BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The diagnosis of thyroid nodular diseases is critical in clinical management. Fine needle aspiration cytology and ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy are widely considered as diagnostic techniques in assessment of thyroid nodular diseases. Because of the histological similarity of follicular patterned thyroid lesions, the differential diagnosis between some thyroid lesions is often difficult to determine, even with permanent sections. For this reason, we assessed diagnostic usefulness of immunohistochemical staining for the three potential markers of malignant thyroid nodule, Galectin-3, MUC1 and EGFR (Epidermal growth factor receptor) in the tissue obtained by surgery. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: The immunohistochemical expression of galectin-3, MUC1 and EGFR was evaluated in 76 thyroid lesions obtained by surgery to assess their potential as markers in differential diagnosis of thyroid nodule. The following were studied: 20 cases of papillary carcinoma, 16 cases of follicular carcinoma, 20 cases of follicular adenoma and 20 cases of adenomatous goiter. RESULTS: The expression of Galectin-3 was stronger in malignant thyroid nodules, especially in papillary carcinoma, than in benign thyroid nodules. However, there were no significant differences in the expression rates of MUC1 and EGFR between malignant thyroid nodules and benign thyroid nodules. The expression of MUC1 and EGFR was weaker in follicular neoplasm than in other thyroid nodules. CONCLUSION: Galectin-3 was a reliable marker for papillary carcinoma. The expression of MUC1 and EGFR was increased in the papillary carcinoma and goiter, so if we could selectively identify cytoplasm MUC1, we could distinguish papillary carcinoma from the goiter.
Adenoma ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Biopsy, Large-Core Needle ; Carcinoma, Papillary ; Cytoplasm ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; Galectin 3 ; Goiter ; Receptor, Epidermal Growth Factor ; Thyroid Gland ; Thyroid Nodule

Apoptosis is a physiologic or programmed cell death process which is controlled by genes. It is essential for the function and the appropriate development of multicellular organism. It is also thought to be one of the main mechanisms of cell death in ischemic tissues. The effect of prostaglandin E1(PGE1) is proven to be useful in the recovery of ischemic changes by inducing vasodilation of peripheral vessels and platelet disaggregation. PGE1 is also known to suppress apoptosis in human liver sinusoidal endothelial cell from ischemia-reperfusion injury. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of PGE1 on the apoptosis in the ischemia reperfusion injury of rat intestine. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were used. In control group(N=15), superior mesenteric artery was occluded for 60 minutes and after removing the vessel clamp, it was reperfused for 60 minutes and harvested. In experimental group(N=15), a jejunal flap was also made as in the control group except for the intraarterial administration of the PGE1 right after clamping the artery and removing the clamp. H&E, TUNEL and immunohistochemical stains for p53, bax, and bcl-2 were performed. There were ischemic changes in gross and microscopic findings in both groups. The apoptotic index was significantly lower in the experimental group(1.29+/-0.82(p=0.003)) than in the control group (2.33+/-0.95). The rat intestinal ischemia apoptosis by ischemia-reperfusion was partly related to the modulating of bcl-2, bax, and p53 expression. Our results indicate that PGE1 suppresses the apoptosis in the ischemic jejunal flap and this effect is probably the result of a increase in expression of bcl-2.
Alprostadil* ; Animals ; Apoptosis* ; Arteries ; Blood Platelets ; Cell Death ; Coloring Agents ; Constriction ; Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Intestinal Mucosa* ; Intestines ; Ischemia* ; Liver ; Mesenteric Artery, Superior ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Reperfusion Injury* ; Vasodilation

PURPOSE: Photogrammetry has been introduced as an alternative to direct measurement to obtain facial distances for a variety of anthropometric applications. The aim of this study is to establish morphological and functional value of an eye in Korean youths using specially designed computer software with digital photographic images. METHODS: Authors measured anthropometry of an eye in Korean youths 1,449 individuals(622 males, 827 females) and analyzed stastically them. RESULTS: The mean measurements are as follows. The diameter of cornea was 11.6+/-0.9mm in males and 11.3+/-0.9mm in females. The vertical dimension of palpebral fissure was 7.4+/-1.7mm in males and 8.2+/-1.6mm in females. The intercanthal width was 35.8+/-3.2mm in males and 34.4+/-2.9mm in females. The biocular width was 90.4+/-5.7mm in males and 87.4+/-5.3mm in females. The endocantion-superior margin of palpebral fissure distance was 12.7+/-1.4mm in males and 11.6+/-1.4mm in females. The horizontal dimension of palpebral fissure was 28.5+/-2.2mm in males and 27.4+/-1.9mm in females. The slant of palpebral fissure was 10.7+/-2.6degrees in males and 11.3+/-3.0degrees in females. The height of upper eyelid was 10.6+/-2.3mm in males and 10.7+/-2.3mm in females. The width of double fold was 2.0+/-0.7mm in males and 1.9+/-0.6 mm in females. A double fold was seen in 21.9% of males and 44.9% of females. The most frequent shape of the double fold was type IV. The most common type of epicanthal fold was type III in both males and females. CONCLUSION: Photogrammetic measurement of large population using specially designed software could offer reliable data and these data could be useful reference for preoperative consultation, surgical planning and anthropometic study of eye.
Adolescent* ; Anthropometry ; Cornea ; Eyelids ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Photogrammetry ; Vertical Dimension

