• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.17
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• pp.7467-7472
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• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is known to be one of the most prevalent cancers among women in both developing and developed countries. The incidence of breast cancer in Pakistan has increased dramatically within the last few years and is the second country after Israel in Asia to have highest proportional cases of breast cancer. However, there are limited data for breast cancer available in the literature from Pakistan. Objectives: The study was conducted to bring to light the common clinical presentation of breast cancer and to evaluate the frequency of established risk factors in breast carcinoma patients and furthermore to compare the findings between premenopausal and postmenopausal women in Pakistan. Materials and Methods: A 6 months (from July 2012 to Dec 2012) cross sectional survey was conducted in Surgical and Oncology Units of Civil Hospital, Karachi. Data were collected though a well developed questionnaire from 105 female patients diagnosed with carcinoma of breast and analyzed using SPSS version 17. Institutional ethical approval was obtained prior to data collection. Results: Out of 105 patients, 43 were premenopausal and 62 were postmenopausal, 99 being married. Mean age at diagnosis was $47.8{\pm}12.4years$. A painless lump was the most frequent symptom, notived by 77.1%(n=81). Some 55.2% (n=58) patients had a lump in the right breast and 44.8%(n=47) in the left breast. In the majority of cases, the lump was present in upper outer quadrant 41.9% (n=44). Mean period of delay from appearance of symptoms to consulting a doctor was $5.13{\pm}4.8months$, from the shortest 1 month to the longest 36 months. Long delay (> 3 months) was the most frequent figure 41.9%. Considering overall risk factors most frequent were first pregnancy after 20 years of age (41%), physical breast trauma (28.6%), lack of breast feeding(21.9%), and early menarche <11 years (19%), followed by null parity (16.2%), consumption of high fat diet (15.2%), family history of breast cancer or any other cancer in first degree relatives (9.5% and 13.3%, respectively). Some of the less common factors were late menopause >54 years (8.6%), use of oral contraceptive pills (10.5%), use of hormone replacement therapy (4.7%),smoking (4.7%) and radiation (0.96%). Significant differences (p<0.005) were observed between pre and post menopausal women regarding history of physical breast trauma, practice of breast feeding and parity. Conclusions: A painless lump was the most frequent clinical presentation noted. Overall age at first child > 20 years, physical breast trauma, lack of breast feeding, early menarche <11 were the most frequent risk factors. Physical breast trauma, lower parity, a trend for less breast feeding had more significant associations with pre-menopausal than post-menopausal onset. Increase opportunity of disease prevention can be obtained through better understanding of clinical presentation and risk factors important in the etiology of breast cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8191-8195
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• 2014

Background: Around 200,000 breast disorders are annually diagnosed all over the world. Fibrocystic changes are the most common breast disorder and fibroadenoma is the most prevalent benign breast tumor. The present study aimed to determine the spectrum, type and prevalence of breast masses in women referred to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences between 2004 and 2012. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on the diagnostic reports data. Results: A total of 640 samples were studied. Most 57.3% of masses were detected in the left breast, 65%, 28.2% and 6.1% of cases presenting with benign, malignant, and inflammatory lesions, respectively. Among all the samples the most prevalent diagnosis (37.7%) was fibroadenoma and fibrocystic lesions (17%). 174 samples (96% of the malignant cases) were invasive. 6.5% of the benign, and 37% of the malignant cases occurred in post menopause women and the differences were statistically significant. Among those with malignant tumors lymph nodes were involved in 25.6% of menopausal women and 44.2% of non-menopausal ones, and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusions: Regular clinical breast examination beside mammographic follow-ups, especially during menopause, should be carried out as a priority and a national organized program should be designed for screening breast disorders.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.20-30
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• 2020

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of H Gambitang (GB-001) on body composition and basal metabolic rate in pre- and post-menopausal obese woman retrospectively. Methods: The study was conducted on 57 middle-aged obese women. They were divided into two groups; pre-menopausal obesity group (Pr-MOG; n=34) and post-menopausal obesity group (Po-MOG; amenorrhea was continued to 14~48 month, n=23) with no significant difference of age, height, body weight and body mass index. All subjects took herbal medicine 3 times a day, for 6 weeks during treatment period. The weight, height, body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate of all subjects were measured on first visit. The following measurements were repeated after 2 weeks (2nd), 4 weeks (3rd) and 6 weeks (4th) with Inbody 370 (Biospace) equipment to identify changes of body fat mass, skeletal muscle mass, and basal metabolic rate. Results are represented as mean and standard deviation. Results: Po-MOG showed significantly lower decrease rate in weight reduction on 2~6 weeks while significantly higher decrease rate in skeletal muscle reduction on 4~6 weeks. There were no significant differences between two groups in body fat reduction rate and basal metabolic increasing rate. Conclusions: H Gambitang (GB-001) can be used not only in Pr-MOG but in Po-MOG in weight loss although the effect can be lower in Po-MOG. To prevent skeletal muscle mass loss in Po-MOG, following study on adjusting dose and components of H Gambitang (GB-001) thought to be necessary.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.248-261
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• 2021

