ABSTRACT
Alopecia areata is a chronic organ-specific autoimmune disease and it could be associated with other autoimmune diseases. We, herein, report a case of alopecia areata in a patient with a thymoma without myasthenia gravis. Multiple hairless patches rapidly developed 6 weeks before the first visit on the patient who had been newly diagnosed with thymoma 2 weeks before the hairless patches occurred, and thymectomy was done 2 weeks before visiting dermatologic department. She had no symptoms associated with myasthenia gravis, and there were no abnormal findings on neurologic exams and acetylcholine receptor autoantibody was not detected in serum. Scalp biopsy showed numerous lymphocytic inflammations around hair follicles and in immunohistochemical staining, the aggregation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was observed around hair follicles and FoxP3+ T lymphocytes were rarely observed around hair follicles. The patient refused any treatment and her hairless patches were completely recovered 3 months after thymectomy, without being recurred 3 years after thymectomy. On the basis of both clinical manifestations and histologic findings, we concluded that alopecia areata in the patient had developed in association with thymoma and was recovered rapidly after thymectomy.
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Due to the global public health crisis caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the importance of vaccine development has increased. In particular, a rapid supply of vaccines and prompt deployment of vaccination programs are essential to prevent and overcome the spread of COVID-19. As a part of the vaccine regulations, national lot release is regulated by the responsible authorities, and this process involves the assessment of the lot before a vaccine is marketed. A lot can be released for use when both summary protocol (SP) review and quality control testing are complete. Accelerated lot release is required to distribute COVID-19 vaccines in a timely manner. In order to expedite the process by simultaneously undertaking the verification of quality assessment and application for approval, it is necessary to prepare the test methods before marketing authorization. With the prolonged pandemic and controversies regarding the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine against new variants, public interest for the development of a new vaccine are increasing. Domestic developers have raised the need to establish standard guidance on the requirements for developing COVID-19 vaccine. This paper presents considerations for quality control in the manufacturing process, test items, and SP content of viral vector vaccines.
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Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a chronic dilation of the aorta with a tendency to enlarge and eventually rupture, which constitutes a major cause of cardiovascular mortality.Although T-cell infiltrates have been observed in AAA, the cellular, phenotypic, and functional characteristics of these tissue-infiltrating T cells are not fully understood. Here, we investigated the proportional changes of T-cell subsets—including CD4 + T cells, CD8 + T cells, and γδ T cells—and their effector functions in AAAs. We found that Vδ2 + T cells were presented at a higher frequency in aortic aneurysmal tissue compared to normal aortic tissue and PBMCs from patients with AAA. In contrast, no differences were observed in the frequencies of CD4 + , CD8 + , and Vδ1 + T cells. Moreover, we observed that the Vδ2 +T cells from AAA tissue displayed immunophenotypes indicative of CCR5 + non-exhausted effector memory cells, with a decreased proportion of CD16 + cells. Finally, we found that these Vδ2 + T cells were the main source of IL-17A in abdominal aortic aneurysmal tissue. In conclusion, our results suggest that increased Vδ2 + T cells that robustly produce IL-17A in aortic aneurysmal tissue may contribute to AAA pathogenesis and progression.
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Background@#Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is an uncommon eczematous photosensitivity disorder having a well-known relationship with allergic or photoallergic contact dermatitis. Moreover, the prognosis of CAD is worse in patients with lower minimal erythema doses (MEDs). However, the correlations between disease duration, contact and photocontact allergens, and MED values in CAD have not been reported. @*Objective@#To investigate the correlations among MED values, disease duration, and allergic patch/photopatch testing results and to elucidate the correlation between clinical severity and contact/photocontact allergens. @*Methods@#This study included 121 patients with CAD. Clinical data were analyzed according to the MED values, disease durations, and contact/photocontact allergens. Phototesting and patch/photopatch testing was performed in all the patients. @*Results@#The MED value was inversely correlated with disease duration for both MED-ultraviolet A and MED-ultraviolet B, with lower MED values for higher numbers of positive items in the patch/photopatch test. The most frequently detected allergens in the patch and photopatch tests were p-phenylenediamine (n=36, 9.3%) and Balsam of Peru (n=29, 21.3%). Clinically, patients demonstrating a greater number of detected allergens show poorer clinical severities (p＜0.05). @*Conclusion@#The number of contact/photocontact allergens correlates with the severity of CAD.
