• 한국엔터테인먼트산업학회논문지
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.165-176
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• 2020

최근 개인의 생체 데이터를 수집·활용하여 적시에 효과적인 예방과 치료를 제공하는 맞춤형 의료 및 서비스가 가능하며, 사용자의 헬스케어에 활용되고 있다. 실시간 건강관리 서비스로 개발하여 스마트폰, PC 태블릿 등을 활용하여 각 개인에게 정보를 제공·수집된 데이터를 통해 경보하고 관리자에게 분석 데이터 및 결과를 알려서 양방향 커뮤니케이션을 지원하며, 이에 따른 건강관리를 구성할 수 있는 시점에 직면하고 있다. 본 연구에서는 생체신호를 통한 헬스케어 디바이스와 실시간 건강관리 시스템을 포함하는 스마트 웨어러블 헬스케어 기술 동향을 분석하여 현재 시점에서의 기술개발 특허 출원에 대비하고자 한다. 스마트 웨어러블 헬스케어 기술 관련 특허는 연구개발 집중도가 비교적 높은 것으로 조사되었다. 분석 구간 전반에 걸쳐 한국은 실시간 헬스케어 시스템에 대한 특허 활동에 집중하고 있으며, 미국 및 유럽은 생체기술을 통한 헬스케어 디바이스에 대한 특허 활동을, 일본은 생체기술을 통한 헬스케어 디바이스 및 시스템 전반에 걸쳐 특허 활동을 활발하게 하는 것으로 나타났다. 생체기술을 통한 헬스케어 디바이스와 실시간 건강관리 시스템에 대한 특허는 최근 한국에서 시장을 주도하고 있으며, 해당 기술에 대한 특허 및 시장을 확보하고 있는 것으로 나타남에 따라 스마트 웨어러블 헬스케어 기술은 시장진입 장벽이 높은 분야로 판단된다. 향후 기술을 상업화시킬 계획이 있다면 제품의 형상, 제조방법 및 기타 관련 기술 시스템에 대한 특허권을 획득하여 특허 포트폴리오를 구축하는 것이 중요하다.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제46권5호
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• pp.628-635
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• 2022

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is the large intestine disease that results in chronic inflammation and ulcers in the colon. Rg3-enriched Korean Red Ginseng extract (Rg3-RGE) is known for its pharmacological activities. Persicaria tinctoria (PT) is also used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the attenuating effects of Rg3-RGE with PT on oxazolone (OXA)-induced UC in mice. Methods: A total of six groups of mice including control group, OXA (as model group, 1.5%) group, sulfasalazine (75 mg/kg) group, Rg3-RGE (20 mg/kg) group, PT (300 mg/kg) group, and Rg3-RGE (10 mg/kg) with PT (150 mg/kg) group. Data on the colon length, body weight, disease activity index (DAI), histological changes, nitric oxide (NO) assay, Real-time PCR of inflammatory factors, ELISA of inflammatory factors, Western blot, and flow cytometry analysis were obtained. Results: Overall, the combination treatment of Rg3-RGE and PT significantly improved the colon length and body weight and decreased the DAI in mice compared with the treatment with OXA. Additionally, the histological injury was also reduced by the combination treatment. Moreover, the NO production level and inflammatory mediators and cytokines were significantly downregulated in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the model group. Also, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-𝛋B) were suppressed in the combination treatment group compared with the OXA group. Furthermore, the number of immune cell subtypes of CD4⁺ T-helper cells, CD19⁺ B-cells, and CD4⁺ and CD25⁺ regulatory T-cells (Tregs) was improved in the Rg3-RGE with the PT group compared with the OXA group. Conclusion: Overall, the mixture of Rg3-RGE and PT is an effective therapeutic treatment for UC.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
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• 제43권5호
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• pp.341-352
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• 2022

