Background/Aims: Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in tumor cells is associated with a poor biliary tract cancer (BTC) prognosis; tumor-infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment are associated with a better prognosis. The effect of PD-L1 expression on immune cells on survival is unclear. We investigated the relationship between PD-L1 expression in immune cells and BTC prognosis. Methods: PD-L1 expression was evaluated using an anti-PD-L1 22C3 mouse monoclonal primary antibody, and its relationships with clinical characteristics and prognosis were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard model to investigate the prognostic performance of PD-L1 in BTC. Results: Among 144 analyzed cases, patients with positive PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and negative PD-L1 expression in immune cells showed poorer overall survival rates than those exhibiting other expressions (tumor cells: hazard ratio [HR]=1.023, p<0.001; immune cells: HR=0.983, p=0.021). PD-L1 expression in tumor cells was an independent predictor of poor overall survival (HR=1.024, p<0.001). In contrast, PD-L1 expression in immune cells was a predictive marker of good prognosis (HR=0.983, p=0.018). Conclusions PD-L1 expression in immune cells may be used as an independent factor to evaluate the prognosis of patients with BTC.

Background and Objectives: Ginsenoside Rb1 is the main metabolite of Panax ginseng. It is known to have many beneficial properties including anti-inflammatory, antitumoral and antioxidant effects. However, the therapeutic effects of ginenoside Rb1 on inflammatory airway diseases have not been elucidated. Therefore, we investigated the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on the TGF-β1-induced mucin gene expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in human airway epithelial cells.Materials and Method We evaluated the effects of ginsenoside Rb1 on the changes of MUC4, MUC5AC, occludin, claudin 4, claudin 18, neural (N)-cadherin, and epithelial (E)-cadherin expression by TGF-β1 in NCI-H292 cells using reverse, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and western blot. Results: TGF-β1 significantly increased MUC4/5AC expression. Rb1 inhibited TGF-β1- induced MUC4/5AC expression. In addition, TGF-β1 significantly attenuated occludin, claudin 18, and E-cadherin expressions but induced claudin 4 and N-cadherin expressions. On the other hand, Rb1 reversed changes in the TGF-β1- mediated expressions of cell junction molecules. Conclusion These results suggest that ginsenoside Rb1 attenuates TGF-β1-induced MUC4/5AC expressions and EMT in the human airway epithelial cells. These findings are important data demonstrating the potential of ginsenoside Rb1 as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory airway diseases.

Background and Objectives: Peroxiredoxin (Prx) is an antioxidant enzyme involved in signaling pathway. Prx2 is the most abundant in mammalian gray matter neurons and has protective role under oxidative stress. MUC5AC and MUC5B are typical mucin genes in human airway epithelial cells. Even if free radicals play a key role in chronic respiratory inflammatory diseases, the effects of the Prx2 on mucin expression and oxidative stress are not clearly known. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of Prx2 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MUC5AC/5B expression and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human airway epithelial cells.Subjects and Method In NCI-H292 cells and human nasal epithelial cells, the effects of Prx2 on LPS-induced MUC5AC/5B expression and ROS production were investigated using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, real-time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and flow cytometry analysis. Results: MUC5AC, MUC5B mRNA expression and protein production were increased by LPS. ROS production was also increased by LPS. Prx2 suppressed the LPS-induced MUC5AC mRNA expression and protein production as well as ROS production. However, Prx2 did not inhibit MUC5B mRNA expression and protein production. N-acetylcysteine, diphenyleneiodonium, and apocynin also inhibited LPS-induced ROS production. Conclusion These results may show that Prx2 suppresses LPS-induced MUC5AC expression via ROS in human airway epithelial cells.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the surgical trends of primary total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and revision procedure in Korea from 2007 to 2017 using national population-based data. Methods: We reviewed the National Health Insurance data of Korea from 2007 to 2017. The data included diagnosis codes, procedure codes, prescriptions, medical costs, and other demographic data. Trends of primary diagnosis for primary TAA were evaluated. Annual trends and incidences per 100,000 person-years of primary TAA and revision procedures as well as compound annual growth rate (CAGR) during the study period were analysed. Surgical trends according to patients' age, hospital grades, and insurance systems were also evaluated. Results: Primary diagnosis for primary TAA was mostly degenerative arthritis (6,501 cases; 90.5%). From 2007 to 2017, the total number of cases of primary TAA and revision procedures was 7,183 and 585, respectively. The number of cases in 2007 of primary TAA was 313; there were no cases of revision. The number of cases in 2017 of primary TAA were 986 and of revision were 108. The CAGR during this period was 28.6% for primary TAA and 44.6% for revision procedures. Incidences per 100,000 person-years in 2017 were 1.91 for primary TAA and 0.21 for revision procedures. The average cost paid by patients themselves was USD 813 (19%) and by the National Health Insurance Service was USD 3,480 (81%). Conclusion The incidence of primary TAA and revision procedures steadily increases in Korea during the 11-year study period.

PURPOSE: To investigate the patterns of recurrence in patients with neuroblastoma treated with radiation therapy to the primary tumor site. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed patients with high-risk neuroblastoma managed with definitive treatment with radiation therapy to the primary tumor site between January 2003 and June 2017. These patients underwent three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy or intensity-modulated radiation therapy. A total of 14–36 Gy was delivered to the planning target volume, which included the primary tumor bed and the selected metastatic site. The disease stage was determined according to the International Neuroblastoma Staging System (INSS). We evaluated the recurrence pattern (i.e., local or systemic), progression-free survival, and overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 40 patients with high-risk neuroblastoma were included in this study. The median patient age was 4 years (range, 1 to 11 years). Thirty patients (75%) had INSS stage 4 neuroblastoma. At the median follow-up of 58 months, there were 6 cases of local recurrence and 10 cases of systemic recurrence. Among the 6 local failure cases, 4 relapsed adjacent to the radiation field. The other 2 relapsed in the radiation field (i.e., para-aortic and retroperitoneal areas). The main sites of distant metastasis were the bone, lymph nodes, and bone marrow. The 5-year progression-free survival was 70.9% and the 5-year overall survival was 74.3%. CONCLUSION: Radiation therapy directed at the primary tumor site provides good local control. It seems to be adequate for disease control in patients with high-risk neuroblastoma after chemotherapy and surgical resection.
Bone Marrow ; Disease-Free Survival ; Drug Therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neuroblastoma ; Radiotherapy ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of intravenous infusion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (mPBMC) mobilized by granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) on upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Fifty-seven children with CP were enrolled. Ten patients were excluded due to follow-up loss. In total, 47 patients (30 males and 17 females) were analyzed. All patients' parents provided signed consent before the start of the study. After administration of G-CSF for 5 days, mPBMC was collected and cryopreserved. Patients were randomized into two groups 1 month later. Twenty-two patients were administered mPBMC and 25 patients received normal saline as placebo. Six months later, the two groups were switched, and administered mPBMC and placebo, respectively. Quality of Upper Extremity Skills Test (QUEST) and the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS) were used to evaluate upper motor function. RESULTS: All subdomain and total scores of QUEST were significantly improved after mPBMC and placebo infusion, without significant differences between mPBMC and placebo groups. A month after G-CSF, all subdomain and total scores of QUEST were improved. The level of MACS remained unchanged in both mPBMC and placebo groups. CONCLUSION: In this study, intravenously infused mPBMC showed no significant effect on upper extremity function in children with CP, as compared to placebo. The effect of mPBMC was likely masked by the effect of G-CSF, which was used in both groups and/or G-CSF itself might have other neurotrophic potentials in children with CP.
Cerebral Palsy* ; Child* ; Classification ; Follow-Up Studies ; Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor ; Humans ; Infusions, Intravenous* ; Male ; Masks ; Parents ; Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation ; Upper Extremity*

PURPOSE: Head injury in children is a common problem presenting to emergency departments, and cranial computed tomography scan is the diagnostic standard for these patients. Several decision rules are used to determine whether computed tomography scans should be used; however, the use of computed tomography scans is often influenced by guardian favor toward the scans. The objective of this study was to identify changes in guardian favor for explanation of minor head injuries based on the institutional clinical practice guidelines. METHODS: A survey was conducted between July 2010 and June 2012. Patients younger than 16 years with a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 after a head injury and guardians of these patients were included. Pre- and post-explanation questionnaires were administered to guardians to evaluate their favor for computed tomography scans and factors related to the degree of favor. Treating physicians explained the risks and benefits of cranial computed tomography scans using the institutional clinical practice guidelines. Guardian favor for a computed tomography (CT) scan was examined using a 100-mm visual analog scale. RESULTS: A total of 208 patients and their guardians were included in this survey. Guardian favor for computed tomography scans was significantly reduced after explanation (46.7 vs. 17.4, p<0.01). Pre-explanation favor and the degree of physician recommending computed tomography were the most important factors affecting pre- and postexplanation changes in favor. CONCLUSION: Explanation of the risks and benefits of cranial computed tomography scans using the institutional clinical practice guidelines may significantly reduce guardian favor for computed tomography scans.
Child ; Craniocerebral Trauma* ; Emergencies* ; Emergency Service, Hospital ; Glasgow Coma Scale ; Head* ; Humans ; Pediatrics ; Risk Assessment ; Visual Analog Scale

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there was a difference in balance, proprioception, and skeletal muscle mass among patients who undergo hip fracture surgery relative to and elective total hip replacement (THR). METHODS: Thirty-one THR patients were enrolled. The patients were categorized into two groups: fracture group (n=15) and non-fracture group (n=16). Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used to balance the proprioception of the hip joint while a joint position sense (JPS) test was used to evaluate it. Skeletal muscle mass was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and expressed as a skeletal muscle mass index (SMI). Quality of life (QOL) was also assessed using a 36-item short form health survey (SF-36). All tests were assessed at 3 months after the surgery. An independent t-test was used to compare the fracture group and non-fracture group. Spearman correlation was used to identify the correlation of each variable. RESULTS: In an independent t-test, the BBS score of patients undergoing elective surgery was higher than the BBS score of patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. There was a significant correlation between the BBS and JPS score after a THR. SMI also correlated with the score of BBS. CONCLUSION: It seems that THR patients undergoing surgery for a hip fracture might have more trouble balancing than elective THR patients. Therefore THR patients undergoing hip fracture surgery might need more care during rehabilitation.
Arthroplasty ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip* ; Electric Impedance ; Health Surveys ; Hip ; Hip Joint ; Humans ; Joints ; Muscle, Skeletal* ; Pilot Projects* ; Postural Balance ; Proprioception* ; Quality of Life ; Rehabilitation

PURPOSE: This study investigated the association between hypoalbuminemia and 28-day mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. METHODS: A prospective observational study, including consecutive patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, was performed from July 2008 to June 2011. Patient demographic data, comorbidities, blood test results (including albumin concentration), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores were compared between 28-day survivors and non-survivors. Patients were divided into normal albumin (> or =3.3 mg/dl) and hypoalbuminemia (<3.3 mg/dl) groups. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors of 28-day mortality. Analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to compare the prognostic performance of albumin concentrations versus APACHE II scores. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 493 patients were included and 140(28.4%) died. The albumin concentrations of non-survivors were significantly lower than those of survivors (3.3+/-0.6 mg/dl vs. 2.8+/-0.6 mg/dl, respectively) and the hypoalbuminemia group had a higher mortality rate than the normal albumin group (41.2% vs. 10.3%, respectively, p<0.01). In Cox analysis, hypoalbuminemia was associated with a 3.8-fold increased risk of death during the 28-day follow-up period (hazard ratio, 3.83; 95% CI, 2.22-6.59). The AUC of albumin concentration was 0.73(95% CI, 0.69-0.78), which was comparable with that of APACHE II score (0.77; 95% CI, 0.73-0.81). CONCLUSION: Hypoalbuminemia is an independent predictor of 28-day mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.
APACHE ; Area Under Curve ; Comorbidity ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Hypoalbuminemia* ; Mortality ; Prospective Studies ; ROC Curve ; Sepsis* ; Shock, Septic* ; Survivors

PURPOSE: This study investigated the association between hypoalbuminemia and 28-day mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. METHODS: A prospective observational study, including consecutive patients with severe sepsis and septic shock, was performed from July 2008 to June 2011. Patient demographic data, comorbidities, blood test results (including albumin concentration), and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II scores were compared between 28-day survivors and non-survivors. Patients were divided into normal albumin (> or =3.3 mg/dl) and hypoalbuminemia (<3.3 mg/dl) groups. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was conducted to identify the predictors of 28-day mortality. Analysis of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was performed to compare the prognostic performance of albumin concentrations versus APACHE II scores. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 493 patients were included and 140(28.4%) died. The albumin concentrations of non-survivors were significantly lower than those of survivors (3.3+/-0.6 mg/dl vs. 2.8+/-0.6 mg/dl, respectively) and the hypoalbuminemia group had a higher mortality rate than the normal albumin group (41.2% vs. 10.3%, respectively, p<0.01). In Cox analysis, hypoalbuminemia was associated with a 3.8-fold increased risk of death during the 28-day follow-up period (hazard ratio, 3.83; 95% CI, 2.22-6.59). The AUC of albumin concentration was 0.73(95% CI, 0.69-0.78), which was comparable with that of APACHE II score (0.77; 95% CI, 0.73-0.81). CONCLUSION: Hypoalbuminemia is an independent predictor of 28-day mortality in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.
APACHE ; Area Under Curve ; Comorbidity ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Hypoalbuminemia* ; Mortality ; Prospective Studies ; ROC Curve ; Sepsis* ; Shock, Septic* ; Survivors