BACKGROUND: Risk factors for lymph node metastasis in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) need to be established to determine the degree of surgery required to achieve high curative rates. However, little is known currently about the histopathological features predicting prognosis, specifically in TSCC. METHODS: This study included 53 patients who underwent surgical resection with neck dissection. Clinicopathological factors investigated included age, gender, alcohol use, tobacco consumption, tumor stage, adjacent structure involvement, cell differentiation, squamous dysplasia, in situ carcinoma associated with primary invasive cancer, carcinoma in situ skip lesions, necrosis, invasive front, depth of invasion, and lymphatic, muscle, or perineural invasion. RESULTS: Contralateral cervical metastasis was associated with higher T stages and soft palate invasion. Lymphatic and muscle invasion were associated with ipsilateral cervical metastasis. Advanced T stage, invasion to the base of tongue, and skip lesions were associated with decreased disease-free survival. Advanced T stage and skip lesions were associated with worse overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced T stage and soft palate invasion may predict a high risk of contralateral nodal metastasis. T stage and skip lesion are worse prognostic factors in TSCC and should be commented in pathology reports.
Carcinoma in Situ ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cell Differentiation ; Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Muscles ; Neck Dissection ; Necrosis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Palate, Soft ; Palatine Tonsil ; Prognosis ; Risk Factors ; Tobacco ; Tongue

The origin of osteoclast-like giant cell tumor (OGCT) of the salivary gland has been debated because the prototypic cells of osteoclast-like cells and mononuclear stromal cells are largely unexplained in this gland. Bone marrow-derived CD14+ and CD45+ monocyte-derived multipotential cells (CD14+/CD45+ MOMC) may be one of the possible origins of OGCTs of salivary glands, which have never been explored in salivary OGCTs. We present a case of OGCT accompanied with carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in the parotid gland of a 67-year-old Korean female. The tumor presented as a rapidly growing cervical mass comprising a central area of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and a peripheral circumferential area of OGCT. The immunohistochemical staining pattern was phenotypically consistent with bone marrow-derived CD14+/CD45+ MOMC. This case is the first report of a salivary OGCT in Korea.
Adenoma, Pleomorphic ; Aged ; Cytosine ; Female ; Giant Cell Tumors ; Giant Cells ; Humans ; Korea ; Mixed Tumor, Malignant ; Monocytes ; Osteoclasts ; Parotid Gland ; Salivary Glands ; Stromal Cells

The origin of osteoclast-like giant cell tumor (OGCT) of the salivary gland has been debated because the prototypic cells of osteoclast-like cells and mononuclear stromal cells are largely unexplained in this gland. Bone marrow-derived CD14+ and CD45+ monocyte-derived multipotential cells (CD14+/CD45+ MOMC) may be one of the possible origins of OGCTs of salivary glands, which have never been explored in salivary OGCTs. We present a case of OGCT accompanied with carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma in the parotid gland of a 67-year-old Korean female. The tumor presented as a rapidly growing cervical mass comprising a central area of carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma and a peripheral circumferential area of OGCT. The immunohistochemical staining pattern was phenotypically consistent with bone marrow-derived CD14+/CD45+ MOMC. This case is the first report of a salivary OGCT in Korea.
Adenoma, Pleomorphic ; Aged ; Cytosine ; Female ; Giant Cell Tumors ; Giant Cells ; Humans ; Korea ; Mixed Tumor, Malignant ; Monocytes ; Osteoclasts ; Parotid Gland ; Salivary Glands ; Stromal Cells

Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) with a CpG-motif are recognized by Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) and pleiotropic immune responses are elicited. Stimulation of macrophages with TLR9 agonist prevented apoptosis induced by serum deprivation through increased expression of FLICE-like inhibitory protein (FLIP). CpG ODN-mediated anti-apoptosis depended on the TLR9-Akt-FoxO3a signaling pathway. Inhibition of TLR9 by small interfering (si) RNA or an inhibitor suppressed CpG ODN-mediated anti-apoptosis. Analysis of signaling pathways revealed that the anti-apoptotic effect of CpG ODN required phosphorylation of FoxO3a and its translocation from the nucleus to the cytosol. Overexpression of FoxO3a increased apoptosis induced by serum deprivation and CpG ODN blocked these effects through FLIP expression. In contrast, siRNA knock-down of FoxO3a decreased apoptosis by serum deprivation. In addition, Akt activation was involved in CpG ODN-induced phosphorylation of FoxO3a, expression of FLIP, and anti-apoptosis. Taken together, these results demonstrate the involvement of Akt-FoxO3a in TLR9-mediated anti-apoptosis and indicate that FoxO3a is a distinct regulator for FLIP expression.
Animals ; *Apoptosis ; CASP8 and FADD-Like Apoptosis Regulating Protein/*genetics/metabolism ; Cells, Cultured ; Forkhead Transcription Factors/genetics/*metabolism ; Macrophages/metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Oligodeoxyribonucleotides/metabolism ; Oncogene Protein v-akt/metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; Toll-Like Receptor 9/genetics/*metabolism

