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Extracting holistic features from the whole face and extracting the local features from the sub-image have pros and cons depending on the conditions. In order to effectively utilize the strengths of various types of holistic features and local features while also complementing each weakness, we propose a method to construct a composite feature vector for face recognition based on discriminant analysis. We first extract the holistic features and the local features from the whole face image and various types of local images using the discriminant feature extraction method. Then, we measure the amount of discriminative information in the individual holistic features and local features and construct composite features with only discriminative features for face recognition. The composite features from the proposed method were compared with the holistic features, local features, and others prepared by hybrid methods through face recognition experiments for various types of face image databases. The proposed composite feature vector displayed better performance than the other methods.

Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) is an immune related systemic disease that is caused by vasculitis affecting multiple organ systems. It is characterized by asthma, fever, eosinophilia, cardiac problems, renal injury, and peripheral neuropathy. In this report, we describe a patient with EGPA with concurrent cerebral infarction and acute polyneuropathy mimicking a Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS). A 46-year-old man presented with rapidly progressing gait disturbance, muscular weakness, and tingling sensation in all four limbs. A nerve conduction study revealed sensorimotor polyneuropathy in all four limbs, and a test of the cerebrospinal fluid showed an albumin-cytologic dissociation. In addition, brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using fluid-attenuated inversion recovery and diffusion weighted MRI revealed high signal intensity lesions with gadolinium enhancement on T1-weighted MRI in the right caudate nucleus. After performing laboratory tests, paranasal sinus computed tomography, and a nasal smear, the patient was diagnosed with EGPA and treated with high dose glucocorticoid and oral cyclophosphamide. In conclusion, our findings indicate that a diagnosis of EGPA should be considered when a patient presents with rapidly progressing polyneuropathy mimicking a GBS along with unusual systemic symptoms or brain lesions.

Background: Although gout is accompanied by the substantial burden of kidney disease, there are limited data to assess renal function as a therapeutic target. This study evaluated the importance of implementing a &ldquo, treat-to-target&rdquo, approach in relation to renal outcomes. Methods: Patients with gout who underwent continuous urate-lowering therapy (ULT) for at least 12 months were included. The effect of ULT on renal function was investigated by means of a sequential comparison of the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Results: Improvement in renal function was only demonstrated in subjects in whom the serum urate target of &lt, 6 mg/dL was achieved (76.40 &plusmn, 18.81 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 80.30 &plusmn, 20.41 mL/min/1.73 m2, p &lt, 0.001). A significant difference in the mean change in eGFR with respect to serum urate target achievement was shown in individuals with chronic kidney disease stage 3 (&minus, 0.35 &plusmn, 3.87 mL/min/1.73 m2 vs. 5.33 &plusmn, 11.64 mL/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.019). Multivariable analysis predicted that patients &ge, 65 years old had a decreased likelihood of improvement (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.13&ndash, 0.75, p = 0.009). Conclusions: The &ldquo, approach in the long-term management of gout is associated with better renal outcomes, with a greater impact on those with impaired renal function.

Background: To compare the frequency of high-risk osteoporotic fracture in patients with knee OA (OA) using the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) and the bone mineral density (BMD). Methods: We retrospectively assessed 282 Korean patients with knee OA who visited five medical centers and 1165 healthy controls (HCs) aged &ge, 50 years without knee OA. After matching for age, sex, and body mass index, 478 subjects (239 patients with knee OA and 239 HCs) were included. Results: Based on the BMD, the frequency of osteoporosis was 40.2% in patients with knee OA and 36.4% in HCs. The predicted mean FRAX major osteoporotic fracture probabilities calculated with or without femur neck BMD differed significantly between the knee OA and HCs (6.9 &plusmn, 3.8% versus 6.1 &plusmn, 2.8%, p = 0.000 and 8 &plusmn, 3.6% versus 6.8 &plusmn, 2.3%, p &lt, 0.001, respectively). The mean FRAX hip fracture probabilities calculated with or without femur neck BMD differed significantly in the knee OA and HCs (2.1 &plusmn, 2.4% versus 1.7 &plusmn, 1.8%, p = 0.006 and 3 &plusmn, 2.3% versus 2.4 &plusmn, 1.6%, p &lt, 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Our study suggests that FRAX may have a clinical impact on treatment decisions to reduce osteoporotic facture in patients with knee OA.

This study evaluated Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI) technology for detection of active synovitis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Between June 2015 and October 2016, 56 patients with RA (42 females; mean age, 53.2 years) underwent gray-scale ultrasound (US) imaging, power Doppler imaging (PDI), and SMI for synovitis of both wrists and hands (total 22 joints), scored for each joint from grades 0 to 3. The sum of grades for 22 joints was determined for gray-scale (SYN-sum), PDI (PDI-sum), and SMI (SMI-sum) according to clinical parameters. Follow-up US was performed in 17 patients (mean interval, 251.6 days). The SMI-sum (7.27 ± 4.56) was significantly higher than the PDI-sum (4.38 ± 3.09, p

Purpose In June 2016, the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score was employed in South Korea instead of the Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score. This study compared the outcomes of deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) before and after the MELD system application. Methods This retrospective study reviewed 48 patients who underwent DDLT for end-stage liver disease at a single tertiary referral center between January 2014 and December 2018. The patients were categorized into the pre-MELD (22 patients) and post-MELD (26 patients) groups. The demographics, postoperative outcomes, and overall survival time were evaluated between the 2 groups. Results The 2 groups had no differences in age, sex, ABO type, etiology for liver transplantation, CTP-score, operation time, cold ischemic time, and amount of red blood cell transfusion, although their MELD score differed significantly (post-MELD group, 36.2 ± 4.9; pre-MELD group, 27.7 ± 11.8; P < 0.001). The post-MELD group has longer intensive care unit stay (11.2 ± 9.5 days vs. 5.7 ± 4.5 days, P = 0.018) and hospital stay than the pre-MELD group (36.8 ± 26 days vs. 22.8 ± 9.3 days, P = 0.016). The 1-year survival rate was lower in the post-MELD group (61.5% vs. 86.4%, P = 0.029). Conclusion After MELD allocation, patients with high MELD scores had increased DDLT and consequently required a longer recovery time, which could negatively affect survival. According to the experience of a small-volume center, these problems were related to both severe organ shortages in South Korea and MELD allocation.

Background: In June of 2016, the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was employed in Korea instead of the Child- Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) score. This study compared the outcomes of deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) before and after MELD system. Methods: From January 2014 to December 2018, 48 patients were underwent DDLT in a single center. Patients were divided into two groups according in a same time period (2.5 years) from MELD allocation time (2016 June). Laboratory data and clinical out comes were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Results: There were 22 in the pre-MELD group and 26 in the MELD group. There was no difference in age, sex, ABO type, etiology for liver transplantation, CTP score, operation time, cold ischemic time, and amount of red blood cell transfusion. However, the MELD score of the two groups differed significantly (36.2±4.9 in the MELD group, 27.7±11.8 in the pre-MELD group, P

(1) Background: We evaluated the prevalence and fracture risk of osteoporosis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and compared the fracture risk assessment tool (FRAX) criteria and bone mineral density (BMD) criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO). (2) Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study, which included 479 RA patients in 5 hospitals, was conducted between January 2012 and December 2016. The FRAX criteria for high-risk osteoporotic fractures were calculated including and excluding the BMD values, respectively. The definition of high risk for fracture by FRAX criteria and BMD criteria by WHO was 10-year probability of &ge, 20% for major osteoporotic fracture or &ge, 3% for hip fracture, and T score &le, &minus, 2.5 or Z score &le, 2.0, respectively. (3) Results: The mean age was 61.7 &plusmn, 11.9 years. The study included 426 female patients (88.9%), 353 (82.9%) of whom were postmenopausal. Osteoporotic fractures were detected in 81 (16.9%) patients. The numbers of candidates for pharmacological intervention using the FRAX criteria with and without BMD and the WHO criteria were 226 (47.2%), 292 (61%), and 160 (33.4%), respectively. Only 69.2%&ndash, 77% of the patients in the high-risk group using the FRAX criteria were receiving osteoporosis treatments. The following were significant using the WHO criteria: female (OR 3.55, 95% CI 1.46&ndash, 8.63), age (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.08&ndash, 1.13), and BMI (OR 0.8, 95% CI 0.75&ndash, 0.87). Glucocorticoid dose (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01&ndash, 1.17), age (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.06&ndash, 1.12), and disease duration (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1&ndash, 1.01) were independent risk factors for fracture. (4) Conclusions: The proportion of RA patients with a high risk of osteoporotic fractures was 33.4%&ndash, 61%. Only 69.2%&ndash, 77% of candidate patients were receiving osteoporotic treatments while applying FRAX criteria. Independent risk factors for osteoporotic fractures in RA patients were age, the dose of glucocorticoid, and disease duration.

Both rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA) are associated with poor radiologic outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In general, RA patients positive for RF or ACPA (SPRA) are considered to manifest an aggressive disease course compared with seronegative RA patients (SNRA). However, the relationship between seropositivity and measures of disease severity other than radiologic outcome is disputed. In this study, we sought to compare the clinical presentations and treatment outcomes of SNRA and SPRA patients. A total of 241 patients diagnosed with DMARD-naïve RA under either 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria or 2010 ACR/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria were identified (40 with SNRA and 201 with SPRA). We investigated the disease activity measures including ESR, CRP, patient VAS, 28 tender/swollen joint count (28 TJC, 28 SJC) and DAS28 as well as radiologic outcomes at baseline, 1 and 2 years after conventional treatment with DMARD. Age, sex and disease duration were similar between SNRA and SPRA. However, the baseline 28 TJC (4.7±2.9 vs. 3.3±2.7, p = 0.004), 28 SJC (4.3±3.0 vs. 2.9±2.3, p = 0.001) and DAS28 (5.1±1.0 vs. 4.7±1.0, p = 0.043) components were significantly higher in SNRA than in SPRA. Over 2 years of similar treatment with DMARDs, all disease activity measures significantly improved in both groups. Comparison among populations matched for baseline disease activity showed that ΔDAS28 at 1 year was greater in SNRA than in SPRA (-2.84±1.32 vs. -3.70±1.29, p = 0.037) in high disease activity population (DAS28-ESR>5.1). Radiologic outcomes at baseline and at 1- or 2-year follow-up were similar between the 2 groups. In conclusion, SNRA patients manifested more active disease at baseline, but showed a better response to treatment compared with SPRA. SNRA does not appear to be a benign subtype of RA.

Purpose: Invasive treatments have increased the risks of iatrogenic vascular injuries in neonates. Acute complications, such as thrombosis, rupture and pseudoaneurysm, require accurate diagnosis and prompt correction. In arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) identified in time, some resolve spontaneously whereas others progress and cause major problems; potential growth disturbances and limb discrepancies. The paper is to evaluate the timing of surgery based on considerations of operation risk and expected clinical course in AVF neonates.Methods: We reviewed the charts of 2776 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Department of Pediatrics of GMC over the 7-year period (Jan 2010-2017).Results: Eight (4 males, 4 females) had vascular lesions (0.29%). Mean gestational age was 196.4 days (range, 179-218 days), mean birth weight 985 g (range, 690-1340 g), mean gestational age at operation 352 days (range, 95-679 days), mean weight at operation 1825 g (range, 1230-2700 g), and mean time between diagnosis of fistula and operation 308 days (range, 41-646 days). Definite limb size discrepancy on simple radiographs was identified in 3 patients operated upon more than 1 year after being diagnosed with AVF. In 2 neonates aged between 6 months and 1 year, leg edema was evident and resolved postoperatively. In 3 neonates with simultaneous fistulas in both thighs, surgical correction was preferred for ipsilateral lesions with intense bruit on auscultation. Contralateral small fistulas resolved spontaneously in these 3 neonates within 6 months of initial AVF diagnosis.Conclusion: Early surgery should not be considered mandatory in all AVF neonates, based on considerations of long-term sequelae, the potential for iatrogenic injury to normal vascular structures and the wide-spectrum of clinical courses. Modulation of operative timing within the 6 months following diagnosis is reasonable as it does not increase risks of permanent impairment or sequela and can avoid unnecessary surgery.

Background The safety of healthy living donors who are undergoing hepatic resection is a primary concern. We aimed to identify intraoperative anaesthetic and surgical factors associated with delayed recovery of liver function after hepatectomy in living donors. Methods We retrospectively analysed 1969 living donors who underwent hepatectomy for living donor liver transplantation. Delayed recovery of hepatic function was defined by increases in international normalised ratio of prothrombin time and concomitant hyperbilirubinaemia on or after post-operative day 5. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with delayed recovery of hepatic function after living donor hepatectomy. Results Delayed recovery of liver function after donor hepatectomy was observed in 213 (10.8%) donors. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that sevoflurane anaesthesia, synthetic colloid, donor age, body mass index, fatty change and remnant liver volume were significant factors for prediction of delayed recovery of hepatic function. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that independent factors significantly associated with delayed recovery of liver function after donor hepatectomy were sevoflurane anaesthesia (odds ratio = 3.514, P

This paper presents the surface flashover characteristics to simulate the poor contact between an anode and a solid dielectric in a mixture gas (8/2) under a non-uniform field. The surface flashover voltage of the mixture gas revealed the irregular tendency that was not in accordance with the Paschen's law with an increasing gap of the poor contact. In addition, the insulation performance of the mixture gas at 0.6MPa was comparable to that of gas of 0.1MPa based on the insulation performance on the poor contact. These results are able to apply the insulation design of eco-friendly gas insulation switchgear considering the internal faults.

This paper presents the surface flashover mechanism of a laminated solid dielectric and describes the surface flashover characteristics with the inherent capacitance of the laminated solid dielectric in a mixture gas (8:2) under an quasi uniform field. It was found that the electron emission at a cathode and the high-local electric field region around an anode were important factors to reasonably describe the surface flashover mechanism. The surface flashover voltage by the mechanism decreased with the inherent capacitance increase of the laminated solid dielectric. In addition to the surface flashover mechanism and its characteristics, the surface flashover voltage equations as a function of the inherent capacitance were derived by considering a gas pressure used in future eco-friendly GIS and the factors influencing the surface flashover.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SEAL aortic stent-graft for abdominal aortoiliac aneurysms. Materials and Methods Between October 2007 and January 2014, 33 patients with abdominal aortoiliac aneurysms were treated with SEAL aortic stent-graft. We evaluated the technical success rate, clinical and CT follow-up periods, major complications, need for additional interventional treatment, aneurysm-related mortality and clinical success rate. Results SEAL bifurcated aortic stent-graft was successfully placed in 32 patients (97%). Clinical and CT follow-up periods were 24 and 14 months, respectively. Endoleak developed in 13 patients (41%): spontaneous regression or decrease in 6, need for additional treatment in 4 and follow-up loss in 3. Significant stenosis of stent-graft occurred in 4 patients (12%) and was treated with stenting in 3. Migration of stent-graft was noted in 3 patients (9%) and treated with additional stent-grafting. Aneurysm-related mortality was 9% (3 of 33). The placement of SEAL stent-graft was effective in 26 patients (79%). Conclusion The placement of SEAL aortic stent-graft was safe and effective in patients with aneurysms of abdominal aorta and iliac arteries. However, complicating endoleaks, stenosis and migration of the stent-graft developed during the follow-up. Therefore, regular CT follow-up seems to be mandatory.

Recent studies indicate that individuals can be identified by their gait pattern. A number of sensors including vision, acceleration, and pressure have been used to capture humans&rsquo, gait patterns, and a number of methods have been developed to recognize individuals from their gait pattern data. This study proposes a novel method of identifying individuals using null-space linear discriminant analysis on humans&rsquo, gait pattern data. The gait pattern data consists of time series pressure and acceleration data measured from multi-modal sensors in a smart insole used while walking. We compare the identification accuracies from three sensing modalities, which are acceleration, pressure, and both in combination. Experimental results show that the proposed multi-modal features identify 14 participants with high accuracy over 95% from their gait pattern data of walking.

To compare surgical outcomes and quality of life between single-port laparoscopic appendectomy (SPLA) and conventional laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA) in patients with acute appendicitis.A prospective randomized single center study was performed to compare the outcome of SPLA and CLA in patients with acute appendicitis.A total of 248 patients were randomized, but because of 18 withdrawals, the outcome of 224 is analyzed, 116 in CLA and 114 in SPLA.There was no significant difference in the overall complication rate (P = 0.470). There were no significant differences in infectious complications between the SPLA group and the CLA group (10.2% and 12.4%, respectively). The wound complication rate between the 2 groups was not significant (5.1% and 10.6%, respectively; P = 0.207). Cosmetic satisfaction score, 36-item short-form health survey, and postoperative pain scores were not significantly different between 2 groups.SPLA failed to show any advantages over CLA relative to pain and cosmesis. However, SPLA is as safe as CLA (RCT number 01348464).

This paper studied surface discharge characteristics by a dielectric constant and diameter of solid dielectrics in mixture gas. Applied electric field strength at mixture gas was changed from the dielectric constant and diameter of the solid dielectrics, and insulation performance of the mixture gas determined surface discharge voltage. In each of the diameter at the solid dielectrics, the surface discharge voltage was increased by lengthening surface distance, whereas increasing rate of the surface discharge voltage was different from gas pressure. Thus, In this paper, main factors of surface discharge are as follows. 1) Insulation performance of mixture gas, 2) Dielectric constant of solid dielectrics, 3) Surface discharge path. It was clear that the surface discharge voltage depend on the main factors. These results will be applied to useful data for an eco-friendly composite insulation design.

To evaluate the efficacy of tocilizumab (TCZ), a monoclonal antibody against the interleukin (IL)-6 receptor, for refractory adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) in the Korean population.This retrospective study included 22 Korean patients with refractory AOSD who were given TCZ at one of seven university hospital-based clinics for rheumatic disease. Patients were subdivided into groups according to disease course: monocyclic, systemic polycyclic, and chronic articular. Modified Pouchot scores, including laboratory and clinical findings, were analysed at 6 months and 12 months.TCZ was given at 4-8 mg/kg every 4-5 weeks (8 mg/kg every 4-5 weeks in 18 patients, 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks in 2, and 4 mg/kg every 4 weeks in 2) for 7.5 months (median, IQR: 4.0-12.3). A good response (measured as a decrease of2 in the modified Pouchot score) was achieved in 50.0% of patients (11 of 22) at 6 months and in 64.3% (9 of 14) at 12 months. The dose of corticosteroid dose was reduced from 11.5 mg/day (median, IQR: 10.0-21.3) immediately before TCZ therapy to 7.5 mg/day (median, IQR: 5.0-10.0, p=0.002) at 6 months and finally to 6.3 mg/day (median, IQR: 5.0-7.5, p=0.002) at 12 months. Only one patient discontinued TCZ treatment due to facial swelling accompanied by high blood pressure. In all others, adverse events subsided with delayed TCZ therapy, and TCZ therapy was continued successfully without problems.TCZ was effective for treating Korean AOSD patients who were refractory to conventional therapy or other anti-cytokine biologics, showing a corticosteroid-sparing effect and an acceptable tolerance profile.

In this paper, we deal with a surface discharge that caused an aggravation of the dielectric strength in the mixture gas, When composit dielectrics were formed from the use of a solid dielectric. It was found from this study that the surface discharge voltage was deeply involved in the mixture ratio of , the electrical property of the solid dielectric, kind of the solid dielectric, an electric field at the triple junction and a medium effect. These results expect basic data that will be used to transmission and distribution power system equipment using the mixture gas.

Objective.To determine whether levels of plasma-soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) are elevated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and whether levels are correlated with disease activity and other variables.Methods.Our study included 71 patients with RA and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Clinical characteristics and laboratory measures, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) were assessed. Plasma levels of sTREM-1 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by ELISA.Results.Patients with RA had significantly higher plasma sTREM-1 levels than healthy controls (170.10 ± 84.71 pg/ml vs 97.41 ± 40.64 pg/ml; p < 0.001). In patients with RA, plasma sTREM-1 levels were found to be correlated with DAS28, ESR, CRP, white blood cell counts, neutrophil counts, and plasma TNF-α levels (r = 0.329, p = 0.005; r = 0.241, p = 0.043; r = 0.314, p < 0.001; r = 0.261, p = 0.028; r = 0.278, p = 0.019; and r = 0.313, p = 0.009, respectively). Plasma sTREM-1 levels in patients with active disease status (DAS28 > 3.2) were significantly higher than in those with low disease status (DAS28 ≤ 3.2; 208.89 ± 100.14 pg/ml vs 150.29 ± 68.70 pg/ml; p = 0.005).Conclusion.Patients with RA had higher plasma sTREM-1 levels than healthy controls, and plasma sTREM-1 levels were correlated with disease activity measures, suggesting that plasma sTREM-1 could play a role in the inflammatory process associated with TNF-α, and that it may be a useful disease activity marker in RA.

Implantation of bone-marrow-derived MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) has emerged as a potential treatment modality for liver failure, but in vivo differentiation of MSCs into functioning hepatocytes and its therapeutic effects have not yet been determined. We investigated MSC differentiation process in a rat model of TAA (thioacetamide)-induced liver cirrhosis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered 0.04% TAA-containing water for 8 weeks, MSCs were injected into the spleen for transsplenic migration into the liver, and liver tissues were examined over 3 weeks. Ingestion of TAA for 8 weeks induced micronodular liver cirrhosis in 93% of rats. Injected MSCs were diffusely engrafted in the liver parenchyma, differentiated into CK19 (cytokeratin 19)- and thy1-positive oval cells and later into albumin-producing hepatocyte-like cells. MSC engraftment rate per slice was measured as 1.0-1.6%. MSC injection resulted in apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells and resultant resolution of fibrosis, but did not cause apoptosis of hepatocytes. Injection of MSCs treated with HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) in vitro for 2 weeks, which became CD90-negative and CK18-positive, resulted in chronological advancement of hepatogenic cellular differentiation by 2 weeks and decrease in anti-fibrotic activity. Early differentiation of MSCs to progenitor oval cells and hepatocytes results in various therapeutic effects, including repair of damaged hepatocytes, intracellular glycogen restoration and resolution of fibrosis. Thus, these results support that the in vivo hepatogenic differentiation of MSCs is related to the beneficial effects of MSCs rather than the differentiated hepatocytes themselves.

Purpose: Despite advances in the techniques and development of new devices, endovascular (EV) procedures are not the panacea for peripheral vascular diseases. This is partly because substantial cases are too complicated to manage with only EV procedures and partly because of the relatively large size of devices. We reviewed our experience of hybrid vascular procedures and report here on their outcomes. Methods: Between August 2008 and March 2010, thirteen cases of hybrid vascular operation were performed. A retrospective review of electronic medical records was performed. The primary outcome measures were technical outcomes and patency rates. Results: The mean follow-up duration was 17.7 months. Treatment indications were as follows: critical ischemia (n=6), claudication (n=3), abdominal aortic aneurysm with leg ischemia (n=3), and unstable aortic atheroma with recurrent embolism (n=1). All operations were performed under local anesthesia in an angiography suite. A single surgeon and a single interventional radiologist performed all the major procedures together. Technical and clinical success rates were 92.3%. All limbs were salvaged in patients with critical ischemia. The primary patency rate of the 13 cases was 83.3% at 1 year. There was no in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: hybrid vascular operation is useful for patients with a complex vascular condition. The role of hybrid vascular operation should be established with regards to not only the cost benefit but also the long-term outcomes.

Background: We wanted to explore performing hepatic arterial reconstruction in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) using right lobe liver grafts and cadaveric liver transplantation (CLT) in a single center. Methods: Thirty five LDLTs were performed from April 2005 to August 2009. The back wall support suture without twisting was used in most cases. A single RHA was anastomosed to the RHA in 24 patients, to the proper HA in 2 patients, to the RAHA in 4 patients, to the LHA in 2 patients and to an aberrant RHA arising from the SMA in 3 patients. The diameter of the donor RHA was between 1.5 mm and 3.0 mm (mean: 2.5 mm). In the 34 patients who underwent CLT, most of the arterial anastomoses were usually performed using two cuffs at the recipient HA and the GDA bifurcation and a branching point on the donor CHA with running and intermittent stay suture. Results: The total incidence of HA complication was 4.34% (3/69): 1 HAT (2.85%) occurred in a case of LDLT and 2 HAS (5.88%) occurred in a case of CLT. HAT occurred in 1 recipient on the 1st day following LDLT and 2 HAS occurred in CLT recipients at one and two months, respectively, following LDLT. Conclusions: HA complications occurred as a mild type of late complication and these complications might not be fatal in CLT. A low incidence of HAT can be achieved with using non-twisting method-guided microsurgical techniques for creating hepatic arterial anastomosis in LDLT. When early HAT occurs, early surgical reconstruction is mandatory for preventing the loss of the graft. Back wall sutures with only single needle suture might be a feasible method for HA microsurgical reconstruction.

A spectroscopic measuring system was developed in order to determine optical gain of gas laser discharge for any optical transitions between 190[nm] and 800[nm] without laser resonator. With an image optical system and a feedback optical system emission light of laser discharge are entered in a monochromator and received at a photomultiplier. Subsequently optical gain and line intensity are measured.

To determine whether serum leptin levels are elevated in men with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and whether the levels correlate with serum cytokine profiles and disease activity of AS.Forty-two male patients with newly diagnosed AS were enrolled. Their Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), body mass index (BMI), and acute phase reactants, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, were assessed. Serum leptin levels were determined using radioimmunoassay (RIA) and serum cytokine profiles, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and interferon (IFN)-gamma, were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These results were compared with those from 42 age-matched healthy men. After a follow-up period of 31.0+/-20.1 months, clinical and biochemical variables were reassessed in the men with AS.At baseline, patients with AS had significantly elevated serum levels of leptin, leptin adjusted for BMI (leptin/BMI), TNFalpha, and IL-6, but not IFN-gamma, as compared to the controls. Serum leptin/BMI levels correlated well with IL-6 levels, and both leptin/BMI and IL-6 levels correlated well with BASDAI and CRP levels in patients with AS. The changes in leptin/BMI and IL-6 levels between the baseline and follow-up measurements correlated well with one another (p0.05) and both correlated well with the changes in BASDAI (p0.05).Serum leptin/BMI levels were increased and significantly associated with IL-6 levels and disease activity in men with AS, suggesting a possible role for leptin in the inflammatory reactions of AS.

Purpose Patients with gout are similar to those with bacterial infection in terms of the nature of inflammation. Herein we compared the differences in procalcitonin (PCT) levels between these two inflammatory conditions and evaluated the ability of serum PCT to function as a clinical marker for differential diagnosis between acute gouty attack and bacterial infection. Materials and Methods Serum samples were obtained from 67 patients with acute gouty arthritis and 90 age-matched patients with bacterial infection. Serum PCT levels were measured with an enzyme-linked fluorescent assay. Results Serum PCT levels in patients with acute gouty arthritis were significantly lower than those in patients with bacterial infection (0.096±0.105 ng/mL vs. 4.94±13.763 ng/mL, p=0.001). However, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels showed no significant differences between the two groups. To assess the ability of PCT to discriminate between acute gouty arthritis and bacterial infection, the areas under the curves (AUCs) of serum PCT, uric acid, and CRP were 0.857 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.798–0.917, p

The ccrf-discharge has in comparison with the hollow-cathode discharge and DC-discharge some advantages: Simple design of the tube and homogeneous plasma. The ccrf-discharge was researched with the goal, to use on the excitation of the gas laser. In this work a rf-exciting system was planned and developed. With it a homogeneous discharge was produced in the cw operation. To supply the rf-power with the frequency 13.56[MHz] effectively in the discharge, laser tube were used with inner diameter of 5[mm] and the specially developed rf-electrodes. A matching circuit was composed also. Thereby the impedance of the discharge tube was adjusted to the 50[] output resistance of the rf-source.

The main treatment for Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is long-term anticoagulation with an oral vitamin K antagonist, although these are associated with numerous problems. Rivaroxaban is a direct anti-factor Xa inhibitor, with a predictable anticoagulant effect at fixed doses. There are limited reports of rivaroxaban use in APS. We present four cases of patients with APS who received rivaroxaban treatment for six months without thrombosis recurrence or bleeding. Three of the patients received rivaroxaban as initial therapy. In the systematic review, only five patients were treated with rivaroxaban as a thromboprophylaxis. Of the 71 cases of rivaroxaban use including our study, there were seven cases (9.9%) of thrombosis recurrence and two reports of bleeding. The efficacy of rivaroxaban in APS patients was at least equal to warfarin therapy. This report and systematic review suggest that rivaroxaban can be considered cautiously as a thromboprophylactic or alternative therapy for warfarin in patients with APS. (J Rheum Dis 2017;24:108-113)

Aim To evaluate treatment patterns and clinical factors affecting gout flare in South Korea. Methods We retrospectively examined data from 401 patients seen at nine rheumatology multicenter clinics, under urate lowering therapy (ULT) more than 6 months after stopping prophylactic medication. Demographic data, clinical and laboratory features were collected at the initiation of ULT, upon stopping prophylaxis, and 6 months after. Results The mean age was 52.2 years and mean disease duration was 25.0 months. The male-to-female count was 387 : 14. The most common ULT starting agent was allopurinol 83.8%. Colchicine (62.3%) was the most commonly prescribed prophylactic agent. During ULT, 134 of the 401 patients (33.4%) experienced at least one gouty attack in the period from stopping prophylaxis to 6 months later. The duration of prophylaxis was different between those with serum uric acid levels below 6 mg/dL and those over 6 mg/dL (P = 0.001). Of the 179 patients (44.6%) who attained target serum uric acid (SUA) levels (6 mg/dL) at the end of prophylaxis, those taking

Abdominal wall endometriosis in a Caesarean section scar (AEC) is an infrequent type of extrapelvic endometriosis which rarely transforms into a malignant lesion. A painful mass located in the scar of a Caesarean section is a typical sign of AEC. This condition is diagnosed preoperatively using imaging modalities such as computed tomography and ultrasonography, as well as fine-needle aspiration. Although AEC has typical signs, general surgeons often misdiagnose it due to its rarity. Herein, we report our experience of AEC in a single institution.

Objective. Gout is known to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), and hyperhomocysteinemia is one of the risk factors for CVD. We investigated the associations between the change of serum homocysteine (Hcy) level and those of the other parameters including serum uric acid level, renal function, and cholesterol profiles in chronic gout patients with longitudinal follow-up data. Methods. Ninety-one male patients with chronic gout and 97 age-matched healthy male control subjects were included in the previous study. Among them, 33 patients with gout and 39 healthy control subjects underwent follow-up tests for Hcy levels with an average of 24.00±9.12 months in this study. Results. The follow-up data showed that gout patients had significantly higher levels of Hcy in serum than control subjects (16.75±5.43 μmol/L vs. 13.17±3.83 μmol/L, p=0.002). In gout patients, the change of serum Hcy level after follow up showed positive correlation with the change of creatinine (γ=0.442, p=0.009) and negative correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; γ=−0.528, p＜0.001). However, the change of serum Hcy level did not show correlation with the changes of uric acid level or the lipid profiles. Conclusion. Serum Hcy level was elevated in gout patients compared with control subjects. The change of serum Hcy level showed negative correlation with the change of eGFR. Hyperhomocysteinemia in gout patients was associated with decreased renal function, but not with serum uric acid or lipid profiles. (J Rheum Dis 2016;23:30-36)

Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory disease of the elderly in western countries, but the prevalence is apparently different between races and countries. Until now, an epidemiologic study of PMR is limited in Korea. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical data of 78 patients with PMR who were treated in 5 tertiary hospitals, and analyzed initial laboratory data, symptoms, therapeutic responses, and prognostic factors for relapse 1 year after treatments. Sixty percent of patients had pain in both shoulder and hip girdles with 10.6 weeks of duration, 75.9 ± 32.7 mm/h of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and 6.2 ± 6.4 mg/dl of C-reactive protein. The rate of relapse and remission at 1 year was 38.4 and 2.5 %, respectively. The rate of overall relapse was 46.1 %, and the relapse occurred mostly in a year, especially between 6 and 12 months after diagnosis. There were more female in relapse group (88.9 %, p = 0.037), and cumulative steroid dose of 1 year was significantly higher in relapse group (5.5 ± 2.7 vs. 4.4 ± 2.5 g, p = 0.018). Independent risk factors for relapse were initial CRP ≥ 2.5 mg/dl (OR 6.296, p = 0.047) and the use of hydroxychloroquine (OR 6.798, p = 0.035). Initial dosage or tapering speed of steroid did not influence on prognosis. In Korean patients with PMR, baseline clinical characteristics and relapse rate were similar to previous studies, but our patients accompanied no giant cell arteritis and showed lower remission rate as well as delayed therapeutic response and later occurrence of relapse. More aggressive management would be needed according to the clinical status of patients.

Immunological changes in elite adolescent female athletes during Taekwondo competitions were investigated on-field. 6 female athletes (16.7 ± 0.8 year-old) volunteered and performed 5 bouts of demonstration Taekwondo competitions simulating real tournaments in intensity, duration, and break-time intervals on the same day. Blood samples were taken before, after the competitions and during the recovery, respectively. Immunological changes and oxidative stress in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were evaluated by flow-cytometry. During the competitions, exercise intensity was 92.2 ± 3.8% (86.1~95.7) of the maximal heart rate. Blood lactate increased immediately after the competitions (p=0.0165) and decreased to baseline during recovery. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the peripheral blood increased continuously during recovery (p

The quality of life (QoL) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients may be affected by psychological features and disease status. We evaluated the QoL of SLE patients according to four subscales of QoL compared to healthy controls, and the association with affecting factors.108 patients with SLE and 52 healthy controls completed a psychological questionnaire. Depression, fatigue, and QoL were assessed with the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Profile of Mood States Fatigue-Inertia Scale, and Functional Assessment Chronic Illness Therapy. Disease activity and damage index were measured by the SLE Disease Activity Index and SLE Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology.SLE patients showed higher degrees of depression (p=0.005) and a lower total QoL score than the controls (p=0.003). In the subscale analysis, physical well-being (PWB) and emotional well-being (EWB) were lower in the SLE group than the control group (p0.001 for both). Multivariate analysis identified correlations between the following factors: total QoL with depression and daily glucocorticoid dose; PWB with depression, fatigue, and daily glucocorticoid; EWB with depression and functional well-being (FWB) with depression.The QoL of SLE patients was lower than that of healthy controls. QoL subscales of the SLE patients were associated with daily glucocorticoid dose, depression, and fatigue rather than disease activity or damage. Comprehensive evaluation of psychological problems and appropriate management may improve the QoL of SLE patients, especially those using higher doses of glucocorticoids, even if disease activity and damage are not severe.

Joint Bone Spine - In Press.Proof corrected by the author Available online since jeudi 8 aout 2013