• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.62 no.6
• /
• pp.712-722
• /
• 2019

Objective : Although magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) has been used as minimally invasive and effective neurosurgical treatment, it exhibits some limitations, mainly related to acoustic properties of the skull barrier. This study was undertaken to identify skull characteristics that contribute to optimal ultrasonic energy transmission for MRgFUS procedures. Methods : For ex vivo skull experiments, various acoustic fields were measured under different conditions, using five non-embalmed cadaver skulls. For clinical skull analyses, brain computed tomography data of 46 patients who underwent MRgFUS ablations (18 unilateral thalamotomy, nine unilateral pallidotomy, and 19 bilateral capsulotomy) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' skull factors and sonication parameters were comparatively analyzed with respect to the cadaveric skulls. Results : Skull experiments identified three important factors related skull penetration of ultrasound, including skull density ratio (SDR), skull volume, and incidence angle of the acoustic rays against the skull surface. In clinical results, SDR and skull volume correlated with maximal temperature (Tmax) and energy requirement to achieve Tmax (p<0.05). In addition, considering the incidence angle determined by brain target location, less energy was required to reach Tmax in the central, rather than lateral targets particularly when compared between thalamotomy and capsulotomy (p<0.05). Conclusion : This study reconfirmed previously identified skull factors, including SDR and skull volume, for successful MRgFUS; it identified an additional factor, incidence angle of acoustic rays against the skull surface. To guarantee successful transcranial MRgFUS treatment without suffering these various skull issues, further technical improvements are required.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
• /
• v.8 no.3
• /
• pp.170-174
• /
• 2019

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the differences in the quality of life between two groups of patients who received or did not receive total knee replacement (TKR) surgery after being diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to investigate changes in the quality of life for persons who had TKR surgery. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: The subjects were randomized into a surgery group (n=70) and a non-surgery group (n=65). Subjects were selected from individuals diagnosed with knee OA from Himchan Hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Their sex, age, weight, height, body mass index, unilateral or bilateral, and quality of life were evaluated. Changes in the quality of life was measured using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). Seventy out of 135 patients had TKR surgery, and their quality of life was evaluated at 6 months and 12 months after the surgery. Results: SF-36 scores were significantly improved at 6 months and 12 months after the surgery compared to the scores before the surgery (p<0.05). Also, the comparison between 6 and 12 months after surgery showed that the Vitality and Social Function scores in the SF-36 were significantly increased (p<0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that TKR surgery has a positive effect on the quality of life for persons with knee OA as a therapeutic intervention.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.279-285
• /
• 2019

Objective: This study evaluated the efficiency of anchorage provided by temporary anchorage devices (TADs) in maxillary bicuspid extraction cases during retraction of the anterior teeth using a fixed appliance. Methods: Patients aged 12 to 50 years with malocclusion for which bilateral first or second maxillary bicuspid extractions were indicated were included in the study and randomly allocated to the TAD or control groups. Retraction of the anterior teeth was achieved using skeletal anchorage in the TAD group and conventional dental anchorage in the control group. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed after alignment of teeth, and a second CT scan was performed at the end of extraction space closure in both groups. A three-dimensional superimposition was performed to visualize and quantify the maxillary first molar movement during the retraction phase, which was the primary outcome, and the stability of TAD movement, which served as the secondary outcome. Results: Thirty-four patients (17 in each group) underwent the final analysis. The two groups showed a significant difference in the movement of the first maxillary molars, with less significant anchorage loss in the TAD group than that in the control group. In addition, TAD movement showed only a slight mesial movement on the labial side. On the palatal side, the mesial TAD movement was greater. Conclusions: In comparison with conventional dental anchorage, TADs can be considered an efficient source of anchorage during retraction of maxillary anterior teeth. TADs remain stable when correctly placed in the bone during the anterior tooth retraction phase.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.84 no.1
• /
• pp.74-83
• /
• 2021

Background: This study compared the treatment outcomes of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) before and after the implementation of public-private mix (PPM). Factors affecting treatment success were also investigated. Methods: Data from culture-confirmed pulmonary MDR-TB patients who commenced MDR-TB treatment at Pusan National University Hospital between January 2003 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups in terms of PPM status: pre-PPM period, patients who commenced MDR-TB treatment between 2003 and 2010; and post-PPM period, patients treated between 2011 and 2017. Results: A total of 176 patients were included (64 and 112 in the pre- and post-PPM periods, respectively). 36.9% of the patients were resistant to a fluoroquinolone or a second-line injectable drug, or both. The overall treatment success rate was 72.7%. The success rate of post-PPM patients was higher than that of pre-PPM patients (79.5% vs. 60.9%, p=0.008). Also, loss to follow-up was lower in the post-PPM period (5.4% vs. 15.6%, p=0.023). In multivariate regression analysis, age ≥65 years, body mass index ≤18.5 kg/m², previous TB treatment, bilateral lung involvement, and extensively drug-resistant (XDR)- or pre-XDR-TB were associated with poorer treatment outcomes. However, the use of bedaquiline or delamanid for ≥1 month increased the treatment success. Conclusion: The treatment success rate in MDR-TB patients was higher in the post-PPM period than in the pre-PPM period, particularly because of the low rate of loss to follow-up. To ensure comprehensive patient-centered PPM in South Korea, investment and other support must be adequate.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
• /
• v.51 no.1
• /
• pp.9-16
• /
• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the reliability of 7 panoramic radiographic signs for predicting proximity of the root apices of mandibular third molars to the mandibular canal using cone-beam computed tomography and to correlate these findings with the Pell and Gregory and the Winter classification systems. Materials and Methods: An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 74 patients with bilateral impacted mandibular third molars. Four panoramic radiographic signs were observed in the tooth root (darkening, deflection, and narrowing of the root apices, and bifid apices), and another 3 in the mandibular canal (diversion, narrowing, and interruption of the mandibular canal). Cone-beam computed tomography images were analyzed to identify disruption and diversion of the mandibular canal and root deflection. Results: Binary logistic regression showed that only 4 of the 7 panoramic radiographic signs were able to predict proximity of the root apices of the mandibular third molars to the mandibular canal: darkening of the root, deflection of the root, narrowing of the root, and interruption of the mandibular canal(P<0.05). Conclusion: Darkening, deflection, and narrowing of the root, in tandem with the interruption of the mandibular canal on panoramic radiographs, indicate that cone-beam computed tomography should be performed when planning the extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. Proximity between mandibular third molars and the mandibular canal is correlated with the Winter classification.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
• /
• v.8 no.4
• /
• pp.117-123
• /
• 2020

Purpose : VDT (visual display terminal syndrome) can affect individuals who monitor or who work or play using video screens, including those of smartphones. In general, headache symptoms from overuse of these screens can appear due to eye fatigue, muscle pain in the joints of wrists or fingers, and muscle pain in the neck or shoulders. Many studies in the literature have supported standards that seek to prevent these symptoms. The incidence of musculoskeletal diseases caused by the use of smartphones is expected to increase rapidly, particularly among children and young adults, and these diseases are expected to develop into a societal problem. Therefore, in this study we investigate whether tension headaches that develop from smartphone usage can affect forward neck posture, neck pain, and quality of life. Methods : A total of 93 students from University participated in this study. We divided participants into two groups, those with tension headaches (n = 25) and those without (n = 68) and took forward neck measurements. Headaches were classified according to criteria from the International Headache Society and involved bilateral headache position, quality of pressing or tightening pain, mild or moderate pain intensity, and none due to daily physical activity. We surveyed participants using the smartphone addiction diagnosis questionnaire, the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6), and the Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results : Although we found no significant differences in tension headaches due to smartphone addiction diagnosis (p = 0.25), SF-36 life quality assessment (p = 0.06), and cranio-vertebral angle (p = 0.07), we found significant differences from the HIT-6 and the NDI (p <.05). Conclusion : Tension headaches are not correlated with smartphone addiction, quality of life, and forward neck angle but do have a correlation with the degree of cervical dysfunction and the effects of the headaches.

• Journal of Audiology & Otology
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.152-158
• /
• 2021

Background and Objectives: Balance control is maintained in stationary and dynamic conditions, with coordinated muscle responses generated by somatosensory, vestibular, and visual inputs. This study aimed to investigate how the vestibular system is affected in the presence of an optical illusion to better understand the interconnected pathways of the visual and vestibular systems. Subjects and Methods: The study involved 54 young adults (27 males and 27 females) aged 18-25 years. The recruited participants were subjected to the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) test and video head impulse test (vHIT). The cVEMP and vHIT tests were performed once each in the absence and presence of an optical illusion. In addition, after each test, whether the individuals felt balanced was determined using a questionnaire. Results: cVEMP results in the presence of the optical illusion showed shortened latencies and increased amplitudes for the left side in comparison to the results in the absence of the optical illusion (p≤0.05). When vHIT results were compared, it was seen that the right lateral and bilateral anterior canal gains were increased, almost to 1.0 (p<0.05). Conclusions: It is thought that when the visual-vestibular inputs are incompatible with each other, the sensory reweighting mechanism is activated, and this mechanism strengthens the more reliable (vestibular) inputs, while suppressing the less reliable (visual) inputs. As long as the incompatible condition persists, the sensory reweighting mechanism will continue to operate, thanks to the feedback loop from the efferent vestibular system.

• Korean Journal of Audiology
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.152-158
• /
• 2021

Background and Objectives: Balance control is maintained in stationary and dynamic conditions, with coordinated muscle responses generated by somatosensory, vestibular, and visual inputs. This study aimed to investigate how the vestibular system is affected in the presence of an optical illusion to better understand the interconnected pathways of the visual and vestibular systems. Subjects and Methods: The study involved 54 young adults (27 males and 27 females) aged 18-25 years. The recruited participants were subjected to the cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) test and video head impulse test (vHIT). The cVEMP and vHIT tests were performed once each in the absence and presence of an optical illusion. In addition, after each test, whether the individuals felt balanced was determined using a questionnaire. Results: cVEMP results in the presence of the optical illusion showed shortened latencies and increased amplitudes for the left side in comparison to the results in the absence of the optical illusion (p≤0.05). When vHIT results were compared, it was seen that the right lateral and bilateral anterior canal gains were increased, almost to 1.0 (p<0.05). Conclusions: It is thought that when the visual-vestibular inputs are incompatible with each other, the sensory reweighting mechanism is activated, and this mechanism strengthens the more reliable (vestibular) inputs, while suppressing the less reliable (visual) inputs. As long as the incompatible condition persists, the sensory reweighting mechanism will continue to operate, thanks to the feedback loop from the efferent vestibular system.

• Journal of Korea Trade
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.23-38
• /
• 2022

Purpose - This paper empirically explores the RCA of electrical equipment trade between China and Korea from the perspective of gross trade and value-added trade. The goal of this paper is to scan the electrical equipment's RCA, the decomposition of gross exports, and the impacts of an exerted shock. Design/methodology - We applied the domestic value-added method in measuring the RCA, which could be more accurate than traditional RCA since it excludes foreign value-added. Based on the research purpose, this paper follows the framework of Koopman, Wang, and Wei (2014)-as extended by Wang, Wei, and Zhu (2018). It extracts the data from the 2019 Multi-regional Input-Output (MRIO) databases compiled by the Asian Development Bank in January 2021. Findings - After rigorous examination, the main findings are as follows: First, the electrical equipment sector maintains a consistent comparative advantage in either assessing method. Second, China exports more gross goods of electrical equipment to the world than South Korea does, but there is a trade deficit with Korea. Third, South Korea and P.R. China are the most significant bilateral partners of foreign value-added sourcing. Finally, it is surprising that there is a shock on electrical equipment; the partner's service, as well as manufacturing sectors, would be affected. Originality/value - This paper explores the revealed comparative advantage between Korea and China from traditional gross export and value-added perspectives. Second, we apply the information from the 2019 MRIO database compiled by the Asian Development Bank in January 2021, reflecting the current situation. Third, this paper analyzes the electrical equipment and the impacts on other parties' sectors. Finally, we carry out the subjects that deserve to be investigated in the future.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.48 no.3
• /
• pp.106-111
• /
• 2023

Purpose: In this study, we evaluate the potential of the relative ratio of capsular width (RCW) between the affected side (Aff) and non-affected side (Non-aff) in patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) arthralgia. We assessed whether RCW may hold greater diagnostic significance than the objective capsular width (CW) reported in previous studies when diagnosing arthralgia using ultrasonography (US). Methods: Forty-nine patients were assessed using US, excluding four patients with bilateral arthralgia. The patients were divided into two groups: 40 with unilateral arthralgia (UA), and nine without arthralgia (NA). We measured CW and masseter muscle thickness using US. Moreover, we employed RCW to analyze the variances between the groups. The numerical rating scale (NRS) and RCW were compared before and after dexamethasone injection in 10 patients who underwent follow-up evaluations. Results: Within the UA group, CW on the Aff was found to be significantly larger compared to the Non-aff (p<0.001). Additionally, RCW in the UA group was greater than that in the NA group (p<0.01). Furthermore, after dexamethasone injection, a reduction in the NRS and RCW values was observed in the 10 patients who were followed up. Conclusions: While previous studies have suggested a link between arthralgia and TMJ effusion, making CW a possible indirect diagnostic indicator for arthralgia, our findings propose that RCW could hold more diagnostic value than objective CW. However, additional studies are required to standardize the protocols for interpreting US results and determining the cutoff value of RCW in diagnosing TMJ arthralgia.