• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.101-107
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate optimal CT scan parameters to minimize patient dose to the irradiation and maintain satisfactory image quality in low-dose chest computed tomography (CT) scans. In a chest anthropomorphic phantom, chest CT scans were performed at different kVp and mA within reference of 3.4mGy in volume CT Dose Index (CTDI_vol). The following quantitative parameters had been statistically evaluated: image noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and figure of merit (FOM). Nine radiographers conducted the blind test to select the optimal kVp-mA combination. Results indicated that the kVp-mA combination of 80kVp-90mA, 100kVp-50mA, 120kVp-30mA and 140kVp-30mA were obtained high SNR and CNR. The 120kVp-30mA combination offered good compromise in the FOM, which showed the quality and dose performance. In the blind test, an image of 80kVp-90mA obtained a high score with 4.7 points, and 120kVp-10mA or 140kVp-10mA with a low tube current were observed severe noise and poor image quality, thus resulting in decreased diagnostic accuracy. On the other hand, in the combination of high kVp and high mA(140kVp-90mA), the image quality was improved, but the radiation dose was also increased. the FOM value of 140kVp-90mA was lower than 120kVp-30mA. The application of appropriate scan parameters in low-dose chest CT scans produced satisfactory results in dose and image quality for the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.11 no.7
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• pp.555-564
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• 2017

The current radiation risk assessment for occupational exposure is based on the measured exposure dose and health checkups of workers. This people-centered risk assessment may occur errors because absence of using personal dosimeter or unrelated health symptoms of individuals lead to difficulties in obtaining accurate data from workers. In addition, although the established legal upper dose limit was used as a reference for the assessment, it does not imply that this limit is the optimal dose of radiation workers should get; ALARA principle should always be appreciated. Therefore, a new risk assessment model that can take account of all the important factors and implement optimization of radiation protection is required at the national level. In this paper, based on the KOSHA Risk Assessment, we studied on the workplace-centered risk assessment model for radiation field rather than the people-centered. The result of the study derived a right model for radiation field through the analysis of the risk assessment methods in various fields and also found data acquisition methods and procedures for applying to the model. Multidimensional model centering on the workplace will enables more accurate radiation risk assessment by using a risk index and radar plot, and consequently contribute to the efficient worker management, preemptive worker protection and implementation of optimization of radiation protection.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.241-248
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• 2005

X-ray examinations represent the largest man-made source of radiation exposure for the population. The need for standardization of radiation exposures has been suggested and the guidance levels for various radiographic and radioisotope examinations has been proposed by the International Atomic Energy Aency(IAEA) as a safety standard. In many countries, the situation of medical radiographic exposures in each country should be researched before the appropriate guidance level is established. In this study, measurements of entrance surface dose, dose-area product(DAP), computed tomograghic dose index(CTDI) and mean glandular dose(MGD) were carried out in patients who underwent routine x-ray examinations, fluoroscopy, computed tomograghy and mamography in Korea. These measured quantities were compared with the results from the calculation method in previous study. And we suggested diagnostic reference levels in medical imaging in Korea.

• Journal of Dairy Science and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.99-116
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• 2016

We herein performed animal safety assessment in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations with the aim of developing sialic acid from glycomacropeptide (hereafter referred to as "GMP") as an index ingredient and functional component in functional foods. GMP is a type of whey protein derived from milk and a safe food, with multiple functions, such as antiviral activity. A test substance was produced containing 7% (w/w) sialic acid and mostly-hydrolyzed whey protein (hereafter referred to as "7%-GNANA") by enzymatic treatment of substrate GMP. The maximum intake test dose level was selected based on 5,000 mg/kg/day dose set for male NOEL (no-observed-effect-level) and female NOAEL (no-observed-adverse-effect-level) determined by a dose-range finding (DRF) test (GLP Center of Catholic University of Daegu, Report No. 15-NREO-001) that was previously conducted with the same test substance. To evaluate the toxicity of a repeated oral dose of the test substance in connection with the previous DRF study, 1,250, 2,500, and 5,000 mg/kg of the substance were administered by a probe into the stomachs of 6-week-old SPF Sprague-Dawley male and female rats for 90 d. Each test group consisted of 10 male and 10 female rats. To determine the toxicity index, all parameters, such as observation of common signs; measurements of body weight and food consumption; ophthalmic examination; urinalysis, electrolyte, hematological, and serum biochemical examination; measurement of organ weights during autopsy; and visual and histopathological examinations were conducted according to GLP standards. After evaluating the results based on the test toxicity assessment criteria, it was determined that NOAEL of the test substance, 7%-GNANA, was 5,000 mg/kg/day, for both male and female rats. No animal death was noted in any of the test groups, including the control group, during the study period, and there was no significant difference associated with test substance, as compared with the control group, with respect to general symptoms, body weight changes, food consumption, ophthalmic examination, urinalysis, hematological and serum biochemical examination, and electrolyte and blood coagulation tests during the administration period (P<0.05). As assessed by the effects of the test substance on organ weights, food consumption, autopsy, and histopathological safety, change in kidney weight as an indicator of male NOAEL revealed up to 20% kidney weight increase in the high-dose group (5,000 mg/kg/day) compared with the change in the control group. However, it was concluded that this effect of the test substance was minor. In the case of female rats, reduction of food consumption, increase of kidney weight, and decrease of thymus weight were observed in the high-dose group. The kidney weight increased by 10.2% (left) and 8.9% (right) in the high-dose group, with a slight dose-dependency compared with that of the control group. It was observed that the thymus weight decreased by 25.3% in the high-dose group, but it was a minor test substance-associated effect. During the autopsy, botryoid tumor was detected on the ribs of one subject in the high-dose group, but we concluded that the tumor has been caused by a naturally occurring (non-test) substance. Histopathological examination revealed lesions on the kidney, liver, spleen, and other organs in the low-dose test group. Since these lesions were considered a separate phenomenon, or naturally occurring and associated with aging, it was checked whether any target organ showed clear symptoms caused by the test substance. In conclusion, different concentrations of the test substance were fed to rats and, consequently, it was verified that only a minor effect was associated with the test substance in the high-dose (5,000 mg/kg/day) group of both male and female rats, without any other significant effects associated with the test substance. Therefore, it was concluded that NOAEL of 7%-GNANA (product name: Helicobactrol) with male and female rats as test animals was 5,000 mg/kg/day, and it thus was determined that the substance is safe for the ultimate use as an ingredient of health functional foods.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.115-126
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• 2009

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of red ginseng on women's health-related quality of life (QOL) and sexual function. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical study was performed. The main efficacy was measured using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFl) and the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Twenty-four healthy, married women aged 30-45 years with FSFl scores below 25 were randomly divided into two groups: the red-ginseng group (N=12) and the placebo group (N=12). During the first six-week period (Study 1), each group was given red ginseng or placebo twice a day. Before the start of the second six-week period (Study 2), a crossover design was chosen with a two-week break (washout period). Interchanging the two groups after the washout period, red ginseng and placebo were given to each group. The outcomes were measured before and after each six-week period. Overall, 23 participants completed the study. In Study 1, the changes relative to the baseline in the FSFl total score were 22.50% and 22.99% for red ginseng and placebo, respectively. In Study 2, the relative changes were 8.14% for red ginseng and 6.29% for placebo. The results showed a greater improving trend in Study 1 with respect to all of the participants' sexual functions, but no significant difference was found between the groups (P=0.9567). After taking red ginseng, all the participants exhibited an improving trend in the desire domain of FSFl, but no significant difference was shown. In the measurement of SF-36, no significant difference was likewise shown. After taking red ginseng, though, all the participants exhibited an improving trend in the physical functioning (PF) domain of SF-36, with no significant difference. Moreover, there was no significant adverse event related to red ginseng. The QOL and sexual function of the study participants in the red-ginseng group were mostly improved, but no statistically significant effect of red ginseng was shown. It is supposed that this result was partly due to the affirmative impression of red ginseng in Korea. Thus, it is anticipated that a long-term clinical trial will show a significant effect of red ginseng on the QOL and sexual function.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.119-135
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• 2007

