To investigate the gender difference of early symptoms appearing before the onset of the psychotic symptoms in patients with first-episode schizophrenia, we reviewed the medical records of 63 patients (38 males, 25 females), who were hospitalized for first-episode schizophrenia. The frequency and duration of prodromal and psychotic symptoms, Clinical Global Impression scale scores, Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale scores at admission, and other clinical characteristics were recorded for all patients. Overall, the most common prodromal symptoms were attenuated positive symptoms (89%), followed by mood symptoms (86%). Negative symptoms were the most common in male patients (97.4%), whereas attenuated positive symptoms were the most common in female patients (84%). Male patients demonstrated more frequent negative, cognitive, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms than female patients did and also showed a tendency of having negative symptoms for the longer period. Correlational analysis showed a significant negative correlation between the duration of negative symptoms and GAF scores at admission in male patients. Our findings suggest that different patterns of prodromal symptoms between male and female begin before the onset of the psychosis. Further prospective studies should be needed.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Age of Onset ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales ; Schizophrenia/diagnosis/*physiopathology ; Sex Factors ; Young Adult

Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma is an extremely rare odontogenic tumor composed of proliferating ectodermal and mesenchymal components of odontogenic tissue, containing hard tooth structure. It occurs predominantly in children and young adults. The mandibular molarramus area is the most frequently observed location, presenting radiographically as a well-circumscribed and radiolucent-radiopaque tumor. A case involving a 24-year-old woman presenting with a large ameloblastic fibro-odontoma of the posterior mandible is reported. This case is of radiologic interest because two distinct calcification patterns were observed.
Ameloblasts* ; Child ; Ectoderm ; Female ; Humans ; Jaw Neoplasms ; Mandible* ; Odontogenic Tumors ; Odontoma* ; Tooth ; Young Adult

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of digital radiographic images in the detection of bone loss at the bifurcation area of the mandibular first molar with traditional film-based periapical radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One dried human mandible with minimal periodontal bone loss around the first molar was selected and an artificial alveolar bone defect at the bifurcation area was serially prepared over 18 steps. Images were taken using a direct CCD-based system and with F-speed periapical films. The images were evaluated by seven interpreters (3 radiologists, 3 periodontologists, and 1 general dentist) using a 5-point confidence rating scale. RESULTS: The readability of both periapical radiographs and digital image increased as the size of the artificial lesion and exposure time increased (p< 0.05). Periapical radiographs offered greater readability of smaller bone defects than digital images, and the coefficient of variation of mean score between periapical radiographs and digital images showed a significant difference. CONCLUSION: The experimental results indicate that a significant difference in the coefficient of variation of mean score exists between periapical radiographs and digital images, and that traditional film-based periapical images offer greater readability of smaller bone defects than digital images can presently offer.
Alveolar Bone Loss ; Comprehension* ; Furcation Defects ; Humans ; Mandible ; Molar ; Periodontal Diseases ; Radiographic Image Enhancement

PURPOSE: In order to evaluate the clinical relevance of angiogenesis in patients with gastric cancer, we investigated the microvessel count in gastric cancer tissues and compared the results with several clinicopathologic factors and prognosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 256 patients with gastric cancer who underwent curative surgery were included in this study. Microvessel count was determined by im-munohistochemical staining using monoclonal antibody against factor VIII-related antigen. RESULTS: The statistical significance between the microvessel count and clinicopathologic factors (age, sex, tumor invasion, lymph node involvement, histologic type) was analized. The tumor stage and histologic type were correlated with microvessel count. And also there was statistical significance with survival rate and recurrence-free survival rate between high (microvessel count> or =42) and low angiogeneic group (microvessel count< 42). The Cox's proportional hazard model showed that stage, histologic type, angiogeneic score were one of the significant and independent prognostic variables. CONCLUSION: The tumor angiogenesis of gastric carcinoma may be independent prognostic factor for predicting recurrence and survival.
Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Microvessels ; Prognosis* ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Recurrence ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Survival Rate ; von Willebrand Factor

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It has been reported the placement of a double-layered pyloric combination stent can overcome the disadvantage of the increased ingrowth observed for an uncovered stent and the increased migration for a covered stent. But this did not satisfactorily prevent stent migration and it caused stent migration more frequently than with using the uncovered stent. This study evaluated the usefulness of applying a clip in an effort to reduce stent migration. METHODS: Fifteen patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction were treated with endoscopic placement of a double-layered combination pyloric stent. Three endoscopic clips were then applied to fix the proximal end of the enteral stent to the gastric or duodenal mucosa. The clinical efficacy and especially the rate of migration were analyzed. RESULTS: The technical and clinical success rate was 100% (15/15) and 93.3% (14/15), respectively. No stent migration was observed in any of the patients. Three patients (20%) experienced complications such as stent collapse. The median stent patency period was 83.4 days. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic clipping for enteral stent placement is effective for preventing stent migration in patients with malignant gastric outlet obstruction.
Gastric Outlet Obstruction ; Humans ; Mucous Membrane ; Stents