No abstract available.
Campylobacter* ; Enteritis*

No abstract available.

The role of infectious agents in the etiology of inflammatory diseases once believed to be non-infectious is increasingly being recognized. Many bacterial components in the indoor dust can evoke inflammatory lung diseases. Bacteria secrete nanometer-sized vesicles into the extracellular milieu, so-called extracellular vesicles (EV). which are pathophysiologically related to inflammatory diseases. Microbiota compositions in the indoor dust revealed the presence of both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Escherichia coli is a model organism of Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae. The repeated inhalation of E. coli-derived EVs caused neutrophilic inflammation and emphysema in a dose-dependent manner. The emphysema induced by E. coli-derived EVs was partially eliminated by the absence of Interferon-gamma or interleukin-17, suggesting that Th1 and/or Th17 cell responses are important in the emphysema development. Meanwhile, the repeated inhalation of Staphylococcus aureus-derived EVs did not induce emphysema, although they induced neutrophilic inflammation in the lung. In terms of microbial EV compositions in the indoor dust, genera Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter, and Staphylococcus were dominant. As for the clinical significance of sensitization to EVs in the indoor dust, EV sensitization was closely associated with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), and lung cancer. These data indicate that biological ultrafine particles in the indoor dust, which are mainly composed of microbial EVs, are important in the pathogenesis of chronic lung diseases associated with neutrophilic inflammation. Taken together, microbial EVs in the indoor dust are an important diagnostic and therapeutic target for the control of chronic lung diseases, such as asthma, COPD, and lung cancer.
Acinetobacter ; Asthma ; Bacteria ; Dust ; Emphysema ; Enterobacter ; Enterobacteriaceae ; Escherichia coli ; Extracellular Vesicles ; Gram-Positive Bacteria ; Inflammation ; Inhalation ; Interferon-gamma ; Interleukin-17 ; Lung Diseases ; Lung Neoplasms ; Lung ; Microbiota ; Neutrophils ; Particulate Matter ; Pseudomonas ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; Staphylococcus ; Th17 Cells

An emblem is a symbolic representational image that stands for a certain organization, concept, team, or society. This study investigated the emblems of the sleep societies in South Korea and the international sleep societies in which they were registered as members. Three South Korean sleep societies were found by searching for the keyword ‘sleep’ in the Korea Citation Index. Subsequently, we identified three international societies in which the three South Korean conferences participate. The emblems can be classified according to their composition. Taegeuk patterns represent yin and yang, electroencephalography that stands for the objective indicator of sleep, and the acronym or abbreviation indicating the name of the society. All emblems in this study were combinations of pictorial images and letters. The pictorial image of the Korean Sleep Research Society is the only emblem representing an inset with Hangeul. The emblem is a medium that conveys diverse meanings beyond representation. The societies have attempted to embody the identity as well as their directions.

An emblem is a symbolic representational image that stands for a certain organization, concept, team, or society. This study investigated the emblems of the sleep societies in South Korea and the international sleep societies in which they were registered as members. Three South Korean sleep societies were found by searching for the keyword ‘sleep’ in the Korea Citation Index. Subsequently, we identified three international societies in which the three South Korean conferences participate. The emblems can be classified according to their composition. Taegeuk patterns represent yin and yang, electroencephalography that stands for the objective indicator of sleep, and the acronym or abbreviation indicating the name of the society. All emblems in this study were combinations of pictorial images and letters. The pictorial image of the Korean Sleep Research Society is the only emblem representing an inset with Hangeul. The emblem is a medium that conveys diverse meanings beyond representation. The societies have attempted to embody the identity as well as their directions.

Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disorder characterized by marked fibrosis of the spinal dura mater with unknown etiology. According to the location of the lesion, it might induce neurologic deficits by compression of spinal cord and nerve root. A 58-year old female with a 3-year history of progressive weakness in both lower extremities was referred to our institute. Spinal computed tomography (CT) scan showed an osteolytic lesion involving base of the C6 spinous process with adjacent epidural mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an epidural mass involving dorsal aspect of cervical spinal canal from C5 to C7 level, with low signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images and non-enhancement on T1 weighted-enhanced images. We decided to undertake surgical exploration. At the operation field, there was yellow colored, thickened fibrous tissue over the dura mater. The lesion was removed totally, and decompression of spinal cord was achieved. Symptoms improved partially after the operation. Histopathologically, fibrotic pachymeninges with scanty inflammatory cells was revealed, which was compatible with diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Six months after operation, motor power grade of both lower extremities was normal on physical examination. However, the patient still complained of mild weakness in the right lower extremity. Although the nature of IHSP is generally indolent, decompressive surgery should be considered for the patient with definite or progressive neurologic symptoms in order to prevent further deterioration. In addition, IHSP can present as an osteolytic lesion. Differential diagnosis with neoplastic disease, including giant cell tumor, is important.
Decompression ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Dura Mater ; Female ; Fibrosis ; Giant Cell Tumors ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Meningitis* ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Physical Examination ; Spinal Canal ; Spinal Cord

Thirty two cases of the cervical spinal injury have been collected except those which associated with the injury on the other sites, such as head or internal organs. Nine cases of them were managed with surgery anterior and/or posterior approaches. The others were only immobilized by traction. Independent of operative method, we acquired slight to moderate improvement in all operative cases. Two cases with skeletal traction, however, became more aggravated. Indication of operation has much controversies as yet. A Major problem at present falls on the difficulty of functional recovery.
Head ; Immobilization ; Laminectomy ; Spinal Injuries ; Spine* ; Traction

No abstract available.
Agenesis of Corpus Callosum*

BACKGROUND: Chronic cough is commonly defined as a persistent or recurrent cough exceeding 3 weeks duration and the prevalence of chronic cough is reported to range from 14-23% among non-smoking adults. Irwin et al previously reported that common causes of chronic cough are postnasal drip syndrome asthma, and gastroesophageal reflux using the anatomic and diagnostic protocol. OBJECTIVE: To determine the spectrum and frequency of chronic cough and to aid establishing algorithmic approach for chronic cough. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We prospectively evaluated 105 consecutive and unselected immunocompetent patients complaining of chronic cough utilizing modified anatomic and diagnostic protocol proposed by Irwin et al. Initial diagnosis was made by history, physical examination and laboratory test including spirometry, methacholine provocation test, and 24 hour pH monitoring. Specific treatment was done based upon initial diagnosis and cough score was compared before and after treatment. Reassessment was done in case of treatment failure. RESULT: The causes of cough were determined in 100 of 105 patients(95% ). Cough was due to one condition in 94.8% and two in 15.2%. 121 causes of cough were identified and their spectrum and frequency were found to be postnasal drip syndrome (39.3% ), asthma (32.2% ), gasteroesophageal reflux (14.1%), chronic bronchitis (5.0%), others (4.1%: drug-induced, bronchiolitis, endobronchial tuberculosis, and lung cancer). History about nasal symptoms was useful, but history about gastroesophageal reflux were not useful for the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that anatomic and diagnostic approach for evaluating chronic cough is also useful in Korea and the most common causes of chronic cough are postnasal drip syndrome, asthma and gastroesophageal reflux.
Adult ; Asthma ; Bronchiolitis ; Bronchitis, Chronic ; Cough* ; Diagnosis ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Korea ; Lung ; Methacholine Chloride ; Outpatients* ; Physical Examination ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies* ; Spirometry ; Treatment Failure ; Tuberculosis

A 25-year-old woman complaining of dyspnea on exertion, coughing, fever and chills was admitted in January, 1998. Her clinical, radiological, and pathological findings were compatible with hypersensitivity pneumonitis and precipitin antibody to Trichosporon cutaneum was detected in her serum. Although some cases of T. cutaneum-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis developed during the winter season were reported in Japan, there had been no report of such a case in Korea. This case suggests that T. cutaneum-induced hypersensitivity pneumonitis can develop beyond the summer season in certain environments.
Adult ; Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic* ; Chills ; Cough ; Dyspnea ; Female ; Fever ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Japan ; Korea ; Seasons ; Trichosporon*