Epiphora is a symptom in which tears overflow onto the face, with its most common cause being the obstruction of the nasolacrimal system. As a cause of nasolacrimal system obstruction, nasolacrimal duct tumors are very rare. Angioleiomyoma, which is a benign tumor, arises from vascular smooth muscle, occurs in the nasolacrimal duct, and is extremely rare. With the development of endoscopic intranasal approach for the treatment of nasolacrimal duct obstruction, there is increased importance for the consideration of otorhinolaryngological evaluation and treatment as well as dacryocystorhinostomy by conventional external approach. In this article, we introduce a case in which angioleiomyoma in the nasolacrimal duct was detected by nasal endoscopy and was successfully treated with endoscopic surgery.

PURPOSE: Erectile dysfunction (ED) remains a major complication from cavernous nerve injury during radical prostatectomy. Recently, stem cell treatment for ED has been widely reported. This study was conducted to investigate the availability, differentiation into functional cells, and potential of human muscle-derived stem cells (hMDSCs) and human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) for ED treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the neural differentiation of hMDSCs and hADSCs. Human muscle and adipose tissues were digested with collagenase, followed by filtering and centrifugation. For neural induction, isolated hMDSCs and hADSCs were incubated in neurobasal media containing forskolin, laminin, basic-fibroblast growth factor, and epidermal growth factor for 5 days. Following neural induction, hMDSCs and hADSCs were differentiated into neural cells, including neurons and glia, in vitro. RESULTS: In neural differentiated hMDSCs (d-hMDSCs) and differentiated hADSCs (d-hADSCs), neural stem cell marker (nestin) showed a significant decrease by immunocytochemistry, and neuronal marker (beta-tubulin III) and glial marker (GFAP) showed a significant increase, compared with primary hMDSCs and hADSCs. Real-time chain reaction analysis and Western blotting demonstrated significantly elevated levels of mRNA and protein of beta-tubulin III and GFAP in d-hADSCs compared with d-hMDSCs. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that hMDSCs and hADSCs can be induced to undergo phenotypic and molecular changes consistent with neurons. The neural differentiation capacity of hADSCs was better than that of hMDSCs.
Adipose Tissue ; Blotting, Western ; Caves ; Cell Differentiation ; Centrifugation ; Collagenases ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Forskolin ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Laminin ; Male ; Muscles ; Neural Stem Cells ; Neuroglia ; Neurons ; Prostatectomy ; RNA, Messenger ; Stem Cells ; Tubulin

PURPOSE: To evaluate the CT findings of histologically confirmed endobrnchial tuberculosis(EBTB) and to access their diagnostic value by comparing with the bronchoscopic findings. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We evaluated retrospectively the CT findings of 25 patients(male : female=5 : 20) with EBTB, and classified them into 3 types by their characteristic features, which are compared with the brochoscopic findings. The 3 types of CT features were as follows ; type 1 : central mass-like lesion with coarse calcific spots associated with atelectasis, type 2: caseous pneumonia with air-bronchogram associated with atelecatasis, type 3 : irregularly distorted and narrowed bronchovascular changes. RESULTS: Comparing the characteristic CT findings with the bronchoscopic findings, they were as follows ; type 1 showed completely occluded lumen by caseous or scar-like tissue with severely swollenmucosa, type 2 showed very thick tenacious mucous plug with anthracotic pigmentation of mucosa, type 3 showed chronic inflammatory change of mucosa with severely deviated or septated bronchial lumen by out-growing caseousgranulation tissue. A tracheal tuberculosis without parenchymal lesion was noted and the bronchoscopy showed caseous materials along the tracheal lumen to the carinal level. CONCLUSION: The characteristic CT findings ofthe bronchial wall and the changes of the adjacent tissues are related to the tracheobronchial tuberculous involvement. CT is useful for diagnosis of the endobronchial tuberculosis.
Adult* ; Bronchoscopy ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Mucous Membrane ; Pigmentation ; Pneumonia ; Pulmonary Atelectasis ; Tuberculosis* ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

