• Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursing
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• v.6 no.3
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• pp.583-596
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of self-care of abdominal surgery patients in surgical intensive care unit after offering preoperative nursing information. This study worked out nonequivalant control group post test only design as suspected experimental study. This subjects of the study were 45 patients, 23 in experimental group and 22 in control group. This study was carried at a university hospital in Taegu between January 12, 1999 and March 13, 1999. The experimental group was supplied with preoperative nursing information and the control group received routine care in ICU. The measuring tools of this study were assessment of the self-care role behavior. The data were analyzed by SPSS computer program, $x^2-test$ and t-test and ANOVA were utilized for testing the difference between the experimental and the control group. The hypothesis was examined by t-test. The result of this study are summarized as follows ; 1) The hypothesis, 'The experimental group will show a higher level of self-care than the control group' was accepted(t=-8.958, p=.000). 2) We could not find any meaningful relation about general characteristics and disease associated characteristics between the experimental and the control group. 3) The self-care behavior scores according to the general characteristics and disease associated characteristics show significant statistical difference by economics status (p=.033). 4) The rate of self-care behavior scores of each questionnaire are below average in the questions that request active activity to prevent postoperative complications From the result of this study, the self-care of the experimental group was higher than those of the control group, and the nursing information can be regarded as an effective nursing intervention for preoperative patients.

• Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.1263-1274
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• 2013

VaR (value at risk), which represents the expectation of the worst loss that may occur over a period of time within a given level of confidence, is currently used by various financial institutions for the purpose of risk management. In the majority of previous studies, the probability of return has been modeled with normal distribution. Recently Chen et al. (2010) measured VaR with asymmetric Laplacian distribution. However, it is difficult to estimate the mode, the skewness, and the degree of variance that determine the shape of an asymmetric Laplacian distribution with limited data in the real-world market. In this paper, we show that the VaR estimated with (symmetric) Laplacian distribution model provides more accuracy than those with normal distribution model or asymmetric Laplacian distribution model with real world stock market data and with various statistical measures.

• Women's Health Nursing
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• v.7 no.4
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• pp.631-641
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• 2001

This study is to investigate women have pre menstruation discomfort, The period of this research was almost one month (from 25, August 2001 to 25, October 2001). The PAF (Premenstrual assessment form), which was made by Park, Myonng-Wha, used for this study. The confidence rate is Crombach's $\alpha$= .9773. Correcting research papers are analyzed by SPSS 7.5 program and normal feature of the subject is divided by frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA. The results of this study are as follows; 1. The average age of the subjects is 26.47 age. 220 subjects(44.6%) have gastroenteric trouble like, enteritis, stomachache, laxity. 278 subjects usually have caffeine drink in routine life. 123 subjects(24.9%) have controlled their diet. The average age of the first plowing is 13.55 ages and distribution is between 10 years and 20 years. The average of the uncomfortable point is 2.84. The way to reduce the uncomfortable feeling on the menstruation is taking relax time. 2. All subjects have experienced pre menstruation discomfort, even the degree uncomfortable feeling is different. Through eighteenth categories on the research papers, average point 2.21 were calculated and many subjects have fatigue ($2.89{\pm}1.0614$) and normal physical uncomfortable ($2.84{\pm}1.0633$) and undercurrent water symptom and unsuitability ($2.45{\pm}0.9857$). 3. According to the result of this study, that shows statistical difference; age (F=2.56. p=.037). marriage (t=2.60, p=.009) the number of children(t=2.83, p=.005), stress level(F=13.03, p=.000) job(F=3.91, p=.020). monthly income(t=2.14. p=.032) uncomfortable degree on the menstruation (F=19.121, p=.000), use of contraceptive appliance or pill(t=-2.20, p=.043), schooling (F=3.30, p=.038). Further research is need to understand pie menstruation discomforts, the variables associated with them. And nursing intervention has to considered in program to reduces of pre-menstruation discomforts.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5573-5578
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• 2015

Background: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to compare the post-recurrence survival with hepatic re-resection versus transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after initial resection. Materials and Methods: All relevant papers were searched via PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model. Subgroup analysis was performed according to country. Sensitivity analysis was performed in studies which clearly reported the recurrent regions, in moderate/high-quality studies, in studies published in full-text form, and in studies published after 2005. Results: In total, twelve papers were included in our study. Five and seven of them were of moderate- and poor-quality, respectively. The overall meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significantly higher post-recurrence survival in the hepatic re-resection group than in those undergoing TACE (HR=0.64, 95%CI=0.52-0.79, P<0.0001). Heterogeneity was statistically significant and statistical significance remained in the subgroup analysis. Sensitivity analyses were also consistent with the overall analysis. Conclusions: Hepatic re-resection might provide a better post-recurrence survival than TACE for recurrent HCC after initial resection. However, considering the low quality of published studies and the potential bias of treatment selection, further randomized trials should be warranted to confirm these findings.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.5755-5762
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• 2015

Background: Short-course preoperative radiation (SCRT) with delayed surgery was found to increase pathologic complete response (pCR) rates in several trials. However, there was no clear answer on whether SCRT or long-course chemo-radiotherapy (LCRT) is more effective. Therefore we conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SCRT versus LCRT, both with delayed surgery, for treatment of rectal cancer. Materials and Methods: The literature was searched from PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and clinicaltrials.gov up to November, 2014. Quality of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was evaluated according to the Cochrane's risk of bias tool of RCT. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system was used to rate the level of evidence. Review Manager 5.3 was employed for statistical analysis. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results: Three RCTs, with a total of 357 rectal cancer patients, were included in this systematic review. Metaanalysis results demonstrated there were no significantly differences in sphincter preservation rate, local recurrence rate, grade 3~4 acute toxicity, R0 resection rate and downstaging rate. Compared with SCRT, LCRT was associated with significant increase in the pCR rate [RR=0.49, 95%CI (0.31, 0.78), P=0.003]. Conclusions: In terms of sphincter preservation rate, local recurrence rate, grade 3~4 acute toxicity, R0 resection rate and downstaging rate, SCRT with delayed surgery is as effective as LCRT with delayed surgery for management of rectal cancer. LCRT significantly increased pCR rate compared with SCRT. Due to risk of bias and imprecision, further multi-center large sample RCTs were needed to confirm this conclusion.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.5
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• pp.2179-2183
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• 2014

Background: In vitro, in vivo and clinical studies have demonstrated anti-cancer effects of deuterium depleted water (DDW). The nature of this agents action, cytotoxic or cytostatic, remains to be elucidated. We here aimed to address the point by examining effects on different cell lines. Materials and Methods: 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) -based cytotoxicity analysis was conducted for human breast, stomach, colon, prostate cancer and glioblastoma multiforme cell lines as well as human dermal fibroblasts. The cell lines were treated with decreasing deuterium concentrations of DDW alone, paclitaxel alone and both. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Treatment with different deuterium concentrations of DDW alone did not impose any significant inhibitory effects on growth of cell lines. Paclitaxel significantly decreased the survival fractions of all cell lines. DDW augmented paclitaxel inhibitory effects on breast, prostate, stomach cancer and glioblastoma cell lines, with influence being more pronounced in breast and prostate cases. Conclusions: DDW per se does not appear to have inhibitory effects on the assessed tumor cell lines as well as normal fibroblasts. As an adjuvant, however, DDW augmented inhibitory effects of paclitaxel and thus it could be considered as an adjuvant to conventional anticancer agents in future trials.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4779-4783
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• 2013

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the baseline white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, basophil, eosinophil count, total prostate-specific antigen (TPSA), free PSA (FPSA) level, neutrophilto- lymphocyte and neutrophil-to-monocyte ratios among patients with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), as well as healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: 2005-2012 laboratory files of 160 patients with prostate cancer at Kayseri Training and Research Hospital, Oncology Outpatient Clinic, 285 patients who were pathologically diagnosed with BPH in Urology Outpatient Clinic and 200 healthy individuals who were admitted to Internal Medicine Outpatient Clinic were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, basophil, eosinophil count, TPSA, FPSA level, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio were recorded and compared across groups. Results: Patients with prostate cancer had a lower lymphocyte level compared to the patients with BPH and healthy controls (p<0.001). The mean monocyte count, leukocyte-to-monocyte ratio, and leukocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio were higher in patients with prostate cancer, but without significance. The mean WBC and leukocyte count were lower in patients with prostate cancer, but again without statistical significance (p=0.130). The mean TPSA and FPSA were 39.4 and 5.67, respectively in patients with prostate cancer, while they were 5.78 and 1.28 in patients with BPH. There was a significant difference in the mean TPSA and FPSA levels between the patient groups (p<0.001). Conclusions: Our study results showed that patients with prostate cancer had a lower level of lymphocytes, neutrophils and WBCs and a higher level of monocytes with a significant difference in lymphocyte count, compared to healthy controls. We suggest that lymphocyte count may be used in combination with other parameters in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, thanks to its ease of assessment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4693-4697
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• 2013

