• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.247-251
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• 2006

Bezoars are collections or concretions of indigestible foreign material that accumulate and coalesce in the gastrointestinal tract; they usually occur in patients who have undergone gastric surgery and have delayed gastric emptying. Treatment options include dissolution with enzymes, endoscopic fragmentation with removal or aspiration, and surgery. Recently, the efficacy of nasogastric lavage or endoscopic infusion of Coca-Cola for the dissolution of phytobezoar have been reported. We report a case of phytobezoar successfully treated by oral administration and endoscopic injection of Coca-Cola. A 62-year-old woman was referred to Yeungnam University Hospital for epigastric pain. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed one very large, dark-greenish, solid bezoar in the stomach with gastric ulcer and duodenal bulb deformity. We performed endoscopic injection of Coca-Cola into the bezoar. The patient was instructed to drink four liters of Coca-Cola per day. At endoscopy two days later, the phytobezoar was easily broken into pieces. At endoscopy on the $11^{th}$ day of admission, the phytobezoar was decreased in size and removed by endoscopic fragmentation with a polypectomy snare. At follow up endoscopy after 13 days, the bezoar was completely dissolved.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.33 no.11
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• pp.1770-1778
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• 2020

Objective: This study was conducted to reveal potential metabolic differences of dairy cows fed corn stover (CS) and rice straw (RS) instead of alfalfa hay (AH) as main forage source. Methods: Thirty multiparous mid-late lactation Holstein dairy cows were selected and randomly assigned to three diets, AH, CS, or RS (n = 10). After 13 weeks of the feeding trial, coccygeal arterial and superficial epigastric venous plasma samples were collected before morning feeding for gas chromatography time-of-flight/mass spectrometry analyses. Results: In the artery, 8 and 13 metabolites were detected as differential metabolites between AH and CS, and between AH and RS, respectively. The relative abundance of phenylpropanoate (log₂fold change [FC]) = 1.30, 1.09), panthenol (log₂FC = 2.36, 2.20), threitol (log₂FC = 1.00, 1.07), and 3,7,12-trihydroxycoprostane (log₂FC = 0.79, 0.78) were greater in both CS and RS than in AH, and tyrosine (log₂FC = -0.32), phenylalanine (log₂FC = -0.30), and pyruvic acid (log₂FC = -0.30) were lower in RS than in AH. In the vein, 1 and 7 metabolites were detected as differential metabolites between AH and CS, and between AH and RS, respectively. By comparing AH and RS, we found that metabolic pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism were enriched by integrative artery and vein analysis. Furthermore, AH and RS, arterial phenylpropanoate and 4-hydroxyproline were positively, and phenylalanine was negatively correlated with milk urea nitrogen. Finally, in AH and CS, arterial panthenol was negatively correlated with feed efficiency. Conclusion: Arterial metabolic profiles changed more than those in the veins from animals on three forage diets, differing in amino acids. We found that phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis and phenylalanine metabolism were restricted when cows were fed low-quality cereal straw diets.

• CELLMED
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.15.1-15.3
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• 2012

Kampo medicine, a Japanese traditional herbal medicine, has been used in clinical practice in Japan. The most appropriate Kampo formula should be chosen for each individual by the four diagnostic procedures. Fuku shin, the abdominal exam, is one of the most important approaches in the procedures. There are several abdominal conformations (signs) when administering Fuku shin. In Kampo medicine, psychiatric illness-marked by depression and anxiety-has been shown to be related with an abdominal conformation, Shin ka hi koh (Epigastric Obstructive Hardness). The aim was to see the occurrence of abdominal conformations in each level of depression and anxiety symptoms. Two hundred fifteen patients were assigned to high-, moderate-, or low-level psychiatric comorbidity based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and were studied regarding the occurrence of major abdominal conformations. Moderate and high psychopathological groups showed the higher occurrence of Shin ka hi koh [Low, 21%; Moderate, 67%; High, 74%] ($p$ < 0.0001). In conclusion, moderate and high psychopathological patients showed the higher occurrence of a specific abdominal sign.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10887-10891
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• 2015

