OBJECTIVE: Angiogenesis is a critical factor in the progression of solid tumors. The mechanisms responsible for angiogenesis in cervical neoplasia, however, are not well defined. Our study was aimed to determine the expression of VEGF(Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor), its receptor(KDR), and TGF-beta1(Transforming Growth Factor-beta1) in cervical neoplasia, to determine the role of these angiogenic factors in preinvasive(dysplastic) process and the progression of cervical cancer and to investigate the progression of angiogenesis in the transition from normal cervix to invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix. METHODS: The cervical lesions of 76 patients were punch biopsied and paraffin embedded. Among these, 5 were normal cervix, 36 were cervical intraepithelial lesion I-III, and the other 35 were invasive squamous cell carcinomas. The tissues were immunostained with antiVEGF, antiKDR, and antiTGF-beta1 polyclonal antibody. RESULTS: The expression of VEGF, KDR, and TGF-beta1 in CIN III was stronger than those of CIN I(p<0.01). Their expression were not significantly different among the each staged cervical cancers(p>0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that VEGF, KDR, and TGF-beta1 are important angiogenic factors in cervical neoplasia, especially in an early event to neoplastic transformation of cervical tissues, but these angiogenic factors are not associated with the progression of cervical cancer.
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cervix Uteri ; Female ; Humans ; Paraffin ; Phosphotransferases* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*

Herpetic esophagitis is a rare disease occuring mostly ie immunocompromised and cancer patient. It is also documented as self-limiting esopbagitis in young healthy adults. We report here a 30- year-old immunocompetent male patient with esophageal ulceration. Heryetic esophagitis was diagnosed by characteristic endoscopic and microscopic findings. And the diagnosis was confirmed by electron microscopic appearance. This immunocompetent patient recovered spontaneously with symptomatic treatment only. And repeat endoscopy and histology confirmed absence of herpes infection.
Adult ; Diagnosis ; Endoscopy ; Esophagitis* ; Humans ; Male ; Rare Diseases ; Ulcer

Despite the increasing use of the rectal balloon in prostate cancer radiotherapy, many issues still remain to be verified objectively including its positional reproducibility and relevance to treatment morbidity. We have developed a custom rectal balloon that has a scale indicating the depth of insertion and dilates symmetrically ensuring positional reproducibility. Fifty patients with prostate cancer treated by definitive 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT) or intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with rectal balloon were analyzed. Each of first five patients undergone computed tomography (CT) three times with a rectal balloon. The positional reproducibility was tested by Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) from the CT-to-CT fusion images. Planning variables and clinical acute toxicities were compared between when or not applying balloon. An ICC of greater than 0.9 in all directions revealed an excellent reproducibility of the balloon. Rectal balloon improved considerably the mean dose and V(45Gy)-V(65Gy) in plan comparison, and especially in 3D-CRT the rectal volume exposed to more than 60 Gy dropped from 41.3% to 19.5%. Clinically, the balloon lowered acute toxicity, which was lowest when both the balloon and IMRT were applied simultaneously. The rectal balloon carries excellent reproducibility and reduces acute toxicity in 3D-CRT and IMRT for prostate cancer.
Balloon Dilatation/*methods ; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation ; Humans ; Male ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prostatic Neoplasms/*radiotherapy ; Radiotherapy, Conformal ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; *Rectum ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSE: Recently, many aspects of biological functions of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), CDK inhibitors and Rb gene have been reported, and the cell cycle control genes are considered to act important roles in tumorigenesis. In this study, the expression patterns of major cell cycle control genes (cyclin A, B, C, Dl, E, E2F, p16INK4a, p21WAF1 and Rb) in various human cervical cancer cells were analysed to elucidate the impacts of the cell cycle control genes on the carcinogenesis of human cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression patterns of major cell cycle control genes in HT-3, C33-A, HeLa, C4-II, SiHa and CaSki human uterine cervical cancer cells were analysed by using western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: In most of the cervical cancer cells tested, the overexpressions of cyclin A, E, E2F and markedly decreased expression of Rb tumor suppressor proteins were observed. By comparing RNA and protein expressions in each cancer cells, the mechanisms of increased expressions of cyclin A, E and decreased expression of Rb were elucidated as post-translational controls. CONCLUSION: The cervical carcinogenesis caused by the altered expressions of the major cell cycle control genes can be hypothesized as follows: overexpressions of cyclin E and A cause acceleration of Rb phosphorylations and E2F overexpression; increased E2F function accelerates G1/S transition of the cells; compensatory increase of p16 expression cannot stop the cells in Gl phase because Rb expression is severely decreased; consequently, loss of Rb function, 61 shortening, inappropriate cell division and decreased function of the maintenance of genomic stability occur. In addition to these alterations, loss of p53 functions further accelerate instability of genome and decrease the sus- ceptability to cell death. Furthermore, overexpression of Bc12 protects these abnormal cells from apoptosis. All these derangements of cell cycle control should contribute to the human cervical carcinogenesis.
Acceleration ; Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Carcinogenesis ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints* ; Cell Cycle* ; Cell Death ; Cell Division ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclin A ; Cyclin E ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases ; Cyclins ; Genes, Retinoblastoma ; Genome ; Genomic Instability ; Humans* ; Phosphorylation ; RNA ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms*

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to establish the efficacy and safety of procalcitonin (PCT)-guided antibiotic discontinuation in critically ill patients with sepsis in a country with a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and a national health insurance system. METHODS: In a multi-center randomized controlled trial, patients were randomly assigned to a PCT group (stopping antibiotics based on a predefined cut-off range of PCT) or a control group. The primary end-point was antibiotic duration. We also performed a cost-minimization analysis of PCT-guided antibiotic discontinuation. RESULTS: The two groups (23 in the PCT group and 29 in the control group) had similar demographic and clinical characteristics except for need for renal replacement therapy on ICU admission (46% vs. 14%; P = 0.010). In the per-protocol analysis, the median duration of antibiotic treatment for sepsis was 4 days shorter in the PCT group than the control group (8 days; interquartile range [IQR], 6–10 days vs. 14 days; IQR, 12–21 days; P = 0.001). However, main secondary outcomes, such as clinical cure, 28-day mortality, hospital mortality, and ICU and hospital stays were not different between the two groups. In cost evaluation, PCT-guided therapy decreased antibiotic costs by USD 30 (USD 241 in the PCT group vs. USD 270 in the control group). The results of the intention-to-treat analysis were similar to those obtained for the per-protocol analysis. CONCLUSION: PCT-guided antibiotic discontinuation in critically ill patients with sepsis could reduce the duration of antibiotic use and its costs with no apparent adverse outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02202941
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Biomarkers ; Calcitonin ; Costs and Cost Analysis ; Critical Illness ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Length of Stay ; Mortality ; National Health Programs ; Prevalence ; Renal Replacement Therapy ; Sepsis

Skeletal muscle metastasis of gastric cancer is extremely rare and is associated with various symptoms. Here, we report on a 60-year-old woman with right hip pain after excessive walking. Two years earlier, the patient had been treated for advanced gastric cancer (surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy). Upon magnetic resonance imaging, diffuse muscle swelling and high signal intensity were observed in T2-weighted images of the right hip muscle. However, the FDG uptake in the right gluteal muscles was not obviously increased. Pathological examination of muscle biopsy revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma of stomach origin. The patient was treated with chemotherapy, and the swelling and pain in the right hip are progressively improving.

Skeletal muscle metastasis of gastric cancer is extremely rare and is associated with various symptoms. Here, we report on a 60-year-old woman with right hip pain after excessive walking. Two years earlier, the patient had been treated for advanced gastric cancer (surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy). Upon magnetic resonance imaging, diffuse muscle swelling and high signal intensity were observed in T2-weighted images of the right hip muscle. However, the FDG uptake in the right gluteal muscles was not obviously increased. Pathological examination of muscle biopsy revealed metastatic adenocarcinoma of stomach origin. The patient was treated with chemotherapy, and the swelling and pain in the right hip are progressively improving.

OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the interrelationship and clinical usefulness of sperm morphology by strict criteria (SM), acrosome reaction following ionophore challenge test (ARIC) and sperm penetration assay (SPA) using zona-free hamster ova as prognostic factors in in vitro fertilization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Semen samples were provided by 83 patients undergoing IVF. We first evaluated the differences between normal fertilization group and poor fertilization group on three andrologic tests. Secondly, we analyzed the relationship between the three andrologic tests and in vitro fertilization on IVF settings. Finally, we evaluated the effectiveness of the three andrologic tests as the prognostic indicators for fertilizing ability. RESULTS: The fertilization rate of all men in the poor fertilization group was less than 30%; but there was no evidence that this poor fertilization was due to oocyte defects. The results of three andrologic tests were significatly higher in normal fertilization group. Fertilization rate (%) in vitro was highly correlated (p<0.001) with % normal sperm by SM, ARIC value (%), and SPA result. By using Receiver-Operator-Characteristic curve (ROC), we evaluated the effectiveness of these three tests. The sensitivity and specificity of SM, ARIC test and SPA in predicting fertilization potential in IVF setting were 76% and 75%, 84% and 90%, and 76% and 95%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the three andrologic tests can be reliable tools as prognostic factors of sperm fertilizing ability. Among these test, ARIC test and SPA gave more accurate information on fertilizing capacity. ARIC test was shown to have a predictive value for fertilizing ability comparable to that of SPA that appears to be a simple and cost-effective addition to current andrology laboratory. Combined application of these three tests may give more information on predicting sperm fertilizing capacity.
Acrosome Reaction* ; Acrosome* ; Andrology ; Animals ; Cricetinae* ; Diagnosis* ; Fertilization ; Fertilization in Vitro* ; Humans ; Infertility, Male* ; Male ; Male* ; Oocytes ; Ovum* ; Semen ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Sperm-Ovum Interactions* ; Spermatozoa*

