Background: Liver fibrosis is defined as the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and scar formation. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been demonstrated to participate in fibrogenesis. S100B is a ligand of RAGE and exerts extracellular functions by inducing a series of signal transduction cascades. However, the involvement of S100B and RAGE in cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated S100B and RAGE expression during liver fibrosis in mice that underwent common bile duct ligation (BDL). Methods: BDL was performed in 10-week-old male C57BL/6J mice with sham control (n = 26) and BDL (n = 26) groups. Expression levels of S100B, RAGE and fibrotic markers in the livers from both groups at week 1 and 3 after BDL were examined by western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Liver fibrotic changes were examined by histological and ultrastructural analysis. Results: Histological staining with Sirius Red and the evaluation of the messenger RNA expression of fibrotic markers showed noticeable periportal fibrosis and bile duct proliferation. S100B was mainly present in bile duct epithelial cells, and its expression was upregulated in proportion to the ductular reaction during fibrogenesis by BDL. RAGE expression was also increased, and interestingly, triple immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that both S100B and RAGE were expressed in proliferating bile duct epithelial cells and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of the BDL livers. In addition, in rat HSCs (HSC-T6), treatment with recombinant S100B protein significantly increased fibrotic markers in a dose-dependent manner, and RAGE small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed S100B-stimulated upregulation of fibrotic markers compared with cells treated with scramble siRNA and S100B. Conclusion These findings suggest that the increased expression of S100B and RAGE and the interaction between S100B and RAGE may play an important role in ductular reaction and liver fibrosis induced by BDL.

Background: Liver fibrosis is defined as the accumulation of the extracellular matrix and scar formation. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) has been demonstrated to participate in fibrogenesis. S100B is a ligand of RAGE and exerts extracellular functions by inducing a series of signal transduction cascades. However, the involvement of S100B and RAGE in cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated S100B and RAGE expression during liver fibrosis in mice that underwent common bile duct ligation (BDL). Methods: BDL was performed in 10-week-old male C57BL/6J mice with sham control (n = 26) and BDL (n = 26) groups. Expression levels of S100B, RAGE and fibrotic markers in the livers from both groups at week 1 and 3 after BDL were examined by western blot and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis. Liver fibrotic changes were examined by histological and ultrastructural analysis. Results: Histological staining with Sirius Red and the evaluation of the messenger RNA expression of fibrotic markers showed noticeable periportal fibrosis and bile duct proliferation. S100B was mainly present in bile duct epithelial cells, and its expression was upregulated in proportion to the ductular reaction during fibrogenesis by BDL. RAGE expression was also increased, and interestingly, triple immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy showed that both S100B and RAGE were expressed in proliferating bile duct epithelial cells and activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) of the BDL livers. In addition, in rat HSCs (HSC-T6), treatment with recombinant S100B protein significantly increased fibrotic markers in a dose-dependent manner, and RAGE small interfering RNA (siRNA) suppressed S100B-stimulated upregulation of fibrotic markers compared with cells treated with scramble siRNA and S100B. Conclusion These findings suggest that the increased expression of S100B and RAGE and the interaction between S100B and RAGE may play an important role in ductular reaction and liver fibrosis induced by BDL.

Purpose: Melanoma is a potentially fatal cutaneous malignancy and regional lymph node (LN) metastases are the most important predictors of mortality. This study aimed to analyze clinical features and risk factors of complications associated with inguinal LN dissection (LND) to establish treatment protocols. Methods: This single-center retrospective study (2000 to 2018) consisted of patients who underwent inguinal area sentinel LN biopsy (SLNB) or LND due to malignant melanoma. Risk factors and outcomes were analyzed. Results: One hundred patients underwent SLNB alone (n=67; patients with negative SLNB), complete LND (CLND) after positive SLNB (n=19), or radical LND without SLNB (n=14). Five-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates among these groups were 87.3%, 57.4%, and 61.9%, and 59.0%, 22.7%, and 28.1%, respectively. The complication rate in the SLNB alone group was lower than the other groups (22.4% vs. 47.4% and 35.7%, respectively; P=0.048). Seroma was the most common complication in the SLNB alone group (15.0%); lymphedema was most common in the CLND after SLNB group (21.1%). Multivariate analysis of risk factors for postoperative complications found the hazard ratio for body mass index >28 kg/m2 was 4.376 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.243–15.401; P=0.022). The hazard ratio for LND (including CLND after SLNB and radical LND without SLNB) was 3.263 (95% CI, 1.248–8.529; P=0.016). Conclusion Inguinal LND is a higher risk procedure compared to SLNB and other sites for postoperative complications, irrespective of meticulous surgical techniques. More studies are needed to establish treatment protocols (e.g., observation vs. CLND after a positive SLNB result) and the risks and benefits in Asian populations.

