• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.127-129
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• 2013

The imidazopyridine, zolpidem, a non-benzodiazepine hypnotic drug, is widely-prescribed for insomnia. It is regarded as a good alternative to benzodiazepine because of the reduced possibility for abuse and development of dependence. However, more recently, due to the reduced possibility for abuse and development of dependence, it is regarded as a good alternative to benzodiazepine. adverse effects of zolpidem have been recognized. The objective of this report is to provide information on the potential for occurrence of benzodiazepine-like withdrawal seizure in patients who chronically take zolpidem continually. We present and discuss a case of seizure after sudden interruption of the protracted use of an abusively high dose of zolpidem. Zolpidem may not be the ideal drug for longterm pharmacotherapeutic management of insomnia. Clinicians should administer zolpidem at a low-dose for a short period of time for prevention of drug abuse and dependence and the potential for occurrence of benzodiazepine- like withdrawal seizure.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• v.19 no.3
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• pp.125-129
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• 2022

Patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) are generally known to be at greater risk for thrombosis, with arterial thrombosis-related complications being relatively rare compared to venous thrombosis-related complications. This report describes a 46-year-old male with historically proven minimal change disease (MCD) complicated by acute aortoiliac thrombosis. He had been diagnosed with MCD 8 months previously and was treated successfully with steroids. He was prescribed a second course of high-dose steroids (prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day) due to a relapse of MCD at the outpatient clinic 8 days before the emergency department visit. The patient presented with severe pain in both lower limbs and was diagnosed with aortoiliac thrombosis that developed during high-dose steroid treatment. He subsequently underwent surgical thromboembolectomy. Hypoalbuminemia has the strongest association with the risk of thromboembolism. According to international clinical practice guidelines, anticoagulant therapy is recommended when serum albumin is ≤2-2.5 g/dL. However, as serum albumin levels may be relatively high in the early phase of NS, as in this case report, an individualized anticoagulation strategy for each patient should be considered, regardless of serum albumin levels.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.159-166
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• 2009

Obviously, the administration of the prescribed amount of activity to the patient requires proper operation of the dose calibrator, which shall be verified by implementing the required quality control on the instrument. This investigation examined the accuracy and precision of dose calibrator activity measurement of the radiopharmaceutical F-18 FDG. To investigate the status of the nuclear medicine centers in Korea for the performance of dose calibrators, 10 centers providing PET/CT system services in Korea were inspected in 2008. We measured accuracy and precision in 10 equipments in consideration of PET/CT model, installation area, and installation time. According to the results of comparative analysis of 10 dose calibrators used to measure radioactivity of F-18 FDG, accuracy was -5.00~4.50% and precision was 0.05~0.45%, satisfying the international standards, which are accuracy ${\pm}$10% and precision ${\pm}$5%. This study demonstrated that, for accurate measurements, no adjustment is necessary for a dose calibrator setting when measuring different dose calibrators of F-18 FDG activity prescriptions.

• Progress in Medical Physics
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.114-122
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• 2006

The two commonly used methods in delivering intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) plan are the dynamic (sliding window) and static (stop and shoot) mode. In this study, the two IMRI delivery techniques are compared by measuring point dose and dose distributions. Using treatment planning system, clinical target volume (CTV) was created as a sphere with various diameter (3 cm, 7 cm, 12 cm). Two IMRT plans were peformed to deliver 200 cGy to the CTV in dynamic and static mode. The two plans were delivered on a phantom and central point dose and dose distributions were measured. The central point dose differences between static and dynamic IMRT delivery were 0.2%, 0.2% and 0.4% when the diameter of CTV was 3 cm, 7 cm, and 12 cm, respectively. The differences In volume receiving 90% of the proscribed dose were 2.7%, 2.2%, and 2.9% for the diameter of CTV was 3 cm, 7 cm, and 12 cm, respectively. For lung cancer patients, the differences in central point dose were 0.2%, 0.2%, and 0.4% when the volume of CTV was 35.5 cc, 296.8 cc, and 903.5 cc, respectively. The differences in volume receiving 90% of the prescribed dose were 2.7%, 4.8%, and 9.1% when the volume of CTV was 35.5 cc, 296.8 cc, and 903.5 cc, respectively. In conclusion, it was possible to deliver IMRT plans using dynamic mode of MLC operation although the loaves are In motion during radiation delivery.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.39 no.3
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• pp.391-397
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• 2016

Stereotactic body radiotherapy is effective technic in radiotherapy for low stage lung cancer. But lung cancer is affected by respiratory so accurately concentrate high dose to the target is very difficult. In this study, evaluated the target volume according to how to take the image. And evaluated the dose by photoluminescence glass dosimeter according to how to contour the volume and respiratory range. As a result, evaluated the 4D CT volume was 10.4 cm3 which was closest value of real size target. And in dose case is internal target volume dose was 10.82, 16.88, 21.90 Gy when prescribed dose was 10, 15, 20 Gy and it was the highest dose. Respiratory gated radiotherapy dose was more higher than internal target volume. But it made little difference by respiratory range. Therefore, when moving cancer treatment, acquiring image by 4D CT, contouring internal target volume and respiratory gated radiotherapy technic would be the best way.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2014

Purpose : To derive the most appropriate factors by considering the effects of the major factors when applied to the optimization algorithm, thereby aiding the effective designing of a ideal treatment plan. Materials and Methods : The eclipse treatment planning system(Eclipse 10.0, Varian, USA) was used in this study. The PBC (Pencil Beam Convolution) algorithm was used for dose calculation, and the DVO (Dose Volume Optimizer 10.0.28) Optimization algorithm was used for intensity modulated radiation therapy. The experimental group consists of patients receiving intensity modulated radiation therapy for the head and neck cancer and dose prescription to two planned target volume was 2.2 Gy and 2.0 Gy simultaneously. Treatment plan was done with inverse dose calculation methods utilizing 6 MV beam and 7 fields. The optimal algorithm parameter of the established plan was selected based on volume dose-priority(Constrain), dose fluence smooth value and the impact of the treatment plan was analyzed according to the variation of each factors. Volume dose-priority determines the reference conditions and the optimization process was carried out under the condition using same ratio, but different absolute values. We evaluated the surrounding normal organs of treatment volume according to the changing conditions of the absolute values of the volume dose-priority. Dose fluence smooth value was applied by simply changing the reference conditions (absolute value) and by changing the related volume dose-priority. The treatment plan was evaluated using Conformal Index, Paddick's Conformal Index, Homogeneity Index and the average dose of each organs. Results : When the volume dose-priority values were directly proportioned by changing the absolute values, the CI values were found to be different. However PCI was $1.299{\pm}0.006$ and HI was $1.095{\pm}0.004$ while D5%/D95% was $1.090{\pm}1.011$. The impact on the prescribed dose were similar. The average dose of parotid gland decreased to 67.4, 50.3, 51.2, 47.1 Gy when the absolute values of the volume dose-priority increased by 40,60,70,90. When the dose smooth strength from each treatment plan was increased, PCI value increased to $1.338{\pm}0.006$. Conclusion : The optimization algorithm was more influenced by the ratio of each condition than the absolute value of volume dose-priority. If the same ratio was maintained, similar treatment plan was established even if the absolute values were different. Volume dose-priority of the treatment volume should be more than 50% of the normal organ volume dose-priority in order to achieve a successful treatment plan. Dose fluence smooth value should increase or decrease proportional to the volume dose-priority. Volume dose-priority is not enough to satisfy the conditions when the absolute value are applied solely.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.321-328
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• 1999

Purpose : Total body irradiation (TBI) or whole body irradiation is used to acquire immune suppression, to treat malignant lymphoma and leukemia, and as an conditioning regimen for bone marrow transplantation. For these purposes, many methods were developed to obtain homogenous dose distribution. The objective of this study was to analyze and confirm the accuracy and the homogeneity of the treatment setup, the parallel opposed lateral technique, currently used in Seoul National University Hospital. Materials and Metheods : Surface dose data, measured with a thermoluminescent dosimeter, of 8 patients among 10 patients, who were given total body irradiation with the parallel opposed lateral technique between September 1996 to August 1998, at Seoul National University Hospital were analyzed. Surface doses were measured at the head, neck, axilla, thigh, and ankle level. Surface and midline doses were measured with similar set-up and technique in the Humanoid phantom. Results : Measured surface doses relative to prescribed dose for the head, neck, axilla, thight, and ankle leve were $91.3{\pm}7.8,{\;}98.3{\pm}7.5,{\;}95.1{\pm}6.3,{\;}98.3{\pm}5.5$, and $95.3{\pm} 6.3\%$, respectively. The midline doses of the head, neck, axilla, thigh, and ankle level estimated from the surface-to-midline ratios in the Humanoid Phantom were $103.4{\pm}9.0,{\;}107.8{\pm}10.5,{\;}91.1{\pm}6.1,{\pm} 93.8{\pm}4.5,{\;}and{\;}104.5{\pm}9.3\%$, respectively. Measured surface doses and estimated midline doses ranged from $-8.9\%$ to $+7.8\%$. Midline doses at the neck and the axilia level deviated more than $5\%$ from the prescribed doses. The difference of the estimated midline doses at the neck and the axilla level and the actual doses were attributed to the thickness differences between the Humanoid phantom and the patients. Conclusion Distribution of the midline doses as well as the suface doses were measured to be within $-8.7\~{\pm}7.8\%$ range. Actual dose distribution in the patient is expected to be better than the measured dose range mainly attributed to thickness difference between the patient and the Humanoid phantom.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.39-49
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• 2010

Purpose: This aim of this study is to analyze the dosimetric difference between intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) using 3 or 5 beams and MSF in the radiotherapy of the left breast. Materials and Methods: We performed a comparative analysis of two radiotherapy modalities that can achieve improved dose homogeneity. First is the multistatic fields technique that simultaneously uses both major and minor irradiation fields. The other is IMRT, which employs 3 or 5 beams using a fixed multileaf collimator. We designed treatment plans for 16 early left breast cancer patients who had taken breast conservation surgery and radiotherapy, and analyzed them from a dosimetric standpoint. Results: For the mean values of $V_{95}$ and dose homogeneity index, no statistically significant difference was observed among the three therapies. Extreme hot spots receiving over 110% of the prescribed dose were not found in any of the three methods. A Tukey test performed on IMRT showed a significantly larger increase in exposure dose to the ipsilateral lung and heart than multistatic fields technique (MSF) in the low-dose area, but in the high-dose area, MSF showed a slight increase. Conclusion: In order to improve dose homogeneity, the application of MSF, which can be easily planned and applied more widely, is considered an optimal alternative to IMRT for radiotherapy of early left breast cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.10
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• pp.5989-5993
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• 2013

Background: Radiation therapy is the mainstay of treatment for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Importance of tumor coverage and challenges posed by its unique and critical location are well evident. Therefore we aimed to evaluate our radiation treatment plan through dose volume histograms (DVHs) to find planning target volume (PTV) dose coverage and factors affecting it. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study covered 45 histologically proven nasopharyngeal cancer patients who were treated with definitive 3D-CRT and chemotherapy between Feb 2006 to March 2013 at the Department of Oncology, Section Radiation Oncology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan. DVH was evaluated to find numbers of shrinking field (phases), PTV volume in different phases and its coverage by the 95% isodose lines, along with influencing factors. Results: There were 36 males (80%) and 9 females (20%) in the age range of 12-84 years. Stage IVA (46.7%) was the most common stage followed by stage III (31.1). Eighty six point six-percent received induction, 95.5% received concurrent and 22.2% received adjuvant chemotherapy. The prescribed median radiation dose was 70Gy to primary, 60Gy to clinically positive neck nodes and 50Gy to clinically negative neck regions. Mean dose to spinal cord was 44.2Gy and to optic chiasma was 52Gy. Thirty seven point eight-percent patients completed their treatment in three phases while 62.2% required four to five phases. Mean volume for PTV3 was $247.8cm^3$ (50-644.3), PTV4 $173.8cm^3$ (26.5-345.1) and PTV5 $119.6cm^3$ (18.9-246.1) and PTV volume coverage by 95% isodose lines were 74.4%, 85.7% and 100% respectively. Advanced T stage, intracranial extension and tumor volume > $200cm^3$ were found to be important factors associated with decreased PTV coverage by 95% isodose line. Conclusions: 3D CRT results in adequate PTV dose coverage by 95% isodose line. However advanced T stage, intracranial extension and large target volume require more advanced techniques like IMRT for appropriate PTV coverage.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.211-222
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• 2002

Currently convulsion is considered to be a chronic central nerve disease characterized by involuntary and severe muscle contraction or spasm. In many recent studies, convulsion's mechanism is due to unbalance between stimulation and suppression of the central nerve system, such as GABA and glutamic acid. Objectives : This study was performed to examine the anticonvulsant effects of Podam-hwan on brain GABA levels and glutamate content in picrotoxin-induced convulsions and to determine the inhibitory activity on GABA transaminase. Methods : Brain GABA levels and glutamate content in the brains of picrotoxin-induced mice using reverse phase HPLC method, anticonvulsant effect in vivo, and the inhibitory effect on GABA transaminase activity in vivo have been investigated. Results : Podam-hwan significantly lengthened the onset time of picrotoxin-induced convulsion at a concentration of 15mg/kg, but did not show a dose-dependent pattern. Also, Podam-hwan shortened the duration of convulsion by 52.2% at a dose of 30mg/kg in comparison with the control group. Podam-hwan inhibited dose-dependently GABA transaminase activity by 35.5% at 30mg/kg, comparing with the control gmup. Podam-hwan also increased the brain GABA level by 38.7% and 68.8% at doses 15mg/kg and 30mg/kg, respectively. In addition, Podam-hwan decreased the brain glutamate level by 9.6% and 17.8% at doses 15mg/kg and 30mg/kg, respectively. Conclusions : Podam-hwan can be prescribed for the treatment of convulsion by enhancement of brain GABA level and inhibition of GABA transaminase activity.