OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to identify patterns of brain activation elicited by erotic visual stimuli in patients treated with either Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) or mirtazipine. METHODS: Nine middle-aged men with major depressive disorder treated with an SSRI and ten middle-aged men with major depressive disorder treated with mirtazapine completed the trial. Ten subjects with no psychiatric illness were included as a control group. We conducted functional brain magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while a film alternatively played erotic and non-erotic contents for 14 minutes and 9 seconds. RESULTS: The control group showed activation in the occipitotemporal area, anterior cingulate gyrus, insula, orbitofrontal cortex, and caudate nucleus. For subjects treated with SSRIs, the intensity of activity in these regions was much lower compared to the control group. Intensity of activation in the group treated with mirtazapine was less than the control group but grea-ter than those treated with SSRIs. Using subtraction analysis, the SSRI group showed significantly lower activation than the mirtazapine group in the anterior cingulate gyrus and the caudate nucleus. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the different rates of sexual side effects between the patients in the SSRI-treated group and the mirtazapine-treated group may be due to different effects on brain activation.
Brain ; Caudate Nucleus ; Depressive Disorder, Major ; Gyrus Cinguli ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Mianserin ; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors

PURPOSE: Squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) of the lower lip is the most common malignant tumor comprising 90% of all lip SCC. The typical picture of SCC of the lower lip is of an ulcerated lesion with raised margins. Surgery is the treatment of choice for SCC of lower lip. Depending on the location and size of the tumor, different types of flaps are used. We used new method ? 'both buccal mucosa transposition flap' for the reconstruction of the near total mucosal defect of the lower lip. METHODS: This 67-year-old men presented with the crusted 1x1cm sized ulceration of the lower lip that was arised 30 years ago. There were no size or color change, except the bleeding and ulceration. At first, We diagnosed the SCC through the incisional biopsy. Then We performed the wide excision of the tumor and reconstruction of the lower lip. After the excision of the whole tumor, the defect was measured at 8x3.5cm. We designed the buccal mucosa transposition flap taking care to avoid the parotid duct. The flap was made in a triangular shape for the reconstruction of defected lower lip. The donor site defect can be sutured primarily. RESULTS: A patient in this study had no postoperative complications such as necrosis, dehiscence, infection of the flap or donor site. Reconstructed lower lip is relatively close to that of the natural lip; More satisfactory aesthetic and functional results can be obtained by using this technique rather than other techniques. CONCLUSION: 'Both buccal mucosa transposition flap' is reliable method for the reconstruction of the large lower lip mucosal defect. The operation is simple and performed in one stage, with no postoperative complications. This technique can offer consistently good functional and esthetic outcomes after reconstruction of lower lip mucosal defect.
Aged ; Biopsy ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Lip ; Male ; Mouth Mucosa ; Necrosis ; Postoperative Complications ; Tissue Donors ; Ulcer

