For a minimally invasive approach to access the facial nerve, we designed an extended epitympanotomy via a transmastoid approach that has proven useful in cases of traumatic facial nerve palsy and pre-cholesteatoma. To evaluate the surgical exposure through an extended epitympanotomy, six patients with traumatic facial nerve palsy were enrolled in this study. The same surgical technique was used in all patients. Patients were assessed and the degree of facial nerve paralysis was determined prior to surgery, 1-week post-operatively, and 6-months post-operatively using the House-Brackmann grading system. In all cases, surgical exposure was adequate. All patients with traumatic facial nerve palsy were male and the age range was 13 to 83 years. In all cases, the location of the facial nerve damage was limited to the area between the first and second genu. Symptoms of all the patients improved by 6 months post-operation (p=0.024). There were no complications in any of the patients. Extended epitympanotomy is useful for safe, rapid surgical exposure of the attic area, sparing the patient post-operative dimpling, skin incision complications, and lengthy exposure to anesthesia. We suggest that surgery for patients with facial nerve palsy secondary to trauma be performed using this described technique.
Anesthesia ; Decompression ; Ear, Middle ; Facial Nerve ; Humans ; Male ; Mastoid ; Middle Ear Ventilation ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; Paralysis ; Skin

BubR1 mitotic checkpoint kinase monitors attachment of microtubules to kinetochores and links regulation of the chromosome-spindle attachment to mitotic checkpoint signaling. Defects in BubR1-mediated signaling severely perturb checkpoint control and are linked to diseases such as cancer. Studies using BubR1 mouse models suggest that BubR1 activities prevent premature aging and infertility. In this study, we show that BubR1 depletion in human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) precedes loss of the differentiation potential and induction of replicative senescence. These effects occur independently of p16(INK4A) expression and may involve DNA methylation. Our results reveal a new and unsuspected feature of BubR1 expression in regulation of adult stem cell differentiation.
*Adipogenesis ; Adipose Tissue/*cytology ; Adult ; Cell Aging ; Cells, Cultured ; DNA Methylation ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Genes, p16 ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/*cytology/metabolism ; Protein-Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics/*metabolism

To examine and identify the changing pattern of published articles in the otology literature over the past several decades. We used a variety of search engines available through PubMed.gov based on key words in the following categories: diagnosis, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic tools. The number of searchable key words increased from 1945 to the present. Overall, there has been a major shift in topics cover in the otological literature. Most recently, there has been significant increases in the following categories: age-related hearing loss, speech discrimination, and cochlear implantation. Based on this analysis, we believe these represent the areas of major research in the field of otology today. The present study is a bibliometric analysis of the changing pattern of published articles using a new analytic approach. The results identify the shifting topics of research in otology and might be helpful for future studies in Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
Bibliometrics ; Cochlear Implantation ; Cochlear Implants ; Diagnosis ; Head ; Hearing Loss ; Neck ; Otolaryngology* ; Search Engine ; Speech Perception

To examine and identify the changing pattern of published articles in the otology literature over the past several decades. We used a variety of search engines available through PubMed.gov based on key words in the following categories: diagnosis, diagnostic tools, and therapeutic tools. The number of searchable key words increased from 1945 to the present. Overall, there has been a major shift in topics cover in the otological literature. Most recently, there has been significant increases in the following categories: age-related hearing loss, speech discrimination, and cochlear implantation. Based on this analysis, we believe these represent the areas of major research in the field of otology today. The present study is a bibliometric analysis of the changing pattern of published articles using a new analytic approach. The results identify the shifting topics of research in otology and might be helpful for future studies in Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
Bibliometrics ; Cochlear Implantation ; Cochlear Implants ; Diagnosis ; Head ; Hearing Loss ; Neck ; Otolaryngology* ; Search Engine ; Speech Perception

Despite advances in surgical and clinical management, metastatic disease, notably to the lungs, liver, bone, and brain is the most common cause of death from breast cancer. Two basic principles govern the process of metastasis. First, that the tumors are heterogeneous populations of cells, and second, that the process of metastasis is a sequence of events that depends on tumor cell properties and interactions with the microenvironment at the sites of metastasis. In theory, inhibitors targeted at any of the steps of metastasis have the potential to inhibit metastatic progression. In vitro assays cannot simulate accurately the complex process of metastasis, and the use of appropriate animal model is necessary to model the process, and to test the impact of targeted inhibitors on the growth and development of breast cancer metastasis. Animal models for growth and metastasis of rodent and human breast cancer cells have been developed, including models that target the metastatic growth in key organs such as the bone and brain.
Brain ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Cause of Death ; Growth and Development ; Humans ; Liver ; Lung ; Models, Animal ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Rodentia

Background: Gastric ulcer is one of the prevalent diseases in racehorses. However, it has not been recognized as important in Korea, and drugs used to treat gastric ulcers are included in the doping test list, so they are not allowed to be administered to racehorses in training. Objectives: This study was performed 1) to investigate the prevalence and the severity of gastric ulcers in Thoroughbred racehorses in Korea, 2) to confirm the therapeutic effect of ranitidine and omeprazole, and 3) to compare the efficacy between ranitidine and omeprazole. Methods: Forty-nine horses were randomly recruited, and gastroscopy was performed within two days after racing. Twelve horses with a sum grade of five or higher were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Seven horses were administered ranitidine, and five horses were administered omeprazole. Follow-up gastroscopy was scheduled within one to five days after finishing the treatment. Results: The prevalence of gastric ulcer in Korean Thoroughbred racehorses after racing was 100%, and the grade was more severe in the non-glandular region than in the pyloric region.There was no correlation between the severity of gastric ulcer in the two regions. Omeprazole had a greater therapeutic effect than ranitidine. Conclusions This study shows the importance of recognizing gastric ulcers as an important factor, and omeprazole as a possible treatment option in Korea, as it has been removed from the list of prohibited substances for racehorses. Thus, the use of omeprazole is currently recommended until one day before the race.

