The common causes of visual loss in branch retinal vein occlusion[BRVO] have been reported as the macular edema, macular non-perfusion and the vitreous hemorrhage due to neovascularization.These factors have close relationship with the status of the posterior vitreous. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors of visual prognosis in BRVO and the relationship between visual prognosis and vitreomacular status.Fifty-two patients with branch retinal vein occlusion in the department of ophthalmology, Yeungnam University college of Medicine were included for vitreo macular examination.The eyes were classified as two groups, vitreomacular attachment[Group I]and posterior vitreous detachment[Group II]. The incidence of macular edema was significantly lower in eyes with group I [Fisher's exact Test:p<0.05].Final visual acuity was better than the initial visual acuity, regardless of the presence of posterior vitreous detachment [Paired t-test:p<0.01].Group I developed higher rate of neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage, but statistical significance was not noted.
Humans ; Incidence ; Macular Edema ; Ophthalmology ; Prognosis* ; Retinal Vein Occlusion* ; Retinal Vein* ; Retinaldehyde* ; Visual Acuity ; Vitreous Detachment* ; Vitreous Hemorrhage

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the fracture behavior of Zironia, glass infiltrated Alumina and PFM full crown system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen crowns for each of 3 experimental groups (Zironia, glass infiltrated Alumina and PFM full crown) were made by the conventional method. The crowns mounted on the testing jig were inclined in 30 degrees to the long axis of the tooth and the universal testing machine was used to measure the fracture strength. RESULTS: 1. The mean fracture strengths were 588.3 +/- 49.6 MPa for zirconia system, 569.1 +/- 61.8 MPa for PFM system and 551.0 +/- 76.5 MPa for glass-infiltrated alumina system (P>.05). 2. The mean shear bond strengths were 25.5 +/- 5.6 MPa for zirconia system, 38.9 +/- 5.0 MPa for Ni-Cr alloy system and 39.4 +/- 5.1 MPa for glass-infiltrated alumina system. 3. The chemical bonding was observed at interfaces between PFM or glass-infiltrated alumina and veneering porcelain, however, no chemical bonding was observed at interface between zirconia and veneering porcelain. CONCLUSION: With the study, the fracture strengths of PFM crown system had a higher fracture strength than conventional zirconia system crown and glass-infiltrated alumina crowns. and than the shear bond strengths glass-infiltrated alumina system had a higher shear bond strength than conventional PFM system and zirconia system.
Alloys ; Aluminum Oxide ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Collodion ; Crowns ; Dental Porcelain ; Glass ; Tooth ; Zirconium

No abstract available.
Cerebral Infarction

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of acid-treatment conditions on the surface properties of the RBM (Resorbable Blast Media) treated titanium. Disk typed cp-titanium specimens were prepared and RBM treatments was performed with calcium phosphate ceramic powder. Acid solution was mixed using HCl, H2SO4 and deionized water with 4 different volume fraction. The RBM treated titanium was acid treated with different acid solutions at 3 different temperatures and for 3 different periods. After acid-treatments, samples were cleaned with 1 % Solujet solution for 30 min and deionized water for 30 min using ultrasonic cleanser, then dried in the electrical oven (37℃). Weight of samples before and after acid-treatment were measured using electric balance. Surface roughness was estimated using a confocal laser scanning microscopy, crystal phase in the surface of sample was analyzed using X-ray diffractometer. Surface morphology and components were evaluated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS). Values of the weight changes and surface roughness were statistically analyzed using Tukey-multiple comparison test (p=0.05). Weight change after acid treatments were significantly increased with increasing the concentration of H₂SO₄ and temperature of acid-solution. Acid-treatment conditions (concentration of H₂SO₄, temperature and time) did not produce consistent effects on the surface roughness, it showed the scattered results. From XRD analysis, formation of titanium hydrides in the titanium surface were observed in all specimens treated with acid-solutions. From XPS analysis, thin titanium oxide layer in the acid-treated specimens could be evaluated. Acid solution with 90℃ showed the strong effect on the titanium surface, it should be treated with caution to avoid the over-etching process.
Calcium ; Ceramics ; Microscopy, Confocal ; Photoelectron Spectroscopy ; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission ; Surface Properties ; Titanium ; Ultrasonics ; Water

