• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.72-80
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• 2005

Background: Nasopharyngeal cancer is a rare disease with a relatively poor prognosis because it tends to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. The aim of this study was to establish the clinical characteristics of nasopharyngeal cancer. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 54 patients with nasopharyngeal cancer from January 1993 to December 2002 were reviewed retrospectively. Forty one cases were male (75.9%) and thirteen were female (24.1%). The average age was of 46.9 (range 16 to 78 years) years. The majority of patients (79.6%) were diagnosed in the advanced stage. The most common complaints were a neck mass (55.5%) and the WHO type III (53.7%) was the most frequent histological type. Results: The cumulative survival rate for a 5-year period was 46.5% and the T stage, N stage, pathologic type, and clinical stage were not significantly related to the survival rate. Sixteen of 54 (31.5%) cases presented with a distant metastasis of the bone, lung, brain, spine, and liver, and six cases (11.1%) presented with a locoregional recurrence. Conclusion: TNM staging is not appropriate for predicting survival rate of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients. Therefore, a newer staging system, which includes new factors, is needed to predict the prognosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.329-335
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• 2004

Background : The Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score can help to assess organ failure over time and is useful to evaluate morbidity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of SOFA score as a descriptor of multiple organ failure in critically ill patients in a local unit hospital, and to compare with APACHE III scoring system. Methods : This study was carried out prospectively. A total of ninety one patients were included who admitted to the medical intensive care unit (ICU) in Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital from May 1 through June 30, 2000. We excluded patients with a length of stay in the ICU less than 2 days following scheduled procedure, admissions for ECG monitoring, other department and patients transferred to other hospital. The SOFA score and APACHE III score were calculated on admission and then consecutively every 24 hours until ICU discharge. Results : The ICU mortality rate was 20%. The non-survivors had a higher SOFA score within 24 hours after admission. The number of organ failure was associated with increased mortality. The evaluation of a subgroup of 74 patients who stayed in the ICU for at least 48 hours showed that survivors and non-survivors followed a different course. In this subgroup, the total SOFA score increased in 81% of the non-survivors but in only 21% of the survivors. Conversely, the total SOFA score decreased in 48% of the survivors compared with 6% of the non-survivors. The non-survivors also had a higher APACHE III score within 24 hours and there was a correlation between SOFA score and APACHE III score. Conclusion : The SOFA score is a simple, but effective method to assess organ failure and to predict mortality in critically ill patients. Regular and repeated scoring enables patient's condition and clinical course to be monitored and better understood. The SOFA score well correlates with APACHE III score.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.42 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2017

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate a relationship between the blood concentrations of toxic metals and the blood pressure in people living near the copper smelter. Methods: The study included 570 adults living within 4km of the smelter. We compared systolic and diastolic blood pressure between tertiary groups for blood cadmium, mercury and lead levels, respectively. Multiple regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors affecting systolic and diastolic blood pressures. Results: In male subjects, there is a significant difference in the mean of systolic and diastolic blood pressure between tertiary groups of blood cadmium and mercury levels, but in women, there was no significant difference in the mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures in all tertiary groups of heavy metals. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that age, BMI, and cadmium concentration in men were risk factors for blood pressure. In women, age and BMI, drinking and smoking, and blood mercury were significantly influenced to blood pressure. Conclusions: Residents living near the Janghang smelter showed high concentrations of blood lead and cadmium, suggesting that they were exposed to high concentrations of heavy metals released from the smelter in the past. Such exposure may have caused some blood pressure increase. Especially, the concentration of cadmium in the case of men and the concentration of mercury in blood in the case of women were found to be significantly related to the increase of blood pressure. The local population should be advised to make efforts to reduce exposure to environmental contaminants, in order to minimize cardiovascular disease, and to pay close attention to any health problems possibly related to toxic metal exposure.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.11-17
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• 2017

Purpose: Phenylketonuria (PKU) results from a deficiency of phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH). The mutation of the PAH gene results in decreased phenylalanine hydroxylase enzyme activity in hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) patients. This study reports ten cases of patients with the benign HPA genotype c.158G>A (p.Arg53His, R53H) variant in the PAH gene and aims to evaluate the clinical significance of the R53H variant. Methods: Ten Korean patients with the HPA genotype the R53H variant were included in this study. A retrospective medical record review was conducted. We characterized the phenotypes of the patients with HPA with the R53H variant using the following system: classic PKU, moderate PKU, mild PKU, Mild HPA, and benign HPA. Results: Five patients had the R53H variant with the "Pathogenic" variants (R413P, R241C, $Y356^*$, c.442-1G>A, $Y325^*$), Two patients had the "Likely pathogenic" variants ($W187^*$, A259T), Two patients had the "Uncertain significance" variants (R53H, G344D), and One patient had the "Not provided" variant (c.1066-14C>G). Nine patients genotyped with the R53H variant were the patient with benign HPA and One patient genotyped with the R53H homozygote was within normal range of plasma phenylalanine. None of the ten patients required dietary restriction of phenylalanine or pharmacotherapy to maintain their plasma phenylalanine levels and showed no clinical symptoms of HPA. Conclusion: Ten patients with HPA genotype the R53H variant were the patient with benign HPA and showed no clinical symptoms of HPA. Thus, the R53H variant, which was previously classified as an "Uncertain significance" mutation in HPA patients, should be re-classified as "Benign."

