• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.81-92
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• 2021

The role of neuroimaging in patients with acute ischemic stroke has been gradually increasing. The ultimate goal of stroke imaging is to make a streamlined imaging workflow for safe and efficient treatment based on optimized patient selection. In the era of multimodal comprehensive imaging in strokes, imaging based on computed tomography (CT) has been preferred for use in acute ischemic stroke, because, despite the unique strengths of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), MRI has a longer scan duration than does CT-based imaging. However, recent improvements, such as multicoil technology and novel MRI acceleration techniques, including parallel imaging, simultaneous multi-section imaging, and compressed sensing, highlight the potential of comprehensive MR-based imaging for strokes. In this review, we discuss the role of stroke imaging in acute ischemic stroke management, as well as the strengths and limitations of MR-based imaging. Given these concepts, we review the current MR acceleration techniques that could be applied to stroke imaging and provide an overview of the previous research on each essential sequence: diffusion-weighted imaging, gradient-echo, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, contrast-enhanced MR angiography, and MR perfusion imaging.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.79-99
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• 2024

Background: There was an important revision of the Korean Clinical Practice Guideline for Stroke (KCPGS) for antithrombotic therapy in patients with acute ischemic stroke in 2022. This review is to provide an updated information in this revision. Methods: The revision history by year after the first announcement was examined for each topic, focusing on antithrombotic therapy during acute phase which was revised in 2022. We compared before and after the revision, and investigated the clinical outcomes presented as evidence. It was also compared with the current U.S. guidelines. Results: The major changes about antiplatelet therapy are a clause stating that dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin initiated within 24 hours from the stroke onset and maintained for up to 21-30 days is recommended as an acute treatment, as well as the clause that antithrombotic therapy may be initiated within 24 hours after intravenous thrombolytics and that the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists can be considered in highly selected patients as rescue therapy taking into account of benefit and risk. The change to the use of anticoagulants is that it may be reasonable to start oral anticoagulant between 4 and 14 days after stroke onset for patients with acute ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation. Conclusions: It will be helpful in improving health outcomes for clinical pharmacists to be aware of the latest information for antithrombotic therapy and to actively use it in pharmaceutical care of stroke patients.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.29-36
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• 1982

Quantification of the regurgitation amount is important before and after valvular replacement surgery. Until now cardiac catheterization with cineventriculography, echocardiography have been used to measure the regurgitation amount, but also have many limitations. EKG gated cardiac blood pool scan provides a simple, non-invasive -method for quantify the regurgitation amount. By calculating the ratio of left ventricular to right ventricular stroke counts (stroke volume ratio) in gated bood pool scan, we measured the left ventricular regurgitation amount in 28 cases of valvular regurgitation and 25 cases of normal group. 1. Stroke volume ratio was higher in cases of valvular regurgitation $(2.11{\pm}0.58)$ than in cases of normal control $(1.15{\pm}0.31)$. (p<0.01). 2. Stroke volume ratio was classified by regurgitation grade using X-ray cineventriculography. In grades of mild regurgitation $(Grade\;I{\sim}II)$, stroke volume ratio was $2.02{\pm}0.29$, and in grades of severe regurgitation $(Grade\;III{\sim}IV)$, stroke volume ratio was $2.55{\pm}0.34$, so stroke volume ratio was well correlated with the grade of X-ray cineventriculography. 3. Stroke volume ratio was classfied by functional class made in New York Heart Association. In classes of mild regurgitation $(class\;I{\sim}II)$, stroke volume ratio was $2.08{\pm}0.26$, and in classes of severe regurgitation $(class\;III{\sim}IV)$, stroke volume ratio was $2.55{\pm}0.38$, Stroke volume ratio well represented the functional class. 4. After aortic and mitral valve replacement in 28 patients, the stroke volume ratio, decreased from $2.11{\pm}0.58\;to\;1.06{\pm}0.26$. Gated blood pool scan provides a noninvasive method of qnantifying valvular regurgitation and assessing the result of surgical interventions.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.22-27
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• 2012