To evaluate the efficacy of hyperfractionated re-irradiation using a three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3-D CRT) technique in patients with locally recurrent carcinoma of the nasopharynx. Four patients with locally recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer were retreated with a hyperfractionated schedule using a 3-D CRT technique. Re-irradiation was delivered in 1.1-1.2 Gy fractions twice per day (BID), with interfraction intervals of more than 6 hours. The total dose ranged from 59.4 to 69.2 Gy. A 3-D CRT technique with 5- or 6-field coplanar and/or non-coplanar beams were employed during the entire treatment procedure. All four patients achieved complete remission of locally recurrent lesions, with marked improvement of subjective symptoms, immediately after re-irradiation. All are alive and well without evidence of disease after limited follow-up periods, which range from 7 to 20 months. So far, there have been no radiation-induced neurologic complications. Four patients with locally recurrent carcinoma of the nasopharynx were successfully treated by hyperfractionated re-irradiation using a 3-D CRT technique. A relatively high re-irradiation dose of more than 60 Gy may be safely delivered with no serious acute or late radiation-induced complications in patients with local recurrences and who were initially treated with doses greater than 70 Gy.
Aged ; Dose Fractionation* ; Human ; Male ; Middle Age ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms/radiotherapy* ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/radiotherapy* ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; Radiotherapy, Conformal*

OBJECTIVES:The estimation of infarct size has been important in evaluation of prognosis of the patients who had acute myocardial infarction. The infarct size estimated by the thallium-201 SPECT has been known to correlate with the prognosis of patient. The enzymatic estimation by the total release of creatine kinase isoenzyme MB(CK-MB) has been widely used in estimating infarct size clinically, but inconvienent and not cardiospecific. Recently, serum troponin T, cardiospecific myofibrillar protein, has been used in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, and used in the estimation of reperfusion following myocardial infarction. To assess the role of the late troponin T peak concentration on the estimation of infarct size, this prospective study was carried out. METHODS: The patients with acute myocardial infarction who were admitted, within 48hours after the onset of chest pain, to Ajou University Hospital between April 1995 and August 1995 were evaluated. All patients were divided into anterior and inferior infarct and checked serum troponin T and CK-MB serially, and underwent stress Thallium-201 SPECT 1 week after infarction, In each group, we assessed the correlation of the late toponin T peak concentration, the total release of CK-MB, and the infarct size estimated by thallium-201 single photon emission computed tomography(SPECT). RESULTS: 1) The eligible subjects consisted of 22 patients (17 men and 5 women), and age ranged from 29 to 77 years(mean 57.8 +/- 12.5 years). 2) The mean arrival time to the hospital after the onset of chest pain was 15.5 +/- 13.2 hours. The 19 patients had at least one risk factor for coronaryartery disease. 3) The late troponin T peak concentration and the total release of CK-MB in patients with anterior infarction were not different from those with inferior infarction. The infarct size estimated by the thallium-201 SPECT in patients with anterior infarction was larger than patients with inferior infarction The left ventricular ejection fraction in anterio infarction was lower than inferior infarction. 4) The late troponin T peak concentration ha: positive correlation with the infarct size estimated by the thallium-201 SPECT in the total patients, and both patients with anterior infarction and inferio infarction. 5) The total release of CK-MB correlated with the infarct size estimated by the thallium-20 SPECT in the total patients, and the patients of inferior infarction. CONCLUSION: The late troponin T peak concentration was more accurate than the total release o CK-MB in the estimation of infarct size. Therefore, when the patient arrived to the hospital less than 48hr after the onset of chest pain, the late troponin T peak concentration is useful in the decision and evaluation of therapeutic intervention and in the prediction of prognosis.
Chest Pain ; Creatine Kinase ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Infarction ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Prognosis ; Prospective Studies ; Reperfusion ; Risk Factors ; Stroke Volume ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon ; Troponin T* ; Troponin*