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BACKGROUND/AIM Recently, the development of ultrasonography (US)-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) has enabled the excision of benign breast tumors with normal surrounding breast tissues; thus, complete excision is possible without residual tumor tissue. We sought to identify the clinicopathological characteristics and recurrence rates of benign phyllodes tumors diagnosed by US-guided VABB. PATIENTS AND METHODS Data from 11,221 US-guided VABBs performed at the Gangnam Cha Medical Center over 12 years were analyzed. Eighty-three lesions were diagnosed as benign phyllodes tumors; 67 with >24 months of follow-up data were investigated. All lesions were excised using an 8-gauge probe without residual tissue; patients underwent follow-up US every 3-6 months. RESULTS Five patients (7.46%) experienced local recurrence during a mean follow-up period of 27.8 months; no distant metastases occurred. The mean tumor size was 3.0 cm in the recurrence group and 1.87 cm in the non-recurrence group (p=0.05). CONCLUSION Benign phyllodes tumors excised and diagnosed using VABB showed a low recurrence rate during the follow-up period; thus, these tumors, particularly those

Lonely individuals are sensitive to negative social information. Past evidence for this finding comes mostly from research on visual cues (e.g., facial expression); less is known whether a parallel pattern occurs for auditory cues (e.g., voice). Using a vocal emotional Stroop task, we examined whether loneliness heightens attention to other's vocal tone. Compared to less lonely individuals, lonely participants' reaction time during the Stroop task was significantly slower when a positive (vs. negative) semantic word was presented via a negative vocal tone. It appears that lonely individuals, compared to others, are more distracted by the negative emotionality of a voice tone, which might signal social threats. This attentional bias remained when controlling for neuroticism, and was more pronounced when social, rather than nonsocial words were presented.

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of the transplantation of autologous adipose-derived stromal vascular fraction (AD-SVF) containing adipose stem cells (ASCs) in regenerating functional endometrium in patients with severe Asherman’s syndrome (AS). This was a prospective clinical study involving six infertile women aged 20–44 years who were diagnosed with severe AS by hysteroscopy. Autologous AD-SVF were isolated from patient’s adipose tissue obtained by liposuction and then transplanted into uterus by transcervical instillation using an embryo transfer catheter followed by estrogen hormone therapy. Endometrial growth and pregnancy outcomes were assessed after fresh or frozen embryo transfer. Of the five patients who remained in the study, two women who had amenorrhea resumed their menstruation with irregular scant bleeding. Three women with oligomenorrhea had increased menstrual amount. Before therapy, the maximum EMT measured ultrasonographically was 3.0 ± 1.0 mm (range: 1.7 to 4.4 mm), which significantly increased to 6.9 ± 2.9 mm (range: 5.2 to 12.0 mm, p = 0.043) after cell transplantation and hormone therapy. Five women had embryo transfer after therapy: one fresh and four frozen-thawed. One woman conceived but aborted spontaneously at 9-week gestation. AD-SVF is a safe and easily available cell product containing adipose-derived stem cells. Autologous transplantation of AD-SVF may regenerate damaged human endometrium and increase endometrial receptivity. Our study showed the feasibility of AD-SVF in restoring endometrial function and increasing endometrial thickness. This cell therapy may become a promising treatment for infertile women with endometrial dysfunction and needs further investigation.

Objective: Thin or damaged endometrium remains to be an unsolved problem in the treatment of patients with infertility. The empirical preference for endometrial thickness (EMT) among clinicians is >7 mm, and the refractory thin endometrium, which doesn't respond to standard medical therapies, can be the etiology of recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known to help tissue regeneration and is widely used in various fields. In the present study, we conducted PRP treatment and investigated its effect on the refractory thin endometrium.Design: Prospective interventional study (https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris, clinical trial registration number: KCT0003375).Methods: Women who had a history of two or more failed IVF cycles and refractory thin endometrium were enrolled in this study. The main inclusion criteria were EMT of

To prevent perinatal morbidity and mortality of high-order multiple pregnancy (HOMP), multifetal pregnancy reduction (MPR) is offered to some patients. In this study, we investigated whether twin pregnancies derived from MPRs carry a higher adverse obstetrical outcome compared to non-reduced control group of twins. We retrospectively analyzed the data from HOMPs on which transvaginal ER (n = 153) at a mean gestational age of 7.6 weeks or transabdominal FR (n = 59) at a mean gestational age of 12.4 weeks was performed between December 2006 and January 2018. The risk of each procedure was evaluated by comparing obstetrical outcome with that of a control population of 157 non-reduced twins conceived by infertility treatment. The mean gestational ages at delivery were 35.2 weeks in the ER group, 35.7 weeks in the FR group, and 34.1 weeks in the control group (P = NS). Compared with those in the control group, the ER group had higher miscarriage (1.3% vs. 6.5%; P = 0.047; OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.45–0.898) and higher overall fetal loss (3.8% vs. 14.4%; P = 0.003; OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.09–0.60) rates. Differently compared with those in the control group, the FR group had no statistical difference in miscarriage (2.5% vs. 1.7%; P=NS) and overall fetal loss (3.8% vs. 6.8%; P=NS) rates. Compared with the control group, ER in twins had a higher miscarriage and fetal loss rate, whereas FR in twins was similar to the control group. So, the FR procedure is overall a better and safer approach of MPR in reducing morbidity and mortality in HOMPs.

Objective : This study compares sensory processing ability of children with and without spastic diplegia. In addition, it investigates characteristics of sensory processing differentiated by developmental phase such as pre-school age versus school age. Methods : Participants in this study are ordinal children without specific condition and children with spastic diplegia who are aged 3 to 10 years olds. Using Short Sensory Profile (SSP), sensory processing function of the participants was measured. The survey was distributed to caregivers of the children from November, 2013 to February, 2014, and it was suggested that the caregivers to record the questionnaire directly after approval from a rehabilitation hospital, a university hospital, welfare center, day care center, preschool and elementary school to participate in our study. Results : Group of children with spastic diplegia showed lower score than group of children with no special condition in the total score and the each score of all items of Short Sensory Profile. There was significant difference between the two groups in terms of the total score of sensory processing and the 5 factors except tactile sensitiveness and taste/smell sensitiveness among the 7 factors of test. In the comparison of different age groups, pre-school age group showed lower total score than school age group. Conclusion : This study provides a foundational evidence that can be used when therapist evaluate sensory processing function of children with spastic diplegia. There is need for more study about sensory processing functions of various types of children with cerebral palsy.

BACKGROUND/AIM To evaluate the usefulness and safety of vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB) for breast lesion diagnosis and treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS Clinical and histopathological data of 8,748 patients, who underwent 11,221 VABB procedures were analyzed. RESULTS Most patients (58.2%) were

Charcoal is a biologically inert material used for the preoperative localization of nonpalpable breast lesions; its foreign body reactions have occasionally been reported. Although a few case reports on the formation of charcoal granulomas in the breast because of such reactions exist, to the best of our knowledge, no report includes breast-imaging findings obtained using multiple modalities. Here we report a case of two charcoal granulomas that mimicked breast cancer recurrence and provide breast-imaging findings obtained using mammography, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography/computed tomography. We also discuss the radiological and pathological features of charcoal granulomas. Awareness of breast imaging findings using multiple modalities along with the clinical and pathological features of charcoal granulomas helps in the differential diagnoses of newly detected lesions on postoperative follow-ups and reduces the need of unnecessary invasive procedures.

The renin-angiotensin system is associated with angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, prenatal development, and Th2 cytokine production. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether polymorphisms in angiotensin I-converting enzyme [ACE insertion/deletion (I/D)], angiotensinogen (AGT M235T), and angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R 1166AC) affect the prevalence of spontaneously aborted fetuses (SAFs).One hundred and ninety-eight SAFs were20 weeks of gestational age. The control subjects were 103 healthy children and 640 adults collected from a convenience sample. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis were performed to identify the ACE I/D, AGT M235T, and AT1R 1166AC genotypes.II/MM/AA, II/MT/AA, and II/TT/AC of ACE/AGT/AT1R were significantly different from controls. In particular, the statistical significance of the II/MM/AA genotype remained strong in chromosomally normal SAFs.Our data suggest that the II/MM/AA of ACE/AGT/AT1R is a possible predisposing factor for spontaneous abortion.

We investigated whether microRNA (miRNA) polymorphisms (miR-146aC>G, miR-196a2T>C, and miR-499A>G) confer risk of premature ovarian failure (POF) in Korean women. DNA samples from 136 patients with POF and 234 controls were genotyped for the 3 miRNA single-nucleotide polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The miR-146aCG/miR-196a2TC combined genotype was less frequent in patients than in controls (P < .05), conferring less susceptibility. Using haplotype-based multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis, the C-C-A and G-T-A inferred haplotypes (miR-146a/miR-196a2/miR-499) were less frequent in patients, suggesting protective effects (P < .05 for each), whereas the C-T-A and G-C-A haplotypes were more frequent in patients (P < .05 for each). The C-T and G-C haplotypes (miR-146a/miR-196a2) were more frequent in patients, whereas the C-C and G-T haplotypes were less frequent in patients (P < .05 for each). However, none of the 3 miRNA polymorphisms alone was associated with POF risk. Our findings suggest that putative gene-gene interaction between miR-146 and miR-196a2 may be involved in POF development.

Dexamethasone-induced RAS-related protein 1 (RASD1) is a signaling protein that is involved in various cellular processes. In a previous study, we found that RASD1 expression was down-regulated in the uterine endometrium of repeated implantation failure patients. The study aim was to determine whether RASD1 is expressed in the endometrium of mouse uterus and how it is regulated by steroid hormones during the estrous cycle. In this study, we investigated RASD1 expression and regulation in an ovariectomized female mouse model. Rasd1 mRNA was highly expressed in mouse reproductive tissues, including the uterus. Rasd1 expression was detected exclusively in the endometrial epithelium at the proestrus stage of the estrous cycle. Rasd1 expression in uteri increased with administration of estradiol, but not progesterone. Its expression was rapidly induced within 2 h after E2 treatment. Pretreatment with ICI 182,780, an estrogen receptor antagonist, reduced RASD1 protein expression. In addition, we identified that rapid expression of Rasd1 was mediated by the estrogen intracellular signaling including both p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase. These findings suggest that RASD1 acts as a novel signaling molecule and plays an important role in regulating dynamic uterine remodeling during the estrous cycle in the uterus.

article i nfo Article history: Accepted 17 December 2011 Available online 28 December 2011 Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of microRNA polymorphisms (miR-146aC>G, miR-149T>C, miR-196a2T>C, and miR-499A>G) in Korean patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Methods: We conducted a case-control study of 564 Korean women: 330 patients with at least two unex- plained consecutive pregnancy losses and 234 healthy controls with at least one live birth and no history of pregnancy loss. Results: RSA patients exhibited significantly different frequencies of the miR-196a2CC (TT+TC vs. CC; adjust- ed odds ratio (AOR), 1.587; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.042-2.417) and miR-499AG+GG genotypes (AOR, 1.671; 95% CI, 1.054-2.651) compared with the control group. The combination of miR-196a2CC and miR- 499AG+GG showed synergistic effects (AOR, 3.541; 95% CI, 1.645-7.624). Conclusion: miR-196a2CC, miR-499AG+GG, and the miR-196a2CC/miR-499AG+GG combination are signifi- cantly associated with idiopathic RSA in Korean women.

Objectives The objective of this study was to determine whether or not the angiotensin-converting enzyme insertion/deletion (ACE I/D), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), and angiotensinogen (AGT) gene polymorphisms are associated with idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortions (RSAs) in Korean women. Study design A total of 251 patients with unexplained consecutive pregnancy losses, and 126 healthy controls with at least one live birth and no history of pregnancy loss. Result The odds ratios (ORs) of the ACE ID (OR=2.423; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.417–4.142; p =0.001) and the ACE II (OR=2.050; 95% CI=1.143–3.675; p =0.018) for the ACE DD genotype were significantly different between patients with idiopathic RSA and controls; however, there were no significant differences between patients and controls with respect to the AT1R 1166A>C and AGT M235T polymorphisms. In a haplotype-based analysis of I-A ( p =0.010), D-A ( p =0.004), I-A-T ( p =0.033), D-A-T ( p =0.0005), and D-C-T ( p =0.013) polymorphism pairs with synergistic effects derived by the MDR method in patients and in controls showed significant results. Conclusion This study suggests that ACE, AT1R and AGT polymorphisms and haplotypes are a genetic determinant for the risk of idiopathic RSA in Korean women.

PURPOSE Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) is a direct method of distinguishing between pituitary and ectopic ACTH secretion. We present unilateral femoral route technique avoiding bilateral femoral venous puncture using two 4F catheters into both sides of IPSS in these obese patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Unilateral femoral puncture using 9F guiding catheter allowed two 4F catheters which can be introduced in each side of inferior petrosal sinus. To reduce bleeding in the gap between 2 catheters at the diaphragm of the 9F femoral sheath, we introduced a short guidewire provided along with femoral sheath. After removing the 9F sheath after procedure, we applied manual compression as usual. We evaluated any technical difficulty and other complications including the presence of hematoma at the puncture site 1 day and 30 days later. RESULTS Bilateral IPSS by using two 4F catheters in both inferior petrosal sinuses was possible via unilateral femoral route via 9F sheath. There was no technical difficulty introducing 4F catheters into each IPS of both sides. After removing 9F femoral sheath, there was no other complication and no hematoma at the puncture site at 1 day and 30 days later. CONCLUSION Unilateral femoral venous approach with a 9-French sheath can be used in IPSS. This technique allowed to pass two 4F catheters for IPSS at both sides and could avoid unnecessary bilateral femoral puncture in these obese patients without any hematoma formation after the procedure.

The early emergence of lamivudine (3TC)-resistant tyro-sine–methionine–aspartate–aspartate (YMDD) mutants has been reported during 3TC therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-endemic areas; however, its clinical impact during long-term 3TC therapy is unknown. This study was performed to investigate the impact of the early emergence of YMDD mutants 3 months after the initiation of treatment on the outcomes of long-term 3TC therapy in HBV e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB. We analysed YMDD genotypes in consecutive samples from 30 patients with HBeAg positive CHB throughout 3TC treatment using both restriction fragment length polymorphism and mass spectrometric assays. Long-term outcome was compared between patients who had YMDD mutations detected at 3 months and those who had no mutations. YMDD mutation was detected in 16 (53.3%) out of 30 patients at 3 months and only the rtM204I mutation was found. Cumulative HBeAg loss rates at 3 years was 12.5% and 57.4% in patients who had the rtM204I mutant and wild-type virus at 3 months, respectively ( P=0.010). Cumulative viral breakthrough rates at 3 years was 75.0% and 14.3% in patients who had the rtM204I mutant and wild-type virus at 3 months, respectively ( P=0.002). Logistic regression revealed that YMDD mutation at 3 months was significantly related to viral breakthrough within 24 months ( P=0.003). In conclusion, early detection for HBV YMDD mutation at 3 months may be useful to predict the long-term outcomes of 3TC therapy in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB in HBV-endemic areas.

