Search

Background White ginseng consists of the roots and rhizomes of the Panax species, and red ginseng is made by steaming and drying white ginseng. While red ginseng has both polar and nonpolar ginsenosides, previous studies showed white ginseng to have only polar ginsenosides. Because nonpolar ginsenosides are formed through the manufacture of red ginseng from white ginseng, researchers have generally thought that nonpolar ginsenosides do not exist in white ginseng. Methods We developed a simultaneous quantitative method for six nonpolar ginsenosides in white ginseng using reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with integrated pulsed amperometric detection. The nonpolar ginsenosides of white ginseng were extracted for 4 h under reflux with 50% methanol. Results Using the gradient elution system, all target components were completely separated within 50 min. Nonpolar ginsenosides were determined in the rhizome head (RH), main root (MR), lateral root, and hairy root (HR) of 6-year-old white ginseng samples obtained from several regions (Geumsan, Punggi, and Kanghwa). The total content in the HR of white ginseng was 37.8–56.8% of that in the HR of red ginseng. The total content in the MR of white ginseng was 5.9–24.3% of that in the MR of red ginseng. In addition, the total content in the RH of white ginseng was 28.5–35.8% of that in the HR of red ginseng Conclusion It was confirmed that nonpolar ginsenosides known to be specific components of red ginseng were present at substantial concentrations in the HR or RH of white ginseng.

Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the dentists’ job-related stress using the newly developed Dentist Job Stress (DJS) questionnaire, and to explore the relationships among sociodemographic factors, job stress and mental health indicators, including psychosocial stress, depression, anxiety and sleep among Korean dentists. Materials and methods: An online survey including 1,520 dentists was conducted using the Brief Encounter Psychological Instrument-Korean version (BEPSI-K), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), the State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: The response rate was 15.2% (n = 231). The DJS questionnaire consisted of environmental and vocational factors, and Cronbach’s α coefficient was 0.69. Dentists’ job stress was significantly associated with income (P = 0.0230), work time (P = 0.0009) and job satisfaction (P < 0.0001). A bivariate correlation study revealed that the BEPSI-K, CES-D, STAI-S and PSQI exhibited a significant correlation with the DJS scale. Multiple regression analysis found that depression, job satisfaction and sleep quality were associated with dentists’ job stress, and this model accounted for 37.9% of the variation in the DJS scale (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: The findings of this study revealed that the DJS questionnaire showed acceptable validity and reliability, and dentists’ job stress was associated with depression, job satisfaction and sleep quality. The major implication of this study is that a stress-management programme focusing on practical ways to improve the mental health status and job satisfaction of dentists is critical to the reduction of occupational stress among Korean dentists.

Purpose: The association between pain and sleep is described as a vicious cycle and psychological distress is well known as comorbid condition in the patients with pain and sleep problems. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of self-reported sleep disturbance and its relationship to clinical and psychological profiles in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients. Methods: The sample consisted of 123 TMD patients (90 women and 33 men), with a mean age of 39.9±15.4 years. Self-report measures of sleep quality, pain and psychological profile were conducted via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Brief Pain Inventory and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revision at the initial visit. The primary diagnosis of TMD were categorized as TMD with internal derangement without pain, TMD with joint pain, TMD with muscle pain and TMD with joint-muscle combined pain. The chi-square test, independent t-test, oneway ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis were used for statistics. Results: The patients was grouped as good sleepers (n=32, scores of 5 and lower) and poor sleepers (n=91, scores of 6 and higher) according to the recommended cutoff point of the global PSQI score (>5). TMD patients with pain showed poor sleep quality than TMD patients with internal derangement without pain. Poor sleepers had high pain interference and elevated psychological distress. Among them, pain interference and depression were significant predictors to sleep quality. Conclusions: The results suggest that sleep disturbance is a prevalent complaint in TMD patients, and sleep problems in TMD patients are associated with pain and psychological distress.

Background This study aimed to investigate the degree of occupational stress and the clinical mental state of dentists. In addition, we investigated the correlation of occupational stress with depression, anxiety, and sleep among dentists in Korea. Methods A cross-sectional survey on 231 dentists was conducted using the Doctor Job Stress Scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), State-Trait Anxiety Index (STAI), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Correlation of occupational stress with mental health was investigated by adjusted multiple regression analysis. Results The scores of CES-D, STAI, and PSQI revealed a significant correlation with the Doctor Job Stress Scale (t = 3.93, P

Purpose: This study want to draw conclusion based on data taken from national health insurance and determined the distribution and direction of patients treated at private clinics. Methods: The author’s research spanned and compared the nationally insured patients by sexes, diagnoses, age groups and cases per year (2005, 2009, and 2013). Subjects were 3,536 patients of a private clinic in Seoul that were covered under national insurance. Results: There was no disparity across sexes nor cases, but both were on the decline. The most common dental conditions were pulpitis and dental caries at 38.4% and 16.4%, respectively. Both have decreased. Despite a drop in overall patients, the percentage of patients under 10 years old jumped substantially. Of overall age groups, teens were most prevalent at 33.5%, second and third being those in their forties and fifties (14.2% and 12.0%, respectively). Conclusions: The major illnesses that plague patients are pulpitis, dental caries, eruption disorder, gingivitis and periodontitis: the wane of pulpitis cases (a considerable percentage) and the actual numbers of patients has contributed to the general decrease in cases.

Purpose: This study examined the clinical results of the treatment of type 2 distal clavicle fracture with using a Wolter plate. Materials and Methods: Between 2004 and 2007, 16 patient treated for type 2 distal clavicle fracture using a Wolter plate were included in this study. Their average age was 32.6 years and the postoperative mean follow-up period was 22.9 months. The reduction and union were qualified according to the immediate post-operative and final radiographs. The functional outcome was evaluated by Kona`s system and the Constant score Results: By Kona`s functional evaluation, there were 12 cases with excellent results, 3 cases with good results and 1 case of fair results and the average Constant score was 90. All 16 cases showed bony union. As complications, there was 1 case in which the protruded hook of the plate could be palpated at the skin, and 1 case showed an acromial fracture, but all the cases dispalyed successful bony union and there was no acromioclavicular joint arthritis, infection or any other complications. Conclusion: Wolter plate fixation for type 2 distal clavicle fracture is a reliable surgical method for satisfactory reduction and rigid fixation, a lower incidence of nonunion and excellent clinical result.

Background: To report the treatment results of 12 patients who underwent a total excision of intradural extramedullary tumors. Methods: Twelve cases of histopathologically confirmed intradural extramedullary tumors were treated surgically between February 2002 and March 2005. There were 8 males and 4 females with an average age of 42.6 years. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 24.2 months. The histopathological fi ndings, locations of the tumors, and clinical results were analyzed. The neurological fi ndings obtained during the preoperative stage and the postoperative follow-up were evaluated according to the Frankel classifi cation. Results: The histopathological results are as follows: 4 cases of a meningioma, 4 cases of a schwannoma, 2 cases of an epidermoid cyst, 1 case of an arachnoid cyst, and 1 case of an ependymoma. The locations of the tumors were as follows: 7 cases in the thoracic region, 4 cases in the lumbar region, and 1 case in the cervical region. At the fi nal follow-up, a 2-grade and 1-grade improvement was observed in 1 and 7 cases, respectively. There were no changes in the Frankel grade in 4 cases. The preoperative neurological defi cit improved within 8 postoperative weeks in most cases and within 1 postoperative year in all cases. Postoperatively, there were 2 cases of cerebrospinal fl uid leakage and 2 cases of paresthesia. Conclusions: Intradural extramedullary tumors detected by MRI are mostly benign and good clinical results can be obtained when treated surgically. Therefore, more active surgical approaches by orthopedic surgeons are recommended to decrease morbidity.

Purpose: To evaluate the result and complication of treatment using Locking Compression Plate (LCP) for fracture of proximal humerus. Materials and Methods: Between 2004 and 2006, 21 patients with two-part and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus were treated by LCP fixation. Their average age was 54.9 years. Postoperative mean follow-up period was 22.9 months. The reduction was qualified and complication were assessed with final radiographs. The functional outcome was evaluated by Neer`s rating system. Results: By Neer`s functional evaluation, mean score of shoulder function was 86.3 and 18 case (86%) had excellent or satisfactory results. There was one case of nonunion but no infection or avascular necrosis of the humeral head. No correlation was found between the final result and the type of fracture, age, gender or quality of reduction. Conclusion: We obtained satisfactory result of LCP fixation for fracture of proximal humerus in this study. LCP fixation for proximal humerus fracture is a reliable method to obtain satisfactory reduction, rigid fixation and early exercise.

Study Design: Cases report Objectives: We report 1 case of relatively rare osteochondroma that was in thoracic spine Summary of Literature Review: Osteochondroma is one of the most common benign tumor in bone, consist of 40%, but, rare in spine area occupying only 2%. We report a case of osteochondroma that was in the 12th vertebra of thoracic spine, that had severe right flank pain. We performed en bloc excisional biopsy of the bony mass. Materials and Methods: A fourty seven-year-old male complained right flank pain. He had mass of 12th thoracic costovertebral junction and underwent open excision and biopsy Results: The preoperative pain disappeared and any signs of recurrence were not found on the follow up performed at 1 year. Conclusions: The painful osteochondroma of thoracic spine is treated successfully by surgical technique.

Brucellosis is a well known systemic, zoonotic disease that can affect many organs. We report a rare case of spondylodiscitis with an epidural abscess caused by brucellosis. The patient was treated surgically for severe pain and concomitant devastating neurological deficit. A diagnosis of spondylodiscitis or an epidural abscess due to brucellosis must be considered when acute back pain, radiating pain and febrile episodes occur, particularly in people in a high risk group.

Purpose: This study was carried out to investigate chronological changes of glutamate and r-aminobutyric acid (GABA) immunoreactivities in the anterior horn of the spinal cord after ischemia-reperfusion. Materials and Methods: Spinal cord ischemia was induced by clamping the abdominal aorta for 15 minutes in New Zealand white rabbit, and then the spinal cord was reperfused. These animals were sacrificed at 0.5, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after ischemia-reperfusion. Spinal cord sections at the level of L7 were immunostained against glutamate and GABA. Results: Glutamate immunoreactive neurons and fibers were first detected in the lamina IX at 30 minutes, but at 1 hour, the immunoreactivity returned to the control level. At 6 hour, glutamate immunoreactivity was observed around the blood vessels and its immunoreactivity increased between 6 and 12 hour. Thereafter the immunoreactivity decreased and eventually disappeared at 48 hours. GABA immunoreactivity increased in the anterior horn from 6 to 12 hours. Thereafter, GABA immunoreactivity decreased and eventually disappeared at 48 hours. Conclusion: These results suggest that the alteration of the glutamate immunoreactivity may occur much rapidly than that of GABA immunoreactivity in spinal anterior horn after ischemia-reperfusion.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new treatment method, which was using intraoperative skin traction and Steinmann(S)-pin for anatomically reduction by gentle manipulation to treat the displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus with percutaneous pinning. Materials and Methods: Clinical analysis was performed on thirty displaced supracondylar fractures (Gartland type III) of the humerus patients with a minimal three month follow up, who were treated percutaneous pinning after reduction with by intraoperative skin traction and S-pin. Clinical results were analyzed according to the Flynn grading system. Results: According to the Flynn grading system, excellent results were obtained in 12 cases (43%), good in 14 case (47%), fair in 4 cases (10%), poor in 0 cases (0%) and we obtained all satisfactory results. There was one case which was reoperated for closed reduction and percutaneous pinning repeatedly due to reduction loss and no case with conversion to open reduction. Conclusion: To avoid the forceful manipulation, gentle closed reduction and percutaneous pinning using intraoperative skin traction and S-pin especially for rotational correction in the displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus is considered to be useful method because showed satisfactory results.

Brodie's abcess, a local form of subacute osteomyelitis, is a rare disease and usually occurs in the metaphysis or epiphysis of the long tubular bone in young adults. Generalized symptoms and signs resembling infectious disease are uncommon. Abnomalities in laboratory findings are not severe. Because of these characteristics and nonspecific radiology, there are difficulties in the differential diagnosis with other infectious disease and tumorous conditions. The authors experienced a case of Brodie’s abcess in the proximal tibia bilaterally.

Study Design : A retrospective study. Objectives : To evaluate the surgical outcomes and image by mid-sagittal MRI in patients with cervical myelopathy who were more than 70 years of age. Summary of literature Review : Surgical outcomes of cervical myelopathy in the elderly patients were worse than in the younger patients, but decompression surgery is helpful for improving neurologic function in the elderly. Materials and Methods : Nine patients more than 70 years of age who underwent surgery were reviewed. Neurologic deficits after surgery were assessed using a scoring system proposed by Japanese Orthopaedic Association( JOA ) and clinical results and morphological changes on MRI were compared with those of patients less than 70 years old age. Results : The preoperative mean JOA score was 8.5 and the postoperative mean JOA score 12.8 and the maximum recovery rate was 51.1%, but these were significantly inferior to scores in those less than 70 years of age. At the time of final follow up , the mean JOA score had decreased 11.3 and the recovery rate was 32.6%. All patients except one were improved their daily living function. On the postoperative midline T1 sagittal MRI, morphological improvement was seen in 44% in patients more than 70 years of age, while 69% of patients were improved in the control group. Conclusions : Surgical decompression appears to be necessary as soon as possible after the onset of progressive myelopathy in the elderly patients for improving neurologic function and ability to engage in daily living.

We performed a retrospective study of nine humeral shaft fractures which were treated by interlocking intramedullary nailing, the AO UHN (Unreamed Humeral Nail) system between March 1996 and February 1997 with more than one year of follow up. AO UHN inserted by either antegrade or retrograde technics through limited incisions followed by insertion of 2 proximal and distal Interlocking screws. Compression between fractured fragments was achieved in the non-comminuted and indicated cases. Immediate postoperately, soft shoulder immobilizer was applied and rehabilitation was started with active shoulder motion exercise few days to 1 week postoperately as soon as patient could tolerate pain. Union occurred at average of 13 weeks except one expired case with pathologic fracture due to advanced metastatic cancer. Pain relief and functional restoration were rated as good to excellent in most cases. Interlocking intramedullary nailing using AO UHN for the humeral shaft fractures usually provides

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence rate of Taenia spp. infection and distribution of taeniasis caused by T. solium among Koreans in several localities in Korea during the period from 1977 to 1980. A total of 1,946 stool specimens collected from students and inhabitants of Chungcheong Bug Do and Gyeongsang Nam Do were examined by cellophane thick smear method. Among them, 40 persons were detected as Taenia egg positive cases. The overall positive rate of Taenia spp. shows 2.1 %. The prevalence rate of male (2.3 %) is relatively higher than that of female (1.4 %). In order to observe the distribution of Taenia solium infection, the whole worms or a part of proglottids of Taenia spp. were collected from the stools of egg positive cases by normal defecation or anthelmintic treatment. For the species identification, expelled proglottids were examined microscopically by the number of branches of the uterus, presence of a vaginal sphincter or the accessory ovarian lobe etc. Among 199 egg detected cases in this study 59 (39.1 %) out of 151 cases in Seoul, 12(40.0 %) of 30 cases in Gyeongsang Nam Do and 2 (25.0 %) from 8 taeniasis cases in Cheju Do were infected with T. solium. But none of T. solium infection was found from 10 egg positive cases in Chungcheong Bug Do. As a whole, the composition of species shows 36.7 per cent of T. solium infection and 55.8 % of T. saginata infection, and in 7.5 per cent the species were not identified.