• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.102-112
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• 2011

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of chronic exposure by welders to manganese (Mn) through an analysis of the degree of brain activity in different activities such as cognition and motor activities using the neuroimaging technique of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The neurotoxic effect that Mn has on the brain was examined as well as changes in the neuro-network in motor areas, and the usefulness of fMRI was evaluated as a tool to determine changes in brain function from occupational exposure to Mn. Methods: A survey was carried out from July 2010 to October 2010 targeting by means of a questionnaire 160 workers from the shipbuilding and other manufacturing industries. Among them, 14 welders with more than ten years of job-related exposure to Mn were recruited on a voluntary basis as an exposure group, and 13 workers from other manufacturing industries with corresponding gender and age were recruited as a control group. A questionnaire survey, a blood test, and an fMRI test were carried out with the study group as target. Results: Of 27 fMRI targets, blood Mn concentration of the exposure group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.001), and Pallidal Index (PI) of the welder group was also significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.001). As a result of the survey, the score of the exposure group in self-awareness of abnormal nerve symptoms and abnormal musculoskeletal symptoms was higher than those of the control group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05, respectively). In the correlation between PI and the results of blood tests, the correlation coefficient with blood Mn concentration was 0.893, revealing a significant amount of correlation (p<0.001). As for brain activity area within the control group, the right and the left areas of the superior frontal cortex showed significant activity, and the right area of superior parietal cortex, the left area of occipital cortex and cerebellum showed significant activity. Unlike the control group, the exposure group showed significant activity selectively on the right area of premotor cortex, at the center of supplementary motor area, and on the left side of superior temporal cortex. In the comparison of brain activity areas between the two groups, the exposure group showed a significantly higher activation state than did the control group in such areas as the right and the left superior parietal cortex, superior temporal cortex, and cerebellum including superior frontal cortex and the right area of premotor cortex. However, in nowhere did the control group show a more activated area than did the exposure group. Conclusions: Chronic exposure to Mn increased brain activity during implementation of hand motor tasks. In an identical task, activation increased in the premotor cortex, superior temporal cortex, and supplementary motor area. It was also discovered that brain activity increase in the frontal area and occipital area was more pronounced in the exposure group than in the control group. This result suggests that chronic exposure to Mn in the work environment affects brain activation neuro-networks.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.105-121
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• 2016

Objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the effects between the degree of herniated intervertebral lumbar disc (HIVD) at L4-5 level and improvement of low back pain treated by Korean Medicine therapy. Methods 567 patients who received inpatient treatment from May 2014 to December 2015 in the Daejeon-Jaseng of Korean Medicine Hospital were divided into 6 groups by the degree of HIVD at L4-5 level confirmed with a Lumbar spine magnetic resonance imaging. All patients received a combination of treatment including acupunture, chuna manual therapy, pharmacopunture, herbal medication. They were compared and analyzed on the basis of improvement between measuring Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol-5 Dimension Index (EQ5D Index) as they were hospitalized and as they were discharged. The statistically significance was evaluated by SPSS 23.0 for windows. Results After treatment, Normal stage on Intervertebral Lumbar Disc at L4-5 level group's Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), EuroQol-5 Dimension Index (EQ5D Index) improvement was $1.30{\pm}1.62$, $4.52{\pm}11.82$ and $0.04{\pm}0.11$ respectively. Bulging group's improvement was $3.25{\pm}2.81$, $8.28{\pm}13.02$ and $0.09{\pm}0.17$ respectively. Spinal canal occupying ratio (SOR) less than 20 group's improvement was $2.15{\pm}1.92$, $11.79{\pm}17.81$ and $0.13{\pm}0.23$ respectively. SOR 20 to less than 40 stage group's improvement was $2.13{\pm}1.92$. $10.79{\pm}15.93$ and $0.10{\pm}0.26$ respectively. SOR 40 to less than 60 group's improvement was $2.16{\pm}2.24$, $9.80{\pm}16.62$ and $0.15{\pm}0.25$ respectively. Surgery group's improvement was $2.47{\pm}2.21$, $11.64{\pm}18.53$ and $0.15{\pm}0.27$ respectively (p<0.03). But there was no statistically significance between 6 group's improvement after treatment (p>0.05). Conclusions After inpatient treatment by Korean Medicine therapy, Most patient's pain, disability and Health Related Quality of Life was improved significantly. But there was no statistically correlation between the degree of HIVD at L4-5 level and improvement of low back pain. So We think that future research of higher quality and correct statistics shall be necessary.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.92-98
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• 2011

