Objective To investigate the expressions of Transforming Growth Factorβ2 (TGF-β2) and Smad3 in human gliomas associated with pathologic grading. Methods The expressions of TGFβ2 and Smad3 protein were detected with SP immunhistochemistry in 80 human glioma specimens. The Kapan-Meier survival curves of progression-free survival time and overall survival time in different expression levels was compared with log-rank. Results The expression of TGFβ2 and Smad3 correlated with the pathological grading (r=0.545, r=0.570, P<0.01). Both progression-free survival time and overall survival time were significantly different between low expression group and high expression group (P<0.05). Conclusion Both TGF-β2 and Smad3 correlate well with the occurrence and differentiation of human gliomas,which help for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis judgment．

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the grade of fatty degeneration and atrophy of rotator cuffs on immediate postoperative MRI to those on preoperative MRI in patients with rotator cuff tears. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy patients were included in this study, who received arthroscopic rotator-cuff repair and underwent both preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and immediate postoperative MRI in our institution. Fatty degeneration of rotator cuffs and the atrophy of supraspinatus muscles were evaluated with T1 oblique sagittal images in the Y-shaped view. Fatty degeneration was evaluated using a Goutallier classification system, and the atrophy of supraspinatus muscles was evaluated using a modified tangent sign and a visual occupation ratio. RESULTS: From 70 patients, a total of 100 tendons were repaired: 18, 69, and 13 tendons were treated for subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus, respectively. The Goutallier grades (P = 0.012), modified tangent signs (P = 0.000), and visual occupation ratios (P = 0.000) of supraspinatus muscles were significantly decreased in immediate postoperative MRIs when compared to preoperative MRIs. In immediate postoperative MRIs, the Goutallier grades of supraspinatus muscles were decreased by one grade in 18.8% (n = 13) of the patients, and the atrophy of supraspinatus muscles was improved by one grade in 26.1% (n = 18) for modified tangent signs and 21.7% (n = 15) for visual occupation ratios. However, fatty infiltration by the Goutallier grades of subscapularis (P = 1.000) and infraspinatus (P = 0.157) muscles were not significantly changed after arthroscopic surgery. CONCLUSION: Immediate postoperative MRIs showed a significant improvement of fatty degeneration and muscle atrophy in supraspinatus muscles when compared to preoperative MRIs.
Arthroscopy ; Atrophy* ; Classification ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Muscles ; Muscular Atrophy ; Occupations ; Rotator Cuff* ; Tears ; Tendons

In this study, we determined proMMP-2 activating capacity of membrane extract prepared from the tissue of invasive ductal carcinoma of breast by zymogram gel analysis. We compared the effect of membrane extract on the activation of the latent type IV collagenases with that of the organic mercurial compound leg, APMA)-induced self cleavage of the latent type IV collagenases. We also compared the expression levels of MT1-MMP between invasive carcinoma and normal tissue by Western blot, Northern blot and semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis. Our result demonstrated that the specificity of processing by breast carcinoma membrane activator corresponds to the specificity of MT1-MMP, which clearly showed the conversion of 72-kDa proMMP-2 to the activated form while APMA processed both 72- and 92-kDa proMMPs to their activated forms. MT1-MMP protein and mRNA were expressed both in invasive carcinoma and normal tissues, and the expression levels in both tissues were comparable. Quantitative analysis of the mRNA level by RT-PCR revealed that the difference of MT1-MMP mRNA between carcinomas and normal tissues was not statistically significant on Wilcoxon signed-ranks test (P>0.05). The results from the study on the expression of MT1-MMP gene suggest that the cellular activation of MMP-2 in breast tissue, requires additional effects in addition to up-regulation of MT1-MMP.
Blotting, Northern ; Blotting, Western ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Carcinoma, Ductal ; Collagenases ; Humans ; Leg ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2* ; Membranes* ; RNA, Messenger ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Up-Regulation

