PURPOSE: The skeleton is commonly affected by metastatic cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of treating metastatic pathologic fractures in lower extremities using locking plates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2004 and 2010, we evaluated 12 patients (13 cases) of metastatic pathologic fractures in lower extremities, treated with the locking plate. Mean patient age was 62.2 years (range, 50-81 years), the locations of the fractures were; proximal femur in 2 cases, femoral mid-shaft in 3, distal femur in 3, proximal tibia in 4, and distal tibia in 1 case. The interval to wheelchair ambulation, pain relief and complications were evaluated. Additionally, we assessed operation time and postoperative blood loss. RESULTS: Mean time from operation to wheelchair ambulation was 3.2 days (range, 1-6 days). Mean VAS scores improved from a preoperative score of 8.1 points (range, 7-9 points) to a score of 2.7 points (range, 2-4 points) at 1 week postoperatively. No early complications associated with surgery were encountered. Mean operation time was 88.4 minutes (range, 70-105 minutes), and mean postoperative blood loss was 246.5 ml (range, 130-320 ml). CONCLUSION: Internal fixation of metastatic pathologic fractures using a locking plate in the lower extremity can be an effective treatment option in the meta- or diaphyseal area of long bones with massive bony destruction or poor bone stock by offering early ambulation, pain relief and low postoperative complications.
Early Ambulation ; Femur ; Fractures, Spontaneous ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Postoperative Complications ; Postoperative Hemorrhage ; Skeleton ; Tibia ; Walking ; Wheelchairs

The Polyporaceae is a chaotic mass of genera having poroid hymenophores in the Aphyllophorales. To classify the Polyporaceae into more natural groups, phylogenetic analyses were performed using nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences. Thirty-six species from the families of the Polyporaceae, the Hymenochaetaceae, the Ganodermataceae, the Corticiaceae, the Bondarzewiaceae, the Meruliaceae, the Steccherinaceae and the Lentinaceae were phylogenetically compared. By performing maximum parsimony analysis, seven phylogenetically meaningful groups were identified and discussed. The hyphal system, presence or absence of clamps, and the type of rot were found as important characters in defining the groups. Each group was phylogenetically significant enough to be a core member of each family when the Polyporaceae was split into smaller and more natural families.
DNA, Ribosomal ; Humans ; Phylogeny ; Polyporaceae* ; Polyporales ; RNA, Ribosomal*

Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors of the uterus, and although they can occur at any site in the genitourinary tract, they very rarely originate from the urinary bladder. We report a case in which a leiomyoma occurred at that site, deseribing the US, CT, and MRI findings.
Leiomyoma* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Urinary Bladder* ; Uterus

PURPOSE: Platinum coordination complex (cisplatin) has been currently used as one of the most effective compound in the treatment of various solid tumors. However, its use has been limited by severe side effects such as renal toxicity. Our platinum-based drug discovery program has been aimed at developing drugs capable of diminishing toxicity and selective cytotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new series of highly water soluble platinum (II) complexes Pt (II) [1,3-Bis (phenylthio) propane) (trans-l-1,2-diaminocyclohexane) (PC-1) and Pt (II) [1,3-Bis-(phenylthio) (propane)]-1,2-diaminocyclohexane (PC-2) were synthesized and characterized by their elemental analysis and by various spectroscopic techniques [infrared (.IR), ""C-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)]. In vitro antitumor activity and nephrotoxi -cities of new Pt (II) complexes were tested against MKN-45 human gastric cancer cell- lines and normal kidney cells using colorimetric MTT[3-(4,5-dimethyl thiazol-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] assay for cell survival and proliferation. RESULTS: PC-1 showed activity against MKN-45/P and MKN-45/CDDP human gastric adenocarcinoma cells, and the antitumor activity of this compound was comparable or superior to that of PC-2 and cisplatin. The nephrotoxicity of PC-1 and PC-2 were found quite less than that of cisplatin using MTT, [H] thymidine uptake and glucose consumption tests in rabbit proximal tubule cells, human kidney cortical cells and human renal cortical tissues. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, this novel platinum (II) complex compound (PC-1) represent a valuable lead in the development of a new anticancer chemotherapeutic agent capable of improving antitumor activity and low nephrotoxicity.
Adenocarcinoma ; Cell Survival ; Cisplatin ; Drug Discovery ; Glucose ; Humans* ; Kidney* ; Platinum ; Stomach Neoplasms* ; Thymidine

No abstract available.
Animals ; Diuresis* ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; HSP70 Heat-Shock Proteins* ; Rats* ; Urinary Bladder*

A study of the volume and linear measurements of the breast to determine new nipple positions for 142 subjects was undertaken. Volume determination was done by using the Grossman-Roudner device. The size and shape of the female breast may differ significantly, and such size and linear measurements have to be measured accurately prior to breast aesthetic surgery. Statistical analysis of these results are closely related to physical constitution(height, weight, chest circumference). There have been increasing changes in linear measurement and decreasing changes in breast volume during the last 10 years, The results were as follows: 1) the mean distance from the midclavicular point to the nipple was 19.5cm, the distance from the sternal notch to the nipple was 19.4cm, the distance between nipples was 18.6cm, and the areolar diameter was 3.3cm, 2) the regression equation for the midclavicular point to the nipple was 7.236+ 0.00077x height(cm)+ 0.233 x weight(kg), for the sternal notch to the nipple was 8.845-0.0039 x height(cm)+ 0.214x weight(kg), for the distance between nipples was 11.192 - 0.0033xheight(cm)+ 0.151x weight(kg), and for the areolar diameter was 4.031+0.02xheight(cm)-0.048 x weight(kg),3) the mean value of breast volume of the left side was 209.6cc, and that of the right side was 211.8cc, 4) the regression equation for the mean breast volume was -137.673 + 6.668 x weight(kg), which was equal to -528.414 + 9.115x chest circumference under the axilla(cm) and -468.420 + 8.298 x chest circumference across the nipple (cm). In conclusion, these data could be useful for numerous aspects of breast surgery, including augmentation mammoplasty, mastopexy, reduction mammoplasty, and correction of asymmetrical breasts as the standard for Korean females, if we know the body constituents (weight, chest circumference) before surgery.
Breast* ; Female* ; Humans ; Mammaplasty ; Nipples ; Thorax

A case of disseminated superficial actinic poroLeratosis affecting 47 years old, house wife, who has been suffering from multiple dark-brownish keratotic papules on the sun-light exposed parts especially face, forearm and dorsa of the both hands with mild itching sensation, is presented. The skin lesions developed about two years ago insidiously and increased size and numberes of the lesion. Her family background suggests autosomal dominant inheritance.
Actins ; Forearm ; Hand ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Porokeratosis* ; Pruritus ; Sensation ; Skin ; Spouses ; Wills

The fibrosis involved in gluteus maximus causing limitation of flexion and adduction of the hip has become a recognized clinical entity since the first report by Fernandez de Valderrma in 1969. Its most constant and characteristic histologic feature was substitution of the fibrous tissue in the definitive etiology was unknown but presumed to be multiple intramuscular injections. Authors present three cases of the fibrosis involving gluteus maximus. In two cases Z-lengthening was performed on the thickened fibrous bands with good results.
Fibrosis ; Hip ; Injections, Intramuscular

Effects of several cytokines(IL -1beta, TNFalpha, and IFNgamma) have been examined on fetal rat osteoblast-like cells. To investigate whether cytokines play direct causal roles in production of lysosomal enzyme, fetal rat osteoblast-like cells were treated with IL-1beta, TNFalpha, and IFNgamma, respectively or combined. And acid phosphatase was determined by biochemical method. Alkaline phosphatase was assayed to determine the effects of IL-1beta, TNFalpha, and IFNgamma on the expression of this enzyme. And also experiment of calcified nodule formation was performed to assess the effects of cytokines on the bone-forming activity of osteoblast-like cells in vitro. Acid phosphatase activity was significantly increased by the addition of IL-1beta and TNFalpha, whereas decreased by IFNgamma, However, no significant changes in alkaline phosphatase activity was observed when the osteoblast-like cells were treated with IL-1beta and TNFalpha. Interestingly, IFNalpha showed stimulatory effect on alkaline phosphatase activity. The number of calcified nodules was decreased by treatment of cultures with 1ng/ml IL -lbeta, 20ng/ml TNFalpha, and 500 u/ml IFNgamma continuously for 21 days, while considerable number of calcified nodules were formed in control group of osteoblast-like cell in culture for 21 days. These results seem to suggest that cytokines may play crucial roles in bone remodeling through the direct action on the osteoblast-like cell.
Acid Phosphatase ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; Animals ; Bone Remodeling ; Cytokines* ; Interleukin-1beta ; Rats* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

To evaluate the establishment of Mungyong Saejae Natural Ecology Park located in the northwestern Gyongbuk Province, a scientific survey for the mushroom flora of the park was carried out from May to December of 1999. A checklist of the Aphyllophorales collected from the park was prepared. The list included 67 species of 44 genera belonging to nine families in the Aphyllophorales. Among them, seven species, Antrodia malicola, Ceriporia purpurea, Oligoporus leucospongia, Perenniporia tephropora, Phanerochaete xerophila, Sistotrema diademiferum and Vuilleminia comedens, were confirmed as new to Korea and are registered here as unrecorded species along with descriptions and microscopic drawings.
Agaricales ; Antrodia ; Checklist ; Ecology ; Humans ; Korea ; Phanerochaete ; Polyporales*