No abstract available.
Female ; Humans ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second* ; Pregnancy*

This study was undertaken to investigate the characterization and distribution patterns of MHC class II positive dendritic cells[DCs] and ED2 positive tissue macrophages throughout the estrous cycle and during pregnancy in the rat ovary. The immunohistochemical characterization of the cells was carried out using the monoclonal antibodies OX6 and ED2 in cryostat-cut sections. DCs were distributed in the theca cell layer of the growing and mature follicles,stroma and corpus luteum. Tissue macrophages were distributed in the theca externa of the growing and mature follicles, stroma and corpus luteum but they were smaller in number than DCs. None of DC and tissue macrophage was found in the ovum, granulosa layer and follicular cavity of the ovarian follicle. However, DCs and tissue macrophages were present in the granulosa layer and follicular cavity in the atretic follicles. Degenerating corpus luteum contained a vast number of OX6 positive cells. On the contrary, fewer tissue macrophages were founcl in the degenerating corpus luteum. More macrophages tended to be observed in the former follicular cavity and theca lutein cell layer than in the granulosa lutein cell layer of the corpus luteum. In stroma,DCs and tissue macrophages were more frequently found around the blood vessels than in the other region, however, DCs were relatively greater in number than tissue macrophages. There was no estrous cycle and pregnancy dependent variation in the numbers and distribution patterns of DCs and tissue macrophages. In conclusion, the rat ovary contains rich networks of MHC class II positive dendritic cells and ED2 positive tissue macrophages. These findings suggest the existence of a well-developed system of immunological surveillance in the rat ovary. The results of this study have potentially important implications for the understanding not only of the ovarian immune system and the pathogenesis of various ovarian diseases but also of various physiologic functions of the ovary.
Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Blood Vessels ; Corpus Luteum ; Dendritic Cells* ; Estrous Cycle ; Female ; Immune System ; Immunologic Surveillance ; Luteal Cells ; Macrophages* ; Ovarian Diseases ; Ovarian Follicle ; Ovary* ; Ovum ; Pregnancy ; Rats* ; Theca Cells

No abstract available.
Endometriosis* ; Female

PURPOSE: In order to evaluate the spectrum of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in the patients with suspected Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). METHODS: We investigated 14 primary mtDNA mutations at nucleotide positions (nps 3460A, 4160C, 5244A, 9101C, 9804A, 10663C, 11778A, 13730A, 14459A, 14482G, 14484C, 14495G, 14498T, and 14568T) and one common secondary mutation (np15257A) in 82 Korean patients with suspected LHON. RESULTS: Among them, only three kinds of LHON mutations were identified in 60 (73%) of 82 probands, which were comprised of 46 (56%) cases with the 11778A, 13 (16%) with the 14484C, and 1 (1%) with the 3460A. None of the other mtDNA mutations was detected. Of the 60 probands with LHON positive mutations, 19 (32%) had relevant family histories. Heteroplasmy was determined in 2 (4%) of the 46 probands with the 11778A and 1 (8%) of 13 probands with the 14484C. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, the 11778A was the most common cause (56%), and higher prevalence of the 14484C and the lower prevalence of the 3460A were characteristic in Korean patients with LHON. Especially, the 3460A had a remarkable racial difference compared with Caucasians. Except 3460A, 11778A, and 14484C, the other mutations screened may not be involved in pathogenesis and not have a synergistic effect on the clinical expression of LHON in Koreans.
Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; DNA, Mitochondrial* ; Humans ; Molecular Biology* ; Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber* ; Prevalence

