• 한국임상수의학회지
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• 제34권1호
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• pp.1-6
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• 2017

Heartworm disease (HWD) in dogs is a life-threatening mosquito-borne disease resulting in right-sided congestive heart failure and inflammatory pulmonary disease. Due to complications from adulticidal therapy with melarsomine, slow kill protocol either with preventive dose of ivermectin or combined with doxycycline has been proposed for an alternative adultcidal therapy in dogs with HWD. Therefore, this study evaluated the clinical outcome of adultcidal therapy in dogs with class II stage of HWD after treating either American Heartworm Society (AHS) or slow kill protocol for 10 months. Clinical outcome after therapy was evaluated by clinical, radiographic and echocardiographic examination along with hematology before (D0) and after therapy (D300). Although clinical signs associated with HWD were all resolved after therapy in both groups, the infection was not cleared out 67% of dogs treated by slow kill protocol at the end of therapy. Furthermore, pulmonary arterial flow of acceleration time to ejection time ratio (AT/ET) and the right pulmonary artery distensibility index (RPADI) have been firstly used for detecting pulmonary hypertension in this study group. The pulmonary hypertension was more common in dogs with mild clinical signs, although tricuspid and pulmonary regurgitation were not detectable in most dogs in this study. Our study findings suggested that the slow kill protocol might not be efficacious enough to clear out HWD in dogs and more attention on the presence of pulmonary hypertension might be necessary for effective management of HWD in dogs.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• 제56권6호
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• pp.2247-2257
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• 2024

To investigate the impact of the recently released pediatric reference voxel phantoms (0-, 1-, 5-, 10-, 15-year-old males and females) of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) on organ dose estimates for radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment in pediatric patients, we calculated and analyzed pediatric-specific iodine131 S values (r_T ← thyroid) for the 30 radiosensitive organs by conducting Monte Carlo simulations using the Geant4. The gender dependency in the S values was frequently seen for the 15-year-old phantoms with higher S values of female than male. In addition, the age dependency in the S values was observed for most target organs; that is, the S values tend to decrease for older ages (e.g., ~120 times for the gonads between the adult and newborn) due mainly to the inter-organ distances generally longer for older ages. Moreover, we observed that the iodine-131 S values tend to be significantly greater by up to ~145.5 times than those of the stylized phantoms that have been widely used for organ dose estimates of pediatric RAI patients. We believe that the pediatric-specific iodine-131 S values (r_T ← thyroid) of the ICRP pediatric reference voxel phantoms should be beneficial to improve the dosimetry of pediatric RAI patients.

• 방사선산업학회지
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.173-179
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• 2016

Coals and coal ashes, raw materials and by-products, in coal-fired power plants contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). They may give rise to internal exposure to workers due to inhalation of airborne particulates containing radioactive materials. It is necessary to characterize radioactivity concentrations of the materials for assessment of radiation dose to the workers. The objective of the present study was to analyze radioactivity concentrations of coals and by-products at four coal-fired plants in Korea. High purity germanium detector was employed for analysis of uranium series, thorium series, and potassium 40 in the materials. Radioactivity concentrations of $^{226}Ra$, $^{228}Ra$, and $^{40}K$ were $2{\sim}53Bq\;kg^{-1}$, $3{\sim}64Bq\;kg^{-1}$, and $14{\sim}431Bq\;kg^{-1}$ respectively in coal samples. For coal ashes, the radioactivity concentrations were $77{\sim}133Bq\;kg^{-1}$, $77{\sim}105Bq\;kg^{-1}$, and $252{\sim}372Bq\;kg^{-1}$ in fly ash samples and $54{\sim}91Bq\;kg^{-1}$, $46{\sim}83Bq\;kg^{-1}$, and $205{\sim}462Bq\;kg^{-1}$ in bottom ash samples. For flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, the radioactivity concentrations were $3{\sim}5Bq\;kg^{-1}$, $2{\sim}3Bq\;kg^{-1}$, and $22{\sim}47Bq\;kg^{-1}$. Radioactivity was enhanced in coal ash compared with coal due to combustion of organic matters in the coal. Radioactivity enhancement factors for $^{226}Ra$, $^{228}Ra$, and $^{40}K$ were 2.1~11.3, 2.0~13.1, and 1.4~7.4 for fly ash and 2.0~9.2, 2.0~10.0, 1.9~7.7 for bottom ash. The database established in this study can be used as basic data for internal dose assessment of workers at coal-fired power plants. In addition, the findings can be used as a basic data for development of safety standard and guide of Natural Radiation Safety Management Act.

• 대한방사선치료학회지
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.9-17
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• 2017

목 적: 방사선치료에서 CT number에 의해 나타나는 조직의 묘사 및 전자밀도는 CT(Computed Tomography)기반의 전산화치료계획 정확성을 보장하는데 중요한 역할을 한다. 하지만 체내의 금속 이식물은 CT number의 정확성을 감소시킬 뿐 아니라 조직 묘사에 대한 불확실성을 나타내기 때문에 임상에서는 metal artifact를 감소시킬 수 있는 알고리즘이 개발되었다. 이에 본 연구에서는 본원에서 사용하고 있는 GE사의 SMART MAR의 CT number 정확도를 평가하고 방사선치료에서의 유용성에 대해 평가하고자 한다. 대상 및 방법: 영상평가를 위해 CIRS ED phantom을 이용하여 6개 조직의 rod를 삽입하여 동일한 체적의 ROI를 형성 후 original 영상을 획득하고 의료용 티타늄 rod를 삽입하여 non-SMART MAR 영상과 SMART MAR영상을 획득하여 CT number와 SD값을 비교하였다. Metal artifact로 인해 CT number 변화에 따른 선량변화 확인을 위해 전산화계획시스템 Epclipse를 사용하여 CIRS ED phantom CT 영상에 PTV를 형성하여 original 영상을 획득하고 편측 티타늄 삽입, 양측 티타늄 삽입 영상을 획득하여 non-SMART MAR와 SMART MAR영상에 동일한 치료계획을 수립하여 PTV가 받는 평균처방선량, HI(Homogeneity Index), CI(Conformity Index)를 비교, 분석하였다. 흡수선량 측정은 원통형 아크릴 팬텀과 0.125 cc ionchamber, electrometer를 이용하여 선량변환상수(cCy/nC)를 계산하고 CIRS phantom을 이용하여 편측, 양측 티타늄 rod를 삽입한 영상으로 non-SMART MAR와 SMART MAR 영상을 획득하여 동일한 지점에서의 흡수선량을 측정하여 전산화치료계획상의 point dose와 비교하였다. 결 과: 영상평가 결과 CT number는 non-SMART MAR영상보다 SMART MAR 영상이 original영상에 더 유사한 값이 나왔고 SD값은 SMART MAR영상에서 더 감소되었다. 선량평가 결과 평균처방선량과 HI 및 CI 값은 SMART MAR 영상보다 non-SMART MAR 영상이 original 영상에 더 근접한 결과가 나왔지만 통계적으로 유의하지 않았다. 흡수선량 측정결과 치료계획상의 point dose와 실제 흡수선량과의 차이가 non-SMART MAR의 영상에서는 각각 2.69, 3.63 %의 차이가 있었지만 SMART MAR영상에서는 0.56, 0.68 %로 감소하였다. 결 론: 금속 이식물을 삽입한 환자의 CT 영상에 SMART MAR를 적용했을 때 CT number 정확성 상승 및 SD 감소로 영상의 질이 향상되므로 종양과 정상조직의 윤곽도 생성 및 선량계산 시 유용할 것으로 사료된다.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.52-59
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• 2013

전베타 방사능 분석법을 이용한 내부오염 스크리닝법을 검증하였고 실제 의료용 동위원소 생산시설 종사자 내부오염을 판단하는데 적용하였다. 종사자의 작업 종료 후 첫 번째로 채취된 뇨시료(spot 시료)와 24시간 동안 취합된 뇨시료(24 h 시료)를 채취하여 측정하였다. 특정 종사자의 경우를 제외하고 대부분의 측정결과는 일반인 체내 기저준위인 100 Bq $kg^{-1}$을 기준으로 22% 이내로 변동폭이 작았다. 측정결과 작업종료 후 수 시간 이내 종사자 뇨시료의 전베타 농도가 전반적으로 35% 이상 상승하는 경향이 있었다. 또한 스크리닝 결과와 작업일지를 바탕으로 작업장내부 구조상 오염을 유발하는 요인을 추정 할 수 있었으며 추가 세부 핵종별 분석법을 바탕으로 내부피폭선량을 평가해야 할 것으로 판단되었다. 한편 사업장에서 신속히 적용 가능한 내부오염평가 절차를 수립하였다.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.188-196
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• 2006

Background: Ma-huang (Ephedra sinica) has been widely used to treat respiratory disease in oriental medicine for over a hundred years. Ma-huang preparations contain approximately 1.25% ephedrine alkaloids. Recently, the ephedra alkaloids have received much press lately due to adverse effects in those using whole extracts as 'dietary supplements' for weight loss or athletic performance enhancement, and these reports are troubling given the increasing use of Ma-huang by the general public. The purpose of this report is to determine the proper dosage to minimize adverse effects and maximize the potential curative value. Objectives : The object of this study was to find an effective yet low risk dosage of Ma-huang. Methods : The study was designed as a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial. The subjects of this study were 26 adults between 20 to 40 of age who agreed to participate in this study. They were allocated through randomization into three groups. Each group took three opaque capsules three times a day. A group (N=9) took one Ma-huang capsule and two placebo capsules, B group (N=8) took two Ma-huang capsules and one placebo capsule, C group (N=9) took three Ma-huang capsules. The total trial periods was two days. To compare the adverse effects of Ma-huang according to dosage, blood pressure and pulse were checked, and other adverse effects were assessed using a morning questionnaire, patient's global assessment scale and Wong-Baker faces pain rating. Results : The following result were obtained: 1. After taking 18 g of Ma-huang per day, pulse rate had a significant increase. 2. After taking more than 6 g of Ma-huang per day, palpitation would be increased significantly. 3. After taking more than 18 g of Ma-huang per day, tiredness would be increased significantly. Conclusion: According to the results, 12 g of Ma-huang per day will minimize adverse effects and maximize the potential curative value.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제29권2호
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• pp.97-104
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• 2004

한국인 고유의 방사선 방호량을 산출하기 위한 목적으로 MIRD형 한국 성인남성 모의피폭체 'KMIRD'를 제작하였다. 모의 피폭체의 외형은 국민표준체위조사에서 제공하는 데이터를 사용하여 제작하였다. 제작된 KMIRD는 MIRDS보다 몸통 두께가 더 두껍고, 팔이 첨가되었다. 보건연구원에서 제공하는 9개 장기의 한국표준 자료와 ICRP23의 자료를 사용하여 모의피폭체의 내부 장기를 모사하였다. KMIRD의 신장은 171 cm, 체중은 63.8 kg이다. 제작된 KMIRD와 몬테칼로 입자 수송 코드인 MCNPX2.3을 이용하여 0.05와 10 MeV 사이의 7개 에너지 영역에 대해서 광자의 선량환산인자를 산출하였다. 피폭 환경은 AP, PA, LLAT, RLAT 4가지 방향에서 입사하는 평행하고 넓은 광자 방사선장으로 모사하였다. ICRP23 표준인 자료를 기초로 제작된 MIRD5 모의 피폭체를 사용하여, 비교 계산을 수행하였다. 장기별 흡수선량환산계수를 비교한 결과 30% 이상의 차이를 보이는 장기도 있었다. 유효선량 환산계수를 비교한 결과, 모든 입사 방향에서 KMIRD가 MIRD5보다 낮은 값을 보였다. 한국인과 서구인간의 체격적인 차이와, 모의피폭체간치 기하학적 구조의 차이가 선량 편차의 주요 원인이다. 모든 장기에 대한 한국 표준자료를 확보하여 개선된 한국인 MIRD형 모의 피폭체를 제작해야한다. KMIRD를 사용하여 내부피폭 선량평가를 수행할 수 있다.

• 대한한방내과학회지
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• 제42권4호
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• pp.590-604
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• 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the safety of Korean medicine treatment in patients vaccinated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/AZD1222). Methods: We investigated patients at Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital who were vaccinated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine between June 1, 2021 and June 30, 2021. The safety of Korean medicine treatment was evaluated by examining adverse events that occurred within seven days of vaccination, including liver function and kidney function testing, assessment of the severity of adverse events, and examination of causality to vaccines and Korean medicine treatment. Results: Eleven patients vaccinated with the first dose of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine were included. A total of 19 adverse events were reported: 15 systemic adverse events, three local adverse events, and one alanine aminotransferase increase. The most commonly reported systemic adverse events were fatigue (4 cases, 36.4%), headache (4 cases, 36.4%), and myalgia (4 cases, 36.4%). All adverse events were rated below moderate (grade 2) in severity. Systemic and local adverse events were evaluated as definitely related to vaccination and unlikely to be related to Korean medicine treatment, while alanine aminotransferase increase was evaluated as unlikely to be related to either the vaccine or Korean medicine treatment. Aspartate transaminase, Blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were measured within the reference range after vaccination. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the severity and frequency of adverse events in patients vaccinated with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine did not increase after Korean medicine treatment.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제84권1호
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• pp.46-54
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• 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate inhaler device handling in elderly patients. Inhaler devices with respect to misuse and error correction were also compared. Methods: Inhaler use technique was assessed using standardized checklists at the first visit and 3-month follow-up visit after retraining. The primary outcome was difference in the acceptable use ratio among inhaler devices. Secondary outcomes included differences in error correction, the most common step of misuse, and factors affecting the accuracy of inhaler use. Results: A total of 251 patients (mean age, 76.4 years) were included. The handling of 320 devices was assessed in the study. All patients had been trained before. However, only 24.7% of them used inhalers correctly. Proportions of acceptable use for Evohaler, Respimat, Turbuhaler, Ellipta, and Breezhaler/Handihaler were 38.7%, 50.0%, 61.4%, 60.8%, and 43.2%, respectively (p=0.026). At the second visit, the acceptable use ratio had increased. There were no significant differences among inhaler types (Evohaler, 63.9%; Respimat, 86.1%; Turbuhaler, 74.3%; Ellipta, 64.6%; and Breezhaler/Handihaler, 65.3% [p=0.129]). In multivariate analysis, body mass index, Turbuhaler, and Ellipta showed positive correlations with acceptable use of inhalers, whereas Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test score showed a negative correlation. Conclusion: Although new inhalers have been developed, the accuracy of inhaler use remains low. Elderly patients showed more errors when using pressurized metered-dose inhalers than using dry powder inhalers and soft-mist inhalers. However, there were no significant differences in misuse among inhaler devices after individual training. Results of this study suggests that repeat training is more important than inhaler type.

• 대한핵의학회지
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• 제29권1호
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• pp.125-132
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• 1995

The purpose of this study was to establish mononuclear cell cultures such as lymphocytes or buffy coat for the biological dosimetry of in vitro Irradiation of the radionuclide Tc-99m in order to exclude the effect of residual doses seen in the cultures of whole blood. Biological do simetry of Tc-99m on cultured mononuclear cells at doses ranging from 0.05 to 6.00 Gy, by scoring unstable chromosomal aberrations(Ydr) observed in cultured lymphocytes, were performed using peripheral venous blood of healthy normal person. The results showed that; (1) In vitro irradiation of radioisotope in separated lymphocyte or buffy coat showed trace amount of residual doses of isotope after washing. Residual doses of isotopes are increased in proportion to exposed time and irradiated dose without difference between I-131 and Tc-99m. (2) We obtained these linear-quadratic dose response equations in lymphocyte and buffy coat culture after in vitro irradiation of Tc-99m, respectively (Ydr = 0.001949 $D^2$ +0.006279D + 0.000185; Ydr= 0.002531 $D^2$-0.003274 D+0.003488). In conclusion, the linear quadratic dose-response equation from in vitro irradiation of Tc-99m with lymphocyte and buffy coat culture was thought to be useful for assessing Tc-99m induced biological effects. And mono-nuclear cell cultures seem to be the most appropriate experimental model for the assessment of biological dosimetry of internal irradiation of radionuclides.