Lymphocele is a complication of pelvic surgery that infrequently leads to compressive neuropathy. We present a case of compressive obturator neuropathy resulting from lymphocele development after pelvic surgery. Electrodiagnostic studies revealed severe axonal disruption in the left obturator nerve, which is associated with poor functional recovery. This case underscores the role of electrodiagnostic testing in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of patients experiencing lower limb weakness following gynecological pelvic surgery.

Mutations in the adenylosuccinate synthase 1 (ADSSL1) gene, resulting in adenylosuccinate synthase deficiency, are a rare genetic anomaly characterized by muscular weakness, elevated serum creatine kinase levels, and pathological muscle findings. However, these clinical symptoms are similar to those observed in many other myopathies, increasing the risk of misdiagnosis. In an era of rapidly expanding genetic knowledge, the authors sought to verify the diagnostic utility of electromyography for genetic disorders. Through combined electrophysiological and genetic studies, a patient initially thought to have Becker’s muscular dystrophy was conclusively diagnosed with ADSSL1 mutagenic myopathy. This case underscores the importance of re-evaluating diseases that do not follow the typical clinical progression of traditional myopathies, especially in light of recent diagnostic advancements.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic disease with an increasing incidence globally; therefore, there is a growing demand for natural compounds effective in treating dermatitis. In this study, the protective effects of Lycium barbarum leaves with and without chlorophyll (LLE and LLE[Ch-]) on AD were investigated in animal models of AD and HaCaT cells. Further, we investigated whether LLE and LLE(Ch-) show any differences in physiological activity.MATERIALS/METHODS: AD was induced by 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene (DNCB) for three weeks, while NC/Nga mice were fed LLE or LLE(Ch-) extracts for 7 weeks. Serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and cytokine (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, interleukin [IL]-6, and IL-4) concentrations and the degree of DNA fragmentation in lymphocytes were examined. A histopathological examination (haematoxylin & eosin staining and blue spots of toluidine) of the dorsal skin of mice was performed. To elucidate the mechanism of action, the expression of the thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) and macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC) were measured in HaCaT cells. RESULTS: Serum IgE and cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) levels as well as DNA fragmentation of lymphocytes were significantly decreased in AD-induced mice treated with LLE or LLE(Ch-) compared to those of the control group. The epidermal thickness of the dorsal skin and mast cell infiltration in the LLE group significantly reduced compared to that in the control group. The LLE extracts showed no cytotoxicity up to 1,000 µg/mL in HaCaT cells. LLE or LLE(Ch-)-treated group showed a reduction of TARC and MDC in TNF-α-and IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that LLE potentially improves inflammation by reducing the expression of chemokines that inhibit T helper 2 cell migration. LLE(Ch-) showed similar effects to LLE on blood levels of IgE, TNF-α and IL-6 and protein expression in HaCat cells, but the ultimate effect of skin improvement was not statistically significant.Therefore, both LLE and LLE(Ch-) can be used as functional materials to alleviate AD, but LLE(Ch-) appears to require more research to improve inflammation.

Purpose: This study was conducted to establish whether an ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum leaves (LLE) and an ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum leaves from which chlorophyll has been removed, denoted as LLE(Ch−), have a protective effect against hepatic fat accumulation. Methods: The inhibitory effects of LLE and LLE(Ch−) on liver fat accumulation were examined in C57BL/6 mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) induced by an methionine and choline deficient diet and in HepG2 cells with palmitic acid-induced fat accumulation. Results: The plasma triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels were lower in the LLE(Ch−) group, whereas the plasma ALT activity decreased significantly in the LLE group. In both the LLE and the LLE(Ch−) groups, the triglyceride and cholesterol contents in the hepatic tissue were significantly reduced. A greater inhibitory effect on tissue fat accumulation was observed in the LLE(Ch−) group than in the LLE group. In HepG2 cells, LLE and LLE(Ch−) were non-toxic up to a concentration of 1,000 µg/mL. Compared to the control group, intracellular fat accumulation in the LLE and LLE(Ch−) groups were significantly reduced at concentrations of 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively. The expression of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase and phosphorylated acetyl-CoA carboxylase in both LLE groups increased at the concentrations of 100 μg/mL and 500 μg/mL. The fatty acid synthase expression was suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner at 10 μg/mL. Conclusion The examined two ethanol extracts of LLE inhibit hepatic fat accumulation in NAFLD. This effect was more pronounced in the LLE(Ch−) group. Therefore, these 2 extracts have an anti-steatosis effect and can be used for NAFLD treatment.

Epidemiological evidence suggests that the severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is lesser and morbidity and mortality rates are lower in children than in adults. Although respiratory viral infections are major triggers of asthma exacerbations in children, the association between asthma and SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unclear. We describe a previously healthy 13-year-old male adolescent who developed severe acute asthma exacerbation following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. This case report describes new-onset asthma as severe exacerbation following COVID-19 infection and highlights the importance of ongoing surveillance of the wide spectrum of COVID-19 manifestations in children.