The Characteristics of Shoulder Muscles in Archery Athletes

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the shoulder girdle muscle characteristics of elite archery athletes and provides suggestions for archery training programs. METHODS: This study enrolled 15 cases of high level archery athletes (7 males, 8 females) and 30 cases of (15 males, 15 females) sex, age-matched, healthy, non-athletic individuals. We measured peak torques of flexion (FL), extension (EX), abduction (ABD), adduction (ADD), external rotation (ER) and internal rotation (IR) of both shoulders at an angular velocity of 30°/sec, 60°/sec, and 180°/sec. The peak torques and peak torque ratios of FL/EX, ABD/ADD, and ER/IR of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The archer group had a greater peak torque of IR and ADD, but only in the left shoulder (p < 0.05). In the same group, both shoulders had greater peak torque of EX and lower peak torque of FL. The peak torque ratios of FL/EX of both shoulders were significantly lower in the archer group at all three angular velocities (p < 0.05). The peak torque ratios of ABD/ADD were significantly greater in only the left shoulder of the archer group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prominent characteristics of the shoulder girdle muscles of an elite archer are stronger adductor muscles of the bow shoulder and stronger extensors of both shoulders, as compared to healthy, non-athletic individuals. These muscle groups of the shoulder probably contribute a major role in maintaining the accuracy and stability during archery shooting. Hence, a training program that selectively enhances the adductor and extensor muscles could prove helpful in enhancing the archery skills of the athlete.

Neuropathic Pain Components in Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of neuropathic pain (NP) in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) according to subgroup analysis of symptoms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled subjects with LSS (n=86) who were scheduled to undergo spinal surgery. The patients were divided into two groups according to a chief complaint of radicular pain or neurogenic claudication. We measured patient's pain score using the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Leads Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS). According to LANSS value, the prevalence of NP component pain in patients with LSS was assessed. Statistical analysis was performed to find the relationship between LANSS scores and the other scores. RESULTS: From our sample of 86 patients, 31 (36.0%) had a NP component, with 24 (63.4%) in the radicular pain group having NP. However, only seven patients (15.6%) in the neurogenic claudication group had NP. The LANSS pain score was not significantly correlated with VAS scores for back pain, but did correlate with VAS scores for leg pain (R=0.73, p<0.001) and with ODI back pain scores (R=0.54, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: One-third of the patients with LSS had a NP component. The presence of radicular pain correlated strongly with NP. The severity of leg pain and ODI score were also closely related to a NP component. This data may prove useful to understanding the pain characteristics of LSS and in better designing clinical trials for NP treatment in patients with LSS.

Effect of xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture on defecation frequency and symptoms in young women with constipation: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of the intake of xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture (XOS) on defecation frequency and symptoms in 56 young women (mean age of 22.1 years old) with constipation. METHODS: Two experiments were conducted. In experiment 1, a randomized double-blind study was performed to evaluate the effect of 6 weeks' intake of 10 g sucrose containing 7% xylooligosaccharide or 10 g sucrose on constipation. In experiment 2, 24 g coffee mixture containing 12.8 g plant cream and 11.2 g xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture was consumed by the subjects. During the study, the clinical efficacy was assessed by using a daily diary. The subjects indicated the number of frequencies they defecated in a day and the clinical symptom scores. RESULTS: In experiment 1, the mean frequency of defecations was 2.07 in the pretreatment week and increased significantly to 4.05, 4.42, 4.84, 4.84, and 4.05 in weeks 2 to 6 of XOS intake, in comparison with the 3-3.67 with sucrose intake (sucrose, SUC). In experiment 2, the mean frequency of defecations significantly increased from 2.47 in the pretreatment week to 4.11-5.67 in weeks 1-6 of XOS intake. The occurrence of very loose or loose stools in the XOS group was significantly increased in weeks 5 and 6, compared with the pretreatment week and SUC group. XOS intake significantly alleviated the abdominal displeasure and feeling of residual stool leftness in weeks 2, 3, 5, and 6, while SUC did so in weeks 4 and 6 (p < 0.05). The coffee mixture containing xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture reduced the abdominal displeasure and feeling of residual stool leftness from week 3 until the end of the experiment (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that xylooligosaccharide-sugar mixture intake was effective, without adverse effects, for the alleviation of constipation in the young women in this study.

Coffee Enema Induced Acute Colitis / 대한소화기학회지

Rectal enema used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes infrequently causes colitis. In medical practice, enemas are known to incidentally bring about colitis by mechanical, thermal, or direct chemical injuries. Coffee enema is told to ameliorate the constipation in alternative medicine. We hereby report a case of acute colitis resulting from coffee enema, which was presented with severe abdominal pain and hematochezia.

Coffee Enema Induced Acute Colitis / 대한소화기학회지

Rectal enema used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes infrequently causes colitis. In medical practice, enemas are known to incidentally bring about colitis by mechanical, thermal, or direct chemical injuries. Coffee enema is told to ameliorate the constipation in alternative medicine. We hereby report a case of acute colitis resulting from coffee enema, which was presented with severe abdominal pain and hematochezia.

A case of capsule endoscopic finding on Churg-Strauss syndrome with gastrointestinal involvement / 대한내과학회지

Churg-Strauss syndrome is a disorder of hypereosinophilia and systemic vasculitis in subjects with asthma and allergic rhinitis. Clinically, this syndrome can be involved with various manifestations of disease of lung, heart, skin, musculoskeletal system, nerve system, gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tract. Gastrointestinal manifestations often occur in patients. However, endoscopic finding is rare because of risk on intestinal perforation and hemorrhage in vasculitis-phase. We experienced a case of Churg-Strauss syndrome in a 27-year-old male patient with severe abdominal pain and diarrhea. He also showed leukocytosis with peripheral eosinophilia, bronchial asthma, and chronic paranasal sinusitis. Based on findings, we suggested Churg-Strauss syndrome with gastrointestinal involvement and he received a capsules endoscopy and gastroduodenal endoscopy. Capsules endoscopy showed diffuse erythema and mucosal edema on proximal jejunum to ileum, which meant the Churg-Strauss syndrome with gastrointestinal involvement. We report this case with a review of the relevant literatures.

A Case of Pseudolipomatosis in the Gastric Mucosa / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Mucosal pseudolipomatosis is a recently described endoscopic finding consisting of benign transient lesions. This condition, resembling fatty infiltration, is characterized by the presence of small gas voids in the gastrointestinal wall, particularly in the mucosa. The frequency of colonic pseudolipomatosis is higher than the frequency of pseudolipomatosis of the stomach. Both mechanical and chemical theories have been offered to explain the pathogenesis of colonic pseudolipomatosis. The mechanical theory pertains to an air pressure-related complication of the colonoscopy procedure. The chemical theory concerns a drug-related complication of the detergent used during colonoscopies. However, the pathogenesis of gastric pseudolipomatosis is still unclear. Recently, we had a patient who experienced gastric pseudolipomatosis after endoscopoy and biopsy procedures. In the following report we discuss this interesting case of gastric pseudolipomatosis.

Neuroendoscopic Removal of Large Choroid Plexus Cyst: A Case Report

Choroid plexus cysts (CPCs) are the most commom neuroepithelial cysts, occuring in more than 50% of some autopsy series. They are typically small and asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally in older patients, usually in the trigone of the lateral ventricle. Symptomatic CPCs (usually exceptionally large, 2-8 cm) are rare. The authors report a case of large symptomatic choroid plexus cyst, located in the trigone of the right lateral ventricle in a 26-yr-old man who presented with headache and vomiting. The patient underwent endoscopic removal through a burr hole placed 3 cm from the midline and just behind the hair line. The histological examination of the cyst wall was consistent with choroid epithelium. Despite of postoperative intraventricular hemorrhage and catheter infection, he discharged home without neurologic deficits. The endoscopic fenestration rather than excision should be considered as the first surgical procedure because the goal of treatment is shrinkage of the cyst until normal cerebrospinal fluid flow is restored.

A Case of Large Foramen Magnum Schwannoma

Most intracranial schwannomas originate from the cranial nerve especially CN V, VIII. However, schwannomas from low-cranial nerve are rarely reported. We report a case of large foramen magnum schwannoma in a 26 year-old-man presenting swallowing difficulty, nausea and vomiting. Magnetic resonance image revealed a cystic multilobulated huge mass from midclivus to atlas which compressed brain stem. The mass was removed by far-lateral transcondylar approach and confirmed with schwannoma which originated from hypoglossal nerve.

Analysis of Prognosis in Poor-grade Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: Although early surgery is a generally accepted in good grade subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH), patients in a poor grade have been excluded from aggressive treatment due to severely damaged brain after attack. This study describes the prognosis and cause of poor outcome in poor-grade SAH patients excluding the effect of hydrocephlalus. METHODS: We analyzed 217 patients of Hunt & Hess(H&H) grade IV and V from 1997 to 2001. The prognosis according to the treatment modality, timing of operation, age, H&H grade, Fisher grade, location and size of aneurysm and the cause of poor outcome was analyzed retrospectively with literature review. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-test with SPSS Ver 10.0 and considered significant for value less than 0.05. RESULTS: There were stastistical significance between age, Fisher grade and outcome. Good outcome was obtained about 25.2% in early surgery group and 23.4% in delayed surgery group. Patients who did not undergo clipping presented very poor outcome. The causes of poor outcome mainly composed of delayed ischemic deficit(DID) from vasospasm and direct effect from SAH. CONCLUSION: To improve outcome in poor-grade SAH patients, there must be more intensive care preventing DID from vasospasm.

Adenoidectomy with the Suction Electrocoagulator / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The traditional adenoidectomy using adenotome and adenoid curette could not guarantee a clear operative field due to bleeding. Also the traditional transoral adenoidectomy was not always effective in the complete removal of adenoid tissues obstructing the choana and surrounding the eustachian tube. This study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of using the electric suction coagulator for adenoidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study was completed by 60 patients who underwent adenoidectomy or adenoidectomy with ventilation tube insertion. For adenoidectomy, 30 cases were performed using the variable sized suction coagulator via nasal cavity and the other 30 were performed using the adenotome and adenoid curette with oral approach. The amount of intraoperative bleeding and the duration of surgery were recorded. A preoperative and a at least one-month post operative nasal endoscopic photograph and lateral skull radiograph were obtained. RESULTS: Intraoperative bleeding amount was less and less time was needed in suction coagulator method (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the postoperative endoscopic grade, adenoid nasopharyngeal ratio, and the shortest nasopharyngeal diameter between two groups. The postoperative improvement of subjective symptoms was not different. CONCLUSION: Adenoidectomy using transnasal suction coagulator is an effective method for complete removal of adenoid with the advantages of excellent visualization and complete hemostasis. Especially, the authors think that this method is useful for the removal of superior part of adenoid and peritubal adenoid tissue.

The Effect of Combined Antiviral Agent Therapy and Stellate Ganglion Block for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Appropriate Patients to Evaluate the Therapeutic Effect / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The etiology of Idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) is uncertain, but viral infection and disturbance of blood circulation in the inner ear are suspected as the causes of the disease, and a stellate ganglion block (SGB) and antiviral agent (Acyclovir) have been used in its treatment. The purpose of this study was to find out the effect of SGB and antiviral agent in the treatment of ISSHL and to find out appropriate patients to evaluate the therapeutic effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the records of 193 patients (202 ears) who were admitted to the Presbyterian Medical Center from January 1994 to August 2000. Fifty-eight ears were treated with acyclovir and sixty nine ears were treated with SGB and seventy five ears were treated as a control group. RESULTS: The therapeutic result of SGB was better than that of control group and acyclovir had more effect on the subgroups when the initial hearing loss was 41dB~70dB. In the patients with initial hearing level worse than 71dB, the recovery rates were constant regardless of the group. And the patients who were treated after 8 days from the onset had analogic recovery rate to each remedy. CONCLUSION: The patients with the initial hearing level of worse than 71dB and who visited the clinic within 7days of the onset were found to be appropriate candidates for the evaluation of therapeutic effects of ISSHL and SGB. SGB was recommended for the treatment of ISSHL and antiviral agents for patients between the hearing levels of 410dB-70dB.

Change in Plasma Homocysteine Concentration during the Recovery Phase of Renal Transplantation / 대한신장학회잡지

A prospective study of vitamin B6, B12, folate, and homocysteine levels was carried out in 7 kidney transplant(KT) recipients. The first sample for the basal level was drawn on the morning of the KT day before the start of cyclosporine injection. Thereafter, serial blood samples were taken every day until the serum creatinine level decreased below 1.5 mg/dl and then every 2 or 3days until discharge. The serum creatinine level decreased to below 1.5 mg/dl within 3days except for cases 4 and 6. The homocysteine levels decreased markedly in synchronisation with serum creatinine levels increased during the first 7days and then declined together with serum creatinine levels but went up again after a few days. The levels of B6, and vitamin B12 do not continue to decrease after the levels of serum creatinine have decreased to 1.5mg/dl, while homocysteine levels go up progressively. In conclusion, contrary to our expectation, the level of homocysteine rebounds a few days after KT following a transient decline. A deficiency of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 does not seem to cause hyperhomocysteinemia in KT recipients. It is necessary to pay attention to hyperhomocysteinemia in KT recipients, especially when the recipients have an atherosclerosis-related complication.