BACKGROUND: Malassezia (M.) yeasts are lipophilic fungi which are regarded as normal flora of the skin, and are recovered in 75~98% of healthy adults. Gueho et al reclassified the Malassezia yeasts into 7 species (M. furfur, M. obtusa, M. globosa, M. slooffiae, M. sympodialis, M. pachydermatis, M. restricta) on the basis of molecular biology and by employing an interdisciplinary approach of morphology, microstructurology and physiology. Recently novel species of the genus Malassezia have been discovered as a result of molecular analysis. But there are no additional reports in Korea regarding newly reported Malassezia species because most identification and classification of Malassezia in Korea depend on classical methods and research on molecular biologic application is insufficient. OBJECTIVE: Five clinical isolates of M. dermatis were isolated from the skin of healthy subjects without skin disease or seborrheic dermatitis patients using molecular biology techniques for the first time in Korea. Hence the present study describes mycological and molecular biological characteristics of these five isolates as a novel species of M. dermatis. METHODS: Morphological and biochemical analyses, such as colony morphologies, microscopic morphologies and physiological characteristic were done targeting 5 clinical isolates of M. dermatis. Molecular techniques, namely, 26S rDNA PCR-RFLP, 26S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1) sequencing, were done for identification and phylogenetic systematic analysis. RESULTS: Five clinical isolates of M. dermatis showed positive in the catalase test. No growth is obtained on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) without lipid supplementation but all grew in 0.5% Tween 60 and 0.1% Tween 80 added 2% glucose/1% peptone culture medium. Round and ellipsoidal yeast cells and budding of the yeast cells were observed under microscope, resembling M. sympodialis, M. furfur, and M. nana. The 26S rDNA PCR-RFLP pattern showed the same pattern as M. dermatis (JCM 11348), the standard strain. 26S rDNA and ITS1 sequencing were performed for exact identification, showing 99% accordance with M. dermatis (AB070361), and M. dermatis (AB070356), confirming the species to be new, the first to be reported in Korea. Phylogenetic trees based on the D1/D2 domains of the 26S rDNA sequences and nucleotide sequences of the ITS 1 region showed that the isolates were conspecific and belonged to the genus Malassezia and crusted with M. sympodialis. CONCLUSION: Taking a molecular biological classification approach, we have successfully isolated 5 cases of M. dermatis-the first in Korea. Although it is not known whether M. dermatis plays a role in Malassezia-related skin disease, this species was part of the microflora in both patients with seborrheic dermatitis and healthy subjects.
Adult ; Agar ; Base Sequence ; Catalase ; Classification ; Dermatitis, Seborrheic ; DNA, Ribosomal ; Fungi ; Glucose ; Humans ; Korea ; Malassezia* ; Molecular Biology ; Peptones ; Physiology ; Polysorbates ; Population Characteristics ; Skin ; Skin Diseases ; Yeasts

PURPOSE: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant epithelial neoplasm derived from the salivary glands. In some cases, ACC may arise in other primary sites, such as skin. We report a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma arising the scalp skin of a 69-year-old woman. METHODS: A 69-year-old woman presented with a tender scalp nodule. A local wide excision was performed. Histopathologic examination revealed the adenoid cystic carcinoma with basaloid cells in a cribriform pattern. The resection margins were free of tumor. Two years later a tumor recurred in the scarred area. The lesion was removed surgically and the histopathological diagnosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma was again established. After two years, tumor recurred again and distant metastasis of the lung was diagnosed. A surgical wide excision was done and the close regular follow-up for recurrence was done. Two years later, third recurrence of the scalp was observed. We also performed the wide local excision with tumor free margin. RESULTS: We experience the recurrent adenoid cystic carcinoma of the scalp with pulmonary metastasis. We have performed the wide local excision for three times. The patient has been followed up for 10 years with regular work-up for recurrence and metastasis CONCLUSION: primary cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma is a rare skin neoplasm with a high potential for recurrence after local excision. The standard treatment of ACC is wide local excision with tumor-free margins established by permanent section.
Adenoids ; Aged ; Carcinoma ; Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic ; Cicatrix ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Recurrence ; Salivary Glands ; Scalp ; Skin ; Skin Neoplasms

PURPOSE: Zygoma is a major portion of the midfacial skeleton, forms the malar prominence and the three adjacent bony articulations. Zygoma fracture is a very common in facial trauma. Open reduction and rigid fixation of displaced zygoma fractures are necessary to avoid immediate and delayed facial asymmetry and depression. However, it is possible to happen the complications related to the plates and screws. So, we planned to treat the 24 patients of Group II, III, IV zygoma fractures with precise reduction and non-fixation method via intraoral approach. METHODS: From August, 2006, to August, 2009, we treated 24 cases of zygoma fracture with reduction and non-fixation methods. Before the surgery, we choose the patients who could be treated with this method among the Group II, III, IV patients. RESULTS: No patients in this study had postoperative complications such as displacement of bony fragments, facial depression and asymmetry, malocclusion, hypoesthesia. Satisfactory aesthetic and functional results can be obtained. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of the zygoma fracture, it is possible to treat with precise reduction and non-fixation method. The greatest advantage is to decrease the operative time, no need to wide dissection, no complications related to the plates and screws. For the using of this method, it is necessary to choose the adequate patients through the preoperative planning.
Depression ; Displacement (Psychology) ; Facial Asymmetry ; Humans ; Hypesthesia ; Imidazoles ; Malocclusion ; Nitro Compounds ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Complications ; Skeleton ; Zygoma

