• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.83-94
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• 2009

Background and Objectives: The skin barrier protects skin against a harmful environment. Its function includes an antimicrobial barrier as well as a physical barrier. Stress is harmful to the skin barrier and there are many studies on this, but there are few about the effect of stress during pregnancy on the skin barrier of offspring. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of stress during pregnancy on the skin barrier of offspring by examination with the naked eye, cortisol, weight, TEWL and histologic tests. Materials and Methods: Male hairless mice ten weeks old were coupled with females for three days. After twelve days the females were divided into two groups. We stressed one group and not the other group. The offspring from the non-stressed (N group) and stressed (S group) grew up until four weeks. The S group was exposed to chronic mild stress using the chronic stress model protocol modified method of Wilner and Towell for a week. We made examinations with the naked eye, assessment of cortisol, weight, TEWL, and histologic test to contrast the S group with the N group. Statistical analysis was performed by using Mann-Whitney and Friedman test. Statistical significance was achieved if the probability was less than 5% (p<0.05). Results: 1. By making an examination with the naked eye, S group showed papules, creases and dryness on their skin, but N showed no change compared with normal skin. 2. There was no statistically significant difference between S group and N group in cortisol (p>0.05). 3. There was no statistically significant difference between S group and N group in weight. N group had less weight than S group (p<0.05). 4. There was no statistically significant difference between S group and N group in TEWL (p>0.05). 5. There was no statistically significant difference between S group and N group in TEWL recovery (p>0.05). 6. In TEWL and TEWL recovery, there was statistically significant difference by time between S group and N group (p<0.005). Histologically, S group showed a thicker epidermis and epidermal crest than N group. Conclusions: We found that stress during pregnancy has negative effects on the skin barrier of offspring. Though there were no statistically significant differences between S group and N group in TEWL recovery, we found evidence that the recovery of skin barrier function is interrupted by stress during pregnancy by examination with both the naked eye and histology.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.81-87
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• 2016

Purpose: To analyze the feasibility of three-dimensional (3D) diffusion-weighted (DW) PSIF (reversed FISP [fast imaging with steady-state free precession]) sequence in order to evaluate peripheral nerves in the elbow. Materials and Methods: Ten normal, asymptomatic volunteers were enrolled (6 men, 4 women, mean age 27.9 years). The following sequences of magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the elbow were obtained using a 3.0-T machine: 3D DW PSIF, 3D T2 SPACE (sampling perfection with application optimized contrasts using different flip angle evolution) with SPAIR (spectral adiabatic inversion recovery) and 2D T2 TSE (turbo spin echo) with modified Dixon (m-Dixon) sequence. Two observers used a 5-point grading system to analyze the image quality of the ulnar, median, and radial nerves. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of each nerve were measured. We compared 3D DW PSIF images with other sequences using the Wilcoxon-signed rank test and Friedman test. Inter-observer agreement was measured using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) analysis. Results: The mean 5-point scores of radial, median, and ulnar nerves in 3D DW PSIF (3.9/4.2/4.5, respectively) were higher than those in 3D T2 SPACE SPAIR (1.9/2.8/2.8) and 2D T2 TSE m-Dixon (1.7/2.8/2.9) sequences (P < 0.05). The mean SNR in 3D DW PSIF was lower than 3D T2 SPACE SPAIR, but there was no difference between 3D DW PSIF and 2D T2 TSE m-Dixon in all of the three nerves. The mean CNR in 3D DW PSIF was lower than 3D T2 SPACE SPAIR and 2D T2 TSE m-Dixon in the median and ulnar nerves, but no difference among the three sequences in the radial nerve. Conclusion: The three-dimensional DW PSIF sequence may be feasible to evaluate the peripheral nerves around the elbow in MR imaging. However, further optimization of the image quality (SNR, CNR) is required.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.9
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• pp.1036-1044
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• 2020

Objective: To investigate the clinical feasibility of synthetic diffusion-weighted imaging (sDWI) at different b-values in patients with breast cancer by assessing the diagnostic image quality and the quantitative measurements compared with conventional diffusion-weighted imaging (cDWI). Materials and Methods: Fifty patients with breast cancer were assessed using cDWI at b-values of 800 and 1500 s/mm² (cDWI₈₀₀ and cDWI₁₅₀₀) and sDWI at b-values of 1000 and 1500 s/mm² (sDWI₁₀₀₀ and sDWI₁₅₀₀). Qualitative analysis (normal glandular tissue suppression, overall image quality, and lesion conspicuity) was performed using a 4-point Likert-scale for all DWI sets and the cancer detection rate (CDR) was calculated. We also evaluated cancer-to-parenchyma contrast ratios for each DWI set in 45 patients with the lesion identified on any of the DWI sets. Statistical comparisons were performed using Friedman test, one-way analysis of variance, and Cochran's Q test. Results: All parameters of qualitative analysis, cancer-to-parenchyma contrast ratios, and CDR increased with increasing b-values, regardless of the type of imaging (synthetic or conventional) (p < 0.001). Additionally, sDWI₁₅₀₀ provided better lesion conspicuity than cDWI₁₅₀₀ (3.52 ± 0.92 vs. 3.39 ± 0.90, p < 0.05). Although cDWI₁₅₀₀ showed better normal glandular tissue suppression and overall image quality than sDWI₁₅₀₀ (3.66 ± 0.78 and 3.73 ± 0.62 vs. 3.32 ± 0.90 and 3.35 ± 0.81, respectively; p < 0.05), there was no significant difference in their CDR (90.0%). Cancer-to-parenchyma contrast ratios were greater in sDWI₁₅₀₀ than in cDWI₁₅₀₀ (0.63 ± 0.17 vs. 0.55 ± 0.18, p < 0.001). Conclusion: sDWI₁₅₀₀ can be feasible for evaluating breast cancers in clinical practice. It provides higher tumor conspicuity, better cancer-to-parenchyma contrast ratio, and comparable CDR when compared with cDWI₁₅₀₀.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.323-329
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• 2009

Purpose: Radioimmunoassay (RIA) was usually performed by the batch assay. To improve the efficiency of RIA without increase of the cost and time, random assay could be a choice. We investigated the possibility of the random assay using automatic dispenser by assessing the agreement between batch assay and random assay. Materials and Methods: The experiments were performed with four items; Triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (fT4), Prostate specific antigen (PSA), Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). In each item, the sera of twenty patients, the standard, and the control samples were used. The measurements were done 4 times with 3 hour time intervals by random assay and batch assay. The coefficient of variation (CV) of the standard samples and patients' data in T3, fT4, PSA, and CEA were assessed. ICC (Intraclass correlation coefficient) and coefficient of correlation were measured to assessing the agreement between two methods. Results: The CVs (%) of T3, fT4, PSA, and CEA measured by batch assay were 3.2$\pm$1.7%, 3.9$\pm$2.1%, 7.1$\pm$6.2%, 11.2$\pm$7.2%. The CVs by random assay were 2.1$\pm$1.7%, 4.8$\pm$3.1%, 3.6$\pm$4.8%, and 7.4$\pm$6.2%. The ICC between the batch assay and random assay were 0.9968 (T3), 0.9973 (fT4), 0.9996 (PSA), and 0.9901 (CEA). The coefficient of correlation between the batch assay and random assay were 0.9924(T3), 0.9974 (fT4), 0.9994 (PSA), and 0.9989 (CEA) (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of random assay showed strong agreement with the batch assay in a day. These results suggest that random assay using automatic dispenser could be used in radioimmunoassay.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.239-245
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• 2010

Objectives : The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of cervical Hyeopcheok(Jiaji) point for neck pain. Methods : The twenty-nine patients who feel neck pain, are chosen from chart review, received acupuncture treatment on cervical Hyeopcheok(Jiaji) point. The evaulation of progress was checked by NDI(neck disability index), and VAS(visual analog scale). Data were analyzed by Friedman two way analysis of variance and Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test. Results : NDI value(mean${\pm}$SD) was $17.76{\pm}8.26$(n=29) at the first visit, $13.41{\pm}8.04$(n=29) at 3days after treatment, $10.85{\pm}8.46$(n=26) at 5days, $11.00{\pm}7.80$(n=13) at 9days, $7.22{\pm}4.76$(n=9) at 15days, $3.86{\pm}4.06$(n=7) at 20days, and $3.33{\pm}3.78$(n=6) at 30days. VAS value(mean${\pm}$SD) was $4.07{\pm}1.33$(n=29) at the first visit, $12.97{\pm}1.05$(n=29) at 3days after treatment, $2.15{\pm}1.12$(n=26) at 5days, $2.15{\pm}0.99$(n=13) at 9days, $1.56{\pm}0.73$(n=9) at 15days, $1.29{\pm}0.49$(n=7) at 20days, and $0.83{\pm}0.41$(n=6) at 30days. The value of NDI and VAS gradually decreased. Repeated measurement results(the difference between the first visit and each measurement day) and the difference between before and after the interval(except between 5 and 9days, between 20 and 25days) were statistically significant. Conclusions : This result was shown that treatment of cervical Hyeopcheok(Jiaji) acupuncture point for neck pain can be effective. Further systematic research will be needed.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.17-29
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• 1985

This study was to explore on the rank of stressful events related to the experience of hospitalization. 180 hospitalized patients on surgical and medical wards were asked to rate 49 stress-producing events associated with the experience of hospitalization. Two university hospitals was used as the setting for this study. Because the nature of the events in the stress scale pertain mainly to general short term hospitalizations, patients in the rehabilitation and psychiatric units of the hospital were not included. Prior to the beginning of the study, three times meeting were held with 12 head nurses and 3 investigators for discussing with the ethics subject related to the study. The pretest was done to determine whether items to use were pertinent or not. According to the result of the pretest, Volicer's Hospital Stress Rating Scale was selected as a study tool for this study. Data collection was used an interview and a card-sorting method. The interviewing was done by two authors and three graduate nursing students. A total 125 completed the card-sorting procedure. The stressful items were ordered from most to least stressful within the categories. Additional information such as: age, sex, marital status, and diagnosis was obtained from the kardex file. The ordered list of items, with mean values, as scored by the total of 125 respondents was significantly accepted at 1% level by Friedman test. (X²=1448.339) The event,“knowing you have a serious illness.”was rated highest stressful and (M=41.54) “Being awakened in the night by the nurse”least stressful. (M=14.73) Highly rated items were orderly “Thinking you might have cancer”“Thinking you might lose a kidney or some other organ”“Not being told what your diagnosis is. “Not knowing for sure what illness you have,”five lowerly rated items were orderly “Having to eat at different times than you usually do”“net being able to call family or friends on the phone”“Not having friends visit you,”“Having strangers sleep in the same room with you.”Futher analysis of the data was done to ascertain tao degree of similarity of judgment between different groups in the sample as to how events should be rated. The sample was divided into two groups according to the demographic characteristics and the degree of seriousness of illness. The rank order correlation was calculated for the two sets of ranks as a measure of consensus between the two groups. The correlations ranged from .85∼.99 all indicating a high degree of consensus.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.372-381
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• 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between buccal bone thickness and gingival thickness by means of a noninvasive and relatively accurate digital registration method. Methods: In 20 periodontally healthy subjects, cone-beam computed tomographic images and intraoral scanned files were obtained. Measurements of buccal bone thickness and gingival thickness at the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines were performed at points 0-5 mm from the alveolar crest on the superimposed images. The Friedman test was used to compare buccal bone and gingival thickness for each depth between the 3 tooth types. Spearman's correlation coefficient was calculated to assess the correlation between buccal bone thickness and gingival thickness. Results: Of the central incisors, 77% of all sites had a buccal thickness of 0.5-1.0 mm, and 23% had a thickness of 1.0-1.5 mm. Of the lateral incisors, 71% of sites demonstrated a buccal bone thickness <1.0 mm, as did 63% of the canine sites. For gingival thickness, the proportion of sites <1.0 mm was 88%, 82%, and 91% for the central incisors, lateral incisors, and canines, respectively. Significant differences were observed in gingival thickness at the alveolar crest level (G0) between the central incisors and canines (P=0.032) and between the central incisors and lateral incisors (P=0.013). At 1 mm inferior to the alveolar crest, a difference was found between the central incisors and canines (P=0.025). The lateral incisors and canines showed a significant difference for buccal bone thickness 5 mm under the alveolar crest (P=0.025). Conclusions: The gingiva and buccal bone of the anterior maxillary teeth were found to be relatively thin (<1 mm) overall. A tendency was found for gingival thickness to increase and bone thickness to decrease toward the root apex. Differences were found between teeth at some positions, although the correlation between buccal bone thickness and soft tissue thickness was generally not significant.

• Yonsei Medical Journal
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• v.59 no.9
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• pp.1138-1142
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• 2018

This study aimed to analyze the impact of sleep deprivation (SD) on cardiac, hemodynamic, and endothelial parameters and to determine whether these are sustained with increased periods of SD. The study included 60 healthy men (mean: age $31.2{\pm}6.3years$; body mass index $24.6{\pm}2.6kg/m^2$). Hemodynamic parameters, parameters of myocardial contractility, spectral analysis of heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) variability, and the sensitivity of arterial baroreflex function were evaluated. Biochemical tests were performed to assess L-arginine (L-Arg) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in reflection of endothelial nitric oxide synthase ability. Measurements of cardiovascular system parameters were obtained at 9 a.m. (baseline) on the first day of the study and 9 a.m. (24-h SD), 1 p.m. (28-h SD), and 5 p.m. (32-h SD) on the second day. Blood samples for evaluating biochemical parameters were obtained at baseline and after 24-h SD. ANOVA Friedman's test revealed a significant effect for time in relation to HR (${\chi}^2=26.04$, df=5, p=0.000), systolic BP (${\chi}^2=35.98$, df=5, p=0.000), diastolic BP (${\chi}^2=18.01$, df=5, p=0.003), and mean BP (${\chi}^2=28.32$, df=5, p=0.000). L-Arg and ADMA levels changed from $78.2{\pm}12.9$ and $0.3{\pm}0.1$ at baseline to $68.8{\pm}10.2$ and $0.4{\pm}0.1$ after 24-hr SD, respectively (p=0.001, p=0.004). SD in healthy men is associated with increases in BP, which appear to occur after 24 hours of SD and are maintained over increasing periods of SD. The observed hemodynamic changes may have resulted due to disordered vascular endothelial function, as reflected in alterations in L-Arg and ADMA levels.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.24 no.3 s.35
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• pp.363-372
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• 1991

We used the health screening data of some rural and urban residents to examine the cross-sectional association between leukocyte count and hypertension. The 206 male and 203 female rural residents were selected by multi-stage cluster sampling method in Kyungsan-Kun area of Kyungbuk province in 1985 and 600 urban residents were selected by the same sampling method as the rural residents in Daegu city of the same province in 1986 compatible with age-sex distribution of Daegu city of 1985 census, but of whom 384 actually responded. The rest of 600 were replaced by age and sex with those who were members of the medical insurance plan visiting the health management department of the university hospital to get the biannual preventive medical checkups. Excluded in the analysis were those having hypertensive history, diseases and extreme outlying values of the screening tests, leaving 373 rural and 571 urban residents. Leukocyte count was measured with ELT-8 Laser shadow method and the unit $cells/mm^3$, Blood pressures were determined with an aneroid sphygmomanometer with pre-standardized method and hypertensives were defined as those showing systolic blood pressure more than 140mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure more than 90mmHg. Total residents pooled (N=944) showed a significant difference between hypertensives and normotensives ($6965.93{\pm}1997.01\;vs\;6490.61{\pm}1941.32,\;P=0.00$) and in rural residents was noted the similar significant difference (P=0.03). None of significant differences were noted in any stratum stratified by residency and sex. Compared to the lowest quintile of WBC, 2/5 quintile showed odds ratio 0.99 (95% Confidence interval, Ci 0.62-1.59), 3/5 quintile 1.41 (95% CI 0.90-2.21), 4/5 quintile 1.76 (95% CI. 1.14-2.72), and highest quintile 1.80 (1.15-2.82) in the total residents. Likelihood ratio test for linear trend for it indicated a significant trend ($X^2_{trend}=5.53,\;df=1,\;P<0.05$). There were no other significant odds ratios compared to the lowest quintile of WBC in strata stratified by residency and sex. The odds ratios in total residents which had showed significant odds ratios became nonsignificant and of reduced magnitude after controlling age, frequency of smoking and drinking with multiple logistic. regression. In each stratum, it changed magnitudes of odds ratios slightly and unstably. None of the trend tests showed any significant trend. These results suggest that the Friedman et al's finding of association between leukocyte count and hypertension may be due to an statistical type I error resulting from the data dredging in an exploratory study, in which more than 800 variables were screened as possible predictors of hypertension.