Antifungal Effects of Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Various Plant Pathogenic Fungi

This research is concerned with the fungicidal properties of nano-size silver colloidal solution used as an agent for antifungal treatment of various plant pathogens. We used WA-CV-WA13B, WA-AT-WB13R, and WA-PR-WB13R silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) at concentrations of 10, 25, 50, and 100 ppm. Eighteen different plant pathogenic fungi were treated with these AgNPs on potato dextrose agar (PDA), malt extract agar, and corn meal agar plates. We calculated fungal inhibition in order to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of silver nanoparticles against pathogens. The results indicated that AgNPs possess antifungal properties against these plant pathogens at various levels. Treatment with WA-CV-WB13R AgNPs resulted in maximum inhibition of most fungi. Results also showed that the most significant inhibition of plant pathogenic fungi was observed on PDA and 100 ppm of AgNPs.

A Case of Chemical Colitis Caused by Hydrogen Peroxide Enema / 대한소화기학회지

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a disinfectant that has been reported to cause chemical colitis. We report a case of 49 year-old man who presented with chemical colitis caused by self-inflicted hydrogen peroxide enema. In the sigmoidoscopic examination, diffuse erythematous and edematous mucosal change with multiple ulcerations and easy touch bleeding was noted from the rectum to the proximal sigmoid colon. Abdominal computed tomography showed diffuse wall thickening of the rectum and the sigmoid colon with inflammatory and reactive change at surrounding. The patient was treated with NPO, intravenous fluid, and antibiotic therapy. On 5th hospital day, abdominal pain and bloody stool disappeared, and the patient started oral feeding. He discharged on 6th hospital day with fully recovered state.

The Effect of Nano-Silver Liquid against the White Rot of the Green Onion Caused by Sclerotium cepivorum

White rot, which is caused by Sclerotium cepivorum, is a lethal disease affecting green onions. Three different types of nano-silver liquid (WA-CV-WA13B, WA-AT-WB13R, and WA-PR-WB13R) were tested in several different concentrations on three types of media to assess their antifungal activities. Results from in vitro experiments showed that all three of the nano-silver liquids had more than 90% inhibition rates at a concentration of 7 ppm. Greenhouse experiments revealed that all of the nano-silver liquids increased biomass and dry weights, and there were minimal changes in the population of various bacteria and fungi from the soil of greenhouse-cultivated green onions. In addition, a soil chemical analysis showed that there were minimal changes in soil composition.

Secondary Glaucoma and Sclerokeratitis After Cosmetic Eye Whitening by Regional Conjunctivectomy with Mitomycin C Application

PURPOSE: To report a case of secondary glaucoma and sclerokeratitis after cosmetic eye whitening by regional conjunctivectomy with Mitomycin C application. CASE SUMMARY: A 69 year-old man was referred to our clinic for a left ocular pain and ocular hypertension sustained for 3 months after cosmetic eye whitening by regional conjunctivectomy with Mitomycin C application for chronic conjunctival hyperemia. On first examination, the scleromalacia and large conjunctival epithelium defect in the nasal quadrant of the limbus area and diffuse sclerokeratitis were observed. Conjunctival and episcleral vessel deficit were seen except superior 30% portion in the left eye. The anterior chamber depth in the left eye was very shallow compared to the right eye and cell reaction in the left anterior chamber was detected. Intraocular pressure (IOP) in the left eye was 28 mmHg after Cosopt(R) and 15% mannitol 500 ml use. Glaucomatous cupping was detected. During follow-up, left IOP increased over 40 mmHg despite the maximal medical treatment and the progression of visual field defects was detected, so then left phacoemulsification, Ahmed valve implantation and amnion membrane transplantation were done. After surgery, the conjunctival epithelial defect and sclerokeratitis were improved much and IOP was regulated 20~30 mmHg without medication. Digital massage was done 2 times per day for decreasing IOP and wound remodeling after 1 month. At 3 month after surgery, the conjunctival epithelial defect recurred and scleromalacia was also progressed, so then we performed autoconjunctival flap and amnion membrane transplantation in left eye. The conjunctival epithelial defect were recovered completely, IOP was regulated 24~36 mmHg without medication, and 20~24 mmHg with Cosopt.(R) The compliance of patient is very poor, further management may be needed for IOP control. CONCLUSIONS: Cosmetic eye whitening by regional conjunctivectomy with Mitomycin C application can cause serious complications such as scleromalcia and secondary glaucoma. This case shows that particular care should be taken in order to minimize these complications.

The Significance of Fecal Occult Blood Testing to Screen for Colon Cancer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the efficacy of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) as a colon cancer screening tool in a tertiary hospital setting. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent routine check-ups at Kang-Nam St. Mary's Hospital Health Promotion Center from January 2004 to April 2005. All the subjects were encouraged to submit stool for a FOBT, while performing a double contrast barium enema (DCBE) was optional for those who wanted colon examination. Colonoscopy was performed if the FOBT or DCBE results were abnormal or if the patients had bowel symptoms. RESULTS: The FOBT was performed in 8,198 of 10,182 patients (80.5%) who underwent routine check-ups. The overall positive rate of FOBT was 149 of 8,198 (1.8%) and this increased with age (p<0.05). Colonoscopy and/or DCBE was performed in 33 of 149 patients (22.1%) in the FOBT positive group. Colon cancer and polyp were diagnosed 2 (6.1%) and 7 (21.2%) patients, respectively, in the FOBT positive group, whereas colon cancer and polyp were diagnosed in 3 (0.5%) and 102 (15.7%) patients, respectively, in the FOBT negative group. The sensitivity and specificity of the FOBT for colon cancer was 40% and 95.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although it had low sensitivity, the FOBT was a useful screening tool for detecting colon cancer in a tertiary hospital setting.

The Significance of Fecal Occult Blood Testing to Screen for Colon Cancer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the efficacy of the fecal occult blood test (FOBT) as a colon cancer screening tool in a tertiary hospital setting. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent routine check-ups at Kang-Nam St. Mary's Hospital Health Promotion Center from January 2004 to April 2005. All the subjects were encouraged to submit stool for a FOBT, while performing a double contrast barium enema (DCBE) was optional for those who wanted colon examination. Colonoscopy was performed if the FOBT or DCBE results were abnormal or if the patients had bowel symptoms. RESULTS: The FOBT was performed in 8,198 of 10,182 patients (80.5%) who underwent routine check-ups. The overall positive rate of FOBT was 149 of 8,198 (1.8%) and this increased with age (p<0.05). Colonoscopy and/or DCBE was performed in 33 of 149 patients (22.1%) in the FOBT positive group. Colon cancer and polyp were diagnosed 2 (6.1%) and 7 (21.2%) patients, respectively, in the FOBT positive group, whereas colon cancer and polyp were diagnosed in 3 (0.5%) and 102 (15.7%) patients, respectively, in the FOBT negative group. The sensitivity and specificity of the FOBT for colon cancer was 40% and 95.4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although it had low sensitivity, the FOBT was a useful screening tool for detecting colon cancer in a tertiary hospital setting.

Clinical Characteristics of Intussusception in Children: Comparison between Small Bowel and Large Bowel Type / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Small bowel intussusception is rarely diagnosed in children. And its studies have not been frequently reported. While surgical treatment has been considered as standard treatment in small bowel intussusception in adult population, spontaneous reduction of it is increasingly reported recently. Therefore, we analyzed the clinical features and outcome of small bowel intussusception in children compared with ileocolic intussusception. METHODS: 95 children with the diagnosis of intussusception who visited Sanggye-Paik hospital were included in this study between March 2000 and December 2003. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and imaging findings. Ultrasonographic studies were performed by an experienced pediatric radiology staff using SEQUOIA 512 machine (probe 4-8 MHz). RESULTS: A total of 80 patients with ileocolic intussusception (41 male, 39 female) and 15 patients (11 male, 4 female) with small bowel intussusception were diagnosed. Children with small bowel intussusception were older than ileocolic intussusception (mean age: 40 months vs. 16 months). The presenting symptoms of small bowel intussusception were vomiting, irritability, abdominal pain, bloody stool, and abdominal mass in order and were not different with those of ileocolic intussusception. While in ileocolic intussusception group, reduction was done by gastrograffin enema (73.8%), spontaneous reduction (0%) and surgical reduction (26.3%), spontaneous reduction was done in 73.3% and surgical reduction in 20% in small bowel intussusception group. CONCLUSIONS: Small bowel intussusception in children occurred in older age than ileocolic intussusception and was reduced spontaneously in large proportion.

A Case of Colonic Injury after Colonic Irrigation / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Colonic irrigation is a procedure in which large quantities of liquids are infused into the colon via the rectum through a tube, in an effort to wash away and remove fecal materials. Liquids mostly used in colonics include water and coffee. This procedure has been performed generally in the alternative medicine community and becomes more popular in recent years. However, physicians criticize its potential hazards by insisting that there are not of any scientifically proven health benefit of this procedure. With the current popularity of colonic irrigation, it is important to investigate the adverse effect of colonic irrigation which has not been known or published yet. We report a case of 56 years old female with colonic injury after colonic irrigation.

The Effect of Oral Administration of Postpartum Tonic Agent(MMQ) on Postpartum Anemia, Obesity and Uterine Involution furing Puerperium / 대한주산의학회잡지

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluation the effect of administration of postpartumtonic agent(MMQ) on postpartum anemia during puerperal period, obesity control and uterine involution. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: From June 2002 to November 2002, twenty women who underwent spontaneous vaginal delivery at department of obstetrics and gynecology, college of medicine, Pochon CHA University ghopital were included in this study. All women were randomly assigned to receive postpartum tonic agent(MMQ, Albiomed Co.Ltd) or placebo two times a day after each meal for four weeks. They were assessed obesity test(BMI), hematologic examination(CBC, reticulocyte count), liver function test(AST/ALT) and ultrasound test at first day and 28th days after delivery. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two group in demographic characteristics. No statistically significant difference were found in this study between the two group in hemoglobin, hematocrit, BMI and the size of uterus. There was no adverse effect to the tested drug. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in efficacy and safety between MMQ and placebo in the effect of postpartum anemia, obesity control and reduction of recovery perod. The following limitations have to be considered; Iron supplement, variable diet, seaweed ingestion, consumption of herb and small sample ize. Therefore, a extensive prospective study with control of these variables should be required.

Intestinal Neuronal Dysplasia in Twins / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Intestinal neuronal dysplasia (IND) is a disorder of abnormal intestinal innervation resulting in dysfunctional colonic motility. IND shares clinical features with Hirschsprung's disease but differentiated by histological findings such as hyperplasia of submucosal and myenteric plexuses, giant ganglia, ectopic ganglion cell and increased acetylcholinesterase activity in lamina propria. Although IND may exist as an isolated condition, more commonly, it occurs in association with Hirschsprung's disease. We report a case of twins affected with IND. Both children manifested with delayed passage of meconium and severe abdominal distention after birth. Barium enema in both patients showed microcolon. They underwent emergency ileostomy under the impression of total aganglionosis. But surgical biopsy specimens showed hyperganglionosis in submucosa with formation of giant ganglia. Both neonates suffers from several episodes of peudo-obstruction after the repair operation of colostomy.