Medical image segmentation is the most important task in radiation therapy. Especially, when segmenting medical images, the liver is one of the most difficult organs to segment because it has various shapes and is close to other organs. Therefore, automatic segmentation of the liver in computed tomography (CT) images is a difficult task. Since tumors also have low contrast in surrounding tissues, and the shape, location, size, and number of tumors vary from patient to patient, accurate tumor segmentation takes a long time. In this study, we propose a method algorithm for automatically segmenting the liver and tumor for this purpose. As an advantage of setting the boundaries of the tumor, the liver and tumor were automatically segmented from the CT image using the 2D CoordConv DeepLab V3+ model using the CoordConv layer. For tumors, only cropped liver images were used to improve accuracy. Additionally, to increase the segmentation accuracy, augmentation, preprocess, loss function, and hyperparameter were used to find optimal values. We compared the CoordConv DeepLab v3+ model using the CoordConv layer and the DeepLab V3+ model without the CoordConv layer to determine whether they affected the segmentation accuracy. The data sets used included 131 hepatic tumor segmentation (LiTS) challenge data sets (100 train sets, 16 validation sets, and 15 test sets). Additional learned data were tested using 15 clinical data from Seoul St. Mary's Hospital. The evaluation was compared with the study results learned with a two-dimensional deep learning-based model. Dice values without the CoordConv layer achieved 0.965 ± 0.01 for liver segmentation and 0.925 ± 0.04 for tumor segmentation using the LiTS data set. Results from the clinical data set achieved 0.927 ± 0.02 for liver division and 0.903 ± 0.05 for tumor division. The dice values using the CoordConv layer achieved 0.989 ± 0.02 for liver segmentation and 0.937 ± 0.07 for tumor segmentation using the LiTS data set. Results from the clinical data set achieved 0.944 ± 0.02 for liver division and 0.916 ± 0.18 for tumor division. The use of CoordConv layers improves the segmentation accuracy. The highest of the most recently published values were 0.960 and 0.749 for liver and tumor division, respectively. However, better performance was achieved with 0.989 and 0.937 results for liver and tumor, which would have been used with the algorithm proposed in this study. The algorithm proposed in this study can play a useful role in treatment planning by improving contouring accuracy and reducing time when segmentation evaluation of liver and tumor is performed. And accurate identification of liver anatomy in medical imaging applications, such as surgical planning, as well as radiotherapy, which can leverage the findings of this study, can help clinical evaluation of the risks and benefits of liver intervention.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
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• 제43권5호
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• pp.331-340
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• 2022

Early afterdepolarization (EAD), a significant cause of fatal ventricular arrhythmias including Torsade de Pointes (TdP) in long QT syndromes, is a depolarizing afterpotential at the plateau or repolarization phase in action potential (AP) profile early before completing one pace. AP duration prolongation is related to EAD but is not necessarily accounted for EAD. Several computational studies suggested EAD can form from an abnormality in the late plateau and/or repolarization phase of AP shape. In this sense, we hypothesized the slope during repolarization has the characteristics to predict TdP risk, mainly focusing on the maximum slope during repolarization (dVm/dt_{max_repol}). This study aimed to predict the sensitivity of dVm/dt_{max_repol} to ion channel conductances as a TdP risk metric through a population simulation considering multiple effects of simultaneous reduction in six ion channel conductances of g_NaL, g_Kr, g_Ks, g_to, g_K1, and g_CaL. Additionally, we verified the availability of dVm/dt_{max_repol} for TdP risk prediction through the correlation analysis with qNet, the representative TdP metric. We performed the population simulations based on the methodology of Gemmel et al. using the human ventricular myocyte model of Dutta et al. Among the sixion channel conductances, dVm/dt_{max_repol} and qNet responded most sensitively to the change in g_Kr, followed by g_NaL. Furthermore, dVm/dt_{max_repol} showed a statistically significant high negative correlation with qNet. The dVm/dt_{max_repol} values were significantly different according to three TdP risk levels of high, intermediate, and low by qNet (p<0.001). In conclusion, we suggested dVm/dt_{max_repol} as a new biomarker metric for TdP risk assessment.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• 제13권3호
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• pp.263-268
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• 2022

Health care workers (HCWs) are more than ten times more likely to be infected with coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) than the general population, thus demonstrating the burden of COVID-19 among HCWs. Factors that expose HCWs to a differentially high-risk of COVID-19 acquisition are important to elucidate, enable appropriate public health interventions to mitigate against high risk and reduce adverse outcomes from the infection. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize and critically analyze the existing evidence on SARS-CoV-2 risk factors among HCWs. With no geographical limitation, we included studies, in any country, that reported (i) the PCR laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 as an independent variable (ii) one or more COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs with risk estimates (relative risk, odds ratio, or hazard ratio) (iii) original, quantitative study design, and published in English or Mandarian. Our initial search resulted in 470 articles overall, however, only 10 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Out of the 10 studies included in the review, inadequate/lack of protective personal equipment, performing tracheal intubation, and gender were the most common risk factors of COVID-19. Based on the random effects adjusted pooled relative risk, HCWs who reported the use of protective personal equipment were 29% (95% CI: 16% to 41%) less likely to test positive for COVID-19. The study also revealed that HCWs who performed tracheal intubations were 34% (95% CI: 14% to 57%) more likely to test positive for COVID-19. Interestingly, this study showed that female HCWs are at 11% higher risk (RR 1.11 95% CI 1.01-1.21) of COVID-19 than their male counterparts. This article presents initial findings from a living systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, did not yield many studies; however, it revealed a significant insight into better understanding COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs; insights important for devising preventive strategies that protect them from this infection.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.226-236
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• 2021

