• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.9-13
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• 2015

Objective : To improve pedicle screw placement accuracy with minimal radiation and low cost, we developed specially designed K-wire with a marker. To evaluate the accuracy of thoracolumbar pedicle screws placed using the novel guide-pin and portable X-rays. Methods : Observational cohort study with computerized tomography (CT) analysis of in vivo and in vitro pedicle screw placement. Postoperative CT scans of 183 titanium pedicle screws (85 lumbar and 98 thoracic from T1 to L5) placed into 2 cadavers and 18 patients were assessed. A specially designed guide-pin with a marker was inserted into the pedicle to identify the correct starting point (2 mm lateral to the center of the pedicle) and aiming point (center of the pedicle isthmus) in posteroanterior and lateral X-rays. After radiographically confirming the exact starting and aiming points desired, a gearshift was inserted into the pedicle from the starting point into the vertebral body through the center of pedicle isthmus. Results : Ninety-nine percent (181/183) of screws were contained within the pedicle (total 183 pedicle screws : 98 thoracic pedicle screws and 85 lumbar screws). Only two of 183 (1.0%) thoracic pedicle screws demonstrated breach (1 lateral in a patient and 1 medial in a cadaver specimen). None of the pedicle breaches were associated with neurologic or other clinical sequelae. Conclusion : A simple, specially designed guide-pin with portable X-rays can provide correct starting and aiming points and allows for accurate pedicle screw placement without preoperative CT scan and intraoperative fluoroscopic assistance.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.233-241
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• 2013

There are limited data on healthy dietary patterns protective against metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) development. We identified dietary patterns among middle-aged and older adults and investigated the associations with the incidence of MetSyn. A population-based prospective cohort study included 5,251 male and female Koreans aged 40-69 years. At baseline, all individuals were free of MetSyn, other major metabolic diseases, and known cardiovascular disease or cancer. Cases of MetSyn were ascertained over a 6-year of follow-up. Dietary patterns and their factor scores were generated by factor analysis using the data of a food frequency questionnaire. We performed pooled logistic regression analysis to estimate multivariable-adjusted relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for associations between factor scores and MetSyn risk. Two dietary patterns were identified; (1) a healthy dietary pattern, which included a variety of foods such as fish, seafood, vegetables, seaweed, protein foods, fruits, dairy products, and grains; and (2) an unhealthy dietary pattern, which included a limited number of food items. After controlling for confounding factors, factor scores for the healthy dietary pattern were inversely associated with MetSyn risk (P-value for trend < 0.05) while those for the unhealthy dietary pattern had no association. Individuals in the top quintile of the healthy diet scores showed a multivariable-adjusted RR [95% CI] of 0.76 [0.60-0.97] for MetSyn risk compared with those in the bottom quintile. The beneficial effects were derived from inverse associations with abdominal obesity, low HDL-cholesterol levels, and high fasting glucose levels. Our findings suggest that a variety of healthy food choices is recommended to prevent MetSyn.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.11
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• pp.965-970
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• 2010

Purpose: The life expectancy of patients with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type I is generally considered to be less than 2 years. Recently, with the introduction of proactive treatments, a longer survival and an improved survival rate have been reported. In this study, we analyzed the natural courses and survival statistics of SMA type I patients and compared the clinical characteristics of the patients based on their survival periods. Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 14 pediatric patients diagnosed with SMA type I during a 9-year period. We examined the demographic and clinical characteristics of these patients, calculated their survival probabilities, and plotted survival curves as on the censoring date, January 1, 2010. We also compared the characteristics of the patients who died before the age of 24 months (early-death, ED group) and those who survived for 24 months or longer (long-survival, LS group). Results: The mean survival time was $22.8{\pm}2.0$ months. The survival probabilities at 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, and 30 months were 92.9%, 92.9%, 76.0%, 76.0%, and 65.1%, respectively. Birth weight was the only factor that showed a statistically significant difference between the ED and LS groups ($P$=0.048). Conclusion: In this study, the survival probabilities at 2 years were far greater than expected. Because of the limited number of patients and information in this study, the contribution of improved supportive care on longer survival could not be clarified; this may be elucidated in larger cohort studies.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10325-10328
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• 2015

