• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.21
• /
• pp.9405-9410
• /
• 2014

Purpose: To evaluate the prognostic impact of peritoneal washing cytology in patients with endometrial and ovarian cancers. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 86 individuals with ovarian carcinomas, ovarian borderline tumors and endometrial adenocarcinomas. The patients had been treated at Shahid Sadoughi Hospital and Ramazanzadeh Radiotherapy Center, Yazd, Iran between 2004 and 2012. Survival differences were determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression method. A p<0.05 value was considered statistically significant. Results: There were 36 patients with ovarian carcinomas, 4 with borderline ovarian tumors and 46 with endometrial carcinomas. The mean age of the patients was $53.8{\pm}15.2years$. In patients with ovarian carcinoma the overall survival in the negative cytology group was better than the patients with positive cytology although this difference failed to reach statistical significance (p=0.30). At 0 to 50 months the overall survival was better in patients with endometrial adenocarcinoma and negative cytology than the patients with positive cytology but then it decreased (p=0.85). At 15 to 60 months patients with FIGO 2009 stage IA-II endometrial andocarcinoma and negative peritoneal cytology had a superior survival rate compared to 1988 IIIA and positive cytology only, although this difference failed to reach statistical significance(p=0.94). Multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model showed that stage and peritoneal cytology were predictors of death. Conclusions: Our results show good correlation of peritoneal cytology with prognosis in patients with ovarian carcinoma. In endometrial carcinoma it had prognostic importance. Additional research is warranted.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.42 no.1
• /
• pp.22-27
• /
• 2009

Replication Protein A (RPA) is a single stranded DNA-binding protein involved in DNA metabolic activities such as replication, repair, and recombination. RPA-Interacting Protein $\alpha$ ($RIP{\alpha}$) was originally identified as a nuclear transporter of RPA in Xenopus. The human $RIP{\alpha}$ gene encodes several splice isoforms, of which $hRIP{\alpha}$ and $hRIP{\beta}$ are the major translation products in vivo. However, limited information is available about the alternative splicing of $RIP{\alpha}$ in eukaryotes, apart from that in humans. In this study, we examined the alternative splicing of RIP{\alpha} in the Drosophila, Xenopus, and mouse system. We showed that the number of splice isoforms of RIP{\alpha} was species-specific, and displayed a tendency to increase in higher eukaryotes. Moreover, a mouse ortholog of $hRIP{\alpha}$, $mRIP{\beta}2$, was not SUMOylated, in contrast to $hRIP{\alpha}$. Based on these results, we suggest that the $RIP{\alpha}$ gene gains more splice isoforms and additional modifications after molecular evolution.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.132-140
• /
• 2005

Objectives: To propose a risk-adjustment model from insurance claims data, and analyze the changes in cesarean section rates of healthcare organizations after adjusting for risk distribution. Methods: The study sample included delivery claims data from January to September, 2003. A risk-adjustment model was built using the 1st quarter data, and the 2nd and 3rd quarter data were used for a validation test. Patients' risk factors were adjusted using a logistic regression analysis. The c-statistic and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to evaluate the performance of the risk-adjustment model. Crude, predicted and risk-adjusted rates were calculated, and compared to analyze the effects of the adjustment. Results: Nine risk factors (malpresentation, eclampsia, malignancy, multiple pregnancies, problems in the placenta, previous Cesarean section, older mothers, bleeding and diabetes) were included in the final risk-adjustment model, and were found to have statistically significant effects on the mode of delivery. The c-statistic (0.78) and Hosmer-Lemeshow test ($x^2$=0.60, p=0.439) indicated a good model performance. After applying the 2nd and 3rd quarter data to the model, there were no differences in the c-statistic and Hosmer-Lemeshow $x^2$. Also, risk factor adjustment led to changes in the ranking of hospital Cesarean section rates, especially in tertiary and general hospitals. Conclusion: This study showed a model performance, using medical record abstracted data, was comparable to the results of previous studies. Insurance claims data can be used for identifying areas where risk factors should be adjusted. The changes in the ranking of hospital Cesarean section rates implied that crude rates can mislead people and therefore, the risk should be adjusted before the rates are released to the public. The proposed risk-adjustment model can be applied for the fair comparisons of the rates between hospitals.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.74-84
• /
• 2012

