Schwannoma is a benign encapsulated nerve sheath tumor and is histologically characterized by a mixture of Antoni type A and B tissue. A preoperative diagnosis of schwannoma by fine needle aspiration cytology or by any other means is important to preserve clinically important nerves. Therefore, it is necessary to make a specific cytological diagnosis of nerve sheath tumor. However, there are a few reports regarding cytological features of schwannoma in Korea. We experienced seven cases of solitary schwannoma and here we report their characteristic cytological features with a review of literatures. The characteristic features of schwannoma on cytology were the presence of both Antoni type A and B tissue. The cytologic findings common to all cases of schwannoma generally corresponded to the histologic findings of Antoni type A tissue, consisting of fragments of tightly cohesive fascicles with variable cellularity. Dense fibrillary substances were found, along with palisading nuclei and Verocay bodies. Individual tumor cells consisted of cohesive cells having spindle or oval nuclei, with pointed ends and indistinct cell borders. Variation in nuclear size and shape was also present. The Antoni type B consisted of scattered wavy or short spindle cells and some histiocytes and lymphocytes in the abundant myxoid background with formation of microcysts. Immunohistochemistry for S-100 protein revealed a uniformly strong positive reaction and was helpful to make more accurate diagnosis of schwannoma.
Hemangioma

PURPOSE: To determine optimal window settings for measuring the inner diameter of the trachea and both mainbronchi by spiral CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chest PA radiography and spiral CT scanning were performed in ten healthy adult volunteers. Three dimensional images were reconstructed (minimal threshold value : -1000HU ; maximal threshold value : from -200 to -900HU, of 50HU intervals) to measure the inner diameter of the trachea and both main bronchi. The results of 3D spiral CT were compared with those of chest radiography. RESULTS: The inner diameters of the trachea, right main bronchus, left main bronchus-I (1cm below the tracheal carina) and left mainbronchus-II (2cm below the tracheal carina) measured by chest radiograph and 3D spiral CT were not significantly different at maximal threshold values of -400 ~ -550HU, -450 ~ -550HU, -450 ~ -600HU and -500 ~ -600HU, respectively (p>0.05). The differences in the results of the two series were statistically significant at other threshold values however (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We determined optimal window settings for measuring the inner diameter of the trachea and both main bronchi by spiral CT. The optimal maximal threshold values were somewhat different according to measured sites of the trachea and both main bronchi.
Adult ; Bronchi ; Humans ; Radiography ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Thorax ; Tomography, Spiral Computed* ; Trachea ; Volunteers

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted in order to develop the Korean version of the Reasons for Living Inventory for Adolescents (KRFL-A) and to investigate the reliability and validity of the KRFL-A. METHODS: The KRFL-A, Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) and Adolescent Suicide Questionnaire (ASQ) were administered to 720 first grade high school students. We examined the test-retest reliability, internal consistency of KRFL-A, and performed factor analysis. We also evaluated the correlation between KRFL-A and other scales, and the discrimination validity of KRFL-A between suicide attempt and non-attempt groups. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability, item-total correlation and internal consistency were all reliable. From factor analysis, three factors were extracted. The KRFL-A showed negative correlation with SSI and BHS scales. In addition, it could discriminate the suicide attempter group from the non-attempter group. CONCLUSION: The Korean version of the Reasons for Living Inventory was found to be reliable and valid for use in assessing the risk of suicide in adolescents.
Adolescent* ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Humans ; Reproducibility of Results* ; Suicidal Ideation ; Suicide ; Weights and Measures ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Doenjang, Korean traditional fermented soybean paste has been reported to have an anti-obesity effect. Because adipose tissue is considered a major source of inflammatory signals, we investigated the protective effects of Doenjang and steamed soybean on oxidative stress and inflammation in adipose tissue of diet-induced obese mice. MATERIALS/METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a low fat diet (LF), a high-fat diet (HF), or a high-fat containing Doenjang diet (DJ) or a high-fat containing steamed soybean diet (SS) for 11 weeks. RESULTS: Mice fed a DJ diet showed significantly lower body and adipose tissue weights than those in the HF group. Although no significant differences in adipocyte size and number were observed among the HF diet-fed groups, consumption of Doenjang alleviated the incidence of crown-like structures in adipose tissue. Consistently, we observed significantly reduced mRNA levels of oxidative stress markers (heme oxygenase-1 and p40phox), pro-inflammatory adipokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha and macrophage chemoattractant protein-1), macrophage markers (CD68 and CD11c), and a fibrosis marker (transforming growth factor beta 1) by Doenjang consumption. Gene expression of anti-inflammatory adipokine, adiponectin was significantly induced in the DJ group and the SS group compared to the HF group. The anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory effects observed in mice fed an SS diet were not as effective as those in mice fed a DJ diet, suggesting that the bioactive compounds produced during fermentation and aging may be involved in the observed health-beneficial effects of Doenjang. CONCLUSIONS: Doenjang alleviated oxidative stress and restored the dysregulated expression of adipokine genes caused by excess adiposity. Therefore, Doenjang may ameliorate systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in obesity via inhibition of inflammatory signals of adipose tissue.
Adipocytes ; Adipokines ; Adiponectin ; Adipose Tissue* ; Adiposity ; Aging ; Animals ; Diet ; Diet, High-Fat* ; Fermentation ; Fibrosis ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Incidence ; Inflammation* ; Macrophages ; Male ; Mice* ; Mice, Obese ; Necrosis ; Obesity ; Oxidative Stress* ; RNA, Messenger ; Soybeans* ; Steam ; Weights and Measures

