Relationship between the Expression of Ku70/80, p53, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor and Cyclooxygenase-2 and Prognosis in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tonsil / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to find out if Ku70/80, p53, EGFR and COX-2 expressions are associated with prognostic variables and to examine the survival rate in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: From October 1991 to April 2006, 52 cases of paraffin-embedded tonsillar specimens were obtained by surgical resection in the Asan Medical Center. All tissue samples were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for Ku70/80, p53, EGFR and COX-2. Clinical factors such as age, treatment modality, TNM stage were evaluated nad detailed analyses were performed regarding the relationship between the expression of molecular markers, overall survival and disease free survival rates. RESULTS: In the Ku70 expression, there were no cells that did not stain and 3 cases where less than 75% of cells stained positive. In the Ku80 expression, there was one case that did not stain and 3 cases where less than 75% of cells that stained positive. The positivity of p53, EGFR and COX-2 was 19% (10/52), 2% (1/52), 50% (26/52), respectively. There was a significant correlation between p53 and survival (overall and disease free) in the univariate analysis (p=0.049, p=0.017). However, there was no correlation in the multivariate survival analysis (p=0.187, p=0.078). CONCLUSION: This study finds that the expression of p53 correlates with an unfavorable prognosis in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma. The p53 protein can be a biological marker for prediction of prognosis in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma.

Is Routine Central Neck Dissection Necessary for the Treatment of Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma?

OBJECTIVES: It remains unclear as to whether routine central neck dissection (CND) is necessary when performing surgery to treat patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC). To determine the necessity for routine CND in PTMC patients, we reviewed the clinicopathologic and laboratory data of the patients of PTMC. METHODS: Between September 2001 and July 2005, 101 patients with PTMC and clinical N0 disease were retrospectively reviewed. The study cohort was devided into groups: the total thyroidectomy plus CND group (the CND group, N=48) and the total thyroidectomy without CND group (the no CND group, N=53). The serum stimulated thyroglobulin (Tg) levels were measured after surgery and prior to radioactive iodine ablation therapy (RAI) and at 6-12 months after RAI. Pathology, the Tg levels and recurrence data were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Central nodal metastases were found in 18 of the 48 CND patients (37.5%). The incidence of Tg levels >5 ng/mL at RAI was higher in the no CND patients and in the 18 node-positive CND patients compared with the 30 node-negative CND patients (22-24% vs. 3%, respectively, P=0.020-0.058). The difference when performing a similar comparison using a >2 ng/mL Tg threshold level showed no significance (10-11% vs. 4%, respectively, P>0.1). Two of the no CND patients and one node-positive CND patient had recurrences in the thyroid bed or lateral neck during a mean follow-up of 24 months. CONCLUSION: The data showed that occult metastasis to the central neck is common in PTMC patients. A CND provides pathologic information about the nodal metastases, and it potentially provides guidance for planning the postoperative RAI. However, the long-term benefit of CND on recurrence and survival remains somewhat questionable.

The Effects of Parents Training through Video Feedback for Autistic Spectrum Disorder Children's Language Development and Child-parent Interaction

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of video feedback training for the parents of autistic spectrum disorder children. METHOD: Ten Autistic spectrum disorder children and their mothers participated in this training. Twenty minutes play times were videotaped including free play time and chosen play time. After one session, watching videotape, the researcher analyzed the relation of the children and their mother and had a feedback training with the mother of child. RESULTS: The child's responses to the mother's start actions had significant differences (p<0.05). The language responses of children increased in the organized environment of chosen play. Language responses increased but negative actions and no responses reduced when mother encouraged child centered play rather than mother engaged in children's play directly. In log sector model, mother's responses according to the play type had meaningless difference (p0.05). But in division analysis mother's responses to child's start action had meaningful difference in pre/post treatment and play type. CONCLUSION: The effects of video feedback training of autistic spectrum disorder children's parents were positive. Through this investigation the interaction and the communication with autistic spectrum disorder children and their parents are influenced positively.

The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on the Cardiovascular System in the Early Stoke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise training on the cardiovascular system in the early stroke patients by bicycle ergometer exercise test. METHOD: 16 stroke patients without cardiac disease were randomly assigned to exercise training group (8 patients) and control group (8 patients). The time interval between the onset of stroke and exercise training was within 90 days. Exercise tests by bicycle ergometer using Astrand-Ryhming protocol were performed twice before and after training. Exercise training was consisted with the intensity of 60~70% of maximal heart rate, 30 minutes per day, 3 times per week for 6 weeks using bicycle ergometer. Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score and blood lipid profile were recorded before and during training. Blood pressure and heart rate were checked before and during exercise test. RESULTS: In a training group, maximal systolic blood pressure and rate pressure product were decreased immediately after exercise test after 6-weeks exercise training (p<0.05). The MBI score and lipid profile were not changed after training. CONCLUSION: Early exercise training in the stroke patients for 6 weeks have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.

Traumatic hemipelvectomy before body image has developed

Traumatic hemipelvectomy is rarely observed because very few patients have survived from the initial trauma. We describe one male child who survived from this massive trauma with a good functional outcome. The boy was 28 months old when he was accidentally struck by a truck. He had severe open trauma of the pelvis and hemorrhage of the left lower limb. Amputation of the left hemipelvis, colostomy, cystostomy and removal of the left avulsed testicle were performed. Once healing had been achieved, he was transferred to our Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and rehabilitative management was begun, including prosthetic measurement and psychologic intervention for the patient and his parents. For 13 years of long-term follow-up, his prosthesis was readjusted annually. Now he is a 16-year-old middle school student. He is functioning remarkably well with a prosthesis. The psychologic report shows that he is emotionally stable and has good scholastic performance. Although hemipelvectomy appears to be a radical procedure in children, the potential for rehabilitation in a group of children before body image has developed appears to be unexpectedly good.

Utilization characteristics of health care service for rheumatoid arthritis patients in Korea

The purpose of this study was to determine the factors which were responsible for delaying early diagnosis and optimal management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Korea. We interviewed 109 outpatients diagnosed as RA being treated by rheumatologists, and we eventually analyzed 98 patients' data. The median length of time from symptom onset to the first visit to a medical doctor, to diagnosis, and visiting a rheumatologist were 8 weeks, 23 weeks, and 42 months respectively. The subspecialist with whom the patients consulted with for the longest time before visiting a rheumatologist were an orthopaedic surgeon for 51 patients, a Chinese herbal doctor for 19 patients, and a pharmacist for 16 patients. For early diagnosis and optimal management of RA in Korea, we believe that it is necessary to reduce the use of unconventional medical services such as Chinese herbal medicine and nonprescribed medication, and to emphasize rheumatologic and rehabilitative care in the early stage.

Spinal Metastasis of Occipital Glioblastoma Multiforme

The tendency of glioblastoma to metastasize to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is well documented, reaching approximately 20% in autopsy series. Nevertheless, clinical symptoms from spinal seeding seem to be infrequent or are at least rarely diagnosed. The authors report a case of a 41-year old female patient with a cerebral glioblastoma multiforme who developed paraplegia due to a pathologically confirmed spinal metastasis.

Intracranial Metastatic Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: Report of Two Cases

The authors describe two cases of unusual intracranial metastatic adenoid cystic carcinomas. A 42-year-old woman had a right parietal epidural metastatic mass, presumed hematogenous, spread from a primary tumor in the parotid gland. In second case, a 32-year-old man had a intracranial metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma mimicking calcified psammomatous meningioma on CT scans. We present the unusual cases with a review of relevant literature and a discussion of possible pathogenesis.

Intracranial Metastatic Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma: Report of Two Cases

The authors describe two cases of unusual intracranial metastatic adenoid cystic carcinomas. A 42-year-old woman had a right parietal epidural metastatic mass, presumed hematogenous, spread from a primary tumor in the parotid gland. In second case, a 32-year-old man had a intracranial metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma mimicking calcified psammomatous meningioma on CT scans. We present the unusual cases with a review of relevant literature and a discussion of possible pathogenesis.

Study of the lumbar curvature with various factors of pelvic inclination. Change of radiographic lumbar curvature according to hip joint flexion

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the hip flexion upon parameters that are indicators of spinal mobility. These parameters include intervertebral disc angle and lumbar curvature by measurement of the radiography in twenty eight healthy men. The state of knowledge of how these parameters relate to lumbar mobility have resolved. The results of the parameters showed negligible changes in relation to the mobility of lumbar spine according to angle of hip flexion except at L4-L5 intervertebral disc angle and lumbar curvature (p< 0.05). This results of study confirms that hip joint movement therapy can be applied to these norms in patient management in supine position of for the stable spinal injuries in the upper lumbar region during early phase.

Dynamic electromyography in the spastic hands of stroke patients for the evaluation of motor control

No abstract available.

Enhanced expression of the c-myc protooncogene in human intracranial meningiomas

We examined the alteration and expression of c-myc protooncogene in 11 human intracranial meningiomas using Southern blot, Northern blot and immunohistochemical techniques. Southern blot showed neither amplification nor rearrangement but Northern blot and immunohistochemical study revealed enhanced expression of the c-myc gene. Immunohistochemically, c-myc product was found in all of the 11 cases and seven of these cases showed an above moderate degree of immunoreaction in semiquantitative analysis. Loss of heterozygosity at IGLC2 locus on chromosome 22 was detected in four of the 8 informative cases. But extent and intensity of immunoreactivity did not correlated with loss of heterozygosity on chromosome 22. These genetic changes may play important roles in the pathogenesis of human intracranial meningioma.

Energy expenditure of the unilateral lower extremity amputees by submaximal treadmill exercise

No abstract available.

Management status for hemophiliacs in Korea: the importance of comprehensive rehabilitational approach

No abstract available.

Clinical study of aphasia after closed head injury

No abstract available.

Effects of 2 speeds of isokinetic training on muscular strength in quadriceps and hamstrings

No abstract available.

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Orthotic Appliances

Orthotic technology has developed rapidly in recent decades m western countries. Korea has been confronted with the problems of purchasing the appropriate orthotic materials, training of orthotists and financial expense. The introduction of new materials and lamination technology for orthotic appliance will enable such problems to be solved. Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP), which was laminated with Korean made plastic resins and fiberglass, was superior to the mechanical properties of other plastic materials, such as acrylic, polypropylene and thermoplast. Lamination of the orthotic devices with FRP was introduced and it should be technically possible for an orthotist in a small workshop or a member of the house staff of a hospital to make an appliance on the premises.

Motor Nerve Conduction Velocity in Newborn Infants and Children

Measurement of motor nerve conduction velocity(MNCV) of the median and peroneal nerves was performed in 79 normal fullterm newborn infants and children up through the age of 329 weeks. They were divided into eight groups by age. The following study was undertaken to obtain the mean +/- S.D. and the regression equation of Y (MNCV) on X (age). The MNCV values of each group were compared with those of normal adults.

Phrenic Nerve Conduction Studies in Healthy Korean

The assessment of diaphragmatic function has received increasing attention in recent decades because of successful clinical application of the electrophrenic pacemaker. Knowledge of the normal value of the phrenic nerve conduction latency according to Korean physical characteristics may be helpful when choosing electrophrenic respiration candidates and for evaluation diaphragmatic function postoperatively. Therefore in this study we have put the emphasis on obtaining the mean value of the phrenic nerve conduction latency in 18 healthy Korean adults and have correlated the effect of the intercathodal distance and the height of the subject with the conduction latency. As a result the mean conduction latency for the phrenic nerve was 7.10 msec (SD 0.14) and the mean intercathodal distance was 33.2cm (SD 0.41). Significant positive correlations of intercathodal distance with conduction latency and with subject height were found.

Study on the Status of Prosthetists and Orthotists in Korea

Prostheses and orthoses are appliances made to increase the function of the disabled body. In Korea most appliance makers obtain their basic medical and engineering knowledge and techniques through on-the-job training rather than regular education. It is expected that future training courses for appliance makers will continue to be planned. The most important thing in preparing such courses is to set the limits and level of the text. To plan training courses efficiently, it is essential to check the experience and educational level of the participants, the source of their technique, and their philosophy. The 58 makers who attended the first training course held for one week in August of 1981 answered the questionnaire prepared by the authors concerning the following items: educational level, source of technique (where and how learned), basic medical knowledge, location of shops, degree of and reason for job satisfaction, difficulties in working, approval or disapproval of the training course and reaction to the first training course.