• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제22권4호
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• pp.377-386
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• 2019

Purpose: Percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB), a diagnostic procedure to identify several hepatobiliary disorders, is considered safe with low incidence of associated complications. While postoperative monitoring guidelines are suggested for adults, selection of procedural recovery time for children remains at the discretion of individual operators. We aim to determine if differences exist in frequency of surgical complications, unplanned admissions, and healthcare cost for children undergoing outpatient PLB for cohorts with same-day vs. overnight observation. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study in children 1 month to 17 years of age undergoing ultrasound-guided PLB from January 2009 to August 2017 at a tertiary care, pediatric referral center. Cohorts were defined by postprocedural observation duration: same-day (${\leq}8$ hours) vs. overnight observation. Outcomes included surgical complications, medical interventions, unscheduled hospitalization within 7 days, and total encounter costs. Results: One hundred and twelve children met study criteria of which 18 (16.1%) were assigned to same-day observation. No differences were noted in demographics, anthropometrics, comorbidities, biopsy indications, or preoperative coagulation profiles. No major complications or acute hospitalizations after PLB were observed. Administration of analgesia and fluid boluses were isolated and given within 8 hours. Compared to overnight monitoring, same-day observation accrued less total costs (US $992 less per encounter). Conclusion: Same-day observation after PLB in children appears well-tolerated with only minor interventions and complications observed within 8 hours of procedure. We recommend a targeted risk assessment prior to selection of observation duration. Same-day observation appears an appropriate recovery strategy in otherwise low-risk children undergoing outpatient PLB.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제51권4호
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• pp.1037-1040
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• 2019

For the past 50 years, graphite has been widely used as a moderator, reflector and fuel matrix in different kinds of gas-cooled reactors. Resulting in approximately 250,000 metric tons of irradiated graphite waste. One of the most significant long-lived radioisotope from graphite reactors is carbon-14 ($^{14}C$) with a half-life of 5730 years, this makes it a huge concern for deep geologic disposal of nuclear graphite (NG). Considering the lifecycle of NG a number of waste management options have been developed, mainly focused on the achievement the radiological requirements for disposal. The existing approaches for recycling depend on the cost to be economically viable. In this new study, an affordable process to remove $^{14}C$ has been proposed using samples taken from the Nuclear Power Plant in Latina (Italy) which have been used to investigate the capability of organic and inorganic solvents in removing $^{14}C$ from exfoliated nuclear graphite, with the aim to design a practicable approach to obtain graphite for recycling or/and safety disposed as L& LLW.

• 대한상부위장관⦁헬리코박터학회지
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• 제18권4호
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• pp.258-263
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• 2018

Follicular lymphoma is the most common form of low-grade B cell lymphoma. Follicular lymphoma occurs predominantly at lymph node sites and rarely in the gastrointestinal tract. Rare gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma is most commonly found in the small intestine, especially in the duodenum, and appears as multiple granules. However, gastric follicular lymphoma mostly appears as a subepithelial tumor. We observed two primary gastric follicular lymphomas that resembled subepithelial tumors located in the body of the stomach. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed hypoechoic lesions located in the submucosa layer. Since endoscopic forceps biopsies were inconclusive, we performed endoscopic submucosal dissection, which resulted in a final pathologic diagnosis of follicular lymphoma. Because of the indolent nature of gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma, the "watch and wait" strategy can be applied in the early phase. The identification of endoscopic characteristics of gastric follicular lymphoma can be helpful for differential diagnosis and decision of treatment strategy. Therefore, we report two cases of primary gastrointestinal follicular lymphoma diagnosed following endoscopic submucosal dissection.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• 제22권1호
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• pp.9-15
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• 2019

Background: Latissimus dorsi (LD) tendon transfer is used as a treatment option for massive irreparable posterosuperior rotator cuff tears, and recently, an arthroscopic-assisted technique was introduced. This study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer for the management of irreparable rotator cuff tears in active middle-aged patients. Methods: The records of five patients (two males) with irreparable tears involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons managed by arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain scale, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon's (ASES) scores, the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) scale, and ranges of motion. Postoperative integrities of transferred tendon were evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging in 4 patients and by ultrasound in one. Results: Mean patient age was 55 years (range, 48-61 years), and mean follow-up period was 20 months (range, 12.0-27.2 months). Mean VAS score significantly improved from $6.6{\pm}2.6$ preoperatively to $1.8{\pm}2.5$ postoperatively (p=0.009), mean ASES score increased from $67.6{\pm}9.2$ to $84.6{\pm}15.1$, and mean UCLA score from $18.0{\pm}1.4$ to $28.8{\pm}8.5$ (all p<0.001). Postoperative imaging of the transferred LD tendon showed intact repair in 4 patients. The remaining patient experienced LD transfer rupture and a poor outcome. Conclusions: Arthroscopic-assisted LD tendon transfer improved shoulder pain and function in patients with massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, and may be an option for this condition, especially in physically active patients.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제60권12호
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• pp.29.1-29.11
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• 2018

Background: Respiratory troubles have economic impacts in countries where livestock industry is an important segment of the agricultural sector, as well as these problems may cause significant economic losses for bovine producers. Various practical methods are used to assess diseases that affect the bovine respiratory system. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive tool that has been used frequently in diagnosis of various animal diseases. The present study was designed to establish whether thoracic ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool for detection of respiratory troubles in weaned buffalo and cattle calves, as well as to assess its prognostic value in comparison with clinical respiratory scores. Thirty five (15 buffalo and 20 cattle) calves were included. Twelve (6 buffalo and 6 cattle) clinically healthy calves were enrolled as controls. Results: Based on physical examinations, clinical respiratory scores (CRS), ultrasound lung scores (ULS) and postmortem findings, animals were classified into 4 groups as pulmonary emphysema (n = 8), interstitial pulmonary syndrome (n = 7), bronchopneumonia (n = 12), and pleurisy (n = 8). The mean values of CRS and ULS were significantly higher in diseased calves (P < 0.01). In calves with pulmonary emphysema and interstitial syndrome, thoracic ultrasonography revealed numerous comet-tail artifacts, which varied in numbers and imaging features. Furthermore, variable degrees of pulmonary consolidation with alveolograms and bronchograms were noticed in bronchopneumonic calves. In addition, thick irregular or fragmented pleura with pleural effusions and fibrin shreds were imaged in calves with pleurisy. A weak correlation was calculated between CRS and ULS (r = 0.55, P < 0.01). Hematologically, the counts of white blood cells, activities of aspartate aminotransferase and partial tensions of carbon dioxide were significantly increased in all diseased groups. Serum concentrations of total globulins were higher in claves with bronchopneumonia (P < 0.05). The partial tension of oxygen was decreased in all diseased calves (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Thoracic ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool for various lung troubles and assessment the grade and severity of pulmonary diseases, as well as it can be used as a follow-up tool for evaluating the prognosis of respiratory troubles and monitoring the efficacy of therapies.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• 제21권4호
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• pp.213-219
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• 2018

Background: The study of conservative and surgical treatment of distal biceps tendinopathy and associated biceps tendon partial rupture. Methods: Twenty-one cases with distal biceps tendonitis and partial ruptures were studied who visited Pohang Semyeong Christianity Hospital from June 2010 to August 2017. The mean age was 57.1 years (39-69 years), 14 males and 7 females. The mean duration of symptom at the time of first visit was 4.9 months (0.2-14 months). Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging were performed for patients with severe symptoms. According to the severity of the symptoms, splint immobilization, oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and ultrasound-guided steroid injection were performed. Surgical treatment was performed if the patient did not respond to conservative treatment for 3 to 6 months or longer. Results: There were 9 cases of partial rupture of the distal biceps tendon associated with distal biceps tendinopathy on imaging studies. Conservative treatment showed symptomatic improvement in 16 of 21 cases. In 4 cases with a relatively mild symptom, anti-inflammatory analgesics and intermittent splinting showed good result. In 12 cases, symptoms improved after ultrasonography-guided steroid injection. Surgical treatment was performed on 5 cases that did not respond to conservative treatment. Conclusions: Conservative treatment of distal biceps tendinopathy may promise good results. However, in case of partial tear of the distal biceps tendon and refractory to conservative treatment, surgical treatment may be needed.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제57권3호
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• pp.299-302
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• 2019

