In the following report, we describe the case of a rapidly skeletonized corpse discovered in late summer. On the first day of September, a 57-year-old man was found almost completely skeletonized on a hill behind his house. His body lay prone, accompanied by a brush cutter at the entrance to the graveyard where his friend's parents were buried. His cap, clothes, and rubber boots were all intact and undamaged. Upon autopsy, no definite abnormalities were identified except for an old linear fracture on the frontoparietal bone. According to his friends and neighbors, he had likely died 8 or 9 days prior to the discovery of his body.
Autopsy ; Cadaver ; Friends ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Parents ; Postmortem Changes ; Rubber ; Skeleton*

No abstract available.
Arthrography* ; Wrist*

Nontraumatic cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea is a very rare disease that comprises 3-4% of all CSF rhinorrhea cases. The principle treatment for CSF rhinorrhea is surgery because more conservative treatments usually fail. The authors executed extracranial repair of the fistula and sphenoid sinus obliteration with abdominal fat in a 33-year old male diagnosed with nontraumatic CSF rhinorrhea not accompanied by intracranial lesion. The CSF rhinorrhea stopped after the operation, but acute hydrocephalus developed on the postoperative second day, and a ventriculospinal shunt was performed. The authors report a case of acute hydrocephalus occurring after the repair of the CSF rhinorrhea, a development that, to our knowledge, has never been reported in the literature.
Abdominal Fat ; Adult ; Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea* ; Cerebrospinal Fluid* ; Fistula ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus* ; Male ; Rare Diseases ; Sphenoid Sinus

PURPOSE: Intrarenal reflux(IRR) is backflow of urine from the renal pelvis into the collecting ducts. IRR is the main cause of renal injury in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) which leads to renal scars, hypertension, proteinuria, and chronic renal failure. The purpose of our study was to investigate the characteristics of intrarenal reflux. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 80 patients who were diagnosed as having grades of III-V VUR from Jan. 2004 to Dec. 2006 in the department of pediatrics in Ajou University Hospital. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of IRR on voiding cystoureterogram and compared to each other for the possible factors associated with intrarenal reflux. RESULTS: Among 80 VUR patients, IRR(+) group comprised 17(21.3%) patients and 27 renal units(23.2%) and revealed younger age, higher grade of VUR, and more proteinuria compared to IRR(-) group. There were no significant difference in gender, laboratory findings and the rate of resolution in VUR or defects on renal scan between two groups. Also, intrarenal reflux mostly corresponded to the same site of photon defects on DMSA scan. CONCLUSION: We suggest that intrarenal reflux tends to be associated with younger age, higher grade of reflux, more proteinuria with no difference in resolution rate of VUR when compared to the VUR patients without IRR. From this study, we were able to understand the characteristics of intrarenal reflux in children with urinary tract infection.
Child ; Cicatrix ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Kidney Pelvis ; Medical Records ; Pediatrics ; Proteinuria ; Receptor, Insulin ; Retrospective Studies ; Succimer ; Urinary Tract ; Urinary Tract Infections ; Vesico-Ureteral Reflux

We present a 55-year-old man who has a six-month history of progressive weakness of all limbs. Findings from neurologic examination were notable for a diffuse muscular weakness and atrophy in all limbs. Laboratory findings for collagen vascular disease, monoclonal gammopathy, and infections were normal. Electrophysiologic studies supported lower motor neuron (LMN) syndrome. CT scan and needle biopsy disclosed small cell lung cancer. This case suggests that in some elderly patients with LMN syndrome a careful search for an underlying cancer is warranted.
Aged ; Atrophy ; Biopsy, Needle ; Collagen ; Extremities ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; Middle Aged ; Motor Neuron Disease ; Motor Neurons* ; Muscle Weakness ; Neurologic Examination ; Paraneoplastic Syndromes ; Paraproteinemias ; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vascular Diseases

