• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.51-56
• /
• 2000

Deflazacort, an oxazoline derivative of prednisolone, has been claimed to have anti-inflammatory effects with fewer side effects compared to prednisone. The objectives of the study were to evaluate efficacy and safety of deflazacort in children with nephrotic syndrome. Eligible Patients were the children with nephrotic syndrome who were treated with deflazacort from October. 1994 to April. 1999. Nephrotic syndrome was defined as having albumin level of less than 2.5 mg/dL and 24-hour urinary protein excretion of greater than $40\;mg/m^2/hr$. The primary parameters evaluating the efficacy of deflazacort were response rate, time to respond and relapse frequency. The safety profiles were the impact on children's growth, calcium sparing effect, glucose metabolism, lipid profile and adverse drug reactions. As results, total of 60 children were evaluated (47 boys, 13 girls). Response rate was $95\%$ (57/60) for initial and late responders. Median time to respond was 12 days (range 7-110 days) and median relapse frequency was one time (range 0-6). Weight/height ratio increased from $22.05\pm3.47\;to\23.20\pm3.44\;kg/m$ (p<0.001) and plasma calcium level, from $7.55\pm3.86\;to\;9.98\pm3.77\;mg/dL$ after treatment (p<0.001). Change of fasting glucose level was not statistically significant $(91.92\pm3.53\;vs.\;98.19\pm4.78\;mg/dL,\;p=0.072)$, while change of total cholesterol was significant $(362.3\pm12.0\;vs\;251.4\pm11.5\;mg/dL$, p<0.001). In conclusion, patients on deflazacort showed similar efficacy in treatment of nephrotic syndrome as reported for prednisone with less impact on growth inhibition and metabolic side effects of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.

• Phonetics and Speech Sciences
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.31-37
• /
• 2021

The fundamental frequency, or f0, is an important acoustic measure in the prosody of human speech. The current study examined the f0 distribution of a corpus of spontaneous speech in order to provide normative data for Korean speakers. The corpus consists of 40 speakers talking freely about their daily activities and their personal views. Praat scripts were created to collect f0 values, and a majority of obvious errors were corrected manually by watching and listening to the f0 contour on a narrow-band spectrogram. Statistical analyses of the f0 distribution were conducted using R. The results showed that the f0 values of all the Korean speakers were right-skewed, with a pointy distribution. The speakers produced spontaneous speech within a frequency range of 274 Hz (from 65 Hz to 339 Hz), excluding statistical outliers. The mode of the total f0 data was 102 Hz. The female f0 range, with a bimodal distribution, appeared wider than that of the male group. Regression analyses based on age and f0 values yielded negligible R-squared values. As the mode of an individual speaker could be predicted from the median, either the median or mode could serve as a good reference for the individual f0 range. Finally, an analysis of the continuous f0 points of intonational phrases revealed that the initial and final segments of the phrases yielded several f0 measurement errors. From these results, we conclude that an examination of a spontaneous speech corpus can provide linguists with useful measures to generalize acoustic properties of f0 variability in a language by an individual or groups. Further studies would be desirable of the use of statistical measures to secure reliable f0 values of individual speakers.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.179-196
• /
• 2012

An eigenspace projection clustering method is proposed for structural damage detection by combining projection algorithm and fuzzy clustering technique. The integrated procedure includes data selection, data normalization, projection, damage feature extraction, and clustering algorithm to structural damage assessment. The frequency response functions (FRFs) of the healthy and the damaged structure are used as initial data, median values of the projections are considered as damage features, and the fuzzy c-means (FCM) algorithm are used to categorize these features. The performance of the proposed method has been validated using a three-story frame structure built and tested by Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA. Two projection algorithms, namely principal component analysis (PCA) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA), are compared for better extraction of damage features, further six kinds of distances adopted in FCM process are studied and discussed. The illustrated results reveal that the distance selection depends on the distribution of features. For the optimal choice of projections, it is recommended that the Cosine distance is used for the PCA while the Seuclidean distance and the Cityblock distance suitably used for the KPCA. The PCA method is recommended when a large amount of data need to be processed due to its higher correct decisions and less computational costs.

