OBJECTIVE: The results for finding the deficit in the anterior cingulate (ACC) in schizophrenic patients (SZ) have been inconsistent according to the studies that used different Stroop tasks, which is unlike the deficit in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). In order to explore for the core region that's responsible for the selective attention deficit in SZ, we examined the results of a functional neuroimaging study, which involved the performance of the Stroop task using high or low prefrontal cortex related loads in SZ. METHODS: Ten schizophrenic patients and healthy controls (HC) received functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during a Short/Long-term latency Stroop task. The changes in the neural activity were determined in well-known Stroop related regions of interest (ROIs) that consisted of the DLPFC, ACC, the parietal lobule and in the whole brain regions for both the main and interaction effects of latency, and the results of the short-term and long-term latency Stroop conditions were compared. RESULTS: The response times for both the congruency and latency effects were more prolonged in the schizophrenics than in the HC. For the congruency effect, the schizophrenics showed significantly less activation in the same site of the left DLPFC in both the short-term and long-term latency conditions, as compared with the HC. For the latency effect, the regions of the left-side language network were over- or under-activated in the schizophrenics, as compared with the HC. Any interaction effect was not found for both the behavioral and fMRI results. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the deficit in the left DLPFC is the core impairment of attentional processing in schizophrenics, regardless of other possible interactions such as the latency effect.
Brain ; Functional Neuroimaging ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Prefrontal Cortex* ; Rabeprazole ; Reaction Time ; Schizophrenia*

OBJECTIVE: In order to investigate more accurate patterns of intrauterine growth in twin fetuses, we constructed the twin-specific growth curve based on gestational age in live-born non-anomalous infants. METHODS: 563 twin pairs, 1,126 infants delivered between January 1994 and October 1999 were comprised our study population. The newborns were grouped according to gestational age and the median, 10th, 50th, and 90th percentile birth weight for each gestational week were calculated. Curves were plotted for the general population and for each gender and parity and compared with previously reported singleton's growth curve. RESULTS: After 32 weeks gestation, birth weight of twins falls below that of singleton, so that by 38 weeks the 50th percentile for twins falls below the singleton 10th percentile. This difference was also present among all subgroups of twins, such as gender and parity. And the mean birth weight in male twin infant was heavier than in female twin infant throughout all gestational week. CONCLUSION: The pattern of growth in twin infants differed from those of singleton. We recommend twin-specific growth curve for clinical use in the management of twin gestations.
Birth Weight ; Female ; Fetus ; Gestational Age* ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Parity ; Pregnancy ; Twins*

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of binocular multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) by comparing results with conventional monocular mfERG in patients with monocular macular disease. METHODS: mfERG testing was conducted on 32 patients with monocular macular disease and 30 normal subjects. An initial mfERG was simultaneously recorded from both eyes with two recording electrodes under binocular stimulation. A second mfERG was subsequently recorded with conventional monocular stimulation. Amplitudes and implicit times of each ring response of the binocular and monocular recordings were compared. Ring ratios of the binocular and monocular recording were also compared. RESULTS: In the macular disease group, there were no statistical differences in amplitude or implicit time for each of the five concentric rings between the monocular and binocular recordings. However, with binocular simulation, the ring ratios (ring 1 / ring 4, ring 1 / ring 5) were significantly reduced in the affected eye. In the normal control group, there were no statistical differences in any parameters between the monocular and binocular recordings. CONCLUSIONS: Binocular mfERG could be a good alternative to the conventional monocular test. In addition, given that the test needs stable fixation of the affected eye during the binocular test, the reliability of the test results could be improved, especially for patients with monocular macular disease.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Electroretinography/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Vision, Binocular/physiology ; Vision, Monocular/physiology ; Visual Acuity/*physiology ; Wet Macular Degeneration/*diagnosis/*physiopathology

BACKGROUND: Although several risk factors associated with reduced age at natural menopause (ANM) have been investigated, the results are inconsistent. Excessive stress, which leads to elevation of stress hormones, can also negatively affect reproductive ability, including by accelerating menopause. However, a direct association between stress level and ANM has not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, the object of this study was to investigate the association between stress level and ANM in Korean women. METHODS: Study participants were Korean women between 40 and 70 years old who were in natural menopause during the 5th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n=3,176). The level of stress in daily life was estimated based on data from the mental health topics of the survey. We used the t-test and one-way analysis of variance to analyze the correlation between stress level and ANM. Regression (beta) coefficients calculated by multiple regression analysis were used to estimate various factors affecting ANM. RESULTS: Women who experienced a high level of stress in daily life had a lower mean ANM than women with a low stress level (50.17+/-3.7 and 50.58+/-3.5 years, respectively), with a statistically significant correlation (P<0.05). This correlation was still observed after adjusting for age, body mass index, menstrual regularity, and personal income (P<0.05 for variables). CONCLUSION: In Korean women between 40 and 70 years of age who are in natural menopause, there is a statistically significant correlation between stress level and ANM. In particular, women who experience a high level of stress in daily life have reduced ANM.
Body Mass Index ; Female ; Humans ; Menopause* ; Mental Health ; Nutrition Surveys* ; Risk Factors

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although colonoscopy is not indicated in patients with hematochezia, many surgeons, internists, and physicians are recommending colonoscopy for these patients in Korea. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of colonoscopy for patients with hematochezia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of colonoscopy between January 2010 and December 2010. A total of 321 patients among 3,038 colonoscopies (10.6%) underwent colonoscopy to evaluate the cause of hematochezia. The patients with previous colorectal surgery (2) or polypectomy (5) were excluded. We analyzed endoscopic diagnoses. Advanced neoplastic polyps were defined as adenomas with villous histology or high grade dysplasia, or adenomas more than 10 mm in diameter. RESULTS: Hemorrhoid was the most common diagnosis (217 cases, 67.6%). Polyps were detected in 93 patients (29.0%), but advanced neoplastic polyps were found in only 14 cases (4.4%). Colorectal cancers were diagnosed in 18 patients (5.6%) including 14 rectal cancers. There was no cancer located above sigmoid-descending junction. Diverticuli were detected in 41 patients (12.8%) but there was only one case of suspected diverticular bleeding. Colitis was diagnosed in 24 patients (7.5%). Other lesions included acute anal fissure, rectal tumor, stercoral ulcer, and radiation proctitis. CONCLUSIONS: The colonoscopy had little value in patients with hematochezia because the most pathologic lesions were located below sigmoid colon. The first choice of diagnosis in patients with hematochezia is sigmoidoscopy.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Child ; Colitis/complications/diagnosis ; Colonic Neoplasms/complications/diagnosis ; Colonic Polyps ; *Colonoscopy ; Colorectal Neoplasms/complications/diagnosis ; Female ; Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage/diagnosis/*etiology ; Hemorrhoids/complications/diagnosis ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between postoperative sensory change on lower extremities and clinical factors associated with gynecologic operation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 38 cases of patients with postoperative complaints of pain or dysthesis on lower extremities, especially anterolateral thigh from March 1993 through December 1999 at Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction velocity (NCV) were performed in all 38 patients. According to the result of EMG and NCV, patients were divided into control group (n=28) which in that with normal finding in electrodiagnosis and study group (n=10) who showed femoral cutaneous nerve injury in electrodiagnosis. Clinical characteristics (age, height, weight and operative history), operative methods, skin incisional method, operative time and postoperative diagnosis were reviewed in each group. RESULTS: There were significant differences in patient's body weight, height, skin incisional method and operative method between control and study group. Height was 152.5cm [150.3-155.6] in study group and 157.5cm [153.4-159.2] in control group (p-value = 0.020). Weight was 46.9kg [43.4-58.0] in study group and 57.0kg [54.4-58.1] in control group (p-value=0.004). Skin incisional method in study group was done by 6 cases (60%) of infraumbilical mid-line vertical incision and in control group by 5 cases (17.9%) (p-value = 0.019). In operative method, radical hysterectomy was 4 cases (40%) in study group and 2 cases (7.1%) in control group (p-value=0.031). But no correlation was observed in post-operative diagnosis, operative time, blood loss and transfusion between two groups. CONCLUSION: It was suggested that Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve was compressed by pelvic retractor during the gynecologic operation. Patient's body weight, height, skin incisional method and operative method may play a role of compressive factor on Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, increasing Meralgia Paresthetica.
Body Weight ; Diagnosis ; Electrodiagnosis ; Electromyography ; Gynecology ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Lower Extremity ; Neural Conduction ; Obstetrics ; Operative Time ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin ; Thigh

BACKGROUND: Peroxiredoxin I (Prx I) is part of an oxidative stress defense system with thioredoxin peroxidase activity to eliminate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). UV irradiation is one of the major sources to produce H2O2, which should then be scavenged by antioxidant systems to maintain functional integrity of the skin. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the modulation of Prx I by ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation in human epidermal keratinocytes. The modulation of Prx I expression by H2O2 was also evaluated. METHOD: Primary culture of epidermal keratinocytes was performed, and sub-confluent cells were irradiated with UVB irradiation (20mJ/cm(2)). Western blot and Northern blot analysis were performed after the cells were harvested at different time-points after UVB irradiation. Prx I expression and intracellular levels of H2O2 were evaluated in the cells which had been irradiated with different doses of UVB. The localization of Prx I expression was identified by immunocytochemical staining. RESULTS: UVB irradiation induced Prx I mRNA and protein expressions from 3 h and 6 h after irradiation, respectively, indicating that UVB induced Prx I expression at a transcription level. Intracellular H2O2 levels were steadily increased as keratinocytes were irradiated with increasing doses of UVB. Next, when keratinocytes were treated with 0.1-10.0mM of H2O2, the marked induction of Prx I protein expression was observed above 1 mM H2O2 at a time-dependent manner (after 6 h). The H2O2-induced Prx I expression was abolished by N-acetyl-L-cysteine, a H2O2 scavenger, pre-treatment. In 2D-gel electrophoresis, the active reduced form of Prx I was rapidly transformed into the oxidized, inactive form, and then it restored to the reduced form by H2O2 treatment, suggesting that Prx I was active in responding to the H2O2-induced oxidative stress. CONCLUSION: UVB irradiation up-regulates Prx I by the mediation of H2O2 in the keratinocytes.
Acetylcysteine ; Blotting, Northern ; Blotting, Western ; Electrophoresis ; Humans* ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; Keratinocytes* ; Negotiating ; Oxidative Stress ; Peroxiredoxins* ; RNA, Messenger ; Skin

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effects of family type and sociodemographic factors on medical treatment, health behavior, and subjective health status in Koreans 60 years and older. METHODS: This study was based on data from the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES), a nationwide health interview survey using a rolling sampling design involving complex, stratified, multistage, probability cluster. Our subjects included those > or =60 years of age (n=1,946) participating in the KNHANES 2010. Family type was categorized into 7 groups according to cohabitation: alone, couple cohabitation (living with a spouse), parent(s) cohabitation (couple living with parent(s)), offspring cohabitation (no spouse, living with offspring), couple offspring cohabitation (couple living with offspring), couple offspring parents cohabitation (couple living with parent(s) and offspring), and others. Logistic regression analyses were used to examine the association of family type and sociodemographic factors with health care. RESULTS: The most common family type was couple cohabitation (38.26+/-1.8%). In this group, the percentage of non-receipt of needed medical care (odds ratio [OR], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42 to 0.87) and current smoking rate (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.20 to 0.50) were significantly lower than those living alone. Among the sociodemographic charicteristics, male gender, apartment dwelling, high middle household income, 2 member family, education higher than middle school, and possessing own house were associated with good health care behavior. CONCLUSION: This study shows that couples have better health care behavior than other family types, in particular, limited smoking, appropriate medical treatment, and positive subjective health status. Those living alone visit medical clinics less often and have a negative subjective health status.
Delivery of Health Care ; Family Characteristics ; Health Behavior ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Nutrition Surveys ; Parents ; Smoke ; Smoking ; Spouses

PURPOSE: In addition to epileptic seizures (ES), a variety of physiologic, organic and psychogenic disorders can manifest as paroxysmal behavioral events. Paroxysmal nonepileptic events (PNEs) are quite encountered in infants, young children, and adolescents. In a substantial proportion of cases, a careful history and examination will elucidate their nature. However, in other cases, it is necessary to differentiate PNEs from ES by video-electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring. We report our experiences with PNEs in a group of children and adolescents who underwent video-EEG monitoring. METHODS: From September, 2004 to June, 2006, one hundred thirty patients were monitored in the Pediatric Epilepsy Monitoring Units of Korea University Guro and Ansan hospitals. Their hospital charts were reviewed and video records of these events were analyzed. We observed all patients after video- EEG monitoring for more than 3 months. RESULTS: Typical spells occurred during monitoring in 33 patients, not associated with a seizure pattern on EEG recordings. Two patients were diagnosed as frontal lobe epilepsy on basis of typical semiology and clinical characteristics, so 31 patients were documented to have PNEs finally. The mean age of patients was 7.2+/-5.8 years. The male to female ratio was 15 (48.4%) to 16 (51.6%). Among 31 patients, fifteen patients had associated disorders such as epilepsy, developmental delay, cerebral palsy, gastric ulcer, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or depressive disorder. Somatoform disorder and factitious disorder was frequently seen in children more than 5 years old (P<0.05). Psychogenic disorder was more frequent in female (n=6) than in male (n=2) but there was no statistical significance (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that video-EEG monitoring is an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of paroxysmal behavioral events. With correct diagnosis of the PNEs, several unnecessary treatment could be avoided.
Adolescent ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity ; Cerebral Palsy ; Child ; Depressive Disorder ; Electroencephalography ; Epilepsy ; Epilepsy, Frontal Lobe ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Korea ; Male ; Seizures ; Somatoform Disorders ; Stomach Ulcer

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of intravitreal bevacizumab injection on visual function and vision-related quality of life (VR-QOL) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) using the Korean version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (K-NEI-VFQ-25). METHODS: This study included 32 normal control subjects and 32 patients with BRVO. The Korean version of NEI-VFQ-25 was answered by the patients with BRVO before and 3 months after intravitreal bevacizumab injection, as well as by normal control subjects. Clinical data were collected, including central macular thickness (CMT), total macular volume (TMV) (using time-domain optical coherence tomography [OCT]), and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: Visual acuity, CMT, and TMV significantly improved 3 months after intravitreal bevacizumab injections. No bevacizumab-related systemic or ocular adverse effects following intravitreal drug injections were observed. Significant improvement in the VFQ-25 composite score was observed in patients with BRVO. Subscale scores, including general vision, near activities, distance activities, social functioning, mental health, role difficulties, dependency, and peripheral vision, improved after injection. However, subscale scores regarding general health, ocular pain, driving, and color vision did not improve significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal bevacizumab injection appears to be an effective treatment for visual function, as well as VR-QOL in macular edema secondary to BRVO. However, improvement of driving function and color vision appears to require a longer recovery time than visual function.
Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized ; Color Vision ; Dependency (Psychology) ; Humans ; Macular Edema ; Mental Health ; National Eye Institute (U.S.) ; Quality of Life ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Retinal Vein ; Retinal Vein Occlusion ; Retinaldehyde ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Vision, Ocular ; Visual Acuity ; Bevacizumab