PURPOSE: This study is to identify the factors that affect middle-aged workers' health promoting behaviors. METHODS: 214 middle-aged workers participated in surveys, and the data were collected from August to September 2012 and analyzed by using descriptive statistics, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis with PASW 18.0 program. RESULTS: It was found that among the factors, the degree of job stress (t=7.69, p<.001) and depression (t=6.23, p<.001) were significantly high for type D individuals, while non type D showed meaningful degree of self-related health status (t=-3.66, p<.001) and health promoting behaviors (t=-4.71, p<.001). The notable variable that affected the health promoting behaviors of the middle-aged workers was depression for both type D (beta=-.357, p= .029) and non type D (beta=-.325, p<.001) individuals, and this variable accounted for 24.1% and 18.2% respectively. CONCLUSION: The study revealed that the middle-aged workers showed high degree of job stress and depression that influenced on their health promoting behaviors. Thus, they are recommended to receive health management programs that offer treatment through consulting considering their individual personalities.
Depression ; Health Behavior

Although severe hemolytic diseases of the newborn triggered by anti-M are very rare, anti-M alloantibodies have been known to be associated with a cause of multipie intrauterine death. Serological and hematological investigations have been reported on a woman who experienced four multiple intrauterine deaths due to anti-M. The mothers blood type was of group A, NN and the husbands cells were of group B, MN. In the serological examination at 9th week's gestation of the fifth pregnancy, anti-M antibodies were identified in her serum. The antibodies comprised IgM saline agglutinin at a titer of 16 at 4 degrees C and IgG agglutinin reacted in an indirect antiglobulin technique at a titer of 4 at 37 degrees C. She underwent high-dose immunoglobulin infusion therapy on a monthly program from 3rd month gestation and a total of 6 times of intravenous immunoglobulin was given. The anti-M titer did not rise during the pregnancy. She delivered a live girl by cesarean section at the 37th week because of a failure of induction. The childs blood type was of group O, MN. The child was discharged and developed normally.
Antibodies ; Cesarean Section ; Child ; Female ; Humans ; Immunization, Passive* ; Immunoglobulin G ; Immunoglobulin M ; Immunoglobulins* ; Infant, Newborn ; Isoantibodies ; Mothers ; Pregnancy* ; Spouses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous immunoglobulin treatment for recurrent spontaneous abortion. Immunologic causes in either alloimmune or autoimmune type have been suggested for more than 80% of these patients. Various immunotherapy including paternal leukocyte transfusion has been used, but there is controversy on its efficacy and side-effects. The proposed immunomodulatory mechanism of intravenous immunoglobulin includes passive transfer of blocking or anti-idiotype antibody, blockade of Fc receptors, enhancement of supressor T-cell function, down regulation of B cell function. In this study, we used intravenous immunoglobulin for the prevention of spontaneous abortion. Five patients with a history of two or more spontaneous abortions were enrolled in this study. Other etiologic factors such as anatomical, chromosomal, hormonal factors were excluded. Three of them were positive for anti-cardiolipin antibody (ACA). When the pregnancy was diagnosed at about five weeks of gestation, 30 g intravenous immunoglobulin was administered and continued up to 28 weeks with three weeks. Ongoing pregnancy beyond 20 weeks was considered successful. Four among five patients (80%) was successful in maintaining pregnancy now ongoing 20, 31, 33, 39 weeks. One patient with ACA positive had abartion due to anembryonic pregnancy. No adverse reaction was observed during the treatment. From these preliminary data, it is suggested that intravenous immunoglobulin treatment may be effective in maintaining pregnancy in patients with unexplained recurrent spontaneous abortion, Further studies are needed to clarify the its immunomodulatory mechanism and establish a more simplified protocol limiting the use at certain critical period of time.
Abortion, Spontaneous* ; Critical Period (Psychology) ; Down-Regulation ; Female ; Humans ; Immunoglobulins* ; Immunotherapy ; Leukocyte Transfusion ; Pregnancy ; Receptors, Fc ; T-Lymphocytes

