No abstract available.
Infertility* ; Pregnancy*

No abstract available.
Female ; Female* ; Genitalia, Female* ; Humans ; Incidence*

BACKGROUND: Perindopril. a new second-generation angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor developed by Servier Research, was administered in essential hypertensive patients in order to observe the clinical effects. METHOD: The changes of blood pressure, heart rate, quality of life, clinical laboratory examinations, side effects, electrocardiogram and echocardiographic left ventricular mass were evaluated before and after 4-12mg of perindopril 12 weeks' administration in 25 essential hypertensive patients(mild 10, moderate 8, severe 5, very severe 2 : male 7, female 18 ; mean age 53.1+/-8.9 years). RESULT: 1) After treatment with perindopril alone, blood pressures were lowered markedly in 17(68%), moderately in 5(20%) and mildly in 2(8%) cases. The average of blood pressures of 25 subjects were systolic 173.1+/-22.8mmHg and diastolic 105.9+/-9.5mmHg before treatment, which were lowered to 125.2+/-14.9mmHg and 83.2+/-9.0mmHg respectively after 12 weeks(p<0.0001). 2) Quality of Life improved markedly in 11(44%) and slightly in 9(36%) cases after perindopril administration. 3) On electrocardiographic follow-up study, three out of five left ventricular hypertrophy with strain, seven out of 13 left ventricular hypertrophy, two out of three ST segment and T wave change and two sinus tachycardia were improved. Echocardiographic left ventricular mass was reduced significantly form 249.4+/-72.7g to 202.9 56.3g after 12 weeks perindopril treatment(p<0.0001). 4) Side effects were 5 cases of dry cough and 3 facial flushing. 5) Final Assessment of perindopril effect including hypotensive effect, quality of life, left ventricular mass regression and side effect showed very useful in 16(64%) and useful in 6(24%) out of 25 subjects. CONCLUSION: Perindopril may be an effective initial single antihypertensive agent for the treatment of varying degree of hypertension, especially with left ventricular hypertrophy.
Blood Pressure ; Cough ; Echocardiography ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Flushing ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Hypertrophy, Left Ventricular ; Male ; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A ; Perindopril ; Quality of Life ; Tachycardia, Sinus

OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have suggested an association of pregnancy-induced hypertension(PIH) with several genes involved in cardiovascular control. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the association between PIH and angiotensinogen(AGT) M235T gene and also to study the association between PIH and angiotensin-converting- enzyme(ACE). METHODS: DNA was extracted from whole blood, cheek swabs, and blood spot cards of 39 PIH patients and 54 controls. Controls consisted of women who had undergone at least two term pregnancies unaffected by PIH. All samples were genotyped for all the polymorphism using PCR of known alleic variants. Results were ananlyzed with a kappa2 contingency table. RESULTS: Four of 13 women with mild PIH(30.8%) and thirteen of 26 women with severe PIH(50.0%) were heterozygous for AGT M235T mutation compared with 26 of 54 controls(48.1%). Two of 13 women with mild PIH(15.4%) and two of 26 women with severe PIH(7.7%) were homozygous for AGT M235T mutation compared with 10 of 54 controls(18.6%). Six of 7 women with mild PIH(85.7%) and ten of 21 women with severe PIH(47.6%) were ID type for ACE gene compared with 31 of 56 controls(55.4%). One of 7 women with mild PIH(14.3%) and seven of 21 women with severe PIH(33.4%) were DD type for ACE gene compared with 15 of 56 controls(26.7%). There was no significance between mild, severe PIH patients and controls for AGT M235T mutation and ACE gene polymorphism. CONCLUSION: In Korean population, AGT M235T mutation and ACE gene are not associated with an increased risk for PIH.
Angiotensinogen* ; Cheek ; DNA ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Pregnancy

Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a necrotizing vasculitis with extra-, peri-vascular eosinophilic infiltration. Chronic symmetric polyarthritis with the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody are the mainstay of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis. Mononeuritis multiplex is a peripheral neuropathy involving more than 2 separate nerve areas. A 62-year-old male patient was referred for left foot drop and polyarthritis of both hands and feet for 4 months. During evaluation, mononeuritis multiplex was detected on nerve conduction study and electromyography tests: vasculitis with neutrophil, eosinophil, and lymphocyte infiltration on peroneal nerve biopsy. A positive response to methacholin and bronchodilator was observed on the pulmonary function test. Radiologic tests showed peri-articular soft tissue swelling and osteopenia on both hand and foot. Marked peripheral eosinophilia, high RF, and positive perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody were detected on blood tests. Here, we report on a patient with overlap syndrome of CSS and RA with review of the relevant literature, from which a few references to overlap syndrome of CSS and RA were available.
Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic ; Arthritis ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid* ; Biopsy ; Bone Diseases, Metabolic ; Churg-Strauss Syndrome* ; Diagnosis ; Electromyography ; Eosinophilia ; Eosinophils ; Foot ; Hand ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Lymphocytes ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mononeuropathies ; Neural Conduction ; Neutrophils ; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases ; Peroneal Nerve ; Respiratory Function Tests ; Rheumatoid Factor ; Vasculitis

PURPOSE: Recently, many aspects of biological functions of cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), CDK inhibitors and Rb gene have been reported, and the cell cycle control genes are considered to act important roles in tumorigenesis. In this study, the expression patterns of major cell cycle control genes (cyclin A, B, C, Dl, E, E2F, p16INK4a, p21WAF1 and Rb) in various human cervical cancer cells were analysed to elucidate the impacts of the cell cycle control genes on the carcinogenesis of human cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression patterns of major cell cycle control genes in HT-3, C33-A, HeLa, C4-II, SiHa and CaSki human uterine cervical cancer cells were analysed by using western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: In most of the cervical cancer cells tested, the overexpressions of cyclin A, E, E2F and markedly decreased expression of Rb tumor suppressor proteins were observed. By comparing RNA and protein expressions in each cancer cells, the mechanisms of increased expressions of cyclin A, E and decreased expression of Rb were elucidated as post-translational controls. CONCLUSION: The cervical carcinogenesis caused by the altered expressions of the major cell cycle control genes can be hypothesized as follows: overexpressions of cyclin E and A cause acceleration of Rb phosphorylations and E2F overexpression; increased E2F function accelerates G1/S transition of the cells; compensatory increase of p16 expression cannot stop the cells in Gl phase because Rb expression is severely decreased; consequently, loss of Rb function, 61 shortening, inappropriate cell division and decreased function of the maintenance of genomic stability occur. In addition to these alterations, loss of p53 functions further accelerate instability of genome and decrease the sus- ceptability to cell death. Furthermore, overexpression of Bc12 protects these abnormal cells from apoptosis. All these derangements of cell cycle control should contribute to the human cervical carcinogenesis.
Acceleration ; Apoptosis ; Blotting, Western ; Carcinogenesis ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints* ; Cell Cycle* ; Cell Death ; Cell Division ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclin A ; Cyclin E ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases ; Cyclins ; Genes, Retinoblastoma ; Genome ; Genomic Instability ; Humans* ; Phosphorylation ; RNA ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms*

OBJECTIVE: To examine the correlation between bone mineral density and intervertebral disc degeneration through retrospective study. METHOD: Bone mineral density (BMD) and Magnetic resonance (MR) image of lumbar spine from 61 postmenopausal women were assessed to examine the correlation between bone mineral density and intervertebral disc degeneration. We determined BMD of lumbar spine using the dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). And we evaluated signal intensity of intervertebral disc, disc height and disc herniation at each lumbar disc level using the MR image. The correlation between BMD (mean value of 2nd, 3rd and 4th lumbar spine BMD) and the sum of grading scores of intervertebral disc degeneration was assessed in all the patients. RESULTS: There was a positive correlation between BMD of lumbar spine and the sum of grading scores of intervertebral disc degeneration (r=0.415, p value=0.00087). CONCLUSION: Bone mineral density has an inverse correlation to intervertebral disc degeneration and which is important when considering degenerative spinal disease and osteoporosis.
Absorptiometry, Photon ; Bone Density* ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration* ; Osteoporosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Diseases ; Spine

Background: The presence of the bronchus sign on chest computed tomography is associated with an increased diagnostic yield of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound– guided transbronchial lung biopsy (RP-EBUS-TBLB). However, the utility of RP-EBUS-TBLB for bronchus sign negative peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) remains unknown. We investigated the utility of RP-EBUS-TBLB in bronchus sign negative PPLs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 109 patients who underwent RP-EBUS for bronchus sign negative PPLs from January 2019 to August 2020. TBLB was performed using RP-EBUS with a guide sheath and without fluoroscopy. The EBUS visualization and TBLB diagnostic yields were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting the EBUS visualization and diagnostic yields. Results: The EBUS visualization yield was 74.1% (68/109). Of the 109 lung lesions, 92 were definitively diagnosed. The overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 50.5% (55/109), 34.9% (29/83), 100% (26/26), 100% (29/29), and 32.5% (26/80), respectively. In multivariable analyses, the size of the lesion (≥ 20 mm; odds ratio [OR], 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–5.93; P = 0.021) and the distance from the pleura (> 10 mm; OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.02–5.52; P = 0.045) were associated with EBUS visualization. Regarding diagnostic yield, having the probe within the lesion (OR, 28.50; 95% CI, 6.26–129.85; P < 0.001) and a solid lesion (OR, 14.58; 95% CI, 2.64–80.38; P = 0.002) were associated with diagnostic success. Pneumothorax and hemoptysis occurred in 3.7% (4/109) and 0.9% (1/109), respectively, of the patients. Conclusion RP-EBUS-TBLB using a GS can be considered a diagnostic method in bronchus sign negative solid PPLs. Having the probe within the lesion and a solid lesion were important for diagnostic success. Complication rates were acceptable.

Background: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) recommend considering patient preference when choosing an inhaler device. However, few studies have assessed both inhaler satisfaction and factors associated with high inhaler satisfaction. Therefore, we assessed inhaler satisfaction and determinants of high satisfaction in Korean COPD patients. Methods: COPD patients were prospectively enrolled from January 2018 to November 2019. The 308 inhalers used by the 261 participants in this study included dry powder inhalers (Turbuhaler, Breezhaler, Ellipta, Diskus, and Genuair), a soft mist inhaler (Respimat), and pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs). Inhaler satisfaction was assessed by the Feeling of Satisfaction with Inhaler (FSI-10) questionnaire. High inhaler satisfaction was defined as an FSI-10 ≥ 43. Results: Among 261 COPD patients, 163 (62.5%) were highly satisfied with their inhaler device. The rates of high inhaler satisfaction for Turbuhaler, Breezhaler, Ellipta, Diskus, Genuair, Respimat, and pMDI usage were 40.0%, 67.2%, 66.7%, 50.0%, 55.6%, 63.4%, and 45.0%, respectively (P = 0.215). In univariate analyses, higher body mass index, non-current smoker, GOLD grades I and II, a modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) score < 2, lower inhaler puff burden, once daily usage of inhaler, and good inhaler adherence were associated with high inhaler satisfaction. In multivariate analyses, an mMRC score < 2, and good inhaler adherence were independently associated with high inhaler satisfaction. Conclusion High inhaler satisfaction was associated with dyspnea symptom and good inhaler adherence in COPD patients. Effective strategies are needed including appropriate inhaler device selection, consideration of patient preference, and repeated inhaler education to improve patient satisfaction of inhalers.

Background: The presence of the bronchus sign on chest computed tomography is associated with an increased diagnostic yield of radial probe endobronchial ultrasound– guided transbronchial lung biopsy (RP-EBUS-TBLB). However, the utility of RP-EBUS-TBLB for bronchus sign negative peripheral pulmonary lesions (PPLs) remains unknown. We investigated the utility of RP-EBUS-TBLB in bronchus sign negative PPLs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from 109 patients who underwent RP-EBUS for bronchus sign negative PPLs from January 2019 to August 2020. TBLB was performed using RP-EBUS with a guide sheath and without fluoroscopy. The EBUS visualization and TBLB diagnostic yields were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors affecting the EBUS visualization and diagnostic yields. Results: The EBUS visualization yield was 74.1% (68/109). Of the 109 lung lesions, 92 were definitively diagnosed. The overall diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 50.5% (55/109), 34.9% (29/83), 100% (26/26), 100% (29/29), and 32.5% (26/80), respectively. In multivariable analyses, the size of the lesion (≥ 20 mm; odds ratio [OR], 2.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–5.93; P = 0.021) and the distance from the pleura (> 10 mm; OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.02–5.52; P = 0.045) were associated with EBUS visualization. Regarding diagnostic yield, having the probe within the lesion (OR, 28.50; 95% CI, 6.26–129.85; P < 0.001) and a solid lesion (OR, 14.58; 95% CI, 2.64–80.38; P = 0.002) were associated with diagnostic success. Pneumothorax and hemoptysis occurred in 3.7% (4/109) and 0.9% (1/109), respectively, of the patients. Conclusion RP-EBUS-TBLB using a GS can be considered a diagnostic method in bronchus sign negative solid PPLs. Having the probe within the lesion and a solid lesion were important for diagnostic success. Complication rates were acceptable.