Background: There is a strong correlation between risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) and aortic aneurysm (AA). We aimed to investigate the prevalence and prognostic impact of CAD and AA in patients who underwent coronary aorta computed tomography (CACT) protocol, which allowed simultaneous evaluation of coronary artery and aorta. Methods: Between 2010 and 2021, 1,553 patients who underwent CACT were enrolled from a tertiary center. The presence and location of AA and the presence of CAD were identified from CT. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, acute coronary syndrome requiring urgent revascularization, and stroke at 3 years after the index CT scan. Results: Out of 1,553 enrolled patients, 179 (11.5%) had AA. The prevalence of CAD was significantly higher in patients with AA than those without (47.5% vs. 18.3%, P < 0.001). Among patients with AA, the prevalence of comorbid CAD was higher in those with abdominal AA than thoracic AA (57.3% vs. 37.8%, P = 0.014), respectively. In multivariable analysis, the presence of CAD was an independent predictor of primary outcome at 3 years (hazard ratio [HR], 2.58; 95% CI, 1.47–4.51; P = 0.001), while AA was not (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.48–2.07; P = 0.993). Conclusion In this cohort of patients undergoing simultaneous evaluation of coronary artery and aorta using CACT protocol, patients with AA had an increased risk of comorbid CAD compared to those without AA. CAD was independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes at 3 years.

PURPOSE: Our study aims to evaluate to evaluate clinical outcomes after cephalic vein transposition (CVT) to the axilla in patients with brachiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (BC-AVF) and cephalic arch stenosis (CAS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hospital records of 13 patients (median age, 61 years; males, 54%) who received CVT to the proximal basilic/axillary vein due to either dysfunction (n=2) or thrombosis (n=11) between January 2010 and February 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Operation was performed under local anesthesia in all cases. There was no technical failure. Concomitant inflow procedure (banding or aneurysmorrhaphy) was performed in 5 patients (38%). During follow-up (1 to 50 months, median 17 months), 3 patients died with functioning AVF and one was successfully transplanted. Two patients suffered from recurrent symptomatic stenosis of AVF and received percutaneous balloon angioplasty. Another 2 patients experienced AVF occlusion treated with interposition graft and manual fragmentation. Overall primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates were 77.5%, 92.3%, and 100% at 6 months and 66.1%, 92.3%, and 100% at 1 year, respectively. CONCLUSION: Although most patients presented with BC-AVF occlusion, technical success and access patency rates after CVT were favorable compared with historical data for interventional treatment. CVT should be considered as an appropriate option in selected patients with CAS.
Anesthesia, Local ; Angioplasty, Balloon ; Arteriovenous Fistula* ; Axilla ; Constriction, Pathologic* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospital Records ; Humans ; Male ; Renal Dialysis ; Retrospective Studies ; Thrombosis ; Transplants ; Veins*

The current COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has completely changed human life for more than two years. Upon the emergence of this new lethal virus, multiple approaches were utilized to gain basic knowledge about its biology. Moreover, modern technologies, such as the organoid model system and next-generation sequencing, enabled us to rapidly establish strategies to tackle the disease, including vaccines and therapeutics. The recently developed organoid technology reflects human physiology more closely than other model systems. Coupled with its rapidness, high efficiency, and outstanding reliability, it has provided an opportunity to develop new drugs and understand the impact of the viral pathogen on the host. Recent findings using organoids have successfully revealed the cellular tropism of the virus in different organs and identified potential drug candidates that impact the disease. This review will summarize current achievements made with organoids in the fight against COVID-19.

A bursa is an obstructive sac filled with synovial fluid and usually occurs in any area of the body exposed to friction. The bursa of the ankle is not a normal anatomical structure and is caused by repetitive trauma, constant friction, or inflammatory disease of the ankle. Bursitis can occur in any bursa in the human body; however it rarely progresses to septic arthritis. We report a rare case of septic ankle arthritis following intractable lateral malleolar bursitis successfully treated with negative-pressure wound therapy.

Despite hearing loss being a prevalent chronic condition, estimated to nearly 20% of the global population by the World Health Organization, the specific association with individual lifestyle factors, particularly alcohol consumption, remains unclear. In South Korea, approximately 80% of the population engages in alcohol consumption, with a notably high prevalence among males, indicating a high-risk drinking pattern. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the correlation between alcohol consumption and hearing loss in male workers, as well as to analyze additional variables such as alcohol flushing reaction, with the intention of improving worker health.

Despite hearing loss being a prevalent chronic condition, estimated to nearly 20% of the global population by the World Health Organization, the specific association with individual lifestyle factors, particularly alcohol consumption, remains unclear. In South Korea, approximately 80% of the population engages in alcohol consumption, with a notably high prevalence among males, indicating a high-risk drinking pattern. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the correlation between alcohol consumption and hearing loss in male workers, as well as to analyze additional variables such as alcohol flushing reaction, with the intention of improving worker health.

Despite hearing loss being a prevalent chronic condition, estimated to nearly 20% of the global population by the World Health Organization, the specific association with individual lifestyle factors, particularly alcohol consumption, remains unclear. In South Korea, approximately 80% of the population engages in alcohol consumption, with a notably high prevalence among males, indicating a high-risk drinking pattern. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the correlation between alcohol consumption and hearing loss in male workers, as well as to analyze additional variables such as alcohol flushing reaction, with the intention of improving worker health.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and safety of cardia preserving proximal gastrectomy, in early gastric cancer of the upper third. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 patients were diagnosed with early gastric cancer of the upper third through endoscopic biopsy. The operation time, length of resection free margin, number of resected lymph nodes and postoperative complications, gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional status, anastomotic stricture, and recurrence were examined. RESULTS: There were 5 males and 5 females. The mean age was 56.5+/-0.5 years. The mean operation time was 188.5+/-0.5 minutes (laparoscopic operation was 270 minutes). Nine patients were T1 stage (T2 : 1), and N stage was all N0. The mean number of resected lymph nodes was 25.2+/-0.5. The length of proximal resection free margin was 3.1+/-0.1 cm and distal was 3.7+/-0.1 cm. Early complications were surgical site infection (1), bleeding (1), and gastro-esophageal reflux disease (1) (this symptom was improved with medication). Late complications were dyspepsia (3) (this symptom was improved without any treatment), and others were nonspecific results of endoscopy or symptom. CONCLUSIONS: Cardia preserving proximal gastrectomy was feasible for early gastric cancer of the upper third. Further evaluation and prospective research will be required.
Biopsy ; Cardia ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Dyspepsia ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Gastrectomy ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Lymph Nodes ; Male ; Nutritional Status ; Postoperative Complications ; Recurrence ; Stomach Neoplasms

Antibodies to cardiolipin and other phospholipid have been associated with recurrent thrombotic events, including ischemic strokes, especially in children and young adults. Recently it has been shown that anti-beta2-glycoprotein I antibodies may be more specific in predicting thrombosis. We report a case of anterior spinal artery syndrome with elevated titer of antibodies to beta2-glycoprotein I in young adult.
Anterior Spinal Artery Syndrome ; Antibodies ; Antiphospholipid Syndrome ; beta 2-Glycoprotein I ; Cardiolipins ; Child ; Humans ; Stroke ; Thrombosis ; Young Adult

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of a new surgical technique—customized staple fixation using K-wire—in displaced metacarpal neck or base fractures. Materials and Methods: From November 2016 to May 2017, 13 unstable metacarpal neck and base fractures (10 patients) were treated with II-shaped customized K-wire staples fixation, after performing open reductions through minimal dorsal incisions. The radiological and clinical outcomes were retrospectively evaluated. Results: A mean of 2.6 staples were used for each fracture fixation. Preoperative angulation of 36.3°was reduced to 3.1° postoperatively. A week after surgery, the volar short arm splint was replaced with a dorsal splint to initiate active range of motion exercise, and the splint was subsequently removed after 3 weeks. The radiologic union was achieved at a mean of 5.1 weeks, and total active motion was recovered at a mean of 7.4 weeks. On a mean, K-wire staples were removed at 16.5 weeks after the surgery, and the mean treatment took 18.6 weeks. At the final follow-up (at mean 27.3 weeks), no significant difference was observed for total active motion of the digits and grip strength, when compared to the contralateral hand. Complete union was achieved in all fractures without deformity, or complications such as infection or nerve injury. All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic and functional outcomes. Conclusion K-wire stapling is an effective alternative modality in treating unstable displaced metacarpal neck or base fractures. It requires minimal incision to enable open reduction. In addition, early mobilization is ensured through the rigid fixations. Moreover, it prevents postoperative joint stiffness and reduces the time needed for treatment.