Trait of Pain Killer Self-Administration among the Doctors Serving at General Hospitals Located in the Capital Area of the Republic of Korea

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify the painkillers preferred for self-administration by doctors working at general hospitals in the capital of the Republic of Korea.METHODS: We collected data, using a questionnaire, from 224 doctors working at secondary or tertiary hospitals in the capital of the Republic of Korea from July 1, 2017 to August 31, 2017. The questionnaire included questions on the preferred type of painkiller for each type of pain and the frequency of painkiller intake. Further, we evaluated the participants on the Likert scale to analyze the consideration and cognition of self-administration of painkillers.RESULTS: The doctors in this study tended to state the trade name of the painkillers rather than the generic name. They preferred acetaminophen for headache and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for gastrointestinal (GI) pain, dysmenorrhea, toothache, and musculoskeletal pain. In the choice of painkiller for self-administration, they set utmost importance on the effectiveness of the medicine, followed by the potential side effects, physician's prescription, and the pharmacy's recommendation, in that order. The side effects attribute GI complications, hepatotoxicity, drug tolerance, and delayed diagnosis to painkiller use. There were some remarkable differences between surgeons and non-surgeons, men and women, and specialists and trainees in the conception of painkillers and pain control.CONCLUSION: This is the first study worldwide on the trait of the self-administration of painkillers by doctors, which can serve as a useful reference in clinical settings.

Change of the Self-care Agency and Quality of Life after Craniotomy among Patients with Brain tumor according to time

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the self-care agency and quality of life (QOL) among patients with brain tumors after craniotomy. METHODS: A sample of 96 patients was recruited from a university hospital in Seoul. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from August 2017 to December 2018. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, Pearson correlations and multiple regression analyses with SPSS 24.0, IBM. RESULTS: The mean scores of the 1st and 2nd stages in the self-care agency increased from 4.75 to 5.15, and in the quality of life rose from 67.94 to 78.60. The score of the second stage was higher than the first in all sub-scales of the self-care agency and the quality. Physical function was the only sub-scale of the self-care agency that affected quality of life in both stages (1st: β=.71, p<.001, 2nd : β=.77, p<.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the result, to improve QOL with brain tumor after craniotomy, it is important to assess physical function of patients and provide appropriate interventions.

Hydration status affects osteopontin expression in the rat kidney

Osteopontin (OPN) is a secretory protein that plays an important role in urinary stone formation. Hydration status is associated with the development of urolithiasis. This study was conducted to examine the effects of dehydration and hydration on OPN expression in the rat kidney. Animals were divided into three groups, control, dehydrated, and hydrated. Kidney tissues were processed for light and electron microscope immunocytochemistry, in situ hybridization, and immunoblot analysis. Dehydration induced a significant increase in OPN protein expression, whereas increased fluid intake induced a decrease in protein expression. Under control conditions, OPN protein and mRNA expression were only detected in the descending thin limb (DTL). Dehydration induced increased expression in the DTL and the development of detectable expression in the thick ascending limb (TAL). In contrast, OPN expression levels declined to less than the controls in the DTL after hydration, while no expression of either protein or mRNA was detectable in the TAL. Immunoelectron microscopy demonstrated that hydration status altered tubular ultrastructure and intracellular OPN expression in the Golgi apparatus and secretory cytoplasmic vesicles. These data confirm that changes in oral fluid intake can regulate renal tubular epithelial cell OPN expression.

Lymph node micrometastasis in stage I and II rectal cancer

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the rate of lymph node (LN) micrometastasis in patients with stage I and II rectal cancer.METHODS: One hundred eighty patients with either stage I or II rectal carcinoma who underwent curative resection between 1995 and 2010 were included. Forty-eight patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Two sections from each LN were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and with CK20 by immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively.RESULTS: A total of 2,257 LNs with a median of 12.5 LNs per patient were examined. For IHC staining, CK20-positive neoplastic cells were found in 4 of the 2,257 LNs (0.2%) from 3 of the 180 patients (1.7%), and all corresponding H&E re-stained sections confirmed that these neoplastic cells were present. Three of four neoplastic cells were micrometastasis, and one was macrometastasis. All occult neoplastic cells were found in 3 of the 85 patients (3.5%) with stage II disease.CONCLUSION: We observed a 3.5% rate of occult neoplastic cells in stage II rectal cancer. Interestingly, the results of IHC staining corresponded with those of H&E re-stained sections, suggesting that the examination of H&E stained section by a competent pathologist may replace IHC staining.

Continuous Low-Dose Temozolomide Chemotherapy and Microvessel Density in Recurrent Glioblastoma

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of continuous low-dose temozolomide (TMZ) chemotherapy for recurrent and TMZ-refractory glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and to study the relationship between its efficacy and microvessel density within the tumor. METHODS: Thirty patients who had recurrent GBM following Stupp's regimen received TMZ daily at 50 mg/m2/day until tumor progression between 2007 and 2013. The median duration of continuous low-dose TMZ administration was 8 weeks (range, 2-64). RESULTS: The median progression-free survival (PFS) of continuous low-dose TMZ therapy was 2 months (range, 0.5-16). At 6 months, PFS was 20%. The median overall survival (OS) from the start of this therapy to death was 6 months (95% CI : 5.1-6.9). Microvessel density of recurrent tumor tissues obtained by reoperation of 17 patients was 22.7+/-24.1/mm2 (mean+/-standard deviation), and this was lower than that of the initial tumor (61.4+/-32.7/mm2) (p-value=0.001). It suggests that standard TMZ-chemoradiotherapy reduces the microvessel density within GBM and that recurrences develop in tumor cells with low metabolic burden. The efficacy of continuous low-dose TMZ could not be expected in recurrent GBM cells in poor angiogenic environments. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of continuous low-dose TMZ chemotherapy is marginal. This study suggests the need to develop further treatment strategies for recurrent and TMZ-refractory GBM.

Investigation into the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Factors Affecting Use in Korean Patients with Brain Tumors / 기본간호학회지

PURPOSE: The study was done to define complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among primary brain tumor patients and factors influencing use. METHODS: The study was conducted with convenience sampling in 5 neuro-oncology centers in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. Data were collected using a 25-item questionnaire developed by the researchers. RESULTS: Of 250 patients approached, 231 (92.4%) agreed to participate. Overall, 26.8% of the respondents used CAM and the average cost for CAM use was 300,000 KRW. More than 72% of CAM users did not disclose CAM use to their health care professionals. The most frequently used therapy was natural products including mushrooms. Logistic regression analysis revealed that an education level of university or higher (OR=2.92, 95% CI=1.56-5.44, p=.001), unemployment (OR=1.99, 95% CI=1.04-3.80, p=.037), and WHO grade III & IV tumors (OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.07-4.72, p=.048) were significant factors influencing CAM use. CONCLUSION: Three out of ten brain tumor patients spend substantial sum of money for CAM. In these situations, health care professionals should be aware of this phenomenon and provide adequate information and consultation to the patients.

Expression of E-cadherin in pig kidney

E-cadherin is a cell adhesion molecule that plays an important role in maintaining renal epithelial polarity and integrity. The purpose of this study was to determine the exact cellular localization of E-cadherin in pig kidney. Kidney tissues from pigs were processed for light and electron microscopy immunocytochemistry, and immunoblot analysis. E-cadhedrin bands of the same size were detected by immunoblot of samples from rat and pig kidneys. In pig kidney, strong E-cadherin expression was observed in the basolateral plasma membrane of the tubular epithelial cells. E-cadherin immunolabeling was not detected in glomeruli or blood vessels of pig kidney. Double-labeling results demonstrated that E-cadherin was expressed in the calbindin D28k-positive distal convoluted tubule and H(+)-ATPase-positive collecting duct, but not in the aquaporin 1-positive, N-cadherin-positive proximal tubule. In contrast to rat, E-cadherin immunoreactivity was not expressed at detectable levels in the Tamm-Horsfall protein-positive thick ascending limb of pig kidney. Immunoelectron microscopy confirmed that E-cadherin was localized in both the lateral membranes and basal infoldings of the collecting duct. These results suggest that E-cadherin may be a critical adhesion molecule in the distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct cells of pig kidney.

