The purpose of this study is to develop species-specific DNA probes and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers for detection and identification of Prevotella nigrescens (P. nigrescens) 9336. This study procedure includes (1) whole-genomic DNA extraction of P. nigrescens 9336 (2) construction of the genomic DNA library, (3) screening of strain-specific DNA probe by reverse dot Hybridization method, (4) confirmation of strain-specific DNA probe by Southern blot analysis, (5) determination of nucleotide sequences of strain-specific DNA probe. Thirty-five restriction fragments of P. nigrescens 9336 genomic DNA digested with the Hind III were obtained. Reverse dot hybridization and Southern blot analysis data showed that three of them, Pn10, Pn23, and Pn35, could be P. nigrescens 9336-specific DNA probes. These data indicated that these DNA probes could be useful in detection and identification of the P. nigrescens 9336.
Base Sequence ; Blotting, Southern ; Clone Cells* ; Cloning, Organism* ; DNA Probes* ; DNA* ; Gene Library ; Mass Screening ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Prevotella nigrescens* ; Prevotella*

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the similarities and differences in neonatal medical terminology between South Korea and North Korea. METHODS: This study was carried out by searching North Korean neonatal terminologies used in textbooks published in North Korea and comparing those terms with the South Korean terms used in textbooks in South Korea. RESULTS: The North Korean terms are different from the South Korean terms in that North Korean terms adopt more from the native language. There are also some differences in the inscription of foreign language, spelling and spacing. But, there are few terms that cannot be capable of communication. CONCLUSION: We could identify the major differences between South Korean and North Korean neonatal medical terms. We should take effort to establish unified terms by establishing more communication between both sides.
Democratic People's Republic of Korea* ; Korea* ; Neonatology

A benign metastasizing pulmonary leiomyoma (BMPL) is a rare disease that usually occurs in women with a prior or coincident history of uterine leiomyoma. Although leiomyoma is histologically benign, it has the potential to metastasize to a distant site such as the lung. A 35 year old woman who had undergone a hysterectomy due to uterine leiomyoma 5 years prior was admitted for an investigation of multiple pulmonary nodules on a routine chest roentgenogram. An open lung biopsy was taken to make a pathological diagnosis. The microscopic finding of the nodules was leiomyoma and was similar to those of the uterine leiomyoma that had been resected 5 years ago. The woman underwent wedge resections of all pulmonary nodules. This is the first case of BMPL in Korea, which was treated with wedge resections of all multiple pulmonary nodules.
Adult ; Biopsy ; Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Hysterectomy ; Korea ; Leiomyoma* ; Lung ; Multiple Pulmonary Nodules ; Rare Diseases ; Thorax

PURPOSE: The object of this study was to determine the difference between two methods for myocardial performance index(MPI) in children, using the conventional and pulsed Doppler echocardiography. METHODS: A total of 27 children with anatomically normal hearts were enrolled for the study. all were examined by conventional and pulsed Doppler echocardiography at Gangneung Asan Hospital between December, 2005 and February, 2006. First, we measured the time interval(a1) between the mitral inflows from apical 4-chamber view, and the ejection time(ET1) from apical 5-chamber view. And then, we calculated MPI1, isovolumic contraction time(ICT1) and isovolumic relaxation time (IRT1). Secondly, we measured ICT2, ET2 and IRT2 from apical 5-chamber view with a Dopper signal placed at just below junction between mitral and aortic valve at the same cardiac cycle. And then, we calculated MPI2. We compared MPI1 to MPI2. All MPIs were calculated by using the formula, MPI=(ICT+IRT)/ET. RESULTS: The mean age was 5.7+/-2.2 years old(M:F=15:12). The MPI2 was higher than MPI1: 0.277+/-0.083 vs. 0.428+/-0.081(MPI1 vs MPI2, P=0.000). Also, the ICT2 was higher than ICT1: 56+/-15 msec vs 97+/-18 msec(ICT1 vs ICT2, P=0.000) and the IRT2 was higher than IRT1: 42+/-8 msec vs 53+/-9 msec(IRT1 vs IRT2, P=0.000). But, the ET2 was lower than ET1: 260+/-16 msec vs 254+/-14 msec (ET1 vs ET2, P=0.01). There was, as well, positive linear correlation between MPI1 and MPI2. CONCLUSION: This study showed that there is a difference between MPI1 and MPI2 in connection with estimating methods. However, the two MPIs had a positive linear correlation. Judging from our results, the MPI of the new method might be a useful index of venticular global function in children.
Aortic Valve ; Child* ; Chungcheongnam-do ; Echocardiography ; Echocardiography, Doppler, Pulsed ; Gangwon-do ; Heart ; Humans ; Relaxation

