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Purpose@#Melioidosis is a zoonosis that can infect humans or animals. The disease is caused by the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is found in contaminated soil and water. We investigated the epidemiological aspects of melioidosis cases among oversea travelers in Korea and Japan during 2011 to 2020. @*Methods@#Raw data were obtained from the website of melioidosis cases from the Korea Diseases Control and Prevention Agency, and the National Institute of infectiousDiseases in Japan, 2011−2020. @*Results@#There were 26 cases of melioidosis cases in Korea and 14 cases in Japan between 2011 and 2020. Cumulative incidence rate per 1,000,000 oversea travelers (OTs) of Korea (0.14) did not substantially differ that of Japan (0.09), respectively.The incidence of melioidosis in males (96.2% of total 26 cases) was much more common than in females (3.8%) in OTs of Korea (P<0.01), while there were significant differences level between males (85.7% of total 14 cases) and females (14.3%) in OTs of Japan (P<0.01). On the other hand, the distribution by adjusted-age groups for melioidosis cases were statistically similar distribution between Korean and Japanese that total cases occurred in the over 40-years old age, clearly showing a more infected of melioidosis (P<0.05). @*Conclusion@#This study demonstrates that there is a similar pattern of imported melioidosis cases in Korea and Japan. Therefore, to prevent melioidosis infections, greater attention should be paid to individuals who are planning to travel to the presumptive regions of melioidosis.
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Purpose@#To observe and compare the trends in epidemic aspects of imported shigellosis (Sg) cases from overseas travelers (OTs) in Korea and Japan between 2016 and 2020. @*Methods@#We analyzed the raw data of imported Sg cases from the Korea Diseases Control and Prevention Agency and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan between 2016 and 2020. @*Results@#In Korea, there were a total of 596 Sg infections, including 353 cases from overseas travel-associated imported cases, with a cumulative incidence rate (CIR) of 0.23 per 100,000 populations. The CIR of imported Sg cases was 0.32 per 100,000 OTs. In Japan, during the same period, there were a total of 757 Sg cases, including 388 imported cases, with a CIR of 0.12 per 100,000 populations. The CIR of imported Sg cases was 0.50 per 100,000 OTs. The CIR of total Sg cases in Korea was higher than in Japan, but the CIR of imported cases in Korea was lower than in Japan (P<0.01).Additionally, the imported-to-domestic cases ratio of Sg in Korea (1.45) was higher than in Japan (1.05) (P<0.05). @*Conclusion@#Based on the trends in the epidemiological aspects of domestic and imported Sg infection cases in both countries, a robust information system is needed to provide effective warnings and preventive measures for travelers visiting high-risk areas.
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Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a relatively common inflammatory disease of the nasal and paranasal sinus mucosa. Several epidemiological studies have established an association between particulate matter (PM) and CRS. Based on those data, PM has emerged as an important environmental factor in the development of CRS. Recent research has investigated the mechanisms and treatment options for CRS caused by PM through cellular experimentation. Therefore, the authors would like to explain the definition of PM, present research investigating the relationship between PM and CRS, and summarize the involved mechanisms reported to date.
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Background@#The Korean Society for Cytopathology introduced a digital proficiency test (PT) in 2021. However, many doubtful opinions remain on whether digitally scanned images can satisfactorily present subtle differences in the nuclear features and chromatin patterns of cytological samples. @*Methods@#We prepared 30 whole-slide images (WSIs) from the conventional PT archive by a selection process for digital PT. Digital and conventional PT were performed in parallel for volunteer institutes, and the results were compared using feedback. To assess the quality of cytological assessment WSIs, 12 slides were collected and scanned using five different scanners, with four cytopathologists evaluating image quality through a questionnaire. @*Results@#Among the 215 institutes, 108 and 107 participated in glass and digital PT, respectively. No significant difference was noted in category C (major discordance), although the number of discordant cases was slightly higher in the digital PT group. Leica, 3DHistech Pannoramic 250 Flash, and Hamamatsu NanoZoomer 360 systems showed comparable results in terms of image quality, feature presentation, and error rates for most cytological samples. Overall satisfaction was observed with the general convenience and image quality of digital PT. @*Conclusions@#As three-dimensional clusters are common and nuclear/chromatin features are critical for cytological interpretation, careful selection of scanners and optimal conditions are mandatory for the successful establishment of digital quality assurance programs in cytology.
