• BMB Reports
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• v.53 no.9
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• pp.449-452
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• 2020

The inner ear is a complex and delicate structure composed of the cochlea and the vestibular system. To maintain normal auditory function, strict homeostasis of the inner ear is needed. A proper immune response against infection, thus, is crucial. Also, since excessive immune reaction can easily damage the normal architecture within the inner ear, the immune response should be fine regulated. The exact mechanism how the inner ear's immune response, specifically the innate immunity, is regulated was unknown. Recently, we reported a protein selectively localized in the inner ear during bacterial infection, named cochlin, as a possible mediator of such regulation. In this review, the immunological function of cochlin and the mechanism behind its role within inner ear immunity is summarized. Cochlin regulates innate immunity by physically entrapping pathogens within scala tympani and recruiting innate immune cells. Such mechanism enables efficient removal of pathogen while preserving the normal inner ear structure from inflammatory damage.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.1-11
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• 2004

Objective: Chronic otitis media is an inflammation and infection of the middle ear which is persistent. Chronic otitis media occurs when the eustachian tube becomes blocked repeatedly, multiple infections, ear trauma, or swelling of the adenoids. A chronic ear may be the result of an acute ear infection that does not clear completely, or the result of recurrent ear infections. A chronic ear infection may be more destructive than an acute ear infection because its effects are prolonged, and it may cause permanent damage to the ear. Methods : Experimental animals made use of 4-5 weeks age(weight 20-25g) ICR(male)mouse. In the breeding farm, the lighting time was controlled from 7:00 am until 7:00 pm, the temperature was controlled within $22{\pm}0.5{\circ}$ and water and food were not limited. The extracts which were extracted from Hwangginaetak-san devided low dose group( 1.0g/kg-HN) and high dose group(3.0g/kg-HN), they were intragastrically administered to the mouse of sample A and sample B prior to LPS I.P injection. Compared with inflammation induced group which were induced by LPS, we measured the WBC count, IL-6 level in plasma and TNF-${\alpha}$ level in plasma. Results: 1. Hwangginaetak-san decreased WBC count in inflammatory reaction induced by LPS 2. Hwangginaetak-san decreased IL-6 level in inflammatory reaction induced by LPS. 3. Hwangginaetak-san didn't decreased TNF-${\alpha}$ level in inflammatory reaction induced by LPS Conclusion: According to above results, Hwangginaetak-san was improved its suppression effect to the inflammatory reaction through WBC count and IL-6 level. So Hwangginaetak-san is considered to be used for treatment of chronic otitis media by controlling the WBC count and IL-6 level in plasma.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.566-574
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• 1999

This study was conducted to examine the outbreak rate and the causative agents of otitis externa in 26 dogs (49 ears ; 23 dogs = bilateral, 3 dogs = unilateral), and the normal microfloras of external ear canal in 68 dogs(133 ears ; 65 dogs = bilateral, 3 dogs = unilateral ) in Taegu, 1997. The breed, living environment, sex, age and season distribution of otitic dogs were as follows : Dogs with erect and hairy ears(42.3%), pendulous and hairy ears(38.5%), indoor(92.3%), female(65.4%) and below one year old(38.5%) were more prevalent. According to season, otitis externa was mainly occurred between July and October. The major causative agents of canine otitis externa were Malassezia pachydermatis (32.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (26.5%) and S intermedius (16.3%). In the microorganism isolated 39 otitic ear canals, single infection was 53.8% and mixed infection was 46.2%. The normal microfloras of canine external ear canal were fungi including M pachydermatis, Aspergillus spp, Microsporum canis, Alternaria spp, Verticillium spp and Yeast, and bacteria including Staphylococcus spp(10 species including S xylosus), Bacillus spp, Corynebacterium spp, Listeria spp, Actinomyces pyogenes and Escherichia coli. No growth was 34.6%.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.69-74
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• 2013

Leishmania tropica is one of the causative agents of leishmaniasis in humans. Routes of infection have been reported to be an important variable for some species of Leishmania parasites. The role of this variable is not clear for L. tropica infection. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of route of L. tropica infection on the disease outcome and immunologic parameters in BALB/c mice. Two routes were used; subcutaneous in the footpad and intradermal in the ear. Mice were challenged by Leishmani major, after establishment of the L. tropica infection, to evaluate the level of protective immunity. Immune responses were assayed at week 1 and week 4 after challenge. The subcutaneous route in the footpad in comparison to the intradermal route in the ear induced significantly more protective immunity against L. major challenge, including higher delayed-type hypersensitivity responses, more rapid lesion resolution, lower parasite loads, and lower levels of IL-10. Our data showed that the route of infection in BALB/c model of L. tropica infection is an important variable and should be considered in developing an appropriate experimental model for L. tropica infections.

• Journal of Mycology and Infection
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.105-110
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• 2018

Background: Otomycosis is a fungal infection that comprises 7~10% of outer ear infections. Although the occurrence is higher in humid climates, relatively few studies have investigated otomycosis occurrences in humid environments. While recurrent chronic otitis media discharge in the ear creates a milieu in which otomycosis is likely to occur, investigations of otomycosis co-occurring with chronic otitis media have been rare. Objective: To examine the characteristics of patients with otomycosis co-occurring with chronic otitis media and identify causative fungi. Methods: The study included 60 patients with chronic otitis media who presented typical otomycosis findings in the outer ear canal and the presence of fungi. Patients were treated in the department of otolaryngology, Daegu Catholic University Medical Center, between July 2011 and June 2018. Results: The mean patient age was 57.77 years, and our study included 20 men and 40 women (p=0.010). The lesion was on the right in 39 patients and on the left in 21 (p=0.020). Ear discharge was the most common chief complaint at diagnosis. Of the 54 patients over age 19, 10 had diabetes (18.5%). Aspergillus was causative in 29 patients and Candida in 31. Aspergillus niger was identified in 15 patients, Aspergillus sp. in 14, Candida parapsilosis in 12, Candida sp. in six, and Candida albicans in five. Conclusion: Otomycosis and chronic otitis media co-occurrences increase with age. The Aspergillus and Candida genera were similar in proportion. A. niger was the most common Aspergillus species, while C. parapsilosis was the most common Candida.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.197-200
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• 2008

Purpose: A congenital lacrimal sac fistula is unusual and consists of a dimple opening below the medial canthal tendon that leads to the lacrimal sac. This anlage ducts occur when the lacrimal anlage cells proliferate and canalize rather than involute. And, the anomaly is usually not associated with any systemic abnormalities. Also congenital cleft of the earlobes is rarely seen among congenital ear anomalies. Therefore, we report rare case with symptomatic bilateral lacrimal fistula with the ear cleft. Methods: A 4-year-old boy was admitted with aggravated chronic maxillary sinusitis, recurrent chronic dacryocystitis, and epiphora. He had two minor anomalies including bilateral lacrimal fistula originated in lacrimal tear sac and unilateral transverse ear cleft. The patient had been operated with fistulectomy and perioperative antibiotics. A small vertical ellipse is made around the opening with sharp dissection. The tract is excised using the probe as the guide. Another probe is placed through the lower canaliculus to prevent the damage. A suture ligature of 6-0 Maxon is placed around the deepest point of the tract, which is then excised. Additional sutures are placed in the tissues to form a tight closure to prevent reestablishment of the fistula. The skin is closed with 6-0 Black Silk. Results: The patient recovered well without any complications such as infection, epiphora, and obstruction of lacrimal sac. Conclusion: Our case illustrates bilateral lacrimal anlage ducts in a patient with unilateral congenital ear cleft. We recommend careful evaluation of lacrimal system in these patients, especially bilateral case and other congenital anomalies. Finally, we recommend excision of the ducts when epiphora, infection, or chronic skin irritation occur.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.161-172
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• 1992

The agronomic performance of four introduced corn(Zea mays L.) hybrids and a domestic hybrid Suwon 19(control) was compared for silage production in the Middle Northwestern Coast(MNWC). Middle Southwestern Coast(MSWC) and Middle Northern Inland(MN1) regions of Korea, 1988 to 19 90. In the MNWC region, DK713 and P3144W were recorded as more resistant corn hybrids to rice black streaked dwarf virus(RBSDV) than other hybrids. P3144W, P3352 and DK689 hybrids produced higher dry matter(DM) and total digestible nutrient(TDN) than the control hybrid Suwon 19 and DK 713. In the MSWC region, P3144W and DK689 tended to yield more DM and TDN than other hybrids and a severe infection of RBSDV was observed during 3 years of experiment. In the MNI region, P3144W and P3352 corn hybrids showed higher ear and dry matter percentage and gave the highest DM and TDN yield compared with other hybrids. The RBSDV infection of the hybrids in the MNI region was moderate level compared with the two regions, but rate of stay green was the lowest. In the three regions, the control hybrid Suwon 19 gave the highest RBSDV infection, followed by P 3352, DK689, and P3144W, while DK713 was the lowest. P3144W and P3352 hybrids gave higher DM and ear percentages than all other hybrids at harvest. During 3 years of experiment, it was found that there were regional and year differences in RBSDV infection, forage DM yield, DM percentage and ear ratio to total DM yield of the corn hybrids.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.453-456
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• 2017

Patients are increasingly seeking repair of their earlobes following ear gauging. Research has shown that current repair techniques either excessively reduce the lobular volume or leave an obvious scar along the free edge of the earlobe. In our case series, we describe the use of a novel technique for repairing earlobes following ear gauging using a rolling earlobe flap that preserves the lobular volume and avoids leaving a scar on the free edge of the lobule. The procedure was performed on 3 patients (6 earlobes) who had defects from ear gauging that ranged from 3.0 to 6.5 cm. There were no postoperative complications of infection, wound dehiscence, flap necrosis, hypertrophic scars, or keloids, and all patients were highly satisfied with the postoperative results. This versatile technique allows for an aesthetically pleasing reconstruction of the lobule with the advantages of: the absence of a surgical scar on the free edge of the lobule, preserving the lobule volume, and presenting a highly customizable technique that allows lobules to be created with various shapes and volumes.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.308-311
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• 2003

Clinical outcomes of dogs treated for end-stage otitis extema with total ear canal ablation (TECA) combining lateral bullar osteotomy (LBO) at Veterinary medical teaching hospital of Seoul National University from 2001 to 2003 were evaluated. In 14 dogs, 23 ears, the operation was successful in alleviating all clinical signs of otitis externa and media. The main complication after TECA combining LBO were facial nerve paralysis and the others were recurrent infection and the formation of fistula and cyst. Two cases were tumors. One was ceruminous gland adenoma and the other was squamous cell carcinoma. The operation successfully resolved the original problems in 100% (23 of 23) of the surgically treated ears of these dogs.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.354-360
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• 2019

Background: Keloids are benign fibro-proliferative lesion, related to excessive inflammatory reactions in certain anatomical areas, including the auricles. Their specific etiology remains unclear; nonetheless they exhibit tumor-like characteristics of significant recurrence and cause emotional distress, even with various treatment strategies. We applied intermittent magnetic pressure therapy on ear keloids in combination with surgical excision, and present its effectiveness herein. Methods: Ear keloid patients were treated with surgical excision followed by magnetic pressure therapy. The keloid tissues underwent excision and keloid marginal flaps were utilized for wound closure. Intermittent magnetic pressure therapy was applied 2 weeks after the surgical procedure. The pressure therapy consisted of a 3-hour application and 2-hour resting protocol (9 hr/day), and lasted for 6 months. The results were analyzed 6 months after the therapeutic procedures, using the scar assessment scale. Results: Twenty-two ear keloids from 20 patients were finally reviewed. Among the keloids that completed the therapeutic course, 20 ear keloids out of 22 in total (90.9%) were successfully eradicated. Two patients (2 keloids) exhibited slight under-correction. Postoperative complications such as wound dehiscence or surgical site infection were not noted. The scar assessment scale demonstrated a significant improvement in each index. The intermittent pressure therapy led to patient compliance, and avoided pressure-related pain and discomfort. Conclusion: Excision followed by intermittent pressure application using a magnet successfully reduced the burden of fibro-proliferative keloids, and had good patient compliance. The role of intermittent pressure application and resting should be studied with regard to keloid tissue remodeling.