Kinetic Analysis of Crouching Start Depending on Taping Applied to Hamstring in Elite Male Sprinters / 대한스포츠의학회지

Purpose@#This study was aimed to identify the effect of taping applied to both hamstring on the horizontal velocity of the center of mass (COM) and the angle and peak angular velocity of the knee and hip joints in the sagittal plane during the crouching start. @*Methods@#Seven elite sprinters (three male 100-m sprinters and four male 400-m sprinters) who enrolled in Korea National Sport University and placed in the National Sports Festival participated in this study. The crouching start is divided into four separate phases by the five events: set position (E1), rear block exit (E2), initial contact of rear leg (E3), take-off of rear leg (E4), and initial contact of front leg (E5). The angle (°) of knee and hip joints in each event and the velocity of COM (m/sec) and peak angular velocity (°/sec) in each phase were analyzed before and after the application of kinesiology taping (KT) on both hamstring and placebo taping (PT). @*Results@#There were no significant differences in the velocity of COM and the angle and peak angular velocity of knee joint among the taping conditions. In 400-m sprinters, the front hip joint with KT or PT flexed less than without taping at E1 (p=0.039), E4 (p=0.018), and E5 (p=0.018). Also, during the phase from E1 to E2, the rear hip joint with both KT and PT extended at lower angular velocity compared to without taping (p=0.018). @*Conclusion@#While taping may be a beneficial practice for elite sports performance, the application of KT on both hamstring does not enhance sprinters’ start performance.

Kinetic Analysis of Crouching Start Depending on Taping Applied to Hamstring in Elite Male Sprinters / 대한스포츠의학회지

Purpose@#This study was aimed to identify the effect of taping applied to both hamstring on the horizontal velocity of the center of mass (COM) and the angle and peak angular velocity of the knee and hip joints in the sagittal plane during the crouching start. @*Methods@#Seven elite sprinters (three male 100-m sprinters and four male 400-m sprinters) who enrolled in Korea National Sport University and placed in the National Sports Festival participated in this study. The crouching start is divided into four separate phases by the five events: set position (E1), rear block exit (E2), initial contact of rear leg (E3), take-off of rear leg (E4), and initial contact of front leg (E5). The angle (°) of knee and hip joints in each event and the velocity of COM (m/sec) and peak angular velocity (°/sec) in each phase were analyzed before and after the application of kinesiology taping (KT) on both hamstring and placebo taping (PT). @*Results@#There were no significant differences in the velocity of COM and the angle and peak angular velocity of knee joint among the taping conditions. In 400-m sprinters, the front hip joint with KT or PT flexed less than without taping at E1 (p=0.039), E4 (p=0.018), and E5 (p=0.018). Also, during the phase from E1 to E2, the rear hip joint with both KT and PT extended at lower angular velocity compared to without taping (p=0.018). @*Conclusion@#While taping may be a beneficial practice for elite sports performance, the application of KT on both hamstring does not enhance sprinters’ start performance.

Androgen deprivation therapy is associated with decreased second primary lung cancer risk in the United States veterans with prostate cancer / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients was associated with a decreased risk for second primary lung cancer in US veterans. METHODS: Prostate cancer diagnoses in the US Veterans Affairs Cancer Registry between 1999 and 2008 were identified. Use of hormonal therapy and diagnoses of second primary lung cancer were determined from the registry. Synchronous prostate and lung cancers, defined as 2 diagnoses made within 1 year, were excluded from the analysis. Cancer-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models. RESULTS: Among the 63,141 identified patients with prostate cancer, 18,707 subjects were eligible for the study. Hormonal therapy was used in 38% of patients and the median follow-up period was 28 months. ADT use was associated with longer lung cancer-free survival in prostate cancer patients (log-rank p=0.01). After adjusting for age, race, smoking and prostate cancer stage, ADT use was associated with decreased lung cancer risk by 15, 21, and 24% after 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ADT in prostate cancer patients may be associated with decreased second primary lung cancer risk among US veterans.

