Stent expansion evaluated by optical coherence tomography and subsequent outcomes

Background

Regarding stent expansion indexes, previous optical coherence tomography (OCT) studies have shown minimal stent area (MSA) to be most predictive of adverse events.

Purpose

We sought to evaluate the impact of various stent expansion indexes by post-stent OCT on long-term clinical outcomes, and hence to find OCT-defined optimal stent expansion criteria.

Methods

Of the patients registered in the Yonsei OCT registry, a total of 1071 patients with 1123 native coronary artery lesions treated with new-generation drug-eluting stents under the OCT guidance and analyzable final post-stent OCT were included. Stent expansion indexes and different suboptimal stent expansion criteria were evaluated for their association with device-oriented clinical endpoints (DoCE) including cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction (TVMI) or stent thrombosis, and target lesion revascularization. Major safety events (MSE) included cardiac death, TVMI or stent thrombosis.

Results

The median follow-up period was 40.6 (interquartile range 22.0–50.0) months. As a continuous variable, MSA, adaptive volumetric stent expansion (stent volume/adaptive reference lumen volume) and overall volumetric stent expansion (stent volume/post-stent lumen volume) were significantly predictive of DoCE. As a categorical criteria, MSA <5.0 mm2 (hazard ratio [HR] 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.53–9.45), MSA/distal reference lumen area <90% (HR 2.13; 95% CI 1.10–4.14), and overall volumetric stent expansion ≥96.6% (HR 2.38; 95% CI 1.09–5.22) were independently associated with DoCE after adjusting for confounders, and a total malapposition volume ≥7.0 mm3 (HR 3.38; 95% CI 1.05–10.93) was linked to MSE.

Conclusions

This OCT study highlights that sufficient stent expansion to achieve adequate absolute MSA and relative MSA by distal reference lumen area and alleviate significant malapposition is important to improve clinical outcome, but overall stent overexpansion may have deleterious effect.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding sources: None.

Isolated Acute Appendicitis Caused by Aspergillus in a Patient Who Underwent Lung Transplantation: A Case Report

Invasive aspergillosis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients who have undergone lung transplantation. Aspergillus infections usually involve the respiratory tract, with vascular invasion and subsequent dissemination. However, acute appendicitis associated with localized aspergillosis is rare, especially among patients who have undergone prophylaxis with voriconazole. We present a case of primary Aspergillus appendicitis diagnosed by histologic examination in a patient who underwent lung transplantation. A 51-year-old woman with dermatomyositis underwent lung transplantation for acute interstitial pneumonitis. According to our institution's protocol, the patient was treated with immunosuppressive therapy and prophylaxis with voriconazole, ganciclovir, and trimethoprim sulfamethoxazole during the post-transplantation period. Twenty-eight days after transplantation, the patient developed mild abdominal pain and paralytic ileus. There was no apparent infection sign. Abdominal computerized tomography indicated a wall defect of the appendix with multifocal fluid collection, mesenteric leave thickening, and pneumoperitoneum. These findings were consistent with perforated appendicitis, and the patient underwent an appendectomy. The histopathology examination of the resected appendix showed inflammation and abscess. Periodic acid-Schiff-positive and Grocott-Gomori methenamine silver-positive fungal hyphae with acute-angle branching were observed, demonstrating muscular invasion. A galactomannan antigen test obtained on the same day had negative results. The trough level of voriconazole was well maintained and was subsequently adjusted through monitoring of circulating drug concentration. Simultaneously, other potential sites of disseminated Aspergillus were considered and examined, but no other site of systemic Aspergillus infection was detected. Voriconazole treatment was maintained for 3 months, and no aspergillosis relapse or other invasive fungal infections were observed.

Measurement of levels of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

SETTING

The role of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the value of FeNO as a biomarker for PTB.

DESIGN

Baseline FeNO levels were compared in 69 PTB patients and 118 healthy controls. The correlation between baseline FeNO levels and clinical variables of tuberculosis were studied. FeNO levels were checked twice in the PTB group, at diagnosis and after 2 months of anti-tuberculosis medication, and factors affecting changes in FeNO levels after treatment were analysed.

RESULTS

FeNO levels were not significantly different in the PTB group and controls (mean ± standard deviation 27.7 ± 17.6 parts per billion [ppb] vs. 27.0 ± 10.8 ppb, P = 0.531). In a multivariate regression analysis, no variable was shown to affect FeNO levels at diagnosis. FeNO levels did not significantly change after 2 months of treatment (26.8 ± 18.3 ppb vs. 24.0 ± 10.7 ppb, P = 0.257). Only PTB with a high FeNO level (>25 ppb) was related to a decline in FeNO levels after 2 months of treatment.

CONCLUSION

FeNO levels do not appear to be affected in PTB patients.

Bacterial Contamination of Computer and Hand Hygiene Compliance in the Emergency Department

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the degree and nature of bacterial contamination of computer equipment in three Korean emergency departments (ED).

Methods

Hand hygiene practices of ED doctors and nurses were observed before contact with computer equipment. Microbiological swab samples were obtained from 112 multiple-user computer keyboards and electronic mice in the ED of three teaching hospitals. Isolated organisms were identified by a clinical microbiologist using Gram stain, colony morphology, and susceptibility test.

Results

Of the 112 samples, 103 (92.0%) showed growth of organisms on culture. Thirty-eight (33.9%) pieces of computer equipment yielded multiple bacterial species. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most common microorganism isolated (85.7%). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was obtained from two keyboards in two hospitals (1.8%). Hand hygiene compliance was observed on 29.9% occasions. Hand hygiene compliance after patient contact (38.0%) was higher than after other environmental contact (20.7%).

Conclusions

Multiple user computer equipment in the ED may serve as reservoirs for nosocomial infection. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after using all ED equipment, including computer equipment.

Bacterial Contamination of Computer and Hand Hygiene Compliance in the Emergency Department

Introduction

The aim of this study was to determine the degree and nature of bacterial contamination of computer equipment in three Korean emergency departments (ED).

Methods

Hand hygiene practices of ED doctors and nurses were observed before contact with computer equipment. Microbiological swab samples were obtained from 112 multiple-user computer keyboards and electronic mice in the ED of three teaching hospitals. Isolated organisms were identified by a clinical microbiologist using Gram stain, colony morphology, and susceptibility test.

Results

Of the 112 samples, 103 (92.0%) showed growth of organisms on culture. Thirty-eight (33.9%) pieces of computer equipment yielded multiple bacterial species. Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus was the most common microorganism isolated (85.7%). Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was obtained from two keyboards in two hospitals (1.8%). Hand hygiene compliance was observed on 29.9% occasions. Hand hygiene compliance after patient contact (38.0%) was higher than after other environmental contact (20.7%).

