• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• v.5 no.1
• /
• pp.13-16
• /
• 2014

Background: This study assesses influences of baseline psychological risk factors on prevalence of low back pain (LBP) at baseline and follow-up among nurses. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was performed at two phases, baseline and 1-year follow-up among 246 nurses of university hospitals in Shahroud, Iran. A standardized Cultural and Psychosocial Influences on Disability questionnaire was used for data collection. Logistic regression was performed for analysis. Results: At the baseline of the study, 58.9% of nurses reported back pain in the previous 12 months. Age (p = 0.001), belief that work causes pain (p = 0.022), and somatization tendency (p = 0.002) significantly increased risk of LBP. At 1-year follow-up, prevalence of LBP was 45.7% and expectation of back pain at baseline (p = 0.016) significantly increased risk of LBP in this phase (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Results indicate that risk factors for prevalence of back pain at baseline and 1-year follow-up are different. At baseline, the risk factors are age, belief that work causes pain, and somatization tendency, and at follow-up, expectation of pain is the major risk factor.

• Hip & pelvis
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.133-141
• /
• 2023

Purpose: Isolated acetabular fractures can occur as a result of a high energy impact on the hip joint. Surgery is required for most patients with an isolated acetabular fracture in order to alleviate pain, restore joint stability, and regain hip function. This study was conducted in order to examine the course of hip function in patients after surgical treatment of an isolated traumatic acetabular fracture. Materials and Methods: This prospective series of consecutive cases included patients who underwent surgery for treatment of an isolated acetabular fracture in a European level one trauma center between 2016 and 2020. Patients with relevant concomitant injuries were excluded. Scoring of hip function was performed by a trauma surgeon using the Modified Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score at six-week, 12-week, six-month, and one-year follow-up. Scores between 3-11 indicate poor, 12-14 fair, 15-17 good, and 18 excellent hip function. Results: Data on 46 patients were included. The mean score for hip function was 10 (95% confidence interval [CI] 7.09-12.91) at six-week follow-up (23 patients), 13.75 (95% CI 10.74-16.76) at 12-week follow-up (28 patients), 16 (95% CI 13.40-18.60) at six-month follow-up (25 patients), and 15.50 (95% CI 10.55-20.45) at one-year follow-up (17 patients). After one-year follow-up, the scores reflected an excellent outcome in 11 patients, good in five patients, and poor in one patient. Conclusion: This study reports on the course of hip function in patients who have undergone surgical treatment for isolated acetabular fractures. Restoration of excellent hip function takes six months.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.4
• /
• pp.1515-1518
• /
• 2012

Aim: We conducted a prospective study in an Chinese population to detect the association between GSTM, GSTT and GSTP gene polymorphisms and survival of gastric cancer. Methods: A prospective follow-up study with 317 gastric cancer patients was conducted between January 2003 and January 2005. GSTM1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genotyping was performed using ABI TaqMan Gene Expression assays. Results: Of 317 patients, 5 were lost to follow-up due to migration, while the remaining 302 patients completed the study. The median follow-up time was 34.2 months (range: 2 to 60 months), during which a total of 120 (39.1%) died of gastric cancer. The GSTT1-null genotype showed a significant increased risk of death from gastric cancer, with an HR (95% CI) of 1.59 (1.04-3.58). Moreover, we found individuals carrying null-GSTM1 and null-GSTT1 had a moderate higher risk of death from gastric cancer, with an HR of 1.92 (1.05-3.65). Conclusion: This study reported the carriage of null GSTT1 and null GSTM1 might be linked to the higher death risk from gastric cancer in Chinese population.

