Objective To investigate clinical and MRI features of the reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (RPES).Methods Clinical and MRI materials of 4 RPES cases confirmed by integrated clinical diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed.Results All the cases presented with a rise of blood pressure.The neural symptom include severe headache (2 cases),dysphoria (3 cases),blur of vision (2 cases),impairment of impermanent memory (1 case),seizure (2 cases).In MRI,the lesions mainly systematically located in posterior parietal lobe and occipital lobe in all cases,or randomly located in frontal lobe (2 cases).Lesions demonstrated high signal on T_2 weighed and water-suppressed sequences in MRI.The lesions dominantly located in cortex in 2 cases,in both cortex and subcortieal white matter in 1 case and in subcortical white matter in 1 case.Four cases resolved their lesions when re-examined. Conclusions RPES represents such characteristic MRI findings as symmetrical distribution of reversible lesions in posterior brain with involvement of cortex or subcortieal white matter.When combined with hypertension and neural symptoms caused by involvement of posterior brain structure,it is helpful for early differential diagnosis of this syndrome.

Aim To prepare and identify monodonal sntibody (Mab) specific for Toaoplasma gondii tachyzoites. Method The Mab specific for Taxoplasma gondii tachyrzoite were prepared via bybridoma technique. Indirect ELISA was used to determine the activity of the Mab. Agarose double immuodiffusion test was performed to confirm subclass and SDS-PAGE & western blot were used to analysis rolecular weight of the antigen (s) recognized by the Mab. IFA was used to identify the epitope of Taxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. The protection and specificity of the Mab were snalysed at same time. The Mab was tesed in Mab-ELISA method to detect Taxoplasma gondii antigen. Results A Msb F7C8H12 specific for T. gondii was produced. It belongs to IgG1 subclass. Moleculsr weight of the sntigens recognized by the Mab was 16.5 and 24 kDa. IFA did not show fiuorescence in intact tachyzoite.Inhibition test showed that the inhibition rate was 50% when the concetration of the antigen was 40μg/ml.Afterthe RH strain tachyzoites were incubated with Mab ascites, mice were inected with the tachyzoites through peritoneum. The results showed that the mean dead time of mice were not delayed. T. gondii antigen mixed with PBS snd normal human serum was detected by Mab-ELISA, the sensitvity was 0.78 yg/ml and 1.5μg/ml respectively. When mice were infected with T. gondiiRH strain tachyzoites, 103/mouse p.i., circulating antigen could be detectedin 6 day and 8 day. Conchusion The Mab (F7C8H12) to T. gomdii tachyzoites is an excellent probe for studying T. gondii snd toxoplasmosis.

Objective To Establish evaluation methods for the performance of flow cytometer .Methods Referring to the indus‐try standard YY/T0588‐2005 Flow Cytometry ,evaluating methods for the performance of BriCyte E6 flow cytometry was estab‐lished ,such as fluorescence sensitivity ,fluorescence linearity ,forward scatter sensitivity ,instrument resolution ,forward scatter/side scattering resolution ,DNA content linearity ,carry‐over rate ,accuracy of the cell surface marker ,reproducibility of the cell surface marker and instrument stability .Results The performance of BriCyte E6 met the requirements of industry standard .Conclusion The evaluation methods for the performance parameters could be reliable and could be used for the performance evaluation of flow cytometer .

It has been 50 years since the discovery of thyrotropin receptor autoantibody (TRAb). Advances in the knowledge of thyrotropin receptor ( TSHR) structure and function, combined with the elucidation of TSHR signaling and TSHR-autoantibody interaction have greatly facilitated our understanding of TRAb and their clinical applications. Measurement of TRAb activity plays an important role in the diagnosis of Graves' disease ( GD) and Graves' opthalmopathy. It has also been well recognized that TRAb is an effective predictor of GD relapse or remission after antithyroid drug and radioactive iodine treatment. TRAb test is of particular help in pregnant women and lactating mothers with recent iodine load, where radioactive iodine or technetium tests are contraindicated. In addition, it is useful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of fetal and neonatal hyperthyroidism as well as some rare forms of thyrotoxicosis in clinical practice. Accumulating evidence also indicates the possible correlation between thyroid cancer occurring in GD patients with positive TRAb and adverse outcomes. However, further innovation and standardization of TRAb tests are required to help pave the way for clinical applications.

