Both clinical and experimental evidence suggest that immunological mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of endogenous uveitis. We have analyzed the percentages of T cell, B cell, T cell subpopulations(OKT4, OKT8) and OKT4/OKT8 a in seventeen patients diagnosed clinically as uveitis. The results were as follows; 1. The percentages of T cell and B cell in peripheral blood were 53.0% and 21.1% respectively. 2. The percentages of OKT4 and OKT8 and OKT4/OKT8 were 49.4%, 29.0% and 2.0 respectively, and those were in normal ranges.
Humans ; Reference Values ; Uveitis*

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the presence of microplastic chips at the tips of toothbrush bristles using optical microscopy. Methods: Toothbrushes available in South Korea were tested. We randomly selected 12 toothbrushes, including four domestically produced and eight imported toothbrushes. Toothbrushes with tapered bristle ends were excluded. Toothbrushes with conventional bristle shapes based on visual inspection were included. Three identical toothbrushes were prepared. The outer bristles of each toothbrush were sampled using ScotchTM tape and prepared using a scalpel for optical microscopy.The inspector visually assessed both the bristle diameter and the presence of microplastic chips that remained attached to the ends of the toothbrush bristles under light microscopy (40× magnification). Results: All toothbrush bristles met the criteria for soft bristles (diameters ranging from 0.2 to 0.25 mm). The incidence of microplastic chips varied among toothbrush bristles, ranging from a minimum of 3.6% to a maximum of 86.2%. Notably, toothbrushes with smaller diameter bristles exhibited higher levels of microplastic chips. Conclusions This study confirmed that the trimming conditions of toothbrush bristles and the occurrence of microplastic chips vary among different toothbrushes. Our findings suggest that toothbrush manufacturers need to improve their manufacturing processes to prevent the generation of microplastic chips during bristle trimming.

Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors are rare sex cord-stromal tumors. These tumors account for less than 0.5% of all ovarian tumors. Because these tumors appear predominantly in young women (between the age of 30 and 40) and are bilateral in less than 1% of cases, conservative removal of the tumor and adjacent fallopian tube is justifiable. Recently, we experienced a case of successful laparoscopic surgical staging in patient of Sertoli-Leydig cell tumor which was previously incompletely evaluated in local OBGY clinic. There are no solid data to suggest that usefulness and risk of laparoscopic surgical staging and adjuvant therapy with stage I disease of these tumors until now. So we present it with a brief review of literature.
Fallopian Tubes ; Female ; Humans ; Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor* ; Sex Cord-Gonadal Stromal Tumors

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ultrasonography versus magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in evaluation of pregnant patients with clinically suspicious acute appendicitis. METHODS: This study was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 60 pregnant patients who presented to the emergency department with suspected appendicitis and underwent ultrasonography or MRI were included. The official interpretation reports and pathologic reports were extracted and analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for ultrasonography and MRI for diagnosis of acute appendicitis. We also calculated and compared area under the curve (AUC) of both diagnostic tests with the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. RESULTS: Among 60 patients, 43 (71%) underwent ultrasonography, 37 (61%) underwent MRI, and 20 (33%) underwent both diagnostic tests. Twenty patients were confirmed as pathologically-proven acute appendicitis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of ultrasonography for diagnosing acute appendicitis were 67%, 77%, 53%, and 86%, while those of MRI were 100% for all parameters. In ROC analysis, the AUC was 0.656, respectively, for ultrasonography, and 1.000 for MRI (p value<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that MRI is more accurate than ultrasonography for the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in pregnant women, especially when the appendix is invisible with ultrasonography.
Appendicitis* ; Appendix ; Area Under Curve ; Cohort Studies ; Diagnosis ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Pregnancy* ; Pregnant Women ; Retrospective Studies ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Ultrasonography*

Phentermine has been widely used as an appetite suppressant since 2004 in Korea. The authors experienced two cases of acute phentermine overdose and report with the literature review. A 36-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman presented together to the emergency department with taking 13 tablets (390 mg) of phentermine 16 hours ago. They had tachycardia, hypertension and complained visual symptoms, nausea, insomnia and anxiety. These symptoms were resolved by conservative management.
Adult ; Anxiety ; Appetite ; Drug Overdose ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Korea ; Nausea ; Phentermine* ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; Tablets ; Tachycardia ; Young Adult

Phentermine has been widely used as an appetite suppressant since 2004 in Korea. The authors experienced two cases of acute phentermine overdose and report with the literature review. A 36-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman presented together to the emergency department with taking 13 tablets (390 mg) of phentermine 16 hours ago. They had tachycardia, hypertension and complained visual symptoms, nausea, insomnia and anxiety. These symptoms were resolved by conservative management.
Adult ; Anxiety ; Appetite ; Drug Overdose ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Korea ; Nausea ; Phentermine* ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; Tablets ; Tachycardia ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: We have done this retrospective study to know the relative incidences and clinical manifestations of organic acidopathies in Korea. METHODS: The results of quantitative organic acid analysis of 1,125 samples of 712 patients, referred from Jul. 1997 to Jun. 2000, were analyzed retrospectively according to four age groups (-2 mon, 3 mon-2 year, 3 years-12 years, over 12 years) and major clinical manifestations. Quantification of 83 organic acids was done with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry(GC/MS). RESULTS: We diagnosed 214 patients with 27 diseases of organic acid metabolism during this study period. Diseases found more than 10 cases are cytosolic 3-ketothiolase deficiency, mitochondrial repsiratory chain disorders, PDHC deficiency, glutaric aciduria type II and propionic aciduria. Other diseases were diagnosed in less than 10 cases, mostly one or two cases during this study period. Most of the patients had some symptoms of neurological dysfunction such as seizure activity(195 patients), developmental delay(122), mental retardation(99), hypotonia(84), movement disorders(81) and vomiting(68). CONCLUSION: Though the incidence of individual organic acidemia is low, the overall incidence of organic acidemia as a whole seems to be relatively high in Korea. Most of the patients showed some signs of neurological dysfunction.
Acetyl-CoA C-Acyltransferase ; Chromatography, Gas ; Cytosol ; Humans ; Incidence ; Korea* ; Metabolism ; Multiple Acyl Coenzyme A Dehydrogenase Deficiency ; Propionic Acidemia ; Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency Disease ; Retrospective Studies ; Seizures

PURPOSE: Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) could not recommend shock for ventricular fibrillation in the presence of electromagnetic interference. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of an induced electromagnetic field on performance of AED. METHODS: The intensity of magnetic waves from commercial electric mats was measured. Three AEDs were attached to the resuscitation manikin and the question of whether shock would be recommended for simulated electrocardiogram of VF or normal sinus rhythm was tested. The simulation was repeated 10 times under the influence of 0, 5, and 18 µT magnetic field or electric mat. Relevant literature studies on electromagnetic interference on AED were reviewed. RESULTS: The magnetic flux density from the electric mat was measured to 5.67-6.1 µT in warming phase, and 2.25-2.84 µT in maintenance phase. There was no false positive or false negative recommendation of shock under the influence of 0, 5, and 18 µT magnetic field or electric mat. However, one AED detected motion even in the stationary state. Among 11 studies from the literature search, five studies reported misinterpretation of AED. Minor errors including delayed analysis, motion artefact, and noise in speakers were reported from 6 studies. CONCLUSION: Although we could not reproduce false negative interpretation, AED made a mistake in confusing electromagnetic interference with motion artefact. Therefore, emergency providers should be cautious not to use AED close to household appliances or medical equipment inducing electromagnetic interference.
Artifacts ; Defibrillators* ; Electrocardiography ; Electromagnetic Fields ; Emergencies ; Family Characteristics ; Magnetic Fields ; Magnets* ; Manikins ; Noise ; Resuscitation ; Shock ; Ventricular Fibrillation

OBJECTIVE: Elective surgical approaches and trauma cause changes in the production of different cytokines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of laparoscopic surgery on the immune system of patients with gynecologic diseases. METHODS: We recruited the open surgery group (n=20) and laparoscopic surgery group (n=33). In a prospective study we examined the C-reactive protein (CRP) level, the production of the cytokines Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), Interleukin-10 (IL-10) and TNF-alpha concentrations by ELISA. In addition the fibrinogen, transferrin, albumin, hemoglobin and hematocrit were measured. Statistical analysis was made by Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: There were significant statistical differences in the CRP, IL-6 and IL-8 between the open surgery group and laparoscopic surgery group after surgery. The CRP and IL-8 showed a more distinct increase in open surgery group 24 hours after surgery, the differences between the two surgical approaches were significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Elective surgical approaches cause changes in the immune system, which can be evaluated by the reaction of cytokines. Laparoscopic surgery cause less activation of the CRP and IL-8 than open surgery.
C-Reactive Protein ; Cytokines ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Fibrinogen ; Genital Diseases, Female* ; Hematocrit ; Humans ; Immune System* ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-1beta ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukin-8 ; Laparoscopy* ; Prospective Studies ; Transferrin ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Rheumatic manifestations in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) are common but actual arthritis as a presenting feature appears to be very rare. We experienced a case of NHL presenting as polyarthritis in a 24-year-old woman. Eight months ago she was admitted to the hospital due to polyarthritis and skin rash. She had pleural and pericardial effusion. Antinuclear antibody was positive and rheumatoid factor was negative. Joint X-ray showed periarticular osteopenia at both knees, wrists, hands and feet. Prednisolone, salsalate and anti-tuberculosis drugs were administered under the impression of either probable lupus or rheumatoid arthritis and pleural tuberculosis. After then pleuropericardial effusion and skin rash improved. But polyarthralgia persisted and she developed right cervical lymphadenopathy. On her second admission she was found to have a round mass in left lower lung field and multiple mediastinal lymph node enlargement. Cervical lymph node biopsy revealed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. She received 8 cycles of systemic chemotherapy until 1996 July. NHL was remitted completely and polyarthralgia disappeared. We report a case of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting as polyarthritis and literatures are reviewed.
Antibodies, Antinuclear ; Arthralgia ; Arthritis* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; Biopsy ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic ; Drug Therapy ; Exanthema ; Female ; Foot ; Hand ; Humans ; Joints ; Knee ; Lung ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin* ; Pericardial Effusion ; Prednisolone ; Rheumatoid Factor ; Tuberculosis, Pleural ; Wrist ; Young Adult