During tumor progression, a subset of cells acquires metastatic properties, presumably through a series of genetic alterations. As the result, cells detach from the primary tumor, penetrate the basement membrane and invade the adjacent structures including lymph and blood vessels. Loss of adhesive functions and gain of new adhesive functions are thought to play a crucial role in this metastatic cascade. Since tumor metastasis is the principle cause of death for cancer patients including colon cancer, there is a consensus that a search for tools that allow effective assessment of the metastatic potential of tumors is a prime goal for cancer research. An immunohistochemical study of cell adhesion molecules, CD44H and its variant CD44v6, was done to evaluate their relationship with known prognostic factors related to the progression and metastasis of colorectal carcinoma in 94 cases of colorectal carcinoma tissues. The results were as follows. The CD44H expression was detected in 90 (95.7%) and CD44v6 in 53 (56.4%) out of 94 cases of colorectal carcinoma, and the CD44H was overexpressed in tumor tissue more than in normal mucosa in 62% of the cases. The expression rates of both protein were not significantly correlated with age and sex of the patients, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, tumor differentiation, and tumor site. The coexpression of CD44H and CD44v6 in tumor was significant (p<0.05). The above results suggest that overexpression of CD44H and loss of function to control the alternative splicing of CD44 mRNA resulting in CD44v6 expression and alteration of adhesive function are closely associated with tumorigenesis of the colorectum.
Adhesives ; Alternative Splicing ; Basement Membrane ; Blood Vessels ; Carcinogenesis ; Cause of Death ; Cell Adhesion Molecules* ; Cell Adhesion* ; Colonic Neoplasms ; Colorectal Neoplasms* ; Consensus ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Mucous Membrane ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prognosis ; RNA, Messenger

No abstract available.
Cytogenetics*

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to examine the relationships between the recurrence of pneumothorax with demographic and health-related risk factors. METHODS: Demographic factors (age and gender) and health-related risk factors (Body Mass Index, smoking, exercise, stress, fatigue, and morbidity from colds) were measured from 60 patients admitted to two acute care institutions due to pneumothorax. RESULTS: The study results showed significant differences in factors such as height and minutes of performing exercise per week, between the first occurrence and recurrence groups. However, other risk factors did not show significant differences between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Prevention of recurrences is important for the treatment and management of pneumothorax. More studies are required to accumulate empirical evidence for health-related risk factors and pneumothorax recurrence, as the relationship between all factors and recurrence were not obtained by the study results.
Demography ; Fatigue ; Humans ; Pneumothorax ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking

No abstract available.
Polycythemia*

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is an unusual intrathoracic blastoma presenting in childhood and characterized by a biphasic neoplastic population of undifferentiated, small round blastemal cells and larger spindle-shaped sarcomatous cells with entrapped benign epithelial-lined structures. We experienced the cytologic features of PPB in imprint smear from the pleural-based huge mass of the middle lobe of the right lung in a 4-year-old boy. The smears showed high cellularity composed of small ovoid blastemal elements and scattered spindle mesenchymal tumor cells. Lobectomy and pathologic investigation confirmed the diagnosis. PPB seems to be a tumor in which accurate diagnosis may be achieved by cytology if appropriate clinical information were given. Timely and accurate diagnosis of PPB by cytology paves the way for attempting preoperative treatment in future cases.
Child, Preschool ; Diagnosis ; Humans ; Lung ; Male

BACKGROUND: Pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) often results in increased capillary permeability and accumulation of excess total body water, which can lead to multiple organ dysfunctions. Recently, modified ultrafiltration (MUF) has been used during pediatric cardiac surgery to limit various deleterious effects of CPB. We investigated the effects of MUF on lung compliance and gas exchange in pediatric open heart operations. METHODS: Fifteen pediatric open heart surgery patients were evaluated. Lung compliance (dynamic compliance), arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), arterial to end-tidal carbon dioxide tension difference (Pa-ETCO2), systolic blood pressure (SBP), heart rate, and hematocrit (Hct) were measured. Measurements were made after induction of anesthesia, after CPB, after MUF and after sternal closure. RESULTS: Lung compliance, PaO2, SBP and Hct increased significantly after MUF compared to after CPB. After sternal closure, lung compliance decreased significantly from the value following MUF. PaO2, SBP, Hct decreased significantly after CPB compared to the values obtained after induction of anesthesia. Pa-ETCO2 and heart rate did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Modified ultrafiltration increases lung compliance, PaO2, SBP and Hct. MUF is an excellent option for improving cardiopulmonary function immediately following pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass.
Anesthesia ; Blood Pressure ; Body Water ; Capillary Permeability ; Carbon Dioxide ; Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; Heart ; Heart Rate ; Hematocrit ; Humans ; Lung Compliance* ; Lung* ; Oxygen ; Thoracic Surgery* ; Ultrafiltration*