• Development and Reproduction
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.115-121
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• 2005

The present report aimed at evaluating the effect of bisphenol A(BPA) and diethylstilbestrol(DES) on Leydig or Sertoli cell-lines. To identify the differences in the susceptibility to BPA upon different cell-types, assay of the cell viability was done on TM3(Leydig cells) and TM4(Sertoli cells) cell-lines. The result indicates that Sertoli cells are more sensitive to low dose of BPA than Leydig cells. Also, the BPA- or DES-treated Sertoli cells showed a reduction of phospholipase D(PLD) activity identically. According to the confirmation of the mRNA expression of fas receptor and fas ligand in the BPA-treated cells, fas/fasL system activated by BPA will deliver the apoptosis signal onto Sertoli TM4 cells. However, Fas/FasL system was not activated in the DES-treated cells unlike the BPA-treated cells.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.265-273
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• 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-atherosclerotic and anti-hypertensive effects of six different plant extracts using a N(G)-nitro-L-arginine-methyl ester (L-NAME)-induced rat model of hypertension. All extracts were administered orally for six weeks. At the end of the study period blood pressure, blood flow, aortic histopathology, and hepatic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression were measured. Subsequently, we also measured the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide (NO), and anti-inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Based on these screening results, we selected extracts of Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia) and Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza) for further evaluation. C. cassia and S. miltiorrhiza extracts ameliorated hypertension and atherosclerosis in L-NAME-treated rats in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, a mixture of C. cassia and S. miltiorrhiza had an additive effect to reduce blood pressure, increase blood flow, and normalize aortic tissue. This mixture demonstrated anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. In conclusion, although further analysis of the therapeutic mechanism is required, the anti-hypertensive and anti-atherosclerotic effects of this mixture are likely mediated by increased eNOS expression, and its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.25-32
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• 2009

To find out proper photographing conditions in the chest DR imaging, the evaluation of images using the C-D phantom was carried out on relationship of identification capability, graininess, and exposure ratio. The conclusions were obtained as follows. 1. The patient's entrance skin Exposure (ESE) was decreased as tube voltage was increased. 2. According to the tube voltage change, the C-D phantom's identification capability of the exposure conditions was most visible at 110 kVp. 3. The identification capability according to the exposure ratio (mAs) change was most visible at 90 kVp for 0.5 times of low exposure ratio and at 110 kVp for 1.5 times. Therefore, it is known that the images were able to be better identified at a high exposure than a low exposure. 4. The graininess according to the exposure ratio at tube voltage of 110 kVp resulted in the best thing at 1.5 times of ratio when the exposure ratio was 1.5 times increased and the tube voltage was changed, the graininess showed the best result at 110 kVp. Therefore, the patient's exposure dose was low when kVp was increased and the adequate kVp was found to be 110. The image was better identified when exposure ratio was 1.5 times compared to 1.0 times. The graininess was also good when the exposure ratio became 1.5 times. The tube voltage was good at 110 kVp. However, once the exposure ratio is increased, the amount of radiation dose that the patients received get increased, so that the exposure condition has to be thoroughly considered.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.190-197
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• 2011

Currently, the dose distribution calculation used by commercial treatment planning systems (TPSs) for high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy is derived from point and line source approximation method recommended by AAPM Task Group 43 (TG-43). However, the study of Monte Carlo (MC) simulation is required in order to assess the accuracy of dose calculation around three-dimensional Ir-192 source. In this study, geometry factor was calculated using segmented sources integration method by dividing microSelectron HDR Ir-192 source into smaller parts. The Monte Carlo code (MCNPX 2.5.0) was used to calculate the dose rate $\dot{D}(r,\theta)$ at a point ($r,\theta$) away from a HDR Ir-192 source in spherical water phantom with 30 cm diameter. Finally, anisotropy function and radial dose function were calculated from obtained results. The obtained geometry factor was compared with that calculated from line source approximation. Similarly, obtained anisotropy function and radial dose function were compared with those derived from MCPT results by Williamson. The geometry factor calculated from segmented sources integration method and line source approximation was within 0.2% for $r{\geq}0.5$ cm and 1.33% for r=0.1 cm, respectively. The relative-root mean square error (R-RMSE) of anisotropy function obtained by this study and Williamson was 2.33% for r=0.25 cm and within 1% for r>0.5 cm, respectively. The R-RMSE of radial dose function was 0.46% at radial distance from 0.1 to 14.0 cm. The geometry factor acquired from segmented sources integration method and line source approximation was in good agreement for $r{\geq}0.1$ cm. However, application of segmented sources integration method seems to be valid, since this method using three-dimensional Ir-192 source provides more realistic geometry factor. The anisotropy function and radial dose function estimated from MCNPX in this study and MCPT by Williamson are in good agreement within uncertainty of Monte Carlo codes except at radial distance of r=0.25 cm. It is expected that Monte Carlo code used in this study could be applied to other sources utilized for brachytherapy.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.102-108
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• 1996

This was an open trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of moclobemide twice daily for treatment of Korean patients with major depressive disorder(DSM-III-R). The duration of the trial was 6 weeks with the initial dose of moclobemide being fixed lor the first two weeks at 300mg/day(150mg twice daily, each token after morning and evening meals). Thereafter, when necessary, the dose was allowed to increase to 600mg/day or decrease to 150mg/day according to the seventy of the depression and/or the tolerability of the drug. Hypnotics and/or sedatives from a benzodiazepine group could be concomitantly administered at usual dosage. Patients were assessed at baseline and at days 14, 28 and 42. Efficacy was primarily judged on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression(HAM-D) and Beck Depression Inventory(BDI). Patients had to score at least 17 respectively an both scales to enter the trial. Secondary efficacy parameters included Clinical Global Impression(CGI) for severity of illness and improvement. Safety and tolerability were judged on reported adverse events, vital signs and laboratory parameters. In addition, there was a series of questions and assessments for the psychiatrists and patients to complete at the end of the trial Twenty nine patients completing trial were included in the analysis of efficacy : of thirty one patients participating in the safety and tolerability analysis, those who withdraw voluntarily without particular reasons or violated the treatment schedule were not included. The efficacies as determined by HAM-D, BDI or CGI were found to be significant compared to baseline. The number of responders defined as patients with a total score of 10 or less or with a total score of 50% or less of the baseline score on HAM-D and BDI were 17(59%) and 18(62%) respectively. Regarding safety and tolerability, nine patients(29%) reported mild adverse events probably related to moclobemide : of these one patient dropped out because of poor tolerability : however, there were no appreciable changes in blood pressure, pulse rate, body weight or laboratory parameters for all patients over the trial period. Furthermore, the physicians' and patients' opinions at final evaluation showed that moclabemide has a good antidepressant effect as well as a favorable tolerability. In conclusion, a twice-daily dosage schedule with maclobemide is recommendable for the treatment of Korean patients with major depressive disorder since its efficacy and safety were demonstrated in this study.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 2017

Microbiological, physicochemical, and organoleptic properties of fresh-cut vegetables (FVs), carrots, green peppers, cherry tomatoes, and paprika after X-ray irradiation were evaluated to verify food quality suitable for the immune-depressed patients. Total concentrations of aerobic bacteria in non-irradiated samples, except for cherry tomatoes, were 1.63-3.34 log CFU/g. Irradiation dose exceed 0.4 kGy was used for carrots and green peppers whereas the sterilization dose of 0.2 kGy was used for both cherry tomatoes and paprika. A dose of 0.4 kGy was tentatively determined as the minimum allowable dose for sterilization of the FVs, based on $D_{10}$-values of X-ray irradiation (0.11-0.32 kGy) for Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium inoculated on the samples. With respect to the physiological properties, only hardness was significantly decreased as the absorbed dose increased; however, there were no significant differences in hardness of the sterilized samples using X-rays at 0.4 kGy compared with those of non-irradiated samples (p<0.05). Moreover, overall acceptance scores of the sterilized FVs were higher than 5.0 points on a 7-point scale, indicating a good organoleptic quality. In a survey on preference of hospitalized patients with cancer (n=50), the average scores for the sterilized FVs, except for carrots, were higher than 4.0 points. In conclusion, it is considered that the FVs, except for carrots, sterilized using X-rays at 0.4 kGy could be served to immune-depressed patients as hygienically safe foods with acceptable organoleptic properties.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.1-5
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• 2016

A dosimetric evaluation of volumetric modulated arc therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy for the lower extremity soft tissue sarcoma For the lower extremity soft tissue sarcoma, volumetric modulated arc therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy were evaluated to compare these three treatment planning technique. The mean doses to the planning target volume and the femur were calculated to evaluate target coverage and the risk of bone fracture during radiation therapy. Volumetric modulated arc therapy can reduce the dose to the femur without compromising target coverage and reduce the treatment time compared with intensity modulated radiation therapy.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.32
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• pp.41-52
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• 2020

Purpose: To find out the dosimetric usefulness, setup reproducibility and efficiency of applying 3D Bolus by comparing two treatment plans in which Commercial Bolus and 3D Bolus produced by 3D Printing Technology were applied to the neck during VMAT treatment of Hypopahrynx Cancer to evaluate the clinical applicability. Materials and Methods: Based on the CT image of the RANDO phantom to which CB was applied, 3D Bolus were fabricated in the same form. 3D Bolus was printed with a polyurethane acrylate resin with a density of 1.2g/㎤ through the SLA technique using OMG SLA 660 Printer and MaterializeMagics software. Based on two CT images using CB and 3D Bolus, a treatment plan was established assuming VMAT treatment of Hypopharynx Cancer. CBCT images were obtained for each of the two established treatment plans 18 times, and the treatment efficiency was evaluated by measuring the setup time each time. Based on the obtained CBCT image, the adaptive plan was performed through Pinnacle, a computerized treatment planning system, to evaluate target, normal organ dose evaluation, and changes in bolus volume. Results: The setup time for each treatment plan was reduced by an average of 28 sec in the 3D Bolus treatment plan compared to the CB treatment plan. The Bolus Volume change during the pretreatment period was 86.1±2.70㎤ in 83.9㎤ of CB Initial Plan and 99.8±0.46㎤ in 92.2㎤ of 3D Bolus Initial Plan. The change in CTV Min Value was 167.4±19.38cGy in CB Initial Plan 191.6cGy and 149.5±18.27cGy in 3D Bolus Initial Plan 167.3cGy. The change in CTV Mean Value was 228.3±0.38cGy in CB Initial Plan 227.1cGy and 227.7±0.30cGy in 3D Bolus Initial Plan 225.9cGy. The change in PTV Min Value was 74.9±19.47cGy in CB Initial Plan 128.5cGy and 83.2±12.92cGy in 3D Bolus Initial Plan 139.9cGy. The change in PTV Mean Value was 226.2±0.83cGy in CB Initial Plan 225.4cGy and 225.8±0.33cGy in 3D Bolus Initial Plan 224.1cGy. The maximum value for the normal organ spinal cord was the same as 135.6cGy on average each time. Conclusion: From the experimental results of this paper, it was found that the application of 3D Bolus to the irregular body surface is more dosimetrically useful than the application of Commercial Bolus, and the setup reproducibility and efficiency are excellent. If further case studies along with research on the diversity of 3D printing materials are conducted in the future, the application of 3D Bolus in the field of radiation therapy is expected to proceed more actively.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.10
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• pp.4007-4017
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• 2024

In the city centre of Isparta, located in the southwestern part of Türkiye, indoor radon concentrations and gamma dose rate levels were observed above the world and country averages. For this reason, the determination of the natural radioactivity levels in soil samples of Isparta province is of great interest. In the present study, the activity concentrations of radionuclides (namely ²²⁶Ra,²³²Th, ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs) were investigated in the soil samples collected from 72 different points including the city centre and 12 towns of Isparta by using a gamma spectrometer with a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra,²³²Th, ⁴⁰K and ¹³⁷Cs radionuclides in the samples were found in the range of 4.08 ± 0.39-69.84 ± 1.43 Bqkg^-1, 2.63 ± 0.28-65.66 ± 1.41 Bqkg^-1, 44.48 ± 3.17-452.38 ± 9.65 Bqkg^-1 and 0.28 ± 0.18-19.10 ± 0.61 Bqkg^-1 respectively. The averages of all the measurements were determined as 15.69 ± 0.72 Bqkg^-1 for 226Ra, 15.40 ± 0.78 Bqkg^-1 for ²³²Th, 210.60 ± 6.22 Bqkg^-1 for ⁴⁰K and 3.44 ± 0.31 Bqkg^-1 for ¹³⁷Cs. Although these values were below the country and world averages, it was revealed that the ²²⁶Ra and ²³²Th activity concentrations in the city centre exceeded the national and world averages. In addition, radiological risk maps of the analysed radionuclides were produced for the first time, covering all towns within the Isparta province. To evaluate the radiological hazards resulting from natural radionuclides, external hazard index (Hex), absorbed dose rate (D), annual effective dose equivalent (AEDE), male and female lifetime cancer risk (LCR) values were also calculated. The outcomes of this study revealed that all the radiological parameter averages for Isparta were lower than the world and country averages but the calculation results for the city centre displayed the opposite of this situation except for the external hazard index.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.543-547
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• 2016

Acute stroke is a one of common disease that require fast diagnosis and treatment to save patients life. however, the acute stroke may cause lifelong disability due to brain damage with no prompt surgical procedure. In order to diagnose the Stroke, brain perfusion CT examination and possible rapid implementation of 3D angiography has been widely used. However, a low-dose technique should be applied for the examination since a lot of radiation exposure to the patient may cause secondary damage for the patients. Therefore, the degradation of the measured CT images may interferes with a clinical check in that blood vessel shapes on the CT image are significantly affected by gaussian noise. In this study, we employed the spatio-temporal technique to analyze dynamic (brain perfusion) CT data to improve an image quality for successful clinical diagnosis. As a results, proposed technique could remove gaussian noise successfully, demonstrated a possibility of new image segmentation technique for CT angiography. Qualitative evaluation was conducted by skilled radiological technologists, indicated significant quality improvement of dynamic CT images. the proposed technique will be useful tools as a clinical application for brain perfusion CT examination.