Near-infrared Transillumination and Photodynamic Therapy Using Hypericin in Animal Laryngeal Tumors

BACKGROUND@#We aimed to validate a pilot study of photodiagnosis using near infrared (NIR) transillumination and assess the clinical efficacy of hypericin-mediated photodynamic therapy (HYP-PDT) in a rabbit laryngeal cancer model in order to develop a novel therapeutic modality with complete remission and preservation of the functional organ. @*METHODS@#(1) In vitro study: VX tumor cells were subcultured and subjected to HYP-PDT. (2) In vivo study: A laryngeal cancer model was developed in which 12 rabbits were inoculated with a VX tumor suspension in the submucosal area of the left vocal fold using a transoral approach. All rabbits underwent NIR transillumination using light with a wavelength of 780 nm. The survival periods of the three treatment groups (6 rabbits in Group A: HYP-PDT, 3 each in Groups B and C: laser irradiation or HYP administration only) were analyzed. @*RESULTS@#The higher the HYP concentration, the lower the VX cell viability in response to HYP-PDT using 590 nm LED. Following HYP-PDT, small tumors in Group A-1 rabbits healed completely and the animals demonstrated a long survival period, and larger tumors in Group A-2 healed partially with a survival period that extended over 3 weeks after inoculation. The survival of Groups B and C were not different over the first 3 weeks of the study, and were shorter than in Group A. @*CONCLUSION@#We found HYP-PDT could be a curative therapy for early-stage cancers that may also preserve organ function, and may inhibit tumor progression and metastasis during advanced stages of laryngeal cancer.

Effect of Leg Elevation Height on Reduced Swelling of Patients of Postoperative Acute Ankle Fractures / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: Leg elevation is known as an effective method for reducing leg swelling, and it has been routinely used in medical practice. However, the effect of swelling reduction in relation to the degree of elevation height is not known. This study evaluated the swelling of the leg after acute ankle fracture operations at two different elevation heights and the elevated leg heights were compared.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 66 patients with postoperative acute ankle fractures were classified into two groups depending on the presence of different leg elevation heights: high-elevated (HE, case) and low-elevated groups (LE, control). We checked leg swelling, pain, subjective satisfaction for the elevation device, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and we retrospectively compared them between both the groups.RESULTS: Leg swelling and pain were reduced in both groups. However, they did not show any significant differences between both the groups (p>0.05). Nineteen patients in the HE group replied with uncomfortable, while no patients in LE group did so. The AOFAS score at 1 year postoperatively did not show any significant differences between both the groups (p=0.46).CONCLUSION: High elevation of the leg after ankle fractures did not show a significant difference from low elevation in regard to leg swelling, pain, and function. Furthermore, high leg elevation resulted in discomfort during the postoperative period. Thus, low elevation with a pillow is enough for acute ankle fracture patients with little discomfort and satisfactory swelling reduction.

Results of total knee arthroplasty for painless, stiff knees

Background@#Stiff knees, like completely ankylosed or arthrodesed knees, can be painless. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for these painless, stiff knees is technically demanding. However, it can correct the alignment and advance the range of motion to improve quality of life. So, we reviewed the preoperative and postoperative results of functional and pain scores, range of motion (ROM) and complications in painless, stiff knees treated by TKA. @*Methods@#Fifteen painless, stiff knees underwent TKA from January 1998 to January 2017. The mean follow-up period was 15.4 (2.4–22.2) years. All the knees were completely ankylosed or arthrodesed. Clinical outcome and complications were evaluated using medical record review, serial plan radiography, ROM assessment, Knee Society score (KSS), Knee Society function score (FS), and a visual analog scale for pain (VAS). @*Results@#All patients were satisfied with their operated knees. Mean KSS and FS scores were improved from 36 and 50.9 to 76.9 and 67.2, respectively (P < 0.001 and P = 0.01). The mean ROM increased from 0º preoperatively to 77.6º (15–130) at the final follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean VAS had worsened from 0 preoperatively to 0.2 postoperatively, however it was not significant (P = 0.1). Major postoperative complications were reported in five of the knees (33.3%). @*Conclusions@#The results of TKA for painless, stiff knees were satisfactory with improved ROM and quality of life. Although some patients had mild pain and complications postoperatively, they were satisfied with the result. However, our study recommends that surgeons should consider the high rate of complications in the completely ankylosed or arthrodesed knees.

