PURPOSE: After discharge from the hospital, very low birth weight infants require care consultation, information, and interaction and so forth, due to sequelae, different growth and developmental pattern; which increase the burdens and the worries of patients in nurturing them. With the counseling of experts in the related fields, the authors and the Food for the Hungry have run a department of childcare for a year, emphasizing on more family support than extreme early detection of disabilities. This study reports on relieving child care anxiety, promoting growth and development, educating parents on home treatment of sequelae, finding and coping with minor disabilities. METHODS: The subjects were chosen among infants under 1,500 g of birth weight and younger than a corrected age of 6 months. Meetings were held once in a month for a year. Infant care support classes were taught by experts in their fields including a music therapist (with play program), neonatologist, a children's nurse, a child-care director, a clinical psychologist, a rehabilitation therapist, a social worker and, a nutritionist. Within the self-dependent groups, the families were able to share their concerns and experiences on child-caring. Second home visits were carried out to monitor home oxygen therapy, tube feeding, cerebral palsy signs, and to find neglect or abuse in suspected cases. RESULTS: Fifty-one infants participated; the average weight was 1,060 g, the average gestational age was 27 weeks and 2 days. Eighteen were boys and 23 girls. The average age of the mothers was 33.4, and there were 26 appropriate for gestational age, 8 small for gestational age, and, 5 large for gestational age. Twenty three were first-born, 13 were second-born, 1 was third-born, and twins were 4 pairs. Home visits were done in 33 families, and secondary visits were done in 6 families. The depression score of mothers in the attendant group decreased from 10.47+/-5.18 to 8.18+/-5.87 (P=0.080). CONCLUSION: The depression score of mothers in the attendant group decreased after infant care support classes.
Anxiety ; Birth Weight ; Cerebral Palsy ; Child ; Child Care ; Counseling ; Depression ; Enteral Nutrition ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Gestational Age ; Growth and Development ; House Calls ; Humans ; Infant Care ; Infant* ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight* ; Mothers ; Music ; Nutritionists ; Oxygen ; Parents ; Psychology ; Rehabilitation ; Social Workers ; Twins

BACKGROUND: It had been well known that breast feeding to infants has many advantages and benefits comparing to formula feeding. So, We performed this study to clarify the relationship between immunoglobulin (Ig) levels and diet during newborn period. METHODS: We measured the levels of IgG, IgA and IgM by Array 360 System (Beckman Instruments, CA, U.S.A). Subjects were 29 breast-fed and 13 formula-fed newborns. We evaluated the results and analyzed the change of concentrations of IgG, IgA and IgM according to diet, sex and postnatal period. RESULTS: The levels of IgG, IgA and IgM in breast-fed newborns at postnatal 1-day were higher than formula-fed newborns, but the levels of Ig G and Ig A in formula-fed newborns at postnatal 30-day were higher than breast-fed newborns. CONCLUSIONS: There was no clinical signficance in the difference of IgG, IgA and IgM levels according to diet, sex and postnatal period, respectively.
Breast Feeding ; Diet ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin A ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulin M ; Immunoglobulins* ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Compared to other target cells examined for gene therapy, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) have the unique advantages including proximity to blood stream and relative abundance in vasculature. With an ultimate goal of developing VSMC-based therapies for cardiovascular disorders, we explored the utility of VSMC as a target cell for ex vivo gene therapy using a set of retroviral vectors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured VSMCs were transduced with replication-defective recombinant retroviruses harboring LacZ, nlsLacZ, mVEGF, mGM-CSF or bacterial CAT reporter. The VSMCs were examined for G418-selection, transduction efficiency, the level of transgene expression, and longevity of gene expression. ResultsVSMCs were readily transduced with different kinds of retroviral vectors. The bacterial neo r gene-transduced VSMCs were successfully selected with G418. The G418-selected VSMCs could express the transduced genes at a level comparable to NIH3T3. The level of transgene expression did not appear to be affected by the increasing number of passages. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate an efficient transduction of VSMCs by retroviral vectors in vitro and an sustained expression of retrovirally transduced genes in VSMCs. VSMCs could be one of the ideal target cells for ex vivo cardiovascular gene therapy employing retroviral vector.
Animals ; Cats ; Gene Expression ; Genetic Therapy* ; Longevity ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular* ; Retroviridae ; Rivers ; Transgenes ; Zidovudine

PURPOSE: This study reviewed articles related to breast cancer, cognitive function and chemotherapy available in 4 databases. METHODS: The researcher reviewed 32 pieces of literature that were published between January 2001 and November 2011. RESULTS: Within the last decade, several studies have investigated whether adjuvant treatment of breast cancer affects cognitive function. A number of prospective studies have reported inconsistent results regarding whether chemotherapy affects cognitive function. Approximately half of the studies reported subtle cognitive decline in a wide range of domains among some breast cancer patients following chemotherapy, and others did not. CONCLUSION: Breast cancer patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy showed the most deterioration and the most persistent decline in cognitive function. Since cognitive impairment is subtle, if evident at all, discrepant findings are due to hormonal, physiological, psychological or temporal confounding variables and differences in study design. Especially, that chemotherapy may impair memory, executive function, attention and visuospatial function in women with breast cancer.
Breast ; Breast Neoplasms ; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant ; Cognition ; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology) ; Executive Function ; Female ; Humans ; Memory

PURPOSE: Patients with osteoarthritis of knee joint often concomitantly suffer from degenerative disease of the spine. Furthermore, resulting spinal problems could influence function and pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), and hence, cause the results of TKA to be misinterpreted. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the effect of spinal disorders, as assessed by Swiss Spinal Stenosis score (SSS scores), on knee function as assessed by knee scores, the Hospital for Special Surgery scale (HSS scale) and Western Ontario & McMaster Osteoarthritis Index scores (WOMAC scores) in patients that after TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and forty nine osteoarthritic knees of 87 patients were enrolled in this study. All patients received TKA by single surgeon (W-S Cho) from August 2009 to May 2010. Preoperative and postoperative 1- and 2-years HSS scale, Knee, WOMAC, and SSS scores were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Postoperative HSS scale, Knee, and WOMAC scores showed marked improvements versus preoperative scores, and scores at 2 years postoperatively were better than at 1 year postoperatively. No significant correlation was found between postoperative Knee scores and SSS scores. On the other hand, statistically significant correlations were found between HSS and SSS scores and between WOMAC and SSS scores. Interestingly, differences between Knee scores and HSS scores were found to be significantly correlated with SSS scores. CONCLUSION: When evaluating outcome after TKA, spinal problems should be investigated concomitantly. SSS scores appear to provide a suitable means of assessing spinal problems.
Arthroplasty ; Hand ; Humans ; Joints ; Knee ; Ontario ; Osteoarthritis ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; Prospective Studies ; Spinal Stenosis ; Spine

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known to be associated with obesity and insulin resistance. The exact mechanism of insulin resistance in PCOS is not completely understood, but there are several pieces of evidence suggesting humoral mediator involvement. Adiponectin, an adipocyte-secreted protein, could be a possible link between adiposity and insulin resistance. This study was performed to see whether the serum adiponectin levels are suppressed in woman with PCOS and if this is associated with the characteristic hormonal and metabolic features of PCOS. METHODS: 20 women with PCOS and 8 normal controls with regular cycles were recruited. The serum adiponectin levels were measured by RIA, and the fasting glucose to insulin ratio (GIR) used as an insulin sensitivity index. RESULTS: The patients with PCOS were classified as lean (BMI < 23 kg/m2, n=9) and obese groups (BMI 25 kg/m2, n=11) based on the WPRO criteria. The GIR was significantly lower in the obese compared to the control group. The adiponectin level was lower in women with PCOS than the controls, but without statistical significance. In 5 of the 20 patients, the GIR was higher than 0.30, which was the lowest limit in the controls, and the adiponectin level was significantly higher than in those patients with a lower GIR. The adiponectin level was significantly correlated with the BMI, subcutaneous and visceral fat areas, post challenge 2 hr glucose, fasting insulin, GIR and SHBG. After adjustment for BMI, adiponectin was significantly correlated with the GIR in all subjects, including the controls. CONCLUSION: The serum adiponectin level was associated with and related to adiposity in women with PCOS; however, adiponectin might be associated with insulin resistance independently from adiposity
Adiponectin* ; Adiposity ; Fasting ; Female ; Glucose ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance* ; Insulin* ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Obesity ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome*

