Effects of the Abdominal Hollowing Technique Applied during Plank Exercises at Different Angles between Ground and the Humerus on Abdominal Stabilization Muscle Activity

Purpose@#This study examined the effects of the abdominal hollowing technique applied during plank exercises at different shoulder angles between the ground and the humerus on the abdominal muscle activity @*Methods@#The subjects were 36 male volunteers. They were randomized to perform plank exercises or plank exercises using the hollowing technique at 80°, 90°, 100°, and 110° between the ground and the humerus. The abdominis muscles were measured using a surface electromyogram. Independent t-tests examined the changes in the activity of these muscles according to the two exercise methods at each angle. The changes in muscle activity were examined according to the selected angles by one-way analysis of variance. @*Results@#The activity of abdominal muscles was investigated according to the angle between the ground and the humerus during the plank exercise. As a result, the muscle activity increased significantly with decreasing angle in the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique·transverse abdominis muscles (p<0.05). In terms of the changes in abdominal muscle activity after hollowing plank exercises at the given angles between the ground and the humerus, an increase in angle resulted in a statistically significant increase in the rectus abdominis muscle activity (p<0.05). The activities of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique/transverse abdominis muscles after hollowing plank exercises showed statistically significant increases (p<0.05) compared to those after plank exercises. @*Conclusion@#The hollowing technique and the increase in the angle between the ground and the humerus may be an effective exercise method for increasing the muscle activity of the abdominis muscles.

Effects of the Abdominal Hollowing Technique Applied during Plank Exercises at Different Angles between Ground and the Humerus on Abdominal Stabilization Muscle Activity

Purpose@#This study examined the effects of the abdominal hollowing technique applied during plank exercises at different shoulder angles between the ground and the humerus on the abdominal muscle activity @*Methods@#The subjects were 36 male volunteers. They were randomized to perform plank exercises or plank exercises using the hollowing technique at 80°, 90°, 100°, and 110° between the ground and the humerus. The abdominis muscles were measured using a surface electromyogram. Independent t-tests examined the changes in the activity of these muscles according to the two exercise methods at each angle. The changes in muscle activity were examined according to the selected angles by one-way analysis of variance. @*Results@#The activity of abdominal muscles was investigated according to the angle between the ground and the humerus during the plank exercise. As a result, the muscle activity increased significantly with decreasing angle in the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique·transverse abdominis muscles (p<0.05). In terms of the changes in abdominal muscle activity after hollowing plank exercises at the given angles between the ground and the humerus, an increase in angle resulted in a statistically significant increase in the rectus abdominis muscle activity (p<0.05). The activities of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique/transverse abdominis muscles after hollowing plank exercises showed statistically significant increases (p<0.05) compared to those after plank exercises. @*Conclusion@#The hollowing technique and the increase in the angle between the ground and the humerus may be an effective exercise method for increasing the muscle activity of the abdominis muscles.

A Study on the Impacts of Stroke Patients Disease-Related Characteristics on Depression and Family Support

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify the impacts of stroke patients' general and disease-related properties on depression and family support. METHODS: Subjects consisted of 79 persons who were diagnosed with cerebral hemorrhage and cerebral infarction and met the criteria for selection. The Korean version of Beck depression inventory (BDI) and a revision of the family support developed by Cobb were used. Frequency analysis of the subjects' general and medical history properties was conducted, and one way ANOVA was utilized to evaluate the degree of depression and family support with respect to the properties. Pearson's correlation coefficient was conducted to investigate the degree of depression and family support. RESULTS: Participants showed no significant difference in depression based on the subjects' general and disease-related properties (p>0.05), although there were significant differences in family support based on marital status, hobbies and the medical expenses payers (p<0.05). The correlation between family support and depression was r=-0.491 (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Through the results of this study, it was found that general and disease-related properties would not have any impact on depression while they would affect family support.

Heart Failure Secondary to Pazopanib for Treatment of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma / 대한내과학회지

A 78-year-old man was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma, and left nephrectomy was performed. He started pazopanib. One month later, he visited our hospital because of general weakness and dyspnea. His oxygen saturation was low. A chest X-ray showed pulmonary edema and bilateral pleural effusion. An echocardiogram showed a larger left ventricle and lower ejection fraction than observed at the previous examination. The patient discontinued pazopanib and started diuretics and digoxin. His symptoms improved and a follow-up X-ray showed improvement in the pulmonary edema with bilateral pleural effusion.

