PURPOSE: This study was conducted to review the curriculum and license examination of physical therapists in the United States. METHODS: The doctor of physical therapy (DPT) curriculum was evaluated by a review Course Work Tool version 6 (CWT6) data and current physical therapy licensure examination (National Physical Therapy Exam, NPTE) category in the United States. RESULTS: The results indicated that they were required to meet the doctor of physical therapist degree based on ‘Guide to Physical Therapist Practice’ of American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). This includes general education in the areas of communications and humanities, physical science, biological science, social and behavioral science, and mathematics. A minimum of one course must be completed successfully in each area of general education. Moreover, there should be at least 68 didactic credits of professional education and 22 clinical education credits, which is a minimum of two full-time clinical internships with no less than 1050 hours in total, which were supervised by a physical therapist. Regarding the physical therapy licensure examination, National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE, 2016) consisted of a physical therapy examination (26.5%), evaluation, differential diagnosis, baseline of prognosis (32.5%), intervention (28.5%), protection, responsibility, and research (6.5%) based on the ‘Guide to Physical Therapist Practice’. CONCLUSION: Based on the study results provided above, it is considered a standard to meet domestic reality as the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice of APTA for South Korean physical therapists.
Behavioral Sciences ; Biological Science Disciplines ; Curriculum ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Education ; Education, Professional ; Humanities ; Humans ; Internship and Residency ; Licensure ; Mathematics ; Natural Science Disciplines ; Physical Therapists ; Prognosis ; United States

A retrospective analysis was performed on 49 patients with astrocytoma of glioblastoma multiforme of brain who received postoperative radiotherapy in the period between February 1979 and December 1985. Fourteen patients had grade I astrocytoma, 11 patients grade II, 14 patients grade III, and 10 patients glioblastoma multiforme. Three year actuarial surival rates were 85.7%, 44.6% and 23.1% for grade I,II, and III astrocytomas, respectively. One and 2 year actuarial survival rates for patients with glioblastoma multiforme were 54.5% and 27.3%, respectively. Histologic grade, age, extent of operation and tumor location were revealed to be prognosticators.
Astrocytoma* ; Brain* ; Glioblastoma* ; Humans ; Radiotherapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate

PURPOSE: Facial trauma is increasing along with increasing popularity in sports, and increasing exposure to crimes or traffic accidents. Compared to the 3D CT of 1990s, the latest CT has made significant improvement thus resulting in higher accuracy of diagnosis. The objective of this study is to compare 64 channel 3 dimensional volume CT(3D VCT) with conventional 3D CT in the diagnosis and treatment of facial bone fractures. METHODS: 45 patients with facial trauma were examined by 3D VCT from Jan. 2006 to Feb. 2007. 64 channel 3D VCT which consists of 64 detectors produce axial images of 0.625 mm slice and it scans 175mm per second. These images are transformed into 3 dimensional image using software Rapidia 2.8. The axial image is reconstructed into 3 dimensional image by volume rendering method. The image is also reconstructed into coronal or sagittal image by multiplanar reformatting method. RESULTS: Contrasting to the previous 3D CT which formulates 3D images by taking axial images of 1-2mm, 64 channel 3D VCT takes 0.625mm thin axial images to obtain full images without definite step ladder appearance. 64 channel 3D VCT is effective in diagnosis of thin linear bone fracture, depth and degree of fracture deviation. CONCLUSION: In its expense and speed, 3D VCT is superior to conventional 3D CT. Owing to its ability to reconstruct full images regardless of the direction using 2 times higher resolution power and 4 times higher speed of the previous 3D CT, 3D VCT allows for accurate evaluation of the exact site and deviation of fine fractures.
Accidents, Traffic ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography* ; Crime ; Diagnosis* ; Facial Bones* ; Fractures, Bone ; Humans ; Sports

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We made a systematic review and evaluation of endoscopic cryotherapy of endobronchial tumors, investigating safety and efficacy. METHODS: Qualified studies regarding endoscopic cryotherapy of lung tumors were systemically evaluated using available databases according to predefined criteria. RESULTS: In total, 16 publications were included in the final assessment. A narrative synthesis was performed because a formal meta-analysis was not viable due to the lack of controlled studies and study heterogeneity. Overall success rates for significant recanalization of the obstruction were approximately 80%, although they varied, depending on disease status in the patient population. Complications from the procedure developed in 0-11.1% of cases, most of which were minor and controlled by conservative management. Although limited data were available on comprehensive functional assessment, some studies showed that respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests, and performance status were significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic cryotherapy was found to be a safe and useful procedure in the management of endobronchial tumors although its efficacy and appropriate indications have yet to be determined in well-designed controlled studies.
Bronchial Neoplasms/mortality/pathology/*surgery ; *Bronchoscopy/adverse effects ; Cryosurgery/adverse effects/*methods/mortality ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/mortality/pathology/*surgery ; Neoplasm Staging ; Risk Assessment ; Treatment Outcome

