• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.98-102
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• 2008

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is an important noninvasive medical imaging technique that can reveal subsurface structures of biological tissue. OCT has demonstrated a good correlation with histology in sufficient resolution to identify morphological changes in articular cartilage to differentiate normal through progressive stages of degenerative joint disease. Current OCT systems provide individual cross-sectional images that are representative of the tissue directly under the scanning beam, but they may not fully demonstrate the degree of degeneration occurring within a region of a joint surface. For a full understanding of the nature and degree of cartilage degeneration within a joint, multiple OCT images must be obtained and an overall assessment of the joint surmised from multiple individual images. This study presents frequency domain three-dimensional (3-D) OCT imaging of degenerative joint cartilage extracted from bovine knees. The 3-D OCT imaging of articular cartilage enables the assembly of 126 individual, adjacent, rapid scanned OCT images into a full 3-D image representation of the tissue scanned, or these may be viewed in a progression of successive individual two-dimensional (2-D) OCT images arranged in 3-D orientation. A fiber-based frequency domain OCT system that provides cross-sectional images was used to acquire 126 successive adjacent images for a sample volume of $6{\times}3.2{\times}2.5\;mm^3$. The axial resolution was $8\;{\mu}m$ in air. The 3-D OCT was able to demonstrate surface topography and subsurface disruption of articular cartilage consistent with the gross image as well as with histological cross-sections of the specimen. The 3-D OCT volumetric imaging of articular cartilage provides an enhanced appreciation and better understanding of regional degenerative joint disease than may be realized by individual 2-D OCT sectional images.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.326-335
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• 2003

This study was carried out to collect information to establish a framework for meal management and nutritional service for prevention of chronic degenerative disease in the industrial workers. We investigated the health concerned life-style, nutrient intakes, anthropometry and biochemical parameters in the male workers in Korea by work condition. Anthropometric parameters of height, weight, waist, hip and triceps skinfold thickness were measured and biochemical parameters including Urine pH, hemoglobin, blood glucose, total cholesterol, GOT, GPT, $\gamma$-GPT and blood pressure were determined for 101 subjects(50 office workers : 33.9yr, 51 laborers : 34.4yr). To assess the nutrient intakes and diet quality of workers, dietary intake was measured by one day 24-hour recall method. Result of anthropometric parameters of height(p<0.01), weight(p<0.05), hip(p<0.05), TSF(p<0.01) were significantly higher in office workers than in laborers. Biochemical parameters were not significantly difference in both of them. Average daily nutrient intakes of both groups was higher than the Korean RDA and report on 2001 National Health & Nutrition Survey. The calcium(p<0.01), iron(p<0.05), vitamin A(p<0.01), vitamin B1(p<0.01) and niacin(p<0.05) intakes in laborers were significantly higher than in office workers. Nutrition adequacy ratio(NAR), mean adequacy ratio(MAR) and index of nutritional quality(INQ) of laborers were higher than those of office workers. This results indicated that the onset possibility of chronic degenerative disease appeared higher in office workers. Therefore, meal menagement and nutritional service for prevention of chronic degenerative disease of industrial works needs to be more variant guidelines.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.15-26
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Korean medicicine treatment in patients with Spondylolisthesis and Lumbar Herniated Intervertebral Disc(HIVD). Methods : This clinical study was carried out on 62 patients who were diagnosed as spondylolisthesis and lumbar herniated intervertebral disc(HIVD) on L-spine X-ray and L-spine magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), who had been admitted from Feb. 2013 to Apr. 2014. All of 62 patients were treated with acupuncture, chuna treatment and herbal medicine during the whole admission period. Numerical rating scale(NRS) was used to evaluated the effectiveness of the oriental medical treatment. Results : 1. Distribution showed female predominance in general. 2. Degenerative type is the most common in this study. 3. In the duration of symptoms, the largest group was" Subacute"(32.26%). 4. Almost of patients had radiation pain, but in SLR test and valsalva test, more patients had no significant sign. 5. Spondylolytic type involved the 5th lumbar vertebra in 80% and degenerative type involved the 4th lumbar vertebra in 53.84%. 6. Most of case were grade 1(93.54%) in degree of slipping. 7. By the oriental medical treatment, NRS reduction in spondylolytic spondylolisthesis, was better than degenerative spondylolisthesis. Conclusions : The result of treatment by Korean medical is satisfactory for the tretment of spondylolisthesis.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.71-79
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• 2018

