Single-center study on clinicopathological and typical molecular pathologic features of metastatic brain tumor

Background@#The metastatic brain tumor is the most common brain tumor. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the clinicopathological and molecular pathologic features of brain metastases (BM). @*Methods@#A total of 269 patients were diagnosed with BM through surgical resection at Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital from January 2010 to March 2020. We reviewed the clinicopathological features and molecular status of primary and metastatic brain tissues using immunohistochemistry and molecular pathology results. @*Results@#Among 269 patients, 139 males and 130 females were included. The median age of primary tumor was 58 years (range, 13 to 87 years) and 86 patients (32.0%) had BM at initial presentation. Median BM free interval was 28.0 months (range, 1 to 286 months). The most frequent primary site was lung 46.5% (125/269), and followed by breast 15.6% (42/269), colorectum 10.0% (27/269). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation was found in 50.8% (32/63) and 58.0% (40/69) of lung primary and BM, respectively. In both breast primary and breast cancer with BM, luminal B was the most frequent subtype at 37.9% (11/29) and 42.9% (18/42), respectively, followed by human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 with 31.0% (9/29) and 33.3% (14/42). Triple-negative was 20.7% (6/29) and 16.7% (7/42), and luminal A was 10.3% (3/29) and 7.1% (3/42) of breast primary and BM, respectively. In colorectal primary and colorectal cancer with BM, KRAS mutation was found in 76.9% (10/13) and 66.7% (2/3), respectively. @*Conclusions@#We report the clinicopathological and molecular pathologic features of BM that can provide useful information for understanding the pathogenesis of metastasis and for clinical trials based on the tumor’s molecular pathology.

Factors Influencing Posttraumatic Growth in Patients with Lung Cancer / 임상간호연구

Purpose@#This study was conducted to identify the factors influencing the posttraumatic growth (PTG) in patients with lung cancer and to provide basic data for nursing intervention development to improve PTG and adaptation. @*Methods@#The study included 126 non-small cell lung cancer patients initially diagnosed at the Lung Cancer Center, C University Hospital in S city, Gyeonggi-do. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, posttraumatic growth, cancer coping, social support, and resilience. Data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis. @*Results@#The mean score for PTG in lung cancer patients was 56.39, cancer coping was 61.31, social support was 61.09, and resilience was 92.77. Significant positive correlations were found for PTG and cancer coping (r=.75, p<.001), social support (r=.52, p<.001) and resilience (r=.63, p<.001). Factors contributing to PTG of lung cancer patients were cancer coping (β=.53 p<.001), perceived health status(β=.20, p=.002), resilience (β=.21, p=.010) and importance of religion (β=.15, p=.013). This model explained about 64.0% of variances of PTG (F=29.58, p<.001). @*Conclusion@#It is necessary to develop new nursing intervention programs to improve PTG for patients with lung cancer based on strategies to enhance coping and resilience to recovery. Longitudinal studies examining temporal changes in PTG among patients with lung cancer are suggested for future studies in this regard.

Factors Influencing Posttraumatic Growth in Patients with Lung Cancer / 임상간호연구

Purpose@#This study was conducted to identify the factors influencing the posttraumatic growth (PTG) in patients with lung cancer and to provide basic data for nursing intervention development to improve PTG and adaptation. @*Methods@#The study included 126 non-small cell lung cancer patients initially diagnosed at the Lung Cancer Center, C University Hospital in S city, Gyeonggi-do. Patients were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of demographic characteristics, disease characteristics, posttraumatic growth, cancer coping, social support, and resilience. Data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis. @*Results@#The mean score for PTG in lung cancer patients was 56.39, cancer coping was 61.31, social support was 61.09, and resilience was 92.77. Significant positive correlations were found for PTG and cancer coping (r=.75, p<.001), social support (r=.52, p<.001) and resilience (r=.63, p<.001). Factors contributing to PTG of lung cancer patients were cancer coping (β=.53 p<.001), perceived health status(β=.20, p=.002), resilience (β=.21, p=.010) and importance of religion (β=.15, p=.013). This model explained about 64.0% of variances of PTG (F=29.58, p<.001). @*Conclusion@#It is necessary to develop new nursing intervention programs to improve PTG for patients with lung cancer based on strategies to enhance coping and resilience to recovery. Longitudinal studies examining temporal changes in PTG among patients with lung cancer are suggested for future studies in this regard.

Molecular characteristics of meningiomas

Meningioma is the most common primary intracranial tumor in adults. The grading of meningioma is based on World Health Organization criteria, which rely on histopathological features alone. This grading system is unable to conclusively predict the clinical behavior of these tumors (i.e., recurrence or prognosis in benign or atypical grades). Advances in molecular techniques over the last decade that include genomic and epigenomic data associated with meningiomas have been used to identify genetic biomarkers that can predict tumor behavior. This review summarizes the molecular characteristics of meningioma using genetic and epigenetic biomarkers. Molecular alterations that can predict meningioma behavior may be integrated into the upcoming World Health Organization grading system.

Chemicals from Cimicifuga dahurica and Their Inhibitory Effects on Pro-inflammatory Cytokine Production by LPS-stimulated Bone Marrow-derived Dendritic Cells

Inflammation is a biological response caused by overactivation of the immune system and is controlled by immune cells via a variety of cytokines. The overproduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines enhances abnormal host immunity, resulting in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer's disease, and cancer. Inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-12p40, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α might be one way to treat these conditions. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory activity of compounds isolated from Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim., which is traditionally used as an antipyretic and analgesic in Korea. In primary cell culture assays, 12 compounds were found to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12p40, IL-6, and TNF-α) in vitro in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells stimulated with LPS.

Analysis of the Use of Medical Institutions and Prescription Drugs for Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Geriatric Patients

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that can affect many organs of the body but usually affects the lungs. The prevalence of TB in Korea is considerably higher than that in other countries with similar economic levels, and is much higher in elderly people. Pharmacotherapy is important in the treatment of TB and requires relatively high compliance for a prolonged duration. METHODS: We analyzed sample data of elderly patients obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. We used logistic regression analysis and frequency analysis to identify factors that could affect prevalence of TB in elderly patients, compliance with prescribed medication regimes in these patients, and use of medical institutions. Korean Standard Classification of Diseases, version 7 (KCD-7) was used to diagnose pulmonary TB, and medications were analyzed using Korean standardized drug classification codes. RESULTS: 1,276,331 patients were analyzed in the sample of the elderly population, and 16,658 TB patients were included in the study. The mean age of the TB patients was 76.19 years (SD 6.899). A total of 699 patients were prescribed isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, or pyrazinamide at least once. Of these, 352 (50.4%) were prescribed all four medications and 101 (14.4%) were prescribed only isoniazid, rifampicin, and ethambutol. The mean duration of prescription was 28.75 days (SD 36.13). CONCLUSION: In the elderly population, old age and poor socioeconomic conditions correlated with TB prevalence. Most patients did not meet the criteria for effective pharmacotherapy of TB.

Efficacy of an Alpha-Blocker for the Treatment of Nonneurogenic Voiding Dysfunction in Women: An 8-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor (α1-AR) blocker for the treatment of female voiding dysfunction (FVD) through a pressure-flow study. METHODS: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Women aged ≥18 years with voiding symptoms, as defined by an American Urological Association symptom score (AUA-SS) ≥15 and a maximum flow rate (Qmax) 100 mL and/or a postvoid residual (PVR) volume >150 mL, were randomly allocated to either the alfuzosin or placebo group. After 8 weeks of treatment, changes in the AUA-SS, Bristol female lower urinary tract symptoms (BFLUTS) questionnaire, Qmax/PVR, and voiding diary were compared between groups. Patients’ satisfaction with the treatment was compared. Patients were categorized into 3 groups according to the Blaivas-Groutz bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) nomogram: none, mild, and moderate to severe. Subgroup comparisons were also made. RESULTS: Of a total of 187 women, 154 (79 alfuzosin, 75 placebo) were included in the analysis. After 8 weeks of treatment, the AUA-SS decreased by 7.0 in the alfuzosin group and by 8.0 in the placebo group. Changes in AUA-SS subscores, BFLUTS (except the I-sum), the voiding diary, and Qmax/PVR were not significantly different between groups. Approximately 54% of the alfuzosin group and 62% of the placebo group were satisfied with the treatment. No significant difference was observed between groups according to the presence or grade of BOO. CONCLUSIONS: Alfuzosin might not be more effective than placebo for treating FVD. The presence or the grade of BOO did not affect the results. A further study with sufficient power is needed to determine the efficacy of α1-AR blockers for the treatment of FVD.

Clinical Experiences of Uncommon Motor Neuron Disease: Hirayama Disease

Hirayama disease, juvenile muscular atrophy of the distal upper limb, is a rare disease predominantly affecting the anterior horn cells of the cervical spinal cord in young men. This cervical myelopathy is associated with neck flexion. It should be suspected in young male patients with a chronic history of weakness and atrophy involving the upper extremities followed by clinical stability in few years. Herein, we report 2 cases of Hirayama disease on emphasis of diagnostic approach and describe the pathognomonic findings at flexion magnetic resonance imaging.

Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis Induced by Parvovirus B19 Infection

No abstract available.

Treatment Outcomes of Transurethral Macroplastique Injection for Postprostatectomy Incontinence

PURPOSE: We investigated the efficacy of transurethral injection of Macroplastique bulking agent (Uroplasty) for male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after prostate surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective review included men with SUI treated by transurethral injection for symptoms resulting from prostate surgery. Patients were evaluated at 1 month and 6 months after injection by determining the number of pads used per day and changes in incontinence symptoms. Treatment success was defined as use of 1 pad or fewer per day combined with subjective symptom improvement. RESULTS: The study population comprised 30 men with a mean age of 66.1+/-5.3 years. Of the 30 patients, 24 (80.0%) underwent prostate cancer surgery and the remaining 6 (20.0%) underwent surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia. The preinjection pad number was 2.9+/-1.9 pads per day. After injection treatment, the mean follow-up period was 9.3+/-12.7 months and the success rate was 43% (13/30) at 1 month and 32% (6/19) at 6 months. Injection was more likely to result in a successful outcome in patients with no preinjection radiation treatment history and higher abdominal leak point pressure (ALPP) than in those with a previous history of radiation treatment and lower ALPP, although this result was not statistically significant. Acute urinary retention occurred in 5 patients (17%). CONCLUSIONS: Transurethral Macroplastique injection treatment is a relatively non-invasive treatment method for male SUI with a success rate of 43% at 1 month and 32% at 6 months. Patients with a higher ALPP and no previous history of radiation therapy may experience better treatment outcomes.

Diagnostic Role of Prostate Resection in the Elderly Patients Who Experience Significant Co-Morbidity with a High Clinical Suspicion of Prostate Cancer

The necessity of routine prostate biopsy prior to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in elderly comorbid patients with a high prostate specific antigen (PSA) level remains controversial. We assessed the role of TURP in prostate cancer diagnosis in these individuals. A total of 197 patients underwent TURP in conjunction with prostatic needle biopsy. Pathologic reviews of specimens of TUR chips and biopsy cores were analyzed. Overall, prostate cancer (CaP) was detected in 114 patients (57.6%). Ninety-eight cancers (86%) were detected with TURP and biopsy, and seven cancers (6.1%) with only TURP. The Gleason score of a TUR-specimen was identical to that of the biopsy-core in 43.9% of cases. Variables associated with diagnostic accuracy in the TUR-specimens included the prebiopsy PSA level, prostate specific antigen density (PSAD), and the Gleason score in biopsy cores. In patients with a PSA level and a PSAD that was greater than 15.4 ng/mL and 0.69 ng/mL/g, respectively, 100% of the cancers were detected in the TUR-specimens. Our results suggest that a prostatic biopsy might be omitted prior to TURP in elderly patients with significant co-morbidity and levels for PSA of >15.4 ng/mL.

Transurethral Procedures for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Resulting From Benign Prostatic Enlargement: A Quality and Meta-Analysis / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: Thanks to advancements in surgical techniques and instruments, many surgical modalities have been developed to replace transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). However, TURP remains the gold standard for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We conducted a meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of minimally invasive surgical therapies for BPH compared with TURP. METHODS: This meta-analysis used a Medline search assessing the period from 1997 to 2011. A total of 784 randomized controlled trials were identified in an electronic search. Among the 784 articles, 36 randomized controlled trials that provided the highest level of evidence (level 1b) were included in the meta-analysis. We also conducted a quality analysis of selected articles. RESULTS: Only 2 articles (5.56%) were assessed as having a low risk of bias by use of the Cochrane collaboration risk of bias tool. On the other hand, by use of the Jadad scale, there were 26 high-quality articles (72.22%). Furthermore, 28 articles (77.78%) were assessed as high-quality articles by use of the van Tulder scale. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) showed the highest reduction of the International Prostate Symptom Score compared with TURP (P<0.0001). Bipolar TURP, bipolar transurethral vaporization of the prostate, HoLEP, and open prostatectomy showed superior outcome in postvoid residual urine volume and maximum flow rate. The intraoperative complications of the minimally invasive surgeries had no statistically significant inferior outcomes compared with TURP. Also, there were no statistically significant differences in any of the modalities compared with TURP. CONCLUSIONS: The selection of an appropriate surgical modality for BPH should be assessed by fully understanding each patient's clinical conditions.

Anthropometric Data Analysis for Body Shape Modeling in Korean / 체질인류학회지

This paper deals with secular trend of height spanning 1979 to 2010 and also morphological growth patterns for Korean. It also investigates the comparison of the growth pattern between male and female based on the anthropometric data samples of KATS taken from the 1979 to 2010 surveys. The great rates of change in height occurred during 1979-1997 with 2-3 cm increase in both sexes at each surveys. After 1997 the change rate of height while increasing is remained within less than 1 cm till 2010 survey. This pattern is consistent with recent Korean cultural emphasis on health and physical fitness according to the economic development. The causes of the observed trends, insofar as they have been identified, are related to cultural processes.

Chlamydia and Male Lower Urinary Tract Diseases

Of the chlamydia species that can cause infections in humans, C. trachomatis is responsible for lower urinary tract diseases in men and women. C. trachomatis infections are prevalent worldwide, but current research is focused on females, with the burden of disease and infertility sequelae considered to be a predominantly female problem. However, a role for this pathogen in the development of male urethritis, epididymitis, and orchitis is widely accepted. Also, it can cause complications such as chronic prostatitis and infertility. This review summarizes C. trachomatis infection in the male genitourinary tract, including urethritis, epididymitis, orchitis, and its complications, and addresses the microbiology, epidemiology, screening, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment.

Effectiveness of Retropubic Tension-Free Vaginal Tape and Transobturator Inside-Out Tape Procedures in Women With Overactive Bladder and Stress Urinary Incontinence / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: We compared the effectiveness of the retropubic tension-free vaginal tape (TVT) and the transobturator inside-out tape (TVT-O) in treating symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) in women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: Women with urodynamic SUI and OAB (mean urgency episodes > or =1 and frequency > or =8/24 hours on a 3-day voiding diary) were assigned to the TVT or TVT-O group. Preoperative measures were based on a urodynamic study, 3-day voiding diary, the Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms questionnaire (BFLUTS(SF)), and the urgency perception scale (UPS). At 12 postoperative months, the 3-day voiding diary, symptoms questionnaire, patient satisfaction, and standing stress test were assessed. The primary endpoint was change in the number of urgency episodes/24 hours from baseline to 12 months. RESULTS: In this group of 132 women, 42 received TVT and 90 received TVT-O. The mean urgency episodes/24 hours decreased from 6.3+/-5.5 to 1.6+/-3.2 in the TVT group and from 5.1+/-4.4 to 1.8+/-3.0 in the TVT-O group. The mean percent change was significantly greater after TVT than after TVT-O (73% vs. 60%, P=0.049). All subscales of BFLUTS(SF) and UPS were significantly improved using either method, with significantly greater improvement seen in the quality of life (QoL) domain after TVT (P=0.002). There were no significant differences in the cure and satisfaction rates between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intervention with the TVT or the TVT-O significantly improved symptoms of OAB in women with SUI and OAB. Urgency and QoL significantly improved after TVT compared with that after TVT-O.

Outcomes of Transurethral Removal of Intravesical or Intraurethral Mesh Following Midurethral Sling Surgery

PURPOSE: To present outcomes of transurethral removal (TUR) of intravesical or intraurethral mesh after midurethral slings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective chart review of 23 consecutive women: 20 with intravesical mesh and 3 with intraurethral mesh. RESULTS: To remove the mesh, transurethral resection with an electrode loop (TUR-E) was used in 16 women and transurethral resection with a holmium laser (TUR-H) was used in 7. The median follow-up was 2.1 months. Twenty-six percent of the women (6/23) had a mesh remnant: 6.2% (1/16) of the women treated with TUR-E and 71.4% (5/7) of the women treated with TUR-H. Of the 5 women treated with TUR-H, 3 underwent concomitant transvaginal removal. On the follow-up cystoscopic exam, a mesh remnant was observed in 3 women (1 treated with TUR-E and 2 treated with TUR-H). Vesico-vaginal fistulas were found in 2 women during and after TUR-E, respectively. Stress urinary incontinence recurred in 1 woman. CONCLUSIONS: TUR-E has a high success rate but carries a risk of bladder perforation. Complete resection using TUR-H depends on the location of the mesh and the range of motion of the instrument.

Lymphocytic Phlebitis of the Stomach: A Case Report with Literature Review

Lymphocytic phlebitis of gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a rare diseaes. Approximately 50 cases of lymphocytic phlebitis of the GI tract have been reported. Most of these involved the colon or small intestine and presented as acute abdomen. We report the second case of lymphocytic phlebitis of the stomach. A 73-year-old female complaining of dizziness had endoscopic and computed tomography findings strongly suggested gastric cancer, while gastric biopsy was negative for carcinoma. The partial gastrectomy specimen showed lymphocytic phlebitis involving veins in the submucosa, muscularis propria, and serosa while the adjacent arteries were spared. The veins were mainly surrounded by lymphocytes. When a patient has a lesion in the GI tract that is suggesting cancer without biopsies revealing any carcinoma, the pathologist should recommend a deeper biopsy for a proper examination of the submucosa.

Vitamin D3 regulates cell viability in gastric cancer and cholangiocarcinoma / 대한해부학회지

A low serum level of vitamin D has been associated with an increased incidence of gastrointestinal tract cancers. However, the effects of vitamin D3 have not been investigated in gastric cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. In the present study, we found that vitamin D3 treatment significantly suppressed the viability of gastric cancer and cholangiocarcinoma cells. Moreover, vitamin D3 had a synergistic effect with other anti-cancer drugs, such as paclitaxel, adriamycin, and vinblastine, for suppressing cell viability. To determine the underlying mechanism involved in the regulation of viability by vitamin D3, we examined the effects of vitamin D3 on expression of hedgehog signaling target genes, which has been associated with gastric cancer and cholangiocarcinoma. Vitamin D3 treatment decreased the level of mRNA expression of patched1, Gli1, cyclin D1, and Bcl2, suggesting the possibility that vitamin D3 may act through regulation of hedgehog signaling. From the above results, we conclude that vitamin D3 regulates cell viability in gastric cancer and cholangiocarcinoma.

Prevalence and Treatment Efficacy of Genitourinary Mycoplasmas in Women with Overactive Bladder Symptoms

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of genitourinary mycoplasmas and the efficacy of antibiotics in women with overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with OAB symptoms (micturition > or =8/24 hours and urgency > or =1/24 hours) for > or =3 months were screened for Mycoplasma hominis (M. hominis), Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum), and Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis). Specimens from urethral and cervical vaginal swabs were examined for M. hominis and U. urealyticum by using the Mycoplasma IST2 kit and for C. trachomatis by using PCR. Women with positive results were treated with a 1 g dose of azithromycin. Persistent infection was treated with doxycycline. Changes in a 3-day bladder diary, Patient Perception of Bladder Condition (PPBC), and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-FLUTS) were evaluated 4 weeks after negative conversion. Patient satisfaction was assessed. RESULTS: Of 84 women screened, 42.8% were positive (U. urealyticum, 40.5%; M. hominis, 7.1%; C. trachomatis, 3.6%; two organisms, 8.3%). After treatment, 82.7% obtained negative conversion, and their median number of micturition episodes decreased from 10.6/24 hours to 8.1/24 hours (p=0.002). PPBC and domain scores of the ICIQ-FLUTS (filling and quality of life) significantly improved. About 87.5% women with negative conversion were satisfied with the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Considering diagnostic tests and treatment for genitourinary mycoplasmas might be beneficial before invasive workup or treatment in women with OAB symptoms.

Anatomical and Functional Outcomes of Posterior Intravaginal Slingplasty for the Treatment of Vaginal Vault or Uterine Prolapse: A Prospective, Multicenter Study

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of posterior intravaginal slingplasty (P-IVS) for the treatment of a vaginal vault or uterine prolapse (VP/UP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 12-month prospective, multicenter, observational study. Women aged over 30 years who presented with stage II or greater VP/UP underwent P-IVS by four urologists at four university hospitals. Preoperatively, pelvic examination by use of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI) questionnaire, the 3-day frequency volume chart, and uroflowmetry were completed. At the 12-month follow-up, changes in the POP-Q, PFDI, frequency volume chart, and uroflowmetry parameters were assessed. Cure was defined as VP/UP stage 0 and improvement as stage I. RESULTS: The cure and improvement rates among the 32 women were 65.6% and 34.4%, respectively. All subscale scores of the Urinary Distress Inventory, the general subscale score of the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Distress Inventory, and the rectal prolapse subscale score of the Colo-Rectal-Anal Distress Inventory were significantly improved. There were no significant changes in the frequency volume chart or uroflowmetry parameters. There was one case of surgery-related transfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Trans-vaginal repair by P-IVS is an effective and safe procedure for restoring the anatomical defect and improving the associated pelvic floor symptoms in women with VP/UP.