OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to identify the association between insight and neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's dementia (AD). METHODS: We examined 2607 patients with AD in the Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South Korea study and designed a cross-sectional study. Each patient underwent psychiatric, neurological, and medical examination, interview for caregivers, laboratory tests, neuropsychological tests, and brain MRI. Cognitive function was measured using the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination, Global Deterioration Scale, and Clinical Dementia Rating. Behavioral and psychological symptoms were measured using the Korean version of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Daily Living was measured using the Barthel Index for daily living activities and Seoul-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Insight was classified according to 'with insight', 'partial insight', and 'without insight' by interview with caregivers. RESULTS: Among the 2607 patients, 990 were included in the 'with insight' group, 1191 were included in the 'Partial insight' group, and the 'without insight' group included 426 patients. The 'without insight' group had a significantly higher aggression level than the 'with insight' group, but not the 'partial insight' group [odds ratio (OR)=1.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) : 1,14-1.88]. A significantly lower prevalence of depression was observed in the 'Partial insight' group and the 'without insight' group, compared to the 'with insight' group (OR=0.51, 95% CI : 0.43-0.61/OR=0.61, 95% CI : 0.48-0.78). The 'partial insight' group showed a lower anxiety level than the 'with insight' group (OR=0.63, 95% CI : 0.53-0.75). CONCLUSION: Findings of this study confirmed that insight level was associated with aggression, depression, and anxiety in patients with Alzheimer' dementia.
Activities of Daily Living ; Aggression ; Anxiety ; Brain ; Caregivers ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dementia ; Depression ; Humans ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of Extrapyramidal signs (EPS) and the associations between EPS and cognitive subdomains in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). METHODS: We recruited 1,324 patients with AD from the Clinical Research of Dementia of South Korea (CREDOS), a hospital based cohort study with fifty-six participating hospitals. We estimated cognitive subdomain using the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery-Dementia version (SNSB-D). Dementia severity was measured by Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes (CDR-SB) and Korean version of Mini-Mental Status Examination (K-MMSE). The EPS group was defined by the presence of at least one EPS based on a focused neurologic examination. RESULTS: The prevalence of patients with EPS was 11%. These had higher CDR-SB scores than non-EPS group. After controlling for demographic, radiological, and dementia severity (CDR-SB) factors, EPS group showed lower cognitive ability in the subdomains for visuospatial and frontal-executive function than non-EPS group. The patients with EPS were showed significantly higher scores in the subdomain for memory function. CONCLUSION: The presence of EPSs in patients with AD was associated with lower visuospatial, frontal-executive function and higher memory function.
Alzheimer Disease ; Cohort Studies ; Dementia ; Humans ; Mass Screening ; Memory ; Neurobehavioral Manifestations ; Prevalence ; Republic of Korea

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify the association depression with education level in patients with Alzheimer's dementia (AD). METHODS: We examined 911 patients with AD in CREDOS (Clinical Research Center for Dementia of South Korea) study and designed cross-sectional study. Each patient underwent psychiatrical, neurological and medical examination, interview for caregivers, laboratory tests, neuropsychological tests, and brain MRI. Cognitive function was measured using Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination, Global Deterioration Scale and Clinical Dementia Rating. Psycho-Behavioral symptom was measured using Caregiver-Administered Neuropsychiatric Inventory. Daily Living was measured using Barthel Index for daily living activities and Seoul-Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. Depressive symptoms using the Korean version of the Short form on Geriatric Depression Scale were measured. Education was classified into low, intermediate, and high levels. 621 patients were performed APOE genotyping among the 911 patients. RESULTS: Out of the 911 patients, 477 were low education, 287 were intermediate education, and 147 were high education. 341 patients had depression. In logistic regression model we confirmed low education was the risk factor of depression (OR 2.26, 95% CI 1.66-3.07). CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that low education was associated with depression in Alzheimer's dementia.
Activities of Daily Living ; Apolipoproteins E ; Brain ; Caregivers ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dementia ; Depression ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Risk Factors

Vertically aligned, laterally spaced nanoscale titanium nanotubes were grown on a titanium surface by anodization, and the growth of chondroprogenitors on the resulting surfaces was investigated. Surfaces bearing nanotubes of 70 to 100 nm in diameter were found to trigger the morphological transition to a cortical actin pattern and rounded cell shape (both indicative of chondrocytic differentiation), as well as the up-regulation of type II collagen and integrin beta4 protein expression through the down-regulation of Erk activity. Inhibition of Erk signaling reduced stress fiber formation and induced the transition to the cortical actin pattern in cells cultured on 30-nm-diameter nanotubes, which maintained their fibroblastoid morphologies in the absence of Erk inhibition. Collectively, these results indicate that a titanium-based nanotube surface can support chondrocytic functions among chondroprogenitors, and may therefore be useful for future cartilaginous applications.
Animals ; Apoptosis ; Cell Differentiation/*drug effects ; Cells, Cultured ; Chick Embryo ; Chickens ; Chondrocytes/cytology/drug effects/metabolism ; Chondrogenesis/*drug effects ; Collagen Type II/metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Integrin beta4/metabolism ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/*cytology/*drug effects/metabolism ; Nanotubes/*chemistry ; Titanium/*chemistry/*pharmacology

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to review the epidemiology, clinical features, diagnosis, and effect of treatments of aspergillosis infections in adult liver transplantation patients. METHODS: We retrospectively studied the cases of aspergillosis among 625 (164 deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT), 461 living donor liver transplantation (LDLT)) adult liver transplantation recipients (> or =18 yrs old) operated between May 1996 to May 2008. RESULTS: Fourteen cases of aspergillosis infection were detected, which consisted of 9 cases of invasive aspergillosis, 5 cases of aspergilloma in maxillary sinuses which occurred before the transplantation. One patient with invasive aspergillosis, who had received liver transplantation overseas and had post-operation care in our center, was also included. Among the 8 cases (1.28%) of invasive aspergillosis (excluding one case operated overseas), 6 cases (3.7%) were DDLT and 2 cases (0.4%) LDLT (P-value<0.05). Among the 6 patients with early onset of invasive aspergillosis, 5 patients (1.8%) had fluconazole and only 1 patient (0.3%) had itraconazole as prophylactic antifungal agent (P-value<0.05). The three cases with localized lesions in the lung survived after lobectomy, but the disseminated and inoperable cases died. CONCLUSION: The incidence of invasive aspergillosis was lower in LDLT cases and prophylactic itraconazole might be more effective than fluconazole. Paranasal aspergilloma, detected before transplantation had no relation with posttransplant invasive aspergillosis infection. Patients who had localized lesion in the lung, and underwent surgery had better survival than who could not.
Adult ; Antifungal Agents ; Aspergillosis ; Fluconazole ; Humans ; Incidence ; Itraconazole ; Liver ; Liver Transplantation ; Living Donors ; Lung ; Maxillary Sinus ; Retrospective Studies ; Tissue Donors ; Transplants

BACKGROUND: Most chronic hemodialysis units select heparin doses on an empirical basis. Too little heparin causes clotting in the extracorporeal circuit and too much heparin may lead to excessive bleeding. We conducted a prospective, randomized, repeated cross over study to evaluate the effect of two different heparin regimens. The empirical standard dose regimen (empirical heparinization, EH) was used for all patients, and the individualized dose regimen (individualized heparinization, IH) determined by measuring the activated clotting time (ACT) was performed for more adequate heparinization during hemodialysis. METHODS: Twenty-four outpatients with systemic heparinization who had been on hemodialysis for more than 3 months were enrolled. In both METHODS, anticoagulation was achieved with a loading dose and a continuous infusion of heparin. Each regimens were prescribed alternately, and repeated after 2 weeks later. The study evaluated pre-post dialytic Hgb, Hct, Platelet and predialytic albumin, heparin loading dose and infusion rate, ACT, total blood compartment volume (TBCV), visible blood clots, bleeding, pre-post dialytic and next predialytic BUN, predialytic Cr, URR, Kt/Vurea. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were analyzed in this study. Pre-post dialytic Hgb, Hct, Platelet and predialytic albumin, heparin loading dose were not significantly different between two methods. But heparin infusion rate were significantly increased in individualized heparinization than in empirical heparinization. Activated clotting times were prolonged and maintained adequately in individualized heparinization during hemodialysis. The loss of TBCV and visible blood clots were significantly decreased in individualized heparinization than in empirical heparinization. There was no bleeding complication in two methods. Pre-post and next predialytic BUN, predialytic Cr, URR, Kt/Vurea were not significantly different between two methods.0.CONCIUSION: We concluded that the individualized heparinization can maintain adequate anticoagulation than the empirical heparinization without any other problems and compromising the delivery dose of dialysis.
Blood Platelets ; Dialysis ; Hemorrhage ; Heparin* ; Humans ; Outpatients ; Prospective Studies ; Renal Dialysis*

BACKGROUND: Most chronic hemodialysis units select heparin doses on an empirical basis. Too little heparin causes clotting in the extracorporeal circuit and too much heparin may lead to excessive bleeding. We conducted a prospective, randomized, repeated cross over study to evaluate the effect of two different heparin regimens. The empirical standard dose regimen (empirical heparinization, EH) was used for all patients, and the individualized dose regimen (individualized heparinization, IH) determined by measuring the activated clotting time (ACT) was performed for more adequate heparinization during hemodialysis. METHODS: Twenty-four outpatients with systemic heparinization who had been on hemodialysis for more than 3 months were enrolled. In both METHODS, anticoagulation was achieved with a loading dose and a continuous infusion of heparin. Each regimens were prescribed alternately, and repeated after 2 weeks later. The study evaluated pre-post dialytic Hgb, Hct, Platelet and predialytic albumin, heparin loading dose and infusion rate, ACT, total blood compartment volume (TBCV), visible blood clots, bleeding, pre-post dialytic and next predialytic BUN, predialytic Cr, URR, Kt/Vurea. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were analyzed in this study. Pre-post dialytic Hgb, Hct, Platelet and predialytic albumin, heparin loading dose were not significantly different between two methods. But heparin infusion rate were significantly increased in individualized heparinization than in empirical heparinization. Activated clotting times were prolonged and maintained adequately in individualized heparinization during hemodialysis. The loss of TBCV and visible blood clots were significantly decreased in individualized heparinization than in empirical heparinization. There was no bleeding complication in two methods. Pre-post and next predialytic BUN, predialytic Cr, URR, Kt/Vurea were not significantly different between two methods.0.CONCIUSION: We concluded that the individualized heparinization can maintain adequate anticoagulation than the empirical heparinization without any other problems and compromising the delivery dose of dialysis.
Blood Platelets ; Dialysis ; Hemorrhage ; Heparin* ; Humans ; Outpatients ; Prospective Studies ; Renal Dialysis*

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify experiences of nurses who served as preceptors in clinical education for senior student nurses in a college of medicine in Wonju city. METHOD: Data was collected from 20 preceptors instructing senior student nurses in 2001 using a self-completion questionnaire. To analyze data, content analysis was done using an analysis scheme developed by the investigators. RESULT: The analysis scheme consisted of 7 categories and 25 subcategories. 135 significant statements were analyzed and categorized. Preceptors indicated that they were role models, socialization facilitators and educators while instructing students in the clinical practicum. In performing the preceptors' role, preceptors reported that their most important change was self-enhancement,and positive experience was a constructive work atmosphere. The most important factor facilitating the preceptors' role performance was support from head nurses, and the most discouraging factor was work loads. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that interventions for encouragement and socialization of preceptors should be developed to promote clinical education for senior student nurses.
Adult ; *Education, Nursing ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; *Preceptorship/methods

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify experiences of nurses who served as preceptors in clinical education for senior student nurses in a college of medicine in Wonju city. METHOD: Data was collected from 20 preceptors instructing senior student nurses in 2001 using a self-completion questionnaire. To analyze data, content analysis was done using an analysis scheme developed by the investigators. RESULT: The analysis scheme consisted of 7 categories and 25 subcategories. 135 significant statements were analyzed and categorized. Preceptors indicated that they were role models, socialization facilitators and educators while instructing students in the clinical practicum. In performing the preceptors' role, preceptors reported that their most important change was self-enhancement,and positive experience was a constructive work atmosphere. The most important factor facilitating the preceptors' role performance was support from head nurses, and the most discouraging factor was work loads. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that interventions for encouragement and socialization of preceptors should be developed to promote clinical education for senior student nurses.
Adult ; *Education, Nursing ; Female ; Humans ; Korea ; *Preceptorship/methods

Citrullinemia is a rare inborn error of metabolism of the urea cycle, and was first reported by McMurray, et al. in 1962. It is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. The normal synthesis of argininosuccinic acid is blocked in this disease due to a deficiency of argininosuccinic acid synthetase(AS), which has been demonstrated in liver cells and fibroblasts. The clinical symptoms are vomiting, lethargy or irritability, convulsion and mental retardation. The diagnosis is made by the finding of an increased plasma citrulline level. Every effort should be made to reduce the blood ammonia level as rapidly as possible before irreversible brain damage occurs. This report describes a case of citrullinemia that was diagnosed through organic acid analysis and amino acid analysis, and reviews the related literatures.
Ammonia ; Argininosuccinic Acid ; Brain ; Citrulline ; Citrullinemia* ; Diagnosis ; Fibroblasts ; Intellectual Disability ; Lethargy ; Liver ; Metabolism ; Plasma ; Seizures ; Urea ; Vomiting