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we aimed to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between hook plate fixation and coracoclavicular (CC) ligament reconstruction for the treatment of acute unstable acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation. METHODS: Forty-two patients who underwent surgery for an unstable acute dislocation of the AC joint were included. We divided them into two groups according to the treatment modality: internal fixation with a hook plate (group I, 24 cases) or CC ligament reconstruction (group II, 18 cases). We evaluated the clinical outcomes using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and Constant-Murley score, and assessed the radiographic outcomes based on the reduction and loss of CC distance on preoperative, postoperative, and final follow-up plain radiographs. RESULTS: The mean VAS scores at the final follow-up were 1.6 +/- 1.5 and 1.3 +/- 1.3 in groups I and II, respectively, which were not significantly different. The mean Constant-Murley scores were 90.2 +/- 9.9 and 89.2 +/- 3.5 in groups I and II, respectively, which were also not significantly different. The AC joints were well reduced in both groups, whereas CC distance improved from a mean of 215.7% +/- 50.9% preoperatively to 106.1% +/- 10.2% at the final follow-up in group I, and from 239.9% +/- 59.2% preoperatively to 133.6% +/- 36.7% at the final follow-up in group II. The improvement in group I was significantly superior to that in group II (p < 0.001). Furthermore, subluxation was not observed in any case in group I, but was noted in six cases (33%) in group II. Erosions of the acromion undersurface were observed in 9 cases in group I. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of acute unstable AC joint dislocation, hook plate fixation and CC ligament reconstruction yield comparable satisfactory clinical outcomes. However, radiographic outcomes based on the maintenance of reduction indicate that hook plate fixation is a better treatment option.
Acromioclavicular Joint/injuries/radiography/*surgery ; Acute Disease ; Adult ; Arthroscopy ; Bone Plates ; Dislocations/radiography/*surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Ligaments, Articular/surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

The hemangiopericytoma originated from the greater omentum is a very rare vascular tumor and grows to a large mass without symptoms for a long period. The diagnosis can be made on ultrasonogram, CT or MRI and angiogram with the findings of well circumscribed, solitary mass with hypervascularity in the abdominal cavity especially retroperitoneal cavity. The surgical treatment is recommended due to its possibility of malignant potential and metastasis on diagnosis. The evaluation of differential diagnosis to rule out this tumor is obligatory if a large solitary movable mass being palpated in abdomen. We experienced a case of hemangiopericytoma of greater omentum which was diagnosed as a left ovarian tumor preparatively, and we report the case with brief review of the literatures.
Abdomen ; Abdominal Cavity ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Hemangiopericytoma* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Omentum* ; Ultrasonography

The hemangiopericytoma originated from the greater omentum is a very rare vascular tumor and grows to a large mass without symptoms for a long period. The diagnosis can be made on ultrasonogram, CT or MRI and angiogram with the findings of well circumscribed, solitary mass with hypervascularity in the abdominal cavity especially retroperitoneal cavity. The surgical treatment is recommended due to its possibility of malignant potential and metastasis on diagnosis. The evaluation of differential diagnosis to rule out this tumor is obligatory if a large solitary movable mass being palpated in abdomen. We experienced a case of hemangiopericytoma of greater omentum which was diagnosed as a left ovarian tumor preparatively, and we report the case with brief review of the literatures.
Abdomen ; Abdominal Cavity ; Diagnosis ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Hemangiopericytoma* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neoplasm Metastasis ; Omentum* ; Ultrasonography

BACKGROUND: To specify what patients want and worry preoperatively is important in orthopedic practice. The aim of the current study was to analyze the patient characteristics of rotator cuff disease in Korean population who were willing to undergo arthroscopic surgery, and to evaluate the differences in expectations and concerns by age and gender. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 303 patients who underwent rotator cuff surgery between April 2004 and August 2008. Three questionnaires were completed before surgery: the first one addressing preoperative patient's expectation, the second one focusing on concerns by covering 64 items using a visual analogue scale, and the third one evaluating patient's demographic characteristics. The characteristics of preoperative expectation, concern, and demographic data were evaluated according to gender and age group. RESULTS: Female patients had lower level of sports activity (p = 0.007) and lower levels of information (p = 0.028). Gender specific worries are about a caregiver during hospital stay, operating on the working side, fear about ugly scars, postoperative pain, applying makeup or combing hair. The older group responded that they can't be willing to change activities of daily living (p = 0.001), are not living with a spouse (p = 0.002), had previous shoulder operation history (p = 0.008), and had a lower level of information (p = 0.007). They especially worried about medical bills, worried about the physician being too young and inexperienced, postoperative pain, loss of arm function, and hospital food. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed what Korean patients wanted and were concerned about prior to rotator cuff surgery. This can empower patients to formulate realistic expectations and make informed decisions. We feel that we can achieve higher levels of postoperative satisfaction by analyzing expectations and concerns in depth and addressing these proactively.
Activities of Daily Living/psychology ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Arthroscopy/*psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Joint Diseases/surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Patient Satisfaction ; Perioperative Period/*psychology ; Prospective Studies ; Questionnaires ; Republic of Korea ; Rotator Cuff/*surgery ; Shoulder/surgery ; Shoulder Pain/etiology/psychology ; Stress, Psychological/etiology/psychology

No abstract available
Cell Line* ; Drug Therapy ; Humans* ; Ovarian Neoplasms*

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is a generally progressive disease, even in patients with favorable prognostic features. In this study, we aimed to investigate the antiproteinuric effect and tolerability of low-dose valsartan (an angiotensin II receptor blocker) therapy in normotensive IgAN patients with minimal proteinuria of less than 0.5 to 1.0 g/day. METHODS: Normotensive IgAN patients, who had persistent proteinuria with a spot urine protein-to-creatinine ratio of 0.3 to 1.0 mg/mg creatinine, were recruited from five hospitals and randomly assigned to either 40 mg of valsartan as the low-dose group or 80 mg of valsartan as the regular-dose group. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at baseline, and at 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks after valsartan therapy. RESULTS: Forty-three patients (low-dose group, n = 23; regular-dose group, n = 20) were enrolled in the study. Proteinuria decreased significantly not only in the regular-dose group but also in the low-dose group. The change in urine protein-to-creatinine ratio at week 24 was -41.3% +/- 26.1% (p < 0.001) in the regular-dose group and -21.1% +/- 45.1% (p = 0.005) in the low-dose group. In the low-dose group, blood pressure was constant throughout the study period, and there was no symptomatic hypotension. In the regular-dose group, blood pressure decreased at weeks 8 and 12. No significant change in glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine level, or serum potassium level was observed during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that low-dose valsartan can significantly reduce proteinuria without causing any intolerability in normotensive IgAN patients with minimal proteinuria.
Adult ; Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockers/*administration & dosage/adverse effects ; Biomarkers/urine ; Blood Pressure ; Creatinine/urine ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA/diagnosis/*drug therapy/physiopathology/urine ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Proteinuria/diagnosis/*drug therapy/physiopathology/urine ; Republic of Korea ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome ; Valsartan/*administration & dosage/adverse effects