• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.237-246
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• 2004

Purpose: To investigate the effects of radiation dose-escalation on the treatment outcome, complications and the other prognostic variables for glioblastoma patients treated with 3D-conformal radiotherapy (3D-CRT). Materials and Methods: Between Jan 1997 and July 2002, a total of 75 patients with histologically proven diagnosis of glioblastoma were analyzed. The patients who had a Karnofsky Performance Score (KPS) of 60 or higher, and received at least 50 Gy of radiation to the tumor bed were eligible. All the patients were divided into two arms; Arm 1, the high-dose group was enrolled prospectively, and Arm 2, the low-dose group served as a retrospective control. Arm 1 patients received $63\~70$ Gy (Median 66 Gy, fraction size $1.8\~2$ Gy) with 3D-conformal radiotherapy, and Arm 2 received 59.4 Gy or less (Median 59.4 Gy, fraction size 1.8 Gy) with 2D-conventional radiotherapy. The Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) was defined by the surgical margin and the residual gross tumor on a contrast enhanced MRI. Surrounding edema was not included in the Clinical Target Volume (CTV) in Arm 1, so as to reduce the risk of late radiation associated complications; whereas as in Arm 2 it was included. The overall survival and progression free survival times were calculated from the date of surgery using the Kaplan-Meier method. The time to progression was measured with serial neurologic examinations and MRI or CT scans after RT completion. Acute and late toxicities were evaluated using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group neurotoxicity scores. Results: During the relatively short follow up period of 14 months, the median overall survival and progression free survival times were $15{\pm}1.65$ and $11{\pm}0.95$ months, respectively. The was a significantly longer survival time for the Arm 1 patients compared to those in Arm 2 (p=0.028). For Arm 1 patients, the median survival and progression free survival times were $21{\pm}5.03$ and $12{\pm}1.59$ months, respectively, while for Arm 2 patients they were $14{\pm}0.94$ and $10{\pm}1.63$ months, respectively. Especially in terms of the 2-year survival rate, the high-dose group showed a much better survival time than the low-dose group; $44.7\%$ versus $19.2\%$. Upon univariate analyses, age, performance status, location of tumor, extent of surgery, tumor volume and radiation dose group were significant factors for survival. Multivariate analyses confirmed that the impact of radiation dose on survival was independent of age, performance status, extent of surgery and target volume. During the follow-up period, complications related directly with radiation, such as radionecrosis, has not been identified. Conclusion: Using 3D-conformal radiotherapy, which is able to reduce the radiation dose to normal tissues compared to 2D-conventional treatment, up to 70 Gy of radiation could be delivered to the GTV without significant toxicity. As an approach to intensify local treatment, the radiation dose escalation through 3D-CRT can be expected to increase the overall and progression free survival times for patients with glioblastomas.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.503-508
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• 2019

In short a binary value according to a change in the tube voltage by using one of VOLUME AXIAL MODE of scanning techniques of chest CT image quality evaluation in order to obtain high image and to present the appropriate tube voltage. CT instruments were GE Revolution (GE Healthcare, Wisconsin USA) model and Phantom used Pediatric Whole Body Phantom PBU-70. The test method was examined in Volume Axial mode using the pediatric protocol used in the Y university hospital of mass-produced material. The tube voltage was set to 70kvp, 80kvp, 100kvp, and mAs was set to smart mA-ODM. The mean SNR difference of the heart was $-4.53{\pm}0.26$ at 70 kvp, $-3.34{\pm}0.18$ at 80 kvp, $-1.87{\pm}0.15$ at 100 kvp, and SNR at 70 kvp was about -2.66 higher than 100 kvp and statistically significant (p<0.05) In the Lung SNR mean difference analysis, $-78.20{\pm}4.16$ at 70 kvp, $-79.10{\pm}4.39$ at 80 kvp, $-77.43{\pm}4.72$ at 100 kvp, and SNR at 70 kvp at about -0.77 higher than 100 kvp were statistically significant. (p<0.05). Lung CNR mean difference was $73.67{\pm}3.95$ at 70 kvp, $75.76{\pm}4.25$ at 80 kvp, $75.57{\pm}4.62$ at 100 kvp and 20.9 CNR at 80 kvp higher than 70 kvp and statistically significant (p<0.05) At 100 kvp of tube voltage, the SNR was close to 1 while maintaining the quality of the heart image when 70 kvp and 80 kvp were compared. However, there is no difference in SNR between 70 kvp and 80 kvp, and 70 kvp can be used to reduce the radiation dose. On the other and, CNR showed an approximate value of 1 at 70 kvp. There is no difference between 80 kvp and 100 kvp. Therefore, 80 kvp can reduce the radiation dose by pediatric chest CT. In addition, it is possible to perform a scan with a short scan time of 0.3 seconds in the volume axial mode test, which is useful for pediatric patients who need to move or relax.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.32-36
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• 2016

