• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.95-99
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• 1997

Irreparable obstructive azoospermic patients can be treated successfully with microsurgical epididymal sperm aspiration(MESA) or testicular sperm extraction (TESE) by intracytoplasmic sperm injection(ICSI). Obstructive azoospermic patients generally have normal spermatogenesis. The aim of this study was to see if any spermatozoa could be retrieved from non-obstructive azoospermia and to assess the efficacy of ICSI with TESE in germinal failure. 42 non-obstructive azoospermic patients revealed no spermatozoa at all in their ejaculates, even after centrifuge. The histology of 42 patients revealed 15 Sertoli cell only Syndrome, 4 maturation arrest and 23 severe hypospermatogenesis. All patients underwent extensive multiple testicular biopsy for sperm retrieval. These patients were scheduled for ICSI using testicular spermatozoa. In 25 out of 42 non-obstructive azoospermic patients, spermatozoa were recovered from multiple testicular biopsy specimen and 11 ongoing pregnancies were achieved. There are usually some tiny foci of spermatogenesis which allow TESE with ICSI in non-obstructive azoospermia. Also these patients may have sufficient sperm in the testes for ICSI, despite extremely high FSH level and small testes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권5호
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• pp.2241-2247
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• 2012

Objective: This qualitative study retrospectively examined the experience and psychological impact of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) among Southern Chinese females with unilateral breast cancer history who underwent BRCA1/2 genetic testing. Limited knowledge is available on this topic especially among Asians; therefore, the aim of this study was to acquire insight from Chinese females' subjective perspectives. Methods: A total of 12 semi-structured in-depth interviews, with 11 female BRCA1/BRCA 2 mutated gene carriers and 1 non-carrier with a history of one-sided breast cancer and genetic testing performed by the Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry, who subsequently underwent CPM, were assessed using thematic analysis and a Stage Conceptual Model. Breast cancer history, procedures conducted, cosmetic satisfaction, pain, body image and sexuality issues, and cancer risk perception were discussed. Retrieval of medical records using a prospective database was also performed. Results: All participants opted for prophylaxis due to their reservations concerning the efficacy of surveillance and worries of recurrent breast cancer risk. Most participants were satisfied with the overall results and their decision. One-fourth expressed different extents of regrets. Psychological relief and decreased breast cancer risk were stated as major benefits. Spouses' reactions and support were crucial for post-surgery sexual satisfaction and long-term adjustment. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that thorough education on cancer risk and realistic expectations of surgery outcomes are crucial for positive adjustment after CPM. Appropriate genetic counseling and pre-and post-surgery psychological counseling were necessary. This study adds valuable contextual insights into the experiences of living with breast cancer fear and the importance of involving spouses when counseling these patients.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제33권4호
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• pp.93-112
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to review the clinical research trends of postpartum pelvic organ prolapse and to recognize the efficacy of Korean medicine intervention. Methods: Based on seven domestic and foreign databases, including Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Journal of Korean Obstetric and Gynecology, Cochrane Library Central, Pubmed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and WangFang Med Online, we analyzed the clinical trials using Korean medicine intervention, which included acupuncture and herbal medicine. Data retrieval was carried out on May 18 to 20, 2020, and a total of 13 papers were included. Results: All papers were published in China and it contains nine randomized controlled trials, three clinical trials, and one case. The most frequently used intervention was herbal medicine, and Bupleuri Radix, Cimicifugae Rhizoma were used. The treatment group treated by Korean medicine intervention was more effective than the control group. Also, there were no significant side effects of Korean medicine. Conclusion: This study shows that Korean medicine can be effective and safe medical alternatives or options for pelvic organ prolapse patients. However, to laying the foundation of clinical guidelines and applying it to the real-world clinical scene, further follow-up research is needed.

• 대한한방부인과학회지
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• 제34권4호
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• pp.46-61
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• 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this review is to overview the studies of traditional herbal medicine for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. Methods: We searched relevant studies using seven databases (The Journal of Korean obstetrics & gynecology, National Digital Science Library (NDSL), Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System (OASIS), Pubmed, Cochrane, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)). Data retrieval was carried out on April 5, 2021 and the papers published from January 1, 2015 to March 31, 2021 were included. The risk of bias was assessed by using Cochrane's risk of bias tool. Results: 524 studies were searched in domestic and foreign databases, and 7 studies were finally selected. In all studies, the treatment group was treated with oral traditional herbal medicine and the control group was treated with western medicine. Although the evaluation index was slightly different for each study, all studies used total efficacy rate index. In all 7 studies, the treatment group was more effective than the control group. Conclusions: Traditional herbal medicine can be an effective option in treating chronic pelvic inflammatory disease. Further high quality studies which include large number should be carried out to confirm the evidence and safety of traditional herbal medicine treatment.

• 대한약침학회지
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• 제27권2호
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• pp.91-100
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• 2024

Objectives: Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that occurs as harmless commensals in the intestine, urogenital tract, and skin. It has been influenced by a variety of host conditions and has now evolved as a resistant strain. The aim of this study was thus detect the fluconazole resistant C. albicans from the root caries specimens and to computationally evaluate the interactions of an opaque-phase ABC transporter protein with the Psidium guajava bio-active compounds. Methods: 20 carious scrapings were collected from patients with root caries and processed for the isolation of C. albicans and was screened for fluconazole resistance. Genomic DNA was extracted and molecular characterization of Cdrp1 and Cdrp2 was done by PCR amplification. P. guajava methanolic extract was checked for the antifungal efficacy against the resistant strain of C. albicans. Further in-silico docking involves retrieval of ABC transporter protein and ligand optimization, molinspiration assessment on drug likeness, docking simulations and visualizations. Results: 65% of the samples showed the presence of C.albicans and 2 strains were fluconazole resistant. Crude methanolic extract of P. guajava was found to be promising against the fluconazole resistant strains of C. albicans. In-silico docking analysis showed that Myricetin was a promising candidate with a high docking score and other drug ligand interaction scores. Conclusion: The current study emphasizes that bioactive compounds from Psidium guajava to be a promising candidate for treating candidiasis in fluconazole resistant strains of C. albicans However, further in-vivo studies have to be implemented for the experimental validation of the same in improving the oral health and hygiene.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.239-244
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• 1998

The purpose of this study is compare IVF cycle outcome in poor responders between clomiphene citrate (CC) stimulated and controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) protocol. A total of 94 patients responding poorly in previous IVF cycles (estradiol<600 pg/ml or less than 3 oocytes retrieved) subsequently underwent either COH (COH group: 122 cycles, 68 patients) or CC-stimulated cycles (CC group: 43 cycles, 26 patients). CC was administered for five consecutive days starting on cycle day 3 at a dose of 100 mg daily. Serial transvaginal ultrasound examination was done from cycle day 8. Urine was collected $3\sim4$ times before hCG injection for the detection of LH surge. The hCG was administered when serum estradiol reached greater than 150 pg/ml and mean follicle diameter>16 mm. In COH group, ovarian stimulation was done using short protocol (GnRH-a/FSH/HMG/hCG). No difference in age or number of transferred embryos was found between CC group and COH group. COH group had significantly (p<0.05) higher mean peak level of $E_2$ ($810{\pm}112$ vs $412{\pm}55$ pg/ml) and greater number of retrieved oocytes ($3.0{\pm}0.2$ vs $2.0{\pm}0.2$) than CC group. CC group had transferred embryos $(1.8{\pm}0.2)$ compared with $(2.1{\pm}0.2)$ in COH group. However, CC group had higher pregnancy rate than COH group per retrieval [26.9% (7/26) vs 6.2% (6/97)], or per transfer [31.8% (7/22) vs 7% (6/86)]. Although cycle cancellation rate in CC group (48.8%) was higher than that of COH group (21.3%), the pregnancy rate per cycle in CC group was still higher (16.3%) than COH group (4.9%). In addition, implantation rate in CC group was 17.5% (7/40), which was significantly (p<0.01) higher than 3.9% (7/180) in COH group. These data suggest that oocyte and embryo quality are lower in COH cycles of poor responders than CC cycles. We suggest that clomiphene citrate stimulated IVF cycle may be more efficient than COH IVF cycle in poor responders in terms of lower costs and higher pregnancy performance.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제28권4호
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• pp.287-293
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• 2001

Objective : To investigate the efficacy of high infusion frequency of liquid nitrogen on pregnancy in human embryo after freezing and thawing. Materials and Methods: 150 infertile patients underwent 162 consecutive thawing-ET cycles. In the high infusion frequency group (Group A), 47 patients (50 cycles) underwent cryopreservation with high infusion frequency of liquid nitrogen. In the low infusion frequency group (Group B), 103 patients (112 cycles) underwent cryopreservation with low infusion frequency of liquid nitrogen. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, fertilization rates, development of embryo, good quality embryo ratio, implantation rates, and pregnancy rates between these two groups. Results: There was no difference between the groups with regard to clinical characteristics (mean age, infertility duration, infertility factors, hormone profile), mean number of oocyte retrieval, fertilization rates, and mean embryo number of transfers. The survival rates in group A was 64.9% (228 of 350 embryos), and among the 228 embryos 190 embryos (83.3%) which progressed to the two- to eight-cell stage. After thawing, the embryo numbers were 65 (34.2%), 29 (15.3%), 35 (18.4%), and 37 (19.5%) of grades 1, 2, 3, and above 4, respectively. The survival rates in group B was 63.8% (482 of 755 embryos), and among the 482 embryos 465 embryos (96.5%) which progressed to the two- to eight-cell stage. After thawing, the embryo numbers were 106 (22.8%), 94 (20.2%), 89 (19.1%), and 112 (24.1%) of grades 1, 2, 3, and above 4, respectively. There was no difference in embryo quality change after the freezing-thawing procedure between the groups. Implantation rates (31.1% vs. 34.3%) were not significant. However hCG positive rates in group A (40%) were higher than group B, but not statistically significant. Clinical pregnancy rate (26% vs. 25.9%), on going pregnancy rates (>20 weeks) were not significant (26% vs. 25%). Conclusion: We compared embryo quality change, survival rates, and pregnancy rates between high infusion frequency group and low infusion frequency group and the results were similar between the two groups. Therefore, high infusion frequency of liquid nitrogen for cryopreservation is a worthy method to preserve in human embryos.