Conclusions

Multiple user computer equipment in the ED may serve as reservoirs for nosocomial infection. Hand hygiene should be performed before and after using all ED equipment, including computer equipment. (Hong Kong j.emerg.med. 2012;19:387-393)

Dietary total, animal, vegetable calcium and type 2 diabetes incidence among Korean adults: The Korean Multi-Rural Communities Cohort (MRCohort)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Although a possible mechanism for developing type 2 diabetes in relation to calcium intake has been suggested, there is currently little epidemiological evidence on the association between dietary calcium and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study aimed to evaluate the prospective association between dietary calcium and T2D incidence among adults 40 years of age or over, from the Multi-rural Communities Cohort (MRCohort), South Korea.

METHODS AND RESULTS

In total, 8313 participants (3033 men and 5280 women) who did not have diabetes at baseline were recruited between 2005 and 2013. The incidence rate ratio (IRR) was estimated using a modified Poisson regression model with a robust error estimator. During follow-up (31,570 person-years), 322 T2D cases were newly diagnosed. Dietary calcium (total and vegetable calcium) were inversely associated with the risk of T2D incidence among women (IRR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.43-0.86, P for trend = 0.007 in third tertile of baseline total calcium intake comparing to the first tertile; IRR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.39-0.84, P for trend = 0.006 for baseline vegetable calcium intake), not for men. The tendency of those inverse associations remained in both the normal fasting blood glucose group and the impaired fasting blood glucose group and were independent of obesity, smoking, and magnesium intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Total and vegetable calcium may be inversely associated with T2D incidence among women, regardless of impaired fasting blood glucose group or normal group. The associations may be potentially dose-responsive. Moderate dietary calcium may be related to lower risk of T2D incidence comparing to low intake group among women.

A Case of Ectopic Paragonimiasis in a 17th Century Korean Mummy

Archaeoparasitological studies on fossilized feces obtained from Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910 CE) mummies have provided invaluable data on the patterns of parasitic infection in pre-modern Korean societies. In our recent radiological investigation of a 17th century Joseon mummy discovered in Cheongdo (South Korea), we located a liver mass just below the diaphragm. Anatomical dissection confirmed the presence of a mass of unknown etiology. A subsequent parasitological examination of a sample of the mass revealed a large number of ancient Paragonimus sp. eggs, making the current report the first archaeoparasitological case of liver abscess caused by ectopic paragonimiasis.

The effect of low-volatile organic compounds, water-based paint on aggravation of allergic disease in schoolchildren

Whether indoor painting aggravates preexisting allergic diseases remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate the impact of new classroom painting on aggravation of asthma, allergic rhinitis (AR), and atopic dermatitis (AD) in children. Studied school was previously painted with conventional water-based paint 20 years ago and had natural ventilation system. We identified a total of 172 children aged 10-12 years with allergic diseases in 17 classrooms, which were allocated to newly painted rooms with low-volatile organic compounds (VOC), water-based paint, or existing rooms. After painting, there was no intervention or internal airflow to influence indoor air environment in both classrooms. We prospectively assessed the symptom severity and serious events of allergic diseases between both classrooms at baseline and after one and eight weeks after painting. At one and eight weeks, there were no significant changes in the Childhood Asthma Control Test scores, the fractional nitric oxide levels, lung function in asthmatic children in either classroom. There were also no significant changes in the severity score of AR or AD, or serious events in all allergic diseases. These findings suggest classroom painting with this new paint at the levels encountered in this study might not be a major aggravating factor for school-aged children with allergic diseases.

Amaranth squalene reduces serum and liver lipid levels in rats fed a cholesterol diet

In this study, the hypocholesterolaemic effect of amaranth grain, oil and squalene are examined. In experiment 1, rats are given a semi-purified diet containing 1% (w/w) cholesterol for four weeks and either amaranth grain (AG; 300 g/kg) or amaranth oil (AO; 90 g/kg) substituted in experimental groups. Both AG and AO lowered serum and hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Faecal excretion of cholesterol and bile acid in the AO group increased, while AG affected only bile acid excretion. In experiment 2, rats were fed the cholesterol diet for four weeks and injected (i.p.) with saline (control), amaranth squalene (AS) or shark liver squalene (SS, 200 mg/kg) for seven days. The hypolipidaemic effects of AS were evident in both serum and liver. In addition, AS markedly increased faecal excretions of cholesterol and bile acid, and slightly inhibited 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase activity. In contrast, none of these effects were observed in the SS group. This preliminary study suggests that the cholesterol-lowering effect of AS may be mediated by increased faecal elimination of steroids through interference with cholesterol absorption, and that different sources of squalene (plant versus animal) may affect cholesterol metabolism differently.

Abatement of fluorinated compounds using a 2.45GHz microwave plasma torch with a reverse vortex plasma reactor

Abatement of fluorinated compounds (FCs) used in semiconductor and display industries has received an attention due to the increasingly stricter regulation on their emission. We have developed a 2.45GHz microwave plasma torch with reverse vortex reactor (RVR). In order to design a reverse vortex plasma reactor, we calculated a volume fraction and temperature distribution of discharge gas and waste gas in RVR by ANSYS CFX of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation code. Abatement experiments have been performed with respect to SF6, NF3 by varying plasma power and N2 flow rates, and FCs concentration. Detailed experiments were conducted on the abatement of NF3 and SF6 in terms of destruction and removal efficiency (DRE) using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The DRE of 99.9% for NF3 was achieved without an additive gas at the N2 flow rate of 150 liter per minute (L/min) by applying a microwave power of 6kW with RVR. Also, a DRE of SF6 was 99.99% at the N2 flow rate of 60 L/min using an applied microwave power of 6kW. The performance of reverse vortex reactor increased about 43% of NF3 and 29% of SF6 abatements results definition by decomposition energy per liter more than conventional vortex reactor.

Association of interleukin-10 promoter region polymorphisms with risk factors of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is considered as an inflammatory disease, and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and carotid plaque are generally used as intermediated phenotype of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether carotid IMT and plaque are associated with promoter region polymorphisms of interleukin 10 (IL-10) gene. We recruited 135 subjects from a rural area of south-eastern part of South Korea. Three polymorphisms in the promoter region of IL-10 (-1082 A/G, -819 T/C and -592 A/C) were genotyped by pyrosequencing. Carotid IMT was measured at common carotid arteries, and carotid bulbs and cardiovascular risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, uric acid and homocysteine were measured using blood samples. Subjects with the minor allele (C) of -819 T/C or the minor allele (C) of -592 A/C showed lower values in carotid IMT than those with major allele homozygote of each polymorphism (P = 0.018 and P = 0.031, respectively). Subjects with carotid plaque were significantly older and showed higher values in carotid IMT, uric acid and homocysteine than those without plaque (P < 0.01, respectively). In conclusion, the promoter region polymorphisms of IL-10 gene associate with carotid IMT and plaque. Further studies with larger samples are needed to provide stronger evidence to justify anti-atheromatous properties of IL-10.

