Cephalopods have the most advanced nervous systems and intelligent behavior among all invertebrates. Their brains provide comparative insights for understanding the molecular and functional origins of the human brain. Although brain maps that contain information on the organization of each subregion are necessary for a study on the brain, no whole brain atlas for adult cephalopods has been constructed to date. Here, we obtained sagittal and coronal sections covering the entire brain of adult Octopus minor (Sasaki), which belongs to the genus with the most species in the class Cephalopoda and is commercially available in East Asia throughout the year. Sections were stained using Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) to visualize the cellular nuclei and subregions. H&E images of the serial sections were obtained at 30~70-µm intervals for the sagittal plain and at 40~80-µm intervals for the coronal plain. Setting the midline point of the posterior end as the fiducial point, we also established the distance coordinates of each image. We found that the brain had the typical brain structure of the Octopodiformes. A number of subregions were discriminated by a Hematoxylin-positive layer, the thickness and neuronal distribution pattern of which varied markedly depending upon the region. We identified more than 70 sub-regions based on delineations of representative H&E images. This is the first brain atlas, not only for an Octopodiformes species but also among adult cephalopods, and we anticipate that this atlas will provide a valuable resource for comparative neuroscience research.
Adult ; Arm* ; Brain* ; Cephalopoda ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Far East ; Hematoxylin ; Histology, Comparative ; Humans ; Invertebrates ; Nervous System ; Neurons ; Neurosciences ; Octopodiformes*

Infection of cattle with bovine leukemia virus (BLV) has been observed and reported worldwide, including in Korea. The onsite identification of infected cattle would help decreasing and eradicating BLV infections on farms. Here, we present a new immunochromatographic assay that employs monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) for the detection of antibodies against BLV in the field. BLV envelope glycoprotein (gp)51 was expressed in E. coli, and MAbs against recombinant BLV gp51 were generated for the development of an immunochromatographic assay to detect BLV antibodies in cattle. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were determined by comparing these results with those obtained from a standard enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 160 bovine sera were used to evaluate the new immunochromatographic assay. Using ELISA as a reference standard, the relative specificity and sensitivity of this assay were determined to be 94.7% and 98%, respectively. Because of its high sensitivity and specificity, this BLV antibody detection assay would be suitable for the onsite identification of BLV infection in the field.
Agriculture ; Animals ; Antibodies* ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Cattle ; Deltaretrovirus Antibodies ; Deltaretrovirus Infections ; Enzootic Bovine Leukosis* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Glycoproteins ; Immunochromatography* ; Korea ; Leukemia Virus, Bovine* ; Sensitivity and Specificity

Pseudoachalasia secondary to primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the liver is extremely rare and has not been reported until now. Here, we report a unique case of primary SCC of the liver initially presenting with progressive dysphagia along with short periods of significant weight loss. A 58-year-old man initially presented with progressive dysphagia along with significant weight loss over brief periods of time. The radiographic and manometric findings were consistent with achalasia. Subsequent esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a moderately dilated esophagus without evidence of neoplasm or organic obstruction. However, firm resistance was encountered while traversing the esophagogastric junction (EGJ), although no mucosal lesion was identified. Due to the clinical suspicion of the presence of a malignant tumor, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and computed tomography scans of the chest and abdomen were obtained. A huge hepatic mass with irregular margins extending to the EGJ was found. EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed, and the mass was diagnosed as a primary SCC of the liver by immunohistochemical staining.
Abdomen ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Deglutition Disorders ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Endosonography ; Esophageal Achalasia ; Esophagogastric Junction ; Esophagus ; Humans ; Liver ; Middle Aged ; Thorax ; Weight Loss

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the gold standard of management of gallstone disease. LC is associated with a two-to-four times higher incidence of bile duct injury, which is a rare but more serious complication than open cholecystectomy. We reviewed our experiences with the management of bile duct injury during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: From January 1999 to April 2009, 13 patients with bile duct injuries following LC were managed in our hospital. Patients' charts were retrospectively reviewed to analyze perioperative management. RESULTS: Among the 13 patients, 7 patients sustained their bile duct injuries at our hospital. Six patients were referred to our hospital to manage their bile duct injuries. Five patients' injuries were identified during LC. According to the Strasberg classification, there are 5 cases of type A, 2 cases of type C, 1 case of type D and 5 cases of type E injuries. Four type A bile duct injuries were treated by direct ductal ligation during LC and 1 type A bile duct injury and 1 type C bile duct injury were managed by non-surgical treatment. Type D and type E injuries were managed by Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. CONCLUSION: Bile duct injuries are a rare but serious complications that occur during laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Most minor bile duct injuries are well treatable with non-surgical management, whereas major bile duct injuries require surgical management. The combination of non-surgical management and surgical treatment results in successful outcomes in bile duct injuries.
Bile ; Bile Ducts ; Cholecystectomy ; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic ; Gallstones ; Humans ; Incidence ; Ligation ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND: As indicators of obesity, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and adiponectin are well known risk factor for diabetes mellitus. The objectives of this study were to measure the independent association between these obesity indicators and diabetes and to examine the combined effect of these indicators on diabetes in a Korean population. METHODS: The WC, BMI, and serum adiponectin were measured in 6,505 healthy Koreans and were classified into tertile groups for men and women. The independent and combined associations of the obesity indicators with diabetes were measured using logistic regression analyses. Diabetes was defined as fasting serum glucose greater than 126 mg/dL or taking medication. RESULTS: Levels of adiponectin were inversely associated with BMI and WC and directly associated with age and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) cholesterol (P <0.001). After adjusting for age, WC, and other lifestyle factors, low levels of adiponectin were associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes. Further adjustment for HDL cholesterol and triglyceride attenuated this association in both men and women. The best cut-off value of adiponectin in terms of identifying the presence of diabetes was 5.5 /ml with a sensitivity and specificity of 46.7% and 63.9% for men and 9.5 /ml with a sensitivity and specificity of 68.2% and 55.2 for women. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that adiponectin was associated with diabetes. The association was independent of WC and was partly modified by HDL and triglyceride. There were no effect modifications of adiponectin with WC on diabetes.
Adiponectin* ; Blood Glucose ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Fasting ; Female ; Humans ; Life Style ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Obesity ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Triglycerides ; Waist Circumference

PURPOSES: To develop a rapid, sensitive, qualitative ELISA-kit for serum adiponectin and examine correlation with adiponectin and cardiovascular risk factors. METHODS: On the base of monoclonal antibodies against adiponectin, apply indirect ELISA to study the performance parameter of the kit. The correlation was examined between adiponectin and cardiovascular risk factors including waist circumference, body mass index, triglyceride, and HDL cholesterol. RESULTS: The limited concentration of detection of the ELISA-kit was 1ug/ml. Linearity with R&D system and AdipoGen with this ELISA-kit was acceptable: the linear equation with R&D system was y=1.0116x + 0.4629 (R2=0.97) and linear equation with AdipoGen was y=0.9562x + 1.1961 (R2=0.93), respectively. The average recovery rate of the ELISA-kit ranged 92 to 104%. The correlation coefficient of waist circumference with adiponectin was -0.2276 (p<0.0001) among men and -0.2328 (p<0.0001) among women. CONCLUSION: This ELISA-kit was quick, sensitive, and stable and can be used to determine adiponectin in serum.
Adiponectin* ; Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Body Mass Index ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Risk Factors* ; Triglycerides ; Waist Circumference

Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) is associated with recent streptococcal infections. However, PSRA is distinct from acute rheumatic fever by its clinical manifestations: non-migrating arthritis, erythema nodosum or erythema multiforme, and transient elevation of serum transaminases. We experienced a 33-year-old man who presented with fever, arthritis of both knees and ankles, and erythema nodosums on extensor surfaces of lower legs which developed 6 days after the onset of pharyngitis symptoms. Blood and urine cultures were negative. Throat culture was negative for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The ASO titers increased up to 2080 IU/mL in sequential monitoring. The result of bone scan was compatible to arthritis of both knees and ankles. There were no signs or symptom of carditis. He showed clinical improvement with anti-inflammatory drugs (naproxen 1,000 mg/day and prednisolone 7.5 mg/d). PSRA should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with arthritis combined with fever.
Adult ; Ankle ; Arthritis ; Arthritis, Reactive* ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Erythema Multiforme ; Erythema Nodosum ; Fever ; Humans ; Knee ; Leg ; Myocarditis ; Pharyngitis ; Pharynx ; Prednisolone ; Rheumatic Fever ; Streptococcal Infections ; Streptococcus ; Transaminases

Poststreptococcal reactive arthritis (PSRA) is associated with recent streptococcal infections. However, PSRA is distinct from acute rheumatic fever by its clinical manifestations: non-migrating arthritis, erythema nodosum or erythema multiforme, and transient elevation of serum transaminases. We experienced a 33-year-old man who presented with fever, arthritis of both knees and ankles, and erythema nodosums on extensor surfaces of lower legs which developed 6 days after the onset of pharyngitis symptoms. Blood and urine cultures were negative. Throat culture was negative for group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus. The ASO titers increased up to 2080 IU/mL in sequential monitoring. The result of bone scan was compatible to arthritis of both knees and ankles. There were no signs or symptom of carditis. He showed clinical improvement with anti-inflammatory drugs (naproxen 1,000 mg/day and prednisolone 7.5 mg/d). PSRA should be included in the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with arthritis combined with fever.
Adult ; Ankle ; Arthritis ; Arthritis, Reactive* ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Erythema Multiforme ; Erythema Nodosum ; Fever ; Humans ; Knee ; Leg ; Myocarditis ; Pharyngitis ; Pharynx ; Prednisolone ; Rheumatic Fever ; Streptococcal Infections ; Streptococcus ; Transaminases

BACKGROUND: To detect active tuberculosis, clinicians usually rely on several methods those are so limited. As the prevalence rate of tuberculosis is high in Korea, culture is not so very effective in clinical use. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) featuring rapidness and high sensitivity offers low specificity and it requires high test cost, complicated skills, expensive equipment. This study attempted to determine if the immunochromatographic assay, intended to measure antibodies using 38 kDa antigens, is valuable as a new method to diagnose active tuberculosis, by comparing it with existing acid-fast stain (AFB stain) and PCR. METHODS: The sera were collected from 31 BCG-vaccinated healthy persons and 55 patients subjected to AFB stain and PCR who visited Pohang Hospital of Dongguk University or Kyungpook National University Hospital, and then kept at -20degrees C until experiment. Fifty-five patients subjected to AFB stain and PCR were composed of 24 active tuberculosis patients and 31 non-TB patients. The evaluation of active tuberculosis was based on clinical criteria. RESULTS: The detection rate of antibody by the immunochromatographic method accounted for 83% in the active TB group, and each 6% in both the non-TB group and the healthy control group. The sensitivities of AFB stain, PCR and immunochromatographic method accounted for 67%, 88% and 83%, respectively, the specificities for 94%, 86% and 94%, respectively, the positive predictive values for 89%, 84% and 91%, respectively, and the negative predictive values for 78%, 89% and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that the immunochromatographic method can be used for the rapid diagnostic method of active tuberculosis in an area with high prevalence value of tuberculosis like Korea. In addition, the immunochromatographic method showed the sensitivity approximate to that of PCR, the same specificity as AFB stain, and a high positive and negative predictive values. So it was expected not only to be greatly helpful for the diagnosis of active tuberculosis but also to be more useful in clinical practices because of short examination time, no special equipment and skills required, and inexpensive examination.
Antibodies ; Diagnosis* ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Immunochromatography* ; Korea ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevalence ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Tuberculosis*

Iodinated contrast-induced acute renal failure is estimated to occur in 0.15 to 2% of all patients undergoing contrast imaging studies. Incidence is higher in patients with renal insufficiency, diabetes mellitus, dehydration, multiple myeloma, congestive heart failure, advanced age. We here report successful vascular interventional procedure by using gadopentetate dimeglumine(Gd-DTPA) as a contrast agent in a patient with chronic renal insufficiency and right superficial femoral artery stenosis. The patient had a history of iodinated contrast-induced acute renal failure. Gd-DTPA(0.17mmoVkg) diluted 1: 1 with 0.9% norrnal saline was used as contrast agent for the interventional procedure. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty was successfully performed and there was no evidence of contrast material- induced acute renal failure after the procedure. Gd- DTPA is an alternative contrast agent for patients with chronic renal insufficiency.
Acute Kidney Injury ; Angioplasty* ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Dehydration ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Femoral Artery ; Gadolinium DTPA* ; Heart Failure ; Humans ; Incidence ; Multiple Myeloma ; Pentetic Acid ; Renal Insufficiency ; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic*