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

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

BACKGROUND: The pilots with cardiovascular events have a possibility for a risk of suffering from sudden incapacitation which is closely related to flying safety. The coagulation factors such as fibrinogen, factor VII, and factor VIII are possibly related to cardiovascular events. Several studies for general population have shown that an increase of those coagulation factors with age, a correlation of Factor VII and fibrinogen with BMI, and of fibrinogen with smoking. However, this study is to find out whether pilots' age, body weight, body mass index (BMI) and smoking are related to the baseline measurement of coagulation factor VII, factor VIII and fibrinogen. METHOD: Samples were taken from 21 pilots from Asiana Airlines: 11 smokers and 10 non-smokers. In order to measure the relationship between age, body weight, BMI, and the coagulation factors, Pearson correlation was used in this analysis. Independent two sampled t-test was used to analyze the correlation between smoking and the coagulation factors. RESULTS: Mean age, mean height, mean body weight and mean BMI of pilots were examined: 38 years, 171.81 cm, 70.67 Kg and 23.94 Kg/m(2). Mean fibrinogen, mean factor VII, and mean factor VIII were also obtained: 236.0 mg/dl, 92.93%, and 60.16%. The coagulation factor VII, factor VIII and fibrinogen were not significant related to age, body weight, BMI, smoking of pilots. CONCLUSION: This study has no correlation between age, body weight, BMI, smoking and the coagulation factors because the age of this study does not have pilots with over 60 years old and healthy behaviors (e.g., exercise, smoking, drinking, etc.) of most pilots are relatively well.
Blood Coagulation Factors* ; Body Height* ; Body Mass Index ; Body Weight* ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Diptera ; Drinking ; Factor VII* ; Factor VIII ; Fibrinogen* ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Smoke* ; Smoking*

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*

BACKGROUND: Elevated serum levels of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) are associated with type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the effects of atorvastatin on metabolic parameters and GDF-15 levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and dyslipidemia were evaluated. METHODS: In this prospective randomized trial from February 2013 to March 2014, 50 consecutive type 2 diabetic patients with a low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels > or =100 mg/dL were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups based on the amount of atorvastatin prescribed, 10 mg/day (n=23) or 40 mg/day (n=27). The effect of atorvastatin on metabolic parameters, including lipid profiles and GDF-15 levels, at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment were compared. RESULTS: The baseline metabolic parameters and GDF-15 levels were not significantly different between the two groups. After 8 weeks of treatment, the total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C levels were significantly decreased in both groups. The mean changes in TC and LDL-C levels were more significant in the 40 mg atorvastatin group. The GDF-15 level was decreased in the 10 mg atorvastatin group, from 1,460.6+/-874.8 to 1,451.0+/-770.8 pg/mL, and was increased in the 40 mg atorvastatin group, from 1,271.6+/-801.0 to 1,341.4+/-855.2 pg/mL. However, the change in the GDF-15 level was not statistically significant in the 10 or 40 mg atorvastatin group (P=0.665 and P=0.745, respectively). CONCLUSION: The GDF-15 levels were not significantly changed after an 8-week treatment with atorvastatin in type 2 diabetic patients.
Cholesterol ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* ; Dyslipidemias* ; Growth Differentiation Factor 15 ; Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Atorvastatin Calcium

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*

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*

PURPOSE: To assess the diagnostic value of Mn-DPDP for the detection of focal hepatic tumors on MR images and to determine the optimal pulse sequence to maximize its effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three patients with 32 focal hepatic tumors were examined by means of 1.5-T MRI. Before and after the intravenous administration of Mn-DPDP, five pulse sequences were used to obtain T1-weighted images: two-dimensional fast low-angle shot (2D FLASH) with/without fat saturation (FS), spinecho (SE), and three-dimensional fast low angle shot reconstruction (3D FLASH) with/without FS. Quantitative assessment involved determination of the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the liver and the tumor, the percentage signal enhancement ratio (PSER) of the liver, and tumor-to-liver contrast to noise ratio (CNR). Pulse sequences were also evaluated subjectively for tumor conspicuity, delineation, and image artifact. In addition, two experienced radiologists compared tumor detection rates between precontrast and postcontrast images. RESULTS: Mn-DPDP had a marked effect on liver SNR and absolute CNR at all pulse sequences (p<0.05). On postcontrast images, PSER and absolute CNR of the liver were highest at 3D FLASH and 2D FLASH FS, respectively, and significantly higher at GRE than at SE (p<0.05). On postcontrast images, the CNR of focal nodular hyperplasia and hepatocellular carcinoma was positive, while that of hemangioma, metastasis and cholangiocarcinoma was negative. The postcontrast CNR of all tumors except hepatocellular carcinoma increased more than 100%. Qualitative studies showed that tumor conspicuity increased significantly at all sequences except SE, and delineation increased significantly except at SE and postcontrast 2D GRE FS. After Mn-DPDP, GRE more effectively demonstrated tumor conspicuity and image artifact than did SE, and GRE other than 2D FLASH FS was also better than SE for tumor dilineation (p<0.05). The sensitivity of all postcontrast images increased and the tumor detection rate at GRE was significantly higher than at SE. CONCLUSION: Mn-DPDP favorably affects tumor-to-liver contrast, and may be useful in the imaging of focal hepatic tumors, more so with 2D or 3D FLASH pulse sequences than with SE.
Administration, Intravenous ; Artifacts ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Cholangiocarcinoma ; Dyphylline ; Focal Nodular Hyperplasia ; Hemangioma ; Humans ; Liver ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging* ; Manganese ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Noise ; Signal-To-Noise Ratio

PURPOSE: NO, a diatomic free radical, plays a diverse physiological and pathophysiological roles in the vascular, neuronal and immune systems. It is produced by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) which consists of three different isoforms. In this study we investigated NOS expression in 84 human breast carcinomas and its associations to other clinicopathological factors. METHODS: The immunohistochemical staining for NOS expression in 84 human breast carcinomas were performed and their medical records were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: iNOS expression in tumor cells was observed in 48.2% and eNOS expression was detected in 51.9%. iNOS expression in tumor cells has positive correlation with eNOS expression in tumor and is associated with iNOS expression in stroma and endothelial cells. Although iNOS expression in tumor cells has negative correlation with tumor size (P=0.047) and lymph node metastasis (P=0.002), it has no effects on 5 year overall and disease free survivals. iNOS expression in stroma also has negative correlation with tumor size (P=0.016) and nuclear grade (P=0.025). No significant correlation between eNOS expression and clinicopathological factors was observed but eNOS expression in tumor cells contributed to worse 5 year overall survivals (92.1% vs 77.0%) in marginal significance (P=0.053). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that iNOS expression in tumor may have an inhibitory effect in tumor growth and lymph node metastasis. These results may be further investigated.
Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; Diatoms ; Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; Immune System ; Lymph Nodes ; Medical Records ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Neurons ; Nitric Oxide Synthase* ; Nitric Oxide* ; Protein Isoforms ; Retrospective Studies