• Journal of Acupuncture Research
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.239-245
• /
• 2010

Objectives : The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of cervical Hyeopcheok(Jiaji) point for neck pain. Methods : The twenty-nine patients who feel neck pain, are chosen from chart review, received acupuncture treatment on cervical Hyeopcheok(Jiaji) point. The evaulation of progress was checked by NDI(neck disability index), and VAS(visual analog scale). Data were analyzed by Friedman two way analysis of variance and Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test. Results : NDI value(mean${\pm}$SD) was $17.76{\pm}8.26$(n=29) at the first visit, $13.41{\pm}8.04$(n=29) at 3days after treatment, $10.85{\pm}8.46$(n=26) at 5days, $11.00{\pm}7.80$(n=13) at 9days, $7.22{\pm}4.76$(n=9) at 15days, $3.86{\pm}4.06$(n=7) at 20days, and $3.33{\pm}3.78$(n=6) at 30days. VAS value(mean${\pm}$SD) was $4.07{\pm}1.33$(n=29) at the first visit, $12.97{\pm}1.05$(n=29) at 3days after treatment, $2.15{\pm}1.12$(n=26) at 5days, $2.15{\pm}0.99$(n=13) at 9days, $1.56{\pm}0.73$(n=9) at 15days, $1.29{\pm}0.49$(n=7) at 20days, and $0.83{\pm}0.41$(n=6) at 30days. The value of NDI and VAS gradually decreased. Repeated measurement results(the difference between the first visit and each measurement day) and the difference between before and after the interval(except between 5 and 9days, between 20 and 25days) were statistically significant. Conclusions : This result was shown that treatment of cervical Hyeopcheok(Jiaji) acupuncture point for neck pain can be effective. Further systematic research will be needed.

• Journal of the Korean Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.3-9
• /
• 2006

Objectives: Obesity is one of risk factors for psychological and social adjustment problems (depression, low self esteem, low school function etc). Quality of life(QOL) is comprehensive and multidimensional construct including physical, emotional, social and school functioning. Some authors reported that child and adolescent obesity is associated with impaired QOL. This study was to examine the association between QOL and body mass index (BMI) in middle school students. Methods : Cross sectional analysis of 471 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 14 years ($mean{\pm}SD,\;13.4{\pm}0.6$), who attended one of middle schools in Seoul, Korea. Participants' QOL were scored by using Korean version of pediatric QOL inventory generic score scale ($PedsQL^{TM}$ 4.0). Participants had a $mean{\pm}SD\;BMI\;of\;21.3{\pm}4.0$. Self reports and parent proxy reports using $PedsQL^{TM}$ 4.0 were administered to measure participant's QOL. Participants were divided into four groups by BMI (Male: obesity group >26.5, at risk group 23.2-26.5, normal weight group 15.8-23.1, underweight group <15.8, Female : obesity group >25.2, at risk group 22.9-25.2, normal weight group 16.0-22.8, underweight group <16.0). Results : Compared with other groups, obese adolescents reported significantly(p<0.01) love. QOL in all domains. Obese adolescents were more likely to have impaired QOL than normal weight adolescents (Odds Ratio, 8.3, 95% confidence interval, 4.0-16.7). Conclusion : Obese adolescents have lower QOL than normal weight adolescents. Psychiatrist, parents, and teachers need to be informed of the risk fur impaired QOL in obese adolescents to target interventions that could enhance health outcomes.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
• /
• v.20 no.2
• /
• pp.138-143
• /
• 2007

