Neuropathic arthropathy (Charcot arthropathy) is a progressive joint disease often associated with conditions such as diabetes, leading to severe joint deformity and pain. However, its occurrence in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is rare and not well documented.This case report describes a 48-year-old woman with a long history of RA who developed a severe deformity of her right ankle, identified as neuropathic arthropathy extending to the subtalar joint (Brodsky classification type 3A). After excluding other potential causes, the condition was determined to be secondary to RA-associated peripheral neuropathy. Surgery, including allograft and autograft fixation, was performed to correct the deformity. Post-operative complications, such as wound infection, were treated with negative pressure wound therapy and skin grafting. At the 18-month follow-up, the patient was able to walk without pain, demonstrating successful joint fusion.

Background: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) causes colibacillosis, resulting in significant economic losses in the poultry industry. Objectives: In this study, the molecular characteristics of two extended-spectrum betalactamase (ESBL)-producing APEC isolates were compared with previously reported ESBLproducing E. coli isolates. Methods: The molecular characteristics of E. coli isolates and the genetic environments of the ESBL genes were investigated using whole genome sequencing. Results: The two ESBL-producing APEC were classified into the phylogenetic groups C and B1 and ST410 and ST162, respectively. Moreover, the ESBL genes of the two isolates were harbored in different Inc plasmids. The EC1809182 strain, harboring the blaCTX-M-55 gene on the plasmid, exhibited extensive homology to IncFIB (98.4%) and IncFIC(FII) (95.8%). The EC1809191 strain, harboring the blaCTX-M-1 gene, was homologous to IncI1-I (Gamma) (99.3%). All chromosomes carried the multidrug transporter, mdf(A) gene. Mobile genetic elements, adjacent to CTX-M genes, facilitated the dissemination of genes in the two isolates, analogous to other ESBL-producing E. coli isolates. Conclusions This study clarifies the transmission dynamics of CTX-M genes and supports strengthened surveillance to prevent the transmission of the antimicrobial-resistant genes to humans via the food chain.

Background: Escherichia coli, which causes subclinical or clinical mastitis in cattle, is responsible for transmitting antimicrobial resistance via human consumption of raw milk or raw milk products. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics of 183 E. coli from bulk tank milk of five different dairy factories in Korea. Methods: The molecular characteristics of E. coli such as serogroup, virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and integron genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction and antimicrobial susceptibility were tested using the disk diffusion test. Results: In the distribution of phylogenetic groups, group D was the most prevalent (59.6%) and followed by group B1 (25.1%). The most predominant serogroup was O173 (15.3%), and a total of 46 different serotypes were detected. The virulence gene found most often was fimH (73.2%), and stx1, fimH, incC, fyuA, and iutA genes were significantly higher in isolates of phylogenetic group B1 compared to phylogenetic groups A, B2, and D (p < 0.05). Among 64 E. coli isolates that showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial, the highest resistance rate was observed for tetracyclines (37.5%). All 18 integron-positive E. coli carried the integron class I (int1) gene, and three different gene cassette arrangements, dfrA12+aadA2 (2 isolates), aac(6′)-Ib3+aac(6′)-Ib-cr+aadA4 (2 isolates), and dfrA17+aadA5 (1 isolate) were detected. Conclusions These data suggest that the E. coli from bulk tank milk can be an indicator for dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors via cross-contamination.

Successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) involves the restoration of hematopoietic function after engraftment, arising from the differentiation and proliferation of hematopoietic stem cells. Several factors could influence the course of allogeneic-HSCT (allo-HSCT). Therefore, knowledge of serum proteome changes during the allo-HSCT period might increase the efficacy of diagnosis and disease prevention efforts. This study conducted proteomic analyses to find proteins that were significantly altered in response to allo-HSCT. Sera from five representative patients who underwent allo-HSCT were analyzed by 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, and were measured on a weekly basis before and after allo-HSCT in additional 78 patients. Fourteen protein spots showing changes in expression were further examined, and most proteins were identified as acute phase proteins (APPs). Studies of 78 additional patients confirmed that C-reactive protein (CRP) and haptoglobin undergo expression changes during allo-HSCT and thus may have the potential to serve as representative markers of clinical events after allo-HSCT. Maximal CRP level affected the development of major transplant-related complications (MTCs) and other problems such as fever of unknown origin. Particularly, an increase in CRP level 21 days after allo-HSCT was found to be an independent risk factor for MTC. Maximal haptoglobin and haptoglobin level 14 days after allo-HSCT were predictive of relapses in underlying hematologic disease. Our results indicated that CRP and haptoglobin were significantly expressed during allo-HSCT, and suggest that their level can be monitored after allo-HSCT to assess the risks of early transplant-related complications and relapse.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Biological Markers ; C-Reactive Protein/*metabolism ; Female ; Haptoglobins/*metabolism ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/*adverse effects ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Proteome/*metabolism ; Proteomics ; Transplantation Conditioning ; Transplantation, Homologous ; Young Adult

Background: Meniscal tears are commonly observed in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), however, clinical significance of such lesions detected by magnetic resonance imaging is in many cases unclear. This study aimed to determine the clinical effectiveness of arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM) compared with non-operative care in patients with knee OA.Method: We used existing systematic reviews with updates of latest studies. Three randomized controlled studies were selected, where two studies compared the effects of APM plus physical therapy (PT) with PT alone and one compared APM alone and PT alone. While 1 study exclusively included OA patients, 2 studies included 21.1 and 12% of patients with no radiographic OA. Patients with knee locking were unanimously excluded. Results: Upon comparison of APM plus PT and PT alone, there was no significant difference observed in knee function, physical activity, or adverse events. Knee pain was observed to be significantly lower in the APM plus PT group at 6 months, but there was no difference between the two groups at 12 and 24 months. With respect to the comparison between APM alone and PT alone, PT was non-inferior based on the criteria for knee function during 24 months; however, knee pain was significantly reduced in the APM alone group. Conclusions Our study showed that knee pain was significantly improved in the APM group compared to non-operative care group at 6 months and over 24 months. Our result was based on only 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealing a significant knowledge gap, hence demanding more high-quality RCTs in OA patients.

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used for tissue regeneration due to their wide differentiation capacity and anti-inflammatory effects. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from MSCs are also known for their regenerative effects as they contain nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and cytokines similar to those of parental cells. There are several studies on the use of MSCs or EVs for tissue regeneration. However, the combinatorial effect of human MSCs (hMSCs) and EVs is not clear. In this study, we investigated the combinatorial effect of hMSCs and EVs on cartilage regeneration via co-encapsulation in a hyaluronic-acid (HA)-based hydrogel. METHODS: A methacrylic-acid-based HA hydrogel was prepared to encapsulate hMSCs and EVs in hydrogels. Through in vitro and in vivo analyses, we investigated the chondrogenic potential of the HA hydrogel-encapsulated with hMSCs and EVs. RESULTS: Co-encapsulation of hMSCs with EVs in the HA hydrogel increased the chondrogenic differentiation of hMSCs and regeneration of damaged cartilage tissue compared with that of the HA hydrogel loaded with hMSCs only. CONCLUSION Co-encapsulation of hMSCs and EVs in the HA hydrogel effectively enhances cartilage tissue regeneration due to the combinatorial therapeutic effect of hMSCs and EVs. Thus, in addition to cartilage tissue regeneration for the treatment of osteoarthritis, this approach would be a useful strategy to improve other types of tissue regeneration.

Gamma irradiator is widely used for cell, animal experiment, irradiation for blood, dose measurement, and education. Biobeam8000 gamma irradiator (STS Steuerungstechnik &. Strahlenschutz GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany, Cs137, 81.4 TBq) that KIRAMS (Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Science) has is a irradiation device that enables to be used in large-capacity of 7.5 L and extensive area. Cs-137 source moves range of 24 cm back-and-forth in a regular cycle in beaker for uniform irradiation and a beaker that puts a specimen like existing radiation irradiator such as Gammacell3000 rotates 360degrees during irradiation. Precise dose information according to the location of radiation source would be needed because of the movement of radiation source, whereas radiation could be uniformly irradiated in comparison with existing gamma irradiator. In this study, dose distribution of the inside beaker located in Biomeam8000 gamma irradiator was measured using glass dosimeter, and dose evaluation and distribution regarding dose linearity and dose reproducibility were implemented based on measurement results. This aims to show guideline for efficient use of irradiator based on measurement result when doing experiment or radiation exposure.
Animal Experimentation ; Germany ; Glass

BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV) plays an important role in the development of cervical carcinoma. Although there is a general agreement that high levels of HPV are related to cervical cancer, the prevalence and distribution of HPV genotypes seems to vary by geographical region. This study was designed to investigate the prevalence of HPV genotypes in Gangwon Province, Korea. METHODS: In total, 342 samples were examined by Pap smear and HPV-ID(R) reverse blot hybridization assay (REBA) (M&D, Wonju, Korea). RESULTS: Overall HPV positivity was 80.9% and 64.4% in women with abnormal and normal cytology by REBA, respectively. The five most common HPV types were: HPV 16, 53, 58, 56, and 33 in samples with abnormal cytology, and HPV 16, 53, 58, 70, and 18 in samples with normal cytology. CONCLUSIONS: The REBA can provide useful data regarding prevalence of HPV genotypes. Gangwon Province showed high prevalence of HPV infection in women. The most common HPV type in Gangwon Province was HPV16, and HPV 53, 58, 56, 70 were frequently present.
Chimera ; Female ; Genotype ; Human papillomavirus 16 ; Humans ; Prevalence ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to compare the dosimetry of electron beam (EB) plans and three-dimensional helical tomotherapy (3DHT) plans for the patients with left-sided breast cancer, who underwent breast conserving surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected total of 15 patients based on the location of tumor, as following subsite: subareolar, upper outer, upper inner, lower lateral, and lower medial quadrants. The clinical target volume (CTV) was defined as the area of architectural distortion surrounded by surgical clip plus 1 cm margin. The conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), quality of coverage (QC) and dose-volume parameters for the CTV, and organ at risk (OAR) were calculated. The following treatment techniques were assessed: single conformal EB plans; 3DHT plans with directional block of left anterior descending artery (LAD); and 3DHT plans with complete block of LAD. RESULTS: 3DHT plans, regardless of type of LAD block, showed significantly better CI, HI, and QC for the CTVs, compared with the EB plans. However, 3DHT plans showed increase in the V(1Gy) at skin, left lung, and left breast. In terms of LAD, 3DHT plans with complete block of LAD showed extremely low dose, while dose increase in other OARs were observed, when compared with other plans. EB plans showed the worst conformity at upper outer quadrants of tumor bed site. CONCLUSION: 3DHT plans offer more favorable dose distributions to LAD, as well as improved target coverage in comparison with EB plans.
Arteries ; Breast ; Breast Neoplasms ; Coronary Vessels* ; Humans ; Lung ; Mastectomy, Segmental ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; Skin ; Surgical Instruments

Our goal is to assess the suitability of a glass dosimeter on detection of high-energy electron beams for clinical use, especially for radiation therapy. We examined the dosimetric characteristics of glass dosimeters including dose linearity, reproducibility, angular dependence, dose rate dependence, and energy dependence of 5 different electron energy qualities. The GD was irradiated with high-energy electron beams from the medical linear accelerator andgamma rays from a cobalt-60 teletherapy unit. All irradiations were performed in a water phantom. The result of the dose linearity for high-energy electron beams showed well fitted regression line with the coefficient of determination; R2 of 0.999 between 6 and 20 MeV. The reproducibility of GDs exposed to the nominal electron energies 6, 9, 12, 16, and 20 MeV was +/-1.2%. In terms of the angular dependence to electron beams,GD response differences to the electron beam were within 1.5% for angles ranging from 0degrees to 90degrees and GD's maximum response differencewas 14% lower at 180degrees. In the dose rate dependence, measured dose values were normalized to the value obtained from 500 MU/min. The uncertainties of dose rate were measured within +/-1.5% except for the value from 100 MU/min. In the evaluation of the energy dependence of the GD at nominal electron energies between 6 and 20 MeV, we obtained lower responses between 1.1% and 4.5% based on cobalt-60 beam. Our results show that GDs have a considerable potentiality for measuring doses delivered by high-energy electron beams.
Electrons ; Feasibility Studies ; Glass ; Particle Accelerators ; Water