• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.667-682
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the changes in health behavior, mental health, and nutritional status of Korean adolescents before and after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic outbreak. Methods: A total of 800 adolescents (12~18 years old) who participated in the 2019-2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were included as study subjects and divided into four groups (204 middle school boys, 172 middle school girls, 219 high school boys, and 205 high school girls). The 2019 and 2020 KNHANES data were classified into data collected before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, respectively. Results: After the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, middle school boys showed an increased tendency toward becoming overweight and obese, with significantly increased levels of diastolic blood pressure and insulin. While there was no major change in the subjective health status among adolescents, the high school boys showed a significantly decreased physical activity after COVID-19 outbreak. Moreover, the proportion of middle school students feeling a little stressed significantly increased after the COVID-19 outbreak. The rate of skipping breakfast significantly increased in middle school girls, but the rate of having lunch with companions significantly increased among all adolescents after the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the intake of milk, vegetables, fruits, seaweeds, and pulses significantly decreased, although the intake of sugars, beverages, and seasonings significantly decreased as well, during this period. These changes may lead to an increased proportion of adolescents with insufficient intake of nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, and riboflavin. Conclusion: These results highlight the impact of COVID-19 on comprehensive changes in physical and mental health status, lifestyle behavior, and nutritional status in adolescents, suggesting the need for targeted prevention and intervention for physical and mental well-being during the pandemic.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.38 no.5
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• pp.361-372
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• 2023

Organotin pesticide is used as an acaricide in agriculture and may contaminate livestock products. This study aims to develop a rapid and straightforward analytical method for detecting organotin pesticides, specifically azocyclotin, cyhexatin, and fenbutatin oxide, in various livestock products, including beef, pork, chicken, egg, and milk, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The extraction process involved the use of 1% acetic acid in a mixture of acetonitrile and ethyl acetate (1:1). This was followed by the addition of anhydrous magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄) and anhydrous sodium chloride. The extracts were subsequently purified using octadecyl (C₁₈) and primary secondary amine (PSA), after which the supernatant was evaporated. Organotin pesticide recovery ranged from 75.7 to 115.3%, with a coefficient of variation (CV) below 25.3%. The results meet the criteria range of the Codex guidelines (CODEX CAC/GL 40). The analytical method in this study will be invaluable for the analysis of organotin pesticides in livestock products.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.27-36
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• 1981

