The purpose of this study was to explore the variables of foot pressure according to glycated hemoglobin level during walking in diabetic patients with pes rectus. The subjects of this study were 39 people (78 feet) in their 40s and 60s, and they were divided into 11 pre-diabetic patients (22 feet) and 14 diabetic patients (28 feet) based on glycated hemoglobin; 14 patients without diabetes (28 feet) was used as a control. Foot pressure was measured using the EMED-LE Measurement system. The sole of the foot was divided into 12 parts, each of which was analyzed for pressure, force, contact area, and grounding time. For statistics, nonparametric Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used. Prediabetic and diabetic patients had lower hindfoot and second and third metatarsal foot pressure but higher first and third toe pressure compared to those without diabetes. In addition, the maximum and minimum force were high in all parts of the sole, and the contact time was long, signifying strong downward force for a long duration. Measurement of foot pressure by parts allowed detailed analysis of abnormal foot pressure and is valuable as basic data for diagnosis, prediction, and treatment of diabetic foot. Based on these data, maximum and minimum pressure better explain the problem of plantar pressure distribution rather than mean maximum pressure.

Testicular or scrotal involvement has been reported in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), but there are very few reports on penile involvement. We report the initial and follow-up ultrasonographic findings of scrotal and penile involvement of HSP in a 5-year-old boy. On ultrasonography, scrotal soft tissue thickening and epididymal swelling with increased vascularity were noted, and on the penis, a focal mass-like lesion appeared on the dorsal surface of the distal penis, having a hypoechoic mass-like appearance without visible vascular flow on a Doppler study. After 2 days of treatment, follow-up ultrasonography showed normal scrotum and penis with a resolved soft tissue mass-like lesion. Therefore, we think that HSP ultrasonographic findings involving the scrotum and penis might help to diagnose scrotal and penile involvement in a case of HSP and to avoid unnecessary medication and/or surgical procedures.
Child ; Child, Preschool ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Penis ; Purpura, Schoenlein-Henoch* ; Scrotum ; Ultrasonography*

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Although the Tei index is a useful predictor of global ventricular function, it has not been investigated at the level of regional myocardial function. We therefore investigated the segmental tissue Doppler image derived-Tei index (TDI-Tei index) in patients with regional wall motion abnormalities. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 17 patients (mean age 62+/-9 years, 5 women) with left ventricular (LV) regional wall motion abnormalities. The Tei index, defined as the sum of isovolumetric contraction time (IVCT) and isovolumetric relaxation time (IVRT) divided by ejection time (ET), was measured in the basal and mid segments of the LV walls from standard apical views (4-, 2-, and 5-chamber views). We also obtained TDI velocity data in each segment. LV wall motion was classified as normal, hypokinetic, or akinetic, based on visual analysis. The TDI-Tei index, peak systolic myocardial velocity (Sm), early diastolic myocardial velocity (Em), and late diastolic myocardial velocity (Am) were analyzed in a total of 203 segments. RESULTS: Mean LV ejection fraction was 41.8+/-8.5%. TDI-Tei indices of dysfunctional segments (akinesis or hypokinesis, n=63) were significantly higher than those of normal segments (n=140) (0.714+/-0.169 vs. 0.669+/-0.135, p=0.041, respectively). Average values of TDI-Tei index, Sm, Em, and Am were 0.742+/-0.201, 4.206+/-1.336, 5.258+/-1.867, and 5.578+/-2.354 in akinetic segments; 0.677+/-0.101, 4.908+/-1.615, 5.369+/-2.121, and 5.542+/-2.492 in hypokinetic segments; and 0.669+/-0.135, 5.409+/-1.519, 6.108+/-2.356, and 6.719+/-2.466 in normal segments, respectively. A significant negative correlation was apparent between the TDI-Tei index and Sm (r=-0.302, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the value of the segmental TDI-Tei index differs significantly according to regional function grade.
Contracts ; Humans ; Myocardial Contraction ; Prospective Studies ; Relaxation ; Ventricular Function

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore adjustment pattern of illness process of people with hemophilia in Korea. METHOD: 23 people with hemophilia had participated for this study. The data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using Strauss & Corbin's grounded theory method. RESULT: "would be free from" was emerged as a core category and it reflects that all participants wanted to be free from the constraints of the disease. The adjustment process was categorized into two stage, the 'unstable stage' and the 'stable stage'. In the process of "would be free from" four different patterns were identified: hopelessness type; appreciation type; challenge type; and transcendence type. These types were identified based on the degree of pursuing normal life and managing the disease, and social support. The most frequently occurring type was hopelessness type but the participants of this type suffered the most. The transcendence type was the most ideal type, but it occurred the least. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that people with hemophilia in Korea still suffer from the disease and they need supports. The results would be useful for health care professionals in establishing education and counseling program for the people with hemophilia.
*Adaptation, Psychological ; Adult ; Aged ; *Attitude to Health ; Hemophilia A/*psychology ; Humans ; Korea ; Male ; Middle Aged