PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a positive psychology-based and character strengths-integrated activity program for elders living alone in rural areas, and then to examine the effectiveness of the program. METHODS: A quasi-experimental pre- and post-test design with a nonequivalent control group was used. The participants included 59 elders in total, of whom 30 were assigned to the experimental group and 29 to the control group. positive psychology-based and character strengths-integrated activity program for elders consists of sixty-minute sessions held twice per week during 6 weeks, hence 12 sessions in total. RESULTS: There were significant differences between the experimental and control groups in depression, vitality and life satisfaction (all p<.001). CONCLUSION: The positive psychology-based and character strengths-integrated activity program for elders living alone in rural areas is effective in that it decreased the degree of depression and increased the vitality and life satisfaction in the participants.
Aged* ; Depression* ; Humans ; Quality of Life

Flowcytometry is a very important technique for the analysis of cell properties, with the advantages of simultaneous multiparameter analysis of large cell population in a short time. Recent advances in computer science and techniques in cell preparation and staining make it more valuable for the study of cell biology and its clinical application. This study was performed to establish the techniques of flowcytometry analysis of osteosarcoma cells, to evaluate the results of the characteristics of the DNA and specific cell cycle phase of osteosarcoma cells obtained by preparation of paraffin-embedded tissue blocks, and to analyze any possible difference between cell populations lacated apart from each other in the tumor mass for making a base for further clinical application. Paraffin-embedded tissue blocks were obtained from 10 cases of primary osteosarcoma, which had undergone amputation without chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Tissue blocks obtained from the most superficial and the deepest portions of the tumor mass from the skin surface were selected respectively in each cases. To evaluate the technique and results obtained, analysis of the whole sample were performed twice in a separate setting. Satisfactory DNA histogram was obtained from 14 of 20 tissue blocks, with the values of distribution in the specific cell cycle phases. DNA aneuploidy was found in 2 cases with a DNA index of 1.6 and 1.3, and no difference in DNA ploidy by the location in tumor mass. The S-phase and G2+M phase fraction were 13.2±8.5 and 6.2±3.1 respectively, reflecting the increased cell proliferation compared with normal cell population. There was no statistically significant difference of these values between superficial and deep portions, but the difference was 9.0±9.7 with a maximum of 26.6, much greater than the difference 3.3±3.6, between the first and second set of analysis. Flowcytometry is a very useful technique in the analysis of the DNA and cell cycle phase properties, and the characteristics of DNA and cell proliferation status of osteosarcoma cells were successfully evaluated by this technique. Unsatisfactory DNA histograms were thought to be the result of inappropriate samples. To adequately evaluate the changes in the tumor mass, standardization in obtaining tumor tissue about the location in the tumor mass is suggested for future studies with flowcytometry about the properties of tumor cells.
Amputation ; Aneuploidy ; Cell Cycle ; Cell Proliferation ; DNA ; Drug Therapy ; Osteosarcoma ; Ploidies ; Radiotherapy ; Skin

No abstract available.
Kidney Transplantation* ; Kidney*

BACKGROUND: Recent evidences suggest that anesthetic action within the spinal cord is important in suppressing somatic responses to painful stimuli. Intrathecal endothelin-1 (ET-1) is known to have antinociceptive effect. The purpose of this experiment was to determine whether intrathecal ET-1 may influence the minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of isoflurane in rats and access the role of the spinal cord as the sites of anesthetic action in blocking somatic responsiveness. METHODS: In Sprague-Dawley rats fitted with an indwelling intrathecal catheter, we determined the MAC of isoflurane using a tail-clamp technique as a painful stimulus, combined with end-tidal anesthetic sampling. In experiment 1, the control MAC was determined and changes of control MAC were observed after intrathecal ET-1 (4x10-2 nmol, 4x10-3 nmol) administration. In experiment 2, we observed the effects of L or N type Ca++ channel blocker such as verapamil (50 g) or W-conotoxin (0.5 g) on the MAC after measurement of the control MAC. In experiment 3, after measurement of the control MAC, ET-1 (10-2 nmol) was administered intrathecally and the MAC was determined again. Next, intrathecal verapamil (50 g) or W-conotoxin (0.5 g) was injected. After that, the MAC was determined again. RESULTS: In experiment 1, ET-1 decreased the MAC of isoflurane and its effect was sustained over 2 hours. In experiment 2, the MAC, determined following administration of verapamil or W-conotoxin, was not different from that of the control. In experiment 3, the MAC was decreased after ET-1 administration and then increased following injection of verapamil or W-conotoxin. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that ET-1, in relation to calcium, might play an important role in determining the MAC of isoflurane in the spinal cord.
Animals ; Calcium ; Catheters ; Endothelin-1* ; Isoflurane* ; Rats* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spinal Cord ; Verapamil

No abstract available.
Hypersensitivity, Delayed* ; Ranitidine* ; T-Lymphocytes*

We herein describe a case of a 55-year-old healthy woman with localized primary thymic amyloidosis presented as a mediastinal mass, found incidentally by chest radiography. Computed tomography revealed a 4.1 cm soft tissue lesion with nodular calcification in the left anterior mediastinum. The resected specimen was a well-defined lobulating mass with calcification. Microscopically, the mass was consisted of amorphous eosinophilc hyalinized substances involving the thymus and intrathymic lymph nodes. These eosinophilic substances showed apple-green bi-refringence under polarized light after staining with Congo red. In immunohistochemical study, they were positive for kappa and lambda light chains and negative for amyloid A. There was no evidence of systemic amyloidosis in clinical investigations. A final diagnosis of localized primary thymic amyloidosis was made.
Amyloid ; Amyloidosis ; Congo Red ; Eosinophils ; Female ; Humans ; Hyalin ; Light ; Lymph Nodes ; Mediastinum ; Middle Aged ; Thorax ; Thymoma ; Thymus Gland

PURPOSE: Four finite element models were constructed in the mandible having a single implant fixture connected to the first premolar-shaped superstructure, in order to evaluate how the shape of the fixture and the implant-abutment connection would influence the stress level of the supporting tissues, fixtures, and prosthethic components. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The superstructures were constructed using UCLA type abutment, ADA type III gold alloy was used to fabricate a crown and then connected to the fixture with an abutment screw. The models BRA, END, FRI, ITI were constructed from the mandible implanted with Branemark, Endopore, Frialit-2, I.T.I systems respectively. In each model, 150 N of vertical load was placed on the central pit of an occlusal plane and 150 N of 40.oblique load was placed on the buccal cusp. The displacement and stress distribution in the supporting tissues and the other components were analysed using a 2-dimensional finite element analysis. The maximum stress in each reference area was compared. RESULTS: 1. Under 40.oblique loading, the maximum stress was larger in the implant, superstructure and supporting tissue, compared to the stress pattern under vertical loading. 2. In the implant, prosthesis and supporting tissue, the maximum stress was smaller with the internal connection type (FRI) and the morse taper type (ITI) when compared to that of the external connection type (BRA and END). 3. In the superstructure and implant/abutment interface, the maximum stress was smaller with the internal connection type (FRI) and the morse taper type (ITI) when compared to that of the external connection type (BRA and END). 4. In the implant fixture, the maximum stress was smaller with the internal connection type (FRI) and the morse taper type (ITI) when compared to that of the external connection type (BRA and END). 5. The stress was more evenly distributed in the bone/implant interface through the FRI of trapezoidal step design. Especially Under 40.oblique loading, The maximum stress was smallest in the bone/implant interface. 6. In the implant and superstructure and supporting tissue, the maximum stress occured at the crown loading point through the ITI. CONCLUSION: The stress distribution of the supporting tissue was affected by shape of a fixture and implant-abutment connection. The magnitude of maximum stress was reduced with the internal connection type (FRI) and the morse taper type (ITI) in the implant, prosthesis and supporting tissue. Trapezoidal step design of FRI showed evenly distributed the stress at the bone/implant interface.
Alloys ; Crowns ; Dental Occlusion ; Finite Element Analysis ; Mandible ; Prostheses and Implants

With the increasing use of pedicular system to fix the spine, many complications are being reported. Recently many systems are available to fix the spine. However, each system has own advantages and disadvantages. The causes of metallic failure of Modular Segmental Spinal (MOSS) instrumentation on 42 consecutive patients undergone in Kang-Nam St. Mary's hospital since 1989 were reviewed. The specific aim of this investigation was to assess causes of metallic failure and loosening of this system on various spinal disorders. Of these, 8 cases had metallic failure and loosening. Breakage of screw and rod developed in 6 cases and dislodgement of rod from screw in 2 cases. In case of degenerative spondylolisthesis (unstable phase) with stenosis, however, the complications were closely correlated to expansile decompressive laminectomy to widen the narrowed spinal canal and the instrumental distraction to gain normal intervertebral disc space at the operation. Bony union and back pain were not correlated to metallic failure and loosening. Therefore, the main causes of metallic failure and loosening were (1) preoperative instability undergone expansile decompressive laminectomy including total bilateral facetectomy that aggravated preoperative instability, and (2) forceful instrumental dis traction. In cases needed these requirements, combined anterior interbody fusion or posterior interbody fusion should be added, heavier rods and screws larger than 3.5mm, 4.0mm in diameter, respectively, should be used. In addition to postoperatively sufficient bed rest and immobilization using rigid braces should be recommended to reduce these complications.
Back Pain ; Bed Rest ; Braces ; Constriction, Pathologic ; Humans ; Immobilization ; Intervertebral Disc ; Laminectomy ; Spinal Canal ; Spine ; Spondylolisthesis ; Traction

We have evaluated the clinical results following the 46 cases of free vascularized osteocutaneous fibular flap transfer to the tibial defect combined with soft tissue defect, which were performed from May 1982 to January 1997. In the 46 consecutive procedures of free vascularized osteocutaneous fibular flap transfer, initial bony union were obtained in the 43 grafted fibulars at average 3.75 months after operation. There were 2 cases in delayed unions and 1 in nonunion. 44 cutaneous flaps among the 46 cases were survived but 2 cases were necrotized due to deep infection and venous insufficiency. One necrotized flap was treated with latissimus dorsi free flap transfer and the other was treated with soleus muscle rotational flap. Grafted fibulas have been hypertrophied during the follow-up periods. The fracture of grafted fibula (15 cases) was the most common complication and occurred at average 9,7 months after the operation. The fractured fibulas were treated with the cast immobilization or internal fixation with conventional cancellous bone graft. In the cases of tibia and fibula fracture at recipient site, the initial rigid fixation for the fibula fracture at recipient site could prevent the fracture of grafted fibula to the tibia.
Fibula ; Follow-Up Studies ; Free Tissue Flaps ; Immobilization ; Muscle, Skeletal ; Superficial Back Muscles ; Tibia* ; Transplants* ; Venous Insufficiency

Mammary carcinoma was induced in rats by itravenous injection of N-methy-N-Nitrosourea. Microangiography was perfromed to evaluate the microvascular alterations in mammary carcinoma after irradiation. The tumors were givena single dose of 1.400 rads using Co-60 telethrapy unit with field size of 4 x 4 cm at 40 cm SSD. The dose ratewas 147.5 rads per minute. Microangiography was performed prior to irradiation and at one, two, and four weeksfollowing irradiation. The results are as follows: 1. Before irradiation, mammary carcinoma in rats tended to formlobules and the basic vasculature consisted of peripheral vascular pattern with central penetrating vessels. Theperipheral vascular pattern was always richer than that of the center. Irregular and tortuous vessles stretchedfrom the periphery into the center of lobule. 2. One week following irradiation, an increase in the number ofsmaller, tortuous vessels and decreased intervasular distance were obseved in the central portion of each lobule.This finding seems to be due to an improved filling of some previously existing but unfilled vessels. This maylead to improved metabolic changes and reoxygenation. 3. Later's changes of microvasculature after irradiation aretortuosity, irregularity, narrowing, abrupt tapering, fragmentation, and extravasation. These findings progressedafter a lapse of time. 4. The results can be considered as the microangiographic demonstration of the fact that reoxygenation after irradiation is mainly due to dilatation of the collapsed tumor vessels.
Animals ; Dilatation ; Microvessels ; Radiation Effects ; Rats ; Silver Sulfadiazine