Cannabinoids have been proposed to possess neuroprotective properties; though their mechanism of action remains contentious, they are posited to prevent neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease, the pathogenesis of which has not been established. Recent studies have demonstrated that induction of proteasomal dysfunction in animal models results in a phenotype similar to Parkinson's disease. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective function of a synthetic cannabinoid-receptor agonist (WIN55.212.2) in dopaminergic neuronal death induced by a proteasomal synthase inhibitor (PSI), additionally testing the hypothesis that WIN55.212.2 modulates cytoplasmic accumulation of parkin and alpha-synuclein, a key feature of proteasomal dysfunction in Parkinson's. WIN55.212.2 protects PC12 cells from PSI-induced cytotoxicity, concomitantly inhibiting PSI-induced polyADP ribose polymerase expression and activation of caspase-3. While PSI induces cytoplasmic accumulation of alpha-synuclein and parkin, WIN55.212.2 counters these effects. Interestingly, however, while PSI induces the activation and nuclear translocalization of nuclear factor kappaB, WIN55.212.2 potentiates this effect. These data are suggestive that WIN55.212.2 might confer a neuroprotective benefit in PSI-induced proteasomal dysfunction, and could further protect against neuronal degeneration stemming from cytoplasmic accumulation of alpha-synuclein and parkin. These results indicate that WIN55.212.2 may be a candidate for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease.
alpha-Synuclein ; Animals ; Cannabinoids ; Caspase 3 ; Cytoplasm ; Dopaminergic Neurons ; Models, Animal ; Neurodegenerative Diseases ; Neurons ; NF-kappa B ; Parkinson Disease ; PC12 Cells ; Phenotype ; Receptors, Cannabinoid ; Ribose

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures suspected at clinical evaluation require radiological confirmation. Most radiologists make the diagnosis of vertebral fracture on the basis of a qualitative impression. However, unlike other fractures, vertebral fractures are commonly found on radiographs obtained for other reasons in patients who do not show signs or symptoms suggestive of fractures. Radiologists qualitatively analyze radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine to identify vertebral fractures in patients whose clinical indications suggest trauma, osteoporosis, malignancy, or acute back pain. The accuracy of decision-making process can be enhanced by additional radiographic projections or by complementary examinations including DXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) morphometry, bone scan, CT, or MRI. The importance of imaging is highlighted by the fact that only about one in four vertebral fractures is recognized on the basis of clinical evaluations without radiographs. Radiographs may include lateral and AP (anterior/posterior) X-rays of the affected spinal segments. The physician may request bone scan and/or CT to help identify the location of the fracture, its status (stable versus unstable). Furthermore, an MRI scan may be performed if neurologic deficit, soft tissue trauma or hematoma are suspected.
Back Pain ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Osteoporosis ; Osteoporotic Fractures ; Spine

Background: Although the rates of illegal cosmetic procedures performed by beauticians are increasing, there is a dearth of relevant information in the literature regarding these procedures. Objective: This study was aimed to investigate illegal cosmetic procedures that were performed by beauticians with the help of judicial precedents. Methods: The Supreme Court of South Korea’s Written Judgement Management System was searched for judicial precedents regarding illegal cosmetic procedures performed by beauticians. This system included cases that were sentenced in the lower courts, the appellate courts, and the supreme court from the year 1997 to 2019. Results: Twenty-three litigation cases related to these illegal cosmetic procedures were selected. There were 21 criminal cases and two civil cases. Common illegal procedures included tattooing (n=11), use of laser and intense pulsed light device (n=6), administration of intradermal injection (n=3), and application of topical agents (n=2). Two civil cases reported facial deformity and accidental macular damage caused by illegal use of lasers by the beauticians. Conclusion In this study, illegal cosmetic procedures performed by beauticians were identified. Continuous monitoring of these illegal procedures is necessary as they can cause adverse effects in patients.

Background: Although the rates of illegal cosmetic procedures performed by beauticians are increasing, there is a dearth of relevant information in the literature regarding these procedures. Objective: This study was aimed to investigate illegal cosmetic procedures that were performed by beauticians with the help of judicial precedents. Methods: The Supreme Court of South Korea’s Written Judgement Management System was searched for judicial precedents regarding illegal cosmetic procedures performed by beauticians. This system included cases that were sentenced in the lower courts, the appellate courts, and the supreme court from the year 1997 to 2019. Results: Twenty-three litigation cases related to these illegal cosmetic procedures were selected. There were 21 criminal cases and two civil cases. Common illegal procedures included tattooing (n=11), use of laser and intense pulsed light device (n=6), administration of intradermal injection (n=3), and application of topical agents (n=2). Two civil cases reported facial deformity and accidental macular damage caused by illegal use of lasers by the beauticians. Conclusion In this study, illegal cosmetic procedures performed by beauticians were identified. Continuous monitoring of these illegal procedures is necessary as they can cause adverse effects in patients.

Femoral neck fractures are associated with femoral shaft fractures in 1% to 9% of cases. Undisplaced neck fractures are susceptible to displacement during shaft nailing. We report the case of a 57-year-old male patient in whom we performed standard intramedullary nailing for a femoral shaft fracture. In doing so, we identified a vertical radiolucent line at the femoral neck, which was thought to be further displacement of a hidden silent fracture or an iatrogenic fracture that developed during nail insertion. Consequently, we decided to switch to reconstructive femoral nailing. Postoperative hip imaging failed to show the femoral neck fracture that we saw in the operating room. Here, we discuss the aforementioned case and review the literature concerning this artifact.
*Artifacts ; Femoral Fractures/diagnosis/*radiography/surgery ; Femoral Neck Fractures/diagnosis/*radiography/surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

Apert syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by malformations of the skull, face, hands, and feet. We report a case of severe hyperhidrosis in a 13-month-old female infant with Apert syndrome who was born with craniosynostosis, midface hypoplasia, and syndactyly of both hands. She had a history of excessive sweating since birth and this was confirmed using the iodine-starch test. Hyperhidrosis was first reported as a key cutaneous manifestation of Apert syndrome in 1993. However, the main focus in the field of dermatology is on antibiotic-refractory acne, which serves as another cutaneous hallmark of the disease. This is the first report in the Korean literature that describes hyperhidrosis in Apert syndrome. We highlight the presentation of hyperhidrosis as a key cutaneous manifestation in Apert syndrome.
Acne Vulgaris ; Acrocephalosyndactylia ; Craniosynostoses ; Dermatology ; Female ; Foot ; Hand ; Humans ; Hyperhidrosis ; Infant ; Parturition ; Skull ; Sweat ; Sweating ; Syndactyly

PURPOSE: Ischiofemoral impingement (IFI)-primarily diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-is an easily overlooked disease due to its low incidence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of false profile view as a screening test for IFI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight patients diagnosed with IFI between June 2013 and July 2017 were enrolled in this retrospective study. A control group (n=58) with matching propensity scores (age, gender, and body mass index) were also included. Ischiofemoral space (IFS) was measured as the shortest distance between the lateral cortex of the ischium and the medial cortex of lesser trochanter in weight bearing hip anteroposterior (AP) view and false profile view. MRI was used to measure IFS and quadratus femoris space (QFS). The receiver operating characteristics (ROC), area under the ROC curve (AUC) and cutoff point of the IFS were measured by false profile images, and the correlation between the IFS and QFS was analyzed using the MRI scans. RESULTS: In the false profile view and hip AP view, patients with IFI had significantly decreased IFS (P < 0.01). In the false profile view, ROC AUC (0.967) was higher than in the hip AP view (0.841). Cutoff value for differential diagnosis of IFI in the false profile view was 10.3 mm (sensitivity, 88.2%; specificity, 88.4%). IFS correlated with IFS (r=0.744) QFS (0.740) in MRI and IFS (0.621) in hip AP view (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: IFS on false profile view can be used as a screening tool for potential IFI.
Area Under Curve ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Femur ; Hip ; Humans ; Incidence ; Ischium ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mass Screening ; Propensity Score ; Retrospective Studies ; ROC Curve ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Weight-Bearing

Ultrasonography (US) is noninvasive and offers real-time, low-cost, and portable imaging that facilitates the rapid and dynamic assessment of musculoskeletal components. Significant technological improvements have contributed to the increasing adoption of US for musculoskeletal assessments, as artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer-aided detection and computer-aided diagnosis are being utilized to improve the quality, efficiency, and cost of US imaging. This review provides an overview of classical machine learning techniques and modern deep learning approaches for musculoskeletal US, with a focus on the key categories of detection and diagnosis of musculoskeletal disorders, predictive analysis with classification and regression, and automated image segmentation. Moreover, we outline challenges and a range of opportunities for AI in musculoskeletal US practice.

BACKGROUND: To retrospectively assess whether the response of subtrochanteric lateral cortex (STLC) is different according to the bisphosphonate agents in terms of bone mineral density (BMD) change. METHODS: A total of 149 subjects, who had 2- to 4-year interval follow-up of BMD using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), were included in this retrospective study divided into following 3 groups: control group (no consumption of any anti-osteoporotic drugs, n=38), alendronate group (naïve alendronate users, n=48), risedronate group (naïve risedronate users, n=63). BMD was measured at the STLC and subtrochanteric medial cortex (STMC) in each patient by drawing rectangular ROIs at the bone cortices. The percent change of BMD at the STLC were compared between the aforementioned 3 groups by using analysis of covariance model to control five independent variables of age, body mass index, percent change of STMC, hip axis length, time interval between DXA examinations. RESULTS: The least square mean values±standard deviation of the percent change of BMD in the control, alendronate, and risedronate groups were 1.46±1.50, 2.23±1.26, and 6.96±1.11, respectively. The risedronate group showed significantly higher change of BMD percentage compared with the control (adjusted P=0.012) or alendronate (adjusted P=0.016) groups. CONCLUSIONS: The percent change of BMD at the STLC in the risedronate user group was greater than the alendronate and control groups. The implication of these changes needs to be further verified.
Absorptiometry, Photon ; Alendronate ; Body Mass Index ; Bone Density* ; Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Risedronate Sodium

Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) causes leukopenia and severe hemorrhagic diarrhea, killing 50% of naturally infected cats. Although intact FPV can serve as an antigen in the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test, accidental laboratory-mediated infection a concern. A non-infectious diagnostic reagent is required for the HI test. Here, we expressed the viral protein 2 (VP2) gene of the FPV strain currently prevalent in South Korea in a baculovirus expression system; VP2 protein was identified by an indirect immunofluorescence assay, electron microscopy (EM), Western blotting (WB), and a hemagglutination assay (HA). EM showed that the recombinant VP2 protein self-assembled to form virus-like particles. WB revealed that the recombinant VP2 was 65 kDa in size. The HA activity of the recombinant VP2 protein was very high at 1:215. A total of 143 cat serum samples were tested using FPV (HI-FPV test) and the recombinant VP2 protein (HI-VP2 test) as HI antigens. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the HI-VP2 test were 99.3%, 88.9%, and 99.3%, respectively, compared to the HI-FPV test. The HI-VP2 and HI-FPV results correlated significantly (r = 0.978). Thus, recombinant VP2 can substitute for intact FPV as the serological diagnostic reagent of the HI test for FPV.