• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.163-173
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• 2024

PURPOSE. This study assessed the effect of storage time on chemical structure of a single-bottle and a two-bottle experimental ceramic primer and micro-shear bond strength (µSBS) of composite to ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS. This study was conducted on 60 sintered zirconia and 60 feldspathic porcelain blocks. Half of the specimens (n = 30) were subjected to surface treatment with the single-bottle Clearfil ceramic primer (n = 15) and two-bottle experimental primer (n = 15) after 24 hours. The remaining half received the same surface treatments after 6 months storage in distilled water. Composite cylinders were bonded to the ceramics, and they were then subjected to µSBS test. Also, the primers underwent Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) after 24 hours and 6 months to assess their chemical structure. Data were analyzed with 3-way ANOVA and adjusted Bonferroni test (alpha = 0.05). RESULTS. The µSBS of both ceramics significantly decreased at 6 months in one-bottle ceramic primer group (P = .001), but it was not significantly different from the two-bottle experimental primer group (P = .635). FTIR showed hydrolysis of single-bottle primer, cleavage of silane and 10-MDP bonds, and formation of siloxane bonds after 6 months. CONCLUSION. Six months of storage caused significant degradation of single-bottle ceramic primer, and consequently had an adverse effect on µSBS.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.315-324
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• 2005

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of GnRH antagonist multiple dose protocol (MDP) with that of GnRH agonist long protocol (LP) in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization in patients with high basal FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) level or old age, a retrospective analysis was done. Methods: Two hundred ninety four infertile women (328 cycles) who were older than 41 years of age or had elevated basal FSH level (> 8.5 mIU/mL) were enrolled in this study. The patients had undergone IVF-ET after controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using GnRH antagonist multiple dose protocol (n=108, 118 cycles) or GnRH agonist long protocol (n=186, 210 cycles). The main outcome measurements were cycle cancellation rate, consumption of gonadotropins, the number of follicles recruited and total oocytes retrieved. The number of fertilized oocytes and transferred embryos, the clinical pregnancy rates, and the implantation rates were also reviewed. And enrolled patients were divided into three groups according to their age and basal FSH levels; Group A - those who were older than 41 years of age, Group B - those with elevated basal FSH level (> 8.5 mIU/mL) and Group C - those who were older than 41 years of age and with elevated basal FSH level (> 8.5 mIU/mL). Poor responders were classified as patients who had less than 4 retrieved oocytes, or those with $E_2$ level <500 pg/mL on the day of hCG injection or those who required more than 45 ampules of exogenous gonadotropin for stimulation. Results: The cancellation rate was lower in the GnRH antagonist group than in GnRH agonist group, but not statistically significant (6.8% vs. 9.5%, p=NS). The amount of used gonadotropins was significantly lower in GnRH antagonist group than in agonist group ($34.8{\pm}11.3$ ampules vs. $44.1{\pm}13.4$ ampules, p<0.001). The number of follicles > 14 mm in diameter was significantly higher in agonist group than in antagonist group ($6.7{\pm}4.6$ vs. $5.0{\pm}3.4$, p<0.01). But, there were no significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate (24.5% in antagonist group vs. 27.4% in agonist group, p=NS) and implantation rate (11.4% in antagonist group vs. 12.0% in agonist group, p=NS) between two groups. Mean number of retrieved oocytes was significantly higher in GnRH agonist LP group than in GnRH antagonist MDP group ($5.4{\pm}3.5$ vs. $6.6{\pm}5.0$, p<0.0001). But, the number of mature and fertilized oocytes, and the number of good quality (grade I and II) and transferred embryos were not different between two groups. In each group A, B, and C, the rate of poor response did not differ according to stimulation protocols. Conclusions: In conclusion, for infertile women expected poor ovarian response such as who are old age or has elevated basal FSH level, a protocol including a controlled ovarian hyperstimulation using GnRH antagonist appears at least as effective as that using a GnRH agonist, and may offer the advantage of reducing gonadotropin consumption and treatment period. However, much work remains to be done in optimizing the GnRH antagonist protocols and individualizing these to different cycle characteristics.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.110-114
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• 2007

Purpose: This study evaluate clinical findings & management of rhabdomyolysis after strenuous activities in military police recruit. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out from June $1^{st}$, 2004 and May $23^{nd}$, 2005. The study subjects were 13 military police recruit patients who were admitted to our hospital with intractable muscle pain and swelling, and had suspicions of Rhabdomyolysis. The patients were given various blood tests (CPK, CK-MB, AST, BUN/Cr, and Electrolyte) and clinically observed. The patients were all males, and their average age was 20 $(19\sim21)$ years. Seven cases were due to push-up exercises, 5 was due to a soccer game, and 1 was due to riot control activities. The patients complained of swelling and tenderness in various parts of the extremities. Four complained of swelling and tenderness in forearm, 3 in upper arm, 1 in shoulder, and 5 in lower extremity. The diagnosis of rhabdomyolysis was made if the patient complained clinical symptom and had a blood CPK level of above 1,000 IU/L at the time of admission. Patients who took medication or had medical problem were excluded from this study. Bone scans were taken of all patients 4 hours after giving 99mTc-MDP 20mCi intravenously. Treatment was bed rest and fluid therapy. Patients who complained of excessive pain were given splint immobilization. Results: The average hospitalization day for the 13 patients was 20 days ($14\sim42$ days). Excluding one patient who exhibited ARF at time of admission, all patients showed a decrease of blood CPK below 1000 IU/L at an average hospitalization time of 8 days ($2\sim11$ days). The patient with ARF recovered after hemodialysis and fluid therapy. Conclusion: Patients complaining of swelling and severe muscle pain after excessive exercise or training should be suspicious of exercise induced rhabdomyolysis, and should be given blood tests and fluid therapy immediately.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.511-517
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• 1995

Bone scan is a very sensitive diagnostic imaging test for detecting bone and joint disorders. So it might be useful in the diagnosis of temporomandibular disorders of the joint origin. Thus, the effectiveness of bone scan for detecting temporomandibular joint(TMJ) diseases and differentiating the TMJ disc displacement from the TMJ arthritis was evaluated. Bone scan was done in 21 patients with TMJ disc displacement(13 unilaterally affected, 8 bilaterally affected), 25 patients with TMJ arthritis(23 unilateral, 3 bilateral), and 39 volunteers with no signs, symtoms, or history of TMJ disease. TMJ simple uptake rate(SUR) and difference of both TMJ SUR were calculated from the 100,000 count lateral image of head and neck region in 99mTc MDP bone scan. Transcranial and panorama X-ray examination was also done in all patients. TMJ SUR(%) were $1.673{\pm}0.606$ in TMJs affected with arthritis, $1350{\pm}0.351$ in TMJs affected with disc displacement, and $1.084{\pm}0.172$ in TMJs of controls. Significant differences were demonstrated among them(p<0.01) Difference of bith TMJ SUR was highest in patients with unilateral TMJ arthritis($0.608{\pm}$0.533, p<001), and there is no significant difference between that of controls and that of unilateral TMJ dist displacement patients($0.062{\pm}0.063$ vs $0.122{\pm}0.100$). TMJ SUR of Joint with bone change on X-ray finding was not significantly different from that of joint with normal X-ray finding. Those in patients with unilateral TMJ disc displacement(696% and 87% vs 23.1% and 23%). The proportions of patients with increased TMJ SUR and difference of both TMJ SUR(>mean+2SD of controls) in unilateral TMJ arthritis patients were significantly higher than those in patients with unilateral TMJ disc displacement(69.6% and 87% vs 23.1% and 23%). Conclusively, bone scan nay help to detect TMJ disease and differentiate TMJ disc displacement from TMJ arthritis.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.112-118
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in shear bonding strength between resin cements to dental materials when a universal primer (Monobond plus) was applied in place of a conventional primer. Materials and methods: Four groups of testing materials: gold alloy (Argedent Euro, n = 16), non precious metal (T-4, n = 20), zirconia (Cercon, n = 20) and glass ceramic (IPS e.max press, n = 20), were fabricated into discs, which were embedded in an acrylic resin matrix. The gold alloy specimens were airborne-particle abraded, 8 of the specimens were coated with Metal primer II, while the remaining 8 specimens were coated with Monobond plus. The non precious and zirconia specimen were airborne-particle abraded then, the control group received Alloy primer coating, while the other was coated with Monobond plus. Glass ceramic specimens were etched. 10 specimens were coated with Monobond-S and the remaining specimens were coated using Monobond plus. On top of the surface, Multilink N was polymerized in a disc shape. All of the specimens were thermal cycled before the shear bonding strength was measured. Statistical analysis was done with Two sample $t$-test or Mann-Whitney U test (${\alpha}$=.05). Results: There were no significant differences in bonding strength depending on the type of primer used in the gold alloy and glass ceramic groups ($P$>.05), however, the bonding strengths of resin cements to non precious metal and zirconia groups, were significantly higher when the alloy primer was used ($P$<.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, improvement of universal primers which can be applied to all types of restorations is recommended to precious metals and zirconia ceramics. But, the bond strengths of non precious metals and zirconia ceramics were significantly lower when compared to a 10-MDP primer. More research is needed to apply universal primers to all types of restorations.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.153-163
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• 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of four surface treatment methods to improve zirconia roughness and three types of resin cement on the shear bond strength (SBS). Materials and methods: A total of 120 zirconia blocks were randomly divided into four surface treatments: non-treatment (Control), airborne-particle abrasion (APA) with 50 ㎛ Al2O3 (APA50), APA with 125 ㎛ Al2O3 (APA125), and ZrO2 slurry (ZA). Three resin cements (Panavia F 2.0, Superbond C&B, and Variolink N) were applied to the surface-treated zirconia specimens. All specimens were subjected to SBS testing using a universal testing machine. The surface of the representative specimens of each group was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). SBS data were analyzed with oneway ANOVA, two-way ANOVA test and post-hoc Tukey HSD Test (α=.05). Results: In the surface treatment method, APA125, APA50, ZA, and Control showed high shear bond strength in order, but there was no significant difference between APA125 and APA50 (P>.05). Also, ZA showed significantly higher shear bond strength than Control (P<.05). In the resin cement type, Panavia F 2.0, Superbond C&B, and Variolink N showed significantly higher shear bond strength in order (P<.05). In SEM images, the zirconia surfaces of the APA50 and APA125 showed quite rough and irregular shapes, and the zirconia surface of the ZA was observed small irregular porosity and rough surfaces. Conclusion: APA and ZrO2 slurry were enhanced the surface roughness of zirconia, and Panavia F 2.0 containing MDP showed the highest shear bond strength with zirconia.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.219-226
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• 1991

골 신티 그라피는 섬유성 골 이형성증의 초기 병소와 다골성 형 섬유성 골 이형성증의 진단에 예민한 검사 방법이나, 양성 또는 악성 골 병변과의 감별진단에 어려움이 있었다. 이에 저자들은 조직학적으로 확진된 섬유성 골 이형성증 환자 17명에서 (단골성 형 12명, 다골성 형 : 5명) $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ (20 mCi 또는 7,400 MBq) 주사후 $2\sim4$시간에 전면, 후면 전신상과 부분상을 얻은 30부위 병소를 X선 사진과 비교분석 하였으며 CT, MRI 영상과 병리조직 소견을 얻었다. 병소 침습 부위별로는 대퇴골-10예, 경골-4, 요골-2, 늑골-2, 척추골-2, 후두골-2, 장골-2, 두정골-1, 하악골-1, 접형골-1, 견갑골-1, 쇄골-1, 척골-1예 였으며 5명의 다골성 형에서는 :우 대퇴골과 우 비골 : 양측 말단 대퇴골 :좌 경골과 좌 대퇴골 :우 요골과 우 장골 양측 대퇴골, 양측 경골, 접형골, 두정골, 척추골, 늑골과 장골이었다. 골 신티 그라피 소견상 30예중 28예에서(28/30, 93.3%) 방사능 섭취 증가를 보였으며 2예에서(2/30, 6.7%)는 정상 방사능 섭취 소견을 보였으나 각각은 X선상 불투명 유리상과 골흡수 병변을 보였다. 하악골의 골 3상 스캔상 병소에 현저한 혈류 증가가 관찰되었다. X선 소견상 30예중 11예에서 (l1/30, 36.7%) 불투명 유리상의 병변을, 골 변형을 동반한 1예를 포함한 18예에서는 (18/30, 60.0%) 골흡수 병변을 보였으며, 1예의 늑골 병변은 정상소견을 보였다(1/30, 3.3%). 이상에서 골 신티 그라피 만으로 섬유성 골 이형성증을 진단하는데는 주의를 요하나 골 대사의 동적 측면인 혈류와 골 재형성 양상 특히, 초기 병변과 단골성 형 침습에서 다골성 형을 진단하는데 필수적이며 결론적으로 골 신티 그라피와 X선 촬영등은 섬유성 골 이형성증 진단에 상호보완적인 검사 방법으로 사료된다.

• Journal of KIISE:Software and Applications
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.179-188
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• 2008

An important issue in multiagent reinforcement learning is how an agent should team its optimal policy through trial-and-error interactions in a dynamic environment where there exist other agents able to influence its own performance. Most previous works for multiagent reinforcement teaming tend to apply single-agent reinforcement learning techniques without any extensions or are based upon some unrealistic assumptions even though they build and use explicit models of other agents. In this paper, basic concepts that constitute the common foundation of multiagent reinforcement learning techniques are first formulated, and then, based on these concepts, previous works are compared in terms of characteristics and limitations. After that, a policy model of the opponent agent and a new multiagent reinforcement learning method using this model are introduced. Unlike previous works, the proposed multiagent reinforcement learning method utilize a policy model instead of the Q function model of the opponent agent. Moreover, this learning method can improve learning efficiency by using a simpler one than other richer but time-consuming policy models such as Finite State Machines(FSM) and Markov chains. In this paper. the Cat and Mouse game is introduced as an adversarial multiagent environment. And effectiveness of the proposed multiagent reinforcement learning method is analyzed through experiments using this game as testbed.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.400-404
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• 2006

This study demonstrates the anti-arthritic effect of topical application of ketoprofen gel containing N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) in adjuvant arthritis therapy. Adjuvant arthritis was induced by a single injection of Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Mature female Sprague-Dawley rats were designated to 3 groups such as control group, K10 group (ketoprofen 10 mg/rat), and NK10 group (ketoprofen 10 mg/rat containing NMP). The anti-arthritic activity of ketoprofen containing NMP was tested not only as to its capability to suppress the inflammatory edema, but also bone damage (X-ray score and regional bone uptake) of the hind paw in arthritis-induced rats. These results showed a higher efficacy of ketoprofen containing NMP than ketoprofen treatment in the adjuvant-induced arthritis. Ketoprofen containing NMP has good intrinsic characteristics for formulation in an efficacious anti-inflammatory topical application.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.43-45
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• 2013

Background: The aim of this epidemiological study was to establish the laterality of breast cancer (BC) and its association with size, receptor status of the primary tumor and bone metastasis (BM) in a local population. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included cases of BC from Jan-2009 to Dec-2011 who were referred for metastatic work up or follow up survey with Technetium-99m MDP bone scan (BS) to the Nuclear Medicine Department of Karachi Institute of Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine (KIRAN). A total of 384 patients out of 521 were included and all reviewed for age, primary tumor size (PTS), laterality, receptor status like estrogen receptor (ER) progesterone receptor (PR) and Her-2-Neu receptor, presence or absence of BM with sites of involvement and time interval between diagnosis of BC and appearance of BM. Results: The left to right sided BC proportion was significantly higher than unity (59%:41%; p<0.001). The right sided BC was observed in younger age group (46:52 years; p<0.0001) and with a smaller PTS than the left sided (3.43:4.15 cm; p<0.0001). The patients with BM had relatively higher negative receptor status with a significant predominance of right sided BC. The overall incidence of BM on BS was 28% and relatively higher in right than left breast (33%:24% p=0.068). The average number of BM sites was also significantly greater for the right side (6:4, P<0.0001). The % cumulative risk of BM in right breast was noted at significantly smaller PTS than left side with log rank value of 5.579; p<0.05. The Kaplan Meier survival plot for event free survival of BM in left sided BC was significantly higher than for the right side (log rank value=4.155, p<0.05), with an earlier appearance of BM in right BC. Conclusions: 1) A left sided predominance of BC was seen in local population; 2) right sided BC had a more aggressive behavior with extensive and earlier appearance of BM at relatively younger age, smaller PTS and receptor (s) negativity.