• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제63권3호
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• pp.397-405
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• 2020

Objective : We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy of Gamma Knife radiosurgery (GKS) for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in patients who previously underwent radiotherapy, and analyzed the treatment outcomes over 14 years. Methods : Ten patients with recurrent NPC who had previously received radiotherapy underwent stereotactic radiosurgery using a Gamma Knife^® (Elekta Inc, Atlanta, GA, USA) between 2005 and 2018. The median target volume was 8.2 ㎤ (range, 1.7-17.8), and the median radiation dose to the target was 18 Gy (range, 12-30). The median follow-up period was 18 months (range, 6-76 months). Overall and local failure-free survival rates were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results : The NPCs recurred at the primary cancer site in seven patients (70%), as distant brain metastasis in two (20%), and as an extension into brain in one (10%). The recurrent tumors in seven of the 10 patients (70%) were found on the routine follow-up imaging studies. Two patients presented with headache and one with facial pain. Local failure after GKS occurred in five patients (50%) : two of whom died eight and 6 months after GKS, respectively. No adverse radiation effects were noted after GKS. The 1- and 3-year overall survival rates after GKS were 90% and 77%, respectively. The local failure-free survival rates at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years after GKS were 80%, 48%, and 32%, respectively. The median interval from GKS to local failure was 8 months (range, 6-12). Univariate analysis revealed that using co-registration with positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was associated with a lower local failure rate of recurrent NPC (p=0.027). Conclusion : GKS is an acceptable salvage treatment option for patients with recurrent NPC who previously received radiation therapy. PET-CT and MRI co-registration for dose planning can help achieve local control of recurrent NPC.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제52권7호
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• pp.804-810
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• 2009

목 적 : 영아연축은 이차성 전신간질중의 하나로 간질 병소를 발견하기 힘든 질환중의 하나이다. 이에 저자들은 $^{99m}Tc-ECD$ 추적자의 느린 점적 주사를 이용한 발작기 SPECT를 통하여 영아 연축 환아에서 간질 병소를 찾아보고자 하였다. 방 법 : 2005년 3월부터 2007년 2월까지 연세대학교 의과대학 소아과에 내원한 영아 연축 14명의 환아를 대상으로 첫 연축이 발생하는 시점에 $^{99m}Tc-ECD$ 를 2분에 걸쳐 천천히 같은 속도로 주입하였다. 발작간기와 발작기 간의 SPECT 의 차이를 비교하였으며 객관적인 비교를 위하여 SISCOM기법을 사용하였다. 또한 간질 병소를 발견할 수 있는 진단기법인 뇌파, 자기공명영상, 양전자단층촬영(PET) 등과 비교 분석하였다. 결 과 : 전체 14례의 추적자의 느린 점적 주사를 이용한 발작기 SPECT 중 10례에서 간질 병소의 혈류가 증가하였다. 비디오 뇌파와 발작기 SPECT에서 간질병소의 일치율은 Kappa=0.57, 95% confidence interval: 0.18-0.96로 높게 나왔다. 이 중 6례에서 발작기 SPECT와 비디오 뇌파에 근거하여 간질 수술을 시행하였으며 수술적 예후가 Engle class I으로 좋은 결과를 보였다. 결 론 : 추적자의 느린 점적 주사를 이용한 발작기 SPECT는 간질 병소를 찾기 어려운 영아 연축 환아에서 간질 병소를 찾아내는데 중요한 역할을 하는 것을 알 수 있었다. 그러나 보다 큰 규모의 전향적인 연구가 필요할 것으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제63권5호
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• pp.623-630
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• 2020

Objective : A primary degenerative sagittal imbalance has been considered because of unique lifestyles such as the prolonged crouched posture during agricultural work and performing activities of daily living on the floor. Previous papers have reported that sagittal imbalance disease is often seen distinctly in the farming districts of "oriental" countries such as Korea and Japan. However, this finding was only evaluated with the use of X-ray, and other factors such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), muscle volume, compression fracture, and laboratory results were not considered. Thus, using these, we evaluate the agricultural work-associated factors for Korean elderly spinal sagittal imbalance. Methods : We recruited 103 Korean participants who had a sagittal vertical axis (SVA) of >5 cm in this Korean Elderly Sagittal Imbalance Cohort Study. The following were evaluated : radiological parameters, MRI, compression fracture, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone, C-terminal telopeptide, osteocalcin, bone mineral density and muscle fatty change, muscle volume, and health-related quality of life from patients' survey. Moreover, in this survey, the farmers' annual working hours were investigated. Subsequently, we analyzed the associated factors for spinal sagittal imbalance depending on occupation. Results : A total of 46 participants were farmers, and the others were housewives, sellers, and office workers. The farmer group had more SVA (141 vs. 99 mm, p=0.001) and pelvic tilt (31° vs. 24°, p=0.004) and lesser lumbar lordosis (20° vs. 30°, p=0.009) and thoracic kyphosis (24° vs. 33°, p=0.03) than non-farmer group. A significantly positive correlation was noted between the working hour and SVA in the farmer group (p=0.014). The visual analogue scale score for back pain (8.26 vs. 6.96, p=0.008) and Oswestry Disability Index (23.5 vs. 19.1, p=0.003) in the farmer group were higher than that in the non-farmer group, but the Short Form-36 score was not significantly different between the two groups. The Mini-Mental State Exam score was significantly lower in the farmer group than in the non-farmer group (24.85 vs. 26.98, p=0.002). Conclusion : The farmer group had more sagittal imbalance and back pain in proportion to the working hours even though the muscle and bone factors and general laboratory condition were not significantly different between the two groups. These results supported that the long hours spent in the crouched posture while performing agricultural work were a risk factor for severe sagittal imbalance.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제60권6호
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• pp.667-675
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• 2017

Objective : Total resection without consecutive postoperative whole brain radiation therapy is indicated for patients with a single or two sites of brain metastasis, with close follow-up by serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study, we explored the effectiveness, usefulness, and safety of this follow-up regimen. Methods : From January 2006 to December 2015, a total of 109 patients (76 males, 33 females) underwent tumor resection as the first treatment for brain metastases (97 patients with single metastases, 12 with two metastases). The mean age was 59.8 years (range 27-80). The location of the 121 tumors in the 109 patients was supratentorial (n=98) and in the cerebellum (n=23). The origin of the primary cancers was lung (n=45), breast (n=17), gastrointestinal tract (n=18), hepatobiliary system (n=8), kidney (n=7), others (n=11), and unknown origin (n=3). The 121 tumors were totally resected. Follow-up involved regular clinical and MRI assessments. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) after tumor resection were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier methods based on clinical prognostic factors. Results : During the follow-up, MRI scans were done for 85 patients (78%) with 97 tumors. Fifty-six of the 97 tumors showed no recurrence without adjuvant local treatment, representing a numerical tumor recurrence-free rate of 57.7%. Mean and median RFS was 13.6 and 5.3 months, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed the cerebellar location of the tumor as the only statistically significant prognostic factor related to RFS (p=0.020). Mean and median OS was 15.2 and 8.1 months, respectively. There were no significant prognostic factors related to OS. The survival rate at one year was 8.2% (9 of 109). Conclusion : With close and regular clinical and image follow-up, initial postoperative observation without prompt postoperative radiation therapy can be applied in patients of brain metastasi(e)s when both the tumor(s) are completely resected.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제50권4호
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• pp.299-303
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• 2011

Objective : Brainstem metastases are rarely operable and generally unresponsive to conventional radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Recently, Gamma Knife Radiosurgery (GKRS) was used as feasible treatment option for brainstem metastasis. The present study evaluated our experience of brainstem metastasis which was treated with GKRS. Methods : Between November 1992 and June 2010, 32 patients (23 men and 9 women, mean age 56.1 years, range 39-73) were treated with GKRS for brainstem metastases. There were metastatic lesions in pons in 23, the midbrain in 6, and the medulla oblongata in 3 patients, respectively. The primary tumor site was lung in 21, breast in 3, kidney in 2 and other locations in 6 patients. The mean tumor volume was $1,517mm^3$ (range, 9-6,000), and the mean marginal dose was 15.9 Gy (range, 6-23). Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was obtained every 2-3 months following GKRS. Follow-up MRI was possible in 24 patients at a mean follow-up duration of 12.0 months (range, 1-45). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic factors. Results : Follow-up MRI showed tumor disappearance in 6, tumor shrinkage in 14, no change in tumor size in 1, and tumor growth in 3 patients, which translated into a local tumor control rate of 87.5% (21 of 24 tumors). The mean progression free survival was 12.2 months (range, 2-45) after GKRS. Nine patients were alive at the completion of the study, and the overall mean survival time after GKRS was 7.7 months (range, 1-22). One patient with metastatic melanoma experienced intratumoral hemorrhage during the follow-up period. Survival was found to be associated with score of more than 70 on Karnofsky performance status and low recursive partitioning analysis class (class 1 or 2), in terms of favorable prognostic factors. Conclusion : GKRS was found to be safe and effective for management of brainstem metastasis. The integral clinical status of patient seems to be important in determining the overall survival time.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제26권5호
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• pp.462-469
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• 2000

