• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.41 no.5
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• pp.427-435
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• 2018

There was a shortage of research reports on sterilization criterion and contamination of ultrasonic probes. Therefore, in this study, we were going to provide a basic study to measure the level of microbial contamination in ultrasonic probes and to investigate the radiographer's awareness of infection. After the scan, samples were collected from the rubber part of the probe by opening a sterile swab (Transport Medium AM608-1S) for medical bacteria collection with the remaining gel removed with a paper towel. Also, the collected samples of bacteria were grown for seven days and then the laboratory was analyzed. Among the total 29 types of microorganisms, Micrococcus luteus 21(26%), Moraxella species 16(20%), Coagulase negative staphylococcus 8(10%), Bacillus species 5(7%), Bicillus circulans 3(5%), Acinetobacter lwoffii 2(2%), and 1 other Candida parapsilosis (1%) a number of bacteria and fungus, was detected. In a disinfectant experiment using LuciPac Pen on the Lumitester PD-30s, we cultured the rubber part of the probe two to three times to measure the bacteria. Bacteria decreased to 97% with Aquanax (alkaline reduced water 100%), 99% with Klarion wash (0.01% sodium hydroxide), 94% with Klarion disinfection (0.01% nitrous acid water), Sterilization was best with Klarion wash (0.01% sodium hydroxide). Therefore, guidelines for cleaning and disinfection of ultrasonic probes was required, and further development of probe-only disinfectants is required.

• Korean Journal of Digital Imaging in Medicine
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.23-30
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• 2007

This study attempts to propose an appropriate method of using digital medical imaging equipments, by studying the effects of automatic exposure control(AEC), grid ratio and the change of radiography distance on the patient dose and detertor acquisition dose during the procedure of acquiring image through a digital medical imaging detector. The change of dose following the change of grid ratio's exposure and radiography distance was measured, by using an abdominal phantom organized with tissue equivalent materials in an amorphous silicon thin film transistor detecter installed with AWC. The case to use grid ratio 12 : 1, focal distance 180cm to radiography distance 110cm in AEC, the patient dose increased rather when we used grid ration 10 : 1, focal distance 110cm. When AEC was not used,the dose necessary for image acquisition decreased as the grid ratio became higher and the distance became further. but detector acquisition dose was not reduced when in applied AEC. When purchasing digiral medical imaging equipments, optional items such as AEC and grid shall be accurately selected to satisfy the use of the equipments. Radiography error made by radiation technologist and unnenessary patient dose can be reduced by selecting equipments with a radiography distance marker equipment when it did not apply AEC. These equipments can also be helpful in maintaining high imaging quality, one of the merits of digital detectors.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.103-107
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• 2012

This study was performed to design a modified Y-View as an imaging method for the Y-View in supine position for patients who requires Y-View imaging for the diagnosis of shoulder impingement syndrome but having trouble for the positioning of patients complaining of shoulder pain. On the result of comparative analysis of the images obtained by changing the lateral-medio degree of X-ray tube into $35^{\circ}$, $40^{\circ}$, and $45^{\circ}$ while patient is in supine position, $40^{\circ}$ of X-ray tube in lateral-medio direction produced the most valuable image for the diagnosis by best describing the shapes of acromion, clavicle space, and coracoacromial arch. Therefore, patients who have difficulty in Y-View position to obtain Y-View image, modified Y-View can be applied as a useful alternative method. By this study, various applications not only in shoulder impingement syndrome but also in diverse omarthralgia diseases are expected.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.343-350
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• 2021

3D printing technology is an additive manufacturing technology produced through 3D scanning or modeling method. This technology can be produced in a short time without mold, which has recently been applied in earnest in various fields. In the medical field, 3D printing technology is used in various fields of radiology and radiation therapy, but related research is insufficient in the field of nuclear medicine. In this study, we compare the characteristics of traditional nuclear medicine phantom with 3D printing technology and evaluate its applicability in clinical trials. We manufactured the same size phantom of poly methyl meta acrylate(PMMA) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene(ABS) based on the aluminum step wedge. We used BrightView XCT(Philips Health Care, Cleveland, USA) SPECT/CT. We acquired 60 min list mode for Aluminum, PMMA and ABS phantoms using Rectangular Flood Phantom (Biodex, New York, USA) ^99mTcO₄ 3 mCi(111 MBq), 6 mCi (222MBq) and ⁵⁷Co Flood phantom(adq, New Hampshire, USA). For the analysis of acquired images, the region of interest(ROI) were drawn and evaluated step by step for each phantom. Depending on the type of radioisotope and radiation dose, the counts of the ABS phantom was similar to that of the PMMA phantom. And as the step thickness increased, the counts decreased linearly. When comparing the linear attenuation coefficient of Aluminum, PMMA and ABS phantom, the linear attenuation coefficient of the aluminium phantom was higher than that of the others, and the PMMA and ABS phantom had similar the linear attenuation coefficient. Based on ABS phantom manufactured by 3D printing technology, as the thickness of the PMMA phantom increased, the counts and linear attenuation coefficient decreased linearly. It has been confirmed that ABS phantom is applicable in the clinical field of nuclear medicine. If the calibration factor is applied through further research, it is believed that practical application will be possible.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.341-350
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• 2021

