Transitional cell carcinoma(TCC) of the urinary bladder shows marked heterogeneity in biological behaviors. Evidence has accumulated that biological markers may provide significant information to predict the potential aggressiveness of TCC. We have assessed the expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF-R), c-erbB-2 and p53 proteins in 56 cases of TCC to investigate the prognostic significance of differential expression of these oncoproteins using an immunohistochemical method. We analysed the expression patterns of these oncoproteins according to tumor stage and grade. And we assessed the probability of progression-free survival in stage T1 tumors according to their expressions. Positive rates of EGF-R (>+3 staining intensity), c-erbB-2 (intense membrane staining) and p53 proteins (>20% positive cells) were 73.2%, 37.5% and 42.9%, respectively. Invasive tumors had significantly higher positive rates of all three factors than did superficial tumors (p<0.005 for EGF-R and c-erbB-2, p<0.05 for p53). High grade tumors had significantly higher positive rates of c-erbB-2 and p53 proteins (p<0.005). In superficial tumors, T1 tumors had higher positive rate of p53 protein compared with Ta tumors (p<0.05). Twelve cases of superficial tumors (34.3%) were positive for EGF-R and negative for c-erbB-2 and p53 proteins. Nine cases of superficial tumors(25.7%) were negative for all three factors. In invasive tumors, however, 42.5% of the cases were positive for all three factors. The overexpression of p53 protein was the only useful marker to predict the rapid progression in stage T1 tumors (p<0.05, log-rank test). These results suggest that the differential overexpression of EGF-R, c-erbB-2 and p53 proteins could be useful to depict tumor aggressiveness of TCC of the urinary bladder. And, the overexpression of a p53 protein may be a useful marker to predict the possibility of rapid progression in stage T1 tumors.
Biomarkers ; Carcinoma, Transitional Cell* ; Disease-Free Survival ; Epidermal Growth Factor* ; Immunohistochemistry ; Membranes ; Oncogene Proteins ; Population Characteristics ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor* ; Staphylococcal Protein A* ; Urinary Bladder*

In order to evaluate the possible roles of secretory proteases in the pathogenesis of amoebic keratitis, we purified and characterized a serine protease secreted by Acanthamoeba lugdunensis KA/E2, isolated from a Korean keratitis patient. The ammonium sulfate-precipitated culture supernatant of the isolate was purified by sequential chromatography on CM-Sepharose, Sephacryl S-200, and mono Q-anion exchange column. The purified 33 kDa protease had a pH optimum of 8.5 and a temperature optimum of 55 degrees C. Phenylmethylsulfonylfluoride and 4- (2- Aminoethyl) -benzenesulfonyl-fluoride, both serine protease specific inhibitors, inhibited almost completely the activity of the 33 kDa protease whereas other classes of inhibitors did not affect its activity. The 33 kDa enzyme degraded various extracellular matrix proteins and serum proteins. Our results strongly suggest that the 33 kDa serine protease secreted from this keratopathogenic Acanthamoeba play important roles in the pathogenesis of amoebic keratitis, such as in corneal tissue invasion, immune evasion and nutrient uptake.
Acanthamoeba/*enzymology/isolation & purification/pathogenicity ; Acanthamoeba Keratitis/*parasitology ; Animals ; Cornea/parasitology ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Korea ; Serine Endopeptidases/chemistry/*isolation & purification/*metabolism ; Substrate Specificity ; Temperature ; Virulence Factors

The recent revision of the Bioethics and Safety Act has created some confusion as to the appropriate use of biospecimens in research. Here, to avoid misunderstandings, we outline the changes to policies on the use of biospecimens in guidelines provided in a question-and-answer format, citing relevant examples where appropriate.
Bioethics*

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the current study is to test whether immortalized B-lymphocyte cell line via Ebstein-Barr virus (EBV) transformation is feasible and can be an unlimited source of genome wide study. METHODS: We obtained peripheral whole blood from 5 ovarian cancer patients and immortalized the B-cell lines using EBV transformation. The success rate was analyzed and the bio-identity of the genome was performed using human leukocyte antigen (HLA) identity test. RESULTS: EBV transformation was successful in all 5 cases (95% confidence interval, 46.3% to 100%). After cryopreservation of EBV-transformed B-cell lines and subsequent thawing, we observed that all cell lines were viable and proliferative. To check bio-identity, HLA-A, B, and DR were tested between the genome of the original samples and the transformed samples. The HLA typing revealed that all observed HLA-A, B, and DR type was identical in 5 cases before and after EBV-transformation. CONCLUSION: The current results suggest that EBV-transformation of peripheral blood is an efficient tool in genome banking. The EBV-transformed B-cell lines may be a valuable resource of genome in multi-center translational research by the Korean Gynecologic Oncology Group.
B-Lymphocytes ; Cell Line ; Cryopreservation ; Genome ; Genomics ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; Histocompatibility Testing ; HLA-A Antigens ; Humans ; Leukocytes ; Ovarian Neoplasms ; Viruses

We investigated the sero-prevalence of toxocariasis among healthy Korean adults in 1999. A total of 314 sera from normal inhabitants in Whachon-gun, Gangwondo, Korea was examined for specific antibody levels against excretory-secretory products of second stage larvae of Toxocara (TES). The presence of cross-reactions with other helminthiases such as cysticercosis, paragonimiasis, sparganosis or clonorchiasis was also checked by specific IgG ELISA. Sera showing positive reaction against TES were also tested by IgG immunoblot and by IgE ELISA. Out of 314 subjects, 16 was found to be positive by TES IgG ELISA and immunoblot, among whom 12 were also positive by TES IgE ELISA. Among the 16 seropositive samples, two sera showed positive reaction against Paragonimus and sparganum antigen, respectively. These results inferred that cross-reactions were negligible between toxocariasis and other helminthiases. Toxocariasis seroprevalence among Korean rural adults was detected to be approximately 5%.
Adolescent ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Antibodies, Helminth/blood ; Cross Reactions ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Human ; Korea/epidemiology ; Larva Migrans, Visceral/*epidemiology/immunology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Seroepidemiologic Studies ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't ; Toxocara/immunology

Osteopetrosis or albers-Schonberg disease is extremely rare disease. It is characterized by osteoporosis, stunted growth, deformity, increased likelihood of fractures, also patients suffers anemia, recurrent infections and hepatosplenomegaly. However, we recently came upon a 14-month-old female as the 1st child of osteopetrosis with hydrocephalus and rickets. She has the typical symptoms such as nystagmus, osteosclerosis -especially in skull. Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), MRI shows hydrocephalus and x-ray finding are consistent with rickets. This is the first report of osteopetrosis with hydrocephalus and rickets in Korea by pediatrician.
Anemia ; Brain ; Child ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus* ; Infant ; Korea ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Osteopetrosis* ; Osteoporosis ; Osteosclerosis ; Rare Diseases ; Rickets* ; Skull

Infarction is an uncommon occurrence in healthy young patients. Despite the lower mortality rate of infarction in the pediatric patients, there is a high social impact of the disease. Recent years are represented by the increased attention that is placed on detecting risk factors of infarction. Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is attributable to the important risk factor that has been associated with cerebral infarction of unknown etiology or cryptogenic infarction. Since the treatment to prevent recurrence in infarction is percutaneous closure with permanently implanted closure devices. We present a case of fifteen-year-old male who admitted to hospital after he had paresthesia and hemiparesis. His physical, cardiologic and neurologic examinations were normal, except for the left hemiparesis and left finger paresthesia. On admission, magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy revealed multifocal hyperintense lesions consistent with acute ischemic events. Further evaluation with an aim to define the cause of infarction revealed a PFO with right-to-left shunt. He was underwent closure of the PFO using the Amplatzer occluder(R). Since one year after procedure, the patient has been visiting the out-patient department without recurrence of neurologic or cardiologic events.
Cerebral Infarction* ; Fingers ; Foramen Ovale, Patent* ; Humans ; Infarction ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male* ; Mortality ; Neurologic Examination ; Outpatients ; Paresis ; Paresthesia ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Social Change ; Spectrum Analysis

Cervical pregnancy is a rare form of ectopic gestation in which the blastocyst implants in the cervical mucosa below the histologic cervical os. Because of the serious vaginal bleeding, hysterectomy was usually done in the management of cervical pregnancy. Howerver, conservative treatment is desirable for women who want to be pregnancy in the future. Methotrexate has been utilized recently for conservative management of cervical pregnancy. We report a case of cervical pregnancy which was treated succesfully with intramuscular methotrexate injection.
Blastocyst ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Methotrexate* ; Mucous Membrane ; Pregnancy* ; Uterine Hemorrhage

PURPOSE: This study investigated the prevalence of islet autoantibodies in children and adults with T1DM according to their age and the duration of disease. METHODS: We measured the levels of islet autoantibodies, including antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (anti-GAD Ab), and combined these with anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests of 137 patients newly diagnosed with T1DM during the last 20 years. The subjects were subdivided into four groups according to their age at the onset of the disease. We then compared the prevalence of islet autoantibodies in the different age groups with the duration of disease. RESULTS: Among the 137 patients, 68.9% tested positive for islet autoantibodies (71.4% within 1 year; 67.7% after 1 year of the disease onset). Within 1 year of the onset of the disease, 66.3% of the patients were positive for the anti-GAD Ab, and 35.6% were positive for IAAs. The prevalence of islet autoantibodies was significantly higher in the prepubertal groups than in the postpubertal groups (80.0% vs. 58.3%). The rate of positive islet autoantibodies changed with the duration of disease, and it differed according to the type of autoantibody and the age of the patient. CONCLUSION: The rates of positive islet autoantibodies were significantly higher in younger than in older patients at the time of the diagnosis of the disease. The positive rates were significantly changed 1 year after the onset of the disease in the preschool and the children groups. So these findings suggest that we need to diagnose type 1B diabetes distinguished T2DM in aldolescent group, carefully.
Adult ; Autoantibodies ; Child ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 ; Glutamate Decarboxylase ; Humans ; Prevalence

PURPOSE: This study investigated the prevalence of islet autoantibodies in children and adults with T1DM according to their age and the duration of disease. METHODS: We measured the levels of islet autoantibodies, including antiglutamic acid decarboxylase antibody (anti-GAD Ab), and combined these with anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests of 137 patients newly diagnosed with T1DM during the last 20 years. The subjects were subdivided into four groups according to their age at the onset of the disease. We then compared the prevalence of islet autoantibodies in the different age groups with the duration of disease. RESULTS: Among the 137 patients, 68.9% tested positive for islet autoantibodies (71.4% within 1 year; 67.7% after 1 year of the disease onset). Within 1 year of the onset of the disease, 66.3% of the patients were positive for the anti-GAD Ab, and 35.6% were positive for IAAs. The prevalence of islet autoantibodies was significantly higher in the prepubertal groups than in the postpubertal groups (80.0% vs. 58.3%). The rate of positive islet autoantibodies changed with the duration of disease, and it differed according to the type of autoantibody and the age of the patient. CONCLUSION: The rates of positive islet autoantibodies were significantly higher in younger than in older patients at the time of the diagnosis of the disease. The positive rates were significantly changed 1 year after the onset of the disease in the preschool and the children groups. So these findings suggest that we need to diagnose type 1B diabetes distinguished T2DM in aldolescent group, carefully.
Adult ; Autoantibodies ; Child ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 ; Glutamate Decarboxylase ; Humans ; Prevalence