Objective To construct eukaryotic expression vector of HPV18 L1- E6, E7 chimeric gene and examine the humoral and cellular immune responses induced by this DNA vaccines in mice. Methods The C-terminal of major capsid protein L1 gene and mutant zinc finger domains of early E6/7 oncogenes in HPV18 were integrated and inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pVAX1 to generate vaccines pVAX1-L1E6Mxx, E7Mxx. CHO cells were transiently transfected with the individual construct. Target protein expressions in the lysate of the transfected cells were measured by ELISA and immunocytochemistry. After BALB/c mice were vaccinated with various recombinant plasmids(pVAX1-L1-E6M3 or pVAX1-L1-E7M3) and immunie adjuvants (pLXHDmB7-2 or LTB) through different administration routes (intramuscular or intranasal) , the great cellular immune responses were produced as revealed by delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and lymphocyte proliferation, and the expression of IL-4 and IFN- γ cells in CD4+ and CD8+subpopulations. Results The highly efficient expression of pVAX1-L1E6Mxx, E7Mxx vector in host eukaryotic cells were demonstrated both by ELISA and immunocytochemistry. The level of specific serum IgG against HPV in experiment groups mice was much higher than that of control group, and intranuscular immunization group had the highest antibody level. Intramuscular immunization groups were superior to intranasal immunization groups in DTH response, splenocyte proliferation and CD8+ IFN-γ + cells number, but CD4+ IL4+ cell number was higher in intranasal immunization groups. The immunization groups using pLXHDmB7-2 as adjuvant were superior to other groups in immunoresponse. Conclusion These DNA vaccines produce remarkable cellular and humoral immuneresponses in the mouse and may provide as prophylatic and therapeutic candidates for HPV induced cancer treatment.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of bullying, negative affectivity and burnout in the nurses. METHODS: The sample consisted of 389 nurses. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffe, Pearson Correlation Analysis and Hierarchical Multiple Regression. RESULTS: The control variables of age, marital status, education level, current position, health status and work unit explained 30.2%(F=28.9, p<.001) of variance in burnout. The control variables, bullying and negative affectivity collectively explained 49.7% of variance in burnout. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the demographic factors influencing burnout are age, education level, health status, work unit, while bullying and negative affectivity in the work places are factors that influence burnout. These findings can be utilized to develop strategies to reduce bullying and negative affectivity.
Bullying* ; Demography ; Education ; Marital Status ; Workplace

Medulloepithelioma(diktyoma) is a uncommon congenital tumor that is generally believed to arise from the embryonic neuroepithelium of the medullary tube. This tumor usually arises from the ciliary body epithelium. But medulloepitheliomas of the retina and optic nerve may also occur, although it is extremely rare, because the embryonal medullary epithelium that lines the optic vesicle is continuous with the epithelium lining the cavity of the optic nerve during the early embryonal period. The occurrence of medulloepithelioma of the optic nerve is exceptionally rare, with only a few cases have been previously reported. We report a first case of medulloep-ithelioma of the optic nerve head in Korea in a 5-year-old girl who presented with a poor vision and squint of the left eye.
Child, Preschool ; Ciliary Body ; Epithelium ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive* ; Optic Disk* ; Optic Nerve* ; Retina ; Strabismus

BACKGROUND: Dermatological diseases affecting the feet, e.g. fungal infections and nail infections, are often not fully perceived as real medical problems even when they experience great discomfort, including pain. These misperception often prevents from seeking timely treatment, which can result in very severe conditions. This survey, so called "ACILLES PROJECT" was a "foot screening" project that would be focused on all parts of the body below the Achilles heel: foot, toe and toenails. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken for both medical doctors and patients to raise the awareness of foot diseases and additional insights into disease that could affect foot. And also, in seasonal variation, we tried to compare the epidemiological data and to look over the relationship of dermatophytosis in other parts with fungal infections in foot and to analyze the compliance and efficacy of antifungal agents in the treatment of patients who were diagnosed as dermatophytosis in their feet in the treatment of antifungal agents. METHODS: Achilles survey was conducted for one week from 7th July to 13th July, 1997 and 16th March to 17th April, 1998 co-worked by the Korean Society for Medical Mycology and Janssen Korea. In 1997, 19,298 patients, who visited dermatology and urology, and 353 investigators participated in this survey. And Achilles 98, in 1998, was composed of two parts, Unit I and Unit II. Unit I survey was a foot disease consult program and Unit II was a patient compliance survey 29,922 patients, 391 investigators and 16,383 patients, 350 investigators were involved in Unit I and Unit II respectively. RESULTS: Among total 29,922 patients who responded to the survey, 57.7% of them had more than one foot disease. There was no big difference comparing with the number (67%) in the survey of last summer. And it was observed that fungal infection was the most dominant disease (79.8%) regardless of seasons (83.7% in July, 1997). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of other foot diseases for each season (eczema 11.1%, corns 5.1%, warts 2.7%, psoriasis 2.1%). Oral antifungal agents were prescribed to the patients who were diagnosed as having fungal infections in their feet in order to survey drug compliance by filling out the patients diary. In compliance, only 24% of patients in itraconazole pulse therapy for 28 days and 16% of patients in itraconazole continuous therapy for 28 days compiled with their dosage guideline exactly. It is observed that the longer the duration of drug therapy is, the worse the patients compliance is. CONCLUSION: According to the epidemiological survey in 1997 and 1998, the prevalence of foot disease was not significantly different seasonally, and it was reported that the awareness of and the intention for the treatment of foot diseases were not high enough based on the compliance data of patients.
Antifungal Agents ; Callosities ; Compliance ; Dermatology ; Drug Therapy ; Epidemiology* ; Foot Diseases* ; Foot* ; Heel ; Humans ; Incidence* ; Intention ; Itraconazole ; Korea ; Mycology ; Nails ; Patient Compliance* ; Prevalence ; Psoriasis ; Research Personnel ; Seasons* ; Tinea ; Toes ; Urology ; Warts ; Zea mays

PURPOSE: The role of radiotherapy in the management of patients with locoregional recurrent cervix cancer after radical surgery were retrospectively analyzed. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-eight patients treated with radiotherapy for locoregional recurrence after primary surgery for carcinoma of the cervix between 1989 and 1993 were analyzed. The median follow-up of survivors was 15 months (ranged 7-43 months). Eight patients had their disease confined to the vagina and 19 patients(68%) had pelvic mass as part of their locoregional recurrent disease. Within 24 months after the initial surgery, 82% of recurrences manifested themselves. All patients had whole pelvic irradiation with or without intracavitary radiotherapy(ICR). RESULTS: Complete response(CR) was achieved in 18 patients(64%). Five of eighteen patients(28%) with initial CR developed second locoregional recurrence. Response to radiotherapy correlated strongly with tumor volume, site of recurrence and total radiation dose. The overall 2 year survival rate was 43% and the disease free survival was 31%. Survival rate was significantly influenced by the factors of interval from operation to recurrence, size and site of recurrent tumor, radiation dose, response of radiotherapy, lymph node status as initial presentation. The principal cause of death was lung metastasis(36%). CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy is an excellent modality for control of locoregional recurrent cervix cancer. To improve local control and survival rate, whole pelvic external radiotherapy in addition to ICR with more than 75.0Gy at the depth of 1.0cm from vaginal mucosa is needed and frequent follow up and early detection of recurrence is suggested as well.
Cause of Death ; Cervix Uteri* ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung ; Lymph Nodes ; Mucous Membrane ; Radiotherapy* ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Survivors ; Tumor Burden ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* ; Vagina

The management of malignant pleural effusion is a difficult problem. Tetracycline was probably the most commonly used sclerosing agent, but parenteral tetracycline is no longer available. This prospective study was designed to determine the efficacy of insufflated talc in producing plerodesisin patients with malignant pleural effusions. Fifteen patients managed between March 1995 and March 1997 underwent thoracoscopy and had 4 gm sterile asbestos-free talc insufflation throughout the pleural space. The mean interval between the procedure and last follow-up was 101 days (range: 25-233 days). The results of treatment were clinically and radiologically compared with pre-operative status. The results were as follows: 1. The patients were 6 men and 9 women with a mean age of 55.1 years (range: 31-74 years). The primary tumors were lung cancer in 10 patients, breast cancer in two, hepatoma in one, stomach cancer in one, and adenocarcinoma of unkown origin in one. 2. Cancer cell positive ratio was 36% in sputum cytology study and 100% in thoracoscopic biopsy. 3. Symptoms improved in 94% of patients treated by talc pleurodesis. 4. After 30 days of the procedure, there was radiologically no recurrence of plural fluid in 94% patients. 5. There were wound infection in one, respiratory failure in one. In conclusion, the insufflation of 4 gm sterile asbestos-free talc in the pleural space is an effective method to control malignant pleural effusions and patients selection is important factor for reexpansion the lung.
Adenocarcinoma ; Biopsy ; Breast Neoplasms ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Insufflation ; Lung ; Lung Neoplasms ; Male ; Pleural Effusion ; Pleural Effusion, Malignant* ; Pleurodesis* ; Prospective Studies ; Recurrence ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Sputum ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Talc* ; Tetracycline ; Thoracoscopy ; Wound Infection