The Landsteiner–Wiener (LW) antigen is a type of red blood cell antigen. Anti-LW appears in various situations, including alloantibodies, autoantibodies, and even transiently occurring antibodies. Anti-LW has similar characteristics to anti-D, so it can interfere with interpreting pre-transfusion tests and finding compatible blood. This paper introduces three cases in whom anti-LW was detected through antibody identification tests. All three cases were examined using the column agglutination technique with ID-DiaPanel (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA, USA) on a LISS/Coombs card, ID-DiaPanel p (Bio-Rad) on a NaCl/Enzyme card, and ID-DiaPanel (Bio-Rad) on a LISS/Coombs card using red blood cells treated with dithiothreitol. The auto-control test, direct antiglobulin test, and umbilical cord blood test were also performed. In all three cases, the reaction with D-positive panel cells was stronger than that with the D-negative panel cells, and two of them showed a pan-agglutinated reaction in ID-DiaPanel p (Bio-Rad) with NaCl/Enzyme card. They were reported as anti-LW, and as in these cases, anti-LW can occur under a range of conditions and interfere with proper transfusion. Therefore, it is important to identify anti-LW accurately, and if anti-LW is present, the transfusion of D-negative ABO matched blood should be recommended because of the low expression of the LW-antigen. On the other hand, D-positive blood is not a contraindication when an urgent transfusion is needed.

No abstract available.
Pulmonary Embolism*

PURPOSE: The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is generally self- administrated; however, it is doubtful that the self-administrated IPSS score correctly reflects patients' symptoms; therefore, the difference in the IPSS self-administrated score and physician-interviewed patients was studied. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 202 patients completed two IPSS questionnaires during the same office visit, one by self-administration and the other by physician-interview, at two medical centers, one located in an urban area and the other in a rural area. The mean total symptom score and the score for each question, and the quality of life score were compared between the two modes of administration. A multi-logistical regression analysis was performed to identify differences due to the effects of age, the order of administration, location and educational level. RESULTS: The mean total symptom score and quality of life score were higher in the self-administrated than physician-interviewed group (14.16 vs. 13.07, p=0.001, 3.27 vs. 3.2, p=0.090). The residual sense (2.03 vs. 1.97, p=0.20), frequency (2.07 vs. 1.97, p=0.026), interruption (1.83 vs. 1.61, p=0.002), urgency (1.89 vs. 1.55, p=0.001), weak stream (2.74 vs. 2.60, p=0.042), hesitancy (1.77 vs. 1.59, p=0.005) and nocturia (1.82 vs. 1.77, p=0.12) were also higher in the self-administrated group. The multi- logistical regression analysis revealed statistically significant differences in relation to age and location. CONCLUSIONS: The self-administrated IPSS score was higher than the physician-interview score, especially in relation to an older age and an urban location. Therefore, active intervention should be considered during the administration of the IPSS, especially for old aged patients living in urban areas.
Humans ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms* ; Nocturia ; Office Visits ; Prostate* ; Quality of Life ; Questionnaires ; Rivers ; Urinary Tract

This study aimed to measure the thickness of the epithelium and lamina propria of the palatal mucosa and to elucidate the location of the greater palatine artery to provide the anatomical basis for subepithelial connective tissue grafting. Thirty-two maxillary specimens, taken from the canine distal area to the first molar distal area, were embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The thickness of the epithelium and lamina propria of the palatal mucosa was measured at three positions on these specimens, starting from 3 mm below the alveolar crest and in 3-mm intervals. The location of the greater palatine artery was evaluated by using image-processing software. The mean epithelial thickness decreased significantly in the posterior teeth; it was 0.41, 0.36, 0.32, and 0.30 mm in the canine, first premolar, second premolar, and first molar distal areas, respectively. The lamina propria was significantly thicker in the canine distal; it was 1.36, 1.08, 1.09, and 1.05 mm, respectively. The mean length from the alveolar crest to the greater palatine artery increased toward the posterior molar; it was 7.76, 9.21, 10.93, and 11.28 mm, respectively. The mean depth from the surface of the palatal mucosa to the greater palatine artery decreased from the canine distal to the first premolar distal but increased again toward the posterior molar; it was 3.97, 3.09, 3.58, and 5.50 mm, respectively. Detailed histological assessments of the lamina propria of the palatal mucosa and the greater palatine artery are expected to provide useful anatomical guidelines for subepithelial connective tissue grafting.
Arteries ; Bicuspid ; Connective Tissue ; Epithelium ; Molar ; Mucous Membrane ; Paraffin ; Transplants

PURPOSE: Apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE1/Ref-1) is a multifunctional protein involved in DNA repair and redox modulation. Recently, serum and urinary APE1/Ref-1 levels were reported to be increased in patients with bladder cancer. Genetic variations of APE/Ref-1 are associated with the risk of cancer. However, the effect of APE1/Ref-1 variants on its secretory activity is yet unknown. METHODS: APE1/Ref-1 variants were evaluated by DNA sequencing analysis of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction products in coding DNA sequences (CDS) of APE1/Ref-1 in bladder tissue samples from patients with bladder cancer (n=10). Secretory activity of APE1/Ref-1 variants was evaluated with immunoblot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the culture medium supernatants. RESULTS: Four different substitution mutants (D148E, I64V/D148E, W67R/D148E, and E86G/D148E) of APE1/Ref-1 were identified in bladder cancer specimens. However, deletion mutants of APE1/Ref-1 CDS were not found. The secretory activity of the APE1/Ref-1 variants (D148E, I64V/D148E, and E86G/D148E) was increased compared to that of wild type APE1/Ref-1. Furthermore, the secretory activity in basal or hyperacetylated conditions was much higher than that in APE1/Ref-1 D148E-transfected HEK293 cells. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data suggest that the increased secretory activity of D148E might contribute to increased serum levels of APE1/Ref-1 in patients with bladder cancer.
Base Sequence ; Clinical Coding ; DNA Repair ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Genetic Variation ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans* ; Oxidation-Reduction ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcription ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms* ; Urinary Bladder*

