• Title/Summary/Keyword: Alternative methods

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Usefulness of 3-Dimensional Body Surface Scanning in the Evaluation of Patients with Pectus Carinatum

  • Song, Seung Hwan;Kim, Chong Hoon;Moon, Duk Hwan;Lee, Sungsoo
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.53 no.5
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    • pp.301-305
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    • 2020
  • Background: Radiographic modalities have been commonly used to evaluate pectus carinatum (PC), and compressive orthotic bracing is the most widely accepted treatment method. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of 3-dimensional (3D) body surface scanning as an alternative modality for the evaluation of PC. Methods: The medical records of 63 patients with PC who were treated with compressive orthotic bracing therapy between July 2017 and February 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Using both 2-view chest radiography (posteroanterior and lateral view) and 3D body scanning, the height of maximal protrusion of the chest wall was measured both before and after 2 weeks of bracing therapy. The difference between the pre- and post-treatment measurements was calculated for both modalities, and these differences were compared and analyzed. Results: Based on the comparison between the pre- and post-treatment radiographs, bracing therapy produced favorable outcomes in all patients (p<0.001). The measurements obtained via 3D scanning were strongly correlated with those obtained via chest radiography (r=0.60). Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, 3D body surface scanning appears to be an effective, radiation-free, and simple method for the post-treatment follow-up evaluation of PC, and thus can be considered an alternative to radiography.

Nutrition and feed approach according to pig physiology

  • Park, Sangwoo;Kim, Byeonghyeon;Kim, Younghoon;Kim, Sheena;Jang, Kibeom;Kim, Younghwa;Park, Juncheol;Song, Minho;Oh, Sangnam
    • Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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    • v.43 no.5
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    • pp.750-760
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    • 2016
  • The use of antibiotics in Korean swine production has been changing to a restricted use of in-feed antibiotics. These antibiotics, which are also growth promoters, are powerful for disease control. Due to this issue, the swine industry is consistently looking for any kind of alternatives to antibiotics such as new feed ingredients, feed additives, feed formulation practices, or feeding methods to improve pig health and performance. In general, dietary factors provide bioavailable nutrients and/or affect physiological activity to modify the physiological condition, immune system, or microbial population of pigs to improve their performance and health. Thus, it is suggested that dietary factors may be important components in the growth and health management of pigs. Using an alternative grain feed such as rice, barley, and oats, low protein diets or low-high energy diets can be used as solutions to manage the effect of stress factors that cause growth and health problems at specific time points during the stages of pig production. Several studies support that these alternative feeds and dietary factors may improve pig growth and health by changes in intestinal conditions, immunity, or other physiological conditions compared with typical feed ingredients and diet management in pig production. Therefore, feed ingredients, low protein levels, and different energy contents in swine diets were reviewed to better understand how these dietary factors can contribute to improved pig performance and health under different physiological conditions.

Heaviness of Smoking Index, Number of Cigarettes Smoked and the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence Among Adult Male Malaysians

  • Lim, K.H.;Idzwan, M. Feisul;Sumarni, M.G.;Kee, C.C.;Amal, N.M.;Lim, K.K.;Gurpreet, K.
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.13 no.1
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    • pp.343-346
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    • 2012
  • Two methods of identifying smokers with high nicotine dependence, the heaviness of smoking index (HSI) and number of cigarettes per day (CPD) were compared with the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND). The HSI, CPD and the FTND were administered to 316 adult Malaysian male, daily smokers aged between 25-64 years old in the Malaysian NCD Surveillance-1 Survey using a two-stage stratified random sampling of enumeration blocks and living quarters, via an interview based on a validated questionnaire. The cut-off point for classification of high nicotine dependence on the HSI was a score of four or higher, and for the heavy smoking category, smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day. Classification using each method was compared with classification by the FTND (score of six or more) as the reference standard. Sensitivity, specificity and kappa statistics for concordance between both measures and the FTND were evaluated. The HSI gave a similar prevalence rate of high nicotine dependence as the FTND. There was substantial agreement between the HSI and the FTND (kappa=0.63.), with moderate sensitivity (69.8%) and high specificity (92.5%). However, prevalence of high nicotine dependence using the CPD was 7% lower than the FTND. The heavy smoking category also showed fair agreement with the FTND (kappa=0.45) and moderate sensitivity (67.0%), but specificity was high (86.9%). The findings indicate that the HSI can be used as an alternative to the FTND in screening for high nicotine dependence among daily smokers in large population-based studies, while CPD may not be a suitable alternative to the FTND.

Evaluation of safety and usefulness of submental intubation in panfacial trauma surgery

  • Singaram, Mohanavalli;Ganesan, Ilango;Kannan, Radhika;Kumar, Rajesh
    • Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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    • v.42 no.2
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    • pp.99-104
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    • 2016
  • Objectives: Submental intubation has been advocated as an alternative to classical tracheostomy for certain indicated panfacial trauma surgeries. Surgeons should have various options for airway management in maxillofacial trauma patients. Most maxillofacial injuries involve occlusal derangements, which might require intraoperative occlusal corrections; hence, orotracheal intubation is not ideal. Maxillofacial surgeons generally prefer nasotracheal intubation; however, in cases with concomitant skull base fracture or nasal bone fracture, nasotracheal intubation might not be suitable; in these situations, tracheostomy is typically performed. However, the possible complications of tracheostomy are well known. Due to trauma situations and to avoid the complications of tracheostomy, submental intubation would be an ideal alternative procedure in selected maxillofacial trauma surgery patients. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and usefulness of a submental intubation technique for panfacial trauma surgery. Moreover, we intended to share our experience of submental intubation and to recommend this simple, safe procedure for certain panfacial trauma surgeries. Materials and Methods: In five panfacial trauma patients, we performed submental intubation for airway management; the mean time required for the procedure was only eight minutes. Results: We were able to execute this procedure safely in a short time without any intraoperative or postoperative complications. Conclusion: Submental intubation is a safe and simple technique for airway management in indicated panfacial trauma surgery patients.

Femoro-Supragenicular Popliteal Bypass with a Bridging Stent Graft in a Diffusely Diseased Distal Target Popliteal Artery: Alternative to Below-Knee Popliteal Polytetrafluoroethylene Bypass

  • Byun, Joung Hun;Kim, Tae Gyu;Song, Yun Gyu
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.50 no.5
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    • pp.371-377
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    • 2017
  • Background: Lesions in distal target arteries hinder surgical bypass procedures in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Methods: Between April 2012 and October 2015, 16 patients (18 limbs) with lifestyle-limiting claudication (n=12) or chronic critical limb ischemia (n=6) underwent femoral-above-knee (AK) polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bypass grafts with a bridging stent graft placement between the distal target popliteal artery and the PTFE graft. Ring-supported PTFE grafts were used in all patients with no available vein for graft material. Follow-up evaluations assessed clinical symptoms, the ankle-brachial index, ultrasonographic imaging and/or computed tomography angiography, the primary patency rate, and complications. Results: All procedures were successful. The mean follow-up was 12.6 months (range, 11 to 14 months), and there were no major complications. The median baseline ankle-brachial index of 0.4 (range, 0.2 to 0.55) significantly increased to 0.8 (range, 0.5 to 1.0) at 12 months (p<0.01). The primary patency rate at 12 months was 83.3%. The presenting symptoms resolved within 2 weeks. Conclusion: In AK bypasses with a diffusely diseased distal target popliteal artery or when below-knee (BK) bypass surgery is impossible, this procedure could be clinically effective and safe when used as an alternative to femoral-BK bypass surgery.

