Intussusception is rare in adult and usually caused by organic lesions, although there is a singnificant numbeof so-called idiopathic cases. The diagnosis of intussusception have been made by pali abdomen, barium enema andsmall bowel series. But recently ultrasound and CT make a contribution to diagnose intussusception. CT is not theprimary means for evaluation a gastrointestinal tract abnormality but also provides yaluable informations inevaluating disorders affecting the hollow viscera of the alimentary tract. CT image of intussusception demonstratea whirl like pattern of bowel loops separated by fatty stripe correlating to the intestinal walls. Abdominal ultrasonogram was used as the initial diagnostic test in 2 cases out of total 4 cases, with abdominal mass ofunknown cause. It revealed a typical pattern, composed of a round or oval mass with central dense echoes andperipheral poor echoes. We report 4 all cases of intussusception in adult who were performed by CT and/orultrasound. All cases were correlated with barium enema examination and/or surgical reports.
Abdomen ; Adult ; Barium ; Diagnosis ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; Enema ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Intussusception ; Ultrasonography ; Viscera

PURPOSE: Idoxifene is currently entering phase II clinical trials for the treatment of advanced breast cancer. The radiolabeled idoxifene using 123I provides an opportunity for clinical pharmacology with single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). The purpose of this study was to prepare radiolabeled idoxifene using 123I and to determine its cell uptake of breast cancer cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With a view to evaluating new anticancer drugs, we are investigating the novel antiestrogen pyrrolidino- 4-iodotamoxifen (idoxifene). [123I]Idoxifene has been prepared in no-carrier-added form using a tributyl stannylated precursor which has been synthesized by means of (2-chloroethoxy)benzene with (+/-)-2- phenylbutanoic acid on the basis of previously reported standard methods. The biodistribution and dynamic behavior of the compound were investigated using the comparative breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 (estrogen receptor-positive) and MDA-MB-468 (non-estrogen receptor). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Acylation of (2-chloroethoxy)benzene with (+/-)-2-phenylbutanoic acid gave the versatile ketone (81%) which reacted with 1,4-diiodobenzene to give triphenylethylene as a mixture of E and Z geometric isomers, which were separated by the recrystallization in ethanol. The E-isomer was treated with pyrrolidine to give idoxifene (67%). In order to incorporate radioactive iodine into the 4-position, the 4-stannylated precursor was prepared (30%). The yield of radioiodination was 90-92% with a high radiochemical purity greater than 98%. The ratio of tumor uptake of the breast cancer cell line between MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468 was about 1.7.
Acylation ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Cell Line ; Estrogen Receptor Modulators ; Ethanol ; Iodine ; Pharmacology, Clinical ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Damage in the auditory sensory epithelia is irreversible and the resulting hearing loss is permanent in mammals. Nevertheless, mammals like birds can recover their auditory function anatomically and physiologically after the sensorineural hearing loss. One of the functions of a receptor tyrosine kinase is to controll the cellular metabolisms like motility, growth, differentiation, regeneration, and ion transport via various pathways. There are no reports on the distribution of receptor tyrosine kinases in the guinea pig cochlea. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the expression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and transforming growth factor receptor (TGFR-beta, type II ) in the cochlear sensory epithelia of guinea pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the immunoreactivity and functional roles of the receptor tyrosine kinases-FGFR and TGFR-beta (type II) - by using surface preparation technique in the cochlea of the Preyer's positive, pigmented guinea pig. RESULTS: The results showed that receptor tyrosine kinases were expressed in the cytoplasm of Deiter's and Hensen's cells to FGFR and TGFR-beta (type II), and the stereocillia of inner and outer hair cells to FGFR by surface preparation technique. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in the cellular growth, differentiation and regeneration in the cochlear supporting cells, and ion transport in the hair cells of the mammals. We found that receptor tyrone kinases are not related to outer hair cells participating in the PLCgamma1-IP3 second messenger system.
