Isolated fallopian tubal torsion with underdiagnosed entity: a case report

Isolated fallopian tubal torsion refers to twisting only the tube without involving the ipsilateral ovary. This is a rare type of adenexal torsion and is a gynecological emergency. Since this disease mostly occurs in women of childbearing age, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are more important issues. It is known that ovarian cyst torsion occurs well in sizes greater than 5 cm, but the epidemiology of isolated fallopian tubal torsion is unknown. Even clinically, in patients complaining of abdominal discomfort, a small andexal cyst is difficult to consider as a cause of pain. We presented an isolated fallopian tubal torsion case that can be twisted despite its small size

Removal of Pb and Cu ions from aqueous solution by Mn3O4-coated activated carbon

Mn3O4-coated activated carbon (Mn3O4/AC) was prepared by supercritical technique and applied for the removal of Pb and Cu ions from aqueous solution. Kinetic and isotherm data of the adsorption by Mn3O4/AC were compared with those of activated carbon (AC) and pure Mn3O4. Adsorption of metals was adequately described by pseudo-second-order kinetics and Langmuir isotherm models. Maximum adsorption capacities of Pb and Cu ions determined by Langmuir model were enhanced 2.2 and 6.1 times for Pb and Cu ions by Mn3O4 coating onto AC, which might be attributed to reduced resistance of intraparticle diffusion and enhanced surface electrostatic interaction and complexation by Mn3O4

Effects of Concentration Training with Brainwave Biofeedback on Tennis Performance

2001This article presents evidence of effectiveness of 12-week concentration training program with brainwave biofeedback on concentration ability and tennis performance. Eight male tennis players were divided into two groups (Experimental and Control). Experimental group (n = 4) completed a series of training program using the Q-Jump computer system. Experimental task was one-set tennis singles with no-ad scoring system. The participants responded to the Korean version of the Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style (TAIS) before and after the experiment. The results revealed that the concentration training program (a) was effective in improving concentration intensity and duration, (b) led to significant impact on attentional style, and (c) helped to improve tennis performance. Correlational analyses revealed negative relationships between concentration indices and unforced errors. Overall, these findings suggest that concentration is critical mental skill in tennis and can be improved through systematic training program

Role of Staphylococcal Superantigen in Atopic Dermatitis: Influence on Keratinocytes

Staphylococcus aureus may perform an crucial function in atopic dermatitis (AD), via the secretion of superantigens, including staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) A or B, and toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 (TSST-1). Dysregulated cytokine production by keratinocytes (KCs) upon exposure to staphylococcal superantigens (SsAgs) may be principally involved in the pathophysiology of AD. We hypothesized that lesional KCs from AD may react differently to SsAgs compared to nonlesional skin or normal skin from nonatopics. We conducted a comparison of HLA-DR or CD1a expression in lesional skin as opposed to that in nonlesional or normal skin by immunohistochemistry (IHC). We also compared, using ELISA, the levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α secreted by cultured KCs from lesional, nonlesional, and normal skin, after the addition of SEA, SEB and TSST-1. IHC revealed that both HLA-DR and CD1a expression increased significantly in the epidermis of lesional skin versus nonlesional or normal skin in quite a similar manner. IL-1α, IL-1β, and TNF-α secretion was also significantly elevated in the cultured KCs from lesional skin after the addition of SsAgs. Our results indicated that KCs from lesional skin appear to react differently to SsAgs and increased proinflammatory cytokine production in response to SsAgs may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD

Early postictal electroencephalography and correlation with clinical findings in children with febrile seizures

PurposeElectroencephalography (EEG) is frequently ordered for patients with febrile seizures despite its unclear diagnostic value. We evaluated the prevalence of abnormal EEGs, the association between clinical findings and abnormal EEGs, and the predictive value of EEG for the recurrence of febrile seizures.MethodsData were collected on 230 children who were treated for febrile seizures at Kyung Hee University Medical Center from 2005 to 2009. EEGs were recorded after 1-2 days of hospitalization when children became afebrile. EEG patterns were categorized as normal, epileptiform, or nonspecific relative to abnormalities. The patients' medical records were reviewed, and telephone interviews with the families of the children were conducted to inquire about seizure recurrence. The relationships between clinical variables, including seizure recurrence, and EEG abnormalities were evaluated.ResultsOf the 131 children included, 103 had simple and 28 had complex febrile seizures. EEG abnormalities were found in 41 children (31%). EEG abnormalities were more common in children with complex than simple febrile seizures (43% vs. 28%), but the difference was not statistically significant. Logistical regression analysis showed that having multiple seizures in a 24-hour period was significantly predictive of abnormal EEG (odds ratio, 2.98; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 88; P=0.048). The frequency of recurrence did not differ significantly in the normal (31%) and abnormal (23%) EEG groups.ConclusionMultiple seizures within 24 hours were predictive of abnormal EEG in children with febrile seizures. Abnormal EEG was not predictive of febrile seizure recurrence

Effects of Infrared Radiation and Heat on Human Skin Aging in vivo

Sunlight damages human skin, resulting in a wrinkled appearance. Since natural sunlight is polychromatic, its ultimate effects on the human skin are the result of not only the action of each wavelength separately, but also interactions among the many wavelengths, including UV, visible light, and infrared (IR). In direct sunlight, the temperature of human skin rises to about 40°C following the conversion of absorbed IR into heat. So far, our knowledge of the effects of IR radiation or heat on skin aging is limited. Recent work demonstrates that IR and heat exposure each induces cutaneous angiogenesis and inflammatory cellular infiltration, disrupts the dermal extracellular matrix by inducing matrix metalloproteinases, and alters dermal structural proteins, thereby adding to premature skin aging. This review provides a summary of current research on the effects of IR radiation and heat on aging in human skin in vivo