• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.13-19
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• 2009

Osteoporosis is characterized by impaired osteogenesis. BMD is a major determinant of bone strength. The role of the VDR gene in predisposition to primary osteoporosis has been recognized. However, population-based case-control studies have been reported controversial results for known candidate genes in an ethnically distinct group. To determine the genetic effects of VDR variants on osteoporosis and BMD, we directly sequenced the VDR gene in 24 unrelated Korean individuals and identified eighteen sequence variants. We investigated the potential involvement of eight SNPs in osteoporosis in postmenopausal women (n = 729). Two SNPs (LD) in intron 2, -5294G>C (rs2238135) and -4817G>A (rs17882443) showed the evidence of association with enhanced BMD of the femoral neck ($p_{additive}$=0.031 for rs2238135; $p_{additive}$=0.017 and $p_{dominant}$= 0.019 for 17882443). Moreover, VDR -4817G>A was significantly associated with protective effect on all fracture risk ($p_{recessive}$=0.035, OR=0.2, 95% CI=$0.05{\sim}0.89$), and tended to be higher BMD values at various proximal femur sites. Therefore, we suggest that the -4817G>A may be useful genetic marker for vitamin D-related metabolism and may have an important role in the increased BMD of the proximal femur in postmenopausal Korean women.

• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• v.33 no.48
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• pp.316.1-316.10
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• 2018

Background: Water pressure and muscle contraction may influence bone mineral density (BMD) in a positive way. However, divers experience weightlessness, which has a negative effect on BMD. The present study investigated BMD difference in normal controls and woman free-divers with vertebral fracture and with no fracture. Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2014, traditional woman divers (known as Haenyeo in Korean), and non-diving women were investigated. The study population was divided into osteoporotic vertebral fracture and non-fracture groups. The BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck was measured. The radiological parameters for global spinal sagittal balance were measured. Results: Thirty free-diving women and thirty-three non-diving women were enrolled in this study. The mean age of the divers was $72.1{\pm}4.7$ years and that of the controls was $72.7{\pm}4.0$ years (P = 0.61). There was no statistical difference in BMD between the divers and controls. In divers, cervical lordosis and pelvic tilt were significantly increased in the fracture subgroup compared to the non-fracture subgroup (P = 0.028 and P = 0.008, respectively). Sagittal vertical axis was statistically significantly correlated with cervical lordosis (Spearman's rho R = 0.41, P = 0.03), and pelvic tilt (Spearman's rho R = 0.46, P = 0.01) in divers. Conclusion: BMD did not differ significantly between divers and controls during their postmenopausal period. When osteoporotic spinal fractures develop, compensation mechanisms, such as increased cervical lordosis and pelvic tilt, was more evident in traditional woman divers. This may be due to the superior back muscle strength and spinal mobility of this group of women.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.392-405
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• 2020

Purpose: Titanium implants are widely used in the treatment of dentition defects; however, due to problems such as osseointegration failure, peri-implant bone resorption, and periimplant inflammation, their application is subject to certain restrictions. The surface modification of titanium implants can improve the implant success rate and meet the needs of clinical applications. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of the use of porous titanium with a chitosan/hydroxyapatite coating on osseointegration. Methods: Titanium implants with a dense core and a porous outer structure were prepared using a computer-aided design model and selective laser sintering technology, with a fabricated chitosan/hydroxyapatite composite coating on their surfaces. In vivo and in vitro experiments were used to assess osteogenesis. Results: The quasi-elastic gradient and compressive strength of porous titanium implants were observed to decrease as the porosity increased. The in vitro experiments demonstrated that, the porous titanium implants had no biological toxicity; additionally, the porous structure was shown to be superior to dense titanium with regard to facilitating the adhesion and proliferation of osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells. The in vivo experimental results also showed that the porous structure was beneficial, as bone tissue could grow into the pores, thereby exhibiting good osseointegration. Conclusions: Porous titanium with a chitosan/hydroxyapatite coating promoted MC3T3-E1 cell proliferation and differentiation, and also improved osseointegration in vitro. This study has meaningful implications for research into ways of improving the surface structures of implants and promoting implant osseointegration.

