Excretory-secretory products (ESP) of T. vaginalis have been shown to inhibit sperm motility, viability, and functional integrity, leading to a decreased fertilization rate in vitro. This study investigated whether T. vaginalis induce apoptosis and ultrastructural changes of sperm using flow cytometry and electron microscopy. Incubation of sperm with T. vaginalis ESP increased phosphatidylserine externalization and DNA fragmentation, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Transmission electron microscopy of sperm incubated with ESP revealed abnormal features such as distorted heads, broken necks, and acrosomes exocytosis. This is the first report that demonstrates a direct impact of T. vaginalis ESP on sperm apoptosis and architecture in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To describe normal postoperative MR findings and MR findings of postoperative discitis in patients who underwent operation due to herniated intervertebral disc. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed normal postoperative MR findings and MR findings of discitis in 30 patients(21-61yrs.) (13 cases dignosed as discitis and 17 cases as normal) who previonsly underwent laminectomy and discectomy, or bony fusion. We analyzed signal intensity of end plate and disc, end plate destruction, and enhancement of end plate and disc on T1- and T2-weighted images(WI) of 1.5T MRI. RESULTS: Among 14 out of 17 patients with no evidence of discitis, 7 patients showed high signal of the posterior portion of disc on T1- and T2-WI and 11 patients revealed enhancement at the same sites. In all 13 patients suspected of having discitis, end plate and disc showed low signal on T1-WI, high signal on T2-WI, heterogeneous enhancement, and irregular destruction of end plate. Meanwhile, 3 cases with no evidence of postoperative discitis clinically who underwent bony fusion showed similiar findings to those of the above 13 patients, except for homogeneous enhancement of end plate and vertebral body. CONCLUSION: The MR findings of postoperative discitis were low signal on T1-WI, high signal on T2-WI, and heterogeneous enhancement of and plate and disc, and destruction of end plate.
Discitis* ; Diskectomy ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc* ; Laminectomy ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Retrospective Studies

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the morphologic findings of the labrum and capsuloligamentous structures in the normal and unstable shoulders and to compare the effectiveness of double contrast arthrographic findings which were taken with supine and prone position. We reviewed the computerized tomographic arthrogram in 9 cases of normal shoulder and l3 cases of shoulder instability. We evaluated the shape of the labrum, the attachment of anterior capsule and the amount of capsular laxity. Capsular laxity was compared each others in normal, the unidirectional instability and the multidirectional instability. Among these materials, we simultaneously performed CT arthrogram with supine and prone position and evaluated which is more reliable and accurate. Scapular inclination was ahout 25 degrees in the supine position and ahout 60 degrees in the prone position. Normal glenoid labrum varied in size and shape, so its lack of a classic appearance might not indicate a labral tear. Variations existed in the anterior capsular attachment onto the glenoid. The anterior capsule was used to attach far away from the glenoid rim. but it might not indicate an anterior instability. With the prone position, the labral lesion took more excellent visualization due to the contrast coating on the glenoid labrum in both anterior and posterior. Anterior capsular expansion was seen well with prone position in anterior instability. In summary, for proper interpretation of the instability, awareness of the morphologic variations of the labrum and capsuloligamentous structure is important. CT double contrast arthrography with prone position has made a significant contribution to improving and easing the documentation of variety of anatomic abnormalities. Now we recommend the prone position in CT arthrogram for imaging glenoid labrum pathology in shoulder instability.
Arthrography ; Pathology ; Prone Position ; Shoulder* ; Supine Position

Airway perforation is a rare but potentially fatal complication following laser surgery. A 66 years old man was admitted for surgery of tracheal stenosis. He had undergone 2 prior anesthesia for similar surgery and had diabetes mellitus due to chronic steroid therapy. 2 hours after surgery, tracheal perforation lead to pneumomediastinum, tension pneumothorax and perforation of innominate artery with potential risk to injury, which lies in the close proximity to perforation site of trachea. Arterial wall was so weak and fragile that it was difficult to repair the ruptured site. During the procedure, hemorrhage persisted and cardiac arrest developed. Immediate CPR(cardiopulmonary resuscitation) with internal cardiac massage was done but the patient did not recover. We believe that in patient with history of multiple operations, chronic steroid therapy and diabetes mellitus, the vascular structure of thin and fragile should be approached with greater caution when using CO2 laser during surgery.
Aged ; Anesthesia ; Brachiocephalic Trunk ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Granulation Tissue* ; Heart Arrest ; Heart Massage ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; Lasers, Gas* ; Mediastinal Emphysema ; Metabolism ; Pneumothorax ; Trachea ; Tracheal Stenosis

