The potential of multicylindrical dielectric barrier discharge plasma for diesel-contaminated soil remediation and biocompatibility assessment

This study explored the use of multicylindrical dielectric barrier discharge (MC-DBD) plasma technology to eliminate diesel fuel contamination from the soil. This study also assessed the environmental impact of plasma-generated reactive species on soil properties, plant growth, and the safety of microbial and human skin cells using various analytical methods. MC-DBD plasma was characterized using the current-voltage analysis and optical emission spectroscopy (OES). Gas Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was employed to detect reactive species, such as O3, NO, NO2, N2O, and HNO3, in the plasma-treated air. The diesel fuel concentration in the soil was measured before and after plasma treatment using a gas chromatography-flame ionization detector. The efficacy of the MC-DBD plasma treatment was evaluated based on soil characteristics (pH and moisture), discharge parameters (power), and reactive species (O3 and NOx). Using only power of 30 W, the MC-DBD achieved a 94.19% removal of diesel fuel from the soil and yielded an energy efficiency of 1.78 × 10-2 m3/kWh within a 60-min treatment period. Neutral soil with a moisture content of 2% proved more effective in diesel fuel removal compared with acidic or alkaline soil with higher moisture content. O3 was the most efficient plasma-generated reactive species for diesel fuel removal and is involved in oxidation-induced fragmentation and volatilization. Overall, the potential of the MC-DBD plasma technology for remediating diesel fuel-contaminated soils is highlighted, and valuable insights for future applications are provided.

Characteristics of a Rollable Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma and Its Effects on Spinach-Seed Germination

We investigated the characteristics of a rollable dielectric barrier discharge (RDBD) and evaluate its effects on seed germination rate and water uptake. The RDBD source was composed of a polyimide substrate and copper electrode, and it was mounted in a rolled-up structure for omnidirectional and uniform treatment of seeds with flowing synthetic air gas. The rotational and vibrational temperatures were measured to be 342 K and 2860 K, respectively, using optical emission spectroscopy. The chemical species analysis via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and 0D chemical simulation showed that O₃ production was dominant and NO_x production was restrained at the given temperatures. The water uptake and germination rate of spinach seeds by 5 min treatment of RDBD was increased by 10% and 15%, respectively, and the standard error of germination was reduced by 4% in comparison with the controls. RDBD enables an important step forward in non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma agriculture for omnidirectional seed treatment.

Organic pollutants degradation using plasma with simultaneous ammonification assisted by electrolytic two-cell system

Atmospheric non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma has gained considerable attention due to its cost-efficiency, environmental friendliness, and simplicity. However, certain deficiencies restrict its broad application. Herein, the DBD plasma was used to disrupt three model pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), ibuprofen (IBP), and norfloxacin (NFX), by varying parameters, such as gas type (Ar, N2, O2, and air) and flow rate (1-4 L min-1). The air plasma discharge had the highest degradation efficiency, and the air flow rate was optimized at 2 L min-1. However, only 10% of IBP was removed by the sole plasma, whereas NFX and SMX were entirely removed after 30 min. Since the air plasma discharge generates reactive oxygen and nitrogen species in a chained reaction, the remaining NO2- and NO3- in the aqueous phase were problematic. Therefore, by coupling plasma with electrolysis using Cu/reduced Cu nanowire (R-CuNw) as the anode/cathode, all three PhACs were removed within 30 min, and NO2- and NO3- were completely reduced to NH3 with cathodic reduction. Moreover, the electrical energy per order (EEO, 0.04 kWh L-1) and treatment cost (0.003 USD L-1) were much lower than those of the single system. This system demonstrates great potential for water remediation, and the production of NH3 as a value-added by-product remarkably improves its practicality and is of great importance in agriculture and energy-related industries.

Plasma bioscience for medicine, agriculture and hygiene applications

Nonthermal biocompatible plasma (NBP) sources operating in atmospheric pressure environments and their characteristics can be used for plasma bioscience, medicine, and hygiene applications, especially for COVID-19 and citizen. This review surveyed the various NBP sources, including a plasma jet, micro-DBD (dielectric barrier discharge) and nanosecond discharged plasma. The electron temperatures and the plasma densities, which are produced using dielectric barrier discharged electrode systems, can be characterized as 0.7 ~ 1.8 eV and (3-5) × 1014-15 cm-3, respectively. Herein, we introduce a general schematic view of the plasma ultraviolet photolysis of water molecules for reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generation inside biological cells or living tissues, which would be synergistically important with RONS diffusive propagation into cells or tissues. Of the RONS, the hydroxyl radical [OH] and hydrogen peroxide H2O2 species would mainly result in apoptotic cell death with other RONS in plasma bioscience and medicines. The diseased biological protein, cancer, and mutated cells could be treated by using a NBP or plasma activated water (PAW) resulting in their apoptosis for a new paradigm of plasma medicine.

P3127Optimal revascularization strategy in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel coronary artery disease: staged vs. one-time vs. culprit-only revascularization

Background/Introduction

Although optimal revascularization strategy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction with multivessel coronary artery disease (MVD) was well established, there are few studies which investigated optimal revascularization strategy in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEM) with MVD.

Purpose

We investigated 2-year clinical outcomes according to strategy of revascularization in patients with NSTEMI and MVD.

Methods

Between November 2011 and October 2015, a total of 2474 patients with NSTEMI and MVD who underwent successful percutaneous coronary intervention were analyzed from the Korea Acute Myocardial Infarction Registry-National Institute of Health (staged 308, one-time 1043 and culprit-only 1123 patients). We did not include patients with left main disease and cardiogenic shock. Primary endpoint was major adverse cardiac events (MACE: the composite of cardiac death, myocardial infarction [MI] or target-vessel revascularization [TVR]) during 2-year follow-up (median 737 days [interquartile range 705–764]). We also analyzed the of all-cause mortality, stroke and non-TVR.

Results

Baseline characteristics such as age, gender, and prevalence of atherosclerotic risk factors between multivessel revascularization (MVR; staged or one-time revascularization) and CVR were similar. There was also no difference in symptom to balloon time in 2 groups. MACE occurred in 305 patients (12.3%) during 2-year follow-up. MVR could reduce incidence of MACE (10.2% vs. 14.9%; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.50 for CVR, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.20–1.88, p<0.001), all-cause death (8.4% vs. 12.1%; adjusted HR 1.45 for CVR, 95% CI 1.13–1.87, p=0.003) and non-TVR (1,9% vs. 7.0%; adjusted HR 3.99 for CVR, 95% CI 2.55–6.27, p<0.001). There was no difference in incidence of stroke between MVR and CVR. We also analyzed same analysis between staged and one-time revascularization. Complete revascularization was more achieved in one-time revascularization group compared to staged revascularization group (62.0% vs. 76.1%, p<0.001). In multivariate Cox-regression analysis, staged revascularization was not associated with improved clinical outcomes in terms of MACE (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.50–1.09, p=0.126), all-cause death (HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.69–1.68, p=0.759), stroke (HR 1.75, 95% CI 0.68–4.52, p=0.245) and non-TVR (HR 2.56, 95% CI 0.75–8.68, p=0.132). Analysis by propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting did not significantly affect the results.

