• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.115-118
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• 2012

Purpose: The Levey-Jennings chart controlled measurement values that deviated from the tolerance value (mean ${\pm}2SD$ or ${\pm}3SD$). On the other hand, the upgraded Westgard Multi-Rules are actively recommended as a more efficient, specialized form of hospital certification in relation to Internal Quality Control. To apply Westgard Multi-Rules in quality control, credible quality control substance and target value are required. However, as physical examinations commonly use quality control substances provided within the test kit, there are many difficulties presented in the calculation of target value in relation to frequent changes in concentration value and insufficient credibility of quality control substance. This study attempts to improve the professionalism and credibility of quality control by applying Westgard Multi-Rules and calculating credible target value by using a commercialized quality control substance. Materials and Methods : This study used Immunoassay Plus Control Level 1, 2, 3 of Company B as the quality control substance of Total T3, which is the thyroid test implemented at the relevant hospital. Target value was established as the mean value of 295 cases collected for 1 month, excluding values that deviated from ${\pm}2SD$. The hospital quality control calculation program was used to enter target value. 12s, 22s, 13s, 2 of 32s, R4s, 41s, $10\bar{x}$, 7T of Westgard Multi-Rules were applied in the Total T3 experiment, which was conducted 194 times for 20 days in August. Based on the applied rules, this study classified data into random error and systemic error for analysis. Results: Quality control substances 1, 2, and 3 were each established as 84.2 ng/$dl$, 156.7 ng/$dl$, 242.4 ng/$dl$ for target values of Total T3, with the standard deviation established as 11.22 ng/$dl$, 14.52 ng/$dl$, 14.52 ng/$dl$ respectively. According to error type analysis achieved after applying Westgard Multi-Rules based on established target values, the following results were obtained for Random error, 12s was analyzed 48 times, 13s was analyzed 13 times, R4s was analyzed 6 times, for Systemic error, 22s was analyzed 10 times, 41s was analyzed 11 times, 2 of 32s was analyzed 17 times, $10\bar{x}$ was analyzed 10 times, and 7T was not applied. For uncontrollable Random error types, the entire experimental process was rechecked and greater emphasis was placed on re-testing. For controllable Systemic error types, this study searched the cause of error, recorded the relevant cause in the action form and reported the information to the Internal Quality Control committee if necessary. Conclusions : This study applied Westgard Multi-Rules by using commercialized substance as quality control substance and establishing target values. In result, precise analysis of Random error and Systemic error was achieved through the analysis of 12s, 22s, 13s, 2 of 32s, R4s, 41s, $10\bar{x}$, 7T rules. Furthermore, ideal quality control was achieved through analysis conducted on all data presented within the range of ${\pm}3SD$. In this regard, it can be said that the quality control method formed based on the systematic application of Westgard Multi-Rules is more effective than the Levey-Jennings chart and can maximize error detection.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.115-121
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• 2001

Some of endocrine disruptors with sexual hormone-like effects have been increasingly reported to be immunotoxic in many species in recent several years. Phthalate esters have possible effects on the endocrine system. Prenatal exposure to di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP) has been reported to impair the androgen-dependent development of the male reproductive tract in rat. Therefore, the immunomodulatory effect of DBP was investigated in the developing immune system of fetal and neonatal Sprague-Dawley rats. Timed-bred pregnant SD rats were given to the doses of 0, 250, 500, and 750 mg DBP/kg$\cdot$ body weight /day by gavage once a day from gestational day (GD) 5 to 18. On GD19 or GD22/postnatal day one (PD1), the dams were euthanized, and the changes in organ weights and thymus phenotypes were examined for their offsprings. At 750 mg DBP/kg$\cdot$b.w./day in maternal exposure group, GD19 fetuses showed decreases in body weight. The spleen/body weight ratios were reduced in GD 19 fetuses from the dams exposed to 500 and 750 mg DBP/kg$\cdot$b.w./day. There were no significant changes in thymus and spleen cellularities though these cellularities showed a tendency to decrease in a dose dependent way. In the DBP-exsposed GD22/PD1 offsprings, the body weights, the relative organ weights and the cellularities did not exhibit alteration. Additionally, the percentages of CD3$^{+}$(CD4$^{+}$CD8$^{+}$, CD4$^{+}$CD8$^{-}$, CD4$^{-}$CD8$^{+}$, and CD4$^{-}$CD8$^{-}$) and CD3$^{-}$(CD4$^{+}$CD8$^{+}$, CD4$^{+}$CD8$^{-}$, CD4$^{-}$CD8$^{+}$, and CD4$^{-}$CD8$^{-}$) thymocyte subsets were not changed in any DBP-treated group. The proliferative responses of splenic T cells to Con A and B cells to LPS were decreased in all DBP-exposed GD22/PD1 offsprings.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.67 no.1
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• pp.22-30
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• 2024

Objective : This study aimed to determine the frequency of paraclinoid aneurysms among ruptured cerebral aneurysms and compare paraclinoid aneurysms with other aneurysms to clarify the characteristics of ruptured paraclinoid aneurysms. Methods : This study included 970 ruptured cerebral aneurysms treated at our hospital between 2003 and 2020. Results : There were 15 cases (1.3%) of paraclinoid aneurysms with maximum diameters of 5-22 mm (mean±standard deviation [SD], 11.6±5.4 mm). Treatment consisted of clipping in four patients and endovascular treatment in 11. Factors significantly different in multivariate analysis for paraclinoid aneurysms compared with those for other aneurysms were a history of hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.2-9.8; p=0.021) and aneurysm ≥10 mm (OR, 7.5-390.3; p<0.001). The sites of paraclinoid aneurysm were ophthalmic artery type in nine patients, anterior wall type in five, medial wall type in one, and ventral wall type in zero. The medial wall type (22 mm) was significantly larger than the ophthalmic artery type (mean±SD, 7.2±2.0 mm) (p=0.003), and the anterior wall type (mean±SD, 12.2±4.8 mm) was significantly larger than the ophthalmic artery type (p=0.024). Conclusion : This study showed a low frequency of paraclinoid aneurysms among ruptured cerebral aneurysms. Most were upward-facing with relatively large aneurysms, and no aneurysms were smaller than 5 mm. With recent advances in endovascular treatment devices, paraclinoid aneurysms are easily treatable. However, the treatment indication of each paraclinoid aneurysm should be carefully considered.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.59-64
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• 2007

Objectives : Palmultang(Bawu-tang) has been traditionally prescribed as a restorative, The present study was undertaken to determine the possible toxic effects of Palmultang on SD rats. Methods : In this study, we investigated the subacute toxicity of water-extracted Palmultang(Bawu-tang) on SD rats. Twenty rats were orally adiministered Palmultang for 28 days at a dose of 0 mg/kg(control group) or 1500 mg/kg(treated group), respectively. Results : All of subjects was survived. No significant difference in abnormal clinical signs, related to hematological values, serum biochemical values, water and feed intake, coagulation time, autopsy analysis, organ weight, tissue microscopically, funduscopy, urine intake and urinalysis, was detected. Conclusions : Compared with the control group, we could not find any subacute toxic alteration in treated group (1500 mg/kg) for 28 days. This result suggests that Palmultang, a herbal medicine prescription, is a safe prescription to body.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.137-141
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• 2008

Samul-tang(Siwu-tang) has been traditionally prescribed as a restorative. The present study was undertaken to determine the possible toxic effects of Samul-tang on SD rats. In this study, we investigated the subacute toxicity of water-extracted Samul-tang(Siwu-tang) on SD rats. Twenty rats were orally adiministered Samul-tang for 28 days at a dose of 0 mg/kg(control group) or 1500 mg/kg(treated group), respectively. All of subjects was survived. No significant difference in abnormal clinical signs, related to hematological values, serum biochemical values, water and feed intake, coagulation time, autopsy analysis, organ weight, tissue microscopically, funduscopy, urine intake and urinalysis, was detected. Compared with the control group, we could not find any subacute toxic alteration in treated group (1500 mg/kg) for 28 days. This result suggests that Samul-tang(Siwu-tang), a herbal medicine prescription, is a safe prescription to body.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.944-950
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• 2021

Objective: To demonstrate the feasibility of percutaneous microwave ablation in desmoid fibromatosis with respect to tumor volume control and improvement in the quality of life. Materials and Methods: Twelve microwave ablations were performed in 9 patients with a histological diagnosis of desmoid fibromatosis between January 2010 and January 2019. The study population included 6 female and 3 male, with an age range of 21-76 years (mean = 46.6 years; standard deviation [SD] = 19.3 years). The mean major axis of the tumors was 10.9 cm (SD = 5.2 cm) and mean lesion volume was 212.7 cm³ (SD = 213 cm³). Their anatomical distribution was as follows: 3 lesions in the thigh, 2 in the gluteus, 2 in the leg and 2 in the periscapular region. We evaluated the reduction in tumor volume and improvement in the quality of life based on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale. Results: An average tumor volume reduction of 70.4% (SD = 24.9) was achieved, while the quality of life (ECOG scale) improved in 88.9% of patients. Conclusion: Percutaneous microwave ablation may potentially be a safe, effective, and promising technique for controlling tumor volume and improving the quality of life in patients with desmoid fibromatosis.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.95-98
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• 2011

Objective : This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of selective median neurotomy (SMN) for spastic wrist and fingers. Methods : We studied 22 patients with wrist and finger spasticity refractory to optimal oral medication and physical therapy. The authors evaluated spasticity of the wrist and finger muscles by comparing preoperative states with postoperative states using the modified Ashworth scale (MAS). We checked patients for changes in pain according to the visual analog scale (VAS) and degree of satisfaction based on the VAS. Results : The preoperative mean MAS score was $3.27{\pm}0.46$ ($mean{\pm}SD$), and mean MAS scores at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery were $1.82{\pm}0.5$, $1.73{\pm}0.7$, and $1.77{\pm}0.81$ ($mean{\pm}SD$), respectively. On the last follow-up visit, the mean MAS score measured $1.64{\pm}0.9$ ($mean{\pm}SD$). Wrist and finger spasticity was significantly decreased at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation (p<0.01). The preoperative mean pain VAS score was $5.85{\pm}1.07$ ($mean{\pm}SD$), and the mean pain VAS score on the last follow-up visit after surgery was $2.28{\pm}1.8$ ($mean{\pm}SD$). Compared with the preoperative mean pain VAS score, postoperative mean pain VAS score was decreased significantly (p<0.01). On the basis of a VAS ranging from 0 to 100, the mean degree of patient satisfaction was $64.09{\pm}15.93$ ($mean{\pm}SD$, range 30-90). Conclusion : The authors propose SMN as a possible effective procedure in achieving useful, long-lasting tone and in gaining voluntary movements in spastic wrists and fingers with low morbidity rates.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.169-181
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• 1997

The desirable change of KAP aimed at the prevention and early diagnosis of the disease. In Korea, Hypertension and Diabetes have been the major chronic disease. Especially, Hypertension and Diabetes are related to over-weight and diet behavior, which can be prevented through weight control and dietary treatment. Therefore this study the KAP for Hypertension and Diabetes in a rural area. The survey of the KAP were performed to a rural population of 288 in Namwon, Cheonbuk, Korea. The self-questionnaire was consisted of 15 questions of knowledge, 10 questions of attitude, and 15 questions of practice. To analyze the data, the score of knowledge was taken 1 when they were right. The scores of attitude and practice were taken from 4 to 1 by 4 scale. The results were as follows. 1. The mean of knowledge for Hypertension was 10.4(sd=3.28) and that of attitude was 31.5(sd=4.05), that of practice was 42.3(sd=6.14). In Diabetes, knowledge mean was 9.1(sd=3.51) and that of attitude was 31.2(sd=3.81), that of practice was 41.6(sd=6.21). The knowledge for Diabetes was lower than that for Hypertension. 2. To compare the scores by sex, the score of male's knowledge was higher than female's. However, in case of practice score, female's was higher than male's. And the scores of attitude were not different between male and female. This results were shown that the practice did not always derived from the knowledge. Although they have a little knowledge for disease, they are able to conduct the desirable practice when the importance for disease are increased. Therefore we thought that desirable practice derived from the combination of significance and knowledge for Hypertension and Diabetes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2253-2255
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• 2012

Objective: The objective of our present study was to assess the role of serum amyloid A (SAA) in stages and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma. Material and Methods: It was a hospital based retrospective study carried out in the Department of Medicine and Biochemistry of Manipal Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal between $1^{st}$ January 2008 and $31^{st}$ December 2011. The variables collected were SAA, CRP. Approval for the study was obtained from the institutional research ethical committee. Quantitative analysis of human SAA and C-reactive protein (CRP) was performed by radial immune diffusion (RID) assay for all cases. Results: Of the 422 total cases of renal cell carcinoma, 218 patients had normal and 204 abnormal SAA. SAA levels were grossly elevated in T3 stage ($122.3{\pm}SD35.7$) when compared to the mean for the T2 stage ($84.2{\pm}SD24.4$) (p value: 0.0001). Similarly, SAA levels were grossly elevated in M1 stage ($190.0{\pm}SD12.7$) when compared to the M0 stage ($160.9{\pm}SD24.8$) (p: 0.0001). There was no significant association with elevated CRP levels ($209.1{\pm}SD22.7$, normal $199.0{\pm}SD19.5$). Conclusion: The validity of SAA in serum as being of independent prognostic significance in RCC was demonstrated with higher levels in advanced stage disease.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.272-281
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• 2014

Objective: The provision of pharmaceutical care service in compliance with good pharmacy practice (GPP) standards is important, but there is lack of studies to investigate the barriers that significantly hinder community pharmacies in Korea from adhering to the standards. This study was aimed to identify the major barriers to provision of pharmaceutical care service in compliance with the proposed pharmacy practice standards which have been developed based on the GPP standards recommended jointly by WHO and FIP. Methods: Questionnaires reviewed by the expert committee were posted for 32 days on the website which is most frequently accessed by community pharmacists. The respondents completed them by checking the scores (Max=5, Min=1) for major barriers to provision of pharmaceutical care service focusing on patient information management and drug use review process in prescription fillings. The answered scores were automatically collected using online data processing. Mean differences between scored data were assessed by ANOVA. Results: Total 321 pharmacists participated in the survey. Results indicated that 'difficulty of diagnosis identification' (m=3.92, SD=1.21), 'lack of time' (m=3.48, SD=1.22) and 'lack of updated clinical information' (m=3.17, SD=1.10) were the major barriers to provision of pharmaceutical care service in patient information management. The main barriers to drug utilization review were 'lack of time' (m=3.32, SD=1.21), 'lack of updated clinical information' (m=3.11, SD=1.17), and 'negative feedbacks or refusals from prescribers' (m=3.00, SD=1.38). There were significant differences among the groups by location, employed number of pharmacists and acceptability to the proposed GPP standards. Conclusion: Difficulties in managing patient clinical information and lack of time were found to be the major barriers in providing pharmaceutical care services in community pharmacies in Korea. Further research is recommended to determine ways to reduce these barriers in order to provide quality pharmaceutical care service that is in compliance with the internationally recognized GPP guidelines.