Intramedullary clear cell meningioma(CCM), which is more aggressive than other variants of meningioma, is extremely rare. To date, only one case has been documented in spinal tumors. We report the first case of an intramedullary CCM originating in the spinal cord at the thoracic region.
Meningioma* ; Spinal Cord

By carefully examining the above paper, we found that there are many same materials, expressions, and objects between this paper and a previously published paper on another journal (Park SH, Hwang SK, Park Ym: Intramedullary clear cell meningioma, Acta Neurochir (Wien) 148:463-466, 2006). Under these circumstances, the editorial committee concluded to retract this paper as soon as possible. We deeply apologize to the readers for any inconvenience caused by this retraction.
Meningioma*

During inflammation of the colon, cells of the gut mucosa express numerous inflammatory mediators including interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and interleukin-1beta(IL-1beta). These cytokines have been implicated as contributing factors in the inflammatory process, which may result in colitis during inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Gliotoxin is a fungal metabolite of an epipolythiodioxopiperazine analogue with immunosup-pressive properties in vivo and in vitro, but the effects of gliotoxin on IBD have not been largely evaluated. Therefore, this study evaluated the potential of gliotoxin to protect against TNBS-induced colitis. One microgram of gliotoxin in 100microliter of vehicle was intra-rectally administered into mice exhibiting trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis. IL-8 secretion was measured using an enzyme-linked immu-nosorbent assay (ELISA), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was evaluated spectrophotometically, and IkappaB degradation was analyzed on Western blots. Gliotoxin treatment of mice bearing TNBS-induced colitis improved macro-and micro-pathological findings and dramatically decreased MPO activity, a marker of leukocyte infiltration. Furthermore, gliotoxin decreased IkappaB degradation and IL-8 induction caused by TNF-alpha or IL-1beta in HT-29 cells. These findings suggest that gliotoxin partially protects against TNBS-induced colitis through the sup-pression of IL-8 induction and IkappaB degradation by inflammatory mediators such as TNF-alpha or IL-1beta.
Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Colitis* ; Colon ; Crohn Disease ; Cytokines ; Down-Regulation* ; Gliotoxin* ; HT29 Cells ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ; Interleukin-8 ; Leukocytes ; Mice ; Mucous Membrane ; Peroxidase ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

PURPOSE: Hospital-acquired Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) infection are not commonly recorded in patients without underlying lung disease, such as cystic fibrosis and chronic granulomatous disease. However, in 2014, B. cepacia appeared more frequently in pediatric blood samples than in any other year. In order to access this situation, we analyzed the clinical characteristics of B. cepacia infections in pediatric patients at our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of blood isolates of B. cepacia taken at our hospital between January 2004 and December 2014. Patient clinical data were obtained by retrospective review of electronic medical records. We constructed a dendrogram for B. cepacia isolates from two children and five adult patients. RESULTS: A total of 14 pediatric patients and 69 adult patients were identified as having B. cepacia bacteremia. In 2014, higher rates of B. cepacia bacteremia were observed in children. Most of them required Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care (12/14). In eleven children, sputum cultures were examined, and five of these children had the same strain of B. cepacia that grew out from their blood samples. Antibiotics were administered based on antibiotic sensitivity results. Four children expired despite treatment. Compared to children, there were no demonstrative differences in adults, except for history of ICU care. CONCLUSION: Although there were not many pediatric cases at our hospital, awareness of colonization through hospital-acquired infection and effective therapy for infection of B. cepacia is needed, as it can cause mortality and morbidity.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use ; Bacteremia/drug therapy/*epidemiology ; Burkholderia Infections/blood/drug therapy/*epidemiology ; Burkholderia cepacia/drug effects/*isolation & purification ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cross Infection/blood/*diagnosis/drug therapy/mortality ; Disease Outbreaks ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; *Intensive Care Units ; Male ; Microbial Sensitivity Tests ; Middle Aged ; Republic of Korea/epidemiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