• The Journal of the Petrological Society of Korea
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.151-163
• /
• 2016

The characteristics of the rock cleavage in Jurassic granite from Geochang were analysed. The evaluation for the three directions of rock cleavages was performed using the parameters such as (1) frequency of microcrack spacing(N), (2) total spacing(${\leq}1mm$), (3) mean spacing($S_{mean}$), (4) difference value($S_{mean}-S_{median}$) between mean spacing($S_{mean}$) and median spacing($S_{median}$), (5) density of spacing(${\rho}$), (6) difference value between two exponents for the whole range of the diagrams(${\lambda}_H-{\lambda}_L$), (7) mean value of exponent(${\lambda}_M$), (8) mean value of exponential constant($a_M$), (9) difference value between two exponents for the section under the initial points of intersection(${\lambda}t_H-{\lambda}t_L$), (10) mean value of exponent(${\lambda}t_M$) and (11) mean value of exponential constant($at_M$). The results of correlation analysis between the values of parameters for three rock cleavages and those for three planes are as follows. The values of (I) parameters(1, 2, 7 and 8) and (II) parameters(3, 4 and 5) are in orders of (I) H(hardway, (H1 + H2)/2) < G(grain, (G1 + G2)/2) < R(rift, (R1 + R2)/2) and (II) R < G < H. On the contrary, the values of the above two groups(I~II) of parameters for three planes show reverse orders. Besides, the values of parameter $6({\lambda}_H-{\lambda}_L)$, parameter $9({\lambda}t_H-{\lambda}t_L)$, parameter $10({\lambda}t_M)$ and parameter $11(at_M)$ for three planes are in orders of R(rift plane, (G1 + H2)/2) < H(hardway plane, (R2 + G2)/2) < G(grain plane, (R1 + H2)/2), H < G < R, H < R < G and R < H < G, respectively. The values of the above four parameters for three rock cleavages show the various orders of R < H < G, R < H < G, H < G < R and H < G < R, respectively. Meanwhile, the spacing values equivalent to the initial points of contact and intersection between the two directions of diagrams were derived. The above spacing values for three rock cleavages are in order of rift(R1 and R2) < grain(G1 and G2) < hardway(H1 and H2). The spacing values for three planes are in order of rift plane(G1 and H1) < hardway plane(R2 and G2) < grain plane(R1 and H2). In particular, the intersection angles for three rock cleavages and three planes are in order of rift and rift plane < hardway and hardway plane < grain and grain plane. Consequently, the two diagrams of rift(R1 and R2) and rift plane(G1 and H1) show higher frequency of the point of contact and intersection. These characteristics of change were derived through the general chart for three planes and three rock cleavages. Lastly, the correlation analysis through the values of parameters along with the distribution pattern is useful for discriminating three quarrying planes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.601-606
• /
• 2015

Background: Prostate cancer is predominately a disease of older men, with a median age of diagnosis of 68 years and 71% of cancer deaths occurring in those over 75 years of age. While prostate cancer screening is not recommended for men >70 years, fit elderly men with controlled comorbidities may have a relatively long life expectancy. We compare the use of age related PSA with the detection of primary malignant circulating prostate cells mCPCs to detect clinically significant PC in this population. Materials and Methods: All men undergoing PC screening with a PSA >4.0ng/ml underwent TRUS 12 core prostate biopsy (PB). Age, PSA, PB results defined as cancer/no-cancer, Gleason, number of positive cores and percentage infiltration were registered. Men had an 8ml blood sample taken for mCPC detection; mononuclear cells were obtained using differential gel centrifugation and mCPCs were identified using immunocytochemistry with anti-PSA and anti-P504S. A mCPC was defined as a cell expressing PSA and P504S; a positive test as at least one mCPC detected/sample. Diagnostic yields for subgroups were calculated and the number of avoided PBs registered. Esptein criteria were used to define small grade tumours. Results: A total of 610 men underwent PB, 398 of whom were aged <70yrs. Men over 70 yrs had: a higher median PSA, 6.24ng/ml versus 5.59ng/ml (p=0.04); and a higher frequency of cancer detected 90/212 (43%) versus 134/398 (34%) (p=0.032). Some 34/134 cancers in men <70yrs versus 22/90 (24%) of men >70yrs complied with criteria for active surveillance. CPC detection: 154/398 (39%) men <70yrs were CPC (+), specificity for cancer 86%, sensitivity 88%, 14/16 with a false (-) result had a small low grade PC. In men >70 years, 88/212 (42%) were CPC (+); specificity 92%, sensitivity 87%, 10/12 with a false (-) had small low grade tumours. False (+) results were more common in younger men 36/154 versus 10/88 (p<0.02). With a PSA cutoff of 6.5ng/ml, in men <70yrs, 108 PB would be avoided, missing 56 cancers of which 48 were clinically significant. Using CPC detection, 124 biopsies would be avoided, missing only 2 clinically significant cancers. In men >70 yrs using a PSA >6.5ng/ml would have resulted in 108 PB with 34 PC detected, of which 14(41%) were small low grade tumours. Conclusions: The use of CPC detection in the fit elderly significantly decreases the number of PBs without missing clinically significant cancers, indicating superiority to the use of age-related PSA.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.171-178
• /
• 2018

Background: To evaluate mid-term oncological and functional outcomes in patients with prostate cancer treated by robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) at our institution. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 128 patients with prostate cancer who underwent RALP at our institution between February 2008 and April 2010. All patients enrolled in this study were followed up for at least 5 years. We analyzed biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival using a Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis and predictive factors for BCR using multivariate Cox regression analysis. Continence recovery rate, defined as no use of urinary pads, was also evaluated. Results: Based on the D'Amico risk classification, there were 30 low-risk patients (23.4%), 47 intermediaterisk patients (38.8%), and 51 high-risk patients (39.8%), preoperatively. Based on pathological findings, 50.0% of patients (64/128) showed non-organ confined disease (${\geq}T3a$) and 26.6% (34/128) had high grade disease (Gleason score ${\geq}8$). During a median follow-up period of 71 months (range, 66-78 months), the frequency of BCR was 33.6% (43/128) and the median BCR-free survival was 65.9 (0.4-88.0) months. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that high grade disease (Gleason score ${\geq}8$) was an independent predictor for BCR (hazard ratio=4.180, 95% confidence interval=1.02-17.12, p=0.047). In addition, a majority of patients remained continent following the RALP procedure, without the need for additional intervention for post-prostatectomy incontinence. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated acceptable outcomes following an initial RALP procedure, despite 50% of the patients investigated demonstrating high-risk features associated with non-organ confined disease.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.15 no.2
• /
• pp.73-80
• /
• 2008

With the introduction of the video display terminal (VDT), the efficiency and productivity of work has improved. However, VDT syndrome is threatening the health of workers as a side effect of prolonged use of a VDT. Among various VDT syndromes, the musculoskeletal disorder, especially, the cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) is the common research topic related with upper extremities function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the wrist-hand orthosis (WHO) on fatigue in middle deltoid, anterior deltoid, serratus anterior, and upper trapezius during one-hour computer keyboard typing. Twelve healthy subjects participated in this study. Surface electromyography was used to assess the localized muscle fatigue (LMF), and the LMF was calculated at 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 40 minutes, and 60 minutes in each muscle, with and without the WHO. Data were analyzed by paired t-test with a level of significance of .05. The results of this study are as follows: 1) At 10 minutes, the LMF decreased significantly with applied WHO in the middle deltoid, anterior deltoid, and upper trapezius (p=.001, p=.026, p=.019, respectively). 2) As the computer keyboard typing period increased, there were no significant LMF differences, except for the upper trapezius. Therefore, it can be concluded that the WHO can be applied to decrease the LMF for the initial 10 minute period in the middle deltoid, anterior deltoid, and upper trapezius' but that the long term effect of WHO in reducing the LMF was proven only in upper trapezius during continued computer keyboard typing.

• Physical Therapy Korea
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.109-128
• /
• 2003

This study tested whether repeated measurement of median frequency (MDF)-related variables could express the muscle power changes during a 12-week DeLome strengthening program, by using consecutive overlapping FFT (Fast Fourier transformation) and integrated EMG (IEMG) from surface EMG data for isometric and isotonic exercise. To evaluate the effect of training, the following were recorded every 3 weeks for the elbow flexors and knee extensors of 5 healthy male volunteers: MVC, lRM, limb circumference, and surface EMG during isometric MVC or isotonic contraction at 10RM load. From the EMG data, IEMG and variables from a regression analysis between MDF and time were obtained. MVC, lRM, IEMG, and initial MDF increased linearly over the training period. The fatigue index and slope of the regression line increased temporarily until the 6th week and decreased thereafter. From these results, there appeared to be enhanced neural recruitment of fast twitch fibers in the first 6 weeks and continued enhancement in the recruitment and hypertrophy of fast twitch fibers, which led to increased fatigue resistance, over the last 6 weeks. Accordingly, the MDF and IEMG analysis technique could demonstrate the effect of the program detected significant changes in both isometric and isotonic contractions. EMG analysis methods can be used to estimate the electrophysiological and histological changes in skeletal muscles during a strengthening program.

• Annals of Clinical Neurophysiology
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.34-37
• /
• 2002

Background : The term "mononeuropathy multiplex" means simultaneous or sequential involvement of individual noncontiguous nerve trunks, evolving over days to years. The aim of this study was to delineate the causes, clinical features, and detailed electrophysiological findings in the patients with mononeuropathy multiplex. Methods : We analyzed the medical records of 22 patients with mononeuropathy multiplex confirmed on electrophysiological studies in Inje University Seoul Paik Hospital, Seoul Municipal Boramae Hospital, and Seoul National University Hospital between 1991 to 2000. Results : The number of male and female patients was equal. The mean age was 48 years with a peak incidence in the sixth decade. The etiology could be divided into vasculitis(11 patients) or non-vasculitis group. In vasculitis group, Churg-Strauss syndrome, polyarteritis nodosa, and rheumatoid arthritis were included. The non-vasculitis group included diabetes mellitus, leprosy, and Guillain-Barre syndrome. Ulnar and median nerves were most commonly involved(91%). In descending order of frequency, peroneal, posterior tibial, sural, and radial nerves were also involved. Bilateral involvement occurred most commonly in ulnar nerve. The symptoms and signs of mononeuropathy multiplex were the initial manifestations in 12 patients(55%), which was more frequent in vasculitis group(73%). Nerve conduction abnormalities could be divided into axonal, demyelinating, or mixed type. Most(91%) of the patients in vasculitis group revealed axonal type abnormalities. The location of the nerve lesion was frequently related to potential site of entrapment in demyelinating type. Conclusions : Mononeuropathy multiplex is the presenting features of the etiological disease frequently, especially in vasculitis group. Nerve conduction studies(NCS) reveals not only axonal type but also demyelinating type abnormalities. The etiological diseases were different in each type. Therefore, NCS is very helpful for the early etiological diagnosis and therapeutic implication in the patients with mononeuropathy multiplex.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.159-166
• /
• 2005

Purpose : Recently the merits of 6 weeks of initial prednisolone treatment for pediatric primary nephrotic syndrome have been reported, and the use of the 6 week regimen is increasing. We compared our experiences with the 6 week treatment versus the 4 week treatment for Korean patients. Methods : We conducted a retrospective analysis of 69 children who had primary nephrotic syndrome and who were followed up for at least 12 months in the 4 major medical centers in Daegu. The remission rate, the relapse rate, the frequency of relapse and complication of steroid treatment were compared between the 4 weeks and 6 weeks treatment group. Results : Of the 69 children, 42 were in the 4 week treatment group and 27 were in the 6 week group. The median age, blood pressure, serum total protein, serum albumin, cholesterol, creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, 24 hour urine protein and 12 month cumulative dose did not differ between the two groups. Among the children who relapsed after steroid treatment, the relapse time was significantly later for the 6 week treatment group. The relapse rate after 1 year of treatment was 62$\%$ in the 4 week treatment group and 52$\%$ in the 6 week treatment group; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. The frequency of relapse at 12 months was $1.5{\pm}1.2$ times in the 4 week treatment group and $1.1{\pm}1.2$ times in the 6 week treatment group, and there was not different between the two groups. The most common side effects of steroid treatment were an increase of appetite and a cushingoid appearance, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Among the 27 children who had kidney biopsies performed, 21 suffered from minimal change nephrotic syndrome. Conclusion : The first relapse time after steroid treatment was significantly later in the 6 week steroid treatment group. The frequency of relapse and the 12 month cumulative dose of steroid were lower in the 6 week treatment group, but there was no statistical significance between the two groups. The side effects of steroid treatment did not differ between the two groups. We need to study the long term side effects and the advanced regimens of steroid treatment in the future.(J Korea Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2005;9:159-166)