Objectives: The prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders of upper extremities mons watch assembly workers in small-scaled industry was studied. Methods: In 83 workers at five watch assembly factories, symptoms and psychosocial questionnaire, ergonomic Interview, physical examination were conducted. Results: Prevalence of self-reported symptoms was 54.2% and neck 34.9%, wrist/hand 31.3%, shoulder 30.1%, elbow/arm 18.0% by anatomical site. Prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders was 45.8%. Most common disease was myofascial pain syndrome (31.3%). The other diseases were De Quervain disease (9.6%), tenosynovitis/tendinitis at wrist/hand (9.6%), bicipital tendinitis(6.0%), fat. epicondylitis(4.8%), meIn. epicondylitis(2.4%), and cervical disc disease(2.4%). As result of ergonomic interview, repetitiveness was 79(98.8%). There were no differences in the prevalence of self-reported symptoms and cumulative trauma disorders for age, sex, marital status, duration of work In the study, The significant factors of cumulative trauma disorders were occupational task and psychosocial stress in the study. The prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders in high strain group was hlgher (68.4%) than other three groups. The prevalence of self-reported symptoms and cumulative trauma disorders in assembly task was higher (70.0%, 64.0%) than other two tasks. Conclusions: Prevalence of self-reported symptoms was 54.2%, prevalence of cumulative trauma disorders was 45.8% in watch assembly workers. In this study, factor related to self-reported symptoms was occupational task and factors relaxed to cumulative trauma disorders were occupational task and psychosocial stress. This results suggest that differences of ergonomics and environment in occupational task cause differences of prevalence of self-reported symptoms and cumulatlve trauma disorders.
Cumulative Trauma Disorders* ; De Quervain Disease ; Human Engineering ; Marital Status ; Myofascial Pain Syndromes ; Neck ; Physical Examination ; Prevalence* ; Questionnaires ; Shoulder ; Upper Extremity*

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the amino acids composition, safety and efficacy of formulas recently developed by Korean dairy companies for children with inherited metabolic disorder. METHODS: The determination of amino acids concentration was performed on eight Korean formula samples. The samples were hydrolyzed with 6N HCL or performic acid and analyzed by amino acid analyzer. RESULTS: No phenylalanine, methionine or leucine was observed in PKU-1 and PKU-2 Formulas, Methionine-Free and Leucine-Free Formula, respectively. BCAA-Free Formula was free from leucine, isoleucine, and valine and MPA Formula did not contain methionine and valine. Protein-Free formula did not include any amino acids. UCD Formula contained arginine but was free of alanine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, proline and serine. Methionine-Free Formula contained higher amounts of cystine and tyrosine was higher in PKU-1 and 2 Formulas. The amounts of isoleucine and threonine were minimal in MPA Formula. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that the eight special formulas, developed for the first time by a Korean dairy company for children with inherited metabolic disorder contain appropriate amino acids with proper contents. Both the total amino acid amounts and specific amino acid concentrations of the formulas were appropriate for related diseases, which could be used safely by the patients with inherited metabolic disorder. For UCD Formula that contains arginine, we suggest that arginine be removed from the formula in order to use for any urea cycle defect patients before the specific diagnosis is made.
Alanine ; Amino Acids ; Arginine ; Aspartic Acid ; Child* ; Cystine ; Diagnosis ; Glutamic Acid ; Glycine ; Histidine ; Humans ; Isoleucine ; Leucine ; Methionine ; Phenylalanine ; Proline ; Serine ; Threonine ; Tyrosine ; Urea ; Valine

Bacterial endophthalmitis is a very difficult ophthalmic disease to treat because of the consistently poor results with conventional therapy. lntravitreal injection of antibiotics is increasingly gaining the acceptance as a method of producing high vitreal concentrations that may be useful in the treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis. The author performed this experiment to determine the clerance rare of intravitreal gentamicin in the rabbit eyes. We observed the clearance of gentamicin in phakic and aphakic rabbit eyes into which 20 micro gram/0.1 ml of gentamicin was injected. In phakic eyes, about 52% of gentamicin was cleared at 24 hours after injection. In aphakic eyes with intact posterior capsule, 64% of gentamicin was cleared at 24 hours after injection. In aphakic eyes with incised posterior capsule, the clearance rate at 24 hours after injection was about 70%. Intravitreal gentamicin was cleared more rapidly from the aphakic eyes than from that of phakic eyes.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Endophthalmitis ; Gentamicins*

Homer protein was identified based on its rapid induction in rat hippocampal granule cell neurons following excitatory synaptic activity. Although the presence of the Homer gene in the peripheral tissues has been observed in previous reports, the physiological function of the Homer protein in these tissues has not been noted. In this experiment, a Homer-2a cDNA fragment was successfully amplified by RTPCR in the involuting phase of human hemangioma but not in the human vascular malformation and normal vessel. After isolation of full Homer cDNA in a mouse liver cDNA library, E1-deleted recombinant adenovirus expressing the Homer protein (Adv.CMV.mHomer-2a) was constructed to determine its physiological function in peripheral tissues. Adv.CMV.mHomer2a, but not Adv.CMV.LacZ (recombinant adenovirus expressing beta-galactosidase), strongly inhibited the growth rate of HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) probably via inducing apoptosis determined by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining methods. This study suggests that the Homer gene is present in human specimens in the involuting phase of hemangioma, and it might be involved in the growth control.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Base Sequence ; Blood Vessels/*abnormalities ; Carrier Proteins/genetics/*physiology ; Cells, Cultured ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; DNA, Complementary/genetics ; Endothelium, Vascular/cytology ; Female ; Hemangioma/blood supply/*genetics ; Humans ; Male ; Mice ; Middle Aged ; Neuropeptides/genetics/*physiology ; Rats ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Skin/blood supply ; Skin Neoplasms/blood supply/*genetics

Nitric oxide (NO) has been known as a mediator of nonadrenergic, noncholinergic inhibitory neurotransmitter in intestinal smooth muscles. It has been suggested that NO donor such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP) produces relaxation of smooth muscle via activation of guanylate cyclase and elevation of cGMP levels. We have therefore investigated the effects of NO, using SNP, on muscle tension in the longitudinal smooth muscle of guinea-pig ileum. The possible role of cGMP was also investigated as well as the involvement of K+ channel on SNP-induced inhibitory effect. The results are summarized as follows; high KCl-or CCh-activated contractions were inhibited by SNP in a concentration-dependent manner. 8-Br-cGMP also showed a similar effect in that of SNP. TEA (1 mM) significantly reduced the SNP-induced inhibitory effect. SNP-induced effect was further reduced by the presence of 10 mM TEA. On the other hand, 4-AP (0.1 mM), glibenclamide (10 muM) and apamin (0.1 muM) showed little effects on SNP-induced relaxation. Zaprinast significantly potentiated the SNP-induced inhibitory effect in all ranges. ODQ also significantly decreased the SNP-induced inhibitory effect. Pretreatment with CPA (10 muM) slightly reduced the SNP-induced inhibitory effect. From the above results, both effect mediated by NO and cGMP might be responsible for the activation of Ca2+/-activated K+ channel by SNP in guinea-pig ileum. And this K+ channel activation by SNP also contributes to the SNP-induced membrane hyperpolarization and relaxation.
Apamin ; Glyburide ; Guanylate Cyclase ; Hand ; Humans ; Ileum* ; Membranes ; Muscle Tonus* ; Muscle, Smooth ; Neurotransmitter Agents ; Nitric Oxide ; Nitroprusside* ; Relaxation ; Sodium* ; Tea ; Tissue Donors

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of gabapentin in post-stroke reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD). METHOD: To 20 RSD patients after stroke, gabapentin was administrated. We started medication with 300 mg per day and increased dosage by 300 mg per two days up to maximum 900~1,200 mg. We evaluated RSD symptom severities with hand pain, hand swelling and shoulder pain before gabapentin administration. Severity of each symptoms was graded and scored (0: no pain/swelling, 1: mild, 2: moderate, 3: severe). Severities of RSD symptoms were reevaluated on every dose increasing and on 1 week, 2 weeks and 4 weeks later after administrating maximum dosage. We defined as no effect group didn't have any improvement in symptom severity score in comparison with baseline score. Medications other than gabapentin were administrated in no effect group. RESULTS: Among 19 subjects whom we could follow-up, 4 subjects were defined as no effect group. 15 (78.9%) subjects showed improvement in symptom severity score. Statistically significant symptom improvements were observed after 4 weeks in comparison with baseline in hand pain and shoulder pain (p=0.000). From gabapentin 300~600 mg dosage, hand and shoulder pain showed significant pain decrease. Improvement of hand edema was observed after 4 weeks, but it was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: We conclude the gabapentin is effective for RSD pain, however further control study is required.
Edema ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand ; Humans ; Neuralgia ; Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy* ; Reflex* ; Shoulder Pain ; Stroke

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the effects of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) on the production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and expression of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in stimulated THP-1 cells, a human monocyte cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated the cytotoxic effect of 15-Deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)), one of natural PPAR-gamma ligands, using commercial cell proliferation assay. Cells were pretreated with 15d-PGJ(2) and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or lipoteichoic acid (LTA). The amount of TNF-alpha was measured by using commercial ELISA method. NF-kappaB activation was evaluated by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: 15d-PGJ(2) showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on the tested cells after 4 hr of treatment. Stimulation of cells by LPS or LTA induced TNF-alpha production. TNF-alpha production was markedly decreased in the cells pretreated with 15d-PGJ(2) compared to cells treated only with LPS or LTA in a dose-dependent manner. Pretreatment of 15d-PGJ(2) reduced LPS or LTA induced NF-kappaB expression in the nuclear extracts of THP-1 cells. CONCLUSION: 15d-PGJ(2) pretreatment decreased TNF-alpha production from the THP-1 cells stimulated by LPS or LTA, and this assumed to be associated with inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.
Blotting, Western ; Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Ligands ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Monocytes ; NF-kappa B ; Peroxisomes ; Teichoic Acids ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori eradication rates achieved by first-line triple treatment with proton pump inhibitor (PPI), clarithromycin, and amoxicillin have decreased to 70~85%, in part due to increasing antimicrobial resistance. This study evaluated the trend in H. pylori eradication rates during the most recent 8 years in Daegu, Korea and analyzed different clinical factors between success group and failure group of H. pylori eradication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study at a single institution. A total of 768 H. pylori-positive patients who received one or two weeks of first-line triple regimens were included between January 2007 and October 2014. RESULTS: The overall H. pylori eradication rate was 86%. The eradication rate from years 2007 to 2014 was 80.5%, 89.4%, 95.6%, 85.5%, 87.9%, 75.8%, 83.3%, and 85.8%, respectively (P=0.027). There was no significant difference in the eradication rate among various PPIs (P=0.358). In addition, there were no significant difference of clinical factors between success and failure group of H. pylori eradication. CONCLUSIONS: The eradication rates of first-line triple therapy for H. pylori over 8 years were 75.8~95.6%. No significant difference in clinical factors were noted between success and failure group of H. pylori eradication. Triple therapy may be a useful regimen for H. pylori eradication in Daegu.
Amoxicillin ; Clarithromycin ; Daegu* ; Disease Eradication ; Helicobacter pylori* ; Helicobacter* ; Humans ; Korea ; Proton Pumps ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed at evaluating the clinical usability of a new caries activity test (Cariview(R)), which was based on the acidogenic potential of plaque by evaluating it's correlation with the DMFT index and comparing the results of Cariview(R) with those of previous caries activity tests in an adult group. METHODS: Teeth of 74 subjects were examined, and the DMFT index was calculated according to World Health Organization (WHO) criteria to determine the past caries experience. Caries activity tests were performed according to manufacturer's instructions. For Cariview(R) test, plaque samples were collected from the tooth surface by using a sterile cotton swab and incubated at 37degrees C for 48 h; an indicator was added to observe the color changes according to the plaque acidogenicity. The subjects were classified into three groups (Low, Moderate, High) according to the level of caries risk. The data were assessed using one-way ANOVA to compare the caries experiences of risk groups according to the caries activity test results, and the relationships between the caries activity tests and the DMFT index were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall mean DMFT index was 5.70+/-4.42. There was a significant difference in the DMFT index among the caries risk groups (Low, Moderate, High) according to the Cariview(R) test result (P=0.036). Further, there was a positive correlation between the Cariview(R) score and the DMFT index (r=0.23, P=0.047) and between the Cariview(R) score and the previous caries activity tests score (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The new caries activity test (Cariview(R)) can be easily used at dental clinics and enables precise caries risk assessment.
Adult ; Dental Clinics ; Dental Plaque* ; Humans ; Risk Assessment ; Tooth ; World Health Organization

Gastric glomus tumor is a rare mesenchymal tumor that originates from modified smooth muscle cells of the glomus body. Glomus tumors are commonly observed in peripheral soft tissue, such as dermis or subungal region, but rarely in the gastrointestinal tract. A 39-year-old woman was admitted due to epigastric soreness. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a subepithelial mass measuring 3.5cm with central ulceration at the lesser curvature-posterior wall of the antrum. Characteristically, contrast enhanced abdominal computed tomography scan demonstrated high enhancement of the submucosal mass up to the same level of the abdominal aorta in the arterial phase; this enhancement persisted to delayed phase. Due to the risk of bleeding and malignancy, wedge resection of the submucosal tumor was performed. Histologic findings were compatible with a glomus tumor.
Adult ; Aorta, Abdominal ; Dermis ; Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; Glomus Tumor ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle ; Stomach ; Ulcer