Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the treatment outcomes and to evaluate the clinicopathological prognostic factors of oral tongue cancer. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed treatment results and prognostic factors in 205 patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma who were admitted to the National Cancer Center, South Korea, between January 2001 and December 2020. The patients were treated with surgery and postoperative, definitive radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Results: Eighteen patients (8.8%) were treated with curative RT or CRT, while the rest (91.2%) were treated with surgery with or without postoperative RT or CRT. The median follow-up period was 30 months (range, 0-234 months). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year disease-free survival (DFS) were 72% and 63%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that a positive neck nodal status (N1, N2-3) was significantly associated with poorer 5-year OS and DFS, while perineural invasion was associated with poorer 5-year DFS. Conclusion Cervical metastasis and perineural invasion are significant prognostic predictors, and combination treatments are necessary for improving OS and DFS in patients with these factors.

BACKGROUND: Kinetin is a plant hormone that regulates growth and differentiation. Keratinocytes, the basic building blocks of the epidermis, function in maintaining the skin barrier. OBJECTIVE: We examined whether kinetin induces skin barrier functions in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: To evaluate the efficacy of kinetin at the cellular level, expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers was assessed. Moreover, we examined the clinical efficacy of kinetin by evaluating skin moisture, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and skin surface roughness in patients who used kinetin-containing cream. We performed quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction to measure the expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers in HaCaT cells following treatment. A clinical trial was performed to assess skin moisture, TEWL, and evenness of skin texture in subjects who used kinetin-containing cream for 4 weeks. RESULTS: Kinetin increased involucrin, and keratin 1 mRNA in HaCaT cells. Moreover, use of a kinetin-containing cream improved skin moisture and TEWL while decreasing roughness of skin texture. CONCLUSION: Kinetin induced the expression of keratinocyte differentiation markers, suggesting that it may affect differentiation to improve skin moisture content, TEWL, and other signs of skin aging. Therefore, kinetin is a potential new component for use in cosmetics as an anti-aging agent that improves the barrier function of skin.
Antigens, Differentiation* ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Epidermis ; Humans ; In Vitro Techniques ; Keratin-1 ; Keratinocytes* ; Kinetin* ; Plants ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Messenger ; Skin Aging ; Skin* ; Treatment Outcome ; Water

BACKGROUND: Molecular techniques are fundamental for establishing an accurate diagnosis and therapeutic approach of glycogen storage diseases (GSDs). We aimed to evaluate SLC37A4 mutation spectrum in Korean GSD Ib patients. METHODS: Nine Korean patients from eight unrelated families with GSD Ib were included. SLC37A4 mutations were detected in all patients with direct sequencing using a PCR method and/or whole-exome sequencing. A comprehensive review of previously reported SLC37A4 mutations was also conducted. RESULTS: Nine different pathogenic SLC37A4 mutations were identified in the nine patients with GSD Ib. Among them, four novel mutations were identified: c.148G>A (pGly50Arg), c.320G>A (p.Trp107*), c.412T>C (p.Trp138Arg), and c.818G>A (p.Gly273Asp). The most common mutation type was missense mutations (66.7%, 6/9), followed by nonsense mutations (22.2%, 2/9) and small deletion mutations (11.1%, 1/9). The most common mutation identified in the Korean population was c.443C>T (p.Ala148Val), which comprised 39.9% (7/18) of all tested alleles. This mutation has not been reported in GSD Ib patients in other ethnic populations. CONCLUSIONS: This study expands knowledge of the SLC37A4 mutation spectrum in Korean patients with GSD Ib.
Alleles ; Codon, Nonsense ; Diagnosis ; Glycogen Storage Disease* ; Glycogen* ; Humans ; Methods ; Mutation, Missense ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Deletion

BACKGROUND: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) induces androgenic alopecia by shortening the hair follicle growth phase, resulting in hair loss. We previously demonstrated how changes in the microRNA (miRNA) expression profile influenced DHT-mediated cell death, cell cycle arrest, cell viability, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and senescence. Protective effects against DHT have not, however, been elucidated at the genome level. OBJECTIVE: We showed that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a major component of green tea, protects DHT-induced cell death by regulating the cellular miRNA expression profile. METHODS: We used a miRNA microarray to identify miRNA expression levels in human dermal papilla cells (DPCs). We investigated whether the miRNA expression influenced the protective effects of EGCG against DHT-induced cell death, growth arrest, intracellular ROS levels, and senescence. RESULTS: EGCG protected against the effects of DHT by altering the miRNA expression profile in human DPCs. In addition, EGCG attenuated DHT-mediated cell death and growth arrest and decreased intracellular ROS levels and senescence. A bioinformatics analysis elucidated the relationship between the altered miRNA expression and EGCG-mediated protective effects against DHT. CONCLUSION: Overall, our results suggest that EGCG ameliorates the negative effects of DHT by altering the miRNA expression profile in human DPCs.
Aging ; Alopecia ; Cell Cycle Checkpoints ; Cell Death ; Cell Survival ; Computational Biology ; Dihydrotestosterone ; Genome ; Hair ; Hair Follicle ; Humans* ; MicroRNAs* ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Tea

The most common site of extrahepatic metastasis in cases of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma is the lung. A 60-year-old Korean male had been previously diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma and was treated several times with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization prior to a regime of sorafenib after multiple bone metastases were detected. Despite 2 months of systemic treatment, the disease progressed, and newly developed cavitary nodules and ground glass opacities were observed on a chest computed tomography scan. Initially the patient was diagnosed with septic pneumonia and was subsequently treated with antibiotics over 2 weeks, with no observable improvement. A percutaneous transthoracic needle aspiration biopsy was performed to ascertain the noninfectious origin of the lung lesions. As a result, a rare form of pulmonary metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma was discovered. Unfortunately, there were no available treatment options for the patient and so end-of-life care was recommended.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Biopsy, Needle ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular* ; Glass ; Humans ; Lung* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Needles ; Neoplasm Metastasis* ; Pneumonia ; Thorax

PURPOSE: To introduce a case of bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) after blood loss due to gastrointestinal bleeding. CASE SUMMARY: A 50-year-old male patient with a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus and alcoholic liver cirrhosis presented with 3 days of melena and 1 day of general weakness and dizziness. Initial hemoglobin level was 4.7 g/dL and blood pressure was 100/55 mm Hg. On esophagogastroduodenoscopy, a peptic ulcer with evident recent bleeding was observed. After transfusion of packed red blood cells and endoscopic hemostasis of bleeding, his general condition improved but he complained of blurred vision in both eyes which developed immediately after the onset of melena. Initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.5 in his right eye and 0.6 in the left eye. On fundus examination, swollen optic disc with blurred margin was noted and he had constricted visual fields. On follow-up, the patient received posterior subtenon triamcinolone injection in his right eye. After the procedure, the BCVA was improved to 0.8 in both eyes, but he still had bilateral pale optic disc with constricted visual field. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of visual loss after recent blood loss, AION should be considered as a diagnosis, which can present as bilateral involvement.
Blood Pressure ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 ; Diagnosis ; Dizziness ; Endoscopy, Digestive System ; Erythrocytes ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhage* ; Hemostasis, Endoscopic ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic ; Male ; Melena ; Middle Aged ; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic* ; Peptic Ulcer ; Triamcinolone ; Visual Acuity ; Visual Fields

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Preoperative N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is a useful predictor of postoperative cardiovascular complications. The present study investigated whether blood NT-proBNP values are suitable for predicting postoperative cardiovascular complications after non-cardiac surgery in elderly patients showing normal left ventricular (LV) function on preoperative echocardiograms. METHODS: This study was performed by analyzing the medical records of elderly patients referred to the cardiology department for the purpose of assessing their cardiac function before orthopedic surgery. Of the patients who underwent echocardiography and NT-proBNP assessment simultaneously, 275 patients aged > or = 70 years and with an LV ejection fraction of > or = 55% were included in the study. RESULTS: Major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) occurred in 33 (12%) of the 275 patients, and the NT-proBNP concentration was higher in patients with complications than in those without complications (1,904.20 +/- 2,300.23 vs. 530.58 +/- 882.27 pg/mL, p < 0.01). The ROC area under the curve was 0.756 (95% confidence interval 0.701-0.805, p < 0.001) with an optimal cutoff of 416.3 pg/mL (69.7% sensitivity, 67.36% specificity). A multivariate analysis showed that a preoperative age of > 80 years (odds ratio, 2.313; p = 0.047) and an increased blood NT-proBNP concentration (odds ratio, 3.189; p = 0.009) were independent risk factors for the prediction of MACCEs. CONCLUSIONS: Although elderly patients scheduled to undergo non-cardiac surgery may show normal LV systolic function on echocardiography, measurement of their preoperative blood NT-proBNP concentration is useful for predicting MACCEs occurring after non-cardiac surgery.
Aged* ; Cardiology ; Echocardiography ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Multivariate Analysis ; Natriuretic Peptides ; Orthopedics* ; Risk Factors

PURPOSE: To introduce a case of intravitreal cysticercosis presenting as neovascular glaucoma. CASE SUMMARY: A 42-year-old female who lives in the Philippines visited our clinic complaining of reduced visual acuity and decreased visual field in her right eye. She was treated at another clinic for neovascular glaucoma and posterior uveitis. Initial best-corrected visual acuity was 0.7 and intraocular pressure was 13 mm Hg with Goldmann applanation tonometry. Slit lamp examination showed inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber and vitreous with florid new vessel on iris. On fundus examination, a cystic lesion without movement was observed in the superonasal vitreous as well as tractional band. As other retinal vascular diseases were not observed on fluorescein angiography, the patient was diagnosed with secondary neovascular glaucoma due to cysticercosis. After a single course of intravitreal bevacizumab injection and cyst removal with pars plana vitrectomy, the best-corrected visual acuity was 0.5 and intraocular pressure was 14 mm Hg without recurrence of iris neovascularization during the 3 months of follow-up.
Adult ; Anterior Chamber ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Cysticercosis* ; Eye ; Female ; Fluorescein Angiography ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glaucoma, Neovascular* ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure ; Iris ; Manometry ; Philippines ; Recurrence ; Retinaldehyde ; Traction ; Uveitis, Posterior ; Vascular Diseases ; Visual Acuity ; Visual Fields ; Vitrectomy ; Bevacizumab

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a usual dose of simvastatin (20 mg/day) on plaque regression and vascular remodeling at the peri-stent reference segments after bare-metal stent implantation. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated serial intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) findings in 380 peri-stent reference segments (184 proximal and 196 distal to the stent) in 196 patients (simvastatin group, n = 132 vs. non-statin group, n = 64). Quantitative volumetric IVUS analysis was performed in 5-mm vessel segments proximal and distal to the stent. RESULTS: IVUS follow-up was performed at a mean of 9.4 months after stenting (range, 5 to 19 months). No significant differences were observed in the changes in mean plaque plus media (P&M) area, mean lumen area, and mean external elastic membrane (EEM) area from post-stenting to follow-up at both proximal and distal edges between the simvastatin and non-statin group. Although lumen loss within the first 3 mm from each stent edge was primarily due to an increase in P&M area rather than a change in EEM area, and lumen loss beyond 3 mm from each stent edge was due to a combination of increased P&M area and decreased EEM area, no significant differences in changes were observed in P&M, EEM, and lumen area at every 1-mm subsegment between the simvastatin and non-statin group. CONCLUSIONS: A usual dose of simvastatin does not inhibit plaque progression and lumen loss and does not affect vascular remodeling in peri-stent reference segments in patients undergoing bare-metal stent implantation.
Adult ; Aged ; *Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease/*drug therapy/ultrasonography ; Coronary Vessels/*drug effects/pathology/ultrasonography ; Female ; Humans ; Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors/*therapeutic use ; Lipids/blood ; Male ; Metals ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Simvastatin/*therapeutic use ; *Stents ; *Ultrasonography, Interventional

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study examined the relationship between the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level and clinical outcome after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2007, 867 patients (age, 62.6+/-12.5 years; males, 71%) undergoing a 1-year follow- up after PCI for AMI were divided into five groups according to the LDL-C level: <70, 70-100, 100-130, 130-160, and > or =160 mg/dL. RESULTS: Smoking (63%), hypertension (46%), and diabetes mellitus (28%) were common risk factors. The history of ischemic heart disease decreased as the LDL-C level increased (p=0.036). Patients with lower LDL-C levels had lower creatinine clearance and higher high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. The rate of in-hospital complications after PCI declined with increases in the LDL-C level, except in patients with LDL-C >160 mg/dL (linear p=0.010). There was no correlation between the LDL-C level and the 30-day or 1-year clinical outcome after PCI. After multivariate adjustment, independent predictors of the 1-year mortality after PCI were left ventricular ejection fraction, hsCRP, age, and creatinine clearance. CONCLUSIONS: Higher LDL-C levels were related to fewer in-hospital complications, but there was no correlation between the LDL-C level and long-term clinical outcome after PCI in Korean patients with AMI.
C-Reactive Protein ; Cholesterol ; Creatinine ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Lipoproteins ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Percutaneous Coronary Intervention ; Risk Factors ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Stroke Volume