• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.114-120
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• 2022

Purpose: Particle beam therapy is advantageous over photon therapy. However, adequately delivering therapeutic doses to tumors near critical organs is difficult. Nanoparticle-aided radiation therapy can be used to alleviate this problem, wherein nanoparticles can passively accumulate at higher concentrations in the tumor tissue compared to the surrounding normal tissue. In this study, we investigate the dose enhancement effect due to gold nanoparticle (GNP) when Carbon-12, He-4, and proton beams are irradiated on GNP. Methods: First, monoenergetic Carbon-12 and He-4 ion beams of energy of 283.33 MeV/u and 150 MeV/u, respectively, and a proton beam of energy of 150 MeV were irradiated on a water phantom of dimensions 30 cm×30 cm×30 cm. Subsequently, the secondary-particle information generated near the Bragg peak was recorded in a phase-space (phsp) file. Second, the obtained phsp file was scaled down to a nanometer scale to irradiate GNP of diameter 50 nm located at the center of a 4 ㎛×4 ㎛×4 ㎛ water phantom. The dose enhancement ratio (DER) was calculated in intervals of 1 nm from the GNP surface. Results: The DER of GNP computed at 1 nm from the GNP surface was 4.70, 4.86, and 4.89 for Carbon-12, He-4, and proton beams, respectively; the DER decreased rapidly with increasing distance from the GNP surface. Conclusions: The results indicated that GNP can be used as radiosensitizers in particle beam therapy. Furthermore, the dose enhancement effect of the GNP absorbed by tumor cells can aid in delivering higher therapeutic doses.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.221-229
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• 2018

Tenofovir nanoparticles are novel therapeutic intervention in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection reaching the virus in their sanctuary sites. However, there has been no systemic toxicity testing of this formulation despite global concerns on the safety of nano drugs. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the toxicity of Tenofovir nanoparticle (NTDF) on the liver and kidney using an animal model. Fifteen adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats maintained at the animal house of the biomedical resources unit of the University of KwaZulu-Natal were weighed and divided into three groups. Control animals (A) were administered with normal saline (NS). The therapeutic doses of Tenofovir (TDF) and nanoparticles of Tenofovir (NTDF) were administered to group B and C and observed for signs of stress for four weeks after which animals were weighed and sacrificed. Liver and kidney were removed and fixed in formal saline, processed and stained using H/E, PAS and MT stains for light microscopy. Serum was obtained for renal function test (RFT) and liver function test (LFT). Cellular measurements and capturing were done using ImageJ and Leica software 2.0. Data were analysed using graph pad 6, p values < 0.05 were significant. We observed no signs of behavioural toxicity and no mortality during this study, however, in the kidneys, we reported mild morphological perturbations widening of Bowman's space, and vacuolations in glomerulus and tubules of TDF and NTDF animals. Also, there was a significant elevation of glycogen deposition in NTDF and TDF animals when compared with control. In the liver, there were mild histological changes with widening of sinusoidal spaces, vacuolations in hepatocytes and elevation of glycogen deposition in TDF and NTDF administered animals. In addition to this, there were no significant differences in stereological measurements and cell count, LFT, RFT, weight changes and organo-somatic index between treatment groups and control. In conclusion, NTDF and TDF in therapeutic doses can lead to mild hepatic and renal histological damage. Further studies are needed to understand the precise genetic mechanism.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.236-245
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• 2014

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of a preformed assembly of nickel-titanium (NiTi) and stainless steel (SS) archwires (preformed C-wire) combined with temporary skeletal anchorage devices (TSADs) as the sole source of anchorage and to compare these effects with those of a SS version of C-wire (conventional C-wire) for en-masse retraction. Methods: Thirty-one adult female patients with skeletal Class I or II dentoalveolar protrusion, mild-to-moderate anterior crowding (3.0-6.0 mm), and stable Class I posterior occlusion were divided into conventional (n = 15) and preformed (n = 16) C-wire groups. All subjects underwent first premolar extractions and en-masse retraction with preadjusted edgewise anterior brackets, the assigned C-wire, and maxillary C-tubes or C-implants; bonded mesh-tube appliances were used in the mandibular dentition. Differences in pretreatment and post-retraction measurements of skeletal, dental, and soft-tissue cephalometric variables were statistically analyzed. Results: Both groups showed full retraction of the maxillary anterior teeth by controlled tipping and space closure without altered posterior occlusion. However, the preformed C-wire group had a shorter retraction period (by 3.2 months). Furthermore, the maxillary molars in this group showed no significant mesialization, mesial tipping, or extrusion; some mesialization and mesial tipping occurred in the conventional C-wire group. Conclusions: Preformed C-wires combined with maxillary TSADs enable simultaneous leveling and space closure from the beginning of the treatment without maxillary posterior bonding. This allows for faster treatment of dentoalveolar protrusion without unwanted side effects, when compared with conventional C-wire, evidencing its clinical expediency.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.93-105
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• 2016

