• The Journal of Korea Institute of Information, Electronics, and Communication Technology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.24-32
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• 2023

The current Private 5G use procedure goes through the step of application examination, use and usage inspection, and can be divided in to application, examination step as a procedure before frequency allocation, and use, usage inspection step as a procedure after frequency allocation. Various types of documents are required to apply for a Private 5G, and due to the document screening process and radio station inspection for using Private 5G frequencies, the procedure for Private 5G applicants to use Private 5G is complicated and takes a considerable amount of time. In this paper, we proposed Frequency Allocation Process for Private 5G using a blockchain platform, which is fast and simplified than the current procedure. Through the use of a blockchain platform and NFT (Non-Fungible Token), reliability and integrity of the data required in the frequency allocation process were secured, and security of frequency usage information was maintained and a reliable Private 5G frequency allocation process was established. Also by applying the RPA system that minimizes human intervention, fairness was secured in the process of allocating Private 5G. Finally, the frequency allocation process of Private 5G based on the Ethereum blockchain was performed though a simulation.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.654-670
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• 2023

Objective: This study aimed to develop loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) combined with lateral flow dipstick (LFD) and compare it with LAMP-AGE, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and standard Salmonella culture as reference methods for detecting Salmonella contamination in animal products and animal production environmental samples. Methods: The SalInvA01 primer, derived from the InvA gene and designed as a new probe for LFD detection, was used in developing this study. Adjusting for optimal conditions by temperature, time, and reagent concentration includes evaluating the specificity and limit of detection. The sampling of 120 animal product samples and 350 animal production environmental samples was determined by LAMP-LFD, comparing LAMP-AGE, PCR, and the culture method. Results: Salmonella was amplified using optimal conditions for the LAMP reaction and a DNA probe for LFD at 63℃ for 60 minutes. The specificity test revealed no cross-reactivity with other microorganisms. The limit of detection of LAMP-LFD in pure culture was 3×10² CFU/mL (6 CFU/reaction) and 9.01 pg/μL in genomic DNA. The limit of detection of the LAMP-LFD using artificially inoculated in minced chicken samples with 5 hours of pre-enrichment was 3.4×10⁴ CFU/mL (680 CFU/reaction). For 120 animal product samples, Salmonella was detected by the culture method, LAMP-LFD, LAMP-AGE, and PCR in 10/120 (8.3%). In three hundred fifty animal production environmental samples, Salmonella was detected in 91/350 (26%) by the culture method, equivalent to the detection rates of LAMP-LFD and LAMP-AGE, while PCR achieved 86/350 (24.6%). When comparing sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy, LAMP-LFD showed the best results at 100%, 95.7%, 86.3%, and 96.6%, respectively. For Kappa index of LAMP-LFD, indicated nearly perfect agreement with culture method. Conclusion: The LAMP-LFD Salmonella detection, which used InvA gene, was highly specific, sensitive, and convenient for identifying Salmonella. Furthermore, this method could be used for Salmonella monitoring and primary screening in animal products and animal production environmental samples.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.28-37
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• 2022

Pregnancy requires an important interpretation of thyroid function tests. The presence of anti-thyroid antibodies and viral infectious agents affect the health of both the fetus and the mother. Hence, a selective evaluation of thyroid function in pregnancy is required. This study is a retrospective cross-sectional survey to examine the correlation between thyroid hormones and viral infections during pregnancy. The results showed that the triiodothyronine (T3) decreased with increasing age, especially in the hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive group (P<0.01). In addition, although negative for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), thyroxine (FT4) showed a significant increase in near-threshold or twin pregnant women (P<0.05). The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was highly distributed at the age of 30, and there was no statistically significant correlation with other viral infection factors. In addition, as a result of dividing and analyzing the result of TSH by the quantiles, FT4 and T3 showed a positive correlation but showed a negative correlation with TSH (P<0.05). Therefore, the evaluation of prenatal thyroid screening during pregnancy and viral infection factors should reflect the time of pregnancy, exposure to infection, and the quantitative values. Adequate thyroid hormone and viral infections availability is important for an uncomplicated pregnancy and optimal fetal development.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2023

Purpose: In the past, detection of metabolic abnormalities in plasma amino acid (PAA) and urine organic acid (UOA) has been widely used to diagnose clinical mitochondrial diseases, such as mitochondrial encephalomyopathy with lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). In this study, the diagnostic values of PAA and UOA were reviewed, and their effectiveness in the diagnosis of MELAS was examined retrospectively. Methods: Blood and urine samples at the time of diagnosis were collected from all clinically diagnosed MELAS patients (n=31), and PAA and UOA tests were performed. All samples were collected in a fasting state to minimize artifacts in the results. The difference in the ratio of abnormal metabolites of PAA and UOA at initial diagnosis was statistically compared between the MELAS with genetic confirmation (n=19, m.3243A>G mutation) and MELAS without genetic confirmation (n=12) groups. The MELAS without genetic confirmation group was used as control. Results: Comparison of PAA and UOA between the two groups revealed that no abnormal metabolites showed characteristic differences between gene-confirmed MELAS patients with and those without genetic confirmation. Conclusions: Abnormal values of metabolites in PAA or UOA might be useful as a screening test but are not sufficient to diagnose MELAS patients.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.161-168
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• 2023

Converter slag is a by-product generated by refining the pig iron produced into molten steel in the blast furnace, occupying about 15 % of the weight of steel production. It has a high free-CaO content that can generate expansion cracks when used for concrete aggregate. This is the main reason to make it difficult to recycle. To solve this problem, government guideline requires that converter slag has to be aged in an open yard for 90 days. However, aging can not be perfectly performed because it entails time and cost. In this study, we tried to investigate the applicability of converter slag as a cementitious material rather than an aggregate by mixing converter slag with mortar formulations. According to the EDS results of the converter slag in the experiment, we found that screening in the aggregate phase was more effective than that in the powder phase. When the particles separated by a magnet in the aggregate state were pulverized and used for concrete up to a 15 % replacement ratio, various engineering characteristics, such as flow, length change, and compressive strength, showed engineering characteristics similar to those of the control mix.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.1033-1039
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• 2023

Low-dose chest CT, which is used as a lung screening test, also includes information on coronary artery calcification within the scan range. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of determining coronary artery calcification using Low-dose chest CT. Those who underwent low-dose chest CT and coronary artery calcification score CT on the same day were eligible. Coronary artery calcium score CT results were divided into 4 groups (Low: 1〈CACS〈10, Mild: 10〈CACS〈100, Moderate: 100〈CACS〈400, High: 400〈CACS) by referring to the Coronary artery calcium score categories and risks. After selecting 30 people each group, five radiotechnologists with more than 15 years of experience in coronary artery calcium measurement retrospectively analyzed the presence or absence of coronary artery calcification in low-dose chest CT images. The results of the five observers' uniform interpretation of the low-dose chest CT image were consistent with the coronary artery calcium score CT results in Low group: 56%, Mild group: 96.6%, Moderate group: 100%, and High group: 100%. appeared. In the Low group, all 5 observers observed calcification in 17 out of 30 cases, and in 7 cases all 5 observers decided that calcification could not be identified. Coronary artery calcification could be observed in 100% of asymptomatic adults with a calcium score of 15 or higher in low-dose chest CT scans. The minimum calcium score that can be identified is 1, and it was found that even very small calcifications can be identified when the subject's body size is small or the scan is performed at a time when heart movement is minimal.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.9
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• pp.911-920
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• 2022

Objective: ⁶⁸Ga-NGUL is a novel prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting tracer based on Glu-Urea-Lys derivatives conjugated to a 1,4,7-triazacyclononane-N,N',N''-triacetic acid (NOTA) chelator via a thiourea-type short linker. This phase I clinical trial of ⁶⁸Ga-NGUL was conducted to evaluate the safety and radiation dosimetry of ⁶⁸Ga-NGUL in healthy volunteers and the lesion detection rate of ⁶⁸Ga-NGUL in patients with prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: We designed a prospective, open-label, single-arm clinical trial with two cohorts comprising six healthy adult men and six patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Safety and blood test-based toxicities were monitored throughout the study. PET/CT scans were acquired at multiple time points after administering ⁶⁸Ga-NGUL (2 MBq/kg; 96-165 MBq). In healthy adults, absorbed organ doses and effective doses were calculated using the OLINDA/EXM software. In patients with prostate cancer, the rates of detecting suspicious lesions by ⁶⁸Ga-NGUL PET/CT and conventional imaging (CT and bone scintigraphy) during the screening period, within one month after recruitment, were compared. Results: All 12 participants (six healthy adults aged 31-32 years and six prostate cancer patients aged 57-81 years) completed the clinical trial. No drug-related adverse events were observed. In the healthy adult group, ⁶⁸Ga-NGUL was rapidly distributed, with the highest uptake in the kidneys. The median effective dose coefficient was calculated as 0.025 mSv/MBq, and cumulative activity in the bladder had the highest contribution. In patients with metastatic prostate cancer, 229 suspicious lesions were detected using either ⁶⁸Ga-NGUL PET/CT or conventional imaging. Among them, ⁶⁸Ga-NGUL PET/CT detected 199 (86.9%) lesions and CT or bone scintigraphy detected 114 (49.8%) lesions. Conclusion: ⁶⁸Ga-NGUL can be safely applied clinically and has shown a higher detection rate for the localization of metastatic lesions in prostate cancer than conventional imaging. Therefore, ⁶⁸Ga-NGUL is a valuable option for prostate cancer imaging.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.77-84
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• 2024

Objectives: Interventions promoting physical exercise and healthy habits in workplaces have been shown to be effective in reducing risk factors for metabolic syndrome. This study was conducted to examine the effects of an individualized conditioning exercise program of IT company office workers with or at higher risk of metabolic syndrome. Methods: A total of 444 IT company office workers with or at higher risk of metabolic syndrome participated in a 3-month conditioning exercise program. Body composition data using bioelectrical impedance analysis and cardiopulmonary data using cardiopulmonary exercise testing from 53 individuals (mean age: 34.8 ± 7.1 years, sex : 21% female, height : 170.4 ± 6.8 cm, weight : 75.2±12.2 kg, body mass index : 25.8±3.3 kg/m²) who have successfully completed pre-test, intervention, and post-test were analyzed. The 12 weeks intervention encompassed: (1) health counseling (2) supervised exercise(endurance-based, aerobic exercise, or circuit training once a week for 50 minutes at heart rate reserve(HRR) of 77-95%) (3) self-directed exercise and biweekly health screening checks. Results: The results indicated a significant decrease in body weight, body fat mass and body mass index, respectively. Moreover, VO₂peak, AT VO₂ and AT Time significantly improved, respectively. Resting blood pressure(SBP/DBP) showed positive changes but were not statistically significant. We observed the correlation between characteristics of participants and rate of changes in cardiopulmonary outcomes of participants, there are no significant correlation. These results indicate positive changes in body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness parameters following individualized conditioning exercise program. Conclusions: Individualized workplace exercise program for preventing metabolic syndrome can lead to improvements in body composition and cardiorespiratory fitness.

• Dementia and Neurocognitive Disorders
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.224-235
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• 2024

Background and Purpose: We aimed to develop the diagnostic matrix of the Seoul Cognitive Status Test (SCST) and compare its performance with traditional paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests, including the Seoul Neuropsychological Screening Battery-II (SNSB-II) and the Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-K). Methods: We recruited 197 participants from the head-to-head SCST-SNSB cohort, and 204 participants from the head-to-head SCST-CERAD cohort. They underwent either SNSB-II or CERAD-K, in addition to SCST. The diagnostic matrix was developed by combining cognitive function, determined by neuropsychological tests, and activities of daily living (ADL), determined by Instrumental-ADL scales. Results: The diagnostic agreement between the SCST and the SNSB-II was 83.9% (weighted kappa=0.87). The agreement between the SCST and the CERAD-K was 84.3% (weighted kappa=0.88). In the SCST-SNSB cohort, all differences in SCST scores between the cognitively unimpaired (CU), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia diagnosed with the SNSB-II were significant in all cognitive domains (all p<0.01), except for the executive domain between CU and MCI (p=0.145). In the SCST-CERAD cohort, all differences in SCST scores between the 3 groups diagnosed with the CERAD-K were significant in all cognitive domains (all p<0.01), except for the language and visuospatial domains between MCI and dementia (p=0.169 and p=0.778, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the tablet-based SCST may be another option to traditional paper-and-pencil neuropsychological tests, especially in situations where time and space are relatively limited, and neuropsychological testing specialists are not available.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.37-42
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• 2024

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a genetic disorder characterized by decreased cortisol secretion, with 21-hydroxylase deficiency being the most common type. It is uncommon for CAH to present primarily as cholestasis; therefore, when a patient presents with prolonged jaundice, it is difficult to suspect CAH immediately. In this report, we aim to share our experience with an exceptional case of 21-hydroxylase deficiency. A 28-day-old male visited the outpatient clinic due to prolonged jaundice and elevated 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels in the newborn screening test. Since he showed no other symptoms such as lethargy or vomiting, he underwent a routine blood test for jaundice and a retest of 17-OHP at the outpatient clinic. Two hours after the blood draw, he was found to have severe hyponatremia and hyperkalemia, so he was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit. After treatment with hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone, sodium chloride, and intravenous fluids, the cholestasis and electrolyte imbalances improved over time. He was diagnosed with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, salt-wasting type, which was confirmed by the ACTH stimulation test and genetic testing. It is important to make a prompt diagnosis of CAH to avoid missing critical timing. Therefore, CAH should not be overlooked, even if the patient does not exhibit typical symptoms.