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a well known major cause of gastric cancer and even when asymptomatic infected patients are at elevated risk. Functional dyspepsia (FD) is also one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases, which greatly impacts the quality of life. H. pylori infection and psychosocial stress are frequently associated with FD but limited studies have confirmed the relationships, especially in Southeast Asian countries. Here we aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of H. pylori infection, anxiety and depression on Thai FD patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Thailand, during February 2013-January 2014. All FD patients were diagnosed and categorized by Rome III criteria into epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) groups. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to evaluate psychological status. The presence of H. pylori was defined as positive with H. pylori culture, positive rapid urease test or positive histology. Results: Three hundred FD patients were included, 174 (58%) female. Overall mean age was 54.8+15.1 years. There were 192 (64%) patients with PDS and 108 (36%) with EPS. H. pylori infection was demonstrated in 70 (23.3%) patients. Anxiety and depression were documented in 69 (23%) and 22 (7.3%), respectively. H. pylori infection, anxiety and depression were significantly higher in PDS than EPS patients (27.1% vs 16.7%; p=0.04; OR=1.86; 95%CI=1.01-3.53 and 29.7% vs 11.1%; p=0.0002; OR=3.4; 95%CI=1.7-7.1 and 10.4% vs 1.9%; p=0.006; OR=6.2; 95%CI=1.4-38.9, respectively). Conclusions: H. pylori infection, anxiety and depression were commonly found in Thai FD patients and more prevalent in PDS than EPS. H. pylori eradication might be the key to success for the treatment of Thai FD patients and prevent the development of gastric cancer.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.6
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• pp.741-745
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• 2015

Background Microvascular complications after free-flap breast reconstructions are potentially devastating problems that can increase patient morbidity and lead to flap loss. To date, no comprehensive study has examined the rates of salvage and the methods of microvascular revision in breast reconstruction. We reviewed the treatment of microvascular complications of free-flap breast reconstruction procedures over a seven-year period. Methods A retrospective review of all patients who underwent microvascular breast reconstruction at our institution between April 2006 and December 2013 was conducted. Based on their surgical records, all patients who required emergency re-exploration were identified, the rate of flap salvage was determined, the factors associated with flap salvage were evaluated, and the causes and methods of revision were reviewed. Results During the review period, 605 breast reconstruction procedures with a free lower abdominal flap were performed. Seventeen of these flaps were compromised by microvascular complications, and three flaps were lost. The overall salvage rate was 82.35%. No significant differences between the salvaged group and the failed group were observed with regard to age, BMI, axillary dissection, number of anastomotic arteries and veins, recipient vessel types, or use of the superficial inferior epigastric vein in the revision operation. Successful salvage of the flap was associated with a shorter time period between recognizing the signs of flap compromise and the take-back operation. Conclusions The salvage rate of compromised lower abdominal flaps was high enough to warrant attempting re-exploration. Immediate intervention after the onset of flap compromise signs is as important as vigilant postoperative monitoring.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.596-600
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• 2015

Background The uptake of breast reconstruction is ever increasing with procedures ranging from implant-based reconstructions to complex free tissue transfer. Little emphasis is placed on scarring when counseling patients yet they remain a significant source of morbidity and litigation. The aim of this study was to examine the scarring preferences of men and women in breast oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery. Methods Five hundred men and women were asked to fill out a four-page questionnaire in two large Irish centres. They were asked about their opinions on scarring post breast surgery and were also asked to rank the common scarring patterns in wide local excisions, oncoplastic procedures, breast reconstructions as well as donor sites. Results Fifty-eight percent of those surveyed did not feel scars were important post breast cancer surgery. 61% said that their partners' opinion of scars were important. The most preferred wide local excision scar was the lower lateral quadrant scar whilst the scars from the deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap were most favoured. The superior gluteal artery perforator flap had the most preferred donor site while surprisingly, the DIEP had the least favourite donor site. Conclusions Scars are often overlooked when planning breast surgery yet the extent and position of the scar needs to be outlined to patients and it should play an important role in selecting a breast reconstruction option. This study highlights the need for further evaluation of patients' opinions regarding scar patterns.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.214-219
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• 2013

