• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.113-119
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• 2019

Background: Discogenic pain is a common cause of disability and is assumed to be a major cause of non-specific low back pain. Various treatment methods have been used for the treatment of discogenic pain. This study was conducted to compare the therapeutic success of radiofrequency (an intradiscal procedure) and laser annuloplasty (both an intradiscal and extradiscal procedure). Methods: This single-center study included 80 patients and followed them for 6 months. Transforaminal laser annuloplasty (TFLA, 37 patients) or intradiscal radiofrequency annuloplasty (IDRA, 43 patients) was performed. The main outcomes included pain scores, determined by the numeric rating scale (NRS), and Oswestry disability index (ODI), at pre-treatment and at post-treatment months 1 and 6. Results: The patients were grouped according to procedure. In all procedures, NRS and ODI scores were significantly decreased over time. Mean post-treatment pain scores at months 1 and 6 were significantly lower (P < 0.01) in both groups, and between-group differences were not significant. The ODI score was also significantly decreased compared with baseline. Among patients undergoing TFLA, 70.3% (n = 26) reported pain relief (NRS scores < 50% of baseline) at post-treatment 6 months, vs. 58.1% (n = 25) of those undergoing IDRA. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in ODI reduction of > 40%. Conclusions: Our results indicate that annuloplasty is a reasonable treatment option for carefully selected patients with lower back and radicular pain of discogenic origin, and TFLA might be superior to IDRA in patients with discogenic low back pain.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 2019

PURPOSE. To investigate and compare the surface roughness (SR), weight and height of monolithic zirconia (MZ), ceramometal (CM), lithium disilicate glass ceramic (LD), composite resin (CR), and their antagonistic human teeth enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS. 32 disc shaped specimens for the four test materials (n=8) and 32 premolars were prepared and randomly divided. SR, weight and height of the materials and the antagonist enamel were recorded before and after subjecting the specimens to 240,000 wear-cycles ($49N/0.8Hz/5^{\circ}C/50^{\circ}C$). SR, height, weight, and digital microscopic qualitative evaluation were measured. RESULTS. CM ($0.23+0.08{\mu}m$) and LD ($0.68+0.16{\mu}m$) exhibited the least and highest mean difference in the SR, respectively. ANOVA revealed significance (P=.001) between the materials for the SR. Paired T-Test showed significance (P<.05) for the pre- and post- SR for all the materials. For the antagonistic enamel, no significance (P=.987) was found between the groups. However, the pre- and post- SR values of all the enamel groups were significant (P<.05). Wear cycles had significant effect on enamel weight loss against all the materials (P<.05). CR and MZ showed the lowest and highest height loss of 0.14 mm and 0.46 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION. MZ and CM are more resistant to SR against the enamel than LD and CR. Enamel worn against test materials showed similar SR. Significant variations in SR values for the tested materials (MZ, LD, CM, and CR) against the enamel were found. Wear simulation significantly affected the enamel weight loss against all the materials, and enamel antagonist against MZ and CM showed more height loss.

• Journal of Society of Preventive Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.21-29
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• 2018

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to examine the lifestyle of korean medicine students based on their drinking patterns and eating attitudes. Methods : The survey was conducted on 101 korean medicine students to investigate their psychological characteristics. They were asked to complete Self-Administered Alcoholism Screening Test, Eating Attitude Test, and Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2. Results : A total of 101 Korean medical students participated in the study. Non-drinker 19, drinker were 82. Unlikely to, possible and potential alcoholism 79(78.2%), 17(16.8%) and 5(5%) respectively. The mean and standard deviation of SAAST in the subjects were $3.88{\pm}3.33$ and the EAT score was $8.09{\pm}8.693$. There was a significant difference in the MMPI-2 items between non-drinker and drinker. The SAAST had an effect on the EAT score(${\beta}=0.319$). Conclusions : As a result of MMPI-2 test, in the potential alcoholism group, scale D, Mf, Si, INTR, TPA, SOD, Mt and GF were shown higher, and AAS and GM were shown lower than the normal group. In the bad eating attitude group, scale Hy, RC4, DISC and AA were shown higher than the good eating attitude group.

