Objective: To observe the effect of heat shock on tropoelastin mRNA and protein expression in cultured human dermal fibroblasts and to elucidate the possible role of heat shock in the development of solar elastosis in human skin. Methods: Primary cultured human dermal fibroblasts were incubated in 43 ℃ water bath for 30 minutes, then returned to 37 ℃, 5%(volume fraction) CO 2 atmosphere normal culture condition. The cells were harvested at hour 24 and 48 after heat treatment respectively. Total RNA was extracted from cell lysis and tropoelastin mRNA level was measured by Northern blot assay. Tropoelastin protein level in cultured supernatant was measured by Western blot assay. Results: At hour 24 after heat treatment, the level of tropoelastin mRNA was enhanced to (163?12)% of control group (P

Telomerase is an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase that synthesizes TTAGGG telomeric DNA onto chromosomal ends to compensate for sequence loss during replication. It has been detected in a variety of human malignancies, suggesting that such activity may play a role in the tumorigenic process. To determine whether telomerase is reactivated in malignant fibrous histiocytoma, 12 tissue samples with this tumor were analyzed for the telomerase activity by a radioactive PCR-based TRAP (telomeric repeat amplification protocol) assay. All of the tumors were further investigated for the expression of human telomerase RNA (hTR) by an in situ hybridization (ISH). Telomerase activity was detected in one (8.3%) sample. Expression of hTR was demonstrated in 7 (58.3%): one telomerase-positive and six telomerase-negatives. These data indicate that the reactivation of telomerase is an uncommon event and not an important factor involved in tumorigenesis in malignant fibrous histiocytoma. It is noteworthy that 50% of the patients with grade 2 tumors expressed hTR, suggesting that telomerase RNA may be useful as a marker for identifying tumor aggressiveness earlier than the conventional histopathologic grading scale.
Carcinogenesis ; DNA ; Histiocytoma, Malignant Fibrous* ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization ; RNA* ; RNA-Directed DNA Polymerase ; Telomerase*

PURPOSE: The goal of prosthetic replacement of the shoulder is the restoration of the normal anatomy of the joint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The physician should review the variations in normal anatomy because it does vary widely and the placement of the prosthetic needs to be modified to accommodate the variations. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Several factors including anatomic, prosthetic and surgical ones can lead to the best clinical results, and these are described.
Joints ; Mechanics ; Prostheses and Implants ; Shoulder

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, leading to substantial and increasing economic and social burden. Palliative care for COPD patients aims to reduce symptoms and exacerbations and improve exercise tolerance and quality of life. It is difficult to make a prognosis for COPD patients due to the variable illness trajectory and advanced care of patients. However, severity of breathlessness, assessment of lung function impairment, and frequency of exacerbations can help to identify palliative care needs and determine effective methods to mitigate symptoms, which is discussed in this paper. In these patients, it is recommended to provide individualized palliative care along with curative/restorative care at the onset of COPD symptoms. Before launching a palliative care system in Korea, it is necessary to prepare pulmonary rehabilitation resources, patient-centered communication, timely palliative responsiveness, and a program for effective advanced care planning. A multidisciplinary approach involving collaboration with not only the respiratory and palliative care teams but also primary care offers a new model of care for these patients and should be considered with a priority.
Cooperative Behavior ; Dyspnea ; Exercise Tolerance ; Hospice Care ; Hospices* ; Humans ; Korea ; Lung ; Mortality ; Palliative Care* ; Primary Health Care ; Prognosis ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* ; Quality of Life ; Rehabilitation ; Respiratory Therapy

Thyroglossal duct cysts (TGDC) are the most common type of congenital developmental anomaly encountered in the anterior midline of the neck in childhood. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of TGDC and identify any factors that could be related to recurrence after surgery. This study consisted of a retrospective chart review of 45 patients treated at Kyungpook National University Hospital for TGDC between 1990 and 2008. All records were reviewed for age and sex, length of history, presentation, diagnostic methods, sizes and locations of cyst, surgical management, histopathology of the lesion and recurrences. The statistical analysis of risk factors for recurrence was made using the Fisher's exact test with a significance level of p < 0.05. The male to female ratio was 2.2:1 with a male preponderance. The mean age at operation was 5 years and 2 months (4 months - 17 years). The most common presenting symptom was a nontender cervical mass (78%). Most TGDC were found in the midline position. Twenty four were infrahyoid, 17 were hyoid, and 4 were suprahyoid level. Forty one (91%) patients received the Sistrunk operation, and 4(9%) patients received cyst excision. Postoperative a seroma developed in six patients in the early postoperative days. There were a total of 3(6.6%) recurrences, 2 in patients who had excision only and in one patient who had the Sistrunk operation. Univariate analysis for risk factors with recurrence showed that there was no statistical relationship between the presence of preoperative infection and the development of recurrence. The removal of hyoid bone along with TGDC was a statistically significant risk factor for recurrent disease. This study suggests that the Sistrunk operation is the treatment of choice for TGDC in order to reduce recurrence.
Child ; Female ; Humans ; Hyoid Bone ; Male ; Neck ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Seroma ; Thyroglossal Cyst

Congenital segmental dilatation of the colon is a very rare entity of unknown etiology, characterized by a localized dilatation of a bowel segment of the colon of variable length and an abrupt transition between the normal and dilated intestine. It can affect any part of the colon, with the rectosigmoid colon being the most commonly affected site. The clinical and radiological features may resemble that of Hirschsprung disease, but differ in that the normal ganglion cells are found in the dilated and normal segment of the colon. We performed laparoscopic-assisted transanal endorectal pull-through for segmental dilatation of rectosigmoid colon in an 8-year-old boy with chronic constipation since the age of 5 months.
Child* ; Colon* ; Constipation ; Dilatation* ; Ganglion Cysts ; Hirschsprung Disease ; Humans ; Intestines ; Male

Gastric trichobezoars are commonly observed in young women with trichotillomania and trichophagia. We encountered an 8-year-old girl who had trichotillomania and trichophagia with abdominal pain and a mass, which was diagnosed as a large gastric trichobezoar. On physical examination, a huge, firm nontender mobile mass was palpated in her epigastrium. An upper gastrointestinal series and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a large mass in the stomach. Endoscopic removal was tried but failed. Laparoscopic removal was therefore performed. The trichobezoar was successfully retrieved through a gastrotomy and removed through an extended umbilical trocar incision. This case demonstrates that laparoscopic removal of large gastric trichobezoars is feasible and safe without a large abdominal incision.
Abdominal Pain ; Bezoars ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Physical Examination ; Stomach ; Surgical Instruments ; Trichotillomania

OBJECTIVES: To characterize the usage patterns of new types of tobacco products (NTTPs) to develop effective strategies for the regulation of NTTPs in Korea. METHODS: We conducted focus group interviews to identify the NTTP usage patterns of research subjects. The NTTPs were limited to electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), waterpipe tobacco, and rolling tobacco. We categorized 30 research subjects into 4 groups. The e-cigarette group was divided into adult and adolescent groups. Each group contained 7-8 subjects. An interview lasting approximately 2 hours was conducted with each group. RESULTS: Ninety percent of NTTP users used an NTTP in combination with conventional cigarettes. Subjects mostly bought NTTPs online, unlike how they bought cigarettes. Additionally, a great deal of information, such as how to use NTTPs and descriptions of NTTP products, was exchanged through online or offline societies. The primary reason why the subjects used NTTPs was that NTTPs offer a greater range of flavors and aromas than cigarettes. Moreover, NTTPs were felt to be less repulsive than cigarettes. NTTPs were not used as a cigarette substitute; rather, they were mostly used in places and situations where traditional cigarette smoking was not allowed. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, the government should conduct studies on the effects of the combined use of NTTPs and cigarettes on the human body, obtain and provide accurate data regarding NTTP use, and develop and implement polices to ban NTTP advertising, which may arouse adolescents' curiosity, and the addition of flavoring substances to tobacco products.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Electronic Cigarettes ; Exploratory Behavior ; Focus Groups* ; Human Body ; Humans ; Korea ; Research Subjects ; Smoking ; Tobacco Products* ; Tobacco*

Spontaneous gastric perforation in the newborn is a rare disease that requires early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment. Between 1988 and 2001 at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Kyungpook National University Hospital, 9 cases of spontaneous gastric perforation were treated. Seven were males and two females. The mean gestational age and birth weight were 36.7 weeks and 2,455 grespectively. All patients presented with severe abdominal distention and pneumoperitoneum on cross table lateral film of the abdomen. Perforations were located on the anterior wall along the greater curvature of the stomach in six and on the posterior wall along the greater curvature in two. One case showed two sites of perforation on the anterior and posterior wall along the greater curvature. Six patients were managed with debridement and primary closure and the others with debridement and partial gastrectomy. Peritoneal drainage was not performed. There were four deaths; two from sepsis due to leakage from the anastomotic site, one as a result of acute renal failure, and the other by associated respiratory distress syndrome. Spontaneous gastric perforation in the newborn is usually located along the greater curvature. Elevated intragastric pressure is a possible cause of the perforation. Poor prognosis is related to associated diseases and prematurity.
Abdomen ; Acute Kidney Injury ; Birth Weight ; Debridement ; Drainage ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Gastrectomy ; Gestational Age ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn* ; Male ; Pneumoperitoneum ; Prognosis ; Rare Diseases ; Sepsis ; Stomach

Linear nevus sebaceous syndrome is an uncommon neurocutaneous disorder characterized by nevus sebaceus, seizures, and mental retardation, and is often accompanied by ocular anormalies. We recently experienced a case of conjunctival choristoma associated with linear nevus sebaceous syndrome in a 17-month-old boy. The child was the product of a full-term uncomplicated pregnancy and normal delivery with normal karyotype of 46, XY. He was noted at birth to have a conjunctival mass on the right eye and linear nevi over the midline facial region and right temporoparietal scalp. Ophthalmologic examination revealed optic atrophy, peripapillary staphyloma, macular hypogenesis, and osseous choristoma of the choroid. A computed tomography scan demonstrated widening of the subarachnoid space and moderate atrophy of the cerebral and cerebellar hemispheres. He has been followed by ophthalmology and completely free of seizures since birth. The patient underwent excision of the conjunctival mass and biopsies of the skin lesion at 17 months of age. Histologic examination of the skin biopsies was characteristic for the linear sebaceous nevus of Jadassohn. Histologic findings of the conjunctival lesion showed a complex choristoma that contained lacrimal gland tissue and cartilage.
Atrophy ; Biopsy ; Cartilage ; Child ; Choristoma* ; Choroid ; Humans ; Infant ; Intellectual Disability ; Karyotype ; Lacrimal Apparatus ; Male ; Neurocutaneous Syndromes ; Nevus* ; Nevus, Sebaceous of Jadassohn ; Ophthalmology ; Optic Atrophy ; Parturition ; Pregnancy ; Scalp ; Seizures ; Skin ; Subarachnoid Space