Objective: Falls are defined as contact of the body with the floor after losing balance during activities of daily living. Falls commonly occur among the elderly, and stroke patients in particular are at a high risk of falling. The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of temporal and spatial gait parameters and gait symmetry according to experience falls in post-stroke patients. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty three patients with stroke were recruited on a voluntary basis from the rehabilitation unit, who currently undergoing physical therapy. All participants were asked to answer questions regarding the frequency of falls in the past 1 year. Fifty-three patients with stroke were allocated 2 groups according to experienced falls: stroke with falls (n=26) during past 1 year and stroke without falls (n=27). The spatial and temporal gait parameters and gait symmetry ratio were measured using GAITRite system. Results: The spatial gait parameters and the temporal gait parameters were significantly different between the stroke with falls group and the stroke without falls group (p<0.05). Furthermore, step length was the only significantly different among symmetry ratio (p<0.05). Conclusions: Experience of falls can lead to impairment of gait ability in stroke patients. This result is expected to be used as a basic data for rehabilitation program development to prevent a fall of post-stroke patients.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.81-86
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• 2013

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility and effects of balance training using a newly developed elastic band orthosis (aider) for improvement of mobility and balance in chronic stroke patients. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Ten patients with chronic hemiplegia participated in this study. There were six males and four females; two patients had right hemiplegia and eight had left hemiplegia. This study investigated the effect of the elastic band orthosis on balance and gait ability compared with bare foot condition. Gait parameters were measured using the opto-gait system for analysis of the spatial and temporal parameters of walking in stroke patients. In addition, balance ability in stroke patients was evaluated using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Results: This study investigated the effect of the elastic band orthosis on balance compared with bare foot condition. The TUG and BBS showed significant improvement with use of the elastic band orthosis (p<0.05). Use of the Elastic band orthosis resulted in significantly improved velocity, cadence, less-affected step length, less-affected stride length, and less-affected single limb support in stroke patients (p<0.05). Conclusions: We demonstrated a significant improvement in dynamic balance and gait ability in chronic stroke patients using the elastic band orthosis. This orthosis may aid in prevention of spastic foot drop, leading to improvement of walking ability.

• Journal of muscle and joint health
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.215-226
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• 2011

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the fear of falling of stroke patients and identify factors affecting the fear of falling. Method: For basic data, structured questionnaires were used for 137 stroke patients in hospitals in B city sampled for this study from June to August, 2010. Results: A multiple regression analysis used to identify variables affecting the fear of falling of stroke patients indicates that the most affecting variable was activities of daily living (${\beta}$=-.558), followed by self-efficacy of falling (${\beta}$=-.223), primary caregiver (${\beta}$=-.118), perception of health (${\beta}$=-.128) and drunken status (${\beta}$=-.108). Total variance explained by activities of daily living, self-efficacy of falling, the primary caregiver, perception of health and drunken status was 81.2% (F=70.845, $R^2$=.812). Conclusion: As discussed above, the factors significantly affecting the fear of falling in stroke patients were activities of daily living and self-efficacy of falling. Therefore, in order to reduce fear of falling of stroke patients and prevent falling, it is suggested that programs should be developed that will improve self-efficacy of falling and daily living activities.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.416-428
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• 2006

Objectives : Arterial stiffness and pulse pressure are related to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular survival and longevity. This study is aimed at examining the effects of Chungpyesagan-tang on arterial stiffness and Pulse pressure in acute stroke Patients. Methods: The subject of this study was acute strike Patients within 1 week after ictus, with Cardio-ankle vascular index(CAVI) higher than 9.0. They were divided into two groups: A treatment group (n=44) and a control group(n=46). For two weeks, Chungpyesagan-tang was given to the former, other herbal medicines to the latter. used for stroke patients for the control group for 2 weeks. At the end of first and second week, CAVI, pulse Pressure, National Institute of Health stroke scale(NIHSS), Modified Barthel Index(MBI) were measured. Serum lipid Profile, aspartate transaminase(AST), alanine transaminase(ALT). blood urea nitrogen(BUN), creatinine were also measured at the end of the study. Results : After 2 weeks, CAVI and Pulse Pressure in Chungpyesagan-tane group were significantly tower than those in the control group(P<0.05). NIHSS and MBI were improved in both groups. But there was no significant difference between the treatment group and the control group in terms of the NIHSS and MBI. Conclusions : We suggest Chungpyesagan-tanghas desirable effects on arterial stiffness and Pulse Pressure of acute stroke patients. It can improve morbidity and mortality of patients on the basis of influencing vascular stiffness and increased pulse pressure.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.121-130
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• 2020

Purpose : The objective of the current study was to evaluate the impact of the Computer-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Program (CoTras) on the cognitive function and daily living activities of elderly and adult stroke patients. Methods : Twenty stroke patients were divided into two groups comprising 10 elderly stroke patients and 10 adult stroke patients. The CoTras was applied as the intervention for 30 minutes at a time, three times a week, for nine weeks (i.e., a total of 27 times), to both groups. The Neurobehavioral Cognitive Status Examination was used to assess cognitive function, and the Functional Independence Measure was utilized to evaluate daily living activities, prior to, during, and after the intervention. Results : The CoTras was demonstrated to have a statistically significant and positive effect on the cognitive function and daily living activities of stroke patients. However, the effect of the program on the restoration of weight-shifting capacity, as a component of the daily living activities of stroke patients, was without statistical significance. The program had a greater influence on improving the cognitive function and daily living activities of elderly stroke patients than adult stroke patients. Conclusion : This study makes a meaningful contribution to the literature on the topic as the intervention was demonstrated to lead to a more significant recovery of cognitive function and daily living activities in elderly stroke patients, compared to adult patients. Therefore, it is proposed that the CoTras should be used as a clinical intervention for elderly stroke patients. Future studies that evaluate the application of the CoTras, along with other occupation-based intervention programs, are warranted.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.2
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• pp.145-153
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• 2023

Objectives: Although it is difficult to define the quality of stroke care, acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients with moderate-to-severe neurological deficits may benefit from thrombectomy-capable hospitals (TCHs) that have a stroke unit, stroke specialists, and a substantial endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) case volume. Methods: From national audit data collected between 2013 and 2016, potential EVT candidates arriving within 24 hours with a baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≥6 were identified. Hospitals were classified as TCHs (≥15 EVT case/y, stroke unit, and stroke specialists), primary stroke hospitals (PSHs) without EVT (PSHs-without-EVT, 0 case/y), and PSHs-with-EVT. Thirty-day and 1-year case-fatality rates (CFRs) were analyzed using random intercept multilevel logistic regression. Results: Out of 35 004 AIS patients, 7954 (22.7%) EVT candidates were included in this study. The average 30-day CFR was 16.3% in PSHs-without-EVT, 14.8% in PSHs-with-EVT, and 11.0% in TCHs. The average 1-year CFR was 37.5% in PSHs-without-EVT, 31.3% in PSHs-with-EVT, and 26.2% in TCHs. In TCHs, a significant reduction was not found in the 30-day CFR (odds ratio [OR], 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76 to 1.12), but was found in the 1-year CFR (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73 to 0.96). Conclusions: The 1-year CFR was significantly reduced when EVT candidates were treated at TCHs. TCHs are not defined based solely on the number of EVTs, but also based on the presence of a stroke unit and stroke specialists. This supports the need for TCH certification in Korea and suggests that annual EVT case volume could be used to qualify TCHs.

• The Journal of the Society of Stroke on Korean Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2010

Objectives : We designed this study to investigate difference of heart rate variability(HRV) according to sex, age, acute or chronic phase, category of stroke, national institute of health stroke scale(NIHSS), lesion of stroke. Methods : 64 subjects were recruited from the patients admitted to the department of oriental medicine at East-West Neo Medical Center, Kyung Hee University from 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010. We compared heart rate(HR), standard deviation of all normal P-P intervals(SDNN), low frequency(LF), high frequency(HF), LF/HF ratio. Results and Conclusions : 1. LF/HF ratio is significantly different between over-70 and below-70 of age. 2. SDNN is significantly different between acute and chronic stroke patients. 3. In sex, category of stroke, national institute of health stroke scale(NIHSS), lesion of stroke, there are no significantly different among the any values of heart rate variability(HRV).