RASSF1A, regarded as a candidate tumor suppressor, is frequently silenced and inactivated by methylation of its promoter region in many human tumors. However, the association between RASSF1A promoter methylation and lung cancer risk remains unclear. To provide a more reliable estimate we conducted a meta-analysis of cohort studies to evaluate the potential role of RASSF1A promoter methylation in lung carcinogenesis. Relevant studies were identified by searches of PubMed, Web of Science, ProQest and Medline databases using the following key words: 'lung cancer or lung neoplasm or lung carcinoma', 'RASSF1A methylation' or 'RASSF1A hypermethylation'. According to the selection standard, 15 articles were identified and analysised by STATA 12.0 software. Combined odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the strength of the association between RASSF1A promoter methylation and lung cancer risk. A chi-square-based Q test and sensitivity analyses were performed to test between-study heterogeneity and the contributions of single studies to the final results, respectively. Funnel plots were carried out to evaluate publication bias. Overall, a significant relationship between RASSF1A promoter methylation and lung cancer risk (OR, 16.12; 95%CI, 11.40-22.81; p<0.001) with no between-study heterogeneity. In subgroup analyses, increased risk of RASSF1A methylation in cases than controls was found for the NSCLC group (OR, 13.66, 95%CI, 9.529-19.57) and in the SCLC group (OR, 314.85, 95%CI, 48.93-2026.2).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7701-7706
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• 2013

Background: In a prospective cohort study of antiemetic therapy conducted in Malaysia, a total of 94 patients received low emetogenic chemotherapy (LEC) with or without granisetron injections as the primary prophylaxis for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). This study is a retrospective cost analysis of two antiemetic regimens from the payer perspective. Materials and Methods: This cost evaluation refers to 2011, the year in which the observation was conducted. Direct costs incurred by hospitals including the drug acquisition, materials and time spent for clinical activities from prescribing to dispensing of home medications were evaluated (MYR 1=$0.32 USD). As reported to be significantly different between two regimens (96.1% vs 81.0%; p=0.017), the complete response rate of acute emesis which was defined as a patient successfully treated without any emesis episode within 24 hours after LEC was used as the main indicator for effectiveness. Results: Antiemetic drug acquisition cost per patient was 40.7 times higher for the granisetron-based regimen than for the standard regimen (MYR 64.3 vs 1.58). When both the costs for materials and clinical activities were included, the total cost per patient was 8.68 times higher for the granisetron-based regimen (MYR 73.5 vs 8.47). Considering the complete response rates, the mean cost per successfully treated patient in granisetron group was 7.31 times higher (MYR 76.5 vs 10.5). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) with granisetron-based regimen, relative to the standard regimen, was MYR 430.7. It was found to be most sensitive to the change of antiemetic effects of granisetron-based regimen. Conclusions: While providing a better efficacy in acute emesis control, the low incidence of acute emesis and high ICER makes use of granisetron as primary prophylaxis in LEC controversial.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.78-85
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• 2012

Whether the $FTO$ polymorphisms interact with environmental factors has not yet been evaluated in associations with metabolic syndrome (MS) risk. The present study investigated the association of the $FTO$ rs9939609 genotypes, body mass index (BMI), and lifestyle-related factors including smoking, alcohol drinking, physical activity, and diet with MS incidence. A population-based prospective cohort study comprised 3,504 male and female Koreans aged 40 to 69 years. At the beginning of the study, all individuals were free of MS and known cardiovascular disease. Incident cases of MS were identified by biennial health examinations during a follow-up period from April 17, 2003 to April 15, 2009. Pooled logistic regression analysis was applied to obtain relative odds (RO) of MS with its 95% confidence interval (CI). After controlling for potential MS risk factors, we observed no association between the rs9939609 genotypes and MS incidence. In analysis stratified by BMI, however, carriers with the $FTO$ risk allele whose BMI is $29kg/m^2$ or greater showed an approximately 6-fold higher RO (95% CI: 3.82 to 9.30) compared with non-carriers with BMI less than $25kg/m^2$. In particular, the association between the rs9939609 variants and MS risk was significantly modified by high BMI (P-value for interaction < 0.05). Such significant interaction appeared in associations with central obesity and high blood pressure among the MS components. Because carriers of the $FTO$ risk alleles who had BMI of $29kg/m^2$ or greater are considered a high risk population, we suggest that they may need intensive weight loss regimens to prevent MS development.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.737-740
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• 2015

Purpose: The study aim was to assess factors that impact on the outcome of radioiodine therapy in patients diagnosed with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study on 256 patients with DTC who underwent thyroidectomy and received radioiodine therapy during December 2003 to January 2012. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. They were considered diseasefree by the criteria of the revised American Thyroid Association Management Guideline for Patients with Thyroid nodules and DTC (ATA guideline 2009). Results: On Cox univariate analysis, factors associated with disease-free status were age<45, stage I tumor, low risk group by histopathology, unifocal tumor involvement, stimulated serum Tg level at 1st dose of radioiodine therapy and no distant metastasis from 1st post-treatment WBS (post RxWBS). On multivariate analysis, stage I tumor and stimulated serum Tg level at 1st dose of radioiodine therapy < 30 ng/mL were the significant prognostic factors that increased disease-free rate by 1.73 times and 2.60 times, respectively (P-value <0.05). Conclusions: Factors affecting the outcome of radioiodine therapy in our study were age, stage, risk of recurrence by histopathology, unifocal tumor involvement and 1st postRxWBS findings. From these factors, stage I tumor and stimulated serum Tg level at 1st dose of radioiodine therapy were independent prognostic factors that substantial increase the disease-free rate.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.266-276
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• 2016

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to retrospectively investigate the influence of potential risk indicators on the development of peri-implant disease. Methods: Overall, 103 patients referred for implant treatment from 2000 to 2012 were randomly enrolled. The study sample consisted of 421 conventional-length (>6 mm) non-turned titanium implants that were evaluated clinically and radiographically according to preestablished clinical and patient-related parameters by a single investigator. A non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis rank test and a logistic regression model were used for the statistical analysis of the recorded data at the implant level. Results: The diagnosis of peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis was made for 173 (41.1%) and 19 (4.5%) implants, respectively. Age (${\geq}65$ years), patient adherence (professional hygiene recalls <2/year) and the presence of plaque were associated with higher peri-implant probing-depth values and bleeding-on-probing scores. The logistic regression analysis indicated that age (P=0.001), patient adherence (P=0.03), the absence of keratinized tissue (P=0.03), implants placed in pristine bone (P=0.04), and the presence of peri-implant soft-tissue recession (P=0.000) were strongly associated with the event of peri-implantitis. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, patients aged ${\geq}65$ years and non-adherent subjects were more prone to develop peri-implant disease. Therefore, early diagnosis and a systematic maintenance-care program are essential for maintaining peri-implant tissue health, especially in older patients.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.96-104
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• 2009

배경: 당뇨병 환자에게 관상동맥심질환은 생존률, 건강 상태 유지 및 삶의 질에 주요한 영향을 미치는 합병증이며 적극적인 당뇨병 치료는 이러한 심혈관 합병증을 예방할 수 있으나 당뇨병의 적극적 치료와 관리에는 많은 비용이 소요된다. 목적: 제2형 당뇨병 환자를 대상으로 메트포르민과 글리메피리드 병합요법과 메트포르민과 피오글리타존 병합요법의 비용-효과성을 비교하고자 하였다. 연구방법: 마르코프 코호트 프로세스(Markov Cohort Process Model) 모형을 이용하여 비용-효과분석을 실시하였다. 연장된 수명 (life years gained, LYG)과 삶의 질(quality)을 보정하여 증가된 QALYs를 주요 효과 지표로 측정하였고, 총비용으로는 직접의료비용과, 환자와 가족의 교통비를 직접비의료비용으로 고려하였고 환자와 가족의 시간비용을 간접비용으로 포함하였다. 연구결과: 비용-효과분석 결과, 메트포르민과 글리메피리드 병합요법의 경우 총 비용은 5,962,288원, 효과는 7.94LYG, 6.43QALY이었다. 반면 메트포르민과 피오글리타존 병합요법은 총 비용 10,982,243원, 효과 8.62LYG, 6.99QALY으로, 점증적 비용-효과비(ICER)는 7,402,663원/LYG과 8,934,546원/QALY 이었다. 결론: 우리 사회의 연장된 수명(LYG)에 따른 지불의사가 700만원 이하인 경우는 메트포르민과 글리메피리드 병합요법이 비용-효과적인 대안이며 700만원 이상인 경우에는 메트포르민과 피오글리타존 병합요법이 비용-효과적인 대안이 될 수 있다.

• The Korean Journal of Community Living Science
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.147-159
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• 2016

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the dietary quality of Korean females according to BMI, using the Korea National Health and Examination Survey data (KNHANES V-1). The study incorporated an individual-based, one-on-one interview with a cohort of 3,552 Korean females, including underweight, obese, and normal subjects, based on BMI calculation from 8,958 samples throughout the country. In this study, BMI between 18.5 and 25 was considered as normal, < 18.5 as underweight, and ${\geq}25$ as obese. We classified the subjects into three groups: the underweight group (n = 206), normal group (n = 2,353) and obese group (n = 993). The result of analysis of nutrient intake was a percentage of Korean RNI. Overall, calcium intake tended to be lower for groups with lower BMI. The result of dietary quality are as follows: For NAR analysis, all groups showed a less than 1.0 for all nutrient levels. In particular, with respect to calcium, all groups showed to have a lower NAR score than that of other nutrients; this was also the case for the Vitamin A. The average NAR score was 0.76 in the underweight group, 0.83 in the normal group, and 0.78 in the obese group. The results suggest the necessity of obesity-related nutritional education programs in Korea, particularly for Korean women.