• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.1021-1030
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• 2018

Objective: We evaluated the effect of various patient characteristics and time-density curve (TDC)-factors on the test bolus-affected vessel enhancement on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA). We also assessed the value of generalized linear regression models (GLMs) for predicting enhancement on CCTA. Materials and Methods: We performed univariate and multivariate regression analysis to evaluate the effect of patient characteristics and to compare contrast enhancement per gram of iodine on test bolus (${\Delta}HUTEST$) and CCTA (${\Delta}HUCCTA$). We developed GLMs to predict ${\Delta}HUCCTA$. GLMs including independent variables were validated with 6-fold cross-validation using the correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. Results: In multivariate analysis, only total body weight (TBW) and ${\Delta}HUTEST$ maintained their independent predictive value (p < 0.001). In validation analysis, the highest correlation coefficient between ${\Delta}HUCCTA$ and the prediction values was seen in the GLM (r = 0.75), followed by TDC (r = 0.69) and TBW (r = 0.62). The lowest Bland-Altman limit of agreement was observed with GLM-3 (mean difference, $-0.0{\pm}5.1$ Hounsfield units/grams of iodine [HU/gI]; 95% confidence interval [CI], -10.1, 10.1), followed by ${\Delta}HUCCTA$ ($-0.0{\pm}5.9HU/gI$; 95% CI, -11.9, 11.9) and TBW ($1.1{\pm}6.2HU/gI$; 95% CI, -11.2, 13.4). Conclusion: We demonstrated that the patient's TBW and ${\Delta}HUTEST$ significantly affected contrast enhancement on CCTA images and that the combined use of clinical information and test bolus results is useful for predicting aortic enhancement.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.347-360
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• 2017

Objectives: This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate congenital malformations in infants conceived by assisted reproductive techniques (ART), compared with infants conceived spontaneously. Methods: In this study, available resources searched to find relevant articles included PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, Cochrane, ProQuest, Iranmedex, Magiran, and Scientific Information Database. After extracting the necessary information from evaluated articles, meta-analysis on the articles' data was performed using Stata version 11.2. Results: In this study, from a total of 339 articles, extracted from the initial investigation, ultimately 30 articles were selected for meta-analysis that assessed the use of ART on the risk of congenital abnormalities and some birth complications on 5 470 181 infants (315 402 cases and 5 154 779 controls). The odds ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) for low birth weight was 1.89 (95% CI, 1.36 to 2.62), preterm labor 1.79 (95% CI, 1.21 to 2.63), cardiac abnormalities 1.43 (95% CI, 1.27 to 1.62), central nervous system abnormalities 1.36 (95% CI, 1.10 to 1.70), urogenital system abnormalities 1.58 (95% CI, 1.28 to 1.94), musculoskeletal disorders 1.35 (95% CI, 1.12 to 1.64), and chromosomal abnormalities in infants conceived by ART was 1.14 (95% CI, 0.90 to 1.44), which were all statistically significant, except chromosomal abnormalities. Conclusions: The risk of congenital abnormalities and some birth complications were significantly higher in ART than normal conception, while chromosomal abnormalities were not; therefore, the application of ART should be selected individually for patients by detailed assessment to reduce such risks in the population.

• Journal of Radiation Protection and Research
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.86-92
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• 2022

Background: The present study investigated the radiation dose distribution of balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) among surgeons and medical staff, and this is the first research to observe such exposure in Japan. Materials and Methods: The study subjects were an orthopedic surgeon (n = 1) and surgical staff (n = 9) who intervened in BKP surgery performed at the National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center (Tokyo, Japan) between March 2019 and October 2019. Only disposable protective gloves (0.022 mmPb equivalent thickness or less) and trunk protectors were used, and no protective glasses or thyroid drapes were used. Results and Discussion: The surgery time per vertebral body was 36.2 minutes, and the fluoroscopic time was 6.8 minutes. The average exposure dose per vertebral body was 1.46 mSv for the finger (70 ㎛ dose equivalent), 0.24 mSv for the lens of the eye (3 mm dose equivalent), 0.11 mSv for the neck (10 mm dose equivalent), and 0.03 mSv for the chest (10 mm dose equivalent) under the protective suit.The estimated cumulative radiation exposure dose of 23 cases of BKP was calculated to be 50.37 mSv for the fingers, 8.27 mSv for the lens, 3.91 mSv for the neck, and 1.15 mSv for the chest. Conclusion: It is important to know the exposure dose of orthopedic surgeons, implement measures for exposure reduction, and verify the safety of daily use of radiation during surgery and examination.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.3-15
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• 2023

Objective: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that may be negatively associated with the self-image. It might be associated with orthodontic treatment demand and outcome, and therefore is important. Thus, this study was conducted. Methods: The Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale modified for Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD-YBOCS) questionnaire was used in 699 orthodontic patients above 12 years of age (222 males, 477 females), at seven clinics in two cities (2020-2021). BDD diagnosis and severity were calculated based on the first 3 items and all 12 items of the questionnaire. The dental health component of the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN-DHC) was assessed by orthodontists. Multivariable and bivariable statistical analyses were performed on ordinal and dichotomized BDD diagnoses to assess potentially associated factors (IOTN-DHC, age, sex, marital status, education level, and previous orthodontic consultation) (α = 0.05). Results: IOTN-DHC scores 1-5 were seen in 13.0%, 39.9%, 29.8%, 12.4%, and 4.9% of patients. Age/sex/marital status/education were not associated with IOTN-DHC (p > 0.05). Based on 3-item questionnaire, 17.02% of patients had BDD (14.02% mild). Based on 12-item questionnaire, 2.86% had BDD. BDD was more prevalent or severer in females, married patients, patients with a previous history of orthodontic consultation, and patients with milder IOTN-DHCs (p < 0.05). Conclusions: IOTNDHC was negatively/slightly associated with BDD in orthodontic patients. Being female and married may increase BDD risk.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8295-8299
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• 2014

Background: H pylori is the main causative agent of Gastric cancer and chronic gastritis. Genetic diversity of H. pylori has major contribution in its pathogenesis. We investigated the prevalence of oipA and iceA1/iceA2 positive strains of H. pylori among patients with gastric cancer and gastritis. Materials and Methods: Sampling performed by means of endoscopy from 86 patients. DNA was extracted from tissue samples using DNA extraction kit. PCR assay was performed and products were monitored by Agarose Gel Electrophoresis. Results: Urease Test and 16S rRNA PCR did not show significant differences in detection of H. pylori. The frequency of iceA1 allele in patients with gastric cancer was significantly higher than those with gastritis (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in prevalence of oipA and iceA2 genes among the two groups of patients (p>0.05). Conclusions: The iceA1 gene, but the oipA and iceA2 genes, is associated with H. pylori-induced gastric cancer. However, confirmatory studies must be performed in future.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1327-1331
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• 2014

Background: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a new non-invasive, mobile screening method which does not use ionizing radiation to the human breast; allows conducting quantitative assessment of the images besides the visual interpretation. The aim of this study was to correlate the quantitative assessment and visual interpretation of breast electrical impedance tomographs and associated factors. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty mammography patients above 40 years and undergoing EIT were chosen using convenient sampling. Visual interpretation of the images was carried out by a radiologist with minimum of three years experience using the breast imaging - electrical impedance (BI-EIM) classification for detection of abnormalities. A set of thirty blinded EIT images were reinterpreted to determine the intra-rater reliability using kappa. Quantitative assessment was by comparison of the breast average electric conductivity with the norm and correlations with visual interpretation of the images were determined using Chi-square. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the mean electrical conductivity between groups and t-test was used for comparisons with pre-existing Caucasians statistics. Independent t-tests were applied to compare the mean electrical conductivity of women with factors like exogenous hormone use and family history of breast cancer. Results: The mean electrical conductivity of Malaysian women was significantly lower than that of Caucasians (p<0.05). Quantitative assessment of electrical impedance tomography was significantly related with visual interpretation of images of the breast (p<0.05). Conclusions: Quantitative assessment of electrical impedance tomography images was significantly related with visual interpretation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.3723-3730
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• 2012

Delay in help-seeking behaviour which is potentially preventable has a major effect on the prognosis and survival of patients with breast cancer. The objective of this study was to explore reasons for delay in seeking help among patients with breast cancer from the East Coast of peninsular Malaysia. A qualitative study using face-to-face in-depth interview was carried out involving 12 breast cancer patients who had been histo-pathologically confirmed and were symptomatic on presentation. Respondents were selected purposely based on their history of delayed consultation, diagnosis or treatment. All were of Malay ethnicity and the age range was 26-67 years. Three were in stage ll, seven in stage lll and two in stage lV. At the time of interview, all except one respondent had accepted treatment. The range of consultation time was 0.2-72.2 months with a median of 1.7 months, diagnosis time was 1.4-95.8 months( median 5.4 months )and treatment time was 0-33.3 months (median 1.2 months). The themes derived from the study were poor knowledge or awareness of breast cancer, fear of cancer consequences, beliefs in complementary alternative medicine, sanction by others, other priorities, denial of disease, attitude of wait and see and health care system weakness. Help-seeking behaviour was influenced by a complex interaction of cognitive, environmental, beliefs, culture and psycho-social factors. Breast cancer awareness and psychological counselling are recommended for all patients with breast symptoms to prevent delay in seeking clinical help.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6273-6280
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• 2013

Goniothalamin, a natural compound extracted from Goniothalamus sp. belonging to the Annonacae family, possesses anticancer properties towards several tumor cell lines. This study focused on apoptosis induction by goniothalamin (GTN) in the Hela cervical cancer cell line. Cell growth inhibition was measured by MTT assay and the $IC_{50}$ value of goniothalamin was $3.2{\pm}0.72{\mu}g/ml$. Morphological changes and biochemical processes associated with apoptosis were evident on phase contrast microscopy and fluorescence microscopy. DNA fragmentation, DNA damage, caspase-9 activation and a large increase in the sub-G1 and S cell cycle phases confirmed the occurrence of apoptosis in a time-dependent manner. It could be concluded that goniothalamin show a promising cytotoxicity effect against cervical cancer cells (Hela) and the cell death mode induced by goniothalamin was apoptosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3259-3263
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• 2016

Aims: To determine suitable food textures for videofluoroscopic study of swallowing (VFSS), in order to predict and prevent subsequent aspiration pneumonia in esophageal cancer patients with dysphagia after surgery. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 45 hospitalized esophageal cancer patients who underwent surgery between January 2012 and December 2013. The control group consisted of 43 patients treatmed from January 2010 until December 2011 and were not examined by VFSS. Test foods, which were presented in order of increasing thickness, included thin barium sulfate (Ba) liquid (3 or 10 ml), slightly thickened Ba liquid (3 or 10 ml), a spoonful of Ba jelly, and a spoonful of Ba puree. Results: Patients could most safely swallow puree, followed by jelly. The 3-mL samples of both the thin and thick liquids put patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia, with incidence rates of 13% and 11%, respectively. While 64.4% of patients could swallow all test foods and liquids safely, 35.6% were at risk for aspiration pneumonia when swallowing liquids. Even though >30% of patients were at risk, only 1 (2.2%) in the VFSS group developed aspiration pneumonia, which occurred at the time of admission. Following VFSS, no incidence of aspiration pneumonia was observed. However, aspiration pneumonia occurred in 4 (9.3%) control patients during hospitalization. Conclusions: Postoperative esophageal cancer patients were more likely to aspirate any kind of liquid than solid foods, such as jellies. VFSS is very useful in determining suitable food textures for postoperative esophageal cancer patients.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.170-180
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• 2020

Objective: To compare short- and long-term dentoalveolar, skeletal, and rotational changes evaluated by Björk's structural method of superimposition between children with Class II malocclusion treated by functional appliances and untreated matched controls. Methods: Seventy-nine prepubertal or pubertal children (mean age, 11.57 ± 1.40 years) with Class II malocclusion were included. Thirty-four children were treated using an activator with a high-pull headgear (Z-activator), while 28 were treated using an activator without a headgear (E-activator). Seventeen untreated children were included as controls. Lateral cephalograms were obtained before treatment (T1), after functional appliance treatment (T2), and after retention in the postpubertal phase (T3). Changes from T1 to T2 and T1 to T3 were compared between the treated groups and control group using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Relative to the findings in the control group at T2, the sagittal jaw relationship (subspinale-nasion-pogonion, p < 0.001), maxillary prognathism (sella-nasion-subspinale, p < 0.05), and condylar growth (p < 0.001) exhibited significant improvements in the Z- and E-activator groups, which also showed a significantly increased maxillary incisor retraction (p < 0.001) and decreased overjet (p < 0.001). Only the E-activator group exhibited significant backward rotation of the maxilla at T2 (p < 0.01). The improvements in the sagittal jaw relationship (p < 0.01) and dental relationship (p < 0.001) remained significant at T3. Condylar growth and jaw rotations were not significant at T3. Conclusions: Functional appliance treatment in children with Class II malocclusion can significantly improve the sagittal jaw relationship and dental relationships in the long term.