Associations of Metabolic Syndrome with Total Testosterone and Homocysteine Levels in Male Korean Workers

BACKGROUND: Low testosterone is associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), and homocysteine (Hcy) is elevated in individuals with MetS. We investigated the relationships of total testosterone (TT) and serum Hcy levels with MetS in male Korean workers. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study including 8,606 male workers, aged 20 to 58 years, who underwent a physical examination in 2015. MetS was diagnosed based on the criteria of the 2009 harmonized definition, while the Korean standard for waist circumference (WC) was used. Participants' biochemical parameters, including TT and serum Hcy, were measured, and participants were divided into quartiles. Multiple logistic regression models were used to estimate the association of MetS and its individual components depending on TT and serum Hcy quartiles. RESULTS: The prevalence of MetS in the study population was 16%. TT was lower in participants with MetS than in those without MetS (P<0.001). By contrast, Hcy level was similar between groups (P=0.694). In multiple logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for the lowest TT quartile was 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 1.06 to 1.57) after adjusting for potential confounders. Participants with lower TT were more likely to have high WC, hypertriglyceridemia, and low high density lipoprotein levels. Serum Hcy levels were not significantly associated with MetS. Of the five components of MetS, only WC was significantly associated with serum Hcy. CONCLUSION: In male Korean workers, TT may be an independent predictor of MetS, and serum Hcy levels could be a marker of abdominal obesity. However, future prospective studies are needed.

Radiologic Outcomes According to Varus Deformity in Minimally Invasive Surgery Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: To identify the accuracy of postoperative implant alignment in minimally invasive surgery total knee arthroplasty (MIS-TKA), based on the degree of varus deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research examined 627 cases of MIS-TKA from November 2005 to December 2007. The cases were categorized according to the preoperative degree of varus deformity in the knee joint in order to compare the postoperative alignment of the implant: less than 5degrees varus (Group 1, 351 cases), 5degrees to less than 10degrees varus (Group 2, 189 cases), 10degrees to less than 15degrees varus (Group 3, 59 cases), and 15degrees varus or more (Group 4, 28 cases). RESULTS: On average, the alignment of the tibial implant was 0.2+/-1.4degrees, 0.1+/-1.3degrees, 0.1+/-1.6degrees, and 0.3+/-1.7degrees varus, and the tibiofemoral alignment was 5.2+/-1.9degrees, 4.7+/-1.9degrees, 4.9+/-1.9degrees, and 5.1+/-2.0degrees valgus for Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, in the preoperative stage, indicating no difference between the groups (p>0.05). With respect to the accuracy of the tibial implant alignment, 98.1%, 97.6%, 87.5%, and 86.7% of Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, had 0+/-3degrees varus angulation, demonstrating a reduced level of accuracy in Groups 3 and 4 (p0.05). CONCLUSION: Satisfactory component alignment was achieved in minimally invasive surgery in total knee arthroplasty, regardless of the degree of varus deformity.

Impact of ENPP1 K121Q on Change of Insulin Resistance after Web-Based Intervention in Korean Men with Diabetes and Impaired Fasting Glucose

Ectoenzyme nucleotide pyrophosphate phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) gene has been studied in relation to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and insulin resistance (IR). We hypothesized that the difference in genotype may be one of the factors that affect the outcome of intervention. We genotyped 448 men with fasting glucose> or =5.6 mM/L, including 371 in subjects with K allele (KK) (69 control group [CG]; and 302 intervention group [IG]) and 77 in subjects with Q allele (KQ+QQ) (13 CG and 64 IG). The web-based intervention based on a lifestyle modification was delivered by e-mail once a month for 10 months. In the KK, IG demonstrated significantly decreased levels of fasting serum insulin (FSI) as compared to CG and homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). In the KQ+QQ IG group, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), FSI and HOMA-IR were significantly decreased, and showed further reduction in the HOMA-IR than KQ+QQ CG. After analysis of covariance, K121Q did significantly influence the change of HbA1c in CG after appropriate adjustment. In a multivariate model, BMI change predicted HOMA-IR change (adjusted beta=0.801; P=0.022) in KK IG subjects with T2DM. ENPP1 K121Q did not influence the change in IR. However, individuals with T2DM carrying the K121 variant are very responsive to the effect of BMI reduction on HOMA-IR.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Following Percutaneous Trigger Thumb Release / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Trigger finger is one of the most common causes of hand pain and disability. Persistent trigger finger after conservative treatment has been managed with surgical release of the A1 pulley. Percutaneous A1 pulley release is being increasingly performed and many authors have reported comparable outcomes with open surgical release. However, complications have been reported, including incomplete release, flexor tendon injury, and neurovascular injury due to the blind nature of the procedure. We report on a case of a 49-year-old female who presented with features of a type I complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) following percutaneous A1 pulley release. CRPS is a relatively common complication occurring after trauma and surgical procedures of the upper extremities. We experienced a case of CRPS following percutaneous A1 pulley release which was treated effectively following early diagnosis and through a multidisciplinary approach including physical therapy and medication.

Differential expression of thymic DNA repair genes in low-dose-rate irradiated AKR/J mice

We previously determined that AKR/J mice housed in a low-dose-rate (LDR) (137Cs, 0.7 mGy/h, 2.1 Gy) gamma-irradiation facility developed less spontaneous thymic lymphoma and survived longer than those receiving sham or high-dose-rate (HDR) (137Cs, 0.8 Gy/min, 4.5 Gy) radiation. Interestingly, histopathological analysis showed a mild lymphomagenesis in the thymus of LDR-irradiated mice. Therefore, in this study, we investigated whether LDR irradiation could trigger the expression of thymic genes involved in the DNA repair process of AKR/J mice. The enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways showed immune response, nucleosome organization, and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors signaling pathway in LDR-irradiated mice. Our microarray analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction data demonstrated that mRNA levels of Lig4 and RRM2 were specifically elevated in AKR/J mice at 130 days after the start of LDR irradiation. Furthermore, transcriptional levels of H2AX and ATM, proteins known to recruit DNA repair factors, were also shown to be upregulated. These data suggest that LDR irradiation could trigger specific induction of DNA repair-associated genes in an attempt to repair damaged DNA during tumor progression, which in turn contributed to the decreased incidence of lymphoma and increased survival. Overall, we identified specific DNA repair genes in LDR-irradiated AKR/J mice.

A case of sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma / 대한내과학회지

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a rare and poorly recognized variant of fibrosarcoma of deep soft tissue. We report the case of a 34-year-old woman who presented with a painful and palpable mass in the left buttock that was diagnosed as SEF.

A Case of Chronic Renal Failure in a Polydipsic Schizophrenic Patient caused by Chronic Anticholinergic Therapy / 대한신장학회지

Anticholinergic drugs block muscarinic receptors at the detrusor muscle of the bladder. It can cause urinary retention by contracting the bladder neck. Cases of hydronephrosis, bladder dilatation as a result of polydipsia while taking anticholinergic drugs have been reported, but very few cases of chronic renal failure can be found. We report a case of a polydipsic schizophrenic patient who, after taking anticholinergic drugs as antipsychotic drugs to treat his schizophrenia for a long time, presented with chronic renal failure due to functional obstructive uropathy in the absence of demonstrable anatomic causes of obstruction.

A Case of Penetration of Mesh after Rectopexy and This Was Found by Colonoscopy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Rectal prolapse is a protrusion of the rectum beyond the anal canal. Since rectal prolapse is a surgical disease, it is mostly diagnosed and treated at the surgical department. However, when surgical complications occur or they are suspected after an operation for colorectal disease, colonoscopy may now have a role in diagnosing the actual status of the problem. We present here the case of penetration of mesh at the distal rectum that was incidentally diagnosed by colonoscopy and the patient had previously undergone presacral rectopexy for rectal prolapse. Only one such case has been reported abroad and there has been no such case report in Korea. We report here on a case for which colonoscopy had a crucial role in diagnosing an occult complication after a colorectal operation that used a prosthesis.

A Case of Colonic Stricture due to Ischemic Colitis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Ischemic colitis is the most common form of ischemic injury to the gastrointestinal tract and this frequently occurs in the elderly. It manifests with sudden, left lower abdominal pain, diarrhea and hematochezia. Radiologic modalities such as barium enema may be helpful in delineating the degree and location of ischemic colitis, but colonoscopy is the procedure of choice for making the diagnosis. Ischemic colitis generally runs a benign course lasting a few days and it requires only supportive treatment in most cases. Complications of ischemic colitis and recurrence are rare. We report here on a case of colonic stricture that was caused by ischemic colitis, and we include a brief review of the relevant literature.

A Case of Abdominal Actinomycosis Presenting as Mesenteric Mass / 대한소화기학회지

Actinomycosis is an indolent, slowly progressive infection caused by Actinomyces species and usually results in the formation of characteristic clumps called sulfur granules. Depending on the site of primary infection, it is generally classified as cervicofacial, thoracic, and abdominal type. Abdominal actinomycosis is often difficult to diagnose before operation because of its infrequent and chronic disease progression without any characteristic clinical features. In principle, diagnosis is based on histologic demonstration of sulfur granules in pus or surgically resected specimen, and the treatment consists of long-term antibiotic therapy coupled with or without surgical resection. We report a case of abdominal actinomycosis presenting as mesenteric mass adhering to small bowel confirmed by laparoscopic exploration and biopsy. Treatment with intravenous penicillin for 4 weeks followed by additional oral therapy for 11 months resulted in clinical resolution.

A Case of Double Pylorus Accompanied by Duodenal Ulcer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Double pylorus is a rare abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract and it presents as two openings between the gastric antrum and the duodenal bulb. The acquired type is more common than the congenital one and this acquired type arises secondary to peptic ulcer disease. A 68-year-old man visited the gastrointestinal clinic and he presented with chronic epigastric pain and dyspepsia. Upper endoscopy showed double pylorus with an accessory channel on the lesser curvature side of the prepyloric antrum and also an active duodenal ulcer. Upon review of the patient's past history and examination, the findings of the upper endoscopy that was done 7 years previously were within the normal limits. The patient was diagnosed as having a double pylorus secondary to duodenal ulcer and he treated conservatively with anti-ulcer therapy. We report here on a case of double pylorus along with the brief review of the literature.

A Case of Double Pylorus Accompanied by Duodenal Ulcer / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Double pylorus is a rare abnormality of the gastrointestinal tract and it presents as two openings between the gastric antrum and the duodenal bulb. The acquired type is more common than the congenital one and this acquired type arises secondary to peptic ulcer disease. A 68-year-old man visited the gastrointestinal clinic and he presented with chronic epigastric pain and dyspepsia. Upper endoscopy showed double pylorus with an accessory channel on the lesser curvature side of the prepyloric antrum and also an active duodenal ulcer. Upon review of the patient's past history and examination, the findings of the upper endoscopy that was done 7 years previously were within the normal limits. The patient was diagnosed as having a double pylorus secondary to duodenal ulcer and he treated conservatively with anti-ulcer therapy. We report here on a case of double pylorus along with the brief review of the literature.

Role of F-18 FDG PET/CT in the Management of Infected Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm due to Salmonella / 핵의학분자영상

We present a case of infected abdominal aortic aneurysm due to salmonella enteritidis. F-18 FDG PET/CT was performed to diagnosis and during follow-up after antibiotic treatment. Computed tomography (CT) is considered to be the best diagnostic imaging modality in infected aortic lesions. In this case, a combination of CT and FDG PET/CT provided accurate information for the diagnosis of infected abdominal aortic aneurysm. Moreover, FDG PET/CT made an important contribution to monitoring disease activity during antibiotic treatment.

