Background: Sutureless valves are widely used in aortic valve replacement surgery, with Perceval valves and Intuity valves being particularly prominent. However, concerns have been raised about postoperative thrombocytopenia with Perceval valves (Corcym, UK). We conducted a comparative analysis with the Intuity valve (Edwards Lifesciences, USA), and assessed how thrombocytopenia affected patient and transfusion outcomes. Methods: Among 595 patients who underwent aortic valve replacement from June 2016 to March 2023, sutureless valves were used in 53 (Perceval: n=23; Intuity: n=30). Platelet counts were monitored during hospitalization and outpatient visits. Daily platelet count changes were compared between groups, and the results from patients who underwent procedures using Carpentier Edwards Perimount Magna valves were used as a reference group. Results: Compared to the Intuity group, the Perceval group showed a significantly higher amount of platelet transfusion (5.48±1.64 packs vs. 0.60±0.44 packs, p=0.008). During the postoperative period, severe thrombocytopenia (<50,000/μL) was significantly more prevalent in the Perceval group (56.5%, n=13) than in the Intuity group (6.7%, n=2). After initial postoperative depletion, daily platelet counts increased, with significant differences observed in the extent of improvement between the Perceval and Intuity groups (p<0.001).However, there was no significant difference in early mortality or the incidence of neurological complications between the 2 groups. Conclusion The severity of postoperative thrombocytopenia differed significantly between the Perceval and Intuity valves. The Perceval group showed a significantly higher prevalence of severe thrombocytopenia and higher platelet transfusion volumes. However, thrombocytopenia gradually recovered during the postoperative period in both groups, and the early outcomes were similar in both groups.

The biogenesis and biological roles of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the progression of liver diseases have attracted considerable attention in recent years. EVs are membrane-bound nanosized vesicles found in different types of body fluids and contain various bioactive materials, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and mitochondrial DNA. Based on their origin and biogenesis, EVs can be classified as apoptotic bodies, microvesicles, and exosomes. Among these, exosomes are the smallest EVs (30-150 nm in diameter), which play a significant role in cell-to-cell communication and epigenetic regulation. Moreover, exosomal content analysis can reveal the functional state of the parental cell. Therefore, exosomes can be applied to various purposes, including disease diagnosis and treatment, drug delivery, cell-free vaccines, and regenerative medicine. However, exosome-related research faces two major limitations: isolation of exosomes with high yield and purity and distinction of exosomes from other EVs (especially microvesicles). No standardized exosome isolation method has been established to date; however, various exosome isolation strategies have been proposed to investigate their biological roles. Exosome-mediated intercellular communications are known to be involved in alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development. Damaged hepatocytes or nonparenchymal cells release large numbers of exosomes that promote the progression of inflammation and fibrogenesis through interactions with neighboring cells. Exosomes are expected to provide insight on the progression of liver disease. Here, we review the biogenesis of exosomes, exosome isolation techniques, and biological roles of exosomes in alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Anteromedial force to the knee in an extended position can cause an avulsion fracture of the proximal fibula with combined injuries to the posterolateral ligaments. Avulsion fractures of the proximal fibula are rare and current management of these fractures is based on few descriptions in literature. Various surgical methods of fixation for these fractures have been reported, but there is still no standard treatment modality. Anatomic reduction of these fractures is technically difficult, and failure of reduction may cause posterolateral instability, secondary arthritis and other complications. We present our experience with two such cases of comminuted avulsion fractures of the proximal fibular with posterolateral ligament ruptures surgically fixated with a locking compression hook plate and non absorbable sutures.
Arthritis ; Collateral Ligaments ; Fibula ; Knee ; Ligaments ; Rupture ; Sutures

Simultaneous bilateral proximal femoral fractures are extremely rare, and a few have been reported in and outside the country. It may have various causes, and most cases were associated with major trauma, repetitive minor trauma, seizure, parathyroid or renal dysfunction, and anti-epileptic medications. We experienced a case of simultaneous bilateral proximal femoral fractures after generalized tonic-clonic seizure in a 70-year-old female. Herein, we report it with a review of the literature.
Aged ; Female ; Femoral Fractures ; Femur Neck ; Hip ; Hip Fractures ; Humans ; Seizures

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the usefulness of the following four comorbidity indices in gastric cancer patients who underwent surgery: Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), Cumulative Illness rating scale (CIRS), Index of Co-existent Disease (ICED), and Kaplan-Feinstein Scale (KFS). METHODS: The study subjects were 614 adults who underwent surgery for gastric cancer at K hospital between 2005 and 2007. We examined the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of 4 comorbidity indices for 50 patients. Reliability was evaluated with Spearman rho coefficients for CCI and CIRS, while Kappa values were used for the ICED and KFS indices. Logistic regression was used to determine how these comorbidity indices affected unplanned readmission and death. Multiple regression was used for determining if the comorbidity indices affected length of stay and hospital costs. RESULTS: The test-retest reliability of CCI and CIRS was substantial (Spearman rho=0.746 and 0.775, respectively), while for ICED and KFS was moderate (Kappa=0.476 and 0.504, respectively). The inter-rater reliability of the CCI, CIRS, and ICED was moderate (Spearman rho=0.580 and 0.668, and Kappa=0.433, respectively), but for KFS was fair (Kappa=0.383). According to the results from logistic regression, unplanned readmissions and deaths were not significantly different between the comorbidity index scores. But, according to the results from multiple linear regression, the CIRS group showed a significantly increased length of hospital stay (p<0.01). Additionally, CCI showed a significant association with increased hospital costs (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the CCI index may be useful in the estimation of comorbidities associated with hospital costs, while the CIRS index may be useful where estimatation of comorbiditie associated with the length of hospital stay are concerned.
Adult ; Aged ; Comorbidity/trends ; Data Interpretation, Statistical ; Gastrectomy ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Stomach/pathology ; Stomach Neoplasms/*epidemiology/mortality/pathology/surgery

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are three types of PML-RAR alpha mRNA fusion transcripts associated with acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL): the short (S)-form, the long (L)-form and the variable (V)-form. No study on the Korean population has addressed the clinical significance of the specific types of PML-RAR alpha mRNA fusion transcripts for APL patients who receive the combination therapy of all-trans-retinoic-acid and idarubicin (AIDA regimen). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis on 94 patients with APL to evaluate differences in the therapeutic outcomes, such as the response rate, an event-free survival (EFS), and overall survival (OS), after remission following the induction of chemotherapy. We also analyzed whether differences in the pretreatment clinical characteristics depend on the PML-RAR alpha isoform. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 41 years (range 15-85). Among the 94 patients, there were 58 L-form cases (62.1%), 32 S-form cases (34.0%), and 4 V-form cases (4.3%). The CR rate following remission induction treatment was 84.9%. The CR rate was higher in patients with an initial WBC <10.0x109/L, as compared to patients with an initial WBC higher than 10.0X109/L (93.5% vs. 65.4%, p=0.001). The AIDA induction regimen was associated with a better EFS than non-AIDA induction regimens (81.9% vs. 49.6%, p=0.006). The induction group was also a significant prognostic factor for EFS in the multivariate analysis (p=0.020). There were no differences in OS and EFS in patients with either isoform L or isoform S in the AIDA induction group. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study demonstrated that pretreatment clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes were not significantly different among patients with varying PML-RAR alpha isoform types in the AIDA induction group.
Disease-Free Survival ; Humans ; Idarubicin ; Leukemia, Promyelocytic, Acute ; Multivariate Analysis ; Protein Isoforms ; Remission Induction ; Retrospective Studies ; RNA, Messenger

OBJECTIVES: Fast change and confusion of the value system in society affect the identity formation of adolescents. So Adolescents' behavioral problems seem to be increasing yearly. It is known that the interpersonal group therapy is the most effective treatment modality among many group programs for adolescents with behavioral problems. Objectives of this study are as follows; first, evaluate therapeutic effects of the interpersonal group therapy for adolescents with behavioral problems second, examine the therapeutic factors; third, analyze the group process; fourth, orgamize the group therapy for adolescents with behavioral problems as an applicable treatment modality. The types of group therapy performed in this study are small, closed, homogeneous, outpatient, time limited, and adolescent group. METHODS: This study was carried out at one of the adolescents mental health services in Uiwang Mental Health Center, from April to June and from September to November in 2000. The subjects were 2nd grade students in K middle school with behavioral proplems. The experimental groups were composed of 4 groups including 2 male groups and 2 female groups (male 11, female 17), and the control groups matched the same conditions as the experimental groups (male 10, female 19). The group therapy was performed weekly in CA (club activity) time, and it took 60-70 minutes at one time. They met total 10 sessions including preparatory meeting and termination meeting. Before and after this program, self-rating scales (behavioral problems, aggression, and impulsivity) were applied for subjects, and the teacher rating scales (behavioral problems, aggression and impulsivity) were performed by teachers in charge. After each session, Yalom's 13 therapeutic factors scale was performed. At the last meeting, total assessment questionnaire was completed. RESULTS: The mean scores of all self-rating scales (behavioral problem, aggression, and impulsivity) were lower in the experimental groups (both male and female group) than the control groups, but not significant statistically except the behavioral problem scale of female students. The mean scores of all teacher rating scales (behavioral problem, aggression, and impulsivity) were lower in the experimental groups (both male and female group) in comparison with the control groups, all significant statistically. As faras the therapeutic factors are concerned; first, the mean scores of all therapeutic factors in female students were higher than in male students and the mean scores of all therapeutic factors in the later half sessions were higher than the former half sessions; second, catharsis and existential factor were high in all students and sessions; third, identification with therapist factor was high in all students and sessions; fourth, during the later half sessions, interpersonal input was relatively high in male students and socializing technique was relatively high in female students. Its for the total assessment questionnaires; 100% of male students and 88.2% of female students reported that they were helped by this group therapy; 100% of male students and 82.4% of female students reported that they would participate willingly if future opportunity of the same group therapy is given for them. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with behavioral problems who participated in this study showed the decrease of behavioral problems and the change of aggressive and impulsive attitudes in comparison with the control groups although they had some differences between male and female students. The group therapy with adolescents would be practiced more broadly and extensively though there are several accompanied problems including the difficulty of structuring, the deficit of motivation, and financial problem.
Adolescent* ; Aggression ; Catharsis ; Female ; Group Processes ; Gyeonggi-do ; Humans ; Male ; Mental Health ; Mental Health Services ; Motivation ; Outpatients ; Psychotherapy, Group* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Weights and Measures

