The present study investigated the role of ERK in the onset of mechanical and cold allodynia in a rat model of compression of the trigeminal ganglion by examining changes in the air-puff thresholds and number of scratches following the intracisternal injection of PD98059, a MEK inhibitor. Male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 250 and 260 g were used. Under anesthesia, the rats were mounted onto a stereotaxic frame and received 4% agar (10 microl) solution to compress the trigeminal ganglion. In the control group, the animals were given a sham operation without the application of agar. Changes in behavior were examined at 3 days before and at 3, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 30, and 40 days after surgery. Compression of the trigeminal ganglion significantly decreased the air-puff thresholds. Mechanical allodynia was established within 3 days and persisted over postoperative day 24. To evaluate cold allodynia, nociceptive scratching behavior was monitored after acetone application on the vibrissa pad of the rats. Compression of the trigeminal ganglion was found to produce significant cold allodynia, which persisted for more than 40 days after surgery. On postoperative day 14, the intracisternal administration of 1 microg or 10 microg of PD98059 in the rat model significantly decreased the air-puff thresholds on both the ipsilateral and contralateral side. The intracisternal administration of 10 microg of PD98059 also significantly alleviated the cold allodynia, compared with the vehicle-treated group. These results suggest that central ERK plays an important role in the development of mechanical and cold allodynia in rats with compression of the trigeminal ganglion and that a targeted blockade of this pathway is a potential future treatment strategy for trigeminal neuralgia-like nociception.
Acetone ; Agar ; Anesthesia ; Animals ; Cold Temperature ; Flavonoids ; Humans ; Hyperalgesia ; Male ; Nociception ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Salicylamides ; Trigeminal Ganglion ; Trigeminal Neuralgia

Foix-Chavany-Marie Syndrome (FCMS) is characterized by anarthria and bilateral facio-pharyngo-glosso-masticatory paralysis with an automatic-voluntary dissociation, which usually develops in bilateral opercular lesions. We present a case of FCMS caused by unilateral subcortical lesion. A 54-year-old man was admitted due to acute right hemiparesis with anarthria. He had voluntary facial paresis but automatic-involuntary facial movements were preserved. MRI showed an acute left corona radiata infarction and PET revealed decreased glucose metabolism in left basal ganglia and fronto-parietal lobe.
Basal Ganglia ; Cerebral Infarction ; Cranial Nerve Diseases ; Cranial Nerves ; Dissociative Disorders ; Facial Paralysis ; Glucose ; Humans ; Infarction ; Middle Aged ; Paralysis ; Paresis

The cannabinoid (CB2) receptor type 2 has been proposed to prevent the degeneration of dopamine neurons in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-treated mice. However, the mechanisms underlying CB2 receptor-mediated neuroprotection in MPTP mice have not been elucidated. The mechanisms underlying CB2 receptor-mediated neuroprotection of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra (SN) were evaluated in the MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD) by immunohistochemical staining (tyrosine hydroxylase, macrophage Ag complex-1, glial fibrillary acidic protein, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and CD3 and CD68), real-time PCR and a fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled albumin assay. Treatment with the selective CB2 receptor agonist JWH-133 (10 μg kg⁻¹, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) prevented MPTP-induced degeneration of dopamine neurons in the SN and of their fibers in the striatum. This JWH-133-mediated neuroprotection was associated with the suppression of blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage, astroglial MPO expression, infiltration of peripheral immune cells and production of inducible nitric oxide synthase, proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by activated microglia. The effects of JWH-133 were mimicked by the non-selective cannabinoid receptor WIN55,212 (10 μg kg⁻¹, i.p.). The observed neuroprotection and inhibition of glial-mediated neurotoxic events were reversed upon treatment with the selective CB2 receptor antagonist AM630, confirming the involvement of the CB2 receptor. Our results suggest that targeting the cannabinoid system may be beneficial for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as PD, that are associated with glial activation, BBB disruption and peripheral immune cell infiltration.
1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine* ; Animals ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; Chemokines ; Cytokines ; Dopamine* ; Dopaminergic Neurons* ; Fluorescein ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ; Macrophages ; Mice ; Microglia ; Neurodegenerative Diseases ; Neuroprotection ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II ; Parkinson Disease* ; Peroxidase ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Receptor, Cannabinoid, CB2* ; Receptors, Cannabinoid ; Substantia Nigra

