• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.749-758
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• 2019

Objective: To investigate whether a computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) system based on a deep learning framework (deep learning-based CAD) improves the diagnostic performance of radiologists in differentiating between malignant and benign masses on breast ultrasound (US). Materials and Methods: B-mode US images were prospectively obtained for 253 breast masses (173 benign, 80 malignant) in 226 consecutive patients. Breast mass US findings were retrospectively analyzed by deep learning-based CAD and four radiologists. In predicting malignancy, the CAD results were dichotomized (possibly benign vs. possibly malignant). The radiologists independently assessed Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System final assessments for two datasets (US images alone or with CAD). For each dataset, the radiologists' final assessments were classified as positive (category 4a or higher) and negative (category 3 or lower). The diagnostic performances of the radiologists for the two datasets (US alone vs. US with CAD) were compared Results: When the CAD results were added to the US images, the radiologists showed significant improvement in specificity (range of all radiologists for US alone vs. US with CAD: 72.8-92.5% vs. 82.1-93.1%; p < 0.001), accuracy (77.9-88.9% vs. 86.2-90.9%; p = 0.038), and positive predictive value (PPV) (60.2-83.3% vs. 70.4-85.2%; p = 0.001). However, there were no significant changes in sensitivity (81.3-88.8% vs. 86.3-95.0%; p = 0.120) and negative predictive value (91.4-93.5% vs. 92.9-97.3%; p = 0.259). Conclusion: Deep learning-based CAD could improve radiologists' diagnostic performance by increasing their specificity, accuracy, and PPV in differentiating between malignant and benign masses on breast US.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.303-310
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• 2004

To establish a prediction table of parturition day real-time B-mode ultrasonographic examinations were performed in 12 pregnant Shih-tzu bitches. Measurement of inner chorionic cavity diameter and fetal head diameter was performed from 15 days of gestation to parturition. These were converted retrospectively based on the day of parturition (Day 0). The data of inner chorionic cavity diameter obtained from Day -44 to Day -25 and fetal head diameter obtained from Day -25 to Day -1 were used to compile a prediction table of parturition day. The 22 pregnant Shih-tzu with unknown mating time were examined to assess an accuracy of the table established in this study. And these results were applied to the prediction of parturition day and compared to actual parturition day. Parturition day prediction based on the inner chorionic cavity diameter and fetal head diameter was 100% accurate within ${\pm}2$ days. In addition, the accuracy for parturition day within 0, ${\pm}1$, and ${\pm}2$ days interval using the prediction table of parturition day were 68, 82, and 100%, respectively. Therefore, the prediction table of parturition day seems to be a useful tool for the prediction of parturition day in practice.

• PNF and Movement
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.215-223
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• 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the contraction ratios of the abdominal muscles and the preferential activation ratios of the transversus abdominis muscle (TrA) during the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) in the hook-lying, sitting, and standing positions. Methods: This study included 30 healthy participants. The thicknesses of the TrA, internal oblique muscle (IO), and external oblique muscle (EO) were measured at rest and during the ADIM in the hook-lying, sitting, and standing positions using B-mode ultrasound imaging. The contraction ratios of these muscles and the preferential activation ratios of the TrA were calculated for each position. Results: The contraction ratio of the TrA and preferential activation ratio of the TrA during the ADIM in the hook-lying position were significantly higher than those in the sitting and standing positions (p < 0.05). The contraction ratio of the TrA during the ADIM in the sitting position was significantly higher than that in the standing position (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The hook-lying position tended to facilitate TrA activity better than the sitting position. Furthermore, the sitting position tended to facilitate TrA activity better than the standing position. These findings suggest that the ADIM in the hook-lying position should be implemented before that in the sitting position and that the ADIM in the sitting position should be implemented before that in the standing position.

• Natural Product Sciences
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.128-133
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• 2021

The Coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) is the main secondary metabolite of Mikania laevigata Sch. Beep ex Baker and Mikania glomerata Spreng., which are popularly known as guaco. These plants have been used mainly in traditional medicine in the treatment of respiratory diseases because their bronchodilator effect. However, there are around 200 species of Mikania, which are quite similar in appearance. From these, only M. leavigata and M. glomerata have high concentrations of coumarins. In this line, the falsification of products Mikania based has been frequent. In this sense, this work demonstrated the application of the easy, fast, e not destructive method based in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance in quantitative mode (qNMR) for the determination of coumarin in both commercial and homemade guaco products. Thus, in the first step the compounds were extract from guaco leaves and syrups using chloroform (CHCl₃), with or without ultrasound. About the method, was linear with a R² = 0.9947 for 1,2-benzopyrone, with detection and quantification limits with were 0.11 and 0.36 mg mL^-1 respectively. In the same line, the method was safe with RSD <0.3% and with recovery ranging from 93-101%. To confirm the applicability of the method, in the last step was applied to 10 real samples (6 from leaves and 4 from syrups). The content of the coumarin in the leaf extract ranged from 0.62 to 1.30 mg mL^-1. For syrups I, II and IV, the content of coumarin was in accordance with the manufacturers. However, for de Syrup III, the concentration was 155% higher. In summary, the qNMR is a rapid method with minimal sample preparation that can be used to quantify coumarin in home-made plant extracts as well as in commercial samples as syrup for instance. This method is applicable for quality control of different plants-based products.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.186-189
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• 2005

For the assessment of the clinical application of histogram on internal parenchymal organs, ultrasonography with a multi-frequency transducer was taken. We scanned in the region of right cranial abdomen for both liver and right kidney, and left cranial abdomen for liver, spleen and left kidney in 9 normal Beagle dogs. The data from histogram examined in a region of interest centered on each picture element of B-mode images at the same depth were compared among liver, renal cortex, spleen, cortex and medulla of each kidney. The right renal cortex showed significantly lower echogenicity than parenchyma of liver by $15{\%}$. Spleen was more echogenic than the cortex of the left kidney by $23{\%}$, and liver was more echogenic than the left renal cortex by $30{\%}$. Renal cortex was more echogenic than medulla by $47{\%}$ and $65{\%}$ on the right and left side, respectively (p<0.05). The mean (${\pm}SD$) values calculated echogenicity were $46.2{\pm}12.3\;(95\%$ confidential interval (CI), 41.0 to 55.0) and $53.4{\pm}12.1\;(95\%$ CI, 47.0 to 55.1) in in the right renal cortex and liver parenchyma, $65.0{\pm}11.8\;(95\%$ CI, 57.9 to 71.0) and $51.0{\pm}16.9\;(95\%$ CI, 42.8 to 54.1) in splenic parenchyma and renal cortex. And the mean values calculated echogenicity were $65.0{\pm}10.15\;(95\%$ CI, 60.1 to 71.5) and $52.0{\pm}9.4\;(95\$ CI, 43.8 to 60.3) in liver parenchyma and the left renal cortex, $54.5{\pm}18.3\;(95\%$ CI, 40.1 to 62.8) and $35.0{\pm}16.2\;(95\%$ CI, 24.2 to 43.6) in the left renal cortex and medulla. And the mean values calculated echogenicity were $55.0{\pm}14.4\;(95\%$ CI, 47.3 to 61.7) and $40.0{\pm}13.2\;(95\%$ CI, 34.3 to 46.7) in the right renal cortex and medulla, respectively. In addition, the echogenicity ratios were $0.86{\pm}0.11$ between the right renal cortex and liver parenchyma, $1.37{\pm}0.47$ between spleenic parenchyma and the left renal cortex, $1.30{\pm}0.19$ between liver parenchyma and the left renal cortex. All the values measured showed significant different (p<0.05). Ultrasound histogram is simple, useful and feasible to evaluate the sonographic architecture of the internal organs such as liver, spleen and kidney, quantitatively.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.736-745
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• 1998

Background: Respiratory muscle interaction is further profoundly affected by a number of pathologic conditions. Hyperinflation may be particularly severe in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) patients, in whom the functional residual capacity(FRC) often exceeds predicted total lung capacity(TLC). Hyperinflation reduces the diaphragmatic effectiveness as a pressure generator and reduces diaphragmatic contribution to chest wall motion. Ultrasonography has recently been shown to be a sensitive and reproducible method of assessing diaphragmatic excursion. This study was performed to evaluate how differences of diaphragmatic excursion measured by ultrasonography associate with normal subjects and COPD patients. Methods: We measured diaphragmatic excursions with ultrasonography on 28 healthy subjects(l6 medical students, 12 age-matched control) and 17 COPD patients. Ultrasonographic measurements were performed during tidal breathing and maximal respiratory efforts approximating vital capacity breathing using Aloka KEC-620 with 3.5 MHz transducer. Measurements were taken in the supine posture. The ultrasonographic probe was positioned transversely in the midclavicular line below the right subcostal margin. After detecting the right hemidiaphragm in the B-mode the ultrasound beam was then positioned so that it was approximately parallel to the movement of middle or posterior third of right diaphragm. Recordings in the M-mode at this position were made throughout the test. Measurements of diaphragmatic excursion on M-mode tracing were calculated by the average gap in 3 times-respiration cycle. Pulmonary function test(SensorMedics 2800), maximal inspiratory(PImax) and expiratory mouth pressure(PEmax, Vitalopower KH-101, Chest) were measured in the seated posture. Results: During the tidal breathing, diaphragmatic excursions were recorded $1.5{\pm}0.5cm$, $1.7{\pm}0.5cm$ and $1.5{\pm}0.6cm$ in medical students, age-matched control group and COPD patients, respectively. Diaphragm excursions during maximal respiratory efforts were significantly decreased in COPD patients ($3.7{\pm}1.3cm$) when compared with medical students, age-matched control group($6.7{\pm}1.3cm$, $5.8{\pm}1.2cm$, p< 0.05}. During maximal respiratory efforts in control subjects, diaphragm excursions were correlated with $FEV_1$, FEVl/FVC, PEF, PIF, and height. In COPD patients, diaphragm excursions during maximal respiratory efforts were correlated with PEmax(maximal expiratory pressure), age, and %FVC. In multiple regression analysis, the combination of PEmax and age was an independent marker of diaphragm excursions during maximal respiratory efforts with COPD patients. Conclusion: COPD subjects had smaller diaphragmatic excursions during maximal respiratory efforts than control subjects. During maximal respiratory efforts in COPD patients, diaphragm excursions were well correlated with PEmax. These results suggest that diaphragm excursions during maximal respiratory efforts with COPD patients may be valuable at predicting the pulmonary function.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.207-213
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• 2005

The severity of carotid Intima-media thickness (IMT) is an Independent predictor of atherosclerosis which causes transient cerebral ischemia, stroke, and coronary events such as myocardial Infarction. The IMT consists of Intima thickness (IT) and media thickness (MT). However, the Individual clinical significance of IT and MT has not been well studied. We devised a method of measuring IT, MT, and IMT using B-mode ultrasound Image processing technique for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. To inspect the clinical significance of IT, MT, and IMT, one hundred forty-four consecutive patients (mean age; 57 years old, 72 males) were underwent common carotid artery scanning using high-resolution ultrasound. Results showed that, the IT (p<0.05), MT (p<0.05) as well as IMT (p<0.01) of patients with atherosclerotic disease were significantly thicker than that of the patients without atherosclerotic disease. Patients with hyperiension showed significantly thicker IT (p<0.01), MT (p<0.001), and IMT (p<0.001). However, only IT was thicker in patients with smoking (p<0.01). The IT (r=0.374, p=0.001), MT (r=0.433, p=0.000), and IMT (r=0.479, p=0.000) showed positive correlation with age. The coefficients of determination ($r^2$) were estimated to be $92.4\%$ for IMT and MT, $49.1\%$ for IMT and IT, and $27.4\%$ for IT and MT. This result suggests that the Intima layer of the carotid artery has a different physiology with the media layer.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 2013

Objectives: Mental health has been shown to be linked with certain underlying physiological mechanisms. The objective of this cross sectional study was to investigate the relationship between depressive symptoms and brachial artery reactivity (BAR) in an understudied population: police officers. Methods: Participants were 351 police officers who were clinically examined in the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Police Stress (BCOPS) study. BAR was performed using standard B-Mode ultrasound procedures. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scale. Mean values of the difference between the baseline and maximum diameters of the brachial artery were determined across three categories of CES-D score using the analysis of variance and the analysis of covariance. p-values for linear trends were obtained from linear regression models. Results: The mean age (${\pm}$ standard deviation) of all officers was $40.9{\pm}7.2$ years. Women had a slightly higher mean CES-D score than men ($8.9{\pm}8.9$ vs. $7.4{\pm}6.4$) and a slightly higher percentage increase of BAR than men (6.90 vs. 5.26%). Smoking status significantly modified the associations between depressive symptoms and BAR. Among current smokers, mean absolute values of BAR significantly decreased as depressive symptoms increased after adjustment for age, gender, race/ethnicity, hypertension, and diabetes; the multivariate-adjusted p-values were 0.033 (absolute) and 0.040 (%). Associations between depressive symptoms and BAR were not statistically significant among former smokers or never smokers. Conclusion: Depressive symptoms were inversely associated with BAR among police officers who were current smokers and together may be considered a risk factor for cardiovascular disease among police officers. Further prospective research is warranted.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.298-304
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• 2009

Objectives : The aim of this study was to investigate the association of blood pressure levels with the common carotid artery intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) and carotid plaques. Methods : Data were obtained from 2,635 subjects, aged 50 years and over, who participated in the Community Health Survey (a population-based, cross-sectional study) in Dong-gu, Gwangju city between 2007 and 2008. Participants were categorized into three groups according to blood pressure levels; normotensives (<120/80 mmHg), prehypertensives (120-139/80-89 mmHg), and hypertensives ($\geq$140/90 mmHg). Prehypertensives were further categorized as low prehypertensives (120-129/80-84 mmHg) and high prehypertensives (130-139/85-89 mmHg). Carotid intima-media thickness and plaques were evaluated with a high-resolution B-mode ultrasound. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square test, ANOVA, and multiple logistic regression. Results : Prehypertensives had significantly greater maximal CCA-IMT values than normotensives, with a multivariate adjusted odds ratio of 1.78 (95% CI=1.36-2.32) for abnormal CCA-IMT (maximal CCA-IMT$\geq$1.0 mm), and 1.45 (95% CI=1.19-1.77) for carotid plaques. The multivariate adjusted odds ratio of low prehypertensives was 1.64 (95% CI=1.21-2.21) for abnormal CCA-IMT, and 1.30 (95% CI=1.04-1.63) for carotid plaques compared with normotensives. Subject with hypertension had higher frequency of abnormal CCA-IMT (odds ratio, 2.18; 95% CI=1.49-3.18), and carotid plaques (odds ratio, 1.98; 95% CI=1.46-2.67) compared with normotensives after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors. Conclusions : Our results indicate that there is a significant increase in the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in subjects with prehypertension (even in low prehypertensives) compared with normotensive subjects. Further studies are required to confirm the benefits and role of carotid ultrasonography in persons with prehypertension.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.285-291
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• 2009

The aim of the present study was undertaken to investigate the association between diagnostic indices of metabolic syndrome(MetS) with carotid intima-media thickness using ultrasonography. The participants in the study were 315 male employees without carotid atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular disease. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute. Written informed consent for the participants in this study was obtained from all individuals. Anthropometric parameters and biochemical characteristics were done using each specific equipments and the NCEP-ATP III criteria were used to define MetS. They were examined by B-mode ultrasound to measure the carotid intima-media thickness(carotid IMT) at the near and far walls of common carotid and bifurcation(bulb). The mean carotid IMT was $0.739{\pm}0.137\;mm$ and it's thickness significantly increased with the increase in age. Also, amounts of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride and fasting glucose were significantly increased with the increase in age. Carotid IMT were significantly correlated with BMI(r=0.170, p=0.004), systolic(r=0.148, p=0.011) and diastolic blood pressure(r=0.123, p=0.036) and HDL-cholesterol(r=-0.164, p=0.005). On multiple logistic regression analysis for the diagnostic indices of MetS, carotid IMT were significantly associated with blood pressure(OR=4.220, p<0.01) and MetS(OR=1.301, p<0.05). The results indicate that blood pressure and MetS are important risk factors for carotid atherosclerosis.