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.366-379
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• 2015

Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess airborne particulate matter(PM) pollution and its effect on health of residents living near Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex in Daegu metropolitan region. Methods: The California Puff(CALPUFF) dispersion model, version 5.8, which can estimate the dispersion direction and range of airborn $PM_{10}$ was used to determine the possible areas affected by $PM_{10}$ pollutants emitted from Ansim briquette fuel complex. The CALPUFF modeling with 200 m grid-cell resolution was performed based on $PM_{10}$ emissions estimated from the amount of coal consumption in the fuel complex for four months in 2012. The Weather Research and Forecasting(WRF) fields were processed using CALMET to produce CALPUFF-ready meteorological inputs. Also, the distance from Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex to the residence of each environmental pneumoconiosis patient was analyzed. In addition, the affecting region of the pollutants emitted from briquette factories in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex was determined. Results: CALPUFF modeling results showed that the highest concentrations of $PM_{10}$ were found near around the fuel complex. The modeled $PM_{10}$ distributions were characterized by significant decreases in concentration with distance from the complex. Seasonally, the highest concentration of $45{\mu}g/m^3$ was calculated in October which was mostly due to the distinct variation of amount of emission. Additional modeling with the maximum $PM_{10}$ emission of about 88 tons per year in 1986 showed that the highest concentration in October was nearly increased by 8 times than the concentration modeled with emission of 2010. As a result of medical examination and interviews for the residents in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and its surroundings, 8 environmental pneumoconiosis patients were found. These patients do not have occupational exposure and history. These patients have lived 0.3~1.1 km area in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex and its surroundings. Conclusions: Airborne particles emitted from Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex can contribute to significant increase in $PM_{10}$ concentration in residential areas near around the complex. Especially, the residents near fuel complex may exposed to the pollutants emitted from the factories in Ansim Briquette Fuel Complex.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.60 no.3
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• pp.300-307
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• 2015

In order to develop optimum paddy-upland rotation system, we evaluated the 1st and the 2nd upland growth and yield characteristics of foxtail millet, proso millet, sorghum rotated from paddy field and rice rotated from upland in paddy-upland rotation. Average number of ears per hill was 3.3 in the 2nd upland cultivation. The value was greater by 1 ear as compared to 1st upland cultivation (2.2 ears per hill). In average yield per 10a, the 2nd upland cultivation showed 220.3 kg, 23% increased yield compared to the 1st upland cultivation (179 kg per 10a). In average number of ears per hill, the 2nd upland cultivation showed 8.3 ears, increased 4 ears compared to the 1st upland cultivation (4.2 ears per hill). In average yield per 10a, the 2nd upland cultivation showed 152.8 kg, 16.8% increased yield compared to the 1st upland cultivation (130.8 kg per 10a). In average days from seeding to heading of 5 sorghum varieties, there were no significant difference between the 1st (68.6 days) and the 2nd (67.4 days) upland cultivation rotated from paddy field. In the average number of grains per ears, the 2nd upland cultivation showed 2,931.6 grains per ear, 12% increased compared to the 1st upland cultivation (2,619.6 grains per ears). Average yield per 10a of sorghum in the 2nd upland cultivation showed 242.3 kg, 4.6% increased compared to the 1st upland cultivation (231.7 kg per 10a). In growth and yield characteristics of rice in paddy-upland rotation, culm length in paddy-upland-paddy plot showed 82.9 cm, 7.3 cm longer compared to the continuous rice paddy field (75.6 cm). Ear length was also 1 cm longer than that of the continuous rice paddy field. In average number of ears per hill, paddy-upland-paddy plot showed 25.0 ears, 4.3 ears more than that of the continuous rice paddy field (20.7 ears per hill). In average yield of rice per 10a, the paddy-upland-paddy rotation plot showed 526.8 kg, 9.8% higher yield compared to the continuous rice paddy field (479.9 kg per 10a).

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.9-19
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• 2008

The purpose of this study was: (1) to compare nanoleakage patterns of a conventional 3-step etch and rinse adhesive system and two experimental hydrophobic adhesive systems and (2) to investigate the change of the nanoleakage patterns after load cycling. Two kinds of hydrophobic experimental adhesives, ethanol containing adhesive (EA) and methanol containing adhesive (MA), were prepared. Thirty extracted human molars were embedded in resin blocks and occlusal thirds of the crowns were removed. The polished dentin surfaces were etched with a 35 % phosphoric acid etching gel and rinsed with water. Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (MP), EA and MA were used for bonding procedure. Z-250 composite resin was built-up on the adhesive-treated surfaces. Five teeth of each dentin adhesive group were subjected to mechanical load cycling. The teeth were sectioned into 2 mm thick slabs and then stained with 50 % ammoniacal silver nitrate. Ten specimens for each group were examined under scanning electron microscope in backscattering electron mode. All photographs were analyzed using image analysis software. Three regions of each specimen were used for evaluation of the silver uptake within the hybrid layer. The area of silver deposition was calculated and expressed in gray value. Data were statistically analyzed by two-way ANOVA and post-hoc testing of multiple comparisons was done with the Scheffe's test. Silver particles were observed in all the groups. However, silver particles were more sparsely distributed in the EA group and the MA group than in the MP group (p < .0001). There were no changes in nanoleakage patterns after load cycling.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.13-23
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• 2010

Purpose: This study was to identify the role of general hospice palliative nurse through job analysis (duties, task, and task elements). Methods: The sample consisted of 136 nurses or professors who were performing duties related to hospice care areas in Korea. A survey method was used, and the questionnaire included frequencies, criticality, and difficulties of task elements in job description by the DACUM method. Descriptive statistics were performed by using SPSS WIN 17.0. Results: The job description of general hospice palliative nurse was identified 8 duties, 36 tasks, and 137 task elements. As for the 8 duties, the average scores of frequency, criticality, and difficulty were 2.94, 3.66, and 2.80, respectively. The role of ‘pain assessment’ was the most important task element among frequency and criticality. The lowest score at the frequency and criticality were ‘manage public finance’ and ‘collect datum through diagnostic test & lab', respectively. Furthermore, the role of 'identify spiritual needs of patients and family' was the most difficult task, whereas the role of 'manage documents and information' was the least. Conclusion: In this study, we could recognize the reality of general hospice palliative nurse's performances. For general hospice palliative nurse, therefore, concrete practice guide lines of psychosocial and spiritual care, communication skills, and bereavement care with qualifying system are critically needed.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.29-39
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• 2004

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the laboratory system for successful PGD using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and the clinical outcome of PGD cycles in five years experiences. Methods: A total of 181 PGD-FISH cycles of 106 couples were performed, and diagnosed chromosome normality in the preimplantation embryos. The laboratory and clinical data were classified by the following optimization steps, and statistically analyzed. Phase I: Blastomere biopsy with two kinds of pipettes, removal of cytoplasmic proteins without treatment of pepsin and culture of biopsied embryos with single medium; Phase II: Blatomere biopsy with single pipette, removal of cytoplasmic proteins with pepsin and culture of biopsied embryos with single medium; Phase III: Blastomere biopsy with single pipette, removal of cytoplasmic proteins with pepsin and culture of biopsied embryos with sequential media. Results: A total of 3, 209 oocytes were collected, and 83.8% (2, 212/2, 640) of fertilization rate was obtained by ICSI procedure. The successful blastomere biopsies were accomplished in 98.6% (2, 043/2, 071) of embryos, and the successful diagnosis rate of FISH was 94.7% (1, 935/ 2, 043) of blastomeres from overall data. Embryo transfers with normal embryos were conducted in 93.9% (170/181) of started cycles. There was no difference in the successful rate of biopsy and diagnosis among Phase I, II and III. However, the pregnancy rate per embryo transfer of Phase III (38.8%, 26/67) was significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of Phase I (13.9%, 5/36) and Phase II (14.9%, 10/67). Conclusions: The laboratory optimization and experience for the PGD with FISH procedure can increase the pregnancy rate to 38.8% in the human IVF-ET program. Our facility of PGD with FISH provides the great possibility to get a normal pregnancy for the concerned couples by chromosomal aberrations.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.282-288
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• 2016

Protein-protein interactions regulate the subcellular localization and function of receptors, enzymes, and cytoskeletal proteins. Proteins containing the postsynaptic density-95/disks large/zonula occludens-1 (PDZ) domain have potential to act as scaffolding proteins and play a pivotal role in various processes, such as synaptic plasticity, neural guidance, and development, as well as in the pathophysiology of many diseases. Multi-PDZ domain protein 1 (MUPP1), which has 13 PDZ domains, has a scaffolding function in the clustering of surface receptors, organization of signaling complexes, and coordination of cytoskeletal dynamics. However, the cellular function of MUPP1 has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, a yeast two-hybrid system was used to identify proteins that interacted with the N-terminal PDZ domain of MUPP1. The results revealed an interaction between MUPP1 and Wdpcp (formerly known as Fritz). Wdpcp was identified as a planar cell polarity (PCP) effector, which is known to have a role in collective cell migration and cilia formation. Wdpcp bound to the PDZ1 domain but not to other PDZ domains of MUPP1. The C-terminal end of Wdpcp was essential for the interaction with MUPP1 in the yeast two-hybrid assay. This interaction was further confirmed in a glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assay. When coexpressed in HEK-293T cells, Wdpcp was coimmunoprecipitated with MUPP1. In addition, MUPP1 colocalized with Wdpcp at the same subcellular region in cells. Collectively, these results suggest that the MUPP1-Wdpcp interaction could modulate actin cytoskeleton dynamics and polarized cell migration.