Purpose: To evaluated the efficacy and safety of gelatinized Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for eugonadal patients with late onset hypogonadism symptoms (LOH). Materials and Methods: Participants were instructed to receive 1,000 mg of Maca or placebo, two pills at a time, three times per day for 12 weeks before food intake. To evaluate the efficacy of the drug, Aging Males’ Symptoms scale (AMS), Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Males (ADAM), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaires, serologic tests (total testosterone and free testosterone, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride), body weight, and waist circumference were assessed at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. Results: A total of 80 participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to Maca treated group (n=41) or the placebo group (n=39). AMS, IIEF, and IPSS were significantly (p<0.05) improved in Maca treated group than in the placebo group. ADAM positive rate was also significantly (p<0.0001) decreased in Maca treated group. Conclusions Maca may be considered an effective and safe treatment for eugonadal patients with late onset hypogonadism symptoms.

Objective: The incidence of hip fractures is increasing worldwide with the aging population, causing a challenge to healthcare systems due to the associated morbidities and high risk of mortality. After hip fractures in frail geriatric patients, existing comorbidities worsen and new complications are prone to occur. Comprehensive rehabilitation is essential for promoting physical function recovery and minimizing complications, which can be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach. Recommendations are required to assist healthcare providers in making decisions on rehabilitation post-surgery. Clinical practice guidelines regarding rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapies) and management of comorbidities/complications in the postoperative phase of hip fractures have not been developed. This guideline aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for various treatment items required for proper recovery after hip fracture surgeries. Methods Reflecting the complex perspectives associated with rehabilitation post-hip surgeries, 15 key questions (KQs) reflecting the complex perspectives associated with post-hip surgery rehabilitation were categorized into four areas: multidisciplinary, rehabilitation, community-care, and comorbidities/complications. Relevant literature from four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed) was searched for articles published up to February 2020. The evidence level and recommended grade were determined according to the grade of recommendation assessment, development, and evaluation method. Results A multidisciplinary approach, progressive resistance exercises, and balance training are strongly recommended. Early ambulation, weigh-bearing exercises, activities of daily living training, community-level rehabilitation, management of comorbidities/complication prevention, and nutritional support were also suggested. This multidisciplinary approach reduced the total healthcare cost. Conclusion This guideline presents comprehensive recommendations for the rehabilitation of adult patients after hip fracture surgery.

Objective: The incidence of hip fractures is increasing worldwide with the aging population, causing a challenge to healthcare systems due to the associated morbidities and high risk of mortality. After hip fractures in frail geriatric patients, existing comorbidities worsen and new complications are prone to occur. Comprehensive rehabilitation is essential for promoting physical function recovery and minimizing complications, which can be achieved through a multidisciplinary approach. Recommendations are required to assist healthcare providers in making decisions on rehabilitation post-surgery. Clinical practice guidelines regarding rehabilitation (physical and occupational therapies) and management of comorbidities/complications in the postoperative phase of hip fractures have not been developed. This guideline aimed to provide evidence-based recommendations for various treatment items required for proper recovery after hip fracture surgeries. Methods Reflecting the complex perspectives associated with rehabilitation post-hip surgeries, 15 key questions (KQs) reflecting the complex perspectives associated with post-hip surgery rehabilitation were categorized into four areas: multidisciplinary, rehabilitation, community-care, and comorbidities/complications. Relevant literature from four databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and KoreaMed) was searched for articles published up to February 2020. The evidence level and recommended grade were determined according to the grade of recommendation assessment, development, and evaluation method. Results A multidisciplinary approach, progressive resistance exercises, and balance training are strongly recommended. Early ambulation, weigh-bearing exercises, activities of daily living training, community-level rehabilitation, management of comorbidities/complication prevention, and nutritional support were also suggested. This multidisciplinary approach reduced the total healthcare cost. Conclusion This guideline presents comprehensive recommendations for the rehabilitation of adult patients after hip fracture surgery.

It is difficult to distinguish Hirayama disease (HD) from other mimicking disorders in adolescent patients with distal upper limb weakness. The prevailing theory of HD postulates that the lower cervical cord is susceptible to compression during neck flexion because of insufficient growth of the dura relative to the spinal column. Confirmation of a dynamic change in the dorsal epidural space on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during neck flexion is essential for diagnosing HD. However, neck flexion MRI has not been routinely performed in juvenile patients with distal upper limb weakness in the absence of suspected HD. We report two cases of HD that were initially confused with other diseases because of insufficient or absent cervical flexion during MRI. Full-flexion MRI showed typical findings of HD in both cases. Our cases suggest that dynamic cervical MRI in the fully flexed position is necessary for evaluating suspected HD.
Adolescent ; Cervical Cord ; Diagnosis ; Epidural Space ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neck ; Spinal Cord Diseases ; Spine ; Upper Extremity

Acute calcific tendinitis (ACT) is a benign painful inflammatory disorder characterized by resorptive process of calcific deposits following the formation of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in the tendons. It can occur at various sites, especially in the shoulder or hip joint. ACT involving the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and the cervical spine is very rare. Few reports have demonstrated successive ACT at different sites. We report three cases of successive ACT in women, occurring at the subscapularis followed by the lateral epicondyle, flexor carpi ulnaris followed by the supraspinatus, and longus colli followed by the iliopsoas, respectively.
Durapatite ; Female ; Hip Joint ; Humans ; Humerus ; Shoulder ; Spine ; Tendinopathy ; Tendons

PURPOSE: Gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) have been investigated as treatments for refractory erectile dysfunction (ED), but inconclusive evidence has been obtained. We investigated the effect of a next-generation electromagnetic cylinder ESWT device on an animal model of ED. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes mellitus (DM)-induced rats were divided into 3 groups: group 1, control; group 2, DM; and group 3, DM+ESWT. Rats were treated with ESWT 3 times a week for 2 weeks. After the treatment course, intracavernous pressure was measured and the corpus cavernosum and cavernous nerve were evaluated. RESULTS: In the DM group, all parameters predicted to be significantly lower in the ED model had statistically significantly decreased (p < 0.01). As a measurement of erectile function, intracavernous pressure was evaluated. The DM+ESWT group exhibited significantly restored erectile function compared to the DM group (p < 0.05). Moreover, ESWT treatment restored smooth muscle content, as assessed by Masson's trichrome staining (p < 0.05). Finally, corporal tissue and the dorsal nerve were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA. After ESWT treatment, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression levels were restored to levels in the DM group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Electromagnetic cylinder ESWT device resulted in increased VEGF, nNOS, and eNOS expression; reduced smooth muscle atrophy; and increased endothelial cell regeneration in a DM-associated ED model. Our data suggest that safe and effective application could be possible in future clinical studies.
Animals* ; Antigens, CD31 ; Atrophy ; Blotting, Western ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Endothelial Cells ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Erectile Dysfunction* ; Genetic Therapy ; Guanosine Monophosphate ; Immunohistochemistry ; Magnets ; Male ; Models, Animal* ; Muscle, Smooth ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III ; Rats ; Regeneration ; Stem Cells ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A

PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate the role of PDE5 inhibitors as combination therapy with conventional treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2007 to October 2010, 35 Patients were divided into two groups. Group I (N=14) received PDE5 inhibitors in addition to conventional treatment with tamoxifen and acetyl L-carnitine, while group II (N=21) received only conventional treatment. The follow-up duration was at least 12 weeks after the active therapy of PD. Outcomes were assessed by pain relief, successful attempts for sexual intercourse, resolution of the plaque and any occurring complications. RESULTS: In the efficacy of overall treatment of 35 patients, 94.3% patients experienced successful sexual intercourse, while 5.7% experienced pain on erection, and 25.7% showed a decrease in plaque size. The analysis of parameters before treatment showed no significant difference between groups in terms of successful attempt at sexual intercourse (p=0.583) and pain on erection (p=0.445). Furthermore, there was no difference between groups after treatment in terms of successful attempts at sexual intercourse (p=0.766), pain on erection (p=0.766) and change in plaque size (p=0.445). However, successful intercourse and pain relief after treatment showed significant change irrespective of groups (p<0.05). While the addition of a PDE5 inhibitor did not show any significant improvement in clinical outcome measures, the satisfaction of patient was higher in patients who received combination treatment (p=0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Although the effect of PDE5 inhibitor for pain relief, successful intercourse and resolution of plaque size was not significant, patients who received PDE5 inhibitors had a more satisfaction of treatment of PD. Further prospective studies on the effect of PDE5 inhibitor in PD will be needed.
Carnitine ; Coitus ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Outcome Assessment (Health Care) ; Penile Induration ; Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors ; Tamoxifen

PURPOSE: Oral testosterone undecanoate and transdermal testosterone gel are the testosterone formulas widely prescribed as hormonal replacement for tesosterone deficiency syndrome (TDS) in male patients. We evaluated the changes in serum testosterone level and the effects of these medicines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 162 patients who were diagnosed with TDS based on serum testosterone (<2.55 ng/ml) and prescribed testosterone formula were analyzed retrospectively. In the 111 patients of group I, tablets of oral testosterone undecanoate were initially given. If the follow up serum testosterone level had not increased enough, the dosages were increased up to 6 tablets. In the 51 patients of group II, one pack of transdermal testosterone gel (5 gm) daily without dosage adjustment was prescribed. Statistical analysis was done to identify any correlations among age, initial and final aging male's symptoms scale (AMS) score, initial, peak and final testosterone level, and duration of therapy. RESULTS: The mean ages of group I and II were 53.4+/-14.5 and 55.2+/-11.9, respectively (p>0.05). The initial and final testosterone levels of the two groups were not significantly different. However, the peak level during treatment was significantly higher in group II (p<0.05). The maximal increment of testosterone level was also significantly higher in group II. Initially, group II reached its peak testosterone level earlier than group I. The final serum levels were not significantly different after adjustment of dosages in group I. Testosterone replacement significantly decreased the AMS scales in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both oral testosterone undecanoate and transdermal testosterone gel improved the serum testosterone level and symptom score for those with TDS. Transdermal testosterone gel may reach the peak serum testosterone level faster than oral testosterone undecanoate. Large prospective studies are required to assess the precise role of testosterone replacement therapy.
Aging ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Male ; Medical Records ; Retrospective Studies ; Sorbitol ; Tablets ; Testosterone ; Tyramine ; Weights and Measures

Neovesical-urethral anastomotic stricture is a complication of orthotopic neobladder, with a reported incidence of 2.7% to 8.8%. Strictures of the neovesico-urethral anastomotic site can be treated with regular self-dilation, but high-grade strictures require a surgical procedure involving incision by electrocautery or cold knife. Here we describe a grade III neovesical-urethral anastomotic stricture after an orthotopic bladder substitution that was successfully treated by use of a ureteral dilation balloon catheter.
Catheters ; Cold Temperature ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Electrocoagulation ; Incidence ; Ureter ; Urinary Bladder ; Urinary Bladder Neck Obstruction ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms ; Urinary Diversion

Bezoars are collections or concretions of indigestible foreign material that accumulate and coalesce in the gastrointestinal tract. Treatment options include dissolution with enzymes, endoscopic removal or aspiration, and surgery. The outcome differs according to the treatment method. A 57-year-old man was admitted with a 1-month history of epigastric pain. On gastrofiberscopy, an approximately 2-cm deep ulcer was seen on the lesser curvature of the antrum and three huge bezoars were found. In order to remove the first one, we injected Coca-Cola into it directly. It took 20 minutes to cut up and 1 hour to remove completely. To decrease the procedure time, we changed the injection fluid to urokinase for the remaining two bezoars. It took 9 and 10 minutes to cut up the second and third bezoars, respectively, and 1 hour to remove them completely. We report a case of phytobezoars treated successfully by endoscopic injections of Coca-Cola and urokinase.
Bezoars ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Ulcer ; Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator