Clinical Relevance of Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in Neurodegenerative Disease

Background@#Enlarged perivascular space (ePVS) is recently reported to be associated with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The topographical location of ePVS may relate to the underlying pathology; basal ganglia (BG)-ePVS has been associated with cerebral vascular diseases and centrum semi-ovale (CSO)-ePVS associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). However, the effects of ePVS on various neurological conditions remain still controversial. To investigate the clinical relevance of ePVS in neurodegenerative diseases, we tested relationships between ePVS and cognition, markers of SVD, vascular risk factors, or amyloid pathology. @*Methods@#We retrospectively reviewed 292 patients (133 AD dementia, 106 mild cognitive impairment, 39 other neurodegenerative diseases, 14 subjective cognitive decline) who underwent both amyloid positron emission tomography and brain magnetic resonance imaging. Vascular risk factors and cognitive tests results were collected. The ePVS in the BG and CSO, SVD markers and the volume of white matter hyperintensities were measured. @*Results@#There were no significant differences in the severity and distribution of ePVS among clinical syndromes. Both BG- and CSO-ePVS were not related to cognitive function. Patients with lacunes were more likely to have high-degree BG-ePVS. High degree CSO-ePVS had an odds ratio (OR) for amyloid positive of 2.351, while BG-ePVS was a negative predictor for amyloid pathology (OR, 0.336). @*Conclusions@#Our findings support that ePVS has different underlying pathologies according to the cerebral topography. BG-ePVS would be attributed to hypertensive angiopathy considering the relation with SVD markers, whereas and CSO-ePVS would be attributed to CAA considering the association with amyloid pathology.

Diagnosis and Molecular Analysis on Imported Plasmodium ovale curtisi and P. ovale wallikeri Malaria Cases from West and South Africa during 2013-2016

Majority of the imported malaria cases in Korea is attributed to Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax infections, whereas P. malariae and P. ovale infections are very rare. Falciparum and ovale malaria are mostly imported from Africa, while most of the vivax malaria cases are imported from Southeast Asia. Here, we report 6 Korean imported ovale malaria cases (4 males and 2 females) who had visited in Africa during 2013-2016. These subjects were diagnosed with P. ovale based on microscopic findings, Plasmodium species-specific nested-PCR, and phylogenetic clade using 18S rRNA gene sequences. We identified 2 P. ovale subtypes, 1 P. ovale curtisi (classic type) and 5 P. ovale wallikeri (variant type). All patients were treated with chloroquine and primaquine, and no relapse or recrudescence was reported for 1 year after treatment. With increase of travelers to the countries where existing Plasmodium species, the risk of Plasmodium infection is also increasing. Molecular monitoring for imported malaria parasites should be rigorously and continuously performed to enable diagnosis and certification of Plasmodium spp.

Aortic Arch Endarterectomy Associated with On-Pump Cardiac Surgery in Patients with a Mobile Arch Atheroma / 대한흉부외과학회지

We describe aortic arch endarterectomy performed concomitantly with on-pump cardiac surgery in 2 patients with grade V arch atherosclerosis. In both patients, transesophageal echocardiographic findings led to the diagnosis of severe arch atherosclerosis associated with a mobile atheromatous plaque in the aortic arch. The severe arch atherosclerosis was managed with endarterectomy under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. In patients with severe grade V atherosclerosis in the aortic arch, performing endarterectomy simultaneously with primary cardiac surgery may be justified as a way to reduce the risk of peripheral embolism, including cerebrovascular accidents, with minimal additional surgical risk.

Aortic Arch Endarterectomy Associated with On-Pump Cardiac Surgery in Patients with a Mobile Arch Atheroma

We describe aortic arch endarterectomy performed concomitantly with on-pump cardiac surgery in 2 patients with grade V arch atherosclerosis. In both patients, transesophageal echocardiographic findings led to the diagnosis of severe arch atherosclerosis associated with a mobile atheromatous plaque in the aortic arch. The severe arch atherosclerosis was managed with endarterectomy under deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. In patients with severe grade V atherosclerosis in the aortic arch, performing endarterectomy simultaneously with primary cardiac surgery may be justified as a way to reduce the risk of peripheral embolism, including cerebrovascular accidents, with minimal additional surgical risk.

Worsened survival in the head-up tilt position cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a porcine cardiac arrest model

OBJECTIVE: Head elevation at an angle of 30° during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was hemodynamically beneficial compared to supine position in a previous porcine cardiac arrest experimental study. However, survival benefit of head-up elevation during CPR has not been clarified. This study aimed to assess the effect of head-up tilt position during CPR on 24-hour survival in a porcine cardiac arrest experimental model.METHODS: This was a randomized experimental trial using female farm pigs (n=18, 42±3 kg) sedated, intubated, and paralyzed on a tilting surgical table. After surgical preparation, 15 minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation was induced. Then, 6 minutes of basic life support was performed in a position randomly assigned to either head-up tilt at 30° or supine with a mechanical CPR device, LUCAS-2, and an impedance threshold device, followed by 20 minutes of advanced cardiac life support in the same position. Primary outcome was 24-hour survival, analyzed by Fisher exact test.RESULTS: In the 8 pigs from the head-up tilt position group, one showed return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC); all eight pigs expired within 24 hours. In the eight pigs from the supine position group, six had the ROSC; six pigs survived for 24 hours and two expired. The head-up position group showed lower 24-hour survival rate and lower ROSC rate than supine position group (P<0.01).CONCLUSION: The use of head-up tilt position with 30 degrees during CPR showed lower 24-hour survival than the supine position.

Development and Clinical Evaluation of a Rapid Diagnostic Test for Yellow Fever Non-Structural Protein 1

A rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit was developed to detect non-structural protein 1 (NS1) of yellow fever virus (YFV) using monoclonal antibody. NS1 protein was purified from the cultured YFV and used to immunize mice. Monoclonal antibody to NS1 was selected and conjugated with colloidal gold to produce the YFV NS1 RDT kit. The YFV RDTs were evaluated for sensitivity and specificity using positive and negative samples of monkeys from Brazil and negative human blood samples from Korea. Among monoclonal antibodies, clones 3A11 and 3B7 proved most sensitive, and used for YFV RDT kit. Diagnostic accuracy of YFV RDT was fairly high; Sensitivity was 0.0% and specificity was 100% against Dengue viruses type 2 and 3, Zika, Chikungunya and Mayaro viruses. This YFV RDT kit could be employed as a test of choice for point-of-care diagnosis and large scale surveys of YFV infection under clinical or field conditions in endemic areas and on the globe.

Comparison of acute phase reactant levels of Kawasaki disease patients who visited with less than 5 days duration of fever and with 5 days or longer

PURPOSE: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a common, acute systemic vasculitis in children. Acute phase reactants (APRs) have been used to assist diagnosis, and to predict outcome in children with KD. However, it remains unknown on levels of APRs depending on duration of fever. We aimed to compare APR levels of children with KD who visited with < 5 days duration of fever and with ≥ 5 days. METHODS: Children (≤ 15 years) with complete KD who visited the emergency department were enrolled from March 2012 through February 2018. The children were divided into the early (fever < 5 days) and late (fever ≥ 5 days) presenters. The baseline characteristics, APR levels, such as platelet count, and outcomes were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: A total of 145 children with complete KD were enrolled. Median age was 27.0 (interquartile range [IQR], 12.0–46.5) months, and boys accounted for 60.0%. The early presenters (63 [43.4%]) had a younger age (17.0 [IQR, 7.0–45.0] vs. 32.5 [IQR, 14.0–48.0] months; P = 0.006), shorter duration of fever (3.0 [IQR, 2.0–4.0] vs. 6.0 [IQR, 5.0–7.0] days; P < 0.001), and a lower platelet count (336.7 ± 105.2 [× 10³/µL] vs. 381.6 ± 121.8 [× 10³/µL], P = 0.02) than the late presenters. The other APR levels, and frequency of resistance to intravenous immunoglobulin and coronary artery abnormalities showed no differences between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Children with KD who visited with < 5 days duration of fever had a lower platelet count compared to those with ≥ 5 days. No differences were found in the other APR levels and the outcomes. It may be necessary to consider the differences in APR levels depending on duration of fever when treating children with KD.

Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value of cardiac symptoms assessed by emergency medical services providers in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction: a multi-center observational study

OBJECTIVE: For patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), symptoms assessed by emergency medical services (EMS) providers have a critical role in prehospital treatment decisions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of EMS provider-assessed cardiac symptoms of AMI. METHODS: Patients transported by EMS to 4 study hospitals from 2008 to 2012 were included. Using EMS and administrative emergency department databases, patients were stratified according to the presence of EMS-assessed cardiac symptoms and emergency department diagnosis of AMI. Cardiac symptoms were defined as chest pain, dyspnea, palpitations, and syncope. Disproportionate stratified sampling was used, and medical records of sampled patients were reviewed to identify an actual diagnosis of AMI. Using inverse probability weighting, verification bias-corrected diagnostic performance was estimated. RESULTS: Overall, 92,353 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these, 13,971 (15.1%) complained of cardiac symptoms to EMS providers. A total of 775 patients were sampled for hospital record review. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of EMS provider-assessed cardiac symptoms for the final diagnosis of AMI was 73.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70.8 to 75.7), 85.3% (95% CI, 85.3 to 85.4), 3.9% (95% CI, 3.6 to 4.2), and 99.7% (95% CI, 99.7 to 99.8), respectively. CONCLUSION: We found that EMS provider-assessed cardiac symptoms had moderate sensitivity and high specificity for diagnosis of AMI. EMS policymakers can use these data to evaluate the pertinence of specific prehospital treatment of AMI.

Patient Blood Management: Anesthesiologist's Perspectives / 한양의대학술지

Preoperative anemia should be diagnosed and treated before surgery, because anemia is associated with increased postoperative mortality and morbidity. Even if iron deficiency is not detected, the possibility of functional iron deficiency should be considered. During surgery, patients should be managed to avoid hypothermia, acidosis, and hypocalcemia, while maintaining adequate blood pressure and preventing dilutional coagulopathy. It is currently recommended to start transfusion when hemoglobin is under 7–8 g/dL in patients without cardiac problems, using restrictive strategy rather than liberal, due to dangers of complications from transfusion. For those who refuse transfusion, or when transfusion is difficult due to multiple antibodies, or when attempting to reduce allogeneic transfusion, preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD), intraoperative acute normovolemic hemodilution (ANH), intraoperative blood salvage, or postoperative blood salvage can be used. For patients with trauma or massive bleeding, damage control resuscitation of permissive hypotension, restriction of crystalloid infusion, transfusion of blood product in a ratio similar to whole blood (1:1:1 of FFP, platelets, PRBC) must be actively carried out.

Prevalence of Tick-Borne Pathogens from Ticks Collected from Cattle and Wild Animals in Tanzania in 2012

This study was aimed to disclose the prevalence rate of tick-borne pathogens from ticks collected from cattle and wild animals in Tanzania in 2012. Ticks were collected from slaughtered cattle and dead wild animals from November 5 to December 23, 2012 and identified. PCR for detecting Anaplasmataceae, Piroplamidae, Rickettsiaceae, Borrelia spp., and Coxiella spp. were done. Among those tested, Rickettsiaceae, Piroplasmidae, and Anaplasmataceae, were detected in ticks from the 2 regions. Rickettsiaceae represented the major tick-borne pathogens of the 2 regions. Ticks from animals in Maswa were associated with a higher pathogen detection rate compared to that in ticks from Iringa. In addition, a higher pathogen detection rate was observed in ticks infesting cattle than in ticks infesting wild animals. All examined ticks of the genus Amblyomma were infected with diverse pathogens. Ticks of the genera Rhipicephalus and Hyalomma were infected with 1 or 2 pathogens. Collectively, this study provides important information regarding differences in pathogen status among various regions, hosts, and tick species in Tanzania. Results in this study will affect the programs to prevent tick-borne diseases (TBD) of humans and livestock in Tanzania.

Establishment of peripheral intravenous catheter for pediatric patients in the emergency department: who and how?

PURPOSE: Peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIC) for children is technically difficult. We aimed to investigate factors associated with the primary success of PIC for children in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted on children younger than 3 years who visited the ED from September 2014 to August 2015. The children undergoing primary success, defined as success at the first attempt, comprised the success group. Using a case report form, information about the children (age, sex, and weight), practitioners' occupation (doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians [EMTs]), treatment venue, insertion site of PIC, presence of guardians, and use of auxiliary devices were collected and compared between the success and failure groups. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to identify factors associated with the primary success. RESULTS: Of 439 children, 271 underwent the primary success (61.7%). The success group showed older age, heavier weight, and higher proportion of EMT. No differences were found in treatment venue, insertion site, and presence of the guardian. We found that patients' age (odds ratio [OR], 1.03; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003–1.1), and practitioners' occupation (EMT; OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.9–4.7, compared with doctors) were the factors associated with the primary success. CONCLUSION: Practitioners' occupation (EMT) and children's age (older) may be associated with the primary success of PIC. It may be helpful to have specialized personnel when performing PIC on children in the ED.

Follow-up Study of Patients Previously Diagnosed with Lymphatic Filariasis in Korea

OBJECTIVES: Korea was an endemic area for lymphatic filariasis (LF), caused by the nematode parasite Brugia malayi, until the 1970s. The World Health Organization recognized Korea as LF-free in June 2008. However, it is necessary to confirm that patients that have had LF in the past still test negative, to prevent the re-emergence of LF in Korea. METHODS: We followed up a total of 83 patients who had been diagnosed with LF between 2002 and 2010 in endemic LF areas. RESULTS: Fifty-two of the 83 subjects were negative for LF, whereas 31 subjects had re-located to a different city or province, were dead, or were unaccounted for. Most subjects with negative test results still exhibited edema in the legs or the arms, and some complained of redness and swelling in the legs or ankle joints. However, we found that these symptoms were due to diseases other than LF. CONCLUSION: In this follow-up study, we did not find any evidence indicating the potential re-emergence of LF in Korea.

Change in Guardians' Favor in Computed Tomography after Explained by Emergency Physicians in Pediatric Head Injury

PURPOSE: Head injury in children is a common problem presenting to emergency departments, and cranial computed tomography scan is the diagnostic standard for these patients. Several decision rules are used to determine whether computed tomography scans should be used; however, the use of computed tomography scans is often influenced by guardian favor toward the scans. The objective of this study was to identify changes in guardian favor for explanation of minor head injuries based on the institutional clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: A survey was conducted between July 2010 and June 2012. Patients younger than 16 years with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 after a head injury and guardians of these patients were included. Pre- and post-explanation questionnaires were administered to guardians to evaluate their favor for computed tomography scans and factors related to the degree of favor. Treating physicians explained the risks and benefits of cranial computed tomography scans using the institutional clinical practice guidelines. Guardian favor for a computed tomography (CT) scan was examined using a 100-mm visual analog scale. RESULTS: A total of 208 patients and their guardians were included in this survey. Guardian favor for computed tomography scans was significantly reduced after explanation (46.7 vs. 17.4, p<0.01). Pre-explanation favor and the degree of physician recommending computed tomography were the most important factors affecting pre- and postexplanation changes in favor. CONCLUSION: Explanation of the risks and benefits of cranial computed tomography scans using the institutional clinical practice guidelines may significantly reduce guardian favor for computed tomography scans.

The Relationship between Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and Chronic Periodontitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The most common cause of chronic periodontitis is poor oral hygiene. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) enhances the proximal migration of gastric contents and may cause poor oral hygiene. We hypothesized that GERD may increase thse risk of chronic periodontitis and investigated this potential relationship. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted in outpatients between January 1, 2010, and April 30, 2012. GERD was defined as being present based on at least two of the following criteria: etiologic agent(s), identifiable signs and symptoms, and consistent anatomic alterations. A total of 280 patients with chronic periodontitis and 280 controls were analyzed. Information regarding patient demographics and other potential confounding factors for chronic periodontitis were collected through individual medical records. RESULTS: GERD was revealed to be independently associated with an increased incidence of chronic periodontitis (odds ratio [OR], 2.883; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.775 to 4.682). The other three variables of dental caries (OR, 1.531; 95% CI, 1.042 to 2.249), tobacco use (OR, 2.335; 95% CI, 1.461 to 3.730), and history of medication (calcium channel blocker, cyclosporine, or phenytoin) (OR, 2.114; 95% CI, 1.160 to 3.854) were also determined to be independent risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The present study supported our hypothesis that GERD can be a risk factor for chronic periodontitis.

Ixodid Tick Infestation in Cattle and Wild Animals in Maswa and Iringa, Tanzania

Ticks and tick-borne diseases are important in human and livestock health worldwide. In November 2012, ixodid ticks were collected and identified morphologically from cattle and wild animals in the Maswa district and Iringa urban, Tanzania. Amblyomma gemma, A. lepidum, and A. variegatum were identified from Maswa cattle, and A. variegatum was the predominant species. A. marmoreum, Hyalomma impeltatum, and Rhipicephalus pulchellus were identified from Iringa cattle in addition to the above 3 Amblyomma species, and A. gemma was the most abundant species. Total 4 Amblyomma and 6 Rhipicephalus species were identified from wild animals of the 2 areas. A. lepidum was predominant in Maswa buffaloes, whereas A. gemma was predominant in Iringa buffaloes. Overall, A. variegatum in cattle was predominant in the Maswa district and A. gemma was predominant in Iringa, Tanzania.

The Effects of Neutralization Therapy for Acute Alkali Ingestion in Rabbits

PURPOSE: To evaluate temperature changes in the gastric lumen and the efficacy of weak acid neutralization against the ingestion of a strong alkaline commercial agent. METHODS: A total of 23 male New Zealand White rabbits were anesthetized with an intramuscular injection of ketamine and xylazine. After gastric lavage, anoro-gastric catheter and an electric thermometer probe were inserted into the stomach. Then 3 mL/kg of room-temperature (24~26degrees C) 1M sodium hydroxide (NaOH) disinfectant was instilled into the gastric lumen. The rabbits were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n=8) was treated with NaOH only and Group 2 (n=7) and Group 3 (n=8) were treated with 39 mL/kg of room-temperature orange juice or water after 5 minutes, respectively. Intra-gastric temperature was continuously measured and compared with arterial pH before alkali insult and 30 minutes later. Gastric pH was measured, and pathological examination of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum performed after animal sacrifice. RESULTS: Gastric lumen temperatures gradually increased from 32.6degrees C to 38.7degrees C after alkali instillation. Significant decreases in lumen temperature, 7.5degrees C or 12.0degrees C, were observed following treatment with water or orange juice, respectively (p<0.01). Post-treatment temperature did not exceed pre-treatment temperature for the entire observation period. The gastric pH of the neutralization group was much lower than the alkali alone group or the dilution group (7.0+/-0.7 vs. 11.6+/-0.2, or 10.6+/-0.4, respectively, mean+/-SD, p<0.01). In gastric microscopic findings, only mucosal injuries were observed in the neutralization groups, while there were no significant differences among groups in terms of esophageal or duodenal injury. CONCLUSION: Neutralization therapy with room-temperature orange juice for acute gastrointestinal injuries caused by liquid alkali did not cause additional thermal injury and might have protective effects against local tissue destruction in the stomach.

Background Parenchymal Enhancement on Breast MRI in Breast Cancer Patients : Impact on Biopsy Rate and Cancer Yield

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential effects of background parenchymal enhancement of MR imaging in diagnosed breast cancer patients on the rate of additional biopsy and resultant cancer yield. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 322 patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer and had undergone breast MR imaging were included in this study. Two radiologists reviewed the MRI for degree of background parenchymal enhancement and additional suspicious lesions described as BI-RADS category 4 or 5 on radiologic reports. Biopsy was done for these lesions, pathology reports were reviewed to calculate the cancer yield. RESULTS: Background parenchymal enhancement of MR imaging in a total of 322 patients were classified as minimal degree 47.5%, mild degree 28.9%, moderate degree 12.4% and marked degree 11.2%. Among these 332 patients, MR imaging of 70 patients showed additional suspicious malignant lesions described as BI-RADS category 4 or 5, and consequently, 66 patients underwent biopsy. Biopsy rates in those with minimal or mild background parenchymal enhancement and those with moderate and marked background parenchymal enhancement were 19.9% and 22.3% (p-value 0.77) respectively. Cancer yields in those with minimal or mild background parenchymal enhancement and those with moderate and marked background parenchymal enhancement were 6.5% and 5.2% (p value 0.88) respectively. Both these results did not show stastically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The degree of background parenchymal enhancement in MR imaging of breast cancer patients did not significantly impact additional biopsy rates or cancer yields.

Hyperendemicity of Haplorchis taichui Infection among Riparian People in Saravane and Champasak Province, Lao PDR

In this study, we found that Haplorchis taichui, a heterophyid intestinal fluke, is highly prevalent, with heavy worm loads, among riparian people in Saravane and Champasak province, Lao PDR. Fecal specimens were collected from 1,460 people (717 men and 743 women) in 12 riparian (Mekong river) districts and were examined by the Kato-Katz fecal smear technique. The overall helminth egg positive rate was 78.8% and 66.4% in Saravane and Champasak province, respectively. The positive rate for small trematode eggs (STE), which included H. taichui and other heterophyids, Opisthorchis viverrini, and lecithodendriids, was 69.9% and 46.3% in Saravane and Champasak province, respectively. To obtain adult flukes, 30 STE-positive people were treated with 40 mg/kg praziquantel and then purged. Whole diarrheic stools were collected 4-5 times for each person and searched for fluke specimens using a stereomicroscope. Mixed infections with various species of trematodes (H. taichui, Haplorchis pumilio, O. viverrini, Prosthodendrium molenkampi, Centrocestus formosanus, and Echinochasmus japonicus) and a species of cestode (Taenia saginata) were found. However, the worm load was exceptionally high for H. taichui compared with other trematode species, with an average of 21,565 and 12,079 specimens per infected person in Saravane and Champasak province, respectively, followed by H. pumilio (41.9 and 22.5, respectively) and O. viverrini (9.4 and 1.5, respectively). These results show that diverse species of intestinal and liver flukes are prevalent among riparian people in Saravane and Champasak province, Lao PDR, with H. taichui being the exceptionally dominant species.

Routine Shunting is Safe and Reliable for Cerebral Perfusion during Carotid Endarterectomy in Symptomatic Carotid Stenosis

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this report is to describe the perioperative outcomes of standard carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with general anesthesia, routine shunting, and tissue patching in symptomatic carotid stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2007 and July 2011, 22 patients with symptomatic carotid stenosis (male/female, 19/3; mean age, 67.2+/-9.4 years) underwent a combined total of 23 CEAs using a standardized technique. The strict surgical protocol included general anesthesia and standard carotid bifurcation endarterectomy with routine shunting. The 8-French Pruitt-Inahara shunt was used in all the patients. RESULTS: During the ischemic time, the shunts were inserted within 2.5 minutes, and 5 patients (22.7%) revealed ischemic cerebral signals (flat wave) in electroencephalographic monitoring but recovered soon after insertion of the shunt. The mean shunting time for CEA was 59.1+/-10.3 minutes. There was no perioperative mortality or even minor stroke. All patients woke up in the operating room or the operative care room before being moved to the ward. One patient had difficulty swallowing due to hypoglossal nerve palsy, but had completely recovered by 1 month postsurgery. CONCLUSION: Routine shunting is suggested to be a safe and reliable method of brain perfusion and protection during CEA in symptomatic carotid stenoses.

CD8+ T-cell Activation in Mice Injected with a Plasmid DNA Vaccine Encoding AMA-1 of the Reemerging Korean Plasmodium vivax

Relatively little has been studied on the AMA-1 vaccine against Plasmodium vivax and on the plasmid DNA vaccine encoding P. vivax AMA-1 (PvAMA-1). In the present study, a plasmid DNA vaccine encoding AMA-1 of the reemerging Korean P. vivax has been constructed and a preliminary study was done on its cellular immunogenicity to recipient BALB/c mice. The PvAMA-1 gene was cloned and expressed in the plasmid vector UBpcAMA-1, and a protein band of approximately 56.8 kDa was obtained from the transfected COS7 cells. BALB/c mice were immunized intramuscularly or using a gene gun 4 times with the vaccine, and the proportions of splenic T-cell subsets were examined by fluorocytometry at week 2 after the last injection. The spleen cells from intramuscularly injected mice revealed no significant changes in the proportions of CD8+ T-cells and CD4+ T-cells. However, in mice immunized using a gene gun, significantly higher (P<0.05) proportions of CD8+ cells were observed compared to UB vector-injected control mice. The results indicated that cellular immunogenicity of the plasmid DNA vaccine encoding AMA-1 of the reemerging Korean P. vivax was weak when it was injected intramuscularly; however, a promising effect was observed using the gene gun injection technique.