No abstract available.
Genes, myc* ; Neuroblastoma* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction*

No abstract available.
Brain Injuries* ; Brain* ; Disability Evaluation* ; Humans ; Perfusion* ; Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime* ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon*

No abstract available.
Extremities* ; Hemangioma*

We have compared the computed tomographic(C. T.) findings with those of conventional roentgenogram(simple AP and lateral radiograms) in 18 cases of osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum humeri available for review. Among the 18 cases, 2 cases of them had a lesion of osteochondritis dissecans on C. T. which, however, had not been found on conventional rentgenograms. Fro the 5 cases, which had not clearly found on conventional rentgenograms, 2 loose body on conventional view, 3 cases had different numbers and locations of loose body on C. T. films. On the bases of our findings, we recommend that C. T. is necessary in early detection and the determination of anatomical location and status of osteochondritis dissecans of capitellum.
Osteochondritis Dissecans ; Osteochondritis

No abstract available.
Debridement* ; Knee* ; Osteoarthritis*

No abstract available.
Lymphoma*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative range of motion and functional outcomes among patients who received high-flexion total knee arthroplasty using cruciate-retaining (CR-Flex) and posterior-stabilized (PS-Flex) type prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 127 patients (186 knees) who underwent high-flexion total knee arthroplasty between 2005 and 2007, 92 knees were placed in the CR-Flex group, and 94 knees were placed in the PS-Flex group. After two years of postoperative follow-up, clinical and radiographic data were reviewed. Postoperative non-weight-bearing range of knee motion, angle of flexion contracture and functional outcomes based on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) functional sub-scale were assessed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After the 2-year postoperative period, the mean range of motion was 131degrees in the CR-Flex group and 133degrees in the PS-Flex group. There were no significant differences in postoperative range of motion between the two groups. Only age at operation and preoperative range of motion were significantly associated with postoperative range of motion after high-flexion total knee arthroplasty. Postoperative functional outcomes based on the WOMAC functional sub-scale were slightly better in the CR-Flex group (9.2+/-9.1 points) than in the PS-Flex group (11.9+/-9.6 points); however, this difference was not statistically significant (p=non-significant). CONCLUSION: The retention or substitution of the posterior cruciate ligament does not affect postoperative range of motion (ROM) or functional outcomes, according to 2 years of postoperative follow-up of high-flexion total knee arthroplasty.
Aged ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Knee Prosthesis ; Middle Aged ; Posterior Cruciate Ligament/*surgery ; Postoperative Period ; Range of Motion, Articular/*physiology ; Recovery of Function/physiology ; Treatment Outcome

For the purpose of determining the pathogenic role of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in the mechanism of chronic rheumatic heart disease, we evaluated the expression of TGF-beta1, proliferation of myofibroblasts, and changes in extracellular matrix components including collagen and proteoglycan in 30 rheumatic mitral valves and in 15 control valves. High TGF-beta1 expression was identified in 21 cases (70%) of rheumatic mitral valves, whereas only 3 cases (20%) of the control group showed high TGF-beta1 expression (p<0.001). Additionally, increased proliferation of myofibroblasts was observed in the rheumatic valves. High TGF-beta1 expression positively correlated with the proliferation of myofibroblasts (p=0.004), valvular fibrosis (p< 0.001), inflammatory cell infiltration (p=0.004), neovascularization (p=0.007), and calcification (p<0.001) in the valvular leaflets. The ratio of proteoglycan to collagen deposition inversely correlated with TGF-beta1 expression in mitral valves (p=0.040). In conclusion, an ongoing inflammatory process, the expression of TGF-beta1, and proliferation of myofibroblasts within the valves have a potential role in the valvular fibrosis, calcification, and changes in the extracellular matrix that lead to the scarring sequelae of rheumatic heart disease.
Adult ; Aged ; Chronic Disease ; Collagen/metabolism ; Female ; Fibrosis ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve/*pathology ; Proteoglycans/metabolism ; Rheumatic Heart Disease/*metabolism/pathology ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/analysis/*physiology

