PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the radiation adaptive response (RAR) in peripheral lymphocytes (PL) of patients induced by Tc.-99m MDP and Tc-99m DTPA scintigraphies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lymphocytes from 45 patients (25 males, 20 females, mean age 44+/-18 years) were collected before and after scintigraphies using 740 MBq Tc-99m MDP (n=22) or Tc-99m L)TPA (n=23). Lympho-cytes from 20 controls (12 males, 8 females, mean age 43+/-7 years) were also callected. They were exposed to challenge dose of 2 Gy gamma-rays using a Cs-137 cell irradiator, Number of ring-form (R) and dicentric (D) chromosomes was counted under the light microscope. From them a representative score, Ydr, was calculated as Ydr=(D+R)/cells. Adaptation index (AI) was defined as difference of Ydr between unconditioned and conditioned lymphocytes. Ydr was also measured after an administration of cyclohexi-mide (CHM), a protein synthesis inhibitor, before challenge dose. RESULTS: RAR was induced in both groups of patients. CHM abolished the adaptive response in both groups. AI of Tc-99m MDP group was significantly higher than that of Tc-99m DTPA group. CONCLUSION: Tc-99m MDP induced RAR was more prominent than those induced by Tc-99m DTPA.
Chromosome Aberrations ; Female ; Humans ; Lymphocytes* ; Male ; Pentetic Acid* ; Technetium Tc 99m Medronate*

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to investigate the knowledge, anxiety and compliance with preventive behavior of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in liver transplant patients. METHODS: The participants in the study were 100 liver transplant patients at an outpatient clinic. The data were collected from May 20, 2016, to June 20, 2016. RESULTS: The knowledge score was 6.37±1.73 (range; 1~10) and the correct answer rate was 63.7%. The state anxiety score was 41.35±10.08 (range; 20~68) and the trait anxiety score was 39.60±8.85 (range; 22~59). The compliance with preventive behavior score was 35.70±5.23 (range; 21~45). Anxiety differed significantly according to education level (P=0.040) and occupation status (P=0.047). Compliance with preventive behavior differed significantly according to period after surgery (P=0.035). Compliance with preventive behavior and state anxiety (P=0.007) and trait anxiety (P<0.001) were negatively related. The factor that had the greatest effect on compliance with preventive behavior was trait anxiety (P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The epidemic of the MERS has already been completed and none of the subjects of this study has been infected with the MERS; however, patients with liver transplantation always have a risk of various opportunistic infections. If new infectious diseases such as MERS occur in the future, increased anxiety may decrease the practice of prevention. Therefore, anxiety experienced by liver transplant patients should be managed.
Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Anxiety* ; Communicable Diseases ; Compliance* ; Coronavirus Infections* ; Education ; Humans ; Liver Transplantation ; Liver* ; Middle East* ; Occupations ; Opportunistic Infections

Purpose: This study evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of TFNA (Trochanteric Fixation NailAdvanced; Depuy Synthes) for the treatment of proximal femur fractures. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 64 patients diagnosed with a proximal femur fracture from January 2019 to November 2019. The patient’s demographic data, preoperatively and postoperatively Koval grade, modified Harris hip score, EQ-5D (Euro-Qol-5 Dimension), sliding and advancement of the blade, radiologic outcome, and complications were investigated. Results: Fifty patients were available for evaluation at one year postoperatively. The patients reported the following: the Koval grade decreased after surgery; the modified Harris hip score decreased from 78.56±8.88 to 72.74±6.59 (p=0.149); the mean EQ-5D decreased from 0.75±0.09 to 0.72±0.06 (p=0.000). Satisfactory reduction was achieved on a postoperative radiographic examination in 47 patients in six months. Complications occurred in seven cases. Conclusion TFNA is considered an appropriate implant for treating intertrochanteric fractures of the femur with a minimum follow-up of one year.

Purpose: This study evaluated the clinical and radiological outcomes of TFNA (Trochanteric Fixation NailAdvanced; Depuy Synthes) for the treatment of proximal femur fractures. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study of 64 patients diagnosed with a proximal femur fracture from January 2019 to November 2019. The patient’s demographic data, preoperatively and postoperatively Koval grade, modified Harris hip score, EQ-5D (Euro-Qol-5 Dimension), sliding and advancement of the blade, radiologic outcome, and complications were investigated. Results: Fifty patients were available for evaluation at one year postoperatively. The patients reported the following: the Koval grade decreased after surgery; the modified Harris hip score decreased from 78.56±8.88 to 72.74±6.59 (p=0.149); the mean EQ-5D decreased from 0.75±0.09 to 0.72±0.06 (p=0.000). Satisfactory reduction was achieved on a postoperative radiographic examination in 47 patients in six months. Complications occurred in seven cases. Conclusion TFNA is considered an appropriate implant for treating intertrochanteric fractures of the femur with a minimum follow-up of one year.

The nutritional balance of the menu plans prepared according to the target pattern was examined. Total of 81 home economics teachers throughout the nation and 161 3rd-grade middle-school girls in Chungnam area participated. The data was collected by questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS WIN 12.0. Although both teacher and student groups had fairly good knowledge on preparing menu plans related concepts, they rarely make use any menu planning currently. More than 85% of menu plans investigated exceeded their energy goal in the target pattern. The energy contribution ratios of carbohydrate: protein: fat were 56.1%: 17.4%: 26.5% in teachers' menu plan and 55.1%: 17.2%: 27.7% in students' menu plan. The NAR of the protein, phosphorous, iron, zinc, vitamin A and C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6 was 1 or near 1. But in case of calcium, 56.5% of the menu plan prepared by the students was less than 1, and in case of folate 75.3% of teachers', and 85.1% of students' were less than NAR 1. The MAR of the 12 nutrients examined were 0.98, 0.97, and the DVS were 51, 49 for menu plan prepared by teachers and students, respectively.
Calcium ; Folic Acid ; Humans ; Iron ; Menu Planning ; Niacin ; Nutrition Assessment ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Riboflavin ; Vitamin A ; Zinc

Purpose: This paper reports the surgical treatment results of open calcaneal fractures performed at the author’s clinics focusing on open calcaneal fractures to help understand the appropriate treatment and realistic outcomes. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 22 cases out of 30 patients who visited the hospital from February 2009 to December 2019 and were followed up for more than one year. In open fractures, the fracture was classified using the Gustilo-Anderson classification and was evaluated using the soft tissue status at the time of visit. Intra-articular calcaneal fractures were classified using Sanders classification. The radiological parameters were measured for the Böhler angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal length, height, and width before and after surgery, and at the last follow-up. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale and investigated complications. In addition, statistical analysis of the incidence and associated factors of posttraumatic arthritis was conducted. Results: In all cases, the surgical treatment was performed by minimally invasive surgery. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale conducted for a clinical evaluation of the final follow-up was averaged 72.5 points. In the classification of open fractures, the Gustilo-Anderson classification type IIIA was the most common, and the Sanders type III was the most common. Of the 22 cases after surgery, 15 cases had complications, 11 cases had posttraumatic arthritis, eight cases had an infection, and 4 cases had both complications. Only the Sanders classification showed a statistically significant correlation with the incidence of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (p-value 0.032). Conclusion In treating open calcaneal fractures, internal fixation by a minimally invasive approach showed relatively satisfactory results. However, follow-up research will be needed, including the results of a long-term follow-up through a large number of cases and comparative studies with other surgical methods.

Purpose: This paper reports the surgical treatment results of open calcaneal fractures performed at the author’s clinics focusing on open calcaneal fractures to help understand the appropriate treatment and realistic outcomes. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 22 cases out of 30 patients who visited the hospital from February 2009 to December 2019 and were followed up for more than one year. In open fractures, the fracture was classified using the Gustilo-Anderson classification and was evaluated using the soft tissue status at the time of visit. Intra-articular calcaneal fractures were classified using Sanders classification. The radiological parameters were measured for the Böhler angle, Gissane angle, calcaneal length, height, and width before and after surgery, and at the last follow-up. The clinical outcomes were evaluated using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale and investigated complications. In addition, statistical analysis of the incidence and associated factors of posttraumatic arthritis was conducted. Results: In all cases, the surgical treatment was performed by minimally invasive surgery. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale conducted for a clinical evaluation of the final follow-up was averaged 72.5 points. In the classification of open fractures, the Gustilo-Anderson classification type IIIA was the most common, and the Sanders type III was the most common. Of the 22 cases after surgery, 15 cases had complications, 11 cases had posttraumatic arthritis, eight cases had an infection, and 4 cases had both complications. Only the Sanders classification showed a statistically significant correlation with the incidence of posttraumatic osteoarthritis (p-value 0.032). Conclusion In treating open calcaneal fractures, internal fixation by a minimally invasive approach showed relatively satisfactory results. However, follow-up research will be needed, including the results of a long-term follow-up through a large number of cases and comparative studies with other surgical methods.

Several recent studies have reported that reactive oxygen species (ROS), superoxide anion and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), play important roles in various cellular signaling networks. NADPH oxidase (Nox) isozymes have been shown to mediate receptor-mediated ROS generation for physiological signaling processes involved in cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and fibrosis. Detectable intracellular levels of ROS can be induced by the electron leakage from mitochondrial respiratory chain as well as by activation of cytochrome p450, glucose oxidase and xanthine oxidase, leading to oxidative stress. The up-regulation and the hyper-activation of NADPH oxidases (Nox) also likely contribute to oxidative stress in pathophysiologic stages. Elevation of the renal ROS level through hyperglycemia-mediated Nox activation results in the oxidative stress which induces a damage to kidney tissues, causing to diabetic nephropathy (DN). Nox inhibitors are currently being developed as the therapeutics of DN. In this review, we summarize Nox-mediated ROS generation and development of Nox inhibitors for therapeutics of DN treatment.

Purpose: This study compared the outcomes of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis and antegrade intramedullary nailing for low-energy fracture of the distal femoral shaft. Materials and Methods: A study was conducted on 30 patients who underwent surgery for low-energy fractures of the distal femoral shaft between January 2016 and April 2022. The study compared 15patients who underwent minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (Group P) with 15 patients who underwent recon-type antegrade intramedullary nailing (Group N). We evaluated intraoperative blood loss, operative time, C-arm exposure time, bone density, final union status, anatomical reduction, and clinical evaluation. The complications were also examined, and statistical analysis was conducted to compare the two groups. Results: The blood loss, surgery time, and C-arm time were similar in the two groups. The radiographic assessments and clinical evaluations were also similar in the two groups. The clinical results showed no difference between the groups. Group N had one case of nonunion and one case of delayed union, while Group P had one case of nonunion and one case of peri-prosthetic fracture. Conclusion Antegrade intramedullary nailing of the recon-type demonstrated comparable results to minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis. Hence, antegrade intramedullary nailing of the recon-type, which enhances stability by fixing the entire femur and providing additional fixation in the distal portion, is deemed appropriate for treating distal femoral shaft fractures.

BACKGROUND: Transfusion guidelines play an important role for the appropriate use and quality assurance of blood and transfusion services. The Korean national transfusion guideline was developed in 2009 and went under full amendment in 2016. The purpose of this study was to investigate the awareness and practicality of the transfusion guideline in Korea. METHODS: Questionnaires about the Korean national transfusion guideline were sent by traditional mail or e-mail to a total of 1,179 clinicians, 32 academic societies, and 6 institutions. RESULTS: Three hundred and seventy-four answers were received; a response rate of 30.7%. The proportion of respondents with good awareness of the guideline was 23.3%, which is a significant increase compared with 10.9% in 2008. Respondents with good awareness were more dependent on the transfusion guideline when making transfusion decisions. CONCLUSION: There was a considerable increase in the awareness of the national transfusion guideline in Korea.
Electronic Mail ; Korea* ; Postal Service ; Surveys and Questionnaires