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Primary masses rarely originate from the heart and great vessels, and a malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is extremely rare. A 76-year-old male with pleural effusion underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography, which revealed a hypoattenuating mass involving the right pulmonary vein and left atrium. Ultrasonography showed that the mass originated from the right pulmonary vein. Surgical resection confirmed an MPNST that originated from the pulmonary vein. We report the first Korean case of a primary MPNST originating from the pulmonary vein. We have also described the radiologic findings suggestive of a pulmonary vein mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the results of two different instruments made of stainless steel and titanium alloy for correction of single thoracic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) using pedicle screw instrumentation. Materials and Methods: A total of 141 patients with single thoracic AIS treated with pedicle screw instrumentation and selective thoracic fusion were retrospectively reviewed after a follow-up of 2 years. The patients had a main thoracic curve of 40° to 75° and were divided into two groups based on instrument materials; S group (stainless steel, n=90) and T group (titanium alloy, n=51). The diameter of the stainless steel rod used was 7.0 mm while that of the titanium alloy rod was 6.35 mm or 6.0 mm. Standing long-cassette radiographic measurements including various coronal and sagittal parameters for the preoperative, early postoperative and 2-year postoperative followup were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the preoperative curve characteristics between the two groups. Results: In the S group, the preoperative main thoracic curve of 51.3°±8.4° was improved to 19.0°±7.6° (63.1% correction) and the lumbar curve of 32.3°±8.4° spontaneously decreased to 12.7°±8.2° (62.9% correction) at 2 years postoperatively. In the T group, the preoperative main thoracic curve of 49.5°±8.4° and the lumbar curve of 30.3°±8.9° was improved to 18.8°±7.4° (62.2% correction) and 11.3°±5.4° (63.3% correction), respectively. The corrections of coronal curves were not statistically different between the two groups (p>0.05). The thoracic kyphosis was changed from 16.8°±8.5° to 24.3°±6.1° in the S group and from 19.6°±11.2° to 26.6°±8.5° in the T group. There were no significant differences in the changes of sagittal curves, coronal and sagittal balances at the 2-year follow-up and the number of fused segments and used screws between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: When conducting surgery for single thoracic AIS using pedicles screw instrumentation, two different instruments made of stainless steel and titanium alloy showed similar corrections for coronal and sagittal curves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the interstitial and appositional growth of greater trochanter post-screw apophysiodesis in Legg-Calve-Perthes (LCP) disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 17 patients, who were diagnosed with LCP and underwent greater trochanter screw apophysiodesis and metal removal between December 2003 and December 2012, and were followed-up for at least 4 years, were selected. Anterioposterior radiologic images were taken in each process of apophysiodesis, metal removal, and last follow-up. From such images, articulotrochanter tip distance (ATD), trochanter tip-screw distance (TSD), trochanter tip-trochanter lower margin distance (TLD), and screw-trochanter lower margin distance (SLD) were measured. Appositional growth and greater trochanter growth rates were compared using paired t-test, independent t-test, and correlation analysis. Results: The average ATD of the affected and unaffected sides was 14.2 and 16.8 mm, respectively at apophysiodesis and 9.2 and 14.8 mm at the last follow-up, with a significantly greater decrease observed on the affected side the unaffected side (p=0.030). TLD of the affected side during the follow-up increased 11.0 mm, from an average of 30.8 to 41.8 mm, while the un-affected side increased 14.3 mm, from an average of 26.7 to 41.0 mm. The growth of greater trochanter after the operation in the affected side was 76.7% of that in unaffected side. The ratio of TLD of the affected side to the unaffected side was significantly reduced, from 1.15 to 1.02 (p=0.014) at the final follow-up. TSD was significantly increased from 4.5 to 14.4 mm at metal removal (p＜0.001) and increased to 17.0 mm at the last follow-up. Moreover, the ratio of TSD to SLD was significantly increased from 0.20 to 0.74 at metal removal (p＜0.001) and increased to 0.84 at the final follow-up. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that screw apophysiodesis can suppress the overall growth, but not the appositional growth of the greater trochanter. Therefore, screw apophysiodesis may not be a good procedure to inhibit the growth of greater trochanter [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the clinical outcomes of distal hook augmentation using a pedicle screw in thoracolumbar fusion in elderly patients. Materials and Methods: This retrospective multicenter study recruited 20 patients aged 65 years or older, who underwent anterior support and long level posterior fusion in the thoracolumbar junction with a follow-up of one year. To assess the effect of distal hook augmentation, the patients were divided into two groups; the pedicle screw with hook group (PH group, n=10) and the pedicle screw alone group (PA group, n=10). Results: The average age was 72.4 years (65-83 years). The average fusion segment was 4.6 segments (3-6 segments). There were no significant differences in age, sex, causative diseases, bone mineral density of lumbar and proximal femur, number of patients with osteoporosis, and number of fused segments between the two groups (p≥0.05). At 1 year follow-up after surgery, parameters related with distal screw pullout were significantly worse in the PA group. No patients in the PH group had distal screw pullout. However, six patients (60%, 6/10) in the PA group had distal screw pullout. There were no significant differences in the progression of distal junctional kyphosis between the two groups. Conclusion: Distal hook augmentation is an effective procedure in protecting distal pedicle screws against the pullout when long level thoracolumbar fusion was performed in elderly patients aged 65 years or older. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the chronological changes of disease-related kyphosis after chemotherapy alone. Materials and Methods: A total of 101 children aged 2 to 15 years with spinal tuberculosis, accompanied by various stages of disease processes were enrolled for analysis. By utilizing the images in them, the growth plate condition and chronological changes of kyphosis after chemotherapy were analyzed at two points in time; the first assessment was at post-chemotherapy one-year and second at the final discharge. Results: Complete disc destruction in the cervical, dorsal and lumbosacral spines was observed in 2 out of 40 children (5.0%), 8 out of 30 children (26.7%), and 6 out of 31 children (19.4%), respectively. In those cases, the residual kyphosis inevitably developed. In the remaining children, the discs were intact or partially damaged. Among the 101 children kyphotic deformity was maintained without change in 20 children (19.8%). Kyphosis decreased in 14 children (13.9%), while it increased in 67 children (66.3%) with non-recoverably damaged growth plate. Conclusion: Although it is tentatively possible to predict the deformity progress or non-progress and spontaneous correction at the time of the initial treatment, its predictive accuracy is low. Therefore, assessment of the chronological changes should be performed at the end of chemotherapy. In children with progressive curve change, assessment of deformity should be continued until maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate the risk factors for subsequent vertebral fracture following acute osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. Materials and Methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study. We recruited 135 patients treated for acute osteoporotic compression fracture with available spine image taken at the 1-year follow-up mark in 3 different hospitals. The patients were divided into 2 groups in accordance with the occurrence of subsequent vertebral fracture. Variables including age, sex, bone mineral density, medical comorbidity, acute fracture level, presence of prior vertebral fracture, osteoporosis medication, and treatment method were analyzed and compared between the 2 groups. Results: The new subsequent vertebral fractures were detected in 25 patients (18.5%). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to age, sex, medical comorbidity, presence of prior vertebral fracture, and acute fracture level, as shown by univariate analysis. However, in the group with subsequent vertebral fracture, more patients were treated by vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty and had a femur neck T-score of ≤-2.5, as well as poor compliance of osteoporosis medication with significant difference (p＜0.05). According to the multivariate analysis, subsequent vertebral fractures were significantly influenced by vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty (p=0.003, odds ratio=4.71) and femur neck T-score of ≤-2.5 (p=0.013, odds ratio=3.47). Conclusion: Subsequent vertebral fractures were found in 19% at the 1-year mark after the treatment of acute osteoporotic compression fracture. The two risk factors for subsequent vertebral fractures were vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty and femur neck T-score of ≤-2.5. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

King Sejong's reign in the Joseon period witnessed a great advancement in medical systems. Significant academic achievements in medicine were made as can be seen in the publications of such medical texts as Hyangyak jipseong bang 鄕藥集成方 and Euibang ryuchui 醫方類聚. Formal medical systems were also established during this time. In addition, King Sejong’s government promulgated policies to secure medicinal materials that were essential for treating illnesses. To maximize the use of domestic medicine, or hyangyak, the government commissioned the publications of Hyangyak chaechui wolryeong 鄕藥採取月令 and Hyangyak jipseong bang, carried out systematic comparisons between the efficacy of domestic medicine and that of Chinese medicine, and devised various measures for stabilizing the supply of medicinal materials from different regions of the country. As it was proven difficult to immediately increase the supply and use of medicinal materials, however, efforts were also made to develop alternative treatments. One notable example was the use of steam bath, or hanjeung 汗蒸. Steam bath refers to the treatment by sweating, and appeared first in Qianjin fang 千金方, a medical text published in China during the Tang Dynasty. King Sejong supported the steam bath treatment and allowed the establishment and operation of steam bath places, or hanjeungso 汗蒸所, as a way to treat contagious diseases. Later, as more advanced medical theories were introduced and the risks of steam bath treatment became known, and as it became easier to get medicinal materials, the government gradually lost interest in the steam bath treatment. However, due to its affordable price, the steam bath treatment remained popular as a folk remedy, particularly in the northern parts of the kingdom until late in the Joseon Dynasty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to explore the effect of characteristics of eWOM(Word-of-mouth) on consumer attitude in SNS(Social Network Service). The characteristics of WOM were classified into characteristics of message (polarity, verifiability, consensus) and characteristics of SNS (social presence, interaction). Data of 554 samples were collected from the university students of SNS users. The key results showed that the polarity of the WOM has a strong positive effect on consumer's attitude, and the degree of verifiability and consensus has a moderating effect on the polarity-attitude relationship. On the contrary, characteristics of SNS such as social presence and interaction have a direct effect on consumer attitude and have no significant moderating effect on the polarity-attitude relationship. This study provides an academic enhancement in the research of the relationship between the characteristics of WOM and consumer's attitude in the SNS environment. Practical implications are also drawn from these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia particularly in the elderly and a potent risk factor for ischemic stroke. Screening for AF in asymptomatic individuals might prevent strokes by earlier detection and anticoagulation therapy. We investigated the prevalence of AF in the Korean elderly and its clinical characteristics. Methods: This study included 1,483 participants (839 males, 644 females) ≥60 years (72.9±5.4 years) who had undergone electrocardiogram (ECG) screening at the senior health promotion center, Gwangju, from March 2014 to June 2014. Their assessments included 12 lead electrocardiograms, questionnaires and physical examinations. Results: AF was detected in 46 individuals (3.1%), and newly detected in 20 of these 46 (43.4%). The prevalence of AF increased sharply with age-1.0% in 60-69 years group, 3.3% in 70-79 years group, and 7.2% in ≥80 years group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.17; p< 0.001), male gender (OR 5.28, 95% CI 2.04-13.66; p=0.001), obesity (body mass index>25kg/m²) (OR, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.14-4.11; p=0.017), and heart failure (OR, 8.74; 95% CI, 1.45-52.46, p=0.018) were associated with increased risk for AF. Conclusion: The prevalence of AF in the Korean elderly was 3.1% and increased steeply with age from 1.0% to 7.2%. Screening with ECG may be considered as nearly half (43.4%) of AF cases were newly detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compares and analyzes the national competitiveness in IP finance using the diamond model. The main findings of our analysis are as follows. First, assuming Korea's competitiveness in IP finance to be 1, USA with 1.63 has the highest competitiveness of all countries compared, and Israel is 1.49 followed by Japan with 1.37. Second, Korea and other countries compared show large differences in the areas of demand