• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.28-35
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• 2009

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between menarche and cervical vertebral maturation. Methods: Lateral cephalograms of 67 young korean girls within the range of 1 year before or after their menarche were gathered. The concavity of the cervical vertebrae base and the ratio of the base length to the 3rd and 4th cervical vertebrae anterior height were measured and analyzed. Results: The mean measured values were as follows, concavity of the 3rd cervical vertebrae base: 1.27(${\pm}0.18$) mm, concavity of the 4th cervical vertebrae base: 1.06(${\pm}0.15$) mm, ratio of the base length to the 3rd cervical vertebrae anterior height: 0.73(${\pm}0.06$) and ratio of the base length to the 4th cervical vertebrae anterior height: 0.70(${\pm}0.05$). There was a significant increase in the ratio of the base length to the 3rd vertebrae anterior height and the base concavity of the 3rd and 4th cervical vertebrae during the period of 1 year before to 1 year after their menarche. Conclusions: These characteristics of the 3rd and 4th cervical vertebrae on the lateral cephalogram can provide useful clues on evaluating the growth stage.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 2011

To prospectively determine the diagnostic performance a combination of standard bolus-chase magnetic resonance (MR) angiography and MR angiography with time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics (TRICKS) for depicting severity of the head and neck vascular diseases. Over a period of two months, A total of 100 patients(average ages : $50{\pm}8$, male : 60, female : 40) with head and neck vascular diseases were performed on the GE excite 3.0 T units with 8-channel head coil and 4-channel NV coil. Imaging parameters for a typical study were as follow: SBC(TR/ TE/ FA/ SliceThicken./ Slab/ Freq./ FOV/ BW/Scan Time) = 5.4/ min/ 30/ 2/ zip2/ 70/ $224{\times}448$/ 30/ 62.50/ 28, TRICKS(TR/ TE/ FA/ Slice Thicken/Slab/ Freq./ FOV/ BW/ Temp Res./ Scan Time = 3.6/ min/ 25/ 4/ 30/ $160{\pm}384$, zip512/ 30/ 100/ 1 to 1.5/ 23). The analysis of all MR images, which have respect-ively classified two techniques into some diseases. The results of the former were divided into two groups(SBC, TRICKS)with 4 grading of two reader, respectively. Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine if a significant difference between imaging techniques existed(p < 0.05). In 33 of 100 patients, arterio-venous malformation was 11% at TRICKS, subclavian vein stenosis : 8%, fistular sinus : 4%, jugular vein stenosis:6%, Middle Cerebral Artery bypass surgery : 4%, p < 0.05). The rest of 67 patients were considered as the results of SBC(14% in the basilar artery stenosis, carotid stenosis : 16%, vertebral stenosis : 17%, central neuro-cytoma : 5%, meningioma : 5%, Not appliable : 10%, p < 0.05). Sensitivity and specificity of TRICKS MR angiography in SVS, FS, JVS, MCABS were improved compared with those at standard MR angiography. In SBS MR angiography which were improved in BAS, CS, VS, CN, Meningioma. In conclusion, TRICKS MR angiography of the SVS, FS, JVS, MCABS is superior to standard MR angiography regarding the number of diagnostic grading. The SBS MR angiography were improved in BAS, CS, VS, CN, Meningioma. and assessment of the degree of luminal narrowing on both TRICKS and SBS.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.158-162
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• 2009

Background: The loss of resistance (LOR) method is most commonly used to identify the epidural space. This method is thought to rely on the penetration of the ligamentum flavum. Unfortunately the exact morphology of the ligamentum flavum is variable at different vertebral levels. Especially, it has been pointed out that the lower cervical ligamentum flavum may be discontinuous in the midline in up to 50% of patients. Thus, the LOR method may be inaccurate to confirm the cervical epidural space. The aim of this study is to determine which method is the safest and most exact for confirming the cervical epidural space. Methods: 100 adult, chronic renal failure patients who were undergoing an arteriovenous bridge graft for hemodialysis at the upper arm under cervical epidural anesthesia were recruited for this study. During the cervical epidural puncture, we identified the cervical epidural space by subjectively feeling the resistance with using a finger just through the ligamentum flavum, and we also used the drip infusion method, the loss of resistance method using air, and the hanging drop method. By using 5 grades, we classified the extent of whether or not the techniques were effective. Results: Using the drip infusion method, we identify the epidural space in all the patients as ＋/＋＋ grade. The catheter insertion method was also successful in identifying those epidural spaces over a ${\pm}$ grade. The pseudo LOR was over ${\pm}$ grade in 47 patients. Conclusions: The combined LOR/hanging drop with drip infusion method is useful for confirming the cervical epidural space.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2020

Background: Thoracic spine self-mobilization exercise is commonly used to manage patients with neck pain. However, no previous studies have investigated the effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization exercise alone in patients with chronic neck pain. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of thoracic self-mobilization using a tool on cervical range of motion (ROM), disability level, upper body posture, pain and fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: The subjects were 49 patients (21 males, 28 females) with chronic neck pain. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 23) and control group (CG, n = 26). For the EG, thoracic self-mobilization was applied. We placed a tool (made with 2 tennis balls) under 3 different vertebral levels (T1-4, T5-8, T9-12) of the thoracic spine and the subjects performed crunches, which included thoracic flexion and extension in supine position. Five times × 3 sets for each levels, twice a week, for 4 weeks. Cervical pain, disability, upper body posture, FABQ results, and ROM were evaluated at baseline, after 4 weeks of intervention, and at 8 weeks of follow-up. Assessments included the quadruple visual analogue scale (QVAS); Northwick Park neck pain questionnaire (NPQ); craniovertebral angles (CVA), forward shoulder angle (FSA) and kyphosis angle (KA) measurements for upper body posture; FABQ and cervical ROM testing. Results: The EG showed a statistically significant improvement after intervention in the QVAS (-51.16%); NPQ (-53.46%); flexion (20.95%), extension (25.32%), left rotation (14.04%), and right rotation (25.32%) in the ROM of the cervical joint; KA (-7.14%); CVA (9.82%); and FSA (-4.12%). Conclusion: These results suggest that, for patients with chronic neck pain, thoracic self-mobilization exercise using a tool (tennis balls) is effective to improve neck pain, disability level, the ROM, and upper body posture.

• Journal of Digital Contents Society
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• v.12 no.3
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• pp.271-277
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• 2011

This research studied 249 patients who has an aneurysm and went through computerized CT angiography at S University Hospital in Northern Kyung-sang area from October 1st 2008 to September 30th 2010, and the results are the following. Among total 249 of research objects, 159 women (63.9%) showed higher distribution than 90 men (36.1%) The order of the distribution of aneurysm classified by blood vessel is the following. Posterior communicating artery 34.9% as the highest, internal carotid artery 21.7%, middle cerebral artery of 15.7%, anterior communicating artery 14.5%, posterior cerebral artery and posterior cerebral artery channel 3.6% each, anterior cerebral artery and vertebral artery 2.4% each, and posterior inferior cerebellar artery 1.2%. As a result of analysis of distribution of aneurysm classified by gender, there was no case of posterior cerebral artery and posterior cerebral artery channel among men, and there was no case of posterior inferior cerebellar artery among women. Distribution of aneurysm classified by vessel according to gender showed no statistic significance. (p<0.05). And distribution of aneurysm classified by vessel according to the age, showed no statistic significance. (p>0.05), After applying post analysis to understand the group with age difference, the significance was the highest among the group of 61-70, (4.21), and the group of the age under 30 was the lowest. (2.0) There was statistic significance on the distribution of aneurysm classified by vessel according to the season. (p<0.05). After applying post-analysis in order to understand the groups with difference between seasons, it was found that fall was the highest (4.55) and spring was the lowest. (2.50)

• Transactions of the Korean Society of Mechanical Engineers A
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.29-35
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• 2012

The treatments for spinal canal stenosis are radicular cyst removal, spine fusion, and implantation of an artificial intervertebral disc. Artificial intervertebral discs have been most widely used since the mid-2000s. The study of artificial intervertebral discs has been focused on the analysis of the axial rotation, lateral bending, the degrees of freedom of the disc, and flexion-extension of the vertebral body. The issue of fatigue failure years after the surgery has arisen as a new problem. Hence, study of artificial intervertebral discs must be focused on the fatigue failure properties and increased durability of the sliding core. A finite element model based on an in the artificial intervertebral disc (SB Charit$\acute{e}$ III) was produced, and the influence of the radius of curvature and the change in the coefficient of friction of the sliding core on the von-Mises stress and contact pressure was evaluated. Based on the results, new artificial intervertebral disc models (Models-I, -II, and -III) were proposed, and the fatigue failure behavior of the sliding core after a certain period of time was compared with the results for SB Charit$\acute{e}$ III.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.41 no.8
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• pp.742-752
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• 2018

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons, particularly in the substantia nigra (SN). Although circadian dysfunction has been suggested as one of the pathophysiological risk factors for PD, the exact molecular link between the circadian clock and PD remains largely unclear. We have recently demonstrated that $REV-ERB{\alpha}$, a circadian nuclear receptor, serves as a key molecular link between the circadian and DAergic systems. It competitively cooperates with NURR1, another nuclear receptor required for the optimal development and function of DA neurons, to control DAergic gene transcription. Considering our previous findings, we hypothesize that $REV-ERB{\alpha}$ may have a role in the onset and/or progression of PD. In the present study, we therefore aimed to elucidate whether genetic abrogation of $REV-ERB{\alpha}$ affects PD-related phenotypes in a mouse model of PD produced by a unilateral injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) into the dorsal striatum. $REV-ERB{\alpha}$ deficiency significantly exacerbated 6-OHDA-induced motor deficits as well as DAergic neuronal loss in the vertebral midbrain including the SN and the ventral tegmental area. The exacerbated DAergic degeneration likely involves neuroinflammation-mediated neurotoxicity. The $REV-erb{\alpha}$ knockout mice showed prolonged microglial activation in the SN along with the over-production of interleukin $1{\beta}$, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, in response to 6-OHDA. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates for the first time that genetic abrogation of $REV-ERB{\alpha}$ can increase vulnerability of DAergic neurons to neurotoxic insults, such as 6-OHDA, thereby implying that its normal function may be beneficial for maintaining DAergic neuron populations during PD progression.

• Research in Community and Public Health Nursing
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.319-334
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• 1995

To investigate the risk factors of low back pain, an epidemiological study was carried out among male workers aged 20-55 employed in an automobile industry in Korea during the time period from February 1993 to October 1995. Workers participated to this study were divided into low back pain group(LBP) and control group, according to the self-reports by written questionnaires. General characteristics, medical history, work related factors, fatigue, and MMPI were compared between two groups. To clarify the relationship between job related low back pain and radiologic features of lumbar spine, radiographic study was carried out. The resultant data were processed for $x^2-test$, t-test, and stepwise logistic regression to confirm the adjusted odds ratios. The results were as follows: 1. History of back disease, lifting and carrying work, excessive physical fatigue, and weakend back strength of individual workers were directly associated with low back pain. Odd ratios of these 4 risk factors of low back pain were 5.07, 3.34, 1.49, and 1.22 respectively. 2. The frequency of low back pain history was significantly higher in LBP group. 3. Back muscle strength of lumbar spine of LBP group were significantly lower than control group. 4. The workers in LBP group revealed high fatigue symptoms. 5. In MMPI test LBP group showed higher scales in hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria, psychopathic deviate, paranoia, psychasthenia, schizophrenia, and hypomania. 6. LBP group were more frequently involved in lifting and carrying, working in awkward position, bending, twisting and using lower extremities. 7. LBP group were exposed more to vibration during working. 8. In the Analysis of radiographs of lumbar spine, Jacob's line not crossing fourth lumhar disc space, transitional vertebrae and lumbar displacement more than 4.4mm in standing lateral view were more frequently observed in LBP group than control group. Through these results, it is concluded that identification of previous history of back problem, change of work or working environment for workers with previous back problem and measures to relieve both physical and psychological fatigue of the workers are required for optimal management of work-related back problems among workers. In the present study, several results were different from the previous reports: Jacob's line not corssing fourth lumbar disc space, lumbarization, and vertebral slipping (spondylolisthesis) more than 4.4mm are related to backache. Meticulous studies are required to elucidate the difference.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.1-12
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• 2010

Objective : Samulatang (herbal description) is much used for women's disease in Korean Traditional Medicine. The aim of this study is to evaluate reproductive toxic effect by Samultang in pregnant rats and fetuses, and ascertain a dose-response relationship Method : Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with the Samultang at single, double and quadruple dose for 20 days, orally. Pregnant rats were sacrificed at 20th day of gestation, and observed internal and reproductive organs. Live fetuses of gestation were randomly selected and fixed in 95% ethanol. Fetuses were stained with alcian blue and alizarin red S. We observe maternal body weight,, index associated pregnancy, and skeletal malformations in fetus Result : Maternal body weight of Samultang treated group has increased, side effect was not found in maternal body compared to that of control group. There were no significant difference in internal and reproductive organs. Double concentration administered group had lowest value in number of implantation, live fetuses, implantation rate and delivery rate, Also double concentration administered group showed higher early and late resorption rate than the other group. But, these are not significant. In the sex ratio, number of females, bigger than number of males in all Samultang administered groups. The fetuses of dams treated with Samultang didn't showed external and skeletal malformation. Vertebral and sternal variations were observed in single, double and quadruple concentration administered group but, compared to the control, those variations were insignificant. There were no significant changes in number of ribs, cervical, thoracic, lumber, sacral and caudal vertebrae Conclusion : Samultang is not expected to affect on pregnant rats and fetus about maternal body weight and number of live fetuses. There were no significant changes in organ weight, reproductive organs. Although skeletal variations were showed in vertebrae and sternum, treated groups were shown insignificant changes in skeletal variation

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.1 no.3
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• pp.35-40
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate in S city of Chung-Nam using direction radiation Cervical spine among patient enforcing AP view, lateral view, total 113 subjects(40-year-old low)by target examine and got following as: 1) Distribution of age 14~40 years old 57 men (50.4%), woman 56subjects(49.6%)be, and age group 30~40year old 80subjects(70.8 %), 20~29year old 27subjects(23.9%). 2) It appeared most by 81subjects(71.7%) that can not know cause though traffic accident, misstep, cause ignorantness were investigated to revealed by the chronic 87subjects(77%) appeared by thing which statistical significance is with occurrence cause. 3) 20 Among whole 113subjects 20~29years old 27 subjects(23.9%), 30~40years old 80 subjects(70.8%) manifestationacute form of a disease, the chronic all high distributionsee. 4) This investigator left shoulder region pain among 39 subjects whole 113 subjects (left to direction that could know that is each main pain in 34.5 %), cervical vertebral portion upside 31 subjects(27.4%), both shoulder region pain 20 subjects(17.7%), and becomes left side scoliosis 62 subjects(54.9%)by the most frequencies appear. 5) Appeared antespondylolisthesis by all curve 48 subjects(42.5 %) in curve direction and at Systolic blood pressure from 160mmHg to all 19 subjects (before total 69 subjects (61.0 %) at 16.8 %), Diastolic blood pressures curve 31 subjects(27.4 %) by 100 mmHg appear.