α-Iso-cubebene (ICB) is a dibenzocyclooctadiene lignin contained in Schisandra chinensis (SC), a well-known medicinal herb that ameliorates cardiovascular symptoms, but the mechanism responsible for this activity has not been determined. To determine the role played by ICB on the regulation of vascular tone, we investigated the inhibitory effects of ICB on vascular contractile responses by adrenergic α-receptor agonists. In addition, we investigated the role on myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation and cytosolic calcium concentration in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). In aortic rings isolated from C57BL/6J mice, ICB significantly attenuated the contraction induced by phenylephrine (PE) and norepinephrine (NE), whereas ICB had no effects on KCl (60 mM)-induced contraction. In vasculatures precontracted with PE, ICB caused marked relaxation of aortic rings with or without endothelium, suggesting a direct effect on VSMC. In cultured rat VSMC, PE or NE increased MLC phosphorylation and increased cytosolic calcium levels. Both of these effects were significantly suppressed by ICB. In conclusion, our results showed that ICB regulated vascular tone by inhibiting MLC phosphorylation and calcium flux into VSMC, and suggest that ICB has anti-hypertensive properties and therapeutic potential for cardiovascular disorders related to vascular hypertension.
Animals ; Aorta, Thoracic* ; Calcium ; Cytosol ; Endothelium ; Hypertension ; Lignin ; Mice ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; Myosin Light Chains* ; Myosins* ; Norepinephrine ; Phenylephrine ; Phosphorylation* ; Plants, Medicinal ; Rats ; Relaxation ; Schisandra

BACKGROUND: The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can be categorized as a group of clonal hematopoietic disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and peripheral cytopenias. Although the natural history of MDS varies, traditional treatments are not curative and allogeneic marrow transplantation offers potentially curative treatment for MDS. METHODS: In our center, 10 patients underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) between December 1989 and May 1997. The minimum follow-up of 3 months was possible in 10 patients, for whom treatment-related complications and clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: The median age of the 10 patients was 33 (range 20~40) years. The median time from diagnosis to BMT was 34 (3~116) months. By morphology, 5 patients had advanced MDS (i.e., RAEB, RAEB-t, CMML) and 5 patients had less advanced MDS (RA). By Bournemouth score, 8 patients had a score 2~3 and two patients had a score 4. By IPSS, 5 patients were in intermediate-1 group, 3 patients in intermediate-2 group and 2 patients in high risk group. Patients were prepared for transplant with either a total body irradiation (TBI)+cyclophosphamide (n=7), busulfan+TBI (n=2) and busulfan+cyclophophamide (n=1). All patients received CsA+short course MTX for GVHD prophylaxis. Successful engraftment was confirmed in all patients. The overall incidence of acute GVHD was noted in 70% (7/10 patients) and grade IV acute GVHD developed in 2 patients (20%). Five patients were evaluable for the development of chronic GVHD and 2 patients (40%) developed limited chronic GVHD. The duration of median follow-up was 8.1 months. At present five patients are alive and disease-free 3 to 21 months (median survival duration : 8.2 months) post-transplantation resulting in a 2-year disease-free survival of 44%. 2-year disease free survival was 63% in less advanced MDS and 25% in advanced MDS. CONCLUSION: Allogeneic BMT should be considered when any clinical evidence of disease progression to a more advanced stage becomes apparent. International prognostic scoring system (IPSS) and Bournemouth score can also be used to gauge timing for BMT. For patients were in intermediate-1 or intermediate-2 group by IPSS, BMT can be justified if the patient is young and has an HLA matched sibling donor.
Anemia, Refractory, with Excess of Blasts ; Bone Marrow Transplantation* ; Bone Marrow* ; Diagnosis ; Disease Progression ; Disease-Free Survival ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hematopoiesis ; Humans ; Incidence ; Myelodysplastic Syndromes* ; Natural History ; Siblings ; Tissue Donors ; Whole-Body Irradiation

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the ultrastructural relation of H. pylori and gastric epithelial cells in their adhesion. METHODS: Endoscopic biopsy of gastric antrum and body was performed from 15 patients (9 men, 6 women) with chronic gastritis. These specimens were processed and observed by transmission electron microscope (Hitachi H-600). RESULTS: On the basis of morphological appearances, the different types of adhesion of the organism with the epithelial cells were categorized as filamentous connection, adhesion pedestals, membrane fusion. Coccoid and intermediate forms were associated with filamentous connection whereas bacillary forms were associated with adhesion pedestals and membrane fusion. CONCLUSION: Various types of adhesion were associated with H. pylori and gastric epithelium. Further studies are needed to investigate biophysiologic influence to epithelial cells by ultrastructural relationship.(Korean J Med 60:16-21, 2001)
Biopsy ; Epithelial Cells* ; Epithelium ; Gastritis ; Helicobacter pylori* ; Helicobacter* ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Fusion ; Microscopy, Electron ; Pyloric Antrum

BACKGROUND/AIMS: It is suggested that diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), nutcracker esophagus (NUT), and hypertensive lower esophageal sphincter (HLES) could be re-classified together as a spastic esophageal motility disorder of similar clinical backgrounds. However, there were no studies to evaluate the pathophysiological characteristics of these motor abnormalities. The aim of the study was to evaluate the changes of esophageal motor function depending on the different types of the bolus (water vs semi-solid bolus). METHODS: Twenty-one healthy subjects and 42 subjects with primary esophageal motility disorders (4 DES, 12 NUT, 5 HLES, 12 nonspecific esophageal motility disorders, 9 normal) underwent a perfusion manometry with a low compliance pneumo-hydraulic capillary infusion system. Consecutively, each patient had 10 swallows of water and 10 swallows of Jello, 5 ml each. RESULTS: In the healthy controls, the Jello swallow showed an increased amplitude and duration of distal esophageal contractions, and the velocity of peristalsis was decreased (p < 0.05). Among all patients diagnosed by manometry with the water swallow, 2 cases diagnosed with HLES (40%) and 4 with NUT (33%) were changed to a diagnoses of DES after the Jello swallow. Moreover, HLES was found in 1 patient with DES (25%) and in 6 patients with NUT (50%). CONCLUSIONS: Semi-solid bolus swallows increase the contractile force of the esophagus more than water swallows. A conventional manometric diagnosis could be changed to a different spastic motility disorder of the esophagus after a semi-solid bolus swallow. It is suggested that DES, NUT, and HLES can be considered as a spectrum of spastic esophageal motility disorders sharing a similar pathophysiology.
Capillaries ; Compliance ; Diagnosis ; Esophageal Motility Disorders ; Esophageal Spasm, Diffuse ; Esophageal Sphincter, Lower ; Esophagus ; Humans ; Manometry ; Muscle Spasticity ; Nuts ; Perfusion ; Peristalsis ; Swallows ; Water

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recent studies reported that 1g of gabexate mesilate (GM) was effective in preventing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related pancreatic damage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of low dose GM for the prevention of ERCP-related pancreatic damage. METHODS: This study was performed prospectively with 102 consecutive patients (68 for the GM group, 34 for the placebo group) who were scheduled for ERCP. Infusion of GM (500 mg) was started 30 minutes before ERCP and continued for 12 hours afterward. The serum amylase and lipase were measured before ERCP and 4, 8, and 24 houps after ERCP. RESULTS: The incidence of hyperenzymemia was 45.6% in the GM group and 55.9% in the control group (p=0.40). Acute pancreatitis was developed in only one patient who was given the placebo. Although difficult cannulation, visualization of the pancreatic duct, performance of therapeutic procedures, and longer total procedure time were associated with an increased incidence of hyperenzymemia, the incidence of pancreatic damage was not affected by the GM treatment in these conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic treatment with 500 mg of GM has no advantage for the prevention of ERCP-related pancreatic damage. Considering the cost effectiveness, further studies are necessary to identify the patients at greatest risk fot acute pancreatitis.
Amylases ; Catheterization ; Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde* ; Cost-Benefit Analysis ; Gabexate* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Lipase ; Pancreatic Ducts ; Pancreatitis ; Prospective Studies

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sharp impacted esophageal foreign bodies can be very difficult to manage. When attempting to remove such objects inappropriately, life threatening complications, such as perforation can occur. Terefore, surgical intervention generally affords a safer approach. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic remval of sharp impacted esophageal foreign bodies using a dilatation method with an oral side balloon. METHODS: A total of 17 patients (7 Male, 10 Female)with sharp impacted esophageal foreign bodies underwent endoscopic Extraction. The following technique was successfully performed; an oral side balloon (Top Co., Japan) for esophageal variceal sclerotherapy was attached on the distal part of the endoscope. Under local anesthesia, the endoscope was inserted near the proximal part of the esophageal foreign body. Then, the oral side balloon was gradually dilated. Dilataion of the proximal part of the esophagus made it possible to release the sharp impacted foreign body from the esophageal wall. RESULTS: The types of foreign bodies were fish bones (6 cases), press-through packages (6 ases), chichen bones (3 cases), dentures (1 case), and a watch (1case). Endoscopic removal was successful in all 17 cases without complications such as perforation. CONCLUSIONS: This method of using an oral side balloon is safe and effective in removing sharp impacted esophageal foreign bodies, preventing, surgery and possible perforation.
Anesthesia, Local ; Dentures ; Dilatation ; Endoscopes ; Esophagus* ; Foreign Bodies* ; Humans ; Male ; Sclerotherapy