Comparison of growth performance of Berkshire purebreds and crossbreds sired by Hereford and Tamworth breeds raised in alternative production system

  • Park, Hyeon-Suk;Spann, Kristal;Whitley, Niki;Oh, Sang-Hyon
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.30 no.9
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    • pp.1358-1362
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    • 2017
  • Objective: The objective of the present study was to compare growth performance of Berkshire purebred pigs (BB), Hereford (HB) and/or Tamworth (TB) sired Berkshire crossbred pigs reared in a hoop structure in two experiments. Methods: In the first experiment, BB was compared to TB while HB and TB were compared in the second. Body weights (BW) were recorded at 3 days of age and every 28 days from birth until 140 days of age. There was no significant difference between the BW of BB and TB, but HB was heavier than TB by 84 days of age. Least square means of average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated using one-way analysis of variance. Results: The mean parity (${\pm}$standard deviation) of the sows was $3.42{\pm}2.14$ and a total of 45 farrowing occurred from year 2012 to 2014. The mean number of total born, number born alive, number of mummies, and number weaned were $9.23{\pm}2.52$, $7.87{\pm}2.53$, $0.04{\pm}0.21$, and $5.94{\pm}2.74$, respectively. Parity did not have a significant effect on the growth performance of the pigs. For BB and TB, there was only one time frame in which there was a significant difference in the ADG: between 28 and 56 days of age. For HB and TB, the overall ADG of HB was significantly greater than the total ADG of TB. Conclusion: The breed of the sire did not affect the growth performance of the progeny between Berkshire purebreds and Tamworth${\times}$Berkshire crossbreds. The breed of the sire did have an effect between Hereford and Tamworth sired Berkshire crossbreds (p<0.05). The Hereford sired pigs were found to have increased growth performance compared to Tamworth sired.

The Trapezius Muscle Flap: A Viable Alternative for Posterior Scalp and Neck Reconstruction

  • Yang, Hee Jun;Lee, Dong Hun;Kim, Yang Woo;Lee, Sang Gu;Cheon, Young Woo
    • Archives of Plastic Surgery
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    • v.43 no.6
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    • pp.529-535
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    • 2016
  • Background The trapezius muscle flap is not usually the first reconstructive option for skin and soft tissue defects in the posterior neck and scalp due to surgeons' unfamiliarity with the surgical anatomy and developments in free tissue transfer techniques. The goals of this study were to describe the clinical use of trapezius flaps in posterior neck and scalp reconstruction, and to investigate the vascular anatomy of trapezius flaps in Asians in order to obtain information facilitating the safe design and elevation of flaps in which most of the muscle is preserved. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed of 10 patients who underwent trapezius muscle flap for posterior neck and scalp defects. We also performed an anatomical study of 16 flaps harvested from 8 preserved Asian adult cadavers and evaluated the main landmarks relevant for trapezius muscle flap. Results In the anatomical study, the mean vertical height from the inferior angle of the scapula to the point at which the superficial cervical artery penetrated the trapezius was $4.31{\pm}2.14cm$. The mean vertical height of the trapezius muscle flap pivot point was $9.53{\pm}2.08cm$ from the external occipital protuberance. Among the 10 flaps, partial necrosis on the overlaid skin graft occurred in 1 patient and postoperative seroma occurred in another patient. Conclusions Vascular variations in the trapezius muscle flap are uncommon in Asians, but when present, such variations appear to have little impact on harvesting the flap or on its circulation. The trapezius muscle flap is a viable alternative for posterior neck and scalp reconstruction.

The Medical Use of the Disabled Among Overusers of Medical Aid in Korea (의료급여 과다 이용 수급권자 중 장애인의 의료이용)