Androgen deprivation therapy is associated with decreased second primary lung cancer risk in the United States veterans with prostate cancer / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES@#We investigated whether androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients was associated with a decreased risk for second primary lung cancer in US veterans.@*METHODS@#Prostate cancer diagnoses in the US Veterans Affairs Cancer Registry between 1999 and 2008 were identified. Use of hormonal therapy and diagnoses of second primary lung cancer were determined from the registry. Synchronous prostate and lung cancers, defined as 2 diagnoses made within 1 year, were excluded from the analysis. Cancer-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models.@*RESULTS@#Among the 63,141 identified patients with prostate cancer, 18,707 subjects were eligible for the study. Hormonal therapy was used in 38% of patients and the median follow-up period was 28 months. ADT use was associated with longer lung cancer-free survival in prostate cancer patients (log-rank p=0.01). After adjusting for age, race, smoking and prostate cancer stage, ADT use was associated with decreased lung cancer risk by 15, 21, and 24% after 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#ADT in prostate cancer patients may be associated with decreased second primary lung cancer risk among US veterans.

Androgen deprivation therapy is associated with decreased second primary lung cancer risk in the United States veterans with prostate cancer / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: We investigated whether androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer patients was associated with a decreased risk for second primary lung cancer in US veterans.METHODS: Prostate cancer diagnoses in the US Veterans Affairs Cancer Registry between 1999 and 2008 were identified. Use of hormonal therapy and diagnoses of second primary lung cancer were determined from the registry. Synchronous prostate and lung cancers, defined as 2 diagnoses made within 1 year, were excluded from the analysis. Cancer-free survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and hazard ratios were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models.RESULTS: Among the 63,141 identified patients with prostate cancer, 18,707 subjects were eligible for the study. Hormonal therapy was used in 38% of patients and the median follow-up period was 28 months. ADT use was associated with longer lung cancer-free survival in prostate cancer patients (log-rank p=0.01). After adjusting for age, race, smoking and prostate cancer stage, ADT use was associated with decreased lung cancer risk by 15, 21, and 24% after 1, 2, and 3 years, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: ADT in prostate cancer patients may be associated with decreased second primary lung cancer risk among US veterans.

Bone-level implants placed in the anterior maxilla: an open-label, single-arm observational study

PURPOSE: This study assessed marginal bone remodeling and soft tissue esthetics after the loading of single bone-level implants in the anterior maxilla. METHODS: An open, single-arm observational clinical trial with 3 years of follow-up was performed, including 22 implants. The patients presented with a single tooth gap in the anterior maxilla (tooth positions 14–24), with natural or restored adjacent teeth. An implant was placed at least 8 weeks post-extraction and healed submerged for 6 weeks. After the second-stage operation, a fixed provisional prosthesis was provided. The final restoration was placed 6 months after the provisional restoration. The time of the provisional crown connection was considered to be the baseline in this study. Esthetic parameters and the marginal bone level were assessed at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS: All implants were well integrated in the bone. A statistically significant increase was found in the mean implant stability quotient between the time of the provisional prosthesis and the time of the final prosthesis. Most implants (95.5%) revealed marginal bone resorption (<0.5 mm), and just 1 implant (4.5%) showed a change of 2.12 mm from baseline to 36 months (mean 0.07±0.48 mm), while the crestal bone level decreased significantly, from 2.34±0.93 mm at baseline to 1.70±1.10 mm at 36 months. The facial gingival margin and papilla were stable and the esthetic scores indicated high patient and dentist satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Platform-switching bone-level implants placed in maxillary single-tooth gaps resulted in successful osseointegration with minimal marginal bone resorption. The peri-implant soft tissue was also esthetically satisfying and stable.

Prevalence and Factors Related to Depressive Symptoms among University Students : From the Honam District, Korea / 신경정신의학

OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the prevalence of depressive symptoms and co-variates among university students in Honam district, Korea. METHODS: One thousand seven hundred and thirty (792 male and 938 female) university students were randomly selected to participate in a survey. Subjects were administered self-report questionnaires : Beck Depression Inventory, Life Experience Survey, Satisfaction with Life Scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 14.9% overall, and 10.8% in males, 18.3% in females. In stepwise multiple regression analysis, satisfaction with life (β=-0.405, R²=0.257, p<0.001), stress (β=0.212, R²=0.312, p<0.001), suicidal attempt (β=0.133, R²=0.349, p<0.001) and female gender (β=-0.108, R²=0.358, p<0.001) were significantly associated with depressive symptoms. Among life stress factors, worry about employment, maladaptation of major field of study, appearance and body shape, lack of time and academic achievement were significantly associated, over r=0.25 with depression in sequence (r=0.256 to r=0.321). CONCLUSION: This study showed very high prevalence of depressive symptoms among university students in Honam district, Korea. Intensive mental health promotion programs to prevent depression and early detection of depressive symptoms appear needed to improve mental health status for university students.

