Study on cardiovascular monitoring and diagnosis of athletes / Estudo de monitoramento cardiovascular e diagnóstico de atletas / Estudio de monitoreo cardiovascular y diagnóstico de atletas

ABSTRACT Introduction: The study and collection of athletes' heart function index parameters and the correct and reasonable evaluation of body functions can effectively adjust training plans and avoid athletes' bodily exhaustion. Objective: To study the diagnosis of myocardial injury by cardiovascular monitoring in athletes from two aspects: extraction of characteristic parameters of heart function and research of signal processing. Methods: The heart function intelligent evaluation algorithm was studied by using multi-source information fusion, and embedded technology; miniature sensors were used as well. Results: The incidence of severe ventricular arrhythmia was lower in both groups. The incidence of sinus arrhythmia and intermittent second degree I atrioventricular block in the high-intensity group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The number of atrial and ventricular premature beats was lower in the control group, but increased significantly in the high-intensity group. Conclusions: This study applied the theory of multi-source information fusion to carry out representative research on the intelligent monitoring and evaluation of the heart function of elite athletes, centering on the application requirements of the heart function monitoring of elite athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: O estudo e a coleta de parâmetros indiciais da função cardíaca em atletas e a avaliação correta e razoável das funções corporais podem, efetivamente, levar ao ajuste de planos de treinamento e evitar a sobrecarga física de atletas. Objetivo: Estudar o diagnóstico da lesão miocárdica pelo monitoramento cardiovascular em atletas a partir de dois aspectos: a extração de parâmetros característicos da função cardíaca e a pesquisa do processamento de sinais. Métodos: O algoritmo de avaliação inteligente da função cardíaca foi estudado usando a fusão de informações de múltiplas fontes, além da tecnologia embarcada. Sensores em miniatura também foram usados. Resultados: A incidência de arritmia ventricular severa era menor nos dois grupos. A incidência de arritmia sinusal e o bloqueio atrioventricular de segundo grau do tipo I intermitente no grupo de alta intensidade foi significativamente mais alta do que no grupo de controle. O número de batidas prematuras atriais e ventriculares era menor no grupo de controle, mas aumentava consideravelmente no grupo de alta intensidade. Conclusões: Este estudo aplicou a teoria da fusão de informações de múltiplas fontes para conduzir uma pesquisa importante sobre o monitoramento e avaliação inteligentes da função cardíaca de atletas de elite, enfocando as exigências de aplicação do monitoramento da função cardíaca de atletas de elite. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação de resultados de tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El estudio y la recogida de parámetros indíciales de la función cardíaca en atletas y la evaluación correcta y razonable de las funciones corporales pueden efectivamente llevar al ajuste de planes de entrenamiento y evitar la sobrecarga física de atletas. Objetivo: Estudiar el diagnóstico de la lesión miocárdica a través del monitoreo cardiovascular en atletas a partir de dos aspectos: la extracción de parámetros característicos de la función cardíaca y la investigación del procesamiento de señales. Métodos: El algoritmo de evaluación inteligente de la función cerebral se estudió utilizando la fusión de informaciones de múltiples fuentes, además de la tecnología embebida. Sensores en miniatura también se utilizaron. Resultados: La incidencia de taquicardia ventricular severa era menor en los dos grupos. La incidencia de arritmia sinusal y bloqueo auriculoventricular de segundo grado del tipo I intermitente en el grupo de alta intensidad fue significativamente más alta que en el grupo de control. El número de contracciones prematuras auriculares y ventriculares era menor en el grupo de control, pero aumentaba considerablemente en el grupo de alta intensidad. Conclusiones: Este estudio aplicó la teoría de la fusión de informaciones de múltiples fuentes para conducir una investigación importante sobre el monitoreo y evaluación inteligentes de la función cardiaca de atletas de élite, centrando las exigencias de aplicación del monitoreo de la función cardíaca de atletas de élite. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

Medical promotion effect of physical exercise on parkinson's disease / O efeito médico do exercício físico na doença de parkinson / El efecto médico del ejercicio físico en la enfermedad de parkinson

ABSTRACT Introduction: Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disease in middle-aged and older people. Some studies have shown that sports can reduce its impact on physical functions. Objective: Based on the abovementioned research background, this paper explores the effect of moderate physical exercise on muscle tone and body posture of patients with Parkinson's disease. Methods: The article selected 72 Parkinson patients admitted to our hospital's Parkinson's Medical Center from 2019 to 2020. These were divided into a basic drug treatment group and a sports intervention group. The Ashworth score, walking speed, walking cycle, and walking distance of the two groups were recorded. At the same time, we performed statistical data analysis on the two sets of data obtained. Results: Compared with the basic treatment group, the modified Ashworth score of the sports intervention group decreased after treatment (P<0.01). The walking speed of the sports intervention group increased, the walking cycle was shortened, and the distance of repeated steps increased (P<0.01). Conclusion: Appropriate physical exercise can reduce muscle tone in patients with Parkinson's disease. It helps them increase their pace and improve small gait symptoms. Sports can help Parkinson patients adjust their body posture and promote their clinical treatment. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: A doença de Parkinson é uma doença neurodegenerativa comum em pessoas de meia idade ou idade avançada. Alguns estudos mostram que o esporte pode reduzir seu impacto nas funções físicas das pessoas. Objetivo: Com base em pesquisas sobre o contexto mencionado acima, este estudo explora o efeito de exercício físico moderado no tônus muscular e postura corporal de pacientes com a doença de Parkinson. Métodos: O artigo selecionou 72 pacientes com Parkinson, internados no Centro Médico de Parkinson em nosso hospital, de 2019 a 2020. Estes foram divididos em dois grupos: um de tratamento medicamentoso básico e outro de intervenção esportiva. O escore Ashworth, velocidade de caminhada, ciclo de caminhada e distância de caminhada dos dois grupos foram registrados. Ao mesmo tempo, fizemos uma análise estatística de dados no conjunto de dados obtidos nos dois grupos. Resultados: Ao compararmos o grupo de intervenção esportiva com o de tratamento básico, o escore Ashworth modificado do primeiro grupo diminuiu após o tratamento (P<0.01). A velocidade de caminhada do grupo de intervenção esportiva aumentou, o ciclo de caminhada foi reduzido e a distância de passos repetidos aumentou (P<0.01). Conclusão: Exercícios físicos adequados podem diminuir o tônus muscular em pacientes com a doença de Parkinson. Auxilia no aumento de passos e melhora os sintomas dos passos curtos. Os esportes podem ajudar os pacientes ajustar sua postura e promover seu tratamento clínico. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação de resultados de tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: La enfermedad de Parkinson es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa común en personas de mediana edad o edad avanzada. Algunos estudios muestran que el deporte puede reducir su impacto en las funciones físicas de las personas. Objetivo: Con base en investigaciones sobre el contexto mencionado antes, este estudio explora el efecto de ejercicio físico moderado en el tono muscular y postura corporal de pacientes con la enfermedad de Parkinson. Métodos: El artículo seleccionó 72 pacientes con Parkinson, internados en el Centro Médico de Parkinson en nuestro hospital, de 2019 a 2020. Se los dividió en dos grupos: uno de tratamiento medicamentoso básico y otro de intervención deportiva. Se registró la escala Ashworth, velocidad de caminata, ciclo básico de caminata y distancia de caminata de los dos grupos. Al mismo tiempo, hicimos un análisis estadístico de datos en el conjunto de datos obtenidos en los dos grupos. Resultados: Al comparar el grupo de intervención deportiva con el de tratamiento básico, la escala Ashworth modificada del primer grupo disminuyó tras el tratamiento (P<0.01). La velocidad de caminata del grupo de intervención deportiva aumentó, el ciclo de caminata se redujo y la distancia de pasos repetidos disminuyó (P<0.01). Conclusión: Ejercicios físicos adecuados pueden disminuir el tono muscular en pacientes con la enfermedad de Parkinson. Auxilia en el aumento de pasos y mejora los síntomas de los pasos cortos. Los deportes pueden ayudar a los pacientes a ajustar su postura y promover su tratamiento clínico. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de resultados de tratamiento.

