BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serologic markers in Korean patients newly diagnosed with, but not yet treated for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 210 patients newly diagnosed with IBD (109 with ulcerative colitis and 101 with Crohn's disease). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs), and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) levels were measured and compared with those of 1,100 sex- and age-matched controls. RESULTS: The prevalence of chronic HBV infection (positive HBsAg, positive anti-HBc, and negative anti-HBs results) and past infection (negative HBsAg, positive anti-HBc, and positive or negative anti-HBs results) were not significantly different between the patients and controls (chronic HBV infection: IBD, 3.8% vs. control, 4.9%, P=0.596; past infection: IBD, 26.2% vs. control, 28.8%, P=0.625). The patients with IBD aged < 20 years were at a higher susceptibility risk (nonimmune) for HBV infection than the controls (IBD, 41.5% vs. control, 22.4%; P=0.018). In the multivariate analysis, an age of < 20 years (P=0.024) and symptom duration of ≥12 months before diagnosis (P=0.027) were identified as independent risk factors for nonimmunity against HBV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The patients newly diagnosed with IBD were susceptible to HBV infection. The frequency of nonimmunity was high, especially in the patients aged < 20 years and those with a longer duration of symptoms before diagnosis. Therefore, it is necessary to screen for HBV serologic markers and generate a detailed vaccination plan for patients newly diagnosed with IBD.
Colitis, Ulcerative ; Crohn Disease ; Diagnosis ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus* ; Hepatitis B* ; Hepatitis* ; Humans ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases* ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Vaccination

SAPHO syndrome, characterized by synovitis, acne, pustulosis, hyperostosis, and osteitis is rare compared to other spondyloarthropathies. It is also difficult to diagnose, and treatment methods have not yet been fully identified. Approximately 72% of patients are diagnosed with at least one other disease before a final diagnosis of SAPHO syndrome. In addition, SAPHO syndrome is subject to a delayed diagnosis period of 4.5 to 9.1 years. Medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors are used in treatment of SAPHO syndrome. Bisphosphonate is also used for refractory SAPHO syndrome; however, most reports on this relate to intravenous injection of medication. The authors experienced and subsequently reported on a case involving a patient with SAPHO syndrome accompanied by fracture and infection of the left second finger who was treated with the oral biphosphonate, alendronate.
Acne Vulgaris ; Acquired Hyperostosis Syndrome* ; Alendronate* ; Antirheumatic Agents ; Delayed Diagnosis ; Diagnosis ; Fingers ; Humans ; Hyperostosis ; Injections, Intravenous ; Osteitis ; Spondylarthropathies ; Synovitis ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

The aim of this project was to use 3D scanning data collected at incident scenes and various evidence to 1) develop surveying methods based on 3D data consisting of overall and detailed scene evidence, captured by long-range and micros-canner, which can be shared by personnel working in different fields such as forensic medicine, video analysis, physical analysis, traffic engineering, and fire investigation; 2) create digital storage for human skeletons and set the foundation for virtual anthropology; and 3) improve the credibility of 3D evidence by virtual remodeling and simulation of incident scenes and evidence to provide a basis for advanced and high-tech scientific investigation. Two complete skeletons of male and female were scanned using 3D micro-scanner. Each bone was successfully reproduced and assembled in virtual space. In addition, recreating evidence scheduled for invasive examination by creating RP (rapid prototype) was possible. These outcomes could play an important role in setting up the new field of virtual anthropology. Case-specific surveying methods were developed through analysis of 3D scanning data collected by long-range surface scanners at the scenes of vehicular accidents, falls, shootings, and violent crimes. A technique and recording method was also developed for detecting forged seals by micro-scanning the pressure exerted on the seal. Appraisal methods developed in this project could be utilized to secure 3D data of human skeletal remains and incident scenes, create a standard for application, and increase objectivity, reproducibility, and accuracy of scanning methods. We plan to develop case-specific 3D data analysis techniques to improve the credibility of analysis at the NFS and to establish a 3D data collection and analysis team.
Crime ; Data Collection ; Female ; Fires ; Forensic Medicine ; Forensic Sciences ; Humans ; Male ; Skeleton ; Statistics as Topic

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), including L. plantarum isolated from Kimchi, are beneficial and safe microorganisms that improve disturbances of the indigenous microflora and the host's immune system. The adhesion abilities of Kimchi-derived L. plantarum PM008 and yogurt-derived L. casei were measured in vitro and in vivo. When L. plantarum or L. casei was incubated with Caco-2 cells, these Lactobacillus strains were potently attached. When these strains were orally administered to mice, the LABs were attached on the large intestine of mice. The attachment of L. plantarum on murine intestine or Caco-2 intestinal epithelial cell lines was more potent than that of L. casei, although numbers of LAB between their feces were not different. Treatment with either L. plantarum or L. casei for 14 days suppressed fecal beta-glucuronidase activity, although treatment for one day did not affect it. L. plantarum showed more potent inhibition than L. casei. In addition, L. plantarum and L. casei were stable to artificial gastric and intestinal juice. L. plantarum was more stable than L. casei. Based on these findings, the survival and adhesion effects of orally administered LAB strains in the intestine may increase numbers of LAB in intestine and express their biological activities.
Animals ; Bacteria ; Caco-2 Cells ; Epithelial Cells ; Feces ; Glucuronidase ; Humans ; Immune System ; Intestine, Large ; Intestines ; Lactic Acid ; Lactobacillus ; Lactobacillus casei ; Lactobacillus plantarum ; Mice ; Pyridines ; Thiazoles

PURPOSE: Second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (second TKIs) such as nilotinib and dasatinib control the activity of most ABL kinase domain mutations observed in patients with imatinib resistance. Although in vitro data show that both agents can inhibit all mutations except T315I, some discrepancies have been observed in a small subset of mutation clones. Cytogenetic clonal evolution is the important resistance mechanism of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Accordingly, we observed the clinical significance of coexisting with clonal evolution and BCR-ABL mutant in CML patients treated with second TKIs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We monitored BCR-ABL transcript kinetics, interrelationship of clones expressing non-mutated and mutant transcripts and clonal aberrations within Philadelphia (Ph) positive and negative clones, respectively, in eight patients with CML receiving dasatinib or nilotinib for 3~41 months. RESULTS: Clinical responses were correlated with in vitro sensitivity of the BCR-ABL mutants to the second TKIs in four patients. Four patients showed resistance to the second TKIs as compared to in vitro observations; three of them developed chromosomal abnormalities in the Ph chromosome positive or negative metaphases. Another patient lost the original mutation but acquired a more resistant new mutation and became resistant to the second TKI. CONCLUSION: Cytogenetic clonal evolution is an independent poor prognostic factor in CML, which could explain the onset of mechanisms for second TKIs resistance to ABL kinase domain mutations. The results indicate that an additional evaluation of chromosomal abnormalities is warranted when BCR-ABL mutants are more resistant than indicated by in vitro data.
Benzamides ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Clonal Evolution ; Clone Cells ; Cytogenetics ; Dasatinib ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Kinetics ; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive ; Metaphase ; Philadelphia ; Phosphotransferases ; Piperazines ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Pyrimidines ; Thiazoles ; Tyrosine ; Imatinib Mesylate

In addition to its well-known glycolytic activity, GAPDH displays multiple functions, such as nuclear RNA export, DNA replication and repair, and apoptotic cell death. This functional diversity depends on its intracellular localization. In this study, we explored the signal transduction pathways involved in the nuclear translocation of GAPDH using confocal laser scanning microscopy of immunostained human diploid fibroblasts (HDFs). GAPDH was present mainly in the cytoplasm when cultured with 10% FBS. Serum depletion by culturing cells in a serum-free medium (SFM) led to a gradual accumulation of GAPDH in the nucleus, and this nuclear accumulation was reversed by the re-addition of serum or growth factors, such as PDGF and lysophosphatidic acid. The nuclear export induced by the re-addition of serum or growth factors was prevented by LY 294002 and SH-5, inhibitors of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt/protein kinase B, respectively, suggesting an involvement of the PI3K signaling pathway in the nuclear export of GAPDH. In addition, 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide-1-beta-D-ribofuranoside (AICAR), an activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), stimulated the nuclear translocation of GAPDH and prevented serum- and growth factor-induced GAPDH export. AMPK inhibition by compound C or AMPK depletion by siRNA treatment partially prevented SFM- and AICAR-induced nuclear translocation of GAPDH. Our data suggest that the nuclear translocation of GAPDH might be regulated by the PI3K signaling pathway acting mainly as a nuclear export signal and the AMPK signaling pathway acting as a nuclear import signal.

Rituximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that specifically targets the CD20 molecule on the B cell surface. Although rituximab was originally introduced for the treatment of lymphoid neoplasms such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), it is now emerging as an effective and relatively safe therapeutic option for the patients with refractory immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We report here on a case of life-threatening toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) that was related with the use of rituximab in a patient with refractory ITP. The patient developed extensive erythematous papules and bullous lesions on his whole body associated with fever and visual disturbance during the second cycle of rituximab. The rituximab was discontinued and high dose intravenous immunoglobuline and steroid were administrated. Four weeks later, he fully recovered without any sequelae. A review of the literature reveals this to be the first reported case of TEN associated with rituximab injection in Korea.
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived ; Blister ; Epidermal Necrolysis, Toxic ; Fever ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Korea ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin ; Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic ; Rituximab

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of bone (PLB) is rare, and generally presents as a single extensive and destructive bone lesion. Histopathologically, most cases present as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and T-cell lymphoma is rare. By contrast, multiple myeloma is a disease defined as the neoplastic proliferation of a single clone of plasma cells producing a monoclonal immunoglobulin. We report a case of multiple myeloma that developed during treatment of PLB in a type of T-cell. A 48-yr-old man was diagnosed as T-cell PLB, stage IE, 18 months ago. The patient received the chemoradiotherapy and salvage chemotherapy for PLB. However, the lymphoma progressed with generalized bone pain, and laboratory findings showed bicytopenia and acute renal failure. On bone marrow biopsy, the patient was diagnosed as having multiple myeloma newly developed with primary T-cell lymphoma of bone. In spite of chemotherapy, the patient died of renal failure.
Bone Neoplasms/*complications/diagnosis/therapy ; Fatal Outcome ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Acute/etiology ; Lymphoma, T-Cell/*complications/diagnosis/therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Myeloma/*complications/diagnosis/therapy

This phase II study evaluated the efficacy and safety of combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in advanced gastric cancer. Patients with histologically confirmed gastric adenocarcinoma were eligible for the study. Paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2)) and cisplatin (75 mg/m(2)) were given as a 1-hr intravenous infusion on day 1, followed by 5-FU (750 mg/m(2)) as a 24-hr continuous infusion for 5 days. This cycle was repeated every 3 weeks. Forty-five eligible patients (median age, 56 yr) were treated in this way. Of the 41 patients in whom efficacy was evaluable, an objective response rate (ORR) was seen in 51.2% (95% CI, 0.35-0.67), a complete response in two, and a partial response in 19 patients. The median progression free survival was 6.9 months (95% CI, 5.86-7.94 months), and the median overall survival was 12.7 months (95% CI, 9.9-15.5). The main hematological toxicity was neutropenia and greater than grade 3 neutropenia was observed in twelve patients (54%). Febrile neutropenia developed in three patients (6.8%). The major non-hematological toxicities were asthenia and peripheral neuropathy, but most of patients showed grade 1 or 2. In conclusion, combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel, cisplatin, and 5-FU is a promising regimen, and was well tolerated in patients with advanced gastric cancer.
Adenocarcinoma/*drug therapy/mortality ; Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/*therapeutic use ; Cisplatin/administration & dosage ; Disease-Free Survival ; Female ; Fluorouracil/administration & dosage ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paclitaxel/administration & dosage ; Stomach Neoplasms/*drug therapy/mortality

Background: This retrospective study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness of the 8-French (Fr) catheter (Pleuracan(R)) for the initial treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between July 2004 and July 2006, 59 patients (72 cases) underwent a closed thoracostomy for primary spontaneous pneumothorax. We divided these patients into two groups: group T (large bore (>20 Fr) chest tube group) and group P (Pleuracan(R) group). RESULT: Initially, the Pleuracan(R) catheters were inserted in 41 cases. There were four catheter malfunctions (9.8%); three cases had a subsequent closed thoracostomy with a large bore chest tube. Ultimately, there were 34 cases in group T and 38 cases in group P. There were no significant differences in indwelling catheter time (T: 2.1+/-1.5 days, P: 2.1+/-1.3 days), hospital stay (T: 6.4+/-5.4 days, P: 5.2+/-2.9 days) and complications (T: 3%, P: 0%) between the two groups. The percentage of cases that needed intravenous analgesics in group P was 60% (23/38); this was significantly lower than the number for group T (90%, 31/34) (p=0.003). In a subgroup of patients that did not undergo bullectomy (T: 17 cases, P: 19 cases), there were no significant differences in the duration of air leakage (T: 0.5+/-0.7 days, P: 0.5+/-1.2 days) and in the percentage of patients with complete lung re-expansion (T: 94%, P: 84%) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Application of the Pleuracan(R) catheter for the initial treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax was as effective as the large bore chest tube.
Analgesics ; Catheters* ; Catheters, Indwelling ; Chest Tubes ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Lung ; Pneumothorax* ; Retrospective Studies ; Thoracostomy