A Case of Mantle Cell Lymphoma with Meningioma / 대한소화기학회지

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an uncommon type of gastrointestinal lymphoma. MCL is a distinct subtype of B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The major subtype of MCL is characterized by the presence of multiple lymphomatous polyposis (MLP), in which multiple polyps are observed along the gastrointestinal tract. The malignant cells express pan B-cell marker and the T-cell marker cluster of differentiation 5. The chromosomal translocation t(11;14)(q13;q32) that causes cyclin D1 overexpression is commonly observed on the cytogenetic analysis of MCL. Survival improvement has recently been achieved for patient with MCL by the successful introduction of monoclonal antibodies and dose-intensified approaches for treatment, including autologous stem cell transplantation strategies. Some reports suggest that there is an increased incidence of second malignancies in patients with MCL or lymphoma. We report a case of MCL involving the colon; the patient was a 60-year-old man who complained of low abdominal discomfort during defecation. During the workup, a meningioma was unexpectedly discovered. On analysis, the tumor was found to be a t(11;14)-negative and non-MLP-type MCL.

A Case of Needle-Track Implantation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Chest Wall after Laparoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation / 대한내과학회지

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a popular technique and shows excellent local tumor control and acceptable morbidity. Although RFA is considered much safer than surgical treatment, it is not a complication-free procedure. The most common complications of percutaneous RFA areabdominal hemorrhage, abdominal infection (abscess), biliary tract damage, and ground-pad burns. Laparoscopic RFA (LRFA) is a safe, feasible treatment modality to achieve tumor destruction. LRFA has proven superior to the percutaneous approach for lesions that are difficult or impossible to treat percutaneously. Needle-track implantationafter LRFA is a rare complication in HCCs. We report a case of needle-tract implantation of HCC found in the chest wall, ribs,and diaphragm 11 months after LRFA in a 49-year-old man. Although treatment for needle-track implantation is not well established, the metastatic mass was surgically removed.

Comparison of the Toxicities and Efficacies of the Combination Chemotherapy Regimens in Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients Who Achieved Complete Response after Chemotherapy / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We retrospectively analyzed comparative toxicities and efficacies of chemotherapy regimens in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients who achieved complete response (CR) after chemotherapy. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 1,203 patients, who were pathologically diagnosed as AGC in a single center between January 2001 and October 2007. On the basis of the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, CR was evaluated with abdominal computed tomography. Toxicities were evaluated using the National Cancer Institute's common toxicity criteria before each chemotherapy cycle. RESULTS: Among the 1,203 AGC patients enrolled in this study, 568 received chemotherapy and 635 received best supportive care. The major chemotherapy regimens were 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX), docetaxel, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) and 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI). Among the 568 patients, 51 (9.0%) achieved CR (49 [8.6%] with FOLFOX [n=12], DCF [n=26], or FOLFIRI [n=11] and 2 [0.3%] with etoposide, leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil). For patients administered FOLFOX, DCF, and FOLFIRI, the median time to disease progression was 4 months (range, 1.8-59.5), 15 months (range, 2.9-31.2) and 10 months (range, 2.0-39.5), and the median survival times were 48 months (range, 5.9-74.0), 37 months (range, 14.0-86.0), and 30 months (range, 6.0-50.0), respectively. Grades 3-4 mucositis occurred mostly in patients administered DCF (n=8, 30.8%). Grades 3-4 leucopenia were observed in 1 (8.3%), 11 (42.3%), and 4 (36.4%) patients administered FOLFOX, DCF and FOLFIRI, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed in the 3 regimens. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 regimens (FOLFOX, DCF and FOLFIRI) were active and tolerable. Their efficacies and toxicities were not significantly different.

A Case of Gastric Undifferentiated Carcinoma with Choriocarcinomatous and Hepatoid Carcinomatous Differentiation / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Here we report a case of a patient with gastric undifferentiated carcinoma associated with choriocarcinomatous and hepatoid carcinomatous differentiation. A 62-year-old man was referred after a healthcare screening gastroscopy. Gastroscopy revealed an approximately 3x3 cm ulcerofungating mass in the posterior wall of the antrum. Biopsy results revealed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma. The initial serum alpha-FP levels were above 350 ng/mL. An abdominal CT scan revealed focal wall thickening along the greater curvature of the gastric antrum, with perigastric fat invasion and enlarged multiple perigastric lymph nodes. He underwent a palliative radical subtotal gastrectomy and gastroduodenostomy with dissection of the enlarged lymph nodes. Postsurgical histological examination revealed an undifferentiated carcinoma associated with choriocarcinomatous and hepatoid carcinomatous differentiation. Immunohistochemical staining revealed that the tumor cells were positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), alpha-FP, and anti-hepatocyte antibody.

