• BMB Reports
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• 제55권8호
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• pp.389-394
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• 2022

In particular, the phenomenon of c-Jun degradation within the inflammatory response has not yet been fully analyzed. In order to verify this, we investigated LPS-stimulated murine macrophages pre-treated with sodium orthovanadate (SO) in order to uncover the regulatory mechanisms of the MAPKs which regulate c-Jun degradation within the inflammatory response. Through our study, we found that SO suppressed the production of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) and the expression of COX-2 in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, SO decreased total c-Jun levels, without altering the amount of mRNA, although the phospho-levels of p38, ERK, and JNK were strongly enhanced. Through the usage of selective MAPK inhibitors, and knockdown and overexpression strategies, p38 was revealed to be a major MAPK which regulates c-Jun degradation. Further analysis indicates that the phosphorylation of p38 is a determinant for c-Jun degradation, and is sufficient to induce ubiquitination-dependent c-Jun degradation, recovered through MG132 treatment. Therefore, our results suggest that the hyperphosphorylation of p38 by SO contributes to c-Jun degradation, which is linked to the suppression of PGE₂ secretion in inflammatory responses; and thus, finding drugs to increase p38 activity could be a novel strategy for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.

• 한국음향학회지
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• 제41권1호
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• pp.9-15
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• 2022

기존의 나노입자 현탁액의 분산과정의 한계를 극복하여 단분산된 나노입자만으로 이루어진 현탁액을 얻기 위하여, 기존의 방법으로 전분산 처리된 현탁액을 다시 초음파 무화효과 및 사이클론을 이용하여 여과하는 방법을 제안하였다. 평균직경 250 nm인 Al₂O₃나노입자로 0.5 wt%인 현탁액을 만들어 초음파세척기 및 호모지나이저를 이용하여 각각 전처리 분산된 현탁액에 대하여 제안한 여과법을 적용하였다. 그 결과 초음파세척기로 전처리 분산한 경우 단분산된 나노입자 현탁액으로 여과하기 위해서는 종속 연결된 사이클론이 3개가 요구되는 반면, 호모저나이저로 전처리 분산된 현탁액의 경우는 2개의 사이클론으로도 가능함을 확인 하였다. 초음파 무화기 주파수의 조정과 사이클론의 설계 변경에 의해 다양한 종류의 나노입자에 대한 여과가 가능할 것으로 기대된다.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.447-457
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• 2022

Background: Ultrasound-guided genicular nerve radiofrequency (RF) procedures are of interest in the management of chronic knee pain. A wide variety of demographic, clinical, and procedural characteristics can affect treatment success. This study aimed to determine predictive factors to provide superior treatment outcomes. Methods: The demographic, clinical, and technical data of patients who received genicular nerve RF for knee pain between September 2016 and September 2021 were evaluated. A positive outcome was defined as at least 50% pain relief on a pain score for at least 6 months. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the factors associated with a successful response to genicular RF. Results: Among 206 patients who underwent genicular RF, 62% of the patients reported successful outcomes at 6 months. In the multivariate model, targeting 5 nerves (odds ratio [OR], 6.184; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.291-16.690; P < 0.001) was the most significant predictor of successful outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that prognostic genicular nerve block with a 50% cut-off value (OR, 2.109; 95% CI, 1.038-4.287; P = 0.039), no opioid use (OR, 2.753; 95% CI, 1.405-5.393; P = 0.003), and depression (OR, 0.297; 95% CI, 0.124-0.713; P = 0.007) were the predictive factors significantly associated with response to genicular RF. Conclusions: Clinical and technical factors associated with better treatment outcomes were ultimately targeting more nerves, performing prognostic block, no opioid use, and no depression. These results are expected to be considered when selecting patients for genicular RF.

• Medical Lasers
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• 제10권3호
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• pp.161-169
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• 2021

Background and Objectives Fractional microneedle radiofrequency systems are popular options to increase elasticity in aging skin. Laser-assisted drug delivery is a promising method for the epidermal injection of topically applied drugs and cosmetic ingredients. This study assesses the safety and efficacy of topical delivery of L-ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after fractional microneedle radiofrequency treatment for reducing photodamage. Materials and Methods In this prospective, single-center, split-face, controlled pilot study, six women (mean age, 48.0 years; range, 35-57 years; Fitzpatrick skin types III and IV) exhibiting mild to moderate photodamage, underwent a single session of fractional microneedle radiofrequency treatment. The patients were instructed to apply the antioxidant formulation to only one side of the face. Patients were evaluated 3 days, 7 days, and 4 weeks thereafter, using three-dimensional imaging and ultrasound. Ex vivo, the full-thickness human skin was used for molecular and histological evaluation. Statistical analysis was achieved by applying t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and one-way analyses of variance. Results Compared to the untreated side, the antioxidant-treated side exhibited a significant increase in dermal thickness (10.32% vs. 17.54%, p < 0.05), but not in skin elasticity (4.76% vs. 4.69%, p > 0.05). The difference in erythema between the sides was statistically not significant (p > 0.05). In the ex vivo model, expression of FGF2 in the skin was significantly increased after application of the antioxidant formulation, as compared to results obtained subsequent to fractional microneedle radiofrequency treatment only (p < 0.01). Conclusion This study demonstrates that for the treatment of photodamaged skin, laser-assisted delivery of the antioxidant formulation is a safe and effective adjuvant modality following fractional microneedle radiofrequency.

• 한국음향학회지
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• 제40권3호
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• pp.247-253
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• 2021

소리에 방향성을 부여하여 특정 영역에서만 소리를 들을 수 있도록 활용되는 초음파 스피커는 일반 스피커와 비교하여 음질 및 비용적인 이슈에서 다양한 개선 연구가 지속적으로 이루어지고 있다. 본 논문에서는 초음파 스피커의 센서 특성상 500 Hz 미만 저음 구현이 어려운 점을 감안하여 500 Hz 대의 소리를 보완할 수 있도록 일반 스피커와 동시 사용이 가능한 DSP 기반의 하이브리드형 초음파 스피커를 제안한다. 일반 스피커와 초음파 스피커의 단순 연결로 각각의 분리 처리 및 송출하는 시스템은 초음파 재생성 처리 시간 차에 따른 음질저하뿐만 아니라 일반 음원과 초음파 음원이 2개의 앰프로 구동되어 높은 비용 이슈가 있으며 제반 제어적인 측면에서도 어려움이 있다. 이러한 점을 개선하고자 제안한 DSP 기반의 앰프에서 Dynamic Range Control(DRC) 및 Equalizer(EQ)의 기존 코덱 기능은 물론, 초음파 음원으로의 재생성, 일반/초음파 음원을 동기화함으로써 동시 재생이 가능한 하이브리드형 초음파 스피커를 개발하였다.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• 제59권3호
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• pp.379-392
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• 2021

본 연구에서는 초음파 캐비태이션 버블와 가스 버블를 이용한 파클리탁셀의 개선된 아세톤-물 분별침전 공정을 개발하였다. 전통적 방법에 비해 침전에 소요되는 시간이 20~25배 단축되었다. 또한 파클리탁셀의 침전물 크기는 3.5~5.5배 감소하였으며 파클리탁셀의 확산 계수는 3.5~6.7배 증가하였다. 초음파 캐비태이션 버블을 이용한 침전의 경우 초음파 파워는 증가할수록, 침전 온도는 감소할수록 침전 속도 상수는 증가하였다. 가스 버블을 이용한 침전의 경우 가스 유량은 증가할수록, 침전 온도는 감소할수록 침전 속도 상수는 증가하였다. 열역학적 해석을 통해 개선된 분별침전은 비자발적 발열 공정이었다.

• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제39권1호
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• pp.16-22
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• 2022

A 12-year-old spayed female beagle dog was presented with pollakiuria and stranguria. Abdominal ultrasonography identified irregular a marginated, hyperechoic mass in the urethra and trigon area of the bladder. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a heterogeneous mass in the trigone area leading to a urethra. There was no evidence of regional or distant metastasis. Cytologic analysis suspected transitional cell carcinoma (TCC). The patient was treated with piroxicam, mitoxantrone, and once weekly fractionated radiation therapy (RT) with volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT). A follow-up CT scan at 6 months after RT revealed a reduction in tumor size. At 17 months after the start of RT, the patient became severely anorectic and lethargic. Ultrasound examination revealed a hyperechoic mass in the apex area of bladder while the trigone area of the bladder and urethra appeared normal. Multiple hypoechoic nodules of various sizes were found in the liver and spleen. The patient was humanely euthanized at the request of the owner. A combination of piroxicam, mitoxantrone, and hypofractionated RT with VMAT protocol was well tolerated. This case described tumor response and survival time of a canine TCC treated with piroxicam, mitoxantrone, and once weekly palliative RT using computer-assisted planning and VMAT.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.283-296
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• 2022

In this study, the evidence of thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) in treating cervical radiculopathy in randomized controlled trials was investigated. We searched 16 databases up to August 22, 2022. Of the 2,644 studies retrieved, 22 randomized controlled trials (2,483 participants) were selected. Quality assessments were performed using Cochrane's risk-of-bias tool and RevMan 5.4 software. Outcome measures in the included studies typically showed TEA had a significant therapeutic effect compared with simple acupuncture and other remedies, and TEA was better than sham TEA. Catgut and polydioxanone had no difference in effectiveness, however, catgut was considered to be less safe. TEA was shown to be more therapeutic when inserted deeper into the skin. Ultrasound guided TEA was more effective and safer than conventional TEA, and using a flat blade needle was better than conventional needles for TEA. No serious adverse events were reported from using TEA, and only a few mild side effects were observed. However, the limited number and heterogeneity of the included studies, together with the unclear methodological quality, indicate that higher-quality studies need to be conducted to determine the effectiveness and safety of TEA for cervical radiculopathy.

• 대한두경부종양학회지
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.29-32
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• 2022

Lipoma is one of the most common benign soft tissue tumors. However, giant lipomas compressing and deforming the neurovascular structure rarely occur in the lateral neck. A 70-year-old man visited our outpatient clinic for treatment of a visible painless neck mass that had been identified 2 years prior. Neck magnetic resonance imaging revealed that a 10 × 9 × 4 cm fatty mass located between the sternocleidomastoid and sternohyoid muscles invaded the carotid sheath. Under general anesthesia, the mass was excised without damage to the adjacent neurovascular structures. Upon histopathological examination, the mass was identified as a lipoma. During the surgery, enlargement of the internal jugular vein was observed under the resected mass. However, on ultrasound examination, the function of the internal jugular vein was evaluated as good. No recurrence or neurological and vascular complications were reported during a 6-month follow-up after the surgery. As a giant lipoma located in the deep layer of the lateral neck can deform important cervical structures, its impact on the surrounding structures should be carefully assessed preoperatively to minimize the rate of possible complications.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.53-63
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study examined the changes in the thickness of the abdominal muscles, including the transversus abdominis, according to the set pressure applied by a pressure biofeedback unit during contractions of the hip adductor muscles. METHODS: After randomizing 40 healthy adult males in their 20 s and 30 s, the participants were instructed to match the pressure gauge indication of the pressure biofeedback device to continue contracting the hip adductor while maintaining it at 10 mmHg (low), 40 mmHg (medium), or 70 mmHg (high). The measurement was taken over five seconds using an ultrasound device. RESULTS: According to the contractile pressure applied to the hip adductor muscle, there was a significant difference in the muscle thickness change of the transverse abdominis muscle between 10 mmHg and 70 mmHg and between 40 mmHg and 70 mmHg. The muscle thickness ratio of the external oblique/abdominal muscle was significantly different between 10 mmHg and 70 mmHg and between 40 mmHg and 70 mmHg. CONCLUSION: Increased contraction pressure on the hip adductor muscle increases the muscle thickness of the abdominal transverse muscle. Interbody stability exercise with contractions of the hip adductor muscle is expected to help increase in the muscle thickness of the hip adductor muscle.