• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.891-898
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• 2000

Objective : It is difficult to differentiate intramedullary spinal cord tumors preoperatively from non-neoplastic pathologies in patients presenting as non-compressive myelopathies in magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). In this report, the authors reviewed nonneoplastic intramedullary spinal cord lesions preoperatively diagnosed as tumors and discussed their clinical and radiological characteristics and usefulness of surgical intervention. Methods : From January, 1985 to January, 1999, authors experienced eight non-neoplastic pathologies mimicking intramedullary spinal cord tumors and analysed their medical records, radiological findings and histopathological specimens retrospectively. Results : There were five males and three females and the duration of symptoms were from two to 20 months(mean, 9.8 months). The location of lesions were four cervical, one cervicothoracic and three thoracic. All patients manifested sensory abnormality, seven motor weakness, and six bladder symptom. All cases had swollen spinal cords and increased signal intensities in spin-echo sequences. Six cases showed contrast enhancement : four cases were focal and two diffuse. Under the impression of intramedullary tumors, the patients were operated upon. Final diagnoses on the base of clinical and pathologic finding were : three subacute necrotizing myelopathies, two multiple scleroses, two myelopathy of unknown etiology. One case showed no gross abnormality in surgical field in spite of adequate exposure of the lesion, so biopsy was not performed. In that case, postoperative MRI revealed spontaneous resolution of the lesion. Conclusion : MRI is invaluable diagnostic tool in screening myelopathies. However, its high sensitivity and lack of specificity make difficulty in preoperative differential diagnosis of non-compressive myelopathies. Although no surgical morbidity occurred in our series, we sometimes failed to confirm definite diagnosis even with biopsy. In such a circumstance, long-term follow up is needed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.37-45
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• 2010

Objective : Craniovertebral junction (CVJ) consists of the occipital bone that surrounds the foramen magnum, the atlas and the axis vertebrae. The mortality and morbidity is high for irreducible CVJ lesion with cervico-medullary compression. In a clinical retrospective study, the authors reviewed clinical and radiographic results of occipitocervical fusion using a various methods in 32 patients with CVJ instability. Methods : Thirty-two CVJ lesions (18 male and 14 female) were treated in our department for 12 years. Instability resulted from trauma (14 cases), rheumatoid arthritis (8 cases), assimilation of atlas (4 cases), tumor (2 cases), basilar invagination (2 cases) and miscellaneous (2 cases). Thirty-two patients were internally fixed with 7 anterior and posterior decompression with occipitocervical fusion, 15 posterior decompression and occipitocervical fusion with wire-rod, 5 C1-2 transarticular screw fixation, and 5 C1 lateral mass-C2 transpedicular screw. Outcome (mean follow-up period, 38 months) was based on clinical and radiographic review. The clinical outcome was assessed by Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score. Results : Nine neurologically intact patients remained same after surgery. Among 23 patients with cervical myelopathy, clinical improvement was noted in 18 cases (78.3%). One patient died 2 months after the surgery because of pneumonia and sepsis. Fusion was achieved in 27 patients (93%) at last follow-up. No patient developed evidence of new, recurrent, or progressive instability. Conclusion : The authors conclude that early occipitocervical fusion to be recommended in case of reducible CVJ lesion and the appropriate decompression and occipitocervical fusion are recommended in case of irreducible craniovertebral junction lesion.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.179-193
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• 2017

Objectives: Nigella sativa (black seed or black cumin), which belongs to the Ranunculacea family, is an annual herb with many pharmacological properties. Among its many active constituents, thymoquinone (TQ) is the most abundant constituent of the volatile oil of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seeds, and it is the constituent to which most properties of this herb are attributed. Methods: PubMed-Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched to identify randomized control trials (RCTs) investigating the therapeutic effects of N. sativa and/or TQ. In this review, we investigated the clinical uses of N. sativa and TQ in the prevention and the treatment of different diseases and morbidity conditions in humans. Results: Black seed and TQ are shown to possess multiple useful effects for the treatment of patients with several diseases, such as inflammatory and auto-immune disorders, as well as metabolic syndrome. Also, other advantages, including antimicrobial, anti-nociceptive and anti-epileptic properties, have been documented. The side effects of this herbal medicine appear not to be serious, so it can be applied in clinical trials because of its many advantages. Conclusion: Some effects of N. sativa, such as its hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and bronchodilatory effects, have been sufficiently studied and are sufficiently understood to allow for the next phase of clinical trials or drug developments. However, most of its other effects and applications require further clinical and animal studies.

• Annals of Laboratory Medicine
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.545-554
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• 2018

Background: The increasing morbidity and mortality rates associated with Acinetobacter baumannii are due to the emergence of drug resistance and the limited treatment options. We compared characteristics of colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CR-AB) clinical isolates recovered from patients with and without prior colistin treatment. We assessed whether prior colistin treatment affects the resistance mechanism of CR-AB isolates, mortality rates, and clinical characteristics. Additionally, a proper method for identifying CR-AB was determined. Methods: We collected 36 non-duplicate CR-AB clinical isolates resistant to colistin. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, Sanger sequencing analysis, molecular typing, lipid A structure analysis, and in vitro synergy testing were performed. Eleven colistin-susceptible AB isolates were used as controls. Results: Despite no differences in clinical characteristics between patients with and without prior colistin treatment, resistance-causing genetic mutations were more frequent in isolates from colistin-treated patients. Distinct mutations were overlooked via the Sanger sequencing method, perhaps because of a masking effect by the colistin-susceptible AB subpopulation of CR-AB isolates lacking genetic mutations. However, modified lipid A analysis revealed colistin resistance peaks, despite the population heterogeneity, and peak levels were significantly different between the groups. Conclusions: Although prior colistin use did not induce clinical or susceptibility differences, we demonstrated that identification of CR-AB by sequencing is insufficient. We propose that population heterogeneity has a masking effect, especially in colistin non-treated patients; therefore, accurate testing methods reflecting physiological alterations of the bacteria, such as phosphoethanolamine-modified lipid A identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight, should be employed.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.77-87
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the tunnel technique for root coverage using a new xenogeneic acellular dermal matrix vs. connective tissue grafting (CTG) for the treatment of multiple maxillary adjacent recessions (recession type 1) at 12 months postoperatively. Methods: This study enrolled 12 patients with at least 3 contiguous, bilateral, symmetrical maxillary gingival recessions (i.e., at least 6 recessions per patient). In total, 74 recessions were treated using the modified coronally advanced tunnel (MCAT) technique combined with a novel porcine-derived acellular dermal matrix (PADM) at 37 test sites or CTG at 37 control sites. The following clinical parameters were measured: recession height, clinical attachment level, width of keratinized tissue, probing depth, recession width, gingival thickness, mean root coverage (MRC), and complete root coverage (CRC). Comparisons between test and control groups were made for pain visual analog scale scores at 14 days. Results: At 12 months, the MCAT with PADM (test) yielded a statistically significant improvement in all clinical parameters studied. MRC was significantly higher on the control sides (80.6%±23.7%) than on the test sides (68.8%±23.4%). Similarly, CRC was 48.7%±6.8% on the control sides (CTG), in contrast to 24.3%±8.2% on the test sides (PADM). Statistically significant differences were observed in favor of the control sides for all clinical parameters studied. Nevertheless, the MCAT in adjunction with PADM was clearly superior at reducing mean and maximum patient-reported postoperative pain intensity and pain duration in the first week after surgery. Conclusions: The use of PADM to treat multiple recessions improved clinical parameters at 12 months, but these outcomes were nevertheless poorer than those observed for CTG. However, PADM reduced morbidity, particularly the pain experienced by patients.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.137-143
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• 2023

Purpose: Autologous osteochondral transplantation (AOT) is indicated for patients with a large osteochondral lesion of the talus (OLT), accompanying subchondral cyst, and the failure of bone marrow stimulation (BMS) procedures. Despite the many reports on the clinical results of surgical treatment for medial osteochondral lesions, those of lateral lesions are rare. This paper reports the intermediate-term clinical outcomes after AOT for lateral OLTs. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with lateral OLTs were followed up for at least three years after AOT. The clinical evaluations comprised the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). The radiographic assessment included the irregularity of the articular surface (subchondral plate), the progression of degenerative arthritis, and the changes in talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation. Results: The mean FAOS and FAAM scores improved significantly from 42.1 to 89.5 and 39.5 to 90.6 points, respectively, at the final follow-up (p<0.001). The radiological evaluation revealed two cases (9.5%) of articular step-off ≥2 mm and 1 case (4.8%) of progressive arthritis. The mean talar tilt angle and anterior talar translation improved significantly. As postoperative complications, there was one case of a local wound problem, one case of superficial peroneal nerve injury, and one case of donor site morbidity. At a mean follow-up of 62.3 months, no patient showed a recurrence of instability or required reoperation for OLT. Conclusion: AOT for the lateral OLTs demonstrated satisfactory intermediate-term clinical outcomes, including daily and sports activity abilities. Most OLT could be accessed through lateral ligament division and capsulotomy, and the incidence of iatrogenic complications, such as recurrent sprains or chronic instability, was minimal. AOT appears to be an effective and relatively safe treatment for patients with large lateral osteochondral lesions unresponsive to conservative therapy, with subchondral cysts, or with failed primary BMS.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.159-166
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• 2015

Objective : We reviewed the feasibility, safety and efficacy as well as the clinical outcome and long-term angiographic results of endovascular treatment (EVT) of the anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms. Methods : A total of 429 ACoA aneurysms in 426 patients were treated using coil embolization between March 1996 and October 2010 in a single institution. Pretreatment aneurysmal features were checked using angiogram. We had usually used tailored steam shaped microcatheter according to individual angiographic architectures. Immediate postembolization outcomes were evaluated using an angiographic outcome scale and clinical evaluation was performed using the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). Results : Postembolization angiograms demonstrated total occlusion of aneurysm in 290 of 429 (67.6%) aneurysms, neck remnant in 80 (18.6%) and body filling in 59 (13.8%). Dome direction and aneurysm angle was not associated with initial angiographic outcomes. The procedure-related morbidity rate was 0.9% (4 of 429). Clinical and imaging follow-up more than 6 months were available in 382 (89.0%) patients with a mean of 26.2 months. Overall rate of major recanalization was 7.9% (30 of 382) and all of them were retreated without complications. At the last follow-up, 233 (99.2%) of 235 patients had GOS of 5 in unruptured group, and 152 (79.5%) of 191 patients showed good clinical outcomes (GOS of 4 or 5) in ruptured group. Conclusion : Tailored steam shaping of the microcatheter is vital to achieve good angiographic outcomes regardless of aneurysmal direction. EVT is feasible and safe for most ACoA aneurysms with acceptable immediate and long-term outcomes.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.260-266
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• 2011

Purpose: Infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma (IHHE) is the most common type of hepatic vascular tumor in infancy. We conducted this study to review our clinical experience of patients with IHHE and to suggest management strategies. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 23 IHHE patients (10 males, 13 females) treated at the Asan Medical Center between 1996 and 2009. Results: Median age at diagnosis was 38 days (range, 1 to 381 days). Seven patients (30%) were diagnosed with IHHE based on sonographically detected fetal liver masses, 5 (22%) were diagnosed incidentally in the absence of symptoms, 5 (22%) had congestive heart failure, 3 (13%) had skin hemangiomas, 2 (9%) had abnormal liver function tests, and 1 (4%) had hepatomegaly. All diagnoses were based on imaging results, and were confirmed in three patients by histopathology analysis. Six patients were observed without receiving any treatment, whereas 12 received corticosteroids and/or interferonalpha. One patient with congestive heart failure and a resectable unilobar tumor underwent surgical resection. Three patients with congestive heart failure and unresectable tumors were managed by hepatic artery embolization with/without medical treatment. At a median follow-up of 29 months (range, 1 to 156 months), 21 (91%) patients showed complete tumor disappearance or >50% decrease in tumor size. One patient died due to tumor-related causes. Conclusion: IHHE generally has a benign clinical course with low morbidity and mortality rates. Clinical course and treatment outcome did not differ significantly between medically treated and non-treated groups. Surgically unresectable patients with significant symptoms may be treated medically or with hepatic artery embolization.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.56.1-56.13
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• 2024

Importance: Canine parvovirus enteritis (CPE) is a contagious viral disease of dogs caused by the canine parvovirus-2 (CPV-2) associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. CPV-2 has a high global evolutionary rate. Molecular characterization of CPV-2 and understanding its epidemiology are essential for controlling CPV-2 infections. Objective: This study examined the risk factors and survival outcomes of dogs infected with CPV-2. Molecular characterization of CPV-2 genotypes circulating in Egypt was performed to determine the evolution of CPV-2 nationally and globally. Methods: An age-matched case-control study was conducted on 47 control and 47 CPV-infected dogs. Conditional logistic regression analysis examined the association between the potential risk factors and CPE in dogs. Survival analysis was performed to determine the survival pattern of the infected dogs. Thirteen fecal samples from infected dogs were collected to confirm the CPV genotype by CPV-2 VP2 gene sequencing, assembly of nucleotide sequences, and phylogenic analysis. Results: Unvaccinated and roamer dogs had eight and 2.3 times higher risks of CPV infection than vaccinated dogs and non-roamer dogs, respectively. The risk of death from CPE was high among dogs without routine visits to veterinary clinics and among non-roamer dogs. Molecular characterization of CPV-2 confirmed its genotype identity and relationship with the CPV-2 c and b clade types. Conclusions and Relevance: This study highlights the potential factors for CPE control, especially vaccination and preventing dogs from roaming freely outside houses. Isolated CPV genotypes are closely related to southern Asian genotypes, suggesting a substantial opportunity for global transmission.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.450-457
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• 2018

Objective : Very large (20-25 mm) and giant (${\geq}25mm$) intracranial aneurysms have an extremely poor natural course, and treatment of these aneurysms remains a challenge for endovascular and surgical strategies. This study was undertaken to describe our experiences of endosaccular treatment of very large and giant intracranial aneurysms with parent artery preservation. Methods : From January 2005 to October 2016, twenty-four very large or giant aneurysms in 24 patients were treated by endosaccular coil embolization with parent artery preservation. Nine (37.5%) aneurysms were ruptured and 15 were unruptured, and of these 15, 11 were symptomatic cases and 4 were incidentally discovered. The cohort comprised 17 women and 7 men of mean age 58.5 years (range, 26-82). Mean aneurysm size was 26.0 mm (range, 20-39) and 13 of the 24 aneurysms were giant. Results : Immediate angiographic results were complete occlusion in nine (37.5%) cases, remnant neck in six (25.0%), and remnant sac in nine (37.5%). Overall procedural related morbidity and mortality rates were 12.5% and 4.2%, respectively. Angiographic follow-up was available in 16 patients (66.7%). Mean and median follow-up periods were 27.2 (range, 2-77) and 10.5 months, respectively. In 12 cases (12/16, 75%) stable occlusion was achieved, four cases (4/16, 25%) had recanalized, and two of these were retreated with additional coiling. At clinical follow-up of the nine ruptured cases, three patients (33.3%) achieved a good clinical outcome (Glasgow outcome scale [GOS] score of 4 or 5), two (22.2%) a poor outcome (GOS score of 2 or 3), and four patients (44.4%) expired (GOS 1). On the other hand, of the 15 unruptured cases, 13 patients (86.7%) achieved a good clinical outcome (GOS 4 or 5), one patient a poor outcome (GOS score of 2 or 3), and one patient expired (GOS 1). Conclusion : The present study shows endosaccular treatment of very large or giant intracranial aneurysms with parent artery preservation is both feasible and effective with acceptable morbidity and mortality.