Adrenalectomy for the treatment of hypotension in a cat with phaeochromocytoma associated with caudal vena cava syndrome.

An 11-year-old spayed female, Persian cat was referred to the Jeonbuk Animal Medical Center for evaluation of a 2-month history of lethargy and anorexia. Physical examination revealed tachycardia and hypotension. Abdominal imaging via sonography and CT identified a right adrenal gland mass causing severe deviation and compression of the caudal vena cava. After stabilising the blood pressure and heart rate through positive inotropes and fluid therapy, right adrenalectomy was performed. Surgery confirmed the adrenal gland mass was severely compressing the caudal vena cava. Histopathological examination revealed that the mass was a pheochromocytoma. After adrenalectomy, blood pressure and heart rate stabilised and remained unaffected 8 months postsurgery. This report describes a rare case of an adrenal pheochromocytoma leading to caudal vena cava compression in a cat presenting with hypotension.

Outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty vs operative fixation for proximal humerus fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Proximal humerus fractures are common in the older population. A consensus on the optimal management of complex fractures requiring surgery has yet to be reached. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to compare clinical outcomes between reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). METHODS: A systematic search of the literature was undertaken using the Medline®, PubMed, Embase™ and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Prospective and retrospective studies comparing clinical and patient reported results as primary outcome measures were included in this review, with secondary outcome measures including complications and revision surgery. A meta-analysis was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 326 patients from 5 studies were eligible for inclusion in this review. Superior Constant-Murley scores (mean difference [MD]: 13.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.2-20.6; p<0.001), Oxford shoulder scores (MD: 4.3, 95% CI: 1.2-7.4; p=0.007), simple shoulder test scores (MD: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.01-1.89; p=0.05) and DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) scores (MD: 5.1 [1 study], 95% CI: 2.1-8.1; p=0.034) were noted in patients receiving RTSA. Range of motion and revision surgery rates were also superior in this group. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that RTSA affords more favourable outcomes and lower revision rates than ORIF following proximal humerus fractures. Definitive conclusions are precluded, however, owing to small sample sizes and risk of bias in retrospective studies.

Appropriateness of antibiotic use for patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria or urinary tract infection with positive urine culture: a retrospective observational multi-centre study in Korea.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance threatens public health worldwide, and inappropriate use of antibiotics is one of the main causes. AIM: To evaluate qualitative use of antibiotics in asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) and urinary tract infection (UTI). METHODS: Cases of positive urine culture (≥105 colony-forning units/mL) performed in inpatient, outpatient and emergency departments in April 2021 were screened in 26 hospitals in the Republic of Korea. The cases were classified as ABU, lower UTI and upper UTI. The appropriateness of antibiotic use was evaluated retrospectively by infectious disease specialists using quality indicators based on clinical guidelines for ABU and UTI. RESULTS: This study included a total of 2697 patients with ABU or UTI. The appropriateness of antibiotic use was assessed in 1157 patients with ABU, and in 677 and 863 patients with lower and upper UTI, respectively. Among the 1157 patients with ABU, 251 (22%) were prescribed antibiotics without appropriate indications. In 66 patients with ABU in which antibiotics were prescribed with appropriate indications, the duration was adequate in only 23 (34.8%) patients. The appropriateness of empirical and definite antibiotics was noted in 527 (77.8%) and 353 (68.0%) patients with lower UTI, and 745 (86.3%) and 583 (78.2%) patients with upper UTI, respectively. The duration of antibiotics was adequate in 321 (61.8%) patients with lower UTI and 576 (78.7%) patients with upper UTI. CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide qualitative assessment of antibiotic use in ABU and UTI revealed that antibiotics were often prescribed inappropriately, and the duration of antibiotics was unnecessarily prolonged.

Multiple guidance of light using asymmetric micro prism arrays for privacy protection of device displays.

With increasing use of mobile displays outdoors, privacy-related issues have come to the fore. Therefore, in this study, we proposed a novel concept using directionally guided light transmission using double-sided asymmetric prism arrays for fabricating a privacy protection film for digital displays. The proposed film allows only the user in front of the display to see its contents using dual refraction in a prism array. Otherwise, when the display is viewed at an angle, it is difficult to recognize the contents due to the overlap of different letters. The optical path was analysed through ray-tracing simulations, and the performance of the film was quantified using an optical character recognition (OCR) method. To further enhance the effectiveness of the film, a metal film was applied on the vertical face of the micro prism arrays using an oblique deposition method. This metal-coated double-sided prism array film showed superior privacy-protecting performance compared to a conventional method based on the micro-louver structure.

Incidence of oral anticoagulant interruption among stroke patients with atrial fibrillation and subsequent stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We analyzed the incidence and causes of oral anticoagulant (OAC) cessation and subsequent stroke after OAC withdrawal in a cohort of Korean stroke patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: The Korean Atrial Fibrillation Evaluation Registry in Ischemic Stroke patients (K-ATTENTION) is a multicenter cohort study, merging stroke registries from 11 tertiary centers in Korea. The number of OAC interruption episodes and the reasons were reviewed from hospital records. Stroke after OAC withdrawal was defined when a patient experienced ischaemic stroke within 31 days after OAC withdrawal. Clinical variables were compared between patients who experienced stroke recurrence during OAC interruption and those who did not experience recurrence. RESULTS: Among 3213 stroke patients with atrial fibrillation, a total of 329 episodes of OAC interruption were detected in 229 patients after index stroke (mean age 72.9 ± 8.3 years, 113 female patients). The most frequent reason for OAC withdrawal was poor compliance [103 episodes (31.3%)] followed by extracranial bleeding [96 episodes (29.2%)]. Stroke after OAC withdrawal was noted in 13 patients. Mean age, vascular risk factor profile and mean CHA2 DS2 -VASc score were not significantly different between patients with and without recurrent stroke. CONCLUSIONS: A considerable number of stroke patients with atrial fibrillation experienced temporary interruption of OAC after index stroke, which was associated with stroke recurrence of 4.0 cases per 100 interruption episodes.

A systemic lupus erythematosus patient with thunderclap headache: reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome.

Headaches are common in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is important to identify the exact cause of headaches in SLE to avoid unnecessary steroid or immunosuppressive therapy like in neuropsychiatric SLE. A 35-year-old woman with SLE suddenly developed severe headache. Magnetic resonance angiography showed multifocal segmental narrowing of cerebral arteries, suggestive of central nervous system vasculitis. However, lack of abnormal enhancement in vessel wall imaging indicated reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) rather than central nervous system vasculitis. The patient was treated with oral nimodipine and she recovered over a period of two months. Following magnetic resonance angiography on day 90 was normal. Herein we report a case of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome in an SLE patient with literature review.

Large-area fabrication of microlens arrays by using self-pinning effects during the thermal reflow process.

Generally, the fabrication of curved structures such as microlens arrays has been regarded as an expensive and complicated process. Here, we propose a facile method to form a microlens array with controlled lens curvature by combining residue-free nanoimprint lithography (NIL) with V-shaped molds and the successive thermal reflow procedure of the printed polymeric structures. The V-shaped molds used in this study enable the bottom substrate to be exposed after the NIL process when the initial thickness is controlled. Then, we use the thermal reflow to realize hemi-cylindrical curved lenses by applying heat. The polymers are self-pinned on the exposed substrate, which is strong enough to fix the boundary to not dewet or be flattened in the broad temperature range of the reflow process, which is essential for a large-area fabrication. Furthermore, we demonstrate the modulation of the focal lengths of the lenses by controlling the initial polymer thickness coated on a substrate.

White matter hyperintensities and recurrent stroke risk in patients with stroke with small-vessel disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: White matter hyperintensities (WMH) are a predictor of stroke among elderly individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the association between WMH severity and the risk of recurrent vascular events among Asian patients with ischaemic stroke with small-vessel disease (SVD) including micro/macrobleeds and lacunes. METHODS: Data from participants (n = 1454) in the PICASSO (PreventIon of CArdiovascular Events in iSchemic Stroke Patients with High Risk of Cerebral HemOrrhage) trial were reviewed. The severity of WMH in baseline brain magnetic resonance imaging scans was assessed using the Fazekas scale. The association between WMH severity and stroke (ischaemic or hemorrhagic) and major vascular events (MVEs) (a composite of stroke/myocardial infarction/vascular death) was assessed. RESULTS: Study patients had a significant burden of SVD: Fazekas score 0 (n = 2), 1 (n = 426), 2 (n = 650) and 3 (n = 376) [median Fazekas score 2 (mean follow-up, 1.9 ± 1.3 years)]. The stroke incidence rate per 100 personyears was 2.6 in the Fazekas 0-1 group, 3.6 in the Fazekas 2 group and 7.0 in the Fazekas 3 group, and the rates for MVEs were 3.3, 4.3 and 7.6, respectively. Compared with the Fazekas 0-1 group, the Fazekas 3 group was associated with a higher risk of stroke [adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 2.15; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19-3.88; P = 0.011], ischaemic stroke (adjusted HR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.07-4.15; P = 0.031), hemorrhagic stroke (adjusted HR, 3.72; 95% CI, 1.09-12.70; P = 0.036) and MVEs (adjusted HR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.20-3.66; P = 0.010). CONCLUSION: Advanced WMH in Asian patients with ischaemic stroke with SVD burden was associated with an increased risk of recurrent vascular events. It may exert an effect as a prognostic indicator in high risk of recurrent vascular events.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cytology in Culture-Documented Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Patients with Hematologic Diseases: Analysis of 67 Episodes.

There is a paucity of studies on the yield of Gomori-methenamine-silver (GMS) staining in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cytology and its comparison with fluorescent dye staining for the diagnosis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with hematologic malignancies. To that end, we analyzed the yield of direct fungal visualization in BAL fluid cytology with GMS staining, in a series of culture-positive IPA cases in 67 patients with hematologic malignancies, and we compared the results with those of direct examination with calcofluor white staining and BAL fluid galactomannan assays, when available. GMS staining in BAL fluid cytology was positive in 42% of the 67 cases and revealed coinfections in 7 cases. In contrast, only 2/67 (3.6%) BAL fluid samples were positive in direct smears stained with the fluorescent dye calcofluor white. Positive GMS staining results were significantly more frequent in IPA cases with cavitary lesions and IPA cases caused by >1 Aspergillus species, but the proportions of positive cytology results among Aspergillus species were not different.

How common is subsequent central nervous system toxicity in asymptomatic patients with haematologic malignancy and supratherapeutic voriconazole serum levels?

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the frequency at which patients with elevated voriconazole (VRC) levels but no clinically evident central nervous system (CNS) toxicity subsequently develop CNS toxicity. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of adult patients with haematolologic malignancy who had a VRC serum level >5.5 µg/mL at MD Anderson Cancer Center (January 2010 to December 2015). Patients with any documented CNS toxicity at the time the VRC level was obtained or patients whose VRC was discontinued as a response to high VRC level were excluded. Neurologic status was assessed using standard grading scales. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including potentially interacting medications, were correlated with the development of toxicity. RESULTS: We identified 320 such patients (mean age, 57 ± 15 years; 202 male (63%)). Subsequent CNS toxicity was documented in only 16 patients (5%). The most common CNS toxicities were visual disturbances (9/16, 56%), depressed consciousness (5/16, 31%) and cognitive disturbance (4/16, 19%). Patients with CNS toxicity tended to be older than those without (64 ± 8 vs 57 ± 15 y, p 0.08). The use of one or more neurotoxic drugs was common in patients with subsequent CNS toxicity (14/16, 88%). Reduction of VRC dose associated with the high VRC level did not correlate with less subsequent CNS toxicity. CONCLUSIONS: Development of subsequent CNS toxicity is uncommon in haematolologic malignancy patients with elevated VRC levels who had no evidence of toxicity at the time the level was obtained. Automatic reduction of VRC dose out of concern for impending CNS toxicity might not be warranted.

Association between obesity and heart failure symptoms in male and female patients.

In patients with heart failure (HF), higher body mass index (BMI) has been associated with lower rates of hospitalization and mortality (obesity paradox). Symptoms are antecedents of hospitalizations, but little is known about the relationship between BMI and symptoms and gender differences. To examine the association of BMI with symptoms in male and female patients with HF, controlling for covariates (sample characteristics, depressive symptoms and sodium intake). In this cross-sectional correlational study, patients (N = 247) provided data on BMI, symptoms and covariates. BMI was categorized into four groups: normal/underweight (<25 kg/m2 ), overweight (25-29.9 kg/m2 ), obese I (30-34.9 kg/m2 ) and obese II/III (≥35 kg/m2 ). General linear regression was used to analyse the data. The Obese II/III group had more severe HF symptoms than other groups only in male patients. In male patients, older age, Caucasian race, more comorbidities and more severe depressive symptoms were also associated with more severe symptoms. In female patients, more severe depressive symptoms, more comorbidities and higher sodium intake were associated with more severe symptoms. The obesity paradox does not fully extend to symptoms, and gender has a role in the relationship between obesity and symptoms.

