• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.8-12
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• 2010

Purpose: In $^{18}F$-FDG automated synthesizer, deliver is done in automated mode after synthesis until the dispenser. After the delivery, the yield is calculated from the radioactivity which was read by the dose calibrator located in the dispenser. However, when the distance between the automated synthesizer and the dispenser is far, there are $^{18}F$-FDG residues, which results in loss of the amount of $^{18}F$-FDG. This study investigated the usefulness of a method that minimizes $^{18}F$-FDG residues. Materials and Methods: The structure of the tubing between the (TRACERlab Mx FDG; GE.) and the dispenser is that the distance is 8 m and the internal diameter is 1/16 inch. The synthesis process of The module goes through the synthesis process of trap, synthesis, delivery in the automated module. The time taken for synthesis is about 25 to 26 minutes, after which rinsing is done. However, after rinsing, as the distance of the tubing increased, there were 10~13% of $^{18}F$-FDG residues. Therefore, a method of using push syringe and $N_2$ gas in manual mode to minimize $^{18}F$-FDG residues is analyzed. Results: In manual mode, there were $^{18}F$-FDG residues of 4~5% for the push syringe, and there were $^{18}F$-FDG residues of less than 1% for the $N_2$ gas, which showed that the method using $N_2$ gas had superior usefulness. Also, there were no $^{18}F$-FDG residues in the cleaning the next day. Conclusion: The distance between the synthesizer and the dispenser needs to be reduced as much as possible, to reduce the rate of loss of $^{18}F$-FDG resulting from the distance of the tubing. However, in case the distance between the synthesizer and the dispenser has to be increased due to the system structure, using push syringe and $N_2$ gas simultaneously is a useful method for minimizing $^{18}F$-FDG residues.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.999-1010
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• 2015

Total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were investigated in leaves of organic apricot, filbert, mulberry, persimmon, and pomegranate trees during growing season. Total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in leaves of organic apricot and filbert trees were gradually increased from May to June, attained peak in July, thereafter decreased to minimum level in October. In leaves of organic mulberry tree total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were simultaneously increased from May to June and sharply decrease to very low level. The leaves of organic persimmon trees showed very high level of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity from May to June, thereafter gradually decrease to October. The leaves of organic pomegranate trees showed extraordinarily highest level of total phenolic compounds among five fruit trees investigated in the study during growing stages, as well as maintained higher than 91 percent of antioxidant activity from May to October. Correlation coefficients between total phenolic compound and antioxidant activity of the leaves of five organic trees were the highest in mulberry leaves, and then persimmon, filbert, apricot, and pomegranate, respectively. However, correlation coefficients between total phenolic compound and antioxidant activity of the leaves of organic pomegranate were very low level, and not significant in their relationship.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.603-612
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• 2020

This study has a purpose to look into the effect of the relationship between the Tube current (mA) and SOD(Source to Object Distance), which is a parameter of lower limb angiography examination, and the dilution rate of the contrast medium concentration (300, 320, 350) on the image. To that end, using 3 mm vessel model water phantom, a vessel model custom made in the size of peripheral vessel diameter, this study measured relationships between change of parameters, such as tube current (mA), SOD and varying concentrations (300, 320, 350) of contrast medium dilution into SNR and CNR values while analyzing the coefficients of variance(cv<10). The software used to measure SNR and CNR values was Image J 1.50i from NIH (National Institutes of Health, USA). MPV (mean pixel value) and SD (standard deviation) were used after verifying numerically the image signal for region of interest (ROI) and background on phantom from the DICOM (digital imaging and communications in medicine) 3.0 file transmitted to PACS. As to contrast medium dilution by the change of tube current, when 146 mA and 102 mA were compared, For both SNR and CNR, the coefficient of variation value was less than 10 until the section of CM: N/S dilution (100% ~ 30% : 70%) but CM: N/S dilution rate (20%: 80% ~ 10% : 90%) the coefficient of variation was 10 or more. As to contrast medium dilution by concentration for SOD change, when SOD's (32.5 cm and 22.5 cm) were compared,For both SNR and CNR, the coefficient of variation value was less than 10 until the section of CM: N/S dilution (100% ~ 30% : 70%) but CM: N/S dilution rate (20%: 80% ~ 10% : 90%) the coefficient of variation was 10 or more. As to contrast medium dilution by concentration for SOD change, when SOD's (32.5 cm and 12.5 cm) were compared,For both SNR and CNR, the coefficient of variation value was less than 10 until the section of CM: N/S dilution (100% ~ 30% : 70%) but CM: N/S dilution rate (20%: 80% ~ 10% : 90%) the coefficient of variation was 10 or more. As a result, set a low tube current value in other tests or procedures including peripheral angiography of the lower extremities in the intervention, and make the table as close as possible to the image receiver, and adjust the contrast agent concentration (300) to CM: N/S dilution (30%: 70%). ) Is suggested as the most efficient way to obtain images with an appropriate concentration while simultaneously reducing the burden on the kidney and the burden on exposure.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.159-170
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• 1986

A total of 69 patients of confirmed neurocysticercosis was followed serologically by ELISA up to 22 months after praziquantel treatment. The intervals and numbers of follow-up were variable by patient. Serially collected samples of serum and CSF were examined simultaneously for their specific IgG antibody levels by ELISA, using cystic fluid, saline extracts of bladder wall and scolex as antigen. Within 4 months after praziquantel treatment, the antibody levels were elevated temporarily in both serum and CSF in most patients. In some cases antibody levels exhibited steady declining tendency after the treatment. Concomitant administration of dexamethasone appeared to suppress the elevation of antibody levels. The rate of mean absorbance of antibody changed more in serum than in CSF. The rate of elevation was greater in antibodies to parenchymal antigens than that to cystic fluid, but absolute difference of antibody levels was greater in antibody to cystic fluid. Previously negative samples for IgG antibody may become positive after the praziquantel treatment, which could be used as a complementary tool (provocation test) in serodiagnosis. One month was considered to be sufficient interval for the follow-up test for that purpose. In the follow-up of up to 22 months, only few cases of chronic neurocysticercosis showed declining tendency of IgG antibody levels below negative range. During acute encephalitic attacks in chronic patients, IgG antibody to parenchymal antigen were elevated in CSF temporarily. These results indicated that serologic follow-up of every year was recommendable to differentiate the cured patients from chronic patients with slowly calcifying lesions.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.213-221
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• 2005

Purpose: Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is characterized by persistent high fever, hepatosplenomegaly, cytopenias, hypertriglyceridemia, and/or hypofibrinogenemia. Hepatic manifestations including overt hepatic failure and fulminant hepatitis are common in HPS. Liver transplantation (LT) should be considered in a case of fulminant hepatitis by other than HPS, but LT is contraindicated and complete cure is possible by chemotherapy in HPS. Therefore, we conducted this study to define the characteristics of HPS presenting as severe acute hepatitis. Methods: Among the total of 23 patients diagnosed as HPS by bone marrow examination between 1994 and 2005 in Asan Medical Center, 11 cases presented as severe acute hepatitis were enrolled in this study. We analyzed the clinical features, laboratory findings and outcome retrospectively. Results: Seven (64%) of the 11 children with HPS and hepatitis were referred to pediatric gastroenterologist at first. The mean age of onset was 50 months. There was no case with family history of primary HPS. Epstein-Barr virus was positive in 4, and herpes Simplex virus was positive simultaneously in 1 case. As the presenting symptoms and signs, fever was present in 10, hepatosplenomagaly was noted in all and jaundice in 10. Anemia was observed in 10, thrombocytopenia in 10, leukopenia in 8, hypertriglyceridemia in 9, hypofibrinogenemia in 8 and hyperferritinemia in 7 cases, respectively. Nine children received chemotherapy including etopside. The overall mortality rate was 72% (8/11). Conclusion: HPS, which needs chemotherapy, should be considered as a cause of severe acute hepatitis especially when accompanied with prolonged high fever and cytopenias.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.143-149
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• 2005

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the significance of pH monitoring at two levels, hypopharynx and esophagus in gastroesophageal reflux. Methods: 29 patients with pathological gastroesophageal reflux were classified into two groups: Group I had recurrent respiratory symptoms and Group II had not recurrent respiratory symptoms. The ambulatory pH monitoring was performed at the hypopharynx and the esophagus simultaneously with two channel catheter for 18~24 hr. The pathological reflux was defined when the percent of time that pH was below 4.0 exceeding the 95th percentile of normal value. Hypopharyngeal reflux was defined as the pharyngeal pH drops below 4. Results: 39 patients were performed pH monitoring at the level of hypopharynx and esophagus for 24 hours. Among 7 patients with chronic respiratory symptom, 6 patients (85.7%) have pathological esophageal reflux. Among 32 patients without chronic respiratory symptom, 23 patients (71.8%) have pathological esophageal reflux. Thus 29 out of 39 patients (74%) have pathological esophageal reflux. In the Group I, all parameters except the longest episode showed significant differences between hypopharyngeal and esophageal pH monitoring. None of parameters showed significant differences between group I and II in the pharyngeal pH monitoring. Conclusion: Regardless of presence of respiratory symptoms, the pH monitoring at the pharyngeal level in patients with gastroesophageal reflux did not showed any differences compared with the esophageal pH monitoring. Therefore we may reconsider the usefulness of hypopharyngeal pH monitoring in patients with chronic respiratory symptoms.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.17-27
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• 2013

Purpose: Recently, two tests are commercially available for the identification of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI): tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon-${\gamma}$ release assay (IGRA). Due to its false positiveness, TST tends to be preferred by IGRA until now. In our study, we simultaneously performed both TST and QuantiFERON$^{(R)}$-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) and compared their results. Methods: TST and QFT-GIT were done for the diagnosis of LTBI among children who visited pediatric out-patient clinic at St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea from February of 2007 to May of 2008. The study group was stratified into two groups in terms of whether there was intrafamilial contact or not. Results: Out of total 35 children, 29 were tuberculosis (TB)-exposed cases and the remainders were diagnosed as clinical pulmonary TB. Among these 29 children, TST was positive 38.9% (7/18) for the intrafamilial and 45.5% (5/11) for the nonintrafamilial, and at the same time, the result for QFT-GIT was positive 5.6% (1/18) and 9.1% (1/11), respectively which implies that TST was more sensitive than QFT-GIT. Among 29 TB-exposed cases, 26 initially went through TST and QFTGIT together on their first visit to out-patient clinic, and 15 continued the follow-up tests. Out of total 41 cases collected, the agreement (known as kappa value) was 0.063 which was relatively low. Including 6 cases with pulmonary TB who were all positive for TST and only 5 being positive for QFT-GIT, the final kappa value was 0.334. Conclusion: In our study, the agreement for TST and QFT-GIT was low, and the majorities were almost the cases of positive TST. In current situation with lacking a gold standard test and limited data on children to adolescents, this result is quite alarming that the recent trend tends to replace TST by QFT-GIT when diagnosing LTBI.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.309-314
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• 2012

The study was undertaken to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of rapid Avian Influenza (AI) and Newcastle Disease virus (NDV) combo antigen kits from field samples of domestic (broiler and layer chicken, native chicken) and semi-domestic (duck, goose, pigeon and quail) birds of Bangladesh. Samples were collected from naturally infected AI suspected domestic and semi-domestic birds of five different outbreak areas in Bangladesh. From each area two birds were selected for sampling, and from each bird three types of samples (tracheal, cloacal and oro-nasal swabs) were collected. A total of 210 field samples from a total of 70 birds were collected and tested using AI and NDV combo antigen rapid diagnostic kits in the study. All three different samples from a bird showed similar pattern of reaction. Out of 210 samples, 15 samples (5 birds), 63 samples (21 birds) and 27 samples (9 birds) were positive for AIV, NDV and both for AIV and NDV, respectively; whereas the remaining birds were negative for either AIV or NDV in this screening test. Among the five AIV positive, a layer chicken from wet market in Mymensingh, Netrokona, Gibandha and Kurigram and a native chicken from wet market in Kurigram area was positive to AIV. The semi-domestic birds are either positive to NDV or free from both AIV and NDV. This study revealed that the AIV and NDV rapid diagnostic kits could be effectively use to diagnose the respective virus in trachea, oro-nasal and cloacal samples simultaneously. AIV-NDV combo Ag test result clearly indicates that the test kit designed for AIV and NDV could diagnose the disease rapidly with less effort and higher scientific know how which could be used for the detection of AIV and NDV using field samples in large scale.

• Journal of Korea Soil Environment Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.81-94
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• 1997

In many solute transport studies, either flux or resident concentration has been used. Choice of the concentration mode was dependent on the monitoring device in solute displacement experiments. It has been accepted that no priority exists in the selection of concentration mode in the study of solute transport. It would be questionable, however, to accept the equivalency in the solute transport parameters between flux and resident concentrations in structured soils exhibiting preferential movement of solute. In this study, we investigate how they differ in the monitored breakthrough curves (BTCs) and transport parameters for a given boundary and flow condition by performing solute displacement experiments on a number of undisturbed soil columns. Both flux and resident concentrations have been simultaneously obtained by monitoring the effluent and resistance of the horizontally-positioned TDR probes. Two different solute transport models namely, convection-dispersion equation (CDE) and convective lognormal transfer function (CLT) models, were fitted to the observed breakthrough data in order to quantify the difference between two concentration modes. The study reveals that soil columns having relatively high flux densities exhibited great differences in the degree of peak concentration and travel time of peak between flux and resident concentrations. The peak concentration in flux mode was several times higher than that in resident one. Accordingly, the estimated parameters of flux mode differed greatly from those of resident mode and the difference was more pronounced in CDE than CLT model. Especially in CDE model, the parameters of flux mode were much higher than those of resident mode. This was mainly due to the bypassing of solute through soil macropores and failure of the equilibrium CDE model to adequate description of solute transport in studied soils. In the domain of the relationship between the ratio of hydrodynamic dispersion to molecular diffusion and the peclet number, both concentrations fall on a zone of predominant mechanical dispersion. However, it appears that more molecular diffusion contributes to the solute spreading in the matrix region than the macropore region due to the nonliearity present in the pore water velocity and dispersion coefficient relationship.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.223-229
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• 2010

In this study diverse dehydrogenative polymers (DHPs) were synthesized with three precursors of native lignin [p-coumaryl alcohol (PCA), coniferyl alcohol (CA), sinapyl alcohol (SA)] in the presence of horseradish peroxidase (HRP, EC. 1.11.1.7)/$H_2O_2$. To compare the structural features between DHPs and native lignin, the DHPs as well as pine/poplar milled wood lignins were simultaneously subjected to gel permeation chromatography (GPC) to determine average molecular weights and derivatization followed by reductive cleavage (DFRC) to investigate the frequency of ${\beta}$-O-4 linkage. The highest yield of DHP was measured to 71% when CA was solely injected (G-DHP) and the yield of H-DHP was 42%. However, single injection of SA could not form any polymer in this system. The average molecular weights of DHPs were ranged between 3,000~4,700, which were only 1/2 fold compared with that of pine MWL (G-type lignin: Mw 7,340) and 1/3 scale compared with that of poplar MWL (GS-type lignin: Mw 13,250). DFRC analysis revealed that the formation of ${\beta}$-O-4 linkage during dehydrogenative polymerization was the highest in the GS-DHP with ca. 502 ${\mu}mol$/g, which was, however, remained to only 50% compared to that in poplar MWL (1107 ${\mu}mol$/g). The ${\beta}$-O-4 linkage was estimated to ca. 286 ${\mu}mol$/g In the G-DHP, which was twice as much as that of H-DHP(127 ${\mu}mol$/g). Similar to GS-DHP, only half amount of ${\beta}$-O-4 linkage, compared to pine MWL, was formed during in vitro polymerization of CA by horseradish peroxidase/$H_2O_2$.