Kidney matrix stones are a rare form of calculi, which are challenging to diagnose. Matrix stones consist of a proteinaceous material which has a radiolucent appearance that might be overlooked on imaging. Recently, endourological intervention has been the standard treatment method for matrix stones. We report a case of urinary matrix stones in a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease, in whom the stones formed into a pure matrix and were not visualized in the computed tomography scan. The stones were found after additional work-up, and they were managed using a transureteral stone basket, not through endourological intervention.

OBJECTIVES: Firefighters frequently experience traumatic events, high-tension situations and shift work. Therefore, the prevalence of insomnia of firefighters is higher than one of general population. Not only does the quality of sleep affect the satisfaction of personal life, but it also influences their performance for the public's safety. We investigated which factors affect the quality of sleep of firefighters. METHODS: After personally delivering 120 questionnaires to 3 fire stations, the survey was conducted when the consents were signed. It inquired about alcohol use, smoking, shift work, sleep quality, depression, anxiety, and experience of traumatic events. We then divided the firefighting officers in two groups according to the quality of sleep and compared the variables examined to conduct the logistic regression analyses according to the results. RESULTS: The poor sleeper group reported a higher level of current alcohol consumption, depression, anxiety and experience of traumatic events. Logistic regression analyses showed that the current alcohol intake (Crude odds ratio=3.707, 95% confidence interval=1.288–10.672, p=0.015 ; Adjusted odds ratio=3.288, 95% confidence interval=1.011–10.694, p=0.048) has a significant effect on sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: Current alcohol consumption, depression, anxiety and experience of traumatic events were respectively associated with sleep quality of firefighters. When all significant factors considered, the current alcohol use was the only statistically significant. To improve the quality of sleep for firefighters, it will be necessary to evaluate alcohol intake, educate the poor sleep quality caused by alcohol, and provide specific interventions to reduce consumption.
Alcohol Drinking ; Anxiety ; Depression ; Firefighters ; Fires ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Prevalence ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders ; Smoke ; Smoking

OBJECTIVES: High uric acid level is related to increased locomotor activities and refractory mood swings. The purpose of this study is to examine the correlation between clinical symptoms of mania, serum uric acid level, and quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) findings. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with bipolar disorder and 24 healthy control subjects agreed to participate in the study. When they were hospitalized, the degree of clinical symptoms, uric acid level in blood, and brain QEEG were measured. RESULTS: The bipolar disorder group showed higher scores on the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS ; z=6.02, p<0.05). Patients in their manic episodes showed higher plasma uric acid levels (4.9+/-1.3 mg/dL) than healthy control subjects (4.2+/-0.9 mg/dL ; z=2.14, p<0.05). Uric acid levels showed correlation with severity of manic symptoms as assessed using the YMRS in all participants (rho=0.28, p<0.05). The bipolar disorder group showed decreased relative delta and alpha activity in the fronto-temporo-occipital region compared to the control group (p<0.05). Relative beta in Fp1 (frontopolar), Cz (central mid-line), and Pz (parietal mid-line) and relative gamma in Fp1 were increased in the bipolar disorder group, relative to the control group (p<0.05). The relative beta (rho=0.47, p<0.05) and gamma (rho=0.41, p<0.05) in Fp1 electrodes showed positive correlation with the YMRS scores. CONCLUSION: Adenosinergic transmission dysfunction may lead to occurrence of manic symptoms, considering that a key role of central nervous system adenosinergic receptors is to inhibit the release of various neurotransmitters and limit neuronal excitability. In addition, QEEG appeared to indicate excitatory neuro-modulation in manic patients.
Bipolar Disorder ; Brain ; Central Nervous System ; Electrodes ; Electroencephalography* ; Humans ; Motor Activity ; Neurons ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; Plasma ; Uric Acid*