Multiple Aneurysms on the Same Bifurcation Site of the Middle Cerebral Artery

Multiple aneurysms at the same cerebral arterial branching site are rare, and have been mainly described in a few case reports in comparison with other intracranial multiple aneurysms. Most reported locations of the same artery where multiple aneurysms developed were internal carotid artery and anterior communicating artery. We experienced a very rare case of multiple aneurysms arising at the same bifurcation site of the middle cerebral artery. Only one case like this has been reported previously in the literature. We discussed the preoperative diagnosis and surgical management of such condition.

Accuracy of F-18 FDG PET/CT in Preoperative Assessment of Cervical Lymph Nodes in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer: Comparison with CT/MRI / 핵의학분자영상

PURPOSE: Accurate evaluation of cervical lymph node (LN) metastasis of head and neck squamous cell cancer (SCC) is important to treatment planning. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for the detection of cervical LN metastasis of head and neck SCC and performed a retrospective comparison with CT/MRI findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventeen patients with pathologically proven head and neck SCC underwent F-18 FDG PET/CT and CT/MRI within 4 week before surgery. We recorded lymph node metastases according to the neck level system of imaging-based nodal classification. F-18 FDG PET/CT images were analyzed visually for assessment of regional tracer uptake in LN. We analyzed the differences in sensitivity and specificity between F-18 FDG PET/CT and CT/MRI using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Among the 17 patients, a total of 123 LN levels were dissected, 29 of which showed metastatic involvement. The sensitivity and specificity of F-18 FDG PET/CT for detecting cervical LN metastasis on a level-by-level basis were 69% (20/29) and 99% (93/94). The sensitivity and specificity of CT/MRI were 62% (18/29) and 96% (90/94). There was no significant difference in diagnostic accuracy between F-18 FDG PET/CT and CT/MRI. Interestingly, F-18 FDG PET/CT detected double primary tumor (hepatocellular carcinoma) and rib metastasis, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was not statistically significant difference of diagnostic accuracy between F-18 FDG PET/CT and CT/MRI for the detection of cervical LN metastasis of head and neck SCC. The low sensitivity of F-18 FDG PET/CT was due to limited resolution for small metastatic deposits.

Detection of Superior Vena Cava Tumor Thrombus by F-18 FDG PET/CT in Recurrent Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 핵의학분자영상

We report the case of a 64-year-old man with superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome due to tumor thrombus from recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). He presented with new onset of facial swelling for 10 days. HCC was detected ten years ago. He has undergone repeated transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) and chemotherapy. Chest computed tomography (CT) demonstrated tumor thrombus in the SVC extending to right atrium. He underwent whole body F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose(FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scanning for assessing the effect of TAE in HCC. F-18 FDG PET/CT showed increased uptake in the residual liver mass indicating viable tumor. There was another intense F-18 FDG accumulation in SVC extending to right atrium to suggest tumor thrombus. This case illustrates that F-18 FDG PET/CT is useful to identification of distant metastases as well as assessment of response to therapy in long-term survival HCC patients.

Discrepancy of Bone Metastases between F-18 FDG PET/CT and Bone Scan in a Patient with Prostate Cancer / 핵의학분자영상

We report the case of a 73-year-old man who had prostate cancer with bone metastases. Tc-99m HDP Whole body bone scan revealed multiple areas of increased bony uptake consistent with widespread bone metastases. F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) demonstrated mild F-18 FDG uptake in the lymph nodes of neck, abdomen, and pelvis. However, abnormal F-18 FDG uptake was not seen in the skeletal system. Biopsy and immunohistochemical stains of left supraclavicular mass showed metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma. Currently, there are a few reported cases of F-18 FDG PET/CT evaluation of bone metastases in prostate cancer. We discuss the discrepancy between F-18 FDG PET/CT and bone scan in the detection of osseous metastases of prostate cancer.

