• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.102-112
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• 2011

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of chronic exposure by welders to manganese (Mn) through an analysis of the degree of brain activity in different activities such as cognition and motor activities using the neuroimaging technique of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The neurotoxic effect that Mn has on the brain was examined as well as changes in the neuro-network in motor areas, and the usefulness of fMRI was evaluated as a tool to determine changes in brain function from occupational exposure to Mn. Methods: A survey was carried out from July 2010 to October 2010 targeting by means of a questionnaire 160 workers from the shipbuilding and other manufacturing industries. Among them, 14 welders with more than ten years of job-related exposure to Mn were recruited on a voluntary basis as an exposure group, and 13 workers from other manufacturing industries with corresponding gender and age were recruited as a control group. A questionnaire survey, a blood test, and an fMRI test were carried out with the study group as target. Results: Of 27 fMRI targets, blood Mn concentration of the exposure group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.001), and Pallidal Index (PI) of the welder group was also significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.001). As a result of the survey, the score of the exposure group in self-awareness of abnormal nerve symptoms and abnormal musculoskeletal symptoms was higher than those of the control group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.05, respectively). In the correlation between PI and the results of blood tests, the correlation coefficient with blood Mn concentration was 0.893, revealing a significant amount of correlation (p<0.001). As for brain activity area within the control group, the right and the left areas of the superior frontal cortex showed significant activity, and the right area of superior parietal cortex, the left area of occipital cortex and cerebellum showed significant activity. Unlike the control group, the exposure group showed significant activity selectively on the right area of premotor cortex, at the center of supplementary motor area, and on the left side of superior temporal cortex. In the comparison of brain activity areas between the two groups, the exposure group showed a significantly higher activation state than did the control group in such areas as the right and the left superior parietal cortex, superior temporal cortex, and cerebellum including superior frontal cortex and the right area of premotor cortex. However, in nowhere did the control group show a more activated area than did the exposure group. Conclusions: Chronic exposure to Mn increased brain activity during implementation of hand motor tasks. In an identical task, activation increased in the premotor cortex, superior temporal cortex, and supplementary motor area. It was also discovered that brain activity increase in the frontal area and occipital area was more pronounced in the exposure group than in the control group. This result suggests that chronic exposure to Mn in the work environment affects brain activation neuro-networks.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.83-91
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• 2011

Purpose: Microfracture has been used as a first-line treatment to repair articular cartilage defects. In this study, a new technique using an extracelluar matrix biomembrane to cover the cartilage lesions after microfracture was evaluated in terms of cartilage repairability and clinical outcome compared with conventional microfracture technique in a prospective randomized trial. Materials and Methods: A total of 53 patients (59 cases) without osteoarthritis who had focal full thickness articular cartilage lesions were randomly assigned in two group. Seventeen patients (17 cases) underwent conventional microfracture procedure (control group) and thirty-six patients (42 cases) received microfracture and placing biomembrane cover (ArtiFilm$^{TM}$) concomitantly (experimental group). Clinical assessment was done through 6 months postoperatively using the subjective International Knee Documentation Committee IKDC questionnaire, and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain and satisfaction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at 6 months after the operation in all patients. Results: In clinical outcomes, the significant difference was observed between both groups in IKDC, but not in VAS for pain and for satisfaction (final outcomes of IKDC, p=0.001; VAS for pain, p=0.074; VAS for satisfaction, p=0.194). The MRI showed good to complete defect fill (67 to 100%) in 33 patients (78.6%) of experimental group and 4 patients (23.5%) of control group, respectively. In control group, 9 of 17 patients (52.9%) showed poor defect fill (less than 33%), whereas 5 (11.9%) in experimental group (p=0.001). Assessment of peripheral integration revealed no gap formation in 35 patients (83.3%) in experimental group and 6 patients (35.3%) in control group (p=0.001). No serious complications or adverse effects related to the biomembrane were found. Conclusion: Good short-term follow-up clinical results were obtained in the group whose cartilage defects in the knee joint were covered with biomembrane after the microfracture, with the MRI findings confirming the excellent regeneration of the defective cartilage area. This suggests that the surgery to cover the defective area with biomembrane (ArtiFilm$^{TM}$) after the microfracture procedure is a safe, more effective treatment to induce cartilage regeneration.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.180-186
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• 2008

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the effect of the implant recipient site preparation methods on primary stability of implants with the instruments of $Osstell^{TM}$ and $Periotest^{(R)}$ in the iliac bone of cadaver. Methods and materials: The 8 iliac bones in 4 cadavers and implants treated with resorbable blasting media (RBM) were used. $Periotest^{(R)}$ (Simens AG, Germany) and $Osstell^{TM}$ (Model 6 Resonance Frequency Analyser: Integration Diagnostics Ltd., Sweden) were used to measure primary stability of implants. Implants were inserted into the iliac crest of the cadaver. In control group, the recipient site was prepared according to the manufacturer's recommendation: 1.8 mm guide drill, 2.0 mm initial drill, 2.7 mm pilot drill, 2.7 mm twist drill, 3.0 mm twist drill, 3.3 mm pilot drill, 3.3 mm twist drill, and 3.3 mm countersink drill as well as tapping drill were used in order. In the group 1, implant recipient sites were prepared by sequentially drilling from 1.8 mm guide drill to 3.0 mm twist drill and then inserted implants without countersinking and tapping. In the group 2, implant recipient sites were prepared to 3.0 mm twist drill and countersink drill and then inserted implants without tapping. In the group 3, the sites were prepared to 3.0 mm twist drill and countersink drill as well as tapping drill. In the group 4, the sites were prepared to 3.3 mm twist drill. In the group 5, the sites were prepared to 3.3 mm twist drill and countersink drill. A total of 60 implants were placed (n=10). The stability was measured using $Osstell^{TM}$ and $Periotest^{(R)}$ mesiodistally and buccolingually. To compare the mean stability of each group statistically, One-way ANOVA was used and correlation of instrument were analyzed using SPSS 12.0. The results obtained were as follows; 1. The stability of group 1 measured using $Osstell^{TM}$ and $Periotest^{(R)}$ buccolingually showed the highest, and there are significant difference statistically between control group and experimental group 1,2,4 in each instruments respectively (p<0.05). 2. The stability of group 1 measured using $Osstell^{TM}$ and $Periotest^{(R)}$ mesiodistally showed the highest. There are significant difference statistically between control group and all experimental groups in $Osstell^{TM}$, and between control group and experimental group 1,2,3,4 (p<0.05). 3. There are high correlation between the measurements of $Osstell^{TM}$ and $Periotest^{(R)}$ (p<0.05). Conclusion: These results indicate that the primary stability of implant can be obtained by the recipient sites preparation with smaller diameter drill than that of implant or minimal drilling.

• Economic and Environmental Geology
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.345-358
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• 2018

In this study, we have performed electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA), X-ray differaction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP), Fourier transform Raman spectroscopy (FT-Raman), far-infrared (FIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and pH-DO Analyses for characterizing medicinal mineralogy aspect of the black tourmaline (Shantung, china), black and pink tourmaline (Minas Geraris, Brazil), black touemaline (Daeyu mine, Korea). In addition, heating effects of the tourmaline sauna as well as the effects of tourmaline powder-added soap on skin troubles have been investigated. It has been revealed that chemical composition of the tourmaline is either high in Fe-, Al-, B-rich types. Ratio of the K-Ca, Na-K, and Fe-B reflects the component change property of solid solution. $CaO/CaO+Na_2O$ and MgO/FeO+MgO ratio show high positive correlation. When tourmaline reacts with distilled water, extended reaction time DO values approximately decrease and it stabilizes at DO = 10. Otherwise, pH values increase until 6 hours and it stabilizes at pH = 8 after 24 hours. Distilled water changes to alkaline when it reacts with tourmaline powder and particles. Tourmaline showed lower absorption spectrum strength and transmittance at short wave, where absorption spectrum wavelength and strength were determined by the content of the composition elements and characteristics of crystallography. Increase of the Fe content has been confirmed to be the cause for the reduction of irradiation. For the chemical composition and spectral property of the tourmaline particle samples, it has been found that Si and Fe contents show positive correlation with Far-Infrared irradiation, while Al and Mg contents show negative correlation. For tourmaline powder, it has been confirmed that $^{17}O-NMR$ FWHM (full width at half maximum) decreases when reacts with distilled water. Tourmaline sauna (approximately $100^{\circ}C$) was found to increase $0.5-1.5^{\circ}C$ of body temperature, average of 12 heartbeat, and 10mg Hg of blood pressure. Tourmaline soap had very good aesthetic effect to skin and was confirmed to have above the average improvements to skin troubles (e.g., allergy or atopy).

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.335-341
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• 2009

Statements of problem: Adequate bone quality and quantity were important to achieve initial stability and to prevent early failures. However there were few published data available regarding the actual effect of dimensional change in implant geometry on initial stability. Purpose: The purpose of the current study was to investigate the influence of diameter and length changes on initial stability of implants. Material and methods: Four types of dummy bone (D1, D2, D3 and D4) consisted of cortical and cancellous layers with different thickness were simulated. Implants which had similar surface area to each other ($3.5{\times}13.0-mm$, $4.0{\times}11.5-mm$, $4.5{\times}10.0-mm$, $5.0{\times}8.5-mm$) were inserted in dummy bones. Implant stability as a function of peak insertion torque and resonance frequency values were recorded for each implant. Results: 1. Bone quality was a major influential factor to achieve initial stability (P <.05). 2. In D1, D2 and D3 dummy bones, implant stability quotient values were not significantly different to each other (P >.05), however insertion torques were increased with wider and shorter implants (P <.05). 3. In D4 dummy bone, implant stability quotient values and insertion torques were decreased with wider and shorter implants (P <.05). Conclusion: From a point of view of initial stability, it is suggested that use of wide and short implant may be helpful in avoiding bone augmentation procedures in area of adequate bone quality.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.292-298
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to ascertain the stability of the implant by comparing the effects of the change of implant diameter, length and design on implant stability quotient. Materials and methods: To remove the variable due to the difference of bone quality, the uniform density (0.48 g/$cm^3$) Polyuretane foam blocks (Sawbones$^{(R)}$, Pacific Research Laboratories Inc, Vashon, Washington) were used. Implants (Implantium$^{(R)}$, Dentium, Seoul, Korea) were placed with varying diameters (${\phi}3.8$, ${\phi}4.3$ and ${\phi}4.8$) and length (8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm), to assess the effect on implant stability index (ISQ). Also the influence of the design of the submerged and the non-submerged (SimplelineII$^{(R)}$, Dentium, Seoul, Korea) on ISQ was evaluated. To exclude the influence of insertion torque, a total of 60 implants (n = 10) were placed with same torque to 35 N. Using Osstell$^{TM}$ mentor (Integration Diagnostic AB, Sweden) ISQ values were recorded after measuring the resonant frequency, one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test results were analyzed. (${\alpha}$=0.05). Results: 1. The change of the diameter of the implant did not affect the ISQ (P>.05), but the increase of implant length increased the ISQ(P<.001). 2. The change in implant design were correlated with the ISQ, and the ISQ of submerged design was significantly higher than that of the non-submerged design(P<.05). Conclusion: In order to increase implant stability, the longer implant is better to be selected, and on the same length of implant, submerged design is thought to be able to get a higher ISQ than the non-submerged.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.136-142
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• 2009

Bone density in the recipient implant site seems to be an important factor for long term success of endosseous implants. Preoperative evaluation of bone density is very helpful to assist the clinician with the treatment planning of implant therapy. Accurate information on bone density will help the surgeon identify suitable implant sites, thereby improving the success rate of the procedure. Purpose; The aim of this study was to evaluate a correlation between bone density measured preoperatively with computerized tomography and histologically measured bone density by bone biopsy. Patients and methods; Twenty seven patients were selected. All the patients were in good health, with no systemic disorder and additional bone graft. Preoperatively the patients underwent CT scanning to evaluate Houmsfield Unit(HU). Each patients wore a surgical template for implant placement. During surgery 2mm in diameter and 6mm in length specimens were taken. Histomorphometric analysis was performed using digitalized image analysis software Axiovision 4.3. Also, the Resonance frequency analysis(RFA) and insertion torque values were recorded. Results; The highest histomorphometric values was found in the posterior mandible $32.3{\pm}3.8$, followed by $29.9{\pm}2.6$ for the posterior maxilla, $29.4{\pm}2.6$ for the anterior maxilla, $28.6{\pm}2.3$ for the anterior mandible(p=0.214). The hounsfield unit was $989.2{\pm}258.1$ in the posterior mandible, $845.0{\pm}241.5$ in the anterior maxilla, $744.5{\pm}92.6$ in the anterior mandible, $697.3{\pm}136.9$ in the posterior maxilla(p=0.045). This results may suggest that there are strong correlation between the histomorphometric values and hounsfield unit(r=0.760, p<0.05). The RF measurements were $81.9{\pm}2.4$ ISQ in the posterior mandible, $79.0{\pm}1.4$ ISQ in the anterior mandible, $78.3{\pm}4.6$ ISQ in the posterior maxilla, $76.5{\pm}5.0$ ISQ in the anterior maxilla(p=0.048). The insertion torque values was $43.2{\pm}4.2\;Ncm$ in the posterior mandible, $42.0{\pm}0.0\;Ncm$ in the anterior mandible, $41.3{\pm}4.1\;Ncm$ in the posterior maxilla, $40.8{\pm}3.8\;Ncm$ in the anterior maxilla(p=0.612). This results may suggest that there are statistical significance between the hounsfield unit and the insertion torque values(r=0.494, p<0.05), the histomorphometric values and the insertion torque values(r=0.689, p<0.05). But there was no correlation between histomorphometric values and ISQ. There was no statistical significance in age and gender effect on parameters. Conclusions; There was significant correlations between bone density and implant stability parameters. The bone density measurements using preoperative CT may help clinicians to predict primary stability before implant insertion, which is associated with implant survival rates.

• Journal of Korean Society of Spine Surgery
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.147-153
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• 2018

Study Design: Retrospective case series. Objectives: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical efficacy of postganglionic nerve block in symptomatic Schmorl nodules (SNs). Summary of Literature Review: SNs are common lesions that are often asymptomatic. In certain cases, SNs have been reported to cause severe axial back pain, thereby considerably impacting patients' quality of life. No consensus currently exists on the treatment of symptomatic SNs. Materials and Methods: From October 2015 to October 2017, a total of 21 patients with symptomatic SNs diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that did not respond to conservative treatment after 4 weeks were included in the study. All patients received postganglionic nerve block. We evaluated effective pain relief (improvement of back pain of more than 50% compared with before the intervention) and functional improvements, assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index scores obtained at 4 hours, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after the procedure. Results: Symptomatic SNs were more common at the L2-3 level, and the lower end plate was more commonly involved than the upper end plate. Eighteen of the 21 patients (85.7%) showed effective pain relief, and no deterioration was observed within the followup period. Throughout the follow-up period, the VAS remained significantly improved compared to before the procedure (p<0.05). Complications were not reported in any cases. Conclusions: Postganglionic nerve block for symptomatic SNs that do not respond to conservative treatment is a non-invasive modality for pain relief.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.371-377
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• 2018

The fruits of Panax ginseng were extracted with 80% aqueous MeOH and the concentrates were partitioned into EtOAc, n-BuOH, and $H_2O$ fractions. The repeated $SiO_2$ and octadecyl $SiO_2$ column chromatographies for the EtOAc fraction led to isolation of five ginsenosides. The chemical structures of these compounds were determined as ginsenoside F1 (1), ginsenoside F2 (2), ginsenoside F3 (3), ginsenoside Ia (4), notoginsenoside Fe (5) based on spectroscopic analyses including nuclear magnetic resonance, MS, and infrared. Compounds 2-5 were isolated for the first time from the fruits of P. ginseng in this study. All isolated compounds were evaluated for cytotoxic activities against human cancer cell lines such as HCT-116, SK-OV-3, human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa), HepG2, and SK-MEL-5. Among them compounds 2, 4, and 5 showed significant cytotoxicity on cancer cells. Compound 2 exhibited cytotoxicity on SK-MEL-5, HepG2, and HeLa cells with $IC_{50}$ values of 82.8, 86.8, and $78.3{\mu}M$, respectively. Compound 4 showed cytotoxicity on HCT-116, SK-MEL-5, SK-OV-3, HepG2, and HeLa cells with $IC_{50}$ values of 24.5, 25.4, 26.3, 22.0, and $24.9{\mu}M$, respectively. Compound 5 did on SK-MEL-5 cell with $IC_{50}$ value of $81.7{\mu}M$. The cytotoxicity of ginsenoside 2, 4, and 5 isolated from the fruits of Panax ginseng showed strong inhibition effect against on cancer cells, all of which have a glucopyranosyl moiety on C-3.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.298-307
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of implementing the consensus statement from the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging-Practical Tutorial 2020 (ASCI-PT 2020) on the reliability of cardiac MR with late gadolinium enhancement (CMR-LGE) myocardial viability scoring between observers in the context of ischemic cardiomyopathy. Materials and Methods: A total of 17 cardiovascular imaging experts from five different countries evaluated CMR obtained in 26 patients (male:female, 23:3; median age [interquartile range], 55.5 years [50-61.8]) with ischemic cardiomyopathy. For LGE scoring, based on the 17 segments, the extent of LGE in each segment was graded using a five-point scoring system ranging from 0 to 4 before and after exposure according to the consensus statement. All scoring was performed via web-based review. Scores for slices, vascular territories, and total scores were obtained as the sum of the relevant segmental scores. Interobserver reliability for segment scores was assessed using Fleiss' kappa, while the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used for slice score, vascular territory score, and total score. Inter-observer agreement was assessed using the limits of agreement from the mean (LoA). Results: Interobserver reliability (Fleiss' kappa) in each segment ranged 0.242-0.662 before the consensus and increased to 0.301-0.774 after the consensus. The interobserver reliability (ICC) for each slice, each vascular territory, and total score increased after the consensus (slice, 0.728-0.805 and 0.849-0.884; vascular territory, 0.756-0.902 and 0.852-0.941; total score, 0.847 and 0.913, before and after implementing the consensus statement, respectively. Interobserver agreement in scoring also improved with the implementation of the consensus for all slices, vascular territories, and total score. The LoA for the total score narrowed from ± 10.36 points to ± 7.12 points. Conclusion: The interobserver reliability and agreement for CMR-LGE scoring for ischemic cardiomyopathy improved when following guidance from the ASCI-PT 2020 consensus statement.