• Fashion & Textile Research Journal
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.336-345
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• 2019

This study evaluated the preference and wearing characteristics of existing fitness compression wear for elderly women and identified the problems and improvements of existing fitness apparel. Preference and wearing characteristics for 6 types (A-F) of upper and lower fitness compression wear were evaluated. Photos and drawings as well as the preferred designs and details were investigated after presenting the evaluation clothing. Evaluations were made on a 5 point Likert scale for the fitness, allowance, pressure, ease of movement, fabric material, and overall satisfaction after wearing. The design preference indicated that B type (26.6%) and C type (23.4%) were preferred in the top with C, E and F type preferred to the same ratio of 19.4% in the slacks. The fitness and allowance amount of the top B type were the most appropriate (${\geq}4$), the C type was in close contact (2.86), and the F type was inadequate in the neck circumference (1.77). The feeling of pressure was high in the waist, abdomen, thighs, and knees. The area where the elderly people want to improve their strength was the legs; in addition, a pattern design was needed to strengthen leg muscles when designing fitness compression wear. However, a design with excessive adhesion due to a muscle support band was shown to be not preferred. Therefore, depending on the activity, it is necessary to develop a fitness compression wear that applies an optimum stretching ratio of fabric based on body surface area changes.

• Journal of TMJ Balancing Medicine
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• v.13 no.sup
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• pp.27-33
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• 2023

The purpose of this study is to describe the effects of temporomandibular joint balancing therapy on a patient with a spinal accessory neuropathy. A patient reported sternocleidomastoid muscle and trapezius muscle weakness after self-massage. The patient was instructed to wear the Accurate Balancing Appliance (ABA) for at least 8 hours per day and maintain an upright posture. The patient received cervical spine manipulation on day 2, 4, and 6. The patient's progress was tracked based on the angle at which the head turned to the right from the midline when she lifted her head while lying down, as well as the muscle strength and pain in the right trapezius muscle. The patient recovered spontaneously after 7 days. The ABA and cervical spine manipulation assisted the patient in reducing fatigue and discomfort during daily activities.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1115-1118
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• 2016

Background: There is controversy about ablation efficacy of low or high doses of radioiodine-131 (RAI) in patients with differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC). The purpose of this prospective study was to determine efficacy of 30 mCi and 100 mCi of RAI to achieve successful ablation in patients with low to intermediate risk DTC. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross sectional study was conducted from April 2013 to November 2015. Inclusion criteria were patients of either gender, 18 years or older, having low to intermediate risk papillary and follicular thyroid cancers with T1-3, N0/N1/Nx but no evidence of distant metastasis. Thirty-nine patients were administered 30 mCi of RAI while 61 patients were given 100 mCi. Informed consent was acquired from all patients and counseling was done by nuclear physicians regarding benefits and possible side effects of RAI. After an average of 6 months (range 6-16 months; 2-3 weeks after thyroxin withdrawal), these patients were followed up for stimulated TSH, thyroglobulin (sTg) and thyroglobulin antibodies, ultrasound neck (U/S) and a diagnostic whole body iodine scan (WBIS) for ablation outcome. Successful ablation was concluded with stimulated Tg< 2ng/ml with negative antibodies, negative U/S and a negative diagnostic WBIS (triple negative criteria). ROC curve analysis was used to find diagnostic strength of baseline sTg to predict successful ablation. Results: Successful ablation based upon triple negative criteria was 56% in the low dose and 57% in the high dose group (non-significant difference). Based on a single criterion (follow-up sTg<2 ng/ml), values were 82% and 77% (again non-significant). The ROC curve revealed that a baseline sTg level ${\leq}7.4ng/ml$ had the highest diagnostic strength to predict successful ablation in all patients. Conclusions: We conclude that 30 mCi of RAI has similar ablation success to 100 mCi dose in patients with low to intermediate risk DTC. A baseline $sTg{\leq}7.4ng/ml$ is a strong predictor of successful ablation in all patients. Low dose RAI is safer, more cost effective and more convenient for patients and healthcare providers.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.27 no.2 s.46
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• pp.230-241
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• 1994

Though people occupationally exposed to machineries and automation in the industrialized society desire work involving decreased strength, due to the continuous and repetitive activities, a new industrial stress is present. Studies on prevalence of musculoskeletal disease and their related risk factors have evolved. In this study in relation to work tasks, we investigated the differences in musculoskeletal symptoms occurring In each body region. The results of the survey were as follows. 1. When comparing age, level of education, work duration, job satisfaction and leisure time activities according to work task, age in control group was $38.83{\pm}5.5$, in comparison to the other 2 groups was smaller(p<0.05), and level of education in control group was higher (p<0.05). Work duration in the cutting department was $8.04{\pm}4.99$ years longer than the other 2 groups (p<0.05), but there was no difference in the job satisfaction and leisure time activities. 2. The mean of symptom scores of each work task was 1.54 in the cutting department, 1.57 in the press department and 1.59 in the control group, and there was no significant differnce in the 3 groups. The mean of symptom scores for upper extremities in the control group was low but no statistically significant diffrence was shown. 3. When comparing the mean of symptom score according to work task in the each body region, in the shoulder region, the symptom score in the press department which desired strength was higher than the other 2 groups but no significant difference was shown. In the wrist region the cutting department scored 1.01 and in comparison to the other 2 groups was significantly increased (p<0.05). 4. The results of the univariate regression analysis on the major individual risk factors associated with musculoskeletal symptom relating work showed that previous symptom complaints in the same body region was significant risk factor(p<0.001) in the whole body Besides wrist, hip, and knee, psychological problem was shown to be a significant factor(p<0.05). And the body regions which work task was significant risk factor were wrist and neck region (p<0.05). 5. The results of the multiple regression analysis involving significant factors of each body region from the univariate regression analysis showed that previous symptom complaint in whole body region(p<0.001) and psychological problem in the shoulder, elbow and lumbar region (p<0.05) were significant factors, and work task was significant factor in the wrist (p<0.05).

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.67-75
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• 2019

Background: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is an involuntary leakage of urine from the urethra when intra-abdominal pressure increases, such as from sneezing, coughing, or physical exertion. It is caused by insufficient strength of the pelvic floor and sphincter muscles, resulting from vaginal delivery, obesity, hard physical work, or aging. The pelvic floor electrical stimulator is a conservative treatment generally used to relieve the symptoms of urinary incontinence. it recommended to applied before surgery is performed. Objects: The purpose of this study was to determine if the transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TCES) would be effective for the physiological symptoms and psychological satisfaction of women with SUI for an 8-weeks intervention. Methods: Easy-K is a specially designed user-friendly TCES. Five female who were diagnosed with SUI by a gynecologist but who did not require surgical intervention were included in this study. Intervention was implemented over an 8-week period. Outcome measures included vaginal ultrasonography, Levator ani muscle (LAM) contraction strength, incontinence quality of life (I-QOL), and female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaires. Results: The bladder neck position significantly decreased across assessment time. Funneling index and urethral width significantly decreased after 8 weeks of intervention (p<.05). The bladder necksymphyseal distance and posterior rhabdosphincter thickness statistically increased and the anterior rhabdosphincter thickness showed a tendency to increase. All participants demonstrated a significant increase in the LAM contraction score across three assessment times (p<.05). Although the total score of the I-QOL did not show significant improvement, it steadily increased and among I-QOL subscales, only the "avoidance" subscale showed statistical improvements (p<.05). The total score of the FSFI statistically improved and the "desire" score significantly changed (p<.05). Conclusion: The TCES is recommended for women who want to apply conservative treatments before surgery and who have suffered from SUI in aspects of sexual function and quality of life.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.199-204
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• 2010

Members used for the Korean traditional joints have been processed by handicraft, especially with domestic red pine species. Dovetail joint is most commonly used in woodworking joinery and traditional horizontal and vertical connections. It is able to be processed much easier to cut by handicraft and machines. However, although it is processed straight forwards, it requires a high degree of accuracy to ensure a snug fit. Also, tenons and mortises must fit together with no gap between them so that the joint interlocks tightly. A few scientific studies on the dovetail joints have been conducted so far. For the effective applications of traditional joints and domestic plantation wood species, dovetail joints were assembled by larch glulam members processed by machine pre-cut. To identify the tensile properties of through dovetail joints, larch glulam with 150 150mm in cross section were prepared. Furthermore, various geometric parameters of dovetai joints such as width, length, and tenon angle, were surveyed. The ends in the mortise was cracked mainly at a low strength level in the control specimens without reinforcements. The maximum tensile strengths of reinforced specimens considering real connections such as capital joint and headpiece on a column, increasedby handicraft, especially with domestic red pine species. Dovetail joint is most commonly used in woodworking joinery and traditional horizontal and vertical connections. It is able to be processed much easier to cut by handicraft and machines. However, although it is processed straight forwards, it requires a high degree of accuracy to ensure a snug fit. Also, tenons and mortises must fit together with no gap between them so that the joint interlocks tightly. A few scientific studies on the dovetail joints have been conducted so far. For the effective applications of traditional joints and domestic plantation wood species, dovetail joints were assembled by larch glulam members processed by machine pre-cut. To identify the tensile properties of through dovetail joints, larch glulam with 150 150mm in cross section were prepared. Furthermore, various geometric parameters of dovetai joints such as width, length, and tenon angle, were surveyed. The ends in the mortise was cracked mainly at a low strength level in the control specimens without reinforcements. The maximum tensile strengths of reinforced specimens considering real connections such as capital joint and headpiece on a column, increased by two times with shear failures on the tenon than the control specimens. The maximum tensile strength was obtained in the specimen of 25 degrees, and no difference was observed in the changes of neck widths.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2014

Purpose : To derive the most appropriate factors by considering the effects of the major factors when applied to the optimization algorithm, thereby aiding the effective designing of a ideal treatment plan. Materials and Methods : The eclipse treatment planning system(Eclipse 10.0, Varian, USA) was used in this study. The PBC (Pencil Beam Convolution) algorithm was used for dose calculation, and the DVO (Dose Volume Optimizer 10.0.28) Optimization algorithm was used for intensity modulated radiation therapy. The experimental group consists of patients receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy for the head and neck cancer and dose prescription to two planned target volume was 2.2 Gy and 2.0 Gy simultaneously. Treatment plan was done with inverse dose calculation methods utilizing 6 MV beam and 7 fields. The optimal algorithm parameter of the established plan was selected based on volume dose-priority(Constrain), dose fluence smooth value and the impact of the treatment plan was analyzed according to the variation of each factors. Volume dose-priority determines the reference conditions and the optimization process was carried out under the condition using same ratio, but different absolute values. We evaluated the surrounding normal organs of treatment volume according to the changing conditions of the absolute values of the volume dose-priority. Dose fluence smooth value was applied by simply changing the reference conditions (absolute value) and by changing the related volume dose-priority. The treatment plan was evaluated using Conformal Index, Paddick's Conformal Index, Homogeneity Index and the average dose of each organs. Results : When the volume dose-priority values were directly proportioned by changing the absolute values, the CI values were found to be different. However PCI was $1.299{\pm}0.006$ and HI was $1.095{\pm}0.004$ while D5%/D95% was $1.090{\pm}1.011$. The impact on the prescribed dose were similar. The average dose of parotid gland decreased to 67.4, 50.3, 51.2, 47.1 Gy when the absolute values of the volume dose-priority increased by 40,60,70,90. When the dose smooth strength from each treatment plan was increased, PCI value increased to $1.338{\pm}0.006$. Conclusion : The optimization algorithm was more influenced by the ratio of each condition than the absolute value of volume dose-priority. If the same ratio was maintained, similar treatment plan was established even if the absolute values were different. Volume dose-priority of the treatment volume should be more than 50% of the normal organ volume dose-priority in order to achieve a successful treatment plan. Dose fluence smooth value should increase or decrease proportional to the volume dose-priority. Volume dose-priority is not enough to satisfy the conditions when the absolute value are applied solely.