Diagnosis of a thymic carcinoid was made on transthoracic fine needle aspiration in a 36-year old woman who had an anterior mediastinal mass on chest X-ray and CT scan. The aspiration smears showed numerous anastomosing ribbons and cords of small round tumor cells. The tumor cells had slightly eccentric nuclei and some granular cytoplasm. The small and uniform nuclei of the tumor cells had finely granular chromatin and thin nuclear membrane. The cytologic diagnosis of a carcinoid was confirmed on histopathologic, immunohistochemical, and electromicroscopic examination of surgical specimen.
Adult ; Alleles* ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Carcinoid Tumor ; Carotid Body ; Child* ; Chromatin ; Cytoplasm ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A* ; Nuclear Envelope ; Paraganglioma ; Thorax ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Renal transplantation is now a well established mode of optimal therapy for children with end-stage renal disease. A total of 119 pediatric renal transplantations were performed during last 20 years but 6 cases (early 3 cases treated with azathioprine and most recent 3 cases) were excluded for this study. A total of 113 pediatric renal transplants out of total 1,906 kidney transplantation recipients receiving cyclosporine A and low dose prednisone as the main immunosuppressive agent were the subjects of this study to find out the risk factors which might influence the pediatric renal allograft survival in a single center. When the potential donor was living related, at least the HLA 1-haplotype matched relative was selected, but, when unrelated, at least DR-1/2 or A+B 2/4 matching was required for selection. Living related donation from parent, brothers, sisters (n=82), and unrelated donation (n=31) through the swap program or from fully motivated healthy volunteers were the major source of kidney for allograft. The mean age of the recipient was 14.1 years ranging from ages 2.1 to 19.9. During a mean follow-up of 68.1 months, there were 21 cases of graft loss, and 3 recipient deaths. The major causes of graft loss were acute and/or chronic rejection, poor compliance and patients death. The 1-, 3- and 5-year graft survival were 94.6%, 88.9% and 79.2% respectively. There was no significant difference between children and adult in graft survival rate. No significant graft survival difference between the related and unrelated donors (73.3 vs 77.2% at 5-year, p>0.05) was found. The significant risk factors for the outcome were the ABO compatibility (p=0.0001) and development of more than 1 episode of acute rejection within 6 month (p=0.01) and 1 year (p=0.0016). Graft survival decreased with increasing number of rejection episode within 6 month (p=0.009) and 1 year (p=0.002). Other factors such as recipients age, original kidney diseases, type and duration of dialysis before transplantation, combined native kidney removals did not influence the outcome of graft. And because of presence of only 2 cadaveric donor in this analysis, we could not demonstrate any benefit of living donor transplantation. In conclusion, pediatric renal transplantation in at least older children (>5 years) is encouraging. The outcome of pre- emptive renal transplantation is also promising. More aggressive ABO matching and effort for reducing the rejection episode within 6 months and 1 year might be important factors for the successful outcome of pediatric renal transplantation. So development and application of more effective immunosuppressive agents such as mycophenolate mofetil or rapamycin to reduce the rejection episodes is to be needed in near future.
Adult ; Allografts* ; Azathioprine ; Cadaver ; Child ; Compliance ; Cyclosporine* ; Dialysis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Graft Survival ; Healthy Volunteers ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Kidney ; Kidney Diseases ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Kidney Transplantation ; Living Donors ; Parents ; Prednisone ; Risk Factors* ; Siblings ; Sirolimus ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants ; Unrelated Donors

OBJECTIVE: We intended to know how the cryoprotectant ethylene glycol (EG) would affect the outcome of the embryo development when used in slow freezing method. And to know if there is any difference in the outcome of frozen-thawed embryos according to freezing methods and the timing. METHODS: We used 5-6 weeks old ICR female mice and T6 containing 0.4% BSA for basic culture media. The embryos at the developmental stages of 1-cell, 8-cell and blastocyst were cryopreserved respectively by slow freezing method using EG, propylene glycol (PROH), and glycerol as a cryoprotectant. We also compared the results of slow freezing and vitrification methods with the same cryoprotectant, EG. And finally, we evaluated the quality of blastocysts by counting the cell numbers in each group. RESULTS: The post-thaw embryo development were better in EG group when they were frozen at 1-cell and blastocyst stage (P<0.05). Although there were no differences in the recovery rate, the survival rate in vitrification group was significantly higher (P<0.05). Post-thaw embryo development to morula and blastocyst were better in vitrification group when frozen at 1-cell embryo (P<0.05), not at 8-cell and blastocyst group. The cell counts of blastocyst derived from 1-cell stage frozen EG group were significantly increased than that of PROH-glycerol groups (P<0.05), however, there was no difference between the two freezing methods. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EG may be advantageous comparing with the conventional cryoprotectants, PROH and glycerol in slow freezing method for mouse embryo cryopreservation. In terms of freezing method, vitrification is better than slow freezing.
Animals ; Blastocyst ; Cell Count ; Cryopreservation ; Culture Media ; Embryonic Development ; Embryonic Structures* ; Ethylene Glycol* ; Female ; Freezing* ; Glycerol ; Humans ; Mice* ; Morula ; Pregnancy ; Propylene Glycol ; Survival Rate ; Vitrification