Objectives The aim of this study is to observe the effectiveness of complex Korean medicine treatment applied to the patients with degenerative meniscal tear and the correlation among clinical effectiveness, body mass index (BMI) and Kellgren-Lawrence grade (KL-grade). Methods The study participants were 38 patients who had been diagnosed with degenerative meniscal tear. Participants were classified by BMI, KL-grade and treated with acupuncture, electroacupuncture and pharmacopuncture. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC Index) and EuroQol-5 Dimension Index (EQ-5D Index). Results Both NRS and WOMAC scores were significantly reduced after treatment (p<0.001). The EQ-5D for assessing quality of life showed further improvement (p<0.05). A statistically significant correlation was observed between the BMI and NRS, EQ-5D. KL-grade was correlated with WOMAC. Conclusions These results show that complex Korean medicine treatment to the patient with degenerative meniscal tear may be effective as a conservative therapy. Further research is required to confirm the effectiveness of Korean medicine treatment.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.367-375
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• 2018

Background: It is unclear whether mitral valve (MV) repair for degenerative mitral regurgitation (MR) provides the same advantages in the elderly that it does in the general population. Methods: From 1994 to 2016, 188 elderly patients (mean age, $68.3{\pm}5.50years$) underwent MV repair (n=153) or MV replacement (n=35) for primary degenerative MR. Early and long-term outcomes were compared before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Results: Before PSM, there was a significant difference in operative mortality (p=0.011). Overall survival and freedom from cardiac-related death (CRD) at 5, 10, and 15 years were significantly higher in patients who underwent MV repair (p=0.039 and p=0.007, respectively). In the multivariable analysis, MV replacement was an independent risk factor of CRD. After PSM, operative mortality was not significantly lower in patients who underwent MV repair (p=0.125). Overall survival and freedom from CRD at 5, 10, and 15 years showed no significant difference between the 2 groups in the PSM cohort (p=0.207, p=0.47, respectively). There was no significant difference in freedom from reoperation before or after PSM (p=0.963 and p=0.575, respectively). Conclusion: MV repair for primary degenerative MR might be a valid option in the elderly population if successful repair is possible.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.235-243
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• 2021

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the short-term effects of flexion-distraction spinal manipulation on intervertebral height, pain, spine mobility in patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease. Design: Randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest control group design Methods: A total of 96 participants with degenerative disc disease participated in the study and were randomly divided into two groups. Both groups received intervention for 3-5 minutes a day. The experimental group (n=48) underwent flexion-distraction spinal manipulation for 3-5 minutes, and the control group (n=48) was maintained in the same position as the experimental group for 5 minutes without any intervention. The intervertebral height was measured by computed tomography, pain was assessed using visual analog scale, and the spine in flexion mobility was measured using the finger-to-floor distance test and passive straight leg raise test. Pre-test and post-test measurements were obtained. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvement in intervertebral height, degree of pain, and spinal mobility (p<0.05). The intervertebral height increased from 6.32±1.90 to 6.93±1.85 mm (p<0.05), lower back pain decreased from 69.17±13.35 mm to 48.48±12.20 mm (p<0.05), lumbar spine mobility changed from 17.37±4.49 to 12.69±4.34 cm (p<0.05), and passive straight leg raise test range increased from 46.94±13.05° to 56.01±12.20° (p<0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that flexion-distraction spinal manipulation could be an effective treatment for decreasing pain and improving function in patients with degenerative disc disease.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.112-120
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• 2022

Background: The prognostic factors for patients with full-thickness rotator cuff tears (RCTs) include tear size, muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration. However, the influence of early coexisting degenerative changes on RCT outcomes is unappreciated. The purpose of this study was to calculate the impact that pre-existing partial glenohumeral cartilaginous changes have on patients undergoing arthroscopic RCT repair. Methods: A study of 54 patients undergoing arthroscopic RCT repair was undertaken. The presence of co-existing patches of glenohumeral degenerative cartilaginous changes and RCT size was recorded at surgery. Pre- and postoperative outcomes were assessed using traditional (Oxford Shoulder Score [OSS], 5-level EuroQol-5D [EQ-5D-5L] questionnaire and EuroQol visual analog scale [EQ-VAS]) and patient-centric re-formatted prisms. Outcomes were assessed as an entire dataset, and sub-group analysis was performed according to the grade of co-existing arthritis and tear size. Results: Significant improvements (p<0.05) in clinical outcomes were recognized when assessed using either the traditional or reformatted prisms (average % improvements in OSS, EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS were 47%, 33% and 43%, respectively; average improvements in pain, function, and psychological well-being were 48%, 33% and, 29%, respectively). Positive gain was noted in all sub-groups of arthritic grading and tear size. Conclusions: Good clinical outcomes can be achieved following RCT repair even in the presence of local partial degenerative cartilage changes and advancing tear size. These benefits are patient-centered but require RCT repairability.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.202-212
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• 2022

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Cheong-A-Won Gagambang (JCE003) treatment for degenerative knee osteoarthritis. Methods: This was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial. There were 36 adults with degenerative knee osteoarthritis who were randomly allocated into JCE003 1,000 mg, JCE003 2,000 mg, or the placebo group (in a 1:1:1 ratio). The participants received 12 weeks of treatment and had scheduled tests every 6 weeks. The primary outcomes were measured using the Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities scale, and the secondary outcomes were measured using the visual analog scale, European quality of life-5-dimensions, patient global impression of change, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Changes between baseline scores and scores following study completion were analyzed. Results: There were 29 participants whose data were analyzed in this study. The change of Korean Western Ontario and McMaster Universities, visual analog scale, European quality of life-5-dimensions scores showed significant improvement in the JCE003 1,000 mg group. The change of patient global impression of change was significantly improved in the placebo group. There were 14 adverse events, but there was no clinically significant relationship with the intake of JCE003 compared with the placebo. Conclusion: Taking JCE003 may be effective at improving knee pain in patients with degenerative knee osteoarthritis and appears to be safe. Based on this study, the concentration and feasibility of the test group may be used when conducting a large-scale clinical trial of degenerative knee osteoarthritis in the future.

• Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.98-103
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• 1998

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was reported to exert weak cytotoxicity against normal healthy cells such as C3H10T1/2 cells, but profound inhibitory effects on the initiation or promotion stage of chemical carcinogenesis in mammary gland, blood and mouse skin. This study was carried out to develop antitumor agents with weak side effects and strong antitumor activity. Human skin melanoma cells (HBT 69) and human oral epitheloid carcinoma cells (OCL 17) were cultured in RPMI-1640 media containing 10% fetal bovine serum, antibiotic, and fungizone. After incubation for 24 hrs, the cells were treated with various amounts of (EGCG) for 48 hrs. The growth inhibitory effects of EGCG in human oral epitheloid carcinoma cells were evaluated by the 3- (4,5-djmethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), neutral red (NR), and sulforhodamine B protein (SRB) assays of colorimetric methods. The light microscopic study was also carried out to observe morphological changes of the treated cells. These results obtained were as follows; 1. Significantly inhibitory effects of EGCG against cultured human oral epithelioid carcinoma cells. 2. Significantly inhibitory effects against cultured human skin melanoma cells treated with 50 $\mu$M EGCG, but decreased inhibitory effects in 100 $\mu$M EGCG. 3. Degenerative changes against cultured human oral epitheloid carcinoma cells. 4. Degenerative changes against human skin melanoma cells treated with 50 UM EGCG, but recovered degenerative changes in 100 $\mu$M EGCG.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.135-139
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• 2005

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate the radiological characteristics of the degenerative arthritis of the ankle using the standing radiographs. Materials and Methods: From June 2001 to May 2005, 36 patients (56 ankles) who were treated for osteoarthritis of ankle were analysed. Angle of tibial shaft and tibial joint surface on AP view (TSA), angle of tibial joint surface on lateral view (TLS), tibial and medial malleolus angle (TMM) and talo-1st metatarsal angle were checked on standing radiograph. The patients with medial joint and total joint involvement were categorized into three stages according to the location of involvement. The degree of joint space narrowing was categorized into two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in TSA, TLS, TMM and talo-1st metatarsal angle with regard to the stage of arthritis. However, the difference between the less severe group and the severe group existed. Conclusion: Angular deformity was not correlated with stage, but correlated with severity. The deformity of distal tibial articular surface does not seem to be a cause of primary osteoartiritis, but rather a result from it.