Background This study aimed to elucidate the potential usefulness of the medial rectus muscle of cadavers for research on satellite cells.
Methods Twenty-four medial rectus muscles were obtained from 12 cadavers. The control group included six medial rectus muscles from three live adults without brain activity. The muscle fiber diameter and distribution of satellite cells were measured and compared. Immunohistochemistry for myosin heavy chain and the transcription factor PAX7 was performed, and the distributions of myocytes and satellite cells were evaluated.
Results The average muscle fiber diameter was 142.18±36.49 μm in the cadaver group and 149.34±15.26 μm in the control group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.38). The ratio of PAX7(+) cells to the number of muscle fibers was 0.056±0.015 in the control group and 0.006±0.006 in the cadaver group, reflecting a significant difference (p<0.05).
Conclusions The medial rectus muscles of cadavers can be helpful in studying anatomical morphology; however, their usefulness in muscle satellite cell research appears to be limited.
Pneumoperitoneum that develops in the absence of a perforated abdominal viscus and does not require laparotomy is considered to be idiopathic. Differentiating between idiopathic pneumoperitoneum and highly lethal perforation due to necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants is important. Herein, we report two cases of idiopathic pneumoperitoneum in preterm infants who underwent exploratory laparotomy and conservative treatment, respectively. The first patient was born at 32+5 weeks of gestation and developed pneumoperitoneum on day 7 of life. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy and was diagnosed with idiopathic pneumoperitoneum after surgery. The second patient was born at 30 weeks of gestation. He developed pneumoperitoneum on the eighth day of life. Idiopathic pneumoperitoneum was suspected, and the patient was treated conservatively without laparotomy. Based on our awareness and experience of the first case of idiopathic pneumoperitoneum, we were able to treat the second patient conservatively. These cases will be helpful for diagnosing and treating pneumoperitoneum in preterm infants.
Although most children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection present with mild symptoms, a few pediatric patients develop severe neurological manifestations. Herein, we describe the case of a pediatric patient who presented with rapidly progressive diffuse and fatal cerebral edema associated with COVID-19. A previously healthy 6-year-old boy was diagnosed with acute fulminant cerebral edema (AFCE), which resulted in transtentorial downward herniation within 48 hours after the initial onset of fever. Detailed history-taking, close monitoring of the consciousness level with serial neurological examinations, and prompt diagnosis and treatment are required in patients suspected to have AFCE. Further research is needed to identify the pathogenesis of AFCE associated with COVID-19 and the related risk factors.
Background By analyzing small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) performed in two large hospitals in Kazakhstan, we aimed to explore the characteristics of patients representative of Central Asia and the technical characteristics of SBCE.
Methods SBCE cases were retrospectively analyzed. A descriptive analysis was conducted on the patients’ demographic data, diagnosis, and clinical symptoms. The results of SBCE, such as the lesions found, transit time and retention rate in the stomach and small bowel, and bowel visualization quality, were analyzed. Complications related to SBCE were investigated.
Results SBCE was performed in 123 patients. Abdominal pain (81.3%) and chronic diarrhea (66.7%) were the most common symptoms, followed by weight loss (25.2%) and gastrointestinal bleeding (15.4%). The most common disease was Crohn’s disease (52.0%). Definite lesions, such as ulcers, polyps, and bleeding, were identified in 55.3% of patients. SBCE was successfully completed in all cases except for 11 (9.1%). The average small bowel transit time was 4 hours and 28 minutes. Excellent visualization (>75% of mucosa) was reported in 82.5% of patients. No patients experienced complications.
Conclusions SBCE performed in Kazakhstan showed a high diagnostic yield with high-quality patient selection and no complications.
Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block was introduced as an effective way to control postoperative pain in patients who have undergone hip surgery. Therefore, we would like to discuss how to perform PENG block accurately on the basis of two cases, both of which involved hip fracture patients. Ultrasound-guided continuous PENG block was performed, and postoperative pain was adequately controlled in both cases. To mount the catheter in the correct position, it should be inserted after the needle enters at the lowest angle possible. If it is confirmed that the psoas tendon is pushed upward without an increase in injection pressure during drug injection, an accurate continuous PENG block has been achieved. We also analyzed fluoroscopic images to determine how the drug spread, and we observed that the drug spread around the hip capsule along the iliacus and psoas muscle.
Background Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression cannot currently be predicted through radiological findings. This study aimed to develop a prediction model capable of differentiating between positive and negative PD-L1 expression through a radiomics-based investigation of computed tomography (CT) images in patients with urothelial carcinoma.
Methods Sixty-four patients with urothelial carcinoma who underwent immunohistochemical testing for PD-L1 were retrospectively reviewed. The number of patients in the positive and negative PD-L1 groups (PD-L1 expression >5%) was 14 and 50, respectively. CT images obtained 90 seconds after contrast medium administration were selected for radiomic extraction. For all tumors, 1,691 radiomic features were extracted from CT using a manually segmented three-dimensional volume of interest. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify radiomic features that were significant predictors of PD-L1 expression. For the radiomics-based model, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed.
