• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.585-590
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• 2020

Successful early diagnosis of cancer diseases such as lung, prostate, liver and adrenocortical carcinoma is a key step in determining the cost of treatment, survival rate, and cure rate. Most of current cancer diagnosis systems including biopsy, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET)-CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasonography, etc., require expensive and complicated equipment with highly trained human resources. Global medical and scientific communities have thus made numerous efforts on developing effective but rapid disease management system via introducing a wide spectrum of point-of-care medical diagnosis devices. Among them, a lateral flow immunoassay strip technique has gained a great attention due to many advantages such as cost-effectiveness, short inspection time, and user friendly accessibility. In this mini-review, we will highlight recent research trend on the development of colorimetry based LFIA strips for cancer diagnosis and discuss the future research direction and potential applications.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.215-223
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the contraction ratios of the abdominal muscles and the preferential activation ratios of the transversus abdominis muscle (TrA) during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) in the hook-lying, sitting, and standing positions. Methods: This study included 30 healthy participants. The thicknesses of the TrA, internal oblique muscle (IO), and external oblique muscle (EO) were measured at rest and during the ADIM in the hook-lying, sitting, and standing positions using B-mode ultrasound imaging. The contraction ratios of these muscles and the preferential activation ratios of the TrA were calculated for each position. Results: The contraction ratio of the TrA and preferential activation ratio of the TrA during the ADIM in the hook-lying position were significantly higher than those in the sitting and standing positions (p < 0.05). The contraction ratio of the TrA during the ADIM in the sitting position was significantly higher than that in the standing position (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The hook-lying position tended to facilitate TrA activity better than the sitting position. Furthermore, the sitting position tended to facilitate TrA activity better than the standing position. These findings suggest that the ADIM in the hook-lying position should be implemented before that in the sitting position and that the ADIM in the sitting position should be implemented before that in the standing position.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.45-49
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• 2021

A 23-month-old Holstein cattle showed excess salivation and reluctance of walking and suddenly died after forced sudden movements. Grossly, numerous fibrous adhesions were present within cranial abdominal cavity including the reticulum and diaphragm and thoracic cavity involving lungs, pericardial sac, and heart. A perforation made by a 10 cm-long sharp-ended wire was detected in the reticulum. Histopathologically, fibrous suppurative epicarditis and myocardial necrosis were observed. Fibrosis with neovascularization were found in lungs, spleen, and liver. And granulomatous reticulitis was observed. For differential diagnosis, no pathogenic bacteria were detected through microbiological tests and PCR results were also negative for bovine susceptible pathogenic antigens. Based on the gross and histopathological examination, we diagnosed this case as chronic traumatic pericarditis. Cattle are inquisitive and prone to swallow various kinds of metallic foreign bodies since they do not use their lips. Therefore, avoiding ingestion of metallic objects in animal feed and animal areas by careful environmental management of farms is required and farmers should give the adequate minerals and vitamins into the feeds not to lick or shallow foreign bodies in case of mineral deficiency. For veterinary practitioners, physical examination, blood tests, and diagnostic imaging (X-ray and Ultrasonography) are required for an exact diagnosis. Furthermore, placing the magnets in rumen would be effective for prophylactic administrations.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.415-424
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• 2020

