• Journal of Korean Physical Therapy Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.102-108
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• 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine the changes of skin temperature and subjective fatigue of the thoracic vertebrae by the chiropractic adjustments. Stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system will cause the changes in the skin blood flow which can be detected by measuring the skin surface temperature. This study was to see whether chiropractic adjustments could affect the activity of the sympathetic nervous system as reflected by changes in skin temperature of the thoracic. Skin temperature and subjective fatigue on 16 subjects was measured before, within 10 sec, 10min, 20min and 30 min after a thoracic adjustment with Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging(DITI) and Visual Analogue Scale(VAS). The adjustments consisted of a straight posterior-to-anterior high-speed, low-amplitude thrust to the transverse process of T3-T10 using a reinforced hypothenar contact. The average temperature and fatigue changed when the spine was considered as an entire unit. These results illustrate that the blood flow through the soft tissue can be affected by specific adjustments to the spine. This study might be served as an useful baseline data for the changes of the circulation and fatigue after the chiropractic adjustments.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.33-42
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• 2017

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the immediate effects of thoracic mobilization according to segment on disabling low-back pain and the range of motion in patients with chronic low-back pain. METHODS: The participants were divided randomly into two groups: a group (N=12) with pain and disability between the 5th and 9th thoracic vertebrae (T5-T9) and a group (N=12) with pain and disability between the 10th and 12th thoracic vertebrae (T10-T12). The same experiment was conducted in both groups: 10 minutes of thoracic mobilization and 10 minutes of functional massage. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and range of motion measurements were applied to the participants in both groups. All participants were measured again immediately after the program was completed. RESULTS: In both groups, the VAS and range of motion measurements showed statistically significant improvement after the experiment (p<.05). No statistically significant difference was revealed between the two groups (p>.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study confirmed positive and immediate effects of thoracic mobilization of patients with chronic low-back pain. But, no significant difference in the thoracic mobilization by segment between the two groups. Based on these results, thoracic mobilization could help to improve pain control and functional activity in patients with chronic low-back pain.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.6
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• pp.922-932
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• 2021

Objective : It is challenging to make solid fusion by posterior screw fixation and laminectomy with posterolateral fusion (PLF) in thoracic and thoracolumbar (TL) diseases. In this study, we report our experience and follow-up results with a new surgical technique entitled posterior thoracic cage interbody fusion (PTCIF) for thoracic and TL spine in comparison with conventional PLF. Methods : After institutional review board approval, a total of 57 patients who underwent PTCIF (n=30) and conventional PLF (n=27) for decompression and fusion in thoracic and TL spine between 2004 and 2019 were analyzed. Clinical outcomes and radiological parameters, including bone fusion, regional Cobb angle, and proximal junctional Cobb angle, were evaluated. Results : In PTCIF and conventional PLF, the mean age was 61.2 and 58.2 years (p=0.46), and the numbers of levels fused were 2.8 and 3.1 (p=0.46), respectively. Every patient showed functional improvement except one case of PTCIF. Postoperative hematoma as a perioperative complication occurred in one and three cases, respectively. The mean difference in the regional Cobb angle immediately after surgery compared with that of the last follow-up was 1.4° in PTCIF and 7.6° in conventional PLF (p=0.003), respectively. The mean durations of postoperative follow-up were 35.6 months in PTCIF and 37.3 months in conventional PLF (p=0.86). Conclusion : PTCIF is an effective fusion method in decompression and fixation surgery with good clinical outcomes for various spinal diseases in the thoracic and TL spine. It provides more stable bone fusion than conventional PLF by anterior column support.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.854-862
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• 2013

The number of thoracic and lumbar vertebrae is known to be an unfixed trait among mammals. This study focused on the relationship between numerical variations of cervical (CER), thoracic (THO), and lumbar (LUM) vertebrae and the total number of vertebrae (TNV) and carcass traits in Jejunative black pigs (JBPs), Landrace pigs, and their intercrossed $F_2$ population. There were no numerical variations in CER vertebrae. On the other hand, the numbers of THO and LUM vertebrae and the TNV varied in all three populations. Of the traits investigated in the three populations, only the means${\pm}$SE of the LUM vertebrae did not show statistical significance (p>0.05). The carcass weights (CW), meat color (MC), marbling score (MS), backfat thickness (BFT), carcass length (CLE), THO vertebrae, and TNV all showed statistical significance (p<0.05). The JBP had 14-16 THO vertebrae, 5-6 LUM vertebrae, and 27-29 TNV. The Landrace pigs had 15-16 THO vertebrae, 5-7 LUM vertebrae, and 28-29 TNV. The $F_2$ population had 14-17 THO vertebrae, 5-7 LUM vertebrae, and 27-30 TNV. In the F2 population, increased numbers of THO vertebrae and TNV were associated with a significant increase in the CW, CLE, and BFT (p<0.05). In particular, the increase in the TNV was caused by an increase in the number of THO rather than LUM vertebrae. Although the animals with a greater number of THO and TNV had thicker backfat, they had a longer CLE and a heavier CW. Both these traits are economically more important than the level of backfat when determining the productivity level. These results suggest that genetic selection to increase the number of vertebrae, especially in Landrace pigs, JBPs, and their related populations, may be an excellent strategy for improving productivity.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.47-50
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• 2006

This 51-year-old man suffered from paraparesis of 1-week history. On preoperative images, spinal cord compression by infiltrative vertebral mass was shown at T3 and T4 level. Several months earlier, he underwent surgical resection of left 2nd to 4th ribs, due to painful growing chest wall mass, which was proved to be hepatocellular carcinoma. All available diagnostic procedure failed to uncover origin of malignancy. Operation was followed by adjuvant irradiation and chemotherapy to the vertebral mass, however he only to die in 3 months after operation. This is an extremely rare case of ectopic hepatocellular carcinoma at thoracic vertebrae which showed very aggressive clinical course. Possible pathogenic process is presented and discussed.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.119-123
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• 2023

