BACKGROUND: Increasing evidences from experimental studies indicate that apoptosis may be inversely related to angiogenesis in tumor progression. MATERIAL AND METHOD: To explore how apoptosis correlates with tumor angiogenesis, we measured the apoptotic index(AI) using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase method(Apop Tag In Situ Apoptosis Detection Kit, ONCOR) and the intratumoral microvessel density using the anti-CD31 monoclonal antibody in non-small cell lung cancer. RESULT: Statistical analysis revealed an inverse correlation between AIs and intratumoral microvessel densities in squamous cell lung carcinoma(Spearman rank correlation coefficient r=- 0.229, p=0.047). CONCLUSION: The results of this study demonstrated that the amount of apoptosis in squamous cell lung carcinoma may be influenced by the extent of neovascularization. This suggests that tumor angiogenesis may contribute to a reduction of apoptosis in tumor cells.
Apoptosis* ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* ; DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase ; Lung ; Lung Neoplasms ; Microvessels*

Clinodactyly, as rare congenital malformation, refers to a curvature of a digit in a radial or ulnar direction in the coronal plane. The abnormality is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. And its frequency was low, however, it was higher by accompanying other congenital anomaly. In present study, the frequency and genetic characteristics of clinodactyly were investigated. In 100 family (382 peoples), clinodactyly was found in 4.7% (n=18). All clinodactyly were bilateral and it was more frequent in female (6.8%) than male (2.6%), without statistical difference (p=0.056). Its inheritance was autosomal dominant trait in 80% (4/5) families, however, one family did not have any inheritance pattern. We described the frequency and clinical implication of clinodactyly, and this description will be lead to an improved understanding of its spectrum and inheritance.
Female ; Hand Deformities ; Humans ; Inheritance Patterns ; Male ; Prevalence* ; Wills

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Anisakiasis is a well known parasitosis resulted from eating raw seafoods and there were many reports of cases. However, its endoscopic and clinical characteristics have not been reviewed well. The aim of this study was to clarify the gastric mucosal changes and influencing factors of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) anisakiasis. METHODS: We analyzed retrospectively the endoscopic and clinical characteristics of 141 cases with UGI anisakiasis diagnosed during UGI endoscopy, based on the review of medical records. The patients' data were collected consecutively from October 1999 through September 2006. RESULTS: In the 141 patients with UGI anisakiasis, the peak age was the 40s (44.7%). The female to male ratio was 1.82:1. The most prevailed season was winter (41.1%). The most frequent symptom was acute epigastric pain and 76.6% of the patients developed symptoms within 12 hours after the ingestion of raw seafoods. The greater curvature of body was the most preferred site of anisakid larvae. The median time from meal to symptom onset was shortest in esophageal location and longest in fundus location (3 vs. 18.7 hours). The various mucosal changes were observed and the most frequent mucosal change was edema (90.8%). Submucosal tumor was also found in 31.9% of the patients. The severity of mucosal change was related inversely with the time interval from meal to endoscopy (p=0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Anisakiasis presented various mucosal changes depending on the time interval from ingestion of raw seafood to endoscopy. Delayed endoscopy may lead chronic mucosal change and cause difficulty in the detection of anisakiasis. Therefore, the prompt endoscopic examination is required for the patients presenting acute gastrointestinal symptoms after taking raw fish.
Adult ; Aged ; Animals ; Anisakiasis/*diagnosis/parasitology ; Edema/etiology ; Esophageal Diseases/*parasitology/pathology ; Female ; Gastric Mucosa/parasitology/*pathology ; Gastroscopy ; Humans ; Male ; Medical Records ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Seafood ; Stomach Diseases/*parasitology/pathology ; Time Factors ; Upper Gastrointestinal Tract/parasitology/*pathology

Gastric neurofibroma is rare and its exact incidence is unknown. We experienced a case of solitary gastric neurofibroma. A 49-year-old woman was admitted because of hematemesis and melena. Neither cafe-au-lait spots in skin nor superficial tumor were found. Gastrofibroscopic examination and UGI series showed a 3 * 4 cm sized luminal protruding mass with adjacent bridging mucosal fold and cental ulceration on the anterior wall of lower body. Mass excision was performed. Grossly, the mass was 4.5 * 3.0 * 2.0 cm sized, well circumscribed submucosal tumor with homogenous cut surface, Microscopically, each of the tumor cells had oval shaped nucleus and spindle shaped cytoplasm. Nuclear atypism and frequent mitosis were not observed. We report a rare case of solitary gastric neurofibroma with review of the literatures.
Cafe-au-Lait Spots ; Cytoplasm ; Female ; Hematemesis* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Melena* ; Middle Aged ; Mitosis ; Neurofibroma* ; Phenobarbital ; Skin ; Stomach ; Ulcer

