The neuropeptide substance P(SP) has been implicated in the mediation of inflammation and immune-mediated disease such as arthritis. Recently, it was reported that SP was markedly increased around the blood vessels in inflamed gingiva as well as in close association with the inflammatory cell infiltrate. These results support that SP may contribute to the pathophysiology of neuronal inflammation in human periodontal tissues. SP may regulate inflammatory/immune responses by stimulating the proliferation of human T cells, differentiation and antibody-secreting potential of B cells, macrophage respiratory burst, connective tissue proliferation, and the secretion of cytokines from monocytes and T cells. Here, I studied potential role of SP as a costimulatory chemical signal in inflammatory/immune responses, by determining the released proinflammatory cytokines such as MIP-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IL-6 from culture supernatants of homogeneous immune cell lines. Serum free cell supernatants were concentrated with TCA precipitation, fractionated with SDS-PAGE, and subjected into western blot analysis. Among 15 cell lines tested, macrophage/monocyte cell line RAW264.7 and WR19m.1 showed the highest level of induction of MIP-1alphawhen stimulated with LPS. Discrete IL-6 bands with multiple forms of molecular mass were detected from supernatants of B cell lines A20(32kDa), Daudi(32, 35kDa), and SKW6.4(29kDa), which were expressed constitutively. IL-1beta could not be detected by the method of western blot analysis from supernatants of all cell lines tested except RAW264.7, WR19m.1, and erythroid cell line K562 which showed the least amount of IL-1betasecretion. SP 10(-9)M with suboptimal dose of LPS treatment showed synergistic induction of MIP-1alpharelease from RAW264.7 or WR19m.1, and also IL-6 release from A20, but this synergism is not the case in costimulation of RAW264.7 or WR19m.1 with SP 10(-9)M and TPA. Although treatment of T cell line CTLL-R8 with SP 10(-7)M or PHA+TPA induced modest level of MIP-1alpha secretion, synergism was not observed when they are applied together. These findings all together suggest the possibility of a regulatory role of SP in inflammatory/immune reaction through differential modulation of bioactivities of other chemical cosignals.
Arthritis ; B-Lymphocytes ; Blood Vessels ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line* ; Chemokine CCL3 ; Connective Tissue ; Cytokines* ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Erythroid Cells ; Gingiva ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6 ; Macrophages ; Monocytes ; Negotiating ; Neurons ; Neuropeptides ; Respiratory Burst ; Substance P* ; T-Lymphocytes

C-kit-negative gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon, and there have been few reports about the diagnosis and treatment of c-kit-negative GISTs in the stomach. We report the case of a patient who was diagnosed with a huge and atypical GIST in the stomach. The GIST was completely resected and finally diagnosed as c-kit-negative GIST based on immunohistochemical staining of tumor cells, which were negative for CD117 and CD34 and positive for Discovered on GIST-1 (DOG1). C-kit-negative GISTs could be treated by complete resection and/or imatinib, which is the same treatment for c-kit-positive GISTs.
Diagnosis ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors* ; Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit ; Stomach* ; Imatinib Mesylate

The cause of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is obvious. Recently, the FLCN mutation was suggested to be a causal factor in PSP. A 47-year-old Korean male patient with chief complaint of repetitive PSP had numerous emphysematous bullae and multiple large cysts based upon high resolution computer tomography. Here we report a case of PSP with an FLCN c.468_470delTTC mutation.
Blister ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pneumothorax ; Sequence Deletion

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effects of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on removal of a root surface smear layer after root planing in comparison with Tetracycline HCl. The 60 extracted human teeth due to severe periodontal disease were vigorously scaled and root planed with Gracey curet. Thirty specimen(5x5x2mm) were obtained from root planed surface of 30 human teeth and assigned randomly to one of three groups : root planed group(5 specimen), Tetracycline HCl group(5 specimen, burnished for 5 minutes), and Nd:YAG laser group(25 specimen, German Dental Laser, Fotona Twinlight). Nd:YAG laser group was divided into 4 subgroups according to power of 1W, 1.5W, 2W, 3W at frequency to 10Hz. The specimen were then fixed, and examed by Scanning electron microscopic study. 30 of 60 human teeth used to measurement of the intrapulpal temperature rise during laser irradiation. Laser-irradiated surface exhibited various surface texture from relative flat surface to irregular surface with patent dentinal tubules of various shape and size. In some area, the root surface alteration which are carbonization, pit and crater formation and melting and resolidification were observed. The number of exposed dentinal tubules per unit(100micrometer2) on tetracycline HCl group was more than that in the laser group below 1.5W of power(150mJ/pulse) and was significantly less than that in laser group above 2W of power(200mJ/pulse)(P<0.001). As power increased the intrapulpal temperature rise also increased. The result suggested that the parameter which effectively remove root surface smear layer than tetracycline HCl may cause thermal damage to pulp and root surface alteration result from laser exposure would indicate need for additional instrumentation. Thus, Nd:YAG laser irradiation in these parameter may not be appropriate for clinical use as adjunct to conventional periodontal therapy
Carbon ; Dentin ; Freezing ; Humans ; Periodontal Diseases ; Root Planing ; Smear Layer ; Tetracycline ; Tooth

It is becoming increasingly clear that human gingival fibroblasts(HGF) may play a role in regulating immune responsiveness in inflammatory periodontal lesions. Stimulation of HGF with locally-secreted T cell cytokine IFNgamma induces human leukocyte antigen class II(HLA II) expression on HGF, which is one of the characteristic feature of professional antigen presenting cells(pAPC). However, IFNgamma-treated HGF and other nonprofessional antigen presenting cells(npAPC) are known to be ineffective or less effective antigen presenter to resting T cells. This study, therefore, was undertaken in an effort to elucidate the differences in expression of cell surface molecules between npAPC in periodontal tissues, such as HGF and periodontal ligament fibroblasts(PDLF), and pAPC such as monocytes/macrophages. Using flow cytometry, the levels of cell surface expression of HLA-D, ICAM-1, LFA-3, and B7-1, which are involved in antigen presentation, were determined in HGF, PDLF and human myelomonocytic cell line THP-1. IFNgamma clearly induced HLA-D expression on both of fibroblasts and monocytes dose dependently. However, expression level on monocytes were 4 to 5 times higher than that on fibroblasts, and induction rate was faster in monocytes than in fibroblasts. The levels of ICAM-1 expression on fibroblasts and monocytes were enhanced by IFNgamma in a dose dependent manner. On the other hand, the expression of LFA-3 molecule, which could be detected in fibroblasts and monocytes without cytokine stimulation, was no more enhanced by addition of IFNgamma. B7-1, important costimulatory molecule in T cell activation and proliferation, was not detected on both of fibroblasts and monocytes even when stimulated with IFNgamma, except on monocytes fully differentiated by pretreatment of PMA and treated by IFNgamma. These results suggest that delayed expression of HLA-D and absence of B7-1 on IFNgamma -treated fibroblasts may at least in part be involved in the ineffectiveness of fibroblasts as primary APC. And it is postulated that although periodontal fibroblasts may not serve as primary APC in normal periodontium, sustained expression of HLA II on ubiquitous fibroblasts in inflammatory lesions may perpetuate immune responses and produce chronic inflammation and tissue injury.
Antigen Presentation ; Antigens, CD58 ; Cell Line ; Fibroblasts* ; Flow Cytometry ; Hand ; HLA-D Antigens ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Interferons* ; Leukocytes ; Monocytes ; Periodontal Ligament* ; Periodontium ; T-Lymphocytes

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the CT features of second branchial cleft cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the computed tomographic images in nine cases of second branchial cleft cyst which was confirmed pathologically. Emphasis was on localization of the masses to fascial spaces as defined by the deep cervical fasica. RESULTS: In all nine cases, the lerions were located in the submandibular and carotid spaces. Among these cases, six(67%) had simultaneous involvement of the other contiguous spaces, such as anterior and posterior cervical spaces. All cases had round or oval, unilocular, cystic masses with partial or complete rim enhancement. In eight cases(89%), smooth and thin walls were observed. In one case, thick wall and septations were noted. No definite calcifications were noted in all cases. The internal contents of cystic masses showed relatively homogeneous appearance, and CT number ranged from 20 to 35.2 Hounsfield unit(HU)(mean, 28.4HU). CONCLUSION: CT diagnosis of second branchial cleft cyst would be easily obtained from recognition of frequent simultaneous involvement of the other contiguous spaces, along with a typical location and characteristic morphology.
Branchial Region* ; Branchioma* ; Diagnosis ; Retrospective Studies

The purpose of this study was to evaluate in vitro effects of the loss of tooth substance and root surface changes following root planing with various periodontal instruments. The 39 extracted human teeth due to severe periodontal disease were included. The total 50 root surfaces of 30 teeth were root planed with following instruments : Group 1, with Gracey curette, Group 2, with ultrasonic scaler, Group 3, with rotating root planing bur, Group 4, with Gracey curette plus rubber cup polishing, and Group 5, with ultrasonic scaler plus rubber cup polishing. Following root planing, the amount of tooth substance loss was evaluated by measuring the weight of the removed tooth substance and then 5 specimens (5x5x2mm) were randomly selected from the each group for roughness measurement. Root planed areas of each specimen were subjected to five measurements using the Profilometer and an average surface roughness values(Ra) for each group was obtained. Statistical difference for roughness values of each group was analyzed using oneway ANOVA and student t-test. For scanning electron microscopic(SEM) examination of root surface changes following root planing, 15 root surfaces of remaining 9 teeth were root planed and 3 specimens were randomly selected. The mean loss of tooth substance removed was Group 1, 7.0+/-1.09mg, Group 2, 1.3+/-1.00mg, Group 3, 5.8+/-1.72mg, Group 4, 8.7+/-1.34mg, and Group 5, 4.5+/-1.68mg following root palning, respectively. These results indicate that curette is effective instrument in the respect of diseased root substance removal. The average surface roughness values are following results : Group 1 and Group 4 were the smoothest surface (Ra=0.34+/-0.06micrometer, Ra=0.34+/-0.04micrometer, respectively) and Group 2 was the roughest surface (Ra=2.09+/-0.06micrometer). Statistical analysis of roughness values demonstrated a highly significant difference (P<0.05) between each experimental groups. However, no statistically significant difference in roughness values were observed between the Group 1 and Group 4. The results in this study suggest that curette and/or polishing procedure should be done after root planing with ultrasonic scaler and caution should be used with diamond-coated bur during routine root planing procedure.
Humans ; Periodontal Diseases ; Root Planing* ; Rubber ; Tooth* ; Ultrasonics

Carcinoid tumors are well-differentiated epithelial neoplasms that usually can be diagnosed without difficulty based on their distinctive histologic patterns. These tumors are composed of variable numbers of calls that contain endocrine secretory granules in their cytoplasm, which can be identified by histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, and electron microscopy, Carcinoid tumors of the duodenum are relatively rare, the reported incidence being 2.0-8.9% of all gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors dianosed in Western countries. The rate of occurrence among all duodenal tumors is 3-5.5%. We experienced a case of carcinoid tumor of the duodenum in a 53 year-old male patient. He was admitted to our hospital because of epigastric pain. On the gastrofiberscopic examination, 0.7 cm sized Yamada type II polyp with central ulceration was noticed on the duodenal bulb. The biopsy specimen revealed carcinoid tumor. He was treated with polypectomy.
Biopsy ; Carcinoid Tumor* ; Cytoplasm ; Duodenum ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Incidence ; Male ; Microscopy, Electron ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial ; Polyps ; Secretory Vesicles ; Ulcer

The present study was undertaken to investigate the infection status of Cryptosporidium parvum in the villagers and the reservoir hosts in several rural areas in Korea. A total 5, 262 fecal samples were collected from the inhabitants residing at Gangwon-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, Jeollanam-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do between the dates of September, 2001 to June, 2002. In addition, 1, 453 fecal samples were collected from livestock reared in Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do and Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. All the fecal smears were prepared by formalin-ether sedimentation, and examined by light microscopy after modified acid-fast staining. The overall positive rate of human cryptosporidiosis was 3.3%. Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do showed a 8.2% positive rate and appeared as the highest endemic area among the surveyed areas. Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do showed a 0.4% positive rate and was the lowest endemic area. The positive rate of livestock infection in Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do was 94%, which was more than ten times higher than that of Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do (9.3%). From these results, it was revealed that cryptosporidiosis was an endemic disease in some rural areas of Korea, and the livestock could be an important source of human infection.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Animals ; Animals, Domestic/*parasitology ; Cattle ; Cattle Diseases/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cryptosporidiosis/*epidemiology/parasitology/veterinary ; Cryptosporidium parvum/*isolation & purification ; Feces/parasitology ; Female ; Human ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Korea/epidemiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parasite Egg Count ; Prevalence ; *Rural Population ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Swine ; Swine Diseases/*epidemiology/parasitology

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the occurrence rate of diffusion positive lesions (DPLs), and to assess the peri-procedural risk factors for the occurrence of DPLs in patients who underwent coil embolization of cerebral aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 304 saccular aneurysms were embolized during a seven-year period from Jan 2007 to Dec 2013. Of these, postoperative diffusion-weighted images were obtained in 186 procedures. There were 100 ruptured aneurysm and 86 unruptured aneurysms. The coiling procedures were as follows: simple coiling in 96, balloon assisted coiling (BAC) in 39, and stent assisted coiling (SAC) in 51 aneurysms. Clinical, angiographic and procedural factors were analyzed in relation to the occurrence of DPLs. RESULTS: Overall, DPLs were observed in 50.5%. In unruptured aneurysms, DPLs occurred in 23.5% of BAC, 41.9% of SAC and 57.7% of simple coiling (p = 0.08). Among ruptured aneurysms, DPLs occurred in 63.6% of BAC, 62.5% of SAC and 54.3% of simple coiling (p = 0.71). DPLs had a tendency to increase in ruptured aneurysms compared with unruptured aneurysms (57% vs. 43%, p = 0.077). Logistic regression analysis revealed that age > 55 years was the only independent risk factor for the occurrence of DPLs. CONCLUSION: DPLs occured more frequently in ruptured aneurysm and at an older age. Although most DPLs are asymptomatic, careful manipulation of cerebral or extracerebral arteries using various endovascular devices is important to reducing the occurrence of DPLs. BAC appeared to reduce occurrence of TE events in patient with unruptured aneurysm.
Aneurysm ; Aneurysm, Ruptured ; Arteries ; Diffusion* ; Embolization, Therapeutic* ; Humans ; Intracranial Aneurysm* ; Logistic Models ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Risk Factors ; Stents ; Thromboembolism