No abstract available.

No abstract available.
Ear*

BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis is an essential component of tumor growth and metastasis, and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is one of the most important angiogenic factors. Several solid tumors produce substantial amounts of VEGF, which stimulates proliferation and the migration of ednothelial cells, therby inducing neovasculization by a paracrine mechanism. To evaluate the prognostic roles of angiogenesis and VEGF expression in patients with non-small cell lung cancer, the relationship between VEGF expression in tumor tissues, the clinicopathologic features and the overall survival rate were analysed. METHODS: Sixty-nine resected primary non-small cell lung cancer specimens were evaluated. The pareffinembedded tumor tissues were stained by anti-VEGF polyclonal antibodies using an immunohistochemical method to assess VEGF expression. RESULTS: In Forty-one patients (59%), the VEGF antigen was expressed weakly in their tumor tissue, whereas in twenty-eight patients (41%) the VEGF antigen was expressed strongly. The median survival time of the weak VEGF expression group was 24 months, and that of the strong VEGF expression group was 19 months. The three year-survival rates were 35%, 33%, respectively. The survival difference between both groups was not statistically significnat. CONCLUSION: Although results were not statistically significant, the strong expression group tended to poorer prognosis than weak expression group.
Angiogenesis Inducing Agents ; Antibodies ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* ; Humans ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prognosis ; Survival Rate ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

Tuberculosis is a common chronic infectious disease, although the spleen is an uncommon organ to harbor tubercle bacilli. Immunocompromised subjects are primarily prone to miliary tuberculosis and in them the spleen is invaded by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Spleen tuberculosis is manifested commonly as a miliary form. The basic pathology is granulomatous inflammation. The CT finding of splenic tuberculosis are multiple, well-defined, roung or ovoid, low-density masses. Lymphadenopathy in the abdomen and mediastinum and pleural effusion can be found. We report two cases with tuberculosis of the spleen proved by computed tomography and histologic identification. One paitient did not improve following antituberculous medication, so splenectomy was performed. The other patient has been treated with antituberculous medication.
Abdomen ; Communicable Diseases ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Mediastinum ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; Pathology ; Pleural Effusion ; Spleen* ; Splenectomy ; Tuberculosis* ; Tuberculosis, Miliary ; Tuberculosis, Splenic

An important error in the result of Table 3 was confirmed in the article.

Fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus is a rare and benign pedunculated intraluminal tumor. The tumor consists of varying amount of vascular fibrous and adipose tissue that arises in the submucosa and is covered by squamous epithelium. We report the typical radiographic, CTand MR findings of a case of giant fibrovascular polyp of the esophagus.
Adipose Tissue ; Epithelium ; Esophagus* ; Polyps*

PURPOSE: The nephrotic syndrome is characterized by proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, edema and hyperlipidemia. These can change body homeostasis and cause hypertension. This study was designed to determine the relationship between the forearm vasodilating capacity and serum cholesterol level of nephrotic syndrome patients. METHODS: 15 Nephrotic syndrome patients and 17 normal control children who visited Chung-ang University Youngsan Hospital from Sep. 1995 to Sep 1996, were investigated. Each subject underwent forearm plethysmography for mearsurement of blood flow and vascular resistance. RESULTS: 1) Resting blood pressure, heart rate, forearm blood flow, vascular resistance was not significantly different in nephrotic syndrome group and control group. 2) After peak hyperemic periods, blood pressure, heart rate was not significantly different in nephrotic syndrome group and control group. 3) After hyperemic periods, peak forearm vascular blood flow was lower in nephrotic syndrom group (52.0+/-10.6mL/min/100ml) than control group (59.5+/-4.5mL/min/100mL), and minimal forearm vascular resistance was significantly higher in nephrotic syndrome group (1.8+/-0.5mmHg/mL/min/100mL) than control group (1.5+/-0.4mmHg/mL/min/100mL) (p<0.05). 4) vascular dilatation capacity (resting-hyperemic forearm vascular resistance difference) was also significantly lower in nephrotic syndrome group (6.3+/-1.6mmHg/mL/min/100) than control group. 5) Serum cholesterol level is significantly higher in nephrotic syndrome group (253.1+/-133.4mg/dL) than control group (183.5+/-41.0mg/dL). High cholesterol level related with nephrotic duration. 6) resting-hyperemic forearm vascular resistance difference is associated with relapsing frequence, but not associated with cholesterol level and nephrotic syndrome duration. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that reactive vascular changes in the forearm of nephrotic syndrome demonstrate early abnormalities of subclinical vascular changes, and these vascular change may contribute to cardiovacular disease and artherosclerosis.
Blood Pressure ; Child* ; Cholesterol ; Dilatation ; Edema ; Forearm ; Heart Rate ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Hypertension ; Hypoproteinemia ; Nephrotic Syndrome* ; Plethysmography* ; Proteinuria ; Vascular Resistance

Statement of problem: A conventional 3-unit fixed partial denture design with a pontic between two retainers is the most commonly used. However, in cases where the mental nerve is in close proximity to the second premolar, a cantilever design can be considered. As such, logical and scientific evidence is lacking for the number and position of implants to be placed for partially edentulous patients, and no clear-cut set of treatment principles currently exist. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate prognosis of implant-supported fixed partial dentures, and to compare changes in bone level which may rise due to the different factors. Material and method: The present study examined radiographical marginal bone loss in patients treated with implant-supported fixed partial dentures(87 prostheses supported by 227 implants) and evaluated the influence of the span of the pontic, type of the opposing dentition. Clinical complications were studied using a retrospective method. Within the limitation of this study, the following result were drawn. Result: 1. Seven of a total of 227 implants restored with fixed prostheses failed, resulting in a 96.9% success rate. 2. Complications encountered during recall appointments included dissolution of temporary luting agent (17 cases), porcelain fracture (8 cases), loosened screws (5 cases), gingival recession (4 cases), and gingival enlargement (1 case). 3. Marginal bone loss, 1 year after prosthesis placement, was significant(P<0.05) in the group that underwent bone grafting, however no difference in annual resorption rate was observed afterwards. 4. Marginal bone loss, 1 year post-placement, was greater in cantilever-type prostheses than in centric pontic protheses(P<0.05). 5. Marginal bone loss was more pronounced in posterior regions compared to anterior regions(P<0.05). 6. The degree of marginal bone loss was proportional to the length of the pontic(P<0.05). Conclusion: The success rate of implant-supported fixed partial dentures, including marginal bone loss, was satisfactory in the present study. Factors influencing marginal bone loss included whether bone graft was performed, location of the pontic(s), location of the surgical area in the arch, pontic span. Long-term evaluation is necessary for implant-supported fixed partial dentures, as are further studies on the relationship between functional load and the number of implants to be placed.
Appointments and Schedules ; Bicuspid ; Bone Transplantation ; Dental Cements ; Dental Porcelain ; Dentition ; Denture, Partial, Fixed ; Gingival Recession ; Humans ; Logic ; Prognosis ; Prostheses and Implants* ; Retrospective Studies ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: A significant number of patients complain of persistent pain or neurologic symptoms after lower back surgery. It is reported that facet joint pain plays a role in failed back surgery syndrome. To the best of our knowledge, there are few studies that have investigated the outcome of radiofrequency neurotomy in the patients with failed back surgery syndrome. METHODS: The study group was composed of thirteen patients who were operated on due to their low back pain, and they displayed no postoperative improvement. All the patients underwent double diagnostic block of the lumbar medial branch of the dorsal rami with using 0.5% bupivacaine. The patients who revealed a positive response to the double diagnostic block were then treated with percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy. The effect on their pain was evaluated with using a 4 point Likert scale. RESULTS: Eleven patients revealed a positive response to the double diagnostic block. Ten patients were given percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy. Nine patients showed sustained pain relief for 3 months after the percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy. CONCLUSIONS: We found lumbar facet joint syndrome in the patients with failed back surgery syndrome by performing double diagnostic block and achieving pain relief during the short term follow-up after percutaneous radiofrequency neurotomy of the lumbar zygapophysial joints. This suggested that facet joint pain should be included in failed back surgery syndrome.
Bupivacaine ; Failed Back Surgery Syndrome* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joints ; Low Back Pain ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Zygapophyseal Joint*

BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain management is critical for optimal care of orthopedic surgical patients. Preemptive analgesia such as neuraxial blocks and methods of drug delivery system such as infusion pumps may be used after total knee arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to examine the analgesic and pre-emptive effect of continuous epidural block initiated before total knee arthroplasty upon postoperative period. METHODS: A double-blind randomized study was performed in thirty-nine patients scheduled for total knee arthroplasty. Group 1 (n = 20) received continuous epidural block with 2% lidocaine 15 ml initiated 20 min before general anesthesia (pre-emptive group) and Group 2 (n = 19) received continuous epidural block postoperatively, followed by a continuous epidural infusion with 0.125% bupivacaine and fentanyl until 72 hr after operation. In both groups general anesthesia was done. Preoperative vital signs and post-incisional vital signs were checked. VAS score were recorded at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days postoperatively and side effects and patients satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: VAS at rest was significantly less (P<0.05) in group 1 than group 2 between 2 days and 7 days after surgery except 1 day after surgery. There was no intergroup difference in the incidence of side effects. More patients in group 1 were satisfied than group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative continuous epidural block in total knee arthroplasty reduces postoperative pain and the timing of analgesic treatment is most important to obtain effective analgesia.
Analgesia* ; Anesthesia, General ; Arthroplasty* ; Bupivacaine ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Fentanyl ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infusion Pumps ; Knee* ; Lidocaine ; Orthopedics ; Pain, Postoperative* ; Postoperative Period ; Vital Signs