A clonorchiasis case in a captive leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus, was confirmed by ultrasonographic findings and egg morphologies found in the bile juice sample in the Korea. The leopard cat was introduced from the wild habitat of Gyeongsangnam-do, to Cheongju Zoo in Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Korea in August 2014. Physical examinations were basically performed for quarantine and check-up health. The cat was comparatively good in health except anorexia. The cyst-like bile duct dilation and the increased echogenicity of gall bladder wall and hepatic parenchyma were observed by ultrasonography. Ultrasound-guided needle biopsy was conducted for collecting bile juice and the specimens were observed under light microscope. The numerous small trematode eggs were detected in the bile juice sample of the light microscopy. The eggs were $25-33(28{\pm}3){\mu}m$ by $18-22(20{\pm}1){\mu}m$ in size and showed typical characteristics of Clonorchis sinensis egg, i.e., a dominantly developed operculum, shoulder rim and dust-like wrinkles in surface. To treat the liver fluke infection, 20 mg/kg of praziquantel was orally administered only once to the case. Follow-up studies including fecal examinations were conducted during 2 years after treatment. But no more eggs were detected from the case. In the present study, we described the first clonorchiasis case of leopard cat, which was confirmed by ultrasonographic findings and egg morphologies from the bile juice sample in Korea.

• 한국컴퓨터그래픽스학회논문지
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.31-41
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• 2019

포그 스크린은 미세한 물방울들로 구성된 스크린으로 관찰자는 포그 스크린을 투과한 영상을 관찰하게 된다. 일반 스크린과는 달리 관찰자는 무대 위에서 연기자가 포그 스크린에 표시된 이미지를 뚫고 들어가는 모습을 볼 수 있다. 본 논문에서는 상부에서 생성된 포그 입자 집단이 중력에 의하여 아래로 떨어질 때 평평한 수직 스크린을 이루도록 하는 하향식 포그 스크린 생성 장치 구현 방법을 기술한다. 본 기법은 수조안에 배치된 초음파 진동자에 의해 수조 표면에서 포그 입자가 발생되는 원리를 이용한다. 생성된 포그 집단이 하나의 평면을 유지할 수 있도록 포그가 나오는 통로 출구 양옆에 가이드 바람을 형성하는 기법과 포그 스크린 생성 장치의 설계와 제작 방법을 기술한다.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제32권4호
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• pp.307-312
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• 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to clarify the topographical relationships between the dorsal scapular nerve (DSN) and the dorsal scapular artery (DSA) in the interscapular region to identify safe and convenient injection points related to DSN blockade. Methods: Thirty shoulders of embalmed Korean cadavers and 50 live subjects were used for dissection and ultrasound (US) analysis. Results: The running patterns of the DSA and DSN in the interscapular region were classified into 3 types. Type I was defined as nerves that were medial to the artery and parallel without changing location (80.0% of specimens). In type II (13.3%), the nerve and artery traversed one another only one time over their entire length. In type III (6.7%), the nerve and artery traversed one another, resembling a twist. Above the level of the scapular spine, the nerve was always medial to the artery. Below the scapular spine, the number of arteries was obviously decreased. Most of the arteries were lateral to the medial border of the scapula, except at the level of the superior angle of the scapula artery (SA). The positional tendency of the DSN toward the medial or lateral sides from the medial border of the scapula was similar. In US imaging of live subjects, the DSA was most observed at the level of the SA (94.0%). Conclusions: Results of this study enhance the current knowledge regarding the pathway of the DSN and DSA and provide helpful information for selective diagnostic nerve blocks in the interscapular region.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.121-131
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• 2019

Purpose : Lower back pain is a common disorder experienced by approximately 90-% of the population at least once in a lifetime. This study examines changes in the thicknesses and ratios of the deep and superficial fibers of the multifidus according to the lumbar stabilization exercise used for spinal stabilization. Methods : Ten different lumbar stabilization exercises were implemented by 20 healthy men in random order, and the thickness of multifidus muscle was measured ultrasound image during each exercise. Results : The surface muscle fibers of the multifidus muscles significantly increased in the exercise method in which the arms and legs were lifted (p<.05), while the deep muscle fibers of the multifidus muscles increased significantly in the exercise in which the arms and legs were not lifted (p<.05). The ratio of the thickness of surface muscle fibers to the total thickness of muscle fibers was higher in the exercise method in which the arms and legs were lifted (p<.05), while the ratio of the thickness of deep muscle fibers to the total thickness of muscle fibers was higher in the hollowing and bracing exercise method in which the arms and legs were not lifted (p<.05). Conclusion : When lumbar stabilization exercise should be performed at clinics to strengthen the deep muscle fibers of the multifidus muscles that have larger effects on the stability of spinal segments, taking the stability of the spine into consideration indicates that, hollowing and bracing exercise methods that do not that cause isotonic extension to the spine are appropriate.