Impact of aging on acute myeloid leukemia epidemiology and survival outcomes: A real-world, population-based longitudinal cohort study.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a severe and fatal form of leukemia that is prevalent in the older population. In this longitudinal retrospective study, we investigated the epidemiology and survival rates of patients diagnosed with de novo acute myeloid leukemia in South Korea from Jan 1, 2011, to Aug 31, 2020. We used real-world data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service database. We observed an increase in the number of acute myeloid leukemia cases, with age-specific incidence rates escalating in older patients. In contrast a long-term decrease from 1.94 to 1.77 per 100,000 individuals was found in the age-standardized incidence rates. Meanwhile, age-standardized prevalence rates ascended from 8.93 to 9.67 per 100,000 individuals, with a remarkable increase in the age-specific prevalence rate for those aged 80 years and above. Survival rates were notably better in younger or treated patients, and in those who underwent Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. The time of diagnosis did not affect the survival of patients younger than 65 years. However, the most recent survival rates were significantly lower for patients 65 or older, as shown in the unadjusted Cox survival analysis. After adjustments in the analysis, it was found that the overall survival rates of the most recently diagnosed group improved significantly compared with those diagnosed earlier, with a hazard ratio of 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.97). This improvement may potentially be influenced by the enhanced treatment alternatives available for newly diagnosed older patients aged 65 years or older. In conclusion, aging appears to fuel an increase in the number of acute myeloid leukemia cases and mortality. Further studies are warranted to understand the impact of aging on acute myeloid leukemia treatment outcomes and devise efficacious care strategies for older patients.

Perioperative Low-Dose Aspirin Management for Planned Clipping Surgery: When, How Long, and With What Precautions?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Perioperative low-dose aspirin (ASA) management for open craniotomy surgery lacked information. We analyze to establish the perioperative ASA strategy to minimize both hemorrhagic and thromboembolic complications. METHODS: The investigators designed a multicenter retrospective study, which included patients scheduled to have clipping surgery for unruptured intracranial aneurysm. The incidence and risk factors were analyzed for postoperative hemorrhagic complications and major cardio- and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) within 1 month postoperation. RESULTS: This study included 503 long-term ASA users of 3654 patients at three tertiary centers. The incidence of hemorrhagic complications and MACCEs was 7.4% (37/503) and 8.8% (44/503), respectively. Older age (>70 years, odds ratio [OR]: 2.928, 95% CI [1.337-6.416]), multiple aneurysms operation (OR: 2.201, 95% CI [1.017-4.765]), large aneurysm (>10 mm, OR: 4.483, 95% CI [1.485-13.533]), and ASA continuation (OR: 2.604, 95% CI [1.222-5.545]) were independent risk factors for postoperative hemorrhagic complications. Intracranial hemorrhage was the only type of hemorrhagic complication that increased in the ASA continuation group (10.6% vs 2.9%, P = .001). Between the ASA continuation and discontinuation groups, the overall incidence of MACCEs was not significantly different (log-rank P = .8). In the subgroup analysis, ASA discontinuation significantly increased the risk of MACCEs in the secondary prevention group (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.580, 95% CI [1.015-6.580]). CONCLUSION: ASA continuation increased the risk of postoperative intracranial hemorrhage. Simultaneously, ASA discontinuation was the major risk factor for postoperative MACCEs in the high-risk group. Without evidence of intracranial hemorrhage, early ASA resumption was indicated (a total cessation duration <7-10 days) in the secondary prevention group.

Prediction of cerebral hemorrhagic transformation after thrombectomy using a deep learning of dual-energy CT.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and validate a deep learning model for predicting hemorrhagic transformation after endovascular thrombectomy using dual-energy computed tomography (CT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study from a prospective registry of acute ischemic stroke. Patients admitted between May 2019 and February 2023 who underwent endovascular thrombectomy for acute anterior circulation occlusions were enrolled. Hemorrhagic transformation was defined using follow-up magnetic resonance imaging or CT. The deep learning model was developed using post-thrombectomy dual-energy CT to predict hemorrhagic transformation within 72 h. Temporal validation was performed with patients who were admitted after July 2022. The deep learning model's performance was compared with a logistic regression model developed from clinical variables using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: Total of 202 patients (mean age 71.4 years ± 14.5 [standard deviation], 92 men) were included, with 109 (54.0%) patients having hemorrhagic transformation. The deep learning model performed consistently well, showing an average AUC of 0.867 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.815-0.902) upon five-fold cross validation and AUC of 0.911 (95% CI, 0.774-1.000) with the test dataset. The clinical variable model showed an AUC of 0.775 (95% CI, 0.709-0.842) on the training dataset (p < 0.01) and AUC of 0.634 (95% CI, 0.385-0.883) on the test dataset (p = 0.06). CONCLUSION: A deep learning model was developed and validated for prediction of hemorrhagic transformation after endovascular thrombectomy in patients with acute stroke using dual-energy computed tomography. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: This study demonstrates that a convolutional neural network (CNN) can be utilized on dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) for the accurate prediction of hemorrhagic transformation after thrombectomy. The CNN achieves high performance without the need for region of interest drawing. KEY POINTS: • Iodine leakage on dual-energy CT after thrombectomy may be from blood-brain barrier disruption. • A convolutional neural network on post-thrombectomy dual-energy CT enables individualized prediction of hemorrhagic transformation. • Iodine leakage is an important predictor of hemorrhagic transformation following thrombectomy for ischemic stroke.

Predicting Unmet Healthcare Needs in Post-Disaster: A Machine Learning Approach.

Unmet healthcare needs in the aftermath of disasters can significantly impede recovery efforts and exacerbate health disparities among the affected communities. This study aims to assess and predict such needs, develop an accurate predictive model, and identify the key influencing factors. Data from the 2017 Long-term Survey on the Change of Life of Disaster Victims in South Korea were analyzed using machine learning techniques, including logistic regression, C5.0 tree-based model, and random forest. The features were selected based on Andersen's health behavior model and disaster-related factors. Among 1659 participants, 31.5% experienced unmet healthcare needs after a disaster. The random forest algorithm exhibited the best performance in terms of precision, accuracy, Under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUC-ROC), and F-1 scores. Subjective health status, disaster-related diseases or injuries, and residential area have emerged as crucial factors predicting unmet healthcare needs. These findings emphasize the vulnerability of disaster-affected populations and highlight the value of machine learning in post-disaster management policies for decision-making.

Microplastics in gastrointestinal tracts of gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) chicks on King George Island, Antarctica.

Microplastics (< 5 mm) have been found in marine ecosystems worldwide, even in Antarctic ecosystems. In this study, the stomach and upper intestines of 14 dead gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) chicks were collected and screened for microplastics on King George Island, a gateway to Antarctic research and tourism. A total of 378 microplastics were identified by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, with 27.0 ± 25.3 microplastics per individual. The detected number of microplastics did not increase with the mass of penguin chicks, suggesting no permanent accumulation of microplastics. However, the concentration of microplastics was much higher (9.1 ± 10.8 microplastics per individual within the size range 100-5000 µm) than the previously reported concentration in the penguin feces, and a greater number of smaller microplastics were found. Marine debris surveys near the breeding colony found various plastic (79.3%) to be the most frequent type of beached debris, suggesting that local sources of marine plastic waste could have contributed to microplastic contamination of penguin chicks being fed by parents that forage in nearby seas. This finding confirms the presence of microplastics in an Antarctic ecosystem and suggests the need for stronger waste management in Antarctica and a standardized scheme of microplastic monitoring in this once-pristine ecosystem.

Endoscope-assisted microsurgical clipping and reduction of post-clipping cerebral infarction: historical comparison using diffusion-weighted images.

Endoscopic assistance for aneurysm clipping and its possible benefits have been suggested in previous studies, but its clinical significance has not been fully elucidated. This study aimed to present the efficacy of endoscopy-assisted clipping in reducing post-clipping cerebral infarction (PCI) and clinical outcomes via a historical comparison of patients in our institution from January 2020 to March 2022. A total of 348 patients were included, 189 of whom underwent endoscope-assisted clipping. The overall incidence of PCI was 10.9% (n = 38); it was 15.7% (n = 25) before applying endoscopic assistance and decreased to 6.9% (n = 13) after endoscope application (p = 0.010). The application of a temporary clip (odds ratio [OR]: 2.673, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.291-5.536), history of hypertension (OR: 2.176, 95% CI: 0.897-5.279), history of diabetes mellitus (OR: 2.530, 95% CI: 1.079-5.932), and current smoker (OR: 3.553, 95% CI: 1.288-9.802) were independent risk factors of PCI, whereas endoscopic assistance was an independent inverse risk factor (OR: 0.387, 95% CI: 0.182-0.823). Compared to the location of the unruptured intracranial aneurysms, internal carotid artery aneurysms showed a significant decrease in the incidence of PCI (5.8% vs. 22.9%, p = 0.019). In terms of clinical outcomes, PCI was a significant risk factor for longer admission duration, intensive care unit stay, and poor clinical outcomes. However, endoscopic assistance itself was not a significant risk factor for clinical outcomes on the 45-day modified Rankin Scale. In this study, we noted the clinical significance of endoscope-assisted clipping in preventing PCI. These findings could reduce the incidence of PCI and improve the understanding of its mechanisms of action. However, a larger and longer-term study is required to evaluate the benefits of endoscopy on clinical outcomes.

Subdural hygroma and hemorrhagic conversion after microsurgical clipping for unruptured intracranial aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a unique hemorrhagic complication associated with microsurgical clipping. We aimed to investigate the risk factors of subdural hygroma (SDG) formation and its hemorrhagic conversion to cSDH. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 229 patients who underwent microsurgical clipping for unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) from 2016 to 2019. Risk factors for SDG and cSDH formation were analyzed. RESULTS: Male sex, age ≥ 60 years, higher degree of arachnoid dissection, severe brain atrophy, and a large volume of subdural fluid collection (SFC) before discharge were independent risk factors for SDG formation. The risk factors for hemorrhagic conversion from SDG were continuous use or early resumption of antiplatelet drugs (odds ratio (OR): 15.367, 95% CI: 1.172-201.402) and a larger volume of SFC before discharge (OR: 0.932, 95% CI: 0.886-0.980). In the early resumption group, antiplatelet drug was resumed at a mean duration of 7.48 days postoperatively, and hemorrhagic conversion was detected earlier than that in the late resumption or no-use groups (4.09 vs. 7.18 weeks, P = 0.046). Following the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the SFC cutoff volume for hemorrhagic conversion was determined to be 23.55 mL. CONCLUSION: These findings can assist clinicians in identifying patients at a high risk of SDG and cSDH formation. Antiplatelet resumption and its timing should be determined with consideration of the risk of cSDH formation as well as individual medical conditions.

Added Predictive Values of Proton Density Magnetic Resonance Imaging on Posterior Communicating Artery Aneurysms and Surrounding Soft Tissues with Simple Classification.

OBJECTIVE: Deciphering the anatomy of posterior communicating artery (PCoA) aneurysms in relation to surrounding structures is essential to determine adjuvant surgical procedures. However, it is difficult to predict surgical structures through preoperative imaging studies. We aimed to present anatomical structures using preoperative high-resolution three-dimensional proton densityweighted turbo spin-echo magnetic resonance (PDMR) imaging with simple classification. METHODS: From January 2020 to April 2022, 30 patients underwent PDMR before microsurgical clipping for unruptured PCoA aneurysms in a single tertiary institute. We retrospectively reviewed the radiographic images and operative data of these patients. The structural relationship described by PDMR and intraoperative findings were compared. Subsequently, we classified aneurysms into two groups and analyzed the rate of adjuvant surgical procedures and contact with the surrounding structures. RESULTS: Correlations between preoperative PDMR predictions and actual intraoperative findings for PCoA aneurysm contact to the oculomotor nerve, temporal uncus, and anterior petroclinoid fold (APCF) reported a diagnostic accuracy of 0.90, 0.87, and 0.90, respectively. In 12 patients (40.0%), an aneurysm dome was located on the plane of the oculomotor triangle and was classified as the infratentorial type. Compared to the supratentorial type PCoA aneurysm, adjuvant procedures were required more frequently (66.7% vs. 22.2%, p=0.024) for infratentorial type PCoA aneurysm clipping. CONCLUSION: Preoperative PCoA aneurysm categorization using PDMR can be helpful for predicting surgical complexity and planning of microsurgical clipping.

Incidence rate and predictors of recurrent aneurysms after clipping: long-term follow-up study of survivors of subarachnoid hemorrhage.

Recurrent aneurysms are a major cause of re-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH), but information on long-term clip durability and predictors is insufficient. This study aimed to present the incidence rate of > 10 years and investigate predictors of a recurrent aneurysm in aSAH survivors. We included 1601 patients admitted with aSAH and treated by microsurgical clipping between January 1993 and May 2010. Of these patients, 435 aSAH survivors were included in this study (27.2%). The total follow-up time was 5680.9 patient-years, and the overall incidence rate was 0.77% per patient-year. The cumulative probability of recurrence without residua and regrowth of the neck remnant was 0.7% and 13.9% at 10 years, respectively. Neck remnant (hazard ratio [HR], 10.311; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.233-20.313) and alcohol consumption over the moderate amount (HR, 3.166; 95% CI, 1.313-7.637) were independent risk factors of recurrent aneurysm. Current smoking and multiplicity at initial aSAH presentation were significant factors in a univariate analysis. Furthermore, de novo intracranial aneurysms (DNIAs) were more common in the recurrent group than in the non-recurrent group (40.9% vs. 11.5%, P < 0.001). In the present study, we noted the long-term clip durability and predictor of recurrence after microsurgical clipping. These findings can assist clinicians in identifying patients at a high risk of recurrent aneurysm and recommending selective long-term surveillance after microsurgical clipping.

Flow diverter for the treatment of large (> 10 mm) vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of flow-diverting device (FDD) treatment for large vertebral artery dissecting aneurysms (VADAs). METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 12 patients with 12 VADAs who were treated using FDD between 2013 and 2020. Clinical and radiographic data, including procedure-related complications and clinical outcomes assessed using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the time of the last follow-up, were collected and reviewed. RESULTS: All 12 patients had unruptured aneurysms. There were 3 (25%) female and 9 (75%) male patients, and the mean patient age was 54.6 years. The mean size of the aneurysm was 15.9 ± 4.8 mm. The mean follow-up duration was 15.8 months. Single FDD without additional coils was used in all patients. One patient underwent second-line treatment with FDD for recurrence of large VADA after stent-assisted coiling. Immediate follow-up angiography after placement of the FDD demonstrated intra-aneurysmal contrast stasis. There were 2 (17%) patients who had peri-procedural stroke. Angiography at the 6-month follow-up in 10 patients showed favorable occlusion (OKM grade C3 + D). A total of 11 (92%) patients had good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale ≤ 2) at the last follow-up. No re-treatment or delayed aneurysm rupture occurred during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Reconstructive technique with FDD is a feasible and effective modality for the treatment of large VADAs, showing favorable occlusion rate and clinical outcome.

Predictors of Ventriculostomy-Associated Infections: A Retrospective Study of 243 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Risk factors of ventriculostomy-associated infection (VAI) reported in the literature are variable owing to heterogeneity of external ventricular drainage (EVD) procedures and management. This study aimed to assess the rate of VAI and its risk factors. METHODS: The medical records of patients >18 years old who received EVD catheterizations between January 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Among 243 patients with 355 catheters, 23 VAIs were identified, yielding VIA rates of 9.5% per patient and 6.5% per catheter. VAI was associated with a longer total EVD duration (29.2 days vs. 15.8 days, P < 0.001), a longer procedural time (72 minutes vs. 41 minutes, P < 0.001), intraoperative ventriculostomy (39.1% vs. 9.1%, P < 0.001), craniotomy (87.0% vs. 60.9%, P = 0.014), and other systemic infections (30.4% vs. 8.2%, P = 0.004). On multivariate analysis, a longer total EVD duration (odds ratio 1.086, P < 0.001), intraoperative ventriculostomy (odds ratio 6.119, P = 0.001), and other systemic infections (odds ratio 4.620, P = 0.015) were associated with VAI. There was no statistical difference between the VAI rates of patients with and without prophylactic EVD exchanges at a mean 12.6 days (7.1% vs. 2.2%, P = 0.401). CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative ventriculostomy was independently associated with VAI. Prophylactic EVD exchange at 12.6 days did not lower VAI rate.

Formation, Growth, or Rupture of De Novo Intracranial Aneurysms: Long-Term Follow-up Study of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Survivors.

BACKGROUND: The survival rate of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) has gradually increased, leading to more clinical cases of de novo intracranial aneurysms (DNIAs). OBJECTIVE: To identify the characteristics of patients with DNIA growth or rupture. METHODS: We included 1601 patients with aSAH treated by clipping from January 1993 to May 2010. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 233 patients had no DNIAs, and 63 patients had 77 DNIAs. We assessed the incidence rate of DNIAs and risk factors for DNIA formation. After dichotomizing the DNIA group into the heed (patients with DNIA rupture or growth) and stable groups (patients without DNIA growth), we assessed the risk factors for DNIA growth or rupture. RESULTS: The total follow-up period was 4427.9 patient-years. The incidence rate per patient-year was 1.42%. Age ≤50 yr, family history of aneurysm, and multiplicity at initial aSAH were significant risk factors for DNIA formation. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that female sex (odds ratio [OR], 5.566; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.241-24.952), duration from initial aSAH to DNIA detection <120 mo (OR, 5.043; 95% CI, 1.362-18.668), multiplicity at initial aSAH (OR, 4.859; 95% CI, 1.207-19.563), and maximum DNIA diameter ≥4 mm (OR, 11.104; 95% CI, 2.337-52.772) were significant risk factors for DNIA growth or rupture. CONCLUSION: DNIAs had a higher incidence rate than expected. Taking into account the presented incidence rate and risk factors, long-term surveillance in aSAH survivors for more than a decade may be worth considering, at least on a case-by-case basis.

Delays in Intracerebral Hemorrhage Management Is Associated with Hematoma Expansion and Worse Outcomes: Changes in COVID-19 Era.

PURPOSE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic disrupted the emergency medical care system worldwide. We analyzed the changes in the management of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and compared the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 eras. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March to October of the COVID-19 era (2020), 83 consecutive patients with ICH were admitted to four comprehensive stroke centers. We retrospectively reviewed the data of patients and compared the treatment workflow metrics, treatment modalities, and clinical outcomes with the patients admitted during the same period of pre-COVID-19 era (2017-2019). RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-eight patients (83 in COVID-19 era and 255 in pre-COVID-19 era) were included in this study. Symptom onset/detection-to-door time [COVID-19; 56.0 min (34.0-106.0), pre-COVID-19; 40.0 min (27.0-98.0), p=0.016] and median door to-intensive treatment time differed between the two groups [COVID-19; 349.0 min (177.0-560.0), pre-COVID-19; 184.0 min (134.0-271.0), p<0.001]. Hematoma expansion was detected more significantly in the COVID-19 era (39.8% vs. 22.1%, p=0.002). At 3-month follow-up, clinical outcomes of patients were worse in the COVID-19 era (Good modified Rankin Scale; 33.7% in COVID19, 46.7% in pre-COVID-19, p=0.039). CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 era, delays in management of ICH was associated with hematoma expansion and worse outcomes.

Ruptured Infundibular dilatation of the posterior communicating artery.

OBJECTIVE: An infundibulum of the posterior communicating artery (PcomA) or infundibular dilatation (ID) is considered to be a benign anatomical variant. However, some evidence suggests that ID is a pre-aneurysmal state. This case series presents cases of ruptured IDs and aneurysms originating from the IDs. METHODS: Between April 2002 and June 2020, 1337 patients were treated for aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Among them, 7 patients with ruptured PcomA IDs were identified. Rupture IDs of the PcomA were categorized into 1) direct rupture of IDs, and 2) rupture of aneurysms originating from IDs. The clinical and radiographic factors were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Two patients experienced direct rupture of IDs, while the other 5 patients presented with ruptured aneurysms originating from IDs. The 2 patients with direct rupture of IDs at presentation were relatively younger (< 50 years), while the other 5 patients with ruptured aneurysms originating from IDs were over 70 and had a history of aneurysmal SAH due to other intracranial aneurysms. Ruptured IDs were treated with microsurgery or endovascular treatment. There were no complications related to the procedure for securing ruptured IDs. Five (71.4%) patients showed favorable outcomes. One patient with initial Hunt and Hess grade 4 died due to initial brain damage with cerebral vasospasm and medical complications. CONCLUSIONS: ID of the PcomA rarely causes SAH with or without aneurysm formation. Thus, patients with IDs of the PcomA should be carefully followed up for a long period, especially those with a history of aneurysmal SAH.

Estimation of the National Burden of Disease and Vulnerable Population Associated with Natural Disasters in Korea: Heavy Precipitation and Typhoon.

BACKGROUND: Despite its growing significance, studies on the burden of disease associated with natural disasters from the perspective of public health were few. This study aimed at estimating the national burden of disease associated with typhoons and torrential rains in Korea. METHODS: During the period of 2002-2012, 11 typhoons and five torrential rains were selected. Mortality and morbidities were defined as accentual death, injury and injury-related infection, and mental health. Their incidences were estimated from National Health Insurance Service. Case-crossover design was used to define the disaster-related excess mortality and morbidity. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were directly assessed from excess mortality and morbidity. RESULTS: The burden of disease from typhoons increased with the intensity, with 107.7, 30.6, and 36.6 DALYs per 100,000 per event for strong, moderate, and weak typhoons, respectively. Burden of disease from torrential rains were 56.9, 52.8, and 26.4 DALYs per 100,000 per event for strong, moderate, and weak episodes, respectively. Mental disorders contributed more years lived with disability (YLDs) than did injuries in most cases, but the injury-induced YLDs associated with strong typhoon and torrential rain were higher than those of lower-intensity. The elderly was the most vulnerable to most types of disaster and storm intensities, and males younger than 65 years were more vulnerable to a strong torrential rain event. CONCLUSION: The intensity of torrential rain or typhoon was the strongest determinant of the burden of disease from natural disasters in Korea. Population vulnerable may vary depending on the nature and strength of the disasters.

The effect of balance taping for prevention of menstrual pain in female middle school students.

[Purpose] The age at menarche in Korean women has been declining sharply. However, for the students who are just beginning to menstruate, taking pain medication might become a long-term habit continuing until adulthood. Therefore, this study investigated whether balance taping would be more helpful than medication in relieving the pain. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects of this study included 125 female students. The participants were assigned to the balance taping group, the control group, and the medication group. The medication group was given 1 dose of Tylenol (acetaminophen 500 mg) and the balance-taping group had taping applied, and the changes in pain were measured before the taping, as well as1 hour, 4 hours, 8 hours, and 24 hours after. The measurement was done two times for the repeatability of the result. [Results] The balance-taping group showed a difference in pain from 1 hour after the taping compared with the control group, and the pain was significantly reduced until 24 hours after the taping. The balance taping group showed a statistically significant difference in pain compared with the medication group from 4 hours after the taping, and it lasted until 24 hours after the taping. The results were similar in the second measurement as well. [Conclusion] Balance taping was shown to be effective in relieving menstrual pain. Balance taping could be an effective alternative to medication in relieving menstrual pain and distress.

Optimal Treatment Decision for Brain Metastases of Unknown Primary Origin: The Role and Timing of Radiosurgery.

BACKGROUND: Up to 15% of all patients with brain metastases have no clearly detected primary site despite intensive evaluation, and this incidence has decreased with the use of improved imaging technology. Radiosurgery has been evaluated as one of the treatment modality for patients with limited brain metastases. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of radiosurgery for brain metastases from unknown primary tumors. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 540 patients who underwent gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for brain metastases radiologically diagnosed between August 1992 and September 2007 in our institution. First, the brain metastases were grouped into metachronous, synchronous, and precocious presentations according to the timing of diagnosis of the brain metastases. Then, synchronous and precocious brain metastases were further grouped into 1) unknown primary; 2) delayed known primary; and 3) synchronous metastases according to the timing of diagnosis of the primary origin. We analyzed the survival time and time to new brain metastasis in each group. RESULTS: Of the 540 patients, 29 (5.4%) presented precocious or synchronous metastases (34 GKRS procedures for 174 lesions). The primary tumor was not found even after intensive and repeated systemic evaluation in 10 patients (unknown primary, 34.5%); found after 8 months in 3 patients (delayed known primary, 1.2%); and diagnosed at the same time as the brain metastases in 16 patients (synchronous metastasis, 55.2%). No statistically significant differences in survival time and time to new brain metastasis were found among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Identification of a primary tumor before GKRS did not affect the patient outcomes. If other possible differential diagnoses were completely excluded, early GKRS can be an effective treatment option for brain metastases from unknown primary tumor.

The Neck and Posterior Fossa Combined Penetrating Injury: A Case Report.

Here we report a case of penetrating neck injury to the posterior fossa that was shown, using high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA), to involve no vascular injury. A 54-year-old man was brought to the emergency department after a penetrating injury to the left side of the posterior neck and occipital area with a knife. He was in an intoxicated state and could not communicate readily. On initial examination, his vital signs were stable and there was no active bleeding from the penetrating site. Because of concern about possible injury to adjacent vessels, we performed HRCT and DSA sequentially, and identified that the blade of the knife had just missed the arteriovenous structures in the neck and posterior fossa. The patient was then transferred to the operating room where the knife was gently removed. Further careful exploration was performed through the penetrating wound, and we confirmed that there were no major injuries to the vessels and neural structures. Postoperative computed tomography revealed that there was minimal hemorrhage in the left cerebellar hemisphere. The patient made a full recovery without any neurologic deficit. In this case, HRCT is a suitable tool for the initial overall evaluation. For the evaluation of vascular injury, DSA can be a specific and accurate tool. Mandatory exploration widely used for penetrating injuries. After careful preoperative evaluation and interpretation, simple withdrawal of material can be a choice of treatment.

Multifactorial evaluation of implant failure: a 19-year retrospective study.

PURPOSE: Dental implants generally provide good results as replacements for missing teeth, but a few patients experience implant failure. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the characteristics and causes of implant failures in hopes of reducing future failures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who received one or more implants at the Dental Hospital of Yonsei University College of Dentistry between February 1991 and May 2009 were included in this study. Data including age, sex, medical history, habits (eg, smoking and drinking), bone quality, primary stability, implant size, implant surface, additional surgical procedures, prosthetic type, clinical symptoms, implant failure date, and causes of implant failure were obtained through a chart review. Follow-up radiographs were compared to those obtained at baseline. The Pearson chi-square test and Fisher exact test were used to evaluate the correlations between risk factors and implant failure. RESULTS: In total, 879 patients received 2,796 implants; 150 implants in 91 patients had failed. Early and late implant failures occurred with 86 (57.3%) and 64 (42.7%) implants, respectively. The main causes of early and late implant failures were inflammation (47%) and overloading (53%), respectively. When the cause of early implant failure was inflammation, the failure rate was significantly higher for implants in the anterior maxilla; implants with poor primary stability, a machined surface, or a length exceeding 15 mm; and implants placed with a reconstructive procedure and two-stage surgery. When late implant failure was caused by overloading, the failure rate was significantly higher for implants with a machined surface, placed with a reconstructive procedure and/or two-stage surgery, and supporting telescopic dentures. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, the major causes of implant failure are inflammation and overloading, and they differ between early and late implant failures.

Effect of body mass index and waist circumference on prostate specific antigen and prostate volume in a generally healthy Korean population.

PURPOSE: We examined the influences of age, body mass index and waist circumference on prostate specific antigen before and after adjusting for prostate volume. We also examined associations among age, body mass index, waist circumference and prostate volume. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 38,380 Korean men 30 to 79 years old who received regular checkups at our health examination center. We had prostate volume data for 3,593 of them. We divided the subjects into 5 groups by age, 4 groups by body mass index and waist circumference (using Asia-Pacific obesity reference values), and quartiles for prostate volume. We compared prostate specific antigen and prostate volume by multivariate regression analysis across body mass index and waist circumference after adjusting for age and/or prostate volume. RESULTS: Increasing body mass index or waist circumference was associated with decreasing prostate specific antigen (with or without prostate volume adjustment) and increasing prostate volume (p for trend <0.01). When we stratified prostate volume by quartile, age was not associated with prostate specific antigen except in quartile 4 (p for trend by quartile 0.402, 0.639, 0.056 and <0.01). Mean prostate specific antigen of the group with a body mass index less than 23 in prostate volume quartile 4 was approximately 3 times that of the group with a body mass index greater than 30 in prostate volume quartile 1 (1.42 vs 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: Obesity had a negative association with prostate specific antigen regardless of prostate volume, and a positive association with prostate volume. Age was not associated with prostate specific antigen after prostate volume adjustment. Obese men, especially those with a small prostate volume, may have lower baseline prostate specific antigen and, thus, be at higher risk for having prostate cancer undetected in a prostate specific antigen screening test.