• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.476-486
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• 2023

Purpose: The optimal tumor mutational burden (TMB) value for predicting treatment response to programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) checkpoint inhibitors in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the optimal TMB cutoff value that could predict the efficacy of PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors in AGC. Materials and Methods: Patients with AGC who received pembrolizumab or nivolumab between October 1, 2020, and July 27, 2021, at Samsung Medical Center in Korea were retrospectively analyzed. The TMB levels were measured using a next-generation sequencing assay. Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the TMB cutoff value was determined. Results: A total 53 patients were analyzed. The TMB cutoff value for predicting the overall response rate (ORR) to PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors was defined as 13.31 mutations per megabase (mt/Mb) with 56% sensitivity and 95% specificity. Based on this definition, 7 (13.2%) patients were TMB-high (TMB-H). The ORR differed between the TMB-low (TMB-L) and TMB-H (8.7% vs. 71.4%, P=0.001). The progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) for 53 patients were 1.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.600-2.268) and 4.26 months (95% CI, 2.992-5.532). The median OS was longer in the TMB-H (20.8 months; 95% CI, 2.292-39.281) than in the TMB-L (3.31 months; 95% CI, 1.604-5.019; P=0.049). Conclusions: The TMB cutoff value for predicting treatment response in AGC patients who received PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor monotherapy as salvage treatment was 13.31 mt/Mb. When applying the programmed death ligand-1 status to TMB-H, patients who would benefit from PD-1 checkpoint inhibitors can be selected.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.316-325
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• 2008

An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrument equipped with flow injection-hydride generation system was used for the determination of trace arsenic in seawater sample. The accuracy in this method was verified by the analysis of certified reference materials (CRM) of seawater (CASS-4, NASS-5). The analytical results agreed with certified value within the range of uncertainty. The expanded uncertainties for CASS-4 and NASS-5 in this experiment were ranged from 6.2% to 6.8% obtained from repeated analyses of the CRMs (n=5). The detection limit of $As^+$ (m/z=74.9216) in this method was confirmed about 0.01 ug/kg. Linearity obtained from calibration curve of arsenic was excellent ($R^2=1$). The detection at $As^+$ (m/z=74.9216) and $AsO^+$ (m/z=90.9165) by using oxygen reaction gas in DRC mode was compared. Sensitivity at $AsO^+$ (m/z=90.9165) was decreased about 25-fold, but the analytical results are the same that at $As^+$ (m/z=74.9216).

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.535-542
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• 2008

A liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS/MS) method was developed for the determination and confirmation of clenbuterol in bovine muscle and milk. Clenbuterol and clenbuterol-D9 using as an internal standard in samples were extracted with ethyl acetate after hydrolysis and evaporated to dryness. The extracts were dissolved in 20% methanol and cleaned using HLB solid-phase extraction cartridge. The analytes were detected by LC-ESI/MS/MS on a $C_{18}$ column. Mass spectral acquisition was done in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) in positive ion mode to provide a high degree of sensitivity. Using MS/MS with SRM mode, the transitions (precursor to product) monitored were m/z 277${\rightarrow}$203 for clenbuterol, and m/z 286${\rightarrow}$204 for internal standard. The limits of quantitation (LOQ) and mean recoveries of clenbuterol in bovine muscle were $0.2{\mu}g/kg$ and 84.3~91.1%, respectively. The LOQ and mean recoveries in milk were $0.05{\mu}g/kg$ and 87.7~98.3%, respectively.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.258-267
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects that body composition, nutrient intake, and biochemical indices have on skin status, as well as their associations with skin health status, by assessing 44 female university students. The subjects were classified into 3 groups according to skin sensitivity: sensitive skin (n=11), slightly sensitive skin (n=24), and normal skin (n=9). The study included anthropometric measurements and body composition analyses, dietary intake evaluations, blood chemical analyses, and skin health status assessments. Based on % body fat, the results indicated the subjects were moderately obese (29.6%). Obesity indices were not different among the groups, but the sensitive skin group tended to have higher skinfold thickness. Dry skin was determined as the skin type of all subjects. In the sensitive skin groups, U-zone and T-zone sebum were significantly lower (p<0.05), and spots were significantly higher (p<0.05) than in the normal skin group. In terms of nutrient intakes, the sensitive skin groups consumed significantly lower amounts of P and vitamins A and E (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in serum lipid fractions or total antioxidant status among the groups. In correlation coefficients analysis, skin elasticity had significant negative correlations with subscapular and midaxillary skinfold thickness, body protein, and body minerals (p<0.05). Wrinkling had positive correlations with triceps and thigh skinfold thickness (p<0.05). Skin evenness had negative correlations with energy intake, vitamins A, $B_1,\;B_2$, C, E, niacin, and zinc (p<0.05), as well as folate and P (p<0.01) and vitamin $B_6$ (p<0.001). A similar correlation tendency was observed for spots and nutrient intake, showing negative correlations with vitamins A, $B_6$, and E, as well as folate, Fe, and P. U-zone sebum showed significant positive correlations with serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. From these findings, skin health status appears to be affected by both nutrient intake and body composition. Therefore, having a proper balance between dietary intake and body composition may influence skin health status in females with sensitive skin.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.203-210
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between sensory processing feature, leisure participation type, perception of occupational participation, and quality of life (QoL) for life care in university students. The survey was conducted from February 2019 to March for 169 university students. The author used the Adolescent / Adult Sensory Profiles (AASP) for sensory processing, and used the leisure activity questionnaire to find out the type of leisure participation, and used the Occupational Self Assessment (OSA) for perception of occupational participation, and the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) for QoL. Pearson correlation analysis was used for the relationship between sensory processing feature, leisure participation type, perception of occupational participation, and QoL. Among the sensory processing feature, there was a positive correlation between low registration and sports. And there was a positive correlation between sensory seeking and sports, social activities, tourism. There was a negative correlation between perception of occupational participation and low registration, sensory sensitivity, sensory avoiding. Hobbies, appreciativeness and social activities showed a significant positive correlation with perception of occupational participation. And also there was a positive correlation between perception of occupational participation and QoL (p <.05, p <.01). Sensory processing feature correlated with leisure participation type, occupational participation perception, and QoL. Future research should develop evaluation tool for leisure activities, occupational participation and QoL based on sensory processing.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.208-217
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• 2022

We wanted to develop a real-time PCR assay capable of detecting Liobagrus obesus in environmental DNA (eDNA) extracted from freshwater samples using a pair of species-specific primers and probe for the endangered fish, L. obesus. The species-specific primers and probe were designed in consideration of single nucleotide polymorphisms between 65 species of freshwater fish living in the Republic of Korea within the cytochrome b (cytb) gene of mitochondrial DNA. The species-specific primers and probe, in the real-time PCR assay, showed high specificity as only the L. obesus genomic DNA (gDNA) was found to be positive in the specificity verification using 65 species gDNA of freshwater fish in the Republic of Korea. In addition, in the detection limit analysis using the serial dilution concentrations of L. obesus gDNA, it was found that it was possible to detect up to 0.2 pg, showing high sensitivity. Afterwards, using the species-specific primers and probe, real-time PCR assay was performed on freshwater samples obtained from 8 stations in the mid-upper basin of Geum River. As a result, the cytb gene of L. obesus was detected in total 5 stations including all 3 stations where this species was collected at the time of field survey. Therefore, the species-specific primers and probe developed in present study, and the real-time PCR assay using them, can accurately detect the cytb gene of L. obesus from eDNA samples, which can be utilized to monitor the existing habitats of this species and to discover potential new habitats.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.801-808
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• 2023

In order to minimize radiation exposure and secure diagnostic value images during CT examination of the head of children, the usefulness of volume axial mode is evaluated through comparison and analysis of exposure dose and images of volume axial mode, high pitch mode, and helical mode. Image evaluation and dose evaluation were performed in CT high pitch mode, helical mode, and volume axial mode for infants under the age of 1 according to the voltages of 70, 80, and 100 kVp tubes. The image evaluation was conducted by comparing image quality by setting ROI for each image, calculating SNR and CNR, using ONE-WAY (ANOVA) to evaluated statistical significance, and cross-examining the dose evaluation using DLP values displayed in the Dose Report. When inspected using volume axial mode, DLP values were generally low, and SNR and CNR values differed by ROI and kVp. When volume axial mode evaluated the quality of the image compared to other scan modes, the difference is not uniform. For the reason, certain modes are not considered excellent, but the exposure dose was reduced the most in terms of dose. In addition, the point that the volume axial mode can be examined at its original location, short scanning time and needless of table movement is useful for CT tests for children under 1 year of age with high radiation sensitivity.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.6
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• pp.681-689
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• 2023

Objective : Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a condition characterized by bleeding in the subarachnoid space, often resulting from the rupture of a cerebral aneurysm. Delayed cerebral ischemia caused by vasospasm is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in SAH patients, and inflammatory markers such as systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI), systemic inflammatory index (SII), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and derived NLR (dNLR) have shown potential in predicting clinical vasospasm and outcomes in SAH patients. This article aims to investigate the relationship between inflammatory markers and cerebral vasospasm after aneurysmatic SAH (aSAH) and evaluate the predictive value of various indices, including SIRI, SII, NLR, and dNLR, in predicting clinical vasospasm. Methods : A retrospective analysis was performed on a cohort of 96 patients who met the inclusion criteria out of a total of 139 patients admitted Trakya University Hospital with a confirmed diagnosis of aSAH between January 2013 and December 2021. Diagnostic procedures, neurological examinations, and laboratory tests were performed to assess the patients' condition. The Student's t-test compared age variables, while the chi-square test compared categorical variables between the non-vasospasm (NVS) and vasospasm (VS) groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of laboratory parameters, calculating the area under the ROC curve, cut-off values, sensitivity, and specificity. A significance level of p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results : The study included 96 patients divided into two groups : NVS and VS. Various laboratory parameters, such as NLR, SII, and dNLR, were measured daily for 15 days, and statistically significant differences were found in NLR on 7 days, with specific cut-off values identified for each day. SII showed a significant difference on day 9, while dNLR had significant differences on days 2, 4, and 9. Graphs depicting the values of these markers for each day are provided. Conclusion : Neuroinflammatory biomarkers, when used alongside radiology and scoring scales, can aid in predicting prognosis, determining severity and treatment decisions for aSAH, and further studies with larger patient groups are needed to gain more insights.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.450-456
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• 2023

Background: This study aims to develop a "Predictive Model for the Possibility of Collection Delinquent Health Insurance Contributions" for the National Health Insurance Service to enhance administrative efficiency in protecting and collecting contributions from livelihood-type defaulters. Additionally, it aims to establish customized collection management strategies based on individuals' ability to pay health insurance contributions. Methods: Firstly, to develop the "Predictive Model for the Possibility of Collection Delinquent Health Insurance Contributions," a series of processes including (1) analysis of defaulter characteristics, (2) model estimation and performance evaluation, and (3) model derivation will be conducted. Secondly, using the predictions from the model, individuals will be categorized into four types based on their payment ability and livelihood status, and collection strategies will be provided for each type. Results: Firstly, the regression equation of the prediction model is as follows: phat = exp (0.4729 + 0.0392 × gender + 0.00894 × age + 0.000563 × total income - 0.2849 × low-income type enrollee - 0.2271 × delinquency frequency + 0.9714 × delinquency action + 0.0851 × reduction) / [1 + exp (0.4729 + 0.0392 × gender + 0.00894 × age + 0.000563 × total income - 0.2849 × low-income type enrollee - 0.2271 × delinquency frequency + 0.9714 × delinquency action + 0.0851 × reduction)]. The prediction performance is an accuracy of 86.0%, sensitivity of 87.0%, and specificity of 84.8%. Secondly, individuals were categorized into four types based on livelihood status and payment ability. Particularly, the "support needed group," which comprises those with low payment ability and low-income type enrollee, suggests enhancing contribution relief and support policies. On the other hand, the "high-risk group," which comprises those without livelihood type and low payment ability, suggests implementing stricter default handling to improve collection rates. Conclusion: Upon examining the regression equation of the prediction model, it is evident that individuals with lower income levels and a history of past defaults have a lower probability of payment. This implies that defaults occur among those without the ability to bear the burden of health insurance contributions, leading to long-term defaults. Social insurance operates on the principles of mandatory participation and burden based on the ability to pay. Therefore, it is necessary to develop policies that consider individuals' ability to pay, such as transitioning livelihood-type defaulters to medical assistance or reducing insurance contribution burdens.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.959-969
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• 2021

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the role of preoperative two-dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE) in assessing the stages of liver fibrosis in patients with suspected biliary atresia (BA) and compared its diagnostic performance with those of serum fibrosis biomarkers. Materials and Methods: This study was approved by the ethical committee, and written informed parental consent was obtained. Two hundred and sixteen patients were prospectively enrolled between January 2012 and October 2018. The 2D SWE measurements of 69 patients have been previously reported. 2D SWE measurements, serum fibrosis biomarkers, including fibrotic markers and biochemical test results, and liver histology parameters were obtained. 2D SWE values, serum biomarkers including, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRi), and other serum fibrotic markers were correlated with the stages of liver fibrosis by METAVIR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the ROC (AUROC) curve analyses were used. Results: The correlation coefficient of 2D SWE value in correlation with the stages of liver fibrosis was 0.789 (p < 0.001). The cut-off values of 2D SWE were calculated as 9.1 kPa for F1, 11.6 kPa for F2, 13.0 kPa for F3, and 15.7 kPa for F4. The AUROCs of 2D SWE in the determination of the stages of liver fibrosis ranged from 0.869 to 0.941. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of 2D SWE in the diagnosis of ≥ F3 was 93.4% and 96.0%, respectively. The diagnostic performance of 2D SWE was superior to that of APRi and other serum fibrotic markers in predicting severe fibrosis and cirrhosis (all p < 0.005) and other serum biomarkers. Multivariate analysis showed that the 2D SWE value was the only statistically significant parameter for predicting liver fibrosis. Conclusion: 2D SWE is a more effective non-invasive tool for predicting the stage of liver fibrosis in patients with suspected BA, compared with serum fibrosis biomarkers.