Quantitative PCR and plaque assay are powerful virological techniques used to measure the load of defective or infectious virus in mouse and human. However, these methods display limitations such as cross contamination and long run-time. Here, we describe a novel technique termed as semi-functional quantitative flow cytometry (SFQF) for the accurate estimation of the quantity of infectious lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). LCMV titration method using flow cytometry was previously developed but has technical shortcomings, owing to the less optimized parameters such as cell overgrowth, plate scale, and detection threshold. Therefore, we first established optimized conditions for SFQF assay using LCMV nucleoprotein (NP)-specific antibody to evaluate the threshold of the virus detection range in the plaque assay. We subsequently demonstrated that the optimization of the method increased the sensitivity of virus detection. We revealed several new advantages of SFQF assay, which overcomes some of the previously contentious points, and established an upgraded version of the previously reported flow cytometric titration assay. This method extends the detection scale to the level of single cell, allowing extension of its application for in vivo detection of infected cells and their phenotypic analysis. Thus, SFQF assay may serve as an alternative analytical tool for ensuring the reliability of LCMV titration and can be used with other types of viruses using target-specific antibodies.
Animals ; Antibodies ; Flow Cytometry* ; Humans ; Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus* ; Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis* ; Methods ; Mice ; Nucleoproteins ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

BACKGROUND: Laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation are associated with hemodynamic pressor responses, which lead to adverse effect. Opioids have been used to reduce the hemodynamic change. The purpose of this study was to investigate an optimal dosage of remifentanil for attenuating hemodynamic change. METHODS: 120 ASA class 1-2 patients, scheduled for elective surgery, were divided randomly into 4 groups. Anesthesia was induced with vecuronium priming dose (0.01 mg/kg) and TCI of propofol target concentration 8 microgram/ml. This was reduced to 4 microgram/ml when the effect-site concentration had been 3 microgram/ml. After the effect-site concentration had reached 4 microgram/ml, vecuronium (0.09 mg/kg) was given. At the same time, control group received normal saline, group R0.25 received remifentanil 0.25 microgram/kg, group R0.5 received remifentanil 0.5 microgram/kg, group R1 received remifentanil 1 microgram/kg over 60s and an infusion 0.2 microgram/kg/min. Intubation was performed after maximum depression of the single twitch was shown by single twitch stimulation test. Sytolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate and BIS value were measured preinduction, after propofol induction, immediately before and after intubation and 1, 2, 3, 4 minutes after intubation, respectively. RESULTS: Post-intubation mean arterial pressure decreased significantly from pre-intubation value in group R0.5 and R1 (P < 0.05). In group R0.5 and R1, hypotension and bradycardia occurred but there were no significant differences in their incidence between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that remifentanil 0.5 microgram/kg bolus and an infusion of 0.2 microgram/kg/min attenuate the pressor response to tracheal intubation in patients anesthetized with propofol TCI.
Analgesics, Opioid ; Anesthesia ; Arterial Pressure ; Blood Pressure ; Bradycardia ; Depression ; Heart Rate ; Hemodynamics* ; Humans ; Hypotension ; Incidence ; Intubation* ; Laryngoscopy ; Propofol* ; Vecuronium Bromide

PURPOSE: To investigate the learning curve and its characteristics in our initial experiences with robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RLRP) with a new da Vinci-S surgical system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through inspection of the patients who underwent RLRP by a single urologic surgeon from July 2007 to May 2008, the variables related to surgery were evaluated prospectively. RESULTS: RLRP was performed in 50 patients. The patients' mean age (range) was 63 years (50-73 years), and 11 patients had a history of previous abdominal surgery. The mean total operation time was 281.6 min (190-455 min). The mean set-up time was 18.6 min (14-30 min), and the mean console time was 219.8 min (150-400 min). The mean estimated blood loss (EBL) was 375.7ml (200-800 ml). The overall margin-positive rate was 26% (13/50); it was 11.9% (5/42) for pT2 tumors and 100% (8/8) for pT3 tumors. Minor complications occurred in 5 patients. All complications were treated effectively with only conservative management. The total operation time, set-up time, console time, and EBL significantly decreased as the number of patients treated grew (Spearman's rank correlation, p<0.05; Rho=-0.49, -0.35, -0.54, -0.75, respectively). The mean total operation time, set-up time, console time, and EBL were significantly decreased in the last 35 patients who needed no transfusion (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of robotic surgery allowed the surgeon to complete the learning curve in a relatively short time period, with low perioperative complication rates and potentially good oncologic results, as indicated by the acceptable positive surgical margin in the patients with pathologically organ-confined disease.
Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Learning ; Learning Curve ; Prospective Studies ; Prostatectomy ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; Robotics

PURPOSE: In this study, we tried to develop the technique of osteotomy for hallux valgus. The new modified technique of osteotomy was accomplished with even more greater stability, accurate correction of the deformity and more effective than 'chevron' osteotomy in terms of correction of the deformity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 1998 and December 2001, 55 cases of new modified osteotomy for hallux valgus were performed for 39 patients, 16 of whom underwent operation of both feet. Operations were made for 34 women and 5 men whose average age was 46 years old (range, 20~71 years). Average follow up period was three years (range, 2~5 years), and during the follow up, the patients underwent physical examination and assessment with use of the American Orthpaedic Foot and Ankle Society's hallux-metatarso-phalangealinterphalangeal scale8) and standard foot radiographic measurements16). RESULTS: 37 patients (53 cases) out of 39 patients (55 cases) had no pain, good cosmesis, and all of the patients were satisfied with the results of the operation. Two had occasional mild discomfort. The average score according to the hallux-metatarso-phallangeal-interphalangeal scale8) was 93.2 points (range, 78~100 points). The average preoperative intermetatarsal angle was 14.4 degrees, which was decreased to 7.9 degrees after the osteotomy with an average correction of 6.5 degrees and The average preoperative hallux valgus angle was 34.1 degrees, which was decreased to 11.1 degrees after the osteotomy with an average correction of 23 degrees. This new modified technique would prevent the angulation or shortening at the osteotomy site and it was also even more stable at osteotomy site, and could do even more effective and accurate correction of the deformity than conventional Chevron osteotomy. CONCLUSION: New modified chevron osteotomy for the treatment of symptomatic hallux valgus was done in 55 cases, and the results were satisfactory in all cases. This method was more stable at the osteotomy site than conventional Chevron osteotomy and was also possible to do more accurate and more effective correction of the deformity. It was also easy to control the distal fragment of first metatarsal bone.
Ankle ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Foot ; Hallux Valgus* ; Hallux* ; Humans ; Male ; Metatarsal Bones ; Middle Aged ; Osteotomy* ; Physical Examination

Vestibular neuronitis is characterized by sudden onset of vertigo, horizonto-rotatory spontaneous nystagmus, loss of caloric response on the affected side with normal otoscopic findings, normal hearing and no other neurological deficit. The pathogenesis of the disease is still unproven, though the viral origin is strongly considered. Herpes simplex virus-type 1, Mumps virus, Rubella virus, Cytomegalovirus, Ebstein-Barr virus may have a role in the disease. Mumps virus is among the other rare causes, so we introduce a case of 13-year old girl who developed sudden vertigo with spontaneous nystagmus, nausea, and vomiting preceded by mumps in her left parotid one week ago. She was diagnosed as a vestibular neuronitis clinically, and serum IgM Ab of mumps virus was detected positive. This case supports the possible role of mumps virus in the etiology of vestibular neuronitis.
Cytomegalovirus ; Hearing ; Herpes Simplex ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin M ; Methylmethacrylates ; Mumps ; Mumps virus ; Nausea ; Parotitis ; Polystyrenes ; Rubella virus ; Vertigo ; Vestibular Neuronitis ; Viruses ; Vomiting

Otosclerosis is a primary metabolic bone disease of the otic capsule and ossicles. It is one of the causes of acquired hearing loss, with clinical manifestations occurring in approximately 1% of individuals in some populations in the Western countries. Although the cause of otosclerosis is undetermined, the disease has a well established hereditary predisposition, with approximately half of all affected individuals having family members known to be affected. Many genetic studies of otosclerosis support an autosomal dominant mode of inheritance with penetrance in the range of 20-40%. There have been a few reports of the clinically suspicious otosclerosis cases in Korea, but otosclerosis having familial forms have not been reported. We report one case of familial otosclerosis.
Bone Diseases, Metabolic ; Hearing Loss ; Humans ; Korea ; Otosclerosis* ; Penetrance ; Wills

Background: This study compares the difference in the clinical and radiologic outcomes when minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique is performed with or without using a positional screw in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Methods: From January 2010 to January 2021, a retrospective study was conducted on a total of 63 patients who underwent the MIPO technique for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. We divided these patients into 2 groups: in group I, patients underwent MIPO without a positional screw; in group II, patients underwent MIPO with a positional screw. We compared functional outcomes including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, University of California at Los Angeles score, Simple Shoulder Test, range of motion before and after surgery, operation time, blood loss, and complications. And we compared radiologic outcomes including pre- and postoperative anteroposterior (AP) and lateral displacement of the fracture and union time on plain radiographs. Results: The average patient age was 64.6 ± 15.1 years (range, 25–88 years). Group I consisted of 30 patients (10 men and 20 women), and group II consisted of 33 patients (11 men and 22 women). Between the 2 groups, there was no statistically significant difference in sex, body mass index, functional scores, AP and lateral displacement of the fracture on postoperative x-ray, operation time, and blood loss. In group II, a faster bony union was obtained than that in group I (4.6 vs. 6.4 months). Complications included 2 cases of transient radial nerve palsy in both groups and metallic failures (2 in group I and 1 in group II). Conclusions When performing MIPO for humeral shaft fractures, adding a positional screw could be more stabilizing than bridge plating without a positional screw, leading to faster bony union. A positional screw might help control interfragmentary movement without inhibiting essential interfragmentary movement for fracture healing.

Background: This study compares the difference in the clinical and radiologic outcomes when minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique is performed with or without using a positional screw in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Methods: From January 2010 to January 2021, a retrospective study was conducted on a total of 63 patients who underwent the MIPO technique for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. We divided these patients into 2 groups: in group I, patients underwent MIPO without a positional screw; in group II, patients underwent MIPO with a positional screw. We compared functional outcomes including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, University of California at Los Angeles score, Simple Shoulder Test, range of motion before and after surgery, operation time, blood loss, and complications. And we compared radiologic outcomes including pre- and postoperative anteroposterior (AP) and lateral displacement of the fracture and union time on plain radiographs. Results: The average patient age was 64.6 ± 15.1 years (range, 25–88 years). Group I consisted of 30 patients (10 men and 20 women), and group II consisted of 33 patients (11 men and 22 women). Between the 2 groups, there was no statistically significant difference in sex, body mass index, functional scores, AP and lateral displacement of the fracture on postoperative x-ray, operation time, and blood loss. In group II, a faster bony union was obtained than that in group I (4.6 vs. 6.4 months). Complications included 2 cases of transient radial nerve palsy in both groups and metallic failures (2 in group I and 1 in group II). Conclusions When performing MIPO for humeral shaft fractures, adding a positional screw could be more stabilizing than bridge plating without a positional screw, leading to faster bony union. A positional screw might help control interfragmentary movement without inhibiting essential interfragmentary movement for fracture healing.

Background: This study compares the difference in the clinical and radiologic outcomes when minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique is performed with or without using a positional screw in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Methods: From January 2010 to January 2021, a retrospective study was conducted on a total of 63 patients who underwent the MIPO technique for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. We divided these patients into 2 groups: in group I, patients underwent MIPO without a positional screw; in group II, patients underwent MIPO with a positional screw. We compared functional outcomes including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, University of California at Los Angeles score, Simple Shoulder Test, range of motion before and after surgery, operation time, blood loss, and complications. And we compared radiologic outcomes including pre- and postoperative anteroposterior (AP) and lateral displacement of the fracture and union time on plain radiographs. Results: The average patient age was 64.6 ± 15.1 years (range, 25–88 years). Group I consisted of 30 patients (10 men and 20 women), and group II consisted of 33 patients (11 men and 22 women). Between the 2 groups, there was no statistically significant difference in sex, body mass index, functional scores, AP and lateral displacement of the fracture on postoperative x-ray, operation time, and blood loss. In group II, a faster bony union was obtained than that in group I (4.6 vs. 6.4 months). Complications included 2 cases of transient radial nerve palsy in both groups and metallic failures (2 in group I and 1 in group II). Conclusions When performing MIPO for humeral shaft fractures, adding a positional screw could be more stabilizing than bridge plating without a positional screw, leading to faster bony union. A positional screw might help control interfragmentary movement without inhibiting essential interfragmentary movement for fracture healing.

Background: This study compares the difference in the clinical and radiologic outcomes when minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique is performed with or without using a positional screw in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. Methods: From January 2010 to January 2021, a retrospective study was conducted on a total of 63 patients who underwent the MIPO technique for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. We divided these patients into 2 groups: in group I, patients underwent MIPO without a positional screw; in group II, patients underwent MIPO with a positional screw. We compared functional outcomes including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, University of California at Los Angeles score, Simple Shoulder Test, range of motion before and after surgery, operation time, blood loss, and complications. And we compared radiologic outcomes including pre- and postoperative anteroposterior (AP) and lateral displacement of the fracture and union time on plain radiographs. Results: The average patient age was 64.6 ± 15.1 years (range, 25–88 years). Group I consisted of 30 patients (10 men and 20 women), and group II consisted of 33 patients (11 men and 22 women). Between the 2 groups, there was no statistically significant difference in sex, body mass index, functional scores, AP and lateral displacement of the fracture on postoperative x-ray, operation time, and blood loss. In group II, a faster bony union was obtained than that in group I (4.6 vs. 6.4 months). Complications included 2 cases of transient radial nerve palsy in both groups and metallic failures (2 in group I and 1 in group II). Conclusions When performing MIPO for humeral shaft fractures, adding a positional screw could be more stabilizing than bridge plating without a positional screw, leading to faster bony union. A positional screw might help control interfragmentary movement without inhibiting essential interfragmentary movement for fracture healing.