Methemoglobinemia is an uncommon but potentially fatal disorder. Most cases have no adverse clinical consequence and require no treatment, but methemoglobinemia is often overlooked as a cause of low oxygen saturation, and often mistaken for the more common causes of hypoxia by anesthesiologists despite simple bedside tests that indicate the presence of this treatable abnormality. We present a 68-year-old female patient who underwent gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer with bleeding. In the preoperative period, the patient showed cyanosis and oxygen saturation was 85% by pulse oximeter, but oxygen saturation by arterial blood gas analysis was 100%. After tracheal intubation, the methemoglobin level was 18.3%. Ascorbic acid and methylene blue were administered. During preanesthetic evaluation, the patient had not informed the anesthesiologist that she had been taking dapsone.
Aged ; Anesthesia, General ; Anoxia ; Ascorbic Acid ; Blood Gas Analysis ; Cyanosis ; Dapsone ; Female ; Gastrectomy ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Intubation ; Methemoglobin ; Methemoglobinemia ; Methylene Blue ; Oximetry ; Oxygen ; Preoperative Period ; Stomach Neoplasms

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term outcomes of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) on exercise capacity in diabetic (DM) and non-diabetic (non-DM) patients with myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: Of the MI patients who received hospital-based CR from February 2012 to January 2014, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients who continued follow-up through the outpatient clinic and community-based self-exercise after CR. A total of 37 patients (12 with DM and 25 without DM) were included in this study. Exercise capacity was measured by symptom-limited exercise tests before and after hospital-based CR and 1 year after the onset of MI. RESULTS: Before the CR, the DM group had significantly lower exercise capacity in exercise times, peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak), and metabolic equivalent tasks (METs) than did the non-DM group. After the CR, both groups showed significantly improved exercise capacity, but the DM group had significantly lower exercise capacity in exercise times, submaximal rate pressure products (RPPsubmax), VO2peak, and METs. One year after the onset of the MI, the DM group had significantly lower exercise capacity in exercise times, RPPsubmax, and VO2peak than did the non-DM group, and neither group showed a significant difference in exercise capacity between before and after the CR. CONCLUSION: As a result of continued follow-up through an outpatient clinic and community-based self-exercise after hospital-based CR in patients with MI, the DM group still had lower exercise capacity than did the non-DM group 1 year after the onset of MI, but both groups maintained their improved exercise capacity following hospital-based CR.
Ambulatory Care Facilities ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Exercise Test ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Medical Records ; Metabolic Equivalent ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Oxygen Consumption ; Rehabilitation* ; Retrospective Studies

PURPOSE: To investigate the result of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using an intra-articular correction in patients with extra-articular deformity of the femur. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed 23 TKAs in 23 patients with extra-articular deformity of the femur. The mean age was 58.0 years and the follow-up period averaged 54.7 months. The American Knee Society's knee and function score were evaluated, and the mechanical axis (MA) was measured. Sixteen knees with a deformity in the distal third of the femur were assigned to group I and 7 knees with a deformity in the proximal or middle third were assigned to group II. Between groups differences in results were analyzed. RESULTS: The average knee score was 47.8 preoperatively and 91.6 at the last follow-up. The average function score was 46.9 preoperatively and 89.1 at the last follow-up. The MA averaged varus was 7.7degrees preoperatively and 1.0degrees postoperatively. The average knee score at the last follow-up was 90.1 in group I and 95.0 in group II. The average function score at the last follow-up was 87.8 in group I and 92.1 in group II. The MA averaged varus was 2.0degrees in group I and 1.3degrees in group II (p=0.042). CONCLUSION: TKA in conjunction with intra-articular correction produced satisfactory results for patients with an extra-articular deformity of femur. The possibility of incomplete correction of limb alignment should be carefully considered, especially in cases with a severe deformity at the distal third of the femur.
Arthroplasty ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Extremities ; Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee

PURPOSE: To analyze the pre- and postoperative posterior tibial slope angle (PSA) of performing cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and to identify the ideal value of the PSA in relation to the clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 1999 to May 2005, 202 TKA with a NexGen(R) cruciate-retaining knee were performed in 160 patients. The mean follow-up period was 39.8 months. The pre- and postoperative PSA referenced by the proximal tibial medullary canal (PSA-A) and the proximal tibial anterior cortex (PSA-B) were measured by two independent observers. The knee and function scoring system of the American Knee Society and the range of motion of the knee at the last follow-up were evaluated as the clinical results. RESULTS: The mean PSA-A was 11.4+/-4.8degrees preoperatively and 6.0+/-2.8degrees postoperatively, and the mean PSA-B was 13.6+/-4.9degrees preoperatively and 8.1+/-2.9degrees postoperatively. The difference between the pre- and postoperative PSA increased as the preoperative PSA-A changed from 6.0degrees and the PSA-B changed from 8.1degrees; these findings showed statistical significance based on a simple linear regression (PSA-A: r= 0.837, p=0.000; PSA-B: r=0.834, p=0.000). The knee and function score of American Knee Society improved respectively from 62.9 and 55.8, preoperatively, to 97.4 and 89.7 respectively, at the last follow-up. The range of motion of the knee joint was 128.0degrees preoperatively and 129.7degrees at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: In cruciate retaining total knee arthroplasty, PSA-A is mostly distributed within 3.2-8.8degrees, and a reasonable range of PSA-A is 6.0+/-2.8degrees.
Arthroplasty ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee ; Knee Joint ; Linear Models ; Range of Motion, Articular

PURPOSE: To compare the measurements using a navigation system and radiographic measurement in an open wedge high tibial osteotomy under navigation control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July, 2005 to January, 2007, 32 open wedge high tibial osteotomies were performed using a navigation system for osteoarthritis of the knee. The postoperative mechanical axis % (MA%), which is planned on the navigation system, were 62%. The mechanical axis (MA) and MA% were measured on the navigation system. The preoperative and postoperative MA and MA% were measured on the radiographs. The angles measured with the navigation system and radiographs were compared. RESULTS: On the navigation system, the mean MA before osteotomy was varus 8.8degrees. The mean MA and MA% after fixation were valgus 2.9degrees and 57.7%. On the radiographs, the mean MA was varus 9.7degrees preoperatively and valgus 4.0degrees postoperatively. The mean MA% was 10.2% preoperatively and valgus 64.4% postoperatively. There were positive correlations between the values measured with the navigation system and the radiographs (r>0.5, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: There were significant correlations between the values measured with the navigation system and radiographs in an open wedge high tibial osteotomy using a navigation system. The correction angle from the navigation system is reliable, predictable and controllable during surgery.
Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Knee ; Osteoarthritis ; Osteotomy ; Surgery, Computer-Assisted

PURPOSE: To evaluate midterm results after microfracture in osteoarthritic knees. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 1997 and April 2006, 67 osteoarthritic knees, with minimum 4-year follow-up, underwent microfracture. Baumgaertner scores were evaluated to determine clinical results. Radiological results were assessed based on joint space widening and improvement of mechanical axis deviation. Joint space widening was calculated by comparing the preoperative joint space with the final follow-up joint space. Varus deformity was evaluated on orthoroentgenogram and recorded as a percentile of the point at which the mechanical axis intersected a line extending from the center of the knee to medial border of the medial tibial condyle. The figure was expressed as MA%. RESULTS: The average Baumgaertner score at final follow-up was 7.0. The average joint space changed from 2.74 mm to 4.22 mm on AP radiographs and from 1.91 mm to 3.85 mm on lateral radiographs. Average MA% was 57.5% preoperatively and 45.8% at final follow-up. Clinical and radiological improvements were maintained in most cases followed for more than 4 years. Four patients had total knee arthroplasty after an average of 4.1 years. CONCLUSION: We noted pain relief, joint space widening, and improvement of mechanical axis after microfracture for degenerative arthritis of the knee. Maintenance of clinical and radiological improvement was observed at midterm follow-up.
Arthroplasty ; Arthroscopy ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Joints ; Knee ; Osteoarthritis

Objective: The study investigated the effects of severe human rights abuses in North Korean on Posttraumatic-stress disorder (PTSD) in North Korean Refugees (NKRs). Methods: The study included 300 NKRs (245 females and 55 males) who completed self-report questionnaires that assessed PTSD, experiences of imprisonment, and exposure to inhumane treatment, by authorities in North Korea. A moderation analysis was conducted using a hierarchical multiple regression model to determine whether a moderation effect existed. In the next step, a post-hoc probing procedure of the moderation effect was performed using multiple regression models that included conditional moderator variables. Results: The influence of the frequency of being imprisoned on PTSD varied as a function of recurrent exposure to inhumane treatment or punishment by authorities. Experiences of imprisonment were associated with PTSD only among those who were exposed to recurrent violence, such as beating or torture, by North Korean authorities. Conclusion The present findings highlight the significant effects of human rights violations, such as the inhumane treatment of prisoners in North Korea, on the PTSD of NKRs.