In this study, we analyzed the quantitative electroencephalograms (EEGs) of forty-eight subjects (18 with methamphetamine dependence and 30 non-methamphetamine users as controls). Immediately following data collection, all personally identifying information was replaced with random numbers to prevent bias and protect privacy. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0 for MS Windows. To investigate the general characteristics of the demographic background of the study subjects, frequency and technical analyses were conducted. Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to determine the difference in quantitative EEGs between methamphetamine users and non-methamphetamine users. Methamphetamine users demonstrated quantitative EEG abnormalities that were consistent with generalized encephalopathy.
Bias (Epidemiology) ; Brain Diseases ; Case-Control Studies* ; Data Collection ; Electroencephalography* ; Forensic Medicine ; Humans ; Methamphetamine* ; Privacy

Migrant workers face challenging working conditions, resulting in physical and mental vulnerability. The objective is to identify their health vulnerabilities and ensure their right to health. Health records of 163 migrant workers (113 males and 50 females) (Group A) and 163 Korean citizens (Group B) visiting our institution were analyzed from August 2021 to July 2022. Both groups underwent urine analysis, chest radiography, and various blood tests. Statistical analysis using independent t-tests and χ2 tests was performed. Group A had a significantly higher rate of hepatitis B virus surface antigen-positive patients, lower vaccination rates for hepatitis B, and poorer nutritional status compared to Group B. Group B generally exhibited higher levels of albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, and thyroidstimulating hormone. There were significant quantitative differences in multiple blood cell and hemoglobin measurements between the two groups. These findings emphasize the need for policy support and public awareness to protect the health rights of migrant workers.

Toxoplasma gondii is an important opportunistic pathogen that causes toxoplasmosis, which has very few therapeutic treatment options. The most effective therapy is a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine; however, their utility is limited because of drug toxicity and serious side effects. For these reasons, new drugs with lower toxicity are urgently needed. In this study, the compound, (Z)-1-[(5-nitrofuran-2-yl)methyleneamino]-imidazolidine-2,4-dione (nitrofurantoin), showed anti-T. gondii effects in vitro and in vivo. In HeLa cells, the selectivity of nitrofurantoin was 2.3, which was greater than that of pyrimethamine (0.9). In T. gondii-infected female ICR mice, the inhibition rate of T. gondii growth in the peritoneal cavity was 44.7% compared to the negative control group after 4-day treatment with 100 mg/kg of nitrofurantoin. In addition, hematology indicators showed that T. gondii infection-induced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, biochemical parameters involved in liver injury, were reduced by nitrofurantoin significantly. Moreover, nitrofurantoin exerted significant effects on the index of antioxidant status, i.e., malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). The nitrofurantoin-treated group inhibited the T. gondii-induced MDA levels while alleviating the decrease in GSH levels. Thus, nitrofurantoin is a potential anti-T. gondii candidate for clinical application.
Alanine Transaminase ; Animals ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions ; Female ; Glutathione ; HeLa Cells ; Hematology ; Humans ; Liver ; Malondialdehyde ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Nitrofurantoin* ; Peritoneal Cavity ; Pyrimethamine ; Sulfadiazine ; Toxoplasma ; Toxoplasmosis*

Most of salivary tumors are benign in nature and are typically diagnosed and classified based on their histopathological presentation. Basal cell adenoma of the salivary glands is a rare, benign disease accounting for 1% to 3% of salivary gland tumors. Despite its low incidence, basal cell adenoma is the third most common benign tumor of the salivary gland after pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin’s tumor. It usually appears as a firm and slow-growing mass. Due to the prognosis, differential diagnosis with basal cell adenocarcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma and basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is required. In this report, we present two cases; a 62-year-old woman who presented with an asymptomatic, and slow-growing mass and a 64-year-old woman with a static-sized mass in the parotid gland. In both cases, the mass was completely excised, postoperative pathology reports confirmed the diagnosis of basal cell adenoma. We also review the literature and discuss this rare entity.

Background: Supraglottic airways (SGAs) are used during general anesthesia (GA) due to comfort. Certain complications are possible, such as gastric distension. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents was found to be 0.02%. A difference in the incidence of gastric regurgitation was not identified between the use of SGAs and endotracheal intubation. We report a case of gastric distension and atelectasis in a patient in whom an I-gel® was used for GA.Case: A 63-year-old female patient underwent triple arthrodesis on her ankle under GA using an SGA (I-gel® size 3). After surgery, she suffered from nausea and abdominal bloating. A chest radiograph revealed that a large amount of air in her stomach had caused gastric distention, which resulted in left hemidiaphragm elevation and atelectasis. Conclusions This case illustrates that the use of I-gel® in prolonged surgeries may result in malposition of the SGA and gastric insufflation and atelectasis.

Background: Supraglottic airways (SGAs) are used during general anesthesia (GA) due to comfort. Certain complications are possible, such as gastric distension. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents was found to be 0.02%. A difference in the incidence of gastric regurgitation was not identified between the use of SGAs and endotracheal intubation. We report a case of gastric distension and atelectasis in a patient in whom an I-gel® was used for GA.Case: A 63-year-old female patient underwent triple arthrodesis on her ankle under GA using an SGA (I-gel® size 3). After surgery, she suffered from nausea and abdominal bloating. A chest radiograph revealed that a large amount of air in her stomach had caused gastric distention, which resulted in left hemidiaphragm elevation and atelectasis. Conclusions This case illustrates that the use of I-gel® in prolonged surgeries may result in malposition of the SGA and gastric insufflation and atelectasis.

Background: Supraglottic airways (SGAs) are used during general anesthesia (GA) due to comfort. Certain complications are possible, such as gastric distension. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents was found to be 0.02%. A difference in the incidence of gastric regurgitation was not identified between the use of SGAs and endotracheal intubation. We report a case of gastric distension and atelectasis in a patient in whom an I-gel® was used for GA.Case: A 63-year-old female patient underwent triple arthrodesis on her ankle under GA using an SGA (I-gel® size 3). After surgery, she suffered from nausea and abdominal bloating. A chest radiograph revealed that a large amount of air in her stomach had caused gastric distention, which resulted in left hemidiaphragm elevation and atelectasis. Conclusions This case illustrates that the use of I-gel® in prolonged surgeries may result in malposition of the SGA and gastric insufflation and atelectasis.

Background: Supraglottic airways (SGAs) are used during general anesthesia (GA) due to comfort. Certain complications are possible, such as gastric distension. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents was found to be 0.02%. A difference in the incidence of gastric regurgitation was not identified between the use of SGAs and endotracheal intubation. We report a case of gastric distension and atelectasis in a patient in whom an I-gel® was used for GA.Case: A 63-year-old female patient underwent triple arthrodesis on her ankle under GA using an SGA (I-gel® size 3). After surgery, she suffered from nausea and abdominal bloating. A chest radiograph revealed that a large amount of air in her stomach had caused gastric distention, which resulted in left hemidiaphragm elevation and atelectasis. Conclusions This case illustrates that the use of I-gel® in prolonged surgeries may result in malposition of the SGA and gastric insufflation and atelectasis.

Background: Supraglottic airways (SGAs) are used during general anesthesia (GA) due to comfort. Certain complications are possible, such as gastric distension. The incidence of pulmonary aspiration of regurgitated gastric contents was found to be 0.02%. A difference in the incidence of gastric regurgitation was not identified between the use of SGAs and endotracheal intubation. We report a case of gastric distension and atelectasis in a patient in whom an I-gel® was used for GA.Case: A 63-year-old female patient underwent triple arthrodesis on her ankle under GA using an SGA (I-gel® size 3). After surgery, she suffered from nausea and abdominal bloating. A chest radiograph revealed that a large amount of air in her stomach had caused gastric distention, which resulted in left hemidiaphragm elevation and atelectasis. Conclusions This case illustrates that the use of I-gel® in prolonged surgeries may result in malposition of the SGA and gastric insufflation and atelectasis.

Maintaining the patency of the external auditory canal (EAC) during reconstruction is important because of its physiological role in hearing and immunological protective functions. The curved shape of the EAC presents a challenge when performing a skin graft. One of the key points for a successful skin graft is to ensure compression on the wound bed, and many novel methods, including prefabricated ear molds, have been reported for this purpose. In this study, we present a case of a skin graft performed to reconstruct a skin defect following excision of actinic keratosis in the EAC, using the cover of an ear thermometer probe as a mold for the graft to match the curvature of the EAC. This is an economical and practical method for secure compression dressing of a skin graft in the EAC.