The Significance of Connexin 26 Expression in Squamous Cell Lesions of the Larynx / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is a mechanism for direct cell to cell signalling and is mediated by gap junctions, which consist of transmembrane proteins called connexins (Cxs). The authors investigated the role of connexin 26 as a biomarker that helps diagnose laryngeal squamous cell lesions. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: Paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from 50 patients, who were diagnosed with laryngeal invasive squamous cell carcinoma (n=15), carcinoma in situ (n=10), dysplasia (n=15), and non-neoplastic epithelial hyperplasia (n=10) between 1993 and 2005, were immunohistochemically stained for connexin 26 protein. RESULTS: Intracytoplasmic positive expression of connexin 26 was found in 100% of invasive squamous cell carcinoma and in 20% of carcinoma in situ. However, in dysplasia and hyperplasia, there were no positive expressions. Moreover, the majority of intercellular or membranous staining tended to decline in dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, and squamous cell carcinoma. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that aberrant expression of connexin 26 in laryngeal squamous cell lesions can be associated with tumorigenesis and invasion. Further studies are needed to investigate these expressions of connexin 26 and that it may represent more aggressive pathology of the larynx.

Clinical Study of Deep Neck Infection / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of deep neck infection has decreased after the introduction of antibiotics and improvement of oral hygiene, but it may still be lethal especially when life-threatening complications occur. The objective of this study is to clarify the presenting signs and symptoms, clinical course, microorganisms, and management of deep neck infections. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 134 patients who were diagnosed with deep neck infection and who received treatment at the Chosun University Hospital between 1996 and 2005 for the analysis of age and sex, distribution related to spaces involved, the location of cellulitis and abscess, the side of lesion, the symptoms and signs, the etiologic events, the associated conditions, the result of culture, and the treatments. Peritonsillar abscesses were excluded from this study. RESULTS: The parapharyngeal space and extended space were the most commonly involved space of deep neck infections, followed by submandibular space, retropharyngeal space, and Ludwig's angina. The most common pathogens found were Streptococcus, followed by Klebsiella and Staphylococcus. In diabetic patients, Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common causative pathogen. Peptostreptococcus was the most common anaerobic pathogen. CONCLUSION: Initial management including trial of proper empirical antibiotics is important. According to the culture and antibiotic sensitivity test in this study, a combined therapy of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and metronidazole is useful in polymicrobial deep neck infection.

Risk Factors of Work-related Musculoskeletal Symptoms Among Motor Engine Assembly Plant Workers / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: To determine the synthetic risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders, and to examine effect on musculoskeletal symptoms of physical work intensity and change of work intensity. METHODS: Self-administered questionnaraire survey was conducted on 588 motor engine assembly workers, in Chanwon, Kyungnam provance, Korea, from April 1 to May 31, 2003. The contents of the questionnaire investigation included general characteristic items, workrelated characteristic items, presence of musculoskeletal symptoms, ergonomic risk factors items, job stress items, current physical work intensity and changes of work intensity items. The results underwent statistical analysis with frequency test, t-test, and logistic regression. The statistical significance level was 0.05, and SAS(v8.1) was used. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between risk factors and musculoskeletal symptoms. From the results, significant variables were high Quick Exposure Check (QEC) score, high job demand control, physical work intensity, change of work intensity. CONCLUSION: Among the known risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders, the outbreak of musculoskeletal symptoms was confirmed to be correlated with age, tenure, ergonomic risk factors, and job stress. Physical work intensity and the changes of work intensity were also related to musculoskeletal symptoms.