PURPOSE: Hematopoietic stem cells from umbilical cord blood are one of the useful resources for stem cell transplantation in the various adult and childhood diseases. Immunologic complications of transplantation, e.g., graft-vs-host disease, occur much less with transplantation of cord blood stem cells. Cord blood-derived dendritic cells (CB-DCs) are known to be different from adult peripheral blood-derived dendritic cells (PB-DCs) in immunologic characteristics. These phenomena might be related to the characteristics of hematopoietic cells in cord blood. Therefore, we analysed characteristics of dendritic cells, which are well-known immune-provoking cells, derived from cord blood precursors. METHODS: Dendritic cells were differentiated from plastic-adherent cord blood monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4. Immunophenotype was analysed by flow cytometry and expression of IDO (indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase), an enzyme expressed in immune-regulating or tolerogenic DCs, IL-12, IL-10 and IL-6 was measured by RT-PCR along in vitro differentiation. Changes in expression of cytokines and IDO after antibody engagement were also analysed. RESULTS: CB-DCs were very similar to PB-DCs in immunophenotype and expression of cytokines. But CB-DCs expressed IDO transcripts much earlier than PB-DCs during differentiation from precursors. Engagement of CB-DCs with DU-1 mAb induced upregulation of IDO and downregulation of IL-6. CONCLUSION: Although immunophenotype and cytokine expression pattern of CB-DCs were quite similar to those of PB-DCs, CB-DCs expressed IDO earlier than PB-DCs. This might be related to the phenomena that CB-DCs are less immunogenic or, sometimes, tolerance-inducing.
Adult ; Cytokines ; Dendritic Cells* ; Down-Regulation ; Fetal Blood ; Flow Cytometry ; Graft vs Host Disease ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-12 ; Interleukin-4 ; Interleukin-6 ; Monocytes ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; Stem Cells ; Up-Regulation

0.05). Mean changes in central macular thickness showed significant differences at 1 and 4 months postoperatively (−1.44 ± 11.72 and 10.44 ± 22.48 µm in bromfenac group vs. 47.19 ± 70.24 and 31.69 ± 48.04 µm in control group, p < 0.001 and p = 0.016) and mean changes in macular volume showed a significant difference at 1 month postoperatively (−0.08 ± 0.47 mm³ in bromfenac group vs. 0.58 ± 1.28 mm³ in control group, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences thereafter (p > 0.05).CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with 0.1% bromfenac sodium hydrate ophthalmic solution showed good efficacy for preventing cystoid macular edema early after cataract surgery in patients with diabetes.]]>
Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal ; Cataract ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Humans ; Macular Edema ; Retrospective Studies ; Sodium ; Visual Acuity

The hemodynamic effects of thyroid hormones which is well established, affect myocardial contractility, heart rate, and myocardial oxygen consumption. The alterations in thyroid function test are frequently seen in patients with nonthyroidal illness and often correlate with the severity of the illness and the prognosis. In this study, thyroid hormone changes were investigated in 20 patients who received cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB). All patients showed a state of biochemical euthyroidism preoperatively. The results were as follows : 1. Serum triiodothyronine(T3) reached to its nadir(30.05+/-17.5ng/dl, p<0.001) at 10 minutes after the start of CPB and remained low(p<0.05) throughout the study period. 2. Serum thyroxine(T4) concentration slightly decreased after CPB, but maintained within normal range. 3. Serum free thyroxine(fT4) concentration slightly increased after CPB, but maintained within normal range. 4. Serum thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH) concentration increased 10 minute after CPB, reached to its nadir(3.37+/-0.81uIU/ml, p<0.001) at 2 hours after CPB. After then, serum TSH concentration decreased and reached its normal levels at 24 hours after CPB. 5. The patients whose postoperative recovery was uneventful(Group 1) had higher serum T3 levels than those who had postoperative complications(Group 2)(p<0.05). Group 1 showed elevating patterns of serum T3 in the fourth day after operation, whereas group 2 did not show such an elevating pattern. These findings are similar to the euthyroid sick syndrome seen in severely ill patients and indicate that patients undergoing open heart surgery have suppression of the pituitary-thyroid axis.
Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Euthyroid Sick Syndromes ; Heart* ; Hemodynamics ; Humans ; Myocardial Contraction ; Oxygen Consumption ; Prognosis ; Reference Values ; Thoracic Surgery* ; Thyroid Function Tests ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Hormones

PURPOSE: To evaluate, using various port systems, the technique and complications of intra-arterial portimplantation in visceral (mainly hepatic) arteries for intra-arterial chemoinfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Weretrospectively evaluated 30 cases of intra-arterial port implantation in 29 patients. Angiography was performedin all cases, and insertion of an implantable polyurethane port catheter was followed by angiographic exchangewhich, utilizing a .035" hydrophilic guide wire, targeted the artery. If a change in the direction of flow wasrequired, arterial flow control was performed, using an enbolie coil. In order to insert the subcutaneous portchamber, an incision approximately 4cm long was made at the puncture site and subcutaneous tissue was dissected.The port chamber was inserted into the subcutaneous pocket and fixed with a black-silk tagging suture. When thefemoral artery was punctured, the port chamber was inserted into the supra-or infrainguinal area; when the leftsubclavian artery was used, the port chamber was inserted into the lateral one third of the left clavicle. Theport systems used in the procedure were as follows : 5.8F Port-A-Cath (SIMS, Deltec, U.S.A.)(n=20) ; 5.2F A-Port(Therex, U.S.A.)(N=5); 5F PU-Anthron(Deny, Japan)(n=4) ; 5.2F R-Port(Therex, U.S.A.)(n=1). The subcutaneouschambers were inserted into the infrainguinal (n=22), suprainguinal (n=6) or subclavian area(n=2). RESULTS: Theprocedure was technically successful in all 30 cases. Port catheter tips were located in the hepatic arteryproper(n=11), the right hepatic(n=9), gastroduodenal (n=6), common hepatic (n=2), inferior mesenteric (n=1) andinternal iliac artery(n=1). In 12 cases, flow was controlled using embolic coils. Follow-up study was performed in23 cases, with a mean follow up period of 55.8 (11-161) days. Complications were noted in four cases ; two wereprocedure related and two were catheter related. CONCLUSION: Intra-arterial port implantation is a safe procedureand can be performed easily by skilled radiologists; long-term observation is, however, still needed.
Angiography ; Arteries ; Catheters ; Clavicle ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Polyurethanes ; Punctures ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; Sutures ; Vascular Access Devices

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effects of several implant surface treatments to the bone formation, by placing Machined implants, 75 micrometer Calcium phosphate-blasted implants and Al2O3- blasted and acid-etched implants in rabbit tibia through histomorphometric study. Two animals of each group were sacrificed at 2, 4, 8 weeks. The specimens containing the implants were dehydrated and embedded into hard methylmethacrylate plastic. Thereafter, the sections were ground to 50 micrometer. The specimens were stained with Villanueva bone stain for a light microscopic study. The results were as follows; 1. When the surface roughness of three different implants was measured by Surfcorder, the Ra of the Machined group, the RBM group and the SLA group was 0.16 micrometer, 0.44 micrometer, and 1.08micro meter. 2. When examining the surfaces of the implants in the scanning microscope, Machined implant has the smooth surface with a few scratches, RBM implant has the rough surface with curled ridges and valleys, and SLA implant has the rough surface structures such as sharp protruding parts and micropits measuring 1-2 micrometer in diameter. 3. After 2 weeks of implantation, the percentage of bone-to-implant contact of the Machined group, the RBM group and the SLA group was 26.86%, 35.40% and 45.99%. However, its differences between each group decreased during the healing periods. 4. After 2 weeks of implantation, the percentage of bone area inside the threads of the Machined group, the RBM group and the SLA group were 21.55%, 30.43% and 41.18%. However, its difference of bone area between machined group and surface treatment groups was maintained but the difference within the surface treatment groups decreased during the healing periods. In summary, the amount of bone formation in RBM and SLA group was greater than Machined group in early healing stage. These results suggest that RBM and SLA implants can reduce the healing period for osseointegration and may be suitable for early function.
Animals ; Calcium ; Dental Implants* ; Methylmethacrylate ; Osseointegration ; Osteogenesis ; Plastics ; Tibia*

A myeloid sarcoma (MS) is an extramedullary tumor consisting of primitive granulocytic precursor cells. Although most such tumors have been reported in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia, MS is rarely recognized as an isolated tumor without any evidence of leukemia. However, in such cases, the initial diagnosis of MS can be difficult, so initial misdiagnosis rates of up to 75% have been reported. This report describes an unusual case of MS in a 3-year 5-month-old girl presenting as bilateral renal enlargements, and brain masses, with multiple bone involvements, but no hematological abnormalities.
Bone Neoplasms/pathology/*radiography ; Brain Neoplasms/pathology/*radiography ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Human ; Kidney Neoplasms/pathology/*radiography ; Sarcoma, Granulocytic/pathology/*radiography ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

BACKGROUND: The autosomal dominant giant platelet syndromes (GPS), characterized by triads of giant platelets, thrombocytopenia, and Dohle-like leukocyte inclusions are caused by MYH9 mutation, a gene encoding the nonmuscle myosin heavy chain-IIA. This study was aimed to identify the Korean GPS patients and to define clinical findings and molecular characteristics on them. METHODS: After taking a family history, platelets were counted using hematologic autoanalyzer and peripheral blood smear (PBS) was examined for platelet size and number, and the presence of leukocyte inclusions. Mutation of MYH9 was studied from mononuclear cells from PB by direct sequencing of previously known 8 exons after PCR amplification of genomic DNA. RESULTS: Twenty patients from 5 unrelated families were diagnosed as GPS. Giant platelets, greater than red cells on PBS, were found to be 3.1% of platelet (range, 1~11%). The median platelet count was 61,000/microliter. Inclusion bodies were found in 3 families. Two families had previously reported mutations. Family I had Arg1944Ter in exon 40, located in the tail portion of myosin, while Family IV had Lys373Asn in exon 10, located in the proximal portion of myosin head. The mutations were found only in affected patients, but not in normal siblings or unrelated families. CONCLUSION: In this study, we identified several families with autosomal dominant GPS. Two families had known MYH9 mutations, Arg1944Ter and Lys373Asn. The search for unknown mutations in the remaining families as well as study of protein structural and functional alteration seems to be necessary for further delineation of these rare genetic disorders.
Bernard-Soulier Syndrome ; Blood Platelets* ; DNA ; Exons ; Genes, vif ; Head ; Humans ; Inclusion Bodies ; Leukocytes ; Myosins ; Platelet Count ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Siblings ; Thrombocytopenia

PURPOSE : Since the year 2000, lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer death in South Korea and also in many other parts of the world. MATERIALS AND METHODS : We developed a multidisciplinary (MD) care system for lung cancer patients in 1996. Here, we report the results obtained in the process of development of MD team (MDT). RESULTS : The MDT was launched with including medical doctors, chest surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine specialists and physician assistants. To facilitate co-operation between the MDT members, a specialized out-patient clinic was located within a sector of the hospital. A common ward was allocated for lung cancer patients regardless of the department of the attending physician. Shared electronic medical record forms that were specialized for lung cancer were developed. The MDT operates weekly lung cancer conferences and multidisciplinary out-patient clinics. To make diagnostic or therapeutic decisions early on, the electronic medical records of the patients were previewed or consulted by the specialists before they meet the individual patients. CONCLUSION : Despite every effort, we still need to shorten the waiting time from presentation to the first treatment and we need to improve the patients' satisfaction. We also have a mission to develop our own regulations and guidelines for our lung cancer MD care system. Clinical trials and basic research should also be encouraged along with improving the quality of life of the team members
Congresses as Topic ; Electronic Health Records ; Humans ; Lung ; Lung Neoplasms ; Missions and Missionaries ; Nuclear Medicine ; Outpatients ; Physician Assistants ; Quality of Life ; Republic of Korea ; Social Control, Formal ; Specialization ; Thorax

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the CT findings of pulmonary fat embolism syndrome that was induced by triolein and oleic acid, along with its pathologic correlation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 16 rabbits were included in this study. The rabbits in group I (n=8) were embolized with 0.2 mL triolein and the rabbits of group II (n=8) were embolized with 0.2 mL oleic acid through ear veins. HRCT scans were done prior to embolization and at 0.5, 4, 24, 48 and 72 hours post-embolization. The pathologic correlations were determined at 0.5, 24, 48 and 72 hours. RESULTS: At 24 hours, one group I rabbit showed abnormal CT findings that were composed of several 2-3 mm nodules and multiple ill-defined peripheral ground glass opacities. The pathologic finding of this rabbit at 48 hours was mainly intraarveolar edema. All the group II rabbits (n=8/8) showed ill-defined bilateral and peripheral ground glass opacities with (n=6/8) or without consolidations (n=2/8) on the 0.5 hour CT. All the rabbits (n=7/7) showed that the new ground glass opacities and ground glass opacities noted on the 0.5 hour CT were changed into consolidation. The margins of the ground glass opacities and consolidations were more sharpened on the 24 hours CT. All 6 rabbits (n=6/6) showed consolidations without ground glass opacities and the margins of the consolidations were more sharpened on the 48 hours CT. There was no significant interval change on the 72 hours CT. The pathologic findings of ground glass opacities were interstitial edema or mild intraalveolar edema. The pathologic findings of consolidation were intraalveolar edema, hemorrhage and coagulation necrosis. CONCLUSION: The CT findings after fat embolization using triolein and oleic acid were ill-defined peripheral ground glass opacities with/without consolidations. These findings occurred in only one triolein group with the time lag, but these findings were immediately and extensively seen in all group II rabbits. These CT findings may be important for making a diagnosis of pulmonary fat embolism syndrome.
Diagnosis ; Ear ; Edema ; Embolism, Fat* ; Glass ; Hemorrhage ; Necrosis ; Oleic Acid* ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Rabbits* ; Triolein* ; Veins

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The pathologic Q wave was once considered to be a sign of transmural myocardial infarction (MI), but the exact meaning of the pathologic Q wave remains to be elucidated. To evaluate the meaning of the pathologic Q wave using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) investigations, which has recently emerged as a state-of-the-art diagnostic modality within cardiology. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty eight consecutive patients with acute myocardial infarction were enrolled in this study. MRI and coronary angiography were performed in all patients during their admission. A 32 segment model was used to analyze the MRI findings. Just before MRI, the electrocardiograms of all the patients were checked and the presence of the pathologic Q wave evaluated. The ischemic territories in each patient were quantified by the number of dysfunctional segments. Myocardial necrosis was determined by the area of delayed hyperenhancement in contrast enhanced MRI, and the myocardial necrosis index per segment was defined as the ratio of the hyperenhanced area to that of the entire segment. The total necrosis index was defined as the sum of all the myocardial necrosis indices in a patient, and the average necrosis index of dysfunctional segment (ANI) was calculated from the total necrosis index/number of dysfunctional segments in a patient. The transmurality of infarction was also assessed. RESULTS: Of all 38 patients, 26 showed a pathologic Q wave on ECG (Group A), whereas the other 12 did not (Group B). The number of dysfunctional segments, total necrosis index and frequency of transmural infarction (defined by infarct transmurality> or = 75% of wall thickness) were no different between the two groups. The infarct transmurality over 25 or 50% and ANI were significantly different between the two groups. In a multivariate analysis, an infarct transmurality over 50% and ANI were significant factors in determining the presence of a pathologic Q wave. CONCLUSION: By an in vivo analysis of myocardial necrosis, as determined by MRI in acute myocardial infarction, an infarct transmurality over 50% and average necrosis index of dysfunctional segments (ANI) might be significant factors in the genesis of a pathologic Q wave.
Cardiology ; Coronary Angiography ; Electrocardiography ; Humans ; Infarction ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Multivariate Analysis ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Necrosis