• Tribology and Lubricants
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.254-261
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• 2018

In order to reduce resistance torque and energy loss, minimizing friction between race surface and rolling elements of a bearing is necessary. Recently, to reduce friction in bearing element, solid lubricant coating for the bearing raceway surface has been receiving much attention. Considering the operating conditions of real bearings, verifying the effect of solid lubricant coatings under extreme conditions of high load that is more than 1 GPa is necessary. In this study, we evaluated the friction and wear characteristics of SUJ2 bearing steels deposited by carbon-based coatings (Si-DLC, ta-C), $MoS_2$ and graphite. In case of $MoS_2$ and graphite coatings, different surface treatments were applied to the coatings to verify the effect of surface treatment. A pin-on-disc type tribotester was used to evaluate the tribological characteristics of the coatings. It was possible to quantitatively estimate the friction and wear characteristics of solid lubricant under dry and lubrication conditions. The carbon-based coatings improved the friction and wear properties of SUJ2 bearing steels under the high load condition, but $MoS_2$ and graphite coatings were not suitable for high load conditions due to its low hardness. Different friction and wear behaviors were found for different substrate surface treatment method. Also, it was confirmed that solid lubricant coatings had a more positive effect than just applying the lubricant for improving the tribological characteristics.

• Journal of the Microelectronics and Packaging Society
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.45-49
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• 2019

Herein we developed the hot extrusion technology to prepare n-type Bi-Te-Se-based thermoelectric materials with high reliability. Starting ingot was fabricated via melt-solidification process, then pulverized it into powders (${\sim}30{\mu}m$) by using high energy ball milling. By optimization of mold design and temperature-pressure conditions for hot extrusion, dense extrudate of 1.8 mm in diameter with high 00l orientation could be obtained from disc-shape compacted powders (20 mm in diameter). High power factor ${\sim}4.1mW/mK^2$ and enhanced mechanical strength ~50 MPa were simultaneously observed at 300 K.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.223-231
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• 2019

PURPOSE. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of an indirect resin composite (IRC) to the various resin matrix ceramic (RMC) blocks using different surface treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Ninety-nine cubic RMC specimens consisting of a resin nanoceramic (RNC), a polymer-infiltrated hybrid ceramic (PIHC), and a flexible hybrid ceramic (FHC) were divided randomly into three surface treatment subgroups (n = 11). In the experimental groups, untreated (Cnt), tribochemical silica coating (Tbc), and Neodymium-Doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation (Lsr) with 3 W (150 mJ/pulse, 20 Hz for 20 sec.) were used as surface treatments. An indirect composite resin (IRC) was layered with a disc-shape mold ($2{\times}3mm$) onto the treated-ceramic surfaces and the specimens submitted to thermal cycling (6000 cycles, $5-55^{\circ}C$). The SBS test of specimens was performed using a universal testing machine and the specimens were examined with a scanning electron microscope to determine the failure mode. Data were statistically analyzed with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD test (${\alpha}=.05$). RESULTS. According to the two-way ANOVA, only the surface treatment parameter was statistically significant (P<.05) on the SBS of IRC to RMC. The SBS values of Lsr-applied RMC groups were significantly higher than Cnt groups for each RMC material, (P<.05). Significant differences were also determined between Tbc surface treatment applied and untreated (Cnt) PIHC materials (P=.039). CONCLUSION. For promoting a reliable bond strength during characterization of RMC with IRC, Nd:YAG laser or Tbc surface treatment technique should be used, putting in consideration the microstructure and composition of RMC materials and appropriate parameters for each material.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.42 no.9
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• pp.661-671
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• 2019

Adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) are promising for regenerating degenerated intervertebral discs (IVDs), but the low efficiency of nucleus pulposus (NP)-specific differentiation limits their clinical applications. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is important in NP-specific differentiation of ADSCs, and Smoothened Agonist (SAG) is a highly specific and effective agonist of Shh signaling. In this study, we proposed a new differentiation strategy with the use of the small molecule SAG. The NP-specific differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis of ADSCs were measured in vitro, and the regenerative effects of SAG pretreated ADSCs in degenerated IVDs were verified in vivo. The results showed that the combination of SAG and transforming growth factor-${\beta}3$ ($TGF-{\beta}3$) is able to increase the ECM synthesis of ADSCs. In addition, the gene and protein expression levels of NP-specific markers were increased by treatment with SAG and $TGF-{\beta}3$. Furthermore, SAG pretreated ADSCs can also improve the disc height, water content, ECM content, and structure of degenerated IVDs in vivo. Our new differentiation scheme has high efficiency in inducing NP-specific differentiation of ADSCs and is promising for stem cell-based treatment of degenerated IVDs.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.45.1-45.11
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• 2018

