• Journal of Life Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.148-154
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• 2022

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is known to regulate cell adhesion, migration, and mechanotransduction in focal adhesions (FAs). However, studies on how FAK activity is regulated in the plasma membrane microdomains according to the composition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are still lacking. A genetically encoded fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based biosensor can provide useful information on the activity of intracellular signals with high spatiotemporal resolution. In this study, we analyzed the FAK activities in lipid raft (detergent-resistant membrane) and non-lipid raft (non-detergent-resistant membrane) microdomains using FRET-based membrane targeting FAK biosensors (FAK-Lyn and FAK-KRas biosensors) under four different ECM protein compositions: glass, type 1 collagen, fibronectin, and laminin. Interestingly, FAK activity in response to laminin in a lipid raft microdomain was lower than that in other ECM conditions. Cells subjected to fibronectin showed higher FAK activity in a lipid raft microdomain than that in a non-lipid raft microdomain. Therefore, this study demonstrates that the FAK activity can be distinctively regulated according to the ECM type and the environment of the plasma membrane microdomains.

• Journal of the Korean GEO-environmental Society
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.23-27
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• 2023

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has been used as effective photocatalyst for degradation of antibiotics under visible light irradiation. However, the fast recombination of hole-electron pair may limit their photocatalytic efficiency. In our study, Ag was grafted on g-C₃N₄/g-C₃N₄ isotype heterojunction by a microwave-assisted decomposition method. The structure and physical properties of heterojunction photocatalyst were characterized through X-ray diffraction, UV-DRS, FT-IR, and Photoluminescence analyses. Ag decorated g-C₃N₄/g-C₃N₄ isotype heterojunction exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity for degradation of sulfamethoxazole under irradiation under visible light irradiation within 210 min, which is higher than g-C₃N₄/g-C₃N₄ isotype heterojunction and bulk g-C₃N₄. The addition of Ag may broaden the visible light absorption and restrict the recombination of hole-electron pair because of the surface plasmons resonance, resulting in the improving the photocatalytic activity.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.12
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• pp.1326-1333
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• 2020

Objective: To evaluate urologist satisfaction on structured prostate MRI reports, including report with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging (report B) and with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score with/without TNM staging (report C, report with PI-RADS score only [report C-a] and report with PI-RADS score and TNM staging [C-b]) compared with conventional free-text report (report A). Materials and Methods: This was a prospective comparative study. Altogether, 3015 prostate MRI reports including reports A, B, C-a, and C-b were rated by 13 urologists using a 5-point Likert Scale. A questionnaire was used to assess urologist satisfaction based on the following parameters: correctness, practicality, and urologist subjectivity. Kruskal-Wallis H-test followed by Nemenyi test was used to compare urologists' satisfaction parameters for each report type. The rate of urologist-radiologist recalls for each report type was calculated. Results: Reports B and C including its subtypes had higher ratings of satisfaction than report A for overall satisfaction degree, and parameters of correctness, practicality, and subjectivity (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between report B and C (p < 0.05) in practicality score, but no statistical difference was found in overall satisfaction degree, and correctness and subjectivity scores (p > 0.05). Compared with report C-b (p > 0.05), report B and C-a (p < 0.05) showed a significant difference in overall satisfaction degree and parameters of practicality and subjectivity. In terms of correctness score, neither report C-a nor C-b had a significant difference with report B (p > 0.05). No statistical difference was found between report C-a and C-b in overall satisfaction degree and all three parameters (p > 0.05). The rate of urologist-radiologist recalls for reports A, B, C-a and C-b were 29.1%, 10.8%, 18.1% and 11.2%, respectively. Conclusion: Structured reports, either using TNM or PI-RADS are highly preferred over conventional free-text reports and lead to fewer report-related post-hoc inquiries from urologists.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.84 no.6
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• pp.1361-1366
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• 2023

The persistent primitive olfactory artery (PPOA) is a rare variant of the anterior cerebral artery, first reported in 1979. It reportedly has a high correlation with the development of aneurysms, owing to the hemodynamic stress induced by the structural characteristics of the hairpin turn. Herein, we present a rare case of PPOA type 4 with a fusiform aneurysm at the hairpin turn segment in a 46-year-old female with occasional headaches. Time-of-flight MR angiography and transfemoral cerebral angiography revealed an unusual branch arising from the left A1 segment, running anteromedially along the ipsilateral olfactory tract, and turning the hairpin posterior to the olfactory bulb. This branch continued into the left accessory middle cerebral artery, and a fusiform aneurysm was observed at the hairpin segment. No further treatment was performed, and follow-up imaging was recommended. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognize and diagnose these rare variations.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.85 no.1
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• pp.171-183
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• 2024

Purpose This study aimed to investigate which indirect parameters on preoperative MRI were the principal predictors of subscapularis tendon tears (STTs) requiring surgical repair. Materials and Methods Preoperative MRI scans of 86 patients were retrospectively reviewed for visual assessment of the STT, pathology of the long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT), posterior decentering (PD) of the humeral head, humeral rotation, fatty degeneration, and subscapularis muscle atrophy. To evaluate atrophy, visual grading using the anatomical line connecting the coracoid tip to the glenoid base, designated as the base-to-tip line (BTL), and thickness measurements were performed in the en-face view. Results Arthroscopically, 31 patients (36%) exhibited Lafosse type III or IV STT and underwent surgical repair. LHBT pathology (p = 0.002), PD of the humeral head (p = 0.012), fatty degeneration (p < 0.001), and BTL grade (p = 0.003) significantly correlated with STT. In the multivariate analysis, PD of the humeral head (p = 0.011, odds ratio [OR] = 5.14) and fatty degeneration (p = 0.046, OR = 2.81) were independent predictors of STT. Conclusion PD of the humeral head and fatty degeneration of the subscapularis can help to diagnose clinically significant STT. Interpretation of these findings may contribute to the planning of an optimal surgical strategy.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.1
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• pp.38-45
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• 2020

Purpose: To examine the clinical and structural outcomes of an at least two-year follow-up of arthroscopic full-thickness rotator cuff repairs with a single-row or suture-bridge technique in patients more than 65 years of age. Materials and Methods: Patients diagnosed with a full-thickness rotator cuff tear who were more than 65 years of age, underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair after at least six months of conservative treatment, agreed to take a follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) six months postoperatively, and visited outpatient for at least two years were enrolled in this study. Clinical evaluations were done using The University of California Los Angeles score, Constant Shoulder Score, and visual analogue scale evaluated two years after the surgery. The structural integrity was analyzed using follow-up MRI. During surgery, a suture-bridge technique was used if the rotator cuff tendon could cover half of the footprint under constant tension. Otherwise, single-row repair was performed. Results: The samples were 158 cases, consisting of 93 single-repairs and 65 suture-bridge repairs. A preoperative comparison of the age distribution, fatty degeneration of supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscle, medial retraction of torn cuff tendon, and tear size between the two groups were not significant. The clinical scores were improved significantly in all cases. The distribution of the structural integrity by Sugaya classification were 49 cases in type 1 (31.0%), 62 cases in type 2 (39.2%), 30 cases in type 3 (19.0%), 11 cases in type 4 (7.0%), and six cases in type 5 (3.8%). The re-tear rate of the single-row group was 9.7% (nine out of 93 cases) and 12.3% (eight out of 65 cases) for the suture-bridge group. Conclusion: Satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes were achieved after arthroscopic full-thickness rotator cuff repair in patients more than 65 years of age. Both single-row and suture-bridge techniques would be beneficial for the elderly.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.180-188
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• 2009

Purpose: We evaluate the short-term clinical outcome of arthroscopic rotator cuff tendon repair with suture-bridge technique in patients with full thickness rotator cuff tear. Materials and Methods: 29 (male:17, female:12) consecutive shoulders treated with this index procedure and early rehabilitation were enrolled. Mean age was 56.4 years (range, 34~73 years) and mean follow-up period was 13 months (range, 12-15 months). Clinical outcomes were evaluated by using the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) score, the Korean Shoulder Scoring System (KSS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Postoperative cuff integrity was evaluated through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and categorized by Sugaya classification. Results: Postoperative UCLA scores improved from 16.4 to 31.6 (p< 0.05) and KSS scores showed 88 at 6 months and 92 at last follow up. Preoperative VAS score was 8.6, which was decreased to 2.1 at 3 months and 1.4 at 6 months postoperatively. 28 patients (96.5%) had increase in range of motion. The follow up MRI was taken in 15 shoulders and the cuff integrity was type I in 6 cases, type II in 7, type III in 1 and type V in 1 by Sugaya classification. Conclusion: Arthroscopic suture-bridge technique resulted in good or excellent clinical outcome in 96.5% of the cases, so we think this technique is one of the reliable procedure for full-thicknes rotator cuff tear.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.324-330
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• 2020

