• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.253-259
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• 2001

Kikuchi's disease(histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis) is characterized by lymphadenopathy in young patients below 30 years old, and persistent fever, lymphopenia and splenomegaly are concomitantly developed in many cases. So, it has been confused with lymphoma, SLE, and tuberculosis, and has easily led to inappropriate diagnostic procedures and administration of drugs. Many reports have indicated that Kikuchi's disease should be added to the list of causes of FUO in the setting of lymphadenopathy, and recommended early lymph node biopsy to distinguish from lymphoma, SLE, and tuberculosis to avoid unnecessary treatments. We experienced a case of subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis in a 14-year-old boy who presented with persistent high fever, productive coughing and cervical lymphadenopathy for about 1 month. Initially, diagnostic workup was done to look for the causes of FUO in vain. Finally, we confirmed diagnosis by histopathological findings of lymph node biopsy and detected latent gene of EBV in the biopsied specimen using in situ hybridization.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.306-312
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• 1993

To evaluate the meaning of anti-HCV detection in patients treated with IVIG, serum levels of aspartate aminotranstferase(AST), alanine aminotransterase(ALT), HCV Ab titer were measured after treatment with IVIG in 36 patients diagnised of Kawasaki disease or neonatal sepsis. Also polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of HCV was done in 8 patients with persistent HCV Ab positivity at 3 months after IVIG treatment. The results were as follows 1) HCV Ab was positive in all 36 patients at 1 week after IVIG treatment, but in only 8 cases it was positive at 3 months after IVIG treatment. 2) AST, ALT were elevated in 9 cases at 1 week after IVIG treatment, but they were normalized in all cases at 3 months after IVIG treatment. 3) PCR for the detection of HCV was done in 8 patients with persistent HCV Ab positivity at 3 months after IVIG treatment, but HCV was not isolated in any cases. These results suggested that detection of anti-HCV was merely transitory phenominon of HCV Ab transmission, did not show any evidence of HCV infection due to HCV transmission.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.347-356
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• 1999

Background: Exit site/tunnel infection causes considerable morbidity and technique failure in CAPD patients. We presently use a unique revision method for the treatment of refractory ESI/TI in CAPD patients and mupirocin prophylaxis for high risk patients. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 139 CAPD patients about the ESI/TI from October 1993 to February 1999 at Yeungnam University Hospital. At the beginning of the ESI. we usually started medications with rifampicin and ciprofloxacin and then changed the antibiotics according to the sensitivity test. If the ESI had persisted and there were TI symptoms (purulent discharge, abscess lesion around exit site). we performed catheter revision(external cuff shaving, disinfection around tunnel and new exit site on opposit direction) with a combination of proper antibiotics. We applied local mupirocin ointment at the exit site three times per week to the 34 patients who had the risk of ESI starting from October 1998. Results: The total follow-up was 2401 patient months(pt. mon). ESI occurred on 105 occasions in 36 out of 139 patients, and peritonitis occurred on 112 occasions in 67 out of 139 patients. The total number of incidences of ESI and peritonitis was 1 per 23.0 pt. mon and 1 per 2l.6 pt.mon. The most common organism responsible for ESI was Staphylococcus aureus (26 of 54 isolated cases, 48%), followed by the Methicillin resistant S. aureus(MRSA) (13 cases, 24%). Seven patients(5: MRSA. 2: Pseudomonas) had to be treated with a revision to control infection. Three patients experienced ESI relapse after revision. One of them improved with antibiotics, while another needed a second revision and the remaining required catheter removal due to persistent MRSA infection with re-insertion at the same time. But, there was no more ESI in these 3 patients who were received management to relapse (The mean duration: 14.0 months). The rates of ESI were significantly reduced after using mupirocin than before(1 per 12.7 vs 34.0 pt.mon, P<0.01). Conclusions: In summary, revision technique can be regarded as an effective method for refractory ESI/TI before catheter removal. Also local mupirocin ointment can play a significant role in the prevention of ESI.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.290-298
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• 1992

Although early diagnosis of urinary tract infection is important, the radiologic evaluation is still controversial because of the low sensitivity and the lack of cost-effectiveness. This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical utility of high resolution triple head $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ SPECT imaging in urinary tract infection. We prospectively performed $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ planar and SPECT imaging, ultrasound of kidney (US), intravenous pyelography (IVP) and voiding cystourethrography (VCU) in all 60 adult patients with UTI [26 with first episode of acute pyelonephritis (APN), 22 with recurrent APN, and 12 persistent asymptomatic pyuria] and 25 normal persons. To assess reversibility of the renal cortical defect (RCD), $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ SPECT was repeated 1 to 8 months later in those patients with abnormal initial findings. Overall detection rate of $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ SPECT imaging was 83% (50/60), but planar, US, IVP and VCU showed abnormal findings in 68%, 28%, 32% and 13%, respectively. 25 out of 27 patients with normal or single RCD were all normal in other radioligic studies. Only two patients showed vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) on VCU (grade I) and mild hydronephrosis on IVP. But, high proportion of those with multiple RCD showed abnormal findings on US (17/33), IVP (18/33), and VCU (7/33): 67% in any of these 3 studies. Especially, 3 out 7 patients with VUR showed multiple RCD on $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ SPECT without any abnormality on IVP or US. 25 normal persons showed normal findings in all studies except one false positive finding on $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ SPECT imaging. Follow-up $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ SPECT was done in 28 patients (13 with single RCD, 15 with multiple RCD). All 13 patients with single RCD showed improvement. Those with multiple RCD presented improvement in 4, no change in 10, and aggravation in 1 on follow-up studies. With these results, we conclude: 1) $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ SPECT imaging is superior to planar imaging, US, IVP or VCU in detection of renal lesion in urinary tract infection. $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ SPECT is useful as a initial diagnostic tool in adult patients with urinary tract infection. 2) The multiple RCD on $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ SPECT represent the high probability of irreversible tissue change and need of extensive urological work-up.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2003

Background: Immediate implant placement has become an acceptable treatment for the edentulous area. The advantages of the immediate implant placement include considerable decrease in time from tooth extraction to placement of the finial prosthesis, fewer surgical procedures, and better acceptance of the overall treatment plans. But the success is dependent on the quantity and quality of the extraction socket. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the success of the immediate implant placement. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one sites in 16 patients were selected for the evaluation of the immediate implant placement. All of the cases were followed using clinical and radiographic examinations. Criteria of success were the absence of peri-implant radiolucency, mobility, and persistent pain or sign of infection. Results: Of the 21 implants, 13 implants have been succeeded. Of the 13 implants, 10 implants were replaced for the periodontal disease and 3 implants were replaced for the trauma. Conclusion: The criteria of the success in immediate implant placement are as follows. 1) Implants placed into fresh extraction sockets have a high rate of survival. 2) Implant should be placed as close as possible to the alveolar crest. 3) Implant placed into available bone beyond the apex have a high success rate.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.3851-3864
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• 2014

Cytokine research is currently at the forefront in cancer research. Deciphering the functions of these multiple small molecules, discovered within the cell and in intercellular spaces, with their abundance and pleotrophism, was initially a great challenge. Advances in analytical chemistry and molecular biology have made it possible to unravel the pathophysiological functions of these polypeptides/proteins which are called interleukins, chemokines, monokines, lymphokines and growth factors. With more than 5 million women contracting cervical cancer every year this cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity the world over, particularly in the developing countries. In more than 95% of cases it is associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection which is persistent, particularly in those with a defective immune system. Although preventable, the mere magnitude of prevalence of HPV in the world population makes it a dominating current health hazard. The discovery of cytokine dysregulation in cervical cancer has spurted investigation into the possibility of using them as biomarkers in the early diagnosis of cases at high risk of developing cancer. Their critical role in carcinogenesis and progression of cervical cancer is now being revealed to a great extent. From diagnostics to prognosis, and now with a possible role in therapeutics and prevention of cervical cancer, the cytokines are being evaluated in all anticancer approaches. This review endeavours to capture the essence of the astonishing journey of cytokine research in cervical neoplasia.

• BMB Reports
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• v.44 no.10
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• pp.686-691
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• 2011

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is a cytokine secreted by stromal cells and plays a role in the differentiation of bone marrow stem cells and proliferation of neutrophils. Therefore, G-CSF is widely used to reduce the risk of serious infection in immunocompromised patients; however, its use in such patients is limited because of its non-persistent biological activity. We created an N-linked glycosylated form of this cytokine, hG-CSF (Phe140Asn), to assess its biological activity in the promyelocyte cell line HL60. Enhanced biological effects were identified by analyzing the JAK2/STAT3/survivin pathway in HL60 cells. In addition, mutant hG-CSF (Phe140Asn) was observed to have enhanced chemoattractant effects and improved differentiation efficiency in HL60 cells. These results suggest that the addition of N-linked glycosylation was successful in improving the biological activity of hG-CSF. Furthermore, the mutated product appears to be a feasible therapy for patients with neutropenia.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.51-62
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• 2006

Three strains of Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) have been found to cause a lethal disease, referred to as fern leaf syndromes and mild mosaic symptoms in tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) crops grown in Kuwait. CMV strains were detected and identified based on host range, symptomatology, serology, electron microscopy, and ribonucleic acid (RNA) electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels. A high degree of viral genomic heterogeneity was detected among CMV strains isolated in Kuwait, with no apparent correlation to symptomatology in tomato host plants. Two different virus satellites of 'CMV associated RNA 5', designated CARNA 5, were detected in two virus strains that caused both lethal disease and mild symptoms, designated CMV-D1 and CMV-S1 respectively. CARNA5 was not detected in the third CMV strain that caused fern leaf syndromes designated CMV-F. All the three isolated strains were serologically indistinguishable from each other and may belong to one serotype according to Ouchterlony gel diffusion tests. These strains transmitted via aphids (Myzus persicae Sulz) in a non-persistent manner. Physical properties of the virus strains were very similar where thermal inactivation test showed that virus withstood heating for 10 min at $70^{/circ}$, dilution end point was $10^{-4}$, and the longevity in vitro at room temperature was less than 5 days for all virus strains. CMV-D1 and CMV-F were the most devastating diseases spreading in both greenhouse and field-grown tomato where aborted flower buds failed on fruit setting due to the viral infection. This is the first report to isolate three different strains of CMV in Kuwait.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.28 no.9
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• pp.822-828
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• 1995

This paper reports 15 native valve endocarditis cases had surgical operation in the past 10 years at the department of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Chonbuk National University Hospital. In this study, 10 cases out of 15 were in class I or II by the New York Heart Association functional classification. None of the cases had a history of taking addictive drugs. Five cases were congenital heart disease, three cases were rheumatic heart disease and two cases were degenerative heart disease. Thus 10 cases had the underlying disease. All cases had antibiotics treatment for 3 to 6 weeks before operation. In the culture test, only four cases were positive in the blood culture and one case was positive in the excised valve culture. Organisms on blood and valve culture were Streptococcus epidermis, Streptococcus viridans, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. In the 10 cases without ventricular septal defect, the aortic valve was involved in four, mitral in four, both in two and involved valves in the 5 cases with ventricular septal defect were tricuspid in three, pulmonic in two. Eight cases had operation because they showed moderate congestive heart failure due to valvular insufficiency and vegetation with or without embolism. Seven cases had operation because they showed persistent or progressive congestive heart failure and/or uncontrolled infection. Five cases with ventricular septal defect underwent the closure of ventricular septal defect, vegetectomy and leaflet excision of the affected valves without valve replacement. In the cases without ventricular septal defect, the affected valves were replaced with St. Jude mechanical prosthesis. Postoperative complications were recurrent endocarditis in two, embolism in one, allergic vasculitis in two, spleen rupture in one and postpericardiotomy syndrome in one. At the first postoperative day, one case died of cerebral embolism. At the 11th postoperative month, one case died of recurrent endocarditis and paravalvular leakage in spite of a couple of aortic valve replacement. In the survived cases[13 cases in this study , all cases but one became class I or II by the New York Heart Association functional classification.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.6
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• pp.401-405
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• 2006

Objective : Electrodiagnostic test has shown diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in carpal tunnel syndrome[CTS]. This study was to evaluate the correlation between clinical outcome of endoscopic carpal tunnel ligament release[ECTR] and the predictive value of sensory nerve conduction. Methods : From January 1998 to December 2004, 87 patients [44 right hand, 37 left hand, 6 bilateral hands] with CTS who underwent ECTR were followed up in our hospital for an average of 24 months. We retrospectively analyzed the results with previous medical records. All patients underwent electrodiagnostic test and ECTR. The patients were divided into three groups according to the electrodiagnostic test results. Group [A] was normal sensory nerve response, Group [B] was slowing sensory response and Group [C] was no sensory response. Improvement of the symptom after ECTR was assessed using a visual analogue scale[VAS] score. Results : Differences between the three groups on the correlation of severity of sensory potential and duration of preoperative symptoms were significant. The mean value of improved VAS scores for the three groups were $6.0{\pm}0.96$ in the Group A, $6.11{\pm}0.48$ in the Group B and $6.14{\pm}0.53$ in the Group C. There was no statistically significant difference between the severity of sensory nerve response and improvement in VAS score after ECTR. Complications included a wound infection, a case of skin necrosis, and two patients with persistent symptoms without any improvement. Conclusion : Although electrodiagnostic test has been known to be useful, sensory nerve response is considered not to be a good prognostic value for carpal tunnel syndrome after ECTR.