• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제43권6호
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• pp.491-497
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• 2016

Background Hypertrophic scarring is a pathological condition that occurs after trauma or surgery. Angiogenesis occurs more often with hypertrophic scarring than with normotrophic scarring. The regulation of angiogenesis is one of the key factors in hypertrophic scar management. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an essential factor in the angiogenetic response. This study investigated whether decreasing the level of VEGF is effective for treating hypertrophic scarring. Methods Ten 8-week-old female New Zealand white rabbits were included. Four defects were created on each ear by using a 6-mm punch. Bevacizumab (Avastin, Roche Pharma, Basel, Switzerland) was administered in one ear and normal saline was administered in the other ear. Treatment was administered starting on day 2, every 2 days, until day 14. The levels of VEGF were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on day 10 and histologic results were analyzed on day 40. Results Bevacizumab induced-defects showed less hypertrophic scarring when compared with the control group as measured by the scar elevation index (SEI) and loose collagen arrangement. The SEI in the experimental group was $1.89{\pm}0.13$, compared to $1.99{\pm}0.13$ in the control group (n=30, P=0.005). Additionally, the VEGF level was lower ($38.72{\pm}11.03pg$ vs. $82.50{\pm}21.64pg$, n=10, P=0.001) and fewer vessels existed ($8.58{\pm}0.76$ vs. $7.2{\pm}1.20$, n=10, P=0.007). Conclusions Preventing excessive angiogenesis is effective for preventing scar formation, especially with hypertrophic scarring. Although it is not an approach that is sufficient alone for the management of scarring, it may be one of several important strategies for scar treatment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제58권6호
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• pp.504-507
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• 2015

Objective : Our aim was to evaluate the histopathological effects of tissue adhesives on peripheral nerve regeneration after experimental sciatic nerve transection in rats and to search whether these tissue adhesives may possess a therapeutic potential in peripheral nerve injuries. Methods : This experimental study was performed using 42 female Wistar-Albino rats distributed in 6 groups subsequent to transection of right sciatic nerves. Group I underwent external circumferential neurolysis; Group II received suture repair; Group III had local polymeric hydrogel based tissue adhesive administration; Group IV received suture repair and polymeric hydrogel based tissue adhesive application together; Group V had gelatin based tissue adhesive application and Group VI had suture repair and gelatin based tissue adhesive together. After a 6-week follow-up period, biopsies were obtained from site of neural injury and groups were compared with respect to histopathological scoring based on inflammatory, degenerative, necrotic and fibrotic changes. Results : There were remarkable differences between control group and study groups with respect to inflammation (p=0.001), degeneration (p=0.002), necrosis (p=0.007), fibrosis (p<0.001) and vascularity (p=0.001). Histopathological scores were similar between study groups and the only noteworthy difference was that Group V displayed a lower score for necrosis and higher score in terms of vascularization. Conclusion : Our results imply that tissue adhesives can be useful in repair of peripheral nerve injuries by decreasing the surgical trauma and shortening the duration of intervention. Results with gelatin based tissue adhesive are especially promising since more intense vascularity was observed in tissue after application. However, trials on larger series with longer durations of follow-up are essential for reaching more reliable conclusions.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제19권6호
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• pp.491-497
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• 2015

