Abstract Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility, disease activity, and phenotypic association of serum anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA), perinuclear anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (pANCA), PR3-ANCA, and MPO-ANCA in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: Pediatric patients diagnosed with IBD were recruited and classified as Crohn’s disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), and IBD-unclassified (IBD-U) through full investigation. The Paris classification was used to evaluate disease phenotypes of pediatric CD and UC. Results: In all, 229 pediatric patients with IBD (CD 147, UC 53, IBD-U 29) were included. The ASCA IgG seropositivity significantly differed among the three groups (CD 75.4%, UC 17.5%, and IBD-U 60.0%; p < 0.001). PR3-ANCA positive rates were the highest in UC (24.0%), followed by IBD-U (17.6%), and none in CD (p = 0.002); pANCA-positive rates were higher in IBD-U (33.6%), followed by UC (28.0%) than in CD (1.4%) (p < 0.001). Regarding disease phenotype, perianal disease revealed higher serum ASCA IgG titers (median 36.7 U/mL in P1 vs. 25.2 U/mL in P0, p = 0.019). Serum ASCA IgG and IgA cutoff values to distinguish CD were 32.7 (U/mL) and 11.9 (U/mL), respectively, with a specificity of 80.0%. Conclusion: Serological biomarkers of ASCA IgG and IgA were effective for differentiating CD in pediatric IBD patients, and serum pANCA and PR3-ANCA, but not MPO-ANCA, were effective in distinguishing UC and IBD-U. Furthermore, measuring serological titers of ASCA IgG and IgA may help differentiate CD and evaluate the disease activity and phenotype of pediatric IBD in practice. Objective utility antiSaccharomyces anti Saccharomyces ASCA, , (ASCA) antineutrophil neutrophil pANCA, (pANCA) PR3ANCA, PR3ANCA PRANCA PR3 ANCA, ANCA PR MPOANCA MPO IBD. . (IBD) Methods Crohns Crohn s CD, (CD) UC, (UC) IBDunclassified unclassified IBDU U (IBD-U investigation Results all 22 147 53 29 included 754 75 4 75.4% 175 17 5 17.5% 60.0% 600 60 0 0.001. 0001 0.001 001 0.001) 24.0%, 240 24.0% 24 (24.0%) 17.6%, 176 17.6% 6 (17.6%) 0.002 0002 002 0.002) pANCApositive 33.6%, 336 33.6% 33 (33.6%) 28.0% 280 28 (28.0% 1.4% 14 1 (1.4% median 367 36 7 36. UmL mL P vs 252 25 2 25. P0 0.019. 0019 0.019 019 0.019) 327 32 32. (U/mL 119 11 9 11. U/mL, respectively 800 80 80.0% Conclusion MPOANCA, IBDU. U. Furthermore practice (ASCA (pANCA (IBD (UC 75.4 17.5 60.0 000 0.00 00 24.0 (24.0% 17.6 (17.6% 33.6 3 (33.6% 28.0 (28.0 1.4 (1.4 0.01 01 8 80.0 75. 17. 60. 0.0 24. (24.0 (17.6 33. (33.6 28. (28. 1. (1. 80. 0. (24. (17. (33. (28 (1 (24 (17 (33 (2 ( (3

Abstract Introduction The association between tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy (T&A) with appendicitis is controversial, and the association of T&A with pneumonia has not been investigated. Objective To investigate the associations of T&A with pneumonia and appendicitis using data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort. Methods We selected patients between the ages of 3 and 10 years who had undergone T&A in 2005 and were monitored since the performance of the T&A until 2013. The control group was established to have similar propensities for demographic characteristics compared to the T&A group. For eight years after the T&A, the number of patients with a diagnosis of pneumonia, patients who were admitted due to pneumonia, and those who underwent appendectomy were analyzed. The risk factors for pneumonia and appendectomy were analyzed. Results The number of pneumonia diagnoses was significantly higher in the T&A group than in the control group (p = 0.023), but there were no significant differences in the number of admissions due to pneumonia between the 2 groups (p = 0.155). Younger age and T&A were significant risk factors for the development of pneumonia. There were no significant differences in the number of appendectomies between the T&A and the control groups (p = 0.425), neither were there significant risk factors for appendectomy. Conclusion Tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy was associated with an increase in pneumonia diagnoses, but it was not associated with the number of appendectomies. The associations of T&A with pneumonia and appendicitis were analyzed in this population-based study.

