PURPOSE: Intrahepatic duct stones have been known to be a benign disease but because of the associated serious complications and the high recurrence rate, the management of the hepatolithiasis is very difficult. This purpose of this study was to classify the patterns of intrahepatic duct stones, and to evaluate the effect of surgical treatment according to their type and the residual stones that were present. METHODS: The clinical records of 212 patients who underwent a hepatic resection or drainage procedures between January 1988 and December 2000 were reviewed. RESULTS: We classified the intrahepatic duct stones as being either a localized simple type, a localized complicated type, a diffuse simple type, or a diffuse complicated type. Hepatic resections were performed in 177 (83.5%) cases. Among these we performed a hepatic resection along with drainage procedures in 41 cases (19.3%). In 35 (16.5%) cases, only drainage procedures were performed. Of a total of 25 cases of postoperative residual stones (25 cases), 13 (52%) cases were removed completely or partially by choledochoscopic procedures in 13 (52%) cases and in 15 (60.0%) cases they were removed completely or partially by spontaneous drainages. CONCLUSION: Our conclusions were that the, localized type of the IHD stones were treated successfully by a hepatic resection and the localized complicated type and the diffuse type IHD stones were treated effectively by hepatic resection and drainage procedures which reduced the opportunity for residual stones to develop following an accurate preoperative diagnosis of the location of the stones. Therefore, treatment methods should be individualized for each type of stone and by surgical treatments that combine endoscopic and resolution methods.
Classification* ; Diagnosis ; Drainage ; Humans ; Recurrence

BACKGROUND: Poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) is a biodegradable polymer (BP) that replaces conventional petroleumbased polymers. The hydrophobicity of biodegradable PLLA periodontal barrier membrane in wet state can be solved by alloying it with natural polymers. Alloying PLLA with gelatin imparts wet mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, shrinkage, degradability and biocompatibility to the polymeric matrix. METHODS: To investigate membrane performance in the wet state, PLLA/gelatin membranes were synthesized by varying the gelatin concentration from 0 to 80 wt%. The membrane was prepared by electrospinning. RESULTS: At the macroscopic scale, PLLA containing gelatin can tune the wet mechanical properties, hydrophilicity, water uptake capacity (WUC), degradability and biocompatibility of PLLA/gelatin membranes. As the gelatin content increased from 0 to 80 wt%, the dry tensile strength of the membranes increased from 6.4 to 38.9 MPa and the dry strain at break decreased from 1.7 to 0.19. PLLA/gelatin membranes with a gelatin content exceeding 40% showed excellent biocompatibility and hydrophilicity. However, dimensional change (37.5% after 7 days of soaking), poor tensile stress in wet state (3.48 MPa) and rapid degradation rate (73.7%) were observed. The highest WUC, hydrophilicity, porosity, suitable mechanical properties and biocompatibility were observed for the PLLA/40% gelatin membrane. CONCLUSION PLLA/gelatin membranes with gelatin content less than 40% are suitable as barrier membranes for absorbable periodontal tissue regeneration due to their tunable wet mechanical properties, degradability, biocompatibility and lack of dimensional changes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: High aerobic exercise capacity and sport-related physical activity are reported to be inversely associated with arterial stiffness in healthy young adults. However, it is unknown whether increased physical activity and/or high aerobic exercise capacity attenuate arterial stiffness in patients with untreated hypertension. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied subjects with never-treated hypertension {n=84 (55 males); mean age+/-SD, 49+/-7 years; age range, 36-65 years}. We excluded subjects with a history of diabetes, angina, myocardial infarction, major arrhythmia, or cerebrovascular diseases and those who were taking any cardiovascular medications, including lipid-lowering agents. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and heart-femoral pulse wave velocity (hfPWV) were measured before exercise testing was performed. Physical activity was estimated using a modified Baecke questionnaire. Aerobic exercise capacity was measured with maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing (maximum oxygen uptake, Vo2max). RESULTS: Linear regression analysis showed a significant inverse correlation between sport-index and hfPWV (r=-0.404; p<0.001), which multiple linear regression analysis showed to be independent of the individual variables of age, gender, body mass index, mean arterial pressure, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, and heart rate (beta=-0.277; p=0.004). However, the work- and leisure-indices and Vo2max were not associated with hfPWV (p>0.05). Carotid IMT was not associated with physical activity indices or Vo2max. CONCLUSION: In patients with untreated hypertension, increased sport activity was associated with lower aortic stiffness, but high aerobic exercise capacity was not. These results suggest that regular daily exercise, but not exercise capacity, is an important determinant of aortic stiffness in patients with untreated hypertension.
Arrhythmias, Cardiac ; Arterial Pressure ; Blood Glucose ; Body Mass Index ; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness ; Cholesterol ; Exercise ; Exercise Test ; Fasting ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Linear Models ; Motor Activity ; Myocardial Infarction ; Oxygen ; Pulse Wave Analysis ; Sports ; Vascular Stiffness ; Young Adult ; Surveys and Questionnaires

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Microalbuminuria (MAU) and decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) are risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with hypertension. However, in hypertensive patients with normal or minimally reduced eGFR (> or =60 mL/min/1.73 m2) and with normo- or MAU, the value of combined estimation of eGFR and urine microalbumin for the risk assessment has not been widely reported. We evaluated the association between arterial stiffness and the combined estimation of eGFR and urine microalbumin. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Subjects with never treated hypertension and normal or minimally reduced eGFR were evaluated (n=491, 50.1+/-10.4 years). eGFR was calculated by the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) was assessed with spot urine. Arterial stiffness was assessed with heart-femoral pulse wave velocity (hfPWV). All subjects were divided into four groups; group 1, eGFR > or =90 mL/min/1.73 m2 (normal eGFR) and normo-albuminuria (NAU); group 2, eGFR 89.9-60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (minimally reduced eGFR) and NAU; group 3, normal eGFR and MAU; group 4, minimally reduced eGFR and MAU. RESULTS: Group 1 had the lowest hfPWV (964.6+/-145.4; group 2, 1013.5+/-168.9; group 3, 1058.2+/-238.0; group 4, 1065.8+/-162.9 cm/sec). Analysis adjusting age, sex, body mass index, heart rate and mean arterial pressure showed significantly lower hfPWV of group 1 compared to group 2 (p=0.032) and 3 (p=0.007). Multiple regression analysis showed a significant association of hfPWV with logUACR {beta=0.096, 95% confidence interval (CI) 8.974-60.610, p=0.008} and eGFR (beta=-0.069, 95% CI -1.194 - -0.005, p=0.048). CONCLUSION: Minimally reduced eGFR or MAU is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness, indicating greater CVD risk.
Arterial Pressure ; Body Mass Index ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diet ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Pulse Wave Analysis ; Renal Insufficiency ; Risk Assessment ; Risk Factors ; Vascular Stiffness

PURPOSE: We made a radiological comparison between 60 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy with short armed two parts and 40 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy with long armed one part performing operation in cases of hallux valgus angle of less than 40 degrees, intermetatarsal angle of less than 15 degrees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 12 cases with 60 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy and 12 cases with 40 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy were selected from October 2000 to March 2005. We have analysed the hallux valgus angle, 1-2 intermetatarsal angle, metatarsal length, distal metartarsal articular angle and angulation at osteotomy site on lateral view in each radiological films taken at preoperative, postoperative and 3 months after operation presuming bone union. All cases were women, both sides were 9 cases and average age was 52.3 years old. RESULTS: Data taken at preoperative, postoperative and 3 months follow up films in 60 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy were as follows; the hallux valgus angles were 32.1 degrees, 10.9 degrees, 13.8 degrees, the 1-2 intermetatarsal angles were 13.6 degrees, 8.5 degrees, 8.4 degrees, the metatarsal length were 60.6 mm, 58.8 mm, 58 mm, the distal metartarsal articular angles were 13 degrees, 6 degrees, 6.6 degrees and 3 cases were over 3 degrees angulation at lateral view. In 40 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy, the hallux valgus angles were 34.5 degrees, 11.6 degrees, 15.3 degrees, the 1-2 intermetatarsal angles were 12.7 degrees, 8.2 degrees, 7.8 degrees, the metatarsal length were 59.2 mm, 56.9 mm, 55.9 mm, the distal metartarsal articular angles were 12 degrees, 7.3 degrees, 7.3 degrees and there were no case with angulation over 3 degrees at lateral view. CONCLUSION: In comparison between 60 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy and 40 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy measuring at postoperative and follow up, most of all data were similar, but 3 cases over 3 degrees angulation at lateral view happened in 60 degrees Chevron osteotomy. This result showed that 40 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy fixing with screws through long armed one part may have benefit than 60 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy fixing with K-wires through short armed two parts in making rigid fixation, even though there is a personal difference of technigue.
Arm ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hallux Valgus* ; Hallux* ; Humans ; Metatarsal Bones ; Osteotomy*

PURPOSE: We made a radiological comparison between 60 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy with short armed two parts and 40 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy with long armed one part performing operation in cases of hallux valgus angle of less than 40 degrees, intermetatarsal angle of less than 15 degrees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 12 cases with 60 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy and 12 cases with 40 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy were selected from October 2000 to March 2005. We have analysed the hallux valgus angle, 1-2 intermetatarsal angle, metatarsal length, distal metartarsal articular angle and angulation at osteotomy site on lateral view in each radiological films taken at preoperative, postoperative and 3 months after operation presuming bone union. All cases were women, both sides were 9 cases and average age was 52.3 years old. RESULTS: Data taken at preoperative, postoperative and 3 months follow up films in 60 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy were as follows; the hallux valgus angles were 32.1 degrees, 10.9 degrees, 13.8 degrees, the 1-2 intermetatarsal angles were 13.6 degrees, 8.5 degrees, 8.4 degrees, the metatarsal length were 60.6 mm, 58.8 mm, 58 mm, the distal metartarsal articular angles were 13 degrees, 6 degrees, 6.6 degrees and 3 cases were over 3 degrees angulation at lateral view. In 40 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy, the hallux valgus angles were 34.5 degrees, 11.6 degrees, 15.3 degrees, the 1-2 intermetatarsal angles were 12.7 degrees, 8.2 degrees, 7.8 degrees, the metatarsal length were 59.2 mm, 56.9 mm, 55.9 mm, the distal metartarsal articular angles were 12 degrees, 7.3 degrees, 7.3 degrees and there were no case with angulation over 3 degrees at lateral view. CONCLUSION: In comparison between 60 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy and 40 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy measuring at postoperative and follow up, most of all data were similar, but 3 cases over 3 degrees angulation at lateral view happened in 60 degrees Chevron osteotomy. This result showed that 40 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy fixing with screws through long armed one part may have benefit than 60 degrees distal Chevron osteotomy fixing with K-wires through short armed two parts in making rigid fixation, even though there is a personal difference of technigue.
Arm ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hallux Valgus* ; Hallux* ; Humans ; Metatarsal Bones ; Osteotomy*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis (EPS) is an often-fatal complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). We here report the clinical features of EPS in Korean PD patients from a single university center. METHODS: The data were collected retrospectively from 606 PD patients at Kyungpook National University Hospital, between August 2001 and August 2011. The diagnosis of EPS was based on clinical signs and symptoms, and confirmed by radiological findings. RESULTS: Eight patients (1.3%, four males) were diagnosed with EPS. The mean age of the patients was 48.5 years (range, 33 to 65). The mean duration of PD was 111.8 months (range, 23 to 186). All patients except for one had three or more episodes of peritonitis. Seven patients were diagnosed with EPS after stopping PD, and only one stayed on PD after initial diagnosis and treatment. Total parenteral nutrition and corticosteroids, in addition to tamoxifen therapy, were used to treat most of the patients, and one patient underwent surgery (adhesiolysis). The overall mortality rate was 50%. CONCLUSIONS: EPS is a serious, life-threatening complication in patients on long-term PD. To reduce the incidence and mortality rate of EPS, careful monitoring and early diagnosis is needed.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; *Hospitals, University ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Parenteral Nutrition, Total ; Peritoneal Dialysis/*adverse effects/mortality ; *Peritoneal Fibrosis/diagnosis/etiology/mortality/therapy ; *Peritonitis/diagnosis/etiology/mortality/therapy ; Republic of Korea ; Retrospective Studies ; Tamoxifen/therapeutic use ; Time Factors ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We compared changes in heart-femoral pulse wave velocity (hfPWV) in response to low sodium and high sodium diet between individuals with sodium sensitivity (SS) and resistance (SR) to evaluate the influence of sodium intake on arterial stiffness. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Thirty-one hypertensive and 70 normotensive individuals were given 7 days of low sodium dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet (LSD, 100 mmol NaCl/day) followed by 7 days of high sodium DASH diet (HSD, 300 mmol NaCl/day) during 2 weeks of hospitalization. The hfPWV was measured and compared after the LSD and HSD. RESULTS: The hfPWV was significantly elevated from LSD to HSD in individuals with SS (P = 0.001) independently of changes in mean arterial pressure (P = 0.037). Conversely, there was no significant elevation of hfPWV from LSD to HSD in individuals with SR. The percent change in hfPWV from the LSD to the HSD in individuals with SS was higher than that in individuals with SR. Subgroup analysis revealed that individuals with both SS and hypertension showed significant elevation of hfPWV from LSD to HSD upon adjusted analysis using changes of the means arterial pressure (P = 0.040). However, there was no significant elevation of hfPWV in individuals with SS and normotension. CONCLUSION: High sodium intake elevated hfPWV in hypertensive individuals with SS, suggesting that high sodium intake increases aortic stiffness, and may contribute to enhanced cardiovascular risk in hypertensive individuals with SS.
Arterial Pressure ; Diet* ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Lysergic Acid Diethylamide ; Pulse Wave Analysis* ; Sodium* ; Sodium, Dietary ; Vascular Stiffness

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: We compared changes in heart-femoral pulse wave velocity (hfPWV) in response to low sodium and high sodium diet between individuals with sodium sensitivity (SS) and resistance (SR) to evaluate the influence of sodium intake on arterial stiffness. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Thirty-one hypertensive and 70 normotensive individuals were given 7 days of low sodium dietary approach to stop hypertension (DASH) diet (LSD, 100 mmol NaCl/day) followed by 7 days of high sodium DASH diet (HSD, 300 mmol NaCl/day) during 2 weeks of hospitalization. The hfPWV was measured and compared after the LSD and HSD. RESULTS: The hfPWV was significantly elevated from LSD to HSD in individuals with SS (P = 0.001) independently of changes in mean arterial pressure (P = 0.037). Conversely, there was no significant elevation of hfPWV from LSD to HSD in individuals with SR. The percent change in hfPWV from the LSD to the HSD in individuals with SS was higher than that in individuals with SR. Subgroup analysis revealed that individuals with both SS and hypertension showed significant elevation of hfPWV from LSD to HSD upon adjusted analysis using changes of the means arterial pressure (P = 0.040). However, there was no significant elevation of hfPWV in individuals with SS and normotension. CONCLUSION: High sodium intake elevated hfPWV in hypertensive individuals with SS, suggesting that high sodium intake increases aortic stiffness, and may contribute to enhanced cardiovascular risk in hypertensive individuals with SS.
Arterial Pressure ; Diet* ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Lysergic Acid Diethylamide ; Pulse Wave Analysis* ; Sodium* ; Sodium, Dietary ; Vascular Stiffness

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease caused by atherosclerosis can present with intermittent claudication or critical limb ischemia. Proper diagnosis and management is warranted to improve symptoms and salvage limbs. With the introduction of new techniques and dedicated materials, endovascular recanalization is widely performed for the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive disease because it is less invasive than surgery. However, there are various opinions regarding the appropriate indications and procedure methods for interventional recanalization according to operator and institution in Korea. Therefore, we intend to provide evidence based guidelines for interventional recanalization by multidisciplinary consensus. These guidelines are the result of a close collaboration between physicians from many different areas of expertise including interventional radiology, interventional cardiology, and vascular surgery. The goal of these guidelines is to ensure better treatment, to serve as a guide to the clinician, and consequently, to contribute to public health care.
Arterial Occlusive Diseases/radiography/*therapy ; Arteries/pathology ; Endovascular Procedures/*standards ; Humans ; Intermittent Claudication/radiography/therapy ; Limb Salvage/methods ; Lower Extremity/*blood supply ; Peripheral Arterial Disease/radiography/*therapy ; *Practice Guidelines as Topic ; Republic of Korea