Sulfite is commonly used in pharmaceuticals as a preservative. We report a unique clinical presentation of localized periorbital edema on the left eye after administration of sulfite-containing dexamethasone. The patient's sulfite sensitivity was confirmed by sulfite oral provocation test: periorbital edema on the same site developed after ingestion of 200 mg sodium bisulfite. She was non-atopic and did not complain of any respiratory symptoms. Allergy skin prick test with 100 mg/ml sodium bisulfite showed a negative result. She also has aspirin-sensitive urticaria which was confirmed by oral provocation test. In conclusion, sulfite can induce a localized periorbital edema, an uncommon manifestation in sensitive patients. Further investigations are needed to clarify the pathogenetic mechanisms.
Allergens/*therapeutic use ; Case Report ; Edema/*etiology ; Female ; Human ; Middle Age ; Orbital Diseases/*etiology ; Skin Diseases/drug therapy ; Sulfites/*therapeutic use

The progress of transplantation has been propelled forward by animal experiments.Animal models have not only provided opportunities to understand complex immune mechanisms in transplantation but also served as a platform to assess therapeutic interventions. While small animals have been instrumental in uncovering new therapeutic concepts related to immunosuppression and immune tolerance, the progression to human trials has largely been driven by studies in large animals. Recent research has begun to explore the potential of porcine organs to address the shortage of available organs. The consistent progress in transplant immunology research can be attributed to a thorough understanding of animal models. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the available animal models, detailing their modifications, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as their historical applications, to aid researchers in selecting the most suitable model for their specific research needs.

The progress of transplantation has been propelled forward by animal experiments.Animal models have not only provided opportunities to understand complex immune mechanisms in transplantation but also served as a platform to assess therapeutic interventions. While small animals have been instrumental in uncovering new therapeutic concepts related to immunosuppression and immune tolerance, the progression to human trials has largely been driven by studies in large animals. Recent research has begun to explore the potential of porcine organs to address the shortage of available organs. The consistent progress in transplant immunology research can be attributed to a thorough understanding of animal models. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the available animal models, detailing their modifications, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as their historical applications, to aid researchers in selecting the most suitable model for their specific research needs.

The progress of transplantation has been propelled forward by animal experiments.Animal models have not only provided opportunities to understand complex immune mechanisms in transplantation but also served as a platform to assess therapeutic interventions. While small animals have been instrumental in uncovering new therapeutic concepts related to immunosuppression and immune tolerance, the progression to human trials has largely been driven by studies in large animals. Recent research has begun to explore the potential of porcine organs to address the shortage of available organs. The consistent progress in transplant immunology research can be attributed to a thorough understanding of animal models. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the available animal models, detailing their modifications, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as their historical applications, to aid researchers in selecting the most suitable model for their specific research needs.

The progress of transplantation has been propelled forward by animal experiments.Animal models have not only provided opportunities to understand complex immune mechanisms in transplantation but also served as a platform to assess therapeutic interventions. While small animals have been instrumental in uncovering new therapeutic concepts related to immunosuppression and immune tolerance, the progression to human trials has largely been driven by studies in large animals. Recent research has begun to explore the potential of porcine organs to address the shortage of available organs. The consistent progress in transplant immunology research can be attributed to a thorough understanding of animal models. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the available animal models, detailing their modifications, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as their historical applications, to aid researchers in selecting the most suitable model for their specific research needs.

PURPOSE: Femorofemoral crossover bypass (FCB) is a good procedure for patients with unilateral iliac artery disease. There are many articles about the results of FCB, but most of them were limited to 5 years follow-up. The purpose of our study was to analysis the results of FCB with a 10-year follow-up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 2010, 133 patients were operated in Samsung Medical Center (median follow-up: 58.8 months). We retrospectively analysed patient characteristics, the preoperative treatment, the operative procedure, and material used. RESULTS: The indications for FCB were claudication in 110 and critical limb ischemia in 23 patients. Three patients were died due to myocardiac infarction, intracranial hemorrhage, and acute respiratory failure within 30 days after surgery. The one-year primary and secondary patency rates were 89% and 97%, the 5-year primary and secondary patency rates were 70% and 85%, and the 10-year primary and secondary patency rates were 31% and 67%. The 5-year and 10-year limb salvage rates were 97% and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our long term analysis suggests that FCB might be a valuable alternative treatment modality in patients with unilateral iliac artery disease.
Extremities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Iliac Artery ; Infarction ; Intracranial Hemorrhages ; Ischemia ; Limb Salvage ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Procedures, Operative ; Transplants* ; Vascular Patency