PURPOSE: The cortical bone thickness on the anterior region is important for achieving implant stability. The purpose of this study was to examine the thickness of the cortical and cancellous bones on the anterior region of the maxilla and mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five cadaver heads were used (16 male and 9 female; mean death age, 56.7 years). After the long axis of alveolar process was set up, it was measured in 5 levels starting from 2 mm below the cementoenamel junction (L1) at intervals of 3 mm. All data was analysed statistically by one-way ANOVA at the .05 significance level. RESULTS: The cortical bone thickness according to measurement levels in both the labial and lingual sides increased from L1 to L5, and the lingual side below L3 was significantly thicker than the labial side on the maxilla and mandible. In particular, the labial cortical bone thickness in the maxilla was the thinnest compared to the other regions. The cancellous bone thickness according to measurement levels increased from L1 to L5 on the maxilla, and on the mandible it was the thinnest at the middle level of the root. CONCLUSION: For implant placement on the anterior region, a careful evaluation and full knowledge on the thickness of the cortical and cancellous bone are necessary, therefore, these results may provide an anatomic guideline to clinicians.
Alveolar Process ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Cadaver ; Head ; Humans ; Male ; Mandible ; Maxilla ; Tooth Cervix

Few recent reports have indicated that Mycobacterium massiliense causes various infections including respiratory infection. However, there is scarce information on the clinical significance, natural history of the infection, and therapeutic strategy. This report describes a case of an immunocompetent old man infected by M. massiliense that causes acute respiratory failure. In light of the general courses of non-tuberculous mycobacterium infections, rapid progression and fatality are very rare and odd. In addition, we discuss the biological and pathological properties of M. massiliense with the review of cases reported previously including our fatal one.
Light ; Mycobacterium ; Mycobacterium Infections ; Mycobacterium Infections, Nontuberculous ; Natural History ; Respiratory Insufficiency

The main aim of dental implant placement on the anterior region is to recover the function and esthetics. Therefore, this study examined the angulation between the long axis of the anterior teeth and the alveolar process, and thickness of the alveolar bone on the anterior region. Twenty-five cadaver heads (18 maxillae and 23 mandibles) were examined (16 male and 9 female, mean: 56.7 years). The angulation between the long axis of the anterior teeth and the alveolar process was measured, and the alveolar bone thickness was measured in the three levels (crest; C, middle; M, apex; A) on the labial and lingual sides. All data was analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA. The maxillary anterior teeth showed two to three times more lingual inclination than the mandibular teeth. The difference in maxillary alveolar bone thickness on the labial and lingual sides was significant in all levels, particularly in the apex. The mandibular alveolar bone thickness on the labial and lingual side was significantly different only in the apex. In conclusion, the alveolar bone thickness on the anterior region was too thin, and the long axis of the maxillary anterior teeth showed more lingual inclination than the alveolar process. Therefore, clinicians need to be a detailed assessment of the labial alveolar bone for dental implant placement.
Alveolar Process ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Cadaver ; Dental Implants ; Esthetics ; Female ; Head ; Humans ; Male ; Maxilla ; Tooth

The main aim of dental implant placement on the anterior region is to recover the function and esthetics. Therefore, this study examined the angulation between the long axis of the anterior teeth and the alveolar process, and thickness of the alveolar bone on the anterior region. Twenty-five cadaver heads (18 maxillae and 23 mandibles) were examined (16 male and 9 female, mean: 56.7 years). The angulation between the long axis of the anterior teeth and the alveolar process was measured, and the alveolar bone thickness was measured in the three levels (crest; C, middle; M, apex; A) on the labial and lingual sides. All data was analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA. The maxillary anterior teeth showed two to three times more lingual inclination than the mandibular teeth. The difference in maxillary alveolar bone thickness on the labial and lingual sides was significant in all levels, particularly in the apex. The mandibular alveolar bone thickness on the labial and lingual side was significantly different only in the apex. In conclusion, the alveolar bone thickness on the anterior region was too thin, and the long axis of the maxillary anterior teeth showed more lingual inclination than the alveolar process. Therefore, clinicians need to be a detailed assessment of the labial alveolar bone for dental implant placement.
Alveolar Process ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Cadaver ; Dental Implants ; Esthetics ; Female ; Head ; Humans ; Male ; Maxilla ; Tooth

Purpose: Childhood obesity frequently persists into adulthood and is associated with insulin resistance (IR) and increased long-term morbidity and mortality. We compared IR criteria concerning 'age-specific cutoff point' (ACOP) and ‘fixed cutoff point’ (FCOP) for the identification of IR and investigated their correlation with metabolic syndrome (MS). Methods: Data were acquired from the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2010–2011). Participants ranged from 10 to 17 years of age and underwent fasting plasma glucose, insulin concentration, and lipid panel measurements. High fasting plasma insulin levels or increased homeostatic model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were defined as IR. We analyzed MS and IR frequencies according to FCOP or ACOP. Results: Among 719 participants, 165 (22.9%) were overweight or obese based on their body mass index. We found no prevalence of MS in underweightormal weight participants and 12.7% prevalence rate in overweight or obese participants. IR according to ACOP was more closely associated with MS than IR according to FCOP. No differences were found in predicting the frequency of MS using FCOP or ACOP in both fasting plasma insulin and HOMA-IR. Conclusion The frequency of MS in participants with IR defined using ACOP and FCOP was similar. However, IR using ACOP was more closely associated with MS than IR using FCOP.