OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study to examine if the levels of anxiety(emotional, cognitive, and behavioral measures) during performance are influenced by interaction of both achievement related self discrepancy(=psychological vulnerability variable) and evaluative threat stress(=stressor) based on vulnerabilitystress model in order to identify the mechanism of development of performance anxiety and furthermore to suggest psychological intervention strategies to reduce and prevent it effectively. METHOD: High and low self discrepancy subjects consisted of students from the upper(n=40) and lower 15%(n=40) on achievement related self discrepancy scale, respectively. They were randomly assigned to either evaluative threat condition or neutral condition, and then all subjects took intellective task(verbal reasoning test and digit symbol test). RESULTS: The results were as follows; 1) High self discrepancy subjects under evaluative threat reported significantly higher level of state anxiety during performance than low self discrepancy subjects under any condition and also experienced higher degreee of state anxiety with marginal significance than high self discrepancy subjects under neutral condition, whereas there were no significant effects on the anxiety level of group variable under neutral condition or of stress variable in low self discrepancy subjects. 2) High self discrepancy subjects reported more cognitive interference during performance than low self discrepancy subjects regardless of the level of stress. 3) High self discrepancy subjects performed marginally significantly more poorly in digit symbol test than low self discrepancy subjects regardless of the level of stress, whereas there were no significant effects on verbal reasoning test. CONCLUSION: The hypothesis that performance anxiety could be affected by achievement related self discrepancy and stress, and specially by interaction between self discrepancy and stress was relatively strongly supported by the results on emotional measure of performance anxiety. In addition, this hypothesis received partial support by the results on cognitive and behavioral measures. We might conclude that it is important to consider achievement-related self discrepancy and evaluative threat stress together to understand the mechanism of development of performance anxiety and to reduce or prevent this anxiety effectively.
Anxiety ; Humans ; Performance Anxiety*

PURPOSE: Candida albicans can cause mucosal disease in many vulnerable patients. Also they are associated with denture-related stomatitis. Electrolyzed water is generated by electric current passed via water using various metal electrodes and has antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to investigate antifungal activity of electrolyzed water on C. albicans biofilm. MATERIALS AND METHODS: C. albicans was cultured by sabouraud dextrose broth and F-12 nutrient medium in aerobic and 5% CO2 condition to form blastoconidia (yeast) and hyphae type, respectively. For formation of C. albicans biofilm, C. albicans was cultivated on rough surface 6-well plate by using F-12 nutrient medium in CO2 incubator for 48 hr. After electrolyzing tap water using various metal electrodes, the blastoconidia and hyphal type of C. albicans were treated with electrolyzed water. C. albicans formed blastoconidia and hyphae type when they were cultured by sabouraud dextrose broth and F-12 nutrient medium, respectively. RESULTS: The electrolyzed water using palladium electrode (EWP) exhibited antifungal effect on blastoconidia of C. albicans. Also, the EWP significantly has antifungal activity against C. albicans biofilm and hyphae. In the electrolyzed water using various metal electrodes, only the EWP have antifungal activity. CONCLUSION: The EWP may use a gargle solution and a soaking solution for prevention of oral candidiasis and denture-related stomatitis due to antifungal activity. (
Biofilms* ; Candida albicans* ; Candida* ; Candidiasis, Oral ; Electrodes ; Glucose ; Humans ; Hydrogen* ; Hyphae ; Incubators ; Palladium ; Stomatitis ; Water*

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the efficacy of the cardiopulmonary exercise test as an objective indicator of functional status and as a pre-operative prognostic indicator in patients with mitral regurgitation (MR) and aortic regurgitation (AR). METHODS: Cardiopulmonary exercise tests and echocardiography were performed in 47 patients (MR: 30, AR: 15, MR + AR: 2) before surgery and repeated one year after surgery. We compared the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, peak oxygen consumption rate (VO2peak), exercise duration, left ventricular dimension and ejection fraction, before and after surgery. RESULTS: Initial VO2peak and exercise duration were significantly different according to NYHA class. A year later, NYHA functional class improved from 2.1+/-0.1 to 1.4+/-0.1 (p< 0.001). The VO2peak was significantly increased (21.7+/-1.0 to 23.7+/-1.0 mL/kg per min, p=0.008) and exercise duration also increased (521.7+/-35.9 to 623.3+/-35.7 seconds, p< 0.001). When patients were analysed according to their post-operative NYHA functional class, those with class I showed significantly different pre-operative VO2peak (class I: 23.7+/-1.1, II: 18.3+/-1.5 mL/kg per min, p=0.005) and exercise durations (class I: 587.5+/-43.2, II: 415.6+/-55.7 seconds, p=0.02). Patients with higher pre-operative VO2peak (19.0 mL/kg per min) more frequently became NYHA functional class I than those with a lower pre-operative VO2peak (76.7% vs. 35.3%, p=0.02). But baseline left ventricular dimension and ejection fraction by echocardiography were not different between post-operative class I and II group. CONCLUSION: VO2peak and exercise duration are excellent parameters to evaluate the subjective functional class and to predict the post-operative functional class of patients with MR and/or AR. Patients with a pre-operative VO2peak of 19.0 mL/kg per min or more will have a better functional status one year after surgery.
Adult ; Aortic Valve Insufficiency/diagnosis/*surgery ; Chi-Square Distribution ; Cohort Studies ; Exercise Test ; Exercise Tolerance ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation/*methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency/diagnosis/*surgery ; Oxygen Consumption ; Postoperative Period ; Preoperative Care ; Probability ; Prospective Studies ; Pulmonary Gas Exchange ; Severity of Illness Index ; Statistics, Nonparametric ; Stroke Volume ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: It has been hypothesized that early atherosclerosis may be related to the pathogenesis of coronary vasospasm. This study was designed to investigate the relationship between early atherosclersosis and coronary vasospasm or vasoconstriction in response to axetylcholine utilizing intravascular ultrasonography. METHOD: Total 43 segments were analyzed from subjects who were composed of 10 patients with and 7 patients without coronary vasospasm in response to intra coronary acetylcholine infusion. Spasm segment(Sp) was defined as total or subtotal occlusion, constriction segment(C) as diameter decrease>/=10%, and normal segment(N) as diameter decrease<10% compared to baseline coronary angiogram. Atherosclerotic plaque thickness was defined as the sum of thickness of intimal leading edge and sonolucent zone. Atherosclerosis was defined as atherosclerotic plaque thickness > 0.5mm. RESULTS: The atherosclerotic plaques of spasm segments were significantly thicker than those of normal and constriction segments(spasm segments : 1.19+/-0.21mm, constrict segments : 0.58+/-0.11mm, normal segment : 0.37+/-0.11, p<0.05). Atherosclerosis was present in 90% of spasm segments. Among normal of constriction segments, atherosclerotic plaque thickness of patients with vasospasm was thicker than that of patients without vasospasm, although it was statistically insignificant(patients with vasospasm : 0.65+/-0.51mm, patients without vasospasm 0.36+/-0.39mm, p=0.07). Frequency of atherosclerosis in normal or constriction segments was significantly higher in patients with vasospasm than patients without vasospasm(patients with vasospasm 47%, patients without vasospasm : 11%, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Atherosclerosis is present at segments of vasospasm in response to intracoronary acetylcholine. Even among normal or constriction segments, the artherosclerotic plaque thickness of patients with vasospasm was thicker than that of patients without vasospasm which may indicates that coronary vasospasm is a diffuse early atherosclerotic disease.
Acetylcholine ; Atherosclerosis ; Constriction ; Coronary Vasospasm* ; Humans ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; Spasm ; Ultrasonography* ; Ultrasonography, Interventional ; Vasoconstriction*

PURPOSE: Multidrug resistance (MDR) is a phenomenon whereby tumor cell acquire resistance to a broad range of structurally and functionally diverse chemotherapeutic drugs. The most widely implicated mechanism of MDR is that of altered membrane transporter in tumor cells. P-glycoprotein (Pgp), multidrug resistance protein (MRP), and breast cancer-resistance protein (BCRP) are well known membrane transporters, which pump out antitumor agents via an ATP-dependent process, the so called ATP-binding cassette (ABC) superfamily or transporter. This study was undertaken to test the prevalence of each ABC transporter, and which of then exhibit functional activity in various gastric cancer cells. METHODS: The expressions of Pgp, MRP, and BCRP mRNA were determined by RT-PCR assay on 10 gastric cancer cells. The sensitivity to anticancer agents, substrates for each ABC transporter in the gastric cancer cells was determined using the MTT assay. The intracellular accumulation of fluorescent compounds for the functional detection of each ABC transporter was determined using flow cytometry. RESULTS: The Pgp mRNA was expressed at various levels in 9 out of the 10 gastric cancer cells tested, but significantly low. MRP mRNA was constitutively expressed in all the cells. BCRP mRNA was differentially expressed in 5 of the gastric cancer cells. There was no relation between the expressions of Pgp and MRP and the cytotoxicity to each substrate. It was observed that the accumulations of paclitaxel and VP-16 were significantly increased on the additions of PSC833 and probenecid, respectively, in all tested cells. The reversal effect of drug accumulation by each inhibitor was much higher in the MRP than Pgp. With BCRP, the observed cytotoxic effect and amount of mitoxanthrone accumulation were less than in the cells expressing the highest levels of BCRP compared to those that did not. However the mitoxanthrone accumulation was not increased on the addition of FTC in the either cell type. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that of the ABC transporters, MRP has primarily functional activity, whereas that of Pgp is only slight, in the gastric cancer cells. Other possible MDR mechanisms involved will have to be explored in further studies.
Antineoplastic Agents ; ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters* ; Breast ; Drug Resistance, Multiple* ; Etoposide ; Flow Cytometry ; Membrane Transport Proteins ; Membranes ; P-Glycoprotein ; Paclitaxel ; Prevalence ; Probenecid ; RNA, Messenger ; Stomach Neoplasms*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The impact on long-term adverse cardiac events of troponin T (TnT) or creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) release after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is not well defined. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effect of elevated TnT or CK-MB on the late major adverse cardiac events [MACE ; Q wave myocardial infarction (MI), revascularization, or cardiac death]. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Study population were 207 consecutive patients (M : F=148 : 59, mean 60.8+/-9.2 years) who underwent PTCA. Patients with acute MI, unstable angina with abnormal levels of TnT or CK-MB, or newly developed Q MI after PTCA were excluded. Cardiac enzyme levels were measured before and 8, 24 hours after PTCA for CK-MB, and before and 16 hours after PTCA for TnT. Group I (n=181, 87.4%) had normal levels of both after PTCA. Group II (n=26, 12.6%) had abnormal levels of CK-MB (>or=16 U/L) and/or TnT (>or=0.2 ng/mL). 1-year follow-up was available in 201 (97.1%) patients. RESULTS: Incidence of non-Q MI after PTCA was 26/207 (12.6%). Major complications such as acute coronary occlusion, side branch occlusion, and major dissection were significantly associated with elevation of TnT or CK-MB after PTCA (p=0.01). However, elevation of CK-MB or TnT was not significantly associated with late MACE by Kaplan-Meier survival curve (p=0.46). During 1-year follow-up, event free rate of group I and II were 76.6% and 69.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acute coronary occlusion, side branch occlusion, or major dissection can increase the level of TnT or CK-MB after PTCA. But, elevation of CK-MB or TnT after PTCA dose not significantly influence on late MACE.
Angina, Unstable ; Angioplasty ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary* ; Coronary Occlusion ; Creatine Kinase ; Creatine* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Incidence ; Myocardial Infarction ; Trinitrotoluene ; Troponin T* ; Troponin*

No abstract available.
Humans ; Infant*

BACKGROUND: Since the 1980s, early ambulation and cardiac rehabilitation have been emphasized in clincal practice after myocardial infarction. This is based on the belief that cardiac rehabilitation can reduce cardiovascular mortality, improve functional capacity and reduce the risk of further coronary events. In this study, we investigate the effect of aerobic exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation on functiona capacity and cardiopulmonary response in patiets with myocardial infarction. METHODS: 19 patients were divided into two group(9 patients for training group and 10 patients for control group) at 4-6 weeks after acute myocardial infarction. Training group performed aerobic exercise for 8 weeks(3 sessions per week, mean 53mins per session) at 40-60% of heart rate(HR) reserve, while control group did not. Before and after 8 weeks, all patients performed symptom-limited exercise test using modified Bruce protocol. Also, breath by breath respiratory gas analysis was carried out throughout exercise test. RESULTS: For body composition, body weight(-2.7%, p<0.001), body mass index(-2.5%, p<0.001) and %body fat(-2.6%, p<0.05) were decrease significantly in training group after 8 week cardiac rehabilitation. Resting HR(-13%, p<0.05) was reduced significantly in training group, but no significant change occured in resting blood pressure between the two groups. Maximal oxygen uptake(18%, p<0.01) and anaerobic threshold(21%, p<0.05) were increased significantly in training group after 8 week cardiac rehabilitation as compared with the control group. There was no significant change in maximal O(2)pulse between the two groups. Submaximal rate-pressure product(-17%, p<0.05) and submaximal rate of perceived exertion (-2.6, p<0.001) were decreased significantly in training group after 8 week cardiac rehabilitation as compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that cardiac rehabilitation results in the significant improvement of functional capacity and cardiopulmonary response in patients with myocardial infarction. Cardiac rehabilitation for patients with myocardial infarction can contribute early return and readaptation to normal life, because myocardial oxygen consumption(or rate-pressure product) is decreased at the same exercise level after exercise training.
Blood Pressure ; Body Composition ; Early Ambulation ; Exercise ; Exercise Test ; Heart ; Humans ; Mortality ; Myocardial Infarction* ; Oxygen ; Rehabilitation*

BACKGROUND: Apo E lipoprotein is polymorphic and exists in three common isoforms (E2, E3 and E4), which are the gene products of three apo E alleles, e2, e3 and e4. Apo E lipoprotein plays an important role in the regulation of the lipid metabolism through its ability to bind to receptors. Depending on the genotypes apo E polymorphism is either protective or increases risk for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate 1) the association between apo E allele and the development of coronary artery disease, 2) the association between apo E alleles and dyslipidemia in Korean males. METHODS: We studied 241 patients with angiographically verified coronary artery disease and 257 male subjects without evidence of coronary artery disease. Apo E genotyping was determined with the INNO-LiPA Apo E kit (Innogenetics, Belgium), which is based on reverse hybridization. RESULTS: There was a higher frequency of the apo e4 allele in subjects with coronary artery disease than in normal controls. The frequencies of apo E genotype were not significantly associated with apo e2 were associated with higher levels of triglyceride and lower LDL, and the subjects with apo e4 had lower levels of HDL cholesterol. CONCLUSION: ApoE polymorphism is a genetic marker for risk of the development of coronary artery disease and an important determinant of dyslipidemia.
Alleles ; Apolipoprotein E2 ; Apolipoprotein E4 ; Apolipoproteins E ; Apolipoproteins* ; Atherosclerosis ; Cholesterol, HDL ; Coronary Artery Disease* ; Coronary Vessels* ; Dyslipidemias ; Genetic Markers ; Genotype ; Humans ; Lipid Metabolism ; Lipoproteins ; Male* ; Protein Isoforms ; Triglycerides

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Small myocardial infarction (MI) has been reported in 8 - 20% of patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). But neither appropriate threshold of cardiac enzyme nor useful biochemical marker for its detection has not yet been fully defined. We examined the cardiac enzyme to define more valuable biochemical marker for the detection of small MI after PTCA and to evaluate factors associated with small MI after PTCA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study population consisted of 209 consecutive patients who underwent PTCA. Cardiac enzyme levels were measured before and 8, 24 hours after PTCA for CK-MB, and before and 16 hours after PTCA for troponin T. We defined small MI when CK-MB levels were over 16U/L and/or troponin T levels were over 0.2 ng/ml. RESULTS: Incidence of small MI after PTCA was 28/209 (13.4%) and the most of those were non-Q MI (24/28, 86%). In the detection of small MI after PTCA, the sensitivity of troponin T was higher than CK-MB (92.9% vs 39.3%). Major complications (major dissection, acute coronary occlusion, and side branch occlusion) developed significantly more in patients with small MI than in patients without small MI (p=0.002). Three independent variables, which were significantly associated with small MI after PTCA, were age, total/subtotal occlusion, and acute coronary occlusion as complication (p=0.01, p=0.02, and p=0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Troponin T is more sensitive biochemical marker than CK-MB in the detection of small MI after PTCA. Major complications of angioplasty are frequently associated with small MI. Especially, age, total occlusion, and acute coronary occlusion as complication are independent factors significantly associated with small MI after PTCA.
Angioplasty ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary* ; Biomarkers ; Coronary Occlusion ; Humans ; Incidence ; Myocardial Infarction ; Troponin T* ; Troponin*