ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is one of the leading causes of sexually transmitted diseases worldwide. Since no simple and effective tool exists to diagnose C. trachomatis infections, we evaluated a novel point-of-care (POC) test, aQcare Chlamydia TRF kit, which uses europium-chelated nanoparticles and a time-resolved fluorescence reader. METHODS: The test performance was evaluated by comparing the results obtained using the novel POC testing kit with those obtained using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT), using 114 NAAT-positive and 327 NAAT-negative samples. RESULTS: The cut-off value of the novel test was 20.8 with a detection limit of 0.27 ng/mL. No interference or cross-reactivity was observed. Diagnostic accuracy showed an overall sensitivity of 93.0% (106/114), specificity of 96.3% (315/327), positive predictive value (PPV) of 89.8% (106/118), and negative predictive value (NPV) of 97.5% (315/323). The sensitivity of the novel test was much higher than that of currently available POC tests. Furthermore, the relative ease and short turnaround time (30 min) of this assay enables C. trachomatis-infected individuals to be treated without a diagnostic delay. CONCLUSIONS: This simple and novel test is a potential tool to screen a larger population, especially those in areas with limited resources.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Young Adult , Chlamydia Infections/diagnosis , Chlamydia trachomatis/genetics , DNA, Bacterial/chemistry , Europium/chemistry , Metal Nanoparticles/chemistry , Point-of-Care Systems , Reagent Kits, Diagnostic , Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: APRIL, originally known as a cytokine involved in B cell survival, is now known to regulate the inflammatory activation of macrophages. Although the signal initiated from APRIL has been demonstrated, its role in cellular activation is still not clear due to the presence of BAFF, a closely related member of TNF superfamily, which share same receptors (TACI and BCMA) with APRIL. METHODS: Through transfection of siRNA, BAFF-deficient THP-1 cells (human macrophage-like cells) were generated and APRIL-mediated inflammatory activities were tested. The expression patterns of APRIL were also tested in vivo. RESULTS: BAFF-deficient THP-1 cells responded to APRIL-stimulating agents such as monoclonal antibody against APRIL and soluble form of TACI or BCMA. Furthermore, co-incubation of the siBAFF-deficient THP-1 cells with a human B cell line (Ramos) resulted in an activation of THP-1 cells which was dependent on interactions between APRIL and TACI/BCMA. Immunohistochemical analysis of human pathologic samples detected the expression of both APRIL and TACI in macrophage-rich areas. Additionally, human macrophage primary culture expressed APRIL on the cell surface. CONCLUSION: These observations indicate that APRIL, which is expressed on macrophages in pathologic tissues with chronic inflammation, may mediate activation signals through its interaction with its counterparts via cell-to-cell interaction.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cell Communication , Cell Line , Cell Survival , Diphenylamine , Inflammation , Macrophages , RNA, Small Interfering , TransfectionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: CD147, as a cellular receptor for cyclophilin A (CypA), is a multifunctional protein involved in tumor invasion, inflammation, tissue remodeling, neural function, and reproduction. Recent observations showing the expression of CD147 in leukocytes indicate that this molecule may have roles in inflammation. METHODS: In order to investigate the role of CD147 and its ligand in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, human atherosclerotic plaques were analyzed for the expression pattern of CD147 and CypA. The cellular responses and signaling molecules activated by the stimulation of CD147 were then investigated in the human macrophage cell line, THP-1, which expresses high basal level of CD147 on the cell surface. RESULTS: Staining of both CD147 and CypA was detected in endothelial cell layers facing the lumen and macrophage-rich areas. Stimulation of CD147 with its specific monoclonal antibody induced the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 in THP-1 cells and it was suppressed by inhibitors of both ERK and NF-kappaB. Accordingly, the stimulation of CD147 was observed to induce phosphorylation of ERK, phosphorylation-associated degradation of IkappaB, and nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB p65 and p50 subunits. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that CD147 mediates the inflammatory activation of macrophages that leads to the induction of MMP-9 expression, which could play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis.
