Objectives: . This study was conducted to determine whether patients with allergic rhinitis might be more susceptible to human rhinovirus (HRV) infection and whether the effects of infection on the elicited immune responses are different in allergic and non-allergic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: . Uncinate process tissues were obtained from 61 CRS patients (of whom 39 had allergies and 22 did not) and were infected with HRV-16 using an air-liquid interface organ culture system. The expression levels of programmed cell death-ligand (PD-L)1, PD-L2, intracellular adhesion molecule 1, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-10 were evaluated in the infected nasal mucosa. Results: . The HRV infection rates were not significantly different between the allergy (74.4%) and non-allergy (72.7%) groups. In the allergy group, the expression of PD-L1 (P=0.013) and IL-10 (P=0.040) was significantly elevated in the HRV-infected tissues, and there was a strong correlation between PD-L1 and IL-10 (r=0.868, P<0.001). In contrast, infected tissues from the non-allergy group displayed increased levels of IL-4 (P=0.039), IL-5 (P=0.023), and IFN-γ (P=0.031), as well as an increased IL-4/IFN-γ ratio, after HRV infection (P=0.043). Conclusion . This study showed that HRV infection rates were similar in the nasal mucosa of patients with CRS regardless of the presence of allergic rhinitis. HRV infection enhanced the Th2 environment by modulating PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression levels in allergic mucosa and by increasing the IL-4/IFN-γ ratio in non-allergic mucosa.

Objectives: . This study was conducted to determine whether patients with allergic rhinitis might be more susceptible to human rhinovirus (HRV) infection and whether the effects of infection on the elicited immune responses are different in allergic and non-allergic patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Methods: . Uncinate process tissues were obtained from 61 CRS patients (of whom 39 had allergies and 22 did not) and were infected with HRV-16 using an air-liquid interface organ culture system. The expression levels of programmed cell death-ligand (PD-L)1, PD-L2, intracellular adhesion molecule 1, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, and IL-10 were evaluated in the infected nasal mucosa. Results: . The HRV infection rates were not significantly different between the allergy (74.4%) and non-allergy (72.7%) groups. In the allergy group, the expression of PD-L1 (P=0.013) and IL-10 (P=0.040) was significantly elevated in the HRV-infected tissues, and there was a strong correlation between PD-L1 and IL-10 (r=0.868, P<0.001). In contrast, infected tissues from the non-allergy group displayed increased levels of IL-4 (P=0.039), IL-5 (P=0.023), and IFN-γ (P=0.031), as well as an increased IL-4/IFN-γ ratio, after HRV infection (P=0.043). Conclusion . This study showed that HRV infection rates were similar in the nasal mucosa of patients with CRS regardless of the presence of allergic rhinitis. HRV infection enhanced the Th2 environment by modulating PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression levels in allergic mucosa and by increasing the IL-4/IFN-γ ratio in non-allergic mucosa.

We examined the precision, accuracy, and capability of detecting changes of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for the measurements of total-body weight (TBW), total-body fat weight (TBFW), and total-body lean weight (TBLW) in an 8-week follow-up study of rats. Twenty male rats (4-week) were divided into 2 diet groups. For 8 weeks, we measured body composition (TBW, TBFW, TBLW) by DXA and TBW by an electronic scale once a week. In week 8, we measured body composition 5 times by DXA and TBFW by dissecting experiment (EXP) of euthanized rats (12-week). Total-body fat ratio (TBFR) was defined as TBFW/(TBFW+TBLW). The precision of DXA was evaluated by measuring the coefficient of variation (CV) and accuracy was evaluated by comparing DXA-derived data with EXP data. The capability of detecting changes of DXA in follow-up study was verified by analyzing the trend of DXA-derived values over the 8 weeks. For TBW, TBFW, TBLW of DXA, CVs were 0.02 ± 0.01, 0.10 ± 0.05, 0.03 ± 0.02 and errors were − 6.996 ± 3.429 (r = 0.999), + 14.729 ± 3.663 (r = 0.982), − 21.725 ± 4.223 (r = 0.991), respectively. Prediction models were [EXP TBW = − 31.767 + 1.085 (DXA TBW), R2 = 0.998, root mean square error (RMSE) = 1.842] and [EXP TBFR = − 0.056 + 1.177 (DXA TBFR), R2 = 0.948, RMSE = 0.007]. Over 8 weeks, DXA TBW and DXA TBLW steadily increased, DXA TBFW steadily increased followed by saturation or declination, difference of DXA TBFW between 2 diet groups steadily increased. In conclusion, our study verified that DXA (iNSiGHT VET DXA, OsteoSys, Korea) is accurate and precise enough to measure body composition of rats. Additionally, we confirmed the possibility that DXA could be used for the long-term follow-up studies.
Absorptiometry, Photon ; Animals ; Body Composition ; Diet ; Diet, High-Fat ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity ; Rats