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A cherry hemangioma is a type of capillary hemangioma that commonly occurs in older adults. Despite its benign nature, treatment is often required for cosmetically unacceptable lesions, and therapeutic options include electrocoagulation, sclerotherapy, cryotherapy, or laser therapy. Laser therapy using a V-beam and long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser has shown favorable outcomes in patients with hemangiomas. We report two cases of cherry hemangiomas treated with the ‘Pharaon LipoⓇ laser’, an advanced and powerful diode laser that is not commonly used for hemangiomas but is selected for lipolysis and varicose vein coagulation. A 64-year-old German man presented with a several-decade history of multiple erythematous maculopapules on his chest, and a 30-year-old Korean man presented with a one-year history of similar lesions on his abdomen. Histopathological evaluation of biopsy specimens confirmed diagnosis of cherry hemangiomas. We successfully treated these lesions using the Pharaon Lipo Ⓡlaser without any adverse effect.
ABSTRACT
Background@#Chronic actinic dermatitis (CAD) is an uncommon eczematous photosensitivity disorder having a well-known relationship with allergic or photoallergic contact dermatitis. Moreover, the prognosis of CAD is worse in patients with lower minimal erythema doses (MEDs). However, the correlations between disease duration, contact and photocontact allergens, and MED values in CAD have not been reported. @*Objective@#To investigate the correlations among MED values, disease duration, and allergic patch/photopatch testing results and to elucidate the correlation between clinical severity and contact/photocontact allergens. @*Methods@#This study included 121 patients with CAD. Clinical data were analyzed according to the MED values, disease durations, and contact/photocontact allergens. Phototesting and patch/photopatch testing was performed in all the patients. @*Results@#The MED value was inversely correlated with disease duration for both MED-ultraviolet A and MED-ultraviolet B, with lower MED values for higher numbers of positive items in the patch/photopatch test. The most frequently detected allergens in the patch and photopatch tests were p-phenylenediamine (n=36, 9.3%) and Balsam of Peru (n=29, 21.3%). Clinically, patients demonstrating a greater number of detected allergens show poorer clinical severities (p＜0.05). @*Conclusion@#The number of contact/photocontact allergens correlates with the severity of CAD.
ABSTRACT
A cherry hemangioma is a type of capillary hemangioma that commonly occurs in older adults. Despite its benign nature, treatment is often required for cosmetically unacceptable lesions, and therapeutic options include electrocoagulation, sclerotherapy, cryotherapy, or laser therapy. Laser therapy using a V-beam and long-pulsed neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser has shown favorable outcomes in patients with hemangiomas. We report two cases of cherry hemangiomas treated with the ‘Pharaon LipoⓇ laser’, an advanced and powerful diode laser that is not commonly used for hemangiomas but is selected for lipolysis and varicose vein coagulation. A 64-year-old German man presented with a several-decade history of multiple erythematous maculopapules on his chest, and a 30-year-old Korean man presented with a one-year history of similar lesions on his abdomen. Histopathological evaluation of biopsy specimens confirmed diagnosis of cherry hemangiomas. We successfully treated these lesions using the Pharaon Lipo Ⓡlaser without any adverse effect.
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Objectives@#Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) is frequently found in critically ill patients and is associated with poor prognosis. However, CSR has not been evaluated in neurocritical patients. This study investigated the frequency and prognostic impact of CSR in neurocritical patients using biosignal big data obtained from intensive care units. @*Methods@#This study included all patients who received neurocritical care at the tertiary hospital from January 2018 to December 2019. Clinical information and biosignal data of intensive care units were used and analyzed. The respiratory curve was visually assessed to determine whether CSR and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were present, and a heart rate variability (HRV) was obtained from the electrocardiogram. @*Results@#CSR was confirmed in 166 of 406 patients (40.9%). Patients with CSR were older, had a higher frequency of cardiovascular risk factors as well as heart failure, and had a poor outcome (modified Rankin scale ≥4). As a result of multiple regression analysis adjusted for other variables, CSR was significantly associated with poor outcome with an odds ratio of 2.27 times higher (95% confidence interval 1.25–4.14, p=0.007). HRV analysis demonstrated that CSR and OSA had distinct autonomic characteristics. @*Conclusions@#This study first revealed the substantial frequency of CSR in neurocritical patients and suggests that it can be used as a predictor of poor prognosis in neurocritical care.
