• Title/Summary/Keyword: Scanning method

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Effects of Gadolinium Contrast agent on Bone Mineral Density Measurement using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (가돌리늄조영제가 이중에너지 X-선 흡수법을 이용한 골밀도검사에 미치는 영향)

  • Lee, Keun-Ohk;Lee, Min-Su
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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    • v.15 no.1
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    • pp.63-70
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    • 2021
  • Radiographic contrast agents are used for diagnostic purposes and are one of the factors affecting measured values in bone density tests. They are absorbed into tissues and have an effect of increasing the measured values of bone density, so they are avoided as much as possible before performing a bone density test. MRI contrast agents, which have different physical properties and mechanisms of action than radiographic contrast agents, are based on gadolinium, a metal element. They have radiopacity characteristics, so MRI are generally performed prior to examination using radiation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of MRI contrast agents on bone mineral density examination using dual energy X-ray absorption. Two types of gadolinium based MRI contrast agents were injected into an acrylic water tank for each volume, and the humanoid spine phantom was inserted and the BMD and T-score from (L1-L4) were analyzed by scanning a total of 30 times, 5 times for each injection type. The average value of the measured total (L1-L4) bone density for each of the two contrast agents was 0.952±0.052, 0.957±0.050, and 0.956±0.05g/㎠, respectively, for the Gadoterate Meglumine component 0mL, 7.5mL and 15mL, when the gadobutrol components were 0mL, 5mL, and 10mL, there was no statistically significant difference at all sites at 0.953±0.001, 0.954±0.001, and 0.945±0.001g/㎠, respectively(p>0.05). The average value of total T-score was -0.46±0.05, -0.4±0, -0.42±0.04 when the Gadoterate Meglumine component was 0mL, 7.5mL and 15mL, respectively. When the Gadobutrol ingredients were 0mL, 5mL and 10mL, there was no statistically significant difference in all areas, with -0.46±0.05, -0.46±0.05, and 0.5±0.00, respectively. In this experiment, the MRI contrast agent was found to have no effect on bone density tests, using the dual-energy X-ray absorption method. There is a limitation in that physical conditions such as kidney and health conditions etc. were not taken into consideration, so further clinical research is expected to be conducted in the future.

Discrepancy and Correlation in the renal length between Kidney CT and 99mTc-DMSA Renal scan (신장 CT 검사와 99mTc-DMSA Renal Scan 검사에서 측정한 신장 길이의 차이 및 상관분석)

  • Jung, Woo-Young;Shim, Dong-Oh;Lee, Dong-Hun;Choi, Jae-Min
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.25 no.1
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    • pp.15-20
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    • 2021
  • Purpose This article studies the relationship between the length of a kidney measured by two scanning methods: Kidney Computed Tomography (CT) and 99mTc-Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan. Kidney CT provides a better anatomic assessment, while 99mTc-DMSA renal scan is superior in the kidney function test. Materials and Methods From January to December of 2019, two hundred patients who had Kidney CT and Tc99m-DMSA renal scan were chosen for this study. SPSS17.0 was selected for statistical analysis. Results Due to the effect of the breathing and resolution of 99mTc-DMSA renal scan, it showed the kidney's relatively longer length than the length of Kidney CT. For the same kidney, the length comparison among different brands' Gamma cameras was negligible. The length difference within the same age group did not show a noticeable discrepancy. However, there was a length difference between the radio technologists. Kidney CT and 99mTc-DMSA renal scan indicated a strong positive correlation between the length of the left and right kidney. Conclusion It is necessary to establish a standardized measurement method for measuring kidney length using 99mTc-DMSA renal scan. The kidney's functional changes and length changes are indications of Kidney diseases. Especially, pediatric patients tend to use 99mTc-DMSA renal scan for assessing the kidney's shape and the function to avoid potential radiation exposure during the Kidney CT. Therefore, it is significant to provide not only the kidney's functional information but also an anatomic analysis, including the kidney's size, length, and location through the 99mTc-DMSA renal scan.