PURPOSE. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating zirconium oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZrO₂) in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) denture base resin on flexural properties at different material thicknesses. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Heat polymerized acrylic resin specimens (N = 120) were fabricated and divided into 4 groups according to denture base thickness (2.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm). Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups (n = 10) according to nano-ZrO₂ concentration (0%, 2.5%, and 5%). Flexural strength and elastic modulus were evaluated using a three-point bending test. One-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc, and two-way ANOVA were used for data analysis (α = .05). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for fracture surface analysis and nanoparticles distributions. RESULTS. Groups with 0% nano-ZrO₂ showed no significant difference in the flexural strength as thickness decreased (P = .153). The addition of nano-zirconia significantly increased the flexural strength (P < .001). The highest value was with 5% nano-ZrO₂ and 2 mm-thickness (125.4 ± 18.3 MPa), followed by 5% nano-ZrO₂ and 1.5 mm-thickness (110.3 ± 8.5 MPa). Moreover, the effect of various concentration levels on elastic modulus was statistically significant for 2 mm thickness (P = .001), but the combined effect of thickness and concentration on elastic modulus was insignificant (P = .10). CONCLUSION. Reinforcement of denture base material with nano-ZrO₂ significantly increased flexural strength and modulus of elasticity. Reducing material thickness did not decrease flexural strength when nano-ZrO₂ was incorporated. In clinical practice, when low thickness of denture base material is indicated, PMMA/nano-ZrO₂ could be used with minimum acceptable thickness of 1.5 mm.

• Wind and Structures
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• 제35권1호
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• pp.1-20
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• 2022

This research work presents an experimental study's outcomes to reveal the impact of an O-ring on the flow control over a sphere placed in a turbulent boundary layer. The investigation is performed quantitatively and qualitatively using particle image velocimetry (PIV) and dye visualization. The sphere model having a diamater of 42.5 mm is located in a turbulent boundary layer flow over a smooth plate for gap ratios of 0≤G/D≤1.5 at Reynolds number of 5 × 10³. Flow characteristics, including patterns of instantaneous vorticity, streaklines, time-averaged streamlines, velocity vectors, velocity fluctuations, Reynolds stress correlations, and turbulence kinetic energy (), are compared and discussed for a naked sphere and spheres having O-rings. The boundary layer velocity gradient and proximity of the sphere to the flat plate profoundly influence the flow dynamics. At proximity ratios of G/D=0.1 and 0.25, a wall jet is formed between lower side of the sphere and flat plate, and velocity fluctuations increase in regions close to the wall. At G/D=0.25, the jet flow also induces local flow separations on the flat plate. At higher proximity ratios, the velocity gradient of the boundary layer causes asymmetries in the mean flow characteristics and turbulence values in the wake region. It is observed that the O-ring with various placement angles (𝜃) on the sphere has a considerable alteration in the flow structure and turbulence statistics on the wake. At lower placement angles, where the O-ring is closer to the forward stagnation point of the sphere, the flow control performance of the O-ring is limited; however, its impact on the flow separation becomes pronounced as it is moved away from the forward stagnation point. At G/D=1.50 for O-ring diameters of 4.7 (2 mm) and 7 (3 mm) percent of the sphere diameter, the -ring exhibits remarkable flow control at 𝜃=50° and 𝜃=55° before laminar flow separation occurrence on the sphere surface, respectively. This conclusion is yielded from narrowed wakes and reductions in turbulence statistics compared to the naked sphere model. The O-ring with a diameter of 3 mm and placement angle of 50° exhibits the most effective flow control. It decreases, in sequence, streamwise velocity fluctuations and length of wake recovery region by 45% and 40%, respectively, which can be evaluated as source of decrement in drag force.

• 사물인터넷융복합논문지
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• 제7권4호
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• pp.35-41
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• 2021

천연염색은 전통적으로 세계 여러 나라에서 사용되어 왔으며, 천연염색이 다양해짐에 따라 염색 패턴의 다양성도 확대되고 있다. 본 연구는 4가지 천연염료에 대한 염료와 매염제의 색상 변화를 보다 정확하게 분석하여 사물인터넷에 정량화된 정보를 제공할 수 있는 수치를 제공함으로써 표준화를 마련하고자 했다. Juglans regia Linn에서 추출한 염료에 구리 아세테이트, 철 II 황산염 및 중크롬산 칼륨을 첨가하면 갈색의 원래 색상이 각각 보라색, 카키색 및 암갈색의 다른 색상으로 변경되었다. Sophora japonica L. 또는 Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht에 첨가된 중크롬산 칼륨을 제외하고는 다른 매염제의 농도는 감소되었지만 염색된 실크의 색상 차이는 매우 컸다. 그러나 정도의 차이는 있지만 초산구리와 황산철은 각각 35%와 15%의 색변화를 유도하였다. 종합해볼때, J. regia Linn, S. japonica L.과 P. amurense Ruprecht에는 copper acetate 15 gram을 Phytolacca americana에는 150 gram의 iron이 정확히 첨가된 것이 가장 높은 색상변화를 유도할 수 있다고 확인되었다. 본 연구의 결과는 다양한 매염제에 의한 정확한 색상 변화가 염료 및 매염제에 의한 보다 정확한 색상 유도를 가능하게 하는 중요한 정보로 활용될 수 있음을 시사하였다.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.73-79
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to derive medical devices with different management systems through comparison of domestic and overseas medical device product classification systems and to propose management conversion measures for the products. The definitions of medical devices were compared and the scope of medical devices defined by each country was confirmed through surveys of the Medical Device Act, Federal Food, Drug & Cosmetics Act (FD&C) in the U.S., and Medical Device Regulations (MDR) in Europe. Using the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's regulations on medical device products and grades, 21 CFR part 860-892 and product code classification files in U.S., and EMDN in Europe as basic data to compare medical device products and derive medical devices with different management systems. As a result of comparing the definition and product classification systems of medical devices in Korea, the U.S. and Europe, medical device accessories, prosthetic limbs and aids among assistive devices for persons with disabilities, drugs, quasi-drugs and industrial products that are not managed by medical devices in Korea are managed as medical devices in the U.S. and Europe. This study aims to improve public health by securing systematic product safety management and essential performance under medical device regulations. Management within a single medical device system will increase the efficiency of licensing work of domestic medical device manufacturers and related organizations. It is also expected to help advance the system according to the international harmony of the item classification system and enhance smooth import and export competitiveness.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제36권1호
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• pp.43-52
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to examine the influence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection on pregnancy in cytokeratin-18 (K18)-hACE2 transgenic mice. Methods: To determine the expression of hACE2 mRNA in the female reproductive tract of K18-hACE2 mice, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed using the ovary, oviduct, uterus, umbilical cord, and placenta. SARS-CoV-2 was inoculated intranasally (30 μL/mouse, 1×10⁴ TCID₅₀/mL) to plug-checked K18-hACE2 homozygous female mice at the pre-and post-implantation stages at 2.5 days post-coitum (dpc) and 15.5 dpc, respectively. The number of implantation sites was checked at 7.5 dpc, and the number of normally born pups was investigated at 20.5 dpc. Pregnancy outcomes, including implantation and childbirth, were confirmed by comparison with the non-infected group. Tissues of infected mice were collected at 7.5 dpc and 19.5 dpc to confirm the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The infection was identified by performing RT-PCR on the infected tissues and comparing them to the non-infected tissues. Results: hACE2 mRNA expression was confirmed in the female reproductive tract of the K18-hACE2 mice. Compared to the non-infected group, no significant difference in the number of implantation sites or normally born pups was found in the infected group. SARS-CoV-2 infection was detected in the lungs but not in the female reproductive system of infected K18-hACE2 mice. Conclusion: In K18-hACE2 mice, intranasal infection with SARS-CoV-2 did not induce implantation failure, preterm labor, or miscarriage. Although the viral infection was not detected in the uterus, placenta, or fetus, the infection of the lungs could induce problems in the reproductive system. However, lung infections were not related to pregnancy outcomes.