• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1881-1895
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• 2015

Background: The vascular endothelial growth factor family has been implicated in tumorigenesis and metastasis. The prognostic value of each vascular endothelial growth factor family member, particular VEGF/VEGFR co-expression, in patients with non-small lung cancer remains controversial. Materials and Methods: Relevant literature was identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Studies evaluating expression of VEGFs and/or VEGFRs by immunohistochemistry or ELISA in lung cancer tissue were eligible for inclusion. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from individual study were pooled by using a fixed- or random-effect model, heterogeneity and publication bias analyses were also performed. Results: 74 studies covering 7,631 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Regarding pro-angiogenesis factors, the expression of VEGFA (HR=1.633, 95%CI: 1.490-1.791) and VEGFR1 (HR=1.924, 95%CI: 1.220-3.034) was associated separately with poor survival. Especially, VEGFA over-expression was an independent prognostic factor in adenocarcinoma (ADC) (HR=1.775, 95%CI: 1.384-2.275) and SCC (HR=2.919, 95%CI: 2.060-4.137). Co-expression of VEGFA/VEGFR2 (HR=2.011, 95%CI: 1.405-2.876) was also significantly associated with worse survival. For lymphangiogenesis factors, the expression of VEGFC (HR=1.611, 95%CI: 1.407-1.844) predicted a poor prognosis. Co-expression of VEGFC/VEGFR3 (HR=2.436, 95%CI: 1.468-4.043) emerged as a preferable prognostic marker. Conclusions: The expression of VEGFA (particularly in SCC and early stage NSCLC), VEGFC, VEGFR1 indicates separately an unfavorable prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Co-expression VEGFA/VEGFR2 is comparable with VEGFC/VEGFR3, both featuring sufficient discrimination value as preferable as prognostic biologic markers.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.427-434
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• 2016

The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of high viscosity bulk-fill resin composites, $Filtek^{TM}$ Bulk Fill Posterior Restorative (FBF) and $Tetric^{(R)}$ N-Ceram Bulk Fill (TBF), with conventional composite ($Filtek^{TM}$ Z-350 XT, Z-350). The Vickers hardness test which indicates the degree of conversion was performed and the dye penetration test was performed to measure the microleakage which indicates polymerization shrinkage amount. To minimize experimental error, the standardized 3D-printed molds and the bovine teeth were used. Obtained data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test with the confidence interval of 95%. In the microhardness test within 1 hour of polymerization, lower surface of FBF and TBF showed significantly lower value than that of Z-350 (p < 0.05). But after 24 hours, the microhardness of FBF had increased and showed no significant difference with Z-350 (p > 0.05). In top and 2 mm depth surface, mean microhardness values were in the following order: Z-350 > FBF > TBF (p < 0.05). The mean microleakage value of TBF was significantly lower than others (p < 0.05). For clinical application of bulk-fill resin composites, caution for applying masticatory forces during 24 hours after polymerization is advised and further studies to decrease microleakage should be conducted.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.77 no.6
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• pp.243-250
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• 2014

Background: Information regarding prognostic value of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) and heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbation is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate whether serum levels of GDF-15 and H-FABP predict an adverse outcome for COPD exacerbation. Methods: Clinical variables, including serum GDF-15 and H-FABP levels were compared in prospectively enrolled patients with COPD exacerbation that did or did not experience an adverse outcome. An adverse outcome included 30-day mortality and need for endotracheal intubation or inotropic support. Results: Ninety-seven patients were included and allocated into an adverse outcome (n=10) or a control (n=87) group. Frequencies of mental change and $PaCO_2$>37 mm Hg were significantly higher in the adverse outcome group (mental change: 30% vs. 6%, p=0.034 and $PaCO_2$>37 mm Hg: 80% vs. 22%, p<0.001, respectively). Serum GDF-15 elevation (>1,600 pg/mL) was more common in the adverse outcome group (80% vs. 43%, p=0.041). However, serum H-FABP level and frequency of serum H-FABP elevation (>755 pg/mL) did not differ between the two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that an elevated serum GDF-15 and $PaCO_2$>37 mm Hg were significant predictors of an adverse outcome (odds ratio [OR], 25.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.7-243.8; p=0.005 and OR, 11.8; 95% CI, 1.2-115.3; p=0.034, respectively). Conclusion: Elevated serum GDF-15 level and $PaCO_2$>37 mm Hg were found to predict an adverse outcome independently in patients with COPD exacerbation, suggesting the possibility that serum GDF-15 could be used as a prognostic biomarker of COPD exacerbation.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.79 no.4
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• pp.289-294
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• 2016

Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of Charlson's weighted index of comorbidities (WIC) in patients with prolonged acute mechanical ventilation (PAMV, ventilator care ${\geq}96$ hours). Methods: We retrospectively enrolled 299 Korean PAMV patients who were admitted in a medical intensive care unit (ICU) of a university-affiliated tertiary care hospital between 2008 and 2013. Survivors were defined as patients who survived for 60 days after ICU admission. Results: The patients' mean age was $65.1{\pm}14.1$ years and 70.6% were male. The mean ICU and hospital length of stay was $21.9{\pm}19.7$ and $39.4{\pm}39.1$ days, respectively. In addition, the 60-day mortality rate after ICU admission was 35.5%. The mean WIC was $2.3{\pm}1.8$, with significant differences between nonsurvivors and survivors ($2.7{\pm}2.1$ vs. $2.1{\pm}1.7$, p<0.05). The area under the curve of receiver-operating-characteristics curve for WIC was 0.593 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.523-0.661; p<0.05). Based on Kaplan-Meier curves of 60-day survival, WIC ${\geq}5$ had statistically lower survival than WIC <5 (logrank test, p<0.05). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, WIC ${\geq}5$ was associated with poor prognosis (hazard ratio, 1.901; 95% CI, 1.140-3.171; p<0.05). The mortality rate of patients with WIC ${\geq}5$ was 54.2%. Conclusion: Our study showed a WIC score ${\geq}5$ might be helpful in predicting 60-day mortality in PAMV patients.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.196-204
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• 2016

Objectives: Aluminum is well known as a potent neurotoxicant. There are many reports that aluminum can be toxic to humans and to animals. However, there are only few studies on the assessment of aluminum exposure among humans in Korea. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate current aluminum concentrations among the adult population in regions of Korea. Methods: We selected 439 adults aged 20-89 years from the Busan-Ulsan-Gyeongnam region and certain other sites. Blood aluminum concentrations were analyzed using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). The geometric means (GM) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of aluminum concentrations were calculated, and we also confirmed the proportion of excess of the aluminum reference value. Results: Total GM (95% CI) of aluminum levels was 14.26 (13.43-15.14) ppb. Levels among males (15.58 [14.09-17.22] ppb) were higher compared to among females (13.51 [12.54-14.55] ppb), and levels increased with subject age from 40 years and over. Three point one nine percent of the subjects exceed the reference value of 50 ppb. Lastly, aluminum concentration has a log-normal distribution with lnN (x; 2.89, 0.642), x>0. Conclusion: In the present study, we evaluated the distribution of blood aluminum concentrations among the normal population in Korea, and we found some adults exceeding the reference levels. However, in order to compare the results with other studies, an extended study including measurement of serum aluminum level is required. In addition, further research on various population groups, including occupational exposure of workers, is required.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.21 no.11
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• pp.273-282
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• 2020

This study analyzed the physiological effects of silkworms and silkworm pupae on the reduction of serum lipid levels. Research data specific to silkworms and their pupae published over the last 10 years were collected and analyzed. A large effect size of 0.852 was observed in the overall results and the range of 95% confidence intervals was 0.662 to 0.999. The Q value was 23.264, the Higgin's I² value was 92.217, indicating that each study was heterogeneous. There was no publication bias, as the corrected observed number of statistically significant effect sizes and the expected number of statistically significant effect sizes were both 0.654. The silkworm study showed a large effect size with respect to blood sugar and blood lipid reduction at 0.801 and 0.948, respectively, and LDL-cholesterol reduction at 1.371, showing a very large effect size. Aspartate transaminase / glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST/GOT) was 0.768, alanine transaminase /glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (ALT/GPT) was 0.788, which was a medium effect size. The experiment period had a very large effect size of 1.170 for five to eight weeks and 1.020 for an intake of 1 to 50 mg/kg. The silkworm pupae had a large effect size of 0.991 and 0.951, respectively on blood lipids and total cholesterol reduction. The experimental period showed a very large effect size at 1.103 for more than nine weeks, and the intake showed a large effect size at 0.855 for 5001 mg/kg.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2861-2866
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• 2012

Background: The aim of our study was to assess the practical utility of the palliative prognostic index (PPI) as a prognostic tool used by nurse specialists in a hospice consultation setting in Taiwan. Methods: In total, 623 terminal cancer patients under hospice consultation care from one medical center in northern Taiwan were enrolled between January 1 and June 30, 2011. PPI was assessed by a nurse specialist at first hospice consultation and patients categorized into groups by prognosis (good, intermediate, poor). Patient survival was analyzed retrospectively to determine significance of between-group differences. Results: By PPI sum score, 37.2% of patients were in the good prognosis group, 18% in the intermediate prognosis group and 44.8% in the poor prognosis group. The death rates were 56%, 81.2% and 89.6% and median survivals were 76, 18 and 7 days, respectively. The hazard ratio was 0.19 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10-0.24, p<0.001) for the poor versus good prognosis group and 0.54 (95% CI 0.43-0.69, p<0.001) for the poor versus intermediate prognosis group. The sensitivity and specificity for the poor prognosis group was 66% and 71%; the positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 81% and 52%, respectively, to predict patient death within 21 days (area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic was 0.68). Conclusions: Assessment by PPI can accurately predict survival of terminal cancer patients receiving hospice consultation care. PPI is a simple tool and can be administered by nurse members of hospice consultation teams.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7085-7090
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• 2013

Objective: Published data have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) could play a potential role as diagnostic and prognostic indicators in cancers. Data for the predictive value of microRNA-155 are inconclusive. The aim of the present analysis was therefore to evaluate the role of miR-155 in prognosis for patients with a variety of carcinomas. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed and EMBASE. Data were extracted from studies comparing overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) or cancer-specific survival (CSS) in patients with carcinoma with higher miR-155 expression and those with lower levels. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of miR-155 for clinical outcome were calculated. Results: A total of 15 studies were included. The pooled hazard ratio (HR) for OS of higher miR-155 expression in cancerous tissue was 1.89 (95% CI: 1.20-2.99, P=0.006), which could markedly predict poorer survival in general cancer. For RFS/CSS, elevated miR-155 was also associated with poor prognosis of cancer (HR=1.50, 95% CI: 1.10-2.05, P=0.01). On subgroup analysis, the pooled HR for OS in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) was 2.09 (95% CI: 0.68-6.41, P > 0.05), but for RFS/CSS was 1.28 (95% CI: 1.05-1.55, P=0.015), with statistical significance; the pooled HRs for OS and RFS/CSS in digestive system neoplasms were 3.04 (95% CI: 1.48-6.24, P=0.003) and 2.61 (95% CI: 1.98-3.42, P<0.05), respectively. Conclusions: The results indicated that the miR-155 expression level plays a prognostic role in patients with cancer, especially NSCLCs and digestive system carcinomas.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.69-77
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• 2015

Purpose - Economic status at an early stage of life after one's retirement is often determined by the long-term sacrifice of one's earlier consumption tendencies. In general, the first and foremost way to secure income after retirement is through annuity savings. People sign up for personal annuity savings in order to guarantee a stable economic life upon retirement, and such actions may be heavily influenced by self-efficacy. Confidence in current economic activity is a source of rational decision-making. Inability to achieve self-control can lead to reckless spending and the eventual hindering of proper investment for the future. This paper examines how self-efficacy and self-control affect the intention and action of enrolling in an annuity savings plan in relation to one's level of financial literacy. Research design, data, and methodology - To analyze the proposed model, this study investigates financial consumers over the age of 20. The data were collected from 511 respondents and analyzed with SPSS 21.0 and AMOS 21.0. First, for the one-dimensional test and to measure the convergent validity of each structure, we use the scale purification process. The results of the test and the confirmatory factor analysis ensure the focus of the validity of the single dimension for each structure. In addition, the validity of the measurement was guaranteed from the results of correlation analysis. Results - First, self-efficacy and self-control have positive effects on the purchasing intention of the personal annuity savings plan. Second, purchasing intention positively affects purchasing behavior. Lastly, self-control has a positive effect on purchasing intention among the low financial literacy group, whereas self-efficacy does not have this effect in the high financial literacy one. Conclusions - The time of product benefit is different with age. The younger group would be granted the savings after several decades once they enroll, whereas the older group would wait for a relatively shorter period of time. Therefore, further research should be conducted in order to verify such a difference. However, this study has value through its confirmation that the roles of self-efficacy and self-control play a part in leading to the enrollment in annuity savings plans and by verifying different effects based on levels of financial literacy. Such results suggest a number of implications in a real life setting. First, banks need to put greater emphasis on the stability of annuity savings in general. Second, customers with relatively low levels of financial literacy are able to control their finances through annuity savings, but find self-efficacy difficult due to a lack of financial understanding. Therefore, such customers should be approached from an invest-effectiveness comparison method. Third, customers with high financial literacy tend to put more value in rational economic decision-making and behavior than in self-efficacy. Therefore, such customers should be approached by promoting the reliability of annuity savings and the excellence of the specific bank's annuity savings plan in comparison to those of other financial institutions.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.49 no.1
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• pp.22-28
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• 2011

Purpose: This article attempted to examine how teeth for restoration is made in a clinical practice and utilize it as future educational material of teeth formation and basic data for additional research. Materials and methods: This experiment investigated the models sent to milling center for production of zirconia crowns. After scanned with Lava CAD/CAM System (3M ESPE, Seefeld, Germany), they are measured on 'ImageJ (version 1.32j, National Institutes of Health, USA)' program and compared and analyzed. Convergence angle from mesio-distal surfaces and bucco-lingual surfaces of each teeth are measured. Also, bucco-lingual diameter of the region lowered as much as 0.4 mm from incisal edge in anterior teeth except canines.(This measure is defined as the Peak 0.4) The analysis of data between each group was conducted by Windows SPSS statistic program, and was proved significant on 95% confidence level by independent t-test, one-way ANOVA and multiple analysis (Sheff${\'{e}}$ test). Results: The mean value of convergence angle was $18.67^{\circ}$ It is ranked as molar ($26.70^{\circ}$) > premolar ($16.87^{\circ}$) > anterior teeth ($14.81^{\circ}$) in the order of mesio-distal convergence angle; anterior teeth ($22.32^{\circ}$) > molar ($20.93^{\circ}$) > premolar ($15.41^{\circ}$) in the order of bucco-lingual convergence angle. The mean value of Peak 0.4 was 1.18 mm. Conclusion: Convergence angle of abutment of zirconia all ceramic crown has difference depending on the location in the arch. Due to the nature of production of zirconia all ceramic crown, convergence angle of abutment and line angle finishing degree can have an effect on internal suitability of restoration.