BACKGROUND: Herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions occurs in 2 to 10% of patients with herpes zoster. It occurs mainly in old or debilitated persons especially those who have immunologic defects such as lymphoproliferative diseases, AIDS, or recipients of immunosuppressive therapy. The reported incidence of herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions is variable. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to elucidate the incidence and clinical features of herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions. METHODS: We reviewed the clinical data of 962 patients with herpes zoster by retrospective methods. The annual incidence, age, sex, seasonal variation, predilection sites, and associated conditions of herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions were analyzed from January 1990 to December 1996 (7 years). RESULTS: 1. Among 962 patients, 8 patients with herpes zoster revealed generalixed varicelliform eruptions (0.83%). 2. The age ranged from 20 to 85 and the majority of cases occurred in the 6th decade. There were 4 females and 4 males. 3. Past histories of malignancy were observed in 2 patients. However, there were no signs of malignancy at the time of diagnosis of herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions. 4. The most common site of initial lesion was the thoracic dermatome,followed by the lumbar and the cervical ones. CONCLUSION: From our observation, it is suggested that herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions may occur in patients without underlying malignancy or immunosuppressive disorders. Sudden incidental uprising of herpes zoster with generalized varicelliform eruptions was observed in 1996.
Clinical Study* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Herpes Zoster* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons

This study was undertaken to document the effect of transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-beta2(TGF-beta2) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the proliferation of pig retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). Whereas bFGF increased the proliferation, TGF-beta2 showed the inhibitory effect on the proliferation The inhibitory effect of TGF-beta2 disappeared in RPE subcultured with 10ng/ml of bFGF. Both TGF-beta2- and bFGF-specific antisense oligonucleotides blocked the autocrine effect of the growth factors. PLC-71 -specific antisense oligonucleotide inhibited the effect of TGF-beta2 and bFGF. Genistein inhibited the effect of TGF-beta2 and bFGF in dose-dependent man, ner. The data suggest the involvement. of in PLC-/1 and tyrosine kinase in signalling.
Epithelial Cells* ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; Genistein ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Retinaldehyde* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2*

Thirty cases of rhabdomyosarcoma in patients under the age of 15 years were reviewed retrospectively to find out characteristics of histologic subtypes related to prognosis. Histologic diagnosis were embryonal in 21(70%), alveolar in 7(23%) and mixed type in 2(7%). Cellular anaplasia was noted in 6 cases. Round to polygonal cells with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasmic rim or globules were most characteristic cytologic feature or rhabdomyosarcomas, being followed by myofibrils. Myxoid and edematous stroma in embryonal type and alveolar pattern in alveolar type wee nost characteristic growth pattern. Immunohistochemically, tumors were positive for desmin, actin and myoglobin in 97%, 27%, and 40%, respectively. Consequently, characteristic cytologic features are important to differentiate rhabdomyosarcomas form other kinds of small round cell tumor and growth pattern is more critical in categorizing histologic subtypes. Desmin is far more useful than actin or myoglobin in the diagnosis of rhabdomyosarcoma.
Child ; Male ; Female ; Humans

To investigate the imbalance of the cytokine production profile of T cells from atopic asthmatics, we measured concentrations of IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-y by ELISA method in the culture supernatants of peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs) and Derrnato-phagoides pteronyssinus(Der p) J-stimulated PBMCs from Der p-sensitized atopic asthmatics, Der p-sensitized healthy atopits, non-atopic asthmatics and healthy non-atopics. The suppressive effect of IFN-y on cytokine production of Der p J-stimulated PBMCs was also examined. The PBMCs from atopics showed higher IL-4 and IL-5 production in response to PHA +TPA and higher IFN-gamma production in response to Der p Jq compared with non-atopits. The Der p J-stimulated PBMCs from atopics showed a tendency of increased IL-5 production in response to Der p J and higher IL-4 and IL-5 production in response to PHA+TPA compared with non-atopics. IL-5 production of Der p J-stimulated PBMCs from atopics was suppressed by IFN It is suggested that an imbalance in IL-4, IL-5 and IFN-y production is a feature of the atopic state. The TH2 characteristics of allergen-stimulated PBMCs could be regulated by IFN-y.
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Interleukin-4 ; Interleukin-5 ; T-Lymphocytes

No abstract available.

