• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.159-171
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of baseline values and temporal changes in body composition parameters, including skeletal muscle index (SMI) and visceral adipose tissue area (VAT), measured using serial computed tomography (CT) imaging on the prognosis of operable breast cancers in Asian patients. Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively included 627 Asian female (mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 53.6 ± 8.3 years) who underwent surgery for stage I-III breast cancer between January 2011 and September 2012. Body composition parameters, including SMI and VAT, were semi-automatically calculated on baseline abdominal CT at the time of diagnosis and follow-up CT for post-treatment surveillance. Serial changes in SMI and VAT were calculated as the delta values. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association of baseline and delta SMI and VAT values with disease-free survival. Results: Among 627 patients, 56 patients (9.2%) had breast cancer recurrence after a median of 40.5 months. The mean value ± SD of the baseline SMI and baseline VAT were 43.7 ± 5.8 cm²/m² and 72.0 ± 46.0 cm², respectively. The mean value of the delta SMI was -0.9 cm²/m² and the delta VAT was 0.5 cm². The baseline SMI and VAT were not significantly associated with disease-free survival (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 0.983; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.937-1.031; p = 0.475 and adjusted HR, 1.001; 95% CI, 0.995-1.006; p = 0.751, respectively). The delta SMI and VAT were also not significantly associated with disease-free survival (adjusted HR, 0.894; 95% CI, 0.766-1.043; p = 0.155 and adjusted HR, 1.001; 95% CI, 0.989-1.014; p = 0.848, respectively). Conclusion: Our study revealed that baseline and early temporal changes in SMI and VAT were not independent prognostic factors regarding disease-free survival in Asian patients undergoing surgery for breast cancer.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1006-1016
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• 2023

Objective: Computed tomography (CT) is an established method for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of multiple myeloma. Here, we investigated the potential of photon-counting detector computed tomography (PCD-CT) in terms of image quality, diagnostic confidence, and radiation dose compared with energy-integrating detector CT (EID-CT). Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, patients with known multiple myeloma underwent clinically indicated whole-body PCD-CT. The image quality of PCD-CT was assessed qualitatively by three independent radiologists for overall image quality, edge sharpness, image noise, lesion conspicuity, and diagnostic confidence using a 5-point Likert scale (5 = excellent), and quantitatively for signal homogeneity using the coefficient of variation (CV) of Hounsfield Units (HU) values and modulation transfer function (MTF) via the full width at half maximum (FWHM) in the frequency space. The results were compared with those of the current clinical standard EID-CT protocols as controls. Additionally, the radiation dose (CTDIvol) was determined. Results: We enrolled 35 patients with multiple myeloma (mean age 69.8 ± 9.1 years; 18 [51%] males). Qualitative image analysis revealed superior scores (median [interquartile range]) for PCD-CT regarding overall image quality (4.0 [4.0-5.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0-4.0]), edge sharpness (4.0 [4.0-5.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0-4.0]), image noise (4.0 [4.0-4.0] vs. 3.0 [3.0-4.0]), lesion conspicuity (4.0 [4.0-5.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0-4.0]), and diagnostic confidence (4.0 [4.0-5.0] vs. 4.0 [3.0-4.0]) compared with EID-CT (P ≤ 0.004). In quantitative image analyses, PCD-CT compared with EID-CT revealed a substantially lower FWHM (2.89 vs. 25.68 cy/pixel) and a significantly more homogeneous signal (mean CV ± standard deviation [SD], 0.99 ± 0.65 vs. 1.66 ± 0.5; P < 0.001) at a significantly lower radiation dose (mean CTDIvol ± SD, 3.33 ± 0.82 vs. 7.19 ± 3.57 mGy; P < 0.001). Conclusion: Whole-body PCD-CT provides significantly higher subjective and objective image quality at significantly reduced radiation doses than the current clinical standard EID-CT protocols, along with readily available multi-spectral data, facilitating the potential for further advanced post-processing.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.1387-1397
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• 2024

Objective: The objective of the current study was to find out the independent and interactive effects of prilled fat supplementation with protein on the production performance of early lactating Nili Ravi buffaloes. Methods: Sixteen early lactating buffaloes (36.75±5.79 d in milk; mean±standard error) received 4 treatments in 4×4 Latin-square design according to 2×2 factorial arrangements. The dietary treatments were: i) low protein low fat, ii) low protein high fat, iii) high protein low fat, and iv) high protein high fat. The dietary treatments contained 2 protein (8.7% and 11.7% crude protein) and fat levels (2.6% and 4.6% ether extract) on a dry matter basis. Results: The yields of milk and fat increased with increasing protein and fat independently (p≤0.05). Energy-, protein-, and fat-corrected milk yields also increased with increasing protein and fat independently (p≤0.05). Increasing dietary protein increased the protein yield by 3.75% and lactose yield by 3.15% and increasing dietary fat supplies increased the fat contents by 3.93% (p≤0.05). Milk yield and fat-corrected milk to dry matter intake ratios were increased at high protein and high fat levels (p≤0.05). Milk nitrogen efficiency was unaffected by dietary fat (p>0.10), whereas it decreased with increasing protein supplies (p≤0.05). Plasma urea nitrogen and cholesterol were increased by increasing protein and fat levels, respectively (p≤0.05). The values of predicted methane production reduced with increasing dietary protein and fat. Conclusion: It is concluded that prilled fat and protein supplies increased milk and fat yield along with increased ratios of milk yield and fat-corrected milk yields to dry matter intake. However, no interaction was observed between prilled fat and protein supplementation for production parameters, body weight, body condition score and blood metabolites. Predicted methane production decreased with increasing protein and fat levels.

