• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.591-602
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• 2021

Acute ischemic stroke(AIS) should be diagnosed within a few hours of onset of cerebral infarction symptoms using diagnostic radiology. In this study, we evaluated the clinical usefulness of SVD and the Bayesian algorithm to measure the volume of cerebral infarction using computed tomography perfusion(CTP) imaging and magnetic resonance diffusion-weighted imaging(MR DWI). We retrospectively included 50 patients (male : female = 33 : 17) who visited the emergency department with symptoms of AIS from September 2017 to September 2020. The cerebral infarct volume measured by SVD and the Bayesian algorithm was analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and expressed as a median value and an interquartile range of 25 - 75 %. The core volume measured by SVD and the Bayesian algorithm using was CTP imaging was 18.07 (7.76 - 33.98) cc and 47.3 (23.76 - 79.11) cc, respectively, while the penumbra volume was 140.24 (117.8 - 176.89) cc and 105.05 (72.52 - 141.98) cc, respectively. The mismatch ratio was 7.56 % (4.36 - 15.26 %) and 2.08 % (1.68 - 2.77 %) for SVD and the Bayesian algorithm, respectively, and all the measured values had statistically significant differences (p < 0.05). Spearman's correlation analysis showed that the correlation coefficient of the cerebral infarct volume measured by the Bayesian algorithm using CTP imaging and MR DWI was higher than that of the cerebral infarct volume measured by SVD using CTP imaging and MR DWI (r = 0.915 vs. r = 0.763 ; p < 0.01). Furthermore, the results of the Bland Altman plot analysis demonstrated that the slope of the scatter plot of the cerebral infarct volume measured by the Bayesian algorithm using CTP imaging and MR DWI was more steady than that of the cerebral infarct volume measured by SVD using CTP imaging and MR DWI (y = -0.065 vs. y = -0.749), indicating that the Bayesian algorithm was more reliable than SVD. In conclusion, the Bayesian algorithm is more accurate than SVD in measuring cerebral infarct volume. Therefore, it can be useful in clinical utility.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.510-516
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• 2014

Background: Acute cerebral infarction is a major risk factor for postoperative neurologic complications in cardiac surgery. However, the outcomes associated with acute silent cerebral infarction (ASCI) have not been not well established. Few studies have reported the postoperative outcomes of these patients in light of preoperative Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI). We studied the postoperative neurologic outcomes of patients with preoperative ASCI detected by DWI. Methods: We retrospectively studied 32 patients with preoperative ASCI detected by DWI. None of the patients had preoperative neurologic symptoms. The mean age at operation was $68.8{\pm}9.5$ years. Five patients had previous histories of stroke. Four patients had been diagnosed with infective endocarditis. Single cerebral infarct lesions were detected in 16 patients, double lesions in 13, and multiple lesions (>5) in three. The median size of the infarct lesions was 4 mm (range, 2 to 25 mm). The operations of three of the 32 patients were delayed pending follow-up DWI studies. Results: There were two in-hospital mortalities. Neurologic complications also occurred in two patients. One patient developed extensive cerebral infarction unrelated to preoperative infarct lesions. One patient showed sustained delirium over one week but recovered completely without any neurologic deficits. In two patients, postoperative DWI confirmed that no significant changes had occurred in the lesions. Conclusion: Patients with preoperative ASCI showed excellent postoperative neurologic outcomes. Preoperative ASCI was not a risk factor for postoperative neurologic deterioration.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.57 no.6
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• pp.264-270
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• 2014

Purpose: Acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) is a fulminant disease of the brain characterized by bilateral thalamic lesions, and is prevalent among children in East Asia. The prognosis of ANE is usually poor with a high mortality rate and neurological sequelae. This study aimed to delineate the clinical characteristics and prognostic factors of ANE. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of 399 pediatric patients with encephalitis who were admitted to Samsung Medical Center from December 1998 to March 2011. We enrolled ten patients (11 cases) with ANE and analyzed their demographic, clinical, and neuroimaging data. The location and extent of the brain regions were checked based on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, T1-, and T2-weighted imaging findings; the presence of contrast enhancement, restricted diffusion, and hemorrhage. Results: Ten patients were identified, including one patient with two episodes. The median age of onset was 1.5 years (0.4-8.4 years). The mortality rate was 40%, and only 30% of patients survived without neurological sequelae. The definite involvement of the brainstem on brain magnetic resonance imaging was significantly correlated with mortality (P =0.04). Conclusion: Broad and extensive brainstem involvement suggested the fulminant course of ANE. Early diagnosis of ANE before brainstem involvement, through careful identification of symptoms of brain dysfunction, may be the best way to achieve better neurological outcomes.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.140-146
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• 2013

PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to investigate the destructive effects of biofilm formation and/or biocorrosive activity of 6 different oral microorganisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Three different heat polymerized acrylic resins (Ivocap Plus, Lucitone 550, QC 20) were used to prepare three different types of samples. Type "A" samples with "V" type notch was used to measure the fracture strength, "B" type to evaluate the surfaces with scanning electron microscopy and "C" type for quantitative biofilm assay. Development and calculation of biofilm covered surfaces on denture base materials were accomplished by SEM and quantitative biofilm assay. According to normality assumptions ANOVA or Kruskal-Wallis was selected for statistical analysis (${\alpha}$=0.05). RESULTS. Significant differences were obtained among the adhesion potential of 6 different microorganisms and there were significant differences among their adhesion onto 3 different denture base materials. Compared to the control groups after contamination with the microorganisms, the three point bending test values of denture base materials decreased significantly (P<.05); microorganisms diffused at least 52% of the denture base surface. The highest median quantitative biofilm value within all the denture base materials was obtained with P. aeruginosa on Lucitone 550. The type of denture base material did not alter the diffusion potential of the microorganisms significantly (P>.05). CONCLUSION. All the tested microorganisms had destructive effect over the structure and composition of the denture base materials.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.87 no.2
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• pp.165-175
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• 2024

Background: The prevalence of small airway dysfunction (SAD) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) across different ethnicities is poorly understood. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of SAD in stable COPD patients. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 196 consecutive stable COPD patients. We measured pre- and post-bronchodilator (BD) lung function and respiratory impedance. The severity of COPD and lung function abnormalities was graded in accordance with the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines. SAD was defined as either difference in whole-breath resistance at 5 and 19 Hz > upper limit of normal or respiratory system reactance at 5 Hz < lower limit of normal. Results: The cohort consisted of 95.9% men, with an average age of 66.3 years. The mean forced expiratory volume 1 second (FEV₁) % predicted was 56.4%. The median COPD assessment test (CAT) scores were 14. The prevalence of post-BD SAD across the GOLD grades 1 to 4 was 14.3%, 51.1%, 91%, and 100%, respectively. The post-BD SAD and expiratory flow limitation at tidal breath (EFL_T) were present in 62.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.1 to 69.9) and 28.1% (95% CI, 21.9 to 34.2), respectively. COPD patients with SAD had higher CAT scores (15.5 vs. 12.8, p<0.01); poor lung function (FEV₁% predicted 46.6% vs. 72.8%, p<0.01); lower diffusion capacity for CO (4.8 mmol/min/kPa vs. 5.6 mmol/min/kPa, p<0.01); hyperinflation (ratio of residual volume to total lung capacity % predicted: 159.7% vs. 129%, p<0.01), and shorter 6-minute walk distance (367.5 m vs. 390 m, p=0.02). Conclusion: SAD is present across all severities of COPD. The prevalence of SAD increases with disease severity. SAD is associated with poor lung function and higher symptom burden. Severe SAD is indicated by the presence of EFL_T.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.49-60
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• 2016

Distribution and behavior of baseline soil CO₂ were investigated in a candidate geologic CO₂ storage site in Pohang, with measuring CO₂ concentrations and carbon isotopes in the vadose zone as well as CO₂ fluxes and concentrations through ground surface. This investigation aimed to assess the baseline CO₂ levels and to build the CO₂ monitoring system before injecting CO₂. The gas in the vadose zone was collected using a peristaltic pump from the depth of 60 cm below ground surface, and stored at gas bags. Then the gas components (CO₂, O₂, N₂, CH₄) and δ¹³C_CO2 were analyzed using GC and CRDS (cavity ringdown spectroscopy) respectively in laboratory. CO₂ fluxes and CO₂ concentrations through ground surface were measured using Li-COR in field. In result, the median of the CO₂ concentrations in the vadose zone was about 3,000 ppm, and the δ¹³C_CO2 were in the wide range between −36.9‰ and −10.6‰. The results imply that the fate of CO₂ in the vadose zone was affected by soil property and vegetations. CO₂ in sandy or loamy soils originated from the respiration of microorganisms and the decomposition of C₃ plants. In gravel areas, the CO₂ concentrations decreased while the δ¹³C_CO2 increased because of the mixing with the atmospheric gas. In addition, the relation between O₂ and CO₂, N₂, and the relation between N₂/O₂ and CO₂ implied that the gases in the vadose zone dissolved in the infiltrating precipitation or the soil moisture. The median CO₂ flux through ground surface was 2.9 g/m²/d which is lower than the reported soil CO₂ fluxes in areas with temperate climates. CO₂ fluxes measured in sandy and loamy soil areas were higher (median 5.2 g/m²/d) than those in gravel areas (2.6 g/m²/d). The relationships between CO₂ fluxes and concentrations suggested that the transport of CO₂ from the vadose zone to ground surface was dominated by diffusion in the study area. In gravel areas, the mixing with atmospheric gases was significant. Based on this study result, a soil monitoring procedure has been established for a candidate geologic CO₂ storage site. Also, this study result provides ideas for innovating soil monitoring technologies.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.239-244
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• 2011

In this study, we evaluated diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) to investigate whether the DWI parameters can predict characteristic parameters on pathologic specimens of tumor or not. CFPAC-1 was injected subcutaneously on the back flank of athymic nude mice (n=13) then two tumors were initiated on each mouse (2${\times}$13=26 tumors). The mice were sacrificed to make specimen immediately after initial MR imaging then were compared with the MR image. A dedicated high-field (7T) small-animal MR scanner was used for image acquisitions. A T1 and T2 weighted axial image using RARE technique was acquired to measure the T2 values and tumor size. DWI MR was performed for calculating ADC values. To evaluate tumor cellularity and determine the levels of MVD, tumor cells were excised and processed for H-E staining and immunostaining using CD31. T2 values and ADC values were computed and analyzed for each half of the tumors and compared to the correlated specimens slide. Median ADC within each half of mass was compared to the cellularity and MVD in the correlated area of pathologic slide. The mean of ADC value is $0.7327{\times}10^{-3}$ $mm^2/s$ and standard deviation is $0.1075{\times}10^{-3}$ $mm^2/s$. There is a linear relationship between ADC value and tumor necrosis (R2=0.697, p< 0.001). DW image parameters including the ADC values can be utilized as surrogate markers to assess intratumoral neoangiogenesis and change of the internal structure of tumor cells.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.241-246
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• 2016

The object of this study was to develop an alternative way to treat human skin pathogens using marine algae. During this study, we observed that the ethanolic extract of the edible brown algae [Sargassum serratifolium (C. Agardh) C. Agardh] exhibited potential antimicrobial activity against pathogenic commensal bacteria related with acne vulgaris (Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and Candida albicans which causes cutaneous candidiasis. Among the solvent-soluble fractions from the ethanolic extract, a hexane-soluble fraction showed the strongest antimicrobial activity against all tested human skin pathogens with MIC values ranging from 32 to $512{\mu}g/mL$. In addition, the hexane fraction exhibited a synergistic antimicrobial activity with commercial antibiotics used in the treatment of acne vulgaris or cutaneous candidiasis. Thus, this study suggests that S. serratifolium extract could be a potential source of natural antimicrobial agents or a pharmaceutical component against human skin pathogens.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.147-157
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• 2020

Purpose: We investigated the trend of antibiotic susceptibility of Haemophilus influenzae over 5 consecutive years. Methods: We analyzed the antibiotic susceptibility of H. influenzae isolated from children aged <18 years, who were admitted to the Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital from March 2014 to April 2019. Antibiotic susceptibility of H. influenzae was determined by the disk diffusion test according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing guidelines. Results: Excluding duplicates, 69 isolates were obtained over the past 5 years. The median age of the patients was 5 years (range, 2.8-8.6 years). The antibiotic susceptibility patterns were as follows: ampicillin (AMP)-susceptible/amoxicillin-clavulanate (AMC)-susceptible (AS/ACS; n=15 [21.7%]), AMP-resistant/AMC-susceptible (AR/ACS; n=21 [30.4%]), and AMP-resistant/AMC-resistant (AR/ACR; n=33 [47.8%]). The prevalence of isolates with AR/ACR phenotype tended to increase from 42.1% in 2014-2015 to 54.5% in 2018-2019 (P=0.342). Compared to 2014-2015, the resistance rates to cefuroxime and ceftriaxone in 2018-2019 increased from 31.6% to 77.3% and from 0.0% to 59.1%, respectively (P=0.003 and P<0.001, respectively). Conclusions: Over the last 5 years, H. influenzae isolates with AR/ACR phenotype and ceftriaxone resistance were frequently observed at our institute. The incidence of resistance to cefuroxime and ceftriaxone has increased significantly.