Development of large numbers of mast cells at sites of idiopathic chronic dermatitis in genetically mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/Wv mice

The normal skin and other tissues of adult mast cell-deficient WBB6F1- W/Wv or WCB6F1-Sl/Sld mice contain less than 1.0% the number of mast cells present in the corresponding tissues of the congenic normal (+/+) mice. As a result, genetically mast cell-deficient WBB6F1-W/Wv or WCB6F1-Sl/Sld mice are widely used for studies of mast cell differentiation and function. We found that mast cells developed at sites of idiopathic chronic dermatitis in WBB6F1-W/Wv mice and that the number of mast cells present in the skin of WBB6F1-W/Wv mice was proportional to the severity of the dermatitis (in ear skin, there were 33 +/- 4 mast cells/mm2 of dermis at sites of severe dermatitis v 9 +/- 3 at sites of mild dermatitis, 0.8 +/- 0.3 in skin without dermatitis, and 100 +/- 7 in the normal skin of congenic WBB6F1-+/+ mice; in back skin, the corresponding values were 2.0 +/- 0.6, 1.1 +/- 0.9, 0.025 +/- 0.025, and 26.2 +/- 3.2). The development of mast cells was a local, not systemic, consequence of the dermatitis. Thus, WBB6F1-W/Wv mice with severe dermatitis lacked mast cells in skin not showing signs of dermatitis and also in the peritoneal cavity, stomach, cecum, and tongue. Idiopathic chronic dermatitis was not associated with the local development of mast cells in WCB6F1-Sl/Sld mice, a mutant whose mast cell deficiency is due to a mechanism distinct from that of WBB6F1-W/Wv mice. These findings may have implications for understanding the nature of the mast cell deficiency in WBB6F1-W/Wv and WCB6F1-Sl/Sld mice and for the use of these mutants to analyze mast cell differentiation and function.     

A Comparison of Single-, Two- and Three-Port Laparoscopic Myomectomy

Background and Objective:

A recent FDA safety communication has discouraged the use of a power morcellator for myoma extraction and has called for a change in surgical techniques for myomectomy. The objective of this study was to compare surgical outcomes of laparoscopic single-, two-, and conventional three-port myomectomy and to evaluate the feasibility of contained manual morcellation for uterine myoma.

Methods:

This retrospective study was a review and analysis of data from 191 consecutive women who underwent single-, two-, or three-port myomectomy for the management of uterine myoma from January 1, 2009, through December 31, 2014.

Results:

The 3 study groups did not differ demographically. Apart from operative time, the single- and two-port groups showed operative outcomes comparable to those of the multiport group. The single-port group had significantly longer operative times (P = .0053) than the two- and three-port groups. However, in the latter half of the single-port cases, the operative time was similar to those in the three-port group. The two-port surgery group showed a consistent operative time without a learning period.

Conclusion:

Single- or two-port myomectomy with transumbilical myoma morcellation is feasible and safe, with outcomes comparable to those of three-port myomectomy. These results suggest the potential for minimally invasive management of symptomatic uterine myoma, without the use of a power morcellator.     

A novel approach to improve undergraduate surgical teaching

Background:

Undergraduate surgery is at an important crossroads. Many departments report significant difficulties delivering effective teaching. Our student feedback indicated a dated surgical curriculum lacking structure, quality and uniformity. We report on a new ”blended” approach employing a combination of professional DVDs, case based discussions, online material and traditional bedside teaching designed to provide structure, standardization, and equality of learning .

Methods:

Year 4 students who had undertaken the new course and year 5 students who had participated in the traditional teaching programme were compared. Students completed a 20 item questionnaire about their experiences of the surgical teaching programme.

Results:

One hundred and seventy-one year 4 (70%) and148 year 5 students (66%) responded. Domains relating to “Overall Satisfaction with the course”, “Approval of innovative teaching methods and interactivity” and “Satisfaction with the clarity of course information” showed improvements when comparing the new and old programmes. However bedside teaching was not rated as highly in the new programme (p<0.05).

Conclusion:

This blended approach has resulted in improved student understanding and engagement. The apparent compromise of bedside teaching may be a reflection of higher expectations. We believe that a similar blended approach has the potential to re-invigorate surgical teaching elsewhere.     

Comparison of gait before and after superficial trunk muscle exercise and deep trunk muscle exercise

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of superficial trunk muscle and deep trunk muscle exercise on gait. [Subjects] The subjects were 45 young adults who voluntarily consented to participate. The subjects were divided into a control group, a superficial muscle exercise group, and a deep muscle exercise group with 15 participants in each group. [Methods] Each group performed the exercises 5 times a week for 4 weeks. A Gait Analyzer was used to measure the subjects’ gait. A one-way ANOVA was conducted for analysis between each group. [Results] After 4 weeks, the values from right heel contact to foot flat, left foot flat to heel off, right foot flat to heel off, and left heel off to toe off significantly differed among the groups. [Conclusion] The superficial trunk muscle exercise improved stability, such as the period of mid stance during gait. The deep trunk muscle exercise improved mobility, such as heel contact to foot flat and heel off to toe off during gait.Key words: Superficial trunk muscle exercise, Deep trunk muscle exercise, Gait     

Differences in the risk factors of reflux esophagitis according to age in Korea

The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Korea has been believed to be low, but the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease in Korea is expected to increase because of the longer life expectancy and more ingestion of westernized food. The aim of this study was to report differences in the risk factors of reflux esophagitis (RE) according to age in Korea. We prospectively recruited the subjects who had RE among those who visited a health promotion center for upper gastrointestinal cancer surveillance at Hallym Medical Center (five institutions) between January 2008 and February 2009. The enrolled study participants comprised 742 subjects with RE and 1484 healthy controls. The independent risk factors of RE in young and adult group were male sex, smoking, coffee, body mass index ≥ 25, hiatal hernia, and Helicobacter pylori negativity. The risk factors of RE in elderly group were smoking, coffee, and hiatal hernia. The risk factors for RE according to age group were found to differ. In elderly group, Helicobacter pylori infection was not a significant protective factor contrary to young and adult groups.