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Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic disorder which has frequent involvement of gastrointestinal tract. Non specific symptoms such as anorexia, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain are well known symptoms when the gastrointestinal tract is involved. The most feared gastrointestinal complication of systemic lupus erythematosus is lupus enteritis. The pathological change in lupus enteritis is usually a result of mesenteric vasculitis. Major complications such as intestinal bleeding and perforation may occur and sometimes result in sugery. Because of high mortality rate in case of major complications, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment is very important. We experienced three patients with lupus enteritis who presented with severe abdominal pain and dirrhea. They were diagnosed by characteristic radiographical findings of small bowel series and barium study. All radiographical findings has been resolved completely with the steroid therapy. Conclusively we can induce complete remission by steroid therapy alone, if we diagnose lupus enteritis in the early period of disease course.
Abdominal Pain ; Anorexia ; Barium ; Diarrhea ; Early Diagnosis ; Enteritis* ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; Mortality ; Nausea ; Vasculitis

The insertion of nasogastric tubes in comatose, obtunded or anesthetized patients is often difficult, frustrating and time-consuming. A large variety of methods inserting nasogastric tubes in those uncooperative patients have been reported. As a new effective method, we used Savary-Gilliard Wire Guide(R), which is designed for introducing Savary-Gilliard Dilator(R) into a strictured esophagus, for inserting a nasogastric tube in a comatose patient who was intubated with a ballooned tracheostomy tube. The insertion was successful in the first attempt and no complication occurred.
Coma* ; Esophagus ; Humans ; Tracheostomy

Parkinson's disease is a multifactorial disorder with several genes linked to the familial types of the disease. ATP13A2 is one of those genes and encode for a transmembrane protein localized in lysosomes and late endosomes. Previous studies suggested the roles of this protein in lysosomal functions and cellular ion homeostasis. Here, we set out to investigate the role of ATP13A2 in lysosomal function and in metabolism of alpha-synuclein, another PD-linked protein whose accumulation is implicated in the pathogenesis. We generated non-sense mutations in both copies of ATP13A2 gene in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells. We examined lysosomal function of ATP13A2-/- cells by measuring the accumulation of lysosomal substrate proteins, such as p62 and polyubiquitinated proteins, induction of acidic compartments, and degradation of ectopically introduced dextran. None of these measures were altered by ATP13A2 deficiency. The steady-state levels of alpha-synuclein in cells or secretion of this protein were unaltered either in ATP13A2-/- compared to the normal cells. Therefore, the proposed roles of ATP13A2 in lysosomal functions may not be generalized and may depend on the cellular context. The ATP13A2-/- cells generated in the current study may provide a useful control for studies on the roles of PD genes in lysosomal functions.
alpha-Synuclein* ; Dextrans ; Endosomes ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Lysosomes ; Metabolism* ; Neuroblastoma ; Parkinson Disease ; Polyubiquitin

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the growth pattern of breast fed and formula fed infants in the first 1 year of life. METHODS: Anthropometric data (weight, length, head circumference) of at birth, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months were collected by chart review and characteristics of subjects were collected by questionnaires. Among 358 infants, breast fed infants were 161 (84 males, 77 females) and formula fed infants were 90 (42 males, 48 females). Neither group was given solid foods before 4 months. The weight for age, length for age and head circumference for age were calculated. Breast fed infants were separated into 2 groups (breast fed for 4-11 months and breast fed for more than 12 months). RESULTS: Characteristics of infants and mothers were similar in both groups except for maternal age. Mean weight of breast fed group was lower than that of formula fed group at 12 months of age (male: P=0.004, female: P=0.004). However, mean weight of 12 months breast fed group was below formula fed groups weight at 9 and 12 months (P< 0.05). Mean length and head circumference were similar between groups. CONCLUSION: The growth indices of breast fed and formula fed infants are similar at birth, but weight curves of two groups differ in the first 1 year.
Breast Feeding ; Breast* ; Female ; Head ; Humans ; Infant* ; Male ; Maternal Age ; Mothers ; Parturition ; Surveys and Questionnaires