Animals ; Birds ; Cochlea* ; Cytoplasm ; Guinea Pigs* ; Guinea* ; Hair ; Hearing Loss ; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural ; Ion Transport ; Mammals ; Phosphotransferases* ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor ; Regeneration ; Second Messenger Systems ; Signal Transduction ; Transforming Growth Factors ; Tyrosine*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The endolymph produced from cochlear lateral wall regulates fluid balance and maintains positive endocochlear potentials. Although many immunohistochemical studies on ion transport enzymes have been reported, their mechanisms are still not completely understood. And there are no reports on the distribution of receptor tyrosine kinases in the cochlear lateral wall of the guinea pig. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the expression of the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) and transforming growth factor receptor-beta (TGFR-beta, type II) in the lateral wall of the guinea pig cochlea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the immunohistochemical localization of the receptor tyrosine kinases (FGFR, TGFR-beta) in the lateral wall of the Preyer's positive, pigmented guinea pig. RESULTS: The results showed that receptor tyrosine kinases were expressed in the cytoplasm of the marginal cells, intermediate cells in the stria vascularis, and type II, III, IV, and V fibrocytes, but not the basal cells and type I fibrocytes, in the lateral wall of the guinea pig. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that receptor tyrosine kinases are involved in the various ion transports and that they participate in the PLC-IP(3) second messenger system.
Animals ; Cochlea ; Cytoplasm ; Endolymph ; Guinea Pigs* ; Guinea* ; Ion Transport ; Phosphotransferases ; Receptors, Fibroblast Growth Factor ; Second Messenger Systems ; Signal Transduction ; Stria Vascularis ; Transforming Growth Factors ; Tyrosine ; Water-Electrolyte Balance

OBJECTIVES: Due to the heterogeneous receptor distribution and changes of receptor status over time, the biochemical measurement of estrogen receptor status of biopsy specimens is not sufficient to diagnose breast cancer. As a result, I-123 labeled estradiols have been applied for the diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to develop a suitable radioligand for imaging estrogen receptor-positive human breast tumors. METHODS: Among the various estradiol derivatives, 17alpha-[123I]iodovinyl estradiol ([123I]IVE) has been prepared from 17alpha-ethynyl estradiol. Labeling of E-17alpha-[123I]iodovinyl estradiol (E-[123I]IVE) was carried out using peracetic acid with [123I]NaI and Z-[123I]IVE labelling was archived using chloamine- T/HCl solution with [123I]NaI. Labeling yield was determined by silica thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and radiochemical purity was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The biodistribution of E-[123I]IVE was measured in immature female rats at 60 min, 120 min and 300 min after injection. RESULTS: The labeling yield of two isomers was 92% and 94% (E-[123I]IVE and Z-[123I]IVE, respectively). The radiochemical purity was more than 98% after purification. The highest uptake was observed at 120 min in uterus (3.11% ID/g for E-[123I]IVE). CONCLUSION: These results suggest the possibility of using E-[123I]IVE as an imaging agent for the evaluation of the presence of estrogen receptor in patients with breast cancer.
Animals ; Biopsy ; Breast Neoplasms ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Chromatography, Thin Layer ; Diagnosis ; Estradiol* ; Estrogens ; Female ; Humans ; Peracetic Acid ; Rats ; Silicon Dioxide ; Uterus

Schwann cell, one of important components of peripheral nervous system, interact with neurons to mutually support the growth and replication of embryonal nerves and to maintain the different functions of adult nerves. The Ara-C, known as an antimitotic agent, have been used to have high effectiveness in eliminating fibroblasts during Schwann cell culture period. This enrichment effect is also known to be cummulative with each successive pulse of Ara-C applied and is due to a progressive loss of fibroblasts. But the cytotoxicity by Ara-C is also cummulative and noticeable over the period. To determine the most effective application time and interval of Ara-C in the Schwann cell culture, we observed the Schwann cell purity and density with the Ara-C treatment in plain and three-dimensional culture from dorsal root ganglion of new born rat. By culturing dispersed dorsal root ganglia, we can repeatedly generate homogenous Schwann cells, and cellular morphology and cell count with mean percentages were evaluated in the plain culture dishes and in the immunostainings of S-100 and GFAP in the three-dimensional culture. The Ara-C treated cultures showed a higher Schwann cell percentage (31.0%+/-8.09% in P4 group to 65.5%+/-24.08% in P2 group), compared with that obtained in the abscence of Ara-C (17.6%+/-6.03%) in the plain culture after 2 weeks. And in the three-dimensional culture, S-100 positive cells increased to 56.22%+/-0.67% and GFAP positive cells to 66.46%+/-1.83% in G2 group (p<0.05), higher yield than other groups with Ara-C application. Therefore, we concluded that the Ara-C treatment is effective for the proliferation of Schwann cells contrast to the fibroblasts in vitro culture, and the first application after 24 hours from cell harvesting and subsequent 2 pulse treatment (P2 group in plain culture and G2 group in three-dimensional culture) was more effective than other application protocols.
Adult ; Animals ; Cell Count ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cytarabine* ; Fibroblasts ; Ganglia, Spinal* ; Humans ; Neurons ; Peripheral Nervous System ; Rats* ; Schwann Cells ; Spinal Nerve Roots*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recently, accidents have been reported of young adults who inhale industrial bond vapor. Acquiring industrial bond is easy for young adults, and glue sniffing has thus become a serious social problem. However, there have been few reports concerning the changes in the olfactory epithelium after exposure of industrial bond vapor. The aim of this study is to describe the morphological changes of the olfactory mucosa after being exposed to industrial bond vapor, using HE, AB, AB-PAS stains, immunohistochemistry and the electron microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Healthy ICR mice were exposed to industrial bond vapor (acetone 5212+/-1268 ppm, c-hexane 3757+/-711 ppm, methylcyclopentane 1820+/-375 ppm, n-hexane 139+/-30 ppm and toluene 0.9+/-1.4 ppm). The vapor was given to each animal with duration of 20 min/day for 3 days, 5 days, 7 days or 14 days in a specially designed box for this study. After exposure to industrial bond vapor, mice olfactory mucosae were excised and prepared for HE, AB, AB-PAS stains, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Loss of cells and disarrangements of olfactory epithelium were prominent on the third day of exposure and the epithelium recovered to the normal state after the day 7 in the HE stain. And there were also definite ultrastructural changes in the epithelium : loss of microvilli in supporting cells, exposure of olfactory vesicles to the luminal surface and apoptotic bodies in electron microscopic study. Study with the AB and AB-PAS stains demonstrated an evidence of decreased mucin secretion on the day 3 and the content of mucin was normalized after the day 7. In the PCNA study, cells were unable to proliferate until day 3. The proliferation potential were increased (4 fold) on day 5 and returned to normal on day 14. CONCLUSION: This result indicated that industrial bond vapor can damage the olfactory epithelium of mice which can recover rapidly. Apoptosis and active proliferation could be the factors that are involved in the recovery of the epithelium that is open to regular industrial bond vapor exposure on daily basis.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Coloring Agents ; Epithelium ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Inhalant Abuse ; Mice* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Microscopy, Electron ; Microvilli ; Mucins ; Olfactory Mucosa* ; Phenobarbital ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; Social Problems ; Toluene ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a variety of MR imaging findings of orbital inflammatory pseudotumors with extraorbital extension. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the MR features of five patients, who were diagnosed clinically and radiologically as having an orbital inflammatory pseudotumor with extraorbital extension. RESULTS: The types of orbital pseudotumors were a mass in the orbital apex (n = 3), diffuse form (n = 2), and myositis (n = 1). The extraorbital extension of the orbital pseudotumor passed through the superior orbital fissure in all cases, through the inferior orbital fissure in two cases, and through the optic canal in one case. The orbital lesions extended into the following areas: the cavernous sinus (n = 4), the middle cranial fossa (n = 4), Meckel's cave (n = 2), the petrous apex (n = 2), the clivus (n = 2), the pterygopalatine fossa and infratemporal fossa (n = 2), the foramen rotundum (n = 1), the paranasal sinus (n = 1), and the infraorbital foramen (n = 1). On MR imaging, the lesions appeared as an isosignal intensity with gray matter on the T1-weighted images, as a low signal intensity on the T2-weighted images and showed a marked enhancement on the post-gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (post-Gd-DTPA) T1-sequences. The symptoms of all of the patients improved when they were given high doses of steroids. Three of the five patients experienced a recurrence. CONCLUSION: MR imaging is useful for demonstrating the presence of a variety of extraorbital extensions of orbital inflammatory pseudotumors.
