Reduction malarplasty using a zygomatic arch-lifting technique.

Background: Broad or excessive malar protrusion is a trait associated with aggression and old age in Asian cultures. Although various methods of shifting the zygoma have been introduced for reduction malarplasty, soft tissue sagging and inadequate bony union still remain great challenges. We have devised an arch-lifting technique that helps overcome these issues.

Comparison and clinical utility evaluation of four multiple allergen simultaneous tests including two newly introduced fully automated analyzers.

Background: We compared the diagnostic performances of two newly introduced fully automated multiple allergen simultaneous tests (MAST) analyzers with two conventional MAST assays.

Methods: The serum samples from a total of 53 and 104 patients were tested for food panels and inhalant panels, respectively, in four analyzers including AdvanSure AlloScreen (LG Life Science, Korea), AdvanSure Allostation Smart II (LG Life Science), PROTIA Allergy-Q (ProteomeTech, Korea), and RIDA Allergy Screen (R-Biopharm, Germany). We compared not only the total agreement percentages but also positive propensities among four analyzers.

Meibomian gland dysfunction in Graves' orbitopathy.

Objective: To examine morphologic changes in the meibomian glands associated with patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO) using a novel meibography imaging system, and to evaluate its correlation with GO clinical manifestations.

Design: Retrospective, observational case series.

Participants: Fifty-one GO patients and 31 normal control participants.

High-Dose Vitamin C Promotes Regression of Multiple Pulmonary Metastases Originating from Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

We report a case of regression of multiple pulmonary metastases, which originated from hepatocellular carcinoma after treatment with intravenous administration of high-dose vitamin C. A 74-year-old woman presented to the clinic for her cancer-related symptoms such as general weakness and anorexia. After undergoing initial transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), local recurrence with multiple pulmonary metastases was found.

Development of Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy in Patients Who Underwent Total Thyroidectomy.

Purpose: To report clinical characteristics of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) in patients who previously underwent total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer or a benign mass of the thyroid.

Materials And Methods: Of the patients who were diagnosed with TAO from March 2008 to March 2012, we performed a retrospective chart review on those who had undergone total thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer or a benign mass of the thyroid before the occurrence of ophthalmopathy.

Results: Of the 206 patients diagnosed with TAO, seven (3.

Sleep Transcutaneous vs. End-Tidal CO2 Monitoring for Patients with Neuromuscular Disease.

Objective: This study compared transcutaneous carbon dioxide partial pressure (PtcCO2) and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (PetCO2) monitoring during sleep for patients with neuromuscular disease.

Design: This is a retrospective study of patients whose PtcCO2 and PetCO2 were monitored before they began using noninvasive mechanical ventilation. The outcomes were divided into four groupings: group 1, both PtcCO2 and PetCO2 are greater than or equal to 49 mm Hg; group 2, PtcCO2 is greater than or equal to 49 mm Hg but PetCO2 is less than 49 mm Hg; group 3, PtcCO2 is less than 49 mm Hg but PetCO2 is greater than or equal to 49 mm Hg; and group 4, both PtcCO2 and PetCO2 are less than 49 mm Hg.

Leiomyosarcoma: investigation of prognostic factors for risk-stratification model.

Background: We performed this study to define distinctive clinical features of leiomyosarcoma by assessing prognostic factors.

Methods: Between 1988 and 2011, 129 leiomyosarcoma patients who underwent surgical resection with curative intent were retrospectively reviewed.

Results: Of the 129 leiomyosarcoma patients, the distribution of anatomic locations was: extremity (n = 25), pelvis (n = 40), thoracic cavity (n = 11), intra-abdomen (n = 19), retroperitoneum (n = 23), and head/neck (n = 11).

Comparison of two- and three-point sutures for advancing the levator aponeurosis in Asian eyelids.

Purpose: To compare the functional and cosmetic outcomes of two- and three-point sutures for advancing the levator aponeurosis in blepharoptosis surgery on Asians.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective study examined 60 Asian patients with blepharoptosis who had undergone advancement of the levator aponeurosis: 34 patients (46 eyelids) had ptosis correction using the two-point suture technique and 26 patients (41 eyelids) had ptosis correction using the three-point suture technique. The postoperative marginal reflex distance (MRD1), lid height difference, and eyelid contour were evaluated.

Central obesity is an independent risk factor for microalbuminuria in both the general Korean women and nondiabetic nonhypertensive subpopulation: Association of microalbuminuria and metabolic syndrome from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012.

Background: We investigated the major contributing component of metabolic syndrome (MetS) that results in microalbuminuria (MAU) in the general population as well as in nondiabetic nonhypertensive subjects.

Methods: The study population consisted of a total of 9961 subjects (4429 men and 5532 women) who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys conducted in 2011 and 2012. MAU was defined as a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio of >3.

Body weight status misperception and its association with weight control behaviours, depressive mood and psychological distress in nulliparous normal-weight young women.

Background: Understanding body weight status dissatisfaction may be important for understanding weight control behaviours and mental health.

Aims: To investigate the relationships between body weight status misperceptions in nulliparous normal-weight young women and weight control-related behaviours and mental health.

Subjects And Methods: Body weight perceptions, weight control methods, depressive mood and psychological distress were measured in 717 nulliparous normal-weight women, aged 18-40 years, who participated in the 2007-2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES-IV).

Cytoplasmic and nuclear leptin expression in lacrimal gland tumours: a pilot study.

Purpose: To investigate leptin expression and distribution in the tissue of lacrimal gland epithelial tumours, and leptin concentration in the tears secreted by these tumours.

Methods: Clinical records and microscopic slides of six pleomorphic adenoma (PA), three adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), and one chronic sclerosing dacryoadenitis (CSD) cases were reviewed. Normal-appearing gland tissue adjacent to tumours from patients with PA served as controls.

Change in quality of life of patients undergoing silicone stent intubation for nasolacrimal duct stenosis combined with dry eye syndrome.

Aims: To investigate the effect of silicone stent intubation (SI) on the quality of life of patients diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct stenosis and dry eye syndrome.

Methods: This study is a prospective, interventional case series. Consecutive 30 patients diagnosed with nasolacrimal duct stenosis and reflex tearing due to dry eye syndrome were included.

Postural vital capacity difference with aging in duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Introduction: A change in vital capacity (VC) from standing to supine can be an index of diaphragm paralysis if it exceeds 25%. We aimed to verify whether the postural VC difference increases with age and reflects diaphragm weakness in DMD.

Methods: VCs were measured in DMD.

The association between platelet count and metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents.

Unlabelled: The goal of this study was to evaluate the association between platelet count and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents in Korea. This study included data from 2228 subjects (1201 boys and 1027 girls) who participated in the 2010-2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES-V). We used the modified National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III) criteria to define MetS.

Background and data configuration process of a nationwide population-based study using the korean national health insurance system.

Background: The National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) recently signed an agreement to provide limited open access to the databases within the Korean Diabetes Association for the benefit of Korean subjects with diabetes. Here, we present the history, structure, contents, and way to use data procurement in the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) system for the benefit of Korean researchers.

Methods: The NHIS in Korea is a single-payer program and is mandatory for all residents in Korea.

Sex differences in the relationship between blood mercury concentration and metabolic syndrome risk.

Background: Mercury exposure enhances free radical production and reduces activity of anti-oxidant enzymes, resulting in detrimental health effects. Some researchers have reported an association between blood mercury and increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS); however, sex differences in the relationship were not fully considered.

Aim: To examine the sex differences in the relationship between blood mercury concentration and the increased risk of MetS in Korean men and women.

Relationship between blood mercury concentrations and serum γ-glutamyltranspeptidase level in Korean adults using data from the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Background: Mercury and serum γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) play an important role in anti-oxidant mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the association between blood mercury concentrations and GGT in Korean men and women.

Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relationship between blood mercury concentration and serum GGT among 1959 subjects (aged 20-87 y; 965 men, 994 women), using data from the 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Clinical characteristics of Graves' orbitopathy in patients showing discrepancy between levels from TBII assays and TSI bioassay.

Objective: To investigate clinical characteristics of patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO) who showed discrepancies between levels of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) and thyrotropin-binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII).

Design: Comparative case series.

Patients: A total of 317 patients with GO in whom Mc4-TSI and M22-TRAb (third-generation TBII) were measured simultaneously.

Implanted bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells fail to metabolically stabilize or recover electromechanical function in infarcted hearts.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used with success in several clinical applications for clinical treatment of ischemic hearts. However, the reported effects of MSC-based therapy on myocardial infarction (MI) are inconsistent. In particular, the preventive effects of MSC-based therapy on arrhythmic sudden death and metabolic disorders after infarction remain controversial.