Purpose: We describe a all-arthroscopic technique for decompression of spinoglenoid ganglion cyst and present our clinical results for this procedure. Materials and Methods: From March 2006 to June 2009, eight patients (7 males, 1 female; mean age 40.6 years; range: 21~61) were included who underwent arthroscopic decompression of spinoglenoid ganglion cyst. The most common symptoms were vague shoulder pain and external rotation weakness, which lasted 6.4 months (range: 3~8) on average. Five of eight patients were noted abnormalities on electromyographic (EMG) examination to have suprascapular nerve neuropathy and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed spinoglenoid ganglion cysts in all eight patients and the cyst size was 2.6 cm (range: 1.8~3.6). Labral pathology was identified intraoperatively in all patients and the cysts were decompressed by the posterosuperior capsulotomy under arthroscopic control and labral repair with suture anchors was performed in six patients. Results: The average clinical outcome scores including Constant and Murley, Simple shoulder test (SST) all improved significantly at the time of the final follow-up and there were no complications resulting from the procedures. All patients including the patients with abnormal EMG study recovered strength on isokinetic strength testing. Follow-up MRI scans were performed on all patients at a mean of 5.2 months postoperatively (range: 3~12) revealed complete resolution of the cysts and no evidence of recurrences were seen at an average of 18 months (range: 12~26) of follow-up. Conclusion: Arthroscopic decompression of spinoglenoid ganglion cyst effectively restores patient function and all patients in this study showed improvement in their postoperative MRI findings. Arthroscopic decompression is also useful in the appropriate treatment for labral pathology and may contribute to decreased risk of cyst recurrence.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.83-91
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• 2011

Purpose: Microfracture has been used as a first-line treatment to repair articular cartilage defects. In this study, a new technique using an extracelluar matrix biomembrane to cover the cartilage lesions after microfracture was evaluated in terms of cartilage repairability and clinical outcome compared with conventional microfracture technique in a prospective randomized trial. Materials and Methods: A total of 53 patients (59 cases) without osteoarthritis who had focal full thickness articular cartilage lesions were randomly assigned in two group. Seventeen patients (17 cases) underwent conventional microfracture procedure (control group) and thirty-six patients (42 cases) received microfracture and placing biomembrane cover (ArtiFilm$^{TM}$) concomitantly (experimental group). Clinical assessment was done through 6 months postoperatively using the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee IKDC questionnaire, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at 6 months after the operation in all patients. Results: In clinical outcomes, the significant difference was observed between both groups in IKDC, but not in VAS for pain and for satisfaction (final outcomes of IKDC, p=0.001; VAS for pain, p=0.074; VAS for satisfaction, p=0.194). The MRI showed good to complete defect fill (67 to 100%) in 33 patients (78.6%) of experimental group and 4 patients (23.5%) of control group, respectively. In control group, 9 of 17 patients (52.9%) showed poor defect fill (less than 33%), whereas 5 (11.9%) in experimental group (p=0.001). Assessment of peripheral integration revealed no gap formation in 35 patients (83.3%) in experimental group and 6 patients (35.3%) in control group (p=0.001). No serious complications or adverse effects related to the biomembrane were found. Conclusion: Good short-term follow-up clinical results were obtained in the group whose cartilage defects in the knee joint were covered with biomembrane after the microfracture, with the MRI findings confirming the excellent regeneration of the defective cartilage area. This suggests that the surgery to cover the defective area with biomembrane (ArtiFilm$^{TM}$) after the microfracture procedure is a safe, more effective treatment to induce cartilage regeneration.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.289-294
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• 2009

Purpose : To assess the usefulness of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), karyotyping, brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP), electroencephalogram (EEG), tandem mass screening test, and newborn metabolic screening test in children with language delay for diagnosing underlying diseases. Methods : From January 2000 to June 2007, a retrospective chart review was performed for 122 children with language delay who visited the Child Neurology Clinic at Yeungnam University Hospital and who underwent neuropsychologic tests and other diagnostic evaluations for underlying diseases. They were grouped into phenomenological diagnostic categories, and test results were analyzed according to the underlying diseases. Results : Of 122 patients, 47 (38.5%) had mental retardation, 40 (32.8%) had developmental language disorders, 23 (18.9 %) had borderline IQ, and 12 (9.8%) had autism spectrum disorder. In 26 (21.3%) cases, the causes or relevant clinical findings to explain language delay were found. Eight (10.4%) of 77 MRIs, 6 (8.0%) of 75 EEGs, and 4 (5%) of 80 BAEPs showed abnormal results. Results directly attributed to diagnosing underlying diseases were 2 hearing defects in BAEPs and 1 bilateral perisylvian cortical dysplasia in MRIs. No abnormal results were found in karyotyping, tandem mass screening tests, and new-born screening tests. Conclusion : Commonly used tests to diagnose the cause of language delay are not very effective and should only be used selectively, according to patient characteristics. However, despite the low diagnostic yields from these tests, because many patients show abnormal results, these tests are useful when conducted in complete evaluation.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.134-139
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• 2012

Purpose: To report the treatment results of arthroscopic osteochondroplasty in osteochondral lesion of the talus. Materials and Methods: This study included 32 patients who had osteochondral lesion of the talus treated with arthroscopic osteochondroplasty and were able to be followed up over 3 years from 1999 to 2007. The mean follow up period was 48 (38-108) months, and 22 male patients and 10 female patients with a mean age of 34 (20-56) years were included. Locations of lesion were evaluated with simple X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and severities of lesions were classified by Berndt and Harty classification. All cases were treated by arthroscopic debridement or microfracture. The treatment results were assessed by American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale and subjective and functional score of Kailkkonen. The group treated by arthroscopic microfracture was compared with the group treated by arthroscopic debridement. Results: The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale was significantly improved 53 (${\pm}7$) points preoperatively to 84 (${\pm}8$) points postoperatively (P<0.001). The mean subjective and functional score was also improved 55 (${\pm}8$) points preoperatively to 88 (${\pm}8$) points postoperatively with statistical significant (P<0.001). There were no relations between the severity of lesions and the postoperative functional score of ankle (P>0.05). There were no significant differences in the clinical results between the group treated with arthroscopic microfracture and the group treated with arthroscopic debridement (P>0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic osteochondroplasty of osteochondral lesion of the talus shows excellent result in terms of patients' satisfaction. There were no significant differences in the clinical results between arthroscopic microfracture group and debridement group.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.11
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• pp.1205-1210
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• 2008

Purpose : The development of the corpus callosum occupies the entire period of cerebral formation. The myelination pattern on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very useful to evaluate neurologic development and to predict neurologic outcome in high risk infants. The thickness of the corpus callosum is believed to depend on the myelination process. It is possible to calculate the length and thickness of the corpus callosum on MRI. Thus, we can quantitatively evaluate the development of the corpus callosum. We investigated the clinical significance of measuring various portions of the corpus callosum in neonate with neurologic disorders such as hypoxic brain damage and seizure disorder. Methods : Forty-two neonates were evaluated by brain MRI. We measured the size of the genu, body, transitional zone, splenium, and length of the corpus callosum. Each measurement was divided by the total length of the corpus callosum to obtain its corrected size. The ratio of corpus callosal length and the anteroposterior diameter of the brain was also measured. Results : There was no statistical significance in the sample size of each part of the corpus callosum. However, the corrected size or the ratio of body of the corpus callosum correlated with periventricular leukomalacia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. Conclusion : The abnormal size of the corpus callosum showed a good correlation with periventricular leukomalacia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in neonates. We can predict clinical neurological problems by estimation of the corpus callosum in the neonatal period.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.142-148
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• 2003

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the operative results of osteochondritis dissecans treated with autogenous osteochondral grafts. Materials and Methods: From May 1990 to May 2000, this study included 13 patients, 17 cases treated with autogenous osteochondral grafts. The mean age of patients at operation was 23.4 years (range,20 to 32 years), all cases were men, and the mean follow-up was for 24.2 months (range, 12 to 110 months). Treatment was done by open or arthroscopic method using with Osteochondral Autograft Transfer System (OATS, Arthrex, USA). Results: Trauma history existed in all cases, and major trauma history in 7 cases, and minor repetitive in 10 cases. The involved sites of lesion were medial femoral condyle in 11 cases, in which extended classic site was 9 cases, inferocentral site was 2 cases, and lateral femoral condyle in 6 cases, in which all cases were inferocentral site. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) staging was stage II in 1 case, stage III in 11 cases, stage IV in 5 cases, and arthroscopic staging was stage III in 12 cases, stage IV in 5 cases. The mean lesion size was 3.19$cm^2$ (range, 1 to 8$cm^2$). Clinical results evaluated with grading system by Aichroth, were excellent in 3 cases (18$\%$), good in 11 cases (65$\%$), moderate in 2 cases (12V), poor in 1 case (5$\%$), which revealed satisfactory results in 83$\%$. Congruent articular surface, satisfactory articular thickness, and no loosening or subsidence was evidenced by follow-up MRI or arthroscopic finding. Conclusion: Autogenous osteochondral grafts can be an alternative treatment in lesions larger than 1$cm^2$ in size, unstable lesion, and involvement of weight-bearing articular surface. Long term follow-up will be needed for the final efficacy of autogenous osteochondral grafts.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.1-9
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• 2001

Purpose : To establish the role of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for the treatment of patients with angiographically occult vascular malformation (AOVM). Materials and Methods : Eleven patients (12 lesions) with AOVM were treated with linear accelerator-based SRS between February 1995 and December 1999. A magnetic resonance imaging of each patients showed well-circumscribed vascular lesion with reticulated core of heterogeneous signal intensity and peripheral rim of low signal intensity. SRS were peformed with the median peripheral dose of 16 Gy (range 13~25). A single isocenter was used with median collimator size of 14 mm (range 8~20) diameter. Results : With a median follow-up period of 42 months (range 12~56), rebleeding occurred in 3 AOVMS at 5, 6 and 12 months after SRS but no further bleeding did. Two patients experienced radiation-induced necrosis associated with permanent neurologic deficit and one patient showed transient edema of increased 72 signal intensity. Conclusion : SRS may be effective for the prevention of rebleeding in AOVM located in surgically inaccessible region of the brain. Careful consideration should be needed in the decision of case selection and dose prescription because the incidence of radiation-induced complications is too high to be accepted.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.28-39
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• 1999

Purpose: We investigated the difference of glucose metabolism of medial and lateral temporal lobes of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) utilizing quantitative comparison of regional metabolic activities using asymmetric index. Materials and Methods: We studied 19 pathologically proven mesial TLE and 25 lateral TLE patients. Lateral TLE patients were either normal on magnetic resonance imaging (cryptogenic: n=14) or had structural lesions (lesional: n= 11). Asymmetric index (ASI) was calculated as [(ipsilateral-contralateral)/(ipsilateral+contralateral)]${\times}200$. Results: ASI of medial and lateral lobes of mesial TLE was decreased ($-16.4{\pm}8.3$ and $-12.1{\pm}5.5$, respectively). In cryptogenic lateral TLE, ASI of lateral temporal lobe was decreased ($-11.8{\pm}4.7$), whereas that of medial temporal lobe was not decreased ($-4.6{\pm}6.3$). ASI of medial lobe of lesional lateral TLE was $-7.3{\pm}9.1$, which was significantly different from that of mesial TLE (p<0.05). Patients with lesional lateral TLE had evident metabolic defects or decrease (ASI: $-22{\pm}10.5$) in lateral temporal lobe. While we could not find the difference of metabolic activity in lateral temporal lobes between cryptogenic lateral TLE and mesial TLE patients, the difference of metabolic activity was significant in medial temporal lobes which was revealed by ASI quantitation. Conclusion: Asymmetric decrease of metabolic activity in both medial and lateral temporal lobes indicates medial temporal epilepsy. Symmetry of metabolic activity in medial temporal lobe combined with asymmetry of that in lateral temporal lobe may give hints that the epileptogenic zone is lateral.