Comparison of shear bond strength between various temporary prostheses resin blocks fabricated by subtractive and additive manufacturing methods bonded to self-curing reline resin (절삭 및 적층 가공법으로 제작한 임시 보철물 레진 블록과 재이 장용 자가중합 레진의 전단결합강도 비교)

  • Hyo-Min Ryu;Jin-Han Lee
    • The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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    • v.61 no.3
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    • pp.189-197
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    • 2023
  • Purpose. This study aimed to compare and evaluate the shear bond strength between various temporary prostheses resin blocks fabricated by subtractive and additive manufacturing methods bonded to self-curing reline resin. Materials and methods. The experimental groups were divided into 4 groups according to the manufacturing methods of the resin block specimens and each specimen was fabricated by subtractive manufacturing (SM), additive manufacturing stereolithography apparatus manufacturing (AMS), additive manufacturing digital light processing manufacturing (AMD) and conventional self-curing (CON). To bond the resin block specimens and self-curing resin, the reline resin was injected and polymerized into the same location of each resin block using a silicone mold. The shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine, and the surface of the adhesive interface was examined by scanning electron microscopy. To compare between groups, one-way ANOVA was done followed by Tukey post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results. The shear bond strength showed higher values in the order of CON, SM, AMS, and AMD group. There were significant differences between CON and AMS groups, as well as between CON and AMD groups. but there were no significant differences between CON and SM groups (P > .05). There were significant differences between SM and AMD groups, but there were no significant differences between SM and AMS groups. The AMS group was significantly different from the AMD group (P < .001). The most frequent failure mode was mixed failures in CON and AMS groups, and adhesive failures in SM and AMD groups. Conclusion. The shear bond strength of SM group showed lower but not significant bond strength compared to the CON group. The additive manufacturing method groups (AMS and AMD) showed significantly lower bond strength than the CON group, with the AMD group the lowest. There was also a significant difference between the AMD and SM group.

Conservation Treatment and Study on Manufacturing Techniques of Jija Chongtong Gun in the Middle of Joseon Dynasty (조선 중기 제작된 지자총통의 보존처리와 제작기법 연구 -동아대학교 석당박물관 소장 보물 지자총통을 중심으로-)

  • Nam Dohyeon;Park Younghwan;Lee Jaesung
    • Conservation Science in Museum
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    • v.30
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    • pp.23-46
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    • 2023
  • The Jija Chongtong Gun, owned by Seokdang Museum of Dong-A University, is a tubedstyle heavy weapon of the battlefield in the mid-Joseon Dynasty and is the second largest firearm after Cheonja Chongtong. The original surface color of the Jija Chongtong Gun was obscured by foreign substances and therefore it was judged that its condition requires the conservation treatment. For stable conservation treatment, gamma ray and X-ray non-destructive transmission surveys was conducted to determine the internal structure and conservation condition. And the component analysis on the material components and surface contaminants of Jija Chongtong Gun was conducted by utilizing the p-XRF component analysis, SEM-EDS component analysis, and XRD analysis. As a result of the gamma-ray and X-ray non-destructive transmission investigation, a large amount of air bubbles was observed inside Jija Chongtong Gun, and the part that appeared to be a chaplet by visual observation was not identified. As a result of gamma-ray and p-XRF component analysis, it was confirmed that Jija Chongtong Gun was bronze made of copper (Cu), tin (Sn), and lead (Pb) alloy. As a result of surface analysis of foreign substances using SEM-EDS, it was confirmed that the main components of white foreign substances were calcium (Ca), sulfur (S), and titanium (Ti). Titanium was presumed to be titanium dioxide (TiO2), the main component of white correction fluid. The red foreign substance was confirmed to contain barium (Ba) as its main ingredient, and was presumed to be barium sulfate (BaSO4), an extender pigment in paint. White and red contaminants, mainly composed of titanium and barium, are presumed to have been deposited on the surface in recent years. The yellow foreign substances were confirmed to be aluminum (Al) and silicon (Si), and were presumed to have originated from soil components. As a result of SEM-EDS and XRD component analysis, the white foreign substance was confirmed to be gypsum (CaS). Based on the results of component analysis, surface impurities were removed, stabilization treatment, and strengthening treatment were performed. During the conservation process, unknown inscriptions Woo (右), Byeong (兵), Sang (上), and Yi (二) were discovered through a portable microscope and precise 3D scanning. In addition, the carving method, depth, and width of the inscription were measured. Woo Byeong Sang is located above Happo Fortress in Changwon, and Yi can be identified as the second hill.

