In the figure 3, designation of severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was misprinted. Open bars (white) represent severe BPD, not mild BPD. Closed bars (Black) represent mild BPD, not severe BPD. Gray bars in the middle represent moderate BPD without change.

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Despite the current focus on T cells in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, keratinocytes within the psoriatic epidermis are also abnormal in many respects including excessive production of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). Recently, several studies have used imiquimod (IMQ)- and interleukin (IL)-23-induced mouse models to explore the immunological significance of psoriasis. However, the expression of AMPs in these models remains unclear. Objective: In this study, we evaluated the protein and mRNA expression of AMPs, including cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptides (CRAMP), mouse β-defensin 3 (mBD3), and psoriasin (S100 calcium-binding protein A7, S100A7) in IMQ- and IL-23-induced psoriasiform mouse models. In addition, we investigated whether ustekinumab, an inhibitor of IL-12 and IL-23, reduces the expression levels of AMPs in these mouse models. Methods: We used IMQ- and IL-23-induced psoriasiform mouse models. Gene and protein expression levels of AMPs were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence staining, respectively. Results: We found that the protein and mRNA expression levels of CRAMP, mBD3, and S100A7 were increased in both mouse models. Ustekinumab decreased AMP expression levels in the two mouse models. Conclusion These data showed that the elevated expression of AMPs in the epidermis decreased following ustekinumab treatment in both psoriasiform mouse models. Therefore, AMP expression levels may be used as an indicator of treatment efficacy.

A nationwide survey was conducted to determine the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in Korea and the intercenter differences in survival and BPD rates among preterm infants. Questionnaires were sent to all registered neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The questionnaires inquired about the survival and BPD rates of very low birth weight (VLBW, < 1,500 g) infants who had been admitted to each NICU from 2007 to 2008. BPD was defined as requiring oxygen at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. Almost all level III NICUs replied. During the study period, 3,841 VLBW infants were born in the NICUs that responded to the survey. The survival rate was 81% and the BPD rate was 18%. Combined outcome of BPD or death rate was 37%. The BPD rate and combined outcome of BPD or death rate varied considerably from 5% to 50% and 11% to 73%, respectively across the centers. There was no significant correlation between the survival rate and the BPD rate across the centers. In conclusion, the incidence of BPD among VLBW infants in Korea during the study period was 18%, and a considerable intercenter difference in BPD rates was noted.
Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia/drug therapy/*epidemiology/mortality ; Demography ; Dexamethasone/therapeutic use ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Questionnaires ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Survival Rate

BACKGROUND: Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune subepidermal bullous disease associated with autoantibodies against BP180 and BP230. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a sensitive tool for the detection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) anti-BP180 and anti-BP230 autoantibodies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of ELISA for diagnosing and monitoring the disease activity of BP. METHODS: We evaluated serum IgG levels of anti-BP180 and anti-BP230 autoantibodies in 47 BP patients, 16 epidermolysis bullosa aquisita patients, and 15 healthy volunteers using ELISA. Through retrospective review of the medical records, the clinical characteristics of BP including disease activity, duration, pruritus severity and peripheral blood eosinophil counts were assessed. RESULTS: The sensitivity of BP180 ELISA was 97.9%, BP230 ELISA 72.3%, and a combination of the two was 100%. The specificity of BP180 ELISA was 90.3%, BP230 ELISA 100%, and a combination of the two was 90.3%. BP180 ELISA scores showed strong associations with disease activity, pruritus severity, peripheral blood eosinophil counts, and disease duration, whereas BP230 ELISA scores did not. CONCLUSION: BP180 and BP230 ELISAs are highly sensitive methods for the diagnosis of BP, and BP180 ELISA, in particular, is a sensitive tool for monitoring the disease activity of BP.
Autoantibodies ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Eosinophils ; Epidermolysis Bullosa ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Medical Records ; Pemphigoid, Bullous ; Pruritus ; Retrospective Studies ; Serologic Tests

