It has been reported that kanamycin, a useful agent in the treatment of gram-negative and other infectious disease, has a negative inotropic action in isolated cardiac muscle preparation and also it decreases the amplitude of high K+ -induced action potential of guinea pig atrium. These findings imply that kanamycin has a property of Ca2+ antagonist. In this study, the effects of kanamycin on cardiac Ca2+ current were investigated in isolated rabbit ventricular cells by using a whole cell clamp nethod.The results are summarized as follows ; 1) Kanamycin caused a depression fo cardiac Ca2+ current in a dose dependent manner and its effect was observed in a whole memberane potential renge. 2) The decreasing effect of kanamycin on Ca2+ current was inhibited by high Ca(2+)-Tyrode solution and such inhibition was also observed in high Sr2+-Tyrode solution, but in the case of Cd2+, well known inorganic Ca2+ antagonist, the current through Ca2+ channel was greatly decreased when the perfuaste was changed from high Ca(2+)-Tyrode to high Sr(2+)-Tyrode solution. 3) In the presense of kanamycin, the decreasing pattern of Ca2+current by repetitve depolarization was not specific as in the case of verapamil. 4) Neomycin decreased Ca2+ current similar to kanamycin.From the above result, it may be concluded that kanamycin has competitive antagonistin effect on cardiac Ca2+ current.
Action Potentials ; Animals ; Calcium* ; Communicable Diseases ; Depression ; Guinea Pigs ; Kanamycin* ; Muscle Cells* ; Myocardium ; Neomycin ; Verapamil

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of self-care of abdominal surgery patients in surgical intensive care unit after offering preoperative nursing information. This study worked out nonequivalant control group post test only design as suspected experimental study. This subjects of the study were 45 patients, 23 in experimental group and 22 in control group. This study was carried at a university hospital in Taegu between January 12, 1999 and March 13, 1999. The experimental group was supplied with preoperative nursing information and the control group received routine care in ICU. The measuring tools of this study were assessment of the self-care role behavior. The data were analyzed by SPSS computer program, x2 test and t-test and ANOVA were utilized for testing the difference between the experimental and the control group. The hypothesis was examined by t-test. The result of this study are summarized as follows ; 1) The hypothesis, "The experimental group will show a higher level of self-care than the control group" was accepted(t= -8.958, p=0.000). 2) We could not find any meaningful relation about general characteristics and disease associated characteristics between the experimental and the control group. 3) The self-care behavior scores according to the general characteristics and disease associated characteristics show significant statistical difference by economics status (p=0.033). 4) The rate of self-care behavior scores of each questionnaire are below average in the questions that request active activity to prevent postoperative complications From the result of this study, the self-care of the experimental group was higher than those of the control group, and the nursing information can be regarded as an effective nursing intervention for preoperative patients.
Daegu ; Humans ; Critical Care ; Nursing* ; Postoperative Complications ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Self Care*

BACKGROUND: South Korea is rapidly being an aging-society and the demand of long-term care insurance services for elderly patients is rising. In addition, because the elderly taking multiple medicines, the adherence is lowered and the adverse events are easily occurred. Therefore, many are interested in introducing the geriatric pharmacy specialist to manage this situation. PURPOSE: By applying a similar program such as the geriatric pharmacy specialist working in nursing home, we conducted this study to evaluate the potential contribution to both the health insurance services and financial savings for the elderly patients. METHODS: We conducted a trial in an elderly nursing home to collaborate between doctor and pharmacist making a checklist for improving medication adherence and establish a consultation system. Also we applied a smart phone application in the pharmaceutical care processes. RESULTS: Thereby completing the drug therapy related checklist apply to nursing facilities in South Korea. And we got a performance that improves medication adherence when used in the clinical practice settings. CONCLUSION: By introducing a training program of pharmacy care managers and geriatric professionals such as the United States and Japan, we revealed the elderly nursing home residents and vulnerable elderly people living alone were improved the medication adherence and it will contributed to the health and quality of life of the patients.
Aged* ; Checklist ; Drug Therapy ; Education ; Humans ; Income ; Insurance, Health ; Insurance, Long-Term Care ; Japan ; Korea ; Long-Term Care ; Medication Adherence* ; Nursing Homes* ; Nursing* ; Pharmaceutical Services ; Pharmacists ; Pharmacy ; Quality of Life ; Specialization ; United States ; Smartphone

No abstract available.
Adult* ; Atherosclerosis* ; Cholesterol* ; Humans ; Korea*

