A developing central nervous system is vulnerable to various insults such as infection and ischemia. While increased understanding of the dynamic nature of brain development allows a deeper insight into the pathophysiology of perinatal brain injury, the precise nature of specific fetal and neonatal brain injuries and their short- and long-term clinical consequences need special attention and further elucidation. The current review will describe the pathophysiological aspects and clinical significance of white matter injury of prematurity, a main form of perinatal brain injury in premature newborns, with a particular emphasis on its potential antenatal components.
Brain ; Brain Injuries ; Central Nervous System ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Ischemia ; Leukomalacia, Periventricular ; White Matter*

BACKGROUND: CLSI provides a guideline only for a agar dilution method of testing clarithromycin susceptibility for Helicobacter pylori. This study was to evaluate a disk diffusion method for clarithromycin and amoxicillin. METHODS: One hundred and forty clinical isolates of H. pylori isolated from May 2005 to May 2007 were tested by the CLSI agar dilution method and a disk diffusion method using 2microgram (2CLR) and 15microgram (15CLR) clarithromycin disks and 2microgram (2AMX) and 10microgram (10AMX) amoxicillin disks. The interpretation criteria used for the disk diffusion method were established by linear regression and error rate-bounded method for disk diffusion zone of inhibition (DDZ) compared to MIC. RESULTS: Resistance and intermediate rates to clarithromycin were 21.4% and 1.4%, respectively. A number of isolates with MIC 0.5, 1, and 2 (microgram/mL) to amoxicillin were 7, 2, and 1, respectively. For 2CLR and 15CLR, the coefficients of determination (R2) between MIC and DDZ were 0.931 and 0.923 (P< 0.001), respectively, and the criteria for resistance/ susceptibility were 12/28 mm for 2CLR and 23/39 mm for 15CLR. For 2AMX and 10AMX, the R2 between MIC and DDZ were 0.478 and 0.421 (P< 0.001), respectively, and the criteria for resistance with breakpoint of 2microgram/mL were 21 mm for 2AMX and 32 mm for 10AMX. All isolates had DDZ<60 mm with 2CLR and 2AMX, but 61.4% and 75.7% of the isolates had DDZ<60 mm with 15CLR and 10AMX, respectively. CONCLUSION: Excellent correlation and agreement between MIC and DDZ were found for clarithromycin and amoxicillin. With 2microgram disks, the susceptibility breakpoints were 28 mm or less; thus, two disks could be tested in one plate.
Agar ; Amoxicillin ; Clarithromycin ; Diffusion ; Helicobacter ; Helicobacter pylori ; Linear Models

This report describes the successful treatment of spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) with multiple cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks using 10 applications of epidural blood patches (EBP). A forty year old female who suffered with a postural headache was diagnosed as having SIH. On the cisternography, multiple CSF leaks were noted at the thoracic and lumbar area. Her headache was not improved with conservative treatments such as bed rest, hydration and NSAIDS. So, she underwent treatment with EBPs. After 10 applications of site-directed EBPs, her headache was resolved gradually and completely without any complications.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; Bed Rest ; Blood Patch, Epidural* ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Female ; Headache ; Humans ; Intracranial Hypotension*

BACKGROUND: Clarithromycin resistance in Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of eradication therapy failure. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and type of mutations in the 23S rRNA gene in Korea, which are associated with clarithromycin resistance. METHODS: From January 2008 to March 2008, 353 gastric biopsy specimens were collected from five university hospitals in Seoul and Kyunggido. H. pylori infection was defined as showing a positive result in at least one of the following three tests: a microaerophilic culture, a CLO test, and a Giemsa/silver stain. The frequencies of A2143G, A2142G, and the wild type of 23S rRNA and the presence of H. pylori were determined by Seeplex ClaR-H. pylori PCR (Seegene Inc., Seoul, Korea). Twenty-nine culture isolates were tested for susceptibility to clarithromycin by E-test (AB Biodisk, Solna, Sweden) or the CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) disk diffusion test. RESULTS: From 176 H. pylori PCR-positive specimens, 23S rRNA gene mutations were detected in 38 isolates (21.6%), including 27 isolates of A2143G and 11 isolates of A2142G. Total mutation rates varied from 15.8% to 31.3% with the frequency of A2143G mutation alone varying from 8.5% to 25.0% among the five hospitals studied. There were 10 clarithromycin-resistant isolates found by susceptibility test and they were all positive for A2143G mutation. But, 3 of the 19 susceptible isolates were also positive for either A2143G or A2142G mutation. CONCLUSION: In Korea, the overall frequency of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori was 21.6%; however, the type and frequency of the 23S rRNA mutations varied from hospital to hospital.
Biopsy ; Clarithromycin ; Diffusion ; Genes, rRNA ; Helicobacter ; Helicobacter pylori ; Hospitals, University ; Korea ; Mutation Rate ; Point Mutation ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

PURPOSE: The relationship between altered HLA expressions and ovarian carcinogenesis is not fully elucidated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histological evaluation comprised 20 serous adenocarcinoma, 5 borderline serous malignancy, 10 mucinous adenocarcinoma, 15 borderline mucinous malignancy. We used monoclonal antibodys to HLA class I beta2-microglobulin, class I B/C and class II heavy chain. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference in HLA expressions between borderline serous malignancy and normal ovarian tissue. In serous adenocarcinoma, beta2-microglobulin, B/C and class II heavy chain expressions were down-regulated. In metastatic cancer, B/C and class II ex pressions were also down-regulated. But the HLA expression of tumor or normal stromal tissue in primary tumor, were not down-regulated compared with the tissues in metastasis. In borderline mucinous malignancy, class II expressions were down-regulated. In mucinous adenocarcinoma, beta2-microglobulin, B/C and class II expressions were down-regulated. In metastatic ovarian cancer, B/C and class II expressions were down-regulated. But, in borderline malignancy, the result failed to reach statistical significance except class II of borderline mucinous malignancy. CONCLUSION: Loss of HLA class I and II molecules in invasive ovarian cancers raises the possibility that this could be a mechanism for tumor cells to have invasiveness.
Adenocarcinoma ; Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous ; Carcinogenesis ; Mucins ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Ovarian Neoplasms*

BACKGROUND: A forceps-biopsy is performed to acquire tissue from patients with an endobronchial carcinoma using a flexible bronchoscope. Recently, a cryo-biopsy has also been used to acquire tissue samples. Cryo-biopsy is the diagnostic application of extreme cold for the local destruction of abnormal living tissue. This technique is safe, with no radiation danger, no risk of electrical accidents, and a little risk of bleeding. This study compared a forceps-biopsy with a cryo-biopsy using a flexible bronchoscope, and examined the chemosensitivity and level of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in the specimens obtained from the cryo-biopsy. METHODS: We present a prospective study of 30 consecutive patients who underwent a forceps-biopsy between January 2007 and October 2007 with a mean age of 62.1 years and a male:female ratio of 5 : 1. A flexible bronchoscope was inserted to the area of the abnormal lesions, and a cryo-probe was then applied through the working channel of the flexible bronchoscope. A temperature of approximately -80 was delivered to the tumor site for 8 seconds. The cryo-biopsy was performed after destroying the tumor mass. RESULTS: The mean size of the tissue from the forceps-biopsy and cryo-biopsy were 2.0+/-1.2 mm and 6.0+/-3.0 mm. A chemosensitivity test was performed on 5 specimens obtained using cryo-biopsy and the level of VEGF was examined in 2 specimens obtained from a cryo-biopsy. There were no side effects in either group. CONCLUSION: Cryo-biopsy using a flexible bronchoscope is a safe and effective technique for acquiring tissue samples.
Bronchoscopes ; Bronchoscopy ; Extreme Cold ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Human ovarian follicles reduce rapidly in number throughout fetal and adult life. Throughout the menstrual cycles, primordial follicles grow into mature follicles and then ovulate to form corpus luteum. Apoptosis has been implicated in several events that occur during the process of follicular growth, atresia and the regression of the corpus luteum. By the use of immunohistochemistry, we clarified the involvement of apoptosis in the human ovary during follicular growth, regression and atresia by investigating the expression of Fas, Fas-ligand, Bcl-2 and Bad in primordial follicles, primary follicles and mature follicles. Fas immunostaining was present in primordial oocytes, both oocytes and granulosa cells of primary follicles, preantral follicles and all follicular cells of mature follicles. Fas-ligand and Bad immunostaining patterns were similar to those of Fas except for theca cells. Bcl-2 immunostaining was present in both oocytes and granulosa cells of primary, preantral and mature follicles. In corpus luteum, Fas, Fas-ligand, Bcl-2 and Bad immunostaining were observed and decreased in the regressing corpus luteum. In postmenopausal ovary, Fas, Fas-ligand, Bcl-2 and Bad immunostaining were entirely negative. Bad immunostaining was observed but Bcl-2 was not in atretic follicle. These results suggest that Fas, Fas-ligand, Bcl-2 and Bad may play important roles in human ovary during follicular growth, regression and atresia simultaneously. Further studies should be required to elucidate the underlying mechanism and apoptosis of the disease associated with normal and abnormal ovarian aging.
Adult ; Aging ; Apoptosis ; Corpus Luteum ; Female ; Granulosa Cells ; Humans* ; Immunohistochemistry ; Menstrual Cycle ; Oocytes ; Ovarian Follicle* ; Ovary ; Theca Cells

PURPOSE: The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistant bacteria has become a serious worldwide problem. The aim of this study was to analyze antimicrobial resistance data generated in 2009 by hospitals and commercial laboratories participating in the Korean Nationwide Surveillance of Antimicrobial Resistance program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Susceptibility data were collected from 24 hospitals and two commercial laboratories. In the analysis, resistance did not include intermediate susceptibility. Duplicate isolates were excluded from the analysis of hospital isolates, but not from the commercial laboratory isolates. RESULTS: Among the hospital isolates, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, penicillin G-non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae based on meningitis breakpoint, and ampicillin-resistant Enterococcus faecium remained highly prevalent. The proportion of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium gradually increased to 29%. Ceftazidime-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae increased to 17% and 33%, respectively, and fluoroquinolone-resistant K. pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa increased to 33%, 67% and 39%, respectively. Amikacin-resistant Acinetobacter spp. increased to 48%. Imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. and P. aeruginosa increased to 51% and 26%, respectively. Higher resistance rates were observed in intensive care unit (ICU) isolates than in non-ICU isolates among the isolates from hospitals. Resistance rates were higher in hospital isolates than in clinic isolates among the isolates from commercial laboratories. CONCLUSION: Among the hospital isolates, ceftazidime-resistant K. pneumoniae and fluoroquinolone-resistant K. pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp., and P. aeruginosa further increased. The increase in imipenem resistance was slight in P. aeruginosa, but drastic in Acinetobacter spp. The problematic antimicrobial-organism combinations were much more prevalent among ICU isolates.
Acinetobacter/*drug effects/isolation & purification ; Acinetobacter Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; Amikacin/pharmacology ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology ; Carbapenems/pharmacology ; Cross Infection/drug therapy/microbiology ; *Drug Resistance, Bacterial ; Fluoroquinolones/pharmacology ; Humans ; Pseudomonas Infections/drug therapy/microbiology ; Pseudomonas aeruginosa/*drug effects/isolation & purification ; Republic of Korea

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the optimal angle of needle insertion during caudal epidural injection in chronic low back pain patients using ultrasound imaging. METHODS: One hundred eight patients (40 male and 68 female patients) with low back pain and sciatica were studied.Soft tissue ultrasonography was performed to identify the sacral hiatus. The optimal angle of the needle to the skin was measured with an imaginary line drawn parallel to the sacral base using a protractor on a longitudinal plane. A 22-gauge caudal epidural needle was inserted and was guided by ultrasound to the sacral hiatus and into the caudal epidural space. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD for the intercornual distance, depth of the caudal space and the thickness of the sacrococcygeal membrane were 19.0 +/- 3.2 mm, 3.6 +/- 0.9 mm and 1.8 +/- 0.8 mm, respectively. The optimal angle showed a significant correlation with the depth of the caudal space and the thickness of the sacrococcygeal membrane. The mean +/- SD for the optimal angle of the needle insertion was 23.5 +/- 6.9 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the needle should be inserted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees to the skin in order to avoid injury to the periosteum and an inadvertent intra-osseous injection.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Injections, Epidural ; Low Back Pain ; Male ; Membranes ; Needles ; Periosteum ; Sciatica ; Skin

Essential hyperhidrosis is a socially disabling and emotionally embarrassing condition. Localized excessive sweating in the sacrococcygeal region is a rare form of focal hyperhidrosis. Although numerous treatment options exist, including botulinum toxin and sympathetic neurolysis, there has been no generally accepted form of treatment. The following cases describe the successful reduction of excessive sweating in the sacrococcygeal region, without side effects, after local applications of topical glycopyrrolate and the use of fast drying clothes.
Botulinum Toxins ; Glycopyrrolate ; Hyperhidrosis* ; Sacrococcygeal Region* ; Sweat ; Sweating