This study was conducted to compare the date on knowledge, attitude and motivation toward blood donation between donors and non-donors. The study population included 622 donors and 322 non-donors who visited the mobile blood donation car of Taegu Red Cross Blood Center and participated the group appointed blood donation campaign managed by the center from March 1 to March 31, 1989. The donors and non-donors were questioned above mentioned items with a formulated questionnaire. Among the general characteristics of the subjects in the study, male predominance (84.1% in donors and 73.6% in non-donors) in young age group (16-24 years) was the outstanding feature. As a medium of information about blood donation, “television” was playing a dominant role (donors; 75.2%, non-donors; 78.9%), while “magazine” played more important roles among donors. Of the donors, 70.6% and of the non-donors, 58.1 replied that they had ever been induced to donate blood (p<0.01). Major inducers were friend and personnel of mobile blood donation vehicle. On the measuring of knowledge level, the average rates of correct answer was higher in donors (62.6%) than in non-donors (54.1%) (p<0.01). Higher the education level was presented, higher the knowledge level (p<0.05). There have been noticeable difference between donors and non-donors in blood replying the questionnaire set to measure their attitude toward blood donation, especially in the items such as “impression toward blood”, “selection of transfusion blood source” and “view on the situation of blood shortage.” The major motivation toward blood donation of the groups were “possible future need” and “altruism or humanitarian interest”. The major reasons for not donation blood in both groups were “fear of the needle” and “dread to visit to mobile car or center”.
Blood Donors* ; Daegu ; Education ; Friends ; Humans ; Male ; Motivation* ; Red Cross ; Tissue Donors

PURPOSE: We assessed and compared the clinical and radiologic outcomes of treatment in periprosthetic fractures of the femur after total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared 22 knees, 22 patients of femoral periprosthetic fractures which had been fixed with absolute stabilization such as plate or screw fixation in 16 cases (group A), and with relative stabilization such as retrograde intramedullary nailing or Ender nailing in six cases (group B) from November 2004 to March 2013; the mean follow-up period was 51.9 months. RESULTS: The mean tibio femoral angle and the mean mechanical axis showed statistically significant change in group B, between before fracture and last follow-up. The mean bone union time and the mean hospital for special surgery score were not significantly different between group A and B. Nonunion was demonstrated in one case in each group, malunion was demonstrated in one case in group B. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of periprosthetic fractures of the femur after total knee arthroplasty, absolute stabilization had an advantage for regain of limb alignment. Among the complications, more cases of refracture and infection were observed in the absolute stabilization group, while more cases of nonunion and malunion were observed in the relative stabilization group.
Arthroplasty* ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Extremities ; Femur ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; Knee* ; Periprosthetic Fractures*

PURPOSE: We have performed total knee arthroplasty for treating valgus and varus in the knees of one person. We investigated the clinical characteristics of these patients and the relationship between the kind of deformity and the postoperative result. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2002 to May 2005, fourteen patients who had simultaneous varus and valgus knee deformities underwent total knee arthroplasties and they were followed for more than 12 months, and these were the subjects of our study. The average age was 64.6.years and the average follow-up period was 18.4 months. Follow-up imaging assessments were done and the clinical outcomes were evaluated using the HSS score at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Nine cases had more pain in the varus knee preoperatively and two cases had more pain in the valgus knee preoperatively. In 8 cases, degenerative scoliosises were associated with the knee deformity and among these cases, seven cases had vlagus deformities in the right knees. In two cases, hip deformities were noted in the ipsilateral side of the valgus deformity. The preoperative mean valgus angle and varus angle was 10.5 degrees and 7.8 degrees, respectively. The postoperative valgus and varus angle improved to 6.8 and 6.0 degree, respectively. The HSS score improved from 64.7 to 86.0 points for the valgus deformities and from 61.5 to 86.9 points for the varus deformities. Postoperative patellar clunk syndrome was identified in one valgus knee and arthroscopic resection was then performed. The knee had completely recovered on the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Simultaneous or staged total knee arthroplasties in patients with simultaneous varus and contralateral valgus knee deformities achieved satisfactory outcomes with regard to the objective orthopedic criteria as well as the overall patient satisfaction in terms of pain relief and function. We found that scoliosis and ipsilateral hip deformities concurred with knee deformities, and this indicated that hip deformity and scoliosis are related with knee deformities. We found no significant difference between the kind of deformity and the postoperative result, yet a prospective study with more cases and longer follow-up is recommended in the future to reaffirm our findings.
Arthroplasty ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Humans ; Knee ; Orthopedics ; Patient Satisfaction ; Scoliosis

