Comprehensive Analysis of Chicken Vessels as Microvascular Anastomosis Training Model

BACKGROUND: Nonliving chickens are commonly used as a microvascular anastomosis training model. However, previous studies have investigated only a few types of vessel, and no study has compared the characteristics of the various vessels. The present study evaluated the anatomic characteristics of various chicken vessels as a training model. METHODS: Eight vessels—the brachial artery, basilic vein, radial artery, ulnar artery, ischiatic artery and vein, cranial tibial artery, and common dorsal metatarsal artery—were evaluated in 26 fresh chickens and 30 chicken feet for external diameter (ED) and thicknesses of the tunica adventitia and media. The dissection time from skin incision to application of vessel clamps was also measured. RESULTS: The EDs of the vessels varied. The ischiatic vein had the largest ED of 2.69±0.33 mm, followed by the basilic vein (1.88±0.36 mm), ischiatic artery (1.68±0.24 mm), common dorsal metatarsal artery (1.23±0.23 mm), cranial tibial artery (1.18±0.19 mm), brachial artery (1.08±0.15 mm), ulnar artery (0.82±0.13 mm), and radial artery (0.56±0.12 mm), and the order of size was consistent across all subjects. Thicknesses of the tunica adventitia and media were also diverse, ranging from 74.09±19.91 µm to 158.66±40.25 µm (adventitia) and from 31.2±7.13 µm to 154.15±46.48 µm (media), respectively. Mean dissection time was <3 minutes for all vessels. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that nonliving chickens can provide various vessels with different anatomic characteristics, which can allow trainees the choice of an appropriate microvascular anastomosis training model depending on their purpose and skillfulness.

Extra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumor in the Donor Site of an Extended Latissimus Dorsi Flap

No abstract available.

Expression of the Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Proteins (IGFBPs) in Colon Cancer

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the hypothesis that tussue IGFBP-2,-3, and -4 levels would differ between colon cancer tissue and adjacent normal tissue and to determine whether these factors could affect the clinicopathologic characteristics such as age, tumor stage, differentiation, serosal invasion, and CEA in patients with colon cancer. METHODS: This study group consisted of 102 patients with colorectal cancer who under went operations between January 2004 and December 2006. Postoperative colon cancer specimens and adjacent normal colon tissues were obtained immediately. Histopathologic examinations were made by on pathologist for each specimen. The gene expressions of IGFBP-2,-3,-4 in cancer and normal tissues were measured using a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In additional, the various clinic-opathologic factors were evaluated for both tissues by comparing the IGFBP-2, -3, -4 expression densities. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the expression of IGFBP-3, -4 between colon cancer and normal colon tissues. A statistically significant expression of IGFBP-2 was detected in the cancer specimens compared with the normal colon tissues. IGFBP-3 was significantly associated with pathologic N stage. CONCLUSIONS: This is a rare report comparing colon cancer with normal colon tissue for IGFBP expression by means of a systemical evaluation of colon cancer patients. Our data suggest that IGFBP-2 may be intimately associated with malignant phenotypes, and may confer some growth advantage on tumor cells, which means that IGFBP-2 shows a high sensitivity for colorectal cancer. Interestingly, IGFBP-3 was strongly associated with the pathologic N stage. We think further studies are needed to understand this phenomenon.

Detection of Tumor Markers Using Stools with RT-PCR

PURPOSE: There is a need for sensitive, specific diagnostic and prognostic molecular markers that can monitor the early patterns of gene expression in non-invasive exfoliated colonocytes shed in stools. It has been estimated that approximately 10(10) normal adult colonic epithelial cells, each having a lifespan of 3~4 days, are shed from the lower two-thirds of colon crypts daily; thus, the development of a screening test using colonocytes is an realistic goal. Due to the characteristics of stools, few studies have been conducted on RNA based detection methods. Herein, a mass RNA analysis, using stools in colorectal cancer, is reported. METHODS: The study included 15 colorectal cancer patients, and 15 control patients without neoplastic disease. RNA was isolated from routinely collected stool samples using a modified method. The expression levels of survivin, livin, Akt-1, caveolin, histone deacetylase (HDAC)1, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-7, MMP-9, MMP-12, hepatoma derived growth factor (HDGF), peptideYY, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), N-cadherin, catenin-beta, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), ring-3, enolase-1beta, insulin-like growth factor binding protein (IGFBP)-2, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and EphB2 were determined by reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The rates of expression of fecal survivin, livin and Akt-1 assays for colorectal cancer were all 93%; whereas, those of the fecal caveolin, HDAC1, MMP-2, HDGF and peptideYY assays for colorectal cancer were 13, 6, 20, 6 and 6%, respectively. The remaining 13 assays did not show any expression in either the colorectal or normal groups. The expression levels of survivin, livin and Akt-1 were higher in the colorectal cancer than normal group in a semiquantitative analysis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These fecal survivin, livin and Akt-1 assays had both high expression rate and levels (colorectal cancer as distinguished from normal group) for detecting colorectal cancer; although, a larger study will be necessary to assess the expression rates and levels.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Polymorphism in Korean Chronic Renal Failure Patients: Impacts on Hyperhomocysteinemia and Peripheral Atherosclerosis / 대한신장학회지

PURPOSE: Recently, many studies have investigated that Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism may be not a only cause for hyperhomocysteinemia, but also an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease or atherosclerosis in renal failure patients. In this study, we analyzed MTHFR polymorphisms in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients, and investigated relationship between MTHFR polymorphism and peripheral atherosclerosis. METHODS: One hundred twenty eight CRF patients with GFR < 30 mL/min were enrolled. We analyzed their MTHFR polymorphism by standard PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism and measured their ankle brachial index (ABI) using blood pressure cuff and Doppler stethoscope. Plasma homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid levels were measured. 170 healthy peoples were enrolled for control group. RESULTS: The distribution of MTHFR 677 polymorphism of CRF patients was as follows: CC genotype, 33.6%; CT, 47.7% and TT 18.7%. Plasma homocysteine concentration was higher in TT group than in CC group (p < 0.05). The distribution of MTHFR 1298 polymorphism of CRF patients was as follows: AA type, 63.78%; AC, 33.07% and CC 18.7%. The distributions of MTHFR polymorphisms in control group were not different from patients group, respectively. There was no definite correlation between ABI and plasma homocysteine concentration. A trend of lower ABI in TT type compared with CC type within CRP patients group, but no statistical significance was shown. CONCLUSIONs: No difference of the distribution of MTHFR polymorphism was noted between CRF patients and healthy population. In CRF patients, MTHFR C677T mutation was closely associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, but both did not significantly influence to peripheral arterial disease.

The Effects of CYP2E1 and CYP2C19 Polymorphisms on the Susceptibility for Gastric Cancer

PURPOSE: The gastric cancer is a common malignancy worldwide. Developing a screening test for gastric cancer is important because early-stage gastric cancer has a good prognosis. So, we investigated the effect of the CYP2E1 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms on the susceptibility for gastric cancer. METHODS: We studied 92 patients who were diagnosed with gastric cancer at Hospital and 80 patients who were admitted during the same period. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for the 96-bp insertion polymorphism of CYP2E1 and the poor metabolizer of CYP2C19. The expressions of CYP2E1 and CYP2C19 in case and control groups were compared by Student's t-test and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The distribution of the CYP2E1 96-bp insertion polymorphism was 61 (66.3%), 28 (30.4%) and 3 (3.3%) for insert 0, insert 1 and insert 2 in the study group, respectively, and 61 (76.3%), 18 (22.5%) and 1 (1.3%) in control group, respectively. The distribution of the CYP2C19 poor metabolizer was 12 (13.0%) and 5 (5.4%) for CYP2C19*2/*2 and CYP2C19*2/*3 in the study group, respectively, and 3 (3.7%), 1 (1.3%) and 7 (8.8%) for CYP2C19*2/*2, CYP2C19*3/*3 and CYP2C19*2/*3 in control group, respectively. The ORs for CYP polymorphisms on stomach cancer were 1.2 (95% CI: 0.8~3.2) in the CYP2E1 96-bp insert group and 1.4 (95% CI 0.6~3.2) in the CYP2C19 PM. For the patients younger than 50 years, the OR of the CYP2C19 poor metabolizer for stomach cancer was much higher than, but there was the limitation that the age and gender distribution in the 2 groups did not match (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: We noted that there was no significant correlation between the CYP2E1 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms and the gastric cancer group. Yet there was a tendency for the higher incidence of CYP2E1 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms in the gastric cancer group. Further well designed studies will be needed to conclude the effects of CYP2E1 and CYP2C19 polymorphisms on stomach cancer.

Methodologic Evaluation of EGFR Expression in Colorectal Cancer

PURPOSE: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a one of the transmembrane receptor proteins that play an important role in initiating tumor cell signaling and growth and is regarded as a promising target for cancer therapy. The EGFR expression rate has been reported to vary according to the detection method. The aims of this study were to evaluate the EGFR expression rate of a colorectal carcinoma by using immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and to analyze the correlation between these methods. METHODS: EGFR expression was investigated in tissue sections from 33 patients with a colorectal adenocarcinoma by using IHC and semiquantitative RT-PCR. IHC was performed with antibodies in a 1:40 dilution and a 1:80 dilution. The results of the three detection methods were compared with one another. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 61.9+/-12.2 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1.2:1. The EGFR expression rates were 93.9% (31/33) in IHC with a 1:40 dilution, 87.9% (29/33) in IHC with a 1:80 dilution, and 66.7% (22/33) in RT-PCR. The result of IHC with a 1:40 dilution significantly correlated with the result of IHC with a 1:80 dilution (Pearson correlation 0.684, P<0.01). There was no correlation between semiquantitative RT-PCR and IHC (1:40 dilution, 1:80 dilution). CONCLUSIONS: The EGFR expression obtained by using IHC was consistent with different antibody dilutions. The expression rate obtained by using RT-PCR was significantly lower than that obtained by using IHC, and there was no statistical correlation between the expressions of EGFR obtained by using RT-PCR and IHC. A standardization for EGFR detection methods is needed to draw any conclusion concerning their activity in colorectal cancer.

Growth Inhibitory Effect of Resveratrol on Uterine Leiomyoma Cells / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of resveratrol on cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in the human uterine leiomyoma cells. METHODS: MTS [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium] reduction assay was carried out to determine the viability of human uterine leiomyoma cells. Western blot analysis was done using anti pRB, anti-p21cip1/waf1, anti-p53, anti-cyclin E, anti CDK2 antibodies to detect the presence and expression of these proteins in treatment with resveratrol. DNA fragmentation assay was done to find the rate of apoptosis. Cell cycle analysis for resveratrol treated in human uterine leiomyoma cells was done by FACS (fluorescence-activated cell sorter) analysis. RESULTS: Resveratrol induced growth inhibition in a dose dependent manner, treatment with 100 ?M/L resveratrol blocked 30% cell growth. From Western blot analysis it revealed resveratrol induced the expression of p53 increasing. Caspase pathway was activated and cleavage of PARP was occurred. Apoptosis took place but in a reduced manner. FACS results showed that resveratrol increased the percentage of cells in sub G1 phase. CONCLUSION: Resveratrol, a dietry phytoalexin, inhibited cell proliferation and induced cell cycle arrest at sub G1 by enhancing the production of p53. These results indicate that resveratrol will be a promising agent chemopreventives or therapeutics against human uterine leiomyoma cells.

The Prevalence of Obesity, Serum Lipid Levels and Age at Menarche in Adolescent Female Athletes / 소아과

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to find the prevalence of obesity, the serum lipid levels and the age at menarche in adolescent female athletes and to examine the effects of exercise in adolescent stage. METHODS: With a questionnaire regarding their age at menarche, physical measurement, body fat, and blood samples of the serum lipid levels to evaluate the hyperlipidemia were obtained from adolescent female athletes(n=107) and general adolescent students(n=650) who didn't exercise at regular intervals, aged 12 to 18 years. RESULTS: The mean weight in the athletes' group was 53.3+/-7.3 kg, which was similar with 54.3+/-8.0 kg in the control group. The mean height in the athletes' group was 161.4+/-5.4 cm, which was taller than 158.9+/-5.3 cm in the control group. The prevalence of obesity by obesity index, body fat, and BMI in the athletes' group were significantly lower than in control group. There was no significant difference in age at menarche between two groups(12.6+/-1.3, 12.9+/-1.2). The levels of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol in the athletes' group were higher than in the control group. The levels of triglyceride in the athletes' group was lower than in control group. CONCLUSION: These data suggest the importance of exercise in adolescents for the prevention of obesity since it may reduce body fat and increase the height. There was no negative effect of exercise on the age at menarche. We think that more controlled assessment of nutrition, diet habit, hormonal effect and height are warranted to find the correlation with hyperlipidemia and exercise at the adolescent stage.

Iron Deficiency Anemia and Iron Nutrition in Adolescent Female Athletes / 소아과

PURPOSE: Iron deficiency, particularly iron deficiency anemia(IDA) often not only decreases athletic performance but also impairs immune function and leads to other physiologic dysfunctions. This study was designed to assess and compare iron status and the IDA prevalence in female adolescent athletes with those of general adolescent students. METHODS: Physical measurements and hematologic examinations were performed for adolescent female runners(n=32), non-runner athletes(n=78) and apparently healthy students(n=511). Iron deficiency was defined as a serum ferritin concentration <12 ng/mL. The diagnosis of IDA was established when hemoglobin level <12 g/dL was associated with ferritin <12 ng/mL and/or transferrin saturation <16%. RESULTS: The prevalence of ID in the runners' group(40.6%) was significantly higher than that of the non-runner athletes' group(23.1%) and the control group(25.4%). The prevalence of IDA in the runners' group was 31.3%, which was significantly higher than that of the non-runners' group and the control group(7.7% and 16.4%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of IDA of Korean adolescent females was relatively high, especially, in female adolescent runners. Screening for anemia and iron status is warranted. It is important to measure for iron nutrition and to enforce effective nutritional education in these groups.

A Case of Juvenile Polyposis Presented with Protein Losing Enteropathy / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Juvenile polyposis is an uncommon condition characterized by the development of multiple juvenile polyps predominantly in the colon but also in the rest of the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with juvenile polyposis commonly present with rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain, anemia, prolapse of the polyp. We experienced a juvenile polyposis in a 7 year-old male patient with protein losing enteropathy who was diagnosed by 99MTc-human serum albumin abdominal scintigraphy, colonoscopy, and small bowel series. Proctocolectomy with ileostomy was performed and then protein losing enteropathy was resolved.

A Case of Krabbe Disease with Infantile Spasm

Krabbe disease is a rare autosomal recessive disorder clinically characterized by retardation in motor development, prominent spasticity, seizures, and optic atrophy. Pathologically, there are many globoid cells in the white matter, in addition to the lack of myelin and the presence of severe gliosis. Hence Krabbe disease is known as globoid cell leukodystrophy. Biochemically, the primary enzymatic deficiency in Krabbe disease is galactocerebroside beta-galactosidase. Patients with Krabbe disease can be subdivided into the early-onset type and late-onset type, according to the onset of clinical manifestations. Most patients with early-onset type die before their second birthday. We describe a girl with Krabbe disease associated with uncontrolled seizures, which was confirmed with biochemical study and MRI. The clinical findings of this patient included hyperirritability, scissoring of the legs, flexion of arm, and clenching of the fists, and generalized tonic seizures. EEG showed hypsarrhythmia, and MRI demonstrated degenerative white matter changes in bilateral periventricular white matter, posterior rim of internal capsule, basal ganglia and brain stem on T2W1 and FLAIR image. The diagnosis was based on clinical features of progressive neurologic deterioration in conjunction with low galactocerebroside beta-galactosidase activity.

A Case Of Dis (Disserninated Intravascular Coagulation) With Placental Abruption In 16 Weeks Of Gestational Age / 대한산부인과학회잡지

The syndrome of diffuse intravascular coagulation or DIC was related with high perinatal mortality & morbidity. One of the most common cause of clinically significant DIC is placental abruption Usually, DIC complicates this obstetrical accident in approximately 30% of cases. The majority of placental abruption occured late pregnancy. But, recently we have experienced a case of DIC in a patient with placental abruption in 16 weeks of gestationl age and reviewed it briefly

A Case Of Dis (Disserninated Intravascular Coagulation) With Placental Abruption In 16 Weeks Of Gestational Age / 대한산부인과학회잡지

The syndrome of diffuse intravascular coagulation or DIC was related with high perinatal mortality & morbidity. One of the most common cause of clinically significant DIC is placental abruption Usually, DIC complicates this obstetrical accident in approximately 30% of cases. The majority of placental abruption occured late pregnancy. But, recently we have experienced a case of DIC in a patient with placental abruption in 16 weeks of gestationl age and reviewed it briefly

A Case of Prenatal Diagnosed Polycystic Kidney / 대한주산의학회잡지

The infantile polycystic kidney disease is rare urinary tract anomaly.It is inherited with an autosomal recessive pattern and recurrence rate is about 25%. The gene locus is on chromosome 6p. The pathogenesis of infantile polycystic kidney is the primary defect of the collecting ducts. The ultrasonographic findings of infantile polycystic kidney are oligohydroamnios, bilaterally symmetrical enlarged kidneys with maintenance of their reinform shape. The differential diagnosis with adult polycystic kidney disease and the examination of the parents and other members of the family is helpful to confirm the adult polycystic kidney disease. If there is severe renal involvements, stillbirth or neonatal death secondary to pulmonary hypoplasia will be developed. If it is diagnosed before viability, termination of pregnancy would be recommended. In a fetus diagnosed after viability, pregnancy termmination is also recommended since this condition is uniformly fatal. We present a case of infantile polycystic kidney.