Results Among 64 patients, 14 were included in the PD-L1 positive group. Logistic regression analysis found that the following radiomic features significantly predicted PD-L1 expression: wavelet-low-pass, low-pass, and high-pass filters (LLH)_gray-level size-zone matrix (GLSZM)_SmallAreaEmphasis, wavelet-LLH_firstorder_Energy, log-sigma-0-5-mm-3D_GLSZM_SmallAreaHighGrayLevelEmphasis, original_shape_Maximum2DDiameterColumn, wavelet-low-pass, low-pass, and low-pass filters (LLL)_gray-level run-length matrix (GLRLM)_ShortRunEmphasis, and exponential_firstorder_Kurtosis. The radiomics signature was –4.0934+21.6224 (wavelet-LLH_GLSZM_SmallAreaEmphasis)+0.0044 (wavelet-LLH_firstorder_Energy)–4.7389 (log-sigma-0-5-mm-3D_GLSZM_SmallAreaHighGrayLevelEmphasis)+0.0573 (original_shape_Maximum2DDiameterColumn)–29.5892 (wavelet-LLL_GLRLM_ShortRunEmphasis)–0.4324 (exponential_firstorder_Kurtosis). The area under the ROC curve model representing the radiomics signature for differentiating cases that were deemed PD-L1 positive based on immunohistochemistry was 0.96.
Conclusions This preliminary radiomics model derived from contrast-enhanced CT predicted PD-L1 positivity in patients with urothelial cancer.
The bone is the most common location of breast cancer metastasis. Bone metastasis causes pain and skeletal-related events (SREs), and affects the quality of life and survival of breast cancer patients. Bone-modifying agents, including bisphosphonates and denosumab, reduce the risk of SREs in these patients. Among bisphosphonates, zoledronic acid is preferred due to its higher efficacy. Denosumab is marginally more effective than zoledronic acid in reducing the frequency of SREs. Patients with renal impairment should receive zoledronic acid with caution due to nephrotoxicity, and denosumab is an alternative option in these patients. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a rare but severe complication of both zoledronic acid and denosumab, and all patients should undergo dental examinations before and during treatment. Although these drugs can reduce the risk of SREs in bone metastasis, no significant improvement in survival has been noted. This study reviews the effects and adverse events of bone-modifying agents for the treatment of bone metastasis from breast cancer.
In the majority of cases, pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. Therefore, adenotonsillectomy is typically considered as the first line of treatment. However, the severity of pediatric OSA is not always directly correlated with the size of the adenoids and tonsils. Other factors, such as upper airway anatomy or obesity, may interact in a multifactorial manner to contribute to its occurrence. For these reasons, sleep apnea in obese children may resemble the condition in adults. Furthermore, in these cases, if adenotonsillar hypertrophy is present, adenotonsillectomy is likely to be prioritized. Reevaluation should be conducted 6 to 8 weeks post-surgery, and additional treatment for residual sleep apnea should be performed thereafter when necessary.
Preservation of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is a priority for surgeons during thyroidectomy in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). RLN invasion by PTC in a patient presenting with preoperative vocal fold paralysis may require resection of the nerve with the tumor. However, the decision should be made regarding whether to preserve or sacrifice a functioning RLN invaded by PTC. Under certain conditions, preservation of the nerve with incomplete tumor resection could be considered. An RLN that has been resected due to PTC invasion may be managed by various reinnervation techniques to improve vocal outcomes. This article reviews clinical considerations and rationales for surgical decisions related to patients with PTC invasion of the RLN.
Heavy-chain deposition disease (HCDD) is a rare disorder characterized by the deposition of monoclonal immunoglobulin. Due to the disease's rarity and diagnostic challenges, its prognosis is generally poor. Herein, we report a case of successful treatment of HCDD coexisting with multiple myeloma. A 56-year-old man presented at an outpatient clinic with complaints of whole-body pain, edema, and dyspnea that had persisted for 2 weeks. Diagnostic tests confirmed nephrotic syndrome, hematuria, and progressive renal failure. Serum immunofixation electrophoresis identified the presence of IgG kappa paraprotein. A diagnosis of multiple myeloma was established following a bone marrow biopsy. A renal biopsy revealed antibodies specific to the heavy chains of IgG on immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy showed diffuse electron-dense "powdery" densities in the glomerular basement membrane. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with both HCDD and multiple myeloma. Following the diagnosis, the patient immediately began anti-plasma cell therapy using bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone. Intermittent hemodialysis was initiated due to persistent azotemia during the diagnostic process; however, renal function improved significantly after only 1 month of therapy, allowing the discontinuation of dialysis. Early intervention with anti-plasma cell therapy, such as bortezomib, is known to improve prognosis in the early stages of the disease. This case report is presented to enhance understanding of HCDD and underscore the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment in managing this rare condition.
