• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.53 no.2
• /
• pp.155-162
• /
• 2015

Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite with a broad range of intermediate hosts. Chickens as important food-producing animals can also serve as intermediate hosts. To date, experimental studies on the pathogenicity of T. gondii in broiler chickens were rarely reported. The objective of the present study was to compare the pathogenicity of 5 different T. gondii strains (RH, CN, JS, CAT2, and CAT3) from various host species origin in 10-day-old chickens. Each group of chickens was infected intraperitoneally with $5{\times}10^8$, $1{\times}10^8$, $1{\times}10^7$, and $1{\times}10^6$ tachyzoites of the 5 strains, respectively. The negative control group was mockly inoculated with PBS alone. After infection, clinical symptoms and rectal temperatures of all the chickens were checked daily. Dead chickens during acute phage of the infection were checked for T. gondii tachyzoites by microscope, while living cases were checked for T. gondii infection at day 53 post-inoculation (PI) by PCR method. Histopathological sections were used to observe the pathological changes in the dead chickens and the living animals at day 53 PI. No significant differences were found in survival periods, histopathological findings, and clinical symptoms among the chickens infected with the RH, CN, CAT2, and CAT3 strains. Histopathological findings and clinical symptoms of the JS (chicken origin) group were similar to the others. However, average survival times of infected chickens of the JS group inoculated with $5{\times}10^8$ and $1{\times}10^8$ tachyzoites were 30.0 and 188.4 hr, respectively, significantly shorter than those of the other 4 mammalian isolates. Chickens exposed to $10^8$ of T. gondii tachyzoites and higher showed acute signs of toxoplasmosis, and the lesions were relatively more severe than those exposed to lower doses. The results indicated that the pathogenicity of JS strain was comparatively stronger to the chicken, and the pathogenicity was dose-dependent.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.325-334
• /
• 2021

Purpose: Although dumping symptoms are thought to involve postprandial glycemic changes, postprandial glycemic variability without dumping symptoms remains poorly understood due to the lack of a method that allows the easy and continuous measurement of blood glucose levels. Materials and Methods: Patients having undergone distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I (DG-BI) or Roux-en-Y reconstruction (DG-RY), total gastrectomy with RY (TG-RY) and pylorus preserving gastrectomy (PPG) for gastric cancer 3 months to 3 years prior, diagnosed as pathological stage I or II, were prospectively enrolled from March 2018 to January 2020. The interstitial tissue glycemic levels were measured every 15 min, up to 14 days by continuous glucose monitoring. Moreover, using a diary recording the diet and symptoms, asymptomatic glucose profiles without sugar supplementation within 3 h postprandially were compared among the four procedures. Results: A total of 40 patients were enrolled, 10 patients for each of the four procedures. There were 47 glucose profiles with DG-BI, 46 profiles with DG-RY, 38 profiles with TG-RY, and 46 profiles with PPG. PPG showed the slowest increase with a subsequent gradual decrease in glucose fluctuations, without hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, among the four procedures. In contrast, TG-RY and DG-RY showed spike-like glycemic variability, sharp rises during meals, and rapid drops. The glucose profiles of DG-BI were milder than those of RY. Conclusions: The asymptomatic glycemic changes after meals differ among the types of surgical procedures for gastric cancer. Given the mild glycemic fluctuations in PPG and the glucose spikes in TG-RY and DG-RY, pylorus preservation and physiological reconstruction without changes in food pathways may optimize postprandial glucose profiles after gastrectomy.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.17 no.10
• /
• pp.1309-1314
• /
• 2007

Investigation on health conditions of Thai koi (Anabas testudineus) were carried out through clinical and histopathological observations from different farms of Mymensingh district for seven months during August 2006 to February 2007. Fish sampling and water quality parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen and pH) were monitored on a monthly basis. Clinical examination of fishes was also carried out for any kind of abnormalities at monthly intervals. Samples of skin, muscle, gill, liver and kidney were observed by histological technique. Among the water quality parameters the values of water temperature, dissolved oxygen were found to be at unfavorable level for fish during the colder months in the farms. Clinically it was observed that fishes were more affected from December to January and almost normal in appearance during August to September and February. Different clinical symptoms like scale loss, dermal lesion, ulcer and loss of caudal fin were noticed in December and January. In histopathological study, structures of fish organs were normal from August to September. In the months of October and November, minor pathologies were found to be started. Marked pathological changes like necrosis, pyknosis, inflammation, hemorrhage, hypertrophy, hyperplasia, missing of primary and secondary gill lamellae were observed in the months of December and January. Whereas, in the month of February the pathological condition of fish gradually reduced. Again when considered individual fish farm, fishes of Reliance Aqua Farm were more affected than Sotota Matshya Hatchery. The study showed that severity of clinical and pathological changes were increased in December and January. During the period EUS and protozoan diseases were noticed in A. testudineus of the investigated farms.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.29 no.1
• /
• pp.44-52
• /
• 2011

