Apoptosis is a distinct mode of cell death that is responsible for deletion of cells in normal tissues. Apoptotic cell death plays an important role in the proliferation and turnover of cells in various tumors. Apoptosis occurs spontaneously in malignant tumors, often markedly retarding their growth, and increased in tumors responding to irradiation, cytotoxic chemotherapy, heating and hormone ablation. Flowcytometric analysis of the cellular DNA content appears to be a useful clinical prognostic indicator in colorectal cancer. The relationship of apoptotic index(AI) and proliferative indices have being investigated. We analyzed the tumor DNA content and AI in 84 patients who underwent resection for colorectal cancer between January 1989 and December 1994 in order to evaluate the prognostic significance of apoptosis, DNA ploidy and index using in situ apoptosis detection method and flowcytometry. The mean value of AI was 32.4, and median value 21. In the cellular DNA, forty-two percent of the tumors were diploidy, fifty-eight percent aneuploidy. The mean value of DNA index(DI) was 1.38, G0/G1 72%, S phase fraction 21.7%, G2/M 6.3%, and proliferative fraction 28%. There was no significant difference between AI and tumor invasion, LN metastasis, DNA ploidy, DI.(p>0.05) There was no significance between overall survival and AI, DNA ploidy, DI. But patients who had tumors with low DNA index had a significantly longer disease free survival than high DNA index.(p<0.05) As a result, this study shows that AI is a less useful as prognostic factor and DNA index is a more important prognostic factor in patients undergoing surgery for colorectal cancer.
Aneuploidy ; Apoptosis ; Cell Death ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Diploidy ; Disease-Free Survival ; DNA* ; Drug Therapy ; Heating ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Ploidies ; S Phase

BACKGROUND: Although good clinical effects have been reported, immunotherapy with house dust mite ( HDM ) antigen - autologous specific antibody complex ( IC - IT ) is not yet accepted as an effective immunomodulating tool in HDM allergic diseases. We aimed to prove the clinical effect of IC - IT in HDM sensitized respiratory allergic subjects. Method : Six HDM sensitized respiratory allergic subjects were enrolled. Autologous D. farinae specific IgG was purified with DEAE ion exchange and affinity chromatography. After one year of IC - IT treatment the clinical effects were analyzed with symptom scores, methacholine PC20, ELISA assay of D. farinae specific antibodies and intradermal skin reactivity. Result : The rhinitis symptom score significantly improved after a one - year administration of IC - IT ( 1.23 +/- 0.30 vs. 0.37 +/- 0.15, p< 0.05), but no significant differences were found in asthma symptom score, intradermal skin reactivity to D. farinae and ELISA optic absorbances of D. farinae specific IgE, IgG, and IgG subclasses. Methacholine PC20 values improved in all 6 patients who were administered with IC - IT ( 0.35 vs. 1.66 mg/ml, p< 0.05 ). CONCLUSION: IC - IT may be efficient for management of HDM atopic asthma. Further studies are needed before clinical application of IC - IT in house dust mite atopic subjects.
Antibodies ; Asthma ; Chromatography, Affinity ; Dermatophagoides farinae* ; Dust* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunotherapy* ; Ion Exchange ; Methacholine Chloride ; Pyroglyphidae* ; Rhinitis ; Skin

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a new air cleaning device (LG Electronics, Korea) equipped with electrostatic precipitator (EP) and photocatalytic plasma filter (PCP) in 24 respiratory allergic subjects. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Air cleaning conditioner and air cleaner were placed in living room and bedroom. Both EP and PCP (EP/PCP) filters were used for the first 4 weeks and for another 4 weeks, PCP without EP filter (PCP) was used. We measured symptom scores of asthma and rhinitis, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), serum eosinophil cataionic prote in? in ECP, Dermatophagoides farinae (DF) specific IgE and IgG in sera, concentrations of major allergens of DF in floor dust of living room, bedroom and in airborne dust. RESULTS: Both asthma and rhinitis symptom scores were significantly improved not only with EP/PCP filters but also with PCP filter. The morning PEFR was significantly improved with EP/PCP filters, but not with PCP filter. Frequency of salbutamol inhalation by air cleaner with EP/PCP filter tended to de crease(p=0.051), with no significant difference in serum ECP concentration. DF specific IgE significantly decreased at the 8th week with no differences in specific IgG. However, the mean Der f I levels in floor dust of bedroom (1, 128 vs. 374 ng/gm dust, p<0.01) and living room (1,516 vs 812 ng/gm dust, p<0.01) decreased, Der f1 in airborne dust measured only in 8 out of 22 subjects, and they decreased significantly with the trial of EP/PCP filter (172.2 pg/4.5m vs. 62.1 pg/4.5m, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the EP/PCP air cleaner may be an effective tool for environmental control in respiratory allergic subjects.
Albuterol ; Allergens ; Asthma ; Dermatophagoides farinae ; Dust ; Eosinophils ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Inhalation ; Peak Expiratory Flow Rate ; Plasma* ; Rhinitis