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of an AED by 119 rescuers in prehospital cardiac arrest. METHODS: 132 patients who experienced prehospital cardiac arrest and was defibrillated by 119 rescuers using AED from January 2003 to December 2004 were included in this study. They were reviewed retrospectively based on 119 rescue service records and ECG. We analyzed patients' general characteristics, types of ECG rhythm, time intervals from EMS activation to arrival and from EMS activation to the first defibrillation, numbers of defibrillation, and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). RESULTS: The mean age was 57.33+/-17.84 years with 92 males and 40 females. 68 patients showed shockable rhythms (coarse ventricular fibrillation 41, fine ventricular fibrillation 24, pulseless ventricular tachycardia 3) and 39 patients showed unshockable rhythms (pulseless electrical activity 19 , asystole 18, normal sinus rhythm 2) as an initial rhythm at EMS arrival. Unshockable rhythms were changed to shockable rhythms after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 25 patients had no ECG rhythms on 119 rescue service records. In the patients with shockable rhythms initially (68 patients), 18 patients experienced ROSC, whereas only 1 patients experienced ROSC in the patients with unshockable rhythms initially (39 patients). The patients with shockable rhythms initially had higher ROSC rates than the patients with unshockable rhythms initially (26.1% vs 2.6%, p=0.001) and received less defibrillation than the patients with unshockable rhythms initially (1.37+/-0.60 vs 2.49+/-1.87, p=0.016). There were no significant differences in the time intervals from EMS activation to arrival (5.74+/-2.13 minutes vs 7.12+/-4.33 minutes, p=0.529) and from EMS activation to the first defibrillation (14.20+/-7.97 minutes vs 13.75+/-7.30 minutes, p=0.542) between ROSC group & non-ROSC group. There was no significant difference in ROSC between male and female (13% vs 17.5%, p=0.164). CONCLUSION: The patients with shockable rhythms initially had higher ROSC rates than the patients with unshockable rhythms initially (26.1% vs 2.6%, p=0.001) and received less defibrillation than the patients with unshockable rhythms initially (1.37+/-0.60 vs 2.49+/-1.87, p=0.016).
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ; Defibrillators ; Electric Countershock ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Heart Arrest ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; Ventricular Fibrillation

BACKGROUND: Korea is an endemic area of viral hepatitis B. In spite of the HBV vaccination program since 1983, the prevalence of HBV antigen had remained high, which was 3.9% in male, 2.7% in female in 1994. But there is no approved management guideline on isolated anti-HBc and the meaning of which is not clear except the evidence of past infection. Therefore, we tried to investigate the factors which influence the seroconversion of anti-HBs during follow-up period. METHODS: Medical records of 239 subject with isolated anti-HBc, who visited a health promotion center from 1995 to 1997 and who were retested at least once during the 1-3 years' follow-up period, were analyzed. RESULTS: The seroconversion rate of anti-HBs was 45.61%(109/239) on the follow-up test. The number of newly vaccinated or non-newly vaccinated subjects during the follow-up period was 156 and 72, respectively. The seroconversion rate of anti-HBs of each group were 57.69%(90/156) and 22.22% (16/72) respectively(p<0.01). The subjects without previous history of HBV vaccination was 103. Among them the seroconversion rate of anti-HBs of the newly vaccinated or the non newly vaccinated group were 59.70%(40/67) and 22.22% (8/36), respectively(p<0.01). Sex, age, BMI, smoking, previous history of HBV vaccination did not influence significantly on the seroconversion rate of anti-HBs among the subjects with isolated anti-HBc. CONCLUSIONS: The seroconversion rate in people with isolated anti-HBc was significantly higher in the newly vaccinated than the non-newly vaccinated regardless of the previous history of HBV vaccination in this study. In spite of the non-differentiation of an-amnestic response from primary antibody response, we can expect to benefit from HBV vaccination in those with isolated anti-HBc.59.70%(40/67) and 22.22% (8/36), respectively(p<0.01). Sex, age, BMI, smoking, previous history of HBV vaccination did not influence significantly on the seroconversion rate of anti-HBs among the subjects with isolated anti-HBc. CONCLUSIONS: The seroconversion rate in people with isolated anti-HBc was significantly higher in the newly vaccinated than the non-newly vaccinated regardless of the previous history of HBV vaccination in this study. In spite of the non-differentiation of an-amnestic response from primary antibody response, we can expect to benefit from HBV vaccination in those with isolated anti-HBc.
Antibody Formation ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Health Promotion ; Hepatitis B ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Medical Records ; Prevalence ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Vaccination

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The detection and removal of colorectal polyps are important for secondary prevention of colorectal cancer. We investigated the characteristics and histopathologic finding of polyps to better plan their management. METHODS: We analyzed 334 patients who underwent polypectomies for 770 colorectal polyps between October, 2005 and April, 2007 at Bong Seng Memorial Hospital. RESULTS: Colorectal polyps were frequent in the sixth decade in both sexes. The ratio of male to female patients was 1.72:1. Abdominal pain/discomfort was the most common symptom (34.4%), and the most common site of polyp localization was the rectosigmoid colon. Histopathologic examination showed tubular adenomas (54.6%), hyperplastic polyps (36.4%), and inflammatory polyps (5.6%). Adenomatous polyps were more common in patients with multiple polyps than in patients with a single polyp. Adenomatous polyps with villous histology were more common in patients with large polyps than in patients with small polyps. Non-neoplastic polyps were common before the fifth decade. Neoplastic polyps were common past the fifth decade. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, tubular adenomas were frequently found on histopathologic examination, sessile type were frequently found on gross examination, and colorectal polyps were found principally in the rectosigmoid colon. Neoplastic polyps were more frequent in patients beyond the fifth decade. There fore colonoscopy examination is recommended for secondary prevention of colon cancer.
Adenoma ; Adenomatous Polyps ; Colon ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Colonoscopy ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Polyps ; Secondary Prevention

A 37-year-old male patient presented with a fever, chills, and abdominal pain. The patient was diagnosed with Typhoid fever based on blood culture, but did not clinically respond to standard antibiotic (Ceftriaxone) therapy. On day 9, leptospira serology was positive and doxycycline was added to the treatment strategy. With combination therapy, the patient recovered from the infection. In most cases, similar clinical presentations make the diagnosis of concurrent infections of febrile diseases difficult, and serious complications can develop as a consequence of delayed treatment. As with this case, if the patient initially has serious a medical condition caused by complications, and does not clinically respond to initial standard antibiotics therapy or has an unusual course of disease, concurrent infection must be considered.
Abdominal Pain ; Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Chills ; Doxycycline ; Fever ; Humans ; Leptospira ; Leptospirosis ; Male ; Salmonella Infections ; Typhoid Fever

PURPOSE: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase morbidity and mortality of fetus and neonates. Recently some studies revealed that antihypertensive agents affected the neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognosis of preterm infants delivered from the mothers with hypertensive disorders who were treated with antihypertensive agents and magnesium sulfate. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on preterm infants who were delivered from normotensive mother (control, n=436) and antihypertensive drugs +/- magnesium sulfate treated mother (study, n=150) between January 2009 and December 2013. Study group were divided into two groups based on whether they received antihypertensive drugs only (n=110) and additional magnesium sulfate (n=40). We compared the characteristics of mothers and neonatal outcomes. RESULTS: Study group had shorter gestational age (32.2+/-3.5 weeks vs. 33.7+/-3.0 weeks, P=0.000) and lower birth weight (1,810.5 +/- 689.2 g, 2,212.1 +/- 604.9 g, P=0.000), and higher rate of small for gestational age infants (22% vs 11%, P=0.000). One minute and 5 minutes Apgar score were lower, but duration of hospital days, oxygen supplement and mechanical ventilation were longer in study group. Respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular hemorrhage occurred more in study group than control. The group treated with magnesium sulfate together with antihypertensive agent had lower 1 minute and 5 minutes Apgar score than the group taken antihypertensive agent only. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers with hypertensive disorders have increased the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, and high neonatal morbidity rate. Therefore it is important to predict and manage possible complication. Moreover, if magnesium sulfate is taken, careful neonatal monitoring is needed because of possible low Apgar score.
Antihypertensive Agents* ; Apgar Score ; Birth Weight ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Fetus ; Gestational Age ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Low Birth Weight ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature* ; Magnesium Sulfate ; Mortality ; Mothers* ; Oxygen ; Pregnancy* ; Prognosis ; Respiration, Artificial ; Retinopathy of Prematurity ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND/AIM: Antimicrobials for nosocomial infections are generally chosen discriminately from community-acquired diseases from concerns for resistance to which the elderly are highly exposed. The elderly are affected frequently by acute cholecystitis (AC), for which appropriate antimicrobial therapy is particularly important. Also, cholecystectomy for elderly patients with co-morbidities is expectedly not as feasible as for uncomplicated young patients. Characteristics of hospital-acquired AC in the elderly patients were investigated in this study. METHODS: Records of patients over 65 years and older diagnosed with AC between March 2006 and February 2015 were reviewed retrospectively. Hospital-acquired AC was defined as development of AC in patients who were admitted for other disorders. Community-acquired AC was defined as presence of AC at the time of admission. Community-acquired AC group (CG) was used as a control group that was matched for age and sex with a ratio of 1:2. RESULTS: There were 40 patients in hospital-acquired AC group (HG) and 80 in CG. Demographics did not differ except higher prevalence of underlying illnesses in HG. Necessity to change initial antimicrobials for worsening conditions was more common in HG than in CG (20.0% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.01). Time to recovery was longer in HG (23.3 ± 5.6 days vs. 10.1 ± 0.7 days, p = 0.02). Rate of early cholecystectomy was lower (7.5% vs. 40.0%, p < 0.01) and that of open conversion was higher (20.0% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.02) in HG. CONCLUSIONS: For the elderly patients with hospital-acquired AC, antimicrobial and surgical management should be performed more meticulously since they showed distinct characteristics.
Aged* ; Cholecystectomy ; Cholecystitis, Acute* ; Cross Infection ; Demography ; Gallstones ; Humans ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies