PURPOSE: We compared the extent of prostatic involution after treatment with finasteride, a potent 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, with those caused by castration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rats were divided into two groups: finasteride-treated and castrated ones. Finasteride-treated rats were given 1mg/kg a day orally. The rats were sacrificed immediately, and on days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 21 after treatment. The prostate was immediately removed, weighed and either prepared for histological examination detecting apoptotic bodies by hematoxylin and rosin staining or frozen in liquid nitrogen for the determination of intraprostatic DHT concentration and DNA content, for detection of 180-bp DNA ladder by agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Either finasteride or castration decreased prostate weight and DNA content, which the degree of decrease was more pronounced in castrated group than in finasteride-treated group. Both finasteride and castration caused a decrease in intraprostatic DHT concentration, which these processes occurred to a more rapid and greater extent in finasteride-treated group. By 3 days of finasteride treatment, the intraprostatic DHT concentration decreased to a greater extent with no further significant change thereafter, while castration decreased gradually in intraprostatic DHT concentration up to day 10, with no further significant decrease thereafter. In the pattern of cell loss determined by hematoxylin and eosin staining, apoptotlc bodies were observed typically in castration group but not in finasteride-treated group. In agarose gel electrophoresis, 180-bp DNA ladder was found in finasteride-treated group through experimental days but in castrated after 3 days of experiment this ladder was not found. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that castration caused a more profound involution of rat ventral prostate than finasteride. But the extent of prostatic involution was not correlated with intraprostatic DHT concentration. Although we could not found the apoptotic body in finasteride-treated group, the 180-bp DNA ladder suggesting apoptosis was detected.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Castration* ; DNA ; Electrophoresis, Agar Gel ; Eosine Yellowish-(YS) ; Finasteride* ; Hematoxylin ; Nitrogen ; Prostate* ; Rats*

BACKGROUND: The number of cases employing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has been increasing due to lower morbidity and mortality compared to open repair technique. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcome of TEVAR for thoracic aortic diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients underwent TEVAR from October 2003 to April 2010. Mean age at operation was 59 years (20~78 years), and 11 were male. Indications for TEVAR were large aortic diameter (>5.5 cm) upon presentation in 6 patients, increasing aortic diameter during the follow-up period in 4, traumatic aortic rupture in 3, persistent chest pain in 2, and ruptured aortic aneurysm in one. The mean diameter, length and the number of the stents were 33 mm (26~40 mm), 12 cm (9.5~16.0 cm), and 1.25 (1~2), respectively. Aortography employing Multi-detector computerized tomography (MDCT) technique was performed at one week, and patients were followed up in the out-patient department at one month, 6 months, and one year postoperatively. RESULTS: Primary technical success showing complete exclusion of the aneurysm was achieved in 15 patients. One patient showed a small endo-leak (type 1). Four patients developed perioperative stroke: Three recovered without sequelae, and one showed mild right-side weakness. There was no operative mortality. Diameter of the thoracic aorta covered by stent graft changed within 10% range in 12 patients, decreased by more than 10% in 3, and increased by more than 10% in one during mean follow-up duration of 18 months (1~73 months). There was no recurrence-related death during this period. CONCLUSION: Intermediate-term outcome after TEVAR was encouraging. Indications for TEVAR could be extended for other thoracic aortic diseases.
Aneurysm ; Aorta ; Aorta, Thoracic ; Aortic Aneurysm ; Aortic Diseases ; Aortic Rupture ; Aortography ; Chest Pain ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Outpatients ; Stents ; Transplants

No abstract available.
Humans ; Intensive Care Units* ; Critical Care* ; Korea*

Background: Menarche has a significant impact on the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS); however, studies in this area are insufficient. This study used large-scale school screening data to investigate the relationship between menarcheal age and AIS, especially the severity of scoliosis. Methods: Of 2,326,577 students who participated in school screening for scoliosis (SSS) in South Korea from 2001 to 2021, 38,879 girls with AIS, who experienced menarche, were included. Data including the patient’s demographics, such as menarcheal age, Cobb angle, Risser stage, and the interval between menarche and the time of screening were retrieved from the SSS database.Pearson correlation coefficient was used to identify the changes in menarcheal age according to the birth year and to investigate the relationship between menarcheal age and each variable of interest. Results: Based on the birth year, the mean menarcheal ages in girls with AIS from 1988 to 2008 demonstrated a steadily decreasing trend over time (r = –0.857, p < 0.001). Girls with AIS and late menarche demonstrated a higher Cobb angle at the time of screening (r = 0.095, p < 0.001). Other variables did not significantly correlate with menarcheal age. Conclusions Based on the SSS, a large-scale school screening dataset, menarcheal age in girls with AIS demonstrated an ongoing downward trend in the recent 20 years in South Korea. Notably, girls with AIS and late menarche had a higher Cobb angle at screening. Our findings indicate the need for earlier screening of AIS in girls who have not undergone menarche.

Background: Menarche has a significant impact on the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS); however, studies in this area are insufficient. This study used large-scale school screening data to investigate the relationship between menarcheal age and AIS, especially the severity of scoliosis. Methods: Of 2,326,577 students who participated in school screening for scoliosis (SSS) in South Korea from 2001 to 2021, 38,879 girls with AIS, who experienced menarche, were included. Data including the patient’s demographics, such as menarcheal age, Cobb angle, Risser stage, and the interval between menarche and the time of screening were retrieved from the SSS database.Pearson correlation coefficient was used to identify the changes in menarcheal age according to the birth year and to investigate the relationship between menarcheal age and each variable of interest. Results: Based on the birth year, the mean menarcheal ages in girls with AIS from 1988 to 2008 demonstrated a steadily decreasing trend over time (r = –0.857, p < 0.001). Girls with AIS and late menarche demonstrated a higher Cobb angle at the time of screening (r = 0.095, p < 0.001). Other variables did not significantly correlate with menarcheal age. Conclusions Based on the SSS, a large-scale school screening dataset, menarcheal age in girls with AIS demonstrated an ongoing downward trend in the recent 20 years in South Korea. Notably, girls with AIS and late menarche had a higher Cobb angle at screening. Our findings indicate the need for earlier screening of AIS in girls who have not undergone menarche.

Background: Menarche has a significant impact on the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS); however, studies in this area are insufficient. This study used large-scale school screening data to investigate the relationship between menarcheal age and AIS, especially the severity of scoliosis. Methods: Of 2,326,577 students who participated in school screening for scoliosis (SSS) in South Korea from 2001 to 2021, 38,879 girls with AIS, who experienced menarche, were included. Data including the patient’s demographics, such as menarcheal age, Cobb angle, Risser stage, and the interval between menarche and the time of screening were retrieved from the SSS database.Pearson correlation coefficient was used to identify the changes in menarcheal age according to the birth year and to investigate the relationship between menarcheal age and each variable of interest. Results: Based on the birth year, the mean menarcheal ages in girls with AIS from 1988 to 2008 demonstrated a steadily decreasing trend over time (r = –0.857, p < 0.001). Girls with AIS and late menarche demonstrated a higher Cobb angle at the time of screening (r = 0.095, p < 0.001). Other variables did not significantly correlate with menarcheal age. Conclusions Based on the SSS, a large-scale school screening dataset, menarcheal age in girls with AIS demonstrated an ongoing downward trend in the recent 20 years in South Korea. Notably, girls with AIS and late menarche had a higher Cobb angle at screening. Our findings indicate the need for earlier screening of AIS in girls who have not undergone menarche.

Background: Menarche has a significant impact on the progression of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS); however, studies in this area are insufficient. This study used large-scale school screening data to investigate the relationship between menarcheal age and AIS, especially the severity of scoliosis. Methods: Of 2,326,577 students who participated in school screening for scoliosis (SSS) in South Korea from 2001 to 2021, 38,879 girls with AIS, who experienced menarche, were included. Data including the patient’s demographics, such as menarcheal age, Cobb angle, Risser stage, and the interval between menarche and the time of screening were retrieved from the SSS database.Pearson correlation coefficient was used to identify the changes in menarcheal age according to the birth year and to investigate the relationship between menarcheal age and each variable of interest. Results: Based on the birth year, the mean menarcheal ages in girls with AIS from 1988 to 2008 demonstrated a steadily decreasing trend over time (r = –0.857, p < 0.001). Girls with AIS and late menarche demonstrated a higher Cobb angle at the time of screening (r = 0.095, p < 0.001). Other variables did not significantly correlate with menarcheal age. Conclusions Based on the SSS, a large-scale school screening dataset, menarcheal age in girls with AIS demonstrated an ongoing downward trend in the recent 20 years in South Korea. Notably, girls with AIS and late menarche had a higher Cobb angle at screening. Our findings indicate the need for earlier screening of AIS in girls who have not undergone menarche.

Although non-vitamin K-antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) reduce major bleeding events in patients with atrial fibrillation more effectively than does warfarin, a significant bleeding risk remains. Patients exhibiting current bleeding and those who are expected to bleed require appropriate management, because NOAC discontinuation may increase the thromboembolic risk. This article details general management principles for patients experiencing current bleeding and those undergoing invasive surgery while on NOACs.
Anticoagulants ; Atrial Fibrillation ; Heart ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Perioperative Care ; Warfarin

Although non-vitamin K-antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs) reduce major bleeding events in patients with atrial fibrillation more effectively than does warfarin, a significant bleeding risk remains. Patients exhibiting current bleeding and those who are expected to bleed require appropriate management, because NOAC discontinuation may increase the thromboembolic risk. This article details general management principles for patients experiencing current bleeding and those undergoing invasive surgery while on NOACs.

BACKGROUND: This study was purposed to study the effect of reoxygenation with room air as compared to FiO2 1.0 in a feline model subjected to hypoxemia followed by reoxygenation. Changes in the brain energy metabolism were investigated by 31P magnetic resonance spectroscopy(31P MRS). METHODS: Twelve cats were employed for this study and divided into two groups(6 cats each). Both groups were subjected to hypoxemia for 1 hr with FiO2 0.07 followed by reoxygenation for 2hrs. For group I, the reoxygenation was done by FiO2 1.0 and for group 2, by room air. Brain intracellular pH and the ratio of Pcr/Pi(phosphocreatine/inorganic phosphate) were calculated from the spectra acquired every 15 mimutes of the hypoxemia and reoxygenation periods. RESULTS: The intracellular pH of the baseline were 7.07+/-0.01 and 7.04+/-0.01 for group 1 and group 2, respectively, and dropped to 6.89+/-0.04 and 6.83+/-0.06 during hypoxemia. For both groups, the intracellular pH returned to baseline values after 30 minutes of reoxygenation. The ratios of Pcr/Pi of the baseline were 2.41+/-0.21 and 2.47+/-0.15, for group 1 and group 2, and dropped to 0.77+/-0.10 and 0.70+/-0.11, respectively, during hypoxemia and recovered to the baseline values after 30 minutes of reoxygenation for both groups. For both pH and the ratios of Pcr/Pi, the differences between the groups were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: From this study, we can conclude that reoxygenation by room air is as effective as FiO2 1.0 in the feline model of hypoxemia investigated by 31P MRS.
Animals ; Anoxia* ; Brain* ; Cats* ; Energy Metabolism* ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Metabolism ; Oxygen* ; Ventilation