• The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics
• /
• v.1 no.3
• /
• pp.136-139
• /
• 2009

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM. Many dental clinicians are concerned about immediate loading of inserted implants. However, there have been few clinical studies surveying the success rates of immediate loading, based on Korean implant systems. PURPOSE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of immediate functional loading of the implant ($SinusQuick^{TM}$EB, Neobiotech Co., Seoul, Korea) in partially edentulous maxilla or mandible. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Total 15 implants were placed. Within 2 weeks after implant insertion, provisional implant-supported fixed partial dentures were delivered to the patients. Quantitatively, marginal bone loss was measured at the time of immediate loading, after 3-months of continued loading and at the last follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 4.8 months. RESULTS. Mean marginal bone loss from implant surgery to early loading, 3-months follow-up and last follow-up was $0.03\pm0.07$ mm, $0.16\pm0.17$ mm and $0.29\pm0.19$ mm. No implant failed up to 6 months after insertion, resulting in a 100% survival rate. CONCLUSION. Immediate loading exhibited high success rate in partial edentulism for up to 6 months. Well-controlled long term clinical studies with large sample size are necessary to confirm this finding.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
• /
• v.26 no.1
• /
• pp.64-70
• /
• 2023

Background: This study aimed to analyze the efficacy of single-dose corticosteroid injection (CSI) administered at 6 weeks postoperative to treat stiffness following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Methods: In this prospective, multicentric, case-control study, post-ARCR stiffness at 6 weeks was treated with either a single dose of intra-articular CSI (CSI group) or physical therapy with oral analgesics (non-CSI group). Pain intensity according to visual analog scale (VAS), functional outcome using the Constant Murley Shoulder Score, time to return to activities of daily living (ADLs), and retear rate were recorded at 6 weeks, 9 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, and 18 months postoperatively in both groups. Results: A total of 149 patients (54.5%) in the CSI group and 124 patients (45.5%) in the non-CSI group were included in this study. Pain and function were significantly better in the CSI group at 9-week, 12-week, and 6-month (P<0.001) follow-up, whereas they were not significantly different when the groups were compared at 12- and 18-month follow-up. The mean duration to return to ADLs was significantly shorter (P<0.001) in the CSI group. The incidence of retears was not significantly different (P=0.36) between groups at the end of 18 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Single-dose intra-articular CSI administered at 6 weeks postoperative to treat post-ARCR stiffness significantly improved pain, function, and duration of return to ADLs without increasing the risk of retears compared to patients who did not receive intra-articular CSI. Level of evidence: III.

• Child Health Nursing Research
• /
• v.25 no.4
• /
• pp.468-476
• /
• 2019

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate cognitive ability in preschoolers born prematurely and to investigate related factors. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted with 64 children at 5-6 years of corrected age (CA) (second follow-up) among 76 children who had been assessed at 2.0~3.5 years of CA (first follow-up) from a sample of 343 preterm infants born from 2008 to 2010. To evaluate each child's cognitive ability, during a home visit, we used the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-II (KABC-II) at the second follow-up. To explore factors related to cognitive ability, we measured children's hemoglobin level at the second follow-up and used the data collected in our previous study, including the Bayley Scale of Infant Development-II (BSID-II) at the first follow-up. Results: The mean total KABC-II quotient was $117.0{\pm}14.4$. The 5-minute Apgar score (${\beta}=.29$, p=.006), hemoglobin level (${\beta}=.22$, p=.032), and the mental development index quotient of the BSID-II (${\beta}=.51$, p<.001) were statistically significant predictors of the KABC-II quotient in multiple linear regression analysis. Conclusion: The cognitive function of young children born prematurely was influenced by early neurodevelopment and factors reflecting their health status, such as anemia and a low 5-minute Apgar score.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.35 no.4
• /
• pp.325-331
• /
• 2017

Purpose: There is controversy regarding the cosmetic outcome after accelerated partial breast radiation (APBR). We report the cosmetic outcome from a single-arm prospective clinical trial of APBR delivered using intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in elderly patients with stage I breast cancer (BC), using a novel fractionation schedule. Materials and Methods: Forty-two patients aged ${\geq}65$, with Stage I BC who underwent breast-conserving surgery were enrolled in a phase I/II study evaluating a 2-week course of APBR. Thirty eligible patients received 40 Gy in 4 Gy daily fractions. Cosmetic outcome was assessed subjectively by physician/patient and objectively by using a computer program (BCCT.core) before APBR, during, and after completion of the treatment. Results: The median age was 72 years, the median tumor size was 0.8 cm, and the median follow-up was 50.5 months. The 5-year locoregional control in this cohort was 97% and overall survival 87%. At the last follow-up, patients and physicians rated cosmesis as 'excellent' or 'good' in 100% and 91 %, respectively. The BCCT.core program scored the cosmesis as 'excellent' or 'good' in 87% of the patients at baseline and 81% at the last follow-up. The median $V_{50}$ (20 Gy) of the whole breast volume (WBV) was 37.2%, with the median WBV $V_{100}$ (40 Gy) of 10.9%. Conclusion: An excellent rate of tumor control was observed in this prospective trial. By using multiple assessment techniques, we are showing acceptable cosmesis, supporting the use of IMRT planned APBR with daily schedule in elderly patients with early stage BC.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.27 no.3
• /
• pp.117-126
• /
• 2023

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment option for obesity, but its effects on reproductive hormones are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the impact of bariatric surgery on estrogen and progesterone levels in women with obesity. This was a prospective study that included 87 women with obesity who underwent bariatric surgery and 87 control women with obesity who did not. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at 3-month and 6-month follow-up periods to measure reproductive hormones and Adiponectin as well as medical history and physical examination for endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The study found that sleeve gastrectomy significantly increased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in the bariatric surgery group compared to the control group at 3 and 6-month follow-up. There was no significant difference in the mean levels of estrogen and progesterone between the two groups at the 3-month follow-up period. Bariatric surgery leads to significant weight loss in women with obesity, but it does not seem to have a significant impact on estrogen and progesterone levels in the short-term. Future studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to investigate the long-term effects of bariatric surgery on reproductive hormones.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
• /
• v.28 no.1
• /
• pp.13-22
• /
• 2021

Objectives Despite growing attention to anxiety in bipolar disorder (BD), little research has assessed anxiety symptoms in the course of BD. The current prospective follow-up study examines the influence of subjectively and objectively measured anxiety symptoms on the course of BD. Methods A total of 49 patients with BD were followed-up prospectively for average of one year at an average of four months interval. The Korean version of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (K-BAI), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, heart rate variability (HRV) were used to measure anxiety subjectively, objectively and physiologically. Participants were divided into high and low anxiety groups based on their K-BAI scores. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to compare the recurrence of mood episode, suicide attempt, emergency room visit, and psychiatric hospitalization between two groups. Mediators were investigated with Cox proportional hazards models. Results Compared to the low anxiety group, the high anxiety group reported significantly higher impulsiveness (p = 0.016) and lower high frequency component on HRV (p = 0.007) after controlling for severity of BD. Regarding survival analysis, the high anxiety group showed hastened depressive episode recurrence (p = 0.048) and suicidal ideation was the mediator of the hazard ratio (HR) 1.089 (p = 0.029) in the Cox model. Moreover, the high anxiety group showed a tendency of accelerated suicide attempt (p = 0.12) and impulsivity was the risk factor of suicide attempt (HR = 1.089, p = 0.036). Conclusions This interim analysis of prospective study suggests that high anxiety level in BD may anticipate unfavorable course. Further studies are needed to understand the multifactorial mechanism of anxious bipolar patients.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.47 no.6
• /
• pp.317-326
• /
• 2014

Objectives: Elevated serum uric acid (UA) has been known to be associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS). However, no prospective studies have examined whether serum UA levels are actually associated with the development of MetS. We performed a prospective study to evaluate the longitudinal effects of baseline serum UA levels on the development of MetS. Methods: A MetS-free cohort of 14 906 healthy Korean men, who participated in a medical check-up program in 2005, was followed until 2010. MetS was defined according to the Joint Interim Statement of the International Diabetes Federation Task Force on Epidemiology and Prevention. Cox proportional hazards models were performed. Results: During 52 466.1 person-years of follow-up, 2428 incident cases of MetS developed between 2006 and 2010. After adjusting for multiple covariates, the hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident MetS for the second, the third, and the fourth quartile to the first quartile of serum UA levels were 1.09 (0.92-1.29), 1.22 (1.04-1.44), and 1.48 (1.26-1.73), respectively (p for trend <0.001). These associations were also significant in the clinically relevant subgroup analyses. Conclusions: Elevated serum UA levels were independently associated with future development of MetS in Korean men during the 5-year follow-up period.