Results of total knee arthroplasty for painless, stiff knees

Background@#Stiff knees, like completely ankylosed or arthrodesed knees, can be painless. Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for these painless, stiff knees is technically demanding. However, it can correct the alignment and advance the range of motion to improve quality of life. So, we reviewed the preoperative and postoperative results of functional and pain scores, range of motion (ROM) and complications in painless, stiff knees treated by TKA. @*Methods@#Fifteen painless, stiff knees underwent TKA from January 1998 to January 2017. The mean follow-up period was 15.4 (2.4–22.2) years. All the knees were completely ankylosed or arthrodesed. Clinical outcome and complications were evaluated using medical record review, serial plan radiography, ROM assessment, Knee Society score (KSS), Knee Society function score (FS), and a visual analog scale for pain (VAS). @*Results@#All patients were satisfied with their operated knees. Mean KSS and FS scores were improved from 36 and 50.9 to 76.9 and 67.2, respectively (P < 0.001 and P = 0.01). The mean ROM increased from 0º preoperatively to 77.6º (15–130) at the final follow-up (P < 0.001). The mean VAS had worsened from 0 preoperatively to 0.2 postoperatively, however it was not significant (P = 0.1). Major postoperative complications were reported in five of the knees (33.3%). @*Conclusions@#The results of TKA for painless, stiff knees were satisfactory with improved ROM and quality of life. Although some patients had mild pain and complications postoperatively, they were satisfied with the result. However, our study recommends that surgeons should consider the high rate of complications in the completely ankylosed or arthrodesed knees.

Male Nurses' Experiences of Being Rejected in Nursing Practice / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine and share experiences of male nurses who have been rejected during their nursing practice by their patients. METHODS: The participants were 12 male nurses who have worked in several hospitals. Data were collected through personalized in-depth interviews. Collected data were analyzed with the content analysis method. RESULTS: The results can be categorized into three main themes. 1. Rejection based on gender stereotypes of nurses' roles. 2. Nurses' reactions when nursing was rejected 3. Reestablishing the role as a nurse. The results of this study showed that male nurses were struggling to maintain their own positions as professional nurses. They were refused by their patients and they experienced a lack of skill and knowledge in nursing practice. They were harmed physically and psychologically from being turned down, and sometimes they had serious conflicts with female nurses. Meanwhile, the male nurses tried to be faithful to their role as professional nurses. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show the following findings. 1. The male nurses' experiences where mostly ones of understanding and cooperation with patients' caregivers. 2. The need for public relations advertising and systematic support from the media. 3. The need for improving gender equality for nurses. 4. Strengthening male nursing students' endeavors for sound nursing professionalism.

The Brain Donation Program in South Korea

PURPOSE: Obtaining brain tissue is critical to definite diagnosis and to furthering understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. The present authors have maintained the National Neuropathology Reference and Diagnostic Laboratories for Dementia in South Korea since 2016. We have built a nationwide brain bank network and are collecting brain tissues from patients with neurodegenerative diseases. We are aiming to facilitate analyses of clinic-pathological and image-pathological correlations of neurodegenerative disease and to broaden understanding thereof. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited participants through two routes: from memory clinics and the community. As a baseline evaluation, clinical interviews, a neurological examination, laboratory tests, neuropsychological tests, and MRI were undertaken. Some patients also underwent amyloid PET. RESULTS: We recruited 105 participants, 70 from clinics and 35 from the community. Among them, 11 died and were autopsied. The clinical diagnoses of the autopsied patients included four with Alzheimer's disease (AD), two with subcortical vascular dementia, two with non-fluent variant primary progressive aphasia, one with leukoencephalopathy, one with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and one with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Five patients underwent amyloid PET: two with AD, one with mixed dementia, one with FTD, and one with CJD. CONCLUSION: The clinical and neuropathological information to be obtained from this cohort in the future will provide a deeper understanding of the neuropathological mechanisms of cognitive impairment in Asia, especially Korea.

