No abstract available.
Antigen-Antibody Complex* ; Syphilis*

BACKGROUND: In primary syphilis, Treponema pallidum invades skin and mucosa through the epidermis, enters blood vessels and circulates in the blood. Afterwards, T. pallidum migrates out of the blood vessels to the pidermis in secondary syphilis to induce diverse skin findings. Therefore, the epidermis seems to be one of the main targets in syphilis. Most of the epidermal cells are keratinocytes and it can be presumed that T. pallidum infection elicits defence mechanisms at keratinocyte level resulting in changes of the keratinocyte surface molecule expression. OBJECTIVE: We have examined by ELISA whether virulent T. pallidum and its 47-kDa antigen could change the expressions of E cadherin, MHC-I, and ICAM-1 on the surface of HaCaT, a transformed human kerainocyte cell line. METHODS: The 96 well plates of 4 x 10(4) HaCaT cells/well were cultured for 1-2 days at 37 degrees C, and cultured for 16 hours at 37 degrees C including 3x 10(5) T. pallidum per well or its 47-kDa antigen. Then the changes of E-cadherin, MHC-I and, ICAM-I were observed by ELISA. Media alone was used for negative control and TNF-alpha of 10U/well was used for positive control. RESULTS: On culturing with T. pallidum, the expression of E-cadherin and MHC-I increased significantly compared with the negative control. That of ICAM-1 showed increased findings compared to the negative control, but it was not significant. On culturing with its 47-kDa antigen, the expression of E-cadioerin and MHC-I increased significantly compared with negative control ICAM-1 expression was increased compared to the negative control, but it was not significant. CONCLUSION: The increase in E-cadherin and MHC-I expressions in HaCaT cells cultured with T. pallidum may be related to the defence mechanisms of the host cells.
Antigens, Surface* ; Blood Vessels ; Cadherins ; Cell Line ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epidermis ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Keratinocytes ; Mucous Membrane ; Skin ; Syphilis ; Treponema pallidum* ; Treponema* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

No abstract available.
Female ; Female* ; Genitalia, Female* ; Humans ; Incidence*

PURPOSE: The validity of tomotherapy-based simultaneous integrated boost (TOMOSIB) was assessed in terms of acute intestinal/urinary toxicity by comparing with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) in cases of whole-pelvis radiation therapy (WPRT) for prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight consecutive patients who underwent curative WPRT were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty six (68.4%) received 3DCRT and the others (31.6%) were treated with TOMOSIB. A local boost to the prostate circumferential area was added to WPRT sequentially for 3DCRT and concomitantly for TOMOSIB. The total median prostate or prostatic bed dose was 64.8 Gy including median 45.0 Gy of WPRT. Acute toxicities were assessed according to RTOG criteria. RESULTS: Overall intestinal toxicity was lower in TOMOSIB group than 3DCRT group (p=0.008). When it was divided into rectum and non-rectum intestine (NRI), TOMOSIB showed borderline superiority only in NRI toxicity (p=0.047). For the urinary toxicity, there was no significant difference between two groups (p=0.796). On dosimetric analysis for the rectum and bladder, dose delivered to 80% (p<0.001) and volume receiving 25-40 Gy (p<0.001) were remarkably higher in 3DCRT. For the NRI, only maximum dose showed significant results between two groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Intestinal toxicity should be verified with more detailed anatomic categorization such as rectum and NRI. TOMOSIB could not reduce urinary toxicity because of inevitably high dose exposure to the prostatic urethra. Current dosimetry system did not properly reflect intestinal/urinary toxicity, and suitable dosimetric guidelines are needed in TOMOSIB.
Adenocarcinoma/pathology/*radiotherapy ; Aged ; Humans ; Intestine, Small/*radiation effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pelvis/*radiation effects ; Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology/*radiotherapy ; Radiation Injuries ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated/*adverse effects/methods ; Rectum/radiation effects ; Retrospective Studies ; Urinary Bladder/*radiation effects

PURPOSE: The validity of tomotherapy-based simultaneous integrated boost (TOMOSIB) was assessed in terms of acute intestinal/urinary toxicity by comparing with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) in cases of whole-pelvis radiation therapy (WPRT) for prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight consecutive patients who underwent curative WPRT were retrospectively reviewed. Twenty six (68.4%) received 3DCRT and the others (31.6%) were treated with TOMOSIB. A local boost to the prostate circumferential area was added to WPRT sequentially for 3DCRT and concomitantly for TOMOSIB. The total median prostate or prostatic bed dose was 64.8 Gy including median 45.0 Gy of WPRT. Acute toxicities were assessed according to RTOG criteria. RESULTS: Overall intestinal toxicity was lower in TOMOSIB group than 3DCRT group (p=0.008). When it was divided into rectum and non-rectum intestine (NRI), TOMOSIB showed borderline superiority only in NRI toxicity (p=0.047). For the urinary toxicity, there was no significant difference between two groups (p=0.796). On dosimetric analysis for the rectum and bladder, dose delivered to 80% (p<0.001) and volume receiving 25-40 Gy (p<0.001) were remarkably higher in 3DCRT. For the NRI, only maximum dose showed significant results between two groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Intestinal toxicity should be verified with more detailed anatomic categorization such as rectum and NRI. TOMOSIB could not reduce urinary toxicity because of inevitably high dose exposure to the prostatic urethra. Current dosimetry system did not properly reflect intestinal/urinary toxicity, and suitable dosimetric guidelines are needed in TOMOSIB.
Adenocarcinoma/pathology/*radiotherapy ; Aged ; Humans ; Intestine, Small/*radiation effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pelvis/*radiation effects ; Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology/*radiotherapy ; Radiation Injuries ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated/*adverse effects/methods ; Rectum/radiation effects ; Retrospective Studies ; Urinary Bladder/*radiation effects

Antianginal effect of Trapidil was evaluated in 30 patients (18 male and 12 females) with angina rectoris. The results were follows : 1) Antianginal effect of the drug were good in 18 cases (60%) and fair in 8 cases (37%), and there was no effect in 4 cases(13%). 2) Improvement in ECG changes was observed in 29%. 3) There were no significant change in CBC, RUA, LFT, serum electrolyte and lipid study before and after medication. 4) The adverse effects of trapidil were constipation, gastric cramp and dizziness, respectively one case. But they were not required discontinuing the medicetion. On the basis of these results, Trapidol was evaluated to be promising antianginal drug.
Constipation ; Dizziness ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Male ; Muscle Cramp ; Trapidil*

BACKGROUND: The H-reflex has been used to assess the proximal nerve conduction in radiculopathy or peripheral neuropathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the H-reflex in the diagnosis of subclinical diabetic polyneuropathy. METHOD: Thirty-four diabetic patients (17 women and 17 men) who had neither motor nor sensory symptoms were selected (mean age 57.6 +/- 12.9 years). The duration of diabetes varied from 0.5 to 24 years (mean 6.2 +/- 5.1 years). None of the patients had any known cause of peripheral neuropathy other than diabetes. Twenty-seven healthy subjects (16 women and 11 men) were evaluated as an age-matched control group. H-reflex studies were performed using Braddom and Johnson's methods. The presence and latencies of the H-reflexes were examined in both legs. RESULTS: Twenty-four of the 34 patients (70.6%) had abnormal H-reflex responses (absent H-reflex in 17, prolonged latency in 7). However, only three out of the 27 control subjects (11.1%) had abnormal H-reflex responses (absent H-reflex in 1, prolonged latency in 2). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormalities in H-reflex studies have often been seen in diabetic subjects without overt neurological symptoms. This study suggests that the H-reflex study may be a useful screening tool in the diagnosis of subclinical diabetic polyneuropathy.
Diabetic Neuropathies* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; H-Reflex* ; Humans ; Leg ; Mass Screening ; Neural Conduction ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Radiculopathy

Intestinal tuberculosis is an infectious disease which is still prevalent in the developing countries including Korea. It may occur insidously, have a vague clinical marofestation, and take a chronic course. We have analyzed 101 cases of intestinal tuberculosis. proven by clinical and histopathologic diagnosis for 10yrs since 1977. The results are as follows: 1) Intestinal tbc was prevalent in the age of 20-30 and the male to female ratio was 1:1.7. 2) Among clinical manifestations, abdominal pain, and tenderness, general malaise and abdominal mass were observed in order of frequency. 3) Active pulmonary lesion was associated in 73 cases (73.3%). 4) Ileocecal region was the most frequent site of involvement in barium study and in colonoscopy. 5) The most frequent colonoscopic finding was multiple ulceration and pseudopolyposis and chronic granulomatous inflammation was noted in 58% on hitopathology. 6) Ulcerative type was the most common type 45.4% by intestinal x-ray and colonofiberscopic examination
Abdominal Pain ; Barium ; Colonoscopy ; Communicable Diseases ; Developing Countries ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Korea ; Male ; Tuberculosis* ; Ulcer

A case of syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormome (SIADH) associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus is reported. A 77-year-old man was admitted for treatment of left facial pain and vesicular lesions during 7 days. On admission, physical examination revealed vesicular eruptions on the left face and on neurologic examination, he revealed an alert, well-oriented mentality. Neither sensory disturbance nor nuchal rigidity was noted. Further investigation revealed hyponatremia 115mEq/L, low serum osmolality, high urine osmolarity, high urinary sodium secretion, normal renal function, normal adrenal and thyroid function. Cerebrospinal examination revealed a pleocytosis, mild protein elevation, normal glucose. No malignant cells were present and microorganism examinations were negative. Only water restriciton was started. But he revealed confusional mentality and aggravation of hyponatremia(110m2q/L). Intravenous hypertonic saline also was started, and the patient's sensorium was improved in accordance with the increase in serum sodium concentration. In the absence of other recognized causes we suggest that the two conditions(SIADH and Herpes Zoster Infection) may have related and speculate on possible mechanisms. In this report, we postulate that the hyponatremia was due to SIADH and that SIADH was caused by the infection of varicella-zoster virus(VZV) in central nervous system.
Aged ; Central Nervous System ; Facial Pain ; Glucose ; Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus ; Herpes Zoster* ; Humans ; Hyponatremia ; Inappropriate ADH Syndrome ; Leukocytosis ; Muscle Rigidity ; Neurologic Examination ; Osmolar Concentration ; Physical Examination ; Sodium ; Thyroid Gland ; Water

No abstract available.
Incidence