• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.5
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• pp.259-266
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• 2010

Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), requiring the intensive care unit (ICU) care, has been a high-mortality condition until now. In the present study, we aimed to investigate clinical features and parameters associated with TB mortality. Methods: From August 2003 to December 2008, patients with microbiologically or histologically confirmed pulmonary TB then admitted to the ICU, were retrospectively enrolled into the study. Upon enrollment, their medical records were reviewed. Results: Forty three patients (30 males, 13 females) were included and their mean age was 63.8 years (range: 17~87 years). Twelve patients died, an overall in-hospital mortality of 27.8%. The main reason for the ICU care was dyspnea or hypoxemia requiring mechanical ventilation (n=17). Other diagnoses for ICU care were hemoptysis, monitoring after procedures, neurologic dysfunction, shock, and gastrointestinal bleeding. On univariate analysis, the factors affecting the mortality were malnutrition-related parameters including low body mass index, hypoalbuminemia, lymphocytopenia, and hypocholersterolemia, as well as severity-related variables such as high acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) score, number of involved lobes, and high C-reactive protein. In addition, respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation and acute respiratory distress syndrome contributed to patient fatality. It was shown on multivariate analysis that respiratory failure and hypoalbuminemia were significantly independent variables associated with the mortality. Conclusion: Acute respiratory failure is the most common reason for the ICU care and also the most important factor in predicting poor outcome. In addition, our data suggest that the parameters associated with malnutrition could be possible factors contributing to mortality.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.81 no.4
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• pp.311-318
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• 2018

Background: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of body mass index (BMI) on the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients in intensive care unit (ICU). Methods: Data of patients admitted to medical ICU from December 2011 to May 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into three groups according to their BMI: underweight (< $18.5kg/m^2$), normal ($18.5-24.9kg/m^2$), and overweight (${\geq}25kg/m^2$). The incidence of AKI was compared among these groups and factors associated with the development of AKI were analyzed. AKI was defined according to the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage (RIFLE) kidney disease criteria. Results: A total of 468 patients were analyzed. Their mean BMI was $21.5{\pm}3.9kg/m^2$, including 102 (21.8%) underweight, 286 (61.1%) normal-weight, and 80 (17.1%) overweight patients. Overall, AKI occurred in 82 (17.5%) patients. The overweight group had significantly (p<0.001) higher incidence of AKI (36.3%) than the underweight (9.8%) or normal group (15.0%). In addition, BMI was significantly higher in patients with AKI than that in those without AKI ($23.4{\pm}4.2$ vs. $21.1{\pm}3.7$, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that BMI was significantly associated with the development of AKI (odds ratio, 1.893; 95% confidence interval, 1.224-2.927). Conclusion: BMI may be associated with the development of AKI in critically ill patients.

• Journal of Bio-Environment Control
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.50-55
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• 2014

This study was conducted to investigate the responses of red pepper (Hongjinju) leaves under water stress. Hyperspectral short wave infrared (SWIR, 1000~1800 nm) reflectance imaging techniques were used to acquire the spectral images for the red pepper leaves with and without water stress. The acquired spectral data were analyzed with a multivariate analysis method of ANOVA (analysis of variance). The ANOVA model suggested that 1449 nm wavebands was the most effective to determine the stress responses of the red pepper leaves exposed to the water deficiency. The waveband of 1449 nm was closely related to the water absorption band. The processed spectral image of 1449 nm could separate the non-stress, moderate stress (-20 kPa), and severe stress (-50 kPa) groups of red pepper leaves distinctively. Results demonstrated that hyperspectral imaging technique can be applied to monitoring the stress responses of red pepper leaves which are an indicator of physiological and biochemical changes under water deficiency.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.289-295
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• 2017

In general, a number of studies have been conducted on factors affecting breast cancer development, but systematic investigations of risk factors are rare. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors involved in breast cancer screening before breast ultrasound diagnosis and the risk factors associated with breast cancer screening by ultrasound. Self-administered questionnaire was performed on 417 patients who underwent breast ultrasonography and classified as benign and malignant. Breast cancer was associated with age, BMI, and type of medication(p<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the odds ratio was 4.93 times higher in the 50s compared to the less than 50s, 2.43 times higher in the obese group than in the normal group, 0.14 times and 0.16 times lower in hormonal replacement therapy(p<0.05). Therefore, as age increases, periodical examination of health and appropriate weight management are needed. So this study is expected to provide basic data for identification of risk factors affecting breast cancer development.

• 모자간호학회지
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.5-20
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• 1992

This study was undertaken to identify the levels and affecting factors of the maternal role attainment(MRA) in the primipara during the postpartum period. The healthy ninety primiparous from the one university hospital and two local clinics in KwangJu city were selected and two Semantic Differential Scales (SD-Myself as Mothers, SD-My Baby) and the Pharis Self Confidence Scale were used in this study. Questionnaires were distributed at the 3rd days and the 4-6 weeks of the primiparous not showing any complication after normal delivery. The data collected were analysed statistically using t-test, Pearson's Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and ANOVA. The results obtained were summarized as follows; 1) On the 3rd day after the delivery, the scores of SD-myself as mother, SD-baby and Pharis Self Confidence were 70.6 points, 73.6 points and 78.6 points, respectively, showing the low level of MRA. 2) On the 4-6 weeks after delivery, the score of SD-myself as mother, SD-baby and Pharis Self Confidence were 72.8 points, 77.9 points, and 86.9 points, respectively, indicating the moderate level of MRA. 3) The mean scores of the SD scale and the Pharis Self Confidence during the postpartum periods were higher than those of the 3rd days, showing the SD-myself as mother (t=-2.09, P<.05), SD-baby(t=-4.12, P<.001), Pharis Self Confidence(t=-6.59, P<.001), respectively. 4) Positive correlations (r=.24$\sim$.69) were shown in the concepts related to the MRA and the cognitive-motor skill components and cognitive-affective skill components of the MRA became harmonious over time. 5) The relationships between the score of the MRA and the demographic and obstetric variables were as follows ; a) the score of the MRA in the twenties was higher than those of the thirties. b) the group with higher educational background showed higher MRA socres than the group with lower one. c) those who wanted pregnancy sustenance had higher MRA scores than those who did not. d) the group that did think of festus-feature represented higher MRA scores than those who did not. e) the group of mothers who have the daughters showed higher MRA scores than those who have boys. It can be concluded from the results that the MRA in the primiparous increased gradually, and that the cognitive-motor skills and cognitive-affective skills became harmonious over time. The level of the MRA was affected partly by the mothers general, obstetrical variables. Following suggestion were made oil the basis of the present study ; a) The longitudinal study on the MRA is needed. b) Multivariate analyses should be done for the identification of the factors influcening on the MRA. c) Education program for primiparous mother should be designed and developed to improve the MRA.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.1197-1201
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• 2012

Objective: To study the relationship between clinical pathologic characteristics, treatment modalities and prognostic factors in HER-2 (Human Epidermal growth factor Receptor-2) overexpressed breast carcinoma. Materials and Methods: Major clinico-pathological factors including therapeutic modalities and survival status of 371 breast cancer patients with HER2 over-expression, teated at Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from March of 2002 to December of 2010 were retrospectively studied, with special attention focused on survival-related factors. Results: The median age of the total 371 patients in this study was 48 years at time of diagnosis, among which, the leading pathological type was infiltrating ductal carcinoma (92.5%); 62.8% presented with a primary tomor larger than 2 cm in diameter at diagnosis, 51.0% had axillary lymph node (ALN) metastases; ER (Estrogen receptor)/PR (Progesterone receptor) double negative occured in 52.8% of cases, and PCNA (proliferation cell nuclear antigen) (+++) was found in 55.1%. HER-2 overexpressed patients were usually in advanced stage when the diagnosis was made (72.8% at stages IIA~IIIC). The prognosis and survival were assessed in 259 patients with complete follow-up data. 5-year DFS (disease-free survival) and OS (overall survival) rate was 68.0% and 78.0% respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that age, tumor size, ALN metastases, LVSI (lymph-vascular space involvement), PCNA status, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy cycles, and HER-2 overexpression, correlated closely with the prognosis. ALN metastases, LVSI, PCNA status and chemotherapy cycles were independent predictors of survival. Conclusions: HER-2 overexpressed breast cancer has special clinical and pathological characteristics, with advanced clinical stages and high rate of ER/PR double negative. Lymph node metastases, LVSI, PCNA and chemotherapy cycles are independent predictors of prognosis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.3879-3887
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• 2012

Background: Development of effective educational strategies should accompany increases in public awareness and the availability of genetic testing for breast cancer (BC). These educational strategies should be designed to fulfill the knowledge gap while considering factors that influence women's interest in order to facilitate decision making. Objective: To determine the possible correlates of Saudi women's interest in BC genes testing including socio-demographics, the level of awareness towards BC genes, the family history of BC and the perceived personal risk among adult Saudi women in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. Subjects and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out during the second BC community-based campaign in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia. All Saudi women aged ${\geq}18$ years (n=781) attending the educational components of the campaign were invited to a personal interview. Data collection included gathering information about sociodemographics, family history of BC, the perceived personal risk for BC, awareness and attitude towards BC genes and the women's interest in BC genes testing. Results: Of the included women (n=599), 19.5% perceived higher risk for BC development, significantly more among < 40 years of age, and with positive family history of BC before 50 years of age. The participants demonstrated a poor level of awareness regarding the inheritance, risk, and availability of BC genetic testing. The median summated knowledge score was 1.0 (out of 7 points) with a knowledge deficit of 87.8%. The level of knowledge showed significant decline with age (> 40 years). Of the included women 54.7% expressed an interest in BC genetic testing for assessing their BC risk. Multivariate regression model showed that being middle aged (Odds Ratio 'OR'=1.88, confidence intervals 'C.I'=1.14-3.11), with higher knowledge level (OR=1.67, C.I=1.08-2.57) and perceiving higher risk for BC (OR=2.11, C.I=1.61-2.76) were the significant positive correlates for Saudi women interest in BC genetic testing. Conclusion: Saudi women express high interest in genetic testing for BC risk despite their poor awareness. This great interest may reflect the presence of inappropriate information regarding BC genetic testing and its role in risk analysis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.17
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• pp.7097-7103
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• 2014

