PURPOSE: Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and mostly develops after viral illness or vaccinations. We investigated the clinical differences and neurologic outcomes according to the distribution of the lesions on brain MRI. METHODS: The study group was composed of 21 patients from January 1995 to August 2003 in Kyunghee University hospital. We grouped the patients according to the MRI findings as follows. Group I (14 cases): Multi- or unifocal lesions only in the cerebral white matter. Group II (7 cases): lesions in the gray matter with or without white matter involvement. RESULTS: 1.Preceding events were as follows: no defined prodrome (38.1%), upper respiratory tract infection (28.6%), nonspecific febrile illness (19.0%), gastointestinal disturbance and vaccination. 2.Presenting symptoms were as follows: seizures (76.2%), headache/vomiting (47.6%), altered consciousness (38.1%), hemiparesis, cerebellar ataxia, visual disturbance and facial nerve palsy. 3.Laboratory findings were as follows: CSF pleocytosis (76.2%), leucocytosis (38.1%) and elevated CSF protein (28.6%). 4.Fifteen patients were recovered completely without neurological sequelae. Three patients in group I and 1 patient in group II had intractable seizures. Two patients in group I and 2 patients in group II had motor disturbance. CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences in preceding events, presenting symptoms, and neurological outcomes according to the distribution of the lesions on brain MRI. However, the ADEM have quite diverse clinical manifestations and neuroimage findings. MRI plays an important role in making diagnosis of the patients who are suspected of ADEM.
Brain ; Central Nervous System ; Cerebellar Ataxia ; Consciousness ; Demyelinating Diseases ; Diagnosis ; Encephalomyelitis ; Encephalomyelitis, Acute Disseminated* ; Facial Nerve ; Humans ; Leukocytosis ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Paralysis ; Paresis ; Prognosis* ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; Seizures ; Vaccination

PURPOSE: To identify new immunogenic HLA-A*33;03-restricted epitopes from the human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E7 protein for immunotherapy against cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We synthesized fourteen overlapping 15-amino acid peptides and measured intracellular interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in PBMC and CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) after sensitization with these peptides using flow cytometry and ELISpot assay. The immunogenicity of epitopes was verified using a ⁵¹Cr release assay with SNU1299 cells. RESULTS: Among the fourteen 15-amino acid peptides, E7₄₉₋₆₃ (RAHYNIVTFCCKCDS) demonstrated the highest IFN-γ production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and CD8+ CTLs sensitized with E7₄₉₋₆₃ showed higher cytotoxic effect against SNU1299 cells than did CD8+ CTLs sensitized with other peptides or a negative control group. Thirteen 9- or 10-amino acid overlapping peptides spanning E7₄₉₋₆₃, E7₅₀₋₅₉ (AHYNIVTFCC), and E7₅₂₋₆₁ (YNIVTFCCKC) induced significantly higher IFN-γ production and cytotoxic effects against SNU1299 cells than the other peptides and negative controls, and the cytotoxicity of E7₅₀₋₅₉- and E7₅₂₋₆₁-sensitized PBMCs was induced via the cytolytic effect of CD8+ CTLs. CONCLUSION: We identified E7₅₀₋₅₉ and E7₅₂₋₆₁ as novel HPV 16 E7 epitopes for HLA-A*33;03. CD8+ CTL sensitized with these peptides result in an antitumor effect against cervical cancer cells. These epitopes could be useful for immune monitoring and immunotherapy for cervical cancer and HPV 16-related diseases including anal cancer and oropharyngeal cancer.
Amino Acid Sequence ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology/metabolism ; Epitopes/*immunology/therapeutic use ; Female ; *HLA-A Antigens ; Human papillomavirus 16/*immunology ; Humans ; *Immunotherapy ; Interferon-gamma/analysis/*biosynthesis ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/immunology/metabolism ; T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic/immunology/metabolism ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/*therapy

Neurogenesis persists in restricted regions of the adult brain, including the subventricular zone (SVZ). Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) in the SVZ proliferate and give rise to new neurons and glial cells depending on intrinsic and environmental cues. Among the multiple factors that contribute to the chemical, physical, and mechanical components of the neurogenic niche, we focused on the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of vasculature and fractones in the SVZ. The SVZ consists of ECM-rich blood vessels and fractones during development and adulthood, and adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) preferentially attach to the laminin-rich basal lamina. To examine the ECM preference of adult NS/PCs, we designed a competition assay using cell micropatterning. Although both laminin and collagen type IV, which are the main components of basal lamina, act as physical scaffolds, adult NS/PCs preferred to adhere to laminin over collagen type IV. Interestingly, the ECM preference of adult NS/ PCs could be manipulated by chemokines such as stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF1) and α6 integrin. As SDF1 re-routes NSCs and their progenitors toward the injury site after brain damage, these results suggest that the alteration in ECM preferences may provide a molecular basis for contextdependent NS/PC positioning.

