Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.

Differentiated thyroid cancer demonstrates a wide range of clinical presentations, from very indolent cases to those with an aggressive prognosis. Therefore, diagnosing and treating each cancer appropriately based on its risk status is important. The Korean Thyroid Association (KTA) has provided and amended the clinical guidelines for thyroid cancer management since 2007. The main changes in this revised 2024 guideline include 1) individualization of surgical extent according to pathological tests and clinical findings, 2) application of active surveillance in low-risk papillary thyroid microcarcinoma, 3) indications for minimally invasive surgery, 4) adoption of World Health Organization pathological diagnostic criteria and definition of terminology in Korean, 5) update on literature evidence of recurrence risk for initial risk stratification, 6) addition of the role of molecular testing, 7) addition of definition of initial risk stratification and targeting thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations according to ongoing risk stratification (ORS), 8) addition of treatment of perioperative hypoparathyroidism, 9) update on systemic chemotherapy, and 10) addition of treatment for pediatric patients with thyroid cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Among non-pharmaceutical measures for preventing cognitive impairment, involving in social activities is known to be very effective. We tried to examine the correlation between social activity and cognitive function. METHODS: This study was based on the Suwon Project, a cohort comprising of non-random convenience samples of ethnic Koreans aged 60 years and above. All the subjects completed the study questionnaire which included demographic characteristics, current and past history of illnesses, drug history, Korean version of Mini Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), Korean version of Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale, and Beck Anxiety Inventory. We checked the time consumed in each 9 social activities through the checklist. RESULTS: On multiple logistic regression analysis, the total time spent in social activities wasinversely associated with the K-MMSE score after adjusting confounding variables like age, sex, education level, depression, anxiety and vascular risk factor (beta=-0.041, p=0.024). On the other hand, correlation was found between K-MMSE score and time spent in participating in religious party (beta=0.053, p=0.003) as well as time spent in elder's university (beta=0.040, p=0.025) after adjustingage, sex, education, depression, anxiety and vascular risk factor. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that involving in quality social activities might be more effective in improving cognitive function than spending longer total time in any social activity.
Aged ; Anxiety ; Cognition ; Cohort Studies ; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology) ; Depression ; Hand ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Risk Factors

PURPOSE: Popular use of fetal ultrasonography has increased to detect congenital hydronephrosis(CH) which is the most common anomaly prenatally detected. We'd like to determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of prenatally diagnosed CH and outcome of ureteropelvic junction stenosis(UPJS). METHODS: The records of births between January 1994 and June 2003 in Chonnam National University Hospital(CNUH), and the records of children who were diagnosed with CH in the Department of Pediatrics of CNUH during the above period, were retrospectively analyzed. In the patients with UPJS, the initial anterior posterior diameters of renal pelvis(APD) were compared between the spontaneous regression (SR) and operation group(OP). In the SR group, sequential regression rates of APD were estimated. RESULTS: Among a total 9,076 births, 231(2.54 percent) patients with 293 renal units were diagnosed as CH and 19(6.78 percent) renal units spontaneously regressed 3 days after birth. In 228 children(56 bilateral; 172 unilateral; total 284 renal units) diagnosed with CH in the department of pediatrics of CNUH, male(71.9 percent) and left kidney(69.2 percent) predilection were found and 78.1 percent of CH were caused by UPJS. The initial APD of the SR group(121 units) in UPJS was 7.8+/-6.28 mm, which was significantly smaller than the APD(26.8+/-12.14 mm) of the OP group(25 unit)(P<0.05). In the SR group, 81 percent spontaneously regressed within one year. CONCLUSIONS: In CH, male and left kidney predilection were found. UPJS was the most common cause of CH and initial APD in UPJS at 3 days of age was a good prognostic indicator. Close monitoring should be done for at least one year because most SR in UPJS regressed spontaneously within one year.
Child ; Constriction, Pathologic* ; Humans ; Hydronephrosis* ; Jeollanam-do ; Kidney ; Male ; Parturition ; Pediatrics ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography, Prenatal

PURPOSE: The improved availability of breast cancer screening, including mammography, has dramatically increased the detection rate of DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ). However, there has been controversy regarding the clinico-pathological characteristics and optimal management of DCIS. This analysis was conducted in order to evaluate the clinico- pathological findings of DCIS, and any possible correlations between the known prognostic factors. METHODS: We analyzed 58 consecutive cases of DCIS, from 1990 to 1995, including data on the annual proportion of DCIS to total breast cancer cases, the clinico-pathological characteristics and the expressions of ER, PR, c-erbB-2 and p53. The median length of follow-up was 98.5 months. RESULTS: The proportion of DCIS was 8.8%, with progressive increases from 1990 to 1995. The mean age at diagnosis was 47.1 years, with the peak of prevalence seen in women aged 40~49 years. The most common presentation was a palpable breast mass in 28 (48.3%) cases, but 18 (31%) patients were asymptomatic. The mammographic findings demonstrated calcification in 75% and mass density in 59.6%. There was only 1 (1.8%) case of a bilateral lesion, and 5 (8.6%) of multifocal or multicentric lesions. Axillary lymph nodes were positive in 5.5% of the patients who underwent an axillary dissection. Breast conserving operations were performed in 8 (13.8%) cases. The frequencies of ER, PR, c-erbB-2 and p53, positivity, by immunohistochemistry were 52, 50, 55.1 and 30.6%, respectively. c-erbB- 2 immunoreactivity was found more often in DCIS with larger size, higher nuclear grade and negative ER and PR (P= 0.011, P=0.001, P=0.002, and P=0.006, respectively). There was a significant association between higher nuclear grade and negative ER and PR, and comedotype (P=0.001, P= 0.000, and 0.008, respectively). Although an invasive ductal carcinoma had developed in 5.4% of the contralateral breasts, there were no cases of systemic relapse, or disease-specific mortality, at the last follow-up.
Breast Neoplasms ; Breast* ; Carcinoma, Ductal* ; Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating* ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymph Nodes ; Mammography ; Mass Screening ; Mortality ; Prevalence ; Recurrence

BACKGROUND: The pilots with cardiovascular events have a possibility for a risk of suffering from sudden incapacitation which is closely related to flying safety. The coagulation factors such as fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII are possibly related to cardiovascular events. Several studies for general population have shown that an increase of those coagulation factors with age, a correlation of Factor VII and fibrinogen with BMI, and of fibrinogen with smoking. However, this study is to find out whether pilots' age, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and smoking are related to the baseline measurement of coagulation factor VII, factor VIII and fibrinogen. METHOD: Samples were taken from 21 pilots from Asiana Airlines: 11 smokers and 10 non-smokers. In order to measure the relationship between age, body weight, BMI, and the coagulation factors, Pearson correlation was used in this analysis. Independent two sampled t-test was used to analyze the correlation between smoking and the coagulation factors. RESULTS: Mean age, mean height, mean body weight and mean BMI of pilots were examined: 38 years, 171.81 cm, 70.67 Kg and 23.94 Kg/m(2). Mean fibrinogen, mean factor VII, and mean factor VIII were also obtained: 236.0 mg/dl, 92.93%, and 60.16%. The coagulation factor VII, factor VIII and fibrinogen were not significant related to age, body weight, BMI, smoking of pilots. CONCLUSION: This study has no correlation between age, body weight, BMI, smoking and the coagulation factors because the age of this study does not have pilots with over 60 years old and healthy behaviors (e.g., exercise, smoking, drinking, etc.) of most pilots are relatively well.
Blood Coagulation Factors* ; Body Height* ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight* ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diptera ; Drinking ; Factor VII* ; Factor VIII ; Fibrinogen* ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Smoke* ; Smoking*