Purpose: This study was designed to identify knowledge and performance level of infection control among oriental medical doctors and nurses and further to identify factors that may influence practice. Methods: Data were collected using the survey method. Two hundred and forty two healthcare workers (HCW) from five oriental medicine university hospitals in Korea (140 physicians and 102 nurses) completed a survey about infection control. The study was conducted from February 1 to 28, 2011. Results: The average knowledge level of infection control among HCW was $0.75{\pm}0.13$ (score range 0~1) and the average performance level of infection control was $3.16{\pm}1.05$ (score range 0~5). 'Disinfection and sterilization' were ranked the highest in both the knowledge and performance level. In the knowledge level, 'hand washing/hand hygiene' were ranked the lowest. 'Bloodstream infection prevention' was the lowest among the infection control categories in performance. Total average knowledge and performance level of nurses was significantly higher than that of the physicians. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the oriental medical doctors and nurses' knowledge and performance level of infection control differed. The education on infection control is required to oriental medical doctors and nurses and it would contribute to preventing healthcare associated infections in oriental medicine hospitals.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.9
• /
• pp.3973-3976
• /
• 2015

Objectives: To explore the expression of aquaporin 1 ($AQP_1$) in bladder uroepithelium cell carcinoma (BUCC) and its relevance to recurrence. Materials and Methods: Tissue samples from 45 BUCC patients who underwent total cystectomy or transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) and from 40 patients with non-bladder cancers who underwent special detection or treatments were collected. The level of expression of $AQP_1$ in BUCC tissues and normal bladder tissues was assessed by immunohistochemistry so as to analyze the relevance to pathological patterns and time of recurrence in BUCC patients. Results: The expression levels of $AQP_1$ normal bladder tissues and BUCC tissues were $2.175{\pm}0.693$ and $3.689{\pm}0.701$, respectively, and the difference was significant (t=9.99, P<0.0001). Marked increase was noted with BUCC histological grade and pathological stage (P<0.01). Moreover, the expression of $AQP_1$ was evidently higher in cancerous tissues with lymph node metastasis than in those without (P<0.01). With short-term recurrence, the positive cell expression rate of $AQP_1$ was higher in primary tissues, which increased obviously after recurrence. Additionally, the recurrent time of BUCC was negatively associated with the positive cell expression rate of $AQP_1$ and the difference between the expression of $AQP_1$ before and after recurrence (r=-0.843, F=39.302, P=0.000; r=-0.829, F=35.191, P=0.000). Conclusions: $AQP_1$, which reflects the grade, stage, lymph node metastasis and recurrence of BUCC, has potential guiding significance in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancarcinoma.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.20
• /
• pp.8793-8796
• /
• 2014

Objective: To explore the influence of serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) level on therapeutic outcome and diagnosis/prognostic value in patients with cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 37 patients diagnosed with cervical cancer by biopsy were selected and treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted before treatment to assess VEGF levels, and its relationships with clinicopathological features and short-term therapeutic effects were analyzed. Results: The median VEGF level in 37 patients before treatment was 647.15 (393.35~1125.16) pg/mL. Serum VEGF levels in patients aged <50 years, in International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage IIIa~IVa, with lymph node metastasis and tumor size >4 cm were significantly increased (P<0.05). The complete remission (CR) rate was 48.7% (18/37), partial remission (PR) rate was 35.1% (13/37), stable disease (SD) rate was 13.5% (5/37) and progressive disease (PD) rate was 2.70% (1/37), so the objective remission rate (ORR) after treatment was 83.8% (31/37). Logistic regression analysis showed that tumor size and serum VEGF level before treatment were independent risk factors affecting the therapeutic outcome, and the higher the level of serum VEGF, the worse the prognosis when tumor size>4 cm. Some 56.8% of patients manifested with myelosuppression, 37.8% with leucopenia, 24.3% with thrombocytopenia, 5.41% with diarrhea, 46.0% with nausea and vomiting, 21.6% with hair loss and 8.11% with hepatic and renal injury during the treatment. Conclusions: Serum VEGF level may reflect the degree of malignancy of cervical cancer and predict therapeutic effect, which is of great importance to cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.5
• /
• pp.2045-2049
• /
• 2014

Background: Functional status is the ability to perform daily activities. Little is known about quality of life and health status of gynaecological cancer patients. The present study therefore aimed to evaluate the functional status of women receiving treatment for gynecological oncological disease while not hospitalised. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study covered 42 patients monitored by the Gynecological Oncology Unit in 2011. Data were collected using the Functional Living Index-Cancer and analysed with the chi square test, independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, one-way ANOVA test and the Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: Of the 42 cases, 66.7% had been diagnosed within the previous year and 90.5% were undergoing chemotherapy. The most severe symptoms experienced were pain (35.7%), fatigue-weakness (40.5%) and nausea and vomiting (56.5%). Daily activities where the most difficulty was experienced were housework (28.6%), average pace walking (31.0%), carrying more than 5 kg (28.6%). The mean Functional Living Index score was quite high ($103.5{\pm}24.1$). FLIC-C scale scores did not vary with the educational status, diagnosis duration, and family history of cancer (p>0.05). Conclusions: Evaluation of the functional status of gynecological cancer patients and how they cope with problems should indicate to healthcare professionals what help can be given to maintain quality of life.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.10
• /
• pp.5843-5847
• /
• 2013

Background: Persistent infection with high risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) is strongly associated with cervical cancer. Normal cervical cells may also harbor hrHPV, and detection of early hrHPV infection may minimize risk of cervical cancer development. This study aimed to compare two commercial HPV genotyping assays that may affordable for early screening in a limited-resource setting in Bandung, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: DNA from cervical biopsies with histologically confirmed as squamous cell cervical cacinoma were HPV genotyped by Linear Assay 1 (Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) or Linear Assay 2 (Digene HPV Genotyping RH Test, Qiagen Gaithersburg, MD). In a subset of samples of each group, HPV genotype results were then compared. Results: Of 28 samples genotyped by linear assay 1, 22 (78.6%) demonstrated multiple infections with HPV-16 and other hrHPV types 18, 45 and/or 52. In another set of 38 samples genotyped by linear assay 2, 28 (68.4%) were mostly single infections by hrHPV type 16 or 18. Interestingly, 4 samples that had been tested by both kits showed discordant results. Conclusions: In a limited-resource area such as in Indonesia, country with a high prevalence of HPV infection a reliable cervical screening test in general population for early hrHPV detection is needed. Geographical variation in HPV genotyping result might have impacts for HPV prevalence and molecular epidemiology as the distribution in HPV genotypes should give clear information to assess the impact of HPV prophylactic vaccines.

• Women's Health Nursing
• /
• v.9 no.4
• /
• pp.351-358
• /
• 2003

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Desexualization Care guided by dramaturgical interaction on women's embarrassment during cervical cancer screening. Method: This study was carried out in a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized post-test only design. 62 women who had cervical cancer screening were' conveniently recruited from a university hospital health promotion center. Embarrassment was measured under four distinctive sub-dimensions by the method of self-reported questionnaire and blood pressure and pulse rates monitoring. The data of control group had a conventional pap smear were collected in advance and then those of experimental group were gathered after completing data collection in the control group. Women in experimental group were provided with a newly developed cervical cancer screening programme in which interdisciplinary team conducted dramaturgical interaction. Result: There was no significant difference in the scores of VAS between the two groups. The score of physiological response of Embarrassment Measurement Scale was significantly lower in experimental group than in the control group (p <.05), while no significant difference was found in cognitive-emotional, non-verbal and verbal behavioral responses between the two groups. There was also no significant difference in blood pressure and pulse rates between the two groups during cervical s creening. Conclus ion: Desexualization Care guided by dramaturgical interaction during cervical screening was found to have positive effect on physiological response of women's embarrassment. Further research for identifying other main variables which might have influenced on women's embarrassment is needed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.3
• /
• pp.1057-1062
• /
• 2015

Background: Since the survival rate of breast cancer patients has improved, harmful effects of new treatment modalities on fertility of the young breast cancer patients has become a focus of attention. This study aimed to systematically review and critically appraise all available guidelines for fertility preservation in young breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Major citation databases were searched for treatment guidelines. Experts from relevant disciplines appraised the available guidelines. The AGREE II Instrument that includes 23 criteria in seven domains (scope and purpose of the guidelines, stakeholder involvement, rigor of development, clarity, applicability, editorial independence, and overall quality) was used to apprise and score the guidelines. Results: The search strategy retrieved 2,606 citations; 72 were considered for full-text screening and seven guidelines were included in the study. There was variability in the scores assigned to different domains among the guidelines. ASCO (2013), with an overall score of 68.0%, had the highest score, and St Gallen, with an overall score of 24.7%, had the lowest scores among the guidelines. Conclusions: With the promising survival rate among breast cancer patients, more attention should be given to include specific fertility preservation recommendations for young breast cancer patients.