• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.39-50
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• 2001

Background: Power spectrum analysis method is a powerful noninvasive tool for quantifying autonomic nervous system activity. In this paper, we developed a data acquistion system for estimating the activity of the autonomic nervous system by the analysis of heart rate and respiratory rate variability using power spectrum analysis. Materials and methods: For the detection of QRS peak and measurement of respiratory rate from patient's ECG, we used low-pass filter and impedence method respectively. This system adopt an isolated power for patient's safety. In this system, two output signals can be obtained: R-R interval heart rate) and respiration rate time series. Experimental ranges are 30-240 BPM for ECG and 15-80 BPM for respiration. Results: The system can acquire two signals accurately both in the experimental test using simulator and in real clinical setting. Conclusion: The system developed in this paper is efficient for the acquisition of heart rate and respiration signals. This system will play a role in research area for improving our understanding of the pathophysiologic involvement of the autonomic nervous system in various disease states.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.30-38
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• 2001

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging for monitoring the response to radiation therapy in metastatic bone marrow of the spines. Materials and Methods: Twenty-one patients with metastatic bone marrow of the spines were examined with MRI. Diffusion-weighted and spin-echo MRI were performed in 10 patients before and after radiation therapy with or without systemic chemotherapy, and performed in 11 patients after radiation therapy alone. Follow up spin-echo and diffusion-weighted MRI were obtained at 1 to 6 months after radiation therapy according to patients' condition. The diffusion-weighted imaging sequence was based on reversed fast imaging with steady-state precession (PSIF). Signal intensity changes of the metastatic bone marrows before and after radiation therapy on conventional spin-echo sequence MRI and diffusion-weighted MRI were evaluated. Bone marrow contrast ratios and signal-to-noise ratios before and after radiation therapy of diffusion- weighted MRI were analyzed. Results: All metastatic bone marrow of the spinal bodies were hyperintense to normal bone marrow of the spinal bodies on pretreatment diffusion-weighted MRI and positive bone marrow contrast ratios(p<0.001), and hypointense to normal spinal bodies on posttreatment diffusion-weighted MRI and negative bone marrow contrast ratios(p<0.001). The signal to noise ratios after treatment decreased comparing with those of pretreatment. Decreased signal intensity of the metastatic bone marrows on diffusion-weighted MRI began to be observed at average more than one month after the initiation of the radiation therapy. Conclusion: These results suggest that diffusion-weighted MRI would be an excellent method for monitoring the response to therapy of metastatic bone marrow of the spinal bodies, however, must be investigated in a larger series of patients with longer follow up period.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.123-137
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• 2001

Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of measurements obtained from 3-dimensional computerized tomography and 3-dimensional cephalogram constructed by using the frontal and lateral cephalogram of six human dry skulls. Materials and Methods: After CT scans and each cephalograms were taken, 3-dimensional coordinates (X, Y, Z) of landmarks were obtained using computer programs. In this study, the accuracy of both methods were determined by means of 14 linear measurements compare with caliper measurements. Results: The standard deviation of landmarks of 3-dimensional CT and 3-dimensional cephalogram were 0.23 mm, and 0.30 mm in X axis, 0.27 mm and 0.25 mm in Y axis, and 0.27 mm and 0.31 mm in Z axis. In both methods, the standard deviation were less than 0.5 mm in all landmarks, and the most of landmarks showed less than 1 mm in range. Concerning the accuracy, the mean difference between 3-dimensional CT and manual measurements was 0.33 mm, and 1.13 mm between 3-dimensional cephalogram and manual measurements. The distance between RGo and LGo showed the largest difference (2.03 mm). There were highly significant, and large correlation with manual measurements in both methods (p<0.01). Conclusion: It is concluded that closeness of repeated measures to each skulls reveal the precision of both methods. Computerized tomography and cephalogram for 3-dimensional measurement of maxillofacial structure are equivalent in quality to caliper measurements.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.112-122
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• 2001

Background: Cleft lip and palate deformity have unknown patterns of maxillofacial growth and development. The maxillofacial growth can be affected either by congenital or environmental factors such as infection and trauma. Surgical repair of cleft lip and palate may interfere the subsequent growth and development of maxillofacial region. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the characteristics of maxillofacial growth patterns in adult cleft lip and palate patients. Materials and Methods: The material for this study consisted of 17 adult male patients with cleft lip and palate. Cephalometric tracing and measurements were done by one investigator. The relationship between 17 cleft lip and palate patients and Korean norms were evaluated statistically. Results: There were statistically differences in Na. perpendicular to point A, SNA angle, effective maxillary length, maxillofacial differencial. Wit's appraisal and upper incisor to point A(p < 0.01). Pogonion to Na. perpendicular also statistically differed(p < 0.05). Other measurements didn't statistically differ. Conclusion: It was evident that in adult cleft lip and palate patients, maxilla was retruded and short. Careful cleft lip and palate repair and treatment are recommended for facilitating normal growth of maxilla.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.94-100
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• 2001

Background: It is doubtful that aging causes deteriorated glucose metabolism and insulin resistance of skeletal muscle. Some researchers had different results about it. So we have studied the mechanism responsible for the abnormal glucose tolerance associated with aging in rapidly growing and matured rats. Materials and Methods: Animals were used S.D. rats. Growing rats were 7 weeks old (BW: 160-190 gm) and matured rats were 28 weeks old (BW: 420-525 gm). Results: Fasting blood glucose and plasma insulin levels were significantly elevated in matured rat compared with growing rats. And during oral glucose tolerance test the glucose level was also significantly elevated in matured rats. These results confirmed an insulin resistant state of aging. Insulin levels at 30 minutes of oral glucose tolerance test was significantly elevated in growing rat. But at 120 minutes it was maintained at higher level in matured rats than in growing rats. It suggested the possibility of increased insulin secretion by initial stimulation of beta-cells in growing rats, and increased secretion and decreased catabolic rate of insulin in matured rats. Glucose uptake rate of soleus muscle in matured rats was lower than that of growing rats, but the difference was not statistically significant. The dose(insulin)-responsive(glucose uptake) curve of soleus muscle was only slightly deviated to the right side. Conclusion: Glucose metabolism of rat skeletal muscle was worsened by aging. The data of glucose uptake experiments suggested the possibility of insulin resistance of skeletal muscle in matured rats. but the mechanism of insulin resistance of skeletal muscle need further studies.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.85-93
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• 2001

Background: The number of glomerulus has been considered one of the etiologic factors especially for focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. However, glomeruli are too many to calculate them correctly. Although the fractionator method has became convinced, in which they used selected sections, not whole kidney sections, with same intervals, it is also very hard to get good results. Because it is still very time-consuming and laborous work which leads to make big observers' biases. Methods and Materials: We designed the index for glomerular number to estimate the tendency of increase or decrease of the number of it in different kidneys and which was evaluated by other conventional methods including fractionator method. Index was based upon the theory by Nyengaard; "the number of glomerulus correlates with the weight of kidney, which is positively correlated with body weight". Calculating formula is the number of glomeruli/surface areas of cortices, which contain calculated glomeruli multiplies by kidney weight/body weight. Results: We applied this index to kidneys of FGS/Kist mouse and those of RFM/Nga mouse. The former is spontaneous glomerulosclerosis model with heavy protein uria and renal failure and the latter is the mother side of FGS/Kist mouse but has no glomerular disease or protein uria. The number of glomerulus of FGS/Kist mouse was decreased by 30% to those of RFM/Nga mouse. Conclusion: This index was useful and reliable for estimating the relative glomerular number between two groups.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.67-74
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• 2001

