Erratum: Nation-Wide Korean Breast Cancer Data from 2008 Using the Breast Cancer Registration Program

nation-wide breast cancer data and analyzed the data using their online registration program biannually. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of Korean breast cancer from 2008 and examine chronological based patterns. Methods: Data were collected from 38 medical schools (67 hospitals), 20 general hospitals, and 10 private clinics. The data on the total number, gender, and age distribution were collected through a questionnaire as well as other detailed data analyzed via the online registration program. Results: In 2008, there were 13,908 patients who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer. The crude incidence rate of female breast cancer was 57.3 among 100,000 and the median age was 49 years. The age distribution had not changed since the initial survey; however the proportion of postmenopausal patients had increased and median age was older than the past. In staging distribution, the proportion of early breast cancer (stage 0, I) was 47.2 % with, breast-conserving surgery performed in 58 % and mastectomy in 39.5%. Conclusion: Compared to past data, the incidence of breast cancer in Korea continues to rise. Furthermore, the proportion of those detected by screening and breast conservation surgery has increased remarkably. To understand the patterns of Korean breast cancer, the nation-wide data should continuously investigated

Analgesic effect of highly reversible ω-conotoxin FVIA on N type Ca2+ channels

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>N-type Ca²⁺channels (Ca_v2.2) play an important role in the transmission of pain signals to the central nervous system. ω-Conotoxin (CTx)-MVIIA, also called ziconotide (Prialt^®), effectively alleviates pain, without causing addiction, by blocking the pores of these channels. Unfortunately, CTx-MVIIA has a narrow therapeutic window and produces serious side effects due to the poor reversibility of its binding to the channel. It would thus be desirable to identify new analgesic blockers with binding characteristics that lead to fewer adverse side effects.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Here we identify a new CTx, FVIA, from the Korean <it>Conus Fulmen </it>and describe its effects on pain responses and blood pressure. The inhibitory effect of CTx-FVIA on N-type Ca²⁺channel currents was dose-dependent and similar to that of CTx-MVIIA. However, the two conopeptides exhibited markedly different degrees of reversibility after block. CTx-FVIA effectively and dose-dependently reduced nociceptive behavior in the formalin test and in neuropathic pain models, and reduced mechanical and thermal allodynia in the tail nerve injury rat model. CTx-FVIA (10 ng) also showed significant analgesic effects on writhing in mouse neurotransmitter- and cytokine-induced pain models, though it had no effect on acute thermal pain and interferon-γ induced pain. Interestingly, although both CTx-FVIA and CTx-MVIIA depressed arterial blood pressure immediately after administration, pressure recovered faster and to a greater degree after CTx-FVIA administration.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The analgesic potency of CTx-FVIA and its greater reversibility could represent advantages over CTx-MVIIA for the treatment of refractory pain and contribute to the design of an analgesic with high potency and low side effects.</p

MR Imaging Assessment of the Spine: Infection or an Imitation?

Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool that can be used to help evaluate spinal infection and to help distinguish between an infection and other clinical conditions. In most cases of spinal infection, MR images show typical findings such as vertebral endplate destruction, bone marrow and disk signal abnormalities, and paravertebral or epidural abscesses. However, it is not always easy to diagnose a spinal infection, particularly when some of the classic MR imaging features are absent or when there are unusual patterns of infectious spondylitis. Furthermore, noninfectious inflammatory diseases and degenerative disease may simulate spinal infection. It is necessary to be familiar with atypical MR imaging findings of spinal infection and features that may mimic spinal infection to avoid misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment.Son JM, 2007, KOREAN J RADIOL, V8, P448Laredo JD, 2007, RADIOLOGY, V242, P825, DOI 10.1148/radiol.2423051222TINS BJ, 2007, TOP MAGN RESON IMAG, V18, P213Butler JS, 2006, SPINE, V31, P2695Wu HTH, 2006, SKELETAL RADIOL, V35, P212, DOI 10.1007/s00256-005-0068-yAn HS, 2006, CLIN ORTHOP RELAT R, P27, DOI 10.1097/01.blo.0000203452.36522.97Hermann KGA, 2005, RADIOGRAPHICS, V25, P559Tins BJ, 2004, SEMIN MUSCULOSKEL R, V8, P215Jung NY, 2004, AM J ROENTGENOL, V182, P1405Tali ET, 2004, EUR J RADIOL, V50, P120, DOI 10.1016/j.ejrad.2003.10.022Bennett DL, 2004, RADIOL CLIN N AM, V42, P121, DOI 10.1016/S0033-8389(03)00156-8Ledermann HP, 2003, RADIOLOGY, V228, P506, DOI 10.1148/radiol.2282020752EARLY SD, 2003, J AM ACAD ORTHOP SUR, V11, P413Moorthy S, 2002, AM J ROENTGENOL, V179RESNIK D, 2002, DIAGNOSIS BONE JOINT, P2481Ozaksoy D, 2001, EUR SPINE J, V10, P529, DOI 10.1007/s005860100285Moore SL, 2001, RADIOL CLIN N AM, V39, P329Varma R, 2001, RADIOL CLIN N AM, V39, P203Gouliamos AD, 2001, EUR RADIOL, V11, P575Jones EA, 2000, RADIOGRAPHICS, V20, pS279Wagner SC, 2000, RADIOLOGY, V214, P693Wagner AL, 2000, AM J NEURORADIOL, V21, P276Williams RL, 1999, AM J NEURORADIOL, V20, P381Nachtigal A, 1999, SKELETAL RADIOL, V28, P163Tyrrell PNM, 1999, EUR RADIOL, V9, P1066DAGIRMANJIAN A, 1999, MAGN RESON IMAGING C, V7, P525Boutin RD, 1998, AM J ROENTGENOL, V170, P585Maiuri F, 1997, SPINE, V22, P1741Stabler A, 1997, AM J ROENTGENOL, V168, P933Toussirot E, 1997, ANN RHEUM DIS, V56, P52Dagirmanjian A, 1996, AM J ROENTGENOL, V167, P1539Gillams AR, 1996, AM J ROENTGENOL, V166, P903LANG EW, 1996, EUR SPINE J, V5, P207VANTASSEL P, 1994, TOP MAGN RESON IMAG, V6, P69CORTET B, 1994, J RHEUMATOL, V21, P1287PARK YH, 1994, SPINE, V19, P1499TEKKOK IH, 1993, NEUROSURGERY, V33, P838SMITH AS, 1991, RADIOL CLIN N AM, V29, P809SHARIF HS, 1989, RADIOLOGY, V171, P419KANG HS, 1988, J KOREAN RADIOL SOC, V24, P421GOTUZZO E, 1987, ANN RHEUM DIS, V46, P506MODIC MT, 1985, RADIOLOGY, V157, P1571

"MR corner sign": value for predicting presence of ankylosing spondylitis

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the MRI features of the "MR corner sign" and to determine its diagnostic usefulness in ankylosing spondylitis. We reviewed the spinal MR images of 52 patients with ankylosing spondylitis and compared these images with those of 52 age- and sex-matched control subjects. CONCLUSION: The MR corner sign was defined as a triangular and sharply marginated corner abnormality in a vertebral body unassociated with osteophytes or Schmorl's node. MR corner lesions were significantly more common in the ankylosing spondylitis group than in the control group (Fisher's exact test, p < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the MR corner sign were 44%, 96%, 92%, and 63%, respectively. The most frequent feature of signal intensity was a Modic type II change (77%). In patients with ankylosing spondylitis, the MR corner sign was fre quently seen at the thoracolumbar junction, whereas degenerative corner lesions were commonly seen in the lower lumbar spine. When the MR corner sign is detected on spinal MR images in daily practice, it should not be overlooked because it suggests the possibility of ankylosing spondylitis, which should then be further evaluated