PURPOSE: Zygoma is a major portion of the midfacial skeleton, forms the malar prominence and the three adjacent bony articulations. Zygoma fracture is a very common in facial trauma. Open reduction and rigid fixation of displaced zygoma fractures are necessary to avoid immediate and delayed facial asymmetry and depression. However, it is possible to happen the complications related to the plates and screws. So, we planned to treat the 24 patients of Group II, III, IV zygoma fractures with precise reduction and non-fixation method via intraoral approach. METHODS: From August, 2006, to August, 2009, we treated 24 cases of zygoma fracture with reduction and non-fixation methods. Before the surgery, we choose the patients who could be treated with this method among the Group II, III, IV patients. RESULTS: No patients in this study had postoperative complications such as displacement of bony fragments, facial depression and asymmetry, malocclusion, hypoesthesia. Satisfactory aesthetic and functional results can be obtained. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of the zygoma fracture, it is possible to treat with precise reduction and non-fixation method. The greatest advantage is to decrease the operative time, no need to wide dissection, no complications related to the plates and screws. For the using of this method, it is necessary to choose the adequate patients through the preoperative planning.
Depression ; Displacement (Psychology) ; Facial Asymmetry ; Humans ; Hypesthesia ; Imidazoles ; Malocclusion ; Nitro Compounds ; Operative Time ; Postoperative Complications ; Skeleton ; Zygoma

BACKGROUND: Malassezia yeasts are lipophilic fungi that are found in 75~80% of healthy adults. Recently, various molecular biological techniques are being preferred to identify and classify the Malassezia yeasts. Pyrosequencing is a real-time DNA sequencing technique. This technology has the potential advantage of accuracy, ease-of-use, high flexibility and is now emerging as a popular platform for microbial typing. OBJECTIVE: We sought to implement novel molecular biology technique, namely pyrosequencing method in identifying and classifying Malassezia yeasts, and assess its clinical applicability. METHODS: We obtained ribosomal RNA sequences of 11 Malassezia standard strains from NCBI database. Primers for the initial PCR amplification of the target region (ITS2) and sequencing primers within the regions amplified by the PCR primers were designed using Pyrosequencing Assay Design Software (Biotage AB, Uppsala, Sweden). We obtained PCR amplifying fragments of genomic DNA isolated from the Malassezia yeasts. And pyrosequence reactions were performed using reagents provided with the PSQ 96 Sample Preparation kit. RESULTS: In the PCR analysis, all of 11 standard strains are shown at the 130 bp levels. In the pyrosequencing analysis, M. obtusa and M. furfur sequences were corresponded among 11 Malassezia standard strains. But, in 4 cases, Malassezia strains mismatched with expected Malassezia strain and in rest of 5 Malassezia strains, pyrosequencing was failed. CONCLUSION: As evidenced above, pyrosequencing analysis could provide a sensitive and rapid identification system for Malassezia species. But it still has many limitation to be applied to epidemiological surveys and clinical practice.
Adult ; Classification* ; DNA ; Fungi ; Humans ; Indicators and Reagents ; Malassezia* ; Molecular Biology ; Pliability ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Ribosomal ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Yeasts*

BACKGROUND: Malassezia yeasts are lipophilic fungi that are found in 75~80% of healthy adults. The yeasts are known to be associated with pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, Malassezia folliculitis, and recently its pathogenicity is being expanded to other various skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris. Recently, various molecular biological techniques are being preferred over morphological analysis. In order to perform a DNA-based diagnostic test, availability of a simple, rapid, and reliable DNA extraction protocol is essential. OBJECTIVE: We sought to implement novel molecular biology technique, namely colony PCR method using microwave as the easiest way to amplification of Malassezia target DNA, and assess its clinical applicability. METHODS: Instead of using templates of purified genomic DNA, we performed the PCR directly from Malassezia colonies. A fresh yeast colony transferred to the bottom of a microcentrifuge tube and microwaved for 1 min three times in the presence of a pyrex beaker containing 50 ml of sterile water to dissipate excess heat. Following this microwave lysis, PCR-reaction mixture was added directly to the microcentrifuge tube. Two DNA extraction methods (boiling method, glass beads method) were used for comparing the sensitivity and effectiveness with the colony PCR method. All reactions were performed using the primers 26S and ITS1 complementary to the rDNA region. Results 1. As a result of gel electrophoresis, we recognized expected PCR products (approximately 580 bp for 26S rDNA and 250~320 bp for ITS1) from both colony PCR method and two DNA extraction methods (boiling method, glass beads method). 2. As a result of measuring nucleic acid level with the spectrophotometer, colony PCR disregarding DNA extraction process shows relatively similar PCR efficacy compared with the boiling and glass beads method. And there is no significant difference among those methods statistically (p>0.001). 3. In conducting the PCR method, boiling method required approximately 400 minutes, and glass beads method required approximately 360 minutes, respectively. As contrasted with two methods, colony PCR method required approximately 150 minutes, and could be capable of saving time. In addithion, colony PCR had an economic efficiency comparing with boiling method and glass beads methods. CONCLUSIONS: All these findings suggest that directly application of the Malassezia yeasts obtained from culture colony for PCR reaction is a fast, reliable, cost-effective and simple method for performing any PCR-based protocol including diagnostic tests.
Acne Vulgaris ; Adult ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Dermatitis, Seborrheic ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; DNA ; DNA, Ribosomal ; Electrophoresis ; Folliculitis ; Fungi ; Glass ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Malassezia* ; Microwaves ; Molecular Biology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction* ; Skin ; Tinea Versicolor ; Virulence ; Water ; Yeasts*

Pylephlebitis is defined as an inflammation of the portal system, which is a rare but dreaded complication of intra-abdominal inflammatory processes. In the past it was observed as a sequela of neglected or complicated appendicitis. With earlier diagnosis, modern surgical technique and antibiotics, the incidence has declined even further. In addition, thrombosis in portal system (pylethrombosis) can complicate the pylephlebitis, followed by obstruction of the portal system, leading to portal hypertension in the late stage. Proper recognition of early thrombosis and an accompanying intra-abdominal inflammatory process should arouse the suspicion of septic thrombophlebitis and lead to the early institution of adequate therapy to prevent the almost universally fatal outcome. We report the case of woman who had pylephlebitis and presented with fever of unknown origin, probably associated with acute appendicitis.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Appendicitis ; Diagnosis ; Fatal Outcome ; Female ; Fever of Unknown Origin* ; Fever* ; Humans ; Hypertension, Portal ; Incidence ; Inflammation ; Portal System ; Portal Vein* ; Thrombophlebitis* ; Thrombosis

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to establish a birth defects monitoring system in Korea by multi-center study. This novel study was initiated in 1999, and extended to detect the frequencies and trends of birth defects in Korea. METHODS: Six centers participated in this study. The actively ascertained surveillance data was collected from May 1999 to November 2001. RESULTS: Of the 65,653 births included in this study, 1,143 (1.7%) had birth defects. About one third of them were terminated. While disease of the genitourinary tract was more frequent in isolated defects, cardiovascular disease was more frequent in combined defects (19.7% and 21.7%, respectively). Chromosomal anomalies were detected 23.5 per 10,000 births. And it showed increasing tendency for 3 years. CONCLUSION: We could establish multi-center monitoring system for birth defects successfully. But, many of the problems arising in the collection of accurate, valid, and comparable epidemiological data about birth defects have not yet been overcome. It appears that the development of joint projects at national level is essential for upgrading the quality and usefulness of this study.
Cardiovascular Diseases ; Congenital Abnormalities* ; Joints ; Korea* ; Parturition*