Background To address the public’s fear of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), understanding the clinical features of the disease is essential. However, research on the clinical features of COVID-19, including illness duration and post-acute COVID-19, in Korean pediatric patients has been limited. Therefore, this study investigated the clinical features of COVID-19 based on the medical records of pediatric patients with a history of COVID-19 who visited a single center.
Methods In total, 311 patients were included in this study. The presence and duration of 19 symptoms were examined. Additionally, clinical features were investigated by dividing the patients into different age ranges. Patients aged 6 and above were further categorized according to the presence of asthma, while adolescent patients were divided into vaccinated and unvaccinated groups.
Results Fever and cough were the most common symptoms. The mean illness duration was 2–4 days. Only 3.5% of the patients were asymptomatic. Post-acute COVID-19 was observed in 13.2% of the patients. The incidence of most symptoms tended to increase with age. Post-acute COVID-19 was observed more frequently in patients with asthma than in those without asthma. Vaccinated patients experienced less fever, vomiting, and fatigue than unvaccinated patients.
Conclusions Our data suggest that most patients had mild disease lasting less than a week, and the clinical course may differ depending on the presence of asthma. The findings also indicate that vaccination may alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 in breakthrough infections.
Citations
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Coronavirus disease 2019 infection in pediatric patients in Korea: insights and implications Yu Jin Jung Kosin Medical Journal.2024; 39(2): 81. CrossRef
Background Conjunctival bacterial flora is a common cause of endophthalmitis after ophthalmic procedures. This study investigated the conjunctival bacterial flora, especially coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS), and their antibiotic sensitivity in patients who underwent ophthalmic procedures. Factors related to fluoroquinolone resistance were also investigated.
Methods In total, 167 samples were analyzed from 135 patients who underwent cataract surgery or intravitreal injection at Kosin University Gospel Hospital between April 14, 2014, and September 29, 2016. Bacterial identification was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry or VITEK 2 equipment. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed using an AST-P600 card with VITEK 2 equipment. Clinical information was extracted from patients’ medical records. Sixty-eight individuals with conjunctival flora containing CoNS were classified into the fluoroquinolone-sensitive and fluoroquinolone-resistant CoNS groups, and their characteristics were compared.
Results A total of 192 isolates of Gram-positive bacteria were identified, including Staphylococcus epidermidis (33.3%), Corynebacterium spp. (18.8%), and CoNS other than S. epidermidis (9.2%). Of the 106 CoNS isolates, 68.9%, 69.8%, and 58.5% were sensitive to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and norfloxacin, respectively. In patients with CoNS, statin use within 3 months before sample collection was significantly associated with fluoroquinolone resistance (p=0.016). Statin use was a significant risk factor for fluoroquinolone resistance in multivariate logistic regression analysis (odds ratio, 4.86; 95% confidence interval, 1.25–18.91; p=0.022).
Conclusions CoNS, including S. epidermidis, was the most common conjunctival bacterial flora, with a fluoroquinolone sensitivity rate ranging from 58.5% to 69.8% in patients undergoing ophthalmic procedures. Statin use was a significant risk factor for fluoroquinolone resistance.
Background Orbital complications arising from acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) are a major concern for clinicians and serve as important warning indicators of ARS. Prompt recognition and appropriate management are crucial for preventing potential vision-threatening sequelae. Orbital complications of rhinosinusitis are markedly more common in children than in adults. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes of orbital complications of ARS in adult patients.
Methods This retrospective observational cohort study analyzed the medical records of 176 patients admitted for orbital cellulitis/abscess (ICD code: H050) who underwent orbit or paranasal computed tomography from January 2001 to February 2022 at a tertiary hospital.
Results Eighteen adults with a mean age of 53.2±18.9 years were diagnosed with orbital complications due to ARS: five (27.8%) had preseptal cellulitis, eight (44.4%) had orbital cellulitis, and five (27.8%) had subperiosteal orbital abscess. None of the patients had an orbital abscess or cavernous sinus thrombosis. All patients had unilateral orbital complications (7 right and 11 left) and were managed with intravenous antibiotics for an average of 10.3±6.6 days. Five patients with subperiosteal orbital abscesses underwent intranasal endoscopic drainage at an average of 1.4±1.9 days after admission, while two patients required additional external drainage. Complete recovery was observed in all patients.
Conclusions Conservative antimicrobial therapy can be effective for treating orbital complications from ARS, and not all adult patients require immediate surgical intervention for subperiosteal abscesses. Nonetheless, careful monitoring is essential, and an ophthalmologist must check patients’ visual acuity to prevent irreversible blindness.