• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.21 no.10
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• pp.1165-1177
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• 2020

Objective: To assess the feasibility of applying a deep learning-based denoising technique to coronary CT angiography (CCTA) along with iterative reconstruction for additional noise reduction. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 82 consecutive patients (male:female = 60:22; mean age, 67.0 ± 10.8 years) who had undergone both CCTA and invasive coronary artery angiography from March 2017 to June 2018. All included patients underwent CCTA with iterative reconstruction (ADMIRE level 3, Siemens Healthineers). We developed a deep learning based denoising technique (ClariCT.AI, ClariPI), which was based on a modified U-net type convolutional neural net model designed to predict the possible occurrence of low-dose noise in the originals. Denoised images were obtained by subtracting the predicted noise from the originals. Image noise, CT attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were objectively calculated. The edge rise distance (ERD) was measured as an indicator of image sharpness. Two blinded readers subjectively graded the image quality using a 5-point scale. Diagnostic performance of the CCTA was evaluated based on the presence or absence of significant stenosis (≥ 50% lumen reduction). Results: Objective image qualities (original vs. denoised: image noise, 67.22 ± 25.74 vs. 52.64 ± 27.40; SNR [left main], 21.91 ± 6.38 vs. 30.35 ± 10.46; CNR [left main], 23.24 ± 6.52 vs. 31.93 ± 10.72; all p < 0.001) and subjective image quality (2.45 ± 0.62 vs. 3.65 ± 0.60, p < 0.001) improved significantly in the denoised images. The average ERDs of the denoised images were significantly smaller than those of originals (0.98 ± 0.08 vs. 0.09 ± 0.08, p < 0.001). With regard to diagnostic accuracy, no significant differences were observed among paired comparisons. Conclusion: Application of the deep learning technique along with iterative reconstruction can enhance the noise reduction performance with a significant improvement in objective and subjective image qualities of CCTA images.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.71-80
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate age-stratified radiographic features in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis using cone-beam computed tomography. Materials and Methods: In total, 210 joints from 183 patients(144 females, 39 males, ranging from 12 to 88 years old with a mean age of 44.75±19.97 years) diagnosed with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis were stratified by age. Mandibular condyle position and bony changes (flattening, erosion, osteophytes, subchondral sclerosis, and subchondral pseudocysts in both the condyle and articular eminence, thickening of the glenoid fossa, joint space narrowing, and joint loose bodies) were evaluated through cone-beam computed tomography. After adjusting for sex, the association between age groups and radiographic findings was analyzed using both a multiple regression model and a multinomial logistic regression model(α=0.05). Results: The prevalence of joint space narrowing and protruded condyle position in the glenoid fossa significantly increased with age (P<0.05). The risks of bony changes, including osteophytes and subchondral pseudocysts in the condyle; flattening, erosion, osteophyte, and subchondral sclerosis in the articular eminence; joint loose bodies; and thickening of the glenoid fossa, also significantly rose with increasing age (P<0.05). The number of radiographic findings increased with age; in particular, the increase was more pronounced in the temporal bone than in the mandibular condyle (P<0.05). Conclusion: Increasing age was associated with a higher frequency and greater diversity of bony changes in the temporal bone, as well as a protruded condyle position in the glenoid fossa, resulting in noticeable joint space narrowing in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.141-153
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• 2020

Purpose: Myocardial T1 and T2 relaxation times are affected by technical factors such as cardiovascular magnetic resonance platform/vendor. We aimed to validate T1 and T2 mapping sequences using a phantom; establish reference T1, T2, and extracellular volume (ECV) measurements using two sequences at 3T in normal Koreans; and compare the protocols and evaluate the differences from previously reported measurements. Materials and Methods: Eleven healthy subjects underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using 3T MRI equipment (Verio, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). We did phantom validation before volunteer scanning: T1 mapping with modified look locker inversion recovery (MOLLI) with 5(3)3 and 4(1)3(1)2 sequences, and T2 mapping with gradient echo (GRE) and TrueFISP sequences. We did T1 and T2 mappings on the volunteers with the same sequences. ECV was also calculated with both sequences after gadolinium enhancement. Results: The phantom study showed no significant differences from the gold standard T1 and T2 values in either sequence. Pre-contrast T1 relaxation times of the 4(1)3(1)2 protocol was 1142.27 ± 36.64 ms and of the 5(3)3 was 1266.03 ± 32.86 ms on the volunteer study. T2 relaxation times of GRE were 40.09 ± 2.45 ms and T2 relaxation times of TrueFISP were 38.20 ± 1.64 ms in each. ECV calculation was 24.42% ± 2.41% and 26.11% ± 2.39% in the 4(1)3(1)2 and 5(3)3 protocols, respectively, and showed no differences at any segment or slice between the sequences. We also calculated ECV from the pre-enhancement T1 relaxation time of MOLLI 5(3)3 and the post-enhancement T1 relaxation time of MOLLI 4(1)3(1)2, with no significant differences between the combinations. Conclusion: Using phantom-validated sequences, we reported the normal myocardial T1, T2, and ECV reference values of healthy Koreans at 3T. There were no statistically significant differences between the sequences, although it has limited statistical value due to the small number of subjects studied. ECV showed no significant differences between calculations based on various pre- and post-mapping combinations.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.145-151
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• 2024

Through classes conducted using the Shift+N teaching method developed by H University for students taking major courses in radiology, the factors that influence teaching methods on learning outcomes and satisfaction with major courses were identified based on a survey of students. The analysis results were described. Compared to the existing major class method, pre-study was conducted through non-face-to-face lectures in advance and face-to-face lectures were conducted for the main class. After the lecture, related keywords corresponding to the parking lot were presented and class contents related to the keywords were applied. A possible problem was presented. In the next week, we proceeded with problem solving and explaining again the difficult or insufficient parts related to the students' review. As a result, the Shift+N teaching method showed high student participation and satisfaction due to the new class progress, which is different from the existing theory major class. Based on the results of this study, in order to efficiently deliver learning content to strengthen major competencies, we must improve existing major classes and develop teaching methods tailored to major subjects to improve students' knowledge and satisfaction through more effective and innovative teaching methods. A plan must be found.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.2
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• pp.310-323
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• 2020

To treat congenital heart disease, it is important to understand the anatomical structure correctly. Three-dimensional (3D) printed models of the heart effectively demonstrate the structural features of congenital heart disease. Occasionally, the exact characteristics of complex cardiac malformations are difficult to identify on conventional computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography, and the use of 3D printed models can help overcome their limitations. Recently, 3D printed models have been used for congenital heart disease education, preoperative simulation, and decision-making processes. In addition, we will pave the way for the development of this technology in the future and discuss various aspects of its use, such as the development of surgical techniques and training of cardiac surgeons.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.135-140
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• 2017

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) arising within the lining of an odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a rare occurrence. Although potentially locally destructive, OKC is a benign odontogenic process that typically presents with clinical and radiographic features characteristic of a benign intraosseous neoplasm. We present the clinical and radiographic features of a maxillary mass that demonstrated SCC arising from the lining of an OKC. Although the initial clinical and radiographic presentation suggested an infection or malignant neoplasm, biopsies revealed an infiltrative well-differentiated SCC contiguous with and arising from the focus of a pre-existing OKC. The patient subsequently underwent a type II hemi-maxillectomy with neoadjuvant chemoradiation. This report discusses the clinical and radiographic features associated with intraosseous malignancies, especially those arising from an otherwise benign odontogenic lesion. While the majority of OKCs are benign, the current report illustrates the potential for carcinomatous transformation within the lining of an OKC.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.159-164
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• 2021

The examination using diagnostic x-ray equipment is one of the most useful diagnostic equipment for identifying information in the human body in diagnostic radiology. For this reason, the number of examinations has recently increased a lot. Increasing the number of examinations will accelerate the aging of the device. In addition, this makes them aware of the importance of quality control for the diagnostic x-ray device. Particularly, in a diagnostic x-ray device, quality control refers to an act of always maintaining a certain level of image quality by identifying and correcting all problems that may lead to reduction of the diagnosis area in advance. Therefore, this study summarizes and reports general information about quality control in examinations using diagnostic x-ray equipment.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.83 no.4
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• pp.771-775
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• 2022

Recently, doctors and researchers are establishing relationships with interested parties from companies, research institutes, health care institutions, and academic journals, instead of conducting independent medical care or research work. They may have multiple interests as an advisor or a shareholder in the relevant company. Such a situation can foster a conflict of interest when their interests influence one's decision or judgment. Conflict of interest is an extremely important issue because it can infringe the integrity of research, endanger subjects or patients, pose a risk to the public, and deteriorate public perception of science. This brief review explores the definition, examples, and solutions to conflict of interest.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.385-394
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• 2024

This study is suggest the importance of a safety management system against radiation exposure by measuring the surface pollution level of toilets in the radiation management area of hospitals using open seafarers and evaluating the spread. The experiment measured 10 times in front of the toilet and the entrance before and after the start of work in 3 toilets in the radiation management area of a hospital in the metropolitan area. The measuring instruments and samples were measured using an indirect measuring smear paper and a surface contamination radiation meter. As a result of the measurement the front of the left toilet in the iodine treatment room bathroom before decontamination exceeded the legally permitted surface contamination dose. All other areas were measured below the legally permitted surface contamination dose. However even if radioactive contamination is below the allowable dose pollutants and contamination conditions must be properly identified and managed with constant attention and attention. Therefore the use of toilets in the radiation control zone must be regulated so that only patients can use them and efforts must be made to minimize the spread of surface contamination outside the toilet by allowing the use of the exclusive use of toilets.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Medical Physics Conference
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• 1999.11a
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• pp.264-265
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• 1999