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Neurogenic bladder and bowel refers to the dysfunction of bladder and bowel caused by neurogenic etiology. Spinal cord injury is a major cause of this dysfunction, which seriously affects the injured person’s quality of life. The injury causes not only motor weakness of abdominal and perineal muscles, but also sensory changes and autonomic dysfunction of bladder and bowel. Spinal cord injuries involve multiple systems, and thus affect the normal functioning of the bowel and bladder in several ways: difficulty in urination and defecation, frequent or infrequent voiding, decrease of the sensation of fullness, incontinence, autonomic dysreflexia, perineal hygiene, deterioration of renal function, fecal impaction, psychological burden, etc. Thus, this review aims to provide updated practical guidance for the evaluation and management of neurogenic bowel and bladder by the clinicians who want to provide better care for their patients. Management of neurogenic bowel and bladder starts with carefully recording the patient’s history, including their bowel habits prior to the spinal injury. In general, evaluation of the neurogenic bladder requires more clinical tests than for the neurogenic bowel. The patients’ problems can be alleviated by adopting various measures: proper daily water and food intake, simultaneous pharmacologic treatments for the bowel and bladder, physiologic reflexes, bladder catheterization, rectal irrigation, surgical measures, etc. Priority should be given to the management of the neurogenic bladder with clean intermittent catheterization and decompression of the bladder pressure, and management of the neurogenic bowel by pharmacological treatment.
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Background@#The purpose of this study was to identify factors inhibiting access of people with disability to health check-ups as well as identify pertinent solutions for improvement. @*Methods@#Twenty-three people with disability older than the age of 19 who took respective health check-ups within the last 3 years were selected as participants. For the data collection, the 1:1 intensive interview was used. The data were analyzed by the grounded theory by Corbin and Strauss. @*Results@#The results comprised nine categories, 23 subcategories, and 179 concepts. The central phenomenon was ‘failure to obtain check-ups.’ Causal conditions were observed as a ‘lack of communication method,’ ‘physical difficulties,’ and ‘staff unfamiliar with people with disability,’ Interventional conditions comprised ‘physical accessibility,’ ‘staffs’ competency,’ and ‘assistant manpower.’ The active strategy was included ‘to investigate the professional medical institution,’ ‘to find the medical institution of convenient traffic accessibility,’ ‘to overcome communication difficulties through equipment,’ and ‘to overcome linguistic barriers through sufficient communication.’ Whereas, ‘utilization of ancillary equipment,’ ‘the education of staffs on people with disability,’ ‘universal design manual,’ and ‘customized check-ups’ were included in the passive strategy. Such processes arose in the contextual conditions of ‘lack of expectations for daily lives’ and ‘lack of government support.’ As a consequence, the subjects participated experienced the ‘disadvantages,’ ‘discrimination,’ and ‘reduced reliability of the health check-ups.’ @*Conclusion@#The subjects who participated in this study emphasized ‘staffs familiar with people with disability’ and ‘systems customized for people with disability’ are mandatory to secure complete health check-ups for people with disability.
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Background and Objectives@#In acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI),on-site transmission of electrocardiogram (ECG) has been shown to reduce systemic timedelay to reperfusion and improve outcomes. However, it has not been adopted in communitybasedemergency transport system in Korea. @*Methods@#Busan Regional Cardio-cerebrovascular Center and Busan Metropolitan City Fireand Safety Headquarters (BMFSH) jointly developed and conducted a pre-hospital ECGtransmission program. Seven tertiary hospitals and 22 safety stations of BMFSH participated.Systemic time delay to reperfusion of STEMI patients in the program was compared with thatof 95 patients transported by 119 emergency medical system (EMS) before the program wasimplemented. @*Results@#During the study period, 289 ECG transmissions were made by 119 EMS personnel,executed within 5 minutes in 88.1% of cases. Of these, 42 ECGs were interpreted as STsegmentelevation. Final diagnosis of STEMI was made in 20 patients who underwent primarypercutaneous coronary intervention. With the program, systemic time delay to reperfusion wassignificantly reduced (median [interquartile range; IQR], 76.0 [62.2–98.7] vs. 90.0 [75.0–112.0],p<0.01). Significant reduction of door-to-balloon time was also observed (median [IQR], 45.0[34.0–69.5] vs. 58.0 [51.0–68.0], p=0.03). The proportion of patients with systemic time delayshorter than 90 minutes rose (51.6% vs. 75.0%, p=0.08) with pre-hospital ECG transmission. @*Conclusions@#We developed and implemented a community-based pre-hospital ECG transmission program for expeditious triage of STEMI patients. Significant reductions ofsystemic time delay and door-to-balloon time were observed. The expanded use of prehospitalECG transmission should be encouraged to realize the full potential of this program.
