Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in central precocious puberty patients: is routine MRI necessary for newly diagnosed patients?

Purpose@#The overall incidence of central precocious puberty (CPP) has increased in recent decades, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) evaluations are recommended in cases of suspected brain lesions. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MRI abnormalities and to evaluate the need for routine brain MRI in patients with newly diagnosed CPP. @*Methods@#This retrospective study reviewed the data of patients newly diagnosed with CPP who underwent routine pituitary MRI at Korea University Anam Hospital from March 2020 to September 2021. A total of 199 girls and 24 boys was enrolled in this study. Positive MRI findings were categorized as abnormal pituitary, nonpituitary incidental, and pathological. In addition, we investigated the incidence of MRI abnormalities and evaluated their associations with clinical and biochemical factors. @*Results@#Positive brain MRI findings were observed in 84 patients (37.7%). Pituitary abnormalities were found in 54 patients (24.2%), with Rathke cleft cysts being the most common (16.1%). Incidental nonpituitary findings were observed in 29 patients (13.0%), while a pathological brain lesion (diagnosed as hypothalamic hamartoma) was observed in only 1 female patient (0.4%). No significant differences in sex or age were found in incidence of pituitary abnormalities or nonpituitary incidental findings. Compared with headache controls, significant associations were observed between abnormal pituitary findings on MRI and CPP (unadjusted odds ratio, 3.979; 95% confidence interval, 1.726–9.173). @*Conclusion@#True pathological findings were rare, even though the prevalence of abnormalities on pituitary MRI in patients with CPP was relatively high. Considering its cost-effectiveness, MRI screenings should be carefully considered in patients with CPP.

Nitrosylation of b2-Tubulin Promotes Microtubule Disassembly and Differentiated Cardiomyocyte Beating in Ischemic Mice

BACKGROUND@#Beating cardiomyocyte regeneration therapies have revealed as alternative therapeutics for heart transplantation. Nonetheless, the importance of nitric oxide (NO) in cardiomyocyte regeneration has been widely suggested, little has been reported concerning endogenous NO during cardiomyocyte differentiation. @*METHODS@#Here, we used P19CL6 cells and a Myocardiac infarction (MI) model to confirm NO-induced protein modification and its role in cardiac beating. Two tyrosine (Tyr) residues of b2-tubulin (Y106 and Y340) underwent nitrosylation (Tyr-NO) by endogenously generated NO during cardiomyocyte differentiation from pre-cardiomyocyte-like P19CL6 cells. @*RESULTS@#Tyr-NO-b2-tubulin mediated the interaction with Stathmin, which promotes microtubule disassembly, and was prominently observed in spontaneously beating cell clusters and mouse embryonic heart (E11.5d). In myocardial infarction mice, Tyr-NO-b2-tubulin in transplanted cells was closely related with cardiac troponin-T expression with their functional recovery, reduced infarct size and thickened left ventricular wall. @*CONCLUSION@#This is the first discovery of a new target molecule of NO, b2-tubulin, that can promote normal cardiac beating and cardiomyocyte regeneration. Taken together, we suggest therapeutic potential of Tyr-NO-b2-tubulin, for ischemic cardiomyocyte, which can reduce unexpected side effect of stem cell transplantation, arrhythmogenesis.

Preditores de maus-tratos ao idoso relacionados a idosos e a seus cuidadores primários / Predictores de malos tratos a personas mayores relacionados con las personas mayores y sus cuidadores principales / Predictors for elder mistreatment related to older adults and their primary caregivers

Resumo Objetivos Identificar fatores preditivos de maus-tratos ao idoso relacionados a idosos e seus principais cuidadores e a relação entre formação profissional de saúde e identificação de maus-tratos. Métodos Estudo quantitativo e analítico. Os potenciais fatores de risco para maus-tratos relacionados a 40 idosos e seus cuidadores foram coletados por meio da observação de 12 profissionais de saúde e em uma associação de enfermeiras visitantes. O treinamento de profissionais de saúde na identificação de maus-tratos foi investigado. Estatística descritiva, teste exato de Fisher e análise de regressão linear múltipla foram usados para investigar as relações entre a ocorrência de maus-tratos ao idoso e fatores de risco relacionados ao idoso e ao cuidador, e os fatores preditivos para maus-tratos ao idoso. Resultados A dependência dos idosos em relação aos cuidadores e as condições crônicas de saúde dos cuidadores principais foram preditores de maus-tratos ao idoso. Os fatores de risco apresentados pelos cuidadores primários tendiam a afetar mais os maus-tratos ao idoso do que a dependência dos idosos. O número de treinamentos em maus-tratos ao idoso realizado pelos participantes, seu conhecimento sobre quem é responsável por notificar os maus-tratos ao idoso, o tipo de cuidador principal dos idosos e a condição crônica de saúde dos cuidadores foram os fatores correlacionados que afetaram os maus-tratos ao idoso. Conclusão As descrições de maus-tratos ao idoso das vítimas e perpetradores são difíceis de avaliar; portanto, recomenda-se a triagem mais ampla sob perspectiva dos profissionais de saúde. Futuras pesquisas de enfermagem devem explorar intervenções indiretas, como manipular os fatores de risco que os cuidadores primários representam, a fim de diminuir a ocorrência de maus-tratos ao idoso. Estudos futuros testando modelos de previsão de trajetória dentro de uma amostra maior e mais controlada devem ser conduzidos.

Resumen Objetivos Identificar factores predictivos de malos tratos a personas mayores relacionados con las personas mayores y sus cuidadores principales y la relación entre la formación profesional en salud y la identificación de malos tratos. Métodos Estudio cuantitativo y analítico. Los factores potenciales de riesgo de malos tratos relacionados con 40 personas mayores y sus cuidadores fueron recopilados mediante la observación de 12 profesionales de la salud y en una asociación de enfermeras visitantes. Se investigó la capacitación de profesionales de la salud en la identificación de malos tratos. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva, la prueba exacta de Fisher y el análisis de regresión lineal múltiple para investigar las relaciones entre los casos de malos tratos a personas mayores y los factores de riesgo relacionados con personas mayores y su cuidador, y los factores predictivos de malos tratos a personas mayores. Resultados La dependencia de personas mayores con relación a los cuidadores y las condiciones crónicas de salud de los cuidadores principales fueron predictores de malos tratos a personas mayores. Los factores de riesgo presentados por los cuidadores principales tendían a afectar más los malos tratos a personas mayores que la dependencia de las personas mayores. El número de capacitaciones en malos tratos a personas mayores realizado por quienes participaron, sus conocimientos sobre quién es responsable de notificar los malos tratos a personas mayores, el tipo de cuidador principal de personas mayores y la condición crónica de salud de los cuidadores fueron los factores correlacionados que afectaron los malos tratos a personas mayores. Conclusión Las descripciones de malos tratos a personas mayores por parte de las víctimas y perpetradores son difíciles de evaluar; por lo tanto, se recomienda un triaje más amplio bajo la perspectiva de profesionales de la salud. Futuros estudios de enfermería deben investigar intervenciones indirectas, como manipular los factores de riesgo que los cuidadores principales representan, a fin de reducir los casos de malos tratos a personas mayores. Deben realizarse estudios futuros probando modelos de previsión de trayectoria dentro de una muestra más grande y más controlada.

Abstract Objectives To identify predictive factors for elder mistreatment (EM) related to older adults and their primary caregivers and the relationship between healthcare professional training and identification of EM. Methods This was a quantitative and analytic study. Potential risk factors for EM related to 40 older adults and their caregivers were collected through observation by 12 healthcare professionals and in a visiting nurses association. Training of healthcare professionals on EM identification was investigated. Descriptive statistics, Fisher's exact test, and multilevel regression analysis were used to investigate the relationships between the occurrence of EM and older adults and caregiver-related risk factors, and the predictive factors for EM. Results The older adults' dependency on caregivers and primary caregivers' chronic health conditions predicted EM. The risk factors the primary caregivers posed tended to affect EM more than the dependency older adults posed. The number of EM training the participants attended, their knowledge of who is responsible for reporting EM, the type of older adults' primary caregivers, and caregivers' chronic health condition were the correlating factors affecting EM. Conclusion Victims' and perpetrators' descriptions of EM are difficult to gauge; therefore, the broader screening of healthcare professionals' views is recommended. Future nursing research should explore indirect interventions, such as manipulating the risk factors primary caregivers pose, to decrease the occurrence of EM. A subsequent study testing Path prediction models within a bigger and more controlled sample are also warranted.

Effects of Combined Treatment with Thermotherapy and Electrical Stimulation on Musculoskeletal Pain Disorders: A Systematic Review

Objective@#This review aimed to investigate the effects of combined treatment with thermotherapy and electrical stimulation simultaneously in musculoskeletal pain disorders. Method: A systematic review was performed using electronic databases including PubMed and Embase. Following search terms were used: (simultaneous OR synchronous OR combined) AND (thermotherapy OR “thermal therapy” OR heat OR “hot pack” OR ultrasound OR microwave OR shortwave OR cold OR cryotherapy) AND (“electrical stimulation” OR electrotherapy OR TENS OR “interferential current”). Studies on the simultaneous application of thermotherapy and electrical stimulation, comparing with single physical modalities or massage were included. @*Results@#After title and abstract exclusion, four articles were selected, according to the eligibility criteria. Combined treatment did not reveal a differential effect on pain reduction when compared to a single physical modality. However, combined treatment showed superior effects on functional aspects such as range of motion (ROM) and timed up-and-go score. @*Conclusion@#This review suggests that combined treatment with thermotherapy and electrical stimulation simultaneously seems to have a superior effect on ROM, balance, and gait ability, but not pain reduction, in musculoskeletal pain disorders. However, the number of included studies in this review was small and study designs were heterogeneous. Therefore, further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Adult-Onset Primary Focal Foot Dystonia Improved with Custom Made Ankle-Foot Orthosis

The foot or lower extremity is rarely the initial site in adult-onset dystonia, whereas dystonia in children often begins in the foot. Isolated lower extremity dystonia in adults is rarely on a primary basis. Oral anti-dystonic medications have been found unsatisfactory in providing adequate symptomatic relief. On the other hand, botulinum toxin injections have been reported as beneficial. It is also known that personalized orthosis can be an effective solution for patients of dystonia. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate a case of primary focal foot dystonia that was effectively treated with botulinum toxin injection and the custom-made ankle-foot orthosis.

Adult-Onset Primary Focal Foot Dystonia Improved with Custom Made Ankle-Foot Orthosis

The foot or lower extremity is rarely the initial site in adult-onset dystonia, whereas dystonia in children often begins in the foot. Isolated lower extremity dystonia in adults is rarely on a primary basis. Oral anti-dystonic medications have been found unsatisfactory in providing adequate symptomatic relief. On the other hand, botulinum toxin injections have been reported as beneficial. It is also known that personalized orthosis can be an effective solution for patients of dystonia. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate a case of primary focal foot dystonia that was effectively treated with botulinum toxin injection and the custom-made ankle-foot orthosis.

Survey on the Preparation Status of Medical Institutions Regarding the Full Revision of the Korean Blood Inventory Monitoring System / 대한수혈학회지

Background@#The current Korean Blood Inventory Monitoring System (BMS) has several drawbacks. It does not provide real-time data and only monitors 211 of the more than 2500 institutes that performed blood transfusions.This survey study investigated the status of BMS use and the preparation status of the data input system of medical institutions to help in the revision of BMS in preparation for the full surveillance of BMS. @*Methods@#A survey questionnaire was given to 200 hospitals participating in the current BMS, along with another set of questionnaires to 150 non-participating hospitals. The questionnaire consisted of the method of data registry to BMS, the current status of electronic medical records (EMR) and order communication system (OCS), perception, and readiness of adaptation of an open application programming interface system (API). @*Results@#Two hundred and one BMS participating hospitals responded to the survey. Approximately 75% entered data with a comma-separated value (CSV) or Excel spreadsheet (xls) files, and approximately half had an in-house developed EMR and OCS. The majority showed enthusiasm for the introduction to an open API. Among the non-participating hospitals, 138 responded. Approximately 70% counted the blood inventory daily, but approximately half did not use electronic methods for this process. The response to the introduction to an open API was positive, but the readiness for a prompt introduction was low at 15.9%. @*Conclusion@#These results will help revise the current BMS. On the other hand, full surveillance of BMS is anticipated to be hindered by the ready state of each medical institute. Moreover, the encouragement of participation would require supportive government administrative measures.

