No abstract available.
Fluconazole* ; Tinea Capitis* ; Tinea*

Purpose: This study examined factors associated with the hospitalization of patients who visited the emergency department (ED) after deliberate self-poisoning. Methods: The medical records of the patients, who visited the ED at a tertiary teaching hospital after deliberate self-poisoning between March 2017 and December 2019, were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Fifty-seven in the hospitalization and 236 in the discharge group patients were included. The mean age in the hospitalization and discharge group was 48.8±20.4 and 41.8±19.1, respectively (p=0.020). Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences in age (p=0.020), mental status (p<0.001), request for help (p=0.046), chronic disease (p=0.036), substance ingested (p<0.001), and risk rescue-rating scale (p<0.001) between the two groups (hospitalization group and discharge group). In multiple logistic regression analysis for predicting the hospitalization of patients after deliberate self-poisoning, the Risk-Rescue Rating Scale (RRRS) was identified (OR=1.493, 95% confidential interval=1.330-1.675, p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristics analysis of RRRS for the decision to hospitalize showed a cut-off value of 38.9, with a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of 96.4%, 77.0%, and 0.949, respectively. Conclusion The RRRS can be used to determine the hospitalization for patients who visited the ED after deliberate self-poisoning. Nevertheless, multicenter prospective studies will be needed to determine the generalisability of these results.

Purpose: This study examined factors associated with the hospitalization of patients who visited the emergency department (ED) after deliberate self-poisoning. Methods: The medical records of the patients, who visited the ED at a tertiary teaching hospital after deliberate self-poisoning between March 2017 and December 2019, were reviewed retrospectively. Results: Fifty-seven in the hospitalization and 236 in the discharge group patients were included. The mean age in the hospitalization and discharge group was 48.8±20.4 and 41.8±19.1, respectively (p=0.020). Univariate analysis revealed statistically significant differences in age (p=0.020), mental status (p<0.001), request for help (p=0.046), chronic disease (p=0.036), substance ingested (p<0.001), and risk rescue-rating scale (p<0.001) between the two groups (hospitalization group and discharge group). In multiple logistic regression analysis for predicting the hospitalization of patients after deliberate self-poisoning, the Risk-Rescue Rating Scale (RRRS) was identified (OR=1.493, 95% confidential interval=1.330-1.675, p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristics analysis of RRRS for the decision to hospitalize showed a cut-off value of 38.9, with a sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of 96.4%, 77.0%, and 0.949, respectively. Conclusion The RRRS can be used to determine the hospitalization for patients who visited the ED after deliberate self-poisoning. Nevertheless, multicenter prospective studies will be needed to determine the generalisability of these results.

PURPOSE: To report a case of primary peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), of the eyelid. METHODS: A 48-year-old healthy male patient presented with a mass on the upper lid of 2 months in duration. The lesion was reddish, well-demarcated, oval shaped, and measured approximately 8 x 4 mm. The mass did not respond to incisional drainage and intra-lesional triamcinolone. An excisional biopsy for diagnosis was performed. RESULTS: On microscopic examination, a localized dense lymphocytic infiltration was observed in the subepithelial area, and cytologic atypia was observed under high power. On immunohistochemical examination, tumor cells were positive for CD3 but negative for CD20, CD30, CD56, k-light chain immunoglobulin, lambda-light chain immunoglobulin, and increased Ki-67 activity was noted. A histopathological diagnosis of PTCL-NOS was made. CONCLUSIONS: PTCL-NOS, which rarely occurs on the eyelids, commonly accompanies generalized lymphadenopathy and "B symptoms" such as fever and weight loss. Herein, the authors report a case of PTCL-NOS of the eyelid presenting as a rapidly growing solid mass in an otherwise healthy patient.
Biopsy ; Drainage ; Eyelids ; Fever ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins ; Lymphatic Diseases ; Lymphoma, T-Cell, Peripheral ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Triamcinolone ; Weight Loss

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Metabolic syndrome and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) are known to be strong predictors of coronary atherosclerosis. Even though there have been many observations and much research concerning the association of coronary atherosclerosis with CRP and metabolic syndrome, certain problems still need to be resolved in order to produce clear mechanistic illustrations. Therefore, the correlations of metabolic syndrome, hs-CRP and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis were evaluated herein. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 271 patients, aged between 29 and 87, who had undergone diagnostic coronary angiograms at the National Medical Center, between January, 2004 and June, 2006 were evaluated. Coronary angiograms were performed in patients who complained of typical chest pain and had risk factors associated with coronary atherosclerosis. The correlations of metabolic syndrome, hs-CRP and coronary atherosclerosis were analyzed in these patients. RESULTS: Positive relationships were found between the metabolic syndrome risk factor clustering and an increased level of hs-CRP (p<0.01). The severity of coronary atherosclerosis increased with the increasing number of metabolic syndrome risk factors. As metabolic syndrome risk factor clustering increased, the quantity of 1, 2 and 3 vessel diseases also increased (Odd ratios 1.61, 1.83 and 2.50; p=0.001, <0.001 and <0.001, respectively). In contrast to metabolic syndrome risk factor clustering, no definite relationship between the hs-CRP level and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis was observed. CONCLUSION: The more metabolic syndrome risk factors clustered, the greater the severity of coronary atherosclerosis. The extension of coronary atherosclerosis maybe predicted using evaluation of metabolic syndrome risk factor clustering in patients with angina.
C-Reactive Protein ; Chest Pain ; Cluster Analysis* ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Disease* ; Humans ; Metabolic Syndrome X ; Risk Factors*

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by the presence of α-synuclein (α-syn) inclusions in the brain and the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons. There is evidence to suggest that the progression of PD may be due to the prion-like spread of α-syn aggregates, so understanding and limiting α-syn propagation is a key area of research for developing PD treatments. Several cellular and animal model systems have been established to monitor α-syn aggregation and propagation. In this study, we developed an in vitro model using A53T α-syn-EGFP overexpressing SH-SY5Y cells and validated its usefulness for high-throughput screening of potential therapeutic targets. Treatment with preformed recombinant α-syn fibrils induced the formation of aggregation puncta of A53T α-syn-EGFP in these cells, which were analyzed using four indices: number of dots per cell, size of dots, intensity of dots, and percentage of cells containing aggregation puncta. Four indices are reliable indicators of the effectiveness of interventions against α-syn propagation in a one-day treatment model to minimize the screening time. This simple and efficient in vitro model system can be used for high-throughput screening to discover new targets for inhibiting α-syn propagation.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to verify the hypothesis that the suppression of lipid peroxidation with the antioxidant, U-74389G, could improve the survivability of paraquat intoxicated rats. METHODS: First, we obtained the 24-h mortality by using several paraquat dosages and calculated the 24-h LD50 in 24 male Wistar rats(250~350g). To examine the effect of U-74389G, we divided the rats in 4 groups: a control group and U-74389G only group, a paraquat only group, and a paraquat plus U-74389G group(n=10 each). Paraquat, 35mg/kg, was injected intraperitoneally at 0 h. U-74389G, 10mg/kg, was administered intraperitoneally at 0, 12 h or at 1, 12 h in the respective groups. The rats were observed for 24 hours. At 24 h, plasma and lung, liver, and kidney tissues were obtained after sacrificing the surviving rats to determine the degree of lipid peroxidation by using a thiobarbituric acid reactive substances(TBARS) quantitative analysis. RESULTS: The 24-h LD50 of paraquat was calculated as 40mg/kg in our rats. The 24-h mortality was as follows: control group and U-74389G group 0%, paraquat group 30%, and paraquat plus U-74389G group 10%. The TBARS analysis showed no differences between the U-74389G and the control groups. The paraquat group showed significantly increased TBARS levels in the serum and in the kidney and lung tissue compared to the control group(p<0.05). With U-74389G, the increased TBARS levels were significantly decreased in the plasma, kidney, and lung tissues compared to the paraquat group(p<0.05). However, in the liver tissue, there were no significant differences among the groups. CONCLUSION: A 21-aminosteroid antioxidant, U-74389G, improved the survivablity of paraquat-intoxicated rats through the suppression of lipid peroxidation. Our result suggests the possibility of clinical application of this drug as an antidote for paraquat poisoning.
Animals ; Humans ; Kidney ; Lethal Dose 50 ; Lipid Peroxidation ; Liver ; Lung ; Male ; Mortality ; Paraquat ; Plasma ; Poisoning ; Rats* ; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances

PURPOSE: In this study, the etiology and the change of clinical characteristics of hyponatremia, in relation to the increased used of thiazide diuretics, have been assessed. METHODS: To perform a retrospective cohort study, a total sum of 322 patients who have been admitted in a single tertiary referral hospital between 2004 and 2009, were included. RESULTS: The most common cause of hyponatremia was due to thiazide diuretics (37.6%). Among the 121 patients who suffered from thiazide induced hyponatremia, 60 (48.0%) patients took combination thiazide. The incidence of hyponatremia has shown a tendency to increase from 2004 to 2009 (trend test, p<0.001). The incidence of hyponatremia due to the use of combination types has also increased (trend test, p<0.001). Thiazide induced hyponatremia showed no difference when compared to hyponatremia due the other causes, except the fact that the portion of female patients was higher (73.6% vs 64.6%, p<0.001), mean age was older (74.7 vs 69.9 years-old, p<0.001), and incidence of cerebrovascular accident was also higher (19.8% vs 6.5%, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The use of thiazide is increasing and hence thiazide-induced hyponatremia is also increasing. This is thought to be particularly related to the increase of thiazide-combined drugs. Thiazideinduced hyponatremia shows a higher incidence in old age, female sex and those who have a history of a cerebrovascular event. Hence more caution is needed when using thiazide diuretics as antihypertensives, and plasma sodium levels should be monitored carefully.
Antihypertensive Agents ; Cohort Studies ; Diuretics ; Female ; Humans ; Hyponatremia ; Incidence ; Plasma ; Retrospective Studies ; Sodium ; Sodium Chloride Symporter Inhibitors ; Stroke ; Tertiary Care Centers

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of propofol abuse based on the results of a survey analysis of abusers among non-healthcare professionals in Korea. METHODS: Thirty-eight propofol abusers were questioned between October and December 2010, and were enrolled and voluntarily participated in a structured survey consisting of an interview and completing a previously prepared questionnaire. The questionnaire was divided into three distinct parts: part 1 dealt with the history of propofol abuse; part 2 highlighted the problems caused by propofol abuse; and part 3 enquired regarding demographics of abusers. RESULTS: Thirty-one (81.6%) of the 38 interviewees abused propofol for more than one year. During the last 12 months, 34 (89.0%) received propofol at two or three times a week. The minimum and maximum amounts of propofol (median, range) administered each time were 500 (100, 1000) and 2000 (500, 4000) mg, respectively. Stress relief and the maintenance of a sense of well-being were quoted the most important reasons for the first-time administration of propofol and its subsequent abuse, respectively. The majority of abusers (36.0, 97.3%) reported a sense of pleasure or euphoria at the time of their propofol injection. Withdrawal symptoms occurred in five abusers (13.2%). Thirteen (36.1%) reported disruptions in their work life. None of the respondents had previously admitted to and or reported abuse of any other controlled substances. CONCLUSIONS: These results provided reference data for the regulation of propofol in Korea as a controlled substance and may also be of interest to international agencies in other countries.
Controlled Substances ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Demography ; Euphoria ; International Agencies ; Korea* ; Pleasure ; Propofol* ; Substance Withdrawal Syndrome

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate characteristic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings of granulocytic sarcomas of the head and neck. METHODS: The CT (n=11) and MR (n=1) images obtained from 11 patients (7 males and 4 females; mean age, 23.5 yr; age range, 1 to 69 yr) with histologically-proven granulocytic sarcomas of the head and neck were retrospectively reviewed. Histological confirmation was done by bone marrow biopsy in 9 patients, and/or local biopsy in 4 patients. The imaging findings were analyzed with particular attention to location, size, shape, margin, bone destruction, internal architecture, pattern and degree of enhancement, and multiplicity of the lesions. RESULTS: The masses were most commonly located in the orbital cavity (n=8); other locations included lymph nodes (n=5) and palatine/pharyngeal/lingual tonsils (n=3). The mass sizes varied from a mean diameter of 1.3 to 5.8 cm (average, 2.6 cm). Multiple lesions were found in 6 patients. The shapes of the tumors were ovoid in 12 patients and irregular in 4 patients. Most lesions had poorly-defined margins (13/16) and invaded adjacent bony structures (5/16). On the pre-contrast CT images, the masses were iso- (5/8) or low-density (3/8) in comparison with muscle. The MRI, which was obtained in one patient in this study, showed that the mass was iso-signal intensity on T1-weighted images and iso-signal intensity on T2-weighted images compared to the gray matter of the brain. On the post-contrast CT images, there was homogenesous (n=12) or heterogeneous (n=4) enhancement, with mild (n=10), moderate (n=4), and marked (n=2) enhancement in the solid portions of the lesions. CONCLUSION: Although rare, granulocytic sarcomas arise in various locations in the head and neck area (most commonly in the orbit) in the form of well-demarcated, and mildly- and homogenously-enhancing masses with adjacent bony invasion.
Biopsy ; Bone Marrow ; Brain ; Head ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy ; Male ; Muscles ; Neck ; Orbit ; Palatine Tonsil ; Retrospective Studies ; Sarcoma, Myeloid