Emerging Concept of Intracranial Arterial Diseases: The Role of High Resolution Vessel Wall MRI / 대한뇌졸중학회지

Intracranial arterial disease (ICAD) is a heterogeneous condition characterized by distinct pathologies, including atherosclerosis. Advances in magnetic resonance technology have enabled the visualization of intracranial arteries using high-resolution vessel wall imaging (HR-VWI). This review summarizes the anatomical, embryological, and histological differences between the intracranial and extracranial arteries. Next, we review the heterogeneous pathophysiology of ICAD, including atherosclerosis, moyamoya or RNF213 spectrum disease, intracranial dissection, and vasculitis. We also discuss how advances in HR-VWI can be used to differentiate ICAD etiologies. We emphasize that one should consider clinical presentation and timing of imaging in the absence of pathology-radiology correlation data. Future research should focus on understanding the temporal profile of HR-VWI findings and developing quantitative interpretative approaches to improve the decision-making and management of ICAD.

Approaches to Consciousness Assessment in Neurocritically Ill Patients

The majority of neurocritically ill patients have disorders of consciousness. Both level and content of consciousness should be assessed repeatedly throughout the course of patient care. In this review, we describe the definition and diagnostic criteria for disorders of consciousness, and the neurological examination and standardized neurobehavioral assessment tools as methods of assessing consciousness. Next, we will discuss neurophysiological and neuroimaging tests as tools for assessing consciousness: automated quantitative pupillometry, electroencephalogram, evoked potentials, brain imaging, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, and biomarkers. We discuss the clinical utility of each assessment tool and the importance of a multimodal approach in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication of disorders of consciousness.

A comparative study of rubber band ligation versus BANANA-Clip in grade 1 to 3 internal hemorrhoids

Purpose@#Rubber band ligation (RBL) for grade 1 to 3 internal hemorrhoids is a well-established modality of choice. But RBL is also a kind of surgical treatment; it is not free from complications (e.g., delayed bleeding [DB], rectal stenosis). This study aimed to investigate the results of the comparative treatment of RBL and BANANA-Clip (BC; Endovision). @*Methods@#Study participants were 632 consecutive patients with grade 1 to 3 internal hemorrhoids attended to Department of Colorectal Surgery at Wellness Hospital between January 2010 and May 2019. We retrospectively reviewed the incidence rate of complications, including DB between RBL and BC. @*Results@#There were 304 male and 328 female patients, whose ages ranged from 15 to 84 years, with a mean age of 45.7 years. The common symptom and cause of treatment was prolapse (70.1%). The number of ligated sites was 1.49±0.57 in the RBL group and 1.99±0.77 in the BC group. RBL showed a significantly higher incidence of DB (3.5%) compared to BC (0%) (P=0.001). The 1-year success rate was 95.9% in the RBL group and 99.7% in the BC group (P=0.005). @*Conclusion@#In our study, BC was more reliable in treating grade 1 to 3 internal hemorrhoids with higher success rates and less post-ligation complications, especially DB, compared to RBL.

Effects of Telephone Hotline Counseling Program on Stroke Care / 보건행정학회지

Background@#This study focuses on the establishment and operation of a stroke patient hotline program to help patients and their caregivers determine when acute neurological changes require emergency attention.Method: The stroke hotline was established at the Gyeonggi Regional Cerebrovascular Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, in June 2016. Patients diagnosed with stroke during admission or in outpatient clinics were registered and provided with stroke education. Consulting nurses managed hotline calls and made decisions about outpatient schedules or emergency room referrals, consulting physicians when necessary. The study analyzed consultation records from June 2016 to December 2020, assessing consultation volumes and types. Outcomes and hotline satisfaction were also evaluated. @*Results@#Over this period, 6,851 patients were registered, with 1,173 patients (18%) undergoing 3,356 hotline consultations. The average monthly consultation volume increased from 29.2 cases in 2016 to 92.3 cases in 2020. Common consultation types included stroke symptoms (22.3%), blood pressure/glucose inquiries (12.8%), and surgery/procedure questions (12.6%). Unexpected outpatient visits decreased from 103 cases before the hotline to 81 cases after. Among the 2,244 consultations between January 2019 and December 2020, 9.6% were recommended hospital visits, with two cases requiring intra-arterial thrombectomy. Patient satisfaction ratings of 9–10 points increased from 64% in 2019 to 69% in 2020. @*Conclusion@#The stroke hotline program effectively reduced unexpected outpatient visits and achieved high patient satisfaction.Expanding the program could enhance the management of stroke-related neurological symptoms and minimize unnecessary healthcare resource utilization.

A Case of Ischemic Stroke in Young Patient Associated with Marijuana Use

A 21-year-old female patient complaining of hemiparesis was diagnosed with right middle cerebral artery infarction. No risk factor was found, despite an extensive young-age stroke work-up, except her history of marijuana use. The patient had smoked marijuana for treating depression for more than five years. Magnetic resonance angiography showed multifocal intra- and extracranial stenoses, suggesting cannabinoid-induced vasculopathy. Since the use of illicit drugs has increased nationwide, physicians should consider it as a possible cause of a stroke due to an unknown etiology.

Effects of Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase on Stroke Occurrence Mediated by Atrial Fibrillation

BACKGROUND@#AND PURPOSE: Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is reported to be associated with stroke independently of the conventional risk factors. However, the underlying mechanism remains to be identified. This study focused on atrial fibrillation (AF), which also reportedly has a close association with GGT.@*METHODS@#Acute ischemic stroke patients who were admitted to the Seoul National University Hospital within 7 days of stroke onset were analyzed. Multinomial logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship between GGT and cardioembolic stroke. Mediation analysis based on binary logistic regression was used to determine whether AF mediates the relationship between GGT and cardioembolic stroke.@*RESULTS@#AF was found in 132 (15.0%) of 880 eligible patients with acute ischemic stroke, and 270 (30.7%) patients were categorized as cardioembolic stroke. High GGT levels in acute ischemic stroke patients was associated with cardioembolic stroke [odds ratio (OR)=3.42, 95% CI=1.59–7.37], but not with large-artery atherosclerosis stroke (OR=1.10, 95% CI=0.54–2.23). Approximately half (53.9%) of the total effect of GGT levels on cardioembolic stroke was mediated by AF.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The GGT level was significantly associated with cardioembolic stroke via AF. The results obtained in the present study may explain why GGT is associated with stroke.

Anti-quorum sensing and anti-biofilm formation activities of plant extracts from South Korea

Objective: To investigate anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) and anti-biofilm formation (anti- BF) activities of the ethanol extracts of 388 plants. Methods: The anti-QS activity of the plant extracts was evaluated by disc-diffusion assays using the bio-reporter strain, Chromobacterium violaceum CV017. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Yersinia enterocolitica ATCC 9610, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58, which possess QS systems, were used to evaluate the anti- BF activity of the plant extracts. Results: Among 388 plant extracts, the Cornus controversa (C. controversa) and Cynanchum wilfordii extracts exhibited the strongest anti-QS activity. The C. controversa extract exhibited anti-BF activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Yersinia enterocolitica and Agrobacterium tumefaciens, whereas the Cynanchum wilfordii extract exhibited no anti-BF activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, the C. controversa extract suppressed soft rot of cabbage. Conclusions: The C. controversa extract inhibits bacterial QS and BF, and is capable of controlling soft rot. Therefore, this extract has potential for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections and for the development of alternatives to antibiotics.

Anti-quorum sensing and anti-biofilm formation activities of plant extracts from South Korea

Objective: To investigate anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) and anti-biofilm formation (anti- BF) activities of the ethanol extracts of 388 plants. Methods: The anti-QS activity of the plant extracts was evaluated by disc-diffusion assays using the bio-reporter strain, Chromobacterium violaceum CV017. Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Yersinia enterocolitica ATCC 9610, and Agrobacterium tumefaciens C58, which possess QS systems, were used to evaluate the anti- BF activity of the plant extracts. Results: Among 388 plant extracts, the Cornus controversa (C. controversa) and Cynanchum wilfordii extracts exhibited the strongest anti-QS activity. The C. controversa extract exhibited anti-BF activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Yersinia enterocolitica and Agrobacterium tumefaciens, whereas the Cynanchum wilfordii extract exhibited no anti-BF activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, the C. controversa extract suppressed soft rot of cabbage. Conclusions: The C. controversa extract inhibits bacterial QS and BF, and is capable of controlling soft rot. Therefore, this extract has potential for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infections and for the development of alternatives to antibiotics.

Sex Differences in Pedobarographic Findings and Relationship between Radiographic and Pedobarographic Measurements in Young Healthy Adults

BACKGROUND: Although pedobarographic measurement is increasingly used for clinical and research purposes, relatively few published studies have investigated normative data. This study examined pedobarographic findings in young healthy adults with regard to sex-related differences and correlations among measurement indices. METHODS: Twenty young healthy adults (mean age, 22.4 years; standard deviation, 1.2 years; and 10 males and 10 females) were included. Weight bearing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral foot radiographs were taken, and dynamic pedobarographic data during treadmill walking and maximum ankle dorsiflexion were obtained. AP talo-first metatarsal angle, naviculocuboid overlap, lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, and plantar soft tissue thickness were measured on foot radiographs. Pedobarographic data including peak pressure and pressure-time integral were measured on five plantar segments: medial forefoot (MFF), lateral forefoot (LFF), medial midfoot (MMF), lateral midfoot (LMF), and heel. RESULTS: Male and female subjects significantly differed in body mass index (BMI, p < 0.001), AP talo-first metatarsal angle (p = 0.018), soft tissue thickness under the metatarsal head (p = 0.040) and calcaneal tuberosity (p < 0.001), maximum dorsiflexion during stance phase (p = 0.041), peak pressure on the MFF (p = 0.005) and LFF (p = 0.004), and pressure-time integral on the MFF (p = 0.018) and heel (p = 0.001). BMI was significantly correlated with soft tissue thickness under the metatarsal head (r = 0.521, p = 0.018) and calcaneal tuberosity (r = 0.585, p = 0.007), peak pressure on the MFF (r = 0.601, p = 0.005) and LFF (r = 0.487, p = 0.029), pressure-time integral on the heel (r = 0.552, p = 0.012), and total pressure-time integral (r = 0.755, p < 0.001). Maximum dorsiflexion demonstrated significant negative correlations with pressure-time integral on the MFF (r = −0.595, p = 0.007) and total pressure-time integral (r = −0.492, p = 0.032). Pressure-time integral varus/valgus index was significantly correlated with pressuretime integral forefoot/heel index (r = 0.472, p = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Sex-related differences in pedobarographic examination were observed, which could provide useful information in setting appropriate treatment goals and obtaining appropriate control data. The effects of subtalar motion in distributing plantar pressure should be investigated in a future study.

Rituximab Treatment for Polyneuropathy Induced by an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor

Immune checkpoint inhibitor is associated with variety of immune-related adverse events. We present a case of polyneuropathy induced by immune checkpoint inhibitor, which was refractory to steroid and immunoglobulin. While high-dose steroid and immunoglobulin were not effective, we tried rituximab which is effective in other immune-mediated polyneuropathy. After rituximab treatment, patient's clinical symptom and nerve conduction study finding was markedly improved. We suggest rituximab might be effective in polyneuropathy induced by immune checkpoint inhibitor.

Full mouth rehabilitation on the patient with severe tooth wear and tooth fracture using reestabilishment of occlusal vertical dimension

Severe dental attrition causes pathological changes of the tooth, imbalanced occlusion, and functional and aesthetic complications and can also result in a decrease in occlusal vertical dimension that can incur temporomandibular joint and muscular complications. Before restoring the vertical dimension with full-mouth prosthetic restorations, it is important to determine the amount of vertical lifting through complete diagnosis. In this study, a 59 year-old male patient with generalized attrition and fracture of teeth was treated with full-mouth zirconia prosthetic restoration in order to recover vertical dimension and aesthetics. Through the analysis of physiologic rest position and inter-canine distance, the treatment was planned for lifting 3 mm in vertical dimension. Interim crown were fabricated after full-mouth wax up, having the patient use for 6 months. The final monolithic and bilayered zirconia restorations were completed. The patient showed satisfaction in function and aesthetics for 18 months of follow-up since delivering the final restorations.

Re-restoration of temporomandibular joint disorder acquired after implant prosthetic restoration using T-Scan: A case report / 대한치과보철학회지

In cases of extensive prosthetic restoration, correction of occlusal contact is often needed, as it is the essential component for a successful restoration. If occlusal contact is given incorrectly, various symptoms of occlusal trauma can occur of which temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is one of them. As one of the common symptoms of TMD, patients may suffer with masticatory muscle disorder and temporomandibular joint pain. This case presents satisfactory results for the improvement of masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint pain of a TMD patient, caused by incorrect occlusal contact of the restoration, by replacing the prosthesis after occlusion correction.

The Effects of Warm Compression on Eyelid Temperature and Lipid Layer Thickness of Tear Film

PURPOSE: Warm compression using a commercial heat pad was used to evaluate the effects of temperature on the eyelids and tear film lipid layer thickness. METHODS: Targeting 13 patients (26 eyes) with non-specific eye disease such as dry eye syndrome or Meibomian gland dysfunction, we measured the average thickness of the tear film lipid layer in both eyes with the LipiView 2® System (Tearscience®, Morrisville, NY, USA). We performed warm compression on the right eye only in order to evaluate the effectiveness of massage and measured the temperature of the right eye lid immediately, 3 minutes, and 5 minutes after compression in order to compare with the untreated left eye. After warm compression for 5 minutes, we measured tear film lipid layer thickness of both eyes and analyzed the effectiveness of warm compression. RESULTS: The average tear film lipid layer thickness was 55.1 ± 21.0 nm in the right eyes and 53.9 ± 13.9 nm in the left eyes (p = 0.474). Before performing the warm compression, the temperature of the right eye lid was 53.9 ± 13.9 nm, and that of the left was 35.9 ± 0.2℃. The eye lid temperature of the right eye immediately, 3 minutes, and 5 minutes after warm compression was 40.3 ± 1.3℃, 40.3 ± 1.3℃, and 40.3 ± 1.9℃, respectively, and these temperatures were relatively constant during the massage. Tear film lipid layer thickness after warm compression in the right eye was 83.5 ± 18.8 nm, which was increased compared to the original temperature (p = 0.001) and showed significant difference compared with the 65.5 ± 27.1 nm in the left eye (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Warm compression increased the tear film lipid layer thickness and showed a relatively constant increased temperature of 40.3℃ over 5 minutes. This technique will be helpful for maintaining tear film lipid layer thickness in patients with Meibomian gland dysfunction.

The Effects of Warm Compression on Eyelid Temperature and Lipid Layer Thickness of Tear Film

PURPOSE: Warm compression using a commercial heat pad was used to evaluate the effects of temperature on the eyelids and tear film lipid layer thickness. METHODS: Targeting 13 patients (26 eyes) with non-specific eye disease such as dry eye syndrome or Meibomian gland dysfunction, we measured the average thickness of the tear film lipid layer in both eyes with the LipiView 2® System (Tearscience®, Morrisville, NY, USA). We performed warm compression on the right eye only in order to evaluate the effectiveness of massage and measured the temperature of the right eye lid immediately, 3 minutes, and 5 minutes after compression in order to compare with the untreated left eye. After warm compression for 5 minutes, we measured tear film lipid layer thickness of both eyes and analyzed the effectiveness of warm compression. RESULTS: The average tear film lipid layer thickness was 55.1 ± 21.0 nm in the right eyes and 53.9 ± 13.9 nm in the left eyes (p = 0.474). Before performing the warm compression, the temperature of the right eye lid was 53.9 ± 13.9 nm, and that of the left was 35.9 ± 0.2℃. The eye lid temperature of the right eye immediately, 3 minutes, and 5 minutes after warm compression was 40.3 ± 1.3℃, 40.3 ± 1.3℃, and 40.3 ± 1.9℃, respectively, and these temperatures were relatively constant during the massage. Tear film lipid layer thickness after warm compression in the right eye was 83.5 ± 18.8 nm, which was increased compared to the original temperature (p = 0.001) and showed significant difference compared with the 65.5 ± 27.1 nm in the left eye (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Warm compression increased the tear film lipid layer thickness and showed a relatively constant increased temperature of 40.3℃ over 5 minutes. This technique will be helpful for maintaining tear film lipid layer thickness in patients with Meibomian gland dysfunction.

Study for discriminating method of origin side vibration from non-symptomatic clicking group

PURPOSE: study for discriminating method of origin side vibration from non-symptomatic clicking group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 joints vibrations of 30 subjects in non-symptomatic clicking group was recorded via subject's awareness, examiner's palpation and JVA analysis. Origin side vibration was discriminated with consideration for frequency spectrum, time delay and phase shift of waveforms, analysis of numeric values. RESULTS: There were all unilateral vibrations with JVA analysis and number of origin vibrations were 42. 11 pairs of vibrations showed time delay and phase shift and transferred side vibrations showed smaller values of total integral and bigger values of > 300 / 300 / < 300 ratio than the contra-lateral joint vibrations and there all ipsi-lateral vibrations were showed small values of total integral below 10 and hard to detect time delay and phase shift. So the features were used in discrimination of origin side vibrations. CONCLUSION: There should be all-around considerations for discrimination of origin side vibrations that is frequency spectrum, phase shift and time delay and analysis of numeric values.