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes and prognostic factors of postoperative radiotherapy (PORT) for patients with pathological stage III non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) at a single institution. Materials and Methods: From 2000 to 2007, 88 patients diagnosed as having pathologic stage III NSCLC after curative resection were treated with PORT. There were 80 patients with pathologic stage IIIA and eight patients with pathologic stage IIIB in the AJCC 6th staging system. The majority of patients (n=83) had pathologic N2 disease, and 56 patients had single station mediastinal LN metastasis. PORT was administered using conventional technique (n=76) or three-dimensional conformal technique (n=12). The median radiation dose was 54 Gy (range, 30.6 to 63 Gy). Thirty-six patients received chemotherapy. Radiation pneumonitis was graded by the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group system, and other treatment-related toxicities were assessed by CTCAE v 3.0. Results: Median survival was 54 months (range, 26 to 77 months). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) rates were 45% and 38%, respectively. The number of metastatic lymph nodes was associated with overall survival (hazard ratio, 1.037; p-value=0.040). The 5-year locoregional recurrence free survival (LRFS) and distant metastasis free survival (DMFS) rates were 88% and 48%, respectively. Multiple stations of mediastinal lymph node metastasis was associated with decreased DFS and DMFS rates (p-value=0.0014 and 0.0044, respectively). Fifty-one relapses occurred at the following sites: 10 loco-regional, 41 distant metastasis. Grade 2 radiation pneumonitis was seen in three patients, and symptoms were well tolerated with anti-tussive medication. Grade 2 radiation esophagitis was seen in 11 patients. There were no grade 3 or more severe complications associated with PORT. Conclusion: Our retrospective data show that PORT for pathological stage III NSCLC is a safe and feasible treatment and could improve loco-regional control. The number of metastatic lymph nodes and stations of mediastinal lymph node metastasis were analyzed as prognostic factors. Furthermore, efforts are needed to reduce distant metastasis, which is a major failure pattern of advanced stage NSCLC.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.63-68
• /
• 2001

Purpose : To propose the diagnosis, 'hypertrophy of the anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)', and its clinical, radiological and pathological characteristics. Materials & Method : Since Dec. 1995, we have experienced 10 patients(12 knees) with hypertrophy of the ACL. There were 2 males and 8 females, and the age of the patients ranged from 35 to 67 years. Characteristics of clinical, radiological and pathological findings were analysed. Results : The chief complaint was insidious onset of dull pain on the knee which became worse with activity. The constant physical finding was painful limitation of full extension of the knee. Sagittal MR images showed diffuse swelling of the ACL, similar finding that could be seen in acute ACL tear. Arthroscopically, noted was a marked enlargement of the ACL causing notch impingement. Biopsies of the hypertrophied ACL showed increased collagenous tissue with variable degree of myxoid degeneration. With partial excision of the hypertrophied ACL with or without notchplasty, the symptoms improved in all. Conclusion : Hypertrophy of the ACL, a newly proposed diagnosis, should be considered be determining the cause of the painful knee, and further study should be done about its pathogenesis.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
• /
• v.23 no.3
• /
• pp.275-284
• /
• 2011

1. Objective: This literary review investigates Lee Jema's clinical experiences with Soyang-type patients and their influence on his conceptualization of the Soyang physiology and pathology. 2. Methods: 1) The case reports in "Soyang constitutional type: Spleen Cold-based Exterior-Cold disease" were compared before and after the Sinchuk revision to explore the temporal change in the Sasang medical concepts. 2) The texts in Donguisusebowon (Gabo edition) and Donguisusebowon (Sasangchobongwon) were analyzed to investigate the pathological concepts appearing before the completion of the Donguisusebowon (Gabo edition). 3) The texts in Donguisusebowon (Sinchuk edition) was analyzed to investigate the pathological concepts formed between the Gabo and Sinchuk editions of Donguisusebowon. 3. Results and Conclusions: 1) Gabo edition : The Gabo edition divided the External-origin Exterior disease into Cold-dominant (Heat-moderate) and Heat-dominant (Cold-moderate) patterns and differentiated the severity of Exterior-based Exterior disease and Interior-based Interior disease into mild, moderate, severe, and critical conditions. Cold-damage Delirium disease pattern was categorized as an Interior-based Interior disease, and the treatment protocol using Baekho-tang (Baihu-tang) was established. The stool condition and bowel movement reflecting the patient's defecation habits, the prime indicator of health in the Soyang constitutional type, were emphasized on their importance. 2) Sinchuk edition: The Delirium disease pattern was moved into the Exterior-cold disease, and the treatment protocol applying Jihwangbaekho-tang (Dihuangbaihu-tang) and Hyeongbangsabaek-san (Jingfangxiebai-san), with variational usage of Gypsum, was newly established. The Seong-Jeong and basal disease patterns were suggested as important factors in treating the patients. Also, it was proposed that the symptoms and signs reflecting the condition of the life-preserving energy be assessed to understand the patient's current condition. The importance of post-acute rehabilitation and aftercare as well as the most appropriate acute-stage treatment were emphasized.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.7
• /
• pp.3207-3210
• /
• 2014

Background: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive form of locally advanced breast cancer characterized by rapidly progressive breast erythema, pain and tenderness, oedema and paeu d'orange appearance. It accounts for 1-3% of all newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer in the west. Data on IBC from India are lacking. The aim of our study was to assess the clinical-pathological parameters and outcome of IBC at, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, a large tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: We screened 3,650 breast cancer cases registered from January 2004 to December 2012 and found 41 cases of IBC. Data included demographics as well as clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics, and were collected from clinical case records using the International Classification of Diseases code (C-50). Patients who presented with IBC as a recurrence, or who had a neglected and advanced breast cancer that simulated an IBC were excluded from this study. Results: The median age was 45 years (range 23-66). The median duration of symptoms was 5 months. The American Joint Committee on Cancer stage (AJCC) distribution was Stage III - 26 and IV - 15 patients. Estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) positivity and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2/neu) positivity were 50%, 46% and 60%, respectively. Triple negativity was found in 15% of the cases. All the non metastatic IBC patients received anthracycline and/ or taxane based chemotherapy followed by modified radical mastectomy, radiotherapy and hormonal therapy as indicated. Pathological complete remission rate was 15%. At a median follow-up of 30 months, the 3 year relapse free survival and overall survival were 30% and 40%respectively. Conclusion: IBC constituted 1.1% of all breast cancer patients at our centre. One third of these had metastatic disease at presentation. Hormone positivity and Her2 neu positivity were found in 50% and 60% of the cases, respectively.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.9
• /
• pp.5095-5099
• /
• 2013

Background: The overall incidence of breast cancer in South Asian countries, including Nepal, is low compared to Western countries. However, the incidence of breast cancer among young women is relatively high. Breast cancer in such cases is characterized by a relatively unfavorable prognosis and unusual pathological features. The aim of this study was to investigate clinico-pathological and biological characteristics in younger breast cancer patients (<40 years) and compare these with their older counterparts. Materials and Methods: Nine hundred and forty four consecutive female breast cancer patients, admitted to the Department of Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal between November 1997 and October 2012, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Out of the 944 female breast cancer patients, 263 (27.9%) were <40 years. The mean age was $34.6{\pm}5.0$ years among younger patients compared to $54.1{\pm}9.9$ for those ${\geq}40$ years. The mean age at menarche was also significantly lower ($13.5{\pm}1.5$ vs $14.2{\pm}1.5$ years p=0.001) while the mean duration of symptoms was significantly longer (7.6 vs 6.5 months p=0.004). Family history of breast cancer was evident in 3.0% of the young women versus 0.3% in the older one. Mammography was performed less frequently in younger patients (59.7%), compared to older (74.4%), and was of diagnostic benefit in only 20% of younger patients compared to 85% of older ones. At diagnosis, the mean tumor diameter was significantly larger in young women ($5.0{\pm}2.5$ vs $4.5{\pm}2.4cm$, p=0.005). Axillary lymph nodes were positive in 73% of younger patients and 59% of older patients. In the younger group, the proportion of stage III or IV disease was higher (55.1% vs 47.1%, $p{\leq}0.05$). The proportion of breast conserving surgery was higher in young patients (25.1% vs 8.7%) and a higher proportion of younger patients receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (9.9% vs 2.8%). The most common histological type was ductal carcinoma (93.1% vs 86%). The proportion of histological grade II or III was higher in younger patients (55.9% vs 24.5%). Similarly, in the younger group, lymphatic and vascular invasion was more common (63.2% vs 34.3% and 39.8% vs 25.4%, respectively). Patients in the younger age group exhibited lower estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positivity (34.7% vs 49.8%). Although statistically not significant, the proportion of triple negative tumors in younger age group was higher (22.4% vs 13.6%). Conclusions: Breast cancer in young Nepalese women represents over one quarter of all female breast cancers, many being diagnosed at an advanced stage. Tumors in young women exhibit more aggressive biological features. Hence, breast cancer in young women is worth special attention for earlier detection.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
• /
• v.8 no.1
• /
• pp.50-62
• /
• 2003

