• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.132-138
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• 2009

Studies on target motion in 4-dimensional radiotherapy are being world-widely conducted to enhance treatment record and protection of normal organs. Prediction of tumor motion might be very useful and/or essential for especially free-breathing system during radiation delivery such as respiratory gating system and tumor tracking system. Neural network is powerful to express a time series with nonlinearity because its prediction algorithm is not governed by statistic formula but finds a rule of data expression. This study intended to assess applicability of neural network method to predict tumor motion in 4-dimensional radiotherapy. Scaled Conjugate Gradient algorithm was employed as a learning algorithm. Considering reparation data for 10 patients, prediction by the neural network algorithms was compared with the measurement by the real-time position management (RPM) system. The results showed that the neural network algorithm has the excellent accuracy of maximum absolute error smaller than 3 mm, except for the cases in which the maximum amplitude of respiration is over the range of respiration used in the learning process of neural network. It indicates the insufficient learning of the neural network for extrapolation. The problem could be solved by acquiring a full range of respiration before learning procedure. Further works are programmed to verify a feasibility of practical application for 4-dimensional treatment system, including prediction performance according to various system latency and irregular patterns of respiration.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.45 no.9
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• pp.1065-1074
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• 2002

Purpose : The purpose of this study is to analyze the epidemiologic characteristics of sudden unexpected death in infancy and to evaluate the importance of postmortem autopsy. Methods : We reviewed, retrospectively, medical records of 34 infants admitted to Kangnam General Hospital from January 1987 to December 2001 because of sudden unexpected death. We investigated the cause of death through medical history, death scene examination, autopsy findings, acylcarnitine and organic acid analysis. Results : Among the total 34 infants, 18 were male(52.9%) and 16 were female(47.1%). Thirty infants(88%) were below the six months of age. Winter was the most affected season(38.2%). Eighteen infants(52.9%) died between 6 and 12AM. The prone sleeping position was observed more frequently than the supine position at death; nine cases in the prone position, six cases in the supine position. The cause of death of 23 cases could not be found by only history and death scene examination. Autopsy was done in 13 cases. Seven cases of them were thought to be SIDS. In six cases, we explained the cause of death with autosy findings. They were an endocardial fibroelastosis, a nesidioblastosis, a subdural hematoma, a bronchopneumonia and two fatty changes of liver. Metabolic screening tests performed in three cases to rule out metabolic disorder since 2000 were all normal. Conclusion : We concluded that autopsy and metabolic screening test should be performed to find out the cause of death in sudden unexpected death in infancy.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.363-372
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• 2008

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the socio-demographic factors and the Korean consumers' palatability evaluation and to collect the sensory information for development of prediction palatability model of Hanwoo beef. Ten cuts [Abjin (short plate), Bosup (top sirloin), Cheggt (striploin), Dngsim (loin), Guri (chuck tender), Hongduke (eye of round), Moksim (chuck roll), Sulgit (bottom round), Udoon (top round), Yangji (brisket)] were separated from 5 Hanwoo steer beef (28-30 months old) and prepared with the same manner for 3 different cooking methods such as boiling, grilling, and roasting. The cooked beef samples were served to 650 consumers recruited from Seoul, Joongbu, Honam and Youngnam locations and evaluated as tenderness, juiciness, flavor, and overall acceptability. The consumer living location, age, gender, occupation, monthly income, and cut were significantly related with the scores of sensory properties when steer beef were cooked as boiling cooking (p<0.05). The eating habit and aging of beef were also significantly related with the tenderness and overall acceptability scores (p<0.01) when beef were cooked as boiled. In grill cooking, living location, aging, and cut had the significant effect on the sensory properties of Hanwoo steer beef (p<0.01). When steer beef were prepared by Korean traditional roast cooking, consumer's sensory scores were significantly different by the living location, age, occupation, monthly income, eating habit of consumers, aging and beef cut (p<0.001). Also, results from the principal component analysis showed that palatability scores of Korean consumers were decided with different contribution rate of tenderness, juiciness, flavor and overall acceptability for beef cut depending on cooking methods. In conclusion, Korean consumers' palatability for Hanwoo steer beef were related to the socio-demographic factors and the sensory scores were different by cut and cooking methods.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.133-139
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• 2004

Objective: To investigate the association of FSH receptor (FSHR) polymorphism at position 680 with outcomes of controlled ovarian hyper-stimulation for IVF-ET in Korean women. Design: Genetic polymorphism analysis. Materials and Methods: The FSHR polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP in 172 ovulatory women below the age of 40 year. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, or previous history of ovarian surgery were excluded. Results: Genotype distribution was 41.9% for the Asn/Asn, 47.7% for the Asn/Ser, and 10.5% for the Ser/Ser FSHR genotype group. There was no difference in age of subjects and infertility diagnosis between genotype groups. When the patients were grouped according to their FSHR genotype, the basal levels of FSH (day 3) were significantly different among the three groups ($6.0{\pm}0.3\;IU/L$ (mean $\pm$ SEM), $5.8{\pm}0.3\;IU/L$, and $8.6{\pm}1.2\;IU/L$ for the Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser groups, respectively, p=0.002). The Ser/Ser group showed a higher total doses of gonadotropins required to achieve ovulation induction, and a lower serum estradiol levels at the time of hCG administration compared with other two groups, but the differences were of no statistical significance. The numbers of oocytes retrieved were significantly different among the three groups ($8.6{\pm}0.8$, $9.9{\pm}0.6$, and $6.3{\pm}0.9$, for the Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser groups, respectively, p=0.049). Clinical pregnancy rates were 42.4%, 25.9%, and 29.4% for the Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser groups, respectively. Conclusion: Homozygous Ser/Ser genotype of FSHR polymorphism at position 680 was associated with decreased ovarian response to gonadotropin stimulation for IVF-ET.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.50-57
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• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of soybean meal (SM) and soluble starch (SS) on biogenic amine production and microbial diversity using in vitro ruminal fermentation. Treatments comprised of incubation of 2 g of mixture (expressed as 10 parts) containing different ratios of SM to SS as: 0:0, 10:0, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, or 0:10. In vitro ruminal fermentation parameters were determined at 0, 12, 24, and 48 h of incubation while the biogenic amine and microbial diversity were determined at 48 h of incubation. Treatment with highest proportion of SM had higher (p<0.05) gas production than those with higher proportions of SS. Samples with higher proportion of SS resulted in lower pH than those with higher proportion of SM after 48 h of incubation. The largest change in $NH_3$-N concentration from 0 to 48 h was observed on all SM while the smallest was observed on exclusive SS. Similarly, exclusive SS had the lowest $NH_3$-N concentration among all groups after 24 h of incubation. Increasing methane ($CH_4$) concentrations were observed with time, and $CH_4$ concentrations were higher (p<0.05) with greater proportions of SM than SS. Balanced proportion of SM and SS had the highest (p<0.05) total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) while propionate was found highest in higher proportion of SS. Moreover, biogenic amine (BA) was higher (p<0.05) in samples containing greater proportions of SM. Histamines, amine index and total amines were highest in exclusive SM followed in sequence mixtures with increasing proportion of SS (and lowered proportion of SM) at 48 h of incubation. Nine dominant bands were identified by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and their identity ranged from 87% to 100% which were mostly isolated from rumen and feces. Bands R2 (uncultured bacterium clone RB-5E1) and R4 (uncultured rumen bacterium clone L7A_C10) bands were found in samples with higher proportions of SM while R3 (uncultured Firmicutes bacterium clone NI_52), R7 (Selenomonas sp. MCB2), R8 (Selenomonas ruminantium gene) and R9 (Selenomonas ruminantium strain LongY6) were found in samples with higher proportions of SS. Different feed ratios affect rumen fermentation in terms of pH, $NH_3$-N, $CH_4$, BA, volatile fatty acid and other metabolite concentrations and microbial diversity. Balanced protein and carbohydrate ratios are needed for rumen fermentation.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.96-103
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• 2011

Purpose: Although infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are at risk of developing secondary pulmonary hypertension (PH), which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, little has been reported about the incidence, clinical course and prognosis of PH secondary to BPD in premature infants. This study was done to investigate the incidence, risk factors, clinical course, and the ultimate prognosis of PH developed secondary to BPD in very low birth weight infants (<1,500 g). Methods: Medical records of very low birth weight infant (VLBWI) admitted to Samsung Medical Center NICU from January 2000 to July 2007 were reviewed retrospectively. BPD was defined by Jobe's classification. The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension was established as velocity of tricuspid valve regurgitation (TR) ${\geq}$3 m/s and a flattening of the intraventricular septum by conducting Doppler echocardiography. Results: The incidence of pulmonary hypertension was 6% in VLBWI with BPD and it developed in moderate to severe BPD. The diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension was made on postnatal 133 days (range 40-224 days) and the risk factors related to developing pulmonary hypertension were severe BPD, small for gestational age and outborn infants. The mortality rate was 57% and especially higher in severe BPD (70%). The time to recovery spent 3 months (range 1-10 months) in survived patients. Conclusion: Based on the results of this research, pulmonary hypertension secondary to BPD in VLBWI related to severity of BPD and had a poor prognosis. We expect that regular long-term echocardiography may be helpful in treating reversible in VLBWI with moderate to severe BPD.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.5
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• pp.544-548
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• 2009

Purpose : To elucidate a potential association between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) in infants and children in terms of the other factors related to iron utilization and storage although the association of ferritin was previously studied. Methods : We evaluated 135 infants (aged 6-24 months) admitted at Gyeongsang National University Hospital from 2000 to 2006. Western blot assays using the HP CagA antigen (120 kD) were conducted to identify infections. The concentrations of six parameters were measured: hemoglobin (Hb), serum ferritin, soluble serum transferrin receptors, interleukin-6, prohepcidin, and C-reactive protein. In addition, the infants were classified into IDA, anemia from inflammation (AI), unclassified anemia (UCA), and normal groups on the basis of Hb and ferritin concentrations. Results : In the IDA group (n=20), seven infants were infected with HP, with the other infants showing no evidence of infection. The mean Hb levels in the IDA group were significantly lower in HP-infected infants than those uninfected (7.1 vs. 8.2 g/dL, respectively); the mean ferritin levels were also significantly lower in the infected infants (3.2 vs. $6.8{\mu}g/L$). The other four parameters did not differ significantly among the IDA infants. No correlations were found between the six parameters and HP infection status in the other groups. Conclusion : There were no significant differences in the HP infection rates among the study groups. However, in the IDA group, the HP-infected infants had significantly lower serum ferritin and Hb levels than the HP-negative infants (P<0.05).

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.7
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• pp.649-654
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• 2007

Purpose : The objective of this study was to clarify the presentation, associated preceding illness, pathologic organisms, treatment and outcome of deep neck abscess in children according to age and location. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the in-patient charts of children treated at our hospital for deep neck abscess. Thirty-five such patients were identified as having been treated from March 1990 to December 2005. Results : A total of 35 were enrolled in our study: 25 boys and 10 girls. Their ages ranged from 11 months to 15 years. Presenting symptoms included mass, fever, irritability, trismus and dysphagia. The most commonly known associated preceding illness was viral upper respiratory infection (53%). The most common site of infection was the submandibular space (37%). Bacteria was identified in 16 patients. The most common pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus. Thirteen (37%) children recovered from the infection with conservative treatment and twenty-four (68%) children received surgical drainage. The duration of hospitalization was longer in the group who underwent surgery than in the group who were managed with conservative treatment. No complication occurred. Conclusion : Unexplained torticollis, trismus or irritability in children were suggestive of deep neck abscess. Our results demonstrate that deep neck abscesses in children is respond well to conservative treatment if diagnosed early.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.25-37
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• 2005

Objective : To estimate the magnitude of psychosocial distress and examine eligible factors associated with the development of psychosocial distress in Korean employees, using a nationwide sample. Methods : A total of 6,977 workers were recruited from 245 companies. A structured questionnaire was used to assess sociodemographics, health-related behaviors, job characteristics, social support at work, personality traits (locus of control, type A behavior pattern), self-esteem, and psychosocial distress. Results : The results showed that 23 % of workers were categorized as high stress, 73% as moderate, and 5% as normal. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that psychosocial distress was more common in younger workers, both male and female. Regular exercise was negatively associated with increase of psychosocial distress. In job characteristics, as expected, low decision latitude, high job insecurity, and low social support at work were related to high psychosocial distress. Personality traits such as locus of control and type A behavior pattern, and self-esteem were more powerful predictors of psychosocial distress than general characteristics, health-related behavior, and job characteristics. There were some gender differences. While men who are less educated and single (unmarried, divorced, and separated) experienced higher levels of psychosocial distress than those who are educated and married, women who feel high job demand experienced higher levels of psychosocial distress than those who feel low job demand. Conclusions : The proportion of the high stress group was higher than expected, and psychosocial factors like social support and personality characteristics (e. g. locus of control, type A behavior pattern and self-esteem) were more significant factors for psychosocial distress than other variables. This finding suggests that some psychosocial factors, especially inadequate social support, low self-esteem and lack of internal locus of control for the development of psychosocial distress, will also operate as an intervention strategy in the worksite stress reduction program. It is strongly required that worksite stress reduction programs should be established in at both occupational and level as well as in individual levels.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.339-348
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• 1997

Purpose : To evaluate the role of postoperative radiation therapy after curative resection of sigmoid colon cancer Materials and Methods : From 1988 to 1993, a total of 93 Patients with curative resectable sigmoid colon cancer of modified Astler-Coiler (MAC) stage B2, B3, C2, C3 was divided into two groups on the basis of those who received radiation treatment and those who did not. Forty-three patients who treated by surgery alone were classified as postop RT (-) group The remaining 50 patients who underwent postoperative radiotherapy were classified as postop RT (+) group. In all patients in Postop RT (+) group. radiation therapy was delivered using 4 or 10 MV linear accelerators to treat the tumor bed with approximately 5cm margin to a total dose 50.4-61Gy(median 54Gy) in 1.8Gy per fraction. Thirty-two patients were treated. with 5-Fluorouracil based adjuvant chemotherapy at least 3 cycles. but these was no significant difference between two groups. Treatment failure Pattern, 5-year local failure-free survival rates (LFFS), and 5-year disease-free survival rates (DFS) were compared between two groups. Result : Five year LFFS and DFS were $85.1\%,\;68.5\%$, respectively, In Postop RT (-) group, LFFS was $76.2\%$ compared with $91.7\%$ in Postop RT (+) group. Improved LFFS and DFS were seen for patients with stage C3 sigmoid colon carcinoma with postoperative radiation therapy compared with postop RT (-) group (P=0.01, p=0.06 respectively), in stage B3, LFFS washigher in postop RT (+) group than that in Postop RT (-) group. although itwas not significant. Especially, local control was higher in stage 74 inpostop RT (+) group than that in postop RT (-) group, Conclusion : This studv showed significantly improved LFFS and DFS in MAC Stage C3 and improved tendency of LFFS and DFS in MAC Stage B3 disease. Large scale prospective study is required to verify the role of adjuvant radiation therapy in resectable sigmoid colon cancer.