Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the types of seat surface (static or dynamic seat surface) on the pulmonary functions during prolonged sitting. Methods: Thirty-four participants (20 males and 14 females) were recruited, and distributed randomly into dynamic prolonged sitting (DPS, n=17) and static prolonged sitting (SPS, n=17) groups. The DPS group was seated on a chair with a dynamic air cushion, and the SPS group was seated on a chair without a dynamic air cushion. The pulmonary function was assessed before sitting, and after participants had been seated for one hour. The pulmonary function [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and Peak expiratory flow (PEF)] was measured using a spirometer. Results: Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in the time x group interactions of FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEV1/FVC. The DPS group were significantly different in FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEV1/FVC after prolonged sitting for one hour, compared to the SPS group (p<0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest that dynamic sitting can prevent a decrease in the physiological function, such as pulmonary functions, rather than static sitting during prolonged sitting.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the types of seat surface (static or dynamic seat surface) on the pulmonary functions during prolonged sitting. Methods: Thirty-four participants (20 males and 14 females) were recruited, and distributed randomly into dynamic prolonged sitting (DPS, n=17) and static prolonged sitting (SPS, n=17) groups. The DPS group was seated on a chair with a dynamic air cushion, and the SPS group was seated on a chair without a dynamic air cushion. The pulmonary function was assessed before sitting, and after participants had been seated for one hour. The pulmonary function [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), and Peak expiratory flow (PEF)] was measured using a spirometer. Results: Statistical analyses revealed significant differences in the time x group interactions of FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEV1/FVC. The DPS group were significantly different in FVC, FEV1, PEF, and FEV1/FVC after prolonged sitting for one hour, compared to the SPS group (p<0.05). Conclusion These findings suggest that dynamic sitting can prevent a decrease in the physiological function, such as pulmonary functions, rather than static sitting during prolonged sitting.

Purpose: This study examined whether the motivation for rehabilitation influences the functional performance of stroke patients. Methods: To elucidate the same, correlation analysis between the ‘rehabilitation motivation level’ and ‘functional performance improvement’ was performed. Thirty-three stroke patients, who were hospitalized in rehabilitation and nursing hospitals, were enrolled in this study. Functional performance was assessed using the 10MWT, FRT, and the BBS. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between the reactivation symptoms and rehabilitation therapy at four weeks, eight weeks, and 12 weeks. Results: The results showed a significant correlation between the reactivation symptoms and rehabilitation therapy, as evidenced by the 10MWT, FRT, and BBS (8-12 weeks 10M gait test, Berg balance scale for 4-8 weeks, and 8-12 weeks). The FRT did not reveal any significant correlation between the rehabilitation program and reactivation. Conclusion The present study confirmed that a higher motivation for rehabilitation in stroke patients resulting in a higher likelihood of it acting as a factor in improving their functional ability. Based on the above-mentioned results, this study suggests that a rehabilitation program could be considered for the motivation of patients to participate in a rehabilitation program.

Purpose: This study examined whether the motivation for rehabilitation influences the functional performance of stroke patients. Methods: To elucidate the same, correlation analysis between the ‘rehabilitation motivation level’ and ‘functional performance improvement’ was performed. Thirty-three stroke patients, who were hospitalized in rehabilitation and nursing hospitals, were enrolled in this study. Functional performance was assessed using the 10MWT, FRT, and the BBS. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between the reactivation symptoms and rehabilitation therapy at four weeks, eight weeks, and 12 weeks. Results: The results showed a significant correlation between the reactivation symptoms and rehabilitation therapy, as evidenced by the 10MWT, FRT, and BBS (8-12 weeks 10M gait test, Berg balance scale for 4-8 weeks, and 8-12 weeks). The FRT did not reveal any significant correlation between the rehabilitation program and reactivation. Conclusion The present study confirmed that a higher motivation for rehabilitation in stroke patients resulting in a higher likelihood of it acting as a factor in improving their functional ability. Based on the above-mentioned results, this study suggests that a rehabilitation program could be considered for the motivation of patients to participate in a rehabilitation program.

A rubber tip disconnection of Arrow-Trerotola percutaneous thrombolytic device (PTD) may occur occasionally. We experienced 5 cases of a rubber tip disconnection among 453 mechanical thrombectomy sessions with the use of PTD. We present a report about these five cases and suggest possible causes for the occurrences.
Aged ; Catheter Obstruction/*etiology ; Equipment Failure Analysis/*methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Renal Dialysis/*instrumentation ; Rubber ; Thrombectomy/*instrumentation ; Treatment Outcome

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor on neutrophil functions in diabetic patients with active foot infections in vitro. Twelve diabetic patients with foot infections and 12 normal volunteers were enrolled. Neutrophils from peripheral blood were incubated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, 50 ng/mL) for 20 min. Superoxide production of neutrophils was measured by the reduction of ferricytochrome C. Neutrophil phagocytosis was assayed using Staphylococcus aureus and the weighted phagocytic index was calculated. Superoxide production of neutrophils in diabetic patients with foot infections was 7.7 (unit: nmol/2 x 10(5) cells/60 min), which was significantly lower than that in controls (12.0) (p<0.05). G-CSF increased neutrophil superoxide production to 12.1 in diabetic patients with foot infections and to 19.8 in controls (p<0.05 for each). Weighted phagocytic index in diabetic patients with foot infections was 0.77, which was not significantly different from that of the controls (0.69). Weighted phagocytic index was increased significantly by G-CSF to 0.88 in diabetic patients with foot infections and to 0.79 in controls (p<0.05 for each). In conclusion, G-CSF significantly enhanced neutrophil functions in diabetic patients with foot infections in vitro.
Adult ; Aged ; Bacterial Infections/immunology* ; Diabetes Mellitus/immunology* ; Female ; Foot Diseases/immunology* ; Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor, Recombinant/pharmacology* ; Human ; Male ; Middle Age ; Neutrophils/immunology ; Neutrophils/drug effects* ; Receptors, IgG/analysis ; Superoxides/metabolism

