• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• 제26권3호
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• pp.211-226
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• 2023

Objectives: Crohn's disease is a chronic gastrointestinal disease that belongs to inflammatory bowel disease. This systematic review aims to assess the level of evidence in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of acupuncture for Crohn's disease. Methods: We searched 12 databases from the date of the establishment of each database up to May, 2023 for relevant RCTs. The risk of bias of each study was assessed independently by three reviewers. The level of evidence of meta-analysis was assessed using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation). Results: A total of 12 studies were included. The effective rate (odds ratio [OR] 3.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.43, 7.30) for mild to moderate Crohn's disease patients showed a significant difference between the acupuncture with moxibustion group and the sham-acupuncture with sham-moxibustion group. CDAI change (mean difference [MD] -74.15, 95% CI -93.28, -55.01) for mild to moderate Crohn's disease showed a significant difference between the acupuncture with moxibustion group and the sham-acupuncture with sham-moxibustion group. Conclusion: Although acupuncture with moxibustion showed significant effects compared to sham-acupuncture with sham-moxibustion, the effect of acupuncture alone is inconclusive. Moreover, only the effect of acupuncture treatment on mild to moderate Crohn's disease patients was derived as a remarkable result. To confirm the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for Crohn's disease, studies using only acupuncture for intervention or more RCTs targeting various Crohn's disease patients according to the CDAI are required.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• 제36권3호
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• pp.154-172
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• 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the clinical evidence supporting the use of acupuncture (AC) for premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Methods: We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that used AC for PMS in 9 databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CNKI, CiNii, SCIENCE ON, KoreaMed, OASIS) from their inception to July 2022. Results: We identified 1,168 studies, of which 15 RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The risk of bias in the included studies was relatively unclear or high. Meta-analysis of 3 RCTs showed that the AC group had a significantly higher effective rate than the Medroxyprogesterone group (RR 1.48, 95% CI (1.23, 1.78), p<0.0001). Meta-analysis of 2 RCTs showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the AC group and the Sham AC group in the effective rate (RR 4.72, 95% CI (0.88, 25.36), p=0.07). In a review of individual studies, the AC group was more effective than the control group in terms of the effective rate, symptom scale, quality of life, adverse events, and recurrence rate. Conclusions: The AC group was more effective than general treatments groups such as sham AC, western medicine, and dietary supplements, and there were no serious adverse events. However, the evidence on the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for PMS was inconclusive due to the small number of included studies and low quality. Therefore, systematic reviews based on more rigorously designed randomized clinical trials are needed in the future to properly evaluate the effect of AC on PMS.

• Analyses & Alternatives
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.31-69
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• 2018

This study examines the role of science in resolving trade disputes. After the Great East Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011 that not only jeopardized the people of Japan, but also put the safety of an entire region at risk, the Republic of Korea (Korea) has imposed import bans as well as increased testing and certification requirements for radioactive material on Japanese food products. Japan has challenged these restrictions at the World Trade Organizations Dispute Settlement Body (DSB). This study aims to explain how international trade agreements and previous DSB rulings have dealt with different scientific viewpoints provided by confronting parties. In doing so, it will contrast the viewpoints espoused by Korean and Japanese representatives, and then analyzes the most similar case studies previously ruled on by the DSB, including the case of beef hormones and the case of genetically modified crops including biotech corn, both between the United States and the European Communities (EC). This study finds that science is largely subordinate to national interests in the case of state decision-making within the dispute settlement processes, and science has largely been relegated to a supportive role. Due to the ambiguity and lack of truly decisive decisions in the Appellate Body in science-based trade disputes, this study concludes that the Appellate Body avoids taking a firm scientific position in cases where science is still inconclusive in any capacity. Due to the panel's unwillingness to establish expert review boards as it has the power to do, instead favoring an individual-based system so that all viewpoints can be heard, it has also developed a system with its own unique weaknesses. Similar to any court of law in which each opposing party defends its own interests, each side brings whatever scientific evidence it can to defend its position, incentivizing them to disregard scientific conclusions unfavorable to their position. With so many questions that can arise, combined with the problems of evolving science, questions of risk, and social concerns in democratic society, it is no wonder that the panel views scientific information provided by the experts as secondary to the legal and procedural issues. Despite being ruled against the EC on legal issues in two previous cases, the EC essentially won both times because the panel did not address whether its science was correct or not. This failure to conclusively resolve a debate over whose science is more scientific enabled the EC to simply fix the procedural issues, while continuing to enforce trade restrictions based on their scientific evidence. Based on the analysis of the two cases of disputes, Korea may also find itself guilty of imposing an unwarranted moratorium on Japan's fish exports, only to subsequently pass new restrictions on labelling and certification requirements because Japan may have much scientific evidence at its disposal. However, Korea might be able to create enough uncertainty in the panel to force them to rule exclusively on the legal issues of the case. This will then equip Korea, like the EC in the past, with a way of working around the ruling, by changing whatever legal procedure they need to while maintaining some, if not most, of its restrictions when the panel fails to address its case on scientific grounds.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제13권11호
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• pp.5375-5379
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• 2012

