• CELLMED
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.8.1-8.5
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• 2019

Introduction: Psoriasis is a major health concern around the world. Physicians of the Unani system of medicine have been treating psoriasis for centuries. Aim: The purpose of our study was to assess the effect of Majoon Mundi (a semisolid Unani medication intended for oral intake used as blood purifier) and Qairooti Karnab (a Unani medication in paste form intended for topical application used as emollient) in the treatment $na{\ddot{i}}ve$ psoriasis cases and to collect data to warrant further clinical trials. Material and Methods: Psoriasis cases were diagnosed clinically. Data were collected during treatment of five patients of psoriasis treated with the Majoon Mundi (oral intake of 5 gm twice daily with 200 ml of water for 12 weeks) and Qairooti Karnab (topical application on affected sites twice a day for 12 weeks). Patients were treated for 12 weeks. Treatment response was seen with clinical improvement in skin lesions and measurement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI Scoring) before and after treatment. Results: Reduced PASI Score was observed in all five patients after 12 weeks of treatment [PASI before and after treatment was (mean${\pm}$SD) $20.7{\pm}4.6$ vs. $3.2{\pm}1.8$; p-value <0.05.]. Clinical improvement was noticed within an average of 4 weeks of treatment. Conclusion: Preliminary findings indicate the potential therapeutic role of Majoon Mundi and Qairooti Karnab in the treatment of psoriasis. Clinical trials based on this Unani pharmacopeial formulation should be conducted to explore the therapeutic potential of this formulation in psoriasis

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.221-227
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• 2019

Background Gynecomastia is a common condition that can cause severe emotional and physical distress in both young and older men. Patients in whom symptomatic recalcitrant gynecomastia persists for a long time are potential candidates for surgery. Methods From January 2014 to January 2016, 15 patients underwent correction of gynecomastia through a single 3-mm incision at our institution. Only patients with true gynecomastia underwent surgery with this new technique. Through the small incision, sharp dissection was performed in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction describing two half-circles. Health-related quality of life and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated using a modified version of the Breast Evaluation Questionnaire (BEQ). Results The patients' average age was 23.5 years (range, 18-28 years), and their average body mass index was $23.2kg/m^2$ (range, $19.2-25.3kg/m^2$). One case was unilateral and 14 cases were bilateral. The weight of glandular tissue resected from each breast ranged from 80 to 170 g. No excess skin was excised. Bleeding was minimal. The mean operating time was 25 minutes (range, 21-40 minutes). No complications were recorded. All lesions were histologically benign. The patients' average score was 3.5 (on a 5-point Likert scale) in all domains of the BEQ for themselves and their partners. Conclusions In this study, we demonstrated the safety and reliability of a new technique that allows mastectomy through an imperceptible 3-mm incision. We obtained high patient satisfaction scores using our surgical technique, and patients reported considerable improvement in their social, physical, and psychological well-being after surgery.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.105-110
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• 2021

We experienced mortality of dark-banded rockfish (Sebastes inermis) maintained in the rearing facility located in Gangneung, after transportation. Moribund fish showed various symptoms such as exophthalmia, skin ulcers, tail rots, gill rots, discoloration of liver with petechiae, yellowish fluid in intestines and ascites. Two different colonies were dominantly appeared after spreading the lesions on the agar plates and incubation. One isolate (SI_1) showed swarming movement on TSA, and formed yellow colonies on TCBS agar. The other (SI_2) showed no swarming motility and green colonies on TCBS agar. Both of them were Gram-negative. All of these results are similar with those of Genus Vibrio. They were identified as V. harveyi and V. gigantis by PCR with subsequent sequencing of 3 different genes (16 rDNA, recA, rpoA). V. harveyi is well-known as a serious pathogen of marine fish and invertebrates, while V. gigantis is known to be often isolated from marine invertebrates, but the pathogenicity is still unknown. We suspect V. harveyi as the cause of the mortality of dark-banded rockfish, but challenge experiments with these 2 Vibrio species are thought to be necessary to make a clear conclusion.

• Korean journal of dermatology
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• v.56 no.9
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• pp.539-542
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• 2018

Background: Patients with acne are at risk of using various over-the-counter drugs (OTCs). In addition, several OTCs are introduced in pharmacies in Korea. However, only few drugs are supported by well-established data. Among the treatments, acne patches are easy to purchase and use. Thus, they are widely used by patients. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the patient's perception and usage of acne patches. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted on 80 patients with acne who visited the outpatient department of the National Medical Center for 2 months. Results: A total of 42 (52.5%) patients answered that they had used acne patches, and 38 (47.5%) patients stated that they had never used patches. Moreover, 27 (64.29%) patients responded that they used the patches on inflammatory lesions. Moreover, several patients were using acne patches after pricking themselves. There was only one response to confirm the ingredient when purchasing acne patch. Moreover, 14 (33.33%) participants responded that they noted side effects after using acne patches. Overall, the satisfaction score for the use of acne patches was 5.05. Conclusion: Patients often use acne patches because they can be easily purchased and used. However, they do not know how to properly choose and use the product that fits their skin. Therefore, doctors must educate patients on how to properly select and use the products.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.131-137
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• 2022

Osteomyelitis typically occurs because of the direct inoculation of bacteria or fungi after penetrating trauma or surgical contamination or, by extension, from soft tissue infection. Osteomyelitis is rarely reported in wildlife animals, though severe chronic osteomyelitis cases do exist in wildlife owing to the scarcity of medical support in the wild environment. This report describes three cases of chronic osteomyelitis in wild raccoon dogs related to trauma. The typical symptoms of three reported cases were ataxia, stiffness, muscle atrophy, and lethargy. All three cases were relevant to traumatic or severe external injury, and skin infestation caused by ectoparasites was apparent on an ocular inspection. In the radiographic examination, diffuse sites of osteolytic lesions and remarkable periosteal responses were demonstrated around the injured limb in all three cases. Apparent neutrophilia with a left shift, lymphocytosis, and monocytosis in hematological examinations generally indicated chronic infection as shown in case 1 and 3. Treatment was attempted with broad-spectrum antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, enrofloxacin, clindamycin, and meloxicam. These treatment options helped improve the overall prognosis of chronic osteomyelitis, but the outcomes did not meet the treatment goal entirely. Osteomyelitis can be extremely challenging to treat, particularly in wild animals, because of their distinctive traits, such as masking phenomenon and uncontrolled exposure to ectoparasites. Earlier diagnosis with a radiographic examination, hematological examinations, and careful patient monitoring, followed by prolonged antibiotic therapy and restricted exercise, are the key factors leading to a better prognosis.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.78-85
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• 2022

Background: Veterinarians may encounter a variety of zoonotic pathogens in their work. Methods: We conducted two cross-sectional questionnaire studies among veterinarians in Finland. Participants were recruited during two Annual Veterinary Congresses. In 2009, 306 veterinarians participated in an extensive questionnaire study, and in 2016, 262 veterinarians participated in a more focused study that included two same questions. Results: In 2009, the majority (90.9%) of the participating veterinarians reported having been occupationally exposed to zoonotic pathogens. Zoonotic infections (15.0%), needle stick incidents (78.8%), bites (85.0%), as well as infected skin lesions (24.2%) were reported. In 2009, 8.2% of the participants fully agreed with the statement "I have good knowledge of zoonoses and their prevention"; in 2016, the proportion was 10.3%. The reported use of protective practices and personal protective equipment in connection with specific veterinary procedures indicated that there was room for improvement, particularly in protection from pathogens that are transmissible via inhalation and mucous membranes. Conclusion: The results confirm that veterinarians are commonly occupationally exposed to zoonotic pathogens. Education should aim to improve and maintain the knowledge of zoonoses and their prevention. Use of protective practices should be advocated.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.73.1-73.10
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• 2020

Background: Bovine papilloma is a neoplastic disease caused by bovine papillomaviruses (BPVs), which were recently divided into 5 genera and at least 24 genotypes. Objectives: The complete genome sequence of BPV type 15 (BPV Aks-02), a novel putative BPV type from skin samples from infected cows in Southern Xinjiang China, was determined by collecting warty lesions, followed by DNA extraction and amplicon sequencing. Methods: DNA was analyzed initially by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using the degenerate primers FAP59 and FAP64. The complete genome sequences of the BPV Aks-02 were amplified by PCR using the amplification primers and sequencing primers. Sequence analysis and phylogenetic analysis were performed using bio-informatic software. Results: The nucleotide sequence of the L1 open reading frame (ORF) of BPV Aks-02 was 75% identity to the L1 ORF of BPV-9 reference strain from GenBank. The complete genome consisted of 7,189 base pairs (G + C content of 42.50%) that encoded 5 early (E8, E7, E1, E2, and E4) and 2 late (L1 and L2) genes. The E7 protein contained a consensus CX₂CX₂₉CX₂C zinc-binding domain and a LxCxE motif. Among the different members of this group, the percentages of the complete genome and ORFs (including 5 early and 2 late ORFs) sequence identity of BPV Aks-02 were closer to the genus Xipapillomavirus 1 of the Xipapillomavirus genus. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence similarities based on the L1 ORF of BPV Aks-02 revealed the same cluster. Conclusions: The results suggest that BPV type (BPV Aks-02) clustered with members of the Xipapillomavirus genus as BPV 15 and were closely related to Xipapillomavirus 1.

• The Korean Journal of Medicine
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• v.99 no.1
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• pp.50-56
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• 2024

Nocardiosis is uncommon. Immunocompromising conditions predispose individuals to pulmonary and disseminated nocardiosis of the brain, skin, and subcutaneous tissues. The most common pathogens are Nocardia cyriacigeorgica, Nocardia nova, and Nocardia farcinica. The speciation of Nocardia to determine antimicrobial susceptibility is difficult using traditional biochemical methods. Here, we report the case of a 73-year-old man with chronic obstructive lung disease who developed a rapidly progressing intramuscular abscess around the left hip and thigh. Within 3 days, the lesions progressed to an epidural abscess at the L4 to S1 level. Although he was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and extensive incision and drainage, he died of rapidly progressive respiratory failure. Nocardia abscessus (N. abscessus) was identified in pus samples using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). This case shows that the diagnosis of an intramuscular abscess caused by N. abscessus is challenging and that using MALDI-TOF MS may facilitate the diagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.576-584
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• 2003

Purpose : For the early diagnosis of Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP) presenting with acute abdominal pain preceding skin rash. Methods : The clinical, endoscopic and radiological records of 23 cases of HSP, presenting with gastrointestinal symptoms preceding skin rash were reviewed. Results : The intervals from the onset of abdominal pain to the development of the skin rash were one day to 30 days(median five days), most of them were within two weeks. The presenting abdominal symptoms were abdominal pain(23 cases), vomiting(16 cases), hematochezia or melena(eight cases) and hematemesis(three cases). The abnormal endoscopic findings include coalescing erythematous lesions, areas of submucosal hemorrhage and superficial erosions and ulcers. The upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed the abnormalities in 21 of 23 cases, which were observed in the duodenum( 21 cases), the stomach(12 cases) and the esophagus(one case). Duodenitis with hemorrhage and/or erosions in the descending duodenum was the sole endoscopic abnormality in two cases and was the most marked finding in three cases. Sigmoidoscopy showed the abnormalities in six of eight cases. The abdominal ultrasonogram showed abnormalities in 12 of 17 cases, which included small bowel wall thickening(eight cases) and intramural hemorrhage(three cases). Recurrences after three months of symptom free intervals developed in four cases; three of them had persistent nephritis beyond one year. Conclusion : The erosive hemorrhagic duodenitis in the descending duodenum in the upper endoscopy and the small bowel wall thickening in the abdominal ultrasonogram can be useful findings in the diagnosis of HSP presenting with acute abdomen.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.133-141
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• 2012

In this study, we established a radiodermatitis animal model and investigated the change in immune cell proportions in the secondary lymphoid organs. The cells responsible for the increased transforming growth factor-${\beta}1$ (TGF-${\beta}1$) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) production in the lesions following irradiation were also investigated. The radiodermatitis model was constructed by locally exposing the posterior dorsal region of hairless-1 (HR-1) mice to 10 Gy electron (E)-ray/day for six consecutive days. The change in immune cell proportions was analyzed by FACS. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to detect the expression of cytokines and cell-specific markers in the skin. The proportions of antigen-presenting cells, T cells, and B cells in the lymph nodes and spleen were affected by E-irradiation. After irradiation, TGF-${\beta}1$ and IL-17 were co-localized in the papillary region of the dermis with keratin-14 (K-14)-positive cells rather than with regulatory T cells (Treg). IL-10 was not co-stained with Treg, T helper 17 (Th17) cells, dendritic cells, or macrophages. Our data indicate that TGF-${\beta}1$ is over-expressed mainly by proliferated keratinocytes in the lesions of a radiodermatitis animal model.