Dysarthric patients often present velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI), characterized nasalization articulation for hypernasality,which seriously impaired their communication. Research of evaluation of VPI is mainly about cleft palate and postoperative, few about the dysarthria. Some approaches, such as physiologic approach to rehabilitation, have been used to correct hypernasality, and prosthesis,such as palatal lift prosthesis (PLP) and nasal speaking valve (NSV), are also proved effectively. PLP has been widely used for hypernasality oversea, but fewer in China.

Objective To investigate the vowel's nasalance and contact quotient (CQ) in children with hearing loss. Methods 57 subjects were divided to 3 groups: profound hearing loss children with hearing aids (HA, n=19), profound hearing loss children with cochlear implant (CI, n=19) and children without hearing loss (n=19). With the help of NV and electroglottography (EGG), the subjects' nasalance and CQ were recorded when they said /a/, /æ/, /i/, /o/, /u/. Results There was no significant differences among the 3 groups on nasalance (P>0.05). There was significant difference among 5 vowels on nasalance, ranked as /u/, /o/, /æ/, /i/, and /a/ (P<0.001). There was significant difference among 3 groups on CQ, ranked as HA, normal, and CI group (P<0.001). There was significant difference on CQ among 5 vowels,ranked as /i/, /u/, /æ/, /o/, and /a/ (P<0.001). Conclusion The voice and resonance should be assessed before speech therapy, which the speech therapy starts from the most correct vowel for children with profound hearing loss.

No abstract available.
Animals ; Horns* ; Pregnancy*

No abstract available.
Animals ; Horns* ; Pregnancy*

The most important basic requirements for successful skin grafting are the accurate approximation of the edge of the skin graft to that of the wound and the application of even pressure to the graft by a carefully designed dressing. Pressure dressing is indicated for the protection of the graft and the prevention of shearing between the graft and its bed. One of the most widely used methods of pressure dressing is tie-over dressing. The traditional technique is based on the application of long silk sutures along the margin of the graft that are tied over bolus of antibiotics oint-impregnated nonadherent fluffed gauze. With the traditional tie-over dressing, it is impossible to inspect the graft bed for possible hematoma and seroma during the application of dressing. So we adopted another modification of the previously described tie-over dressing methods. From January 1997 to July 1997, we had performed 27 skin graft surgeries and 8 subdermal shavings in 35 patients with our new method of tie-over dressing. We can apply even pressure to the grafts by twisting the long silk sutures instead of typing.In comparison with the plethora of devices and techniques described previously in tie-over dressing construction, our technique offers simplicity and reliable fixation of the graft to the bed and allows further adjustment of the dressing by individual tightening of the threads. Other particularly attractive features are the ability to inspect the graft at any time with little difficulty and the reapplicability of tie-over dressing with the remaining long threads if needed.
Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Bandages* ; Hematoma ; Humans ; Seroma ; Silk ; Skin ; Skin Transplantation ; Sutures ; Transplants ; Wounds and Injuries

The basic technique for total reconstruction of the microtia was established by Tanzer, who utilized autologous rib cartilages for constructing the auricular framework. In order to decrease the number of surgical stages and to achieve maximal convolution, we employed a surgical procedure with simultaneous three layered costal cartilage grafting for the high profiled auricle, concha formation and lobule rotation. However, we performed ear elevation as an additional procedure for some patients who had decreased helical height due to absorption of cartilage framework or postoperative trauma and who had wanted to wear the spectacles or to have more natural appearance of auriculocephalic sulcus. From August 1988 to October 1997 we had performed surgeries for the ear elevation of 58 patients in 177 patients with total ear reconstruction, using various elevation methods; skin graft, local flap, and local with costal cartilage block. When the ear elevation was performed with skin graft, postoperative contraction of the grafted skin was inevitable. In cases with two skin flaps, it was difficult to stabilize and maintain the correct projection of the constructed ear. So we elevated the reconstructed ear by utilizing a costal cartilage block, two skin flaps to cover the posterior region and skin graft. We conclude that the local flap with costal cartilage block is one of the most favorable methods in ear elevation which can maintain the adequate projection and make natural looking auriculocephalic sulcus.
Absorption ; Cartilage ; Ear* ; Eyeglasses ; Humans ; Ribs ; Skin ; Transplants

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify job experiences of male hospital nurses. METHODS: Data were collected from 20 male nurses working at general hospitals, through semi-structured in-depth interviews. The interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed verbatim. Using content analysis, data were coded and categorized. RESULTS: The analyzed domains were motivations for choosing nursing, occupational experiences (3 subdomains), and attitudes toward the future. A total of 85 significant statements were selected from the data and classified into 32 categories. The nurses' motivations for choosing nursing were advantages of employment, their aptitude, scarcity value of men, professionalism and job security, good promotion, stable income, and family influence. In occupational experiences, they were assigned to special fields and dissatisfied with vertical relationship, promotion system, their salary, and gaps in military service time; they had difficulties in adapting to female-dominated groups and encountered gender role stereotype and preconception; they were satisfied with their distinguished performance, but had damaged self-esteem, and were stressed and disappointed in their work. In their attitudes toward the future, they considered their career changes, but tried to make professional and personal advancement. CONCLUSION: These findings have implications for recruiting and retaining male nurses in clinical settings.
Aptitude ; Employment ; Gender Identity ; Hospitals, General ; Humans ; Male ; Military Personnel ; Motivation ; Nurses, Male ; Salaries and Fringe Benefits ; Statistics as Topic

No abstract available.
Pancreatic Diseases*

The contour of mandibular angle is important for facial esthetics in the oriental population, because the wide and square face is thought to have had an unhappy life. A prominent mandibular angle produces a characteristics quardrangle, coase, and muscular appearance. So, uni- or bi-lateral mandibular angle reduction is usually performed. However, there is little guideline for bi-lateral angle reduction. So, this study was to investigate the pattern of Korean mandibular angle for bi-lateral mandibular angle reduction as guideline. This study was included 66 adult men and women over 19 years old who are having the normal mandibular angle. We measured the posterior border, angle, and inferior border of mandible using cephalometric view. The results of study was as followed : 1. The ratio of posterior mandible was 96.6, 97.3% in male, and 103.0, 106.0% in female. 2. The ratio of mandibular angle(R1-Go/R1-R2) was 120.2% in male, and 117.3% in female. 3. The ratio of inferior mandible(D5, 6, 7, E, F, G/D4) was 97. 3, 90.9, 79.5, 65.2, 57.8, 46.9% in male, and 98.5, 91.2, 80.5, 67.6, 59.1, 50.2 % in female. The results of this study should be useful to decide accurate amount of reduction.
Adult ; Esthetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mandible ; Young Adult

No abstract available.
Animals ; Horns* ; Kidney*