Primary ovarian transitional cell carcinoma is extremely rare tumor. The histologic subtype was divided from malignant Brenner tumor due to it's own histologic characteristics and chemosensitive nature. Most of recent studies revealed that transitional cell carcinoma has a good response to chemotherapy and long-term survival. Recent histopathologic reports show that transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder and of the ovary are immunophenotypically different. We experienced a case of primary ovarian transitional cell carcinoma, and report this case with a brief review of the concerned literatures.
Brenner Tumor ; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell* ; Drug Therapy ; Female ; Ovary ; Urinary Bladder

Incarceration of the gravid uterus is a rare but serious complication of pregnancy. Reported is the case of a gravid 2, para 0, abortus 1 with known uterine subserosal myoma(5.3 x5.5cm sized) 26-year-old woman presented with acute dysuria and urinary retention. The patient was 14 weeks and 3 days pregnant and presented several week history of urinary frequency and sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. Examination revealed a retroflexed uterus with cervical opening pointing toward the anterior abdominal wall. An ultrasound revealed a thin, elongated maternal bladder and a uterus incarcerated between the sacral promontary and the pubis. The incarceration was successfully reduced by tenaculum traction of the cervical posterior lip without surgical intervention and had a normal infant of appropriate weight at term.
Abdominal Wall ; Adult ; Dysuria ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Leiomyoma ; Lip ; Myoma* ; Pregnancy ; Sensation ; Traction ; Ultrasonography ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Retention ; Uterine Retroversion ; Uterus*

OBJECTIVE: Tumor angiogenesis is essential for the progression and metastases of solid tumors. Microvessel density(MVD), a measure of tumor angiogenesis, has a prognostic significance in many types of tumors for predicting metastasis and survival. This study had two primary goals: 1. To determine how MVD correlates with tumor invasion in early squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) of the uterine cervix, and 2. To compare p53 protein expression in normal tissue with squamous cell lesions of the uterine cervix. METHODS: Quantification of MVD was performed on 59 specimens of cervical squamous cell lesions by immunohistochemical staining for factor VIII-related antigen. MVD was counted in a x200 field in the most active area of neovascularization. The same tumor sections were also immunohistochemically stains for p53 protein. RESULTS: 1. Compared with nonneoplastic areas, the degree of MVD was significantly increased in low- grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and squamous cell carcinomas(p=0.045). Microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma showed the highest MVD value. 2. p53 protein expression was increased in greater severity cases compared with mild cases(p=0.000). CONCLUSION: In the uterine cervix, MVD was significantly increased in microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma. p53 protein expression was well correlated with progression of squamous cell lesions.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cervix Uteri* ; Coloring Agents ; Factor VIII ; Female ; Microvessels ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; von Willebrand Factor

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential role of erythropoietin (EPO) in anemia of chronic infection or inflammation. METHOD: Anemia of chronic infection or inflammation, 33 cases from Yonsei Medical Center from September, 1993 to August, 1995 were compared with uncomplicated iron deficiency anemia (IDA) 32 cases with analyzing serum EPO levels. RESULTS: 1) Mean hemoglobin was higher in anemia of chronic infection or inflammation (10.6+/-0.9g/dL) than IDA (9.8+/-0.7g/dL) (P<0.05). 2) MCV value was higher in anemia of chronic infection or inflammation (88.6+/-7.6fL) than IDA (73.8+/-7.1fL) (P<0.05). 3) In anemia of chronic infection or inflammation, serum iron was 54.3+/-18.3microgram/dL, TIBC 282. 6+/-64.9 microgram/dL, iron saturation 15.9+/-4.6% and serum ferritin 403.4+/-179.5ng/mL. TIBC and serum ferritin were significantly different (P=0.0001 each) comparing with IDA (serum iron 44.8+/-28.7microgram/dL, TIBC 421.1+/-70.3microgram/dL, iron saturation 11.9+/-6.5%, serum ferritin 7.9+/-7.2ng/mL). 4) ESR was increased in anemia of chronic infection or inflammation (54.1+/-17.3mm/hr) than IDA (17.1+/-6.5mm/hr) with significance (P<0.05). 5) Serum EPO level was 18.9+/-9.0mU/mL in anemia of chronic infection or inflammation but 47.2+/-33.1mU/mL in IDA with significant difference (P<0.05). 6) The increments of serum EPO according to hemoglobin levels in anemia of chronic infection or inflammation was less than that of IDA and there was no correlation (r=-0.25). CONCLUSION: In anemia of chronic infection or inflammation, the responses of serum EPO are inappropriately low and recombinant human EPO administration may be helpful to improve this type of anemia.
Anemia* ; Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ; Erythropoietin* ; Ferritins ; Humans ; Inflammation* ; Iron