PURPOSE: To obtain basic information for studies of male sexual dysfunction, we investigated the prevalence and the risk factors of erectile dysfunction(ED) in Korean young men via an Internet survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In June 2006, 23594 subjects aged from 20 to 59, who had registered with an internet research company, were asked to join our study if they had had stable sexual activities more than once a month for the past 6 months. Questions covered demographic characteristics, sexual life, International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF), and International Prostatic Symptom Score(IPSS). RESULTS: A total of 601 subjects completed the questionnaires. The prevalence of self-reported ED was 6.7%. The proportion of men with self-reported ED was 3.7% in the 20-29 age group, 6.0% in the 30-39 age group, and 9.5% in the 40-49 age group. The overall prevalence of ED assessed by IIEF-EF domain score of < or = 25 was 41.0%. We found a statistically significant correlation between men with self-reported ED and lower IIEF-EF domain scores. Self-reported ED was significantly associated with aging, smoking, lower education, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Lower IIEF-EF domain scores were correlated with higher IPSS total, voiding and storage scores. CONCLUSIONS: ED in Korean young men is common and closely associated with LUTS. An Internet survey requires less man power, less time, and less research funds than classical survey methods such as mail or interview surveys. These study results will be useful as basic data for future studies of young Korean men's sexual function
Aging ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Education ; Erectile Dysfunction* ; Financial Management ; Humans ; Internet ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ; Male ; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 ; Postal Service ; Prevalence* ; Risk Factors* ; Sexual Behavior ; Smoke ; Smoking

PURPOSE: To obtain basic information for studies of male sexual dysfunction, we investigated the prevalence and the risk factors of erectile dysfunction(ED) in Korean young men via an Internet survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In June 2006, 23594 subjects aged from 20 to 59, who had registered with an internet research company, were asked to join our study if they had had stable sexual activities more than once a month for the past 6 months. Questions covered demographic characteristics, sexual life, International Index of Erectile Function(IIEF), and International Prostatic Symptom Score(IPSS). RESULTS: A total of 601 subjects completed the questionnaires. The prevalence of self-reported ED was 6.7%. The proportion of men with self-reported ED was 3.7% in the 20-29 age group, 6.0% in the 30-39 age group, and 9.5% in the 40-49 age group. The overall prevalence of ED assessed by IIEF-EF domain score of < or = 25 was 41.0%. We found a statistically significant correlation between men with self-reported ED and lower IIEF-EF domain scores. Self-reported ED was significantly associated with aging, smoking, lower education, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Lower IIEF-EF domain scores were correlated with higher IPSS total, voiding and storage scores. CONCLUSIONS: ED in Korean young men is common and closely associated with LUTS. An Internet survey requires less man power, less time, and less research funds than classical survey methods such as mail or interview surveys. These study results will be useful as basic data for future studies of young Korean men's sexual function
Aging ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Education ; Erectile Dysfunction* ; Financial Management ; Humans ; Internet ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms ; Male ; Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 ; Postal Service ; Prevalence* ; Risk Factors* ; Sexual Behavior ; Smoke ; Smoking

Purpose: Larynx-preserving surgery (LPS) have recently gained popularity and achieved comparable oncologic outcomes to conventional radical surgery for localized hypopharyngeal cancer (HPC). In the current study, the role of LPS has been assessed thoroughly in comparison with upfront radiation therapy (RT). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 185 candidates for LPS with cT1-2 disease; 59 patients underwent upfront LPS while 126 patients received upfront RT, respectively. Oncological and functional outcomes were investigated and compared. Results: Following LPS, safe margin (≥ 5 mm) was achieved in 37.3% of patients. Overall, better clinical outcomes at 5 years were achieved following upfront LPS than those following upfront RT: overall survival (OS) (72.7% vs. 59.0%, p=0.045), disease-free survival (DFS) (59.8% vs. 45.0%, p=0.039), and functional laryngeal preservation (100% vs. 89.7%, p=0.010). Although similar outcomes were observed in patients with cT1 disease, better 5-year DFS was achieved following upfront LPS in patients with cT2 disease (57.0% vs. 36.4%, p=0.023) by virtue of better local control. Despite frequent cN2-3 disease in upfront LPS group, comparable outcomes were observed between upfront RT and LPS group. However, multivariable analyses revealed that performance status and double primary cancer diagnosed within 6 months of HPC diagnosis affected OS significantly, while treatment modality per se did not. Conclusion Although upfront LPS could provide better local control than upfront RT in patients with cT2 disease, overall outcomes were comparable following either modality. Treatment selection of larynx-preserving approach for HPC should be individualized based on tumor and patient factors.