• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.41 no.4
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• pp.447-456
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• 2008

Background: Caspase-3 is a cysteine protease that plays a major role in the process of apoptotic cell death. The dysregulated expression of c-myc contributes to the tumorigenesis in a variety of human cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the expressions of caspase-3 and c-myc and their significances as prognosis markers in patients with completely resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Material and Method: A total 130 consecutive patients who had undergone complete resection without pre-operative radio-therapy or chemotherapy between May 1996 and December 2003 for NSCLC were retrospectively reviewed. The median follow-up period of the patients was 50 months (range: $3{\sim}128$ months). The expressions of caspase-3 and c-myc were immuno-histochemically examined, and these were correlated with the clinico-pathologic data. Result: The prevalence of caspase-3 and c-myc expressions in the patients was 68% (88/130) and 59% (77/130), respectively. Significant association was found between the frequency of the expressions of caspase-3 and c-myc (p=0.025). The caspase-3 and c-myc expressions were not significantly associated with the prognosis in all the patients. However, according to stages, a positive caspase-3 expression was significantly correlated with a favorable prognosis for patients with stage IIIa disease (median survival period: 35 months vs. 10 months, p=0.021). Multivariate analysis showed the pathologic stage to be significantly correlated with a good prognosis in all the patients (p=0.024), and with a positive caspase-3 expression, well differentiated tumor and negative neuronal invasion in the patients with stage llla disease (p=0.005, p=0.003, p=0.004, respectively). Conclusion: Caspase-3 and c-myc were frequently expressed in NSCLC, suggesting its possible involvement in tumor development. The caspase-3 expression, as determined with performing immunohistochemical staining, may be a favorable prognostic indicator in patients with completely resected NSCLC an advanced stage (IIIa).

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.528-534
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• 2004

Background : Microscopic examination of sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli (AFB) is the most important and rapid diagnostic test for pulmonary tuberculosis. However, the AFB observed on the smear may represent either M. tuberculosis or nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). This study examined the clinical usefulness of a polymerase chain reaction test for M. tuberculosis (TB-PCR) for the differentiation of pulmonary tuberculosis and NTM lung disease in patients with smear-positive sputums in a tertiary hospital in Korea. Material and Methods : From January, 2003 to December, 2003, 826 AFB smear-positive and culture-positive sputum specimens were collected from 299 patients. Results : NTM were recovered from 26.6% (220/826) of the smear-positive sputum specimens and 23.4% (70/299) of the patients with smear-positive sputum. All the patients with isolated NTM had clinically significant NTM lung disease; 38 patients (54.3%) had M. avium and 26 patients (37.1%). had M. abscessus. In the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, 78.7% of the patients (74/94) showed TB-PCR positivity, and all the patients with NTM lung disease showed negative results on the TB-PCR test (p<0.001). A positive result of the TB-PCR test on the sputum or bronchial washing fluid specimens was able to predict pulmonary tuberculosis with 88.4% sensitivity, 100% specificity, a 100% positive predictive value and a 79.7% negative predictive value for the patients with smear-positive sputum. Conclusion : The TB-PCR test for sputum specimens or bronchial washing fluid specimens could be useful for differentiating pulmonary tuberculosis and NTM lung disease for the patients with smear-positive sputum in Korea.

• Journal of Korean Home Economics Education Association
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.113-141
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of home economics instruction in food labeling using a motivational(ARCS-Attention, Relevance, Confidence, and Satisfaction) strategy to increase middle school students' learning motivation, recognition and use of food labels. To achieve this purpose, teaching-learning plans of food label instruction using a motivation(ARCS) strategy were developed over four class periods using a pretest-posttest experimental design. The experiment was conducted across two groups as follows: 4 experimental groups that received the motivation(ARCS) strategy instruction, and 3 comparative groups that received lecture type instruction. The pretest-posttest scores of the experimental and comparative groups were compared. The 203 data of questionnaires for the experiment were analyzed and evaluated by Analysis of Covariance(ANCOVA) using SPSS Win 12,0. The results of this study were as follows: First, teaching-learning plans, learning materials, and teacher reference materials for the home economics food label instruction that applied the motivation(ARCS) strategy were developed in five subject areas: nutrition labels, food additives, genetically modified food, irradiated food, and food quality verification labels. Second, students' learning motivation of the two groups showed statistically meaningful differences. Home economics instruction using a motivation(ARCS) strategy was more effective in increasing students' learning motivation than lecture type instruction. Third, as a result of ANCOVA which regulated the recognition of food labels in the pre-experimental design, the recognition of food labels in the post-experimental design showed the meaningful differences depending on the instruction style(motivation strategy and lecture type instruction). In addition, comprehensibility, practical use and educational necessity of food label details showed statistically meaningful differences. Home economics instruction using motivation(ARCS) strategy was more effective than lecture type instruction in improving students' recognition of food labeling. Fourth, as a result of ANCOVA which regulated the use of food labels in the pre-experimental stage, the use of food labels in the post-experimental stage showed meaningful differences between experimental and comparative groups depending on the instruction style. Therefore, home economics instruction in food labeling using motivation(ARCS) strategy was more effective than lecture type instruction in increasing students' use of food labels.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.128-134
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• 2010

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in bone density and reduction of time consumed for osteogenesis by $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium and to find out efficacy of $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium by comparing the group prescribed with $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium with the group without $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium prescription. Material and methods: The experimental group of 18 patients with 25 dental implant placement and the control group of 7 patients with 9 dental implant placement were randomly selected from the patients who visited prosthetic department of Dankook University Dental Hospital since July, 2006 (IRB Number ; 20060710). The experimental group was instructed to take $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium for 6 months after the implant surgery while the control group was instructed not to. Both experimental and control group were assigned for measurement using $Osstell^{TM}$ Mentor and $Periotest^{(R)}$ and radiographic examination was performed using specifically manufactured Aluminum Step Wedge. The results were compared and analyzed. Results: 1. According to the $Osstell^{TM}$ Mentor measurement, both the experimental and control group showed increase in values as time elapses and the experimental group showed significantly higher rate of increase (P < .05). 2. According to the $Periotest^{(R)}$ measurement, both the experimental and control group showed decrease in values as time elapses. In addition, greater decrease can be seen in the experimental group but no statistical significance was found. 3. By examining the radiographic images, both the experimental and control group showed tendency of increase in bone density. In addition, greater increase can be seen in the experimental group but no statistical significance was found. Conclusion: Clinically, taking $PostPlant^{TM}$ Calcium medicine for a long period of time after implant placement is expected for a better prognosis.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.255-263
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• 1995

Root uptakes of $^{54}Mn,\;^{60}Co,\;^{85}Sr\;and\;^{137}Cs$ by rice were studied through a greenhouse experiment in which the upper 20 cm of the culture box was filled with an acidic loamy-sandy soil and a mixed solution of the radionuclides was applied to the surface water on the soil 2 days before, and 5 different times after, transplanting. Percent uptakes of the radionuclides to rice tops varied $3.4{\sim}13.7%,\;0.03{\sim}0.1%,\;0.6{\sim}1.5%,\;0.02{\sim}0.15%$, respectively, with application time. Among radionuclides, soil-to-plant transfer factors decreased, on the whole, in the order of $^{54}Mn>^{85}Sr>^{60}Co{\geq}^{137}Cs$, and among plant parts, in the order of straw > chaff > hulled seed. Transfer factors $(m^2/kg-dry)$ in hulled seed were, depending on application time, $1.2{\times}10^3{\sim}5.0{{\times}10^3\;for\;^{54}Mn,\;1.6{\times}10^5{\sim}2.6{\times}10^4\;for\;^{60}Co,\;1.1{\times}10^4{\sim}7.6{\times}10^4\;for\;^{85}Sr\;and\;5.2{\times}10^5{\sim}7.0{\times}10^4\;for\;^{137}Cs$. The highest factors of all the radionuclides in straw came from the application at 67 days after transplanting while those of $^{54}Mn,\;^{60}Co\;and\;^{85}Sr$ in hulled seed appeared at later applications. The data from this studv can be referred to in assessing the radiological impact of an accidental contamination during the rice growth.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.207-216
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• 2000

Continuous measurements of radon progeny concentrations in the open atmosphere and measurements of meteorological parameters were performed in Tajeon, using a continuous gross alpha/beta aerosol monitor and a weather measuring equipment between July 1999 and July 2000. These data were analyzed for half-hourly, daily, and seasonal variations. The distribution of daily averaged equilibrium equivalent radon concentration$(EEC_{Rn})$ had an arithmetic mean value of $11.3{\pm}5.86Bqm^{-3}$ with the coefficient of variation of about 50% and the geometric mean was $10.3Bqm^{-3}$. The $EEC_{Rn}$ varies between 0.83 and $43.3Bqm^{-3}$, depending on time of day and weather conditions. Half-hourly averaged data indicated a diurnal pattern with the outdoor $EEC_{Rn}$ reaching a maximum at sunrise and a minimum at sunset. The pattern of the seasonal variation of the $EEC_{Rn}$ in Taejon had a tendency of minimum concentration occurring in the summer(July) and maximum concentration occurring in the late autumn(November). But the seasonal variation of the $EEC_{Rn}$ is expect to vary greatly from place to place. The outdoor $EEC_{Rn}$ was highly dependent on the local climate features. Particularly the $EEC_{Rn}$an rapidly drops less than $5Bqm^{-3}$ in case of blowing heavily higher than wind speed of $6msec^{-1}$, reversely the days with more than $30Bqm^{-3}$ were at a calm weather condition with the wind speed of lower than $1msec^{-1}$.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.123-133
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• 2007

Z-axis automatic tube current modulation technique automatically adjusts tube current based on size of body region scanned. The purpose of the current study was to compare noise, and radiation dose of multi-detector row CT (MDCT) of lower extremity performed with Z-axis modulation technique of automatic tube current modulation with manual selection fixed tube current. Fifty consecutive underwent MDCT venography of lower extremity with use of a MDCT scanner fixed tube current and Z-axis automatic tube current modulation technique (10, 11 and 12 HU noise index, $70{\sim}450\;mA$). Scanning parameters included 120 kVp, 0.5 second gantry rotation time, 1.35:1 beam pitch, and 1 mm reconstructed section thickness. For each subject, images obtained with Z-axis modulation were compared with previous images obtained with fixed tube current (200, 250, 300 mA) and with other parameters identical. Images were compared for noise at five levels: iliac, femoral, popliteal, tibial, and peroneal vein of lower extremity. Tube current and gantry rotation time used for acquisitions at these levels were recorded. All CT examinations of study and control groups were diagnostically acceptable, though objective noise was significantly more with Z-axis automatic tube current modulation. Compared with fixed tube current, 2-axis modulation resulted in reduction of CTDIvol (range, $-6.5%{\sim}-35.6%$) and DLP (range, $-0.2%{\sim}-20.2%$). Compared with manually selected fixed tube current, 2-axis automatic tube current modulation resulted in reduced radiation dose at MDCT of lower extremity venography.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.49-54
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• 2000

Background: Echocardiography is rapidly establishing itself as the primary diagnostic technique for investigation of children with heart diseases, and referrals are increasing to the pediatric cardiology clinic for investigation. However, because there is a lack of analyzed data on the patients referred to the pediatric cardiology clinics, we have proceeded to compare and analyze their characteristics to provide basic data base. Methods: From Oct. 1, 1998 to Jul. 10, 1999, total 443 cases referred to the pediatric cardiology clinic of Yeungnam University Hospital were studied retrospectively by medical records, chest X-ray, EKG and echocardiography, etc. Results: The results were as follows. 1. The proportion of male was 61.0%(261 cases) and that of female was 39.0%(67 cases). The ratio of male to female was 1.6:1. The proportion infants less than 1 year-old was 62.6% (26R cases) of all patients. 2. Cardiac murmur was present in 248 cases(57.9%), which was the most common case of referral ed to the pediatric cardiology clinic. The impression at referral was more congenital heart disease(70.6%) than acquired heart disease(17.8%) and arrhythmia01.6%). 3. The final diagnosis was as follows : congenital heart disease was present in 212 cases(49.5%), acquired heart disease, 59 cases(13.9%); arrhythmia. 13 cases(3.0%); normal heart. 144 cases(33.6%). Conclusion: Among the patients referred to pediatric cardiology clinic, 33.6%(144 cases) had normal hearts and why these patients were referred may be possibly due to more dependence on echocardiography than on auscultation instruction. Therefore, clinical and auscultatory skill should be emphasized to minimize dependence on expensive echocardiography for evaluation of pediatric heart disease.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.26 no.1 s.54
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• pp.1-16
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• 1996

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the amount and interrelationship of the soft and hard tissue changes after simultaneous maxillary advancement and mandibular setback surgery in skeletal Class III malocclusion. The sample consisted of 25 adult patients(13 males and 12 females) who had severe anteroposterior skeletal discrepancy. These patients had received presurgical orthodontic treatment and surgical treatment which consisted of simultaneous Le Fort I or Le Fort II osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy. The presurgical and postsurgical lateral cephalograms were evaluated. The computerized statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS/$PC^+$ program. The results were as follows. 1. The correlation of maxillary hard and soft tissue horizontal changes were high and the ratios for soft tissue to A point were $71\%$ at Sn, $67\%$ at SLS and $37\%$ at LS. 2. The correlation of mandibular hard and soft tissue horizontal changes were very high and the ratios were $84\%$ at LI, $107\%$ at ILS, $96\%$ at Pog' and $97\%$ at Gn'. 3. The correlation of mandibular hard tissue horizontal changes and soft tissue vertical changes were moderate. 4. The upper to lower lip length were increased(P<0.001). 5. The soft tissue thickness were decreased in upper lip and increased in lower lip(P<0.001). The postsurgical changes were reversely correlated with initial thickness in upper lip.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.87-92
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• 2007

A thermal neutron beam facility utilizing a typical tangential beam port for Neutron Capture Therapy was installed at the HANARO, 30 MW multi-purpose research reactor. Mixed beams with different physical characteristics and relative biological effectiveness would be emitted from the BNCT irradiation facility, so a quantitative analysis of each component of the mixed beams should be performed to determine the accurate delivered dose. Thus, various techniques were applied including the use of activation foils, TLDs and ionization chambers. All the dose measurements were perform ed with the water phantom filled with distilled water. The results of the measurement were compared with MCNP4B calculation. The thermal neutron fluxes were $1.02E9n/cm^2{\cdot}s\;and\;6.07E8n/cm^2{\cdot}s$ at 10 and 20 mm depth respectively, and the fast neutron dose rate was insignificant as 0.11 Gy/hr at 10 mm depth in water The gamma-ray dose rate was 5.10 Gy/hr at 20 mm depth in water Good agreement within 5%, has been obtained between the measured dose and the calculated dose using MCNP for neutron and gamma component and discrepancy with 14% for fast neutron flux Considering the difficulty of neutron detection, the current study support the reliability of these results and confirmed the suitability of the thermal neutron beam as a dosimetric data for BNCT clinical trials.