Examining the Psychometric Properties and Clinical Correlates of the Korean Version of the Family Accommodation Scale-Self-Rated Version for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Objective@#We aimed to develop a Korean version of the Family Accommodation Scale-Self-Rated (FAS-SR), to investigate its reliability and validity and to study the clinical correlates of family accommodation in families with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) patient. @*Methods@#The FAS-SR was translated into Korean under the original author’s supervision. Forty-two patients with OCD and their closest relatives participated. The internal consistency was estimated using Cronbach’s alpha and the split half method. Convergent and divergent validity were identified by measuring with other clinical variables. Test-retest reliability was also calculated. @*Results@#The reliability analyses showed that Korean version of the FAS-SR demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha=0.91) and test-retest reliability (Intraclass correlation coefficient=0.93). It showed good convergent validity when simultaneously assessed OCD symptom severity, global functioning and relative’s psychological distress. @*Conclusion@#The findings suggest that Korean version of the FAS-SR is a reliable and valid tool for assessing family accommodation in Korean patients with OCD in both research and clinical settings.

Minimal change nephrotic syndrome showing complete remission after resection of a neurofibroma in a type I neurofibromatosis patient

No abstract available.

Determining the optimal surveillance interval after a colonoscopic polypectomy for the Korean population?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Western surveillance strategies cannot be directly adapted to the Korean population. The aim of this study was to estimate the risk of metachronous neoplasia and the optimal surveillance interval in the Korean population. METHODS: Clinical and pathological data from index colonoscopy performed between June 2006 and July 2008 and who had surveillance colonoscopies up to May 2015 were compared between low- and high-risk adenoma (LRA and HRA) groups. The 3- and 5-year cumulative risk of metachronous colorectal neoplasia in both groups were compared. RESULTS: Among 895 eligible patients, surveillance colonoscopy was performed in 399 (44.6%). Most (83.3%) patients with LRA had a surveillance colonoscopy within 5 years and 70.2% of patients with HRA had a surveillance colonoscopy within 3 years. The cumulative risk of metachronous advanced adenoma was 3.2% within 5 years in the LRA group and only 1.7% within 3 years in the HRA group. The risk of metachronous neoplasia was similar between the surveillance interval of <5 and ≥5 years in the LRA group; however, it was slightly higher at surveillance interval of ≥3 than <3 years in the HRA group (9.4% vs. 2.4%). In multivariate analysis, age and the ≥3-year surveillance interval were significant independent risk factors for metachronous advanced adenoma (P=0.024 and P=0.030, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients had a surveillance colonoscopy before the recommended guidelines despite a low risk of metachronous neoplasia. However, the risk of metachronous advanced adenoma was increased in elderly patients and those with a ≥3-year surveillance interval.

Louis XIV's Ginseng: Shaping of Knowledge on an Herbal Medicine in the Late 17th and the Early 18th Century France / 의사학

This article aims to investigate the shaping of knowledge and discourse on ginseng, especially among physicians and botanists, since its introduction to France from the 17th century until the early 18th century. In France, knowledge on herbal medicine, including that of ginseng, was shaped under the influence of the modern state's policy and institution: mercantilism and the Académie royale des sciences. The knowledge of herbal medicine developed as an important part of the mercantilist policy supported systematically by the Académie. The East Asian ginseng, renowned as a panacea, was first introduced into France in the 17th century, initially in a roundabout way through transportation and English and Dutch publications of travel tales from various foreign countries. The publication activity was mainly conducted by Thévenot company with the intention to meet the needs of French mercantilism promoted by Colbert. It also implied interests on medicine in order to bolster the people's health. The Thévenot company's activity thus offered vital information on plants and herbs abroad, one of which was ginseng. Furthermore, with Louis XIV's dispatching of the Jesuit missionaries to East Asia, the Frenchmen were able to directly gather information on ginseng. These information became a basis for research of the Académie. In the Académie, founded in 1666 by Colbert, the king's physicians and botanists systematically and collectively studied on exotic plants and medical herbs including ginseng. They were also key figures of the Jardin du Roi. These institutions bore a striking contrast to the faculty of medicine at the University of Paris which has been a center of the traditional Galenic medicine. The research of the Académie on ginseng was greatly advanced, owing much to the reports and samples sent from China and Canada by Jartoux, Sarrazin, and Lapitau. From the early 18th century, the conservative attitude of the University of Paris, which was a stronghold of conservative Galenic Medicine, began to change with its new interest on foreign medicine herbs, including Chinese medicine. In our opinion, this change is exemplified in a paper, that is to say in a thése de licence or thése quolibétique in French, submitted to the Faculty of Medicine in 1736 by Folliot de Saint-Vast under the direction of Jacques-François Vendermonde. During this period, the knowledge of Chinese Materia Medica was introduced, despite of textual adaptation and interpolation, through the "translation" of Chinese medicale books such as Bencao Gangmu. The Chinese medical books were presented to the French academic public by doctors and Jesuit missionaries active in China. The assessment of the ginseng was generally favorable yet, although physicians and doctors began to take more caution on considering it as a panacea.

