BACKGROUND: Advanced age alone should not be a serious deterrent to surgery. Preoperative evaluation of concomitant illness, operation time, accurate and minimal, but adequate surgery will serve to minimize morbidity and mortality in elderly patients. METHODS: The total number of surgical patients admitted to Kwang Hye Hospital, Pusan, from March 1994 to August 1996 was 3211, and the number of surgical geriatric patients admitted during the same period was 214. Operations were performed on 139 patients. We recorded information about age, sex, anesthesia type, operation time, non malignancy vs malignancy, emergency vs elective "Surgery", coexisting disease, and APACHE II score, and we examined the patients for results affecting postoperative morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: Postoperative complications occured in 55 cases (39.6%), and the operative mortality was 2.2%. The significant factors affecting postoperative morbidity were emergency operation, malignancy and APACHE II score. The operation time and coexisting diseases were not significant. Age had little effect on the postoperative prognosis CONCLUSIONS: Performance of elective surgery and preoperative evaluation of the APACHE II score are important factors.
Aged ; Anesthesia ; APACHE ; Busan ; Emergencies ; Humans ; Mortality ; Postoperative Complications ; Prognosis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern and the magnitude of stress distribution in the supporting tissues surrounding three different types of implants(ITI, 3i, and Bicon implant system). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Photoelastic models were made with PL-2 resin(Measurements Group, Raleigh, USA) and three implants of each kind were placed in the mandibular posterior edentulous area distal to the canine . For non-splinted restorations, individual crowns were fabricated on three titanium abutments. For splinted restorations, 3-unit fixed partial dentures were fabricated. Photoelastic stress analyses were carried out to measure the fringe order around the implant supporting structure under simulated loaded conditions(15 lb, 30 lb). CONCLUSION: The results were as follows; 1. Regardless of the implant design, stresses were increased in the apex region of loaded implant when non-splinted restorations were loaded. While relatively even stress distribution occurred with splinted restorations. Splinting was effective in the second implant. 2. Strain around Bicon implant were lower than those of other implants, which confirmed the splinting effect. The higher the load, the more the stress occurred in supporting tissue, which was most obvious in the Bicon system. 3. Stress distribution in the supporting tissue was favorable in the ITI system, while the other side of 3i system tended to concentrate the stress in some parts.
Crowns ; Denture, Partial, Fixed ; Splints ; Titanium

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pattern and the magnitude of stress distribution in the supporting tissues surrounding three different types of implants(ITI, 3i, and Bicon implant system). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Photoelastic models were made with PL-2 resin(Measurements Group, Raleigh, USA) and three implants of each kind were placed in the mandibular posterior edentulous area distal to the canine . For non-splinted restorations, individual crowns were fabricated on three titanium abutments. For splinted restorations, 3-unit fixed partial dentures were fabricated. Photoelastic stress analyses were carried out to measure the fringe order around the implant supporting structure under simulated loaded conditions(15 lb, 30 lb). CONCLUSION: The results were as follows; 1. Regardless of the implant design, stresses were increased in the apex region of loaded implant when non-splinted restorations were loaded. While relatively even stress distribution occurred with splinted restorations. Splinting was effective in the second implant. 2. Strain around Bicon implant were lower than those of other implants, which confirmed the splinting effect. The higher the load, the more the stress occurred in supporting tissue, which was most obvious in the Bicon system. 3. Stress distribution in the supporting tissue was favorable in the ITI system, while the other side of 3i system tended to concentrate the stress in some parts.
Crowns ; Denture, Partial, Fixed ; Splints ; Titanium

BACKGROUND: We examined the relationship between 10-year predicted atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Koreans aged 40–79 years. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional design was used from data based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014. RESULTS: A total of 1,134 healthy Koreans aged 40–79 years were included. A positive relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and ASCVD score was shown in women (β=0.015) after adjusting for central obesity, physical activity, and supplement intake. The chances of being in the moderate to high risk (risk group, ASCVD score ≥5%) with vitamin D sufficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ≥20 ng/mL) was 1.267-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.039–1.595) greater than the chance of being included in the group with vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL) after adjustments in women. CONCLUSION: Our research indicated a significantly positive association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and ASCVD score. Further detailed studies to evaluate this correlation are needed.
Atherosclerosis ; Cardiovascular Diseases* ; Female ; Heart* ; Humans ; Korea* ; Motor Activity ; Nutrition Surveys ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Vitamin D ; Vitamin D Deficiency