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Even though the combined use of ultrasound (US) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is recommended for the surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the utilization of AFP has its challenges, including accuracy dependent on its cut-off levels, degree of liver necroinflammation, and etiology of liver disease. Though various studies have demonstrated the utility of protein induced by vitamin K absence II (PIVKA-II) in surveillance, treatment monitoring, and predicting recurrence, it is still not recommended as a routine biomarker test. A panel of 17 experts from Asia-Pacific, gathered to discuss and reach a consensus on the clinical usefulness and value of PIVKA-II for the surveillance and treatment monitoring of HCC, based on six predetermined statements. The experts agreed that PIVKA-II was valuable in the detection of HCC in AFP-negative patients, and could potentially benefit detection of early HCC in combination with AFP. PIVKA-II is clinically useful for monitoring curative and intra-arterial locoregional treatments, outcomes, and recurrence, and could potentially predict microvascular invasion risk and facilitate patient selection for liver transplant. However, combining PIVKA-II with US and AFP for HCC surveillance, including small HCC, still requires more evidence, whilst its role in detecting AFP-negative HCC will potentially increase as more patients are treated for hepatitis-related HCC. PIVKA-II in combination with AFP and US has a clinical role in the Asia-Pacific region for surveillance. However, implementation of PIVKA-II in the region will have some challenges, such as requiring standardization of cut-off values, its cost-effectiveness and improving awareness among healthcare providers.
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Purpose@#Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a mosquito-borne Flavivirus disease. we investigated the epidemiological aspects and status of imported ZIKV infection cases in Korea (Republic of) and Japan during 2016–2020. @*Methods@#Raw data of ZIKV infection cases from the Korea Diseases Control and Prevention Agency, and the National Institute of infectious Diseases in Japan, 2016– 2020. @*Results@#There were 33 cases of ZIKV infection in Korea and 21 cases in Japan between 2016 and 2020. Cumulative incidence rate per 1,000,000 overseas travelers (OTs) of Korea (0.30) did not substantially differ that of Japan (0.27), respectively.We observed the ZIKV infected cases of male (69.7% of total cases) were much more than that for female (30.3%) in OTs of Korea (P<0.05). However, while there was none significant differences level between males (52.4%) and females (47.6%) in OTs of Japan. On the other hands, the distribution by adjusted-age groups for ZIKV infections were similar between Korean and Japanese that total cases occurred in the over 20 to 59-years old age, clearly more showing a higher infected of ZIKV (P<0.01). The presumptive origin imported ZIKV infection cases in Korean were as follows; Southeast Asia (81.8% of total cases) and Central & South Americas (18.2%), and those in Japan, these were Southeast Asia (42.9%) and Central & South Americas (42.9%) and Oceania (4.7%), respectively. @*Conclusion@#This study demonstrates that there is a similar pattern of imported ZIKV disease cases in Korea and Japan. Therefore, to prevent ZIKV infections, greater attention should be paid to individuals who are planning to travel to the presumptive regions of ZIKV.
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Purpose@#The purpose of this paper is to study the epidemiologic series of Tsutsugamushi disease (TD), also known as scrub typhus in the Republic of Korea (Korea) and Japan. @*Methods@#We investigated raw data of TD outbreaks from the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System of the Korea Diseases Control and Prevention Agency in Korea, and the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan, 2016 to 2020. @*Results@#There were 36,785 cases of TD with a cumulative infectious rate (CIR) of 14.3 per 100,000 populations in Korea from 2016 to 2020. During the same period in Japan, there were 2,350 cases with a CIR of 0.4. When compared, Korea was much higher than that in Japan (P<0.01). In Korea, more females (60.2% of total cases) were infected than males (39.8%), while there was a significant difference between males (58.8%) and females (41.2%) in Japan, respectively (P<0.01). @*Conclusion@#These differences in TD risk factors reflect differences of vectors/hosts, climate, and geographical and cultural characteristics between the two countries. The surveillance of TD, primarily a zoonotic disease, should be continued in order to obtain a better understanding of its current status. Moreover, guidelines for the prevention of TD, and its control measures should be more established.
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Purpose@#Hepatitis E outbreaks are a serious public health concern in the world. The pilots or air traffic controllers can be incapacitated by severe hepatitis symptoms. If the symptoms of acute hepatitis do not improve, it is not suitable for aviation duties.In this study, we compare of incidence status of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections, and epidemic aspects between South Korea (from here on, ‘Korea’) and Japan. @*Methods@#The raw data on confirmed of HEV infection cases were obtained from the National Notified Disease Surveillance System of Korea Diseases Control and Prevention Agency, the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Korea, and the National Epidemiological surveillance of Infectious Diseases surveillance system, administered by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan. Statistically significant differences between the epidemiological aspects and risk factors were determined using the Pearson’s chi-squared test or paired t-test. All data analyses were performed in Microsoft Excel 2010 (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA). @*Results@#There were 191 cases of HEV infected cases with a prevalence rate (PR) of 0.37 per 100,000 populations of Korea in 2020. During the same year in Japan, there were 454 cases with a PR of 0.36. When compared, there is statistically none significantly differences. Moreover, both PR per 100,000 populations of HEV infections in habitat of two countries were compared, in the provinces (0.39) of Korea were much higher than that in capital city of Seoul (0.27; P<0.01), but that in Japan were capital city of Tokyo (0.84) was higher than that of the provinces (0.30; P<0.01). Male to female morbidity ratio was 1.65 and 3.78 in Korea and Japan, respectively. The distribution by the age adjusted groups were similar in Korea and Japan that the total cases occurred in the over 40-years-old age bracket, clearly showing a higher incidence in the elderly. @*Conclusion@#We believed that the HEV are a zoonotic virus, and human occurs mainly through the fecal contamination of water and consumption of contaminated meat from infected animals. In addition, HEV infection can be a problem for pilots and air traffic controllers as well, requiring further investigation and research.
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Painful legs and moving toes syndrome (PLMT) is a rare syndrome characterized by pain in the lower extremities and involuntary movements of single or multiple toes. A 29-year-old woman with lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation complained of bilateral foot pain and involuntary toe movements for three months. This is the first case of PLMT in a young adult patient with a lumbosacral intervertebral disc herniation in Korea.
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Background@#Obesity is a major public health problem that is causally related to serious medical conditions. In this study, the public health implications of obesitybased on body mass index (BMI) with anthropometric measures among adults in theRepublic of Korea and Japan in 2019 were compared. @*Methods@#A simple cross-section, nationally representative of the raw data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2019 between Korea and Japanwere used. We analyzed the data of those categorized as obese with a BMI of ≥25 kg/m 2 according to the World Health Organization Expert Consultation. @*Results@#The average values of BMI based on body height and body weight amongmales and females in Korea were 24.6±0.08 and 23.3±0.09, respectively; those in Japan were 23.9±0.08 and 22.6±0.08, respectively. The measured anthropometric values were obviously higher in Korean than in Japan (P<0.01). The prevalence rates(PRs) of obesity by sex in Korea were 41.4% among males and 27.3% females; thosein Japan were 32.5% among males and 22.0% among females. The statistically significant results showed that the total obesity rate was higher in males than in females in both countries (P<0.01). The PRs of obesity in Korea were 41.4% in malesand 27.3% in females; those in Japan were 32.5% in males and 22.0% in females. Thestatistically significantly PR of total obesity among Korean adults was greater than that among Japanese adults (P<0.01). @*Conclusion@#The PR of obesity in Korea relative to that in Japan showed a gradually increasing trend. Obesity is a major problem, especially in the pilot group. Reducing the prevalence of obesity among pilots is important for reducing in-flight medical incapacitation and ensuring flight safety. Obesity management is necessary to prevent obesity-related diseases and promote pilot health.
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Objectives@#：The risk of weight gain is high when using antipsychotic drugs, and the prevalence of obesity in people with mental illness is high. Obesity management in psychiatric patients is important because obesity causes various complications and lowers treatment adherence and quality of life. @*Methods@#：In this review, we summarized the management strategies for obesity that can occur when using antipsychotic drugs through a web search. @*Results@#：Evaluate obesity-related risk factors and related indicators from the beginning of treatment, and conduct regular monitoring. If an antipsychotic drug is used and obesity is induced, a change to a drug with a low metabolic risk may be attempted. Sufficient interventions are also needed on the need to manage obesity, a healthy diet, and exercises in patients and their families. If weight loss is not achieved and obesity-related complications are associated, the use of anti-obesity drugs may be considered. Pharmacological treatment approaches should be carefully considered. @*Conclusions@#：Non-pharmacological and pharmacological therapies can be applied to manage weight gain and obesity caused by the use of antipsychotic drugs. When using anti-obesity drugs, the characteristics of mental disorders, drug safety, and drug interactions should be considered.
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Background@#Papillary breast lesions (PBLs) comprise diverse entities from benign and atypical lesions to malignant tumors. Although PBLs are characterized by a papillary growth pattern, it is challenging to achieve high diagnostic accuracy and reproducibility. Thus, we investigated the diagnostic reproducibility of PBLs in core needle biopsy (CNB) specimens with World Health Organization (WHO) classification. @*Methods@#Diagnostic reproducibility was assessed using interobserver variability (kappa value, κ) and agreement rate in the pathologic diagnosis of 60 PBL cases on CNB among 20 breast pathologists affiliated with 20 medical institutions in Korea. This analysis was performed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for cytokeratin 5 (CK5) and p63. The pathologic diagnosis of PBLs was based on WHO classification, which was used to establish simple classifications (4-tier, 3-tier, and 2-tier). @*Results@#On WHO classification, H&E staining exhibited ‘fair agreement’ (κ = 0.21) with a 47.0% agreement rate. Simple classifications presented improvement in interobserver variability and agreement rate. IHC staining increased the kappa value and agreement rate in all the classifications. Despite IHC staining, the encapsulated/solid papillary carcinoma (EPC/SPC) subgroup (κ = 0.16) exhibited lower agreement compared to the non-EPC/SPC subgroup (κ = 0.35) with WHO classification, which was similar to the results of any other classification systems. @*Conclusions@#Although the use of IHC staining for CK5 and p63 increased the diagnostic agreement of PBLs in CNB specimens, WHO classification exhibited a higher discordance rate compared to any other classifications. Therefore, this result warrants further intensive consensus studies to improve the diagnostic reproducibility of PBLs with WHO classification.
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Background@#Local anesthetic infiltration at the site of a surgical wound is commonly used to control postoperative pain. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of continuous local infiltration at an abdominal surgical site in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgery. @*Methods@#Sixty-one patients who underwent ALIF surgery were enrolled. For thirtyone of them, a continuous local anesthetics infiltration system was used at the abdominal site. We collected data regarding the patients’ sleep quality; satisfaction with pain control after surgery; abilities to perform physical tasks and the additional application of opioids in the postoperative 48 hours. @*Results@#The On-Q system group showed reduced visual analogue scale scores for pain at the surgical site during rest and movement at 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours; and more was satisfied with pain control management at the first postoperative day (7.0 ± 1.2 vs. 6.0 ± 1.4; P = 0.003) and week (8.1 ± 1.6 vs. 7.0 ± 1.8; Background: Local anesthetic infiltration at the site of a surgical wound is commonly used to control postoperative pain. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of continuous local infiltration at an abdominal surgical site in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgery. @*Methods@#Sixty-one patients who underwent ALIF surgery were enrolled. For thirtyone of them, a continuous local anesthetics infiltration system was used at the abdominal site. We collected data regarding the patients’ sleep quality; satisfaction with pain control after surgery; abilities to perform physical tasks and the additional application of opioids in the postoperative 48 hours. @*Results@#The On-Q system group showed reduced visual analogue scale scores for pain at the surgical site during rest and movement at 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours; and more was satisfied with pain control management at the first postoperative day (7.0 ± 1.2 vs. 6.0 ± 1.4; P = 0.003) and week (8.1 ± 1.6 vs. 7.0 ± 1.8; P = 0.010) than the control group. The number of additional patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus and pethidine injections was lower in the On-Q group (PCA: 3.67 ± 1.35 vs. 4.60 ± 1.88; P = 0.049 and pethidine: 2.09 ± 1.07 vs. 2.73 ± 1.38;P = 0.032). Patients who used the On-Q system performed more diverse activity and achieved earlier ambulation than those in the control group. @*Conclusions@#Continuous wound infiltration with ropivacaine using an On-Q system may be effective for controlling postoperative pain after ALIF surgery. 0.010) than the control group. The number of additional patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus and pethidine injections was lower in the On-Q group (PCA: 3.67 ± 1.35 vs. 4.60 ± 1.88; P = 0.049 and pethidine: 2.09 ± 1.07 vs. 2.73 ± 1.38; P = 0.032). Patients who used the On-Q system performed more diverse activity and achieved earlier ambulation than those in the control group. @*Conclusions@#Continuous wound infiltration with ropivacaine using an On-Q system may be effective for controlling postoperative pain after ALIF surgery.
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Rare cases of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) with concomitant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) translocation have been reported. However, their clonal and evolutional relationship remains unclear. We report a case of early-stage EGFR-mutated LUAD with a focal concomitant EGFR/ALK alteration. A 63-year-old male underwent lobectomy to remove a 1.9-cm-sized lung nodule, which was diagnosed with EGFR-mutated LUAD. ALK immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed focal positivity within the part of the tumor characterized by lepidic pattern, also confirmed by fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed separately on the ALK IHC/FISH-positive and -negative areas. EGFR L833V/L858R mutations were detected in both areas, whereas EML4 (echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like 4)-ALK translocations was confirmed only in the ALK IHC/FISH-positive area, suggesting the divergence of an EGFR/ALK co-altered subclone from the original EGFR-mutant clone. Our study suggests that concurrent alterations of EGFR and ALK can arise via divergent tumor evolution, even in the relatively early phases of tumorigenesis.
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Ankle arthrodesis has been used frequently for end-stage ankle arthritis that does not respond to conservative treatment. On the other hand, there are concerns regarding the degenerative changes to the adjacent joint, such as the subtalar or talonavicular joint, due to the altered biomechanics after the loss of ankle motion. Because the arthrodesis for these midtarsal joints may overload stress on another contiguous joint, a salvage procedure should be considered rather than joint sacrificing. This paper reports a case of talonavicular arthritis after malunited ankle arthrodesis that was treated with interpositional arthroplasty using the tibialis anterior tendon.
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Background@#Local anesthetic infiltration at the site of a surgical wound is commonly used to control postoperative pain. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of continuous local infiltration at an abdominal surgical site in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgery. @*Methods@#Sixty-one patients who underwent ALIF surgery were enrolled. For thirtyone of them, a continuous local anesthetics infiltration system was used at the abdominal site. We collected data regarding the patients’ sleep quality; satisfaction with pain control after surgery; abilities to perform physical tasks and the additional application of opioids in the postoperative 48 hours. @*Results@#The On-Q system group showed reduced visual analogue scale scores for pain at the surgical site during rest and movement at 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours; and more was satisfied with pain control management at the first postoperative day (7.0 ± 1.2 vs. 6.0 ± 1.4; P = 0.003) and week (8.1 ± 1.6 vs. 7.0 ± 1.8; Background: Local anesthetic infiltration at the site of a surgical wound is commonly used to control postoperative pain. In this study, we examined the effectiveness of continuous local infiltration at an abdominal surgical site in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) surgery. @*Methods@#Sixty-one patients who underwent ALIF surgery were enrolled. For thirtyone of them, a continuous local anesthetics infiltration system was used at the abdominal site. We collected data regarding the patients’ sleep quality; satisfaction with pain control after surgery; abilities to perform physical tasks and the additional application of opioids in the postoperative 48 hours. @*Results@#The On-Q system group showed reduced visual analogue scale scores for pain at the surgical site during rest and movement at 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours; and more was satisfied with pain control management at the first postoperative day (7.0 ± 1.2 vs. 6.0 ± 1.4; P = 0.003) and week (8.1 ± 1.6 vs. 7.0 ± 1.8; P = 0.010) than the control group. The number of additional patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus and pethidine injections was lower in the On-Q group (PCA: 3.67 ± 1.35 vs. 4.60 ± 1.88; P = 0.049 and pethidine: 2.09 ± 1.07 vs. 2.73 ± 1.38;P = 0.032). Patients who used the On-Q system performed more diverse activity and achieved earlier ambulation than those in the control group. @*Conclusions@#Continuous wound infiltration with ropivacaine using an On-Q system may be effective for controlling postoperative pain after ALIF surgery. 0.010) than the control group. The number of additional patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) bolus and pethidine injections was lower in the On-Q group (PCA: 3.67 ± 1.35 vs. 4.60 ± 1.88; P = 0.049 and pethidine: 2.09 ± 1.07 vs. 2.73 ± 1.38; P = 0.032). Patients who used the On-Q system performed more diverse activity and achieved earlier ambulation than those in the control group. @*Conclusions@#Continuous wound infiltration with ropivacaine using an On-Q system may be effective for controlling postoperative pain after ALIF surgery.
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This study focuses on the comparative and quantitative analysis of the epidemiologic trends and aspects of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) outbreaks between Korea and Japan from 2013 to 2017. The following factors were analyzed; cumulative incidence rate (CIR), cases-fatality rate (CFR), and the epidemic aspects, including cases related to gender, male-to-female morbidity ratio (MFMR), age, seasonal,and geographical distributions. We observed 607 SFTS cases with CIR in Korea during the period 2013 to 2017 were as 0.24 per 100,000 populations and with a 127 fatal-cases (F.C.s), corresponding to a CFR of 20.9%, respectively. During the same period in Japan, 319 SFTS cases with a CIR of 0.05 and with 60 F.C.s to a CFR of 18.8% observed. When compared, the CIR of SFTS in Korea was significantly higher than in Japan (P<0.01), but there were no significant differences levels of the CFR and MFMR between Korea and Japan. Also, a higher incidence of SFTS was observed in people aged over 50-years or elders in Korea and those of 60-years or elders in Japan (P<0.01). The seasonal distribution of SFTS outbreak cases showed that the incidence in summer through autumn in Korea (92.4% of total cases) was higher than in Japan (65.2%), while the outbreaks of SFTS in spring was much higher in Japan (31.0%) than in Korea (7.4%), (P<0.01). The regional distribution revealed no significant difference between the eastern area (44.8%) and the western area (46.8%) of the Korean peninsula except Jeju-island (8.4%). However,in Japan, the incidence only occurred in Chubu-Kinki-Chugoku (30.3%), Shikoku (25.7%),Kyushu (42.6%) and Okinawa (0.3%), which are the western and southern areas of Japan.These differences in SFTS occurrence may reflect the influences of vector/hosts, climate, and geographical and cultural characteristics between the two countries.
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In 2019, the Aerospace Medical Association of Korea celebrated its 30th anniversary. On the other side of the world, it was also the 62nd anniversary of Russian launch Sputnik 1 of the world’s first artificial satellite on October 4, 1957. In additionally, the world, especially the United States was shocked, when on November 3, 1957, Sputnik 2 blasted into Earth orbit with a dog named “Laika”; it was the role of veterinarian’s activities for aerospace medical research and exploration. Veterinarians (Vets) are responsible for the health of all the animals for aerospace medicine whether on the ground or in space. Vets can enhance animal and public health and this knowledge of Vets and astronauts can extend their mission durations, go to nearby Earth Asteroids, Mars and other heavenly bodies to study their living and non-living characteristics. This review article is the brief history of the original growth of the veterinarian’s activities for the aerospace medical research, in order to stimulate future strategies for improvements in the space life sciences and exploration.
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Purpose@#To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a polished cemented femoral stem for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. @*Materials and Methods@#From July 2005 to May 2015, 48 patients diagnosed with intertrochanteric fractures underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty. The mean age and follow-up period were 80.5 years and 30.5 months, respectively. The postoperative results were evaluated clinically and radiologically. @*Results@#The mean operation time was 100 minutes (range, 90-120 minutes), and the mean amount of blood loss was 334 ml (range, 170-500 ml). At the last follow-up, the mean Harris hip score (HHS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were 82.2 (range, 76-90), 0.8 (range, 1-3), and 36 (range, 30-40), respectively. Walking was initiated using a walker for partial weight-bearing, and the mean walking time was 5.8 days (range, 3-14 days). Ambulatory ability was restored to a walking state before the injury in 36 cases (75.0%), and wheelchair ambulation was possible in 12 cases (25.0%). The instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) were 17 patients (35.4%), and the basic activities of daily living (BADLs) were 31 patients (64.6%). @*Conclusion@#Polished cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty can achieve secure fixation with no postoperative thigh pain. Restoring the preoperative walking ability will be more helpful for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients.
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Objective@#We investigated the clinical and radiological outcomes of a cement augmented anterior reconstruction and decompression without pedicle screw fixation in patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar vertebral fracture with myelopathy. @*Methods@#There were 2 male and 6 female patients with thoracolumbar fracture and myelopathy included in the study. The mean follow-up period was more than 1 years.The anterolateral decompression and cement augmented anterior reconstruction with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was performed. Demographic data, clinical outcomes, perioperative parameters and radiologic parameter were retrospectively evaluated. @*Results@#The symptoms due to myelopathy were improved in all patients. The preoperative median visual analog scale score for lower back and leg were 8.5 that improved 4.25 and 3 at last follow up. The preoperative function state showed a median Oswestry Disability Index score 61.5 that improved 33. After surgery, preoperative encroachment of the spinal canal (5.12 mm, 37%) was disappeared. The median height of fractured vertebral body significantly increased from 7.83 to 12.63 mm. At the last follow-up point, the median height was 9.91 mm. The median kyphotic deformity was improved from 22.12° to 14.31°. At the final followup, the improvement was preserved (median value: 15.03). The acute complication according to PMMA such as leakage and embolization was none, but adjacent compression fracture as late complication according to cement augmentation was. One patient developed surgical site infection. @*Conclusion@#On the basis of the preliminary results, we considered that anterolateral decompression and PMMA augmentation might be an optimal method for treating osteoporotic fracture with myelopathy in elderly patients or those with multiple medical comorbidities.