Origin, criterion, and mechanism of vortex-core reversals in soft magnetic nanodisks under perpendicular bias fields

We studied dynamics of vortex-core reversals driven by circular rotating fields along with static perpendicular magnetic fields of different direction and strength. We found that the application of perpendicular fields H p modifies the starting ground state of vortex magnetizations, thereby instigating the development of a magnetization dip mz,dip in the vicinity of the original core up to its threshold value, m z,dip cri ???-p, which is necessary for vortex-core reversals, where p is the initial core polarization. We found the relationship of the dynamic evolutions of the mz,dip and the out-of-plane gyrofields hz, which was induced, in this case, by vortex-core motion of velocity ??, thereby their critical value relation ??crihz cri. The simulation results indicated that the variation of the critical core velocity ??cri with Hp can be expressed explicitly as ??cri / ?? cri 0 = (??/ ??0) | -p- m z,dip g |, with the core size ?? and the starting ground-state magnetization dip m z,dip g variable with H p, and for the values of ?? cri 0 and ??0 at H p =0. This work offers deeper and/or new insights into the origin, criterion and mechanism of vortex-core reversals under application of static perpendicular bias fields.open7

The Impact of Overactive Bladder on Health-Related Quality of Life, Sexual Life and Psychological Health in Korea

Purpose We aimed to estimate the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) in Korea, to assess the variation in prevalence by sex and age, and to measure the impact of OAB on quality of life. Methods A population-based, cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted between April and June 2010 with a questionnaire regarding the prevalence of OAB, demographics, and the impact of OAB on quality of life. A geographically stratified random sample of men and women aged ≥30 years was selected. Results The overall prevalence of OAB was 22.9% (male, 19%; female, 26.8%). Of a total of 458 participants with OAB, 37.6% and 19.9% reported moderate or severe impact on their daily life and sexual life (5.6% and 3.5%, respectively, in participants without OAB). Anxiety and depression were reported by 22.7% and 39.3% of participants with OAB, respectively (9.7% and 22.8%, respectively, in participants without OAB). Only 19.7% of participants with OAB had consulted a doctor for their voiding symptoms, but 50.7% of respondents with OAB were willing to visit a hospital for the management of their OAB symptoms. Conclusions This study confirmed that OAB symptoms are highly prevalent in Korea, and many sufferers appear to have actively sought medical help. OAB has severe effects on daily and sexual life as well as psychological health

Short-Term Effects of Combined Serial Casting and Botulinum Toxin Injection for Spastic Equinus in Ambulatory Children with Cerebral Palsy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to test the hypothesis that combination therapy of serial cast and botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A) injection can further enhance the effects of a BTX-A injection in ambulant children with cerebral palsy (CP) who have an equinus foot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children in group A (30 legs of 21 children) received a serial casting application after an injection of BTX-A, and children in group B (25 legs of 17 children) received only a BTX-A injection. Assessments were performed before the intervention and 1 month after the intervention. RESULTS: After the intervention, there were significant improvements in tone, dynamic spasticity, and passive range of motion (ROM) in both groups. However, the changes were greater in group A than in group B. Dimension D (standing) in Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)-66 was significantly improved in group A but not in group B. On the other hand, there were no significant changes in dimension E (walking, running, jumping) in GMFM-66 in either group. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that a serial casting application after BTX-A injection can enhance the benefits of BTX-A injection in children with cerebral palsy.ope

Surgical management of pilon fractures with large segmental bone defects using fibular strut allografts: a report of two cases

We present two patients with open pilon fractures with large bone defects treated successfully with fibular strut allografts. The patients were initially treated by massive irrigation, wound debridement, and temporary external fixation. After complete wound healing, the bone defects were managed. Because autologous iliac crest or fibular bone grafts were impossible to be harvested due to multiple fractures, the bone defects were reconstructed with fibular strut allografts. Fixation was performed with a periarticular distal tibia locking plate. At 2 months postoperatively, the patients ambulated with partial weight-bearing; at 6 months, they had full range of motion of the ankle joint and full weight-bearing

Incidence of Endocrine-Related Dysfunction in Patients Treated with New Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: A Meta-Analysis and Comprehensive Review

Background This study investigated the incidence of endocrine immune-related adverse events (irAEs) for recently developed immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) drugs. Methods We collected studies on newly developed ICI drugs using PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library from inception through January 31, 2023. Among ICI drugs, nivolumab, pembrolizumab, and ipilimumab were excluded from the new ICI drugs because many papers on endocrine-related side effects have already been published. Results A total of 44,595 patients from 177 studies were included in this analysis. The incidence of hypothyroidism was 10.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.9% to 11.4%), thyrotoxicosis was 4.6% (95% CI, 3.8% to 5.7%), hypophysitis was 0.8% (95% CI, 0.5% to 1.1%), adrenal insufficiency was 0.9% (95% CI, 0.7% to 1.1%), and hyperglycemia was 2.3% (95% CI, 1.6% to 3.4%). Hypothyroidism and thyrotoxicosis occurred most frequently with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors (13.7% and 7.5%, respectively). The rate of endocrine side effects for the combination of a programmed death-ligand 1 inhibitor (durvalumab) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 inhibitor (tremelimumab) was higher than that of monotherapy. In a meta-analysis, the combination of tremelimumab and durvalumab had a 9- to 10-fold higher risk of pituitary and adrenal-related side effects than durvalumab alone. Conclusion Newly developed PD-1 inhibitors had a high incidence of thyroid-related irAEs, and combined treatment with durvalumab and tremelimumab increased the risk of pituitary- and adrenal-related irAEs. Based on these facts, it is necessary to predict the endocrine side effects corresponding to each ICI drug, diagnose and treat them appropriately, and try to reduce the morbidity and mortality of patients

The submucosal fibrosis: what does it mean for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection?

Background/AimsEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows removal of colorectal epithelial neoplasms en bloc regardless of size. Colorectal ESD is a difficult procedure because of technical difficulties and risks of complications. This study aimed to assess the relationship between ESD outcome and degree of submucosal fibrosis.MethodsPatients with colorectal tumors undergoing ESD and their medical records were reviewed retrospectively. The degree of submucosal fibrosis was classified into three types. The relationship between ESD outcome and degree of submucosal fibrosis was analyzed.ResultsESD was performed in 158 patients. Thirty-eight cases of F0 (no) fibrosis (24.1%) and 46 cases of F2 (severe) fibrosis (29.1%) were observed. Complete resection was achieved for 138 lesions (87.3%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that submucosal invasion of tumor and histology of carcinoma were independent risk factors for F2 fibrosis. Severe fibrosis was an independent risk factor for incomplete resection.ConclusionsSevere fibrosis is an important factor related to incomplete resection during colorectal ESD. In cases of severe fibrosis, the rate of complete resection was low even when ESD was performed by an experienced operator. Evaluation of submucosal fibrosis may be helpful to predict the submucosal invasion of tumors and technical difficulties in ESD

Genomic molecular epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli ST410 isolates by complete genome analysis

The circulation of carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli (CPEC) in our society is a serious concern for vulnerable patients in nosocomial environments. However, the genomic epidemiology of the circulation of CPEC bacteria among companion animals remains largely unknown. In this study, epidemiological analysis was conducted using complete genome identification of CPEC ST410 isolates obtained from companion animals. To estimate the genomic distance and relatedness of the isolates, a total of 37 whole-genome datasets of E. coli ST410 strains were downloaded and comparatively analysed. As a result of the analysis, the genomic structure of the chromosomes and plasmids was identified, revealing the genomic positions of multiple resistance and virulence genes. The isolates in this study were grouped into the subclade H24/RxC, with fimH24, and substituted quinolone resistance-determining regions (QRDRs) and multiple beta-lactamases, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase. In addition, the in silico comparison of the whole-genome datasets revealed unidentified ST410 H24/Rx subgroups, including either high pathogenicity islands (HPIs) or H21 serotypes. Considering the genetic variations and resistance gene dissemination of the isolates carried by companion animals, future approaches for preventive measurement must include the One Health perspective for public health in our society.This work was supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF- 2020R1A2C200879414), BK21 FOUR Future Veterinary Medicine Leading Education and Research Center and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Kore