PURPOSE: The benefits of thrombolytic treatment are time-dependent. We developed a smartphone application that aids stroke patient self-screening and hospital selection, and may also decrease hospital arrival time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The application was developed for iPhone and Android smartphones. Map data for the application were adopted from the open map. For hospital registration, a web page (http://stroke119.org) was developed using PHP and MySQL. RESULTS: The Stroke 119 application includes a stroke screening tool and real-time information on nearby hospitals that provide thrombolytic treatment. It also provides information on stroke symptoms, thrombolytic treatment, and prescribed actions when stroke is suspected. The stroke screening tool was adopted from the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale and is displayed in a cartoon format. If the user taps a cartoon image that represents abnormal findings, a pop-up window shows that the user may be having a stroke, informs the user what to do, and directs the user to call emergency services. Information on nearby hospitals is provided in map and list views, incorporating proximity to the user's location using a Global Positioning System (a built-in function of smartphones). Users can search for a hospital according to specialty and treatment levels. We also developed a web page for hospitals to register in the system. Neurology training hospitals and hospitals that provide acute stroke care in Korea were invited to register. Seventy-seven hospitals had completed registration. CONCLUSION: This application may be useful for reducing hospital arrival times for thrombolytic candidates.
*Cellular Phone ; Geographic Information Systems ; Hospitals ; Humans ; Republic of Korea ; Stroke/*diagnosis

PURPOSE : To compare the clinical, roentgenographic results and patient self assessment between posterior cruciate retaining TKA and posterior cruciate substituting TKA. MATERIALS AND METHODS : From January 1993 to May 1999, 68 patients (106 knees) were performed total knee arthroplasty using the PFC system. Seventy five PCL retaining and thirty one PCL substituting components were used. Retrospective analysis were done in two groups by the clinical and radiological evaluation system using American Knee Society Scale and patient self assessment using WOMAC score. RESULTS : There were no statistically significant differences in knee score and functional score, improvement of range of motion, and self assesment of the PCL retaining and substituting group. We also observed improvement of pain, knee scores, and functional scores according to flexion contracture in both groups but there were no significant differences statistically. Tibiofemoral angles were corrected in both groups. There was no case of complete radiolucency, osteolysis, and component loosening. CONCLUSION : Surgeons will achieve good result of operation, if they choose proper type of TKA systems according to state of posterior cruciate ligament, degree of deformity, and technique of surgery.
Arthroplasty* ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Contracture ; Equidae ; Humans ; Knee* ; Osteolysis ; Posterior Cruciate Ligament ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Self-Assessment

Consumption of foods with high energy and low nutrient values has been linked to various health issues including obesity and chronic diseases. This study investigated the high-energy/low-nutrient food consumption status and its relationship with obesity status and intake of energy and nutrients, using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) and the Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey (KYRBWS). The prevalence of overweight and obesity among 2-18 year-olds was 8.4% and 10.8% in 2008 and 8.5% and 9.0% in 2009, respectively, in KNHANES. The prevalence of obesity among 12-18 year-olds was 13.9% in 2008 and 11.4% in 2009 in KNHANES, while it was 8.1% in 2008 and 8.2% in 2009 in KYRBWS. Consumption patterns of high-energy/low-nutrient foods were diverse depending on the particular food type. High-energy/low-nutrient foods such as cookies were most often consumed more frequently (2~3 times per week), but fast food type foods were generally consumed less frequently (once per week or less). No significant relationships between high-energy/low-nutrient food consumption and level of energy and nutrient intakes were found in either datasets. Adolescents who were not obese more frequently consumed ramen (p < 0.001), cookies (p < 0.001) and fast food (p < 0.001) than those who were obese in KYRBWS, however, such relationships were not found in KNHANES. This direction of the relationship could be probably attributed to the cross-sectional nature of the datasets. This study was limited by the cross-sectional nature of the data, therefore, further longitudinal research using various study techniques would be necessary to understand the effects of high-energy/low-nutrient foods on child obesity.
Adolescent ; Child ; Chronic Disease ; Fast Foods ; Humans ; Korea ; Nutrition Surveys ; Obesity ; Overweight ; Prevalence ; Risk-Taking

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcome of combined phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and vitrectomy for macula-sparing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: The results of combined vitrectomy with cataract extraction were retrospectively analyzed in patients with preexisting cataracts and new-onset rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. To qualify, patients must also have had macular sparing in a region 6,000 microm in diameter on optical coherence tomography. The anatomical success rate, visual outcomes, and postoperative complications relating to visual acuity were evaluated. RESULTS: In 56 patients followed postoperatively for more than 12 months, the initial and final surgical success rate was 96.4% and 100%, respectively. The mean preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was 0.05 and decreased to 0.11 postoperatively (p < 0.001). Of the 56 patients, 20 (35.7%) had worse visual acuity postoperatively, compared with preoperatively (0.06 vs. 0.27, p < 0.001); these cases were comprised of six patients with epiretinal membranes, 12 patients with a posterior capsule opacity, and two patients with cystoid macular edema. In the remaining 36 patients, there were no significant differences in visual acuity preoperatively and postoperatively (0.04 vs. 0.03, p = 0.324). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cataracts who develop macula-sparing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment and whose visual prognosis is excellent assuming the retina can be reattached successfully, combined phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, and vitrectomy might be an effective treatment. However, the visual prognosis is significantly affected by postoperative complications such as an epiretinal membranes, posterior capsule opacity, and cystoid macular edema. Therefore, further studies should examine methods to prevent these postoperative complications.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; *Lens Implantation, Intraocular/adverse effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; *Phacoemulsification/adverse effects ; Postoperative Complications/prevention & control ; Retinal Detachment/physiopathology/*surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Tomography, Optical Coherence ; Treatment Outcome ; Visual Acuity ; *Vitrectomy/adverse effects

PURPOSE: Parotid gland can be considered as a risk organ in whole brain radiotherapy (WBRT). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the parotid gland sparing effect of computed tomography (CT)-based WBRT compared to 2-dimensional plan with conventional field margin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2008 to April 2011, 53 patients underwent WBRT using CT-based simulation. Bilateral two-field arrangement was used and the prescribed dose was 30 Gy in 10 fractions. We compared the parotid dose between 2 radiotherapy plans using different lower field margins: conventional field to the lower level of the atlas (CF) and modified field fitted to the brain tissue (MF). RESULTS: Averages of mean parotid dose of the 2 protocols with CF and MF were 17.4 Gy and 8.7 Gy, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean parotid dose of both glands > or =20 Gy were observed in 15 (28.3%) for CF and in 0 (0.0%) for MF. The whole brain percentage volumes receiving >98% of prescribed dose were 99.7% for CF and 99.5% for MF. CONCLUSION: Compared to WBRT with CF, CT-based lower field margin modification is a simple and effective technique for sparing the parotid gland, while providing similar dose coverage of the whole brain.
Brain ; Humans ; Parotid Gland ; Xerostomia

Gitelman's syndrome (GS) is caused by loss-of-function mutations in SLC12A3 and characterized by hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypocalciuria, and hypomagnesemia. Long-term prognosis and the role of gene diagnosis in GS are still unclear. To investigate genotype-phenotype correlation in GS and Gitelman-like syndrome, we enrolled 34 patients who showed hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis without secondary causes. Mutation analysis of SLC12A3 and CLCNKB was performed. Thirty-one patients had mutations in SLC12A3, 5 patients in CLCNKB, and 2 patients in both genes. There was no significant difference between male and female in clinical manifestations at the time of presentation, except for early onset of symptoms in males and more profound hypokalemia in females. We identified 10 novel mutations in SLC12A3 and 4 in CLCNKB. Compared with those with CLCNKB mutations, patients with SLC12A3 mutations were characterized by more consistent hypocalciuria and hypomagnesemia. Patients with 2 mutant SLC12A3 alleles, compared with those with 1 mutant allele, did not have more severe clinical and laboratory findings except for lower plasma magnesium concentrations. Male and female patients did not differ in their requirement for electrolyte replacements. Two patients with concomitant SLC12A3 and CLCNKB mutations had early-onset severe symptoms and showed different response to treatment. Hypocalciuria and hypomagnesemia are useful markers in differentiation of GS and classical Bartter's syndrome. Gender, genotypes or the number of SLC12A3 mutant alleles cannot predict the severity of disease or response to treatment.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Alleles ; Bartter Syndrome/genetics/pathology ; Chloride Channels/*genetics ; DNA Mutational Analysis ; Female ; Genetic Association Studies ; Genotype ; Gitelman Syndrome/*genetics/pathology ; Humans ; Hypokalemia/etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Phenotype ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Solute Carrier Family 12, Member 3/genetics ; Young Adult

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Behcet's disease (BD) may develop variable neuro logic manifestations. We herein report patients with neuroBD with special reference to clinical, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and radiological findings. METHODS: Twenty-six patients, who fulfilled international BD criteria, were enrolled. Twenty-four of them fulfilled the criteriae at the time of, and another two at a three and four month follow up after presenting neurological manifestations. Twenty-two patients had CSF examination. All but three patients had imaging studies (CT scan in 7 and MRI in 16). RESULTS: Most patients with neuroBD presented with focal neurologic deficits, followed by meningitic symptoms and behavioral changes or cognitive dysfunctions. The common initial neurological symptoms or signs were hypereflexia, headache, dysarthria, and disturbances of eye movement in order of frequency. One or more parameters of CSF examinations were abnormal in all but two patients. Mean WBC count was 165+/-279/mm3 (9-1320). Nine of them were neutrophilic (polys >50%). Protein was mildly ele vated up to 155 mg/dI. Neuroimaging studies showed abnormal findings in 18 patients (75 %). Increased signal intensity on T2 weighted image was the most common finding. Basal ganglia, midbrain, pons and thalamus were the common sites of involvement in that of frequency. Although most patients had a lesion in the brain parenchyme or meninges, one patient had venous sinus thrombosis and another one had myelitis. Clinical outcomes were good in that all but three patients improved. However, 10 of them (38 %) recurred during their follow-up period of average 36 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that neuroBD may present with variable neurologic manifestations and show characteristic neutrophilic CSF findings and multifocal brainstem or diencephalon involvements. The frequent recurrence, despite their good clinical outcomes, points up the need for careful long-term neuologic observations.
Basal Ganglia ; Brain ; Brain Stem ; Cerebrospinal Fluid* ; Diencephalon ; Dysarthria ; Eye Movements ; Follow-Up Studies ; Headache ; Humans ; Logic ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Meninges ; Mesencephalon ; Myelitis ; Neuroimaging ; Neurologic Manifestations ; Neutrophils ; Pons ; Recurrence ; Sinus Thrombosis, Intracranial ; Thalamus

Metabolic acidosis is a cause of renal disease progression, and alkali therapy ameliorates its progression. However, there are few reports on the role of renal acid-base transporters during alkali therapy. We evaluated the effect of sodium bicarbonate therapy and the role of acid-base transporters on renal disease progression in rats with a remnant kidney. Sprague-Dawley rats consumed dietary sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or sodium chloride (NaCl) with 20% casein after a 5/6 nephrectomy. After being provided with a casein diet, the NaHCO3-treated group had higher levels of serum bicarbonate than the control group. At week 4, the glomerular filtration rate in the NaHCO3 group was higher than that in the NaCl group, and the difference became prominent at week 10. The glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial damage indices in the NaHCO3 group were less severe compared with controls at week 4 and 10. The expression of the Na/H exchanger (NHE) was decreased, and apical reactivity was decreased in the NaHCO3 group, compared with the NaCl group. Endothelin-1 levels in the kidney were also decreased in the NaHCO3 group. Dietary sodium bicarbonate has the effects of ameliorating renal disease progression, which may be related to the altered expression of NHE in the remaining kidney.
Acidosis/*drug therapy ; Alkalies/*therapeutic use ; Animals ; Caseins/administration & dosage ; Disease Progression ; Glomerular Filtration Rate/drug effects ; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental/drug therapy ; Kidney/injuries ; Male ; Nephrectomy ; Nephritis, Interstitial/drug therapy ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Renal Insufficiency/*drug therapy ; Sodium Bicarbonate/*therapeutic use ; Sodium Chloride/administration & dosage ; Sodium-Hydrogen Antiporter/*antagonists & inhibitors

Triceps tendon avulsion from the olecranon is a rare injury. Missed or delayed diagnosis may result in a weakness of strength or a decreased range of motion of the elbow. This injury is usually caused by a fall on the outstretched hand or a direct blow to the posterior arm. In addition, the rupture of the triceps tendon is implicated by a sudden eccentric contraction of the triceps muscle. To determine whether the rupture is complete or incomplete is critical to guide the treatment method. A small avulsed fragment from the olecranon may be detected on lateral radiographs of the elbow. We report three cases of the triceps tendon avulsion with a bony flake from the olecranon, which were surgically treated, along with a brief review of the literature.
Arm ; Contracts ; Delayed Diagnosis ; Elbow ; Hand ; Muscles ; Olecranon Process ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Rupture ; Tendons

The fingernail is damaged and deformed by various causes such as crushing, laceration, avulsion injury, infection, tumor and personal habit. The growth disturbance of nail plate may be caused by systemic diseases or trauma without a direct injury of the fingernail and is usually found in accident. We experienced abnormal growth of nail plate in four patients with previous fractures of metacarpal bone. At about 8 weeks after trauma, a swelling and tenderness on the eponychium and a growth disturbance of affected nail plates occurred. All affected fingernails were treated with the nail extraction. The authors report four cases of growth disturbance of nail plates which obtained the satisfactory results by using the nail extraction.
Humans ; Lacerations ; Nails