PURPOSE: To determine the factors predisposing to the intratumoral gas formation after TACE in the treatment of HCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 176 pathologically or clinically proven patients with HCC on whom CT scan had been performed in 2 weeks to 3months after TACE were reviewed. The patients were classified in two groups; intratumoral gas-forming group(n=18) and non-gas forming group(n=158). Chi-square (X2) test was applied to analyze the factors influencing to gas formation. The radiological factors studied were the morphologic type and location of HCC, presence or absence of tumor capsule on CT, the degree of tumor vascularities, presence or absence of portal vein thrombosis, presence or absence of arterioportal shunt, and TACE catheterization method on angiegraphic examination and the duration of post-TAE fever. RESULT: Intratumoral gas foramtion after TACE occurred significantly in tumors with peripheral location or capsule on CT tumors with less vascularity or peripheral arterioportal shunt on angiegraphic examination, and TACE with selective catheterization method(p<0.05). But the morphologic types of HCC and presence of main portal vein thrombosis were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). The average duration of fever sustained after TACE was longer in gas-forming group than those in non-gas forming group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: TACE of HCC with weak collaterals or with peripherd prevent recanalization from collaterals has tendency to intratumoral gas form-his and prolonged fever duration.
Catheterization ; Catheters ; Fever ; Humans ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Venous Thrombosis

Developmental changes in the expression of two GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) transporter proteins, GAT-1 and GAT-3, in the olfactory bulb of embryonic and postnatal rats were examined with immunocytochemistry using antisera against GAT-1 and GAT-3. The expression and localization of GAT-1 and GAT-3 showed distinct temporal patterns during olfactory bulb development. GAT-1 immunoreactivity appeared weakly in most likely growing axons of the presumptive glomerular layer from embryonic day 18 and increased during the first postnatal week. In contrast, GAT-3 immunoreactivity, first detected at E16, was found in radial glial cell fascicles and was replaced by what were likely astroglial cells postnatally. At P7, GAT-1 and GAT-3 immunoreactivities reached the adult pattern i.e., GAT-1 immunoreactivity was observed in the labeled punctate structures in all layers of the olfactory bulb except the nerve fiber layer, while GAT-3 immunoreactivity was observed in the astroglial processes of all layers of the olfactory bulb. Our results suggest that GABA transporters, especially GAT-3, play important roles in regulating the GABA levels of developing olfactory bulbs.
Adult ; Animals ; Axons ; Ependymoglial Cells ; GABA Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins* ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid* ; Humans ; Immune Sera ; Immunohistochemistry ; Nerve Fibers ; Olfactory Bulb* ; Rats

Epidural anesthesia for cesarean section requires sensory blockade up to T4 level. 18 to 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine, 1.5 to 2.0% lidocaine, or 3.0% chloropmcaine usually produces an adequate sensory blockade to T4 level. However, when we used that amount of local anesthetics, most of the patients often complained of mild to moderate pain or discomfort during delivery of baby, manipulation of peritoneum or the uterus. So we feeled the need of increase in dosage of local anesthetics and we used 26 ml of local anesthetics or local anesthetic-fentanyl mixture. This study was undertaken to measure plasma concentration of lidocaine and observe the possible systemic toxicity of local anesthetics with the total dosage of beyond maximum recom-mended dose. Epidural anesthesia were performed with a 17 gauge Tuohy needle and local anesthetics were injected as follows. Group 1 (n;17): 0.5% bupivacaine 100 mg+2% lidocaine 80 mg+fentanyl 100 ug (50 ug/ml) Group 2 (n; 15): 2% lidocaine 520 mg without epinephrine Group 3 (n; ll): 2% lidocaine 480 mg + fentanyl 100 ug All groups were received 26 ml of local anesthetics or local anesthetic-fentanyl mixture. We checked the level of anesthesia, length of spinal column, cardiovascular changes, plasma concen- tration of lidocaine, toxic systemic reactions and patient's complaints. The plasma concentration of lidocaine were measured by immunofluorescence assay at 2, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 15 minutes after injection of local anesthetics. The results were as follows; 1) The peak plasma concentration of lidocaine were measured 12 minutes after administration of local anesthetics in the group 2 and 3. 2) Sensory blockade up to T4 level could be accomplished within 10 minutes after epidural anesthesia in the group l. 3) In the group 2 and 3, onset of action was more rapid. These groups had a tendency to fall in blood pressure than the group 1, but recovered soon with small dose of ephedrine. 4) In one patient, maximum peak plasma concentration of hdocaine was 6.8 ug/ml, but no adversereaction was observed. Above results suggested that 26 ml of local anesthetics in all groups could be used for appropriate anesthesia for cesarean section with minimal camplications and patient's satisfaction.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Epidural* ; Anesthetics, Local* ; Blood Pressure ; Bupivacaine ; Cesarean Section* ; Ephedrine ; Epinephrine ; Female ; Fentanyl ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Humans ; Lidocaine ; Needles ; Peritoneum ; Plasma* ; Pregnancy ; Spine ; Uterus

Epidural anesthesia for cesarean section requires sensory blockade up to T4 level. 18 to 20 ml of 0.5% bupivacaine, 1.5 to 2.0% lidocaine, or 3.0% chloropmcaine usually produces an adequate sensory blockade to T4 level. However, when we used that amount of local anesthetics, most of the patients often complained of mild to moderate pain or discomfort during delivery of baby, manipulation of peritoneum or the uterus. So we feeled the need of increase in dosage of local anesthetics and we used 26 ml of local anesthetics or local anesthetic-fentanyl mixture. This study was undertaken to measure plasma concentration of lidocaine and observe the possible systemic toxicity of local anesthetics with the total dosage of beyond maximum recom-mended dose. Epidural anesthesia were performed with a 17 gauge Tuohy needle and local anesthetics were injected as follows. Group 1 (n;17): 0.5% bupivacaine 100 mg+2% lidocaine 80 mg+fentanyl 100 ug (50 ug/ml) Group 2 (n; 15): 2% lidocaine 520 mg without epinephrine Group 3 (n; ll): 2% lidocaine 480 mg + fentanyl 100 ug All groups were received 26 ml of local anesthetics or local anesthetic-fentanyl mixture. We checked the level of anesthesia, length of spinal column, cardiovascular changes, plasma concen- tration of lidocaine, toxic systemic reactions and patient's complaints. The plasma concentration of lidocaine were measured by immunofluorescence assay at 2, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 15 minutes after injection of local anesthetics. The results were as follows; 1) The peak plasma concentration of lidocaine were measured 12 minutes after administration of local anesthetics in the group 2 and 3. 2) Sensory blockade up to T4 level could be accomplished within 10 minutes after epidural anesthesia in the group l. 3) In the group 2 and 3, onset of action was more rapid. These groups had a tendency to fall in blood pressure than the group 1, but recovered soon with small dose of ephedrine. 4) In one patient, maximum peak plasma concentration of hdocaine was 6.8 ug/ml, but no adversereaction was observed. Above results suggested that 26 ml of local anesthetics in all groups could be used for appropriate anesthesia for cesarean section with minimal camplications and patient's satisfaction.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Epidural* ; Anesthetics, Local* ; Blood Pressure ; Bupivacaine ; Cesarean Section* ; Ephedrine ; Epinephrine ; Female ; Fentanyl ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Humans ; Lidocaine ; Needles ; Peritoneum ; Plasma* ; Pregnancy ; Spine ; Uterus

We have experienced a case of congenital pyloric atresia associated with epidermolysis bullosa in a premature newborn who was born at the gestation period of 33+3 week. She showed a few blisters on left ankle at birth and the easy formation of blisters involving the area of trauma or friction with depigmentation after healing. The histologic finding of the lesion showed junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Abdominal roentgenographic finding on day 2 showed single bubble sign. That suggested pyloric atresia. It was confirmed by upper gasrtointestinal series radiography and corrected by surgery, gastrojejunostomy on day 16. She discharged on day 50. The severity of the formation of blisters decreased but the poor weight agin became the main problem. The brief review of literatures was made.
Ankle ; Blister ; Epidermolysis Bullosa* ; Epidermolysis Bullosa, Junctional ; Friction ; Gastric Bypass ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Parturition ; Pregnancy ; Radiography