Pyogenic Vertebral Osteomyelitis: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis (PVO) may result in neurological deficits and sequelae, so early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical. Many previous studies on PVO exist, but our paper has aimed to comprehensively summarize the clinical aspects of PVO. Through review of the vast literature on the clinical research of PVO an overview of the clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, treatment and prognosis is provided.

Kidney Transplantation Recipients Presenting Unilateral Facial Pain

No abstract available.

The Prognostic Factors of Pneumonia with Septic Shock in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department / 대한중환자의학회지

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is the most common cause of death among patients with infectious disease in Korea. However, studies of pneumonia with septic shock in patients presenting to the emergency department are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors associated with pneumonia with septic shock in patients presenting to the emergency department. METHODS: From January 2008 to September 2014, patients with pneumonia with septic shock admitted through the emergency department were retrospectively examined. RESULTS: Of the 561,845 patients who visited the emergency department, 398 were admitted for pneumonia with septic shock. The 28-day mortality rate in these patients was 36.4%. The independent prognostic factors were old age (>70 yrs) (odds ratio [OR], 2.42; 95%, confidence interval [CI], 1.35-4.32), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08), leukopenia (OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 1.48-8.94), prolonged PT-INR (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.41-4.54), and hypoxemia (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.30-6.38). CONCLUSIONS: A poor prognosis of patients with pneumonia is associated with old age (>70 yrs), increased APACHE II score, leukopenia, prolonged PT-INR, and hypoxemia.

The Prognostic Factors of Pneumonia with Septic Shock in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department / 대한구급학회지

BACKGROUND: Pneumonia is the most common cause of death among patients with infectious disease in Korea. However, studies of pneumonia with septic shock in patients presenting to the emergency department are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors associated with pneumonia with septic shock in patients presenting to the emergency department. METHODS: From January 2008 to September 2014, patients with pneumonia with septic shock admitted through the emergency department were retrospectively examined. RESULTS: Of the 561,845 patients who visited the emergency department, 398 were admitted for pneumonia with septic shock. The 28-day mortality rate in these patients was 36.4%. The independent prognostic factors were old age (>70 yrs) (odds ratio [OR], 2.42; 95%, confidence interval [CI], 1.35-4.32), Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.08), leukopenia (OR, 3.63; 95% CI, 1.48-8.94), prolonged PT-INR (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.41-4.54), and hypoxemia (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.30-6.38). CONCLUSIONS: A poor prognosis of patients with pneumonia is associated with old age (>70 yrs), increased APACHE II score, leukopenia, prolonged PT-INR, and hypoxemia.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Showed Only on T2-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging

We present the case of a 28-year-old pregnant woman with subarachnoid hemorrhage who was initially unable to undergo a CT scan and exhibited interestingly high signal intensities only on T2-weighted MRI without any signal change on fluid attenuated inversion recovery and gradient-echo imaging. These findings could be explained by a combination of factors that increase the signal intensity with elevations in the concentrations of protein and oxyhemoglobin due to massive bleeding and with the decreased fluid void signal inferred by the presence of hydrocephalus.

Diffuse Calcification Restricted on Periventricular White Matter by Primary Hypoparathyroidism

No abstract available.

A Comparative Radiographic Analysis of Fusion Rate between L4-5 and L5-S1 in a Single Level Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate radiographic fusion rates at L4-5 and L5-S1 after single level posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) and evaluate the relationship between fusion rates and preoperative disc slope angle (DSA), lumbar lordosis (LL), segmental angle (SA), and pelvic parameters. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent single level PLIF at L4-5 or L5-S1 during May 2003-December 2012 at our institution. 73 patients were finally enrolled. Fusion was assessed by use of the Brantigan-Steffee classification, less than 2mm translation and less than 5degrees motion on the flexion-extension lateral radiographs. We analyzed the radiographic fusion rates, risk factors, and relationship of fusion rates with DSA, LL, SA, and pelvic parameters. RESULTS: There were 59 patients (80.8%) in the L4-5 group and 14 (19.2%) in L5-S1 (average follow-up, 34 months). The radiographic fusion rates were 89.8% in the L4-5 group (53/59) and 42.9% in L5-S1 (6/14) (p<0.001).The preoperative DSA was significantly lesser in the L4-5 group than in the L5-S1 group (13.1+/-8.1degrees vs. 27.2+/-6.7degrees, p<0.001). The LL, SA, and pelvic parameters were not related with radiographic fusion rates in both groups. Risk factors for non-union were not identified between the two groups except for the surgery level (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The radiographic fusion rate at L5-S1 was less than half that at L4-5 after single level PLIF. This may be due to the anatomical and biomechanical differences between the two levels. More vigorous effort to achieve successful fusion at L5-S1 should be considered.

FEA estimates of margin design in all ceramic crowns / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Over the past decade, increased demand for esthetically pleasing restorations has led to the development of all-ceramic systems. Recent reports suggest that the all-ceramic crowns have excellent physical properties, wear resistance, and color stability. In addition, numerous ceramics have excellent biocompatibility, a natural appearance, and improved physical bonding with resin composite luting agents. However, the brittle nature of ceramics has been a major factor in their restriction for universal usage. Functional occlusal loading can generate stress in the luting agent, and the stress distribution may be affected by the marginal geometry at the finish line. Tooth preparation for fixed prosthodontics requires a decision regarding the marginal configuration. The design dictates the shape and bulk of the all ceramic crowns and influences the fit at the margin. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the stress distribution within marginal configurations of all- ceramic crowns (90-degree shoulder, 110-degree shoulder, 135-degree shoulder). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The force is applied from a direction of 45 degrees to the vertical tooth axis. Three-dimensional finite element analysis was selected to determine stress levels and distributions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The result of stress level for the shoulder marginal configuration was more effective on stress distribution at 135-degree shoulder margin. But the stresses concentrated around at 135-degree shoulder margin. The stress decreased apically at the surface between cements and alumina core, and increased apically at the surface between alumina core and veneering porcelain.

The influence of hemostatic agent contamination on bond strengths on dentin bonding agents / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: This study examined the recovery of the dentin-resin bonding strength, and the difference in the bonding strength after applying pH hemostatic agents at various pH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bosmin, Hemodent, Astregedent, and Visine were used as the hemostatic agents in this study. The Bosmin, Hemodent, and Astrigedent hemostatic agents are acidic, and the Visine hemostatic agent is neutral and is used as a decongestant. Ninety human molar teeth were used as the specimen. The teeth were sectioned using a diamond wheel until the dentin was exposed and wet ground by silica paper. The specimens were divided into two groups according to the hemostatic agent used. The specimens were then subdivided into 9 groups according to the application of re etching (R group) or rinsing only (N group). A commonly used resin bonding procedure was used in the control group. The resin bonding procedure was managed dentin using celluloid capsule. In addition, the shear bond strength was measured using an Instron. RESULTS: In general, samples with the applied hemostatic agent, with the exception of Visine, had a slightly weak bond that was similar to the control group. In addition, the rinsing only (N) group had slightly weak bond that was similar to the re etching (R) group. CONCLUSION: The application of a hemostatic agent on the dentin surface does not affect the shear bond strength after application for a short time. In addition, rinsing only can recover the shear bond strength making other management procedures redundant, particularly re etching.