26 pediatric patients of spinal injury, below the age of 15 were admitted to KyungPook National University Hospital from Jan. 1972 to Jun. 1987, which accounted for 5.2% of the entire cases of spinal injury during the same period. Most number of cases fell in the age brackets of 2-8 and 12-24. Causes of the cases were in the order of traffic accident(48%), falling, direct blow. sports. and stab injury. The sites ran in such order as cervical( 30.8%), thoracic, lumbar and thoracolumbar spine. The breakdown of clinical findings was: Grade I-8, Grade II-5, Grade III-4, and Grade IV-8. Forty percent of the cases were found with no radiological abnormalities, still keeping the neurological deficits. Fracture was classified as: simple-6, dislocation-7, and subluxation-2. Methods of treatment were: conservative-l4, traction-5, laminectomy-5, and fusion-1. All patients in the categories from Grade I to III recovered to a good state. In Grade N, one each for good and fair recovery was achieved, five were poor and one expired from complication of head injury.
Child* ; Craniocerebral Trauma ; Gyeongsangbuk-do ; Humans ; Laminectomy ; Spinal Injuries* ; Spine ; Sports

BACKGROUND: Gabapentin is a safe and well-tolerated anticonvulsant with a wide therapeutic index, and it is used for neuropathic pain. The aim of this study was to compare previous dosing methods with the administration of four different doses of gabapentin while maintaining the same maximum daily dose for the safe administration of high doses of the medication. METHODS: The subjects were outpatients with various neuropathic pain syndromes, with at least two of the following symptoms: allodynia, burning pain, shooting pain, or hyperalgesia. The TID group received equal doses of gabapentin 3 times per day, while the QID group received 4 different doses of gabapentin per day. The pain score, frequency of breakthrough pain (BTP), severity and the duration of pain, sleep disturbance due to nocturnal pain, and adverse effects were recorded each day. RESULTS: The average daily pain score and sleep disturbance were significantly reduced in the QID group between days 3 and 10 of the experiment. The adverse effects of the medication were also reduced in the QID group. However, the frequency of BTP and severity and duration of pain were not significantly different between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of 4 different doses of gabapentin during the initial titration in outpatients with neuropathic pain resulted in a significant reduction in awakening from breakthrough pain and a reduction in the adverse effects of the medication.
Ambulatory Care ; Amines ; Breakthrough Pain ; Burns ; Cyclohexanecarboxylic Acids ; Drug Administration Schedule ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; Humans ; Hyperalgesia ; Neuralgia ; Outpatients

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of two methods for stabilization and fusion: Postero-Lateral Fusion (PLF, pedicle screw fixation with bone graft) and Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF, cage insertion) for spinal stenosis and recurred disc herniation except degenerative spondylolisthesis. METHODS: Seventy one patients who underwent PLF (n=36) or PLIF (n=35) between 1997 and 2001 were evaluated prospectively. These two groups were compared for the change of interbody space, the range of segmental angle, the angle of lumbar motion, and clinical outcomes by Prolo scale. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 32.6 months. The PLIF group showed statistically significant increase of the interbody space after surgery. However, the difference in the change of interbody space between two groups was insignificant (P value= 0.05). The range of segmental angle was better in the PLIF group, but the difference in the change of segmental angle was not statistically significant (P value=0.017). Angle of lumbar motion was similar in the two groups. Changes of Prolo economic scale were not statistically significant (P value=0.193). The PLIF group showed statistically significant improvement in Prolo functional scale (P value=0.003). In Prolo economic and functional scale, there were statistically significant relationships between follow-up duration (P value<0.001), change of interbody space (P value<0.001), and range of segmental angle (P value<0.001). CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that PLIF is superior to PLF in interbody space augmentation and clinical outcomes by Prolo functional scale. Analysis of clinical outcomes showed significant relationships among various factors (fusion type, follow-up duration, change of interbody space, and range of segmental angle). Therefore, the authors recommend instrumented PLIF to offer better clinical outcomes in patients who needed instrumented lumbar fusion for spinal stenosis and recurred disc herniation.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Spinal Stenosis ; Spondylolisthesis

PURPOSE: This study was designed to identify creation of intellectual capital and factors influencing the creation of intellectual capital in hospital organizations. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used, with a convenience sample of 300 nurses from three general hospitals in Gwangju and South Cholla province. The tools used for this study were scales measuring creation of intellectual capital (8 items), social capital (20 items), knowledge management (8 items). Data was analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient and regression using the SPSS WIN 18.0 program. RESULTS: There were significantly positive relationships between social capital and knowledge management with creation of intellectual capital. The mean score for creation of intellectual capital in hospital organizations was 4.59 points. Factors influencing creation of intellectual capital in hospital organization were identified as knowledge management (beta=.625), shared values & action (beta=.166), and participation in civic activities (beta=.118). These factors explained 59.3% of the variance in creation of intellectual capital in hospital organizations. CONCLUSION: The results indicate which factors are major factors influencing creation of intellectual capital and therefore, serve as predictors of creation of intellectual capital in hospital organizations.
Hospitals, General ; Knowledge Management ; Regression Analysis ; Weights and Measures

PURPOSE: To analyze the stress distribution of the implant and its supporting structures through 3D finite elements analysis for implants with different hexagon heights and to make the assessment of the mechanical stability and the effect of the elements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Infinite elements modeling with CAD data was designed. The modeling was done as follows; an external connection type Phi 4.0 mm x11.5 mm Osste(R) USII (Osstem Co., Pusan, Korea) implant system was used, the implant was planted in the mandibular first molar region with appropriate prosthetic restoration, the hexagon (implant fixture's external connection) height of 0.0, 0.7, 1.2, and 1.5 mm were applied. ABAQUS 6.4 (ABAQUS, Inc., Providence, USA) was used to calculate the stress value. The force distribution via color distribution on each experimental group's implant fixture and titanium screw was studied based on the equivalent stress (von Mises stress). The maximum stress level of each element (crown, implant screw, implant fixture, cortical bone and cancellous bone) was compared. RESULTS: The hexagonal height of the implant with external connection had an influence on the stress distribution of the fixture, screw and upper prosthesis and the surrounding supporting bone. As the hexagon height increased, the stress was well distributed and there was a decrease in the maximum stress value. If the height of the hexagon reached over 1.2 mm, there was no significant influence on the stress distribution. CONCLUSION: For implants with external connections, a hexagon is vital for stress distribution. As the height of the hexagon increased, the more effective stress distribution was observed.
Dental Implants ; Molar ; Plants ; Prostheses and Implants ; Titanium

The advances in electronic medical records (EMRs) and bioinformatics (BI) represent two significant trends in healthcare. The widespread adoption of EMR systems and the completion of the Human Genome Project developed the technologies for data acquisition, analysis, and visualization in two different domains. The massive amount of data from both clinical and biology domains is expected to provide personalized, preventive, and predictive healthcare services in the near future. The integrated use of EMR and BI data needs to consider four key informatics areas: data modeling, analytics, standardization, and privacy. Bioclinical data warehouses integrating heterogeneous patient-related clinical or omics data should be considered. The representative standardization effort by the Clinical Bioinformatics Ontology (CBO) aims to provide uniquely identified concepts to include molecular pathology terminologies. Since individual genome data are easily used to predict current and future health status, different safeguards to ensure confidentiality should be considered. In this paper, we focused on the informatics aspects of integrating the EMR community and BI community by identifying opportunities, challenges, and approaches to provide the best possible care service for our patients and the population.
Biology ; Computational Biology ; Confidentiality ; Delivery of Health Care ; Electronic Health Records ; Genome ; Human Genome Project ; Humans ; Informatics ; Medical Informatics* ; Pathology, Molecular ; Privacy