Effect of quaternary ammonium compounds on microbial contamination levels in dental clinics

The aim of this study was to investigate the change of microbial contamination levels in the different areas and at the different time points after application of a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) that has mechanical antimicrobial effect. The microbial contamination levels were measured in three different areas; unit chair handle, spit sink area and hand piece holder at different time points using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) monitoring system and ATP surface test kit. Hand piece holder showed the highest level of microbial contamination. In most of the clinics, QAC significantly reduced the levels of microbial contamination, and maintained antimicrobial activity for 4 to 6 months. QAC may be used effectively in dental clinics due to the duration of antimicrobial effect and the minimal exposure of chemicals and further studies are needed with large sample size.

Effect of quaternary ammonium compounds on microbial contamination levels in dental clinics

The aim of this study was to investigate the change of microbial contamination levels in the different areas and at the different time points after application of a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) that has mechanical antimicrobial effect. The microbial contamination levels were measured in three different areas; unit chair handle, spit sink area and hand piece holder at different time points using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) monitoring system and ATP surface test kit. Hand piece holder showed the highest level of microbial contamination. In most of the clinics, QAC significantly reduced the levels of microbial contamination, and maintained antimicrobial activity for 4 to 6 months. QAC may be used effectively in dental clinics due to the duration of antimicrobial effect and the minimal exposure of chemicals and further studies are needed with large sample size.

Posterior Epidural Migration of a Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Fragment Resembling a Spinal Tumor: A Case Report

Posterior epidural migration of a lumbar intervertebral disc fragment (PEMLIF) is uncommon because of anatomical barriers. It is difficult to diagnose PEMLIF definitively because of its relatively rare incidence and the ambiguity of radiological findings resembling spinal tumors. This case report describes a 76-year-old man with sudden-onset weakness and pain in both legs. Electromyography revealed bilateral lumbosacral polyradiculopathy with a mass-like lesion in L2-3 dorsal epidural space on lumbosacral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The lesion showed peripheral rim enhancement on T1-weighted MRI with gadolinium administration. The patient underwent decompressive L2-3 central laminectomy, to remove the mass-like lesion. The excised lesion was confirmed as an intervertebral disc. The possibility of PEMLIF should be considered when rim enhancement is observed in the epidural space on MRI scans and electrodiagnostic features of polyradiculopathy with sudden symptoms of cauda equina syndrome.

Neuralgic Amyotrophy Associated with Cytomegalovirus Infection: A Case Report

Neuralgic amyotrophy (NA) is a peripheral neuropathy, primarily involving the brachial plexus. There is a relation between antecedent infection and NA. A few cases of NA after infections such as Epstein-Barr virus, herpes zoster virus, parvovirus, human immunodeficiency virus, Borrelia, and other infections have been reported. This case report describes a 26-year-old man with motor impairment after neuropathic pain with preceding mild flu-like symptoms whose laboratory studies revealed evidence of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. He was diagnosed with NA associated with CMV infection. In conclusion, CMV is a rare but possible pathogen of NA.

Efficacy of Intensive Neurodevelopmental Treatment for Children With Developmental Delay, With or Without Cerebral Palsy

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of intensive neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT) on gross motor function for the children having developmental delay (DD), with or without cerebral palsy (CP). METHODS: Forty-two children had intensive NDT three times weekly, 60 minutes a day, for 3 months, immediately followed by conventional NDT once or twice a week, 30 minutes a day, for another 3 months. We assessed Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM) over three time points: before conventional NDT, before and after intensive NDT, and after 3 months of additional conventional NDT. RESULTS: The GMFM score in DD children significantly improved after intensive NDT, and the improvement maintained after 3 months of conventional NDT (p<0.05). The children were further divided into two groups: DD with CP and DD without CP. Both groups showed significant improvement and maintained the improvements, after intensive NDT (p<0.05). Also, there was no significant difference in treatment efficacy between the two groups. When we calculate the absence rate for comparing the compliance between intensive and conventional NDT, the absence rate was lower during the intensive NDT. CONCLUSION: Intensive NDT showed significantly improved gross motor function and higher compliance than conventional NDT. Additionally, all improvements were maintained through subsequent short-term conventional NDT. Thus, we recommend the intensive NDT program by day-hospital centers for children with DD, irrespective of accompanying CP.

