• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제62권5호
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• pp.193-197
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• 2019

Alport syndrome (ATS) is an inherited glomerular disease caused by mutations in one of the type IV collagen novel chains (${\alpha}3$, ${\alpha}4$, and ${\alpha}5$). ATS is characterized by persistent microscopic hematuria that starts during infancy, eventually leading to either progressive nephritis or end-stage renal disease. There are 3 known genetic forms of ATS, namely X-linked ATS, autosomal recessive ATS, and autosomal dominant ATS. About 80% of patients with ATS have X-linked ATS, which is caused by mutations in the type IV collagen ${\alpha}5$ chain gene, COL4A5. Although an 80% mutation detection rate is observed in men with X-linked ATS, some difficulties do exist in the genetic diagnosis of ATS. Most mutations are point mutations without hotspots in the COL4A3, COL4A4, and COL4A5 genes. Further, there are insufficient data on the detection of COL4A3 and COL4A4 mutations for their comparison between patients with autosomal recessive or dominant ATS. Therefore, diagnosis of ATS in female patients with no apparent family history can be challenging. Therefore, in this study, we used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to identify mutations in type IV collagen in 2 girls with glomerular basement membrane structural changes suspected to be associated with ATS; these patients had no relevant family history. Our results revealed de novo c.4688G>A (p.Arg1563Gln) and c.2714G>A (p.Gly905Asp) mutations in COL4A5. Therefore, we suggest that WES is an effective approach to obtain genetic information in ATS, particularly in female patients without a relevant family history, to detect unexpected DNA variations.

• Medical Lasers
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• 제9권1호
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• pp.39-43
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• 2020

Background and Objectives Breast reconstruction has the advantage of reducing the loss of the body image of patients after mastectomy surgery, and also improving the quality of the social and sexual life of breast cancer patients. However, in surprising and unfortunate number of patients, acute postoperative pain persists beyond the normal course of postsurgical recovery. We set out to investigate the effect of local dynamical micro-massage (LDM) treatment for achieving pain relief and reducing other postoperative complications. Materials and Methods We performed a retrospective analysis on 58 patients who underwent LDM treatment for postoperative pain management at Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital between February 2017 and June 2019. Those patients who complained of persistent postoperative pain, which was uncontrollable with medication, were treated with LDM. The degree of pain and discomfort with contracture were recorded using numerical rating scale (NRS) scoring system with numbers from 0 to 10 ('none' to 'worst'). Results The median NRS score of pain was reduced by 62.3% from the start to the end of LDM treatment (p<0.001). Further, the NRS score of discomfort with contracture was reduced 66.0% (p<0.001). There was no complication related to the LDM treatment. Conclusion Dual-frequency ultrasound LDM can be an effective therapeutic option for persisting pain after breast reconstruction surgery. It was also effective in improvement of discomfort with contracture and erythema of the surgical wound.

• 동의신경정신과학회지
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• 제33권1호
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• pp.79-111
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• 2022

Major depressive disorder (MDD) causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. It can lead to emotional and physical problems. Treatments such as antidepressant and cognitive behavioral therapy for MDD have many limitations. Traditional East Asian Herbal Medicine (TEAM) is a representative modality of Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) which can be used for MDD. However, no study has systematically reviewed the efficacy or safety of TEAM for MDD so far. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate effectiveness and safety of TEAM as a monotherapy for MDD. We only included TEAM that could be used in context of clinical setting in Korean Medicine. Outcomes were the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and total effective rate (TER). After comprehensive electronic search of 11 databases, we included 28 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared HM as monotherapy with antidepressant for MDD. Meta-analysis showed that TEAM had significant benefits in reducing HAMD (MD=-0.40, 95% CI: -0.67 to -0.13, p=0.003, I²=85%) and improving TER (RR=1.06, 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.10, p=0.003, I²=0%). It also appeared to be safer than antidepressant in terms of adverse effects. Methods used for RCTs were poor and the quality of evidence was graded 'low' or 'moderate'. These findings indicate that the use of HM as a monotherapy might have potential benefits in MDD treatment as an alternative to antidepressant. However, considering the methodological quality of included RCTs, the clinical evidence is uncertain. Further well-designed RCTs are required to confirm these findings.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제22권10호
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• pp.1708-1718
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• 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the magnetic resonance (MR) characteristics and applicability of new, uniform, extremely small iron-based nanoparticles (ESIONs) with 3-4-nm iron cores using contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Materials and Methods: Seven types of ESIONs were used in phantom and animal experiments with 1.5T, 3T, and 4.7T scanners. The MR characteristics of the ESIONs were evaluated via phantom experiments. With the ESIONs selected by the phantom experiments, animal experiments were performed on eight rabbits. In the animal experiments, the in vivo kinetics and enhancement effect of the ESIONs were evaluated using half-diluted and non-diluted ESIONs. The between-group differences were assessed using a linear mixed model. A commercially available gadolinium-based contrast agent (GBCA) was used as a control. Results: All ESIONs showed a good T1 shortening effect and were applicable for MRA at 1.5T and 3T. The relaxivity ratio of the ESIONs increased with increasing magnetic field strength. In the animal experiments, the ESIONs showed peak signal intensity on the first-pass images and persistent vascular enhancement until 90 minutes. On the 1-week follow-up images, the ESIONs were nearly washed out from the vascular structures and organs. The peak signal intensity on the first-pass images showed no significant difference between the non-diluted ESIONs with 3-mm iron cores and GBCA (p = 1.000). On the 10-minutes post-contrast images, the non-diluted ESIONs showed a significantly higher signal intensity than did the GBCA (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In the phantom experiments, the ESIONs with 3-4-nm iron oxide cores showed a good T1 shortening effect at 1.5T and 3T. In the animal experiments, the ESIONs with 3-nm iron cores showed comparable enhancement on the first-pass images and superior enhancement effect on the delayed images compared to the commercially available GBCA at 3T.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제21권12호
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• pp.1383-1392
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• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided minimally invasive treatment in patients with parathyroid lesions. Materials and Methods: This study included 27 patients who had undergone US-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or ethanol ablation (EA) for parathyroid lesions between January 2010 and 2018. RFA was performed in 19 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT, n = 11) or secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT, n = 8), and EA was performed in eight patients with symptomatic nonfunctioning parathyroid cysts (SNPCs). Nodule size, volume, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium levels were recorded before and after treatment. Complications were evaluated during and after treatment. Results: In patients with PHPT, significant reductions in size and volume were noted after RFA at 6- and 12-month follow-up (all, p < 0.05). Seven nodules nearly completely disappeared (residual volume < 0.1 mL); serum PTH and calcium levels were reduced to normal ranges (7/11, 63.6%). Four patients experienced partial reductions of serum PTH and calcium levels (4/11, 36.4%). In patients with SHPT, three experienced therapeutic response of serum PTH (3/8, 37.5%), while five showed persistent hyperparathyroidism (5/8, 62.5%) within 6 months after RFA. In patients with SNPCs, EA resulted in significant reductions in cyst size and volume (all, p < 0.05) at the last follow-up. A total of four complications (two transient hypocalcemia [RFA], one permanent [RFA], and one transient [EA] hoarseness) were observed. Conclusion: Minimally invasive treatments, such as RFA and EA, may serve as therapeutic alternatives for patients with PHPT or SNPCs; they may have limited usefulness in patients with SHPT.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제19권1호
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• pp.11-22
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• 2024

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of lumbar stabilization exercise using a Pilates reformer on the visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), and quality of life of patients with chronic low back pain. METHODS: The study evaluated individuals aged 30 years and above who had been suffering from persistent back pain exceeding three months. The participants were allocated into two groups: an experimental cohort of 15 individuals utilizing a reformer and a control group of 15 individuals engaging in lumbar stabilization exercises on a mat without a reformer for eight weeks. Each exercise session encompassed a 10-minute warm-up, a 30-minute main exercise, and a 10-minute cool-down, totaling 50 minutes. The lumbar stabilization group using the reformer was also subjected to the same level of resistance provided by the springs. Assessments were conducted before and after the intervention using the VAS, ODI, and quality of life evaluations. RESULTS: Significant disparity existed between the experimental group utilizing the reformer and the control group before and after the intervention in terms of the VAS, ODI change, and quality of life change (p < .05). Furthermore, a significant distinction was observed in the comparison between the experimental and control groups (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Both cohorts showed a decrease in pain, a decrease in the ODI, and an improvement in the quality of life. Furthermore, the experimental group exhibited superior outcomes to the control group regarding pain reduction, reduction in the ODI, and improved quality of life.

• 농촌의학ㆍ지역보건
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• 제40권1호
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• pp.9-20
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• 2015

지역사회 뇌졸중환자들의 치료 지속률과 약물 순응도에 대한 연구는 아직 많이 실시되지 않았다. 그러나 치료 지속률과 약물 순응도가 뇌졸중의 재발 및 사망과 밀접한 관련이 있다는 것은 많이 알려진 사실이다. 이에 본 연구는 지역에 거주하고 있는 뇌졸중환자들을 임의 추출하여 이들의 치료 지속률과 약물 순응도를 평가하고 이에 영향을 미치는 요인을 찾기 위하여 실시되었다. 연구대상자는 429명으로 이들의 뇌졸중 치료율과 현재 복용하고 있는 약물의 순응률을 파악하였으며 약물 순응도는 의도적 비순응군과 비의도적 비순응군으로 구분하여 조사하였다. 연구 결과 치료 지속률은 86.5%였으며 이들 중 약물 순응도는 41.2%였다. 치료 지속률에 영향을 미치는 요인으로는 보건교육 경험뿐이었으며, 비의도적 약물 비순응에 영향을 미치는 요인은 mRS와 보건교육 경험 그리고 의도적 약물 비순응에 영향을 미치는 요인은 mRS와 우울감 정도 그리고 약물에 대한 신념(필요성, 염려)이었다. 결론적으로 지역사회 뇌졸중환자의 재발방지와 사망률감소를 위하여 약물복용을 중요하게 교육하여야 할 것이며 순응도 향상을 위해서는 약물에 대한 필요성은 올리고 염려 수준을 낮추도록 교육하여야 할 것이다.

• 디지털융복합연구
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• 제16권6호
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• pp.343-352
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• 2018

본 연구의 목적은 일개 중소도시 지방 65세 이상 노인을 대상으로 건강관련 삶의 질과 이에 영향을 미치는 요인을 분석하여 중소도시 노인의 삶의 질 향상을 위한 방안을 마련하기 위하여 시도 되었다. 조사대상은 2015년 9월 21일부터 10월 30일까지 자료를 수집하였고, spss/win 23.0을 이용하여 분석하였다. 연구결과 대상자의 일반적 특성과 건강관련 삶의 질은 성별(t=2.36, p=.019), 사회참여(t=4.10, p=.000), 주관적 건강상태(F=12.08, p<.001), 의료비부담 수준(F=4.39, p=.014), 주관적 경제상태(F=3.50, p=.032), 만성질환 수(F=7.91, p<.001)에 따라 유의한 차이가 있었다. 대상자의 건강관련 삶의 질의 영향요인은 사회참여, 성별, 주관적 건강상태, 가족지지, 의료비부담 순으로 나타났으며 설명력은 26.3%이었다. 따라서 중소도시 65세 이상 노인을 대상으로 건강관련 삶의 질 향상을 위하여 사회 참여, 성별, 주관적 건강상태, 가족지지, 의료비 부담 등을 고려한 지역적 특성에 맞는 실제적이고 포괄적이며 지속적인 건강증진프로그램 개발이 필요하다.

• 한국해양생명과학회지
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• 제4권2호
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• pp.45-52
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• 2019

다환방향족탄화수소류(PAHs)는 해양 환경에 오랜 기간 잔류하며 해양 생태계에 유해한 보편적인 환경 오염 물질이다. PAH류는 대부분 해양 환경에서 금속을 비롯한 다양한 오염 물질과 복합적으로 존재하지만 혼합 오염 물질이 개체에 미치는 영향에 대한 연구는 부족하다. 본 연구는 HgCl₂와 Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P)이 해양 생물에 미치는 영향을 개체 수준에서 평가하기 위하여 기수산 물벼룩(Diaphanosoma celebensis)을 이용하여 단일 및 혼합 급성 독성 시험을 진행하였다. 혼합 독성 평가에 사용한 혼합물의 농도는 단일 독성 시험을 통하여 얻은 각각의 LC₅₀을 기준으로 3:7 (Mixture A), 5:5 (Mixture B), 7:3 (Mixture C)의 비율로 혼합하여 결정하였다. 실험 결과 B[a]P와 HgCl₂의 48 h - LC₅₀은 각각 25.75 ㎍ l^-1와 3.6 ㎍ l^-1로 나타났다. 혼합 독성 평가 결과 Mixture A, B, C에서 TU는 각각 1.06, 0.83, 0.96로 나타났다. 이는 Mixture A, B, C가 CA 모델에 따라 작용함을 보여주며, HgCl₂와 B[a]P의 상호작용을 연구하기 위해 CA 모델을 사용하는 것이 적합할 것으로 생각된다. 본 연구는 금속과 PAH류의 혼합 독성 평가를 위한 기초 자료가 될 수 있을 것이다.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제51권1호
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• pp.35-43
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• 2001

연구배경 : Eotaxin은 chemokine으로서 호산구를 기도의 염증부위로 동원하는 기능을 한다. Eotaxin이 호산구에 대한 주화작용이 있다는 점, 그리고 호산구가 천식의 중증도와 관련이 있다는 점을 생각할 때 eotaxin은 천식의 급성 악화시에 증가될 것으로 생각되었다. 본 연구에서는 혈청 eotaxin의 양과 천식의 급성악화 및 중증도와 관계를 연구하기로 하였다. 방 법 : 천식의 급성악화로 내원한 환자 100명과 대조군으로 안정상태의 천식환자 48명을 대상으로 하여, 폐기능, 천식의 중증도, 기관지확장제 투여 전후의 PEFR의 측정, 치료약제 및 입원여부를 조사하였고, 호산구수, IgE, 혈장 eotaxin을 측정 하였다. 결 과 : 천식악화군($233{\pm}175\;pg/mL$)에서 안정상태의 천식환자($169{\pm}74\;pg/mL$)에 비해 유의하게 혈장 eotaxin양이 높았다(p<0.01). 기관지확장제에 반응이 있는 경우가 그렇지 않은 경우에 비해 혈장 eotaxin이 낮은 경향이 있었다. 천식악화로 입원을 하였던 환자들이 퇴원하거나 외래 치료를 하였던 환자들에 비해 혈장 eotaxin이 높았고, 치료약제로 전신적인 스테로이드를 사용하였던 환자들이 스테로이드를 쓰지 않았던 환자들에 비해 혈청 eotaxin이 높았다. 혈장 eotaxin 양과 $FEV_1$은 유의한 역상관관계가 있었다(상관계수 -0.251, p<0.01). 그리고, 천식의 중증도에 따른 eotaxin의 양은 경증간헐성($160{\pm}60\;pg/mL$)에 비해 중등증 지속성($323{\pm}256\;pg/mL$) 및 중중 지속성($276{\pm}170\;pg/mL$) 군에서 유의하게 eotaxin이 높았다(p<0.01). 결 론 : 혈장 eotaxin은 천식의 급성악화시 증가하여 급성악화의 매개하는 인자중 하나로 생각되며, 폐기능 저하 및 천식의 중증도와 연관이 있었다. eotaxin은 표적세포인 호산구의 동원에 관여함으로서 폐기능 저하에 기여하는 것으로 생각된다.