Once-Daily OROS Hydromorphone for Management of Cancer Pain: an Open-Label, Multi-Center, Non-Interventional Study

Extended-release osmotic extended-release oral delivery system (OROS) hydromorphone is a strong synthetic opioid designed to maintain a constant blood concentration by once daily dosing. The objective of this observational study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of OROS hydromorphone in patients with cancer pain of moderate to severe intensity. Patients with cancer pain who required strong opioids were administered with OROS hydromorphone for 4 weeks. We assessed changes in pain intensity using a numerical rating scale (NRS) as well as levels of sleep disturbance, breakthrough pain, end-of-dose failure, patient satisfaction, and overall assessment of drug effectiveness based on investigator evaluation. Of the 648 enrolled patients, 553 patients were included in the full analysis set. The mean pain intensity was significantly decreased from the NRS value of 5.07 ± 1.99 to 2.75 ± 1.94 (mean % change of 42.13 ± 46.53, P < 0.001). The degree of sleep disturbance significantly improved (mean NRS change of 1.61 ± 2.57, P < 0.001), and the incidence of breakthrough pain was significantly decreased (mean NRS change of 1.22 ± 2.30, P < 0.001). The experience of end-of-dose failure also significantly decreased from 4.60 ± 1.75 to 3.93 ± 1.70, P = 0.007). The patient satisfaction rate was 72.7%, and 72.9% of investigators evaluated the study drug as effective. OROS hydromorphone was an effective and tolerable agent for cancer pain management. It effectively lowered pain intensity as well as improved sleep disturbance, breakthrough pain, and end-of-dose failure (Identifier: NCT 01273454).

Observation of 17 Asphyxial Suicides by Helium Gas / 대한법의학회지

Since the book "Final Exit: The Practicalities of Self-Deliverance and Assisted Suicide for the Dying" was published in 1991, there has been a worldwide increase in the number of cases of suicidal asphyxiation using helium gas. However, no domestic reports have been published thus far. Recently, we encountered a case of asphyxial suicide by inhalation of helium from inside a plastic bag. Subsequently, we reviewed the records of the Scientific Crime Analysis System of National Police Agency of Korea. There were 17 cases of helium-associated asphyxial suicides between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2012. The average age of the deceased was 30.6 years with a male to female ratio of approximately 5:1. Thirteen of 17 such deaths occurred in the victims'houses. In all cases, the method of death involved placing a plastic bag over the head with a hose attached to helium tanks. In 6 of 17 cases, the decedents had psychiatric disorders such as depression. As neither characteristic signs of death nor conventional methods for detecting helium gas exist, a thorough investigation of the death scene and the decedents'environment is extremely vital for confirming death due to helium asphyxiation.

Temozolomide-Associated Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia Successfully Treated with High-Dose Corticosteroid

Temozolomide is an oral alkylating agent with clinical activity against glioblastoma multiforme (GM). It is generally well-tolerated and has few pulmonary side effects. We report a case of temozolomide-associated brochiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) requiring very high-dose corticosteroid treatment. A 56-yr-old woman presented with a 2-week history of exertional dyspnea. For the treatment of GM diagnosed 4 months previously, she had undergone surgery followed by chemoradiotherapy, and then planned adjuvant chemotherapy with temozolomide. After the 1st cycle, progressive dyspnea was gradually developed. Chest radiograph showed diffuse patchy peribronchovascular ground-glass opacities in both lungs. Conventional dose of methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg/day) was begun for the possibility of BOOP. Although transbronchial lung biopsy findings were compatible with BOOP, the patient's clinical course was more aggravated until hospital day 5. After the dose of methylprednisolone was increased (500 mg/day for 5 days) radiologic findings were improved dramatically.

Comparison of Therapeutic Efficacy of Gefitinib and Erlotinib in Patients with Squamous Cell Lung Cancer / 결핵및호흡기질환

BACKGROUND: Gefitinib and erlotinib are useful, molecular targeted agents in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who failed previous chemotherapy. We compared the efficacy and toxicity of two drugs in patients with squamous cell lung cancer, most of whom are male smokers. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical information on patients with NSCLC who were treated with gefitinib or erlotinib treatment at Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital between July 2002 and November 2009. The overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between the two drugs. RESULTS: A total of 182 (100 gefitinib vs. 82 erlotinib) of 584 patients treated by targeted agents had squamous histology. Of the 182 patients, 167 (91.7%) were male and 159 (87.4%) were smokers. The ORR and disease control rate (DCR) were 4.9% and 40.6%, and there was no significant difference between gefitinib and erlotinib (ORR, 5.0% vs 4.8%; p=0.970; DCR, 40.0% vs 41.4%; p=0.439). The median OS in the gefitinib group was 12.1 months, and that in the erlotinib was 12.7 months (hazard ratio [HR], 1.282; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.771~2.134; p=0.339). The median PFS for the gefitinib group was 1.40 months, compared with 1.37 months for the erlotinib group (HR, 1.092; 95% CI, 0.809~1.474; p=0.564). Skin rash > or =grade 3 was more common in erlotinib (12.2%) than gefitinib (1.0%, p=0.003) groups. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study showed that the two drugs appear to have similar antitumor efficacy and toxicity except for skin rash.

Influence of Diaphragmatic Mobility on Hypercapnia in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

A reduction in diaphragm mobility has been identified in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been associated with a decline in pulmonary function parameters. However, little information exists regarding the potential role of diaphragm mobility on hypercapnia in COPD. A new method of assessing the mobility of the diaphragm, using ultrasound, has recently been validated. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between diaphragm mobility and pulmonary function parameters, as well as that between arterial blood gas values and diaphragm mobility, in COPD patients. Thirty seven COPD patients were recruited for pulmonary function test, arterial blood gas analysis and diaphragm mobility using ultrasound to measure the craniocaudal displacement of the left branch of the portal vein. There were significant negative correlations between diaphragmatic mobility and PaCO2 (r = -0.373, P = 0.030). Diaphragmatic mobility correlated with airway obstruction (FEV1, r = 0.415, P = 0.011) and with ventilatory capacity (FVC, r = 0.302, P = 0.029; MVV, r = 0.481, P = 0.003). Diaphragmatic mobility also correlated significantly with pulmonary hyperinflation. No relationship was observed between diaphragm mobility and PaO2 (r = -0.028, P = 0.873). These findings support a possibility that the reduction in diaphragm mobility relates to hypercapnia in COPD patients.

Survival Prediction in Terminally Ill Cancer Patients: Laboratory Variables and Prospective Validation of The Palliative Prognostic Index / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The palliative prognostic index (PPI) was designed to predict life expectancy based on clinical symptoms. In this study, a PPI was constructed and used with other biological parameters to predict 3-week survival in patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: The study included 222 patients. The PPI was constructed with five variables (performance status, oral intake, edema, dyspnea at rest, and delirium). PPI scores were grouped as follows: 4 (group 1); > 4 and 6 (group 3). At admission, seven biological variables (white blood cell count, lymphocyte, C-reactive protein [CRP], bilirubin, albumin, creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase) were measured. RESULTS: The overall survival duration was 50 days in group 1, 22 days in group 2, and 14 days in groups 3. Using the PPI, a survival of 6 and increases in serum bilirubin and CRP levels. Furthermore, the 3-week survival rate in patients with hepatopancreatobiliary cancer was more accurately predicted using a combination of the PPI, CRP, and serum bilirubin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although a PPI has limitations, it can be quickly applied to determine survival duration in patients admitted to hospice and accurately predicts 3-week survival. Furthermore, bilirubin and CRP are useful factors for predicting 3-week survival in patients with gastrointestinal cancer, including hepatopancreatobiliary cancer.