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate fluoride release and the micro-shear bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) in casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP)-remineralized caries-affected dentin (CAD). Materials and Methods: Exposed dentin surfaces of 30 human third molar teeth were divided into 2 equal groups for evaluating fluoride release and the micro-shear bond strength of RMGIC to CAD. Each group was subdivided into 3 equal subgroups: 1) control (sound dentin); 2) artificially demineralized dentin (CAD); 3) CPP-ACP remineralized dentin (remineralized CAD). To measure fluoride release, 15 disc-shaped specimens of RMGIC (4 mm in diameter and 2 mm in thickness) were bonded on one flat surface of the dentin discs of each group. Fluoride release was tested using ion chromatography at different intervals; 24 hours, 3, 5, 7 days. RMGIC micro-cylinders were built on the flat dentin surface of the 15 discs, which were prepared according to the assigned group. Micro-shear bond strength was measured after 24 hours water storage. Data were analyzed using 1- and 2-way analysis of variance and the post hoc least significant difference test (${\alpha}=0.05$). Results: Fluoride detected in solutions (at all intervals) and the micro-shear bond strength of RMGIC bonded to CPP-ACP-remineralized dentin were significantly higher than those bonded to artificial CAD (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Demineralized CAD consumes more fluoride released from RMGIC into the solution for remineralization than CPP-ACP mineralized dentin does. CPP-ACP increases the micro-shear bond strength of RMGIC to CAD.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.191-197
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• 2019

Sepsis, an infectious disease, is a life-threatening condition that arises when the response to infection causes injury to tissues and organs. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate whether ABHC-1 and ABHC-2, two functional extracts from herbal complex, have an anti-bacterial effect against Escherchia coli in vivo, in vitro experimental model. ABHC-1 and ABHC-2 showed the antibacterial activity against the bacteria by paper disc method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was measured using alamar blue reagent. The MIC was shown at $60{\mu}g/ml$ from ABHC-1 and $500{\mu}g/ml$ from ABHC-2 against E. coli. We next examined the effect of ABHCs on the production of inflammatory cytokine, such as tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}$ ($TNF-{\alpha}$), which is related to the induction of inflammation, in RAW 264.7 cell. ABHC-1 and ABHC-2 increased $TNF-{\alpha}$ production of RAW 264.7 cell in a dose-dependent manner while two extract decreased $TNF-{\alpha}$ production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cell in a dose-dependent manner. At a dose of $1{\times}10^8$ E. coli. i.p., non-treated mice were succumbed, while most of mice treated with ABHC-1 were survived. Therefore, our results suggest that ABHC-1 has anti-bacterial activity and can be a novel therapeutic agent against infectious diseases.

• Journal of Technologic Dentistry
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.177-185
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• 2019

Purpose: This study was to investigate the effect of three different surface treatments on the shear bond strength of lithium disilicate ceramics to enamel. Methods: Totally 60 lithium disilicate ceramic disc specimens were fabricated with IPS e.max press (Ivoclar Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein) and Mazic Claro (Vericom, Korea). 30 specimens in each lithium disilicate ceramic were assigned to 3 groups of the each following surface treatment: 1) $50{\mu}m$ airborne particle abrasion+silane, 2) 9.5% hydroflouric acid etching (HF)+silane, 3) $50{\mu}m$ airborne particle abrasion+9.5% HF+silane. Lithium disilicate ceramic surfaces after surface treatments were AFM examined. The shear bond strength was measured in a universal testing machine at 0.5mm/min crosshead speed. All data were analyzed using a two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test(${\alpha}=0.05$). Results: The mean surface roughness of lithium disilicate ceramics ranged from $0.178{\mu}m$ to $0.441{\mu}m$. The mean shear bond strengths ranged from $23.81{\pm}2.78MPa$ to $33.99{\pm}4.85MPa$. Conclusion: 1. Mazic Claro showed higher shear bond strength than IPS e.max press at 3 different surface treatments, and no statistically significant was observed. 2. The shear bond strength of IPS e.max press was strongly enhanced as surface treated with $50{\mu}m$ airborne particle abrasion and 9.5% hydroflouric acid etching. And there was no statistical significance at the shear bond strength of Mazic Claro with surface treatments.