OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise training on the cardiovascular system in the early stroke patients by bicycle ergometer exercise test. METHOD: 16 stroke patients without cardiac disease were randomly assigned to exercise training group (8 patients) and control group (8 patients). The time interval between the onset of stroke and exercise training was within 90 days. Exercise tests by bicycle ergometer using Astrand-Ryhming protocol were performed twice before and after training. Exercise training was consisted with the intensity of 60~70% of maximal heart rate, 30 minutes per day, 3 times per week for 6 weeks using bicycle ergometer. Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score and blood lipid profile were recorded before and during training. Blood pressure and heart rate were checked before and during exercise test. RESULTS: In a training group, maximal systolic blood pressure and rate pressure product were decreased immediately after exercise test after 6-weeks exercise training (p<0.05). The MBI score and lipid profile were not changed after training. CONCLUSION: Early exercise training in the stroke patients for 6 weeks have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
Blood Pressure ; Cardiovascular System* ; Exercise Test ; Exercise* ; Heart Diseases ; Heart Rate ; Humans ; Stroke

Background: Data on the relationship between Parkinson's disease (PD) and stroke have been conflicting, some studies showing a reduced risk of stroke during life because of low prevalence of vascular risk factors, and others indicating an increased risk of strokerelated death. The objective of this study is to determine the frequency of vascular risk factors in PD in relation to an unaffected control group and ischemic stroke patient group. Methods: We performed a case-control study on 206 consecutive PD patients, 207 ischemic strokes patients (served as "Disease" controls) and 138 age and sex matched normal subjects (served as controls), calculating multivariate risk estimates (odd ratio) for a series of established risk factors for vascular disease. Results: We found that (1) cigarette smoking (smoker, 0.078, CI=0.034-0.178; ex-smoker, 0.031, CI=0.011-0.088), and diabetes mellitus (0.340, CI=0.169-0.682) were significant less frequent in PD patients than controls, (2) cigarette smoking (smoker, 0.230, CI= 0.094-0.561; ex-smoker, 0.132, CI=0.050-0.348), hypertension (0.283, CI=0.175-0.459), diabetes mellitus (0.257, CI=0.136-0.486), previous stroke (0.063, CI=0.020-0.191), heart disease (0.344, CI=0.176-0.673) than ischemic stroke patients, respectively. Conclusion: We found the significant negative association of a series of vascular factors with PD, indicating a protective effect of PD against ischemic stroke.
Case-Control Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Parkinson Disease* ; Prevalence* ; Risk Factors* ; Smoking ; Stroke ; Vascular Diseases*

No abstract available.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated the molecular basis of the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3(1,25-(OH)2D3). This hormone improves behavioral deficits and normalizes the nigral dopamine levels in animal models of Parkinson's disease (PD). METHODS: We studied whether the administration of 1,25-(OH)2D3 would protect against 6-hydroxydopa (6-OHDA)- and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced neuronal injury, and its potential regulatory effect on microglia activation. RESULTS: We found that 1,25-(OH)2D3 pretreatment significantly decreased 6-OHDA- and MPTP-induced dopaminergic neuronal loss in the substantia nigra pars compacta by preventing the activation of microglia. This observed neuroprotective effect in MPTP-treated mice that were given 1,25-(OH)2D3 may be attributable to inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine expression. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that 1,25-(OH)2D3 is a potentially valuable neuroprotective agent; it may therefore be considered for the treatment of pathologic conditions of the central nervous system, such as PD, where inflammation-induced neurodegeneration occurs.
1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine ; Animals ; Central Nervous System ; Dopamine ; Dopaminergic Neurons* ; Inflammation ; Mice ; Microglia ; Models, Animal ; Neurons ; Neuroprotective Agents ; Parkinson Disease* ; Rats ; Rodentia* ; Substantia Nigra ; Vitamin D

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of extended-release valproic acid once daily dosing in juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME). METHODS: Medical records of patients who received valproic acid monotherapy for the treatment of JME were retrospectively reviewed. Their clinical information regarding age, gender, seizure types, underlying neurologic status, dosing regimen, response to treatment, and adverse events related to valproic acid, were analyzed. Seizure control, compliance, and adverse events rates were compared between the group of once daily dosing and the group of twice daily dosing. RESULTS: Twenty one patients (11 boys and 10 girls) were included in the study. Twelve patients were taking valproic acid extended-release once daily and nine patients were taking twice a day. More than 50% decrease in myoclonic seizure was achieved in all the patients in both groups. Generalized tonic-clonic seizure was controlled in all the patients who were taking once daily while 3 patients (36%, 3/8 patients) in twice daily group had breakthrough generalized tonic clonic seizures during the 2 year period of treatment. However, there were no statistically significant differences in seizure control, compliance, and adverse event rates between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that valproic acid extended-release once daily dosing was as effective and tolerable as twice daily in the treatment of JME. Once daily dosing of valproic acid would be convenient which improve patient compliance and consequently bring better outcome in treatment of JME.
Compliance ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Myoclonic Epilepsy, Juvenile* ; Patient Compliance ; Retrospective Studies ; Seizures ; Valproic Acid*

