No abstract available.
Goiter* ; Humans ; Siblings*

PURPOSE: The present study was performed to evaluate the changes in tear film and ocular surface parameters after using sodium hyaluronate (SH) 0.1% alone or in combination with cyclosporine A (CsA) 0.05% in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy accompanied by dry eye. METHODS: A total of 72 eyes from 36 patients were divided into two groups; 36 eyes of 18 patients were treated with 0.1% SH alone (group 1), and 36 eyes of 18 patients were treated with SH 0.1% and CsA 0.05% (group 2). Tear break-up time (BUT), basal tear secretion test (BST), tear clearance rate (TCR), fluorescein staining (FS) and corneal sensitivity test (CST) were evaluated at pre-treatment and one, three and six months post-treatment. Conjunctival impression cytology was performed and tear CXCL11 (Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand) levels were measured pre-treatment and three months post-treatment. RESULTS: BUT, BST, TCR, KEP and CST were significantly improved at six months in group 1 (p < 0.05) and at three months in group 2 (p < 0.05). The degree of conjunctival squamous cell metaplasia, goblet cell density and tear CXCL11 levels were significantly changed at three months in group 2 (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant changes in group 1 after 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Combined use of topical 0.1% SH and 0.05% CsA can result in early improvement in tear films and ocular surface parameters in patients with thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy accompanied by dry eye.
Cyclosporine ; Dry Eye Syndromes ; Eye ; Fluorescein ; Goblet Cells ; Graves Ophthalmopathy ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Metaplasia ; Tears ; Thyroid Gland

Herpetic esophagitis is a rare disease occuring mostly ie immunocompromised and cancer patient. It is also documented as self-limiting esopbagitis in young healthy adults. We report here a 30- year-old immunocompetent male patient with esophageal ulceration. Heryetic esophagitis was diagnosed by characteristic endoscopic and microscopic findings. And the diagnosis was confirmed by electron microscopic appearance. This immunocompetent patient recovered spontaneously with symptomatic treatment only. And repeat endoscopy and histology confirmed absence of herpes infection.
Adult ; Diagnosis ; Endoscopy ; Esophagitis* ; Humans ; Male ; Rare Diseases ; Ulcer

Wolfiporia cocos is a wood-decay brown rot fungus belonging to the family Polyporaceae. While the fungus grows, the sclerotium body of the strain, dubbed Bokryeong in Korean, is formed around the roots of conifer trees. The dried sclerotium has been widely used as a key component of many medicinal recipes in East Asia. Wolfiporia cocos strain KMCC03342 is the reference strain registered and maintained by the Korea Seed and Variety Service for commercial uses. Here, we present the first draft genome sequence of W. cocos KMCC03342 using a hybrid assembly technique combining both short- and long-read sequences. The genome has a total length of 55.5 Mb comprised of 343 contigs with N50 of 332 kb and 95.8% BUSCO completeness. The GC ratio was 52.2%. We predicted 14,296 protein-coding gene models based on ab initio gene prediction and evidence-based annotation procedure using RNAseq data. The annotated genome was predicted to have 19 terpene biosynthesis gene clusters, which was the same number as the previously sequenced W. cocos strain MD-104 genome but higher than Chinese W. cocos strains. The genome sequence and the predicted gene clusters allow us to study biosynthetic pathways for the active ingredients of W. cocos . is a wood-decay brown rot fungus belonging to the family Polyporaceae. While the fungus grows, the sclerotium body of the strain, dubbed Bokryeong in Korean, is formed around the roots of conifer trees. The dried sclerotium has been widely used as a key component of many medicinal recipes in East Asia. Wolfiporia cocos strain KMCC03342 is the reference strain registered and maintained by the Korea Seed and Variety Service for commercial uses. Here, we present the first draft genome sequence of W. cocos KMCC03342 using a hybrid assembly technique combining both short- and long-read sequences. The genome has a total length of 55.5 Mb comprised of 343 contigs with N50 of 332 kb and 95.8% BUSCO completeness. The GC ratio was 52.2%. We predicted 14,296 protein-coding gene models based on ab initio gene prediction and evidence-based annotation procedure using RNAseq data. The annotated genome was predicted to have 19 terpene biosynthesis gene clusters, which was the same number as the previously sequenced W. cocos strain MD-104 genome but higher than Chinese v strains. The genome sequence and the predicted gene clusters allow us to study biosynthetic pathways for the active ingredients of W. cocos

BACKGROUND: Postlaminectomy peridural fibrosis is inevitable. Some studies have compared and identified the effects of high molecular weight hyaluronic acids (HMWHA) and low molecular weight hyaluronic acids (LMWHA) on peridural fibrosis in postlaminectomy animal models. However, no studies have been found that compare pain behaviors between hyaluronic acids or among hyaluronic acids and other solid materials. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between pain-related behaviors and histopathologic changes in laminectomized rats using various peridurally administered materials. METHODS: Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats, laminectomized at the L5 and L6 levels, were divided into four groups: group C, laminectomy only; group L, laminectomy and LMWHA application; group H, laminectomy and HMWHA application; group F, laminectomy and fat interposition. Pain behaviors were checked before, 3 days, 1 week, and 3 weeks after surgery. Histopathological changes were checked at the L5 level 3 weeks after the surgery. RESULTS: The 50% withdrawal thresholds in groups L and H were higher than that in groups C and F three days after laminectomy (P < 0.05). The paw withdrawal time did not change among the groups and in each group during the study period. Peridural fibrosis in group F was significantly lower than in the other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hyaluronic acids significantly reduced mechanical allodynia but not thermal hyperalgesia. Peridural fibrosis did not show any correlation with pain behaviors. There have been limited studies on the correlation between peridural fibrosis and pain behavioral change, which should be verified by further studies.
Animals ; Failed Back Surgery Syndrome ; Fibrosis ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Hyperalgesia ; Inflammation ; Laminectomy ; Male ; Models, Animal ; Molecular Weight ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Rapidly destructive arthrosis is a rare syndrome characterized by narrowing of the joint space and rapid joint destruction within 6∼12 months. A 62-year-old woman with anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer presented with both knee pain and varus deformity. She was treated with crizotinib 500 mg/day for more than 2 years, with partial tumor response. Initial plain radiography showed Kellgren and Lawrence (K-L) grade 1. After 10 months, varus deformity was worsened and plain radiography aggravated to K-L grade 4 despite conservative treatment including activity modification.Diffuse synovitis with massive joint effusion and destruction of anterior cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, medial collateral ligament, and lateral collateral ligament were shown in magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was diagnosed with rapidly destructive arthrosis of knee and underwent a both total knee arthroplasty.

Skeletal muscle metastasis of gastric cancer is extremely rare and is associated with various symptoms. Here, we report on a 60-year-old woman with right hip pain after excessive walking. Two years earlier, the patient had been treated for advanced gastric cancer (surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy). Upon magnetic resonance imaging, diffuse muscle swelling and high signal intensity were observed in T2-weighted images of the right hip muscle. However, the FDG uptake in the right gluteal muscles was not obviously increased. Pathological examination of muscle biopsy revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma of stomach origin. The patient was treated with chemotherapy, and the swelling and pain in the right hip are progressively improving.

Rapidly destructive arthrosis is a rare syndrome characterized by narrowing of the joint space and rapid joint destruction within 6∼12 months. A 62-year-old woman with anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer presented with both knee pain and varus deformity. She was treated with crizotinib 500 mg/day for more than 2 years, with partial tumor response. Initial plain radiography showed Kellgren and Lawrence (K-L) grade 1. After 10 months, varus deformity was worsened and plain radiography aggravated to K-L grade 4 despite conservative treatment including activity modification.Diffuse synovitis with massive joint effusion and destruction of anterior cruciate ligament, medial meniscus, medial collateral ligament, and lateral collateral ligament were shown in magnetic resonance imaging. The patient was diagnosed with rapidly destructive arthrosis of knee and underwent a both total knee arthroplasty.

Skeletal muscle metastasis of gastric cancer is extremely rare and is associated with various symptoms. Here, we report on a 60-year-old woman with right hip pain after excessive walking. Two years earlier, the patient had been treated for advanced gastric cancer (surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy). Upon magnetic resonance imaging, diffuse muscle swelling and high signal intensity were observed in T2-weighted images of the right hip muscle. However, the FDG uptake in the right gluteal muscles was not obviously increased. Pathological examination of muscle biopsy revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma of stomach origin. The patient was treated with chemotherapy, and the swelling and pain in the right hip are progressively improving.

PURPOSE: Adequate control of breakthrough pain is essential for patients with cancer. Managing breakthrough pain mainly depends on understanding the concept of breakthrough pain and the proper usage of rescue medication by physicians. This study aims to assess the attitudes and practice patterns of palliative physicians in managing breakthrough pain for patients in Korea. METHODS: This study was based on data from the 2014 breakthrough cancer pain survey conducted by the Korean Society for Hospice and Palliative Care. One hundred physicians participated in the online survey. Among total 33 self-reported questionnaires, twelve items were selected in this analysis. RESULTS: Rapid onset of action is the main influencing factor in selecting rescue opioids. Oral oxycodone (65%) and parenteral morphine (27%) are commonly used. A few physicians (3%) prefer to use transmucosal fentanyl. The percentage of physicians prescribing oral oxycodone due to its rapid onset of action is just 21.5%, whereas the percentage of physicians using parenteral morphine is 81.5%. Two thirds of respondents (66%) answered that breakthrough pain is not well controlled with rescue medications. CONCLUSION: There is a gap between the needs of physicians in terms of the perceived difficulties of managing breakthrough cancer pain and their practice patterns selecting rescue medications.
Analgesics, Opioid ; Breakthrough Pain ; Fentanyl ; Hospices ; Humans ; Korea* ; Morphine ; Oxycodone ; Palliative Care ; Surveys and Questionnaires