Amygdalin Regulates Apoptosis and Adhesion in Hs578T Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Amygdalin, D-mandelonitrile-beta-D-glucoside-6-beta-glucoside, belongs to aromatic cyanogenic glycoside group derived from rosaceous plant seed. Mounting evidence has supported the anti-cancer effects of amygdalin. However, whether amygdalin indeed acts as an anti-tumor agent against breast cancer cells is not clear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of amygdalin on the proliferation of human breast cancer cells. Here, we show that amygdalin exerted cytotoxic activities on estrogen receptors (ER)-positive MCF7 cells, and MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. Amygdalin induced apoptosis of Hs578T TNBC cells. Amygdalin downregulated B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), upregulated Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), activated of caspase-3 and cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). Amygdalin activated a pro-apoptotic signaling molecule p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAPK) in Hs578T cells. Treatment of amygdalin significantly inhibited the adhesion of Hs578T cells, in which integrin alpha5 may be involved. Taken together, this study demonstrates that amygdalin induces apoptosis and inhibits adhesion of breast cancer cells. The results suggest a potential application of amygdalin as a chemopreventive agent to prevent or alleviate progression of breast cancer, especially TNBC.

Effect of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 on the Differentiation of Adipose-derived Stem Cells into Osteoblasts and Adipocytes

OBJECTIVES: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an intestinally secreted hormone and it plays an important role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. However, the possible role of GLP-1 in the differentiation of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) remains unknown. Therefore this study investigated the effect of GLP-1 on the differentiation of ADSCs into osteoblasts and adipocytes. METHODS: ADSCs were isolated from human adipose tissues of the abdomens, cultured and characterized by flow cytometry and multi-lineage potential assay. ADSCs were induced in osteogenic and adipogenic media treated with two different doses (10 and 100 nM) of GLP-1, and then the effect of GLP-1 on differentiation of ADSCs into osteoblast and adipocyte was examined. The signaling pathway involved in these processes was also examined. RESULTS: Isolated human ADSCs expressed mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) specific markers as well as GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) proteins. They also showed multiple-lineage potential of MSC. GLP-1 was upregulated the activity and mRNA expression of osteoblast-specific marker, alkaline phosphatase and the mineralization of calcium. In contrast, GLP-1 significantly suppressed the expression of adipocyte-specific markers, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-gamma), lipoprotein lipase (LPL) and adipocyte protein 2 (AP2). This decreased expression of adipocyte specific markers caused by GLP-1 was significantly reversed by the treatment of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor, PD98059 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This result demonstrates that GLP-1 stimulates osteoblast differentiation in ADSCs, whereas it inhibits adipocyte differentiation. The ERK signaling pathway seems to be involved in these differentiation processes mediated by GLP-1.

Coinfection with Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus and Oriental Eye Worm in a Rural Woman: The First Report of an Unusual Case

No abstract available.

A Case of Recurrent Type 1 Herpes Simplex Viral Infection on the Areola after Human Bite / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Pacinian Neuromas Presenting as Soft Tumors on the Volar Aspect of the Fingertips

No abstract available.