Recent Results of In Situ Abdominal Aortic Reconstruction with Cryopreserved Arterial Allograft.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate treatment outcomes of in situ abdominal aortic reconstruction with cryopreserved arterial allograft (CAA) for patients with abdominal aortic infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted of patients who underwent in situ aortic reconstruction using CAA for primary, secondary, or prosthetic infection of the abdominal aorta between May 2006 and July 2015, at a single institution. Clinical presentation, indications for treatment, procedural details, early post-operative mortality and morbidity, late death, and graft related complications during the follow up period were investigated. Patient survival and event free survival (any death or re-operation) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (male, n = 20, 80%; mean age, 70.2 ± 8.7 years) underwent in situ abdominal aortic reconstruction (48% aortic, 52% aorto-bi-iliac) with vessel size and ABO matched CAA for treatment of abdominal aortic infection caused by infected abdominal aortic aneurysm (n = 15), aortic prosthesis infection (n = 7), aortic reconstruction with concomitant colon resection (n = 2), and primary suppurative aortitis (n = 1). The median follow up was 19.1 months (range 1-73 months). There were seven post-operative deaths including two (8%) early (<30 days) and five (20%) late deaths There were three (12%) graft related complications including thrombotic occlusion of the CAA, aneurysmal dilatation, and aorto-enteric fistula. Three years after CAA implantation, patient survival was 74% and the event free survival was 58%. CONCLUSIONS: It is believed that in situ abdominal aortic reconstruction with CAA is a useful option for treating primary, secondary, or prosthetic infection of the abdominal aorta.

Isolation and characterization of Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1, a basophilic and euryhaline filamentous cyanobacterium from an open paddle-wheel raceway Arthrospira culture pond in Korea.

AIMS: Cyanobacteria have been used as sustainable bioresource producers for foods, feeds and other valuable natural products. However, selection of a new species (other than Arthrospira), with advantageous properties for alimentary purposes, continues to be a challenge due to potential toxicity and low biomass productivity. In this study, we report a valuable filamentous cyanobacterium isolated from Korea. METHODS AND RESULTS: Morphological and phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the isolate belongs to the genus Leptolyngbya, and consequently designated Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1. Interestingly, Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1 possessed numerous advantageous characteristics for biomass production, similar to Arthrospira. The isolate readily propagated in SOT medium with efficient biomass productivity, and its optimum growth was observed at 30°C under alkaline and saline conditions. Moreover, more than half of the cellular components in Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1 were composed of protein, with approx. 40% of essential amino acids. Most importantly, no significant cytotoxicity was detected in the isolate. CONCLUSIONS: Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1 has a number of advantageous characteristics for alimentary purposes due to its efficient productivity, high protein content and lack of potential cytotoxicity. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Leptolyngbya sp. KIOST-1 may be considered a potential candidate for industrial biomass production, similar to Arthrospira.

Bone Regeneration of Blood-derived Stem Cells within Dental Implants.

Peripheral blood (PB) is known as a source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), as is bone marrow (BM), and is acquired easily. However, it is difficult to have enough MSCs, and their osteogenic capacity with dental implantations is scarce. Therefore, we characterized peripheral blood mesenchymal stem cells (PBMSCs) cultured on a bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC) natural extracellular matrix (ECM) and demonstrated the osteogenic capability in an experimental chamber implant surgery model in rabbits. We isolated PBMSCs from rabbits by culturing on a natural ECM-coated plate during primary culture. We characterized the PBMSCs using a fluorescence-activated cell scanner, cell proliferation assay, and multiple differentiation assay and compared them with BMMSCs. We also analyzed the osteogenic potential of PBMSCs mixed with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) by transplanting them into immunocompromised mice. Then, the mixture was applied to the canals. After 3 and 6 wk, we analyzed new bone (NB) formation inside the chambers using histological and histomorphometric analyses. The PBMSCs had a similar rate of BrdU-positive cells to BMMSCs, positively expressing CD90 but negative for CD14. The PBMSCs also showed osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic ability in vitro and osteogenic ability in vivo. Histological and histomorphometric results illustrated that the PBMSC and BMMSC groups showed higher NB than the HA/TCP and defect groups in the upper and lower chambers at 6 wk and in the upper canal at 3 wk; however, there was no difference in NB among all groups in the lower canal at 3 wk. The PBMSCs have characteristics and bone regeneration ability similar to BMMSCs both in vitro and in vivo. ECM was effective for obtaining PBMSCs. Therefore, PBMSCs are a promising source for bone regeneration for clinical use.

PIN1 inhibition suppresses osteoclast differentiation and inflammatory responses.

Inflammatory responses and osteoclast differentiation play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of osteolytic bone diseases such as periodontitis. Although overexpression or inhibition of peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerase NIMA-interacting 1 (PIN1) offers a possible therapeutic strategy for chronic inflammatory diseases, the role of PIN1 in periodontal disease is unclear. The aim of the present study was to evaluate PIN1 expression in periodontitis patients as well as the effects of PIN1 inhibition by juglone or PIN1 small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and of PIN1 overexpression using a recombinant adenovirus encoding PIN1 (Ad-PIN1) on the inflammatory response and osteoclastic differentiation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and nicotine-stimulated human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs). PIN1 was up-regulated in chronically inflamed PDLCs from periodontitis patients and in LPS- and nicotine-exposed PDLCs. Inhibition of PIN1 by juglone or knockdown of PIN1 gene expression by siRNA markedly attenuated LPS- and nicotine-stimulated prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) production, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, whereas PIN1 overexpression by Ad-PIN1 increased it. LPS- and nicotine-induced nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation was blocked by juglone and PIN1 siRNA but increased by Ad-PIN1. Conditioned medium prepared from LPS- and nicotine-treated PDLCs increased the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-stained osteoclasts and osteoclast-specific gene expression. These responses were blocked by PIN1 inhibition and silencing but stimulated by Ad-PIN1. Furthermore, juglone and PIN1 siRNA inhibited LPS- and nicotine-induced osteoclastogenic cytokine expression in PDLCs. This study is the first to demonstrate that PIN1 inhibition exhibits anti-inflammatory effects and blocks osteoclastic differentiation in LPS- and nicotine-treated PDLCs. PIN1 inhibition may be a therapeutic strategy for inflammatory osteolysis in periodontal disease.

Bone regeneration at dental implant sites with suspended stem cells.

During the maintenance of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs), suspended cells are discarded normally. We noted the osteogenic potential of these cells to be like that of anchorage-dependent BMMSCs. Therefore, we characterized suspended BMMSCs from rabbit bone marrow by bioengineering and applied the suspended BMMSCs to double-canaled dental implants inserted into rabbits. After primary isolation of BMMSCs, we collected the suspended cells during primary culture on the third day. The cells were transferred and maintained on an extracellular-matrix-coated culture plate. The cells were characterized and compared with BMMSCs by colony-forming-unit fibroblast (CFU-f) and cell proliferation assay, fluorescence-activated cell sorter (FACS), in vitro multipotency, and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We also analyzed the osteogenic potential of cells mixed with hydroxyapatite/tricalcium phosphate (HA/TCP) and transplanted into immunocompromised mice. We compared the viability and proliferation of the suspended BMMSCs and BMMSCs on the titanium implant surface and observed cell morphology. Then, the cells mixed with HA/TCP were applied to the double-canaled implants during installation into rabbit tibia. Four weeks later, we analyzed bone formation inside the canal by histomorphometry. The suspended cells showed higher CFU-f on the extracellular matrix (ECM)-coated culture plate and similar results of proliferation capacity compared with BMMSCs. The cells also showed osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic ability. The suspended cells showed levels of attachment survival and proliferation on the surfaces of titanium implant discs to be higher than or similar to those of BMMSCs. The suspended cells as well as BMMSCs showed stronger bone formation ability in both upper and lower canals of the implants compared with controls on double-canaled implants inserted into rabbit tibia. In this study, we showed that suspended cells after primary BMMSC isolation have bone regeneration capacity like that of BMMSCs, not only in vitro but also in vivo. ECM was valuable for propagation of MSCs for cell-based bone regeneration. Therefore, the suspended cells could also be useful tools for bone regeneration after implant surgery.

Impact of cellular microenvironment and mechanical perturbation on calcium signalling in meniscus fibrochondrocytes.

Mechanical signals regulate a multitude of cell functions and ultimately govern fibrous tissue growth, maintenance and repair. Such mechanotransduction processes often involve modulation of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i). However, most studies interrogate these responses in cells in simplified culture systems, thereby removing potentially important inputs from the native extracellular microenvironment. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that the intracellular calcium response of meniscus fibrochondrocytes (MFCs) is dependent on both the microenvironmental context in which this perturbation is applied and on the tensile deformation. Using a custom micro-mechanical tester mounted on a confocal microscope, intracellular calcium activity in MFCs in response to incremental tissue strains (0, 3, 6 and 9 %) was monitored in situ (i.e., in the native tissues) on MFC-seeded aligned scaffolds and MFC-seeded silicone membranes. The [Ca2+]i regulation by MFCs within the native meniscus tissue microenvironment was considerably different from [Ca2+]i regulation by MFCs on either aligned nanofibrous scaffolds or flat silicone membranes. Additionally, increasing levels of tensile deformation resulted in a greater number of responding cells, both in situ and in vitro, while having no effects on temporal characteristics of [Ca2+]i signalling. Collectively, these findings have significant implications for mechanobiology of load-bearing fibrous tissues and their responses to injury and degeneration. In addition, from a tissue engineering perspective, the findings establish cellular benchmarks for maturing engineered constructs, where native tissue-like calcium mechano-regulation may be an important outcome parameter to achieve mechanical functionality comparable to native tissue.

Predictors of uropathogens other than Escherichia coli in patients with community-onset acute pyelonephritis.

AIM: A constant reduction in the incidence of community-onset acute pyelonephritis (CO-APN) caused by Escherichia coli has been shown with a parallel increase incidence caused by other organisms. Therefore, we evaluated the risk factors and outcome of non-E. coli as uropathogens in patients with community-onset APN. METHODS: As a part of a nationwide multicentre surveillance study conducted in Korea, a total of 416 patients with CO-APN were collected with their epidemiological, antibiotic treatment and outcome data. RESULTS: The risk factors and outcomes of non-E. coli as uropathogens were evaluated in a total of 416 patients with culture-confirmed CO-APN. Non-E. coli caused 127 cases (30.5%) of CO-APN. CO-APN caused by non-E. coli resulted in higher inappropriate empirical therapy (38.6% vs. 20.1%, p < 0.001), longer hospital stay (12.6 days vs. 6.7 days, p = 0.005) and higher 30-day mortality (9.4% vs. 3.8% p = 0.020) compared with CO-APN caused by E. coli. Multivariate analyses showed that male gender (OR, 3.48; CI, 2.13-5.67; p < 0.001), underlying haematological disease (OR, 5.32; CI, 1.17-24.254; p = 0.031), underlying benign prostate hyperplasia (OR, 2.61; CI, 1.02-6.74; p = 0.046), chronic indwelling urethral catheter (OR, 6.34; CI, 1.26-31.84; p = 0.025) and admission history in the previous 6 months (OR, 2.12; CI, 1.23-3.58; p = 0.005) were predictors for CO-APN caused by a non-E. coli isolate. CONCLUSIONS: Community-onset APN caused by non-E. coli represents a distinct subset of urinary tract infections with worse outcomes. The defined risk factors related with non-E. coli should be taken into consideration when empirical antibiotic therapy is prescribed in patients with community-onset APN.

An assessment of oropharyngeal airway position using a fibreoptic bronchoscope.

Selecting the appropriate oropharyngeal airway for safe and effective airway management is important in clinical practice. In this prospective observational study, we examined the position of the distal end of oropharyngeal airways using a fibreoptic bronchoscope. We enrolled 149 adults (72 men and 77 women). The correct airway size was determined by inserting four adult sizes Guedel airway (Hudson RCI; Teleflex Medical, Research Triangle, Park, NC, USA) (sizes 8, 9, 10 and 11) sequentially in anaesthetised patients. The 'best fit' airway was size 10 in 45 (62%) men, and size 9 in 58 (75%) women. However, when these airways were inserted, the distal end of the airway either touched or passed beyond the epiglottis tip in 20 (27%) men and six (8%) women, respectively. When a size-9 airway was inserted in men and a size-8 airway inserted in women, the distal ends were obstructed by the tongue in three (2%) patients. In conclusion, a size-9 airway in men and a size-8 airway in women are the most acceptable sizes for adults of average height.