• Korean Medical Education Review
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.192-197
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• 2023

Physicians should be able to address health-related issues of patients and populations from a multidimensional perspective. Therefore, medical schools have a social responsibility to develop and implement curricula that enable trainees to acquire the competencies needed to improve all aspects of patient care and healthcare delivery. This study explored the concept of health systems science concept as the third pillar of medical education (the other two are basic science and clinical medicine) in the Korean context, as well as related educational needs. The theoretical foundation of health systems science is the biopsychosocial conceptual model, which emphasizes the biological, psychological, and social factors surrounding patients. We concluded that the three domains (core functional, foundational, linking) and 12 subcategories of health systems science proposed by the Association of American Medical Colleges could be applied to Korean medical education. Health systems science education must be emphasized to solve the various healthcare problems facing Korea today and to train physicians to provide medical services in line with society's needs. Introducing a health systems science curriculum will be challenging in the Korean medical environment, which has traditionally emphasized basic science and clinical medical education. Health systems science education should begin in the basic medical education phase, where physicians' professional identity is formed, and continue through graduate medical education. It is essential to understand related educational needs, develop curricular content, conduct faculty development programs, and provide financial resources for the development of an integrated curriculum.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Medical Physics Conference
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• 2002.09a
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• pp.407-410
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• 2002

Monochromatic x-ray CT has several advantages over conventional CT, which utilizes bremsstrahlung white x-rays from an x-ray tube. There are several methods to produce such monochromatic x-rays. The most popular one is crystal diffraction monochromatization, which has been commonly used because of the fact that the energy spread is very narrow and the energy can be changed continuously. The alternative method is the use of fluorescent x-ray, which has several advantages such as large beam size and fast energy change. We have developed a parallel-beam and a fan-beam monochromatic x-ray CT, and compared some characteristics such as accuracy of CT numbers between those systems. The fan beam monochromatic x-rays were generated by irradiating target materials by incident white x-rays from a bending magnet beam line NE5 in 6.5 GeV Accumulation Ring at Tukuba. The parallel beam monochromatic x-rays were generated by using a silicon double crystal monochromator at the bending magnet beam line BL-20BM in Spring-8. A Cadmium telluride (CdTe) 256 channel array detector with 512mm sensitive width capable of operating at room temperature was used in the photon counting mode. A cylindrical phantom containing eight concentrations of gadolinium was used for the fan beam monochromatic x-ray CT system, while a phantom containing acetone, ethanol, acrylic and water was used for the parallel monochromatic x-ray CT system. The linear attenuation coefficients obtained from CT numbers of those monochromatic x-ray CT images were compared with theoretical values. They showed a good agreement within 3%. It was found that the quantitative measurement can be possible by using the fan beam monochromatic x-ray CT system as well as a parallel beam monochromatic X-ray CT system.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.404-410
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Although the association of body mass index (BMI) with metabolic syndrome (MetS) is well documented, there is little knowledge on the independent and joint associations of BMI and physical activity with MetS risk based on a continuous scoring system. This study was designed to explore the effect of physical activity on interactions between excess body weight and continuous metabolic syndrome (cMetS) in a nationwide survey of Iranian children and adolescents. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Data on 5,625 school students between 10 and 18 years of age were analyzed. BMI percentiles, screen time activity (STA), leisure time physical activity (LTPA) levels, and components of cMetS risk score were extracted. Standardized residuals (z-scores) were calculated for MetS components. Linear regression models were used to study the interactions between different combinations of cMetS, LTPA, and BMI percentiles. RESULTS: Overall, 984 (17.5%) subjects were underweight, whereas 501 (8.9%) and 451 (8%) participants were overweight and obese, respectively. All standardized values for cMetS components, except fasting blood glucose level, were directly correlated with BMI percentiles in all models (P-trend < 0.001); these associations were independent of STA and LTPA levels. Linear associations were also observed among LTPA and standardized residuals for blood pressure, high-density lipoprotein, and waist circumference (P-trend < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that BMI percentiles are associated with cMetS risk score independent of LTPA and STA levels.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.54-60
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• 2020

Objective: Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of male infertility. But, the adverse effects of oxidative biomarkers on sperm quality remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the levels of nitric oxide (NO), 8-hydroxydesoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) oxidative biomarkers in seminal plasma and their relationship with sperm parameters. Methods: A total of 77 volunteers participated in the study, including fertile (n = 40) and infertile men (n = 37). NO, 8-OHdG, and TAC levels were measured using the ferric reducing ability of plasma, Griess reagent method and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit, respectively. Results: The mean values of sperm parameters in the infertile group were significantly lower than those in the fertile group (p< 0.001). The mean 8-OHdG in the seminal plasma of infertile men was significantly higher (p= 0.013) than those of controls, while the mean TAC was significantly lower (p= 0.046). There was no significant difference in NO level between the two groups. The elevated seminal 8-OHdG levels were negatively correlated with semen volume, total sperm counts and morphology (p< 0.001, p= 0.001 and p= 0.052, respectively). NO levels were negatively correlated with semen volume, total sperm counts and morphology (p= 0.014, p= 0.020 and p= 0.060, respectively). Positive correlations between TAC and both sperm count and morphology (p= 0.043 and p= 0.025, respectively) were also found. Conclusion: These results suggested that increased levels of NO and 8-OHdG in seminal plasma could have a negative effect on sperm function by inducing damage to the sperm DNA hence their fertility potentials. Therefore, these biomarkers can be useful in the diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.

• Imaging Science in Dentistry
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• v.54 no.3
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• pp.271-275
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• 2024

Purpose: Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), particularly tools such as ChatGPT developed by OpenAI, a U.S.-based AI research organization, have transformed the healthcare and education sectors. This study investigated the effectiveness of ChatGPT in answering dentistry exam questions, demonstrating its potential to enhance professional practice and patient care. Materials and Methods: This study assessed the performance of ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 on U.S. dental exams - specifically, the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), Dental Admission Test (DAT), and Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) - excluding image-based questions. Using customized prompts, ChatGPT's answers were evaluated against official answer sheets. Results: ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 were tested with 253 questions from the INBDE, ADAT, and DAT exams. For the INBDE, both versions achieved 80% accuracy in knowledge-based questions and 66-69% in case history questions. In ADAT, they scored 66-83% in knowledge-based and 76% in case history questions. ChatGPT 4 excelled on the DAT, with 94% accuracy in knowledge-based questions, 57% in mathematical analysis items, and 100% in comprehension questions, surpassing ChatGPT 3.5's rates of 83%, 31%, and 82%, respectively. The difference was significant for knowledge-based questions(P=0.009). Both versions showed similar patterns in incorrect responses. Conclusion: Both ChatGPT 3.5 and 4 effectively handled knowledge-based, case history, and comprehension questions, with ChatGPT 4 being more reliable and surpassing the performance of 3.5. ChatGPT 4's perfect score in comprehension questions underscores its trainability in specific subjects. However, both versions exhibited weaker performance in mathematical analysis, suggesting this as an area for improvement.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.391-395
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• 2014

Background: We aimed to evaluate the role of genetic polymorphisms in tobacco carcinogen-metabolizing genes and their interactions with smoking in a hospital-based case-control study of Japanese subjects. Materials and Methods: We examine the associations of pancreatic cancer risk with genetic polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1, phase II enzymes that catalyze the conjugation of toxic and carcinogenic electrophilic molecules. The study population consisted of 360 patients and 400 control subjects, who were recruited from several medical facilities in Japan. Unconditional logistic regression methods were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between genotypes and pancreatic cancer risk. Results: Among the control subjects, the prevalence of the GSTM1-null genotype and the GSTT1-null genotype was approximately 56% and 48%, respectively. Cases and controls were comparable in terms of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotype distributions. Neither of the deleted polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 was associated with the risk of pancreatic cancer, with an age- and sex-adjusted OR of 0.99 (95%CI: 0.74-1.32) for the GSTM1-null genotype, and 0.98 (95%CI: 0.73-1.31) for the GSTT1-null genotype. The OR was 0.97 (95%CI: 0.64-1.47) for individuals with the GSTM1 and GSTT1-null genotypes compared with those with the GSTM1 and GSTT1- present genotypes. No synergistic effects of smoking or GST genotypes were observed. Conclusions: Our results indicate no overall association between the GSTM1 and GSTT1 deletion polymorphisms and pancreatic cancer risk in the Japanese subjects in our study.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.723-731
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• 2016

Background: Cancer is a major public health problem in many parts of the world. Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are responsible for 20% of all cancer-related deaths. In Turkey, stomach cancers account for 8.9%, colon cancer for 6.9%, and pancreatic cancer for 5.9%. This study examined the anxiety-depression levels and the quality of life of patients with GI cancer. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was carried out on 335 adult patients who had gastrointestinal cancer and who were hospitalized in medical oncology clinics. Data were collected by using hospital anxiety and depression scale, EORTC QLQ C-30 and a patient information form. Results: Patients who were male and secondary school graduates/graduates/postgraduates experienced more functional difficulties. Patients with poor economic status experienced more symptoms. Patient general wellbeing decreased with increase disease duration. The level of functional difficulties decreased with an increasing number of hospital stays. Anxiety scores increased with decreasing age. Both anxiety and depression scores increased with increasing disease duration. Patients who were female, single/widowed/divorced, and literate/elementary school graduates had higher anxiety and depression scores. Life quality decreased with increasing anxiety and depression. Conclusions: Patients should be supported to prevent anxiety and depression, and should be followed up with this in mind.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6337-6342
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• 2012

Background: Clinical trials on cancer subjects have one of the highest dropout rates. Barriers to recruitment range from patient-related, through institutional-related to staff-related factors. This paper highlights the low response rate and the recruitment barriers faced in our Qigong exercises trial. Materials and Method: The Qigong trial is a three-arm trial with a priori power size of 114 patients for 80% power. The University Malaya Medical Centre database showed a total of 1,933 patients from 2006-2010 and 751 patients met our inclusion criteria. These patients were approached via telephone interview. 131 out of 197 patients attended the trial and the final response rate was 48% (n=95/197). Results: Multiple barriers were identified, and were regrouped as patient-related, clinician-related and/or institutional related. A major consistent barrier was logistic difficulty related to transportation and car parking at the Medical Centre. Conclusions: All clinical trials must pay considerable attention to the recruitment process and it should even be piloted to identify potential barriers and facilitators to reduce attrition rate in trials.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.42
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• pp.12.1-12.9
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• 2020

Coronavirus is an enveloped virus with positive-sense single-stranded RNA. Coronavirus infection in humans mainly affects the upper respiratory tract and to a lesser extent the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical symptoms of coronavirus infections can range from relatively mild (similar to the common cold) to severe (bronchitis, pneumonia, and renal involvement). The disease caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) was called Covid-19 by the World Health Organization in February 2020. Face-to-face communication and consistent exposure to body fluids such as blood and saliva predispose dental care workers at serious risk for 2019-nCoV infection. As demonstrated by the recent coronavirus outbreak, information is not enough. During dental practice, blood and saliva can be scattered. Accordingly, dental practice can be a potential risk for dental staff, and there is a high risk of cross-infection. This article addresses all information collected to date on the virus, in accordance with the guidelines of international health care institutions, and provides a comprehensive protocol for managing possible exposure to patients or those suspected of having coronavirus.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.206-219
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• 2022

Purpose: This study was performed to evaluate the influence of local application of thymoquinone (TQ) on bone healing in experimental bone defects infected with Porphyromonas gingivalis (PG). Methods: Forty-two female rats were randomly divided into 6 groups. A bone defect was created on the right tibia of all animals. The PG, PG/collagen membrane (COL) and PG/TQ/COL groups were infected with PG. In the COL and PG/COL groups, the defects were covered with a COL; in the TQ/COL and PG/TQ/COL groups, the defects were covered with a TQ-containing COL. After 28 days, all animals were sacrificed. Quantitative measurements of new bone formation and osteoblast lining, as well as semiquantitative measurements of capillary density and tissue response, were analyzed. Furthermore, the presence of bacterial infections in defect areas was evaluated. Results: The new bone formation, osteoblast number, and capillary density were significantly higher in the TQ groups than in the control groups (P<0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.01, respectively). In a comparison between the TQ/COL group, with a TQ-containing COL (TQ/COL), and the PG-infected TQ-containing COL (PG/TQ/COL) group, the newly formed bone and capillary density were higher in the TQ/COL group (P<0.01). When the control group was compared to the PG, PG/COL, and PG/TQ/COL groups in terms of tissue response, the differences were statistically significant (P<0.001, P=0.02, and P=0.041, respectively). The intensity of the inflammatory cell reaction was higher in the PG, PG/COL, and PG/TQ/COL groups (P<0.05). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, the local application of a TQ-containing COL positively affected bone healing even if the bone defects were infected. The results suggest that TQ increased angiogenesis and showed promise for accelerating bone defect healing. Further research is warranted to support these findings and reach more definitive conclusions.