Purpose: Bariatric surgery is the gold standard for the treatment of morbid obesity, but postoperative pain impedes recovery. Currently available pain-recovery treatments have patient safety concerns. This led to a noninferiority study of Welpass (Genewel Co., Ltd.) vs. On-Q PainBuster (B. Braun), each used alongside a traditional method of continuous local anesthetic administration, in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Methods: In this single-center prospective randomized clinical trial, patients were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the treatment group (Welpass) and the control group (On-Q PainBuster), with ketorolac administered as needed after surgery according to the protocol. To assess efficacy, the total amount of ketorolac used up to 72 hours postoperatively was measured.Additionally, ketorolac usage and numerical rating scales (NRS) were recorded at 6, 24, 48, and 72 hours after operation. Results: The total amounts of ketorolac used in the 72 hours postoperatively were 188.0 ± 84.6 mg in the treatment group and 198.7 ± 50.0 mg in the control group. The efficacy of the treatment group was noninferior to that of the control group, since the lower limit (–29.9 mg) of the confidence interval for the difference with the control group was greater than the prespecified noninferiority margin (–35.0 mg). Furthermore, when the NRS was evaluated after bariatric surgery, there was no significant difference in scores between the 2 groups at each time point (P > 0.05). Conclusion We found no difference in effect on pain between the 2 groups, supporting the use of Welpass in clinical practice for pain management in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.

Although DNA damage responses (DDRs) are reported to be involved in nitric oxide (NO) production in response to genotoxic stresses, the precise mechanism of DDR-mediated NO production has not been fully understood. Using a genotoxic agent aphidicolin, we investigated how DDRs regulate NO production in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Prolonged (over 24 h) treatment with aphidicolin increased NO production and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein expression, which was accompanied by increased eNOS dimer/monomer ratio, tetrahydrobiopterin levels, and eNOS mRNA expression. A promoter assay using 5’-serially deleted eNOS promoters revealed that Tax-responsive element site, located at −962 to −873 of the eNOS promoter, was respon-sible for aphidicolin-stimulated eNOS gene expression. Aphidicolin increased CREB activity and ectopic expression of dominantnegative inhibitor of CREB, A-CREB, repressed the stimulatory effects of aphidicolin on eNOS gene expression and its promoter activity. Co-treatment with LY294002 decreased the aphidicolin-stimulated increase in p-CREB-Ser133 level, eNOS expression, and NO production. Furthermore, ectopic expression of dominant-negative Akt construct attenuated aphidicolin-stimulated NO production. Aphidicolin increased p-ATM-Ser1981 and the knockdown of ATM using siRNA attenuated all stimulatory effects of aphidicolin on p-Akt-Ser473 , p-CREB-Ser133 , eNOS expression, and NO production. Additionally, these stimulatory effects of aphidicolin were similarly observed in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Lastly, aphidicolin increased acetylcholine-induced vessel relaxation in rat aortas, which was accompanied by increased p-ATM-Ser1981 , p-Akt-Ser473 , p-CREB-Ser 133 , and eNOS expression. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that in response to aphidicolin, activation of ATM/Akt/CREB/eNOS signaling cascade mediates increase of NO production and vessel relaxation in endothelial cells and rat aortas.

PURPOSE: Traditional transcutaneous incision and transconjunctival incision methods are commonly used in the lower blepharoplasty. The transconjunctival method leaves no visible scars nor does it change the shape of lower eyelid contour and the surgical technique is not difficult. However removal of excess baggy skin is not possible through this method. Therefore, the transconjunctival incision method is useful only for patients who still have normal elasticity of the lower eyelids and fat that is protruding only anterocaudally. The Author will introduce a technique, which complements the limitations of these two methods mentioned above. METHODS: The author combined the transconjunctival approach and lower blepharoplasty with only the excised skin flap method. This method does not go beyond the previous methods but does apply the advantages of them. RESULTS: From March 2007 to October 2010, this new technique was performed in a total of 62 patients. Fat was removed and repositioned through transconjunctival incision. Drooped skin was excised as in the traditional blepharoplasty but only the skin flap was elevated. This prevents post-operative complications such as ectropion, sclera show, and deformation of the shape of the lower eyelids or under-resection of fat. All patients were satisfied with the post-operative appearance. CONCLUSION: The author was able to get satisfactory results while avoiding complications of traditional transcutaneous technique with this combined technique of the transconjunctival approach and the lower blepharoplasty method of skin flaps only.
Blepharoplasty ; Cicatrix ; Complement System Proteins ; Ectropion ; Elasticity ; Eyelids ; Humans ; Sclera ; Skin

Esophageal involvement in tuberculosis is rare, and the clinical presentation may mimic an esophageal submucosal tumor. A 30-year-old woman presented with dysphagia for 1 month. At esophagoscopy, a 3-cm subepithelial mass with normal covering mucosa was found 28~25 cm from the upper incisors. We diagnosed the lesion as a submucosal tumor of the esophagus and performed endoscopic ultrasonography 1 week after the first examination. The second endoscopy showed a large, linear ulceration on the same subepithelial mass. The histologic examination obtained following an endoscopic biopsy revealed chronic granulomatous inflammation, and a molecular nested PCR study for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive. The final diagnosis was mediastinal tuberculous lymphadenitis with invasion into the esophagus. We suggest the use of molecular biology techniques when there is a strong clinical suspicion of tuberculosis and difficulty in arriving at a definite diagnosis.
Adult ; Biopsy ; Deglutition Disorders ; Endoscopy ; Endosonography ; Esophagoscopy ; Esophagus ; Female ; Humans ; Hydrazines ; Incisor ; Inflammation ; Mediastinum ; Molecular Biology ; Mucous Membrane ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Lymph Node ; Ulcer

Primary testicular tumors are the most common causes of cancer in male dogs. Overall, the majority of canine patients should be cured by testicular surgery. However, tumor markers are not well-known in veterinary medicine. We sought to determine using immunohistochemistry whether the combined human testicular tumor markers (placental alkaline phosphatase, OCT3/4, CD30, alpha-fetoprotein, inhibin-alpha, vimentin, c-KIT, and desmin) are expressed in canine seminomas and Sertoli cell tumors (SCTs). We examined 35 canine testicular tumors, 20 seminomas and 15 SCTs. c-KIT was expressed markedly in canine seminomas. Both inhibin-alpha and vimentin were expressed significantly in canine SCTs. The results of this study demonstrate differences and similarities between tumor marker expression of testicular tumors in dogs and humans. All the main markers in current routine use are discussed as well as potential useful markers for benign and malignant tumors, and tumor progression.
Animals ; Dog Diseases/*pathology ; Dogs ; Immunohistochemistry/*veterinary ; Male ; Seminoma/metabolism/pathology/*veterinary ; Sertoli Cell Tumor/metabolism/pathology/*veterinary ; Tumor Markers, Biological/metabolism

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of lamivudine therapy between chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, whose ALT levels less than 2 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) and patients whose ALT levels are more than 2 times ULN. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 508 consecutive patients with HBeAg-positive CHB who were treated with lamivudine for 1 year or more. Forty-six patients (Group A) with pretreatment ALT levels less than 2 times ULN were retrospectively compared with 462 patients (Group B) whose ALT levels are more than 2 times ULN. RESULTS: HBeAg seroconversion was achieved in 15 (32.6%) of group A and 162 (35.1%) of group B. The cumulative rates of HBeAg seroconversion in group A and B were 19% and 21% at 12 months; 35% and 31% at 24 months; and 38% and 39% at 36 months, respectively. HBV breakthrough was observed in 20 (43.5%) of group A and 192 (41.6%) of group B. The cumulative breakthrough rates of group A and B were 18% and 12% at 12 months; 33% and 29 % at 18 months; 45% and 42% at 24 months, respectively. Post-treatment relapse in group A and B occurred in 56% (5/9) and 41% (44/108), respectively. Therefore, the rates of the HBeAg seroconversion, breakthrough, and post-treatment relapse were not significantly different between these two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Lamivudine therapy in HBeAg-positive CHB patients whose ALT levels are minimally elevated is as effective as in treatment of the patients whose pretreated ALT levels are twice more than ULN.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Alanine Transaminase/*analysis ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology/*therapeutic use ; Drug Resistance, Viral ; Female ; Hepatitis B e Antigens/*analysis ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/diagnosis/*drug therapy ; Humans ; Lamivudine/pharmacology/*therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic self expandable metallic stent (SEMS) has become the palliative treatment of choice for inoperable malignant esophageal stricture. However, covered and uncovered stents carry limitations such as stent migration and tumor ingrowth, respectively. A double esophageal stent has been developed to overcome these problems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of double esophageal stent (outer uncovered stent and inner covered stent) for palliation of malignant esophageal stricture. METHODS: Between February 2001 and November 2006, 32 patients with malignant esophageal stricture were treated with double esophageal stents. The patients were retrospectively assessed for the technical outcome, the clinical outcome and the complications of the process. RESULTS: Stent implantation was successful in all 32 patients (100%). The dysphasia score significantly improved from a mean of 3.22 to 1.63 (p<0.001) for all 32 patients. Eight patients had recurrent dysphagia due to stent overgrowth (6/32, 18%), stent migration (1/32, 3%) and tumor ingrowth (1/32, 3%). Symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux occurred in six patients (18%). Aspiration pneumonia occurred in two patients (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Double esophageal stent is effective for symptomatic relief of malignant esophageal stricture. It seems to reduce tumor ingrowth and stent migration, but it has limitations such as tumor overgrowth and GERD.
Aphasia ; Deglutition Disorders ; Esophageal Stenosis* ; Gastroesophageal Reflux ; Humans ; Palliative Care ; Pneumonia, Aspiration ; Retrospective Studies ; Stents*

Endoscopy has been the method of choice for the initial diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding. However, in the case of difficult localization or endoscopic failure, angiographic or surgical alternative may be recommended. The role of angiography has been emphasized recently to control upper GI bleeding. We experienced a case with deep ulcer displaying exposed vessel along the duodenal bulb, which imposed serious rebleeding risk. Although, active bleeding was controlled by the epinephrine injections in that patient, rebleeding risk was still high. So the patient underwent emergency angiography with embolization of the pancreaticoduodenal artery and gastroduodenal artery using multiple microcoils. Follow-up endoscopic examinations showed a coil protruding into the lumen from the ulcer bed, and the exposed coil at the ulcer base was completely by the regenerated epithelium three months later. Here in, we describe the rare case of a endodcopically exposed coil after embolization for bleeding duodenal ulcer which is the first case ever reported in Korea.
Angiography ; Arteries ; Diagnosis ; Duodenal Ulcer* ; Emergencies ; Endoscopy ; Epinephrine ; Epithelium ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hemorrhage* ; Humans ; Korea ; Ulcer

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine the behavioral and emotional problems associated with nocturnal enuresis in Korean children. METHODS: Three hundred eighteen children with nocturnal enuresis, together with their parents, completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Disruptive Behavior Disorder Scale according to DSM-IV (DBDS), Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), and Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSC). Ninety-three normal students were selected as the control group. RESULTS: Compared to the normal control group, the mean scores with regard to the withdrawn, social problems, attention problems, delinquent behavior, aggressive behavior, externalizing problems and total problems profiles were significantly higher in the nocturnal enuresis group according to the CBCL results. The nocturnal enuresis group also scored significantly higher in the ADHD and ODD profiles of the DBDS. The nocturnal enuresis group was more depressed and anxious than the control group according to the results of the CDI and STAI. The mean score of the PHCSC was significantly lower in the nocturnal enuresis group when compared to the normal control group. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that children with nocturnal enuresis in Korea have clinically relevant behavioral and emotional problems. The findings support the link between nocturnal enuresis and psychopathology in Korean children.
Anxiety ; Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders ; Checklist ; Child Behavior ; Child* ; Depression ; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders ; Humans ; Korea ; Nocturnal Enuresis* ; Parents ; Psychopathology ; Social Problems

Broncho-esophageal fistula is a disease of varying etiologies. Spontaneous fistula occurs as a result of malignancy, radiotherapy or inflammatory disease. The majority of fistulas are caused by iatrogenic causes. Treatment of fistula usually consists of surgery and conservative management. Recently, it has been reported that broncho-esophageal fistula can be treated endoscopically using tissue adhesive agent such as Histoacryl(R) and fibrin glue. We report a case of broncho-esophageal fistula as a complication of tuberculosis that was successfully treated by radiological Histoacryl(R) injection therapy with a review of literatures.
Fibrin Tissue Adhesive ; Fistula* ; Radiotherapy ; Tissue Adhesives ; Tuberculosis