Conclusions

MVR reduced 2-year adverse cardiac events in patients with NSTEMI and MVD compared to CVR. However, staged revascularization was not superior to one-time revascularization for reducing MACE among NSTEMI patients with MVD who received MVR.

P3555Lower native T1, extracellular volume and T2 on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is related to more left ventricular reverse remodeling in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy

Introduction

Guideline-directed medical therapy can induce left ventricular reverse remodeling (LVRR) in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy (NIDCM). Some predictors for LVRR have been reported but, there were few studies about the relationship between cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) parameters and LVRR in NIDCM on optimal GDMT.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed echocardiogram and CMR data of newly diagnosed 142 NIDCM patients (age: 57±16 years old, 71.8% male) in a single center from Jan 2012 to Dec 2017. NIDCM was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <45% and the ischemic etiology was excluded by CMR, coronary angiography or coronary CT or SPECT scan. LVRR was defined as improvement in LVEF ≥10% during follow-up period (median 403 days).

Results

Baseline LVEF and LV end diastolic dimension (LVEDD) were 27±8% and 64±8 mm. There were 87 patients (61.3%) of LVRR in our cohort. In LVRR group, native T1 value was significantly lower (1326±66 for LVRR vs 1369±72ms, p<0.001), extracellular volume (ECV) was significantly lower (28.3±3.6 for LVRR vs 32.4±4.4%, p<0.001), and T2 value was significantly lower (49.6±4.6 for LVRR vs 52.1±5.4ms, p=0.004) compared with non-LVRR group. ECV was an independent predictor for LVRR after adjusting current LVRR predictors such as age, sex, LVEF, LVEDD, systolic blood pressure, heart rate and QRS duration (Odd ratio 0.706, 95% confidence interval 0.616–0.809, p<0.001).

Conclusion

Lower native T1, ECV and T2 on CMR is related to higher incidence of LVRR in NIDCM. Further larger prospective study should be warranted to confirm the relationship between CMR parameters and LVRR in NIDCM.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), a novel physicochemical source, induces neural differentiation through cross-talk between the specific RONS cascade and Trk/Ras/ERK signaling pathway

Plasma, formed by ionization of gas molecules or atoms, is the most abundant form of matter and consists of highly reactive physicochemical species. In the physics and chemistry fields, plasma has been extensively studied; however, the exact action mechanisms of plasma on biological systems, including cells and humans, are not well known. Recent evidence suggests that cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), which refers to plasma used in the biomedical field, may regulate diverse cellular processes, including neural differentiation. However, the mechanism by which these physicochemical signals, elicited by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), are transmitted to biological system remains elusive. In this study, we elucidated the physicochemical and biological (PCB) connection between the CAP cascade and Trk/Ras/ERK signaling pathway, which resulted in neural differentiation. Excited atomic oxygen in the plasma phase led to the formation of RONS in the PCB network, which then interacted with reactive atoms in the extracellular liquid phase to form nitric oxide (NO). Production of large amounts of superoxide radical (O₂^-) in the mitochondria of cells exposed to CAP demonstrated that extracellular NO induced the reversible inhibition of mitochondrial complex IV. We also demonstrated that cytosolic hydrogen peroxide, formed by O₂^- dismutation, act as an intracellular messenger to specifically activate the Trk/Ras/ERK signaling pathway. This study is the first to elucidate the mechanism linking physicochemical signals from the CAP cascade to the intracellular neural differentiation signaling pathway, providing physical, chemical and biological insights into the development of therapeutic techniques to treat neurological diseases.

Initial diffusion-weighted MRI and long-term neurologic outcomes in charcoal-burning carbon monoxide poisoning

CONTEXT

This study assessed the results of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) at presentation for acute charcoal-burning carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and investigated whether the initial DWI results can predict long-term neurologic outcomes.

METHODS

The study included 128 patients who suffered from CO poisoning after burning charcoal and underwent DWI. These patients were divided into two groups based on imaging results: a normal DWI group and an abnormal DWI group. Data regarding clinical courses and long-term neurologic outcomes (persistent severe neurologic sequelae) were collected and compared.

RESULTS

The rate of abnormal DWI findings at presentation was 23.4%, and the most common site of abnormalities was the globus pallidus. All lesions in abnormal DWI had decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values. The long-term neurologic state was assessed at a median follow-up of 19.5 months, and the frequency of poor long-term neurologic outcome was significantly higher in the abnormal DWI group (40.0% in the abnormal DWI group vs. 1.0% in the normal DWI group; p < .001). Abnormal DWI (odds ratio [OR]): 31.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5-397) and old age (OR 1.1, 95% CI: 1.001-1.13) were independent factors for poor long-term neurologic outcomes, whereas the Glasgow Coma Scale score at presentation (OR: 0.7, 95% CI: 0.6-0.9) was negatively associated with the risk of poor long-term neurologic outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

In cases involving CO poisoning due to charcoal burning, DWI at presentation may help predict the long-term neurological outcome after discharge.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D cutoffs for functional bone measures in postmenopausal osteoporosis

This study sought to determine the minimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration required to maintain bone health in postmenopausal women with low bone mass. A serum 25(OH)D concentration of 20 ng/mL rather than 30 ng/mL was appropriate for bone health.

INTRODUCTION

There is no consensus on the minimal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration required to maintain bone health. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between 25(OH)D measured via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), which is the current gold standard, and biochemical markers of bone turnover, PTH, and bone mineral densitometry (BMD).

METHODS

The medical records of 750 postmenopausal women newly diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia at Samsung Medical Center from 2009 to 2014 were investigated. Subjects were divided into four groups according to serum 25(OH)D concentration: <10, 10-20, 20-30, and ≥30 ng/mL. Serum concentrations of bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BS-ALP), carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTx), intact PTH (iPTH), and BMD were compared among the four groups using analysis of covariance. Thresholds of 25(OH)D were then assessed using spline plots and locally weighted regression smoothing (LOESS) plots.

RESULTS

25(OH)D was negatively correlated with serum BS-ALP, CTx, and iPTH. Only femur neck and total femur BMD had significant positive relationships with 25(OH)D. Cutoff values of 11.9 and 9.7 ng/mL were estimated from the spline plots of femur neck and total femur BMD, respectively. For iPTH, the LOESS plot showed a steep decrease to a serum 25(OH)D concentration of about 20 ng/mL, followed by a plateau.

