• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.52-61
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• 2006

Background: Korean ginseng (KG) has been used as a general tonic, and for voiding dysfunction for a long time in oriental society. However, scientific basic studies on the use of KG, have been rare, especially for voiding and erectile dysfunction. This study was performed to investigate the effects of KG on voiding and erectile function by examining the effects of total saponin (TS) on the bladder, urethral and penile cavernosal smooth muscle. Materials and methods: To examine the effects of TS, NewZeland white rabbits were used to obtain tissue strips from the smooth muscle of the bladder, proximal urethra and corpus cavernosum. Adult Sprague Dawley rats were used to examine the changes in urodynamic findings and penile erection after administration of TS. Results: In proximal urethral strips, the rate of relaxation of the proximal urethra was increased from $9.0{\pm}2.9$ to $33.7{\pm}4.8%$ in a dose-dependent manner when the concentration of TS was added accumulatively from 0.25 mg/ml to 4.0 mg/ml (p<0.05). However, no significant response was observed in the bladder strips within these concentration ranges. For the corpus cavernosal strips, the rate of relaxation ranged from $5.8{\pm}2.1$ to $36.7{\pm}5.8%$, increasing in a dose-dependent manner when TS was increased from 1.0 mg/ml to 4.0 mg/ml (p<0.05). After administration of 0.1 ml of TS (32 mg/ml) in the rat, the bladder pressure was $37.5{\pm}8.5$ mmHg at $52.1{\pm}7.0$ sec. during isovolumetric bladder contraction, showing no significant differences from $35.7{\pm}7.8mmHg$ and $50.7{\pm}7.2$ sec, respectively, before treatment. However, when 0.1 ml of TS (32 mg/ml) was administered, the relative reduction of urethral pressure was $6.9{\pm}0.5mmHg$ at $62{\pm}7.5$ sec, which was significantly higher compared to $4.6{\pm}1.1mmHg$ at $45{\pm}10$ sec before treatment (p<0.05). For the cavernosal injection study, the change in intracavernosal pressure (${\Delta}ICP$) was examined after administering 0.1 ml of TS. The cumulative additions of TS at concentrations from 0.5 mg/ml to 32 mg/ml increased ${\Delta}ICP$ from $1.3{\pm}0.5$ to $21.3{\pm}7.8mmHg$ in a dose-dependent manner (p<0.05). The duration of tumescence was from $0.3{\pm}0.1$ to $5.2{\pm}0.2$ min, showing dose-dependent increase (p<0.05). Furthermore, the cumulative addition of TS at concentrations from 0.5 mg/ml upto 32 mg/ml did not cause any significant change in systemic blood pressure. Conclusion: These results suggest that ginseng improves voiding functions, which is mainly achieved by TS relaxing the proximal urethra, the most important part of the bladder outlet function. In addition, ginseng safely induced a penile erection hemodynamically by relaxing the corpus cavernosum.

• Journal of The Korean Ophthalmological Society
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• v.59 no.12
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• pp.1129-1136
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• 2018

Purpose: To compare the postoperative clinical outcomes after cataract surgery and implantation using the BunnyLens $MF^{(R)}$ and $ReSTOR^{(R)}$ multifocal intraocular lenses. Methods: Sixty-five eyes implanted with multifocal intraocular lenses were divided into two groups involving either $ReSTOR^{(R)}$ (39 eyes) or BunnyLens $MF^{(R)}$ (26 eyes) lenses. In these two groups, the distant and near visual acuity, astigmatism, spherical equivalent, and contrast sensitivity test were examined at preoperative and postoperative 1 week, 8 weeks, and 24 weeks. We compared the clinical efficacy between the two groups before and after cataract surgery using statistical analysis. Results: The mean value of distant and near visual acuity, and spherical equivalent of both groups after intraocular lens implantation were significantly improved, compared with the preoperative values (p < 0.05), while there was no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). The means of postoperative distant and near visual acuity, astigmatism, and contrast sensitivity test were not significantly different between $ReSTOR^{(R)}$ and BunnyLens $MF^{(R)}$ lenses (p > 0.05). The mean numeric error of spherical equivalent at the final postoperative 24 weeks was $-0.17{\pm}0.50$ diopters (D) for the $ReSTOR^{(R)}$ lenses and $-0.34{\pm}0.52D$ for the BunnyLens $MF^{(R)}$ lenses (p > 0.05). Conclusions: BunnyLens $MF^{(R)}$ and $ReSTOR^{(R)}$ lenses showed no significant difference in clinical efficacy, including distance and near vision, spherical equivalent error, and contrast sensitivity test after cataract surgery. However, it should be noted that BunnyLens $MF^{(R)}$ lenses had a tendency toward myopic shift compared with $ReSTOR^{(R)}$ lenses.

• The Korean Journal of Blood Transfusion
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.115-126
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• 2012

Background: Umbilical cord (UC) is a promising source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). We compared the characteristics of MSCs from cryopreserved UC with those from fresh tissues, and demonstrated the possibility of UC cryopreservation for acquisition of MSCs from cryopreserved UC. Methods: Each UC was sliced into two types ($1{\sim}2mm^3$ vs. 0.5 cm), and cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen using different media (autologous cord blood plasma, aCBP vs. RPMI 1640). A fresh aliquot of $1{\sim}2mm^3$-sized UC was used as control tissue. After one week, the cryopreserved tissues were thawed and cultured. For the 0.5 cm UC, a slicing step into $1{\sim}2mm^3$ was needed. Cell count, viability, proliferative activity, and surface antigens were determined from harvested MSCs. Several growth factors (EGF, IGF-1, PDGF, TGF-${\beta}$, bFGF, and VEGF), were measured from the culture supernatant. Results: Eleven UC were enrolled in the study. Efficiencies of obtaining MSCs were higher in cryopreserved UC using RPMI 1640, compared with use of aCBP; the same result was observed for 0.5 cm sized UC, compared with $1{\sim}2mm^3$ sized UC. No difference in proliferative activity was observed between MSCs from fresh and cryopreserved UC. The amount of growth factors in culture supernatant using RPMI 1640 was larger than that of fresh tissues. Conclusion: We obtained growth factors from the supernatant as well as MSCs from cryopreserved UC. As with a cord blood bank, in the future, cryopreservation of UC for acquisition of both MSCs and growth factors would be possible in a time of need.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.162-170
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• 2021

Objectives: This study was carried out to understand the seroprevalence and risk factors for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) among the Korea National Park Service (KNPS) workers. Methods: We used the stored serum samples (763) and survey results collected from the previous investigation on scrub typhus and Lyme disease among the KNPS workers during 2016-2017. The serum samples were analyzed by double-antigen sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which was used to test the total antibody including IgG and IgM. Results: The SFTS seroprevalence among the KNPS worrkers was 1.4%. In multivariate logistic analysis, the national park exploration programs (odds ratio, 3.48; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-12.01) was significantly associated with the seroprevalence of SFTS. Conclusion: This study was the first serological study of SFTS among forestry workers in South Korea. Although the KNPS workers are at a high-risk group of SFTS, the prevention activities related to the working environment and habit was insufficient. Thus, systematic prevention education and training for the KNPS workers need to be strengthened.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.130-137
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• 2021

Purpose: The various suture techniques can be utilized in order to maximize the keratinized tissue healing around dental implants. The aim of this study is to compare the soft tissue healing pattern between two different suture techniques after implant placement. Materials and Methods: 15 patients with 18 implants were enrolled in this study. Simple implant placement without any additional bone graft was performed. Two different suture techniques were used to tug in the mobilized flap near the healing abutment after paramarginal flap design. Digital intraoral scan was performed at baseline, post-operation, stitch out, and 3 months after operation. The scan data were aligned using multiple points such as cusp, fossa of adjacent teeth, and/or healing abutment. After subtracting scan data at baseline with other time-point results, closed space indicating volume increment of peri-implant mucosa was selected. The volume of the close space was measured in mm³. The volume between two suture techniques at three time-points was compared using nonparametric rank-based analysis. Results: Healing was uneventful in both groups. Both suture technique groups showed increased soft tissue volume immediately after surgery. The amount of volume increment significantly decreased after 3 months (P < 0.001). Flap folding suture group showed higher median of volume increment than interrupted suture group after 3 months without any statistical significance (P > 0.05). Conclusion: After paramarginal flap reflection, the raised flaps stabilized by flap folding suture showed relatively higher volume maintenance after 3-month healing period. However, further studies are warranted.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.41-47
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• 2021

Purpose There are many cyclotrons compared to the land area of the Republic of Korea. Because GMP certification is required and the nuclear medicine test does not apply for insurance, the number of examinations for nuclear medicine is decreasing. Therefore, there is a high probability of early decommissioning of the cyclotron. However, we do not unusually perform the radioactivation evaluation on concrete that can be classified as radioactive waste during the decommissioning of the cyclotron. In this study, we aim to confirm the radioactivation in the concrete surface using Handheld Radionuclide Identification Devices (RIDs). Materials and Methods Because there is no cyclotron being decommissioning in the Republic of Korea, it was impossible to perform the coring of concrete for radioactivation analysis. In this study, we used the KIRAMS-13 and analyzed the concrete surface in the target direction in the cyclotron room. After setting the target direction as the center, radionuclides were measured for about five months at thirty points with vertical and horizontal intervals of 30 cm. We used the RIIDEye(Detector: NaI(Tl) detector, manufacturer: Thermo) in this study and set the measurement time per point to one day (24 hours). Results Co-60 and Cs-137 were detected in some measurement points, and we confirmed the radioactivity of Co-60 detected at the most points. As a result, we found that the radioactivity of Co-60 was high in the diagonal direction (from the lower-left direction to the upper right direction) based on the center of the target. However, we think it is impossible to apply the corresponding results to all cyclotrons because we performed the study using only one cyclotron. Conclusion In thirty measurement points, we could confirm the radioactive nuclides and the relative radioactivity using the results of portable nuclides analyzer. Therefore, we expect that we can use the portable nuclides analyzer to select the coring position of concrete during the decommissioning of the cyclotron. Also, if we secure the radioactivation data for several years, we expect to make a more accurate estimate of radioactive waste during the preparation period of decommissioning of the cyclotron.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.56 no.4
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• pp.334-340
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• 2021

Purpose: This study analyzed the bone mineral densities of the lumbar vertebrae and femurs of patients with ankle fractures to determine the correlation between ankle fractures and osteoporosis. Materials and Methods: From April 2002 to July 2014, one hundred consecutive ankle fracture patients with bone mineral density tests performed within post-traumatic one year were enrolled. The patients were divided into three age groups according to their age at the time of injury (group 1: <50, group 2: 50-69, group 3: ≥70). The types of ankle fractures were classified into unimalleolar, bimalleolar and trimalleolar fractures. The bone mineral density was analyzed using the T score, Z score, absolute value (g/cm²) of the lumbar spine (L1-L4), femur neck, femur intertrochanter, and total femur. Results: There were 3.2 times more females with ankle fractures than males, and the prevalence of osteoporosis according to age group was 0% in the group under 50 years, 24.2% in the 50 to 69-year-old group, and 15% in the group over 70 years. Osteoporosis was found in 30% of patients with a trimalleolar fracture in the 50 to 69-year-old group. In all patient groups, a lower age indicated a higher frequency of unimalleolar fractures. The relationship between the bone mineral density and the type of fracture is that the frequency of trimalleolar fracture increased with decreasing T score of the lumbar vertebrae and the absolute value of bone mineral density (g/cm²) and the Z score of the femur neck, but there were no other indicators. Conclusion: Among the 100 patients with ankle fractures, females were more common than males, because osteoporosis was less severe in males. The incidence of unimalleolar fracture was higher than that of trimalleolar fracture. On the other hand, the correlation between the ankle fractures and the bone mineral density of the femur and lumbar spine was not significant.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.253-260
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• 2020