Although various imaging evaluation methods have been developed and utilized, thoracic radiography remains essential and is the top priority for diagnosing and managing cardiac diseases. Thoracic radiographic measurements associated with the vertebral heart scale (VHS) and caudal vena cava (CVC) can objectively diagnose cardiac disease in many animals. In particular, VHS measurement is primarily used to evaluate the dimensions of the heart size on thoracic radiographs and can measure cardiomegaly more objectively. Additionally, the value of the CVC compared with the aorta (Ao) and the length of vertebrae (VL) can be used as valuable parameters in right congestive heart failure. To describe the CVC/Ao and CVC/VL ratios in 10 long-tailed gorals (Naemorhedus caudatus) without subjective radiographic evidence of cardiac diseases. The VHS, CVC, Ao, and VL of gorals were measured in the right lateral (RL) view of the thoracic radiographs. In the RL view of 10 gorals, the VHS was 9.31 ± 0.55 vertebrae (v), the CVC/Ao ratio was 0.84 ± 0.13, and the CVC/VL ratio was 0.67 ± 0.09. Additionally, the thoracic morphology of gorals was determined to be intermediate (thoracic depth-to-width ratio, 1.04 ± 0.09, 0.75-1.25). This study confirmed that VHS was significantly correlated with CVC and Ao, and measuring and comparing each value would help diagnose cardiac diseases in gorals. The radiographic measurements in this study will allow veterinarians to diagnose several cardiac diseases in gorals.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.190-199
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• 2022

Ultrasound-guided injection is useful for managing thoracic spine and chest wall pain. With ultrasound, pain physicians perform the injection with real-time viewing of major structures, such as the pleura, vasculature, and nerves. Therefore, the ultrasound-guided injection procedure not only prevents procedure-related adverse events but also increases the accuracy of the procedure. Here, ultrasound-guided interventions that could be applied for thoracic spine and chest wall pain were described. We presented ultrasound-guided thoracic facet joint and costotransverse joint injections and thoracic paravertebral, intercostal nerve, erector spinae plane, and pectoralis and serratus plane blocks. The indication, anatomy, Sonoanatomy, and technique for each procedure were also described. We believe that our article is helpful for clinicians to conduct ultrasound-guided injections for controlling thoracic spine and chest wall pain precisely and safely.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.131-136
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• 2002

The vertebrae of female African elephant (Loxodonta africana) of twenty-eight years old were observed macroscopically. The result was summarized as follows; the vertebral formula of African elephant was $C_7$ $T_{21}$ $L_3$ $S_4$ $Cd_{21}$. The total length of the vertebral column removed intervertebreal disks was 353 cm. The length of each segment of vertebral column was 44 cm in cervical, 142 cm in thoracic, 21 cm in lumbar, 27 cm in sacral and 119 cm in caudal vertebrae. The 17th and 18th thoracic vertebrae (T) were partially fused each other in four parts: the transverse processes of 17th and 18th T, caudal articular process of 17th T and cranial articular process of 18th T, left mammilary process of 18th T and left transverse process of 17th T, and vertebral arch of 17th and 18th T, respectively. Others partial fusions also observed among the third luwbar, sacrum and ilium. These were in between transverse process of third lumbar vertebra and cranial parts of wing of sacrum, lateral part of sacrum and tuber sacrale, respectively. The sternum was consisted of three pieces; one is a part of anterior prestemum, two is the part from caudal demifacet at second facet to cranial demifacet at third facet in middle mesosternum, which is divided vertically into an half at second and third facets, respectively, and the last is the part between caudal demifacet of third facet in middle mesosternum and the posterior xiphisternum. There are 21 pairs of ribs, six sternal, ten asternal ribs and the last five being floating ribs.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.351-357
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• 2023

This Study Rreceived Subjective Evaluation ROC Evaluation from five projection. of projection. at a University Hospital to Obtain and Diagnose Sharp images of apophyseal joints and Vertral arch of Thoracic vertebrae from thoracic X-ray projection. In the Subjective evaluation, the highest Score was obtained by raising the phantom from Supine to LAO by 70° and scoring 20 points at 5° with the X-ray Tube facing the head. In addition, he scored the highest score of 19 points at 8° with the Prone Phantom standing 60° with RAO and the X-ray Tube facing the head. For Objective Evaluation, the Signal-to-noise ratio, was calculated. ROI was set at 1,564 mm2 to obtain the image signal average value (Mean value) and the Standard deviation (SD value). Objective Evaluation The signal-to-noise ratio, was the highest at 5° toward the head in the LPO 70° position of the phantom in the lying position of the Thoracic spine projection, and the Thoracic Spine was the highest at 8° toward the head of the RAO posture of 5,645.

• Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.1513-1516
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• 2018

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of upper thoracic mobilization on cervical alignment in stroke patients with forward head posture. The subject's of this study were two stroke patients with forward head posture and a cervical curve angle (four-line Cobb's method; FLCM) less than $40^{\circ}$. The intervention, central posterior-anterior (PA) mobilization, was applied to the T1-T4 vertebrae (upper thoracic spine) following the Maitland concept. This mobilization was applied three times per week for four weeks. In the results, the cervical curve angle (FLCM) increased for both subject 1 and 2. However, Jochumsen method score was decreased in subject 1, while it was increased in subject 2. These results demonstrate that upper thoracic mobilization had the positive effect on the cervical curve angle but not on Jochumsen method score. These findings suggest that PA mobilization on the upper thoracic spine could correct cervical curve angle measured by FLMC in stroke patients with FHP.