Plasma renin activity (ORA) was determined by radioimmunoassay in 55 normal controls and 121 hypertensive patients in basal state and after double stimulation with furosemide administration and upright posture of 4 hrs. The results were obtained as follows, 1) Mean value of PRA of normal control was 2.2+/-1.41ng/ml/hr in basal state and 2.9+/-1.39ng/ml/hr after double stimulation, respectively. The latter was elevated significantly as compaired to the former. 2) PRA in males was significantly higher than in females, and PRA tend to be decreased as age become old. 3) Normal value of PRA after double stimulation was ranged from 1.0 to 5.0 ng/ml/hr. Of total 121 hypertensive patients(55 males and 66 females), PRA was low in 33 cases(27.3%), normal in 77 cases (63.6%), and high in 11 cases(9.1%). 4) Of 55 male hypertensive patients, PRA was low in 13 cases(23.6%), normal in 35 cases (63.7%), and high in 7 cases(12.7%). Of 66 female hypertensive patients,, PRA was low in 20 cases (30.3%), normal in 42 cases(63.6%), and high in 4 cases(6.1%). High renin group was observed more frequently in male hypertensive patients than in female hypertensive patients, while low renin group more frequently in famale than in male patients. 5) Low renin group was observed more frequently in older age group than in younger age group, while high renin group more frequently in younger age than in older age group.
Female ; Furosemide ; Humans ; Hypertension* ; Korea* ; Male ; Plasma* ; Posture ; Radioimmunoassay ; Reference Values ; Renin*

PURPOSE: Hyper IgM syndrome(HIGM) is characterized by severe recurrent bacterial infections with decreased serum levels of IgG, IgA, and IgE but elevated IgM levels. Recently, it has been classified into three groups; HIGM1, HIGM2 and a rare form of HIGM. HIGM1 is a X-linked form of HIGM and has now been identified as a T-cell deficiency in which mutations occur in the gene that encodes the CD40 ligand molecule. HIGM2 is an autosomal recessive form of HIGM. Molecular studies have shown that the mutation of HIGM2 is in the gene that encodes activation-induced cytidine deaminase(AID). Recently, another rare form of X-linked HIGM syndrome associated with hypohydrotic ectodermal dysplasia has been identified. We encountered a patient with a varient form of HIGM2. To clarify the cause of this form of HIGM, we evaluated the peripheral B cells of this patient. METHODS: The lymphocytes of the patient were prepared from peripheral blood. B cells were immortalized with the infection of EBV. Cell cycle analysis was done with the immortalized B cells of the patient. Peripheral mononuclear cells were stained with monoclonal anti-CD40L antibody. Total RNA was extracted from the peripheral mononuclear cells. After RT-PCR, direct sequencing for CD40L gene and HuAID gene were done. Immunostainings of a lymph node for CD3, CD23, CD40, Fas-L, bcl-2, BAX were done. RESULTS: The peripheral B cells of this patient showed normal expression of CD40L molecule and normal sequencing of CD40L gene, and also normal sequencing of AID gene. Interestingly, the peripheral B cells of this patient showed a decreased population of G2/mitosis phase in cell cycles which recovered to normal with the stimulation of IL-4. CONCLUSION: We suspect that the cause of increased serum IgM in this patient may be from a decrease of G2/mitosis phase of the peripheral B cells, which may be from the decreased production or secretion of IL-4. Therefore, this may be a new form of HIGM.
B-Lymphocytes* ; Bacterial Infections ; CD40 Ligand ; Cell Cycle ; Cytidine ; Ectodermal Dysplasia ; Herpesvirus 4, Human ; Humans ; Hyper-IgM Immunodeficiency Syndrome* ; Hyper-IgM Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Type 1 ; Immunoglobulin A ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulin M ; Interleukin-4 ; Lymph Nodes* ; Lymphocytes ; RNA ; T-Lymphocytes