This study reports the first two clinical cases of spirometrosis caused by Spirometra sp. in cats in Korea. In these two cases, the cats vomited, and long proglottids of tapeworm were recovered. The sick cats presented with anorexia and lethargy. However, they unexpectedly showed no diarrhea, which is the main symptom of spirometrosis. Based on a fecal floatation test as well as morphological and molecular analyses, the parasite was diagnosed as Spirometra sp. The 2 cases were treated with praziquantel. This study suggests regular monitoring of health and deworming in companion animals, even when animals are well cared for, with regular preventive medication. Additionally, spirometrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of gastrointestinal symptoms in Spirometra endemic areas.

This study reports the first two clinical cases of spirometrosis caused by Spirometra sp. in cats in Korea. In these two cases, the cats vomited, and long proglottids of tapeworm were recovered. The sick cats presented with anorexia and lethargy. However, they unexpectedly showed no diarrhea, which is the main symptom of spirometrosis. Based on a fecal floatation test as well as morphological and molecular analyses, the parasite was diagnosed as Spirometra sp. The 2 cases were treated with praziquantel. This study suggests regular monitoring of health and deworming in companion animals, even when animals are well cared for, with regular preventive medication. Additionally, spirometrosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis in cases of gastrointestinal symptoms in Spirometra endemic areas.

Purpose: Mutation of the Kirsten Ras (KRAS) oncogene is present in 30%-40% of colorectal cancers and has prognostic significance in rectal cancer. In this study, we examined the ability of radiomics features extracted from T2-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images to differentiate between tumors with mutant KRAS and wild-type KRAS. Materials and Methods: Sixty patients with primary rectal cancer (25 with mutant KRAS, 35 with wild-type KRAS) were retrospectively enrolled. Texture analysis was performed in all regions of interest on MR images, which were manually segmented by two independent radiologists. We identified potentially useful imaging features using the two-tailed t test and used them to build a discriminant model with a decision tree to estimate whether KRAS mutation had occurred. Results: Three radiomic features were significantly associated with KRASmutational status (p < 0.05). The mean (and standard deviation) skewness with gradient filter value was significantly higher in the mutant KRAS group than in the wild-type group (2.04±0.94 vs. 1.59±0.69). Higher standard deviations for medium texture (SSF3 and SSF4) were able to differentiate mutant KRAS (139.81±44.19 and 267.12±89.75, respectively) and wild-type KRAS (114.55±29.30 and 224.78±62.20). The final decision tree comprised three decision nodes and four terminal nodes, two of which designated KRAS mutation. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the decision tree was 84%, 80%, and 81.7%, respectively. Conclusion Using MR-based texture analysis, we identified three imaging features that could differentiate mutant from wild-type KRAS. T2-weighted images could be used to predict KRAS mutation status preoperatively in patients with rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: The inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) is very effective for preventing pulmonary embolism in patients who cannot undergo anticoagulation therapy. However, if a filter is placed in the body permanently, it may lead to other complications. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of 159 patients who underwent retrievable Cook Celect IVCF implantation between January 2007 and April 2015 at a single center. Baseline characteristics, indications, and complications caused by the filter were investigated. RESULTS: The most common underlying disease of patients receiving the filter was cancer (24.3%). Venous thrombolysis or thrombectomy was the most common indication for IVCF insertion in this study (47.2%). The most common complication was inferior vena cava penetration, the risk of which increased the longer the filter remained in the body (p=0.032, Exp(B)=1.004). CONCLUSION: If the patient is able to retry anticoagulation therapy and the filter is no longer needed, the filter should be removed, even if a long time has elapsed since implantation. If the filter cannot be removed, it is recommended that follow-up computed tomography be performed regularly to monitor the progress of venous thromboembolisms as well as any filter-related complications.
Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Pulmonary Embolism ; Retrospective Studies ; Thrombectomy ; Thromboembolism ; Vena Cava Filters* ; Vena Cava, Inferior* ; Venous Thrombosis

