The presence and distribution of pan-neuroendocrine markers such as neuron-specific enolase (NSE), chromogranin (CG), and synaptophysin (SYP) were investigated by immunohistochemistry in 15 cases of neuroblastic tumors, including four cases of neuroblastomas, six cases of ganglioneuroblastomas, and five cases of ganglioneuromas. Three cases of normal sympathetic ganglion were used for the normal control group. NSE was observed in all cases and both in ganglion cells and in neuropils. NSE was detected not only in the majority of the neuroblasts showing signs of differentiation, but also in some poorly differentiated neuroblasts. All cases of neuroblastic tumors were positive for CG, however, some variability of staining intensity and distribution patterns were noted. CG was found mainly in differentiated neuroblasts with enlarged cytoplasm and nuclei along the periphery of the perikaria, and was also found in the perinuclear regions of some undifferentiated cells. SYP was positive in 9 of 11 cases. In all of the 9 cases, SYP was detected in some differentiating neuroblasts and differentiated neuroblasts, as well as the mature ganglion cells. However, it has scarcely stained in dot or granular pattern. Two CG-negative tumors were also negative for SYP. Our data indicate that antibodies against NSE and CG are helpful as a diagnostic aid for neuroblastic tumors.
Antibodies ; Cytoplasm ; Ganglia, Sympathetic ; Ganglion Cysts ; Ganglioneuroblastoma ; Ganglioneuroma ; Immunohistochemistry ; Neuroblastoma ; Neurons* ; Neuropil ; Phosphopyruvate Hydratase* ; Synaptophysin*

Advances in deep brain stimulation (DBS) in relation to neuroimaging techniques and with intraoperative electrophysiological microrecordings and stimulations have replaced ablative procedures for medication-refractory movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and essential tremor. DBS is an effective surgical treatment for these conditions and is now being extended to psychiatric diseases such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and addiction. Despite the proven clinical improvement by DBS, its precise mechanism of action remains unclear. Clinical improvement depends on the selection of the appropriate patients and the precise implantation of the stimulation electrodes, which is based on careful stereotactic targeting and extensive electrophysiological monitoring of the target area. Further studies are being performed to better understand the mechanism of action and identify new anatomical targets and clinical applications of DBS. We briefly introduce the surgical procedure and current clinical applications of DBS in this review.
Brain ; Deep Brain Stimulation ; Depression ; Dystonia ; Electrodes ; Essential Tremor ; Humans ; Movement Disorders ; Neuroimaging ; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ; Parkinson Disease

The most important basic requirements for successful skin grafting are the accurate approximation of the edge of the skin graft to that of the wound and the application of even pressure to the graft by a carefully designed dressing. Pressure dressing is indicated for the protection of the graft and the prevention of shearing between the graft and its bed. One of the most widely used methods of pressure dressing is tie-over dressing. The traditional technique is based on the application of long silk sutures along the margin of the graft that are tied over bolus of antibiotics oint-impregnated nonadherent fluffed gauze. With the traditional tie-over dressing, it is impossible to inspect the graft bed for possible hematoma and seroma during the application of dressing. So we adopted another modification of the previously described tie-over dressing methods. From January 1997 to July 1997, we had performed 27 skin graft surgeries and 8 subdermal shavings in 35 patients with our new method of tie-over dressing. We can apply even pressure to the grafts by twisting the long silk sutures instead of typing.In comparison with the plethora of devices and techniques described previously in tie-over dressing construction, our technique offers simplicity and reliable fixation of the graft to the bed and allows further adjustment of the dressing by individual tightening of the threads. Other particularly attractive features are the ability to inspect the graft at any time with little difficulty and the reapplicability of tie-over dressing with the remaining long threads if needed.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bandages* ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Seroma ; Silk ; Skin ; Skin Transplantation ; Sutures ; Transplants ; Wounds and Injuries

No abstract available.
Suicide, Attempted*

Facial beauty depends on the form, proportion and position of its various units. The chin is the most prominent element of the lower third of the face, both in the frontal view and in profile. Whether it is advisable to perform rhinoplasty first, followed by genioplasty, or the reverse depends on the type and severity of the deformities of the nose and chin. The selection of material is a matter of the plastic surgeon's preference. Fat is an ideal tissue filler substance because it is living tissue and from the patient's own body. So it is nonallergenic. The procedure can be performed alone as a chin augmentation with fat grafting or in combination with rhinoplasty or other facial surgery. The technique requires minimally traumatic fat harvesting, fat preparation, and multi-level facial infiltration. Remnant fat in the initial procedure is frozen and stored at -18C and can be used successfully for minor touch-up procedures. We have performed a review of chin surgery, the multiple aesthetic analyses available and the advantages and disadvantages of the various materials. Autologous fat transfer to the chin is safe, cost effective, and can produce long term aesthetic improvement. Although there are many synthetic fillers available, autologous fat is perhaps the best option for genioplasty. This simple, fast procedure is a very good alternative for patients with some form of microgenia or when patients and surgeons are not likely to use alloplastic implants.
Adipose Tissue ; Beauty ; Chin ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Genioplasty ; Humans ; Mandible ; Nose ; Rhinoplasty ; Transplantation, Autologous ; Transplants

No abstract available.
Hematoma* ; Orbit*

No abstract available.
Diskectomy*

Lipid transfer protein (LTP) is a widely cross-reacting allergen in vegetables, fruits, nuts, or cereals. The amino acids sequence of LTP shows high structural similarity in various foods and thus acts as a pan-allergen. LTP syndrome is a new term for the pattern of clinical symptoms and natural course of allergy caused by LTP antigens. It is frequently reported by peaches mainly in the Mediterranean region, and reports in East Asia are rare. Therefore, this case report introduces a 36-year-old female Asian who experienced recurrent anaphylaxis and oral allergy syndrome, and finally diagnosed with LTP syndrome.

The transplantation of a large number of hair graft has become an important method in hair restoration surgery and reconstruction of pubic hair and eyebrows. Between September 1996 and December 1998, single hair graft using Choi hair transplanter was performed for 22 patients with male pattern baldness, 8 patients with alopecia of pubis, 6 patients with alopecia of eyebrows ranging from 20 to 59 years of age. Usually between 1000 and 1500 single hair grafts per session are performed on male pattern baldness, between 350 and 500 grafts on alopecia of pubis, between 150 and 250 grafts on alopecia of eyebrows. All procedures were done under intravenous sedation and local anesthesia. A donor horizontal ellipse of scalp is harvested from the occipital area. Questionaires regarding cosmetic satisfaction, side effects and general efficacy of hair transplantation were recorded by patients themselves one year after surgery. The procedure has been proved to be safe and patients can expect aesthetically satisfactory results. No serious complications were reported The complications including facial edema, temporary sensory change on the donor site, and folliculitis were observed and resolved spontaneously. The use of single hair graft using Choi hair transplanter for the correction of male pattern baldness, alopecia of pubis and alopecia of eyebrows has been proven as one of the safe and effective method in obtaining excellent results.
Alopecia ; Anesthesia, Local ; Edema ; Eyebrows ; Folliculitis ; Hair* ; Humans ; Scalp ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants*

No abstract available.
Gaucher Disease* ; Humans ; Siblings*