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Background@#Vitiligo is a skin depigmentation disorder, for which, repigmentation treatment with combined follicular unit extraction (FUE) graft and narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) is considered superior to micro-punch graft therapy. BMP4 can induce MITF expression in Neural crest stem cells (NCSCs), and α-MSH subsequently promotes the differentiation of MITF-expressing cells along the melanocyte lineage. @*Objective@#To investigate why FUE grafting is superior to epidermal mini grafting in promoting hair follicles (HF) melanocyte cell survival and longevity, we planned the in vitro experiments HF bulge NCSCs differentiate into melanocyte precursors under the co-treatment of BMP4 and α-MSH. @*Methods@#Cells that migrated from the HF bulge of scalp were cultured and assessed using immunofluorescence. Transcriptome analysis was performed on RNA sequencing results. @*Results@#Basic fibroblast growth factor promotes the proliferation and survival of NCSCs, with spontaneous differentiation into SOX10+/SOX2+ glial progenitors, but not into SOX10+/MITF+ precursor melanocytes. Both BMP4 and α-MSH promoted the differentiation into MITF-expressing cells. RNA sequencing revealed a downregulation in neu-regulin-1 (NRG1) and sermaphorin 3C (SEMA3C), and upregulation in WNT10A. Furthermore, FUE grafting had a source of reservoir melanocytes superior to mini- grafting in treatment for vitiligo. @*Conclusion@#We obtained SOX10+/ MITF+ precursor melanocytes through an induction of differentiation along the melanocyte lineage by BMP4 and α -MSH. According to the RNA sequencing results that NRG1 and SEMA3C were downregulated and WNT10A was upregulated, we postulated that HF NCSCs differentiated into melanocyte by co-treatment of BMP4 and α-MSH. Overall, FUE grafting is a more robust and substitutive treatment option for vitiligo.
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Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory condition with an unclear etiopathogenesis that is considered to be a follicular occlusive disease. We present a case of HS that was suspected to have developed as a complication of subdermal excision. A 19-year-old man who had undergone subdermal excision due to osmidrosis presented 7 months after surgery with a persistent painful mass in his left axilla. Despite medical treatment, incision, and drainage, a painful enlarged abscess recurred in the left axilla and was cured completely by deroofing surgery. However, 15 months after subdermal excision, he revisited the hospital because of a painful mass in the right axilla. The patient’s condition met the diagnostic criteria of HS. After several recurrences, a cure was achieved by radical wide excision. Mechanical stress like that associated with subdermal excision is considered to be a possible etiological factor of HS. In addition, pathological changes at the sebofollicular junction allow rupture and leakage of folliculopilosebaceous units upon exposure to mechanical stress, which may result in the aggressive subcutaneous extension of inflammation. We suggest that HS should be considered in patients with a recurrent abscess after subdermal excision, and recommend surgical treatment as a possible option if conservative treatment is clinically ineffective.
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Background@#This study aimed to analyze the association between the prevalence of hyperuricemia and obesity in Korean adults. @*Methods@#The participants included 5,922 adults from the 2018 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We examined the relationship between obesity status and serum uric acid levels using a chi-square test and multiple logistic regression. @*Results@#There was an increase in the prevalence of hyperuricemia with higher body mass index (P<0.001 and P=0.003, respectively). Both male and female in a higher obesity class also had a higher odds ratio for the prevalence of hyperuricemia (P<0.001). This trend remained consistent after adjusting for all confounding factors. The obesity class III group was found to be associated with the highest risk of hyperuricemia. @*Conclusion@#In this study, we found that hyperuricemia was significantly associated with obesity in Korean adults. In a clinical setting, this finding presents objective data for more aggressive management and ultimate prevention of obesity.
