BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Chronic simulated snoring was induced in rabbits to determine the impact of snoring on the development of atherosclerosis. METHODS: The pressure wave of induced snoring at the carotid bifurcation of rabbits was acquired by gently pressing the airway. This wave was then simulated using custom-made mechanical devices. Twelve rabbits were used in this study, seven of which were assigned to the experimental group and the remaining five formed the control group. All of the rabbits were raised on a 1% high-cholesterol diet. Either working or sham devices were positioned at the ventral center of the neck in each rabbit. At the end of a 2-month observation period, all of the rabbits were sacrificed by perfusion fixation, the carotid arteries harvested, and the carotid atherosclerosis histology reviewed. RESULTS: All of the rabbits survived to the end of the experimental period. Blood sampling revealed the presence of hypercholesterolemia in both groups, with no significant difference between them. The presence and degree of atherosclerosis did not differ significantly between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study show the feasibility of making a chronic simulated snoring rabbit model. However, the causative role of snoring in carotid atherosclerosis was not detected in this animal study.
Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; Carotid Arteries ; Carotid Artery Diseases* ; Diet ; Hypercholesterolemia ; Neck ; Perfusion ; Rabbits* ; Snoring*

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of preoperative meibomian gland disease (MGD) on the postoperative dry eye disease after cataract surgery. METHODS: 100 eyes of 85 patients who had undergone cataract surgery were enrolled. Patients were stratified into three groups by the severity of meibomian gland disease (MGD Grade I, MGD Grade II and MGD Grade III). In each group, we recorded the indexes of dry eye such as Ocular surface disease index, tear breakup time, Schirmer's test and Corneal staining at preoperatively and postoperative week 1, 2, 5, 9. We compared the indexes, preoperatively and postoperatively between three groups. RESULTS: In comparison of the preoperative indexes between groups, the more severe meibomian gland disease the patients have, the higher Ocular surface disease index and the shorter tear breakup time were observed (p < 0.05). In comparison the preoperative with the postoperative indexes, Ocular surface disease index was higher and tear breakup time was shorter at every postoperative moment in MGD Grade (Gr) II and Gr III. In comparison between MGD groups, MGD Gr III showed higher ocular surface disease index than MGD Gr I and Gr II at every follow up point, and shorter tear breakup time than MGD Gr I and Gr II at preoperative and postoperative week 1 and 9 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of meibomian gland disease which exist preoperatively can affect the aggravation of dry eye disease after cataract surgery. Therefore, the treatment of meibomian gland disease before cataract surgery can be a therapeutic option to prevent aggravation of dry eye after cataract surgery.
Cataract* ; Eye Diseases ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Meibomian Glands* ; Tears

PURPOSE: To report a case of corneal failure after implantation of the Ahmed glaucoma valve occurring in a patient diagnosed with Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 53-year-old male who complained of ocular pain and suddenly decreased visual acuity in his right eye visited our clinic. His visual acuity was 0.15 and intraocular pressure (IOP) was 55 mm Hg. The slit-lamp examination revealed edematous cornea, fine round or stellate keratic precipitates connected with fine filaments on the endothelium and depigmentation of the iris. The corneal endothelial cell density was 2,958 cells/mm2. There was no specific finding in his left eye. The IOP did not improve with medical treatment, therefore, an Ahmed glaucoma valve was implanted in his right eye. At every follow-up exam the tube was well positioned and the IOP was maintained between 8 and 13 mm Hg. Eight months postoperatively, the patient complained of decreased visual acuity and the cell density was decreased to 1,408 cells/mm2. Posterior subcapsular cataract opacity was observed as well as progression of depigmentation and distortion of the iris. Seventeen months after the surgery, the cell density was 700 cells/mm2. On follow-up examination, his visual acuity was decreased to FC10 cm with the cataract progressing, therefore cataract surgery was performed. One month postoperatively, his vision improved to 0.1. However, the visual acuity deteriorated due to progression of the corneal edema and penetrating keratoplasty was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Aggravation of the corneal complication after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation should be considered in patients with Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis-induced glaucoma.
Cataract ; Cell Count ; Cornea ; Corneal Edema ; Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss* ; Endothelial Cells ; Endothelium ; Follow-Up Studies ; Glaucoma ; Humans ; Intraocular Pressure ; Iridocyclitis* ; Iris ; Keratoplasty, Penetrating ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Visual Acuity

Orthognathic Surgery ; Politics ; Prognosis ; Social Change

Emergence and spread of low-level mupirocin resistance in staphylococci have been increasingly reported in recent years. The aim of this study was to characterize missense mutations within the chromosomal isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase gene (ileS) among clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with low-level mupirocin resistance. A total of 20 isolates of MRSA with low-level mupirocin resistance (minimal inhibitory concentration, 16-64 microgram/mL) were collected from 79 patients in intensive care units for six months. The isolates were analyzed for isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase (IleS) mutations that might affect the binding of mupirocin to the three-dimensional structure of the S. aureus IleS enzyme. All isolates with low-level mupirocin resistance contained the known V588F mutation affecting the Rossman fold, and some of them additionally had previously unidentified mutations such as P187F, K226T, F227L, Q612H, or V767D. Interestingly, Q612H was a novel mutation that was involved in stabilizing the conformation of the catalytic loop containing the KMSKS motif. In conclusion, this study confirms that molecular heterogeneity in ileS gene is common among clinical MRSA isolates with low-level mupirocin resistance, and further study on clinical mutants is needed to understand the structural basis of low-level mupirocin resistance.
Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects/*genetics ; *Mutation, Missense ; Mupirocin/*pharmacology ; Methicillin Resistance ; Isoleucine-tRNA Ligase/*genetics ; Intensive Care Units ; Humans ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field ; Drug Resistance, Bacterial

PURPOSE: Foreign body aspiration in the tracheobronchial tree is a common medical emergency in children and represents an important cause of morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed to analyze the clinical spectrum of tracheobronchial foreign bodies in children and to evaluate the causes of late diagnoses. METHODS: A total of 108 patients with foreign body aspiration were recruited in the last 10 years, who had a flexible or rigid bronchoscopic examination. The age, sex, symptoms, causes of aspiration, radiologic findings, and clinical courses were investigated retrospectively. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the elapsed time from aspiration to a definite diagnosis as early (< or =24 hours after aspiration) and late diagnoses (>24 hours after aspiration). The two groups were compared for clinical courses, radiologic findings, and the duration of admission of early- and late-diagnosed foreign body aspiration. RESULTS: Approximately 80% of the patients were less than 24 months of age and the most common symptoms were the sudden onset of a cough. Hyperinflation or obstructive emphysema (52.8%) and normal chest radiographs (19.4%) were the most frequent radiologic findings. Plain chest radiographies revealed visible foreign bodies in 7.4% of all patients with foreign body aspiration. Nuts were the most common foreign bodies aspirated. Sudden onset of a persistent cough and fever were predominant in the late-diagnosed group.(P<0.05) CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that clinical suspicion upon interviewing is enough to indicate bronchoscopy. The best way to reduce the number of accidents and deaths associated with foreign body aspiration is to promote public prevention polices.
Bronchoscopy ; Child ; Cough ; Delayed Diagnosis ; Diagnosis* ; Emergencies ; Emphysema ; Fever ; Foreign Bodies* ; Humans ; Mortality ; Nuts ; Radiography, Thoracic ; Retrospective Studies ; Thorax

The purposes of this study were to investigate the current status of contracted hospital food services and to find out the difference in accordance with the number of beds in hospitals. Thirty six hospitals having more than 100beds in Seoul, Inchon and Kyungkido were the subjects of this study. Data was collected through surveys. The survey was conducted during March and April in 2002. The Questionnaires were mailed to the 36 directors of dietetic departments of the hospitals and 36 managers of contracting patient food services. Statistical analysis was completed using SPSS Win(11.0) for descriptive analysis and t-test. The results of the study are summerized as follows; I. Hospital perspective : The range covered by contract food service was 63.3% and 36.7% in hospital food services, and medical nutrition services. The patient and employee food services were in 83.3%, and patient food services were in 6.7%. The methods selecting contractors are general, limited, selected and competitive biddings, and private contracts. The responsibility for supervision of contract food services was the dietetic department (51.7%) in most cases. Hospitals having personnel responsible for contracting affairs were in 75.9% of the cases and 24.1% did not have personnel. The biggest reason for contracting was facilitation of personnel management. The most important criteria on selecting food services contractors was the professionality of the contractor. II. Contractor's perspective : The cost per meal in the year 2001 was composed of 1,905 won for food cost, 1,081 won for labor cost, 222 won for expenses, 114 won for VAT, 14 won for rent and 146 won for miscellaneous or controllable expense, representing 109 won loss per meal. The profit-and-loss contract cost is higher than the fee-contract cost. The ratios of food cost, labor cost and expenses are higher and the ratios of miscellaneous or controllable expense, VAT, rent and profit are lower in hospitals with more than 400 beds compared with those less than 400 beds. However, no significant differences are present between these two groups of hospitals. The actual contract period was 2.2 years upon initial contract and 1.2 years upon renewal. The initial investment cost was 53 million won and the cost of renovation and repair was 8.5 million won. Significant differences were present between two groups of hospitals. The conditions of employment and number of personnel hired by contractors for contract patient food services were significantly different according to the number of beds.
Competitive Bidding ; Employment ; Food Service, Hospital* ; Food Services ; Gyeonggi-do ; Humans ; Incheon ; Investments ; Meals ; Organization and Administration ; Personnel Management ; Postal Service ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Seoul

The purposes of this study were to investigate the current status of contracted hospital food services and to find out the difference in accordance with the number of beds in hospitals. Thirty six hospitals having more than 100beds in Seoul, Inchon and Kyungkido were the subjects of this study. Data was collected through surveys. The survey was conducted during March and April in 2002. The Questionnaires were mailed to the 36 directors of dietetic departments of the hospitals and 36 managers of contracting patient food services. Statistical analysis was completed using SPSS Win(11.0) for descriptive analysis and t-test. The results of the study are summerized as follows; I. Hospital perspective : The range covered by contract food service was 63.3% and 36.7% in hospital food services, and medical nutrition services. The patient and employee food services were in 83.3%, and patient food services were in 6.7%. The methods selecting contractors are general, limited, selected and competitive biddings, and private contracts. The responsibility for supervision of contract food services was the dietetic department (51.7%) in most cases. Hospitals having personnel responsible for contracting affairs were in 75.9% of the cases and 24.1% did not have personnel. The biggest reason for contracting was facilitation of personnel management. The most important criteria on selecting food services contractors was the professionality of the contractor. II. Contractor's perspective : The cost per meal in the year 2001 was composed of 1,905 won for food cost, 1,081 won for labor cost, 222 won for expenses, 114 won for VAT, 14 won for rent and 146 won for miscellaneous or controllable expense, representing 109 won loss per meal. The profit-and-loss contract cost is higher than the fee-contract cost. The ratios of food cost, labor cost and expenses are higher and the ratios of miscellaneous or controllable expense, VAT, rent and profit are lower in hospitals with more than 400 beds compared with those less than 400 beds. However, no significant differences are present between these two groups of hospitals. The actual contract period was 2.2 years upon initial contract and 1.2 years upon renewal. The initial investment cost was 53 million won and the cost of renovation and repair was 8.5 million won. Significant differences were present between two groups of hospitals. The conditions of employment and number of personnel hired by contractors for contract patient food services were significantly different according to the number of beds.
Competitive Bidding ; Employment ; Food Service, Hospital* ; Food Services ; Gyeonggi-do ; Humans ; Incheon ; Investments ; Meals ; Organization and Administration ; Personnel Management ; Postal Service ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Seoul

This study was conducted to draw out prevalence and the risk factors of diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose for adults,(age 30-69). The subjects were 2096 adults, who had regular health examinations between January and December of 1999 at K Hospital in Seoul. The data was analyzed using chi-square test, unpaired t-test and logistic regression. Diabetes Mellitus and impaired fasting glucose were diagnosed by ADA (American Diabetes Association, 1997) criteria. The results were as follows: 1. Mens' prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus was 7.9% and womens' prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus was 3.8%. Mens' prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was 10.4% and womens' prevalence of impaired fasting glucose was 6.5%. Prevalences of Diabetes Mellitus and impaired fasting glucose increased with age. 2. Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and impaired fasting glucose of obese subjects (relative body weight>=162) was higher than that of overweight subjects (110<=relative body weight<=119) in men and women. 3. The diagnoses of Diabetes Mellitus and impaired fasting glucose increased with systolic blood pressure and triglyceride. 4. Significant factors associated with diabetes in the logistic regression best gut model were age, relative body weight, systolic blood pressure, triglyceride in men, and systolic blood pressure in women. In conclusion, as age, weight, systolic blood pressure and triglyceride get higher, Diabetes Mellitus and impaired fasting glucose prevalence also increases, porportionally.
Adult* ; Blood Pressure ; Body Weight ; Diabetes Mellitus* ; Diagnosis ; Fasting* ; Female ; Glucose* ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Overweight ; Prevalence* ; Risk Factors* ; Seoul ; Triglycerides

PURPOSE: Nystagmus is not considered a good indication for laser refractive surgery. However, we report 2 cases with congenital nystagmus that underwent a safe procedure due to improvement of laser firing rate and eye tracker. CASE SUMMARY: Two myopic patients with congenital nystagmus underwent transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy with the Schwind Amaris laser platform using an eye tracker. The laser ablations were performed under topical anesthesia without any mechanical eyeball fixation. A 30-year-old man with a history of muscle surgery at 11 years of age had a conjugate, 4 Hz right beating jerk nystagmus. His preoperative refractive error was -8.50 D sph = -0.50 D cyl x 160degrees x 20/30) in the right eye, and -6.00 D sph = -0.75 D cyl x 30degrees x 20/25) in the left eye. A 19-year-old man had a conjugate, 3 Hz pendular nystagmus. His refractive error was -5.25 D sph = -2.50 cyl x 175degrees x 20/30) in the right eye, and -4.25 D sph = -2.50 D cyl x 180degrees x 20/30) in the left eye. Both patients underwent a well-centered laser ablation without any problems. Six months after surgery, uncorrected visual acuity was 20/25 or better, and refractive error was within +/-0.50 D in all 4 eyes. In addition, the 19-year-old man showed decreased nystagmus amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: In some patients with congenital nystagmus, laser refractive surgery may be safely and accurately performed under topical anesthesia using an active tracking system. The best uncorrected visual acuity may improve in certain patients postoperatively.
Adult ; Anesthesia ; Fires ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; Nystagmus, Congenital* ; Nystagmus, Pathologic ; Photorefractive Keratectomy ; Refractive Errors ; Refractive Surgical Procedures* ; Visual Acuity ; Young Adult