Internet gaming disorder (IGD) has many comorbid psychiatric problems including major depressive disorder (MDD). In the present study, we compared the neurobiological differences between MDD without comorbidity (MDD-only) and MDD comorbid with IGD (MDD+IGD) by analyzing the quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) findings. We recruited 14 male MDD+IGD (mean age, 20.0 ± 5.9 years) and 15 male MDD-only (mean age, 20.3 ± 5.5 years) patients. The electroencephalography (EEG) coherences were measured using a 21-channel digital EEG system and computed to assess synchrony in the frequency ranges of alpha (7.5–12.5 Hz) and beta (12.5–35.0 Hz) between the following 12 electrode site pairs: inter-hemispheric (Fp1–Fp2, F7–F8, T3–T4, and P3–P4) and intra-hemispheric (F7–T3, F8–T4, C3–P3, C4–P4, T5–O1, T6–O2, P3–O1, and P4–O2) pairs. Differences in inter- and intra-hemispheric coherence values for the frequency bands between groups were analyzed using the independent t-test. Inter-hemispheric coherence value for the alpha band between Fp1–Fp2 electrodes was significantly lower in MDD+IGD than MDD-only patients. Intra-hemispheric coherence value for the alpha band between P3–O1 electrodes was higher in MDD+IGD than MDD-only patients. Intra-hemispheric coherence values for the beta band between F8–T4, T6–O2, and P4–O2 electrodes were higher in MDD+IGD than MDD-only patients. There appears to be an association between decreased inter-hemispheric connectivity in the frontal region and vulnerability to attention problems in the MDD+IGD group. Increased intra-hemisphere connectivity in the fronto-temporo-parieto-occipital areas may result from excessive online gaming.
Comorbidity* ; Depressive Disorder, Major* ; Electrodes ; Electroencephalography* ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin D ; Internet* ; Male

PURPOSE: Interleukin (IL)-9 induces allergic responses; however, the roles of anti-IL-9 antibody in the induction of tolerance remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of anti-IL-9 antibody on oral tolerance (OT) in a mouse model of allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: BALB/c mice were divided into 4 groups: the control, AR, OT, and OT with anti-IL-9 antibody (OT+IL9AB) groups. Ovalbumin (OVA) was used for sensitization and challenge. Mice in the OT and OT+IL9AB groups were fed OVA for immunotherapy. During immunotherapy, OT+IL9AB mice were injected with anti-IL-9 antibody. Allergic symptoms, tissue eosinophil counts, and serum OVA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) were measured. The mRNA expressions of cytokines and transcription factors of T cells of nasal mucosa were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The protein levels of GATA3, ROR-γt, and Foxp3 in nasal mucosa were determined by Western blot. CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cells in the spleen were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: Administration of anti-IL-9 antibody decreased allergic symptoms, OVA-specific IgE levels, and eosinophil counts. In addition, it inhibited T-helper (Th) 2 responses, but had no effect on Th1 responses. Protein levels of ROR-γt and mRNA levels of PU.1 and ROR-γt were reduced by anti-IL-9 antibody. Anti-IL-9 antibody increased Foxp3 and IL-10 mRNA expression, Foxp3 protein, and induction of CD4⁺CD25⁺Foxp3⁺ T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-IL-9 antibody decreased allergic inflammation through suppression of Th2 and Th17 cells. Anti-IL-9 antibody enhanced the tolerogenic effects of regulatory T cells. These results suggest that anti-IL-9 antibody might represent a potential therapeutic agent for allergen immunotherapy in patients with uncontrolled allergic airway disease.
Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Cytokines ; Desensitization, Immunologic ; Eosinophils ; Flow Cytometry ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin E ; Immunoglobulins ; Immunotherapy* ; Inflammation ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-9 ; Interleukins ; Mice ; Nasal Mucosa ; Ovalbumin ; Ovum ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rhinitis, Allergic* ; RNA, Messenger ; Spleen ; T-Lymphocytes ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; Th17 Cells ; Transcription Factors

