PURPOSE: We encountered a rare case of optic neuritis that developed in a sphenoid sinusitis. This case has not been reported at any of the Korean Ophthalmological Society meetings. CASE SUMMARY: A 12-year-old boy with swollen optic disc was diagnosed with optic neuritis secondary to sphenoid sinusitis, through orbit MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and paranasal sinus CT (computed tomography). We observed the recovery of visual acuity and the improvement of papilledema after treatment. In the initial examination, the BCVA (best-corrected visual acuity) of the right eye was only hand movement. Papilledema was detected by ophthalmoscopy. Orbit MRI and paranasal sinus CT were then performed, which revealed that sphenoid sinusitis had invaded the right optic nerve. Treatment included the use of antibiotics, systemic steroid therapy, and endoscopic sinus surgery. One month after treatment, the BCVA of the right eye was 1.0 and the papilla of right eye had a normal ophthalmoscopic finding. CONCLUSIONS: Sphenoid sinusitis can be a cause of optic neuritis. The treatment of optic neuritis caused by paranasal sinusitis must include antibiotics use or endoscopic sinus surgery to remove the sinus inflammation as well as high dose steroid therapy.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Child ; Hand ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Ophthalmoscopy ; Optic Nerve ; Optic Neuritis* ; Orbit ; Papilledema ; Sinusitis ; Sphenoid Sinus* ; Sphenoid Sinusitis* ; Visual Acuity

In order to explore the existence and distribution of phospholipase (PLC) isozymes in the rat retina, immunohistochemical staining was applied using monoclonal antibodies against PLC isozymes (PLC beta; K92, PLC gamma; D7, F7, PLC delta; R32, S11). For immunohistochemical detection, avidin-biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) method was performed on frozed tissue sections of rat retina. Our study showed that PLC isozymes have particular distributional patterns in the retina. Namely, PLC beta is broadly distributed in the outer and inner segments of photoreceptor cell layer, nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer. PLC gamma is mainly appeared in the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer. PLC delta is confined only in the ganglion cell layer. These results clearly demonstrate the PLC isozymes may have their own role in the transduction of light pathway in the retina. However, further studies will be required to verify theirs precise role in the photoreception.
Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Ganglion Cysts ; Immunohistochemistry ; Isoenzymes* ; Nerve Fibers ; Peroxidase ; Phospholipase C beta ; Phospholipases* ; Photoreceptor Cells ; Rats* ; Retina* ; Type C Phospholipases*

In order to explore the existence and distribution of phospholipase (PLC) isozymes in the rat retina, immunohistochemical staining was applied using monoclonal antibodies against PLC isozymes (PLC beta; K92, PLC gamma; D7, F7, PLC delta; R32, S11). For immunohistochemical detection, avidin-biotin peroxidase complex (ABC) method was performed on frozed tissue sections of rat retina. Our study showed that PLC isozymes have particular distributional patterns in the retina. Namely, PLC beta is broadly distributed in the outer and inner segments of photoreceptor cell layer, nuclear layer and ganglion cell layer. PLC gamma is mainly appeared in the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer and inner nuclear layer. PLC delta is confined only in the ganglion cell layer. These results clearly demonstrate the PLC isozymes may have their own role in the transduction of light pathway in the retina. However, further studies will be required to verify theirs precise role in the photoreception.
Animals ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Ganglion Cysts ; Immunohistochemistry ; Isoenzymes* ; Nerve Fibers ; Peroxidase ; Phospholipase C beta ; Phospholipases* ; Photoreceptor Cells ; Rats* ; Retina* ; Type C Phospholipases*

