Perilla frutescens was empirically used for controlling airway inflammatory diseases in folk medicine. We investigated whether caffeic acid, myristicin and rosemarinic acid derived from Perilla frutescens significantly affect the gene expression and production of mucin from airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI-H292 cells were pretreated with caffeic acid, myristicin or rosemarinic acid for 30 min and then stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) for 24 h. The MUC5AC mucin gene expression and production were measured by reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. Additionally, we examined whether caffeic acid, myristicin or rosemarinic acid affects MUC5AC mucin production indued by epidermal growth factor (EGF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), the other two stimulators of production of airway mucin. The results were as follows: (1) Caffeic acid, myristicin and rosemarinic acid inhibited the gene expression and production of MUC5AC mucin induced by PMA from NCI-H292 cells, respectively; (2) Among the three compounds derived from Perilla frutescens, only rosemarinic acid inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin induced by EGF or TNF-α, the other two stimulators of production of airway mucin. These results suggest that rosemarinic acid derived from Perilla frutescens can regulate the production and gene expression of mucin, by directly acting on airway epithelial cells and, at least in part, explains the traditional use of Perilla frutescens as remedies for diverse inflammatory pulmonary diseases.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; Epithelial Cells ; Gene Expression* ; Lung Diseases ; Medicine, Traditional ; Mucins* ; Necrosis ; Perilla frutescens ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcription

Most intrasellar meningiomas are located in the subdiaphragmatic and supraglandular region because they originate from the diaphragma sellae. Subglandular meningiomas located under the pituitary gland are extremely rare. Intrasellar meningiomas in the subdiaphragmatic and subglandular region probably originate from the dura in the sellar floor. We report a case of a subglandular meningioma along with a review of the literature.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Meningioma/*diagnosis/pathology/surgery ; Middle Aged ; Pituitary Neoplasms/*diagnosis/pathology/surgery ; Sella Turcica/*pathology

BACKGROUND: Fexofenadine (Allegra(R)) is a H1-receptor selective antihistamine which exhibits consistent efficacy and safety in the treatment of allergic diseases. We thought that fexofenadine may be useful in treatment of the pruritus associated with eczema. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fexofenadine in the treatment of pruritus associated with eczema. METHODS: In this study, patients with atopic and allergic contact dermatitis were divided into a group given fexofenadine 180 mg once daily with topical prednicarbate treatment group or a topical prednicarbate treatment only group, for 1 week. The primary efficacy parameter was the mean change from baseline in pruritus score, and the secondary parameters were the mean change in the incidence of scratching, the mean change in visual analogue scale (0~100 mm) of pruritus, and a comparison of patient satisfaction. RESULTS: 435 patients were included and the mean age was 32.9 years old. The mean pruritus score at baseline was 3.55 point in fexofenadine group and 3.51 point in the control group. Regarding the mean change in pruritus score, fexofenadine significantly decreased the severity of pruritus compared with the control group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in the decrease in the incidence of scratching between the two groups. A decrease in pruritus levels utilizing visual analogue scale was significant in the fexofenadine group (p<0.05) and patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the fexofenadine group (p=0.0192). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between two groups (p=0.6237). CONCLUSION: Fexofenadine administered 180 mg once daily in combination with topical prednicarbate treatment was effective and well tolerated in this study.
Dermatitis, Allergic Contact ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Eczema ; Humans ; Incidence ; Patient Satisfaction ; Prednisolone ; Pruritus ; Terfenadine

Pulmonary involvement is more common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) than in any other connective tissue disease, and more than half of patients with SLE suffer from respiratory dysfunction during the course of their illness. Although sepsis and renal disease are the most common causes of death in SLE, lung disease is the predominant manifestation and is an indicator of overall prognosis. Respiratory disease may be due to direct involvement of the lung or as a secondary consequence of the effect of the disease on other organ systems.
Cause of Death ; Connective Tissue Diseases ; Humans ; Lung ; Lung Diseases ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* ; Prognosis ; Sepsis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effect of electrical stimulation (ES) on vestibular compensation was investigated for 28 days after unilateral labyrinthectomy (Lx) in 24 rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: The rats were divided into 4 groups and were treated as follows: A) Lx only, B) Lx with ES (0.6 mA) for 2 days, C) Lx with ES (0.6 mA) for 7 days, D) Lx with ES (1.2 mA) for 2 days. ES with pulse wave (10 Hz) was applied to temporal portion bilaterally (8 hr/day). Cathodal currents were transmitted to the electrode on the destructive side, anodal to that on the intact side. Postoperatively, spontaneous nystagmus (SN) was recorded with the video camera and yaw and roll head tilt (YHT, RHT) were measured using photo images. Horizontal vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) was evaluated at various frequencies (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3 Hz with peak angular velocity of 40degrees/sec) with the magnetic search coil system. Locomotor movement was monitored with a video camera. RESULTS: The ES groups showed faster compensation in SN, YHT, and RHT than the Lx group. At 3 days after Lx, the ES groups showed significant improvement in the gain over the whole frequency and asymmetry at low frequency compared to that of the Lx group. But the ES group had no effect on compensation of gain and asymmetry on and after 7 days of post-labyrinthectomy. There was no significant difference in vestibular compensation with respect to duration and intensity of ES. ES had no significant effect on the mean velocity and mean deviation of locomotor movements. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that ES has a favorable effect on the suppression of early static symptoms but has no effect on the compensation of dynamic symptoms after the recovery of resting discharge of the vestibular nuclei neurons.
Animals ; Compensation and Redress* ; Ear, Inner ; Electric Stimulation* ; Electrodes ; Head ; Neurons ; Rats* ; Reflex, Vestibulo-Ocular ; Vestibular Nuclei

PURPOSE: In order to determine specific differences, we compared the temporal bone CT findings of chronic otitis media(COM) with and without cholesteatoma, focusing on bone change. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 1998, 82 patients(84 cases) underwent temporal bone CT and were shown to have COM, with or without cholesteatoma after mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty. There were 36cases of COM with cholesteatoma(26 patients, M:F=11:15; age range, 16 -61 [mean, 36.2] years), and 58 cases without cholesteatoma(56 patients, M:F=25:31, age range, 15 -61 [mean, 36.2]years). The findings of temporal bone CT were analyzed at the point of bony changes including erosion and medial displacement of ossicles(malleus, incus, and stapes), erosion or destruction of the scutum, tegmen, facial canal, and lateral semicircular canal, and ballooning of the tympanic cavity and mastoid antrum. In addition, the soft tissue changes seen on temporal bone CT were analyzed at the site of lateral bulging of soft tissue in Prussak's space, perforation of the pars flaccida, tympanic membrane retraction, and tympanosclerosis. We retrospectively compared the findings of temporal bone CT with the surgical findings, and to assess statistical significance, the Chi-square test was used. RESULTS: Bone erosion or destruction was seen in 36.2 % of COM cases without cholesteatoma, and in 96.2% of cases with cholesteatoma. Comparing COM with and without cholesteatoma, the erosion of ossicles includ-ing the malleus(81%, 24%), incus(88%, 14%), stapes(58%, 10%), scutum(88%, 10%), facial canal(8%, 0%), and lateral semicircular canal(8%, 0%), was more common in COM with cholesteatoma(p-value<0.05), with the exception of erosion of the tegmen(8%, 3%). Other bony changes including medial displacement of ossi-cles (27%, 3%), ballooning of tympanic cavity and mastoid antrum(96%, 16%), and the soft tissue changes including lateral bulging of soft tissue in Prussak's space(58%, 14%) and perforation of the pars flaccida(35% ,9%) were more common in COM with cholesteatoma (p-alue<0.05). Soft tissue in Prussak's space(58%, 72%), retraction of the tympanic membrane(1%, 9%), and tympanosclerosis(8%, 10%) were not however,important findings(p-value>0.05). CONCLUSION: Bone erosion or destruction was seen in COM without cholesteatoma, but expansile bone erosion or destruction with mass effect suggested COM with cholesteatoma. These findings of temporal bone CT in COM demonstrate the existence and extent of combined cholesteatoma, and are therefore valuable.
Cholesteatoma ; Diagnosis, Differential* ; Ear, Middle ; Humans ; Incus ; Mastoid ; Myringosclerosis ; Otitis Media* ; Otitis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Semicircular Canals ; Temporal Bone ; Tympanic Membrane ; Tympanoplasty

PURPOSE: In order to determine specific differences, we compared the temporal bone CT findings of chronic otitis media(COM) with and without cholesteatoma, focusing on bone change. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1997 and 1998, 82 patients(84 cases) underwent temporal bone CT and were shown to have COM, with or without cholesteatoma after mastoidectomy and tympanoplasty. There were 36cases of COM with cholesteatoma(26 patients, M:F=11:15; age range, 16 -61 [mean, 36.2] years), and 58 cases without cholesteatoma(56 patients, M:F=25:31, age range, 15 -61 [mean, 36.2]years). The findings of temporal bone CT were analyzed at the point of bony changes including erosion and medial displacement of ossicles(malleus, incus, and stapes), erosion or destruction of the scutum, tegmen, facial canal, and lateral semicircular canal, and ballooning of the tympanic cavity and mastoid antrum. In addition, the soft tissue changes seen on temporal bone CT were analyzed at the site of lateral bulging of soft tissue in Prussak's space, perforation of the pars flaccida, tympanic membrane retraction, and tympanosclerosis. We retrospectively compared the findings of temporal bone CT with the surgical findings, and to assess statistical significance, the Chi-square test was used. RESULTS: Bone erosion or destruction was seen in 36.2 % of COM cases without cholesteatoma, and in 96.2% of cases with cholesteatoma. Comparing COM with and without cholesteatoma, the erosion of ossicles includ-ing the malleus(81%, 24%), incus(88%, 14%), stapes(58%, 10%), scutum(88%, 10%), facial canal(8%, 0%), and lateral semicircular canal(8%, 0%), was more common in COM with cholesteatoma(p-value<0.05), with the exception of erosion of the tegmen(8%, 3%). Other bony changes including medial displacement of ossi-cles (27%, 3%), ballooning of tympanic cavity and mastoid antrum(96%, 16%), and the soft tissue changes including lateral bulging of soft tissue in Prussak's space(58%, 14%) and perforation of the pars flaccida(35% ,9%) were more common in COM with cholesteatoma (p-alue<0.05). Soft tissue in Prussak's space(58%, 72%), retraction of the tympanic membrane(1%, 9%), and tympanosclerosis(8%, 10%) were not however,important findings(p-value>0.05). CONCLUSION: Bone erosion or destruction was seen in COM without cholesteatoma, but expansile bone erosion or destruction with mass effect suggested COM with cholesteatoma. These findings of temporal bone CT in COM demonstrate the existence and extent of combined cholesteatoma, and are therefore valuable.
Cholesteatoma ; Diagnosis, Differential* ; Ear, Middle ; Humans ; Incus ; Mastoid ; Myringosclerosis ; Otitis Media* ; Otitis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Semicircular Canals ; Temporal Bone ; Tympanic Membrane ; Tympanoplasty

BACKGROUND: Postoperative patients frequently associate postoperative backache with epidural anesthesia administered for the operation. Epidural steroids are often used for the treatment of low back pain. We performed this study to compare the effect of epidural triamcinolone on the incidence and severity of postepidural backache after cesarean section. METHODS: Eighty patients scheduled for cesarean section under epidural anesthesia using 2% lidocaine received 40 mg of triamcinolone (n=40) or 1ml of normal saline (n=40) epidurally via indwelling catheter after delivery. Backache were checked preoperatively and 24, 48, 72hr postoperatively using VAS score. A patient was considered to have postepidural backache when the postoperative VAS score was higher than the preoperative score. RESULTS: The incidence and severity of postepidural backache were much less in triamcinolone group than in control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Epidural triamcinolone has a preventive effect on postepidural backache in cesarean section patients.
Anesthesia, Epidural* ; Back Pain* ; Catheters, Indwelling ; Cesarean Section* ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lidocaine ; Low Back Pain ; Pregnancy ; Steroids ; Triamcinolone*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiologic characteristics of sinonasal lymphoma, as seen on CT and MR MATERIALS AND METHODS: In eighteen patients with pathologically-proven non-hodgkin's lymphoma in the sinonasal cavity, CT andMR images were retrospectively reviewed. CT and MR findings were analyzed for tumor location, degree ofinfiltration into the adjacent structure, degree of enhancement, and the presence of bone change. Tthe last-namedwas classified as one of four types : complete destruction, segmental destruction, thinning, or sclerotic change. RESULTS: Masses in the nasal cavity (N=17) and ethomoid sinus (N=16) were most common, and the remainder wereaccounted for by maxillary sinus(N=6), sphenoid sinus(N=2), and frontal sinus(N=2), In 16 cases, the involvementof more than two sinonasal compartments was demonstrated ; the deensity of these masses was shown by precontrastCT to be similar to that of facial muscles ; affer contrast enhancement, all except one (15/16) showed homogeneousenhancement. Tumor infiltration of the adjacent structure was identified in the nasopharynx(N=9), anterior buccalspace(N=7), orbit(n=6), subcutaneous layer of the cheek(N=3), and infratemporal fossa(N=3). Direct extension ofthe tumor from the nasal fossa to the nasopharynx or anterior buccal space was demonstrated. Among 18 cases, bonechange was seen in 12, segmental destruction in eight, complete destruction in six, thinning in two, and scleroticchange in two. Four of the six cases with complete bone destruction showed hyperdense linear density within themass ; CT showed that after treatment, bony regrowth had occurred. In two cases, MRI showed intermediate signalintensity of the masses on T1WI, iso or slightly high signal intensity on T2WI, and moderate enhancement onpostcontrast T1WI. CONCLUSION: On CT, sinonasal lymphoma usually showed homogenous enhancement, extensivelyinfiltration of the adjacent structure, but no massive bone destruction. Hyperdense linear density, suggestingghost bone and seen in spite of massive bone destruction, may be a characteristic finding of sinonasal lymphoma.
Facial Muscles ; Humans ; Lymphoma* ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Nasal Cavity ; Nasopharynx ; Retrospective Studies