We have studied the genetic differences among four isolates of Trichinella including a new strain of Trichinella spiralis (ISS 623) recently found from a human case who took a badger in Korea. Because they have a different host origin and came from geographically separated regions, we supposed the genetic pattern of the isolates might be different as had been previously reported. It was analysed by PCR-RFLP analysis of the rDNA repeat that can readily distinguish a species or strain from others. Isolated genomic DNA of each isolate of Trichinella larvae was amplified with ITS1 specific primers and digested with restriction endonucleases. The PCR product of ITS1 was confirmed using Southern blot analysis to be a 910 bp fragment. The restriction fragments of each isolate had variable patterns when it was digested with Rsa 1 only. According to the RFLP patterns, the estimated genetic divergence between each isolate was different. In conclusion, four isolates of Trichinella including a new strain of T. spiralis obtained from a Korean patient may have genetic differences in the ITS1 region and the Shanghai isolate was genetically more similar to the Japanese unknown isolate than others in the ITS1 region.
Animals ; *DNA, Helminth ; *DNA, Ribosomal ; Human ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length ; Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid ; Trichinella spiralis/*genetics/isolation & purification

Venous hemangioma is a vascular tumor that has been reported by such diverse names as; "cirsoid aneurysm", "arteriovenous hemangioma", "acral arteriovenous tumor" according to the author's opinions of its origin and histopathologic classification. It is benign and rarely biopsied, and it is also rarely reported in dermatology literature. We present two cases of venous hemangioma. The first case was a 64-year-old man who was presented with an elliptical dark-red plaque with overlying several grouped papules on the left periorbital area which had been present for 7 years. The second case was a 56-year-old man who was presented with a single red papule on the right postauricular area which had been present for 4 months. Histopathologically, there were a well-circumscribed proliferation of thick-walled muscle-containing blood vessels in the dermis. Intermingled with the thick-walled blood vessels, there were also thin-walled dilated blood vessels. In both cases, the thick-walled blood vessels resembled arteries, but they lacked elastic fibers on the Verhoeff van Gieson stain.
Arteries ; Blood Vessels ; Classification ; Dermatology ; Dermis ; Elastic Tissue ; Hemangioma* ; Humans ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVE: Many evidences raise the possibility that the panic disorder (PD) patients with respiratory subtype (RS) may have characteristic structural abnormalities. We aimed to explore the structural differences between PD patients with and without the respiratory symptoms. METHODS: Patients with PD were recruited from the Department of Psychiatry at Korea University Anam Hospital. Respiratory subtype (RS) was diagnosed when at least 4 out of 5 of the following respiratory symptoms were present during the panic attack: fear of dying, chest pain/discomfort, shortness of breath, paresthesias, and a choking sensation. We acquired high-resolution MRI scans and used FreeSurfer to obtain a measure of cortical thickness for each patient. RESULTS: Cluster based analysis revealed significantly decreased cortical thickness in the left hemisphere in the caudal-middle-frontal, superior frontal, and posterior parietal areas in the RS group. No significant difference was observed in any of the limbic areas. CONCLUSION: Respiratory symptoms of panic disorder were associated with a reduction in cortical thickness in the left frontal and parietal areas. This finding leads to the assumption that the frontoparietal network is the crucial component in a larger cortical network underlying the perception of dyspnea in RS.
Airway Obstruction ; Dyspnea ; Humans ; Korea ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Panic Disorder* ; Panic* ; Paresthesia ; Rabeprazole ; Sensation ; Thorax

OBJECTIVES: To develop a new immunohistochemical marker system for supplementation of the Noyes histological classification of the endometrium in women of child bearing age with regular menstrual cycles, and to employ this system to evaluate pathologic factors involved in endometriosis, and thus to ascertain if it is useful in diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Endometrial biopsies were sampled from the posterior fundus of 41 (24 proliferative phases, 17 secretory phases) women with regular menstrual cycles (28-32 days), and each sample was immunhistochemically stained according to Noyes et al (1975) for determination of expression for extrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receter(PR), integrin alpha1, alpha4, beta3, COX-1 and COX-2. Then, the PR, the integrin beta3, and COX-2 which were clearly expressed in the luteal phase was with endometrial samples were obtained from 20 cases of normal patients (group 1) and 25 cases with endometriosis (group 2) after confirming the day of ovulation by sex steroid level measurements 7-8 days after ovulation. RESULTS: In the regular menstruation group the expression of ER showed a tendency to be increased in the proliferative phase and decreased in the secretory phase, and was the highest in the proliferative phase. However, PR in the stromal cells showed no change in the entire menstrual cycle while in the epithelial cells, PR reached a peak in the late proliferative phase and was almost absent in the secretory phase. Integrin alpha 1, alpha4, and beta3 expression in the epithelial cells was absent in the proliferative phase but alpha1 was expressed strongly in the early and mid secretory phases and disappeared in the late proliferative phase, while beta3, appeared after the mid secretory phase and continued to be expressed until the late secretory phase. Expression in the stromal cells was weak overall and did not show any cyclic pattern. COX-1 expression was shown as a cyclic pattern in the stromal and epithelial cells and was partcularly strongly expressed in the mid secretory phase of epithelial cells, and in the mid secretory and menstruation phase of stromal cells. In the endometrial epithelial cells there was strong expression during the entire cycle with stronger expression in the secretory phase compared to the prolferative phase. COX-2 was clearly expressed in the late proliferative, early and mid secretory phased in the stromal cells. No expression was observed in the proliferative phase of the epithelial cells, but which began to appear in the early secretory phase reaching a significant pattern from the mid secretory phase onwards. There was almost no expression in the stromal cells. In the cases with endometriosis showing normal endometrial maturation according to the Noyes classification, PR expression was increased while Integrin-beta3 expression was significantly decreased compared to the normal group. Also, COX-2 expression was slightly decreased in the stromal cells of patients with endometriosis while it was significantly increased in the stromal cells. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemical markers can supplement the original Noyes classification of histological endometrial dating and therefore ascertain existing pathologic conditions. Particularly for patients with endometriosis with normally mature endometrial cells, changes in COX-2 and integrin expression patterns may assist in elucidating pathophysiologic mechanisms and therefore aid in the diagnosis of abnormal implantation conditions, and consequently determine a treatment modality.
Biopsy ; Child ; Classification ; Diagnosis ; Endometriosis* ; Endometrium* ; Epithelial Cells ; Female ; Humans* ; Integrin alpha1 ; Integrin beta3 ; Luteal Phase ; Menstrual Cycle ; Menstruation ; Ovulation ; Progesterone* ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases* ; Receptors, Progesterone* ; Stromal Cells

OBJECTIVE: Notochordal cells in the intervertebral disc interact with nucleus pulposus (NP) cells and support the maintenance of disc homeostasis by regulation of matrix production. However, the influence of notochordal cells has not been evaluated in the annulus fibrosus (AF), which is the primary pain generator in the disc. We hypothesized that the notochordal cell has the capacity to modulate inflammatory mediators secreted by AF cells secondary to stimulation. METHODS: Notochordal and AF cells were isolated from adult New Zealand white rabbits. AF pellets were cultured with notochordal cell clusters or in notochordal cell-conditioned media (NCCM) for 24 or 48 hours with proinflammatory cytokines at varying concentrations. Gene expression in AF pellets were assayed for nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2, and interleukin (IL)-6 by real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: AF pellet in NCCM significantly decreased the iNOS and COX-2 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels compared to AF pellets alone and AF pellets with notochordal cells (p < 0.05). AF pellet resulted in dose-dependent iNOS and COX-2 expression in response to IL-1beta, stimulation, demonstrating that 1 ng/ml for 24 hours yielded a maximal response. AF pellet in NCCM significantly decreased the expression of iNOS and COX-2 in response to 1ng/ml IL-1beta, stimulation at 24 hours (p < 0.05). There was no difference in IL-6 expression compared to AF pellets alone or AF pellets with notochordal cell clusters. CONCLUSION: We conclude that soluble factors from notochordal cells mitigate the gene expression of inflammatory mediators in stimulated AF, as expected after annular injury, suggesting that notochordal cells could serve as a novel therapeutic approach in symptomatic disc development.
Adult ; Cytokines ; Gene Expression ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukins ; Intervertebral Disc ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Notochord ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Rabbits ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA

OBJECTIVE: We compared the expression pattern of progesterone receptor, integrin 3, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in in-phased endomerium of patient with the disease related implantation and control group, and tried to confirm the clinical efficacy of the immunohistochemical markers for discrimination of occult uterine receptivity defect in in-phase endometrium. STUDY DESIGN: Endometrial tissues were obtained from 60 women with normal (group 1; n = 20), uterine synechiae (group 2; n = 15), and endometriosis (group 3; n = 25). On 7 ~ 8 days after ovulation (POD 7 ~ 8), sex hormone levels were measured and immunohistochemical staining of PR, integrin 3, and COX-2 expression were performed. RESULTS: PR was decreased in the group 2 and increased in the group 3 comparing with the group 1. integrin 3 expression was significantly decreased in the group 2 and 3. COX-2 expression was significantly decreased in the group 2. But, in the group 3, COX-2 expression was slightly increased in glandular epithelial cells, and significantly increased in stromal cells. CONCLUSIONS: In-phase biopsies from patients with endometriosis and uterine synechiae showed different expression pattern of integrin 3, COX-2, and PR compared to the control. The aberrant expression of immunohistochemical markers be associated with occult uterine receptivity defect and produce the useful diagnostic method.
Biopsy ; Cyclooxygenase 2* ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Endometriosis ; Endometrium* ; Epithelial Cells ; Female ; Gynatresia ; Humans* ; Ovulation ; Progesterone* ; Receptors, Progesterone* ; Stromal Cells

To restore a tooth with a fracture line extending below the marginal bone level, a surgical crown lengthening procedure accompanied by ostectomy could be considered to expose the fracture line and reestablish the biologic width. However, this procedure could lead to esthetic failure, especially in the anterior teeth. Therefore, orthodontic extrusion, which elevates the fracture line from within the alveolar socket without sacrificing the supporting bone and gingiva, is recommended. This technique allows for the proper placement of the crown on a sound tooth structure, with the reestablishment of the biologic width.Alternatively, surgical extrusion is an one-step procedure that is simpler and less time-consuming than orthodontic extrusion; placing and adjusting the orthodontic appliance does not require multiple visits. This study presents successful restoration in 2 cases with a crown-tooth root fracture of the maxillary central incisor treated using a multidisciplinary approach through orthodontic extrusion or surgical extrusion followed by successful restoration.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical effectiveness of open reduction in the treatment of distal humeral fracture using a newly designed combined approach of anterolateral and lateral approaches to protect the radial nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated 24 consecutive cases of distal humeral fracture who received open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and screws with a minimum follow-up period of 1 year. We analyzed the patients' age, sex, fracture pattern, timing of the union, range of motion of the elbow joint, and complications. The Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI) was employed for the assessment of elbow joint function. RESULTS: Clinical union was observed at 10.8 weeks (6~20 weeks) on average. Pre-operatively, there were 3 cases of incomplete radial nerve palsy. All of the cases recovered, and there was no additional radial nerve palsy due to surgery. According to the MEPI, 13 cases were "excellent" and 10 cases were "good" or better, comprising 95.83% of the cases. The range of motion at the elbow was 5.5 degrees (0~15 degrees) of extension, and 131.5 degrees (120~145 degrees) of flexion, suggesting no functional disability. The duration of return to work was 11.2 weeks (5~32 weeks) on average. There were no nonunion, malunion, or infection complications. CONCLUSION: The combined anterolateral and lateral approach we designed is a clinically effective approach due to facilitation of protection of the radial nerve and attainment of adequate fixation space.
Elbow ; Elbow Joint ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humeral Fractures ; Humerus ; Paralysis ; Radial Nerve ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Return to Work

PURPOSE: Topiramate is an antiepileptic drug used widely in the treatment of epilepsy. It has also been reported to reduce body weight in humans and is currently used for eating disorders and obesity; little is known about the mechanism by which this drug induces weight loss. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of topiramate on weight and serum levels of insulin and leptin in young rats fed high fat diet (HFD). METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats (4 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups (diet, regular diet and high fat diet, treatment, topiramate and placebo). Topiramate (50 mg/kg/day) was orally administered via gastric gavage twice a day for 4 weeks. Food intake and body weight were monitored throughout the study. After 4 weeks, the plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides, free fatty acids, leptin, and insulin were determined. RESULTS: We found significant reduction in body weight gain after topiramate administration in the HFD group (topiramate, 351.6 +/- 28.6g; placebo, 397.6 +/- 28.4g) (P<0.05). Topiramate was able to reduce food intake in both diet groups (P<0.05). Furture, fasting glucose levels were significantly lower in both topiramate groups than placebo groups (P<0.05), and serum leptin levels in the HFD group were decreased (P<0.05). Additionally, there was no significant difference in serum levels of triglycerides, free fatty acids, or insulin between the four groups. CONCLUSION: Topiramate significantly inhibited body weight gain by reducing food intake, especially in the HFD group and reduced serum levels of glucose in both diet groups and of leptin in the HFD group.
Animals ; Body Weight ; Diet ; Diet, High-Fat ; Eating ; Feeding and Eating Disorders ; Epilepsy ; Fasting ; Fatty Acids, Nonesterified ; Fructose ; Glucose ; Humans ; Insulin ; Leptin ; Male ; Plasma ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Triglycerides ; Weight Loss

BACKGROUND: Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5Is), which are prescription drug in South Korea, have been concerned about misuse, overuse and illegal provision of the drugs. This study was performed to investigate utilization and safety of illegal Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors (PDE5Is), and related factors among South Korean men. METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted from May to July in 2013 among 1,500 nationally representative general males using computer-assisted telephone interview (CATI). The questionnaire included the characteristics of population, the characteristics of PDE5Is use, the experience with the use of illegally obtained PDE5Is, and adverse events after PDE5Is use. RESULTS: Among study population, the 1,015 (67.7%) men answered that they have used the illegally obtained PDE5Is. Younger age, single, lower frequency of PDE5Is use in a lifetime was associated with an increased use of illegally obtained PDE5Is. The men experienced adverse events after PDE5Is use is 528 (35.2%). The most common adverse event was mild to moderate hot flashes. CONCLUSION: We need to enhance awareness about the risk of illegally obtained PDE5Is use, especially in younger men and single. Proactive educations and public relations on safe use of PDE5Is for proper patients are needed.
Hot Flashes ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Korea ; Male ; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors* ; Prescriptions ; Public Relations