Cellular altered foci (CAF), hyperplastic nodules (HN) including regenerating and adenomatous nodules, and hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) were induced in Sprague-Dawley rat liver by prolonged administration of N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 200 ppm). Immunohistochemical expression of connexin 32 (Cx 32), cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK 4), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was assessed for the evaluation of preneoplastic potential of CAF. Regardless the duration of DEN administration, basophilic cell foci were the most frequently observed lesion in both CAF and cellular expanding hyperplastic nodules. Eosinophilic cell foci, however, were concomitantly increased with adenomatous nodules in later experimental groups. Cx 32 showed perimembranous spot-like expression. Its number was 7.25 2.10 per cell in normal hepatocytes. CAF and adenomatous nodules showed markedly decreased Cx 32 spots. Moreover, its reduction was more prominent in HCC. PCNA-labelled hepatocytes were scattered in the most CAF, showing no significant difference between each CAF. PCNA labelling index (LI) in adenomatous nodule and HCC was markedly increased. CDK 4 was localized in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus of hepatocytes. Eosinophilic cell foci revealed more nuclear expression of CDK 4 than other types of CAF, of which expression incidence was comparable to that of adenomatous nodule. Nuclear CDK 4 expression in HN and HCC was increased, although significant difference between regenerating nodule and adenomatous nodule was not seen. In conclusion, the incidence of CDK 4 was concomitantly increased with PCNA LI, however, reciprocally decreased with Cx 32 in accordance with the advance of DEN-induced HCC in rat. Phenotypically altered foci manifested as CAF are early valuable preneoplastic marker lesion for evaluation. In addition, basophilic cell foci can be considered a discernible marker of cellular expansion within nodules. However, eosinophilic cell foci might be an indeterminate marker for the advance of DEN-induced HCC in rat.
Animals ; Basophils ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 4 ; Cytoplasm ; Eosinophils ; Hepatocytes ; Incidence ; Liver* ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen* ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

No abstract available.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular*

To evalute the results of LASIK reoperation, the authors performed a retrospective analysis of the records of 8 eyes of 8 patients(3.19%) who had undergone reoperation out of 219 LASIK patients from January. 1996 to October. 1997. Eight cases required retreatment due to myopic regression(>-1.5D(diopters): spherical equivalenlt at least 3 months) and/or the initial undercorrection(>-2~-3D: spherical equivalent). All previously-made flaps were easily prepared with simple irrigation of balanced salt solution(BSS) into the interface of the cornea. The same nomogram was used. Eight patients1 mean refractive error(spherical equivalent) was -11.37D+/-2.30D before the first operation and -3.64D+/-1.50D before the reoperation. After the reoperation, the mean refractive error in seven patients at 1 month, 3 months were -0.05D+/-1.09D, -0.017D+/-0.80D respectively and six patients` mean refractive error at post-reoperative 6 months was -0.65D+/-0.78D. Therefore reoperation after LASIK is a safe and effective method for the enhancement of initial surgical outcome.
Cornea ; Humans ; Keratomileusis, Laser In Situ* ; Nomograms ; Refractive Errors ; Reoperation ; Retreatment* ; Retrospective Studies

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

For valgus impacted four part fracture of the proximal humerus, surgical stabilization and early mobilization of the joint can produce the best clinical outcomes. But, we have experienced a case of conservative treatment and gained good clinical results. We have reported this case and included a review of the relevant literatures.
Early Ambulation ; Humerus ; Joints

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study that was done according to clinical and radiological evaluation. PURPOSE: We analyzed the clinical and radiological outcomes of minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody single level fusion. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion is effective surgical method for treating degenerative lumbar disease. METHODS: The study was conducted on 56 patients who were available for longer than 2 years (range, 24 to 45 months) follow-up after undergoing minimally invasive transforminal lumbar interbody single level fusion. Clinical evaluation was performed by the analysis of the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and the Kirkaldy-Willis score. For the radiological evaluation, the disc space height, the segmental lumbar lordotic angle and the whole lumbar lordotic angle were analyzed. At the final follow-up after operation, the fusion rate was analyzed according to Bridwell's anterior fusion grade. RESULTS: For the evaluation of clinical outcomes, the VAS score was reduced from an average of 6.7 prior to surgery to an average of 1.8 at the final follow-up. The ODI was decreased from an average of 36.5 prior to surgery to an average of 12.8 at the final follow-up. In regard to the clinical outcomes evaluated by the Kirkaldy-Willis score, better than good results were obtained in 52 cases (92.9%). For the radiological evaluation, the disc space height (p = 0.002), and the whole lumbar lordotic angle (p = 0.001) were increased at the final follow-up. At the final follow-up, regarding the interbody fusion, radiological union was obtained in 54 cases (95.4%). CONCLUSIONS: We think that if surgeons become familiar with the surgical techniques, this is a useful method for minimally invasive spinal surgery.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies

Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage(ICH) is one of the most common neurosurgical disorders associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, the treatment of the disease remains controversial. While aggressive removal of the blood clot is advocated by some, supportive care without clot removal is recommended by others. This dichotomy in therapeutic approaches undoubtedly derives from a poor understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms that result in brain injury following intracerebral hematoma. Thus, effective animal model of intracerebral hematoma is necessary so that the injury mechanisms can be identified and the specific therapy developed. In an attempt to establish the highly reliable and reproducible experimental model of intracerebral hematoma, various amount(sham. 25microliter, 50microliter and 100microliter) of autologous blood was injected stereotactically into the left basal ganglia of the anesthetized rats. 16 Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. The sham operation and injections of 25microliter, 50microliter and 100microliter of autologous arterial blood were performed on each group. The animals were assessed for the size and pattern of the hematoma and the neurological outcome at 24 hours after the formation of intracerebral hematomas. The 25microliter-injection group showed the more reproducible size and shape of the hematoma confined to the basal ganglia with better neurological outcome, Additionally, the perihematomal ischemic zone was observed after intracardiac perfusion with 2% 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC). Another 18 rats were assessed for the histopathological changes during the hyperacute stage of the intracerebral hematoma with Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. Finally another 24 rats were divided into 6 groups and injected with 25microliter of blood. They underwent intravenous infusion of Evans blue and were sacrificed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 72 hours after the formation intracerebral hematomas. The Evans blue extra asation was noted around the needle tract and hematoma that meant disruption of the blood-brain barrier. Significant increment of the water content with resultant brain edema was noted on the ipsilateral brain 6-12 hours after the formation of the intracerebral hematoma.
Animals ; Basal Ganglia ; Blood-Brain Barrier ; Brain ; Brain Edema ; Brain Injuries ; Evans Blue ; Hematoma* ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Models, Animal ; Models, Theoretical* ; Mortality ; Needles ; Perfusion ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Although there are many reports of concomitant urinary and reproductive system malformations, a review of the literature shows these unique associations in a single patient are extremely rare. We report here on a case of unilateral partial duplicated vaginal ectopic ureter with ipsilateral dysplastic kidney and uterine didelphys in an 11 years old female patient who has suffered from persistent urinary incontinence since birth. The embryological aspects as well as the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and treatment applicable for this group of patients are discussed.
Child ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney* ; Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney ; Parturition ; Ureter* ; Urinary Incontinence ; Uterus ; Vagina

Although there are many reports of concomitant urinary and reproductive system malformations, a review of the literature shows these unique associations in a single patient are extremely rare. We report here on a case of unilateral partial duplicated vaginal ectopic ureter with ipsilateral dysplastic kidney and uterine didelphys in an 11 years old female patient who has suffered from persistent urinary incontinence since birth. The embryological aspects as well as the clinical presentation, diagnostic approach and treatment applicable for this group of patients are discussed.
Child ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney* ; Multicystic Dysplastic Kidney ; Parturition ; Ureter* ; Urinary Incontinence ; Uterus ; Vagina

PURPOSE: Endoscopic thyroidectomy has recently been widely used in clinical practice. The operative method can be classified into CO2gas insufflation and the gasless technique. This study assessed the safety of low pressure CO2gas insufflation (up to 6 mmHg) by performing continuous measurement of the end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) pressure. METHODS: From March 2003 to October 2006, 95 patients (90 hemithyroidectomies and 5 total thyroidectomies) underwent endoscopic thyroidectomy. The low pressure CO2gas insufflation technique was applied in all cases. The ETCO2 pressure of the patients was measured by capnometry at the time of a pre-gas insufflation status (0 minutes) and at the time of post-CO2gas insufflation (30 minutes) and then it was measured every 30 minutes with also performing capnograms. We analyzed the ETCO2 pressure at the time of the pre-CO2gas insufflation status (0 min) and we compared this with that of each status by using paired T-test. RESULTS: For all 95 cases, the mean patient age was 36.2+/-9.1 (range: 21~57 years), the mean tumor size was 1.7+/-1.1 (range: 0.1~4.5 cm) and the mean operative time was 135.0+/-46.1 (range: 50~340 min). The mean ETCO2 pressure (mmHg) was 33.0+/-3.9 at the time of pre-CO2gas insufflation status (0 min); the mean ETCO2 pressure was 31.1+/-3.7 at 30 min (n=95), 33.5+/-3.7 at 60 min (n=95), 35.2+/-3.6 at 90 min (n=95), 34.9+/-3.7 at 120 min (n=90), 34.6+/-3.8 at 150 min (n=70), 34.1+/-3.4 at 180 min (n=40), 34.3+/-5.2 at 210 min (n=15) and 34.0+/-4.2 at 240 min (n=9). There was a significant difference the early post-CO2gas insufflation status (P<0.05 at 30 min, 90 min, 120 min), but there was no significant difference in the late post-CO2gas insufflation status (P>0.05; at 60 min, 150 min, 180 min, 210 min, 240 min). At each time point, the ETCO2 pressures were all within the normal range. CONCLUSION: We successfully performed endoscopic thyroidectomy with using the low pressure CO2gas insufflation technique and there were no significant complications. We think that performing endoscopic thyroidectomy with using the low pressure CO2gas insufflation technique is a safe procedure.
Humans ; Insufflation* ; Operative Time ; Prospective Studies* ; Reference Values ; Thyroidectomy*