Evaluation of the Effects of Differences in Metal Artifact Type and Location on Image Quality in Computed Tomography Scans.

Artifacts in computed tomography scans distort anatomical information and prevent an accurate diagnosis. Therefore, this study aims to determine the most effective method for reducing metal-induced artifacts by evaluating the effects of the metal artifact type and location, and the tube voltage on the image quality. Fe and Cu wires were inserted into a Virtual Water™ phantom at 6.

ABSORBED DOSE AND IMAGE QUALITY ACCORDING TO THE SCAN MODE AND SHIELD POSITION IN PEDIATRIC BRAIN COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCANS.

In this study, computed tomography dose index (CTDIvol), dose-length product (DLP), organ dose and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were measured in pediatric brain helical and volumetric CT scans using a pediatric phantom (equivalent to a 10-year-old) and optically stimulated luminescence dosemeters (OSLD) as the scan protocol used in Hospital A. Volumetric scans showed lower CTDIvol, DLP and organ dose than helical scans, and the SNR showed similar results. The organ doses were lower in the phantoms protected with front, rear or front and rear shielding than in those without shielding.

Control of Healthcare-Associated Infections using Silver Nanoparticles in Radiology.

Aims: The control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) is a significant concern in the field of radiology due to multiple contact-transmitted pathogens on imaging devices. The antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in preventing HCAIs and their effects on imaging quality were evaluated.

Methods: The antimicrobial effects of AgNPs were tested on prevalent contact-transmitted pathogens present in radiology examination rooms, including methicillin-resistant (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), , and .

Neuroprotective Natural Products' Regulatory Effects on Depression via Gut-Brain Axis Targeting Tryptophan.

L-tryptophan (Trp) contributes to regulating bilateral communication of the gut-brain axis. It undergoes three major metabolic pathways, which lead to formation of kynurenine, serotonin (5-HT), and indole derivatives (under the control of the microbiota). Metabolites from the principal Trp pathway, kynurenic acid and quinolinic acid, exhibit neuroprotective activity, while picolinic acid exhibits antioxidant activity, and 5-HT modulates appetite, sleep cycle, and pain.

Neuromuscular Control of Ankle-stabilizing Muscles-specific Effects of Sex and Menstrual Cycle.

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences in neuromuscular control and mechanical properties of the ankle-stabilizing muscles between men and women, and during different phases of menstrual cycle in women. Fifteen women with regular menstrual cycles and 17 male counterparts were included in this study. Electromyographic signals were recorded from the peroneus longus (PL) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles while performing three balance tasks.

Associations between coronary artery stenosis detected by coronary computed tomography angiography and the characteristics of health checkup examinees in the Republic of Korea.

Introduction: This study was conducted on healthy adults without a diagnosis related to cardiovascular disease to investigate the associations between asymptomatic coronary artery stenosis and the characteristics of health checkup examinees.

Methods: This study was performed on 601 people (320 males and 281 females), who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), among health checkup examinees from January 2, 2015 to December 31, 2016. Those with any prior history of cardiovascular diseases, underwent coronary artery bypass grafting or coronary artery stenting in the past, those with atrial fibrillation, those suspected of contrast agent side effects, and those whose creatinine levels deviated from the normal range were excluded.

Effect of Coronary Artery Calcification Score by Lifestyle and Correlation With Coronary Artery Stenosis by Multidetector Computed Tomography.

Objective: This study examined the effect of coronary artery calcification score by lifestyle and correlation with coronary artery stenosis in persons who underwent coronary artery computed tomography (CT) angiography among health examinees for heart diseases in Korea.

Methods And Materials: The study included 506 subjects (256 men and 250 women) who underwent coronary artery CT angiography among health examines for heart diseases at the Incheon Branch of the Korea Association of Health Promotion between January 2, 2014, and December 31, 2014. The demographical variables of the subjects were determined by frequency analysis, and the difference by sex was compared and analyzed using χ independence test.

Effects of High-Intensity-Focused Ultrasound Treatment on Benign Uterine Tumor.

In this study, the effects of high-intensity-focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment on benign uterine tumor patients were examined. A total of 333 patients diagnosed with fibroids or adenomyosis using diagnostic sonography, treated with HIFU between February 4, 2010 and December 29, 2014 at a hospital in Korea, and followed up for three or six months were selected for this study. Their benign uterine tumor volume was measured, and the effects of HIFU treatment on the volume were analyzed according to age, disease, fertility, and treatment duration.

Evaluation of automatic exposure control system chamber for the dose optimization when examining pelvic in digital radiography.

We found a way to optimize the image quality and reduce the exposure dose of patients through the proper activity combination of the automatic exposure control system chamber for the dose optimization when examining the pelvic anteroposterior side using the phantom of the human body standard model. We set 7 combinations of the chamber of automatic exposure control system. The effective dose was yielded by measuring five times for each according to the activity combination of the chamber for the dose measurement.