Purpose: Melanoma is a potentially fatal cutaneous malignancy and regional lymph node (LN) metastases are the most important predictors of mortality. This study aimed to analyze clinical features and risk factors of complications associated with inguinal LN dissection (LND) to establish treatment protocols. Methods: This single-center retrospective study (2000 to 2018) consisted of patients who underwent inguinal area sentinel LN biopsy (SLNB) or LND due to malignant melanoma. Risk factors and outcomes were analyzed. Results: One hundred patients underwent SLNB alone (n=67; patients with negative SLNB), complete LND (CLND) after positive SLNB (n=19), or radical LND without SLNB (n=14). Five-year overall survival and disease-free survival rates among these groups were 87.3%, 57.4%, and 61.9%, and 59.0%, 22.7%, and 28.1%, respectively. The complication rate in the SLNB alone group was lower than the other groups (22.4% vs. 47.4% and 35.7%, respectively; P=0.048). Seroma was the most common complication in the SLNB alone group (15.0%); lymphedema was most common in the CLND after SLNB group (21.1%). Multivariate analysis of risk factors for postoperative complications found the hazard ratio for body mass index >28 kg/m2 was 4.376 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.243–15.401; P=0.022). The hazard ratio for LND (including CLND after SLNB and radical LND without SLNB) was 3.263 (95% CI, 1.248–8.529; P=0.016). Conclusion Inguinal LND is a higher risk procedure compared to SLNB and other sites for postoperative complications, irrespective of meticulous surgical techniques. More studies are needed to establish treatment protocols (e.g., observation vs. CLND after a positive SLNB result) and the risks and benefits in Asian populations.

PURPOSE: The clinical characteristics and results of femoropopliteal artery injury (FPAI) remain unclear. In this study, we evaluated the outcomes and risk factors of limb loss in patients treated for FPAI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data from a database of patients who underwent revascularization for an FPAI at a single institution between January 2013 and December 2017. We reviewed and analyzed the characteristics, postoperative results, and factors that influence amputation rates. RESULTS: Twenty-four femoropopliteal arterial reconstructions in 24 patients were included in this study. Among the patients were 20 (83.3%) male with a first-quartile age of 28 years and a third-quartile age of 45 years (range, 15–68 years). The mean injury severity score (ISS) was 16 (range, 4–55), and 5 patients (20.8%) had ISSs of >20 points. The mean mangled extremity severity score (MESS) was 3.8 (range, 1–11), and 8 patients (33.3%) had MESSs of >5 points. In terms of arterial reconstruction methods, autogenous saphenous vein grafting, vein patching, and primary closure were performed in 9 patients (37.5%), 4 patients (16.7%), and 11 patients (45.8%), respectively. Despite arterial reconstruction, 5 patients (20.8%) underwent above-knee amputation. ISSs of >20, MESSs of >7, and orthopedic fixation were statistically significant factors associated with amputation. CONCLUSION: In cases of FPAI with ISSs of >20, MESSs of >7, and orthopedic fixation, amputations should be considered. We were also careful to attempt limb salvage in such cases.
Amputation ; Amputation, Traumatic ; Arteries ; Extremities ; Femoral Artery ; Humans ; Injury Severity Score ; Limb Salvage ; Lower Extremity ; Male ; Orthopedics ; Popliteal Artery ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Saphenous Vein ; Transplants ; Vascular System Injuries ; Veins

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) and acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) are common diseases caused by human adenoviruses (HAdV) and enteroviruses, respectively, in South Korea. However, there are limited studies on the molecular epidemiology of viral conjunctivitis in South Korea. The main objective of this study was to characterize the genotypes of adenoviruses and enteroviruses causing viral conjunctivitis in the southwest region of South Korea. We collected conjunctival swabs from 492 patients with suspected cases of viral conjunctivitis from 6 ophthalmic hospitals in Gwangju Metropolitan City, in South Korea, between 2012 and 2016. Of the 492 samples tested, HAdVs and enteroviruses were detected in 249 samples (50.6%) and 19 samples (3.9%), respectively. The genotype analysis detected HAdV-8 in 183 samples (73.5%), HAdV-37 in 14 samples (5.6%), and HAdV-3, and HAdV-4 in 9 samples (3.6%) each. We detected coxsackievirus A24 (CVA24) and coxsackievirus B1 (CVB1) in 8 samples (42.0%) and 4 samples (21.0%), respectively. We also reported for the first time HAdV-56-infected cases of EKC in South Korea. Furthermore, we found three cases of coinfection with HAdV and enterovirus genotypes in our samples. HAdV-8 and CVA24, the main causes of EKC and AHC, respectively, worldwide, were also found to be the predominant genotypes in our study.
Adenoviridae ; Adenoviruses, Human ; Coinfection ; Conjunctivitis, Acute Hemorrhagic ; Conjunctivitis, Viral* ; Enterovirus ; Genotype ; Gwangju ; Humans ; Keratoconjunctivitis ; Korea* ; Molecular Epidemiology*

PURPOSE: Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are commonly used in pediatrics for the administration of chemotherapy, antibiotics, or parenteral nutrition. TIVADs can be implanted using various techniques, including surgical cutdown (SC) and percutaneous puncture (PP). Recently, percutaneous TIVAD became popular in adults, but studies comparing between PP and SC group in pediatric patients are rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected and analyzed retrospectively from 23 patients who underwent TIVAD at a single institution between January 2013 and December 2015. We examined the clinical characteristics, insertion techniques, and clinical outcome. We divided the patients into 2 groups and compared PP with ultrasonography and SC using the insertion technique. We compared success rate, procedural time, and the patency rate between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Eleven TIVADS were inserted using PP, and 12 TIVADs were inserted using SC. No statistically significant difference in characteristics was found between the 2 groups. The procedural time in the PP group was shorter than that in the SC group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.685). During follow-up, 1 patient in the SC group had an occlusion, and 1 patient in the PP group had an infection. CONCLUSION: PP of the internal jugular vein with ultrasonography appears to be the method of choice for TIVAD insertion owing to its similar success rate in terms of implantation and complication rate to that in SC, with shorter procedural times in pediatric patients.
Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Catheters ; Drug Therapy ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Jugular Veins ; Methods ; Parenteral Nutrition ; Pediatrics ; Punctures* ; Retrospective Studies ; Ultrasonography ; Vascular Access Devices

Spontaneous dissections of visceral arteries without aortic involvement are very rare. The etiologies of these entities are unclear and their clinical managements remain controversial. We report a case of spontaneous multiple dissections affecting 4 visceral arteries including the superior mesenteric artery, the celiac artery and the bilateral renal arteries. The patient was managed conservatively and endovascularly. The clinical manifestation markedly improved and laboratory tests returned to normal limits within 1 week. The regular follow-up suggested a good clinical and radiological outcome until 84 months.
Arteries* ; Celiac Artery ; Endovascular Procedures ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Mesenteric Artery, Superior ; Renal Artery

PURPOSE: There are many types of intraoperative consultations by vascular surgeons during non-vascular surgery. Therefore, we examined the current state of intraoperative consultations during non-vascular surgery in a single center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2015, we reviewed records of 40 patients (0.3%) who received an intraoperative consultation from a vascular surgeon for 10,734 non-vascular surgeries in Inha University Hospital. We examined patient characteristics, operative details, and clinical results. RESULTS: There were 40 intraoperative vascular surgical consultations relating to bleeding (n=14, 35.0%), dissection from the vessel (n=13, 32.5%), arterial occlusion (n=10, 25.0%), and retroperitoneal approach (n=3, 7.5%). The locations of surgery were lower extremity (n=10, 25.0%), kidney (n=8, 20.0%), spine (n=6, 15.0%), pelvis (n=6, 15.0%), head and neck (n=4, 10.0%), abdomen (n=4, 10.0%), and upper extremity (n=2, 5.0%). The methods of surgery included primary closure or ligation (n=17, 42.5%), end-to-end anastomosis (n=12, 30.0%), bypass (n=10, 25.0%), thrombectomy (n=4, 10.0%), retroperitoneal approach (n=3, 7.5%), and embolization (n=2, 5.0%). Postoperative treatment was performed in the intensive care unit for 13 patients (32.5%), while 3 patients (7.5%) died following surgery. CONCLUSION: Intraoperative consultation by vascular surgeons during non-vascular surgery occurred in approximately 0.3% of non-vascular surgeries. The region undergoing operation and type of surgery were variable. Therefore, it is necessary for vascular surgeons to have a comprehensive knowledge of vascular anatomy and to make rapid surgical decisions.
Abdomen ; Head ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intensive Care Units ; Kidney ; Ligation ; Lower Extremity ; Neck ; Pelvis ; Referral and Consultation ; Spine ; Surgeons ; Thrombectomy ; Upper Extremity ; Vascular Surgical Procedures

PURPOSE: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is an important postoperative complication that may impact mortality and morbidity. The incidence of AKI after elective endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is not known well. The aim of this study is to assess the incidence of AKI after elective EVAR and examine the impact of AKI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected and analyzed retrospectively from 78 elective EVARs for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) among 102 total cases of conventional EVAR performed in Inha University Hospital from 2009 to 2015. The primary endpoint was incidence and risk factors of AKI. Secondary endpoints included drop in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the mortality of AKI. RESULTS: We included 78 patients (17 females, 21%; mean age, 73.9±12.5 years; mean AAA diameter, 59.3±8.9 cm), 11 (14.1%) of whom developed AKI. Within 48 hours, those with AKI experienced a decrease in eGFR from 65.5±21.2 to 51.2±19.6 mL/kg/1.73 m2, and those without AKI showed a change from 73.1±9.2 to 74.2±10.7 mL/kg/1.73 m2. There were no patients who required dialysis during follow-up (mean, 24.2±18.0 months). Development of AKI was related to operation time (odds ratio [OR], 2.024; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.732–4.723; P < 0.010) and contrast dose (OR, 3.192; 95% CI, 2.182–4.329; P < 0.010). There were no differences in mortality between the 2 groups (P=0.784). CONCLUSION: The incidence of AKI after EVAR was related to operation time and contrast dose, but was not associated with medium-term mortality.
Acute Kidney Injury ; Aneurysm ; Aortic Aneurysm ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal ; Dialysis ; Endovascular Procedures ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Humans ; Incidence ; Mortality ; Postoperative Complications ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors