To find out whether the susceptibility to Hansen's disease are associated with HLA genes, serological and nucleotide typing of HLA-A, B, and DRB1 alleles have been conducted in 301 Hansen's disease patients[190 Multibacillary cases(MB, LL/BL), 111 Paucibacillary cases(PB, TT/BT) confirmed at the time of diagnosis, almost of them were treated with Multidrug therapy] and 928 healthy controls from a population in Seoul and Northern area of Han River in Kyunggi Province, Korea. HLA-A30[relative risk(RR) 1.58, chi-square=4.89, P=0.04] was significantly associated with Hansen's disease. In contrast to HLA-B27(RR 0.20, chi-square=11.34, P=0.0002), which was negatively associated with Hansen's disease as a whole, in MB and PB separately, HLA-B52(RR 1.97, chi-square=6.89, P=0.002) and B46(RR 1.63, chi-square=4.84, P=0.04) were significantly increased in Hansen's disease. DRB1*02 was associated with MB(LL/BL)[RR 1.96, chi-square=13.47, P=0.0004] but not with PB(TT/BT). Further works about oligonuceotide typing of DQA,B, and DPB1 are ongoing. High resolution study to define DRB1*02 alleles will be performed.
Alleles ; Diagnosis ; Gyeonggi-do ; HLA-A Antigens* ; Korea ; Leprosy* ; Rivers ; Seoul

No abstract available.
Lichen Planus ; Lichens

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term (12 to 30 months) effect of L-dopa with part-time occlusion in patients in which occlusion therapy failed. METHODS: Seventeen eyes of 12 amblyopic children who failed with part-time occlusion (4 to 8 hours/day) treatment for a minimum period of 6 months were studied. The follow-up period was 12 to 30 months. The average best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before treatment was 0.28+/-0.20 (0.05-0.5). After full informed consent was obtained from their parents, the children received levodopa (2 to 4 mg/kg) for 8 weeks combined with part-time occlusion and spectacles. RESULTS: The average age of the subjects was 7.0+/-2.7 years and the mean follow-up period was 23.7+/-7.7 (12 to 30) months. After the administration of levodopa for 8 weeks, 9 eyes (53%) showed improvement in BCVA, and only 4 eyes showing a mean regression of 0.20+/-0.11 logMAR visual acuities. The BCVA reached the maximum value after a mean of 8.47 months. After 8 weeks from baseline, 13 eyes (76%) reached the maximum BCVA. After 12 to 30 months of follow-up, 12 out of 17 eyes (70.6%) showed a BCVA improvement of 0.14+/-0.19 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: After the long-term (12 to 30 months) follow-up, L-dopa with part-time occlusion in patients in which occlusion therapy failed showed improved visual acuities in 76% of the cases.
Amblyopia ; Child ; Eye ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Informed Consent ; Levodopa ; Parents ; Visual Acuity

The primary cause of tooth loss after 30 years of age is periodontal disease. Destruction of alveolar bone by periodontal disease is done by bone resorbing activity of osteoclasts. Understanding differentiation and activation mechanism of osteoclasts is essential for controling periodontal disease. The purpose of this study is to identify the possible effects of Vitamin D and cytokines affecting osteoclasts and its precursor cells. Four to six week-old mice were killed and humerus, radius, tibia and femur were removed aseptically and washed two times with Hank's solution containing penicillin-streptomycin and then soft tissue were removed. Bone marrow cells were collected by 22 gauge needle. Cells were cultured in Hank's solution containing 1 mg/ml type II collagenase, 0.05% trypsin, 4mM EDTA. Supernatant solution was removed 5 times after 15 minutes of digestion with above mentioned enzyme solution, and remained bone particles were maintained in alpha-MEM for 15 minutes and 4degrees C temperature. Bone particles were agitated for 1 minute and supernatant solution containing osteoclast precursor cells were filtrated with cell stainer. These separated osteoclast precursor cells were dispensed with 100-mm culture dish by 1x10(7) cells unit and cultured in alpha-MEM containing 20 ng/ml recombinant human M-CSF, 30 ng/ml recombinant human soluble osteoclast differentiation factor and 10% fetal calf serum for 2 and 7 days. Total RNA of osteoclast precursor cells were extracted using RNeasy kit. One microgram of total RNA was reverse transcribed in 42degrees C for 30 minutes using SuperScriptII reverse transcriptase. Expression of transcribed receptors of each hormone and cytokine were traced with 1 microliter of cDNA solution by PCR amplification. Vitamin D receptor was found in cells cultured for 7 days. TNF-alphareceptor was found in cells cultured for 2 days and amount of receptors were increased by 7 days. IL-1 type I receptor was not found in cells cultured 2 and 7 days. But, IL-1 receptor type II was found in cells cultured for 2 days. TGF-alpha,betatype I receptor was found in cells cultured 2 and 7 days, and amount of receptors were increased by 7 days of culture. These results implies Vitamin D and cytokines can affect osteoclasts directly, and affecting period in differentiation cycle of osteoclasts is different by Vitamin D and cytokines.
Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; Collagenases ; Cytokines* ; Digestion ; Dihydroergotamine ; DNA, Complementary ; Edetic Acid ; Femur ; Humans ; Humerus ; Interleukin-1 ; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor* ; Mice ; Needles ; Osteoclasts* ; Periodontal Diseases ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Radius ; RANK Ligand ; Receptors, Calcitriol ; RNA ; RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase ; Tibia ; Tooth Loss ; Trypsin ; Vitamin D* ; Vitamins*

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe the myocardial enhancement patterns in patients with myocardial infarction using two-phase contrast-enhanced multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with clinically proven myocardial infarction (17 acute myocardial infarction [AMI] and 6 chronic myocardial infarction [CMI]) were examined with two-phase contrast-enhanced ECG-gated MDCT. The presence, location, and patterns of myocardial enhancement on two-phase MDCT images were compared with infarcted myocardial territories determined by using electrocardiogram, echocardiography, thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography, catheter and MDCT coronary angiography. RESULTS: After clinical assessment, the presence of myocardial infarctions were found in 27 territories (19 AMI and 8 CMI) of 23 patients. Early perfusion defects were observed in 30 territories of all 23 patients. Three territories not corresponding to a myocardial infarction were detected in three patients with AMI and were associated with artifacts. Fourteen of perfusion defects were in the left anterior descending artery territory, four in the left circumflex artery territory, and nine in the right coronary artery territory. Delayed enhancement was observed in 25 territories (17 AMI and 8 CMI) of 21 patients. Delayed enhancement patterns were variable. Transmural early perfusion defects (n =12) were closely associated with transmural late enhancement (n = 5) and subendocardial residual defect with subepicardial late enhancement (n = 5). CONCLUSION: Myocardial infarction showed early perfusion defects and variable delayed enhancement patterns on two-phase contrast-enhanced MDCT. Delayed enhancement technique of MDCT could provide additional information of the location and extent of infarcted myocardium, and could be useful to plan appropriate therapeutic strategies in patients with AMI.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Contrast Media ; Coronary Angiography ; Echocardiography ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Iohexol/analogs & derivatives/diagnostic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Myocardial Infarction/*radiography ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/*methods

PURPOSE: The reaction of cells to a titanium implant depends on the surface characteristics of the implant which are affected by decontamination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytocompatibility of titanium disks treated with various decontamination methods, using salivary bacterial contamination with dental pellicle formation as an in vitro model. METHODS: Sand-blasted and acid-etched (SA) titanium disks were used. Three control groups (pristine SA disks [SA group]; salivary pellicle-coated SA disks [pellicle group]; and biofilm-coated, untreated SA disks [NT group]) were not subjected to any decontamination treatments. Decontamination of the biofilm-coated disks was performed by 14 methods, including ultrasonic instruments, rotating instruments, an air-powder abrasive system, a laser, and chemical agents. MG63 cells were cultured in the presence of the treated disks. Cell proliferation assays were performed on days 2 and 5 of cell culture, and cell morphology was analyzed by immunofluorescence and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). A vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) assay was performed on day 5 of culture. RESULTS: The cell proliferation assay revealed that all decontaminated disks, except for the 2 groups treated using a plastic tip, showed significantly less cell proliferation than the SA group. The immunofluorescence and SEM analyses revealed that most groups showed comparable cell density, with the exception of the NT group, in which the cell density was lower and bacterial residue was observed. Furthermore, the cells grown with tetracycline-treated titanium disks showed significantly lower VEGF production than those in the SA group. CONCLUSIONS: None of the decontamination methods resulted in cytocompatibility similar to that of pristine SA titanium. However, many methods caused improvement in the biocompatibility of the titanium disks in comparison with the biofilm-coated, untreated titanium disks. This suggests that decontamination is indispensable for the treatment of peri-implantitis, even if the original biocompatibility cannot be restored.
Biocompatible Materials ; Cell Count ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cell Proliferation ; Decontamination ; Dental Implants ; Dental Pellicle ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; In Vitro Techniques ; Methods ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Peri-Implantitis ; Plastics ; Titanium ; Ultrasonics ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

A total of 106 Penicillium species were tested to examine their ability of degrading cellobiose, pectin and xylan. The activity of beta-glucosidase was generally strong in all the Penicillium species tested. P. citrinum, P. charlesii, P. manginii and P. aurantiacum showed the higher ability of producing beta-glucosidase than other tested species. Pectinase activity was detected in 24 Penicillium species. P. paracanescens, P. sizovae, P. sartoryi, P. chrysogenum, and P. claviforme showed strong pectinase activity. In xylanase assay, 84 Penicillium species showed activity. Strong xylanase activity was detected from P. megasporum, P. sartoryi, P. chrysogenum, P. glandicola, P. discolor, and P. coprophilum. Overall, most of the Penicillium species tested showed strong beta-glucosidase activity. The degree of pectinase and xylanase activity varied depending on Penicillium species.
beta-Glucosidase ; Cellobiose ; Penicillium* ; Polygalacturonase

The CD1 system is a novel antigen-presenting system for T cell recognition of lipid and glycolipids in antimicrobial immunity. Lepromatous leprosy is characterized by lack of cell-mediated immunity against M.leprae. The lack of cell-mediated immunity in lepromatous leprosy has been suggested to be correlated with weak CD1 expression on antigen presenting cells. In order to define how CD1 is down-regulated on M. leprae-infected antigen-presenting cells, we examined effects of interferon-gamma(IFN-gamma) on interleukin-10 (IL-10) secretion and CD1 expression of M.leprae-infected macrophages from granuloma of lepromatous leprosy. Our results showed that a significant trend of increased CD1 expression in response to decresed IL-10 secretion from M.leprae-infected macrophages by IFN-gamma. These results suggest that the local cytokine milieu, especially the balance between IFN-gamma and IL-10, is an important determinant in the regulation of CD1 in lepromatous lesions.
Antigen-Presenting Cells ; Glycolipids ; Granuloma ; Immunity, Cellular ; Interferon-gamma* ; Interleukin-10* ; Leprosy ; Leprosy, Lepromatous* ; Macrophages*

PURPOSE: To investigate the treatment outcome and the toxicity of helical tomotherapy (HT) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients with 31 lesions from mCRC treated with HT between 2009 and 2013. The liver (9 lesions) and lymph nodes (9 lesions) were the most frequent sites. The planning target volume (PTV) ranged from 12 to 1,110 mL (median, 114 mL). The total doses ranged from 30 to 70 Gy in 10-30 fractions. When the alpha/beta value for the tumor was assumed to be 10 Gy for the biologically equivalent dose (BED), the total doses ranged from 39 to 119 Gy10 (median, 55 Gy10). Nineteen lesions were treated with concurrent chemotherapy (CCRT). RESULTS: With a median follow-up time of 16 months, the median overall survival for 18 patients was 33 months. Eight lesions (26%) achieved complete response. The 1- and 3-year local progression free survival (LPFS) rates for 31 lesions were 45% and 34%, respectively. On univariate analysis, significant parameters influencing LPFS rates were chemotherapy response before HT, aim of HT, CCRT, PTV, BED, and adjuvant chemotherapy. On multivariate analysis, PTV < or =113 mL and BED >48 Gy10 were associated with a statistically significant improvement in LFPS. During HT, four patients experienced grade 3 hematologic toxicities, each of whom had also received CCRT. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrates the efficacy and tolerability of HT for mCRC. To define optimal RT dose according to tumor size of mCRC, further study should be needed.
Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Disease-Free Survival ; Drug Therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver ; Lymph Nodes ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated* ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Sorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor with effects on tumor cell proliferation and tumor angiogenesis. The drug is associated with a relatively high incidence of dermatologic adverse events. Frequently observed clinical presentations include skin rash, a hand-foot skin reaction, alopecia, splinter subungual hemorrhages, and xerosis. There have been few reports of erythema multiforme or leukocytoclastic vasculitis related to sorafenib use. We report a case of a 72 year-old male diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma with distant metastasis, who developed an erythema multiforme-like drug eruption on his trunk and extremities after use of sorafenib.
Alopecia ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; Cell Proliferation ; Drug Eruptions* ; Erythema Multiforme* ; Erythema* ; Exanthema ; Extremities ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Skin ; Vasculitis