PURPOSE: After treatment of ureteral calculi, some patients will develop ureteral stricture at the identical site of the calculi. Therefore, we have retrospectively evaluated the records of patients who had been treated for ureteral calculi to determine the risk factors that lead to the development of ureteral stricture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1995 and July 2004, 2,083 patients visited Chung-Ang University Hospital for treatment of ureteral calculi. They underwent extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL, 2,263 patients), ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL, 219 patients), laparoscopic ureterolithotomy or open ureterolithotomy (321 patients). Among these patients, 18 developed ureteral stricture at the identical site of the calculus, and they were managed by ureteroplasty or balloon dilatation. To define the risk factors of ureteral stricture, we examined the stone size, impaction of stone, the degree of hydronephrosis and the method of calculi treatment. RESULTS: The ureterolithotomy or laparoscopic ureterolithotomy (1.25%) that required ureterotomy was most common cause of ureteral stricture. The secondary common cause of the ureteral stricture was URSL (0.91%) and the third was ESWL (0.53%). The degree of hydronephrosis didn't affect the formation of ureteral stricture (p> 0.05). The stones larger than 1cm developed more frequent ureteral stricture than the stones smaller than 1cm (> 1cm: 0.31%, < or = 1cm: 1.39%, p=0.0022). The impacted stone developed more frequent ureteral stricture than the non-impacted stone (impacted stone 1.28%, non-impacted stone 0.13%, p=0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: Ureterolithotomy and laparoscopic ureterolithotomy led to the development of more frequent ureteral stricture than did URSL or ESWL. Therefore, ureterotomy was the main risk factor for developing ureteral stricture after the treatment of ureteral calculi. The stone larger than 1cm in diameter and the impacted stone were confirmed as the main risk factors of ureteral stricture after the treatment for ureteral calculi.
Calculi ; Constriction, Pathologic* ; Dilatation ; Humans ; Hydronephrosis ; Lithotripsy ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors* ; Shock ; Ureter* ; Ureteral Calculi* ; Urethral Stricture

To investigate resistance to lamivudine (3TC), we examined the incidence of M184V in 20 HIV-1 patients treated with 3TC for 13.1 +/- 9 months. Fourteen of 20 patients had been exposed to zidovudine (ZDV) or didanosine (ddl) prior to 3TC therapy. Nested PCR targeting to reverse transcriptase (RT) and direct sequencing were performed for peripheral blood mononuclear cells sampled serially. There were resistance mutations to ZDV in at least 9 patients at baseline, although there was no resistance mutation to 3TC. We could detect M184V in 6 (30%) out of 20 patients. The incidence of M184V increased as the duration of therapy prolongs (13% in samples<12 months; 47% in samples gtoreq 12 months). The frequency of mutation M184V was higher in patients with previous mutation to ZDV than in patients with wild type. Resistance mutation was not detected in 7 patients. This study shows that resistance to 3TC tends to develop rapidly in patients with baseline mutations or two drugs combination therapy than in those treated simultaneously with triple drugs. This report is the first on resistance to 3TC in Korean AIDS patients.
Didanosine ; HIV-1* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lamivudine* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase ; Zidovudine

PURPOSE: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) can stimulate a variety of tumors including prostatic carcinoma. Research has recently shown that IL-6 may act to stimulate the progression of prostatic cancer. IL-6 is elevated in the sera of patients with metastatic prostatic cancer and it has been shown to be a candidate marker of disease activity. To date, little work has been performed to characterize the nature of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and the expression of IL-6. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of GM-CSF on the expression of IL-6 in PC-3 cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bone-derived PC-3 cell line was used in this study. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to detect the GM-CSF and also the IL-6 mRNA expression. The IL-6 protein was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) after treatments with the hGM-CSF. RESULTS: hGM-CSF was expressed in the PC-3 cell line. Our data indicated that the IL-6 mRNA expression was not increased at 4, 8 and 12 hours by the hGM-CSF in comparison to the control group, but it was slightly increased at 24 and 48 hours. The expression of IL-6 protein was increased at 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours after hGM-CSF treatment, in comparison with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: The IL-6 mRNA expression was slightly increased by hGM-CSF at 24 and 48 hours in comparison to the control group. Yet the IL-6 protein expression increased before the IL-6 mRNA expression. Therefore, hGM-CSF may modulate the post-transcription pathway of the IL-6 expression in prostate carcinoma cells. Our data suggest that GM-CSF may have a possible IL-6 mediated pathophysiologic role in prostate cancer.
Cell Line* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Granulocytes* ; Humans ; Interleukin-6* ; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor* ; Macrophages* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prostate* ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; Reverse Transcription ; RNA, Messenger

Recent studies have shown that circulating microRNAs are a potential biomarker in various types of malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using serum exosomal microRNAs as novel serological biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We measured the serum exosomal microRNAs and serum circulating microRNAs in patients with CHB (n=20), liver cirrhosis (LC) (n=20) and HCC (n=20). Serum exosomal microRNA was extracted from 500 mul of serum using an Exosome RNA Isolation kit. The expression levels of microRNAs were quantified by real-time PCR. The expression levels of selected microRNAs were normalized to Caenorhabditis elegans microRNA (Cel-miR-39). The serum levels of exosomal miR-18a, miR-221, miR-222 and miR-224 were significantly higher in patients with HCC than those with CHB or LC (P<0.05). Further, the serum levels of exosomal miR-101, miR-106b, miR-122 and miR-195 were lower in patients with HCC than in patients with CHB (P=0.014, P<0.001, P<0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). There was no significant difference in the levels of miR-21 and miR-93 among the three groups. Additionally, the serum levels of circulating microRNAs showed a smaller difference between HCC and either CHB or LC. This study suggests that serum exosomal microRNAs may be used as novel serological biomarkers for HCC.
Adult ; Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor/blood/genetics ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood/diagnosis/*genetics ; Exosomes/genetics ; Female ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Humans ; Liver/pathology ; Liver Neoplasms/blood/diagnosis/*genetics ; Male ; MicroRNAs/blood/*genetics ; Middle Aged

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of hematopoietic disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and peripheral cytopenia associated with dysplastic hypercellular marrow. Anemia is a frequent finding and reticulocytes are usually normal or slightly decreased in the patients with MDS. "Pseudoreticulocytosis" is a rare abnormality of patients with MDS. In these patients, the delayed maturation of reticulocytes is revealed and unusual reticulocytosis occurs with the decreased red cell production. We report a case of MDS characterized by the anemia associated with high reticulocyte count. 'In vitro reticulocyte survival test' showed that the reticulocytosis was a consequence of delayed maturation.
Anemia ; Bone Marrow ; Hematopoiesis ; Humans ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes* ; Reticulocyte Count ; Reticulocytes ; Reticulocytosis

BACKGROUND: As of 30 September 2001, a total of 1,515 human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) infected persons has been reported in Korea. The number of newly infected persons tends to increase year by year, with the result that the contacts between HIV infected persons and health care workers (HCW) become more frequent. This survey was to investigate the current state of occupational HIV exposure and postexposure management among HCW in Korea. METHODS: We surveyed retrospectively the cases of occupational HIV exposure reported until the first half of 2001, in total 14 tertiary teaching hospitals. We reviewed these cases for the details about ; i) exposure type. medium and depth of injuty, ii) postexposure prophylaxis(PEP) and follow up serologic test and iii) source patients. RESULTS: Forty-eight cases(65% female, no pregnant woman) of occupational HIV exposure were identified. The number of cases tends to increase rapidly in recent two years. The majority of the exposure occurred in nurses and doctors, after percutaneous needle stick injury. The mean time from exposure to administration of PEP drugs was 20 hours. Of 39 cases receiving the PEP drug, 62% completed all of the drugs as initially prescribed and 31% discontinued all PEP drugs. The reasons for discontinuation included adverse events(9 cases), health care provider judgment(1case), and source patient HIV negative(1case). There was at least one adverse event in 59% of cases receiving the PEP drugs. The most frequent adverse events were gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea. vomiting, anorexia, and indigestion. So far. there has been no HCW infected with HIV via occupational exposure. Conelusion: Although primary prevention remains the best strategy for protecting HCW from occupational HIV transmission, exposures are nevertheless likely to occur. Systematized PEP programs that include written protocols for prompt reporting, evaluation, counseling, treatment. and follow-up of occupational exposures will be needed for the secondary prevention.
Anorexia ; Counseling ; Delivery of Health Care* ; Dyspepsia ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Health Personnel ; HIV* ; Hospitals, Teaching ; Humans ; Korea* ; Nausea ; Needles ; Occupational Exposure ; Primary Prevention ; Retrospective Studies ; Secondary Prevention ; Serologic Tests ; Vomiting

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE) is one of the most common causes of focal brain lesions, which complicate the course of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). There is wide geographic variation in the prevalence of toxoplasma infection. This study was performed to characterize toxoplasma infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in South Korea. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the incidence and clinical characteristics of TE in 683 HIV-infected patients who were enrolled between 1990 and 2008 at four university hospitals in Busan, Korea. We also assessed the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii, risk factors for toxoplasma seropositivity, and seroconversion rates during the course of HIV infection. RESULTS: Among 683 HIV-infected patients, six (0.9%) patients were diagnosed with TE. The incidence of TE was 0.34 per 100 person-years (py) during the study period. Of the 414 patients who had undergone serological examinations for Toxoplasma gondii, 35 (8.5%) patients were seropositive. Univariate analysis showed that the risk factors associated with toxoplasma seropositivity included increased age, heterosexual transmission, marriage, and a history of overseas residence (p<0.05). Of these factors, a history of overseas residence was a significant risk factor in a multivariate analysis (p<0.05). A total of 95 patients who were seronegative on their initial screen showed serial toxoplasma IgG antibodies (mean duration of follow-up, 2.1 years). Among these patients, only two (2.1%) acquired IgG antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence of anti-toxoplasma IgG antibodies in HIV-infected patients in Korea was 8.5%. A history of overseas residence was a significant risk factor for toxoplasma seropositivity. The incidence of TE was 0.34/100 py, which is lower than that reported in other countries. Toxoplasma seroconversion was also uncommon (2.1%).
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome ; Antibodies ; Brain ; Encephalitis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heterosexuality ; HIV ; HIV Infections ; Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Incidence ; Korea ; Marriage ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Toxoplasma

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of present study is to investigate the influence of a spinal gamma-aminobutyric acid B (GABAB) receptor on a central regulation of blood pressure(BP) and heart rate(HR), and to define its mechanism in the spinal cord. METHODS: In urethane-anesthetized, d-tubocurarine- paralyzed and artificially ventilated male Sprague-Dawley rats, intrathecal administration of drugs were carried out using injecton cannula(33-gauge stainless steel) through the guide cannula(PE 10) which was inserted intrathecally at lower thoracic level through the puncture of a atlantooccipital membrane. RESULTS: Intrathecal injection of an GABAB receptor agonist baclofen(30, 60, 100 nmol) decreased both blood pressure and heart rate dose-dependently. Pretreatment with 8-bromo-cAMP(50 nmol), a cAMP analog or glipizide(50 nmol), a ATP-sensitive K+ channel blocker attenuated the depressor and bradycardic effects of baclofen (100 nmol) but not with 8-bromo-cGMP(50 nmol) a cGMP analog. CONCLUSIONS: The GABAB receptor in the spinal cord plays an inhibitory role in central cardiovascular regulation and that this depressor and bradycardic actions are mediated by the decrease of cAMP via the inhibition of adenylate cyclase and the opening of K+ channel.
Adenylyl Cyclases ; Animals ; Baclofen ; Blood Pressure ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; Heart ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Injections, Spinal ; Male ; Membranes ; Punctures ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spinal Cord*

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence, clinical and laboratory findings of hereditary hemolytic anemia (HHA) in Korea from 1997 to 2006 and to develop the appropriate diagnostic approach for HHA. METHODS: By the use of questionnaires, information on the clinical and laboratory findings ofHHA diagnosed from 1997 to 2006 in Korea was collected and analyzed retrospectively. A total of 431 cases were enrolled in this study from 46 departments of 35 hospitals. RESULTS: The overall frequency of HHA did not change through the 10-year period for pediatrics but did show an increasing tendency for internal medicine. The overall male to female sex ratio did not show sex predominance (1.17:1), but a significant male predominance with a ratio of 1.49:1 was seen for pediatrics while a significant female predominance with a ratio of 1:1.97 was seen forinternal medicine. Of the total cases, 74.2% (282/431) were diagnosed before the age of 15 years. The etiologies of HHA were classified as red cell membrane defects, hemoglobinopathies, red cell enzyme deficiencies and unknown causes. There were 382 cases (88.6%) of red cell membrane defects with 376 cases (87.2%) of hereditary spherocytosis and 6 cases (1.4%) of hereditary elliptocytosis, 20 cases (4.6%) of hemoglobinopathies with 18 cases (4.2%) of beta-thalassemia, a case (0.2%) of alpha-thalassemia and a case (0.2%) of Hemoglobin Madrid, 7 cases (1.6%) of red cell enzyme deficiencies with 5 cases (1.2%) of glucose-6- phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) deficiency, a case (0.2%) of pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency and a case (0.2%) of enolase deficiency, and 22 cases (5.1%) of unknown causes. The most common chief complaint in pediatric patients was pallor and that in adult patients was jaundice. In the red cell membrane defect group of patients, the level of hemoglobin was significantly higher than in adult patients. The mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, corrected reticulocyte count, total and indirect bilirubin level and lactate dehydrogenase levels in the hemoglobinopathy group of patients were significantly lower than the values in the red cell membrane defect group of patients. The mean concentration of G-6-PD was 0.8+/-0.7U/1012RBC in the G-6-PD deficient patients, PK was 1.7U/1010 RBC in the PK deficient patient, and the level of enolase was 0.04U/g of Hb in the enolase deficient patient. CONCLUSION: The most prevalent cause of HHA in Korea during 1997 to 2006 was hereditary spherocytosis, but HHA by other causes such as hemoglobinopathy and red cell enzyme deficiency gradually increased with the development of molecular diagnostic methods and increasing general interest. However, the etiologies of HHA need to be pursued further in 5.1% of the patients. An systematic standard diagnostic approach is needed in a nationwide prospective study for correct diagnoses and appropriate management of HHA.
Adult ; alpha-Thalassemia ; Anemia, Hemolytic, Congenital* ; beta-Thalassemia ; Bilirubin ; Cell Membrane ; Diagnosis ; Elliptocytosis, Hereditary ; Erythrocyte Indices ; Female ; Hemoglobinopathies ; Humans ; Internal Medicine ; Jaundice ; Korea* ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; Male ; Oxidoreductases ; Pallor ; Pathology, Molecular ; Pediatrics ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase ; Prevalence ; Pyruvate Kinase ; Reticulocyte Count ; Retrospective Studies* ; Sex Ratio ; Surveys and Questionnaires