Assessing Primary Percutaneous Aspiration Thrombectomy for the Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy (AT) for the initial endovascular management of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and to analyze the success rate and complications according to the symptom duration. METHODS: Forty patients who were diagnosed with DVT from June 2004 to January 2009 were retrospectively examined. The patients were divided into 3 groups; group I, those with symptoms lasting 28 days. All of the patients were initially treated with percutaneous AT using the Pullback technique. The incomplete elimination of large and hard thrombus was managed with overnight catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) and additional AT. Successful recanalization was defined as successful restoration of antegrade flow in the treated veins with elimination of any underlying obstructive lesion. RESULTS: Initial successful recanalization with only AT was achieved in 24 (60%) patients. CDT was required in 16 (40%) patients who had remaining thrombus. Final successful recanalization was achieved in 37 (92.5%) patients. There were no significant differences in the final recanalization rate, the mean number of ATs and the duration of the procedure among groups I, II and III. There was one case (group I) of procedure-related complication, which was the occurrence of a retroperitoneal hematoma after overnight CDT. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous AT may be an initial therapeutic option for DVT, and it minimizes the risk of hemorrhagic complications. It is an effective treatment method for subacute and chronic DVT, as well as acute DVT.

Study on the Anatomical Position of Mandibular Canal Using Computed Tomography in Mandibular Prognathism Patients

3-D CT evaluation of condyle head position, mandibular width, and mandibular angle after mandibular setback surgery

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the change in condylar position, width, and angle before and after orthognathic surgery using 3-dimensional computed tomograph. Pre and posterative 3-D CT was taken on 38 patients and through axial, frontal, sagittal measurements and by 3-dimensional reconstruction, the changes in condylar postion, mandibular width and angle were analyzed and others such as the difference in gender, operation and fixation method, setback length and in relation with temporomandibular disorders were done together too. The results were as follows: The inward rotation of condyle in axial condylar angle, the forward movement of right condyle in sagittal anterior-posterior distance, the superior movement of both condyles in sagittal superior-inferior distance, the decrease in gonial angle, the increase in mandibular width, the decrease in distance between the axial coronoid process distance and the increase in the frontal intercondylar distance were statistically significant. There were no statistically significant changes in gender difference, however in the difference in operation method, change in the gonial angle was observed and there was more change in bilateral sagittal split osteotomy group compared to two-jaw surgery group. In the difference in fixation method, the decrease in axial coronoid process distance and the change in sagittal anterior-posterior distance were statistically significant. In the difference in setback, the increase in setback didn't relate directly with the increased change in condyle position. In the relation with temporomandibular disorder, changes in left axial condylar angle and axial coronoid process distance were statistically significant. Changes in condylar position could be observed after the orthognathic surgery but it doesn't seem to have much of a clinical importance. The orthognathic surgery is effective in decreasing the mandibular angle, and it is not related with the temporomandibular disorder.

Expression of Occludin in Porcine Renal Epithelial Cells / 대한해부학회지

Occludin is a cell adhesion molecule that is abundantly expressed in the kidney. However, the expression pattern in various renal epithelial cells is not well established. The purpose of this study was to determine the cellular localization along the tubular epithelial cells in the kidney. Kidneys from adult pigs crossbred of Yorkshire, Landrace and Duroc (three breeds) were processed for immunohistochemistry. Thiazide sensitive sodium chloride cotransporter (TSC), Na+-KATPase bat1, calbindinD28k, and H+-ATPase were used to identify the thick ascending limb, distal convoluted tubule, connecting tubule, and collecting duct, respectively. In the pig kidney, occludin was expressed in the apical domain of the tubular epithelial cells. The immunoreactivity of occludin was strongest in the collecting duct, and then gradually decreased in the connecting tubule, distal convoluted tubule, and thick ascending limb. Occludin expression was weak in the thin limbs of the loop of henle and in the proximal tubule in the pig kidney. These results suggest that occludin may be a major adhesion molecule in distal tubular epithelial cells and play a critical role in maintaining epithelial polarity of these nephron segments.

A comparative study of various type of autogeneous bone graft on the rabbit-skull defect healing

INTRODUCTION: Piezosurgery device is one of the most commonly used instrument on the intraoral surgery such as maxillary sinus lift and autogeneous bone graft. Piezosurgery instrument also contains the tips that are manufactured especially for the convenient bone graft, which now many surgeons apply them for collecting bone graft materials in the curettage method for the restoration of skull defects. However, objective data has not been shown concerning the effects about bone graft with using Piezosurgery. Therefore we investigated the effects of Piezosurgery on the rabbit-skull defect healing. MATERIALS & METHODS: To investigate the regeneration of the bony defect with various bone graft, 10 adult New Zealand white rabbits (average weight : 2.8+/-0.3kg, about 12weeks) were used. The four circular bony defects measuring 6mm in diameter were made with Piezosurgery device on each rabbit cranial bone. The harvested bone tissues during defect formation were also used for autogeneous bone graft. They were grafted into the defects in a various type; block type (Group 1), particulated type by the bone mill (Group 2), chopped type by curette shaped Piezosurgery tip (Group 3), the defect without any graft was served as control (control group). The animals were sacrificed after 6 weeks and bone regeneration capacity was evaluated histomorphometrically. RESULT & CONCLUSION: Autogeneous bone graft harvested using a Piezosurgery instrument showed satisfactory bone regeneration. There was no conspicuous difference bone prepared amomg by bone mill or Piezosurgery and block bone graft. Therefore, the bone harvested from the intraoral site near the operation field using the piezosurgery device can be a feasible and reliable graft for intraoral bony defects.

Bisphosphonate(zoledronic acid) related osteomyelitis on mandible: a case report

Influence of interimplant distance on bone resorption : A radiological and histological study in beagle dogs

INTRODUCTION: Possible etiologic factors associated with bone loss around implants after implantation are surgical trauma, occlusal overload, peri-implantitis, presence of micro gap and the formation of biologic distances. Tarnow et al. observed that the crestal bone loss was greater when the distance between the implants was or =3mm apart. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different interimplant distance on marginal bone and crestal bone resorption in the beagle dogs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The mandibular premolars of 5 dogs were extracted bilaterally. After 12 weeks of healing, each dog received 7 implants. On each side, implants were separated by 2mm (Group 1) and by 5mm (Group 2). After 16 weeks of healing, the dogs were sacrificed. Marginal bone loss was determined through linear measurements made between the implant-abutment junctions and the most coronal portions of the bone in contact with the implant surface. A line was drawn uniting the implant-abutment junctions of the adjacent implants, and a linear measurement was made at the midpoint in the direction of the most coronal peak of the interimplant bone crest to determine the crestal bone loss. Both of them was measured radiologically and histologically. RESULT AND CONCLUSION: In radiological analysis, the mean of marginal bone loss was 1.26+/-0.14mm for group 1 and 1.23+/-0.34mm for group 2, the mean of crestal bone loss was 1.10+/-0.14mm for group 1 and 1.02+/-0.30mm for group 2. The results were not statistically significant between 2 groups. In histological analysis, the mean of marginal bone loss was 1.63+/-0.48mm for group 1 and 1.62+/-0.50mm for group 2, the mean of crestal bone loss was 1.23+/-0.35mm for group 1 and 1.15+/-0.39mm for group 2. The differences were also not statistically significant. The clinical significance of this result is that the increase in the crestal bone loss results in the increase in the distance between the base of the interproximal contact of the crowns and the bone crest, and this determines if papilla will be present or absent between implants. Considering this fact, keeping up sufficient interimplant distance is important to minimize crestal bone loss.

Localization of Heat Shock Protein 72 in Potassium-deprivated Rat Kidney / 대한해부학회지

Heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) appears to play an important role in cell survival in the hypertonic conditions of the renal medulla. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of potassium deprivation on renal HSP72 expression. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed potassium deficient diet for 2 weeks. Kidney tissues were preserved by in vivo perfusion with paraformaldehyde-lysine-periodate (PLP) and processed for Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Serum potassium concentration and urine osmolality decreased in potassium deprivated animals. In control kidneys, HSP72 immunostaining was observed mainly in the inner medulla in almost all cells including the inner medullary collecting duct and papillary surface epithelial cells. In potassium deprivated kidneys, HSP72 expression decreased dramatically in the inner medulla. However, strong HSP72 immunostaining remained in some inner medullary collecting duct and papillary surface epithelial cell. These results demonstrated that potassium deprivation induced down regulation of HSP72 in the renal medulla, at least in part, through cell-specific manner.