• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제46권2호
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• pp.65-70
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• 2008

Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is currently promoted as a strategy for treating both uncomplicated and severe falciparum malaria, targeting asexual blood-stage Plasmodium falciparum parasites. However, the effect of ACT on sexual-stage parasites remains controversial. To determine the clearance of sexual-stage P. falciparum parasites from 342 uncomplicated, and 217 severe, adult malaria cases, we reviewed and followed peripheral blood sexualstage parasites for 4 wk after starting ACT. All patients presented with both asexual and sexual stage parasites on admission, and were treated with artesunate-mefloquine as the standard regimen. The results showed that all patients were asymptomatic and negative for asexual forms before discharge from hospital. The percentages of uncomplicated malaria patients positive for gametocytes on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 were 41.5, 13.1, 3.8, 2.0, and 2.0%, while the percentages of gametocyte positive severe malaria patients on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 were 33.6, 8.2, 2.7, 0.9, and 0.9%, respectively. Although all patients were negative for asexual parasites by day 7 after completion of the artesunate-mefloquine course, gametocytemia persisted in some patients. Thus, a gametocytocidal drug, e.g., primaquine, may be useful in combination with an artesunate-mefloquine regimen to clear gametocytes, so blocking transmission more effectively than artesunate alone, in malaria transmission areas.

• 대한두경부종양학회지
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• 제17권2호
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• pp.194-197
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• 2001

Background and Objectives: Supraglottic cancer have a great tendency to spread cervical lymph nodes and lymph node metastasis is a well known prognostic factor. However the treatment for N0 neck in supraglottic cancer is still controversial. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed our neck management of supraglottic cancer patients who present with cN0 contralateral neck from 1989 through 1997. 36 patients were eligible for analysis. The primary site was surgically removed and the neck was managed by elective neck irradiation (ENI), elective neck dissection (END), or therapeutic neck dissection (TND) with postoperative radiation therapy (PORT). Results: Our results revealed that 18 of 36 patients have clinically negative neck, another 18 patients have clinically positive neck (N1-3). In clinically negative group, 12 of 18 patients were received ENI and there was 1 failure in contralateral neck area. Remaining 6 patients were received END with PORT and there was no failure. In clinically positive neck group, 3 of 18 patients were received ipsilateral TND and an additional contralateral END with PORT. Remaining 15 patients who were received TND with PORT, developed 3 neck failure. Conclusion: ENI or ipsilateral or bilateral END can be done in the cN0 neck of supraglottic cancer however ipsilateral TND and contralateral END with PORT is reasonable for the cN(+) neck.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권11호
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• pp.4691-4698
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• 2015

Background: The tumor suppressor phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) is an important negative regulator of cell-survival signaling. However, available results for the prognostic value of PTEN expression in patients with cancer remain controversial. Therefore, a meta-analysis of published studies investigating this issue was performed. Materials and Methods: A literature search via PubMed and EMBASE databases was conducted. Statistical analysis was performed by using the STATA 12.0 (STATA Corp., College, TX). Data from eligible studies were extracted and included into the meta-analysis using a random effects model. Results: A total of 3,810 patients from 27 studies were included in the meta-analysis, 22 investigating the relationship between PTEN expression and overall survival (OS) using univariate analysis, and nine with multivariate analysis. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for OS was 1.64 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32-2.05) by univariate analysis and 1.56 (95% CI: 1.20-2.03) by multivariate analysis. In addition, eight papers including two disease-free-survival analyses (DFSs), four relapse-free-survival analyses (RFSs), three progression-free-survival analyses (PFSs) and one metastasis-free-survival analysis (MFS) reported the effect of PTEN on survival. The results showed that loss of PTEN expression was significant correlated with poor prognosis, with a combined HR of 1.74 (95% CI: 1.24-2.44). Furthermore, in the stratified analysis by the year of publication, ethnicity, cancer type, method, cut-off value, median follow-up time and neoadjuvant therapy in which the study was conducted, we found that the ethnicity, cancer type, method, median follow-up time and neoadjuvant therapy are associated with prognosis. Conclusions: Our study shows that negative or loss of expression of PTEN is associated with worse prognosis in patients with cancer. However, adequately designed prospective studies need to be performed for confirmation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권8호
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• pp.3911-3916
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• 2016