To evaluate the antihyperlipidemic activities of Orengedokuto (OT) and Daio-Orengedokuto (DOT), the inhibitory effects of these polyprescriptions on HMG-CoA reductase and pancreatic lipase and on the rat hyperlipidemic model induced by Triton WR-1339 were measured. OT potently inhibited HMG-CoA reductase but did not inhibit lipase. Among their ingredients, Coptidis Rhizoma was the most potent inhibitor, followed by Rhei Rhizoma. The HMG-CoA reductase-inhibitory activity of 80% EtOH extract was superior to that of water extract. However, DOT potently inhibited HMG CoA-reductase as well as pancreatic lipase. In the rat hyperlipidemic model induced by Triton WR-1339, OT and DOT decreased serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. DOT also decreased serum triglyceride levels, but OT did not decrease it. These results suggest that the antihyperlipidemic activity of DOT may originate from the inhibition of pancreatic lipase as well as HMG-CoA reductase.

The present study aimed to determine the difference between the clinical tumor stage (T stage) based on pre-operative ultrasound and the histopathological T stage subsequent to surgery in vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB)-diagnosed breast cancer. Tumor sizes measured ultrasonography (USG) and histologically were retrospectively calculated and analyzed using paired t-tests in 209 patients diagnosed with breast cancer using VABB. The patients were classified into two groups, consisting of breast imaging reporting and data system (BI-RADS) category 4a or below, who underwent complete resection by VABB, and BI-RADS category 4b or above, who underwent incisional biopsy by VABB. The histopathological tumor size was found to be smaller compared with the USG-determined size in 92.3% of pT1a, 75.5% of pT1b, 44.2% of pT1c, 47.7% of pT2 and 0% of pT3 cases. Furthermore, the histopathological tumor size was smaller compared with the USG-determined size in 62.8% of cases classified as BI-RADS category 3–4a and in 53.7% of cases classified as BI-RADS category 4b-5. The smaller the primary tumor at the time of diagnosis by VABB, the higher the likelihood of pathological underestimation on post-operative histopathological assessment compared to pre-operative USG.

We investigated the role of presenilin 1 (PS1) in the secretion of alpha-secretase derived amyloid precursor protein (sAPP alpha) and associated intracellular signaling pathways. Human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells were transfected with exon 9 deletion (deltaE9) mutant PS1 cDNA in an ecdyson-inducible system. sAPPalpha secretion was lower in the mutant PS1 expressing cells compared with non-expressing cells. When activated by PDBu, secretion of sAPPalpha and the level of phosphorylated mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) were greatly enhanced in deltaE9 PS1 uninduced cells, but not in the mutant PS1 induced cells. PD98059, a MAPK inhibitor, blocked PDBu induced sAPPalpha secretion from deltaE9 PS1 uninduced cells but had no effect on the mutant PS1 induced cells. These data indicate that PS1 mediates PDBu-induced sAPPalpha secretion and MAPK activation.

Problem The transcobalamin II (TCN2) 776C>G polymorphism has been reported to be a genetic risk factor for idiopathic recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). However, the sample size in previous studies was small, and other TCN2 polymorphisms have not been studied. Moreover, the TCN2 67A>G and 776C>G polymorphisms, and the transcobalamin II receptor (TCblR/CD320) 1104C>T polymorphism, have demonstrated associations with immune responses. Method of study Three hundred and seventy-eight RSA patients who had at least two consecutive spontaneous abortions were enrolled. Two hundred and seven control subjects were collected from a convenience sample. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis were performed to identify the TCN2 67A>G and 776C>G polymorphisms, and the TCblR 1104C>T polymorphism. Results RSA patients showed significantly different frequencies of the TCN2 67AG+GG genotypes compared with control subjects. Conclusion The TCN2 67G allele is a possible risk factor for idiopathic RSA.

The objective of this study was to investigate the contribution of the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) gene polymorphisms to recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). The study participants consisted of 357 Korean women with RSA and 236 fertile women controls. Four TNF-α gene variants of all participants were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. The TNF-α -1031T>C and TNF-α -238G>A variants increased the risk of RSA TNF-α -1031TC+CC; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.292; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.547-3.395; P < .001; TNF-α -238GA+AA; AOR, 2.327; 95% CI, 1.038-5.217; P = .040), and these data were not different in a stratified analysis according to the number of consecutive spontaneous abortions. Also, the mutant genotypes of TNF-α -1031 and TNF-α -238 showed synergistic effects on increased RSA risk (-1031TC+CC/-238GA+AA; AOR, 4.054; 95% CI, 1.520-10.812; P = .005). In haplotype analysis, there were similar trends of data for combination analysis. In conclusion, the TNF-α -1031T>C and TNF-α -238G>A variants are possible genetic risk factors for RSA.

SummaryPlasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) is important for maintaining pregnancy. Aberrantly increased PAI-1 levels may contribute to thrombosis and inflammation, leading to pregnancy loss. This study investigated the association of PAI-1 polymorphisms (PAI-1 rs2227631 [-844G>A], rs1799889 [-675 4G/5G], rs6092 [43G>A], rs2227694 [9785G>A], and rs7242 [11053T>G]) with idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) in Korean women. We screened 308 RPL patients and 227 control participants for five PAI-1 polymorphisms. Genotyping of PAI-1 was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. PAI-1 4G4G and -844AA/ 4G4G/11053GG genotypes were associated with RPL. PAI-1 -844A/4G/43G/9785G/11053G haplotype was connected to hypofibrinolytic status (i.e. increased levels of plasma PAI-1, increased numbers of platelets, reduced prothrombin time, and reduced activated partial thromboplastin time). Moreover, PAI-1 11053TG+GG frequency was positively related to plasma homocysteine and urate levels, whereas -844AA frequency was associated with plasma folate concentrations according to ordinal logistic regression analysis. Based on these results, we propose that PAI-1 -844G>A, 4G/5G, and 11053T>G polymorphisms are markers of RPL.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the role and safety of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and ethanol ablation for the treatment of recurrent thyroid cancers in patients at high risk of surgery. RECENT FINDINGS RFA and ethanol ablation are currently used as local tumor control methods for the treatment of recurrent thyroid cancers. The therapeutic success rates of RFA and ethanol ablation have been reported to be 75-91.6 and 70.8-98%, respectively. Local tumor recurrence has been reported to be 0-25% following RFA and 3.2-33% following ethanol ablation. Various complications have also been reported, such as discomfort, pain, skin burning, and changes in voice, but not life-threatening complications. All patients with changes in their voice received treatment to the central neck area, and permanent injury has been reported in patients who received RFA. SUMMARY RFA and ethanol ablation could be considered as nonsurgical treatment options for recurrent thyroid cancers in patients at high risk of surgery. Efficacy seems to be higher for RFA, but complications seem to be lower for ethanol ablation.

Objectives The aim of our study was to investigate whether the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene polymorphisms −786T>C, 4a4b, and 894G>T that affect nitric oxide (NO) generation confer a risk for primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) in Korean women. Study design We genotyped 136 POI patients and 236 controls among Korean women for the three single nucleotide polymorphism sites with PCR-RFLP analysis. Differences in the eNOS −786T>C (rs2070744), 4a4b (rs61722009), and 894G>T (rs1799983) genotype frequencies between patients and controls were compared, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were determined as a measure of the strength of the association between the genotypes and POI. Results The POI patients had significantly decreased frequencies of the eNOS 894GT and −786TT/894GT genotypes (P = 0.025 and 0.027, respectively). However, the significant association between these eNOS polymorphisms and POI disappeared after adjustment for multiple comparisons (adjusted P = 0.075 and 0.081, respectively). The eNOS −786T/894G haplotype is more frequent in patients than controls (P = 0.030), whereas the −786T/894T haplotype was less frequent in patients (P = 0.031). The associations between −786/894 haplotypes and POI were confirmed by permutation tests. We did not find associations between the eNOS −786T>C or 4a4b polymorphisms and POI. Conclusions Our data suggest that the eNOS −786T/894T haplotype is associated with a decreased POI risk, and we postulate that the eNOS −786T/894T haplotype may confer less risk on POI occurrence by reducing pathologically increased NO generation by eNOS in POI. Further study is warranted to elucidate the effect of the eNOS 894G>T polymorphism and POI occurrence.

