In this paper, we propose 2D segmentation algorithm for 3D visualization using CT bone images. Kmeans algorithm and thresholding method are traditional methods that can detect human bone. But the noise appeared on segmented images generated by both Kmeans algorithm and thresholding method. To detect bone cluster, the two assumptions are considered, they are as follows; first, pixels that have high intensity can be merged into bone cluster. Secondly, because a bone cluster consists of large or small group, the ambiguous pixels can be merged into bone cluster by estimating segmentation function. With the proposed FSTB(Flexible Segmentation To Boundary) algorithm the noise didn't appeared on segmented CT bone images and the algorithm carried out effective segmentation to the ambiguous pixels.
Humans ; Noise

PURPOSE: Perinatal asphyxia occurring in newborn is one of the major causes of acute mortality and chronic neurological disability in survivors. We have studied the relationship between early electroencephalography(EEG) findings and clinical course and neurologic outcome in severe asphyxiated neonates. METHODS: Between the period of July 1999 and June 2002, 25 neonates who were diagnosed with severe perinatal asphyxia(1-minute Apgar score of < or =3 and initial pH is less than 7.2) at NICU in Dongsan Medical Center were enrolled. An EEG was recorded and analyzed within three days of life and divided into two groups - group 1(normal or focal change on EEG) and group 2(generalized abnormal EEG). Between the two groups, clinical courses and neurologic outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Fifteen infants(60%) were group 1 and ten infants(40%) were group 2(polyspikes, burst- suppression, generalized low voltage). Associated maternal disease, days of hospitalization, need for ventilator support, delay of oral feeding and convulsion duration are significantly higher and longer in group 2. Also, poor neurologic outcome(expire, developmental delay) was significantly higher in group 2(60%) than group 1(13.3%). CONCLUSION: Thus, the early neonatal EEG in asphyxiated newborn can be a predictable diagnostic tool in assessment of neurologic outcome.
Apgar Score ; Asphyxia ; Electroencephalography ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Infant, Newborn* ; Mortality ; Seizures ; Survivors ; Ventilators, Mechanical

OBJECTIVES: Xylitol is an effective anticarious natural sugar substitute, by inhibiting the virulence of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). However, long-term xylitol consumption leads to an emergence of the xylitol-resistant (XR) strains. This study aimed to confirm the general characteristics, mRNA expression of gtf genes, and adhesive ability of the xylitol-sensitive (XS) and XR S. mutans , by xylitol-treated concentrations. METHODS: S. mutans KCTC3065 was maintained in TYE medium, containing 0.4% glucose with 1% xylitol for 30 days at 37degrees C, 10% CO2 to form XR strain and the same procedures, without xylitol, were repeated for the formation of XS S. mutans. Both XS and XR were cultured by xylitol-treated concentrations (0%, 0.1% and 1%), then, general characteristics, such as growth and acid production, mRNA expression of gtf genes and adhesive ability were analyzed. RESULTS: Xylitol reduced the cell growth of XS S. mutans in a dose-dependent manner, but did not reduce the XR. Xylitol inhibited acid production of XS in a dose-dependent manner. However, it did not inhibit that of XR. Xylitol reduced the gtfB and gtfD mRNA expression of the XS S. mutans, which the genes synthesized soluble and insoluble extracellular polysaccharides, but not reduced that of the XR. By a microtiter plate assay, biofilm formation was more reduced in the XR strains, which means biofilm's adhesive ability of XR S. mutans was lower than that of the XS. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that a lower level of adhesive ability for XR S. mutans is related with mRNA expression level of gtf genes, which suggested that the XR strains may be less cariogenic than that of the XS.
Adhesives ; Biofilms ; Glucose ; Glucosyltransferases ; Polysaccharides ; RNA, Messenger ; Sprains and Strains ; Streptococcus ; Streptococcus mutans ; Sweetening Agents ; Xylitol

No abstract available.
Cactaceae* ; Dermatitis* ; Humans ; Leprosy*

No abstract available.
Animals ; Evoked Potentials, Motor* ; Rats*

Usually, fractures of the humerus can be expected to unite. Circumstances often predisposing to nonunion are open reduction and internal fixation, infection, soft tissue interposition between fracture fragments and inadequate external immobilization. The effectiveness of various methods of treatment and the complication was discussed. The best results are achieved in cases treated by compression plates and iliac bone graft. Total 21 cases of nonunion of shaft of humeral fractures from Jan., 1980 to Dec., 1986 were treated at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery of Soon Chun Hyang University Hospital. The results were as follows ; 1. Incidence of nonunion of humerus shaft among the 270 cases has 7.8%; rates of non-union was 5.4% with nonoperative treatment of fractures of humeral shaft and 10.5% with operative methods. 2. Of 21 cases, male between 20–40th age group was predominant and mean age was 36 years. The cases of fracture was mainly due to the car and machinary accident. 3. Prevalent type and site was lower 2/3 transverse fractures. 4. There were associated injuries in ipsilateral upper extremity in 12(52%) patients. 5. The probable causes of nonunion were complex; 9 of inadequate internal fixation and fixation metal failure, 7 cases of poor external fixation, 3 cases of soft tissue interpostion between fracture fragments and 2 cases of infection. 6. The treatment performed were somewhat variable to include open reduction and plate (DCP) fixation for 18 cases, open reduction and circlage wiring for 2 cases and open reduction and screw fixation for 1 cases. All were supplemented with autogenous iliac bone graft. 7. Postoperative immobilization was done with shoulder spica cast, abduction splint and long arm cast for average 6.5 weeks. 8. All were united at average 4.7 months. Transient radial nerve palsy in 2 cases, and limitation of motion of shoulder and elbow iri 2 cases, which required considerable time of physical therapy, but postoperative infection was none.
Adult ; Arm ; Clinical Study ; Elbow ; Humans ; Humeral Fractures ; Humerus ; Immobilization ; Incidence ; Male ; Orthopedics ; Paralysis ; Radial Nerve ; Shoulder ; Soft Tissue Infections ; Splints ; Transplants ; Upper Extremity

Surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament is undergoing constant evolution. The variable success of these procedures can be attributed to many factors including graft selection, graft placement, graft tensioning, graft remodelling and rehabilitation program. Rigid fixation is probably the most important factor in the success of these procedures during the initial stages of healing. Arthroscopically assisted reconstruction of the ACL-deficient knee using a bone-patellar tendon-bone graft(two-incision technique) is a reliable and evolving technique. Rosenberg et al, described a one-incision technique that allows endosteal fixation of bone plugs within their femoral tunnels intraarticularly via the intercondylar notch. These two techniques are different from their femoral tunnel direction and bone plug placement. The present study was designed to develop a swine model for in vitro biomechanical testing of the bone-patellar tendon-bone ACL autograft to compare the pull-out strength of Outside-In technique and Inside-Out technique. The result were as follows: 1. Normal ACL(N=10 knees) pull-out tensile strength tests showed a maximum tensile strength of 1295.34(N), a stiffness of 120.95(N/mm), and a linear load of 1104.26(N). The failure sites were all tibial attachments. 2. Femoral and Tibial interference fit pull-out tensile strength tests(N=10 knees) showed a maximum tensile strength of 463.23±42.27(N), a stiffness of 33.62±3.18(N/mm), and a linear load of 392.51±95.42(N). The failure sites were all in the tibial tunnel area(N=9 knees), except for one which femoral tunnel area. 3. Inside-Out technique(N=15 knees) showed a maximum tensile strength of 1250.64±75.67(N), a stiffness of 94.31±26.44(N/mm), and a linear load of 1046.92±367.55(N), but the Outside-In tech-nique(N=15 knees) showed a maximum tensile strength of 805.35±54.61(N), a stiffness of 83.33±10.98(N/mm), and a linear load of 685.99±86.32(N)(p < 0.0001). The failure sites were all in the femoral tunnel area. 4. Tensile testing demonstrated that the Inside-Out technique was significantlly stronger than Outside-In technique for maximum tensile strength, stiffness and a linear load.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction ; Anterior Cruciate Ligament ; Autografts ; In Vitro Techniques ; Knee ; Rehabilitation ; Swine ; Tensile Strength ; Transplants

Ultrasonographic and radiographic findings in 72 cases of pelvic masses which have been provedhistopathologically were analyzed. The results were as follows; 1. Among 72 cases, 28 cases were uterine massesand 44 cases were adnexal masses. 2. Pathologic accuracies of ultrasonographic diagnosis were 64.3% in uterinemasses, 70.5% in adnexal masses, and 68.1% in all pelvic masses. 3. Plain or IVP findings were not specific indiagnosis and showed secondary mass effects or functional disturbances. 4. Because of its high accuracy ofpathologic diagnosis and safety, ultrasonography can be regared as the most valuable and preferential study. Butin cases of cystic myomas, endometrioses, cystic missed abortions and huge masses, the accurate diagnoses weredifficult.
Abortion, Missed ; Diagnosis ; Endometriosis ; Female ; Myoma ; Pregnancy ; Ultrasonography

Open long bone fracture is frequently difficult to reduce and maintain, especilly when there is extensive soft tissue damage. Infection, instability, malalignment and soft tissue complication often result in prolonged mobidity or failure. The Hoffmann's apparatus have merits, that can easily correct distracted, angular or rotational deformity of fracture site during early post-operative period, and stable fixation facilitates easily to the care of soft tissue injury. In addition, the affected limb can be elevated with balanced suspension, possible early exercise of neighboring joints. But we have exerienced some problems during treatment of fracture with Hoffmann's transfixation method. From February 1980 to December 1981, Hoffmann's transfixation method was employed in treatment of twenty-one patients that considered to have a poor prognosis with conversional forms of treatment. The results were obtained as follows; 1. For correction of distracted, angular, or rotational deformity, the fracture site should be reduced accurately. 2. Hoffmann pins should be transfixed as one plane and parrallel to each other. 3. Rigidity of fixation can be increased by increasing number of pins, actually three or more pins should be applied at each fragment of fracture. 4. Hoffmann's apparatus is more complex for management, more expensive and requires skillful technique compared with other external fixation apparatus. 5. The lateral view of fracture site could not be confirmed accurately due to overlapping of Hoffmann's adjustable connecting rod and bony shadow. 6. The main cause of injuries was due to traffic accidents in 17 cases (81%), involving tibia in 18 cases, femur in 2 cases and humerus in 1 case. 7. In the sixteen cases which could be assessed, the average times for external transfixation was 13.9 weeks and then followed by early weight bearing with P.T.B. cast or brace. The average time of bony union was 26.4 weeks. 8. The final result was excellent in 7 cases, good in 5 cases, acceptable in 3 cases, poor in 1 case.
Accidents, Traffic ; Braces ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Extremities ; Femur ; Fractures, Bone ; Fractures, Open ; Humans ; Humerus ; Joints ; Methods ; Prognosis ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; Tibia ; Weight-Bearing

The new trial to apply the closed I-M nailing for 23 cases of long bone fracture has been used our department, loss of hematoma, further damage to periosteum and soft tissue were prevented; the risk of infection was reduced; and the early functional use of extremities without additional superflous external fixation could be made. The results obtained were as follows; 1. There was no case of non-union or other complication. 2. The average bone union rate was 26.1 weeks in femur, 22 weeks in tibia, or 11.5 weeks in forearm. 3. The advantages is simple method and be able to do early ambulation without following muscular atrophy or ankylosis. 4. The patients were satisfactory about cosmetic problem after operation. 5. The merits of this operation were the short hospitalization and early adaptation of social activity. 6. In conclusion, closed I-M nailing is method of choice for long bone shaft fracture when internal fixation is indicated and our operative is useful and simple.
Ankylosis ; Early Ambulation ; Extremities ; Femur ; Forearm ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; Fractures, Bone ; Hematoma ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Methods ; Muscular Atrophy ; Periosteum ; Tibia