Purpose: The study aimed (1) to verify the reliability and validity of the self-reported Korean version questionnaire for predicting chronic ankle instability (CAI); (2) to suggest the accuracy of questionnaires for distinguishing mechanical ankle instability (MAI) and functional ankle instability (FAI), and (3) to set a cut-off value of classification for MAI and FAI. Methods: This study involved 165 subjects (28.16±5.04 years) who consisted of 54 MAI (27 males, 27 females), and 111 FAI (72 males, 39 females). Five self-report questionnaires (Ankle Instability Instrument [AII], Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool [CAIT], Identification of Functional Ankle Instability [IdFAI], Foot and Ankle Ability Measure [FAAM], and Foot and Ankle Disability Index [FADI]) for predicting CAI were administered to all subjects twice at 2 weeks intervals. Questionnaire score was analyzed to calculate the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), standard error of measurement, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratio, area under the curve, and cut-off values. Results: All questionnaires including FADI-Sport (ICC=0.999), FAAM-Sport (ICC=0.992), FAAM-activities of daily living (ADL) (ICC=0.991), IdFAI (ICC=0.986), AII (ICC=0.984), CAIT (ICC=0.981), FADI-ADL (ICC=0.951) showed excellent reliability (ICC＞ 0.75). Furthermore, AII (sensitivity=0.830, specificity=0.924), CAIT (sensitivity=0.915, specificity=0.915), IdFAI (sensitivity=0.809, specificity=0.924), FAAM-ADL (sensitivity=0.681, specificity=0.924), FAAM-Sport (sensitivity=0.851, specificity=0.932), FADI-Sport (sensitivity=0.915, specificity=0.924), and FADI-ADL (sensitivity=0.660, specificity=0.924) questionnaires had high sensitivity and specificity. The cut-off values for MAI and FAI for each questionnaire were 6.5 AII, 20.01 CAIT, 18.52 IdFAI, 85.71% FAAM-ADL, 69.65% FAAM-Sport, 88.53% FADI-ADL, and 79.7% FADI-Sport. Conclusion Self-report questionnaires for identifying those with CAI may help to establish FAI and MAI selection criteria in sports, clinical, and laboratory settings.

Neurogenesis persists in restricted regions of the adult brain, including the subventricular zone (SVZ). Adult neural stem cells (NSCs) in the SVZ proliferate and give rise to new neurons and glial cells depending on intrinsic and environmental cues. Among the multiple factors that contribute to the chemical, physical, and mechanical components of the neurogenic niche, we focused on the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of vasculature and fractones in the SVZ. The SVZ consists of ECM-rich blood vessels and fractones during development and adulthood, and adult neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs) preferentially attach to the laminin-rich basal lamina. To examine the ECM preference of adult NS/PCs, we designed a competition assay using cell micropatterning. Although both laminin and collagen type IV, which are the main components of basal lamina, act as physical scaffolds, adult NS/PCs preferred to adhere to laminin over collagen type IV. Interestingly, the ECM preference of adult NS/ PCs could be manipulated by chemokines such as stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF1) and α6 integrin. As SDF1 re-routes NSCs and their progenitors toward the injury site after brain damage, these results suggest that the alteration in ECM preferences may provide a molecular basis for contextdependent NS/PC positioning.

Mycobacterium fortuitum usually causes colonization or transient infection in patients with underlying lung disease, such as prior tuberculosis or bronchiectasis. The majority of these patients may not need to receive antibiotic therapy for M. fortuitum isolates. We report here on a patient with M. fortuitum lung disease and who was successfully treated with combination oral antibiotic therapy. A 53-year-old woman was referred to our institution because of purulent sputum and dyspnea. A chest radiograph and computed tomography scan revealed cavitary consolidation in the left upper lobe and multiple small cavities in the left lower lobe. Numerous acid-fast bacilli (AFB) were seen in multiple sputum specimens and M. fortuitum was identified by culture from the sputum specimens. The patient received antibiotic treatment including clarithromycin, ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole, because her symptoms were worsening despite conservative treatment. Sputum conversion was achieved after one month of antibiotic therapy. Both the patient's symptoms and radiographic findings improved after 10 months of antibiotic therapy.
Bronchiectasis ; Ciprofloxacin ; Clarithromycin ; Colon ; Dyspnea ; Female ; Humans ; Lung ; Lung Diseases ; Middle Aged ; Mycobacterium ; Mycobacterium fortuitum ; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria ; Sputum ; Sulfamethoxazole ; Thorax ; Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mirizzi syndrome is a rare complication of longstanding gallstone disease which resulting in obstructive Jaundice. It is benign stricture of common hepatic duct because of stone impacted with in the cystic duct or Hartmann pouch of the gallbladder. The aim of this study is to evaluate our experience of Mirizzi syndrome and consider its surgical treatment. METHODS: During the years 1994 to 2001 at Asan medical center, 23 cases of Mirizzi syndrome were diagnosed on the basis of preoperative and postoperative findings and they were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: There were 12 patients with Csendes type I, 6 patients with type II, and 5 patients with Type III. Average age was 61 years (range: 31 to 83 years) For preoperative evaluation Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Ultrasonography were performed in all cases. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was tried in 7 type I cases. 5 were successfully treated and 2 conversions were reported, all because of unclear anatomy. In 6 type II cases open cholecystrctomy, CHD repair and T tube insertion were performed. 5 patients with type III were required hepaticojejunostomy. CONCLUSIONS: High index of suspicion is required for diagnosis of Mirizzi syndrome and laparoscopic approach is permissible in specialized center especially in the case of suspected Mirizzi type I, under the recognition of biliary anatomy through preoperative imaging studies. If there is fistula or unclear anatomy, we recommend open operative techniques for the safety and the efficiency.
Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Cystic Duct ; Diagnosis ; Fistula ; Gallbladder ; Gallstones ; Hepatic Duct, Common ; Humans ; Jaundice, Obstructive ; Mirizzi Syndrome* ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare clinical and surgical outcomes between laparo-endoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery and traditional multiport laparoscopic (TML) surgery for treatment of adnexal tumors. METHODS: Medical records were reviewed for patients undergoing surgery for benign adnexal tumors between January 2008 and April 2012 at our institution. All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Clinical and surgical outcomes for patients undergoing LESS surgery using Glove port were compared with those patients undergoing TML surgery. RESULTS: A review of 129 patient cases undergoing LESS surgery using Glove port and 100 patient cases undergoing TML surgery revealed no significant differences in the baseline characteristics of the two groups. The median operative time was shorter in the LESS group using Glove port at 44 minutes (range, 19-126 minutes) than the TML group at 49 minutes (range, 20-196 minutes) (P=0.0007). There were no significant differences between in the duration of postoperative hospital stay, change in hemoglobin levels, pain score or the rate of complications between the LESS and TML groups. CONCLUSION: LESS surgery showed comparable clinical and surgical outcomes to TML surgery, and required less operative time. Future prospective trials are warranted to further define the benefits of LESS surgery for adnexal tumor treatment.
Humans ; Laparoscopy* ; Length of Stay ; Medical Records ; Operative Time

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role of adjuvant surgical procedures in the management of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN). METHODS: In a retrospective review of medical records at the Severance Hospital, we identified 174 patients diagnosed with GTN between 1986 and 2006. Of the 174 patients, 129 (74%) were assigned to the nonmetastatic group, and 45 (26%) to the metastatic group; of the metastatic group patients, 6 were in the low-risk group and 39 were in the high-risk group. Thirty-two patients underwent 35 surgical procedures as part of the GTN treatment. The procedures included hysterectomy, lung resection, craniotomy, uterine wedge resection, uterine suturing for bleeding, salpingo-oophorectomy, pretherapy dilatation and curettage, adrenalectomy, nephrectomy, and uterine artery embolization. RESULTS: Of the 32 patients who underwent surgical procedures, 28 (87%) survived. Eleven patients underwent surgery for chemoresistant disease after receiving one or more chemotherapy regimens. Twelve patients underwent procedures to control tumor hemorrhage. Nine (81%) of 11 patients with chemoresistant disease survived, and 8 patients who underwent salvage surgery for chemoresistant disease received further chemotherapy. Of 21 patients who underwent hysterectomy, 19 (90%) achieved remission. All of three patients who had resistant foci of choriocarcinoma in the lung achieved remission through pulmonary resection. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant surgical procedures, especially hysterectomy and pulmonary resection for chemoresistant disease, as well as procedures to control hemorrhage, are pivotal in the management of GTN.
Adrenalectomy ; Choriocarcinoma ; Craniotomy ; Dilatation and Curettage ; Drug Therapy ; Female ; Gestational Trophoblastic Disease* ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Lung ; Medical Records ; Nephrectomy ; Pregnancy ; Retrospective Studies ; Uterine Artery Embolization

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prognostic implications of the pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and its dynamic change during chemotherapy in patients with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 203 patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to interval debulking surgery for advanced-stage ovarian cancer at Yonsei Cancer Hospital between 2007 and 2015. Pretreatment NLR was evaluated before starting neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Change in NLR was defined as the post-neoadjuvant NLR value divided by the initial value. The correlation of NLR and its dynamic change with chemotherapy response score, response rate, and recurrence was analyzed. RESULTS: The NLR ranged from 0.64 to 22.8. In univariate analyses, a higher pretreatment NLR (> 3.81) was associated with poor overall survival (OS), but not progression-free survival (PFS). Through multivariate analysis, high pretreatment NLR was shown to be an independent parameter affecting OS, but not necessarily PFS. Changes in NLR during chemotherapy were better predictors of PFS than baseline NLR. Patients with increased NLR during chemotherapy showed significantly poor PFS, and this change was an independent predictor of PFS. CONCLUSION: Pretreatment NLR and its dynamic change during chemotherapy may be important prognostic factors in patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Biomarkers ; Cancer Care Facilities ; Disease-Free Survival ; Drug Therapy* ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Neutrophils ; Ovarian Neoplasms* ; Prognosis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies