Inspection and Evaluation of Blood Cold Chain / 대한수혈학회지

Background@#Due to the importance of the cold chain related to vaccine transportation, it is necessary to establish a blood cold chain operation strategy by checking the status of blood transportation from blood donation to transfusion. @*Methods@#The blood transportation system and blood storage facilities were checked by inspecting the Korean Red Cross (KRC) Blood Centers and its affiliated supplier and Hanmaeum Blood Center. The status of the cold chain was evaluated through an interview with the quality control manager or blood supply team leader. For the hospital, the status was investigated from the perspective of the 30-min rule. A questionnaire survey was conducted for medical technicians and nurses working at the hospital. @*Results@#Data on temperature during transport of blood components were computerized, and all standards were met. A nationwide network that could supply blood from the blood supply center to the hospitals within 2 hours was established. The frequency of temperature monitoring in the blood transport box and constant temperature check in the transport box during long-distance transport were evaluated. @*Conclusion@#This study confirmed that blood storage and transportation in Korea complied with the cold chain standards of high-income countries or higher. The evaluation of the cold chain is a constantly evolving process requiring continuous attention. When standards for storage and transportation of blood products are established, strict regulations and examinations will be required.

Effects of Cyclosporin on Pterygium Fibroblasts

PURPOSE: To evaluate the response and cellular damage of cultured human pterygial cells according to the concentration and exposure time of topical cyclosporin. METHODS: Human pterygial cells were exposed to a cyclosporin A concentrations of 0.1 microg/ml (0.0001%), 1 microg/ml (0.0001%), 10 microg/ml (0.001%), 100 microg/ml (0.01%), or 500 microg/ml (0.05%) for 5 or 10 minutes. An MTT-based colorimetric assay was performed to assess the metabolic activity of cellular proliferation, and a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage assay was used to determine cellular damage. The extra-cellular matrix of PIP, laminin and MMP were evaluated, and the measurement of pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha and IL-1b. IL-6, IL-8 was performed using ELISA kits. RESULTS: The pterygial cellular inhibitory effect of cyclosporin was similar to that of the control according to the concentration and exposure time (p > 0.05). Compared with the control, the level of LDH did not show a statistically significant difference between concentration and exposure time (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference of inhibitory effects by PIP, laminin, or MMP between the experimental and control groups (p > 0.05). The production of TNF-alpha and IL from the experimental pterygial cells due to the effect of cyclosporin was not significantly different from that of the control at a longer exposure time or stronger concentration (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The response of pterygial cells to topical cyclosporin A at concentrations less than 0.05% for less than 10 minutes of exposure time showed no prevention of pterygial recurrence. With regard to cellular damage, little effects on inhibition of PIP, laminin, MMP, IL, and TNF-alpha were observed compared with that of the control.

Production of Ginsenoside-Rg3 from Lipomyces starkeyi Grown on Ginseng-Steaming Effluent

To produce ginsenoside-Rg3 enriched yeast from ginseng-steaming effluent (GSE), Lipomyces starkeyi, which tends to grow well in GSE, was cultured in sterilized GSE and its growth and production of ginsenoside-Rg3 were determined. Growth of L. starkeyi was 86.1 mg per g GSE and its ginsenoside-Rg3 contents was 0.013 mg per g GSE.

The Effect of Epiblepharon Surgery on Visual Acuity and With-the-Rule Astigmatism in Children

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of epiblepharon surgery on visual acuity and with-the-rule astigmatism in children compared to patients without surgical treatment. METHODS: We undertook a retrospective case control study and reviewed the charts of 202 eyes treated with epiblepharon surgery and of 142 eyes without surgery. The surgical procedure for epiblepharon correction used rotating suture techniques. Data regarding age, best corrected visual acuity, and degree of astigmatism were recorded. Baseline and 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month postoperative data were collected. The chi-square test, Student's t-test and general linear model analysis for repeated measures were applied. RESULTS: The mean astigmatism in the surgical group decreased from 1.10 +/- 1.02 diopter (D) preoperatively to 0.84 +/- 1.05 D at 3 months after surgery (p < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference compared to the non-surgical group during the first year. The general linear model analysis comparing the mean astigmatism between the two groups over time showed a significant group-time interaction (p < 0.05). Within the surgical group, the higher baseline astigmatic subgroup and the 5- to 8-year-old group demonstrated greater cylinder reduction over time. The change in mean visual acuity was not significant in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Significant astigmatic reduction was found after surgical correction in epiblepharon patients. Patients with higher baseline astigmatism exhibited greater astigmatic reduction after epiblepharon surgery. These results suggest that, in order to reduce astigmatism, an epiblepharon operation should be considered in patients with a high level of astigmatism.

Effects of Gel Type Artificial Tears on Human Corneal Keratocytes and Conjunctival Epithelial Cells

PURPOSE: To evaluate the biological effects and cytotoxicity of gel-type artificial tears on human corneal keratocytes and conjunctival cells in vitro. METHODS: Human corneal keratocytes and conjunctival epithelial cells were exposed to Soothe(R) and Systane(R) at variable concentrations. Evaluations were conducted through an MTT-based calorimetric assay to measure the metabolic activity and through a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay to assess cellular damage. Apoptotic response was examined using fluorescent microscopy and flow cytometric analysis, and cellular morphologic results were evaluated with a transmission electron microscope. RESULTS: The inhibitory effects of corneal keratocyte and conjunctival cell proliferations increased at higher concentrations and longer exposure times to Soothe(R) and Systane(R). The LDH titers increased after Soothe(R) exposure, but showed no significant difference after Systane(R) exposure. Soothe(R) and Systane(R) treatments both produced fluorescence, representing apoptotic cells. In flow cytometry, the maximal apoptotic response was observed for both types of artificial tears, although Systane(R) showed less edema, as well as reduced cytoplasmic and nuclear cell degeneration compared to those of Soothe(R). CONCLUSIONS: The apoptotic responses of Soothe(R) and Systane(R) are associated with inhibitory effects of human corneal keratocyte and conjunctival epithelial cell proliferations. To inhibit the cellular proliferation of human corneal keratocytes and conjunctival epithelial cells, Systane(R) may be less severe than Soothe(R) at higher concentrations and longer exposure times.

Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection as Preoperative Adjuvant of Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy

PURPOSE:The effect of preoperative intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin(R)) injection was investigated in primary vitrectomy for severe proliferative diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Eyes that underwent vitectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy were followed up at least 6 months and were reviewed retrospectively. The authors reviewed functional outcomes, complications, and operation time between preoperative bevacizumab injection (group I) and non-injection groups(group II). RESULTS: Among 93 eyes of 87 patients, the injection group consisted of 44 eyes of 41 patients and the non-injection gauge group consisted of 49 eyes of 46 patients. The mean interval between injection and vitrectomy was 5.8 days. Final visual acuity significantly improved as compared to preoperative visual acuity, and group I showed better visual acuity than group II (p=0.008). Visual acuity improved logMAR 0.2 or more in 36 eyes in group I and 43 eyes in group II (p=0.167). The average duration of postoperative vitreous hemorrhage was 1.02 days in group I, and 4.02 days in group II (p=0.2.08). Recurrence of vitreous hemorrhage was not observed in group I or in 2 eyes of group II (p=0.274). Epiretinal membrane occurred in 2 eyes of group I, and in 9 eyes of group II (p=0.031). Only a single eye in group I had neovascular glaucoma after vitrectomy (p=0.527). The operation time of group I was 64.8 minutes, which was significantly shorter than 78.1 minutes of group II (p=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal bevacizumab injection before vitrectomy in proliferative diabetic retinopathy facilitated removal of the fibrovascular membrane, and leads to less postoperative complications and better functional outcomes. Intravitreal bevacizumab injection before vitrectomy can be considered as an effective preoperative adjuvant.

Confocal Microscopic Findings of Transplanted Cornea 10 Years After Penetrating Keratoplasty

PURPOSE:To examine the morphological characteristics of the transplanted cornea in patients who received penetrating keratoplasty at least 10 years previously prior. CASE SUMMERY: Each layer of the transplanted cornea of patients who received penetrating keratoplasty 10 years previously prior was examined with a confocal microscope (ConfoScan 4.1, Fortune Technology, Italy). Cross-sectioned corneal images of the corneal epithelium, Bowman's layer, stromal layer, Descement's membrane, and endothelium were evaluated and compared with the normal fellow other eye. A total of three eyes from three subjects between the ages of 60 and 70 years were examined. The epithelial cells had large cell borders, and a spindle shaped, and a highly reflective nucleus. The keratocytes were highly reflective and the density of keratocytes was lower than that in the normal cornea. The regenerated nerve fibers were markedly altered, as characterized by increased nerve tortuosity, reduced branching patterns, and shorter nerve lengths. In the endothelial cell layer, a bright nucleus, a reduced ratio of hexagonal cells, and several multinuclear cells were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Even 10 years after penetrating keratoplasty, the entire transplanted cornea is morphologically different from the normal cornea.

Physiological Functionality and Enzyme Activity of Biomass from Pichia anomala Grown on Ginseng-Steaming Effluent

A novel biomass was prepared from Pichia anomala KCCM 11473, which grew well in ginseng-steaming effluent (GSE), and its physiological functionalities and enzyme activities were determined. When the strain was cultured in the GSE (pH 6.0) at 30degrees C for 48 h, 1.6 mg of biomass per ml-cultures was produced. The cell-free extract of the biomass showed high antihypertensive angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitory activity of 72.0% and anticholesteromia HMG-CoA reductase inhibitory activity of 46.5%. The cell-free extract also showed 13.0 U per ml and 8.5 U per ml of neutral protease activity and alkaline protease, respectively.

The Effect of Compliance, Family Support and Graft Function on Quality of Life in Kidney Transplant Recipients / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that kidney transplant recipients' quality of life depend on compliance of treatment, family support, socioeconomic status. The purpose of this study was to determine whether estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study as a index of graft function influence recipients' quality of life including above mentioned factors. METHODS: One hundred and ten patients who visited out-patient department at least 3 months after kidney transplantation were included in this study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. This tool included; quality of life, compliance and family support scale as well as medical record review. The analysing of data was performed with SPSS version 11.5 (SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: The mean score of the recipients' quality of life (3.59/5), compliance (3.81/5), the support of family (4.02/5) and GFR (63 ml/min/1.73 m2) were revealed respectively. The quality of life was correlated with compliance (r=.260, P<.001) and family support (r=.377, P<.001) statistically. and compliance and family support also revealed correlation (r=.452, P<.001). Family support was the most explainable factor for the quality of life (R2=.142). however, the quality of life was not correlated with recipients' GFR (r=.013 P=0.819). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study showed that kidney transplant recipients had a moderate quality of life. These findings suggest that emotional aspect like family support is as important as clinical factors such as GFR or compliance for recipients' quality of life. To optimize post-transplant quality of life, implication for interventional programming should be focused on family support.

Production of Antihypertensive Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor from Malassezia pachydermatis G-14

To produce a novel antihypertensive angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor from yeast, a yeast isolate, designated G-14 showing the highest ACE inhibitory activity was obtained and identified as Malassezia pachydermatis based on morphological, biochemical and cultural characteristics. The maximal extracellular ACE inhibitor production was obtained from M. pachydermatis G-14 when the strain was cultured in YEPD medium containing 0.5% yeast extract, 3.0% peptone and 2.0% glucose at 30degrees C for 24 h and the final ACE inhibitory activity was 48.9% under the above condition.

The Current Status of the Web-sites of Plastic Surgery Clinics in Seoul and the Factors affecting the Page-views / 대한의료정보학회지

The aim of this study is to investigate the status of the websites of plastic surgery clinics in Seoul, and to elucidate the factors that affect the page views. Directors of the clinics were asked by telephone as to whether their clinics have an website, and the rank of their sites were measured using the Navvy (ve r 2.75) program. The gene ral characteristics of each clinic and directors were surveyed using the list of members for the Korean association of clinical plastic surgeons. The characteristics of the websites were also surveyed and categorized into their accessibility, introduction, contents, interactions, and etc. The relationship between each variable, the possession of a homepage and the rank were analyzed by univariate analysis and the independent effects of these variables were examined by multiple logistic regression analysis. The results are as follows: 196 out of 252 clinics(77.8%) had a website and 77 of these sites were ranked below the 150,000th place. In multiple logistic regression analysis, younger directors had a higher likelihood of possessing a website, and the location of the clinic also significantly affected whether or not there was a website. The websites of the clinics located in Kangnam/Seocho-gu and run by more than 2 plastic surgeons had a higher tendency to rank be low the 150,000th place. However, the char acteristic s of the website did not aff ect the r ank distribution. Considering the above results, the characteristics of the clinics and surgeons may contribute greatly for the clinics to have a website and to have a high rank. In addition, the characteristics of the site may not be a major influencing fac tor.