• 대한방사선기술학회지:방사선기술과학
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• 제44권6호
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• pp.663-669
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• 2021

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the rice bolus for upper-lower extremity radiation therapy by Tomotherapy. The computed tomography images were obtained for air, water, and rice bolus. The average and standard deviation of the Hounsfield unit (HU) were measured for image evaluation. The conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) were calculated for dose distribution of the planning target volume (PTV) which was treated by direct mode with gantry angle (90 and 270 angle). The point dose of a total of ten axial planes was measured to confirm the different regions. The mean of HU was -999.72 ± 0.72 at the air. The water and rice bolus were -0.13 ± 1.65 and -170 ± 27.2, respectively. The CI (HI) of PTV was 0.96 (1.36) at the air. 0.95 (1.04) at the water bolus, and 0.95 (1.04) at the rice bolus. The maximum dose for air was 136 cGy which is about 32% higher than 103 cGy for water and 104 cGy for rice bolus. There was a statistical difference for point dose between air and water including rice bolus (p=0.04), however, no statistical difference between water and rice bolus (p=0.579).The rice bolus phantom for extremities radiation therapy could be not only the optimized dose distribution but also the convenience and equipment safety at Tomotherapy. However, additional research will be necessary to more accurately verify the clinical usefulness of rice bolus phantom due to not enough examination.

• 의료ㆍ복지 건축 : 한국의료복지건축학회 논문집
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• 제28권2호
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• pp.31-38
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• 2022

Purpose: This study presents the results of the analysis on space utilization of kidney dialysis units in regional public hospitals, which plays a key role in local public medical services. The result aims to achieve safety from infection, allow comfort for the dialysis environment, and stability for medical support. The purpose of this study is to present fundamental data for architectural plans for the kidney dialysis unit, as well as to alleviate potential infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Methods: For research purposes, the investigation and analysis of space utilization were based on architectural floor plans, research papers and literature, related legal systems, and public statistics. Of the main 35 regional public hospitals, in regards to data accessibility, 15 facilities were selected to conduct the survey and analysis for the objective. Results: The space composition by area research results of kidney dialysis units in public hospitals are as follows: Firstly, most targets do not have required rooms in the access and support area, except for the hemodialysis beds in the treatment section. Secondly, the access area requires necessary room and space design that took into consideration of convenience and accessibility for patients. Thirdly, in regards to infection prevention and control, proper circulation and room plan is essential for storage and disposal of contaminated products and linen after use. For the treatment area, the arrangement plan needs to establish a visual connection between the isolation room, the nursing station, and the bed area. Additionally, consideration of circulation in the preparation, treatment, observation, examination, and all other rooms in the facility is required. Lastly, for the support area, the room is designed to consider adequate working and meeting spaces for the medical staff, consultation space for patients or guardians, separate storage and disposal of clean and contaminated items, and the storage of various equipment for dialysis. Implications: In preparation for the increase in chronic kidney failure patients and the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, the researched data demonstrates the basic guidelines for space composition of kidney dialysis units and the significant role of regional public hospitals.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.86-92
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• 2022

Background: The present study investigated the radiation dose distribution of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) among surgeons and medical staff, and this is the first research to observe such exposure in Japan. Materials and Methods: The study subjects were an orthopedic surgeon (n = 1) and surgical staff (n = 9) who intervened in BKP surgery performed at the National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center (Tokyo, Japan) between March 2019 and October 2019. Only disposable protective gloves (0.022 mmPb equivalent thickness or less) and trunk protectors were used, and no protective glasses or thyroid drapes were used. Results and Discussion: The surgery time per vertebral body was 36.2 minutes, and the fluoroscopic time was 6.8 minutes. The average exposure dose per vertebral body was 1.46 mSv for the finger (70 ㎛ dose equivalent), 0.24 mSv for the lens of the eye (3 mm dose equivalent), 0.11 mSv for the neck (10 mm dose equivalent), and 0.03 mSv for the chest (10 mm dose equivalent) under the protective suit.The estimated cumulative radiation exposure dose of 23 cases of BKP was calculated to be 50.37 mSv for the fingers, 8.27 mSv for the lens, 3.91 mSv for the neck, and 1.15 mSv for the chest. Conclusion: It is important to know the exposure dose of orthopedic surgeons, implement measures for exposure reduction, and verify the safety of daily use of radiation during surgery and examination.

• Medical Lasers
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• 제10권2호
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• pp.96-105
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• 2021

Background and Objectives Skin aging is reportedly associated with regulation in collagen and elastin synthesis. This study investigated the potential of combining light-emitting diode (LED) treatments using a 630-nm and 850-nm LED with simultaneous microcurrent application. Materials and Methods The dorsal skin of female pigs was treated with a home-use device. We examined the treatment effects using photography, thermocamera, microscopic pathology, and histological examination to determine the mechanism of action, efficacy, and safety of the procedure. A histological observation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, Victoria blue, and immunohistochemical staining. We also used the Sircol soluble collagen and elastin assay kit to measure the amounts of collagen and elastin in the porcine back skin tissue after 2 and 6 weeks. Results Evaluation by visual inspection and devices showed no skin damage or heat-induced injury at the treatment site. Histological staining revealed that accurate treatment of the targeted dermis layer effectively enhanced collagen and elastin deposition. Collagen type I, a protein defined by immunohistochemical staining, was overexpressed in the early stages of weeks 2 and 6. Combined therapy findings showed the superior capability of the 630-nm and 850-nm LED procedures to induce collagen; in contrast, elastin induction was more pronounced after microcurrent treatments. Conclusion The home-use LED device, comprising a combination of 630-nm and 850-nm LEDs and microcurrent, is safe and can be used as an adjunctive treatment for self-administered facial rejuvenation.

• 항공우주의학회지
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• 제31권2호
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• pp.45-50
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• 2021

Background: Obesity is a major public health problem that is causally related to serious medical conditions. In this study, the public health implications of obesity based on body mass index (BMI) with anthropometric measures among adults in the Republic of Korea and Japan in 2019 were compared. Methods: A simple cross-section, nationally representative of the raw data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2019 between Korea and Japan were used. We analyzed the data of those categorized as obese with a BMI of ≥25 kg/m² according to the World Health Organization Expert Consultation. Results: The average values of BMI based on body height and body weight among males and females in Korea were 24.6±0.08 and 23.3±0.09, respectively; those in Japan were 23.9±0.08 and 22.6±0.08, respectively. The measured anthropometric values were obviously higher in Korean than in Japan (P<0.01). The prevalence rates (PRs) of obesity by sex in Korea were 41.4% among males and 27.3% females; those in Japan were 32.5% among males and 22.0% among females. The statistically significant results showed that the total obesity rate was higher in males than in females in both countries (P<0.01). The PRs of obesity in Korea were 41.4% in males and 27.3% in females; those in Japan were 32.5% in males and 22.0% in females. The statistically significantly PR of total obesity among Korean adults was greater than that among Japanese adults (P<0.01). Conclusion: The PR of obesity in Korea relative to that in Japan showed a gradually increasing trend. Obesity is a major problem, especially in the pilot group. Reducing the prevalence of obesity among pilots is important for reducing in-flight medical incapacitation and ensuring flight safety. Obesity management is necessary to prevent obesity-related diseases and promote pilot health.

• Mycobiology
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• 제51권3호
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• pp.139-147
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• 2023

Aspergillus sojae has long been considered a domesticated strain of Aspergillus parasiticus. This study delineated relationships among the two species and an Aspergillus PWE36 isolate. Of 25 examined clustered aflatoxin genes of PWE36, 20 gene sequences were identical to those of A. sojae, but all had variations to those of A. parasiticus. Additionally, PWE36 developmental genes of conidiation and sclerotial formation, overall, shared higher degrees of nucleotide sequence identity with A. sojae genes than with A. parasiticus genes. Examination of defective cyclopiazonic acid gene clusters revealed that the PWE36 deletion pattern was identical only to those of A. sojae. Using A. sojae SMF134 genome sequence as a reference, visualization of locally collinear blocks indicated that PWE36 shared higher genome sequence homologies with A. sojae than with A. parasiticus. Phylogenetic inference based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and total SNP counts showed that A. sojae strains formed a monophyletic clade and were clonal. Two (Argentinian and Ugandan) A. parasiticus isolates but not including an Ethiopian isolate formed a monophyletic clade, which showed that A. parasiticus population is genetically diverse and distant to A. sojae. PWE36 and A. sojae shared a most recent common ancestor (MRCA). The estimated divergence time for PWE36 and A. sojae was about 0.4 mya. Unlike Aspergillus oryzae, another koji mold that includes genetically diverse populations, the findings that current A. sojae strains formed a monophyletic group and shared the MRCA with PWE36 allow A. sojae to be continuously treated as a species for food safety reasons.

• 한국건축시공학회지
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• 제23권3호
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• pp.315-326
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• 2023

The design principles and implementation of rebar lap splice in architectural structures are governed by building regulations. Nevertheless, the minimization of rebar-cutting waste (RCW) is often impeded by the mandatory requirements pertaining to the rebar lapping zone as prescribed in design codes. In real-world construction scenarios, compliance with these rules often falls short due to hurdles concerning productivity, quality, safety, time, and cost. This discrepancy between code stipulations and on-the-ground construction practices necessitates an academic exploration. The goal of this research was to delve into the effect of rebar lap splice placement on the robustness and constructability of building edifices. The study initially took on a review of the computation of rebar lapping length and the rules revolving around the lapping zone. Following this, a structural robustness and constructability examination was undertaken, focusing on adherence to the lap splice zone. The interpretations and deductions of the research led to the following insights: (1) the efficacy of rebar lap splice is not solely contingent on the moment, and (2) the implementation of rebar lap splice beyond the specified zone can match the structural integrity and robustness of those confined within the designated area. As a result, the constraints on the rebar lapping zone ought to be revisited and possibly relaxed. The conclusions drawn from this research are anticipated to reconcile the disconnect between building codes and practical construction conditions, furnishing invaluable academic substantiation to further the endeavor of achieving near-zero RCW.

• 무역학회지
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• 제43권5호
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• pp.179-201
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• 2018

각 국은 소비자의 알 권리와 선택권을 보장하기 위해 식품표시제도를 의무화한다. 그리고 이러한 각국의 식품표시정책을 수립함에 있어 국제협약 또는 협정에 가입되었다면 이는 모든 서명국에 부과되는 의무라는 복잡한 네트워크에 연결된다. 또한 식품표시제도는 국제무역에 비관세장벽으로 적용할 수 있어 각 국이 식품표시제도를 도입함에 있어 다자적 조화가 필요하며 이를 위해 GATT 20조, SPS, TBT 협정이 적용될 수 있을 것이다. GM식품(Genetically Modified foods)의 안전성과 관련하여서는 여전히 논란이 여전히 끊이지 않고 있다. 더욱이, 우리나라가 GMO를 가장 많이 수입하는 국가라는 사실을 고려한다면 GM식품의 유해성을 차치하더라도 GM식품 관련 표시제도의 명확화 및 GM식품의 혼입기준에 대한 명확한 제시는 소비자들로 하여금 식품 선택에 있어 혼란을 해소할 수 있을 것이다. 따라서 본 논문은 GM식품에 대한 다자적·국내법적 고찰을 통해 우리나라 국내법에서 인용가능한 GM식품관련 법 및 주요 무역국의 국내법을 살펴봄으로써 우리나라 GM식품 표시방법에 대한 개선방안을 제시하고 한다.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제36권4호
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• pp.385-392
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• 2023

Purpose: This study investigated the epidemiology, management, outcomes, and postoperative disabilities of degloving soft tissue injuries (DSTIs) treated at a tertiary care center in northern India. Methods: A prospective study of patients with DSTIs was conducted over 15 months. The type of degloving injury, the mechanism of injury, and any associated injuries were analyzed using the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0 along with the management, outcomes, and disabilities at a 3-month follow-up. Results: Among 75 patients with DSTIs, the average age was 27.5 years, 80.0% were male, and 76.0% had been injured in traffic accidents. The majority (93.3%) were open degloving injuries. Lower limbs were affected most often (62.7%), followed by upper limbs (32.0%). Fractures were the most commonly associated injuries (72.0%). Most patients required more than two procedures, including secondary debridement (41.3%), split skin grafting (80.0%), flap coverage (12.0%), or vacuum-assisted closure (24.0%), while five patients underwent conservative management for closed degloving injuries. Postoperative complications included surgical site infections (14.7%) and skin necrosis (10.7%). Two patients died due to septic shock and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. The mean length of hospital stay was 11.5±8.1 days, with injuries affecting the lower limbs and perineum requiring longer hospital stays. The mean WHODAS 2.0 disability score at 3 months was 19. Most patients had mild disabilities. Time away from work depended largely upon the site and severity of the injury. Approximately 75% of patients resumed their previous job or study, 14% changed their job, and 8% stopped working completely due to residual disability. Conclusions: DSTIs are common injuries in trauma and management is challenging. Although open DSTI are clinically evident at secondary survey, closed degloving injuries may be missed in the primary survey, necessitating a high index of suspicion, thorough clinical examination, and protocol-based management. Primary preventive strategies (e.g., road safety protocols, preplacement training, and proper protective equipment in industries) are also needed to reduce the incidence of these injuries.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제47권6호
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• pp.735-742
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• 2023

Background: Gintonin is a new material of ginseng that acts through the ginseng-derived lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) receptor ligand. The gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) inhibits amyloid plaque accumulation in the cortex and hippocampus, improves cognitive dysfunction by increasing acetylcholine levels, and promoted hippocampal neurogenesis in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. We evaluated the effect of the GEF on the cognitive performance of subjects with subjective memory impairment (SMI). Methods: In this eight-week, randomized, assessor- and participant-blinded, placebo-controlled study, participants with SMI were assigned to three groups receiving placebo, GEF 300 mg/day or GEF 600 mg/day. The Korean versions of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (K-ADAS), Mini-Mental State Examination (K-MMSE), and Stroop color-word test (K-SCWT) were also evaluated along with the safety profiles. Results: One hundred thirty-six participants completed the study. After eight weeks, we analyzed intergroup differences in primary or secondary outcome score changes. When we compared the GEF group with the placebo group, we observed significant improvements in the K-ADAS and K-SCWT scores. The GEF group did not show a significant improvement in K-MMSE and BDI scores compared to the placebo group. No adverse events were observed in the gintonin and placebo groups for eight weeks. Conclusion: The GEF is safe and effective in improving subjective cognitive impairment related to both the K-ADAS and K-SCWT in this study. However, further large-scale and randomized controlled studies are warranted to secure other cognitive function tests besides the K-ADAS and K-SCWT, and to confirm the findings of the current study.