A total of 1,618 ticks [420 individual (adults) and pooled (larvae and nymphs) samples], 369 rodents (Apodemus arius, Rattus norvegicus, Tscherskia triton, Mus musculus, and Myodes regulus), and 34 shrews (Crocidura lasiura) that were collected in northern Gyeonggi-do near the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) of Korea during 2004-2005, were assayed by PCR for selected zoonotic pathogens. From a total of 420 individual and pooled tick DNA samples, Anaplasma (A.) phagocytophilum (16), A. platys (16), Ehrlichia (E.) chaffeensis (63), Borrelia burgdorferi (16), and Rickettsia spp. (198) were detected using species-specific PCR assays. Out of 403 spleens from rodents and shrews, A. phagocytophilum (20), A. platys (34), E. chaffeensis (127), and Bartonella spp. (24) were detected with species-specific PCR assays. These results suggest that fevers of unknown causes in humans and animals in Korea should be evaluated for infections by these vector-borne microbial pathogens.
Anaplasma phagocytophilum/genetics/isolation & purification ; Animals ; Biological Warfare ; DNA, Bacterial/genetics/isolation & purification ; Ehrlichiosis/transmission/veterinary ; Humans ; Korea ; Mice/*microbiology ; Rats/*microbiology ; Seasons ; Shrews/*microbiology ; Ticks/*microbiology ; Zoonoses

INTRODUCTION: Drug allergies are often self-reported but of unknown accuracy. We carried out a prospective study to examine the utility and safety of formal allergology evaluation, and to identify factors associated with accurate drug allergy labels. METHOD: All patients who underwent drug allergy evaluation in our clinic during the study period were recruited. Baseline demographics, characteristics of index hypersensitivity reaction and outcomes of evaluation were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 331 patients from March 2019 to June 2021 completed drug allergy evaluation to index drugs of concern. There were 123 (37%) male patients, and the mean age was 49 years (standard deviation 17). There were 170 beta-lactam antibiotics, 53 peri-operative drugs, 43 others, 38 non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and 27 non-beta-lactam antibiotic evaluations. Index reaction occurred within 5 years in 165 (50%) patients, with latency of less than 4 hours in 125 (38%) patients. The most common index reactions were rash, angioedema and urticaria. There were 57 (17%) evaluations stratified as low risk, 222 (67%) moderate risk, and 52 (16%) high risk based on multidisciplinary consensus. Allergy label was found to be false (negative drug evaluation) in 248 (75%) patients, while 16/237 (7%) skin tests, 44/331 (13%) in-clinic graded challenge, and 23/134 (17%) home prolonged challenges were positive (true drug allergy). The most common evaluation reactions were rash and urticaria. No cases of anaphylaxis were elicited. CONCLUSION Seventy-five percent of drug allergy labels are inaccurate. Risk-stratified, protocolised allergy evaluation is safe. Prolonged drug challenge increases the sensitivity of drug allergy evaluation and should therefore be performed when indicated.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Prospective Studies ; Drug Hypersensitivity/epidemiology* ; Exanthema ; Urticaria ; Monobactams

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the outcome of implementation of transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for low rectal cancer in a regional hospital and in comparison to laparoscopic (Lap) TME. Methods: Consecutive patients with low rectal cancer of which the lowest border of the tumour was located beween 1 and 5 cm from the puborectalis who underwent TME at North District Hospital between January 2013 and December 2019 were included. Clinical, operative, and pathologic outcomes were compared between Lap TME and TaTME. The primary end point was complication profile. Results: Thirty-five patients underwent Lap TME and 45 patients underwent TaTME for low rectal cancer. The conversion rate of the TaTME group was significantly lower than that of the Lap TME group (4.4% vs. 20%, P=0.029), but the operating time was longer (259 minutes vs. 219 minutes, P=0.009). The tumour location was significantly lower in the TaTME group, but the distal resection margins were adequate and not different between both groups. The TaTME group had higher incidence rates of prolonged ileus and urinary tract infection, but the other complications were similar between the two groups. The resection margin positivity rates of the TaTME and Lap TME groups were 2.2% and 5.7%, respectively (P=0.670). At a median follow up of 39 months, no abnormal early recurrence was detected. Conclusion It is technically feasible and oncologically safe to perform TaTME in a medium-volume colorectal unit. Patients with difficult pelvic anatomy can benefit by reducing the risk of conversion and margin positivity rate.

Background: To determine patient factors that lead to treatment of meniscal tears with osteoarthritis (OA) with knee arthroscopy (KA) or physical therapy only (PT-only); and to assess differences in clinical outcomes including the time to knee arthroplasty. Methods: Patients aged ≥ 45 years with OA at meniscal tear diagnosis were followed up from the date of surgery (KA) or first PT visit (PT-only) until partial/total knee replacement surgery, death, disenrollment, or end of study. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared and used to derive propensity scores. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate the risk of knee replacement surgery and greater healthcare utilization associated with KA vs. PT-only. Results: Among 7,026 patients (KA, 69%; PT-only, 31%), 27% had partial or total knee replacement surgery during follow-up.PT-only patients were older and more likely to be women and had more comorbidities. After accounting for differences between groups, the cumulative incidence of knee replacement was modestly but significantly higher for those who received KA than those who underwent PT-only (hazard ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 1.17–1.44; p < 0.001), although there was no significant difference in health service utilization, narcotic medication dispenses, or knee injections after initiating treatment. Conclusions For patients with meniscal damage complicated by OA, those who underwent KA were 30% more likely to have partial or total knee replacement surgery at any given time than those who had PT alone.