• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.52 no.9
• /
• pp.1015-1020
• /
• 2009

Purpose:The aim of this study is to explore the effect of the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) expressed in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) that respond to antigen to Th2 immune deviation in allergic patients. Methods:Subjects consisted of 19 allergic patients and 17 healthy volunteers. Skin prick tests and nasal provocation tests were performed for the two groups. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from subjects and analyzed for the Lineage Cocktail (CD3, CD14, CD16, CD19, CD20, CD56) (-), HLA-DR (+), and CD123 (+) using flow cytometry. In addition, we analyzed TLR9 mRNA by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The level of $interferon-{\alpha}$ ($IFN-{\alpha}$) of the PBMCs following stimulation with the TLR9 ligand CpG-ODN 2216 was also evaluated. Results:Analyses of CD123 (+) revealed a nearly similar distribution for the classical pDC markers in the allergic group ($0.1%{\pm}0.04%$) and in the controls ($0.25%{\pm}0.23%$). The mRNA levels of TLR9 on PBMCs were not different between the allergic group and the controls ($1.29{\pm}0.41$ vs. $1.25{\pm}0.23$, respectively). Additionally, the level of $IFN-{\alpha}$ in PBMCs exposed to stimuli of the TLR9 ligand CpG-ODN 2216 was not significantly different between the two groups ($911{\pm}829$ vs. $1,095{\pm}888pg/mL$, respectively). Conclusion:We found no evidence that TLR9-dependent immune responses in human pDCs are associated with allergic status.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.15-24
• /
• 2013

Purpose: In Asan Medical Center, Two parallel opposite beams are employed for total body irradiation. Patients are required to be in supine position where two arms are attached to mid axillary line. Normally, physical compensators are required to compensate the large dose difference for different parts of body due to the different thicknesses compared to the umbilicus separation. There was the maximum dose difference up to 30% in lung and chest wall compared to the prescription dose. In order to resolve the dose discrepancy occurring on different body regions, the feasibility of using Fieid-in-Field Technique is investigated in this study. Materials and Methods: CT scan was performed to The RANDO Phantom with fabricated two arms and sent to Eclipse treatment planning system (version 10.0, Varian, USA). Conventional plan with physical lead compensator and new plan using Field-in-Field Technique were established on TPS. AAA (Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm) dose calculation algorithm was employed for two parallel opposite beams attenuation. Results: The dose difference between two methods was compared with the prescription dose. The dose distribution of chest and anterior chest wall uncovered by patient arms was 114~124% for physical lead compensator while Field-in-Field Technique gave 106~107% of the dose distribution. In-vivo dosimetry result using TLD showed that the dose distribution to the same region was 110~117% for conventional physical compensator and 104~107% for Field-in-Field Technique. Conclusion: In this study, the feasibility of using FIF technique has been investigated with fabricated arms attached Rando phantom. The dose difference was up to 17% due to the attached arms. It is shown that the dose homogeneity is within ${\pm}10%$ with the CT based 3-dimensional 4 step FIF technique. The in-vivo dosimetry result using TLD was showed that 95~107% dose distribution compared to prescription dose. It is considered that CT based 3-dimensional Field-in-Field Technique for the total body irradiation gives much homogeneous dose distribution for different body parts than the conventional physical compensator method and might be useful to evaluate the dose on each part of patient body.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Traditional Landscape Architecture
• /
• v.33 no.1
• /
• pp.1-11
• /
• 2015

Gyeongju, Silla capital, hasn't paid much attention to a value of fortress as advanced frame of landscape all the while. All have done until now were maintaining lots of fortress including Gyeongju and setting night landscape lighting for them or building a trail in mountain fortress. Hereupon, this study tried to take a look at historical and scenic value of fortress, landscape frame of Gyeongju-Silla capital, based on Wolseong and Myeonghwalseong and find the way to contribute to it on landscape architectural level. As Wolseong(月城) and Myeonghwalseong(明活城) functioned as royal palace in Silla Dynasty, they need some research and study on fortress inside in detail rather than restoring them by simply maintaining the shapes. While Wolseong has overall excavation investigation going on, Myeonghwalseong representing mountain fortress area is losing its value due to unbefitting management to a title of world heritage. If conducting close research and study on these remains, it seems like it could contribute a lot to landscape architectural research of Silla royal palace through tracks, which will be used as royal palace. Here I suggest research direction on landscape architectural level about fortress remains in Gyeongju area as followings. Firstly, away from all research focusing on fortress shape, consecration way, etc, we need to conduct a research comprisable of inner space of fortress. As Wolseong and Myeonghwalseong functioned as royal palace in Silla Dynasty, it'll be possible to research about ponds, Nu-Jeong(樓亭), drainage facilities, oddly shaped stones, moundings, pavements, circulation systems, planting traces, etc. For this, we need to research and study through comparison with cases of China, Japan and Goguryeo of the same age. Secondly, applying garden archaeological way is possible to translate objectively regarding research of ancient garden with low literature record. But attainable achievement and information will be limited if implementing excavation based on archaeology as excavations so far regarding excavation investigation of Wolseong. The alternative to such problem is participation plan of landscaping field through the foundation of garden archaeology. We might be able to attain many results on landscape architectural level from research, if conducting research and study about Silla capital including Wolseong by applying garden archaeology such as collection of environmental sample and discovery and analysis of remains through aerial photograph, archaeological research, analysis of historical building, surface exploration, excavation technique, analysis of soil and flowerpot, etc. For this, many people majored in landscape architecture need to try and acquire archaeological knowledge. Also, we need to call attention to internal garden archaeology through international academic symposium by inviting global experts in garden archaeology field. I've suggested the study of location of Wolseong and Silla fortress in Gyeongju area, plan research on using and treating trees about the space in and out of fortress and landscape architectural research direction of Wolseong fortress.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.26 no.3
• /
• pp.189-194
• /
• 2008

Purpose: We designed a water-based bolus device for radiation therapy in Kaposi's sarcoma. This study evaluated the usefulness of this new device and compared it with the currently used rice-based bolus. Materials and Methods: We fashioned a polystyrene box and cut a hole in order to insert patient's extremities while the patient was in the supine position. We used a vacuum-vinyl based polymer to reduce water leakage. Next, we eliminated air using a vacuum pump and a vacuum valve to reduce the air gap between the water and extremities in the vacuum-vinyl box. We performed CT scans to evaluate the density difference of the fabricated water-based bolus device when the device in which the rice-based bolus was placed directly, the rice-based bolus with polymer-vinyl packed rice, and the water were all put in. We analyzed the density change with the air gap volume using a planning system. In addition, we measured the homogeneity and dose in the low-extremities phantom, attached to six TLD, and wrapped film exposed in parallel-opposite fields with the LINAC under the same conditions as the set-up of the CT-simulator. Results: The density value of the rice-based bolus with the rice put in directly was 14% lower than that of the water-based bolus. Moreover, the value of the other experiments in the rice-based bolus with the polymer-vinyl packed rice showed an 18% reduction in density. The analysis of the EDR2 film revealed that the water-based bolus shows a more homogeneous dose plan, which was superior by $4{\sim}4.4%$ to the rice-base bolus. The mean TLD readings of the rice-based bolus, with the rice put directly into the polystyrene box had a 3.4% higher density value. Moreover, the density value in the case of the rice-based bolus with polymer-vinyl packed rice had a 4.3% higher reading compared to the water-based bolus. Conclusion: Our custom-made water-based bolus device increases the accuracy of the set-up by confirming the treatment field. It also improves the accuracy of the therapy owing to the reduction of the air gap using a vacuum pump and a vacuum valve. This set-up represents a promising alternative device for delivering a homogenous dose to the target volume.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Sensory Integration
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.27-36
• /
• 2009

Introduction : Occupational therapists commonly use clinical observation to assess neuromuscular function witch is a fundamental component of sensory integration function. Clinical Observation of Motor and Postural Skills (COMPS) is a standardized assessment with seven items and used to screen if a child's problem is due to neuromuscular and sensory integration system. However, developmental standard of the test need to be validated with Korean children. Objective : This study is purposed to propose developmental standard of the COMPS for Korean children. Method : Seven to nine years old students (76 male and 70 female) participated in this study. In order to find out any difference by gender and age, the data was analyzed using t-test and ANOVA. Results : There is no significant difference by gender for all other items except Prone Extension Position (PEP). There is significant difference between children who are 7 years old and those who are 9 years old for Slow Motion(SM), Finger-Nose Touching (FNT), Asymmetrical Tonic Neck Reflex (ATNR), Supine Flexion(SF). There is also significant difference between those who are 8 years old and 9 years old for SM, FNT, ATNR. However, there is no significant difference between those who are 7 years and 8 years old. Conclusions : This study examines any difference in neuromuscular characteristics by age among school-aged children, based on the COMPS. The result of this study will provide a good evidence to establish developmental standard of COMPS for Korean children. It issuggested to continue further standardization work of the COMPS in order to establish a developmental standard for Korean children.

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

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.13 no.1
• /
• pp.264-273
• /
• 2012

This cross-sectional study was investigated musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms and related factors on some middle high school teachers. Self-questionnaire of KOSHA CODE H-30-2003 was done with 250 teachers from 1st to 15th October, 2010, the data from 231 teachers (68 male, 163 female) was statistically analyzed to search the factors related to musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms. According to NIOSH rate of musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms by body parts was 36.8%. Musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms related to age, school types, subjective health status, housekeeping time, VDT work time and regular rest. After adjusting for related variables, odds ratio (OR) of musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms was correlation significantly to subjective health status unhealthy (OR 11.75, 95% Confidence Interval, CI, 3.56-378.78). In addition, ORs (95% CI) of age (40-49) and housekeeping time (${\geq}3$) were 4.63 (1.82-26.18) and 4.33 (1.97-19.34). Analysis of the factors influencing the musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms vary in different parts of the body. The most discomfort symptoms by parts was neck (26.0%) and shoulder (30.0%). In the neck region was related to subjective health status and regular rest. In the shoulder and waist region was subjective health status and sex. Age was wrist/finger, leg/foot was related to subjective health status, sex and VDT work time. Age, school types, subjective health status, housekeeping time, VDT work time and regular rest related to musculoskeletal discomfort symptoms and the most discomfort symptoms by parts was neck and shoulder.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.114-119
• /
• 2000

Purpose : To evaluate the e지ent and frequency of the inter- and intra-treatment isocenter deviations of the whole pelvis radiation field in using small bowel displacement system (SBDS). Methods and Materials : Using electronic portal imaging device (EPID), 302 postero-anterior 232 lateral portal images were prospectively collected from 11 patients who received pelvic radiation therapy (7 with cervix cancer and 4 with rectal cancer). All patients were treated in prone position with SBDS under the lower abdomen. Five metallic fiducial markers were placed on the image detection unit for the recognition of the isocenter and magnification. After aligning the bony landmarks of the EPID images on those of the reference image, the deviations of the isocenter were measured in right-left (RL), cranio-caudal (CC), and PA directions. Results : The mean inter-treatment deviation of the isocenter in each RL, CC, and PA direction was 1.2 mm ($\pm$ 1.6 mm), 1.0 mm ($\pm$3.0 mm), and 0.9 mm ($\pm$4.4 mm), respectively. Inter-treatment isocenter deviations over 5 mm and 10 mm in RL, CC, and PA direction were 2, 12, 24$\%$, and 0, 0, 5$\%$, respectively. Maximal deviation was detected in PA direction, and was 11.5 mm. The mean intratreatment deviation of the isocenter in RL, CC, and PA direction was 0 mm ($\pm$0.9 mm), 0.1 mm ($\pm$ 1.9mm), and 0 mm ($\pm$1.6 mm), respectively. All intra-treatment isocenter deviations over 5 mm in each direction were 0, 1, 1$\pm$, respectively. Conclusions : As the greatest and the most frequent inter-treatment deviation of the isocenter was along the PA direction, it is recommended to put more generous safety margin toward the PA direction on the lateral fields if clinically acceptable in pelvic radiotherapy with SBDD.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
• /
• v.29 no.4
• /
• pp.229-236
• /
• 2006

Purpose: This study was conducted to search for the type of technical error in DEXA(dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) and the effect of error to measurement of BMD. Materials and Methods: The changes of BMD($g/cm^2$, T-score) by patients information(Age, Weight, Height, Manopause age) input error and Confirming ROI error were investigated. Using spine phantom, we canned 10 times by age(5, 10), weight(10, 20 kg), height(5, 10 cm), manopause age(5, 10) increase & decrease respectively. Scanning region(L-spine, femur, Forearm) of 10 patients was calculated by changing ROI respectively. Analysis of difference for mean(precision 1%) were carried out. Results: The error of patient information(Age, Weight, Height, Manopause age) was not changed differently. In confirming ROI, the BMD and T-score of L-spine involving T-12 was decreased to $0.063\;g/cm^2$, 0.3 and involving L-5 increased to $0.077\;g/cm^2$, 0.5. In narrowing 1 cm of vertical line of ROI, the BMD and T-score decreased to $0.006\;g/cm^2$, 0.1 and in 2 cm, $0.021\;g/cm^2$, 0.15, each. In hip ROI, Upper and left shift(0.5 cm) of line was not influenced BMD and T-score. In 0.5 cm lower shift(lesser trochanter below), the BMD and T-score increased $0.031\;g/cm^2$, 0.3 and in 1 cm $0.094\;g/cm^2$, 0.65, each. In forearm ROI, the BMD and T-score decreased $0.042\;g/cm^2$, 0.9 involving 1 cm lower wrist. And expanding 1 cm of vertical line, the BMD and T-score decreased $0.008\;g/cm^2$, 0.1 and in 2 cm, $0.021\;g/cm^2$, 0.3, each. The L-spine, hip, forearm ROI error was changed differently. Conclusion: There are so many kinds of technical error in BMD processing. Errors according to age, weight, height, manopause age did not influent to $BMD(g/cm^2)$ and T-score. There are mean differences BMD and T-score in confirming ROI. For the precision exam, in L-spine processing, L1-4 have to confirmed without shift of ROI vertical line. In hip processing, the ROI have to included greater trochanter, femur head and lesser trochanter. In forearm processing, the ROI have to included wrist, radius and ulnar.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.48 no.2
• /
• pp.158-167
• /
• 2016

The requirements for medical laboratories ISO 15189 is examined in organization and a quality management system, stressing the importance of evidence, document control, and control of records and clinical material. Medical services are provided from the areas of resource management, and pre-examination, examination and post-examination processes. The main goal of ISO 15189 accreditation is to improve the quality of laboratory services provided for patients and clinical users not only through compliance with consensually developed and harmonized requirements but also by adopting the philosophy of continual improvement using the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle. Laboratory quality should be evaluated and improved in all steps of the testing process as the state-of-the art indicates that the pre- and post-analytical phases are more vulnerable to errors than the intra-analytical phase. The Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS), a national accreditation body, provides medical laboratory accreditations for appropriate approaches to evaluating the competence of a medical laboratory in providing effective services to its customers and clinical users. Adoption of ISO 15189 in 2010s as a government policy has been delayed, and only 5 laboratories have been accredited to date in Korea. The medical laboratories should seek the adoption of ISO 15189 with a positive attitude for quality improvement and strengthening of international competitiveness.