The purpose of this study is that the blood nutrient indicator in adult women, is the depressive indicator. This study recruited 77 pre-menopausal women, and excluding missing values, 53 (mean age 44.2±6.5 years) blood indexes were statistically confirmed and then analyzed the effect of indexes on the Beck Depression Inventory. The Beck's Depression Inventory(BDI)'s average of the study subjects was 7.6±7.2, and most of the depression symptoms were within the normal range. Only two women were very serious and other two women were serious state. As a result of this study, 21 questions of BDI was classified into 5 sub-factors. Of these, 2 factors were considered physical depression, 1 factor was mood depression, 1 factor was cognitive depression, and 1 factor undecided. As a result of the correlation analysis, triglyceride, LDL(low density lipoprotein) cholesterol and potassium showed statistically significant positive relationship with depressive factors. On the other hand, HDL(high density lipoprotein) cholesterol, sodium and chloride ions showed negative relationship with depressive factors. When multiple regression analysis was performed. Considering the depression factors was dependent variable, and triglyceride, cholesterol, blood sugar, and ketone bodies was considered as independent variables. HDL(high density lipoprotein) cholesterol had a statistically significant negative effect on the depression factor 3. Considering the depression factors was dependent variable, and minerals were considered as independent variables. Potassium had a positive effect, and chloride ions had a negative effect on the depressive factor 3. This study was limited to 77 pre-menopausal women. In the future, post-menopausal women, men, and clinical neurological disorders group will be possible.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.758-771
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• 1996

This study attempted to define reference data for the distribution of vitamin d status and to explore the relationship between vitamin D status and related biochemical indices in Korean women. The vitamin D status of 179 Korean women aged from 20 to 75 years was analyzed by using HPLC(High Pressure Liquid Chromatography). Related biochemical indices such as iPTH, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, albumin, Ca, Mg and P were also measured. The mean serum level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were s25.8ng/ml and 89.8pg/ml, respectively. Low 25-hydroxyvitamin D (<25nmol/L) was found in 29 subjects(16.5%). There was a significantly progressive decrease in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D with increasing age(p<0.05). After in their, there was a dramatical reduction in 25-hydroxyvitamin D(p<0.05). It was also significant in post-menopasusal women compared with pre-menopausal women(p<0.000). Serum alkaline phosphatase levels increased significantly with age(p<0.001). Whereas serum calcium and phosphorus levels remained constant with age. Serum 250-hydroxyvitamin D was invesely related to iPTH (p<0.05) and alkaline phophatase (p<0.001).

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2945-2948
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• 2013

Background: Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is the major cause of mammary tumors in mice. There is limited controversial evidence about the probable etiologic role of MMTV- like virus in human breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 Formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples with diagnosis of breast cancer were collected in a period of 3 years from cancer institute of Iran. We selected both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal patients with different histologic grades and different ethnic groups. We evaluated presence of MMTV-like virus env gene through real time PCR method. Results: Forty patients (20 pre and 20 postmenopausal women) were evaluated with the mean age of 49.67. The average tumor size was 39 mm. None of the studied samples were positive for MMTV-like virus env gene target sequences. Conclusions: We found no evidence on the potential role of MMTV-like virus in the carcinogenicity of breast cancer among Iranian women.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.2929-2932
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• 2014

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic performances of risk of malignancy index (RMI), CA-125 and ultrasound score in differentiating between benign and borderline or malignant ovarian tumors and find the best diagnostic test for referral of suspected malignant ovarian cases to gynaecologic oncologists. Materials and Methods: This prospective study covered 467 women with pelvic tumors scheduled for surgery at our hospital between July 2011 and July 2013. The RMI was obtained from ultrasound score, CA125 and menopausal status. The diagnostic values of each parameter and the RMI were determined and compared using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences Version 14.0.1. Results: In our study, 61% of ovarian tumors were malignant in the post-menopausal age group. RMI with a cut-off 150 had sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 97% in detecting ovarian cancer. CA-125>30 had a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 83%. An ultrasound score more than 2 had a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 81%. RMI had the least false malignant cases thus avoiding unnecessary laparotomies. Ultrasound when used individually had the best sensitivity but poor specificity. Conclusions: Our study has demonstrated the RMI to be an easy, simple and applicable method in the primary evaluation of patients with pelvic masses. It can be used to refer suspected malignant patients to be operated by a gynaecologic oncologist. Other models of preoperative evaluation should be developed to improve the detection of early stage invasive, borderline and non-epithelial ovarian cancers.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.247-261
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to figure out related factors to the self-reported climacteric symptoms and the relationship among the health promoting behaviors, climacteric symptoms and degree of Sanhujori, the Korean traditional postpartal care. A cross-sectional survey design was employed in this study. The subjects were 108 middle-aged women who were non-hystrectomized and ranged in age from 40 to 60 years. They were selected in seoul and Kyoung-ki province, Korea, Data were collected from Oct.25 Nov. 10, 1997 by a structured questionnaire. The instruments used for this study were the revised health Promotion Lifestyle(HPLP) developed by Walker, Sechrist & Pender, and revised Climacteric Symptoms Scale developed by Chi, Sung Ai. the data were analyzed by the SPSS/$PC^+$ program using t-test, ANOVA and Scheffe test as a post hoc and Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The results of the study were as follows ; 1. The mean score of health promoting behaviors was low($2.42{\pm}0.35$). There were statistically significant differences in the score of health promoting behaviors according to the educational background, family income, marital satisfaction, whether or not taking a restorative food and degree of Sanhujori, especially the period (t=-2.07, F=2.60~7.57, p<0.05). 2. The mean score of score self-reported climacteric symptoms was 1.69%;99% of middle-aged women had symptoms. There were statically significant differences in the score of middle -aged women's self-reported climacteric symptoms according to the age, number of children, educational background, occupation, family income, marital satisfaction, whether or not receiving hormon replacement therapy (HRT) or consultation by a professional, perceived health status and self evaluation of Sanhujori(t=-2.04~3.69, F=2.87~11.63, p<0.05). 3. women's degree of Sanhujori was a positive correlation with health promoting behaviors(r=0.34, p=0.00) and negative correlation with the degree of self-reported climacteric symptoms(r=-0.19,p=0.03). 4. The influencing factors to the climacteric symptoms were self actualization, interpersonal support, and perceived health status among the health promoting behaviors with 57% of variance($R^2$=0.57). 5. The middle-aged women's type of coping pattern for the climacteric symptoms was classified as active behavioral coping, spiritual & psychological coping, and negative coping. In conclusion, to intervene the middle aged women's climacteric symptoms and develop nursing strategies for their health, health promoting behavior, especially ; self actualization, interpersonal support, and perceived health status should be considered. And, as the primary prevention strategy for women's health during the period of childbearing and also middle age, especially for the climacteric symptoms, Sanhujori should be reconsidered.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.414-430
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• 1998

The main purpose of this study was to provide understanding of the meaning of post menopausal womens' lived body changing experience. The methodological approach was guided by Van Manen's hermeneutic phenomenological methodology : inquiring and investigating experience as it was lived rather than as conceptualized : reflecting and analyzing the essential themes which characterize the phenomenon : and describing the phenomenon through the art of writing and rewriting. Multiple strategies for data collecting were used ; in depth face-to-face interview ; analysis of womens' writings : artistic work : and analysis of examples of phenomenon in art, literature, and drama. Although the experience was different for all of the women interviewed, essential themes of experience emerged ; Drifting through the years (solitude, in the twilight of life, loneliness, change of taste, forgetfulness, the sense of missing something), A walking weather forecast, Standing on the threshold of losing ki energy, Lately taking care of my body, Seized with fear all of a sudden, Keenly feeling the preciousness of life, Preferring comfortableness to prettiness, Wanting to recall my past years, A strong impulse to rechallenge life, Becoming more fond of friends. Findings from the artistic and creative inquiry further validated the interview findings and the meaning discovered. The study illuminated meaning and simultaneously validated the phenomenological research process. Essential themes for understanding women's experience, implications for education, research, and practice, direction and need for continuing inquiry were identified.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.5-11
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• 2010

The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze the bone mineral content of women who went through osteoporotic menopause and that of women who are healthy. For the purpose, this researcher sampled some women and divided them into three groups. Group 1 consisted of women who were pre-menopausal and healthy, group 2, women who were post-menopausal and health and group 3, women who went through osteoporotic menopause. The researcher measured the bone density of all the subjects and compared its difference among the three groups. Then the researcher compared and analyzed the influences of bone density on the spine among women of each group or those of all the groups. Among all regions of the spine, that of most region was spongiosa which was ovally shaped. The researcher measured the bone mineral content of spongiosa which existed in a particular section of the spine between T12 and L4. Findings of the study can be summarized as follows. The older women were, the lower their bone density was. Especially, women who had osteoporosis were significantly lower in bone density than those who were healthy. In all women, except those of group 1, bone density more and more lowered as the measured region of the spine gradually moved from T12 to L4. From a statistical view, the bone density of the entire vertebral body could discriminate the groups 1, 2 and 3. But it was not possible to discriminate between the groups 2 and 3 only with the bone density of the most interested region as mentioned above.