OBJECTIVE: Pathogenesis of the endometriosis is very complex and the etiology is still unclear. Our hypothesis is that there may be some difference in gene expression patterns between eutopic endometriums with or without endometriosis. In this study, we analyzed the difference of gene expression profile with cDNA microarray. METHODS: Endometrial tissues were gathered from patients with endometriosis or other benign gynecologic diseases. cDNA microarray technique was applied to screen the different gene expression profiles from early and late secretory phase endometria of those two groups. Each three mRNA samples isolated from early and late secretory phase of endometrial tissues of control were pooled and used as master controls and labeled with Cy3-dUTP. Then the differences of gene expression pattern were screened by comparing eutopic endometria with endometriosis, which were labeled with Cy5-dUTP. Fluorescent labeled probes were hybridized on a microarray of 4,800 human genes. RESULTS: Twelve genes were consistently overexpressed in the endometrium of endometriosis such as ATP synthase H transporting F1 (ATP5B), eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1, isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (NADP+), mitochondrial ribosomal protein L3, ATP synthase H+ transporting (ATP5C1) and TNF alpha factor. Eleven genes were consistently down-regulated in the endometriosis samples. Many extracellular matrix protein genes (decorin, lumican, EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein 1, fibulin 5, and matrix Gla protein) and protease/protease inhibitors (serine proteinase inhibitor, matrix metalloproteinase 2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1), and insulin like growth factor II associated protein were included. Expression patterns of selected eight genes from the cDNA microarray were confirmed by quantitative RT-PCR or real time RT-PCR. CONCLUSION: The result of this analysis supports the hypothesis that the endometrium from patients with endometriosis has distinct gene expression profile from control endometrium without endometriosis.
Adenosine Triphosphate ; Endometriosis* ; Endometrium* ; Extracellular Matrix ; Female ; Gene Expression* ; Genital Diseases, Female ; Humans ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor II ; Isocitrate Dehydrogenase ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Peptide Elongation Factor 1 ; Ribosomal Proteins ; RNA, Messenger ; Transcriptome*

We herein report a case of occupational contact urticaria syndrome induced by cefotiam di-hydrochloride in a nurse. She had generalized pruritic wheals accompanied by palpitations and tachypnea during the preparation of cefotiam solution. A scratch patch test with cefotiam di-hydrochloride, a major component of cefotiam ingredient showed multiple erythema and wheals within 5 minutes, accompanied by palpitations and tachypnea. No delayed type reaction was observed. Based on her clinical history and scratch test result, we diagnosed her condition as contact urticaria syndrome caused by cefotiam.
Cefotiam* ; Erythema ; Patch Tests ; Tachypnea ; Urticaria*

No abstract available.
Neurofibromatoses* ; Scoliosis*

Peptides are short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. They are widely used as effective and biocompatible active ingredients in cosmetic industry. In this study, we developed novel peptide mixture and identified its anti-pigmentation effect on melanocytes and keratinocytes. Our results revealed that peptide mixture inhibited melanosome biogenesis through the regulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, a key factor of melanogenesis in melanocytes. And we observed that peptide mixture inhibited melanosome uptake through the reduction of protease-activated receptor 2, a phagocytosis-related receptor in keratinocytes. Furthermore, peptide mixture activated autophagy system resulting in degradation of transferred melanosomes in keratinocytes. The anti-pigmentation effect of multi-targeting peptide mixture was assessed in a human skin equivalent model (MelanoDerm). Melanin contents in epidermal layer were significantly decreased by topical treatment of peptide mixture, suggesting that it can be applied as a novel cosmetics material having a whitening function.

Peptides are short chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. They are widely used as effective and biocompatible active ingredients in cosmetic industry. In this study, we developed novel peptide mixture and identified its anti-pigmentation effect on melanocytes and keratinocytes. Our results revealed that peptide mixture inhibited melanosome biogenesis through the regulation of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, a key factor of melanogenesis in melanocytes. And we observed that peptide mixture inhibited melanosome uptake through the reduction of protease-activated receptor 2, a phagocytosis-related receptor in keratinocytes. Furthermore, peptide mixture activated autophagy system resulting in degradation of transferred melanosomes in keratinocytes. The anti-pigmentation effect of multi-targeting peptide mixture was assessed in a human skin equivalent model (MelanoDerm). Melanin contents in epidermal layer were significantly decreased by topical treatment of peptide mixture, suggesting that it can be applied as a novel cosmetics material having a whitening function.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the prevalence of electrolyte imbalance and the relationship between serum electrolyte and anterior pituitary hormone levels in patients with Sheehan's syndrome. METHODS: In a retrospective study, we investigated 78 patients with Sheehan's syndrome. We also included 95 normal control subjects who underwent a combined anterior pituitary hormone stimulation test and showed normal hormonal responses. RESULTS: In patients with Sheehan's syndrome, the serum levels of sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, magnesium, and inorganic phosphate were significantly lower than those in control subjects. The prevalence of hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, and hypophosphatemia in patients with Sheehan's syndrome was 59.0% (n=46), 26.9% (n=21), 35.9% (n=28), 47.4% (n=37), and 23.1% (n=18), respectively. Levels of sodium and ionized calcium in serum were positively correlated with levels of all anterior pituitary hormones (all P<0.05). Levels of potassium in serum were positively correlated with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and growth hormone (GH) levels (all P<0.05). Levels of inorganic phosphate in serum were positively correlated with levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, prolactin, and GH (all P<0.05), and levels of magnesium in serum were positively correlated with delta ACTH (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Electrolyte imbalance was common in patients with Sheehan's syndrome. Furthermore, the degree of anterior pituitary hormone deficiency relates to the degree of electrolyte disturbance in patients with this disease.
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; Calcium ; Electrolytes ; Growth Hormone ; Humans ; Hypocalcemia ; Hypokalemia ; Hyponatremia ; Hypophosphatemia ; Hypopituitarism* ; Magnesium ; Pituitary Hormones, Anterior ; Potassium ; Prevalence ; Prolactin ; Retrospective Studies ; Sodium ; Thyrotropin

Purpose: Although the taller-than-wide (TTW) sign has been regarded as one of the most specific ultrasound (US) features of thyroid malignancy, uncertainty still exists regarding the US probe’s orientation when evaluating it. This study investigated which US plane would be optimal to identify the TTW sign based on malignancy risk stratification using a registry-based imaging dataset. Methods: A previous study by 17 academic radiologists retrospectively analyzed the US images of 5,601 thyroid nodules (≥1 cm, 1,089 malignant and 4,512 benign) collected in the webbased registry of Thyroid Imaging Network of Korea through the collaboration of 26 centers. The present study assessed the diagnostic performance of the TTW sign itself and fine needle aspiration (FNA) indications via a comparison of four international guidelines, depending on the orientation of the US probe (criterion 1, transverse plane; criterion 2, either transverse or longitudinal plane). Results: Overall, the TTW sign was more frequent in malignant than in benign thyroid nodules (25.3% vs. 4.6%). However, the statistical differences between criteria 1 and 2 were negligible for sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) based on the size effect (all P<0.05, Cohen’s d=0.19, 0.10, and 0.07, respectively). Moreover, the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC of the four FNA guidelines were similar between criteria 1 and 2 (all P>0.05, respectively). Conclusion A longitudinal US probe orientation provided little additional diagnostic value over the transverse orientation in detecting the TTW sign of thyroid nodules.

OBJECTIVES: Cases of psychiatric disorders are reported with a review of literature on mental health problems in North Korean defectors in South Korea. METHODS: Four patients who were admitted to a psychiatric hospital with major depression, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, or mixed disorder of conduct and emotions of adolescent were studied. RESULTS: The most common precipitating factor was the separation from close persons they had been dependent on. Defector-specific stress included unfamiliar culture of South Korea, lack of ability to adapt to South Korean society, uselessness of past education and professional skills, stress with regard to being identified or discriminated as a North Korean defector, and guilt feeling for leaving their family behind in North Korea. North Korean defector-specific clinical findings were noted; these included reluctance to expose themselves as North Koreans, negative emotional reaction to discrimination of South Korean neighbors, submissive and passive attitude, loneliness, anxiety for the future related to refugee status, and strong stigma related to psychiatry. CONCLUSION: This case report suggests that an individualized or tailored treatment that considers their unique psychosocial situation, which especially focuses on discrimination and social support, is needed for North Korean defectors with mental disorders.
Adolescent ; Anxiety ; Bipolar Disorder ; Conduct Disorder ; Democratic People's Republic of Korea ; Depression ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Guilt ; Hospitals, Psychiatric ; Humans ; Loneliness ; Mental Disorders ; Mental Health ; Mood Disorders ; Precipitating Factors ; Refugees ; Republic of Korea ; Schizophrenia

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to develop and validate a scale for measuring the negative effects of job stress on an individual, its family, and its community. METHODS: Based on open-ended questions, interviews, and expert comments, 73 preliminary scale items consisting of 12 factors were assembled. The initial survey was administered to 344 employees in order to conduct item analyses, reliability tests, and factor analyses of the stress assessment scale. The results of the factor analyses indicated that an 8 factor model comprising 43 items was most meaningful. For the final survey, data were obtained from 2732 employees. RESULTS: Factor analysis of the final survey data showed that the developed 8 factor model was appropriate for its intended use. Results of correlation analyses showed that the assessment scale was significantly related to stress response, thereby confirming convergent validity, and was related to various criteria including life satisfaction, hope, optimism, and subjective happiness, thereby confirming criterion-related validity. CONCLUSION: A scale useful in the assessment of negative effects on job stress on workers and on their community members including their families was developed and validated.
Happiness ; Hope ; Humans ; Optimism

PURPOSE: The Purposes of this study are to identify the circulating etiologic viruses of acute lower respiratory tract infection in children and to understand the relation with clinical diagnosis. METHODS: We obtained a total of 418 nasopharyngeal aspirates from children admitted for their acute lower respiratory tract infections at three tertiary hospitals in Seoul from September 2008 to March 2009. We performed multiplex RT-PCR to identify 14 etiologic viruses and analyzed their emerging patterns and clinical features. RESULTS: Average age of patients was 16.4 months old and the ratio of male to female was 1.36. Viruses were detected in 56.2% of a total of 418 samples. Respiratory syncytial virus (35%) was the most frequently detected and followed by human rhinovirus (22%), human bocavirus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, influenza virus and human coronavirus. Co-infection reached 21.9% of positive patients. CONCLUSION: When we manage the patients with acute lower respiratory infectious diseases, we should remind the role of various viral pathogens, which might be circulating by seasons and by local areas.
Adenoviruses, Human ; Child ; Coinfection ; Communicable Diseases ; Coronavirus ; Female ; Human bocavirus ; Humans ; Male ; Metapneumovirus ; Orthomyxoviridae ; Paramyxoviridae Infections ; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses ; Respiratory System ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; Rhinovirus ; Seasons ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Viruses