F-18 FDG Uptake in Respiratory Muscle Mimicking Metastasis in Patients with Gastric Cancer / 핵의학분자영상

A 67-year-old man with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) underwent F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for staging of gastric cancer. The projection images of F-18 FDG PET/CT showed intensely increased F-18 FDG uptake in the anterior neck, chest wall, and upper abdomen. We suspected distant metastases of cervical lymph nodes, ribs, and peritoneum in gastric cancer. However, the transaxial images of F-18 FDG PET/CT showed abnormal F-18 FDG uptake in scalene muscles of anterior neck, intercostal muscles of chest wall, and diaphragm of upper abdomen. Patients with COPD use respiratory muscles extensively on the resting condition. These excessive physiologic use of respiratory muscles causes increased F-18 FDG uptake as a result of increased glucose metabolism. The F-18 FDG uptake in respiratory muscles of gastric cancer patient with COPD mimicked distant metastases in cervical lymph nodes, ribs, and peritoneum.

Efficacy of Thalamotomy and Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation for the Treatment of Head Tremor

OBJECTIVE: Stereotactic thalamic procedure is well known to be a effective treatment for disabling upper limb tremor of essential tremor. However, the effect of this procedure for head tremor, which is midline symptom of that disease entity, has not been sufficiently established. The authors discuss the result of stereotactic thalamic operations for head tremor of their patients who suffered from essential tremor. METHODS: We evaluated 4 patients of essential tremor who had head tremor combined with both upper limb tremor. One patient underwent unilateral ventralis intermedius thalamotomy, two patients had unilateral Vim deep brain stimulation(DBS) and one patient had unilateral Vim thalamotomy and contralateral DBS. Postoperative results of tremor were evaluated using our proposed scale. RESULTS: Contralateral upper limb tremors to surgical side were markedly resolved in all patients but there was no meaningful effect for head tremor in 3 patients who underwent unilateral thalamic surgery. In a patient having simultaneously unilateral thalamotomy and contralateral DBS, remarkable improvement of head tremor was observed. CONCLUSION: Although it is difficult to evaluate the efficacy of thalamic surgery for axial symptom of essential tremor with a few cases, simultaneous unilateral thalamotomy and contralateral DBS would be expected to induce favorable outcomes for head tremor with significant economical advantages.

Paradoxical effects of elastase inhibitor guamerin on the tissue repair of two different wound models: sealed cut and exposed tongue wounds

Innate elastase inhibitors are known to be putatively involved in the regulation of tissue inflammation by inhibiting polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) derived proteinases. The aim of this study was to evaluate affects of leukocyte elastase suppression and PMN infiltration on wound healing in mouse by administering the recombinant elastase inhibitor guamerin (rEIG) in two different wound models; 1) impaired pin-punctured dorsal mucosa of anterior tongue wound, 60 mice, treated with saline containing rEIG that were fed ad libitum and 2) stable linear excisional cutaneous wound, 40 mice, covered with fibrin sealant containing rEIG. The progress of healing was analyzed by histological methods. The tongue wounds treated with rEIG became edematous around the pin-punctured tongue wound, and influx of inflammatory cells and PMN into the underlying stromal tissue were seen rapidly after wounding and peaked between 2-4 days. Whereas the control mice showed almost no wheal formation in the pin-punctured wound, a far lesser levels of PMN infiltration, and almost complete wound closure in 4 days. In the other model, the liner excisional cutaneous wound treated with fibrin sealant containing rEIG showed early wound constriction, lesser degree of inflammatory cells influx, and complete reepithelialization in 4-5 days, whereas the wound of control mice with the fibrin sealant alone showed contrary delayed reepithelialization, greater degree of inflammatory cell infiltration, and consequencial formation of greater granulation tissue at wound site. Taken together, these data suggest paradoxical effects of rEIG on the wound healing where in the wound exposed to infiltrating milieu of microorganisms in the oral cavity, the rEIG aggravates the wound healing by interfering with other innate defensive factors and extended greater flux of PMNs to inflamed wound site, while in the wound enclosed by fibrin, the rEIG accelerated wound healing by inhibiting the inflammation-generated proteases and the acute inflammatory reaction.