Applicability of the 48/6 Model of Care as a Health Screening Tool, and its Association with Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND@#The 48/6 Model of Care is an integrative care initiative for improving the health outcomes of hospitalized older patients; however, its applicability in community-dwelling older adults as a health screening tool has not been investigated. The present study aimed to examine the applicability of this model, prevalence of dysfunction in 6 care areas, and its relationship with self-reported mobility in community-dwelling older adults.@*METHODS@#This was a cross-sectional survey study of community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older. Participants were screened for problems using 9 items corresponding to the 6 care areas of the 48/6 Model of Care (cognitive functioning, functional mobility, pain management, nutrition and hydration, bladder and bowel management, and medication management). Mobility was assessed via the Life-Space Assessment (LSA). We examined the correlation between each screening item and the LSA.@*RESULTS@#A total of 444 older adults (260 women, 58.6%) participated. The mean number of health problems was 2.3 ± 2.1, with the most common being pain, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence. These problems and LSA scores were significantly different by age groups. A multiple regression analysis showed that polypharmacy (β = −10.567, P < 0.001), dysphagia (β = −9.610, P = 0.021), and pain (β = −7.369, P = 0.004) were significantly associated with life-space mobility after controlling for age.@*CONCLUSION@#The 48/6 Model of Care is applicable to community-dwelling older adults, who show high prevalence of dysfunction in the 6 care areas. This study supports the role of the model in screening for the health status of older adults living in the community, and in estimating mobility.

Applicability of the 48/6 Model of Care as a Health Screening Tool, and its Association with Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND: The 48/6 Model of Care is an integrative care initiative for improving the health outcomes of hospitalized older patients; however, its applicability in community-dwelling older adults as a health screening tool has not been investigated. The present study aimed to examine the applicability of this model, prevalence of dysfunction in 6 care areas, and its relationship with self-reported mobility in community-dwelling older adults.METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey study of community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older. Participants were screened for problems using 9 items corresponding to the 6 care areas of the 48/6 Model of Care (cognitive functioning, functional mobility, pain management, nutrition and hydration, bladder and bowel management, and medication management). Mobility was assessed via the Life-Space Assessment (LSA). We examined the correlation between each screening item and the LSA.RESULTS: A total of 444 older adults (260 women, 58.6%) participated. The mean number of health problems was 2.3 ± 2.1, with the most common being pain, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence. These problems and LSA scores were significantly different by age groups. A multiple regression analysis showed that polypharmacy (β = −10.567, P < 0.001), dysphagia (β = −9.610, P = 0.021), and pain (β = −7.369, P = 0.004) were significantly associated with life-space mobility after controlling for age.CONCLUSION: The 48/6 Model of Care is applicable to community-dwelling older adults, who show high prevalence of dysfunction in the 6 care areas. This study supports the role of the model in screening for the health status of older adults living in the community, and in estimating mobility.

Survey on the Preparation Status of Medical Institutions Regarding the Full Revision of the Korean Blood Inventory Monitoring System / 대한수혈학회지

Background@#The current Korean Blood Inventory Monitoring System (BMS) has several drawbacks. It does not provide real-time data and only monitors 211 of the more than 2500 institutes that performed blood transfusions.This survey study investigated the status of BMS use and the preparation status of the data input system of medical institutions to help in the revision of BMS in preparation for the full surveillance of BMS. @*Methods@#A survey questionnaire was given to 200 hospitals participating in the current BMS, along with another set of questionnaires to 150 non-participating hospitals. The questionnaire consisted of the method of data registry to BMS, the current status of electronic medical records (EMR) and order communication system (OCS), perception, and readiness of adaptation of an open application programming interface system (API). @*Results@#Two hundred and one BMS participating hospitals responded to the survey. Approximately 75% entered data with a comma-separated value (CSV) or Excel spreadsheet (xls) files, and approximately half had an in-house developed EMR and OCS. The majority showed enthusiasm for the introduction to an open API. Among the non-participating hospitals, 138 responded. Approximately 70% counted the blood inventory daily, but approximately half did not use electronic methods for this process. The response to the introduction to an open API was positive, but the readiness for a prompt introduction was low at 15.9%. @*Conclusion@#These results will help revise the current BMS. On the other hand, full surveillance of BMS is anticipated to be hindered by the ready state of each medical institute. Moreover, the encouragement of participation would require supportive government administrative measures.

Applicability of the 48/6 Model of Care as a Health Screening Tool, and its Association with Mobility in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

BACKGROUND@#The 48/6 Model of Care is an integrative care initiative for improving the health outcomes of hospitalized older patients; however, its applicability in community-dwelling older adults as a health screening tool has not been investigated. The present study aimed to examine the applicability of this model, prevalence of dysfunction in 6 care areas, and its relationship with self-reported mobility in community-dwelling older adults.@*METHODS@#This was a cross-sectional survey study of community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older. Participants were screened for problems using 9 items corresponding to the 6 care areas of the 48/6 Model of Care (cognitive functioning, functional mobility, pain management, nutrition and hydration, bladder and bowel management, and medication management). Mobility was assessed via the Life-Space Assessment (LSA). We examined the correlation between each screening item and the LSA.@*RESULTS@#A total of 444 older adults (260 women, 58.6%) participated. The mean number of health problems was 2.3 ± 2.1, with the most common being pain, cognitive impairment, and urinary incontinence. These problems and LSA scores were significantly different by age groups. A multiple regression analysis showed that polypharmacy (β = −10.567, P < 0.001), dysphagia (β = −9.610, P = 0.021), and pain (β = −7.369, P = 0.004) were significantly associated with life-space mobility after controlling for age.@*CONCLUSION@#The 48/6 Model of Care is applicable to community-dwelling older adults, who show high prevalence of dysfunction in the 6 care areas. This study supports the role of the model in screening for the health status of older adults living in the community, and in estimating mobility.

Suggested Assessments for Sarcopenia in Patients With Stroke Who Can Walk Independently

Objective@#To investigate variables for assessment of stroke-related sarcopenia that are alternative options to the current assessment for sarcopenia, which focuses on age-related sarcopenia and also has limitations in addressing sarcopenia due to weakness resulting from stroke. @*Methods@#Forty patients (17 men, 23 women; mean age, 66.9±15.4 years) with first-ever stroke who can walk independently were included. Muscle mass was determined by measuring ultrasonographic muscle thickness of vastus intermedius, rectus femoris, tibialis anterior, medial gastrocnemius, and biceps brachii muscles in addition to using the skeletal muscle index (SMI) with bioelectrical impedance analysis. Muscle strength was assessed with the Medical Research Council (MRC) sum score as well as handgrip (HG) strength. Physical performance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) along with 4-meter gait speed (4MGS). Correlations between each assessment in the three categories were analyzed and adjusted by stroke severity, comorbidity, and nutritional status. @*Results@#For muscle mass, SMI showed the highest correlation with the tibialis anterior muscle (r=0.783, p<0.001) among the other muscles. Regarding muscle strength, the MRC sum score correlated with the HG (r=0.660, p<0.001). For physical performance, the BBS correlated with the 4MGS (r=0.834, p<0.001). The same result was obtained after adjusting for factors of stroke severity, comorbidity, and nutritional status. @*Conclusion@#These results suggest that ultrasonographic muscle thickness of the tibialis anterior, the MRC sum score, and BBS might be alternatives to SMI, HG, and usual gait speed for sarcopenia in stroke patients.

Group B Streptococcal Renal Abscess in a 17-Year-OldGirl with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Streptococcus agalactiae or group B streptococcus (GBS) is associated with infectionsin neonates and pregnant women. Herein, we describe a rare case of GBSrenal abscess with peritonitis and pleural effusion in a 17-year-old girl with type 1diabetes mellitus. The girl was admitted due to fever and right flank pain. Laboratoryfindings included leukocytosis and increased C-reactive protein level anderythrocyte sedimentation rate. Her serum glucose level was 484 mg/dL. Urinalysisshowed no pyuria. Renal sonography revealed parenchymal swelling in the rightkidney. The patient was administered intravenous cefotaxime. Urine and bloodcultures were negative. Fever seemed to improve, but the following day, she complainedof abdominal pain and fever. Antibiotic was switched to imipenem, andabdominal and pelvic CT revealed a ruptured right renal abscess, peritonitis, andbilateral pleural effusion with atelectasis. Pigtail catheter drainage of the abscesswas performed. Culture from the abscess was positive for GBS, and fever subsided2 days after the drainage. She was discharged with oral cefixime. The clinical courseof urinary tract infections (UTIs) can be atypical in patients with diabetes, and GBScan be a cause of UTIs. Prompt diagnosis and management are necessary to preventcomplications in patients showing atypical courses.

Vesicoureteral Reflux and Renal Scarring in Children with Acute Pyelonephritis: the Role of Late 6-month Dimercaptosuccinic Acid Renal Scan

Purpose@#The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical utility of late 6-month dimercapto-succinic acid (DMSA) renal scan in predicting vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and long-lasting renal scars in children with first acute pyelonephritis (APN). @*Methods@#A retrospective case study of children admitted with APN from January 2010 to July 2017 was performed. The study included patients with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and acute and late 6-month DMSA scan. We analyzed the clinical, laboratory and imaging findings of patients with and without late cortical defects at 6 months and those with or without VUR. @*Results@#Among 145 children with APN, 50 (34.5%) had cortical defects on the late DMSA renal scan and 60 (41.4%) showed VUR. Thirteen of 38 (34.2%) children undergoing 18-month DMSA renal scan showed a long-lasting renal scars. Compared with children without late cortical defects, patients with late 6-month cortical defects had a higher incidence of VUR and long-lasting renal scars, and relapse of UTI (all P<0.05). In a multivariable analysis, both high-grade VUR and relapse of UTI were independently correlated with the presence of late 6-month cortical defects (P<0.05). Late cortical defects and relapse of UTI were also associated with the presence of VUR (P<0.05). Only the late 6-mo cortical defects was an independent predictor of long-lasting renal scars in children with APN (P<0.05). @*Conclusion@#An abnormal late 6-month DMSA renal scan may be useful in identifying VUR and long-lasting renal scars in children diagnosed with APN.

Effects of various root canal sealers on tooth discoloration and internal bleaching / 대한치과재료학회지

There are several causes of tooth discoloration following root canal treatment. In this study, we evaluated the effects of sealers on tooth discoloration and internal bleaching. Twenty-four teeth were divided into 4 groups: control group, AH plus, Endosequece BC, and MTA fillapex group. Root canal filling was performed using each sealer conventionally and non-vital bleaching was performed with sodium perborate. The L, a, and b values were measured using Vita easyshade. Tooth discoloration after root canal treatment occurs irrespective of the type of sealers and may cause discoloration with only gutta-percha cone. The effect of non-vital bleaching following the use of calcium silicate-based sealers such as Endosequece BC and MTA fillapex was higher than that of AH plus. Therefore, it needs careful use of sealers in endodontics and calcium silicate-based sealers have advantages of bleaching in case of discolored tooth.

Patterns and Persistence of Pharmacotherapy for Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in South Korea

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess treatment persistence in Korean children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and the factors influencing their adherence to ADHD pharmacotherapy. METHODS: The study included patients between 6 and 18 years of age with ADHD who were taking various formulations of methylphenidate and atomoxetine on June 1, 2014. Patients were dichotomized as “persistent” or “non-persistent”, depending on whether they continued ADHD therapy for 6 months (therapy persistence). We also investigated if the patients were taking the same medication(s) as before and also classified the patients as “medication persistent” or “non-persistent”. Patient' characteristics were correlated with therapy persistence and medication persistence. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to assess potential risk factors for treatment persistence. RESULTS: Overall, 3,317 patients were included in the analysis. A majority of patients were taking stimulants (82.0%), 16.2% were taking non-stimulants and 1.8% were taking a combination therapy of stimulants and non-stimulants. After 6 months, 2,290 patients (69.0%) continued to take medication for ADHD with 1,953 patients taking the same medication(s) as 6 months previously. Common positive factors for therapy persistence and medication persistence were identified as younger age, retardation, and developmental delay, and long-acting formulations of methylphenidate as either monotherapy or in a combination therapy may be used. CONCLUSION: ADHD medications were proven to improve academic performance and social skills of children. Collaboration between patients, parents, school staffs, and prescribers is required to improve the persistent use of ADHD medications.

