• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.492-497
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• 2004

Purpose: it is very important to differentiate breast cancer from benign mass. There are many reports to evaluate the differential diagnosis under the several diagnostic tools. We evaluated the usefulness of mammography and Tc-99m MIBI scintimammography in the differential diagnosis of breast mass and correlated with pathologic findings. Materials and Methods: This study included 80 patients (a8e: 24-72, mean: 48.4) who underwent mammography and Tc-99m MIBI scintimammography for breast masses. Scintimammographies (anterior-posterior and lateral projections) were acquired in 10 minutes and 2 hours after intravenous injection of Tc-99m MIBI. four specialists in diagnostic radioloay and nuclear medicine evaluated the findings of breast masses under the mammography and Tc-99m MIBI scintimammography, and calculated the tumor to background (T/B) ratio. The pathologic results were obtained and we statistically analyzed the correlations between pathologic results and imaging findings under the mammography and Tc-99m MIBI scintimammography by chi-square and correlation test. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of mammography for detection of breast cancer were 87.5%, 56.3%, 75.0%), and 75.0% respectively. 45 cases of 80 patients were suspicious for breast cancer under the Tc-99m MIBI scintimammography. 41 cases of 45 patients were confirmed as breast cancer and the remaining 4 cases were confirmed as benign masses. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Tc-99m MIBI scintimammography for detection of breast cancer were 85.4%, 87.5%, 91.1%, and 80.8% respectively. The sensitivity of scintimammography was lower than that of mammography for detection of breast cancer, however the specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were higher. In the benign mass, the mean T/B ratio in 10 minutes was $1.409{\pm}0.30$, and that in 2 hours was $1.267{\pm}0.42$. The maximal T/B ratio of benign mass in 10 minutes was $1.604{\pm}0.42$, and that in 2 hours was $1.476{\pm}0.50$. In the malignant mass, the mean T/B ratio in 10 minutes was $2.220{\pm}1.07$, and that in 2 hours was $1.842{\pm}0.75$. The maximal T/B ratio of malignant mass was $2.993{\pm}1.94$, and that in 2 hours was $2.480{\pm}1.34$. And the T/B ratio under the early and delayed images were meaningful. Conclusion: The scintimammography is useful diagnostic tool to differentiate breast cancer from benign mass, although the sensitivity of mammography for detection of breast mass is high. Especially, the use of the T/B ratio is helpful to diagnose breast cancer.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.45-52
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• 2001

Purpose : Granulocyle-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been widely used to treat neutropenia caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The efficacy of recombinant human hematopoietic growth factors in improving oral mucositis after chemotherapy or radiotherapy has been recently demonstrated in some clinical studies. This study was designed to determine whether G-CSF can modify the radiation injury of the intestinal mucosa in mice. Materials and Methods : One hundred and five BALB/c mice weighing 20 grams were divided into nine subgroups including G-CSF alone group $(I:10\;{\mu}g/kg\;or\;II:100\;{\mu}g/kg)$, radiation alone group (7.5 or 12 Gy on the whole body), combination group with G-CSF and radiation (G-CSF I or II plus 7.5 Gy, G-CSF I or II plus 12 Gy), and control group. Radiation was administered with a 6 MV linear accelerator (Mevatron Siemens) with a dose rate of 3 Gy/min on day 0. G-CSF was injected subcutaneously for 3 days, once a day, from day -2 to day 0. Each group was sacrificed on the day 1, day 3, and day 7. The mucosal changes of jejunum were evaluated microscopically by crypt count per circumference, villi length, and histologic damage grading. Results : In both G-CSF I and II groups, crypt counts, villi length, and histologic damage scores were not significantly different from those of the control one (p>0.05). The 7.5 Gy and 12 Gy radiation alone groups showed significantly lower crypt counts and higher histologic damage scores compared with those of control one (p<0.05). The groups exposed to 7.5 Gy radiation plus G-CSF I or II showed significantly higher crypt counts and lower histologic damage scores on the day 3, and lower histologic damage scores on the day 7 compared with those of the 7.5 Gy radiation alone one (p<0.05). The 12 Gy radiation plus G-CSF I or II group did not show significant difference in crypt counts and histologic damage scores compared with those of the 12 Gy radiation alone one (p>0,05). Most of the mice in 12 Gy radiation with or without G-CSF group showed intestinal death within 5 days. Conclusion : These results suggest that G-CSF may protect the jejunal mucosa from the acute radiation damage following within the tolerable ranges of whole body irradiation in mice.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.4
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• pp.481-487
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• 2009

