Results of Intradiscal Pulsed Radiofrequency for Lumbar Discogenic Pain: Comparison with Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy

Fukui, Sei,Nitta, Kazuhito,Iwashita, Narihito,Tomie, Hisashi,Nosaka, Shuichi,Rohof, Olav The Korean Pain Society 2012 The Korean Journal of Pain Vol.25 No.3

Background: We have developed an intradiscal pulsed radiofrequency (Disc PRF) technique, using Diskit $II^{(R)}$ needles (NeuroTherm, Wilmington, MA, USA), as a minimally invasive treatment option for chronic discogenic low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this study was to compare the representative outcomes of Disc PRF and Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) in terms of pain relief and reduction of disability. Methods: Thirty-one patients with chronic discogenic LBP who underwent either Disc PRF (n = 15) or IDET (n = 16) were enrolled in the study. A Diskit $II^{(R)}$ needle (15-cm length, 20-gauge needle with a 20-mm active tip) was placed centrally in the disc. PRF was applied for 15 min at a setting of $5{\times}50$ ms/s and 60 V. The pain intensity score on a 0-10 numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were assessed pretreatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Results: The mean NRS was significantly improved from $7.2{\pm}0.6$ pretreatment to$2.5{\pm}0.9$ in the Disc PRF group, and from $7.5{\pm}1.0$ to $1.7{\pm}1.5$ in the IDET group, at the 6-month follow-up. The mean RMDQ also showed significant improvement in both the Disc PRF group and the IDET group at the 6-month follow-up. There were no significant differences in the pretreatment NRS and RMDQ scores between the groups. Conclusions: Disc PRF appears to be an alternative to IDET as a safe, minimally invasive treatment option for patients with chronic discogenic LBP.

Original Articles : Results of Intradiscal Pulsed Radiofrequency for Lumbar Discogenic Pain: Comparison with Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy

( Sei Fukui ),( Kazuhito Nitta ),( Narihito Iwashita ),( Hisashi Tomie ),( Shuichi Nosaka ),( Olav Rohof ) 대한통증학회 2012 The Korean Journal of Pain Vol.25 No.3

Background: We have developed an intradiscal pulsed radiofrequency (Disc PRF) technique, using Diskit II® needles (NeuroTherm, Wilmington, MA, USA), as a minimally invasive treatment option for chronic discogenic low back pain (LBP). The purpose of this study was to compare the representative outcomes of Disc PRF and Intradiscal Electrothermal Therapy (IDET) in terms of pain relief and reduction of disability. Methods: Thirty-one patients with chronic discogenic LBP who underwent either Disc PRF (n = 15) or IDET (n = 16) were enrolled in the study. A Diskit II® needle (15-cm length, 20-gauge needle with a 20-mm active tip) was placed centrally in the disc. PRF was applied for 15 min at a setting of 5 × 50 ms/s and 60 V. The pain intensity score on a 0-10 numeric rating scale (NRS) and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) were assessed pretreatment and at 1, 3, and 6 months post-treatment. Results: The mean NRS was significantly improved from 7.2 ± 0.6 pretreatment to 2.5 ± 0.9 in the Disc PRF group, and from 7.5 ± 1.0 to 1.7 ± 1.5 in the IDET group, at the 6-month follow-up. The mean RMDQ also showed significant improvement in both the Disc PRF group and the IDET group at the 6-month follow-up. There were no significant differences in the pretreatment NRS and RMDQ scores between the groups. Conclusions: Disc PRF appears to be an alternative to IDET as a safe, minimally invasive treatment option for patients with chronic discogenic LBP.

pH-Sensitive Hydrogels Based on (Meth)Acrylates and Itaconic Acid

Simonida Lj. Tomić,Marija M. Babić,Katarina M. Antić,Jovana S. Jovašević Vuković,Neda B. Malešić,Jovanka M. Filipović 한국고분자학회 2014 Macromolecular Research Vol.22 No.11

Novel hydrogels based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), itaconic acid (IA) and different poly(alkylene glycol) (meth)acrylates (PAGM) (P(HEMA/IA/PAGM)) were synthesized. We investigated the influenceof different PAGM components, with acrylic or methacrylic acid residues in the main chain and ethylene glycol (EG)and/or propylene glycol (PG) units in pendant chains of varying length, on the nature and inherent properties ofP(HEMA/IA/PAGM) copolymeric hydrogels. Swelling studies revealed pH sensitive behavior of P(HEMA/IA/PAGM)samples. Hydrogel structure and morphology were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopyand scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which confirmed their chemical structure and differences in pore size. The shear modulus values for P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) hydrogels were close to that of PHEMA, but slightly lower thanthe value for P(HEMA/IA). Cephalexin (CEX) drug release profiles from P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) samples showed amarked dependence on the PAGM component. The presence of IA also influenced the release rate of CEX, leadingto a faster release when IA was combined with the more hydrophilic PAGM component. An in vitro assay of P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) cytotoxicity showed good cell viability. The results obtained indicate that P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) hydrogelproperties were significantly dependent on the PAGM component, meaning that the type of side chains can be usedto tune the characteristics of such biomaterials. These properties make P(HEMA/IA/PAGM) copolymeric hydrogelsapplicable in biomedical and biotechnological fields and controlled drug delivery.

Functional and Environmental Advantage of Cleaning Ti5B1 Master Alloy

Aleksandar Mitrašinović,Miloš Tomić 한국정밀공학회 2022 International Journal of Precision Engineering and Vol.9 No.3

One of the greatest environmental goals for the aluminum alloys industry is generating higher quality products by introducing cleaner input materials while maintaining low production costs. A typical dilemma for the master alloy producers is the cleanness level of the master alloy since insoluble inclusions could serve as inoculants during the solidification process. In this work, commercial Ti5B1 master alloy is used for grain refinement of Al7Si4Cu aluminum alloy and compared with the cleaned master alloy that contained a lower amount of residual refractory oxides and salts. Metallography analysis was used for grain size measurement while Computer Aided Cooling Curve Analysis was used for assessment of the undercooling and heat release values. In all instances, specimens treated with the cleaned master alloy showed smaller grains in the final structure and lower undercooling values. The difference in released heat between liquidus and recalescence temperatures was about 25% in specimens where added 0.66 wt% of cleaned master alloys compared to specimens where the commercial master alloys were added. Using cleaner Ti5B1 master alloy with a higher number of TiAl 3 and TiB 2 particles improves its grain refi nementefficiency and transmits fewer impurities in produced parts. Producing cleaner master alloy would be beneficial from economic and environmental aspects by increasing its value and service time of produced parts besides simplifying the recycling process at the end of parts life-cycle.

Xylella fastidiosa in Europe: From the Introduction to the Current Status

Vojislav Trkulja(Vojislav Trkulja ),Andrija Tomić(Andrija Tomić ),Renata Iličić(Renata Iličić ),Miloš Nožinić(Miloš Nožinić ),Tatjana Popović Milovanović(Tatjana Popović Milovanović ) 한국식물병리학회 2022 Plant Pathology Journal Vol.38 No.6

Xylella fastidiosa is xylem-limited bacterium capable of infecting a wide range of host plants, resulting in Pierce's disease in grapevine, citrus variegated chlorosis, olive quick decline syndrome, peach phony disease, plum leaf scald, alfalfa dwarf, margin necrosis and leaf scorch affecting oleander, coffee, almond, pecan, mulberry, red maple, oak, and other types of cultivated and ornamental plants and forest trees. In the European Union, X. fastidiosa is listed as a quarantine organism. Since its first outbreak in the Apulia region of southern Italy in 2013 where it caused devastating disease on Olea europaea (called olive leaf scorch and quick decline), X. fastidiosa continued to spread and successfully established in some European countries (Corsica and PACA in France, Balearic Islands, Madrid and Comunitat Valenciana in Spain, and Porto in Portugal). The most recent data for Europe indicates that X. fastidiosa is present on 174 hosts, 25 of which were newly identified in 2021 (with further five hosts discovered in other parts of the world in the same year). From the six reported subspecies of X. fastidiosa worldwide, four have been recorded in European countries (fastidiosa, multiplex, pauca, and sandyi). Currently confirmed X. fastidiosa vector species are Philaenus spumarius, Neophilaenus campestris, and Philaenus italosignus, whereby only P. spumarius (which has been identified as the key vector in Apulia, Italy) is also present in Americas. X. fastidiosa control is currently based on pathogen-free propagation plant material, eradication, territory demarcation, and vector control, as well as use of resistant plant cultivars and bactericidal treatments.

Global hydroelastic analysis of ultra large container ships by improved beam structural model

Ivo Senjanović,Nikola Vladimir,Marko Tomić,Neven Hadžić,Šime Malenica 대한조선학회 2014 International Journal of Naval Architecture and Oc Vol.6 No.4

Some results on the hydroelasticity of ultra large container ships related to the beam structural modeland restoring stiffness achieved within EU FP7 Project TULCS are summarized. An advanced thin-walled girder theorybased on the modified Timoshenko beam theory for flexural vibrations with analogical extension to the torsionalproblem, is used for formulation of the beam finite element for analysis of coupled horizontal and torsional ship hullvibrations. Special attention is paid to the contribution of transverse bulkheads to the open hull stiffness, as well as tothe reduced stiffness of the relatively short engine room structure. In addition two definitions of the restoring stiffnessare considered: consistent one, which includes hydrostatic and gravity properties, and unified one with geometric stiffnessas structural contribution via calm water stress field. Both formulations are worked out by employing the finiteelement concept. Complete hydroelastic response of a ULCS is performed by coupling 1D structural model and 3Dhydrodynamic model as well as for 3D structural and 3D hydrodynamic model. Also, fatigue of structural elementsexposed to high stress concentration is considered.

Antibacterial Activity of pH-Sensitive Silver(I)/Poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate/itaconic acid) Hydrogels

Jovana S. Vuković,Aleksandra A. Perić-Grujić,Dragana S. Mitić-Ćulafić,Biljana Dj. Božić Nedeljković,Simonida Lj. Tomić 한국고분자학회 2020 Macromolecular Research Vol.28 No.4

Since the management of infections becomes prior global healthcare issue, the “post antibiotic era” requires innovative and interdisciplinary approach. As an alternative to widespread and, nowdays mostly uneffective, antibiotic treatment of infections, the series of hydrogels were developed and further investigated as novel antibacterial biomaterials. The hydrogels based on 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate and itaconic acid were synthesized and used for silver(I) ions incorporation. The structural, thermal and swelling characteristics were examined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and swelling study conducted in wide range of pHs at 37 °C. Results confirmed the expected structure, while the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of the hydrogels were detected in range of 10-37 °C. The in vitro release study revealed suitability of these pH sensitive hydrogels as the systems for topical delivery of silver(I) ions. Performed MTT test and Comet assay proved biocompatibility of the hydrogels, as well as the absence of acute genotoxic effect on human fibroblast cells (MRC-5). The hydrogels exhibited satisfying antibacterial activity against methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), indicating the capacity to treat the life-threatening infections.

제지산업에 있어 원료의 전망 및 미래의 제지 설비 발전 방향

Tomi Ulmanen 한국펄프·종이공학회 1999 펄프.종이기술 Vol.31 No.4

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Fruit and Combination with Losartan Attenuate the Elevation of Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Rats Induced by Angiotensin II

Tomi Hendrayana,Klaudia Yoana,I Ketut Adnyana,Elin Yulinah Sukandar KOREAN PHARMACOPUNCTURE INSTITUTE 2023 Journal of pharmacopuncture Vol.26 No.4

Objectives: Cucumis sativus L. (C. sativus) is vegetable commonly used for managing blood pressure and often consumed in combination with standard antihypertensive therapy, despite lack of scientific evidence supporting their use. Combination of herbs and standard medication could have positive or negative effects. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the antihypertensive activity of C. sativus and the combined effect with losartan in the hypertensive rat model induced by angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a component of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that, upon binding to its receptor, constricts blood vessels leading to elevation of blood pressure. Methods: In an antihypertensive study, rats received C. sativus orally at doses of 9, 18, 27, and 36 mg/kg (full dose); while in a combination study, animals received losartan 2.25 mg/kg combined by either with C. sativus 9 or 18 mg/kg. The standards group received losartan 2.25 mg/kg or 4.5 mg/kg (full dose). Results: Blood pressure was measured using the tail-cuff method. C. sativus significantly attenuated angiotensin II-induced hypertension as observed in groups receiving C. sativus at 9, 18, 27, and 36 mg/kg at 30 minutes after induction showed the average change (Δ) of systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) with respect to time zero were 28.8/18.3, 24.8/15.8, 22.8/15.5, and 11.5/9.0 mmHg, respectively. Whereas the average change (Δ) of SBP and DBP in the rats receiving the combination of half doses of C. sativus and losartan were 8.8/9.0 mmHg, respectively. These diminished effects were better than a full dose of C. sativus and comparable with a full dose of losartan (6.5/7.8 mmHg). Conclusion: The present findings indicate that C. sativus dose-dependently blocks blood pressure elevation induced by angiotensin II. The combination of half dose of C. sativus and losartan has an additive effect in lowering blood pressure.

Becoming Artists: Collective Reflection of Personal Experience in Community Theater

Tomi Visakko 한국외국어대학교 HK 세미오시스 연구센터 2020 Signs and Society Vol.8 No.3

The article examines how the participants of a six-week community theater project in Helsinki (2015–16) become socialized into the role of Artist by the professional leaders of the project. One of the main goals of the project was to explore the “joint voice” of the ethnically and socioeconomically diverse group and to make that voice heard in society. Drawing on ethnographic data, the article focuses on a central writing technique that was used to scan the participants’ past experiences and to rewrite them into ingredients of the joint voice. The article argues that the process of socialization involves a comprehensive epistemological transformation that gives rise to changes in the participants’ perception of their experiences. The epistemological structure that regulates the writing activities pertains both to principles of entextualization (i.e., how personal experiences become transformed into textual patterns) and to rules of interpersonal engagement (i.e., how others’ contributions are treated). Thus, it enables the construction of safe and effective channels along which private experiences can flow to the group’s collective discursive space and onward to the public.