• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.465-469
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• 2004

We propose a new training system for the improvement of equilibrium sense using unstable platform. This system consists of unstable platform, computer interface and various softwares. The unstable platform was a simple structure of elliptical-type which included tilt sensor and wireless RF module. To evaluate the effort of balance training, we measured the parameters such as the moving time to the target and duration to maintain cursor in the target of screen. Balance training was carried out for two weeks and we classified the subjects into two groups by the training program. As a result, the moving time was reduced and duration time was lengthened through the repeating training of equilibrium sense using training program of sine curve trace(SCT) and Block game. Especially, there was remarkable improvement at direction which was too difficult for the subjects to balance their body. It was showed that this system had an effort on improving equilibrium sense and might be applied to clinical use as an effective balance training system.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.19 no.5
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• pp.469-476
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• 1998

In the case of acquisition and displaying medical Images such as ultrasonography and endoscopy on VGA monitor of PC system, image degradation of tear-drop appears through scan conversion. In this study, we compare several methods which can solve this degradation and implement the hardware system that resolves this problem in real-time with PC. It is possible to represent high quality image display and real-time processing and acquisition with specific de-interlacing device and PCI bridge on our hardware system. Image quality is improved remarkably on our hardware system. It is implemented as PC-based system, so acquiring, saving images and describing text comment on those images and PACS networking can be easily implemented.metabolism. All images were spatially normalized to MNI standard PET template and smoothed with 16mm FWHM Gaussian kernel using SPM96. Mean count in cerebral region was normalized. The VOls for 34 cerebral regions were previously defined on the standard template and 17 different counts of mirrored regions to hemispheric midline were extracted from spatially normalized images. A three-layer feed-forward error back-propagation neural network classifier with 7 input nodes and 3 output nodes was used. The network was trained to interpret metabolic patterns and produce identical diagnoses with those of expert viewers. The performance of the neural network was optimized by testing with 5~40 nodes in hidden layer. Randomly selected 40 images from each group were used to train the network and the remainders were used to test the learned network. The optimized neural network gave a maximum agreement rate of 80.3% with expert viewers. It used 20 hidden nodes and was trained for 1508 epochs. Also, neural network gave agreement rates of 75~80% with 10 or 30 nodes in hidden layer. We conclude that artificial neural network performed as well as human experts and could be potentially useful as clinical decision support tool for the localization of epileptogenic zones.

• Proceedings of the KOSOMBE Conference
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• v.1993 no.11
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• pp.89-92
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• 1993

In this article, we present and analyze the results of the three consecutive in vivo experiments of the LVAD to evaluate the function of the LVAD and the adverse effects on living animals. We applied the LVAD consecutively to three mongrel dogs and the circulation of the blood was assisted under the anesthesia. We used in general both the asynchronous mode and the synchronous mode to drive the LVAD. During the experiments we monitored the dogs with a polygraph to evaluate the function of the LVAD and the additional effects on the natural hearts. We also examined several clinical pathologic tests in order to see the effects of the LVAD to the red blood cells and the other internal organs. The dogs survived for two to there days. The LVAD assisted the circulatory system at the maximum assist flow rate of 3.0 1/min. Although the red blood cells of the dogs had mechanical damages by the LVAD to result in the hemolysis, the degree of the hemolysis was not so high and the damages caused by the hemolysis on the dogs were not serious. The myocardium of the first dog was gradually worsened and eventually failed. The damage of the myocardium was due to the asynchronous driving mode of the LVAD. The other organs did not have serious damages due to the application of the LVAD. The main purpose of this paper is to evaluate the results of the in vivo experiments of the LVAD and to find better ways to the application of the LVAD to human beings.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.66-72
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• 2008

The major risk associated with the use of automated power injectors is the well known complication of contrast material extravasation at the injection site. Automated injection of computed tomography (CT) contrast media can produce the compartment syndrome. The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of this device during clinically important episodes of extravasation. The extravasation detection accessory (EDA) system was composed of a strain gage, an amplifier and a computer based system. A strain gage pliable adhesive patch was applied to the skin aver the intravenous catheter and the catheter was connected to the power injector with a cable to monitor the resolution data. If the programmed monitoring, which was developed with MS Visual C++, at the extravasation occurred, then the injection was interrupted the auto injector. CT was used to demonstrate the clinically important extravasation. This study was a prospective, observational study in which the EDA system was used to monitor the automated mechanical injection of contrast material in 7 dogs. There were two true-positive cases (range of extravasation volumes: $18{\sim}22ml$), twenty three true-negative cases, three false-positive cases and no false-negative cases. The EDA system had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 88% for the detection of clinically important extravasation. The EDA system had good sensitivity for the detection of clinically important extravasation and the EDA system has the clinical potential for the early detection of extravasation of the contrast medium that is administered with power injectors. The EDA system is easy to use safe and accurate for the monitoring extravasation of the intravenous injections, and this system may prove especially useful in CT applications.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.111-116
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• 2000

Purpose : We reviewed the results of arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using Achilles tendon allograft, and the efficacy of the surgical technique using gradual tibial tunneling and posterior transseptal technique. Materials and Methods : From september 1997 to September 1999, 8 patients with complete PCL injury were treated by arthroscopic PCL reconstruction using Achilles tendon allograft. Mean follow-up period was 21.7 months. Mean preoperative posterior laxity was 14mm. The clinical outcome was assessed by Telos stress test, Lysholm knee score and IKDC score. Result : There was no complication such as infection and neurovascular injury. Posterior translation using Telos device was less than 5mm in 6 cases$(75\%)$, and between 6 to 10mm in 2 cases$(25\%)$. The mean Lysholm knee score was 45 preoperatively and improved to 87 postoperatively. In IKDC system, 2 of 8 patients were group A and 6 were group B. Conclusion : Arthroscopic PCL reconstruction using achilles tendon allograft and posterior transseptal technique shows reliable stability, short operative time and minimizing donor site morbidity but needs more long term follow-up.

• Journal of health informatics and statistics
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.309-316
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• 2017

Objectives: Radon and its progeny pose environmental risks as a carcinogen, especially to the lungs. Investigating factors affecting indoor radon concentrations and models thereof are needed to prevent exposure to radon and to reduce indoor radon concentrations. The purpose of this study was to identify factors affecting indoor radon concentration and to construct a comprehensive model thereof. Methods: Questionnaires were administered to obtain data on residential environments, including building materials and life style. Decision tree and structural equation modeling were applied to predict residences at risk for higher radon concentrations and to develop the comprehensive model. Results: Greenery ratio, impermeable layer ratio, residence at ground level, daily ventilation, long-term heating, crack around the measuring device, and bedroom were significantly shown to be predictive factors of higher indoor radon concentrations. Daily ventilation reduced the probability of homes having indoor radon concentrations ${\geq}200Bq/m^3$ by 11.6%. Meanwhile, a greenery ratio ${\geq}65%$ without daily ventilation increased this probability by 15.3% compared to daily ventilation. The constructed model indicated greenery ratio and ventilation rate directly affecting indoor radon concentrations. Conclusions: Our model highlights the combined influences of geographical properties, groundwater, and lifestyle factors of an individual resident on indoor radon concentrations in Korea.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.1111-1118
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• 2018

Background/Aims: Chest pain is an essential symptom in the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). One-third of patients with ACS present atypically, which can influence their receiving timely lifesaving therapy. Methods: A total of 617 NSTEMI patients from the Korea Acute MI Registry (KAMIR) and the Korea Working Group on MI (KorMI) databases were analyzed. The study population was divided into two groups by symptoms at presentation (typical symptoms group, 128; atypical symptoms groups, 128). Results: In this study population, 23% of patients presented without chest pain. After propensity score matching, the contact-to-device time ($2,618{\pm}381minutes$ vs. $1,739{\pm}241minutes$, p = 0.050), the symptoms-to-balloon time ($3,426{\pm}389minutes$ vs. $2,366{\pm}255minutes$, p = 0.024), and the door-to-balloon time ($2,339{\pm}380minutes$ vs. $1,544{\pm}244minutes$, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the patients with atypical symptoms than in those with typical symptoms, respectively. Atypical symptoms were an independent predictor for 1-year mortality (hazard ratio, 2.820; 95% confidence interval, 1.058 to 7.515; p = 0.038). The Kaplan-Meier estimates showed higher risk for 12-month mortality in patients with atypical symptoms (p = 0.048) and no significant difference for 12-month major adverse cardiac events (p = 0.487). Conclusions: Acute myocardial infarction patients with atypical symptoms were not rare in clinical practice and showed a high risk of delayed reperfusion therapy. After imbalance between the groups was minimized by use of propensity score matching, patients who presented atypically had a high mortality rate.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.100-104
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• 2018

