• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.412-421
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• 2021

Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasingly prevalent metabolic disease. Muscle is known to influence NAFLD development. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationships among low muscle mass, NAFLD, and hepatic fibrosis using various definitions of low muscle mass and NAFLD diagnostic methods, including magnetic resonance imaging-based proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 320 participants (107 males, 213 females) from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study on Atherosclerosis Risk of Rural Areas in the Korean General Population cohort. Muscle mass was assessed using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and adjusted for the height squared, body weight, and body mass index (BMI). NAFLD was diagnosed using ultrasonography (US), MRI-PDFF, and the comprehensive NAFLD score (CNS). Hepatic fibrosis was assessed using magnetic resonance elastography. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were performed to determine the aforementioned associations. Results: According to US, 183 participants (57.2%) had NAFLD. Muscle mass adjusted for body weight was associated with NAFLD diagnosed using US (odds ratio [OR], 3.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.70 to 5.31), MRI-PDFF (OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.13 to 3.53), and CNS (OR, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.73 to 6.65) and hepatic fibrosis (males: β=-0.070, p<0.01; females: β=-0.037, p<0.04). Muscle mass adjusted for BMI was associated with NAFLD diagnosed by US (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.02 to 2.86) and CNS (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.04 to 3.65), whereas muscle mass adjusted for height was not associated with NAFLD. Conclusions: Low muscle mass was associated with NAFLD and liver fibrosis; therefore, maintaining sufficient muscle mass is important to prevent NAFLD. A prospective study and additional consideration of muscle quality are needed to strengthen the findings regarding this association.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.96-106
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• 2022

Objective : The most common complication of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is cage subsidence and maintenance of disc height affects postoperative clinical outcomes. We considered cage subsidence as an inappropriate indicator for evaluating preservation of disc height. Thus, this study aimed to consider patients with complications such as reduced total disc height compared to that before surgery and evaluate the relevance of several factors before ACDF. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 40 patients who underwent stand-alone single-level ACDF using a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) cage at our institution between January 2012 and December 2018. Our study population comprised 19 male and 21 female patients aged 24-70 years. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. Twenty-seven patients had preoperative bone mineral density (BMD) data on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Clinical parameters included sex, age, body mass index, smoking history, and prior medical history. Radiologic parameters included the C2-7 cobb angle, segmental angle, sagittal vertical axis, disc height, and total intervertebral height (TIH) at the preoperative and postoperative periods. Cage decrement was defined as the reduction in TIH at the 6-month follow-up compared to preoperative TIH. To evaluate the bone quality, Hounsfield unit (HU) value was calculated in the axial and sagittal images of conventional computed tomography. Results : Lumbar BMD values and cervical HU values were significantly correlated (r=0.733, p<0.001). We divided the patients into two groups based on cage decrement, and 47.5% of the total patients were regarded as cage decrement. There were statistically significant differences in the parameters of measuring the HU value of the vertebra and intraoperative distraction between the two groups. Using these identified factors, we performed a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Based on the ROC curve, the cut-off point was 530 at the HU value of the upper cortical and cancellous vertebrae (p=0.014; area under the curve [AUC], 0.727; sensitivity, 94.7%; specificity, 42.9%) and 22.41 at intraoperative distraction (p=0.017; AUC, 0.722; sensitivity, 85.7%; specificity, 57.9%). Using this value, we converted these parameters into a bifurcated variable and assessed the multinomial regression analysis to evaluate the risk factors for cage decrement in ACDF. Intraoperative distraction and HU value of the upper vertebral body were independent factors of postoperative subsidence. Conclusion : Insufficient intraoperative distraction and low HU value showed a strong relationship with postoperative intervertebral height reduction following single stand-alone PEEK cage ACDF.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2023

As the demand for bone mineral density testing increases in Korea, which is close to an aging society, it is necessary to evaluate the repeatability of equipment such as femur phantom other than l-spine for more accurate diagnosis. However, in clinical practice, it is often not possible to proceed such evaluation due to insufficient quality control conditions. Therefore, this study is to evaluate the usefulness of the femur phantom after fabricating the same using 3D printing technology. The femur phantom was output using GlowFill filament and FDM 3D printing type. Each phantom was repeatedly scaned 20 times to compare whether the existing l-spine phantom and the fabricated femur phantom were suitable as a phantom for quality control. Each time the seven researchers took three times, the location of the femur phantom was readjusted, and then scanned to confirm the error between the researchers. As a result of conducting repeatability evaluation using femur phantom, the coefficient of variation rate was 2%, which was within the minimum precision tolerance of 2.5%. The reproducibility between the researcher was also found to be suitable as the average coefficient of variation was 0.031 and the coefficient of variation rate was 3.1%, which was within the minimum precision error range of 5%. In conclusion, it is considered that the prospective attitude and usefulness of the femur phantom fabricated by 3D printing in clinical practice will be sufficient.

• 한국체육학회지인문사회과학편
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.535-544
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• 2015

This study was performed to determine the effect of low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction (BFR) on muscle volume and strength in elderly women. Sixteen elderly women (70.9±4.6 years) were divided into low (30% 1RM) and high (75% 1RM) intense resistance training groups. Tourniquet cuff (Zimmer, Germany) for BFR was applied only to the right leg during the training period. All subjects performed unilateral leg press, leg extension and leg curl (3 sets×12 repetitions) for 10 weeks (2d/wk). Blood pressure was increased from 110 to 240 mmHg during the training period at the most proximal region of exercised leg. Muscle volume and cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured by MRI and body composition was monitored by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and isokinetic muscular strength were analyzed in both legs. The quadriceps CSA (15.2%, p<.001) and muscle volume (13.8%, p<.001) were increased in high-intense trained leg with BFR and the increased rate was highest among groups. The quadriceps CSA (9.8%, p<.001) and muscle volume (6.9%, p<.001) were increased in low-intensity training group with BFR and their increased rates were higher than control groups. The strength by exercise training was significantly improved in all groups and tended to be higher in BFR groups. These results demonstrate low-intensity resistance training with blood flow restriction could be an effective way to improve muscle volume and strength in elderly women.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.5
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• pp.1032-1045
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• 2022

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is common in elderly patients. Lower-extremity CT angiography (LE-CTA) can be useful for detecting PAD and planning its treatment. PAD can also be accurately evaluated on reconstructed monoenergetic images (MEIs) from low kiloelectron volt (keV) to high keV images using dual-energy CT. Low keV images generally provide higher contrast than high keV images but also feature more severe image noise. The noise-reduced virtual MEI reconstruction algorithm, called the Mono+ technique, was recently introduced to overcome such image noise. Therefore, this pictorial review aimed to present the imaging findings of PAD on LE-CTA and compare low and high keV images with those subjected to the Mono+ technique. We found that, in many cases, the overall and segmental image qualities were better and metal artifacts and venous contamination were decreased in the high keV images.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.87-93
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• 2024

Objectives: Obesity is a globally prevalent public health issue. Hence, there is a need for the development of safer and more effective anti-obesity drugs. Lythrum salicaria, a traditional medicinal herb used for centuries, has been reported to improve lipid metabolism and fat accumulation. It also has a low toxicity profile. Therefore, its potential as a functional ingredient in health functional foods needs to be evaluated. Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 90 participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Each subject will orally receive L. salicaria extract (1,350 mg/day) (500 mg L. salicaria+850 mg lactose as vehicle) or lactose (1,350 mg/day) as a hard capsule formula for 84 days (12 weeks). The primary outcome will be body fat mass (kg), which will be assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (performed only at visits 2 and 4). Secondary outcomes include body mass index, body weight, waist-to-hip ratio, body fat percentage (%) measured using DXA, lean body mass (kg) measured using DXA (assessed only at visits 2 and 4), lipids (total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol), free fatty acid, high sensitivity C-reactive protein, adiponectin, and leptin. Conclusions: This protocol will be implemented after approval of Institutional Review Board of Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital (approval number: PNUKHIRB-2022-08-002) and registration with the Korean National Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) (CRIS-KCT0008060). The results of this trial will provide potential of L. salicaria as a new anti-obesity functional food with fat-reducing effects and low toxicity.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.263-271
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• 2013

The decrease of bone mineral density gives rise to the outbreak of osteopenia and makes the possibility of a bone fracture. It makes health problems in society. It's very important to prevent osteopenia in advance. Also it's critical to prevent and take care of it in adolescent because it's the most developing period comparing to middle ages because that bone mineral density decreases. There are genetic, physical and enviromental factors that affect bone mineral density. Recently, a lifestyle and eating habits are also changing as the society atmosphere is gradually doing. This study have shown that 134 women and 75 men was chosen and responded to the survey of measuring bone mineral density and investigating a lifestyle. The measure of bone mineral density is to use Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry(DEXA) and check femoral neck and lumbar spine. Also questionaries was required to pre-made survey about their lifestyles. Analysis of data was done with SPSS program. Multiple regression analysis was used for the relation of bone mineral density, the heigths and BMI. The sample of Groups are checked for drinking, smoking or excercising about differences by t-test. The results of the experiments were; first, there is statistically significant differences in the comparisons between BMD and BMD. But there isn't any special correlation between drinking, smoking and BMD. Secondly, bone mineral density becomes low related to an intake of caffeine. Particularly, this is statically significant on women. Also there is statically significant correlation between femoral neck and quantity of motion for both men and women. Third, there is significant relation between eating habits and bone mineral density on women's lumbar spine. However, there is no significant relation between men's lumbar spine and women's one. Therefore, to prevent osteopenia, it's good to abstain from intaking caffeine within an hour after a meal. In addition, it's helpful to walk or run regularly and have a balanced meal.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.497-504
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• 1998

Purpose : To evaluate the usefulness of electronic portal imaging device through objective compare of the images acquired using an EPID and a conventional port film Materials and Methods : From Apr. to Oct. 1997, a total of 150 sets of images from 20 patients who received radiation therapy in the pelvis area were evaluated in the Inha University Hospital and Severance Hospital. A dual image recording technique was devised to obtain both electronic portal images and port film images simultaneously with one treatment course. We did not perform double exposure five to ten images were acquired from each patient. All images were acquired from posteroanterior (PA) view except images from two patients. A dose rate of 100-300 Mu/min and a 10-MV X-ray beam were used and 2-10 MUs were required to produce a verification image during treatment. Kodak diagnostic film with metal/film imaging cassette which was located on the top of the EPID detector was used for the port film. The source to detector distance was 140 cm. Eight anatomical landmarks (pelvic brim, sacrum, acetabulum. iliopectineal line, symphysis, ischium, obturator foramen, sacroiliac joint) were assessed. Four radiation oncologist joined to evaluate each image. The individual landmarks in the port film or in the EPID were rated - very clear (1), clear (2), visible (3), not clear (4), not visible (5). Results : Using an video camera based EPID system. there was no difference of image quality between no enhanced EPID images and port film images. However, when we provided some change with window level for the portal image, the visibility of the sacrum and obturator foramen was improved in the portal images than in the port film images. All anatomical landmarks were more visible in the portal images than in the port film when we applied the CLAHE mode enhancement. The images acquired using an matrix ion chamber type EPID were also improved image qualify after window level adjustment. Conclusion : The quality of image acquired using an electronic portal imaging device was comparable to that of the port film. When we used the enhance mode or window level adjustment. the image quality of the EPID was superior to that of the port film. EPID may replace the port film.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.131-141
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• 1991

A comprehensive set of dosimetric measurements has been made on the Varian Clinac 1800 15 MV photon beam. Beam quality, percentage depth dose, dose in the build up region, output, symmetry and flatness, transmission through iead (Cerrobend), tray attenuation, isodose curves for the open and wedged fields were measured using 3 dimensional water phantom dosimetry system (including film densitometer system) and polystyrene phantoms. These dosimetric measurements sufficiently characterized the beam to permit clinical use. The depth dose characteristics of photon beam is $d_{max}$ of 3.0 cm and percentage depth dose of $76.8\%$ at 10 cm,100 cm source-surface distance, field size of $10\times10\;cm^2$ for 15 MV X-ray beam. The Output factors ranged 0.927 for $4\times4\;cm^2$ field to 1,087 for $35\times35\;cm^2$ field. The build-up level of maximum dose was at 3.0 cm and surface dose was approximately $15.5\%$ for a field size $10\times10\;cm^2$ The stability of output is $within\pm1\%$ and flatness and symmetry are $within\pm3\%$. The half value thickness (HVL) of lead is 13 mm, which corresponds to an attenuation coefficient of $0.053\;mm^{-1}$. These figures compare facorably with the manufacturesr`s specifications.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2017

Measurement of bone marrow measurements may occur if bone marrow examination performed with bone marrow examination (bone marrow examination) and bone density (bone scan) are performed together recently. Thus, it was examined in clinical aspects that $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ compounds were affected by bone mineral density measurements. The average age of the participants in the experiment was $35.17{\pm}9.45$ and the patient fractures of the lumbar vertebrae that could affect the metabolic disease and bone density measurements affecting the metabolic disease of the 17 subjects. 6 patients with normal bone mineral density T-scores>-1.0 in 12 patients were analyzed before and after the administration of $^{99m}Tc-MDP$. In the lumbar spine, the average of $0.975{\pm}0.084g/cm^2$ and $0.966{\pm}0.078g/cm^2$ were increased by $0.009g/cm^2$. respectively In the right proximal femur, mean values were $0.909{\pm}0.078g/cm^2$ and $0.913{\pm}0.086g/cm^2$. In the right proximal thigh, mean values were $0.909{\pm}0.078g/cm^2$ and $0.913{\pm}0.08 g/cm^2$, respectively, which decreased by $0.004g/cm^2$. In the left side proximal femur, mean $0.887{\pm}0.099g/cm^2$ and $0.881{\pm}0.103g/cm^2$, respectively, increased by $0.007g/cm^2$. Therefore, the BMD changes in the lumbar region were larger than that in the proximal thigh. In addition, $^{99m}Tc-MDP$ did not affect the BMD. And a bone scan test using a technetium-labeled compound emitting a gamma-ray energy of 140 keV did not significantly affect bone density measurements. However, if the nuclear medical examination and the osteoporosis test are to be performed together, the examination should be carried out at intervals considering the exposures of the patient.