• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.736-745
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• 2020

Objective: To identify the initial chest computed tomography (CT) findings and clinical characteristics associated with the course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Materials and Methods: Baseline CT scans and clinical and laboratory data of 72 patients admitted with COVID-19 pneumonia (39 men, 46.2 ± 15.9 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline CT findings including lobar distribution, presence of ground glass opacities, consolidation, linear opacities, and lung severity score were evaluated. The outcome event was recovery with hospital discharge. The time from symptom onset to discharge or the end of follow-up (for those remained hospitalized) was recorded. Data were censored in events such as death or discharge without recovery. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression was used to explore the association between initial CT, clinical or laboratory findings, and discharge with recovery, whereby hazard ratio (HR) values < 1 indicated a lower rate of discharge at four weeks and longer time until discharge. Results: Thirty-two patients recovered and were discharged during the study period with a median length of admission of 16 days (range, 9 to 25 days), while the rest remained hospitalized at the end of this study (median, 17.5 days; range, 4 to 27 days). None died during the study period. After controlling for age, onset time, lesion characteristics, number of lung lobes affected, and bilateral involvement, the lung severity score on baseline CT (> 4 vs. ≤ 4 [reference]: adjusted HR = 0.41 [95% confidence interval, CI = 0.18-0.92], p = 0.031) and initial lymphocyte count (reduced vs. normal or elevated [reference]: adjusted HR = 0.14 [95% CI = 0.03-0.60], p = 0.008) were two significant independent factors that influenced recovery and discharge. Conclusion: Lung severity score > 4 and reduced lymphocyte count at initial evaluation were independently associated with a significantly lower rate of recovery and discharge and extended hospitalization in patients admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.21-26
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• 2024

Purpose: Foot pressure measurement devices are used widely in clinical settings for plantar pressure assessments. Despite the availability of various devices, studies evaluating the inter-device reliability are limited. This study compared plantar pressure measurements obtained from HR Mat (Tekscan Inc.) and EMED-n50 (Novel GmbH). Materials and Methods: The study involved 38 healthy male volunteers. The participants were categorized into two groups based on the Meary's angle in standing foot lateral radiographs: those with normal feet (angles ranging from -4° to 4°) and those with mild flatfeet (angles from -8° to -15°). The static and dynamic plantar pressures of the participants were measured using HR Mat and EMED-n50. The reliability of the contact area and mean force was assessed using the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Furthermore, the differences in measurements between the two devices were examined, considering the presence of mild flatfoot. Results: The ICC values for the contact area and mean force ranged from 0.703 to 0.947, indicating good-to-excellent reliability across all areas. EMED-n50 tended to record higher contact areas than HR Mat. The mean force was significantly higher in the forefoot region when measured with EMED-n50, whereas, in the hindfoot region, this difference was observed only during static measurements with HR Mat. Participants with mild flatfeet exhibited significantly higher contact areas in the midfoot region for both devices, with no consistent differences in the other parameters. Conclusion: The contact area and mean force measurements of the HR Mat and EMED-n50 showed high reliability. On the other hand, EMED-n50 tended to record higher contact areas than HR Mat. In cases of mild flatfoot, an increase in contact area within the midfoot region was observed, but no consistent impact on the differences between the two devices was evident.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.275-289
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• 2002

The objective of this study was to develop an in vitro assessment of sperm fertilizing capacity of bulls and investigate the factors influencing sperm function and characteristics of frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. in vitro fertilization (IVF), the evaluation of motility and normal morphology, HOST (hypoosmotic swelling test), Ca-ionophore induced acrosome reaction, luminol and lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence for the measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the measurement of malondialdehyde formation for the analysis of lipid peroxidation (LPO), and the evaluation of DNA fragmentation using the method of 747-mediated nick end labelling (TUNEL) by flow cytometry were performed in frozen-thawed bovine spermatozoa. Correlations between the rates of fertilization, blastocyst formation after IVF and the values of respective assays were investigated. 1. IVF rate and blastocyst formation rate averaged 64.4% and 34.3% for spermatozoa from high -fertility bull group and averaged 18.5% and 6.2% for spermatozoa from low-fertility bull group, respectively. There were significantly different between two bull groups. Sperm motility and percentage acrosome reaction averaged 79.0% and 66.2% for spermatozoa from high-fertility bull group and averaged 40.7% and 22.9% for spermatozoa from low-fertility bull group, respectivitely. There were not different between two bull groups. 2. Luminol depenent chemiluminescence, LPO and DNA fragementation averaged 6.4, 2.0 nmol and 2.6% from spermatozoa from high-fertility bull group and averaged 6.5, 3.1 nmol and 7.4% for spermatozoa from low-fertility bull group, respectively. There were significantly different between two bull groups. There was no significant difference in lucigenin dependent chemiluminescence between two bull groups. 3. Fertilization rate was positively correlated with motility and the rate of Ca-ionophore induced acrosome reaction, but negatively correlated with the frequency of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence, the rate of LPO, and the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation. There was no correlation between fertilization rate and the percentage of swollen spermatozoa, normal morphology, and the frequency of lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence. 4. Blastocyst formation rate was positively correlated with the rate of Ca-ionophore induced acrosome reaction, but negatively correlated with the frequency of luminol-dependent chemiluminescence, the rate of LPO, and the percentage of sperm with DNA fragmentation. There was no correlation between blastocyst formation rate and motility, the percentage of swollen spermatozoa, normal morphology, and the frequency of lucigenin-dependent chemiluminescence. In conclusion, these data suggest that ROS significantly impact semen quality. The assays of this study may provide a basis fur improving in vitro assessment of sperm fertilizing capacity.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.309-317
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• 2008

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of Anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) as a predictive marker for ovarian response and cycle outcome in IVF cycles. Methods: From Jan., to Aug., 2007, 111 patients undergoing IVF/ICSI stimulated by short or antagonist protocol were selected. On cycle day 3, basal serum AMH level and FSH level were measured. The correlation between basal serum AMH or FSH, and COH outcome was analyzed and IVF outcome was compared according to the AMH levels. To determine the threshold value of AMH for poor- and hyper-response, ROC curve was analyzed. Results: Serum AMH showed higher correlation coefficient (r=0.792, p<0.001) with the number of retrieved mature oocyte than serum FSH (r=-0.477, p<0.001). According to ovarian response, FSH and AMH leves showed significant differences among poor, normal, and hyperresponder. For predicting poor (${\leq}2$ oocytes) and hyperresponse (${\geq}17$ oocyets), AMH cut-off values were 0.5 ng/ml (the sensitivity 88.9% and the specificity 89.5%) and 2.5 ng/ml (sensitivity 85.7%, specificity 87.0%), respectively. According to the AMH level, patients were divided into 3 groups: low (${\leq}0.60\;ng/ml$), normal ($0.60{\sim}2.60\;ng/ml$), and high AMH (${\geq}2.60\;ng/ml$). The number of retrieved mature oocytes was significantly higher ($2.7{\pm}2.2$, $8.1{\pm}4.8$, $16.5{\pm}5.7$) and total gonadotropin dose was lower ($3530.5{\pm}1251.0$, $2957.1{\pm}1057.6$, and $2219.2{\pm}751.9\;IU$) in high AMH group (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in fertilization rates and pregnancy rates (23.8%, 34.0%, 37.5%) among the groups. Conclusions: Basal serum AMH level correlated better with the number of retrieved mature oocytes than FSH level, suggesting its usefulness for predicting ovarian response. However, IVF outcome was not significantly different according to the AMH levels. Serum AMH level presented good cut-off value for poor- or hyper-responders, therefore it could be useful in prediction of cycle cancellation, gonadotropin dose, and OHSS risk in IVF cycles.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.549-555
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• 2007

Purpose : Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and ankle brachial index (ABI) are simple, non-invasive methods to assess arterial stiffness. These parameters are also known to be closely related to cardiovascular risk factors and diseases. The purposes of this study were to measure blood pressure, PWV, ABI in healthy Korean adolescents, set up their normal values and assess their correlations. Methods : Three hundred ninety two healthy adolescents (213 boys and 179 girls) underwent measurement of brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), ABI, body mass index(BMI) and blood pressure from four extremities. Linear regression analysis was performed to reveal the correlations between PWV, ABI and independent variables. Results : Blood pressure and PWV were significantly higher in all extremities in males compared to females. Blood pressure of both brachial and ankle showed positive correlation with body weight, height, and BMI, whereas ABI showed no correlation with any of these indices. Conclusion : Blood pressure increases as body weight, height and BMI increases. PWV shows positive correlation with blood pressure. It will be helpful to predict the risks of cardiovascular diseases in adolescents.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.325-340
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• 1996

Along with traditional goal of 'straightening teeth', today's orthodontics put more and more emphasis on facial esthetics. Naturally, the importance of soft tissue, which dictates one's facial form, is noticed. There have been many cephalometric studies on growth of hard tissue ; however, only a few on that of soft tissue. In Korea, various methods of sampling, measuring and analysing were used to study soft tissue changes, and yet, soft tissue changes along with process of normal growth have not been studied. The author carried out this study as a part of semi-longitudinal study on craniofacial growth and development of Korean children from ages of six to seventeen. 409 boys and 436 girls who'd had no systemic disease for the last three years and shown normal developmental and occlusal status were chosen as subjects. Cephalometric X-rays were taken of each subject, and facial form, lip position & form, nose form, and lip thickness were measured. Mean values and standard deviations were calculated according to age and gender, and figures and tables were drawn accordingly. The following results were obtained: 1. In respect to facial form, boys showed growth for longer period compared to girls. Also, lower face showed higher growth rate than upper face. 2. There was not much change in thickness of upper and lower lips with age; however, they appeared more prominent compared to caucasian children. 3. Nose grew horizontally with age. 4. Horizontal thickness of lower face increased with age, and upper lip thickness at nose base[A-Sn(FH)] showed more growth than anywhere else.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.396-402
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• 2014

The spring season in Korea features a dynamic landscape with a variety of flowers such as magnolias, azaleas, forsythias, cherry blossoms and royal azaleas flowering sequentially one after another. However, the narrowing of south-north differences in flowering dates and those among the flower species was observed in 2014, taking a toll on economic and shared communal values of seasonal landscape. This study was carried out to determine whether the 2014 incidence is an outlier or a mega trend in spring phenology. Data on flowering dates of forsythias and cherry blossoms, two typical spring flower species, as observed for the recent 60 years in 6 weather stations of Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA) indicate that the difference spanning the flowering date of forsythias, the flower blooming earlier in spring, and that of cherry blossoms that flower later than forsythias was 30 days at the longest and 14 days on an average in the climatological normal year for the period 1951-1980, comparing with the period 1981-2010 when the difference narrowed to 21 days at the longest and 11 days on an average. The year 2014 in particular saw the gap further narrowing down to 7 days, making it possible to see forsythias and cherry blossoms blooming at the same time in the same location. 'Cherry blossom front' took 20 days in traveling from Busan, the earliest flowering station, to Incheon, the latest flowering station, in the case of the 1951-1980 normal year, while 16 days for the 1981-2010 and 6 days for 2014 were observed. The delay in flowering date of forsythias for each time period was 20, 17, and 12 days, respectively. It is presumed that the recent climate change pattern in the Korean Peninsula as indicated by rapid temperature hikes in late spring contrastive to slow temperature rise in early spring immediately after dormancy release brought forward the flowering date of cherry blossoms which comes later than forsythias which flowers early in spring. Thermal time based heating requirements for flowering of 2 species were estimated by analyzing the 60 year data at the 6 locations and used to predict flowering date in 2014. The root mean square error for the prediction was within 2 days from the observed flowering dates in both species at all 6 locations, showing a feasibility of thermal time as a prognostic tool.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.287-294
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• 2014

Gallstone is the most common disease of the biliary system. Korean has experienced an increase in the percentage of cholesterol gallstones. The major risk factors associated with cholesterol gallstones are age, gender as well as obesity. This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gallstones in the last three years and evaluate the associated risk factors in the population who underwent health screening. The study population consisted of 2,484 males and 2,212 females who visited the health promotion center in Dalseogu, Daegu in Korea from January 2011 to December 2013. Each participant in the study had their biliary system gallbladder examined using ultrasonography. Classified as underweight, normal weight or overweight using the population of obese according to the body mass index, and classified according to mood diagnosis of diabetes presented by the American Diabetes Association. Fasting blood glucose and number of liver function, the divided the control group by referring to the normal liver function values used herein. The geological map, I was classified as NCEP APT III. A showed of total 148 people were found to have gallstones. The prevalence of sex among 148 patients (3.15%) 84 men (1.79%) and 64 women 1.36%) which shows significantly there is little difference. 1.84% 40 years and below, 3.38% 40's showed age prevalence was 4.66% in 50's and above. In addition, Total-cholesterol was at the most in 52 people, LDL-cholesterol in 398 people, Triglyceride in 36 people, HDL-cholesterol in 19 people. The abnormal group, was created from the total-cholesterol categories from a physical examination of a subject that has been found to be gallstones in the gallbladder. A result of conducting the univariate analysis shows the prevalence of gallstones, a correlation that is meaningful. The logistic regression analysis of multiple ages was chosen to show risk factors age independent cholelithiasis. In spite of the conclusion, gallstones are not displayed in relation to the metabolic syndrome but in order to clarify this, not only the subject of a health examination is needed but, a further study of the general public when possible.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.39 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2009

A officinal mushroom, Phellinus linteus (PL) has been known to exhibit potent biological activities including antioxidative and anticancer effect. PL is consumed as a type of powder or extract for the purpose of health promotion and disease treatment. Recently superfine PL products was commercialized according to the development of pulverizing technology such as nanomill, so the evaluation of food safety is suggested. This study was conducted to evaluate the food safety of superfine PL (SPL) through hematological, biochemical and histological examination in mice as compared with fine PL (FPL). In the particle size distribution in volume after nanomill processing, the mean diameter of SPL and FPL particles was 11.78 ${\mu}m$ and 216.1 ${\mu}m$, and d (0.5), the particle diameter measured at 50% of distribution was 5.5 ${\mu}m$ and 147.9 ${\mu}m$, respectively. As the result of body weight, food intake and the weight of organs, SPL group didn't show any statistical difference compared with FPL group and normal group (N). Hematological and biochemical values were also involved in the normal range, although ALT (N vs. FPL, P<0.001) and BUN (N vs. FPL, P<0.01; N vs. SPL, P<0.01) showed significance compared with N group but there are no significance between FPL and SPL group. In the result of histological examination with liver, kidney, spleen, and small and large intestine, abnormal findings such as inflammatory reaction and histological changes were not observed. Our results suggest that the oral intake of SPL diet is not harmful to the animal in the hematological, biochemical and histological aspects although particle size was reduced to the level of superfine. However, further study will be necessary to confirm the histological safety in relation to the gastrointestinal contact of superfine particles in the case of large amount and long-term intake.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.33 no.5_1
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• pp.559-570
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• 2017

A partial least squares regression (PLSR) model was developed to map the internal soluble solids content (SSC) of apples using a ground-based hyperspectral scanner that could simultaneously acquire outdoor data and capture images of large quantities of apples. We evaluated the applicability of various preprocessing techniques to construct an optimal prediction model and calculated the optimal band through a variable importance in projection (VIP)score. From the 515 bands of hyperspectral images extracted at wavelengths of 360-1019 nm, 70 reflectance spectra of apples were extracted, and the SSC ($^{\circ}Brix$) was measured using a digital photometer. The optimal prediction model wasselected considering the root-mean-square error of cross-validation (RMSECV), root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP) and coefficient of determination of prediction $r_p^2$. As a result, multiplicative scatter correction (MSC)-based preprocessing methods were better than others. For example, when a combination of MSC and standard normal variate (SNV) was used, RMSECV and RMSEP were the lowest at 0.8551 and 0.8561 and $r_c^2$ and $r_p^2$ were the highest at 0.8533 and 0.6546; wavelength ranges of 360-380, 546-690, 760, 915, 931-939, 942, 953, 971, 978, 981, 988, and 992-1019 nm were most influential for SSC determination. The PLSR model with the spectral value of the corresponding region confirmed that the RMSEP decreased to 0.6841 and $r_p^2$ increased to 0.7795 as compared to the values of the entire wavelength band. In this study, we confirmed the feasibility of using a hyperspectral scanner image obtained from outdoors for the SSC measurement of apples. These results indicate that the application of field data and sensors could possibly expand in the future.