PURPOSE: The extracellular domain (ECD) of the HER-2/neu oncoprotein, whose molecular weight is the range from the 95 kD to 105 kD, is shed into the blood from the cell surface via, proteolysis by a metalloprotease. A monoclonal antibody immunoassay has been developed for measuring the circulating concentrations of serum HER-2/neu ECD (following serum HER-2/neu). Serum HER-2/neu has been reported to be correlated with an increased tumor volume in those patients suffering with breast cancer. We measured the serum CA15-3 level, which is a surrogate marker of the tumor burden, we analyzed the correlation of the serum CA15-3 with the serum HER-2/neu and we analyzed the association of both markers with the clinical outcomes. METHODS: The sera for the analysis of both HER-2/neu and CA15-3 were obtained from 99 healthy Korean women, 66 primary breast cancer patients and 43 metastatic breast caner patients. The serum HER-2/neu level was measured quantitatively with using an ADVIA Centaur(R) automated immunoassay analyzer (Bayer Health Care LLC, Diagnostics Division, Tarrytown, New York, USA) and the CA 15-3 level was measured via radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The serum HER-2/neu level was increased 23 metastatic cancer patients (53%). On the analysis of the correlation of serum HER-2/neu and CA15-3, the correlation coefficient (r) was 0.8072. Thus a positive serum HER-2/neu test in breast cancer patients was highly associated with the CA15-3 level for assessing whether metastasis was present or not. For the relationship between primary breast cancer and metastatic breast cancer, the former was classified as the control group and the latter as the patient group. The results of the Receiver Operation Characteristic (ROC) curve for serum HER-2/neu and CA15-3 showed no statistically significant differences (p=0.176) but the diagnostic efficacy of the serum HER-2/neu test was measured more exactly than that of CA15-3 and CA15-3 a tool for measuring a tumor marker for the diagnosis of whether metastasis was present or not. CONCLUSION: Serum HER-2/neu is a significant independent predictive prognostic factor for metastatic breast cancer patients. In view of the results we have achieved so far the serum HER-2/neu level in metastatic breast cancer patients may play an important roll as an independent tumor marker.
Biomarkers ; Breast ; Breast Neoplasms ; Delivery of Health Care ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoassay ; Molecular Weight ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; New York ; Proteolysis ; Stress, Psychological ; Tumor Burden

PURPOSE: Angiogenesis plays a key role in the growth and metastasis of malignant tumor. Angiogenesis is reportedly enhanced by prostaglandins (PGs). Cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 is an inducible enzyme that catalyzes the formation of PGs from arachidonic acid. The COX enzyme system is composed of two isoenzymes, COX-1 and COX-2. Recent sources of experimental and epidemiological evidence suggest a significant role for the COX enzymes, particularly COX-2, in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. COX-2 overexpression in a murine mammary gland is sufficient to cause tumor formation. We performed our study to determine the effect of COX-2 inhibitor in a in vivo mouse mammary tumor (MMT) cell line. METHODS: In order to test our study, 24 C57BL/6 type mice (Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, USA) were randomized to receive 35 days of either placebo supplemented diet (n=11) or a 1,500ppm celecoxib (CELEBREX, Pfizer Inc. St. Louis, USA) supplemented diet (n=13) beginning at day 0. At 14 days after the beginning day, 30 microliter of a 1% India ink solution that contained 500,000 of MMT cells or dye alone (control) was intradermally inoculated at each flank (day 14). The animals were sacrificed 21 days later (day 35) and skin specimens were harvested/processed for quantification of the microvessel density (MVD) that was associated with each inoculated site. The aortas that were isolated according to each treatment group at the time of animal sacrifice were used to create identical aortic ring angiogenesis assays (media 199 supplemented with 20% FBS). Explants were evaluated for 14 days in culture to determine both the rate of angiogenesis initiation (% of explants exhibiting the angiogenic phenotype) and the neovessel growth rate (using a subjective angiogenic index score for the wells exhibiting initiation). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate the differences between groups for each assay. RESULTS: According to the immunohistochemical staining, celecoxib administration resulted in a parallel decrease in the MVD at both the control and MMT inoculated sites (22% and 21%, p = 0.025 and p = 0.010 respectively). On the aortic ring assay, the dietary treatment group was not significantly inhibited compared with the placebo group (75% and 63.3%, respectively, p = NS). However, dietary celecoxib administration significantly inhibited the angiogenic index of the neovessel growth rate (5.0 +/- 2.38 and 8.9 +/- 3.44, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a selective COX-2 inhibitor had an antiangiogenic effect on the in vivo tumor cells. We will perform more investigations of a selective COX-2 inhibitors, and these may will be crucial drugs to use as new chemotherapy agents for treating in cancer.
Animals ; Aorta ; Arachidonic Acid ; Breast Neoplasms ; Celecoxib ; Cell Line ; Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors ; Cyclooxygenase 2* ; Diet ; Drug Therapy ; India ; Ink ; Isoenzymes ; Mammary Glands, Human ; Mice* ; Microvessels ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Prostaglandins ; Skin

PURPOSE: Periportal low attenuation, defined as a low attenuation rim around the portal vein and its branches which is seen on contrast material-enhanced CT scans, has been described in a variety of conditions. We tried to document that lymphatic obstruction is one of the major cause of periportal low attenuation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: We retrospectively analyzed 57 cases of periportal low attenuation on abdominal CT scans and also reviewed the surgical records in 32 cases. Lymph node enlargement in the hepatoduodenal ligament which is a main lymphatic channel from the liver were analyzed and calculated the ratio of the transeverse diameter between the inferior vena cava and the aorta at the level of right adrenal gland. After complete surgical interruption of the lymphatic drainage from the liver in a dog, follow up CT scans were obtained and correlated with pathologic findings. RESULTS: Fifty patients(88%) had underlying disease which could cause impairment of lymphatic drainage. Periportal low attenuation was identified in several clinical conditions, including surgical lymph node dissection, lymphadenopathy in the hepatoduodenal ligament, blunt trauma. In animal model, CT scan showed prominent periportal low attenuation at 5 days after surgery. Histologic examination revealed numerous dilated lymphatic vessels and a marked lymphedema in the connective tissues surrounding the portal vein and its major branches. CONCLUSION: One of the major.cuase of periportal low attenuation was impaired lymphatic drainage and periportal low attenuation corresponding to the numerous dilated lymphatic vessels and a marked lymphedema in the connective tissues surrounding the portal vein and its major branches.
Adrenal Glands ; Animals ; Aorta ; Connective Tissue ; Dogs ; Drainage ; Follow-Up Studies ; Ligaments ; Liver ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Lymphatic Vessels ; Lymphedema ; Models, Animal ; Portal Vein ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Vena Cava, Inferior

Fingerprints have been used for personal identification, for revealing physical anthropological characteristics, and for diagnosing genetic disorders. Morphology of fingerprints has been analyzed in various tribes. However, in Korean, the analytical methods of fingerprints and the numbers of subjects were not sufficient to find standard values for Korean fingerprints. In this study, fingerprints of 3216 Koreans (2095 males and 1121 females) were analyzed using the various methods and compared with those of other tribes to contribute in revealing physical anthropological characteristics of Korean and also in diagnosing genetic disorders of Korean. The results were as follows. 1. The incidence of ulnar loop type, whorl type, radial loop type, and arch type was 50.4%, 42.9%, 3.8%, and 2.9%, respectively. Data from the comparison of the incidences of fingerprint types in Korean with those in various tribes lead us to conclude that Korean belongs to the Asians and becomes closer to the Whites and Blacks in which loop type is frequent and whorl type is not frequent. 2. Fingerprint type seems to be related to the strength of finger since whorl type was frequent in male and in right hand, and arch type was frequent in female and in left hand. In addition, loop of fingerprint appears to have the tendency to open to the side bearing more physical contact since radial loop type was frequent in second finger, and ulnar loop type was frequent in fifth finger. 3. Among the subtypes of fingerprint, morphologically simple types were common. Among the subtypes of arch types, simple arch type with the same number of radial dermal ridges as ulnar ones was the most common. Among the subtypes of loop types, ulnar loop type without concentric circles or spirals was the most common. Among the subtypes of whorl types, concentric whorl type without loops was the most common. 4. Finger ridge counts were 16.9, 13.9, 11.9, 11.3, and 11.2 in first, fourth, third, second, and fifth finger, respectively; and were greater in male than in female. Finger ridge counts are greater in fingers which shows whorl type. However, there would be other factors to determine finger ridge counts; for examples, the size and behavioral habit of finger.
African Continental Ancestry Group ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Dermatoglyphics* ; Female ; Fingers ; Hand ; Humans ; Incidence ; Male ; Population Groups

This article describes the normal range of orbital linear dimensions (eq. orbital breadths, orbital height, orbital depth, interorbital breadths and biorbital breadth) and orbital indicies. One hundred and eighty-seven Korean skulls from grown-up individuals are studied with analysis for the purpose of evaluating anthropometric characteristics of Korean orbits. The results are compared to previously published data for modern Korean skulls. The width of the orbit is larger on the right side than the left and sexual difference was also shown. On the other hand, the heights of both orbits are much the same. Consequently, there is a slight tendency that chamaeconch is met with more frequently on the right side, whilst hypsiconch on the left side. The orbital depth is larger on the right side, however, depth index did not show any side difference. There are sexual differences on the biorbital breadth and upper facial breadth but not on the interorbital breadth on the basis of dacryon. These results represent the asymmetry of Korean orbit and that measurement on both sides must be necessary for anthropological comparison.
Adult* ; Hand ; Humans ; Orbit* ; Reference Values ; Skull*

OBJECTIVES: Alexithymia has been regarded as the general personality of psychosomatic disease, but it's controversial. The object of the study is to find out the relationship between alexithymia and alopecia areata. METHODS: Thirty one alopecia areata patients were compared to 31 normal healthy persons in alexithymic tendency using TAS-20K. Also MMPI and SCL-90-R were checked in both groups. Psychiatric diseases were ruled out. RESULTS: The scores of F, K, Hs, D, Hy, Pd, Pa, Pt and Sc of MMPI in alopecia areata patients were different from those in normal healthy persons. The scores of SOM, O-C, I-S, DEP, ANX, HOT, PHOB, PAR, PSY, GSI, PSDI, and PST of SCL-90-R in alopecia areata patients were significantly higher than those in normal healthy persons. In TAS-20K, the scores of Factor 1 and Total in alopecia areata patients were higher than those in normal healthy persons. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that alopecia areata patients are more alexithymic than normal healthy persons.
Affective Symptoms* ; Alopecia Areata* ; Alopecia* ; Humans ; MMPI

PURPOSE: Hyperthermia treatments (Laser, Macrowave, Microwave, Electromagnetic force, and Ultrasonic heating system etc.) haves been used for the purpose tof destroying the focus part of tumors. Interstitial Laser Photocoagulation (ILP), originally attempted by Bown in 1983, experimentally makes use of Nd:YAG Laser in breast cancer. This study attempted to evaluate the effect of ILP for the fibroadenomas of the breast under the local anesthesia. METHODS: From the physical examination findings, breast ultrasonogram, mammogram and Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of 74 unmarried women patients, diagnosed as having a fibroadenoma, which is a breast benign tumor, who took ILP treatment and could be followed up based on their medical records 62 were examined and analyzed. After checking the accurate positioning of the optical fiber in the tumor, through an ultrasonogram under the local anesthesia, the ILP treatment was conducted using a Diode Laser (Diomed(r) Ltd.). RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 23 years, and the mean sizes of the tumors were as 1.6 and 1.8 cm on physical examination and 1.8 cm on the ultrasonogram, respectively. There were significant decreases in the clinical and sonographic sizes following the treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). From a comparison of the tumor sizes before and after the ILP treatment, the tumor reduction rates from the physical examination and ultrasonogram findings were 92 and 80%, respectively, when the size of the tumors was below 1 cm, and the disappearance rates were 92% and 80%, respectively, when the size of the tumors was below 1 cm. CONCLUSION: Interstitial laser photocoagulation is a safe, precise, minimally invasive, and cosmetic procedure for the in situ destruction of breast fibroadenomas.
Anesthesia, Local ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Breast Neoplasms ; Breast* ; Female ; Fever ; Fibroadenoma* ; Heating ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Lasers, Semiconductor ; Light Coagulation* ; Magnets ; Medical Records ; Microwaves ; Optical Fibers ; Physical Examination ; Single Person ; Ultrasonics ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Postprimary pulmonary tuberculosis is located mainly in upper lobes. The tuberculous lesion involving the lower lobes usually arises from the upper lobe cavity through endobronchial spread. When tuberculosis is confined to the lower lung field, it often masquerades as pneumonia, lung cancer, bronchiectasis, or lung ahscess. Thus the correct diagnosis may be sometimes delayed for a long time. METHODS: We carried out, retrospectively, a clinical study on 50 patients confirmed with lower lung field tuberculosis who visited the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Hanyang University Hospital from January 1992 to December 1994. The following results were obtained. RESULTS: Lower lung field tuberculosis without concomitant upper lobe disease occurred in fifty patients representing 6.9% of the total admission with active pulmonary tuberculosis over a period of 3 years. It occurred most frequently in the third decade but age distribution was relatively even. The mean age was 43 years old. Female was more frequently affected than male (male to female ratio 1:1.9). The most common symptom was cough(68%), followed by sputum(52%), fever(38%), and chest discomfort(30%). On chest X-ray of the S0patients, consolidation was the most common finding in 52%, followed by solitary nodule(22%), collapse(16%), cavitary lesion(l0%), in decreasing order. The disease confined to the right side in 25 cases, left side 20 cases, and both sides 5 cases. Endobronchial tuberculosis (1) Endobronchial involvement was proved by bronchoscopic examination in 20 of S0patients. (2) Mean age was 44years old and female was more affected than man (male to female ratio 1 : 3). Sputum AFB stain and Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture were positive only in 50% of cases unlikely upper lobe tuberculosis, additional diagnostic methods were needed. In our study, bronchoscopic examination and percutaneous fine needle aspiration biopsy increased diagnostic yield by 18% and 32%, respectively. The most common associated condition was diabetes mellitus(18%) and others were anemia, anorexia nervosa, stomach cancer, and systemic steroid usage. CONCLUSION: When we find a lower lung field lesion, we should suspect tuberculosis if the patient has diabetes mellitus, anemia, systemic steroid usage, malignancy or other immune suppressed states. Because diagnostic yield of sputum AFB smear & Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture was low, additional diagnostic methods such as bronchoscopy and fine needle aspiration biopsy were needed.
Adult ; Age Distribution ; Anemia ; Anorexia Nervosa ; Biopsy ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Bronchiectasis ; Bronchoscopy ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; Lung* ; Male ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; Pneumonia ; Pulmonary Medicine ; Retrospective Studies ; Sputum ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Thorax ; Tuberculosis* ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

No abstract available.

BACKGROUND: Although the same treatment strategy has been applied for patients with aortic intramural hematoma (AIH) as typical aortic dissection (AD), the natural history of AIH with medical treatment is not known clearly. The purposes of this study were to test the hypothesis that absence of direct flow communication through intimal tear in AIH has different impact on clinical course compared with typical AD and to clarify the natural history of AIH. METHODS: Total 181 patients of acute aortic pathology (AD / AIH =57 / 124) were enrolled from 5 institutions. Patients received medical treatment without surgical intervention regardless of the affected site in acute stage, and follow-up imaging studies (FUIS) were performed in 105 patients with AIH. Clinical data of these patients were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Fifty-four patients showed involvement of the ascending aorta (AD / AIH =13 / 41) and 127 revealed distal pathology (AD / AIH =44 / 83). Compared to the patients with AD, those with AIH were older regardless of the type and showed higher incidence of pleural effusion and mediastinal hemorrhage. In-hospital mortality of proximal AIH was 7 %, which was significantly lower than that of proximal AD (62 %); mortality of distal AIH was also lower than that of distal AD (1.2 Vs 9 %, p < 0.05). In proximal AIH, FUIS confirmed resorption of AIH in 67 %(24/36) and development of AD in 25 %(9/36). In distal AIH, resorption was confirmed in 78 %(54/69) and development of AD in 16 %(11/69). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with AIH showed excellent clinical course and high rate of resorption with medical treatment regardless of the affected site; typical AD developed only in limited cases. Absence of direct flow communication through intimal tear in AIH might explain more favorable response to medical treatment than typical AD.
Aorta ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Hematoma* ; Hemorrhage ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mortality ; Natural History ; Pathology ; Pleural Effusion ; Retrospective Studies