Intexcellular adhesion molecule-10CAM- 1) is an important moleade in aehating immune and inflammatory responses. It is found on the surface of hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells. It can act as an adhesive ligand for integrins such as LFA-1 (CD1&/CD11a) and MAC-1 (CD18/ CD11b). ICAM-1 is basally expressed in sigaificant amount on a limited number of cell types, including monocytes and endothelial ceRs. But it is inducible or upregulated by INF-r, IL-1p and TNF-a on many cell types. IL-4, a pleiotropic cytokine and mast cell differentiation factor, is upregulated in human allergic disease and stimulates expression of vascular adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in endothelial cells. IL-4 also promotes expression of surhce ICAM-1 in human mast cells and dermal fidroblasts. So in allergic rhinitis and asthma, IL-4 may be an important cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammation. We studied the effect of INF-r and IL-4 on expression of ICAM-1 in human nasal epithelial cells (HNEC). HNEC were prepared by primary culture method of monolayer culture of dissociated cells hom human inferior nasal turbinate mucosa. Nasal mucosa were obtained by partial turbinectomy of septal deviation patients. Primary cultured cells were charaterized as an epithelial cell type by indirect immuno-fluorescence assay using antilmdies against cytokeratin-pan, cytokeratin No. 8, vimentin and von Willebrand factor. Using fluorescence activated cell sorter (Coulter EI1TE), we analyzed the quantitative expression of ICAM-1 on HNEC. Treatment of HNEC with IFN-r (1ng/ml) for 24 hours caused about 8 fold increase of the surface ICAM-1 compared with constitutive expression by mean fluorescence intensity (MIF) but IL-4 had little effect. Theses foundings suggest that IFN-r is a potent ICAM-1 inducer in HNEC and further studies are necessary for the role of IL-4 on HNEC.
Adhesives ; Asthma ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytokines* ; Endothelial Cells ; Epithelial Cells* ; Fluorescence ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Integrins ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Interleukin-4 ; Keratins ; Lymphocyte Function-Associated Antigen-1 ; Mast Cells ; Monocytes ; Mucous Membrane ; Nasal Mucosa ; Rhinitis ; Turbinates ; Vimentin ; von Willebrand Factor

This study was conducted to assess the prognostic value of tumor angiogenesis and Cathepsin-D in breast carcinoma, by correlating them with other clinicopathologic prognostic factors. In order to estimate microvessels within the tumor, an immunohistochemical method using monoclonal antibodies for factor VIII-related antigens (DAKO-vWf, F8/86) was used, and they were counted (perx200 field) in the most active areas of neovascularization. For the expression of Cathepsin-D, an immunohistochemical method using monoclonal antibodies (Novocastra, NCL-CDm) was performed. The microvessel count ranged from 8 to 346 per x200 field and the mean (+/-SD) was 72.46+/-54.96. The microvessel count was correlated with the estrogen receptor status, and it was also correlated with the tumor size when it was graded into four groups (1-33, 34-67, 68-100, >100), but was not correlated with other clinicopathologic parameters. Cathepsin-D was expressed in 40% (46/115) of the cases, but it was statistically correlated with the tumor size only. In conclusion, the expression of Cathepsin D and the degree of angiogenesis in breast cancer showed a correlation with the tumor size only. Therefore, they do not appear to be good prognostic parameters, according to the present study.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Breast Neoplasms ; Breast* ; Carcinoma, Ductal* ; Cathepsin D ; Estrogens ; Microvessels ; Prognosis ; von Willebrand Factor

PURPOSE: Vasectomy has become a popular method for male sterilization in Korea and this, in turn, has been followed by an increase in the number of patient requiring vasectomy reversal. Recently, many authors have reported high success rates of vasovasostomy using microsurgical techniques. The purpose of this study was to compare patency and pregnancy rates and operation time of a new method for vasovasostomy developed at the Department of Urology, Dong-A University Hospital with those of other methods, and to find out other factors influencing patency and pregnancy rates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microscopic vasovasostomy was performed in 149 patients from June 1990 to September 1997 at our department. Among 89 patients who could be followed up post-operatively, standard two layer vasovasostomy was performed in 22 patients, modified one layer vasovasostomy with 4 full thickness sutures in 32 patients and modified one layer vasovasostomy with 5 full thickness sutures developed at our department in 35 patients. We compared mean operation times and patency and pregnancy rates between the techniques and examined patency and pregnancy rates according to age, vasal obstruction interval, presence of sperm in vas fluid and sperm granuloma. RESULTS: Success rates were 95.5% for patency and 68.2% for pregnancy in standard two layer vasovasostomy, 87.5% for patency and 59.42% for pregnancy in modified one layer vasovasostomy with 4 full thickness sutures and 97.1% for patency and 65.7% for pregnancy in modified one layer vasovasostomy with 5 full thickness sutures and there was statistical significance in the patency rates between each method (p<0.05). Mean operation times were 136.6+/-19.2 minutes in standard two layer vasovasostomy, 86.6+/-16.8 minutes in modified one layer vasovasostomy with 4 full thickness sutures and 96.7+/-18.4 minutes in modified one layer vasovasostomy with 5 full thickness sutures (p<0.001). With regard to factors influencing operation, the pregnancy rates were slightly higher in cases of younger patients, presence of sperm in vas fluid and presence of sperm granuloma (p>0.05) and significantly lower in case of longer vasal obstruction interval (p<0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: We found little difference in success rates between standard double layer vasovasostomy and modified one layer vasovasostomy with 5 full thikness sutures and the latter was easier and more time saving technique.
Granuloma ; Humans ; Korea ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Spermatozoa ; Sterilization, Reproductive ; Sutures ; Urology ; Vasectomy ; Vasovasostomy*

PURPOSE: Nitric oxide (NO) has recently been identified as the main neurotransmitter involved in the nonadrenergic-noncholinergic (NANC) pathway and is responsible for penile erection. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-containing nerve regeneration can be seen 6 months after unilateral cavernosal nerve neurotomy in rats. However its molecular mechanism is still unknown. It is believe that growth factors are involved in this phenomenon. In this study I investigated the change of NOS containing nerve fibers and the RNA expression of insulin like growth factor (IGF)-I, nerve growth factor (NGF), transforming growth factor (TGF)-alpha, TGF-beta 1, TGF-beta 2, TGF-beta 3, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), nNOS and eNOS on the penis after cavernosal neurotomy in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male rats were divided into three groups: sham operation (n=12); unilateral neurotomy of a 5-mm segment of the cavernosal nerve (n=18); and bilateral neurotomy (n=18). Electrostimulation of the cavernosal nerve of pelvic ganglion was performed at 1,3 and 6 months. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) diaphorase staining was used to identify NOS in the penile nerve fibers. The gene expressions for growth factors, nNOS and eNOS were investigated in corporal tissue by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using specific oligonucleotide primers. RESULTS: One month after neurotomy, both unilateral and bilateral neurotomy groups showed significant decreases in NOS-containing nerve fibers on the dorsal and intracavernosal nerves on the side of neurotomy and significantly lower mRNA expressions of nNOs, IGF-I and TGF-beta 2, and the unilateral neurotomy group showed higher mRNA expression of eNOS and VEGF189. At 3 months, the number of NOS-containing nerve fibers in the unilateral neurotomy group increased only slightly but at 6 months, those in the intracavernosal nerve increased in a significant amount (p<0.0001),however mRNA expressions of nNOs, IGF-I and TGF-beta . , showed significant increases as early as at 3 months, After bilateral neurotomy, the NOS-positive nerve fibers in the dorsal and intracavernosal nerve were significantly decreased at 1 month and remained so at 6 months; no erectile response could be elicited by pelvic ganglion stimulation. In the unilateral neurotomy group at 6 months, more NOS-positive neurons in the pelvic ganglia were found on the intact side than on the side of the neurotomy (p<0.005), indicating that the regeneration derived from pelvic ganglion neurons on the intact side. Furthermore, electrostimulation in the unilateral neurotomy group revealed a greater maximal intracavernosal pressure and a shorter latency period at 6 months than at 1 month (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that IGF-I and TGF-beta 2, may play a key role in regeneration of NOS-containing nerve fibers in the dorsal and intracavernosal nerves, and eNOS increases temporarily in the intracavernosum involving VEGF189 after unilateral cavernosal nerve injury.
Animals ; DNA Primers ; Ganglia ; Ganglion Cysts ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Insulin ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins* ; Latency Period (Psychology) ; Male ; NADP ; Nerve Fibers ; Nerve Growth Factor ; Nerve Regeneration ; Neurons ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Penile Erection ; Penis ; Rats* ; Regeneration* ; RNA ; RNA, Messenger ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; Transforming Growth Factors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of Ginseng alkaloid on the tension regulation of corpus cavernosum, changes of tension of rabbit corpus cavernosum in vitro were studied after administration of Adaptagen(R) that is extract of Ginseng alkaloid. And changes of tension of rat aorta in vitro and rat blood pressure and heart rate in vivo were studied after administration of the same agent to evaluate systemic cardiovascular side effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rabbit corpus cavernosal strips and rat aorta rings were prepared. Strips and rings were mounted in an organ bath and isometric tensions were recorded after administration of agents contracting or relaxing vascular smooth muscle and Adaptagen(R). RESULTS: Adaptagen(R) relaxed rabbit corpus cavernosal strip and rat aorta ring contracted by phenylephrine in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of L-nitroarginine inhibited the relaxing effect of Adaptagen(R) on phenylephrine-induced contraction of these tissues. In vivo, intraperitonealy administered Adaptagen(R) transiently decreased systemic blood pressure and heart rate of rat. CONCLUSIONS: According to above RESULTS, Ginseng alkaloid relaxes corpus cavernosum in a dose-dependent manner without significant systemic side effects. Therefore, it is suggested that Ginseng alkaloid could enhance erectile function but further studies are required for clinical application.
Animals ; Aorta ; Baths ; Blood Pressure ; Heart Rate ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; Panax* ; Phenylephrine ; Rats

PURPOSE: International guidelines and national laws have been formulated to protect human subjects in research. Recently, many efforts have been tried to contribute to better awareness and knowledge about the link between quality systems and protection to develop better quality procedures in health research. In this study, to improve the understandings about health research, awareness about health research was evaluated with questionnaires for patients and care-givers in our institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 339 persons responded to the questionnaires. 128 persons were patients with mild symptoms and 69 were caregivers. 123 were male and 179 were female. Dominant educational level was college graduates and were 166 and economic status was middle-class (247). Questionnaires was composed of 18 items; 7 demographical characteristics items, 7 understanding of clinical trials items, 4 understandings of IRB (Institutional Review Board) concepts items. RESULTS: 71.7% of responder have informations about clinical trials by TV and 23.9% by newspapers. 22.3% have never heard about clinical trials. Knowledge level about clinical trials was thought to be a middle level and subjects of clinical trials were animals (62.5%), patients (54.9%), normal persons (25.4%), plants (11.8%). Objects to be included in clinical trials were pharmaceuticals (62.2%), cell therapy (58.7%), medical device (30.4%), health promotion foods (14.5%). Answer about 'Intention to be the participant" were no in 56% and yes in 34.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Although mass media contributed to the spread of understandings about clinical trials, 22.3% did not know about health research. To improve the awareness and understandings about health research, television (TV) can be the most effective method and the safety about human subject protection should be certified.
Animals ; Caregivers ; Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy ; Ethics Committees, Research ; Female ; Health Promotion ; Humans ; Jurisprudence ; Male ; Mass Media ; Periodicals ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Television

OBJECTIVES: Vertigo combined with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is known as a poor prognostic factor. We investigated clinical findings and vestibular function tests in patients of SSNHL with vertigo to find the prognostic factors. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data on the patients diagnosed with SSNHL with vertigo at Bucheon Soonchunhyang University Hospital from March 2009 to February 2018. We reviewed medical records and the results of vestibular function tests and audiometry. RESULTS: Of the 68 patients, 30 (44.1%) showed profound hearing loss and 53 (77.9%) showed poor recovery. Age and the degree of initial hearing loss showed negative prognostic factor in hearing recovery. Abnormal results of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) also showed significantly differences between good and poor recovery groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, most of the patients of SSNHL with vertigo showed poor recovery. Age, degree of initial hearing loss, and the abnormal result of the cVEMP have a negative effect on the prognosis of hearing recovery.
Audiometry ; Gyeonggi-do ; Hearing ; Hearing Loss ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Vertigo ; Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials ; Vestibular Function Tests

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effects of isokinetic strengthening of trunk muscles on balance in hemiplegic patients after stroke. METHOD: All participants were ambulatory hemiplegic patients, injured at least 6 months prior to study. The patients (n=16) were randomly divided into two groups. The control group received neurodevelopmental treatments and gait training 3 times a week. In addition to the same treatments provided for the control group, the experimental group received trunk isokinetic strengthening exercises using isokinetic dynamometer 3 times a week. Trunk muscle peak torque and balance in the experimental group were compared with those in control group at baseline and 4 weeks after treatments. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age, lesion of hemiplegia, time after stroke onset, trunk muscle strength and Berg balance score before treatments between two groups. In the experimental group, peak torques of trunk extensor increased significantly at 60degrees/sec and 90degrees/sec at 4 weeks (p<0.05), but there were no significant improvements in peak torques of trunk flexor at all degree and extensor peak torques at 120degrees/sec. Both the extensor and flexors showed no significant changes in the control groups. In the experimental group, a mean percent change in peak torque involving the trunk extensor was significantly increased at 60degrees/sec. In the experimental group, Berg balance scores, 10 m gait velocity, sit to stand and gait 3 m and return, and 10 seconds stair up and down were improved (p<0.05). No significant improvements were noted in the control group. CONCLUSION: Isokinetic strengthening of trunk muscles can improve balance in hemiplegic patients.
Exercise ; Gait ; Hemiplegia ; Humans ; Muscle Strength ; Muscles ; Stroke ; Torque

OBJECTIVE: To compare the abortion time, success rate and efficiency of application of intravaginal misoprostol versus intracervical laminaria insertion and intravenous sulprostone administration for mid-trimester pregnancy termination. MATERIAL: Patients requesting termination of second trimester pregnancy were randomized into two groups. In Group I, the women were given 200 microg tablet of misoprostol placed in the posterior vaginal fornix. In Group II, the women were given laminaria insertion in cervical canal with intravenous sulprostone administration. Altogether 50 subjects were recruited with 25 women in each group. RESULTS: The mean interval from start of induction to vaginal delivery was 1480.84+/-37.73 minutes in Group I and 1236.16+/-77.59 minutes in Group II(p=0.232). The success rate of termination within 48 hours in Group I and Group II were 84%, 92%(p=0.384). There were no significant differences in the mean interval time and success rates. Measurement of blood loss(differs in hemoglobin between the admission and postabortive 24 hours) shows in Group I(1.0352+/-0.5774) and in Group II(1.5640+/-0.8976). Mean changes in hemoglobin level were significantly lesser in the misoprostol group(p=0.017). No serious complication occurred. CONCLUSION: Intravaginal misoprostol appears to be acceptably safe and effective agents for second trimester pregnancy termination.
Female ; Humans ; Laminaria* ; Misoprostol* ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second ; Pregnancy*

A well-differentiated extraskeletal osteosarcoma is very rare, and only seven cases have been reported in the English language clinical literature. We report an additional case of this rare tumor. A 71-year-old man had noticed a mass in the left pubic area for ten years. A CT scan demonstrated the presence of a lobulated calcified mass within the soft tissue. A 5 cm-sized well-circumscribed mass was excised. Histologically the tumor was composed of mature collagenous tissue and bony trabeculae rimmed by osteoblasts. After 43 months, the tumor recurred at the same site and was re-excised. The re-excised tumor contained focal areas of higher cellularity and atypism. We believe that this is the first case of well-differentiated extraskeletal osteosarcoma reported in Korea.
Male ; Humans