A Clinical and Histopathologic Study of Lichen Striatus according to the Clinical Type and Age / 대한피부과학회지

BACKGROUND: Lichen striatus is an uncommon, self-limiting, linear inflammatory disease occurring along the lines of Blaschko, mainly affecting children, and is diagnosed by clinical history and histopathological study of typical lesions. However, various aspects of the histopathologic findings have not yet been studied sufficiently. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of lichen striatus in Korea, according to age and clinical subtype. METHODS: This retrospective study on lichen striatus was performed at our center; clinical and histopathologic findings from 32 patients were evaluated. RESULTS: In all, 22 children and 10 adults were included. The lesions were predominantly distributed on the extremities (78.1%), including those that showed multiregional involvement. Twenty-four patients had erythematous papular lichen striatus (75%), and eight had hypopigmented macular type lesions (25%). All cases of hypopigmented macular subtypes had occurred in children. The histopathologic features of lichen striatus included basal vacuolar degeneration (93.3%), hyperkeratosis (83.3%), spongiosis (63.3%), and exocytosis of lymphocytes (63.3%) in the epidermis. Superficial and deep perivascular lymphocytic inflammatory infiltration (96.7%), lichenoid lymphohistiocytic infiltration (76.7%), and periappendageal involvement (53.3%) in the dermis were also observed. Papular lesions showed greater spongiosis, exocytosis, dyskeratosis, and vacuolar degeneration than hypopigmented lesions. Increased dyskeratosis and pigmentary incontinence as well as more severe lichenoid infiltration were observed in the adults. CONCLUSION: This study provides the first national data about the clinical and histopathologic characteristics of lichen striatus in adults and children. Some of the clinical and histopathologic characteristics differed according to the age group as well as clinical subtype.

Spontaneous abortion and recurrent miscarriage: A comparison of cytogenetic diagnosis in 250 cases

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and distribution of cytogenetically abnormal miscarriages in couples with spontaneous abortions (SA) or recurrent miscarriages (RM). METHODS: Karyotyping of specimens from 164 abortuses with SA and 86 abortuses with RM was successfully performed according to the standard cytogenetic methods using G-banding technique. RESULTS: Among the total 164 cases of SA group, 81 (49.4%) were euploid and the rest (83, 50.6%) showed chromosomal abnormalities. In RM(> or =2) and RM(> or =3) group, 31 (36.0%)/27 (34.6%) cases were euploid and 55 (64.0%)/51(65.4%) cases were abnormal, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found in the rate of cytogenetic abnormality between SA and RM groups (P or =35 years) had a higher rate of chromosome anomalies compared with women younger than age 35 (normal:abnormal = 32.4%:67.6% for > or =35 years and 53.8%:46.2% for or =35 years and 43.3%:56.7%/40.0%:60.0% for or =2) and RM(> or =3), respectively; P<0.05). In SA group, an increase of normal karyotypes was noted with increased gestational age (<10 week, 38.0%; 10-15 week, 53.5%; 16-20 week, 65.7%). In RM group, most of cases were in <10 week and the frequency of trisomies with chromosomes 1 to 10 were increased compared with that of SA. CONCLUSION: There was a statistically significant difference in the frequency and distribution of chromosomal abnormalities between SA and RM groups. Our results will provide useful information for diagnosis and genetic counseling of patients with SA or RM.

Schisandra Chinensis Baillon regulates the gene expression of phase II antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes in hepatic damage induced rats

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective effects of Schisandra chinensis Baillon extract (SCE) against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative hepatic damage in rats. MATERIALS/METHODS: Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were pretreated with SCE (300, 600, and 1,200 mg/kg BW) or saline once daily for 14 consecutive days. On day 14, each animal, except those belonging to the normal control group, were injected with t-BHP (0.8 mmol/kg BW/i.p.), and all of the rats were sacrificed 16 h after t-BHP injection. RESULTS: Although no significant differences in AST and ALT levels were observed among the TC and SCE groups, the high-dose SCE group showed a decreasing tendency compared to the TC group. However, erythrocyte SOD activity showed a significant increase in the low-dose SCE group compared with the TC group. On the other hand, no significant differences in hepatic total glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were observed among the TC and SCE groups. Hepatic histopathological evaluation revealed that pretreatment with SCE resulted in reduced t-BHP-induced incidence of lesions, such as neutrophil infiltration, swelling of liver cells, and necrosis. In particular, treatment with a high dose of SCE resulted in induction of phase II antioxidant/detoxifying enzyme expression, such as glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, we conclude that SCE exerts protective effects against t-BHP induced oxidative hepatic damage through the reduction of neutrophil infiltration, swelling of liver cells, and necrosis. In addition, SCE regulates the gene expression of phase II antioxidant/detoxifying enzymes independent of hepatic antioxidant enzyme activity.

Bullous Annular Erythema as a Cutaneous Sign of Vaginal Stump Adenocarcinoma

No abstract available.

Granuloma Developed Following Injection for Chemical Castration Treatment in Paedophilia / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Acute Peripheral Neuropathy, as One of Early Manifestations in Crohn's Disease

Acute neuropathic complications rarely develop in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. A case of acute peripheral neuropathy that developed only 4 weeks after a diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) is reported herein. Peripheral neuropathy can be a rare extraintestinal manifestation of CD. Early recognition and proper management of the neurologic complications are crucial for preventing the associated morbidity.

Multiple Myxoid Neurofibromas on the Trunk of a Man of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Morphea and Verruca Plana Complicated in Central Diabetes Insipidus / 대한피부과학회지

Morphea, localized scleroderma, is a connective tissue disease characterized by localized, circumscribed sclerotic patches, or plaques of the skin. The pathogenesis of morphea is still unclear. Central diabetes insipidus is a disease characterized by excessive thirst and urination. In more than half of the cases of central diabetes insipidus, the etiology is still unknown. We experienced the case of morphea and verruca plana in a 32-year old female with a history of central diabetes insipidus. Central diabetes insipidus might have influenced disrupting the homeostasis of the endocrine or immune environment. In the state of disrupted homeostasis, there might be an increased chance for morphea and disseminated verruca plana to develop easily. Based on this, we suppose the possible mechanism about the morphea and disseminated verruca plana developed in central diabetes insipidus.

Morphea and Verruca Plana Complicated in Central Diabetes Insipidus / 대한피부과학회지

Morphea, localized scleroderma, is a connective tissue disease characterized by localized, circumscribed sclerotic patches, or plaques of the skin. The pathogenesis of morphea is still unclear. Central diabetes insipidus is a disease characterized by excessive thirst and urination. In more than half of the cases of central diabetes insipidus, the etiology is still unknown. We experienced the case of morphea and verruca plana in a 32-year old female with a history of central diabetes insipidus. Central diabetes insipidus might have influenced disrupting the homeostasis of the endocrine or immune environment. In the state of disrupted homeostasis, there might be an increased chance for morphea and disseminated verruca plana to develop easily. Based on this, we suppose the possible mechanism about the morphea and disseminated verruca plana developed in central diabetes insipidus.

Cell Differentiation Might Predict the Recurrence in Surgically Resected Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer mortality in Korea. The TNM stage at presentation in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has the greatest impact on prognosis. Patients who undergo a complete resection for NSCLC are likely to develop recurrent and/or metastatic disease. There are several factors influencing the development of recurrence. We explored risk factors of recurrence in patients with stages I and II NSCLC, who had undergone curative resection. METHODS: We reviewed patients who had complete surgical resection as definitive treatment for stage I or II. Patients followed up for more than 36 months. We evaluated several factors which might have relationship with recurrence, such as patient's demographic factors, TNM staging, pathologic finding, tumor markers and surgical technique. RESULTS: A total of 75 patients were enrolled for analysis, of whom 58 were men and 17 were women with mean age of 61 (range, 37 to 76) years. The average size of tumors was 3.9 cm (0.7 to 10 cm). There were 64 patients with stage I NSCLC and 11 with stage II NSCLC. Among 64 patients with stage I NSCLC, 35 patients showed recurrences whereas 8 patients have recurred in stage II NSCLC. Grade of differentiation of tumor was closely related to the recurrence. Seventy-five percent of patients who had poor tumor differentiation experienced a recurrence. In contrast, 3 patients of twelve had recurrences, who revealed differentiation in their tissue (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tumor differentiation could be a predictive factor for tumor recurrence in patients who have undergone curative resection for stage I or II NSCLC.

A Case of Disseminated Melioidosis in a Migrant Worker from Thailand / 대한진단검사의학회지

With globalization, foreign patients are frequently encountered at the clinical practice in Korea. As the number of migrant workers from Southeast Asia has been notably rising since the late 1990's, unfamiliar tropical infectious diseases that they bring out, may give great challenges to the routine clinical practice in Korea. Melioidosis is a community-acquired infection caused by a gram-negative bacillus, Burkholderia pseudomallei. It has been endemic in Southeast Asia and Northern Australia, where B. pseudomallei is a soil saprophyte and invades the host through inoculation or inhalation. It frequently presents as an acute septicemia with a high mortality rate of 40%, mainly in patients with chronic underlying diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. Recently, we encountered a case of fatal disseminated melioidosis in a migrant worker from Thailand. We suggest an importance of melioidosis as a cause of community-acquired sepsis in migrant workers from Southeast Asia.