The short-term effects of combined hormone replacement therapy and alendronate on bone mineral metabolism in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and bisphosphonate alendronate are efficacious in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Acting by different mechanisms, these two agents decrease bone resorption and thereby increase or preserve bone mineral density. The combined effects of these medications have not been rigorously studied. This clinical trial examined the combined effects of HRT and oral alendronate on bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in 50 postmenopausal women with low bone mass. METHODS: This was a 1-year study in which 50 postmenopausal women received daily treatment with 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens (with medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg to 5 mg, daily or cyclically) alone or in combination with 10 mg alendronate. All of the women received a supplement of 600 mg elemental calcium daily. Changes in BMD at the lumbar spine and biochemical markers of bone turnover were assessed. RESULTS: At 1-year, significant increases from baseline in lumbar spine BMD were observed in both treatment groups [combined HRT and alendronate, 10.3%(p < 0.001); HRT alone, 4.5% (p < 0.05)]; Compared with HRT alone, combined HRT and alendronate significantly produced greater increases in BMD of the lumbar spine (p < 0.001). Both treatment groups significantly decreased biochemical markers of bone turnover, especially mean serum osteocalcin level and mean serum alkaline phosphatase level. The combined HRT and alendronate significantly produced greater decreases in mean serum alkaline phosphatase level than HRT alone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined use of HRT and alendronate significantly produced greater increases in lumbar spine BMD and greater decreases in biochemical markers of bone turnover than that of HRT alone. Thus, the therapy of combined HRT and alendronate produced favorable effects on bone mineral metabolism in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

The short-term effects of combined hormone replacement therapy and alendronate on bone mineral metabolism in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and bisphosphonate alendronate are efficacious in the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Acting by different mechanisms, these two agents decrease bone resorption and thereby increase or preserve bone mineral density. The combined effects of these medications have not been rigorously studied. This clinical trial examined the combined effects of HRT and oral alendronate on bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical markers of bone turnover in 50 postmenopausal women with low bone mass. METHODS: This was a 1-year study in which 50 postmenopausal women received daily treatment with 0.625 mg conjugated equine estrogens (with medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg to 5 mg, daily or cyclically) alone or in combination with 10 mg alendronate. All of the women received a supplement of 600 mg elemental calcium daily. Changes in BMD at the lumbar spine and biochemical markers of bone turnover were assessed. RESULTS: At 1-year, significant increases from baseline in lumbar spine BMD were observed in both treatment groups [combined HRT and alendronate, 10.3%(p < 0.001); HRT alone, 4.5% (p < 0.05)]; Compared with HRT alone, combined HRT and alendronate significantly produced greater increases in BMD of the lumbar spine (p < 0.001). Both treatment groups significantly decreased biochemical markers of bone turnover, especially mean serum osteocalcin level and mean serum alkaline phosphatase level. The combined HRT and alendronate significantly produced greater decreases in mean serum alkaline phosphatase level than HRT alone (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined use of HRT and alendronate significantly produced greater increases in lumbar spine BMD and greater decreases in biochemical markers of bone turnover than that of HRT alone. Thus, the therapy of combined HRT and alendronate produced favorable effects on bone mineral metabolism in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.

Effects of Sour Tastes on Blood Components in Anemic mice - Animal Experiment for Nursing Intervention of Female Anemia - / 간호학회지

Many women in the world have suffered from anemia produced by menstruation, pregnancy and delivery. In the theory of oriental medicine, a sour taste is believed to have a tonic effect on the blood. Thus this paper is to investigate the effect of sour tastes on the improvement in anemia-induced female mice, using citric acid and Fructus schizandrae. The method used in this experiment was the change of RBC, WBC, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, Fe, and TIBC in the blood of female mice who were fed citric acid and Fructus schizandrae. The results obtained were as follows ; 1. Compared with the control group (anemia-induced group without treatment), the mean number of RBC in the blood of mice was significantly increased only in evaluating the change of sample group fed Fructus schizandrae 500mg/kg. 2. Compared with the control group (anemia-induced group without treatment), the mean number of WBC in the blood of mice was not significantly larger in both sample groups fed citric acid and Fructus schizandrae. 3. Compared with the control group (anemia-induced group without treatment), the mean number of Hemoglobin in the blood of mice was significantly larger only in evaluating the change of the sample group fed Fructus schizandrae. 4. Compared with the control group (anemia-induced group without treatment), the mean percentage of Hematocrit in blood of mice was significantly increased only in evaluating the change of sample group fed Fructus schizandrae 500mg/kg and sample group fed Fructus schizandrae 250mg/kg for 3days. 5. Compared with control group (anemia- induced group without treatment), the mean volume of Fe in serum of mice was significantly increased only in evaluating the change of sample group fed Fructus schizandrae 500mg/kg. 6. Compared with control group (anemia-induced group without treatment), the mean TIBC in serum of mice was significantly increased only in evaluating the change of sample group fed Fructus schizandrae 500mg/kg and sample group fed Fructus schizandrae 250mg/kg for 7days. According to these results, a sour taste is presumed to have a general tonic effect on anemia, but more study must be taken on the effects of citric acid in improving female anemia.

A Case of Splenic Infarction after Histoacryl(R) Injection in Gastric Varix Bleeding / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Histoacryl(R) (n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate) has been used successfully for the treatment of gastric variceal bleeding. The reported complications of Histoacryl(R) injection therapy include bleeding, perforation, stenosis and embolism. Here we describe a case of splenic infarction as an unusual complication of Histoacryl(R) injection. A 51-year-old male patient with liver cirrhosis was admitted due to acute gastric varix bleeding. Sclerotherapy was successfully carried out using Histoacryl(R) mixed with lipiodol (2.6 mL). 4 days later, he complained left upper quadrant pain and developed a fever of 38.2degrees C. Abdominal CT showed wedge-shaped hypodense area in the spleen compatible with infarction. He was treated conservatively. The fever and abdominal pain gradually subsided and he was discharged without significant problems.

A Case of Acute Necrotizing Encephalopathy

This disease predominantly affects infants and young children living in Japan and Taiwan, and manifests itself as acute encephalopathy following viral infections. The hallmark of this encephalopathy is multifocal, symmetric brain lesions affecting bilateral thalamus, brainstem tegmentum, cerebral periventricular white matter and cerebellar medulla, which can be visualized by computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Both the gray and white matter are involved, with neuropathological evidence of local breakdown of the blood-brain barrier. The prognosis was poor in the 1980s, but has improved recently. A characteristic combination of focal neurologic signs is often recognized as the sequelae. We experienced a case of a 7-month-old male infant who had been transferred to our hospital for comatous mentality and clonic seizure of both arms and legs. We report this case with a review of the related literatures.

A Case of Pulmonary Embolism Induced by Complication of Histoacryl Injection Therapy in Gastric Varix Bleeding / 대한소화기내시경학회지

N-Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl) has been used successfully to control bleeding from esophagogastric varices since the first report in 1986 by Soehendra. Complications of Histoacryl injection include local sloughing with ulcer formation, rebleeding, sepsis, mediastinitis, esophageal strictures and fever. Systemic embolization, including pulmonary and cerebral embolization, has been reported. We describe here the presentation of an un-usual complication of Histoacryl injection. A 42-year-old woman presented with an attack of massive hematemesis. Endoscopy revealed bleeding evidence of gastric varices. Sclero-therapy was carried out using Histoacryl mixed with Lipiodol (ratio 1 : 1), with complete solidification of the varix. Next morning she complained of dyspnea and tachycardia. The chest x-ray showed multiple metallic densities, consistent with cyanoacrylate mixed with lipoidol, located at central portion. She was diagnosed as having pulmonary embolism by convential precontrast chest CT. She was treated conservatively using oxygen and analge-sics. She recovered soon and was discharged without significant problems.

A Case of Genital Prolapse in Premature Baby

Neonatal genital prolapse is very rare and is usually associated with meningomyelocele or other anomalies of the central nervous system. Synonyms of genital prolapse are sacropubic hernia, pelvic relaxation, and pelvic organ prolapse. There are two types of genital prolapse including vaginal prolapse and uterovaginal prolapse. We experienced a case of uterovaginal prolapse in a 30 day-old premature infant, which was resolved with hypertonic saline pack on the 78th day of life. We report a case with the review of the literatures.

Clinical study of subcortical aphasia using brain SPECT and neurolinguistical methods

BACKGROUND & PURPOSE: Subcortical aphasia is derived from infarction, hemorrhage or tumor in subcortical area, such as striatocpsular region, thalamus, paraventricualr white matter and corona radiata. To our knowledge, there have been few studies on subwrtical aphasia in Korea. OBJECTIVE: 1) To evaluate various lesion sites and clinical features associated with subcortical aphasia. 2) To evaluate type and characteristics of subcortical aphasia by Modified Western Aphasia Battery(MWAB) test. 3)To predict the mechanisms of subcortical aphasia and to relate type of aphasia to hypoperfusion are a ascertained by brain SPECT. METHODS: We analysed 19patients wing brain CT/MRI and neurolinguistical method of MWAB, who presented language disturbance of aphasic nature due to subcortical strokes. Cerebral blood flow was measured in 10 out of 19 patients using brain SPECT. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: 1) The lesion sites responsible for subcortical aphasia were caudate nucleus, putamen, internal capsule, thalamus, paraventricular white matter and corona radiata. Hemiparesis and dysarthria were more common in subcortical aphasia than in cortical one. 2) Subcortical aphasia was characterized by higher incidence of anomic type and more rapid recovery than cortical aphasia. Most subcortical aphasia following thalamic lesions revealed characteristic features of Preservation of repetition and prominent deficits in naming. 3) Ten cases of subcortical aphasia showed both cortical and subcortical hypoperfusion, suggesting that subcortical aphasia be derived from secondary hypoperfusion of the cortical language area. In most of the patients, the types and severity of subcortical aphasia correlated with the location and extent of cortical hypoperfusion area.

Relationship of Physical Fitness with Age and Body Fat, Work Pattern, Life Style among Male Workers of an Electronic Manufacturing Company / 대한산업의학회지

This is pilot study to evaluate the relationship of physical fitness with age, body fat, work pattern and life style among 20-9 aged male workers (n=417). Physical fitness was measured by maximum oxygen uptake, forced vital capacity, 1 second forced expiratory volume, grip strength, back strength, sit ups and trunk flexion. Life style was self-reported on a questionnaire about regular exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, coffee consumption, degree of stress, and percent of body fat measured by bioelectrical impedance fat meter. Age was significantly and negatively related to physical fitness except grip strength. Obesity was next to most significant factor for physical fitness, it was associated with maximum oxygen uptake, grip strength, back strength, trunk flexion. Regular exercise was associated with maximum oxygen uptake. Others was insignificantly related to physical fitness. Performance of physical fitness test was significantly correlated with age, obesity and regular exercise.

Laserthermia Induced Histological Changes in Different Thermal Condition / 영남의대학술지

Laserthermia is a new method of local hyperthermia using fiber optic guided probe with computer controlled Nd-YAG laser system. We used a synthetic sapphire probe and allowed irradiation with contolled low power laser energy (less than 5W), in different thermal condition (temprature:38.5-50 degrees C) for 10 minutes, in the normal brain tissue of 18 rabbits. In results, the histological changes of brain tissue was variable (myelin condensation, chromatin condensation, nuclear waving and palisading, RBC discoloration, cell necrosis) in microscopic findings after laser irradiation, but changing area was not occured proportionally in thermal condition level. Cell necrosis appears to over 44.5 degrees C and the distance was about 1.25 mm. This study, using computer controlled laserthermia system for interstitial local hyperthermia, may offer many advantages in the experimental treatment and clinical management of tumor. Minimizing normal tissue damage is now being developed.