Objectives: The efficacy, feasibility, and safety of bench-step aerobics (BSA) program in overweight or obese Korean adult women have been implied. However, there has been almost no evidence for its psychological benefits. As such, the purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological benefits of BSA program in overweight or obese (body mass index ${\geq}\;23\;kg/m^2$) Korean adult women. Method: Anger, exercise self-efficacy, exercise-related affect, and body image of overweight or obese women who participated in a 12-week BSA program (n=15) were compared with those of their counterparts in the control group (n=13). Subjects were selected among public health center visitors and those recruited by putting an advertisement in local newspapers and the public health center homepage. Data from the exercise and control groups were collected before and after the 12-week BSA program (from August to November in 2006) at the public health centers. The exercise program consisted of 45 to 60 min moderate-intensity (40/50 to 50/60% of their hear rate reserve) BSA performed for 3 days a week. Results: After the BSA program, body image of the subjects in the exercise group was significantly improved and there was a significant difference between the exercise and control groups. Anger, exercise self-efficacy, and exercise-related affect were improved after the BSA program but the changes did not reach the level of statistical significance and there were no significant differences between the exercise and control groups. Conclusions: In conclusion, BSA appears to significantly enhance body image in overweight or obese Korean adult women but its effects on anger, exercise self-efficacy, and exercise-related affect do not appear to be statistically significant. Further studies involving different subjects, particularly whose levels of anger are high or whose levels of exercise-related affect are low to exclude the influence of the ceiling or floor effect, are warranted in a randomized controlled design.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.375-383
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• 2023

Objectives: Coal-fired power plants feature diverse working conditions, including multi-layered employment structures and irregular work cycles due to outsourcing and non-standardized tasks. The current uniform occupational environment measurement systems have limitations in accurately assessing and evaluating these varied conditions. This study aims to propose alternative measurement and assessment strategies to supplement existing methods. Methods: Major domestic coal-fired power plants were selected as the study targets. To prepare for the study and establish strategies, work processes were identified and existing occupational environment measurement results were compared and analyzed. The study proceeded by employing three strategies: specific exposure groups (SEGs) measurement, continuous monitoring, and supplementary measurements, which were then compared and discussed. Results: Previous exposure index evaluations (5,268 cases) indicated that crystalline silica, a type of respirable particulate matter, had detection limits below the threshold (non-detectable) in 82.6% (4,349 cases) of instances. Exposures below 10% of the exposure limit were observed at a very low concentration of 96.1%. Similar exposure group measurements yielded results where detection limits were below the threshold in 38.2% of cases, and exposures below 10% of the limit were observed in 70.6%. Continuous monitoring indicated detection limits below the threshold in 12.6% of cases, and exposures below 10% of the limit were observed in 75.6%. Instances requiring active workplace management accounted for more than 30% of cases, with SEGs at 11.8% (four cases), showing a higher proportion compared to 3.0% (four cases) in continuous monitoring. For coal dust, exposures below 10% of the limit were highest in legal measurements at 90.2% (113 cases), followed by 74.0% (91 cases) in continuous monitoring, and 47.0% (16 cases) in SEGs. Instances exceeding 30% were most prevalent in SEGs at 14.7% (five cases), followed by legal measurements at 5.0% (eight cases), and continuous monitoring at 2.4% (three cases). When examining exposure levels through arithmetic means, crystalline silica was found to be 104.7% higher in SEGs at 0.0088 mg/m³ compared to 0.0043 mg/m³ in continuous monitoring. Coal dust measurements were highest in SEGs at 0.1247 mg/m³, followed by 0.1224 mg/m³ in legal measurements, and 0.0935 mg/m³ in continuous monitoring. Conclusions: Strategies involving SEGs measurement and continuous monitoring can enhance measurement reliability in environments with irregular work processes and frequent fluctuations in working conditions, as observed in coal-fired power plants. These strategies reduce the likelihood of omitting or underestimating processes and enhance measurement accuracy. In particular, a significant reduction in detection limits below the threshold for crystalline silica was observed. Supplementary measurements can identify worker exposure characteristics, uncover potential risks in blind spots of management, and provide a complementary method for legal measurements.

• The Journal of Churna Manual Medicine for Spine and Nerves
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.117-127
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• 2015

Objectives : Most of pains are important symptoms caused by cancer transpered to spine. Harpagophyti Radix Pharmacopuncture is highly effective in reducing fever, pain, inflammation but was never used to reduce pain from cancer transpered to spine. So I intended to use Harpagophyti Radix Pharmacopuncture to control pain. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical application of Harpagophyti Radix Pharmacopuncture for Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer and Spinal Stenosis. Methods : We examined patient with Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer and Spinal Stenosis who admitted Jaseng Korean Medicine Hospital. The patient was treated by Korean Medicine treatment and Harpagophyti Radix Pharmacopuncture. This case was assessed by Numerical Rating Scale(NRS), Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index(ODI), Short-Form 36 Health Survey(SF-36), ROM(Range of Movement) and Special Test. Results : In this study, the patient's pain was controlled and NRS, ODI were decreased. I could identify the improvement in life quality from the positive change of SF-36 and also found out that treatment was successful from the improvement of ROM, Special test. Conclusions : Harpagophyti Radix Pharmacopuncture with Korean Medicine treatment for Bone Metastasis of Breast Cancer and Spinal Stenosis was proved to be useful to the pain relief and function recovery, but further research should take place for clear understanding of the exact amount of dosage and safety. Moreover it must be accompanied by long term follow up research.

• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.556-567
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• 2019

As the number of skyscrapers in micro water grid units such as green building and smart building is increasing in the world, the green building certification system is being implemented to solve problems such as increased demand for water resources and energy. However, researches on the use of sustainable water resources like water reuse and water conservation through linkage and continuous use of water resources, while the power and energy sectors are actively conducting R&D projects in the green building certification system on the micro water grid level. Therefore, this paper analyzes the characteristics and limitations of the water resources sector for the continuous utilization of multiple water sources in the green building certification system, due to the inadequate consideration of sustainability. Then investigates whether various water resources such as constants, nature, and alternative water resources are continuously used in and out of the green building or smart building and complex in the micro water grid unit to suggest evaluation methods and performance evaluation standards.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.102-116
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to analyze the research trends of randomized controlled trials on herbal medicine treatment for atopic dermatitis in China for the last 5 years. We searched for randomized controlled trials with the intervention of herbal medicine for the treatment of atopic dermatitis in the CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) from January 2014 to December 2018. For the screening of the paper, we used '特应性皮炎' and '异位性皮炎' which mean atopic dermatitis and search was limited to three areas within Medicine & Public Health: Traditional Chinese Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicinal Herbs, Combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine with Western Medicine. Among the 136 searched studies, we selected a total of 34 studies and analyzed a year of publication, subject characteristics, study design and intervention, prescribed herbal medicine and herbs, pattern identification, evaluation criteria, and outcomes. Longmu decoction (龍牡湯) and Polia Sclerotium (茯笭) was the most frequently prescribed medicine and herb. The most commonly used pattern identification was Blood deficiency and Wind-dryness (血虛風燥), and among them, the most frequently prescribed herb is Rehmanniae Radix (生地黃). In most studies using the total effectiveness and SCORAD index as an outcome measure, the herbal medicine treatment group showed statistically better results than the control group. As a result of the safety assessment, the herbal medicine treatment group was reported having significantly fewer side effects compared to the control group. Hence, it was confirmed that the intervention including herbal medicine had a significant effect on atopic dermatitis. This study would be able to provide the basis of clinical research on atopic dermatitis and applied to the treatment of atopic dermatitis.