• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2019

Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) are multipotent stromal cells that have great potential to differentiate into a variety of cell types such as osteocytes, chondrocytes, and myocytes. Although there have been many studies on their clinical availability, little is known about how intracellular signals can be modulated by topographic features of the extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we investigated whether and how microwavy-patterned extracellular matrix (ECM) could affect the signaling activity of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a key cellular adhesion protein. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based FAK biosensor-transfected cells are incubated on microwavy-patterned surfaces and then platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) are treated to trigger FAK signals, followed by monitoring through live-cell FRET imaging in real time. As a result, we report that PDGF-induced FAK was highly activated in cells cultured on microwavy-patterned surface with L or M type, while inhibited by H type-patterned surface. In further studies, PDGF-induced FAK signals are regulated by functional support of actin filaments, microtubules, myosin-related proteins, suggesting that PDGF-induced FAK signals in hMSC upon microwavy surfaces are dependent on cytoskeleton (CSK)-actomyosin networks. Thus, our findings not only provide new insight on molecular mechanisms on how FAK signals can be regulated by distinct topographical cues of the ECM, but also may offer advantages in potential applications for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.281-289
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• 2021

This study aimed to characterize the seasonal abundance of hard ticks that transmit severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus from April to November 2019 and 2020 on Ganghwa-do, Incheon Metropolitan City, Korea. The ticks were collected at grassland, grave site, copse and mountain road using a collection trap method. The ixodid hard ticks comprising three species (Haemaphysalis longicornis, H. flava, and Ixodes nipponensis) collected were 6,622 in 2019 and 3,811 in 2020. H. longicornis was the most frequent (97.9% in 2019 and 96.0% in 2020), followed by H. flava (2.0% and 3.0% in 2019 and 2020, respectively) and I. nipponensis (less than 0.1%). Our study demonstrated that seasonal patterns of the tick populations examined for two years were totally unsimilar. The hard ticks tested using RT-qPCR were all negative for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.92-98
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• 2021

Purpose: This study automatically discriminates homogeneous and structure edge regions on computed tomography (CT) images, and it evaluates the noise level and edge preservation ratio (EPR) according to the different types of iterative reconstruction (IR). Methods: The dataset consisted of CT scans of 10 patients reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP), statistical IR (iDose⁴), and iterative model-based reconstruction (IMR). Using the 10th and 85th percentiles of the structure coherence feature, homogeneous and structure edge regions were localized. The noise level was estimated using the averages of the standard deviations for five regions of interests (ROIs), and the EPR was calculated as the ratio of standard deviations between homogeneous and structural edge regions on subtraction CT between the FBP and IR. Results: The noise levels were 20.86±1.77 Hounsfield unit (HU), 13.50±1.14 HU, and 7.70±0.46 HU for FBP, iDose⁴, and IMR, respectively, which indicates that iDose⁴ and IMR could achieve noise reductions of approximately 35.17% and 62.97%, respectively. The EPR had values of 1.14±0.48 and 1.22±0.51 for iDose⁴ and IMR, respectively. Conclusions: The iDose⁴ and IMR algorithms can effectively reduce noise levels while maintaining the anatomical structure. This study suggested automated evaluation measurements of noise levels and EPRs, which are important aspects in CT image quality with patients' cases of FBP, iDose⁴, and IMR. We expect that the inclusion of other important image quality indices with a greater number of patients' cases will enable the establishment of integrated platforms for monitoring both CT image quality and radiation dose.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.124-130
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• 2022

In this paper, we proposed a portable electronic cardiogram and stethoscope (ECGS) that can simultaneously perform the electrocardiogram (ECG) and auscultation tests to increase the reliability of diagnosis of heart disease. To measure the ECG and heart sound (HS) at the same time, three ECG electrodes and a microphone sensor were combined into a triangular shape with a width of 90 mm and a height of 97 mm that can be held in one hand. In order to prevent skin problems when they contact the patient's skin, a capacitive coupled electrode was selected as the ECG electrode and a silicone material was used in a chest piece with the microphone sensor. For the signals measured from the electrodes and the chest piece, filters were respectively configured to pass only the signals of 0.01-100 Hz and 20-250 Hz, which are frequency bands for ECG and HS. The filtered ECG and HS analog signals were converted into digital signals and transmitted to a PC using wireless communication for monitoring them. The HS could be auscultated simultaneously using an earphone. The monitored ECG had an SNR of about 34 dB and a P-QRS-T waveform is clearly visible. In addition, the HS had an SNR of about 28 dB and both S₁ and S₂ are clearly visible. It is expected that it can aid doctors' inexperience in analyzing the ECG and HS.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Electrical and Electronic Material Engineers
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.119-128
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• 2022