No abstract available.
Anal Canal* ; Rectum*

BACKGROUND: Open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms was initiated by Dubost in 1952. Despite the rapid expansion of percutaneous endovascular repair, open surgical repair is still recognized for curative intent. We retrospectively analyzed surgical outcome, complications, and mortality-related factors for patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms over a 6 year period. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We analyzed 18 patients who underwent surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms between March 2002 and March 2008. The indications for surgery were rupture, a maximal aortic diameter >60 mm, medically intractable hypertension, or pain. RESULT: The mean age was 66.6+/-9.3 years (range, 49~81 years). Twelve patients (66.7%) were males and 6 patients were females. Extension of the aneurysm superior to the renal artery existed in 6 patients (33.3%), and extension to the iliac artery existed in 13 patients (72.2%). Five patients (27.8%) had ruptured aortic aneurysms. The mean maximal diameter of the aorta was 72.2+/-12.9 mm (range, 58~109 mm). Surgery was performed by a midline laparotomy, and 6 patients underwent emergency surgery. The mean total ischemic time from aorta clamping to revascularization was 82+/-42 minutes (range, 35~180 minutes). The mortality rate was 16.7%; the mortality rate for patients with ruptured aneurysms was 60%, and the mortality rate for patients with unruptured aneurysms was 0%. The postoperative complications included one each of renal failure, femoral artery and vein occlusion, and wound infection. The patients who were discharged had a long-term survival of 34+/-26 months (range, 4~90 months). Rupture and emergency surgery had a statistically significant mortality-related factor (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Emergency surgery for ruptured aortic aneurysms continues to have a high mortality, but unruptured cases are repaired with relative safety. Successfully operated patients had long-term survival. Even though endovascular aortic repair is the trend for abdominal aortic aneurysms, aggressive application should be determined with care. Experience and systemic support of each center is important in the treatment plan
Aneurysm ; Aneurysm, Ruptured ; Aorta ; Aorta, Abdominal ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal ; Aortic Rupture ; Constriction ; Emergencies ; Female ; Femoral Artery ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Iliac Artery ; Laparotomy ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; Renal Artery ; Renal Insufficiency ; Retrospective Studies ; Rupture ; Veins ; Wound Infection

BACKGROUND: For hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), it is important to construct an efficient vascular access with a superior patency rate. This study investigated the factors influencing the efficiency of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) constructed using an autologous vessel and evaluated the necessity of ultrasonography as a preoperative tool for AVF construction. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 250 patients in whom an AVF was constructed using an autologous vessel due to ESRD at our institution from January 2009 to April 2016. RESULTS: The 1-, 3-, and 5-year patency rates for all subjects were 87.6%, 85.6%, and 84.4%, respectively. The patients who underwent a preoperative evaluation of their vessels via ultrasonography had better patency rates than those who did not. Superior patency rates were found in patients under 65 years of age or with an anastomotic vein diameter of 3 mm or more. The 1-year patency rate and the diameter of the anastomotic vein showed a positive relationship. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography is strongly recommended for AVF construction, and efforts should be made to increase the patency rate in patients over 65. Superior clinical results can be expected when an AVF is made using an autologous vessel with an anastomotic vein diameter of at least 3 mm.
Arteriovenous Fistula* ; Fistula ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic* ; Renal Dialysis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography ; Veins

Apoptosis is an intrinsic and fundamental biological process that plays a critical role in the normal development of multicellular organisms and in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Some of the well known regulators of apoptosis are cytokines of the tumor necrosis factor(TNF) ligand family, such as Fas ligand(Fas L) and TNF, which induce apoptosis by activation of their corresponding receptors, Fas and TNFR-1. Recently, a new member of the TNF family known as TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand) was identified and shown to induce p53-independent apoptosis in a variety of tumor cell lines but not in normal cells, Four human receptors for TRAIL were also recently identified and designated TRAIL-R1, -R2, -R3, and -R4. The aim of this study is to examine whether TRAIL and TRAIL receptots(-R1, -R2, -R3) are expressed in uterine cervical cancer and whether it is correlated with apoptosis, TRAIL and TRAIL receptors. The subjects were 20 patients who were diagnosed with cervical cancer. Western blotting was performed in 9 cases, immunohistochemical staining for TRAIL and TRAIL receptors(-R1, -R2, -R3) and TUNEL method for detection of apoptosis in 11 cases. There were proteins for TRAIL, TRAIL-R1, -R2, and -R3 in tissues from cervical cancer. All TRAIL receptors were expressed in both normal cervical epithelium and tumor cells, and TRAIL-Rl and -R2 were more strongly expressed in tumor cells than normal epithelium(p<0.05). Apoptosis correlated with expression of TRAIL-Rl and -R2(p<0.05). This study suggests that TRAIL induces apoptosis in cervical cancer through its receptors.
Antigens, CD95 ; Apoptosis ; Biological Processes ; Blotting, Western ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cytokines ; Epithelium ; Homeostasis ; Humans ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; Necrosis ; Receptors, TNF-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand* ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of the combination therapy of intravitreal bevacizumab injection and photodynamic therapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration associated with large retinal pigment epithelial detachment. METHODS: A total of 13 eyes were reviewed, with 9 eyes diagnosed with definite choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and 4 eyes diagnosed with CNV or polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) becausethe exact type could not be determined. Photodynamic therapy was performed within 1 week after bevacizumab injection according to indocyanine green angiography (ICGA). Additional bevacizumab injections were performed within a 4 to 6 week interval. Additional photodynamic therapy was performed within 4 months. RESULTS: The visual acuity on final examination had improved in 3 eyes (23.1%), was maintained in 7 eyes (53.8%), and decreased in 3 eyes (23.1%). The change of the PED before and after treatment showed regression in 5 eyes (38.5%), recurrence after regression in 2 eyes (15.4%), persistence in 4 eyes (30.8%), and retinal pigment epithelial tear in 2 eyes (15.4%). The maintained or improved visual acuity rate was 66.7% (6/9) and 100% (4/4) in the CNV and CNV or PCV group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The combination therapy in neovascular age-related macular degenerationassociated with large retinal pigment epithelial detachment is a viable alternative treatment in the stabilization and improvement of vision. However, further studies with long-term follow up and controlled studies with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor antibody monotherapy are required.
Angiography ; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Choroid ; Choroidal Neovascularization ; Endothelial Growth Factors ; Eye ; Follow-Up Studies ; Indocyanine Green ; Macular Degeneration ; Photochemotherapy ; Recurrence ; Retinal Detachment ; Retinaldehyde ; Vision, Ocular ; Visual Acuity ; Bevacizumab

BACKGROUND: Lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] is a subspecies of low-density lipoprotein and has been shown to be associated with pathogenesis of thrombosis-related disease. It is already known that patients with diabetic nephropathy are usually complicated by vascular complications such as coronary artery diseases and cerebrovascular accidents. According to the recent data, Lp(a) level tends to be increased as the proteinuria is increased and renal function are decreased. We evaluated the Lp(a) level to know whether its level is correlated to the severity of diabetic nephropathy. METHODS: We investigated Lp(a) levels in eighty-one patients with Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetic patients. They were divided into four groups according to the level of urinary albumin excretion and serum creatinine level: Group 1 (n=30): normal renal function + urine microalbumin or=1.5mg/dL. Blood samples were obtained during the morning in the fasting state and separated serum from the it and reserved at -70degrees C. Lp(a) concentration was checked by one-step sandwich ELISA test. All grouped data were expressed as mean+/-SD. ANOVA and unpaired t-test was used to assess the statistical difference between any two means. RESULTS: Lp(a) levels were 30.2+/-4.6mg/dL in Group 1, 42.7+/-8.2mg/dL in group 2, 73.4+/-19.7mg/dL in group 3, and 80.7+/-14.8mg/dL in group 4. The level of Lp(a) in group4, group 3, and group 2 was significantly higher than that of group 1 respectively (P=0.009, 0.001, 0.038). However, no significant correlation was observed between the level of Lp(a) and that of total cholesterol, triglyceride and total lipid in all groups. CONCLUSIONS: these results indicate that Lp(a) concentrations are increased in the patients with diabetic nephropathy with microalbuminuria or overt proteinuria. So, the presence of albuminuria may be the important determinant for the elevated Lp(a) level in diabetic nephropathy.
Albuminuria ; Cholesterol ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Creatinine ; Diabetic Nephropathies* ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fasting ; Humans ; Lipoprotein(a)* ; Lipoproteins* ; Proteinuria ; Stroke ; Triglycerides ; Urinalysis