BACKGROUND: Malassezia (M.) yeasts are lipophilic fungi which are regarded as normal flora of the skin, and are recovered in 75~98% of healthy adults. Gueho et al reclassified the Malassezia yeasts into 7 species (M. furfur, M. obtusa, M. globosa, M. slooffiae, M. sympodialis, M. pachydermatis, M. restricta) on the basis of molecular biology and by employing an interdisciplinary approach of morphology, microstructurology and physiology. Recently novel species of the genus Malassezia have been discovered as a result of molecular analysis. But there are no additional reports in Korea regarding newly reported Malassezia species because most identification and classification of Malassezia in Korea depend on classical methods and research on molecular biologic application is insufficient. OBJECTIVE: Five clinical isolates of M. dermatis were isolated from the skin of healthy subjects without skin disease or seborrheic dermatitis patients using molecular biology techniques for the first time in Korea. Hence the present study describes mycological and molecular biological characteristics of these five isolates as a novel species of M. dermatis. METHODS: Morphological and biochemical analyses, such as colony morphologies, microscopic morphologies and physiological characteristic were done targeting 5 clinical isolates of M. dermatis. Molecular techniques, namely, 26S rDNA PCR-RFLP, 26S rDNA and internal transcribed spacer region 1 (ITS1) sequencing, were done for identification and phylogenetic systematic analysis. RESULTS: Five clinical isolates of M. dermatis showed positive in the catalase test. No growth is obtained on Sabouraud's dextrose agar (SDA) without lipid supplementation but all grew in 0.5% Tween 60 and 0.1% Tween 80 added 2% glucose/1% peptone culture medium. Round and ellipsoidal yeast cells and budding of the yeast cells were observed under microscope, resembling M. sympodialis, M. furfur, and M. nana. The 26S rDNA PCR-RFLP pattern showed the same pattern as M. dermatis (JCM 11348), the standard strain. 26S rDNA and ITS1 sequencing were performed for exact identification, showing 99% accordance with M. dermatis (AB070361), and M. dermatis (AB070356), confirming the species to be new, the first to be reported in Korea. Phylogenetic trees based on the D1/D2 domains of the 26S rDNA sequences and nucleotide sequences of the ITS 1 region showed that the isolates were conspecific and belonged to the genus Malassezia and crusted with M. sympodialis. CONCLUSION: Taking a molecular biological classification approach, we have successfully isolated 5 cases of M. dermatis-the first in Korea. Although it is not known whether M. dermatis plays a role in Malassezia-related skin disease, this species was part of the microflora in both patients with seborrheic dermatitis and healthy subjects.
Adult ; Agar ; Base Sequence ; Catalase ; Classification ; Dermatitis, Seborrheic ; DNA, Ribosomal ; Fungi ; Glucose ; Humans ; Korea ; Malassezia* ; Molecular Biology ; Peptones ; Physiology ; Polysorbates ; Population Characteristics ; Skin ; Skin Diseases ; Yeasts

BACKGROUND: Malassezia yeasts are lipophilic fungi that are found in 75~80% of healthy adults. The yeasts are known to be associated with pityriasis versicolor, seborrheic dermatitis, Malassezia folliculitis, and recently its pathogenicity is being expanded to other various skin disorders, such as atopic dermatitis and acne vulgaris. Recently, various molecular biological techniques are being preferred over morphological analysis. In order to perform a DNA-based diagnostic test, availability of a simple, rapid, and reliable DNA extraction protocol is essential. OBJECTIVE: We sought to implement novel molecular biology technique, namely colony PCR method using microwave as the easiest way to amplification of Malassezia target DNA, and assess its clinical applicability. METHODS: Instead of using templates of purified genomic DNA, we performed the PCR directly from Malassezia colonies. A fresh yeast colony transferred to the bottom of a microcentrifuge tube and microwaved for 1 min three times in the presence of a pyrex beaker containing 50 ml of sterile water to dissipate excess heat. Following this microwave lysis, PCR-reaction mixture was added directly to the microcentrifuge tube. Two DNA extraction methods (boiling method, glass beads method) were used for comparing the sensitivity and effectiveness with the colony PCR method. All reactions were performed using the primers 26S and ITS1 complementary to the rDNA region. Results 1. As a result of gel electrophoresis, we recognized expected PCR products (approximately 580 bp for 26S rDNA and 250~320 bp for ITS1) from both colony PCR method and two DNA extraction methods (boiling method, glass beads method). 2. As a result of measuring nucleic acid level with the spectrophotometer, colony PCR disregarding DNA extraction process shows relatively similar PCR efficacy compared with the boiling and glass beads method. And there is no significant difference among those methods statistically (p>0.001). 3. In conducting the PCR method, boiling method required approximately 400 minutes, and glass beads method required approximately 360 minutes, respectively. As contrasted with two methods, colony PCR method required approximately 150 minutes, and could be capable of saving time. In addithion, colony PCR had an economic efficiency comparing with boiling method and glass beads methods. CONCLUSIONS: All these findings suggest that directly application of the Malassezia yeasts obtained from culture colony for PCR reaction is a fast, reliable, cost-effective and simple method for performing any PCR-based protocol including diagnostic tests.
Acne Vulgaris ; Adult ; Dermatitis, Atopic ; Dermatitis, Seborrheic ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; DNA ; DNA, Ribosomal ; Electrophoresis ; Folliculitis ; Fungi ; Glass ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Malassezia* ; Microwaves ; Molecular Biology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction* ; Skin ; Tinea Versicolor ; Virulence ; Water ; Yeasts*

Analysis of the cases registered for the Forensic Odontology Lab of the National Forensic Service (NFS) from April 6th, 2007 to December 2010 was performed to observe the trend and pattern of the cases, in order to propose measures for improvement in future cases both in quantity as well as quality. High rate of cases were observed from the capital area, especially in ground and mountains during warmer season from June to October. Most of the cases were of human remains requested and examined for the estimation of age, sex, stature and identification. However, some of the requested criteria were applied forensic methods such as postmortem interval, cause of death, and facial reconstruction which could not be conducted. To better fulfill the needs of the society, reform of the current registration-examination system by introducing a multi-disciplinary team for processing the scene, education of the law enforcement personnel, research and acquiring funds for the relevant areas, developing antemortem dental record database are recommended for improvement in quantity and quality of the information produced by odontology lab.
Cause of Death ; Dental Records ; Financial Management ; Forensic Anthropology ; Humans ; Law Enforcement ; Pyridines ; Research Personnel ; Seasons ; Thiazoles

The Harris line (HL), caused by bone-growth arrest and manifesting on X-rays as a radiopaque transverse line in the metaphysis of the long bones, is an indicator reflecting stress conditions such as disease or malnutrition. HL frequency has been assumed to differ between pre-modern and modern societies, as reflective of increased caloric intake and overall nutritional improvements attendant on industrialization. To determine if such a change occurred in Korea, in the present study we compared the respective HL statuses in medieval Joseon and modern Korean population samples. HLs were found in 39.4% (28/71) of the Joseon Koreans. Whereas only 27.5% (11/40) of the males showed an HL, fully 54.8% (17/31) of the females exhibited it. Notably, HLs were observed in only 16.4% (35/213) of the modern Koreans; more remarkably still, the HL rate was almost the same between the sexes, 16.7% (20/120) for the males and 16.1% (15/93) for the females. The HL frequency was much higher in the Joseon Koreans than in their modern counterparts, reflecting the improvement of nutritional status that had been achieved in the course of South Korea's modernization. This HL-frequency decrease was much more obvious in the female populations. The higher HL frequency among the Joseon females might reflect the relatively poor nutritional condition of females in pre-modern Korean society.
Energy Intake ; Female ; Humans* ; Korea* ; Male ; Malnutrition ; Nutritional Status ; Republic of Korea ; Skeleton* ; Social Change ; Tibia

PURPOSE: Prostatic manipulation and surgery have been shown to increase serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA). We studied the effect of ejaculation on the serum PSA levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 131 men(16 to 64 years old) who had no history of surgery or inflammatory disease of the urogenital tract. The total serum PSA, free PSA, serum total testosterone, free testosterone, luteinizing hormone(LH), and follicular stimulating hormone(FSH) were evaluated 1 hour after ejaculation. RESULTS: A PSA level was detected in all the men. There were statistically significant changes of the serum PSA level before and after ejaculation. We compared the parameters between increased PSA group and the decreased PSA group. There were significant differences between the two groups on comparison of the total prostate volume(25.4+/-3.6g vs 15.1+/-4.2g, respectively) and the transition zone volume(7.1+/-2.7g vs 5.3+/-1.1g, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our data, ejaculation affects the serum PSA concentration in young men, and there seems to be a physiological relationship between ejaculation and the PSA level. The larger the prostate volume, the more ejaculation has an effect on the serum PSA level.
Ejaculation* ; Humans ; Lutein ; Male ; Prostate ; Prostate-Specific Antigen* ; Testosterone