Here, we provide an up-to-date review of the histopathology and molecular pathology of serrated colorectal lesions. First, we introduce the updated contents of the 2019 World Health Organization classification for serrated lesions. The sessile serrated lesion (SSL) is a new diagnostic terminology that replaces sessile serrated adenoma and sessile serrated polyp. The diagnostic criteria for SSL were revised to require only one unequivocal distorted serrated crypt, which is sufficient for diagnosis. Unclassified serrated adenomas have been included as a new category of serrated lesions. Second, we review ongoing issues concerning the morphology of serrated lesions. Minor morphologic variants with distinct molecular features were recently defined, including serrated tubulovillous adenoma, mucin-rich variant of traditional serrated adenoma (TSA), and superficially serrated adenoma. In addition to intestinal dysplasia and serrated dysplasia, minimal deviation dysplasia and not otherwise specified dysplasia were newly suggested as dysplasia subtypes of SSLs. Third, we summarize the molecular features of serrated lesions. The critical determinant of CpG island methylation development in SSLs is patient age. Interestingly, there may be ethnic differences in BRAF/KRAS mutation frequencies in SSLs. The molecular pathogenesis of TSAs is divided into KRAS and BRAF mutation pathways. SSLs with MLH1 methylation can progress into favorable prognostic microsatellite instability-positive (MSI+)/CpG island methylator phenotype-positive (CIMP+) carcinomas, whereas MLH1-unmethylated SSLs and BRAF-mutated TSAs can be precursors of poor-prognostic MSI−/CIMP+ carcinomas. Finally, based on our recent data, we propose an algorithm for stratifying risk subgroups of non-dysplastic SSLs.

BACKGROUND: Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a gram-negative bacillus that has become increasingly recognized as an important nosocomial pathogen, particularly in individuals with severe debilitation or immunosuppression. S. maltophilia is also characterized by its resistance to multiple antibiotics. S. maltophilia peritonitis in CAPD (continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis) patients is associated with a poor prognosis and loss of CAPD catheter. No report concerning this entity has been presented in Korea. Therefore, we describe and discuss five cases of the S. maltophilia infection associated with CAPD in three patients with peritonitis and two with exit-site infections. METHODS: We performed a retrospective search for episodes of S. maltophilia infections related to CAPD in our renal unit. The baseline levels of hemoglobin, albumin, cholesterol, BUN and creatinine were compared with age, sex and, if possible, the underlying disease-matched controls. RESULTS: All the patients with S. maltophilia peritonitis had diabetes mellitus as the underlying disease. The individual patients also had other significant combined morbidities, such as panhypopituitarism, COPD chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular accident and myocardial infarction. The level of hemoglobin in these patients was significantly lower than in the controls, and the mean values of serum albumin, creatinine and BUN were also low. CONCLUSION: Immune dysfunction due to uremia, anemia, malnutrition, other comorbidities (e.g. diabetes mellitus), and also, an indwelling peritoneal catheter may be predisposing factors for the S. maltophilia infection in CAPD patients. Once the S. maltophilia infection is diagnosed in CAPD patient, the patient should be treated based on the understanding of this particular organism.
Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Biological Markers/blood ; Diabetes Complications/therapy ; Drug Resistance, Microbial ; Female ; Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections/blood/drug therapy/etiology/*microbiology ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Middle Aged ; Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory/*adverse effects ; Peritonitis/blood/drug therapy/etiology/*microbiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; *Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ; Treatment Failure

For treatment of the rotator cuff, locating the structure and position of the rotator cuff is crucial. The aim of this study is to identify the size of each rotator cuff and the locational relationship with bony landmarks, and to provide superficial landmarks for locating the tendon from the surface. Fifty-two shoulders from 26 cadavers were dissected and measured in a supine position. The central point was set as the most protrusive point on the greater tubercle of the humerus. The measurement of angles was described ventral as positive (+) and dorsal as negative (-) placing the long axis of the humeral shaft at 0degrees. The range of the angle which each rotator cuff tendon is attached to the humerus head was: 53.8~103.3 degrees for the subscapularis, -17.1~25.7 degrees for the supraspinatus, -68.4~-1.9 degrees for the infraspinatus, and -117.1~-75.7 degrees for the teres minor. The vertical inferior point drawn from the anterior edge of the acromion to the humerus was 7.5+/-11.7 degrees from the central point. The average position of the point was the midpoint of insertion of the supraspinatus tendon. The lateral horizontal point drawn from the acromial angle to the humerus was -49.4+/-14.3 degrees away and located at an average of 30% inferior to the infraspinatus tendon. Also the lateral horizontal point drawn from the most protrusive point of the coracoid process to the humerus was 63.1+/-14.7 degrees away and located at an average of 20% superior to the subscapularis tendon. Lastly, the most protrusive point of the lesser tubercle of the humerus was located at a range of 80.8+/-11.1 degrees and an average of 60% superior to the insertion of the subscapularis tendon. For the measurements of the size of the rotator cuff, there was no statistical difference between the left and right. However, the four measurements - the proximal width of the teres minor tendon, the proximal and distal width, and the length of the subscapularis tendon - showed statistically significant difference between the sexes (P<0.05). Therefore, to identify the location of the tendon structures by palpation for shoulder treatment, using the lesser tubercle for the subscapularis, the anterior edge of the acromion for the supraspinatus, and the acromial angle for the infraspinatus as landmarks is regarded to be effective.
Acromion ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Cadaver ; Head ; Humerus ; Palpation ; Rotator Cuff* ; Shoulder ; Supine Position ; Tendons

Background: The skin barrier is made of the outermost layers of skin and is responsible for preventing cutaneous water loss. Skin barrier function is easily affected by external environmental factors, such as temperature and relative humidity, especially in areas with four distinct seasons, such as Busan, Korea. Objective: This study was conducted to analyze the seasonal variation in skin barrier function on the face and to determine whether it is affected by thermo-hygrostat conditioning. Methods: Ten healthy female volunteers aged 28 to 34 years were enrolled in this study. Each subject was put into a thermo-hygrostat–controlled room maintained at a temperature of 22.4°C to 23.8°C with a relative humidity of 50.2% to 52.0%. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) were measured before and after a 20-minute session in the room. Measurements were taken once in the middle of each season. Results: Regardless of thermo-hygrostat conditioning, TEWL and SCH values changed significantly between all four seasons (both p＜0.001). With thermo-hygrostat conditioning, 1 of 6 ΔTEWL and 4 of 6 ΔSCH values showed significant seasonal differences in post-hoc analysis. Difference of TEWL and SCH obtained before and after thermo-hygrostat conditioning was significant only in summer (TEWL, p=0.009; SCH, p=0.002). Conclusion Skin barrier function differed significantly between seasons, regardless of thermo-hygrostat conditioning. Thermo-hygrostat conditioning significantly affected TEWL and SCH only during summer. However, with Busan’s excessively humid summer, even a short period of thermo-hygrostat conditioning could increase the precision of skin barrier function measurement.

Background: The skin barrier is made of the outermost layers of skin and is responsible for preventing cutaneous water loss. Skin barrier function is easily affected by external environmental factors, such as temperature and relative humidity, especially in areas with four distinct seasons, such as Busan, Korea. Objective: This study was conducted to analyze the seasonal variation in skin barrier function on the face and to determine whether it is affected by thermo-hygrostat conditioning. Methods: Ten healthy female volunteers aged 28 to 34 years were enrolled in this study. Each subject was put into a thermo-hygrostat–controlled room maintained at a temperature of 22.4°C to 23.8°C with a relative humidity of 50.2% to 52.0%. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) were measured before and after a 20-minute session in the room. Measurements were taken once in the middle of each season. Results: Regardless of thermo-hygrostat conditioning, TEWL and SCH values changed significantly between all four seasons (both p＜0.001). With thermo-hygrostat conditioning, 1 of 6 ΔTEWL and 4 of 6 ΔSCH values showed significant seasonal differences in post-hoc analysis. Difference of TEWL and SCH obtained before and after thermo-hygrostat conditioning was significant only in summer (TEWL, p=0.009; SCH, p=0.002). Conclusion Skin barrier function differed significantly between seasons, regardless of thermo-hygrostat conditioning. Thermo-hygrostat conditioning significantly affected TEWL and SCH only during summer. However, with Busan’s excessively humid summer, even a short period of thermo-hygrostat conditioning could increase the precision of skin barrier function measurement.

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been one of the mainstay in breast cancer treatment. The effects of high dose 5-FU on cell cycle regulation were studied in breast caner cells. METHODS: A breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was used. Protein expressions of G1/S cyclins, p21(Waf1/Cip1), cdk2, E2F1 and retinoblastoma were tested by western blot analysis. Immunoprecipitation and immune complex kinase assay were done for the assessment of E2F1/RB interacton and the activity of cdk2 respectively. RESULTS: p21(Waf1/Cip1) expression was barely detectable in control cells. With addition of 5-FU level of p21(Waf1/Cip1) were induced and cyclin D3 level was decreased as cell growth decreases. In accordance with increased expression of p21(Waf1/Cip1), cyclin E-associated cdk2 kinase activity was reduced. Retinoblastoma protein (RB) became dephosphorylated and E2F-1 binding activity with RB was increased. CONCLUSION: In this situation of high concentration of 5-FU breast cancer cells tend to be G1/S cell cycle arrested. Overexpression of p21(Waf1/Cip1) and dephosphorylation of RB may mediate the effectss of 5-FU by inhibiting E2F-1 activity, which contributes to G1/S cell cycle arrest. These results could be an indicating landmark for further study of high dose chemotherapy with 5-FU.
Antigen-Antibody Complex ; Blotting, Western ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; Cell Cycle* ; Cell Line* ; Cyclin D3 ; Cyclins ; Drug Therapy ; Fluorouracil* ; Immunoprecipitation ; Phosphotransferases ; Retinoblastoma ; Retinoblastoma Protein