Identification and functional validation of HLA-C as a potential gene involved in colorectal cancer in the Korean population.

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide and is influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Although numerous genetic loci for CRC have been identified, the overall understanding of the genetic factors is yet to be elucidated. We sought to discover new genes involved in CRC applying genetic association analysis and functional study.

Paraneoplastic Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Small Cell Lung Cancer.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is defined as an acute, autoimmune polyradiculoneuropathy. It is a rare disease that occurs at a rate of 1.11 cases per 100,000 person-years.

Two cases of electrocautery incision therapy using an insulated-tip knife for treatment of symptomatic benign short-segment colonic stenosis following colonic resection.

Anastomotic stenosis of the colon is not an uncommon finding; however, its frequency varies from one study to another. Traditionally, postoperative colonic stenosis is managed surgically. However, endoscopic therapy has recently become the preferred treatment modality over traditional surgery.

Prognostic Implications of Primary Tumor Resection in Stage IVB Colorectal Cancer in Elderly Patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors in stage IVB colorectal cancer in elderly patients, focusing on the influence of treatment modalities, including palliative chemotherapy and primary tumor resection.

Methods: A cohort of 64 patients aged over 65 years who presented with stage IVB colorectal cancer at the Gangneung Asan Hospital between July 1, 2001, and December 31, 2009, was analyzed. Demographics, tumor location, tumor grade, performance status, levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and distant metastatic site at diagnosis were analyzed.

Male breast adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Introduction: Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the breast is a rare condition, and cases in male patients are even less common.

Case: We describe a case of ACC of the breast with axillary lymph node metastasis, disseminated osteolytic bone metastasis and bone marrow involvement in a 41-year-old man.

Conclusion: Male breast ACC is an extremely rare malignancy; there can be difficulty in obtaining a final diagnosis.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering: comparison of three different molecules on single-crystal nanocubes and nanospheres of silver.

We have investigated the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) of chemically prepared single-crystal nanocubes and nanospheres of Ag with three different molecules to quantitatively understand the effect of sharp features on the SERS enhancement factor. Both experimental measurements and theoretical calculations confirmed a higher SERS activity for the nanocubes as a result of sharp features on their surfaces. We also found major discrepancies between the measured SERS intensities and those predicted from the electromagnetic mechanism.