PURPOSE: In mammals, alphaand beta-defensins are antimicrobial peptides that are expressed in various epithelial and phagocytic cells. Human beta-defensin-1 and -2 (hBD-1, hBD-2) have recently been shown to be expressed in various epithelial cells. Vaginal mucosa can be a target of vaginitis and the site of uropathogens' colonization that precedes urinary tract infections. Therefore, innate host defense mediators like antimicrobial peptides in the vaginal mucosa are important. Estrogen and progesterone receptors have been shown to be expressed in the vaginal squamous epithelium. Sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone may cause vaginal atrophy or susceptibility to uropathogens. So, we performed this study to investigate the expression patterns of hBD-1 and -2 mRNA in vaginal squamous epithelium (VSE) with using lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 17beta-estradiol and progesterone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Normal VSE cells that were retrieved from vaginal tissue during vaginoplasty were primarily cultured in keratinocyte growth medium and they we allowed to undergo their 3rd passage. Modulation of the expressions of hBD-1 and -2 mRNA by various stimuli (LPS 0.5microgram/ml, E2 2nM, P 1micrometer) was measured by semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: HBD-1 and -2 were constitutively expressed in the normal VSE cell lines, but the hBD-2 expression was not significant. A marked increase of the constitutive expression of hBD-2 mRNA was observed upon stimulation with LPS, but not upon stimulation with E2. A moderate decrease of the constitutive expression of hBD-2 mRNA upon stimulation with LPS was observed with administering progesterone. CONCLUSIONS: These expressions of hBD-2 mRNA may have important roles in the innate host defense of the urogenital area. Artificial intake of progesterone may lead to susceptibility via a decrease of defensins.
Atrophy ; beta-Defensins ; Cell Line ; Colon ; Defensins ; Epithelial Cells* ; Epithelium ; Estrogens ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones ; Humans ; Keratinocytes ; Mammals ; Mucous Membrane ; Peptides ; Phagocytes ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Progesterone* ; Receptors, Progesterone ; Reverse Transcription ; RNA, Messenger ; Urinary Tract Infections ; Vagina ; Vaginitis

OBJECTIVE: Closure of a low transverse cesarean incision with one layer and two layer, we compared operative time, hemostasis, blood loss and postoperative sonohysteroperitoneographic findings. Study design: At our hospital 103 women were randomized to closure of a low transverse cesarean incision with either one continuous layer of a locking No. 1 chromic suture or two continuous of No. 1 chromic suture with the first layer locked between Mar. 1, 1998 and Dec. 31, 1998. After three months later, sonhysteroperitoneography was taken and then we evaluated uterus indirectly. RESULTS: A one layer closure required less operative time, 16 versus 20.8 minutes (p<0.01), less hemoglobin change, 0.44 versus 1.3 (p<0.01) and less suture materials (p<0.01). But postoperative follow up sonohysteroperitoneography, a one layer closure shows slightly thinning of isthmic layer of myometrium, two layer closure shows more adhesional band and both are similar other findings. CONCLUSION: A one layer does not significantly affect the clinical course than traditional two layer closure. So we recommended a one layer closure when its use is anatomically feasible.
Animals ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemostasis ; Humans ; Mice ; Myometrium ; Operative Time ; Sutures ; Uterus

No abstract available.
Cystectomy* ; Lasers, Gas* ; Volatilization*

PURPOSE: The cell cycle control system is necessary for the normal growth and differentiation of cells. The purposes of this study were to compare CD99 expression with a known intracellular marker of a specific cell cycle and to evaluate the potential of CD99 as surface marker for this cell cycle. METHODS: We induced arrest of the cell cycle in fetal lung fibroblast by contact inhibition or serum deprivation from culture media. We activated peripheral blood lymphocytes with the treatment of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and interleukin-2 (IL-2). Next, we synchronized the cell cycle of peripheral blood lymphocytes to the late G1 phase with rapamycin. According to their CD99 expression, the peripheral blood lymphocytes were separated by magnetic bead and analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: CD99 expression in fetal lung fibroblast rapidly decreased in cell cycle arrest and recovered soon after G1 activation of the cell cycle. By analyzing chronologic changes of CD99 expression and PI-histogram, we found CD99 expression decreased after passing the G1 checkpoint. G1/S transition was interrupted by potent immunosuppresant, rapamycin. IL-2 receptor remained high after rapamycin treatment in the activated lymphocytes, whereas CD99 expression and propium iodide decreased as compared with the same condition without rapamycin. This suggested that CD99 expression was decreased in the late G1 phase. Retinoblastoma gene (Rb) and CDK-2 are necessary for G1/S transition. We found both of these in CD99+ lymphocyte through Western blotting only. Cyclin B, which has an important role in S/G2/M transition, was only found in CD99-activated lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: CD99 may be a G1 phase specific surface marker.
Blotting, Western ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; Cell Cycle* ; Contact Inhibition ; Culture Media ; Cyclin B ; Fibroblasts ; G1 Phase ; Genes, Retinoblastoma ; Interleukin-2 ; Lung ; Lymphocytes ; Receptors, Interleukin-2 ; Sirolimus

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy (LA) is a good option in surgery for adrenal disorders. LA has several advantages compared to open surgery. We compared the efficacy of laparoscopic adrenalectomy to open surgical management of adrenal disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 10 patients with adrenal masses undergoing LA were retrospectively compared with 31 contemporary open procedure about surgical time, blood loss, hospital stay and complications. RESULTS: The mean surgical time in LA group and open procedure were 120.1 minutes and 213.4 minutes, respectively. The mean blood loss and hospital stay in LA group were decreased as compared to open procedure. The complications occurred in 20% of LA and 29% of open procedure. On comparing LA and open procedure in patients with small adrenal mass (< or =5cm), the mean surgical time, blood loss and hospital stay were also significantly lower in LA group (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy for adrenal mass is technically feasible. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is a safe and efficient technique with a short hospital stay, minimal blood loss and improved cosmesis.
Adrenalectomy* ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Operative Time ; Retrospective Studies

Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome ; Family Characteristics ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Genetic Counseling ; Humans ; Mandible ; Mass Screening ; Mothers ; Odontogenic Cysts ; Recurrence ; Siblings ; Skin ; Young Adult

No abstract available.
Perfusion*

No abstract available.
DNA*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is believed that disposable biopsy forceps are more costly than reusable biopsy forceps. In this study, we evaluated performance and cost of disposable forceps versus reusable forceps in esophagogastroduodenoscopic biopsy. METHODS: Between October 2009 and July 2010, we enrolled 200 patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopic biopsy at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. Biopsies were performed with 100 disposable or 5 reusable forceps by random assignment. Seventy-five additional patients were studied to estimate durability of reusable forceps. The assisting nurses estimated the performance of the forceps. The evaluation of costs included purchase prices and reprocessing costs. The adequacy of the sample was estimated according to the diameter of the obtained tissue. RESULTS: Performance of disposable forceps was estimated as excellent in 97.0%, good in 2.0% and adequate in 1.0%. Reusable forceps were estimated as excellent in 36.0%, good in 36.0%, adequate in 25.1% and inadequate in 2.9%. The performance of reusable forceps declined with the number of uses. The reprocessing cost of reusable forceps for one biopsy session was calculated as 8,021won. The adequacy of the sample was excellent for both forceps. CONCLUSIONS: Disposable forceps showed excellent performance. Considering the reprocessing costs of reusable forceps, usage of disposable forceps with a low price should be considered.
Biopsy ; Costs and Cost Analysis ; Disposable Equipment ; Endoscopy ; Humans ; Surgical Instruments

Collagenous colitis is an uncommon condition charaeterized clinically by diarrhea and weight loss and histologically by thickening of the subepithelial collagen band with chromic inflammation. Laboratory tests of blood, urine and stool, and colonscopic findings are usually normal. The etiology of collagenous colitis is unknown. We report a case of collagenous colitis improved after treatment with sulfasalazine with review of literatures.
Colitis, Collagenous* ; Collagen* ; Diarrhea ; Inflammation ; Sulfasalazine ; Weight Loss