Application time and persistence of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) against neuronal death resulting from transient cerebral ischemia / 한국실험동물학회지

Background@#Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been studied as a tool to stimulate the functional recovery of neurons after stroke. Although this device has recently begun to be utilized for providing neuroprotection in stroke, research on its application conditions is lacking. This study aimed to examine the effects of various tDCS application conditions on cerebral ischemia. Ischemia was induced for 5 min in a gerbil model. The application of tDCS comprised a 20 min stimulation—20 min rest—20 min stimulation protocol, which was implemented simultaneously with the induction of cerebral ischemia. Application time of the tDCS effect on ischemia was confirmed by sampling brain tissues after stimulation using 0.2 mA tDCS at 0, 5, 10 and 60 min after ischemia. @*Results@#Persistence of the tDCS effect on ischemia was confirmed by sampling brain tissues 5, 7, and 10 days post stimulation, with 0.2 mA tDCS after ischemia. Furthermore, the tissues were stained with cresyl violet and Fluoro-Jade C so as to determine the reduction in neuronal death under all application conditions. @*Conclusions@#The application of tDCS can be used as a useful intervention for acute phase stroke due to its sustained neuroprotective effect.

Determination of the optimal diabetes duration for bone regeneration experiments in an alloxan-induced diabetic rabbit calvarial defect model

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the optimal diabetes duration for bone regeneration experiments in an alloxan monohydrate (ALX)–induced diabetic rabbit calvarial defect model by evaluating the association between diabetes duration and bone healing capacity. METHODS: Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were used. Twenty-two rabbits were injected with 100 mg/kg of ALX to induce experimental diabetes. These rabbits were divided into 4 groups, including a control group and groups with diabetes durations of 1 week (group 1), 2 weeks (group 2), and 4 weeks (group 3). Calvarial defects were created at 1, 2, and 4 weeks after ALX injection and in the control rabbits. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning was performed on the day of surgery and at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery. The rabbits were sacrificed 4 weeks after surgery, followed by histological and immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: The diabetic state of all diabetic rabbits was well-maintained throughout the experiment. Reconstructed 3-dimensional CBCT imaging showed more rapid and prominent bone regeneration in the control group than in the experimental groups. Histological staining showed notable bone regeneration in the control group, in contrast to scarce bone formation in the experimental groups. The appearance and immunoreactivity of receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B and osteoprotegerin did not show notable differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: ALX administration at 100 mg/kg successfully induced experimental diabetes in rabbits. The effect of diabetes on bone healing was evident when the interval between diabetes induction and the intervention was ≥1 week.

Delayed Rupture of the Extensor Pollicis Longus Tendon Following Intramedullary Nailing of Radial Shaft Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Delayed rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon mostly occur after plate fixation of distal radius fracture. However, delayed rupture of the extensor pollcis longus tendon following intramedullary nailing of radial shaft fracture is very rare. We report one case of delayed rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon following intramedullary nailing, presenting abnormal signs from adhesion of the extensor pollicis longus with extensor indicis at the nail insertion site.

The Effectiveness of Arthroscopy in Borderline Hip Dysplasia / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The outcome of hip arthroscopy as a treatment of patients with hip dysplasia is variable. In patients with severe hip dysplasia, arthroscopy has the potential to exacerbate instability and unfavorable outcome. To the best of out knowledge, there has not been a report regarding arthroscopic treatment in patients with borderline hip dysplasia in Korea. We favorable outcome with using arthroscopy to treat symptomatic borderline hip dysplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2010 and February 2015, 143 patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for intra-articular hip disorder were retrospectively enrolled. From this cohort, a borderline dysplasia group compromising 29 patient with lateral center edge angle (LCEA) >18° and <25° and a minimum of 1 years follow-up, was identified. Patient-reported outcome scores, including modified Harris hip score, the hip outcome score-activity of daily living, the sport-specific subscale, visual analogue scale (VAS) and satisfaction survey were obtained preoperatively and at postoperative 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years. Revision surgery and complications were recorded for each group. RESULTS: The mean age was 35.7 years (range, 16–63 years) years respectively. There were 16 females (55.2%) and 13 males (44.8%). The mean LCEA was 22.0° (range, 18°–25°) and the mean Tönnis angle was 6.1° (range, 0°–18°). The mean follow-up was 20.2 months (range, 12–39 months), and at the 1 year follow-up, there was significant improvement (p<0.001) in all patient reported outcome scores and VAS. Satisfaction survey showed an average score of 7.7. CONCLUSION: In patients with borderline hip dysplasia, if there is an occurrence of symptomatic labral tear, arthroscopic labral refixation has a good short-term result. Therefore, if patients have no response to conservative treatment or have severe pain, arthroscopic labral refixation is a useful treatment options to relieve symptom.

Study on Changes in Endogenous Stem Cells in the Salivary Gland of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats

Type1 diabetes mellitus (DM) is generally known to be caused by destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic β cells or an immune-related problem. Polydipsia is a representative symptom of DM, and it has been reported that this condition is closely related to xerostomia and is considered that hyposalivation from the salivary gland results in this phenomenon. Although various studies have reported that induction of diabetes reduces endogenous stem cells in other organs (heart, brain etc.), diabetes-related changes in endogenous stem cells in the salivary gland have not yet been well established. Therefore, in this study, to verify the change in salivary gland stem cells after diabetes, salivary gland tissues in the control and diabetes-induced groups were processed by histochemistry (Masson's trichrome staining) for morphological analysis, TUNEL assay for cell death, and immunohistochemistry (Ki-67 and c-Kit) for cell proliferation and maturation. Diabetes induced by STZ leads to vacuolization, apoptosis, and reduction in proliferating cells/salivary gland stem cells in salivary glands of rats. This result suggests that diabetes may be associated with reduction in salivary gland function such as degeneration and inhibition of regeneration in the salivary gland.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Vascular Central Scar / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Acetic acid sclerotherapy for treatment of biliary leak from an isolated right posterior sectoral duct after cholecystectomy

Bile duct injury is one of the most serious complications of both laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy. Isolated bile duct injury can occur from the misidentification of aberrant right hepatic ducts, and it is troublesome because the early diagnosis is easy to miss and the definite treatment is controversial. We report a case of an isolated right posterior sectoral duct injury following cholecystectomy managed successfully with acetic acid sclerotherapy combined with coil embolization for a fistula tract.

Increased survival in hepatitis c patients who underwent living donor liver transplant: a case-control study with propensity score matching

PURPOSE: There is no consensus regarding the difference in outcomes of HCV in patients who receive living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) or compared to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). The aims of this study were to compare characteristics between LDLT and DDLT groups and to identify risk factors affecting patient survival. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the multicenter records of 192 HCV RNA-positive patients who underwent liver transplantation. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients underwent DDLT, and 146 underwent LDLT. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival rates were 66.7%, 63.0%, and 63.0% in the DDLT group and 86.1%, 82.3%, and 79.5% in the LDLT group (P = 0.024), respectively. After propensity matching, the patient survival curve of the LDLT group was higher than that of the DDLT group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in patient survival between the 2 groups (P = 0.061). Recipient age ≥ 60 years, LDLT, and use of tacrolimus were positively associated with patient survival in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: LDLT appears to be suitable for HCV-infected patients if appropriate living donor is available.

Increased survival in hepatitis c patients who underwent living donor liver transplant: a case-control study with propensity score matching

PURPOSE: There is no consensus regarding the difference in outcomes of HCV in patients who receive living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) or compared to deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT). The aims of this study were to compare characteristics between LDLT and DDLT groups and to identify risk factors affecting patient survival. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the multicenter records of 192 HCV RNA-positive patients who underwent liver transplantation. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients underwent DDLT, and 146 underwent LDLT. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year patient survival rates were 66.7%, 63.0%, and 63.0% in the DDLT group and 86.1%, 82.3%, and 79.5% in the LDLT group (P = 0.024), respectively. After propensity matching, the patient survival curve of the LDLT group was higher than that of the DDLT group. However, there was no statistically significant difference in patient survival between the 2 groups (P = 0.061). Recipient age ≥ 60 years, LDLT, and use of tacrolimus were positively associated with patient survival in multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: LDLT appears to be suitable for HCV-infected patients if appropriate living donor is available.

Determination of the critical diabetes duration in a streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat calvarial defect model for experimentation regarding bone regeneration

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the critical diabetes duration in a streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rat calvarial defect model for experimentation regarding bone regeneration by evaluating the association between diabetes duration and bone healing capacity through histological and radiographic analyses. METHODS: Experimental diabetes was induced in 50 of 60 rats by an STZ injection. The rats were divided into 5 groups, including a control group (group 1), according to diabetes durations of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, respectively. Eighteen rats survived: 4 in group 1, 4 in group 2, 4 in group 3, 5 in group 4, and 1 in group 5. Calvarial defects were created at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks after STZ injection in groups 1–5. Cone-beam computed tomography scanning was performed at baseline and at 5 and 7 weeks after surgery. The rats were sacrificed 7 weeks after surgery, followed by histological evaluation. RESULTS: The voxel gray values (VGVs) of group 1 and group 2 increased, whereas the VGVs of group 3 and group 4 decreased starting 5 weeks after surgery, although this trend did not reach statistical significance between groups. On the reconstructed 3-dimensional images and based on an analysis of histological features, groups 1 and 2 showed apparent bone regeneration, while groups 3–5 showed very limited bone regeneration. CONCLUSIONS: The critical diabetes duration in an STZ-induced diabetic rat calvarial defect model for experimentation regarding bone regeneration was between 2 and 4 weeks. It is suggested that researchers who use STZ-induced diabetic rats wait for more than 2 weeks following diabetes induction before placing implants or conducting bone regeneration studies to allow definite disturbances in bone healing to emerge.

Arthroscopic Reduction and Transportal Screw Fixation of Acetabular Posterior Wall Fracture: Technical Note / 대한고관절학회지

Acetabular fractures can be treated with variable method. In this study, acetabular posterior wall fracture was treated with arthroscopic reduction and fixation using cannulated screw. The patient recovered immediately and had a satisfactory outcome. In some case of acetabular fracture could be good indication with additional advantages of joint debridement and loose body removal. So, we report our case with technical note.

Immunosuppression status of liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C affects biopsy-proven acute rejection

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The relationship between patient survival and biopsy-proven acute rejection (BPAR) in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C remains unclear. The aims of this study were to compare the characteristics of patients with and without BPAR and to identify risk factors for BPAR. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 169 HCV-RNA-positive patients who underwent LT at three centers. RESULTS: BPAR occurred in 39 (23.1%) of the HCV-RNA-positive recipients after LT. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates were 92.1%, 90.3%, and 88.5%, respectively, in patients without BPAR, and 75.7%, 63.4%, and 58.9% in patients with BPAR (P<0.001). Multivariate analyses showed that BPAR was associated with the non-use of basiliximab and tacrolimus and the use of cyclosporin in LT recipients with HCV RNA-positive. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that the immunosuppression status of HCV-RNA-positive LT recipients should be carefully determined in order to prevent BPAR and to improve patient survival.

Outcomes for patients with HCV after liver transplantation in Korea: a multicenter study

PURPOSE: HCV-related liver disease is the most common indication for liver transplantation (LT) in Western countries, whereas HCV LT is rare in Korea. We conducted a survey of HCV RNA-positive patients who underwent LT and investigated the prognostic factors for patient survival and the effects of immunosuppression. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the multicenter records of 192 HCV RNA-positive patients who underwent LT. RESULTS: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates were 78.8%, 75.3%, and 73.1%, respectively. Excluding the cases of hospital mortality (n = 23), 169 patients were evaluated for patient survival. Most patients were genotype 1 (n = 111, 65.7%) or genotype 2 (n = 42, 24.9%). The proportion of living donors for LT (n = 135, 79.9%) was higher than that of deceased donors (deceased donor liver transplantation [DDLT], n = 34, 20.1%). The median donor and recipient ages were 32 years and 56 years, respectively. Twenty-eight patients (16.6%) died during the observation period. Seventy-five patients underwent universal prophylaxis and 15 received preemptive therapy. HCV recurrence was detected in 97 patients. Recipients who were older than 60, received DDLT, used cyclosporine, or suffered acute rejection had lower rates of survival. CONCLUSION: Patent survival rates of HCV patients after LT in Korea were comparable with other countries.

Customized left-sided hepatectomy and bile duct resection for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma in a patient with left-sided gallbladder and multiple combined anomalies

Left-sided gallbladder (LSGB) is a rare anomaly, but it is often associated with multiple combined variations of the liver anatomy. We present the case of a patient with LSGB who underwent successful resection of perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. The patient was a 67-year-old male who presented with upper abdominal pain and obstructive jaundice. Initial imaging studies led to the diagnosis of Bismuth-Corlette type IIIB perihilar cholangiocarcinoma. Due to the unique location of the gallbladder and combined multiple hepatic anomalies, LSGB was highly suspected. During surgery after hilar dissection, we recognized that the tumor was located at the imaginary hilar bile duct bifurcation, but its actual location was corresponding to the biliary confluence of the left median and lateral sections. The extent of resection included extended left lateral sectionectomy, caudate lobe resection, and bile duct resection. Since some of the umbilical portion of the portal vein was invaded, it was resected and repaired with a portal vein branch patch. Due to anatomical variation of the biliary system, only one right-sided duct was reconstructed. The patient recovered uneventfully without any complication. LSGB should be recognized as a constellation of multiple hepatic anomalies, and therefore, thorough investigations are necessary to enable the performance of safe hepatic and biliary resections.

Long-term outcome of ischemic type biliary stricture after interventional treatment in liver living donors: a report of two cases

The wall of normal proximal bile duct is occasionally thin with close approximation to the right hepatic artery. Thus, isolation of this hepatic artery can result in excessive weakening of the remnant proximal bile duct wall during hemiliver graft harvest. This type of injury can induce ischemic stricture of the donor common bile duct. This study aimed to review the clinical sequences of such ischemic type donor bile duct injuries primarily managed with endoscopic and radiological interventional treatments. A retrospective review of medical records was performed for two living donors who suffered from ischemic type donor bile duct injury. They were followed up for more than 10 years. The right and left liver grafts were harvested from these two donors. Bile duct anatomy was normal bifurcation in one and anomalous branching in the other. Bile duct stenosis was detected in them at 2 weeks and 1 week after liver donation. They underwent endoscopic balloon dilatation and temporary stent (endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage tube) insertion. After keeping the tube for 2 months, the tube was successfully removed in one donor. However, endoscopic treatment was not successful, thus additional radiological intervention was necessary in the other donor. On follow-up over 10 years, they are doing well so far with no recurrence of biliary stricture. Based on our limited experience, interventional treatment with subsequent long-term follow-up appears to be an essential and choice treatment for ischemic type biliary stricture occurring in liver living donors.

A comparative study regarding the effect of an intraperitoneal anti-adhesive agent application in left-liver living donors

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: After left-sided hepatectomy due to a living donor, the stomach can become adhered to the hepatic cut surface. An unwanted gastric stasis can occur. For prevention of such gastric adhesion and laparotomy-associated adhesive ileus, some anti-adhesive agents have been developed for intra-abdominal application. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of an intraperitoneal anti-adhesive agent application compared with a historical control group. METHODS: The study group consisted of 220 consecutive living donors who donated a left-liver graft during the time period between January 2006 and December 2011. The anti-adhesive agent which was used was composed of sodium hyaluronate and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose. The historical control group which used no anti-adhesive agent included 220 consecutive left-liver donors during the time period between January 1998 and December 2004. RESULTS: An overt gastric stasis which required fasting was observed in 5 subjects (2.3%) in the study group and in 7 subjects (3.2%) in the control group (p=0.77). An additional work-up to determine gastric stasis or prolonged ileus was performed in 17 (7.7%) and 22 (10%) donors, respectively (p=0.51). Only one donor in the control group underwent a laparotomy for an intestinal obstruction. No clinical factors such as patient age, sex, body mass index, remnant right liver proportion, shape of skin incision, and duration of surgery were significant risk factors of gastric stasis or prolonged ileus. No harmful side-effects of the anti-adhesive agent were identified. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of this study, the application of an anti-adhesive agent could not be proved as to be effective for prevention of gastric stasis and postoperative ileus. A further randomized and controlled study will be required to demonstrate the real benefits of an anti-adhesive application in left-liver living donors.

Assessment of right liver graft perfusion effectiveness between one and two-catheter infusion methods

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: Conventional graft perfusion method using one small-caliber catheter takes a relatively long time for right liver graft perfusion, thus some modification is needed. In this study, we intended to assess the effectiveness of right liver graft perfusion methods through comparison of different infusion catheters. METHODS: The study consisted of two parts including one bench experiment to obtain data of hydraulic infusion and one clinical trial of 40 cases on graft perfusion with one- versus two-catheter infusion methods. These two graft infusion methods were compared in terms of the perfusion time and washing-out efficiency. RESULTS: At bench experiment, the infusion flow rate and infusion pressure were 3.3 ml/sec and 1.9 cmH20 in one blood transfusion catheter group, and 11.7 ml/sec and 3.1 cmH20 in single transurethral resection of prostate irrigation catheter group, and 6.6 ml/sec and 2.0 cmH20 in two blood transfusion catheters group, respectively. In clinical trial with 40 right liver grafts, two-catheter group had a shorter graft portal perfusion time for the first 2 L of histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution than the conventional one-catheter group (375+/-25 seconds vs. 662+/-34 seconds; p=0.001) and a lower rate of incomplete blood washing-out after the initial 2 L portal perfusion (40% vs. 85%; p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The two-catheter infusion method appears to be more effective than the conventional one-catheter infusion method for right liver graft perfusion at the back table. Large size of right liver grafts seems to be its good indication.

Tailored long-term immunosuppressive regimen for adult liver transplant recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: There are few guidelines for tailored immunosuppressive regimens for liver transplantation (LT) recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To establish long-term immunosuppressive regimens suitable for Korean adult LT recipients, we analyzed those that were currently in use at a single high-volume institution. METHODS: This cross-sectional study comprises three parts including review of the immunosuppressive regimens used to manage 2,147 adult LT outpatients, review of LT recipients who were diagnosed of HCC at LT, and review of LT recipients who suffered from HCC recurrence. RESULTS: In 1,000 adult LT recipients who were living more than 5 years with no adverse events, 916 received a calcineurin inhibitor (CNI)-based therapy (CNI only in 520; CNI with mycophenolate mofetil [MMF] in 396) and 84 were receiving an MMF-based therapy (MMF only in 45; MMF with minimal CNI in 39). Tacrolimus was preferred over cyclosporine for both monotherapy and combination therapy along the passage of posttransplant period. There was no difference in selection of immunosuppressants, target blood concentration, and rate of combination therapy between LT recipients with and without HCC, except for the first 1 year. Sirolimus-based regimens were applied in 21 patients who showed HCC recurrence. Sorafenib was often used after conversion to sirolimus. CONCLUSIONS: Tailored immunosuppressive regimen covering the long-term posttransplant period should be established after consideration of individualized patient profiles including HCC.

Arthroscopic Fragment Excision of Pipkin Type I Displaced Femoral Head Fracture: A Case Report / 대한고관절학회지

There has been a variety of options for treatment of femoral head fracture with hip dislocation according to the Pipkin classification. Pipkin type I fractures with minimal displacement have been treated conservatively. However, in cases where the fracture was displaced or reduced incongruently, it has been treated by open fragment excision or fixation after reduction. In our case, the patient was a 62-year-old man who sustained a displaced fracture of Pipkin type I. We achieved a satisfactory outcome by arthroscopic excision of a displaced bony fragment and small bony fragments that could not be confirmed by pre-operative imaging study. Therefore, we report on the case with a review of the literature.

Analysis of Biliary Stricture after ABO Incompatible Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation / 대한이식학회지

BACKGROUND: Despite recent improvements in survival outcome after ABO incompatible (ABOi) adult living donor liver transplantation (ALDLT), concerns about the incidence of biliary stricture (BS) still exist. However, reports on the actual incidence of BS have been scarce. METHODS: From November 2008 to August 2011, 77 cases of ABOi ALDLTs have been performed. We compared patient and graft survival and BS-free survival rates (BSFSR) between these ABOi ALDLTs and 734 ABO compatible (ABOc) ALDLTs performed during the same period. We also analyzed characteristics of BS in ABOi ALDLT. RESULTS: There was one mortality (1.3%) and one re-transplantation (due to small-for-size graft syndrome) among 77 cases of ABOi ALDLTs. Overall, 1-, 2-, and 3-year patient survival rates were 94.8%, comparable to ABOc ALDLTs (93.7%, 90.1%, 90.1%, P=0.20). BS occurred in 11 (13.8%) ABOi ALDLT patients. There were no significant differences in 1-, 2-, and 3-year BSFSR between ABOi and ABOc ALDLT patients (87.5% vs. 88.1%, 83.4% vs. 87.5%, and 83.4% vs. 86.4%, P=0.55). Among 10 patients with BS, four patients showed diffuse multiple intrahepatic strictures, which were linked to the death of two patients. CONCLUSIONS: The survival outcome of ABOi ALDLT is comparable to ABOc ALDLT. The incidence of BS of ABOi ALDLT was not superior to that of ABOc ALDLT. However, ABO incompatibility is related to the development of diffuse multiple intrahepatic BSs (rarely seen in ABOc ALDLT) and can cause graft failure and patient death.