No abstract available.

BACKGROUND: The integrins comprise a family of transmembrane glycoproteins which mediate cell-cell and cell-matr ix intera ctions, and the bcl-2 oncogene is involved in tumorigenesis by blocking apoptosis. Typical acquired melanocytic nevi appear to follow a life cycle characterized by active growth, maturation, and progressive involution. In contrast, congenital rnelanocytic nevi have a different course and prcgnosis with potential for development of melanoma, and metastatic spread is very common in malignant melanoma. Objective . We investigated the expression of integrins (a2,a3,a) and bcl-2 in congenital and acquired rnelanocytic nevi, and malignant, melanomas by immunohistochemical technique. Methods . Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues from 7 compound nevi, 7 intradermal nevi, 5 congenital melanocytic nevi, and 5 malignant melanomas were immunolabeled with monoclonal antibodies directed against a2, a3,and a integrin, and bcl-2 protein. RESULTS: All acquired and congenital melanocytic nevi showed a uniform staining for a2, a3, a and bcl-2. In 3 compound nevi which the nevus cells lie mainly within the upper dermis, the nevus cells in the papillary dermis showed weak to negative a expression. Within neurotized are as of intradermal nevus, bcl-2 and a expression became weaker and totally absent. All 5 malig- nant melanomas exhibited strong a2, a3, a, and bcl-2 expression. However, the tumor cells in the lower advancing border failed to express a integrin in 3 of 5 malignant, melanomas. In most malignant melanomas, there was variable intensity of staining for bcl-2 in different areas of the tumor. Conclusion . These findings suggest that the integrins and bcl-2 may be involved in active growth, maturation, and progressive involution of the melanocytic nevi, and seem to be related to metastasis and tumorigenesis of the malignant melanoma.
Antibodies, Monoclonal ; Apoptosis ; Carcinogenesis ; Dermis ; Glycoproteins ; Humans ; Integrins* ; Life Cycle Stages ; Melanoma* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Nevus ; Nevus, Intradermal ; Nevus, Pigmented* ; Oncogenes

No abstract available.
Genu Varum*

No abstract available.
Hemorrhage* ; Hemorrhoids* ; Ligation* ; Rubber*

In pili torti, the affected Eair shaft is flattened and twisted through 180 degrees on its own axis. The involved hairs are dry, thin, brittle, and break off easily. Congenital pili torti may occur as an isolated phenomenon or may occur in association with other abnormalities. Acquired pili torti is usually associated with some sort of scarring process in the scalp itself. We present a case of congnital pili torti without any other abnormalities in a 14 year-old female. The pedigree of her fariiily was consistent with the inheritance of congenital pili torti as an autosomal dominant trait.
Adolescent ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Cicatrix ; Female ; Hair ; Humans ; Pedigree ; Scalp ; Wills

Reticulate acropigmentation of Kitamura (RAPK) is an autosomal dominant dermatosis comprising of reticulate slightly clepessed pigmentation of the extensor surfaces of the hands and feet with palmar pits. It has been suggested that this may be the same disease as Dawling Degos disease (DDD), an autosomal dorninant condition which is characterized by a reticulate pigmentation of flexures, comedo-like lesicns and pitted scars. We present a case of RAPK in a 49-year-old female who had reticulate, brownish, slightly depressed pigmentation on the extremities with t,he involvement of flexures, the predilection sites of DDD.
Cicatrix ; Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane ; Extremities ; Female ; Foot ; Hand ; Humans ; Malignant Atrophic Papulosis ; Middle Aged ; Pigmentation ; Skin Diseases

No abstract available.
Drainage* ; Humans ; Jaundice, Obstructive*

No abstract available.

BACKGROUND: The growth of elderly population increased the need for oral health care. Elderly patients with poor teeth alignment needs more attention with orthodontic treatment METHODS: Elderly patients visiting department of orthodontics, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital between 2000-2004 were treated with fixed appliances in one or both dental arches. Treatment plans were different from than that of younger patients and included uncommon and strategic removals of teeth and prosthesis. RESULTS: There was decrease in orthodontic treatment forces with increasing age, and the observation made from this study was favorable in the patients' as well as in the orthodontist's, point of view. It was possible to move the remaining teeth considerably, and the retention was made with various fixed appliances. CONCLUSIONS: Orthodontic treatment is not limited by patient age. However, it is wise not to extend treatment goals too far beyond the patients' objective needs
Aged* ; Dental Arch ; Heart ; Humans ; Oral Health ; Orthodontics ; Prostheses and Implants ; Tooth