Background: Triple negative (TN) and triple positive (TP) breast cancers both are aggressive types but TN generally has a shorter survival. Objectives: To compare the clinical characteristics and treatment outcomes for patients with TN versus TP breast cancer and to assess various prognostic factors affecting overall survival. Materials and Methods: A retrospective audit of 85 breast cancer patients was conducted in the Department of Radiation Oncology and Medical Oncology on patients from 2006 to 2013 for whom IHC for ER, PgR and Her-2 neu were available. The patients were stratified into: ER-, PR- and Her-2 neu- (Arm A, n=47) and ER+, PgR+ and Her-2 neu+ (Arm B, n=38). Results: TN subtype had higher numbers of premenopausal and advanced stage patients as compared to TP subtype. The locoregional recurrence (LRR) and distant metastatic rate was also higher in TN subtype but there was no definite pattern in both the arms. Among the prognostic factors, patients with premenopausal status and advanced stage in TN breast cancer had inferior survival (P=0.07) whereas for those with postmenopausal status and early stage there was no survival difference between the two arms. Conclusions: TN subtype tends to be more aggressive in terms of younger age and advanced stage at presentation, higher tumour grade, LRR and metastasis, suggesting need for future research efforts on providing aggressive treatment to these patients. We could attribute better outcome for TP subtype to receptor positivity enabling role of hormonal treatment and targeted therapy, although less number of patients received targeted therapy.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제46권11호
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• pp.1124-1127
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• 2003

저자들은 가와사끼병으로 IVIG 치료로 해열을 보인 후, 급격히 발병한 관절염을 보인 5명의 환아에 대해 임상적 경과, 실험실 소견 등을 조사하였다. IVIG 치료에 반응 후 평균 5.8일 후에 관절염 증상이 나타났으며, 임상적 분류상 소수 관절형 형이 3례, 다수관절형이 2례로 나타났다. 검사실 소견에서 류마토이드 인자는 1례에서 양성을 보였으나 이 후 음성으로 전환되었다. 3명에서 조사된 HLA B27은 모두 음성을 보였다. 치료로는 고용량 아스피린(2례), 비스테로이드성 소염제(이부프로펜, 3례), 스테로이드제(메틸프레드니솔론, 1례)를 사용하였다. 가와사끼병의 경과 중 정맥용 면역글로불린 치료 후 관절염이 드물게 관찰된다. 이러한 관절염은 스테로이드제를 비롯한 항염증제에 양호한 반응을 보였고 재발은 관찰되지 않았다.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제23권5호
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• pp.57-63
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• 2011

Purpose: The aim of this research is to determine whether there is a significant correlation between the angle of the hallux valgus and dorsi-flexion of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MPJ) as a physical factor that has a significant influence on healthy human walking. Methods: The subjects of this research were 65 female adults (130 feet) and the methods used included recording of real measurements and conducting a questionnaire. The acquired data is analyzed by the 'Simple Pearson Correlation Analysis' and 'Repeated Measures Analysis' methods. Results: The research result shows that the left area of -0.74706 and the right area of -0.76 have a relatively high negative correlation (p<0.00). Also, after conducting the 'Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance' of the angles of the hallux valgus and dorsi-flexion of the 1st metatarsophalangeal joint (1st MPJ), the result also shows that the left and right areas of -0.75 have a relatively high negative correlation. Conclusion: The present study was performed for the identification of a significant correlation between the angle of the hallux valgus and dorsi-flexion of the 1st MPJ. From the results of this study, we confirmed that there is a clear tendency for the average distribution rates of Hallux Valgus and Hallux Rigidus (Hallux Limitus) of women to show a higher increase in proportion to age.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.172-177
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• 2012

Purpose: After damage control surgery, abdominal wall closure may be impossible due to increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP), and primary closure may induce abdominal compartment syndrome. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the IAP and the feasibility of abdominal wall closure using artificial mesh. Methods: From July 2010 to July 2011, 8 patients with intra-abdominal hypertension underwent abdominal wall closure using artificial mesh. Medical data such as demographics, diagnosis, operation, IAP, postoperative complications, mortality and length of hospital stays were collected and reviewed, retrospectively. One patient was excluded because of inadequate measurement of the IAP. Results: Seven patients, 4 males and 3 females, were enrolled, and the mean age was 54.1 years old. Causes of operations were six traumatic abdominal injuries and one intra-abdominal infection. The IAP was reduced from $21.9{\pm}6.6mmHg$ before opening the abdomen to $15.1{\pm}7.1mmHg$ after fascial closure. Fascial closure was done on $14.9{\pm}17.5$ days after the first operation. The mean lengths of the hospital and the intensive care unit (ICU) stays were 49.6 days and 29.7 days respectively. Operations were performed $3.1{\pm}1.5$ times in all patients. Two patients expired, and one was transferred in a moribund state. Three patients suffered from complications, such as retroperitoneal abscesses, enterocutaneous fistulas, and bleeding that was related to the negative pressure wound therapy. Conclusion: After abdominal wall closure using artificial mesh, intra-abdominal pressure was well controlled, and abdominal compartment syndrome does not occur. When the abdominal wall in patients who have intra-abdominal hypertension is closed, artificial mesh may be useful for maintaining a lower abdominal pressure. However, when negative pressure wound therapy is used, the possibility of serious complications must be kept in mind.

• 대한물리의학회지
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• 제10권4호
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• pp.39-48
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• 2015

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the degree of lumbopelvic rotation during the active straight leg raise (ASLR) test in chronic low back pain with and without lumbar segmental instability. METHODS: A total of 71 patients with chronic low back pain were recruited for this study. The subjects who tested positive for more than three of the five lumbar segmental instability tests (prone lumbar instability, lumbar passive extension test, anterior posterior mobility test, passive straight leg raise, age) were categorized into the lumbar segmental instability positive group. Patients who tested positive for less than three of the five tests were categorized into the lumbar segmental instability negative group. The lumbopelvic rotation was measured three times during ASLR and a mean was determined. Subjective heaviness during the ASLR was measured on 6 point scale. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the lumbopelvic rotation angle between the groups with and without lumbar segmental instability (p<.01). There was no significant difference in the subjective heaviness during ASLR. The mean lumbopelvic rotation angle during ASLR was $13.54{\pm}2.86^{\circ}$, and $8.81{\pm}2.47^{\circ}$ in the positive and negative groups, respectively (p<.01). The cut-off value of the lumbopelvic rotation during was $10.5^{\circ}$, the sensitivity was 82.9%, and the specificity was 80.6%. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that lumbopelvic rotation is more prevalent in patients without lumbar segmental instability. Clinically, this important when diagnosing chronic low back pain with lumbar segmental instability, as the lumbopelvic rotation angle during the ASLR test can be used to aid in diagnosis.

• 대한불안의학회지
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• 제10권1호
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• pp.3-10
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• 2014

Reactive disorder is a group of diagnosis with a definitely known etiology and whose etiological factor is essential to the diagnosis. In DSM system, such reactive disorders are listed as adjustment disorder, acute stress disorder, brief psychotic disorder with marked stressor and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, a growing number of individuals is suffering from a prolonged feeling of embitterment after exceptional negative life events and this condition could be diagnosed neither PTSD nor adjustment disorder nor depressive disorder in the context of DSM-IV diagnostic system. This clinical condition can be described as 'posttraumatic embitterment disorder' (PTED). PTED is a reactive disorder triggered by exceptional, though normal negative life events such as conflict in the workplace, unemployment, death of a relative, divorce, severe illness, or experience of loss or separation. The common feature of such events is that they are experienced as unjust, as a personal insult, accompanied by psychological violation of basic beliefs and values. The central psychopathological response pattern in PTED is a prolonged feeling of embitterment. In particular, the core emotion of embitterment can lead to the rejection of treatment. Therefore, "wisdom therapy" as a new treatment approach specifically designed for PTED has been developed. It is assumed that many patients suffering from PTED are often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. This review would help to introduce PTED into the clinical field in psychiatry.

• 대한통합의학회지
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• 제8권3호
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• pp.93-101
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• 2020

Purpose : Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) is often accompanied by pain and limited range of motion of the jaw joint, which affect patients' quality of life and result in hypertrophy or hyperactivity of the muscles around the jaw joint. In this study, we compared the muscle thickness and tone of the masseter and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles and the jaw range of motion in individuals with and without TMJD. Correlation comparison was performed on the results of the TMJD group. Methods : This study included 40 patients; 20 patients were assigned to an experimental group (TMJD group) and 20 to a control group (non-TMJD group). Ultrasonography, myotonometry, and measurements performed with digital Vernier calipers were used to determine the changes in muscle thickness, muscle tone, and maximum jaw opening, respectively. The independent t-test was used for intergroup comparison of data, and Pearson correlation coefficients were used to compare correlations in the TMJD group results. Results : We observed a significant intergroup difference in the masseter and SCM thickness during the relaxed and clenched phases (p<.05). A significant intergroup difference was also observed in maximum jaw opening (p<.05). With regard to muscle tone, we observed a significant intergroup difference in frequency (p=.011) and stiffness (p=.011) of the masseter, as well as in the frequency (p=.009) and stiffness (p=.026) of the SCM. We observed a moderate negative correlation (r=-.524) between maximum jaw opening and the frequency of the masseter. Additionally, we observed a moderately negative correlation between jaw opening and muscle stiffness (r=-.321). Conclusion : Planning exercise programs to treat patients with TMJD who present with pain should focus on efforts to reduce muscle thickness and achieve muscle relaxation (to reduce muscle tension) for improved jaw range of motion.