Purpose: This study aimed to compare changes in abdominal muscle thickness in different standing postures with a handheld load between subjects with and without chronic low back pain (CLBP). Methods: Twenty subjects with CLBP and 20 controls participated in this study. Ultrasound imaging was used to assess the changes in the thickness of the transverse abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) muscles. Muscle thickness in three different standing postures (standing at rest, standing with loads, standing with lifting loads) was compared with the muscle thickness at rest in the supine position and was expressed as a percentage of change in the thickness of the muscle. Results: While standing with loads, the change in IO muscle thickness in the CLBP patients increased more significantly than in the pain-free controls (p < 0.05). The standing with lifting loads posture showed a significant increase in the change in thickness of the TrA compared with the standing with loads posture (p < 0.05). In addition, the standing with lifting loads posture showed a significant decrease in the change in the thickness of the EO when compared with the standing with loads posture (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The automatic activity of the IO muscle in subjects with CLBP increased more than that of the pain-free controls in the standing with loads posture. These findings suggest that IO muscle function may be altered in those with CLBP while standing with loads. Additionally, TrA the activation level was found to be associated with increased postural demand caused by an elevated center of mass.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.114-120
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine the status of quality control using multipurpose phantom of ultrasound equipment used in hospital of veterinary college in South Korea by using ATS-539 multipurpose phantom so as to examine quantitative and objective new image evaluation method. Specialists discussed and analyzed multipurpose phantom images acquired by using convex transducer of 10 ultrasound imaging devices, currently used in 9 veterinary colleges, at 4.0-6.0 MHz. Total 8 items that can be measured with ATS-539 multipurpose phantom including dead zone, vertical and horizontal measurement, axial/lateral resolution, sensitivity, focal zone, functional resolution and gray scale/dynamic range were evaluated. For qualitative evaluation, valid decisions were made based on dead zone, axial/lateral resolution, and gray scale/dynamic range which are resolution index, and coefficient of variation (COV) and blind referenceless image spatial quality evaluator (BRISQUE) were found to increase objectivity. As a result of experiment, all the targeted ultrasonic devices were found appropriate from qualitative evaluation items of dead zone, axial/lateral resolution, and gray scale/dynamic range. In other evaluation items, they were found to be appropriate from focal zone and vertical measurement of quantitative evaluation while inappropriate from horizontal measurement, sensitivity, and functional resolution. COV value was 0.12 ± 0.04, and BRISQUE value was 47.77 ± 2.77, both analysis results show that the noise level of all ultrasonic devices was located within tolerance range. Upon image examination using ATS-539 multipurpose phantom, they were 100% appropriate with inspection standards of dead zone, axial/lateral resolution, and gray scale/dynamic range, and besides, focal zone and functional resolution can be used as evaluation items. In the field of veterinary medicine, 8 standard items using ATS-539 multipurpose phantom and image evaluation items using COV and BRISQUE can be used as standards for quality control of ultrasonography machine.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.5
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• pp.258-263
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• 2022

An eight-year-old, intact female, Shih-Tzu, weighing 4.5 kg presented with complaints of anorexia, pale mucous membrane, and vomiting for the past 5 days. On physical examination, nausea, abdominal pain, and melena were noted. On hematologic examination, severe anemia and thrombocytosis were identified. On radiographs examination, soft tissue opacity with small faint mineral opacity mass in the mid-abdomen and two mineral opacity regions in the cranial aspect of mass were identified. Ultrasonographic findings showed thickening of descending duodenal wall with loss of layering and mineralization within the duodenal wall and mesentery adjacent to the duodenal lesion. Computerized tomography showed circumferential wall thickening of descending duodenum with mineralization. Mineralization of the mesentery and mesenteric lymph nodes was identified. Based on the diagnostic imaging, the tentative diagnosis was descending duodenal tumor with dystrophic mineralization. Endoscopy revealed mucosal hemorrhage and erythema within the descending duodenum and stomach. Surgery was performed, and mineralization in the pancreatic tail to duodenum and mesentery was found. Resection of the duodenum, regional lymph node, and mineralized pancreatic region and the duodenal anastomosis were performed. The histologic examination revealed a high-grade undifferentiated duodenal carcinoma with metastases to the regional lymph node and mesentery. The patient was managed with supportive therapy for 8 days and discharged. The patient was followed up for 5 months and there were no complications.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.622-629
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• 2021

Background Venous malformations (VMs) are the most common type of vascular malformations. Intramuscular venous malformations (IMVMs) are lesions involving the muscles, excluding intramuscular hemangiomas. The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes between patients with IMVMs who were treated with sclerotherapy and those who were treated with surgical excision. Methods Of 492 patients with VMs treated between July 2011 and August 2020 at a single medical center for vascular anomalies, 63 patients diagnosed with IMVM were retrospectively reviewed. Pain, movement limitations, swelling, and quality of life (QOL) were evaluated subjectively, while radiological outcomes were assessed by qualified radiologists at the center. Complication rates were also evaluated, and radiological and clinical examinations were used to determine which treatment group (sclerotherapy or surgical excision) exhibited greater improvement. Results Although there were no significant differences in pain (P=0.471), swelling (P=0.322), or the occurrence of complications (P=0.206) between the two treatment groups, the surgical treatment group exhibited significantly better outcomes with regard to movement limitations (P=0.010), QOL (P=0.013), and radiological outcomes (P=0.017). Moreover, both duplex ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging showed greater improvements in clinical outcomes in the surgical excision group than in the sclerotherapy group. Conclusions Although several studies have examined IMVM treatment methods, no clear guidelines for treatment selection have been developed. Based on the results of this study, surgical excision is strongly encouraged for the treatment of IMVMs.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.77-85
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• 2023

Objectives The aim of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the shoulder lesions in patients experiencing shoulder pain through the use of musculoskeletal ultrasound during Korean medicine intervention treatments. Methods A total of 20 cases were collected, including biceps tendinitis (n=4), calcification (n=3), SASD bursitis (n=4), partial tear (n=2), full-thickness tear (n=1), tendinopathy (n=5), and impingement syndrome (n=1). Musculoskeletal ultrasound was used by Korean medicine doctors to perform real-time scanning and to explain the patient's condition during treatment sessions. Results The use of musculoskeletal ultrasound allowed Korean medicine doctors to perform treatments such as pharmacoacupuncture, acupotomy, and acupuncture more safely and effectively. Patients were able to better understand their conditions through real-time imaging and explanations provided by the doctors. Conclusions Musculoskeletal ultrasound has the potential to enhance the safety and efficacy of Korean medicine intervention treatments for patients with shoulder pain. Institutional or governmental support is needed to further promote the use of medical devices by Korean medicine doctors, ultimately leading to an increase in cases and clinical evidence.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.108-110
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• 2013

The relationship between malignancy and venous thromboembolism(VTE) has been well established. About 20% of all VTE cases are associated with cancer and thrombotic events are the second leading cause of death in cancer patients after death from cancer itself. Effective prophylaxis and treatment will reduce morbidity and may decrease overall mortality. We report a case of VTE in a patient with advanced gastric cancer who treated with low-molecular weighted heparin (LMWH). A 49-year-old man with heartburn was admitted to our hospital. On the endoscopic and radiologic imaging, the patient was diagnosed as an advanced gastric cancer with perigastric infiltration and liver metastasis. During the combination chemotherapy, he had pain and swelling of left lower leg. Doppler ultrasonography showed left posterior tibial venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism CT showed thromboembolism in subsegmental pulmonary artery branch in right lower lobe. He was treated with LMWH, Dalteparin once daily via subcutaneous injection, and his symptoms was subsided.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.309-317
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• 2023

Purpose: This study set out to investigate the effects of prone hip extension with knee flexion (PHEKF) exercises according to external load on the thickness of the gluteus maximus (Gmax) and biceps femoris (BF). Methods: Twenty-three healthy men participated in this study. All subjects randomly practiced PHEKF under the burden of external loads created by sandbags (0 kg, 1 kg, and 2 kg). Rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) was used to measure the thickness of the Gmax and BF during the PHEKF with different external loads. Results: The thickness of the Gmax was highest during the 2 kg resistance exercise and lowest at 0 kg. The thickness of the Gmax was significantly increased at 1 kg and 2 kg compared to 0 kg and significantly increased at from 1 kg to 2 kg (p < 0.05). The thickness of the biceps femoris was highest at 0 kg and lowest at 2 kg. The thickness of the biceps femoris muscle was significantly reduced at 1 kg and 2 kg compared to 0 kg (p < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between 1 kg and 2 kg (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The thickness of the Gmax was increased by applying PHEKF with a higher external load, whereas the muscle thickness of the biceps femoris decreased. These results suggest that the application of external loads during PHEKF exercises may be an effective method for selective strengthening of the Gmax.