CONCLUSIONS

According to this study, a serum 25(OH)D concentration of 20 ng/mL, rather than 30 ng/mL, was appropriate for bone health.

Raw ready-to-eat seafood safety: microbiological quality of the various seafood species available in fishery, hyper and online markets

Microbiological quality of 206 raw ready-to-eat seafood samples was investigated according to species (gizzard shad, halibut, rockfish, tuna, oyster and squid) and distribution channels (fishery, hyper and online market). Enumeration of aerobic plate count and total coliforms (TC) and pathogenic bacteria (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus) was performed, and level of microbiological quality was classified into four groups: satisfactory, acceptable, unsatisfactory and unacceptable. Qualitative analysis was also performed for Escherichia coli and eight foodborne pathogens (B. cereus, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., S. aureus, Vibrio cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and Vibrio vulnificus). Raw ready-to-eat seafood products revealed 0·5% at an unsatisfactory level and 4·9% at an unacceptable level due to ≥4 log CFU g^-1 of TC in squid and ≥3 log CFU g^-1 of V. parahaemolyticus in gizzard shad respectively. Gizzard shad was shown to be potentially hazardous, as its sashimi is eaten with its skin attached. Bacillus cereus, E. coli, S. aureus, V. parahaemolyticus and V. vulnificus were qualitatively detected. Samples from the fishery market showed higher detection rate especially in V. parahaemolyticus (21·6%) and V. vulnificus (1·7%) which indicates the need to improve microbiological safety of raw ready-to-eat seafood products in fishery market.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

Raw ready-to-eat seafood products like sashimi can be easily contaminated with various bacteria from aquatic environments and human reservoirs, which subsequently bring about a risk in food poisoning due to no heating process before consumption. The results of this study provide comprehensive microbiological data on various species of raw ready-to-eat seafood from various distribution channels. It may contribute to establish reasonable standard and effective strategies to ensure a good microbiological quality of raw ready-to-eat seafood for the safety of meals, like sashimi and sushi.

Gray matter network differences between behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia and Alzheimer's disease

We set out to study whether single-subject gray matter (GM) networks show disturbances that are specific for Alzheimer's disease (AD; n = 90) or behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD; n = 59), and whether such disturbances would be related to cognitive deficits measured with mini-mental state examination and a neuropsychological battery, using subjective cognitive decline subjects as reference. AD and bvFTD patients had a lower degree, connectivity density, clustering, path length, betweenness centrality, and small world values compared with subjective cognitive decline. AD patients had a lower connectivity density than bvFTD patients (F = 5.79, p = 0.02; mean ± standard deviation bvFTD 16.10 ± 1.19%; mean ± standard deviation AD 15.64 ± 1.02%). Lasso logistic regression showed that connectivity differences between bvFTD and AD were specific to 23 anatomical areas, in terms of local GM volume, degree, and clustering. Lower clustering values and lower degree values were specifically associated with worse mini-mental state examination scores and lower performance on the neuropsychological tests. GM showed disease-specific alterations, when comparing bvFTD with AD patients, and these alterations were associated with cognitive deficits.

An effective diagnostic strategy for accurate detection of RhD variants including Asian DEL type in apparently RhD-negative blood donors in Korea

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to provide an effective RHD genotyping strategy for the East Asian blood donors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

RhD phenotyping, weak D testing and RhCE phenotyping were performed on 110 samples from members of the RhD-negative club, private organization composed of RhD-negative blood donors, in the GwangJu-Chonnam region of Korea. The RHD promoter, intron 4, and exons 7 and 10 were analysed by real-time PCR. Two nucleotide changes (c.1227 G>A, and c.1222 T>C) in exon 9 were analysed by sequencing.

RESULTS

Of 110 RhD-negative club members, 79 (71·8%) showed complete deletion of the RHD gene, 10 (9·1%) showed results consistent with RHD-CE-D hybrid, and 21 (19·1%) showed amplification of RHD promoter, intron 4, and exons 7 and 10. Of the latter group, 16 (14·5%) were in the DEL blood group including c.1227 G>A (N = 14) and c.1222 T>C (N = 2), 2 (1·8%) were weak D, 1(0·9%) was partial D, and 2 (1·8%) were undetermined. The RhD-negative phenotype samples consisted of 58 C-E-c+e+, 19 C-E+c+e+, 3 C-E+c+e-, 21 C+E-c+e-, 6 C+E-c+e+ and 3 C+E-c-e + . Notably, all 58 samples with the C-E-c+e+ phenotype were revealed to have complete deletion of the RHD gene. The C-E-c+e+ phenotype showed 100% positive predictive value for detecting D-negative cases.

CONCLUSIONS

RHD genotyping is not required in half of D-negative cases. We suggest here an effective RHD genotyping strategy for accurate detection of RhD variants in apparently RhD-negative blood donors in East Asia.

The use of statins for the treatment of depression in patients with acute coronary syndrome

This study aimed to investigate the effect of statins for the treatment of depression in individuals with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We used 1-year follow-up data of a 24-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of escitalopram and a naturalistic prospective observational cohort study. Of 446 participants with comorbid depressive disorders and ACS at baseline, 300 participated in a randomised escitalopram trial and the remaining 146 participated in a naturalistic observational study. The participants in the two studies were approached for a 1-year follow-up investigation. Treatment response rates, defined as a ⩾ 50% reduction in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores, were used as the outcome variables. In the escitalopram trial, both HAM-D and BDI response rates were highest in patients taking escitalopram and statins together and lowest in patients receiving neither medication. Logistic regression analyses revealed that statin use was significantly associated with higher response rates on both the HAM-D and BDI at 1 year, whereas no such associations were found for escitalopram. In the naturalistic observational study, the response rates at 1 year did not differ significantly by statin use. Instead, the HAM-D response rate was significantly higher in patients taking lipophilic statins than in those who did not. In conclusion, statins may be effective for the treatment of depression independent of medical status and escitalopram use, and they may potentiate the antidepressant action of serotonergic antidepressants in patients with ACS.

Effects of depression co-morbidity and treatment on quality of life in patients with acute coronary syndrome: the Korean depression in ACS (K-DEPACS) and the escitalopram for depression in ACS (EsDEPACS) study

BACKGROUND

Depression is common after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with adverse effects on prognosis. There is little evidence on whether depression treatment improves quality of life (QoL) in ACS patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of co-morbid depression and its treatment on QoL in ACS.

METHOD

In total, 1152 patients were recruited at baseline, 2-14 weeks after a confirmed ACS episode, and 828 were followed 1 year thereafter. Of 446 baseline participants with co-morbid depressive disorders, 300 were randomized to a 24-week double blind trial of escitalopram or placebo, while the remaining 146 received medical treatment only (MTO). QoL was measured by the World Health Organization Quality of Life -Abbreviated form (WHOQOL-BREF).