A primary hepatic sarcoma is a rare tumor, that most frequently arises from hepatic connective tissue or vascular channels, and is usually located in the intrahepatic area. Pedunculated, or bulging, lesions have also been reported. We encountered a pedunculated primary hepatic leiomyosarcoma occurring in a 61-year-old woman. A giant exophytic hepatic mass measuring 15x10cm in size, was located in the left lateral segment of the liver, which was compressing the stomach. A left lateral segmentectomy was performed. Microscopically, the tumor was composed of spindle cells reactive to muscle specific actin. The mitotic figures were 5/10 high power fields indicating the tumor was malignant. No other primary sites were recognized from clinical studies.
Actins ; Connective Tissue ; Female ; Humans ; Leiomyosarcoma* ; Liver ; Mastectomy, Segmental ; Middle Aged ; Sarcoma ; Stomach

Adult polycystic liver disease (APLD) is an inherited, benign rare condition, often associated with polycystic kidney disease. Liver failure is unusual, but some patients may require therapy. Surgery appears to be more effective in relieving the symptoms of APLD for an extended period than nonsurgical therapies. We report on the successful surgical treatment of a case of APLD located in the left lobe of the liver.
Adult* ; Humans ; Liver Diseases* ; Liver Failure ; Liver* ; Polycystic Kidney Diseases

PURPOSE: Embryonic stem (ES) cells have been regarded as a powerful resource in cell replacement therapy. In recent reports, mouse ES cells have been successfully applied to the treatment of spinal cord injuries, hereditary myelin disorders of the central nervous system and diabetes mellitus. Various liver diseases are another group that could benefit from the availability of stem cell therapy; however, no previous demonstration has been made that shows the differentiation of ES cells into hepatocytes. METHODS: To investigate the in vivo differentiation potential of mouse ES cells, we injected ES cells into the splenic cortex of immuno-suppressed nude mice. RESULTS: In a histological analysis of the teratomas derived from injected ES cells some areas were shown, due to their morphology, to contain typical hepatocytes. The hepatic nature of these cells was further confirmed by immunohistochemical assays using the antibody against alpha-fetoprotein and hepatocyte-specific antibodies. In addition, periodic acid-Shiff staining revealed a small portion of hepatic area in the ES-derived teratoma produced glycogen, implying these cells are functional hepatocytes. CONCLUSION: Our case demonstrated for the first time that mouse ES cells can differentiate in vivo into a mixed population of hepatocytes with different maturation stati, which could potentially extend the usage of ES cells in cell replacement therapy for various liver diseases.
alpha-Fetoproteins ; Animals ; Antibodies ; Cell Differentiation ; Central Nervous System ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Embryonic Stem Cells* ; Glycogen ; Hepatocytes* ; Liver Diseases ; Mice* ; Mice, Nude ; Myelin Sheath ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; Stem Cells ; Teratoma

PURPOSE: Here we showed that human umbilical cord blood (hUCB)-derived cells, when cultured under defined conditions, generated insulin-producing cells (IPCs). METHODS: hUCB mononuclear cells (MNCs) were cultured in serum-free low (5.5 mM glucose) DMEM at a cell density of 3x10(6)/cm2 in the presence of 1% DMSO for 3 days followed by high (25 mM glucose) DMEM supplemented with 10% FBS for 7 additional days. They were plated in plastic six well plates on slide coverslips (22x22 mm2) coated with 0.006% type I collagen. RESULTS: These IPCs formed clusters similar to islets of Langerhans. We confirmed these clusters were positive for insulin and C-peptide by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrated that in vitro hUCB-derived cells generated IPCs, which can be a potential source for the treatment of diabetes via a stem cell therapy approach.
C-Peptide ; Cell Count ; Collagen Type I ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide ; Fetal Blood ; Humans* ; Immunohistochemistry ; Insulin ; Islets of Langerhans ; Plastics ; Stem Cells ; Umbilical Cord*