• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.81-86
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• 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic findings of the postoperative maxillary cysts (POMCs) and investigate the relationship between lesion size and clinical symptoms depending on the time elapsed after radical maxillary sinus surgery. Methods: A total of 29 patients who were diagnosed with POMCs at Chonnam National University Dental Hospital were selected. Clinical and radiologic findings were investigated. POMC cases were divided into two groups: those with <24 years between maxillary sinus surgery and POMC diagnosis and those with >24 years. The chi-square test was used to compare the differences between the two groups. Results: The average period from surgery to POMC detection was 24.32 years; however, the period could not be confirmed in four patients. The average patient age was 52.75 years, and 12 (41.3%) patients were in their 50s. POMC-related clinical symptoms were as follows: buccal pain and swelling, dull pain, toothache, abscess, sensory abnormality, and asymptomatic. Twenty (69.0%) cases showed unilocular radiolucency and 9 (31.0%) revealed multilocular radiolucency. Seven cases (35.0%) were misdiagnosed as odontogenic lesions, resulting in the delayed treatment of POMCs. No statistical significance was found between the two groups with respect to symptoms, expansion to the surrounding area, presence of secondary cysts, and mesiodistal length of cyst on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. However, the buccopalatal length of the cyst on CBCT images was significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: The buccopalatal length of POMCs observed on CBCT images was related to the time elapsed since surgery. The lack of awareness of POMCs may lead to misdiagnosis as an odontogenic infection and delayed treatment. Therefore, dentists must recognize the clinical and radiologic features of POMCs to differentiate it from dental infections.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.1
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• pp.82-98
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• 2021

Sesamoid bones and accessory ossicles are normal anatomic variants with varying morphological appearances and incidences. They are usually small osseous fragments with well-corticated margins located adjacent to the joint space and bone. Patients with sesamoid bones and accessory ossicles are usually asymptomatic and commonly encountered in clinical practice. These sesamoids and accessory bones are occasionally painful because of fractures, dislocations, degenerative changes, avascular necrosis, accessory bone infections, or abnormalities of the adjacent tissue, such as nerve entrapment, tenosynovitis, or soft tissue impingement. This article aimed to illustrate the imaging features of symptomatic sesamoids bones and accessory ossicles at various anatomic locations and describe their clinical features and radiological differential diagnosis.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.4
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• pp.804-811
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• 2024

Foamy viruses (FVs) are generally recognized as non-pathogenic, often causing asymptomatic or mild symptoms in infections. Leveraging these unique characteristics, FV vectors hold significant promise for applications in gene therapy. This study introduces a novel platform technology using a pseudo-virus with single-round infectivity. In contrast to previous vector approaches, we developed a technique employing only two vectors, pcHFV lacking Env and pCMV-Env, to introduce the desired genes into target cells. Our investigation demonstrated the efficacy of the prototype foamy virus (PFV) dual-vector system in producing viruses and delivering transgenes into host cells. To optimize viral production, we incorporated the codon-optimized Env (optEnv) gene in pCMV-Env and the Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Posttranscriptional Regulatory Element (WPRE) at the 3' end of the transgene in the transfer vector. Consequently, the use of optEnv led to a significant enhancement in transgene expression in host cells. Additionally, the WPRE exhibited an enhancing effect. Furthermore, the introduced EGFP transgene was present in host cells for a month. In an effort to expand transgene capacity, we further streamlined the viral vector, anticipating the delivery of approximately 4.3 kbp of genes through our PFV dual-vector system. This study underscores the potential of PFVs as an alternative to lentiviruses or other retroviruses in the realm of gene therapy.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.65-70
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• 2024

This paper highlights the importance of oral manifestations as indicators for early human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) detection through two case studies. HIV, responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), damages CD4+ T-lymphocytes, leading to severe immunosuppression and increased vulnerability to various infections. Oral lesions often appear early in HIV infection and can signal disease progression. The study underscores the role of dentists in identifying these lesions, which can serve as crucial markers for HIV. We used two cases to illustrate the importance of screening in HIV patients. The first was a patient presented with oral soreness and a mass on his tongue. Despite having a positive HIV test result in a previous medical examination, but patient had intentionally concealed his infection. The second was a patient experienced dry mouth and burning sensation, with symptoms unresponsive to repeated antifungal treatments and suspected esophageal fungal infection. This led to the discovery of an HIV-positive status in a patient previously unaware of his infection. In both cases, oral manifestations played a crucial role in the early diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. These manifestations can be particularly useful for identifying HIV in patients who are asymptomatic or unaware of their status. Although oral lesions, such as oral candidiasis and oral hairy leukoplakia, are not exclusive to HIV but are more prevalent and severe in HIV-positive individuals. The findings support routine HIV screening and the critical role of dentists in recognizing oral signs of HIV infection to facilitate early diagnosis and treatment.

• The Journal of the Korean life insurance medical association
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.29-32
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• 2010

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a progressive occlusive disease of the cerebral vasculature with particular involvement of the circle of Willis and the arteries that feed it. MMD is one of cerebrovacular accident,which is treated with sugical maeuver in pediatic neurosurgery. Moyamoya (ie, Japanese for "puff of smoke") characterizes the appearance on angiography of abnormal vascular collateral networks that develop adjacent to the stenotic vessels. The steno-occlusive areas are usually bilateral, but unilateral involvement does not exclude the diagnosis. The exact etiology of moyamoya disease is unknown. Some genetic predisposition is apparent because it is familial 10% of the time. The disease may be hereditary and multifactorial. It may occur by itself in a previously healthy individual. However, many disease states have been reported in association with moyamoya disease, including the following: 1) Immunological - Graves disease/thyrotoxicosis 2) Infections - Leptospirosis and tuberculosis 3) Hematologic disorders - Aplastic anemia, Fanconi anemia, sickle cell anemia, and lupus 4) Congenital syndromes - Apert syndrome, Down syndrome, Marfan syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Turner syndrome, von Recklinghausen disease, and Hirschsprung disease 5) Vascular diseases - Atherosclerotic disease, coarctation of the aorta and fibromuscular dysplasia, 6)cranial trauma, radiation injury, parasellar tumors, and hypertension etc. These associations may not necessarily be causative but do warrant consideration due to impact on treatment.(Mainly neurosurgical operation.) The incidence of moyamoya disease is highest in Japan. The prevalence of MMD is 1 person per 100,000 population. The prevalence and incidence of moyamoya disease in Japan has been reported to be 3.16 cases and 0.35 case per 100,000 people, respectively. With regard to sex, the female-to-male ratio is 1.4:1. A bimodal peak of incidence is noted, with symptoms occurring either in the first decade(5-10yr) or in the third and fourth decades (30-40yr)of life. Mortality rates of moyamoya disease are approximately 10% in adults and 4.3% in children. Death is usually from hemorrhage. In aspect of life insurance, MR is 1700%, EDR is 16 per 1000 persons. Children and adults with moyamoya disease (MMD) may have different clinical presentations. The symptoms and clinical course vary widely from asymptomatic to transient events to severe neurologic deficits. Adults experience hemorrhage more commonly; cerebral ischemic events are more common in children. Children may have hemiparesis, monoparesis, sensory impairment, involuntary movements, headaches, dizziness, or seizures. Mental retardation or persistent neurologic deficits may be present. Adults may have symptoms and signs similar to those in children, but intraventricular, subarachnoid, or intracerebral hemorrhage of sudden onset is more common in adults. Recently increasing diagnosis of MMD with MRI, followed by surgical operation is noted. MMD needs to be considered as the "CI" state now in life insurance fields.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.52 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2014

Dirofilaria immitis (heartworm) infections affect domestic dogs, cats, and various wild mammals with increasing incidence in temperate and tropical areas. More sensitive antibody detection methodologies are required to diagnose asymptomatic dirofilariasis with low worm burdens. Applying current transcriptomic technologies would be useful to discover potential diagnostic markers for D. immitis infection. A filarial homologue of the mammalian translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) was initially identified by screening the assembled transcriptome of D. immitis (DiTCTP). A BLAST analysis suggested that the DiTCTP gene shared the highest similarity with TCTP from Loa loa at protein level (97%). A histidine-tagged recombinant DiTCTP protein (rDiTCTP) of 40 kDa expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) showed immunoreactivity with serum from a dog experimentally infected with heartworms. Localization studies illustrated the ubiquitous presence of rDiTCTP protein in the lateral hypodermal chords, dorsal hypodermal chord, muscle, intestine, and uterus in female adult worms. Further studies on D. immitis-derived TCTP are warranted to assess whether this filarial protein could be used for a diagnostic purpose.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2010

Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a microsporidian species, has emerged as an opportunistic pathogen in AIDS patients. This organism has also been identified in a wide range of animals, and the zoonotic potential of human infections is of particular interest. This study revealed that this organism was found with relatively high prevalence in feces of asymptomatic cattle in Korea. Fecal specimens were obtained from a total of 1,720 cattle in a slaughterhouse located in Chungnam province, Daejeon city and Chonbuk province. After removal of fecal debris by sieving and density gradient centrifugation, samples were examined by microscopic examination and then nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Microscopic examination with the modified trichrome staining for the fecal specimens revealed 194 (11.28%) positive calves for microsporidia spore. PCR using the specific primer for E. bieneusi revealed 79 (4.59%) positive calves. The infection ratio of microsporidia was higher in March than other season.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.9-19
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• 2020

Avian influenza (AI) viruses are highly contagious viruses that infect many bird species and are zoonotic. Ducks are resistant to the deadly and highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) and remain asymptomatic to the low pathogenic avian influenza virus (LPAIV). In this study, we identified common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after a reanalysis of previous transcriptomic data for the HPAIV and LPAIV infected duck lung cells. Microarray datasets from a previous study were reanalyzed to identify common target genes from DEGs and their biological functions. A total of 731 and 439 DEGs were identified in HPAIV- and LPAIV-infected duck lung cells, respectively. Of these, 227 genes were common to cells infected with both viruses, in which 193 genes were upregulated and 34 genes were downregulated. Functional annotation of common DEGs revealed that translation related gene ontology (GO) terms were enriched, including ribosome, protein metabolism, and gene expression. REACTOME analyses also identified pathways for protein and RNA metabolism as well as for tissue repair, including collagen biosynthesis and modification, suggesting that AIVs may evade the host defense system by suppressing host translation machinery or may be suppressed before being exported to the cytosol for translation. AIV infection also increased collagen synthesis, showing that tissue lesions by virus infection may be mediated by this pathway. Further studies should focus on these genes to clarify their roles in AIV pathogenesis and their possible use in AIV therapeutics.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.73-80
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• 2004

Purpose : The serial clinical findings, biochemical results, and serological hepatitis B virus(HBV) markers in Korean children with chronic HBV infection were analyzed to determine the relationships among these factors. Methods : Ninety children have been chosen from those who have visited to the Department of Pediatrics at St. Vincent's Hospital in The Catholic University of Korea from July 1st, 1995 to June 30th, 2000. The sample patients were followed up for over six months. HBV markers and liver function tests were all performed. Results : All children were asymptomatic at presentation. Eighty-three percent of the children had a history of chronic HBV infection in their families. Eighty-one percent were HBeAg positive, 16% were anti-HBe positive, while 3% were all HBeAg and anti-HBe negative. The prevalence of HBeAg among three age groups : 0~5; 6~10; and 11~15 year-old was 90%, 96% and 61% respectively. The prevalence of HBeAg in less than 10 year-old group was significantly higher than 11~15 year-old group(P=0.001). Serum ALT levels were within 40 IU/L in 64% children, 41~80 IU/L in 17%, 81~200 IU/L in 10%, and beyond 201 IU/L in 9%. The percentage of abnormality of ALT levels in HBeAg positive patients was significantly higher than that of HBeAg negative(P=0.036). Eleven of the 73 HBeAg positive children lost their HBeAg and seroconverted to anti-HBe. In these cases, all had transient elevations in ALT levels before HBeAg seroconversions. The annual rates of spontaneous seroconversion of HBeAg and HBsAg were 9.7% and 0.6%, respectively. Conclusion : Recognition of the dynamics of these changes in viral markers and biochemical findings is needed in the selection and evaluation of therapeutic regimens, establishment of treatment, and calling for controlled trials with adequate follow-up. The hepatitis B carrier state may be asymptomatic in children however, continued surveillance of carriers is important to determine the individual adverse prognostic factors of chronic HBV infections.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.356-362
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• 2003

Background: Intralobar and extralobar pulmonary sequestrations have been considered as congenital lesions that occur at different stages of embryonic life. However, most cases of intralobar pulmonary sequestration (IPS) seem to have an acquired origin, as they are absent in infants and associated anomalies are relatively, uncommon among them. Material and Method: The cases of 25 patients who were diagnosed as IPS after surgical resection from December, 1985 to July, 2002 were included in this study. The medical records wire retrospectively reviewed and the clinical characteristics were age at operation; gender; symptoms at presentation; presence of congenital anomalies; combined diseases; preoperative studies and diagnosis; location of the lesion; method of surgical resection; origin, size and numbers of aberrant artery; histopathological findings; and postoperative complications. Result: There were 17 (68%) female patients and 8 (32%) male patients, their ages ranged from 1 to 57 and mean value was 23 years old. Though 14 patients (56%) complained of respiratory symptoms such as pneumonia and recurrent respiratory infections, a large number of patients (44%) were asymptomatic or had chest pain only when the lesion was discovered. Only 8 patients (32%) were diagnosed as pulmonary sequestration preoperatively and 8 (32%) were suspected as mediastinal or lung tumor, 5 (20%) were congenital or acquired cystic lung disease, and 4 (16%) were lung abscess or bronchiectasis, respectively. The majority of aberrant arteries (86.4%) confirmed during the operation were originated from thoracic aorta and 2 were thoracic and abdominal aorta, 1 was abdominal aorta, respectively. The younger patients (less than 10 years old) had more other congenital anomalies (30% vs 6.7%) but the proportion of congenital IPS was not significantly different (10% vs 6.7%, p>0.05) compared with elder patients. Histopathologically, almost all lesions showed chronic inflammation, cystic changes and similar pleural adhesions regardless of age. Conclusion: The large portion of the patients with IPS (44%) was clinically asymptomatic or presented non-respiratory symptoms at diagnosis and likely to be diagnosed as mediastinal or lung tumor especially in elder patients. Though the younger patients had more other congenital anomalies, most cases of IPS proved to be acquired lesions in terms of the histopathlogical findings and the proportion of congenital evidences.