OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of KCl on regulation of circadian gene CLOCK expression, we observed whether induction of CLOCK is influenced by KCl depolarization in B35 rat neuroblastoma cells. METHODS: B35 rat neuroblastoma cells were grown in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium supplemented with 10% FBS and 1% penicillin-streptomycin in a 37 degrees C humidified incubator with 5% CO2. Inhibitors including cycloheximide and actinomycin D were pretreated 1 hour before treatment with 50mM KCl. Immunoblotting with anti-CLOCK antibody was done. RESULTS: CLCOK is induced by 50 mM KCl in B35 Rat Neuroblastoma cells, and a maximal induction in CLOCK level reached peak at 8 to 20 hours. The pretreatment of cycloheximide and actinomycin D prevented the induction of CLOCK by 50 mM KCl. CONCLUSION: We suggest that KCl depolarization may play critical roles in several aspects of the circadian gene CLOCK expression.
Animals ; Circadian Clocks ; Cycloheximide ; Dactinomycin ; Immunoblotting ; Incubators ; Neuroblastoma* ; Rats*

No abstract available.
Cystadenocarcinoma, Mucinous* ; Female* ; Humans ; Mucins*

OBJECTIVE: Subdural hygroma (SDG) is a complication occurring after head trauma that may occur secondary to decompressive craniectomy (DC). However, the mechanism underlying SDG formation is not fully understood. Also, the relationship between the operative technique of DC or the decompressive effect and the occurrence and pathophysiology of SDG has not been clarified. Purpose of this study was to investigate the risk factors of SDG after DC in our series. METHODS: From January 2004 to December 2008, DC was performed in 85 patients who suffered from traumatic brain injury. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological features. For comparative analysis, we divided the patients into 2 groups : one group with SDG after craniectomy (19 patients; 28.4% of the total sample), the other group without SDG (48 patients; 71.6%). The risk factors for developing SDG were then analyzed. RESULTS: The mean Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) scores at discharge of the groups with and without SDG were 2.8 and 3.1, respectively (p<0.0001). Analysis of radiological factors showed that a midline shift in excess of 5 mm on CT scans was present in 19 patients (100%) in the group with SDG and in 32 patients (66.7%) in the group without SDG (p<0.05). An accompanying subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) was seen in 17 patients (89.5%) in the group with SDG and in 29 patients (60.4%) in the group without SDG (p<0.05). Delayed hydrocephalus accompanied these findings in 10 patients (52.6%) in the group with SDG, versus 5 patients (10.4%) in the group without SDG (p<0.05). On CT, compression of basal cisterns was observed in 14 members (73.7%) in the group with SDG and in 18 members of the group without SDG (37.5%) (p<0.007). Furthermore, tearing of the arachnoid membrane, as observed on CT, was more common in all patients in the group with SDG (100%) than in the group without SDG (31 patients; 64.6%) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: GOS showed statistically significant difference in the clinical risk factors for SDG between the group with SDG and the group without SDG. Analysis of radiological factors indicated that a midline shifting exceeding 5 mm, SAH, delayed hydrocephalus, compression of basal cisterns, and tearing of the arachnoid membrane were significantly more common in patients with SDG.
Arachnoid ; Brain Injuries ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; Decompressive Craniectomy ; Glasgow Outcome Scale ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; Membranes ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ; Subdural Effusion

OBJECTIVE: Obtaining real-time image is essential for neurosurgeons to minimize invasion of normal brain tissue and to prompt diagnosis of intracranial event. The aim of this study was to report our three-year experience with a mobile computed tomography (mCT) for intraoperative and bedside scanning. METHODS: A total of 357 mCT (297 patients) scans from January 2009 to December 2011 in single institution were reviewed. After excluding post-operative routine follow-up, 202 mCT were included for analysis. Their medical records such as diagnosis, clinical application, impact on decision making, times, image quality and radiologic findings were assessed. RESULTS: Two-hundred-two mCT scans were performed in the operation room (n=192, 95%) or intensive care unit (ICU) (n=10, 5%). Regarding intraoperative images, extent of resection of tumor (n=55, 27.2%), degree of hematoma removal (n=42, 20.8%), confirmation of catheter placement (n=91, 45.0%) and monitoring unexpected complications (n=4, 2.0%) were evaluated. A total of 14 additional procedures were introduced after confirmation of residual tumor (n=7, 50%), hematoma (n=2, 14.3%), malpositioned catheter (n=3, 21.4%) and newly developed intracranial events (n=2, 14.3%). Every image was obtained within 15 minutes and image quality was sufficient for interpretation. CONCLUSION: mCT is feasible for prompt intraoperative and ICU monitoring with enhanced diagnostic certainty, safety and efficiency.
Brain ; Catheters ; Decision Making ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematoma ; Intensive Care Units ; Korea ; Medical Records ; Neoplasm, Residual

