• The Korean Journal of Malacology
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.147-154
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• 2013

In Incheon bay, mass mortalities of Manila clam associated with winter storms have been reported. In the present study we have monitored pathologic condition of the clams stranded on the tidal flats by the winter storms occurred in late March to early April in 2007. The field surveyed indicated that mortality of the Manila clam in the study areas ranged 10-15%. Condition index, a ratio of tissue weight to the shell weight, of the stranded clams was significantly lower than the non-stranded normal clams collected from the same locations (p < 0.05), indicating that the stranded clams were comparatively in poor physiological condition. Perkinsus olseni, the protozoan parasite was observed most of clams used in the analysis and the infection prevalence ranged 77-90%. The infection intensity of P. olseni determined using Ray's fluid thioglycollate medium (RFTM) cultivation and the 2M NaOH digestion assay indicated that the clams collected during late March and early April in 2007 involved 67,182-1,124,727 P. olseni cells/g tissue. The infection intensity of clams from Gung-Pyeung was significantly higher than the intensities observed from Dae-Bu and Young-Heung (p < 0.05). No clear correlation was found between the infection intensities of P. olseni in the non-stranded normal clams and the stranded clams. The stranded Manila clams were also infected with trematode parasite with the prevalence ranged 5 (Young-Heung) to 12.5% (Dae-Bu). The trematode-infected clams exhibited castrated follicles in the gonad, a typical sign of trematode infection. It was believed that mass mortality of Manila clam observed in this study was associated with the poor physiological condition as indicated by CI, although impacts of the parasite infection cannot be ruled out.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.218-223
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• 2014

Objective : C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) are often utilized to evaluate for postoperative infection. Abnormal values may be detected after surgery even in case of non-infection because of muscle injury, transfusion, which disturbed prompt perioperative management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the perioperative CRP, ESR, and white blood cell (WBC) counts after spine surgery, which was proved to be non-infection. Methods : Twenty patients of lumbar open discectomy (LOD) and 20 patients of posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) were enrolled in this study. Preoperative and postoperative prophylactic antibiotics were administered routinely for 7 days. Blood samples were obtained one day before surgery and postoperative day (POD) 1, POD3, and POD7. Using repeated measures ANOVA, changes in effect measures over time and between groups over time were assessed. All data analysis was conducted using SAS v.9.1. Results : Changes in CRP, within treatment groups over time and between treatment groups over time were both statistically significant F(3,120)=5.05, p=0.003 and F(1,39)=7.46, p=0.01, respectively. Most dramatic changes were decreases in the LOD group on POD3 and POD7. Changes in ESR, within treatment groups over time and between treatment groups over time were also found to be statistically significant, F(3,120)=6.67, p=0.0003 and F(1,39)=3.99, p=0.01, respectively. Changes in WBC values also were be statistically significant within groups over time, F(3,120)=40.52, p<0.001, however, no significant difference was found in between groups WBC levels over time, F(1,39)=0.02, p=0.89. Conclusion : We found that, dramatic decrease of CRP was detected on POD3 and POD7 in LOD group of non-infection and dramatic increase of ESR on POD3 and POD7 in PLIF group of non-infection. We also assumed that CRP would be more effective and sensitive parameter especially in LOD than PLIF for early detection of infectious complications. Awareness of the typical pattern of CRP, ESR, and WBC may help to evaluate the early postoperative course.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5175-5179
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• 2015

Background: We aimed to determine the frequency of early and late complications following groin surgery for vulvar cancer and analyze possible risk factors. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 99 women who underwent for vulvar cancer. The early (${\leq}1$ month) complications were wound infection, breakdown and lymphocyst and late (>1 month) complications were lower limb lymphedema, incontinence and erysipelas. The risk factors for developing each of the complications were analyzed with regression analysis. Results: In the entire cohort, 29 (29.3%) women experienced early and 12 (12.1%) had late complications. Wound complications including infection and breakdown were the leading early complications (23.2%). In the multivariate analysis, both obesity (body mass index ${\geq}30kg/m^2$) and advanced age (${\geq}65years$) were found as independent predictive factors for early complications. Obese women of advanced age had 6.32 times more risk of experiencing any of the early complications, when compared to non-obese and young women (55.6% vs 8.7%). The most common late complication was lower limb lymphedema (10.1%) that was more frequently seen in young women. However, neither age nor lymph node count were significantly associated with the occurrence of lower limb lymphedema. Conclusions: More than 40% of the women suffered from postoperative complications after inguinofemoral lymphadenectomy in the current study. While advanced age and obesity were the significant predictors for any of the early complications, there was no identified risk factor for lower limb lymphedema.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.12
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• pp.459-465
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• 2015

Postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans (PIBO) is an irreversible obstructive lung disease characterized by subepithelial inflammation and fibrotic narrowing of the bronchioles after lower respiratory tract infection during childhood, especially early childhood. Although diagnosis of PIBO should be confirmed by histopathology, it is generally based on history and clinical findings. Irreversible airway obstruction is demonstrated by decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 second with an absent bronchodilator response, and by mosaic perfusion, air trapping, and/or bronchiectasis on computed tomography images. However, lung function tests using spirometry are not feasible in young children, and most cases of PIBO develop during early childhood. Further studies focused on obtaining serial measurements of lung function in infants and toddlers with a risk of bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) after lower respiratory tract infection are therefore needed. Although an optimal treatment for PIBO has not been established, corticosteroids have been used to target the inflammatory component. Other treatment modalities for BO after lung transplantation or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation have been studied in clinical trials, and the results can be extrapolated for the treatment of PIBO. Lung transplantation remains the final option for children with PIBO who have progressed to end-stage lung disease.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.56 no.8
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• pp.332-337
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• 2013

Purpose: To identify the frequency of bacterial isolates in early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and their antimicrobial resistance pattern. Methods: A retrospective study of EONS was conducted at the Beni Suef University Hospital from September 2008 to September 2012. A case of EONS was defined as an infant who had clinical signs of infection or who was born to a mother with risk factors for infection, and in whom blood culture obtained within 72 hours of life grew a bacterial pathogen. Results: Of 673 neonates screened, there were 138 positive blood cultures (20.5%) (confirmed EONS). Of the recovered isolates, 86.2% were gram-negative pathogens. Klebsiella pneumoniae (42.8%), Enterobacter cloacae (22.5%), and Escherichia coli (13.8%) were the commonest isolated organisms. The most common gram-positive microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus accounting for only 12 isolates (8.7%). All Klebsiella isolates and 93% of Enterobacter isolates were resistant to ampicillin. Gram-negative pathogens had the maximum overall sensitivity to imipenem, cefepime, and ciprofloxacin; whereas, gram-positive isolates were most susceptible to vancomycin, imipenem, and piperacillin. Conclusion: K. pneumoniae was the predominant causative bacteria of EONS followed by E. cloacae and E. coli. There was a high resistance to ampicillin. Imipenem had the maximum overall activity against the causative bacteria. Continuous surveillance is needed to monitor the changing epidemiology of pathogens and antibiotic sensitivity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2985-2990
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• 2012

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the main malignant tumor of the liver, is very common and highly lethal. The aim of this study was to determine its clinicopathologic characteristics and risk factors in Turkey. Materials and methods: In this study, patients who were diagnosed as suffering from HCC in the period between August 2004 and December 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: A total of 98 patients were included, with a median age 61 (range: 16 to 82). Seventy nine (80.6%) were male 59 (60.2%) were infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and 15 (15.3%) with HCV, another 15 (15.3%) being alcohol abusers. Seventy two (73.5%) were at advanced stage and 54 (55.1%) had elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Surgery, chemoembolization, systemic chemotherapy and application of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor sorafenib were the major treatment options. Conclusions: According to our findings HCC is mostly diagnosed in advanced stage and age, being five times more common in males than females. Main risk factors of HCC are HBV infection, HCV infection and alcohol abuse. Elevation in AFP may facilitate early diagnosis of HCC in high risk groups.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.38-41
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• 2005

Purpose: To evaluate the drainage effect of silk suture following aspiration of the bursa as an early treatment of chronic lateral malleolar bursitis. Materials and Methods: Thirteen cases, which have over two weeks of history and over one year of follow-up, were investigated. The average duration of follow-up was 16.4 months. The average symptom duration before introduction into this study was 7.8 weeks. With an aseptic technique, the aspiration of the bursa was done with 18G needle and syringe and then the insertion of silk suture through the aspiration needle was performed. The amount of drainage was identified two or three times in a week and stitch out was done at the cessation of drainage. Over one year follow-up, recurrence, infection, pain, and limitation of range of motion were investigated by telephone interview. Results: Redness around the insertion site of silk suture was found in all cases, but there was no development of active infection or recurrence. The average duration of treatment is 10.4 days. Conclusion: The drainage with silk suture following aspiration of the bursa is less invasive and very effective method in the early treatment of chronic lateral malleolar bursitis.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.36-38
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• 2013

While epidural abscesses are rare in hemodialysis patients, they can cause severe neurological complications that can be fatal because only nonspecific symptoms appear in the early stages of the infection. Their incidence increased recently due to intravenous drug abuse, invasive spinal surgery, percutaneous vertebral procedures, and the development of diagnostic modalities. The increased number of cases is related to the use of dialysis catheters in hemodialysis patients. If a patient has fever and back pain, doctors should eliminate the possibility of other common diseases and consider spinal epidural infection. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are important to prevent neurological complications. In this paper, the symptoms, blood work, magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) findings, and clinical course of two hemodialysis patients who developed spinal epidural abscesses are described.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.228-234
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• 2020

Background A patient's overall condition sometimes does not allow for the complete removal of a dead eschar or injured slough in cases involving a pressure-injury skin lesion. This frequently occurs in clinical practice, particularly in bedridden and older patients receiving home care or intensive care. Even after debridement, it is also difficult to manage open exudative wounds in these patients. Nevertheless, when a mature or immature eschar is treated without proper debridement, liquefaction necrosis underneath the eschar or slough tends to reveal a large, open wound with infectious exudates. We hypothesized that if the presence of any bacteria under the eschar can be evaluated and the progression of the presumed infection of the subeschar can be halted or delayed without creating an open wound, the final wound can be small, shallow, and uninfected. Methods Using a punch instrument, we performed 34 viable subeschar tissue cultures with a secure junction between the eschar and the normal skin. Results The bacterial study had 29 positive results. Based on these results and the patient's status, appropriate antibiotics could be selected and administered. The use of suitable antibiotics led to relatively shallow and small exposed wounds. Conclusions This procedure could be used to detect potentially pathogenic bacteria hidden under black or yellow eschars. Since subeschar infections are often accompanied by multidrug-resistant bacteria, the early detection of hidden infections and the use of appropriate antibiotics are expected to be helpful to patients.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.31-35
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the drainage effect of silk suture following aspiration of the bursa as an early treatment of chronic olecranon bursitis. Eleven cases, which have over two weeks of history and over one year of follow-up, were investigated. The average duration of follow-up was 17.5 months. The average symptom duration was 1.8 months. With an aseptic technique, the aspiration of the bursa was done with 18gauge needle and syringe and then the insertion of silk suture through the aspiration needle was performed. The amount of drainage was regularly checked $2{\sim}3$ days interval and stitch out was done at the cessation of drainage. At the follow-up, recurrence, infection, pain, and limitation of range of motion were investigated by telephone interview. Redness around the insertion site of silk suture was found in all cases, but there was no active infection or recurrence. The results were satisfactory in all cases and the average time for recovery was 10.5 days. The drainage with silk suture following aspiration of the bursa is less invasive and very effective method in the early treatment of chronic olecranon bursitis.