No abstract available.
Blood Pressure* ; Extremities*

BACKGROUND: Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that is associated with airway remodeling. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent, multifunctional cytokine that contributes to angiogenesis and inflammation. Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is a major proteolytic enzyme that induces bronchial remodeling in asthma. However, there is no data available on the possible role of the VEGF or on the potential relationship between the VEGF and MMP-9 in acute asthma. Therefore, the VEGF was studied to determine whether or not it participates in airway inflammation during acute asthma. An additional aim of this study was to determine whether or not the VEGF levels correlated with the MMP-9 levels in the sputum of acute asthma patients. METHODS: Both the VEGF and MMP-9 levels were measured by an enzyme immunoassay and zymographic analysis in the sputum of patients with either stable asthma or with acute asthma. The VEGF and MMP-9 levels were also evaluated during a spontaneous asthma attack. RESULTS: The VEGF levels were significantly higher in the sputum of acute asthmatic patients than in either the stable patients the control subjects. The VEGF levels in the sputum during asthma exacerbation were significantly higher than those on the remission days, and those levels decreased after decreased after asthma therapy. In acute asthmatic patients, the VEGF levels in the sputum correlated with the number of neutrophils and eosinophils. In addition, a significant correlation was established between the VEGF and MMP-9 levels in the sputum. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that VEGF overproduction is associated with airway inflammation during acute asthma and is related to the MMP-9 function.
Airway Remodeling ; Asthma* ; Eosinophils ; Extracellular Matrix ; Humans ; Immunoenzyme Techniques ; Inflammation ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9* ; Neutrophils ; Sputum ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*

OBJECTIVES: To isolate and culture of human muscle cells by manipulating culture conditions. METHODS: Muscle samples were obtained during total hip replacement or bedside muscle biopsy. We isolated myoblasts from freshly obtained human muscle tissue by trypsin and collagenase digesion. RESULTS: Selective isolation of myoblasts was identified through histologic examination by light-microscope. We identified monoc]onal antibodies(Leu-19) as molecular markers in human skeletal muscle were expressed. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that it had been possible to culture morphologically and immunelogically identifiable myoblasts isolated from human skeletal muscle tissue.
Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip ; Biopsy ; Collagenases ; Humans* ; Muscle Cells* ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Myoblasts ; Trypsin

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the actual educational condition of contact lenses in Korean ophthalmology residency training hospitals. METHODS: A questionnaire survey about the educational condition of contact lenses was performed twice between October 2000 and September 2002 in 75 Korean ophthalmology residency training hospitals. In the second examination, the same primary questionnaire was administered to confirm the improvement of educational condition. RESULTS: Nine percent of the subjects were satisfied with the educational condition of contact lenses in the first examination and 12% in the second examination. Most residents were not satisfied because of lack of manpower and interest. The ratio of hospitals conducting the contact lens education program increased from 12% in the first examination to 45% in the second examination. Most of the residents agreed to alter the contact lenses fitting into obligatory provision during the residency training period; 80% in the first examination and 75% in the second examination. CONCLUSIONS: Most residents agreed with the necessity of contact lens education, but the program was not performed well. Thus, the interest and education of the Korea ophthalmologic society and each ophthalmology residency training hospital will be required to educate the information about contact lenses and their correct wearing.
Contact Lenses ; Education ; Internship and Residency* ; Korea ; Ophthalmology* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

It is not uncommon that an endoscopist should differentiate metastatic or invasive cancer to the colorectum from primary colorectal cancer with its endoscopic appearances. This study reviewed the endoscopic appearances of 7 patients who were proved to have metastatic or invasive cancers to the colorectum, both clinically and pathologically. The primary cancers were uterine cervix cancers in 3 patients, advanced gastric cancers in two, and prostatic cancer in one. The endoseopic appearances of metastatic or invasive cancer showed several characteristic features with regard to those of primary colorectal cancer, as follows. 1) Multiplicity of lesions 2) Nodular lesion with unaffected mucosa or with mild degree of erosions 3) Concentric defarmities with conical extremities and the absence of shelving margins 4) Inflammatroy lesions with mucosal hyperemia, erosion, ulceration, and bleeding, but without definite mass formation.
Cervix Uteri ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; Extremities ; Female ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Hyperemia ; Mucous Membrane ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Ulcer

In order to investigate wheter or not elastic dynamization by axial micromotion enhanced regenerate bone healing in distraction osteogenesis(callotasis), a unilateral external fixator, with which the magnitude of dynamization could be controlled, was applied to the tibiae of 12 Korean adult mongrel dogs, weighting approximately 35kg. Tibiae and fibulae of both sides were osteotomized at the proximal metaphysio-diaphyseal junction and fixed with unilateral external fixators. Distraction was started from the third postoperative day until 2 cm (10% of tibial length) of length gian was achived, at the rate of 0. mm twice a day. When 1 cm (5%) of lengthening was achieved, controlled elastic dynamization of 1 mm (group I), 2 mm (group II), and 3 mm (group III) in magnitude was allowed on left tibia. Right tibia was not dynamized until sacrifice, and served as a control for each group. Plain anteroposterior radiographs and measurements of bone mineral density(BMD) by dual x-ray absorptiometry(DXA) were obtained pre- and post-operatively. Relative ratio of BMD was calculated, dividing the BMD value measured in each period by the BMD value measured at the beginning of dynamization. Mechanical test was performed in uniaxial compression on an Instron machine. Following observations were made: 1. Plain anteroposterior radiography showed that at mid-consolidation phase (postoperative 50th day) the width of callus in the distraction gap increased significantly in all dynamization groups, as compared to their control groups(p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences among the dynamization groups. 2. Both BMD and the relative BMD ratio of the distraction gap were higher in the dynamization groups than those in the their control groups throughout the study period(p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference among the dynamizaion subgroup(p>0.05). 3. Axial Compression test revealed that the dynamization group had significantly increased stiffness, maximal load, elastic modulus, and strength, as compared to those of the control group(p < 0.05). In conclusion, controlled elastic dynamization effectively enhances regenerate bone healing in distraction osteogenesis of canine tibia, at 1 mm to 3 mm of magnitude.
Adult ; Animals ; Bony Callus ; Dogs ; Elastic Modulus ; External Fixators ; Fibula ; Humans ; Miners ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; Radiography ; Tibia

We describe a case of priapism after perineal blunt trauma in a 32-year old man who complained of painless and persistent erection. We confirmed high-flow priapism by cavernosal blood gas analysis, Doppler ultrasonography, and arteriography. A pseudoaneurysm was blocked by selective carvernosal artery embolization with autologous clot. Penile tumescence did not completely disappear during the following 4 weeks, and the patient complained of penile discomfort. Reembolization of the cavernosal artery with autologous clot was successful in reversing the erection. The patient has normal erectile status and no complaints during 30 months follow-up.
Adult ; Aneurysm, False ; Angiography ; Arteries ; Blood Gas Analysis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Penile Erection ; Priapism* ; Ultrasonography, Doppler

Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH) is a rare tumor that occurs among young women and typically presents as bilateral multiple nodules. In the present report, we describe an uncommon case of PEH presented as a single cavitary nodule in a 33-yr-old asymptomatic man. This is the first case of PEH presented as a single cavitary nodule in the English literature. Three years of the follow-up without treatment was performed. Overall histologic findings were accord with conventional PEH, but some atypical features such as, increased mitotic activity (mean; two per ten high power fields), necrosis, spindling, and pleural and vascular invasion were recognized. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for CD34. This report may contribute to the data on clinical findings and natural history of this rare tumor.
Adult ; Antigens, CD34/biosynthesis ; Hemangioendothelioma, Epithelioid/*diagnosis/pathology ; Human ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lung Neoplasms/*diagnosis/pathology ; Male ; Mitosis ; Necrosis ; Time Factors ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUND: The role of beta2-agonist is still important to control bronchoconstriction in asthma. Polymorphisms at aminoacid positions 16 and 27 of the beta2-adrenoceptor gene are associated with asthma phenotype. Glu 27 allele is associated with negatively with bronchial hyperresponsiveness(BHR) in asthmatic subjects and Gln 27 allele is associated positively with IgE levels, and Gly16 Gln27 haplotype is suggested to be positively associated with BHR in a population study. And Gly16 Gln27 haplotypes are positively associated with nocturnal cough in atopic subjects. To evaluate the association between beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphisms as asthmatic phenotypes, the frequency of beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphsisms at 2 sites(Arg16->Gly 16 and Gln 27 -> Glu 27) were examined in asthmatic and normal children. METHODS: Ninty nine asthmatic children and seventy three normal children were enrolled. Asthma phenotypes were determined by physician and bronchial responsiveness and genotypes of beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphisms were determined with PCR based methods. RESULTS: The polymorphisms at aminoacid 16 and 27 of beta2-adrenoceptor gene was not different between asthmatic and normal children. The haplotype frequency of aminoacid 16 and 27 polymorphisms of beta2-adrenoceptor gene was not different between asthmatic and normal children. Haplotypes of aminoacid 16 and 27 was not associated with total eosinophil count, eosinophil %, and total IgE in asthmatic children. Haplotypes of aminoacid 16 and 27 was not associated with PC20, and response of FEV1 after beta2-agonist in asthmatic children. CONCLUSION: beta2-adrenoceptor polymorphisms is not associated with the expression of asthma, atopy, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and response to beta2-agonist in Korean children.
Alleles ; Asthma ; Bronchoconstriction ; Child* ; Cough ; Eosinophils ; Genotype ; Haplotypes ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Korea* ; Phenotype ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the clinical performance of [-2]proPSA (p2PSA) and its derivatives in predicting the presence and aggressiveness of prostate cancer (PCa) in Korean men. METHODS: A total of 246 men with total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) ≥ 3.5 ng/mL who underwent their first prostate biopsy were included in this prospective, multicenter, observational study. Diagnostic accuracy of tPSA, free-to-total PSA ratio (%fPSA), p2PSA, %p2PSA, and the Beckman Coulter prostate health index (PHI) was assessed by receiver operating characteristic curve analyses and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Overall, PCa was detected in 125 (50.8%) subjects. In men with tPSA 3.5–10 ng/mL, the detection rate of PCa was 39.4% (61/155). In this group, PHI and %p2PSA were the most accurate predictors of PCa and significantly outperformed tPSA and %fPSA; area under the curve for tPSA, %fPSA, %p2PSA, and PHI was 0.56, 0.69, 0.74, and 0.76, respectively. PHI was also the strongest predictor of PCa with Gleason score ≥ 7. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the superior clinical performance of %p2PSA and PHI in predicting the presence and aggressiveness of PCa in Korean men. The %p2PSA and PHI appear to improve detection of PCa and provide prognostic information.
Biomarkers ; Biopsy ; Early Diagnosis ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Neoplasm Grading ; Observational Study ; Passive Cutaneous Anaphylaxis ; Prospective Studies* ; Prostate* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; ROC Curve