• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.26-31
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• 2006

Objective : The authors study on the clinical presentations and the surgical outcomes of the tumors in the ventricular system. Methods : 15 patients with ventricular tumor were studied. The clinical presentation, radiological findings, different surgical approaches, and outcome were analyzed. Tumors were classified into three groups based on their locations in MRI : lateral, third and fourth ventricle. Surgical methods were transcortical approach in eight patients, transcallosal approach in four, median suboccipital approach in two, and subfrontal approach in one. Gross total removal was achieved in 10 patients. Subtotal resections were performed in the rest. Glasgow outcome scale was used for evaluation of the surgical outcome. Results : Main clinical presentations were chronic headache in patients with the tumor in the lateral ventricular tumor and sudden onset of headache and consciousness change in patients with the tumor in the third and fourth ventricular tumor Development of hydrocephalus was more predominant in patients with the tumors in the third ventricle. Postoperatively, good outcome [Glasgow outcome scale IV, V] were in 73%, and better results was observed in patients with the tumors in the lateral ventricular tumor. The differences of outcome according to surgical approach were not recognized, even though it was not reliable statistically. Conclusion : In ventricular tumor, postoperative outcome is not good in patients with sudden development of headache, hydrocephalus, high grade tumor. Outcome is good in patients with the tumor in the lateral ventricle relatively. There is no difference in outcome according to the approach method to the tumors. And it is necessary to be aware of various approach methods to the tumors and anatomy surrounding the ventricle for avoidance of neurological complications.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.100-106
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• 2019

Background: In Korean medicine, carpal tunnel syndrome is treated by stimulating the acupoints around the wrist. Although a deep understanding of anatomy and guidance is needed to stimulate these acupoints to avoid undesirable side-effects, currently there are no published guidelines for acupotomy treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of fluoroscopy-guided acupotomy compared with conventional acupotomy treatment. Methods: This is a randomized, patient-assessor, patient blind, parallel clinical trial. A total of 30 patients will be enrolled at Wonkwang University Gwangju Hospital, and will be allocated to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group will be treated using fluoroscopy-guided acupotomy and the control group will be treated using the conventional acupotomy method. Results: The primary outcome measure will be identification of a cross-section area of the median nerve measured by ultrasonography, and the secondary outcome measure will be the alleviation of pain measured by the Visual Analogue Scale, improvement in the Nerve Conduction Study, Tinel test, Phalen's test, EuroQol 5-dimension scale, and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire score. Safety components will be measured by monitoring vital signs, electrocardiographs, blood tests, general chemical tests, urine tests and pregnancy tests. In addition, observations for adverse effects will be performed during the trial. Conclusion: This study will provide a more effective, and less harmful way of treating carpal tunnel syndrome compared with conventional acupotomy. Fluoroscopy-guided acupotomy will help practitioners to be accurate in direction and depth of the needle for treating carpal tunnel syndrome.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.387-393
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• 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a modified surgical procedure for the treatment of varicose veins. Methods: This retrospective analysis was conducted on lower extremities with symptomatic great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence that underwent stripping from the groin to the knee, with preservation of the superficial epigastric vein (SEV), between January 2015 and April 2022. Follow-up assessments were performed using Doppler ultrasound, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results: The study included 179 limbs from 120 patients (47 men and 73 women). The mean patient age was 56.5 years (range, 20-78 years), and the distribution of preoperative Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology clinical classes was 8% C0-C1, 88% C2, and 4% C3-C6. The preoperative diameter of the saphenofemoral confluence averaged 6.9 mm (range, 2.7-15.8 mm). After a mean postoperative follow-up period of 24 months, evidence of neovascularization around the stump of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) was observed in 2 limbs (1.1%). Additionally, varicose vein recurrence was found in 1 limb (0.6%) and was associated with an incompetent thigh perforator. At postoperative follow-up, both VCSS and AVVQ scores were significantly lower than the preoperative scores. Conclusion: Modified surgical treatment of GSV incompetence, involving preservation of the SEV and stripping of a short segment up to the knee, demonstrated favorable clinical results in terms of postoperative complication rate, neovascularization rate around the SFJ stump, varicose vein recurrence rate, and improvement in lower extremity symptoms.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.122-128
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• 2010

Purpose: Many descriptions of the digital arterial anatomy including skin territory of the finger have been published. Relatively few studies on venous architecture of the finger have been performed in this area, in part, attributable to the technical difficulties encountered in dissecting small vessels. The purpose of this study is to present the precise microsurgical anatomy of the vein related to the digital artery and venae comitantes of the components. Methods: Arterial and venous anatomy of their relation to the fingers were examined in 38 specimens of two fresh cadavers and 36 clinical cases. All specimens were evaluated grossly, surgical microscopically, or / and light microscopically to observe the three & two-dimensional structure of the artery and joining vein, evidence of the venae comitantes, and venous valve. Results: No longitudinal venae comitantes along the digital artery were found in any specimens. The size of the venae comitantes of each digital artery was much smaller than other vein, but always existed any level of digital artery. One or two venae comitantes in the digital artery ran spiral, oblique, helical, fibrillar, or irregular branched shape. The authors also found the vein of the finger, that had bicuspid valves, but not in venae comitantes. Conclusion: Recently, venous outflow problem rather than arterial circulation is the most common cause tissue failure after microvascular surgery in the hand. Sometimes, if it is not recognized early, there is an increased risk of tissue damage and loss. The authors concluded that this study presents a useful knowledge for the characterization of the venous structure and evidence for venae comitantes like a venule in the digital artery at varying levels of the finger.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.26 no.2 s.62
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• pp.217-230
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• 2005

Objectives: Chungpaesagan-tang (CPSGT), which is frequently used for treating patients of cerebrovascular disease, has not been reported by clinical doctors concerning the effect of neuronal aptosis caused by brain ischemia. To study the effect of CPSGT on focal cerebral ischemia in normal and diabetic rats and SHR, focal cerebral ischemia was induced by transient MCAO, and after onset CPSGT was administrated. Methods: Rats (Sprague-Dawley) were divided into four groups: sham-operated group, MCA-occluded group, CPSGT­administrated group after MCA occlusion, and normal group. The MCA was occluded by intraluminal method. CPSGT was administrated orally twice (l and 4 hours) after middle cerebral artery occlusion. All groups were sacrificed at 24 hours after the surgery. The brain tissue Was stained with $2\%$ triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) or $1\%$ cresyl violet solution, to examine effect of CPSGT on ischemic brain tissue. The blood samples were obtained from the heart.~. Tumor necrosis $factor-\alpha$ level and interleukin-6 level of serum was measured from sera using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA). Then changes of immunohistochemical expression of $TNF-\alpha$ in ischemic damaged areas were observed. Results: In NC+MCAO+CP and DM+MCAO+CP, CPSGT significantly (p<0.01) decreased the number of neuron cells compared to the control group. CPSGT markedly reduced (p<0.01) the infarct size of the forebrain in distance from the interaural line on cerebral ischemia in diabetic rats. CPSGT significantly reduced the $TNF-\alpha$ expression in penumbra region of damaged hemisphere in diabetic rats. Conclusions: CPSGT had a protective effect on cerebral ischemia in SD rats, especially in diabetic rats compared with normal SD rats.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.61-72
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• 2017

Objectives: The effects of Gamiondam-tang (GMODT) co-administration within 5min on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of tamoxifen were observed as a process of the comprehensive and integrative medicine, combination therapy of tamoxifen with GMODT to achieve synergic pharmacodynamics and reduce toxicity on the breast cancer. Methods: After 50mg/kg of tamoxifen treatment, GMODT 100mg/kg was administered within 5min. The plasma were collected at 30 min before administration, 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hrs after end of GMODT treatment, and plasma concentrations of tamoxifen were analyzed using LC-MS/MS methods. PK parameters of tamoxifen (Tmax, Cmax, AUC, $t_{1/2}$ and $MRT_{inf}$) were analysis as compared with tamoxifen single administered rats using noncompartmental pharmacokinetics data analyzer programs. Results: Co-administration with GMODT induced increased trends of plasma tamoxifen concentrations to 1hr after end of administration, and then showed decreased trends of plasma tamoxifen concentrations, and especially significant (p<0.05) increases of plasma tamoxifen concentrations were demonstrated at 0.5hr after end of co-administration with GMODT and also related significant (p<0.05) decreases of $AUC_{0-inf}$ and $MRT_{inf}$ as compared with tamoxifen single formula treated rats, at dosage levels of tamoxifen 10 mg/kg and GMODT 100 mg/kg within 5 min, in this experiment. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, it is considered that single co-administration GMODT within 5min significantly inhibited the oral bioavailability of tamoxifen through variable influences on the absorption and excretion of tamoxifen, can be influenced on the toxicity or pharmacodynamic of tamoxifen.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.127-137
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• 2017

Objectives : In our previous study, single co-administration GMODT within 5 min significantly inhibited the oral bioavailability of tamoxifen through variable influences on the absorption and excretion of tamoxifen. Therefore, the object of this study was to elucidate the possible effects on the pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen after single oral co-administration of GMODT with 2.5 hr-intervals. Methods : After 50 mg/kg of tamoxifen treatment, GMODT 100 mg/kg was administered with 2.5 hr-intervals. The plasma were collected at 30 min before administration, 30 min, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hrs after end of GMODT treatment, and plasma concentrations of tamoxifen were analyzed using LC-MS/MS methods. PK parameters of tamoxifen (Tmax, Cmax, AUC, $t_{1/2}$ and $MRT_{inf}$) were analysis as compared with tamoxifen single administered rats. Results : Two-half hr-interval co-administration with GMODT induced variable changes on the plasma tamoxifen concentrations as compared with tamoxifen single treated rats, and especially significant (p<0.05) increases of plasma tamoxifen concentrations were demonstrated at 0.5 (199.61%) and 1 hr (101.06%) after end of co-administration with GMODT, and also related significant (p<0.05) decreases of $t_{1/2}$ (-39.54%) and $MRT_{inf}$ (-43.94%) as compared with tamoxifen single formula treated rats, at dosage levels of tamoxifen 50 mg/kg and GMODT 100 mg/kg with 2.5 hr-intervals, in this experiment. Conclusions : According to the results, GMODT critically decreased on the oral bioavailability of tamoxifen through variable influences on the absorption and excretion of tamoxifen. Hence, the co-administration of GMODT and tamoxifen should be avoided in the comprehensive and integrative medicine, combination therapy of tamoxifen with GMODT on the breast cancer.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.544-547
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• 2015

An 11-year-old, intact male Pekingese was brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of Kangwon National University with a 10-day history of seizures. Fifteen days before coming to Kangwon National University, the dog had visited a local animal hospital for lameness, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were prescribed to treat this symptom. However, 10 days before coming to our hospital, the dog experienced generalized seizures. Two days before his arrival, generalized ataxia and mental dullness also occurred. Our examinations revealed no remarkable findings on a routine blood test or X-ray. However, the neurological examinations confirmed mental dullness, generalized ataxia, and a lack of menace response and pupillary light reflexes. Nine hours later, dyspnea occurred, and 12 hours after that, the patient was euthanized per the client's request. A necropsy of transverse sections confirmed the presence of a prominent midline shift due to extended tumor growth. On histopathological analyses, pseudopalisading necrosis of the glial cells and microvascular proliferation were observed. In immunohistochemical analysis, glial fibrillary acidic protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigens, and ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 immunoreactive cells were observed in the tumor area. Based on the results, the tumor was confirmed to be a glioblastoma. Primary intracranial tumors are rare in the veterinary field. This case report describes the clinical and histopathological findings of glioblastoma in a Pekingese.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.9
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• pp.849-855
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• 2021

Recently, as nanotechnology has been introduced and used in various fields, the development of new drugs has been accelerating. Nanoparticles have maintained blood drug concentration for extended periods of time with a single administration of the drug. The drug can then be selectively released only at the pathological site, thereby reducing side effects to other non-pathological sites. In addition, nanoparticles can be modified for selective target sites delivery for other specific diseases, with polymers being widely used in the manufacture of these nanoparticles. Poly (D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid ) (PLGA) is one of the most extensively developed biodegradable polymers. PLGA is widely used in drug delivery for a variety of applications. It has also been approved by the FDA as a drug delivery system and is widely applied in controlled release formulations, such as in gene therapy treatments. PLGA nanoparticles have been developed as delivery systems with high efficiency to specific cell types by using passive and active targeting methods. After the development of a drug delivery system using PLGA nanoparticles, the drug is selectively delivered to the target site, and the effective blood concentration for extended periods of time is optimized according to the disease. In this review paper, we focus on ways to improve cell-specific treatment outcomes by examining the development of astrocyte selective nanoparticles based on PLGA nanomaterials for gene therapy.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.149-153
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• 2013

Candidiasis is a fungal infection of the most common causes; generally, opportunistic infections occur often in patients with weakened immune systems. Because of high rates in fungal infection patients and increasing frequency of being isolated from clinical materials, quickly identifying of Candida albicans is critical. By identifying 404 yeast cell strains of referred samples via API 20C kits, NGL and PRO tests and Germ tube (GT) test were conducted and compared. In the 3.0 McFarland yeast cells, 0.1% ${\rho}-nitrophenyl-N-acetyl-{\beta}-D-galactosaminide$ (NGL) and 0.04% ${\small{L}}$-proline ${\beta}$-naphtylamide (PRO) were each put in test tubes and incubated at $35^{\circ}C$ for 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes. Afterwards, 1 drop of 2% NaOH was applied, and if the color turned yellow; it was positive for NGL test. Afterwards, 1% ${\rho}$-dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde was applied, and if the upper layer turned pink or red, it was positive for PRO test. NGL and PRO tests were conducted for all C. albicans and identified accurately within 30 minutes. In NGL, PRO test, false-positive, negative were not seen, whereas, GT test showed false-positive in 1 strain and false-negative in 3 strains. Therefore, sensitivity and specificity of NGL, PRO tests were 100% and 99.5%, respectively, and positive and negative predictive rate were 99.5% and 100%, respectively. However, GT test sensitivity and specificity were 98.5% and 99.5%, respectively, and positive and negative predictive rates were 99.5% and 98.5%, respectively. In conclusion, NGL, PRO tests are better than GT tests for sensitivity and specificity, therefore, these reliable tests will be useful in clinical laboratories.