The effect of IDU and cryocautery in the treatment of Herpes Simplex Keratitis was presented. The cryoapplicator was a model of Krwawlcz probe (2 mm in diameter) which was refrigerated in a mixture of dry ice and methyl alcohol. The applicator was appJied on the lesions 7 seconds each and antibiotics and atropine solutions were instilled. A good result was experienced in the treatment of several cases of dendritic kenititis by freezing the corneal lesions by means of cryoappJicator, which had not been responded to IDU therapy speedy. The deep neovascularization of the cornea in a case of stromal keratitis was disappeared after cryocautery for the treatment of the superficial corneal ulcers.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Atropine ; Cornea ; Dry Ice ; Freezing ; Herpes Simplex* ; Keratitis ; Keratitis, Herpetic* ; Methanol ; Ulcer

A study was performed to investigate a relationship between the status of T lymphocyte subsets in the peripheral blood and the pathogenesis of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) reactions. T lymphocyte subsets, B lymphocytes and serum immnnoglobulin levels were explored in 40 leprosy patients (10 tuberculoid (TT), 17 lepromatous (LL), and 13 lepromatous with ENL). In patients with LL, suppressor cells increased and helper cell diminished, resulting in a decrease in the helper/suppressor (Th/Ts) ratio to 0.86 + 0.20, as compared with controls (1. 77 + 0.41). But in ENL patients, there was a significant diminution of suppressor cells and an increase of helper cells, resulting in an increase in Th/Ts ratio to 2.08 + 0.30. Four weeks after treatment of ENL, Th/Ts ratio decreased to l.18+ 0.31 again. The mean percentages of B cells and serum immunoglobulin levels in with LL. and ENL increased significantly compared with controls. Only IgG increased in patients with ENL compared with patients with LL. The results in patiients with TT did not differ significantly from those of controls. The findings suggest that cell-mediated immune responses, imbalance in T lymphocyte subsets, may play a role in the pathogenesis of ENL, either directly or by inducing an antibody critical to the formation of the immune complex
Antigen-Antibody Complex ; B-Lymphocytes ; Erythema Nodosum* ; Erythema* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulins ; Leprosy ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets* ; T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer

To investigate the effect of carbon disulfide on blood pressure, the BP measurements in the periodic health examination results and the medical records of factory clinic were reviewed The study subjects were composed of 1336 male and 544 female workers, who were categorized into three groups by the exposure status-highly exposed, moderately exposed and non-exposed group. The results of the study were as follows; 1. The age-adjusted mean systolic and diastolic BP of male workers were 122.35 mmHg/79.11mmHg in highly exposed, 121.57mmHg/79.05mmHg in moderately exposed and 122.67mmHg/82.27mmHg in non-exposed group. For female workers, BP were 115.13mmHg/74.49mmHg in moderately exposed and 113.48mmHg/74.30mmHg in non-exposed group. 2. In multiple regression analysis of maximum BP against Age and tenure, the slope coefficients of age and tenure on the systolic BP were 0.379, 0.667 respectively and those on the diastolic BP were 0.331, 0.405 respectively in highly exposed male workers. Tenure was a significant variable in this study. For female workers, however, the slope coefficients of tenure on BP were significant only for systolic BP of moderately- expected group. 3. In multiple regression analysis of Bp against age, cumulative exposure index(CEI), cholesterol, all the variables showed significant slope coefficients in male, but age and CEl on systolic BP were significant for female workers (P<0.05). 4. In the multiple analysis of the amount of Bp change and the velocity of Bp change among male workers, the slope coefficients of tenure tended to increase as exposure level increased. Among female workers, the slope coefficients of tenure were significant on the amount of Bp change and the velocity of Bp change in moderately exposed group.
Blood Pressure* ; Carbon Disulfide* ; Carbon* ; Cholesterol ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Medical Records

No abstract available.
Female ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Outcome* ; Pregnancy*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a human herpes virus which causes certain type of lymphoma and some epithelial neoplasm such as undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma. However, the role of EBV as a causative factor in other head and neck tumor especially, in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma is not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between the prescence of EBV in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and clinicopathologic characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 65 cases of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma were retrieved from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks and analyzed for EBV by immunohistochemical staining. Results : The EBV was detected in 26(40%) of the 65 patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and 2(10%) of the 20 control ases. In 26 cases of EBV-positive patients, 13(46.4%) cases were supraglottic cancer and 13(35.1%) cases were glottic cancer. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that EBV may possibly play an etiologic role in the pathogenesis of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Head ; Herpesvirus 4, Human* ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; Neck ; Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial

Purpose: Using a new robotic endoscopic platform system developed for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) called easyUretero (ROEN Surgical Inc.), we evaluated the feasibility and safety of renal stone retrieval in a porcine model. Materials and Methods: Six female pigs were used for our in vivo study. First, 0.3-cm-sized phantom stones were inserted into the kidneys of each pig via the ureteral access sheath. Next, renal stone retrieval was attempted using manual RIRS in three pigs and robotic RIRS in three pigs. Three surgeons performed extraction of 10 stones in each session. Results: The mean stone retrieval time by manual RIRS was significantly shorter than that by robotic RIRS (399.9±185.4 sec vs. 1127.6±374.5 sec, p=0.001). In contrast, the questionnaire regarding usability showed high satisfaction in the surgeons’ fatigue category for surgeons using robotic RIRS. The radiation exposure dose was also lower in robotic RIRS than in manual RIRS (0.14 μSv vs. 45.5 μSv). Postoperative ureteral injury assessment revealed Grade 0 in manual RIRS cases and Grades 0, 1, and 2 in robotic RIRS cases. Conclusion The easyUretero system is a new robotic RIRS system that was developed in Korea. The results of the present study suggest that using easyUretero for stone retrieval during RIRS is safe and ergonomic.

PURPOSE: Hyperhomocysteinemia was observed in epileptic patients receiving anticonvulsants, especially homozygotes for mtehylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene 677C->T mutation. Hyperhomocysteinemia induce atherosclerosis, fetal anticonvulsant syndrome, etc. Therefore, we examined any other factors that might affect the level of homocysteine in epileptic patients. METHODS: We investigated the plasma total homocysteine level in 145 patients with epilepsy. And then we analyzed various factors (clinical findings, neuro-image finding, drugs, MTHFR gene, serum folate and vitamin B12 level) affecting the level of homocysteine. RESULTS: Among the various factors, male, present neurological deficits, frequent seizure attacks, MTHFR gene 677 TT genotype, polypharmacy, and conventional drug (phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproic acid, phenobarbital, primidone, benzodiazpines) than new drug (lamotrigine, vigabatrin, topiramate, oxcarbazepine zonisamide) were related with elevated homocysteine levels. CONCLUSION: We recommend monotherapy with new drugs and higher vitamin requirement in the male epileptic patients of MTHFR TT genotype with neurological deficits and frequent seizure attacks.
Anticonvulsants ; Atherosclerosis ; Carbamazepine ; Epilepsy ; Folic Acid ; Genotype ; Homocysteine* ; Homozygote ; Humans ; Hyperhomocysteinemia ; Male ; Oxidoreductases ; Phenobarbital ; Plasma ; Polypharmacy ; Primidone ; Seizures ; Valproic Acid ; Vigabatrin ; Vitamin B 12 ; Vitamins

