• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.341-350
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• 2024

Background: Achieving successful pain control and adequate anesthesia through an inferior alveolar nerve block for endodontic treatment in cases with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) is difficult, especially in mandibular molars. This study was designed to compare the effect of oral medication with ibuprofen and soft laser therapy on inferior alveolar nerve block during endodontic treatment. Methods: The trial comprised 180 patients (45 each group) with SIP. Four groups of patients were created: group 1 received 400 mg of ibuprofen; group 2 received soft laser irradiation; group 3 received a combination of soft laser and ibuprofen 400 mg; and group 4 received a placebo 1 h prior to local anesthesia. Patients recorded their pain scores on the Heft-Parker visual analog scale (VAS) before the start of intervention, 15 min after anesthesia, during access cavity preparation, and ultimately during root canal instrumentation. Each patient also rated their level of discomfort on a VAS. Every stage with no or minimal discomfort was deemed successful. The chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and one-way analysis of variance tests were used to evaluate the data. Results: The best success rate was achieved for soft laser ibuprofen combination, ibuprofen and soft laser groups reported similar success results, and control group recorded the least pain scores. The mean pain scores were lowest for group 3 and highest for group 4 (P < 0.001). Ibuprofen and soft laser combination was significantly better than control group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between ibuprofen and laser groups (P = 0.24). Conclusions: For teeth with irreversible pulpitis, preoperative ibuprofen treatment combined with soft laser irradiation greatly improved the success rates of inferior alveolar nerve block anesthesia.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.285-295
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• 2024

Background: In human dentition, the most commonly impacted teeth are the mandibular third molars (M3M). The removal or extraction of these teeth often causes anxiety in patients due to the perceived pain involved in the process. Therefore, pain must be effectively managed using anesthesia. The use of newer local anesthetic drugs can help minimize side effects and drug interactions. Traditionally, adrenaline is used as a vasoconstrictor along with lignocaine. When combined with lignocaine, the alpha agonists dexmedetomidine and clonidine can extend the duration of anesthesia, thereby reducing the need for additional pain-relieving medications. Methods: This study used a randomized, triple-blind, parallel-arm design. Sixty patients were screened, and 45 systemically healthy patients requiring unilateral surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars with similar difficulty (moderate-to-difficult according to the Modified Pederson's Index) were included in the study. Patients were allocated into three groups as follows: Group A: 2% Lignocaine Hydrochloride with 1:100,000 Adrenaline, Group C: 2% Lignocaine Hydrochloride with 15 ㎍/mL Clonidine, and Group D: 2% Lignocaine Hydrochloride with 1 ㎍/mL Dexmedetomidine. The evaluated parameters were the time of onset of anesthesia, depth of anesthesia, hemodynamic parameters, and duration of postoperative analgesia. Results: Group D had a faster onset of action and prolonged duration of postoperative analgesia compared with Groups A and C. No statistically significant differences were observed between the three groups in terms of the depth of anesthesia and hemodynamic parameters. Conclusion: Group D exhibited a significantly more rapid onset of anesthesia than Groups A and C, and the postoperative analgesic effect in Group D was significantly prolonged (7.22 hours) compared with that in Groups A (4.54 hours) and C (2.1 hours). Patients receiving the Group D solution experienced an extended period of comfort without the need for analgesics for up to 7.22 hours post-procedure.

• Anatomy and Cell Biology
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.378-383
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• 2024

The 7th cervical vertebra (C7) is described as having the most prominent spinous process (SP) and is characterized as the "vertebra prominens" (VP) of the cervical spine in anatomy textbooks. The VP is an important anatomical landmark of the neck for clinical examination and therapeutic intervention. The present study identifies the level of the most prominent SP of the cervical and uppermost thoracic vertebrae in a cadaveric cohort. Thirty-nine (23 female and 16 male) cadavers of a mean age of 77.5 years were investigated in a prone position and a certain cervical kyphotic bending. The most prominent SP, at the base of the neck, was palpated and marked with a wedging nail into the SP of the vertebra. The cervical region was dissected, and a blind investigator examined whether the nail was placed into the SP of C7 or the SP of another upper or lower vertebra. In 19 out of 39 cadavers (48.7%), the C7 was identified as the VP (typical anatomy), followed by the C6 (in 14 cadavers, 35.9%), C5 (in 4 cadavers, 10.3%). In 2 cadavers (5.1%) the first thoracic vertebra was identified as having the most prominent SP. Although C7 is described as the VP, in the present study the SP of C7 was the most prominent in less than 50%. The high variable projection level of the most prominent SP of the cervical vertebra holds great clinical significance for spine examination, neck surgery, and spinal anesthesia.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.29 no.10
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• pp.197-205
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• 2024