conditions, strategic structure, and competition. Third, Korea is inferior compared to other countries considered in terms of the factors including the protection of investors and IPR, and government policies. Since most of the factors in which Korea shows inferiority can be managed by public policies, to strengthen the competitiveness of IP finance, the government's active support to build industrial foundation are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was performed to examine the relationship between alcohol consumption and obesity according to facial flushing in Korean males. Methods: The 1,198 men in this study were divided into four groups according to the amount of alcohol they consumed: non-drinkers (ND), lower moderate drinkers (LM, ≤7 standard drinks per week), higher moderate drinkers (HM, 7 to 14 drinks per week), and heavy drinkers (HD, >14 drinks per week). They were also separated into two groups according to facial flushing: non-flushers and flushers. Obesity and abdominal obesity were defined as body mass index of 25 kg/m2 or higher and waist circumference of 90 cm or higher, respectively. Results: In LM and HM groups without flushing, the risks of obesity and abdominal obesity were not significantly increased compared to those of non-drinkers. However, in the HD group without flushing, those risks were significantly increased [OR, 1.55; confidence interval (CI), 1.01 to 2.40, and OR 1.63; CI 1.02 to 2.58, respectively]. In the LM group with flushing, those risks were not significantly increased. However, in HM and HD groups with flushing, the risks of obesity and abdominal obesity were significantly increased (OR, 2.10; CI, 1.07 to 4.16, and OR, 2.06; CI, 1.05 to 4.06, respectively, in HM; and OR, 2.16; CI, 1.08 to 4.34, and OR, 2.50; CI, 1.26 to 4.98, respectively, in HD). Conclusion: This study suggests that the risk of obesity is increased in moderate flushing drinkers compared to non-drinkers and in heavy nonflushing drinkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to know the possibility in repeat uses of elite donor cows for getting mass production of OPU-derived embryo production (OPU-IVP). Ultrasound transvaginal ovum pick-up (OPU) performed in 6 Korean native cows was aged 4 to 10 years old. The aspiration of immature oocytes for OPU derived embryo was carried out 2 times per week, and OPU-IVP of 1st period was carried out 22∼48 sessions from each donors. And the break time for OPU-IVP of 2nd period after 1st OPU from each donors were 2∼25 months. The OPU-IVP of 2nd period each donors conducted total 15∼65 times for 2∼8 months by an ultrasonographic, was guided follicular aspiration system. The average numbers of collected oocytes, grade 1 + grade 2(G1+G2) oocytes and cleavage embryo from 1st period OPU-IVP were significantly differences between donors (p<0.05). Total collected oocytes of donor D were significantly higher compared with donors of A, B, C, E and F (average 17.0 per session vs. 11.2, 10.1, 8.5, 10.2 and 9.6; p<0.05) and also oocytes of G1+G2 were significantly higher compared with r A and D and subsequently to donors of B, C, E and F (average 7.9 and 8.5 per session vs. 5.0, 2.7, 6.0 and 1.6; p<0.05). Cleavage rate of donor D was significantly higher compared with donors of A, B, C, E and F (average 13.1 per session vs. 10.1, 9.1, 6.9, 8.9 and 6.7; p<0.05). The average numbers of OPU-IVP for 1st period was significantly higher from donors of B, D and E than those from donors of A, C and F (average 6.5, 7.1 and 6.5 per session vs. 3.5, 4.2 and 2.8; p<0.05). The possibility investigation of 2nd OPU-IVP was carried out after 2∼25 months rest periods from 1st period OPU session. Total average numbers of collected oocytes, cleavages and blastocyst development rates were significantly higher from 1st period OPU compared with 2nd period one (p<0.05). The OPU-IVP efficiency by break for more embryo production from elite cow was analysis comparing without rest of donor A, under 6 months rest period as B and over 6 months rest period as C and then the average numbers of collected oocytes, cleavages and blastocysts were significantly higher from A group (11.8, 9.5 and 5.2 per session) than those from B and C groups (7.9, 6.2 and 2.6 vs. 9.2, 7.5 and 3.9, p<0.05), and also C group was significantly higher than B group. In conclusion, 1st period OPU-IVP was more efficient compared with 2nd period repeated uses of donor, and the break times for additional production of embryo on donor were needed more than over 6 months after 1st period OPU-IVP. This repeating uses of elite donor cows given more emphasis for getting the opportunity on mass production of elite cow OPU-IVP embryo should be increased G1+G2 possibility of genetic improvement of livestock within short period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the changes in patients pattern retrospectively for pediatric supracondylar and lateral condylar humeral fractures. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively studied 335 pediatrics treated operatively for supracondylar and lateral condylar fracture from March 1993 to February 2013. The pediatrics were divided depending on the 10-year time period: those who received treatment from March 1993 to February 2003 as group I, and those who received treatment from March 2003 to February 2013 as group II. By each group, the differences in age, gender, cause, season of incidence, whether the time of incidence was a weekend, and education level of the parents were compared and analyzed. Results: Fractures in group I were mainly due to slip down and fall down, but sports injury was the main cause of fractures in group II. There were 112 cases and 121 cases of supracondylar fractures, and 65 cases and 37 cases of lateral condylar fracture in groups I and II. Significant differences were found in the incidence of lateral condylar facture (p=0.009). In terms of the education level of the parents, the number with high school or under decreased significantly from group I to group II, from 71 cases to 45 cases (p=0.040). Conclusion: The supracondylar fracture does not show any significant difference according to the time lapse in the age and cause of incidence. However, the incidence of lateral condylar fracture shows a decreasing trend which may be related to the decrease of the incidence of slipping and falling, and the improvement in the parent's education level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the radiological and clinical results after treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur by three devices including DLT, PFNA and Gamma 3 nail. Materials and Methods: From January 2007 to January 2012, we reviewed 131 patients who suffered intertrochanteric fractures(33 cases of DLT, 59 cases of PFNA, 39 cases of Gamma 3 nail). The following were measured for all three groups; The tip apex distance (TAD), neck shaft angle and lag screw position at the head of femur, as well as the amount of blood loss and transfusion, operation time, duration of hospitalization and postoperative ICU admission, complications were also assessed. Results: In comparison of the radiological results, there were no statistical differences among the three groups in TAD, neck shaft angle and the lag screw position. There was no statistical difference in clinical results. In the last follow-up, there was one case of nonunion in the PFNA group. There also was, in the last follow up, a development of varus angulation & cut-out of lag screw that occurred in 2 cases (DLT), 4 cases (PFNA), 1 cases (Gamma 3). There was no statistical difference among the three groups in the sliding length of the lag screw. Conclusion: Any certain group was not better than the others with regard to the radiological and clinical results among DLT, PFNA and Gamma nail groups in treating intertrochanteric fracture. To achieve favorable results, precise reduction of fracture site and surgical techniques are important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the clinical and radiology results of a surgical treatment for clinodactyly due to a longitudinal epiphyseal bracket. Materials and Methods: This study analyzed the records of 11 patients (27 case) with clinodactyly due to a longitudinal epiphyseal bracket who underwent an osteotomy or physiolysis between March 1999 and April 2017. The preoperative range of motion of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, the subjective satisfaction of the patient, and the degree of angulation to the ulnar side were examined. The patients were classified into two groups: osteotomy and physiolysis. The results were reviewed retrospectively and compared according to the surgical method. Results: The mean age of the patients who underwent osteotomy was 10.3 years. The average preoperative angle was 25.7° and the average postoperative angle was 13.5° the mean correction rate was 47.4%. The mean age of the patients who underwent physiolysis was 6.0 years the mean preoperative angle was 24.5° and the postoperative angle was 10.7°. The average correction rate was 59.4%. No significant difference in the correction angles was observed between the group who underwent the correction osteotomy and the group who underwent the osteotomy. In each group, the postoperative correction was statistically significant. The range of motion at the last follow-up was not significantly different from the preoperative range of motion. Conclusion: In patients with clinodactyly due to longitudinal epiphyseal bracket, osteotomy or physiolysis may be performed selectively according to age, bone age, and radiological progression. Both surgical methods showed good clinical results and deformity correction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]