Serum is free of cellular components. Because DNA is located in the nuclei or mitochondria of cells, serum could be assumed DNA free. Few previously published case reports to date have used serum for DNA typing. Here, we report on human genotyping via short tandem repeat (STR) analysis using serum as a sample, and discuss problems involved in the process.
DNA Fingerprinting* ; DNA* ; Humans ; Microsatellite Repeats* ; Mitochondria

Recently, studies on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have increased rapidly. Conventional parameters, such as diversity index, pairwise comparison, are used to interpret and validate data on autosomal DNA; however, the use of these parameters to validate data from mitochondrial DNA databases (mtDNA DBs) needs to be verified because of the different transmission patterns of mtDNA. This study was done to verify the use of these conventional parameters and to test the "coverage concept" for a new parameter. The mtDNA DB is not very big; however, it is necessary to check how the change in parameters corresponds to the DB size. For this, we artificially rearranged a Korean DB into several small sub-DBs of variable sizes. The results show that the diversity in nucleotide variations and the different haplotype numbers do not vary as the size of DB increases. However, the "coverage" changed a lot. The coverage increased from 0.113 in a DB of 100 people to 0.260 in a DB of 653 people. Additionally, using the "coverage concept", we predicted how the total number of haplotypes changed with variations in the sub-DB size and compared the predicted result with final result. In conclusion, "coverage", in addition to conventional statistical parameters, can be used to check the usability of an mtDNA DB. Finally, we tried to predict the size of the whole mtDNA number in Korea using "saturation concept".
DNA ; DNA, Mitochondrial* ; Haplotypes ; Korea ; Phylogeny

PURPOSE: To evaluate the morphological differences between malignant and inflammatory lesions that arise from the cecal or pericecal region on CT by analyzing not only the mass itself but also the changes of surrounding structures. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We reviewed CT scans of 38 cases of cecal lesions confirmed by pathology(16 malignant lesions and 22 inflammatory lesions). The analytical points were :the changes of bowel wall mass, the changes of surrounding structures, strands of retroperitoneal fat, pericecal fluid collection, and regional lymphadenopathy. RESULTS: The malignant bowel wall thickening(18.0mm) was thicker than inflammatory one(ll.4mm)(p < 0.001). Concentric bowel wall thickening was seen in 87.5%(14/16) of malignant lesions and 36%(8/22) of the inflammatory lesions. The pericecal fat stranding was circumferential in 84%(16/22) of inflammation and eccentric in 64%(916) of malignancy(p < 0.01). Pericolic fat infiltration was more extensive in inflammatory lesions(p < 0.005). The strands of retroperitoneal fat were more frequently found in inflammatory lesions(p < 0.05). The pericecal fluid collection was seen in 55%(12/22) of inflammatory lesions and none of malignant lesions. There was no difference in the presence of pericecal lymphadenopathy between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Malignant cecal masses have thicker and concentric bowel wall thickening, and narrower and eccentric pericolic fat infiltration. On the other hand, inflammatory masses have relatively thinner and eccentric bowel wall thickening, and more extensive and circumferential pericolic fat infiltration sometimes accompanied by abnormal fluid collection.
Cecum* ; Hand ; Inflammation ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

PURPOSE: To report the first domestic case of choroidal neovascularization in a choroideremia patient treated with intravitreal bevacizumab injection. CASE SUMMARY: A 29-year-old male presented with a sudden decline in vision in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed areas of choriocapillaries and retinal pigment epithelium atrophy with macular hemorrhage. Fluorescein angiogram revealed vascular hyperfluorescence in the juxtafoveal area. Neurosensory detachment around the macula and increased central macular thickness was also observed using optical coherence tomography. Upon the diagnosis of choroideremia with choroidal neovascularization, the patient was treated with 1.25 mg intravitreal bevacizumab. Visual acuity improved after four injections of intravitreal Bevacizumab with improvement in both detachment and fluorescein leakage. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with choroideremia presenting sudden decline in vision, ophthalmologists should detect for possible choroidal neovascularization. The results from the present study show that judicious use of intravitreal Bevacizumab may be effective in such cases. Further studies with a large sample size and sufficiently long follow-up periods are required.
Adult ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Atrophy ; Choroid ; Choroidal Neovascularization ; Choroideremia ; Eye ; Fluorescein ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Male ; Retinal Pigment Epithelium ; Sample Size ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Vision, Ocular ; Visual Acuity ; Bevacizumab

