• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.371-377
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• 2016

Decalcification is routinely performed to obtain a pathological diagnosis using bone marrow biopsy. During the decalcification process using a conventional acidic solution, such as HCl, the antigenicity of tissue is damaged. Especially DNA and RNA in the bone marrow are impaired. Hence, there is the need for a standardized decalcification protocol that preserves the antigenicity of tissue. To this end, we compared the effects of two commonly used decalcifiers: Commercial decalcifier (Calcl-Clear Rapid, HCl) and the EDTA (12.5%, pH 7.0). Bone marrow biopsies sampled from 71 patients were decalcified in accordance with the protocols of respective groups-HCI versus EDTA. The differences of decalcification protocols were analyzed with respect to Hematoxylin & Eosin staining, Gomori'sreticulum staining, and immunohistochemical staining and molecular analysis. Immunohistochemical staining used Ki-67, CD20 and CD138 as primary antibodies and molecular analysis was conducted through the DNA concentration analysis, in situ hybridization (ISH) and immunoglobulin heavy chain (IGH) gene rearrangement. On the routine histopathology analysis, there was no difference between HCl and EDTA. Moreover, in case of immunohistochemical staining, the cytoplasmic membrane or cytoplasmic CD markers was well preserved. However, nuclear proteins, such as Ki-67, were stained with low quality. Conversely, according to the molecular analysis, the EDTA protocol preserved the DNA and RNA compared with the HCI. The differences of DNA quantity and quality were statistically significant between protocols of HCl and EDTA. We used 38 cases in HCl and 12 cases in EDTA. Consequently, the EDTA protocol maintains the antigenicity of the protein on tissue and is acceptable for examination with molecular base analysis. Decalcification of bone marrow biopsy by EDTA is highly recommended for the examination of immunohistochemical staining and molecular analysis.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 2006

Purpose : To evaluate clinical usefulness of facial soft tissue thickness measurement using 3D computed tomographic images. Materials and Methods : One cadaver that had sound facial soft tissues was chosen for the study. The cadaver was scanned with a Helical CT under following scanning protocols about slice thickness and table speed; 3 mm and 3 mm/sec, 5 mm and 5 mm/sec, 7 mm and 7 mm/sec. The acquired data were reconstructed 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 mm reconstruction interval respectively and the images were transferred to a personal computer. Using a program developed to measure facial soft tissue thickness in 3D image, the facial soft tissue thickness was measured. After the ten-time repeation of the measurement for ten times, repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was adopted to compare and analyze the measurements using the three scanning protocols. Comparison according to the areas was analyzed by Mann-Whitney test. Results : There were no statistically significant intraobserver differences in the measurements of the facial soft tissue thickness using the three scanning protocols (p>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between measurements in the 3 mm slice thickness and those in the 5 mm, 7 mm slice thickness (p>0.05). There were statistical differences in the 14 of the total 30 measured points in the 5 mm slice thickness and 22 in the 7 mm slice thickness. Conclusion : The facial soft tissue thickness measurement using 3D images of 7 mm slice thickness is acceptable clinically, but those of 5 mm slice thickness is recommended for the more accurate measurement.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.26-32
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• 2002

In Korea, implementation of nutrition support guidelines has been limited due to strict health insurance reimbursement policies as well as the lack of consensus on the best approach to TPN management. We examined the impact of TPN provision to hospitalized patients where NST (nutrition support team ) consultations were not requested by their primary physicians. The study showed the followings : 1. The median dutation of TPN provision was 8 days, but many patients were on TPN for less than 1 week. 2. The intake of energy and protein were less than the patient's requirements 3. Lipid emulsion was not provided to the most TPN patients. In conclusion, the role of NST should be expanded and studies are needed not only on TPN formulations which are suitable to Koreans but also on the cost-effectiveness of NST activities. TPN policies and protocols should be established based on the needs of each hospital.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.167-169
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• 2010

We report a case of Hymenolepis diminuta infection in a 2-year-old child living in a suburban area of Catania, Italy. This case was initially referred to us as Dipylidium caninum infection, which was not cured after being treated twice with mebendazole. However, by analyzing the clinical presentation and stool samples we arrived to the diagnosis of H. diminuta infection. The case presented with atypical allergic manifestations which had never been reported as clinical features of symptomatic H. diminuta infection; remittent fever with abdominal pain, diffuse cutaneous itching, transient thoracic rash, and arthromyalgias. The patient was treated with a 7-day cycle of oral niclosamide, which proved to be safe and effective. This case report emphasizes that a correct parasitological diagnosis requires adequate district laboratories and trained personnel. In addition, we recommend the importance of reporting all H. diminuta infection cases, in order to improve knowledge on epidemiology, clinical presentation, and treatment protocols.

• Journal of Oriental Neuropsychiatry
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.271-286
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• 2014

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical trial research trends in regards to the neurofeedback training (NFT) in Korean journals. Methods: We researched articles published in Korean journals from 2000 up to 2013 and were related to the NFT. We searched six electronic databases to find relevant articles, using the term 'neurofeedback'. Results: 1) 6 single group comparative studies and 31 randomized controlled trials were found. 2) Healthy volunteers and students were most frequently studied with neurofeedback training. Other studies included attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Poststroke, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PDD), temporomendibular disorder (TMD), and obesity. NFT interventions were attempted in diverse training protocols and assessed with many different outcome measurements. 3) Most studies showed effective results after NFT. Conclusions: NFT is increasingly studied and used in various clinical fields. Also, there have been efforts to adopt NFT in Korean medical clinics and researches, and more rigorous and innovative studies are needed in the future.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.1637-1641
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• 2016

