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Background@#Emotion recognition is essential to the social adjustment and social interaction of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs). Given that music is a medium for expressing and conveying human emotion, we conducted this preliminary study to identify musical passages representing the basic human emotions of happiness, sadness, and anger, with the goal of developing a music-based emotion perception scale for IDDs. @*Methods@#To identify musical passages for emotion perception, 20 certified music therapists evaluated 100 selected musical passages and established 60 pieces that yielded the highest agreement for each emotion category. During the second phase of this study, 300 neurotypical participants rated 60 passages in terms of the perceived type and intensity of emotions expressed. @*Results@#The 60 passages showed high reliability and were statistically classified into three factors: happiness, sadness, and anger. The k-means cluster analysis yielded a cut-off score of 41 for the low emotion perception group (F = 1120.63, P < 0.001). The hierarchical logistic regression analysis revealed that only model 3 (musical passages) was significantly associated with low emotion perception (step χ 2 = 227.8, P < 0.001). @*Conclusion@#The selected musical passages demonstrated high reliability and established three factors for identifying perceptions of happiness, sadness, and anger. Neither psychological status nor individual demographic characteristics affected the emotion perception results.
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Background@#Music is regarded as a beneficial tool for assessing the clinical symptoms and communication skills in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism. The present study developed a music-based attention test (MAT) for individuals with autism using music parameters and the algorithm of the comprehensive attention test (CAT). @*Methods@#We recruited 51 autistic individuals and 50 neurotypical individuals to participate in the CAT, MAT, and social intelligence tests. The reliability and validity of the MAT were assessed using exploratory factor analysis, concurrent validity, and criterion-related validity. @*Results@#The MAT had sound internal consistency (high Cronbach’s α = 0.948). In addition, the MAT had suitable concurrent validity in the correlation between CAT and MAT, as well as good criterion validity when attention was measured using the MAT and was compared between autistic individuals and neurotypical individuals. Attention evaluated using the MAT was associated with the social quotient in individuals with autism. @*Conclusions@#The MAT could be a relevant tool for gauging attention in individuals with ASD.Furthermore, attention determined using the MAT may be correlated with social quotient in autistic individuals. Future studies should consider that using music in the field of attention could improve the social quotient of individuals with autism.
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Intravascular large B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that selectively involves the lumina of vessels, and may present as ischemic stroke. A 62-year-old man presented with progressive aphasia, dementia, seizure and stroke-like symptom. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed dynamic progressive fluid attenuated inversion recovery lesions and multiple punctate microbleeds in the bilateral subcortical region. A kidney biopsy revealed IVLBCL. We report a patient with IVLBCL presenting as rapidly progressive encephalopathy.
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The strangulation of the gallbladder by the omentum is extremely rare. We report a unique case of acute cholecystitis due to the strangulation of a floating gallbladder by the lesser omentum. A 16-year-old male patient presented to a local hospital after the recurrent epigastric pain. The clinical features and image study suggested the gallbladder torsion, and the patient was referred for surgical treatment. Abdominal computed tomography showed no cholecystolithiasis, but the fundus and body of the gallbladder were markedly swollen with wall thickening, whereas the neck of the gallbladder was normal. Based on these findings, the gallbladder torsion was clinically diagnosed and he underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The narrowed part of the gallbladder was tightly strangulated by the lesser omentum. So, strangulation of a floating gallbladder by the lesser omentum was finally diagnosed. We believe this case to be the third case of reported literatures in English.
ABSTRACT
The strangulation of the gallbladder by the omentum is extremely rare. We report a unique case of acute cholecystitis due to the strangulation of a floating gallbladder by the lesser omentum. A 16-year-old male patient presented to a local hospital after the recurrent epigastric pain. The clinical features and image study suggested the gallbladder torsion, and the patient was referred for surgical treatment. Abdominal computed tomography showed no cholecystolithiasis, but the fundus and body of the gallbladder were markedly swollen with wall thickening, whereas the neck of the gallbladder was normal. Based on these findings, the gallbladder torsion was clinically diagnosed and he underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The narrowed part of the gallbladder was tightly strangulated by the lesser omentum. So, strangulation of a floating gallbladder by the lesser omentum was finally diagnosed. We believe this case to be the third case of reported literatures in English.