Introduction: Published studies on the association between Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1(NBS1) gene polymorphisms and breast cancer risk have been inconclusive, and a meta-analysis was therefore performed for clarification. Methods: Eligible articles were identified by a search of MEDLINE and EMBASE bibliographic databases for the period up to March 2012. The presence of between-study heterogeneity was investigated using the chi-square-based Cochran's Q statistic test. When there was statistical heterogeneity, the random effects model was chosen; otherwise, fixed effects estimates were reported as an alternative approach. Results: A total of 11 eligible articles (14 case-control studies) were identified, nine case-control studies were for the 657del5 mutation (7,534 breast cancer cases, 14,034 controls) and five case-control studies were for the I171V mutation (3,273 breast cancer cases, 4,004 controls). Our analysis results indicated that the 657del5 mutation was associated with breast cancer risk (carriers vs. non-carriers: pooled OR =2.63, 95% CI: 1.76-3.93), whereas the I171V mutation was not (carriers vs. non-carriers: pooled OR =1.52, 95% CI: 0.70-3.28). Conclusion: The present meta-analysis suggests that the 657del5 gene mutation in the NBS1 gene plays a role in breast cancer risk, while the I171V mutation does not exert a significant influence.

• Strategy21
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• 통권39호
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• pp.47-81
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• 2016

This paper has attempted to examine the political and operational contexts within which North Korea's latest acts of nuclear blackmail, its test-firing of an SLBM on April 23rd 2016 and its fourth nuclear test on January 6^th 2016, should be understood. Analysis of the KN-11 SLBM and the Sinpo-class SSB is based on official South Korean, US and others sources, especially the ROK MND, as well as other resources from South Korea, US and others. Unfortunately, the results of this exploration are inconclusive: there is simply not enough evidence available at present to either confirm or refute the existence of a functional North Korean SLBM and SSB. Nevertheless, the North Korean determination to possess such assets should not be taken lightly. But even accepting North Korea's claims about its SLBMs at face value, which is undermined by news of apparently unsuccessful follow-up test-firings in November, and probably December 2015, there is little proof that North Korea has yet succeeded in miniaturizing its nuclear warhead, so the most extravagant fears are not yet justified. Taken together with North Korea's latest announcement of a supposed successful SLBM ejection-test, on March 23^th 2016, the KN-11 SLBM claims should probably be seen as primarily about proving North Korea's status as a nuclear power, both to exert external political pressure and to bolster internal political support for Kim Jong-un's rule. In conclusion, this paper recommends formulating a preemptive anti-access strategy for the ROKN, proposes acquiring an ASW CV and SSNs to implement submarine strategic deterrent patrols, and urges extending the existing limited AORs to facilitate the preemptive anti-access strategy. Other deterrence options may be suggested, but it is surely significant that the ROKN has recently publically referred to the deployment of an ASW CV and SSNs for the first time.

• Journal of Information Processing Systems
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.322-345
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• 2018

Climate change has become a major challenge for sustainable development of human society. This study is an attempt to analyze existing literature to identify economic indicators that hamper the process of global warming. This paper includes case studies based on various countries to examine the nexus for environment and its relationship with Foreign Direct Investment, transportation, economic growth and energy consumption. Furthermore, the observations are analyzed from the perspective of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and probable impact on carbon emission of Pakistan. A major portion of CPEC investment is allocated for transportation. However, it is evident that transportation sector is substantial emitter of carbon dioxide (CO2) gas. Unfortunately, there is no empirical work on the subject of CPEC and carbon emission for vehicular transportation. This paper infers that empirical results from various other countries are ambiguous and inconclusive. Moreover, the evidence for the pollution haven hypothesis and the halo effect hypothesis is limited in general and inapplicable for CPEC in particular. The major contribution of this study is the proposal of an energy efficient transportation model for reducing CO2 emission. In the end, the paper suggests strategies to climate researchers and policymakers for adaptation and mitigation of greenhouse gases (GHG).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권23호
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• pp.10421-10425
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• 2015

Background: While the incidence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) has been rising worldwide, the reasons remain undefined. Recent research has focused on effect of red andf processed meat intake as a risk factor, but with inconclusive results. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of data published to date, to ascertain the overall association between intake and NHL. Materials and Methods: A published literature search was performed through Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Science Citation Index Expanded databases for articles published in English. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated using random or fixed effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using Chi-square and I2 statistics. Dissemination bias was evaluated by funnel plot analysis.We performed a formal meta-analysis using summary measures from these studies. Results: In total, 11 published studies were included in the final analysis. The combined analysis revealed that there was significant association between the red meat and NHL risk (OR=1.10, 95%CI: 1.02 to 1.19, p=0.01). Additionally, there was showed significance association between processed red meat and NHL risk (OR=1.17, 95%CI: 1.06 to 1.29, p=0.001). In subgroup analysis, a statistical significant association was noted between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (OR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.04 to 2.37, P=0.01) and red meat intake. Conclusions: In this meta-Analysis, there was evidence for association between consumption of red meat, or processed meat and risk of NHL, particularly with the DLBCL subtype in the red meat case.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권16호
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• pp.6643-6647
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• 2014

The breast and the thyroid are hormone responsive organs that are closely related with changes of endocrine function and glandular disease. An association between thyroid disorders and breast cancer (BC) risk has been suggested, although the results are inconclusive. The purpose of the present study was to summarize evidence supporting a relationship between BC and the level of thyroid hormones and antibodies. The MEDLINE and EMBASE electronic databases were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2014. The pooled effects were presented as weighted mean differences (WMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using fixed or random effect models. We summarized the results of 8 cross-sectional studies with 4, 189 participants. The overall pooled results showed that the levels of $FT_3$ and $FT_4$ were significantly increased in patients with BC (WMD=1.592 pmol/l; 95% CI: 0.15-3.033 and WMD=0.461 ng/dl; 95% CI: 0.015-0.906; p=0.043). The TPOAb level in patients with BC was higher than that in the control group (WMD=81.4 IU/ml; 95% CI: 78.7-84.0; p=0.000). The overall pooled results of the TgAb with random effects analyses showed that the TgAb level was significantly increased in patients with BC (WMD=101.3 IU/ml; 95% CI: 48.7-153.9; p=0.000). The present results indicated that the serum levels of $FT_3$, TPOAb and TgAb are significantly higher in patients with breast cancer than in healthy controls.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권12호
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• pp.7149-7154
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• 2013

Objective: Increasing scientific evidence suggests that common variants in the PALB2 gene may confer susceptibility to breast cancer, but many studies have yielded inconclusive results. This meta-analysis aimed to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship between PALB2 genetic variants and breast cancer risk. Methods: An extensive literary search for relevant studies was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CISCOM, CINAHL, Google Scholar, CNKI and CBM databases from their inception through September 1st, 2013. A meta-analysis was performed using the STATA 12.0 software and crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Six case-control studies were included with a total of 4,499 breast cancer cases and 6,369 healthy controls. Our meta-analysis reveals that PALB2 genetic variants may increase the risk of breast cancer (allele model: OR>1.36, 95%CI: 1.20~1.52, P < 0.001; dominant model: OR>1.64, 95%CI: 1.42~1.91, P < 0.001; respectively). Subgroup analyses by ethnicity indicated PALB2 genetic variants were associated with an increased risk of breast cancer among both Caucasian and Asian populations (all P < 0.05). No publication bias was detected in this meta-analysis (all P > 0.05). Conclusion: The current meta-analysis indicates that PALB2 genetic variants may increase the risk of breast cancer. Thus, detection of PALB2 genetic variants may be a promising biomarker approach.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권3호
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• pp.1937-1943
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• 2013

Altered expression or function of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) has been shown to be associated with cancer risk but assessment of gene polymorphisms has resulted in inconclusive data. Here a search of published data was made and 22 studies were recruited, covering 20,025 case and control subjects, for meta-analyses of the association of MnSOD polymorphisms with the risk of prostate, esophageal, and lung cancers. The data on 12 studies of prostate cancer (including 4,182 cases and 6,885 controls) showed a statistically significant association with the risk of development in co-dominant models and dominant models, but not in the recessive model. Subgroup analysis showed there was no statistically significant association of MnSOD polymorphisms with aggressive or nonaggressive prostate cancer in different genetic models. In addition, the data on four studies of esophageal cancer containing 620 cases and 909 controls showed a statistically significant association between MnSOD polymorphisms and risk in all comparison models. In contrast, the data on six studies of lung cancer with 3,375 cases and 4,050 controls showed that MnSOD polymorphisms were significantly associated with the decreased risk of lung cancer in the homozygote and dominant models, but not the heterozygote model. A subgroup analysis of the combination of MnSOD polymorphisms with tobacco smokers did not show any significant association with lung cancer risk, histological type, or clinical stage of lung cancer. The data from the current study indicated that the Ala allele MnSOD polymorphism is associated with increased risk of prostate and esophageal cancers, but with decreased risk of lung cancer. The underlying molecular mechanisms warrant further investigation.