Evaluation of Objective Accommodation Power in Different Age Groups Using an Auto Accommodation Refractometer

PURPOSE: To evaluate the objective amplitude of accommodation in various age groups using an autorefractometer and to compare the results with subjective assessments on accommodation. Objective accommodative amplitude of artificial lenses in post-operative cataract patients was also measured. METHODS: In this study, 41 patients who visited Korea University Guro Hospital from July through August 2014 were categorized into 6 different age groups. Accommodative amplitude was measured using long-distance refraction at 5 m and short-distance refraction at 20 cm. In 20 patients, subjective amplitude of accommodation was measured using the minus lens technique and was compared with the measured objective accommodative amplitude. Accommodative amplitude was also measured in 8 patients who received cataract surgery. RESULTS: The mean accommodative ability in normal people was 2.38 D. The age groups of 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and over 60 years showed accommodative amplitudes of 3.31 +/- 0.99 D, 3.25 +/- 0.34 D, 3.78 +/- 0.68 D, 1.00 +/- 0.60 D, 0.22 +/- 0.23 D, 0.00 +/- 0.00 D, respectively. The results showed a rapid decrease in accommodative ability of patients older than 40 years and demonstrated a correlation between objective and subjective amplitude of accommodation (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.838). There was a significant difference between objective and subjective accommodative amplitudes in artificial lenses (p = 0.015), with average objective and subjective measures of 0.10 +/- 0.23 D and 0.59 +/- 0.35 D, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Measuring amplitude of accommodation using an autorefractometer can be useful in assessing results of presbyopia treatment.

Sudden Loss of Endothelial Cell Density 7 Years after Receiving an Implantable Contact Lens: A Case Report

PURPOSE: To report a case of decreased endothelial cell density 7 years after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation. CASE SUMMARY: A 45-year-old man with high myopia combined with astigmatism was treated with Toric implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation. The patient's best corrected visual acuity was 0.7 in both eyes before the operation. After the treatment, his uncorrected visual acuity was 0.9 and corrected visual acuity was 1.0 in both eyes, indicating an improvement in visual function. Preoperative endothelial cell density measured 3,063 cells/mm2 in the right eye and 3,126 cells/mm2 in the left eye. At 5 years postoperatively, measurements were 2,897 cells/mm2 in the right eye and 2,974 cells/mm2 in the left, showing little change. However, a 6-year postoperative measurement of 2,198 cells/mm2 in the right eye and 2,803 cells/mm2 in the left showed a slight decrease in endothelial cell density in the right eye, and a follow-up measurement one year later displayed a rapid decline to 1,272 cells/mm2 in the right eye and 2,852 cells/mm2 in the left eye. The Toric ICL lens was removed from the right eye and phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation was performed. Two-month postoperative endothelial cell density was 1,257 cells/mm2 and endothelial cell damage from the operation itself was minimal. CONCLUSIONS: ICL implantation may cause complications related to corneal endothelial cells as well as glaucoma. Patients should receive regular follow-up examinations for endothelial cell density.

Globus Pallidus Interna Deep Brain Stimulation for Chorea-Acanthocytosis

Chorea-acanthocytosis (ChAc) is a rare hereditary disorder characterized by involuntary choreiform movements and erythrocytic acanthocytosis. Pharmacotherapy for control of involuntary movements has generally been of limited benefit. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has recently been used for treatment of some refractory cases of ChAc. We report here on the effect of bilateral high-frequency DBS of globus pallidus interna in a patient with ChAc.

An occlusal contact analysis of lateral mandibular movement using T-Scan system / 대한치과보철학회지

PURPOSE: Most of the former studies about the occlusal contact patterns during the mandibular movement focused on foreigner. The purpose of this study is analyzing the occlusal contacts of young Koreans by using T-Scan system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample size was 87 and the occlusal contacts of each right and left lateral movements were measured from the maximum intercuspation to the 3mm excursive position for three times respectively. All of the occlusal contacts were double checked through the thin metal foil. The results were categorized as two; 1) considering occlusal contact patterns on working side only, 2) considering occlusal contact patterns on working and nonworking sides. RESULTS: The results showed that the nonworking side occlusal contacts play major roles in the lateral mandibular movement. In both cases of considering with and without the nonworking side occlusal contacts, the group function was the most prevalent. In the working side, the contacts were the most frequent in canine and the frequency of contacts was decreased as the distance was increased from canine to molar. In the nonworking side, the contacts were the most frequent in second molar. And the gender factor was statistically significant (alpha=.05), as females have more nonworking side occlusal contacts in this study. CONCLUSION: Among the three factors of anterior guidance, the group function was the most dominant factor. The analysis of 87 samples showed that canine contact was the most frequent in the working side and second molar contact was the most common in the nonworking side.

Finasteride Induced Cerebral Venous Thrombosis

No abstract available.