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of corrective exercise on hip joint range of motion, lower limb alignment, radiographs of hip and knee joints, and quadriceps muscle activity in a patient with knee joint valgus deformity. METHODS: A single-subject A-B-A experimental design was used to determine the effects of therapeutic exercise. The single-subject was a 27-year-old male, who presented with knee joint valgus deformity. Corrective exercise program was performed for 40 min/day twice a week for 12-week. Range of motion (hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation), lower limb alignment test (Q-angle, rear foot alignment, and leg length), standing anterior-posterior radiographs (neck shaft angle and knee joint space), and quadriceps muscle activity of both lower limbs were measured before (A 1), after 6 weeks (B 1) and after 12-weeks (B 2) of corrective exercise and after 6 weeks of exercise completion (A 2). RESULTS: Hip range of motion increased in all directions of both sides at B 2 and A 2 compared to at A 1. Q-angle of both side and leg length discrepancy decreased at B 2 and A 2 compared to at A 1. Neck shaft angle and knee joint space of both sides improve at B 2 and A 2 compared to at A 1. Quadriceps of both side muscle activities improved at B 2 and A 2 compared to at A 1. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that corrective exercise increases range of motion, and improves lower limb alignment and muscle activity in a patient with knee joint valgus deformity.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.93-97
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• 2009

Anatomy: Facet joint syndrome most often affects the lower back and neck and refers to pain that occurs in the facet joints, which are the connections between the vertebrae in the spine that enable the spine to bend and twist. Many physicians have believed that the usual lesion of facet syndrome was an anatomical impairments of facet joint itself.. Facet joint injection using local anesthetics is a reliable method for the diagnosis and treatment for facet syndrome. Etiology: One of many possible causes is imbalances that can occur in stress levels, hormone levels, and nutritional levels. These imbalances can adversely affect posture, which can lead to neck and back pain. The common disorder called facet syndrome exhibits lower back pain, with or without, radiating pain to buttock and thigh due to facet joint arthropathy. Pain in the facet joint is supposedly the secondary effect of narrowing of joint space by sustained muscle contracture around joints. Syndrome: Facet joint syndrome tends to produce pain or tenderness in the lower back that increases with twisting or arching the body, as well as pain that moves to the buttocks or the back of the thighs. Other symptoms include stiffness or difficulty standing up straight or getting out of a chair. Pain can be felt in other areas such as the shoulders or mid-back area. Treatment: Non-drug treatments include hot packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and therapeutic exercises. Stimulating blood flow using massage or a hot tub may also help. Alternative treatments include yoga and relaxation therapy. If your pain persists after trying these treatments, a surgical procedure called radiofrequency rhizotomy, which destroys the sensory nerves of the joint, may bring relief. Facet joint injection has been helpful in diagnosis and therapy for this facet syndrome. Radiofrequency thermocoagulation of medial branches is known to be an effective method of relieving pain caused by facet joint problems. We conclude that spasmolytic treatment of muscles connecting the two vertebral articular space would be better for treatment and diagnosis of facet syndrome rather than facet block with local anesthetic and steroid only.

• Journal of the Architectural Institute of Korea Planning & Design
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• v.34 no.10
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• pp.83-94
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• 2018

In many theoretical and empirical studies on the design issues of therapeutic healthcare facilities, spatial configuration that promotes users' wayfinding behavior, has been emphasized as a significant factor to mitigate stressful experiences and to enhance restorative quality in the healthcare environment. This is also applicable to the healthcare setting for children. However, not much evidence has been reported with regard to the relationship between spatial configuration and wayfinding behaviors in this specific setting. Moreover, healthcare facilities for children with physical disabilities need more attention to provide easy wayfinding due to various physical restrictions. The aim of this study is therefore, to unfold the relationship between spatial configuration and visual cognitive qualities of outpatient spaces in the selected children's rehabilitation hospitals in Seoul, by examining visual cognitive attributes such as visibility, accessibility, and intelligibility. In the first phase, the spatial layout of the hospitals was analyzed, with an emphasis on the major outpatient areas such as the entrance lobby, doctors' examination, and physical therapy zones. In the second phase, a space syntax tool was implemented to examine visual cognitive characteristics of the spatial configuration. The spatial configuration parameters measured were integration, integration core, visual isovist field continuity, correlation between integration and step depth, and the correlation between integration n and integration 3. As a result, the integration was higher in the hall type configuration. Circulation intersections acted mostly as integration cores for better visibility. Some areas showed the lack of continuity in the visual isovist fields overlap and irregular correlation between integration and step depth. The intelligibility was higher in the circulation area and social interaction spaces such as a cafe, reception waiting, and therapy waiting areas. Based on the analysis, design implication and possible future improvement were discussed to enhance wayfinding experiences in the hospitals for children with physical disabilities.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.37-47
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• 2014

This study aims to examine the usage of and satisfaction with neighborhood parks and university campuses and compare through the RPRS analysis of them to figure out how university campuses, as substitutive green spaces, play the role of curative environment for neighboring people. This study relied on two methods: a descriptive method of researching publications and related scholastic writings and an empirical study of researching how the park and campus has been utilized and researching whether the residents are satisfied with the currently existing space and the environment or not, and finally researching how the university campus open space as a curative environment impacts the satisfaction and utilization through reliability analysis. As a result, contribution of healing environment has a relatively high average contribution of 4 or more points, respectively. These results suggest that urban people think that a relationship between man and nature is very important in the overabundance of stress in modern society. It shows that neighborhoods are higher than university campuses in the explanatory of the Attention Restoration Theory, but the campus is higher than the neighborhood park in similarity of configuration. The result of RPRS analysis shows that the therapeutic qualities of the landscape may be very useful to evaluate a college campus open space in "the Revised Perceived Restoration Scale." The results showed that, in future studies, it will be a great help by widespread use of pre-evaluation of the characteristics of restorative environments in the planning, design and other works. To study the impact of the curative features on evaluating future research locations, the location should provide a variety of purposes and motives. At the same time, it should provide specific design ideas to design-related designers by using perceived restoration scale.

• KIEAE Journal
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.19-26
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• 2015

Purpose: Maximizing human comfort in design of medical environments depends immensely on specialized architects particularly critical care design; the study proposes Evidence-Based Design as an apparent analog to Evidence-Based Medicine. Healthcare facility designs are substantially based on the findings of study in an effort to design environments that augment care by improving patient safety and being therapeutic. On SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) t-test is applied to simulate two independent variables of PDR (Pre Design-Research) and POE (Post- Occupancy Evaluation). PDR is conducted on relatively new hospital Hallym University Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital to analyse visibility from researchers' point of view, here the ICU is arranged in I-Shape. POE is applied on Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital to simulate walking on LogWare where two NS are designed based on L- Shape and Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea where five NS are functional for ICU Intensive Care Unit, Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Critical Care Unit (CCU), Korean Oriental Medical Care Unit which are mostly arranged in U-Shape, and walking pattern is recognized to be in a zigzag path. Method: T-Test is applied on two dependent communication variables: walkability and visibility, with confidence interval of 95%. This study systematically analyses the Nurse Station (NS) typo-morphology, and simulates nurse horizontal circulation, by computing round route visits to patient's bed, then estimating minimum round route on LogWare stop sequence software. The visual connectivity is measured on depth map graphs. Hence the aim is to reduce staff stress and fatigue for better patients care by minimizing staff horizontal travel time and to facilitate nurse walk path and support space distribution by increasing effectiveness in delivering care. Result: Applying visibility graph and isovist field on space syntax on I- Shape, L- Shape and U- Shape ICU (SICU, MICU and CCU) configuration, I-shape facilitated 20% more patients in linear view as they stir to rise from their beds from nurse station compared to U-shape. In conclusion, it was proved that U-Shape supply minimum walking and maximum visibility; and L shape provides just visibility as the nurse is at pivot. I shape provides panoramic view from the Nurse Station but very rigorous walking.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.463-469
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• 1996

Sonoring is caused by the repeated obstructions of versatile upper air way structure during sleep and is known as a kind of disease entity varing from simple snoring to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome(OSAS) which can cause serious cardiopulmonary complications due to its hypoxic pathophysiology. It has been reported that over 30% of middle-aged person have the problems of snoring and its accompanied symptomes and signs. Cephalometric measurements, frequently used to measure sella-nasion-subspinale(SNA) and sella-nasion-supramentale(SNB) angles, can provide the informations about the posterior airway space(PAS), the mandibular plane(MP) and the position of hyoid bone. These informations are useful in determining the therapeutic modalities of the snoring and OSAS patients. However, with conventional routine upright position, it does not represent the actual images of obstructive mechanism during sleep but only show the images of awaken normal upper airway anatomy. Therefore we have taken dual images of a routine upright lateral and a supine cephalometric view to compare both.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.3 no.3
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• pp.62-72
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• 1973

THE author conducted a field survey form Feb.1, 1973 to March 31, 1973 in the Busan area, standing six "institutions" where mentally ill patients are kept. These six institutions are registered at Busan Government, but are not regular hospitals. There suits of these investigation are as follows: \circled1 There are six institutions. which are registered at Busan City Government. All six are operated by layman who have little psychiatric knowledge and little human is tic motivation. \circled2 These institutions are allegedly to promote the welfare of the mentally sick. However they give little help for the patients. And they do not even have a resident medical person. The staff of those places will not accept professional medical help, and try to keep all information secret. \circled3 The finances are largely composed of patients′fees and partially from city′s help. The buildings are of high quality compared with the poor therapeutic situation. There also exist factors which make the patients worse, i,e. very small room space, compelling the patients to sit in a uteral position. This situation makes them worse and more autistic. \circled4 At the time of this survey, those lucrative overcrowded six institutions had 1.000 patients. At the same time the legitimate hospitals in Busan area had about 200 patients, \circled5 In my opinion, the City Government must take a more positive policy for the mentally ill patients, instead of the passive attitude which has held till now. And most of all, these patients must be medically and humanistically helped, instead of being left in a forgotten, depressed snake pit.