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Effect of Combined Therapy of Robot and Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Hemispatial Neglect in Stroke Patients

  • Kim, Sang Beom;Lee, Kyeong Woo;Lee, Jong Hwa;Lee, Sook Joung;Park, Jin Gee;Lee, Joung Bok
    • Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
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    • v.42 no.6
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    • pp.788-797
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    • 2018
  • Objective To investigate the effect of upper limb rehabilitation combining robot with low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on unilateral spatial neglect in stroke patients. Methods Patients who had hemispatial neglect after right hemisphere stroke were randomly divided into rTMS only group, robot only group, and combined group. All groups received conventional neglect therapy and additional treatment for each group. rTMS group received rTMS therapy. Robot group received robot therapy, while combined group received both therapies. The effect of therapy was assessed with Motor-Free Visual Perception Test-3 (MVPT-3), line bisection test, star cancellation test, Catherine Bergego Scale (CBS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), and the Korean version of Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). These measurements were evaluated before and after treatment. Results For each group, 10 patients were recruited. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics or initial values among the three groups. Two weeks after the therapy, all groups showed significant improvement in MVPT-3, line bisection test, star cancellation test, CBS, MMSE, and K-MBI. However, changes in measurements showed no significant differences among groups. Conclusion Treatment effect of the combined therapy of robotic therapy and low-frequency rTMS therapy for hemispatial neglect was not statistically different from that of each single treatment. Results of this study did not prove the superiority of any of the three treatments. Further study with large number of patients is needed to evaluate the superiority of these treatments.

Effect of 8% lidocaine spray on the sensory and pain thresholds of the skin of the face and hands evaluated by quantitative sensory testing

  • Okayasu, Ichiro;Komiyama, Osamu;Ayuse, Takao;De Laat, Antoon
    • Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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    • v.18 no.6
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    • pp.361-365
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    • 2018
  • Background: Recently, we examined the effects of 2% lidocaine gel on the tactile sensory and pain thresholds of the face, tongue and hands of symptom-free individuals using quantitative sensory testing (QST); its effect was less on the skin of the face and hands than on the tongue. Consequently, instead of 2% lidocaine gel, we examined the effect of 8% lidocaine spray on the tactile sensory and pain thresholds of the skin of the face and hands of healthy volunteers. Methods: Using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, QST of the skin of the cheek and palm (thenar skin) was performed in 20 healthy volunteers. In each participant, two topical sprays were applied. On one side, 0.2 mL of 8% lidocaine pump spray was applied, and on the other side, 0.2 mL of saline pump spray was applied as control. In each participant, QST was performed before and 15 min after each application. Pain intensity was measured using a numeric rating scale (NRS). Results: Both the tactile detection threshold and filament-prick pain detection threshold of the cheek and thenar skin increased significantly after lidocaine application. A significant difference between the effect of lidocaine and saline applications was found on the filament-prick pain detection threshold only. NRS of the cheek skin and thenar skin decreased after application of lidocaine, and not after application of saline. Conclusion: The significant effect of applying an 8% lidocaine spray on the sensory and pain thresholds of the skin of the face and hands can be objectively scored using QST.

Streptomycin-anionic linear globular dendrimer G2: Novel antibacterial and anticancer agent

  • Javadi, Sahar;Ardestani, Mehdi Shafiee
    • Advances in nano research
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    • v.7 no.4
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    • pp.241-248
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    • 2019
  • Recent researches demonstrated well promising anticancer activities for antibiotics. Such effects would be significantly increased while nanoparticle based delivery systems were applied. In this study, the goal was aim to improve anticancer and antitoxic effects of Streptomycin by loading on special kind of dendrimer (anionic-linear-globular second generation). In the current study, Size and zeta potential as well as AFM techniques have been used to prove the fact that the loading was performed correctly. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of the drug loaded on dendrimer nanoparticle were determined and compared with both of dendrimer alone and free drug with respect to staphylococcus aureus as the test microorganism. The anticancer activity among three groups including Streptomycin, Streptomycin -G2 dendrimer, and control was measured in vitro. In vitro studies showed that G2 anionic linear-globular polyethylene-glycol-based dendrimer, which loaded on Streptomycin was able to significantly improve the treatment efficacy over clinical Streptomycin alone with respect to proliferation assay. Maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated to be $257{\mu}g/mL$ for streptomycin alone and $55{\mu}g/mL$ for Streptomycin -G2 dendrimer. In addition, Streptomycin -G2 dendrimer conjugate prevented the growth of MCF-7 cancerous cells in addition to enhance the number of apoptotic and necrotic cells as demonstrated by an annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate assay. Streptomycin -G2 dendrimer conjugate was able to increase Bcl-2/Bax ratio in a large scale compared with the control group and Streptomycin alone. Based on results a new drug formulation based nano-particulate was improved against S. aureus with sustained release and enhanced antibacterial activity as well as anticancer activity shown for functional cancer treatment with low side effects.

A Study on Slamming Impact Pressure by a Numerical Method based on the Cartesian-grid System (직교격자계 기반의 수치계산법을 이용한 슬래밍 충격압력의 연구)

  • Kim, Ki-Yong;Lee, Young-Gill;Ha, Yoon-Jin;Kang, Ui-Ha;Park, Jeong-Ho;Lee, Sun-Kyu;Lee, Chang-Jin
    • Journal of the Society of Naval Architects of Korea
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    • v.56 no.4
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    • pp.308-315
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    • 2019
  • In this study, numerical simulations of slamming impact pressure acting on the flat plate and wedge type models using the cartesian-grid system and Modified Marker-Density Method (MMD method) were performed and the results were examined. The flat plate and wedge type models were selected as target objects, the turbulence characteristics were considered by applying the Sub-Grid Scale (SGS) turbulence model. Through this study, how the pressure acting on the target objects according to the incident angle influences the slamming impact pressure was examined and the results were compared with the flow characteristics of other experimental results. Also, the degree of slamming impact pressure is evaluated with respect to the cartesian-grid system and MMD method, which is easy to use and has a high degree of calculation for free surface.

Dynamic analysis of nanosize FG rectangular plates based on simple nonlocal quasi 3D HSDT

  • Boutaleb, Sabrina;Benrahou, Kouider Halim;Bakora, Ahmed;Algarni, Ali;Bousahla, Abdelmoumen Anis;Tounsi, Abdelouahed;Tounsi, Abdeldjebbar;Mahmoud, S.R.
    • Advances in nano research
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    • v.7 no.3
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    • pp.191-208
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    • 2019
  • In the present work the dynamic analysis of the functionally graded rectangular nanoplates is studied. The theory of nonlocal elasticity based on the quasi 3D high shear deformation theory (quasi 3D HSDT) has been employed to determine the natural frequencies of the nanosize FG plate. In HSDT a cubic function is employed in terms of thickness coordinate to introduce the influence of transverse shear deformation and stretching thickness. The theory of nonlocal elasticity is utilized to examine the impact of the small scale on the natural frequency of the FG rectangular nanoplate. The equations of motion are deduced by implementing Hamilton's principle. To demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed method, the calculated results in specific cases are compared and examined with available results in the literature and a good agreement is observed. Finally, the influence of the various parameters such as the nonlocal coefficient, the material indexes, the aspect ratio, and the thickness to length ratio on the dynamic properties of the FG nanoplates is illustrated and discussed in detail.

Numerical and Experimental Study on Linear Behavior of Salter's Duck Wave Energy Converter (비대칭 형상 파력발전 로터의 선형 거동에 대한 수치적·실험적 연구)

  • Kim, Dongeun;Poguluri, Sunny Kumar;Ko, Haeng Sik;Lee, Hyebin;Bae, Yoon Hyeok
    • Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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    • v.33 no.2
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    • pp.116-122
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    • 2019
  • Among the various wave power systems, Salter's duck (rotor) is one of the most effective wave absorbers for extracting wave energy. The rotor shape is designed such that the front part faces the direction of the incident wave, which forces it to bob up and down due to wave-induced water particle motion, whereas the rear part, which is mostly circular in shape, reflects no waves. The asymmetric geometric shape of the duck makes it absorb energy efficiently. In the present study, the rotor was investigated using WAMIT (a program based on the linear potential flow theory in three-dimensional diffraction/radiation analyses) in the frequency domain and verified using OrcaFlex (design and analysis program of marine system) in the time domain. Then, an experimental investigation was conducted to assess the performance of the rotor motion based on the model scale in a two-dimensional (2D) wave tank. Initially, a free decay test (FDT) was carried out to obtain the viscous damping coefficient. The pitch response was extracted from the experimental time series in a periodic regular wave for two different wave heights (1 cm and 3 cm). In addition, the viscous damping coefficient was calculated from the FDT result and fluid forces, obtained from WAMIT, are incorporated into the final response of the rotor. Finally, a comparative study based on experimental and numerical results (WAMIT & OrcaFlex) was performed to confirm the performance reliability of the designed rotor.

Significance of Preoperative Prone Position Computed Tomography in Free Hand Subaxial Cervical Pedicular Screwing

  • Istemen, Iismail;Arslan, Ali;Olgune, Semih Kivanc;Afser, Kemal Alper;Acik, Vedat;Arslan, Baris;Okten, Ali Ihsan;Gezercan, Yurdal
    • Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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    • v.64 no.2
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    • pp.247-254
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    • 2021
  • Objective : The subaxial cervical pedicle screwing technique shows powerful biomechanical properties for posterior cervical fusion. When applying a pedicle screw using the freehand technique, it is essential to analyse cervical computed tomography and plan the surgery accordingly. Normal cervical computed tomography is usually performed in the supine position, whereas during surgery, the patient lies in a prone position. This fact leads us to suppose that radiological evaluations may yield misleading results. Our study aimed to investigate whether there is any superiority between preoperative preparation on computed tomography performed in the prone position and that performed in the supine position. Methods : This study included 17 patients (132 pedicle screws) who were recently operated on with cervical vertebral computed tomography in the prone position and 17 patients (136 pedicle screws) who were operated on by conventional cervical vertebral computed tomography as the control group. The patients in both groups were compared in terms of age, gender, pathological diagnosis, screw malposition and complications. A screw malposition evaluation was made according to the Gertzbein-Robbins scale. Results : No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding age, gender and pathological diagnosis. The screw malposition rate (from 11.1% to 6.9%, p<0.05), mean malposition distance (from 2.18 mm to 1.86 mm, p <0.05), and complications statistically significantly decreased in the prone position computed tomography group. Conclusion : Preoperative surgical planning by performing cervical vertebral computed tomography in the prone position reduces screw malposition and complications. Our surgical success increased with a simple modification that can be applied by all clinicians without creating additional radiation exposure or additional costs.

Attractiveness Valuation of Phenomenal Architectural Aesthetic by Mixing the Fuzzy Logic with Contingent Valuation - Availing the Use Fares of Facility within Nodle Islet Cultural Center as Valuation Scale - (퍼지논리와 가상가치법 혼합을 통한 현상적 건축미의 매력가치 - 노들섬 문화센터 시설이용료를 가치 척도로 -)

  • Lee, Dong-Joo;Ko, Eun-Hyung
    • Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design
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    • v.34 no.5
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    • pp.3-10
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    • 2018
  • The purpose of this study is to estimate the attractiveness value according to the preference level on architectural aesthetic. This research starts from the concept that aesthetic is phenomenon and from the viewpoint of 'attraction value' which affects goods. Interactive internet surveys were conducted for 500 citizens of Seoul metropolitan city who are potential users of the Nodle Islet Cultural Center. Based on the scenarios and questionnaires with fuzzy models, we have examined the evaluation of architectural aesthetic and monetary willing-to-payment, and estimated the economic value by preference level of architectural aesthetic through linear regression analysis. The main results of the study are as follows: First, the economic value of the Nodle Islet Cultural Center was estimated at ?15,683.43/person. Residents of Seoul metropolitan city were willing to accept the increase in the above-mentioned amount of the facility fares when their preferred works (average 86.81 points) were constructed. (P <0/05) Second, it is confirmed that the economic value increases dramatically as the preference level of architectural aesthetic increases. Third, it is presumed that the infinite valuation of architectural aesthetic and the problem of free riding coexist in the estimation of economic valuation of architectural aesthetic for public buildings. Fourth, by mixing the fuzzy logic with contingent valuation method, starting point bias and no response biases that happened in contingent valuation could be disappeared. bias elimination must be considered seriously because another bias could be happened in full process of the research. The results of this study will serve as a basis for spreading architectural aesthetic value-oriented research from the vague and obscure aesthetic-centered discussion on the existing architectural aesthetic. In addition, it will be an opportunity to draw institutional application and utilization strategy of architectural aesthetic through architectural aesthetic value research.

Validation of a 750 kW semi-submersible floating offshore wind turbine numerical model with model test data, part II: Model-II

  • Kim, Junbae;Shin, Hyunkyoung
    • International Journal of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering
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    • v.12 no.1
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    • pp.213-225
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    • 2020
  • Floating Offshore Wind Turbines (FOWT) installed in the deep sea regions where stable and strong wind flows are abundant would have significantly improved energy production capacity. When designing FOWT, it is essential to understand the stability and motion performance of the floater. Water tank model tests are required to evaluate these aspects of performance. This paper describes a model test and numerical simulation for a 750-kW semi-submersible platform wind turbine model-II. In the previous model test, the 750-kW FOWT model-I suffered slamming phenomena from extreme wave conditions. Because of that, the platform freeboard of model-II was increased to mitigate the slamming load on the platform deck structure in extreme conditions. Also, the model-I pitch Response Amplitude Operators (RAO) of simulation had strong responses to the natural frequency region. Thus, the hub height of model-II was decreased to reduce the pitch resonance responses from the low-frequency response of the system. Like the model-I, 750-kW FOWT model-II was built with a 1/40 scale ratio. Furthermore, the experiments to evaluate the performance characteristics of the model-II wind turbine were executed at the same location and in the same environment conditions as were those of model-I. These tests included a free decay test, and tests of regular and irregular wave conditions. Both the experimental and simulation conditions considered the blade rotating effect due to the wind. The results of the model tests were compared with the numerical simulations of the FOWT using FAST (Fatigue, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Turbulence) code from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Clinical Case Report: Postoperative Rehabilitation Protocol for Spondylolisthesis in Korean Medicine Treatment (후방 요추체간 유합술을 시행한 척추 전위증 환자의 한방 재활치료 프로토콜을 적용한 임상 치료 효과: 증례 보고)

  • Lee, Eun-Byeol;Park, Na-Ri;Lee, Yun-Jin;Kang, Seok-Beom;Woo, Chang-Hoon;Ahn, Hee-Duk;Yang, Doo-Hwa
    • Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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    • v.31 no.1
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    • pp.165-173
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    • 2021
  • Objectives The objective of this study is to propose postoperative rehabilitation for spondylolisthesis after posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) in Korean medicine and to report its effectiveness. Methods There were two patients who were received Korean medicine with acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping and exercise treatment after PLIF. Patients were evaluated numeric rating scale (NRS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), pain free walking distance (PFWD), Korean modified index (K-MBI), EuroQol-5 dimension (EQ-5D) index. Results Case 1 was improved NRS from 7 to 3, Case 2 was improved NRS from 7 to 2. Also, ODI, PFWD, K-MBI, EQ-5D score were improved in both cases. Conclusions This study suggests that Korean medicine rehabilitation could be effective for spondylolisthesis after PLIF.