PURPOSE: The detection of occult micrometastasis in breast cancer patients may allow the establishment of prognosis and development of new therapeutic approaches. This study was performed in order to improve on existing methods of detection by evaluating the potential of specific mRNA markers in reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of peripheral blood and bone marrow taken from patients with breast cancer. METHODS: Peripheral blood and bone marrow samples were obtained from thirty-four breast cancer patients who undergone surgery in the Department of Surgery, Uijongbu St. Mary's Hospital between January 2000 and May 2001. In RT-PCR, we tried multiple primers on breast cancer cell lines and patient samples. Using MUC-1 and CK19 mRNA primers, we detected micrometastasis in breast cancer patients. Subsequently, we analysed the correlation with RT- PCR results and other prognostic factors. RESULTS: MUC-1 and CK19 were detected in all breast cancer cell lines. However, CEA was not detected in some cell lines. CK19 showed greater sensitivity than MUC-1 in RT-PCR. Using MUC-1 as primers, the detection rate was 47.1% and 35.3% in bone marrow and peripheral blood, respectively. Seven patients (20.5%) were positive in both sources. In the case of CK19, the detection rate was 50% and 41.2% in bone marrow and peripheral blood, respectively. Twelve patients (35.2%), were noted as being positive for both primers. The concordance rate of both primers mers was 38.2% and 23.5% in bone marrow and peripheral blood, respectively. CK19 positivity in the peripheral blood was correlated with bone marrow positivity and MUC-1 positivity in both sources and inversely correlated with ER. CK19 positivity of bone marrow was correlated with MUC-1 positivity of bone marrow. CONCLUSION: CK19 and MUC-1 may be good candidates for use in RT-PCR for the detection of micrometastasis of breast cancer. CK19 showed greater sensitivity. However, using both primers in RT-PCR, we may detect micrometastasis more sensitively and specifically and more wisely choose a treatment modality.
Bone Marrow* ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Cell Line ; Humans ; Keratin-19 ; Neoplasm Micrometastasis* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prognosis ; RNA, Messenger

BACKGROUND: Ambient particles during Asian dust events are usually less than 10micrometer in size, and known to be associated with the adverse effects on the general population. There is little evidence linking Asian dust to adverse effects on the airways. In 2002, the authors found that particulate matter during Asian dust events had an effect on the symptoms and pulmonary function of patients with bronchial asthma. An aggravating factor might be that of a viral infection, but this remains unclear. Conversely, it has been speculated that African dust may carry the virus responsible for foot and mouth disease. Asian dust events are also likely to be responsible for transporting viruses, some of which are pathogenic, and common in many environments. Therefore, in this study, air samples were screened for the presence of viruses. METHODS: Air samples were collected 20 times each during Asian dust events and under non-dust conditions, for at least 6 hours per sample, using a high volume air sampler (Sibata Model HV500F), with an airflow rate of 500L/min, between April and August 2003, and between April and August 2004. The samples were then screened for the presence of targeted viruses (Influenza A, B, Hog cholera virus, and Aphthovirus) using a polymerase chain reaction method. RESULTS: One Asian dust event occurred between April and August 2003, and 3 between April and August 2004, with a 24 hour average PM10 level of 148.0microgram/m(3). The 24 hour average PM10 level was 57microgram/m(3). There was a significant difference in?the PM10 concentration between dusty and clear days. No viruses (Influenza virus, Aphthovirus, and Hog cholera virus) were identified in the air samples obtained during the dusty days. CONCLUSIONS: Although no virus was detected in this study, further studies will be needed to identify suspected viruses carried during Asian dust events, employing more appropriate virus detection conditions.
Animals ; Aphthovirus ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Asthma ; Atmosphere* ; Classical Swine Fever ; Classical swine fever virus ; Dust* ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease ; Humans ; Incheon* ; Particulate Matter ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Swine

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease is a recently recognized entity characterized by a mass-forming or regional lesion that contains an extensive infiltration of IgG4-producing plasma cells with dense fibrosis. Immunoglobulin G4-related disease can affect any organ system, but solitary hepatic lesion of Immunoglobulin G4-related disease is very rare. This entity mimics primary malignant hepatic tumor, such as hepatocellular carcinoma or intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. We experienced a case of hepatic IgG4-related inflammatory pseudotumor in a 50-year-old woman, mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Cholangiocarcinoma ; Female ; Fibrosis ; Granuloma, Plasma Cell* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins* ; Middle Aged ; Plasma Cells

BACKGROUND: Ambient particles during Asian dust events are usually sized less than 10 micrometer, known to be associated with the adverse effects on the general populations. But, there has been no considerable evidence linking these particles to the adverse effects on airways. The objectives of this study was to investigate the possible adverse effects of Asian dust events on respiratory function and symptoms in subjects with bronchial asthma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From march to June 2002, Asthmatic patients who were diagnosed with bronchial challenge test or bronchodilator response were enrolled. We divided them into three groups; mild, moderate, and severe, according to the severity. Subjects with other organ insufficiency such as heart, kidney, liver, and malignancy were excluded. All patients completed twice daily diaries and recorded peak flow rate, respiratory symptom, and daily activity. Daily and hourly mean pollutant levels of particulate matter <10 micrometer in diameter(PM10), nitrogen dioxide(NO2), sulphur dioxide(SO2), ozone(O3) and carbon monoxide(CO) were measured at the 10 different monitoring sites. RESULTS: Dust events occured 14 times during the study period. Daily averages of 4 air pollutant were measured with an increased level of PM10, decreased level of NO2 and SO2, and no change in CO during dust days compared to those during control days. An increase in PM10 concentration was associated with an increase of subjects with PEF variability of >20% (p<0.05), night time symptom(p<0.05), and a decrease in mean PEF (p<0.05), which were calculated by the longitudinal data analysis. Otherwise, there was no association between PM10 level and bronchodialtor inhaler, and daytime respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows evidence that ambient air pollution, especially PM10, during Asian dust events, could be one of the many aggravating factors at least in patients with airway diseases. This data can be used as a primary source to set up a new policy on air environmental control and to evaluate the safety of air pollution index. We also expect that this research will help identify precise components of dust, which are more linked to the adverse effects.
Air Pollution ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Asthma* ; Bronchial Provocation Tests ; Carbon ; Dust ; Heart ; Humans ; Kidney ; Liver ; Nebulizers and Vaporizers ; Nitrogen ; Particulate Matter ; Respiratory Rate ; Silicon Dioxide* ; Statistics as Topic

BACKGROUND: Toxocariasis is a common cause of eosinophilia and eosinophilic lung disease in Korea. We analyzed the characteristics of eosinophilic lung disease in toxocariasis. METHOD: One hundred and forty one patients with eosinophilia caused by a toxocara larval infection were evaluated from September 1, 2001 through March 30, 2006. The plain chest x-ray, chest CT(computed tomography), and bronchoalveolar larvage(BAL) were examined. A diagnosis of toxocariasis was made by ELISA using that secretory-excretory antigen from the T. canis larvae. RESULTS: Toxocarial eosinophilic lung diseases was diagnosed in 32 out of 141 patients. Ground glass attenuation was the main feature on the CT scans in 23 out of 141 patients (71.9%). Thirteen patients (40.6%) had a random in zonal distribution on CT. Pleural effusion was observed in 9 patients (28.1%). Twenty eight patients (87.5%) complained of respiratory symptoms. Eleven patients (34.4%) had gastrointestinal symptoms and 12 patients (37.5%) had liver infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: The most common findings of the chest CT in patients with toxocariasis was a randomly distributed ground grass attenuation. A toxocara infection should be considered in a differential diagnosis of patients who exhibit pulmonary infiltration with eosinophilia in Korea.
Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Eosinophilia ; Eosinophils ; Fluconazole ; Glass ; Humans ; Korea ; Larva ; Liver ; Lung Diseases* ; Lung* ; Parasites ; Pleural Effusion ; Pneumonia ; Poaceae ; Thorax ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Toxocara canis* ; Toxocara* ; Toxocariasis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recently, the incidence of nursing home-acquired pneumonia (NHAP) has been increasing and is now the leading cause of death among nursing home residents. This study was performed to identify risk factors associated with NHAP mortality, focusing on facility characteristics. METHODS: Data on all patients > or = 70 years of age admitted with newly diagnosed pneumonia were reviewed. To compare the quality of care in nursing facilities, the following three groups were defined: patients who acquired pneumonia in the community, care homes, and care hospitals. In these patients, 90-day mortality was compared. RESULTS: Survival analyses were performed in 282 patients with pneumonia. In the analyses, 90-day mortality was higher in patients in care homes (12.2%, 40.3%, and 19.6% in community, care homes, and care hospitals, respectively). Among the 118 NHAP patients, residence in a care home, structural lung diseases, treatment with inappropriate antimicrobial agents for accompanying infections, and a high pneumonia severity index score were risk factors associated with higher 90-day mortality. However, infection by potentially drug-resistant pathogens was not important. CONCLUSIONS: Unfavorable institutional factors in care homes are important prognostic factors for NHAP.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Cause of Death ; Cross Infection/diagnosis/drug therapy/microbiology/*mortality ; Female ; *Homes for the Aged ; *Hospitals ; Humans ; Inappropriate Prescribing ; Kaplan-Meier Estimate ; Male ; *Nursing Homes ; Pneumonia, Bacterial/diagnosis/drug therapy/microbiology/*mortality ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome