• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.82 no.3
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• pp.654-669
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• 2021

Purpose To evaluate the accuracy of MRI in predicting the pathological complete response (pCR) and the residual tumor size of breast cancer after neoadjucant chemotherapy (NAC), and to determine the factors affecting the accuarcy. Materials and Methods Eighty-eight breast cancer patients who underwent surgery after NAC at our center between 2010 and 2017 were included in this study. pCR was defined as the absence of invasive cancer on pathological evaluation. The maximum diameter of the residual tumor on post-NAC MRI was compared with the tumor size of the surgical specimen measured pathologically. Statistical analysis was performed to elucidate the factors affecting pCR and the residual tumor size-discrepancy between the MRI and the pathological measurements. Results The pCR rate was 10%. The diagnostic accuracy of MRI and the area under the curve for predicting pCR were 90.91% and 0.8017, respectively. The residual tumor sizes obtained using MRI and pathological measurements showed a strong correlation (r = 0.9, p < 0.001), especially in patients with a single mass lesion (p = 0.047). The size discrepancy between MRI and the pathological measurements was significantly greater in patients with the luminal type (p = 0.023) and multifocal tumors/non-mass enhancement on pre-NAC MRI (p = 0.047). Conclusion MRI is an accurate tool for evaluating pCR and residual tumor size in breast cancer patients who receive NAC. Tumor subtype and initial MRI features affect the accuracy of MRI.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.287-297
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• 2024

It was confirmed that complex fermentation (CF) was more efficient than single-strain fermentations in inducing changes in the contents of phenolic compounds of Maclura tricuspidate and Pyrus Montana Nakai. A mixture of Maclura tricuspidata, Pyrus montana Nakai, Platycodon grandiflorum and Codonopsis lanceolata were fermented in CF using Aspergillus shirousamii (koji), yeast, and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) for 24 days, and the pH, °Brix, total acidity, anti-oxidant activity, polyphenol content, nitric oxide (NO), and Western blotting of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-𝛼 (TNF-𝛼) of the sample were determined. There was no significant change in pH and total acidity. °Brix significantly decreased from day 6 onwards. HPLC confirmed that the concentrations of chlorogenic acid, 4-hydrobenzoic acid, vanillic acid, and caffeic acid significantly increased from day 18 during the fermentation. Additionally, DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity, total phenol, and total flavonoid were confirmed to be increased until 18 days. NO was significantly inhibited from day 6, along with significant inhibition of iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-a. In conclusion, this study confirmed that CF of low-use (or underutilized) wild vegetables enhances phenolic compounds. It effectively suppresses NO, iNOS, COX-2, and TNF-𝛼, markers of inflammation-related pathogenesis. Altogether, our results suggest that CF of the above plants has a potential anti-inflammatory effect.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.2
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• pp.395-408
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• 2020

Purpose To evaluate the value of clinicopathologic factors and imaging features of primary breast cancer in predicting early recurrence after the primary treatment. Materials and Methods We enrolled 480 patients who had been followed-up after breast-conserving surgery and adjuvant therapy from January 2010 to December 2014 at our hospital. Early recurrence was defined as recurrence within 3 years after completion of primary treatment, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the clinicopathologic and imaging predictive factors of early recurrence. Results In the univariate analysis, among the clinicopathologic factors, advanced stage (p = 0.021), high histologic grade (p < 0.001), estrogen receptor negative (p = 0.002), high Ki-67 proliferation index (p = 0.017), and triple-negative breast cancer (p = 0.019), and among the imaging features, multifocality (p < 0.001), vessels in the rim on Doppler ultrasonography (US) (p = 0.012), and rim enhancement (p < 0.001) on magnetic resonance imaging of the breast were significantly associated with early recurrence. In the multivariate analysis, advanced stage [odds ratio (OR) = 3.47; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12-10.73; p = 0.031] and vessels in the rim on Doppler US (OR = 3.32; 95% CI 1.38-8.02; p = 0.008) were the independent predictive factors of early recurrence. Conclusion Vascular findings in the rim of the primary breast cancer on Doppler US before treatment is a radiologic independent predictive factor of early recurrence after the primary treatment.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.145-154
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• 2023

Objective: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of EmboTrap II in terms of first-pass recanalization and to determine whether it could yield favorable outcomes. Materials and Methods: In this multicenter, prospective study, we consecutively enrolled patients who underwent mechanical thrombectomy using EmboTrap II as a front-line device. The primary outcome was the first pass effect (FPE) rate defined by modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) grade 2c or 3 by the first pass of EmboTrap II. In addition, modified FPE (mFPE; mTICI grade 2b-3 by the first pass of EmboTrap II), successful recanalization (final mTICI grade 2b-3), and clinical outcomes were assessed. We also analyzed the effect of FPE on a modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score of 0-2 at 3 months. Results: Two hundred-ten patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 73.3 ± 11.4 years; male, 55.7%) were included. Ninety-nine patients (47.1%) had FPE, and mFPE was achieved in 150 (71.4%) patients. Successful recanalization was achieved in 191 (91.0%) patients. Among them, 164 (85.9%) patients underwent successful recanalization by exclusively using EmboTrap II. The time from groin puncture to FPE was 25.0 minutes (interquartile range, 17.0-35.0 minutes). Procedure-related complications were observed in seven (3.3%) patients. Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage developed in 14 (6.7%) patients. One hundred twenty-three (58.9% of 209 completely followed) patients had an mRS score of 0-2. Sixteen (7.7% of 209) patients died during the follow-up period. Patients who had successful recanalization with FPE were four times more likely to have an mRS score of 0-2 than those who had successful recanalization without FPE (adjusted odds ratio, 4.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.59-10.8; p = 0.004). Conclusion: Mechanical thrombectomy using the front-line EmboTrap II is effective and safe. In particular, FPE rates were high. Achieving FPE was important for an mRS score of 0-2, even in patients with successful recanalization.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.127-134
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• 2024

With the growth of offshore wind power generation market, the corresponding installation vessel market is also growing. It is anticipated that approximately 100 installation vessels will be required in the of shore wind power generation market by 2030. With a price range of 300 to 400 billion Korean won per vessel, this represents a high-value market compared to merchant vessels. Particularly, the demand for large installation vessels with a capacity of 11 MW or more is increasing. The rapid growth of the offshore wind power generation market in the Asia-Pacific region, centered around China, has led to several discussions on orders for operational installation vessels in this region. The seabed geology in the Asia-Pacific region is dominated by clay layers with low bearing capacity. Owing to these characteristics, during vessel operations, significant spudcan and leg penetration depths occur as the installation vessel rises and descends above the water surface. In this study, using penetration variables ranging from 3 to 21 m, the unique vibration period, structural safety of the legs, and conductivity safety index were assessed based on penetration depths. As the penetration depth increases, the natural vibration period and the moment length of the leg become shorter, increasing the margin of structural strength. It is safe against overturning moment at all angles of incidence, and the maximum value occurs at 270 degrees. The conditions reviewed through this study can be used as crucial data to determine the operation of the legs according to the penetration depth when developing operating procedures for WTIV in soft soil. In conclusion, accurately determining the safety of the leg structure according to the penetration depth is directly related to the safety of the WTIV.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.113 no.1
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• pp.107-117
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• 2024

This study investigated temporal changes in forest physical variables and their effects on thermal comfort and physiological and psychological responses. Environmental factors (air temperature, mean radiant temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity), the predicted mean vote (PMV), and the predicted percentage of dissatisfied (PPD) visitors were continuously measured between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. We assessed the physiological and psychological responses (heart rate variability, heart rate, oral temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, thermal sensation vote, comfort sensation vote, and subjective feelings) of 30 male university students (average age: 21.7±1.9 years), who closed their eyes and relaxed for 5 minutes every hour. Examination of correlations between environmental factors and physiological responses showed that ① the mean radiant temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity significantly changed with time; ② PMV and PPD also showed significant changes over time, and the thermal sensation vote corresponded with PMV; however, the comfort sensation vote did not correspond with PPD; ③ Among the physiological responses, parasympathetic nerve activity, sympathetic nerve activity, heart rate, and diastolic blood pressure significantly varied with time, with parasympathetic nerve activity having the lowest value and sympathetic nerve activity the highest at the highest air temperature (2:00-4:00 PM); and ④ Air temperature, mean radiant temperature, and wind speed showed a negative correlation with parasympathetic nerve activity and a positive correlation with sympathetic nerve activity. These findings indicate that the relaxation effects of the forest environment depend on what time of day people are exposed to it, and the changes occurring in forest environmental factors over time modulate these effects.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.37-49
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• 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to explore whether there are differences in smoking status between two regions of Wonju-City and Chuncheon-City, Gangwon State, and to determine whether the experience of smoking cessation programs in the region affects quit attempts. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study in which adults aged 19 and older living in two cities were surveyed using a pre-developed mobile app to investigate social capital for smoking cessation, and a total of 600 citizens were participated, including 310 in Wonju-City and 290 in Chuncheon-City. The statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square test and logistic regression analysis. Results: Wonju-City had a higher prevalence of current smoking than Chuncheon-City. Among smoking cessation programs operated by local public health centers, Wonju-City had a lower odds ratio for experience with smoking cessation education than Chuncheon-City (OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.33 to 0.81). When examining the effect of smoking cessation program experience on quit attempts, in Wonju-City, citizens who had completed smoking cessation education and used a smoking cessation clinic were more likely to attempt to quit than those who had not (OR=2.31 and OR=2.29, respectively). In Chuncheon-City, citizens who were aware of smoking cessation support services were 2.26 times more likely to attempt to quit smoking than those who were not, but statistical significance was not reached due to the small sample size. Conclusion: Therefore, healthcare organizations in both regions should develop more practical intervention strategies to increase smokers' quit attempts, reduce smoking rates in the community, and address regional disparities.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.431-437
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• 2023

This study evaluated the ecological characteristics related to spike heading time of three Korean foxtail millet cultivars, i.e., one early and two late maturities, and a finger millet cultivar in the north-central region of the Korean Peninsula, Kangwon Province. The changes in heading time occurred due to the changes in planting time from mid-May to late June. The heading time of the early-maturity cultivars was early August, with 80 days required for heading (DH) for the mid-May planting; late August, with 65 DHs for the late June planting; and mid-late August, with 100 DHs and mid-October, with 65 DHs, respectively, for the late-maturity cultivars. The accumulated temperature at heading time ranged from 1,700℃ of mid-May planting to 1,500℃ of late June planting in the early-maturity cultivars. In contrast, it ranged from 2,100℃ to 1,900℃ in the late-maturity cultivars. The photoperiod at heading time ranged from 14.0 h to 13.2 h in the early-maturity cultivars, whereas it was from 13.2 h to 12.5 h in the late-maturity cultivars. Considering that the limiting heading time of Korean foxtail millet and finger millet in the northern region of Kangwon Povince is late August, the limiting accumulated temperature at the heading time was evaluated to be approximately 1,500℃ and 2,000℃ for early and late-maturity cultivars, respectively. The mean daily temperature from planting to heading time showed a negative correlation with the DH, which was shortened with the increase in mean daily temperature. This suggests that delaying the planting time from May to June in the north-central region of the Korean Peninsula increases the mean daily temperature during vegetative growth periods, resulting in the decrease of the DH and the accumulated temperature.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.304-312
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• 2023

Plant breeding is a time-consuming process, mainly due to the limited annual generational advancement. A speed breeding system, using LED light sources, has been applied to accelerate generational progression in various crops. However, detailed protocols applicable to soybeans are still insufficient. In this study, we report the optimized protocols for a speed breeding system comprising 12 soybean varieties with various maturity ecotypes. We investigated the effects of two light qualities (RGB ratio), three levels of light intensity (PPFD), and two soil conditions on the flowering time and development of soybeans. Our results showed that an increase in the red wavelength of the light spectrum led to a delay in flowering time. Furthermore, as light intensity increased, flowering time, average internode length, and plant height decreased, while the number of nodes, branches, and pods increased. When compared to agronomic soil, horticultural soil resulted in an increase of more than 50% in the number of nodes, branches, and pods. Consequently, the optimal conditions were determined as follows: a 10-hour short-day photoperiod, an equal RGB ratio (1:1:1), light intensity exceeding 1,300 PPFD, and the use of horticultural soil. Under these conditions, the average flowering time was found to be 27.3±2.48 days, with an average seed yield of 7.9±2.67. Thus, the speed breeding systems reduced the flowering time by more than 40 days, compared to the average flowering time of Korean soybean resources (approximately 70 days). By using a controlled growth chamber that is unaffected by external environmental conditions, up to 6 generations can be achieved per year. The use of LED illumination and streamlined facilities further contributes to cost savings. This study highlights the substantial potential of integrating modern crop breeding techniques, such as digital breeding and genetic editing, with generational shortening systems to accelerate crop improvement.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.239-249
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• 2024

In this study, we investigated the concentrations of pesticide residues in agricultural products marketed in northern Seoul and assessed their potential health risks. A total of 1,737 samples were collected using the QuEChERS method, followed by LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. Pesticide residues below the MRLs were detected in 560 samples of 72 items (32.2%), but 38 samples of 22 items had pesticide residues above the MRLs. Residual pesticides were detected in 53.8% of fruits, 33.0% of vegetables, 28.6% of herbs, 15.4% of beans, and 10.5% of rice samples. Most of the samples that exceeded the MRLs were vegetables, especially leafy, stalk, stem, and root vegetables; herbs and mushrooms also exceeded the permitted MRLs. Of the 105 pesticides investigated, dinotefuran, fluxametamide, chlorfenapyr, azoxystrobin, and carbendazim were the most frequently detected, whereas 23 pesticide residues, including terbufos, carbendazim, and fluxametamide, were detected above the MRL values. The hazard indices were calculated as 0.00003-1.31406%, which suggests that the investigated pesticide residues in the samples were within safe levels, but continuous monitoring of pesticides in agricultural products is needed to ensure the safety of consumers.