A Case of Burkholderia cepacia Bacteremia and Infective Spondylitis, Treated with Ceftazidime and Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Combination Therapy, which did not Respond to Carbapenem Monotherapy

Burkholderia cepacia is an aerobic gram-negative rod that causes healthcare-associated infections through contaminated disinfectants, fluids, and medical equipment. This bacterium shows resistance to various antibiotics. For this reason, available therapeutic antimicrobial agents are limited, and the optimal antimicrobial therapeutic regimen was still not well-determined in the case of infective spondylitis. We experienced a case of B. cepacia bacteremia with infective spondylitis and paraspinal abscesses which did not respond to carbapenem monotherapy, but was did respond to ceftazidime and sulfamethoxzaole/trimethoprim combination therapy.

Mortality and Prognostic Factors in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to Tuberculosis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) due to tuberculosis (TB) is a rare disease, but its mortality is believed to be high. The aim of this study was to evaluate the mortality rate and prognostic factors of ARDS. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the demographic, clinical, radiologic, and laboratory data of 19 patients with ARDS due to active pulmonary TB at Chonnam National University Hospital between January 2000 and December 2010. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 71.1 (interquartile range [IQR] 51-74) years. None had a history of TB treatment. The most common symptoms were dyspnea (90%), fever (68%), and cough (53%). The overall in-hospital mortality was 73%. The median acute physiologic assessment and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) III score and pneumonia severity index (PSI) were 81.9 (IQR 59.0-92.0) and 111.0 (IQR 77.0-131.0), respectively. The PSI was significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors (55.0 vs. 122.0; p = 0.016). The rate of TB treatment before admission was significantly higher in survivors than in non-survivors (75% vs. 13%; p = 0.037). The time from admission to treatment initiation was significantly longer in non-survivors than in survivors (3 vs. 0 days; p = 0.049). The median duration of mechanical ventilation was 11 days (IQR 5-16 days). The most common cause of death was a refractory shock (53%). CONCLUSIONS: The overall mortality rate of ARDS due to pulmonary TB was high. A high PSI score and delay of TB treatment may be risk factors for a poor outcome of ARDS due to pulmonary TB.

A Case of Pulmonary Alveolar Microlithiasis

Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease with unknown etiology and pathogenesis. It is characterized by diffuse, innumerable, and minute calculi, called microlithiasis in the alveoli. More than half of reported cases are asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis. We describe the first case of PAM in Korea. A 19-yr-old man without respiratory symptoms presented with interstitial thickening on the chest radiograph. His chest high resolution CT scan showed diffusely scattered, ill defined tiny micronodules and interstitial thickening. Open lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of PAM. He was followed up for 6 months without treatment, and no progression was noticed.

A Case of Ischemic Colitis Associated with Paclitaxel Loaded Polymeric Micelle (Genexol-PM(R)) Chemotherapy / 결핵및호흡기질환

Paclitaxel has been widely used for treating many solid tumors. Although colonic toxicity is an unusual complication of paclitaxel-based chemotherapy, the reported toxicities include pseudomembranous colitis, neutropenic enterocolitis and on rare occasions ischemic colitis. Genexol-PM(R), which is a recently developed cremophor-free, polymeric micelle-formulated paclitaxel, has shown a more potent antitumor effect because it can increase the usual dose of paclitaxel due to that Genexol-PM(R) does not include the toxic cremophor compound. We report here on a case of a 57-year-old man with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and who developed ischemic colitis after chemotherapy with Genexol-PM(R) and cisplatin. He complained of hematochezia with abdominal pain on the left lower quadrant. Colonoscopy revealed diffuse mucosal hemorrhage and edema from the sigmoid colon to the splenic flexure. After bowel rest, he recovered from his symptoms and the follow-up colonoscopic findings showed that the mucosa was healing. Since then, he was treated with pemetrexed monotherapy instead of a paclitaxel compound and platinum.

Efficiency of Quantification using QuantifilerTM Human DNA Kit in 60 Year Old Bone / 대한법의학회지

Commercial kits usually recommend certain range of the amount of DNA without PCR inhibitors for optimal results. If proper DNA is not used in STR amplification, undesirable results such as enhanced stutter effects, split peaks, allele dropout and poor peak balance could be shown. This phenomenon would happen more frequently in case of bone typing. Therefore, we checked effect of DNA concentration and PCR inhibitors on conventional STR typing results using QuantifilerTM Human DNA Quantification Kit. The 54 bone samples over a 60-year burial period were used in this study. In all samples, the DNA concentration ranged from 0.8 pg/ul to 748 pg/ul and Ct values of IPC that indicates residue of PCR inhibitors ranged from 26.69 to 35.59. The DNA concentration and the number of amplified loci showed positive correlation. The number of loci amplified using Minifiler kit was much more than using Y filer kit. Samples with high Ct value of IPC were not almost amplified with Y filer kit. These results suggested that QuantifilerTM Kit is useful to obtain information for DNA typing.

Colon Type Adenocarcinoma of Appendiceal Orifice with Synchronous Colon Cancer and Appendiceal Mucocele

Primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is an extraordinarily rare tumor, with fewer than 500 cases described in the collected world literature. However, it has been shown that the incidence of secondary neoplasm, such as synchronous or metachronous lesions, for primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is much greater than that for colorectal cancer in general. In the present paper, the authors report a case of a 72-year-old male patient with immunoreactivity for P 53 and DCC protein and a review of the literature, who was operated on for an appendiceal orifice cancer and in whom colonic adenomas, a synchronous colon cancer and an appendiceal mucocele, was incidentally discovered after right hemicolectomy.

Anthropological Characteristics of Jeju Population's Skulls / 체질인류학회지

The purpose of this study was to grasp the morphological characteristics of Jeju population's skulls and investigate the differences of the anthropological characteristics in comparison with those of several samples from the Northeast Asia and Korea. Data analysis has been carried out on the skull and angiographic of two hundred normal adults that had been taken with the multidetector-row computed tomography at Jeju National University Hospital between July, 2005 and August, 2007. The results were as follows. Out of the 30 criteria of the skull metric traits, 28 show measurement differential between male and female. The mean of man was greater than that of woman (p<0.05). The groups were classified into three categories: Chinese and Japanese group, Korean and Jeju population group, Mongol group as the result of the group analysis using eleven data (maximum cranial length, maximum cranial breadth, maximum cranial height, facial width, upper facial height, nasal height, nasal breadth, nasal index, cranial length breadth index, cranial length height index, and cranial breadth height index). There were four types dolichocrany (1.0%), mesocrany (13.5%), brachycrany (42.0%), hyperbrachycrany (43.5%) of skull in Jeju populations using the cranial length breadth index (p<0.05) and sex of skull types were not significant. We confirmed the difference in the size of the skull according to the human community by race, nationality, region and sex. There was close correlation between Korean and Jeju population of anthropological characteristics.

The Expression and Clinical Significance of the Minichromosome Maintenance (MCM) 7 Proliferation Markers in Urothelial Carcinomas of the Bladder / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: The antibodies for minichromosome maintenance(MCM) proteins have been reported as potential proliferative markers and prognostic indicators in various human malignancies. The present study examined the expression pattern of MCM proteins in bladder carcinomas, and we also evaluated their prognostic significance as well as their potential applicability as proliferation markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemistry for MCM7 and Ki-67 was performed on paraffin sections from 47 cases of bladder carcinoma. The MCM7 and Ki-67 expressions were quantified and then analysis was carried out for determining the association between the expressions of MCM7 and Ki-67 and the clinicopathological parameters. RESULTS: A significant correlation existed between the expression rate of MCM7 and the histological grade(p<0.0001). The Ki-67 expression rate was significantly related to the tumor grade(p=0.002) and the pathological stage(p=0.011). On multivariate analysis, MCM7 was not found to be an independent prognostic factor for predicting the recurrence of bladder carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that MCM is a reliable proliferation marker, but not an independent predictive factor for recurrence of bladder carcinoma.