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Background@#The extracorporeal ventricular assist device (e-VAD) system is designed for left ventricular support using a permanent life support console. This study aimed to determine the impact of temporary e-VAD implantation bridging on posttransplant outcomes. @*Methods@#We reviewed the clinical records of 6 patients with the Interagency Registry for Mechanically Assisted Circulatory Support (INTERMACS) profile 1, awaiting heart transplantation, who were provided with temporary e-VAD from 2018 to 2019. The circuit comprised a single centrifugal pump without an oxygenator. The e-VAD inflow cannula was inserted into the apex of the left ventricle, and the outflow cannula was positioned in the ascending aorta. The median follow-up duration was 8.4±6.9 months. @*Results@#After e-VAD implantation, lactate dehydrogenase levels significantly decreased, and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores significantly improved. Bedside rehabilitation was possible in 5 patients. After a mean e-VAD support duration of 14.5±17.3 days, all patients were successfully bridged to transplantation. After transplantation, 5 patients survived for at least 6 months. @*Conclusion@#e-VAD may reverse end-organ dysfunction and improve outcomes in INTERMACS I heart transplant patients.
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OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical factors and brain lesion locations related to the patterns of dysphagia in stroke patients in a rehabilitation hospital. METHODS: The medical records of 116 stroke patients who underwent a videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) between January 2010 and January 2015 in a rehabilitation hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The swallowing-related parameters were assessed using a VFSS. The brain lesion locations were classified as the cortex, basal ganglia, thalamus, midbrain, pons, medulla, cerebellum, and others (subarachnoid or intraventricular hemorrhage). The ambulation ability was assessed using functional ambulation categories (FACs). The independence in the activities of daily living and the degree of cognitive impairment were assessed using the Korean versions of the modified Barthel index (K-MBI) and Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), respectively. After adjusting for the potential confounding factors in multivariate analysis, the odds ratios and confidence intervals of the stroke brain lesions were calculated and the clinical factors for predicting the VFSS findings were determined. RESULTS: Among the 116 patients, 35 (27%) had an impaired oral stage and 58 (50%) had aspiration. The impaired oral stage was associated significantly with the onset time, basal ganglia stroke, dietary and fluid intake methods at the time of the VFSS, symptoms of dysphagia, FACs, K-MBI, and K-MMSE. Aspiration was correlated with a pontine stroke, methods of dietary and fluid intakes at the time of the VFSS, symptoms of dysphagia, FACs, and K-MBI. Multivariate analysis showed that the pontine stroke and methods of dietary and fluid intake at the time of VFSS predicted aspiration after adjusting for the potential confounding factors. In subgroup analysis of the diet type, the liquid and semisolid aspirations were correlated with the dietary and fluid intake methods and pontine stroke, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with a pons lesion stroke, who are on a modified diet (fluid thickening and tube feeding), have higher risks of aspiration. This provides evidence for precise clinical reasoning in this specific patient group.
Subject(s)
Humans , Activities of Daily Living , Aspirations, Psychological , Basal Ganglia , Brain , Cerebellum , Cognition Disorders , Deglutition Disorders , Deglutition , Diet , Medical Records , Mesencephalon , Multivariate Analysis , Odds Ratio , Oral Stage , Pons , Rehabilitation , Retrospective Studies , Stroke , Thalamus , WalkingABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The aortic knob width (AKW) and the heart rate variability (HRV) were suggested to be related to development of cardiovascular diseases. However, the relationship between them has not been investigated; thus, this study aimed to determine this relationship. METHODS: This study included 587 Koreans aged 18–79 years. Their physical measurements, medical and social histories, blood test findings, and chest radiographs were obtained. The HRV parameters included the standard deviation of the N-N interval (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), approximate entropy (ApEn), total power (TP), very low frequency (VLF), low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and LF/HF ratio, which were measured for 5 minutes. The AKW was measured on chest radiographs by a single reviewer. RESULTS: The AKW was significantly correlated with the HRV parameters, except for the LF/HF ratio. However, RMSSD and ApEn were not significantly related to the AKW in women. After dividing the participants into quartile groups, the AKW was significantly related to the SDNN, RMSSD, TP, VLF, LF, and HF. The HRV parameter values decreased in the higher AKW quartile groups, the HRV parameter values decreased. After adjusting for sex, drinking status, exercise habits, smoking status, waist circumference, and triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting blood sugar, and glycated hemoglobin levels, the AKW showed significant negative associations with the HRV parameters, except for the LF/HF ratio. CONCLUSION: The AKW is significantly associated with the HRV parameters of SDNN, RMSSD, ApEn, TP, VLF, LF, and HF.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Aorta, Thoracic , Blood Glucose , Cardiovascular Diseases , Cholesterol , Drinking , Entropy , Fasting , Heart Rate , Heart , Hematologic Tests , Glycated Hemoglobin , Lipoproteins , Radiography, Thoracic , Smoke , Smoking , Triglycerides , Waist CircumferenceABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Colon cancer is one of the main causes of mortality. Early adenomatous colon polyp is a precursor of colon cancer through the ‘adenomacarcinoma sequence.’ Epidemiological studies suggest that the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio can be one of useful inflammatory markers in clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and development of early adenomatous colon polyps.METHODS: This cross-sectional study retrospectively examined 960 middle-aged and elderly individuals aged ≥45 years who underwent colonoscopy in a health examination program. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and development of early adenomatous colon polyps.RESULTS: Among the 960 subjects, the prevalence of early adenomatous polyps was 20.7% (n=199). The mean age, body mass index, number of current smokers, white blood cell count, triglyceride level, and number of subjects receiving hypolipidemic drugs were higher in the group with early adenomatous polyps than in the multivariate analysis, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for the development of early adenomatous polyps was 1.23 (1.01–1.50) with neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio increment after adjusting the confounding variables (P=0.037).CONCLUSION: We found that the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio was associated with the development of early adenomatous colon polyps among middle-aged and elderly individuals. Accordingly, this result suggests that regular monitoring of early adenomatous colon polyps may be useful among individuals with a higher neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio.
Subject(s)
Aged , Humans , Middle Aged , Adenomatous Polyps , Body Mass Index , Colon , Colonic Neoplasms , Colonic Polyps , Colonoscopy , Cross-Sectional Studies , Epidemiologic Studies , Hypolipidemic Agents , Korea , Leukocyte Count , Logistic Models , Lymphocytes , Mortality , Multivariate Analysis , Neutrophils , Odds Ratio , Polyps , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , TriglyceridesABSTRACT
STUDY DESIGN: Case control study. PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and degree of asymptomatic cervical and lumbar facet joint arthritis. We retrospectively reviewed 500 computed tomography (CT) scans of cervical facet joints obtained from 50 subjects. Moreover, 500 lumbar facet joints obtained from an additional 50 subjects were reviewed. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Numerous reports in the literature indicate that joint arthritis is a major source of axial neck and low back pain. However, the diagnostic value of this condition, based on degenerative changes seen on radiological studies, remains controversial because significant imaging findings may not correlate with corresponding symptoms. The CT scan is a sensitive method for facet joint evaluation and may reveal degenerative abnormalities. Previous studies have described the prevalence of facet arthropathy in symptomatic patients, according to radiological findings; however, no study to date has assessed its prevalence in asymptomatic patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the neck and abdominal CT scans of patients had been examined for non-spinal pathologies (i.e., thyroid disease, rule out cancer, ascites). Electronic medical records were reviewed to exclude patients with histories of either neck or back pain. Arthritis severity was graded using a previously published four-point CT scale. RESULTS: The prevalence of asymptomatic cervical facet arthritis (grade 1–3) was 33% (grade 1, 19%; grade 2, 11%; and grade 3, 3%). Among asymptomatic patients, 37% had scalable lumbar facet join arthritis (grade 1, 24%; grade 2, 9%; and grade 3, 4%). There was a statistically significant difference (chi-square test, p<0.0001) in the number of older individuals with arthritic degeneration at the cervical and lumbar levels compared with that of younger individuals. The C6–C7 and L5–S1 levels were the most likely to show arthritic changes. CONCLUSIONS: Arthritic changes to the cervical and lumbar facet joints are prevalent among patients, and in some cases are asymptomatic. These findings were more common in older patients and at lower spinal levels.
Subject(s)
Humans , Arthritis , Back Pain , Case-Control Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Diagnostic Imaging , Electronic Health Records , Joints , Low Back Pain , Methods , Neck , Pathology , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Thyroid Diseases , Tomography, X-Ray Computed , Zygapophyseal JointABSTRACT
Conventional sub-orbicularis oculi fat (SOOF) lifting during lower blepharoplasty is performed by anchoring the SOOF to the periosteum of the infraorbital rim. This procedure helps to improve the concavity at the central portion of the lower eyelid and the lid-cheek junction. However, over time, the periosteum becomes progressively weaker, diminishing the anchoring effect. This paper introduces a new lower blepharoplasty technique in which the SOOF is fixed to a bony hole to strengthen the holding force and provide sustainability.