Positron Emission Tomography(PET) is a new diagnostic method that can create functional images of the distribution of positron emitting radionuclides, which when administered intravenously in the body, makes possible anatomical and functional analysis by quantity of biochemical and physiological process. After genetic and biochemical changes in initial stage, malignant tumor undergoes functional changes before undergoing anatomical changes. So, early diagnosis of malignant tumors by functional analysis with PET can be achieved, replacing traditional anatomical analysis, such as computed tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance image(MRI), etc. Similarly, PET can identify malignant tumor without confusion with scar and fibrosis in follow up check. In the Korea Cancer Center Hospital(KCCH) from October 1997 to September 1999, clinical study was performed in 79 cases that underwent 89 times PET evaluation with [18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose for diagnosis of oral and maxillofacial tumors, and the data was analysed by Bayesian $2{\times}2$ Classification Table. The results were as follows : Evaluation for initial diagnosis with FDG-PET (P<0.005) 1. Agreement rate or accuracy rate is 88.9%. 2. Sensitivity is 95.2%, and specificity 66.7%. 3. Positive predictive rate is 90.9%, and negative predictive rate 80.0%. 4. In consideration of tumor stage, diagnostic rate in less than stage II was 90% and in greater than stage III 100%. 5. In consideration of tumor size, diagnostic rate in less than T2 was 92.3% and in greater than T3 100%. After primary treatment, evaluation for follow up check with FDG-PET (P < 0.001) 1. Agreement rate or accuracy rate is 85.4%. 2. Sensitivity is 87.5%, and specificity 82.4%. 3. Positive predictive rate is 87.5%, and negative predictive rate 82.4%. 4. In 24 recurred cases, 6 had distant metastasis, and 5 of them were diagnosed with FDG-PET, resulting in diagnostic rate of FDG-PET of 83.3%. From the above results, Positron Emission Tomography with [18F]- Fluorodeoxyglucose appears to be more sensitive and accurate for detecting the presence of oral and maxillofacial tumors, and has various clinical applications such as early diagnosis of tumor in initial and follow up check and detection of distant metastasis.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• 제35권5호
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• pp.376-379
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• 2009

Likely to be the most common oral cancer, squamous cell carcinoma(SCC) of the tongue accounts for about 20% of all oral and pharyngeal cancers. SCC of the tongue frequently arises in the lateral border, and if it metastasize, it occurs on submandibular gland and neck lymph nodes. Location of the primary lesions and neck lymph node metastasis affect the prognosis and decrease survival rate of patients with carcinoma of the tongue. The authors experienced the patient with contralateral neck lymph node metastasis of SCC of the tongue. The patient came to our department with chief complaint of elevated lesion on left lateral border of the tongue. The mass was diagnosed as $T_2N_0M_0$, Stage II invasive SCC of oral tongue. Computed tomography(CT) & magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) which were taken before the operation showed no significant finding of metastasis. Surgical mass removal and preventive neck dissection on the left side were done. While follow up PET/CT, contralateral neck lymph node metastasis(right side, level II) was detected, and re-operation(Rt. side RND) was done. There are few studies concerning the contralateral neck lymph node metastasis related with SCC of the tongue. The purpose of this report is to introduce the uncommon case of contralateral neck lymph node metastasis occurred in the $T_2$-stage of SCC of the tongue treated by surgical resection.

• 대한인간공학회지
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• 제33권5호
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• pp.395-405
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• 2014

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate 1) somatotopic arrangement of the second and third fingers in SI area 2) difference of neural activation in the SI area produced by stimulation with different frequencies 3) correlation between the intensity of tactile perception by different stimulus intensity and the level of brain activation measurable by means of fMRI. Background: Somatosensory cortex can obtain the information of environmental stimuli about "where" (e.g., on the left palm), "what" (e.g., a book or a dog), and "how" (e.g., scrub gently or scrub roughly) to organism. However, compared to visual sense, the neural mechanism underlying the processing of specific electrotactile stimulus is still unknown. Method: 10 right-handed subjects participated in this study. Non-painful electrotactile stimuli were delivered to two different finger tips of right hand. Functional brain images were collected from 3.0T MRI using the single-shot EPI method. The scanning parameters were as follows: TR and TE were 3000, 35ms, respectively, flip angle 60, FOV $24{\times}24cm$, matrix size $64{\times}64$, slice thickness 4mm (no gap). SPM5 was used to analyze the fMRI data. Results: Significant activations produced by the stimulation were found in the SI, SII, the subcentral gyrus, the precentral gyrus, and the insula. In all participants, statistically significant activation was observed in the contralateral SI area and the bilateral SII areas by the stimulation on the fingers but ipsilaterally dominant. The SI area representing the second finger generally located in the more lateral and inferior side than that of the third finger across all the subjects. But no difference in brain area was found for the stimulation of the fingers by different frequencies. And two typical patterns were observed on the relationship between the perceived psychological intensity and the amount of voxels in the primary sensory cortex during the stimulation. Conclusion: It was possible to discriminate the representation sites in the SI by electrotactile stimulation of digit2 and digit3. But we could not find the differences of the brain areas according to different stimulation frequencies from 3 to 300Hz. Application: The results of the study can provide a deeper understanding of somatosensory cortex and offer the information for tactile display for blinds.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권9호
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• pp.3595-3604
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• 2015

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been one of the most fatal malignant tumors worldwide and its associated morbidity and mortality remain of significant concern. Based on in-depth reviews of serological diagnosis of HCC, in addition to AFP, there are other biomarkers: Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive AFP (AFP-L3), descarboxyprothrombin (DCP), tyrosine kinase with Ig and eprdermal growth factor (EGF) homology domains 2 (TIE2)-espressing monocytes (TEMs), glypican-3 (GPC3), Golgi protein 73 (GP73), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) have been proposed as biomarkers for the early detection of HCC. The diagnosis of HCC is primarily based on noninvasive standard imaging methods, such as ultrasound (US), dynamic multiphasic multidetector-row CT (MDCT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some experts advocate gadolinium diethyl-enetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) MRI and contrast-enhanced US as the promising imaging madalities of choice. With regard to recent advancements in tissue markers, many cuting-edge technologies using genome-wide DNA microarrays, qRT-PCR, and proteomic and inmunostaining studies have been implemented in an attempt to identify markers for early diagnosis of HCC. Only less than half of HCC patients at initial diagnosis are at an early stage treatable with curative options: local ablation, surgical resection, or liver transplant. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is considered the standard of care with palliation for intermediate stage HCC. Recent innovative procedures using drug-eluting-beads and radioembolization using Yttrium-90 may exhibit beneficial effects in HCC treatment. During the past few years, several molecular targeted agents have been evaluated in clinical trials in advanced HCC. Sorafenib is currently the only approved systemic treatment for HCC. It has been approved for the therapy of asymptomatic HCC patients with well-preserved liver function who are not candidates for potentially curative treatments, such as surgical resection or liver transplantation. In the USA, Europe and particularly Japan, hepatitis C virus (HCV) related HCC accounts for most liver cancer, as compared with Asia-Pacific regions, where hepatitis B virus (HBV) may play a more important role in HCC development. HBV vaccination, while a vaccine is not yet available against HCV, has been recognized as a best primary prevention method for HBV-related HCC, although in patients already infected with HBV or HCV, secondary prevention with antiviral therapy is still a reasonable strategy. In addition to HBV and HCV, attention should be paid to other relevant HCC risk factors, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease due to obesity and diabetes, heavy alcohol consumption, and prolonged aflatoxin exposure. Interestingly, coffee and vitamin K2 have been proven to provide protective effects against HCC. Regarding tertiary prevention of HCC recurrence after surgical resection, addition of antiviral treatment has proven to be a rational strategy.

• 한국잠사곤충학회지
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• 제46권1호
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• pp.23-27
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• 2004

견 피브로인 가수분해물의 몇 가지 특성과 in vitro 및 in vivo에 의한 동물 인지 기능 향상효과를 알아본 결과, 다음과 같은 결과를 얻을 수 있었다. 1) 효소 가수분해 실크 피브로인 펩타이드의 분획에 있어 3가지의 분자량이 다른 분획을 제조할 수 있었다. 2) 분획 별 실크 피브로인 펩타이드의 유리 아미노산 조성은 분획간의 유의차가 나타났으며, 분획 2 및 3의 경우 활성부분을 가진 Cys, Tyr 및 Phe부분이 상당한 양을 차지하였다. 3) 대표적으로 산 및 효소 가수분해물의 핵자기공명(NMR) 법에 의한 구조적 차이는 산으로 가수분해한 저분자와 그렇치 않은 샘풀 간에는 확실한 구조적 차이에 기인한 상이한 스펙트럼을 관측할 수 있었다. 4) 분자량 별 실크 피브로인의 인지기능 향상 효과를 세포배양(in vitro)및 동물투여(in vivo)에 의해 알아본 결과, 세포배양에 의한 활성 효과는 분자량에 따라 다소 차이가 나타났으며, 그 중 분자량 500미만의 샘플군(LF)이 대조인 유발군에 비해 23.5%의 세포보호 효과가 있었다. 또한 동물(in vivo)에 의한 인지기능 향상 효과에 있어서는 보다 확실한 차이가 나타났는데, 그 중 분자량 500-1000정도의 분자량 범위의 분획물질을 10 mg/kg을 투여하였을 경우, 대조군(scopolamine)에 비하여 최고 50%까지 기억회복 효과를 나타내었다.