Abstract Although ovarian aging is a key cause of decreased ovarian function and oocyte quality, it remains a problem in infertility treatment. Therefore, this study is aimed to investigate whether Paeonia lactiflora (PL), a herb improves ovarian function and oocyte quality using aged female mice. C57BL/6 female mice aged 8 months were treated orally every day with PL of 26.5 mg/kg (n=7) and 53 mg/kg (n=7) of body weight for 4 weeks using an oral zoned needle. The control group (n=7) was treated with normal saline. Ovaries and serum were collected for the H&E stain and the evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, respectively. In the second experiment, female mice were orally administered with PL (26.5 mg/kg: n=12, 53 mg/kg: n=12, control: n=12) and then superovulated with PMSG and hCG, and mated with male mice. Zygotes were retrieved and cultured for 4 days. Ovaries were provided for examination of expressions of genes associated with angiogenesis (VEGF and visfatin), anti-aging (Sirt1 and Sirt2), and follicular development (c-Kit, BMP-15, and GDF-9). PL significantly increased numbers of surviving follicles (primordial, primary, secondary, and antral), numbers of zygotes retrieved, embryo development rate, and ovarian expression of VEGF, visfatin, c-Kit, BMP-15, and GDF-9 at both doses. However, ovarian expression of Sirt1 and Sirt2 was increased at 53.0 mg/kg of PL. ROS levels were not affected by PL. These results suggest that PL may possess beneficial effects regarding ovarian function and oocyte quality, possibly by activation of ovarian angiogenesis and follicular development.

ABSTRACT Persea americana Mill., Lauraceae, commonly known as the avocado, is native to tropical and subtropical regions, including Brazil. From the leaves of P. americana, one previously undescribed flavonol glycoside (1) together with ten known flavonoids (2-11), four megastigmane glycosides (12-15) and two lignans (16-17) were isolated. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods including 1D- and 2D-nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry data. This is the first investigation that reports megastigmane glycoside and lignan classes within the genus Persea. All the isolated compounds have been assessed through the cell survival of larval zebrafish following neomycin-induced damage and the cell viability of a House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 mouse auditory cell line. Among the tested compounds, juglanin (2) and (+)-lyoniresinol (16) showed significant cell regeneration in neomycin-damaged hair cell without cellular toxicity.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivo A previsão de perda sanguínea excessiva no pós-operatório é útil para o manejo em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) após cirurgia cardíaca. O objetivo do presente estudo foi examinar a eficácia do sistema de classificação da Sociedade Internacional de Trombose e Hemostasia (International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis - ISTH) em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca. Método Após obter a aprovação do Comitê de Pesquisa Institucional, os prontuários de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca eletiva com circulação extracorpórea (CEC) entre março de 2010 e fevereiro de 2014 foram retrospectivamente revisados. O escore ISTH foi calculado na UTI e os pacientes foram alocados em dois grupos: grupo com coagulação intravascular disseminada (CID) manifesta e grupo com CID não manifesta. Para avaliar a correlação com a Perda Estimada de Sangue (PES), o teste t de Student e as análises de correlação foram usados. Resultados Dentre os 384 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia cardíaca, 70 com CID manifesta (n = 20) ou CID não manifesta (n = 50) foram incluídos. As médias dos escores CID na admissão na UTI foram 5,35 ± 0,59 (Grupo CID manifesta) e 2,66 ± 1,29 (Grupo CID não manifesta) e induzida CID manifesta em 29% (20/70). O grupo CID manifesta apresentou PES superior durante 24 horas (p = 0,006) e um tempo maior de intubação (p = 0,005). Conclusão Apesar da limitação do desenho retrospectivo, o uso do escore ISTH para o manejo de pacientes após cirurgia cardíaca parece ser útil para prever a perda sanguínea excessiva pós-CEC e o prolongamento da intubação traqueal.

Abstract Background and objective Prediction of postoperative excessive blood loss is useful for management of Intensive Care Unit after cardiac surgery. The aim of present study was to examine the effectiveness of International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis scoring system in patients with cardiac surgery. Method After obtaining approval from the institutional review board, the medical records of patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery using Cardio-Pulmonary Bypass between March 2010 and February 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis score was calculated in intensive care unit and patients were divided with overt disseminated intravascular coagulation group and non-overt disseminated intravascular coagulation group. To evaluate correlation with estimated blood loss, student t-test and correlation analyses were used. Results Among 384 patients with cardiac surgery, 70 patients with overt disseminated intravascular coagulation group (n = 20) or non-overt disseminated intravascular coagulation group (n = 50) were enrolled. Mean disseminated intravascular coagulation scores at intensive care unit admission was 5.35 ± 0.59 (overt disseminated intravascular coagulation group) and 2.66 ± 1.29 (non-overt disseminated intravascular coagulation group) and overt disseminated intravascular coagulation was induced in 29% (20/70). Overt disseminated intravascular coagulation group had much more EBL for 24 h (p = 0.006) and maintained longer time of intubation time (p = 0.005). Conclusion In spite of limitation of retrospective design, management using International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis score in patients after cardiac surgery seems to be helpful for prediction of the post- cardio-pulmonary bypass excessive blood loss and prolonged tracheal intubation duration.

Abstract The impact phenomenon is one of many subjects that is interesting and has become an inseparable part of naval architecture and ocean engineering fields. Limitless possibilities in cause and scenario make the demand to understand the physical behavior of ship structures due to impact phenomenon is increasing. In present work, a series of virtual experiment is performed by finite element method to solve several defined collision scenarios. Two involved ships are classified as the striking ship which penetrates the target and struck ship as the target. Hull arrangement of the struck ship is considered as main parameter which single and double hull configurations are proposed to be assessed. An observation of the damage extent on struck ship subjected to collision loads are presented. The results indicate that the internal arrangement of the struck ship provides significant effects to resistance capability and structural failure after collision process. Finally, an analysis regarding the extent of the damage is summarized with a statistical calculation to provide distribution of crashworthiness criteria of the defined scenarios.

ABSTRACT Background In order to induce a potent cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response in dendritic cell (DC)-based immunotherapy for bladder cancer, various tumor antigens can be loaded onto DCs. Objective The aim of this study was to establish a method of immunotherapy for male patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), using bladder cancer-specific CTLs generated in vitro by DCs. Materials and Methods Monocyte-derived DCs from bladder cancer patients were induced to mature in a standard cytokine cocktail (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and PGE2: standard DCs, sDCs) or anα-type 1-polarized DC (αDC1) cocktail (IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-γ, and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid) and loaded with the UVB-irradiated bladder cancer cell line, T24. Antigen-loaded αDC1s were evaluated by morphological and functional assays, and the bladder cancer-specific CTL response was analyzed by cytotoxic assay. Results The αDC1s significantly increased the expression of several molecules pertaining to DC maturation, regardless of whether or not the αDC1s were loaded with tumor antigens, relative to sDCs. The αDC1s demonstrated increased production of interleukin-12 both during maturation and after subsequent stimulation with CD40L that was not significantly affected by loading with tumor antigens as compared to that of sDCs. Bladder cancer-specific CTLs targeting autologous bladder cancer cells were successfully induced by αDC1s loaded with dying T24 cells. Conclusion Autologous αDC1s loaded with an allogeneic bladder cancer cell line resulted in increased bladder cancer-specific CTL responses as compared to that with sDCs, and therefore, may provide a novel source of DC-based vaccines that canbe used in immunotherapy for male patients with NMIBC.

Resumo Introdução: A chave para o sucesso do tratamento da síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (SAOS) é adaptar individualmente esse tratamento. Assim, é muito importante determinar a gravidade da SAOS, seu padrão e a medida do colapso, por sexo, idade e IMC. Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi compreender as características da apneia obstrutiva do sono em mulheres na pós-menopausa, comparando estas características entre mulheres na pós-menopausa e pré-menopausa, e homens, utilizando endoscopia do sono induzido por fármacos (DISE). Esperamos que o nosso estudo ajude a comunidade médica a diagnosticar e tratar a SAOS de maneira mais eficaz. Método: Foram recrutados 273 pacientes (195 do sexo masculino e 78 do feminino) com diagnóstico de SAOS. As pacientes do sexo feminino foram divididas em pacientes na pré-menopausa (n = 41) e na pós-menopausa (n = 37). O grupo de pacientes do sexo feminino na pós-menopausa foi pareada com um grupo de pacientes do sexo masculino com idade e Índice de Massa Corporal (IMC) semelhantes. Os achados da DISE foram comparados entre as pacientes do sexo feminino na pré-menopausa e as pacientes do sexo feminino pós-menopausa e também entre pacientes do sexo feminino na pós-menopausa e pacientes do sexo masculino pareados por idade e IMC. Resultados: Ao exame de PSG, as pacientes na pós-menopausa (que tinham um IMC significativamente maior do que as pacientes na pré-menopausa; 25,6 vs. 23,5 kg/m2; p = 0,019) tenderam a ter um IAH superior e uma saturação arterial de oxigênio (SaO2) mínima menor, mas as diferenças não atingiram significância estatística. Na análise do DISE, pacientes do sexo feminino pós-menopausa apresentaram valores mais elevados em todos os locais de obstrução, com um valor significativamente maior de diâmetro lateral dos níveis retropalatal (1,49 vs. 0,90; p = 0,001) e retrolingual (1,14 vs. 0,61; p = 0,003) em comparação com pacientes do sexo feminino na pré-menopausa. As pacientes do sexo feminino na pós-menopausa apresentaram colapso significativamente mais retrolingual (anteroposterior, AP, p ≤ 0,0001 e diâmetro lateral, p = 0,042) no grupo de IMC menor (IMC < 25) e colapso retropalatal mais concêntrico (diâmetro lateral, p = 0,017 e obstrução tonsilar, p = 0,003) no grupo de maior IMC (IMC ≥ 25) do que pacientes do sexo masculino pareados por IMC e idade. Conclusão: Com base nos achados do DISE, as pacientes do sexo feminino na pós-menopausa apresentaram um padrão diferente de obstrução das vias respiratórias em comparação com pacientes do sexo feminino na pré-menopausa e com os pacientes do sexo masculino pareados por idade e IMC.

Abstract Introduction: The key to successful treatment of OSAS is to individually tailor such treatment. Thus, it is very important to determine the severity of OSAS, its pattern, and the extent of collapse, by gender, age, and BMI. Objective: The objective of the study was to understand the characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea in postmenopausal women by comparing postmenopausal and premenopausal subjects, and men, using DISE. We hope that our work will help the medical community to consult on, diagnose, and treat OSAS more effectively. Methods: A total of 273 patients (195 males and 78 females) diagnosed with OSAS were enrolled. Female patients were divided into pre-menopausal (n = 41) and post-menopausal patients (n = 37). The group of post-menopausal female patients was matched with a group of male patients with similar age and body mass index (BMI). DISE findings were compared between pre-menopausal female patients and post-menopausal female patients, and also between post-menopausal female patients and male patients matched for age and BMI. Results: Upon PSG examination, post-menopausal patients (who had a significantly higher BMI than did pre-menopausal patients; 25.6 kg/m2 vs. 23.5 kg/m2; p = 0.019) tended to have a higher AHI and a lower lowest SaO2, but the differences did not attain statistical significance. With DISE analysis, post-menopausal female patients showed higher values in all obstruction sites, with significantly higher value in lateral diameter of retropalatal (1.49 vs. 0.90; p = 0.001) and retrolingual levels (1.14 vs. 0.61; p = 0.003) compared to pre-menopausal females patients. Post-menopausal female patients showed significantly more retrolingual collapse (antero-posterior, AP, p ≤ 0.0001, and lateral diameter, p = 0.042) in the lower BMI group (BMI < 25) and more concentric retropalatal collapse (lateral diameter, p = 0.017 and tonsillar obstruction, p = 0.003) in higher BMI group (BMI ≥ 25) than BMI and age matched male patients. Conclusion: Post-menopausal female patients showed a different pattern of airway obstruction compared to pre-menopausal female patients and male patients matched for age and BMI based on DISE findings.

Objective To investigate whether prostate-specific antigen (PSA) fluctuation correlates with a prostate cancer and to assess whether PSA fluctuation could be used for diagnosis of prostate cancer. Materials and Methods Our study included 229 patients who were performed a prostate biopsy (non-cancer group, 177; prostate cancer group, 52). Enrolled patients were provided twice PSA tests within 6 months. PSA fluctuation (%/month) was defined as a change rate of PSA per a month. Independent t test was used to compare between two groups. Receiver operator characteristic curve was used to assess the availability as a differential diagnostic tool and the correlation. Simple linear regression was performed to analyze a correlation between PSA fluctuation and other factors such as age, PSA, PSA density, and prostate volume. Results There were significant differences in PSA, PSA density, percentage of free PSA, and PSA fluctuation between two groups. PSA fluctuation was significantly greater in non-cancer group than prostate cancer group (19.95±23.34%/month vs 9.63±8.57%/month, P=0.004). The most optimal cut-off value of PSA fluctuation was defined as 8.48%/month (sensitivity, 61.6%; specificity, 59.6%; AUC, 0.633; P=0.004). In a simple linear regression model, only PSA level was significantly correlated with PSA fluctuation. Conclusion Patients with wide PSA fluctuations, although baseline PSA levels are high, might have a low risk of diagnosis with prostate cancer. Thus, serial PSA measurements could be an option in patients with an elevated PSA level.

Purpose Endoscopic urethrotomy is an alternative method in treatment of urethral stricture. However, it have high recurrence rate because of the remained fibrotic tissue. Removal of the fibrotic tissue can maintain the patency of the urethral lumen after the procedure. We report the therapeutic efficacy of our initial experience using pediatric resectoscope for treating anterior urethral stricture in 16 cases. Materials and Methods From January 2009 to April 2011, transurethral resection with pediatric resectoscope was primarily performed on 16 patients with anterior urethral stricture. Retrograde urethrography, uroflowmetry, postvoid residual volume, IPSS score and QoL score were performed preoperatively. We used 11.5Fr pediatric resectoscope (Wolf) and monopolar electrosurgical generator. The stricture was incised under vision at the 12 o'clock location or the site of maximum scar tissue or narrowing in asymmetric strictures for working space. After incision, transurethral resection with pediatric resectoscope was performed to all scar tissues. Monopolar cutting current was set on 45 watt and coagulation current was set on 30 watt, fulgurate mode. Postoperatively, drainage of the bladder was performed for 7 days using an 18F latex catheter. Patients were followed up by IPSS score, QoL score, uroflowmetry and postvoid residual volume. Results Successful results without recurrence were achieved in 11 of 16patients. Postoperative urethral dilation had been performed average 2.4 times (0∼6 times). When we classified the results by etiology, the number of successful results in strictures with a trauma, iatrogenic, or unknown cause was 5 (7/11), 3 (3/4) and 1 (1/1), respectively. In 5 patients who failed treatment, we repeated transurethral resection with pediatric resectoscope in 1 patient, and periodic urethral dilation in 4 patients. No operative complications occurred in any patients. Conclusions Transurethral resection with pediatric resectoscope is an effective therapeutic method for anterior urethral stricture. More long-term follow-up and large scale studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of this procedure.