Effects of High-speed Elastic Band Training on Physical Fitness and Muscle Function in Rural Community-dwelling Elderly: a Single-blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Aging related decrease in muscle strength and flexibility leads to functional loss of physical ability. Power training is known to improve these capacities and helps in performing daily routine better. Therefore, we modified previously proven and certified sarcopenia intervention exercise for elderly in rural community and applied them to examine the effects on physical fitness and muscle functions to show its applicability. METHODS: Subjects were divided into control and exercise group using single-blind method. Exercise group underwent high-speed elastic band training(concentric contraction in 1 second) 2 days per week for 12 weeks. Before and after the intervention, we performed body composition analysis, anthropometric measurement, blood test, blood pressure check, senior fitness test (SFT), upper body and lower body strength examination. Korean version of Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (K-PASE), and Center for Epidemiological Studies- Depression Scale (CES-D) were also assessed. RESULTS: Body weight in control group was significantly increased (Paired t-test: P=0.008), although it was consistent in exercise group (GroupxTime: P=0.013). 30-second chair stand (P<0.001) and 30-second arm curl (P<0.001) of the senior fitness test were also significantly improved in exercise group compared to control. In addition, muscle strength of knee flexion (P=0.034) and K-PASE score (P<0.001) were improved in training group with statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: The modified high-speed elastic band training for rural elderly improved muscle strength and daily physical performance. This result suggests a simple and easy to perform band training could be an excellent solution to prevent sarcopenia in rural elderly. It also supports the evidence that this program would be widely distributed.

The Preventive Effects of 8 Weeks of Resistance Training on Glucose Tolerance and Muscle Fiber Type Composition in Zucker Rats

BACKGROUND: We investigated the therapeutic effects of resistance training on Zucker rats before and after the onset of diabetes to understand the importance of the timing of exercise intervention. We assessed whether 8 weeks of resistance training ameliorated impaired glucose tolerance and altered muscle fiber type composition in Zucker rats. METHODS: Five-week-old male Zucker rats were divided into Zucker lean control (ZLC-Con), non-exercised Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF-Con), and exercised Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF-Ex) groups. The ZDF-Ex rats climbed a ladder three times a week for 8 weeks. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT) were performed on the 1st and 8th weeks of training, and grip strength was measured during the last week. We also measured glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Moreover, immunohistochemistry was performed to assess muscle fiber type composition. RESULTS: Fasting glucose levels and area under the curve responses to IPGTTs gradually increased as diabetes progressed in the ZDF-Con rats but decreased in the ZDF-Ex rats. Grip strength decreased in the ZDF-Con rats. However, resistance training did not improve grip strength in the ZDF-Ex rats. GLUT4 expression in the ZLC-Con and the ZDF-Con rats did not differ, but it increased in the ZDF-Ex rats. The proportions of myosin heavy chain I and II were lower and higher, respectively, in the ZDF-Con rats compared to the ZLC-Con rats. Muscle fiber type composition did not change in the ZDF-Ex rats. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that regular resistance training initiated at the onset of diabetes can improve glucose tolerance and GLUT4 expression without changing muscle morphology in Zucker rats.

Practical Application of Resistance Exercise for Prevention of Sarcopenia

Sarcopenia is a major component of age-related frailty and also a strong predictor of disability, morbidity, and mortality in the aging population. Resistance exercise could be the most effective intervention that improves muscle mass, muscle strength, and physical performance, thus preventing sarcopenia in older adults. The benefits of these exercise programs correlate with the intensity and the frequency of the exercise regimes used in the trials. Clinical trials vary in terms of population, setting, and exercise regimes; hence, more standardized clinical trials are required. In this review, we focus on the effects of resistance exercise on muscle mass, strength, cognitive and physical function, and the principle and applications of resistance exercise considering recent trends that include high-intensity interval training, high speed power training, eccentric exercise, and whole-body vibration exercise.

Effect of Treadmill Exercise on Interleukin-15 Expression and Glucose Tolerance in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a well-known myokine, is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and is involved in muscle-fat crosstalk. Recently, a role of skeletal muscle-derived IL-15 in the improvement of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity has been proposed. However, little is known regarding the influence of endurance training on IL-15 expression in type 2 diabetic skeletal muscles. We investigated the effect of endurance exercise training on glucose tolerance and IL-15 expression in skeletal muscles using type 2 diabetic animal models. METHODS: Male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and ZDF lean control (ZLC) rats were randomly divided into three groups: sedentary ZLC, sedentary ZDF (ZDF-Con), and exercised ZDF (ZDF-Ex). The ZDF-Ex rats were forced to run a motor-driven treadmill for 60 minutes once a day 5 times per week for 12 weeks. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed after 12 weeks. Expression of IL-15 was measured using ELISA in extracted soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius medial muscles. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treadmill training, reduction of body weight was observed in ZDF-Ex compared to ZDF-Con rats. Glucose tolerance using IPGTT in diabetic rats was significantly improved in ZDF-Ex rats. Furthermore, the expression of IL-15 was significantly increased (P<0.01) only in the SOL of ZDF-Ex rats compared to ZDF-Con. Additionally, IL-15 expression in SOL muscles was negatively correlated with change of body weight (R=-0.424, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The present study results suggest that 12 weeks of progressive endurance training significantly improved glucose tolerance with concomitant increase of IL-15 expression in SOL muscles of type 2 diabetic rats.

Effect of Treadmill Exercise on Interleukin-15 Expression and Glucose Tolerance in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats

BACKGROUND: Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a well-known myokine, is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and is involved in muscle-fat crosstalk. Recently, a role of skeletal muscle-derived IL-15 in the improvement of glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity has been proposed. However, little is known regarding the influence of endurance training on IL-15 expression in type 2 diabetic skeletal muscles. We investigated the effect of endurance exercise training on glucose tolerance and IL-15 expression in skeletal muscles using type 2 diabetic animal models. METHODS: Male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and ZDF lean control (ZLC) rats were randomly divided into three groups: sedentary ZLC, sedentary ZDF (ZDF-Con), and exercised ZDF (ZDF-Ex). The ZDF-Ex rats were forced to run a motor-driven treadmill for 60 minutes once a day 5 times per week for 12 weeks. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed after 12 weeks. Expression of IL-15 was measured using ELISA in extracted soleus (SOL) and gastrocnemius medial muscles. RESULTS: After 12 weeks of treadmill training, reduction of body weight was observed in ZDF-Ex compared to ZDF-Con rats. Glucose tolerance using IPGTT in diabetic rats was significantly improved in ZDF-Ex rats. Furthermore, the expression of IL-15 was significantly increased (P<0.01) only in the SOL of ZDF-Ex rats compared to ZDF-Con. Additionally, IL-15 expression in SOL muscles was negatively correlated with change of body weight (R=-0.424, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: The present study results suggest that 12 weeks of progressive endurance training significantly improved glucose tolerance with concomitant increase of IL-15 expression in SOL muscles of type 2 diabetic rats.

Clinical Features and Risk Factors of the Septic Shock in Patients with Neutropenic Fever

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the etiologic organisms, risk factors, and other infectious features of febrile neutropenic patients developing septic shock. METHODS: We reviewed medical record of 457 patients developing neutropenic fever after chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at Catholic HSCT Center from Jan 1998 to Dec 1999. Out of them, age/sex matched patients without septic shock were enrolled into the control group, and retrospective case-control study was conducted. RESULTS: Overall incidence of septic shock was 8.5%. Most common underlying disease of the two groups was acute leukemia. Microbiologically defined infection (MDI), especially Gram-negative bacterial infection, was significantly more common in the septic shock group than in the control group. Escherichia coli was the most common organism in the two groups (51.3% vs 27.7%, P<0.001). However, empirical use of glycopeptide was more frequent in the shock group (P<0.05). Differing from other report, fatal infection due to viridans streptococci was not observed in spite of quinolone prophylaxis. Mean leukocyte count at the onset of fever was 207/mm3 and 355/mm3 (P=0.027) and mean duration of total febrile day was 12.3 days and 7.8 days, respectively (P=0.001). On multivariate analysis, MDI and leukocyte count at the onset of fever were the significant risk factors for the septic shock. Overall mortality showed higher tendency in the shock group than in the control group (23.1% vs. 12.0%, P=0.057). Especially, in patients with Gram-positive bacterial infection, infection related mortality was significantly higher in the shock group than in the control group (50% vs. 8.9%, P=0.013). CONCLUSION: Although Gram-positive bacterial infection has been increasing, Gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, were the most common causative organisms for sepctic shock in febrile neutropenic patients. However, considering high mortality in the septic shock caused by Gram-positive bacteria, glycopeptide must immediately be administered to the febrile neutropenic patients developing septic shock.

Infections in Patients with Acute Leukemia: Comparison of Induction Chemotherapy Group and Reinduction Chemotherapy Group

BACKGROUND: Despite the recent advance in chemotherapy and supportive care, infection remains one of the major complications in patients with acute leukemia. The purpose of this study was to determine the patterns and trends of infections in patients with acute leukemia and to find out differences in the infectious features of each chemotherapy group. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of total 326 cases with acute leukemia who had received induction or reinduction chemotherapy at the Catholic Hemopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center during Jan. 1998 and Dec. 1999, and compared these data with our previous data published in 1994 and 1999. RESULTS: Out of total 326 cases, 173 cases received induction chemotherapy (IC) and 153 cases received reinduction chemotherapy (RC). Underlying diseases were 211 cases of acute myeloid leukemia and 115 cases of acute lymphoid leukemia. Median age of the patients was 33 years (33 in the IC group vs 31 years in the RC group, P<0.05). Overall, 87% of the cases experienced at least one febrile episodes. Mean leukocyte count at the onset of fever was significantly lower in the RC group than in the IC group (477/mm3 vs 293/mm3, P=0.001). Infections were classified as : 46.1% of microbiologically defined infection, 35.9% of clinically defined infection and 18.0% of unexplained fever. Most common site of infection was respiratory tract in the IC group, and gastrointestinal tract in the RC group. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated organism in each group, and gram-negative bacteria including E. coli were more frequently isolated in the RC group than in the IC group (P< 0.05). Infection-associated mortality was significantly higher in the RC group than in the IC group (6.9% vs 11.8%, P=0.03). Comparing with our previous data, the overall mortality was reduced from 50% (early of the 1980s) to 12.3%, whereas the infection still contributed major fraction of mortality and morbidity in the management of patients with acute leukemia. CONCLUSION: The patterns of infection between IC group and RC group are somewhat different and has been changing due to many factors. New preventive, diagnostic, and treatment strategies should be developed, and prophylactic antimicrobials should be meticulously used to prevent the emergence of resistant organisms.

Clinical Features and Risk Factors of the Septic Shock in Patients with Neutropenic Fever

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the etiologic organisms, risk factors, and other infectious features of febrile neutropenic patients developing septic shock. METHODS: We reviewed medical record of 457 patients developing neutropenic fever after chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at Catholic HSCT Center from Jan 1998 to Dec 1999. Out of them, age/sex matched patients without septic shock were enrolled into the control group, and retrospective case-control study was conducted. RESULTS: Overall incidence of septic shock was 8.5%. Most common underlying disease of the two groups was acute leukemia. Microbiologically defined infection (MDI), especially Gram-negative bacterial infection, was significantly more common in the septic shock group than in the control group. Escherichia coli was the most common organism in the two groups (51.3% vs 27.7%, P<0.001). However, empirical use of glycopeptide was more frequent in the shock group (P<0.05). Differing from other report, fatal infection due to viridans streptococci was not observed in spite of quinolone prophylaxis. Mean leukocyte count at the onset of fever was 207/mm3 and 355/mm3 (P=0.027) and mean duration of total febrile day was 12.3 days and 7.8 days, respectively (P=0.001). On multivariate analysis, MDI and leukocyte count at the onset of fever were the significant risk factors for the septic shock. Overall mortality showed higher tendency in the shock group than in the control group (23.1% vs. 12.0%, P=0.057). Especially, in patients with Gram-positive bacterial infection, infection related mortality was significantly higher in the shock group than in the control group (50% vs. 8.9%, P=0.013). CONCLUSION: Although Gram-positive bacterial infection has been increasing, Gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli, were the most common causative organisms for sepctic shock in febrile neutropenic patients. However, considering high mortality in the septic shock caused by Gram-positive bacteria, glycopeptide must immediately be administered to the febrile neutropenic patients developing septic shock.

Infections in Patients with Acute Leukemia: Comparison of Induction Chemotherapy Group and Reinduction Chemotherapy Group

BACKGROUND: Despite the recent advance in chemotherapy and supportive care, infection remains one of the major complications in patients with acute leukemia. The purpose of this study was to determine the patterns and trends of infections in patients with acute leukemia and to find out differences in the infectious features of each chemotherapy group. METHODS: We reviewed medical records of total 326 cases with acute leukemia who had received induction or reinduction chemotherapy at the Catholic Hemopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center during Jan. 1998 and Dec. 1999, and compared these data with our previous data published in 1994 and 1999. RESULTS: Out of total 326 cases, 173 cases received induction chemotherapy (IC) and 153 cases received reinduction chemotherapy (RC). Underlying diseases were 211 cases of acute myeloid leukemia and 115 cases of acute lymphoid leukemia. Median age of the patients was 33 years (33 in the IC group vs 31 years in the RC group, P<0.05). Overall, 87% of the cases experienced at least one febrile episodes. Mean leukocyte count at the onset of fever was significantly lower in the RC group than in the IC group (477/mm3 vs 293/mm3, P=0.001). Infections were classified as : 46.1% of microbiologically defined infection, 35.9% of clinically defined infection and 18.0% of unexplained fever. Most common site of infection was respiratory tract in the IC group, and gastrointestinal tract in the RC group. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated organism in each group, and gram-negative bacteria including E. coli were more frequently isolated in the RC group than in the IC group (P< 0.05). Infection-associated mortality was significantly higher in the RC group than in the IC group (6.9% vs 11.8%, P=0.03). Comparing with our previous data, the overall mortality was reduced from 50% (early of the 1980s) to 12.3%, whereas the infection still contributed major fraction of mortality and morbidity in the management of patients with acute leukemia. CONCLUSION: The patterns of infection between IC group and RC group are somewhat different and has been changing due to many factors. New preventive, diagnostic, and treatment strategies should be developed, and prophylactic antimicrobials should be meticulously used to prevent the emergence of resistant organisms.

Effect of Cytarabine, Melphalan, and Total Body Irradiation as Conditioning for Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Patients with AML in First Remission / 대한방사선종양학회지

PURPOSE: Current results of autologous stem cell transplantation (SCT) suggest that this procedure may prolong disease free survival in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Autologous SCT is increasingly used as treatment for AML in first remission. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of autologous SCT for patients with AML in first remission treated by autologous SCT using cytarabine, melphalan and total body irradiation (TBI) as the conditioning regimen. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1995 and December 1999, 29 patients with AML in first remission underwent autologous SCT. The median age of patients was 33 years (range, 16 to 47). The conditioning regimen consisted of cytarabine (3.0 gm/m2 for 3 days), melphalan (100 mg/m2 for 1 day) and TBI (total 1000 cGy in five fractions over 3 days). RESULTS: The median follow up was 40 months with a range of 3 to 58 months. The 4-year cumulative probability of disease free survival was 69.0%, and median survival was 41.5 months. The 4-year relapse rate was 27.6%. The factor influencing disease free survival and relapse rate was the French-American-British (FAB) classification (M3 group vs. other groups; p=0.048, p=0.043). One patient died from treatment-related toxicity. CONCLUSION: Although the small number of patients does not allow us to draw any firm conclusion, our results were encouraging and suggest that the association of cytarabine, melphalan and TBI as a conditioning regimen for autologous SCT for AML in first remission appears to be safe and effective.