• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.607-613
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• 2016

The pleura is known as an end target organ of exposure to toxic environmental materials such as fine particulate matter and asbestos. Moreover, long-term exposure to hazardous materials can eventually lead to fatal lung disease such as diffuse pleural fibrosis or mesothelioma. Chest computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound are gold standard imaging modalities for detection of advanced pleural disease. However, a diagnostic tool for early detection of pleural reaction has not been developed yet due to difficulties in imaging ultra-fine structure of the pleura. Optical coherence tomography (OCT), which provides cross-sectional images of micro tissue structures at a resolution of 2-10 μm, can image the mesothelium with a thickness of ~100 μm and therefore enables investigation of the early pleural reaction. In this study, we induced the early pleural reaction according to a time sequence after pleurodesis using talc, which has been widely used in the clinical field. The pleural reaction in talc grouped according to the time sequence (1st, 2nd, 4th weeks) showed a significant thickening (average thickness: 45 ± 7.5 μm, 80 ± 10.7 μm, 90 ± 12.5 μm), while the pleural reaction in sham and normal groups showed pleural change from normal to minimal thickening (average thickness: 16 ± 5.5 μm, 17 ± 4.5 μm, 15 ± 6.5 μm, and 12 ± 7.5 μm, 13 ± 2.5 μm, 12 ± 3.5 μm). The measurement of pleural reaction by pathologic examinations was well-matched with the measurement by OCT images. This is the first study for measuring the thickness of pleural reactions using a biophotonic modality such as OCT. Our results showed that OCT can be useful for evaluating the early pleural reaction.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.266-270
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• 2014

Metal foams have a cellular structure consisting of a solid metal containing a large volume fraction of pores. In particular, open, penetrating pores are necessary for industrial applications such as in high temperature filters and as a support for catalysts. In this study, Fe foam with above 90% porosity and 2 millimeter pore size was successfully fabricated by a slurry coating process and the pore properties were characterized. The Fe and $Fe_2O_3$ powder mixing ratios were controlled to produce Fe foams with different pore size and porosity. First, the slurry was prepared by uniform mixing with powders, distilled water and polyvinyl alcohol(PVA). After slurry coating on the polyurethane(PU) foam, the sample was dried at $80^{\circ}C$. The PVA and PU foams were then removed by heating at $700^{\circ}C$ for 3 hours. The debinded samples were subsequently sintered at $1250^{\circ}C$ with a holding time of 3 hours under hydrogen atmosphere. The three dimensional geometries of the obtained Fe foams with an open cell structure were investigated using X-ray micro CT(computed tomography) as well as the pore morphology, size and phase. The coated amount of slurry on the PU foam were increased with $Fe_2O_3$ mixing powder ratio but the shrinkage and porosity of Fe foams were decreased with $Fe_2O_3$ mixing powder ratio.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.29 no.5
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• pp.578-583
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• 2012

The pharmacological therapies and whole body vibration as non-pharmacological therapies were known to have adverse side effects. Therefore, partial stimulation was suggested and its effects were evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the site-specific effects of partial stimulator for treatment of osteoporosis induced by estrogen deficiency. Sixteen virginal Sprague-Dawley rats (12 weeks old) were divided into 2 groups(no stimulation, stimulation groups). All rats were ovariectomised to induce osteoporosis. After 3 weeks of operation, the right tibiae in rats of stimulation group (frequency: 10Hz, cycle: 1500, strain on bone surface: $2000{\mu}{\varepsilon}$) were stimulated perpendicularly at right tibia by using partial stimulator for 6 weeks (3days/week). The right tibiae in rats were scanned, before stimulation (0 week) and at 6 weeks after stimulation by using in-vivo micro computed tomography. For investigation of changes in morphological characteristics, structural parameters were measured and calculated. At 6 weeks the morphological characteristics (relative value) in stimulation group were significantly enhanced than those in no stimulation group (p<0.05). In this study, we find that after 6 weeks of partial stimulation, the morphological characteristics of tibia trabecular bone were enhanced. Thus, we concluded that partial stimulation could be used to treat osteoporosis.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.49-55
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• 2017

The prevalence of obesity has noticeably increased worldwide over several decades with various complication. Even though anti-obesity drug treatments have been spotlighted by resulting in effective mean weight losses, its adverse effects cannot be overlooked. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of multi-frequency whole body vibration, one of the mechanical stimulus, as a countermeasure against obesity. Thirty-two-6-week-old C57BL/6J male mice were equally assigned to four groups: the Control group (CON, n = 8), the Sham group (Sham, n = 8), the sham with single frequency whole body vibration (S+V, n = 8), and the sham with multi frequency whole body vibration (S+MV, n = 8). After 4 weeks, morphologic changes in the adipose tissue were evaluated from three-dimensional images using in vivo micro-computed tomography. At 4 weeks, the volume of the abdominal adipose tissue, which had the highest value in Sham group, noticeably reduced in S+MV group compared to it in S+V group. These results implied that the accumulation of abdominal adipose tissue can be effectively reduced through applying multi-frequency whole body vibration.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.425-437
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• 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Different fatty acids exert different health benefits. This study investigated the potential protective effects of perilla, olive, and safflower oils on high-fat diet-induced obesity and colon inflammation. MATERIALS/METHODS: Five-week old, C57BL/6J mice were assigned to 5 groups: low-fat diet (LFD), high-fat diet (HFD) and high-fat diet supplemented with-perilla oil (HPO), olive oil (HOO), and safflower oil (HSO). After 16 weeks of the experimental period, the mice were sacrificed, and blood and tissues were collected. The serum was analyzed for obesity- and inflammation-related biomarkers. Gene expression of the biomarkers in the liver, adipose tissue, and colon tissue was analyzed. Micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis was performed one week before sacrifice. RESULTS: Treatment with all the three oils significantly improved obesity-induced increases in body weight, liver weight, and epididymal fat weight as well as serum triglyceride and leptin levels. Treatment with perilla oil (PO) and safflower oil (SO) increased adiponectin levels. The micro-CT analysis revealed that PO and SO reduced abdominal fat volume considerably. The mRNA expression of lipogenic genes was reduced in all the three oilsupplemented groups and PO upregulated lipid oxidation in the liver. Supplementation of oils improved macroscopic score, increased colon length, and decreased serum endotoxin and proinflammatory cytokine levels in the colon. The abundance of Bifidobacteria was increased and that of Enterobacteriaceae was reduced in the PO-supplemented group. All three oils reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels, as indicated by the mRNA expression. In addition, PO increased the expression of tight junction proteins. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, our data indicate that the three oils exert similar anti-obesity effects. Interestingly, compared with olive oil and SO, PO provides better protection against high-fat diet-induced colon inflammation, suggesting that PO consumption helps manage inflammation-related diseases and provides omega-3 fatty acids needed by the body.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.218-224
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• 2013

Objective: To examine the effect of bite force on the displacement and stress distribution of orthodontic mini-implants (OMIs) in the molar region according to placement site, insertion angle, and loading direction. Methods: Five finite element models were created using micro-computed tomography (microCT) images of the maxilla and mandible. OMIs were placed at one maxillary and two mandibular positions: between the maxillary second premolar and first molar, between the mandibular second premolar and first molar, and between the mandibular first and second molars. The OMIs were inserted at angles of $45^{\circ}$ and $90^{\circ}$ to the buccal surface of the cortical bone. A bite force of 25 kg was applied to the 10 occlusal contact points of the second premolar, first molar, and second molar. The loading directions were $0^{\circ}$, $5^{\circ}$, and $10^{\circ}$ to the long axis of the tooth. Results: With regard to placement site, the displacement and stress were greatest for the OMI placed between the mandibular first molar and second molar, and smallest for the OMI placed between the maxillary second premolar and first molar. In the mandibular molar region, the angled OMI showed slightly less displacement than the OMI placed at $90^{\circ}$. The maximum Von Mises stress increased with the inclination of the loading direction. Conclusions: These results suggest that placement of OMIs between the second premolar and first molar at $45^{\circ}$ to the cortical bone reduces the effect of bite force on OMIs.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.249-255
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• 2002

Recently, Skeletal Anchorage System (SAS) has been focused clinically with the view point that it could provide the absolute intraoral anchorage. First, it began to be used for the patient of orthognathic surgery who had difficulty in taking intermaxillary fixation due to multiple loss of teeth. And then, its uses have been extended to many cases, the control of bone segments after orthognathic surgery, stable anchorage in orthodontic treatment, and anchorage for temporary prosthesis and so on. SAS has been developed as dental implants technique has been developed and also called in several names; mini-screw anchorage, micro-screw anchorage, mini-implant anchorage, micro-implant anchorage (MIA), and orthosystem implant etc. Now many clinicians use SAS, but the anatomical knowledges for the installed depth of intraosseous screws are totally dependent on general experiences. So we try to study for the cortical thickness of maxilla and mandible in Korean adults without any pathologic conditions with the use of Computed Tomography at the representative sites for the screw installation.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.1-21
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• 2020

Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the bone regeneration effects of Sintongchukea-tang (SC) on rib fractured rats. Methods Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (normal, control, positive control, SC low [SC-L] and SC high [SC-H]). All groups were subject to fractured rib except normal group. Normal group received no treatment at all. Control group was orally fed with phosphate buffered saline, and positive control group was medicated with tramadol (20 mg/kg). SC group was orally medicated with SC (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) once a day for 14 days. The fracture healing process was observed by x-ray, micro CT and fracture tissue slide was observed by immunohistochemical staining. We analysed levels of transforming growth factor-β1, Ki67, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and analysed levels of Osteocalcin in plasma. We measured levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), ALP, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine in plasma, for hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of SC. Results Though X-ray and micro-computed tomography, more callus formation was observed and bone union was progressing. Through Hematoxylin and Eosin, callus formation was increased compared to the control group. Runx2 level at SC-H was significantly increased and TRAP level at SC-L was significantly decreased compared with the control group. AST, ALT, ALP, BUN and creatinine were not statistically different from the control group. Conclusions As described above, SC promoted fracture healing by stimulating the bone regeneration factor. And SC shows no hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In conclusion, it seems that SC helps to promote fracture regeneration and it can be used clinically to patients with fracture.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.22-28
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• 2016

Objectives: The goal of this study was to compare the density of gutta-percha root fillings obturated with the following techniques: cold lateral (CL) compaction, ultrasonic lateral (UL) compaction, and warm vertical (WV) compaction. Materials and Methods: Thirty-three extracted mandibular first molars, with two separate mesial canals in each, were selected. After instrumentation, the canals were stratified into three groups based on canal length and curvature, and underwent obturation with one of the techniques. No sealer was used in order to avoid masking any voids. The teeth were imaged pre- and post-obturation using micro-computed tomography. The reconstructed three-dimensional images were analyzed volumetrically to determine the amount of gutta-percha present in every 2 mm segment of the canal. P values < 0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. Results: The overall mean volume fraction of gutta-percha was $68.51{\pm}6.75%$ for CL, $86.56{\pm}5.00%$ for UL, and $88.91{\pm}5.16%$ for WV. Significant differences were found between CL and UL and between CL and WV (p < 0.05), but not between UL and WV (p = 0.526). The gutta-percha density of the roots treated with WV and UL increased towards the coronal aspect, but this trend was not noted in the CL group. Conclusions: WV compaction and UL compaction produced a significantly denser gutta-percha root filling than CL compaction. The density of gutta-percha was observed to increase towards the coronal aspect when the former two techniques were used.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.19-35
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• 2020

Objectives The aim of this study is to evaluate the fracture healing effect of Jinmu-tang (JM) on femur fractured rats. Methods Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (normal, control, positive control, JM extract with low concentration and JM extract with high concentration). All group except normal group went through both femur fracture. Normal and control group received no treatment at all. Positive control group were medicated with tramadol (20 mg/kg) once a day for 14 days. Experimental group was orally medicated with JM extract (10 mg/kg for low concentration, 50 mg/kg for high concentration) once a day for 14 days. In order to investigate fracture healing process, plasma and serum were obtained. Also, micro-computed tomography was conducted to see the frature site visually. Immunohistochemistry for transforming growth factor-β1, Ki67, alkaline phosphatase, runt-related transcription factor 2, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-β, tartrate resistant acid phosphatase was conducted to observe bone healing progress after 14 days since fracture occured. Aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels were measured in plasma, for hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of JM extract. Osteocalcin was measured to observe activity of osteoblast. Results Through Micro-CT, more fracture healing was observed on both experimental group than control and positive control group. Through Hematoxylin & Eosin and safranin O staining showed bone cell proliferation and bone formation in the experimental group. RANK was significantly increased in the experimental groups. JM with high concentration showed statistically significant of TGF-β and Osteocalcin. NO, TRAP and ALP were not significantly changed. Liver toxicity was not significantly observed. Creatinine significantly increased in both experimental groups after 28 days. Conclusions As described above, JM extract showed anti-inflammatory effect, promoted fracture healing by stimulating the bone regeneration factor, and showed little hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In conclusion, JM extract can promote fracture healing and it can be used clinically to patients with fracture.