PURPOSE: Photogrammetry has been introduced as an alternative to direct measurement to obtain facial distances for a variety of anthropometric applications. The aim of this study is to establish morphological and functional value of an eye in Korean youths using specially designed computer software with digital photographic images. METHODS: Authors measured anthropometry of an eye in Korean youths 1,449 individuals(622 males, 827 females) and analyzed stastically them. RESULTS: The mean measurements are as follows. The diameter of cornea was 11.6+/-0.9mm in males and 11.3+/-0.9mm in females. The vertical dimension of palpebral fissure was 7.4+/-1.7mm in males and 8.2+/-1.6mm in females. The intercanthal width was 35.8+/-3.2mm in males and 34.4+/-2.9mm in females. The biocular width was 90.4+/-5.7mm in males and 87.4+/-5.3mm in females. The endocantion-superior margin of palpebral fissure distance was 12.7+/-1.4mm in males and 11.6+/-1.4mm in females. The horizontal dimension of palpebral fissure was 28.5+/-2.2mm in males and 27.4+/-1.9mm in females. The slant of palpebral fissure was 10.7+/-2.6degrees in males and 11.3+/-3.0degrees in females. The height of upper eyelid was 10.6+/-2.3mm in males and 10.7+/-2.3mm in females. The width of double fold was 2.0+/-0.7mm in males and 1.9+/-0.6 mm in females. A double fold was seen in 21.9% of males and 44.9% of females. The most frequent shape of the double fold was type IV. The most common type of epicanthal fold was type III in both males and females. CONCLUSION: Photogrammetic measurement of large population using specially designed software could offer reliable data and these data could be useful reference for preoperative consultation, surgical planning and anthropometic study of eye.
Adolescent* ; Anthropometry ; Cornea ; Eyelids ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Photogrammetry ; Vertical Dimension

Non incisional blepharoplasty, so called buried double fold operation in Asia, although a common procedure, has a some complications such as inclusion cyst or granuloma or loss of crease. To obviate this problem, we tried to modify existing suture method. Three sutures(medial, middle, lateral) were located on the skin crease site as superficial as possible to anchor the dermis for secure fixation, and we've located suture knot on the orbicularis oculi muscle as deep as possible. Between January 2001 and February 2004, 162 patients were operated with these procedure by one surgeon, we could trace 63 patients for postoperative follow-up, there were no postoperative findings of inclusion cyst or granuloma or loss of fold crease except 1 case of short crease. This simple suture operation could be one of useful non-incisional methods for Asian blepharoplasty.
Asia ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; Blepharoplasty ; Dermis ; Follow-Up Studies ; Granuloma ; Humans ; Skin ; Sutures

Objective: Following the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, the importance of addressing acute stress induced by psychological burdens of diseases became apparent. This study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of a new mode of psychiatric intervention designed to target similar psychological crises. Methods: Participants included 32 out of 114 COVID inpatients at a hospital in Daegu, Korea, who were assessed between March 30 and April 7, 2020. Multiple scales for screening psychological difficulties such as depressed mood, anxiety, insomnia, acute stress, and suicidality were done. Psychological problem evaluations and interventions were conducted in the form of consultations to alleviate participants’ psychological challenges via telepsychiatry. The interventions’ effects, as well as clinical improvements before and after the intervention, were analyzed. Results: As a result of screening, 21 patients were experiencing psychological difficulties beyond clinical thresholds after COVID-19 infection (screening positive group). The remaining 11 were screening negative groups. The two groups differed significantly in past psychiatric histories (p=0.034), with the former having a higher number of diagnoses. The effect of the intervention was analyzed, and clinical improvement before and after the intervention was observed. Our intervention was found to be effective in reducing the overall emotional difficulties. Conclusion This study highlighted the usefulness of new interventions required in the context of healthcare following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Apoptosis is a physiologic or programmed cell death process which is controlled by genes and it is essential for the function and the appropriate development of multicellular organism. Apoptosis is also thought to be one of the main mechanisms of cell death in ischemic tissues. The effect of prostaglandin E1(PGE1) is proven to be useful in the recovery of ischemic changes by inducing vasodilation of peripheral vessels and platelet disaggregation. Prostaglandin is also known to suppress apoptosis in a serum deprived cell. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of PGE1 on the apoptosis in the ischemic skin island flap. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were used. In control group(n=15), 3x5cm sized skin island flap based on the superficial epigastric vessel was elevated and its pedicle was occluded for 14 hours. After removing the vessel clamp, skin flap was reperfused for 5 hours and harvested. In experimental group(n=15), a ischemic skin island flap was also made as in the control group except the interarterial administration of the PGE1 right after elevation of the flap and after removing the clamp. H&E, TUNEL and immunohistochemical stains for p53 and bax proteins were performed. There were ischemic changes in gross and microscopic findings in both groups. Immunohistochemical staining for p53 protein shows many positive cells with nuclear staining in squamous epithelium of the control group, but sparse positive cells in the experimental group. Immunohistochemical stainings for bax protein shows many positive cells with cytoplasmic staining in squamous epithelium of the control group, but sparse positive cells in the experimental group. The apoptotic index was significantly lower in the experimental group(2.39+/-1.76(p=0.0001)) than in the control group(7.53+/-2.05). These data indicate that PGE1 suppresses the apoptosis in the ischemic skin island flap.
Alprostadil* ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; Blood Platelets ; Cell Death ; Coloring Agents ; Cytoplasm ; Epithelium ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Prostaglandins I ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Skin* ; Vasodilation

Cutaneous wound healing in adult humans and higher vertebrate animals results in scar formation. In contrast, both human and animal fetuses at early gestational ages exhibit skin wound healing without scarring. A recent study has suggested that apoptosis occurs and plays an important role in achieving a decrease in cellularity during skin wound healing. The purpose of this study is to reveal the hypothesis the apoptosis may decreases the inflammatory infiltrates in fetal skin wound healing and may affect the fetal scarless wound healing. Open full-thickness incisional skin wounds were created on fetal rats at gestational ages 16 days(term= 21days). Wound were harvested at 24 hour(n=15), 72 hour(n=15), 120 hour(n=15). Adult skin wound was harvested at 24 hour(n=15), 72 hour(n=15), 120 hour(n =15). The wounds were fixed and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, TUNEL stain, immunohistochemical stain for Fas, Fas ligand, bcl-2. Fetal wounds was healed without scar formation and with regeneration of normal dermal and epidermal appendage architecture. Immunohistochemical staining for Fas, Fas ligand shows sparse positive cells in squamous epithelium of the both adult and fetus, there are no difference of expression between two groups. Immunohistochemical stainings for bcl-2 shows no positive cells in both adult and fetus. The apoptotic index of adult is 0.65+/-0.32 and fetus is 0.56 +/-0.37(p=0.464), there is no significant difference stastically between two groups. These data indicate that apoptosis is not likely to be related to decreased infiltration of inflammatory cells that is main factor of scarless fetal wound healing.
Adult ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cicatrix ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Epithelium ; Fas Ligand Protein* ; Fetus ; Gestational Age ; Hematoxylin ; Humans ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Rats* ; Regeneration ; Skin ; Vertebrates ; Wound Healing* ; Wounds and Injuries*

PURPOSE: Soft tissue defect on foot and ankle is vulnerable and requires a thin flap for improvement of aesthetic and functional results. Lateral supramalleolar flap is a simple and fast procedure, which can preserve and supply reliable constant blood flow, and causes fewer donor site complications. The authors reviewed our cases and report the clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten cases of soft tissue defects on the lower leg, around the ankle were treated with lateral supramalleolar flap. There were seven males and three females with a mean age of 54.8 years. The mean size of flaps was 5.9x6.3 cm and the mean follow-up period was 23 months. Flap survival and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Nine flaps survived completely without loss of flap. There was one case of partial wound dehiscence requiring debridement and repair, and another case of necrotic flap change requiring partial bone resection and closure. All patients were capable of weight bearing ambulation at the last follow up. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that the lateral supramalleolar flap could be a useful option for treatment of soft tissue defect around the ankle joint.
Ankle ; Ankle Joint* ; Debridement ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Humans ; Leg ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; Tissue Donors ; Walking ; Weight-Bearing ; Wounds and Injuries

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the status of the preplacement medical examination after the revision of the industrial safety and health law on Oct. 7, 2005 by the Ministry of Labor. METHODS: Preplacement medical certificates of 6,507 recruits issued by two hospitals in Busan, Kyeongnam Province from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2006 were reviewed. Telephone interviews were performed to the recruits with disease and self-reported questionnaires were administrated to health and safety personnel from May 1 to Sep. 30, 2007. RESULTS: Interviews were conducted with 185(56.1%) recruits with disease, 51(27.4%) of whom were rejected for employment due to the preplacement medical certificate. The questionnaire survey for the health and safety personnel revealed that 39(22.9%) personnel were unaware of the annulment of the preemployment medical examination. Eighty(48.8%) of the health and safety personnel answered that they performed a preplacement medical examination after employment, and 63(37.3%) made a practical application of the workers' placement. The recruits with chronic conditions were refused employment: 20 (11.8%) due to hypertension, 21(12.4%) diabetes mellitus and 22(13.0%) hyperlipidemia. The recruits with work-related diseases were also refused employments: 76(44.4%) due to lumbar spine abnormality and 75(43.8%) hearing loss. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the annulment of the pre-employment medical examination, a preplacement medical examination was often used to discriminate among healthy and diseased recruits. Employers must respect the law for the point of time of the preplacement medical examination and the payment of cost. The government should publicize the revision of the objectives of the law. We suggest that health professionals elucidate the job fitness through the development of the assessment tools and maintain the confidentiality of recruits.
Confidentiality ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Employment ; Health Occupations ; Hearing ; Hyperlipidemias ; Hypertension ; Interviews as Topic ; Jurisprudence ; Questionnaires ; Spine