• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.203-209
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• 2022

One of the typical methods for lowering radiation dose while maintaining image quality of computed tomography (CT) is the use of model-based iterative reconstruction (MBIR). This study is to evaluate the image quality by adjusting the strength of the advanced modeled iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE), which is well known as a representative model of MBIR. The study was conducted using phantom, and CT images were obtained while adjusting the strength of ADMIRE in units of 1 to 5. Quantitative evaluation includes noise levels using coefficient of variation (COV) and contrast to noise ratio (CNR), as well as natural image quality evaluation (NIQE) and blind/referenceless image spatial quality evaluator (BRISQUE). As a result, in both noise level and blind quality evaluation results, the higher the strength of ADMIRE, the better the results were derived. In particular, it was confirmed that COV and CNR were improved 1.89 and 1.75 times at ADMIRE 5 compared to ADMIRE 1, respectively, and NIQE and BRISQUE were proved to be improved 1.35 and 1.22 times at ADMIRE 5 compared to ADMIRE 1, respectively. In conclusion, this study was proved that the reconstruction strength of ADMIRE had a great influence on the noise level and overall image quality evaluation of CT images.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.830-843
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• 2019

Objective: To examine the potential of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) and blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) magnetic resonance imaging for detecting renal changes after iodinated contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) development in a diabetic rabbit model. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two rabbits were randomized into 2 groups: diabetic rabbits with the contrast agent (DCA) and healthy rabbits with the contrast agent (NCA). In each group, 6 rabbits underwent IVIM and BOLD imaging at 1 hour, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, and 4 days after an iohexol injection while 5 rabbits were selected to undergo blood and histological examinations at these specific time points. Iohexol was administrated at a dose of 2.5 g I/kg of body weight. Further, the apparent transverse relaxation rate (R2^*), average pure molecular diffusion coefficient (D), pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D^*), perfusion fraction (f) were calculated. Results: The D and f values of the renal cortex (CO) and outer medulla (OM) were significantly decreased compared to baseline values in the 2 groups 1 day after the iohexol injection (p < 0.05). A marked reduction in the D^* values for both the CO and OM was also observed after 1 hour in each group (p < 0.05). In the OM, a persistent elevation of the R2^* was detected for 4 days in the DCA group (p < 0.05). Histopathological changes were prominent, and the pathological features of CI-AKI aggravated in the DCA group until day 4. The D, f, and R2^* values significantly correlated with the histological damage scores, hypoxia-inducible transcription factor-1α expression scores, and serum creatinine levels. Conclusion: A combination of IVIM and BOLD imaging may serve as a noninvasive method for detecting and monitoring CI-AKI in the early stages in the diabetic kidney.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.1925-1931
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• 2024

The study conducted in the northwest region of Jordan aimed to assess the levels of natural radioactivity in soil and olive mill pomace (OMP) samples. The researchers used Nal (TI) gamma-ray spectrometry to measure the activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs in the samples. The average activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs in the soil samples were found to be 18.624 ± 5.82, 12.276 ± 5.728, 518.33 ± 212.57, and 0.140 ± 0.09 (Bq, kg^-1), respectively. In the OMP samples, the average activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, and ⁴⁰K were 7.272 ± 4.386, 3.454 ± 1.503, and 169.997 ± 81.873 (Bq kg^-1), respectively, and no ¹³⁷Cs was detected. The study also investigated fundamental parameters associated with radon, specifically the radon emanation coefficient (Rn_EC) and radon mass exhalation rate (E_x). The Rn_EC values ranged from 0.621 to 0.78 (Bq kg^-1), with an average value of 0.71 ± 0.06 (Bq kg^-1). The estimated E_x from the soil samples ranged from 65.83 to 124.86 (mBq kg^-1h^-1), with an average value of 99.74 ± 21.73 (mBq kg^-1h^-1). Regarding radiological hazards, the study examined various parameters, including radium equivalent activity, external and internal hazard indices, gamma and alpha indices, absorbed gamma dose rate, and excess lifetime cancer risk. All of these assessed values were found to be below the worldwide recommended limits for radiological safety. Additionally, the study analyzed the concentrations of gross alpha and gross beta radioactivities in soil and OMP samples. The soil samples had an average gross alpha activity of 4.642 ± 1.04 (Bq kg^-1) and an average gross beta activity of 48.13 ± 14.50 (Bq kg^-1). The OMP samples showed an average gross alpha activity of 0.32 ± 0.27 (Bq kg^-1) and an average gross beta activity of 59.19 ± 12.94 (Bq kg^-1). Overall, the obtained results are crucial for evaluating the radiological risks associated with natural radioactivity in the northwest region of Jordan. The findings establish baseline data for comparison and reference for radioactivity levels in the environment.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.10 no.6
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• pp.331-339
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• 2012

The easy and simple simultaneous analytical method of preservatives (BA, SA, DHA, MP, EP, IPP, PP, IBP and BP) was studied by more easily changing from method used in food and drug using HPLC with scherzo SM-C18 column. All presevatives were seperated successfully in mobile phase of 50 mM ammonium formate : 0.1% phosphoric acid (50:50 v/v%) and 50 mM ammonium formate : acetonitrile (30 : 70). Retention time of BA, SA, DHA, MP, EP, IPP, PP, IBP and BP was 7.74, 9.08, 12.57, 13.83, 21.62, 27.29, 28.20, 33.20 and 33.68 min, respectively. The calibration curves of BA, SA, DHA, MP, EP, IPP, PP, IBP and BP were linear over the concentration range of 5~80 ${\mu}g/mL$ with correlation coefficient of above 0.999. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of BA, SA, DHA, MP, EP, IPP, PP, IBP and BP were 0.52 and 1.58, 1.09 and 3.29, 1.00 and 3.03, 1.36 and 4.13, 1.26 and 3.83, 1.02 and 3.08, 1.11 and 3.37, 0.82 and 2.48, 0.85 and 2.59 ${\mu}g/mL$, respectively. The coefficients of variation for intra- and inter-day assay were 0.12~2.68 and 0.18~2.66%, respectively. The developed method showed good intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy. The preservatives used in mouthwashes were BA, MP and PP and were detected in 24 samples(86%) except for 4 samples and not showed significant difference in using dose of adult and children. In conclusion, the developed method can be useful for simultaneous analysis of preservatives in mouthwashes and these results suggest that could be applied to fundamental study and guideline on content of preservatives in mouthwashes.

• Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.300-314
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• 2014

An ultra-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometer (UPLC-ESI-MS) method was established for the simultaneous quantification of eighteen marker compounds in traditional Korean formula, Cheonwangbosimdan (CWBSD). In addition, we evaluated the antioxidant effects of CWBSD. Eighteen marker components were separated on a UPLC BEH $C_{18}$ analytical column ($2.1{\times}100mm$, $1.7{\mu}m$) and kept at $45^{\circ}C$ by gradient elution with 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in water and acetonitrile as mobile phase. The flow rate was 0.3 mL/min and the injection volume was $2.0{\mu}L$. The antioxidant activities of CWBSD were assessed by measuring free radical scavenging activities on 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) and 1-1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The calibration curves of all analytes showed good linearity (correlation coefficient ${\geq}0.9937$) within the test ranges. The limits of detection and quantification for the 18 marker compounds were 0.01-4.71 ng/mL and 0.03-14.13 ng/mL, respectively. The contents of the 18 compounds in CWBSD extract ranged from none to $1701.00{\mu}g/g$. The CWBSD showed the radical scavenging activity in a dose-dependent manner. The concentration required for 50% reduction ($RC_{50}$) against ABTS and DPPH radicals were $149.42{\mu}g/mL$ and $339.24{\mu}g/mL$.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.357-363
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• 2011

In relieving local pains, ropivacaine has been widely used. In case of their application such as ointments and creams, it is difficult to expect their effects for a significant period of time, because they are easily removed by wetting, movement and contacting. Therefore, the new formulations that have suitable bioadhesion were needed to enhance local anesthetic effects. The effect of drug concentration and temperature on drug release was studied from the prepared 1.5% Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) (150MC) gels using synthetic cellulose membrane at $37{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C$. As the drug concentration and temperature increased, the drug release increased. A linear relationship was observed between the logarithm of the permeability coefficient and the reciprocal temperature. The activation energy of drug permeation was 3.16 kcal/mol for a 1.5% loading dose. To increase the skin permeation of ropivacaine from CMC gel, enhancers such as saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, pyrrolidones, propylene glycol derivatives, glycerides, and non-ionic surfactants were incorporated into the ropivacaine-CMC gels. Among the enhancers used, polyoxyethylene 2-oleyl ether showed the highest enhancing effects. For the efficacy study, the anesthetic action of the formulated ropivacaine gel containing an enhancer and vasoconstrictor was evaluated with the tail-flick analgesimeter. According to the rat tail-flick test, 1.5% drug gels containing polyoxyethylene 2-oleyl ether and tetrahydrozoline showed the best prolonged local analgesic effects. In conclusion, the enhanced local anesthetic gels containing penetration enhancer and vasoconstrictor could be developed using the bioadhesive polymer.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.35 no.6
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• pp.431-436
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• 2005

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method was validated for quantitation of nadolol in human plasma. Nadolol and internal standard, pindolol, were extracted with tert-butyl methyl ether after addition of 10 M sodium hydroxide solution. The analytes were separated on a reverse phased C18 column using a mobile phase consisting of 0.05 M ammonium phosphate monobasic buffer, acetonitrile and methanol (81: 17:2 v/v/v) and detected using a fluorescence detector (excitation wavelength 230 nm, emission wavelength 294 nm). The method was specific and sensitive enough to detect as low as 3 ng/mL of nadolol in human plasma. Linear calibration range was 3-150 ng/mL with correlation coefficient greater than 0.999. The overall accuracy was in the range of 96.8 to 103% and precision C.V.(%) 7.30 to 12.2%. The recovery was approximately 100% and stability was confirmed during storage and sample preparation. The present HPLC method was successfully applied to study bioavailability after oral administration of 80 mg of nadolol in healthy Korean subjects. The mean $AUC_{t}$ was $1968{\pm}397\;ng{\cdot}hr/mL$ and $C_{max}$ of $186{\pm}79.3\;ng/mL$ was reached at $3.5{\pm}0.76\;hr$. The mean $t_{1/2}$ of nadolol was $17.3{\pm}2.59\;hr$.

• Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.313-319
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• 2002

Rat skin permeation of various nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was investigated in vitro using Franz diffusion cell at $37^{\circ}C$. The effect of various skin permeation enhancers was also observed as a preliminary study of developing transdermal delivery systems of NSAIDs. Lipophilicity of NSAIDs was determined from thε partition coefficient (log P) in 1-octanol/water and 1-octanol/IPB mutual-saturated solutions. The solubility was determined in water, isotonic phosphate buffer (IPB), and propylene glycol (PG) at $37^{\circ}C$. The rat skin permeation rate of acetaminophen, piroxicam, and aceclofenac was almost negligible, although they were saturated in PG. Addition of 1 % permeation enhancer increased the permeation rate of ketoprofen, ketorolac, and diclofenac. However, the skin permeation rate of ibuprofen did not increase with the addition of various enhancers. Among the permeation enhancers testεd, oleic acid was the most effective for various NSAIDs. Based on the daily dose, lipophilicity, and the skin permeation ratε achieved in this study, ketoprofen and ketorolac seem to be the most promising drug candidates for transdermal delivery systems, especially when formulated with unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.11-15
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• 1999

Thyroxine (3,5,3',5'-L-tetraiodothyronine; T$_4$) is the most commonly measured thyroid hermono for the diagnosis of various thyroid disorders. Although radioimmunoassay (RIA) is still considered as the reference technique for the measurement of T$_4$, it is generally regarded that RIA has its primary disadventages in handling the wastes and controling the human and material resources. Therefore, establishment of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has of great significance. To verify the usefulness of our enzyme immunoassay, we have obtained the standard dose response curve of T$_4$ in patient's sera which is inversely proportional to the amount of herseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugated monoclonal antibody of T$_4$ bound to the wells. The correlation coefficient (r) between the ELISA and chemiluminescent assay was 0.444 (n=38). Thus we have investigated the establishment of rapid and sensitive competitive ELISA assay method for detection of T$_4$ in patient's sera.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.72-78
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• 2016

A CCD camera and an LED light source were combined to fabricate a compact optical CT scanner for the therapeutic radiation dose evaluation of a polymer gel dosimeter. After the collimated beam emitted by the LED passed through aquarium, gel phantom, and telecentric lens, an image was collected by the CCD camera and reconstructed using MATLAB. By using a stepping motor and LabVIEW, the gel dosimeter was rotated at every $0.72^{\circ}$, and the time for collecting 500 slice images per a revolution was within 20 min. At a spatial frequency of 4.5 lp/mm of the optical CT scanner, the modulation transfer function value was 72%. The linear correlation coefficient of the optical CT scanner for the polymer gel dosimeter was 0.987.