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the effect on development of mouse preimplantation embryos in culture media with different composition of energy sources in vitro culture. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy one two-cell embryos were cultured in four different culture system for 96 hours. Group I (n=61) was cultured in DMEM-G (DMEM with glutamine) only, groupII (n=64) was cultured in DMEM-GGP (DMEM with glutamine, glucose and pyruvate) only, group III (n=72) was cultured for 48 hours in DMEM-G and then transferred to DMEM-GGP and group IV (n=74) was cultured for 48 hours in DMEM-GGP and then transferred to DMEM-G. Development of embryos in each group was observed every 24 hours. RESULTS: After 24 hours, the rate of development > or = 3-cell was significantly higher in groupII (87.5%) and IV (86.5%) compared with group I (59.0%) and III (62.5%). After 48 hours, the rate of development into > or = morula stage was significantly higher in GroupII (79.7%) and IV (86.5%) compared with group I (34.4%) and III (37.5%). After 72 hours, the rate of development into blastocyst was significantly higher in group IV (74.3%) compared with group I (49.2%) and III (45.8%). After 96 hours, the rate of development into > or = expanded blastocyst was significantly higher in group IV (70.3%) compared with group I (32.8%),II (53.1%), and group III (40.3%). CONCLUSION: Mouse preimplantation embryos development was the most effective in culture system with DMEM-GGP for 48 hours and then transferred to DMEM-G.
Animals ; Blastocyst* ; Culture Media* ; Embryonic Structures ; Glucose ; Glutamine ; Mice* ; Morula ; Pyruvic Acid

This study was designed to evaluate the pharmacological effects of Vaccinium bracteatum Thunb. methanol extract (VBME) on microglial activation and to identify the underlying mechanisms of action of these effects. The anti-inflammatory properties of VBME were studied using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. We measured the production of nitric oxide (NO), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as inflammatory parameters. We also examined the effect of VBME on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and the activity of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65). VBME significantly inhibited LPS-induced production of NO and PGE₂ and LPS-mediated upregulation of iNOS and COX-2 expression in a dose-dependent manner; importantly, VBME was not cytotoxic. VBME also significantly reduced the generation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. In addition, VBME significantly dampened intracellular ROS production and suppressed NF-κB p65 translocation by blocking IκB-α phosphorylation and degradation in LPS-stimulated BV2 cells. Our findings indicate that VBME inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators in BV-2 microglial cells by suppressing NF-κB signaling. Thus, VBME may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases due to its ability to inhibit inflammatory mediator production in activated BV-2 microglial cells.
Cytokines ; Interleukin-1beta ; Interleukin-6 ; Methanol ; Neurodegenerative Diseases ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; Phosphorylation ; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Up-Regulation ; Vaccinium*

OBJECTIVE: The study was designed to find out current state of conservative treatment modalities for cervical pregnancies in korean. METHOD: 64 cases of cervical pregnancies reported by the joining of The Korean Society of Obstetrics & Gynecology from 1960 to 2000 and the 10 cases at Chungnam National University Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The average age of the 74 cases was 31.7+/-6.6 years, and the average gestational age at the time of diagnosis was 8.3+/-3.4 weeks. The average duration of hospitalization was 8.2+/-4.8 days. Most (67/74) of the patients had previously experienced delivery or abortion. Out of the 74 cases, 36 had total hysterectomy; 4 cases had curettage; 12 were used only methotrexate; 11 had combined curettage and methotrexate; 10 cases had Foley catheter ballooning after curettage. From the 1960's to the end of 1980's, 33 (84.6%) cases out of 39 were performed hysterectomy. Whereas mainly conservative methods, in particular methotrexate treatment, were performed in the 1990's. Among the conservative modalities, Foley catheter ballooning after curettage had the shortest length of hospitalization with 4.3 days. CONCLUSION: After comparing the conservative methods for treating cervical pregnancies, it was found that methotrexate treatment was performed the most; however, Foley catheter ballooning after curettage seems to be an excellent treatment option.
Catheters ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Curettage ; Diagnosis ; Gestational Age ; Gynecology ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Methotrexate ; Obstetrics ; Pregnancy* ; Retrospective Studies

Herein is presented a case of aplastic anemia associated with adenocarcinoma of the stomach which seem- ed to be coincidental. A 52 year-old man was admitted with a 3 year history of dyspnea. Three years previously, he was diagnosed as bone marrow hypoplasia and had been treated with oxymetholone for 1 year. After confirmation of aplastic anemia during the first admission, he was followed up with fluoxymesterone and steriods. One year later, he was readmitted with melena. Fibergastroscopy and an UGl study revealed a fungating mass on the antrum suggestive of stomach cancer. Following perioperative platelet transfusions and intensive supportive care, a subtotal gastrectomy was performed and there were no postoperative complications. Pathologic examinations disclosed a moderately well differentiated adenocarcinoma. This is the first report in Korea of adenocarcinoma of the stomach occurring in a patient with aplastic anemia. He survived 17.5 months after the surgery and 5.4 years after the onset of aplastic anemia. Gastrointestinal bleeding in aplastic anemia may be incorrectly ascribed to steriod use and overlooked, thus the need to fully investigate gastric pathology by endoscopy as well as radiology is streesed. In a patient with pancytopenia, the major surgical procedures are frequently evaded by both surgeons and internists due to the possibility of morbidity from bleeding and infection. In this case, intensive perioperative supportive care and surgery were combined to prolong the patient's survival time.
Adenocarcinoma/*complications/secondary/surgery ; Anemia, Aplastic/*complications/drug therapy ; Case Report ; Human ; Male ; Middle Age ; Oxymetholone/therapeutic use ; Stomach Neoplasms/*complications/surgery

A jejunal ectopic pancreas, where pancreatic tissue is found outside of the usual anatomical location, is a rare submucosal tumor that may cause obscure gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. After initial negative endoscopic evaluation of the obscure GI bleeding, including colonoscopy and/or upper endoscopy, it is reasonable to proceed with further evaluation of the small bowel. Diagnostic options for the evaluation of the small bowel may include capsule endoscopy, push enteroscopy, or barium contrast small bowel studies. Here, we report a case of obscure GI bleeding caused by a jejunal ectopic pancreas, diagnosed through capsule endoscopy and barium contrast small bowel studies, which was treated successfully with single incision access laparoscopy.
Aged ; Capsule Endoscopy ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/*diagnosis/surgery ; Humans ; Intestine, Small/radiography ; Jejunum/pathology ; Pancreas/pathology

The purpose of this study was to find out the relationship between waist circumference, muscular strength, flexibility, and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Furthermore, the cut-off values of the physical fitness factors according to the baPWV were also calculated. The study was derived with total of 1,562 males (1,116 middle-aged and 446 old-aged). They were tested participant's baPWV, waist circumference, cardiopulmonary fitness, grip strength and flexibility. The results of this study is that the baPWV of the middle-aged men did not show significant changes in relationship with the waist circumference and physical fitness factors. The old-aged group with normal abdominal fat and high physical fitness level (group 4) showed significant baPWV values in comparison to those with waist circumference and low physical fitness levels (group 1); cardiorespiratory fitness p=0.026, grip strength p=0.000, flexibility p=0.000. The cut-off values of the physical fitness such as cardiorespiratory fitness, grip strength, flexibility according to the baPWV were 31.2 mL/kg/min (area under curve [AUC], 0.692; p=0.027), 37.0 kg (AUC, 0.588; p=0.014), and 1.0 cm (AUC, 0.589; p=0.014), respectively. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that waist circumference, cardiorespiratory fitness as well as muscular strength and flexibility effect inversely on arterial stiffness.
Abdominal Fat ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Physical Fitness ; Pliability ; Pulse Wave Analysis ; Vascular Stiffness ; Waist Circumference