Many drugs have been known to induce lupus-like syndrome, composing approximately 10% of all SLE cases. Isoniazid-induced lupus erythematosus affects either sex equally and the most common presenting feature is arthralgia or arthritis with anemia. Fever and pleuritis occur in approximately half of the cases, and pericarditis in approximately 30% of cases. We discribe a 28-year-old woman receiving antituberculous medications including isoniazid for one month. She was hospitalized with fever, arthralgia and newly developed pleural effusion The analysis of pleural fluid and serum revealed an elevated level of antinuclear antibody. We suspected of drug induced lupus and stopped isoniazid medication. After discontinuation of isoniazid and short course of prednisolone treatment, her symptoms and pleural effusion disappeared. This case is to our knowledge, the fist report of isoniazid induced SLE in Korea.
Adult ; Anemia ; Antibodies, Antinuclear ; Arthralgia ; Arthritis ; Female ; Fever ; Humans ; Isoniazid* ; Korea ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic* ; Pericarditis ; Pleural Effusion ; Pleurisy ; Prednisolone

Rehabilitation in patients with bilateral upper extremity amputation presents a considerable problem for prosthetic training. This is a report of a bilateral transhumeral amputee and a bilateral transradial amputee admitted for intensive prosthetic rehabilitation. They underwent bilateral upper extremity amputation due to electric burn. They were successfully fitted with conventional body-powered prostheses. The problems in rehabilitation of adult bilateral upper extremity amputees were discussed and the patients' compliance was assessed. In our two cases, good acceptance and functional benefit were noted. Thus, we suggest that multidisciplinary approach including prosthetists with full discussion should be a very important factor for specialized comprehensive prosthetic training of multiple complexed amputee.
Adult ; Amputation ; Amputees* ; Burns, Electric ; Compliance ; Humans ; Prostheses and Implants ; Rehabilitation* ; Upper Extremity*

Very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) causes high mortality in chickens but measures to reduce the mortality have not been explored. Chickens (8–9 weeks) were treated with 3 agents before and during vvIBDV inoculation. Dexamethasone treatment reduced the mortality of infected chickens (40.7% vs. 3.7%; p < 0.001), but treatment with aspirin or vitamin E plus selenium did not affect the mortality. The bursa of Fabricius appeared to have shrunk in both dead and surviving chickens (p < 0.01). The results indicate that dexamethasone can reduce mortality in vvIBDV-infected chickens and may provide therapeutic clues for saving individual birds infected by the virus.

Very virulent infectious bursal disease virus (vvIBDV) causes high mortality in chickens but measures to reduce the mortality have not been explored. Chickens (8–9 weeks) were treated with 3 agents before and during vvIBDV inoculation. Dexamethasone treatment reduced the mortality of infected chickens (40.7% vs. 3.7%; p < 0.001), but treatment with aspirin or vitamin E plus selenium did not affect the mortality. The bursa of Fabricius appeared to have shrunk in both dead and surviving chickens (p < 0.01). The results indicate that dexamethasone can reduce mortality in vvIBDV-infected chickens and may provide therapeutic clues for saving individual birds infected by the virus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of nocturia on health-related quality of life and sleep in men. METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2008, 284 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms were selected for this study. The participants completed a series of questionnaires on health-related quality of life (the overactive bladder questionnaire, or OAB-q), the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) sleep scale, and the frequency volume chart. RESULTS: The patient population had a mean age of 60.0+/-13.4 years (range, 40 to 79 years). The mean duration of symptoms was 28.8+/-34.6 months. The mean number of voiding episodes per night was measured as follows: 88 patients (31.0%) reported no nocturia, 60 patients (21.1%) reported 2>voids/night > or =1, 56 patients (19.7%) reported 3>voids/night > or =2, and 80 patients (28.2%) reported > or =3 voids/night. The mean number of nocturia episodes increased with age (P=0.001), and the number of nocturia episodes was significantly associated with the OAB-q symptom score (P=0.001) and symptom bother (P=0.001). Among the categories of the MOS sleep scale, sleep index I (P=0.020), sleep disturbance (P=0.010), adequacy of sleep (P=0.005), and somnolence (P=0.041) were significantly associated with an increased number of nocturia episodes. CONCLUSIONS: The number of nocturia episodes increased with age in men. Nocturia appeared to be associated with further negative effects on sleep quality, health-related quality of life, and symptom bother.
Humans ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ; Male ; Nocturia ; Quality of Life ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive