Objective To investigate clinical and MRI features of the reversible posterior encephalopathy syndrome (RPES).Methods Clinical and MRI materials of 4 RPES cases confirmed by integrated clinical diagnosis were retrospectively analyzed.Results All the cases presented with a rise of blood pressure.The neural symptom include severe headache (2 cases),dysphoria (3 cases),blur of vision (2 cases),impairment of impermanent memory (1 case),seizure (2 cases).In MRI,the lesions mainly systematically located in posterior parietal lobe and occipital lobe in all cases,or randomly located in frontal lobe (2 cases).Lesions demonstrated high signal on T_2 weighed and water-suppressed sequences in MRI.The lesions dominantly located in cortex in 2 cases,in both cortex and subcortieal white matter in 1 case and in subcortical white matter in 1 case.Four cases resolved their lesions when re-examined. Conclusions RPES represents such characteristic MRI findings as symmetrical distribution of reversible lesions in posterior brain with involvement of cortex or subcortieal white matter.When combined with hypertension and neural symptoms caused by involvement of posterior brain structure,it is helpful for early differential diagnosis of this syndrome.

Aim To prepare and identify monodonal sntibody (Mab) specific for Toaoplasma gondii tachyzoites. Method The Mab specific for Taxoplasma gondii tachyrzoite were prepared via bybridoma technique. Indirect ELISA was used to determine the activity of the Mab. Agarose double immuodiffusion test was performed to confirm subclass and SDS-PAGE & western blot were used to analysis rolecular weight of the antigen (s) recognized by the Mab. IFA was used to identify the epitope of Taxoplasma gondii tachyzoites. The protection and specificity of the Mab were snalysed at same time. The Mab was tesed in Mab-ELISA method to detect Taxoplasma gondii antigen. Results A Msb F7C8H12 specific for T. gondii was produced. It belongs to IgG1 subclass. Moleculsr weight of the sntigens recognized by the Mab was 16.5 and 24 kDa. IFA did not show fiuorescence in intact tachyzoite.Inhibition test showed that the inhibition rate was 50% when the concetration of the antigen was 40μg/ml.Afterthe RH strain tachyzoites were incubated with Mab ascites, mice were inected with the tachyzoites through peritoneum. The results showed that the mean dead time of mice were not delayed. T. gondii antigen mixed with PBS snd normal human serum was detected by Mab-ELISA, the sensitvity was 0.78 yg/ml and 1.5μg/ml respectively. When mice were infected with T. gondiiRH strain tachyzoites, 103/mouse p.i., circulating antigen could be detectedin 6 day and 8 day. Conchusion The Mab (F7C8H12) to T. gomdii tachyzoites is an excellent probe for studying T. gondii snd toxoplasmosis.

Objective To Establish evaluation methods for the performance of flow cytometer .Methods Referring to the indus‐try standard YY/T0588‐2005 Flow Cytometry ,evaluating methods for the performance of BriCyte E6 flow cytometry was estab‐lished ,such as fluorescence sensitivity ,fluorescence linearity ,forward scatter sensitivity ,instrument resolution ,forward scatter/side scattering resolution ,DNA content linearity ,carry‐over rate ,accuracy of the cell surface marker ,reproducibility of the cell surface marker and instrument stability .Results The performance of BriCyte E6 met the requirements of industry standard .Conclusion The evaluation methods for the performance parameters could be reliable and could be used for the performance evaluation of flow cytometer .

It has been 50 years since the discovery of thyrotropin receptor autoantibody (TRAb). Advances in the knowledge of thyrotropin receptor ( TSHR) structure and function, combined with the elucidation of TSHR signaling and TSHR-autoantibody interaction have greatly facilitated our understanding of TRAb and their clinical applications. Measurement of TRAb activity plays an important role in the diagnosis of Graves' disease ( GD) and Graves' opthalmopathy. It has also been well recognized that TRAb is an effective predictor of GD relapse or remission after antithyroid drug and radioactive iodine treatment. TRAb test is of particular help in pregnant women and lactating mothers with recent iodine load, where radioactive iodine or technetium tests are contraindicated. In addition, it is useful in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of fetal and neonatal hyperthyroidism as well as some rare forms of thyrotoxicosis in clinical practice. Accumulating evidence also indicates the possible correlation between thyroid cancer occurring in GD patients with positive TRAb and adverse outcomes. However, further innovation and standardization of TRAb tests are required to help pave the way for clinical applications.

Objective To construct eukaryotic expression vector of HPV18 L1- E6, E7 chimeric gene and examine the humoral and cellular immune responses induced by this DNA vaccines in mice. Methods The C-terminal of major capsid protein L1 gene and mutant zinc finger domains of early E6/7 oncogenes in HPV18 were integrated and inserted into eukaryotic expression vector pVAX1 to generate vaccines pVAX1-L1E6Mxx, E7Mxx. CHO cells were transiently transfected with the individual construct. Target protein expressions in the lysate of the transfected cells were measured by ELISA and immunocytochemistry. After BALB/c mice were vaccinated with various recombinant plasmids(pVAX1-L1-E6M3 or pVAX1-L1-E7M3) and immunie adjuvants (pLXHDmB7-2 or LTB) through different administration routes (intramuscular or intranasal) , the great cellular immune responses were produced as revealed by delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) and lymphocyte proliferation, and the expression of IL-4 and IFN- γ cells in CD4+ and CD8+subpopulations. Results The highly efficient expression of pVAX1-L1E6Mxx, E7Mxx vector in host eukaryotic cells were demonstrated both by ELISA and immunocytochemistry. The level of specific serum IgG against HPV in experiment groups mice was much higher than that of control group, and intranuscular immunization group had the highest antibody level. Intramuscular immunization groups were superior to intranasal immunization groups in DTH response, splenocyte proliferation and CD8+ IFN-γ + cells number, but CD4+ IL4+ cell number was higher in intranasal immunization groups. The immunization groups using pLXHDmB7-2 as adjuvant were superior to other groups in immunoresponse. Conclusion These DNA vaccines produce remarkable cellular and humoral immuneresponses in the mouse and may provide as prophylatic and therapeutic candidates for HPV induced cancer treatment.

BACKGROUND: Dermatological diseases affecting the feet, e.g. fungal infections and nail infections, are often not fully perceived as real medical problems even when they experience great discomfort, including pain. These misperception often prevents from seeking timely treatment, which can result in very severe conditions. This survey, so called "ACILLES PROJECT" was a "foot screening" project that would be focused on all parts of the body below the Achilles heel: foot, toe and toenails. OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken for both medical doctors and patients to raise the awareness of foot diseases and additional insights into disease that could affect foot. And also, in seasonal variation, we tried to compare the epidemiological data and to look over the relationship of dermatophytosis in other parts with fungal infections in foot and to analyze the compliance and efficacy of antifungal agents in the treatment of patients who were diagnosed as dermatophytosis in their feet in the treatment of antifungal agents. METHODS: Achilles survey was conducted for one week from 7th July to 13th July, 1997 and 16th March to 17th April, 1998 co-worked by the Korean Society for Medical Mycology and Janssen Korea. In 1997, 19,298 patients, who visited dermatology and urology, and 353 investigators participated in this survey. And Achilles 98, in 1998, was composed of two parts, Unit I and Unit II. Unit I survey was a foot disease consult program and Unit II was a patient compliance survey 29,922 patients, 391 investigators and 16,383 patients, 350 investigators were involved in Unit I and Unit II respectively. RESULTS: Among total 29,922 patients who responded to the survey, 57.7% of them had more than one foot disease. There was no big difference comparing with the number (67%) in the survey of last summer. And it was observed that fungal infection was the most dominant disease (79.8%) regardless of seasons (83.7% in July, 1997). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the prevalence of other foot diseases for each season (eczema 11.1%, corns 5.1%, warts 2.7%, psoriasis 2.1%). Oral antifungal agents were prescribed to the patients who were diagnosed as having fungal infections in their feet in order to survey drug compliance by filling out the patients diary. In compliance, only 24% of patients in itraconazole pulse therapy for 28 days and 16% of patients in itraconazole continuous therapy for 28 days compiled with their dosage guideline exactly. It is observed that the longer the duration of drug therapy is, the worse the patients compliance is. CONCLUSION: According to the epidemiological survey in 1997 and 1998, the prevalence of foot disease was not significantly different seasonally, and it was reported that the awareness of and the intention for the treatment of foot diseases were not high enough based on the compliance data of patients.
Antifungal Agents ; Callosities ; Compliance ; Dermatology ; Drug Therapy ; Epidemiology* ; Foot Diseases* ; Foot* ; Heel ; Humans ; Incidence* ; Intention ; Itraconazole ; Korea ; Mycology ; Nails ; Patient Compliance* ; Prevalence ; Psoriasis ; Research Personnel ; Seasons* ; Tinea ; Toes ; Urology ; Warts ; Zea mays

The management of malignant pleural effusion is a difficult problem. Tetracycline was probably the most commonly used sclerosing agent, but parenteral tetracycline is no longer available. This prospective study was designed to determine the efficacy of insufflated talc in producing plerodesisin patients with malignant pleural effusions. Fifteen patients managed between March 1995 and March 1997 underwent thoracoscopy and had 4 gm sterile asbestos-free talc insufflation throughout the pleural space. The mean interval between the procedure and last follow-up was 101 days (range: 25-233 days). The results of treatment were clinically and radiologically compared with pre-operative status. The results were as follows: 1. The patients were 6 men and 9 women with a mean age of 55.1 years (range: 31-74 years). The primary tumors were lung cancer in 10 patients, breast cancer in two, hepatoma in one, stomach cancer in one, and adenocarcinoma of unkown origin in one. 2. Cancer cell positive ratio was 36% in sputum cytology study and 100% in thoracoscopic biopsy. 3. Symptoms improved in 94% of patients treated by talc pleurodesis. 4. After 30 days of the procedure, there was radiologically no recurrence of plural fluid in 94% patients. 5. There were wound infection in one, respiratory failure in one. In conclusion, the insufflation of 4 gm sterile asbestos-free talc in the pleural space is an effective method to control malignant pleural effusions and patients selection is important factor for reexpansion the lung.
Adenocarcinoma ; Biopsy ; Breast Neoplasms ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Insufflation ; Lung ; Lung Neoplasms ; Male ; Pleural Effusion ; Pleural Effusion, Malignant* ; Pleurodesis* ; Prospective Studies ; Recurrence ; Respiratory Insufficiency ; Sputum ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Talc* ; Tetracycline ; Thoracoscopy ; Wound Infection

Total vitrectomy and removal of the posterior hyaloid membrane were done in 7 patients who were diagnosed as macular hole with specific causative factors. The causative factor of 2 patients is high myopia and of remainers is trauma. Of the 7 patients treated by removal of the posterior hyaloid membrane during total vitrectomy, 3 patients showed anatomical and functional success, 2 patients only the anatomical success, and 2 patients failure. The postoperative complications included phthisis bulbi, proliferative vitreoreinopathy, optic atrophy, and macular degeneration, and iatrogenic rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Two patients of the 3 success cases complained of mild diplopia after operation.
Diplopia ; Humans ; Macular Degeneration ; Membranes* ; Myopia ; Optic Atrophy ; Postoperative Complications ; Retinal Detachment ; Retinal Perforations* ; Vitrectomy*

It seems best to view ADHD as a developmental disability that comprises impairments in persistence of effort(sustained attention), the ability to delay responding and inhibit behavior(impusivity), and the regulation of excessive activity level or responding in situations(hyperactivity). These problems tend to arise early in childhood, often during the preschool years, and persist in over half the cases into adulthood as adult ADHD. ADHD in adolescents and adults responds to treatment with stimulants, tricyclic antidepressants, etc. Nonpharmacologic modalities such as behavior modification, individual and family therapy and cognitive therapy are useful adjuncts to psychopharmacologic management. Without effective treatment, ADHD often results in increased risk of trauma, substance abuse, conduct disorder, marital dishamony, family dysfunction, divorce, and incarceration in adolesence and adulthood. Lifelong treatment with proper medication and counselling are important to ADHD.
Adolescent* ; Adult* ; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic ; Behavior Therapy ; Cognitive Therapy ; Conduct Disorder ; Developmental Disabilities ; Divorce ; Drug Therapy ; Family Therapy ; Humans ; Substance-Related Disorders

PURPOSE: Medical institutions and their patients benefit from continued employment of nurses. In this study an assessment was done of important factors that influence nurses' intention to leaving their jobs. METHODS: The sample consisted of 229 university hospital nurses. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test, ANOVA, Scheffé, Pearson's Correlation Analysis, and Hierarchical Multiple Regression. RESULTS: The control variables, including age, current position, and health status explained 18% (F=16.37, p<.001) of variance in retention intention. The control variables, bullying, job stress, self-esteem, and burnout collectively explained 27% of variance in retention intention. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate that the factors influencing retention intention are age, current position, and health status, while self-esteem and burnout in work places are new and more recent factors that impact retention intention. These findings can be utilized to develop strategies to increase self-esteem and retention intention.
Bullying* ; Employment ; Humans ; Intention* ; Nursing* ; Workplace