Purpose: The use of micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans in biomedical and dental research is growing rapidly. This study aimed to explore the scientific literature on approaches and applications of micro-CT in restorative dentistry. Materials and Methods: An electronic search of publications from January 2009 to March 2021 was conducted using ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The search included only English-language articles. Therefore, only studies that addressed recent advances and the potential uses of micro-CT in restorative and preventive dentistry were selected. Results: Micro-CT is a tool that enables 3-dimensional imaging on a small scale with very high resolution. In this method, there is no need for sample preparation or slicing. Therefore, it is possible to examine the internal structure of tissue and the internal adaptation of materials to surfaces without destroying them. Due to these advantages, micro-CT has been recommended as a standard imaging tool in dental research for many applications such as tissue engineering, endodontics, restorative dentistry, and research on the mineral density of hard tissues and bone growth. However, the high costs of micro-CT, the time necessary for scanning and reconstruction, computer expertise requirements, and the enormous volume of information are drawbacks. Conclusion: The potential of micro-CT as an emerging, accurate, non-destructive approach is clear, and the valuable research findings reported in the literature provide an impetus for researchers to perform future studies focusing on employing this method in dental research.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.75-82
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• 2022

Background: Dental hygienists study dental radiology through the dental hygiene department and curriculum, and most of the radiography work in dental clinics is performed by dental hygienists; however, the legal work regulations for dental hygienists place restrictions on the type of radiography performed. This study aimed to identify the actual conditions of the radiographic work performed by dental hygienists and to determine the difference according to the type of hospital. Methods: This study included 195 dental hygienists working at dental medical institutions in the metropolitan area. A survey was conducted on regarding the radiographic work performed and the clinical career of the main performers. The radiography work was divided into periapical radiography, bite-wing radiography, occlusal radiography, panoramic radiography, computed tomography (CT), and cephalometric radiography. Results: The frequency of performing intraoral radiography was as follows: periapical radiography, 94.9%; bite-wing radiography, 93.8%; and occlusal radiography, 77.9%. The frequency of performing extraoral radiography was 94.4% for panoramic radiography, 89.7% for CT, and 73.3% for cephalometric radiography. The frequency of internal and external radiography performance was higher among hygienists in dental clinics than among those in dental hospitals and university hospitals. The analysis of the dental hygienists' clinical experience in the areas of intraoral and extraoral radiography showed that those working at university hospitals, dental hospitals, and dental clinics had over 5 years, 2~4 years, and 1 year of clinical experience, respectively. The hygienists with less than 1 year of clinical experience showed high performance frequency (p<0.05). Conclusion: For the dental hygienists to perform radiography safely, a discussion regarding the revision of related laws and regulations is warranted.

• Journal of Radiation Industry
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.173-181
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• 2023

3D printing is a technology that can transform and process computerized data obtained through modeling or 3D scanning via CAD. In the medical field, studies on customized 3D printing technology for clinical use or patients and diseases continue. The importance of research on filaments and molding methods is increasing, but research on manufacturing methods and available raw materials is not being actively conducted. In this study, we compare the characteristics of each material according to the manufacturing method of the phantom manufactured with 3D printing technology and evaluate its usefulness. We manufactured phantoms of the same size using poly methyl meta acrylate (PMMA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) based on the international standard phantom of aluminum step wedge. We used SITEC's radiation generator (DigiRAD-FPC R-1000-150) and compared the shielding rate and line attenuation coefficient through the average after shooting 10 times. As a result, in the case of the measured dose transmitted through each phantom, it was confirmed that the appearance of the dose measured for phantoms decreased linearly as the thickness increased under each condition. The sensitivity also decreased as the steps increased for each phantom and confirmed that it was different depending on the thickness and material. Through this study, we confirmed that 3D printing technology can be usefully used for phantom production in the medical field. If further development of printing technology and studies on various materials are conducted, it is believed that they will contribute to the development of the medical research environment.

• Journal of Medicine and Life Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.121-126
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• 2024

Disseminated tuberculosis (TB), resulting from the hematogenous spread of tubercle bacilli, typically affects immunocompromised individuals, such as those infected with the human immunodeficiency virus. However, risk factors in immunocompetent populations are not well understood. Here, we report a rare case of disseminated TB with CD4+ T-cell depletion in a previously healthy 35-year-old man. The patient presented with a 2-month history of intermittent gross hematuria, dysuria, loose stools, and weight loss. His medical history was unremarkable except for a herpes zoster infection 4 years prior to presentation. Laboratory tests revealed microscopic hematuria and pyuria; however, the urine culture was negative. Urine specimens tested positive for TB-polymerase chain reaction. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a focal filling defect in the left kidney, segmental wall thickening of the terminal ileum, and multiple enlarged lymph nodes with central necrosis. Chest computed tomography revealed active pulmonary TB. Colonoscopy confirmed intestinal TB in the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve, with positive TB-polymerase chain reaction results from sputum and ileal ulcer tissue. The patient was diagnosed with disseminated TB and was treated with standard anti-TB drugs. Although the human immunodeficiency virus test results were negative, the patient's CD4+ T-cell count was significantly low (278/μL). Follow-up tests after 1 month showed negative TB cultures; however, the patient's CD4+ T-cell depletion persisted, with counts remaining low after 1 year. This case highlights the rare occurrence of disseminated TB in immunocompetent individuals with CD4+ T-cell depletion and emphasizes the importance of CD4+ T-cell assessment in healthy patients presenting with disseminated TB.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.149-155
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• 2013

The Korean Thyroid Association recommends fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for nodules more than 0.5 cm in diameter. But nodules, smaller than 0.5 cm have been found in papillary carcinomas of the thyroid (PTC) at the health promotion center at SMC. We wanted to evaluate the ultrasonographic findings according to size of nodule in proven PTCs by FNAB, especially less than 0.5 cm. All nodules were classified into three groups by their longest diameter : less than 0.5 cm, more than 0.5 cm but less than 1 cm, and more than 1 cm. Sonographic findings suggesting malignancy were analyzed according to their size groups. Of 288 malignant nodules, 21.5 % (62/288) were less than 0.5 cm, 54.9 % (158/288) were more than 0.5 cm but less than 1 cm, 23.6 % (68/288) exceeded 1 cm. A taller-than-wide shape was observed in 90.3 % (56/62) of nodules less than 0.5 cm, and 48.5 % (33/68) of nodules exceeding 1 cm (p<0.001). There were no well-defined smooth nodules among nodules less than 0.5 cm, and spiculated or irregular margin nodules increased as the size increased (p=0.024). Nodules of size less than 0.5 cm did not showed hyper or isoechogenicity. Hypoechogenicity was greater than the marked hypoechogenicity in each group (p=0.034). Micro- or macro-calcifications were not founded in 77.4 % (48/62) of the nodule group sized less than 0.5 cm. From the small size of the group, micro- or macrocalcifications were observed 21.0 % (13/62), 48.1 % (76/158), 64.7 % (44/68), so the number of nodules containing micro- or macro-calcification increased as size increased (p<0.001). PTCs less than 0.5 cm in size on ultrasonography had taller than-wide shape, spiculated or irregular and ill-defined margins, and exhibited hypo and markedly hypoechogenicity, but microor macro-calcifications were not common. These ultrasonographic features of nodules less than 0.5 cm can be useful in reporting and guiding FNABs or follow-up exams.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.179-186
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• 2017

Purpose of this study is present the normal range of cardiac size and cardiothoracic ratio according to patient position(chest PA and AP) and age of Korean adult male on digital chest X - ray, And to propose a mutually compatible conversion rate. 1,024 males were eligible for this study, among 1,300 normal chest patients who underwent chest PA and low-dose CT examinations on the same day at the 'S' Hospital Health Examination Center in Seoul From January to December 2014. CS and CTR were measured by Danzer (1919). The mean difference between CS and CTR was statistically significant (p<0.01) in Chest PA (CS 135.48 mm, CTR 43.99%) and Chest AP image (CS 155.96 mm, CTR 51.75%). There was no statistically significant difference between left and right heart in chest PA and AP images (p>0.05). CS showed statistically significant difference between Chest PA (p>0. 05) and Chest AP (p<0.05). The thorax size and CTR were statistically significant (p<0.01) in both age and chest PA and AP. Result of this study, On Chest AP image CS was magnified 15%, CTR was magnified 17% compare with Chest PA image. CS and CTR were about 10% difference by changing posture at all ages.