  • Shin, Sun-Mi;Kim, Eui-Sook;Park, Chang-Ki;Lee, Hee-Woo
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • v.43 no.1
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    • pp.35-41
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    • 2010
  • Objectives: In Korea, the top 10% of Medical Aid recipients represent nearly 60% of total payment, with the costs for those disabled for over 365 days representing approximately 30% of total payment. The purpose of this study was to compare Medical Aid use of the disabled with non-disabled recipients, and to identify contributing factors to the total payment in the top 2% of recipients identified as Medical Aid overusers. Methods: Subjects (n=2,211) selected were ${\geq}18$-years-of-age and received >1000 days of co-payment-free type I Medical Aid. Case managers (n=200) conducted interviews in December 2006, and collected data from Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service. Amounts over the 9 months from January September 2006 were analyzed descriptively and using Chi-square, ANCOVA, and robust multiple linear regression. Results: Disabled individuals (mean age 61.3 years) composed 36.6% of subjects; 44.8% of the disabled were male. On a monthly basis per capita, the disabled group averaged 10.5 outpatient days, total payment of 523,000 Korean Won(₩), inpatient payment of ₩359,000, and outpatient payment of ₩183,000. All values exceeded the monthly average for non-disabled individuals. Contributing factors were identified as male gender (₩82,000), elementary school or lower educational level (₩64,000), residence in a small city (₩82,000), lack of family support (₩61,000), kidney disability (₩673,000), intellectual disability (₩151,000), and multiple disabilities (₩119,000). Conclusions: The identification of contributing factors to Medical Aid use by those defined as disabled supports the adoption of comprehensive alternative policies such as strengthening of education and consultation services, provision of alternative facilities, and promotion of self-care.

A Study on Standardization of Optimum Transportation Routing based on GIS for Railway HAZMAT Transportation (GIS 기반 철도 위험물 최적수송경로도출 표준화에 관한 연구)

  • Paeng, Jung-Goang;Kim, Si-Gon;Park, Min-Kyu;Kang, Seung-Pil
    • Journal of the Korea Safety Management & Science
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    • v.11 no.4
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    • pp.201-211
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    • 2009
  • The types and quantities of Hazmat and Hazmat transportation are gradually increasing, keeping pace with industrialization and urbanization. At present the safety management for Hazmat transportation only considers reducing accident probability, but even when an accident involving Hazmat-carrying vehicles occurs, that is not regarded as a Hazmat-related accident if the Hazmats do not leak out from the containers carrying them. Thus the methods to reduce risk (Risk=Probability$\times$Consequence) have to be developed by incorporating accident probability and consequence. By using Geographic Information System (GIS), a technical method is invented and is automatically able to evaluate the consequence by different types of Hazmat. Thus this study analyzed the degree of risk on the links classified by the Hazmat transport pathways. In order to mitigate the degree of risk, a method of 7-step risk management on Hazmat transportation in railway industries can be suggested. (1st step: building up GIS DB, 2nd step: calculating accident probability on each link, 3rd step: calculating consequence by Hazmat types, 4th step: determination of risk, 5th step: analysis of alternative plans for mitigating the risk, 6th: measure of effectiveness against each alternative, and 7th step: action plans to be weak probability and consequence by the range recommended from ALARP). In conclusion, those 7 steps are used as a standardization method of optimum transportation routing. And to increase the efficiency of optimum transportation routing, optional route can be revise by verification.

ALTERNATIVE TECHINQUE OF MATRIX BANDING FOR RESTORING OF PROXIMAL CARIOUS LESIONS IN PRIMARY ANTERIOR TEETH (유전치 인접면우식증의 복합레진 충전시 변형된 matrix band의 사용)

  • Ra, Ji-Young;Cho, Hyun;Kim, Dae-Eop;Lee, Kwang-Hee
    • Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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    • v.30 no.3
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    • pp.453-458
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    • 2003
  • Usually Mylar strip and wedge or celluloid strip crown were used in conventional method of restoring proximal carious lesions of primary anterior teeth. But, these methods have some difficulties to place the matrix and wedge due to short crown lenth and interdental spacing of primary teeth. And it is difficult to form proper cavosurface margin due to the rigidity of matrix and inconvenience to support matrix by practitioner's hand in narrow oral cavity of child. This article describes an alternative technique for restoring carious lesions of primary anterior teeth using available straw. This method is very convenient and reduce chair time and it also allows good marginal adaptation.

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