The Study of anti-inflammatory Mechanism with Cobra Venom on Astrocytes of Rats (뇌(腦) 성상세포(星狀細胞)를 대상으로 한 Cobrotoxin의 염증(炎症) 치료(治療) 기전(機轉) 연구(硏究))

  • Yoo, Jae-ryong;Song, Ho-sueb
    • Journal of Acupuncture Research
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    • v.22 no.3
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    • pp.155-167
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    • 2005
  • Objectives : The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Cobrotoxin on binding affinity of cobrotoxin with P50, $IKK{\alpa}$ and $IKK{\beta}$, activities of NF-${\kappa}B$, Cell viability of astrocyte, expressions of protein molecules of NF-${\kappa}B$ such as P50, P-$1{kappa}B$, $1{\kappa}B$ and iflammation related genes such as Cox-2, iNOS, cPLA2 in the SNP or LPS induced Inflammatory pathway of Rats' astrocytes. Methods : In this study, The expression of cytosolic phospholipase A2, Nitric oxcide, Cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitrogen oxide synthase was determined by western blotting with corresponding antibodies, and the generation of NF-${\kappa}B$ was assayed by EMSA method in astrocytes of rats. The Cell viability of astrocytes was determined by MTT assay, and Binding affinity of Cobrotoxin with P50, $IKK{\alpha}$ and $IKK{\beta}$ was assayed by Surface plasmon resonance analysis, and NF-${\kappa}B$ dependent luciferase activity was determined by luciferase analysis, and Uptake of cobrotoxin in astrocytes was identified by Confocal laser scanning microscope Results : 1. Compared with control, LPS-induced NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA binding activity was decreased significantly by 0.1, $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin in Astrocyte. 2. Compared with control, LPS-induced NF-kB dependent luciferase expression was decreased significantly by 0.1, 0.5 and $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin in Astrocyte. 3. Compared with control, SNP induced P50, $I{\kappa}B$ expressions in astrocyte were decreased significantly by 0.1, 0.5 and $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin and P-$1{\kappa}B$ expression was decreased significantly by 0.5 and $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin. 4. Compared with control, LPS induced P50, $1{\kappa}B$ expressions in astrocyte were decreased significantly by 0.5 and $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin. 5. Compared with control, SNP induced Cox-2, iNOS, CPLA2 expressions in astrocyte were decreased significantly by $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin. 6. Compared with control, LPS induced Cox-2, cPLA2 expressions in astrocyte were decreased significantly by 0.1, 0.5, $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin and iNOS expression was decreased significantly by 0.5, $1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin. 7. Compared with $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin, SNP-induced NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA bindins activity in astrocyte was increased significantly by Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 1mM and Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 5mM. 8. Compared with $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of Cobrotoxin, LPS-induced NF-${\kappa}B$ DNA binding activity in astrocyte was increased significantly by Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 1mM, Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 5mM, Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$with GSH 1mM and Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with GSH 5mM 9. Compared with $0.1{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ of cobrotoxin, SNP induced P50 expressions in astrocyte were increased significantly by Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 1mM, Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with DTT 5mM Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with GSH 1mM and Cobrotoxin $0.5{\mu}g/m{\ell}$ with GSH 5mM. 10. The uptake of the labeled cobrotoxin into the cells was shown under a confocal laser scanning microscope. cobrotoxin was uptaken into the membrane and nucleus of astrocytes. Conclusions : In summary, the present results demonstrate that cobrotoxin directly binds to sulfhydryl group of p50 and IKKS resulting In the reduction of translocation of p50 and IkB release, thereby inhibits activation of NF-${\kappa}B$, and suggest that pico to nanomolar range of cobrotoxin could inhibit the expression of genes in the NF-${\kappa}B$ signal pathway.

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Mineralogy and Biogeochemistry of Intertidal Flat Sediment, Muan, Chonnam, Korea (전남 무안 갯벌 퇴적물에 관한 광물학적 및 생지화학적 연구)

  • Park, Byung-No;Lee, Je-Hyun;Oh, Jong-Min;Lee, Seuug-Hee;Han, Ji-Hee;Kim, Yu-Mi;Seo, Hyun-Hee;Roh, Yul
    • Journal of the Mineralogical Society of Korea
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    • v.20 no.1 s.51
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    • pp.47-60
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    • 2007
  • While sedimentological researches on Western coastal tidal flats of Korea have been much pelformed previously, mineralogical and biogeochemical studies are beginning to be studied. The objectives of this study were to investigate mineralogical characteritics of the inter-tidal flat sediments and to explore phase transformation of iron(oxyhydr)oxides and biomineralization by metal-reducing bacteria enriched from the inter-tidal flat sediments from Muan, Jeollanam-do, Korea. Inter-tidal flat sediment samples were collected in Chungkye-myun and Haeje-myun, Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do. Particle size analyses were performed using the pipette method and sedimentation method. The separates including sand, silt and clay fractions were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffiaction (XRD). After enriching the metal-.educing bacteria from the into,-tidal flat sediments, the bacteria were used to study phase transformation of the synthesized iron (oxyhydr)oxides and iron biomineralization using lactate or glucose as the electron donors and Fe(III)-containing iron oxides as the electron accepters. Mineralogical studies showed that the sediments of tidal flats in Chung]rye-myun and Haeje-myun consist of quartz, plagioclase, microcline, biotite, kaolinite and illite. Biogeochemical researches showed that the metal-reducing bacteria enriched from the inter-tidal flat sediments reduced reddish brown akaganeite and mineralized nanometer-sized black magnetite. The bacteria also reduced the reddish brown ferrihydrite into black amorphous phases and reduced the yellowish goethite into greenish with formation of nm-sized phases. These results indicate that microbial Fe(III) reduction may play one of important roles in iron and carbon biogeochemistry as well as iron biomineralization in subsurface environments.

Development of Korean Version of Heparin-Coated Shunt (헤파린 표면처리된 국산화 혈관우회도관의 개발)

  • Sun, Kyung;Park, Ki-Dong;Baik, Kwang-Je;Lee, Hye-Won;Choi, Jong-Won;Kim, Seung-Chol;Kim, Taik-Jin;Lee, Seung-Yeol;Kim, Kwang-Taek;Kim, Hyoung-Mook;Lee, In-Sung
    • Journal of Chest Surgery
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    • v.32 no.2
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    • pp.97-107
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    • 1999
  • Background: This study was designed to develop a Korean version of the heparin-coated vascular bypass shunt by using a physical dispersing technique. The safety and effectiveness of the thrombo-resistant shunt were tested in experimental animals. Material and Method: A bypass shunt model was constructed on the descending thoracic aorta of 21 adult mongrel dogs(17.5-25 kg). The animals were divided into groups of no-treatment(CONTROL group; n=3), no-treatment with systemic heparinization(HEPARIN group; n=6), Gott heparin shunt (GOTT group; n=6), or Korean heparin shunt(KIST group; n=6). Parameters observed were complete blood cell counts, coagulation profiles, kidney and liver function(BUN/Cr and AST/ ALT), and surface scanning electron microscope(SSEM) findings. Blood was sampled from the aortic blood distal to the shunt and was compared before the bypass and at 2 hours after the bypass. Result: There were no differences between the groups before the bypass. At bypass 2 hours, platelet level increased in the HEPARIN and GOTT groups(p<0.05), but there were no differences between the groups. Changes in other blood cell counts were insignificant between the groups. Activated clotting time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and thrombin time were prolonged in the HEPARIN group(p<0.05) and differences between the groups were significant(p<0.005). Prothrombin time increased in the GOTT group(p<0.05) without having any differences between the groups. Changes in fibrinogen level were insignificant between the groups. Antithrombin III levels were increased in the HEPARIN and KIST groups(p<0.05), and the inter-group differences were also significant(p<0.05). Protein C level decreased in the HEPARIN group(p<0.05) without having any differences between the groups. BUN levels increased in all groups, especially in the HEPARIN and KIST groups(p<0.05), but there were no differences between the groups. Changes of Cr, AST, and ALT levels were insignificant between the groups. SSEM findings revealed severe aggregation of platelets and other cellular elements in the CONTROL group, and the HEPARIN group showed more adherence of the cellular elements than the GOTT or KIST group. Conclusion: Above results show that the heparin-coated bypass shunts(either GOTT or KIST) can suppress thrombus formation on the surface without inducing bleeding tendencies, while systemic heparinization(HEPARIN) may not be able to block activation of the coagulation system on the surface in contact with foreign materials but increases the bleeding tendencies. We also conclude that the thrombo-resistant effects of the Korean version of heparin shunt(KIST) are similar to those of the commercialized heparin shunt(GOTT).

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The Role of Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase-1 in Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury (기계환기로 인한 급성 폐손상에서 poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1의 역할)

  • Kim, Je-Hyeong;Yoon, Dae Wui;Hur, Gyu Young;Jung, Ki Hwan;Lee, Sung Yong;Lee, Sang Yeub;Shin, Chol;Shim, Jae Jeong;In, Kwang Ho;Yoo, Se Hwa;Kang, Kyung Ho
    • Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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    • v.60 no.4
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    • pp.451-463
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    • 2006
  • Background : Reactive oxygen species (ROS) take center stage as executers in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). The protein with DNA-damage scanning activity, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1), signals DNA rupture and participates in base-excision repair. Paradoxically,overactivation of PARP1 in response to massive genotoxic injury such as ROS can induce cell death through ${\beta}$ -nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ($NAD^+$) depletion, resulting in inflammation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of PARP1 and the effect of its inhibitor in VILI. Methods : Forty-eight male C57BL/6 mice were divided into sham, lung protective ventilation(LPV), VILI, and PARP1 inhibitor (PJ34)+VILI (PJ34+VILI) groups. Mechanical ventilator setting for the LPV group was $PIP\;15cmH_2O$ + $PEEP\;3cmH_2O$ + RR 90/min + 2 hours. The VILI and PJ34+VILI groups were ventilated on a setting of $PIP\;40cmH_2O$ + $PEEP\;0cmH_2O$ + RR 90/min + 2 hours. As a PARP1 inhibitor for the PJ34+VILI group, 20 mg/Kg of PJ34 was treated intraperitoneally 2 hours before mechanical ventilation. Wet-to-dry weight ratio and acute lung injury (ALI) score were measured to determine the degree of VILI. PARP1 activity was evaluated by using an immunohistochemical method utilizing biotinylated NAD. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and the concentration of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$, interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$, and IL-6 were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Results : In the PJ34+VILI group, PJ34 pretreatment significantly reduced the degree of lung injury, compared with the VILI group (p<0.05). The number of cells expressing PARP1 activity was significantly increased in the VILI group, but significantly decreased in the PJ34+VILI group (p=0.001). In BALF, MPO activity, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$, and IL-6 were also significantly lower in the PJ34+VILI group (all, p<0.05). Conclusion : PARP1 overactivation plays a major role in the mechanism of VILI. PARP1 inhibitor prevents VILI, and decreases MPO activity and inflammatory cytokines.

Study on the Evaluation of Renal Function According to Set a Partial Region of Interest in 99mTc-DMSA scan of the Pediatric Patient with a Duplicated Ureter (중복요관을 가진 소아환자의 99mTc-DMSA 검사에서 부분적 관심영역 설정에 따른 신기능 평가에 관한 연구)

  • Nam-Koong, Hyuk;Oh, Shin Hyun;Kim, Jung Yul;Choi, Yoon Jung;Kim, Jae Sam;Lee, Chang Ho
    • The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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    • v.17 no.1
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    • pp.43-47
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    • 2013
  • Purpose: A duplicated ureter is congenital renal malformations with ureter in two. Patients with duplicated ureter are in force to $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ scan at surgery before and after. In existing examination, at produce result after $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ scan, didn't compare to upper pole and lower pole with malformed kidney and compared to only relative uptake ratio. Therefore, this study will examine about utility of set a partial region of interest and to functional recovery of renal cell through change of upper pole uptake ratio of malformed kidney by setting each partial region of interest in upper pole and lower pole of malformed kidney in $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ examination in surgery before and after. Materials and Methods: Pediatric patients with malformed kidney of incomplete duplicated ureter, 15 patients were enrolled in this study. Scanning were scan 3 to 4 hours after injection of $^{99m}Tc-DMSA$ 1.5 ~ 1.9 MBq/kg. Region of interest were each set in normal kidney, upper pole and lower pole with malformed kidney. Region of interest were set with same condition and method to images of surgery before and after that radio technologist 1 person, resident of nuclear medicine 1 person and doctor of urology together. Therefore, this study were compared to uptake ratio (A: B: C) that normal kidney (A), lower pole of malformed kidney (B) and upper pole of malformed kidney (C) about uptake ratio changes of malformed kidney in follow-up examination of surgery before and after. Results: When compared to 15 patients, uptake ratios were increased 7 persons and decreased 8 persons. Among increased 7 persons, it were periods of follow-up examination that 2 persons were 14 months, 4 persons were 12 months and 1 person was 8 months after surgery. Among decreased 8 persons, it were periods of follow-up examination that 4 persons were 12 months 3 persons were 6 months and 1 persons were 4 months after surgery. Conclusion: Existing study could not see the exact uptake ratio changes of malformed kidney because using only the overall Left-Right kidney uptake ratios. But a setting partial region of interest was able to see exactly what changes in the uptake of each upper pole and lower pole of malformed kidney. Because recovery of renal parenchymal cells is difficult in an evaluation of short period of time, follow-up examination should be made in long period of time. How to set up partial region of interest be thought that it would be useful.

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Clinical Implication of Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression for Rectal Cancer Patients with Lymph Node Involvement (림프절 전이를 동반한 직장암 환자들에서 Cyclooxygenase-2 발현의 임상적 의미)

  • Lee, Hyung-Sik;Choi, Young-Min;Hur, Won-Joo;Kim, Su-Jin;Kim, Dae-Cheol;Roh, Mee-Sook;Hong, Young-Seoub;Park, Ki-Jae
    • Radiation Oncology Journal
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    • v.27 no.4
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    • pp.210-217
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    • 2009
  • Purpose: To assess the influence of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression on the survival of patients with a combination of rectal cancer and lymph node metastasis. Materials and Methods: The study included rectal cancer patients treated by radical surgery and postoperative radiotherapy at the Dong-A university hospital from 1998 to 2004. A retrospective analysis was performed on a subset of patients that also had lymph node metastasis. After excluding eight of 86 patients, due to missing tissue samples in three, malignant melanoma in one, treatment of gastric cancer around one year before diagnosis in one, detection of lung cancer after one year of diagnosis in one, liver metastasis in one, and refusal of radiotherapy after 720 cGy in one, 78 patients were analyzed. The immunohistochemistry for COX-2 was conducted with an autostainer (BenchMark; Ventana, Tucson, AZ, USA). An image analyzer (TissueMine; Bioimagene, Cupertino, CA, USA) was used for analysis after scanning (ScanScope; Aperio, Vista, CA, USA). A survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan Meier method and significance was evaluated using the log rank test. Results: COX-2 was stained positively in 62 patients (79.5%) and negatively in 16 (20.5%). A total of 6 (7.7%), 15 (19.2%), and 41 (52.6%) patients were of grades 1, 2, and 3, respectively for COX-2 expression. No correlation was found between being positive of COX-2 patient characteristics, which include age (<60-year old vs. $\geq$60), sex, operation methods (abdominoperineal resection vs. lower anterior resection), degrees of differentiation, tumor size (<5 cm vs. $\geq$5 cm), T stages, N stages, and stages (IIIa, IIIb, IIIc). The 5-year overall and 5-year disease free survival rates for the entire patient population were 57.0% and 51.6%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates for the COX-2 positive and negative patients were 53.0% and 72.9%, respectively (p=0.146). Further, the 5-year disease free survival rates for the COX-2 positive and negative patients were 46.3% and 72.7%, respectively (p=0.118). The 5-year overall survival rates were significantly different (p<0.05) for the degree of differentiation, N stage, and stage, whereas the 5-year disease free survival rates were significant for N stage and stage. Conclusion: Being positive for and the degree of COX-2 expression did not have a significant influence on the survival of rectal cancer patients with lymph node metastasis. However, N stage and stage did significantly influence the rateof survival. Further analysis of a greater sample size is necessary for the verification of the effect of COX-2 expression on the survival of rectal cancer patients with lymph node involvement.