OBJECTIVES: Autism is a complex neurodevelopmental spectrum disorder with a strong genetic component. Previous neurochemical and genetic studies suggested the possible involvement of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA) receptor in autism. The aim of study was to investigate the association between the NMDA2B receptor gene(GRIN2B) and autism spectrum disorders(ASD) in the Korean population. METHODS: The patients with ASD were diagnosed with Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule based on DSM-IV diagnostic classification. The present study was conducted with the detection of four single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs) in GRIK2 and family-based association analysis of the single nucleotide polymorphisms in Korean ASD trios using transmission disequilibrium test (TDT). RESULTS: One hundred twenty six patients with ASD and their biological parents were analyzed. 86.5% were male and 85.1% were diagnosed as autistic disorder. The mean age was 71.9+/-31.6 months(range : 26-185 months). We found that rs1805247 showed significantly preferential transmission(TDT chi-square=12.8, p < 0.001) in ASD. CONCLUSION: One SNP in GRIN2B gene was significantly associated with ASD in the Korean population. This result suggests the possible involvement of glutamate NMDA receptor gene in the development of ASD.
Appointments and Schedules ; Autistic Disorder* ; Child ; Autism Spectrum Disorder* ; Classification ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Glutamic Acid* ; Humans ; Male ; N-Methylaspartate* ; Parents ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Receptors, Glutamate*

BACKGROUND: Familial aggregation of coronary risk factors is well known, which are hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and obesity. However inter-spouse relation of the risk factors has remained controversial. As spouses are not blood-related, any risk factor relation that exist probably may not reflect genetic factors, but the environmental factors to which the couple is exposed. Moreover, the effect of assortative marriage should be considered. This study is designed to identify inter-spouse relation of coronary risk factors and to document the effects of marriage duration to spouse concordance. METHODS: From May 1995 to March. 1999, we enrolled 1,859 couples who had visited the Health Promotion Center at Seoul National University Hospital. We analysed inter-spouse correlation of body mass index, blood pressure, glucose, serum lipid factors, uric acid, smoking, alcohol drinking, and stress known as coronary risk factors. The correlation coefficients were compared according to marriage duration. RESULTS: There was statistically significant spouse concordance for all risk factors with the exception of smoking. The correlation coefficients of blood pressure, total cholesterol, and triglyceride increased with marriage duration but troughed at 30-39 years of marriage. Those of body mass index and glucose peaked at early and late marriage duration. Those of HDL-cholesterol and uric acid was relatively fixed throughout marriage. CONCLUSION: The presence of significant inter-spouse correlation for most of the coronary risk factors reflect the influence of assortative marriage and environmental factors on spouse concordance. If a spouse has many cardiovascular risk factors, partner should be evaluated for risk factors.
Alcohol Drinking ; Blood Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cholesterol ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Family Characteristics ; Glucose ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Hypertension ; Marriage* ; Obesity ; Risk Factors* ; Seoul ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Spouses* ; Triglycerides ; Uric Acid

A 30-year old female had proximal muscle weakness, periungal telangiectasia and purplish red erythema and edema on the face. Diagnosis of dermatomyositis was estabiiished by clinical manifestations, muscle enzyme study, electromyogram, histologic findings of skin and muscle. She was treated with systemic steroid with some improvemellt. About 1 year after the onset of dermatomyositis, aggravated skin lesion and exophthalmos were noted on right eyelid. Orbit computerized tomography scan showed maxillary carcinoma. She treated with systemic steroid, 5-fluorouracil and cis-platin with partial remission and some improvement of dermatomyositis.
Adult ; Dermatomyositis* ; Diagnosis ; Edema ; Erythema ; Exophthalmos ; Eyelids ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; Humans ; Muscle Weakness ; Orbit ; Skin ; Telangiectasis

We report a case of 64-year-old female patient who has had factitious skin lesions for 20 years. She complained formification sense and severe itching on her face. These symptoms were improved with squeezing and bleeding. There were scuare shaped ulcerated nodule on the right cheek and white depressed scar on the left cheek. She was treated with wet dressing and occlussive dressing, and skin lesions were nearly cleared within 3 weeks, but new lesion appeared. Pimozide 2mg #1 p.o were given under the diagnosis of delusion of parasitosis from June, 1984. Her symptoms were improved without recurrence till now. Treatment with pimozide in monosymptomatic hypochondriacal syndrome is discussed.
Bandages ; Cheek ; Cicatrix ; Delusions ; Dermatitis* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Pimozide* ; Pruritus ; Recurrence ; Skin ; Ulcer

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is an uncommon, locally aggressive fibroblastic tumor, characterized by infrequent metastasis and a marked tendency of local recurrence after excision. Histologically, it shows large uniformed spindle shaped cells arranged in a cartwheel or storiform pattern. We report a case of dermatoribrosarcoma protuberans on the lower abdomen of a man aged of thirty, treated with Mohs micrographic surgery and purse-string suture repair.
Abdomen ; Dermatofibrosarcoma* ; Fibroblasts ; Mohs Surgery* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Recurrence ; Sutures*