The authors experienced a case of plasma cholinesterase variant who received succinylcholine, atracurium and reversal with pyridostigmine, and showed prolonged neuromuscular blockade postoperatively, and was ventilated artificia1ly until complete recovery. The patient and her two children later gave samples of blood. The patients blood revealed very low plasma cholinesterase activity of 0.11 IU/L(normal range; 5-12 IU/L) and dibucaine number of 33. In consideration of her childrens plasma cholinesterase activities and dibucaine numbers, we suggest that she has genetically abnormal plasma cholinesterase and probably her genotype is E E or E E.
Atracurium ; Child ; Cholinesterases ; Dibucaine ; Genotype ; Humans ; Neuromuscular Blockade* ; Plasma* ; Pyridostigmine Bromide ; Succinylcholine

BACKGROUND: Human cancel can be induced by various environmental factors such as virus, chemicals, and radiations. However, susceptibility of host to these environmental factors is not well studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chromosomal vulnerability to gamma-1rradiation of peripheral blood lymphocytes in patients with luring, gastric, and liver cancer. METHODS: Micronuclei (MN) test was done in 15 patients with gastric cancer, 18 patients with lung cancer, and 20 normal controls. Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test was done in 13 patients with hepatocellular cancer and 14 normal controls. RESULTS: The baseline frequency of MN before irradiation in patients with lung cancer and gastric cancel was significantly higher than in controls (47+/-8, 73+/-9, and 8+/-l, respectively; p<0.01). After gamma-irradiation, the frequency of MN was also significantly higher than in controls (223+/-19, 269+/-43, and 285+/-56, respectively; p<0.05). The frequency of SCE in Patients with hepatocellular cancer was significantly higher her than in controls (9.0+/-0.6, 4.3+/-0.7, respectively; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: From this preliminay data, we concluded that chromosomes of peripheyal blood lymphocytes in patients with various cancers were more vulnerable to gamma-irradiation as compared to normal controls.
Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; Lung Neoplasms ; Lymphocytes* ; Sister Chromatid Exchange ; Stomach Neoplasms

BACKGROUND: CHROMagar Candida is a new differential medium that allows selective isolation and identification of clinically significant yeasts. We evaluated the use of this medium to identify Candida species directly from positive blood culture bottles. METHODS: A total of 152 positive blood culture bottles (51 Candida albicans, 29 Candida troficalis, 28 Candida parapsilosis, 26 Candida glabrata, 10 Candida krusei, 4 Candida pelliculosa. 1 Candida guilliermonidii, 3 C. albicans plus C. glabrata) were directly subcultures to CHROMagar (Hardy diagnostics. USA) and incubated for 48 h. Colony appearance on CHROMagar was assessed independently by three observers. RESULTS: CHROMagar correctly identified 95.4%, 92 1% and 91.4% of Candida app. from blood cultures by the three observers. respectively. There was 91.4% agree cent between the observers. Expected colony appearance on CHROMagar was 100% for C. albicans. 97.7% for C. tropicalis, 96.7% for C. krusei, 94 9% for C. glabrata but 88.1% for C. parapsilosis. Three mixed candidemias, not detected by conventional methods, were detected by CHROMagar. CONCLUSIONS: CHROMagar permits earlier recognition of major Cardida app. in positive blood cultures and more reliable detection of mixed candidemias.
Candida albicans ; Candida glabrata ; Candida* ; Candidemia ; Yeasts

PURPOSE: While the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic adrenalectomy are relatively well documented, this procedure remains challenging for pheochromocytoma. The purpose of our investigation was to assess the perioperative profiles of laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) with those of open adrenalectomy (OA) in patients with pheochromocytoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1997 and October 2005, 31 patients with pheochromocytoma underwent surgical removal, including 15 LA and 16 OA. The LA was performed via a lateral decubitus transperitoneal approach. The mean tumor size was similar in both groups (LA 6.0cm vs. OA 5.7cm). All patients underwent extensive preoperative medical preparation with alpha-blockers. The intraoperative hemodynamic instabilities and perioperative profiles were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: No conversion to open surgery was required with either procedure and no mortality was observed. Hypertensive crisis (systolic blood pressure>200mmHg) and severe tachycardia (heart rate>100/min) were more common in the OA group (LA 13.3 and 26.7% vs. OA 56.3 and 62.5%). The mean operating times for both groups were similar (LA 182.0+/-47.0 min vs. OA 183.1+/-66.5 min), but the duration of hospitalization was shorter in the LA group (LA 5.3+/-2.2 days vs. OA 6.8+/-1.0 days). The estimated blood loss was greater in the OA group (LA 103.3+/-44.2ml vs. OA 159.4+/-66.8ml). Intravenous morphine was needed in 56.3% of the OA, but in only 13.3% of the LA group. There were no significant differences in the postoperative complications between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic resection of pheochromocytomas can be accomplished safely and effectively. A short hospital stay, with minimal perioperative morbidity and the eradication of endocrinopathy, support the minimally invasive approach for adrenalectomy in patients with pheochromocytoma.
Adrenalectomy* ; Conversion to Open Surgery ; Hemodynamics ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Morphine ; Mortality ; Pheochromocytoma* ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Tachycardia

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incidence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella has been steadily increased, and the newer species K. planticola and K terrigena, formerly regarded as nonpathogen, have been reported with astonishing frequency from human infectious processes by some investigators. The aim of this study is to elucidate the isolation rate and antimicrobial susceptibility of recent clinical Klebsiella isolates. METHOD: For the clinical Klebsiella isolates during the period of June 1999 to May 2000, isolation frequency of Klebsiella species by specimen, departments, age, and sex were analyzed. And antimicrobial susceptibilities were also analyzed. RESULT: Isolation rate of Klebsiella in order of decreasing frequency were K. pneumoniae (74:7%), K. oxytoca (12.1%), K. ozaenae(1.7%), K. planticola(1.0%), K. terngena(0.9%), and K, ornithinolytica (0.7%), respectively. K. rhinoscleromatis was not isolated. Compared with outpatients, increase of resistance rates of inpatients's Klebsiella isolates were 10% in ciprofloxacin, 15% in cefoperazone/sulbactam, and the others were ranged from 24% to 31%. Isolation rate of ESBL producing K. pneumoniae by double disk (DD) synergy test was 41%, and detection rates by antimicrobial agents were as follows: cefotaxime (95%), aztreonam (58%), and ceftriaxone (37%). Antimicrobial susceptibility rate with the exception of ampicillin and imipenem decreased from the range of 81%-96% on admission day to 29-62% after one week on admission. CONCLUSION: The isolation rates of K. planticola and K. terrigena were less than 1%. The proportion of ESBL producing K. pneumoniae was 41 %. And the vast majority of multidrug resistant Klebsiella including ESBL producing strains are acquired by hospitalization.
Ampicillin ; Anti-Infective Agents ; Aztreonam ; beta-Lactamases ; Cefotaxime ; Ceftriaxone ; Ciprofloxacin ; Epidemiology* ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Imipenem ; Incidence ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; Klebsiella* ; Outpatients ; Pneumonia ; Research Personnel

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the incidence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Klebsiella has been steadily increased, and the newer species K. planticola and K terrigena, formerly regarded as nonpathogen, have been reported with astonishing frequency from human infectious processes by some investigators. The aim of this study is to elucidate the isolation rate and antimicrobial susceptibility of recent clinical Klebsiella isolates. METHOD: For the clinical Klebsiella isolates during the period of June 1999 to May 2000, isolation frequency of Klebsiella species by specimen, departments, age, and sex were analyzed. And antimicrobial susceptibilities were also analyzed. RESULT: Isolation rate of Klebsiella in order of decreasing frequency were K. pneumoniae (74:7%), K. oxytoca (12.1%), K. ozaenae(1.7%), K. planticola(1.0%), K. terngena(0.9%), and K, ornithinolytica (0.7%), respectively. K. rhinoscleromatis was not isolated. Compared with outpatients, increase of resistance rates of inpatients's Klebsiella isolates were 10% in ciprofloxacin, 15% in cefoperazone/sulbactam, and the others were ranged from 24% to 31%. Isolation rate of ESBL producing K. pneumoniae by double disk (DD) synergy test was 41%, and detection rates by antimicrobial agents were as follows: cefotaxime (95%), aztreonam (58%), and ceftriaxone (37%). Antimicrobial susceptibility rate with the exception of ampicillin and imipenem decreased from the range of 81%-96% on admission day to 29-62% after one week on admission. CONCLUSION: The isolation rates of K. planticola and K. terrigena were less than 1%. The proportion of ESBL producing K. pneumoniae was 41 %. And the vast majority of multidrug resistant Klebsiella including ESBL producing strains are acquired by hospitalization.
Ampicillin ; Anti-Infective Agents ; Aztreonam ; beta-Lactamases ; Cefotaxime ; Ceftriaxone ; Ciprofloxacin ; Epidemiology* ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Imipenem ; Incidence ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; Klebsiella* ; Outpatients ; Pneumonia ; Research Personnel