• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.49-61
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• 2014

Purpose: With the aging of the population, the attack rate of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture is in the increasing trend, and percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is the most commonly performed standardized treatment. Although there is a research report of the excellence of usefulness of the SPECT/CT examination in terns of the exact diagnosis before and after the procedure, the bone cement material used in the procedure influences the image quality by forming an artifact in the CT image. Therefore, the objective of the research lies on evaluating the effect the bone cement gives to a SPECT/CT image. Materials and Methods: The images were acquired by inserting a model cement to each cylinder, after setting the background (3.6 kBq/mL), hot cylinder (29.6 kBq/mL) and cold cylinder (water) to the NEMA-1994 phantom. It was reconstructed with Astonish (Iterative: 4 Subset: 16), and non attenuation correction (NAC), attenuation correction (AC+SC-) and attenuation and scatter correction (AC+SC+) were used for the CT correction method. The mean count by each correction method and the count change ratio by the existence of the cement material were compared and the contrast recovery coefficient (CRC) was obtained. Additionally, the bone/soft tissue ratio (B/S ratio) was obtained after measuring the mean count of the 4 places including the soft tissue(spine erector muscle) after dividing the vertebral body into fracture region, normal region and cement by selecting the 20 patients those have performed PVP from the 107 patients diagnosed of compression fracture. Results: The mean count by the existence of a cement material showed the rate of increase of 12.4%, 6.5%, 1.5% at the hot cylinder of the phantom by NAC, AC+SC- and AC+SC+ when cement existed, 75.2%, 85.4%, 102.9% at the cold cylinder, 13.6%, 18.2%, 9.1% at the background, 33.1%, 41.4%, 63.5% at the fracture region of the clinical image, 53.1%, 61.6%, 67.7% at the normal region and 10.0%, 4.7%, 3.6% at the soft tissue. Meanwhile, a relative count reduction could be verified at the cement adjacent part at the inside of the cylinder, and the phantom image on the lesion and the count increase ratio of the clinical image showed a contrary phase. CRC implying the contrast ratio and B/S ratio was improved in the order of NAC, AC+SC-, AC+SC+, and was constant without a big change in the cold cylinder of the phantom. AC+SC- for the quantitative count, and AC+SC+ for the contrast ratio was analyzed to be the highest. Conclusion: It is considered to be useful in a clinical diagnosis if the application of AC+SC+ that improves the contrast ratio is combined, as it increases the noise count of the soft tissue and the scatter region as well along with the effect of the bone cement in contrast to the fact that the use of AC+SC- in the spine SPECT/CT examination of a PVP performed patient drastically increases the image count and enables a high density of image of the lesion(fracture).

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.17-24
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• 2013

This study estimate radiation biological danger factor by measuring patient's exposed dose and propose the low way of patient's exposed dose in panoramic radiography. We seek correcting constant of OSL dosimeter for minimize the error of exposed dose's measurement and measure the Left, Right crystalline lens, thyroid, directly included upper, lower lips, the maxillary bone and the center of photographing that indirect included in panoramic radiography by using the human body model standard phantom advised in ICRP. In result, the center of photographing's level of radiation maximum value is $413.67{\pm}6.53{\mu}Gy$ and each upper, lower lips is $217.80{\pm}2.98{\mu}Gy$, $215.33{\pm}2.61{\mu}Gy$. Also in panoramic radiography, indirect included Left, Right crystalline lens's level of radiation are $30.73{\pm}2.34{\mu}Gy$, $31.87{\pm}2.50{\mu}Gy$, and thyroid's level of measured exposed dose can cause effect of radiation biological and we need justifiable analysis about radiation defense rule and substantiation advised international organization for the low way of patient's exposed dose in panoramic radiography of dental clinic and we judge need the additional study about radiation defense organization for protect the systematize protocol's finance and around internal organs for minimize until accepted by many people that is technological, economical and social fact by using panoramic measurement.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.35 no.1 s.108
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• pp.60-68
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• 2005

The evaluation of malocclusion has to be done quantitatively and qualitatively. This will be lead toward an analysis of malocclusion severity as well as treatment difficulty. The method of proper evaluation of malocclusion severity and treatment difficulty is necessary to assess treatment effect and efficiency for the orthodontists and to establish fundamentals for planning and executing the health-related policies in private and public institutions. The purposes of this study as the first part of the objective and quantitative analysis of malocclusion were 1) to measure treatment difficulty based on the opinions of several orthodontists. and 2) to investigate the relationships between objective malocclusion severity and subjective treatment difficulty 100 pairs of dental casts that had various types and severity of malocclusion were selected from the orthodontic departments of Kyurghee University and Samsung Medical Center The objective malocclusion severity was measured with the PAR (Peer Assessment Rating) index and the subjective treatment difficulty was evaluated by 8 experienced orthodontists. The relationships between objective malocclusion severity and subjective treatment difficulty were statistically evaluated. There were significant relationships between objective malocclusion severity and subjective treatment difficulty especially in the measurements of the upper anterior alignment, the buccal occlusion. the overjet, the overbite and the midline discrepancy en the malocclusion components. The results of this study can provide the background knowledge to develop a new occlusal index. which contains both the malocclusion severity and treatment difficulty for Korean orthodontists.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.93-101
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• 2015

Purpose In SPECT image, scatter count is the cause of quantitative count error and image quality degradation. Thus, a wide range of scatter correction(SC) methods have been studied and this study is to evaluate the accuracy of CT based SC(CTSC) used in SPECT/CT as the comparison with existing energy window based SC(EWSC). Materials and Methods SPECT/CT images were obtained after filling air in order to acquire a reference image without the influence of scatter count inside the Triple line insert phantom setting hot rod(74.0 MBq) in the middle and each SPECT/CT image was obtained each separately after filling water instead of air in order to derive the influence of scatter count under the same conditions. In both conditions, Astonish(iterative : 4 subset : 16) reconstruction method and CT attenuation correction were commonly applied and three types of SC methods such as non-scatter correction(NSC), EWSC, CTSC were used in images filled with image. For EWSC, 9 sub-energy windows were set additionally in addition to main(=peak) energy window(140 keV, 20%) and then, images were acquired at the same time and five types of EWSC including DPW(dual photo-peak window)10%, DEW(dual energy window)20%, TEW(triple energy window)10%, TEW5.0%, TEW2.5% were used. Under the condition without fluctuations in primary count, total count was measured by drawing volume of interest (VOI) in the images of the two conditions and then, the ratio of scatter count of total counts was calculated as percent scatter fraction(%SF) and the count error with image filled with water was evaluated with percent normalized mean-square error(%NMSE) based on the image filled with air. Results Based on the image filled with air, %SF of images filled with water to which each SC method was applied is NSC 37.44, DPW 27.41, DEW 21.84, TEW10% 19.60, TEW5% 17.02, TEW2.5% 14.68, CTSC 5.57 and the most scattering counts were removed in CTSC and %NMSE is NSC 35.80, DPW 14.28, DEW 7.81, TEW10% 5.94, TEW5% 4.21, TEW2.5% 2.96, CTSC 0.35 and the error in CTSC was found to be the lowest. Conclusion In SPECT/CT images, the application of each scatter correction method used in the experiment could improve the quantitative count error caused by the influence of scatter count. In particular, CTSC showed the lowest %NMSE(=0.35) compared to existing EWSC methods, enabling relatively accurate scatter correction.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.39-47
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• 2014

Purpose As breast cancer patients continue to increase every year, cases of BSGI are on the rise with a heavier reliance on it. However, BSGI protocol in hospitals was not studied enough despite it was covered by hospital's condition and recommendation of manufacturers. The objective of the study was an examination of methods to be applicable to BSGI protocols, putting the self-development phantom to use in quality assessment of the images. Materials and Methods Dilon 6800 (Dilon Technologies Inc, Newport News, USA) was used in the study and five different sizes of sphere were distinctively produced in the phantom. The study used $^{99m}TcO_4$. The cases were classified in to three categories that background radioactivity to region of interest as ratio of 2: 4: 8, They were acquired images for 5, 7, 10mins. The acquired image was set region of interest according to the size of sphere, and We analyzed quantitative and qualitative analysis. The acquired data statistically analyzed with SPSS ver.18.0. Results As the result of quantitative and qualitative analysis, count rate of each sphere in accordance with difference of injection dose showed that higher count rate as injection dose and sphere size increased (P<0.005). Count rate of each sphere in accordance with difference of acquisition time showed that higher count rate as acquisition time and sphere size increased (P<0.005). Contrast noise ratio of each sphere in accordance with difference of injection dose showed that higher contrast noise ratio as injection dose increased. Particularly, Contrast noise ratio of eight times ratio images was the highest among. Contrast noise ratio of each sphere in accordance with difference of acquisition time showed that higher contrast noise ratio as acquisition time increased. And, Contrast noise ratio of seven minute image was the highest among (P<0.005). Conclusion There was significant change of Contrast noise ratio through quantitative and qualitative analysis. Moreover, We found usefulness of phantom. If Institutions identified image through the phantom study and they made BSGI protocol, We expected to help the improvement of diagnostic value of the images.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.49-56
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• 2014

Recently with CT developed, various studies for reduction of exposure dose is underway. Study of bismuth shields in these studies is actively underway, and has already been applied in the clinical. However, the application of the PET/CT examination was not activated. Therefore, through this study, depending on the application of bismuth shields in the PET/CT examination, we identify the quality of the image and the impact on the Standard Uptake Value (SUV). In this study, to apply to the shielding of the breast, by using the bismuth shields that contains 0.06 mm Pb ingredients, was applied to the PET/CT GEMINI TF 64 (Philips Healthcare, Cleveland, USA). Phantom experiments using the NEMA IEC Body Phantom, images were acquired according to the presence or absence of bismuth shields apply. Also, When applying, images were obtained by varying the spacing 0, 1, 2 cm each image set to the interest range in the depth of the phantom by using EBW-NM ver.1.0. When image of the PET Emission acquires, the SUV was in increased depending on the use of bismuth shields, difference in the depth to the surface from deep in the phantom increasingly SUV increased (P<0.005). Also, when using shields, as the more gab decreased, SUV is more increased (P<0.005). Through this study, PET/CT examination by using of bismuth shields which is used as purpose of reduction dose. When using shields, the difference of SUV resulting from the application of bismuth shields exist and that difference when gab is decrease and surface is wider. Therefore, setting spacing of shield should be considered, if considering the reduction of the variation of SUV and image quality, disease of deep organs should be a priority rather than superficial organ disease. Use of bismuth shielding factor considering the standard clinical examination, decrease unnecessary exposure can be expected to be considered.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.245-254
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• 2002

Objective : To test if the intake of $H_2$ receptor antagonists ($H_2$-RAs) increases the risk of gastric cancer in the elderly. Methods : The source population for this study was drawn from the responders to a questionnaire survey administered to the Korea Elderly Pharmacoepidemiological Cohort (KEPEC), who were beneficiaries of the Korean Medical Insurance Corporation, were at least 65 years old, and residing in Busan in 1999. The information on $H_2$-RAs exposure was obtained from a drug prescription database compiled between inn. 1993 and Dec. 1994. The cases consisted of 76 gastric cancer patients, as confirmed from the KMIC claims data, the National Cancer Registry and the Busan Cancer Registry. The follow-up period was from Jan. 1993 to Dec. 1998. Cancer free controls were randomly selected by 1:4 individual matching, which took in to consideration the year of birth and gender. Information on confounders was collected by a mail questionnaire survey. The odds ratios, and their 95% confidence intervals, were calculated using a conditional logistic regression model. Results : After adjusting for a history of gastric ulcer symptoms, medication history, and body mass index, the adjusted OR (aOR) was 4.6 (95% CI=1.72-12.49). The odds ratio of long term use (more than 7 days) was 2.3 (95% CI=1.07-4.82). The odds ratio of short term use was 4.6 (95% CI=1.26-16.50). The odds ratio of parenteral use was 4.4 195% CI=1.16-17.05) and combination use between the oral and parenteral routes (aOR, 16.8; 95% CI=1.21-233.24) had the high risk of gastric cancer. The aOR of cimetidine was 1.7 (95% CI=1.04-2.95). The aOR of ranitidine was 2.0 (95% CI=1.21-3.40). The aOR of famotidine was 1.7 (95% CI=0.98-2.80). Conclusion : The intake of $H_2$-RAs might increase the risk of gastric cancer through achlorhydria in the elderly.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.115-121
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• 2014

Purpose: In addition to improving the quality of the PET image, through much research, the development of various programs are performed. Astonish TF reconstruction techniques by Philips can confirm the improved contrast of the lesion. Also, It's image reconstruction of 2 mm is possible with rapid reconstruction rate than conventional. In this study, we compared and evaluated Standardized Uptake Value (SUV) in accordance with the 2 mm reconstruction techniques and traditional 4 mm from the $^{18}F-FDG$ PET whole body image. Materials and Methods: In the phantom experiment, NEMA IEC body phantom (sphere: 10, 13, 17, 22, 28, 37 mm) was used to obtain images by using GEMINI TF 64 PET/CT (Philips, Cleveland, USA). Also, In the clinical images, we performed $^{18}F-FDG$ PET/CT examination to 30 women (age: $55.1{\pm}11.3$, BMI: $24.1{\pm}2.9$) with a diagnosis of breast cancer. After that, we reconstructed images in 2 mm and 4 mm respectively. The region of interest was drawn to acquired images. Since then, we measured SUV and statistically analyzed with SPSS ver.18 by using EBW (Extended Brilliance Workstation) NM ver.1.0. Results: After analyzing the result of the phantom study, there was a tendency that the bigger hot sphere size, the higher SUV. If you compared the 2 mm reconstruction techniques to 4 mm, it increased 95.78% in 10 mm, 50.60% in 13 mm, 25.00% in 17 mm, 30.04% in 22 mm, 31.81% in 28 mm, and 27.84% in 37 mm. Through the result of the analysis of the 2 mm reconstruction techniques and 4 mm in clinical images, it appeared that SUV of 2 mm was higher than that of 4 mm. Also the smaller the volume was, the more the change rate increased. Conclusion: After analyzing the result of the clinical picture and phantom experiments applied by Astonish TF reconstruction techniques, as the size of the volume was small, the change rate of the SUV increased. Therefore, it was necessary to further research about the SUV correction for accurate and active utilization of 2 mm reconstruction techniques which had excellent lesion discrimination ability and contrast in clinic.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.159-168
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• 2005

This experiment was carried out during the period from May to October 1998 to determine the effect of fermented sawdust swine manure application (SSM) on the herbage production of Japanese millet and soil properties in the Cheju brown volcanic ash soil. The randomized block design (T1 : basic chemical fertilizer, N 200 kg/ha + $P_2O_5\;300 kg/ha+K_2O$ 200kg/ha ; T2 : 1/2 basic chemical fertilizer, N $100+P_2O_5\;150+K_2O$ 100kg/ha; T3 : 1/2 basic SSM, N 100kg/ha, T4:basic SSM, N 200kg/ha; T5:2 times basic SSM, N 400 kg/ha ; T6:4 times basic SSM, N 800 kg/ha) was used. At the same application level of nitrogen 200kg/ha, the application of $100\%$ chemical fertilizer (T1) had significantly lower dry matter yield than that of $50\%$ chemical fertilizer and $50\%$ SSM (T2) or $100\%$ SSM (T4)(p<0.01). Dry matter yield increased with an increase of SSM application to N 400kg/ha level but decreased at N 800 kg/ha level. P, K and Ca contents of Japanese millet tended towards to decrease with an increase of SSM level. The application of chemical fertilizer lowered P and K content of Japanese millet in comparison with that of SSM (p<0.05). pH, available phosphorus. exchangeable potassium, Ca and Mg content of soil studied showed a significant increase with an increase of SSM application level (p<0.05). However, at the same application level of N 200kg/ha, there was statistically no significant difference between chemical fertilizer and SSM in those contents of soil after experiment. The bacterial number of soil among microbial population increased with an increase of SSM level, in June, 1998 (p<0.05), but there was no regular tendency, in October. The rate of bacteria to fungus in soil had a tendency to decrease with an increase of SSM level. In conclusion, it is recommended to use N 400kg/ha of SSM or N 100 kg/ha of chemical fertilizer+N 100 kg/ha of SSM for Japanese millet.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.63 no.5
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• pp.405-411
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• 2007

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical applicability of the repeatability criteria recommended by the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society (ATS/ERS) spirometry guidelines and to determine which factors affect the repeatability of spirometry in Korean adults. Methods: We reviewed the spirometry data of 4,663 Korean adults from the Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES) Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Cohort (COPD cohort) and the Community-based Cohort Study VI-Fishing village/Islands (community cohort). We measured the anthropometric factors and differences between the highest and second-highest FVC (dFVC) and $FEV_1$ ($dFEV_1$) from prebronchodilator spirometry. Analyses included the distribution of dFVC and $dFEV_1$, comparison of the values meeting the 1994 ATS repeatability criteria with the values meeting the 2005 ATS/ERS repeatability criteria, and the performance of linear regression for evaluating the influence of subject characteristics and the change of criteria on the spiro-metric variability. Results: About 95% of subjects were able to reproduce FVC and $FEV_1$ within 150 ml. The KNHANES based on the 1994 ATS guidelines showed poorer repeatability than the COPD cohort and community cohort based on the 2005 ATS/ERS guidelines. Demographic and anthropometric factors had little effect on repeatability, explaining only 0.5 to 3%. Conclusion: We conclude that the new spirometry repeatability criteria recommended by the 2005 ATS/ERS guidelines is also applicable to Korean adults. The repeatability of spirometry depends little on individual characteristics when an experienced technician performs testing. Therefore, we suggest that sustained efforts for public awareness of new repeatability criteria, quality control of spirograms, and education of personnel are needed for reliable spirometric results.