• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.3
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• pp.188-194
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• 2011

Background: When patients with chronic respiratory symptoms have a normal spirometry result, it is not always easy to consider bronchial asthma as the preferential diagnosis. Forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity ($FEF_{25{\sim}75%}$) is known as a useful diagnostic value of small airway diseases. However, it is not commonly used, because of its high individual variability. We evaluated the pattern of bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) and the correlation between $FEF_{25{\sim}75%}$ and BDR in patients with suspicious asthma and normal spirometry. Methods: Among patients with suspicious bronchial asthma, 440 adult patients with a normal spirometry result (forced expiratory volume in one second [$FEV_1$]/forced vital capacity [FVC] ${\geq}70%$ & $FEV_1%$ predicted ${\geq}80%$) were enrolled. We divided this group into a positive BDR group (n=43) and negative BDR group (n=397), based on the result of BDR. A comparison was carried out of spirometric parameters with % change of $FEV_1$ after bronchodilator (${\Delta}FEV_1%$). Results: Among the 440 patients with normal spirometry, $FEF_{25{\sim}75%}%$ predicted were negatively correlated with ${\Delta}FEV_1%$ (r=-0.22, p<0.01), and BDR was positive in 43 patients (9.78%). The means of $FEF_{25{\sim}75%}%$ predicted were $64.0{\pm}14.5%$ in the BDR (+) group and $72.9{\pm}20.8%$ in the BDR (-) group (p<0.01). The negative correlation between $FEF_{25{\sim}75%}%$ predicted and ${\Delta}FEV_1%$ was stronger in the BDR (+) group (r=-0.38, p=0.01) than in the BDR (-) group (r=-0.17, p<0.01). In the ROC curve analysis, $FEF_{25{\sim}75%}$ at 75% of predicted value had 88.3% sensitivity and 40.3% specificity for detecting a positive BDR. Conclusion: BDR (+) was not rare in patients with suspicious asthma and normal spirometry. In these patients, $FEF_{25{\sim}75%}%$ predicted was well correlated with BDR.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.78 no.4
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• pp.315-320
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• 2015

Background: The efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) therapy can be measured based on the rate of treatment response, based on the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria or progression-free survival (PFS). However, there are some patients harboring sensitive EGFR mutations who responded poorly to EGFR-TKI therapy. In addition, there is variability in the PFS after EGFR-TKI treatment. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records of 85 patients with non-small cell lung cancer, who had achieved a stable disease or better response at the first evaluation of treatment response, after receiving a 2-month course of gefitinib. We calculated the tumor shrinkage rate (TSR) by measuring the longest and perpendicular diameter of the main mass on computed tomography before, and 2 months after, gefitinib therapy. Results: There was a significant positive correlation between the TSR and PFS (R=0.373, p=0.010). In addition, a simple linear regression analysis showed that the TSR might be an indicator for the PFS ($B{\pm}standard$ error, $244.54{\pm}66.79$; p=0.001). On univariate analysis, the sex, histologic type, smoking history and the number of prior chemotherapy regimens, were significant prognostic factors. On multivariate regression analysis, both the TSR (${\beta}$=0.257, p=0.029) and adenocarcinoma (${\beta}$=0.323, p=0.005) were independent prognostic factors for PFS. Conclusion: Our results showed that the TSR might be an early prognostic indicator for PFS in patients receiving EGFRTKI therapy.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.70-77
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• 2020

Background As the demand for cosmetic surgery continues to rise, plastic surgery programs and the training core curriculum have evolved to reflect these changes. This study aims to evaluate the perceived quality of current cosmetic surgery training in terms of case exposure and educational methods. Methods A 16-question survey was sent to graduates who completed their training at a U.S. plastic surgery training program in 2017. The survey assessed graduates' exposure to cosmetic surgery, teaching modalities employed and their overall perceived competence. Case complexity was characterized by the minimum number of cases needed by the graduate to feel confident in performing the procedure. Results There was a 25% response rate. The majority of respondents were residents (83%, n=92) and the remaining were fellows (17%, n=18). Almost three quarters of respondents were satisfied with their cosmetic training. Respondents rated virtual training as the most effective learning modality and observing attendings' patients/cases as least effective. Perceived competence was more closely aligned with core curriculum status than case complexity, i.e. graduates feel more prepared for core cosmetic procedures despite being more technically difficult than non-core procedures. Conclusions Despite the variability in cosmetic exposure during training, most plastic surgery graduates are satisfied with their aesthetic training. Incorporation of teaching modalities, such as virtual training, can increase case exposure and allow trainees more autonomy. The recommended core curriculum is adequately training plastic surgery graduates for common procedures and more specialized procedures should be consigned to aesthetic fellowship training.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.39-50
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• 2001

Background: Power spectrum analysis method is a powerful noninvasive tool for quantifying autonomic nervous system activity. In this paper, we developed a data acquistion system for estimating the activity of the autonomic nervous system by the analysis of heart rate and respiratory rate variability using power spectrum analysis. Materials and methods: For the detection of QRS peak and measurement of respiratory rate from patient's ECG, we used low-pass filter and impedence method respectively. This system adopt an isolated power for patient's safety. In this system, two output signals can be obtained: R-R interval heart rate) and respiration rate time series. Experimental ranges are 30-240 BPM for ECG and 15-80 BPM for respiration. Results: The system can acquire two signals accurately both in the experimental test using simulator and in real clinical setting. Conclusion: The system developed in this paper is efficient for the acquisition of heart rate and respiration signals. This system will play a role in research area for improving our understanding of the pathophysiologic involvement of the autonomic nervous system in various disease states.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.34-37
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• 2019

BACKGROUND: A region can be divided into agroclimatic zones based on homogeneity in weather variables that have greatest influence on crop growth and yield. The agro-climatic zone has been used to identify yield variability and limiting factors for crop growth. This study was conducted to classify agro-climatic zones in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil for predicting crop productivity and assessing crop suitability etc. METHODS AND RESULTS: For agro-climatic zonation, monthly mean temperature, precipitation, and solar radiation data from Global Modeling and Assimilation Office (GMAO) of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA, USA) between 1980 and 2010 were collected. Altitude and vegetation fraction of Brazil from Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) were also used to classify them. The criteria of agro-climatic classification were temperature in the hottest month ($30^{\circ}C$), annual precipitation (600 mm and 1000 mm), and altitude (200 m and 500 m). The state of Mato Gross in Brazil was divided into 9 agro-climatic zones according to these criteria by using matrix classification method. CONCLUSION: The results could be useful as information for estimating agro-meteorological characteristics and predicting crop development and crop yield in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil.

• Journal of Dental Anesthesia and Pain Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.19-28
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• 2023

Background: Fearful and anxious patients who find dental treatment intolerable without sedative and analgesic support may benefit from moderate sedation. Target controlled infusion (TCI) pumps are superior to bolus injection in maintaining low plasma and effect-site concentration variability, resulting in stable, steady-state drug concentrations. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of moderate sedation with remifentanil and propofol using TCI pumps in non-hospital dental settings. Methods: A prospective chart review was conducted on 101 patients sedated with propofol and remifentanil using TCI pumps. The charts were completed at two oral surgeons and one general dentist's office over 6 months. Hypoxia, hypotension, bradycardia, and over-sedation were considered adverse events and were collected using Tracking and Reporting Outcomes of Procedural Sedation (TROOPS). Furthermore, patient recovery time, sedation length, drug dose, and patient satisfaction questionnaires were used to measure sedation effectiveness. Results: Of the 101 reviewed sedation charts, 54 were of men, and 47 were of women. The mean age of the patients was 40.5 ±18.7 years, and their mean BMI was 25.6 ± 4.4. The patients did not experience hypoxia, bradycardia, and hypotension during the 4694 min of sedation. The average minimum Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) and heartbeats were 75.1 mmHg and 60.4 bpm, respectively. 98% of patients agreed that the sedation technique met their needs in reducing their anxiety, and 99% agreed that they were satisfied with the sedation 24 hours later. The average sedation time was 46.9 ± 55.6 min, and the average recovery time was 12.4 ± 4.4 min. Remifentanil and propofol had mean initial effect-site concentration doses of 0.96 µ/.ml and 1.0 ng/ml respectively. The overall total amount of drug administered was significantly higher in longer sedation procedures compared to shorter ones, while the infusion rate decreased as the procedural stimulus decreased. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, no patients experienced adverse events during sedation, and all patients were kept at a moderate sedation level for a wide range of sedation times and differing procedures. The results showed that TCI pumps are safe and effective for administering propofol and remifentanil for moderate sedation in dentistry.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.429-438
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• 2022

The composition of crops reveal natural variation according to genetic characteristics and environmental factors such as the cultivated regions. For comparative investigation of the impact of genetic difference and environmental influence on the levels of bioactive components in rice seeds, 23 cultivars including indica, japonica, and tongil rice were grown in two location in Korea (Jeonju and Cheonan) for two years (2015 and 2016). Sixteen compounds consisting of tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols, and policosanols were identified from 368 rice samples and the compositional data were subjected to data mining processes including principal component analysis and Pearson's correlation analysis. Under 4 different environmental conditions (Jeonju in 2015, Cheonan in 2015, Jeonju in 2016, Cheonan in 2016), the natural variability of rice seeds showed that the genetic background (indica vs japonica vs tongil) had more impact on the compositional changes of bioactive components compared to the environments. Especially, the results of correlation analysis revealed negative correlation between α-, β-tocopherols and γ-, δ-tocopherols as a representative genetic effect that did not changed by the environmental influence.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.439-446
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• 2022

Soybean is a crop with high-quality of protein and oil, and it is one of the most widely used genetically modified (GM) crops in the world today. In South Korea, Kwangan is the most utilized variety as a parental line for GM soybean development. In this study, untargeted LC-MS metabolomic approaches were used to compare metabolite profiles of Kwangan and three other commercial varieties cultivated in Gunwi and Jeonju in 2020 year. Metabolomic studies revealed that the 4 soybean varieties were distinct based on the partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) score plots; 18 metabolites contributed to variety distinction, including phenylalanine, isoflavones, and fatty acids. All varieties were clearly differentiated by location on the PLS-DA score plot, indicating that the growing environment is also attributable to metabolite variability. In particular, isoflavones and linolenic acid levels in Kwangan were significantly lower and higher, respectively compared to those of the three varieties. It was discussed that it might need to include more diverse conventional varieties as comparators in regard to metabolic characteristics of Kwangan for the assessment of substantial equivalence biogenetically engineered soybeans in a Kwangan-variety background.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.298-305
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• 2022

Background: The concentration of air pollutants as measured by the Air Quality Monitoring System (AQMS) is not an accurate population exposure level since actual human activities and temporal and spatial variability need to be considered. Therefore, to increase the accuracy of exposure assessment, the population should be considered. However, it is difficult to obtain population data due to limitations such as personal information. Objectives: The existing population defined in this study is the number of people in each region's grid. The purpose is to provide a methodology for evaluating exposure to PM_2.5 through existing population data provided by the National Geographic Information Institute. Methods: The selected study period was from October 26 to October 28, 2021. Using PM_2.5 concentration data measured at the Sensor-based Air Monitoring Station (SAMS) installed in Guro-gu and Wonju-si, the concentration for each grid was estimated by applying inverse distance weights through QGIS version 3.22. Considering the existing population, population-weighted average concentration (PWAC) was calculated and the exposure level of the population was compared by region. Results: The outdoor PM_2.5 concentration as measured through the SAMS was high in Wonju-si on all three days. Wonju-si showed an average 22% higher PWAC than Guro-gu. As a result of comparing the PWAC and outdoor PM_2.5 concentration by region, the PWAC in Guro-gu was 1~2% higher than the observed value, but it was almost the same. Conversely, observations of Wonju-si were 10.1%, 11.3%, and 8.2% higher than PWAC. Conclusions: It is expected that the Geographic Information System (GIS) method and the existing population will be used to evaluate the exposure level of a population with a narrow activity radius in further research. In addition, based on this study, it is judged that research on exposure to environmental pollutants and risk assessment methods should be expanded.

• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.209-224
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• 2024

Speaker verification is becoming popular as a method of non-face-to-face identity authentication. It involves determining whether two voice data belong to the same speaker. In cases where the criminal's voice remains at the crime scene, it is vital to establish a speaker verification system that can accurately compare the two voice evidence. In this study, to achieve this, a new speaker verification system was built using a deep learning model for Korean language. High-dimensional voice data with a high variability like background noise made it necessary to use deep learning-based methods for speaker matching. To construct the matching algorithm, the ECAPA-TDNN model, known as the most famous deep learning system for speaker verification, was selected. A large dataset of the voice data, Voxceleb, collected from people of various nationalities without Korean. To study the appropriate form of datasets necessary for learning the Korean language, experiments were carried out to find out how Korean voice data affects the matching performance. The results showed that when comparing models learned only with Voxceleb and models learned with datasets combining Voxceleb and Korean datasets to maximize language and speaker diversity, the performance of learning data, including Korean, is improved for all test sets.