BACKGROUND: The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known as a potent mediator of brain tumor angio-genesis, vascular permeablity, and glioma growth. This study was designed to study the balance between growth and death signals in different grades of astrocytic tumors. METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry, the relationship between the expression of VEGF and microvessel count and density were evaluated in 62 cases of astrocytic tumors including 33 low grade astrocytomas, 6 anaplastic astrocytomas, and 23 glioblastomas. In order to determine the apoptotic index (AI), the in situ end-labeling method was applied. RESULTS: VEGF was expressed on the tumor cell cytoplasm. Of 62 tumors, 44 (77%) were weak to strong postive for VEGF, but 18 cases were not reactive. VEGF positivity was correlat-ed with WHO grades of the astrocytic tumors; low grade astrocytomas (52%), anaplastic astrocytomas (83%), and glioblastomas (96%). Mean microvessel count and density were significantly higher in VEGF-positive tumors (75.7 and 4.1%) than in VEGF-negative tumors (43.9 and 2.5%). Apoptotic cells were readily found in the astrocytic tumors; the highest value of AI was observed in glioblastomas (8.6%) and the lowest in anaplastic astrocytomas (1.9%). It seemed that the grade of malignancy was not related with AI values. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that VEGF promotes angiogenesis with tumor cell growth against apoptotic cell death in the human astrocytomas.
Apoptosis* ; Astrocytoma ; Brain Neoplasms ; Cell Death ; Cytoplasm ; Glioblastoma ; Glioma ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Microvessels ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A*

Exogenously added gangliosides modulate the growth and differentiation of a variety of cells in vitro including human gliomas. GM1, Gdla and GTlb gangliosides inhibit both PDGF-stimulated and serum-stimulated DNA synthesis of Swiss 3T3 cells and U1242 MG cells in a dose responsive manner. The inhibitory effect is counteracted in a dose-responsive fashion by serum, and that ganglioside-induced inhibition is essentially abolished in 10% serum. Because of the potentially important role that gangliosides play in growth regulation of human gliomas, this phenomenon was studied in detail using the human glioma cell line U1242 MG. Low doses of serum stimulate DNA synthesis of U1242 MG cells which is inhibited in a dose-responsive fashion by ganglioside GMI. However, serum itself counteracts the inhibitory effect of ganglioside in a dose-responsive way. On the other hand GM,, Gdla and GTlb stimulate DNA synthesis in quiescent U1242 MG cells in both sparse and confluent conditions, indicating that ganglioside-stimulated DNA synthesis is dependent on the phase of cellular growth rather than celluar density. The growth stimulatory effect of the three gangliosides is more potent on quiescent, confluent cells than quiescent, sparse cells. Gangliosides stimulate radiolabeling of and 35% of nuclei with (3H) thymidine in quiescent, sparse and quiescent, confluent cells respectively. These results demonstrate that exogenously added gangliosides can have different effects on progression of human glioma cells, support of the bimodal behavior model of gangliosides. The effects are mainly related to cell cycle depending on the growth phase of the cells rather than the cell density.
Cell Count ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Line ; DNA* ; Gangliosides* ; Glioma* ; Hand ; Humans ; Swiss 3T3 Cells ; Thymidine

BACKGROUND: Steroid myopathy is an unexpected side effect to the prolonged therapeutic use of steroids. To treat steroid myopathy, the followings are recommended; reduction of the steroid dose, usage of a nonfluorinated steroid, and conversion to an alternate day regimen. As muscle loading is encouraged in maintaining normal muscle properties, it is also apparent that physical exercise may be useful in the prevention and treatment of steroid myopathy. METHOD: The experiment was designed to investigate the effects of exercise on steroid myopathy. Rats being treated with triamcinolone acetonide (TA) (5 mg/kg/day) for 7 days exercised on a treadmill (speed 20m/min, 30 min/day, 3 days/week) for 2 weeks. The extensor digitorum longus (EDL) and soleus were then examined histochemically and ultrastructurally. RESULTS: Rats treated with TA showed significant loss of body and muscle weight. In the TA treated group, cross-sectional areas of type II fibers of both EDL and soleus were decreased in comparison with the controls. Necrotic changes were found only in type II fibers of the soleus. Recovery from the weight loss with type II fiber atrophy was more pronounced in the exercise group than that of the sedentary group, but was not significant statistically. Ultrastructural abnormalities, that consisted of subsarcolemmal mitochondrial accumulation, mitochondrial vacuolation, increased number of mitochondria in autophagic vacuoles, and dilatation of sarcoplasmic reticulum, were seen in TA treated muscles. These injuries were significantly reduced by the exercise, however, complete recovery could not be seen. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that treadmill exercise for 2 weeks partially ameliorate steroid myopathy in.
Animals ; Atrophy ; Dilatation ; Exercise* ; Mitochondria ; Muscles ; Muscular Diseases* ; Rats ; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum ; Steroids ; Triamcinolone Acetonide ; Vacuoles ; Weight Loss

BACKGROUND: Recently, many studies have reported that university students have been suffering from stress because of their the uncertainty of their future and employment. Eating habits have often been considered as one of health-related behaviors that may be affected by life stress. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between stress and eating habits in university students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was designed. The subjects were 282 university students which assessed their eating habits and stresses. The total numbs of students in the study 263. Eating habits were scored using a questionnaire consisting of three categories-regularity, balance, and preference. The stress was assessed by modified Korean version of BEPSI. RESULTS: The stress score was 2.4 and the total score of eating habits was 44.2. The regularity among the domains of eating habits was 14.1, the balance score was 16.1, and the preference was 14.0. In multiple regression after adjustment with confounding variables, stress had a negative relationship with eating habits. CONCLUSION: The relationship between stress and eating habits was statistically significant, especially in regularity and balance. It is important to know not only the health status, but also the factors associated with health such as stresses and eating habits in order to improve the health status of the university students. Further research needs to uncover causality and make a generalization.
Confounding Factors (Epidemiology) ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Eating* ; Employment ; Generalization (Psychology) ; Humans ; Stress, Psychological ; Uncertainty ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of CAGE (cut down, annoyed, guilty feeling, eye-opener) for older adults in community METHODS: Randomly selected alcohol drinking 182 older adults over 65 years of age in Incheon-Chungu participated in this study. We assessed alcohol use disorder by Korean Composite International Diagnostic Interview (K-CIDI) and interviewed by CAGE. The CAGE questionnaire is a brief alcohol screening questionnaire that can be interviewer or self-administered. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve for CAGE scores of 1-4 for older adults over 65 years of age was calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of 182 people was 71.3 (+/-5.2) years old and the number of male and female was 142 (78.0%) and 40 (22.0%) respectively. In 239 alcohol drinking older adults, 182 (76.2%) people answered in CAGE and CIDI. Among 182 people, 58 was Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and 124 was non-AUD. There was no age and educational differences between 182 people (case group) and 57 people (exclusion group). The sensitivity and specificity for a cut-off score of two was 72.5% and 85.5% respectively. The calculation of area under curve (AUC) by Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) was 0.806. CONCLUSION: The CAGE can easily discriminate older adults with alcohol use disorder from those without such a history. We suggest a score of '2' as the optimal cut-off score of CAGE.
Adult* ; Alcohol Drinking ; Area Under Curve ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of fetal choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) in the second trimester, especially an association with trisomy 18. METHODS: From March 1998 through June 1999, second trimester screening ultrasonography was performed on 4,948 unselected single-ton pregnancies. CPCs were noted in 132 fetuses. Among them, detailed ultrasonography and follow-up was possible in 119 cases and they were recruited into the study. There were 91 cases of isolated CPCs and 28 cases of CPCs in high-risk population. "Isolated CPCs" were defined as: mother did not have any risk factors requiring amniocentesis and there were no other sonographic abnormalities on detailed ultrasound. "CPCs in high-risk population" were defined as: mother had any risk factor requiring karyotyping or there were any other sonographic abnormalities although she was general population. Amniocentesis was performed in 39 cases. We compared gestational age at time of detection, size, bilaterally, multiplicity, and complexity of CPCs in the group of isolated CPCs and CPCs in high-risk population (t-test, chi-square test; P<0.05). We evaluated the findings of detailed and follow-up ultrasonography, karyotypes, and final outcomes of pregnancy. RESULTS: Gestational age at time of detection was not different in both groups of isolated CPCs and CPCs in high-risk population (19+/-2 vs 18+/-1 wk, p>0.05). Mean size (6.4 vs 6.2 mm), bilaterality (60% vs 57%), multiplicity (66% vs 57%), and complexity (8% vs 14%) of CPCs were also similar. All CPCs were disappeared irrespective of size and mean time of disappearance was 25+/-3 and 26+/-3 week, respectively (p>0.05). All cases of isolated CPCs resulted in phenotypically-normal neonates. It was confirmed by either amniocentesis or postnatal examination by the pediatrician. Among fetuses having CPCs in high-risk population, two trisomy 18 and one trisomy 21 were detected. All of them had positive result of maternal serum marker test and/or sonographic abnormalities. Remaining cases were proved normal. CONCLUSION: The risk of chromosome abnormalities is very high when CPCs are associated with other abnormalities on detailed ultrasound, indicating a clear need to offering genetic amniocentesis. As contrast, the risk of chromosome abnormalities for a case of isolated CPCs is very low, and in this series there was no trisomy 18. Therefore isolated CPCs should be considered as the indication of detailed ultrasound examination, but not routine karyotyping.
Amniocentesis ; Biomarkers ; Choroid Plexus* ; Choroid* ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Down Syndrome ; Female ; Fetus ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Karyotype ; Karyotyping ; Mass Screening ; Mothers ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second* ; Prenatal Diagnosis ; Risk Factors ; Trisomy* ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: Although the frequency of respiratory viral infection in patients with pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is not uncommon, clinical significance of the condition remains to be further elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics and outcomes of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with influenza and other respiratory viruses. METHODS: Clinical data of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with respiratory viruses January 2014–June 2018 were reviewed. Respiratory viral infection was identified by multiplex reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Among 126 patients who underwent multiplex RT-PCR, respiratory viral infection was identified in 46% (58/126): 28 patients with influenza and 30 patients with other respiratory viruses. There was no significant difference in baseline and clinical characteristics between patients with influenza and those with other respiratory viruses. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was more frequent in patients with influenza than in those with other respiratory viruses (32.1% vs 3.3%, p=0.006). Co-bacterial pathogens were more frequently isolated from respiratory samples of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with influenza virus than those with other respiratory viruses. (53.6% vs 26.7%, p=0.036). There were no significant differences regarding clinical outcomes. In multivariate analysis, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II was associated with 30-mortality (odds ratio, 1.158; 95% confidence interval, 1.022–1.312; p=0.022). CONCLUSION: Respiratory viral infection was not uncommon in patients with pulmonary ARDS. Influenza virus was most commonly identified and was associated with more co-bacterial infection and ECMO therapy.
APACHE ; Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ; Humans ; Influenza, Human ; Multivariate Analysis ; Orthomyxoviridae ; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult

BACKGROUND: Although the frequency of respiratory viral infection in patients with pulmonary acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is not uncommon, clinical significance of the condition remains to be further elucidated. The purpose of this study was to compare characteristics and outcomes of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with influenza and other respiratory viruses. METHODS: Clinical data of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with respiratory viruses January 2014–June 2018 were reviewed. Respiratory viral infection was identified by multiplex reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Among 126 patients who underwent multiplex RT-PCR, respiratory viral infection was identified in 46% (58/126): 28 patients with influenza and 30 patients with other respiratory viruses. There was no significant difference in baseline and clinical characteristics between patients with influenza and those with other respiratory viruses. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was more frequent in patients with influenza than in those with other respiratory viruses (32.1% vs 3.3%, p=0.006). Co-bacterial pathogens were more frequently isolated from respiratory samples of patients with pulmonary ARDS infected with influenza virus than those with other respiratory viruses. (53.6% vs 26.7%, p=0.036). There were no significant differences regarding clinical outcomes. In multivariate analysis, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II was associated with 30-mortality (odds ratio, 1.158; 95% confidence interval, 1.022–1.312; p=0.022). CONCLUSION Respiratory viral infection was not uncommon in patients with pulmonary ARDS. Influenza virus was most commonly identified and was associated with more co-bacterial infection and ECMO therapy.

PURPOSE: VEGF-C and VEGF-D are angiogenetic factors, and abnormal expression of E-cadherin hasa role in the progression of gastric carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the expression of E-cadherin, VEGF-C and VEGF-D with the presence of lymph node metastases (LNM) using cytokeratin 18 in early gastric cancer (EGC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for E-cadherin, VEGF-C and VEGF-D was performed in 49 EGC patients from March 1997 to December 2002. To evaluate the real extent of LNM, 1,562 lymph nodes from 49 patients were re-examined with the use of cytokeratin 18. RESULTS: Eleven (0.7%) LNM were newly found in 12.2% (n=6) of patients. The real LNM rate was 3.6% in mucosal invasive (m) cancer and 38.1% in submucosal invasive (sm). Stage migration was seen in three patients (6.1%). Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was detected in 36.7% of the patients and expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D was detected in 16.3% and 36.7% of the patients, respectively. Abnormal expression of E-cadherin was significantly correlated with tumor differentiation (P=0.0103) and Lauren classification (P<0.0001). There was no positive relationship of VEGF-C and VEGF-D expression with the clinicopathological findings for EGC including LNM. However, the frequency of lymph node metastases was significantly higher in patients that demonstrated abnormal expression of E-cadherin with positive immunoreactivity of VEGF-C or VEGF-D (P=0.031). CONCLUSION: In present study, we could not demonstrate a relationship between the presence of LNM and expression of VEGF-C and VEGF-D in EGC. However, VEGF-C or VEGF-D expression, in addition to the abnormal expression of E-cadherin, was correlated with the real extent of LNM in EGC.
Cadherins ; Humans ; Keratin-18 ; Keratins ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor D

We reviewed data of 64 patients who underwent reoperation because of prosthetic valve malfunction from January 1991 to December 1995. The indications for reoperation were prosthetic valve failure(primary tissue failure: 53 patients, 82.8%), prosthetic valve thrombosis(6 patients, 9.4%), paravalvular leak(3 patients, 4.7%), prosthetic valve endocarditis(2 patients, 3.6%). Prosthetic valve failure developed most frequently in mitral portion(40 patients, 75%), prosthetic valve thrombosis also in mitral portion(4 patients, 67%), paravalvular leak significantly in aortic portion(3 patients, 100%). Explant period was longest in prosthetic valve failure(mean 107.4+/-24.6 months), shortest in prosthetic valve endocarditis with prosthetic valve thrombosis(1 patient, 1 month). Mean explant period, defined as from first valve replacement operation to redo-valve replacement operatopn, was 109.2+/-10.7 months in mitral portion, 97.8+/-10.4 months in aortic portion, 109.5+/-10.4 months in total. Overall hospital mortality was 9.38%. The most common cause of death was the low cardiac output(4 patients), other causes were bleeding(1 patient), CNS injury(1 patient). Preoperative NYHA class IV(P=0.011), emergency operation(P=0.011), prosthetic valve endocarditis(P=0.001) were the independent risk factors, but age, sex, explant period, ACC time, double valve replacement, valve position, second reoperation did not appear to be significant risk factors. Mean follow up period was 28.8+/-17.8 months. Actuarial survival at 3 year was 92.0+/-6.2%, 2 year event-free survival was 84.3+/-6.1%. We propose that patients undergoing reoperation because of prosthetic valve failure are carfully controlled and selected in regarding to above mentioned risk factors - NYHA class IV, emergency operation, prosthetic valve endocarditis in preoperative state. About other risk factors possible, there is necessary of following study.
Cause of Death ; Disease-Free Survival ; Emergencies ; Endocarditis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Valve Prosthesis* ; Heart Valves* ; Heart* ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Reoperation* ; Risk Factors ; Thrombosis