The homing properties of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) have stimulated intravenous applications for their use in stem cell therapy. However, the soluble factors and corresponding cellular receptors responsible for inducing chemotaxis of AdMSCs have not yet been reported. In the present study, the migration capacity of human AdMSCs (hAdMSCs) toward various cytokines or growth factors (GFs) and the expression of their receptors were determined. In a conventional migration assay, PDGF-AB, TGF-beta1, and TNF-alpha showed the most effective chemoattractant activity. When AdMSCs were preincubated with various chemokines or GF, and then allowed to migrate toward medium containing 10% FBS, those preincubated with TNF-alpha showed the highest migratory activity. Next, hAdMSCs were either preincubated or not with TNF-alpha, and allowed to migrate in response to various GFs or chemokines. Prestimulation with TNF-alpha increased the migration activity of hAdMSCs compared to unstimulated hAdMSCs. When analyzed by FACS and RT-PCR methods, hAdMSCs were found to express C-C chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1), CCR7, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), CXCR5, CXCR6, EGF receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1, TGF-beta receptor 2, TNF receptor superfamily member 1A, PDGF receptor A and PDGF receptor B at both the protein and the mRNA levels. These results indicate that the migration capacity of hAdMSCs is controlled by various GFs and chemokines. Prior in vitro modulation of the homing capacity of hAdMSCs could stimulate their movement into injured sites in vivo when administered intravenously, thereby improving their therapeutic potential.
Adipose Tissue/*cytology ; Cell Movement/drug effects ; Cell Separation ; Cells, Cultured ; Flow Cytometry ; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects ; Humans ; *Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology/drug effects/*metabolism ; Receptors, Chemokine/genetics/*metabolism ; Receptors, Growth Factor/genetics/*metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology

The homing properties of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AdMSCs) have stimulated intravenous applications for their use in stem cell therapy. However, the soluble factors and corresponding cellular receptors responsible for inducing chemotaxis of AdMSCs have not yet been reported. In the present study, the migration capacity of human AdMSCs (hAdMSCs) toward various cytokines or growth factors (GFs) and the expression of their receptors were determined. In a conventional migration assay, PDGF-AB, TGF-beta1, and TNF-alpha showed the most effective chemoattractant activity. When AdMSCs were preincubated with various chemokines or GF, and then allowed to migrate toward medium containing 10% FBS, those preincubated with TNF-alpha showed the highest migratory activity. Next, hAdMSCs were either preincubated or not with TNF-alpha, and allowed to migrate in response to various GFs or chemokines. Prestimulation with TNF-alpha increased the migration activity of hAdMSCs compared to unstimulated hAdMSCs. When analyzed by FACS and RT-PCR methods, hAdMSCs were found to express C-C chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1), CCR7, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), CXCR5, CXCR6, EGF receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1, TGF-beta receptor 2, TNF receptor superfamily member 1A, PDGF receptor A and PDGF receptor B at both the protein and the mRNA levels. These results indicate that the migration capacity of hAdMSCs is controlled by various GFs and chemokines. Prior in vitro modulation of the homing capacity of hAdMSCs could stimulate their movement into injured sites in vivo when administered intravenously, thereby improving their therapeutic potential.
Adipose Tissue/*cytology ; Cell Movement/drug effects ; Cell Separation ; Cells, Cultured ; Flow Cytometry ; Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects ; Humans ; *Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology/drug effects/*metabolism ; Receptors, Chemokine/genetics/*metabolism ; Receptors, Growth Factor/genetics/*metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/pharmacology

“Saber-sheath” trachea is a deformity of lower cervical or intrathoracic trachea. The configuration of the deformity is marked coronal narrowing associated with sagittal widening. This deformity is associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We report a case of patient with saber-sheath who underwent total laryngectomy. Although the patient had no tracheal collapse after the total laryngectomy, crusted discharge was increased. Diagnosis of the saber-sheath trachea, possible causes, and clinical implications are discussed.
Congenital Abnormalities ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Laryngectomy ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive ; Trachea

Human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell (hATMSC) have emerged as a potentially powerful tool for bone repair, but an appropriate evaluation system has not been established. The purpose of this study was to establish a preclinical assessment system to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cell therapies in a nude rat bone defect model. Segmental defects (5 mm) were created in the femoral diaphyses and transplanted with cell media (control), hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate scaffolds (HA/TCP, Group I), hATMSCs (Group II), or three cell-loading density of hATMSC-loaded HA/TCP (Group III-V). Healing response was evaluated by serial radiography, micro-computed tomography and histology at 16 weeks. To address safety-concerns, we conducted a GLP-compliant toxicity study. Scanning electron microscopy studies showed that hATMSCs filled the pores/surfaces of scaffolds in a cell-loading density-dependent manner. We detected significant increases in bone formation in the hATMSC-loaded HA/TCP groups compared with other groups. The amount of new bone formation increased with increases in loaded cell number. In a toxicity study, no significant hATMSC-related changes were found in body weights, clinical signs, hematological/biochemical values, organ weights, or histopathological findings. In conclusion, hATMSCs loaded on HA/TCP enhance the repair of bone defects and was found to be safe under our preclinical efficacy/safety hybrid assessment system.
Adipose Tissue/*cytology ; Animals ; Biocompatible Materials/therapeutic use ; Bone Diseases/pathology/radiography/*therapy ; Bone Regeneration/physiology ; Calcium Phosphates/therapeutic use ; Diaphyses/radiography/surgery/ultrastructure ; Disease Models, Animal ; Durapatite/therapeutic use ; Femur/*pathology/radiography/surgery ; Humans ; Male ; *Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/*cytology ; Rats ; Rats, Nude ; Tissue Engineering ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Transplantation, Heterologous

No abstract available.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Automation ; Blood Platelets/*cytology/metabolism ; Child ; *Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Integrin beta3/*metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Platelet Count/*instrumentation ; Receptors, IgG/*metabolism ; Young Adult

Toxocara (T.) canis and Trichuris (T.) vulpis are very important canine parasitic nematodes. T. canis parasitize in small intestine and T. vulpis parasitize in large intestine. In order to control of these nematodes, ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate compound was applied to the dogs infected with these parasites naturally and artificially. This drug was composed of 68.0 microg of ivermectin and 57.0 mg of pyrantel pamoate for small animal, 136.0 microg of ivermectin and 114.0 mg of pyrantel pamoate for middle animal, and 272.0 microg of ivermectin and 227.0 mg of pyrantel pamoate for large animal. Ivermectin in this drug is activity to nematodes and ectoparisites. Pyrantel pamoate in this drug is also activity to nematodes. In this experiment, this drug had a good efficacy against T. canis and T. vulpis in the infected dogs.
Animals ; Dogs ; Intestine, Large ; Intestine, Small ; Ivermectin ; Parasites ; Pyrantel ; Pyrantel Pamoate ; Toxocara ; Toxocara canis ; Trichuris

From March, 1992 to March, 1996, a total of 279 patients underwent coronary bypass surgery at the Sejong General Hospital, Puchon. We selected 22 patients with severe left ventricular(LV) dysfunction from them. The criteria were the presence of global or segmental abnormalities of left ventricular contraction and LV ejection fraction(EF) less than 35% based on biplane LV angiography by planimetry method. The mean age of 17 male and 5 female patients was 60+/-5.6years(range:47~73 years). All had the anginas, which were Canadian class II in 6, class III in 12 and class IV in 4. All patients except one had the history of previous myocardial infarction more than once. Seven of them had the symptoms and signs of congestive heart failure, such as dyspnea on excertion and increased pulmonary vascular markings. Their mean LVEF was 29.4+/-4 5%(range : 18~35%) and mean LV end-diastolic pressure was 18.7 +/-8. 2mmHg(range:10~42mmHg). 21 patients had 3 vessel-disease and 1 had 2 vessel-disease. Complete revascularization was tried with the use of 16 internal mammary arteries and 60 sapheuous veins and 3 radial arteries grafts. The mean number of distal anastomosis was 3.5+/-1.1. Concomitantly, one mitral valvuloplasty and annuloplasty was performed in the patient with moderate mitral regurtigation. The hospital mortality was 4.5%. During the follow-up, there were 3 late deaths. Of 18 survivors, 2 patients were lost in follow-up 24 and 27 month respectively after operation and the remaining 16 patients have bcen followed up with an average of 30.4 +/-13.4 months.15 patients had improvement with respect to angina but 8 patients still have the continuing or progressing heart failure. The 1-year, 2-year and 3-year actuarial survival rate was 85.2, 69.1, 46.1%, respectively. This study indicates that coronary artery bypass sur ery can be performed in the patients with severe LV dysfunction at acceptable risk but does not greatly contribute to the improvement of congestive heart failure.
Angiography ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; Dyspnea ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gyeonggi-do ; Heart Failure ; Hospital Mortality ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Male ; Mammary Arteries ; Myocardial Infarction ; Radial Artery ; Survival Rate ; Survivors ; Transplants ; Veins ; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left*