Chemical Constituents of Impatiens balsamina Stems and Their Biological Activities

The purification of the MeOH extract from Impatiens balsamina by repeated column chromatography led to the isolation of one new tetrahydronaphthalene (1), together with eleven known compounds (2 – 12). The structure of the new compound (1) was determined by spectral data analysis (1H and 13C-NMR, 1H-1H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, and HR-ESI-MS). Isolated compounds (1 – 12) were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on NO production in LPS-activated murine microglial BV-2 cells and their effects on NGF secretion from C6 glioma cells. Compounds 3, 7, and 10 reduced NO levels in LPS-activated murine microglial cells with IC50 values of 26.89, 25.59, and 44.21 µM, respectively. Compounds 1, 5, and 9 upregulated NGF secretion to 153.09 ± 4.66, 156.88 ± 8.86, and 157.34 ± 3.30%, respectively.

Phytochemical Constituents of Capsella bursa-pastoris and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity

Phytochemical investigation of 80% MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Capsella bursa-pastoris yielded fourteen compounds (1 – 14). The structures of the compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods to be methyl-1-thio-β-D-glucopyranosyl disulfide (1), 10-methylsulphinyl-decanenitrile (2), 11-methyl-sulphinyl-undecanenitrile (3), 1-O-(lauroyl)glycerol (4), phytene-1, 2-diol (5), (3S,5R,6S,7E)-5,6-epoxy-3-hydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one (6), loliolide (7), β-sitosterol (8), 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-propanone (9), 1-feruloyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (10), pinoresinol-4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), luteolin (12), quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (13), and luteolin 6-C-β-glucopyranoside (14). Although compound 1 was reported as synthetic compound, 1 was first isolated from natural source. NMR spectral data assignments of 1, 2 and 3 were reported for the first time, and compounds 1 – 14 were for the first time reported from this plant source. The anti-inflammatory effects of 1 – 14 were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine microglia BV-2 cells. Compounds 12 exhibited strong inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production in LPS-activated BV-2 cells with IC50 values of 9.70 µM.

A New Steroidal Glycoside from Allium macrostemon Bunge

A phytochemical investigation of Allium macrostemon Bunge (Liliaceae) afforded the new pregnane steroidal glycoside, named allimacroside F (1), along with three known glycosides, benzyl-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), phenylethyl-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (3), (Z)-3-hexenyl-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside (4). The identification and structural elucidation of a new compound (1) was carried out based on spectral data analyses (¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, ¹H-¹H COSY, HSQC, HMBC, and NOESY) and HR-FAB-MS.

Analysis of ultrastructural changes in the rat sciatic nerve after exposure to pulsed radiofrequency using small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS)

BACKGROUND: Pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) may be used in the treatment of patients with some pain syndromes that cannot be controlled by alternative techniques. The objective of the present study is to examine the ultrastructural changes in rat sciatic nerve after PRF, using synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). METHODS: Twenty rats (Male Sprague-Dawley, about 250 grams) were used this study. The PRF is applied to the afferent axons of the sciatic nerves of the rats in ex vivo state, and the ultrastructure of axons were studied after 1 (N = 5), 4 (N = 5), and 6 (N = 5) weeks by SAXS. The control (N = 5) consisted of non-treated sciatic nerve to provide a statistical differential comparison. RESULTS: In the PRF group, the periodic peaks of myelin sheath and collagen fibrils were not changed compared to the control group, in the time progression of 1, 4, and 6 weeks. But the periodic peaks of interfibrillar distance of collagen were greater at 1 and 4 weeks after PRF, comparing to the control group, but it had tendency to return to normal in 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: It is suggested that PRF did not induce ultrastructural change of myelin sheath and collagen fiber, but it induced the change of distance between collagen fibrils of the nerve tissue. This change was not caused by thermal injury but by electromagnetic fields and it is reversible.

Incarceration of the Gravid Uterus with Myoma: Report of One Patient Managed with Uterine Reduction / 대한산부인과학회잡지

Incarceration of the gravid uterus is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy. Reported is the case of a gravid 2, para 0, abortus 1 with known uterine subserosal myoma(5.3 x5.5cm sized) 26-year-old woman presented with acute dysuria and urinary retention. The patient was 14 weeks and 3 days pregnant and presented several week history of urinary frequency and sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. Examination revealed a retroflexed uterus with cervical opening pointing toward the anterior abdominal wall. An ultrasound revealed a thin, elongated maternal bladder and a uterus incarcerated between the sacral promontary and the pubis. The incarceration was successfully reduced by tenaculum traction of the cervical posterior lip without surgical intervention and had a normal infant of appropriate weight at term.

CT Findings of Pleural Dissemination from Lung Cancer

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study was to identify the CT findings that help detect pleural dissemination from lung cancer and to evaluate the usefulness of selected diagnostic criteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a computerized database search of 606 patients who had undergone thoracotomy for primary lung cancer, 23 patients were identified as h aving surgically documented pleural dissemination. From the same database, 50 patients without pleural dissemination during thoracotomy were randomly selected as controls. Preoperative CT scans and medical records were rev i ewed retrospectively, and findings were compared between the two groups. RESULT: One or more of three types of pleural thickening (plaque-like, nodular, and fissural) were identified on CT as the most discriminating finding (sensitivity, 74 % ; specificity, 60 %; p = 0.007). The following findings were also significantly discriminating (p<0.05): contiguity of primary tumor with the pleural surface as seen on CT; adenocarcinoma in cell type; and a peripheral tumor defined as one in which bronchoscopy revealed no endobronchial lesion. The use of combinations of these findings in addition to pleural thickening rendered diagnostic criteria more specific at the cost of the sensitivity. CONCLUSION: During preoperative CT evaluation of lung cancer, the recognition of subtle pleural thickening helps detect pleural dissemination. The likelihood that subtle pleural thickening represents pleural dissemination is increased when a primary tumor is contiguous with the pleural surface, is an adenocarcinoma, or is peripherally located.

Evaluation of Mediastinal Lymph Node Metastasis in Lung Cancer: Factors influencing the Diagnostic Accuracy ofCT

PURPOSE: To evaluate factors influencing the CT assessment of mediastinal lymph node metastasis in patientswith non-small cell lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT scans of 198 patients who had undergone thoracotomyand mediastinal lymph node dissection for non-small cell lung cancer were retrospectively evaluated using a sizecriterion of > or = 10mm in the short axis. To evaluate the accuracy of CT in diagnosing lymph node metastasis on anodal station-by-station basis, CT and pathological results were correlated. Analysis included a comparison of thesensitivity and specificity of CT according to 1) cell type of tumor, squamous cell carcinoma versusadenocarcinoma (excluding bronchioloalveolar cell carcinoma) ; 2) histologic differentiation;3) tumor size;4)central and peripheral of the tumor;5) the presence or absence of obstructive pneumonitis and/or atelectasis;6)the presence or absence of prior granulomatous disease. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity, Specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CT in diagnosing mediastinal lymph node metastasis were 65%,84%, 43%, and 93%, respectively. Sensitivity for squamous cell carcinoma (72%) was significantly higher than thatfor adenocarcinoma(44%)(p<0.01). Higher specificities were noted in patients without obstructive pneumonitisand/or atelectasis(91% versus 75%)(P<0.01), and with a peripherally located tumor (90% versus 82%)(P<0.01).sensitivity and specificity were not appreciably altered by other variables. CONCLUSION: In the CT assessment ofmediastinal lymph node metastasis the cell type of adenocarcinoma adversely affected sensitivity, with a highfrequency of normal-sized metastatic nodes. Obstructive pneumonitis caused by central tumor adversely affectedspecificity with the frequent occurrence of hyperplastc nodes.

Usefulness of Sonography in Detection of Local Recurrent Soft Tissue Tumors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of local recurrent soft tissue tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the results of 113 sonographic examinations in 102 patients (38males, 64 females) after surgical treatment of soft tissue tumors (82 malignancies, 20 benignancies) during thelast five years. Follow-up included physical and sonographic examinations using a 5-10MHz transducer every twomonths. In 17 cases, MR images were obtained The criterion for local recurrence was discrete mass, and size,shape, margin, echogenicity, and homogeneity were also analysed. Forty-one patients underwent surgery. RESULTS: Among 113 cases, 41 local recurrences were proven by surgery and histological analysis; well-defined, ovoid,homogeneous hypoechoic masses of various sizes were apparent. Sonographic sensitivity and specificity were both97%. MR sensitivity and specificity were 83% and 100% respectively, but in most cases in which MR had been usedthe masses were greater than 3cm in diameter. Two cases were false positive; these were thought to be granulomas,but were shown during follow-up lasting 36 and 14 months, respectively, to be unchanged hypoechoic nodules. Onecase was false negative. CONCLUSION: For the diagnosis of local recurrent soft tissue tumors, ultrasonography isvery useful. For early detcction, it is superior to MR imaging.

Radiologic Findings of Granulosa Cell Tumor of the Ovary

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiologic findings of granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen cases (fifteen tumors) of pathologically confirmed ovarian granulosa cell tumor were retrospectively analyzed on the basis of CT (n=10), MR imaging (n=4), and ultrasound (n=7) findings. The patients' mean age was 44.3 (range, 5-71) years. RESULTS: The mean diameter of the tumors was 12.1 (range, 5-26.5)cm. Thirteen cases were unilateral, and one was bilateral. Eleven tumors (ten cases) were mainly solid and eight of these had focal cystic components. Multilocular cysts accounted for three cases, and in two of these, mural nodules were present. One case was a unilocular cyst with no mural nodule. Ten cases were well demarcated. All the solid tumors were enhanced on postcontrast CT and MR imaging. Endometrial thickening was seen in five cases, ascites in six, and peritoneal implants or omental fat infiltration in five. One was associated with lymph node metastasis. All the postmenopausal patients had solid tumors, whereas 66.7% (4 of 6 cases) of young adults and children had cystic tumors. CONCLUSION: Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary were solid or cystic; the former were more common. There were no characteristic findings which permitted definitive differentiation from other ovarian tumors.

CT and MRI Findings of Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor of the Uterus: Irradiation-associated vs Non-associated

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present imaging findings of MMMT developed after irradiation and to compare them with those not associated with irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with pathologically-proven MMMT were divided into two groups ; group 1, with a history of pelvic irradiation (n=9), and group 2, without such history(n=4). With regard to tumor location, size, extent, degree of myometrial invasion, presence of enhancement, and internal texture of a tumor, we analyzed CT(n=10) and MR imaging (n=8) findings in each group. RESULTS: The tumor was larger in group 1 (average 8.7 cm) than in group 2 (average 5.5 cm). In eight patients in group 1, the endometrial cavity was distended, with remarkable fluid retention, and a mass was found in the fundus or body. The junctional zone was disrupted and hemorrhagic or necrotic foci were found within the mass. In all patients in group 2 and in one in group 1, a tumor had replaced the endometrial cavity, without fluid retention. CONCLUSION: Imaging findings of irradiation-associated MMMT appeared to be different from those not associated with irradiation. Where there are findings of a distended endometrial cavity filled with fluid andmural mass, one should be alert to the possibility of irradiation-associated MMMT.

CT and MRI Findings of Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor of the Uterus: Irradiation-associated vs Non-associated

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present imaging findings of MMMT developed after irradiation and to compare them with those not associated with irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with pathologically-proven MMMT were divided into two groups ; group 1, with a history of pelvic irradiation (n=9), and group 2, without such history(n=4). With regard to tumor location, size, extent, degree of myometrial invasion, presence of enhancement, and internal texture of a tumor, we analyzed CT(n=10) and MR imaging (n=8) findings in each group. RESULTS: The tumor was larger in group 1 (average 8.7 cm) than in group 2 (average 5.5 cm). In eight patients in group 1, the endometrial cavity was distended, with remarkable fluid retention, and a mass was found in the fundus or body. The junctional zone was disrupted and hemorrhagic or necrotic foci were found within the mass. In all patients in group 2 and in one in group 1, a tumor had replaced the endometrial cavity, without fluid retention. CONCLUSION: Imaging findings of irradiation-associated MMMT appeared to be different from those not associated with irradiation. Where there are findings of a distended endometrial cavity filled with fluid andmural mass, one should be alert to the possibility of irradiation-associated MMMT.

Minor Factors Influencint to the Sensory Blockade Level of Spinal Anesthesia at the L2, 3 Interspace / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Many factors affecting the spread of spinal anesthesia have been investigated. But L3-4 or L4-5 interspace was choosen which was known as the site of buffering, in their study. We investigated the effect of some of these factors on sensory blockade level by using L2-3 interspace. METHODS: Eightyfive patients, ASA physical status I - Il, were involved in our study. Sensory blockade level was checked with pinprick test at 10 minutes and 30 minutes. The effect of age, sex, height, weight, CSF pressure and pressure difference generated when full flexed and non-full flexed lateral position on sensory blockade level was studied whereas other factors such as puncture technique, dosage and concentration of drug and patients position after injection, were kept constant under the same condition. And also studied the effect of degree of flexion at injection on the sensory blockade level. RESULTS: Height and CSF pressure were correlated with sensory blockade level at 10 minutes after injection(R2=0.14, P<0.01). Only height was correlated with sensory blockade level at 30 minutes after injection(R2=0.09, P<0.0l). CONCLUSIONS: Only height was correlated with sensory blokade level at 30 minutes. So, height might be considered as the most impressive minor factor affecting the extent of sensory blockade level.

Two cases of Peyronie's disease treated by auto-dermal graft technique / 대한비뇨기과학회지

Peyronie's disease is characterized by localized fibrosis in the tunica albuginea of the corpus cavernosum with no confirmed etiology. We report 2 cases of Peyronie's disease, in which surgical1y corrected with the dermal graft technique. One patient is performed with the penile prosthesis be. cause of sexual impotence after correction of penile curvature.