• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.205-212
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• 2006

Background: Malignant pulmonary nodules account for about 30 to 40 percent of solitary pulmonary nodules (SPN). Therefore, tissue characterization of SPNs is very important. Recently, PET/CT has been widely used for tissue characterization, and has become of importance. The purpose of this study was to compare and to assess multiple factors in PET/CT comparing benign and malignant nodules. Materials and Method: Nineteen patients with SPN underwent PET/CT and biopsy. The difference of standardized uptake value 1 (SUV1), standardized uptake value 2 (SUV2) and retention index in PET/CT between malignancy and benignancy were compared by Levene's test. Result: There were twelve malignant and seven benign nodules. SUV1 and SUV2 were significantly different between malignant nodule and benign nodule (p=0.006 and 0.022), but retention index was not significantly different between malignant nodule and benign nodule (p=0.526). By receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis, the sensitivity was 66.7% and the specificity was 71.4% at a cut off value of 5.40 in SUV1. The sensitivity was 75% and the specificity was 71.4% at cut off value of 7.45 in SUV2. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant difference in SUV1 and SUV2 between benign and malignant nodules. However, the cut off value of SUV1 and SUV2 by receiver-operating-characteristic (ROC) analysis was 5.40 and 7.45 which is different from previous studies. Therefore, studies on a larger sample of patients are required for confirmation.

• Survey Research
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.1-38
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• 2005

Considering the importance of corruption index measurement model and the diffusion of popular awareness about the importance of anti-corruption, this research compared and analyzed existing corruption index measurement models. This paper has selected "Anti-Corruption Index model(ACI model)" that was developed by Seoul Development Institute and "CCEJ's Corruption Index model" which is under use by the Citizens' Coaltion for Economic Justice. These two models were analyzed in terms of appropriateness of 'the indicator and index choice method', 'the research design' and 'the use of statistical data'. This analysis shows that two models have some problems. First, at the level of indicator and index choice method, the indicators of CCEJ's corruption index model is too atomized and redundant. As not putting weight of indicator, it did not consider importance of each indicator. Citizens who evaluated the level of corruption didn't participate in the weight evaluation team, which results in failure of the model to reflect the citizens' opinion. Also, because the question about Seoul Metropolis' corruption level is not included, it is not detected difference between real corruption level and perceptive corruption level. Second, in terms of appropriateness of research design, the sample of the CCEJ' corruption index model is too small to get credibility. The objectivity of research method seems to be low because survey was performed by exit interview. In addition, 38 items are overfull in the questionnire of CCEJ's corruption index model compare to 13 items in ACI model. Also, in making up questions, the terms are redundant and unobvious. Third, in regarding with feasibility of the statistical data, the CCEJ's corruption index model uses regulation data for disciplinary punishment of 25 local governments in Seoul from 1995 to 1999. But, it is common ideas of scholars that statistical data indicates the tip of an iceberg in corruption. So for using a statistical data, it needs a data of enough quantity and has a high level credibility. In addition, objective method of giving weight is not developed. In this point of view, the use of statistical data has some limits. To solve this problem, ① objective data should be included in the indicators, ② various indicators should be developed and ③ a method of giving weight should be improved.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.8
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• pp.774-780
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• 2007

Purpose : The anthracyclines (AC) are widely used chemotherapeutic agents for pediatric cancers. However, the therapeutic use of these agents is limited by their cardiotoxicity. The aim of the present study was to investigate the usefulness of plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels as a marker for AC-induced cardiotoxicity compared to echocardiography in Korean children with cancer. Methods : Fifty-five pediatric cancer patients who had received chemotherapy including AC were enrolled. The cumulative AC doses, clinical symptoms, and two echocardiography parameters, left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), were studied and compared with plasma BNP levels. Results : In 55 patients, plasma BNP levels were measured 115 times and echocardiographies were performed 64 times. The median cumulative dose of AC was $325mg/m^2$ (range 120-600; mean 345) and the median plasma BNP level was 10 pg/mL (range 5-950; mean 31). The cumulative AC doses correlated significantly with the plasma BNP levels (P=0.002). The plasma BNP levels correlated significantly with LVFS (P=0.018) and LVEF (P=0.025). Dilated cardiomyopathies were identified in three patients. LVFS and LVEF decreased and plasma BNP levels increased in a patient with acute dilated cardiomyopathy and in that with symptomatic chronic dilated cardiomyopathy. However, LVFS, LVEF and plasma BNP levels were normal in a patient with asymptomatic chronic dilated cardiomyopathy. Conclusion : The results of this study demonstrated that plasma BNP levels could be used as a marker for AC-induced cardiotoxicity; they showed good correlation with echocardiography findings in pediatric cancer patients. Plasma BNP levels may be used for the detection and management of AC-induced cardiotoxicity in Korean children with cancer.

• Journal of Mushroom
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.1-23
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• 2005

World production of mushrooms has been increasing 10-20% every year. Recently, Pleurotus eryngii and P. nebrodensis are very popular as new mushroom species for cultivation. Two kinds of mushrooms, Gumji (Ganoderma) and Soji, were described in old book of Samguksagi (History of the three kingdoms; 1145) in Koryo-dynasty. Many kinds of mushrooms were also described in more than 16 kinds of old books during Chosun-dynasty in Korea. One hundred and sixty commercial strains of 25 species in mushrooms were distributed to cultivators. By the way, only 8 varieties of them have registered variety protection. Mushroom industry as important export products developed from 1960 to 1980. Production of mushrooms as food was 181,828 metric tons valued at 800 billion Korean won in 2003. Isolated and identified substances from mushrooms are promising antifungal, antiinflammatory, antitumor, antiviral (anti-HIV), antibacterial & antiparasitic, antidiabetic, immunomodulating, kidney tonic, hepatoprotective, nerve tonic, and sexual potentiator. These substances can also be used for blood pressure regulation and effective against cardiovascular disorders, hypocholesterolemia & hyperlipidemia, and chronicbronchitis. Mushroom products including pharmaceuticals, tonics, healthy beverages, functional biotransformants, and processed foods have also became available on the markets. Compost and feed can likewise be made from mushroom substrates after harvest. The mushroom industry is already one of the fastest growing investment sectors in Korea. By the way, there is a need to strain improvement for variety protection, advanced cultivation technology at low cost for growers, and control of demand and supply for marketing in order to more upgrade development of mushroom industry in the future.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.385-391
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• 2005

Background : The incidence of nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) infections in Korea is increasing. This retrospective study was performed to examine the recovery rate of NTM from respiratory specimens as well as the isolated NTM colony characteristics, and to assess the clinical significance of a NTM isolation. Methods : The results of the respiratory specimens requested for an acid-fast bacilli (AFB) examination during 2002 at Asan Medical Center, along with the patients clinical characteristics were analyzed. Results : A total 26,820 respiratory specimens were requested for the acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear and culture during the study period. The proportion of M. tuberculosis and NTM isolation was 5.7% and 2.2%, respectively. Among the AFB smear and culture positive specimens, 12.2% were found to be NTM. The scotochromogen showing a low colony count < 20, which appeared to be contaminants, were isolated in 31.8% of the 584 NTM isolates. Excluding the low-colony scotochromogens, the M. avium-intracellulare complex was the most common NTM isolates (42.1%), and was also the most common causative organism for NTM pulmonary diseases. 8.4% (23/275) and 17.8% (49/275) of patients with NTM isolates met the American and British Thoracic Society diagnostic criteria for NTM pulmonary disease, respectively. Conclusion : In case of a positive AFB-smear or culture result, the possibility of NTM being a causative organism should always be considered, even in Korea, which has an intermediate incidence of tuberculosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.26-33
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• 2006

Background: Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation(NPPV) has been increasingly used over the past decade in the management of acute or chronic respiratory failure and weaning of mechanical ventilation. We performed this clinical study to evaluate the usefulness of NPPV in patients who developed acute respiratory failure or post-extubation respiratory failure. Methods: We analysed thirty four patients(sixteen males and eighteen females, mean ages 58 years) who applied NPPV(BIPAP S/T, Respironics co., USA) for respiratory failure or weaning difficulty at medical intensive care unit(MICU), emergency room and general ward of a tertiary hospital. We evaluated the underlying causes of respiratory failure, duration of treatment, the degree of adaptation, complication and predictive parameters of successful outcome. Results: The overall success rate of NPPV was seventy-one percent. The duration of NPPV applying time, baseline blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate, $PaO_2$, $PaCO_2$, $SaO_2$ were not different between success group and failure group. But, the baseline pH was higher in the success group. Predictors of success were higher baseline pH, patients with underlying disease of COPD, improvement of vital sign and arterial blood gas value after NPPV application. The success rate in patients with post-extubation respiratory failure was eighty percent. There were no serious complication on applying NPPV except minor complications such as facial skin erythema, abdominal distension & dry mouth. Conclusion: NPPV may be effective treatment in patients with acute respiratory failure or post-extubation respiratory failure in selected cases.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Venturing and Entrepreneurship
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.13-24
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• 2022

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the existence of related personnel in KOSDAQ technology special listed firms has a signal effect on the market and affects performance when listed. The KOSDAQ technology special listing system is a system introduced to enable future growth by securing financing through corporate public offering based on the technology and marketability of technology-based startups and venture companies. As a result of analyzing 135 special technology companies listed from 2005 to 21 (excluding SPAC mergers and foreign companies) whether or not related personnel affect corporate value and listing period when they are listed, it was analyzed that the presence of related personnel did not significantly affect corporate value or listing period. The same was found in the results of the verification by reducing the scope to related personnel such as public officials and related agencies. However, under certain conditions, significant results were derived from the presence of related personnel on the listing of companies listed in special technology cases. It was found that the presence of related personnel and VC investment had a significant effect on corporate value, and in the case of bio-industry, there was a slight significant effect on the duration of listing. This study is significant in that it systematically analyzed the signal effect of the existence of related personnel for the first time for all 135 companies. In addition, as a result of the analysis, the results suggest that internalized efforts to secure technology and marketability are more important, such as parallel to VC investment, rather than simply recruiting related personnel.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.234-243
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• 2007

Algal growth potential (AGP) test was performed to evaluate the water quality and changes in phytoplankton communities before and after a heavy rain event at six sampling sites in Cheonggye Stream (St. 1 and 2), Jungnang Stream (St. 3 and 4), and Lower part of Han River System (St. 5 and 6) after rehabilitation of Cheonggye Stream, October 2005. To test AGP on each sampling site, cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa was applied as a standard alga. Total nitrogen (TN) showed high values at Jungnang Stream, while St. 4 recorded highest values in this study. However, TN values of Cheonggye Stream and Lower Part of Han River showed similar levels. Total phosphate (TP) also showed high values at Jungnang Stream, while St. 4 recorded highest. However, TP in Cheonggye Stream were extremely low levels. Although chlorophyll-${\alpha}$ (chi-${\alpha}$) contents before the rain event were similar through the sampling sites, chl-${\alpha}$ after the rain increased dramatically at Jungnang Stream and Lower part of Ban River. In particular, after the rain, TP was the highest at St. 4, where Cyclotella sp. dominated the phytoplankton community. When compared with control, AGP values before the rain were comparatively low in all sites, while those after the rain highly increased with the dose-dependently of field water added, due perhaps to the increased nutrients by rainfall. Similar results were observed in Cheonggye Stream. Therefore, for the aesthetic fostering for the citizens, although Cheonggye Stream was Presently being sustained by treated water supply, they have a potential of outbreak of phytoplankton by the increased nutrients supply when a heavy rain comes.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.264-270
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• 2008

Phytic acid(PA) (Inositol hexaphosphate, $IP_6$) is a naturally occurring polyphosphorylated carbohydrate that is present in substantial amounts in almost all plants and mammalian cells. Recently PA has received much attention for its role in anticancer activity. In the present study, the preventive effects of PA on colon carcinogenesis were investigated. Six-week old Fisher 344 male rats were fed a AIN-93G purified diet and PA(0.5% or 2% PA in water) for 8 weeks. The animals received two ($1^{st}\;and\;2^{nd}$ week) injections of azoxymethane(AOM, 15 mg/kg b.w.) to induce colonic aberrant crypt foci(ACF). After sacrifice, the total numbers of aberrant crypts(AC) and ACF in colonic mucosa were examined after staining with methylene blue. Blood and serum were analyzed with a blood cell differential counter and an automatic serum analyzer. AOM induced the total numbers of $142.3{\pm}22.3$ ACF/colon and $336.6{\pm}55.1$ AC/colon. PA at the doses of 0.5 and 2% decreased the numbers of ACF and AC/colon in a dose-dependent manner. The numbers of ACF/colon and AC/colon by PA at the dose of 0.5% were $124.4{\pm}28.5\;and\;302.7{\pm}67.3$, respectively. PA at the dose of 2% significantly decreased the ACF and AC numbers to $109{\pm}18.1\;and\;254.8{\pm}50.6$, respectively(p<0.01). Especially, 2% PA significantly reduced the number of large ACF(${\geq}4$ AC/ACF) from $26.8{\pm}6.2$ ACF/colon to $15{\pm}6.7$ ACF/colon(p<0.01). Although some parameters in blood counts and serum chemistry were changed compared with the control, no specific toxicity was found. These findings suggest that phytic acid can be a chemopreventive agent for colon carcinogenesis resulting from inhibition of the development of ACF in the F344 rat.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.10
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• pp.1107-1115
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• 2005

Purpose : An outbreak of ESBL-producing Shigella sonnei enteritis was unprecedented not only in Korea but throughout the world in the past. We intended to devise a management guideline for ESBL-producing shigellosis based on analysis of clinical manifestations and response to therapy. Methods : We analyzed 103 patients who were admitted to the hospital with acute GI symptoms and were shown positive result for S. sonnei on stool culture. We performed sensitivity test to the antibiotics and DNA sequencing of ESBL gene in the isolated S. sonnei colonies. In addition, we retrospectively analyzed their clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and clinical and microbiological responses to the antibiotics. Results : Among the clinical manifestations, fever was the most frequent(96.1%), followed by diarrhea(93.2%), abdominal pain(76.7%), headache(71.8%), vomiting(65.0%), and nausea(41.7%). The fever was sustained for average of 2.0 days and diarrhea for 3.9 days. Watery diarrhea was the most common(69%) followed by mucoid(26%), and bloody stool(5%). On peripheral blood smear, leukocytosis was noted in 53.4% of patients, and 78.6% of patients tested positive for serum CRP response. On stool direct smear, 11.7% of patients showed more than 50 WBCs/HPF, and 9.7% of patients between 5 to 20 WBCs/HPF. Stool occult blood was positive in 71% of patients. Production of CTX-M-14 type ESBL was reported for all S. sonnei strains isolated from this outbreak. Microbiological eradication rates to various antibiotics were as follows : 100%(9/9) to ciprofloxacin, 100% 5/5) to azithromycin, 6.9%(5/72) to cefdinir, 0%(0/8) to ceftriaxone, 12.5%(1/8) to ceftizoxime, 0%(0/ 8) to TMP/SMX, 42.9%(3/7) to ampicillin/sulbactam, 20%(1/5) to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and 68.8 %(11/16) to imipenem/cilastatin. Conclusion : It is presumed that azithromycin can be an attractive option for the treatment of ESBL-producing S. sonnei enteritis in pediatric population, given its cost-effectiveness and safety. Although ciprofloxacin is another cost-effective agent, its use in pediatric population may be a bit too premature.