Purpose: An axillary crutch is the most commonly used assistive device in foot and ankle patients who require nonweightbearing. On the other hand, its use frequently induces axillary or wrist pain and critical neurovascular injuries have been reported in several studies. This study compared the clinical outcomes of patients using the knee walker and axillary crutch. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed comparing the utility of a knee walker and axillary crutch as a nonweightbearing ambulatory aid for 62 foot and ankle patients treated between November 2016 and March 2018. A comparative study of the two orthosis could be performed because all the patients temporarily used an axillary crutch before or after the use of a knee walker. A demographic study and comparative analysis based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) satisfaction score (0~100), complications, and fall down history were evaluated. Furthermore, under the assumption of having retreatment, their preference of orthosis between the knee walker and axillary crutch was investigated. Results: The mean age of the patients was 36.5 and the mean duration of ambulation with a knee walker and axillary crutch were 5.2 and 2.4 weeks. The VAS satisfaction score of the knee walker and crutch was 88.8 and 27.5, respectively (p<0.05). The most frequent complications of the knee walker and crutch were ipsilateral knee pain (6 cases) and axillary or wrist pain (56 cases), respectively. No case of falling down occurred during knee walker ambulation, but there were two cases of crutch ambulation. Fifty-eight patients (93.5%) preferred the knee walker and four patients (6.5%) preferred a crutch. Conclusion: Compared to the axillary crutch, the knee walker afforded lower complication and higher satisfaction. Most patients preferred the knee walker to a crutch. Therefore, the knee walker is an efficient and safe orthosis for foot and ankle patients who require nonweightbearing.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.88-94
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma (NTP) on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) for clinical application of periodontal treatment. Materials and Methods: HGFs were treated with Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Customized NTP device was developed for periodontal in vitro study. Cell viability was evaluated with cell counting kit-8. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-8 and 6, were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: When NTP was applied, the cell viability did not change significantly, and there was no difference for 6 h and 24h. When Pg LPS was treated to HGFs, the secretion of IL-8 and IL-6 was increased compared to the control group. But when the NTP was applied, the secretion of them was significantly decreased. Conclusion: NTP did not affect cell viability of HGFs. And it inhibited the LPS-induced production of IL-8 and IL-6.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.325-334
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• 2021

Purpose: Although dumping symptoms are thought to involve postprandial glycemic changes, postprandial glycemic variability without dumping symptoms remains poorly understood due to the lack of a method that allows the easy and continuous measurement of blood glucose levels. Materials and Methods: Patients having undergone distal gastrectomy with Billroth-I (DG-BI) or Roux-en-Y reconstruction (DG-RY), total gastrectomy with RY (TG-RY) and pylorus preserving gastrectomy (PPG) for gastric cancer 3 months to 3 years prior, diagnosed as pathological stage I or II, were prospectively enrolled from March 2018 to January 2020. The interstitial tissue glycemic levels were measured every 15 min, up to 14 days by continuous glucose monitoring. Moreover, using a diary recording the diet and symptoms, asymptomatic glucose profiles without sugar supplementation within 3 h postprandially were compared among the four procedures. Results: A total of 40 patients were enrolled, 10 patients for each of the four procedures. There were 47 glucose profiles with DG-BI, 46 profiles with DG-RY, 38 profiles with TG-RY, and 46 profiles with PPG. PPG showed the slowest increase with a subsequent gradual decrease in glucose fluctuations, without hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, among the four procedures. In contrast, TG-RY and DG-RY showed spike-like glycemic variability, sharp rises during meals, and rapid drops. The glucose profiles of DG-BI were milder than those of RY. Conclusions: The asymptomatic glycemic changes after meals differ among the types of surgical procedures for gastric cancer. Given the mild glycemic fluctuations in PPG and the glucose spikes in TG-RY and DG-RY, pylorus preservation and physiological reconstruction without changes in food pathways may optimize postprandial glucose profiles after gastrectomy.