• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.20 no.8
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• pp.1293-1299
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• 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT) for chronic empyema-associated malignancy (CEAM). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images of 33 patients with chronic empyema, and analyzed the following findings: 1) shape of the empyema cavity, 2) presence of fistula, 3) maximum standardized uptake value (SUV) of the empyema cavity, 4) uptake pattern of the empyema cavity, 5) presence of a protruding soft tissue mass within the empyema cavity, and 6) involvement of adjacent structures. Final diagnosis was determined based on histopathology or clinical follow-up for at least 6 months. The abovementioned findings were compared between the ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT images of CEAM and chronic empyema. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was also performed. Results: Six lesions were histopathologically proven as malignant; there were three cases of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, two of squamous cell carcinoma, and one of poorly differentiated carcinoma. Maximum SUV within the empyema cavity (p < 0.001) presence of a protruding soft tissue mass (p = 0.002), and involvement of the adjacent structures (p < 0.001) were significantly different between the CEAM and chronic empyema images. The maximum SUV exhibited the highest diagnostic performance, with the highest specificity (96.3%, 26/27), positive predictive value (85.7%, 6/7), and accuracy (97.0%, 32/33) among all criteria. On ROC analysis, the area under the curve of maximum SUV was 0.994. Conclusion: ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT can be useful for diagnosing CEAM in patients with chronic empyema. The maximum SUV within the empyema cavity is the most accurate ¹⁸F-FDG PET/CT diagnostic criterion for CEAM.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.1474-1482
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• 2024

Objective: The experiment aimed to determine the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of crude protein (CP) and amino acids (AA) in 10 brown rice samples fed to pigs, and to construct predictive models for SID of CP and AA based on the physical characteristics and chemical composition of brown rice. Methods: Twenty-two cannulated pigs (initial body weight: 42.0±1.2 kg) were assigned to a replicated 11×3 incomplete Latin square design, including an N-free diet and 10 brown rice diets. Each period included 5 d adaptation and 2 d ileal digesta collection. Chromic oxide was added at 0.3% to all the diets as an indigestible marker for calculating the ileal CP and AA digestibility. Results: The coefficients of variation of all detected indices for physical characteristics and chemical composition, except for bulk weight, dry matter (DM) and gross energy, in 10 brown rice samples were greater than 10%. The SID of CP, lysine (Lys), methionine, threonine (Thr), and tryptophan (Trp) in brown rice was 77.2% (62.6% to 85.5%), 87.5% (80.3% to 94.3%), 89.2% (78.9% to 98.9%), 55.4% (46.1% to 67.6%) and 92.5% (86.3% to 96.3%), respectively. The best prediction equations for the SID of CP, Lys, Thr, and Trp were as following, SID_CP = -664.181+8.484×DM (R² = 0.40), SID_Lys = 53.126+6.031×ether extract (EE)+0.893×thousand-kernel volume (R² = 0.66), SID_Thr = 39.916+7.843×EE (R² = 0.41), and SID_Trp = -361.588+4.891×DM+0.387×total starch (R² = 0.85). Conclusion: Overall, a great variation exists among 10 sources of brown rice, and the thousand-grain volume, DM, EE, and total starch can be used as the key predictors for SID of CP and AA.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.281-292
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocyte (CM) hold great promise as a cellular source of CM for cardiac function restoration in ischemic heart disease. However, the use of animal-derived xenogeneic substances during the biomanufacturing of hiPSC-CM can induce inadvertent immune responses or chronic inflammation, followed by tumorigenicity. In this study, we aimed to reveal the effects of xenogeneic substances on the functional properties and potential immunogenicity of hiPSC-CM during differentiation, demonstrating the quality and safety of hiPSC-based cell therapy. Methods and Results: We successfully generated hiPSC-CM in the presence and absence of xenogeneic substances (xeno-containing (XC) and xeno-free (XF) conditions, respectively), and compared their characteristics, including the contractile functions and glycan profiles. Compared to XC-hiPSC-CM, XF-hiPSC-CM showed early onset of myocyte contractile beating and maturation, with a high expression of cardiac lineage-specific genes (ACTC1, TNNT2, and RYR2) by using MEA and RT-qPCR. We quantified N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), a xenogeneic sialic acid, in hiPSC-CM using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring-mass spectrometry. Neu5Gc was incorporated into the glycans of hiPSC-CM during xeno-containing differentiation, whereas it was barely detected in XF-hiPSC-CM. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to show that the electrophysiological function and glycan profiles of hiPSC-CM can be affected by the presence of xenogeneic substances during their differentiation and maturation. To ensure quality control and safety in hiPSC-based cell therapy, xenogeneic substances should be excluded from the biomanufacturing process.

• Journal of Korean Society of Coastal and Ocean Engineers
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.105-115
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• 2024

In coastal structure design incorporating revetments, the assessment of wave overtopping discharge relies on hydraulic model experiments. Numerous empirical formulas have been developed to predict overtopping discharge based on quantitative data from these experiments. Typically, for revetment structures aimed at mitigating wave overtopping, crest height is determined by considering the maximum amplitude of the design wave, resulting in a relatively high freeboard compared to wave heights. However, achieving complete prevention of all wave overtopping would require the crown wall to have substantial crest heights, rendering it economically impractical. Therefore, the concept of limiting discharge has been introduced in the design of revetment structures, aiming to restrict wave overtopping discharge to an acceptable level. Consequently, many coastal structures in real-world settings feature relatively lower freeboard heights than incident wave heights. This study investigated wave overtopping discharge on rubble-mound breakwaters with relatively low freeboard heights through hydraulic model experiments. Furthermore, it conducted a comparative analysis of the predictive capabilities of existing empirical formulas for estimating overtopping discharge using experimental data.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.143-156
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• 2005

Background: The best dose-fractionation regimen of the definitive radiotherapy for cervix cancer remains to be clearly determined. It seems to be partially attributed to the complexity of the affecting factors and the lack of detailed information on external and intra-cavitary fractionation. To find optimal practice guidelines, our experiences of the combination of external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and high-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-ICBT) were reviewed with detailed information of the various treatment parameters obtained from a large cohort of women treated homogeneously at a single institute. Materials and Methods: The subjects were 743 cervical cancer patients (Stage IB 198, IIA 77, IIB 364, IIIA 7, IIIB 89 and IVA 8) treated by radiotherapy alone, between 1990 and 1996. A total external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) dose of $23.4\~59.4$ Gy (Median 45.0) was delivered to the whole pelvis. High-dose-rate intracavitary brachytherapy (HDR-IBT) was also peformed using various fractionation schemes. A Midline block (MLB) was initiated after the delivery of $14.4\~43.2$ Gy (Median 36.0) of EBRT in 495 patients, while In the other 248 patients EBRT could not be used due to slow tumor regression or the huge initial bulk of tumor. The point A, actual bladder & rectal doses were individually assessed in all patients. The biologically effective dose (BED) to the tumor ($\alpha/\beta$=10) and late-responding tissues ($\alpha/\beta$=3) for both EBRT and HDR-ICBT were calculated. The total BED values to point A, the actual bladder and rectal reference points were the summation of the EBRT and HDR-ICBT. In addition to all the details on dose-fractionation, the other factors (i.e. the overall treatment time, physicians preference) that can affect the schedule of the definitive radiotherapy were also thoroughly analyzed. The association between MD-BED $Gy_3$ and the risk of complication was assessed using serial multiple logistic regression models. The associations between R-BED $Gy_3$ and rectal complications and between V-BED $Gy_3$ and bladder complications were assessed using multiple logistic regression models after adjustment for age, stage, tumor size and treatment duration. Serial Coxs proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate the relative risks of recurrence due to MD-BED $Gy_{10}$, and the treatment duration. Results: The overall complication rate for RTOG Grades $1\~4$ toxicities was $33.1\%$. The 5-year actuarial pelvic control rate for ail 743 patients was $83\%$. The midline cumulative BED dose, which is the sum of external midline BED and HDR-ICBT point A BED, ranged from 62.0 to 121.9 $Gy_{10}$ (median 93.0) for tumors and from 93.6 to 187.3 $Gy_3$ (median 137.6) for late responding tissues. The median cumulative values of actual rectal (R-BED $Gy_3$) and bladder Point BED (V-BED $Gy_3$) were 118.7 $Gy_3$ (range $48.8\~265.2$) and 126.1 $Gy_3$ (range: $54.9\~267.5$), respectively. MD-BED $Gy_3$ showed a good correlation with rectal (p=0.003), but not with bladder complications (p=0.095). R-BED $Gy_3$ had a very strong association (p=<0.0001), and was more predictive of rectal complications than A-BED $Gy_3$. B-BED $Gy_3$ also showed significance in the prediction of bladder complications in a trend test (p=0.0298). No statistically significant dose-response relationship for pelvic control was observed. The Sandwich and Continuous techniques, which differ according to when the ICR was inserted during the EBRT and due to the physicians preference, showed no differences in the local control and complication rates; there were also no differences in the 3 vs. 5 Gy fraction size of HDR-ICBT. Conclusion: The main reasons optimal dose-fractionation guidelines are not easily established is due to the absence of a dose-response relationship for tumor control as a result of the high-dose gradient of HDR-ICBT, individual differences In tumor responses to radiation therapy and the complexity of affecting factors. Therefore, in our opinion, there is a necessity for individualized tailored therapy, along with general guidelines, in the definitive radiation treatment for cervix cancer. This study also demonstrated the strong predictive value of actual rectal and bladder reference dosing therefore, vaginal gauze packing might be very Important. To maintain the BED dose to less than the threshold resulting in complication, early midline shielding, the HDR-ICBT total dose and fractional dose reduction should be considered.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.416-424
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• 2005

Purpose : To find the risk factors associated with coronory artery lesions, non-responsiveness to intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG) treatment, and recurrences in Kawasaki disease patients. Methods : We retrospectively analyzed 1,000 Kawasaki disease patients who were admitted to Yonsei University Medical Center from September 1990 to December 2003. We compared between responder and non-responder groups to IVIG treatment as well as between relapsed and non-relapsed groups, and as to the relapsed group, we also compared variables between patients in their first and second attack states. Finally, factors associated with longer-fever duration from disease onset were evaluated. Results : Longer fever durations before and after IVIG treatment, male sex, lower Hgb and Hct level, higher WBC count and segmented WBC proportion, and higher CRP and Harada's score were related with coronary artery lesions. Non-responsiveness was related to higher WBC count, segmented WBC proportion, CRP, SGPT, Harada's score, and pyuria. Moderate-to-severe coronary artery dilatations and recurrences were more commonly seen among the non-responder group. No significant predictive factors for recurrence were found. In the relapsed group, lower WBC count, CRP, and shorter fever duration from disease onset were observed in their second attack state. Fever duration from disease onset showed positive correlation with WBC count, CRP, and Harada's score and negative correlation with Hgb levels. Conclusion : Higher WBC count, CRP, and higher Harada's score were related to both higher incidences of coronary artery lesions and non-responsiveness to IVIG treatment, and these factors were also related with longer fever duration. Non-responders to IVIG treatment showed higher recurrence rate and more moderate-to-severe coronary artery dilatations than responders.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.11
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• pp.1221-1227
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• 2009

Purpose:To identify the risk factors for poor neurodevelopmental outcomes in high-risk neonates. Methods:We studied 94 infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at the Sanggye Paik Hospital between January 2002 and November 2005 and evaluated the follow-up data. The following events were considered as risk factors: ${\leq}32$ weeks of gestation, very low birth weight, Apgar scores of less than 5, neonatal resuscitation, neonatal seizure, congenital infection, and abnormalities in cranial ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The infants who had any one of these risk factors were included. They were evaluated at their mean corrected age of 13.84${\pm}$8.03 months. Mental and Psychomotor Developmental Indices (MDI, PDI) were determined by a clinical psychologist using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II. Results:The mean MDI and PDI of all the patients were 96.28${\pm}$26.70 and 94.00${\pm}$22.80, respectively. Abnormalities on cranial ultrasound or MRI were significant predictors of both low MDI (P<0.05) and low PDI (P<0.001). These abnormalities showed a stronger association with low PDI than with low MDI. The infants with periventricular leukomalacia had the lowest MDI and PDI ($70.10{\pm}28.68$ and $69.70{\pm}24.91$, respectively). Apgar score at 1 minute and very low birth weight were also significant predictors for low PDI (P<0.05, P<0.05, respectively). Conclusion:Image findings with cranial ultrasound or MRI were the strongest predictors of neurodevelopmental outcome. Periventricular leukomalacia was the best predictive factor for mental and psychomotor development.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.176-184
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• 2014

In this study, we compared dose distributions from simultaneously integrated boost (SIB) method versus the RTOG 0631 protocol for spine radiosurgery. Spine radiosurgery plans were performed in five patients with localized spinal metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma. The computed tomography (CT) and T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were fused for delineating of GTV and spinal cord. In SIB plan, the clinical target volume (CTV1) was included the whole compartments of the involved spine, while RTOG 0631 protocol defines the CTV2 as the involved vertebral body and both left and right pedicles. The CTV2 includes transverse process and posterior element according to the extent of GTV. The doses were prescribed 18 Gy to GTV and 10 Gy to CTV1 in SIB plan, while the prescription of RTOG 0631 protocol was applied 18 Gy to CTV2. The results of dose-volume histogram (DVH) showed that there were competitive in target coverage, while the doses of spinal cord and other normal organs were lower in SIB method than in RTOG 0631 protocol. The 85% irradiated volume of VB in RTOG 0631 protocol was similar to that in the SIB plan. However, the dose to normal organs in RTOG 0631 had a tendency to higher than that in SIB plan. The SIB plan might be an alternative method in case of predictive serious complications of surrounded normal organs. In conclusion, although both approaches of SIB or RTOG 0631 showed competitive planning results, tumor control probability (TCP) and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) through diverse clinical researches should be analyzed in the future.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.383-387
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• 2013

This study was carried out to examine whether the leaf size is likely to be used as a selection criterion for large seed genotype in soybean (Glycine. max (L.) Merr.) breeding program. Two hundred twenty nine soybean germplasms which had collected in Korea, United States, China and Japan were used in this experiment. The area of unifoliate leaf, middle leaflet of first trifoliate and third trifoliate leaf ranged from $3.2cm^2$ to $33.8cm^2$, 9.2 to $29.5cm^2$, and 7.2 to $58.9cm^2$, respectively. One hundred seed weight also showed great variation from 2.7 to 39.0 gram. The average leaf area of unifoliate, middle leaflet of first trifoliate and third trifoliate leaf were $15.7cm^2$, $18.1cm^2$ and $32.7cm^2$, respectively, and that of seed average weight was 17.2 gram per one hundred seed. Significantly positive correlations were observed between seed weight and leaf area of unifoliate (r=$0.80^{**}$), first trifoliate (r=$0.75^{**}$) and third trifoliate (r=$0.67^{**}$), respectively. Both the leaf length and leaf width of unifoliate, middle leaflet of first trifoliate and third trifoliate leaf were significantly positively correlated with seed weight and both the correlations of unifoliate were higher than the other leaves. The correlations of leaf width in soybean leaflet were higher than those of leaf length. Leaf length/width (L/W) ratio of upper leaf was higher than that of lower leaf in the leaf size. Both the leaf area and leaf width of unifoliate leaf are the most suitable predictive characteristics of early selection in related to seed weight for soybean breeding program.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.208-214
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• 2004

Purpose: The prognosis of neonates with cholestasis is not clear. Some factors, such as high peak bilirubin levels and liver histologic findings have been claimed to affect the prognosis adversely. Our study aims to define which factors influence the prognosis of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis. Methods: Retrospective reviews of the medical records were performed in 32 cases with neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis, who were admitted to Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Hospital from July 1995 to July 2002. Neonates were classified into 2 groups according to the duration of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels more or less than 6 months. The data, such as biochemical, histopathologic and radiologic findings, were compared in both groups. Biochemical data included mean peak level of serum ALT, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and alkaline phosphatase. Histologic parameters related to lobular architecture, fibrosis, inflammatory infiltration and degenerative features of hepatocytes were arbitrary estimated on a scale of 1 to 3. Results: There were 19 males and 13 females, whose mean age was 48 days (14~77 days). The peak serum ALT levels were higher in the poor outcome group. Ductular proliferation and portoportal bridging were more severe in the poor outcome group. But the degree of multinucleated hepatocytes, hepatocellular swelling and canalicular plug did not appear to be significantly related to the long-term outcome. The DISIDA scintigraphy by visualization time of gall bladder and intestine was not useful in predicting outcome of neonatal intrahepatic cholestasis. Conclusion: Neonates who have intrahepatic cholestasis with high serum ALT levels, severe ductular proliferation and portoportal bridging in the liver biopsy specimen should be carefully followed up because they may have a poor prognosis.