Recent advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) and energy harvesting technology enable realization of flexible thermoelectric energy harvester (f-TEH), with technological prowess for use in biomedical monitoring system integrated applications. To expand a flexible thermoelectric energy harvesting platform, the f-TEH must be required for optimized flexible thermoelectric materials and device structure. In response to these demands related to thermoelectric energy harvesting, many research groups have investigated various f-TEHs applied as a power source for wearable electronics. As a key member of the f-TEH, film-based f-TEHs possess significant applicability in research to realize self-powered wearable electronics, owing to their excellent flexibility, low thermal conductivity, and convenient fabrication process. Thus, based on the rapid growth of thermoelectric film technology, this review aims to overview comprehensively the f-TEH made of various inorganic/organic thermoelectric materials including developed fabrication methods, high thermoelectric performance, and wide-range applications.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.4
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• pp.382-392
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• 2023

Objective : The use of indocyanine green videoangiography (ICG-VA) to assess blood flow in the brain during cerebrovascular surgery has been increasing. Clinical studies on ICG-VA have predominantly focused on qualitative analysis. However, quantitative analysis numerical modelling for time profiling enables a more accurate evaluation of blood flow kinetics. In this study, we established a multiple exponential modified Gaussian (multi-EMG) model for quantitative ICG-VA to understand accurately the status of cerebral hemodynamics. Methods : We obtained clinical data of cerebral blood flow acquired the quantitative analysis ICG-VA during cerebrovascular surgery. Varied asymmetric peak functions were compared to find the most matching function form with clinical data by using a nonlinear regression algorithm. To verify the result of the nonlinear regression, the mode function was applied to various types of data. Results : The proposed multi-EMG model is well fitted to the clinical data. Because the primary parameters-growth and decay rates, and peak center and heights-of the model are characteristics of model function, they provide accurate reference values for assessing cerebral hemodynamics in various conditions. In addition, the primary parameters can be estimated on the curves with partially missed data. The accuracy of the model estimation was verified by a repeated curve fitting method using manipulation of missing data. Conclusion : The multi-EMG model can possibly serve as a universal model for cerebral hemodynamics in a comparison with other asymmetric peak functions. According to the results, the model can be helpful for clinical research assessment of cerebrovascular hemodynamics in a clinical setting.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.315-323
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• 2023

The objective of this study is to identify the selective application targets for reporting on details of supply of class 1 and 2 medical devices as part of the improvement of the reports on details of supply of medical device system, and to analyze its effectiveness. Therapeutic materials covered by health insurance and secondhand medical devices were chosen based on the transparency of health insurance coverage and the management of medical device distribution. As a result, approximately 85% of groups can be excluded from the reporting requirements compared to reporting all items under Class 1 and 2 medical devices. This is expected to enhance the efficiency of supply reporting tasks. Additionally, the information on supply details managed by the regulatory authority can be utilized for statistical analysis and periodic monitoring, serving as fundamental data for the development of medical device-related policies and research in the field of medical devices.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1992 no.05
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• pp.27-47
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• 1992

Engineers have developed new instruments that aid in diagnosis and therapy Ultrasonic imaging has provided a nondamaging method of imaging internal organs. A complex transducer emits ultrasonic waves at many angles and reconstructs a map of internal anatomy and also velocities of blood in vessels. Fast computed tomography permits reconstruction of the 3-dimensional anatomy and perfusion of the heart at 20-Hz rates. Positron emission tomography uses certain isotopes that produce positrons that react with electrons to simultaneously emit two gamma rays in opposite directions. It locates the region of origin by using a ring of discrete scintillation detectors, each in electronic coincidence with an opposing detector. In magnetic resonance imaging, the patient is placed in a very strong magnetic field. The precessing of the hydrogen atoms is perturbed by an interrogating field to yield two-dimensional images of soft tissue having exceptional clarity. As an alternative to radiology image processing, film archiving, and retrieval, picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) are being implemented. Images from computed radiography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), nuclear medicine, and ultrasound are digitized, transmitted, and stored in computers for retrieval at distributed work stations. In electrical impedance tomography, electrodes are placed around the thorax. 50-kHz current is injected between two electrodes and voltages are measured on all other electrodes. A computer processes the data to yield an image of the resistivity of a 2-dimensional slice of the thorax. During fetal monitoring, a corkscrew electrode is screwed into the fetal scalp to measure the fetal electrocardiogram. Correlations with uterine contractions yield information on the status of the fetus during delivery To measure cardiac output by thermodilution, cold saline is injected into the right atrium. A thermistor in the right pulmonary artery yields temperature measurements, from which we can calculate cardiac output. In impedance cardiography, we measure the changes in electrical impedance as the heart ejects blood into the arteries. Motion artifacts are large, so signal averaging is useful during monitoring. An intraarterial blood gas monitoring system permits monitoring in real time. Light is sent down optical fibers inserted into the radial artery, where it is absorbed by dyes, which reemit the light at a different wavelength. The emitted light travels up optical fibers where an external instrument determines O2, CO2, and pH. Therapeutic devices include the electrosurgical unit. A high-frequency electric arc is drawn between the knife and the tissue. The arc cuts and the heat coagulates, thus preventing blood loss. Hyperthermia has demonstrated antitumor effects in patients in whom all conventional modes of therapy have failed. Methods of raising tumor temperature include focused ultrasound, radio-frequency power through needles, or microwaves. When the heart stops pumping, we use the defibrillator to restore normal pumping. A brief, high-current pulse through the heart synchronizes all cardiac fibers to restore normal rhythm. When the cardiac rhythm is too slow, we implant the cardiac pacemaker. An electrode within the heart stimulates the cardiac muscle to contract at the normal rate. When the cardiac valves are narrowed or leak, we implant an artificial valve. Silicone rubber and Teflon are used for biocompatibility. Artificial hearts powered by pneumatic hoses have been implanted in humans. However, the quality of life gradually degrades, and death ensues. When kidney stones develop, lithotripsy is used. A spark creates a pressure wave, which is focused on the stone and fragments it. The pieces pass out normally. When kidneys fail, the blood is cleansed during hemodialysis. Urea passes through a porous membrane to a dialysate bath to lower its concentration in the blood. The blind are able to read by scanning the Optacon with their fingertips. A camera scans letters and converts them to an array of vibrating pins. The deaf are able to hear using a cochlear implant. A microphone detects sound and divides it into frequency bands. 22 electrodes within the cochlea stimulate the acoustic the acoustic nerve to provide sound patterns. For those who have lost muscle function in the limbs, researchers are implanting electrodes to stimulate the muscle. Sensors in the legs and arms feed back signals to a computer that coordinates the stimulators to provide limb motion. For those with high spinal cord injury, a puff and sip switch can control a computer and permit the disabled person operate the computer and communicate with the outside world.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2007

Purpose : A simple, rapid, and highly sensitive analytical method for Gb3 in plasma was developed without labor-ex tensive pre-treatment by electrospray ionization MS/ MS (ESI-MS/MS). Measurement of globotriaosy lceramide (Gb3, ceramide trihex oside) in plasma has clinical importance for monitoring after enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease patients. The disease is an X-linked lipid storage disorder that results from a deficiency of the enzyme ${\alpha}$-galactosidase A (${\alpha}$-Gal A). The lack of ${\alpha}$-Gal A causes an intracellular accumulation of glycosphingolipids, mainly Gb3. Methods : Only simple 50-fold dilution of plasma is necessary for the extraction and isolation of Gb3 in plasma. Gb3 in diluted plasma was dissolved in dioxane containing C17:0 Gb3 as an internal standard. After centrifugation it was directly injected and analyzed through guard column by in combination with multiple reaction monitoring mode of ESI-MS/MS. Results : Eight isoforms of Gb3 were completely resolved from plasma matrix. C16:0 Gb3 occupied 50% of total Gb3 as a major component in plasma. Linear relationship for Gb3 isoforms w as found in the range of 0.001-1.0 ${\mu}g$/mL. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.001 ${\mu}g$/mL and limit of quantification was 0.01 ${\mu}g$/mL for C16:0 Gb3 with acceptable precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient of calibration curves for 8 Gb3 isoforms ranged from 0.9678 to 0.9982. Conclusion : This quantitative method developed could be useful for rapid and sensitive 1st line Fabry disease screening, monitoring and/or diagnostic tool for Fabry disease.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.327-334
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• 2016

Recently, antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic bacteria has been increasing due to excessive use of antimicrobial agents in both humans and livestock. PCR amplification and nucleotide sequence analyses were conducted to investigate16S ribosomal RNA methyltransferase (RMTase) genes and integrons in P. mirabilis strains isolated from clinical specimens and chickens in an area of the Chungcheong providence. In addition, clonality analysis of P. mirabilis strains was performed using a repetitive extragenic palindromic sequence-based PCR (REP-PCR) method. Of the total 38 P. mirabilis isolates, 7 (18.4%) strains were isolated from clinical specimens contained in the RMTase genes and showed resistance to amikacin, tobramycin, and gentamicin. A total of 23 (60.5%) isolates carried class 1 integrons, but no isolates in our study harbored class 2 and class 3 integrons. Class 1 integrons detected in our study harbored genes encoding resistance to aminoglycosides (aadA2, aadA5, aadA7, and aacCA5), ${\beta}$-lactams ($bla_{PSE}$), erythromycin (ereA), lincosamides (linF), and trimethoprim (dfrA12, dfrA17, and dfrA32). We confirmed that the RMTase genes had spread among only the P. mirabilis isolates from clinical specimens, but class 1 integrons had widely disseminated among P. mirabilis isolates from clinical specimens and chickens. In addition, identical REP-PCR banding patterns were evidenced in only P. mirabilis isolates from chickens. Our results suggest the horizontal spreading of P. mirabilis isolates in the chicken farm. To prevent further spreading of antimicrobial resistant genes among P. mirabilis isolates, monitoring and clinical policing will be required.