PURPOSE: In this study, the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients admitted for viral croup were analyzed to evaluate disease severity based on the organism that caused the infection. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 302 patients who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics at the Wonju Severance Hospital between May 2013 and December 2016 for viral croup. Patients who showed positive results on multiplex polymerase chain reaction were subsequently diagnosed with respiratory virus infection. The Westley scoring system was used to evaluate the severity of viral croup. RESULTS: Of the 302 patients, 149 were admitted due to severe viral croup, including 88 boys and 61 girls, with a boy-to-girl ratio of 1.44:1. About 110 cases of parainfluenza virus infection have been reported, which accounted for almost half of the total cases. The other identified viruses included influenza virus, human rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus. Analysis of the association between severe viral croup and causative pathogen revealed that only parainfluenza type 2 virus showed a significantly high risk. Parainfluenza type 2 virus did not show an age-based difference in frequency but showed relatively a higher frequency of infections during the summer and fall. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, parainfluenza virus type 2 was the only virus associated with severe viral croup. To facilitate proper preventive management, treatment, and prognosis evaluation of viral croup, prospective and multicenter studies should assess the additional variables and the severity of the virus. Additionally, further studies should be conducted to assess age-dependent influences, as well as the regional and seasonal incidence of viral infection.
Child ; Child, Hospitalized ; Croup ; Epidemiology ; Female ; Gangwon-do ; Humans ; Incidence ; Medical Records ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Orthomyxoviridae ; Parainfluenza Virus 2, Human ; Paramyxoviridae Infections ; Pediatrics ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses ; Retrospective Studies ; Rhinovirus ; Seasons ; Severity of Illness Index

Actinomycosis is a disease caused by an anaerobic bacteria called Actinomyces species (predominantly Actinomyces israelii), which is a common and normally nonpathogenic organism found in the nose and throat. The four major clinical presentations of actinomycosis include the cervicofacial, thoracic, abdominal, and pelvic region. Actinomycosis is difficult to diagnose because of variable presentation and fastidious nature of the organism in culture. A high index of suspicion and biopsy are often necessary to make the diagnosis, because the disease can mimic neoplasm or a chronic granulomatous infection. We present, with the appropriate review, a case of actinomycosis in the mandibular angle area which was mistaken for a parotid abscess.
Abscess* ; Actinomyces ; Actinomycosis ; Actinomycosis, Cervicofacial ; Bacteria, Anaerobic ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis ; Nose ; Pelvis ; Pharynx

PURPOSE: The subareolar area is often difficult to evaluate ultrasonographically due to tissue shadowing, which obscures visualization of ducts and parenchymal tissue. The purpose of this study is to determine if real-time compound imaging improves evaluation of normal subareolar tissue and solid nodules in subareolar area compared to conventional ultrasonography. METHODS: 190 images of the subareolar area were obtained from 135 patients from March 2001 to July 2002. Thirty-three of 190 images showed solid nodules, extraductal nodules in 30 and intraductal nodules in three. We scanned both conventional and compound imaging with a stationary probe, to maintain an identical projection and tissue pressure. We used two compound techniques; survey mode (S) is made by 3 coplanar images and target mode (T) by 9 coplanar images. The evaluating points were 1) reduction in the density of shadowing, 2) resolution of duct wall, 3) resolution of duct lumen, 4) margin of nodule, and 5) internal echoes of nodule. In a blinded fashion, three radiologists graded the quality of images on a 5-point scale. RESULTS: For reviewer 1/2/3, S showed grade improvements in 1) reduction in the density of shadowing (0.4+/-0.6/1.1 0.6/0.5+/-0.5), 2) resolution of duct wall (0.9+/-0.2/1.5+/-0.6/1.0+/-0.5), 3) resolution of duct lumen (0.9+/-0.2/1.6 +/-0.6/0.7+/-0.6), 4) margin of nodule (1.0+/-0.3/1.5+/-0.5/1.2+/-0.5), and 5) internal echoes of nodule (1.1+/-0.3/1.5+/- 0.5/1.2+/-0.4) and T showed grade improvements in 1) reduction in the density of shadowing (0.4+/-0.6/1.2+/-0.6/0.7+/-0.7), 2) resolution of duct wall (1.0+/-0.3/1.5+/-0.6/1.1+/-0.5), 3) resolution of duct lumen (0.9+/-0.3/1.6+/-0.6/0.8+/-0.6), 4) margin of nodule (1.0+/-0.3/1.5+/-0.6/1.2+/-0.5), and 5) internal echoes of nodule (1.1+/-0.3/1.5+/-0.6/1.3+/-0.4). In all evaluating points, two modes of real-time compound imaging were superior to conventional imaging (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between two modes of compound imaging. CONCLUSION: Real-time compound imaging improves evaluation of normal subareolar tissue and subareolar solid nodules compared to conventional ultrasonography by reducing shadowing and increasing anatomic resolution of ducts.
Breast ; Humans ; Shadowing (Histology) ; Ultrasonography*

