Multiplex Ligation Dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) Assay on Joseon Mummified Samples from Archaeological Sites of South Korea / 체질인류학회지

Multiplex Ligation dependent Probe Amplification (MLPA) to detect large deletions or duplications has been widely used as a diagnostic tool for various disease clinically. As this method requires only a small amount of template DNA and is very simple and high throughput, it has numerous advantages for the analysis of the human specimen obtained from archaeological sites. In this study we therefore tried to perform MLPA analysis for detecting any of duplications or deletions in mummy samples (n=4) from medieval Joseon tombs of Korea. Of them, we could not get any authentic data from 3 samples by MLPA method while only one case (HD2) showed the possible presence of duplications or deletions during her lifetime. Although the current report reveal that MLPA is a promising tool for anthropological study in South Korea, more studies are still needed to make up for the validity problem of commercial MLPA kit used in this study.

A Newly Designed Sling for Hemiplegic Shoulder Subluxation: A Pilot Study

OBJECTIVE: To introduce a newly designed arm sling and to compare the effects on a shoulder subluxation. METHOD: Sixteen hemiplegic patients with shoulder subluxation were evaluated by a simple X-ray with and without the slings and the vertical and horizontal distances on the plain AP views were measured. The newly designed arm sling was compared in terms of the effects of correction with a pouch sling and a Bobath sling. The arm sling designed for this study was developed for the purpose of maintaining patients' hands in a functional position and performing ROM exercise of the shoulder easily. The mean values of the vertical and horizontal distance were compared to determine if there was significant difference of function between the new sling and the conventional slings. Variables such as comfort, choice, and easiness for donning and doffing of the arm slings were evaluated by questions. RESULTS: The new sling provided the patients with good vertical correction of the subluxation (p<0.05) but did not increase the horizontal distance significantly. According to the responses to the questions, the new sling was more comfortable than the conventional slings. CONCLUSION: These results support the effectiveness and the comfort of a new sling to decrease subluxation in hemiplegia. Further study on the long term effects or complication of the new sling is recommended.

Normative Data of Functional Hamstring/Quadriceps Ratios by Age Based on Isokinetic Exercise Testing

OBJECTIVE: We tested peak torques of knee extensors and knee flexors using an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex model 770) in middle-aged and aged populations, and calculated functional hamstring: quadriceps ratios (H/Q ratios) and conventional hamstring: quadriceps ratios. We present the normative data of these parameters in decade age groups for both sexes. METHOD: Using an isokinetic dynamometer we determined the peak torques of knee extensors and knee flexors at angular velocities of 30, 60 and 180 degrees/sec in normal people (120 males, 154 females in the age range 31 to 70 years) and using these peak torque values to calculate functional H/Q ratios and conventional H/Q ratios. RESULTS: Normative data were presented. As age increased, the magnitudes of the peak torques of most knee flexors and knee extensors decreased, but conventional and functional H/Q ratios were not found to be significantly correlated with age in either sex. CONCLUSION: Normative data by decade age in both sexes were obtained. It is hoped that this data will be beneficial for the testing of knee joint function.