We attempted to identify parasite DNA in the biliary stones of humans via PCR and DNA sequencing. Genomic DNA was isolated from each of 15 common bile duct (CBD) stones and 5 gallbladder (GB) stones. The patients who had the CBD stones suffered from cholangitis, and the patients with GB stones showed acute cholecystitis, respectively. The 28S and 18S rDNA genes were amplified successfully from 3 and/or 1 common bile duct stone samples, and then cloned and sequenced. The 28S and 18S rDNA sequences were highly conserved among isolates. Identity of the obtained 28S D1 rDNA with that of Clonorchis sinensis was higher than 97.6%, and identity of the 18S rDNA with that of other Ascarididae was 97.9%. Almost no intra-specific variations were detected in the 28S and 18S rDNA with the exception of a few nucleotide variations, i.e., substitution and deletion. These findings suggest that C. sinensis and Ascaris lumbricoides may be related with the biliary stone formation and development.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Ascaridida/genetics/isolation & purification ; Ascaris lumbricoides/genetics/isolation & purification ; Base Sequence ; Clonorchis sinensis/genetics/isolation & purification ; Common Bile Duct/*parasitology ; DNA, Helminth/*genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal/genetics ; Face/parasitology ; Female ; Gallbladder/parasitology ; Gallstones/*parasitology ; Helminths/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polymerase Chain Reaction/*methods ; RNA, Ribosomal, 18S/genetics ; RNA, Ribosomal, 28S/genetics ; Sequence Alignment

Excretory-secretory products of Toxocara canis larvae have been considered as a major functional antigen in immune responses against toxocariasis. We studied ultrastructural localization of T. canis second-stage larval antigen using a seropositive human serum under immunogold electron microscopy. High-density gold particles were observed in the secretory cells, excretory duct, intestinal epithelium, and cuticle of the larval worm sections. The distribution of the positive reactions in the larval worms suggests that the nature of the antigen is excretory-secretory antigen including waste metabolites and secretory enzymes.
Animals ; Antigens, Helminth/*immunology/ultrastructure ; Humans ; Larva/*immunology/ultrastructure ; Toxocara canis/*immunology/ultrastructure ; Toxocariasis/*immunology

We observed the time gap between oocyst shedding and antibody responses in mice (3-week-old C57BL/6J females) infected with Cryptosporidium parvum. Oocyst shedding was verified by modified acid-fast staining. The individually collected mouse sera were assessed for C. parvum IgM and IgG antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay from 5 to 25 weeks after infection. The results showed that C. parvum oocysts were shed from day 5 to 51 post-infection (PI). The IgM antibody titers to C. parvum peaked at week 5 PI, whereas the IgG antibody titers achieved maximum levels at week 25 PI. The results revealed that IgM responses to C. parvum infection occurred during the early stage of infection and overlapped with the oocyst shedding period, whereas IgG responses occurred during the late stage and was not correlated with oocyst shedding. Hence, IgM antibody detection may prove helpful for the diagnosis of acute cryptosporidiosis, and IgG antibody detection may prove effective for the detection of past infection and endemicity.
Animals ; Antibodies, Protozoan/*biosynthesis/blood ; Cryptosporidiosis/*immunology ; Cryptosporidium parvum/*immunology/isolation & purification ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Feces/parasitology ; Female ; Immunocompromised Host ; Immunoglobulin G/biosynthesis/blood ; Immunoglobulin M/biosynthesis/blood ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oocysts/immunology ; Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms ; Time Factors

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study A was to determine the incidence of Terson's syndrome. The purpose of the study B was to assess the outcome of vitrectomy for Terson's syndrome. METHODS: In the study A, We have examined fundus by direct ophthalmoscope in 96 eyes of 62 persons with subarachnoid hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage and epidural hemorrhage from March 2000 to June 2001. If we needed more examination, further evaluation was performed. In the study B. We have examined 8 eyes with Terson's syndrome retrospectively from 1997 to 2000. Visual outcome of operation was examined. RESULTS: A. The incidence of Terson's syndrome was 4.3% (4 eyes by 96eyes). Other ophthalmic findings were retinal hemorrhage (1 eye), central retinal artery occlusion (1 eye) and optic atrophy (1 eye). B. The final visual acuity was over 0.5 in 5 of 8 eyes and Visual acuity improved at a full cases postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of Terson's syndrome was 4.3%. The final visual acuity of Terson's syndrome was relatively good. Therefore, We must closely examine the fundus of patient with subarachoid hemorrhage, subdural hemorrhage and epidural hemorrhage patients. and We can also perform vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage, if Terson's syndrome is suspected.
Hematoma, Subdural ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence* ; Ophthalmoscopes ; Optic Atrophy ; Retinal Artery Occlusion ; Retinal Hemorrhage ; Retrospective Studies ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ; Visual Acuity ; Vitrectomy ; Vitreous Hemorrhage

PURPOSE: We exprienced two cases of Endophthalmitis caused by Enterococcus fecalis in phacoemulsification and foldable IOL(intraocular lens) implantation. The endophthalmitis caused by Enterococcus fecalis is very rare disease. In Korea, no case has been reported. METHODS: The patient invited the hospital at each 1, 7 days after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. We have done anterior chamber paracentesis. Enterococcus fecalis was founded in culture. We have done systemic IV antibiotics, fortified topical antibiotics, intravitreal antibiotics injection and pars plana vitrectomy at each 3, 7 day after symptom was appeared. RESULTS: The final visual acuity of one patient was 0.15, but the final visual acuity of the other patient was hand motion in 30cm. CONCLUSIONS: Visual prognosis of Enterococcus fecalis endophthalmitis is not good. Early vitrectomy is good in visual outcome than retard operation.
Anterior Chamber ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Endophthalmitis* ; Enterococcus* ; Hand ; Humans ; Korea ; Paracentesis ; Phacoemulsification ; Prognosis ; Rare Diseases ; Visual Acuity ; Vitrectomy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of isovolemic hemodilution for central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal vein occlusion patients. METHODS: We have done phlebotomy and then infused same volume of hydroxyethyl starch to 6 CRVO and 5 BRVO patients, and control group(5 CRVO, 9 BRVO) was observed. We have checked hematocrit the next day. If the hematocrit was reached to final target, we stopped the hemodilution therapy. Anterior segment examination, visual acuity, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, laboratory test was done. and compare the preoperative value to postoperative result. RESULTS: The final visual acuity improved in 10 eyes undergoing isovolemic hemodilution and control group 12 eyes. In fluorescein angiography, Arm to retina time is about 19.03+/-10.86%, venous filling time is 14.80+/-8.57%. The average reduction of hemoglobin is 22.12+/-4.33%, hematocrit is 22.74+/-4.71%. In laboratroy test, platelet, triglyceride, phospholipid, CSR, HDL is reduced. CONCLUSIONS: The retinal blood flow was improved by hemodilution in CRVO and BRVO patients. But further investigation and long-term follow up result was needed in this study.
Arm ; Blood Platelets ; Fluorescein Angiography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematocrit ; Hemodilution* ; Humans ; Phlebotomy ; Photography ; Retina ; Retinal Vein Occlusion ; Retinal Vein* ; Retinaldehyde* ; Starch ; Triglycerides ; Visual Acuity

PURPOSE: we clinically measured the temperature rise in real time and analyzed the difference of albino rabbit and pigmented rabbit in use of the specially designed thermometer. METHODS: Specially designed thermometer was attached into the subretinal pigment epithealial and choroidal space through the suprachoroidal space in three pigment and three albino rabbits, with diode laser of 810 nm wave length, 3 mm spot size. We examined the retinal temperature according to laser irradiance power at each ten seconds during sixty seconds and the laser power setting was 200 mW, 300 mW, 400 mW in pigmeted rabbit and 300 mW, 600 mW, 800 mW in albino rabbit. We analyzed the results based on the measurements at least three times per each irradiance power. RESULTS: In albino rabbit, the maximal range of retinal temperature change was 1.2 degrees C and 1.7 degrees C in 300 mW and 600 mW, 14.1 degrees C in 800 mW power of 810 nm diode laser irradiance. In pigmented rabbit, the maximal range of retinal temperature change was 12.1 degrees C in 200 mW of laser irradiance power, 16.2 degrees C in 300 mW, 24.3 degrees C in 400 mW during sixty seconds in 810 nm diode laser. CONCLUSIONS: We investigated the ratinal temperature at transpupillary thermotherapy in 810 nm wavelength diode laser on rabbits. The difference of retinal temperature change was in accordance with the amount of chorioretinal melanin pigment. Therefore if the laser power setting used in caucasians would be attempted in orientals, it is the point to be considered during transpupillary thermotherapy.
Choroid ; Hyperthermia, Induced* ; Lasers, Semiconductor ; Melanins ; Rabbits* ; Retinaldehyde* ; Thermometers

Calcaneal or calcaneovalgus deformity can occur after surgical treatment of equinus or eguinovarus deformity in cerebral palsy patient. It is a serious complication and the results of many conservative and operative treatments are reported unsatisfactory. We experienced one case of both calcaneovalgus deformity following operative treatment of diplegic equinovarus deformity in a spastic cerebral palsy patient and report about the result of the treatment.
Cerebral Palsy ; Clubfoot ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Humans

PURPOSE: To evaluate the significance of thrombophilic factors in retinal vein occlusive diseases. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with retinal vein occlusion (19 patients at the age of 55 or less, 13 patients at the age of 56 or more) underwent laboratory evaluation for CBC, lipid profile, VDRL/TPHA, homocysteine, protein C activity, protein S activity, lipoprotein (a), platelet aggregation test, Factor V Leiden, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibody, fibrinogen, and antithrombin III. RESULTS: The abnormal laboratory findings (high homocysteine, hyperlipidemia, thrombocytosis, lipoprotein (a), high ESR, and decreased protein S activity) were found more often in patients of 55 years or less than those of 56 or more. CONCLUSIONS: The thrombophilic factors were more common positive findings at or less than 55 years. Thrombophilic factor tests are recommended in young patients with retinal vein occlusion.
Antibodies, Anticardiolipin ; Antithrombin III ; Factor V ; Fibrinogen ; Homocysteine ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Lipoprotein(a) ; Lupus Coagulation Inhibitor ; Platelet Aggregation ; Protein C ; Protein S ; Retinal Vein Occlusion ; Retinal Vein* ; Retinaldehyde* ; Thrombocytosis

Cryptosporidium parvum is a well-known waterborne and opportunistic intracellular protozoan parasite that causes diarrheal illness. In this study, we quantitatively investigated reduction of the infectivity of C. parvum after gamma irradiation and repair of the infectivity during incubation time after irradiation. C. parvum oocysts were subjected to gamma irradiation at various doses (1, 5, 10, and 25 kGy), and the in vitro infectivity was measured by real-time PCR every day up to 7 days after irradiation. The in vitro infectivity of C. parvum on human ileocecal adenocarcinoma cells (HCT-8) was effectively reduced (> 2 log(10)) by irradiation at 10 kGy or more. However, in the experiment to find out repair of the infectivity, recovery was not noted until day 7 post-incubation.
Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival/radiation effects ; Cryptosporidiosis/*parasitology ; Cryptosporidium parvum/genetics/*pathogenicity/*radiation effects ; Female ; *Gamma Rays ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oocysts/radiation effects ; Virulence