Starting with the problem that the origin of Korean technology culture lies in the technology culture of amateur radio lovers in the 1950s and 1960s, the purpose of this study is to explore the research perspective and research issues necessary for the historical study of Korean amateur radio, which has remained a blind spot. More specifically, the main contents of the 'social constructivism of technology' theory, which is a perspective that is mainly interested in the early history phase and a theoretical resource that views the relationship between technology and culture, were examined, and technology culture of amateur radio lovers was examined. And based on this, major research issues were derived. The main research issues derived are to determine the historical composition of amateur radio in the 1950s and 1960s, to explain the Cold War transformation of Korean amateur radio (technology) culture, and to examine the relationship between radio electronics market and amateur radio hobby market growth.

• Nanomaterials
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• v.12 no.17
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• pp.2983-2998
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• 2022

In this study, a high-photoresponsivity self-powered deep ultraviolet (DUV) photodetector based on an Ag₂O/β-Ga₂O₃ heterojunction was fabricated by depositing a p-type Ag₂O thin film onto an n-type β-Ga₂O₃ layer. The device characteristics after post-annealing at temperatures ranging from 0 to 400 ℃ were investigated. Our DUV devices exhibited typical rectification characteristics. At a post-annealing temperature of 300 ℃, the as-fabricated device had a low leakage current of 4.24 × 10^-11 A, ideality factor of 2.08, and a barrier height of 1.12 eV. Moreover, a high photoresponsivity of 12.87 mA/W was obtained at a 100 µW/cm2 light intensity at a 254 nm wavelength at zero bias voltage, the detectivity was 2.70 × 10¹¹ Jones, and the rise and fall time were 29.76, 46.73 ms, respectively. Based on these results, the Ag₂O/β-Ga₂O₃ heterojunction photodetector operates without an externally applied voltage and has high responsivity, which will help in the performance improvement of ultraviolet sensing systems.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.332-342
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• 2024

Background: Pre-operative ilioinguinal-iliohypogastric nerve block (II-IHNB) has a proven role in lessening acute postoperative pain and opioid consumption following hernia repair. However, its role in preventing post-herniorrhaphy groin pain (PHGP) is still unknown. The current study aims to assess pre-operative II-IHNB's impact on PHGP three and six months after open inguinal hernia repair under spinal anesthesia. Methods: Seventy patients posted for inguinal hernia surgery were randomly allocated into group A (received ultrasound-guided II-IHNB with 10 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine and 4 mg [1 mL] dexamethasone) and group B (received ultrasound-guided II-IHNB with 11 mL of 0.9% normal saline). The time to first analgesic request, pain scores, opioid consumption, DN4 score, and PHGP at 3 and 6 months were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The numerical pain rating scale at movement in group A was significantly reduced at all the time intervals of 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours compared to group B. Total opioid usage was lower in group A (3.71 mg [3.90]) versus group B (12.14 mg [4.90]) with a mean difference of -8.43 mg (95% CI -10.54, -6.32), P < 0.001. The time required for the first rescue analgesic was significantly longer in group A (360 min [180-360]) versus (180 min [180-360]) in group B (P < 0.001). However, there was no difference in the incidence of PHGP at three and six months between the two groups. Conclusions: Pre-operative ultrasound-guided II-IHNB reduces postoperative analgesic requirement but does not reduce the incidence of chronic PHGP following hernia surgery at 6 months.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.646-662
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to confirm the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) with transcranial direct current electrical stimulation (tDCS) on motor function improvement in stroke patients. Methods: This study was conducted on patients diagnosed with stroke more than 2 weeks but within 12 months of onset. A total of 22 patients were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The experimental group received EA and tDCS treatment, while the control group received sham EA and sham tDCS treatment. Assessments were conducted using the Korean version of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (K-FMA) scores, grip and pinch strength tests, Box and Block test (BBT), Nine-hole peg test (9HPT), Berg balance scale (BBS), and the Korean version the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI) scores. Adverse events were recorded at each intervention. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed in general characteristics between the two groups. The K-FMA, BBS, and K-MBI scores of both groups increased significantly after the intervention, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Although hand strength and dexterity improved after intervention in both groups, the changes were not statistically significant. In the experimental group, the lateral pinch score increased significantly after the intervention, but this increase was not significant compared to the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups. All nine reported adverse reactions were minor, with no moderate or severe adverse reactions reported. Conclusion: This study confirmed the potential effectiveness and safety of EA with tDCS in improving motor function in stroke patients.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.133-144
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• 2024

Objective: Neuromuscular training may often result in an incomplete improvement of biomechanical risk factors associated with non-contact ACL injury. This study aimed to investigate the effects of reactive neuromuscular training (RNT) on dynamic postural control of the lower extremity during single-leg drop landing (SLDL) in comparison with conventional neuromuscular training (CNT). Method: Twenty-eight recreational female athletes were randomized to a CNT group (n=15) or a RNT group (n=13). All participants performed SLDL for three-dimensional motion analysis before and after CNT and RNT. The kinematic variable was calculated from before 50 milliseconds (ms) to after 100 ms initial contact: joint angle (degree). The kinetic variable was calculated from initial contact to after 100 ms: internal net joint moment (Nm/kg). Time series curve for normalized data was represented for group means and associated 95% confidence intervals. Effect sizes using Cohen's d was also calculated. Results: In within-group differences, the CNT group showed decreased knee flexion angle (0~100% of the task) and decreased knee valgus angle (0~50% of the task) after the intervention, whereas the RNT group showed increased hip flexion angle (0~14% of the task), decreased hip adduction angle (0~100% of the task), and decreased knee valgus angle (0~100% of the task) after the intervention. In between-group differences, the RNT group exhibited more hip flexion angle (0~49, 61~91% of the task), more knee flexion angle (0~100% of the task), and less knee valgus angle (0~55% of the task) than the CNT group. Conclusion: These findings suggest that both training intervention programs modified dynamic posture of the hip and knee during SLDL. Therefore, combining a neuromuscular training program with RNT technique would be more efficient for future injury prevention efforts.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 2022

Purpose: Indonesia, a high populous and the second-highest country in epidemicity of hepatitis B in South-East Asia require maintaining its capacity of monovalent hepatitis B production to keep up with both the national immunization program and global needs. To keep the sustainability of the vaccine, a new bulk is needed to be made available. This study aims to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of Bio Farma newly formulated recombinant hepatitis B vaccines, which came from different sources of bulk, compared to the already registered hepatitis B vaccine. Materials and Methods: An experimental, randomized, double-blind, cohort intervention phase II clinical trial was conducted on three recombinant hepatitis B vaccines from different bulk sources, with Bio Farma registered hepatitis B vaccine as the control group. A total of 536 participants around age 10 to 40 years old were thricely vaccinated with twice serological assessments. The subject's safety was monitored for 28 days after each vaccination. Results: Of 536 enrolled participants, 521 finished the vaccination and serology assessments. The investigational products were proven not to be inferior to the control. All vaccines were well tolerated. No differences in rates of local and systemic reactions were seen between the investigational products and control. No serious adverse event was found to be related to the investigational vaccines. Conclusion: Investigational vaccines are shown to be equally immunogenic and safe as the control vaccine.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 2015

$^{18}F-FDG$ PET/CT has been known a useful modality to diagnose high-glucose-using cells such as cancer cells by glucose metabolism of FDG. Mainly, FDG takes on cancer and inflammatory cells; however, there have been FDG uptakes on normal tissues by individual physiological characteristics, occasionally. Especially, in fertile females, unusual FDG uptake of breast changes as the menstrual cycle, and disturb diagnosis. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the change of breast FDG uptake in menstrual cycle on $^{18}F-FDG$ PET/CT. 160 females ($34{\pm}3.5$ years old) who do not undergo a gynecologic anamnesis and have regular menstrual cycle over the previous 6 months were examined. They were divided 4 groups (each 40 patients) as flow phase, proliferative phase, ovulatory phase and secretory phase using Pregnancy Calculator 0.14. and history taking. Discovery Ste (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, Mi, USA) was used a s PET/CT. We analyzed SUVs on accumulated region on breast, and 3 nuclear medicine specialists did the Blind test. SUVs on the Breast were flow phase ($1.64{\pm}0.25$), proliferative phase ($0.93{\pm}0.28$), ovulatory phase ($1.66{\pm}0.26$) and secretory phase ($1.77{\pm}0.28$). It showed high uptake value in secretory, flow phase and ovulatory phase (p<0.05). In gross analysis, the accumulation of breast was divided into 3 grades as comparing with lung and liver. The breast's uptake was equal to lung (Grade I); between lung and liver (Grade II); equal to or greater than liver (Grade III). The results showed high uptake value in secretory, flow phase and ovulatory phase (p<0.05). In fertile females, FDG uptake of breast changed as menstrual cycle, and it available to diagnose breast disease. Therefore, we consider reducing false-negative finding of breast disease, by doing examination on appropriate period through history taking about individual menstrual cycle.