This study was undertaken to document the effect of transforming growth factor-beta2 (TGF-beta2(TGF-beta2) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the proliferation of pig retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE). Whereas bFGF increased the proliferation, TGF-beta2 showed the inhibitory effect on the proliferation The inhibitory effect of TGF-beta2 disappeared in RPE subcultured with 10ng/ml of bFGF. Both TGF-beta2- and bFGF-specific antisense oligonucleotides blocked the autocrine effect of the growth factors. PLC-71 -specific antisense oligonucleotide inhibited the effect of TGF-beta2 and bFGF. Genistein inhibited the effect of TGF-beta2 and bFGF in dose-dependent man, ner. The data suggest the involvement. of in PLC-/1 and tyrosine kinase in signalling.
Epithelial Cells* ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; Genistein ; Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases ; Retinaldehyde* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta2*

No abstract available.
Amniotic Fluid* ; Female ; Pregnancy*

There are many procedures for the treatment of acromioclavicular separation but there are still controversies concerning the best management of these injuries. The cases of 20 acromioclavicular separations and 3 distal end fractures of clavicle were treated by conservative method with modified Kenny Howard sling-halter using long arm cast at the department of Orthopedic Surgery, College of medicine,Ewha Womans University, during the thirty six months period from March 1982 to February 1985. The following results were obtained. 1. The average duration of immobilization was 5 weeks at the grade II of acromioclavicular separation and fracture of distal end of clavicle and 6 weeks at the grade III of acromioclavicular separation. 2. The functional results were 17 excellents(73.8%), 5 goods(21.9%), and 1 fair(4.3%). 3. The complications were 3 frozen shoulders(13.0%), 2 subluxations(8.6%), and 1 skin necrosis on the elbow(4.3%). 4. The authors immobilized the upper extremity with long arm cylinder cast of 90° flexion position instead of initial harness, so that it was applied easily and the patient felt very comfortable. 5. When the fracture and severe displacement were occurred at the midthird of the clavicle, it could be reduced and maintained with the long arm cylinder cast and strap.
Arm ; Clavicle ; Female ; Humans ; Immobilization ; Methods ; Necrosis ; Orthopedics ; Skin ; Upper Extremity

Bone tumor in the trochanteric area is not infrequent and it is important to differentiate the tumors in this area for diagnosis, early settings of therapeutic plans and prognostic previsions. Twenty-one cases of benign bone tumors in the trochanteric area treated at Dept. of Orthopedi Surgery, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University Hospital, from January 1975 to December 1983 were analysed and following results were obtained. l. of 21 cases, 10 cases were fibrous dysplasia, 6 cases were simple bone cyst, 3 were giant ce tumor and 2 were aneurysmal bone cyst. 2. Pathologic fractures were accompanied in 6 cases; 3 of fibrous dysplasia, 2 of simple bone cy: and 1 of aneurysmal bone cyst. 3. After treatment with curettage, bone graft and instrumentation, 3 cases recurred; 2 cases of fibrous dysplasia and 1 of simple bone cyst. 4. As prognostic factors, completeness of curettage, amount and source of bone graft were considered to be important.
Aneurysm ; Bone Cysts ; Clinical Study ; Curettage ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Femur ; Fractures, Spontaneous ; Humans ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: A number of reports have been published regarding the use of imiquimod for the treatment of melanoma in situ and metastatic melanoma. Essential steps in the process of melanoma invasion and metastasis include degradation of basement membranes and remodeling of the extracellular matrix by proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antiinvasive effect of imiquimod in human malignant melanoma cell lines, SK-MEL-2 and SK-MEL-24, in vitro, and to investigate imiquimod-induced changes in the expression of MMPs and TIMPs. METHODS: Invasiveness of melanoma cell lines following imiquimod treatment was evaluated by invasion assays. In order to investigate the mechanism of the anti-invasive effect of imiquimod, mRNA and protein levels of MMP-2, -9, membrane type 1 (MT1)-MMP, TIMP-1, and -2 were assessed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, gelatin zymography, and western blotting. RESULTS: Imiquimod treatment decreased in vitro viability of melanoma cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Imiquimod also elicited a concentration-dependent suppression of invasion in both melanoma cell lines. A concentration-dependent decrease in MMP-2 and MT1-MMP protein levels and a concentration-dependent increase in TIMP-1 and -2 protein levels by imiquimod was observed in both melanoma cell lines. However, expression of MMP-9 protein was increased in SK-MEL-2 but decreased in SK-MEL-24 with increasing imiquimod concentrations. Imiquimod elicited alterations in MMPs and TIMPs mRNA levels that parallel the observed changes in protein levels. CONCLUSION: Imiquimod may elicit an anti-invasive effect on human melanoma cells by regulating MMPs and TIMPs.
Basement Membrane ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line ; Extracellular Matrix ; Gelatin ; Humans ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 14 ; Matrix Metalloproteinases* ; Melanoma* ; Membranes ; Metalloproteases* ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Peptide Hydrolases ; RNA, Messenger ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1

No abstract available.
Gastric Stump*

No abstract available.
Chorionic Gonadotropin* ; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone* ; Gonadotropins* ; Humans* ; Progesterone* ; Superovulation*

The usual manifestations of Moyamoya disease are bilateral carotid narrowing or occlusion at the carotid fork and abundant basal.vascular network with various carotid neurovascular symptoms. We report two unusual cases showing visual symptoms(bilateral cortical blindness, right homonymous hemianopsia, respectively) and angiographically vertebrobasilar and complete proximal internal carotid occlusion, with extensive parenchymal and transdural anastomosis in Moyamoya disease.
Blindness, Cortical ; Carotid Artery, Internal* ; Hemianopsia ; Moyamoya Disease*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the classification of punctal stenosis based on the shape of the external punctum, clinical characteristics and histopathologic features. METHODS: Patients who experienced tearing and were diagnosed with punctal stenosis were evaluated in this study. Punctal stenosis was classified according to the shape of the lower external punctum, which included membranous type, slit type, horseshoe type, and pinpoint type. Tear meniscus height, 2% fluorescein dye disappearance test and lacrimal pathway irrigation were measured or performed. For treatment, a punctal snip operation and silicone tube placement were performed, and the peripunctal histopathological findings were evaluated. RESULTS: Punctal stenosis was classified into four types: membranous type (17 eyes, 21.5%), slit type (11 eyes, 13.9%), horseshoe type (25 eyes, 31.6%), and pinpoint type (26 eyes, 32.9%). The tear meniscus was significantly higher, and the 2% fluorescein dye disappeared significantly more slowly in the punctal stenosis group. However, correlation of the tear meniscus height and 2% fluorescein dye disappearance test with the punctum shape was not statistically significant. A history of previous chemotherapy was significantly associated with the occurrence of punctal stenosis, especially the membranous type (p < 0.05). Histopathologic evaluation of the punctum showed differences between the punctum types. Pinpoint puncta exhibited a high density of muscle fibers, while they were faintly visible in the membranous type. CONCLUSIONS: Acquired punctal stenosis has various shapes, and the major types of stenotic puncta exhibited unique histopathologic features. Punctal stenosis and its pathophysiology may be related to multiple factors, such as age and systemic 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy history.
Classification* ; Constriction, Pathologic* ; Drug Therapy ; Fluorescein ; Fluorouracil ; Humans ; Lacrimal Apparatus ; Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases* ; Silicon ; Silicones ; Tears

Background: Free tissue transfer is the preferred method of reconstructing head and neck defects, with a success rate of approximately 95%. Although flap failure is uncommon, it has a major impact on patient morbidity and diminishes quality of life, making it is important to investigate the causes of flap failure. Methods: This retrospective chart review analyzed patients who underwent free tissue transfer during head and neck reconstruction at a single institution between 2016 and 2021. Results: During the study period, 58 patients underwent 60 free flap procedures. Revision surgery was needed in 14 patients. Subsequent free flap surgery was performed in one patient, and three free flaps (5%) could not be salvaged. Cardiovascular disease was significantly associated with flap failure, and venous congestion (thrombosis) was the most common reason for revision surgery. Conclusion Cardiovascular disease clearly emerged as a factor related to the failure of free flap surgery, and this issue warrants particular attention in patients for whom free tissue transfer is planned.