The Survey of Recognition about Rehabilitative Robots for Treatmentin Physical Therapists

Purpose@#This study examined the recognition of rehabilitative robots for treatment in physical therapists. @*Methods@#This study surveyed 100 physical therapists in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do using Google Form, an online survey tool. The questionnaire consisted of 21 questions, including eight questions on the general characteristics, 13 questions on the recognition of rehabilitative robots. @*Results@#The general characteristics of the physical therapists showed differences and influences on recognition of rehabilitative robots, and there were statistically significant differences. There were significant differences in the recognition of rehabilitation robots according to general characteristics in gender, age, education degree, type of hospital, average weekly working time, and treatment field. Multiple regression analysis found that gender and the type of hospital influenced the recognition of rehabilitation robots. @*Conclusion@#Physical therapists showed differences in recognition of rehabilitative robots according to their general characteristics, and gender and the type of hospital influence the recognition of rehabilitation robots. Sufficient systematic education programs should be provided, and physical therapists require policy adjustments to increase their accessibility to rehabilitation robots through continuing education.

The Survey of Recognition about Rehabilitative Robots for Treatmentin Physical Therapists

Purpose@#This study examined the recognition of rehabilitative robots for treatment in physical therapists. @*Methods@#This study surveyed 100 physical therapists in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do using Google Form, an online survey tool. The questionnaire consisted of 21 questions, including eight questions on the general characteristics, 13 questions on the recognition of rehabilitative robots. @*Results@#The general characteristics of the physical therapists showed differences and influences on recognition of rehabilitative robots, and there were statistically significant differences. There were significant differences in the recognition of rehabilitation robots according to general characteristics in gender, age, education degree, type of hospital, average weekly working time, and treatment field. Multiple regression analysis found that gender and the type of hospital influenced the recognition of rehabilitation robots. @*Conclusion@#Physical therapists showed differences in recognition of rehabilitative robots according to their general characteristics, and gender and the type of hospital influence the recognition of rehabilitation robots. Sufficient systematic education programs should be provided, and physical therapists require policy adjustments to increase their accessibility to rehabilitation robots through continuing education.

Short-term Changes in Ocular Surface pH after 23-gauge Microincision Vitrectomy Surgery

Purpose@#This study aimed to investigate changes in ocular surface pH after 23-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included 42 patients who underwent 23-gauge microincision vitrectomy. Best-corrected visual acuity and intraocular pressure were measured. Fundus examination, color fundus photography, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were performed. Chemosis was evaluated once a day after surgery, and the ocular surface pH was measured using a microelectrode on the day before surgery and every day up to day 5 after surgery. @*Results@#A total of 42 eyes in 42 patients were examined. The average age was 63.7 years. The indications for surgery included epiretinal membrane in 14 eyes (33.3%), vitreous hemorrhage in 11 eyes (26.2%), macular hole in 11 eyes (26.2%), and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in six eyes (14.3%). Although the mean ocular surface pH increased from 7.12 ± 0.04 to 7.55 ± 0.04 on the first day after surgery (p < 0.001), it gradually decreased to 7.41 ± 0.03 from the second day postoperatively (p < 0.001). It was subsequently measured as 7.33 ± 0.04 on the third day (p < 0.001) and 7.23 ± 0.03 on the fourth day (p < 0.001) postoperatively. On the fifth postoperative day, the ocular surface pH further decreased to 7.15 ± 0.03 (p = 0.152) and recovered to the preoperative state. A statistically significant correlation was found between the change in ocular surface pH and the chemosis grade (p = 0.001). @*Conclusions@#After 23-gauge microincision vitrectomy surgery, the ocular surface pH shifted temporarily in the alkaline direction within a physiological range correlated with chemosis and intravitreal tamponade usage.

Fundus Autofluorescence, Fluorescein Angiography and Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Findings of Retinal Astrocytic Hamartomas in Tuberous Sclerosis

PURPOSE: To analyze the structural and morphological characteristics of retinal astrocytic hamartomas in tuberous sclerosis patients using fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. CASE SUMMARY: Fundus examination, fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography were performed in three patients with tuberous sclerosis and the morphological and structural characteristics of retinal astrocytic hamartomas were analyzed. In the fundus autofluorescence, type 1 retinal astrocytic hamartoma showed hypofluorescence and type 3 showed central hyperfluorescence and surrounding hypofluorescence. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed dome-shaped hyper-reflectivity within the nerve fiber layer and focal adhesion of the vitreous cortex in the type 1 retinal astrocytic hamartoma. No abnormalities were observed in the outer retinal layer and retinal pigment epithelium. In the type 3 retinal astrocytic hamartoma, optical coherence tomography showed disorganization of retinal tissue and posterior shadowing. Intratumoral cavitation and moth-eaten appearance caused by intratumoral calcification were observed and the vitreous cortex adhered to the top of the tumor and showed traction. Retinal arterial sheathing was observed in all cases and hyper- reflectivity of the arterial wall was noted on optical coherence tomography. CONCLUSIONS: Fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography are helpful for the classification and diagnosis of retinal astrocytic hamartomas found in tuberous sclerosis patients as well as for differentiation from other lesions.

Fabrication of Polymerase Chain Reaction Plastic Lab-on-a-Chip Device for Rapid Molecular Diagnoses / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

PURPOSE: We aim to fabricate a thermoplastic poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) Lab-on-a-Chip device to perform continuous- flow polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) for rapid molecular detection of foodborne pathogen bacteria. METHODS: A miniaturized plastic device was fabricated by utilizing PMMA substrates mediated by poly(dimethylsiloxane) interfacial coating, enabling bonding under mild conditions, and thus avoiding the deformation or collapse of microchannels. Surface characterizations were carried out and bond strength was measured. The feasibility of the Lab-on-a-Chip device for performing on-chip PCR utilizing a lab-made, portable dual heater was evaluated. The results were compared with those obtained using a commercially available thermal cycler. RESULTS: A PMMA Lab-on-a-Chip device was designed and fabricated for conducting PCR using foodborne pathogens as sample targets. A robust bond was established between the PMMA substrates, which is essential for performing miniaturized PCR on plastic. The feasibility of on-chip PCR was evaluated using Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Cronobacter condimenti, two worldwide foodborne pathogens, and the target amplicons were successfully amplified within 25 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we present a novel design of a low-cost and high-throughput thermoplastic PMMA Lab-on-a-Chip device for conducting microscale PCR, and we enable rapid molecular diagnoses of two important foodborne pathogens in minute resolution using this device. In this regard, the introduced highly portable system design has the potential to enable PCR investigations of many diseases quickly and accurately.

Clinical Outcomes of Combined Descemet-stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty and Intraocular Lens Exchange

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes after combined descemet-stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and intraocular lens (IOL) exchange in a Korean population. METHODS: The medical records of 15 patients (15 eyes) with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy who underwent combined DSEK and IOL exchange from January 2011 to January 2015 and who were followed up for more than 12 months were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: In 14 eyes with successful results after surgery, the best corrective visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly improved from 2.01 ± 0.96 (log MAR, mean) to 0.68 ± 0.26 at 3 months (p = 0.001) except for one eye that received reoperation on the endothelial disc detachment. The BCVA at postoperative 6 and 12 months gradually increased (0.51 ± 0.26 and 0.40 ± 0.22 log MAR, mean). Central corneal thickness was significantly improved from 777 ± 139 µm to 605 ± 28 µm at 6 months (p = 0.003) and was maintained at 12 months. The mean endothelial cell count was 2,973 ± 281/mm2 in the donor lenticules and 1,790 ± 265/mm2 at 12 months. Endothelial cell loss was 40%. The target refraction was -0.81 ± 0.16 D and the 12 months postoperative spherical equivalent was -0.28 ± 0.36 D. Complications included intraocular pressure elevation in one eye and pupillary capture in one eye. CONCLUSIONS: Combined DSEK and IOL exchange may be a very efficient and safe option for surgically managing pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.

Clinical and Polysomnographic Characteristics of REM Sleep-Dependent Obstructive Sleep Apnea / 수면정신생리

INTRODUCTION: REM sleep which shows characteristic muscle atonia and increased resistance of upper respiratory track is known to be vulnerable to sleep apnea. Previous studies reported that REM sleep-dependent (or related) obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (REM-dependent OSA) could be one of sleep disordered breathing. The present study aimed to investigate clinical findings and polysomnographic variables of REM-dependent OSA. METHODS: Fifty-six patients diagnosed with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea by overnight polysomnography (52. We compared clinical and polysomnographic findings between REM-dependent OSA and No REM-dependent OSA patients. RESULTS: Among 56 patients, 37.5% (n=21, average age of 52.3+/-19.7 years, 14 males) met the REM-dependent OSA criteria. There were no significant differences in age, sex and body mass index between two groups. After controlling for age, sex, body mass index and periodic leg movements index, REM-dependent OSA patients showed significantly lower AHI, lower number of oxygen desaturation events and higher stage 2 sleep proportion compared to No REM-dependent OSA patients (p=0.010, p=0.006, p=0.031, respectively). After controlling for age, sex, body mass index and periodic legs movements index, AHI-REM was positively correlated with the number of oxygen desaturation events in REM-dependent OSA group (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Current results suggested that 37.5% of patients with mild to moderate severity of obstructive sleep apnea could be classified into REM-dependent OSA. REM-dependent OSA was more common in mild severity of OSA, equally prevalent in both sexes and accompanied with sleep architecture changes, i.e. increased proportion of stage 2. In addition, apneic events during REM sleep in REM-dependent OSA were related to oxygen desaturation.

Plasma Lipid Concentrations and Blood Pressure in Women with Subclinical Hypothyroidism

BACKGROUND: There are conflicting reports on the effect of subclinical hypothyroidism on plasma lipid concentrations and blood pressure. This may be due to lack of consideration for menopause status or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in selecting the study subjects. Also, the reason may be that many subjects with transient abnormality were included in those studies. Therefore, we intended to include the subjects who satisfied the definition of subclinical hypothyroidism on repeated measures. Then, we investigated the difference of plasma lipid concentrations and blood pressure between subclinical hypothyroidism and normal control subjects. METHODS: This study involved the women above age 18, who visited a health promotion center in a general hospital and measured their serum TSH and free T4, from January 1997 to May 2003. The number patients who satisfied the definition of subclinical hypothyroidism on repeated measures, and who had no history of thyroid disease, herb medication or HRT, diabetes, abnormalities of liver and renal function were 30. Age, menopause, body mass index-matched people of 65 were selected as normal controls. Serum TSH, free T4 and plasma lipid concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent assay and enzyme method, respectively. Dyslipidemia were defined according to NCEP ATPIII guidelines. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of blood pressure and plasma lipid concentrations between subclinical hypothyroidism patients and normal controls irrespective of menopause. There was no significant difference of percentage of dyslipidemia and hypertension between the two groups. CONCLUSION: There were no significant increase in plasma lipid concentrations and blood pressure in subclinical hypothyroidism patients despite more strict inclusion.