No abstract available.
Cause of Death* ; Humans ; Kidney Failure, Chronic* ; Renal Dialysis* ; Survival Rate*

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of a mixture of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and cross-linked dextran Lipen-10(R) used for penile augmentation under the physical impact generated during sexual intercourse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From March 2010 to October 2011, a total of 20 patients with a mean age of 44 years (interquartile range, 20~70 years) who requested penile augmentation participated in this study. Lipen-10(R) filler is a mixture of 75% cross-linked dextran, 15% PMMA, and 10% hypromellose solution. With the patient in the supine position, Lipen-10(R) was injected into the subcutaneous tissue between the dartos fascia and Buck's fascia of the penis using a fanning technique. Penile length and circumference were measured before the procedure and six, 12, and 18 months after the procedure. Values were compared using the Student's t-test and the paired t-test. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients completed this study. The increases in circumference and length observed six months after the procedure were found to have been maintained without change at 12 and 18 months of follow-up. At 12 and 18 months of follow-up, no abnormal findings were observed. Pelvic magnetic resonance imaging conducted at 18 months of follow-up showed no trace of the injected filler having migrated to other sites, and the volume was well maintained. CONCLUSIONS: Lipen-10(R), a mixture of PMMA and cross-linked dextran, showed good durability and tolerability over 18 months of follow-up during which the participants were sexually active.
Coitus ; Dextrans* ; Fascia ; Follow-Up Studies* ; Humans ; Longevity* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Penis ; Polymethyl Methacrylate* ; Subcutaneous Tissue ; Supine Position

The effectiveness of several sulfhydryl compounds in the treatment of paraquat intoxication has been previously tested based on their antioxidant ability. However, practical guidelines for their clinical use remain to be determined. As a preliminary pharmacokinetic study on sulfhydryl compounds, we attempted to establish the optimal concentration of N-acetyl-L-cysteine, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. We measured the antioxidant effect of these antioxidants in normal pooled plasma and on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by paraquat. N-acetyl-L-cysteine begins to suppress the production of ROS in plasma at concentrations as low as 5 mM, with the suppression being maximal at 40 mM. In the same way, glutathione increased the total antioxidant status in plasma at concentrations of 5-40 mM in a dose-dependent manner. Complete suppression of ROS in plasma induced by exposure to 500 micrometer paraquat for 40 min was observed when using 40 mM N-acetyl-L-cysteine and 5 mM glutathione. These concentrations are comparable with 50 units of catalase, which reduced ROS at concentrations of 5-100 units. Further pharmacokinetic study into the systemic administration of these antioxidants is necessary, using effective concentrations of 5-40 mM for both N-acetyl-L-cysteine and glutathione, and 1-50 units of catalase.
Acetylcysteine/*pharmacology ; Animals ; Antioxidants/pharmacokinetics/*pharmacology ; Ascorbic Acid/metabolism ; Catalase/metabolism ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Free Radical Scavengers/pharmacology ; Glutathione/metabolism/*pharmacology ; Human ; Mice ; NIH 3T3 Cells ; Paraquat/pharmacology ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Serum/*drug effects ; Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

No abstract available.
Cryptococcosis* ; Humans

BACKGROUND: In Korean traditional medicine, human beings are classified into 4 groups accordance with the characteristics of physical constitution, named; Taeum, Taeyang, Soum, and Soyang. Most of Korean traditional doctors believe that the back ground of pathophysiology is differ among each group in many diseases. HLA is the most polymorphic gene and related with human immune response. It has been used for determination of individual identification, genetic diversity and a study of disease association in different ethnic group. It has well known that the most human inflammatory disease which thought to have some autoimmune basis are in some way promoted by genes of the HLA region. The purpose of this study is to observe the distribution of HLA-DR genotypes in 4 types of physical constitution in Korean traditional medicine. METHODS: Three hundred and ten Korean subjects(Soyang : 58cases, Soum :142cases, Taeum : 92cases, Taeyang : 18cases) were enrolled for this study. Genomic DNAs extracted by phenol/chroloform were amplified with allele specific primers and determined by 2% agarose gel electrophoresis with ethidium bromide staining for analysis of HLA-DR polymorphism. RESULTS: The genotype frequency of HLA-DR in a total or 310 Koreans was DR1 ; 7.2%, DR 2; 10.5%, DR 3;1.7%, DR 4; 19.9%, DR 5; 11.9%, DR 6;19.9%, DR 7; 7.0%, DR 8; 10.6%, DR 9; 8.7%, DR10;1.9%. There was no significant diffrence of HLA-DR genotype distribution among four physical constitution groups classified by Korean traditional medicine. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that the classification of physical constitution in Korean traditional medicine is not related to HLA-DR genotypes.
Alleles ; Classification ; Constitution and Bylaws* ; DNA ; Electrophoresis, Agar Gel ; Ethidium ; Ethnic Groups ; Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; HLA-DR Antigens* ; Humans ; Medicine, Korean Traditional*