Background We established the Microvascular Research Center Training Program (MRCP) to help trainee surgeons acquire and develop microsurgical skills. Medical students were recruited to undergo the MRCP to assess the effectiveness of the MRCP for trainee surgeons. Methods Twenty-two medical students with no prior microsurgical experience, who completed the course from 2005 to 2012, were included. The MRCP comprises 5 stages of training, each with specific passing requirements. Stages 1 and 2 involve anastomosing silicone tubes and blood vessels of chicken carcasses, respectively, within 20 minutes. Stage 3 involves anastomosing the femoral artery and vein of live rats with a 1-day patency rate of >80%. Stage 4 requires replantation of free superficial inferior epigastric artery flaps in rats with a 7-day success rate of >80%. Stage 5 involves successful completion of one case of rat replantation/transplantation. We calculated the passing rate for each stage and recorded the number of anastomoses required to pass stages 3 and 4. Results The passing rates were 100% (22/22) for stages 1 and 2, 86.4% (19/22) for stage 3, 59.1% (13/22) for stage 4, and 55.0% (11/20) for stage 5. The number of anastomoses performed was $17.2{\pm}12.2$ in stage 3 and $11.3{\pm}8.1$ in stage 4. Conclusions Majority of the medical students who undertook the MRCP acquired basic microsurgical skills. Thus, we conclude that the MRCP is an effective microsurgery training program for trainee surgeons.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.465-470
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• 2015

The present study was performed to report 15 anisakiasis cases in Korea and to review the Korean cases reported in the literature. Total 32 Anisakis type I larvae were detected in the stomach of 15 patients by the endoscopy. Single worm was detected from 12 cases, and even 9 larvae were found from 2 cases. Epigastric pain was most commonly manifested in almost all cases, and hemoptysis and hematemesis were seen in 1 case each. Symptom manifestations began at 10-12 hr after eating fish in 73.3% cases. Endoscopy was performed 1-2 days after the symptom onset in most cases. The common conger, Conger myriaster, was the probable infection source in 7 cases. In the review of Korean anisakiasis cases, thus far, total 645 cases have been reported in 64 articles. Anisakis type I larva was the most frequently detected (81.3%). The favorable infection site of larvae was the stomach (82.4%). The common conger was the most probable source of human infections (38.6%). Among the total 404 cases which revealed the age and sex of patients, 185 (45.8%) were males, and the remaining 219 (54.2%) were female patients. The age prevalence was the highest in forties (34.7%). The seasonal prevalence was highest in winter (38.8%). By the present study, 15 cases of gastric anisakiasis are added as Korean cases, and some epidemiological characteristics of Korean anisakiasis were clarified.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.118-121
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• 2003

A 25-year-old female patient was adimitted due to discomfort in the right chest and left epigastric area. Chest X-ray and chest CT showed a round 4$\times$4$\times$4cm sized mass located in the right lower lobe and abutted on the right diaphragm and metastatic lesions in the right lower lobe and right middle lobe. In exploratory thoracotomy, we discovered a mass originating from the right diaphragm which directly invaded the right lower lobe and metastatic subpleural lesions in the right lower lobe and right middle lobe. The mass was diagnosed as sarcoma by frozen section biopsy and we removed the mass by on bloc resection of the right diaphragm and right lower lobe. Metastatic subpleural lesions in the right lower lobe and right middle lobe were removed by wedge resection. The mass was malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the diaphragm in permanent pathologic examination and chemotherapy was done as adjuvant measure. We report one extremely rare case of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the diaphragm with literature.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.39 no.1 s.258
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• pp.72-75
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• 2006

In a 40 year-old man who has complained of epigastric pain and dyspnea for 10 days including melena for 1 month, abdominal ultrasonography and computerized tomography revealed a large, solid mass in the right kidney and thrombus of inferior vena cava (IVC) that extended to the cavoatrial junction. Renal cell carcinoma was performed by percutaneous needle biopsy. IVC thromboembolectomy was performed using centrifugal pump driven venovenous bypass without cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).