Stem cells have attracted much attention due to their distinct features that support infinite self-renewal and differentiation into the cellular derivatives of three lineages. Recent studies have suggested that many stem cells both embryonic and adult stem cells reside in a specialized niche defined by hypoxic condition. In this respect, distinguishing functional differences arising from the oxygen concentration is important in understanding the nature of stem cells and in controlling stem cell fate for therapeutic purposes. ROS act as cellular signaling molecules involved in the propagation of signaling and the translation of environmental cues into cellular responses to maintain cellular homeostasis, which is mediated by the coordination of various cellular processes, and to adapt cellular activity to available bioenergetic sources. Thus, in this review, we describe the physiological role of ROS in stem cell fate and its effect on the metabolic regulation of stem cells.
Adult Stem Cells ; Cues ; Energy Metabolism ; Glucose ; Homeostasis ; Metabolism* ; Oxygen ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Stem Cells*

PURPOSE: To analyze the characteristics and surgical results in cervical myelopathy patients caused by soft disc herniation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1997 to August 1998. The authors treated cervical myelopathy patients who had a soft disc herniation. We evaluated the symptoms and signs, simple X-rays, the MRI, the JOA score and Hirabayashi's recovery rate. RESULTS: On simple X-ray, the narrowest A-P diameter was 13 mm, as the average was 14.9 mm, and no bony structural stenosis was found. On MRI, the average of the cord compression was 2.92 mm, and the average A-P compression ratio was 40.2%. An intermediate to high signal change in the cord was found in 8 cases. All patients improved after surgery and the average Hirabayashi's recovery rate was 61.1%. CONCLUSION: If, cord compression due to posterior soft disc herniation is severe, patients can have cervical myelopathy. Lateral disc herniation can also be a cause of cervical myelopathy. Cervical myelopathy due to soft disc herniation can be treated with a good results by using an anterior discectomy and interbody fusion method.
Constriction, Pathologic ; Diskectomy ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Spinal Cord Diseases*

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical diagnosis, treatment and results of the intraarticular ganglion of the knee joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 1996 to May 1999, nine patients were taken arthroscopic excision of the intraarticular ganglion. Diagnosis was based on history, thorough physical examination and MRI and confirmed by biopsy. RESULTS: As seen in the internal derangement of the knee, symptoms of the intraarticular ganglion were varied from asymptom to pain, effusion and limitation of motion. After arthroscopic excision, eight of nine patients were improved satisfactorily. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic rate of the intraarticular ganglion in the knee would be increased after the introduction of MRI and the results would be improved using arthroscopy. In the case of chronic nonspecific knee pain and limitation of motion, the possibility of the intraarticular ganglion might be considered.
Arthroscopy ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis ; Ganglion Cysts* ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; Knee* ; Ligaments* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Physical Examination

PURPOSE: To correlate clinical results of arthroscopic debridement of degenerative knee with preoperative factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective survey of 61 patients (81 knees) with degenerative arthritis of knee treated with arthroscopic debridement from June 1995 to June 1997 was conducted. The average follow-up period was 22.7 months (12-35 months). There were 6 male and 55 female patients. The average age was 61.1 years. The arthroscopic procedure included excision of osteophytes, removal of loose body, meniscal trimming, synovectomy and irrigation of the knee joint. Statistical analysis was done for parameters such as knee alignment, joint space narrowing, flexion contracture, meniscal tear, articular cartilage degeneration, age, follow-up period and preoperative Insall knee score. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference in clinical results was noted in the separate subgroups for radiographic alignment (chi-square test, P=0.007) and degree of cartilage degeneration (P=0.006). Those patients with joint space narrowing, flexion contracture, meniscal tear or low Insall knee score had poor results after arthroscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Though the result of arthroscopic debridement of degenerative knee is known to be unpredictable, some preoperative factors are correlated with poor outcomes, and arthroscopic treatment should be carefully selected.
Arthroscopy ; Cartilage ; Cartilage, Articular ; Contracture ; Debridement ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joints ; Knee Joint ; Knee* ; Male ; Osteoarthritis ; Osteophyte ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: During interlocking nailing the displaced butterfly fragments can be left in situ or reduced by opening the fracture site. The purpose of this study is to investigate the fate of the displaced comminuted butterfly fragments when left unreduced and factors that influences fracture union in comminuted femoral fracture after closed interlocking nailing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Out of 95 closed interlocking nailings done for fractured femur from July 1990 to July 1993, 43 femoral fractures that had comminuted fragments larger than 1 cm were followed for more than 18 months postoperatively, The correlations between the size of the comminuted fragments, its distance from the femoral shaft, the angulation of the fragment, the gap of the main fracture sites and bone union were analyzed. RESULTS: The distance between the fragment and the femoral shaft and angulation spontaneously decreased gradually, even the fractures having inverted fragments were united uneventfully, and the union rate of the fractures with gap less than 3 mm was higher than those with gap greater than 3 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The displaced fragment need not be reduced by open method and minimizing the fracture gap is recommended in increasing the union rate.
Butterflies ; Femoral Fractures* ; Femur ; Fractures, Comminuted

42 knees with degenerative arthritis underwent arthroscopic lavage and 7 knees underwent arthroscopic lavage combined with multiple bone drilling in between 1994 and 1995 and followed average 12 months. Clinical evaluation using the hospita1 for specia] surgery knee scores (HSS scores) was done at last follow up and classified into 4 groups: excellent (90-99), good (80-89), fair (70-79) and poor (less than 70). The results were as follows: l. Of the 42 knees of the lavage group, 6 knees (16%) was excellent, 14 knees (33%) good, ]7 knees (40%) fair and 5 (11%) knees poor. Success group (Excellent & Good) were achived in 20 knees (49%). 2. Of 17 knees treated with arthroscopic lavage comhined with multiple bone drillig resulted in excellent in 9 knees (53%), good in 4 knees (23%), fair in 2 knees (12%) and poor in 2 knees (12%). Success group were achived in 13 knees (76%). 1n conclusion, we helieve that multiple bone drilling in conjunction with arthroscopic lavage has more favorable effect on the pain relief for degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee than arthroscopic lavage only.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee* ; Osteoarthritis* ; Therapeutic Irrigation*

This study was designed to evaluate of the effects ofB-estradiol, progesterone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, calcitriol and alfacalcidol on the cell proliferation and differentiation in the rat osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells ROS 17/2.8. The proliferation of ROS 17/2.8 cell treated with 1 M B-estradiol, 1 M progesterone, 1 M hydrocortisone, 1 M dexamethasone, 10 (-8) M calcitriol and 10 (-8) M alfacalcidol was decreased by 19%, 56%, 60%, 64%, 28% and 38% of control, respetively. Production of TGF-Bl by ROS 17/2.8 cells treated with B-estradiol, progesterone, hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, calcitriol and alfacalcidol was elevated by 30%, 18%, 60%, 48%, 405% and 452% of control, respectively. Alkaline phosphatase activity of ROS 17/2.8 cell treated with hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, calcitriol and alfacalcidol was increased by 3.4 times, 12.9 times, 10.0 times and 5.1 times of control, respectively, but with B-estradiol and progesterone decreased by 39% and 10% of control respectively. Northern blot experiments demonstrated that calcitriol and alfacalcidol increased mRNA levels of both osteocalcin and osteopontin.
Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Blotting, Northern ; Calcitriol ; Cell Proliferation ; Dexamethasone ; Hydrocortisone ; Osteoblasts* ; Osteocalcin ; Osteopontin ; Osteosarcoma ; Progesterone ; Rats ; RNA, Messenger ; Steroids* ; Vitamin D* ; Vitamins*