Imaging features suggestive of a conjoined nerve root on routine axial MRI

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study is to evaluate imaging features suggestive of a conjoined nerve root on routine axial MRI. METHODS: Two radiologists and two surgeons retrospectively reviewed the MRI of three cases in which a conjoined nerve root was discovered during operation and found three suggestive signs on routine axial MR images: "corner" (asymmetric morphology of the anterolateral corner of the dural sac), "fat crescent" (intervening extradural fat between the asymmetric dura and the nerve root), and "parallel" signs (visualization of the entire parallel course of the nerve root at the disc level). Two radiologists prospectively found these signs during routine MRI interpretation sessions over a period of 6 months. If one or a combination of signs were noted on axial MR images, contiguous axial scans were additionally obtained. Three cases that were previously found during operations were also included. Prevalence and confidence scores for each sign were assessed on axial T1- and T2-weighted images. RESULTS: Twelve patients showed one or a combination of the three signs, 9 had contiguous axial MR scans. Five cases were confirmed by operation. The prevalence of the corner, fat crescent, and parallel signs were 12 out of 12 (100%), 6 out of 12 (50%), and 8 out of 12 (67.7%) on axial T1-weighted images. The overall diagnostic confidence was higher on T1- than on T2-weighted images (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: On routine axial L-spine MRI, corner, fat crescent, and parallel signs are suggestive of and assist in the recognition of a conjoined nerve root

Effects of epidural TNF-alpha inhibitor injection: analysis of the pathological changes in a rat model of chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion

To evaluate the efficacy of a single direct epidural injection of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitor to reduce the pathological changes in nerve fiber injuries in a rat model of chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion (CCD).A surgical procedure for CCD was performed in 17 adult male F-344 rats. The effects of the epidural TNF-alpha inhibitors on CCD-induced pathological changes were investigated. Three groups of rats (n = 17) were used: (1) CCD + saline (n = 4), (2) CCD + triamcinolone (n = 5), and (3) CCD + TNF-alpha inhibitors (n = 8). Their dorsal root ganglia and nerve roots were removed on postoperative day 14. The intraneural edema, demyelination, and Wallerian degeneration of all 17 rats were scored pathologically.The pathology scores of the rats in the TNF-alpha inhibitor treatment group (1.38 +/- 0.74) indicated a mild degree of intraneural edema compared to the saline treatment group (2.25 +/- 0.50, p = 0.041). In addition, rats in the TNF-alpha inhibitor treatment group (2.13 +/- 0.35) had a mild degree of demyelination compared to the saline treatment group (2.75 +/- 0.50, p = 0.038) and the triamcinolone treatment group (2.80 +/- 0.45, p = 0.019). The differences in the pathology scores for Wallerian degeneration were not statistically significant in all three study groups (p = 0.658).The epidural injection of a TNF-alpha inhibitor was more effective than a placebo and comparable to triamcinolone in reducing pathological nerve injury progression.Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of a single direct epidural injection of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor to reduce the pathological changes in nerve fiber injuries in a rat model of chronic compression of the dorsal root ganglion (CCD). Materials and methods A surgical procedure for CCD was performed in 17 adult male F-344 rats. The effects of the epidural TNF-α inhibitors on CCD-induced pathological changes were investigated. Three groups of rats (n=17) were used: (1) CCD+saline (n=4), (2) CCD+triamcinolone (n=5), and (3) CCD+TNF-α inhibitors (n=8). Their dorsal root ganglia and nerve roots were removed on postoperative day 14. The intraneural edema, demyelination, andWallerian degeneration of all 17 rats were scored pathologically. Results The pathology scores of the rats in the TNF-α inhibitor treatment group (1.38±0.74) indicated a mild degree of intraneural edema compared to the saline treatment group (2.25±0.50, p=0.041). In addition, rats in the TNF-α inhibitor treatment group (2.13±0.35) had a mild degree of demyelination compared to the saline treatment group (2.75±0.50, p=0.038) and the triamcinolone treatment group (2.80±0.45, p=0.019). The differences in the pathology scores for Wallerian degeneration were not statistically significant in all three study groups (p=0.658). Conclusion The epidural injection of a TNF-α inhibitor was more effective than a placebo and comparable to triamcinolone in reducing pathological nerve injury progression.OAIID:oai:osos.snu.ac.kr:snu2012-01/102/0000004226/3SEQ:3PERF_CD:SNU2012-01EVAL_ITEM_CD:102USER_ID:0000004226ADJUST_YN:YEMP_ID:A076317DEPT_CD:801CITE_RATE:1.541FILENAME:E039T_SkeletalRadiol-2011_Kim_Effects of epidural TNF-α inhibitor injection.pdfDEPT_NM:의학과EMAIL:[email protected]_YN:YCONFIRM: