• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.343-349
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• 2022

We intend to use topic modeling to identify radiation-themed papers published from 1989 to 2022 and analyze the relevance and weight between topics. This study analyzed topics derived from national subjects for 717 papers published until recently in 2022 to contribute to the revitalization of research in the field of radiation. Through text mining, overall research trends on the subject distribution of the study were analyzed, and five topics were derived through topic modeling. First, among the papers to be analyzed, a total of 1,675 words were frequency-analyzed through the preprocessing process of key words in a total of 717 papers centered on keywords. Second, as a result of analyzing topics based on the association of constituent words for five topics, it was found that studies focused on minimizing dose in the range that does not degrade image quality in the fields of radiation, image, CT clinical. In addition, it was found that various studies were mainly conducted in the MRI, and the study of ultrasound in various areas of disease analysis was actively attempted.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.8
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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.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2022

In order to overcome the limitation of conventional nanoparticle dispersion methods such as sonicator or homogenizer, a filtration method using an ultrasonic atomization effect and cyclones was proposed in this study. A 0.5 wt% suspension was made with Al₂O₃ powder with an average diameter of 250 nm. The suspension was filtered by the proposed method after pre-dispersing using a sonicator and a homogenizer, respectively. As the result, in the case of the suspension after pre-dispersing with a sonicator, the particle size distribution of the filtered suspension started showing up a single normal distribution indicating the mode of the average diameter only after the 3rd cyclone process. On the other hand, in the case of the suspension with the homogenizer pre-dispersion, similar results appeared from the 2nd cyclone process. Filtration of various types of nanoparticles is expected to be possible by adjusting ultrasonic atomization frequency and manipulating the design of the cyclone.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.35 no.4
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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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• v.10 no.3
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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.

• The Journal of the Acoustical Society of Korea
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.247-253
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• 2021

Directional ultrasonic speakers that are used to hear sound only in a specific area have been continuously researched on various improvements in terms of sound quality and cost compared to general speakers. In this paper, we propose a DSP based hybrid-type ultrasonic speaker that can be heard at the same time as a general speaker in order to compensate for the sound in the low-band range, considering that it is difficult to hear the low-band sound below 500 Hz due to the sensor characteristics of the ultrasonic speaker. In the case of the system that is implemented by simply connecting a general speaker and an ultrasonic speaker, there are issues of high cost and difficulties of control as two amplifiers are used to playback ultrasonic and general sound sources. In addition, sound quality deteriorates due to the difference in playback time between ultrasonic and general sound sources. In order to improve issues of cost, control and sound quality, we developed hybrid-type ultrasonic speaker with a DSP based amplifier that can simultaneously playback by synchronizing the general sound source with the regenerated ultrasonic sound source, in addition to implement the existing CODEC functions such as Dynamic Range Control (DRC) and Equalizer (EQ).

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.379-392
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• 2021

In this study, an improved acetone-water fractional precipitation process for paclitaxel using ultrasonic cavitation bubbles and gas bubbles was developed. Compared to the conventional method, the time required for precipitation has been reduced by 20~25 times. In addition, the particle size of paclitaxel decreased by 3.5~5.5 times and the diffusion coefficient of paclitaxel increased by 3.5~6.7 times. In the case of precipitation using ultrasonic cavitation bubbles, as the ultrasonic power increased and the temperature decreased, the precipitation rate constant increased. In the case of precipitation using gas bubbles, as the gas flow rate increased and the temperature decreased, the precipitation rate constant increased. Thermodynamic parameters revealed the exothermic, irreversible, and nonspontaneous nature of the improved fractional precipitation.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.1
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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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• v.39 no.4
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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.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.38 no.2
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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.