Oxaliplatin, a third generation novel platinum compound is the most effective first line chemotherapeutic agent for colorectal cancer (CRC) in combination with 5FU and leucovorin. It is indicated for pancreatic, gastric and testicular cancers combined with bevacuzimab, capecitabine, irinotecan and other cytotoxic agents. However, moderate to severe hypersensitivity reactions (HSR) during or after oxaliplatin infusion usually require cessation of chemotherapy or substitution of the key therapeutic drug which largely interferes with improved patient prognosis. This mini- review showcases recent and accepted opinions/approaches in oxaliplatin induced HSR management. Physicians and oncologists have varying attitudes regarding the decision to rechallenge the patient after an HSR experience, efficacy of desensitization protocols, effectiveness and selection of drugs for premedication and possibilities of cross sensitivity to other platinum agents (e.g. carboplatin). A brief insight into underlying molecular mechanisms and clinical manifestations of oxaliplatin induced HSR is offered. We have also discussed the management of oxaliplatin induced HSR and risk stratification for a successful and complete chemotherapeutic plan.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.42.1-42.22
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• 2020

Regenerative medicine using stem cells from various sources are emerging treatment modality in several refractory diseases in veterinary medicine. It is well-known that stem cells can differentiate into specific cell types, self-renew, and regenerate. In addition, the unique immunomodulatory effects of stem cells have made stem cell transplantation a promising option for treating a wide range of disease and injuries. Recently, the medical demands for companion animals have been rapidly increasing, and certain disease conditions require alternative treatment options. In this review, we focused on stem cell application research in companion animals including experimental models, case reports and clinical trials in dogs and cats. The clinical studies and therapeutic protocols were categorized, evaluated and summarized according to the organ systems involved. The results indicate that evidence for the effectiveness of cell-based treatment in specific diseases or organ systems is not yet conclusive. Nonetheless, stem cell therapy may be a realistic treatment option in the near future, therefore, considerable efforts are needed to find optimized cell sources, cell numbers and delivery methods in order to standardize treatment methods and evaluation processes.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.85-90
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• 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare fresh and frozen-thawed euploid blastocyst transfer protocols following preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) in cases of advanced maternal age. Methods: A total of 330 patients were examined retrospectively. PGS was performed on the embryos of 146 patients for whom fresh transfers were chosen. In contrast, frozen-thawed euploid single embryo transfer (ET) was selected after PGS for 184 patients, and their embryos were vitrified. The percentage of euploid embryos and rates of implantation, pregnancy, and pregnancy continuity, as well as clinical and biochemical abortion rates, were compared. Results: The numbers of retrieved oocytes, metaphase II oocytes, and fertilized ova were greater in the frozen-thawed group. The percentages of euploid embryos were comparable between the fresh and frozen-thawed groups (32% vs. 34.8%, respectively). The rates of implantation (46.6%vs. 62.5%), pregnancy (50% vs. 66.8%), ongoing pregnancy (38.4% vs. 53.8%), and live birth percentage (37.0% vs. 53.8%) were significantly higher in the frozen-thawed group. However, no significant differences were found in the clinical and biochemical abortion rates. Conclusion: The use of frozen-thawed single euploid ET is associated with increased implantation and pregnancy rates compared to fresh single euploid ET with PGS.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.2
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• pp.134-144
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• 2024

Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) are radiologic abnormalities found incidentally on chest computed tomography (CT) that can be show a wide range of diseases, from subclinical lung fibrosis to early pulmonary fibrosis including definitive usual interstitial pneumonia. To clear up confusion about ILA, the Fleischner society published a position paper on the definition, clinical symptoms, increased mortality, radiologic progression, and management of ILAs based on several Western cohorts and articles. Recently, studies on long-term outcome, risk factors, and quantification of ILA to address the confusion have been published in Asia. The incidence of ILA was 7% to 10% for Westerners, while the prevalence of ILA was about 4% for Asians. ILA is closely related to various respiratory symptoms or increased rate of treatment-related complication in lung cancer. There is little difference between Westerners and Asians regarding the clinical importance of ILA. Although the role of quantitative CT as a screening tool for ILA requires further validation and standardized imaging protocols, using a threshold of 5% in at least one zone demonstrated 67.6% sensitivity, 93.3% specificity, and 90.5% accuracy, and a 1.8% area threshold showed 100% sensitivity and 99% specificity in South Korea. Based on the position paper released by the Fleischner society, I would like to report how much ILA occurs in the Asian population, what the prognosis is, and review what management strategies should be pursued in the future.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.332-338
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• 2022

Continuous measurement of quality indicators (QIs) should be a routine part of colonoscopy, as a wide variation still exists in the performance and quality levels of colonoscopy in Korea. Among the many QIs of colonoscopy, the adenoma detection rate, average withdrawal time, bowel preparation adequacy, and cecal intubation rate should be monitored in daily clinical practice to improve the quality of the procedure. The adenoma detection rate is the best indicator of the quality of colonoscopy; however, it has many limitations for universal use in daily practice. With the development of natural language processing, the adenoma detection rate is expected to become more effective and useful. It is important that colonoscopists do not strictly and mechanically maintain an average withdrawal time of 6 minutes but instead perform careful colonoscopy to maximally expose the colonic mucosa with a withdrawal time of at least 6 minutes. To achieve adequate bowel preparation, documentation of bowel preparation with the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) should be a routine part of colonoscopy. When colonoscopists routinely followed the bowel preparation protocols, ≥85% of outpatient screening colonoscopies had a BBPS score of ≥6. In addition, the cecal intubation rate should be ≥95% of all screening colonoscopies. The first step in improving colonoscopy quality in Korea is to apply these key performance measurements in clinical practice.