It is often difficult, on the basis of clinical examination and conventional investigations, to evaluate the functional impairment of brain in children with cerebral palsy in which early detection remains a challenge. This study was designed to know the usefulness of single photon emission tomography(SPECT) of the brain with technetium-99 m hexamethylpropyleneamineoxime (99mTc-HMPAO) as a semiquantitative method of determination of right-left asymmetries in tracer uptake and a change in antero-posterior regional cerebral blood flow(rCBF) distribution. We investigated 33 children with cerebral palsy aged from 4 months to 48 months(mean 19.3 months). The results were as follows: right to left ratio and regional index of a transverse view were useful to quantify the decrease of tracer uptake in left hemiplegia, but not in right hemiplegia who were all mild in severity, and in tetra- and diplegia in which cerebral lesions were found bilaterally; cortico-cerebellar ratios of a sagittal view were found useful to detect a decrease of rCBF distribution in tetra- and diplegia ,which was not distinct by means of right to left ratio and regional index on transverse view. The results suggest that semiquantitative analysis of 99mTc-HMPAO Brain SPECT would be a valuable complementary tool for determination of topographical involvement in cerebral palsy.
Brain* ; Cerebral Palsy* ; Child ; Hemiplegia ; Humans ; Technetium Tc 99m Exametazime* ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon*

PURPOSE: Transverse type or volar oblique type of defect of thumb tip can be covered by Moberg flap or second toe pulp free flap. We compared these two methods in functional result, patients' satisfaction, and sensation, etc. to find a better way to cover the defect of the thumb tip. METHODS: From 2003 to 2006, we chose the patients randomly with preoperative pictures. The patients had the defect of the thumb tip which is either transverse or volar oblique type. The 6 patients were treated with Moberg flap and other 6 patients were treated with second toe pulp free flap. We have analyzed the results by 2 point discrimination, side pinching power test, pulp to pulp pinching power test, pain scales (visual analogue scale), satisfaction scales of the patients (functional and aesthetic), the degree of the range of motion, etc. RESULTS: All flaps survived without any complications. In the cases of Moberg flaps, the value of static 2 point discrimination test was 5.6mm, and the value of moving 2 point discrimination test was 4.8mm. In the cases of second toe pulp free flaps, the values were 9.6mm and 9.3mm. In the cases of Moberg flaps, the value of the Side pinch power test was 6.6kg, 4.4kg. In the case of second toe pulp free flaps, the values were 4.8kg and 2.5kg. The value of aesthetic satisfaction scale of the patients in Moberg flaps was 5.6, the value of functional satisfaction scale of the patients was 3.6. In cases of second toe pulp free flaps, the values were 5.6 and 3.6. The active range of motion of Interphalangeal joint in the cases of Moberg flaps was 46.6 degree, and the active range of motion of metacarpophalangeal joint was 55 degree, in the cases of second toe pulp free flaps, the values were 36.6 degree and 59 degree. CONCLUSION: As a result, when the defect of the thumb tip is transverse or volar oblique type, we suggest that the operators choose Moberg flap to cover the defect of the thumb tip.
Amputation ; Discrimination (Psychology) ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Humans ; Joints ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Sensation ; Thumb ; Toes ; Weights and Measures

BACKGROUND: Although a significant number of studies were done on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS), its pathogenesis has not been sufficiently established yet. Recent studies suggested certain types of circulating factor(s) played an important role in development and recurrence after renal transplantation of FSGS by modifying the glomerular permeability of albumin. The purpose of this study performed on animals and through molecular-biological experiments is to certify the role of circulating factor (s), which cause proteinuria, by manipulating plasma of a FSGS patient who showed massive of proteinuria and wide effacement of glomerular epithelial foot processes in histologic examination after renal transplantation. also, whose massive proteinuria decreased significantly after plasma exchange. METHODS: The patient's plasma prior to(plasma A) or post to(plasma B) plasma exchange were injected into tail veins of two groups of male Sprague-Dawley rats, six in each. The ratio of 24 hour urine protein and urine creatinine(Uprt/Ucr) was calculated for each case. The 2D gel electrophoresis was performed in plasma A and plasma B. The pattern of 2D gel electrophoresis of plasma A was compared to those of plasma B and healthy human serum. RESULTS: Compared to control group, there was no significant differences in 24-hour Uprt/Ucr afer injecting 1, 2, 3, 5 mL of plasma A(p>0.05). There was no significant difference in 24-hour Uprt/Ucr between the injecting groups of plasma A and plasma B(p>0.05). We were not able to observe any new protein which did not appear in plasma B or healthy human serum in 2D gel electrophoresis. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the proteinuria developed in a few hours after renal transplantation and is related to wide effacement of glomerular epithelial foot processes, and that it may be induced by a certain factor which is eliminated by the plasma exchange or restrained by the immunosuppressive agents. However, we were not able to find certain circulating factor(s) which rapidly changes albumin permeability in the patient's plasma with FSGS.
Animals ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional ; Foot ; Glomerulosclerosis, Focal Segmental* ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; Kidney Transplantation ; Male ; Permeability ; Plasma ; Plasma Exchange ; Proteinuria ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Recurrence ; Veins