Background: Meralgia paresthetica(MP) which is characterized by paresthesias and sensory impairment without motor weakness in the anterolateral aspects of the thigh is produced by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve(LFCN). Even though the diagnosis of MP is mostly based on the clinical symptoms, electrophysiologic study is mandatory to confirm the disease objectively. It has been known that Somatosensory evoked potential(SSEP) study of LFCN is a simple and very useful method to evaluate MP, so we studied SSEP of LFCN in normal adults and offer normal values. Materials and Methods: Thirty six normal adults(23 males and 13 females) ages from 21 to 73 years old($mean{\pm}SD$:$42.06{\pm}15.74$) were studied SSEP of LFCN bilaterally. The stimulation site was anterolateral aspect of thighs and the recording site was Cz'. Results: The mean values($mean{\pm}SD$) of $LP_0$, $SP_0$, $LN_1$ and $SN_1$ of all subjects were 35.10(${\pm}2.42$), 33.80(${\pm}2.4$), 43.68(${\pm}1.88$) and 42.16(${\pm}2.12$) and the mean values($mean{\pm}SD$ of $DP_0$, $DN_1$ and DA(${\mu}V{\pm}SD$ were 1.30(${\pm}1.14$), 1.52(${\pm}1.38$) and 0.32(${\pm}0.33$). Conclusion: For the diagnosis of MP. comparison of latency difference between both sides is more reliable than simple value of latency itself because of individual differences of body types. According to our results. the latency difference should be less than 2 msec and the amplitude difference was less than 1.6 times in normal adults.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.21-29
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• 1989

A clinical study was made on 71cases of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia from March, 86 to February, 89. The results were as follows; 1. Among the 315 cases of pneumonia, the incidence of mycoplasmal infection was 22.5%. 2. The peak incidence of age was between 5 to 9years of age(53.5%). 3. The sex ratio of male to female was 1.3:1. 4. Monthly distribution showed relatively high frequency from October to January(59.2%). 5. Most common clinical symptoms were cough(98.6%)and then followed by fever(49.3%), coryza(19.7%). Rales were the most common finding(95.7%) and followed by pharyngeal injection (49.3%) and wheezing(18.3 %). 6. The leukocyte counts in peripheral blood were most common in the range of 5000-10000/$mm^3$(47.9%) and the ESR was increased in 57.7%, and positive CRP cases were 87.3%. 7. The most common radiologic finding of pulmonary infiltration was interstitial infiltration(45.1) and then followed by disseminated lobular(39.4%) and lobar pneumonia(15.5%). 8. There are a few cases associated disease or complication: otitis media (5.6%), hepatitis(4.2%) acute glomerulonephritis. bronchial asthma and sinusitis(2.8%), thrombocytopenia(1.4%).

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.87-98
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• 1989

Clinical estimation of bladder and rectal doses from high dose rate intracavitary irradiation in carcinoma of the cervix uteri has been initiated on a routine basis in an effort to obtain the optimum radiotherapeutic dose. Simulation films with contrast media are used to image the bladder and rectum, and dose rates are estimated at various interesting points with the aid of treatment planning computer, NEC Therac-2300. Fifty-three patients have been reviewed in order to ascertain the correlation between radiation dose at interesting points in the bladder and rectum and the dose at Point A and B. The dose ratio between doses at Point A 'and interesting points is an important clinical factor in evaluating the treatment planning. This also serves as documentation of the dose to normal structures within the treatment volume. Authors conclude that obtained data are within acceptable ranges and routine simulation films of the bladder and rectum after administration of contrast media with dose calculations at interesting points provide important information for optimizing radiotherapy planning in the treatment of cervical carcinoma without increased time and effort or patient's discomfort.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.151-163
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• 1990

Tsutsugamushi disease is an acute febrile disease caused by Rickettsia tsutsugamushi, and which has been reported with increasing frequency through the nation since 1986. We experienced 21 cases of Tsutsugamushi disease diagnosed with serologic test occuring in Taegu city and Kyungpook province during October-November, 1989. The results of survey are as follow. 1) Of 21 cases, 12(57%) were males and 9(43%) were females, and the peak incidence was the 4th decade. 2) The outbreak was in October to November and the peak incidence was in October. 3) The most frequent symptoms were fever and chill(100%), myalgia(95%), headache(90%). Eschar and rash were observed in 18 patients(86%) and the eschar was detected in all over the body, especially thorax(33%) and lower extremity(22%). 4) Laboratory features were SGOT elevation(83%), SGPT elevation(61%), LDH elevation(67%). leukocytosis (38%). 5) Indirect immunofluorescent antibody test was done m 18 patients and the antibody titer was above 1 : 320 in all patients. 6) The chloramphenicol, tetracycline or doxycycline regimens were very effective and mean duration of defervescence from iniation of therapy was 1.3 days. 7) The complication such as meningitis or shock, was not seen.