BACKGROUND: Previous reports have suggested that alleles at the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) gene are associated with increased risk of developing coronary artery disease, including myocardial infarction and stroke through their effect on PAI-1 levels. Method: We attempted to search English literatures for all reports of possible effects of PAI-1 gene on cardiovascular disease in human published prior to November 1998. We used a Mantel-Haenszel method (fixed effect model) and random effect model, respectively, to perform a meta-analysis of 7 case-control studies that provided information related to the effects of PAI-1 gene on risk of cardiovascular disease. RESULTS: From 7 studies for diagnosed cardiovascular disease, the relative frequencies of the three genotypes among controls was (5G/5G) (homozygous normal), 24.5%; (4G/5G) (heterozygous), 48.2%, and (4G/4G) (homozygous for the mutant, 675 GGGG), 27.3%. These relative frequencies in cases were 21.7% for 5G/5G, 48.0% for 4G/5G, and 30.3% for 4G/4G. In fixed effect model, compared with those with genotype (5G/5G), the overall odds ratio (OR) for cardiovascular disease among those with (4G/5G) was 1.12 (95% CI, 0.93 to 1.34), and it was 1.20 (1.01 to 1.44) for the (4G/4G) genotype. For five studies with myocardial infarction as the outcome, the overall OR of myocardial infarction was 1.20 (0.99 to 1.47) for those with (4G/5G) and 1.24 (1.00, 1.54) for those with (4G/4G) genotypes, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings provide support for the weak association between PAI-1 gene and cardiovascular disease, in particular, myocardial infarction.
Alleles ; Cardiovascular Diseases* ; Case-Control Studies* ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Myocardial Infarction ; Odds Ratio ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1* ; Plasminogen Activators ; Polymorphism, Genetic* ; Stroke

The retraction of anterior teeth could be performed more easier by inducing of skeletal anchorage system rather than by conventional method on orthodontic treatment. But, we wonder how effective the system draws well without anchorage loss and draws anterior teeth aside posteriorly, and if the system can reduce the time, in comparison with the anchorage of posterior teeth. For that reason we have studied on the subject of patients, who were required the maximum anchorage on orthodontic treatment and the cases without crowding. The subjects of the experimental group are 35 areas of 20 people who were inserted miniscrews after Mx or Mn 1st premolar extracted. Also, the subjects of the control group are 81 areas of 45 people who were not inserted miniscrews. Compared the anchorage loss of experimental group with control one, we could get the result that the anchorage loss of experimental group is 1.034+/-0.891mm and control group is 2.790+/-1.882mm(P<0.01). Compared the space closing time of experimental group with control one, we could get the result that the space closing time of experimental group is 369.40+/-110.81days and control group is 406.56+/-231.63days. But the result of comparing space closing time has no significance in statistics. We recognized that the experimental group is more faster than the control group in the canine retraction velocity from the result ; the speed of a experimental group has as much as 0.60+/-0.23mm/30days while the speed of a control group has 0.44+/-0.35mm/30days(P<0.05). So, we could convince that orthodontic miniscrew is used effectively in the cases required the maximum anchorage.
Bicuspid ; Crowding ; Humans ; Tooth*

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

The purpose of this study was to identify the major health components and measurements to be conducted in National Health Examination Survey(KNHES). The prevalence and severity of disease, acceptability of population and the possibility, of standardization of measurement were considered as guideline for selecting the components. On the base of magnitude and severity of disease, chronic liver disease, hepatic cancer, gastric ulcer, stomach cancer, essential hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary tuberculosis, lung cancer, DM, breast cancer, cervical cancer, arthritis and intervertebral disc disorder were selected as the preliminary target diseases. Questionnaire survey for 648 persons in 'K' city and medical specialists in five clinical societies were conducted for evaluating the acceptability of general population for the measurements and the possibility of standardization for the procedures. In conclusion, the major target diseases were chronic liver disease, hypertension and DM and the total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, hemoglobulin, hematocrit, platlet count, anti-HBs, HBsAg, height and weight were selected for basic physical components.
Arthritis ; Breast Neoplasms ; Cholesterol ; Chronic Disease ; Hematocrit ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Intervertebral Disc ; Korea* ; Lipoproteins ; Liver Diseases ; Liver Neoplasms ; Lung Diseases ; Lung Neoplasms ; Myocardial Ischemia ; Prevalence ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Specialization ; Stomach Neoplasms ; Stomach Ulcer ; Triglycerides ; Tuberculosis ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms

Body surface potential map, an electric potential distribution on the body torso surface, enables us to infer the electrical activities of the heart. Therefore, observing electric potential projected to the torso surface can be highly useful for diagnosing heart diseases such as coronary occlusion. The BSPM for the heart of a patient show a higher level of sensitivity than 12-lead ECG. Relevant research has been mostly based on clinical statistics obtained from patients, and, therefore, a simulation for a variety of pathological phenomena of the heart is required. In this study, by using computer simulation, a body surface potential map was implemented according to various occlusion locations (distal, mid, proximal occlusion) in the left anterior descending coronary artery. Electrophysiological characteristics of the body surface during the ST segment period were observed and analyzed based on an ST isointegral map. We developed an integrated system that takes into account the cellular to organ levels, and performed simulation regarding the electrophysiological phenomena of the heart that occur during the first 5 minutes (stage 1) and 10 minutes (stage 2) after commencement of coronary occlusion. Subsequently, we calculated the bipolar angle and amplitude of the ST isointegral map, and observed the correlation between the relevant characteristics and the location of coronary occlusion. In the result, in the ventricle model during the stage 1, a wider area of ischemia led to counterclockwise rotation of the bipolar angle; and, during the stage 2, the amplitude increased when the ischemia area exceeded a certain size.
Cardiac Electrophysiology* ; Computer Simulation* ; Coronary Occlusion ; Coronary Vessels* ; Electrocardiography ; Electrophysiological Phenomena ; Electrophysiology ; Heart ; Heart Diseases ; Humans ; Ischemia ; Torso

BACKGROUND: High plasma levels of coagulation factor VII (FVII) are associated with a risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Plasma FVII levels are influenced by environmental and genetic factors. We investigated whether the risk of CAD is associated with R353Q polymorphism and whether this polymorphism is associated with factor VII activity METHODS: We analysed plasma levels of FVII:C and FVII genotype for R353Q polymorphism in 85 CAD patients, 63 healthy controls, and 27 patient controls. And total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were measured in the same study populations. RESULTS: There was no difference among CAD patients, healthy controls, and patient controls in plasma levels of FVII:C. Allele Q of the R353Q polymorphism was less frequent in CAD patients (11.8%) than healthy controls (17.5%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Patients with the RQ genotype had a decreased risk of CAD (odds ratio, 0.29). There was no association between R353Q polymorphism and plasma levels of FVII:C. Plasma levels of FVII:C were positively correlated with total cholesterol and triglyceride. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that R353Q polymorphism may confer significant protection from CAD and that plasma levels of FVII:C may influenced by total cholesterol and triglyceride.
Alleles ; Blood Coagulation Factors* ; Cholesterol ; Coronary Artery Disease* ; Coronary Vessels* ; Factor VII* ; Genotype ; Humans ; Plasma ; Triglycerides

Diverticula are frequently seen in the sigmoid, descending, ascending and transverse colons whereas rectal diverticula are extremely rare. The stapled rectal mucosectomy for the treatment of a prolapsed hemorrhoid is less painful and has lower morbidity; therefore, it has been commonly used despite possible complications. This paper reports a case of a rectal diverticulum that developed after a procedure for prolapsed hemorrhoids (PPH). A 42-year-old man with a history of hemorrhoidectomies came to the hospital because of constipation. On sigmoidoscopy, a 2-cm-sized, feces-filled pocket was located just above the anorectal junction. After removal of the fecal material, a huge rectal diverticulum (-4 cm in diameter) was seen. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed the diagnosis of rectal diverticulum outpouching through the muscular layer of the intestine in a left posterolateral direction. The patient was discharged without complication after a transanal diverticulectomy had been performed, and the direct rectal wall had been repaired.
Adult ; Colon, Sigmoid ; Colon, Transverse ; Constipation ; Diagnosis ; Diverticulum* ; Hemorrhoidectomy ; Hemorrhoids* ; Humans ; Intestines ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Sigmoidoscopy

