Inflammasome is a cytosolic multiprotein complex to activate caspase-1 leading to the subsequent processing of inactive pro-interleukin-1-beta (Pro-IL-1beta) into its active interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) in response to pathogen- or danger-associated molecular pattern. In recent years, a huge progress has been made to identify inflammasome component as a molecular platform to recruit and activate caspase-1. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor (NLR) family proteins such as NLRP1, NLRP3 or interleukin-1beta-converting enzyme (ICE)-protease activating factor (IPAF) have been first characterized to form inflammasome complex to induce caspase-1 activation. More recently, non-NLR type, pyrin-domain (PYD)-containing proteins such as pyrin or absent in melanoma2 (AIM2) were also proposed to form caspase-1-activating inflammasome machinery with apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), an essential adaptor molecule. Inflammasome pathways were shown to be crucial for protecting host organisms against diverse pathogen infections, but accumulating evidences also suggest that excessive activation of inflammasome/caspase-1 might be related to the pathogenesis of inflammation-related diseases. Indeed, mutations in NLRP3 or pyrin are closely associated with autoinflammatory diseases such as familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) syndrome or Muckle-Wells syndrome (MWS), indicating that the regulation of caspase-1 activity by inflammasome is a central process in these hereditary inflammatory disorders. Here, recent advances on the molecular mechanism of caspase-1 activation by PYD-containing inflammasomes are summarized and discussed.
Cryopyrin-Associated Periodic Syndromes ; Cytoskeletal Proteins ; Cytosol ; Familial Mediterranean Fever ; Humans ; Immunity, Innate ; Inflammasomes ; Interleukin-1beta ; Proteins

Background: This study aimed to assess the possibility of benzene exposure in workers of a Korean semiconductor manufacturing company by reviewing the issued patents. Methods: A systematic patent search was conducted with the Google “Advanced Patent Search” engine using the keywords “semiconductor” and “benzene” combined with all of the words accessed on January 24, 2016. Results: As a result of the search, we reviewed 75 patent documents filed by a Korean semiconductor manufacturing company from 1994 to 2010. From 22 patents, we found that benzene could have been used as one of the carbon sources in chemical vapor deposition for capacitor; as diamond-like carbon for solar cell, graphene formation, or etching for transition metal thin film; and as a solvent for dielectric film, silicon oxide layer, nanomaterials, photoresist, rise for immersion lithography, electrophotography, and quantum dot ink. Conclusion Considering the date of patent filing, it is possible that workers in the chemical vapor deposition, immersion lithography, and graphene formation processes could be exposed to benzene from 1996 to 2010.

Background: This study aimed to assess the possibility of benzene exposure in workers of a Korean semiconductor manufacturing company by reviewing the issued patents. Methods: A systematic patent search was conducted with the Google “Advanced Patent Search” engine using the keywords “semiconductor” and “benzene” combined with all of the words accessed on January 24, 2016. Results: As a result of the search, we reviewed 75 patent documents filed by a Korean semiconductor manufacturing company from 1994 to 2010. From 22 patents, we found that benzene could have been used as one of the carbon sources in chemical vapor deposition for capacitor; as diamond-like carbon for solar cell, graphene formation, or etching for transition metal thin film; and as a solvent for dielectric film, silicon oxide layer, nanomaterials, photoresist, rise for immersion lithography, electrophotography, and quantum dot ink. Conclusion Considering the date of patent filing, it is possible that workers in the chemical vapor deposition, immersion lithography, and graphene formation processes could be exposed to benzene from 1996 to 2010.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate occupational symptoms and chemical exposures of nail salon technicians. METHODS: Work-related symptoms of nail salon technicians in Daegu City were surveyed using a researcher-administered questionnaire, and responses were compared to those of non-exposed office workers as controls. Personal exposure level of airborne volatile organic compounds was also monitored using passive samplers. RESULTS: A total of 159 subjects in 120 salons were interviewed. Average work-shift concentrations of 13 chemicals were measured for 50 workers from 30 salons using personal passive samplers. The most frequently reported respiratory or neurologic symptoms by nail shop technicians compared to controls were nose irritation (odds ratio [OR], 54.0; confidence interval [CI], 21.6 to 134.8), followed by headache (OR, 9.3; CI, 4.7 to 18), and throat irritation (OR, 4.3; CI, 2.2 to 8.5). For eyes and skin, 92% of respondents complained eye irritation (OR, 13.1; CI, 5.7 to 30.1). In musculoskeletal symptoms, workers reported pain or discomfort in shoulders (OR, 20.3; CI, 7.7 to 54) and neck (OR, 19.7; CI, 8.9 to 43.6). From personal measurements, the proportion of exceeding the Korean Occupational Exposure Limit was the highest for acetone with 64%, followed by toluene (50%), butyl acetate (46%), and methyl methacrylate (12%). However, the service was being provided without a proper ventilation system in most surveyed shops. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these findings, it is warranted to have appropriate local exhaust ventilation place to ensure adequate health protection of nail shop technicians as well as customers. At the same time, greater policy interests are warranted in nail care business to protect health of both workers and customers.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Air Pollutants, Occupational/*chemistry ; Eye Diseases/physiopathology ; Female ; Humans ; Interviews as Topic ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Musculoskeletal Diseases/physiopathology ; Occupational Diseases/physiopathology ; Occupational Exposure/*analysis ; Questionnaires ; Republic of Korea ; Respiratory Tract Diseases/physiopathology ; Skin Diseases/physiopathology ; Ventilation ; Volatile Organic Compounds/*analysis ; Workplace ; Young Adult

