• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권12호
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• pp.7517-7522
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• 2013

Background: Cancer incidence rates are increasing particularly in developing countries. It is crucial for policy makers to know basic cancer epidemiology in each region to design comprehensive prevention plans. There have hitherto been no population-based data available for cancer in Khuzestan province. The present report is a first from the regional population-based cancer registry for the period of 2002-2009. Materials and Methods: Data were collected retrospectively reviewing all new cancer patients whom were registered in Khuzestan province cancer registry during an 8-year period (2002-2009). All cases were coded based on the ICD-O-3 coding system and collected data were computerized using SPSS (Chicago, IL) software, version 11.5. The age standardized incidence rates (ASRs) per 100,000 person-year for all cancers were computed using the indirect method of standardization to the world population. Results: During the 8-year study period, 16,801 new cancer cases were registered. Based on the computed ASRs, the five most frequent malignancies in females were breast (26.4 per 100,000), skin (13.6), colorectal (5.72), stomach (4.31) and bladder(4.07) and in males, the five most frequent were skin (16.0 per 100,000), bladder (10.7),prostate (7.64), stomach (7.17), and colorectal (6.32).The ASR for all malignancies in women was 92.5 per 100,000, and that for men was 87.4. Conclusions: The observed patterns from the analysis of Khuzestan cancer registry data will lead to better understanding of the epidemiology of various malignancies in this part ofthe country and consequently provide a useful guide for authorities to make efficacious decisions and policies about a cancer control program for south-west Iran.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• 제9권6호
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• pp.606-612
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• 2015

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Several medicinal properties of Smilax china L. have been studied including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer effects. However, the antiobesity activity and mechanism by which the water-soluble fraction of this plant mediates its effects are not clear. In the present study, we investigated the lipolytic actions of the water-soluble fraction of Smilax china L. leaf ethanol extract (wsSCLE) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. MATERIALS/METHODS: The wsSCLE was identified by measuring the total polyphenol and flavonoid content. The wsSCLE was evaluated for its effects on cell viability, lipid accumulation, glycerol, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) contents. In addition, western blot analysis was used to evaluate the effects on protein kinase A (PKA), PKA substrates (PKAs), and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL). For the lipid accumulation assay, 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated with different doses of wsSCLE for 9 days starting 2 days post-confluence. In other cell experiments, mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes were treated for 24 h with wsSCLE. RESULTS: Results showed that treatment with wsSCLE at 0.05, 0.1, and 0.25 mg/mL had no effect on cell morphology and viability. Without evidence of toxicity, wsSCLE treatment decreased lipid accumulation compared with the untreated adipocyte controls as shown by the lower absorbance of Oil Red O stain. The wsSCLE significantly induced glycerol release and cAMP production in mature 3T3-L1 cells. Furthermore, protein levels of phosphorylated PKA, PKAs, and HSL significantly increased following wsSCLE treatment. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the potential antiobesity activity of wsSCLE is at least in part due to the stimulation of cAMP-PKA-HSL signaling. In addition, the wsSCLE-stimulated lipolysis induced by the signaling is mediated via activation of the ${\beta}$-adrenergic receptor.

• 한국전통조경학회지
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• 제32권2호
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• pp.159-166
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• 2014

본 연구는 미국의 대표적인 여류 조경가인 비트릭스 파란드의 덤바튼 오크의 정원분석을 통하여, 파란드의 작품경향 및 미국 1900년대 초의 신고전주의 양식의 특성을 파악하는 것을 목적으로 하였다. 분석 결과, 덤바튼 오크는 유럽의 고전주의 양식의 무조건적인 모방이 아닌, 아트 앤 크래프트의 기본철학을 배경으로 미국의 지역적 특성과 주변환경 및 문화에 맞게 해석하고 적용된 성공적인 사례라고 할 수 있다. 덤바튼 오크의 분석을 통해 도출한 미국 후기 신고전주의 양식의 특성은 다음과 같이 요약할 수 있다. 첫째, 여러 개의 가든룸이 연속적으로 이어진 정원공간은 다양한 지면의 높이를 갖는 테라스로 구성되어 있으며, 자연적 지형을 최대한 이용하였다. 둘째, 정형성과 비정형성의 공존, 대칭 및 의도적인 비대칭의 조화이다. 셋째, 식재선택 및 재식방법에 있어서도 유럽 고전주의 양식과 영국의 아트 앤 크래프트 양식이 공존하며, 공간구성 및 형태와 조화되도록 하였다.

• 한국조경학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.63-69
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• 2002

The Second Namsan Tunnel required renovation. The landscape design was conducted as part of the comprehensive programs for renovation. The landscape design covered site analysis, design development, a working drawing and a maintenance plan. In May of 2001, the Second Namsan Tunnel was renovated and reopened to traffic. The tunnel was recreated as a new type of tunnel with function and beauty. The entrance and retaining wall of the tunnel has public character. Users are greatly affected by the entrance and retaining walls along roads. The landscape architect had to find new materials and methods to improve the environment and to combine artwork with the entrance and walls of the tunnel. The surface of the tunnel entrance and retaining walls are artistically treated with ceramic tiles and paint. Various regional characteristics and cultural meaning are symbolically expressed. Or the tunnel entrance from the Joong-gu side, entitled "Glory of the Future", the hibiscus symbolizes the bright and glorious future of Korea. On the retaining walls, entitled "Hope", the promising Joong-gu is symbolized through image of Korean magpies, mountains, rocks, roses, winds and nature. As for the tunnel entrance from the Yongsan-gu side, entitled "Vivid Spirit", pine trees symbolize the Koreans′strong will and an enterprising spirit. On the retaining walls, entitled "Lively Motions", Yongsan-gu is symbolized through image of pigeons, mountains, rocks, roses, winds and clear skys. The entrance and retaining wall of the Second Namsan Tunnel, whose surfaces are treated with tiles and paint with artistic value, would create an atmosphere using large-scale wall paintings. In this artwork, users would perceive a unique sense of place through the symbolic images of the vertical planes of the tunnel.

• Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Materials
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• 제16권5호
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• pp.260-263
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• 2015

Epoxy/micro-sized alumina composite was prepared and the effects of alumina content on the electrical and mechanical properties were investigated in order to develop an insulation material for gas insulated switchgear (GIS). Nano-sized alumina (average particle size: 30 μm) was also incorporated into the epoxy/micro-sized alumina composite. An electrical insulation breakdown strength test was carried out in sphere-sphere electrodes and the data were estimated by Weibull statistical analysis. Tensile strength was measured at a crosshead speed of 10 mm/min using a universal testing machine. Alumina content was varied from 0 wt% to 70 wt%.). As micro-sized alumina content increased, insulation breakdown strength increased until 40 wt% alumina content and decreased after that content. The tensile strength of a neat epoxy system was 82.2 MPa and that value for 60 wt% alumina content was 91.8 MPa, which was 111.7% higher than inthe neat epoxy system. The insulation breakdown strength of micro-sized alumina (60 wt%)/nano-sized alumina (1 phr) glycerol diglycidyl ether (GDE) (1 phr) composite was 54.2 MPa, which was 116% higher than the strength of the system without nano-sized alumina.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제32권3호
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• pp.132-137
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• 2014

Purpose: To evaluate non-sentinel lymph node (LN) status after sentinel lymph node biopsy (SNB) in patients with breast cancer and to identify the predictive factors for disease failure. Materials and Methods: From January 2006 to December 2007, axillary lymph node (ALN) dissection after SNB was performed for patients with primary invasive breast cancer who had no clinical evidence of LN metastasis. A total of 320 patients were treated with breast-conserving surgery and radiotherapy. Results: The median age of patients was 48 years, and the median follow-up time was 72.8 months. Close resection margin (RM) was observed in 13 patients. The median number of dissected SNB was two, and that of total retrieved ALNs was 11. Sentinel node accuracy was 94.7%, and the overall false negative rate (FNR) was 5.3%. Eleven patients experienced treatment failure. Local recurrence, regional LN recurrence, and distant metastasis were identified in 0.9%, 1.9%, and 2.8% of these patients, respectively. Sentinel LN status were not associated with locoregional recurrence (p > 0.05). Close RM was the only significant factor for disease-free survival (DFS) in univariate and multivariate analysis. The 5-year overall survival, DFS, and locoregional DFS were 100%, 96.8%, and 98.1%, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, SNB was performed with high accuracy and low FNR and high locoregional control was achieved.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• 제31권4호
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• pp.216-221
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• 2013

Purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of short-course hypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) for the palliation of uterine cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients with cancer of the uterine cervix, who underwent palliative hypofractionated 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy between January 2002 and June 2012, were retrospectively analyzed. RT was delivered to symptomatic lesions (both the primary mass and/or metastatic regional lymph nodes). The total dose was 20 to 25 Gy (median, 25 Gy) in 5 Gy daily fractions. Results: The median follow-up duration was 12.2 months (range, 4 to 24 months). The median survival time was 7.8 months (range, 4 to 24 months). Vaginal bleeding was the most common presenting symptom followed by pelvic pain (9 patients). The overall response rates were 93.8% and 66.7% for vaginal bleeding control and pelvic pain, respectively. Nine patients did not have any acute side effects and 7 patients showed minor gastrointestinal toxicity. Only 1 patient had grade 3 diarrhea 1 week after completion of treatment, which was successfully treated conservatively. Late complications occurred in 4 patients; however, none of these were of grade 3 or higher severity. Conclusion: Short-course hypofractionated RT was effective and well tolerated as palliative treatment for uterine cervical cancer.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• 제19권5호
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• pp.112-123
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• 2002

Background and Objective : The evaluation of facial nerve function is a complex procedure. The House-Brackmann facial nerve grading system(H-B grade)and the Yanagihara grading system(Y-system) have been recommended as universal standards for assessing the degree of facial nerve palsy. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Y-system and H-B system and to know the advantages of each system for each stage of incomplete recovery or sequelae of facial paralysis. Materials and Methods : A comparison between H-B grade and Y-system was studied with 137 evaluations of 61 cases of incomplete recovery or sequelae of peripheral facial paralysis. Each case was graded by using H-B system as a gross system and Y-system as a regional system before treatment, after 12 weeks and 6 months Results and Conclusions : The range of score in the Y-system 0-6, 8-16, 14-22, 24-34, 32-38, 38-40 were matched with grade VI, V, IV, III, II and I in the H-B system. The percentage of H-B grade III was the greatest among 137 evaluations and y-system showed the greatest score range. H-B system is easy to use but Y-system is more objective, quantitative and convenient to use in the incomplete recovery or sequelae state.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권7호
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• pp.2903-2908
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• 2015

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the eighth most common cancer as estimated from worldwide data. The incidence of HNC in Peninsular Malaysia was reported as 8.5 per 100,000 population. This study was aimed to determine the treatment outcomes for HNC patients treated in the Oncology Unit of University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). Materials and Methods: All newly diagnosed patients with squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC) referred for treatment to the Oncology Unit at UMMC from 2003-2010 were retrospectively analyzed. Treatment outcomes were 5-year overall survival (OS), cause specific survival (CSS), loco-regional control (LRC) and radiotherapy (RT) related side effects. Kaplan-Meier and log rank analyses were used to determine survival outcomes, stratified according to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage. Results: A total of 130 cases were analysed. Most cases (81.5%) were at late stage (AJCC III-IVB) at presentation. The 5-year OS for the whole study population was 34.4% with a median follow up of 24 months. The 5-year OS according to AJCC stage was 100%, 48.2%, 41.4% and 22.0% for stage I, II, III and IVA-B, respectively. The 5-year overall CSS and LCR were 45.4% and 55.4%, respectively. Late effects of RT were documented in 41.4% of patients. The most common late effect was xerostomia. Conclusions: The treatment outcome of HNSCC at our centre is lagging behind those of developed nations. Efforts to increase the number of patients presenting in earlier stages, increase in the use of combined modality treatment, especially concurrent chemoradiotherapy and implementation of intensity modulated radiotherapy, may lead to better outcomes for our HNC patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권11호
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• pp.4715-4718
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• 2015

Background: Patient delay can contribute to a poor outcome in the management of head and neck cancers (HNC). The main objective of the present study was to investigate the factors associated with patient delay in our population. Materials and Methods: Patients with cancers of the head and neck attending a regional cancer center of North East India were consecutively interviewed during the period from June 2014 to November 2014. The participation of patients was voluntary. The questionnaire included information on age, gender, residential status, educational qualification, monthly family income, any family history of cancer, and history of prior awareness on cancer from television (TV) program and awareness program. Results: Of 311 (n) patients, with an age range of 14-88 years (mean 55.4 years), 81.7% were males and 18.3% females (M:F=4.4). The overall median delay was 90 days (range=7 days-365 days), in illiterate patients the median delay was 90 days and 60 days in literate patients (P=0.002), the median delay in patients who had watched cancer awareness program on TV was 60 days and in patients who were unaware about cancer information from TV program had a median delay of 90 days (p=0.00021) and delay of <10 weeks was seen in 139 (44.6%) patients, a delay of 10-20 weeks in 98 (31.5%) patients, and a delay of 20-30 weeks in 63 (20.2%) patients. Conclusions: Education and awareness had a significant impact in reduction of median patient delay in our HNC cases.