Improved methods for selective cryolipolysis results in subcutaneous fat layer reduction in a porcine model

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive method for the selective reduction of localized fat tissues. It has demonstrated efficacy in both clinical and preclinical trials; however, despite its popularity, its mechanisms of action and evaluation methods are not yet fully defined. The purpose of this study was to improved methods for cryolipolysis using a porcine model.

METHODS

The abdomens of female PWG micro-pigs were treated with a cooling device (CRYOLIPO II(™)), and we examined the treatment effects using photography, three-dimensional photography, ultrasound, gross, and microscopic pathology, and serum lipid level analyses in order to determine the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of CRYOLIPO II(™).

RESULTS

CRYOLIPO II(™) successfully reduced abdominal fat in our porcine model. Gross and microscopic histological results confirmed the noninvasive cold-induced selective subcutaneous fat destruction, and showed increases in pre-adipocyte differentiation and in the activation of lipid catabolism. In particular, we found that CRYOLIPO II(™) may increase PPARδ (delta) levels in adipose tissue at 30-60 days post-treatment.

CONCLUSION

Fat reduction by cryolipolysis was successfully achieved in our porcine model. Thus, our findings indicate that CRYOLIPO II(™) may be a promising fat reduction device for body contouring and fat reduction in humans, and that cryolipolysis exerts its effects, at least partly, by targeting the PPARδ signaling pathway. These results show that both investigative and diagnostic potentials capacity.

Harmful and beneficial relationships between alcohol consumption and subclinical atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Arterial stiffness and increased intima-media wall thickness are two of the main predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We evaluated whether brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and common carotid artery intima-media wall thickness (CCA-IMT) are correlated with alcohol consumption in a cross-sectional study among Korean men and women aged 40 years and over.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All 5539 subjects (2121 men and 3418 women) were participants in the Multi-Rural Communities cohort (MRcohort) study, a part of the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study (KoGES). The baPWV was positively correlated with alcohol consumption in men (p for trend <0.0001). Age (middle-aged versus elderly) modified the effect of alcohol consumption on PWV. On the other hand CCA-IMT decreased with alcohol consumption in men. There was no favorable zone of alcohol consumption in terms of baPWV and CCA-IMT. Adjustment for lipid profiles substantially attenuated the relationship between alcohol consumption and CCA-IMT. There was no clear relation between alcohol consumption and baPWV/CCA-IMT in women.

CONCLUSIONS

Along with a linear harmful relationship between alcohol consumption and arterial stiffness in men there may also be a beneficial relationship between alcohol consumption and carotid intima-wall thickness. The effect of alcohol on arterial stiffness may be slightly stronger in elderly men, and the effect of alcohol on CCA-IMT may be mediated by lipid factors.

PRDX6 promotes lung tumor progression via its GPx and iPLA2 activities

PRDX6 is a bifunctional protein with both glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and calcium-independent phospholipase A2 (iPLA2) activities, which are concomitantly increased with the expression of PRDX6. PRDX6 promoted lung tumor growth in an in vivo allograft model. Herein, we further studied the vital roles in tumor progression of PRDX6 in lung cancer using nude mice bearing PRDX6-overexpressing lung cancer cells. Nude mice xenografted with PRDX6 showed increases in tumor size and weight compared to control mice. Histopathological and Western blotting examination demonstrated that expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen, vascular endothelial growth factor, metalloproteinases 2 and 9, and cyclin-dependent kinases accompanied by increased iPLA2 and GPx activities were increased in the tumor tissues of PRDX6-overexpressing nude mice. In tumor tissues of PRDX6-overexpressing mice, the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases and AP-1 DNA binding were also increased. The growth of lung cancer cell lines (A549 and NCI-H460) was enhanced by the increase in iPLA2 and GPx activities of PRDX6. In addition, mutant PRDX6 (C47S) attenuated PRDX6-mediated p38, ERK1/2, and AP-1 activities as well as its enzyme activities in the A549 and NCI-H460 lines. Furthermore, tumor growth and p38, ERK1/2, and AP-1 activities were also inhibited in nude mice bearing mutant PRDX6 (C47S) compared to PRDX6. Therefore, our findings indicate that PRDX6 promotes lung tumor growth via increased glutathione peroxidase and iPLA2 activities.

Preferential location for arterial dissection presenting as golf-related stroke

SUMMARY

Golf-related stroke has not been systematically reviewed. The purpose of our study was to describe in detail this particular stroke syndrome. Seven patients were analyzed at a university hospital and 7 patients were reviewed from MEDLINE literature. General demographics, symptom onset, neurologic signs, radiologic findings, and outcome were investigated. A total of 14 patients including 7 patients from the MEDLINE search were analyzed; all were men, with a mean age of 46.9 ± 12.8 years. Symptom onset was classified as during the golf swing (n = 9), unknown (n = 3), and after playing golf (n = 2). Most patients (n = 12) showed involvement of the vertebral artery and 2 patients showed involvement of the internal carotid artery (P = .008). Nine dissections were found on the right side, 3 on the left side, and 2 were bilateral (P = .046). Twelve patients had extracranial involvement and 2 patients had intracranial involvement (P = .008). Seven patients returned to normal, 5 returned to independence, 1 had unknown status, and 1 died. The anatomic preference of golf-related craniocervical arterial dissection is associated with the extracranial and vertebrobasilar system with a right-sided tendency as the result of stereotypical rotational movement during a golf swing.

Comparison of the Incidence of parenchymal hematoma and poor outcome in patients with carotid terminus occlusion treated with intra-arterial urokinase alone or with combined IV rtPA and intra-arterial urokinase

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Patients with acute CTO generally have a poor prognosis, despite IV or IA thrombolytic treatment. The goal of this study was to analyze the results of patients with CTO who had IA urokinase treatment with or without initial IV rtPA based on a bridging protocol.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixteen consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke due to CTO who had combined IV and IA or a single IA thrombolytic treatment were enrolled. The baseline characteristics and prognosis were described. The patients who did and did not develop a PH shortly after treatment were compared.

RESULTS

The mean age was 66.4 years, and the median initial NIHSS score was 17. The median dose of IA urokinase was 320,000 U, and recanalization (TICI grade II-III) was achieved in 12 patients (75%). However, 5 patients died and 10 patients had poor prognosis with mRS 5-6 at discharge. Six patients (37.5%) with a PH had a higher NIHSS score 1 day after treatment (26.7 versus 13.6, P = .002), and they had more frequent mortality (66.7% versus 10.0%, P = .018) and worse prognosis (mRS 5-6; 100% versus 40%, P = .016) at discharge than patients without PH.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CTO who received IA urokinase treatment based on a bridging protocol had a poor prognosis. The development of PH might affect this outcome.

Comparison of diamond-like carbon-coated nitinol stents with or without polyethylene glycol grafting and uncoated nitinol stents in a canine iliac artery model

OBJECTIVE

Neointimal hyperplasia is a major complication of endovascular stent placement with consequent in-stent restenosis or occlusion. Improvements in the biocompatibility of stent designs could reduce stent-associated thrombosis and in-stent restenosis. We hypothesised that the use of a diamond-like carbon (DLC)-coated nitinol stent or a polyethylene glycol (PEG)-DLC-coated nitinol stent could reduce the formation of neointimal hyperplasia, thereby improving stent patency with improved biocompatibility.