Discal cysts, which lie directly over intervertebral discs, are rare. Two old dogs with tetraparesis were referred to our facility. In both animals, magnetic resonance imaging revealed intraspinal extradural cystic mass lesions that were dorsal to degenerative intervertebral discs at the C3-C4 level. These lesions had low signal intensity on T1-weighted images, and high signal intensity on T2-weighted images. A ventral slot approach was used to perform surgical decompression, after which the symptoms improved remarkably. Discal cysts should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs with cervical pain and tetraparesis. One effective treatment for discal cysts is surgical intervention.
Animals ; Decompression, Surgical ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Dogs* ; Intervertebral Disc ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neck Pain ; Spine*

Hematuria, characterized by red blood cells in the urine, is a clinical symptom that demands an immediate investigation for potential urologic cancers, particularly in cases of gross hematuria. This study seeks to comprehensively review various urologic malignancies causing hematuria, such as urothelial carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and prostate ductal carcinoma. The review is anchored on the current urologic clinical guidelines and published literature.Current Concepts: Gross hematuria commonly signifies urologic cancer, with approximately 20% of gross hematuria cases and 5% of microscopic hematuria cases associated with a urologic cancer diagnosis. Cystoscopy and imaging studies of the upper urinary tract are recommended in patients presenting with gross hematuria, with urine cytology as a potential supplementary test. Conversely, in the presence of microscopic hematuria only, it is advisable to conduct appropriate tests while considering variables such as patient age. When hematuria occurs alongside antithrombotic drug administration, it is crucial not to forego appropriate testing due to the antithrombotic medication. Hematuria is a prevalent symptom of bladder cancer, renal cancer, and urothelial carcinoma; it can also be present in patients with prostate ductal carcinoma.Discussion and Conclusion: In instances of no urinary tract infection or other discernible cause of hematuria, a consultation with a urologist is recommended, irrespective of the patient’s age. When dealing with patients with urologic cancer, an early diagnosis is a critical factor influencing patient prognosis. Therefore, enhanced attention and a deeper understanding of urologic cancers that can precipitate hematuria are necessary.

Purpose: Implant-supported restorations have become the standard treatment for edentulous patients. However, several complications have been reported, including implant-fixture fracture. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for dental implant-fixture fracture by evaluating 43 fractured implant fixtures in 33 patients. Materials and Methods: This study included patients referred from local clinics owing to implant fracture between 2006 and 2023. The implant type and location, method for removal, and risk factors for implant fracture were investigated. Results: This study included 22 men and 11 women (mean age, 60.8 years; range, 33–82 years). Implant fracture was twice as common in men than in women. Fractures were more common in fixtures with internal connections rather than in those with external connections. More implant fractures were observed in patients with single implants than in those with multiple implants. Conclusion Since the only solution to implant fracture is removal, regular follow-up and biomechanical and biological considerations to reduce dental implant fracture are necessary.

Purpose: Implant-supported restorations have become the standard treatment for edentulous patients. However, several complications have been reported, including implant-fixture fracture. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for dental implant-fixture fracture by evaluating 43 fractured implant fixtures in 33 patients. Materials and Methods: This study included patients referred from local clinics owing to implant fracture between 2006 and 2023. The implant type and location, method for removal, and risk factors for implant fracture were investigated. Results: This study included 22 men and 11 women (mean age, 60.8 years; range, 33–82 years). Implant fracture was twice as common in men than in women. Fractures were more common in fixtures with internal connections rather than in those with external connections. More implant fractures were observed in patients with single implants than in those with multiple implants. Conclusion Since the only solution to implant fracture is removal, regular follow-up and biomechanical and biological considerations to reduce dental implant fracture are necessary.

Purpose: Implant-supported restorations have become the standard treatment for edentulous patients. However, several complications have been reported, including implant-fixture fracture. This study aimed to determine the risk factors for dental implant-fixture fracture by evaluating 43 fractured implant fixtures in 33 patients. Materials and Methods: This study included patients referred from local clinics owing to implant fracture between 2006 and 2023. The implant type and location, method for removal, and risk factors for implant fracture were investigated. Results: This study included 22 men and 11 women (mean age, 60.8 years; range, 33–82 years). Implant fracture was twice as common in men than in women. Fractures were more common in fixtures with internal connections rather than in those with external connections. More implant fractures were observed in patients with single implants than in those with multiple implants. Conclusion Since the only solution to implant fracture is removal, regular follow-up and biomechanical and biological considerations to reduce dental implant fracture are necessary.

The Eustachian tube is a passage that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and regulates the pressure within the middle ear. If there is persistent inflammation in the mucosa due to infection or allergic reactions, the opening of the Eustachian tube may not function properly, leading to obstructive Eustachian tube dysfunction. If symptoms persist even after three months of conservative treatment, balloon Eustachian tuboplasty may be considered. Although rare, severe complications such as subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax can occur, but there have been no reported cases of such complications in the Republic of Korea so far. Here, we present a case of a 52-year-old male who developed subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum after undergoing balloon Eustachian tuboplasty and discuss prevention and treatment for possible complications following the procedure.