72 hrs reperfusion, that anterior tibial muscle is more susceptible to ischemic reperfusion injury and that the ischemic-reperfusion injury is closely related with activity of SOD.

The Point Prevalence of Otitis Media with Effusion among Kindergarten and Elementary School Children in Ansan Area / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is most commonly found during the first two years of life, and becomes somewhat less prevalent thereafter. There are many reports about the prevalence rate of OME in preschool children, but there has been no large scale survey of its prevalence rate in school-age children. The point prevalence of OME among children of the above age in Ansan city were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Tympanometry and pneumatic otoscopic examination were performed on 2713 children aged 6-12 years, during the spring season of 1998. RESULTS: A total of 4.5% of the subjects had unilateral or bilateral OME. The prevalence rate of OME in 6 year-old children was 10.8%. The prevalence rate in 12 year-old children was decreased to 2.1%. The incidence of OME in girls was higher than in boys. Bilateral involvement was noted in 38.3%, and the remainder had unilateral involvement. The majority of the cases (88.5%) were free of subjective symptoms. CONCLUSION: More attention should be required to OME in children aged 9 years and younger because of its high prevalence.

Effects of Ischemic Preconditioning, Adenosine and Pinacidil on Expression of Apoptosis in the Rectus Femoris Muscles of the Rats after Ischemia and Timely Reperfusion / 체질인류학회지

The ischemia and reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle is caused by generation of reactive oxygen species. Recently, apoptosis has been associated with oxidative stress in a number of cell systems. The effects of ischemic preconditoining in cardiac muscle have been established as rendering muscle tolerance to ischemic reperfusion damage via opening of KAPT channel and activation of adenosine A1 receptor. The effects and mechanisms of ischemic preconditioning are not known clearly. The present study was performed to investigate the effect and the mechanisms of ischemic preconditioning by measuring the incidences of apoptosis on timely reperfused ischemic muscles. The healthy Sprague -Dawley rats weighing from 200 g to 250 g were used as experimental animals. Under pentobarbital (50 mg/kg) anesthesia, lower abdominal incision was done and left common iliac artery was ligated by using vascular clamp for 2 hours. Rectus femoris muscles were obtained at 0 hour, 1 hour, 2 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours of reperfusion. The group of ischemic preconditioning underwent three episodes of 5 minutes occlusion and 5 minutes reperfusion of common iliac artery followed by 2 hours of ischemia and timely reperfusion. Adenosine (50 microgram/kg) or pinacidil (1 mg/kg) were administered intravenously before ischemia and 2 hours of ischemia and timely reperfusion was done. 6 microM of paraffin sections were obtained. The incidencies of apoptosis were observed by use of in situ apoptosis detection kit. The results obtained were as follows. 1. The reactivities to apoptosis in the rectus femoris muscle increased after 2 hours of ischemia and timely reperfusion. 2. After 2 hours of ischemia and timely reperfusion with ischemic preconditioning and the treatment of pinacidil, the reactivities to apoptosis in all groups decreased markedly. 3. After 2 hours of ischemia and timely reperfusion with the treatment of adenosine, the reactivities to apoptosis in all groups were similar to those in the group of 2 hours of ischemia and reperfusion. Consequently, these results suggest that the reactivities to apoptosis decrease after 2 hours of ischemia and timely reperfusion with ischemic preconditioning. The effect of ischemic preconditioning is related to opening of KATP channel partly.

Clinical Experience of Acute Mastoiditis in Recent 10 Years / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Acute mastoiditis is an acute inflammatory disease of the mastoid process but it has declined dramatically in the postantibiotic era. However, contrary to the benefits of broad-spectrum antibiotics, resistant and unusual pathogens may cause this disease entity. Recently, in our hospital, antibiotic resistant and atypical pathogens such as Actinomyces, Mycobacterium tuberculosis were on the increase. In this paper we would like to discuss optimal diagnosis and treatment for acute mastoiditis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients with mastoititis were treated in our hospital in the last 10 years. All of them were reviewedretrospectively. RESULTS: Eight patients recovered after treating with intravenous antibiotics with or without myringotomy and the rest were managed surgically. Among the 5 who received surgical treatments, one developed chronic otitis media and one developed cholesteatoma 3 years later. CONCLUSION: Surgical intervention was indicated for cases that accompanied complications. It would be important to be aware of any unusual pathogens in the management of acute mastoiditis which does not respond to empirical antibiotics therapy.

Clinical effect of dexpanthenol(Stenol@) on bowel peristalsis after gynecologic abdominal surgery / 대한산부인과학회잡지

No abstract available.