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of mortality and long-term disability, which can decrease quality of life. In spite of numerous studies suggesting that Epigallocatechin-3- gallate (EGCG) has been used as a therapeutic agent for a broad range of disorders, the effect of EGCG on TBI remains unknown. In this study, a weight drop model was established to evaluate the therapeutic potential of EGCG on TBI. Rats were administered with 100 mg/kg EGCG or PBS intraperitoneally. At different times following trauma, rats were sacrificed for analysis. It was found that EGCG (100 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment significantly reduced brain water content and vascular permeability at 12, 24, 48, 72 hour after TBI. Real-time PCR results revealed that EGCG inhibited TBI-induced IL-$1{\beta}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$ mRNA expression. Importantly, CD68 mRNA expression decreasing in the brain suggested that EGCG inhibited microglia activation. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry results showed that administering of EGCG significantly inhibited the levels of aquaporin-4 (AQP4) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. TBI-induced oxidative stress was remarkably impaired by EGCG treatment, which elevated the activities of SOD and GSH-PX. Conversely, EGCG significantly reduced the contents of MDA after TBI. In addition, EGCG decreased TBI-induced NADPH oxidase activation through inhibition of $p47^{phox}$ translocation from cytoplasm to plasma membrane. These data demonstrate that EGCG treatment may be an effective therapeutic strategy for TBI and the underlying mechanism involves inhibition of oxidative stress.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• 제22권5호
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• pp.525-538
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• 2018

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma-induced psychiatric disorder characterized by impaired fear extermination, hyperarousal, and anxiety that may involve the release of monoamines in the fear circuit. The reported pharmacological properties of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) include anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-atherosclerotic, and neuropsychiatric activities. However, the anxiolytic-like effects of TMP and its mechanism of action in PTSD are unclear. This study measured several anxiety-related behavioral responses to examine the effects of TMP on symptoms of anxiety in rats after single prolonged stress (SPS) exposure by reversing the serotonin (5-HT) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction. Rats were given TMP (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg, i.p.) for 14 days after SPS exposure. Administration of TMP significantly reduced grooming behavior, increased the time spent and number of visits to the open arm in the elevated plus maze test, and significantly increased the number of central zone crossings in the open field test. TMP administration significantly reduced the freezing response to contextual fear conditioning and significantly restored the neurochemical abnormalities and the SPS-induced decrease in 5-HT tissue levels in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The increased 5-HT concentration during TMP treatment might be partially attribute to the tryptophan and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid mRNA level expression in the hippocampus of rats with PTSD. These findings support a role for reducing the altered serotonergic transmission in rats with PTSD. TMP simultaneously attenuated the HPA axis dysfunction. Therefore, TMP may be useful for developing an agent for treating psychiatric disorders, such those observed in patients with PTSD.

• Animal cells and systems
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.207-214
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• 2012

Burns are one of the most devastating forms of trauma and wound healing is a complex and multicellular process, which is executed and regulated by signaling networks involving numerous growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines. Recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (rhGM-CSF) was specifically produced from rice cell culture through use of a recombinant technique in our laboratory. The effect of rhGM-CSF on promotion of deep second-degree burn wound healing on the back skin of a hamster model was evaluated through a randomized and double-blind trial. As macroscopic results, hamster skins of the experimental groups showed earlier recovery by new epidermis than the control groups. Immunohistochemical reactions of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and transforming growth factor-b1, which are indicators of cell proliferation, were more active in the experimental group, compared with the control group. On electron microscopy, basal cells in the epidermis of the experimental group showed oval nuclei, prominent nucleoli, numerous mitochondria and abundant free ribosomes. In addition, fibroblasts contained well-developed rough endoplasmic reticulum with dilated cisternae. Bundles of collagen fibrils filled the extracellular spaces. Particularly, ultrastructural features indicating active metabolism for regeneration of injured skin at 15 days after burn injury, including abundant euchromatin, plentiful free ribosomes, and numerous mitochondria, were observed. These findings suggest that use of rhGM-CSF could result in accelerated deep second-degree burn wound healing in animal models.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제64권6호
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• pp.873-881
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• 2021

Objective : Peripheral nerve injuries occur mostly as a result of mechanical trauma. Due to the microvascular deterioration in peripheral nerve damage, it becomes challenging to remove free oxygen radicals. Gallic acid is a powerful antioxidant with anti-inflammatory effects and a free radical scavenger. The purpose of the study is to show that gallic acid contributes to the restorative effect in mechanical nerve damage, considering its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Methods : Thirty male Sprague Dawley albino mature rats were included in the study. Ten of them constituted the control group, 10 out of 20 rats for which sciatic nerve damage was caused, constituted the saline group, and 10 formed the gallic acid group. Post-treatment motor functions, histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical parameters of the rats were evaluated. Results : Compared to the surgery+saline group, lower compound muscle action potential (CMAP) latency, higher CMAP amplitude, and higher inclined plane test values were found in the surgery+gallic acid group. Similarly, a higher nerve growth factor (NGF) percentage, a higher number of axons, and a lower percentage of fibrosis scores were observed in the surgery+gallic acid group. Finally, lower tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and higher heat shock protein-70 (HSP-70) values were determined in the surgery+gallic acid group. Conclusion : Gallic acid positively affects peripheral nerve injury healing due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It has been thought that gallic acid can be used as a supportive treatment in peripheral nerve damage.

• 품질경영학회지
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• 제51권4호
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• pp.715-734
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• 2023

Purpose: Authors suggest a new alternative of preparedness capabilities for health care institutes to react to the new types of communicable diseases and the pandemic situations through the quality improvement and advancement of Negative Pressure Isolation Stretcher (NPIS). Methods: We employed FOCUS-PDCA, a representative quality improvement model. First, we identified and materialized necessary components of existing NPIS to be improved. Second, we fabricated an advanced NPIS prototype. Third, we carried out a performance test by the accreditation institute and an empirical evaluation at the communicable diseases trauma center, to locate the improvement pain points of the prototype. Finally, we draw a conclusion on quality improvement points to be considered during the production stage. Results: The suggested, NPIS outperforms the existing one in terms of communicable disease controls, patient treatments and the safety during the patient transfer, and the ease of use. Additionally, the suggested NPIS turns out to be a proper alternative to satisfy the requirements of long range transfer of patients with communicable disease. Conclusion: Authors developed a quality improved, NPIS prototype. There are several points that still remain to be improved. Additionally, we expect that the concurrent use of the suggested NPIS with the existing one will fortify the preparedness capabilities on reacting to the communicable diseases.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제1권1호
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• pp.154-161
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• 1997

목적: 횡격막 파열은 그 진단이 어렵고 지연되는 경우가 많으며, 진단이 늦어지면 유병율과 사망율이 높아지므로 조기진다는 매우 중요하다. 저자들은 최근 많이 이용되는 영상진단법인 나선형 CT와 자기공명영상, 그리고 초음파건사중 어떤 방법이 가장 예민하고 정확한 진단방법인지 동물실험 모델을 통하여 평가하고자 하였다. 대상 및 방법: 토끼에서 인위적으로 횡격막파열을 대, 중, 소로 만든 후 1일, 3일, 7일째 나선형 CT와 자기공명영상, 그리고 초음파검사를 동시에 시행하였다. 결과: 횡격막파열의 진단 민감도와 특이도는 초음파검사가 94.4%와 92.9%, 자기 공명영상이 54.0%와 85.75, 나선형 CT가 46.0%와 78.6%이었다. 횡격막 파열의 진단은 초음파검사, 자기공명영상, 나선형 CT순으로 정확하였으며 초음파 검사가 자기공명영상이나 나선형 CT보다 유의하게 우월하였고(P<0.05), 자기공명영상과 나선형 CT는 유의한 차이가 없었다. 초음파검사는 파열의 크기와 상관없이 횡격막파열의 구별이 용이하였고 자기공명영상과 나선형 CT는 파열의 크기가 클수록 횡격막파열의 구별이 용이하였으나 통계적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다(P>0.05). 수술후 1일에는 전예에서 늑막삼출액이나 혈흉을 동반하였다. 이때에는 초음파나 자기공명영상이 나선형 CT에 비해 우월하였다. 시간경과에 따랄 초음파검사와 자기공명영상은 진단율이 상대적으로 저하되었으나 통게적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다(P>0.05) 탈장을 동반한 경우에는 진단의 민감도가 자기공명영상, 나선형 CT, 초음파검사순으로 높았으며 초음파검사가 상대적으로 낮았다. 그러나 통계적으로 유의한 차이는 없었다(P>0.05). 결론: 초음파검사가 횡격막파열의 진단에 가장 유용한 것으로 밝혀졌으며, 이러한 결과는 앞으로 임상에 적용하여 검증되어야 할 필요가 있다고 생각된다.

• 시큐리티연구
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• 제14호
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• pp.311-336
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• 2007

본 연구는 생물테러리즘의 발생시 이에 대응하는 개념과 선진국들의 생물테러리즘의 대응태세를 알아본 후 한국의 대응태세를 알아보는 연구이다. 생물테러리즘의 발생에 대응하는 태세는 사건의 발생 흐름에 따라 탐지단계, 보호단계, 진단단계, 제독 및 해독단계로 구분해 볼 수 있다. 탐지단계는 한국은 접촉식으로 개발하고 있으나, 선진국에서는 원거리에서 탐지할 수 있는 장비를 개발하고 있다. 한국도 원거리에서 탐지할 수 있는 체계를 개발해야 할 것이다. 접촉식 장비도 민삼하게 작동할 수 있는 장비로 발전 되어야 한다. 보호장비중 한국의 방독면은 세계적으로 그 품질이 우수하나, 기타 피복류 등에 대해서는 첨단 과학기술을 적용할 수 있도록 개선되어야 한다. 진단 장비도 초동조치팀이 현장에 출동해서 즉시 판단할 수 있도록 하는 장비로 개발되어야 한다. 제독을 위한 물자는 인체에 무해하고, 장비에도 무리를 주지 않는 새로운 물질로 개선되는 추세로서 한국에도 이러한 물자가 확보되어야 한다. 해독을 위한 기술은 백신 및 항생제를 개발하는 것으로서 전 세계적으로 노력을 공유하여 개발할 필요가 있으며, 이를 위해 한국의 의료기술을 더욱 발전시킬 필요가 있다. 이외에도 대응매뉴얼, 훈련 모델, 공보 노력, 트라우마 증후군 대비 등의 노력을 기울여야 할 것이다.

• 한국심리학회지 : 문화 및 사회문제
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.195-220
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• 2020

본 연구는 외상 후 성장의 정도를 측정하는 외상 후 성장 척도의 확장판(The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory-X: PTGI-X)을 국내에 타당화하고자 하였다. PTGI-X 척도는 기존 PTGI의 '영적·종교적 관심의 증가 요인'에 대한 보완의 필요성에 따라 실존적 깊이 증가를 측정하는 문항이 추가된 척도이다. 이를 위해 외상 경험이 있는 성인 625명을 대상으로 K-PTGI-X의 요인구조를 확인하고, 타당도와 신뢰도를 검증하였다. 먼저, 탐색적 요인분석을 통해 외상을 경험한 국내 성인을 대상으로 적절한 PTGI-X의 요인구조를 확인하였고, 4요인 구조가 가장 적절한 것으로 나타났다. 다음으로, 확인적 요인분석을 실시한 결과 4요인 모형에 문항 간 상관을 추가한 모형이 모형적합도가 좋은 것으로 나타났다. 내적 신뢰도, 분산추출지수, 개념 신뢰도를 검토하여 문항들이 요인을 구성하는 데에 문제가 없으며 신뢰로운 도구임을 확인하였다. 타당도를 확인하기 위해 관련성이 높은 것으로 알려진 핵심신념붕괴, 의도적 반추와의 유의한 상관관계를 확인하여 동시 타당도를 검증하였고, 침습적 반추와 통계적으로 유의하지 않은 관계를 확인하여 변별 타당도를 검증하였다. 마지막으로 K-PTGI-X의 이해를 더하기 위해 인구통계학적 변인에 따른 차이분석을 실시하였다. 연구결과를 바탕으로 본 연구의 논의와 시사점을 제시하였다.