Toxoplasma gondii is an apicomplexan parasite that can cause toxoplasmosis in a wide range of warm-blooded animals including humans. In this study, we analyzed seroprevalence of T. gondii among 467 school children living in the rural areas of Pyin Oo Lwin and Naung Cho, Myanmar. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii among school children was 23.5%; 22.5% of children were positive for T. gondii IgG, 0.4% of children were positive for T. gondii IgM, and 0.6% of children were positive for both T. gondii IgG and IgM. Geographical factors did not significantly affect the seroprevalence frequency between Pyin Oo Lwin and Naung Cho, Myanmar. No significant difference was found between males (22.2%) and females (25.0%). The overall seroprevalence among school children differed by ages (10 years old [13.6%], 11–12 years old [19.8%], 13–14 years old [24.6%], and 15–16 years old [28.0%]), however, the result was not significant. Polymerase chain reaction analysis for T. gondii B1 gene for IgG-positive and IgM-positive blood samples were negative, indicating no direct evidence of active infection. These results collectively suggest that T. gondii infection among school children in Myanmar was relatively high. Integrated and improved strategies including reinforced education on toxoplasmosis should be implemented to prevent and control T. gondii infection among school children in Myanmar.
Animals ; Child ; Education ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulin M ; Male ; Myanmar ; Parasites ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Toxoplasma ; Toxoplasmosis

To investigate the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pork on the market in Korea, an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for tissue fluid (CAU-tf-ELISA) was developed using a soluble extract of T. gondii RH strain tachyzoites. As the standard positive controls, the piglets were experimentally infected with T. gondii: Group A (1,000 cysts-containing bradyzoites), Group B (500 cysts-containing bradyzoites) and Group C (1.0×103 or 1.0×104 tachyzoites). The CAU-tf-ELISA demonstrated infection intensity-dependent positivity toward tissue fluids with average cut-off value 0.15: 100% for Group A, 93.8% for Group B and 40.6% for Group C. When tissue-specific cut-off values 0.066–0.199 were applied, CAU-tf-ELISA showed 96.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive and 90.0% negative predictive values. When compared with the same tissue fluids, performance of CAU-tf-ELISA was better than that of a commercial ELISA kit. Of the 583 Korea domestic pork samples tested, anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected from 9.1% of whole samples and 37.9% from skirt meat highest among pork parts. In the 386 imported frozen pork samples, 1.8% (skirt meat and shoulder blade) were positive for anti-T. gondii antibodies. In Korea, prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in the pork on retail markets appeared high, suggesting that regulations on pig farming and facilities are necessary to supply safe pork on the tables.
Agriculture ; Antibodies ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Korea ; Meat ; Prevalence ; Red Meat ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Shoulder ; Social Control, Formal ; Toxoplasma

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Abnormal visceral sensitivity and disordered motility are common in patients with diabetes mellitus. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether visceral sensation and bowel motility were altered in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by weight loss. METHODS: A type 2 diabetic rat model in adulthood was developed by administrating streptozotocin (STZ; 90 mg/kg, i.p.) to neonatal rats. Eight weeks after STZ administration, rats with blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher were selected and used as diabetic group (n = 35) in this study. Abdominal withdrawal reflex and arterial pulse rate were measured to examine visceral nociception induced by colorectal distension (0.1-1.0 mL). The amplitude, frequency, and area under the curve (AUC) of spontaneous phasic contractions of colonic circular muscles were recorded in vitro to examine colonic motility. RESULTS: STZ-treated diabetic rats gained significantly less weight for 8 weeks than control (P < 0.01). Forty-eight percent of the diabetic rats showed enhanced visceral nociceptive response to colorectal distension. Diabetic rats did not differ from control rats in colorectal compliance. However, the frequency and AUC, not the amplitude, of colonic spontaneous contraction in vitro was significantly decreased in diabetic rats compared to control rats (P < 0.01 in frequency and P < 0.05 in AUC). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate visceral hypersensitivity and colonic dysmotility in a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus accompanied by weight loss.
Animals ; Area Under Curve ; Blood Glucose ; Colon* ; Compliance ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Models, Animal ; Muscles ; Nociception ; Rats* ; Reflex ; Sensation ; Streptozocin ; Weight Loss

The relationship between anti-Plasmodium vivax circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antibody levels and the prevalence of malaria in epidemic areas of South Korea was evaluated. Blood samples were collected from inhabitants of Gimpo-si (city), Paju-si, and Yeoncheon-gun (county) in Gyeonggi-do (province), as well as Cheorwon-gun in Gangwon-do from November to December 2004. Microscopic examinations were used to identify malaria parasites. ELISA was used to quantitate anti-circumsporozoite protein (CSP) antibodies against P. vivax. A total of 1,774 blood samples were collected. The overall CSP-ELISA-positive rate was 7.7% (n=139). The annual parasite incidences (APIs) in these areas gradually decreased from 2004 to 2005 (1.09 and 0.80, respectively). The positive rate in Gimpo (10.4%, 44/425) was the highest identified by CSP-ELISA. The highest API was found in Yeoncheon, followed by Cheorwon, Paju, and Gimpo in both years. The positive rates of CSP-ELISA were closely related to the APIs in the study areas. These results suggest that seroepidemiological studies based on CSP may be helpful in estimating the malaria prevalence in certain areas. In addition, this assay can be used to establish and evaluate malaria control and eradication programs in affected areas.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Antibodies, Protozoan/*blood ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Malaria, Vivax/*blood/*epidemiology/parasitology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Plasmodium vivax/*immunology/physiology ; Prevalence ; Protozoan Proteins/immunology ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the clinical and radiological long-term follow-up results of patients with femoral head fracture who received surgical treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective evaluation was performed for 20 patients with femoral head fracture who received surgical treatments between December 1997 and May 2010. According to Pipkin's classification, there were five type I, six type II, one type III, and eight type IV fractures. RESULTS: The average Merle d'Aubigne'-Postel score was 12.8 (12.80+/-3.53). According to surgical method, the score for the bony fragment excision group was 9.8 (9.83+/-2.79), and that for the open reduction and internal fixation group was 13.9 (13.92+/-3.07). Depending on Thompson-Epstein criteria, two patients were good, two were fair, and two were poor in the bony fragment excision group. Four patients were excellent, six were good, and three were poor in the open reduction and internal fixation group. CONCLUSION: Bony fragment excision should be performed with caution in patients with femoral head fracture. Considering fragment size, location, and presence of acetabular fracture, better outcome can be expected using the open reduction and internal fixation method in comparison with excision.
Acetabulum ; Classification ; Follow-Up Studies ; Head* ; Hip Joint ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies

Plasmodium vivax reemerged in the Republic of Korea (ROK) in 1993, and is likely to continue to affect public health. The purpose of this study was to measure levels of anti-P. vivax antibodies using indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) in border areas of ROK, to determine the seroprevalence of malaria (2003-2005) and to plan effective control strategies. Blood samples of the inhabitants in Gimpo-si, Paju-si, and Yeoncheon-gun (Gyeonggi-do), and Cheorwon-gun (Gangwon-do) were collected and kept in Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC). Out of a total of 1,774 serum samples tested, the overall seropositivity was 0.94% (n=17). The seropositivity was the highest in Paju-si (1.9%, 7/372), followed by Gimpo-si (1.4%, 6/425), Yeoncheon-gun (0.67%, 3/451), and Cheorwon-gun (0.19%, 1/526). The annual parasite incidence (API) in these areas gradually decreased from 2003 to 2005 (1.69, 1.09, and 0.80 in 2003, 2004, and 2005, respectively). The highest API was found in Yeoncheon-gun, followed by Cheorwon-gun, Paju-si, and Gimpo-si. The API ranking in these areas did not change over the 3 years. The seropositivity of Gimpo-si showed a strong linear relationship with the API of 2005 (r=0.9983, P=0.036). Seropositivity data obtained using IFAT may be useful for understanding malaria prevalence of relevant years, predicting future transmission of malaria, and for establishing and evaluating malaria control programs in affected areas.
Antibodies, Protozoan/*blood ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect ; Humans ; Incidence ; Malaria, Vivax/*epidemiology ; Plasmodium vivax/*immunology ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Seroepidemiologic Studies

The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of DA-9801, an optimized extract of Dioscorea species, on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in a type 2 diabetic animal model. In this study, db/db mice were treated with DA-9801 (30 and 100 mg/kg, daily, p.o.) for 12 weeks. DA-9801 reduced the blood glucose levels and increased the withdrawal latencies in hot plate tests. Moreover, it prevented nerve damage based on increased nerve conduction velocity and ultrastructural changes. Decrease of nerve growth factor (NGF) may have a detrimental effect on diabetic neuropathy. We previously reported NGF regulatory properties of the Dioscorea genus. In this study, DA-9801 induced NGF production in rat primary astrocytes. In addition, it increased NGF levels in the sciatic nerve and the plasma of type 2 diabetic animals. DA-9801 also increased neurite outgrowth and mRNA expression of Tieg1/Klf10, an NGF target gene, in PC12 cells. These results demonstrated the attenuation of diabetic peripheral neuropathy by oral treatment with DA-9801 via NGF regulation. DA-9801 is currently being evaluated in a phase II clinical study.
Animals ; Astrocytes ; Blood Glucose ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 ; Diabetic Neuropathies ; Dioscorea* ; Mice* ; Models, Animal ; Nerve Growth Factor ; Neural Conduction ; Neurites ; PC12 Cells ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases* ; Plasma ; Rats ; RNA, Messenger ; Sciatic Nerve

PURPOSE: We retrospectively analyzed long-term clinical results after two-stage revision arthroplasty using an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer for infected total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six hips (group 1: cup exchanged, group 2: cup and stem exchanged) were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up period was 7.4 years (5 to 11 years). We analyzed the laboratory findings, the time interval between antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer insertion and revision arthroplasty, Harris hip score, Oxford hip score, radiologic changes, and recurrence of infection. RESULTS: Revision hip arthroplasty was performed at 7.5 weeks on average (group 1: 7.2 weeks, group 2: 7.7 weeks) after implant removal and cement spacer insertion. In group 1, Harris hip score was 51.1 points preoperatively, 84.4 points at six months, 89.3 points in at one year, 91.8 points at three years, and 89.8 points at five years. In group 2, the Harris hip score was 49.8 points preoperatively, 78.1 points at six months, 83.7 points at one year, 90.3 points at three years, and 88.7 points at five years. Recurrence of infection developed in one hip in each group. CONCLUSION: Ninety-two percent of infected hips were eradicated with two-stage revision arthroplasty using an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer for infected hip arthroplasty at minimum five-year follow-up. When the infection was limited to the hip joint and the stem was fixed well, two-stage revision with stem retained could be a good treatment option.
Arthroplasty* ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip Joint ; Hip* ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: This study aims to access the usefulness of indirect computed tomographic venography (CTV) after performing computed tomographic pulmonary angiography (CTPA) to detect deep venous thrombosis. METHODS: Eighty six patients who were diagnosed with deep venous thrombosis (DVT) were retrospectively enrolled in this study. All the patients had CTPA & CTV performed within 24 hours after Doppler ultrasound (US). The CTV was compared with Doppler US for their ability to diagnose DVT. Pulmonary embolism (PE) and other findings that were detected by CTPA & CTV were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 86 patients, 83 had thrombi detected by Doppler US. CTV did not detect DVT in 11 of the 83 patients. Among the 11 patients, 8 had below the knee thrombosis, which was not in the scan area of CTV. In 2 patients, their Doppler US results could not be guaranteed. One case was a false positive result on Doppler US. The results for determining the thrombi level between Doppler US and CTV were roughly concordant. In addition to DVT or PE, 32 new lesions in 27 patients were incidentally detected by CTPA & CTV. CONCLUSION: Compared with Doppler US, CTPA & CTV are not inferior to detect DVT of the lower extremities and these modalities can also provide information about incidental disease, as well as pulmonary embolism.
Angiography ; Benzoates ; Heterocyclic Compounds ; Humans ; Knee ; Lower Extremity ; Phlebography ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Retrospective Studies ; Thrombosis ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Ultrasonics ; Venous Thrombosis

PURPOSE: This study examined the rate of degeneration of acetabular cartilage by the bipolar head according to time, and also which clinical factors are related to the degeneration of acetabular cartilage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 192 patients (226 hip joints) who received bipolar hemiarthroplasty from August 1996 to August 2002, 61 patients (65 hip joints) were enrolled in this study, who were followed up for more than 2 years and showed no signs of dislocation, infection, or functional problems. A modified form of a computer assisted vector wear analysis program was used to measure the rate of degeneration of the acetabular cartilage. The factors that appeared to affect the rate of acetabular degeneration in the two groups was evaluated. RESULTS: The average linear degenerative change in the acetabular cartilage and the volumetric degenerative change were 0.23 +/- 0.107mm/year and 114 +/- 47.2mm3/year, respectively. The result showed significant differences in activity and HHS between the 2 groups. The HHS showed a reverse relationship with the linear degeneration and volumetric degeneration, and the activity showed a correlation with the linear and volumetric degeneration. CONCLUSION: The acetabular cartilage degenerates faster as the patient' activity increases, and slower with a higher HHS. When surgeons perform hip joint arthroplasty, it is strongly recommended that the life expectancy and the level of activity should be considered when deciding between a hemiarthroplasty and total hip arthroplasty.
Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip/*adverse effects ; Cartilage, Articular/*radiography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome