Reports on a potential relationship between sensory neural hearing loss(SNHL) and cardiovascular or hematologic factor show that the results are controversial. A detailed analysis of risk factors in the development of SNHL was carried out in 3,050 non-noise exposed healthy worker. The mean hearing threshold of both ears at 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000Hz was measured and the effect of age, possible cardiovascular risk factor and hematologic factor (blood viscosity and hemostatic factors) on SNHL were evaluated. First, each of these were associated with loss of hearing sensitivity when univariately and multivariatively analysed. In a multiple regression model, age, sex, body mass index, WBC and total cholesterol level were independently associated with the mean of hearing sensitivity decrease at 4000 and 8000Hz. Second, study subjects were divided into two group (normal vs SNHL) and we compare the possible risk between both groups, and analysed univariate and multivariative logistic model. In a multiple logistic regression model, age, sex, body mass index, WBC and total cholesterol level, total protein, platelet were independently associated with SNHL. Our results show that we have some reliable indices of susceptibility to SNHL using cardiovascular measures or biochemical factor, but future, more extensive studies are required.
Blood Platelets ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; Ear ; Hearing Loss* ; Hearing* ; Logistic Models ; Risk Factors ; Viscosity

Diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis is defined as a clinical entity characterized by a chronic inflammation of bronchioles caused by recurrent aspiration of foreign particles. Clinical symptoms are bronchorrhea, bronchospasm, and dyspnea, and chest radiographs show the presence of regional or disseminated srnall nodular shadows and hyperlucency. Chest CT should help in detecting diffuse nodular shadows of bronchiolitis. Pathologic findings of diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis are characterized by localization of chronic mural inflammation with foreign body reaction in bronchioles. Recurrence of small amounts of aspiration might play an important role in the pathogenesis of diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis. We report a case of diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis in a 4-month- old female infant who had recurrent aspiration due to dysphagia and presented with recurrent fever, dyspnea and wheezing. She showed typical radiologic and histologic findings compatible to diffuse aspiration bronchiolitis. She was improved with treatment of nasogastric tube feeding. We emphasize the importance of recognizing this disease entity and differentiating it from pulmonary diseases associated with bronchospasm. (J Korean Pediatr Soc 2000;43:842-845)
Bronchial Spasm ; Bronchioles ; Bronchiolitis* ; Deglutition Disorders ; Dyspnea ; Enteral Nutrition ; Female ; Fever ; Foreign-Body Reaction ; Humans ; Infant* ; Inflammation ; Lung Diseases ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Recurrence ; Respiratory Sounds ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Transvaginal cervical cerclage for the prevention of pregnancy loss in patients with cervical incompetence is well accepted. However, there is a small subject of patients with incompetence of cervix, congenital or surgical shortening of the cervix, previously failed transvaginal cerclage and deep cervical damage or tears in the fornices. We experienced a case of the transabdominal cervical cerclage. 'Ihe patient had a past history of deep cervical laceration due to vaginal delivery. Therefore, we present here a surgical technique of transabdominal cerdage and report it with brief review of literatures.
Cerclage, Cervical ; Cervix Uteri* ; Female ; Humans ; Lacerations ; Pregnancy

No abstract available.
Occupational Diseases*

No abstract available.
Blotting, Western ; Cells, Cultured ; Connective Tissue Cells/drug effects/metabolism ; Endothelin-1/*biosynthesis ; Fibroblasts/*drug effects/metabolism ; Humans ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/*pharmacology

we analyzed data from 102 patients(152 eyes) who underwent photorefractive keratectomy to investigate the postoperative causes of unsatisfactory unaided visual acuity. A VISX 20/20 exicimer laser(VISX, Inc, Santa Clara, DA USA, version 4. 01) was used in all cases by one surgeon(J.W.H). The patients who showed unsatisfactory unaided vision, less than 20/40 uncorrected visual acuity, with minimal follow-up periods of 6 months were included. A decreased unaided visual acuity was detected in 20 eyes(13%). Range of preoperative myopia was -2.50 to -14.00 diopters. Mean postoperative uncorrected visual acuity(geometric mean)was 0.33+/-0.12 and mean corrected visual acuity was 0.83 +/-0.25. Multiple factors contributed to unsatisfactory unaided vision; myopic regression in 8 eyes, irregular astigmatism in 4 eyes, overcorrection in 1 eye, severe corneal opacity in 1 eyes(2.6%) and the causes were as follows; irregular astigmatism, decentration combined with central island and severe corneal opacity. In conclusion, refractive results after photorefractive keratectomy were reasonably predictable and stable, but some sight threatening complications occured in a minority eyes. Improved techniques such as centering procedures and improved excimer laser program will be essential to prevent unsatisfactory unaided vision.
Astigmatism ; Corneal Opacity ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lasers, Excimer ; Myopia* ; Photorefractive Keratectomy ; Visual Acuity*

BACKGROUND: Atopic asthma is characterized by activation of Th2-type T cells in the bronchial mucosa. Several reports have suggested an important role for costimulation through the CD28/CTLA4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4)-B7 (CD80/CD86) pathway in allergen activation of T cells in animal models of allergen-induced asthma, because B7-CD28/ CTLA4 interaction can promote the differentiation and development of the Th2 lymphocyte subset. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, we intended to investigate a potential role of humanized CTLA4-Ig on the inhibition of T and B cell activation by blocking B7/CD28 interactions. METHOD: For this purpose we produced humanized CTLA4-Ig fusion protein by transfection to CHO cell and examined its inhibitory effects for activated T and B cell responses. We evaluated the inhibitory effect of MLR (mixed lymphocyte reaction) and con A-stimulated T cell proliferation. And we assayed wheather B cell was inhibited by stimulation of costimulatory signal in LPS-induced B cell response and PFC assay. RESULT: In vitro assay, humanized CTLA4-Ig fusion protein inhibited T cell-specific immune response in dose-dependent manner: CTLA4-Ig inhibited allogeneic stimulation in murine MLR, and the proliferation of T cell by the stimulation of Con A. But CTLA4-Ig did not inhibit directly the proliferative response of B cell by the stimulation of LPS. In addition, in vivo assay, CTLA4-Ig inhibited the production of antibody from B cell, which was presented by plaque-forming cell (PFC) assay. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that humanized CTLA4-Ig is effective to inhibit the proliferation of activated T cell directly by blocking B7/CD28 costimulation. And humanized CTLA4-Ig influences antibody-producing capacity of B cell indirectly by regulating T cell.
Abatacept ; Animals ; Antibody Formation* ; Asthma ; Cell Proliferation ; CHO Cells ; Cricetinae ; Humans ; Lymphocyte Subsets ; Lymphocytes ; Models, Animal ; Mucous Membrane ; T-Lymphocytes ; Transfection

Nevus sebaceus of Jadassohn has been referred to as a organoid nevus that classically evolves through three stages and may be associated with a range of skin tumors, and of these, syringocystadenoma papilliferum and basal cell carcinoma have been commonly reported to occur. The occurrence of keratoacanthoma is a very rare event in nevus sebaceus. Herein we report on a 23-year-old man with nevus sebaceus of the cheek. He represents a keratoacanthoma arising within nevus sebaceus.
Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Cheek ; Humans ; Keratoacanthoma* ; Nevus* ; Nevus, Sebaceous of Jadassohn ; Organoids ; Skin ; Young Adult

Cartilage is one of the most commonly manipulated tissue in esthetic and reconstructive surgery. Cartilage has an important role in longitudinal bone growth. Anabolic hormones and locally produced peptide growth factors are known to influence this process Matrix composition changes through proliferation, maturation, and differentiation of chondrocytes, and endochondral ossification thereafter. Defined cartilage matrix is synthesized during the maturation of chondrocytes where the major change is the increment of type II collagen. Variable sulfated mucololysaccharides and hyaluronic acid are also synthesized during this maturation. IGF-I(insulin like growth factor-I), so called somatomedin C, is a prominent growth factor in serum. IGF-I is known to be involved in long growth. IGF-I is affected by pituitary growth hormone. There are few studies done on IGF-I effect in cartilage matrix formation and possible changes of collagen subtypes. This experiment was designed to see the IGF-I effect on the colagen synthesis of cultured chondrocytes. Optimal concentration of IGF-I for the experiment was determined using H3-thymidine incorporation into DNA. The IGF-I effect on collagen synthesis was studied using H3-proline. The IGF-I effect on the synthesis of subtypes of collagen was studied using SDS-PAGE and immunocytochemical staining. Chondrocytes were isolated from the ears of New Zealand white rabbit and cultured in 2 X 10(5) cells/300 microgram density. IGF-I increased DNA synthesis, and optimal concentration of IGF-I was determined by dose-relationship curve as 10ng/ml. Collagen synthesis was increased by IGF-I. Type II collagen was increased on SDS-PAGE with IGF-I and this gel electrophoresis showed type X collagen, also. The increase in type II collagen was confirmed with immunocytochemical staining, the reaction becoming stronger with the addition of IGF-I. Type I collagen was not changed with IGF-I on immunocytochemistry. We conclude that IGE-I is an important modulator influencing not only proliferation and maturation but also terminal different-iation of chondrocytes.
Bone Development ; Cartilage ; Chondrocytes* ; Collagen Type I ; Collagen Type II ; Collagen Type X ; Collagen* ; DNA ; Ear ; Electrophoresis ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Growth Hormone ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Immunohistochemistry ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I* ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; New Zealand

BACKGROUND: Congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) can be controlled by vaccination. Because rubella is typically a childhood disease, occurring predominantly in the 5 to 14 year age group, female school teachers may be a high-risk population for CRS. CONCLUSIONS: To determine the prevalence rate of rubella antibodies in school teachers of child bearing age. METHODS: The study population consisted of primary, middle and high school teachers of child bearing age. The subjects were aged 35 years and younger, and consented to immunoglobulin (Ig) level testing using the ELISA method. RESULTS: The positive rate of IgG was 77.9% in the study subjects (n=314). Sixty-three teachers (21.4%) were susceptible to rubella infection. Thirty-seven teachers (11.8%) had a history of rubella vaccination. Among the female teachers with no vaccination history, the proportion of negative IgM and IgG was 21.7%, and the proportion of positive IgM was 2.9%. Seventy-nine percent of the study subjects did not know that they should not become pregnant for three months after receiving the rubella vaccine. CONCLUSION: School teachers of child bearing age should be considered a high risk group for CRS, and should be vaccinated if they are found to be seronegative.
Antibodies* ; Child* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulin M ; Immunoglobulins ; Jeju-do* ; Prevalence* ; Rubella Syndrome, Congenital ; Rubella Vaccine ; Rubella* ; Vaccination