PURPOSE: The second toe PIP joint free flap is a method of reconstruction used for abnormalities of the PIP joint of the finger. We report the results of the additional tenolysis in patients with a difference between passive ROM and active ROM after second toe PIP joint free flap. METHODS: From March 2001 to July 2008, tenolysis was performed in patients with a difference in their active and passive ROM after second toe PIP joint free transfer, performed on 14 fingers. We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records, noting the clinical and radiological findings. In addition, we measured the preoperative and postoperative range of motion of the PIP joint. RESULTS: The average active ROM was 22.5degrees in three months after the joint transfer surgery, and was 38degrees after additional tenolysis from five months to twelve months after the joint transfer. CONCLUSIONS: Additional tenolysis, after the second toe PIP joint free flap, might be a good option with an improved results in patients with difference in active and passive ROM of a transferred PIP joint.
Fingers ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Humans ; Joints ; Medical Records ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Retrospective Studies ; Toes

PURPOSE: The urinary mass screening program for the detection of proteinuria had been performed for a school age population in the city of Seoul since 1981. However, systematic evaluation for this program had never been done. We, therefore, designed a systematic evaluation in corporation with the Seoul School Health Center for students with proteinuria identified in the mass screening to determine the prevalence of asymptomatic proteinuria, and to estimate the risk of incipient renal diseases and incidences of some of them. And also, we attempted to reveal the significance of urinary mass screening. METHODS: In the period of 8 years betwen 1987 and 1994, annually about a half million students, who comprised 3 different age groups, 5th grade of elementary school, 2nd grade of junior school and 2nd grade of high school were chosen, corresponding to the approximate ages of 11, 14 and 17 years, respectively. These subjects accounted for 25% of total school children in Seoul. The screening program was carried out in 3 steps. The 1st test was performed at schools and the 2nd at the School Health Center. Those students who showed proteinuria in the 1st and 2nd tests were referred to the hospital. Laboratory examinations including renal biopsies were performed in those students with pathologic proteinuria to clarify the incipient renal diseases. RESULTS: 1) The prevalences of asymptomatic proteinuria were 0.2-0.36% (average 0.28%) in the 1st test. It peaked at the age of 14 years 0.36%, compared to 0.2% in the 11 age group and 0.25% in the 17 age group. 2) There was a difference of asymptomatic proteinuria by sex and age, higher prevalence in the female in the 11 age group but higher in the male in the 17 age group. 3) The distribution of proteinuria in accordance with various types classified by us at the 3rd test showed as follows: transient proteinuria (type 1) 17%, orthostatic proteinuria (type 2) 55%, constant proteinuria (type 3) 6%, proteinuria with hematuria (type 4) 20%, isolated proteinuria (type 5) 2%. Pathologic proteinuria comprised of type 3, 4 and 5, accounted for 28%, which was 1/10 of proteinuria in the 1st test. 4) The annual incidence of renal glomerular diseases among the age goup of 7-18 years was estimated to be 2.8 per 10,000. 5) Renal pathologic studies on 80 children with proteinuria and hematuria (66) or constant proteinuria (14) revealed IgA Nephropathy (38.9%) was the most frequent glomerular diease. MPGN 10.0%, MGN 7.5%, Reflux Nephropathy 7.5%, FSGS 6.2% were followed, respectively. HBV asssociated Nephropathy was 7.5%. 6) 4 of Reflux Nephropathy and 2 of FSGS were found in the 14 children with constant proteinuria in the screening test. Among these children, 5 progressed to chronic renal failure. 7) The annual incidence of IgA Nephropathy among the age group of 7-18 years was 1.1 per 10,000. 8) The morbidity of chronic renal failure was estimated to be 9.8 per 1 million of 7 to 18 years age group. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Most Students, approximately 90%, who were found to have asymptomatic proteinuria in the initial screening were normal so clinical evaluations for them should be very much cautious. Only 10% of them had pathologic proteinuria which denoted incipient renal diseases. 2) Annual incidences of incipient renal glomerular diseases, IgA Nephropathy and chronic renal failure were estimated to be 2.8 per 10,000, 1.1 per 10,000 and 9.8 per 1 million among school children in Seoul. 3) Because of the high incidence of significant glomerular changes and the high rate of progression to chronic renal failure in children with constant proteinuria, it should be regarded as serious one. 4) The definite conclusion that a urinary mass screening program can alter the prognosis of children with renal diseases identified in the mass screening can not be drawn with this study. Further study must be necessary.
Biopsy ; Child* ; Female ; Glomerulonephritis, IGA ; Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative ; Hematuria ; Humans ; Incidence ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; Male ; Mass Screening* ; Prevalence ; Prognosis ; Proteinuria ; School Health Services ; Seoul*