BACKGROUND: Surgical correction needs to be considered when diaphragm eventration leads to impaired ventilation and respiratory muscle fatigue. Plication to sufficiently tense the diaphragm by VATS is not as easy to achieve as plication by open surgery. We used pneumatic compression with carbon dioxide (CO2) gas in thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication and evaluated feasibility and efficacy. METHODS: Eleven patients underwent thoracoscopic diaphragmatic plication between January 2008 and December 2013 in Pusan National University Hospital. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed, and compared between the group using CO₂ gas and group without using CO2 gas, for operative time, plication technique, duration of hospital stay, postoperative chest tube drainage, pulmonary spirometry, dyspnea score pre- and postoperation, and postoperative recurrence. RESULTS: The improvement of forced expiratory volume at 1 second in the group using CO₂ gas and the group not using CO₂ gas was 22.46±11.27 and 21.08±5.39 (p=0.84). The improvement of forced vital capacity 3 months after surgery was 16.74±10.18 (with CO₂) and 15.6±0.89 (without CO₂) (p=0.03). During follow-up (17±17 months), there was no dehiscence in plication site and relapse. No complications or hospital mortalities occurred. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic plication under single lung ventilation using CO₂ insufflation could be an effective, safe option to flatten the diaphragm.
Busan ; Carbon Dioxide* ; Carbon* ; Chest Tubes ; Diaphragm ; Diaphragmatic Eventration ; Drainage ; Dyspnea ; Fatigue ; Follow-Up Studies ; Forced Expiratory Volume ; Hospital Mortality ; Humans ; Insufflation ; Length of Stay ; Medical Records ; Methods ; One-Lung Ventilation ; Operative Time ; Recurrence ; Respiratory Muscles ; Retrospective Studies ; Spirometry ; Thoracic Surgery, Video-Assisted ; Thoracoscopy ; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation ; Ventilation ; Vital Capacity

Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has emerged as an effective therapy for a variety of thoracic aortic pathologies. However, various types of endoleak remain a major concern, and its treatment is often challenging. We report a case of type I endoleak occurring 19 months after zone II hybrid TEVAR. The endoleak was successfully repaired by the frozen elephant trunk technique, without removal of a previous stent graft, combined with ascending aorta and total arch replacement.
Aneurysm ; Aorta ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis ; Elephants* ; Endoleak* ; Pathology

Malignant melanoma rarely develops in the paranasal sinuses, and generally has a poor prognosis. However, mucosal melanoma can masquerade both clinically and histopathologically as a benign lesion, rendering accurate early diagnosis difficult. On the other hand, angiofibroma, a benign tumor, is more easily diagnosed than a mucosal melanoma, because the former exhibits specific histopathological features. No cases of concurrent angiofibroma and mucosal melanoma have been reported to date. We describe such a case below.
Angiofibroma* ; Early Diagnosis ; Hand ; Melanoma* ; Nasal Cavity ; Nose* ; Paranasal Sinuses ; Prognosis

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of mesenchymal stem cell proliferation on recombinant human transforming growth factor-beta (rhTGF-β2) / poly (D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) treated titanium discs by electrospray. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anodized titanium surface coated with PLGA was used for a control group to compare anodized titanium surface coated with 125 ng/ml and 500 ng/ml rhTGF-β2 as test groups. Atomic force microscope (AFM) test was utilized to determine the difference in coating surface roughness, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was taken to visualize even distribution of coating particles on titanium discs. The mesenchymal stem cell proliferation was tested by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay on 1st, 4th, 7th days. RESULTS: According to AFM results, there was no statistically significant difference in titanium discs treated with PLGA and with rhTGF-β2/PLGA (P>.05). MTT assay test results showed that there was statistically significant difference in mesenchymal stem cell proliferation on test groups compared to control groups at 7th day, and cell viability on discs coated with rhTGF-β2 was significantly higher than control groups (P<.05). CONCLUSION: Titanium surface coated with rhTGF-β2/PLGA shows statistically significant higher cell proliferation and the titanium surface coated with the higher concentration of rhTGF-β2 presents faster cell growth activity.
Cell Proliferation ; Cell Survival ; Humans ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells* ; Microscopy, Electron, Scanning ; Titanium*