• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제69권6호
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• pp.450-455
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• 2010

Background: High cortisol levels are frequently observed in patients with severe infections are of prognostic value in sepsis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of serum cortisol in assessment for the severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Methods: This study analyzed the results of 52 CAP subjects admitted in Changwon Fatima Hospital between July 2008 to May 2010. Total serum cortisol, infection markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT) and CURB (Confusion, Uremia, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure)-65 were examined retrospectively. Results: In clinically unstable subjects on admission day 4, baseline serum cortisol, CURB-65, and CRP were elevated significantly compared to those of stable subjects. Area under curve (AUC) of cortisol, CRP, and CURB-65 from ROC curves were 0.847, 0.783, and 0.724 respectively. In the subjects with serum cortisol ${\geq}22.82{\mu}g/dL$, CRP, PCT, CURB-65 score, and mortality were significantly elevated. Conclusion: These findings suggest that measurement of serum cortisol in early stage may provide helpful information in the assessment of CAP severity.

• 전기학회논문지
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• 제65권7호
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• pp.1236-1241
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• 2016

Cancer has been the most frequent in Korea, and pathogenesis and progression of cancer have been known to be occurred through various causes and stages. Recently, the research of chromosomal and genetic disorder and the research about prognostic factor to predict occurrence, recurrence and progress of chromosomal and genetic disorder have been performed actively. In this paper, we analyzed DNA methylation data downloaded from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas), open database, to research bladder cancer which is the most frequent among urinary system cancers. Using three level of methylation data which had the most preprocessing, 59 candidate CpG island were extracted from 480,000 CpG island, and then we analyzed extracted CpG island applying data mining technique. As a result, cg12840719 CpG island were analyzed significant, and in Cox's regression we can find the CpG island with high relative risk in comparison with other CpG island. Shown in the result of classification analysis, the CpG island which have high correlation with bladder cancer are cg03146993, cg07323648, cg12840719, cg14676825 and classification accuracy is about 76%. Also we found out that positive predictive value, the probability which predicts cancer in case of cancer was 72.4%. Through the verification of candidate CpG island from the result, we can utilize this method for diagnosing and treating cancer.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• 제39권3호
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• pp.183-187
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• 2006

Objective : Hemifacial spasm has characteristic and specific electrophysiological finding, lateral spread response[LSR]. We study the correlation between change of lateral spread response during microvascular decompression[MVD] and clinical outcome after MVD. Methods : Sixty two patients with hemifacial spasm who were treated with microvascular decompression from March 2000 to February 2003 were included in this study. The monitoring of intraoperative facial electromyography[EMG] and brain stem auditory evoked potential were performed. Results : In 28 [44.7%] patients, there was persistence of lateral spread response after vascular decompression in root exit zone of facial nerve. Among these 28 patients, 9 had mild hemifacial spasm at discharge. Three out of 34 patients who had intraoperative disappearance of lateral spread response after MVD had mild hemifacial spasm. But Both groups, disappearance of LSR [Group I], and persistence [Group II] had only 2 patients with mild hemifacial spasm, and 5 patients at 3 months, respectively. Conclusion : Although intraoperative EMG monitoring is very useful in assessing the efficacy of MVD, the clinical outcome of MVD in patient with hemifacial spasm does not always correlate with EMG finding. The prognostic value of intraoperative LSR monitoring in the long-term results is questionable.

• International Journal of Arrhythmia
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.66-76
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• 2017

Background and Objectives: Although an anterior linear ablation is an effective lesion set in radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for longstanding persistent atrial fibrillation (L-PeAF), its durability for bidirectional block (BDB) is only about 60% at repeat procedure. We hypothesized that changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) may predict an anterior line block state and the clinical outcome of L-PeAF ablation. Subjects and Methods: We studied 304 L-PeAF patients (77% male, $60{\pm}10yrs$), who consistently underwent RFCA Dallas lesion set (circumferential pulmonary vein isolation, posterior box lesion, and anterior line) protocol with subsequent comparison of pre-procedural and post-procedural P wave axes, and one year follow-up (n=205) sinus rhythm (SR) ECGs. Results: 1. P wave axis shifted inferiorly at immediate post-procedure (p<0.001), and was independently correlated with BDB of anterior line (${\ss}=10.4$, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.79-17.94, p=0.008). 2. The degree of post-procedural inferior shift of P wave axis did not reflect clinical recurrence within one-year (n=205, p=0.923), potentially due to conduction recovery of an anterior line. However, among 160 patients without clinical recurrence within one-year, P wave axis at one-year ECG was independently associated with very late recurrence of AF after one-year (n=160, hazard ratio [HR] 0.98; 95% CI 0.97-0.99, p=0.001), during $45.6{\pm}16.7$ months of follow-up. 3. Among 22 patients who underwent repeat procedures, P wave axis shift was more significant in patients with maintained BDB of an anterior line than in those without (p=0.015). Conclusion: An inferior shift of P wave axis reflects the achievement and the maintenance of an anterior line BDB, and is associated with better long-term clinical outcome after catheter ablation for L-PeAF based on Dallas lesion set.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• 제38권4호
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• pp.318-325
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• 2021

Background: The diagnosis and prediction of prognosis are important in patients with sepsis, and presepsin is helpful. In this study, we aimed to examine the usefulness of presepsin in predicting the prognosis of sepsis in Korea. Methods: Patients diagnosed with sepsis according to the sepsis-3 criteria were recruited into the study and classified into surviving and non-surviving groups based on in-hospital mortality. A total of 153 patients (32 and 121 patients with sepsis and septic shock, respectively) were included from July 2019 to August 2020. Results: Among the 153 patients with sepsis, 91 and 62 were in the survivor and non-survivor groups, respectively. Presepsin (p=0.004) and lactate (p=0.003) levels and the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (p<0.001) were higher in the non-survivor group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed poor performances of presepsin and lactate in predicting the prognosis of sepsis (presepsin: area under the curve [AUC]=0.656, p=0.001; lactate: AUC=0.646, p=0.003). The SOFA score showed the best performance, with the highest AUC value (AUC=0.751, p<0.001). The prognostic cutoff point for presepsin was 1,176 pg/mL. Presepsin levels higher than 1,176 pg/mL (odds ratio [OR], 3.352; p<0.001), higher lactate levels (OR, 1.203; p=0.003), and higher SOFA score (OR, 1.249; p<0.001) were risk factors for in-hospital mortality. Conclusion: Presepsin levels were higher in non-survivors than in survivors. Thus, presepsin may be a valuable biomarker in predicting the prognosis of sepsis.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.315-328
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• 2019

Purpose: To investigate the clinical value of serum miR-221-3p and miR-122-5p expression levels in the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: Serum samples from 141 gastric cancer cases (gastric cancer group), 110 gastric polyps (gastric polyp group), and 75 healthy people (healthy control) were used to detect miR-221-3p and miR-122-5p expression using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: Serum miR-221-3p expression was significantly higher in the gastric cancer group than in the gastric polyp group, and it was significantly lower than that before operation. The miR-221-3p expression was significantly higher in the death group than in the survival group. The proliferation and migration ability significantly increased and the apoptosis rate significantly decreased by miR-221-3p transfection in gastric cancer cells. In contrast, the function of miR-122-5p in gastric cancer cells was opposite of miR-221-3p. Serum miR-221-3p expression was negatively correlated with that of miR-122-5p in gastric cancer. Serum miR-221-3p and miR-122-5p expressions were significantly correlated with the degree of differentiation, tumor, node, metastasis stage, lymph node metastasis, and invasion depth. miR-221-3p and miR-122-5p expression levels were independent prognostic factors for postoperative gastric cancer. In the diagnosis and predicting prognosis of gastric cancer, receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the area under curve of combined detection of serum miR-221-3p and miR-122-5p expression had a greater diagnostic effect than either single maker. Conclusions: The miR-221-3p and miR-122-5p are involved in the development of gastric cancer, and they have important clinical values in gastric cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제60권12호
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• pp.29.1-29.11
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• 2018

Background: Respiratory troubles have economic impacts in countries where livestock industry is an important segment of the agricultural sector, as well as these problems may cause significant economic losses for bovine producers. Various practical methods are used to assess diseases that affect the bovine respiratory system. Ultrasonography is a noninvasive tool that has been used frequently in diagnosis of various animal diseases. The present study was designed to establish whether thoracic ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool for detection of respiratory troubles in weaned buffalo and cattle calves, as well as to assess its prognostic value in comparison with clinical respiratory scores. Thirty five (15 buffalo and 20 cattle) calves were included. Twelve (6 buffalo and 6 cattle) clinically healthy calves were enrolled as controls. Results: Based on physical examinations, clinical respiratory scores (CRS), ultrasound lung scores (ULS) and postmortem findings, animals were classified into 4 groups as pulmonary emphysema (n = 8), interstitial pulmonary syndrome (n = 7), bronchopneumonia (n = 12), and pleurisy (n = 8). The mean values of CRS and ULS were significantly higher in diseased calves (P < 0.01). In calves with pulmonary emphysema and interstitial syndrome, thoracic ultrasonography revealed numerous comet-tail artifacts, which varied in numbers and imaging features. Furthermore, variable degrees of pulmonary consolidation with alveolograms and bronchograms were noticed in bronchopneumonic calves. In addition, thick irregular or fragmented pleura with pleural effusions and fibrin shreds were imaged in calves with pleurisy. A weak correlation was calculated between CRS and ULS (r = 0.55, P < 0.01). Hematologically, the counts of white blood cells, activities of aspartate aminotransferase and partial tensions of carbon dioxide were significantly increased in all diseased groups. Serum concentrations of total globulins were higher in claves with bronchopneumonia (P < 0.05). The partial tension of oxygen was decreased in all diseased calves (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Thoracic ultrasonography is a diagnostic tool for various lung troubles and assessment the grade and severity of pulmonary diseases, as well as it can be used as a follow-up tool for evaluating the prognosis of respiratory troubles and monitoring the efficacy of therapies.

