No abstract available.
Cicatrix* ; Endometriosis* ; Female

No abstract available.
Cicatrix* ; Endometriosis* ; Female

PURPOSE: To investigate the difference in rectal complications rate following prostate low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy based on prostate-rectum distance and prostate longitudinal length among early prostate cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2008 to February 2013, 245 prostate cancer patients with a Gleason score < or =7 were treated with 125-I LDR brachytherapy. Among them, 178 patients with prostate volume 20-35 mL and a follow-up period > or =6 months were evaluated for radiation proctitis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed for a prebrachytherapy evaluation, and prostate-rectum distance and prostate longitudinal length were measured. The radiation proctitis was confirmed and graded via colonoscopy based on the radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) toxicity criteria. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients received a colonoscopy for proctitis evaluation, and 12 were identified as grade 1 on the RTOG scale. Nine patients were diagnosed as grade 2 and 2 patients were grade 3. No patient developed grade 4 proctitis. The rectal-complication group had a mean prostate-rectum distance of 2.51+/-0.16 mm, while non-rectal-complication control group had 3.32+/-0.31 mm. The grade 1 proctitis patients had a mean prostate-rectum distance of 2.80+/-0.15 mm, which was significantly longer than 2.12+/-0.31 mm of grades 2 and 3 patient groups (p=0.045). All 11 patients of grades 2 and 3 had a prostate longitudinal length of 35.22+/-2.50 mm, which was longer than group 1, but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.214). CONCLUSIONS: As the prostate-rectum distance increased, fewer postimplantation rectal symptoms were observed. Patients with a shorter prostate-rectum distance in MRI should receive modified implantation techniques or radical prostatectomy.
Aged ; Brachytherapy/*adverse effects ; Carcinoma/*radiotherapy ; Colonoscopy ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Organ Size ; Proctitis/diagnosis/*etiology ; Prostate/*pathology ; Prostatic Neoplasms/*radiotherapy ; Radiation Injuries/diagnosis/*etiology ; Severity of Illness Index

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the rate and etiologies of second trimester pregnancy loss in monochorionic (MC) or dichorionic (DC) twins, and natural or assisted reproductive technology (ART) twins. METHODS: Between January 1997 and December 2008, there were 146 cases of second trimester twin pregnancy losses (between 12 and 24 weeks gestation) from 2,467 twin pregnancies. They were divided into four groups according to chorionicity and fertilization. Chorionicity was established by ultrasound at early gestation and confirmed by histologic examination after delivery. From a total of 2,467 twin deliveries, 392 MC, 2058 DC, and 17 unknown chorionicity were observed. Fertilization methods were classified as 736 natural, 1,590 ART, and 141 unknown conceptions. The pregnancy loss rate and possible mechanisms were compared in each group. RESULTS: During the study period, there were 43 MC, 86 DC, and 17 unknown chorionicities and 45 natural, 78 ART, and 23 unknown fertilizations. Total twin pregnancy loss rate was 5.9% (146/2,467), with 11.0% (43/392) and 4.2% (86/2,058) for MC twin group and DC twin group, respectively. Likewise, it was 6.1% (45/736) and 4.9% (78/1,590) for natural twin group and ART twin group. The most common cause was intrauterine fetal death (IUFD) in 22 (51.2%) in MC twin group and preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) in 40 (46.5%) in DC twin group, followed by preterm labor (PTL) in 37 (43%). In natural pregnancy, IUFD was the most common etiology in 20 (44.5%) and for ART twin group, it was PTL in 35 (44.9%). CONCLUSION: Twin pregnancy loss rate was higher in MC twin group compared with DC twin group in the second trimester. MC twin group had a higher incidence of IUFD as a cause of second trimester pregnancy loss. The etiologies in DC twin group were PPROM and PTL. It is suggested that antenatal care in twin pregnancy should be explored for preventing fetal loss and promoting neonatal well-being.
Chorion ; Female ; Fertilization ; Fetal Death ; Humans ; Incidence ; Membranes ; Obstetric Labor, Premature ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second ; Pregnancy, Twin ; Reproductive Techniques, Assisted ; Rupture ; Twins

PURPOSE: Occult papillary thyroid carcinomas (OPC) are defined as tumors measuring < or =15 mm in size. They are believed to be a less aggressive subset of papillary cancers, which behave more like benign lesions, and are often treated more conservatively. However, some groups have reported a high incidence of metastases from papillary microcarcinomas and favor an aggressive surgical resection followed by radioiodine therapy. We review our experience in an attempt to characterize the biology and optimal treatment for OPCs. METHODS: From October 2001 to March 2006, among impalpable thyroid nodules detected incidentally during screening exams, 214 patients underwent surgery for occult papillary thyroid cancer (OPC) at Kangnam Cha University hospital. The data from these patients were analyzed retrospectively. The mean follow up period was 19.9+/-11.7 (max : 53, min : 1) months. RESULTS: The mean age of these patients was 41.4 year, and 188 (87.7%) were female. 41% of the patients underwent a total or neartotal thyroidectomy, 42% had a central lymph node dissection and 41% had radioiodine ablation therapy after surgery. Of the 214 patients, 40 (18.7%) had lymph node metastases. The LN metastases were associated with the tumor size (P=0.0007), extracapsular invasion (P=0.0268) and multifocality (P=0.0024), but there was no association with age and gender. The incidence of the LN metastases (20%) and extracapsular invasion (59.1%) were higher in the tumors between 0.5~1.0 cm in size. With a follow-up up to 53 months, 3 patients had a local recurrence (0.014%) but no patients currently has active disease. No patients with OPC died died during this period. CONCLUSION: In OPC patients, a progressively increasing frequency of signs of tumor aggressiveness with increasing tumor size was observed but a small size itself could not guarantee a low risk or low recurrence rate. The prevalence of LN metastases and extracapsular invasion were higher in tumors > 0.5 cm in size. Therefore, we prefer near-total or total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection. Early detection and treatment of OPC might be warranted by the routine use of thyroid USG and USG-guided FNA.
Biology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; Mass Screening ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Prevalence ; Recurrence ; Retrospective Studies ; Thyroid Gland* ; Thyroid Neoplasms* ; Thyroid Nodule ; Thyroidectomy

BACKGROUND: We examined the relationship between 10-year predicted atherosclerosis cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in Koreans aged 40–79 years. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional design was used from data based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014. RESULTS: A total of 1,134 healthy Koreans aged 40–79 years were included. A positive relationship between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level and ASCVD score was shown in women (β=0.015) after adjusting for central obesity, physical activity, and supplement intake. The chances of being in the moderate to high risk (risk group, ASCVD score ≥5%) with vitamin D sufficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D ≥20 ng/mL) was 1.267-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.039–1.595) greater than the chance of being included in the group with vitamin D deficiency (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 20 ng/mL) after adjustments in women. CONCLUSION: Our research indicated a significantly positive association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D and ASCVD score. Further detailed studies to evaluate this correlation are needed.
Atherosclerosis ; Cardiovascular Diseases* ; Female ; Heart* ; Humans ; Korea* ; Motor Activity ; Nutrition Surveys ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Vitamin D ; Vitamin D Deficiency

The job characteristics and competencies of 285 dietitians in employee foodservices were investigated by worker-oriented job analysis methodology. The purposes of this study were to : a) determine the knowledge, abilities, skills and other characteristics(KASO) needed for dietitians in two types of employee foodservice groups(self-operated vs. contracted), b) categorize KASO items by factor analysis and c) provide job information and job descriptions for dietitians in employee foodservices. The job analysis questionnaire was consisted of questions concerning the 134 KASO items. The questionnaire was mailed to 250 dietitians who are members of The Korean Dietetic Association Practice Group in self-operated foodservices(group A) and 250 dietitians who are employed in contracted foodservice companies(group B). Completed were received from 285 dietitians(121 in self-operated, 164 in contracted) ; with response rate of 57%. Statistical data analysis was completed using the SPSS/win and the SAS/win packages. The results of this study can be summarized as follows. 1) Through factor analysis, the 134 KASO items were regrouped into 6 categories: 'primary dietetic tasks concerning menu management and administrative work regarding merchants', 'primary dietetic tasks concerning procurement and purchasing of food and supplies and meal production and service control', 'primary dietetic tasks concerning facility, sanitation and safety control', 'secondary dietetic tasks concerning nutrition education and research', 'secondary dietetic tasks concerning foodservice operation management' and 'human attributes'. 2) Analysis of the total scores(average scores of degree of frequency, importance and entry requirements of KASO items within 6 categories), group A showed high priorities placed on 'human attributes', 'procurement and purchasing of food and supplies and meal production and service control', 'menu management and administrative work regarding merchants', 'whereas group B showed high priorities placed on 'human attributes', 'foodservice operation management'.
Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Education ; Equipment and Supplies ; Job Description ; Meals ; Nutritionists* ; Postal Service ; Sanitation ; Surveys and Questionnaires

The job characteristics and competencies of 285 dietitians in employee foodservices were investigated by worker-oriented job analysis methodology. The purposes of this study were to : a) determine the knowledge, abilities, skills and other characteristics(KASO, hereafter) needed for dietitians in two types of employee foodservice groups(self-operated vs. contracted) and b) the analysis of the degree of frequency and importance and entry requirements of KASO items listed below : their degree of frequency, the level of importance and their function as entry requirements. The 134 KASO items would be divided into 12 task categories. The questionnaire was mailed to 250 dietitians who are members of The Korean Dietetic Association Practice Group in self-operated foodservices(hereafter group A) and 250 dietitians who are employed in contracted foodservice companies(hereafter group B). Completed were received from 285 dietitians(121 in self-operated, 164 in contracted) ; with a response rate of 57%. Statistical data analysis was completed using the SPSS/win and the SAS/win packages. The results of this study can be summarized as follows. 1) Analysis of the degree of frequency, importance and entry requirements of 134 KASO items in group A showed a high priority(score<4.0) placed on 14 items in relation to dietetic tasks and 9 items in relation to human attributes, whereas in group B 19 items in relation to dietetic tasks and 11 items in relation to human attributes. 2) Comparing responses about the KASO items in the 12 task categories, there was a significant difference between the two sample groups with regard to degree of frequency : group A scored 3.29, group B scored 3.50(p<0.01). With regard to importance of KASO items in 12 task categories, group A scored 3.78 and group B scored 3.88 showing no significant differences. With to entry requirements of KASO items in 12 task categories, group A scored 3.29 and group B scored 3.46 showing a significant difference(p<0.05).
Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Humans ; Nutritionists* ; Postal Service ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) are direct communications between pulmonary arteries and pulmonary veins, resulting in right-to-left shunts that may cause cyanosis, dyspnea, and digital clubbing. Neurological complications such as intrace rebral hemorrhage or brain abscess may result from cerebral thrombosis or emboli. In most cases, they remain unrecognized until the late te enage years. Here, we report a case of a 6-year-old boy who presented with perioral cyanosis, digital clubbing, and dyspnea on exertion. A plain chest X-ray showed a focal nodular opacity in the right lower lobe (RLL), and a diagnosis of a large PAVM in the RLL was confirmed by chest computed tomography. A right lower lobe ctomy was successfully performed without any complications. Although their incidence in children is low, PAVMs should be suspected as a possible cause of cyanosis and dyspnea of non-cardiac origin, and should be treated promptly to prevent further neurological complications.
Arteriovenous Malformations ; Brain Abscess ; Child ; Cyanosis ; Dyspnea ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Intracranial Thrombosis ; Pulmonary Artery ; Pulmonary Veins ; Thorax

In reproduction, mitochondria produce bioenergy, help to synthesize biomolecules, and support the ovaries, oogenesis, and preimplantation embryos, thereby facilitating healthy live births. However, the regulatory mechanism of mitochondria in oocytes and embryos during oogenesis and embryo development has not been clearly elucidated. The functional activity of mitochondria is crucial for determining the quality of oocytes and embryos; therefore, the underlying mechanism must be better understood. In this review, we summarize the specific role of mitochondria in reproduction in oocytes and embryos. We also briefly discuss the recovery of mitochondrial function in gametes and zygotes. First, we introduce the general characteristics of mitochondria in cells, including their roles in adenosine triphosphate and reactive oxygen species production, calcium homeostasis, and programmed cell death. Second, we present the unique characteristics of mitochondria in female reproduction, covering the bottleneck theory, mitochondrial shape, and mitochondrial metabolic pathways during oogenesis and preimplantation embryo development. Mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with ovarian aging, a diminished ovarian reserve, a poor ovarian response, and several reproduction problems in gametes and zygotes, such as aneuploidy and genetic disorders. Finally, we briefly describe which factors are involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and how mitochondrial function can be recovered in reproduction. We hope to provide a new viewpoint regarding factors that can overcome mitochondrial dysfunction in the field of reproductive medicine.