PURPOSE: Toxicity of mucosa is one of the major concerns of radiotherapy (RT), when a target tumor is located near a mucosal lined organ. Energy of photon RT is transferred primarily by secondary electrons. If these secondary electrons could be removed in an internal cavity of mucosal lined organ, the mucosa will be spared without compromising the target tumor dose. The purpose of this study was to present a RT dose reduction in near target inner-surface (NTIS) of internal cavity, using Lorentz force of magnetic field. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue equivalent phantoms, composed with a cylinder shaped internal cavity, and adjacent a target tumor part, were developed. The phantoms were irradiated using 6 MV photon beam, with or without 0.3 T of perpendicular magnetic field. Two experimental models were developed: single beam model (SBM) to analyze central axis dose distributions and multiple beam model (MBM) to simulate a clinical case of prostate cancer with rectum. RT dose of NTIS of internal cavity and target tumor area (TTA) were measured. RESULTS: With magnetic field applied, bending effect of dose distribution was visualized. The depth dose distribution of SBM showed 28.1% dose reduction of NTIS and little difference in dose of TTA with magnetic field. In MBM, cross-sectional dose of NTIS was reduced by 33.1% with magnetic field, while TTA dose were the same, irrespective of magnetic field. CONCLUSION: RT dose of mucosal lined organ, located near treatment target, could be modulated by perpendicular magnetic field.
Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Magnetic Fields* ; Models, Theoretical ; Mucous Membrane ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Radiation Injuries ; Radiotherapy* ; Rectum

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of vege-powder (VP), mainly consisted of chicory, broccoli, and whole grains, on bowel habit improvement and constipation alleviation. METHODS: Using the Roman standard II, 96 male and female subjects in their twenties with constipation symptoms were divided into a control group or VP group. Subjects in a control group were supplied with rice flakes-powder (RFP) and subjects in the VP group were provided with 30 g of VP twice daily for 4 weeks. Constipation relief effectiveness was surveyed on 5-point Likert scales depending on stool hardness, amount of stool, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and straining to defecate at day 0, 14, and 28 of RFP or VP intake. RESULTS: Repeated measures analysis of variance analysis revealed that VP intake caused significant temporal changes in stool hardness, amount, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and straining to defecate. In addition, significant differences between control and VP groups were found in stool hardness, amount, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and straining to defecate at day 14 and 28 of experimental diet consumption. VP supplement for 2 weeks significantly increased the evacuation frequency (1.04 +/- 0.71), compared to control group (0.41 +/- 0.64) and this increase was maintained at 4 week of diet supplements. CONCLUSIONS: This result showed that constipated subjects who consumed VP, mainly consisting of chicory, broccoli, and whole grains, improved constipation symptoms at 2 and 4 weeks of consumption compared to those of control group who were provided with RFP.
Brassica ; Edible Grain* ; Chicory ; Constipation ; Defecation* ; Diet ; Dietary Fiber* ; Female ; Hardness ; Humans ; Male ; Sensation ; Vegetables* ; Weights and Measures ; Young Adult*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of customer experience management on nursing service satisfaction of cancer patients and their intent to revisit the hospital and also to identify empathy ability of oncology nurses. METHODS: Participants were 376 cancer patients and 190 oncology nurses from a tertiary hospital in Korea. Cancer patients' satisfaction with nursing care and intent to continue using the hospital were measured and empathy of oncology nurses was measured using Empathy Construct Rating Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, χ² test, t-test, one-way ANOVA and stepwise multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction with nursing care and intent to continue using the hospital were higher in patients who received the customer experience management program than those who did not. Oncology nurses' ability to empathize was high. Clinical career, participate in customer experience management and education level together explained 20% of variance in empathy ability of oncology nurses. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study confirm that customer experience management affects patient satisfaction with nursing service and intent to continue using the hospital. Further research is necessary to reaffirm the empathy ability of the oncology nurses and to identify the related various factors.
Education ; Empathy ; Humans ; Korea ; Nursing Care ; Nursing Services ; Patient Satisfaction ; Tertiary Care Centers

BACKGROUND: The transfer of vancomycin resistance from vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) to Staphylococcus aureus has been predicted. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and antibiotics resistance of S. aureus among patients colonized with VRE. METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2001, a prospective study was performed at Pusan National University Hospital on 27 patients. Surveillance swabs from nasal cavity, axilla, perineum, and rectum were obtained at weekly intervals. Methicillin susceptability of S. aureus was determined by oxacillin disk diffusion test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for vancomycin by microdilution broth test. RESULTS: Total of 292 swab cultures were performed and 67 S. aureus isolates were collected. 64 isolates (95.5%) were resistant to methicillin. The prevalence of nasal MRSA carrier in 19 patients colonized with VRE was higher than that in 8 patients not colonized with VRE (58% vs. 37.5%). In 64 MRSA isolates, MIC (microgram/mL) for vancomycin ranged from 0.5 to 2. No isolates with MIC >2 microgram/mL were observed. MIC of 1 microgram/mL was shown (observed) in 54 isolates, 2 microgram/mL in 6 isolates, and 0.5 microgram/mL in 4 isolates. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of S. aureus with colonization of VRE is higher than that without colonization of VRE. Most of S. aureus isolates were resistant to methicillin. VRSA isolates were not observed.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Axilla ; Busan ; Colon ; Diffusion ; Enterococcus* ; Humans ; Methicillin ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Nasal Cavity ; Oxacillin ; Perineum ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Rectum ; Staphylococcus aureus* ; Staphylococcus* ; Vancomycin Resistance ; Vancomycin*

BACKGROUND: The transfer of vancomycin resistance from vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) to Staphylococcus aureus has been predicted. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence and antibiotics resistance of S. aureus among patients colonized with VRE. METHODS: Between January 2001 and December 2001, a prospective study was performed at Pusan National University Hospital on 27 patients. Surveillance swabs from nasal cavity, axilla, perineum, and rectum were obtained at weekly intervals. Methicillin susceptability of S. aureus was determined by oxacillin disk diffusion test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for vancomycin by microdilution broth test. RESULTS: Total of 292 swab cultures were performed and 67 S. aureus isolates were collected. 64 isolates (95.5%) were resistant to methicillin. The prevalence of nasal MRSA carrier in 19 patients colonized with VRE was higher than that in 8 patients not colonized with VRE (58% vs. 37.5%). In 64 MRSA isolates, MIC (microgram/mL) for vancomycin ranged from 0.5 to 2. No isolates with MIC >2 microgram/mL were observed. MIC of 1 microgram/mL was shown (observed) in 54 isolates, 2 microgram/mL in 6 isolates, and 0.5 microgram/mL in 4 isolates. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of S. aureus with colonization of VRE is higher than that without colonization of VRE. Most of S. aureus isolates were resistant to methicillin. VRSA isolates were not observed.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Axilla ; Busan ; Colon ; Diffusion ; Enterococcus* ; Humans ; Methicillin ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Nasal Cavity ; Oxacillin ; Perineum ; Prevalence ; Prospective Studies ; Rectum ; Staphylococcus aureus* ; Staphylococcus* ; Vancomycin Resistance ; Vancomycin*

Nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism is a very rare cause of congenital hyperthyroidism that is usually caused by an activating mutation in the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) gene. In this report, we describe a case of nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism in a patient with TSHR mutation. Our patient was the younger of a set of twins born at 36 weeks and 6 days of gestation. The patient was noted to be more irritable than the older twin at 80 days of age, and the mother was taking methimazole for Graves’ disease that had been diagnosed 12 years prior. Therefore, a thyroid function test was conducted for the patient. The results revealed subclinical hyperthyroidism, and tests of antithyroglobulin antibody, antithyroid peroxidase antibody, and anti-thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor antibody were all negative. During follow-up, at around 4 months of age, free T4 increased to 2.89 ng/dL, and TSH was still low at 0.01 μIU/mL; therefore, 3 mg/day of methimazole was initiated. Whole-exome sequencing showed a heterozygous variant of c.1800C>T (p.Ala627Val) in the TSHR gene. Testing in the family confirmed an identical variant in the patient's mother, leading to diagnosis of familial nonautoimmune hyperthyroidism inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. This is the second report of A627V confirmed as a germline variant.