• 한국미생물·생명공학회지
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.441-448
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• 2019

This study was aimed at identifying the lower airway microbiota in patients with lung cancer (LC) using protected brush sampling. We enrolled 37 patients undergoing diagnostic bronchoscopy for suspected LC, 26 with LC and 11 with benign diseases. Protected brush specimens were obtained from the contralateral lung and the side of the tumor; these specimens were analyzed by 16S rRNA-based-next-generation sequencing. The results indicated that the biodiversity was not different between groups, and there were no significant differences between the proportion of microorganisms in the tumor and in the contralateral side of patients with LC. In patients with LC, there was a higher abundance of several microorganisms including Capnocytophaga, Haemophilus, Enterococcus, and Streptococcus; whereas, in individuals without LC, Bacteroides, Lactobacillus, or Methylobacterium were more abundant. Malignancy could be determined with an accuracy of 70% by isolating Enterococcus, Capnocytophaga, or Actinomyces. Microbispora indicated benignity with a sensitivity of 55%, specificity of 88%, and accuracy of 78%. Lower airway microbiota in patients with LC is fairly similar in both the tumor and contralateral sites. Endobronchial microbiota is different in patients with and without LC, and these differences may have a potential clinical value as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers.

• 대한임상독성학회지
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.149-156
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• 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether hepatotoxicity could be predicted early using biochemical markers in patients with acetaminophen (AAP) poisoning and to assess the usefulness of predictive factors for acute liver injury or hepatotoxicity. Methods: This study was a retrospective observational study involving a medical records review. The participants were patients who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) with AAP overdose at two hospitals over a 10-year period. Demographic data, age, time from ingestion to visit, initial AAP level, initial hepatic aminotransferases, and initial prothrombin time were recorded. Acute liver injury was defined as a peak serum ALT >50 U/L or double the admission value, and hepatotoxicity was defined as a peak ALT >1,000 U/L. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to compare the prognostic performance among variables. Results: A total of 97 patients were admitted to the ED with AAP overdose, of whom 26 had acute liver injury and 6 had hepatotoxicity. Acute liver injury was associated with the time interval after taking the drug, and hepatotoxicity was associated with the initial PT and the ALT level. The scoring system proposed by the authors has a significant ability to predict both acute liver injury and hepatotoxicity. Conclusion: To predict the prognosis of AAP poisoning patients, the time interval after taking AAP was important, and initial prothrombin time and ALT level were useful tests. Also a scoring system combining variables may be useful.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.183-192
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• 2019

Purpose: Due to adverse events, dose reduction or withdrawal of adjuvant chemotherapy is required for some patients. To identify the predictive factors for tolerability to postoperative adjuvant S-1 monotherapy in gastric cancer (GC) patients, we evaluated the predictive values of blood indicators. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 98 patients with pStage II/III GC who underwent postoperative adjuvant S-1 monotherapy. We retrospectively analyzed correlations between 14 parameters obtained from perioperative routine blood tests to assess their influence on the withdrawal of postoperative adjuvant S-1 monotherapy, within 6 months after discontinuation. Results: Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy was discontinued in 21 patients (21.4%) within 6 months. Univariable analysis revealed that high preoperative albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores had the highest odds ratio (OR) for predicting the failure of adjuvant S-1 chemotherapy (OR, 6.47; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08-20.1; cutoff value, -2.696). The high ALBI group had a significantly shorter time to failure of postoperative adjuvant S-1monotherapy (hazard ratio, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.69-7.25; P=0.001). Multivariable analysis identified high preoperative ALBI score as an independent prognostic factor for tolerability (OR, 10.3; 95% CI, 2.33-45.8; P=0.002). Conclusions: Preoperative ALBI shows promise as an indicator associated with the tolerability of adjuvant S-1 monotherapy in patients with pStage II/III GC.