The capsaicin-sensitive vanilloid receptor (VR1) was recently shown to play an important role in inflammatory pain (hyperalgesia), but the underlying mechanism is unknown. We hypothesized that pain-producing inflammatory mediators activate capsaicin receptors by inducing the production of fatty acid agonists of VR1. This study demonstrates that bradykinin, acting at B2 bradykinin receptors, excites sensory nerve endings by activating capsaicin receptors via production of 12-lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid . This finding identifies a mechanism that might be targeted in the development of new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of inflammatory pain.

Objective To investigate the association between one-carbon metabolism and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). One-carbon metabolism is important for maintaining pregnancy, and the enzymes codified by these genes are relevant to this metabolic pathway. Design Case-control study. Setting An urban university-based hospital in South Korea. Patient(s) A cohort of 353 RPL patients (3.09 ± 1.65 pregnancy losses) and 226 control subjects. Intervention(s) None. Main Outcome Measure(s) Genotyping was assessed by polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. We examined polymorphisms in four genes: methionine synthase ( MTR ); methionine synthase reductase ( MTRR ); methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase 1 ( MTHFD1 ); and thymidylate synthase ( TS ). Result(s) The MTR 2756AA polymorphism was associated with RPL. Gene-gene interaction analysis revealed that the frequency of the MTR 2756A– TS 6-bp allele combination was significantly higher in RPL. Conclusion(s) Based on these results, we propose that the MTR 2756AA genotype and MTR 2756A– TS 6-bp allele combination are possible predisposing factors for RPL development in Korean women.

In the original article by Jeon et al. "Genetic association of five plasminogen activator inhibtitor-1 (PAI-1) polymorphsms and idiopathic recurrent pregnancy loss in Korean women" (Thromb Haemost 2013; 110: 742-750) data in two columns shifted in Table 2. The corrected table is printed here and has also been corrected in the online file.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignancy among women, occurring in approximately one in eight women in Western countries (1). The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes contribute 5~10% in genetic breast cancer and women with these mutations have a 60~80% risk of developing breast cancer by the age of 70 (2). To reduce this risk, close surveillance for the earlier detection of breast cancer at the most favorable stage is necessary. The strategy for the surveillance of high-risk women should differ from that of the general population. Screening of high-risk women should begin at a younger age, and clinical breast examinations and annual mammography should begin at 25-35 years of age (3, 4). Findings of several studies indicate that contrast-enhanced MRI is useful for screening highrisk women (5, 6). In addition, the American Cancer INTRODUCTION

Objective We wanted to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum CA-125 concentration, when used in combination with the preoperative contrast-enhanced CT results, to differentiate borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) from stage I malignant epithelial ovarian tumors (MEOTs). Materials and Methods Ninety-eight masses (46 BOTs and 52 stage I MEOTs) from 87 consecutive patients (49 with BOTs and 38 with stage I MEOTs) who had undergone preoperative contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) and surgical staging were evaluated retrospectively and independently by two radiologists. The preoperative serum CA-125 concentration was measured in all patients. The utility of analyzing serum CA-125 concentration in combination with the CT results was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results An irregular tumor surface and lymphadenopathy were predictive of a MEOT. ROC analysis showed that the combination of CT data and the serum CA-125 level resulted in a higher diagnostic performance than did using the CT alone for differentiating BOTs from MEOTs. The areas under the curves (AUCs) without and with the use of the serum CA-125 level data were 0.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-0.77) and 0.78 (95% CI: 0.68-0.85), respectively, for reader 1 (p = 0.029) and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.61-0.80) and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.72-0.89), respectively, for reader 2 (p = 0.009). Conclusion The serum CA-125 concentration is of additional diagnostic value when used in conjunction with the CT imaging results for differentiating BOTs from MEOTs.