Subject(s)
Humans , Atherosclerosis , Cell Line , Cyclophilin A , Endothelial Cells , Inflammation , Leukocytes , Macrophages , NF-kappa B , Phosphorylation , Plaque, Atherosclerotic , ReproductionABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: LIGHT (TNFSF14) is a member of tumor necrosis factor superfamily and is the ligand for TR2 (TNFRSF14/HVEM). LIGHT is known to have pro- inflammatory roles in atherosclerosis. METHODS: To find out the expression pattern of LIGHT in atherosclerotic plaques, immunohistochemical analysis was performed on human carotid atherosclerotic plaque specimens. LIGHT induced atherogenic events using human monocytic cell line THP-1 were also investigated. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed expression of LIGHT and TR2 in foam cell rich regions in the atherosclerotic plaques. Double immunohistochemical analysis further confirmed the expression of LIGHT in foam cells. Stimulation of THP-1 cells, which express TR2, with either recombinant LIGHT or immobilized anti-TR2 monoclonal antibody induced interleukin-8 and matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)-9. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay demonstrated that LIGHT induces nuclear localization of transcription factor, nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB. LIGHT induced activation of MMP-9 is mediated by NF-kappaB, since treatment of THP-1 cells with the NF-kappaB inhibitor PDTC (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate) completely blocked the activation of MMP-9. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that LIGHT is expressed in foam cells in atherosclerotic plaques and is involved in atherogenesis through activation of pro-atherogenic cytokine IL-8 and destabilization of plaque by inducing matrix degrading enzyme.
Subject(s)
Humans , Atherosclerosis , Cell Line , Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay , Foam Cells , Inflammation , Interleukin-8 , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 , NF-kappa B , Plaque, Atherosclerotic , Transcription Factors , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alphaABSTRACT
SMAS(Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome) is a disease caused by a chronic obstruction of the duodenum(transverse portion), which is hardly detectable. However, it is known that when the superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta form a narrow angle, that the transverse portion of the duodenum is pressed down between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta, and that this can lead to obstruction of the duodenum. Measuring this angle is a complicated job using conventional angiography, and results often turns out to be inaccurate. In addition, no attempt has been made to determine the value of this angle in Koreans. In this study, we conducted abdominal CT angiography using MIP(maximum intensity projection) on patients with no clinical evidence of SMAS in order to determine the angle at which the superior mesenteric artery branches from the abdominal aorta by using PC based software(Rapidia ver. 1.2) for the image reconstruction. Accordingly, we found that the mean angle between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery was 50.05+/-15.87 degrees on average, and that the angle in men(53.64+/-16.57 degrees) is higher than in women(46.46+/-14.98 degrees). We hope that the angles determined by our study will serve as an important indicator for detecting SMAS.
Subject(s)
Humans , Angiography , Aorta, Abdominal , Duodenum , Hope , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Mesenteric Arteries , Mesenteric Artery, Superior , Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
SMAS(Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome) is a disease caused by a chronic obstruction of the duodenum(transverse portion), which is hardly detectable. However, it is known that when the superior mesenteric artery and abdominal aorta form a narrow angle, that the transverse portion of the duodenum is pressed down between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal aorta, and that this can lead to obstruction of the duodenum. Measuring this angle is a complicated job using conventional angiography, and results often turns out to be inaccurate. In addition, no attempt has been made to determine the value of this angle in Koreans. In this study, we conducted abdominal CT angiography using MIP(maximum intensity projection) on patients with no clinical evidence of SMAS in order to determine the angle at which the superior mesenteric artery branches from the abdominal aorta by using PC based software(Rapidia ver. 1.2) for the image reconstruction. Accordingly, we found that the mean angle between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery was 50.05+/-15.87 degrees on average, and that the angle in men(53.64+/-16.57 degrees) is higher than in women(46.46+/-14.98 degrees). We hope that the angles determined by our study will serve as an important indicator for detecting SMAS.
Subject(s)
Humans , Angiography , Aorta, Abdominal , Duodenum , Hope , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Mesenteric Arteries , Mesenteric Artery, Superior , Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
For effective construction of OCS(Order Communication System), the most core part of medical information system on medium and small hospital, this thesis understands the interface types of current medical treatment examination equipments and operational problems and shows the solution through the integrated interface management system. Showing the development cases of real time interface system for integration of clinical pathology inspection equipment, LIS(Laboratory Information System) and medical treatment system, this thesis suggests the basic construction element and the functions.
Subject(s)
Clinical Laboratory Information Systems , Information Systems , Pathology, ClinicalABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of single dose imipramine on nocturnal urine output in patients with nocturnal enuresis. METHODS:A total of 6 monosymptomatic enuretic patients of more than 5 years of age were enrolled in this study. We measured nocturnal urine output, urine osrnolality, creatinine clearance, osmolal clearance, excretion rate of solutes, fractional excretion of sodium and potassium, and plasma vasopressin with and without a single oral dose of imipramine(lmg/kg of body weight) at 8 p.m. RESULTS: The administration of imipramine was followed by a significant decrease in noctumal urine output(P=0.02). Urine osmolality was not significantly increased(P>0.05), but osmolal clearance was significantly decreased during imipramine medication(P=0.03). Urinary excretion rate of sodium and potassium showed a statistically insignificant trend toward lower values during imipramine administration in nocturnal enuretics. Fractional urinary excretion of sodium and potassium was significantly decreased during imipramine medication(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in plasma vasopressin level and creatinine clearance in nocturnal enuretics after imipramine. CONCLUSION: Imipramine has a vasopressin independent antidiuretic effect in patients with nocturnal enuresis. The antidiuretic effect of imipramine can be attributed prirnarily to increased a-adrenergic stimulation in the proximal tubules with secondary increased urea and water reabsorption more distally in the nephron. (J Korean Pediatr Soc 2000;43:792 - 797)
Subject(s)
Humans , Antidiuretic Agents , Creatinine , Enuresis , Imipramine , Nephrons , Nocturnal Enuresis , Osmolar Concentration , Plasma , Potassium , Sodium , Urea , VasopressinsABSTRACT
Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is the most common condition requiring abdominal surgery in early infancy, and is caused by hypertrophied pyloric muscle. The development of successful surgical treatment in the early 1900s by Fredet and Ramstedt made it possible for infants worldwide to survive. Modern pediatric anesthetic techniques have virtually eliminated mortality from surgical management. Atropine sulfate is a cholinergic blocking agent with potent antimuscarinic activity that decreases peristaltic contractions by relaxing smooth muscles. We treated two cases of IHPS with incomplete pyloromyotomy in 3-month-old and 5-month-old male infants by administering atropine sulfate intravenously. They were free from vomiting after 5 days of intravenous atropine sulfate treatment. In these rare cases of persistent vomiting or refractory emesis following incomplete pyloromyotomy, there may be a role for atropine sulfate.
Subject(s)
Humans , Infant , Male , Atropine , Constriction, Pathologic , Mortality , Muscle, Smooth , Pyloric Stenosis, Hypertrophic , VomitingABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Nocturnal Enuresis, an involuntary discharge of urine after bladder control, is frequent in children. It brings patients and family many psychogenic problems. So we investigated its clinical characteristics and drug effects. METHODS: The study subjects enrolled were 36 children with nocturnal enuresis. We evaluated family history, accompanying urinary symptoms and clinical characteristics through questionnaries. We evaluated the effect of imipramine and desmopressin in 26 children among the 36 cases. RESULTS: The ratio of boys to girls was 1.6 to 1. The age range in 15 cases(41.7%) was 4-5 years, in 14 cases(38.9%) 6-7 years, in 4 cases(11.1%) 8-9 years, and in 3 cases(9.3%) it was above 10 years. Twenty four(67%) were primary enuresis and 12(33%) were secondary enuresis. In eighteen cases(50%), these was a family history of enuresis. Seven of these cases had a parental enuresis history. The accompanying urinary symptoms were urgency(47.2%), frequency (38.9%), and dysuria(13.9%). The responses to imipramine were as follows : an excellent response in 2 cases(20%), a good response in 4(40%), a transient response in 2(20%), and no response in 2(20%). The responses to desmopressin were as follows : an excellent response in 7(43.8%), a good response in 4(25%), a transient response in 3(18.7%), and no response in 2(12.5%). CONCLUSION: Enuresis is more frequent in boys and primary type. Half of 36 enuresis children had a family history of enuresis. We recommend continuous drug medication to control nocturnal enuresis along with encouragement.
Subject(s)
Child , Female , Humans , Deamino Arginine Vasopressin , Enuresis , Imipramine , Nocturnal Enuresis , Parents , Urinary BladderABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Nocturnal Enuresis, an involuntary discharge of urine after bladder control, is frequent in children. It brings patients and family many psychogenic problems. So we investigated its clinical characteristics and drug effects. METHODS: The study subjects enrolled were 36 children with nocturnal enuresis. We evaluated family history, accompanying urinary symptoms and clinical characteristics through questionnaries. We evaluated the effect of imipramine and desmopressin in 26 children among the 36 cases. RESULTS: The ratio of boys to girls was 1.6 to 1. The age range in 15 cases(41.7%) was 4-5 years, in 14 cases(38.9%) 6-7 years, in 4 cases(11.1%) 8-9 years, and in 3 cases(9.3%) it was above 10 years. Twenty four(67%) were primary enuresis and 12(33%) were secondary enuresis. In eighteen cases(50%), these was a family history of enuresis. Seven of these cases had a parental enuresis history. The accompanying urinary symptoms were urgency(47.2%), frequency (38.9%), and dysuria(13.9%). The responses to imipramine were as follows : an excellent response in 2 cases(20%), a good response in 4(40%), a transient response in 2(20%), and no response in 2(20%). The responses to desmopressin were as follows : an excellent response in 7(43.8%), a good response in 4(25%), a transient response in 3(18.7%), and no response in 2(12.5%). CONCLUSION: Enuresis is more frequent in boys and primary type. Half of 36 enuresis children had a family history of enuresis. We recommend continuous drug medication to control nocturnal enuresis along with encouragement.
Subject(s)
Child , Female , Humans , Deamino Arginine Vasopressin , Enuresis , Imipramine , Nocturnal Enuresis , Parents , Urinary BladderABSTRACT
The employment of segmental pedicle screw instrumentation has greatly enhanced the correction of scoliotic deformity. However there is still much controversy on the ability of the system to correct the rotational deformity. This prospective study with 12 idiopathic throacic scoliosis patients subjected to segmental pedicle screw instrumentation was performed to determine the effect of the system on the rotational deformity of idiopathic throacic scoliosis. In addition to the standing films to measure the magnitude of scoliotic curvatures, preand postoperative CT were utilized for the measurement and comparison of angle of rotation relative to the sagittal plane(RAsag.), relative rotation with reference to the upper and lower end vertebrae(RAend), relative rotation with reference to the sacrum(RAsac.), frontal translation(TF) and sagittal translation(TS) for the apical vertebrae. Despite the high correction rate obtained in the frontal plane(average 71.1%) and normalization of sagittal contour, the rotational corrections were statistically insignificant in all parameters and showed no significant correlation to the correction of the curvatures nor horizontal plane displacement as represented by the frontal and sagittal displacement. In conclusions, the segmental pedicle screw instrumentation with rod derotation does not produce significant derotation by itself.
Subject(s)
Humans , Congenital Abnormalities , Employment , Prospective Studies , Scoliosis , SpineABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: This study analyzes the results of selective thoracic fusion by segmental pedicle screw fixation in King type II adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS). OBJECTIVES: To verify the efficacy of selective thoracic fusion by segmental pedicle screw fixation in King type II adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Decompensations following selective thoracic fusion in King type II adolescent idipathic scoliosis have been attributed to relative inability of the lumbar curves to accommodate correction of the thoracic curves. However, with segmental pedicle screw fixation, selective thoracic fusions yielded satisfactory results in most of the patients regardless of the lumbar curve characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty patients subjected to selective thoracic fusion by segmental pedicle screw fixation were analyzed after a minimum follow-up of 2 years for deformity correction and spinal balance. Deformity correction was performed by derotation of rod contoured to the normal sagittal curve without additional compression or distraction. RESULTS: Mean preoperative thoracic curve of 53.3 was corrected to 20.3 showing a correction of 63.2%. The mean preoperative lumbar curve was 34.4 with a flexibility of 97.2% and mean lumboapical distance(LAD)of 18.0mm, L4 tilt of 8.0, and lumbar apical rotation (LAR) of 10.9. It was corrected to 16.5 showing a correction of 55.5%. All the patients were balanced clinically and radiologically. CONCLUSIONS: Selective thoracic fusion with segmental pedicle screw fixation and rod rotation offers a satisfactory correction of the deformity and maintenance of spinal balance in King type g AIS regardless of lumbar curve magnitude, LAD, L4 tilt or LAR.