PURPOSE: There were no accurate data of hematologic changes in the high school students in Korea since 1980'. Because of rapid growing of Korean students recently, it is necessary to reevaluate Korean data. So we compared hematologic changes in the students of general (GHS) and athletic high school (AHS) in Seoul city. METHODS: We reassured red cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and related hematologic factors in the 452 GHS (male 290, female 162) as control group and the 138 AHS (male 70, female 68) as exercised group. Hematologic comparisons were performed between the students of AHS and GHS and the male and female students with t-test. RESULTS: 1) Values of RBC, Hb, Hct, MCHC, RDW were 4.6+/-0.3x1012/L, 13.4+/-1.2g/dL, 41.5+/- 3.4%, 32.2+/-0.5g/dL, 12.1+/-0.9% respectively in the male AHS and 5.2+/-0.3x1012/L, 15.2+/- 1.0g/dL, 46.7+/-3.0%, 32.5+/-0.5g/dL, 12.3+/-0.6% respectively in male GHS, and there were significant between compared data. 2) Values of RBC, Hb, Hct MPV were 4.5+/-0.3x1012/L, 13.6+/-1.2g/dL, 40.5+/-3.2%, 9.0+/- 0.6fl respectively in the female AHS and 5.0+/-0.5x1012/L, 14.9+/-1.3g/dL, 44.8+/-3.4%, 8.7+/- 0.8fl respectively in the female GHS, and significance were between compared data. 3) Values of MCH, MCHC, RDW, MPV were 30.1+/-1.8pg, 33.6+/-1.1g/dL, 12.8+/-1.1%, 9.0+/-0.6fl respectively in the female AHS and 29.3+/-1.8pg, 32.2+/-0.5g/dL, 12.1+/-0.9%, 8.7+/-0.9fl respectively in the male AHS, and there were significant between compared data. 4) Values of RBC, Hct, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT were 5.0+/-0.5x1012/L, 44.8+/-3.4%, 30.0+/-2.1pg, 33.4+/-1.1g/dL, 12.7+/-1.0%, 29.8+/-5.8x104/mm3 respectively in the female non-AHS, and 5.2+/-0.3x1012/L, 46.7+/-3.0%, 29.4+/-1.4pg, 32.5+/-0.5g/dL, 12.3+/-0.6%, 28.7+/- 5.8x104/mm3 respectively in the male non-AHS, and there were significant between compared data. CONCLUSIONS: Among the high school students, exercise caused several hematologic changes that were significant decline of the values of RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit compared to control group regardless of sex. In female students, their values of MCH, MCHC, RDW were significantly increased compared to male students regardless of exercise.
Cell Count ; Female ; Hematocrit ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Seoul ; Sports

PURPOSE: There were no accurate data of hematologic changes in the high school students in Korea since 1980'. Because of rapid growing of Korean students recently, it is necessary to reevaluate Korean data. So we compared hematologic changes in the students of general (GHS) and athletic high school (AHS) in Seoul city. METHODS: We reassured red cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), and related hematologic factors in the 452 GHS (male 290, female 162) as control group and the 138 AHS (male 70, female 68) as exercised group. Hematologic comparisons were performed between the students of AHS and GHS and the male and female students with t-test. RESULTS: 1) Values of RBC, Hb, Hct, MCHC, RDW were 4.6+/-0.3x1012/L, 13.4+/-1.2g/dL, 41.5+/- 3.4%, 32.2+/-0.5g/dL, 12.1+/-0.9% respectively in the male AHS and 5.2+/-0.3x1012/L, 15.2+/- 1.0g/dL, 46.7+/-3.0%, 32.5+/-0.5g/dL, 12.3+/-0.6% respectively in male GHS, and there were significant between compared data. 2) Values of RBC, Hb, Hct MPV were 4.5+/-0.3x1012/L, 13.6+/-1.2g/dL, 40.5+/-3.2%, 9.0+/- 0.6fl respectively in the female AHS and 5.0+/-0.5x1012/L, 14.9+/-1.3g/dL, 44.8+/-3.4%, 8.7+/- 0.8fl respectively in the female GHS, and significance were between compared data. 3) Values of MCH, MCHC, RDW, MPV were 30.1+/-1.8pg, 33.6+/-1.1g/dL, 12.8+/-1.1%, 9.0+/-0.6fl respectively in the female AHS and 29.3+/-1.8pg, 32.2+/-0.5g/dL, 12.1+/-0.9%, 8.7+/-0.9fl respectively in the male AHS, and there were significant between compared data. 4) Values of RBC, Hct, MCH, MCHC, RDW, PLT were 5.0+/-0.5x1012/L, 44.8+/-3.4%, 30.0+/-2.1pg, 33.4+/-1.1g/dL, 12.7+/-1.0%, 29.8+/-5.8x104/mm3 respectively in the female non-AHS, and 5.2+/-0.3x1012/L, 46.7+/-3.0%, 29.4+/-1.4pg, 32.5+/-0.5g/dL, 12.3+/-0.6%, 28.7+/- 5.8x104/mm3 respectively in the male non-AHS, and there were significant between compared data. CONCLUSIONS: Among the high school students, exercise caused several hematologic changes that were significant decline of the values of RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit compared to control group regardless of sex. In female students, their values of MCH, MCHC, RDW were significantly increased compared to male students regardless of exercise.
Cell Count ; Female ; Hematocrit ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Seoul ; Sports

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.

Acanthamoeba is an opportunistic pathogen that causes Acanthamoeba keratitis, granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, and other cutaneous diseases. The life cycle of Acanthamoeba consists of 2 stages of trophozoites and cysts. Under adverse environmental conditions, Acanthamoeba encysts, while the conditions become favorable for growth, it reverts to the trophozoite form. Acanthamoeba excystation is crucial for its proliferation and can lead to recurrent infections after incomplete treatment. To identify the factors involved in excystation, A. castellanii was subjected to either encystation- or excystation-inducing conditions, and gene expression profiles were compared using mRNA sequencing. A. castellanii samples were collected at 8 h intervals for analysis under both conditions. Differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that 1,214 and 1,163 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, by more than 2-fold during early excystation. Five genes markedly upregulated in early excystation (ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, ACA1_275740, and ACA1_112650) were selected, and their expression levels were confirmed via real-time PCR. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting these 5 genes was transfected into Acanthamoeba and gene knockdown was validated through real-time PCR. The silencing of ACA1_031140, ACA1_032330, ACA1_374400, and ACA1_112650 inhibited excystation and suggested that these genes might be essential for excystation. Our findings provide valuable insights for suppressing Acanthamoeba proliferation and recurrence.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the association between the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and inflammation, and the predictive value of these CSF biomarkers for subsequent shunt associated infection. METHODS: We obtained CSF samples from the patients with hydrocephalus during ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt operations. Twenty-two patients were enrolled for this study and divided into 3 groups: subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)-induced hydrocephalus, idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (INPH) and hydrocephalus with a subsequent shunt infection. We analyzed the transforming growth factor-beta1, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and total tau in the CSF by performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The subsequent development of shunt infection was confirmed by the clinical presentations, the CSF parameters and CSF culture from the shunt devices. RESULTS: The mean VEGF concentration (+/-standard deviation) in the CSF of the SAH-induced hydrocephalus, INPH and shunt infection groups was 236+/-138, 237+/-80 and 627+/-391 pg/mL, respectively. There was a significant difference among the three groups (p=0.01). Between the SAH-induced hydrocephalus and infection groups and between the INPH and infection groups, there was a significant difference of the VEGF levels (p<0.01). However, the other marker levels did not differ among them. CONCLUSION: The present study showed that only the CSF VEGF levels are associated with the subsequent development of shunt infection. Our results suggest that increased CSF VEGF could provide a good condition for bacteria that are introduced at the time of surgery to grow in the brain, rather than reflecting a sequel of bacterial infection before VP shunt.
Bacteria ; Bacterial Infections ; Biomarkers ; Brain ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; Hydrocephalus, Normal Pressure ; Inflammation ; Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

PURPOSE: We wished to compare the ability of ultrasonography and radiography performed on the same day to detect rib fractures in minor chest injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and fifteen patients with minor chest injuries were selected. Radiography and ultrasonography were performed on the same day with these patients. Chest wall pain was the only presenting symptom. Two radiologists performed ultrasonography. Fractures were identified by a disruption of the anterior margin of the rib and costal cartilage. The incidence and location of fractures and complications revealed by radiography and ultrasonography were compared. RESULTS: Radiographs revealed the presence of 70 rib fractures in 50 (23%) of 215 patients and ultrasonography revealed the presence of 203 rib fractures in 133 (62%) of 215 patients. Ultrasonography uniquely identified 133 rib fractures in 83 patients. Ultrasonography identified a 2.9 fold increase in the number of fractures in a 2.6 fold number of subjects as compared to radiography. Of the 203 sonographically detected fractures, 201 were located in the rib, one was located at the costochondral junction, and one in the costal cartilage. There were no complications seen by either radiography or ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography reveals more fractures than those that may be overlooked on radiography for minor chest injuries.
Cartilage ; Humans ; Incidence ; Radiography* ; Rib Fractures* ; Ribs* ; Thoracic Injuries* ; Thoracic Wall ; Thorax* ; Ultrasonography*

PURPOSE: We performed this study to determine the value of pharmacoerection with PGE1 for measurement of conduction velocity in the dorsal penile nerve and to identify the change in sensation in the glans penis between th pre-erection and posterection state. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 14 patients with psychogenic impotence and premature ejaculation (mean age 45.2+/-6.5 years) who had no evidence of neurologic deficit and responded with a full erection lasting more than 1 hour to PGE1 injection. We measured penile length, penile temperature, sensory threshold of the glans penis to electrical stimulation, BCRL, pudendal sensory evoked potential (SEP), and dorsal nerve conduction velocity and amplitude before, directly after, and 1 hour after erection induced using PGE1(15~20 microgram). RESULTS: Neither PGE1 nor prolonged erection had any effect on the sensory threshold of glans penis, BCRL, pudendal SEP, or amplitude of the dorsal verve. Only the dorsal nerve conduction velocity changed. We could check the conduction velocity after erection in therr cases in which these values were not available at rest. CONCLUSIONS: Given the absence of change in the sensory condition of the glans penis, pharmacoerection using PGE1 has no effect on premature ejaculation except to prolong the erection state. Pharmacoerection seems to be the best method of calculating dorsal nerve sensory conduction velocity and amplitude, It can replace th normal erection state and also help in obtaining a recordable potential when this measurement is technically difficult at rest.
Alprostadil* ; Electric Stimulation ; Erectile Dysfunction ; Evoked Potentials ; Humans ; Male ; Neural Conduction* ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Penis* ; Premature Ejaculation ; Pudendal Nerve ; Sensation ; Sensory Thresholds*