• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.256-263
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• 2022

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the image quality and dose reduction of low-dose three-dimensional (3D) rotational angiography (RA) for evaluating intracranial aneurysms. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical data and 3D RA datasets obtained from 146 prospectively registered patients (male:female, 46:100; median age, 58 years; range, 19-81 years). The subjective image quality of 79 examinations obtained from a conventional method and 67 examinations obtained from a low-dose (5-seconds and 0.10-μGy/frame) method was assessed by two neurointerventionists using a 3-point scale for four evaluation criteria. The total image quality score was then obtained as the average of the four scores. The image quality scores were compared between the two methods using a noninferiority statistical testing, with a margin of -0.2 (i.e., score of low-dose group - score of conventional group). For the evaluation of dose reduction, dose-area product (DAP) and air kerma (AK) were analyzed and compared between the two groups. Results: The mean total image quality score ± standard deviation of the 3D RA was 2.97 ± 0.17 by reader 1 and 2.95 ± 0.20 by reader 2 for conventional group and 2.92 ± 0.30 and 2.95 ± 0.22, respectively, for low-dose group. The image quality of the 3D RA in the low-dose group was not inferior to that of the conventional group according to the total image quality score as well as individual scores for the four criteria in both readers. The mean DAP and AK per rotation were 5.87 Gy-cm² and 0.56 Gy, respectively, in the conventional group, and 1.32 Gy-cm² (p < 0.001) and 0.17 Gy (p < 0.001), respectively, in the low-dose group. Conclusion: Low-dose 3D RA was not inferior in image quality and reduced the radiation dose by 70%-77% compared to the conventional 3D RA in evaluating intracranial aneurysms.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2017

The author investigated interventional radiology patient doses in several other countries, assessed accuracy of DAP meters embedded in intervention equipments in domestic country, conducted measurement of patient doses for 13 major interventional procedures with use of Dose Area Product(DAP) meters from 23 hospitals in Korea, and referred to 8,415 cases of domestic data related to interventional procedures by radiation exposure after evaluation the actual effectives of dose reduction variables through phantom test. Finally, dose reference level for major interventional procedures was suggested. In this study, guidelines for patient doses were $237.7Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in TACE, $17.3Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in AVF, $114.1Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in LE PTA & STENT, $188.5Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in TFCA, $383.5Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in Aneurysm Coil, $64.6Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in PTBD, $64.6Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in Biliary Stent, $22.4Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in PCN, $4.3Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in Hickman, $2.8Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in Chemo-port, $4.4Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in Perm-Cather, $17.1Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in PCD, and $357.9Gy{\cdot}cm^2$ in Vis, EMB. Dose referenece level acquired in this study is considered to be able to use as minimal guidelines for reducing patient dose in the interventional radiology procedures. For the changes and advances of materials and development of equipments and procedures in the interventional radiology procedures, further studies and monitorings are needed on dose reference level Korean DAP dose conversion factor for the domestic procedures.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.277-284
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• 2013

This study aims to find out geometric parameters which practitioner adjustable to reduce dose in coronary angiography. We take fluoroscopy and cine exposure by use of phantom, and got dose use the dose-area product(DAP) meter of angiography device, than convert DAP to effective dose. As results, Cine exposure shows higher dose measurement about 6-7 times than fluoroscopy. Dose in frame per second(FPS) mode could be decrease down to 70%, as lower FPS. In view of X-ray tube angle, LAO $45^{\circ}$+Caudal $30^{\circ}$ shows highest dose measurement. More use of Collimator, lower dose measurement. Source-image intensifier distance(SID) get longer to 10cm, dose of each fluoroscopy and cine exposure increase up to 25-30%. Image magnification of field of view(FOV) could increase dose up to 1.21-2 times. Also table-image intensifier distance get longer to 10cm, dose increased 1.11-1.25 times. Practitioner can adjust several geometric parameters, as FPS mode, tube angle, Collimation, SID, table-image intensifier distance, FOV. And each factors can reduce radiation dose in coronary angiography.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.24 no.7
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• pp.681-689
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• 2023

Objective: Three-dimensional rotational angiography (3D-RA) is increasingly used for the evaluation of intracranial aneurysms (IAs); however, radiation exposure to the lens is a concern. We investigated the effect of head off-centering by adjusting table height on the lens dose during 3D-RA and its feasibility in patient examination. Materials and Methods: The effect of head off-centering during 3D-RA on the lens radiation dose at various table heights was investigated using a RANDO head phantom (Alderson Research Labs). We prospectively enrolled 20 patients (58.0 ± 9.4 years) with IAs who were scheduled to undergo bilateral 3D-RA. In all patients' 3D-RA, the lens dose-reduction protocol involving elevation of the examination table was applied to one internal carotid artery, and the conventional protocol was applied to the other. The lens dose was measured using photoluminescent glass dosimeters (GD-352M, AGC Techno Glass Co., LTD), and radiation dose metrics were compared between the two protocols. Image quality was quantitatively analyzed using source images for image noise, signal-to-noise ratio, and contrast-to-noise ratio. Additionally, three reviewers qualitatively assessed the image quality using a five-point Likert scale. Results: The phantom study showed that the lens dose was reduced by an average of 38% per 1 cm increase in table height. In the patient study, the dose-reduction protocol (elevating the table height by an average of 2.3 cm) led to an 83% reduction in the median dose from 4.65 mGy to 0.79 mGy (P < 0.001). There were no significant differences between dose-reduction and conventional protocols in the kerma area product (7.34 vs. 7.40 Gy·cm², P = 0.892), air kerma (75.7 vs. 75.1 mGy, P = 0.872), and image quality. Conclusion: The lens radiation dose was significantly affected by table height adjustment during 3D-RA. Intentional head off-centering by elevation of the table is a simple and effective way to reduce the lens dose in clinical practice.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.264-270
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to propose a methodological approach for reducing the radiation dose in pediatric cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), focusing exclusively on balancing image quality with dose optimization. Materials and Methods: The dose-area product (DAP) for exposure was reduced using copper-plate attenuation of an X-ray source. The thickness of copper (Cu) was increased from 0 to 2.2 mm, and 10 different DAP levels were used. The QUART DVT_AP phantom and pediatric radiologic dentiform were scanned under the respective DAP levels. The contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), image homogeneity, and modulation transfer function (MTF) were analyzed using the QUART DVT_AP phantom. An expert evaluation (overall image grade, appropriateness of field of view, artifacts, noise, and resolution) was conducted using pediatric dentiform images. The critical DAP level was determined based on phantom and dentiform analysis results. Results: CNR and image homogeneity decreased as the DAP was reduced; however, there was an inflection point of image homogeneity at Cu 1.6 mm (DAP=138.00 mGy·cm²), where the value started increasing. The MTF showed constant values as the DAP decreased. The expert evaluation of overall image grades showed "no diagnostic value" for dentiform images with Cu 1.9-2.2 mm (DAP=78.00-103.33 mGy·cm²). The images with Cu 0-1.6 mm (DAP=138.00-1697.67mGy·cm²) had a "good," "moderate," or "poor but interpretable" grade. Conclusion: Reducing DAP beyond a 1.6-mm Cu thickness degraded CBCT image quality. Image homogeneity and clinical image grades indicated crucial decision points for DAP reduction in pediatric CBCT scans.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.196-201
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• 2011

BACKGROUND: Bioavailability enhancement by solubilization of lipophilic drugs in nano-emulsion has been reported and it may be useful in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. This study was performed to compare in vivo bioavailability of nano-emulsion formulation with that of the general product as control. METHODS AND RESULTS: The pharmacokinetics assessment of Vitamin A, D and E complex of nanoemulsion formulation (LaVita), in comparison to the general product, was performed in the male rat plasma by a single oral dose at 20 mL/kg body weight (n=3/group). For nano-emulsion formulation (LaVita), $C_{max}$ of vitamin A and E in plasma were much higher and the area under the curve (AUC) of vitamin A, D and E were 14-63% higher, and the half-life of vitamin E was 2-fold longer than the general product. According to statistical analysis, each $C_{max}$ of vitamin A, D & E was significantly higher (p<0.01, 0.05 and 0.01, respectively) than that of general product. Half-life of vitamin A was significantly higher (p<0.01) and AUC of vitamin A and D were also significantly higher than the general product. CONCLUSION(s): Considering significant increment of $C_{max}$ and AUC, LaVita made of nano-emulsion could be more effective the absorption rate and extent for bioavailability of vitamin A, D & E than those of general product.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.160-167
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• 2015

Radiation exposure from medical diagnostic imaging procedures to patients is one of the most significant interests in diagnostic x-ray system. A miniature x-ray intraoral tube was developed for the first time in the world which can be inserted into the mouth for imaging. Dose evaluation should be carried out in order to utilize such an imaging device for clinical use. In this study, dose evaluation of the new x-ray unit was performed by 1) using a custom made in vivo Pig phantom, 2) determining exposure condition for the clinical use, and 3) measuring patient dose of the new system. On the basis of DRLs (Diagnostic Reference Level) recommended by KDFA (Korea Food & Drug Administration), the ESD (Entrance Skin Dose) and DAP (Dose Area Product) measurements for the new x-ray imaging device were designed and measured. The maximum voltage and current of the x-ray tubes used in this study were 55 kVp, and 300 mA. The active area of the detector was $72{\times}72mm$ with pixel size of $48{\mu}m$. To obtain the operating condition of the new system, pig jaw phantom images showing major tooth-associated tissues, such as clown, pulp cavity were acquired at 1 frame/sec. Changing the beam currents 20 to $80{\mu}A$, x-ray images of 50 frames were obtained for one beam current with optimum x-ray exposure setting. Pig jaw phantom images were acquired from two commercial x-ray imaging units and compared to the new x-ray device: CS 2100, Carestream Dental LLC and EXARO, HIOSSEN, Inc. Their exposure conditions were 60 kV, 7 mA, and 60 kV, 2 mA, respectively. Comparing the new x-ray device and conventional x-ray imaging units, images of the new x-ray device around teeth and their neighboring tissues turn out to be better in spite of its small x-ray field size. ESD of the new x-ray device was measured 1.369 mGy on the beam condition for the best image quality, 0.051 mAs, which is much less than DRLs recommended by IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and KDFA, both. Its dose distribution in the x-ray field size was observed to be uniform with standard deviation of 5~10 %. DAP of the new x-ray device was $82.4mGy*cm^2$ less than DRL established by KDFA even though its x-ray field size was small. This study shows that the new x-ray imaging device offers better in image quality and lower radiation dose compared to the conventional intraoral units. In additions, methods and know-how for studies in x-ray features could be accumulated from this work.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.353-360
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• 2020

This research aims at suggesting exposure condition that shows maintaining the value of the physical image quality factor by decreasing tube voltage and tube current from the standard exposure condition(80 kV, 7 mA) of a CBCT apparatus. To measure the value of the physical image quality factor, modular transfer function(MTF) was analyzed and dose-area product(DAP) was used for the measurement of exposure dose. CBCT images of a Sedentex IQ phantom were obtained under 15 exposure conditions of different combination of tube voltage(80, 78, 76 kV) and tube current(7, 6, 5, 4, 3 mA) and MTF 10 was calculated under each exposure conditions. There were no significant differences in MTF 10 under 80 kV-6 mA, 80 kV-5 mA exposure conditions in comparison with standard exposure condition. Based on the results of this research, 80 kV-5 mA condition are expected to be able to reduce exposure dose with maintaining the value of the physical image quality factor of the standard exposure condition.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2012

The purpose of this study is to measure and evaluate radiation dose on patients in interventional radiological(IVR) procedures classified by each procedure, and aid as data for safety management. Fluroscopy time(F-time), dose area product(DAP) and number of acquired images from each kind of procedure was checked. Non-vascular procedures showed low value, and vascular procedure showed high value in all procedures except in IVC filter. F-time was longest in EVAR, which showed also the highest DAP value of all procedures. DAP-rate showed high value in TACE. By this result, we attempt to establish standard guideline of radiation dose on patients in IVR procedure.

• Journal of Photoscience
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.436-438
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• 2002

Since solar radiation contains wavelength essential for photosynthesis accompanying with near-UV light, UV-B effects on biological parameters and acclimation mechanisms are influenced by photosynthetically active radiation (PAR). Therefore, to elucidate near-UV shielding mechanism in higher plants, we cultivated cauliflower under usual solar radiation and increased UV-B from fluorescent lamps, two- or three-fold excess over continuously estimated UV-B dose in PAR during daytime, using computer regulated systems. Increased UV-B radiation had little effect on growth expressed as fresh weigh and leaf area. Water soluble low molecular weight compounds showing absorption in near UV region were enhanced according to the irradiated UV-B dose. One of compounds in cauliflower leaves was identified as chlorogenic acid. This was found to have no near-UV photosenSitizerable activity and is known to have an ability to scavenge a wide species of active oxygen. Another pro-oxidant compound that generates superoxide anion radical under near-UV irradiation was not induced by increased UV-B during cultivation, and identified as lumazine, a degradation product from folic acid.