There have been few articles describing incidences of epileptiform discharges in EEG and epilepsy in subjects with cerebral palsy(CP) and probably no references about lateralizing significance of EEG and brain imaging findings in asymmetrically quadriparetic patients. We reviewed clinical, EEG and brain imaging findings of one hundred and fifty patients with paretic cerebral palsy to assess incidences of epileptiform discharges(Eds), background abnormalities and epilepsy as well as lateralizing significance of those findings in 52 patients who were asymmetrically quadriparetic. The results were as follows. 1) Incidence of Ebs on serial EEG and epilepsy excluding febrile convulsion were 28.0 %(42/150) and 30.0 %(4S/1SO), respectively. 2) Among 42 patients with Eds, 19(45.2 %) did not have any history of epileptic seizure. 3) In 52 patients who were asymmetrically quadriparetic, unilateral background abnormality or focal BDs were observed in 21 and unilateral brain imaging abnormalities in 13 subjects. There was a positive correlation between side of unilateral EEG abnormalities and the more severely affected side of the body in 17/52 (32.3%), while there was a positive correlation between side of brain imaging abnormalities and the more severely affected side of the body in 12/52 (23.1%). Also, there was a positive correlation between unilateral EEG abnormalities and brain imaging laterality in 8 subjects. In conclusion, if any lateralized abnormalities, EEG as well as brain imaging are thought to be useful in determining the side of maximal brain damage in asymmetrically quadriparetic CP.
Brain ; Cerebral Palsy* ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy ; Humans ; Incidence ; Neuroimaging ; Seizures, Febrile

We have cloned a cDNA encoding a cysteine proteinase of the Acanthamoeba healyi OC-3A strain isolated from the brain of a granulomatous amoebic encephalitis patient. A DNA probe for an A. healyi cDNA library screening was amplified by PCR using degenerate oligonucleotide primers designed on the basis of conserved amino acids franking the active sites of cysteine and asparagine residues that are conserved in the eukaryotic cysteine proteinases. Cysteine proteinase gene of A. healyi (AhCP1) was composed of 330 amino acids with signal sequence, a proposed pro-domain and a predicted active site made up of the catalytic residues, Cys(25), His(159), and Asn(175). Deduced amino acid sequence analysis indicated that AhCP1 belongs to ERFNIN subfamily of C1 peptidases. By Northern blot analysis, no direct correlation was observed between AhCP1 mRNA expression and virulence of Acanthamoeba, but the gene was expressed at higher level in amoebae isolated from soil than those from clinical samples. These findings raise the possibility that Ahcp1 protein may play a role in protein metabolism and digestion of phagocytosed bacteria or host tissue debris rather than in invasion of amoebae into host tissue.
Acanthamoeba/*enzymology/genetics/pathogenicity ; Amebiasis/parasitology ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cathepsins/*genetics ; DNA, Protozoan/chemistry/genetics/*isolation & purification ; Encephalitis/parasitology ; Gene Expression ; Genes, Protozoan ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Protozoan Proteins/chemistry/genetics/physiology ; Sequence Alignment ; Virulence

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection may cause systemic inflammation and increase the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6. Unfortunately, bone mineral density also may be affected by these cytokines. This study aimed to evaluate the association between bone mineral density and H. pylori infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study evaluated 1,126 men undergoing a comprehensive health screening in a private Korean screening center. Subjects' sera were tested for H. pylori antibodies (immunoglobulin G) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and bone mineral densities (g/cm2) of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total femur were obtained using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. To evaluate the difference in bone mineral density according to H. pylori infection status, the adjusted mean bone mineral densities at each site were compared after adjusting for potential confounders, including age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, and exercise. RESULTS: H. pylori infection was associated with a significant decrease in mean lumbar bone mineral density (H. pylori-positive, 1.190 g/cm2; H. pylori-negative, 1.219 g/cm2; P=0.006), which was greatest among men who were > or =50 years old (H. pylori-positive, 1.193 g/cm2; H. pylori-negative, 1.233 g/cm2; P=0.006). However, no significant association was observed in the bone mineral densities of the total femur and femoral neck. CONCLUSION: In men, H. pylori infection was negatively associated with lumbar bone mineral density. This association may be useful in the early detection, prevention, and management of male osteoporosis.
Absorptiometry, Photon ; Alcohol Drinking ; Antibodies ; Body Mass Index ; Bone Density ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Cytokines ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Femur ; Femur Neck ; Helicobacter pylori* ; Helicobacter* ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-1 ; Interleukin-6 ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Osteoporosis ; Risk Factors* ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Spine ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: There has been little clinical data on the treatment outcome of patients with acute asthma attack in Korea. We designed a management protocol of acute asthma, and analyzed clinical p arameters obtained from this protocol. METHOD: A total of 32 cases with acute asthma were treated with oxygen, beta2 agonist, and methylprednisolone. Ipratropium was added in cases of severe attack. After 90 minutes, intravenous aminophylline was given to the patients with poor response. RESULT: Beta2 agonist and methylprednisolone were sufficient for symptom control in 17 cases. Ipratropium and aminophylline were added in 6 and 9 cases, respectively. There was no difference in improvement of PEF, heart rate, respiratory rate, PaO2, PaCO2, and SaO2 at 90 minutes and 8 hours between beta2 agonist inhalation and subcutaneous group. Serum potassium concentration levels significantly decreased in patients treated with ipratropium of aminophylline(n=15, 4.17+/-0.45 vs. 3.99+/-0.35mM/L, p<0.05), compared with patients using only beta2 agonist and methylprednisolone(n=17, 3.89+/-0.30 vs. 4.14+/-0.45mM/L, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Subcutaneous beta2 agonist may be an alternative to inhalant beta2 agonist for the emergency treatment of acute asthma, and we think a consensus regarding use of aminophylline in the emergency room should be made.
Aminophylline ; Asthma* ; Consensus ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Emergency Treatment ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Inhalation ; Ipratropium ; Korea ; Methylprednisolone ; Oxygen ; Potassium ; Respiratory Rate ; Treatment Outcome*

We report a case of myelitis after plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccination. The patient was a 31-year-old man who presented with progressive sensory symptoms in extremities that developed 2 weeks after a third vaccination. MRI of the cervicothoracic region revealed swelling and T2 high signal at the level of C4 to C5 cord, and isolated enhancement in the posterior columns between C4 and C5 cord. The significance of MRI findings and HLA haplotype of the patient will be briefly discussed.
Acute Disease ; Adult ; Case Report ; Hepatitis B Vaccines/adverse effects* ; Human ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Myelitis/pathology ; Myelitis/chemically induced*

Allopurinol is widely used for chronic tophaceous gout as a uric acid lowering agent. Hypersensitivity to allopurinol occurrs in about 10% of patients, which limits the usage of allopurinol. The successful oral and intravenous desensitization of allopurinol has been reported worldwide since 1976. We recently experienced a 51-year-old male patient with gouty arthritis and hyperuricemia, who had previously experienced skin rash after allopurinol treatment. When allopurinol was retried, erythematous and foliative skin rash developed on entire body. Because allopurinol was essential in controlling hyperuricemia, the oral desensitization of allopurinol was tried. We report successful rapid oral allopurinol desensitization in the patient with chronic tophaceous gout, who exhibited exfoliative dermatitis as allopurinol hypersensitivity.
Allopurinol* ; Arthritis, Gouty ; Dermatitis, Exfoliative* ; Exanthema ; Gout ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity ; Hyperuricemia ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Uric Acid

PURPOSE: Inhalational therapy is now one of the major method in managing asthma. Nebulizer is widely used at home nowadays, but there has been no survey on the usage of home nebulizer in Korea yet. This study was performed using questionnaires to evaluate that how the asthmatic patients use the personal nebulizer properly as an treatment tool for asthma. METHODS: Forty-six asthmatic children living in Chunlabukdo area in Korea who use the personoa nebulizer at home from October 1999 to March 2000 were enrolled. Personal history, purpose of personal nebulizer, understanding of the instruction to use were analyzed using questionnaires. RESULTS: 1) The sex ratio was not statistically significant (M : F ratio was 1.3 : 1) and the mean age was 3.7 years. 2) Thirty-seven cases (80.4%) purchased nebulizer by doctor's recommendation. 6 cases (13.1%) by personal need without doctor's recommendation and 3 cases (6.5%) by acquaintances' recommendation. 47.8% of patients purchased through small-scale suppliers. 32.6% purchased through hospital, and 19.6% through large nebulizer manufacturers. 3) Sixty-three percents of patients had an explanations about the basic instructions to use the nebulizer. Explanations on maintenance were given only in 19.6% of total and was mostly given through large nebulizer manufacturers. 4) Proper washing with sterilization took place in 54.3%, replacement of kits and air filters were done in only 15.2% of the total, but nobody was recommended annual check up. 5) There was no difference in the techniques of using nebulizers by the parents' level of knowledge about asthma. CONCLUSION: Many problems on the usage of personal home nebulizer in asthmatic children were revealed by this study. Education of patients on how to use and manage nebulizers is necessary when prescribe or sell the nebulizers.
Air Filters ; Asthma ; Child* ; Humans ; Korea ; Nebulizers and Vaporizers* ; Patient Education as Topic ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sex Ratio ; Sterilization