• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.70-76
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• 2015

Background and Objectives: Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder in the general population and is considered to be a disorder of hyperarousal. The aim of this study was to measure the psychophysiological responses in insomnia patients using a biofeedback system, and to compare them with results from normal healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients with primary insomnia (35 males and 45 females, average age $49.71{\pm}12.91years$) and 101 normal healthy controls (64 males and 37 females, average age $27.65{\pm}2.77$) participated in this study. Electromyography (EMG), heart rate (HR), skin conductance (SC), skin temperature (ST), and respiratory rate (RR) were recorded using a biofeedback system during 5 phases (baseline, stress 1, recovery 1, stress 2, recovery 2) of a stress reactivity test, and average values were calculated. Difference in values between the two groups in each corresponding phase was analyzed with independent t-test, and change in values across phases of the stress reactivity test was analyzed with paired t-test (all two-tailed, p<0.05). Results: Compared to normal controls, insomnia patients had higher EMG in all 5 phases (baseline : $7.72{\pm}3.88{\mu}V$ vs. $4.89{\pm}1.73{\mu}V$, t = -6.06, p<0.001 ; stress 1 : $10.29{\pm}5.16{\mu}V$ vs. $6.63{\pm}2.48{\mu}V$, t = -5.84, p<0.001 ; recovery 1 : $7.87{\pm}3.86{\mu}V$ vs. $5.17{\pm}2.17{\mu}V$, t = -5.61, p<0.001 ; stress 2 : $10.22{\pm}6.07{\mu}V$ vs. $6.98{\pm}2.98{\mu}V$, t = -4.37, p<0.001 ; recovery 2 : $7.88{\pm}4.25{\mu}V$ vs. $5.17{\pm}1.99{\mu}V$, t = -5.27, p<0.001). Change in heart rate across phases of the stress reactivity test were higher in normal controls than in insomnia patients (stress 1-baseline : $6.48{\pm}0.59$ vs. $3.77{\pm}0.59$, t = 3.22, p = 0.002 ; recovery 1- stress 1 : $-5.36{\pm}0.0.59$ vs. $-3.16{\pm}0.47$, t = 2.91, p = 0.004 ; stress 2-recovery 1 : $8.45{\pm}0.61$ vs. $4.03{\pm}0.47$, t = 5.72, p<0.001 ; recovery 2-stress 2 : $-8.56{\pm}0.65$ vs. $4.02{\pm}0.51$, t = -5.31, p<0.001). Conclusion: Psychophysiological profiles of insomnia patients in a stress reactivity test were different from those of normal healthy controls. These results suggest that the sympathetic nervous system is more highly activated in insomnia patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.21
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• pp.9295-9300
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• 2014

Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a multifunctional cytokine which plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of cancer. To date, several studies have investigated associations between IL-17A -197G>A (rs2275913) polymorphism and digestive cancer risk, but the results remain conflicting. We here aimed to confirm the role of this single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in susceptibility to digestive cancer through a systemic review and meta-analysis. Ten eligible case-control studies were identified by searching electronic databases, involving 3,087 cases and 3,815 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the strength of the association. The results of overall analyses indicated that the variant A allele was associated with an increased risk of digestive cancer (AA vs GG: OR=1.51, 95%CI=1.18-1.93; AA vs GG+GA: OR=1.45, 95%CI=1.12-1.87; A vs G: OR=1.21, 95%CI=1.05-1.39). In subgroup analysis stratified by specific cancer type, elevated risk among studies of gastric cancer was found (AA vs GG: OR=1.68, 95%CI=1.24-2.28; AA vs GG+GA: OR=1.62, 95%CI=1.16-2.26; A vs G: OR=1.23, 95%CI=1.04-1.46). According to ethnicity, there was evidence in the Asian populations for an association between this polymorphism and cancer risk (GA vs GG: OR=1.19, 95%CI=1.05-1.36; AA vs GG: OR=1.56, 95%CI=1.15-2.12; AA+GA vs GG: OR=1.28, 95%CI=1.13-1.44; AA vs GG+GA: OR=1.42, 95%CI=1.01-2.00; A vs G: OR=1.24, 95%CI=1.08-1.44), while in the Caucasian populations an association was found in the recessive model (AA vs GG+GA: OR=1.62, 95%CI=1.17-2.24). In conclusion, the results of this meta-analysis suggest that the IL-17A -197G>A polymorphism contributes to an increased risk of human digestive cancer, both in the Asian and Caucasian populations and especially for gastric cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.9
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• pp.5095-5099
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• 2013

Background: The overall incidence of breast cancer in South Asian countries, including Nepal, is low compared to Western countries. However, the incidence of breast cancer among young women is relatively high. Breast cancer in such cases is characterized by a relatively unfavorable prognosis and unusual pathological features. The aim of this study was to investigate clinico-pathological and biological characteristics in younger breast cancer patients (<40 years) and compare these with their older counterparts. Materials and Methods: Nine hundred and forty four consecutive female breast cancer patients, admitted to the Department of Surgery, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal between November 1997 and October 2012, were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Out of the 944 female breast cancer patients, 263 (27.9%) were <40 years. The mean age was $34.6{\pm}5.0$ years among younger patients compared to $54.1{\pm}9.9$ for those ${\geq}40$ years. The mean age at menarche was also significantly lower ($13.5{\pm}1.5$ vs $14.2{\pm}1.5$ years p=0.001) while the mean duration of symptoms was significantly longer (7.6 vs 6.5 months p=0.004). Family history of breast cancer was evident in 3.0% of the young women versus 0.3% in the older one. Mammography was performed less frequently in younger patients (59.7%), compared to older (74.4%), and was of diagnostic benefit in only 20% of younger patients compared to 85% of older ones. At diagnosis, the mean tumor diameter was significantly larger in young women ($5.0{\pm}2.5$ vs $4.5{\pm}2.4cm$, p=0.005). Axillary lymph nodes were positive in 73% of younger patients and 59% of older patients. In the younger group, the proportion of stage III or IV disease was higher (55.1% vs 47.1%, $p{\leq}0.05$). The proportion of breast conserving surgery was higher in young patients (25.1% vs 8.7%) and a higher proportion of younger patients receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (9.9% vs 2.8%). The most common histological type was ductal carcinoma (93.1% vs 86%). The proportion of histological grade II or III was higher in younger patients (55.9% vs 24.5%). Similarly, in the younger group, lymphatic and vascular invasion was more common (63.2% vs 34.3% and 39.8% vs 25.4%, respectively). Patients in the younger age group exhibited lower estrogen and/or progesterone receptor positivity (34.7% vs 49.8%). Although statistically not significant, the proportion of triple negative tumors in younger age group was higher (22.4% vs 13.6%). Conclusions: Breast cancer in young Nepalese women represents over one quarter of all female breast cancers, many being diagnosed at an advanced stage. Tumors in young women exhibit more aggressive biological features. Hence, breast cancer in young women is worth special attention for earlier detection.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.73-85
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• 2017

Background: To compare the quality of life (QoL), the convenience of chemotherapy and satisfaction between colon cancer patients treated with FOLFOX4 and XELOX. Methods: The study was conducted in 26 patients with stage III colon cancer. Patients were received FOLFOX4 (n=17) or XELOX (n=9). QoL, convenience, and satisfaction were assessed using the Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30 (QLQ-C30), Quality of Life Questionnaire-Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral neuropathy (QLQ-CIPN) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy Chemotherapy Convenience and Satisfaction Questionnaire (FACIT-CCSQ), respectively. Patients completed questionnaires at baseline, at cycle 4 (C4) and cycle 8 (C8) (FOLFOX4) or at cycle 3 (C3) and cycle 6 (C6) visits (XELOX) and at their final visit. Results: In the QLQ-C30, at the final visit, XELOX patients had better functional scores than FOLFOX4 patients (physical: 85.7 vs.60.4, p=0.03; role: 83.3 vs. 57.5, p=0.04) as well as better symptom scores (constipation: 9.5 vs. 40.4, p=0.01). In CIPN, at the C6/C8 visit, XELOX patients had lower motor scale scores than FOLFOX4 patients (3.8 vs. 21.6, p=0.02). Moreover, at the C6/C8 visit, XELOX was more convenient than FOLFOX4 in FACIT-CCSQ (79.7 vs. 55.5, p=0.04). Male patients were especially likely to consider XELOX to be more convenient (90.0 vs. 55.0, p=0.01) and satisfactory (55.4 vs. 26.2, p=0.03) and fewer concern (91.0 vs. 65.0, p=0.03) than FOLFOX4. XELOX patients spent fewer days on hospital visits at C3/C4, C6/C8 and final visit (2.8 vs. 4.2, p=0.01; 2.7 vs. 4.1, p=0.01; 3.0 vs. 4.5, p=0.01). Conclusion: XELOX may be a better adjuvant chemotherapy choice for patients with colon cancer than FOLFOX4 in terms of QoL, convenience, and satisfaction.

• Journal of Embryo Transfer
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.367-374
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• 2016

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of transfer temperature of epididymis on survival rate of semen and development ability of B6D2F1 mice embryos. No significant differences were noted in the survival rate of semen ($59.0%{\pm}0.1$ vs. $47.6%{\pm}0.1$), in vitro fertilization rate ($90.7%{\pm}0.1$ vs. $90.7%{\pm}0.1$), developmental rate ($90.0%{\pm}0.1$ vs. $90.0%{\pm}0.1$), and blastocysts formation rate ($53.1%{\pm}0.2$ vs. $52.3%{\pm}0.2$) between groups. (NS; P>0.05). However, the zona hatched rate was significantly higher in the $4^{\circ}C$ group compared to those of the $37^{\circ}C$ group ($47.8%{\pm}0.1$ vs. $25.6%{\pm}0.2$; p<0.05). When it comes to cell numbers of blastocysts, the % ICM (/total cells) was significantly higher in the group of $4^{\circ}C$ compared to the $37^{\circ}C$ ($27.0%{\pm}0.1$ vs. $18.3%{\pm}0.1$; p<0.05). However there were no differences in total cell numbers ($72.7{\pm}31.6$ vs. $62.0{\pm}36.6$), ICM cell numbers ($17.0{\pm}7.8$ vs. $14.6{\pm}8.6$), TE cell numbers ($55.8{\pm}29.8$ vs. $64.0{\pm}24.4$), the ratio of ICM:TE ($1:4.2{\pm}4.1$ vs. $1:6.4{\pm}7.2$) between two groups (NS; P>0.05). Taken altogether, it is expected to achieve the best developmental ability of B6D2F1 mice embryos in the transfer temperature of epididymis. Also these results can provide fundamental data to maximize culture condition for in vitro fertilization on B6D2F1 mice. In future, therefore, it is expected that results herein might be applied for in vitro culture of human embryos.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.7
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• pp.2987-2991
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• 2015

Background: The prognostic role of thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF-1) expression in lung cancer has been assessed but with inconsistent results. The present study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of TTF1 expression in advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, patients with stage IIIB-IV non-squamous NSCLC were enrolled. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed according to TTF1 expression status, age categories (${\leq}60$ vs >60 years), gender, performance status (PS) (0-2 vs 3-4), type of 1st line chemotherapy (pemetrexed containing vs others) and EGFR status. Results: A total of 120 patients were included. In univariate analysis, PFS was improved in patients with PS 0-2 (7.0 vs 2.0 months, p=0.002) and those who received pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy (9.2 vs 5.8 months, p=0.004). OS was improved in female patients (23.0 vs 8.7 months, p<0.0001), PS 0-2 (14.4 vs 2.0 months, p<0.0001), those with pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy (17.0 vs 11.0 months, p=0.019), TTF1-positive (12.8 vs 5.8 months, p=0.011) and EGFR- mutant patients (23.0 vs 11.7 months, p=0.006). In multivariate analysis, male gender (HR=2.34, p=0.025) and non-pemetrexed containing therapy (HR=2.24, p=0.022) were independent predictors of worse PFS. Wild EGFR status (HR=2.49, p=0.015) and male gender (HR=2.78, p=0.008) were predictors of worse OS. Conclusions: Pemetrexed-containing therapy significantly improved PFS while OS was improved in EGFR mutant patients. Female patients had better PFS and OS. TTF1 expression was not a prognostic marker in advanced non-squamous NSCLC.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.880-889
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• 2021

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the regional amyloid burden and myocardial deformation using T1 mapping and strain values in patients with cardiac amyloidosis (CA) according to late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) patterns. Materials and Methods: Forty patients with CA were divided into 2 groups per LGE pattern, and 15 healthy subjects were enrolled. Global and regional native T1 and T2 mapping, extracellular volume (ECV), and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-feature tracking strain values were compared in an intergroup and interregional manner. Results: Of the patients with CA, 32 had diffuse global LGE (group 2), and 8 had focal patchy or no LGE (group 1). Global native T1, T2, and ECV were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 than in the control group (native T1: 1384.4 ms vs. 1466.8 ms vs. 1230.5 ms; T2: 53.8 ms vs. 54.2 ms vs. 48.9 ms; and ECV: 36.9% vs. 51.4% vs. 26.0%, respectively; all, p < 0.001). Basal ECV (53.7%) was significantly higher than the mid and apical ECVs (50.1% and 50.0%, respectively; p < 0.001) in group 2. Basal and mid peak radial strains (PRSs) and peak circumferential strains (PCSs) were significantly lower than the apical PRS and PCS, respectively (PRS, 15.6% vs. 16.7% vs. 26.9%; and PCS, -9.7% vs. -10.9% vs. -15.0%; all, p < 0.001). Basal ECV and basal strain (2-dimensional PRS) in group 2 showed a significant negative correlation (r = -0.623, p < 0.001). Group 1 showed no regional ECV differences (basal, 37.0%; mid, 35.9%; and apical, 38.3%; p = 0.184). Conclusion: Quantitative T1 mapping parameters such as native T1 and ECV may help diagnose early CA. ECV, in particular, can reflect regional differences in the amyloid deposition in patients with advanced CA, and increased basal ECV is related to decreased basal strain. Therefore, quantitative CMR parameters may help diagnose CA and determine its severity in patients with or without LGE.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.613-618
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• 2000

Twelve castrated male Black Bengal goats with an average live weight of 10.3 kg (8 months old) were used in a $2{\times}2$ factorial arrangement to study the effects of dietary crude protein concentration [20.3% (HP) and 16.9% (LP)] and feeding level [ad libitum and 85% of ad libitum (restricted)] on growth and carcass characteristics. Ad libitum feeding, on average, significantly (p<0.05 to p<0.01) increased daily live weight (6.27 vs -5.86 g), dry mater intake (409 vs 351 g/d), estimated gain in carcass (0.195 vs -0.200 kg) and empty body weight (0.385 vs -0.350 kg), chemically extracted fat in meat sample (6.89 vs 6.48%), depth of M. longissimus dorsi (22.1 vs 18.3 mm) and gut and caul fat (170 vs 130 g) compared with restricted feeding regime. The greater intake of dietary protein from the HP diet resulted in significantly (p<0.05 to p<0.01) greater values for depth (20.9 vs 19.5 mm) and width (32.4 vs 27.9 mm) of M. longissimus dorsi, gut and caul fat (190 vs 110 g) and also perirenal and retroperitoneal fat (85 vs 50 g) than those of the goats that received the LP diet. Similarly, the HP diet had significantly (p<0.05 to p<0.01) higher values for CP digestibility and DCP concentration than those of the LP diet. The results indicated that growth rate and carcass gain were highest in goats fed the HP diet ad libitum and therefore, diet containing 20.3% CP may be suggested for feeding growing goats.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.105-114
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• 2010

A taxonomic review of the family Sillaginidae was carried out based on two species (Sillago japonica and S. parvisquamis) collected in the coastal waters of Korea from 2008 to 2009 and three species (S. parvisquamis, S. aeolus and S. sihama) kept in the museum. Sillago japonica was easily distinguished from S. parvisquamis and S. sihama by lateral line scales (70~73 in S. japonica vs. 77~81 in S. parvisquamis vs. 67~70 in S. sihama) and scales above lateral line (3~4 vs. 7 vs. 5~6, respectively). Sillago aeolus differed from the other three species in having dark brown blotches on the side of body. We newly found morphological differences in some measurements (snout length, pectoral fin length and $2^{nd}$ anal spine length) and the number of vertebrae between Korean and Japanese S. parvisquamis, suggesting the two may be different populations. Although four sillaginid species are known from Korea, only two species (S. japonica and S. parvisquamis) were found in this study; accordingly, the distribution of the remaining two species (S. sihama and S. aeolus) may be restricted to subtropical waters.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.30 no.9
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• pp.847-853
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• 1997

Although the effects of adenosine on the heart, including the clinical suppression of cardiac arrhythmias, have been recognized for more than half a century, it is only in the last decade that the therapeutic potential of adenosine has been recognized. The objective of this study was to determine if augmentation of myocardial adenosine levels during global ischemia improves functional recovery after reperfusion. We used to modified Langendonf system to evaluate myocardial protective effect. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 90 minutes of deep hypothermic arrest(15$^{\circ}C$) with modified St. Thomas'Hospital cardioplegic solution used to provide myocardial protection. Myocardial adenosine levels were augmented during ischemia by providing exogenous adenosine in the cardioplegic solution. Two groups of hearts w re studied: (1) control group(n=10) cardioplegia alone; (2) adenosine group(n=10) adenosine(0.75mg/kg/min) added to the cardioplegic solution. Significantly better percent recovery(p<0.01) in hemodynamics(except heart rate) at 60 minutes after reperfusion was evident compared to baseline values in the adenosine group. (systolic no란ic pressure : 78.5$\pm$3.6% vs 66.6$\pm$5.9%, airtic overflow volume : 61.7$\pm$ 11.6% vs 37.2$\pm$ 15.4%, coronary flow volume 77.1$\pm$7.5% vs 57.2$\pm$ 11.1%, and cardiac output : 65.6$\pm$ 11.5% vs 44.2$\pm$ 12.4%). Heart rate was similar in two groups(94.4$\pm$4.8% vs 95.3 $\pm$ 6.8%). Adenosine groups resulted in significantly rapid recovery time of heart beat after reperEusion(p<0.01) (24.5$\pm$7.6 sec. vs 179.0$\pm$ 131.1sec.). In biochemical study, CPK levels(0.1 $\pm$0.3U/L vs 1.4$\pm$0.8U/L) and lactic acid levels(0.08$\pm$0.Immol/L vs 0.34$\pm$0.2 mmol/L) were significantly low in adenosine groups(p<0.01). We concluded that adenosine included cardioplegia have better recovery effects after r perfusion in myocardial ischemia compared to adenosine free cardioplegia.