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to prove that combining pharmacotherapy and group psychotherapy is more effective way to prevent recurrence and rehospitalization, to promote their interpersonal relations and to improve their satisfaction on treatment by making a comparison with pharmacotherapy and individual psychotherapy (supportive therapy). METHODS: This study was performed from September 2000 to October 2001. The subjects were all schizophrenic outpatients who were treated by authors in the specialized mental hospital, the psychiatric department of a general hospital, and psychiatric clinics. The experimental groups and the control groups were composed in matching, sex, diagnosis, duration of illness, number of admission and function level. During this period, the experimental groups had been treated by pharmacotherapy and group psychotherapy, and the control groups by pharmacotherapy and individual supportive therapy. Numbers of admission (ratio of readmission) and changes of drug doses were traced, at the same time' group psychotherapy effectiveness scales' were applied. Just after each session, Yalom's 13 therapeutic factors scale was administered. RESULTS: During study periods, 3 cases (17%) among total 18 cases of the experimental groups were re-admitted and 6 cases (33%) among total 18 cases of the control group were re-admitted. During study periods, the doses of chlorpromazine in the experimental groups were decreased from 267 mg at start to 185 mg at closure and the doses of chlorpromazine in the control groups were increased from 264 mg at start to 265 mg at closure. The mean scores of insight, satisfaction on treatment, and satisfaction toward therapist were statistically high in the experimental groups in comparison with the control groups (<0.05). CONCLUSION: 'Combining pharmacotherapy and group psychotherapy' to outpatients with schizophrenia is very effective and expedient for therapists. We expect that this combined treatment model would be practiced more broadly as an economic treatment method which could minimize problems caused by practicing pharmacotherapy only and to give patients full service, though there are accompanied problems including the difficulties of structuring, the eack of motivation of patients, and the financial burden.
Chlorpromazine ; Diagnosis ; Drug Therapy* ; Hospitals, General ; Hospitals, Psychiatric ; Humans ; Interpersonal Relations ; Motivation ; Outpatients* ; Psychotherapy ; Psychotherapy, Group* ; Recurrence ; Schizophrenia*

This article on 'group dynamics' is the last part following the 'history and prospect' and the 'theory and practice', series composed of three parts to understand the group psychotherapy. To explain the core theme concerning the group dynamics, we compared the therapeutic group in clinical scope with the work group in social scope for convenience. And this article principally was for the therapeutic group. We can discover many similarities between groups and organizations when we observe the details although they appear quite different with different goals. Therefore, if the leader of a group in the clinical and social setup has a full knowledge in group dynamics, he would be effective in functional roles with increased sensitivity and understanding of group process. This article was written in order of the history of group dynamics, the theory of group dynamics, group development, and leadership. The group psychotherapy derives from individual psychotherapy. To lead group psychotherapy successfully, Therapists have to be knowledgeable not only of the concept of psychotherapy but also the concept of group dynamics.
Group Processes ; Leadership ; Psychotherapy ; Psychotherapy, Group*

The aim of this article is to understand group psychotherapy. In group psychotherapy, psychoanalytic theory and cognitive-behavioral theory have been accepted as perennial effective therapeutic modalities. But nowadays, all theories give the group psychotherapy vitality and liveness as a therapeutic modality in practical setting. The orders of the group psychotherapy that current therapists prefer according to their theoretical background are as follows: psychodynamic/psychoanalytic, group as a whole/systems, transactional analysis/gestalt/redecision, interpersonal/interactional, cognitive/behavioral, object relations, group analysis, psychodrama, existential/humanistic, and self psychology. The practice of group psychotherapy includes four therapy group, encounter group, training group, and education group or self-help group. Therapy group has the goal of symptom relief and personality reconstruction for patients. Encounter group has the goal of self growth and self realization for non-patients. Training group has the goal of training in human relationship and self maturation for mental health personnels. Self help group has the goal of education and support for patient families and patients. Group psychotherapy has been accepted as a therapeutic modality that are equally effective as individual psychotherapy although group psychotherapy has been derived from individual psychotherapy. Recently, individual psychotherapy has been less practiced yearly because of the pressure of economic difficulties of medical insurance in developed countries. Therefore, the importance of group psychotherapy with its therapeutic effectiveness and cost-efficiency is uprising.
Developed Countries ; Education ; Humans ; Insurance ; Mental Health ; Object Attachment ; Psychoanalytic Theory ; Psychodrama ; Psychotherapy ; Psychotherapy, Group* ; Self Psychology ; Self-Help Groups ; Sensitivity Training Groups