We assessed the risk factors for major amputation of diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) stages 3b–5. For DFU assessment, in addition to DFU location and presence of infection, ischemia, and neuropathy, vascular calcification was assessed using the medial arterial calcification (MAC) score. Of 210 patients, 26 (12.4%) underwent major amputations. Only the location and extension of DFU, represented by Texas grade differed between the minor and major amputation groups. However, after adjusting for covariates, ulcer location of mid- or hindfoot (vs. forefoot, odds ratio [OR] = 3.27), Texas grades 2 or 3 (vs. grade 0, OR = 5.78), and severe MAC (vs. no MAC, OR = 4.46) was an independent risk factor for major amputation (all P < 0.05). The current use of antiplatelets was a possible protective factor for major amputations (OR = 0.37, P = 0.055). In conclusion, DFU with severe MAC is associated with major amputation in patients with DKD.

Purpose: This study aimed to identify independent predictors of favorable outcomes associated with emergent carotid artery stenting (CAS) in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke. Materials and Methods: This study included 93 patients with acute stroke who underwent emergent CAS to treat stenoocclusive lesions in the cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) within 6 hours of the onset of the associated symptoms. Data were compared between patients with and without favorable outcomes. The independent predictors of a favorable outcome were determined via logistic regression analysis (modified Rankin Scale 0–2 at 90 days). Results: Intracranial tandem occlusion was noted in 81.7% of patients (76/93) among which (76/93), 55 of whom underwent intracranial recanalization therapy. Intracranial reperfusion was successful in 74.2% (69/93) and favorable outcomes were noted in 51.6% of patients (48/93). The mortality rate was 6.5% (6/93). In logistic regression analysis, diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score [odds ratio (OR), 1.487; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.018–2.173, p = 0.04], successful reperfusion (OR, 5.199; 95% CI, 1.566–17.265, p = 0.007), and parenchymal hemorrhage (OR, 0.042; 95% CI, 0.003–0.522, p = 0.014) were independently associated with a favorable outcome. Conclusion Baseline infarct size, reperfusion status, and parenchymal hemorrhage were independent predictors of favorable outcomes after emergent CAS to treat stenoocclusive lesions in the cervical ICA in patients with acute anterior circulation stroke.

BACKGROUND: Topical tacrolimus is an effective anti-inflammatory therapy for acute and chronic states of atopic dermatitis (AD) in both adults and children. Topical tacrolimus has particular use at sensitive areas such as the face, anogenitals, and skin folds of neck and extremities. However, many AD patients also experience aggravated symptoms on trunk. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of topical tacrolimus for AD patients with truncal lesions. METHODS: AD patients with truncal lesions who were aged ≥2 years were recruited from 20 centres in Korea. They received treatment with topical tacrolimus ointment twice daily during 4 weeks. The primary end point was change of the local eczema area and severity index (EASI) of the trunk from baseline to day 28. The secondary end points were changes in the patient global assessment (PGA) score and itch visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the trunk between baseline and day 28. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-one patients were recruited, and 176 patients completed the full 4-week treatment course. By the end of the treatment, the mean local EASI of the trunk (2.2±4.71) was significantly decreased from that at baseline (4.71±4.03, p < 0.001). PGA (1.71±1.15) and itch VAS score of the trunk (2.61±2.19) on day 28 were also profoundly decreased compared with the baseline (2.96±1.07 and 5.15±2.47, respectively). No serious adverse events were observed during the study period. CONCLUSION: Topical tacrolimus is an effective and safe therapy for truncal lesions in AD patients.
Administration, Topical ; Adult ; Child ; Dermatitis, Atopic* ; Eczema ; Extremities ; Humans ; Korea ; Neck ; Skin ; Tacrolimus*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: During endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), all efforts should be made to be aware of radiation hazards and to reduce radiation exposure. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of radiation protective equipment and the awareness of radiation exposure in health care providers performing ERCP in Korean hospitals. METHODS: A survey with a total of 42 questions was sent to each respondent via mail or e-mail between October 2010 and March 2011. The survey targeted nurses and radiation technicians who participated in ERCP in secondary or tertiary referral centers. RESULTS: A total of 78 providers from 38 hospitals responded to the surveys (response rate, 52%). The preparation and actual utilization rates of protective equipment were 55.3% and 61.9% for lead shields, 100% and 98.7% for lead aprons, 47.4% and 37.8% for lead glasses, 97.4% and 94.7% for thyroid shields, and 57.7% and 68.9% for radiation dosimeters, respectively. The common reason for not wearing protective equipment was that the equipment was bothersome, according to 45.7% of the respondents. CONCLUSIONS: More protective equipment, such as lead shields and lead glasses, should be provided to health care providers involved in ERCP. In particular, the actual utilization rate for lead glasses was very low.
Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Data Collection ; Delivery of Health Care ; Electronic Mail ; Eyeglasses ; Glass ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; Korea ; Postal Service ; Referral and Consultation ; Thyroid Gland