PURPOSE: Obesity is associated with a number of medical comorbidities and is considered a risk factor for surgical complications. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of body habitus including obesity on the surgical outcomes of the Bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) robotic thyroidectomy (RoT) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. METHODS: The medical records of 456 PTC patients who underwent BABA RoT between January 2011 and December 2012 were reviewed, and 310 women PTC patients who had undergone BABA robotic total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection were examined. Body habitus were evaluated by measuring body mass index (BMI), body surface area, and neck circumference. We divided the patients into BMI < 25 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 groups. Clinicopathological data, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Clinicopathological characteristics did not differ between the 2 BMI groups. The creation of working space time (P = 0.210) and other surgical outcomes showed no significant differences between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences between body habitus indexes and postoperative length of hospital stay, number of retrieved central lymph nodes, postoperative thyroglobulin levels, occurrence of hypoparathyoidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and wound complication. CONCLUSION: Patient with large body habitus undergoing BABA RoT were not at an increased risk of surgical complications and showed good surgical outcomes. BABA RoT may be a good alternative operative method for PTC patients for whom cosmetic outcome is an important consideration.
Body Mass Index ; Body Surface Area ; Comorbidity ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Medical Records ; Methods ; Neck ; Obesity ; Postoperative Complications ; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries ; Risk Factors ; Thyroglobulin ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyroidectomy* ; Wounds and Injuries

PURPOSE: Obesity is associated with a number of medical comorbidities and is considered a risk factor for surgical complications. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of body habitus including obesity on the surgical outcomes of the Bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA) robotic thyroidectomy (RoT) in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. METHODS: The medical records of 456 PTC patients who underwent BABA RoT between January 2011 and December 2012 were reviewed, and 310 women PTC patients who had undergone BABA robotic total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection were examined. Body habitus were evaluated by measuring body mass index (BMI), body surface area, and neck circumference. We divided the patients into BMI < 25 kg/m2 and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2 groups. Clinicopathological data, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Clinicopathological characteristics did not differ between the 2 BMI groups. The creation of working space time (P = 0.210) and other surgical outcomes showed no significant differences between the groups. There were no statistically significant differences between body habitus indexes and postoperative length of hospital stay, number of retrieved central lymph nodes, postoperative thyroglobulin levels, occurrence of hypoparathyoidism, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury and wound complication. CONCLUSION: Patient with large body habitus undergoing BABA RoT were not at an increased risk of surgical complications and showed good surgical outcomes. BABA RoT may be a good alternative operative method for PTC patients for whom cosmetic outcome is an important consideration.
Body Mass Index ; Body Surface Area ; Comorbidity ; Female ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Medical Records ; Methods ; Neck ; Obesity ; Postoperative Complications ; Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Injuries ; Risk Factors ; Thyroglobulin ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyroidectomy* ; Wounds and Injuries

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate T2 relaxation time change using axial T2 mapping in a rabbit degenerated disc model and determine the most correlated variable with histologic score among T2 relaxation time, disc height index, and Pfirrmann grade. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Degenerated disc model was made in 4 lumbar discs of 11 rabbits (n = 44) by percutaneous annular puncture with various severities of an injury. Lumbar spine lateral radiograph, MR T2 sagittal scan and MR axial T2 mapping were obtained at baseline and 2 weeks and 4 weeks after the injury in 7 rabbits and at baseline and 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks after the injury in 4 rabbits. Generalized estimating equations were used for a longitudinal analysis of changes in T2 relaxation time in degenerated disc model. T2 relaxation time, disc height index and Pfirrmann grade were correlated with the histologic scoring of disc degeneration using Spearman's rho test. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in T2 relaxation time between uninjured and injured discs after annular puncture. Progressive decrease in T2 relaxation time was observed in injured discs throughout the study period. Lower T2 relaxation time was observed in the more severely injured discs. T2 relaxation time showed the strongest inverse correlation with the histologic score among the variables investigated (r = -0.811, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: T2 relaxation time measured with axial T2 mapping in degenerated discs is a potential method to assess disc degeneration.
Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Intervertebral Disc/injuries/*pathology ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/*pathology ; Lumbar Vertebrae/*pathology ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/*methods ; Male ; Punctures ; Rabbits

Purpose: As thyroid cancer patients are experiencing longer disease-free survival periods, evaluating their quality of life after surgery has become crucial. However, studies on this topic have primarily focused on Western populations, leaving a gap in understanding the Korean patient population’s experiences and needs. This study aims to address this gap and provide insights into the quality of life of thyroid cancer patients in Korea. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the quality of life of Korean thyroid cancer patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy or total thyroidectomy. Patients were surveyed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30, ver. 3.0) during outpatient clinic visits from January to September 2015. The results were analyzed by comparing them to scores of the general population and based on the time elapsed since surgery. This approach allowed for a comprehensive evaluation of the quality-of-life outcomes in this patient population. Results: The study found that thyroidectomy had a notable impact on patients’ role and cognitive functions. Patients also experienced worsened symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, and constipation, which improved over time and returned to normal levels. However, there were no significant changes in other functions and symptoms after surgery. Conclusion The study’s findings showed that thyroidectomy had a relatively minor impact on the functional and symptomatic well-being of patients. Therefore, the results suggest that thyroid surgery may be a safe and effective treatment option for thyroid cancer patients seeking to maintain a good quality of life.

Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a hepatic disorder that resembles liver cancer, is a highly aggressive and lethal zoonotic infection caused by the larval stage of the fox tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis. E. multilocularis is widely distributed in the northern hemisphere; the disease-endemic area stretches from north America through Europe to central and east Asia, including northern parts of Japan, but it has not been reported in Korea. Herein, we represent a first case of AE in Korea. A 41-year-old woman was found to have a large liver mass on routine medical examination. The excised mass showed multinodular, necrotic, and spongiform appearance with small irregular pseudocystic spaces. Microscopically, the mass was composed of chronic granulomatous inflammation with extensive coagulation necrosis and parasite-like structure, which was revealed as parasitic vesicles and laminated layer delineated by periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain. Clinical and histologic features were consistent with AE. After 8 years, a new liver mass and multiple metastatic pulmonary nodules were found and the recurred mass showed similar histologic features to the initial mass. She had never visited endemic areas of AE, and thus the exact infection route is unclear.
Adult ; Albendazole/*therapeutic use ; Animals ; Anthelmintics/*therapeutic use ; Echinococcosis, Hepatic/*diagnosis/drug therapy/surgery ; Echinococcus/isolation & purification ; Female ; Humans ; Liver/*pathology/radiography ; Recurrence ; Republic of Korea ; Treatment Outcome ; Zoonoses

We want to add funding statement in ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS section of this article.
Financial Management* ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms*

PURPOSE: Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) arising from the pyramidal lobe is rare; therefore, clinicopathologic evaluation is lacking. In addition, the rate of occult malignancy in the pyramidal lobe after thyroid surgery is unclear. This study is to evaluate the clinical characteristics of PTCs that involve the pyramidal lobe. METHODS: The study enrolled 1,107 patients who underwent thyroid surgery for PTC at Seoul National University Hospital from 2006 to 2015. Pyramidal lobe status in pathologic reports was clear in all cases. “Pyramidal lobe-dominant PTC” was defined as single pyramidal lobe cancer or multifocal cancer with larger pyramidal lobe tumor. “Incidental pyramidal lobe PTC” was defined as occult cancer identified after thyroidectomy or as multifocal cancer with smaller pyramidal lobe tumor. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in the pyramidal lobe-dominant PTC group. The mean age was 58 ± 12.5 years, and the mean tumor size was 0.7 ± 0.7 cm. Cervical lymph node metastasis was found in 5 patients (50%). Three patients had microscopic lymphatic invasion, and 7 had advanced American Joint Comitee on Cancer (AJCC) stage disease (5 with stage III and 2 with stage IV). Compared with conventional PTC (n = 1,058), pyramidal lobe-dominant PTC was significantly associated with lymphatic invasion (P = 0.031) and advanced AJCC stage (P = 0.022). The prevalence of incidental pyramidal lobe PTC was 3.56%. CONCLUSION: Pyramidal lobe PTC is relatively small in size; however, the rate of extrathyroidal extension and lymph node metastasis is high. Preoperative evaluation of nodal status is important, and the extent of surgery should be determined in accordance with the preoperative diagnosis.
Diagnosis ; Humans ; Joints ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prevalence ; Seoul ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyroidectomy