Artificial-Intelligence-Assisted Detection of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Cells in Ascitic Fluid.

Ascites cytology is a cost-effective test for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) in the abdominal cavity. However, metastatic carcinoma of the peritoneum is difficult to diagnose based on biopsy findings, and ascitic aspiration cytology has a low sensitivity and specificity and a high inter-observer variability. The aim of the present study was to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to classify benign and malignant cells in ascites cytology patch images of metastatic CRC using a deep convolutional neural network. Datasets were collected from The OPEN AI Dataset Project, a nationwide cytology dataset for AI research. The numbers of patch images used for training, validation, and testing were 56,560, 7068, and 6534, respectively. We evaluated 1041 patch images of benign and metastatic CRC in the ascitic fluid to compare the performance of pathologists and an AI algorithm, and to examine whether the diagnostic accuracy of pathologists improved with the assistance of AI. This AI method showed an accuracy, a sensitivity, and a specificity of 93.74%, 87.76%, and 99.75%, respectively, for the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign ascites. The diagnostic accuracy and sensitivity of the pathologist with the assistance of the proposed AI method increased from 86.8% to 90.5% and from 73.3% to 79.3%, respectively. The proposed deep learning method may assist pathologists with different levels of experience in diagnosing metastatic CRC cells of ascites.

Accelerated wound healing after topical application of hyaluronic acid cotton to hemorrhoidectomy wounds in a rat model.

Purpose: Anal wounds following hemorrhoidectomy can lead to severe pain and postoperative bleeding, impacting patient recovery and quality of life. Hyaluronic acid (HA) stimulates tissue regeneration and wound healing by accelerating cell migration and proliferation. This study aimed to investigate the differences in wound healing rate and completeness of recovery of perianal wounds topically treated with HA-soaked cotton in a murine model. Methods: Forty-eight 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats with perianal wounds created using a biopsy punch were divided into 2 groups: simple dressing with gauze (control) and topical HA-soaked cotton. A single application of HA-soaked cotton was administered after surgery. Wound healing rate and completeness of recovery were evaluated by measuring the healed area and conducting histological analyses. Results: The HA-cotton group exhibited a shorter complete wound healing duration compared to the control group (13.9 days vs. 16.4 days, P = 0.031). Differences in wound healing area between the 2 groups were greatest on postoperative day 2 (51.6% vs. 28.8%, P < 0.001). The HA-cotton group exhibited fewer cases of granulation tissue (2 vs. 5) or redness (0 vs. 3) upon complete wound healing. Histologically, the HA-cotton group showed accelerated reepithelialization, rapid shift to lymphocyte-dominant inflammation, enhanced fibroblast proliferation, and increased collagen deposition compared to the control group. Conclusion: Herein, topical application of HA-soaked cotton on perianal wounds in rats resulted in accelerated wound healing, particularly in the initial stages, and improved completeness of recovery, underscoring the potential of the topical application of HA-soaked cotton on hemorrhoidectomy wounds in human patients to improve wound healing.

Molecular Activity of Inflammation and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in the Microenvironment of Ulcerative Colitis.

Background/Aims: : The genetic expression in the active inflammatory regions is increased in ulcerative colitis (UC) with endoscopic activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular activity of inflammation and tissue remodeling markers in endoscopically inflamed and uninflamed regions of UC. Methods: : Patients with UC (n=47) and controls (n=20) were prospectively enrolled at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. Inflamed tissue was obtained at the most active lesion, and uninflamed tissue was collected from approximately 15 cm above the upper end of the active lesion via colonoscopic biopsies. The messenger RNA expression levels of transforming growth factor ß (TGF-ß), interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-17A, E-cadherin, olfactomedin-4 (OLFM4), leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), vimentin, fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP1), and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) were evaluated. Mucosal healing (MH) was defined according to a Mayo endoscopic score of 0, 1 or non-MH (Mayo endoscopic score of 2 or 3). Results: : The messenger RNA expressions of TGF-ß, IL-1ß, OLFM4, FSP1, vimentin, and α-SMA were significantly higher, and that of E-cadherin was significantly lower in inflamed and uninflamed regions of patients with UC than those in controls. In the inflamed regions, patients in the non-MH group had significantly increased genetic expression of TGF-ß, FSP1, vimentin, and α-SMA compared to patients in the MH group. Similarly, the non-MH group had significantly higher genetic expression of TGF-ß, IL-1ß, IL-6, vimentin, and α-SMA than the MH group in the uninflamed regions. Conclusions: : Endoscopic activity in UC suggests inflammation and tissue remodeling of uninflamed regions similar to inflamed regions (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05653011).

Different oncological features of colorectal cancer codon-specific KRAS mutations: Not codon 13 but codon 12 have prognostic value.

BACKGROUND: Approximately 40% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases are linked to Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations. KRAS mutations are associated with poor CRC prognosis, especially KRAS codon 12 mutation, which is associated with metastasis and poorer survival. However, the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of KRAS codon 13 mutation in CRC remain unclear. AIM: To evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic value of codon-specific KRAS mutations, especially in codon 13. METHODS: This retrospective, single-center, observational cohort study included patients who underwent surgery for stage I-III CRC between January 2009 and December 2019. Patients with KRAS mutation status confirmed by molecular pathology reports were included. The relationships between clinicopathological characteristics and individual codon-specific KRAS mutations were analyzed. Survival data were analyzed to identify codon-specific KRAS mutations as recurrence-related factors using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: Among the 2203 patients, the incidence of KRAS codons 12, 13, and 61 mutations was 27.7%, 9.1%, and 1.3%, respectively. Both KARS codons 12 and 13 mutations showed a tendency to be associated with clinical characteristics, but only codon 12 was associated with pathological features, such as stage of primary tumor (T stage), lymph node involvement (N stage), vascular invasion, perineural invasion, tumor size, and microsatellite instability. KRAS codon 13 mutation showed no associations (77.2% vs 85.3%, P = 0.159), whereas codon 12 was associated with a lower 5-year recurrence-free survival rate (78.9% vs 75.5%, P = 0.025). In multivariable analysis, along with T and N stages and vascular and perineural invasion, only codon 12 (hazard ratio: 1.399; 95% confidence interval: 1.034-1.894; P = 0.030) among KRAS mutations was an independent risk factor for recurrence. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that KRAS codon 13 mutation is less likely to serve as a prognostic biomarker than codon 12 mutation for CRC in a large-scale cohort.

Psammomatoid ossifying fibroma in the extraconal space: a case report.

A 24-year-old patient with left eye proptosis and intermittent pain for 5 months was admitted to our hospital. Physical examination revealed neither extra ocular muscle limitations nor visual field defects. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a multicystic mass in the left extraconal space compressing the superior oblique muscle and adjacent frontal lobe. Layered hemorrhage was observed within the lesion in the 1-month follow-up MRI. Dynamic contrast enhanced imaging showed mild increased perfusion of the surrounding peripheral portion. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed an increased lactate/lipid peak of 1.3 ppm. Combined open and endonasal surgery was performed, and the final diagnosis was psammomatoid ossifying fibroma. The tumor was positive for vimentin, and negative for smooth muscle actin, S100 and epithelial membrane antigen. Despite its rarity, psammomatoid ossifying fibroma should be considered when multicystic lesions with peripheral enhancement near the orbit exhibit progressive inner hemorrhage.

PINK1 deficiency impairs osteoblast differentiation through aberrant mitochondrial homeostasis.

BACKGROUND: PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase in mitochondria that is critical for mitochondrial quality control. PINK1 triggers mitophagy, a selective autophagy of mitochondria, and is involved in mitochondrial regeneration. Although increments of mitochondrial biogenesis and activity are known to be crucial during differentiation, data regarding the specific role of PINK1 in osteogenic maturation and bone remodeling are limited. METHODS: We adopted an ovariectomy model in female wildtype and Pink1-/- mice. Ovariectomized mice were analyzed using micro-CT, H&E staining, Masson's trichrome staining. RT-PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, alkaline phosphatase, and alizarin red staining were performed to assess the expression of PINK1 and osteogenic markers in silencing of PINK1 MC3T3-E1 cells. Clinical relevance of PINK1 expression levels was determined via qRT-PCR analysis in normal and osteoporosis patients. RESULTS: A significant decrease in bone mass and collagen deposition was observed in the femurs of Pink1-/- mice after ovariectomy. Ex vivo, differentiation of osteoblasts was inhibited upon Pink1 downregulation, accompanied by impaired mitochondrial homeostasis, increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, and defects in mitochondrial calcium handling. Furthermore, PINK1 expression was reduced in bones from patients with osteoporosis, which supports the practical role of PINK1 in human bone disease. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we demonstrated that activation of PINK1 is a requisite in osteoblasts during differentiation, which is related to mitochondrial quality control and low reactive oxygen species production. Enhancing PINK1 activity might be a possible treatment target in bone diseases as it can promote a healthy pool of functional mitochondria in osteoblasts.

Skeletal Muscle Regeneration by the Exosomes of Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells.

Profound skeletal muscle loss can lead to severe disability and cosmetic deformities. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes have shown potential as an effective therapeutic tool for tissue regeneration. This study aimed to determine the regenerative capacity of MSC-derived exosomes for skeletal muscle regeneration. Exosomes were isolated from human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs). The effects of MSC-derived exosomes on satellite cells were investigated using cell viability, relevant genes, and protein analyses. Moreover, NOD-SCID mice were used and randomly assigned to the healthy control (n = 4), muscle defect (n = 6), and muscle defect + exosome (n = 6) groups. Muscle defects were created using a biopsy punch on the quadriceps of the hind limb. Four weeks after the surgery, the quadriceps muscles were harvested, weighed, and histologically analyzed. MSC-derived exosome treatment increased the proliferation and expression of myocyte-related genes, and immunofluorescence analysis for myogenin revealed a similar trend. Histologically, MSC-derived exosome-treated mice showed relatively preserved shapes and sizes of the muscle bundles. Immunohistochemical staining revealed greater expression of myogenin and myoblast determination protein 1 in the MSC-derived exosome-treated group. These results indicate that exosomes extracted from AD-MSCs have the therapeutic potential for skeletal muscle regeneration.

The antioncogenic effect of Beclin-1 and FOXP3 is associated with SKP2 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma.

ABSTRACT: An overexpression of S-phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2) is frequently observed in human cancer progression and metastasis, and evidence suggests that SKP2 plays a proto-oncogenic role both in vitro and in vivo. However, the function of SKP2 in gastric adenocarcinoma remains largely obscure. We investigated SKP2 expression in human gastric carcinomas.Tissue samples were acquired from 182 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma that were surgically resected from 2006 to 2012. Immunohistochemical staining for SKP2, Beclin-1, and forkhead box protein P3 (FOXP3) was performed. Pearson chi-square test was used to evaluate the associations among clinicopathological variables. The Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test, and the Cox proportional-hazards model were used in the analysis of the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS).As a result, SKP2 overexpression in gastric adenocarcinomas showed a significant correlation with several favorable clinical factors, including the tumor size, T category, N category, lymphatic invasion, vascular invasion, OS, and DFS. SKP2 expression was positively correlated with the tumoral FOXP3, Beclin-1 expression, and regulatory T cell (Treg) infiltration. The difference in DFS between the SKP2 positive and negative group was attenuated by FOXP3 high expression, Beclin-1 high expression, and Tregs infiltration. Attenuation of the difference in OS by FOXP3 high expression, Beclin-1 high expression, and Tregs infiltration was not significant. In multivariable analysis, SKP2 expression was not correlated with OS and DFS.Our study showed a complex interrelationship between SKP2 and Beclin-1 and FOXP3 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma. The antioncogenic effect of Beclin-1 and FOXP3 expression in gastric adenocarcinoma is related to SKP2 expression.

A large invasive chondroblastoma on the temporomandibular joint and external auditory canal: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Chondroblastomas, which account for approximately 1% of all bone tumors, typically occur in long bones, such as the femur, humerus, and tibia. However, in extremely rare cases, they may also occur in the craniofacial region where the tumor is often found in the squamous portion of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and in the temporal bone. CASE PRESENTATION: This case report describes a large chondroblastoma (diameter, approximately 37 mm) that occurred in the TMJ. The tumor was sufficiently aggressive to destroy the TMJ, mandibular condyle neck, external auditory canal (EAC), mandibular fossa of the temporal bone, and facial nerve. The tumor was completely excised using a pre-auricular approach. The EAC and surgical defect were successfully reconstructed using a temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) and an inguinal free fat graft. There was no local tumor recurrence at the 18-month follow-up visits. However, the patient developed sensory neural hearing loss, and his eyebrow paralysis worsened, eventually requiring plastic surgery. CONCLUSION: Large, invasive chondroblastomas of the TMJ can be completely removed through a pre-auricular approach, and the resulting surgical defect can be reconstructed using TPFF and free fat grafts. However, preoperative evaluation of the facial nerve and auditory function is necessary. Therefore, a multidisciplinary approach is essential.

The expression of substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide is associated with the severity of tendon degeneration in lateral epicondylitis.

BACKGROUND: In this study, we investigated whether substance P (SP) or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) expression is associated with tendon degeneration in patients with lateral epicondylitis. METHODS: Twenty-nine patients who underwent surgical treatment for lateral epicondylitis were enrolled in the final analyses. Extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon origins were harvested for histological analysis. RESULTS: SP and CGRP immunostaining were negative in healthy tendons but positive in degenerative tendons; moreover, their immunoreactivity increased with degeneration severity. Univariate analysis indicated that variables such as the preoperative visual analog scale (VAS) score or SP or CGRP expression levels were significantly associated with the Movin score. However, multivariate analysis revealed that only higher SP and/or CGRP signals were associated with higher Movin scores. Elevations in SP or CGRP expression were also linked with significantly severe preoperative VAS scores. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that tendon degeneration severity is associated with increased SP and CGRP expression in the biopsy samples of lateral epicondylitis.

Mesonephric Adenocarcinoma of the Uterine Fundus Exhibiting High 18F-FDG Uptake.

Mesonephric adenocarcinoma is a rare tumor that is considered to develop from mesonephric remnants of the female genital tract. This tumor usually occurs in the lateral wall of the uterine cervix. Herein, we present an exceptionally rare case of mesonephric adenocarcinoma located in the uterine fundus. The tumor exhibited intense hypermetabolism on 18F-FDG PET/CT. Based on the characteristic histologic features and immunohistochemical phenotypes, the diagnosis of mesonephric adenocarcinoma was confirmed. The patient underwent hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection, and no lymph node or distant metastasis was identified. After 20 months of surveillance without adjuvant therapy, she remains free of relapse.

Hippo pathway and tumoral FOXP3 expression correlate with tumor growth in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

BACKGROUND: Expression of FOXP3 in tumors is associated with proliferation, migration, and invasion, has been implicated in cancer prognosis, and may be related to metastatic potential. The Hippo signaling pathway is known to regulate tissue homeostasis and organ size through cell proliferation and apoptosis. We investigated tumoral FOXP3, Lats2, and YAP expression related to the Hippo pathway in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lung. METHODS: Between 1983 and 2006, 149 cases of SCC were diagnosed and surgically resected at Kyung Hee University Hospital. Immunohistochemical staining for FOXP3, YAP, and Lats2 was done. RESULTS: Tumor size was inversely correlated with tumoral FOXP3 expression (p = 0.015), Treg count (p < 0.0001), and positive Lats2 expression (p = 0.028). YAP expression was inversely correlated with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.039). Positive tumoral FOXP3 expression was significantly associated with infiltrated Treg count (p = 0.001) and positive Lats2 expression (p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Tumoral FOXP3 has the potential to suppress tumor function in SCC of the lung. The decrease or loss of FOXP3 expression in cancer cells is thought to contribute to SCC tumorigenesis and progression in the lung. The tumor suppressor function of FOXP3 in SCC of the lung was related to Lats2 and YAP expression in the Hippo pathway.

The expression of C-MYC in gastric adenocarcinoma is associated with PD-L1 and FOXP3 expression: C-MYC overexpression is a good prognostic factor.

BACKGROUND: C-MYC appears to initiate and maintain tumorigenesis through modulation of immune regulatory molecules such as PD-L1. The aim of our research was to evaluate the clinical implication of C-MYC expression in gastric adenocarcinoma in relation to the expression of the immune regulatory molecules PD-L1 and FOXP3. METHODS: Tissue samples were acquired from 182 cases of gastric adenocarcinoma that were surgically resected at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong from 2006 to 2012. Immunohistochemical staining for C-MYC, PD-L1, CD8 and FOXP3 was done. RESULTS: C-MYC overexpression showed a significant correlation with smaller tumor size, lower T category, lower N category, lower recurrence rate, and less lymphatic invasion. And C-MYC overexpression was negatively correlated with PD-L1 expression. The tumoral FOXP3 was positively correlated with C-MYC overexpression and Tregs count. PD-L1 expression was positively correlated with Tregs, CD8 + T cells, and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL). Tregs count was positively correlated with CD8 + T cells and TIL. CD8 + T cells was positively correlated with TIL. CONCLUSION: We discovered that the immune regulatory effect of C-MYC and PD-L1, and the tumor suppressor function of tumoral FOXP3 had a significant influence on the tumor microenvironment (Tregs, CD8 + T cells, and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes) in a complex manner. The C-MYC overexpression is a good prognostic factor in gastric adenocarcinoma.

Impact of two- and three-dimensional computed tomography use on intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of pilon fracture classification and treatment recommendation.

BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) have been increasingly used in various intra-articular fractures including pilon fracture. However, no study has investigated intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of pilon fracture classification using 3D CT images. HYPOTHESIS: (1) Intraobserver and interobserver agreements of fracture classifications and treatment recommendations will improve by using 2D CT images compared to using plain radiographs only; (2) agreements will improve by adding 3D CT images compared to adding 2D CT images; and (3) agreements of orthopedic residents rather than specialists will be influenced more by imaging modality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten orthopedic specialists and 10 residents completed a survey to classify the fractures according to the Rüedi-Allgöwer and AO/OTA classifications and to select treatment options using 25 pilon fracture images. The survey was conducted using plain radiographs, with 2D and 3D CT images introduced 3 and 6weeks later, respectively. Kappa coefficients were calculated to determine reliabilities. RESULTS: Intraobserver reliabilities for fracture classifications in specialists significantly improved by using 2D images compared to using plain radiographs only. Addition of 3D CT did not significantly improve intraobserver reliabilities compared to those with 2D CT. Use of 2D CT images significantly improved overall interobserver agreement of both classifications, with the improvement being greater for residents. Use of 3D CT images did not improve the interobserver reliability of both classifications. Overall interobserver reliabilities for treatment recommendations did not significantly differ according to the imaging modality. However, interobserver agreement among residents significantly improved from slight agreement using radiographs only to fair agreement using 2D CT images. DISCUSSION: Intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of pilon fracture classification and treatment recommendations did not improve between using 3D and 2D CT. Using 2D CT images improved the intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of the fracture classifications in specialists and the interobserver reliabilities of the fracture classifications and the treatment recommendations in residents. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, case control study.

Fermented milk containing Lactobacillus paracasei and Glycyrrhiza glabra has a beneficial effect in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Lactobacillus paracasei and Glycyrrhiza glabra have been reported as having beneficial effects on Helicobacter pylori infection. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of fermented milk containing L paracasei HP7 and G glabra in patients with H pylori infection. METHODS: This multicenter, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 2 hospitals from April to December 2017. Patients with H pylori infection were randomized into either the treatment group (fermented milk with L paracasei HP7 and G glabra) or placebo group (fermented milk only) once daily for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the gastric load of H pylori measured by C-urea breath test (UBT). Secondary endpoints were histologic and clinical improvement. RESULTS: A total of 142 patients were randomly allocated to the treatment (n = 71) or placebo groups (n = 71). Compared to baseline data, the quantitative value of C-UBT at 8 weeks was significantly reduced in the treatment group (from 20.8 ±â€Š13.2% to 16.9 ±â€Š10.8%, P = .035), but not in the placebo group (P = .130). Chronic inflammation improved significantly only in the treatment group (P = .013), whereas the neutrophil activity deteriorated significantly only in the placebo group (P = .003). Moreover, the treatment group had significant improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms (P = .049) and quality of life (P = .029). No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: The combination of fermented milk containing L paracasei and G glabra reduced H pylori density and improved histologic inflammation. However, their mechanisms of action should be elucidated in further studies.

Preventive Effects of Low Parathyroid Hormone Levels on Hip Fracture in Patients with Vitamin D Deficiency.

BACKGROUND: The objective of the current study is to determine the role of serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) on hip fracture development by retrospectively analyzing the relationship between vitamin D and PTH levels and hip fracture prevalence. METHODS: Among 288 patients over 50 years of age, 113 patients with hip fracture and 111 controls without fracture were analyzed after excluding patients with conditions affecting bone metabolism. Bone mineral density and serum biochemical markers were measured, while demographic data were obtained. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25-[OH]D) and PTH levels: LowD+LowP (low 25[OH]D and PTH); LowD+HighP, (low 25[OH]D and high PTH); HighD+LowP (high 25[OH]D and low PTH); and HighD+HighP, patients with (high 25[OH]D and PTH). Measured values and percentages of patients with hip fracture in each group were then determined and compared. RESULTS: The number of patients included in the LowD+LowP, LowD+HighP, HighD+LowP, and HighD+HighP groups was 116, 17, 87, and 4, while the percentages of patients with hip fracture in the same groups were 60.3%, 88.2%, 27.6%, and 100%, respectively. The percentage of hip fracture was significantly lower in the LowD+LowP than the LowD+HighP group (P=0.049). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with low serum 25(OH)D and PTH levels showed lower hip fracture prevalence, indicating the potential protective role of low PTH levels on bone health in patients with vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, clinicians should pay more attention to the possibility of fractures in patients with vitamin D deficiency who present with high PTH levels.

Risk factors and prognostic implications of aspiration pneumonia in older hip fracture patients: A multicenter retrospective analysis.

AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the risk factors and prognostic implications of aspiration pneumonia in older hip fracture patients. METHODS: A total of 394 female and 125 male hip fracture patients aged ≥60 years who underwent surgery between 2015 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. To identify risk factors of aspiration pneumonia, demographic factors, the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, past medical history, known risk factors of aspiration and factors associated with surgery were compared between the aspiration pneumonia group and the control group. Regression analysis was also carried out. To assess the prognostic implications of aspiration pneumonia, hospital stay, frequency of the intensive care unit admission and in-hospital mortality rates were compared between groups. RESULTS: Aspiration pneumonia was diagnosed in 8.8% of the hip fracture patients. Increased age, low body mass index, malnutrition, longer duration of surgery and delayed surgery were identified as risk factors of aspiration pneumonia. Regarding prognostic implications, hospital stay, the frequency of intensive care unit care and in-hospital mortality rates were significantly higher in the aspiration pneumonia group (P < 0.001, <0.001 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Older hip fracture patients with aspiration pneumonia showed worse prognostic outcome compared with patients without aspiration pneumonia. Longer duration of surgery and delayed surgery, as well as patient characteristics including increased age, low body mass index and malnutrition were identified as risk factors for aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, surgeons should try to reduce the operation time and the time interval between injury and surgery when treating older patients for hip fractures. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 119-123.

Conservative surgical treatment for ameloblastoma: a report of three cases.

Ameloblastoma treatment varies based on the clinical, histopathologic, and radiographic characteristics. Aggressive surgical treatments, such as marginal or segmental resection, have traditionally been implemented, but some conservative surgical methods are also being introduced, including decompression, enucleation, or curettage. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the possibility of applying these conservative surgical treatments to ameloblastoma and to analyze the prognosis of the procedures and their healing aspects. Among all patients who visited our clinic (Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kyung Hee University Dental Hospital at Gangdong) from 2009 to 2017, three who had undergone conservative surgery were recruited. One of these three patients underwent both excision of the lesion and an iliac bone graft during the same procedure. In the other two patients, due to the size of the lesion, decompression was performed to reduce the size of the lesion, and then conservative surgical treatments followed. As shown in the cases of this study, patients were only treated with conservative surgical methods, such as decompression or enucleation. During the follow-up period, there were no recurrences. In conclusion, the use of conservative surgical treatment in ameloblastoma can be a reliable, safe, and successful method.

A Protocol to Acquire the Degenerative Tenocyte from Humans.

Tendinopathy, a painful condition that develops in response to tendon degeneration, is on the rise in the developed world due to increasing physical activity and longer life expectancy. Despite its increasing prevalence, the underlying pathogenesis still remains unclear, and treatment is generally symptomatic. Recently, numerous therapeutic options, including growth factors, stem cells, and gene therapy, were investigated in hopes of enhancing the healing potency of the degenerative tendon. However, the majority of these research studies were conducted only on animal models or healthy human tenocytes. Despite some studies using pathological tenocytes, to the best of our knowledge there is currently no protocol describing how to obtain human degenerative tenocytes. The aim of this study is to describe a standard protocol for acquiring human degenerative tenocytes. Initially, the tendon tissue was harvested from a patient with lateral epicondylitis during surgery. Then biopsy samples were taken from the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon corresponding to structural changes observed at the time of surgery. All of the harvested tendons appeared to be dull, gray, friable, and edematous, which made them visually distinct from the healthy ones. Tenocytes were cultured and used for experiments. Meanwhile, half of the harvested tissues were analyzed histologically, and it was shown that they shared the same key features of tendinopathy (angiofibroblastic dysplasia or hyperplasia). A secondary analysis by immunocytochemistry confirmed that the cultured cells were tenocytes with the majority of the cells having positive stains for mohawk and tenomodulin proteins. The qualities of the degenerative nature of tenocytes were then determined by comparing the cells with the healthy control using a proliferation assay or qRT-PCR. The degenerative tenocyte displayed a higher proliferation rate and similar gene expression patterns of tendinopathy that matched previous reports. Overall, this new protocol might provide a useful tool for future studies of tendinopathy.