PURPOSE: We analyzed factors related to quality of photographs taken at neuroangiographic suites to optimize exposure condition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a camera (EOS-300D, Canon Inc., Tokyo) with a standard- (EF-S 18-55 mm F3.5-5.6 USM, Canon Inc., Tokyo) and a macro-lens (EF 100 mm f/2.8 Macro USM, Canon Inc., Tokyo). Photographs were taken at a light-booth (1000 lux) and 2 neuroangiographic suites (988 and 856 lux) under ordinary intensity of illumination. We took photographs of a test chart (ColorChecker, X-rite, Michigan) and Kodak Q-13 Grey Scale Card at different values of aperture and shutter speed with fixed ISO of 400 and assessed the quality of photographs by Blade Pro (V1.1, Image group, Seoul). We analyzed photographs of a device at 1/25-1/80 shutter speed and F12 - 20 apertures and compared the result and also made visual assessment. RESULTS: Photographs of test chart and Grey Scale Card revealed that the best images chosen by Blade Pro were distributed in scattered range of quality which could help understand the range of optimum exposure condition but was not suitable for practical usage. We obtained reasonable quality photograph at shutter speed of 1/40 and aperture of F16 that can be used in 3 places. CONCLUSION: The most appropriate exposure condition when taking photographs in neuroangiographic suites could be explored. To get an optimal image in limited illumination, it is mandatory to select a fast enough shutter speed to avoid motion artifacts and a sufficient aperture to actualize the subject depth.
Artifacts ; Lighting

BACKGROUND: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is critical for morphogenesis during embryonic development and is also implicated in the conversion of early-stage tumors into invasive malignancies. Recently, Twist has been identified to play an important role in EMTmediated metastatic progression of several types of human cancer. The present study examined the expression of Twist and evaluated its clinicopathologic significance in urothelial carcinoma of upper urinary tract. METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for Twist expression was performed on 70 upper urinary tract urothelial carcinomas (UUT-UCs) using tissue microarray. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining for Twist was positive in 31/70 cases (44.3%) of UUT-UCs. Twist expression was associated with high-grade and advanced-stage (ISUP grade, p<0.01; stage, p=0.045). The patients with Twist positive-tumors revealed lower disease free survival rate than those with Twist negative-tumors (p<0.01). The overall survival for patients with Twist positive-tumors was slightly worse than the patients with Twist negative- tumors, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.12). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that Twist is a novel marker for advanced UUT-UC.
Carcinoma, Transitional Cell ; Disease-Free Survival* ; Embryonic Development ; Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition ; Female ; Humans ; Morphogenesis ; Pregnancy ; Twist Transcription Factor ; Urinary Tract*

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to extend the indications of hysteroscopic myomectomy. METHODS: Total 304 women who had undergone hysteroscopic myomectomy between February 2001 and March 2005, were selected. Clinical characteristics, laboratory data and postoperative results were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean size of myoma is 3.5 cm, mean op. time is 47 minutes, mean deficit of distension media is 193 cc, types of distension media is URIONE(R) and normal saline, average duration of hospitalization is 4.9 days, average changes of Hb. is 1.5 g/dL, complications of op. were happended in 14 cases, that is uterine perforation (n=8), hyponatremia (n=2), pulmonary edema (n=2), delayed bleeding (n=2). CONCLUSION: The indications of hysteroscopic myomectomy can be extended. In case that patient want to preserve the uterus, deep myometrial embedded or pure intramural myoma might be resected hysteroscopically by single- or multi-step procedure. Hysteroscopic myomectomy performed at observational period may be alternative to hysterectomy in selected cases. In case of recurrence, repeat procedure may reduce the chance of hysterectomy. Intraoperative ultrasonographic guidance is an important procedure in hysteroscopic myomectomy. It lower the complications and morbidity rate.
Female ; Hemorrhage ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hyponatremia ; Hysterectomy ; Myoma ; Pulmonary Edema ; Recurrence ; Uterine Perforation ; Uterus

Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS) is an acute complication mostly occurring in elderly type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Thyrotoxicosis causes dramatic increase of glycogen degradation and/or gluconeogenesis and enhances breakdown of triglyc-erides. Thus, in general, it augments glucose intolerance in diabetic patients. A 23-yr-old female patient with Graves' disease and type 2 DM, complying with methimazole and insulin injection, had symptoms of nausea, polyuria and generalized weakness. Her serum glucose and osmolarity were 32.7 mM/L, and 321 mosm/kg, respectively. Thyroid function tests revealed that she had more aggravated hyperthyroid status; 0.01 mU/L TSH and 2.78 pM/L free T3 (reference range, 0.17-4.05, 0.31-0.62, respectively) than when she was discharged two weeks before (0.12 mU/L TSH and 1.41 pM/L free T3). Being diagnosed as HHS and refractory Graves' hyperthyroidism, she was treated successfully with intravenous fluids, insulin and high doses of methimazole (90 mg daily). Here, we described the case of a woman with Graves' disease and type 2 DM developing to HHS.
Thyroid Function Tests ; Methimazole/therapeutic use ; Insulin/therapeutic use ; Hyperthyroidism/*complications/therapy ; Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma/*etiology ; Humans ; Graves Disease/*complications ; Fluid Therapy ; Female ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/*complications ; Adult

BACKGROUND: The study of pneumonia among young men living in a group is rare. prospective study was conducted to determine the etiology, and compare the effects of macrolide and second-generation cephalosporin on the treatment of pneumonia among combat policemen. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2003 to April 2004, Fifty-two patients with pneumonia were treated with either azithromycin(n=25) or cefuroxime(n=27). In order to determine the cause of the pneumonia, culture studies and serologic tests for antibodies to Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae were carried out. During the two weeks of medication, the Chest X-rays, blood tests and culture studies(if necessary) were followed weekly. A serologic study was followed at the end of the second week. RESULTS: The main pathogens for pneumonia among combat policemen were Mycoplasma pneumoniae(50.0%), Chlamydia pneumoniae(10.8%), and Streptococcus pneumoniae(3.8%). The treatment was successful in most cases(51/52 cases, 98.1%). The effects of azithromycin and cefuroxime were similar (96.0% vs 100%, p>5). In one patient who had taken azithromycin, the clinical and radiological findings did not improved until intravenous second generation ce?phalosporin had been infused. CONCLUSION: Atypical pathogens were the main causes of the pneumonia in the combat policemen, and the effects of macrolide and second generation cephalosporin for pneumonia were similar. However, further studies will be needed to determine if single therapy with macrolide is possible.
Antibodies ; Azithromycin ; Cefuroxime ; Cephalosporins ; Chlamydia ; Chlamydophila pneumoniae ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Macrolides ; Male ; Mycoplasma ; Mycoplasma pneumoniae ; Pneumonia* ; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma ; Prospective Studies* ; Serologic Tests ; Streptococcus ; Thorax