Bizarre Parosteal Osteochondromatous Proliferation of the Proximal Phalanx of the Great Toe: A Case Report / 대한족부족관절학회지

Nora et al. first reported a bizarre parostealosteochondromatous proliferation (BPOP) as a small size bone malformation mainly in the foot and hand in April 1983 that was called Nora’s lesion or Nora’s disease. Nora’s disease is known for its low incidence and is characterized as a benign lesion, without a malignancy or metastasis with different histological, radiological, and clinical features from other common lesions. Several cases of Nora’s disease on the hand, foot, and long bone have been reported in Korea. This paper reports a case of BPOP of the proximal phalanx of the great toe.

Ischemic Colitis Associated with Low-volume Oral Sulfate Solution for Bowel Preparation / 대한소화기학회지

Ischemic colitis resulting from bowel preparation for colonoscopy is extremely rare, with only a small number of cases with polyethylene glycol having been reported. Here, we present a patient with ischemic colitis after administration of a low-volume oral sulfate solution (OSS). A 49-year-old female without any significant medical history experienced abdominal pain, vomiting, and hematochezia after ingestion of OSS. She complained of severe abdominal pain during colonoscopy, and diffuse edema, hyperemia, friability, and shallow erosions were present on the transverse, descending, and sigmoid colons. A mucosal biopsy revealed mixed lymphoid inflammatory cell infiltration with de-epithelialization, whereas an abdominal CT scan showed submucosal edema on the transverse colon. A diagnosis of ischemic colitis was made. The patient recovered with fluid and antibiotic therapy without significant sequelae. Although OSS is a clinically validated and generally safe bowel preparation agent, ischemic colitis is a rare complication that should be considered.

Primary Retroperitoneal Mucinous Cystadenoma

Mucinous cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas of the ovary are clinically and histopathologically well-established common tumors. However, primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystic tumors are extremely rare, and although their histopathogenesis is still uncertain, several theories have been proposed. Most authors suggest that they develop through mucinous metaplasia in a preexisting mesothelium-lined cyst. An accurate preoperative diagnosis of these tumors is difficult because no effective diagnostic measures have been established. Delay in diagnosis and treatment of this tumor may be fatal for the patient because of complications such as rupture, infection, and malignant transformation. We describe the case of a 31-year-old woman with abdominal pain and a palpable mass. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a retroperitoneal cystic mass, which was resected successfully through laparoscopy. Histopathological examination of the resected mass confirmed the diagnosis of a primary retroperitoneal mucinous cystadenoma. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 without any complications.

A Patient with Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis Presenting with Acute Pancreatitis and Ascites

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EGE) is a rare disease characterized by focal or diffuse eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the stomach and duodenum. EGE has vague, nonspecific symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, ascites, and malabsorption. Here, we report a patient with EGE presenting with concurrent acute pancreatitis and ascites. A 68-year-old woman was admitted with abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. Laboratory findings revealed elevated serum titers of amylase, lipase, and peripheral blood eosinophil count. An abdominopelvic computed tomography scan showed a normal pancreas, moderate amount of ascites, and duodenal thickening. A esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed patchy erythematous mucosal lesions in the 2nd portion of the duodenum. Biopsies from the duodenum indicated eosinophilic infiltration in the lamina propria. The patient was successfully treated with prednisolone and montelukast. Despite its unusual occurrence, EGE may be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained acute pancreatitis, especially in a patient with duodenal edema on imaging or peripheral eosinophilia.

Identifying Polymorphisms in IL-31 and Their Association with Susceptibility to Asthma

BACKGROUND: Interleukin 31 (IL-31) is a T helper type 2 effector cytokine that plays an important role in the pathogenesis of atopic and allergic diseases. IL-31 may be involved in promoting allergic inflammation and in inducing airway epithelial responses such as allergic asthma. METHODS: Single-base extension analysis was used to detect the genotypes of IL-31 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and we compared the genotype and allele frequencies of the IL-31 SNPs between patients with asthma and healthy controls. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of the IL-31 SNPs between patients with asthma and healthy controls. Furthermore we compared the genotype and allele frequencies of IL-31 SNPs between patients with atopic asthma, those with non-atopic asthma and healthy controls. This showed that the SNPs were not associated with the susceptibility to atopic asthma. There were no significant differences in the haplotype frequencies of IL-31 SNPs between patients with asthma and healthy controls. In patients with asthma, the IL-31 SNPs were significantly correlated with total serum levels of IgE (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that, the IL-31 SNPs may be associated with IgE production in patients with asthma.

A Tuberculoma in the Left Lower Lobe of Lung That Was Erroneously Diagnosed as Ectopic Liver / 대한흉부외과학회지

Tuberculoma of the lungs is not an uncommon finding, but an ectopic liver in the lung is extremely rare. Pulmonary tuberculosis presenting as tuberculoma can be diagnosed radiologically, but its definite diagnosis is established by confirmation of the acid-fast bacillus or the unique histology. We report here on a case of tuberculoma of the left lower lobe that was erroneously diagnosed as ectopic liver by ultrasono-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy. An understanding of the normal variants of the liver can prevent a patient from undergoing an unnecessary invasive procedure.

Three Cases of Colonic Pseudolipomatosis Induced by Endoscope Disinfectant / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Colonic pseudolipomatosis is a benign condition that is caused by mechanical trauma during an endoscopic procedure or by disinfectant colitis. It is characterized by empty vacuoles that are similar to the adipocyte in the lamina propria on histology and whitish plaques that are seen endoscopy. The prevalence of pseudolipomatosis is relatively low due to the lack of clinical experience and there have been no Korean reports about colonic pseudolipomatosis with the typical endoscopic findings. We report here on three cases of colonic pseudolipomatosis that was caused by endoscope disinfectant (paracetic acid). Typical whitish plaques were observed during the colonoscopic procedures in all 3 cases. In one case, whitish plaques appeared before our eyes immediately after the sudden appearance of whitish foamy fluid when the water button was depressed. H&E stain revealed empty vacuoles in the lamina propria and immunohistochemical staining showed no expression of CD31, CD34 and s-100. There were no symptoms related to these lesions in our cases.

A case of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma presenting as a pelvic mass / 부인종양

The authors report a rare case of retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma in a 49 year-old woman, with a palpable mass in the left lower abdomen. There is a large neoplasm which was soft and movable, looking a pelvic mass. Abdominal and pelvic CT scan showed a 11.0x9.2x7.5 cm-sized lobulated heterogenous enhancing mass with multifocal necrotic portion near the left ovary. Laparotomy and resection of the mass was performed. Microscopic examination revealed 15 mitoses per 10 high power fields. She was diagnosed as primary leiomyosarcoma originated from the left common iliac vein, stage I (IB). The best treatment of these neoplasms is complete surgical excision, and no therapeutic benefit has been derived from chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Though metastases are occasional, local recurrences can be taken into consideration and, after a careful tumoral re-staging, they can be resected once more. Therefore, careful follow-up is necessary on the basis of neoplastic grading, extension and involvement of the adjacent structures.

A Case of Retroperitoneal Extrarenal Wilms' Tumor with Metastasis to Lung and Bone / 소아과

Extrarenal Wilms' tumor is a very exceptional tumor which is defined as Wilms' tumor found anywhere other than in the kidneys. Until now less than 60 cases have been reported in the English literature. The tumor can be located in the retroperitoneum, inguinal canal, uterus, cervix, testes, skin and even in the thorax. The diagnosis is almost always made after surgical intervention. Distant metastasis of this tumor has only been reported in the case of a 6-year-old girl who developed Wilms' tumor in the inguinal canal with lung involvement. In this paper we report a case of extrarenal Wilms' tumor in retroperitoneum with distant metastasis to lungs, ribs and pelvic bone in a 6- year old male. The tumor was successfully removed without tumor cell spillage. The patient was diagnosed as favorable histologic group, in which the tumor consists of epithelial, blastemal and mesenchymal components without teratomatous elements. He received combination chemotherapy according to NWTS-IV guidelines and radiation to involved lungs, and has been alive and well for the last 6 months without severe complication or relapse.

Extraskeletal Osteosarcoma of the Posterior Mediastinum: A Case Report

Extraskeletal osteosarcoma is a rare malignant tumor of soft tissue. In addition, there are only several cases of osteosarcoma of the mediastinum as a primary site in the world. We report a case of extraskeletal osteosarcoma arising in the posterior mediastinum. A 54-year-old man visited our hospital because of chest pain. Chest CT showed a 12 cm sized huge mediastinal mass. The mass revealed solid and ivory-colored cut surface with multifocally ovoid cystic spaces and hemorrhage. Microscopically, the tumor consisted of polygonal stromal cells, giant cells and varying amounts of neoplastic new bone, and mitotic figures were frequently observed. There were no distant metastasis and regional lymph node involvement.

Soluble factor from tumor cells induces heme oxygenase-1 by a nitric oxide-independent mechanism in murine peritoneal macrophages

Tumor target-derived soluble secretary factor has been known to influence macrophage activation to induce nitric oxide (NO) production. Since heme oxigenase-1 (HO-1) is induced by a variety of conditions associated with oxidative stress, we questioned whether soluble factor from tumor cells induces HO-1 through NO-dependent mechanism in macrophages. We designated this factor as a tumor-derived macrophage-activating factor (TMAF), because of its ability to activate macrophages to induce iNOS. Although TMAF alone showed modest activity, TMAF in combination with IFN-gamma significantly induced iNOS expression and NO synthesis. Simultaneously, TMAF induced HO-1 and this induction was slightly augmented by IFN-gamma. Surprisingly, however, induction of HO-1 by TMAF was not inhibited by the treatment with the highly selective iNOS inhibitor, 1400 W, indicating that TMAF induces the HO-1 enzyme by a NO-independent mechanism. While rIFN-gamma alone induced iNOS, it had no effect on HO-1 induction by itself. Collectively, the current study reveals that soluble factor from tumor target cells induces HO-1 enzyme in macrophages. However, overall biological significance of this phenomenon remains to be determined.

Immunohistochemical Study of beta-catenin Expression between Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: beta-catenin is an intracellular protein that is an integral component of the cadherin-mediated cell-cell interaction and a downstream transcriptional activator in the wnt signal transduction pathway. Inappropriate activation of beta-catenin has recently been implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. Nuclear beta-catenin expression is strongly associated with gene mutation. This study was designed to evaluate the pattern of beta-catenin expression between hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical expression of beta-catenin was studied in 7 normal livers, 33 hepatocellular carcinomas and 20 cholangiocarcinomas, that were formalin fixed and paraffin embedded. RESULTS: beta-catenin was expressed mainly in the cytoplasmic membrane of the normal hepatocytes and bile ducts. Nuclear expressions, not noted in the normal liver, were noted in 30% of the hepatocellular carcinomas and 10% of the cholangiocarcinomas. And, nuclear expression was more common in the high grade (50%) hepatocellular carcinomas than the low grade (18%) hepatocellular carcinomas (p<=0.05). CONCLUSION: The above results indicate that nuclear expression of beta-catenin is observed in the carcinoma but not the normal liver, and is associated with high grade liver carcinoma.

The Function of Dimeric Structure of Soluble Intercellular Adhesion Molecule - 1 ( sICAM-1 ): Inhibition of Leukocyte Function Associated Antigen - 1 ( LFA-1 ) Binding to ICAM-3

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a membrane protein, exists as a dimer on the cell surface, and interacts with leukocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), a member of beta2-integrin family. A soluble circulating form of ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) is also detected in human serum, and has been implicated as a regulator for LFA-1-dependent cell-cell interaction in vivo. However, previous reports demonstrated that sICAM-1 shows little inhibitory effect on LFA-1 binding to ICAM-l, indicating that sICAM-1 is unlikely to antagonize LFA-1/ICAM-1-mediated cellular events in vivo. Here, we investigated the property of the dimeric sICAM-1 as an inhibitor of LFA-1 interaction with ICAM-3, since the lower avidity of LFA-1 for ICAM-3 compared with ICAM-1 or ICAM-2 had been speculated. Using recently constructed heterodimeric sICAM-1 joined at the C terminus via an a-helical coiled coil (ACID-BASE) (Jun, CD. et al., 2001, Proc Natl Acad Sci 98, 6830-6835), we also tested whether the structural integrity in dimer could affect the inhibitory action of sICAM-1. Engineered sICAM-1 dimer that contained intact ectodomain (E34/E34) significantly blocked SKW3 cell (LFA-1+) binding to ICAM-3, but not to ICAM-1 and ICAM-2, indicating the lower avidity of LFA-1 to ICAM-3 than that of both ICAM-1 and ICAM-2. A one binding site knock out mutant (E34/K34) showed -2-fold reduction in efficiency compared with E34/E34 to inhibit cell binding. Interestingly, a one binding domain deletion mutant (E34/deltaD1-D2) showed significant reduction (~5-fold) compare with E34/K34, suggesting that structural integrity, which is precluded in E34/deltaD1-D2, is necessary for optimal binding of dimeric sICAM-1 to LFA-1, thereby inhibiting LFA-1/ICAM-3-dependent adhesion. Furthermore, BIAcore affinity measurements revealed that E34/deltaD1-D2 bound to immobilized soluble open LFA-1 I domain with an -3-fold reduced affinity compared with E34/K34. Overall, our results demonstrate that maintaining the structural integrity in dimer is necessary for optimal binding of sICAM-1 to LFA-1, and further suggest the therapeutic potential of dimeric sICAM-1 to antagonize LFA-1/ICAM-3-mediated cellular events in vivo.

Immunohistochemical Study for CD44v6 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cholangiocarcinoma / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: CD44 is a multifunctional adhesion molecule in cell-to-cell and cell-to-matrix interactions. This transmembrane glycoprotein exists in either standard or variant form, with the variation originating in alternative splicing. This study was designed to evaluate the role of CD44v6, one of the CD44 isoforms, in hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METGODS: Immunohistochemical expression of CD44v6 was studied in 7 normal livers, 14 hepatocellular carcinomas and 16 cholangiocarcinomas, that were formalin fixed and paraffin embedded. RESULTS: CD44v6 was frequently expressed in the normal hepatocytes and hepatocellular carcinomas. Expression was not noted in the normal bile duct within the portal tract. CD44v6 was positively expressed in some of the proliferating bile ducts (43%) and cholangiocarcinomas (69%). CONCLUSION: CD44v6 expression may be more important in the stepwise carcinogenesis of the bile duct than in the normal hepatocyte, but further study is needed.

The Influence on Neural Conduction after Alcohol Injection into Penile Dorsal Nerve of Rats / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Premature ejaculation is the most common male sexual disorder, affecting perhaps as many as 75% of men, but its cause has not been well established. The objective of this study is to evaluate whether alcohol injection on the dorsal aspect of the penis can induce a desensitization of penile sensory nerve fiber in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. Group I of 4 rats, the control group, did not undergo any procedure. Group II of 8 rats, received only an alcohol injection without electrical stimulation. In group III of 4 rats, only electrical stimulation was performed without alcohol injection. In group IV of 28 rats, all rats received an alcohol injection on the dorsal aspect of the penis, and groups of four rats were sacrificed after electrical stimulation on the glans penis at 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days after alcohol injection. Spinal cords were sectioned and processed for immunohistochemical staining for c-Fos protein. RESULTS: No c-Fos protein was detected in the normal control group, and either none or few c-Fos protein positive neurons were seen in the alcohol injection only group. The number of c-Fos protein positive neurons in the electrical stimulation only group was 30.25+/-3.53 cells/section. Four days after alcohol injection, the level of c-Fos protein positive neurons was reduced significantly compared with the control group (p<0.05), and was very close to the control group at 10 days after alcohol injection. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that alcohol injection in the dorsal aspect of the penis reduces c-Fos protein positive neurons in the spinal cord segment through desensitization of penile sensory nerve fibers.

Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Salivary Duct Carcinoma with Calcification in Submandibular Gland: A Case Report / 대한세포병리학회지

Salivary duct carcinoma is an uncommon aggressive malignant epithelial neoplasm with similarity to intraductal carcinoma of the breast. This neoplasm occurs most often in the parotid gland of middle-aged and older males. About 7% of reported tumors occured in the submandibular gland. The report of salivary duct carcinoma with calcification is rare. We report a case of salivary duct carcinoma with calcification in the submandibular gland. The patient was a 73-year-old male with a mass of the right submandibular gland for 1 year. On the fine needle aspiration cytology, the aspirate showed scant cellularity, small clusters of tumor cells, and scattered small calcifications. Nuclei of the tumor cells showed mild pleomorphism and round to oval in shape, and cytoplasm was abundant and finely granular. Nucleoli were indistinct and necrosis was not noted. There were no cribriform or papillary arrangements of tumor cells. Cytologic findings of salivary duct carcinoma are variable depending on histologic findings, and calcifications could be an additional cytologic finding.

iNOS Expressions in Torsed and Contralateral Testes in the Rats / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Some authors noted unilateral testicular torsion often leading to a damage in the contralateral testis. But it is not known whether this is the result of an intrinsic abnormality in the remaining testis or testicular injury associated with the ischemic event. Recently some authors noted an increase in germ cell apoptosis in the contralateral testis and suggested the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in the apoptosis of germ cells. We aimed at the NO involvement in testicular torsion in this study, in which we measured inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expressions and found pathological changes in the torsed and detorsed testes of the rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult, male, Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into two groups: I) unilateral left testicular torsion persisting for 1, 4, 8 hours. II) torsion for 4 or 8 hours followed by detorsion. Testes were fixed in scrotal wall with a suture. Testes were fixed in formalin solution and prepared in paraffin blocks and slide mounted. All histologic examinations were done by a single observer. The expression of iNOS gene in the testis was determined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and relative iNOS mRNA levels were assessed with normalization to beta-actin mRNA levels. RESULTS: Histologically, the degeneration and inflammation were found in 4 hours after torsion and the necrosis was found in 8 hours after torsion. In contralateral testis, normal findings were noted in 4 hours and 8 hours after torsion. iNOS gene expression was found in the normal control testis. In the torsed testis, iNOS gene expression significantly increased in 1 hour after torsion, then decreased to the control level. In contralateral testis, iNOS gene expression was also increased in 1 hour to 8 hours after torsion. After detorsion, iNOS gene expression significantly decreased in detorsed testis, but constantly increased in contralateral testis. CONCLUSIONS: In rats, iNOS gene expression and histological changes were observed in torsed and detorsed testes. These results support the hypothesis that NO by iNOS protein may play a role in contralateral testicular damage, such as ischemic-reperfusion injury.

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Peritumoral Brain Edema in Intracranial Meningiomas

No abstract available.

Expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Astrocytic Tumors: Correlation to Peritumoral Brain Edema and Microvasculature

No abstract available.

Correlation between Expression of p53 and Bcl-2 Protein and Epstein-Barr Virus Detection in Gastric Adenocarcinoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been known to be associated with a wide variety of neoplastic conditions including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Recent studies reveal the presence of EBV in certain subtypes of gastric carcinoma in which EBV appears to be pathogenetically related. To evaluate the relationship between EBV and gastric adenocarcinoma, we examined EBV DNA using direct in situ polymerase chain reaction, and expression of p53 protein and bcl-2 protein using immunohistochemical staining method on paraffin embedded tissues. The materials consisted of one hundred twenty-eight gastric adenocarcinomas and twenty benign peptic ulcers. EBV DNA was detected in 14 of 128 gastric adenocarcinomas (10.9%). p53 protein was positive in 10 of 14 EBV positive adenocarcinomas (71.4%) and in 61 of 114 EBV negative adenocarcinomas (53.5%). Bcl-2 protein was positive in 2 of 14 EBV positive adenocarcinomas (14.3%) and in 19 of 114 EBV negative adenocarcinomas (16.7%). The above results indicate that EBV is associated with gastric adenocarcinoma, and p53 protein may play a role in carcinogenesis of EBV in gastric adenocarcinoma.