Comparison of Stress and Life Satisfaction Between Non-Medical and Medical College Students / 정신신체의학

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to investigate any differences between non-medical and medical college students for : 1) a level and the nature of perceived stress, 2) a level of life satisfaction, and 3) the related factors affecting to life satisfaction. METHODS: We measured self-reported questionnaires of stress, satisfaction with life, health behavior including happiness, alcohol use, nicotine dependency and depressive symptoms in 1,714(863 non-medical and 851 medical) college students. RESULTS: Non-medical college students had significantly higher total stress scores than medical college students(chi2=7.66, p<.001). In non-medical college students, employment problem score was significantly higher than medical college students(t=4.07, p<.001). In medical college students, the scores of academic achievement (t=-3.81, p<.001), change of social life(t=-2.03, p<.05), death(t=-2.05, p<.05) or sickness(t=-2.60, p<.05) of friends were significantly higher than non-medical college students. And non-medical college students showed significantly lower life satisfaction scores than medical college students(chi2=-19.05, p<.001). We also found that life satisfaction were significantly related to happiness in non-medical college students(beta=.410, R2=.325, p<.001) and depressive symptoms in medical college students(beta=-.435, R2=.326, p<.001) by stepwise multiple regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a level and the nature of perceived stress, a level of life satisfaction, and the related factors affecting to life satisfaction showed definitely differences between non-medical and medical college students. We suggest with our findings that specified mental health promotion program need for the college student's mental health management.

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Epigallocatechin 3-O-Gallate against Clinical Isolates of Dermatophytes

Previously, we reported that epigallocatechin 3-O-gallate (EGCg) has growth-inhibitory effect on clinical isolates of Candida species. In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity of EGCg and antifungal agents against thirty-five of dermatophytes clinically isolated by the international guidelines (M38-A2). All isolates exhibited good susceptibility to EGCg (MIC50, 2-4 microg/mL, MIC90, 4-8 microg/mL, and geometric mean (GM) MICs, 3.36-4 microg/mL) than those of fluconazole (MIC50, 2-16 microg/mL, MIC90, 4-32 microg/mL, and GM MICs, 3.45-25.8 microg/mL) and flucytosin (MIC50, MIC90, and GM MICs, >64 microg/mL), although they were less susceptible to other antifungal agents, such as amphotericin B, itraconazole, and miconazole. These activities of EGCg were approximately 4-fold higher than those of fluconazole, and were 4 to 16-fold higher than flucytosin. This result indicates that EGCg can inhibit pathogenic dermatophyte species. Therefore, we suggest that EGCg may be effectively used solely as a possible agent or combined with other antifungal agents for antifungal therapy in dermatophytosis.

Bone Regeneration with MMP sensitive hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel, rhBMP-2 and nanoparticles in rat calvarial critical size defect(CSD) model

As an efficient controlled release system for rhBMP-2, a functional nanoparticle-hydrogel complex, incorporated with matrix metalloproteinase( MMP) sensitive peptide cross-linker, was developed and used as a bone transplant. In vivo bone formation was evaluated by soft x-ray, histology, alkaline phosphatase(ALP) activity and mineral contents analysis, based on the rat calvarial critical size defect(8mm in diameter) model.Significantly, effective bone regeneration was achieved with the rhBMP-2 loaded MMP sensitive hyaluronic acid(HA) based hydrogel- Nanoparticles(NP) complex, as compared to only MMP HA, the MMP HA-NP without rhBMP-2, or even with the rhBMP-2. These improvements included the formation pattern of bone and functional marrow, the degree of calcium quantification, and the ALP activity. These results indicate that the MMP sensitive HA with nano-particle complex can be a promising candidate for a new bone defect replacement matrix, and an enhanced rhBMP-2 scaffold.

Literature review of antibiotics prescription in general dental and oral-maxillofacial surgical practice

OBJECTIVES : Administration methods of antibiotics implements a variety for indications and diseases. Therefore, it is impossible to produce a single guideline. Many antibiotics have been prescribed without specific index, by practicians for a long period of time. In general dental practice and oral and maxillofacial surgical practice, there is not a guidelines for antibiotics. Therefore, there is a dependency on pre-existent methods rather than following an exact guideline. Consequently, a controversy was issued that prescription of antibiotics tend to be misused or abused. And it is also direct relation to the tolerance of antibiotics as well. Moving forward, in this review we will be analyzing the exact usage and indication of antibiotics in dental treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS : 29 published articles of both domestic and international were researched through Pubmed and Kormed, and the review from these articles were performed accordingly. We examined the administration of antibiotics through the objective usage, that classified prophylactic and therapeutic. RESULTS : For therapeutic usage, empirical prescription is mandatory for the first step. Next is to moderate the empirical prescription depending upon the result of its culture. Administration of antibiotics must be kept for 2days after the symptoms disappear. For a prophylactic use, we can generally pr escribe antibiotics to prevent local infection or systemic infection. Although the method of prescription and neccessity of antibiotics to prevent local in fection are controversial, exact guidelines of antibiotics to prevent systemic infection are established by AHA. CONCLUSION : Most crucial concept for prescript antibiotics is to determine if it is adequately suitable for all circumstances. In this decision making, a guideline for prescription of antibiotics in various dental surgical practice is necessary. This guideline can reduce the misusage and disusage of a ntibiotics in general dental practices and oral and maxillofacial surgical practices.

Prelaminated free flap for the reconstruction of maxillary defects

BACKGROUND In contrast to defects of the mandible and mouth floor region, in the defect of maxilla, the availability of firmly attached oral and nasal mucosal linings is needed. In addition to it, in consider of operation field, operating convenience, and esthetics, reconstruction using prelaminated flap is strongly recommended. Therefore we consider the prelaminated flap through the cases that is reconstructed using prelaminated forearm flap and prelaminated scapular flap. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 2001 to 2008, in OMFS SNUDH, there were 6 cases that had reconstruction using prelaminated forearm free flap and other 3 cases that had reconstruction using prelaminated scapular flap of maxilla. The average age of patients that were reconstructed using prelaminated forearm free flap was 47.5 years, the average prelaminated period (after 1st operation ~ until 2nd operation) was 51.8 days and the average follow-up period after 2nd operation was 35.3 months. As well, the average age of patients that were reconstructed using prelaminated scapular free flap was 37 years, the average prelaminated period (after 1st operation ~ until 2nd operation) was 57 days and the average follow-up period after 2nd operation was 42.3 months. RESULTS Except 1 case that were reconstructed using prelaminated scapular flap, we could get firmly attached oral and nasal stable skin(mucosal like) lining, more adequate thickness flap than any other flap and improved esthetic and functional results in the other 8 cases that were reconstructed using prelaminated flap. The complications of the prelaminated forearm flap cases were inconvenient swallowing, sputum, limitation of mouth opening and difficult mastication. It came from flap shrinkage of the flap in some aspect, as well as other combined operations such as mass resection or RND. The difficult point of the reconstruction of prelaminated scapular flap was the possibility of vascular damage at preparation of flap in 2nd surgery. The damage could cause the failure of the prelaminated scapular flap. And the skin-lining of the prelaminated flap had limitations, so it is needed to study about the cultured oral epithelium-lining flap instead of the skin-lining flap. CONCLUSION We considered about advantages, complications and notable things of prelaminated flap through maxillary reconstruction cases using prelaminated forearm flap and prelaminated scapular flap so far. Furthermore, we should go on studying for functional reconstruction of prelaminated fasciomucosal flap using cultured oral epithelium.

Prelaminated free flap for the reconstruction of maxillary defects

BACKGROUND In contrast to defects of the mandible and mouth floor region, in the defect of maxilla, the availability of firmly attached oral and nasal mucosal linings is needed. In addition to it, in consider of operation field, operating convenience, and esthetics, reconstruction using prelaminated flap is strongly recommended. Therefore we consider the prelaminated flap through the cases that is reconstructed using prelaminated forearm flap and prelaminated scapular flap. PATIENTS AND METHODS From 2001 to 2008, in OMFS SNUDH, there were 6 cases that had reconstruction using prelaminated forearm free flap and other 3 cases that had reconstruction using prelaminated scapular flap of maxilla. The average age of patients that were reconstructed using prelaminated forearm free flap was 47.5 years, the average prelaminated period (after 1st operation ~ until 2nd operation) was 51.8 days and the average follow-up period after 2nd operation was 35.3 months. As well, the average age of patients that were reconstructed using prelaminated scapular free flap was 37 years, the average prelaminated period (after 1st operation ~ until 2nd operation) was 57 days and the average follow-up period after 2nd operation was 42.3 months. RESULTS Except 1 case that were reconstructed using prelaminated scapular flap, we could get firmly attached oral and nasal stable skin(mucosal like) lining, more adequate thickness flap than any other flap and improved esthetic and functional results in the other 8 cases that were reconstructed using prelaminated flap. The complications of the prelaminated forearm flap cases were inconvenient swallowing, sputum, limitation of mouth opening and difficult mastication. It came from flap shrinkage of the flap in some aspect, as well as other combined operations such as mass resection or RND. The difficult point of the reconstruction of prelaminated scapular flap was the possibility of vascular damage at preparation of flap in 2nd surgery. The damage could cause the failure of the prelaminated scapular flap. And the skin-lining of the prelaminated flap had limitations, so it is needed to study about the cultured oral epithelium-lining flap instead of the skin-lining flap. CONCLUSION We considered about advantages, complications and notable things of prelaminated flap through maxillary reconstruction cases using prelaminated forearm flap and prelaminated scapular flap so far. Furthermore, we should go on studying for functional reconstruction of prelaminated fasciomucosal flap using cultured oral epithelium.

Association of CXCR4 Expression with Metastasis and Survival among Patients with Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND: Expression of CXCR4 chemokine receptor, initially described to be involved in the homing of lymphocytes in inflammatory tissue, on breast cancer cell lines is associated with the development of lung metastases. In the present study, we evaluated CXCR4 expression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: Tissue microarray blocks were constructed from 408 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded NSCLC samples and analyzed via immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: We observed CXCR4 expression in 214 (66.3%) of the 323 tumors with cytoplasmic or nuclear staining patterns. These tumors were then divided into 109 negative, 166 weak-positive and 48 strong-positive expression groups. Strong expression of CXCR4 correlated with NSCLC recurrence (p=0.047) and distant metastasis (p=0.035). However, lymph node metastasis (p=0.683) and locoregional recurrence (p=0.856) were not associated with CXCR4 expression. Interestingly, the median overall survival times relative to CXCR4 expression were 71 months in the CXCR4-negative group, 43 months in the weakly positive CXCR4 group and 23 months in the strongly positive CXCR4 group. Strongly positive CXCR4 staining was associated with significantly worse outcomes (p=0.005, log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS: Expression of CXCR4 was associated with distant NSCLC metastases and shorter survival times.

The Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate on Intimal Hyperplasia after Vascular Grafting / 대한흉부외과학회지

BACKGROUND: Intimal hyperplasia is characterized by a proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells in the intimal layer. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is known to suppress smooth muscle cell proliferation. We propose that EGCG may have a protective effect against the development of intimal hyperplasia through the suppression of smooth muscle cell proliferation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMC) were cultured with different concentrations of EGCG, and proliferation and migration speed were measured. In 20 dogs, the autologous jugular veins were interposed into the carotid arteries. For the study group (n=10), the graft was stored for 30 minutes in EGCG solution and 300 mM EGCG was applied to the perivascular space after grafting. After 6 weeks, the intimal and medial thickness was measured. RESULT: The proliferation of RASMC and HUVEC was suppressed with EGCG. The migration of RASMC was suppressed with EGCG, but that of HUVEC was not affected. In the in vivo study, the intimal thickness was thinner in EGCG group than in the control group (p<0.05), but the medial thickness did not show any difference. The intimal/medial thickness ratio was lower in the EGCG group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: EGCG suppresses intimal hyperplasia after vascular grafting, and this may be mediated by prevention of migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. The use of EGCG may offer new therapeutic modality to prevent intimal hyperplasia.

The Effects of Various Extracellular Matrices on Motility of Cultured MC3T3-E1 Cell

Chemotactic migration of bone forming cell, osteoblast, is an important event during bone formation, bone remodeling, and fracture healing. Migration of cells is mediated by adhesion receptors, such as integrins, that link the cell to extracellular matrix ligands, type I collagen, fibronectin, laminin and depend on interaction between integrin and extracellular ligand. Our study was designed to investigate the effect of extracellular matrix like fibronectin, laminin, type I collagen on migration of osteoblast. Migration distance and speed of MC3T3-E1 cell on extracellular matrix-coated glass were measured for 24 hours using 0.01% type I collagen, 0.01% fibronectin, 100 microliter/ml laminin. The migration distance and speed of MC3T3-E1 cell was compared using a video-microscopy system. To determine migration speed, cells were viewed with a 4 phase- contrast lens and video recorded. Images were captured using a color CCD camera and saved in 8-bit full-color mode. The migration distance on 0.01% type I collagen or 0.01% fibronectin was longer than that on 100microliter/ml laminin-coated glass. The migration speed on fibronectin-coated glass was 68 micrometer/hour which was fastest. The migration speed on type I collagen-coated glass was similar with that on fibronectin-coated glass. The latter two migration speeds were faster than that on no-coated glass. On the other hand, the average migration speed on laminin-coated glass was 37micrometer/hour and not different from that of control group. In conclusion, the extracelluar matrix ligands such as type I collagen and fibronectin seem to play an important role in cell migration. The type I collagen or fibronectin coated scaffold is more effective for migration of osteoblast in tissue engineering process.

Evaluation of the Extraction Method for the Cytotoxicity Testing of Latex Gloves

In this study, the cytotoxicity of medical latex gloves to cultured L-929 cells was determined using various extraction conditions. According to the extraction time and temperature, three types of extraction conditions were used: 1) 24 h at 37 degrees C; 2) 72 h at 37 degrees C; 3) 72 h at 50 degrees C. Also, four different extraction vehicles were used, namely, distilled water (DW), 9 g/l sodium chloride (saline) in DW, and culture media with or without serum. Under the above-mentioned conditions, the samples were extracted and then 2-fold serially diluted in the concentration range 3.13 - 50%. When extracted with either DW or saline for 24 h or 72 h at 37 degrees C, only 50% diluted samples showed distinct cytotoxicity to L-929 cells. Moreover, no cytotoxic potentials were observed when gloves were extracted with DW or saline at 50 degrees C for 72 h. Cytotoxicity was markedly greater when gloves were extracted with culture medium, irrespective of the presence of serum in the medium. These results suggest that optimal extraction conditions should be established for the cytotoxicity evaluations of biomaterials and medical devices.

In Vitro Bioassay of Endotoxin Using Fluorescein as a pH Indicator in a Macrophage Cell Culture System

Based on the biological activity of endotoxin, we propose a possible new method for detecting endotoxin using a pH- indication system of macrophage culture media. After RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the addition of fluorescein to the LPS-treated media reproductively reduced its absorption and emission spectra (it was a dose-dependent reduction). The advantages of this LPS- detection method were compared with the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) test by using purified bacterial LPS (Salmonella minnessota, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa). Additionally, the absorption and fluorescence intensity of fluorescein, following treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with a high concentration of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive, lysed bacteria), could not generally be detected by the LAL test, but they were found to be reduced, in a dose-response relationship, with this new system. The macrophage culture system-method might be a good supplement to the LAL assay for detection of LPS, Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.

Early nerve regeneration on the crushing injury model and the autogenous nerve graft model of rat sciatic nerve

The Effects of Growth Factors on Motility of Cultured Human Dermal Microvascular Endothelial Cell

Cell migration is essential for many important biological events, including embryonic development, wound healing, inflammatory response, and tumor metastasis. As a result of endothelial cell migration, angiogenesis is very important factor in embryogenesis, wound healing, tumor development and flap survival. Angiogenesis is dependent on endothelial cell proliferation, migration and motility is one of the most essential for many important biological events. The speed of cell migration is regulated by extension, attachment, detachment of cell membrane and adhesiveness of cell to extracellular matrix. Growth factors such as FGF, TGF, VEGF is well known to play a major roles in the migration of endothealial cells. This study was designed to compare the motilities of human dermal microvascular endothelial cell(HDMEC) in growth factors such as bFGF, TGF-beta1 and VEGF. The motility of cultured HDMEC was compared using a video-microscopy system that was developed in combination with a self-designed CO2 mini- incubator. To determine migration speed, cells were viewed with a 4 phase-contrast lens and video recored. Images were captured using a color CCD camera and saved in 8-bit full-color mode. Experimental groups were divided into four groups: group I(with a Control, HDMEC only), group II(HDMEC with bFGF), group III (HDMEC with TGF-beta1), group IV(HDMEC with VEGF). At the concentration of 1ng/ml(bFGF), 1ng/ml(TGF-beta1), and 10ng/ml(VEGF) as the most effective dose for cell migration through preliminary study, the speed of migration are 8.736+/-0.948micrometer/hr, 9.869+/-1.904micrometer/ hr, 10.293+/-1.612micrometer/hr, respectively. These data shows that groups with growth factor accelerate the HDMEC migration than a control group, and the VEGF is most effective growth factor in the HDMEC migration than bFGF and TGF-beta1.