Furfurol(Furfudol), a new anthelmintics, was administered to 7 adults and 21 children (6-12 years old) in total amounts of 15.6 mg(base) for 1 to 3 days. It has proven to be effective against hookworms. The anthelmintic effect against hookworms with a single dose of 15.6 mg of furfurol was similar to that of a single dose of 2.5 gm of bephenium hydroxynaphthoate. However, when a total of 15.6 mg of the base was given to both children and adult, the side reactions were so mild that the drug can be administered for therapeutic regimens in mass treatment. Minor abdominal discomfort was the only common side effect. This is the primary advantage of furfurol as compared with bephenium hydroxynaphthoate. These results have indicated that furfurol is safe in therapeutic dosage and is an effective agent to treat patients infected with hookworms.
parasitology-helminth-nematoda-hookworm ; chemotherapy-furfurol ; bephenium hydroxynaphthoate ; furfurol

BACKGROUND: We performed electrical cardioversion for the patients with chormic nonvalvular atrial fibrillation under the transesophageal echocardiographic guidance after anticoagulation to evaluate the safety of this procedure and the effects of electrical cardioversion on the atrial function. METHODS: After anticoagulation therapy with coumadine for three weeks, we tried chemical cardioversion with amiodarone first. Failed cases were included in this study. Pre-cardioversion transesophageal echocardiographic parameters were measured after exclusion of thrombi. After sedation with intravenous midazolam, direct-current cardioversion was done with the transesophageal echocardiographic probe in situ. Immediately after sinus conversion, we measured echocardiographic parameters again. Spontaneous echo contrast(SEC), left atrial appendage flow velocity, pulmonary vein flow velocity and time-velocity-integral(TVI), transmitral flow velocity, TVI and deceleration time were measured. All patients were anticoagulated for at least 4 weeks after cardiovesion. RESULTS: The total number of patients was forty one(24 males, 17 females) with the mean age of 58 years(range : 39-70). Mean duration of atrial fibrillation was 65 months(range : 1-360). Hypertension(12), dilated cardiomyopathy(10), cerebrovascular accidents(6), ischemic heart disease(2) and chronic lung disease(1) were associated. There were no complications. SEC increased or newly appeared in 18(43.9%) patients after sinus conversion. The left atrial appendage emptying velocity decreased(32.8+/-17.4 vs. 22.1+/-11.4cm/sec, p=0.020) and systolic TVI of both upper pulmonic vein increased significantly after sinus conversion. In two cases, early systolic forward flow(S1) of pulmonic vein appeared after sinus conversion. Transmitral E velocity decreased(86.9+/-28.8 vs. 76.3+/-30.6cm/sec, p=0.006) and the deceleration time increased(164+/-49 vs. 206+/-53msec, p=0.000) after sinus conversion. Transmitral A velocity was still low(34.9+/-19.5cm/sec) and E/A ratio was high(2.6+/-1.4) immediately after sinus conversion. CONCLUSION: After appropriate anticoagulation therapy and exclusion of left atrium and left atrial appindage thrombi with TEE we could perform electrical cardioversion safety without complications. The changes in transesophageal echocardiographic parameters after sinus conversion revealed the appearance of atrial mechanical activity in concordance with electrical activity. But these findings suggested atrial stunning or electromechanical dissociation which necessitates extended anticoagulation therapy until the full recovery of atrial mechanical function.
Amiodarone ; Atrial Appendage ; Atrial Fibrillation* ; Atrial Function ; Deceleration ; Echocardiography* ; Echocardiography, Transesophageal ; Electric Countershock* ; Heart ; Heart Atria ; Humans ; Lung ; Male ; Midazolam ; Pulmonary Veins ; Veins ; Warfarin

