OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the effects of a jazz dance program on musculoskeletal pains of female telephone operators. METHOD: Ten female telephone operators with neck and upper extremity discomfort were studied. The jazz dance program was carried out three times a week for 12 weeks. The effect of the jazz dance program was assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS) and the pressure thresholds of muscles of right neck and shoulder (the upper trapezius, rhomboideus, infraspinatus, and levator scapulae) with pressure algometer before and after exercise in every week. RESULTS: There was significant increase of the pressure thresholds on four muscles of right neck and shoulder (p<0.05). There was significant decrease of the averages of VAS of neck and upper extremity (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Jazz dance program is an effetive tool for the prevention and treatment of musculoskeletal pains in Visual Display Terminal (VDT) workers.
Computer Terminals ; Female ; Humans ; Muscles ; Musculoskeletal Pain* ; Neck ; Shoulder ; Superficial Back Muscles ; Telephone* ; Upper Extremity

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.

Impairment in spinal inhibition caused by quantitative alteration of GABAergic elements following peripheral nerve injury has been postulated to mediate neuropathic pain. In the present study, we tested whether neuropathic pain could be induced or reversed by pharmacologically modulating spinal GABAergic activity, and whether quantitative alteration of spinal GABAergic elements after peripheral nerve injury was related to the impairment of GABAergic inhibition or neuropathic pain. To these aims, we first analyzed the pain behaviors following the spinal administration of GABA antagonists (1 microgram bicuculline/rat and 5 microgram phaclofen/rat), agonists (1 microgram muscimol/rat and 0.5 microgram baclofen/rat) or GABA transporter (GAT) inhibitors (20 microgram NNC-711/rat and 1 microgram SNAP-5114/rat) into naive or neuropathic animals. Then, using Western blotting, PCR or immunohistochemistry, we compared the quantities of spinal GABA, its synthesizing enzymes (GAD65, 67) and its receptors (GABAA and GABAB) and transporters (GAT-1, and -3) between two groups of rats with different severity of neuropathic pain following partial injury of tail-innervating nerves; the allodynic and non-allodynic groups. Intrathecal administration of GABA antagonists markedly lowered tail-withdrawal threshold in naive animals, and GABA agonists or GAT inhibitors significantly attenuated neuropathic pain in nerve-injured animals. However, any quantitative changes in spinal GABAergic elements were not observed in both the allodynic and non-allodynic groups. These results suggest that although the impairment in spinal GABAergic inhibition may play a role in mediation of neuropathic pain, it is not accomplished by the quantitative change in spinal elements for GABAergic inhibition and therefore these elements are not related to the generation of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury.
Animals ; Blotting, Western ; GABA Agonists ; GABA Antagonists ; gamma-Aminobutyric Acid ; Immunohistochemistry ; Negotiating ; Neuralgia ; Peptides ; Peripheral Nerve Injuries ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats

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: 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

Isolated relapse of myeloid leukemia as a granulocytic sarcoma(GS) following allogeneic bone marrow transplantation(BMT) is very rare manifestation, and usually associated with a poor prognosis. We report a case of isolated intracranial GS in an infant with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS) following unrelated BMT. A 7 month-old girl was diagnosed with refractory anemia with excess blasts (RAEB). During observation for a couple months several GS developed in the scalp and blast counts in BM increased. Induction chemotherapy resulted in partial remission of BM but GS disappeared. Four months after diagnosis, an unrelated BMT was undertaken. Engraftment was uneventful. On D+160, an intracranial GS of 6.5 cm in size developed. A craniotomy and tumor removal was done. There was no evidence of relapse in BM with complete chimerism. Reinduction chemotherapy using IDA-FLAG resulted in profound neutropenia with pneumonia. She succumbed to respiratory failure despite leukocyte recovery. The optimal management for isolated relapse as GS following BMT should be established.
Infant ; Male ; Female ; Humans ; Bone Marrow Transplantation