CD44, also known as the Hermes antigen, H-CAM, pgp-1 antigen, and extracellular matrix receptor ECM-III, is a widely distributed integral membrane protein that exists in a variety of forms with different molecular sizes ranging from 85kd to 160kd. A number of evidence implicates CD44 as a cell adhesion molecule with a possible role in tumor progression. To evaluate the possible roles of CD44 in the metastatic process of gastric carcinoma to the regional lymph nodes, we applicated immunohistochemical stains with the CD44H and CD44v6 primary antibodies onto the 2 groups of gastric adenocarcinomas. Each group was comprised of 22 primary tumors extending to the subserosa, and one group showed nodal metastasis, while the other group did not. Seventeen primary tumors (77%) out of the 22 cases with the nodal metastasis demonstrated positivity to the CD44v6, while only 9 primary tumors (41%) out of the 22 cases without nodal metastasis did. However CD44H immunoreactivity was demonstrated in tumor cells of all cases (100%) of both groups as well as in the normal cell components. These results suggest that CD44H form is not related to the metastasis to the regional lymph nodes of gastric carcinoma. However, the expression of CD44v6 seems to play a certain role in the metastatic process of the gastric carcinoma.
Adenocarcinoma* ; Antibodies ; Cell Adhesion ; Cellular Structures ; Coloring Agents ; Extracellular Matrix ; Lymph Nodes ; Membrane Proteins ; Neoplasm Metastasis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nasal polyps are a condition of uncertain etiology. Cytokines are thought to play a role in nasal polyps in vitro, but in vivo studies on the patterns of cytokine expression in nasal polyps have been limited. The aim of the present study is to gain a better understanding of the pathophysiology of nasal polyps by defining the patterns of expression of cytokine mRNA and p53 in the nasal mucosa of patients with nasal polyps. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This objective was supported by performing RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) for IL-2, INF-gamma (T1 cytokine), IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13 (T2 cytokine), TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1, and p53. RESULTS: Observation of the nasal polyps indicated significant increases in mRNA for T2 cytokines and p53 over controls. The expressions of IL-10 and IL-13 mRNA in the nasal mucosa of non-allergic patients were stronger than in that of allergic patients. CONCLUSION: This result suggests that the pathogenesis of nasal polyps is associated with T2 cytokines and p53.
Cytokines* ; Humans ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-13 ; Interleukin-2 ; Interleukin-5 ; Interleukin-8 ; Nasal Mucosa ; Nasal Polyps* ; Polyps ; RNA, Messenger ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to understand and describe the meaning of the experience of male nurses working in Intensive Care Units (ICU). Methods: Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 8 male nurses. Data were collected from november 2019 to february 2020 and were analyzed using Colaizzi's method, a phenomenological approach. Results: 8 theme clusters, and 28 themes were identified. The 8 clusters were as follows; the feeling of burden in a busy and sensitive situation, the daily life facing life and death, female colleagues and patients who are still difficult to treat, a reliable and grateful male colleague, being proud of this role that a man can do, various experiences that improve me, constant effort to be recognized as a team member, and wavering and weighing in the career. Conclusion These results could help to expand understanding the role of male nurses working in the ICU and in other areas. In addition, the results provide basic data needed to improve mutual respect and relationships between male and female nurses. It is necessary to offer mentoring programs for male nurses to adapt to nursing field.

No abstract available.
Breast* ; Hepatolenticular Degeneration* ; Humans ; Penicillamine*

Myxoma, a rare primary tumor occurring in cardiac chamber, has been shown to cause various neurologic complications such as embolic infarction, neoplastic aneurysm and metastasis. Recently we experienced a patient with cardiac myxoma who presented with behavioral changes. Brain MRI showed lesions suggestive of metastasls and embolic infarctions. Aneurysm was also documented in cerebral angiogram. The case illustrates diverse spectrum of neurologic complications of cardiac myxoma.
Aneurysm ; Brain ; Humans ; Infarction ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Myxoma* ; Neoplasm Metastasis

BACKGROUND: Neurologic manifestations of primary Sjogren's syndrome (PSS) have been reported to vary from sensory polyneuropathy to encephalopathy or psychiatric problems. However, marked cerebellar degeneration associated with PSS has rarely been reported. CASE REPORT: We describe a patient with Sjogren's syndrome who exhibited rapidly progressive cerebellar ataxia, nystagmus, cognitive decline, and psychiatric problems. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed marked atrophy of the cerebellum, and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography demonstrated glucose hypometabolism of the cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS: Our PSS patient exhibited a progressive course of cerebellar syndrome, as evidenced by cerebellar atrophy on serial brain images.
Ataxia ; Atrophy ; Brain ; Cerebellar Ataxia ; Cerebellar Diseases ; Cerebellum ; Glucose ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Polyneuropathies ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Sjogren's Syndrome

A 34-year-old woman was admitted because of severe orthostatic headache. On CSF examination, the opening pressure was below 30 mmH2O. A spine MRI showed a large collection of extradural fluid indicating that CSF leaked into the extradural space. The headache was resolved by an epidural blood patch. We present a patient with a syndrome of CSF hypovolemia, whose spine MRI showed a large amount of leaked CSF in the epidural space of the spine.
Adult ; Blood Patch, Epidural ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Epidural Space ; Female ; Headache ; Humans ; Hypovolemia* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Spine*

We performed a meta-analysis using results in the Korean literatures to determine whether laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) or open appendectomy (OA) provide the better outcome in possible acute appendicitis patients. To perform the meta-analysis, an extensive literature search was conducted, giving priority to the Journal of the Korean Surgical Society, and domestic literature in its search database, published since January 1993, to ascertain the usefulness of LA in the treatment of acute appendicitis. The criteria used for the quality evaluation were as follows: 1) study subjects must have been evaluated clinically for suspected acute appendicitis, and 2) articles were included only if sufficient data (e.g. patient number, mean and standard deviation of patient outcome variables) were available regarding patient outcomes for LA or OA treated appendicitis. Of the 136 articles retrieved, 8 studies (1, 258 patients) were selected for quantitative meta-analysis. Because insufficient data was available in some studies, operating time and hospitalization days were assessed for all 8 studies, but the time required to return to full functioning was assessed for only 3 studies. Overall effect size estimates were calculated using a random effect model for four patient outcomes (operating time, Q=38.6699, p < 0.001; length of stay, Q=19.3876, p < 0.001; postoperative hospital stay, Q=20.9164, p < 0.001; and return time to full functioning, Q=41.5061, p < 0.001). Because the overall effect size for operating time was -0.3218 (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.6108 to -0.0328), LA operating time was significantly greater than that of OA. In addition, a significant difference was found between the two modalities in terms of the length of hospital stay. Overall effect size in terms of the time required to return to full functioning was 1.9757 (95% CI 1.0066 to 2.9448), and LA reduced the time required by about 2 days versus OA. Considering the overall odds ratio (0.33) and 95% CI (0.20 to 0.55) the incidence of wound infection was significantly lower in LA than in OA. This review of the published evidence suggests that LA is more useful for treating acute appendicitis, especially when perforated appendicitis is suspected.
Acute Disease ; Appendectomy/*methods ; Appendicitis/*surgery ; Human ; Korea ; *Laparoscopy ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

BACKGROUND: The treatment of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) remains challenging. Tranexamic acid, a well-known anti-fibrinolytic drug, has recently demonstrated a curative effect towards melasma and ultraviolet-induced PIH in Asian countries. However, the precise mechanism of its inhibitory effect on melanogenesis is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: In order to clarify the inhibitory effect of tranexamic acid on PIH, we investigated its effects on mouse melanocytes (i.e., melan-a cells) and human melanocytes. METHODS: Melan-a cells and human melanocytes were cultured with fractional CO2 laser-treated keratinocyte-conditioned media. Melanin content and tyrosinase activity were evaluated in cells treated with or without tranexamic acid. Protein levels of tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein (TRP)-1, and TRP-2 were evaluated in melan-a cells. Signaling pathway molecules involved in melanogenesis in melanoma cells were also investigated. RESULTS: Tranexamic acid-treated melanocytes exhibited reduced melanin content and tyrosinase activity. Tranexamic acid also decreased tyrosinase, TRP-1, and TRP-2 protein levels. This inhibitory effect on melanogenesis was considered to be involved in extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling pathways and subsequently microphthalmia-associated transcription factor degradation. CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid may be an attractive candidate for the treatment of PIH.
Animals ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Humans ; Hyperpigmentation ; MART-1 Antigen ; Melanins ; Melanocytes ; Melanoma ; Melanosis ; Mice ; Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor ; Monophenol Monooxygenase ; Phosphotransferases ; Tranexamic Acid*

Pancreatic metastases are found in up to 40% of patients with small cell lung cancer, but metastasis-induced acute pancreatitis is rare. Treatment of metastasis-induced acute pancreatitis is initially supportive, but failure of conservative management are common. There are few reports on aggressive treatment with chemotherapy which lead to rapid clinical improvement and prolongation of survival in patients with metastasis-induced acute pancreatitis. We experienced a case of metastasis-induced acute pancreatitis in a patient with small cell lung cancer. Despite conservative treatment with dietary restriction and intravenous fluid supply, serum amylase levels increased persistently with severe abdominal pain. After chemotherapy with irinotecan and carboplatin, abdominal pain and serum amylase levels resolved dramatically.
Acute Disease ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Small Cell/*secondary ; English Abstract ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/*pathology ; Male ; Pancreatic Neoplasms/complications/*secondary ; Pancreatitis/*etiology