• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.66 no.2
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• pp.110-115
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• 2009

Background: A forceps-biopsy is performed to acquire tissue from patients with an endobronchial carcinoma using a flexible bronchoscope. Recently, a cryo-biopsy has also been used to acquire tissue samples. Cryo-biopsy is the diagnostic application of extreme cold for the local destruction of abnormal living tissue. This technique is safe, with no radiation danger, no risk of electrical accidents, and a little risk of bleeding. This study compared a forceps-biopsy with a cryo-biopsy using a flexible bronchoscope, and examined the chemosensitivity and level of VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) in the specimens obtained from the cryo-biopsy. Methods: We present a prospective study of 30 consecutive patients who underwent a forceps-biopsy between January 2007 and October 2007 with a mean age of 62.1 years and a male:female ratio of 5 : 1. A flexible bronchoscope was inserted to the area of the abnormal lesions, and a cryo-probe was then applied through the working channel of the flexible bronchoscope. A temperature of approximately -h80 was delivered to the tumor site for 8 seconds. The cryo-biopsy was performed after destroying the tumor mass. Results: The mean size of the tissue from the forceps-biopsy and cryo-biopsy were 2.0${\pm}$1.2 mm and 6.0${\pm}$3.0 mm. A chemosensitivity test was performed on 5 specimens obtained using cryo-biopsy and the level of VEGF was examined in 2 specimens obtained from a cryo-biopsy. There were no side effects in either group. Conclusion: Cryo-biopsy using a flexible bronchoscope is a safe and effective technique for acquiring tissue samples.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.82-87
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• 2007

Purpose: In gastric cancer patients with gastric outlet obstruction, there are several complications such as malnutrition and vomiting. Palliative enteral stenting is a less invasive procedure as compared with a gastrojejunostomy. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a significant difference between patients that undergone palliative enteral slanting and patients that had received a bypass gastrojejunostomy. Materials and Methods: One hundred patients underwent palliative entering stenting and 3f patients were subjected to a surgical bypass gastrojejunostomy. We reviewed the medical records of the patients with gastric outlet obstruction secondary to far advanced gastric cancer that were diagnosed using a gastrofibroscope, UGI and abdominal CT, and were admitted to our institution between January 2000 and August 2006. The outcome of stent placement for gastric outlet obstruction was compared with palliative gastrojejunostomy during the same period. We excluded patients with recurrent gastric cancer and double cancer from this study. Results: There were significant differences between the group of patients that underwent slanting and the group of patients that received a gastrojejunostomy regarding the age of patients ($67{\pm}12$ vs. $57{\pm}9$, P<0.001) but not between the sex of the patients (M : F, 2 : 1 vs. 2 :1, P=0.637). The most common complication of stenting was tumor ingrowth (16/100, 16%) and the second most common complication was stent migration (14/100). Failure of the procedure occurred in only three patients. Twenty-three patients underwent re-slanting and one patient required open conversion with a gastrojejunostomy. The median time to the first meal was $4{\pm}2$ days in the stent group of patients and $6{\pm}2$ days in the gastrojejunostomy group of patients (P=0.001). The median postoperative hospital stays were 9 days in the stent group of patients and 15 days in the gastrojejunostomy group of patients (P=0.003). The mean survival periods were 11 months in the stent group of patients and 10 months in the gastrojejunostomy group of patients (P=0.937). Conclusion: There were no significant differences In the mean survival rates. An earlier first meal and a shorter hospitalization stay were found in the slanting group of patients compared to the bypass gastrojejunostomy group of patients. However, re-slanting was a concern due to tumor ingrowth and stent migration.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.691-701
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• 2004

Background: Tissue hypoxia is a characteristic of many human malignant neoplasms, and hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) plays a pivotal role in essential adaptive response to hypoxia, and activates a signal pathway for the expression of the hypoxia-regulated genes, resulting in increased oxygen delivery or facilitating metabolic adaptation to hypoxia. Increased level of HIF-1 a has been reported in many human malignancies, but in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, the influence of HIF-1 a on tumor biology, including neovascularization, is not still defined. Material and Method: The influence of HIF-1 a expression on angiogenic factors, correlation between the tumor proliferation and HIF-1 a expression, interaction of HIF-1 a expression and p53, and correlation between HIF-1 a expression and clinicopathological prognostic parameters were investigated, using immunohistochemical stains for HIF-1 a, VEGF, CD34, p53, and Ki-67 on 77 cases of resected esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Result: HIF-1 a expression in cancer cells was found in 33 of 77 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma cases. The 33 cases (42.9%) showed positive stain for HIF-1 a. High HIF-1 a expression was significantly associated with several pathological parameters, such as histologic grade (p=0.032), pathological TMN stage (p=0.002), the depth of tumor invasion (p=0.022), regional lymph node metastasis (p=0.002), distant metastasis (p=0.049), and lymphatic invasion (p=0.004). High HIF-1 a expression had significant VEGF immunoreactivity (p=0.008) and Ki-67 labeling index (p<0.001), but was not correlated with microvascular density within tumors (p=0.088). The high HIF-1 a expression was correlated with aberrant p53 accumulation with a marginal significance (p=0.056). The overall 5-year survival rate was 34.9%. The survival rate of patients with a high HIF-1 a expression was worse than that of patients with low-expression tumors (log-rank test, p=0.0001). High HIF-1 a expression was independent unfavorable factors although statistical significance is marginal in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: It is suggested that (1) high HIF-1 a expression in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is associated with tumor hypoxia, or with genetic alteration in early carcinogenesis and progressive stages, (2) high HIF-1 a expression may be associated with intratumoral neovascularization through HIF-VEGF pathway, and (3) high HIF-1 a expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and may playa role as biomarker for regional lymph node metastasis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.6
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• pp.582-589
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• 2005

Background : The incidence of lung adenocarcinoma, which is more prevalent in women and nonsmokers, is increasing. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic factors of an adenocarcinoma of the lung. Material and method : The clinical information of patients diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma of the lung at the Kosin University Gospel Hospital from January 1994 to July 2004 was reviewed retrospectively. The survival time of these patients was analyzed by the patient's age, gender, performance status, weight loss, smoking history, location of the primary tumor, clinical stage, serologic tumor markers, and treatment modality. Results : For all 422 patients with an adenocarcinoma of the lung, 247 (58.5%) were male, and their mean age was 59.8 years the. The majority of patients were smokers (58.3%), and the tumors were located in the periphery (59.7%). In the smokers, the tumor was located more in the central airway compared to the non-smokers (42.8% vs. 31.9%, p=0.12). The overall median survival time was 390 days (95% CI;304-436 days). Univariate survival analysis revealed that an older age (${\geq}65$ years old), male, weight loss, smoker, central type, advanced clinical stage, elevated serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA, >5 ng/ml) and neuron specific enolase (NSE, >15 ng/ml), and the supportive care only were significantly poor prognostic factors. The median survival time was shorter in the smokers than nonsmokers (289 days vs. 533 days, p<0.001). In addition, it was also shorter in the elevated NSE group than in the normal range group (207 days vs. 469 days, p<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age, clinical stage, serum NSE, smoking status, and treatment modality were independent predictors of survival (hazard ratios: 1.68, 1.94, 1.92, 2.39 and 1.57, respectively). Conclusions : Smoking is an important prognostic factor in an adenocarcinoma of the lung, but not gender. This suggests that the better prognosis of women is more related with the lower rate of smoking. In addition, the elevated serum NSE is also an important prognostic in an adenocarcinoma of the lung.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.206-214
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• 2002

Purpose : The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness, survival rate and complications of radiation therapy and chemoradiation treatment in hypopharyngeal cancer. Methods and Materials : From January 1984 to December 1999, 56 patients who had hypopharyngeal carcinoma treated with curative radiation therapy were retrospectively studied. Twenty four patients $(42.9\%)$ were treated with radiation therapy alone (Group I) and $32\;(57.1\%)$ treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation (Group II). Total radiation dose ranged from 40.5 to 83. 5 Gy (median 67.9 Gy). Radiotherapy was given with conventional technique in 9 patients $(16.4\%)$, with hyperfractionation I ($1.15\~1.2$ Gy/fr., BID) in 26 $(47.2\%)$, hyperfractionation II (1.35 Gy/fr., BID) in 18 $(32.7\%)$, and accelerated fractionation (1.6 Gy/fr., BID) in 2 $(3.6\%)$. In chemotherapy, 5-FU ($1,000\;mg/m^2$ daily for 5 consecutive days) and cisplatin ($100\;mg/m^2$ on day 1) were administered in a cycle of 3 weeks interval, and a total of 1 to 3 cycles (average 2..3 cycles) were given prior to radiation therapy. Follow up duration was $1\~195$ months (median 28 months). Results : Overall 2 and 5 year survival rates were $40.6\%\;and\;27.6\%;\;50.0\%\;and\;30.0\%$ in Group I, and $36.4\%\;and\;26.3\%$ in Group II, respectively. Complete local control rates in Group I and II were $70.0\%\;and\;67.7\%$, respectively. The response to radiotherapy and nodal stage were statistically significant prognostic factors. The complication rate was increased in Group II and was decreased in hyperfractionation. Conclusion : The response to radiotherapy and nodal stage were valid factors to indicate the degree of control over the hypopharyngeal cancer. The induction cisplatin, 5-Fu chemotherapy was not valid in terms of local control rate and survival rate, but did contribute to an increased complication rate. The use of hyperfractionation was valid to reduce the late radiation complications.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.89-99
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• 2019

In total, 654,362 adult mosquitoes were captured using black light traps in Gangwon-do Province of the Republic of Korea from 2012 to 2017. The collected mosquitoes were identified to the species level, placed in pools of up to 50 mosquitoes each, by species and date of collection, and screened for flaviviruses using a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay. A total of 276,224 adult mosquitoes were grouped in 7,721 pools for virus testing, and 68 flavivirus positive pools (0.9%) were detected. Flavivirus-positive products were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Japanese encephalitis viruses were detected in single pools collected from Chuncheon (2012, 2017: Culex pipiens, 2,728 and 1,111 mosquitoes, respectively), Hoengseong (2013: Culex orientalis, 19), and Gangneung (2017: C. pipiens, 724). All the Japanese encephalitis viruses detected were revealed as genotype V. Chaoyang viruses were detected in 63 pools of 5,055 Aedes vexans nipponii and a single pool of 585 C. pipiens collected in Gangwon-do Province from 2012 to 2017. Chuncheon was the region with the highest minimum infection rates (MIR, 0.32) and maximum likehood estimate (MLE, 0.33; confidence interval (CI) 95%, 0.23-0.46) of A. vexans nipponii for Chaoyang virus, followed by Hoengseong (MIR 0.30, MLE 0.30, CI 0.16-0.52) and Gangneung (MIR 0.21, MLE 0.21, CI 0.13-0.31). Monthly MIR and MLE values of A. vexans nipponii for Chaoyang virus were the highest in October (MIR 0.38, MLE 0.38, CI 0.07-1.25).

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.147-153
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• 2015

Purpose: This study was aimed to investigate the contamination rates of blood culture in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and to examine the clinical characteristics related to the contamination. Methods: Eight hundred thirty cases of blood culture performed from March 2013 to February 2014 were analyzed. We evaluated the contamination rates of blood culture by blood sampling sites and compared the clinical characteristics such as real name system and body weights of the contaminated cases and those of non-contaminated ones. The clinical characteristics were retrospectively reviewed by medical records. Results: The overall contamination rate was 3.6% (30/830). The contamination rates by blood sampling sites were as follows: peripheral vein 15.6% (10/64), peripheral artery 2.6% (20/759), and umbilical arterial catheter 0% (0/7). There was no difference in the contamination rates between cases with and without real name system (P=0.484). However, there were significant differences in the contamination rates by the physicians who performed the culture (P=0.038) and body weight (<1,000 g vs. ${\geq}1,000g$) at the time of blood culture (P<0.001). Conclusions: These results suggest that neonates with a body weight less than 1,000 g have more risks of the contamination of blood culture. Furthermore, there is a necessity to provide blood culture performers with active feedbacks and individualized education plans that can help diminish blood culture contamination rates. Prospective studies in a systematic manner that can be applied in actual clinical settings are needed in order to figure out factors that can diminish the contamination rates of blood culture in NICU.

• Journal of Korean Port Research
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.93-110
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• 1992

The most change in this century is supposed to be declination of ideology, and block of world economy. Addition to down full of cold war atmosphere around Northeast Asia, not only economic and social mood in this region is dramatically changed, but also it gave birth to the block of Northeast economy that accerlated new hub of world economy. According to dramatic change of economic surroundings the dynamic potential of growth in this region will be guided to enlarge inter-regional trade and increase volume of trade, thus suggests to grow steadily transportation. cargos in this region will have to arrange the system of delivery and inner transportation, accessary facilities, inter-regional harbors if North America and EC has connected easily. As have accerlated GATT and UR represented multilateralism and regionalism, it has regulated to increase trades of region due to relief of the trade barrier through specific areas has agreed with separately. The flow of regionalism of world economy has appeared to realize EC and NAFTA centered U.S.A, and also has presented to free trade region or one-size market agreement in Asia as APEC, EAEG in Malaysia, and etc. In defense to this block and internationalism of world economy, Pusan has to come forward to the hub of Northeast others has proposed a project to dominate the Northeast, Economy Association Agreement as Far East comprehensive development project in USSR, Hunchun development project in NK, and East Sea development project in PRC, Niigate regional development in Japan, Duman River development project in NK, and East Sea development project in Korea. As this exercise has proceed, Pusan also have arranged development strategy definitely and prepared provisions systematically. Engaging to participate center of delivery system is meant to be completed complex functions, namely the transfer storage processing & assembly function of international commodity. Pusan has ability to be terminal point of TSR. it had been connected to EC as the biggest economy block and TKR as complex transportation root to Far East, it would be the center of inground and seabase delivery terminal to Rotterdom as the biggest container pier and major piers to North-East and South East Asia. In order to provide a Role of 21 century's internationalization, Pusan has appealed to participate in management information research and development connected to Pohang-Ulsan-Changwon-Masan, and has utilized efficiently the resources such as man, material, money and information.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.15-22
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• 2009

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate the effects on bone mineral density (BMD) and related factors according to the distance from the radiation field at different sites. This study was conducted on patients with uterine cervical cancer who received pelvic radiotherapy. Materials and Methods: We selected 96 patients with cervical cancer who underwent determination of BMD from November 2002 to December 2006 after pelvic radiotherapy at Kosin University Gospel Hospital. The T-score and Z-score for the first lumbar spine (L1), fourth lumbar spine (L4) and femur neck (F) were analyzed to determine the difference in BMD among the sites by the use of ANOVA and the post-hoc test. The study subjects were evaluated for age, body weight, body mass index (BMI), post-radiotherapy follow-up duration, intracavitary radiotherapy (ICR) and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). Association between the characteristics of the study subjects and T-score for each site was evaluated by the use of Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results: The average T-score for all ages was -1.94 for the L1, -0.42 for the L4 and -0.53 for the F. The average Z-score for all ages was -1.11 for the L1, -0.40 for the L4 and -0.48 for the F. The T-score and Z-score for the L4 and F were significantly different from the scores for the L1 (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the L4 and F. Results for patients younger than 60 years were the same as for all ages. Age and ICR were negatively correlated and body weight and HRT were positively correlated with the T-score for all sites (p<0.05). BMI was positively correlated with the T-score for the L4 and F (p<0.05). Based on the use of multiple regression analysis, age was negatively associated with the T-score for the L1 and F and was positively correlated for the L4 (p<0.05). Body weight was positively associated with the T-score for all sites (p<0.05). ICR was negatively associated with the T-score for the L1 (p<0.05). HRT was positively associated with the T-score for the L4 and F (p<0.05). Conclusion: The T-score and Z-score for the L4 and F were significantly higher than the scores for the L1, a finding in contrast to some previous studies on normal women. It was thought that radiation could partly influence BMD because of a higher T-score and Z-score for sites around the radiotherapy field. We suggest that a further long-term study is necessary to determine the clinical significance of these findings, which will influence the diagnosis of osteoporosis based on BMD in patients with cervical cancer who have received radiotherapy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.57-70
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• 2003

Background : Small cell lung cancer represents approximately 20% of all carcinomas of the lung, and is recognized as having a poor long term outcome compared to non-small cell lung cancer. Therefore, this study investigated the prognostic factors in small cell lung cancer patients in order to improved the survival rate by using the proper therapeutic methods. Material and method : The clinical data from 394 patients who diagnosed with small cell lung cancer and treated from 1993 to 2001 at the Kosin University Gospel Hospital, were analyzed. Result : There were 314 male patients (79.7%), and 80 female patients (20.3%). The number of those with limited disease was 177 (44.9%), and the number of those with extensive disease was 217 (55.1%). Overall, 366 out of 394 enrolled patients had died. The median survival time was 215 days (95% CI : 192-237days). The disease stage, Karnofsky performance state, 5% body weight loss for the recent 3 months, chemotherapy regimens, and the additive chest radiotherapy were identified as being statistically significant factors for the survival time. The median survival times of the supportive care group, one anticancer therapy, and two or more treatment groups were 17 days, 211 days, and 419 day, respectively (p<0.001). These data emphasize the importance of anticancer treatment to improve survival time for patients. The group of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (30 patients) showed significantly longer survival time than the group given sequential chemoradiotherapy (55 patients) (528 days versus 373 days, p=0.0237). The favorable prognostic factors of laboratory study were groups of leukocyte =8,000/mm3, ALP=200 U/L, LDH=450 IU/L, NSE=15 ng/mL, s-GOT=40 IU/L. In extensive disease, there was no difference according to the number of metastatic site. However, the median survival time of patients with ipsilateral pleural effusion had longer than patients having other metastatic sites. According to the survey periods, three groups were divided into 1993-1995, 1996-1998, and 1999-2001. The median survival time was significantly prolonged after 1999 in comparison to previous groups (177 days, 194 days, 289 days, p=0.001, 0.002, respectively). Conclusion: Disease stage and 5% body weight loss for recent 3 months at diagnostic state were significant prognostic factors. In addition, the performance status, serum ALP, LDH, NSE, CEA levels also appear to be prognostic factors. The survival time of those patients with small cell lung cancer has been prologned in recent years. It was suggested that the used of the EP (etoposied and cisplatin) chemotherapy method and concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with a limited stage contributed to the improved survival time.