BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The nasal epithelium is the first barrier encountered by airborne allergens and an active participant in airway inflammation. Fungi have been increasingly recognized as important pathogens in sinusitis and consists of several allergenic proteins. We hypothesized that fungi induce the release of inflammatory mediators, and tried to find out the mechanism of epithelial cell activation. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The epithelial cells of nasal polyp were obtained from patients and stimulated with Alternaria, Aspergillus, and Cladosporium. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), regulated on activation and normal T expressed and secreted (RANTES) were measured to determine the activation of epithelial cells. Nasal epithelial cell activation was inhibited with serine and cystein protease inhibitors. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for protease-activated receptors (PARs) mRNA expression in nasal epithelial cells were performed. RESULTS: Fungi enhanced the production of chemical mediators from nasal epithelial cells. Serine protease inhibitors inhibited the activation of nasal epithelial cells. When nasal epithelial cells were activated, PAR2 and PAR3 mRNAs were more strongly expressed than non-activated cells. CONCLUSION: Serine proteases in fungi interact with nasal epithelial cells and enhance the production of inflammatory cytokines. PARs might play a role in the process of epithelial cell activation.
Allergens ; Alternaria ; Aspergillus ; Cladosporium ; Colony-Stimulating Factors ; Cytokines ; Epithelial Cells* ; Fungi* ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-8 ; Nasal Mucosa ; Nasal Polyps ; Protease Inhibitors ; Receptors, Proteinase-Activated ; RNA, Messenger ; Serine ; Serine Proteases ; Serine Proteinase Inhibitors ; Sinusitis

Papillary renal cell carcinoma is a histological variant that may be cystic in appearance. This variety has been termed cystadenocarcinoma to distinguish it from a renal cell carcinoma that has been rendered cystic through necrosis and hemorrhage. Because a greater proportion presented as stage I lesion, papillary renal cell carcinoma has been reported to have a better prognosis than renal cell carcinoma in general. We report a case of cystadenocarcinoma of the kidney that was confirmed by surgical exploration.
Carcinoma, Renal Cell ; Cystadenocarcinoma* ; Hemorrhage ; Kidney* ; Necrosis ; Prognosis

We report a case of recurrent subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis with pancytopenia in 21-years-old-woman. She was admitted to our hospital 4-years interval with fever and abdominal pain. Laboratory findings of the last admission showed pancytopenia, such as WBC 700/microliter, hemoglobin 6.0mmol/L (9.7g/dL), hematocrit 28.8%, and platelet 54,000/microliter. Abdominal CT showed hepatosplenomegaly, enlarged conglomerated lymph nodes in splenic hilum, lesser sac, celiac root, and paraaortic areas. Bone marrow biopsy showed hypocellular marrow (20%) with increased number of megakaryocyte, myeloid hyperplasia, and hemophagocytic histiocytes suggesting infectious process. We performed exploratory laparotomy, and pathologic finding revealed subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis-Kikuchi disease-. She was recovered on 26th hospital day with conservative treatment.
Abdominal Pain ; Biopsy ; Blood Platelets ; Bone Marrow ; Fever ; Hematocrit ; Histiocytes ; Histiocytic Necrotizing Lymphadenitis ; Hyperplasia ; Laparotomy ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphadenitis* ; Megakaryocytes ; Pancytopenia* ; Peritoneal Cavity ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the change of clinical characteristics of prostatic cancer after the introduction of PSA (Prostate specific antigen) assay and TRUS (Transrectal ultrasonography), we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 155 patients with prostatic adenocarcinoma who were managed at Seoul National University Hospital from January 1985 to December 1994. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were stratified into 2 groups (Group I: 45pts{1985-1989} and Group II: 110pts{1990-1994}) by the year 1990 when our hospital began to use PSA assay and TRUS to detect prostatic cancer. PSA was measured by monoclonal radioimmunometric assay (ELSA-PSA). Tumor staging consisted of DRE (digital rectal. examination), TRUS, CT, MRI, simple bone X-ray and radionuclide bone scan. Clinical characteristics of 2 groups were compared. RESULT: Proportion of younger pts increased in group II but this was not statistically significant (p>0.05 by chi-square test). Number of pts were annually increasing , especially after the year 1990 when PSA assay and TRUS were introduced into clinical practice. Despite use of PSA and TRUS, the number of clinically localized pts did not differ between 2 groups. There was no difference in distribution of chief complaints between 2 groups. There were 3 pts who were detected by increased PSA alone. CONCLUSION: Prostate cancer incidence is increasing and will substantially increase in the future on the basis of increasing tendency to the old population, improved cancer detection and improved public awareness. More than 70% of pts have metastases or regional extension (Stage C or D). These dismal statistics constitute the main reason for early detection programs in the population at large.
Adenocarcinoma ; Humans ; Incidence ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Medical Records ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neoplasm Staging ; Prostate* ; Prostate-Specific Antigen* ; Prostatic Neoplasms* ; Retrospective Studies ; Seoul

OBJECTIVE: To compare the slip reduction rate and clinical outcomes between unilateral conventional transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (conventional TLIF) and unilateral minimal invasive TLIF (minimal TLIF) with pedicle screw fixation for treatment of one level low-grade symptomatic isthmic spondylolisthesis. METHODS: Between February 2008 and April 2012, 25 patients with low-grade isthmic spondylolisthesis underwent conventional TLIF (12 patients) and minimal TLIF (13 patients) in single university hospital by a single surgeon. Lateral radiographs of lumbar spine were taken 12 months after surgery to analyze the degree of slip reduction and the clinical outcome. All measurements were performed by a single observer. RESULTS: The demographic data between conventional TLIF and minimal TLIF were not different. Slip percentage was reduced from 15.00% to 8.33% in conventional TLIF, and from 14.15% to 9.62% in minimal TLIF. In both groups, slip percentage was significantly improved postoperatively (p=0.002), but no significant intergroup differences of slip percentage in preoperative and postoperative were found. The reduction rate also not different between conventional TLIF (45.41+/-28.80%) and minimal TLIF (32.91+/-32.12%, p=0.318). CONCLUSION: Conventional TLIF and minimal TLIF with pedicle screw fixation showed good slip reduction in patients with one level low-grade symptomatic isthmic spondylolisthesis. The slip percentage and reduction rate were similar in the conventional TLIF and minimal TLIF.
Humans ; Spine ; Spondylolisthesis*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The nasal epithelium is the first barrier encountered by airborne allergens and is an active participant in airway inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the activation mechanism of nasal epithelial cells with Alternaria and the effect of rhinovirus on the Alternaria induced activation of nasal epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured epithelial cells were stimulated by Alternaria with or without rhinovirus-16 (RV-16) infection. Release of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) into culture supernatants were measured to determine the activation of epithelial cells. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) of the epithelial cells were analyzed using western blot analysis. Intracellular NF-kappaB and AP-1 activity were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To determine the epithelial cell activation mechanism, cytokine production was inhibited with NF-kB, AP-1, and mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors. RESULTS: Exposure of epithelial cells to Alternaria enhanced the production of cytokines. Intracellular NF-kB expression and activity were significantly increased by Alternaria, but not by RV-16. AP-1 expression and activity were not influenced by Alternaria. Increased IL-6 production was significantly inhibited by transcription factor inhibitors. However, IL-8 and GM-CSF production were not inhibited by these transcription factor inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Our in-vitro results demonstrate that Alternaria activates nasal polyp epithelial cells via NF-kB pathway and that NF-kB, AP-1, and MAPK are involved in the production of IL-6.
Allergens ; Alternaria ; Blotting, Western ; Cytokines ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Epithelial Cells ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Granulocytes ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-6 ; Interleukin-8 ; Interleukins ; Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Nasal Mucosa ; Nasal Polyps ; NF-kappa B ; Protein Kinases ; Rhinovirus ; Transcription Factor AP-1 ; Transcription Factors

PURPOSE: To evaluate between DHS and ITST nail (2nd generation) on the treatment of unstable femur intertrochanteric fracture in patients over 70 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 61 cases of unstable intertrochanteric fracture (grouped 37 patients with DHS and 24 patients with ITST) who were taken the operation from Mar. 2003 to Sep. 2007 were analysed regarding to union time, sliding length of lag screws, operation time, blood loss, postoperative complications and functional recovery score by Skovron. RESULTS: The mean union time was 14.7 weeks in study group (ITST). The mean union time was 16.2 weeks in control group (DHS). The lag screw slidings were 7.2 mm in study group and 8.7 mm in control group. The operation times were 57.9 min in study group and 76.9 min in control group. The amount of blood loss were 67.7 ml in study group and 227.4 ml in control group. The complications were 4 cases in study group and 4 cases in control group. The Skovron recovery scores were 76.5% in study group and 73.7% in control group. CONCLUSION: From a practical point of short operation time, less amount of bleeding and less complication, author think that the ITST nail is useful implant for treatment of unstable femur intertrochanteric fracture in patient of old age.
Femur ; Hemorrhage ; Hip ; Humans ; Nails ; Postoperative Hemorrhage

The Korean Agricultural Culture Collection (KACC) has developed a web-based system to provide an integrated database with information updates about microbial resources. This integrated database consists of 5 major functions and contains general information, which includes identification numbers, culture media composition, image information, DNA sequences, patent information, and general forms for ordering and depositing microorganisms. In 2008, KACC started providing characterization information. KACC maintains 9,801 cultures of microorganisms, including 3,296 strains of bacteria, 4,734 fungi, 784 actinomycetes, 64 yeasts, and 923 others.
Actinobacteria ; Bacteria ; Base Sequence ; Culture Media ; Fungi ; Yeasts

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of autogenous cancellous bone grafting combined with threaded K-wire fixation for scaphoid nonunions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the 13 patients with scaphoid nonunion, which was follow up at least 12 months from March 1999 to June 2003. According to the Mayo classification, two cases were type P (proximal third), eight cases were type W (waist) and three cases were type D (distal third). According to the Russe classification, eight cases showed horizontal oblique type, another two cases were transverse, and last three belonged to vertical oblique type. We assessed the radiologic bony union, correction of humpback deformity and lateral intrascaphoid angle and degenerative change of radioscaphoid joint, clinical results were evaluated using assessment of Maudsley. RESULTS: Radiologic union was obtained in all cases, mean time of union was 15.4 weeks (13~17.4 weeks), and there was no radiological evidence of postoperative humpback deformity, intercarpal instability, proximal osteonecrosis and degenerative changes. According to assessment of Maudsley, there were 7 excellent cases, 4 good cases, 1 fair case and 1 poor case among these 13 cases. The final clinical results were 11 excellent cases, 2 good case in the aspect of wrist pain and tenderness. All range of motion was satisfactory to patients except 4 cases (3 fair, 1 poor) and every patients could return to work except 1 poor case. CONCLUSION: The surgical treatment using a autogenous cancellous bone grafting combined with threaded K-wire fixation for scaphoid nonunion was a relatively straightforward technique, which provides simplicity, and high union rate.
Bone Transplantation* ; Classification ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joints ; Osteonecrosis ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Return to Work ; Wrist

Background/Objectives: Extra-nodal extension (ENE) is one of the strongest prognosticators in oral cancers. Here we tried to evaluate clinicopathological factors associated with the presence of ENE.Materials & Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical information of 120 patients who diagnosed with oral cancer and received curative surgery at our hospital from Mar 2012 to Apr 2020. We comparatively analyzed clinicopathological factors associated with the presence of lymph node (LN) metastasis and ENE, respectively. Results: Variable factors of primary tumor characteristics such as lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, largest diameter of tumor, depth of invasion and maximum standardized uptake value were significantly associated with the presence of cervical LN metastasis. The largest diameter of tumor was statistically significant also in multivariate analysis for predicting the LN metastasis. Meanwhile, the association between primary tumor characteristics and the presence of ENE were not statistically significant except the primary tumor size. Importantly, factors associated with LN characteristics including the maximum diameter and number of metastatic LNs were significantly associated with ENE. Conclusion In this study, several factors affecting cervical LN metastasis and ENE in oral cancer patients were identified. The ENE seems to be influenced by the status of the metastatic LNs, such as the number of metastatic LNs, rather than the characteristics of the primary tumor itself.