METHODS

A total of 24 stents were implanted, under general anaesthesia, into the iliac arteries of six dogs (four stents in each dog) using the carotid artery approach. The experimental study dogs were divided into three groups: the uncoated nitinol stent group (n = 8), the DLC-nitinol stent group (n = 8) and the PEG-DLC-nitinol stent group (n = 8).

RESULTS

The mean percentage of neointimal hyperplasia was significantly less in the DLC-nitinol stent group (26.7±7.6%) than in the nitinol stent group (40.0±20.3%) (p = 0.021). However, the mean percentage of neointimal hyperplasia was significantly greater in the PEG-DLC-nitinol stent group (58.7±24.7%) than in the nitinol stent group (40.0±20.3%) (p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that DLC-coated nitinol stents might induce less neointimal hyperplasia than conventional nitinol stents following implantation in a canine iliac artery model; however, the DLC-coated nitinol stent surface when reformed with PEG induces more neointimal hyperplasia than either a conventional or DLC-coated nitinol stent.

Identification of oxidized serum albumin in the cerebrospinal fluid of ischaemic stroke patients

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

  Extensive evidence has shown that oxidative stress mediates neuronal death in animal models of hypoxic-ischaemia. Brain biomarkers of oxidative stress need to be identified in order to better understand and treat brain damage in human stroke patients. The present study was conducted to identify potential target proteins of oxidative stress in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of stroke patients with acute ischaemic brain injury.

METHODS

  We performed two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to separate protein samples obtained from the CSF of control and stroke patients. To determine protein oxidation levels, oxyblot was then used to detect protein carbonyls that were determined by formation of a stable 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNP) product using an anti-DNP antibody.

RESULTS

  We found that oxidation of serum albumin was increased in the CSF from stroke patients as well as rats who underwent permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (6.5%, 23%, respectively). In stroke patients, oxidized albumin levels correlated to neurologic indications.

CONCLUSIONS

  The present study suggests that oxidized albumin in CSF can be utilized as an oxidative stress marker in human stroke patients.

Self-assembled growth and luminescence of crystalline Si/SiOx core-shell nanowires

Crystalline Si/SiOx core/shell nanowires (NWs) are self-assembled by annealing Ni-coated hydrogenated Si-rich SiOx (SRO:H) films at 1100 degrees C in the presence of Si powder. Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition is used to grow 100 nm SRO:H thin films with varying silicon concentration (n(Si)). The NWs vary from SiOx nanowires to Si/SiOx core/shell structures depending on the composition of the SRO:H substrate, with the fraction of core/shell structures increasing with increasing Si concentration. As n(Si) increases from 37 to 43 at.%, the average diameter of the NWs also increases from 48 to 157 nm. A growth model based on the diffusion-assisted vapor-liquid-solid mechanism is proposed to explain how the core/shell structures are self-assembled. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the individual NWs have two major emission bands in the near UV (381 nm) and blue (423 nm) ranges at n(Si) = 43 at.%, named as UV and BL PL bands, respectively. In contrast, only the BL PL band is observed at n(Si) < or = 39 at.%. These results suggest that the BL and UV PL bands can be attributed to the defect states in the SiOx shell and at the Si core/SiOx shell interface, respectively, and that the BL band is closely related to the growth process of the NWs.

Finding ancient parasite larvae in a sample from a male living in late 17th century Korea

Parasitological examination of samples from tombs of the Korean Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) could be helpful to researchers in understanding parasitic infection prevalence in pre-industrial Korean society. Whereas most of our previous parasitological studies revealed the presence of ancient parasite eggs in coprolites of Korean mummies, a sample from a man living in late 17th century Korea proved to be relatively unique in possessing what appeared to be several species of parasite larvae. The larvae identified included Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichostrongylus spp., along with eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and Paragonimus westermani. Since ancient parasite larvae retain enough morphology to make proper species identification possible, even after long burial times, the examination of parasite larvae within ancient samples will be conducted more carefully in our future work.

Evaluation of Subchronic Inhalation Toxicity of Dimethyl Disulfide in Rats

This study was carried out to investigate the potential subchronic inhalation toxicity of dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) via whole-body exposure in F344 rats. Groups of 10 rats of each sex were exposed to DMDS vapor by whole-body exposure at concentrations of 0, 5, 25, or 125 ppm for 6 h/day, 5 days/wk for 13 wk. All the rats were sacrificed at the end of treatment period. During the test period, clinical signs, mortality, body weights, food consumption, ophthalmoscopy, urinalysis, hematology, serum biochemistry, gross findings, organ weights, and histopathology were examined. At 25 ppm, a decrease in the body weight gain, food intake, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was observed in the males, but not in the females. However, at 125 ppm, a decrease in the body weight gain, food intake, and thymus weight and an increase in the weights of adrenal glands were observed in both genders. Serum biochemical investigations revealed a decrease in the AST, ALT, BUN, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and triglyceride levels and an increase in the glucose level. In contrast, no treatment-related effects were observed in the 5 ppm group. The toxic potency of DMDS was slightly higher in males than that in females. In these experimental conditions, the target organ was not determined in rats. The no-observed-adverse-effect concentration (NOAEC) was found to be 5 ppm, 6 h/day for male rats and 25 ppm, 6 h/day for female rats.

Use of a real time continuous glucose monitoring system as a motivational device for poorly controlled type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The use of a real time continuous glucose monitoring system (RT-CGM) was studied as a behavior modification tool and the effectiveness of a RT-CGM in glucose control for patients with type 2 diabetes was determined.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective, open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial in 65 patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes (8.0</=HbA1c</=10%) over a 3-month period. The intervention group was monitored monthly with a RT-CGM (three days at a time for 3 months) and the control group continued self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) at least four times a week for 3 months.

RESULTS

The HbA1c of the RT-CGM group was significantly reduced after 12 weeks compared with the SMBG group (9.1+/-1.0% to 8.0+/-1.2% vs. 8.7+/-0.7% to 8.3+/-1.1%, respectively; P=0.004). In the RT-CGM group, there was a significant reduction in total daily calorie intake, weight, body mass index (BMI), and postprandial glucose level, and a significant increase in total exercise time per week after 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that the RT-CGM was useful in modifying a patient's diet and exercise habits and could induce better glycemic control than SMBG for patients with type 2 diabetes.

Diffusion tensor imaging in patients with essential tremor

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The traditional paradigm has regarded essential tremor (ET) as a benign disorder. However, recent clinical, neuroimaging, and neuropathologic studies suggest that ET may be a progressive neurologic disorder. Based on clinicopathologic findings that cerebellum and its outflow are the key structures in ET and degeneration of gray matter in cerebellum is followed by consequent wallerian degeneration of white matter (WM) fibers, the aim of the present study was to investigate changes in anisotropy in patients with ET.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fractional anisotropy (FA) images were generated from DTI data acquired at 1.5T in 10 patients with ET compared with 8 control subjects by using statistical parametric mapping to make voxel-by-voxel comparisons.

RESULTS

Compared with the control subjects, the patients with ET exhibited significantly reduced FA (P(uncorrected) < .005) in the anterolateral portion of the right pons and decreased FA in the bilateral cerebellum, left retrorubral area of the midbrain, and bilateral deep WM, including the orbitofrontal, lateral frontal, parietal, and temporal WM.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that structural changes in the WM are extensive in patients with ET, supporting the findings of previous functional neuroimaging and pathologic studies.

CITED2 mediates the paradoxical responses of HIF-1alpha to proteasome inhibition

Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) is destabilized via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Thus HIF-1alpha expression is robustly upregulated by proteasome inhibition, but paradoxically its activity is reduced. In the present study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the paradoxical response of HIF-1alpha to proteasome inhibition. In both Hep3B and HEK293 cells, a proteasome inhibitor MG132 noticeably attenuated hypoxic induction of erythropoietin and VEGF mRNAs. MG132 inactivated HIF-1alpha C-terminal transactivation domain (CAD), independently of factor inhibiting HIF-1 (FIH) and inhibited p300 recruitment by HIF-1alpha. We next tested the possibility that CITED2 is involved in the HIF-1 inactivation. CITED2 was found to be degraded via the ubiquitin-proteasome system and thus was stabilized by proteasome inhibition. Both the activity and the p300 binding of HIF-1alpha were inhibited by CITED2 expression and recovered by CITED2 siRNA in the presence of MG132. These results suggest that CITED2 is stabilized by proteasome inhibition and inactivates HIF-1 by interfering with the HIF-1alpha-p300 interaction. This may be an important mode-of-action for proteasome inhibition-based cancer therapy.

Evaluation of developmental toxicity of amitraz in Sprague-Dawley rats

This study investigated the potential adverse effects of amitraz on the initiation and maintenance of pregnancy in Sprague-Dawley rats as well as its effects on embryo-fetal development after maternal exposure during the entire pregnancy period. Amitraz was administered to pregnant rats by gavage from days 1 to 19 of gestation at dose levels of 0, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day. All dams underwent a caesarean section on day 20 of gestation and their fetuses were examined for any external, visceral, and skeletal abnormalities. At 30 mg/kg, maternal toxicity manifested as an increase in the incidence of abnormal clinical signs and a lower body weight gain and food intake. Developmental toxicity included an increase in the fetal death rate, a decrease in the litter size, and a reduction in the fetal body weight. In addition, there was an increase in the incidence of fetal external, visceral, and skeletal abnormalities. At 10 mg/kg, maternal toxicity observed included a decrease in the body weight gain and a decrease in food intake. In addition, minimal developmental toxicity, including a decrease in the fetal body weight, an increase in the visceral and skeletal aberrations, and a delay in fetal ossification. There were no signs of either maternal toxicity or developmental toxicity at 3 mg/kg. These results show that amitraz administered during the entire pregnancy period in rats is embryotoxic and teratogenic at the maternally toxic dose (i.e., 30 mg/kg/day) and is minimally embryotoxic at a minimally maternally toxic dose (i.e., 10 mg/kg/day). Under these experimental conditions, the no-observed-adverse-effect level of amitraz for both dams and embryo-fetal development is estimated to be 3 mg/kg/day.

Immunoglobulin GM and KM genotypes in Korean patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by immune complex deposition. We genotyped immunoglobulin allotypes of G1M (f,z), G2M (n+,n-), G3M (b,g) and KM (1,3) in 142 Korean patients with SLE and 200 healthy controls to investigate the role of the allotypes in SLE. The allele frequency of G1M (z) was significantly higher in patients with SLE as compared to the healthy controls (94.6% vs. 84.3%, corrected P = 0.0004, OR 3.30, 95% CI 1.71-6.88). The frequency of G2M (n-) allele was also higher in patients with SLE (95.3% vs. 88.3%, corrected P = 0.008, OR = 2.71, 95% CI 1.38-5.72). Distribution of the tested allele frequencies for G3M and KM were not different between the patients and controls. In the respect of antibody production, there was increased genotype frequency of G1M (z/z) in anti-Sm(-) SLE (P = 0.023 vs. control, P = 0.042 vs. anti-Sm (+) SLE). In conclusion, particular genotypes at G1M (f,z) and G2M (n+,n-) loci are significantly associated with SLE. These immunoglobulin genes may contribute to the etiology of SLE and production of autoantibodies.

Cardiac 123I-MIBG scintigraphy in patients with drug induced parkinsonism

Cardiac sympathetic dysfunction was investigated using 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy in 20 patients with drug induced parkinsonism (DIP). The mean heart to mediastinum ratio was significantly greater in patients with DIP than in those with Parkinson's disease (mean (SD): 2.07 (0.39) v 1.28 (0.15), p<0.001). MIBG uptake was not different between the DIP patients and controls. Two DIP patients whose MIBG uptake was significantly reduced showed persistent parkinsonism and responded dramatically to levodopa.

The presence of megamitochondria in the ellipsoid of photoreceptor inner segment of the zebrafish retina

Although the megamitochondria (MM) were localized in various pathological conditions, normal retina of some mammalian species was reported to include MM for various physiological roles. However, it was not clearly confirmed whether the MM is present in the retina of lower vertebrate as well. In this study, we tried to show the presence of the MM in the zebrafish retina using electron microscopic technique. In all the photoreceptors including rods, cones and double cones of the zebrafish retina, MM were observed in the ellipsoid of inner segment. In the photoreceptor epllipsoid of the zebrafish retina, the mitochondria located in the central portion of the ellipsoid had a highly electron-dense matrix, which were accompanied by the mitochondria with electron-lucent matrix in the apical portion of the ellipsoid. The presence of MM was more clearly discernable in the rods, which were localized under the double cones. This finding is somewhat different from those observed in the previous studies because MM were localized in the inner segment of cones, but were not in those of rods in the case of mammalian retina. Although the exact physiological meaning for the presence of MM in some vertebrate species should be further studied, the present study could show that the MM in the ellipsoid of the retinal photoreceptors was not only restricted in some mammalian species.

Application of a combined process of moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) and chemical coagulation for dyeing wastewater treatment

A combined process consisted of a Moving-Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) and chemical coagulation was investigated for textile wastewater treatment. The pilot scale MBBR system is composed of three MBBRs (anaerobic, aerobic-1 and aerobic-2 in series), each reactor was filled with 20% (v/v) of polyurethane-activated carbon (PU-AC) carrier for biological treatment followed by chemical coagulation with FeCl2. ln the MBBR process, 85% of COD and 70% of color (influent COD = 807.5 mg/L and color = 3,400 PtCo unit) were removed using relatively low MLSS concentration and short hydraulic retention time (HRT = 44 hr). The biologically treated dyeing wastewater was subjected to chemical coagulation. After coagulation with FeCl2, 95% of COD and 97% of color were removed overall. The combined process of MBBR and chemical coagulation has promising potential for dyeing wastewater treatment.

Evaluation of spermatogenesis and fertility in F1 male rats after in utero and neonatal exposure to extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields

AIM

To determine whether in utero and neonatal exposure to a 60 Hz extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (EMF) results in spermatotoxicity and reproductive dysfunction in the F1 offspring of rats.

METHODS

Age-matched, pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed continuously (21 h/day) to a 60 Hz EMF at field strengths of 0 (sham control), 5, 83.3 or 500 microT from day 6 of gestation through to day 21 of lactation. The experimentally generated magnetic field was monitored continuously (uninterrupted monitoring over the period of the study) throughout the study.

RESULTS

No exposure-related changes were found in exposed or sham-exposed animals with respect to the anogenital distance, preputial separation, testis weight, testicular histology, sperm count, daily sperm production, sperm motility, sperm morphology and reproductive capacity of F1 offspring.

CONCLUSION

Exposure of Sprague-Dawley rats to a 60 Hz EMF at field strengths of up to 500 microT from day 6 of gestation to day 21 of lactation did not produce any detectable alterations in offspring spermatogenesis and fertility.

Parkinsonism as an initial manifestation of dural arteriovenous fistula

Parkinsonism associated with dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) has been described rarely; however, isolated parkinsonism as the presenting symptom of DAVF has not been reported. Here, we describe a patient with DAVF showing reversible isolated parkinsonism after embolization, which was well correlated with perfusion status of basal ganglia, suggesting that a perfusion defect was responsible for the pathogenesis of the parkinsonism in our DAVF patient.

Impact of IL-1 receptor antagonist gene polymorphism on schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

OBJECTIVES

Variable levels of cytokines were observed in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and an especially high level of interleukin-1 (IL-1) was detected in schizophrenia patients. It is known that IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) binds to IL-1 receptors and inhibits the receptor binding of IL-1alpha and IL-1beta.

METHODS

In this study, the association between the variable number of tandem repeats polymorphism of the IL-1RA gene and schizophrenia (n=269) and bipolar disorder (n=83) was investigated.

RESULTS

The genotype distribution and allele frequency were significantly different between schizophrenic patients and the control group (P<0.05); however, there were no prominent differences between bipolar patients and the control group. The carriage rate for the IL1RN*2 allele was associated with higher risk of schizophrenia (odds ratio=2.24).

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that IL-1RA could be a candidate gene for susceptibility to schizophrenia.

Developmental toxicity assessment of the new ?uoroquinolone antibacterial DW-116 in rabbits

DW-116 is a newly developed fluoroquinolone antibacterial with a broad spectrum against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. We have reported recently that DW-116 is embryotoxic and teratogenic in rats. The present study was conducted to investigate the teratogenicity of DW-116, together with maternal toxicity and developmental toxicity using New Zealand White rabbits. The test chemical was administered by gavage to pregnant rabbits from gestational day (GD) 6 through to GD 18 at dose levels of 0, 5, 19.5 and 76.1 mg kg(-1) day(-1). All does were subjected to caesarean section on day 28 of gestation and their foetuses were examined for external, visceral and skeletal abnormalities. In the 76.1 mg kg(-1) group, a minimal maternal toxicity, as evidenced by decreased body weight gain during treatment period, was observed in pregnant rabbits. Significant embryo-foetal toxicity, including increased number of foetal deaths and delayed foetal ossification, was seen. However, no treatment-related morphological changes were detected in foetal external, visceral and skeletal examinations. There were no adverse effects on either pregnant dams or embryo-foetal development at 19.5 and 5 mg kg(-1). It was concluded that administration of DW-116 during the major organogenetic period in rabbits produced decreased maternal body weight gain, increased number of foetal deaths and foetal developmental delay but no evidence of teratogenicity. The no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) of DW-116 are considered to be 19.5 mg kg(-1) day(-1) for does and embryo-foetuses, respectively.

Subacute toxicity evaluation of a new camptothecin anticancer agent CKD-602 administered by intravenous injection to rats

The subacute toxicity of a new camptothecin anticancer agent, CKD-602, was investigated after 4-week repeated intravenous administration of the chemical in Sprague-Dawley rats. The test chemical was administered intravenously to rats at dose levels of 0, 0.003, 0.013, or 0.067 mg/kg/day for males and 0, 0.004, 0.018, or 0.089 mg/kg/day for females. At the end of the treatment period, 10 rats/sex/group were sacrificed. The remaining 5 rats/sex in the vehicle control and high dose groups continued the study without treatment for 2 weeks (recovery period). During the test period, clinical signs, mortality, body weights, food and water consumption, ophthalmoscopy, urinalysis, hematology, serum biochemistry, gross findings, organ weights, and histopathology were examined. In both sexes of the high dose group, an increase in the incidence of abnormal clinical signs and paleness of the eyes, a reduction in the body weight gain, food consumption and urine protein, and an increase in the water consumption were observed. Hematological investigations revealed a decrease in the red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit and an increase in the mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, platelets, and reticulocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Serum total cholesterol and total protein values were lower in females than those of controls, but not in males. An increase in the heart and liver weights and a decrease in the thymus weight were also found. Histopathological alterations included an increase in the incidence of atrophy of the sternal marrow, atrophy, fibrosis and mast cell hyperplasia of the femoral marrow, atrophy of the white pulp and extramedullary hematopoiesis of the spleen, atrophy of the thymus, auricular hypertrophy of the heart, extramedullary hematopoiesis and centriacinar telangiectasis of the liver, follicular degeneration of the ovary, and inflammation of the tail. The major treatment-related effects were not recovered at the end of 2-week recovery period. There were no adverse effects in the low and middle dose groups of both genders. In the present experimental conditions, the target organs were determined to be bone marrow, blood cells, spleen, liver, thymus, and heart. The no-observed-adverse-effect level was considered to be 0.013 mg/kg/day for males and 0.018 mg/kg/day for females.

Pax-7 Immunoreactivity in the Post-natal Chicken Central Nervous System

In this immunocytochemical study on the constitutive expression of Pax-7 protein in the postnatal chicken brain, Pax-7 showed region and cell type specific expression. In the optic tectum, only cells in grey matter showed positive immunoreactivities (IRs), whereas those in the white matters did not show any IRs. In thalamic nuclei and several pontine nuclei, we also localized Pax-7 positive IRs. On the contrary, in the cerebellum, Pax-7 was mainly localized within the Bergmann glia, whereas Purkinje cells did not show any IRs. In double immunolabelling studies, most of the Pax-7 IRs did not originate from neuroglial cells such as oligodendrocytes, microglia or astrocytes, but from neurons, with the exception of Bergmann glia in the cerebellum. The presence of Pax-7 IRs in the adult chicken brain could suggest that Pax-7 might play a role in maintaining normal physiological function in some postnatal chicken brain cells.

Relation between insulin resistance and hematological parameters in elderly Koreans-Southwest Seoul (SWS) Study

In this study, we investigated the relation between insulin resistance and hematological parameters in elderly Koreans. This study included 1314 non-diabetic subjects over the age of 60, selected from a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in 1999 in Seoul, Korea. We measured fasting and post-load 2 h plasma glucose, insulin levels, lipid profiles, anthropometric measures, and hematological parameters. The degree of insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). We found a correlation between insulin resistance and hemoglobin concentrations in non-smoking men (r=0.20, P=0.0186). In non-smoking women, insulin resistance correlated with hemoglobin (r=0.10, P=0.0017) and with white blood cell (WBC) count (r=0.15, P=0.001). Hemoglobin concentrations and WBC counts were also associated with other components of the insulin resistance syndrome such as body mass index, blood pressure, lipid profiles and fasting plasma insulin levels (surrogate for insulin resistance). Furthermore, the group in the upper quartile for insulin resistance showed higher hemoglobin concentrations and WBC counts than the lower quartile, independent of smoking status and serum iron concentrations. Using HOMA-IR as a dependent variable in a multiple regression analysis, age, body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), systolic blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride, WBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and serum TIBC were significant. Our results provide support for a relation between insulin resistance/hyperinsulinemia and hematological parameters such as hemoglobin concentrations and WBC counts in elderly Koreans. This suggests that increased erythropoiesis and subclinical inflammation could be part of the metabolic syndrome in elderly Koreans.

Temporal and sequential analysis of microglia in the substantia nigra following medial forebrain bundle axotomy in rat

Dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta undergo apoptosis after transection of the medial forebrain bundle. We have assessed the temporal and sequential activities of microglia in these events by examining the complement-3 (OX-42), major histocompatibility complex class II antigen presentation (OX-6) and phagocytic activity (ED1), and correlating these indicators with dopaminergic neuronal loss. Microglia in the ipsilateral substantia nigra pars reticulata evinced activation morphology at 12 h postaxotomy. Phagocytic microglia apposed dying dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta starting at 3 days postlesion; their number increased through 14 days and slowly decreased. Nuclear chromatin condensation and significant loss of tyrosine hydroxylase-positive dopaminergic neurons occurred around 7 days postlesion. In contrast to microglial expression of interleukin-1beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase at the axotomy site, nigral microglia were interleukin-1beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase-negative. Consistently, RNase protection assays showed that interleukin-1beta and inducible nitric oxide synthase transcripts in nigra were equivocal. The present data support the idea that phagocytosis of axotomized neurons by activated microglia is not limited to dead neurons but includes dying neurons probably without cytotoxic effects of inflammatory substances, such as interleukin-1beta or nitric oxide.

Clostridium perfringens septicemia with thrombophlebitis of the portal vein

We report a case of patient with Clostridium perfringens septicemia and thrombophlebitis of the portal vein (pylephlebitis), probably secondary to an initially unrecognized gastric ulcer. The extension of the thrombosis from the superior mesenteric vein to the main portal vein on a repeat CT scan and subsequent partial resolution of the thrombus with antibiotic therapy alone, suggested that Clostridium perfringens bacteremia may have enhanced the formation of thrombus. The coexistence of Clostridium perfringens septicemia and pylephlebitis should prompt a search for intra-abdominal processes as the portal of entry of infection.

Factor analysis of the metabolic syndrome among elderly Koreans--the South-west Seoul Study

AIMS

To examine the relationship between the components of the metabolic syndrome and to explore whether insulin resistance unifies the clustering of components of the metabolic syndrome among urban elderly Koreans using exploratory factor analysis.

METHODS

We included 1314 non-diabetic subjects over the age of 60 years, selected from a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in 1999 in Seoul, Korea. Factor analysis was carried out using the principle components analysis with Varimax orthogonal rotation of the components of the metabolic syndrome.

RESULTS

We found four major factors of cardiovascular disease risk variables in our study subjects. Impaired glucose tolerance, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and obesity aggregated as the major domain. Obesity and dyslipidaemia variables were closely related and loaded on the same factor. However, hypertension was not linked closely with other factors of the metabolic syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Insulin resistance is not the only contributor to the metabolic syndrome among urban elderly Koreans. Although the components of the metabolic syndrome were closely related, the finding of more than one factor suggests that more than one pathophysiological mechanism underlies full expression of the metabolic syndrome among elderly Koreans.

Comparison of ADA and WHO criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes in elderly Koreans

AIMS

This study was conducted to compare the prevalence and cardiovascular risk factors of different categories of glucose tolerance in the elderly Korean population using World Health Organization (WHO) and American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria.

METHODS

This study included 1456 non-diabetic subjects over the age of 60 years, selected from a cross-sectional study, which was conducted in 1999 in Seoul, Korea. Fasting and post-challenge 2-h plasma glucose, insulin levels, body mass index (BMI), waist-hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure, and lipid profiles were examined. Prevalence of glucose tolerance categories and the level of agreement (kappa statistics) were obtained using WHO 2-h criteria and ADA fasting criteria. Comparison of cardiovascular risk factors among several concordant and discordant glucose intolerance groups was done.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of newly diagnosed diabetes of elderly men defined by WHO 2-h criteria and ADA fasting criteria were 11.8% and 4.8%, respectively. That of elderly women was 8.1% by WHO 2-h criteria and 3.1% by ADA fasting criteria. The prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) by WHO criteria was also higher than that of impaired fasting glucose (IFG) by ADA criteria (23.5% vs. 10.0% men, 23.7% vs. 7.5% women). The level of agreement between ADA fasting criteria and WHO 2-h criteria was low (weighted kappa = 0.228 men, weighted kappa = 0.301 women). The concordant diabetic women by both ADA fasting criteria and WHO 2-h criteria showed higher BMI, WHR, diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels than concordant normal subjects. However, the isolated post-challenge hyperglycaemia (IPH) women group was not different significantly from the concordant normal women group except in BMI.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results clearly show that the 1997 ADA fasting criteria are less sensitive for diagnosing diabetes than oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)-based WHO criteria in elderly Koreans. Also, there is a poor agreement of different categories of glucose tolerance between ADA and WHO criteria; therefore, the OGTT remains a valuable test in diagnosing diabetes and classifying various categories of glucose intolerance, especially in elderly Koreans.

A case of disseminated Cryptococcosis with skin eruption in a patient with acute leukemia

Disseminated cryptococcosis is a life-threatening infection caused by Cryptococcus neoformans and cutaneous dissemination occurs in 10-15% of patients. We report a case of a 49-y-old leukemic patient with disseminated cryptococcosis who presented with fever, headache, normal cerebrospinal fluid profile and multiple skin lesions mimicking molluscum contagiosum.

The whitening effect of bleaching agents on tetracycline-stained rat teeth

This study compared the whitening effect of three bleaching agents on the teeth of rats and demonstrated differences in bleaching where dentin was exposed or enamel was thin. Thirty Albino rats were peritoneally injected with tetracycline solution daily for two weeks. Thirty-two disc-shaped specimens were cut from the crowns of incisors removed from sacrificed rats and were irradiated with UV light for 16 hours. Sections were stored in saline. Eight sections served as controls and were not bleached. Three bleaching agents (Opalescence, Rembrandt and Nite White) were applied to eight specimens each, five times a day for two weeks, and images of the sections were recorded at the following times: before bleaching (baseline), day 1, day 3, day 5, day 7, day 9, day 11 and day 14. Mean colors to demonstrate any change (deltaE) from baseline for each time period were as follows: control-9.78 (baseline), 9.17, 9.36, 9.65, 9.40, 9.99, 10.57, 11.36; Opalescence-10.08, (baseline) 7.63, 6.72, 6.04, 5.10, 4.87, 4.89, 4.27; Rembrandt-9.83 (baseline), 11.27, 9.55, 8.36, 7.75, 6.94, 7.11, 7.04; Nite White-10.44 (baseline), 9.92, 7.58, 6.80, 5.45, 5.05, 4.73, 4.01. All bleached teeth were lightened (p<.01). Another 56 tetracycline-stained rat incisors were UV irradiated for three days. Three different penetration depths were tested: penetration through lingual dentin and labial enamel (DN group), penetration through labial enamel only (RE group) and penetration through labial enamel covered with 1.0 mm human enamel (HE group). Specimens were bleached with Opalescence for one hour five times a day for one week or four weeks. A control group of unbleached teeth was also examined. Results (deltaE) were as follows: control--11.67; 1-week DN--13.55; 1-week RE--12.80; 1-week HE--12.07; 4-week DN--7.48; 4-week RE--7.50; 4-week HE--11.69. The color change in the 4-week DN and the 4-week RE groups showed the greatest reduction (p<.01).

[The medical system and its characteristics during the Koryo Dynasty period]

This article explores the medical system of the Koryo Dynasty period and its social characteristics. First, the structure of medical system and roles of medical institutions during the Koryo Dynasty period will be summarized. Then, the characteristics of the medical system will be identified through exploring the principles of its formation in a view of social recognition of medical care and a view of public policy. During the Koryo Dynasty period, medical experts were trained in national education institutions from the early days of Dynasty. After trained, they were appointed to the posts at government service with their medical profession. In the meantime, they sought ways to ascend their social position. Physicians of Oriental medicine were appointed to the posts at each local government and troops to take charge of medical treatments of the common people. Also, the state tried to assume the reins of medical system by actively taking part in circulation (collection and distribution) of herb. Taeuigam and Sangyakguk represent central medical institutions of the Koryo, taking charge of medical service for the aristocracy and the bureaucracy. The Common people were treated at DongSeoDaeBiWOn, JeWuiBo, HyeMinGuk, and YakJum in SeoKyung. However, activities of these institutions became less active around the days of military officials regime, as officers became negligent and financial base went broken. The roles of medical institutions of the Koryo government were not restricted to the treatment of diseases. Policies for the common people were constituted by two main policies, the policy for encouraging agriculture and the policy for giving relief to people. Medical institutions, with other social systems, had a social responsibility to support the governing system of the Koryo and maintain the stability of the society. In this aspect, medical institutions such as DongSeoDaeBiWon and JeWuiBo, and relief institutions such as UiChang, were all related and connected organically, and they were results of, and bases of the relief policy. However, medical system for the common people was made up first for practical needs and then improved successively. Allocation of medical experts and execution of relief work were carried out by each local government, except the case of serious disaster, which central government took part in. As the Koryo Dynasty went into its latter period, temporary institutions and one - time benefits replaced permanent institutions. These four characteristics described above were systemic characteristics of medical system during the Koryo Dynasty period.

Risk factors for failure of 5-fluorouracil needling revision for failed conjunctival filtration blebs

PURPOSE

To investigate the risk factors for failure of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) needling revision, a useful procedure for restoring a failed filtration bleb.

DESIGN

Interventional case series.

METHODS

Retrospectively conducted study.

SETTING

Institutional.

STUDY POPULATION

Sixty-four eyes of 64 consecutive glaucoma patients that underwent 5-FU needling revisions for failed filtering bleb following either trabeculectomy or phaco-trabeculectomy with or without adjunctive mitomycin C (MMC).

OBSERVATION PROCEDURES

Goldmann applanation tonometry, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Successful outcome of the initial 5-FU needling revision, arbitrarily defined as target intraocular pressure (IOP) control with not more than two topical glaucoma medications and no additional 5-FU needling or other surgical procedures, was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and risk factors for failure of the initial 5-FU needling revision were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

RESULTS

The cumulative success rate of the initial 5-FU needling revision was 45% at 1 year, 33% at 2 years, and 28% at 4 years. Failure of the initial 5-FU revision correlated significantly with preneedling IOP > 30 mm Hg (P =.0003), lack of MMC use during the previous filtration surgery (P =.013), and IOP >10 mm Hg immediately following needling revision (P =.0012) according to Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-needling IOP > 30 mm Hg, lack of MMC use during the previous filtration surgery, and IOP > 10 mm Hg immediately after needling were found to be significant risk factors for failure of the initial 5-FU needling procedure. Therefore, it is important to monitor IOP closely following needling revision in those patients with such risk factors. They are more likely to require additional therapeutic interventions, including repeat needling revisions.

Optical representation of binary data based on both intensity and phase modulation with a twisted-nematic liquid-crystal display for holographic digital data storage

We propose a method of representing binary data by modulating both the intensity and the phase of beams with a twisted-nematic liquid-crystal display. With our method it is possible to reduce the dc component of the data image and thus improve the beam-intensity uniformity at the holographic recording plane when one is recording Fourier-plane holograms to obtain maximal areal storage density in disk-shaped storage media. The feasibility of our method is demonstrated experimentally.

Effects of polysaccharides from rhizomes of Curcuma zedoaria on macrophage functions

The effects of Curcuma zedoaria, which is used as a condiment, in perfumery, and as a medicine, on immune response were investigated by measuring macrophage-stimulating activity in macrophages and RAW 264.7 cells. In this study, CZ-1 and CZ-1-III, the fractions partially purified from C. zedoaria, had a strong, dose-dependent lysosomal enzyme activity. It was suggested that active portions of CZ-1-III were polysaccharides rather than proteins. Phagocytic activity increased as a similar pattern in both the gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, time-dependently. It was demonstrated that CZ-1-III can augment the oxygen burst response but had an even higher activity in vivo than in vitro. Also a significant increase of H2O2, NO, and TNF-alpha production was observed. However, the production of TNF-alpha at the concentration of 1,000 microg/ml decreased. These data suggested that C. zedoaria had macrophage-stimulating activity and the possibility of being used as a biological response modifier.