Comparison of Epidemiological Typing Methods for Shigella sonnei

No abstract available.

Clinical Manifestations and Ultrasonographic Findings of Neonatal Septic Arthritis and Osteomyelitis

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate clinical manifestations and findings of ultrasonogram of neonatal septic arthritis and osteomyelitis. We tried to determine the value of ultrasonogram as a tool for early diagnosis of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis. METHODS: We reviewed the records of 17 patients, who were diagnosed septic arthritis and/or osteomyelitis in Departments of Pediatrics and Orthopedic Surgery, Han dong University Sunlin Hospital in Pohang between Jan. 1994 and Sep. 1998. Radiologic findings were reviewed retrospectively according to the duration of symptoms at the onset. We compared the sensitivity of ultrasonogram with other radiologic tools done within 7 days of illness. RESULTS: We compared sensitivity of each imaging study done within 7 days of illness. 20%(3/5) had abnormality in plain radiographs, 78.6%(11/14) in ultrasonogram, 28.6%(2/7) in bone scan, and 100,0%(3/3) in MRI. Deep soft-tissue swelling around the bone was the earliest sign of acute osteomyelitis in ultrasonogram. Concurrently early septic arthritis showed deep soft tissue swelling around the joint and increased synovial effusion in ultrasonogram. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonogram is not so expensive, non-invasive, not harmful to patients, and there is no need to sedate patients for examination. Comparing with other imaging studies, the sensitivity of ultrasonogram is relatively high. Ultrasonogram is a useful diagnostic tool of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis in newbom infants.

Factors Associated with Psychoneurobehavjral Outcomes in Workers Exposed to Manganese / 대한산업의학회지

The risk posed to human health by environmental manganese (Mn) exposure is unknown. The purpose of this study is to establish if subclinical effects related to Mn exposure and examine the factors influencing psychoneurobehaviral outcomes of Mn exposed workers. This study involved 121 male workers of welding, alloy furnace, and manufacturing of welding stick. Study investigations include: a questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, job and exposure history and medical symptoms and conditions, monitoring workplace air for personal exposure to respirable and inhalable manganese, analysis of blood and urine samples. psychoneurobehaviral test(neurobehaviral core test battery (NCTB), signal change on magnetic resonance imaging (MRJ) scans, minimental state and neurological examination). The main results of this study were as follows: 1. Preliminary results showed that, with increasing manganese exposure, neurobehaviral performance was poorer and signal change on MRI scans increased. 2. The results of examination revealed significant relations on psychoneurobehaviral out-comes (neurobehaviral performance, signal change on MRI scans, and neurological features). 3. In multiple regression, age and educational status as demographic variables and exposure level were significantly related to 4neurobehaviral test. Also exposure level and serum Mn concentrations were positively relatel to signal change on MRI scans and neurological features affected by Mn on the brain (signal change). 4. Psychoneurobehaviral outcomes from Mn exposure were related to neurobehaviral performance, signal change on MRJ scans, neurological features and profile of mood states (POMS), and influnced positively with age, alcohol and smoking history, and duration of Mn exposure, negatively with educational status. Serum Mn concentrations in combination with brain MRI scans, and perhaps a battery of neurobehaviral tests, appear to be the best way to monitor excessive exposure to Mn. These results are consistent with our knowledge on Mn action on the brain and are similar to the type of neurobehaviral dysfunction. They suggest that there may be age, educational status, and life style (alcohol and drinking history) differences with chronic environmental exposure. These findings suggest further evaluation, particularly on relationships between Mn exposure, aging, and susceptibility factors.

Suprascapular nerve entrapment syndrome by a ganglion, treated with nonoperative method: a case report / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Entrapment syndrome of suprascapular nerve by a ganglion has been reported not frequently. We experienced a case of suprascapular nerve entrapment by ganglion which was treated with non-operative treatment, and report it with literature.

Computed tomographic evaluation of empyema and lung abscess

The differentiation between lung abscess and empyema can be difficult, but has important therapeuticconsequences. Thoracostomy tube drainage is essential therapy for an empyema, whereas prolonged antibiotic therapyand postural drainage often suffice for a lung abscess. Conventional radiographic findings are usually relied onto help make correct indfferentiation between empyema and lung abscess, but overlying lung disease or unfavorablelocation of lesion often results in ambiguous findings. Although ultrasound has proved useful in differentiatingempyema from lung abscess, CT is best accurate diagnostic method. Authors reviewed chest CT of 50 cases(41empyemas, 9 lung abscesses)which were diagnosed by suegery or clinical background during the period from May 1980to June 1985 at Dongsan Medical Center, Keimyung University. The results were as follows: 1) Age and sexdistribution a) Empyema: The incidence was most common in the 6th and 7th decades. Male to female ratio was 3:1.b) Lung abscess: The incidence was most common in the 5th, 6th and 7th decades. Male to female ratio was 2:1. 2)Wall characteristics(empyema 32 cases, lung abscess 9 cases): The 9 cases of 41 empyemas had not defined theirwalls. a) Empyema had at least a part of their wall that was thin (81%), uniform width(84%), and smooth on bothmargins (more than 96%). b) The wall of lung abscess was thick (89%), and irregular margins(100%). 3) Separationof uniformly thickened visceral pleura from parietal pleura("split pleura" sign) was seen only in 68% of allempyemas. 4) Adjacent lung compression was seen only in 88% of all empyemas. 5) Chest wall angle: In 78% of allempyemas had obtuse or mixed angles, wherease in 85% of all lung abscesses had acute angle. 6) Shape oflesion:Empyema had variant shapes from round to crescent, however all lung abscesses had round or ovoid shape. 7)Size of lesion: In 85% of all empyemas had medium(41%) or large (44%) size, but the lung abscess had onlysmall(33%) or medium (67%) size. 8) Air in lesion was seen in 41% empyemas and in 89% lung abscesses. 9) Adjacentlung consolidation showed in 34% empyemas and in all lung abscesses. 10) Free pleural fluid was seen in 12%empyemas and in 89% lung abscesses. 11)Septated lesions were seen in 32% empyemas and in 56% lung abscesses. 12)Multiple lesions were seen in 44% empyemas and in 55% lung abscesses. 13) Mediastinal shifting was seen in 49%enpyemas and in 44% lung abscesses, but which all lung abscesses were coexisted with empyemas. 14) Pleuralcalcification was seen only in 5 cases(12%) of all empyemas. 15) Location of leison: Most(93%) of empyemas werelocated in posterolateral portion of hemithorax, and most (78%) of lung abscesses involved in right lower lobe.