PURPOSE: bcl-2 and p53 are known to act as a regulator of apoptosis in prostatic cancer and we evaluated the significance of these gene expressions and correlation with prognostic factors in prostatic cancer MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded samples of histologically confirmed prostatic cancer, examined using immunohistochemical staining for the two gene products and the expression related to the grade and stage. RESULTS: We found that positive staining for bel-2 was 46.7%(21/45) and p53 was 31.8%(17/45). As compared to the Gleason grade, positive staining for bel-2 and p53 was 14.3%(2/14), 7.1%(1/14) at low grade, 40.0%(6/15), 40.0% (6/15) at intermediate grade, 81.3%(13/16), 62.5%(10/16) at high grade, respectively. It was significant difference(p<0.05). And, as compared to the stage, positive staining for bel-2 and p53 was 0%(0/7), 0%(0/7) at stage A, 33.3%(4/12), 16.7%(2/12) at stage B, 54.5%(6/11), 45.5%(5/11) at stage C, 73.3%(11/15), 66.7%(10/l5) at stage D, respectively. It was significant difference (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that bcl-2 and p53 expression are associated with the grade and stage of prostatic cancer, and to use them as the prognostic factor of prostatic canecr, further study is needed at the molecular level.
Apoptosis ; Gene Expression ; Prostatic Neoplasms*

No abstract available.
Head* ; Neck*

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate an immunoassay for urinary nuclear matrix protein (NMP22) as an indicator for transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups of subjects attended the trial of NMP22. First group was 27 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder, second group was 24 patients with other urinary cancer consisted of prostate cancer and renal cell carcinoma, and third group was 24 healthy volunteers. NMP22 was determined using a commercial test kit, which is based on an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: In normal healthy volunteers and other urinary cancer group median NMP22 levels were 2.24 and 3.27 U/ml, respectively. Median urinary NMP22 levels in patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder were 54.30 U/ml. It was significantly greater than other two groups. Median NMP22 levels according to the tumor stage and the tumor grade did not show the significant difference statistically. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary NMP22 is a useful marker that is more specific for bladder cancer thsn for other urinary cancer. Further tests are required to clarify the influence of other spe- cific conditions, such as urinary tract infection, and intravesical drug instillation or procedure.
Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Immunoassay ; Instillation, Drug ; Nuclear Matrix* ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; Urinary Bladder* ; Urinary Tract Infections

Kerion celsi is an inflammatory type of tinea capitis, which occurs chiefly in children between the ages of 4 and 14 years. We report a case of kerion celsi caused by Trichophyton(T.) mentagrophytes in 69 year-old man, who showed a 8x8 cm sized, erythematous boggy mass with pustules and crusts on the right occipital scalp. Cultures from scalp lesion and infected hair on Sabouraud dextrose agar media showed T. mentagrophytes. Histopathologic findings showed inflammatory cell infiltration in entire dermis and many spores around the hair shaft. The skin lesion was successfully treated with terbinafine (250 mg/ day) for 8 weeks. This case is reported with three interesting facts: Kerion celsi caused by T. mentagrophytes has been rarely reported in Korean literatures; Kerion celsi is occuring in an aged man with decreased cellular immunity after chemotherapy; Kerion celsi caused by T. mentagrophytes responded well to oral terbinafine.
Agar ; Aged ; Child ; Dermis ; Drug Therapy ; Glucose ; Hair ; Humans ; Immunity, Cellular ; Scalp ; Skin ; Spores ; Tinea Capitis* ; Trichophyton*

BACKGROUND: The skin over the lower one third of the nose is less mobile and cannot be easily recruited for the closure of even small defects. In addition, the texture and color of the nose are so unique that neither distant nor nearby skin can always provide a good match. Therefore, when we reconstruct the surgical defect of lower one third of the nose, we must consider the reconstruction method, defect site or size, recurrence of the lesion such as basal cell carcinoma, patient age, general health state, and functional and cosmetic aspects. The bilobed flap is a useful tool for reconstruction of the nose but is occasionally complicated by pincushioning effect or trapdoor deformity. OBJECTIVE: The propose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of a geometric design of bilobed flap for use in reconstructing defect on the lower one third of the nose. METHODS: From Februrary 1999 to March 2001, we reconstructed defects on the lower one third of the nose after Mohs surgery of basal cell carcinoma in 6 patients using the geometrical design of bilobed flap. Patients were reviewed for complications and cosmetic results. RESULTS: Cosmetically acceptable results were seen in all patients. Significant pincushioning and trapdoor deformity were not presented postoperatively in any patients. CONCLUSION: The geometrical design of bilobed flap is an excellent choice for reconstruction of defects of the lower one third of the nose, particularly around the nasal tip, because of the good skin match and low incidence of complication.
Carcinoma, Basal Cell* ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mohs Surgery* ; Nose* ; Recurrence ; Skin

Electrocutions are relatively rare. However, the electrocutions are gradually increasing as the increases of the use of electricity. In this study, we diagnosed 46 cases as electrocutions among author's autopsy cases from 1991 to 2002 year and reviewed in aspects of forensic medicine. The results were as follows : 1. All cases were males and average age was 35.6 years. 2. Electrocutions occur most frequently in July and August, which are particularly hot and humid. 3. 38 victims were the worker and 44 cases were accident in the manner of death. Only two cases were suicide. 4. 28 cases showed the typical current mark, especially in the fingers and hands(15 cases). 5. The scene investigation by specialists or policemen were made in 36 cases. 6. Forensic pathologists should consider the thorough investigation of the scene for exact diagnosis, if the victims were suspected of accidental electrocution.
Autopsy ; Diagnosis ; Electric Injuries ; Electricity ; Fingers ; Forensic Medicine ; Humans ; Male ; Specialization ; Suicide

We reviewed forensic autopsies and scene examinations performed at Central District of National Institute of Scientific Investigation, requested by every kinds of law enforecement agencies in Chung-cheong area of Korea during the year of 2002, and analysed the data of forensic autopsies and scene examinations according to the cause of death and the maner of death. The results are as follows ; 1. Scene examination on the spot was performed in 18 cases ; Among these cases, 17 cases were unnatural deaths and the most common cause of death was thermal injury. Autopy was performed in all 18 cases. 2. The total number of forensic autopsy were 590 cases (399 males and 191 females). The number of the thirties (155 cases) and the forties (118 cases) occupied almost half (46.3%) of all cases of autopsy. 3. Unnatural deaths were 378 cases (64.1%), natural 177 cases (30.0%), and the unknown 35 cases (5.9%). In 378 cases of unnatural deaths, suicide was 63 cases (16.7%), homicide 135 cases (35.7%), accident 94 cases (24.9%), and the undetermined 86 cases (22.7%). Homicide occupied 60.1% of trauma, 65.0% of blunt force injury excluding traffic and fall-down injury, and 91.4% of sharp force injury. The homicide rate in asphyxia was 61.0%, but it went up to 89.3% excluding hanging. It showed only 1 cases (2.0%) of homicide in poisoning. 4. In 378 cases of unnatural deaths, traumatic deaths were 167 cases(44.2%). Blunt trauma was 60 cases (35.9%) and the leading cause of death in traumatic death. Of remaining 211 cases of unnatural deaths, there were 61 cases (16.1%) of thermal injuries, 49 cases (13.0%) of poisonings, 46 cases (13.0%) of drowning, 41 cases (10.8%) of asphyxia, 9 cases (2.3%) of medical procedures, 4 cases (1.1%) of electrocution, and one case of neglect. 5. Among 177 natural deaths, cardiovascular diseases were 113 cases(63.8%) and the leading cause of death in natural deaths. 30 cases(16.9%) of diseases involving digestive system were followed. 6. Child deaths under the age of 10 were 45 cases. Among these cases, homicide were 24 cases(53.4%) and most of them occurred in the preschool period.
Asphyxia ; Autopsy* ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Cause of Death ; Child ; Digestive System ; Drowning ; Homicide ; Humans ; Jurisprudence ; Korea* ; Male ; Poisoning ; Suicide

To investigate the characteristics of incidental pituitary microadenomas, we examined 120 pituitary glands from Korean forensic autopsy cases, from which eight tumors were identified (incidence 6.7%). The average age of the affected subjects was 50 yr (range: 33-96 yr) with a female predominance. The maximum diameters of the tumors ranged from 0.4 to 5.4 mm (mean: 2.8 mm). Immunohistochemical analysis of pituitary hormones revealed three growth hormone-secreting adenomas, one prolactin-producing adenoma, one gonadotropin-producing adenoma, one plurihormonal adenoma, and two null cell adenomas. MIB-1 staining for Ki-67 antigen showed no positive expression. The microvessel density (MVD) of the pituitary microadenomas ranged from 2.3 to 11.6% (mean: 5.3%) and was significantly lower than that of nonneoplastic pituitary glands (11.9-20.1%, mean: 14.8%). Our study provides reference data on incidental pituitary microadenomas in the Korean population.
Adenoma/blood supply/epidemiology/metabolism/*pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Autopsy ; Female ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Ki-67 Antigen/metabolism ; Korea/epidemiology ; Male ; Microcirculation/pathology ; Middle Aged ; Pituitary Hormones/metabolism ; Pituitary Neoplasms/blood supply/epidemiology/metabolism/*pathology

Subcutaneous island pedicle flap is based on the basic principle of V-Y advancement and closure. This advancement flap involves the isolation of a segment of skin as an island disconnected from the peripheral epidermal-dermal attachment. Subcutaneous island pedicle flap offers several distinct advantages over various transposition flap and skin graft. Moreover its design and execution are straightforward, being a conceptual extension of the elliptical excision technique. Four cases of malignant tumors on the face were removed by Mohs surgery, followed by reconstruction of defects with subcutaneous island pedicle flap. In our cases, there were no significant complications and the results were cosmetically acceptable. Subcutaneous island pedicle flap is a simple and satisfactory alternative for the reconstruction of medium-sized defects in the face.
Mohs Surgery ; Skin ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: Many factors have been implicated in the etiology of varicose veins. Among them, the most widely advanced are weakness of the vascular wall due to defective smooth muscle and connective tissue metabolism, dysfunction of the endothelium, valvular incompetence, and hemodynamic stress. However, the etiology remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to analyze the wall structure and composition changes of primary varicose veins of the legs. METHODS: Varicose vein samples were collected from 13 patients having primary varicose veins who underwent ambulatory phlebectomy. Control veins(below the age of 50 years) were collected from 2 patients with no history or clinical evidence of varicose vein. Samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's Trichrome, Van Gieson stains and immunohistochemical stains for collagen type IV, alpha-smooth muscle actin antigen were performed. Tissue samples were examined by light microscopy for comparative histological changes and different components of the varicose vein wall as compared to control veins. RESULTS: In the varicose vein, there was intimal hypertrophy in almost all the sections examined. The thickness of intima varied at different places. There were hyperplasia of smooth muscle cell and collagen in the varicose vein. Collagen type IV exhibited an accumulation especially in the subendothelial region of varicose vein. CONCLUSION: Dilatation and varicosities are not due to deficiency in the vein wall components, but rather to hemodynamic response. Modulation in the extracellular proteins may be the cause for the development of varices.
Actins ; Collagen ; Collagen Type IV ; Coloring Agents ; Connective Tissue ; Dilatation ; Endothelium ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Hematoxylin ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Hypertrophy ; Leg* ; Metabolism ; Microscopy ; Muscle, Smooth ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; Varicose Veins* ; Veins