Purpose : This study investigated the clinical course and prognostic factor of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) with hemodynamically significant congenital heart defects (CHDs). Methods : Medical records of 1,098 VLBWI with birth weight <1,500 g who had been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Samsung Medical Center from October 1994 to December 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. The data for these patients with hemodynamically significant CHD (n=33) were compared with those without CHD (n=1,065). Results : The incidence of CHD was 3.0% (33 patients) 7 patients (21%) had CHD combined with the congenital abnormalities or chromosomal disorders. The most common CHD was a ventricular septal defect. The incidence of intrauterine growth retardation was higher in patients with CHD than in patients without CHD (34% vs. 20%), but there were no significant differences in gestational age, birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, severe intraventricular hemorrhage (${\geq}$Gr III), and periventricular leukomalacia. Cardiac surgery was performed on 13 patients (39%). Nine patients received staged operations, and 10 patients received early intervention. The overall mortality in patients who had CHD was higher than in the patients who did not have CHD (27% vs. 16%). In patients with CHD, congenital abnormalities or chromosomal disorders were more important factors for increased mortality (86% vs. 11%) than the degree of complexity of CHD (19% vs. 42%). Conclusion : The most important prognostic factors of VLBWI with CHD are the associated congenital abnormalities or chromosomal disorders.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.239-246
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• 2014

Filter absorbs low-energy X-ray to increase the average energy and reduces patient exposure dose. This study investigates if the materials of Mo and W could be used for the digital imaging device CR by conducting image assessment and dose measurement of SNR, FOM and histogram. In addition, measurement of beam quality was conducted depending on the material of the filter, and at the same time, a proper combination of filters was examined depending on the change in tube voltage (kVp). In regard to entrance skin dose, Mo filter showed the dose reduction by 42~56%, compared to Cu filter. Moreover, Mo filter showed higher transmission dose by around 1.5 times than that of Cu filter. In image assessment, it was found that W was unsuitable to be used as a filter, whereas Mo could be used as a filter to reduce dose without decline in image quality at the tube voltage of 80 kVp or higher. As tube voltage increased, 2.0 mm Al+0.1 mm Mo almost had a similar histogram width to that of 2.0 mm Al+0.2 mm Cu. Therefore, Mo filter can be used at relatively high tube voltage of 80 kVp, 100 kVp and 120 kVp. The SNR of 2.0 mm Al+0.1 mm Mo did not show any significant difference from those of 2.0 mm Al+0.2 mm Cu and 2.0 mm Al+0.1 mm Cu. As a result, if Mo filter is used to replace Cu filter in general radiography, where 80 kVp or higher is used for digital radiation image, patient exposure dose can be reduced significantly without decline in image quality, compared to Cu filter. Therefore, it is believed that Mo filter can be applied to chest X-ray and high tube voltage X-ray in actual clinical practice.

• The Korean Journal of Pharmacology
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.43-51
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• 1989

Responsiveness of muscarinic and alpha adrenoceptor activation on endothelial cells was studied in isolated canine renal artery rings. Ach (10-100 nM), dose dependently, relaxes endothelial intact rings precontracted with phenylephrine ($IC_{50}$ of Ach was 34.5 nM). Selective mechanical destruction of the endothelium transformed the activity of this substance from vasodilatation to vasoconstriction. Acetylcholine induced relaxations could be selectively inhibited competitively by atropine, but could not be inhibited by cyclooxygenase inhibitor. Methylene blue, however, an inhibitor of soluble guanylate cyclase activity, inhibited Ach as well as sodium nitroprusside (SNP) induced relaxation. Relaxation produced by prostacyclin was not modified by methylene blue. On the other hand, alpha adrenoceptor agonist did not relax but contract canine renal artery rings possessing an intact intima precontracted with U-46619. Clonidine, however, selective alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, is more susceptible than phenylepherine, selective alpha-1 adrenergic agonist, to the inhibitory effect of contraction. These results suggest that in canine renal artery rings, 1) muscarinic receptor is responsible for releasing endothelium dependent relaxation factor (EDRF). 2) alpha-1 and alpha-2 adrenergic receptors are present in canine renal artery. 3) relaxation via EDRF is antagonized by methylene blue, providing further evidence that EDRF acts through a cGMP mechanism.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.105 no.3
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• pp.294-302
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• 2016

This study was conducted to evaluate aboveground tree biomass and nutrient (C, N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) response of tree components by high (1,933 trees $ha^{-1}$) and low (1,200 tree $ha^{-1}$) stand densities in a 27-year-old Quercus glauca plantation. The study site was located in Goseong county, Gyeongsangnam-do, southern Korea. Total 12 trees (6 high and 6 low stand densities) were cut to develop allometric equations and to measure nutrient concentration of tree components. Stand density-specific allometric equations in the high and low stand densities were significant (P < 0.05) in tree components with diameter at breast height (DBH). Also, generalized allometric equations could be applied to estimate tree biomass regardless of the difference of stand density because of no significant effect on slope of stand density-specific allometric equations. Aboveground tree biomass estimated by the allometric equations was significantly higher in the high stand density (177 Mg $ha^{-1}$) than in the low stand density (114 Mg $ha^{-1}$). However, nutrient concentration of tree components was not significantly affected by the difference of stand density. Nutrient stocks in tree components were not significantly between the high stand density and the low stand density, except for the N and P stocks of stem wood. These results indicate that aboveground tree biomass could be significantly affected by stand density, but nutrient concentration among the tree components was not affected by the difference of stand density in a Quercus glauca plantation.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.106 no.4
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• pp.380-387
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• 2017

This study was carried out to determine fertilization effects on allometric equations and biomass production in a Moso bamboo (Phllostachys pubescens) stand of the Gajwa National Experimental Forests, Jinju, Korea. The study site was fertilized for approximately 30 years to produce edible bamboo shoots. Total 20 bamboos (10 fertilized and 10 unfertilized) were cut to develop allometric equations and to estimate biomass accumulation of each bamboo component. Allometric equations of each bamboo component in the fertilized and unfertilized plots were significant (P < 0.05) with diameter at 20 cm from ground ($D_{20}$), diameter at breast height (DBH), culm height (H), and $DBH^2{\cdot}H$. Aboveground biomass estimated by the allometric equations (DBH) was significantly higher in the unfertilized plots ($106.38Mg\;ha^{-1}$) in culm density of $6,833culm\;ha^{-1}$ than in the fertilized ($57.68Mg\;ha^{-1}$) plots in culm density of $4,633culm\;ha^{-1}$. The proportion of each biomass component was culm (79%), followed by branches (14%) and leaf (7%) in the fertilized plots, whereas it was culm (81%), followed by branches (13%), and leaf (6%) in the unfertilized plots. The results indicate that aboveground biomass accumulation in a Phllostachys pubescens stand was little affected by fertilizer application because of the difference of culm density.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.43-51
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• 2001

Purpose: In this study, we compared the quantitative characteristics of dynamic salivary gland scintigraphy with static scintigraphy in patients with clinical sicca syndrome using Tc-99m pertechnetate. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two parotid glands and 52 submandibular glands out of 26 patients with clinical sicca syndrome were studied by dynamic and static salivary gland scintigraphy. Ten normal volunteers were also studied as a control group for comparison of scintigraphic parameters. Ten minutes after injection of 370 MBq Tc-99m pertechnetate, we obtained pre-stimulus static images for a few minutes. Then dynamic salivary gland scintigraphy with lemon juice stimulation was performed for 20 minutes. Finally we obtained post-stimulus static images after dynamic images. On dynamic study, functional parameters such as uptake rate, secretion rate and re-uptake rate were calculated. The results of dynamic study and static images were compared. Results: On dynamic study, we could obtain functional parameters of salivary glands successfully. On dynamic study, 22 parotid glands and 22 submandibular glands out of each of 52 glands are abnormal. The static images demonstrated somewhat different results, of which reasons we could assume via dynamic study. Conclusion: Dynamic salivary gland scintigraphy using Tc-99m perechnetate were more functional than static images and might be useful in the assessment of the functional change of the salivary gland in patients with clinical sicca syndrome.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.215-231
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• 2018

It was analyzed to identify the cause of $PM_{2.5}$ concentration changes for the fall in 2016 and 2017 in South Korea using ground measurement data such as meterological variables and $PM_{2.5}$, AOD from GOCI satellite, and WRF-CMAQ modeling system. The result of ground measurement data showed that the $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations for the fall in 2017 decreased by 12.3% ($3.0{\mu}g/m^3$) compared to that of 2016. The difference of $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations between 2016 and 2017 mainly occurred for 11 Oct. - 20 Oct. (CASE1) and 15 Nov. - 19 Nov. (CASE2) when weather conditions were difficult to long-range transport from foreign regions and favored atmospheric ventilation in 2017 compared to 2016. Simulated $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations in 2017 decreased by 64.0% ($23.1{\mu}g/m^3$) and 35.7% ($12.2{\mu}g/m^3$) during CASE1 and CASE2, respectively. These results corresponded to the changes in observed $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations such as 53.6% for CASE1 and 47.8% for CASE2. It is implied that the changes in weather conditions affected significantly the $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations for the fall between 2016 and 2017. The contributions to decreases in $PM_{2.5}$ concentrations was assessed as 52.8% by long-range transport from foreign regions and 47.2% by atmospheric ventilation effects in domestic regions during CASE1, whereas their decreases during CASE2 were affected by 66.4% from foreign regions and 33.6% in domestic regions.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.253-263
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• 2011

This study was conducted to gain preliminary data for restoration and management of constructed small-scale ponds in paddy fields through analysis of their physicochemical and biological properties. A field survey was performed at 13 small-scale ponds located in paddy fields from August 2009 to October 2010. Structural properties, water quality, soil characteristics and fish fauna were measured. Results showed that small-scale ponds without frames might lose their function over time because of crumbling walls. Therefore, it is necessary for these ponds to have frames for soil protection and sustainable maintenance. Chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) concentration were higher than the water quality standard for agricultural water in small-scale ponds. In particular, TN concentration was 8.03 mg $L^{-1}$ and over 8 times the water quality standard because of the presence of livestock such as cows and pigs in the study areas. Sand, organic matter and available phosphorus contents of soil in small-scale ponds was 53.4${\pm}$16.6%, 21.8${\pm}$9.74 g $kg^{-1}$ and 12.8${\pm}$7.59 mg $kg^{-1}$, respectively indicating that sand and available phosphorus contents were suitable for plants in small-scale ponds, but organic matter contents was somewhat low in newly constructed small-scale ponds, and would take some time to stabilize for plant growing. Fish fauna was not diverse with only 4 species at all sites surveyed. Collected fishes share a common feature that they all inhabit paddy fields or canals with shallow water depth. In this study, all ponds were not linked to the streams and canals around them. It appears that connection to adjacent streams was the major factor controlling fish fauna in small-scale ponds. The results of statistical analysis were classified into three groups. Factor 1 was 26.3%, which shows a structural properties such as area and depth of small-scale pond. As for factor 2, it appears on 20.1%, showing water quality like a TP, suspended solids (SS) and COD. Small-scale ponds were classified into three groups by factor scores. Group I consisted of 6 small-scale ponds, which were larger than the others. Group III had higher water quality than the others. We conclude that the most important points to be considered for restoration and management of small-scale ponds is connection with adjacent streams or ditches and depth and size of the small-scale pond.