An open trial was carried out to investigate the efficacy and tolerance of isosorbide 5-mononitrate(Elantan(R)) in 30 patients diagnosed as angina pectoris at Pusan national university hospital. Drugs were given 20mg two times daily for 2 to 3 weeks and the results were assessed in terms of effects on anginal pain and untoward side effects experienced during administration of medication. Treament resulted in an overall improvement in 25 patients(83.4%), complete abolition of anginal attacks in 17 patients(56.7%) and reduction in frequency of attacks in 8 patients(26.7%). So called "Nitrated headache" was observed in 5 patients(16.6%) but improved with proceeding of administration in 3 patients. This trial indicates that isosorbide 5-mononitrate should be efficacious as well as tolerated in patients with coronary heart disease.
Angina Pectoris* ; Busan ; Coronary Disease ; Humans ; Isosorbide*

An open clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of isradipine in 30 cases (male 16, female 14 cases, average age 52.6+/-7.94) of mild to moderate essential hypertension using 1.25-2.5mg twice a day for 8 weeks of active treatment. Blood pressure was significantly reduced from 168.5+/-14.33/108.3+/-6.37mmHg, 163.7+/-9.74/105.5+/-7.1mmHg to 141.0+/-13.69/92.0+/-9.27mmHg, 138.8+/-13.46/92.3+/-11.16mmHg in sitting and standing position respectively. The extent of reduction was 27.5/16.3mmHg in sitting position and 29.9/13.2mmHg in standing position. This comprised the mean response rate in terms of reduction of DBP of 10mmHg or more being 90% and the normalization rate, deficed as DBP lowering to 90mmHg or below, being 70%. Heart rate, hematology and blood chemistry including blood sugar and lipids were not changed significantly after treatment with isradipine. No significantl side effect was observed except 2 cases of mild transient facial flushing and nausea during the treatment, so could proceed the trial without drug discontinuation in all 30 cases. The results suggest that isradipine is one of the useful and safe drugs in the treatment of mild to moderate essential hypertension.
Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Chemistry ; Female ; Flushing ; Heart Rate ; Hematology ; Humans ; Hypertension* ; Isradipine* ; Nausea

The nfa1 gene was cloned from a cDNA library of pathogenic Naegleria fowleri by immunoscreening; it consisted of 360 bp and produced a 13.1 kDa recombinant protein (rNfa1) that showed the pseudopodia-specific localization by immunocytochemistry in the previous study. Based on the idea that the pseudopodia-specific Nfa1 protein mentioned above seems to be involved in the pathogenicity of N. fowleri, we observed the effect of an anti-Nfa1 antibody on the proliferation of N. fowleri trophozoites and the cytotoxicity of N. fowleri trophozoites on the target cells. The proliferation of N. fowleri trophozoites was inhibited after being treated with an anti-Nfa1 polyclonal antibody in a dose-dependent manner for 48 hrs. By a light microscope, CHO cells co-cultured with N. fowleri trophozoites (group I) for 48 hrs showed severe morphological destruction. On the contrary, CHO cells co-cultured with N. fowleri trophozoites and anti-Nfa1 polyclonal antibody (1: 100 dilution) (group II) showed less destruction. In the LDH release assay results, group I showed 50.6% cytotoxicity, and group II showed 39.3%. Consequently, addition of an anti-Nfa1 polyclonal antibody produced a decreasing effect of in vitro cytotoxicity of N. fowleri in a dosedependent manner.
Animals ; Antibodies, Protozoan/*immunology ; Antigens, Protozoan/genetics/*immunology ; CHO Cells ; Dose-Response Relationship, Immunologic ; Female ; Hamsters ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Naegleria fowleri/growth & development/immunology/*pathogenicity ; Protozoan Proteins/genetics/*immunology ; Recombinant Proteins/immunology ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis(MMIH) Syndrome is a rare cause of functional neonatal bowel obstruction, characterized by hypoperistalsis, narrow distal ileum and colon, and bladder distension. We report a case of MMIH syndrome and review the literature. The patient was born after 34 weeks of gestation with marked abdominal distension. Her birth weight was 2,830g with 276ml of urine drained by catheter. Prenatal ultrasonic findings were bladder distension, hydronephrosis and possible intraabdominal mass. Supine view of abdomen on third day of life showed dilated loops of proximal small bowel and stomach without colonic gas shadow. Preoperative diagnosis was intestinal obstruction. When the abdomen was opened, the distal ileum was filled with meconium and postoperative diagnosis was meconium plug syndrome. Ganglion cells were present in the ileal biopsy. All postoperative attempts to feed her resulted in bilous vomiting. Voiding cystourethrography done on the 4th day after colon study showed markedly distended bladder, contrast enhanced microcolon and hypoperistalsis. She was dischaged against medical advice by her parents at the age of 23 days and died at home at the age of 33 days.
Abdomen ; Biopsy ; Birth Weight ; Catheters ; Colon ; Diagnosis ; Ganglion Cysts ; Humans ; Hydronephrosis ; Ileum ; Intestinal Obstruction ; Meconium ; Parents ; Pregnancy ; Stomach ; Ultrasonics ; Urinary Bladder ; Vomiting