Background: Malignant transformation arising in mature cystic teratoma (MCT) is one of the most serious complications of MCT. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common malignant change. Some clinical findings such as advanced age group and large tumor size are significant risk factors of malignant transformation. This study was conducted in order to evaluate characteristics, cell types, treatment and outcome of malignant transformation arising from dermoid cysts in our institution. Materials and Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed. General characteristics, operative data, procedure, operative finding and operative outcome were analyzed. Statistical assessment was performed with SPSS version 17.0, using mean, mode, median and percentage to describe those data. Results: During the 10 years period, 11 cases of malignant transformation from a total of 753 cases (1.46% incidence) of MCT were reviewed. Mean age of the patients was 41.2 years (SD 4.34, range 24-70). The most common presenting symptom was a palpable mass (8 cases; 72.7%). Primary surgical staging was performed in 4 patients (36.4%). Re-staging was conducted in the other 4. Complete cytoreduction was obtained in 45.5% (5 cases) and optimal surgical resection was obtained in 36.4% (4 cases). Mean tumor size was 14.1 cm. (SD 1.55, range 6-20). Squamous cell carcinoma was found in 36.4% (4 cases) and mucinous cancer in the other 4. More than half of them were stage Ia (54.5%, 6 cases). All patients whose stage more than Ia received chemotherapy (45.5%). Mean disease free survival was 5.53 years (1.32, 0.3-10). Conclusion: According to our study, the incidence of malignant transformation was consistent with previous studies. The common malignant transformation histologic types are both squamous and mucinous carcinoma which differed from previous reports. Early detection for early stage disease and optimal surgery are important for long term survival.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1553-1558
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• 2015

Background: COX-2 has been shown to play an important role in the development of breast cancer and increased expression has been mooted as a poor prognostic factor. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between COX-2 immunohistochemical expression and known predictive and prognostic factors in breast cancer in a routine diagnostic histopathology setting. Materials and Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissue of 144 no special type (NST) invasive breast carcinomas histologically diagnosed between January 2009 and December 2012 in Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah, Alor Setar, Kedah were immunostained with COX-2 antibody. COX-2 overexpression was analysed against demographic data, hormone receptor status, HER2-neu overexpression, histological grade, tumour size and lymph node status. Results: COX-2 was overexpressed in 108/144 (75%) tumours and was significantly more prevalent (87%) in hormone receptor-positive tumours. There was no correlation between COX-2 overexpression and HER2/neu status. Triple negative cancers had the lowest prevalence (46%) (p<0.05). A rising trend of COX-2 overexpression with increasing age was observed. There was a significant inverse relationship with tumour grade (p<0.05), prevalences being 94%, 83% and 66% in grades 1, 2 and 3 tumours, respectively. A higher prevalence of COX-2 overexpression in smaller size tumours was observed but this did not reach statistical significance. There was no relationship between COX-2 expression and lymph node status. Conclusions: This study did not support the generally held notion that COX-2 overexpression is linked to poor prognosis, rather supporting a role in tumorigenesis. Larger scale studies with outcome data and basic studies on cancer pathogenetic pathways will be required to cast further light on whether COX-2 inhibitors would have clinical utility in cancer prevention or blockage of cancer progression. In either setting, the pathological assessment for COX-2 overexpression in breast cancers would have an important role in the selection of cancer patients for personalized therapy with COX-2 inhibitors.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3389-3393
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• 2015

Background: Chronic inflammation could affect the occurrence and development of malignant tumors. To explore the levels of tumor necrosis factor ${\alpha}$ (TNF-${\alpha}$) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients accompanied by impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and their clinical significance. Materials and Methods: A total of 210 patients hospitalized in Affiliated Hospital of Taishan Medical University from Jun., 2013 to Dec., 2014 were selected, in which 92 cases were accompanied by IGT. Meanwhile, 80 randomly-selected healthy people by physical examination were as the control. The levels of routine biochemical indexes, plasma TNF-${\alpha}$ and CRP in all subjects were measured. Results: Both systolic and diastolic pressures in hypertension group and hypertension plus IGT group were significantly higher than in control group (p<0.01), but there was no statistical significance between these two groups (p>0.05). The levels of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and blood glucose 2 h after taking glucose in hypertension plus IGT group were markedly higher than other groups (p<0.01). Homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), TNF-${\alpha}$ and CRP contents were on the progressive increase in control, hypertension and hypertension plus IGT groups, but significant differences were presented among each group (P<0.01). Hypertension accompanied by IGT had a significantly-positive association with CRP, TNF-${\alpha}$, FPG and blood glucose 2h after taking glucose. Conclusions: The levels of plasma TNF-${\alpha}$ and CPR in patients with hypertension accompanied by IGT increase significantly, indicating that inflammatory reaction in these patient increases, thus suggesting that these patients should be focused regarding cancer prevention.