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is known to be associated with obesity and insulin resistance. The exact mechanism of insulin resistance in PCOS is not completely understood, but there are several pieces of evidence suggesting humoral mediator involvement. Adiponectin, an adipocyte-secreted protein, could be a possible link between adiposity and insulin resistance. This study was performed to see whether the serum adiponectin levels are suppressed in woman with PCOS and if this is associated with the characteristic hormonal and metabolic features of PCOS. METHODS: 20 women with PCOS and 8 normal controls with regular cycles were recruited. The serum adiponectin levels were measured by RIA, and the fasting glucose to insulin ratio (GIR) used as an insulin sensitivity index. RESULTS: The patients with PCOS were classified as lean (BMI < 23 kg/m2, n=9) and obese groups (BMI 25 kg/m2, n=11) based on the WPRO criteria. The GIR was significantly lower in the obese compared to the control group. The adiponectin level was lower in women with PCOS than the controls, but without statistical significance. In 5 of the 20 patients, the GIR was higher than 0.30, which was the lowest limit in the controls, and the adiponectin level was significantly higher than in those patients with a lower GIR. The adiponectin level was significantly correlated with the BMI, subcutaneous and visceral fat areas, post challenge 2 hr glucose, fasting insulin, GIR and SHBG. After adjustment for BMI, adiponectin was significantly correlated with the GIR in all subjects, including the controls. CONCLUSION: The serum adiponectin level was associated with and related to adiposity in women with PCOS; however, adiponectin might be associated with insulin resistance independently from adiposity
Adiponectin* ; Adiposity ; Fasting ; Female ; Glucose ; Humans ; Insulin Resistance* ; Insulin* ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Obesity ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the experiences of the process of the change in cognitive function for women treated with chemotherapy for breast cancer. METHODS: There were ten participants in total in this study. Data were gathered utilizing in-depth interviews over 3 times from September 2010 to January 2011. Data were analyzed by employing Strauss and Corbin's (1998) grounded theory methodology. RESULTS: Findings indicate that causal conditions of these results were 'side effects of chemotherapy' and 'menopausal state', including contextual conditions as, 'mental fatigue' and 'anxiety about recurrence'. The core category was identified as 'confronting with unexpected chaos'. Intervening conditions were 'support from other people', 'lack of information on cognitive impairment'. Interaction strategies were 'changing the habit of life', 'making efforts for living life' and 'seeking for medical information'. Consequences of the process were 'physical restriction', 'difficulty in social life', 'disturbed working ability' and 'psychological distress'. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that nurses should recognize there is a notable difference between individual patient's contextual conditions and interactive strategies. Furthermore educational information and individualized intervention should be provided to improve cognitive function for women with breast cancer.
Breast ; Breast Neoplasms ; Cognition ; Female ; Humans