Over-expression of de novo lipogenesis (DNL) genes is associated with the prognosis of various types of cancers. However, the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in these genes on recurrence and survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients after surgery are still unknown. In this study, a total of 500 NSCLC patients who underwent surgery treatment were included. Eight SNPs in 3 genes (ACACA, FASN and ACLY) of the DNL pathway were examined using the Sequenom iPLEX genotyping system. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze the association of SNPs with patient survival and tumour recurrence. We found that two SNPs in the FASN gene were significantly associated with the recurrence of NSCLC. SNP rs4246444 had a significant association with lung cancer recurrence under additive model (hazard ratio [HR], 0.82; 95% confidence interval [95%CI], 0.67-1.00; p=0.05). Under the dominant model, rs4485435 exhibited a significant association with recurrence (HR, 0.75; 95%CI, 0.56-1.01; p=0.05). Additionally, SNP rs9912300 in ACLY gene was significantly associated with overall survival in lung cancer patients (HR, 1.41; 95%CI, 1.02-1.94, p=0.04) under the dominant model. Further cumulative effect analysis showed moderate dose-dependent effects of unfavorable SNPs on both survival and recurrence. Our data suggest that the SNPs in DNL genes may serve as independent prognostic markers for NSCLC patients after surgery.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7897-7907
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• 2014

Background: There is paucity of studies defining the prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in Saudi Arabia despite the surging epidemic of obesity, change in dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of NCDs risk factors among employees at King Faisal University in Al Hassa, Saudi Arabia and to determine the possible correlates for clustering of NCDs risk factors among them. Materials and Methods: All employees were invited to participate; the World Health Organization STEPwise approach was used for data collection which consisted of a personal interview to collect socio-demographic characteristics, NCD history, tobacco use, vegetables and fruit consumption, and physical activity (PA), followed by anthropometric measurements namely weight, height and waist circumference and blood pressure measurements, subjects were finally subjected to biochemical tests with determination of fasting plasma glucose, serum triglycerides, cholesterol and high density lipoproteins. Results: Of the surveyed employees (n=691), daily current smokers accounted for 22.7%. 94.9%, 95.1% and 86% consumed < 5 servings per day of vegetables, fruits and both fruits and vegetables respectively, 73% were physically inactive, 64% were overweight or obese, 22.1% had hypertension, and 21.5% were diabetics. Elevated cholesterol levels were found in 36.6%, low high density lipoproteins in 36.8%, and elevated triglycerides in 36.1%. Only 3% had no NCD risk factors, and 57.6% had ${\geq}3$ factors. Multivariate logistic regression showed that gender (being male, adjusted odds ratio 'aOR'=1.51), aged ${\geq}50$ years (aOR=3.06), < college education (aOR=1.75), current smokers (aOR=2.37), being obese (aOR=6.96) and having a low PA level (aOR=4.59) were the significant positive predictors for clustering of NCD risk factors. Conclusions: Over fifty percent of the studied university's employees had multiple (${\geq}3$) NCD risk factors. Screening and health promotion initiatives should be launched at least targeting the modifiable factors to avert the excessive risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and several types of cancers.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.300-311
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• 2013

Subalpine species, Sorbus pohuashanensis in the Korean peninsula, which is assumed to be evolved from hybridization between S. commixta and an unknown species based on the flavonoids data. Morphometric analysis was conducted on the basis of 19 leaf and flower (or fruit) characters. A total of 721 samples in 13 populations of Sorbus pohuashanensis and S. commixta from Korea and additional specimens of S. commixta, S. pohuashanensis, and S. wilsoniana from Japan and China were examined to reveal the hybridization patterns and morphological differences. We found a preliminary evidence where Korean mountain rowan is more related to a Chinese inland taxon, S. wilsoniana, rather than Northeastern Chinese S. pohuashanensis in terms of flavonoids. The current morphological structure of the Korean mountaion rowan, however, which is more similar to S. commixta, was neither associated with that of S. wilsoniana nor that of S. pohuashanensis. This indicates that this morphological variation represents an intermediate of S. commixta and S. wilsoniana via a more ancient hybridization event in terms of qualitative characters, such as stipules, buds, and carpels. These morphometric differences together with other distinguishing characteristics suggest that the Korean mountain rowan should be considered as a conspecific species of S. commixta, although this demonstration of hybridization with the current phenetic species concept contradicts longstanding historical species concept.