Four small breed dogs were admitted with seizures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain revealed dilation of the olfactory bulb cavity as well as enlargement of the lateral ventricles. These findings demonstrate that dilation of the olfactory bulb cavity can occur concurrent with hydrocephalus. This is the first description of the clinical and MRI features of dilation of the olfactory bulb cavity concurrent with hydrocephalus in dogs.
Animals ; Dilatation, Pathologic/veterinary ; Dog Diseases/*pathology ; Dogs ; Female ; Hydrocephalus/complications/pathology/*veterinary ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/veterinary ; Male ; Olfactory Bulb/*pathology ; Seizures/pathology/veterinary

OBJECTIVE: The authors analyzed clinical features, long-term treatment outcome, and prognostic factors of the olfactory neuroblastoma. METHODS: Twenty-one cases of olfactory neuroblastomas, treated from 1979 to 2000, were retrospectively reviewed with medical records and radiological findings. Mean follow-up periods are 28.7 months(range 4-178). Extent of tumor was classified by UCLA staging system. Statistical analysis for survival was done using Kaplan Meier method and log-lank test. RESULTS: Mean age was 27 years(13-62), and most common group are second decades(8/21, 38%). Male to female ratio was 13: 8. Common symptoms are nasal obstruction, epistaxis, exopthalmos and headache. There were three cases of T1, five T2, six T3, and seven T4 according to UCLA staging system. The 5-year survival rate was 21.3% and average time was 28.9 months in surgical resection group(n=14) as primary modality have higher survival rate than radiation and chemotherapy group(n=7)[2-year survival rate: 39.2% vs 14.3%, 5-year survival rate: 19.6% vs 14.3%(p=0.0274)]. Early stage(T1, T2) groups showed better survival rate than advanced(T3, T4) groups(38.1% vs 9.1% p=0.0336). The local and regional recurrences were observed in 6(27%) and 2(9%) cases. Mean recurrence free time was 7.8 months(range 1-25). CONCLUSION: Early detection and extent of resection are the important prognostic factors. Regular follow up is mandatary for the detection of recurrence or metastasis.
Drug Therapy ; Epistaxis ; Esthesioneuroblastoma, Olfactory* ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Headache ; Humans ; Male ; Medical Records ; Nasal Obstruction ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Treatment Outcome*

Oncocytic carcinoid is a very rare tumor and only few cases have been reported in the literatures. We have experienced one case of pulmonary oncocytic carcinoid occuring at the left upper lobe. The patient was a 56 years old female with no spedific symptoms. Chest Computed tomography showed about 3X3.5cm sized homogenous mass at the left upper lobe. After the evaluation, surgical resection was performed. Gross finding showed a well-defined and well-encapsulated mass of 3X4cm in size, and yellowish-gray in color. Pathohistologically, the tumor was abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm. Immunohistochemical stain showed positive cytokeratin and was focal positive reaction in EMA and chromograin. It was confirmed as pulmonary oncocytic carcinoid. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient has been followed up with no problem.
Carcinoid Tumor* ; Cytoplasm ; Eosinophils ; Female ; Humans ; Keratins ; Lung Neoplasms ; Middle Aged ; Thorax