RESULTS

At baseline, QoL was significantly lower in patients with co-morbid depressive disorder than those without. QoL improvement was significantly greater in those receiving escitalopram than those receiving placebo over the 24-week treatment period. In the 1-year follow-up, the better outcomes associated with escitalopram remained evident against both placebo and MTO.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression was significantly associated with worse QoL even in patients with recently developed ACS. Depression treatment was associated with QoL improvement in ACS patients in the 24-week treatment period, the effects of which extended to 1 year.

Complete mitochondrial genome of a natural triploid crucian carp mutant, Carassius auratus var. pingxiangnensis, and phylogenetic analysis of different ploidies in crucian carp

Carassius auratus var. pingxiangnensis is a natural triploid crucian carp mutant. In order to understand its placement and genetic background at the gene level, the characteristics of mitochondrial DNA sequences and phylogenetic relationship were examined. The results showed that the mitochondrial DNA is a circular double-stranded DNA molecule that is 16,576 bp in length with 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a non-coding control region. Mitochondrial genes overlapped by a total of 40 bp in 11 different locations from 1 to 14 bp. The base composition of the C. auratus mitogenome was estimated to be 29.70% A, 26.74% C, 15.35% G, and 28.21% T. The central conserved blocks and the conserved blocks were compared and were similar among C. auratus var. pingxiangnensis and six other cyprinids with different ploidies. The origin of light strand replication was similar to that of other vertebrates; it was 33 bp, but the characteristic sequence motif 5ꞌ-GCCGG-3ꞌ at the base of the stem within tRNA(Cys) was mutated to 5ꞌ-GGCGG- 3ꞌ. Our phylogenetic analysis based on whole mitogenome sequences indicated that C. auratus var. pingxiangnensis was clustered with C. auratus and then sister-grouped with Carassius gibelio. The systemic developmental tree of crucian carp with different chromosome ploidies showed that diploid C. auratus auratus was clustered with triploid C. auratus auratus, sister-grouped with tetraploid C. auratus auratus, and clustered with other diploid, triploid, and tetraploid C. auratus.

Analysis of the antimicrobial effects of nonthermal plasma on fungal spores in ionic solutions

The antimicrobial efficiency of reactive species-based control strategies is significantly affected by the dynamics of reactive species in the biological environment. Atmospheric-pressure nonthermal plasma is an ionized gas in which various reactive species are produced. The various levels of antimicrobial activity may result from the dynamic interaction of the plasma-generated reactive species with the environment. However, the nature of the interaction between plasma and environments is poorly understood. In this study, we analyzed the influence of the ionic strength of surrounding solutions (environment) on the antimicrobial activity of plasma in relation to the plasma-generated reactive species using a model filamentous fungus, Neurospora crassa. Our data revealed that the presence of sodium chloride (NaCl) in the background solution attenuated the deleterious effects of plasma on germination, internal structure, and genomic DNA of fungal spores. The protective effects of NaCl were not explained exclusively by pH, osmotic stability, or the level of reactive species in the solution. These were strongly associated with the ionic strength of the background solution. The presence of ions reduced plasma toxicity, which might be due to a reduced access of reactive species to fungal spores, and fungal spores were inactivated by plasma in a background fluid of nonionic osmolytes despite the low level of reactive species. Our results suggest that the surrounding environment may affect the behavior of reactive species, which leads to different biological consequences regardless of their quantity. Moreover, the microbicidal effect of plasma can be synergistically regulated through control of the microenvironment.

Differences in microstructural alterations of the hippocampus in Alzheimer disease and idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus: a diffusion tensor imaging study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

DTI can be used to assess the degradation of WM tracts by measuring the FA and MD. Decreased FA/increased MD values in the AD hippocampus have been reported by many studies. In contrast, only a few studies reported on hydrocephalus by using the DTI technique. In elderly patients with dementia and with dilated ventricles, it is often difficult to differentiate iNPH from AD with visual measurements on MR imaging. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes of microstructural integrity of the hippocampus in iNPH by using DTI and determining whether this method could be a new diagnostic tool to differentiate iNPH from AD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We recruited 43 participants (15 healthy controls, 15 patients with AD, and 13 patients with iNPH). The FA and MD values were measured by using the region-of-interest method in the hippocampal head, body, and tail on both sides. Clinical history, neurologic examination, and neuropsychological assessment were included.

RESULTS

The FA values were the lowest in the patients with AD, the patients with iNPH, and the healthy controls in this order. The MD values were the highest in the same order. These findings were consistent in the 3 subdivisions of the bilateral hippocampal regions. Hippocampal volume was not different between patients with iNPH and AD.

CONCLUSIONS

The microstructural alterations of the hippocampus were more sensitive than the volumetric changes in AD and iNPH. DTI analysis might be a useful tool for discriminating AD from iNPH.

Dual enteric and respiratory tropisms of winter dysentery bovine coronavirus in calves

Although winter dysentery (WD), which is caused by the bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is characterized by the sudden onset of diarrhea in many adult cattle in a herd, the pathogenesis of the WD-BCoV is not completely understood. In this study, colostrum-deprived calves were experimentally infected with a Korean WD-BCoV strain and examined for viremia, enteric and nasal virus shedding as well as for viral antigen expression and virus-associated lesions in the small and large intestines and the upper and lower respiratory tract from 1 to 8 days after an oral infection. The WD-BCoV-inoculated calves showed gradual villous atrophy in the small intestine and a gradual increase in the crypt depth of the large intestine. The WD-BCoV-infected animals showed epithelial damage in nasal turbinates, trachea and lungs, and interstitial pneumonia. The WD-BCoV antigen was detected in the epithelium of the small and large intestines, nasal turbinates, trachea and lungs. WD-BCoV RNA was detected in the serum from post-inoculation day 3. These results show that the WD-BCoV has dual tropism and induces pathological changes in both the digestive and respiratory tracts of calves. To our knowledge, this is the first detailed report of dual enteric and respiratory tropisms of WD-BCoV in calves. Comprehensive studies of the dual tissue pathogenesis of the BCoV might contribute to an increased understanding of similar pneumoenteric CoV infections in humans.

Short term surgical outcomes of modified deep sclerectomy with catgut implant

We compared the effectiveness of and complications resulting from modified deep sclerectomy with catgut implant (modified-DSCI) with those of standard deep sclerectomy with collagen implant (DSCI) in the short term following surgery. In this retrospective study, standard-DSCI was performed on thirteen patients (17 eyes), and modified-DSCI was performed on seven patients (11 eyes). After dissection of a 5x5 mm sized superficial scleral flap, a 3x4 mm sized rectangular deep scleral flap was constructed in DSCI and a 2x3 mm sized triangular deep scleral flap in modified DSCI. A collagen implant was placed on the scleral bed in DSCI and # 0 CHROMIC Catgut Absorbable Suture was used in modified DSCI. The mean follow up was 11.0+/-6.1 months in DSCI and 9.3+/-4.7 months in modified DSCI. The mean preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) was 38.6+/-10.9 mmHg in DSCI and 34.8+/-8.6 mmHg in modified DSCI. In the DSCI group, the IOP was 13.4+/-3.0 mmHg at final follow up, and was 11.4+/-3.2 mmHg in the modified DSCI group. The number of Nd:YAG goniopuncture was 3 cases (25%) in the modified DSCI group, and 3 cases (21.4%) in the DSCI group. The number of intraoperative microperforations was 3 in the DSCI group and 2 in the modified DSCI group. Temporary hypotony was encountered in 8 eyes (57.1%) of the DSCI group and 4 eyes (50%) of the modified DSCI group. There was no significant difference observed between the two groups in regards to the effectiveness or rate of complications seen during short term follow up.

Increased frequencies of glutathione S-transferase (GSTM1 and GSTT1) gene deletions in Korean patients with acquired aplastic anemia

Patients with reduced ability to metabolize environmental carcinogens or toxins may be at risk of developing aplastic anemia. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) has been implicated in detoxifying mutagenic electrophilic compounds. This study asked whether the homozygous gene deletions of GSTM1 and GSTT1 affect the likelihood of developing aplastic anemia. The incidence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions was significantly higher for aplastic anemia patients (odds ratio [OR]: 3.1, P =.01 and OR: 3.1, P =.004, respectively) than for healthy controls. Among the aplastic anemia patients, 17.5% (10:57) had chromosomal abnormalities at the time of diagnosis, and all aplastic anemia patients with chromosomal abnormalities showed GSTT1 gene deletions (P =.048). Individuals with GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletions may have greater susceptibility to aplastic anemia. It is possible that genetic instability or chromosomal damage due to abnormal detoxification of environmental toxins might have worked as an important pathophysiologic mechanism of aplastic anemia for patients with GSTT1 gene deletions.

Surgical outcomes of deep sclerectomy with collagen implant

We evaulated the effectiveness and adverse effects of deep sclerectomy with collagen implant (DSCI), which is a kind of nonpenetrating filtering surgery. In this retrospective study, DSCI was performed in 15 eyes of 11 glaucoma patients. An trabeculo-Descemet's membrane (TDM) window is created by a deep sclerokeratectomy, and the collagen implant is placed in the sclera bed under a superficial flap (deep sclerectomy with collagen implant). In 3 of 15 eyes the DSCI was intraoperatively converted to conventional filtering surgery for a large perforation of the TDM. These eyes were not included in the results of the surgical outcomes. The mean age of the patients was 50.3 +/- 14.4 years, and the mean follow-up period was 11.1 +/- 5.9 months. A diagnosis of chronic open angle glaucoma was made in 7 eyes and a diagnosis of secondary glaucoma in 5 eyes. The mean preoperative IOP was 25.8 +/- 11.9 mmHg, the immediate postoperative IOP was 6.4 +/- 2.9 mmHg, and at the final follow-up, the IOP was 11.9 +/- 2.5 mmHg. The IOP in 5 eyes was under 6 mmHg temporarily. However, there was no serious complication such as shallow anterior chamber. DSCI is considered to be a good surgical procedure that has similar surgical outcomes to a conventional trabeculectomy without serious complications.

A case of glaucoma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome and Nevus of Ota

The Sturge-Weber syndrome consists of a unilateral port-wine hemangioma of the skin along the trigeminal distribution and is accompanied by an ipsilateral leptomeningeal angioma. Glaucoma is present in approximately half of the cases. The Nevus of Ota is a melanocytic pigmentary disorder, most commonly involving the area innervated by the trigeminal nerve. Elevated intraocular pressure, with or without glaucomatous damage, is observed in 10% of the cases. We report the first case of glaucoma associated with Sturge-Weber syndrome and Nevus of Ota in Korea.

Restrictive cardiomyopathy in a patient with extrahepatic biliary atresia

The most commonly associated anomalies in patients with extrahepatic biliary atresia are cardiovascular, digestive and splenic defects. Of the cardiovascular anomalies, there are very few reports of biliary atresia with cardiomyopathy. We report the first case of a child with extrahepatic biliary atresia and restrictive cardiomyopathy. The patient was a 13-month-old boy diagnosed with extrahepatic biliary atresia at the age of 2 months, when he underwent laparotomy for definite diagnosis.Hepatic portoenterostomy was performed after confirmative cholangiogram. Recently, he developed severe cough and dyspnea, and his respiratory symptoms worsened. Chest radiograph showed cardiomegaly. Two- dimensional echocardiography showed marked biatrial enlargement. On M- mode echocardiogram, a slight increase in left ventricular dimension was seen in early diastole with a relatively good left ventricular function. Mitral inflow Doppler tracing showed an increased E-velocity (1.1 m/sec) with decreased deceleration time (75 m/sec), and increased E/A ratio (0.33). He was diagnosed as having restrictive cardiomyopathy with characteristic echocardiographic features.

Comparisons of intraocular-pressure- lowering efficacy and side effects of 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide

Forty-one healthy volunteers were recruited for a study to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy and side effects of 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide. In a randomized double-blind design, one eye received one drop of 2% dorzolamide and the other eye received one drop of 1% brinzolamide. The IOP and side effects were evaluated by Goldmann applanation tonometry and slit lamp biomicroscopy before administration, and 3, 7 and 14 days after the initial administration of eyedrops. The IOP decreased significantly from baseline for both drugs (p < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences between 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide either before or after eyedrop administration (p > 0.05). The most frequent side effect was ocular pain in the case of 2% dorzolamide and blurred vision in 1% brinzolamide. The results suggested that 2% dorzolamide and 1% brinzolamide have similar IOP-lowering efficacies with different side effects

Influence of glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 genotypes on larynx cancer risk among Korean smokers

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) isoenzymes are involved in the detoxification of major carcinogens present in tobacco smoke. It is thus conceivable that deficiency in GST activity due to homozygous deletions of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes (the null genotypes) may modulate susceptibility to smoking-induced cancers. The influence of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes on larynx cancer risk among the Korean population were evaluated using peripheral blood DNA from 82 larynx cancer patients and 63 healthy controls, all of whom were male current smokers. Increased larynx cancer risk was related to the GSTM1 null genotype (odds ratio (OR)=3.53, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.27-9.83). The OR associated with the GSTT1 null genotype was also increased, but did not reach statistical significance (OR=1.83, 95% CI=0.70-4.79). Individuals lacking both the GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes were at a significantly higher risk for larynx cancer than individuals with both genes present (OR=4.04, 95% CI=1.33-12.30). These data confirm that the GSTM1 null genotype is an important risk modifier for larynx cancer among Korean smokers and combined GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes could be a useful predictor of genetic susceptibility to larynx cancer.

Clinical usefulness of serum and plasma vascular endothelial growth factor in cancer patients: which is the optimal specimen?

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is secreted by various human cancer cells and plays a key role in cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. Recently, evidence of VEGF storage in blood cells including platelets has been reported. The serum VEGF levels were reported to increase during clotting as a result of its release from platelets, and plasma sample instead of serum was recommended for measuring the circulating VEGF more accurately. However, platelets have been implicated in tumor metastasis since circulating tumor cells forming aggregates with platelets were observed. The purpose of this study was to clarify which is an optimal specimen to measure VEGF in cancer patients, serum or plasma. We measured serum and plasma VEGF levels and platelet counts in 173 cancer patients and 42 healthy people, and found that serum VEGF levels were significantly higher than matched plasma VEGF and the VEGF difference (serum VEGF - plasma VEGF) correlated with platelet counts (r=0.624, p<0.05) in both cancer patients and healthy controls. We selected cancer patients with normal platelet counts (130-400x103/microl, Plt-normal cancer group). Interestingly, serum VEGF levels were higher in Plt-normal cancer group than in healthy controls. The theoretical platelet-derived VEGF in serum, calculated based on actual blood platelet counts (pg per 106 platelets), was also significantly higher in Plt-normal cancer group than in normal controls. It is, therefore, suggested that, although the serum VEGF levels are affected by blood platelets, platelet-derived VEGF also reflect biology of cancer cells, and that serum would be the more useful specimen for measurement of circulating VEGF in cancer patients for prognosis.

Effect of 0.2% brimonidine in preventing intraocular pressure elevation after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To determine the prophylactic effect of 0.2% brimonidine in reducing the elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients undergoing Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The 81 patients (81 eyes), who underwent Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, were allocated to two treatment groups. One drop of 0.2% brimonidine or vehicle was instilled 1 hour preoperatively and one drop immediately after capsulotomy. IOPs were measured preoperatively and 1, 2, 3, and 24 hours postoperatively.

RESULTS

Intraocular pressure decreased from the baseline in the brimonidine group by the third postoperative hour (P<0.05), while the vehicle group exhibited an increase. Intraocular pressure elevations of 5 mm Hg or greater occurred in 7.3% (3/41) in the brimonidine group compared to 20.0% (8/40) in the vehicle group. IOP elevations of 10 mm Hg or greater occurred in 2.4% (1/41) in the brimonidine group compared to 7.5% (3/40) in the vehicle group.

CONCLUSIONS

One drop of 0.2% brimonidine instilled 1 hour preoperatively and immediately after capsulotomy was found to be efficacious and safe in preventing IOP elevations that frequently follow Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

Clinical usefulness of serum and plasma vascular endothelial growth factor in cancer patients: which is the optimal specimen?

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is secreted by various human cancer cells and plays a key role in cancer angiogenesis and metastasis. Recently, evidence of VEGF storage in blood cells including platelets has been reported. The serum VEGF levels were reported to increase during clotting as a result of its release from platelets, and plasma sample instead of serum was recommended for measuring the circulating VEGF more accurately. However, platelets have been implicated in tumor metastasis since circulating tumor cells forming aggregates with platelets were observed. The purpose of this study was to clarify which is an optimal specimen to measure VEGF in cancer patients, serum or plasma. We measured serum and plasma VEGF levels and platelet counts in 173 cancer patients and 42 healthy people, and found that serum VEGF levels were significantly higher than matched plasma VEGF and the VEGF difference (serum VEGF - plasma VEGF) correlated with platelet counts (r=0.624, p<0.05) in both cancer patients and healthy controls. We selected cancer patients with normal platelet counts (130-400x103/microl, Plt-normal cancer group). Interestingly, serum VEGF levels were higher in Plt-normal cancer group than in healthy controls. The theoretical platelet-derived VEGF in serum, calculated based on actual blood platelet counts (pg per 106 platelets), was also significantly higher in Plt-normal cancer group than in normal controls. It is, therefore, suggested that, although the serum VEGF levels are affected by blood platelets, platelet-derived VEGF also reflect biology of cancer cells, and that serum would be the more useful specimen for measurement of circulating VEGF in cancer patients for prognosis.

Effect of IOP elevation on matrix metalloproteinase-2 in rabbit anterior chamber

To investigate changes in the level of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in the anterior chamber of rabbit with intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. The IOP was elevated with scleral encircling in 12 rabbits. In the control group (4 rabbits), IOP was not changed after scleral encircling, and in group 1 (4 rabbits) and 2 (4 rabbits), IOP was elevated about 10 and 20 mmHg respectively after scleral encircling. At 2 days after scleral encircling, aqueous sampling was performed and levels of MMP-2 were checked by Western blots and gelatin zymograms. The greater the IOP elevation, the more MMP-2 expression in the anterior chamber by Western blots and gelatin zymograms. The increase in MMP-2 expression in response to IOP elevation may have important implications for the IOP feedback control mechanism.

The effective concentration and exposure time of mitomycin-C for the inhibition of lens epithelial cell proliferation in rabbit eyes

The proliferation of residual lens epithelial cells following cataract surgery is assumed to be a major cause of posterior capsular opacification. To assess the efficacy of mitomycin-C in preventing posterior capsular opacification, we determined the effective concentration and exposure time of mitomycin-C in inhibiting rabbit lens epithelial cell proliferation. The fourth-passaged rabbit lens epithelial cells were maintained for one day and then exposed to mitomycin-C for 1, 2, 3, and 5 minutes, respectively. There were 9 different plating concentrations of mitomycin-C with two-fold serial dilution. The maintenance of the phenotypic properties of lens epithelial cells was confirmed by continuous transcription of lambda-crystalline mRNA determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and the polymorphism of the restriction fragment. Cell proliferation was assayed with 3H-thymidine incorporation into DNA. The fourth-passaged cells maintained the expression of lambda-crystalline mRNA, suggesting that they are phenotypically authentic lens epithelial cells. The effective concentrations and exposure time of mitomycin-C were 0.1 mg/ml for 1 minute and 2 minutes, and 0.025 mg/ml for 2 minutes. By these results, we postulated that mitomycin-C at relatively short incubation times could be clinically used for prevention of posterior capsular opacification after cataract surgery.

Enantiomeric synthesis of (S)-2-methylbutanoic acid methyl ester, apple flavor, using lipases in organic solvent

Enantiomeric selective synthesis of (S)-2-methylbutanoic acid methyl ester, which is known as a major apple and strawberry flavor, was performed from racemic 2-methylbutanoic acid using lipases in organic solvent. Among 20 lipases, lipase IM 20 (immobilized lipase of Rhizomucor miehei), lipase AP (Aspergillus niger), and lipase FAP-15 (Aspergillus javanicus) exhibited higher enzymatic activities and enantioselectivities and were selected for the synthesis of (S)-2-methylbutanoic acid methyl ester. Using these enzymes, the reaction conditions such as temperature and lyophilizing pH were optimized, and kinetic parameters were determined. All of the reactions were performed in isooctane, which was identified as the best reaction media for nonaqueous systems. At 20 degrees C maximum enantiomeric excess was observed, while synthetic activity increased as the temperature increased. Only lipases lyophilized at pH 5.5, 6. 0, 6.5, and 7.0 showed synthetic activity. In this pH range, enantioselectivities were not influenced by the lyophilizing pH. The K(M,S) and K(M,R) values for ester synthetic activity of lipase were 1120 and 1240 mM, respectively. Enzyme activity was inhibited by (S)-2-methylbutanoic amide, and its K(i) was calculated as 84 mM. (S)-2-Methylbutanoic amide acted as a competitive inhibitor.

Needle thoracic sympathectomy for essential hyperhidrosis: intermediate-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Essential hyperhidrosis is a condition with excessive sweating localized to certain part of the body. A definitive cure can be obtained by upper thoracic sympathectomy.

METHOD

Between June and October 1997, 117 patients with essential hyperhidrosis underwent needle thoracoscopic sympathectomy. Of the 94 patients, 42 were men and 52 women. Their ages ranged from 14 to 63 years, with a mean age of 23 years.

RESULTS

There were no mortality or life-threatening complications. Symptomatic improvement was found in 95.7%. Compensatory hyperhidrosis was found in 71.2% of the patients, but in these compensatory hyperhidrosis were mostly tolerable.

CONCLUSIONS

This therapeutic procedure is minimally invasive and very effective. Further development of the new device and surgical technique are expected to follow.

Thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery for hyperhidrosis

Resectional surgery of sympathetic nerves has been known to be the most effective treatment for essential hyperhidrosis and the application of thoracoscopic electrocauterization has provided a minimally-invasive procedure with the least morbidity and a resultant higher satisfaction rate. This paper describes our experience on the 1,167 cases of thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery for the treatment of essential hyperhidrosis. A total of 1,167 patients (674 males (58%) and 493 females (42%), mean age of 26.4 years with palmar (930), craniofacial (190) or axillary (47) hyperhidrosis underwent thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery from July 1992 to March 1999. Since the T2-4 sympathectomy, first performed in July 1992 for a patient of palmar hyperhidrosis, the operative methods have been altered to achieve a higher satisfaction level with the least complication by adopting less invasive procedures. Our current standard procedures being performed are T3 and T2 clipping for palmar and craniofacial hyperhidrosis and T3,4 sympathicotomy for axillary hyperhidrosis, all using a 2 mm needle thoracoscope. As the surgical procedures have been transited to a less invasive method with limited resection using the newest endoscopic devices, the average operation time and complications such as Horner's syndrome and compensatory hyperhidrosis have gradually decreased and thus the long-term satisfaction rate has been raised up to 98% for palmar hyperhidrosis, 92% for craniofacial hyperhidrosis and 89% for axillary hyperhidrosis. The recurrent cases (14/1167) were treated successfully with reoperations of thoracoscopic sympathetic surgery. The optimal goal of therapy could be achieved by complete elimination of the hyperhidrotic symptom, by decreasing the incidence and degree of compensatory hyperhidrosis through a selective and limited resection, and by adopting the least invasive procedures. Sympathicotomy has provided the advantages of a limited extent of denervation and the resultant decrease of compensatory hyperhidrosis compared to sympathectomy. The reversible method of clipping may be an effective, provisionary means for cases of severe, intractable compensatory sweating. For craniofacial hyperhidrosis, T2 sympathicotomy or clipping has been proven to be superior to the T1 sympathectomy due to the decreased occurrence of Horner's syndrome and T3,4 sympathicotomy providing a satisfactory outcome with less compensatory hyperhidrosis for axillary hyperhidrosis.

Effects of 0.005% latanoprost on optic nerve head and peripapillary retinal blood flow

Fifty-two eyes of 26 healthy volunteers were recruited for evaluating the effects of 0.005% latanoprost on optic nerve head (ONH) and peripapillary retinal blood flow. In a randomized double-blind design, one eye received one drop of 0.005% latanoprost and its fellow eye received one drop of a placebo eyedrop. Intraocular pressure (IOP), ONH and peripapillary retinal blood flow were measured with Heidelberg retinal flowmetry (HRF) before, 2 and 24 h after administration of eyedrops. IOP was decreased significantly in latanoprost-treated eyes at 2 and 24 h after administration (p < 0.05). In the volume, flow or velocity of ONH and peripapillary retina, there were no significant changes from the baseline values at 2 and 24 h after latanoprost administration in either latanoprost-treated eyes or their fellow eyes (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found in the measured quantities between latanoprost-treated eyes and their fellow eyes at each time point (p > 0.05). This result may suggest that 0.005% latanoprost in healthy subjects does not have any adverse effect on ONH and peripapillary retinal blood flow.

A case of parenchymal pulmonary endometriosis

Pulmonary Endometriosis is a rare disease entity and we report a 23-year-old single woman with a history of hemoptysis in association with menstruation. She was previously treated effectively with hormone therapy for 3 months, but decided to undergo surgical resection because of the high cost of hormone therapy. Radiographic finding of the chest showed haziness in the right lower lung field, and chest CT showed a ground-glass appearance in the posterobasal and laterobasal segment. The patient underwent basal segmentectomy of the right lower lobe. There was no incidence of hemoptysis during her menstruation following the operation.

The changes in main pulmonary artery pressure after bilateral lung autotransplantation in dogs

In the Respiratory Center, Yongdong Severance Hospital, Yonsei University, we performed 10 cases of bilateral lung autotransplantation in mongrel dogs from July 1994 to June 1996, and we have analyzed the hemodynamic changes. Autotransplantation was performed in order to avoid postoperative rejection. The lung was flushed with an Euro-Collins(E-C) solution containing PGE1 which passed through a 10 French catheter inserted into an incision on the anterior half of the pulmonary artery to pulmonary parenchyme, and the vertical incision was made on the anterior half of the left atrium near the proximal part of the pulmonary vein. However, the bronchus was totally divided after clamping both sides. The lung was kept cold (4 degrees C) in the thoracic cavity for an hour by using slushed ice made from an E-C solution. After an hour of cold ischemia, the pulmonary artery was sutured with Prolene 5-0. The pulmonary vein was sutured with Prolene 6-0 by using the continuous everting mattress method. The main bronchus was anastomosed using the telescope method. The arterial oxygen concentration and the pressures in the femoral and pulmonary arteries were measured both preoperatively and postoperatively. There were no significant hemodynamic differences between the preoperative and postoperative mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) (paired t-test, P = 0.05). Lung preservation using a cold (4 degrees C) E-C solution containing PGE1 may be an acceptable method for short-term storage of a lung (for about an hour) in bilateral lung autotransplantation in dogs.

