BACKGROUND: Candida ID is introduced as a new chromogenic medium that allows presumptive identification of Candida species. We evaluated this medium to identify Candida spp. isolated from clinical specimens. METHODS: A total of 200 yeast isolates from clinical specimens in Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, from April 2001 to August 2001 were identified by using the Vitek YBC (Hazelwood, Mo., USA). The results were compared with those by Candida ID (bioMeriux, Marcy l'Etoile, France). RESULTS: Candida ID correctly identified 98.0% of Candida spp. including 100% of C. albicans and 98.9% of C. tropicalis compared with the Vitek YBC. Among 84 strains showing blue colored colony on Candida ID, 82 strains (98%) were correctly identified as C. albicans but 2 strains were identified as C. glabrata and C. guilliermondii by the Vitek YBC. Among 92 strains showing pink colored colony, 90 strains (98%) were identified as C. tropicalis, and 2 strains were identified as C. guilliermondii and C. lusitaniae by the vitek YBC. CONCLUSIONS: Candida ID provides a more rapid and easier presumptive identification of major Candida spp. isolated from clinical specimens.
Candida* ; Female ; Humans ; Yeasts

Hepatocellular cell carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and malignant neoplasm in the world. Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare B-lymphocyte neoplasia characterized by monoclonal production of IgM Igs and by a marrow containing a diffuse infiltrate of plasmocytoid lymphocytes. A 67-year-old man was admitted because of multiple site pain, especially right flank and posterior neck pain. Physical examination showed hepatomegaly. Laboratory findings were as follows; total protein 8.6 g/dL, albumin 3.1 g/dL with monoclomal protein(IgM-lamda). Hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection was detected by polymerase chain reaction(PCR). Computed tomography and celiac angiography disclosed HCC. Aspiration biopsy of the liver revealed HCC. Magnetic resonance imaging showed compression fracture and epidural mass in cervical spines. Bone marrow examination revealed normocellularity with an increase of lymphoplasmacytic series. He was diagnosed as having WM and HCC. HCC is frequently associated with other malignancies. As the site of the extrahepatic primary cancer, the stomach ranked first. WM is also known for its association with an increased incidence of a second neoplasm, most of which are less differentiated lymphomas. but an association with a non-lymphoreticular malignancy is quite rare. We report first case of synchronous HCC with bone metastasis and WM (IgM,lamdatype) in korean with chronic hepatitis C.
Aged ; Angiography ; B-Lymphocytes ; Biopsy, Needle ; Bone Marrow ; Bone Marrow Examination ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Fractures, Compression ; Hepacivirus ; Hepatitis C ; Hepatitis C, Chronic* ; Hepatitis, Chronic* ; Hepatomegaly ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin M ; Incidence ; Liver ; Lymphocytes ; Lymphoma ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neck Pain ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasms, Second Primary ; Physical Examination ; Spine ; Stomach ; Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the educational effectiveness of practice-based program for procedural skills at Kangwon National University College of Medicine. METHODS: In 2005, we conducted the training program composed of 19 procedural skills for third-year medical students during their first semester clerkship. The 14-week training used simulation models and was held for 3 hours per week, one hour for didactic session and 2 hours for practical exercise. A lecture was given only for wound dressing. OSCE, consisting of four 5-minute stations, was administered to analyze the students' achievement. 53 third-year students were given a survey following skills training and OSCE. RESULTS: Most students reported that the practice-based program was interesting and helpful in learning procedural skills. Students preferred practice to didactic medium. Students were satisfied with the faculty's instruction, but suggested that the training should be providedprior to clerkship. OSCE had an overall reliability coefficient (Cronbach's alpha) of 0.78. The mean score in the dressing case was lower than those in other cases. CONCLUSION: The practice-based program for procedural skills was effective in motivating students' learning as well as improving theirtechnical skills. Self-directed exercises and appropriate feedback are more effective training tools than lectures.
Bandages ; Education ; Exercise ; Gangwon-do ; Humans ; Learning ; Lectures ; Students, Medical ; Wounds and Injuries