Purpose: $S100{\beta}$, a marker of traumatic brain injury (TBI), has been increasingly focused upon during recent years. $S100{\beta}$, is easily measured not only in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but also in serum. After TBI, serum S 10019, has been found to be increased at an early stage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical correlations between serum $S100{\beta}$, and neurologic outcome, and severity in traumatic brain injury. Methods: From August 2006 to October 2006, we made a protocol and studied prospectively 42 patients who visited the emergency room with TBI. Venous blood samples for $S100{\beta}$, protein were taken within six hours after TBI and vital signs, as well as the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), were recorded. The final diagnosis and the severity were evaluated using the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS), and the prognosis of the patients was evaluated using the Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS). Results: Thirty-eight patients showed a favorable prognosis (discharge, recovery, transfer), and four showed an unfavorable prognosis. Serum $S100{\beta}$, was higher in patients with an unfavorable prognosis than in patients with a favorable prognosis, and a significant difference existed between the two groups ($0.74{\pm}1.50\;{\mu}g/L$ vs $7.62{\pm}6.53\;{\mu}g/L$ P=0.002). A negative correlation existed between serum $S100{\beta}$, and the Revised Traumatic Score (R2=-0.34, P=0.03), and a positive correlation existed between serum $S100{\beta}$, and the Injury Severity Score (R2=0.33, P=0.03). Furthermore, the correlation between serum $S100{\beta}$, and the initial GCS and the GCS 24 hours after admission to the ER were negative (R2=-0.62, P<0.001; R2=-0.47, P=0.005). Regarding the GOS, the mean serum concentration of $S100{\beta}$, was $7.62\;{\ss}{\partial}/L$ (SD=${\pm}6.53$) in the expired patients, $1.15\;{\mu}g/L$ in the mildly disable patient, and $0.727\;{\mu}g/L$ (SD=${\pm}0.73$) in the recovered patients. These differences are statistically significant (p<0.001). Conclusion: In traumatic brain injury, a higher level of serum concentration of $S100{\beta}$, has a poor prognosis for neurologic outcome.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.45 no.2
• /
• pp.73-76
• /
• 2013

Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) is one possibility for the treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). The aim of this study was study the analysis of polysomnography of pre-UPPP and post-UPPP. All patients were evaluated by means of a physical examination, the epworth sleepiness scale (ESS), the beck depression inventory (BDI) and the nocturnal polysomnography (PSG) before surgery, and 6~12 months after surgery. A total of 15 patients were investigated. All underwent UPPP. The patients were between 26 and 62 years old ($mean{\pm}SD$; $39.7{\pm}10.9$) with a lean body mass index (BMI) of $mean{\pm}SD$; $26.2{\pm}3.0kg/m^2$. The comparison of sleep questionnaires showed that after UPPP, the patients had a significantly lower BMI ($26.2{\pm}3.0kg/m^2$ vs $26.0{\pm}3.4kg/m^2$, p=0.241), ESS ($10.0{\pm}5.4$ vs $6.9{\pm}3.2$, p=0.022), BDI ($9.2{\pm}8.2$ vs $4.2{\pm}4.3$, p=0.343) and higher blood pressure ($127.5{\pm}12.1$ vs $123.7{\pm}12.0$, p=0.272) compared to before UPPP. The comparison of sleep parameters showed that after UPPP, patients had a significantly lower stage N1 ($108.8{\pm}53.1$ vs $82.2{\pm}48.9$, p=0.016), lower sleep latency ($4.9{\pm}4.4$ vs $2.0{\pm}1.7$, p=0.083), a lower total arousal number ($210.6{\pm}90.3$ vs $147.1{\pm}87.3$, p=0.019), lower oxygen desaturation index (ODI) ($30.2{\pm}20.9$ vs $10.2{\pm}15.1$, p=0.006), lower apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ($31.6{\pm}22.4$ vs $10.9{\pm}15.4$, p=0.005), and a lower respiratory disturbance index (RDI) ($37.4{\pm}21.3$ vs $18.5{\pm}16.5$, p=0.008) compared to after UPPP. The comparison of sleep parameters showed that after UPPP, patients had a significantly higher stage N2 ($154.0{\pm}39.9$ vs $180.5{\pm}49.5$, p=0.017), higher REM ($58.5{\pm}29.7$ vs $72.6{\pm}34.0$, p=0.249), higher $meanSaO_2$ ($94.3{\pm}2.0$ vs $95.9{\pm}0.9$, p=0.043), and higher $meanSaO_2$ ($79.3{\pm}8.5$ vs $83.1{\pm}7.9$, p=0.116) than before UPPP. After UPPP, 6 patients were cured, 2 showed marked improvement, and 7 did not improve. After surgery, the success of the treatment was at 53%. The subjective patient satisfaction was higher than before the surgery.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.32 no.3
• /
• pp.232-240
• /
• 2022

Various methods are known for preparing liposomes, the simplest being the Bangham method which has been widely used. Although it is possible to produce liposomes effectively on a small experimental level with this approach, large-scale production cannot be easily performed due to difficulties in removing the organic solvent and the size of the reactor required to form the lipid film. On the other hand, emulsion can mass produce tons of liposomes with uniform particles but has the disadvantage of a significantly low capture rate. This study therefore developed an optimal liposome processing method using heat with improved capture rate and stability, and bio-absorption experiments were performed by oral administration to SD rat alongside capture rate, particle size, and zeta potential. Through the heating method, a small and uniform liposome of about 214 nm was formed and the capture rate was 38.67%, confirming that the liposome prepared by heating has a higher capture rate than the 26.46% achieved through emulsion. Comparing blood concentrations, it showed a 1.5 to 2 fold increase in all groups, gradually decreasing until 4-12 hr. The highest blood concentration of ascorbic acid powder was about 12.017 ㎍/ml, the emulsion liposome 13.871 ㎍/ml, and the heating liposome 16.322 ㎍/ml, thereby showing an improved absorption rate.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.339-357
• /
• 2009

As quickly becoming an ageing society in Korea, this study aims to investigate how family caregivers' burden with demented patients and social supports are related to their health and quality of life, and the interaction of caregiving burden and social supports on caregivers' health and quality of life. The participants were 207 family caregivers (106 females) of demented patients lived in Seoul, Kyunggi, and Chungcheong areas, whose average of age were 51.62 ( SD=9.25). The psychological tests used in this research included the following: Multidimensional Caregiver Burden Inventory, Chon's Physical Symptom Questionnaire, Hahn & Jang's Perceived Health Inventory, Negative Affect Self-Statement Questionnaire, and the Korean Version of Cambell's Subjective Well-being Scale, Social Support Survey in Medical Outcomes Study, and Kwon's Questionnaire for Maladjusted Problems of Demented. Results indicated that caregivers' burden with demented patient related to physical symptoms and depression positively, and perceived health and subjective well-being negatively. Social supports showed moderate effects on influences of caregiving burden in perceived health, depression, and subjective well-being of family caregivers with demented patients. It was identified the possibility of their buffering effect on negative results of caregiving burden with demented patients. Since caregiving burden accounted for the 34% of the variances for family caregivers' physical symptoms and depression, researchers discussed the promotion and intervention of their health and quality of life. Beside of different effects of social supports with level of caregiving burden, with previous studies it was discussed some saliant findings such as family caregivers with patients who showed severe dementia symptoms were perceiving even less supports from others.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
• /
• v.9 no.2
• /
• pp.61-78
• /
• 2003

The researcher examined the relationship between dating violence and drinking behaviors. Study participants included 440 Korean College students(184 males and 256 females) currently involved in heterosexual dating relationships. Participants' ages ranged from 17 to 30(M=20.08, SD=1.89). Questionnaires and psychological tests used included: Straus' Conflict Tactics Scale, Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test(AUDIT), Cooper's Revised Drinking Motives Questionnaire(DMQ), and Index of Family Alcohol Use. Research designs were 2(gender) × 2(experience of inflicting dating violence), i.e. 2-way MANOVAs. Results suggest students who drink one or more times a week are more likely to commit acts of violence toward their dating partners than students drinking less often. The study revealed males tend to drink with higher social, enhancement, conformity and coping motives than females. The study also showed that students inflicting dating violence drank with higher coping motives than students who did not. Males showed more hazardous, dependent and harmful drinking patterns than females. Also, students who had inflicted dating violence showed a higher degree of these characteristics (hazardous, dependent and harmful drinking patterns) along with a greater family history of alcohol use than participants who had not inflicted dating violence. The findings showed significant 2-way interactions in dependent and harmful drinking patterns. Simple main effect analysis revealed that differences in dependent and harmful drinking patterns in males are more significant than the same differences in females.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.23 no.9
• /
• pp.901-910
• /
• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to assess the technical feasibility, efficacy, and safety of the safe triangular working zone (STWZ) approach applied in percutaneous vertebroplasty (PV) for spinal metastases involving the posterior part of the vertebral body. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled 87 patients who underwent PV for spinal metastasis involving the posterior part of the vertebral body, with or without the STWZ approach, from January 2019 to April 2022. Forty-nine patients (27 females and 22 males; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 57.2 ± 11.6 years; age range, 31-76 years) were included in group A (with STWZ approach), accounting for 54 vertebrae. Thirty-eight patients (18 females and 20 males; 59.1 ± 10.9 years; 29-81 years) were included in group B (without STWZ approach), accounting for 57 vertebrae. Patient demographics, procedure-related variables, and pain relief as assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) were collected at different time points. Tumor recurrence in the vertebrae after PV was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results: The STWZ approach was successful from T1 to L5 without severe complications. Cement filling was satisfactory in 47/54 (87.0%) and 25/57 (43.9%) vertebrae in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). Cement leakage was not significantly different between groups A and B (p = 1.000). Mean VAS score ± SD before and 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after PV were 7.6 ± 1.8, 4.2 ± 2.0, 2.7 ± 1.9, 1.9 ± 1.5, 1.7 ± 1.4, 1.7 ± 1.1, and 1.6 ± 1.3, respectively, in group A and 7.2 ± 1.7, 4.0 ± 1.3, 3.4 ± 1.6, 2.4 ± 1.2, 1.8 ± 1.0, 1.4 ± 0.5, and 1.7 ± 0.9, respectively, in group B. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed a lower tumor recurrence rate in group A than in group B (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The STWZ approach may represent a new, safe, alternative/auxiliary approach to target the posterior part of the vertebral body in the PV for spinal metastases.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.24 no.10
• /
• pp.1006-1016
• /
• 2023

Objective: Computed tomography (CT) is an established method for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of multiple myeloma. Here, we investigated the potential of photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) in terms of image quality, diagnostic confidence, and radiation dose compared with energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT). Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, patients with known multiple myeloma underwent clinically indicated whole-body PCD-CT. The image quality of PCD-CT was assessed qualitatively by three independent radiologists for overall image quality, edge sharpness, image noise, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence using a 5-point Likert scale (5 = excellent), and quantitatively for signal homogeneity using the coefficient of variation (CV) of Hounsfield Units (HU) values and modulation transfer function (MTF) via the full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the frequency space. The results were compared with those of the current clinical standard EID-CT protocols as controls. Additionally, the radiation dose (CTDIvol) was determined. Results: We enrolled 35 patients with multiple myeloma (mean age 69.8 ± 9.1 years; 18 [51%] males). Qualitative image analysis revealed superior scores (median [interquartile range]) for PCD-CT regarding overall image quality (4.0 [4.0-5.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0-4.0]), edge sharpness (4.0 [4.0-5.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0-4.0]), image noise (4.0 [4.0-4.0] vs. 3.0 [3.0-4.0]), lesion conspicuity (4.0 [4.0-5.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0-4.0]), and diagnostic confidence (4.0 [4.0-5.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0-4.0]) compared with EID-CT (P ≤ 0.004). In quantitative image analyses, PCD-CT compared with EID-CT revealed a substantially lower FWHM (2.89 vs. 25.68 cy/pixel) and a significantly more homogeneous signal (mean CV ± standard deviation [SD], 0.99 ± 0.65 vs. 1.66 ± 0.5; P < 0.001) at a significantly lower radiation dose (mean CTDIvol ± SD, 3.33 ± 0.82 vs. 7.19 ± 3.57 mGy; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Whole-body PCD-CT provides significantly higher subjective and objective image quality at significantly reduced radiation doses than the current clinical standard EID-CT protocols, along with readily available multi-spectral data, facilitating the potential for further advanced post-processing.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• v.2 no.4
• /
• pp.216-221
• /
• 2001

Objective: To compare, in terms of their demonstration of tears of the anterior glenoid labrum, oblique axial MR arthrography obtained with the patient's shoulder in the abduction and external rotation (ABER) position, with conventional axial MR arthrography obtained with the patient's arm in the neutral position. Materials and Methods: MR arthrography of the shoulder, including additional oblique axial sequences with the patient in the ABER position, was performed in 30 patients with a clinical history of recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation. The degree of anterior glenoid labral tear or defect was evaluated in both the conventional axial and the ABER position by two radiologists. Decisions were reached by consensus, and a three-point scale was used: grade 1=normal; grade 2=probable tear, diagnosed when subtle increased signal intensity in the labrum was apparent; grade 3=definite tear/defect, when a contrast material-filled gap between the labrum and the glenoid rim or deficient labrum was present. The scores for each imaging sequence were averaged and to compare conventional axial and ABER position scans, Student's t test was performed. Results: In 21 (70%) of 30 patients, the same degree of anterior instability was revealed by both imaging sequences. Eight (27%) had a lower grade in the axial position than in the ABER position, while one (3%) had a higher grade in the axial position. Three whose axial scan was grade 1 showed only equivocal evidence of tearing, but their ABER-position scan, in which a contrast material-filled gap between the labrum and the glenoid rim was present, was grade 3. The average grade was 2.5 (SD=0.73) for axial scans and 2.8 (SD=0.46) for the ABER position. The difference between axial and ABER-position scans was statistically significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: MR arthrography with the patient's shoulder in the ABER position is more efficient than conventional axial scanning in revealing the degree of tear or defect of the anterior glenoid labrum. When equivocal features are seen at conventional axial MR arthrography, oblique axial imaging in the ABER position is helpful.