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to investigate the extent to which specific known polymorphisms of fibrinogen, factor VII (FVII) and PAI-1 genes are associated with their respective plasma levels. And also we examined whether these genotypes were linked to coronary artery disease (CAD). METHOD: We performed a case-control study of 165 patients which included 156 CAD and 9 peripheral artery obstructive disease and 188 healthy controls without a history of cardiovascular disease. The four polymorphisms of fibrinogen (Beta-455G/A, beta448Arg/Lys), FVII (353Arg/Gln) and PAI-1 (4G/5G) gene were measured, together with their plasma levels. RESULTS: There was a difference between patients and controls in the frequency of the fibrinogen beta448Lys allele (0.206 vs 0.106, P< 0.001), but there were no significant frequency differences in fibrinogen beta-455A (0.537 vs 0.529), FVII 353Gln (0.079 vs 0.080) and PAI-1 4G (0.146 vs 0.113) Allele. Plasma fibrinogen level was higher in patients (372.8+/-112.0 mg/ dL) than in controls (300.4+/-70.9 mg/dL) and patients with genotype beta448LysLys (457.8+/-134.4 mg/dL) or beta448ArgLys (397.3+/-120.8 mg/dL) had higher fibrinogen levels than those with 448ArgArg (354.9+/-102.3 mg/dL). Using multivariate logistic regression, the beta448 ArgLys or LysLys genotype was associated with over twice the risk of CAD (odds ratio 2.25) compared with the beta448ArgArg genotype. Hypertension is more potent risk factor for the person who has the beta448Lys allele of fibrinogen. CONCLUSION: These data provide evidence that a polymorphism of the fibrinogen beta488Arg/ Lys is associated with an increased risk of CAD and that hypertension is more potent risk factor for CAD in person who have the beta488Lys allele of fibrinogen.
Alleles ; Arteries ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Artery Disease* ; Coronary Vessels* ; Factor VII* ; Fibrinogen* ; Genotype* ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Logistic Models ; Plasma ; Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor 1 ; Plasminogen Activators* ; Plasminogen* ; Risk Factors

Leiomyoma and adenomyosis of the uterus are the most common gynecologic disorders in an enlarged uterus. The characteristic US and MR findings in differentiation between both lesions were prospectively evaluated in 30 patients. Of 30 patients, 15 were leiomyomas, 6 were adenomyosises, 8 were leiomyomas and adenomyosises, and 1 was a normal pregnancy, histologically. The total number of leiomyom nodules were 49 while adenomyosises were 14 (9 diffuse and 5 focal). Among 49 myomas nodules, 36 were correctly diagnosed by sonography. The characteristic US findings of uterine leiomyoma were well defined nodules (36), hypoechoic peripheral rim (16), and whorl-like internal echoes (13). Forty four of the 49 myoma nodules were correctly diagnosed by MRI. The characteristic MR findings of myoma were well defined nodules (43), peripheral low signal intensity rim on T1WI (13) and T2WI (9), and peripheral high signal intensity rim on T2WI (5). Among 14 adenomyosises, 9 were correctly diagnosed by sonography. The characteristic US findings of adenomyosis were diffuse uterine hypertrophy more than 5.5cm in AP diameter with endometrial displacement and no significant echo change in myometrium All 14 adenomyosis as were correctly diagnosed from MRI. On T2WI, adenomyosis appeared as ill defined localized or diffuse thickening of the junctional zone more than 1cm in thickness. It was our conclusion that to differentiate between leiomyoma and adenomyosis focused on should be the detection of existence of nodule in leiomyoma, the primary sign, not on the secondary indirect sign.
Adenomyosis* ; Animals ; Female ; Humans ; Hypertrophy ; Leiomyoma* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mice ; Myoma ; Myometrium ; Pregnancy ; Prospective Studies ; Uterus

Three cases of patients with quadricuspid aortic valve diagnosed with transthoracic echocardiography are presented. Two dimensional and color Doppler echocardiography are very useful for the diagnosis of quadricuspid aortic valve. According to the types of quadricuspid aortic valve classified by the size of four cusps identified by parasternal short axis view, therapeutic plan and prognosis of different types of quadricuspid valve will be varied. Echocardiographic demonstration of quadricuspid aortic valve widens the spectrum of aortic valve diseases especially if the cause of aortic regurgitation will not be defined clearly.
Aortic Valve Insufficiency ; Aortic Valve* ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Diagnosis ; Echocardiography ; Echocardiography, Doppler, Color ; Humans ; Prognosis