Relatively little has been done on the metabolic changes of the lung produced by the excessive alcohol ingestion to the point of the acute alcohol intoxication. In the present study, an effort was made to clarify the possible changes of the pulmonary surfactant system by the acute alcohol ingestion. The dynamic pulmonary compliance and the levels of protein and inorganic phosphorus (Pi) of both lung lavage and extract were chosen as the parameters of the pulmonary surfactant activities. The albino rats of both sexes were used, and 1.5 ml of 50% ethanol per 100 g body weight was given by oral intubation, and the experiment was performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours after the alcohol ingestion. The rat was sacrificed by cutting the carotid arteries, and blood sample for the determination of hematocrit(Hct) and the blood alcohol concentration was obtained. Both lungs were completely removed without dammage to the lung tissue, and the pulmonary compliance was measured by the changes of pressure-volume(P-V) curves by inflating or deflating the lung with air. Immediately after the P-V curves were recorded, the lung lavage was obtained by washing the lobes with 15ml of isotonic saline 3 times with a syringe. Next, total lungs were homogenized and filtered to obtain the lung extract. The protein and Pi levels were measured using the lung lavage and extract as the samples, and the lung/body weight ratio(L/B ratio) was also calculated. The results thus obtained were compared with the normal values and summarized as follows. The blood alcohol concentration reached the highest level of $0.71{\pm}0.02\;g\;%$ at 1 hr and gradually decreased until 24 hrs$(0.36{\pm}0.02\;g%)$ after the alcohol ingestion, but all the experimental groups showed significant increase comparing with the normal. The highest Hct value was obtained at 1hr$(64.86{\pm}2.45%)$ and significantly elevated value was continued throughout the experiment. The L/B ratio was significantly lowered from 3hrs until 24hrs after the alcohol ingestion but from 6 th hr on, a generally elevated value was observed with a significant value at 12 hrs and gradual recovery to the normal value at 24 hrs after the alcohol ingestion. The pulmonary compliance at inflation and deflation did not change appreciablly from the normal until 3 hrs after the alcohol ingestion but from 6 th hr on, a generally elevated value was observed with a significant value at 12 hrs and gradual recovery to the normal value at 24 hrs after the alcohol ingestion. The protein level of the lung lavage stowed a significantly increased value of $12.36{\pm}0.35\;mg/gm(3rd hr)$, $12.70{\pm}0.74\;mg/gm(12 th hr)$, and $12.65{\pm}0.88\;mg/gm(24 th hr)$, respectively, comparing with the normal value of $10.65{\pm}0.62\;mg/gm$, and the Pi level also showed a similar tendency of significant increase at 12th hr $(7.65{\pm}0.63\;{\mu}mol/gm)$ and 24 th hr$(6.70{\pm}0.36\;{\mu}mol/gm)$ comparing with the normal value of $5.32{\pm}0.20\;{\mu}mol/gm$. The protein level of the lung extract in the alcohol group was generally similar to the normal value with a slight decrease at 1st and 3 rd hr, tut the Pi level of the lung extract was generally increased in the alcohol group, and a significant increase was observed at 6 th hr$(17.77{\pm}1.54\;{\mu}mol/gm)$, 12 th hr$(13.92{\pm}0.78\;{\mu}mol/gm)$ and 24 th hr$(14.57{\pm}0.53\;{\mu}mol/gm)$ of the alcohol ingestion comparing with the normal value of $10.34{\pm}0.37\;{\mu}mol/gm$. From the above, it may be concluded that the acute alcohol intoxication produces the metabolic changes of the lungs by the increased surfactant activities and elevated pulmonary compliance.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.555-568
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• 1995

Background: It is most physiologic to measure the diffusing capacity of the lung by using oxygen, but it is so difficult to measure partial pressure of oxygen in the capillary blood of the lung that in clinical practice it is measured by using carbon monoxide, and single-breath diffusing capacity method is used most widely. However, since the process of withholding the breath for 10 seconds after inspiration to the total lung capacity is very hard to practice for patients who suffer from cough, dyspnea, etc, the intra-breath lung diffusing capacity method which requires a single exhalation of low-flow rate without such process was devised. In this study, we want to know whether or not there is any significant difference in the diffusing capacity of the lung measured by the single-breath and intra-breath methods, and if any, which factors have any influence. Methods: We chose randomly 73 persons without regarding specific disease, and after conducting 3 times the flow-volume curve test, we selected forced vital capacity(FVC), percent of predicted forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume within 1 second($FEV_1$), percent of forced expiratory volume within 1 second, the ratio of forced expiratory volume within 1 second against forced vital capacity($FEV_1$/FVC) in test which the sum of FVC and $FEV_1$ is biggest. We measured the diffusing capacity of the lung 3 times in each of the single-breath and intra-breath methods at intervals of 5 minutes, and we evaluated which factors have any influence on the difference of the diffusing capacity of the lung between two methods[the mean values(ml/min/mmHg) of difference between two diffusing capacity measured by two methods] by means of the linear regression method, and obtained the following results: Results: 1) Intra-test reproducibility in the single-breath and intra-breath methods was excellent. 2) There was in general a good correlation between the diffusing capacity of the lung measured by a single-breath method and that measured by the intra-breath method, but there was a significant difference between values measured by both methods($1.01{\pm}0.35ml/min/mmHg$, p<0.01) 3) The difference between the diffusing capacity of the lung measured by both methods was not correlated to FVC, but was correlated to $FEV_1$, percent of $FEV_1$, $FEV_1$/FVC and the gradient of methane concentration which is an indicator of distribution of ventilation, and it was found as a result of the multiple regression test, that the effect of $FEV_1$/FVC was most strong(r=-0.4725, p<0.01) 4) In a graphic view of the difference of diffusing capacity measured by single-breath and intra-breath method and $FEV_1$/FVC, it was found that the former was divided into two groups in section where $FEV_1$/FVC is 50~60%, and that there was no significant difference between two methods in the section where $FEV_1$/FVC is equal or more than 60% ($0.05{\pm}0.24ml/min/mmHg$, p>0.1), but there was significant difference in the section, less than 60%($-4.5{\pm}0.34ml/min/mmHg$, p<0.01). 5. The diffusing capacity of the lung measured by the single-breath and intra-breath method was the same in value($24.3{\pm}0.68ml/min/mmHg$) within the normal range(2%/L) of the methane gas gradient, and there was no difference depending on the measuring method, but if the methane concentration gradients exceed 2%/L, the diffusing capacity of the lung measured by single-breath method became $15.0{\pm}0.44ml/min/mmHg$, and that measured by intra-breath method, $11.9{\pm}0.51ml/min/mmHg$, and there was a significant difference between them(p<0.01). Conclusion: Therefore, in case where $FEV_1$/FVC was less than 60%, the diffusing capacity of the lung measured by intra-breath method represented significantly lower value than that by single-breath method, and it was presumed to be caused largely by a defect of ventilation-distribution, but the possibility could not be excluded that the diffusing capacity of the lung might be overestimated in the single-breath method, or the actual reduction of the diffusing capacity of the lung appeared more sensitively in the intra-breath method.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.115-118
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• 2012

Purpose: The Levey-Jennings chart controlled measurement values that deviated from the tolerance value (mean ${\pm}2SD$ or ${\pm}3SD$). On the other hand, the upgraded Westgard Multi-Rules are actively recommended as a more efficient, specialized form of hospital certification in relation to Internal Quality Control. To apply Westgard Multi-Rules in quality control, credible quality control substance and target value are required. However, as physical examinations commonly use quality control substances provided within the test kit, there are many difficulties presented in the calculation of target value in relation to frequent changes in concentration value and insufficient credibility of quality control substance. This study attempts to improve the professionalism and credibility of quality control by applying Westgard Multi-Rules and calculating credible target value by using a commercialized quality control substance. Materials and Methods : This study used Immunoassay Plus Control Level 1, 2, 3 of Company B as the quality control substance of Total T3, which is the thyroid test implemented at the relevant hospital. Target value was established as the mean value of 295 cases collected for 1 month, excluding values that deviated from ${\pm}2SD$. The hospital quality control calculation program was used to enter target value. 12s, 22s, 13s, 2 of 32s, R4s, 41s, $10\bar{x}$, 7T of Westgard Multi-Rules were applied in the Total T3 experiment, which was conducted 194 times for 20 days in August. Based on the applied rules, this study classified data into random error and systemic error for analysis. Results: Quality control substances 1, 2, and 3 were each established as 84.2 ng/$dl$, 156.7 ng/$dl$, 242.4 ng/$dl$ for target values of Total T3, with the standard deviation established as 11.22 ng/$dl$, 14.52 ng/$dl$, 14.52 ng/$dl$ respectively. According to error type analysis achieved after applying Westgard Multi-Rules based on established target values, the following results were obtained for Random error, 12s was analyzed 48 times, 13s was analyzed 13 times, R4s was analyzed 6 times, for Systemic error, 22s was analyzed 10 times, 41s was analyzed 11 times, 2 of 32s was analyzed 17 times, $10\bar{x}$ was analyzed 10 times, and 7T was not applied. For uncontrollable Random error types, the entire experimental process was rechecked and greater emphasis was placed on re-testing. For controllable Systemic error types, this study searched the cause of error, recorded the relevant cause in the action form and reported the information to the Internal Quality Control committee if necessary. Conclusions : This study applied Westgard Multi-Rules by using commercialized substance as quality control substance and establishing target values. In result, precise analysis of Random error and Systemic error was achieved through the analysis of 12s, 22s, 13s, 2 of 32s, R4s, 41s, $10\bar{x}$, 7T rules. Furthermore, ideal quality control was achieved through analysis conducted on all data presented within the range of ${\pm}3SD$. In this regard, it can be said that the quality control method formed based on the systematic application of Westgard Multi-Rules is more effective than the Levey-Jennings chart and can maximize error detection.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.172-176
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• 2010

Purpose: The patients' moves occurred at PET/CT scan will cause the decline of correctness in results by resulting in inconsistency of Attenuation Correction (AC) and effecting on quantitative evaluation. This study has evaluated the utility of reconstruction method using AC position changing method when having inconsistency of AC depending on the position change of emission scan after transmission scan in obtaining PET/CT 3D image. Materials and Methods: We created 1 mL syringe injection space up to ${\pm}2$, 6, 10 cm toward x and y axis based on central point of polystyrene ($20{\times}20110$ cm) into GE Discovery STE16 equipment. After projection of syringe with $^{18}F$-FDG 5 kBq/mL, made an emission by changing the position and obtained the image by using AC depending on the position change. Reconstruction method is an iteration reconstruction method and is applied two times of iteration and 20 of subset, and for every emission data, decay correction depending on time pass is applied. Also, after setting ROI to the position of syringe, compared %Difference (%D) at each position to radioactivity concentrations (kBq/mL) and central point. Results: Radioactivity concentrations of central point of emission scan is 2.30 kBq/mL and is indicated as 1.95, 1.82 and 1.75 kBq/mL, relatively for +x axis, as 2.07, 1.75 and 1.65 kBq/mL for -x axis, as 2.07, 1.87 and 1.90 kBq/mL for +y axis and as 2.17, 1.85 and 1.67 kBq/mL for -y axis. Also, %D is yield as 15, 20, 23% for +x axis, as 9, 23, 28% for -x axis, as 12, 21, 20% for +y axis and as 8, 22, 29% for -y axis. When using AC position changing method, it is indicated as 2.00, 1.95 and 1.80 kBq/mL, relatively for +x axis, as 2.25, 2.15 and 1.90 kBq/mL for -x axis, as 2.07, 1.90 and 1.90 kBq/mL for +y axis, and as 2.10, 2.02, and 1.72 kBq/mL for -y axis. Also, %D is yield as 13, 15, 21% for +x axis, as 2, 6, 17% for -x axis, as 9, 17, 17% for +y axis, and as 8, 12, 25% for -y axis. Conclusion: When in inconsistency of AC, radioactivity concentrations for using AC position changing method increased average of 0.14, 0.03 kBq/mL at x, y axis and %D was improved 6.1, 4.2%. Also, it is indicated that the more far from the central point and the further position from the central point under the features that spatial resolution is lowered, the higher in lowering of radioactivity concentrations. However, since in actual clinic, attenuation degree increases more, it is considered that when in inconsistency, such tolerance will be increased. Therefore, at the lesion of the part where AC is not inconsistent, the tolerance of radioactivity concentrations will be reduced by applying AC position changing method.

• Korean Journal of Weed Science
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.14-22
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• 1983

To study ecological characteristics of Cyperus serotinus occuring in Korea its propagules were collected from 6 locations from the northern part to the southern part of Korea (Chuncheon, Suweon, Iri, Jeonju, Gwangju, Milyang) in 1981, cultured and replanted 4 times (May 20, June 5, June 20, July 5) in 1982. They flowered from August 10 to August 29 in the plants planted on May 20 and from August 22 to September 4 in the plants planted on July 5. Plant height, number of tillers and top fresh weight were 85-100cm, 375-1,500 tillers/$m^2$ and 500-1,750g/$m^2$, respectively, when they were planted on May 20, and 58-67cm, 300-625 tillers/ $m^2$ and 125-250g/$m^2$, respectively, when they were planted on July S. Weight of seeds and number of rhizomes per plant were 20-50g/$m^2$ and 20.75-61, respectively, whey, they were planted on May 20, and 5-17.5g/$m^2$ and 51.5-80.25 when they were planted on July 5. Local collections showed. the same morphological characteristics at the level of species identification, but there existed variations among the local collections. Cyperus serotinus from Chuncheon and Suweon were longer in the length of inflorescence, than those from Gwangju and Milyang and rhizomes from Chuncheon and Suweon were thicker than the others. Each of local collections may be regarded as different ecotype based on the above mentioned differences in morphology, growth and flowering response to the planting date. The results appear to imply that Cyperus serotinus weeds occuring in various locations of Korea are different one another in competitive ability with rice crop.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.232-245
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• 1995

The garbage from the dwelling house was composted in two kinds of small composter in the laboratory, and the possibility of garbage composting was examined. The composters were general small. One (type 3) was constructed with the double layer walls and the other (type 4) was the same as the first except for being insulated. Because it was found that type 3 was not available for composting under our meteorological conditions through the winter experiment, only type 4 was tested in spring and summer. The experiment was performed for 8 weeks in each season. The seasonal variation of several components in the compost was evaluated and discussed. The results summarized below were those obtained at the end of the experiment, if the time was not specified. 1) The maximum temperature was $43^{\circ}C$ in winter, $55^{\circ}C$ in spring and $56^{\circ}C$ in summer. 2) The mass was reduced to an average of 63% and the volume reduction was an average of 78%. 3) The density was estimated as 1.5 kg/l in winter and 0.8 kg/l in spring and summer. 4) The water content was not much changed during the composting periods. It was 79.3% in winter, 75.0% in spring and 70.0% in summer. 5) After pH value increased during the first week, it decreased until the second week and increased again continuously thereafter. It reached pH 6.19 in winter, pH 7.59 in spring and pH 8.69 in summer. 6) The faster the organic matter was decomposed, the greater the ash content increased. The contents of cellulose and lignin increased, but that of hemicellulose decreased during the composting period. 7) Nitrogen contents were in the range of 3.3-6.8% and especially high in summer. After ammonium contents increased at the early stage of the composting period, they decreased. The maximum ammonium-nitrogen content was 2,404mg/kg after 8 weeks in winter, 12,400mg/kg after 3 weeks in spring and 20,718mg/kg after 3 weeks in summer. C/N-ratios decreased with the lapse of composting time, but they were not much changed. Nitrification occurred actively in summer. 8) The contents of volatile and higher fatty acids increased at the early stage of composting and reduced after that. The maximum content of total fatty acid was 9.7% after 6 weeks in winter, 14.8% after 6 weeks in spring and 15.8% after 2 weeks in summer. 9) The contents of inorganic components were not accumulated as composting proceeded. They were in the range of 0.9-4.4% $P_2O_5$, 1.6-2.4% $K_2O$, 2.2-5.4% CaO and 0.30-0.61% MgO. 10) CN and heavy metal contents did not show any tendency. They were in the range of 0.21-14.55mg/kg CN, 11-166mg/kg Zn, 5-65mg/kg Cu, 0.5-10.8mg/kg Cd, 6- 35mg/kg Pb, ND-33 mg/kg Cr and ND-302.04 g/kg Hg.

• Current Research on Agriculture and Life Sciences
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• v.7
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• pp.83-97
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• 1989

This study was carried out to obtain basic information necessary for aggregation and in-vitro culture of mouse embryos by treating phytohemagglutinin-p (PHA-P). The 4-, 8-cell and morula embryos were obtained from female mice of albino BALE/C, CBA and C57BL strains, those were injected 5 i.u pregenant mare serum gonadotrophin and 5 i.u human chorionic gonadotrophin to superovulation. The zona pellucidia was removed by placing the embryos in Acidic Tyrode solution containing 1.0% protease or/and 5 ug/ml PHA-P. The pairs of zona free embryos were subjected to aggregation by glassneedle in BMOC-3 containing 5 ug/ml PHA-P. The aggregation embryos were cultured in Brinster's mouse ova culture-3(BMOC-3) medium under the gas phase of 5% $CO_2$ in air $37^{\circ}C$ for 13 to 50 hours. The results obtained in this study are summarised as follows : 1. When 4-, 8-cell and morula embryos were zona-freed in acidic Tyrode solution containing 1.0% protease or/and 5 ug/ml PHA-P, and cultured in vitro to blastocysts, the 4- and 8-cell embryos showed slightly less development rates than the morula one did, and solution of 5 ug/ml PHA-P brought some higher development rate than negative control. 2. As 2, 5 or 10 ug/ml PHA-P was added to the solution to aggregate 4-, 8-cell or morula embryos, 2 ug/ml solution represented slightly lower aggregation rate than the higher levels solutions, and 4- and 8-cell embryos showed higher rates than morula one did (P<.05). 3. In respect to the development rates of aggregated embryos to morula no significant difference was found among PHA-P levels and between 4-and 8-cell embryos. With respect to those of aggregated embryos to blastocysts the different levels of PHA-P showed similar results, however, the 4- and 8-cell embryos represented higher rates than the morula one did (P<.05). 4. The mean time necessary for development of aggregated 4-, 8-cell and morula embryos to blastocysts were 38.5-40, 26-27 and 19-20hrs. Respectively in solution for aggregation. 5. The aggregation rates of embryos were 34-94%, when treated protease or/and PHA-P. Supplementation of 5 ug/ml PHA-P to the solution for aggregation showed a trend demonstrating higher aggregation rate compared to negative control, although no significance was found. However, 4- and 8-cell embryos represented significantly higher aggregation rates than the morula one did (P<.05). 6. The development rates of 4- and 8-cell embryos to morula were 52.7-84.7 and 73.8-87.2%, respectively, showing no significant difference between two cell stages. However, the aggregation rates of embryos treated with solution containing PHA-P were higher than negative control (P<.05). 7. The development rates of 4- and 8-cell and morula embryos to blastocysts were 41.7-77.7 78.7-83.0 and 0-19.2%, respectively. The rates of 4-cell embryos treated with PHA-P were significant higher than the negative control (P<.05). The 8-cell and morula embryos also showed more rates when treated PHA-P.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.100-108
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• 2004

Purpose : Early degeneration of articular cartilage is accompanied by a loss of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and the consequent change of the integrity. The purpose of this study was to biochemically quantify the loss of GAG, and to evaluate the $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$-enhanced, and T1, T2, rho relaxation map for detection of the early degeneration of cartilage. Materials and Methods : A cartilage-bone block in size of $8mm\;\times\;10mm$ was acquired from the patella in each of three pigs. Quantitative analysis of GAG of cartilage was performed at spectrophotometry by use of dimethylmethylene blue. Each of cartilage blocks was cultured in one of three different media: two different culture media (0.2 mg/ml trypsin solution, 1mM Gd $(DTPA)^{2-}$ mixed trypsin solution) and the control media (phosphate buffered saline (PBS)). The cartilage blocks were cultured for 5 hrs, during which MR images of the blocks were obtained at one hour interval (0 hr, 1 hr, 2 hr, 3 hr, 4 hr, 5 hr). And then, additional culture was done for 24 hrs and 48 hrs. Both T1-weighted image (TR/TE, 450/22 ms), and mixed-echo sequence (TR/TE, 760/21-168ms; 8 echoes) were obtained at all times using field of view 50 mm, slice thickness 2 mm, and matrix $256\times512$. The MRI data were analyzed with pixel-by-pixel comparisons. The cultured cartilage-bone blocks were microscopically observed using hematoxylin & eosin, toluidine blue, alcian blue, and trichrome stains. Results : At quantitation analysis, GAG concentration in the culture solutions was proportional to the culture durations. The T1-signal of the cartilage-bone block cultured in the $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$ mixed solution was significantly higher ($42\%$ in average, p<0.05) than that of the cartilage-bone block cultured in the trypsin solution alone. The T1, T2, rho relaxation times of cultured tissue were not significantly correlated with culture duration (p>0.05). However the focal increase in T1 relaxation time at superficial and transitional layers of cartilage was seen in $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$ mixed culture. Toluidine blue and alcian blue stains revealed multiple defects in whole thickness of the cartilage cultured in trypsin media. Conclusion : The quantitative analysis showed gradual loss of GAG proportional to the culture duration. Microimagings of cartilage with $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$-enhancement, relaxation maps were available by pixel size of $97.9\times195\;{\mu}m$. Loss of GAG over time better demonstrated with $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$-enhanced images than with T1, T2, rho relaxation maps. Therefore $Gd(DTPA)^{2-}$-enhanced T1-weighted image is superior for detection of early degeneration of cartilage.