Synergistic Anti-bacterial Effects of Phellinus baumii Ethyl Acetate Extracts and beta-Lactam Antimicrobial Agents Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

BACKGROUND: The development of new drugs or alternative therapies effective against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is of great importance, and various natural anti-MRSA products are good candidates for combination therapies. We evaluated the antibacterial activities of a Phellinus baumii ethyl acetate extract (PBEAE) and its synergistic effects with beta-lactams against MRSA. METHODS: The broth microdilution method was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the PBEAE. The PBEAE synergistic effects were determined by evaluating the MICs of anti-staphylococcal antibiotic mixtures, with or without PBEAE. Anti-MRSA synergistic bactericidal effects of the PBEAE and beta-lactams were assessed by time-killing assay. An ELISA was used to determine the effect of the PBEAE on penicillin binding protein (PBP)2a production. RESULTS: The MICs and MBCs of PBEAE against MRSA were 256-512 and 1,024-2,048 microg/mL, respectively. The PBEAE significantly reduced MICs of all beta-lactams tested, including oxacillin, cefazolin, cefepime, and penicillin. However, the PBEAE had little or no effect on the activity of non-beta-lactams. Time-killing assays showed that the synergistic effects of two beta-lactams (oxacillin and cefazolin) with the PBEAE were bactericidal in nature (Deltalog10 colony forming unit/mL at 24 hr: 2.34-2.87 and 2.10-3.04, respectively). The PBEAE induced a dose-dependent decrease in PBP2a production by MRSA, suggesting that the inhibition of PBP2a production was a major synergistic mechanism between the beta-lactams and the PBEAE. CONCLUSIONS: PBEAE can enhance the efficacy of beta-lactams for combined therapy in patients infected with MRSA.

Fully Implantable Deep Brain Stimulation System with Wireless Power Transmission for Long-term Use in Rodent Models of Parkinson's Disease

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study to develop new deep-brain stimulation system for long-term use in animals, in order to develop a variety of neural prostheses. METHODS: Our system has two distinguished features, which are the fully implanted system having wearable wireless power transfer and ability to change the parameter of stimulus parameter. It is useful for obtaining a variety of data from a long-term experiment. RESULTS: To validate our system, we performed pre-clinical test in Parkinson's disease-rat models for 4 weeks. Through the in vivo test, we observed the possibility of not only long-term implantation and stability, but also free movement of animals. We confirmed that the electrical stimulation neither caused any side effect nor damaged the electrodes. CONCLUSION: We proved possibility of our system to conduct the long-term pre-clinical test in variety of parameter, which is available for development of neural prostheses.

The Analysis of the Outcome of Short- and Long-Segment Posterior Instrumentation for Thoracolumbar Bursting Fractures

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. SUMMARY OF THE LITERATURE REVIEW: The reports comparing short- and long-segment instrumentation are insufficient. OBJECTIVES: To determine the postoperative results and to analyze relative factors affecting results between short- and long-segment instrumentation in thoracolumbar fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2006 to March 2012, 97 patients with thoracolumbar fracture were treated with posterior instrumentation. They were divided into 2 groups, the short- (Group I) and long-segment groups (Group II). To analyze factors affecting results, several factors including age, anterior column height (ACH), and the kyphotic angle were reviewed. For radiologic evaluation, postoperative and follow-up radiographs were evaluated by measuring the kyphotic angle and ACH. Additionally, the presence of complications was reviewed. RESULTS: Groups I and II consisted of 45, 52 cases and had mean ages of 50.3, 55.8 years, respectively. In Group I, the ACH increased from 44.2% to 75.3% postoperatively, and remained 72.8% at follow-up. The kyphotic angle decreased from 19.4degrees to 10.6degrees postoperatively, and remained at 12.8degrees at follow-up. In Group II, the ACH recovered from 41.6% to 76.4% postoperatively, and was 74.8% at follow-up. The kyphotic angle decreased from 21.6degrees to 12.6degrees postoperatively, and was 13.9degrees at follow-up. The canal compromise, age, and comminution were not directly related with results. However, the mean age of the 7 cases showing complications was 72 years, and the 7 cases had severe comminuted fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The short- and long-segment instrumentations of thoracolumbar fractures are not significantly different with respect to the results attained. However, in order to decrease complications, we should pay attention to age and fracture comminution.

Prognostic Factors of Clinical Outcome of Postoperative Cauda Equina Syndrome

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We studied the clinical results and prognostic factors for the postoperative caudaequinasyndrome (CES). Summary of Literature Review: The CES is a rare complication, but its aftereffects are serious. And no satisfactory discussion about its accurate treatment guidelines and prognosis has been provided yet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10 patients who were diagnosed with a postoperative CES were enrolled from June 2004 to February 2011. Patients were classified into group I with a favorable neurologic prognosis and groupII without neurologic improvement. The medical history, diagnosis, involved segmentand duration till CES was obtained, the duration was performed till second decompression and the clinical symptoms and the outcome of surgical treatment were investigated. RESULTS: Group I contained of 6cases and group 4 of cases.On average were 1.25(0.5-3) hours required for group I and 22(8-38) hours for group II until CES was diagnosed. The time span for the second operation was 7(3-12) hours for group I and 12.25(5-24) hours for group II. Of 6 cases showing motor losswere 4 cases classified as group II at the last follow-up. Of 10 cases with voiding difficulties belonged 4 cases to the group II. Voiding difficulty was continued as clinical symptom in 4 patients of group II after the secondary decompression. CONCLUSION: The less the motor loss and voiding difficulty before the secondary decompression and the faster diagnosis and surgical decompression, the better the prognosis. In particular, as voiding difficulty showed the lowest recovery rate, it is considered to affect prognosis and satisfaction most seriously.

Short-Term Results of Total Knee Arthroplasty with Anterior-Posterior Glide LCS Mobile-Bearing System

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiological results of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using the anterior-posterior glide (APG) low contact stress (LCS) mobile-bearing system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 130 knees in 117 patients who had undergone TKA with APG LCS mobile-bearing system between September 2005 and July 2007 and could be followed over 5 years. The mean follow-up period was 68 months. The clinical and radiological results were evaluated using the American Knee Society Scoring System, Oxford knee score and the American Knee Society Roentgenographic Evaluation and Scoring System. And we analyzed short-term postoperative complications. RESULTS: The average range of motion of the knee joint was 107.9degrees (range, 70degrees to 135degrees) preoperatively and 125.2degrees (range, 90degrees to 135degrees) at the last follow-up. The average knee and functional scores were improved from 39.1 and 42.0 to 71.2 and 75.6, respectively, between the preoperative and last follow-up evaluation. The Oxford knee score was decreased from 42.9 preoperatively to 23.1 at the last follow-up. The femoro-tibial angle (anatomical axis) changed from 10.1degrees varus preoperatively to 3.3degrees valgus at the last follow-up. Radiolucency was observed in 14% of all cases. There were 1 case of traumatic dislocation of the polyethylene liner, 1 case of aseptic loosening and 6 cases of posterior instability because of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) insufficiency. CONCLUSIONS: TKA with APG LCS mobile-bearing system demonstrated relatively good short-term clinical and radiological results. However, further considerations for posterior instability associated with PCL insufficiency are needed.

Recurrent Lipofibromatous Hamartoma of the Median Nerve / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Lipofibromatous hamartoma is a rare tumor of the peripheral nerves which is characterised by an excessive infiltration of the epineurium and perineurium by fibroadipose tissue and very few cases have been described and reported in the literature. Surgical treatments of lipofibromatous hamartoma include partial excision, debulking operation, nerve decompression and so on. We report a case of recurrent lipofibromatous hamartoma of the median nerve that partial excision was done previously but causing secondary carpal tunnel syndrome and a review of the literature regarding the etiology, pathogenesis and surgical management of lipofibromatous hamartoma.

Comparison of TLICS & McAfee Classification in Thoracolumbar Injuries

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study. OBJECTIVES: We assessed the intraobserver and interobserver reliability of TLICS classification in the thoracolumbar injuries, which had been evaluated in our hospital. It was compared with that of the older, McAfee classification and discussed for clinical validation. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW: Among the numerous literatures regarding the thoracolumbar injury, there is no consensus on the most useful classification, and there is nothing comparing the McAfee classification with the TLICS classification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the 230 patients that were treated with conservative care or operation from January 1, 2005 to January 1, 2010 in our hospital, 185 patients with initial CT and MRI images were assessed. Five orthopedic surgeons reviewed histories, plain film, CT and MRI of the 185 thoracolumbar injury cases, respectively. Each case was classified and scored according to the McAfee classification and the TLICS classification. The case assessment was recorded and the orthopedic surgeons repeated the assessment 1 month later. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability were assessed by statistical analysis. The actual management of each case was compared with the treatment recommended by TLICS classification to calculate the validity of the indexes. RESULTS: Intraobserver and interobserver reliability in TLICS were higher than those in the McAfee classification. Agreement of the TLICS classification for treatment recommendation was 81.7%, comparing with the actual management of previous McAfee classification. Validity indexes were satisfactory in therapeutic decision making, especially specificity. CONCLUSIONS: TLICS classification has a relative high K-value, when compared with that of the McAfee classification for intraobserver and interobserver reliability. Through clinical studies, including prospective observational analysis, TLICS classification can be applied and adjusted more adequately.

Results of the Kapandji Procedure in the AO Type C Distal Radius Fracture in Patients over Age 60

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic results of the Kapandji procedure in AO classification type C distal radius fracture patients over 60 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one type C distal radius fracture patients over the age of 60 years who were treated with the Kapandji procedure from June 2004 to June 2009 in our hospital and had a post-operative follow-up period of more than 1 year were enrolled. The volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial length were measured for the radiographic analysis using the modified Lidstrom scoring system about post-operative reduction loss in every follow-up radiogram. The clinical result was assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS) and Korean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH) score at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The mean radiologic loss of volar tilt was 1.1degrees and the mean loss of radial length was 2.6 mm and the mean radial inclination loss was 2.7degrees compared with the immediate post-operative period and last follow-up period. The average VAS and DASH scores were 1.4 and 15.9. CONCLUSION: The radiologic results of closed reduction and percutaneous pinning using the Kapandji technique for distal radius AO type C fracture patients over 60 years of age was not satisfactory. Nevertheless, the clinical results were satisfactory.

Radiologic Changes after Shelf Acetabuloplasty on Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiologic changes in the acetabulum after shelf acetabuloplasty in Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2003 to March 2006, 13 patients with unilateral LCP disease were treated by shelf acetabuloplasty. The mean follow-up period was 51 months. Pre-operative, post-operative, and annual follow-up radiographs were obtained to assess the changes in lateral subluxation ratio (LSR), acetabular head quotient (AHQ), acetabular depth index (ADI), acetabular height index (AHI), total depth index (TDI) and width of bone graft. RESULTS: The mean LSR decreased from 1.78+/-0.32 pre-operatively to 1.48+/-0.15 post-operatively, and remained 1.33+/-0.21 at last follow-up (p=0.011). The mean AHQ increased from 81.0+/-7.5% pre-operatively to 120.0+/-15.1% post-operatively, and remained 109.7+/-13.8% at final follow-up (p=0.001); the post-operative TDI that included the width of bone graft, decreased at follow-up. Furthermore, the mean ADI and AHI changed from 0.97+/-0.12, 1.13+/-0.07 pre-operatively to 1.04+/-0.02, 1.15+/-0.09 post-operatively; last follow-up results were 1.03+/-0.05 and 1.16+/-0.07, respectively. Between the 2 indices, post-operative ADI for 2 years was statistically significant (p<0.05). Also, the width of bone graft decreased from 24.4+/-3.6 mm post-operatively to 15.0+/-4.1 mm at final follow up (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The indices LSR and AHQ confirmed that the shelf acetabuloplasty could preserve the femoral head containment. The growth of the acetabulum after shelf acetabuloplasty was stimulated by increasing the depth of acetabulum in comparison with height for postoperative 2 years. Further follow-up is needed until skeletal maturity.