OBJECTIVE: Sexual dysfunction is highly prevalent in both untreated and treated patients with schizophrenia. Sexual dysfunction is a major cause of poor quality of life, negative attitude to therapy and treatment non-compliance. We thereby conducted this study to better understand the predictors of subjective sexual dysfunction. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 83 patients (46 men; 37 women) who participated in an open label study on switching antipsychotics to olanzapine. All subjects met the Tenth Revision of International Classification of Diseases diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia. To better understand the predictors of subjective sexual dysfunction, we used the Liverpool University Neuroleptic Side-effect Rating scale (LUNSERS), a comprehensive self-rating instrument for assessing and quantifying the subjective adverse events during antipsychotic treatment. All patients were taking antipsychotics at the initiation of the study and were assessed using LUNSERS, the Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS), the Barnes Akathisia Rating scale (BARS), Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS), Clinical Global Impression (CGI), and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). They were also checked for their serum prolactin levels and vital signs before and after a 6-week treatment with olanzapine. In order to identify the cross-sectional and longitudinal predictors of LUNSERS hormonal side effect, we carried out multiple regression analyses. RESULTS: Prolactin levels, LUNSERS hormonal side effect, CGI, PANSS, SAS, AIMS, and BARS decreased after a 6-week treatment with olanzapine. At initial evaluation, cross-sectional predictors of LUNSERS hormonal side effect were red herring and allergic reaction subscale, but after the 6-week treatment with olanzapine, none of the variables were found to significantly predict LUNSERS hormonal side effect. Longitudinal predictors of LUNSERS hormonal side effect were LUNSERS extrapyramidal system side effect and prolactin levels. CONCLUSION: These findings suggested relationships among prolactin, extrapyramidal symptom, motor function and sexual dysfunction. After switching to olanzapine, sexual function of the patients improved subjectively. More studies are warranted as these results have significant implications for quality of life and treatment adherence.
Antipsychotic Agents ; Benzodiazepines ; Dyskinesias ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; International Classification of Diseases ; Phenothiazines ; Prolactin ; Psychomotor Agitation ; Quality of Life ; Schizophrenia ; Vital Signs

PURPOSE: The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using a single titanium tapered stem with alumina bearing, which was performed through a modified direct lateral approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty consecutive primary THAs were performed in 102 patients, and retrospectively reviewed. There were 53 men and 49 women of mean age 54 years, and all patients were followed for a minimum follow-up period of 5 years (range, 5-8.1 years). Clinical outcomes assessment consisted of calculation of the Harris hip score (HHS), and evaluation of the presence of thigh pain or limp. Sequential radiographs were evaluated for implant migration, osteolysis, reactive line, cortical hypertrophy, or evidence of component loosening. RESULTS: At the final follow-up, the mean preoperative HHS of 46 points improved to 94 points; and activity-related thigh pain occurred in two hips, and mild limps in four hips. There was no evidence of implant migration, osteolysis, or component loosening. Audible squeaking was present in two hips, without pain and radiographic abnormality. Dislocation occurred in three hips. CONCLUSION: The minimum 5-year results of titanium tapered stem with alumina bearing in cementless primary THA, using a modified direct lateral approach, were encouraging.
Aldosterone ; Aluminum Oxide ; Arthroplasty ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; Dislocations ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; Male ; Osteolysis ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Prostheses and Implants ; Retrospective Studies ; Tacrine ; Thigh ; Titanium ; Ursidae

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Only a few studies have investigated the relationship between different subtypes and disease progression or prognosis in patients with behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). Since a localized injury often produces more focal signs than a diffuse injury, we hypothesized that the clinical characteristics differ between patients with bvFTD who show diffuse frontal lobe atrophy (D-type) on axial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans versus those with focal or circumscribed frontal lobe atrophy (F-type). METHODS: In total, 94 MRI scans (74 scans from bvFTD and 20 scans from age-matched normal controls) were classified into 35 D- and 39 F-type bvFTD cases based on an axial MRI visual rating scale. We compared baseline clinical characteristics, progression in motor and cognitive symptoms, and survival times between D- and F-types. Survival analyses were performed for 62 of the 74 patients. RESULTS: While D-type performed better on neuropsychological tests than F-type at baseline, D-type had higher baseline scores on the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III. Evaluations of motor progression showed that the disease duration with motor symptoms was shorter in D-type than F-type. Moreover, the survival time was shorter in D-type (6.9 years) than F-type (9.4 years). Cox regression analyses revealed that a high UPDRS Part III score at baseline contributed to an increased risk of mortality, regardless of the pattern of atrophy. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis is worse for D-type than for those with F-type. Shorter survival in D-type may be associated with the earlier appearance of motor symptoms.
Atrophy* ; Disease Progression ; Frontal Lobe ; Frontotemporal Dementia* ; Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mortality ; Neurobehavioral Manifestations ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Parkinson Disease ; Prognosis*

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori infection occurs throughout the world and causes various gastroduodenal diseases in all age groups. The prevalence of H. pylori infection varies among countries and races. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in healthy people in Korea. METHODS: From March 1998 to October 1998, 5,732 asymptomatic subjects responded to the self-assessment questionnaires from 54 hospitals were enrolled. Serum level of anti-H. pylori IgG was measured by ELISA test. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 46.6% and showed no significant difference between male (47.2%) and female (45.9%). According to the geographic areas, the highly prevalent provinces were Kangwon (53.4%), Cheju (52.9%) and Jeonra provinces (50.6%), while Seoul (41.9%) was the lowest prevalent area. The seroprevalence increased with age and was the highest at 40's (78.5%). The characteristic feature of this study was that the infection rate increased steeply in three age groups (10-12, 16-19 years old and 30's). In Seoul, there was no different prevalence rate among the districts studied. CONCLUSION: The nation-wide seroprevalence of H. pylori infection in Korea is higher than that of the developed countries. We hope that this study provides the landmark for the study of H. pylori infection in Korea.
Continental Population Groups ; Developed Countries ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Gangwon-do ; Helicobacter pylori* ; Helicobacter* ; Hope ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Jeju-do ; Korea* ; Male ; Prevalence ; Self-Assessment ; Seoul ; Seroepidemiologic Studies* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

The original version of this article contained wrong information of an author which should be changed.

BACKGROUND: Legionella pneumophila is the causative agent of Legionnaires' disease, a severe form of pneumonia. After L. pneumophila is inhaled through contaminated aerosols, it is phagocytized by alveolar macrophages, multiplies in a specialized phagosome approximately 10 h postinfection, and eventually leads to the death of host cells. Currently available diagnostic tests for Legionella pneumonia have some limitations. This study was conducted to find diagnostic biomarkers for Legionella pneumonia using virulence gene expression profiling in a murine experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A/J mice were intranasally inoculated with L. pneumophila serogroup 1, and lungs were harvested 4, 8, 24, and 48 h postinfection. The strain grown in buffered yeast extract broth was used as reference samples. Cy-dye labeled cDNA samples were prepared with total RNA from lungs or broth culture, and hybridized on the oligo-microarray slide containing 2,895 genes of L. pneumophila serogroup 1. Virulence gene expression patterns were analyzed using a MIDAS software from TIGR (www.tigr.org). RESULTS: Among a total of 332 virulence genes examined, 17 genes including sidA, lepB, the genes related to flagella assembly (fliR and fliP), LPS lipid A biosynthesis, and the enhanced entry protein EnhA were up-regulated at all four time points. We further confirmed by quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR that the expression of fliP gene was highly expressed in lung tissue as well as in bronchoalveolar lavage fluids from the mouse infected with L. pneumophila serogroup 1. CONCLUSIONS: Through gene expression analysis of L. pneumophila in a mouse model, several candidate biomarkers for diagnosing Legionnaires' disease could be identified.
Aerosols ; Animals ; Biomarkers ; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; Chimera ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; DNA, Complementary ; Flagella ; Gene Expression ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Legionella ; Legionella pneumophila ; Legionnaires' Disease ; Lipid A ; Lung ; Macrophages, Alveolar ; Mice ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Phagosomes ; Pneumonia ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcription ; RNA ; Sprains and Strains ; Yeasts

Background: Disruption of the rotator cuff muscles compromises concavity compression force, which leads to superior migration of the humeral head and loss of stability. A novel idea of using the magnetic force to achieve shoulder stabilization in massive rotator cuff tears (MRCTs) was considered because the magnets can stabilize two separate entities with an attraction force. This study aimed to investigate the biomechanical effect of the magnetic force on shoulder stabilization in MRCTs. Methods: Seven fresh frozen cadaveric specimens were used with a customized shoulder testing system. Three testing conditions were set up: condition 1, intact rotator cuff without magnets; condition 2, an MRCT without magnets; condition 3, an MRCT with magnets. For each condition, anterior-posterior translation, superior translation, superior migration, and subacromial contact pressure were measured at 0°, 30°, and 60° of abduction. The abduction capability of condition 2 was compared with that of condition 3. Results: The anterior-posterior and superior translations increased in condition 2; however, they decreased compared to condition 2 when the magnets were applied (condition 3) in multiple test positions and loadings (p <0.05). Abduction capability improved significantly in condition 3 compared with that in condition 2, even for less deltoid loading (p < 0.05). Conclusions The magnet biomechanically played a positive role in stabilizing the shoulder joint and enabled abduction with less deltoid force in MRCTs. However, to ensure that the magnet is clinically applicable as a stabilizer for the shoulder joint, it is necessary to thoroughly verify its safety in the human body and to conduct further research on technical challenges.