As increasing demands for CCC (Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorhexis) fincreases, the incidence of capsule contraction syndrome is also increasing in cataract surgery. We tried to classify and treat this syndrome with 44 eyes who have capsule contraction. It is known that the basic mechanism of capsule contraction is fibrotic dysplasia of anterior capsule, and we found that capsular contraction can arise with glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, uveitis, retinitis pigmentosa, psuedoexfoliation syndrome and old aged group as ordered. It can also be frequently can be found in age 50 to 60. In order to decrease the complication of capsule contraction(IOL dislocation, retinal detachment, etc.), we incised the anterial capsule with Nd:Yag laser at the time of fibrotic change. For the case of weak zonules, we made a radial incision in the 12 o'clock direction after IOL insertion.
Cataract ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Dislocations ; Glaucoma ; Incidence ; Retinal Detachment ; Retinitis Pigmentosa ; Uveitis

PURPOSE: This study investigated the influence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and its treatment on incidence and progression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 408 infants who underwent screening examinations for ROP at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of our hospital. RESULTS: The total incidence of ROP was 23.5% (96 out of 408) and the patients that needed treatment were 7.4% (30 out of 408). The mean birth weight and gestational age was 1406.1 grams and 30.67 weeks in patients without ROP, and 979.8 grams and 27.46 weeks in patients with ROP, respectively. In both total and very low birth weight (VLBW) patients, the incidence of ROP was higher in the PDA group than the non-PDA group, but the PDA group was an independent risk factor only in the VLBW group (p = 0.033). The incidence of threshold disease was not significantly different between the PDA and control groups (p = 0.757). There was no significant difference of incidence of ROP and threshold disease among the 3 treatment groups for PDA. CONCLUSIONS: In VLBW patients, the presence of PDA increased the risk of ROP and its progression, thus more attention is needed for PDA patients. However, there was no significant difference in ROP incidence and progression according to different PDA treatment methods.
Birth Weight ; Diterpenes ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Gestational Age ; Humans ; Incidence ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight ; Intensive Care, Neonatal ; Mass Screening ; Medical Records ; Retinopathy of Prematurity ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

No abstract available.
Ring Chromosomes*

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Fracture of the tooth-colored superstructure material is one of the main prosthetic complications in implant-supported prostheses. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the fracture strength between the cement-retained implant-supported metal-ceramic crowns and the indirect composite resinveneered metal crowns under the vertical compressive load. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Standard implants of external type (AVANA IFR 415 Pre-mount; Osstem Co., Busan, Korea) were embedded in stainless steel blocks perpendicular to their long axis. Customized abutments were fabricated using plastic UCLA abutments (Esthetic plastic cylinder; Osstem Co., Busan, Korea). Thirty standardized copings were cast with non-precious metal (Rexillium III, Pentron, Walling ford, Conn., USA). Copings were divided into two groups of 15 specimens each (n = 15). For Group I specimens, metal-ceramic crowns were fabricated. For Group II specimens, composite resin-veneered (Sinfony, 3M-ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) metal crowns (Sinfony-veneered crowns) were fabricated according to manufacturer's instructions. All crowns were temporary cemented and vertically loaded with an Instron universal testing machine (Instron 3366, Instron Corp., Norwood, MA, USA). The maximum load value (N) at the moment of complete failure was recorded and all data were statistically analyzed by independent sample t-test at the significance level of 0.05. The modes of failure were also investigated with visual analysis. RESULTS: The fracture strength of Sinfony-veneered crowns (2292.7 +/- 576.0 N) was significantly greater than that of metal-ceramic crowns (1150.6 +/- 268.2 N) (P < 0.05). With regard to the failure mode, Sinfony-veneered crowns exhibited adhesive failure, while metal-ceramic crowns tended to fracture in a manner that resulted in combined failure. CONCLUSION: Sinfony-veneered crowns demonstrated a significantly higher fracture strength than that of metal-ceramic crowns in cement-retained implant-supported prostheses.
Adhesives ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Busan ; Crowns* ; Plastics ; Prostheses and Implants ; Stainless Steel

No abstract available.
Knee* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging*

Purpose: Posture correction bands (PCBs) have been proposed as aids to help chest expansion and to enhance respiratory function. However, the impact of PCBs on community-based older individuals engaged in inspiratory muscle training (IMT) at home remains unclear. Materials and Methods: Community-based individuals aged 65 years and older were divided into the PCB group, wearing PCBs, and the NPCB group, not wearing PCBs. The IMT regimen lasted 8 weeks, with sessions 5 times a week, including 4 sets per day and 15 repetitions per set. Training intensity was set at 50% of the maximum inspiratory pressure of each subject. To assess the effects of IMT, respiratory function, 6-minute walk test, and grip strength were measured before, during, and after the training period.Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance, with post-hoc evaluation employing Bonferroni correction. Results: A total of 40 subjects were evenly divided into the PCB group and the NPCB group, with 20 subjects in each group. No significant difference was observed in respiratory muscle strength based on PCB use. However, during the initial 4 weeks, the PCB group exhibited a trend towards an increase in respiratory muscle strength compared to the NPCB group; this trend, however, did not prove to be statistically significant by the end of the 8-week period. Performance on the 6-minute walk test significantly improved in both groups. Conclusion The PCB group exhibited a tendency for increase in respiratory muscle strength in the first 4 weeks; however, ultimately there was no significant difference compared to the NPCB group.Clinical Trial Registration: This study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service, part of the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (Clinical Research Information Service No. KCT0008075).

Purpose: Posture correction bands (PCBs) have been proposed as aids to help chest expansion and to enhance respiratory function. However, the impact of PCBs on community-based older individuals engaged in inspiratory muscle training (IMT) at home remains unclear. Materials and Methods: Community-based individuals aged 65 years and older were divided into the PCB group, wearing PCBs, and the NPCB group, not wearing PCBs. The IMT regimen lasted 8 weeks, with sessions 5 times a week, including 4 sets per day and 15 repetitions per set. Training intensity was set at 50% of the maximum inspiratory pressure of each subject. To assess the effects of IMT, respiratory function, 6-minute walk test, and grip strength were measured before, during, and after the training period.Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance, with post-hoc evaluation employing Bonferroni correction. Results: A total of 40 subjects were evenly divided into the PCB group and the NPCB group, with 20 subjects in each group. No significant difference was observed in respiratory muscle strength based on PCB use. However, during the initial 4 weeks, the PCB group exhibited a trend towards an increase in respiratory muscle strength compared to the NPCB group; this trend, however, did not prove to be statistically significant by the end of the 8-week period. Performance on the 6-minute walk test significantly improved in both groups. Conclusion The PCB group exhibited a tendency for increase in respiratory muscle strength in the first 4 weeks; however, ultimately there was no significant difference compared to the NPCB group.Clinical Trial Registration: This study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service, part of the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (Clinical Research Information Service No. KCT0008075).

Purpose: Posture correction bands (PCBs) have been proposed as aids to help chest expansion and to enhance respiratory function. However, the impact of PCBs on community-based older individuals engaged in inspiratory muscle training (IMT) at home remains unclear. Materials and Methods: Community-based individuals aged 65 years and older were divided into the PCB group, wearing PCBs, and the NPCB group, not wearing PCBs. The IMT regimen lasted 8 weeks, with sessions 5 times a week, including 4 sets per day and 15 repetitions per set. Training intensity was set at 50% of the maximum inspiratory pressure of each subject. To assess the effects of IMT, respiratory function, 6-minute walk test, and grip strength were measured before, during, and after the training period.Data were analyzed using repeated-measures analysis of variance, with post-hoc evaluation employing Bonferroni correction. Results: A total of 40 subjects were evenly divided into the PCB group and the NPCB group, with 20 subjects in each group. No significant difference was observed in respiratory muscle strength based on PCB use. However, during the initial 4 weeks, the PCB group exhibited a trend towards an increase in respiratory muscle strength compared to the NPCB group; this trend, however, did not prove to be statistically significant by the end of the 8-week period. Performance on the 6-minute walk test significantly improved in both groups. Conclusion The PCB group exhibited a tendency for increase in respiratory muscle strength in the first 4 weeks; however, ultimately there was no significant difference compared to the NPCB group.Clinical Trial Registration: This study was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service, part of the World Health Organization’s International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (Clinical Research Information Service No. KCT0008075).