• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.358-367
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• 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and validity of subgingival bacterial sampling using a retraction cord, and to evaluate how well this sampling method reflected changes in periodontal conditions after periodontal therapy. Methods: Based on clinical examinations, 87 subjects were divided into a healthy group (n=40) and a periodontitis group (n=47). Clinical measurements were obtained from all subjects including periodontal probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), and the plaque index. Saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) as a subgingival bacterial sample were sampled before and 3 months after periodontal therapy. The salivary and subgingival bacterial samples were analyzed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction to quantify the following 11 periodontal pathogens: Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella forsythus (Tf), Treponema denticola (Td), Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn), Pavimonas micra (Pm), Campylobacter rectus (Cr), Prevotella nigrescens (Pn), Eikenella corrodens (Ec), and Eubacterium nodatum (En). Results: Non-surgical periodontal therapy resulted in significant decreases in PD (P<0.01), CAL (P<0.01), and BOP (P<0.05) after 3 months. Four species (Pg, Tf, Pi, and Pm) were significantly more abundant in both types of samples in the periodontitis group than in the healthy group. After periodontal therapy, Cr was the only bacterium that showed a statistically significant decrease in saliva, whereas statistically significant decreases in Cr, Pg, and Pn were found in GCF. Conclusions: Salivary and subgingival bacterial sampling with a gingival retraction cord were found to be equivalent in terms of their accuracy for differentiating periodontitis, but GCF reflected changes in bacterial abundance after periodontal therapy more sensitively than saliva.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.142-155
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• 2019

The aim of this study was to construct and test a structural equation model for the risk factors of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults. The structural equation model hypothesizes that eating alone and feeling depressed is a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. The data of this study were obtained from the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey which was cross-sectional data from the representative national survey. A total of 4,013 subjects replied to the survey item of lifestyle and completed the physical examinations among adults aged 19 years or older in South Korea was in 2015. The structural model in this study was composed of four latent variables: eating alone, depression, negative health behavior, and metabolic syndrome. Two variables, the rate of eating alone and depression, were exogenous variables. Negative health behavior was both a mediating variable and endogenous variable, and metabolic syndrome was the final endogenous variable. The data were analyzed using the Maximum Likelihood method and bootstrapping. The structural model was appropriate for the data based on the model fit indices. The results of this study can be summarized as follows: Eating alone is a direct risk factor of metabolic syndrome in Korean women. Depression can mediate metabolic syndrome through negative health behaviors. Negative health behavior had a direct impact on metabolic syndrome in both men and women. This study may be a guideline for interventions and strategies to reduce the incidence of metabolic syndrome in Korean adults.

• The Journal of Korean Medical History
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.21-31
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• 2019

This study examines a Song-dynasty book entitled TaeYiKukZieKuaZungMun Kyuk (A Collection of Imperial Medical Service Examination Questions and Answers 太醫局諸科程文格), which is the collection of questions and answers in the state examinations on medicine. This book was compiled by Hah Dae-yim (何大任) who was the vice-principal of the TaeYiKuk (The Imperial Medical Service 太醫局). The book consists of nine chapters. The present study reviewed all the chapters and found a number of significant issues. First, test-takers were required to be highly proficient in the fundamental knowledge of canonic texts of East Asian medicine. Second, pulse diagnosis was emphasized among the four diagnostic methods (四診). Third, herbal medicine formulas are organized according to the fixed structures of Ki Bang (奇方), which contained an odd number of herbs and Wu Bang (偶方), which contained an even numbered herbs), and fixed ratios for mixing various herbs. Fourth, there is a theory for division of therapies in which acupuncture is used for meridian diseases and herbal medicine for organ diseases. Fifth, herbal medicine formulas based on Unki theory (運氣學) are simpler than those of the previous generations. Sixth, the knowledge on the place of origin of herbs was emphasized. Seventh, knowledge of the relationship between herbs was also emphasized. Eighth, Tang (湯) and San (散) were used most frequently as forms of medicine.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.118-126
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• 2021

Background: This study is an analysis of evaluator factors affecting physician-patient interaction (PPI) scores in clinical performance examination (CPX). The purpose of this study was to investigate possible ways to increase the reliability of the CPX evaluation. Methods: The six-item Yeungnam University Scale (YUS), four-item analytic global rating scale (AGRS), and one-item holistic rating scale (HRS) were used to evaluate student performance in PPI. A total of 72 fourth-year students from Yeungnam University College of Medicine in Korea participated in the evaluation with 32 faculty and 16 standardized patient (SP) raters. The study then examined the differences in scores between types of scale, raters (SP vs. faculty), faculty specialty, evaluation experience, and level of fatigue as time passes. Results: There were significant differences between faculty and SP scores in all three scales and a significant correlation among raters' scores. Scores given by raters on items related to their specialty were lower than those given by raters on items out of their specialty. On the YUS and AGRS, there were significant differences based on the faculty's evaluation experience; scores by raters who had three to ten previous evaluation experiences were lower than others' scores. There were also significant differences among SP raters on all scales. The correlation between the YUS and AGRS/HRS declined significantly according to the length of evaluation time. Conclusion: In CPX, PPI score reliability was found to be significantly affected by the evaluator factors as well as the type of scale.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.309-313
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• 2022

Background: Because premed students do not take courses related to medicine during their first 2 years, they cannot establish their identity as students at medical schools, making it difficult for them to set goals as future doctors. We conducted an early clinical and basic laboratory exposure program for premed students and studied the effects of the program and student satisfaction levels. Methods: We performed an early clinical and basic laboratory exposure program for premed students for 2 days and evaluated the effects of the program and student satisfaction with it. The program consisted of two types: type 1, where two to four students formed a group, which was assigned to a particular department to participate and make observations during ward rounds, outpatient clinics, examinations, procedures, and surgeries (in the case of basic laboratory work, the students partook in experimental observations); and type 2, where one student followed a medical school professor to observe the professor's day. After the program ended, an online survey was conducted to investigate the effects on students, their thoughts, and satisfaction levels. Results: In total, 114 students (91.2%) responded to the survey. Approximately 94% of them were satisfied with the program. They found that the program would be useful for deciding on future career paths, gaining knowledge about a department of interest, studying for a medical program after premedical studies, and befriending residents and professors in certain departments. Conclusion: Early clinical and basic laboratory exposure programs are recommended for premedical students.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2022

The current, retrospective study aimed to assess the short-term prognosis and postoperative complications associated with the surgical correction of elongated soft palate using harmonic scalpel and to compare the postoperative complications associated with the application of harmonic scalpel and traditional surgery using Metzenbaum scissors. Harmonic scalpel was used to perform staphylectomy in 21 dogs. A total of ten dogs underwent sacculectomy; six dogs with harmonic scalpel and four dogs using Metzenbaum scissors. Stenotic nares were corrected by wedge resection. Postoperative complications were recorded through monitoring and radiographic examinations. Telephone interviews were conducted on the first, third, and seventh day after discharge and continued until the resolution of postoperative complications. Postoperative edema at the surgical site was identified and mitigated within a day or two. Snoring and dyspnea improved dramatically in the group that underwent staphylectomy alone. Moreover, three dogs presented with postoperative gastrointestinal complications, especially retching. The symptoms persisted for seven days and ten days in two dogs that underwent sacculectomy with harmonic scalpel and for two days in one dog that underwent sacculectomy with Metzenbaum scissors. The clinical signs and symptoms of brachycephalic syndrome disappeared without recurrence. Harmonic scalpel provides a hemostatic effect during staphylectomy, is convenient, and does not cause postoperative complications. Conversely, the use of harmonic scalpel during sacculectomy necessitated a longer period for the resolution of complications without any significant hemostatic efficacy, compared to traditional surgery.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.717-725
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• 2020

Objective: To assess left ventricular remodeling patterns using cardiac computed tomography (CT) in children with congenital heart disease and correlate these patterns with their clinical course. Materials and Methods: Left ventricular volume and myocardial mass were quantified in 17 children with congenital heart disease who underwent initial and follow-up end-systolic cardiac CT studies with a mean follow-up duration of 8.4 ± 9.7 months. Based on changes in the indexed left ventricular myocardial mass (LVMi) and left ventricular mass-volume ratio (LVMVR), left ventricular remodeling between the two serial cardiac CT examinations was categorized into one of four patterns: pattern 1, increased LVMi and increased LVMVR; pattern 2, decreased LVMi and decreased LVMVR; pattern 3, increased LVMi and decreased LVMVR; and pattern 4, decreased LVMi and increased LVMVR. Left ventricular remodeling patterns were correlated with unfavorable clinical courses. Results: Baseline LVMi and LVMVR were 65.1 ± 37.9 g/m² and 4.0 ± 3.2 g/mL, respectively. LVMi increased in 10 patients and decreased in seven patients. LVMVR increased in seven patients and decreased in 10 patients. Pattern 1 was observed in seven patients, pattern 2 in seven, and pattern 3 in three patients. Unfavorable events were observed in 29% (2/7) of patients with pattern 1 and 67% (2/3) of patients with pattern 3, but no such events occurred in pattern 2 during the follow-up period (4.4 ± 2.7 years). Conclusion: Left ventricular remodeling patterns can be characterized using cardiac CT in children with congenital heart disease and may be used to predict their clinical course.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.345-349
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• 2011

The bacterial growth and pH of Pleuropterus cilinervis extracts and animal milk, fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus during the fermentation process, were evaluated. The results indicated that the bacterial count after fermentation always remained higher than 6 log CFU/mL, with a constant pH of approximately 4. In order to evaluate the effects of Pleuropterus cilinervis extracts and animal milk, fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus, on hair growth promotion, C57BL/6 mice were chosen as experimental subjects. Six week old males with similar body weights were divided into four groups; a normal group (saline), a negative control group (essence base), a positive control group and an experimental group (Pleuropterus cilinervis extracts and animal milk, fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus, mixed with negative control). The substances and test materials were applied topically on the back skin of the mice for 8 days. Other external conditions and variables such as food intake were kept at the same as the four groups. At the end of the experiment it was noted that hair re-growth in the experimental group, using gross and histological examinations, was higher than that in the positive control group. This study therefore provides an empirical evidence that Pleuropterus cilinervis extracts and animal milk fermented with Lactobacillus rhamnosus promotes hair growth, and suggests that applications could be found in hair loss treatments.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.232-241
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• 2016

Background: Paraplegia is a devastating complication following operations on the thoracoabdominal aorta. We investigated whether histidine-tryptophan-ketoglutarate (HTK) solution could reduce the extent of ischemia/reperfusion (IR) spinal cord injuries in a rat model using a direct delivery method. Methods: Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into four groups. The sham group (n=6) underwent a sham operation, the IR group (n=6) underwent only an aortic occlusion, the saline infusion group (saline group, n=6) underwent an aortic occlusion and direct infusion of cold saline into the occluded aortic segment, and the HTK infusion group (HTK group, n=6) underwent an aortic occlusion and direct infusion of cold HTK solution into the occluded aortic segment. An IR spinal cord injury was induced by transabdominal clamping of the aorta distally to the left renal artery and proximally to the aortic bifurcation for 60 minutes. A neurological evaluation of locomotor function was performed using the modified Tarlov score after 48 hours of reperfusion. The spinal cord was harvested for histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. Results: The spinal cord IR model using direct drug delivery in rats was highly reproducible. The Tarlov score was 4.0 in the sham group, $1.17{\pm}0.75$ in the IR group, $1.33{\pm}1.03$ in the saline group, and $2.67{\pm}0.81$ in the HTK group (p=0.04). The histopathological analysis of the HTK group showed reduced neuronal cell death. Conclusion: Direct infusion of cold HTK solution into the occluded aortic segment may reduce the extent of spinal cord injuries in an IR model in rats.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.821-826
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• 2020

Objective : Hyperostosis in meningiomas can be present in 4.5% to 44% of cases. Radical resection should include aggressive removal of invaded bone. It is not clear however to what extent bone removal should be carried to achieve pathologically free margins, especially that in many cases, there is a T2 hyperintense signal that extends beyond the hyperostotic bone. In this study we try to investigate the perimeter of tumour cells outside the visible nidus of hyperostotic bone and to what extent they are present outside this nidus. This would serve as an initial step for setting guidelines on dealing with hyperostosis in meningioma surgery. Methods : This is a prospective case series that included 14 patients with convexity meningiomas and hyperostosis during the period from March 2017 to August 2018 in two university hospitals. Patients demographics, clinical, imaging characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative data were collected and analysed. In all cases, all visible abnormal bone was excised bearing in mind to also include the hyperintense diploe in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) T2 weighted images after careful preoperative assessment. To examine bony tumour invasion, five marked bone biopsies were taken from the craniotomy flap for histopathological examinations. These include one from the centre of hyperostotic nidus and the other four from the corners at a 2-cm distance from the margin of the nidus. Results : Our study included five males (35.7%) and nine females (64.3%) with a mean age of 43.75 years (33-55). Tumor site was parietal in seven cases (50%), fronto-parietal in three cases (21.4%), parieto-occipital in two cases (14.2%), frontal region in one case and bicoronal (midline) in one case. Tumour pathology revealed a World Health Organization (WHO) grade I in seven cases (50%), atypical meningioma (WHO II) in five cases (35.7%) and anaplastic meningioma (WHO III) in two cases (14.2%). In all grade I and II meningiomas, bone biopsies harvested from the nidus revealed infiltration with tumour cells while all other bone biopsies from the four corners (2 cm from nidus) were free. In cases of anaplastic meningiomas, all five biopsies were positive for tumour cells. Conclusion : Removal of the gross epicentre of hyperostotic bone with the surrounding 2 cm is adequate to ensure radical excision and free bone margins in grade I and II meningiomas. Hyperintense signal change in MRI T2 weighted images, even beyond visible hypersototic areas, doesn't necessarily represent tumour invasion.