• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.1847-1850
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• 2016

Background: It is reported that the percentage of smudge cells in the blood smear could be a prognostic indicator in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. However, the clinical significance of smudge cells in other hematological malignancies, solid tumors or non-malignant diseases is less clear. Hence, this study was conducted to survey the clinical significance of smudge cells in hematological cancers and other disorders. Materials and Methods: From January to November, 2015, the clinical data of patients who received blood examination with differential counts for clinical purpose and were found to have smudge cells in the peripheral blood film in Far Eastern Memorial Hospital were selected. The percentage of smudge cells and patient outcomes were evaluated for further univariate and survival analyses. Results: A total of 102 patients with smudge cells in their blood smears were included. Smudge cells were frequently presented in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA; n=30), infections (n=23), hematological cancers (n=23) and solid cancers (n=10). There was no relationship between the percentage of smudge cells and the patient mortality in all diseases (OR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.47-2.48, P=1.000) as well as the OHCA group (OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 0.38-9.60, P=0.694). It was observed that in patients with all cancers with the percentage of smudge cells less than 50% had a lower mortality rate in comparison with those who had the percentage of smudge cells of 50% or more (OR: 22.29, 95% CI: 2.38-208.80, P<0.001). Additionally, it was seemingly that patients with smudge cells of 50% or more had a lower survival rate than those with smudge cells less than 50% in all cancers with follow-up at 2-month intervals, but without statistical significance (P=0.064). Conclusions: Our survey indicated that in all cancers, those who had higher percentage of smudge cells were prone to have poor outcomes when compared with the subjects with lower percentage of smudge cells. This finding was quite different from the results of previous studies in which the race-ethnicity of most study populations was non-Asian; hence, further investigations are required. Besides, there was no apparent association of the percentage of smudge cells with patient outcomes in all diseases, including OHCA.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5653-5657
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• 2014

Background: To evaluate factors which effect treatment interruption during concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and overall survival in patients with uterine cervical cancer stage IB2-IVA in Srinagarind Hospital. Materials and Methods: Between January 2006 and December 2007, 107 patients with stage IB2-IVA as FIGO staging, 2000, were treated with CCRT in Srinagarind Hospital. Factors which caused treatment interruptions and impacted on overall survival were reviewed and analyzed. Results: Twenty of 107 patients had treatment interruption during CCRT in patients with uterine cervical cancer stage IB2-IVA in Srinagarind Hospital. The causes of treatment interruption were as follows: hematologic toxicity was found in 16 of 20 cases, 12 cases with grade 2 and 4 cases with grade 3; three of 20 cases had gastrointestinal toxicities, 1 case with grade 2 and 2 cases with grade 3; one case had grade 3 skin toxicity. The mean total treatment time of the uninterrupted and interrupted groups were significantly different (78.98 days vs 161.80 days, p <0.001). The patients who could tolerate ${\geq}5$ cycles of cisplatin administration had significantly higher mean white blood counts (WBC) ($9,769cells/mm^3$ vs $7,141cells/mm^3$, p=0.02). The mean initial hemoglobin (Hb) in the uninterrupted group was significantly higher than the interrupted group (11.5 mg% vs 10.3 mg%, p=0.03). Other factors including age, KPS, initial platelets, initial serum creatinine levels showed no statistical significance. The 3-year overall survival of the uninterrupted group was better than in the interrupted group (78.6% vs 55.0%, p=0.03). Conclusions: The initial Hb and WBC levels were significantly correlated with treatment interruption during CCRT in patients with uterine cervical cancer. The 3-year overall survival of the uninterrupted group was significantly better than interrupted group. These factors may then be used indirectly to predict the outcomes of treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.198-210
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• 2002

Background : Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder under immunological influence. Shinbi-tang and Gamishinbi-tang are herbal decoctions used for treating asthma in traditional herbal medicine. Objective : To evaluate the effects of Shinbi-tang and Gamishinbi-tang on immune cell & serum OA-specific IgE in broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) in rat asthma model. Material and Methods : Rats were sensitized with ovalbumin (OA); at day 1 sensitized group and Shinbi-tang and Gamishinbi-tang groups were systemically immunized by subcutaneous injection of 1mg OA and 300mg of Al(OH)$_3$ in a total volume of 2ml. At the same time, 1 ml of 0.9% saline containing 6 x 10$^{9}$ B. pertussis bacilli was injected by i.p. 14 days after the systemic immunization, rats received local immunization by inhaling 0.9% saline aerosol containing 2%(wt/vol) OA. A day after local immunization, HAL fluid was collected from the rats. Rats were orally administered with each of Shinbi-tang and Gamishinbi-tang extract for 14 days from the day after local immunization. Lymphocyte, CD4+ T cell CD8+ T cell counts, CD4+/CD8+ ratio in BALF, change of serum OA-specific IgE level, CD4+ T cell CD8+ T cell percentages in the peripheral blood were measured and evaluated. Results : Shinbi-tang and Gamishinbi-tang showed an alleviating effect on asthmatic responses of rats. Shinbi-tang decreased total cell, lymphocyte, CD4+ T cell in BALF, serum OA-specific IgE level as compared with the control group. Gamishinbi-tang decreased total cell, lymphocyte, CD4+ T cell, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio in HALF as compared with the control group. CD4+/CD8+ ratio in HALF from Shinbi-tang group and serum OA-specific IgE level from Gamishinbi-tang group didn't show any significant variation from control group. CD8+ T cell in HALF, CD3+CD4+ T cell and CD3+CD8+ T cell percentages in peripheral blood showed no significant variation among groups. Conclusion : Shinbi-tang and Gamishinbi-tang alleviated asthmatic hypen-eactivity of the rat immune system through CD4+ T cell and serum IgE. Further the study of immune system modulating mechanism is expected.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.530-535
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• 2013

Background Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has more concentrated platelets than normal plasma (approximately 150-400${\times}10^3$ cell/dL). Platelets excrete several growth factors and cytokines that are associated with the healing and regeneration process. However, even though PRP is widely used, the mechanism or actual effect is presently unclear. Therefore, this study was performed to investigate the levels of growth factors and platelet concentration rate. Methods Autologous blood for preparing PRP was obtained from healthy subjects aged 25 to 35 years. The samples were divided into 4 experimental groups (inactivated whole blood, inactivated PRP, activated whole blood with thrombin and calcium chloride, and activated PRP). The platelet counts in the blood were analyzed and the growth factors were quantitatively measured. A statistical analysis was performed by using Dunn's multiple comparison test. Results In the blood cell analysis, the platelet count of the PRP group was approximately 4.25 times higher than that of the whole blood group. In the quantitative analysis of growth factors, the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-AB, PDGF-BB, and transforming growth factor-${\beta}$ of the inactivated and activated PRP groups were higher than those of the inactivated and activated whole blood groups (P<0.05). Conclusions In this study, the platelet count and the levels of PDGF-AB and PDGF-BB in the PRP were determined. Further, more research is required on the bioactivity level of the growth factors secreted during the process of PRP preparation and the potency of growth factors that can be exerted physiologically in vivo.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.35-46
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• 1996

Dopamine transporter concentrations have been known to decrease in Parkinson's disease (PD) or increase in Tourette's disorder. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of [I-123]N-(3-iodopropene-2-yl)-$2{\beta}$-carbomethoxy-$3{\beta}$-(4-chlorophenyl) tropane (IPT) as an imaging agent for measuring changes in transporter concentrations with PD. IPT labelled with 6.69+/-0.64 mCi(247.53+/-23.68 MBq) of I-123 was intravenously injected into ten patients(age: 55+/-11) with PD, and six normal controls(NC)(age: 46+/-14) as a bolus. Dynamic SPECT scans of the brain were then performed for 5 minutes each over 120 minutes on a triple headed camera. Time activity curves were generated for the left basal ganglia(LBG), right basal ganglia(RBC), and occipital cortex(OCC). The statistical parameters included the time to peak activity, the contrast ratio of LBG and RBG to OCC at several time points, and the accumulated specific binding counts/mCi/pixel(ASBC) from 0 to 115 minutes. The uptake of IPT in the brains of PD and NC peaked within 10 minutes of injection in all subjects. The maximum target to background ratio in the basal ganglia of PD and NC occurred at 85+/-20 min and 110+/-6 min of injection, respectively. The BG/OCC ratios at 115 minutes for PD and NC were 2.15+/-0.54 and 4.26+/-0.73, respectively. The ASBC at 115 minutes for PD and NC were 152.91+/-50.09 and 289.51+/-49.00, respectively. The ratio of BG/OCC for the NC was significantly higher than the ratio for PD. SPECT data matched with clinical diagnosis for PDs. The ratio between BG and OCC and the ASBC for PD were clearly separated from NC and may be useful outcome measures for clinical diagnosis. The findings suggest that IPT may be a very useful tracer for early diagnosis of PD and study of dopamine reuptake site.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.359-367
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• 2012

BACKGROUND: As natural wetlands are decreased by increment of human demand, the importance of rice fields as an alternative habitat for waterbirds is well documented. However, the relationship between waterbirds use and management practice of rice fields has not been fully understood. The present study attempted to understand the changes in temporal abundance of waterbirds and their preference for habitat types in rice fields all year round. METHODS AND RESULTS: Waterbirds census were conducted in rice fields around Asan bay in Korea during April 2009-March 2010 and April 2011-March 2012. In the bird counts, the locations of the observed birds on a 1/2,500 map were recorded along with the local habitat type (paddy, ditch, levee, road). Thirty five species of waterbirds recorded in the rice fields during the survey period and three major groups (shorebirds, herons, and waterfowls) were characterized according to season and micro-habitat use. Shorebirds visited a flooded paddy for feeding during their spring migration season (April-May), and herons used the rice field as feeding sites during their breeding periods (April-October). Most waterfowls were observed in a dry paddy to feed a fallen rice seed and stubs during the winter season (September-March). Waterbird groups selectively used micro-habitats in rice field. Shorebirds and waterfowls mainly preferred at rice paddies, while herons were attracted to most habitat types. CONCLUSION(S): Rice fields supported various waterbirds all year round and waterbird communities using the rice fields were dramatically changed according to seasonal change of rice field condition.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.4
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• pp.218-225
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• 2010

Background: Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a useful technique to recover lower airway fluid and cells involved in many respiratory diseases. Miliary tuberculosis is potentially lethal, but the clinical manifestations are nonspecific and typical radiologic findings may not be seen until late in the course of disease. In addition, invasive procedures are often needed to confirm disease diagnosis. This study analyzed the cells and the T-lymphocyte subset in BAL fluid from patients with miliary tuberculosis to determine specific characteristics of BAL fluid that may help in the diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis, using a less invasive procedure. Methods: On a retrospective basis, we enrolled 20 miliary tuberculosis patients; 12 patients were male and the mean patient age was $40.5{\pm}16.2$ years. We analyzed differential cell counts of BAL fluid and the T-lymphocyte subset of BAL fluid. Results: Total cells and lymphocytes were increased in number in the BAL fluid. The percentage of CD4+ Tlymphocytes and the CD4/CD8 ratio in BAL fluid were significantly decreased and the percentage of CD8+ T-lymphocytes was relatively higher. These findings were more prominent in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In the HIV-infected patients, the proportion of lymphocytes was significantly higher in BAL fluid than in peripheral blood. There were no significant differences between the BAL fluid and the peripheral blood T-lymphocytes subpopulation. Conclusion: BAL fluid in patients with miliary tuberculosis demonstrated lymphocytosis, a lower percentage of CD4+ T-lymphocytes, a higher percentage of CD8+ T-lymphocytes, and a decreased CD4/CD8 ratio. These findings were more significant in HIV-infected subjects.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.77-96
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• 2017

Purpose - This study aims to develop correspondence strategies to the environment change in domestic retail store types. Recently, new types of retails have emerged in retail industries. Therefore, trade area platform has developed focusing on the speed of data, no longer trade area from district border. Besides, 'trade area smart' brings about change in retail types with the development of giga internet. Thus, context shopping is changing the way of consumers' purchase pattern through data capture, technology capability, and algorithm development. For these reasons, the sales estimation model has been shown to be flawed using the notion of former scale and time, and it is necessary to construct a new model. Research design, data, and methodology - This study focuses on measuring retail change in large multi-shopping mall for the outlook for retail industry and competition for trade area with the theoretical background understanding of retail store types and overall domestic retail conditions. The competition among retail store types are strong, whereas the borders among them are fading. There is a greater need to analyze on a new model because sales expectation can be hard to get with business area competition. For comprehensive research, therefore, the research method based on the statistical analysis was excluded, and field survey and literature investigation method were used to identify problems and propose an alternative. In research material, research fidelity has improved with complementing research data related with retail specialists' as well as department stores. Results - This study analyzed trade area survival and its pattern through sales estimation and empirical studies on trade areas. The sales estimation, based on Huff model system, counts the number of households shopping absorption expectation from trade areas. Based on the results, this paper estimated sales scale, and then deducted modified probability model. Conclusions - In times of retail store chain destruction and off-line store reorganization, modified Huff model has problems in estimating sales. Transformation probability model, supplemented by the existing problems, was analyzed to be more effective in competitiveness business condition. This study offers a viable alternative to figure out related trade areas' sale estimation by reconstructing new-modified probability model. As a result, the future task is to enlarge the borders from IT infrastructure with data and evidence based business into DT infrastructure.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.71 no.1
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• pp.24-29
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• 2011

Background: The rising prevalence of asthma worldwide may be associated with the rising prevalence of obesity in developed nations. Although several studies have suggested a relationship between asthma and obesity, controversy still remains. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between obesity and asthmatic factors such as atopy, eosinophilia, serum total Ig E and bronchial hyperresponsiveness in chronic cough patients. Methods: This study was a retrospective, observational study in two centers done between January 2007 and June 2008. The subjects included individuals who had a chronic cough. We examined body mass index (BMI) to measure obesity and pulmonary function. We did a metacholine provocation test for airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), a skin prick test for atopy, and tests for blood eosinophils and serum IgE. Results: A total of 1022 subjects were included. Airway hyperresponsiveness was not related with obesity (p=0.06), and atopy incidence was significant higher in non obese patients (p=0.00). There was no significant difference in serum IgE and blood eosinophil counts between obese and non obese patients. Forced expiratory volue in one second ($FEV_1$)/forced vital capacity (FVC) was significantly reduced in obese patients (p=0.03), but FEV1 and FVC were no significant difference between obese and non obese patients. Conclusion: There is no relationship between obesity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The nonobese group appears to have more atopy. The relationship between obesity and bronchial hyperresponsiveness and atopy need further investigation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.62 no.2
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• pp.105-112
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• 2007

Background: Oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of endotoxin-induced acute lung injury (ALI). This study evaluated the therapeutic effect of ${\alpha}$-lipoic acid, a nonenzymatic antioxidant, in a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced ALI. Materials and Methods: ALI was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by instilling LPS (E.coli, 3mg/Kg) into the trachea. The rats were classified into the control, control+${\alpha}$-lipoic acid, LPS, and LPS+${\alpha}$-lipoic acid groups.The lung lavage neutrophil count, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC), lung myeloperoxidase (MPO), and cytokine concentrations (TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and IL-10) were measured at 2 h and 6 h after LPS administration. Results: The total cell and neutrophil counts of the LPS+${\alpha}$-lipoic acid groups were significantly lower than the LPS groups. The protein concentration in the BAL fluid was similar in the LPS groups and LPS+${\alpha}$-lipoic acid groups. The TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, and IL-6 concentrations in the BAL fluid were not decreased by the ${\alpha}$-lipoic acid treatment in the LPS treated rats. Conclusions: Although ${\alpha}$-lipoic acid decreased the level of LPS-induced neutrophil infiltration into the lung, it could not attenuate the LPS-induced ALI at the dose administered in this study.