Adult ; Cavernous Sinus ; Cranial Fossa, Middle ; Cranial Fossa, Posterior ; Granuloma, Plasma Cell, Orbital/*diagnosis/pathology ; Humans ; *Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Petrous Bone ; Retrospective Studies

Purpose: Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) are frequently employed to counteract the detrimental effects of proteinuria on glomerular diseases. However, the effects of ARBs remain poorly examined in pediatric patients with immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy. Herein, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of losartan, an ARB, in pediatric IgA nephropathy with proteinuria. Methods: This prospective, single-arm, multicenter study included children with IgA nephropathy exhibiting proteinuria. Changes in proteinuria, blood pressure, and kidney function were prospectively evaluated before and 4 and 24 weeks after losartan administration. The primary endpoint was the difference in proteinuria between baseline and 24 weeks. Results: In total, 29 patients were enrolled and received losartan treatment. The full analysis set included 28 patients who received losartan at least once and had pre- and post-urinary protein to creatinine ratio measurements (n=28). The per-protocol analysis group included 22 patients who completed all scheduled visits without any serious violations during the study period. In both groups, the mean log (urine protein to creatinine ratio) value decreased significantly at 6 months. After 24 weeks, the urinary protein to creatinine ratio decreased by more than 50% in approximately 40% of the patients. The glomerular filtration rate was not significantly altered during the observation period. Conclusions Losartan decreased proteinuria without decreasing kidney function in patients with IgA nephropathy over 24 weeks. Losartan could be safely employed to reduce proteinuria in this patient population. ClinicalTrials.gov trial registration (NCT0223277)

Since laparoscopic liver resection was first introduced in 2001, Korean surgeons have chosen a laparoscopic procedure as one of the treatment options for benign or malignant liver disease. We distributed and analyzed a nationwide questionnaire to members of the Korean Laparoscopic Liver Surgery Study Group (KLLSG) in order to evaluate the current status of laparoscopic liver resection in Korea. Questionnaires were sent to 24 centers of KLLSG. The questionnaire consisted of operative procedure, histological diagnosis of liver lesions, indications for resection, causes of conversion to open surgery, and postoperative outcomes. A laparoscopic liver resection was performed in 416 patients from 2001 to 2008. Of 416 patients, 59.6% had malignant tumors, and 40.4% had benign diseases. A total laparoscopic approach was performed in 88.7%. Anatomical laparoscopic liver resection was more commonly performed than non-anatomical resection (59.9% vs 40.1%). The anatomical laparoscopic liver resection procedures consisted of a left lateral sectionectomy (29.3%), left hemihepatectomy (19.2%), right hemihepatectomy (6%), right posterior sectionectomy (4.3%), central bisectionectomy (0.5%), and caudate lobectomy (0.5%). Laparoscopy-related serious complications occurred in 12 (2.8%) patients. The present study findings provide data in terms of indication, type and method of liver resection, and current status of laparoscopic liver resection in Korea.
*Hepatectomy/statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; *Laparoscopy/statistics & numerical data ; Liver/*surgery ; Liver Diseases/pathology/surgery ; Liver Neoplasms/pathology/surgery ; Postoperative Complications/epidemiology ; Questionnaires ; Republic of Korea