Complete genome sequence of an oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus isolated from Korean rhinoceros beetles (Trypoxylus dichotomus) in Korea.

Nudivirus-infected Korean rhinoceros beetles (Trypoxylus dichotomus) were first identified in 2015, and while a complete genome sequence of the virus has long been uploaded to the NCBI database, it has not been examined in detail. Here, we describe the genomic characteristics of Trypoxylus dichotomus nudivirus (TdNV), which represents a new Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV) strain, isolated from infected T. dichotomus in the Republic of Korea. We examined factors derived by the cross-species infection of OrNV from nucleotide levels to the whole genome level. Our genomic analysis study suggests that TdNV-Korea is highly conserved with other OrNVs in terms of genomic structures and genome size. Our investigation of the genomic structure revealed that TdNV-Korea has the least number of open reading frames (ORFs) of all available OrNV genomes; three hypothetical genes were notably absent only in TdNV-Korea. In addition, the genomic alteration of the nudivirus core genes discloses that various amino acid mutations caused by single-nucleotide polymorphism and short indels (insertion/deletion) were found in most of the nudivirus core genes of TdNV-Korea. Our findings provide a valuable resource for those seeking a greater understanding of cross-species nudivirus transmission and will certainly provide valuable insight for reconstruction and reinterpretation of future and previously identified OrNV strains.

Luminance-Degradation Compensation Based on Multistream Self-Attention to Address Thin-Film Transistor-Organic Light Emitting Diode Burn-In.

We propose a deep-learning algorithm that directly compensates for luminance degradation because of the deterioration of organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices to address the burn-in phenomenon of OLED displays. Conventional compensation circuits are encumbered by high cost of the development and manufacturing processes because of their complexity. However, given that deep-learning algorithms are typically mounted onto systems on chip (SoC), the complexity of the circuit design is reduced, and the circuit can be reused by only relearning the changed characteristics of the new pixel device. The proposed approach comprises deep-feature generation and multistream self-attention, which decipher the importance of the variables, and the correlation between burn-in-related variables. It also utilizes a deep neural network that identifies the nonlinear relationship between extracted features and luminance degradation. Thereafter, luminance degradation is estimated from burn-in-related variables, and the burn-in phenomenon can be addressed by compensating for luminance degradation. Experiment results revealed that compensation was successfully achieved within an error range of 4.56%, and demonstrated the potential of a new approach that could mitigate the burn-in phenomenon by directly compensating for pixel-level luminance deviation.

Comparisons of Radiological and Clinical Characteristics between Traumatic and Non-traumatic Subdural Hematoma Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Subdural hematoma (SDH) primarily occurs in elderly patients. While most patients have good prognosis, some do not. Hematoma recurrence is one of the factors influencing prognosis. Moreover, some characteristic radiological factors may increase the recurrence rate. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of trauma influenced radiological characteristics and hematoma recurrence in SDH patients treated with burr hole trephination. METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2014, we selected 83 patients diagnosed with unilateral SDH using computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging. We divided the patients into 2 groups based on the presence of trauma. We compared the 2 groups with multiple parameters, such as patient factors, radiological characteristics, and recurrence rate. RESULTS: Patients who had a prolonged international normalized ratio (INR) were significantly more common in the non-traumatic SDH group (22.2%:55.2%, p=0.002). There was no statistical difference in radiological parameters between the 2 groups. The recurrence rate was marginally higher in the non-traumatic SDH group (14.8%:17.2%, p=0.502), but this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: There were no statistically significant differences in the radiological findings, including brain atrophy, hematoma density, thickness of hematoma, and degree of midline shifting between the 2 groups. The associated trauma history may not influence recurrence. Anticoagulants medication influence INR prolongation, and commonly shown in non-traumatic group, but not statistically. INR prolongation was statistically more common in non-traumatic SDH patients than in traumatic SDH patients. INR prolongation is only a different characteristic between 2 groups.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Three Lumbosacral Orthoses on Early Spine Surgery Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the convenience and effectiveness of the existing lumbosacral orthoses (LSO) (classic LSO and Cybertech) and a newly developed LSO (V-LSO) by analyzing postoperative data. METHODS: This prospective cohort study was performed from May 2019 to November 2019 and enrolled and analyzed 88 patients with degenerative lumbar spine disease scheduled for elective lumbar surgery. Three types of LSO that were provided according to the time of patient registration were applied for 6 weeks. Patients were randomized into the classic LSO group (n=31), Cybertech group (n=26), and V-LSO group (n=31). All patients were assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) preoperatively and underwent plain lumbar radiography (anteroposterior and lateral views) 10 days postoperatively. Lumbar lordosis (LS angle) and frontal imbalance were measured with and without LSO. At the sixth postoperative week, a follow-up assessment with the ODI and orthosis questionnaire was conducted. RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the three groups in terms of the LS angle, frontal imbalance, ODI, and orthosis questionnaire results. When the change in the LS angle and frontal imbalance toward the reference value was defined as a positive change with and without LSO, the rate of positive change was significantly different in the V-LSO group (LS angle: 41.94% vs. 61.54% vs. 83.87%; p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The newly developed LSO showed no difference regarding its effectiveness and compliance when compared with the existing LSO, but it was more effective in correcting lumbar lordosis.

Intramuscular Hematoma on the Psoas Muscle.

Intramuscular hematomas on the psoas muscle are rare and usually occur as a result of trauma, iatrogenic etiology during lumbar surgery, rupture of the aortic aneurysm, and hematologic diseases. The incidence of spontaneous psoas muscle hematomas has slowly increased as a result of using anticoagulation and antiplatelet agents. Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is a more sensitive option compared to computed tomography (CT) when diagnosing a hematoma. Coronal T2-weighted images are more useful. CT imaging is also useful to establish the rapid diagnosis of hematoma. When a prolonged prothrombin time and international normalized ratio and decrease platelet count are noted, psoas muscle hematomas should be considered, if there was no lesion in the spinal canal. Most hematomas resolve spontaneously without clinical complications if the hematoma is not large or it is not compressing the surrounding important structures, irrespective of cause.

Angiolipoma on the Lumbar Spine.

Angiolipomas are composed of mature adipose tissue and blood vessels. Spinal angiolipomas are rare benign tumors with a good prognosis, and most symptoms are due to progressive compression of the spinal cord and root. The treatment of choice is total resection without any additional therapy. We report a case of an epidural angiolipoma on the lumbar spine in a 69-year-old man with weakness of the lower extremities. Lumbar magnetic resonance images revealed a well-enhanced epidural mass. He underwent laminectomy, and the tumor was completely removed. Pathologic examination confirmed the tumor was an angiolipoma. The patient's symptoms gradually improved postoperatively.

Iatrogenic Vascular Injury Occurring during Discectomy in a Spondylodiscitis Patient.

All iatrogenic vascular injury occurring during discectomy is a rare complication, but fatal if not immediately diagnosed. When a vascular injury is highly suspected during discectomy, immediate vascular evaluation is needed even vital signs are stable during and immediately after the operation. We describe a case of iatrogenic abdominal aortic injury that occurred during discectomy in a spondylodiscitis patient, which was treated by endovascular repair.

Gradual Height Decrease of Augmented Vertebrae after Vertebroplasty at the Thoracolumbar Junction.