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS) is characterized by the presence of chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism, The prevalence of PCOS in premenopausal women of about 5~ 10%. There may be significant ethnic and racial variations in the prevalence and clinical presentation of PCOS. The current study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of PCOS and to identify the clinical characteristics of PCOS in Korea. METHODS: From March 2003 to March 2004, medical students from Ewha Womans University were investigated for the prevalence of PCOS. The evaluation included a history and physical examination, a modified Ferriman-Gallwey hirsutism score and screening for hyperandrogenemia. PCOS was diagnosed by the presence of the following: 1) oligomenorrhea, 2) hyperandrogenemia and/or hirsutism(a modified Ferriman-Gallwey score> or =6), and 3) the exclusion of related disorders. Hyperandrogenemia was defined as a free testosterone level above the 95th percentile of that for normal cycling nonhirsute women. RESULTS: Out of 492 students, 386 replied to the questionnaire and 203 students(19~31 yr of age) participated in the physical examination and blood sampling. Eumenorrhea without hirsutism was present in 133 students(65.5%), oligomenorrhea was present in 39 students(19.2%), hyperandrogenism was present in 21 students(10.3%) and hirsutism was present in 3(1.5%) of the 203 women. The prevalence of PCOS was 4.9%(10 of 203 students), and only 2 of 10 women with PCOS were hirsute. The mean body mass index of students with PCOS was 22.7+/- 4.3kg/m2, and two women was obese. The plasma insulin levels during the 75g oral glucose tolerance test in women with PCOS was significantly higher when compared to the age and body mass index of the controls. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PCOS was 4.9% in college students from Seoul. This rate is similar to those rates reported by other investigators in Greece(6.7%) and United States(4%). Obesity and hirsutism are not common in Korean women with PCOS. We are planning to survey a more diverse age groups to determine the prevalence of PCOS
Anovulation ; Body Mass Index ; Female ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Hirsutism ; Humans ; Hyperandrogenism ; Insulin ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Obesity ; Oligomenorrhea ; Ovary ; Physical Examination ; Plasma ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome* ; Prevalence* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Research Personnel ; Seoul* ; Students, Medical ; Testosterone

This experimental studies was to investigate the location of CNS labeled neurons following injection of pseudorabies virus (PRV), Bartha strain, into the rat thymus. After survival times of 96~120 hours following injection of PRV, the rats were perfused, and their spinal cord and brain were frozen sectioned(30micrometer). These sections were stained by PRV immunohistochemical staining method, and observed with light microscope The results were as follows: 1. The PRV labeled spinal cord segments projecting to the rat thymus were founded in cervical and thoracic segments. Densely labeled areas of each spinal cord segment were founded in lamina V, VII, X, intermediolateral nucleus and dorsal nucleus. 2. In the rhombencephalon, PRV labeled neurons projecting to the thymus were founded in the A1 noradrenalin cells/C1 adrenalin cells/caudoventrolateral reticular nucleus, rostroventro-lateral reticular nucleus, medullary reticular nucleus, area postrema, nucleus solitary tract, nucleus raphe obscurus, nucleus raphe pallidus, nucleus raphe magnus, gigantocellular reticular nucleus, lateral paragigantocellular nucleus and spinal trigeminal nucleus. 3. In the mesencephalon, PRV labeled neurons were founded in parabrachial nucleus, Kolliker-Fuse nucleus, central gray matter, substantia nigra, nucleus dorsal raphe, A8 dopamin cells of retrorubral field, Edinger-Westphal nucleus, locus coeruleus, subcoeruleus nucleus and A5 noradrenalin cells. 4. In the prosencephalon, PRV labeled neurons were founded in reuniens thalamic nucleus, paraventricular thalamic nucleus, precommissural nucleus, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, anterior hypothalamic nucleus, lateral hypothalamic nucleus, preoptic hypothalamic nucleus, retrochiasmatic area, arcuate nucleus, dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. These results suggest that PRV labeled neurons of the spinal cord projecting to the rat thymus might be the neurons related to the viscero-somatic sensory and sympathetic preganglionic neurons, and PRV labeled neurons of the brain may be the neurons response to the movement of smooth muscle in blood vessels. These PRV labeled neurons may be central autonomic center related to the integration and modulation of reflex control linked to the sensory system monitoring the internal environment. These observations provide evidence for previously unknown projections from spinal cord and brain to the thymus which may be play an important role in the regulation of thymic function.
Animals ; Anterior Hypothalamic Nucleus ; Arcuate Nucleus ; Area Postrema ; Blood Vessels ; Brain ; Dorsomedial Hypothalamic Nucleus ; Herpesvirus 1, Suid* ; Hypothalamic Area, Lateral ; Immunohistochemistry ; Locus Coeruleus ; Mesencephalon ; Midline Thalamic Nuclei ; Muscle, Smooth ; Neurons* ; Paraventricular Hypothalamic Nucleus ; Prosencephalon ; Pseudorabies* ; Rats* ; Reflex ; Rhombencephalon ; Spinal Cord ; Substantia Nigra ; Thymus Gland* ; Trigeminal Nucleus, Spinal ; Ventromedial Hypothalamic Nucleus