• The Journal of Korean Medicine Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology and Dermatology
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• v.31 no.2
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• pp.104-112
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• 2018

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to examine whether the topical preparations containing 12 herbal extracts is effective for patients with atopic dermatitis. Methods : We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 11 patients who were prescribed topical preparations containing 12 herbal extracts on the outpatient clinic of 4 hospitals; Noble Korean Medicine Clinic, Amar Korean Medicine Clinic, Chung-Yeon Korean Medical Hospital, Donggwangju Chung-Yeon Korean Medical Hospital. Results and Conclusions : A total of 11 patients were included in the selection and exclusion criteria. The OSI mean value before treatment and at the last treatment day decreased significantly from $37.03{\pm}16.75$ to $13.32{\pm}9.83$, and the mean value of EASI decreased from $13.33{\pm}12.85$ to $2.78{\pm}5.00$, which was statistically significant. No safety concerns were reported. The results of this study confirmed the possibility that the topical preparations can be effective in moderate to severe infants, adolescents, and adult atopic dermatitis patients.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.422-430
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• 2010

Purpose: The aim of this study is that we evaluate the change of the White Blood Cell(WBC) count, Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-reactive Protein (CRP) values, and try to make standardization for postoperative sequels before and after the oral cancer resection and reconstructive surgery. Materials and Methods: The study was comprised of 34 patients (male 15, female 19) who were diagnosed as an oral cancer and had performed ablation and reconstructive surgery at Dankook university dental hos-pital. Each blood specimen was collected from patients and estimated WBC count, Neutrophil count, ESR, CRP on first, third, fifth, seventh day efore and after surgery and analyzing inter relationship between each value. Classifying Group I (resection with reconstructive surgery patients) and Group II (resection without reconstructive surgery patients). Also classifying group A (below 4 hours of operation time), Group B (4 to 8 hours of operation time), Group C (above 8 hours of operation time), each group was analyzed and compared. The Following results were induced. Results: (1) In coefficient of correlation, the CRP and WBC has highest value except WBC count and Neutrophil count. (2) There was no significant difference any lapse in the progress between Group I and II of WBC count, Neutrophil count, but the CRP shows statistically higher level in group I than group II at immediate postoperative day, and 1 to 5 days after surgery. (3) There is no significant difference any lapse in the progress between Group A, B, C of WBC count, Neutrophil count, but CRP shows statistically significant difference in 1 day, 3 days after surgery Conclusion: It should be suggested that, determination of CRP is most valuable parameter for postopera-tive management and determination of postoperative clinical changes than other parameter such as WBC count, neutrophil count, and ESR values in oral cancer patient after resection and reconstructive surgery, based on the results of this study.

• Molecular & Cellular Toxicology
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• v.2 no.4
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• pp.266-272
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• 2006

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is one of the most common disorders by under pressure of the median nerve at the wrist in these days. However, pathological mechanism of CTS is unknown. We carried out this study to identify the changes of gene expression and to evaluate possible mechanism in CTS. 120 CTS patients and 30 control patients were included in this study. Patients with a history of diabetes, hypertension, thyroid diseases, and arthritis were excluded. CTS patients were divided to three experimental groups-Mild, Moderate, and Severe group-according to elecrodiagnosis. Radioactive cDNA microarrays (Nylon membrane including 1,152 genes) were used to examine the difference of gene expression profile in CTS. We identified up-regulated genes by more than 2.0 value of z-ratio, and down-regulated genes by less than-2.0 value of z-ratio. 20 genes such as the ITGAL, ITGAM, PECAM1, VIL2, TGFBR2, RAB7, RNF5 and NFKB1 were up-regulated, and 28 genes such as PRG5, CASP8, CDH1, IGFBP5, CBX3, HREV107, PIN, and WINT2 were down-regulated. These genes were related with TGF beta signaling pathway, NF-Kb signaling pathway, antiapoptotic pathway and T cell receptor signaling pathway. However, there were no differences in gene expression profiles according to severities of symptoms. We suggest that CTS could be related with proinflammatory mechanism and antiapoptotic mechanism.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.2
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• pp.117-122
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• 2013

Background Latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flap is a popular method of breast reconstruction which can be associated with high incidence of seroma formation. Quilting sutures at the harvest site are used to reduce this. Barbed sutures are self anchoring sutures which avoid multiple knotting and can be useful in quilting. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospectively maintained database of patients who underwent LD flap breast reconstruction between January 2009 and January 2011 was carried out. Seroma formation at the harvest site, wound related complications, inpatient stay and duration of surgery were analysed and a comparison was made between two groups where quilting was done with barbed (V-Loc) suture and conventional polydioxanone (PDS) II sutures. Results Fifty-seven patients were included of which 33 had quilting by V-Loc sutures and in 24 patients PDS II suture was used. Median age in the PDS group was 55 years (interquartile range [IQR)], 45 to 61 years) which was comparable to the V-Loc group (53 years [IQR, 48 to 59 years]; P-value 0.948). Sixteen patients (28%) had significant seroma formation and 5 (9%) patients developed superficial wound dehiscence. Incidences of seroma or wound complications were comparable (P-value 0.378 and 1.00, respectively). Secondary outcomes such as total duration of surgery, total inpatient stay, total amount of drain at the donor site were also similar in two groups. Conclusions Use of barbed sutures for quilting the donor site in LD flap reconstruction is a feasible option and the associated seroma formation and wound complications are comparable with conventional sutures.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7607-7612
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• 2015

Aims: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the evaluation of contralateral breast in patients with diagnosed breast cancer. A secondary objective was to determine accuracy of breast MRI in diagnosing multi-focal and multicentric lesions in the ipsilateral breast. Materials and Methods: Using a non-probability convenience sampling technique, patients with histopathologically diagnosed breast cancer with MRI of breast performed to exclude additional lesions were included. MRI findings were correlated with histopathology. In addition, follow-up imaging with mammography and ultrasound was also assessed for establishing stability of negative findings and for the detected of benign lesions. Results: Out of 157 MRI breast conducted during the period of 2008 to 2013, 49 were performed for patients with diagnosed breast cancer. The sample comprised of all females with mean age $50.7{\pm}11.0years$. The patient follow-up imaging was available for a period of 2-5 years. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of MRI in the detection of multifocal/multicenteric lesions was 85.7%, 88.8%, 60% and 96.6% respectively and for the detection of lesions in the contralateral breast were 100%, 97%, 83.3% and 100% respectively. Conclusions: Our study highlights the diagnostic performance and the added value of MRI in the detection of multifocal/multicenteric and contralateral malignant lesions. In patients with diagnosed breast cancer having dense breast parenchyma and with infiltrating lobular carcinoma as the index lesion MRI is particularly useful with excellent negative predictive value in the exclusion of additional malignant foci in the ipsilateral and contralateral breasts.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7781-7784
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• 2014

Background: The aims of this study were to investigate the utility of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) as a simple and readily available marker in prostate cancer, as well as to evaluate RDW as a predictor of progression in prostate cancer patients. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 62 newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)-guided biopsy and 62 healthy controls of mean age 64 (range, 45-75) years at the Urology Clinic of Bozok University Hospital. Data collection was performed using our laboratory information system database to retrieve findings regarding RDW, hemoglobin, prostatespecific antigen (PSA), and age. The RDW values were compared between the healthy control group and prostate cancer patients. A high risk of progression as defined as a Gleason score (GS) >6, total number of cores positive for cancer >33%, each core containing >50% cancer cells, and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level >10 ng/mL. Patients were classified according to risk of progression, as well as divided into subgroups according to the RDW quartile. Results: The mean RDW value of prostate cancer patients was 14.6, compared with 13.7 in the healthy control group (p=0.001). A higher RDW was associated with an increased risk of progression, whereas a lower RDW value was correlated with a low risk of progression. Conclusions: RDW is an easily derived measure that might, in combination with other markers, help predict prostate cancer risk and progression. We suggest that RDW may be used in combination with other parameters in the assessment of prostate cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6533-6535
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• 2013

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a new type of tumor biomarker, eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2), in serum for the early diagnosis, confirmative diagnosis as well as assessment of treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: 130 patients with NSCLC and 50 healthy individuals undergoing physical examination in our hospital provided the observation and healthy control groups. An enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) method was applied to determine serum eEF2 levels. Serum neuron specific enolase (NSE) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCC) levels in the observation group were assessed with an automatic biochemical analyzer. Results: The median levels of eEF2 in the serum of NSCLC patients was found to be significantly higher than the healthy control group (p < 0.01) and it was markedly higher in stages III, IV than stages I, II (p < 0.05). eEF2 was higher with tumor size ${\geq}2$ cm than <2 cm (P< 0.01). Furthermore, two weeks after surgery patients showed a significant trend for eEF2 decrease (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) has certain clinical values for early diagnosis, verification, and prognosis as well as classification of lung cancer patients.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.101-105
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• 2007

Purpose: This study aimed to find any difference in the clinical or the anatomical findings of vertebral artery dissection (VAD) between the trauma and the non-trauma groups. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data and radiologic images of VAD patients. We compared data on symptoms, neurologic deficit, National institutes of health stroke scale (NIHSS) at admission, Rankin score (RS) at admission and discharge, and radiological findings including anatomical features, between the trauma and the non-trauma groups. Results: From January 1997 to May 2006, 42 patients were enrolled and 13 patients (31%) had a history of earlier trauma. Focal neurologic deficit (trauma group 11/13 vs. non-trauma group 11/29), cerebral stroke (10/13 vs. 9/29), and extradural lesions of dissection (6/13 vs. 3/28) were more common in the trauma group than non-trauma group (p=0.007, p=0.017, p=0.018, respectively) and NIHSS at admission and discharge were significantly higher (p=0.012, p=0.001, respectively). Dissecting aneurysms were less frequent in the trauma group (2/13 vs. 19/29, p=0.006). Subarachnoid hemorrhage and unfavorable prognostic value (Rankin score at discharge ${\geq}$ 2) showed no differences between the groups (p=0.540, p=0.267, respectively). Conclusion: In VAD patients after trauma, focal neurologic deficit due to ischemic stroke and a steno-occlusive pattern are more frequent than they are in non-trauma patients. The location of dissection was most frequent at the extradural vertebral artery in the trauma group. NIHSS was higher in the trauma groups but the incidence of an unfavorable prognostic value (RS ${\geq}$ 2) was not significantly different between the groups.

• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.189-196
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• 2015

In case of Senior Hospitals, meticulous care is required in both amount and quality of natural lighting because of the semi-long term residence of patients. Natural lighting has a huge impact on the physical and psychological part for the seniors. Likewise, natural lighting is an important factor considered for hospital design because it can also effect hospitalization period of patients. Research subject was K Senior Hospital which was determined as the courtyard-type building made to provide healing environment through natural lighting. Analysis was performed by dividing the space of K Senior Hospital into Central Treatment Department directly used by patients, Outpatient Department(OPD), Ward Department, Common Use Department. Research was carried out in two ways of integration value analysis using SPACE SYNTAX and illumination intensity analysis using ECOTECT. K Senior Hospital intended to actively let in natural light through courtyard and to make patients exposed to natural light when they walk along the circuit corridor built around the courtyard. This environmental consideration affected the utilization rate of Common Use Department and residence time of patients raising the average of Common Use Department on every floor. As a resuit of this study presenting type C and type D, part of four types of illumination intensity, takes higher percentage of almost every spaces compare to the others therefore K Senior Hospital was designed on the assumption of healing environment composition through natural light. The result of this research would be used meaningfully in the space programming phase of Senior Hospitals in the future. Utilization rate can be adjusted using illumination intensity value in the space that integration rate should be planed to be high. The use(purpose) of space and integration rate can be used as a guideline to set illumination intensity of natural.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3801-3804
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• 2014

Background: The prognostic significance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio for progression free survival in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma is unclear. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 45 patients diagnosed with metastatic RCC previously treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors from two centers, Akdeniz University Hospital and Afyon Kocatepe University. The prognostic value of the pretreatment neutrophil-tolymphocyte ratio, and other clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Median progression free survival (PFS) was 13.9 months [95% CI for HR (6.88-20.91)] and overall survival figure of 16.6 months [95% CI for HR (7.23-26.03)] Univariate analysis revealed that PFS was significantly affected by hemoglobin level [p=0.013 (95% CI for HR (0.71-0.96))], eosinophil count [p=0.031 (95% CI for HR (0.20-0.92))], ratio of neutrophil lymphocytes (NLR) [p=0.007 (95% CI for HR (1.47-11.74))] and calcium level [p=0.006 (95% CI for HR (0.15-0.73))]. However, only NLR [p=0.031 (95% CI for HR (1.15-18.1))] and calcium levels [p=0.018 (95% CI for HR (0.20-18.1))] retained significance with multivariate analysis. Median PFS was 23.9 vs 8.6 months in patients with NLR ${\leq}2$ vs NLR >2 (Log rank; p= 0.040). Conclusions: This study showed that increased pretreatment NLR is an independent prognostic factor for patients with metastatic RCC using tyrosine kinase inhibitors.