Macrofungal Survey of the Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan

The Tian Shan mountain system is one of the large mountain ranges located in Central Asia. This region is globally recognized as mountain ranges, offering inestimable wealth in fauna and flora with significant biodiversity values. We surveyed macrofungal diversity of Tian Shan in Kyrgyzstan from 2016 to 2018. A collection of macrofungi was made, and these were subjected to sequence comparisons and phylogenetic analysis to ensure the identity of the collected macrofungi. Of those collected, 95 out of 100 specimens were successfully sequenced and compared with those of other related species retrieved from GenBank. The sequenced specimens were classified into 2 phyla, 8 orders, 24 families, 47 genera, and 57 species, based on current taxonomic concepts (combining morphology and phylogeny). To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first well-documented checklist and phylogenetic analysis of macrofungi recovered from the Tian Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan.

Isolation, identification, and biocontrol of antagonistic bacterium against Botrytis cinerea after tomato harvest

ABSTRACT Tomato is one of the most important vegetables in the world. Decay after harvest is a major issue in the development of tomato industry. Currently, the most effective method for controlling decay after harvest is storage of tomato at low temperature combined with usage of chemical bactericide; however, long-term usage of chemical bactericide not only causes pathogen resistance but also is harmful for human health and environment. Biocontrol method for the management of disease after tomato harvest has great practical significance. In this study, antagonistic bacterium B-6-1 strain was isolated from the surface of tomato and identified as Enterobacter cowanii based on morphological characteristics and physiological and biochemical features combined with sequence analysis of 16SrDNA and ropB gene and construction of dendrogram. Effects of different concentrations of antagonistic bacterium E. cowanii suspension on antifungal activity after tomato harvest were analyzed by mycelium growth rate method. Results revealed that antifungal activity was also enhanced with increasing concentrations of antagonistic bacterium; inhibitory rates of 1 × 105 colony-forming units (cfu)/mL antagonistic bacterial solution on Fusarium verticillioides, Alternaria tenuissima, and Botrytis cinerea were 46.31%, 67.48%, and 75.67%, respectively. By using in vivo inoculation method, it was further confirmed that antagonistic bacterium could effectively inhibit the occurrence of B. cinerae after tomato harvest, biocontrol effect of 1 × 109 cfu/mL zymotic fluid reached up to 95.24%, and antagonistic bacterium E. cowanii has biocontrol potential against B. cinerea after harvest of fruits and vegetables.

Erratum to: HIFU: Effects and Clinical Effectiveness of Non-surgical Therapy for Uterine Fibroids

Author's list and affiliation correction.

Economic Burden of Cancer in Korea during 2000-2010 / Journal of the Korean Cancer Association, 대한암학회지

PURPOSE: This study estimated the economic burden of cancer in Korea during 2000-2010 by cancer site, gender, age group, and cost component. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data came from national health insurance claims data and information from Statistics Korea. Based on the cost of illness method, this study calculated direct, morbidity and mortality cost of cancer in the nation during 2000-2010 by cancer site, gender, and age group. RESULTS: With an average annual growth rate of 8.9%, the economic burden of cancer in Korea increased from 11,424 to 20,858 million US$ (current US dollars) during 2000-2010. Colorectal, thyroid, and breast cancers became more significant during the period, i.e., the 5th/837, the 11th/257, and the 7th/529 in 2000 to the 3rd/2,210, the 5th/1,724, and the 6th/1,659 in 2010, respectively (rank/amount in million US$ for the total population). In addition, liver and stomach cancers were prominent during the period in terms of the same measures, i.e., the 1st/2,065 and the 2nd/2,036 in 2000 to the 1st/3,114 and the 2nd/3,046 in 2010, respectively. Finally, the share of mortality cost in the total burden dropped from 71% to 51% in Korea during 2000-2010, led by colorectal, thyroid, breast, and prostate cancers during the period. These results show that the economic burden of cancer in Korea is characterized by an increasing importance of chronic components. CONCLUSION: Incorporation of distinctive epidemiological, sociocultural contexts into Korea's cancer control program, with greater emphasis on primary prevention such as sodium-controlled diet and hepatitis B vaccination, may be needed.

Effects of Yinchenhao decoction on self-regulation of renin-angiotensin system by targeting angiotensin converting enzyme 2 in bile duct-ligated rat liver / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

In order to investigate whether Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) attenuates hepatic fibrogenesis in the bile duct ligation (BDL) model via recovering and restoring the self-regulation and balance of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), 33 specific-pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague-Dawley rats with common BDL and scission were randomly divided into five groups as follows: G1, the sham group (n=4); G2, BDL 7-day group (n=5); G3, BDL+YCHD 430 mg/mL (n=8); G4, BDL+losartan 0.65 mg/mL (ARB group, n=8); G5, model group (BDL without any treatment, n=8). YCHD and losartan (10 mL·kg(-1)·day(-1)) were given by gastric gavage for 16 days following BDL in G3 and G4 groups, respectively. The effect of YCHD on liver fibrosis and the detailed molecular mechanisms were assessed by liver function including total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IDBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Histological changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Masson trichrome staining. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression level of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components including angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), ACE2, angiotensin II (AngII) as well as transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). The experimental data were analyzed by principle component analytical method of pattern recognition. The results showed that biochemically, serum TBIL, DBIL, IDBIL, ALT and AST levels were markedly increased following BDL as compared with the sham group (P<0.05). Serum TBIL, IDBIL and DBIL levels in G3 group were dramatically decreased as compared with G5 and G4 groups (P<0.05). Serum AST level in G3 was significantly lowered than in G5 group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in ALT among G3, G4 and G5 groups (P>0.05). Histologically, livers in G3 group showed less hepatocytes necrosis, less bile duct hyperplasia and less collagen formation than in G4 and G5 groups. The protein expression levels of ACE2, ACE, AngII, AT1R and TGFβ1 in G2, G3 and G4 groups were significantly higher than in sham group (P<0.05), and lower than in G5 group (P<0.05). However, the differences among G2, G3 and G4 groups were not significant (P>0.05). ACE2 protein expression in G3 group was significantly higher than in G2 group (P<0.05) and there was no significant difference in comparison with G4 group (P>0.05). Moreover, the protein expression of TGFβ1 in G3 group was significantly lower than in G5 and G4 groups (P<0.05). Our findings suggest that the antifibrotic effects of YCHD may be associated with the decreased classical RAS pathway components and TGFβ1 downexpression so as to recover and rebuild self-regulation of the RAS by elevating the protein expression of ACE2.

Impact of Enzyme Replacement Therapy on Linear Growth in Korean Patients with Mucopolysaccharidosis Type II (Hunter Syndrome)

Hunter syndrome (or mucopolysaccharidosis type II [MPS II]) arises because of a deficiency in the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase. Short stature is a prominent and consistent feature in MPS II. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with idursulfase (Elaprase(R)) or idursulfase beta (Hunterase(R)) have been developed for these patients. The effect of ERT on the growth of Korean patients with Hunter syndrome was evaluated at a single center. This study comprised 32 patients, who had received ERT for at least 2 yr; they were divided into three groups according to their ages at the start of ERT: group 1 (<6 yr, n=14), group 2 (6-10 yr, n=11), and group 3 (10-20 yr, n=7). The patients showed marked growth retardation as they got older. ERT may have less effect on the growth of patients with the severe form of Hunter syndrome. The height z-scores in groups 2 and 3 revealed a significant change (the estimated slopes before and after the treatment were -0.047 and -0.007, respectively: difference in the slope, 0.04; P<0.001). Growth in response to ERT could be an important treatment outcome or an endpoint for future studies.

Risk of Bladder Cancer among Patients with Diabetes Treated with a 15 mg Pioglitazone Dose in Korea: A Multi-Center Retrospective Cohort Study

It has not yet been determined whether chronic exposure to relatively low doses of pioglitazone increases risk of bladder cancer. We aimed to assess the risk of bladder cancer associated with pioglitazone in Korean patients. This was a retrospective cohort study of diabetic patients who had > or = 2 clinic visits between November 2005 and June 2011 at one of four tertiary referral hospitals in Korea. A prevalent case-control analysis nested within the cohort was conducted to further adjust confounders. A total of 101,953 control patients and 11,240 pioglitazone-treated patients were included, in which there were 237 and 30 cases of incidental bladder cancer (64.9 and 54.9 per 100,000 person-years; age, sex-adjusted HR 1.135, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.769-1.677), respectively. In the prevalent case-control analysis nested within the cohort, use of pioglitazone for a duration of > 6 months, but not ever use of pioglitazone, was associated with an increased rate of bladder cancer as compared to never use of pioglitazone. In conclusion, we failed to exclude the possible association between use of pioglitazone for a duration of > 6 months and bladder cancer.

Genotype-phenotype correlation in 27 pediatric patients in congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency in a single center

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate endocrine patterns of patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia and each gene mutation and to analyze the correlation between each phenotype and genotype. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of the patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia in the pediatric outpatient clinic at the Samsung Medical Center from November 1994 to December 2012. We analyzed the medical records of 27 patients (male, 19; female, 8) with congenital adrenal hyperplasia who had been diagnosed by genetic testing to have 21-hydroxylase deficiency. RESULTS: In genetic analysis of 54 alleles from 27 patients, 13 types of mutations were identified. The distribution of 21-hydroxylase deficiency gene mutations revealed that intron 2 splice site (c.293-13A/C>G) mutations and large deletions were the most common, at 31.5% and 22.2% respectively, followed by p.I173N, p.R356W, and p.I172N mutations at 11.1%, 9.3%, and 9.3%, respectively. Other mutations were observed at 1.9-3.7%. No novel mutations were detected. CONCLUSION: The analysis of 54 alleles revealed 13 types of mutation. The salt wasting form showed a good correlation between genotype and phenotype, but the simple virilizing and nonclassic forms showed inconsistencies between genotype and phenotype. The distribution of CYP21A2 mutations was evaluated for 21-hydroxylase deficiency patients from a single center. This study provides limited data on mutation spectrum and genotype-phenotype correlation of 21-hydroxylase deficiency in Korea.

Total Arch Replacement with Stented Elephant Trunk in DeBakey Type I Acute Aortic Dissection

A 67-year-old female patient was treated with conventional total arch replacement and insertion of a stented elephant trunk (SET) graft into the descending thoracic aorta for acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection at one time. She had been treated with right coronary artery stent insertion for acute myocardial infarct 4 days earlier, and at that time, she was diagnosed with acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection from the ascending aorta to the suprarenal artery based on trans-esophageal echocardiography and aorta computed tomography. Through a median sternotomy, we inserted the SET graft through the opened aorta to the descending aorta. We also performed anastomosis between the proximal stented graft and the distal aortic arch, and then performed total arch replacement. For acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection, we report total arch replacement with insertion of a SET graft as a combination of conventional surgery and the interventional technique.

Current Challenges in Bacterial Transcriptomics

Over the past decade or so, dramatic developments in our ability to experimentally determine the content and function of genomes have taken place. In particular, next-generation sequencing technologies are now inspiring a new understanding of bacterial transcriptomes on a global scale. In bacterial cells, whole-transcriptome studies have not received attention, owing to the general view that bacterial genomes are simple. However, several recent RNA sequencing results are revealing unexpected levels of complexity in bacterial transcriptomes, indicating that the transcribed regions of genomes are much larger and complex than previously anticipated. In particular, these data show a wide array of small RNAs, antisense RNAs, and alternative transcripts. Here, we review how current transcriptomics are now revolutionizing our understanding of the complexity and regulation of bacterial transcriptomes.

Predictive Clinical Parameters and Glycemic Efficacy of Vildagliptin Treatment in Korean Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study are to investigate the glycemic efficacy and predictive parameters of vildagliptin therapy in Korean subjects with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we retrieved data for subjects who were on twice-daily 50 mg vildagliptin for at least 6 months, and classified the subjects into five treatment groups. In three of the groups, we added vildagliptin to their existing medication regimen; in the other two groups, we replaced one of their existing medications with vildagliptin. We then analyzed the changes in glucose parameters and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Ultimately, 327 subjects were analyzed in this study. Vildagliptin significantly improved hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels over 6 months. The changes in HbA1c levels (DeltaHbA1c) at month 6 were -2.24% (P=0.000), -0.77% (P=0.000), -0.80% (P=0.001), -0.61% (P=0.000), and -0.34% (P=0.025) for groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, respectively, with significance. We also found significant decrements in fasting plasma glucose levels in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 (P<0.05). Of the variables, initial HbA1c levels (P=0.032) and history of sulfonylurea use (P=0.026) were independently associated with responsiveness to vildagliptin treatment. CONCLUSION: Vildagliptin was effective when it was used in subjects with poor glycemic control. It controlled fasting plasma glucose levels as well as sulfonylurea treatment in Korean type 2 diabetic subjects.

Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair with the Chimney Technique for Blunt Traumatic Pseudoaneurysm of the Aortic Arch in a No-Option Patient

A 42-year-old man was involved in a motor vehicle collision. Imaging studies revealed the presence of a post-traumatic aortic pseudo-aneurysm (about 34x26 cm) arising from the descending thoracic aorta at the level of the left subclavian artery (LSA), prone to rupture. Thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) was the only feasible option due to his poor overall medical status. In this case, LSA needed to be covered in order to extend the proximal landing zone. Eventually, modified TEVAR was successfully performed by means of the chimney technique to preserve flow to the LSA and to prevent flow into the pseudoaneurysmal sac.

Pattern of Stress-Induced Hyperglycemia according to Type of Diabetes: A Predator Stress Model

BACKGROUND: We aimed to quantify stress-induced hyperglycemia and differentiate the glucose response between normal animals and those with diabetes. We also examined the pattern in glucose fluctuation induced by stress according to type of diabetes. METHODS: To load psychological stress on animal models, we used a predator stress model by exposing rats to a cat for 60 minutes and measured glucose level from the beginning to the end of the test to monitor glucose fluctuation. We induced type 1 diabetes model (T1D) for ten Sprague-Dawley rats using streptozotocin and used five Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats as obese type 2 diabetes model (OT2D) and 10 Goto-Kakizaki rats as nonobese type 2 diabetes model (NOT2D). We performed the stress loading test in both the normal and diabetic states and compared patterns of glucose fluctuation among the three models. We classified the pattern of glucose fluctuation into A, B, and C types according to speed of change in glucose level. RESULTS: Increase in glucose, total amount of hyperglycemic exposure, time of stress-induced hyperglycemia, and speed of glucose increase were significantly increased in all models compared to the normal state. While the early increase in glucose after exposure to stress was higher in T1D and NOT2D, it was slower in OT2D. The rate of speed of the decrease in glucose level was highest in NOT2D and lowest in OT2D. CONCLUSION: The diabetic state was more vulnerable to stress compared to the normal state in all models, and the pattern of glucose fluctuation differed among the three types of diabetes. The study provides basic evidence for stress-induced hyperglycemia patterns and characteristics used for the management of diabetes patients.

Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Infection Rate and Necessity of Screening during Pregnancy: A Clinical and Seroepidemiologic Study

PURPOSE: This study determined the seroprevalence of herpes virus 2 in gravidas and the differences between herpes virus 2-infected and healthy gravidas. The need to screen gravidas for herpes virus 2 was also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis involving 500 gravidas who underwent herpes virus 2 serologic testing and delivery in our hospital between January 2009 and August 2010 was performed. All patients in the study group were classified as herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2) positive, and all cases were analyzed with respect to the clinical course of the pregnancy, pregnancy outcome, obstetric complications, and neonatal outcomes. SPSS software (version 14.0) was used for statistical analysis. A chi-square test and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the current study, the herpes virus 2 seroprevalence rate in gravidas was 17%. There was no significant difference in the rates of preterm delivery, premature rupture of membranes, preterm labor, and intrauterine growth restriction between the herpes virus 2-infected gravidas and the healthy control group. The rates of spontaneous abortion and sexually transmitted disease were higher in the herpes virus 2 infection group than the healthy control group. CONCLUSION: After educating gravidas on genital herpes and, if gravidas thereafter consent to herpes virus 2 screening, the risk of neonatal herpes virus 2 infections can be reduced. In addition, examination of gravidas for sexually transmitted diseases would increase as would appropriate treatment.

Differential Expression of PKD2-Associated Genes in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by formation of multiple fluid-filled cysts that expand over time and destroy renal architecture. The proteins encoded by the PKD1 and PKD2 genes, mutations in which account for nearly all cases of ADPKD, may help guard against cystogenesis. Previously developed mouse models of PKD1 and PKD2 demonstrated an embryonic lethal phenotype and massive cyst formation in the kidney, indicating that PKD1 and PKD2 probably play important roles during normal renal tubular development. However, their precise role in development and the cellular mechanisms of cyst formation induced by PKD1 and PKD2 mutations are not fully understood. To address this question, we presently created Pkd2 knockout and PKD2 transgenic mouse embryo fibroblasts. We used a mouse oligonucleotide microarray to identify messenger RNAs whose expression was altered by the overexpression of the PKD2 or knockout of the Pkd2. The majority of identified mutations was involved in critical biological processes, such as metabolism, transcription, cell adhesion, cell cycle, and signal transduction. Herein, we confirmed differential expressions of several genes including aquaporin-1, according to different PKD2 expression levels in ADPKD mouse models, through microarray analysis. These data may be helpful in PKD2-related mechanisms of ADPKD pathogenesis.

Arthroscopic Percutaneous Repair of Anterosuperior Rotator Cuff Tear Including Biceps Long Head: A 2-Year Follow-up

BACKGROUND: To report the results of an arthroscopic percutaneous repair technique for partial-thickness tears of the anterosuperior cuff combined with a biceps lesion. METHODS: The inclusion criteria were evidence of the upper subscapularis tendon tear and an articular side partial-thickness tear of the supraspinatus tendon, degeneration of the biceps long head or degenerative superior labrum anterior-posterior, above lesions treated by arthroscopic percutaneous repair, and follow-up duration > 24 months after the operation. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, constant score, the pain level on a visual analogue scale, ranges of motion and strength were assessed. RESULTS: The mean (+/- standard deviation) age of the 20 enrolled patients was 56.0 +/- 7.7 years. The forward flexion strength increased from 26.3 +/- 6.7 Nm preoperatively to 38.9 +/- 5.1 Nm at final follow-up. External and internal rotation strength was also significantly increased (14.2 +/- 1.7 to 19.1 +/- 3.03 Nm, 12.3 +/- 3.2 to 18.1 +/- 2.8 Nm, respectively). Significant improvement was observed in ASES and constant scores at 3 months, 1 year and the time of final follow-up when compared with preoperative scores (p < 0.001). The mean subjective shoulder value was 86% (range, 78% to 97%). CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of complete rotator cuff repair with concomitant tenodesis of the biceps long head using arthroscopic percutaneous repair achieved full recovery of normal rotator cuff function, maximum therapeutic efficacy, and patient satisfaction.

Pleural Effusion and Diaphragmatic Palsy Associated with Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter in a Preterm Infant / 대한주산의학회잡지

Pleural effusion and diaphragmatic palsy secondary to fluid extravasation after central line insertion in the neonate are rare complications. Here we report a case of right pleural effusion and diaphragmatic palsy caused by fluid extravasation associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheter in the preterm infant.

Improvement in Clinical Performance of Interns and Residents through Clinical Skills Assessment of the Korean Medical Licensing Examination / 한국의학교육

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical performance through the Korean Medical Licensing Examination clinical skills assessment (KMLE CSA) this survey was done. METHODS: A survey of 130 interns and residents (46 applicants and 84 non-applicants for the KMLE CSA) at a university hospital in Seoul was conducted in January and February 2012. The data were gathered using a structured and self-administered questionnaire. For the items that assessed the clinical performance of these subjects, we selected 15 items that are mostly frequently used by Delphi's technique, and difficult procedural skills based on the results of medical students' performance. We also used subcomponents of the clinical problems test of the KMLE CSA. RESULTS: The total score on the KMLE CSA improved by 1.33 points (a perfect score is 10), 1.49 points for procedural skills, and 0.84 points for clinical problems by multiple regression analysis. The variables that influenced clinical skills were sex (females had 0.86 more points than males), experience in military or public services (1.04 points higher than persons without experience), and type of school (graduates of medical school had 1.41 more points than graduates of professional graduate school). CONCLUSION: Implementation of the KMLE CSA improved the clinical performance of medical graduates.