• Journal of Ocean Engineering and Technology
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.23-31
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• 1998

Kind 1 propeller shaft in ships is the shaft which is provided with effective measures against corrosion by sea water, or the shaft which is made of approved corrosion resistance materials. The propeller shaft other than specified above is Kind 2. Thus, this study is mainly concerned with the resistance to fatigue damage in sea water against stress concentrations due to the notches. The results obtained can be summarized as follows; (1) The stress increases with curing time, however, when the curing time reaches at 96 hours the stress becomes a constant value. The elongation decreases with curing time, however, when the curing time reaches at 48 hours the elongation becomes a constant value. Thus, in case of FRP coating on propeller shaft, it is necessary to cure for 48 hours at least. (2) The relation of $\sigma$$_n$-K$_t$ is to be classified into two parts, which is a part where fracture nominal stress, $\sigma$$_n$, decreases with increasing $K_t$, and a part where $\sigma$$_n$ is nearly constant independent of $K_t$. (3) According to a linear notch mechanics, the measure of severity controlling the fracture in notched FRP body is the notch root radius, $\rho$. The notched static strength of an arbitrary specimen will be estimated from $\sigma$$_{max}$ -1/$\rho$ curve. (4) Through the observation of cross section after fatigue test, the part of interface was kept good condition irrespective of loading conditions.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.101-109
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• 2014

Objectives The relationship between metabolic syndrome causes and bone mineral density (BMD) was explored by taking 60 female chronic low back pain patients with age 61 years old or elder having metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis as study subjects. Methods Fasting blood glucose, serum total-cholesterol, triglyceride and HDL were measured by biochemical tests. Anthropometric elements and blood pressure were measured. Results Average BMD and T-score of part number 1 to 3 of lumbar vertebra were estimated by Quantitative Computed Tomography (QCT). In order to find the relationship between clinical factors and osteoporosis, correlation analysis was done on T-score. Age (r=0.679, p<0.01) had significant negative correlation and weight (r=0.342, p<0.01) and height (r=0.475, p<0.01) had significant positive correlation. Blood glucose, blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and body mass index did not have significant correlation. BMD had negative correlation with age (r=0.317, p<0.05). Regression analysis was done by taking T-score as independent variables and taking other factors as dependent variables. It was possible to know that age ($\beta$=-0.471, t=-7.050) with p<0.001, height ($\beta$=0.277, t=4.120) and weight ($\beta$=2.856, t=2.780) with p<0.05 have significant impact on osteoporosis. Conclusions Therefore, it was possible to know that T-score and BMD decrease as one gets older and T-score and BMD increase as one is taller and heavier.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.229-238
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• 2017

Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of taping therapy and inner arch support on pes planus lower extremity alignment and gait. Method: The study was conducted on 13 women in their 20s who had pes planus and no gait problems. Independent variables were the condition of wearing basic socks (S1) and the condition of wearing socks with taping therapy and inner arch support (S2). The dependent variables were resting calcaneal stance position (RCSP), plantar pressure distribution during gait, and underlying and medial longitudinal arch angle measured using radiography. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test with SPSS 23.0 for comparison of S1 and S2. Results: In the RCSP measurement, the angle range of S2 changed to normal. Meary's angle appeared to be less than the angle of S1, indicating alleviation of the degree of pes planus. The calcaneal pitch angle increased at S2 from that at S1. The plantar pressure distribution was divided into four areas (toe, forefoot, midfoot, and hindfoot). At S2, the maximum pressure increased in the toe and midfoot. The maximum force increased significantly in the toe and midfoot but decreased significantly in the forefoot and hindfoot. In addition, the contact area increased overall especially at the midfoot and hindfoot. Contact time decreased in the toe and forefoot, but increased in the midfoot and hindfoot. Conclusion: Taping therapy and inner arch support showed structural improvement of the pes planus. In addition, the force and pressure applied to the foot during walking are distributed evenly in the area of the sole, thus positively affecting walking.

• Korean Journal of Applied Biomechanics
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.199-206
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• 2015

Objective : The purpose of this study was to conduct a biomechanical analysis of a one-legged jump in a traditional Korean dance (Wae Bal Ddwigi) according to breathing method. Method : Participants for this study were 10 dancers with experience for at least 10 years in traditional Korean dance. Independent variables for this test were two different types of breathing methods. Dependent variables were ground reaction force and lower extremity kinematic variables. The jumping movement was divided into three separate stages, take off, flight, and landing. The subjects were asked a questionnaire regarding the degree of impact force and stability of landing posture after the experiment. The Kistler Force Plate (9281B, Switzerland) was used to measure ground reaction force. A digital camera was used to look into angles of each joint of the lower part of body. SPSS was used for statistical analysis via the dependent t-test(p<.05). Results : There were significant differences in jumping according to breathing method. The inhalation & exhalation method yielded significantly longer flight times combined with greater ground reaction force. The breath-holding method required more core flexion during landing, increasing movement at the hips and shoulders. Conclusion : Consequently, there was more flexion at the knee to compensate for this movement. As a result, landing time was significantly higher for breath-holding.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.218-228
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• 2007

Modem concepts of gait rehabilitation after stroke favor a task-specific repetitive approach. In practice, the required physical effort of the therapists limits the realization of this approach. Therefore, a mechanized gait trainer enabling nonambulatory patients to have the repetitive practice of a gait-like movement without overstraining therapists was constructed. In this study, we developed an active gait training system for patients with gait disorder. This system provides joint movements to patients who cannot carry out an independent gait. It provides a normal stance-swing ratio of 60:40 using an eccentric configuration of two gears. Joint motions of the knee and the ankle were evaluated with using the 3D motion analysis system and compared with the results from the multi-body dynamics simulation. In addition, clinical investigations were also performed for low stroke patients during the 6-week gait training. Results from the dynamics simulation showed that joint movements of the knee and the ankle were affected by the gear size, the step length and the length of the foot plate, except the radius of curvature of the foot guide plate. Also, the 6-week gait training revealed relevant improvements of the gait ability in all low subjects. Functional ambulation category levels of subjects after training were 2 in three patients and 1 in a patient. The developed active gait trainer seems feasible as an adjunctive tool in gait rehabilitation after stroke.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.8
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• pp.71-76
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• 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between obesity and periodontal diseases in Korea adults. The date from the 2015 Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey were used, and 4,827 subjects over 19 years were included in the analysis. Periodontal disease was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index. Obesity was measured according to body mass index. Odd ratios (ORs) were estimated using binary logistic regression analysis model. The stratification variables were smoking and diabetes, and also adjusted for sex, age, and education level. The adjusting variables included sex, age, and education level. The ORs of obesity for periodontal disease were 0.78 (95% CI = 0.51-1.22) for the category of <18.5 of BMI and 1.29 (95% CI = 1.11-1.49) for the ${\geq}25$ BMI category (both compared to the 18.5 to 24.9 category). In a subgroup analysis, the OR of BMI among those who were both non-smoking and no diabetes was 1.20 (95% CI = 1.02-1.48) for those with BMI levels ${\geq}25$. This study implies that obesity intolerance may be an independent risk factor for periodontal diseases. Obesity should also be considered when managing periodontal disease to improve oral health.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.26-37
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• 2011

Although there have been various studies related to the body's movement from a sitting to a standing position (sit-to-stand task), there is limited information on the kinematic changes on the frontal and transverse planes. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how pelvic tilt affects kinematic changes in the frontal and transverse planes in the hip and knee joints during a sit-to-stand task. For this study, 33 healthy participants (13 female) were recruited. Each participant rose from a sitting to a standing posture at his or her preferred speed for each of three different pelvic tilt trials (anterior, posterior, and neutral), and the measured angles were analyzed using a 3-D motion analysis system. A one-way repeated measure analysis of variance was performed with Bonferroni's post hoc test. In addition, an independent t-test was carried out to determine the sex differences in hip and knee joint kinematic changes during the sit-to-stand tasks. The results were as follows: 1) The hip and knee joint angle in the frontal and transverse planes showed a significant difference between the different pelvic tilt postures during sitting in the pre-buttock lift-off phase (pre-LO) (p<.05). Compared to the posterior pelvic tilt posture, the anterior pelvic tilt posture involved significantly greater hip joint adduction and internal rotation, knee joint adduction, and reduced internal rotation of the knee joint. 2) Sex differences were found with significant differences for males in the initial and maximal angles in the frontal plane of the hip and knee joint (p<.05). Females had a significantly smaller initial abduction angle of the hip joint and a significantly greater maximal angle of the hip adduction joint. These results suggest that selecting a sit-to-stand exercise for pelvic tilt posture should be considered to control abnormal movement in the lower extremities.