We reported on a 60-year-old man presenting lymphedema of both lower extremities and scrotum for 3 years with unknown cause. We took a computed tomography scan of the lower extremities as a follow-up. There were diffuse subcutaneous edema in both lower extremities and multiple enlarged lymph nodes along the para-aortic and bilateral inguinal areas. For further evaluation, biopsy of an enlarged inguinal lymph node was taken, yielding a diagnosis of primary amyloidosis. A treatment of chemotherapy for amyloidosis was recommended for him. To our knowledge, this is the first report of lymphedema presenting with primary amyloidosis in Asia. This case suggests that primary amyloidosis could be one of the differential diagnoses in patients with lymphedema in the lower extremities.
Amyloidosis* ; Asia ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Drug Therapy ; Edema ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphedema* ; Middle Aged ; Scrotum

BACKGROUND: With cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD), weight loss and low body weight have been found to correlate with increased mortality and poor prognosis. Therefore, nutritional aspects are an important part of the treatment in cases of COPD. In Korea, there is only limited data available for the changes of resting pulmonary function in relation to nutritional status. This study was carried out to investigated the differences of resting pulmonary function in relation to the nutritional status of patients with COPD. METHOD: 83 stable patients, with moderate to severe COPD, were clinically assessed for their nutritional status and resting pulmonary function. The patients' nutritional status was evaluated by body weight and fat-free mass (FFM), which was assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis. According to their nutritional status, the 83 patients were divided into two groups, designated as the depleted, and non-depleted, groups. RESULT: Of the 83 patients, 31% were characterized by body weight loss and depletion of FFM, whereas 28% had either weight loss or depleted FFM. In the depleted group, significantly lower peak expiratory flow rate(p<0.05) and Kco(p<0.01), but significantly higher airway resistance(Raw, p<0.05) were noted. There was no difference for the non-depleted group in forced expiratory volume at one second, residual volume, inspiratory vital capacity, or total lung capacity. Maximal inspiratory pressure(PImax) was also significantly lower in the depleted group(p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude, from our clinical studies, that nutritional depletion is significantly associated with the change in resting pulmonary function for patients with moderate to severe COPD.
Body Weight ; Electric Impedance ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Humans ; Korea ; Mortality ; Nutritional Status* ; Prognosis ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* ; Residual Volume ; Total Lung Capacity ; Vital Capacity ; Weight Loss

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the advantage of adequate PTGBD in acute complicated cholecystitis patients. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of a collected database from September 2001 to July 2008. Acute cholecystitis with gangrene or perforation was defined as acute complicated cholecystitis. A PTGBD was performed for these patients immediately after the diagnosis using US or CT and then a tubogram was performed after 5~7 days. After evaluating the gallbladder (GB) and common bile duct (CBD) with a tubogram, we removed the drainage tube and the patients underwent a LC after readmission. RESULTS: Three hundred seventy four of the 893 patients who were diagnosed with acute cholecystitis underwent PTGBD. While 19 (3.2%) of the total acute cholecystitis patients were converted to open cholecystectomy due to severe inflammation, 14 (3.7%) of the acute complicated patients were converted to open cholecystectomy. In 79 patients, the pre-operative tubogram showed the presence of CBD stone and so ERCP was performed. There were no post-operative deaths. CONCLUSION: PTBGD in acute complicated cholecystitis patients allows the early relief of acute cholecystitis symptoms. This allows sufficient evaluation and treatment for CBD during the PTGBD state. Furthermore, this decreases the mortality and morbidity in the high-risk patients due to sufficient evaluation and management of the underlying critical disease, which allows elective cholecystectomy when the patients is in better condition for surgery. Therefore, PTGBD can be useful for acute complicated cholecystitis.
Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde ; Cholecystectomy ; Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic ; Cholecystitis ; Cholecystitis, Acute ; Common Bile Duct ; Drainage ; Gallbladder ; Gangrene ; Humans ; Imidazoles ; Inflammation ; Nitro Compounds ; Retrospective Studies

There are several antigenic variants of Orientia tsutsugamushi. The 56-kDa type-specific antigen (TSA) is responsible for the antigenic variation. Nucleotide sequences of the 56-kDa TSA obtained from 44 eschar samples of Korean scrub typhus patients and from 40 representative strains retrieved from the GenBank database were analyzed phylogenetically. Clinical patient data were assessed based on the genotyping results. Of the 44 nucleotide sequences, 32 (72.7%) clustered with the Boryong genotype, which is the major genotype in Korea. Eleven nucleotide sequences (25%) clustered with the Kawasaki genotype, not identified in Korea until 2010. One nucleotide sequence was consistent with the Karp genotype. The clinical course of the patients infected with each genotype showed no differences. Diagnostic performance of the immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using the 56-kDa TSA from Gilliam, Karp and Boryong as test antigens were not different for the Boryong and Kawasaki genotypes. Although Boryong is still the predominant genotype, the results suggest that Kawasaki genotype is quite prevalent in Chungbuk province of Korea.
Aged ; Bacterial Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Base Sequence ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis ; Databases, Genetic ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Open Reading Frames ; Orientia tsutsugamushi/*classification/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Republic of Korea ; Scrub Typhus/diagnosis/metabolism/*microbiology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

There are several antigenic variants of Orientia tsutsugamushi. The 56-kDa type-specific antigen (TSA) is responsible for the antigenic variation. Nucleotide sequences of the 56-kDa TSA obtained from 44 eschar samples of Korean scrub typhus patients and from 40 representative strains retrieved from the GenBank database were analyzed phylogenetically. Clinical patient data were assessed based on the genotyping results. Of the 44 nucleotide sequences, 32 (72.7%) clustered with the Boryong genotype, which is the major genotype in Korea. Eleven nucleotide sequences (25%) clustered with the Kawasaki genotype, not identified in Korea until 2010. One nucleotide sequence was consistent with the Karp genotype. The clinical course of the patients infected with each genotype showed no differences. Diagnostic performance of the immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using the 56-kDa TSA from Gilliam, Karp and Boryong as test antigens were not different for the Boryong and Kawasaki genotypes. Although Boryong is still the predominant genotype, the results suggest that Kawasaki genotype is quite prevalent in Chungbuk province of Korea.
Aged ; Bacterial Proteins/*genetics/metabolism ; Base Sequence ; DNA, Bacterial/analysis ; Databases, Genetic ; Female ; Genotype ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Open Reading Frames ; Orientia tsutsugamushi/*classification/isolation & purification ; Phylogeny ; Republic of Korea ; Scrub Typhus/diagnosis/metabolism/*microbiology ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Although zirconium oxide ceramics are more and more commonly used in restorative dentistry, for many clinical applications only limited data can be found in the literature. However, it is quite clear that hydrofluoric acid etching is impossible with zirconia ceramics. Therefore, other bonding techniques are required in order to lute these materials adhesively. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of surface treatments on shear bond strengths between two resin cements and a zirconia ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental industrially manufactured yttrium-oxide-partially-stabilized zirconia ceramic discs (Adens, Korea) were used for this study. The ceramic specimens divided into five experimental groups and a control group (as received). Five surface treatments were studied. 1) sandblasting with 110 micrometer Al2O3 at 3 bars pressure 13 seconds at a distance of 10mm, 2) flame-treated with the Silano-Pen for 5 s/cm2, 3) grinding with a diamond bur, 4) sandblasting + Silano-Pen treatment, 5) diamond bur preparation+ Silano-Pen treatment. Acrylic plastic tube (5 mm in height and 3 mm in diameter) were filled with composite to fabricate composite cylinders. The composite cylinders were bonded to the ceramic specimens with either Superbond C & B or Panavia F resin luting agents. All cemented specimens were tested under shear loading until fracture on universal testing machine at a crosshead speed 1mm/min, the maximum load at fracture was recorded. Shear bond strength data were analyzed with oneway analysis of variance and Tukey HSD tests (p<.05). Treated ceramic surfaces and fracture surfaces after shear testing were examined morphologically using scanning electron microscope. Results: Ceramic surface treatment with Silano-Pen after sandblasting improved the bond strength of Superbond C & B resin cement. Superbond CandB resin cement at Silano-Pen after sandblasting(27.4 +/- 3.8 MPa) showed statistically higher shear bond strength than the others. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation of this study, Superbond C & B resin cement are suitable for cementation of zirconia ceramics and flame-treated with the Silano-Pen after sandblasting is required to enhance the bond strength.
Cementation ; Ceramics* ; Dental Cements ; Dental Instruments ; Dentistry ; Hydrofluoric Acid ; Plastics ; Resin Cements* ; Zirconium