Through this literal study, we have endeavored to provide korea's unique nursing intervention methods based upon Lee Je-Ma's Sasang Constitutional Theory which is a unique korean medical science. The Sasang Constitution Theory lay great emphasis upon health caring medicine to promote health according to self Constitution at normal times, preventive medicine to manage byself body and mind in everyday life, and eventually, ethical medicine to love benevolence and kindness but to dislike jealousy.A variety of methods has been introduced to diagnose a person's Constitution. And yet, appearance, mind and pathological signs are three major criteria. In appearance, comprehensive features such as figure (the shape of the human body), countenance, behavior, mood, and posture are observed. In mind, nature (character), talent, steadiness, personality, and greed are investigated. In pathological signs, physiological conditions when healthy and peculiar symptoms when being ill are diagnosed. By these three criteria, each Constitution is categorised into Taiyang Person, Soyang Person, Taieum Person or Soeum Person. Different healthcaring methods exist for each Constitution such as mind and body healthcaring, diet healthcaring, knowledge and behaviour leathering, age group healthcaring, regional healthcaring, social life hralthcaring, everyday life healthcaring, and materia medication healthcaring. An independent and unique healthcaring method for each person according to self Constitution could be an important nursing intervention strategy, and can product a new nursing theory. To enjoy longevity by inducing positive caring methods, I believe that individual nursing may be the most desirable nursing approach. Lee Je-Ma's Sasang Constitution caring method is not only a general nursing theory but also expected to be an important landmark/milestone/factor in Korean nursing, preventive nursing, developing new nursing intervention methods and forming new nursing theories. Therefore, it is required to conduct thorough, practical and theoretical researches in the field of nursing.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.22-37
• /
• 2007

The autosomal dominant spinocerebellar ataxias (SCAs) are a group of neurodegenerative diseases, clinically and genetically heterogeneous, characterized by degeneration of spinocerebellar pathways with variable involvement of other neural systems. At present, 27 distinct genetic forms of SCAs are known: SCA1-8, SCA10-21, SCA23, SCA25-28, DRPLA (dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy), and 16q-liked ADCA (autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia). Epidemiological data about the prevalence of SCAs are restricted to a few studies of isolated geographical regions, and most do not reflect the real occurrence of the disease. In general a prevalence of about 0.3-2 cases per 100,000 people is assumed. As SCA are highly heterogeneous, the prevalence of specific subtypes varies between different ethnic and continental populations. Most recent data suggest that SCA3 is the commonest subtype worldwide; SCA1, SCA2, SCA6, SCA7, and SCA8 have a prevalence of over 2%, and the remaining SCAs are thought to be rare (prevalence <1%). In this review, we highlight and discuss the SCA7. The hallmark of SCA7 is the association of hereditary ataxia and visual loss caused by pigmentary macular degeneration. Visual failure is progressive, bilateral and symmetrical, and leads irreversibly to blindness. This association represents a distinct disease entity classified as autosomal dominant cerebellar ataxia (ADCA) type II by Harding. The disease affectsprimarily the cerebellum and the retina by the moderate to severe neuronal loss and gliosis, but also many other central nervous system structures as the disease progresses. SCA7 is caused by expansion of an unstable trinucleotide CAG repeat in the ATXN7 gene encoding a polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the corresponding protein, ataxin-7. Normal ATXN7 alleles contain 4-35 CAG repeats, whereas pathological alleles contain from 36->450 CAG repeats. Immunoblott analysis demonstrated that ataxin-7 is widely expressed but that expression levels vary among tissues. Instability of expanded repeats is more pronounced in SCA7 than in other SCA subtypes and can cause substantial lowering of age at onset in successive generations termed ‘anticipation’ so that children may become diseased even before their parents develop symptoms. The strong anticipation in SCA7 and the rarity of contractions should have led to its extinction within a few generations. There is no specific drug therapy for this neurodegenerative disorder. Currently, therapy remains purely symptomatic. Cellular models and SCA7 transgenic mice have been generated which constitute valuable resources for studying the disease mechanism. Understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms of neurodegeneration in SCAs should lead to the identification of potential therapeutic targets and ultimately facilitate drug discovery. Here we summarize the clinical, pathological, and genetic aspects of SCA7, and review the current understanding of the pathogenesis of this disorder. Further, we also review the potential therapeutic strategies that are currently being explored in polyglutamine diseases.