PURPOSE: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) carries a translocation resulting in the collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1)-platelet-derived growth factor beta (PDGFB) fusion gene, which is responsible for PDGFB activation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinicopathological, genetic, and therapeutic features of DFSP in Korean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinicopathological features of 37 patients with DFSP were reviewed. Multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out in 16 patients using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues and specific primers for COL1A1 and PDGFB. RESULTS: The mean age of 37 patients was 37.4 years old. The most common tumor location was the trunk. All patients were treated primarily with surgery: 34 (91.7%) cases with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and 3 (8.3%) cases with wide local excision. The median follow-up time was 33.7 months. Two patients, one in each treatment group, demonstrated local recurrence during the follow-up period. The COL1A1-PDGFB fusion gene was expressed in 14 (87.5%) cases, demonstrated by reverse transcriptase PCR analysis. No association was found among the different COL1A1-PDGFB fusion transcripts, the various histological subtypes and clinical features. CONCLUSION: Our results support the effectiveness of MMS in treating DFSP. The COL1A1-PDGFB fusion transcript was observed in 87.5% of patients. Therefore, COL1A1-PDGFB is a useful and accurate tool in diagnosing DFSP in Koreans.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/*genetics ; Collagen Type I/*genetics ; DNA Primers ; Dermatofibrosarcoma/ethnology/*genetics/*pathology/surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mohs Surgery ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/*genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis/*genetics ; Republic of Korea ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Skin Neoplasms/ethnology/*genetics/*pathology/surgery ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) carries a translocation resulting in the collagen type I alpha 1 (COL1A1)-platelet-derived growth factor beta (PDGFB) fusion gene, which is responsible for PDGFB activation. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinicopathological, genetic, and therapeutic features of DFSP in Korean patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinicopathological features of 37 patients with DFSP were reviewed. Multiplex reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried out in 16 patients using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues and specific primers for COL1A1 and PDGFB. RESULTS: The mean age of 37 patients was 37.4 years old. The most common tumor location was the trunk. All patients were treated primarily with surgery: 34 (91.7%) cases with Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and 3 (8.3%) cases with wide local excision. The median follow-up time was 33.7 months. Two patients, one in each treatment group, demonstrated local recurrence during the follow-up period. The COL1A1-PDGFB fusion gene was expressed in 14 (87.5%) cases, demonstrated by reverse transcriptase PCR analysis. No association was found among the different COL1A1-PDGFB fusion transcripts, the various histological subtypes and clinical features. CONCLUSION: Our results support the effectiveness of MMS in treating DFSP. The COL1A1-PDGFB fusion transcript was observed in 87.5% of patients. Therefore, COL1A1-PDGFB is a useful and accurate tool in diagnosing DFSP in Koreans.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group/*genetics ; Collagen Type I/*genetics ; DNA Primers ; Dermatofibrosarcoma/ethnology/*genetics/*pathology/surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mohs Surgery ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/*genetics ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis/*genetics ; Republic of Korea ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Skin Neoplasms/ethnology/*genetics/*pathology/surgery ; Treatment Outcome

In the present study, the effects of different photoperiods on stress, immunity, and hematological parameters in ICR mice were evaluated. Fifty male ICR mice 7 weeks old (body weight, 27.3 +/- 2.5 g) were divided into five groups: DP-0 (0/24-h light/dark cycle), DP-6 (6/18-h light/dark cycle), DP-12 (12/12-h light/dark cycle), DP-18 (18/ 6-h light/dark cycle), and DP-24 (24/0-h light/dark cycle). During the experimental period, no significant differences in body weight or feed intake were observed between the groups. Hematological analysis revealed that white blood cell, red blood cell, and hemoglobin values for the DP-0 group were significantly different compared to those of the other groups. After 28 days, no significant difference in serum cortisol concentration was observed among the groups, but serum cortisol levels increased in a light exposure-dependent manner. Total serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations of the DP-0 and PD-6 groups were significantly increased compared to those of the other groups (P < 0.05), and serum total IgG levels decreased in a light exposure-dependent manner. Results of the present study indicated that various photoperiods affect hematological parameters and total serum IgG levels in ICR mice while having no significant effects on body weight, feed intake, or cortisol levels.
Animals ; Body Weight ; Erythrocytes ; Humans ; Hydrocortisone ; Immunoglobulin G ; Leukocytes ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR* ; Photoperiod*

OBJECTIVE: It is well known that X-ray induces follicular atresia, but the exact mechanism of atresia is not still unveiled completely. In addition, the role of macrophage related with clean-up the dead granulosa cells and other functions within the ovarian follicle is emphasized recently. The aim of this study is to assess the radiation-induced morphological changes of ovarian follicles and follicular macrophages. METHODS: 8 Gy X-ray irradiated on the 3-week old rats (Sprague-Dawley strain), sacrificed at 6, 12, and 24 hours after irradiation, and performed morphological studies with light and transmission electron microscopy, TUNEL, and macrophage immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Follicular atresia increased significantly (p<0.01) at 6 hours after X-irradiation, and it was decreased significantly (p<0.01) at 12 and 24 hours after irradiation. X-ray induced chromatin condensation in the nucleus and nuclear fragmentation of granulosa cells, which were the typical features of apoptosis. Apoptotic granulosa cells were phagocytosed by the neighboring normal granulosa cells and the macrophages. During atresia of follicles, radioresistant granulosa cells were found in some follicles, which showed similar features morphologically with the granulosa cells of normal follicles. Macrophages were found both within the antrum and at the follicular granulosa layer. CONCLUSION: X-radiation induced follicular atresia by means of granulosa cell apoptosis, and radioresistant granulosa cells which have similar features morphologically with the granulosa cells of normal follicles were observed in some follicles. And the macrophages which phagocytose the apoptotic granulosa cells were located within the follicular antrum and at the follicular granulosa layer.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Chromatin ; Female ; Follicular Atresia* ; Granulosa Cells ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Macrophages* ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Ovarian Follicle ; Radiation, Ionizing ; Rats

Salmonellosis is a major bacterial zoonosis that causes self-limited enteritis in animals and foodborne disease and typhoid fever in humans. Recently, multi-drug-resistant strains of Salmonella spp. have increased and caused more serious problems in public health. The present study investigated the antibacterial effects of egg-white lysozyme (EWL) against Salmonella (S.) Typhimurium and the therapeutic effects of EWL for murine salmonellosis. Evaluation of the antibacterial effects of EWL against S. Typhimurium revealed a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of EWL of 6.25 and 300 µg/mL, respectively. In the bacterial growth inhibition test, EWL at 300 (p < 0.05) and 600 µg/mL (p < 0.01) significantly inhibited the growth of S. Typhimurium at 4 h postincubation. EWL administration at MIC (LYS-1), MBC (LYS-2) and 2× MBC (LYS-3) for 14 days resulted in mortality of mice infected with S. Typhimurium of 70, 40 and 10%, respectively, while that of control mice (CON) was 90%. Counts of S. Typhimurium in murine spleens were significantly lower in LYS-2 and LYS-3 than CON (p < 0.05). The results of this study indicate that EWL has the potential for treatment of ICR mice infected with S. Typhimurium.
Animals ; Enteritis ; Foodborne Diseases ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR* ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Mortality ; Muramidase* ; Public Health ; Salmonella Infections ; Salmonella typhimurium* ; Salmonella* ; Spleen ; Therapeutic Uses* ; Typhoid Fever

In amebic liver abscess, communication between liver abscess and intrahepatic bile ducts is an uncommon cause of bile leak. This condition can be treated surgically or endoscopically. However, these treatment modalities are related with high morbidity and mortality. A 49-year-old man was diagnosed with amebic liver abscess. Percutaneous drainage was performed due to poor medical response and for the purpose of preventing abscess rupture. Liver abscess-biliary communication was found at follow-up imaging study. He was treated successfully with medical therapy and supportive care without further interventions.
Abscess ; Bile ; Bile Ducts, Intrahepatic ; Biliary Fistula* ; Drainage ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Liver ; Liver Abscess ; Liver Abscess, Amebic* ; Middle Aged ; Mortality ; Rupture