BACKGROUND: A pharyngocutaneous fistula is a common and difficult-to-manage complication after head and neck reconstruction. It can lead to serious complications such as flap failure, carotid artery rupture, and pharyngeal stricture, and may require additional surgery. Previous radiotherapy, a low serum albumin level, and a higher T stage have been proposed as contributing factors. We aimed to clarify the risk factors for pharyngocutaneous fistula in patients who underwent flap reconstruction and to describe our experiences in treating pharyngocutaneous fistula. METHODS: Squamous cell carcinoma cases that underwent flap reconstruction after cancer resection from 1995 to 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. We investigated several significant clinical risk factors. The treatment modality was selected according to the size of the fistula and the state of the surrounding tissue, with options including conservative management, direct closure, flap surgery, and pharyngostoma formation. RESULTS: A total of 127 cases (18 with fistulae) were analyzed. A higher T stage (P=0.048) and tube-type reconstruction (P=0.007) increased fistula incidence; other factors did not show statistical significance (P>0.05). Two cases were treated with conservative management, 1 case with direct closure, 4 cases with immediate reconstruction using a pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap, and 11 cases with direct closure (4 cases) or additional flap surgery (7 cases) after pharyngostoma formation. CONCLUSIONS: Pharyngocutaneous fistula requires global management from prevention to treatment. In cases of advanced-stage cancer and tube-type reconstruction, a more cautious approach should be employed. Once it occurs, an accurate diagnosis of the fistula and a thorough assessment of the surrounding tissue are necessary, and aggressive treatment should be implemented in order to ensure satisfactory long-term results.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Carotid Arteries ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Cutaneous Fistula ; Diagnosis ; Fistula* ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Head ; Humans ; Hypopharynx* ; Incidence ; Myocutaneous Flap ; Neck ; Oropharynx* ; Postoperative Complications ; Radiotherapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors* ; Rupture ; Serum Albumin

BACKGROUND: Leptin, produced in the adipose tissue, is involved in the regulation of body weight. The release of the leptin is increased in obese adults even in children. This study investigated whether the serum leptin in cord blood was related to babys birth weight and metabolic parameters. METHODS: 71 pairs of singleton pregnancy babies and their mother were studied. Babies are classified in LGA (large for gestational age), AGA (appropriate for gestational age), SGA (small for gestational age) three groups. After delivery, cord blood and maternal venous blood samples were drawn. We measured the plasma leptin, insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1, insulin and proinsulin in cord and maternal serum. RESULTS: The concentration of leptin from cord blood was increased in LGA babies and decreased in SGA babies compued with the level in AGA babies. There was positive correlatian (r=0.55, p<0.01) between the plasma leptin level in cord and birth weight. There were positive correlatian between both the plasma proinsulin (r=0.37, p<0.01) and IGF-1 (r=0.32, p<0.01) and birth weight, too. But there was no difference between female and male baby's cord blood leptin level. In multiple regression analysis, cord blood leptin level was found independent factor related to birth weight ( p=0.001) CONCLUDION : The plasma leptin, proinsulin and IGF-1 is correlates to the birth weight. These data provide evidence that leptin and proinsulin are highly related to the nutritional status already during the fetal periods, and effect on the intrauterine fetal growth.
Adipose Tissue ; Adult ; Birth Weight* ; Body Weight ; Child ; Female ; Fetal Blood* ; Fetal Development ; Humans ; Insulin ; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I ; Leptin* ; Male ; Mothers ; Nutritional Status ; Parturition* ; Plasma ; Pregnancy ; Proinsulin

On 26 December 2004, a huge tsunami struck the coasts of South Asian countries and it resulted in 29,729 deaths and 16,665 injuries in Sri Lanka. This study characterizes the epidemiology, clinical data and time course of the medical problems seen by a Korean disaster medical assistance team (DMAT) during its deployment in Sri Lanka, from 2 to 8 January 2005. The team consisting of 20 surgical and medical personnel began to provide care 7 days after tsunami in the southern part of Sri Lanka, the Matara and Hambantota districts. During this period, a total of 2,807 patients visited our field clinics with 3,186 chief complaints. Using the triage and refer system, we performed 3,231 clinical examinations and made 3,259 diagnoses. The majority of victims had medical problems (82.4%) rather than injuries (17.6%), and most conditions (92.1%) were mild enough to be discharged after simple management. There were also substantial needs of surgical managements even in the second week following the tsunami. Our study also suggests that effective triage system, self-sufficient preparedness, and close collaboration with local authorities may be the critical points for the foreign DMAT activity.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Asia, Southeastern ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Emergency Medical Services/organization & administration/statistics & numerical data ; Female ; Geography ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; International Cooperation ; Korea ; Male ; *Medical Assistance ; Middle Aged ; *Natural Disasters ; Patients/classification/*statistics & numerical data ; *Relief Work ; Retrospective Studies ; Sri Lanka