Purpose In nuclear medicine examination, $^{131}I$ is widely used in nuclear medicine examination such as diagnosis, treatment, and others of thyroid cancer and other diseases. $^{131}I$ conducts examination and treatment through emission of ${\gamma}$ ray and ${\beta}^-$ ray. Since $^{131}I$ (364 keV) contains more energy compared to $^{99m}Tc$ (140 keV) although it displays high integrated rate and enables quick discharge through kidney, the objective of this study lies in comparing the difference in exposure dose of $^{131}I$ before and after wearing apron when handling $^{131}I$ with focus on 3 elements of external exposure protection that are distance, time, and shield in order to reduce the exposure to technicians in comparison with $^{99m}Tc$ during the handling and administration process. When wearing apron (in general, Pb 0.5 mm), $^{99m}Tc$ presents shield of over 90% but shielding effect of $^{131}I$ is relatively low as it is of high energy and there may be even more exposure due to influence of scattered ray (secondary) and bremsstrahlung in case of high dose. However, there is no special report or guideline for low dose (74 MBq) high energy thus quantitative analysis on exposure dose of technicians will be conducted based on apron wearing during the handling of $^{131}I$. Materials and Methods With patients who visited Department of Nuclear Medicine of our hospital for low dose $^{131}I$ administration for thyroid cancer and diagnosis for 7 months from Jun 2014 to Dec 2014 as its subject, total 6 pieces of TLD was attached to interior and exterior of apron placed on thyroid, chest, and testicle from preparation to administration. Then, radiation exposure dose from $^{131}I$ examination to administration was measured. Total procedure time was set as within 5 min per person including 3 min of explanation, 1 min of distribution, and 1 min of administration. In regards to TLD location selection, chest at which exposure dose is generally measured and thyroid and testicle with high sensitivity were selected. For preparation, 74 MBq of $^{131}I$ shall be distributed with the use of $2m{\ell}$ syringe and then it shall be distributed after making it into dose of $2m{\ell}$ though dilution with normal saline. When distributing $^{131}I$ and administering it to the patient, $100m{\ell}$ of water shall be put into a cup, distributed $^{131}I$ shall be diluted, and then oral administration to patients shall be conducted with the distance of 1m from the patient. The process of withdrawing $2m{\ell}$ syringe and cup used for oral administration was conducted while wearing apron and TLD. Apron and TLD were stored at storage room without influence of radiation exposure and the exposure dose was measured with request to Seoul Radiology Services. Results With the result of monthly accumulated exposure dose of TLD worn inside and outside of apron placed on thyroid, chest, and testicle during low dose $^{131}I$ examination during the research period divided by number of people, statistics processing was conducted with Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test using SPSS Version. 12.0K. As a result, it was revealed that there was no significant difference since all of thyroid (p = 0.345), chest (p = 0.686), and testicle (p = 0.715) were presented to be p > 0.05. Also, when converting the change in total exposure dose during research period into percentage, it was revealed to be -23.5%, -8.3%, and 19.0% for thyroid, chest, and testicle respectively. Conclusion As a result of conducting Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, it was revealed that there is no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Also, in case of calculating shielding rate with accumulate exposure dose during 7 months, it was revealed that there is irregular change in exposure dose for inside and outside of apron. Although the degree of change seems to be high when it is expressed in percentage, it cannot be considered a big change since the unit of accumulated exposure dose is in decimal points. Therefore, regardless of wearing apron during high energy low dose $^{131}I$ administration, placing certain distance and terminating the administration as soon as possible would be of great assistance in reducing the exposure dose. Although this study restricted $^{131}I$ administration time to be within 5 min per person and distance for oral administration to be 1m, there was a shortcoming to acquire accurate result as there was insufficient number of N for statistics and it could be processed only through non-parametric method. Also, exposure dose per person during lose dose $^{131}I$ administration was measured with accumulated exposure dose using TLD rather than through direct-reading exposure dose thus more accurate result could be acquired when measurement is conducted using electronic dosimeter and pocket dosimeter.

• Journal of the Korean Arthroscopy Society
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.24-30
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• 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of arthroscopic posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) augmentation using an autogenous hamstring tendon graft and the posterior-posterior triangulation technique with preservation of ligament remnant or elongated ligament. Materials and Methods: From January 2002 to December 2009, we performed PCL augmentation using an autogenous hamstring tendon graft and the posterior-posterior triangulation technique in 32 patients. The mean age was 35.2 years. Twenty two cases were male and 10 cases were female. Average follow-up period was 5 years and 5 months (range: 2-7.9). Subjective and objective parameters were utilized in analyses, such as the mean range of motion, post. drawer test, Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, International Knee Documentation Cominittee (IKDC) grade, and second look arthroscopic examination. Results: At last follow up posterior displacement by the Telos stress test decreased from $10.8{\pm}5.1\;mm$ to $2.8{\pm}3.7\;mm$ (p<0.05). The final Lysholm knee score improved from $60.4{\pm}5.8$ to $84.6{\pm}4.8$. Tegner activity score improved from 3.2 to 4.8. The final IKDC grade was A in 18, B in 11, C in 3. Postoperative Lysholm knee score, IKDC grades, Tegner activity scale, and posterior displacement demonstrated statistically significant improvement compared to the preoperative state (p<0.05). Conclusion: Arthroscopic PCL reconstruction using an autogenous hamstring tendon with preservation of ligament remnant showed a good clinical results and posterior stability.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2007

Purpose : To determine the diagnostic accuracy of four different sequences : moderately T2 weighted, two heavily T2-weighted single shot turbo spin-echo sequence and breath-hold axial-2D balanced turbo field-echo sequence(bFFE) for characterization of focal lesions. Materials and Methods : During the 3-month period between June and August 2005, seventy-six patients were proved to have ninety-three focal hepatic lesions on MR imaging. The patients consisted of 49 men and 27 women (age range, 15-75 years; mean age, 56.23 years). All MR images were acquired on a 1.5-T MR using the following sequences: 1. A breath-hold axial T2-weighted single shot turbo spin-echo sequence, 2. a breath-hold axial-2D balanced turbo field-echo sequence. Two radiologists performed quantitative analysis. Another radiologist measured the lesion-to-liver contrast-to-noise ratio at the region-of-interest in the four sequences. Results : There was no significant difference in inter-observer variability between the four sequences. The accuracy for both cyst and malignancy of moderate T2 weighted MRI (echo time: 80 msec) was also highest. There was significant difference for lesion characterization between moderate T2 weighted MRI and balanced steady state procession (p-value: 0.004) in the second reader. For longer echo time, the CNR of cystic lesions were markedly increased in comparison to lesions of other component. Conclusion : The accuracy and inter-observer variability of single shot turbo spin echo T2 weighted sequence was higher than bFFE. Although there was no statically significant difference, moderate T2 weighted MRI (echo time: 80 msec) was more accurate than heavily T2 weighted sequence (echo time: 300 msec). If the results for lesion characterization is equivocal in TE 80, the addition of heavily T2 weighted MRI (echo time: 180 msec) can be helpful.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.481-487
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• 2011

The purpose of this study was to examine the perception of health-related majors in their third year of college about the image of a dental hygienist as prospective dental personnels. The findings of the study were as follows: 1. Concerning perception of the image of a dental hygienist by geographic region, the college students from large cities gave 89.07 to that, and the college students from small and mid-sized urban areas gave 85.03. The former gave higher marks to the image of a dental hygienist, and the gap between the two was statistically significant. By department, the students who majored in physical therapy gave the highest score of 88.93, dental technology and radiology gave the second highest score of 86.91. The clinical pathology gave the third highest score of 83.28, and the gaps among them were significant. 2. As for their perception of the four subfactors(qualifications, roles, social participation and interpersonal relationship) of the image of a dental hygienist by geographic region, there were statistically significant gaps in their way of looking at the qualifications, roles and interpersonal relationship of a dental hygienist. By department, the physical therapy majors gave the highest marks to all the four subfactors. 3. When they were asked to give one or more answers to the question what affected their image building about a dental hygienist, the largest number of the students that accounted for 67.9 percent replied that the looks of dental hygienists whom they saw in dental clinics or hospitals impacted on their image of a dental hygienist.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.593-601
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• 2018

Recently in nuclear medicine, to improve diagnostic value, SUV, semi-quantitative indicator used in PET-CT, is adopted in SPECT-CT. Therefore, this research analyzed correlation of $SUV_{max}$ of two scanners through phantom test, and evaluated possibility of clinical application. Radiopharmaceuticals ($^{18}F$, $^{99m}Tc$) were injected with the ratios of 8:1 and 4:1, considering background radioactivity, into the phantom manufactured with 6 globes of different sizes, and, based on clinical protocol, positive phases were acquired with PET-CT and SPECT-CT scanners, and interesting areas were divided into ROI and VOI, and $SUV_{max}$ of them were measured, and analyzed. Tests found out no statistically significant difference in $SUV_{max}$ measured with two scanners (P>0.05). Thus, $SUV_{max}$ of PET-CT and SPECT-CT had a certain correlation within significant levels, and were evaluated as the same. Accordingly, it seems that $SUV_{max}$ quantitative analysis using SPECT-CT can provide significant diagnostic information as the case of PET-CT.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.87-90
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• 2013

Purpose: Introducing CR (Computed Radiography) system created a process of printing therapy irradiation images and converting the degree of enlargement. This is to increase job efficiency and contribute to work improvement using a computerized method with home grown software to simplify this process, work efficiency. Materials and Methods: Microsoft EXCEL (ver. 2007) and VISUAL BASIC (ver. 6.0) have been used to make the software. A window for each shield block was designed to enter patients' treatment information. Distances on the digital images were measured, the measured data were entered to the Excel program to calculate the degree of enlargement, and printouts were produced to manufacture shield blocks. Results: By computerizing the existing method with this program, the degree of enlargement can easily be calculated and patients' treatment information can be entered into the printouts by using macro function. As a result, errors in calculation which may occur during the process of production or errors that the treatment information may be delivered wrongly can be reduced. In addition, with the simplification of the conversion process of the degree of enlargement, no copy machine was needed, which resulted in the reduction of use of paper. Conclusion: Works have been improved by computerizing the process of block production and applying it to practice which would simplify the existing method. This software can apply to and improve the actual conditions of each hospital in various ways using various features of EXCEL and VISUAL BASIC which has already been proven and used widely.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.4 no.3
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• pp.13-18
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• 2010

Purpose : Diffusion tensor imaging(DTI) allows the visualization of fiber tract damage in patients with cerebral infarction. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the correlation between degree of NIH stoke scale and fractional anisotropy (FA) in patient with cerebral infarction. Material and Methods : 16 patients aged 36~77 years(male : 11, female : 5, mean age : 61y), diagnosed cerebral infarction by diffusion weighted imaging(DWI), underwent 24 directional diffusion tensor imaging(DTI). Patients had the DTI taken within 3days of stroke onset. Comparison of DWI, FA value on DTI were measured infarcted area and counter part of specific region of interest (ROI). And evaluation of differences between clinically improved patient group (n=9) and unimproved patient group (n=7) until 2 week follow up after development of cerebral infarction. Clinical status was scaled by NIH stroke scale. Results : Quantitative measurements of FA confirmed statistically the significant diffusion changes in the infarct compared with the matched-counter part region. In DWI, the infarcted area shows high signal intensity, however FA value on DTI was lower than normal brain parenchyma. The FA value of clinically improved patient by NIH stroke scale was 0.49, and the value of contralateral normal brain parenchyma was 0.41. On the contrary, FA value of infarcted area shows about 15% lower than normal brain parenchyma. But, the FA value of unimproved patient by NIH stroke scale represents a half those of contralateral normal brain parenchyma (0.28 on infarcted area vs. 0.56 on normal brain parenchyma). So, the FA value of unimproved patient group was considerably less than those of improved. Conclusion : It is concluded that the unimproved patient group after cerebral infarction showed much less FA value than that of normal brain parenchyma. The FA value of DTI may be one of the useful parameter to predict outcome of cerebral infarction patients.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.11 no.7
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• pp.637-645
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• 2017

The objective of this study was to find the optimum test device for the cerebral blood vessels by comparing and analyzing the SNR and CNR methods for images of three devices (i.e., MRA, CTA, and DSA). The study targeted 90 patients who underwent cerebral angiography from November 2016 to May 2017. The measuring parts were measured by using Rt MCA, Lt MCA, and ACA Image J. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the mean SNR of MRA, the CNR of MRA, the signal strength of MRA, the mean SNR of CTA, the CNR of CTA, the signal strength of CTA, the SNR of DSA, the CNR of DSA, and the signal strength of DSA were evaluated as 254.87, 178.13, 326.81, 74.75, 62.2, 356.66, 26.85, 25.89, and 4400.69, respectively (p<0.05). As a result, both SNR and CNR methods measured it in the order of MRA>CTA>DSA. Statistical significance was determined by using ANOVA analysis at p<0.05 and Bonferroni method was used as a post-hoc analysis SPSS. In conclusion, the results of this study revealed that the optimum imaging devices were MRA, CTA, and DSA after evaluating randomly selected patients with cerebrovascular disease.