Purpose: The purpose of present study was to evaluate the effect of changing structural stability of wax disc on the fit of prosthesis when the milling proceeded in order. Materials and methods: Prepared maxillary left first molar was used to fabricate a Ni-Cr alloy reference model. This was scanned to design crown and then wax pattern was milled, invested and cast to fabricate prosthesis. The wax patterns located in a row centrally within a single wax disc were set into a total of five groups ranging from WM1 group that was first milled to WM5 group that was last milled and the number of each group was set as 10. Silicone replica technique was used to measure the marginal gap, axial internal gap, line angle internal gap, occlusal internal gap. Data was evaluated with one-way ANOVA with significance level set at α = .05 and then Tukey HSD test was conducted for post analysis. Results: Marginal gap measured in each group, it was 40.41 ± 2.15 µm in WM1group, 40.44 ± 2.23 µm in WM2 group, 39.96 ± 2.25 µm in WM3 group, 39.96 ± 2.48 µm in WM4 group, and 40.57 ± 2.53 µm in WM5 group. No significant difference was found between groups. The significant difference between the groups was also not found in the axial internal gap, line angle internal gap, and occlusal internal gap. Conclusion Internal and marginal fit of single crown to the sequential order of milling processing in the single machinable wax disc did not seem to be affected by the sequence.

An age-dependent cellular change of DNA contents in the testis of Sprague-Dawley rats was investigated by flow-cytometric method. Testicular cell suspensions at the age of 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 16 and 26 weeks were prepared and stained with propidium iodide. The relative proportions in the number of mature and immature haploid (1n), diploid (2n), S-phase and tetraploid (4n) cells were calculated. The proportion in the number of mature haploid cells was sharply increased to the age of 10 weeks (about 38%), thereafter increased slightly to the level of 42% at the age of 26 weeks. The proportion of immature haploid cells was dramatically increased to the age of 6 weeks, then maintained at the level of 20 to 30% thereafter. The proportion of diploid cells was 64% at the age of 4 weeks, then decreased gradually through the age of 26 weeks. The proportion of S-phase cells was increased to the age of 4 weeks, then maintained at a plateau level to the age of 26 weeks. The proportion of tetraploid cells were about 26% at the age of 4 weeks, then decreased gradually to the age of 26 weeks. These results suggest that the proportions of testicular cells may depend on the age of the rat and that the flow cytometric method may be useful in the evaluation of the spermatogenic status with regard to accuracy and sensitivity.
Animals ; DNA/*analysis/genetics ; Diploidy ; Flow Cytometry/methods/veterinary ; Haploidy ; Male ; Rats ; Spermatogenesis ; Testis/chemistry/*growth & development

PURPOSE: A laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) is becoming popular for the treatment of acute and perforated appendicitis. Since it was first described, the LA has been modified many times. We present the result for a new technique of LA, in which the LA is conducted through a single umbilical incision without exteriorizing the appendix to perform the operation. METHODS: A single incision laparoscopic appendectomy was attempted in 25 patients (17 men, 8 women). Under general anesthesia, a wound retractor was inserted through the umbilicus. The appendix was grasped and dissected from surrounding tissues with a single flexible dissector or grasper. After mesenteric dissection with ultrasonic shear, the base of the appendix was ligated with an Endoloop. The appendix was withdrawn into the wound protector and extracted from the abdomen. RESULTS: A single incision laparoscopic appendectomy was completed in 25 patients. No major intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. The average duration of the procedure was 50.3+/-21.3 min. The average hospital stay was 4.1+/-2.4 days. CONCLUSION: This new technique, a single incision laparoscopic appendectomy, further improves the minimal invasiveness of a LA because a single incision is used. This procedure is a safe, very minimally invasive procedure with excellent cosmetic results.
Abdomen ; Anesthesia, General ; Appendectomy ; Appendicitis ; Appendix ; Cosmetics ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Length of Stay ; Male ; Postoperative Complications ; Ultrasonics ; Umbilicus

Relapsing polychondritis is a rare systemic disorder manifested by recurring episodes of inflammation in cartilagenous tissues including the eye, the audiovascular and cardiovascular systems. We describe a 53-year-old oriental woman with a one month history of painful swelling of both ears accompanied by intermittent hoarseness, dyspnea, impaired visual acuity, and swelling of hands. Both ear lobes were typically uninvolved. Auricle including cartilaginous tissues were histologically examined, which revealed loss of basophilic staining, degenerative changes, inflammatory cells infiltrations with eosinophils and neutrophils, and perichondrial inflammation of the cartilage. Oral prednisolone and colchicine were prescribed and the successful resolution of both ears swelling were observed. As the disease progressed optic neuritis and chewing difficulty by non-erosive motion limit of temporo-mandibular joints developed.
Basophils ; Cardiovascular System ; Cartilage ; Colchicine ; Dyspnea ; Ear ; Eosinophils ; Female ; Hand ; Hoarseness ; Humans ; Inflammation ; Joints ; Mastication ; Middle Aged ; Neutrophils ; Optic Neuritis* ; Polychondritis, Relapsing* ; Prednisolone ; Visual Acuity

PURPOSE:During colonoscopy, smooth insertion of the colonoscope is an important basic procedure. However, it is not necessarily easy. An understanding of the passage patterns of the colon is helpful for colonoscopy. In this study, the authors aimed to contribute information that could be useful to effect a smooth and effective introduction of the colonoscope. METHODS:The authors performed 7,560 colonoscopies from May 2000 to December 2000. All cases were performed without using sedatives or analgesics. Out of those 7,560 cases, 2,289 cases, which were performed by one colonoscopist, were selected, excluding those with incomplete colonoscopy, those with a history of bowel resection, those with poor bowel preparation, those with advanced disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease, cancer, etc., and those with conditions that could markedly affect colonoscopy. Those 2,289 cases were classified as 4 patterns according to the passage patterns through the colon during colonoscopy:pattern A, passage is possible using right torque and pull-back; pattern B, bowel-shortening is possible at the peak point of the sigmoid colon; pattern C, bowel-shortening is possible at the transverse colon because of a markedly redundant sigmoid colon; and pattern D, pattern is difficult to specify. Those 2,289 cases were also analyzed regarding age. As to age, they were divided into two groups, those under the 6th decade and those of the 6th decade or older. RESULTS:The most common pattern was pattern A, comprising 71.3%; next was pattern B, 19.7%. There was no significant difference in distribution of the passage patterns between the two age groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:Ninety-one percent (91%) of the cases were patterns A and B. An understanding of the passage patterns will be helpful for smooth insertion of the colonoscope. The 'axis-maintaining and bowel-shortening method' is a useful and effective approach to colonoscopy.
Analgesics ; Colon* ; Colon, Sigmoid ; Colon, Transverse ; Colonoscopes ; Colonoscopy* ; Humans ; Hypnotics and Sedatives ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases ; Torque

PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the stress distributions and the displacements of obturator for edentulous maxillectomy patients and to compare them with those of complete denture using three-dimensional finite element analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Based on the CT image of edentulous patient, three-dimensional finite element model of edentulous maxillae was constructed. Three-dimensional finite element model of edentulous maxillae with palatal defect was also fabricated. On each model, complete denture and obturator prosthesis were created. Vertical static force of 200 N was applied on the left maxillary premolar and molar region. The von Mises stress values and the displacements of models were analyzed using three-dimensional finite element analysis. RESULTS: Maximum von Mises stress values were recorded in the cortical bones of both models. The von Mises stress value in the complete denture model was 2.73 MPa and 2.69 MPa in the obturator model. High von Mises stress values were also observed on the tissue surface of prosthesis. The maximum value of the displacement in the obturator was higher than that of complete denture. CONCLUSION: The obturator showed a worse result in terms of stress distribution and displacement than complete denture. In the prosthodontic rehabilitation of edentulous maxillectomy patient accurate impression procedure based on patients' anatomy and application of prosthodontic principle should be considered.
Bicuspid ; Denture, Complete ; Displacement (Psychology) ; Finite Element Analysis ; Humans ; Maxilla ; Molar ; Prostheses and Implants ; Prosthodontics

PURPOSE: The safety and the feasibility of performing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer after preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) have not yet been established. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of laparoscopic rectal cancer surgery performed after preoperative CRT. METHODS: We enrolled 124 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer. Of these patients, 56 received preoperative CRT (CRT group), whereas 68 did not (non-CRT group). The patients who were found to have distant metastasis and open conversion during surgery were excluded. The clinicopathologic parameters were evaluated and the short-term outcomes were compared between the CRT and non-CRT groups. RESULTS: The mean operation time was longer in the CRT group (294 minutes; range, 140 to 485 minutes; P = 0.004). In the non-CRT group, the tumor sizes were larger (mean, 4.0 cm; range, 1.2 to 8.0 cm; P < 0.001) and more lymph nodes were harvested (mean, 12.9; range, 0 to 35; P < 0.001). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in time to first bowel movement, tolerance of a soft diet, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complication rate. CONCLUSION: Performing laparoscopic surgery for rectal cancer after preoperative CRT may be safe and feasible if performed by a highly skilled laparoscopic surgeon. Randomized controlled trials and long-term follow-up studies are necessary to support our results.
Chemoradiotherapy ; Diet ; Humans ; Laparoscopy ; Length of Stay ; Lymph Nodes ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Postoperative Complications ; Rectal Neoplasms