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effects of the economic growth and unemployment rates on the suicide rate in Korea, between 1983 and 2000, using a time-series regression model. The purpose of this study was to model and test the magnitude of the rate of suicide, with the Korean unemployment rate and GDP. METHODS: Using suicide rate per 100, 000 Koreans and the unemployment rates between 1983 and 2000, as published by the Korea National Statistical Office, and the rate of fluctuation of the Korean GDP (Gross Domestic Product), as provided by the Bank of Korea, as an index of the economic growth rate, a time-series regression analysis, with a first-order autoregressive regression model, was performed. RESULTS: An 81.5% of the variability in the suicide rate was explained by GDP, and 82.6% of that was explained by the unemployment rate. It was also observed that the GDP negatively correlated with the suicide rate, while the unemployment and suicide rates were positively correlated. For subjects aged over 20, both the GDP and unemployment rate were found to be a significant factors in explaining suicide rates, with coefficients of determination of 86.5 and 87.9%, respectively. For subjects aged under 20, however, only the GDP was found to be a significant factor in explaning suicide rates (the coeficient of determination is 38.4%). CONCLUSION: It was found that the suicide rate was closely related to the National's economic status of Korea, which is similar to the results found in studies in other countries. We expected, therefore, that this study could be used as the basis for further suicide-related studies.
Economic Development* ; Guanosine Diphosphate ; Korea* ; Suicide* ; Unemployment*

BACKGROUND: Skin contact with metalworking fluid(MWF) remains a frequent cause of occupational dermatitis. However, no precise data is available about sensitization in metalworkers exposed to MWF in Korea. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of contact sensitivity among metalwokers who handle MWFs and to investigate the suitability of a screening test with MWFs being actually used in metalworkers. METHODS: An epidemiological study was performed using a'questionnaire in 771 workers in 9 derpartments of a motor company. 278 out of 771 workers had actual contact with MWF. Patch tests were performed in 73 metalworkers who had suspected dermatits in relation to exposure of MWF, which was selected via interviews and dermatologic examinations. Patch tests were included with a routine series of common components of MWF(materials obtained from Chemotechnique, Sweden), a solvent series and several dilutions of various crude MWFs(8 species) RESULTS: Contact sensitization was established in 14 metalworkers(5% of 278). Sensitising substances were biocide(6 cases), corrosion inhibitors(2 cases), emulsifiers(2 cases), biostatic substances(1 cses) and others(4 cases). Therefore 10 out of 14 metalworkers had true occupational allergic contact dermatitis. 10 out of 73 screening patch tests showed positive reactions to MWF elements, and 9 people who were positive to MWF elements showed positive reactions to crude MWF, but 1 person did not. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of occupational allergic contact dermatitis(3.5% of 278) was low. The screening patch test by crude MWFs actually used in metalworkers may give false negatives. Therefore for the purpose of diagnosis of allergic contact dermatitis, we need a process of patch tests with MWF elements.
Corrosion ; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact* ; Dermatitis, Contact ; Dermatitis, Occupational ; Diagnosis ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Humans ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Patch Tests ; Prevalence ; Skin ; Skin Diseases*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of visual acuity and foveal thickness after vitrectomy for an idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 62 patients (62 eyes) with ERM who had been treated with vitrectomy between 2004 and 2009. Visual acuity and central macular thickness from optical coherence tomography imaging were obtained preoperatively and at every postoperative follow-up visit. RESULTS: Mean preoperative visual acuity and central macular thickness were 0.495 +/- 0.292 log MAR and 414.645 +/- 95.528 microm, respectively. Mean visual acuity and central macular thickness 1 month after surgery were 0.389 +/- 0.373 log MAR and 341.484 +/- 73.676 microm, respectively. Visual acuity improved within 9 months and central macular thickness significantly decreased 12 months after surgery. Most of the changes in visual acuity and central macular thickness took place during the first 3 months. The only parameter which was significantly correlated with final visual acuity was preoperative visual acuity (0.635) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Visual acuity and central macular thickness improved 12 months months after vitrectomy in patients with idiopathic ERM. Preoperative visual acuity had a significant correlation with final visual acuity.
Epiretinal Membrane ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Hypogonadism ; Mitochondrial Diseases ; Ophthalmoplegia ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Visual Acuity ; Vitrectomy

After an accidental experience of epidural anesthesia by Corning in 1885, the development of Tuohy needle, the discovery of a better local anesthetic, epidural anesthesia came into common usage in clinical anesthesia. Epidural anesthesia is more modern as a regional anesthesia than spinal anesthesia because of the low incidence of hypotension, controllability of the duration of anesthesia time, and the absence of postspinal headache. A total of 1,168 epidural anesthesia cases encountered in Severance hospital during the period of January 1, 1978 to December 31, 1982 were subjected to this clinical evaluation. The results are as follows: 1) The percentage of epidural anesthesia comprised 2.8% of total anesthesia cases. 2) The most common age groups listed in order of decreasing grequency were those in the seventh decade, third decade, and sixth decase. 3) The most common ASA physical status listed in order of decreasing frequency were those in the Class ll, Class l, Class lll. 4) The common agents of local anesthetics used were 1.5 or 2% lidocaine and sometimes bupivacaine. Additive agents such as morphine sulfate for postoperative pain control and epinephrine for prolongation of anesthesia time were used commonly. 5) The most common site of anesthesia was the sixth thoracic vertebral sensory segmental level, but a higher site for sensory anesthesia than required for the operation performed was frequently encountered. 6) The most common complications of epidural anesthesia were hypotension(21.1%) with infrequently dural puncture, traumatic tapping, bradycardia, convulsion, and catheter sequestration. In conclusion, epidural anesthesia is considered to be a safe regional anesthesia that will reduce the incidence of hypotention provided that careful control of the sensory level to be anesthetized is taekn under consideration along with the age, physical status, and operation site of the patient.
Anesthesia ; Anesthesia, Conduction ; Anesthesia, Epidural ; Anesthesia, Spinal ; Anesthetics, Local ; Bradycardia ; Bupivacaine ; Catheters ; Epinephrine ; Headache ; Humans ; Hypotension ; Incidence ; Lidocaine ; Morphine ; Needles ; Pain, Postoperative ; Punctures ; Seizures ; Zea mays

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: To directly examine the function of the endothelial cell(EC) and smooth muscle cell in umbilical arteries acquired from preeclampsia patients between June 1998 to November 1999, using a conventional tension measurement and bioassay experiment. RESULTS: Relaxation responses to EC-dependent relaxing agents including bradykinin and A23187 in human umbilical artery rings were significantly decreased in preeclampsia(p<0.01). Relaxation responses to EC-independent agents(SNP and SNAP) were also inhibited in umbilical artery rings acquired from preeclampsia patients(p<0.01). To test the change of endothelial cell function in preeclampsia without involvement of smooth muscle dysfunction, we used human umbilical artery and rabbit femoral artery as a donor and detector, respectively, in bioassay experiment. Relaxation responses to EC-dependent agents(A23187 and bradykinin) showed similar results to conventional tension measurement (p<0.01). Relaxation responses to 8-bromo-cGMP in human umbilical artery rings were also significantly decreased in preeclampsia(p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that increased vascular resistance in preeclampsia is not only due to the disturbance of endothelial function, but also to smooth muscle dysfunction.
Biological Assay ; Bradykinin ; Calcimycin ; Endothelial Cells ; Femoral Artery ; Humans ; Muscle, Smooth ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; Pre-Eclampsia* ; Relaxation* ; Tissue Donors ; Umbilical Arteries* ; Vascular Resistance

Recent studies(Rorke et al., 1968: Moir 1970: Baraka, 1970: Fox and Houle, 1971) have demonstrated that the maternal arterial oxygen tension during Cesarean section is an important determinant of fetal oxygenation and consequently of the clinical condition of the infant at birth for oxygen is transferred by simple diffusion across the placenta to the fetus. Fetal blood oxygen tension is affected by the arteiral oxygen tension and concentration of the mother, and also is affected by uterine blood flow(Fox and Houle, 1971). The enlarged uterus pushes the diaphragm upwards. This results in a change in position of the heart which is lifted upwards, shifted to the left and anteriorly, and a change in the thoracic cage, and heart rate is increased about 10~12 beats above normal. There is a significant increase in cardiac output which reaches a peak 30~50% above normal until term, and in respiratory rate, so that it follows that oxygen consumption increases but its direct cause is the metabolic need of the uterus, placenta and fetus(Atkinson et al., 1977). As well as increased oxygen consumption in parturients hypoxia may occur in situations of difficult intubation, laryngoscopy for intubation, extubation and during endotracheal suctioning. Because of the markedly decreased oxygen tension, these procedures are more dangerous than for non-parturients. Therefore sufficient oxygenation is recommanded(Archer and Marx, 1974). We selected at random 78 adult female patients who had received Cesarean section and other surgical procedures under general anesthesia with intubation at Severance Hospital from September to November, 1980. They were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was ventilated with 100% oxygen for 5 minutes followed by 1 minute of apnea. Group 2 was ventilated with 50% oxygen for 5 minutes followed by 1 minute of apnea. Group 3 was ventilated with 50% oxygen for 5 minutes followed by 1 minute of apnea with endotracheal suction. We analysed the decrease in oxygen tension between parturients and onoparturients. The results were as follows: 1) During apnes, the decreases in arterial blood oxygen tension were significantly greater (p<0.05) in parturients than in non-parturients in the 100% oxygen group. 2) During apnea, the decreases in arterial blood oxygen tension were significantly greater(p<0.05) in parturients than in non-parturients in the 50% oxygen group. 3) During apnea, the decreases in oxygen tension were significantly greater(p<0.05) in paturients than in non-paturients in the 50% oxygen and endotracheal suction group. These results indicate the importance of preoxygenation prior to endotracheal intubation and endotracheal suction and also of prompt reoxygenation following endotracheal intubation, extubation and endotracheal suction.
Adult ; Anesthesia, General ; Anoxia ; Apnea* ; Cardiac Output ; Cesarean Section ; Diaphragm ; Diffusion ; Female ; Fetal Blood ; Fetus ; Heart ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Infant ; Intubation ; Intubation, Intratracheal ; Laryngoscopy ; Mothers ; Oxygen Consumption ; Oxygen* ; Parturition ; Placenta ; Pregnancy ; Respiratory Rate ; Suction ; Uterus