As the number of elderly people increases, the incidence of stroke, especially the hemorrhagic stroke, is increasing. A large-scale survey of the entire country pertaining to the incidence and demographic characteristics of hemorrhagic stroke in elderly is necessary. Through information garnered from a basic survey and clinical study, we must design a treatment program to reduce the mortality of elderly people through elucidating the specific properties of stroke pathophysiology.
Aged* ; Humans ; Incidence* ; Mortality ; Stroke*

The case of a 77-year-old man with Charles Bonnet syndrome was presented. This patient lost his vision due to glaucoma, and he subsequently developed complex visual hallucinations. No other psychotic symptoms (e.g., delusions, perceptual disturbances) and no evidence of cognitive impairment or neurological diseases were reported. The visual hallucinations disappeared after treatment with quetiapine, an atypical antipsychotic, without any side effects. The visual hallucinations reappeared after quetiapine was discontinued. Treatment with a small dose of quetiapine has been maintained to prevent the exacerbation of symptoms.
Aged ; Delusions ; Dibenzothiazepines ; Glaucoma ; Hallucinations ; Humans ; Vision, Ocular ; Quetiapine Fumarate

We report a case of trichoblastic fibroma involving the scrotum in a 60-year-old man. Trichoblastic fibroma is very rare and benign trichogenic tumor that has both epithelial and mesenchymal components and histologically recount the embryologic development of the hair follicle. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic examination.
Diagnosis ; Fibroma* ; Hair Follicle ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Scrotum*

A benign cecal ulcer is an uncommon lesion. The etiology remains unknown, and there are no pathognomonic lesions or symptoms. Lower gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage secondary to benign cecal ulcer is the most common complication. Herein, the case of a 24-year-old man with a benign cecal ulcer presenting with a massive lower gastrointestinal tract hemorrhage requiring transfusion until a exploratory laparotomy and right hemicolectomy, is reported with a review of the literature. Surgical intervention is warranted if malignancy is suspected or if the patient has signs of uncontrollable hemorrhage, perforation, or peritonitis.
Hemorrhage* ; Humans ; Laparotomy ; Lower Gastrointestinal Tract* ; Peritonitis ; Ulcer* ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of generalized aggressive periodontitis with IL-6 promoter gene single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 52 generalized aggressive periodontitis patients(GAP) and 30 periodontally healthy control subjects, who were systemically healthy non-smokers. Genomic DNA was obtained from buccal swab. The IL-6 promotor SNP at the positions of -597, -572, and -174 were genotyped by amplifying the polymorphic region using polymerase chain reaction(PCR), restriction enzyme digestion and gel electrophoresis. RESULT: The genotype distributions for G/G, G/A and A/A genotypes of IL-6 -597 were 30.8%, 40.4%, and 28.8% in the GAP group and 53.3%, 40%, and 6.7% in the control group and were statistically different between 2 groups(p<0.05). Allele 2 frequency of IL-6 -597 were significantly higher in the GAP group than the control group(p<0.01). At the position of IL-6 -572, the distribution for C/C, C/G and G/G genotypes were 23.1%, 55.8% and 21.2% in the GAP group and 20%, 33.3%, and 46.7% in the control group. In female subjects, the genotype distribution were significantly different between 2 groups (p<0.01). In male subjects, allele 2 frequency of IL-6-572 was significantly lower in the GAP group than the control group(p<0.05). The genotype distribution of IL-6 -174 in the GAP group were 96.2%, 3.8% for G/G, G/C genotypes whereas only the G/G genotype was detected in the control group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, significant associations were found in IL-6 gene promoter(-597, -572) polymorphisms and generalized aggressive periodontitis. Further cohort study will be necessary in larger population.
Aggressive Periodontitis ; Alleles ; Cohort Studies ; Digestion ; DNA ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Interleukin-6 ; Male

This study was performed in order to investigate the effects of taurine on cadmium poisoning in muscle, gill, and bone tissues of wild goldfish. For this experiment, 80 wild goldfish were divided into four experimental groups: 0.3 mg/L of cadmium and 0 mg/L of taurine (Group I), 0.3 mg/L of cadmium and 20 mg/kg of taurine (Group II), 0.3 mg/L of cadmium and 40 mg/L of taurine (Group III), and 0.3 mg/L of cadmium and 80 mg/L of taurine (Group IV). The results were as follows: The cadmium concentration in muscle tissue of wild goldfish was 0.65-3.21 mg/kg wet wt in Group I, whereas it decreased in Group IV. Levels of cadmium in gill tissue of wild goldfish were 16.57-42.39 mg/kg wet wt in Group I, 15.23-43.01 mg/kg wet wt in Group II, 15.11-39.56 mg/kg wet wt in Group III, and 13.15-38.55 mg/kg wet wt in Group IV (P < 0.05), suggesting that the cadmium concentration decreased in the experimental groups compared to control. The cadmium concentration in bone tissue of wild goldfish after 28 days was 0.52-9.75 mg/kg in Group II, whereas it increased in Group III (P < 0.05). In conclusion, taurine may have a preventive effect against cadmium accumulation in biological tissues.
Animals ; Bone and Bones ; Cadmium ; Cadmium Poisoning ; Gills ; Goldfish ; Muscles ; Taurine