Human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to possess the potential for multiple differentiations abilities in vitro and in vivo. In canine system, studying stem cell therapy is important, but so far, stem cells from canine were not identified and characterized. In this study, we successfully isolated and characterized MSCs from the canine umbilical cord and its fetal blood. Canine MSCs (cMSCs) were grown in medium containing low glucose DMEM with 20% FBS. The cMSCs have stem cells expression patterns which are concerned with MSCs surface markers by fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis. The cMSCs had multipotent abilities. In the neuronal differentiation study, the cMSCs expressed the neuronal markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuronal class III beta tubulin (Tuj-1), neurofilament M (NF160) in the basal culture media. After neuronal differentiation, the cMSCs expressed the neuronal markers Nestin, GFAP, Tuj-1, microtubule-associated protein 2, NF160. In the osteogenic & chondrogenic differentiation studies, cMSCs were stained with alizarin red and toluidine blue staining, respectively. With osteogenic differentiation, the cMSCs presented osteoblastic differentiation genes by RT-PCR. This finding also suggests that cMSCs might have the ability to differentiate multipotentially. It was concluded that isolated MSCs from canine cord blood have multipotential differentiation abilities. Therefore, it is suggested that cMSCs may represent a be a good model system for stem cell biology and could be useful as a therapeutic modality for canine incurable or intractable diseases, including spinal cord injuries in future regenerative medicine studies.
Animals ; *Cell Differentiation ; Chondrogenesis ; Dogs/blood/*physiology ; Fetal Blood/*cytology ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/*cytology ; Neurons/cytology ; Osteogenesis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-Met signal pathway may play various roles in carcinogenesis of several organs. However, studies about this pathway in head and neck cancers, especially oral cavity and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), are very rare. Our objectives are to evaluate the relationship between the mRNA and protein expression of HGF and c-met genes in oral cavity and oropharyngeal carcinomas. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In this study, we examined the mRNA expression of HGF and c-Met by means of the immunohistochemistry (IHC) method and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 40 cases of surgically resected oral cavity and oropharyngeal SCC and 10 cases of low grade dysplasia. RESULTS: Using RT-PCR, HGF mRNA amplification was detected in 67.5% and 10% of carcinoma and dysplasia. c-Met mRNA over-expression was detected in 57.5% and 20% of carcinoma and dysplasia. Using IHC, HGF and c-Met protein over-expression was detected in 55% and 62.5% in carcinoma, but not detected in dysplasia. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that HGF/c-Met signal pathway may be associated with the development of oral cavity and oropharyngeal SCC.
Carcinogenesis ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Gene Expression* ; Head ; Hepatocyte Growth Factor* ; Hepatocytes* ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mouth* ; Neck ; Oropharynx ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Reverse Transcription ; RNA, Messenger ; Signal Transduction

PURPOSE: To assess the affinity of large head total hip arthroplasty in Korean lifestyle sitting position, and the limitation of measurement for post operative function score system. And we assess the usefulness of Korean Lifestyle Score System on Korean patients who get large head total hip arthroplasty operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 23 patient performed by one operator during for 11 month. We use ceramic - ceramic bearing, 36mm sized head implants, of Lima corporation and we workup at least 6 month. We check Korean Lifestyle Checklist Score. Among the 6 position of the checklist, we check each angles of flexion, external rotation and abduction angles of crossleg, bended knee, squatting position. And we compare each data with normal person's data. RESULTS: Average flexion is 93degrees, external rotation is 67degrees, and abduction is 37degreesat crossed leg position. Flexion is 85degrees, external rotation is 15degrees, abduction is 0degreesat bended knee. At squatting position, flexion is 109degrees, external rotation is 45degrees, abduction is 42degrees. Each Korean Lifestyle Checklist Score : use of toilet : 4.9 point, wearing socks is 3.82 points, crossed leg position is 2.48 points. Squatting position is 3.57 points. Tie of shoe is 3.74 points. Bended knee position is 3.7 points. CONCLUSION: Large head total hip arthroplasty is a good method for Korean Life style without dislocation. Previously used functional score of Harris Hip Score and Iowa score are just focused on function not on positional aspect. So we recommend Korean Lifestyle Checklist System for Korean arthroplasty patients.
Arthroplasty ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip* ; Ceramics ; Checklist* ; Dislocations ; Head* ; Hip ; Humans ; Iowa ; Knee ; Leg ; Life Style* ; Shoes

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Galectin-3 is a beta-galactoside binding protein, of which the major function is not fully elucidated in malignant tumor. However, galectin-3 is expressed in epithelial cells and contributes to the progression of cancer. Although galectin-3 is expressed in a variety of tissues and plays important roles in malignant transformation or tumor progression, the study on its expression related to clinicopathological parameters in thyroid tumor is rare. So, the present study aims to find out the clinical significance of galectin-3 in thyroid tumor. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We assessed mRNA and protein expressions of the galectin-3 gene by means of the RT-PCR method and immunohistochemical staining in 100 cases of thyroid tumors (50 papillary carcinomas, 10 follicular carcinomas, 20 follicular adenomas, 20 nodular hyperplasia). The expression of galectin-3 is compared with the clinical prognostic factors of thyroid papillary cancer. RESULTS: Using RT-PCR, galectin-3 mRNA was detected in 41 (82%) in papillary carcinoma, 6 (60%) in follicular carcinoma, 8 (40%) in follicular adenoma and 9 (45%) in nodular hyperplasia cases. Using immunohistochemical staining, galectin-3 protein expressions were detected in 46 (92%), 7 (70%), 3 (15%) and 1 (5%). The expressions of the galectin-3 mRNA and protein were significantly recognized in thyroid papillary carcinoma. However, the galectin-3 mRNA and protein over-expression is not significantly correlated with the clinical prognostic factors of thyroid papillary carcinoma. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that galectin-3 expression may be associated with thyroid papillary carcinoma development.
Adenoma ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; Carrier Proteins ; Epithelial Cells ; Galectin 3* ; Hyperplasia ; RNA, Messenger ; Thyroid Gland*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the King's Health Questionnaire(KHQ) in patients with stress urinary incontinence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicenter prospective study was undertaken in 106 patients with stress urinary incontince. Psychometric properties including discriminant validity, convergent validity were evaluated and the Cronbach's alpha coefficients were calculated. Test-retest analysis was performed and the sensitivity to clinical change before and after treatment was also evaluated. RESULTS: The psychometric properties and clinical validity of the KHQ Korean version were confirmed in 106 study population. The KHQ's good reliability was evidenced by Cronbach's alpha coefficients of>0.60, indicating to change in patients' perception of bladder condition in all domains. CONCLUSION: Our analyses confirm excellent psychometric properties for the Korean version of KHQ, which appears to provide a valid and reliable instrument for clinical usages in Korea.
Female ; Humans ; Korea ; Prospective Studies ; Psychometrics* ; Surveys and Questionnaires* ; Translations ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Incontinence* ; Urination

OBJECTIVE: The introduction of new psychiatric medications with better efficacy and tolerance seems to increase the frequencies of co-prescriptions of various psychotropic agents. We investigated the frequencies of the combined treatments of atypical antipsychotics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) that are supposed to be common in clinical practice. METHODS: Data on 2783 outpatients from March 1, 2002 through June 31, 2002 in Seoul National University Hospital were collected. The number of cases with a co-prescription of atypical antipsychotics with SSRIs were counted and compared by diagnoses. The relations of diagnosis and age to the combined treatment were explored. RESULTS: 499 (17.4%) patients took co-prescriptions of antipsychotics with antidepressants, and 393 (13.7%) patients those of atypical antipschotics with SSRIs. Patients with obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia took the combinations of atypical antipsychotics and SSRIs more frequently than patients with other diagnoses, as 41.6% and 20.8%, respectively. Controlling for diagnostic categories, age was significantly correlated with the presence of those co-prescriptions. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study reflect evidence-based prescriptions in an educating hospital and provide basic data for further pharmaco-epidemiological studies. The co-prescription of atypical antipsychotic agents with SSRIs seems to occur only in proper indications, under the consideration of the risk of drug-drug interactions and adverse effects.
Antidepressive Agents ; Antipsychotic Agents* ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ; Outpatients* ; Prescriptions ; Schizophrenia ; Seoul ; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors*