• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.3
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• pp.676-687
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• 2020

Purpose To analyze the altered brain regions and intrinsic brain activity patterns in trauma-exposed firefighters without posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Materials and Methods Resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) was performed for all subjects. Thirty-one firefighters over 40 years of age without PTSD (31 men; mean age, 49.8 ± 4.7 years) were included. Twenty-six non-traumatized healthy controls (HCs) (26 men; mean age, 65.3 ± 7.84 years) were also included. Voxel-based morphometry was performed to investigate focal differences in the brain anatomy. Seed-based functional connectivity analysis was performed to investigate differences in spontaneous brain characteristics. Results The mean z-scores of the Seoul Verbal Learning Test for immediate and delayed recall, Controlled Oral Word Association Test (COWAT) score for animals, and COWAT phonemic fluency were significantly lower in the firefighter group than in the HCs, indicating decreased neurocognitive function. Compared to HCs, firefighters showed reduced gray matter volume in the left superior parietal gyrus and left inferior temporal gyrus. Further, in contrast to HCs, firefighters showed alterations in rsfMRI values in multiple regions, including the fusiform gyrus and cerebellum. Conclusion Structural and resting-state functional abnormalities in the brain may be useful imaging biomarkers for identifying alterations in trauma-exposed firefighters without PTSD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.3
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• pp.688-700
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• 2020

Purpose To compare the incidence, survival rate, and CT findings of acute exacerbation (AE) of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) between patients with and without lung cancer. Materials and Methods From June 2004 to July 2018, 89 consecutive patients diagnosed with IPF were included. Among them, 26 patients had IPF with lung cancer (IPF-LCA), and 63 patients had IPF alone. The clinical characteristics and CT findings associated with IPF, lung cancer, and AE were reviewed. Surgery and chemotherapy were performed for 6 and 23 cases of lung cancer, respectively, as the first- or second-line anticancer treatment. The overall survival, CT findings, disease-free period before AE, and duration from the onset of AE to death were compared. Results The incidence of AE was 61.5% in the IPF-LCA group and 58.7% in the IPF group (p = 0.806). The mean overall survival in the IPF-LCA and IPF groups were 16.8 and 83.0 months, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean durations from the start of the lung cancer treatment to the onset of AE were 16.0 and 4.6 months in cases of surgical treatment and chemotherapy, respectively. In comparison of death from AE, the survival rate was significantly lower in the IPF-LCA group than in the IPF group (p = 0.008). In the CT findings associated with AE, the IPF-LCA group tended to have a peribronchial (p < 0.001) or asymmetric distribution (p = 0.016). Conclusion In patients with IPF who develop lung cancer, the rate of death from AE is higher than that in patients with IPF alone. They tend to have unusual CT patterns associated with AE, such as a peribronchial or asymmetric distribution.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.8
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• pp.807-820
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• 2023

Objective: To assess whether computed tomography (CT) conversion across different scan parameters and manufacturers using a routable generative adversarial network (RouteGAN) can improve the accuracy and variability in quantifying interstitial lung disease (ILD) using a deep learning-based automated software. Materials and Methods: This study included patients with ILD who underwent thin-section CT. Unmatched CT images obtained using scanners from four manufacturers (vendors A-D), standard- or low-radiation doses, and sharp or medium kernels were classified into groups 1-7 according to acquisition conditions. CT images in groups 2-7 were converted into the target CT style (Group 1: vendor A, standard dose, and sharp kernel) using a RouteGAN. ILD was quantified on original and converted CT images using a deep learning-based software (Aview, Coreline Soft). The accuracy of quantification was analyzed using the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and pixel-wise overlap accuracy metrics against manual quantification by a radiologist. Five radiologists evaluated quantification accuracy using a 10-point visual scoring system. Results: Three hundred and fifty CT slices from 150 patients (mean age: 67.6 ± 10.7 years; 56 females) were included. The overlap accuracies for quantifying total abnormalities in groups 2-7 improved after CT conversion (original vs. converted: 0.63 vs. 0.68 for DSC, 0.66 vs. 0.70 for pixel-wise recall, and 0.68 vs. 0.73 for pixel-wise precision; P < 0.002 for all). The DSCs of fibrosis score, honeycombing, and reticulation significantly increased after CT conversion (0.32 vs. 0.64, 0.19 vs. 0.47, and 0.23 vs. 0.54, P < 0.002 for all), whereas those of ground-glass opacity, consolidation, and emphysema did not change significantly or decreased slightly. The radiologists' scores were significantly higher (P < 0.001) and less variable on converted CT. Conclusion: CT conversion using a RouteGAN can improve the accuracy and variability of CT images obtained using different scan parameters and manufacturers in deep learning-based quantification of ILD.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.6
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• pp.1424-1435
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• 2020