Purpose: Korean studies on the prevalence of a tarsal coalition are quite rare, and there are very few reports on the prevalence of multiple tarsal coalitions among adults in the foreign literature. Therefore, this study examined the characteristics and prevalence of tarsal coalition in the Korean population based on imaging tests. Materials and Methods: The prevalence of tarsal coalition and its anatomical location and histological classification were reviewed retrospectively among 4,711 patients (4,454 males and 257 females) with an ankle sprain or ankle fracture who underwent foot and ankle computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging between March 2009 and February 2019 at the authors' institution. Results: Over a period of 10 years, 78 patients (1.7%) had a tarsal coalition, among whom 53 patients (67.9%) had an isolated tarsal coalition and 25 patients (32.1%) had multiple tarsal coalitions. Regarding the anatomical location, a talocalcaneal coalition was the most common type in both isolated (31 patients, 37 cases [62.7%]) and multiple (22 patients, 23 cases [45.1%]) tarsal coalitions. In the isolated coalition group, the second-most common type was calcaneonavicular coalition (10 patients, 16.9%), followed by naviculocuneiform (nine patients, 15.3%) and cuboidonavicular coalitions (three patients, 5.1%). In the multiple coalition group, the second-most common coalition type was calcaneonavicular coalition (14 patients, 14 cases [27.5%]), followed by talonavicular coalition (six patients, six cases [11.8%]). From a total of 60 cases of talocalcaneal coalition, 24 cases (40.0%) were in the posterior facet, 18 cases (30.0%) in the middle facet, and four cases (6.7%) in the anterior facet. Regarding the histological classification, cartilaginous coalition was the most common in both single (32 patients, 35 cases [59.3%]) and multiple (20 patients, 37 cases [72.5%]) coalition groups. Conclusion: The present study found that talocalcaneal coalition was the most common type of tarsal coalition. In contrast to previous reports that a talocalcaneal coalition generally occurs in the middle facet, it was usually observed in the posterior facet in the present study. In addition, although multiple tarsal coalitions have been reported to be quite rare, this study confirmed that they are not rare and can occur in a range of patterns.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.45-51
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• 2019

Purpose: The clinical and radiological results of patients with type 3 talar neck fractures treated with the anteromedial approach using medial malleolar osteotomy and large distractor were analyzed retrospectively. Materials and Methods: From March 2009 to August 2016, 12 patients with a type 3 talar neck fracture, who underwent the anteromedial approach using a medial malleolar osteotomy and large distractor and who could be followed-up for more than 12 months after the operation, were examined. The patients were examined for the presence of Hawkins signs by anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and osteonecrosis by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on the postoperative 3 months. Subsequently, every 3 months, radiographic union was assessed by a simple radiograph and clinical symptoms. Twelve months postoperatively, posttraumatic arthritis was assessed and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was analyzed. Results: In 7 cases, osteonecrosis was found on MRI performed 3 months after surgery. On the other hand, at the 12 months follow-up, all of them obtained AOFAS scores of 83.86±4.53 without surgical treatment. Radiographic union was achieved in all cases. The mean union period was 5.3 months. In 10 cases, traumatic arthritis was found after the radiographical and clinical evaluation. In addition, all of them could carry on everyday life by conservative treatment. The AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was measured to be 85.17 on average. Other complications included superficial wound infection in 2 cases. Conclusion: An anteromedial approach using a medial malleolar osteotomy and a large distractor in the surgical treatment of patients with type 3 talar neck fractures can achieve anatomical reduction of the displaced fragment without a lateral dissection. This is considered to be another good surgical option.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.11
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• pp.1194-1201
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• 2006

Purpose : The comatose mentality can be catastrophic, especially if the condition is severe or the duration is prolonged. Therefore, delayed diagnosis can result in a poor outcome or death. The best radiologic modality to differentiate from cerebral lesions in patients suffering from cerebral diseases is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) rather than computed tomography (CT). Special apparatuses with metal materials such as ventilators, and cardiac pacemakers belonging to patients cannot be located in the magnetic field. We aimed to exhibit the possibility of examining MRI, maintaining ventilation at a relative long distance by means of modified $Ambu^{(R)}$. Methods : Self-inflating bags as a sort of a manual ventilator, connected with relatively long extension tubes instead of mechanical ventilators, were adopted to obtain MRI. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) extension tubes had different lengths and diameters. Lengths were 1, 2, and 3 cm and diameters were 15, and 25 mm. The work of breathing and expiratory changes of expiratory tidal volume (TVe), minute volume of expiration (MVe), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) were measured by use of the mechanical ventilator, $Servoi^{(R)}$, as the alteration of TVi (inspiratory tidal volume), extension tube lengths and diameters with other values fixed. Results : Measured TVe and MVe by ventilator were the same values with control at every TVi, regardless of extension tube lengths and diameters, but PIP were increased with the rise of TVi, tube lengths, with decline of tube diameters, these were statistically significant. Conclusion : MRI examination can be carried out with a self-inflating bag connected with an extension tube at a long distance in patients who need artificial ventilation.