In the adult mammalian brain, neural-lineage cells are continuously generated in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. These cells in vivo arising from the adult SVZ may be regulated by environmental enrichment (EE). EE is a method of raising animals in a huge cage containing novel objects, running wheels and social interaction with a complex combination of physical, cognitive, and social stimulations. EE can affect neural plasticity via overexpression of growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and synaptic activity-regulating genes. EE also have advanced effects on brain functions including the enhancement of motor and cognitive functions in normal and pathological states. Additionally, behavioral changes by EE are related with molecular changes including neurogenesis, gliogenesis, angiogenesis, axonal sprouting, and dendritic branching in the adult brain. In this review, we focus on brain plasticity and neurorestoration associated with molecular changes of neurotrophic growth factors such as BDNF, VEGF, IGF-1, FGF-2 and synaptic activity-regulating genes that occurs in interaction to EE.
Adult ; Animals ; Axons ; Brain* ; Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor ; Dentate Gyrus ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; Hippocampus ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Interpersonal Relations ; Neurogenesis ; Plastics* ; Running ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) usually result from parathyroid gland hyperplasia that produces excess parathyroid hormone (PTH). Decreased renal function leads to elevate serum phosphate levels and reduce vitamin D production, which results in hypocalcemia. Skeletal resistance to PTH results in persistently and frequently extremely elevated PTH levels and renal osteopathy. Treatment of choice for secondary HPT is medical management including calcitriol and vitamin D. However, for some cases in calciphylaxis and the failure including PTH >800 pg/mL or osteoporosis under maximal medical management surgical intervention could be an alternative option. We described a case of 47-year-old woman with surgical intervention for secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Autografts ; Calciphylaxis ; Calcitriol ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary ; Hyperplasia ; Hypocalcemia ; Middle Aged ; Osteoporosis ; Parathyroid Glands ; Parathyroid Hormone ; Parathyroidectomy ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Vitamin D

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infection (SSI) is generally considered second or third most important infection type in nosocomial infections. However, there are only a few national surveillances about surgical site infection and prophylactic antibiotics use. We performed the surveillance of surgical site infections and antibiotic use in joint replacement operation, which is difficult and costly to treat. METHODS: The surveillance study of the hip joint (HRA) and knee joint replacement surgery (KRA) was performed in four university hospitals from July 2006 to December 2006. The Clinical variables, operative risk factors for SSI, and information of prophylactic antibiotics uses were evaluated. SSI surveillance was done in 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 month, 6 month, and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: A total of 436 cases (HRA, 227; KRA, 209) were enrolled for SSI surveillance. The SSI rates of HRA and KRA were 1.32 (3/227), and 1.44 (3/209) per 100 operations, respectively. The most of operation site was clean wound (97.9%). Staphylococcus aureus was observed in 19.8% before operation and among S. aureus infections about 20% was methicillin-resistant strain. The 1st generation cephalosporins were most frequently used for prophyaxis occupying 65.1%. The median duration of antibiotic use was 12 days (1-79 days). Any other specific risk factors were not correlated with SSI development. CONCLUSION: The multicenter surveillance study of SSI was first performed in Korea. The SSI rate was comparable with SSI reported in other country. We need to analyze the risk factors of SSI after collecting the data through further studies.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Cephalosporins ; Cross Infection ; Hip Joint ; Hospitals, University ; Joints ; Knee Joint ; Korea ; Methicillin Resistance ; Risk Factors ; Sprains and Strains ; Staphylococcus aureus

Background: Preeclampsia (PE) is known to arise from insufficient trophoblast invasion as uterine spiral arteries lack remodeling. A significant reduction in placental perfusion induces an ischemic placental microenvironment due to reduced oxygen delivery to the placenta and fetus, leading to oxidative stress. Mitochondria are involved in the regulation of cellular metabolism and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). NME/NM23 nuceloside diphosphate kinase 4 (NME4) gene is known to have the ability to supply nucleotide triphosphate and deoxynucleotide triphosphate for replication and transcription of mitochondria. Our study aimed to investigate changes in NME4 expression in PE using trophoblast stem-like cells (TSLCs) from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a model of early pregnancy and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) as a model of late preterm pregnancy. Methods: Transcriptome analysis using TSLCs was performed to identify the candidate gene associated with the possible pathophysiology of PE. Then, the expression of NME4 associated with mitochondrial function, p53 associated with cell death, and thioredoxin (TRX) linked to ROS were investigated through qRT-PCR, western blotting and deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. Results: In patients with PE, NME4 was significantly downregulated in TSLCs but upregulated in PBMNCs. p53 was shown to be upregulated in TSLCs and PBMNCs of PE. In addition, western blot analysis confirmed that TRX expression had the tendency to increase in TSLCs of PE. Similarly, TUNEL analysis confirmed that the dead cells were higher in PE than in normal pregnancy. Conclusion Our study showed that the expression of the NME4 differed between models of early and late preterm pregnancy of PE, and suggests that this expression pattern may be a potential biomarker for early diagnosis of PE.

PURPOSE: Rearrangement of the proto-oncogene rearranged during transfection (RET) has been newly identified potential driver mutation in lung adenocarcinoma. Clinically available tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) target RET kinase activity, which suggests that patients with RET fusion genes may be treatable with a kinase inhibitor. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of resistance to these agents remain largely unknown. Thus, the present study aimed to determine whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) trigger RET inhibitor resistance in LC-2/ad cells with CCDC6-RET fusion genes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects of EGF and HGF on the susceptibility of a CCDC6-RET lung cancer cell line to RET inhibitors (sunitinib, E7080, vandetanib, and sorafenib) were examined. RESULTS: CCDC6-RET lung cancer cells were highly sensitive to RET inhibitors. EGF activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and triggered resistance to sunitinib, E7080, vandetanib, and sorafenib by transducing bypass survival signaling through ERK and AKT. Reversible EGFR-TKI (gefitinib) resensitized cancer cells to RET inhibitors, even in the presence of EGF. Endothelial cells, which are known to produce EGF, decreased the sensitivity of CCDC6-RET lung cancer cells to RET inhibitors, an effect that was inhibited by EGFR small interfering RNA (siRNA), anti-EGFR antibody (cetuximab), and EGFR-TKI (Iressa). HGF had relatively little effect on the sensitivity to RET inhibitors. CONCLUSION: EGF could trigger resistance to RET inhibition in CCDC6-RET lung cancer cells, and endothelial cells may confer resistance to RET inhibitors by EGF. E7080 and other RET inhibitors may provide therapeutic benefits in the treatment of RET-positive lung cancer patients.
Adenocarcinoma/drug therapy/*genetics ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cetuximab/pharmacology ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects/*genetics ; Epidermal Growth Factor/metabolism/*pharmacology ; *Gene Rearrangement ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor/*pharmacology ; Humans ; Indoles/pharmacology ; Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy/*genetics ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; *Mutation ; Niacinamide/analogs & derivatives/pharmacology ; Phenylurea Compounds/pharmacology ; Piperidines/pharmacology ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret/*antagonists & inhibitors/genetics ; Pyrroles/pharmacology ; Quinazolines/pharmacology ; RNA, Small Interfering/pharmacology ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor/genetics/metabolism ; Signal Transduction/drug effects ; fms-Like Tyrosine Kinase 3/metabolism

Systemic sclerosis as a connective tissue disease could affect all internal organs of the body and could also manifest as a cutaneous lesion. Cardiac involvement leading to cardiac manifestations in systemic sclerosis patients is not rare. However, cardiac amyloidosis combined with systemic sclerosis is extremely rare. Although there were no definite treatment options in this case, symptomatic treatment is the cornerstone of the management plan. In this case report, we described a correct diagnosis and symptomatic medical care of early reactive cardiac amyloidosis with systemic sclerosis and summarize the current state of the relevant literature.
Amyloidosis* ; Cardiomyopathy, Restrictive ; Connective Tissue Diseases ; Diagnosis* ; Humans ; Scleroderma, Systemic*

Invasive fungal infections contribute substantially to death and illness. Invasive aspergillosis usually occurs in immunocompromised patients and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Primary infection usually involves the respiratory tract following environmental exposure to Aspergillus and may, in severely immunocompromised patients, disseminate to other organs. A 35-year-old woman with history of rheumatoid arthritis for more than 10 years, developed dysphagia for 2 months following the combination therapy with prednisolone and etanercept. The patient was hospitalized and diagnosed as esophageal aspergillosis by gastroduodenoscopic biopsy. Fourteen days after initiation of itraconazole, dysphagia recovered completely. It is very rare case to develop only esophageal aspergillosis without invasion of any other organs. We report here, the case of localized aspergillosis in patient who took immunosuppressants for rheumatoid arthritis.
Adult ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid* ; Aspergillosis* ; Aspergillus ; Biopsy ; Deglutition Disorders ; Environmental Exposure ; Etanercept ; Esophagitis ; Female ; Humans ; Immunocompromised Host ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Itraconazole ; Mortality ; Prednisolone ; Respiratory System