Effect of Epigallocatechin Gallate on Viability of Kudoa septempunctata

Kudoa septempunctata have been reported as a causative agent for acute transient gastrointestinal troubles after eating raw olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). It raised public health concerns and quarantine control in several countries. Quantitative evaluation on viability of K. septempunctata is crucial to develop effective chemotherapeutics against it. A cytometry using fluorescent stains was employed to assess effect of three compounds on viability of K. septempunctata. Epigallocatechin gallate reduced markedly viability of K. septempunctata at 0.5 mM or more, and damaged K. septempunctata spores by producing cracks.

Effect of ethylene glycol monoethyl ether on the spermatogenesis in pubertal and adult rats

The effects of ethylene glycol monoethyl ether (EGEE) on testicular cell populations in pubertal (5 weeks old) and adult (9 weeks old) male rats were investigated by a flow cytometric method. A total of 50 rats (in number, 25 pubertal and 25 adult rats) was divided into 5 experimental groups including 0 (control), 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg EGEE/kg of body weight. The animals were administered by gavage for 4 weeks. In adult rats, the treatment of EGEE at the dose of 400 mg/kg of body weight decreased significantly the populations of haploid, while it increased those of diploid and tetraploid cells. In pubertal rats, the treatment of EGEE at the dose of 400 mg/kg of body weight caused only minimal changes in the relative percent of testicular cell types. These results suggest that the effects of EGEE on testicular function in pubertal rats appear to be less pronounced than in adult rats.

The Effect of Ginseng Saponin on the Dopaminergic Neurons in the Parkinson's Disease Model in Mice

Saponin has been known to be a major antioxidant component in panax ginseng. Recent experimental study suggests that some antioxidant materials prevent Parkinson's disease caused by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6- tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in an animal model. The present study was performed to demonstrate the effect of ginseng saponins in the Parkinson's disease model induced by MPTP. To verify the effect of ginseng saponin on dopaminergic neurons in the mice brain, the tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive (TH-ir) neurons were observed by immunohistochemical stain and immunoelectron microscopy (preembedding method). Also, in order to estimate the immunoreactivity of dopaminergic neuropils, they were quantified by image analysis. The number of TH-ir neurons of substantia nigra was significantly increased in the high-dose (0.46 mg/kg) ginseng saponin group compared with the MPTP injected group. The immunoreactivity of TH-ir neuropils in striatum was significantly increased in both high and low-dose (0.1 mg/kg) ginseng saponin groups compared with the MPTP injected group. In immunoelectron microscopic observation, TH-ir neurons of the control and both ginseng saponin injected group showed normal nuclei and well preserved cytoplasmic organelles. In the MPTP injected group, dying dopaminergic neurons showed destroyed nuclei and cytoplasmic organelles. These results suggest that ginseng saponin has a protective effect on the Parkinson's disease model induced by MPTP.

Clinical Observation of Urinary Tract Infection in Antepartum and Postpartum / 대한비뇨기과학회지

To evaluate clinical significance of pregnancy and delivery in relation to urinary tract infection, clinical observation, urinalysis and urine cultures were made on 460 casts of urine specimens of 230 pregnant women who admitted recently to obstetric department of Ehwa Woman`s University Hospital. The following results were obtained. 1. The incidence of asymptomatic bacteriuria among 230 term pregnant women was 4. 3%(10 cases) 2. The most predominant organisms found in asymptomatic bacteriuria during pregnancy were E. coli with at incidence of 50 %. 3. In relationship between maternal bacteriuria and age, increasing age was associated with slightly higher rates of bacteriuria. In relationship between maternal bacteriuria and parity, greater parity was not associated with increased rates of bacteriuria. 4. In relationship between maternal bacteriuria and hypertension, no association was found between the two. 5. In relationship between maternal bacteriuria and maternal anemia, there was no relationship between the two. 6. In relationship between maternal bacteriuria and proteinuria, a significant increase in the incidence of proteinuria was found in bacteriuria patient. 7. The incidence of bacteriuria during the puerperium was 3.6%. 8. The most predominant organisms found in bacteriuria during the puerperium were E. coli with an incidence of 50%, which was the same as in the antepartum.