• 대한전자공학회논문지SP
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• 제49권4호
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• pp.77-84
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• 2012

얼굴인식 기술은 지능형 보안, 웹에서 콘텐츠 검색, 지능로봇의 시각부분, 머신인터페이스 등, 활용이 광범위 하다. 그러나 일반적으로 대상자의 표정과 포즈 변화, 주변의 조명 환경과 같은 문제가 있으며 이와 더불어 원거리에서 획득한 영상의 경우 저해상도를 비롯하여 블러와 잡음에 의한 영상의 열화 등의 여러 가지 어려움이 발생한다. 본 논문에서는 포톤 카운팅(Photon-counting) 선형판별법(Linear Discriminant Analysis)을 이용한 다중 분류기(Classifier)에 의한 판정을 융합하여 얼굴 영상 인식을 수행한다. Fisher 선형판별법은 집단 간 분산을 최대로 하고 집단 내 분산을 최소로 하는 공간으로 선형 투영하는 방법으로, 학습영상의 수가 적을 경우 특이행렬 문제가 발생하지만 포톤카운팅 선형 판별법은 이러한 문제가 없으므로 차원축소를 위한 전 처리 과정이 필요 없다. 본 논문의 다중 분류기는 포톤 카운팅 선형판별법의 유클리드 거리(Euclidean Distance) 또는 정규화된 상관(Normalized Correlation)을 적용하는 판정규칙에 따라 구성된다. 다중분류기의 판정의 융합은 각 분류기 cost의 정규화(Normalization), 유효화(Validation), 그리고 융합규칙(Fusion Rule)으로 구성된다. 각 분류기에서 도출된 cost는 같은 범위로 정규화된 후 유효화 과정에서 선별되고 Minimum, 또는 Average, 또는 Majority-voting의 융합규칙에 의하여 융합된다. 실험에서는 원거리에서 획득한 효과를 구현하기 위하여 고해상도 데이터베이스 영상을 인위적으로 Unfocusing과 Motion 블러를 이용하여 열화하여 테스트하였다. 실험 결과는 다중분류기 융합결과의 인식률은 단일분류기보다 높다는 것을 보여준다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제62권5호
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• pp.545-550
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• 2019

Objective : Penumbra ACE68 reperfusion catheter is a new large bore aspiration catheter used for reperfusion of large vessel occlusion. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of this catheter in comparison to that of previous Penumbra catheters in patients with acute ischemic stroke related to internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Methods : Data of all eligible patients who received endovascular treatment (EVT) for ICA occlusion using Penumbra aspiration catheters between January 2015 and December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. After dividing into two groups according to use of penumbra ACE68, baseline characteristics of patients, successful recanalization rate, puncture to recanalization time, and switch to stent base technique rate were assessed. Successful recanalization was defined by a thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) score ${\geq}2b$ and favorable functional outcome was defined according to modified Rankin scale (score, 0-2). Results : ACE68 reperfusion catheter was used in 29 of 75 eligible patients (39%). The puncture to recanalization time was significantly shorter ($26{\pm}18.2$ minutes vs. $40{\pm}24.9$ minutes, p=0.011) and the rate of switch to stent-based retrieval was significantly lower (3% vs. 20%, p=0.046) in ACE68 catheter group. Moreover, although not statistically significant, the successful recanalization rate was higher (83% vs. 76%, p=0.492) in ACE68 catheter group. Favorable functional outcome was observed in 48% of patients treated with ACE68 reperfusion catheter and in 30% of patients treated using other Penumbra systems (p=0.120). Baseline Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Scores ${\geq}8$ (odds ratio [OR], 9.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.72-54.99; p=0.010) and successful recanalization (OR, 10.20; 95% CI, 1.13-92.46; p=0.039) were independent predictors of favorable outcome. Conclusion : EVT using ACE68 reperfusion catheter can be considered a first-line therapy in patients with acute ICA occlusion as it can achieve rapid recanalization and reduce the frequency of conversion to stent-retrieve therapy.