Hatching and activation of some cestode ova - The effects of various artificial hatching-activating solutions upon the some cestode ova

The effects of various digestive enzymes, fresh biles, and bile acids on the hatching and activation of the eggs of Taenia saginata, T. pisiformis, T. solium, Hymenolepis nana, and Moniezia expansa have been investigated. On the basis of the results of the present study author attempted to elucidate the specificity of host-parasite relationships in the tapeworm infections. The results were summarized as follows: In case of the ova of T. saginata, pretreatment with artificial gastric juice before contact of intestinal juice is required to bring the disintegration of the embryophore and activation of the embryo. However the ova of T. solium and T. pisiformis may be disintegrated and activated directly into the artificial intestinal juice without the above pretreatment. Among the digestive enzymes applied in this experiment, trypsin was found most effective on the hatching. No hatching of the ova of H. nana and M. expansa was observed in the above artificial hatching-activating solutions. The fresh biles and bile salts were more effective on the hatching and activation of Taeniid ova than sodium taurocholate and sodium deoxycholate. It is turned out that the digestive enzymes or bile acids in the intermediate hosts may, not apparently be essential factor of determining the specificity of host-parasite relationships.

Bacterial resistance to antimicrobial agents: an overview from Korea

Antimicrobial resistance of bacteria has become a worldwide problem. Available data suggest that the resistance problem is comparatively more serious in Korea. In large hospitals, the proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been reported at over 70%, and of penicillin-nonsusceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae at around 70%. Infection or colonization of vancomycin-resistant enterococci has started to increase. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae has become widespread and even carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been increasing. Community-acquired pathogens such as Salmonella, Shigella and Neisseria gonorrhoeae are often resistant to various antimicrobial agents. The prevalence of resistant bacteria can lead to erroneous empirical selection of either noneffective or expensive drugs, prolonging hospitalization and higher mortality. The emergence and spread of resistant bacteria are unavoidable unless antimicrobial agents are not used at all. The high prevalence of resistant bacteria in Korea seems to be related to antibiotic usage: 1) easy availability without prescription at drug stores, 2) injudicious use in hospitals, and 3) uncontrolled use in agriculture, animal husbandry, and fisheries. Nosocomial infection is an important factor in the spread of resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance problems should be regarded as the major public health concern in Korea. It is urgently required to ban the sale of antibiotics without prescription, to use antibiotics more judiciously in hospitals by intensive teaching of the principles of the use of antibiotics, and to establish better control measures of nosocomial infections. Regulation of antimicrobials for other than human use should also be required. These issues are not easy to address and require the collective action of governments, the pharmaceutical industry, health care providers, and consumers.

Autoradiographic study on Eurytrema pancreaticum

Direct contact method of autoradiography was applied in order to know in Eurytrema pancreaticum which was incubated at various intervals such as 60, 120, 240, and 360 minutes in the vitro media added with radioactive succinic acid, C(14)-succinate. The distribution of the radioactive succinate was clarified by this technique and possible explanation was presented. The autoradiographic procedures were essentially the same as those reported previously by Yoon et al. (1964). The most distinct autoradiograms were obtained after 240 minutes incubation. The radioactivity of this labelled succinic acid chiefly concentrated in reproductive organs, such as testes, ovary, egg containing uterine tubules and vitelline follicles.

Study on the Demonstration of Enteroviruses from Cerebrospinal Fluid of Adult Patients with Aseptic Meningitis / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: The enteroviruses are the most common etiologic agent of aseptic meningitis in adults and children. The incidence of enteroviral meningitis in childhood meningitis is up to 80%, but in adults is not known, worldwidely. In Korea, where tuberculosis is endemic, the rapid and accurate diagnostic method for enteroviral meningitis is required especially because early differential diagnosis of viral meningitis from tuberculous meningitis is very important. The aims of this study were the demonstration of enteroviruses from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of adult patients with aseptic meningitis by PCR/Southern hybridization and the verification of the usefulness of PCR/southern hybridization as a rapid diagnostic tool. METHODS: From July 1992 to June 1995, total 34 CSF samples (10 from children, 24 from adults) of patients with aseptic meningitis were studied. As a control group, 15 patients with tuberculous meningitis and 15 patients with bacterial meningitis were studied. Viral RNA was extracted from CSF, reverse transcriptied into cDNA and amplified. The PCR products were Southern hybridizied with enteroviruses-specific digoxigenin-labelled probe. RESULTS: 16/24(66.7%) samples of adult patients with aseptic meningitis were positive for enteroviruses, while in child patients with aseptic meningitis, 9/10(90%) samples were positive. And in one patient, PCR was positive from asymptomatic, onset-7th day CSF sample. CONCLUSION: Enteroviruses were the most common causative organisms of adult aseptic meningitis in Korea. And, this study showed the usefulness of PCR/Southern hybridization of enteroviruses from CSF for etiologic diagnosis of adult aseptic meningitis in subclinical, asymptomatic period.

A study for acute pyelonephritis during pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

No abstract available.

Roxithromycin in the treatment of lower respiratory tract infections / 감염

No abstract available.

A Prospective Study on the Incidence of Intravenous Catheter-related Complication / 병원감염관리

BACKGROUND: Intravenous catheter-related complication among the hospitalized patients has been increasing recently in Korea, since many hospitals has tried to save expenses by replacing the foreign-made catheter with domestic-made intravenous catheter. We studied the incidence rate of catheter-related complication and compared the incidence of catheter-related complication between domestic-made and foreign-made ones. We also studied to elucidate whether the morphologic characteristics of the intravenous catheter will effect the incidence of catheter-related complication. METHOD: From July 1 to Sept 30, 1998, we surveyed the incidence rate of intravenous catheter-related complication among the hospitalized patients in the wards of Medicine. Surgery, Obstetric, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Guro Hospital, Korea University Medical center. We also compared the incidence of complication between domestic-made catheter (catheter A) and foreign-made catheter (catheter B) of three different gages (24G, 22G and 18G). The morphologic characteristics of intravenous catheters has been studied by electron microscopy. RESULT: Complication associated with use of intravenous catheter had been occurred 263 out of 459 cases (57.3%), among those cases, non-infectious complication and infectious complication were 173 cases (37.7%) and 90 cases (19.6%), respectively. Totally, catheter A group showed higher complication than catheter B group [62.0% (160/258) vs 51.2% (103/201), P=.021]. Analysis on the incidence rate of complication according to the products did not show significant differences in the noninfectious complication in every gage groups. However the infectious complication occurred higher in the domestic-made catheter A group than among the foreign-made catheter B group [(24G: 6% vs 0%, P=.026), (22G: 25.6% vs 9.6%, P=.001), (18G: 36.8% vs 13.4%, P=.002)]. Duration of catheter life did not show the difference between catheter A group and catheter B group [48.5hrs vs 50.3hrs, P=.474]. The analysis on risk factors for complication showed that catheter A group is highly related (odd ratio 1.85). The morphologic analysis of the catheter by using electron microscopy showed that the angles in the tip of the introducing needle of catheter Aand catheter Bare 60degrees and 45degrees , respectively, and the bevel between introducing needle and catheter sheath are 50degrees and 27degrees, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was a higher incidence rate of complication related to domestic-made catheter usage, which might influence increasing the period of the hospitalization and the expenses due to the complication. The study of cost effectiveness analysis needs to be performed regarding intravenous catheter-related complication. Morphologically, catheter A showed more blunt angle in the tip and transition area of the introducing needle than the angle of catheter B, which is considered to influence the higher complication incidence. It needs to improve the quality of domestic-made intravenous catheter.

A Longitudinal Molecular Epidemiologic Study of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Isolates from a University Hospital / 감염

BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the important nosocomial pathogens and establishs the endemicity within many large hospitals in Korea. The identification and eradication of infection source is essential to prevent and control the spread of MRSA infection. So it is necessary to know how many MRSA clones have existed and how these clones have changed. The aim of this study is to determine the molecular epidemiology of MRSA over a 8-years period from 1991 to 1998 by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing method in a university hospital. METHODS: MRSA isolates from various clinical specimens were collected during 8 years from 1991 to 1998 in Korea University Guro Hospital. The identification of S. aureus was done by catalase and coagulase test. Methicillin resistance was tested by oxacillin disk diffusion method. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) using SmaI was performed for molecular typing. We determined the clonality of MRSA strains by dendrogam analysis. RESULTS: One hundred four MRSA isolates were collected from clinical specimens. PFGE typing showed 8 types and 13 subtypes totally. Type A and type B were the major clonal strains, which comprized of 41.3% (43 strains) and 37.5% (39 strains), respectively, and other types were isolated in small numbers. In 1991, type A and type B were encountered in 36.8% (7/19) each, respectively. In 1994, type A was 65.2% (15/23) and type B was 21.7% (5/23). In 1998, type A was 75.0%(18/24) and type B was 4.2%(1/24). Total types and subtypes according to years were 4 types and 6 subtypes in 1991, 5 types and 6 subtypes in 1992, 4 types and 4 subtypes in 1993, 4 types and 6 subtypes in 1994 and 4 types and 7 subtypes in 1998, respectively. CONCLUSION: The diversity of MRSA strains were observed over 8 years. Type A and type B have been isolated as dominant clones in a university hospital during 8 years. It is presumed that they have isolated from clinical specimens continuously and established the endemicity in this hospital. So it is necessary to prevent the spread of dominant clones intensively, to study the difference of virulence between the dominant and minor clones, and to determine the introduction and spread of MRSA from the community and other hospitals. The PFGE technique was a useful epidemiologic tool for tracking and typing the MRSA isolates.

A study on superoxide anion production by peripheral blood neutrophil in patients with diabetes mellitus / 감염

No abstract available.

A case mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) / 대한내과학회지

Pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae is manifested as a mild and self-limited. However, several overwhelming cases have been reported. Recently, we experienced a case of M. pneumoniae pneumonia that progressed into ARDS in a 68-year old man who was admitted because of fever and erythema multiforme on whole body. On admission, serum cold agglutinins and anti-mycoplasma Ab were negative. Lobar consolidation was visible at initial chest X-ray. But, bilateral infiltration was noted at follow-up chest X-ray and his condition was aggravated to ARDS. Anti-mycoplasma Ab was elevated up to 1:640. He was treated with roxithromycin, prednisolone and mechanical ventilator in ICU for 2 weeks. And after this, his clinical condition was recovered completely.

A case of mucormycosis of skin and soft tissue in a healthy adult / 감염

No abstract available.

Pylephlebitis associated with appendicitis

Pylephlebitis usually occurs secondary to infection in the region drained by the portal venous system. A most common antesecent focus of infection is diverticulitis and the most common blood isolate is E. coli (54%), followed by Proteus mirabilis (23%). Overall mortality is 32% and most of the patients who had died had severe sepsis prior to the initiation of antibiotic therapy. We describe a case of pylephlebitis which had appendicitis and consequent septic thrombosis of the portal vein and its branches, with dissemination of infection to the liver. The patient had recovered due to timely antibiotic treatment alone and resulted in complete resolution. Early diagnosis and treatment are basic to a favorable clinical course.

Retinal Hemorrhage in an Adult with P. vivax Malaria / 감염

Malaria is a worldwide febrile illness with high morbidity and mortality. High fever, jaundice, hemolysis, and hepatosplenomegaly are usual symptoms and signs of malaria, whereas retinal hemorrhage is an unusual finding. Retinal hemorrhage has been known to be one of the clinical manifestations in severe Plasmodium falciparum infection, especially in children developing cerebral malaria. However, retinal hemorrhage can occur in adult patients with severe parasitemia, shizontemia, anemia and may occur in malaria infections caused by other Plasmodium species, because it is due to dense parasitemia in deep vascular beds. A case of Plasmodium vivax malaria with retinal hemorrhage has not been reported as yet. We report a Plasmodium vivax malaria patient with retinal hemorrhage, who presented with severe schizontemia and anemia.

Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Infection by Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae from Community and Hospital / 감염

BACKGROUND: During the last three decades, the resistance of S. pneumoniae to penicillin has been rapidly increasing in many parts of the world, especially in Korea. To characterize the clinical features and epidemiology of penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP) infections in the community and hospital, as well as to investigate the possible spread of resistant clone, we performed the antimicrobial susceptibility tests, pulsed filed gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and penicillin-binding protein (PBP) profile analysis of PRSP isolates. METHODS: A total 48 PRSP isolates from patients who visited or were admitted to Korea University Guro hospital during the period form July 1998 to June 1999 were studied. Anitimicrobial susceptibility tests for 48 isolates were performed with microbroth dilution method to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration of 11 antibiotics. 39 isolates and 35 isolates were subjected to PFGE and PBP profile analysis, respectively to investigate the genetic relatedness between PRSP isolates. RESULTS: Pneumonia was most common site of infection in the community and the hospital as 50%. There were no significant differences of clinical features and prognosis between community and hospital isolates. But, patients with serious underlying diseases had poor prognosis despite of acquisition site. High level penicillin resistance were observed in 69%, multi-drug resistance were 64.6% of isolates. PFGE showed that 13 of 29 community acquired infection were identical PFGE pattern but not that of 23F Spanish clone. There were various PFGE patterns were observed from community and hospital acquired infection isolates. Some of them were existed in both. PBP profiles showed more diverse, even if in isoaltes of the same PFGE pattern. CONCLUSOIN: In our study, high level penicillin resistance and multi-drug resistance were observed in PRSP clinical isolates. No clinical and prognostic differeces were observed between community and hospital acquired infections. Molecular epidemiology study were suggest the there were various genotypes of PRSP within our society. Some of them were observed in the hospital and community. Therefore, there was an evidence of communication of PRSP clones between the community and hospital.

Nationwide Questionnaire Survey for the Prevalence, Detection Methods, and Infection Control Program of VRE Among Hospitals / 감염

BACKGROUND: Vancomcyin-resistantenterococci (VRE) have been an important nosocomial pathogen in the 1990s. Recently, VRE have become an emerging nosocomial pathogen in Korea, but there have been no nationwide study about the status of VRE in Korea. This nationwide questionnaire survey was aimed to determine the prevalence of VRE, the appropriateness of detection method for VRE, and to evaluate the infection control program in hospitals of various size in Korea. METHODS: During 4 weeks (September 1 to October 1, 1999), a questionnaire surveillance study was conducted. We had sent the questionnaire to 200 large hospitals in Korea, which were distributed nationwide. Questionnaire included the prevalence of VRE within the hospital, the detection method for VRE, method of enterococci isolation, antibiotics-susceptibility test and infection control method of VRE. RESULTS: The response rate to questionnaire was 42%. The species identification of enterococci was capable in 62.3% but the accurate enterococcal speciation were capable in 18%. Appropriate antibiotic-susceptibility test were produced only in 6.5%. Total 746 VRE were detected in 42 hospitals during 1-year despite of low sensitivity of detection methods. VRE was noted in 54.4% of hospitals at least. The isolation programme of VRE infected patients was presented in 20.3%, regular surveillance of VRE in high-risk population was produced only in 16.5%. CONCLUSOIN: The prevalence of enterococci among microorganisms isolated from clinical specimens were increased up to 27.7% in Korea. VRE has been emerged in many big cities as well as in Seoul. The microbiological methods that include the speciation of enterococcal isolates, antimicrobial susceptibility test, and VRE detection appeared to be inappropriate in many hospitals. And, proper control and prevention methods were presented in a few hospitals. Education and training about accurate detection of VRE as well as proper infection control programs for VRE are urgently needed.

A Case of Rubella Complicated with Hemolytic Anemia / 감염

Rubella is a viral disease usually characterized by a benign febrile exanthem, manifested with fever, posterior occipital lymphadenopathy and pinkish rash in children. Most cases are recovered without any sequelae. However, it may lead to serious cardiac and ocular congenital malformation and fetal death in pregnant woman. Additionally postnatal rubella can be unusually complicated by encephalitis, meningitis, thrombocytopenic purpura, pneumonia and multiple organ disorder. Especially, hemolytic anemia following postnatally acquired rubella is very rare. Of the world, only twenty cases were reported in Japan during rubella outbreak from 1975 to 1977, and majority were Coombs' positive cases. But no case was reported until now in Korea. Resurgence of rubella has been recognized among adolescents in Korea since 1995. We experienced an adolescent patient with Coombs'-negative hemolytic anemia following rubella infection who has recovered by conservative management. We report the case with a review of literatures.