The effect of mitomycin-C on postoperative corneal astigmatism in trabeculectomy and a triple procedure

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The authors attempted to determine the effect of mitomycin-C (MMC) on postoperative corneal astigmatism in patients who underwent trabeculectomy or a triple procedure (trabeculectomy, extracapsular cataract extraction, and intraocular lens implantation).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using the vector analysis method, the authors measured the postoperative induced astigmatism of 76 eyes in 59 patients who underwent trabeculectomy or a triple procedure with or without the application of MMC. Postoperative induced astigmatism corresponding to the 180 degrees axis was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The patients who underwent trabeculectomy with or without MMC showed a mean induced astigmatism of -1.01 D and -2.63 D, respectively, after 1 month (P < .05), and 0.34 D and -1.42 D after 12 months (P < .05). Those who underwent a triple procedure with or without MMC showed a mean induced astigmatism of -1.81 D and -4.50 D, respectively, after 7 days (P < .05), and 1.73 D and -0.13 D, respectively, after 12 months (P < .05). The entire amount of postoperative against-the-rule astigmatic shift was similar between the with-MMC group and the without-MMC group. The against-the-rule astigmatic shift of the group without MMC reached a plateau after 3 months. However, the group with MMC showed continuous against-the-rule astigmatic shift until 12 months.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that MMC induces less with-the-rule astigmatism in early postoperative periods and continuous against-the-rule shift after 3 months following a trabeculectomy or a triple procedure.

The causative organisms of bacterial meningitis in Korean children, 1986-1995

Bacterial meningitis remains a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood. Epidemiologic investigations have shown variability in disease risks among different populations and races. In Korea, however, basic epidemiologic information on bacterial meningitis in children is limited. The main purpose of this study was to analyze bacteriologically proven meningitis cases in terms of the relative frequency of causative organisms, mortality rate, and age distribution beyond the neonatal period. Data was obtained from the hospital records who had been diagnosed with bacterial meningitis at 13 general or university hospitals from 1986 through 1995. The patients had at least one positive CSF culture for bacteria. Of 140 cases of CSF culture-proven bacterial meningitis, 46.4% was < or =1 year, 62.1% was < or =2 years, 81.4% was < or =5 years cumulatively. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common bacteria responsible for 48 (35.0%) of all cases regardless of age, followed by Haemophilus influenzae for 48 (34.3%) and Neisseria meningitidis for 8 (6.4%) patients. The case fatality rate was 20.0%, 17.1%, and 16.7% for N. meningitidis, S. pneumoniae, and H. influenzae, respectively. In conclusion, the most common organisms of culture-proven bacterial meningitis in the last 10 years have been S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and N. meningitidis in order of frequency. Further study should be extended to nation-wide epidemiologic evaluation to show the incidence of bacterial meningitis caused by these three important organisms.

Laser trabeculoplasty: how little is enough?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The optimal number of laser applications for argon laser trabeculoplasty in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma has not been established. The purpose of this study was to determine the fewest number of burns necessary for clinically effective intraocular pressure reduction for these patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using a prospective, randomized, collaborative study, the authors examined the relationship between the number of laser trabeculoplasty burns and intraocular pressure for patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. A total of 122 patients received either 50 burns to half of the trabecular meshwork (group 1) or 35 burns to one third of the trabecular meshwork (group 2).

RESULTS

The mean baseline intraocular pressures were similar between group 1 (22.3 +/- 4.1 mm Hg [mean +/- SD]) and group 2 (22.8 +/- 5.0 mm Hg) (P = .58). Intraocular pressure reduction at 9 to 12 months, although significant in both groups (group 1: 4.4 +/- 3.0 mm Hg, P < .0001; group 2: 3.9 +/- 5.1 mm Hg, P < .0001), did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = .63).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that 35 burns may be as clinically effective as 50 burns in reducing the intraocular pressure in primary open-angle glaucoma patients.

Relationship between optic disc cupping change and intraocular pressure control in adult glaucoma patients

BACKGROUND

Until recently, there has been a paucity of quantitative evidence for intraocular pressure (IOP)-dependent optic disc cupping change in adult glaucoma patients. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between optic disc cupping change and IOP control.

METHODS

The study involved 78 eyes of 78 randomly selected adult patients with early to moderate chronic open-angle glaucoma (CO-AG), treated on various therapeutic regimens, who had had two consecutive successful optic disc analyses with the Rodenstock Optic Nerve Head Analyzer 15.8 +/- 14.8 weeks apart.

RESULTS

The mean initial IOP of 27 eyes (34%) with cupping reversal did not differ from that of 17 eyes (22%) demonstrating progressive deterioration (29.2 +/- 8.8 vs 26.2 +/- 6.1 mmHg, P > 0.5), but the reversal group did have a significantly greater mean IOP decrease than the progression group (-10.8 +/- 7.9 vs-1.0 +/- 7.7 mmHg, P < 0.001) and significantly lower mean final IOP (18.3 +/- 6.1 vs 25.2 +/- 7.9 mmHg, P < 0.003).

CONCLUSION

A decrease of optic disc cupping is more likely with a greater IOP reduction and a lower final IOP, and an increase of cupping is more likely with less or no IOP reduction and a higher final IOP.

Intraocular pressure after a two-week washout following long-term timolol or levobunolol

The effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) of a 2-week washout following long-term ocular therapy with topical levobunolol or timolol for an average period of 30 months was investigated in 20 patients (11 whites and 9 blacks) with early primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertensive glaucoma suspect status. The 2-week washout IOP was significantly lower than the pretreatment baseline IOP in the total 20 patients (P < 0.001), and in the 9 black patients (P = 0.004), but not in the 11 white patients (P = 0.065). However, the washout IOP was found to be significantly lower than the baseline IOP in the 5 whites with brown irides (P = 0.024) but not in the 6 whites with blue irides (P = 0.574). Thus, the 2-week washout following long-term ocular therapy with a topical beta 1-, beta 2-blocker appears insufficient to restore IOP to the pretreatment baseline level in blacks and in the whites with brown irides, whereas it may be adequate in the majority of the whites with blue irides.