• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.206-213
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• 1994

We studied 90 patients(179 femoral heads) with avascular necrosis of femoral head, who had been performed X-ray, bone scan and MRI to compare of the findings of AVN on bone scan between each other, retrospectively. The patients were 82 males and 9 females, their mean age was 45 years. Radiographic stages were classified by Steinberg modification, radionuclide stages were classified as followed; stage o(or type 0) : normal, stage 1 : faint ring like uptake around the femoral head, stage 2: intense ring like uptake, stage 3: irregular increased uptake with central photon defect, stage 4 : Intense diffuse increased uptake at femoral head and stage 5 : hip joint deformity with relatively mild increased uptake. The findings of MRI were classified according to extent, location, early or advanced lesion, signal intensity of the lesion and joint effusion. 156(87%) of 179 femoral heads had avascular necrosis, 68(75.5%) of 90 patients had bilateral AVN, 35 femoral heads had early stage and 120 had advanced stage. The detection rate of AVN by X-ray and bone scan were 85% (134), 91.6% (143), respectively. Early AVN with atypical types of bone scan showed larger extent, moderate to large amount of joint effusion, soft tissue hypertrophy within joint, and secondary degenerative changes. Bone scan had relatively high detection rate in the diagnosis of AVN of femoral head, and demonstrated various types depending on the disease stage.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.526-534
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• 2009

Purpose: We retrospectively investigated the diagnostic performance of $^{18}F$-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/CT for cancer detection in asymptomatic health-check examinees. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of 5091 PET or PET/CT conducted as part of annual health examination at one hospital from March 1998 to February 2008. To find the incidence of cancers, medical records of the subjects were thoroughly reviewed for a follow-up period of one year. The patterns of formal readings of PET and PET/CT were analyzed to assess the sensitivity and specificity for cancer detection. The histopathology and stage of the cancers were evaluated in relation to the results of PET. Results: Eighty-six cancers (1.7%) were diagnosed within one year after PET or PET/CT. When PET and PET/CT results were combined, the sensitivity was 48.8% and specificity was 81.1% for cancer detection. PET only had a sensitivity of 46.2% and a specificity of 81.4%, and PET/CT only had a sensitivity of 75.0% and a specificity of 78.5% respectively. There were no significant differences in cancer site, stage and histopathology between PET positive and PET negative cancers. In 19.3% of formal readings of PET and PET/CT, further evaluation to exclude malignancy or significant disease was recommended. Head and neck area and upper gastrointestinal tract were commonly recommended sites for further evaluation. Conclusions: PET and PET/CT showed moderate performance for detecting cancers in asymptomatic adults in this study. More experience and further investigation are needed to overcome limitations of PET and PET/CT for cancer screening.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.44-50
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• 2007

Purpose: The role of plain, abdominal radiography in childhood constipation has not been fully evaluated. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy and reliability of scoring systems assessing a fecal load on plain, abdominal radiographs in children with functional constipation. Methods: Plain, abdominal radiographs from 38 constipated children and 39 control children were examined by four independent inspectors, pediatric residents. Four inspectors independently scored the radiographs according to three different scoring systems Barr, Blethyn, and Leech. No clinical information about the patients was available to the inspectors. Each abdominal radiograph was evaluated on two separate occasions, one week apart. Kappa coefficients were calculated as indicators of inter-and intra-inspector variability, coefficients <0.20, 0.21~0.40, 0.40~0.60, 0.61~0.80 and 0.81~1.00 were considered to indicate poor, fair, moderate, good, and very good agreement, respectively. Results: The Leech score showed the highest reproducibility: the inter-inspector agreement was uniformly very good on two separate occasions (${\kappa}$ values of 0.88, 0.91, 0.92, 0.86 in the first time and 0.81, 0.88, 0.89, 0.84 in the second time). Agreement using the Barr score was good (${\kappa}$ values of 0.66, 0.67, 0.69, 0.66 in the first time and 0.68, 0.65, 0.71, 0.68 in the second time). However, agreement for the Blethyn score was the lowest of the three scoring systems. The Leech scoring system had the highest sensitivity and specificity compared to the Barr scoring system for the diagnosis of functional constipation by plain, abdominal radiographs. Conclusion: The Leech score appeared to be a more accurate and reliable method because of its high sensitivity and specificity for evaluating the fecal load on plain, abdominal radiographs in children with functional constipation. Therefore, the Leech scoring system was found to be the most useful for assessment for the degree of constipation on plain, abdominal radiographs in children.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.25-37
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• 2005

Objective : To estimate the magnitude of psychosocial distress and examine eligible factors associated with the development of psychosocial distress in Korean employees, using a nationwide sample. Methods : A total of 6,977 workers were recruited from 245 companies. A structured questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographics, health-related behaviors, job characteristics, social support at work, personality traits (locus of control, type A behavior pattern), self-esteem, and psychosocial distress. Results : The results showed that 23 % of workers were categorized as high stress, 73% as moderate, and 5% as normal. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that psychosocial distress was more common in younger workers, both male and female. Regular exercise was negatively associated with increase of psychosocial distress. In job characteristics, as expected, low decision latitude, high job insecurity, and low social support at work were related to high psychosocial distress. Personality traits such as locus of control and type A behavior pattern, and self-esteem were more powerful predictors of psychosocial distress than general characteristics, health-related behavior, and job characteristics. There were some gender differences. While men who are less educated and single (unmarried, divorced, and separated) experienced higher levels of psychosocial distress than those who are educated and married, women who feel high job demand experienced higher levels of psychosocial distress than those who feel low job demand. Conclusions : The proportion of the high stress group was higher than expected, and psychosocial factors like social support and personality characteristics (e. g. locus of control, type A behavior pattern and self-esteem) were more significant factors for psychosocial distress than other variables. This finding suggests that some psychosocial factors, especially inadequate social support, low self-esteem and lack of internal locus of control for the development of psychosocial distress, will also operate as an intervention strategy in the worksite stress reduction program. It is strongly required that worksite stress reduction programs should be established in at both occupational and level as well as in individual levels.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.43-50
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• 2004

Background : Steroid-induced osteoporosis(SIO) is one of the serious complications of long-term steroid therapy, especially in growing children. Recently bisphosphonates have been used to treat or prevent SIO in adult, which is rare in children with glomerular diseases. We studied the effect of pamidronate on SIO using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and biochemical markers of bone turnover. Methods : Forty four children receiving moderate-to-high doses of steroids were enrolled. They had no history of bone, liver, or endocrine disease. Patients were stratified by their baseline bone mineral density(BMD) findings. All patients received corticosteroids for 3 month and oral calcium supplementation(500 mg/day) daily. Among them, 28 patients were treated with placebo and 16 were treated with pamidronate(125 mg) for 3 months. Blood chemistry and bone mineral density(BMD) were measured at baseline, and 3months. In addition, parathyroid hormone(PTH), serum osteocalcin, and urinary dipyridinoline levels were evaluated. Results : In overall population, the mean lumbar spine BMD decreased from $0.754{\pm}0.211(g/cm^2)$ to $0.728{\pm}0.208(g/cm^2)$ in the placebo group(P<0.05) and increased from $0.652{\pm}0.194(g/cm^2)$ to $0.658{\pm}0.226(g/cm^2)$ in the pamidronate group(P>0.05). Conclusion : Pamidronate appears to be effective in preventing SIO in children with glomerular diseases requiring long-term steroids therapy. Further careful observation and follow-up might be needed for children receiving bisphosphonates such as pamidronate.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.10-17
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• 2004

Purpose : $Henoch-Sch\"{o}nlein$ purpura(HSP) nephritis has a variable range of prevalence from 25 to 50% among HSP patients and is a common cause of chronic glomerulonephritis in children. In our study, we evaluated the distribution and the association of the angioten-sinogen(AGT) M235T polymorphism with the clinical manifestations, particularly proteinuria in children with HSP with or without nephritis. Methods : The AGT M235T polymorphism was determined in children with HSP nephritis (n=33) or HSP without nephritis(n=28) who had been diagnosed at Busan Paik hospital from January 1996 to June 2001. The M235T polymorphism of the AGT gene was determined by PCR amplification of the genomic DNA. Results : The M235T polymorphism of AGT gene frequency was MM 75%, MT : 25%, TT : 0% in HSP and MM : 64%, MT : 36%, TT : 0% in HSP nephritis, there was no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies between the two groups. No significant differences in clinical manifestations at onset and last follow-up were seen between the two genotypes. When statistical analysis was done according to the presence of the M allele, the amount of 24-hour urinary protein excretion and the incidence of moderate to heavy proteinuria(>500 $mg/m^2/day$) at onset and at last follow-up were higher in the MT genotype than in those of in the MM genotype but these difference were not statistically significant. Conclusion : We suggest a lack of association between M235T polymorphism of the AGT gene and clinical manifestations in children with HSP nephritis. However, further follow-up studies based on sufficient number of patients and long term follow up periods are necessary to confirm the role of M235T polymorphism of AGT gene in children with HSP nephritis.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.120-126
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• 2009

In the course of study on the roles of phytotoxins in the pathogenicity of Botrytis cinerea, we isolated two novel phytotoxins. They were identified as 3-O-acetyl botcinol and 3-O-acetyl botcinolide. In this study, we investigated correlation between the two phytotoxins and the pathogenicity of B. cinerea. In liquid cultures, the two phytotoxins were not produced by three low pathogenic isolates out of 25 B. cinerea isolates. Among strong or moderate pathogenic isolates, some produced the two phytotoxins, but the others did not. On the other hand, the ethyl acetate extracts of fermentation broths of 10 out of 25 isolates showed phytotoxic activity against various plants tested in a whole plant assay. The phytotoxins were detected in all of the 10 phytotoxic ethyl acetate extracts. In planta, the two phytotoxins were detected in all of the plant tissues infected with strong pathogenic isolates. However, there was no correlation between the ability of B. cinerea isolates to produce the two phytotoxins and their pathogenicities. The two phytotoxins began to detect in tomato plant tissues infected with B. cinerea 2-16 at 3 days after inoculation, increased gradually till 4 days after inoculation, and then decreased. The above results suggest that 3-O-acetyl botcinol and 3-O-acetyl botcinolide are one of pathogenicity factors for B. cinerea, but not a primary determinant of its pathogenicity.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 2007

[ $\underline{Purpose}$ ]: To evaluate the outcome and prognostic factors of postoperative radiotherapy in endometrial carcinoma. $\underline{Materials\;and\;Methods}$: From September 1991 to August 2003, 76 patients with endometrial carcinoma received postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy after hysterectomy at Asan Medical Center. Stage was classified as FIGO I in 41 (53.9%), II in 12 (53.9%), and III in 23 (30.3%). Histologic grade 1, 2 and 3 were in 29 (38.2%), 20 (26.3%), and 27 (35.5%) respectively. Forty two patients received both external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and intracavitary radiation (ICR), 34 patients were treated with EBRT or ICR alone. EBRT dose was 50.4 Gy, ICR was performed in $4{\sim}6$ fractions with $4{\sim}5\;Gy$ per fraction. Median follow-up period was 51 (range $5{\sim}121$) months. $\underline{Results}$: Five-year overall survival was 89.6%. In univariate analysis, statistically significant factors to overall survival were FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis and histologic grade. In disease free survival, FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis and lymphovascular invasion were significant prognostic factors. Recurrence was seen in 11 patients. Of these, systemic failure was in 10 patients. There were no moderate to severe complications after radiation therapy. $\underline{Conclusion}$: The outcome of postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy in endometrial carcinoma was good. Main pattern of failure after postoperative radiotherapy was distant metastasis. So, adjuvant chemotherapy may help in improving outcome. Further study on chemotherapy in combined with postoperative radiotherapy will be needed, especially for patients with high risk factors such as high FIGO stage, lymphovascular invasion, and high histologic grade.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.21-27
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• 1996

This experiment was conducted to find out an effective propagation method for reed(Phragmites communis Trin.), ensuring a continuous herbicide screening for reed control. Reed propagation methods were compared under a greenhouse condition using tour different materials; seeds, rhizomes, depressed stolons of P. japonica Steud., and stem cuttings. Although reed seeds were easy to harvest and store, their germination rate(${\leq}$5%) was very low and seedling growth from the seeds was slow. Rhizomes were difficult to harvest and their harvest time was limited from November to March. Furthermore, reed propagation using rhizomes had problems of a relatively low germination rate(46%), no uniformity in size and shape, individual differences at the early stage of growth, and difficulties in material storage. Rate of reed growth from rhizomes was higher in commercial soil mix(Boo Nong soil) than in sand or in sand+upland soil(1:1). Depressed stolons of P. japonica had a moderate germination rate(65%) and were relatively easy to harvest. However, their harvest time was limited only from August to September. Propagation method using stem cuttings had several advantages over the above methods using other materials. Reed plants could uniformly be propagated from the stem cuttings with a relatively high germination rate(75%). Stem cuttings of central nodes showed a higher germination rate compared to those of upper or lower nodes. Stem cuttings from the field should be used immediately after harvest, since their germination rate decreased rapidly when they were stored under a wet- or a dry-refrigerated condition. Furthermore, the germination of stem cuttings tended to decrease when they were collected from the field after August. This indicates that there is a limitation of harvest time for stem cuttings. However, a year-round propagation of reed using stem cuttings is possible if parent plants are grown in a greenhouse, and thus herbicide screening for reed control could continuously be performed.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.73-78
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• 1995

[ $^{99m}Tc$ ]-MDP bone scan was performed in 31 patients with primary malignant bone tumors, 22 patients with osteogenic sarcoma, 5 patients with chondrosarcoma and 4 patients with Ewing's sarcoma. The findings were classified by isotope intensity of accumulation in tumor as grade 1 to 3, overall pattern of isotope distribution in tumor as grade 1 to 3, and distortion of bony outline as grade 1 to 3. Histologic classifications were cor related with scan findings in 22 patients with osteogenic sarcoma. The results were as follows 1) In 22 patients with osteogenic sarcoma, markedly increased isotope intensity higher than sacroiliac joint with patchy areas of decreased intensity and severe bony distortion were found in 16 patients. The correlations between histologic classification and scan findings were not discovered. 2) In 5 patients with chondrosarcoma, mildly increased isotope Intensity with patchy areas of increased intensity and mild bony distortion were found in 4 patients.. 3) In 4 patients with Ewing's sarcoma, markedly increased homogenous intensity with moderate bony distortion were found in 3 patients. Conclusively there were common findings in each 3 primary malignant bone tumors and $^{99m}Tc$-MDP bone scan was complemented with radiologic studies in differentiating primary malignant bone tumors.