Purpose: Soft tissue defects of the distal lower extremity are commonly accompanied by a fracture of the lower extremities. Theses defects are caused by the injury itself or by complications associated with surgical treatment of the fracture, which poses challenging problem. The reverse superficial sural artery flap (RSSAF) is a popular option for these difficult wounds. This paper reviews these cases and reports the clinical results. Materials and Methods: Between August 2003 and April 2018, patients who were treated with RSSAF for soft tissue defects of the lower third of the leg and ankle related to a fracture were reviewed. A total of 16 patients were involved and the mean follow-up period was 18 months. Eight cases (50.0%) of the defects were due to an open fracture, whereas the other eight cases (50.0%) were postoperative complication after closed fracture. The largest flap measured 10×15 cm² and the mean size of the donor sites was 51.9 cm². The flap survival and postoperative complications were evaluated. Results: All flaps survived without complete necrosis or failure. One case with partial necrosis of the flap was encountered, but the wound healed after debridement and repair. One case had a hematoma with a pseudoaneurysmal rupture of the distal tibial artery. On the other hand, the flap was intact and the wound healed after arterial ligation and flap advancement. A debulking operation was performed on three cases for cosmetic reasons and implant removal through the flap was performed in three cases. No flap necrosis was encountered after these additional operations. Conclusion: RSSAF is a relatively simple and safe procedure for reconstructing soft tissue defects following a fracture of the lower extremity that does not require microsurgical anastomosis. This can be a useful treatment option for soft tissue defects on the distal leg, ankle, and foot.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.257-265
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• 2023

The purpose of this study was to vaccinate every year according to the general characteristics of COVID-19, whether to vaccinate every year according to the vaccination experience, whether to vaccinate every year according to knowledge/attitude about vaccination, and negative responses to the vaccinate every year In order to understand the factors affecting the vaccination physician every year by identifying the factors of Statistical analysis is based on general characteristics, variables based on vaccination experience, and knowledge/attitudes related to vaccination. The doctor calculates the frequency and percentage, A square test (-test) was performed, and if the chi-square test was significant but the expected frequency was less than 5 for 25% or more, a ratio difference test was performed with Fisher's exact test. Through multiple logistic regression analysis using variables that were significant in simple analysis, a predictive model for future vaccination and the effect size of each independent variable were estimated. As statistical analysis software, SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) was used, and because the sample size was not large, the significance level was set at 10%, and when the p-value was less than 0.10, it was interpreted as statistically significant. In the simple logistic regression analysis, the reason why they answered that they would not be vaccinated every year was that they answered 'to prevent infection of family and hospital guests' rather than 'to prevent my infection' as the reason for the vaccination. It was 11.0 times higher and 3.67 times higher in the case of 'for the formation of collective immunity of the local community and the country'. The adverse reactions experienced after the 1st and 2nd vaccination were 8.42 times higher in those who did not experience pain at the injection site than those who did not, 4.00 times higher in those who experienced swelling or redness, and 5.69 times higher in those who experienced joint pain. There was a 5.57 times higher rate of absenteeism annually than those who did not. In addition, the more anxious they felt about vaccination, the more likely they were to not get the vaccine every year by 2.94 times.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.32-44
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• 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of implant connection type on marginal bone loss (MBL) and to analyze the factors that affect MBL. This study focuses on single implants planted in the upper and lower first molar area. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 implants from 68 patients were tracked for a period over 5 years. There were 57 external connection type (EC) implants and 30 internal connection type (IC) implants in 38 males and 30 females. The MBL and EA were measured from intraoral radiograph images taken after 5 years at most. Results: Significant difference in MBL between EC and IC type was observed in patients without GBR or diabetes. Patients without GBR exhibited an MBL of -0.065 ± 0.859 mm in EC type and -0.627 ± 0.639 mm in IC type (P = 0.025). Using multiple regression analysis, a statistically significant negative correlation was observed between MBL and conditions including implant-abutment connection type (β = -0.303), diabetes (β = -0.113), emergence angle > 30° (β = -0.234), and age (β = -0.776). Conclusion: Within this results, IC type implants had less MBL than EC type, and implant prosthesis with emergence angle over 30° showed greater MBL. To minimize the MBL of the implant and ensure implant stability, careful consideration should be given to the EA of implant prosthesis and its connection type.