• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
• /
• v.30 no.4
• /
• pp.301-309
• /
• 2020

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of white noise on dynamic balance in patients with stroke during walking. Method: Nineteen patients with chronic stroke (age: 61.2±9.8 years, height: 164.4±7.4 cm, weight: 61.1±9.4 kg, paretic side (R/L): 11/8, duration: 11.6±4.9 years) were included as study participants. Auditory stimulus used white noise, and all participants listened for 40 minutes mixing six types of natural sounds with random sounds. The dynamic balancing ability was evaluated while all participants walked before and after listening to white noise. The variables were the center of pressure (CoP), the center of mass (CoM), CoP-CoM inclined angle. Results: There is a significant increase in the antero-posterior (A-P) CoP range, A-P inclination angle, and gait speed on the paretic and non-paretic sides following white noise intervention (p<.05). Conclusion: Our findings confirmed the positive effect of using white noise as auditory stimulus through a more objective and quantitative assessment using CoP-CoM inclination angle as an evaluation indicator for assessing dynamic balance in patients with chronic stroke. The A-P and M-L inclination angle can be employed as a useful indicator for evaluating other exercise programs and intervention methods for functional enhancement of patients with chronic stroke in terms of their effects on dynamic balance and effectiveness.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
• /
• v.28 no.6
• /
• pp.613-616
• /
• 2011

A 5-year-old male German shepherd dog was presented with a 4 day-history of anorexia and depression. Abdominal radiographs showed a large soft tissue mass and loss of serosal detail. Ultrasonographs revealed splenomegaly with the lacy pattern parenchyma, perivenous hyperechoic region at the splenic hilum, and loss of splenic venous flow. Computed tomographic findings included the enlarged non-enhanced spleen except perivenous region at the splenic hilum and a whirled soft tissue mass at the splenic hilum. Exploratory laparotomy confirmed the diagnosis of splenic torsion. Ultrasonographic findings including lacy appearance, hyperechoic perivenous echogenicity and absence of splenic blood flow and CT findings including no or minimal enhancement of the spleen and a whirled appearance of splenic pedicle could be useful for diagnosing isolated splenic torsion in the dog.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
• /
• v.56 no.2
• /
• pp.162-165
• /
• 2014

Idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis (IHSP) is a chronic, progressive, inflammatory disorder characterized by marked fibrosis of the spinal dura mater with unknown etiology. According to the location of the lesion, it might induce neurologic deficits by compression of spinal cord and nerve root. A 58-year old female with a 3-year history of progressive weakness in both lower extremities was referred to our institute. Spinal computed tomography (CT) scan showed an osteolytic lesion involving base of the C6 spinous process with adjacent epidural mass. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an epidural mass involving dorsal aspect of cervical spinal canal from C5 to C7 level, with low signal intensity on T1 and T2 weighted images and non-enhancement on T1 weighted-enhanced images. We decided to undertake surgical exploration. At the operation field, there was yellow colored, thickened fibrous tissue over the dura mater. The lesion was removed totally, and decompression of spinal cord was achieved. Symptoms improved partially after the operation. Histopathologically, fibrotic pachymeninges with scanty inflammatory cells was revealed, which was compatible with diagnosis of idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis. Six months after operation, motor power grade of both lower extremities was normal on physical examination. However, the patient still complained of mild weakness in the right lower extremity. Although the nature of IHSP is generally indolent, decompressive surgery should be considered for the patient with definite or progressive neurologic symptoms in order to prevent further deterioration. In addition, IHSP can present as an osteolytic lesion. Differential diagnosis with neoplastic disease, including giant cell tumor, is important.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.24 no.9
• /
• pp.838-848
• /
• 2023

Objective: To quantitatively analyze the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) characteristics of chemotherapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) and explore their prognostic value for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Materials and Methods: A total of 145 patients (male:female = 76:69, mean age = 63.0 years) with cancer and heart failure who underwent CMR between January 2015 and January 2021 were included. CMR was performed using a 3T scanner (Siemens). Biventricular functions, native T1 T2, extracellular volume fraction (ECV) values, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of the left ventricle (LV) were compared between those with and without CTRCD. These were compared between patients with mild-to-moderate CTRCD and those with severe CTRCD. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between the CMR parameters and MACE occurrence during follow-up in the CTRCD patients. Results: Among 145 patients, 61 had CTRCD and 84 did not have CTRCD. Native T1, ECV, and T2 were significantly higher in the CTRCD group (1336.9 ms, 32.5%, and 44.7 ms, respectively) than those in the non-CTRCD group (1303.4 ms, 30.5%, and 42.0 ms, respectively; P = 0.013, 0.010, and < 0.001, respectively). They were not significantly different between patients with mild-to-moderate and severe CTRCD. Indexed LV mass was significantly smaller in the CTRCD group (65.0 g/m² vs. 78.9 g/mm²; P < 0.001). According to the multivariable Cox regression analysis, T2 (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.27; P = 0.028) and quantified LGE (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.13; P = 0.021) were independently associated with MACE in the CTRCD patients. Conclusion: Quantitative parameters from CMR have the potential to evaluate myocardial changes in CTRCD. Increased T2 with reduced LV mass was demonstrated in CTRCD patients even before the development of severe cardiac dysfunction. T2 and quantified LGE may be independent prognostic factors for MACE in patients with CTRCD.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.20 no.5
• /
• pp.812-822
• /
• 2019

Objective: To assess the diagnostic value of combining diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) with conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for differentiating between pathologic and traumatic fractures at extremities from metastasis. Materials and Methods: Institutional Review Board approved this retrospective study and informed consent was waived. This study included 49 patients each with pathologic and traumatic fractures at extremities. The patients underwent conventional MRI combined with DWI. For qualitative analysis, two radiologists (R1 and R2) independently reviewed three imaging sets with a crossover design using a 5-point scale and a 3-scale confidence level: DWI plus non-enhanced MRI (NEMR; DW set), NEMR plus contrast-enhanced fat-saturated T1-weighted imaging (CEFST1; CE set), and DWI plus NEMR plus CEFST1 (combined set). McNemar's test was used to compare the diagnostic performances among three sets and perform subgroup analyses (single vs. multiple bone abnormality, absence/presence of extra-osseous mass, and bone enhancement at fracture margin). Results: Compared to the CE set, the combined set showed improved diagnostic accuracy (R1, 84.7 vs. 95.9%; R2, 91.8 vs. 95.9%, p < 0.05) and specificity (R1, 71.4% vs. 93.9%, p < 0.005; R2, 85.7% vs. 98%, p = 0.07), with no difference in sensitivities (p > 0.05). In cases of absent extra-osseous soft tissue mass and present fracture site enhancement, the combined set showed improved accuracy (R1, 82.9-84.4% vs. 95.6-96.3%, p < 0.05; R2, 90.2-91.1% vs. 95.1-95.6%, p < 0.05) and specificity (R1, 68.3-72.9% vs. 92.7-95.8%, p < 0.005; R2, 83.0-85.4% vs. 97.6-98.0%, p = 0.07). Conclusion: Combining DWI with conventional MRI improved the diagnostic accuracy and specificity while retaining sensitivity for differentiating between pathologic and traumatic fractures from metastasis at extremities.

• Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering
• /
• v.26 no.7
• /
• pp.315-321
• /
• 2014

In this study, external condensation heat transfer coefficients (HTCs) of two non-azeotropic refrigerant mixtures of HFC32/HFC152a at various compositions were measured on both 26 fpi low-fin and Turbo-C enhanced tubes, of 19.0 mm outside diameter. All data were taken at the vapor temperature of $39^{\circ}C$, with a wall subcooling of 3~8 K. Test results showed that the HTCs of the tested mixtures on the enhanced tubes were much lower than the ideal values calculated by mass fraction weighting of the pure component HTCs. Also, the reduction of HTCs due to the diffusion vapor film was much larger than that of a plain tube. Unlike HTCs of pure fluids, HTCs of the mixtures measured on enhanced tubes increased, as the wall subcooling increased, which was due to the sudden break-up of the vapor diffusion film with an increase in wall subcooling. Finally, the heat transfer enhancement ratios for mixtures were found to be much lower, than those of pure fluids.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.101-109
• /
• 2013

Objective: To investigate roles of dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance (DCE MR) and diffusion-weighted (DW) imaging in preoperative prediction of underestimation of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) ${\geq}2cm$ on US guided core needle biopsy. Materials and Methods: Twenty two patients with DCIS on US-guided 14 gauge core needle biopsy were included. Patients were divided into a group with and without DCIS underestimation based on histopathology. MR images including DCE and DW imaging were obtained with a 3.0-T MR. The lesion type (mass or non-mass), enhancement pattern, peak enhancement, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values of proven malignant masses were generated using software of CADstream and compared between two groups using Fisher's exact test and Mann Whitney test. Results: Eight patients were in the group with underestimation and 14 patients were in the group without underestimation. The lesion type and enhancement pattern were not different between two groups (P values = 1.000 and 0.613, respectively). The median peak enhancement of lesions with underestimation was 159.5%, higher than 133.5% of those without underestimation, but not significant (P value = 0.413). The median ADC value of lesions with underestimation was $1.26{\times}10^{-3}mm^2/sec$, substantially lower than $1.35{\times}10^{-3}mm^2/sec$ of those without underestimation (P value = 0.094). Conclusion: ADC values had the potential to preoperatively predict DCIS underestimation on US-guided core needle biopsy, although a large prospective series study should be conducted to confirm these results.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
• /
• v.1 no.1
• /
• pp.133-140
• /
• 1998

The following conclusions are based upon data collected and visual observations made during the performance of the tests : 1. The performance of the erosion control products tested was for a particular set of conditions, and may be expected to differ if any or all of the test parameters were to be changed. If even just one parameter is changed from one test to the next, the results can be expected to be different. 2. Due to the fact that only two replications of each product were tested, we believe that the results presented herein are indicative only and not conclusive. 3. The ECB SC produced the least amount of soil erosion followed by ECB S, ECB C, and Coir No. 2, in that order. 4. All of the erosion control blankets tested significantly reduced soil erosion rates with respect to the bare soil controls. 5. The ECB S produced the smallest water runoff rate, followed closely by ECB SC. Next in order were ECB C and Coir No. 2. 6. All of the erosion control blankets reduced the water runoff rate with respect to the bare soil control. 7. Mesh 2cm There was not much difference in plant height for the four erosion control blankets and the bare soil control plots. the ECB S produced slightly taller plants than the rest of the materials tested. 8. The four erosion control blankets(ECB C, ECB SC, ECB S, and Coir No. 2) produced a larger plant mass than the bare soil plots. The difference between the plant mass for the four erosion control blankets, however, is minimal. 9. The ECB C produced the least percentage of lost seed and the largest percentage of germinating seed. 10. The ECB SC had the second smaller percentage of seed lost, followed closely by ECB S, and then by Coir No. 2. 11. All erosion control blankets had a smaller percentage of seed lost than the bare soil control plots. 12. The ECB C had the second largest percentage of germinating seed, followed closely by ECB SC and Coir No. 2. 13. All erosion control blankets had a larger percentage of germinating seed than the bare soil control plots. 14. The ECB C had the smallest percentage of non-germinating seed, followed by ECB S, Coir No. 2, and ECB SC, in that order. 15. All erosion control blankets had smaller percentages of non-germinating seed than the bare soil control plots.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.22 no.8
• /
• pp.1323-1331
• /
• 2021

Objective: To identify the association between renal tumor complexity and pathologic renal sinus invasion (RSI) and evaluate the usefulness of computed tomography tumor features for predicting RSI in patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 276 consecutive patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for RCC with a size of ≤ 7 cm between January 2014 and October 2017. Tumor complexity and anatomical renal sinus involvement were evaluated using two standardized scoring systems: the radius (R), exophytic or endophytic (E), nearness to collecting system or sinus (N), anterior or posterior (A), and location relative to polar lines (RENAL) nephrometry and preoperative aspects and dimensions used for anatomical classification (PADUA) system. CT-based tumor features, including shape, enhancement pattern, margin at the interface of the renal sinus (smooth vs. non-smooth), and finger-like projection of the mass, were also assessed by two independent radiologists. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors of RSI. The positive predictive value, negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy of anatomical renal sinus involvement, and tumor features were evaluated. Results: Eighty-one of 276 patients (29.3%) demonstrated RSI. Among highly complex tumors (RENAL or PADUA score ≥ 10), the frequencies of RSI were 42.4% (39/92) and 38.0% (71/187) using RENAL and PADUA scores, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that a non-smooth margin and the presence of a finger-like projection were significant predictors of RSI. Anatomical renal sinus involvement showed high NPVs (91.7% and 95.2%) but low accuracy (40.2% and 43.1%) for RSI, whereas the presence of a non-smooth margin or finger-like projection demonstrated comparably high NPVs (90.0% and 91.3% for both readers) and improved accuracy (67.0% and 73.9%, respectively). Conclusion: A non-smooth margin or the presence of a finger-like projection can be used as a preoperative CT-based tumor feature for predicting RSI in patients with RCC.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.37 no.4
• /
• pp.481-484
• /
• 2010

Purpose: Congenital dermoid cysts develop during the fusion of the embryo when the ectodermal tissue gets trapped in the line of fusion. Dermoid cysts of the head are rare lesions comprised of epidermal and mesodermal elements. Furthermore, dermoid cysts in the occipital area are extremely rare. Only a few cases of dermoid cysts in the posterior scalp have been reported. Especially, A bilateral, synchronous presentation in this location has not been reported previously in the literature. Methods: All 5 cases had a gradually enlarging mass of the posterior aspect of the scalp. The cysts were mobile, noncompressible, and non-tender, without evidence of an associated sinus tract, skin dimpling, discoloration, or communication with adjacent structures. The CT scan displayed a hypodense cystic lesions about -87 to +24 HU (Housefield units, average +3.2 HU) with hypodense capsule and no postcontrast enhancement. All tumors were found just under the skin, and were well encapsulated, so they were completely removed the mass with adjacent periosteum. Results: On gross findings, all tumors were oval-or round-shaped, and when the cystic tumor was cut open it presented a greasy and caseous substance. Histologically, all specimens contain desquamated squamous epithelium and keratin in the lumen and are encapsulated and lined by keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. And, all cases of posterior mass are the presence of adnexal structures. Conclusion: Appropriate diagnosis requires not only an index of suspicion for this rare tumor a very careful history and search for skin changes. Especially, CT can reveal the exact location of the cyst, its relationship with the adjacent structures. We think that occipital dermoids divide into superficial and deep type. In our cases, because they did not have intra-cranial involvement or fistula formation, they are superficial type. This report describes the clinical and operative aspects of the superficial dermoid cysts and provides a review of the literatures.