• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
• /
• 제25권3호
• /
• pp.117-135
• /
• 2008

Objectives: It is known that the vestibular imbalance leads to vestibular symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, vertigo and postural disturbance. Since the non-labyrinthine inputs from the limbs and viscera converge on the vestibular nucleus neurons receiving signal from peripheral vestibular endorgan, acupuncture to the periphery may influence the activities of vestibular nuclear neurons and produce a therapeutic effect on the vestibulacr symptoms. The present study was to examine a modification and characteristics of the static and dynamic activities of medial vestibular nucleus (MVN) neurons following electroacupuncture (EA) of GB43' acupoint. Methods: In 54 Sprague-Dawley adult male rats weighing 250${\sim}$300g, spontaneous firing discharges and dynamic responses induced by sinusoidal whole body rotation about vertical axis at 0.2 Hz were observed in MVN of rats during EA of GB43' acupoint, located between the left 4th and 5th toe, which is the territory of sural and peroneal nerves, with 0.2 ms, 40 Hz and 600${\pm}$200 ${\mu}A$. Results: EA of the left GB43' acupoint induced modifications of spontaneous firing rates in 45% of MVN neurons recorded, and the percentage of modified neurons was 44% in type I, 52% in type II and 46% in non-type neurons. The excitatory or inhibitory responses of spontaneous firing discharges were predominant in the ipsilateral MVN neurons during EA. The excitatory response was abolished after EA but the inhibitory response was prolonged after EA in the ipsilateral MVN. The neurons of MVN showing modified spontaneous firing discharges by EA showed lower frequency (${\geq}$10 spikes/sec) of mean spontaneous firing rates than non affected ones. Conclusion: These results suggest that the neuronal activities of MVN neurons were influenced by EA of GB43' acupoint and the effects of EA may be related to the convergence of the peripheral vestibular inputs and ascending somatosensory inputs on MVN.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
• /
• 제32권2호
• /
• pp.113-119
• /
• 2005

Objective: The purposes of this study were to investigate the types and the incidences of chromosomal abnormalities, and to provide an explanation for the genetic causations of recurrent spontaneous abortions in Korean population. Methods: Cytogenetic studies were carried out in 535 couples with at least two spontaneous first trimester abortions from January 1981 to December 2003. For karyotype analysis, we used modified Moorhead method by Giemsa staining and Giemsa-Trypsin-Giemsa banding Results: The overall incidence of chromosome abnormality was 32 out of 535 cases (5.98%). There were 25 cases (4.67%) of translocation and 7 cases (1.31%) of inversion. In translocation, 5 cases (0.93%) of Robertsonian translocation and 20 cases (3.74%) of reciprocal translocation were observed. In inversion, 6 cases (1.12%) of inversion of chromosome 9 and one case (0.19%) of inversion of chromosome 18 were found. Conclusion: In this study, overall chromosomal abnormality rate in couples with recurrent spontaneous abortions is much higher than that in the general population. So, chromosomal analysis should be offered for the prognostic information in genetic counseling such as prenatal diagnosis in couples with repetitive reproductive failure.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
• /
• 제15권1호
• /
• pp.1-10
• /
• 2023

PURPOSE. Accuracy of image matching between resting and smiling facial models is affected by the stability of the reference surfaces. This study aimed to investigate the morphometric variations in subdivided facial units during resting, posed and spontaneous smiling. MATERIALS AND METHODS. The posed and spontaneous smiling faces of 33 adults were digitized and registered to the resting faces. The morphological changes of subdivided facial units at the forehead (upper and lower central, upper and lower lateral, and temple), nasal (dorsum, tip, lateral wall, and alar lobules), and chin (central and lateral) regions were assessed by measuring the 3D mesh deviations between the smiling and resting facial models. The one-way analysis of variance, Duncan post hoc tests, and Student's t-test were used to determine the differences among the groups (α = .05). RESULTS. The smallest morphometric changes were observed at the upper and central forehead and nasal dorsum; meanwhile, the largest deviation was found at the nasal alar lobules in both the posed and spontaneous smiles (P < .001). The spontaneous smile generally resulted in larger facial unit changes than the posed smile, and significant difference was observed at the alar lobules, central chin, and lateral chin units (P < .001). CONCLUSION. The upper and central forehead and nasal dorsum are reliable areas for image matching between resting and smiling 3D facial images. The central chin area can be considered an additional reference area for posed smiles; however, special cautions should be taken when selecting this area as references for spontaneous smiles.

• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
• /
• 제13권1호
• /
• pp.8-15
• /
• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze effects of hand drying methods after hand-washing. Hand drying methods consisted of spontaneous evaporation, paper towel, hand dryer with rubbing, and hand dryer without rubbing. Methods: The research design was a crossover design. The subjects were eighteen university students and randomly assigned in four group. Each group had the schedule of treatment. The schedule tested one drying method per a day and proceeded for 4 days. The data collection was performed from July 27 to July 30, 2010. Data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney and Wilcoxon test. Results: There was significant difference between the after CFU between natural dry, paper towel, air dryer with hand rubbing, and air dryer without hand rubbing(p=.006). The after CFUs of paper towel, natural dry and air dryer without hand rubbing groups were statistically less than air dryer with hand rubbing group. Conclusion: It was shown that the paper towel, spontaneous evaporation and without rubbing hand dryer are effective hand drying interventions on reducing CFU on hand. However additional researches with large sample and strict methodology are needed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제29권2호
• /
• pp.240-248
• /
• 2000

Objective : Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is a rarely reported syndrome of spontaneous postural headache associated with low CSF pressure and has rarely been demonstrated radiographically or surgically. But recently, it is being recognized with increasing frequency. The purpose of this study was to characterize clinical and imaging features, etiologic factors, and outcome in the spontaneous intracranial hypotension. Patients and Methods : We reviewed our experience with documented cases of spontaneous intracranial hypotension in 5 consecutive patients with orthostatic headaches from April 1998 to April 1999. Results : The mean age was 41 years(from 35 to 49 years). All patients had postural headaches, which were completely alleviated by recumbency position. Nausea, neck pain, horizontal diplopia, photophobia, and blurred vision were noted in some of the patients. Brain MRI showed diffuse pachymeningeal gadolinium enhancement, subdural collections of fluid, and descent of the brain. The opening pressure from lumbar puncture was $4cmH_2O$ or less in three of five patients whereas the opening pressure was within normal range in two patients. All patients underwent radioisotope cisternography and computerized tomographic myelography. On radioisotope cisternography, CSF leakage was suspected at the level of cervical area(1 patient), upper thoracic area(2 patients), mid-thoracic area(1 patient). Computed tomography myelography revealed extraarachnoid accumulation of contrast media(compatible finding with CSF leakage) at the level of cervical or thoracic area. In all patients, the symptoms resolved in response to supportive measures or epidural blood patch(1 patient). Conclusion : Spontaneous spinal CSF leakage is increasingly recognized as a cause of spinal postural headache. Most CSF leaks are located at the cervicothoracic junction or in the thoracic spine and can be demonstrated by variable diagnostic method. The condition is usually self-limiting and its prognosis is typically good.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제63권5호
• /
• pp.607-613
• /
• 2020

Objective : Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage is a life-threatening disease, and non-lesional spontaneous intraparenchymal hemorrhage (nIPH) and aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) are the leading causes of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage. Only a few studies have assessed the association between prior physical activity or triggering events and the occurrence of nIPH or aSAH. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of specific physical activities and triggering events in the occurrence of nIPH and aSAH. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed 824 consecutive patients with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage between January 2010 and December 2018. Among the 824 patients, 132 patients were excluded due to insufficient clinical data and other etiologies of spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage. The medical records of 692 patients were reviewed, and the following parameters were assessed : age, sex, history of hypertension, smoking, history of stroke, use of antiplatelet or anticoagulation agents, season and time of onset, physical activities performed according to the metabolic equivalents, and triggering event at onset. Events that suddenly raised the blood pressure such as sudden postural changes, defecation or urination, sexual intercourse, unexpected emotional stress, sauna bath, and medical examination were defined as triggering events. These clinical data were compared between the nIPH and aSAH groups. Results : Both nIPH and aSAH most commonly occurred during non-strenuous physical activity, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (p=0.524). Thirty-two patients (6.6%) in the nIPH group and 39 patients (8.1%) in the aSAH group experienced triggering events at onset, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (p=0.034). The most common triggering events were defecation or urination in both groups. Conclusion : Specific physical activity dose no affect the incidence of nIPH and aSAH. The relationship between the occurrence of intracranial hemorrhage and triggering events is higher in aSAH than nIPH.

• 대한한의진단학회지
• /
• 제15권1호
• /
• pp.95-110
• /
• 2011

Objectives: The aim of the present study is to define breath-holding in spontaneous respiration and to observe the difference of respiratory variables, EEG and HRV. Methods: 46 healthy young volunteers (M:F=31:15) were recruited in the study. By measuring and analysing respiration, EEG and HRV in the spontaneous respiration. We segment subjects by 100% of coefficient of variation in the breath-holding. Results & Conclusions: 1. There is a period of breath-holding after expiration and before endeavored inspiration, in the course of respiration. The greater coefficient of variation in the breath-holding, longer respiration period mean, inspiration period mean and breath-holding mean in respiratory variable. 2. There was no significant difference between HRV parameters. 3. The greater coefficient of variation in the breath-holding, the higher ${\beta}$ frequency and ${\gamma}$ frequency in the left prefrontal lobe.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• 제53권2호
• /
• pp.49-52
• /
• 2020

Background: Primary spontaneous pneumothorax is commonly treated with chest tube insertion, which requires hospitalization. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy, costs, and benefits of a portable small-bore chest tube (Thoracic Egg; Sumitomo Bakelite Co. Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) compared with a conventional chest tube. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all primary spontaneous pneumothorax patients who underwent treatment at Gangnam Severance Hospital between August 2014 and May 2018. Results: A total of 279 patients were divided into 2 groups: the conventional group (n=236) and the Thoracic Egg group (n=43). Of the 236 patients in the conventional group, 100 were excluded because they underwent surgery during the study period. The efficacy and cost were compared between the 2 groups. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding recurrence (conventional group, 36 patients [26.5%]; Thoracic Egg group, 15 patients [29.4%]; p=0.287). However, the Egg group had statistically significantly lower mean medical expenses than the conventional group (433,413 Korean won and 522,146 Korean won, respectively; p<0.001). Conclusion: Although portable small-bore chest tubes may not be significantly more efficacious than conventional chest tubes, their use is significantly less expensive. We believe that the Thoracic Egg catheter could be a less costly alternative to conventional chest tube insertion.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• 제20권1호
• /
• pp.18-22
• /
• 2016

Purpose: The previous reports regarding VUR resolution were not precise due to early frequent surgical intervention. We evaluated the spontaneous resolution (SR) rate and the incidence of new renal scars in primary VUR, focusing on severe reflux. Methods: Medical records of 334 patients with primary VUR who were on medical prophylaxis without surgery for 1 to 9 years, were retrospectively reviewed. Medical prophylaxis was initiated with low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis or probiotics. Radioisotope cystourethrography was performed every 1 to 3 years until SR of reflux. New renal scar was evaluated with follow-up $^{99m}Tc$ DMSA renal scan. Results: The SR rates decreased as VUR grades were getting higher (P=0.00). The overall and annual SR were 58.4% and 14.9%/yr in grade IV reflux and 37.5% and 9.3%/yr in grade V reflux. The median times of SR were 38 months in grade IV reflux and 66 months in grade V reflux. The probable SR rates in grade IV and V reflux were 7.8% and 8.9% in the 1st year, 46.0% and 30.8% in the 3rd year and 74.4% and 64.4% in the 5th year. The incidences of new renal scars between low to moderate reflux and severe reflux showed no significant difference (P=0.32). Conclusion: The SR rates of severe primary VUR were higher than previously reported and most new renal scars were focal and mild.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• 제38권6호
• /
• pp.425-430
• /
• 2005

Objective : Recently, the survival rate and prognosis of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage[S-ICH] has improved, and their enhanced survival has become associated with a consequent rise in the recurrence of S-ICH. The aim of this study is to improve the prevention of recurrent S-ICH. Methods : Between January 1999 and March 2004, we experienced 48 cases of recurrence. We classified the patients into the two groups; a double ICH group and a triple ICH group. We investigated their brain CTs, MRIs, cerebral angiographies, and medical records, retrospectively. Results : Majority of patients had the intervals at least 12 months, and most of patients underwent conservative treatment. The most common hemorrhage pattern of recurrence was ganglionic-ganglionic [basal ganglia - basal ganglia], and the second attack was contralateral side of the first attack in a large percentage of all patients. Prognosis of patients was worsened in recurrent attack. Nearly all patients had medical history of hypertension, and most patients have taken antihypertensive medication at the arrival of emergency room. Conclusion : In treating hypertension for S-ICH patients, we stress that blood pressure must be thoroughly controlled over a long period of time.