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BACKGROUND: Recently, anti-ganglioside complex (GSC) antibodies were discovered among the various subtypes of Guillain-Barré syndrome. GSC is the novel glycoepitopes formed by two individual ganglioside molecules. CASE REPORT: We present a 36-year-old man with overlap Miller Fisher syndrome and acute bulbar palsy who had anti-GSC antibody that provided diagnostic robustness. CONCLUSION: Anti-GSC testing could be considered important in patients who show atypical manifestation with negative antibody reaction against each constituent ganglioside.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Antibodies , Bulbar Palsy, Progressive , Gangliosides , Guillain-Barre Syndrome , Miller Fisher SyndromeABSTRACT
A 39-year-old man visited Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital with abdominal pain. Abdominal computed tomography showed a large heterogeneously enhancing mass abutting the stomach body and a large amount of fluid collected in the peritoneal cavity. An emergency laparotomy revealed a ruptured large tumor arising from the anterior wall of the middle section of the stomach with bloody fluid in the peritoneal cavity. The patient underwent wedge resection of the tumor. The tumor was 6.5×5.5×4.0 cm in size and 49 g in weight. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated positivity to C-kit protein, CD34, and S-100 protein. The final diagnosis was gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). Hemoperitoneum caused by a spontaneously ruptured GIST with cystic degeneration is extremely rare.
Subject(s)
Adult , Humans , Abdominal Pain , Diagnosis , Emergencies , Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors , Hemoperitoneum , Laparotomy , Peritoneal Cavity , Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-kit , Rupture , S100 Proteins , StomachABSTRACT
Adrenal tuberculosis is a relatively infrequent cause of primary adrenocortical insufficiency in developed countries. Isolated adrenal tuberculosis, especially with enlargement of adrenal glands, can cause diagnostic problems and requires differentiation from primary or secondary neoplasms. A 40-year-old woman presented to Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital with altered consciousness. She showed biochemical evidence of adrenal insufficiency without signs of tuberculosis. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a calcified mass 3.3×2.3 cm in size and peripheral enhancement of the left adrenal gland. A laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed for a diagnosis of left adrenal malignant tumor. The diagnosis of adrenal tuberculosis was confirmed by a final histological examination.
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Addison Disease , Adrenal Glands , Adrenal Insufficiency , Adrenalectomy , Consciousness , Developed Countries , Diagnosis , Laparoscopy , TuberculosisABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The objective of the study was to evaluate the predictive value of plasma D-dimer at admission after acute ischemic stroke, and to assess its effect on short-term functional outcome. METHODS: Fasting plasma D-dimer was measured in 290 consecutive patients (61.7% men, mean age 67.0±12.3 years) within 3 days after the onset of acute ischemic stroke. The outcomes were measured at 3-months after stroke onset, by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). RESULTS: Atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes and involvement of the insular cortex, the levels of serum high sensitive C-reactive protein and D-dimer, as well as incidence of women and age, were all significantly higher in the poor outcome group (P<0.05). After the adjustment of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores on admission, the plasma D-dimer levels positively correlated with mRS (Spearman partial rho=0.247, P<0.001). The cut-off value of D-dimer level for prediction of poor outcomes was 0.35 mg/L (sensitivity 0.70, specificity 0.63, area under the curve 0.71). Furthermore, two multivariated logistic regression analysis models were performed. One model excluded the NIHSS score as an independent variable, and demonstrated that D-dimer (odds ratio, 1.24 for every 1.0 mg/L, P<0.05) was independently associated with poor functional outcome. Conversely, the other model which included the NIHSS score, did not show any such association. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma D-dimer level is a useful marker for short-term outcomes in acute ischemic stroke, and may have a role in risk stratification for predicting a poor outcome.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Atrial Fibrillation , C-Reactive Protein , Cerebral Cortex , Cerebral Infarction , Fasting , Hypertension , Incidence , Logistic Models , Plasma , Prognosis , Sensitivity and Specificity , StrokeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and effect of ultrasound-guided ethyl alcohol injection on malleolar and olecranon synovial proliferative bursitis. METHODS: Twenty-four patients received ultrasound-guided 50% diluted ethyl alcohol injection at the site of synovial proliferative bursitis after aspiration of the free fluid. RESULTS: Swelling and symptoms significantly decreased in 13 of the 24 patients without any complications. Eleven patients had partial improvement in swelling and symptoms. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided alcohol injection could be an alternative therapeutic option before surgery in patients with chronic intractable malleolar and olecranon synovial proliferative bursitis.
Subject(s)
Humans , Bursitis , Ethanol , Olecranon Process , Pilot Projects , Prospective Studies , Synovial Membrane , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
We describe two patients with acute myeloradiculitis associated with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). They were previously healthy and immunocompetent and had no history of herpes infection or rash. Myeloradiculitis manifested as an acute flaccid paralysis that primarily involved the conus medullaris and cauda equina. laccid paralysis can be caused by HSV-2 myeloradiculitis, and so early antiviral treatment should be considered.
Subject(s)
Humans , Cauda Equina , Exanthema , Herpes Simplex , Herpesvirus 2, Human , Myelitis , Paralysis , Radiculopathy , Simplexvirus , Spinal CordABSTRACT
Annular pulley injury of fingers is usually observed in rock climbers who support their entire body weight with flexed fingers during climbing. But these lesions can also follow trivial trauma, such as lifting heavy objects with the fingertips, or during sports and recreational activities. The A2 and A4 pulleys are most usually involved and reported most frequently. However, traumatic A1 pulley rupture has not been reported yet, to the best of our knowledge. Kendo is a very vigorous martial art with frequent physical contact. Therefore, we reported two cases of repetitive microtraumatic left fourth finger A1 pulley rupture in Kendo players with results from physical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, together with related literature.
Subject(s)
Athletic Injuries , Body Weight , Finger Injuries , Fingers , Lifting , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Physical Examination , Rupture , Sports , UltrasonographyABSTRACT
Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) infection is a rare cause of meningoencephalitis. A 53-year-old previously healthy woman presented with fever, headache, and multiple erythema on the both legs. Cerebrospinal fluid study revealed pleocytosis and elevated opening pressure and protein level. Brain MRI showed multiple, asymmetric, hyperintensity in the brain stem, basal ganglia, white matter, and gray matter. Anti-B19 IgM antibody and PCR for PVB19 were positive in serum. Clinician should consider PVB19 infection in any case of acute febrile illness with erythema and meningoencephalitis.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Middle Aged , Basal Ganglia , Brain , Brain Stem , Cerebrospinal Fluid , Erythema , Fever , Headache , Immunoglobulin M , Leg , Leukocytosis , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Meningoencephalitis , Parvovirus , Polymerase Chain ReactionABSTRACT
No abstract available.
Subject(s)
Humans , Infarction , Ischemic Attack, Transient , Lateral Medullary Syndrome , Trigeminal NeuralgiaABSTRACT
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor in NO synthesis by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzymes. It has been previously suggested that reduced intrahepatic BH4 results in a decrease in intrahepatic NO and contributes to increased hepatic vascular resistance and portal pressure in animal models of cirrhosis. The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between BH4 and portal hypertension (PHT). One hundred ninety-three consecutive patients with chronic liver disease were included in the study. Liver biopsy, measurement of BH4 and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) were performed. Hepatic fibrosis was classified using the Laennec fibrosis scoring system. BH4 levels were determined in homogenized liver tissues of patients using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between BH4 and HVPG, grade of hepatic fibrosis, clinical stage of cirrhosis, Child-Pugh class. A positive relationship between HVPG and hepatic fibrosis grade, clinical stage of cirrhosis and Child-Pugh class was observed. However, the BH4 level showed no significant correlation with HVPG or clinical features of cirrhosis. BH4 concentration in liver tissue has little relation to the severity of portal hypertension in patients with chronic liver disease.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Biopterins/analogs & derivatives , Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid , Chronic Disease , Elasticity Imaging Techniques , Hepatic Veins/physiology , Hypertension, Portal/complications , Liver/pathology , Liver Cirrhosis/diagnostic imaging , Liver Diseases/complications , Nitric Oxide/metabolism , Portal Pressure , Regression Analysis , Severity of Illness IndexABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIMS: Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) has been proposed as a non-invasive method for estimating the severity of fibrosis and the complications of cirrhosis. Measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the gold standard for assessing the presence of portal hypertension, but its invasiveness limits its clinical application. In this study we evaluated the relationship between LSM and HVPG, and the predictive value of LSM for clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) and severe portal hypertension in cirrhosis. METHODS: LSM was performed with transient elastography in 59 consecutive cirrhotic patients who underwent hemodynamic HVPG investigations. CSPH and severe portal hypertension were defined as HVPG > or =10 and > or =12 mmHg, respectively. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between LSM and HVPG. Diagnostic values were analyzed based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: A strong positive correlation between LSM and HVPG was observed in the overall population (r2=0.496, P or =10 mmHg) was 0.851, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) for an LSM cutoff value of 21.95 kPa were 82.5%, 73.7%, 86.8%, and 66.7%, respectively. The AUROC at prediction of severe portal hypertension (HVPG > or =12 mmHg) was 0.877, and the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV at LSM cutoff value of 24.25 kPa were 82.9%, 70.8%, 80.6%, and 73.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LSM exhibited a significant correlation with HVPG in patients with cirrhosis. LSM could be a non-invasive method for predicting CSPH and severe portal hypertension in Korean patients with liver cirrhosis.
Subject(s)
Adult , Aged , Female , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Alcohol-Related Disorders/complications , Area Under Curve , Elasticity Imaging Techniques , Hepatitis B/complications , Hepatitis C/complications , Hypertension, Portal/complications , Linear Models , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , ROC Curve , Republic of Korea , Sensitivity and SpecificityABSTRACT
Endometriosis is a well-recognized gynecological condition in the reproductive age group. Endometriosis of the appendix is an entity of extragonadal endometriosis. The incidence of appendiceal endometriosis is lower than 1% among pathologies of pelvic endometriosis. Women can present with symptoms mimicking acute appendicitis or chronic pelvic pain. Diagnosis can be made only after a histopathological examination following the operation. We report here a case of appendiceal endometriosis, which were operated on for a prediagnosis of acute appendicitis, but postoperatively diagnosed as appendiceal endometriosis.
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Appendicitis , Appendix , Endometriosis , Incidence , Laparoscopy , Pelvic PainABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Recent research has shown that there is a relationship between the level of preoperative serum TSH and a papillary thyroid carcinoma. Therefore, this study examined the correlation between the serum TSH and papillary thyroid carcinoma. METHODS: The preoperative serum TSH level of papillary thyroid carcinoma and nodular hyperplasia of 418 patients from 2009 Jan. to 2011 Dec. was examined. The patients were divided into 3 groups, nodular hyperplasia, less than 1 cm micropapillary carcinoma and more than 1 cm papillary carcinoma, and their TSH levels were compared. RESULTS: Nodular hyperplasia and total papillary carcinoma was found in 98 (23.0%) and 322 (77.0%) patients, respectively. After dividing the patients according to the size of the mass, there were 224 (53.6%) patients with a mass less than 1 cm in size and 98 (23.4%) patients with a mass more than 1 cm in size. The preoperative serum TSH level of the 3 groups showed a significant difference, which was 1.180±1.168 μIU/ml in the nodular hyperplasia group, 1.670±1.224 μIU/ml in the micropapillary carcinoma group and 2.279±2.837 μIU/ml in the papillary carcinoma group (P<0.001). On the other hand, there were no significant correlations between the preoperative serum TSH level and gender, age, metastasis to lymph node, number of masses and extrathyroidal extensions. CONCLUSION: The larger size of the papillary thyroid carcinoma, the higher the preoperative high serum TSH level. Therefore, the stimulation of TSH can affect the progression of papillary thyroid carcinoma but more study will be needed.
Subject(s)
Humans , Carcinoma, Papillary , Hand , Hyperplasia , Lymph Nodes , Neoplasm Metastasis , Thyroid Gland , Thyroid NeoplasmsABSTRACT
No abstract available.