Remitting Seronegative Symmetrical Synovitis with Pitting Edema Syndrome: A Case Report

Remitting seronegative symmetrical synovitis with pitting edema (RS3PE) syndrome is a rare condition that occurs in elderly individuals. It is characterized by sudden onset of bilateral symmetrical distal tenosynovitis that accompanied by obvious swelling of the hand with pitting edema and absence of rheumatoid factor (RF). This disease entity sometimes presented as overlap syndrome with other rheumatic diseases and needed to be differentiated from those. However, if the diagnosis is confirmed, the response to steroid is good. The purpose of this report is to describe the case of RS3PE syndrome presented with bilateral hand dorsum edema in a middle-aged woman.

Life Space Assessment in Stroke Patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the reliability of the practical life space in post-stroke patients using the Korean version of the Life-Space Assessment (K-LSA) questionnaire and to assess the relationships between the K-LSA and physical function, daily activity, quality of life, and post-stroke depression. METHODS: The LSA questionnaire was translated into Korean, and the translated version was authorized by the author of the LSA questionnaire. In a cross-sectional study, the performance of the K-LSA was evaluated in 34 stroke patients (20 males and 14 females; mean age 65.11±2.39 years) who were receiving physical and occupational therapy at the outpatient clinic in the rehabilitation medicine department of a university medical center at the time of evaluation. Performances were assessed twice by one examiner at a 2-week interval to test the reliability. The patients were evaluated using the Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) scale, Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scale, and mobility subscale of the FIM to assess their relationships with the K-LSA. They were also evaluated using the EuroQol 5 Dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5D) and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) to determine the relationship with quality of life and post-stroke depression. RESULTS: Test-retest reliability at the first (62.20±32.14) and second (63.15±32.22) assessment was 0.993 (p<0.01). The K-LSA showed significant correlations with the FAC (r=0.848, p<0.01), FIM (r=0.765, p<0.01), mobility category of the FIM (r=0.764, p<0.01), GDS (r=-0.657, p<0.01), and EQ-5D (r=0.506, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the practical life space of post-stroke patients, assessed by the K-LSA, has a significant correlation with patients' functional mobility, independence in daily activity, quality of life, and depression.

Clinical characteristics and rehabilitation of hospitalised cancer patients in a Korean tertiary hospital

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>With the increase in the patient survival rates of many types of cancers, a greater proportion of cancer patients live with disease-related problems that diminish their quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and rehabilitation of hospitalised cancer patients who were referred to the Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine (PRM) at Samsung Medical Center, a tertiary university hospital in Seoul, Korea.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Hospitalised cancer patients aged > 18 years who were referred to the Department of PRM from January to December 2012 were enrolled in this retrospective study. We reviewed the clinical characteristics of the patients, the principal reasons for their referral and relevant details of their rehabilitative management.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 1,340 cases were included. The most common primary cancer was lung cancer (19.0%) and 28.6% of the cases had solid organ metastasis. The most common reason for referral was deconditioning (31.7%), followed by weakness (23.1%) and respiratory problems (14.5%). Bedside exercise was prescribed to 28.4% of the patients, exercise in the rehabilitation therapy unit to 28.0% and pulmonary rehabilitation to 14.3%. Among the 1,340 cases, 107 (8.0%) were transferred to the Department of PRM for comprehensive rehabilitation. The 32 patients with an identifiable Modified Barthel Index score showed significant functional improvement.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The findings of the present study contribute to a better understanding of rehabilitation for hospitalised cancer patients. The information obtained will also be helpful in the development of appropriate cancer rehabilitation strategies.</p>

Therapeutic effects of orally administered CJLP55 for atopic dermatitis via the regulation of immune response

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin condition accompanied by symptoms such as edema and hemorrhage. Kimchi is a traditional fermented Korean dish consisting of various probiotics. In this study, the therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP55 isolated from Kimchi was studied in AD-induced mice. Orally administered Lactobacillus strain, CJLP55, suppressed AD symptoms and high serum IgE levels. CJLP55 administration reduced the thickness of the epidermis, infiltration of mast cells and eosinophils into the skin lesion, enlargement of axillary lymph nodes, and increase in cell population in axillary lymph nodes. CJLP55 treatment decreased the production of type 2 cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ, and IL-6,which were stimulated by house dust mite extracts, in the axillary lymph node cells. Orally administered CJLP55 exhibited a therapeutic effect on house dust mite-induced AD in NC/Nga mice after onset of the disease by altering immune cell activation. The Lactobacillus strain, CJLP55, isolated from Kimchi, suppressed AD. Our results suggest its possible use as a potential candidate for management of AD.