Oncogenic osteomalacia is a syndrome characterized by phosphaturia, hypophosphatemia, decreased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D level and specific signs and symptoms of osteomalacia. It is associated with the presence of neoplasm originated from mesenchyme. Until now, less than 100 cases of oncogenic osteomalacia have been reported. The pathophysiology of oncogenic osteomalacia has not been fully understood, but it has been suggested that a certain substance released by tumor may inhibit not only la-hydroxylase activity and reduce 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D level in part, but directly inhibit reabsorption of phosphate. And then, reduced phosphaturia, hypophosphatemia and eventually osteomalacia develop. We report a case of osteosarcoma induced oncogenic osteomalacia detected by MRI in 59 year old woman.
Female ; Humans ; Hypophosphatemia ; Hypophosphatemia, Familial ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Mesoderm ; Middle Aged ; Osteomalacia* ; Osteosarcoma*

PURPOSE: To determine the postnatal changes in aldosterone action on the renal tubular reabsorption in low birth weight(LBW) infants, we assessed the relation of the aldosterone concentrations to renal parameters during the first 10 days of life. METHODS: Twenty LBW infants were evaluated and their gestational ages ranged from 32.4 to 39.3 weeks and their birth weights ranged from 1,440 to 2,500 g. Estimated glomerular filtration rate, fractional excretion of sodium(FENa) and potassium(FEK), and plasma aldosterone concentrations were analyzed according to the postnatal age and the conceptional age(CA). RESULTS: Glomerular functions were improved after birth and were correlated with CA. FENa and FEK decreased after birth and correlated with CA. Plasma aldosterone concentrations increased to 318.6 +/- 147.2 ng/dL at 48 hours and then decreased to 162.0 +/- 72.2 ng/dL at 10 days after birth. Plasma aldosterone concentrations of infants less than 38th week of CA were higher than that of infants more than 38th week. There was a significant negative correlation coefficient between plasma aldosterone concentrations and FENa in infants more than 34th week of CA, but not in that of less than 34th week. CONCLUSIONS: LBW infants have higher plasma aldosterone concentrations, but a poor correlation between plasma aldosterone concentration and urinary sodium excretion for the first few days of life and in lower chronologic aged infants. These results show that the renal tubule reabsorption of sodium is less responsive to plasma aldosterone in these infants and, therefore, the careful management of fluid and electrolyte balance is mandatory.
Aldosterone* ; Birth Weight ; Gestational Age ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Infant* ; Infant, Low Birth Weight* ; Infant, Newborn ; Parturition ; Plasma ; Sodium ; Water-Electrolyte Balance

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of using a poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) sheet seeded with autologous muscle-derived stem cells as a bladder substitute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Muscle-derived stem cells were isolated from the gastrocnemius muscle of 9 female Sprague-Dawley rats using a preplate technique, and cultured on a 5x5mm PCL sheet. The sheets were implanted into the mesentery of the rats in an autologous manner. Three rats were sacrificed 2, 4 and 8 weeks after implantation, and the morphological changes were assessed by H&E and immunofluorescence staining including DAPI, myosin heavy chain (MHC) and choline acetyl transferase (CAT). RESULTS: All the rats survived for the scheduled time. A mild inflammatory reaction was observed around the PCL sheet in the postoperative 2-week specimen but this receded with time. Muscle cells on the sheet were observed over the experimental period. The 8-week specimen showed a moderate amount of muscle cells on the sheet, and MHC and CAT immunofluorescence staining showed a positive reaction. The muscle layer was not well organized. Angiogenesis was quite noticable between the sheet and the muscle cells on the 8-week specimen. CONCLUSIONS: A PCL sheet seeded with autologous muscle-derived stem cells showed skeletal muscle differentiation on the sheets 8 weeks after mesenteric implantation in an autologous manner. This suggests the feasibility of using a PCL sheet seeded with autologous muscle-derived stem cell as a bladder substitute.
Animals ; Atrophy ; Cats ; Choline ; Female ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Humans ; Mesentery ; Muscle Cells ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Myosin Heavy Chains ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Regeneration* ; Stem Cells* ; Transferases ; Urinary Bladder*

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the changes of trace element levels in hair of patients with rheumatoid arthritis after bucillamine treatment. METHODS: We performed inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in determination of trace element levels in hair of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. RESULTS: The results were as follows: 1) There was a significant increase of copper concentration, but no change in zinc level after bucillamine treatment. 2) There were no significant changes in copper and zinc concentrations between the proximal and distal portions of hair after long-term bucillamine treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed the significant increase of copper level and no significant change of zinc level in hair after bucillamine treatment, but, although statistically not significant, copper and zinc levels were decreased on experiment with divided hair. So, our findings do not permit any conclusion on the influence of bucillamine on trace element levels in hair. Further studies in large samples and comparison with the effect of D-penicillamine will be necessary to clarify the association of trace element levels in hair of rheumatoid arthritis patients and bucillamine treatment.
Arthritis, Rheumatoid* ; Copper ; Hair* ; Humans ; Penicillamine ; Plasma ; Spectrum Analysis ; Zinc

OBJECTIVE: It has previously been shown that cellular interaction between infiltrating mononuclear cells and synoviocyte are important in the initiation and perpetuation of autoimmune processes in the synovial tissue of patients with rheuamtoid arthritis. Thus, we have investigated the molecular basis of T cell-synovial cell interaction in the cultured synoviocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. METHODS: Using an immunohistochemical staining technique and inhibition study with monoclonal antibody, we studied the expression and the function of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) in T cell-synovial cell interaction in the cultured synoviocytes. RESULTS: Expression of ICAM-1 was diffusely observed in most components of rheumatoid synovium and readily up-regulated by IL-1. T cell-synovial cell interaction was inhibited by monoclehal antibody aganinst ICAM-1. CONCLUSION: These results showed that ICAM-1 was involed in the cellular interaction between T lymphocytes and synovial cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Arthritis ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid* ; Cell Adhesion* ; Cell Communication ; Humans ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; Interleukin-1 ; Synovial Membrane ; T-Lymphocytes

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary embolism is associated with varying degrees of pulmonary vascular obstruction. This study was undertaken to establish whether the extent of perfusion defect in lung scintigraphy can be predicted from analysis of echocardiographic measurements in patients with pulmonary embolism. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 28 patients who presented with clinical evidence of pulmonary embolism. In order to compare the extent of perfusion defect in lung scintigraphy, we devised a scoring system (echocardiographic severity index, ESI) for various echocardiographic parameters, which include right ventricle size, area, shape, systolic function, and pulmonary artery pressure. [ESI=sum of scores/number of parameters measured]. RESULTS: The mean values (+/-SD) of each parameter were as follow; right ventricular end-diastolic dimension (RVedD), 34.5+/-5.7 mm; LVedD, 40.9+/-5.2 mm; ratio of RVedD to LVedD, 0.87+/-0.2; right ventricular end-diastolic area (RVedA), 24.7+/-9.5 cm2; right ventricular end-systolic area (RVesA), 17.8+/-7.8 cm2; fractional area change, 28.8+/-9.7%; angle between IVS and RV, 96.0+/-14.8degrees; RV hypokinesia, absence or mild in 29%, moderate in 50%, severe in 21%; TR grade, absence or mild in 25%, moderate in 43%, severe in 32%; pulmonary artery systolic pressure, <30 mmHg in 21%, 30 to 50 mmHg in 68%, >50 mmHg 11% of patients. The echocardiographic severity index (ESI) in patients with pulmonary embolism was 0.52+/-0.24, and the perfusion defect score was 0.21+/-0.14. There was a close correlation between the ESI and the extent of perfusion defect (r=0.622, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The echocardiographic severity index may reflect the extent of the perfusion defects in patients with pulmonary embolism, therefore it is potentially applicable in clinical practice for evaluating patients with pulmonary embolism and furthermore in their follow-up over a period of time.
Blood Pressure ; Echocardiography* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Ventricles ; Humans ; Hypokinesia ; Lung ; Perfusion ; Pulmonary Artery ; Pulmonary Embolism* ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Retrospective Studies