Purpose The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of multiphasic CT and ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT for the differentiation of combined hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CCA) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods From January 2007 to April 2016, 93 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC (n = 84) or cHCC-CCA (n = 9) underwent CT and PET/CT imaging. Contrast enhancement patterns were divided into three types based on the attenuation of the surrounding liver parenchyma: type I (early arterial enhancement with delayed washout), type II (early arterial enhancement without delayed washout), and type III (early hypovascular, infiltrative appearance, or peripheral rim enhancement). Results cHCC-CCAs (89%) had a higher PET/CT positive rate than did HCCs (61%), but the PET/CT positive rate did not differ significantly (p = 0.095). Among the 19 cases of the type II enhancement pattern, 3 (21%) of 14 HCCs and 4 (80%) of 5 cHCC-CCAs were PET/CT positive. cHCC-CCAs had a significantly higher PET/CT positive rate (p = 0.020) in the type II enhancement pattern. Conclusion The PET/CT positive rate of cHCC-CCA was significantly higher than that of HCC in lesions with a type II enhancement pattern. The ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT can be useful for the differentiation of cHCC-CCA from HCC in lesions with a type II enhancement pattern on multiphasic CT.

• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.21-31
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• 2024

Macromia daimoji Okumura, 1949 was designated as an endangered species and also categorized as Class II Endangered wildlife on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List in Korea. The spatial distribution of this species ranged within a region delimited by northern latitude from Sacheon-si(35.1°) to Yeoncheon-gun(38.0°) and eastern longitude from Yeoncheon-gun(126.8°) to Yangsan-si(128.9°). They generally prefer microhabitats such as slowly flowing littoral zones of streams, alluvial stream islands and temporarily formed puddles in the sand-based lowland streams. The objectives of this study were to analyze the similarity of benthic macroinvertebrate communities in M. daimoji habitats, to predict the current potential distribution patterns as well as the changes of distribution ranges under global climate change circumstances. Data was collected both from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and by field surveys from April 2009 to September 2022. We adopted MaxEnt model to predict the current and future potential distribution for M. daimoji using downloaded 19 variables from the WorldClim database. The differences of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in the mainstream of Nakdonggang were smaller than those in its tributaries and the other streams, based on the surrounding environments and stream sizes. MaxEnt model presented that potential distribution displayed high inhabiting probability in Nakdonggang and its tributaries. Applying to the future scenarios by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), SSP1 scenario was predicted to expand in a wide area and SSP5 scenario in a narrow area, comparing with current potential distribution. M. daimoji is not only directly threatened by physical disturbances (e.g. river development activities) but also vulnerable to rapidly changing climate circumstances. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the habitat environments and establish conservation strategies for preserving population of M. daimoji.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.35
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• pp.41-51
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• 2023

Purpose: This study compares and analyzes the image quality of 3D-CBCT(Cone Beam Computed-Tomography) and Gated CBCT according to baseline changes during SBRT(Stereotactic Body RadioTherapy) in lung cancer patients to find a useful CBCT method for correcting movement due to breathing Materials and methods : Insert a solid tumor material with a diameter of 3 cm into the QUASAR^TM phantom. 4-Dimentional Computed-Tomography(4DCT) images were taken with a speed of the phantom at period 3 sec and a maximum amplitude of 20 mm. Using the contouring menu of the computerized treatment planning system Eclipse^TM Gross Tumor Volume was outlined on solid tumor material. Set-up the same as when acquiring a 4DCT image using Truebeam STx^TM, breathing patterns with baseline changes of 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm were input into the phantom to obtain 3D-CBCT (Spotlight, Full) and Gated-CBCT (Spotlight, Full) images five times repeatedly. The acquired images were compared with the Signal-to-Noise Ratio(SNR), Contrast-to-Noise Ratio(CNR), Tumor Volume Length, and Motion Blurring Ratio(MBR) based on the 4DCT image. Results: The average Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Contrast-to-Noise Ratio, Tumor Volume Length and Motion Blurring Ratio of Spotlight Gated CBCT images were 13.30±0.10%, 7.78±0.16%, 3.55±0.17%, 1.18±0.06%. As a result, Spotlight Gated-CBCT images according to baseline change showed better values than Spotligtht 3D-CBCT images. Also, the average Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Contrast-to-Noise Ratio, Tumor Volume Length and Motion Blurring Ratio of Full Gated CBCT images were 12.80±0.11%, 7.60±0.11%, 3.54±0.16%, 1.18±0.05%. As a result Full GatedCBCT images according to baseline change showed better values than Full 3D-CBCT images. Conclusion : Compared to 3D-CBCT images, Gated-CBCT images had better image quality according to the baseline change, and the effect of Motion Blurring Artifacts caused by breathing was small. Therefore, it is considered useful to image guided using Gated-CBCT when a baseline change occurs due to difficulty in regular breathing during SBRT that exposes high doses in a short period of time

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.82-108
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• 2024

With the transition of archaeological recording method's transition from analog to digital, the 3D scanning technology has been actively adopted within the field. Research on the digital archaeological digital data gathered from 3D scanning and photogrammetry is continuously being conducted. However, due to cost and manpower issues, most buried cultural heritage organizations are hesitating to adopt such digital technology. This paper aims to present a digital recording method of relics utilizing open-source software and photogrammetry technology, which is believed to be the most efficient method among 3D scanning methods. The digital recording process of relics consists of three stages: acquiring a 3D model, creating a joining map with the edited 3D model, and creating an digital drawing. In order to enhance the accessibility, this method only utilizes open-source software throughout the entire process. The results of this study confirms that in terms of quantitative evaluation, the deviation of numerical measurement between the actual artifact and the 3D model was minimal. In addition, the results of quantitative quality analysis from the open-source software and the commercial software showed high similarity. However, the data processing time was overwhelmingly fast for commercial software, which is believed to be a result of high computational speed from the improved algorithm. In qualitative evaluation, some differences in mesh and texture quality occurred. In the 3D model generated by opensource software, following problems occurred: noise on the mesh surface, harsh surface of the mesh, and difficulty in confirming the production marks of relics and the expression of patterns. However, some of the open source software did generate the quality comparable to that of commercial software in quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Open-source software for editing 3D models was able to not only post-process, match, and merge the 3D model, but also scale adjustment, join surface production, and render image necessary for the actual measurement of relics. The final completed drawing was tracked by the CAD program, which is also an open-source software. In archaeological research, photogrammetry is very applicable to various processes, including excavation, writing reports, and research on numerical data from 3D models. With the breakthrough development of computer vision, the types of open-source software have been diversified and the performance has significantly improved. With the high accessibility to such digital technology, the acquisition of 3D model data in archaeology will be used as basic data for preservation and active research of cultural heritage.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.27-44
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to provide foundational data for preventing adolescents smoking by analyzing the relationship between adolescents' lifestyles and smoking experiences and identifying influencing factors. Methods: Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 17th (2021) Youth Health Behavior Survey data, encompassing 54,848 students from 796 schools. Variables included general characteristics, smoking status, lifestyle habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, and stress perception. Frequency analysis was used to examine general characteristics, while further analysis employed frequency analysis and the Pearson Chi-square test to compare lifestyle differences based on smoking presence. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was employed to determine factors influencing smoking experience, with IBM SPSS Statistics 28 used for all analyses at a significance level of p<.05. Results: Analysis revealed with general characteristics that the group with smoking experience exhibited a higher proportion of male students (67.4%) compared to the non-smoking group (50.1%) (p<.001). Analysis revealed that the smoking group was more likely to skip breakfast (27.7%), not consume fruit (17.8%), and consume fast food more than three times daily (0.9%). Furthermore, a higher percentage of smokers engaged in 60 minutes or more of breathless physical activity (8.4%) seven times a week, reported insufficient fatigue recovery through sleep (21.6%), and experienced very severe normal stress (17.2%) (p<.001). Analysis of the relationship between lifestyle and smoking indicated increased likelihood of smoking with zero breakfast consumption (OR=1.759, p<.001) and increased fruit consumption (OR=1.921, p<.001), while zero fast food consumption decreased smoking likelihood (OR=0.206, p<.001). Adequate sleep-related fatigue recovery reduced smoking likelihood (OR=0.458, p<.001), whereas increased stress elevated it (OR=1.260, p<.05). Conclusion: Adolescents' lifestyle habits significantly correlated with their smoking experiences, highlighting the necessity of considering lifestyle factors in smoking prevention strategies. This study provides crucial insights for promoting healthy lifestyle changes to prevent smoking among youth.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.9-15
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• 2024

This study was performed to survey the distribution of Listeria spp. in fresh agricultural products in the Busan area, the Republic of Korea, from January to November 2022. We investigated the pathogenicity and epidemiological relationships by tracing isolated strains using polymerase chain reaction and pulsed-field gel electro-phoresis (PFGE) methods. Forty cases of Listeria spp. were detected in the 210 samples of fresh agricultural products analyzed. Four species, Listeria rocourtiae, L. innocua, L. grayi, and L. monocytogenes were detected only in green vegetables (lettuce, perilla leaps) and the others (L. innocua, L. monocytogenes, and L. grayi) were detected in enoki and oyster mushrooms. L. innocua was detected in 22 samples and L. grayi in six samples. L. monocytogenes, which causes foodborne diseases, was only detected in enoki mushrooms and the strains that were isolated had genes responsible for the pathogenicity of listeriosis (iap, prfA, inlA, inlC, inlJ, and hly). To investigate the genetic similarity and contamination route of L. monocytogenes, serotyping and PFGE were conducted for 12 strains isolated from fresh agricultural (10 strains) and poultry (2 strains) products distributed at a market in the Busan area. Two serotypes (1/2a, 1/2b) were detected in strains isolated from the agricultural and poultry products, but serotype 1/2b was only detected in strains isolated from agricultural products. PFGE analysis showed index of similarity values of 45.7 to 100% and the same patterns were represented in isolates from some enoki mushrooms. These isolates had the same serotypes and showed significant epidemiological relationships.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.113 no.1
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• pp.73-87
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• 2024

Wolfiporia hoelen (Fr.) Y.C.Dai & V. Papp, commonly known as Poria cocos, is a significant traditional herb used for medicinal and culinary purposes Asian and European countries. Many studies have confirmed that the main components of W. hoelen have pharmacological activities and thatits extract has been shown to affect bone metabolism. This study aimed to the potential of a 50% ethanol extract of the sclerotium of W. hoelen for preventing and treating bone diseases. The ethanol extract was systematically fractionated using n-hexane, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate. The dichloromethane fraction caused an approximately 29% increase in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) differentiation activity in C2C12 cells compared to the control. Four compounds isolated from this active dichloromethane fraction were identified through instrumental analysis and literature references as 3α-dehydrotrametenolic acid, ergosterol, pachymic acid, and dehydrotumulosic acid. All four compounds were evaluated at increasing concentrations (1, 3, 10, 30, and 100 μM) to determine their effects on ALP differentiation activity in C2C12 cells and RANKL-induced inhibition activity in bone marrow macrophages (BMMs), with a concurrent assessment of cytotoxicity at these concentrations. At a concentration of 3 μM, dehydrotumulosic acid caused a 160% increase in ALP activity, 24% higher than in the BMP-2 control. BMMs treated with dehydrotumulosic acid at concentrations between 10 and 100 μM showed a substantial 15-86% decrease in RANKL-induced inhibition activity compared to the control, with distinct patterns of RANKL inhibition and cytotoxicity observed at 10 μM. These findings suggest that the ethanol extract from the sclerotium of W. hoelen has potential to modulate bone-cell differentiation, while highlighting the possible benefits of dehydrotumulosic acid isolated from the dichloromethane fraction of W. hoelen for preventing and treating osteoporosis.