OBJECTIVE: Vertebroplasty is an effective treatment for vertebral compression fracture, but may progress gradual vertebral height decrease in spite of vertebroplasty. Gradual vertebral height decrease also may induce aggravation of kyphotic change without severe pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors for gradual vertebral height decrease in the absence of recurrent severe back pain. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 44 patients who were diagnosed with a first osteoporotic compression fracture at a single level at the thoracolumbar junction. All patients were taken vertebroplasty. Possible risk factors for gradual vertebral height decrease, such as sex, age, bone mineral density, body mass index, level of compression fracture, volume of injected cement, cement leakage into disc space, and air clefts within fractured vertebrae, were analyzed. RESULTS: Gradual vertebral height decrease of augmented vertebrae occurred commonly when more than 4 cc of injected cement was used, and when air clefts within fractured vertebrae were seen on admission. In addition, the sagittal Cobb angle more commonly increased during the follow-up period in such cases. CONCLUSION: Injection of more than 4 cc of cement during vertebroplasty and air cleft within fractured vertebrae on admission induced gradual vertebral height decrease in augmented vertebrae. Thus, longer follow-up will be needed in such cases, even when patients do not complain of recurrent severe back pain.

Spinal teratoma concomitant with intracranial lipid droplet dissemination.

A teratoma is a neoplasm that contains tissues originating from three germ cell layers at ectopic sites. The embryology of teratomas remains unclear. Teratomas are usually composed of cystic and solid components, and they are usually associated with syringomyelia. Cystic lesions of teratomas may rupture in a spontaneous, iatrogenic, or traumatic manner. Lipid droplets in the ventricles and subarachnoid space are rare. We managed a case of a spinal teratoma in the lumbar region in a 67-year-old man. He complained of nocturia, frequent urination, and difficulty in walking for 2 months. Radiographic imaging revealed a lumbar spinal intradural mass. Intracranial lipid droplets dissemination was also existed. The patient underwent surgery, and a diagnosis of mature teratoma was confirmed histopathologically. During the operation, the cystic portion of the intradural mass ruptured. During the hospital stay, the patient's mental status declined. On radiological examination, slightly enlarged ventricle size was observed. Dissemination of lipid droplets within ventricles occurs because of spontaneous, iatrogenic, or traumatic rupture. Additional lipid droplet dissemination to the intracranial space associated with neurologic deterioration after a spinal teratoma surgery should be considered when iatrogenic rupture of the cyst portion occurs.

First report of Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) causing severe disease in Allomyrina dichotoma in Korea.

Oryctes rhinoceros nudivirus (OrNV) has been known to cause severe disease in coconut palm rhinoceros beetle, Oryctes rhinoceros, in Southeastern Asia and is used as a biological control to reduce the pest population. Here, we report for the first time that the OrNV may have landed on Korea and may be the major pathogen for diseased larvae of Korean horn beetle, Allomyrina dichotoma. After peroral inoculation, over 60% of infected larvae perished in 6 wk. This viral disease spreads very fast in several locations throughout Korea. This threat not only makes economic loss of local farms rearing A. dichotoma larvae but also may disturb the ecosystem by transmitting to wild A. dichotoma.

Wohlfahrtiimonas larvae sp. nov., isolated from the larval gut of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae).

A novel, Gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, motile and short rod-shaped bacterium, strain KBL006(T) was isolated from the larval gut of Hermetia illucens, Black soldier fly. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain KBL006(T) showed 96.4 % similarity to that of Wohlfahrtiimonas chitiniclastica S5(T). Strain KBL006(T) grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 8.0 and in the presence of 1-2 % (w/v) NaCl. Oxidase activity and catalase activity were positive. The major fatty acids were C18:1 ω7c, C14:0, and C16:0. The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-8 (Q-8). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, and diphosphatidylglycerol, and two phospholipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 45.2 mol%. Based on these polyphasic data, strain KBL006(T) is considered to represent a novel species in the genus Wohlfahrtiimonas, for which the name Wohlfahrtiimonas larvae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KBL006(T) (= KACC 16839(T) = JCM 18424(T)).

Clinical Features of Post-Traumatic Syringomyelia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical manifestations, radiological findings, treatment results, and clinical significance of post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of nine surgical patients with symptomatic PTS between 1992 and 2012. RESULTS: The most common clinical manifestation was development of new motor weakness. The mean interval between the initial injury and the onset of new symptoms 21.9 years. The mean length of the syringes observed on preoperative magnetic resonance images was 7.8 spinal levels. Shunting procedures were performed in five patients. Four patients underwent arachnoidolysis and duraplasty. Patients developed mechanical shunt failure. Postoperatively, one patient showed clinical improvement, four patients were stable, and four patients showed deterioration. CONCLUSION: PTS is a disabling sequelae of spinal cord injury, which develops months to years after spinal injury. We have to consider that patients with PTS may have poor long-term outcome.

Traumatic Spinal Subdural Hematoma with Intracranial Subdural Hematoma.

Traumatic spinal subdural hematoma associated with intracranial subdural hematoma is a rare condition. Herein, we report the case of a 62-year-old man with lower back pain, radiating pain, and numbness in both lower extremities, without motor weakness, for 2 weeks. Lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed high signal intensity on T1-weighted image (WI), and low signal intensity on T2-WI from L2 to L5. Two weeks after conservative management, follow-up lumbar MRI did not show the hematoma and his symptoms were relieved and there was no neurological deficit; therefore, he was discharged. However, subsequently, intracranial subdural hematoma increased and upper extremity motor weakness appeared. This was treated surgically. If there is no neurological deficit, conservative treatment may be a good option. Follow-up evaluation for asymptomatic cranial subdural hematoma is necessary.

Spinal paraganglioma adherent to the cauda equina.

Paragangliomas are rare among intradural spinal tumors. Most of them are benign, but aggressive behavior and local recurrence can occur. Cases of paraganglioma are, difficult to diagnose radiologically; hence, diagnosis is confirmed histopathologically. Radiologically, paragangliomas are similar to ependymomas, and, histopathologically, they are similar to neuroendocrine tumors. We evaluated the case of a 76-year-old woman with a spinal paraganglioma that was associated with back pain and radiating pain in both the lower extremities. She underwent an operation, and her symptoms were relieved. Here, we describe a rare case of paraganglioma that was adherent to the cauda equina.

Paenalcaligenes hermetiae sp. nov., isolated from the larval gut of Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae), and emended description of the genus Paenalcaligenes.

A novel Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile and short rod-shaped bacterium, strain KBL009(T), was isolated from the larval gut of Hermetia illucens. Strain KBL009(T) grew optimally at 37 °C, at pH 6.0 and with 1-2 % (w/v) NaCl. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain KBL009(T) showed 97.6 % similarity to that of Paenalcaligenes hominis CCUG 53761A(T) indicating its classification with the genus Paenalcaligenes. The major fatty acids were cyclo-C17 : 0, C16 : 0 and summed feature 2 (comprising C14 : 0 3-OH/iso-C16 : 1). The respiratory quinones were ubiquinone-8 (Q-8), predominating, and a minor amount of Q-7. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unknown aminolipid and five unknown polar lipids. The polyamine pattern contained predominantly putrescine and relatively high amounts of spermidine. The betaproteobacterial-specific 2-hydroxyputrescine could only be detected in trace amounts. The G+C content of genomic DNA was 56.1 mol%. Results from DNA-DNA hybridization with P. hominis KCTC 23583(T) unambiguously demonstrated that strain KBL009(T) represents a novel species in the genus Paenalcaligenes. Based on phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characterization, the novel species Paenalcaligenes hermetiae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KBL009(T) ( = KACC 16840(T) = JCM 18423(T)). An emended description of the genus Paenalcaligenes is also provided.

Spontaneous regression of extruded lumbar disc herniation: three cases report.

Herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) is a common disease that induces back pain and radicular pain. Some cases require surgical treatment due to persistent severe pain. However, in some cases, pain can be relieved with conservative treatment or at times relived spontaneously. Therefore, the most effective treatment method for HNP is undefinable. Spontaneous regression of HNP has been recognized with the advancement of radiological diagnostic tools and can explain the reason of spontaneous relief of symptoms without treatment.

Gelfoam-induced Swallowing Difficulty after Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery.

Symptomatic diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) is not common. Gelfoam is one of the most commonly used topical hemostatic agents. But, in the partially moistened state, air retained in its pores may result in excessive expansion on contact with liquid. The onset of swallowing difficulty after anterior cervical spine surgery due to appling gelfoam is a rare complication. A 77-year-old man with swallowing difficulty was admitted to our hospital and we diagnosed him as DISH confirmed by radiological study. After removing the DISH, patient's symptom was relieved gradually. However, on postoperative day (POD) 7, the symptom recurred but lesser than the preoperative state. We confirmed no hematoma and esophageal perforation on the operation site. We observed him closely and controlled the diet. Three months later, he had no symptom of swallowing difficulty, and was able to be back on a regular diet, including solid foods. We present a complication case of swallowing difficulty occurring by gelfoam application.

Analysis of factors contributing to postoperative spinal instability after lumbar decompression for spinal stenosis.

OBJECTIVE: Decompressive laminectomy is one of the most commonly used surgical methods for the treatment of spinal stenosis. We retrospectively examined the risk factors that induce spinal instability, including slippage (spondylolisthesis) and/or segmental angulation after decompressive laminectomy on the lumbar spine. METHODS: From January 1, 2006 to June 30, 2010, 94 consecutive patients underwent first-time single level decompressive laminectomy without fusion and discectomy. Of these 94 patients, 42 with a follow-up period of at least 2 years were selected. We measured the segmental angulation and slippage in flexion and extension dynamic lumbar radiographs. We analyzed the following contributing factors to spinal instability: age/sex, smoking history, disc space narrowing, body mass index (kg/m(2)), facet joint tropism, effect of the lordotic angle on lumbar spine, asymmetrical paraspinal muscle volume, and surgical method and level. RESULTS: Female patients, normal lordotic angle, and asymmetrical paraspinal muscle volume were factors more significantly associated with spondylolisthesis (p-value=0.026, 0.015, <0.01). Statistical results indicated that patients with facet tropism were more likely to have segmental angulation (p-value=0.046). Facet tropism and asymmetry of paraspinal muscle volume were predisposing factors to spinal instability (p-value=0.012, <0.01). CONCLUSION: Facet joint tropism and asymmetry of paraspinal muscle volume are the most important factors associated with spinal instability; therefore, careful follow-up after decompressive laminectomy in affected patients is necessary.

Surgical treatments on patients with anterior cervical hyperostosis-derived Dysphagia.

Anterior cervical hyperostosis may be a cause of dysphagia. For anterior cervical hyperostosis, medical or surgical treatments can be adhibited in view of the causative mechanisms and intensities of dysphagia. We report 3 cases of cervical hyperostosis-derived progressive dysphagia that underwent operation. Radiologic diagnosis and Video Fluoroscopic Swallowing Study were performed on the three patients for evaluation. One had history of recurrent aspiration pneumonia accompanied by weight loss, another complained of dysphagia only when swallowing pills, and the third experienced recurrence symptom with reossification. All patients reported gradual improvement of dysphagia immediately after their cervical osteophytes were resected through the anterior approach. In relation to postoperative improvement, however, they expressed different degrees of satisfaction according to severity of symptoms. Surgical treatment, performed for the anterior cervical hyperostosis-derived dysphagia, can immediately relieve symptoms of difficulty in swallowing. This might especially be considered as an appropriate treatment option for severe dysphagia.

Continuous multiple vertebral compression fractures in multiple myeloma patient.

Multiple myeloma is a B-cell origin tumor characterized by hypercalcemia, osteolytic bony lesions, and pathologic fractures. Back pain is one of the most common presenting symptoms of multiple myeloma and about 60% of patients have vertebral involvement at the time of diagnosis7). Minimally invasive surgeries such as vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are effective to relieve pain and improve the quality of life when a compression fracture occurs in multiple myeloma patients. We report a case of continuous multiple compression fractures associated with multiple myeloma. We should check for the possibility of pathologic vertebral fractures resulting from multiple myeloma in non-osteoporotic compression fracture patients, and especially in cases of continuous fracture occurring in relatively non-elderly patients, even though a history of trauma may be present.