• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.363-368
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• 2014

Determination of the cause of malignant pleural effusions is important for treatment and management, especially in cases of unknown primaries. There are limited biomarkers available for prediction of the cause of malignant pleural effusion in clinical practice. Hence, we evaluated pleural levels of five tumor biomarkers (CEA, AFP, CA125, CA153 and CA199) in predicting the cause of malignant pleural effusion in a retrospective study. Kruskal-Wallis or Mann-Whitney U tests were carried out to compare levels of tumor markers in pleural effusion among different forms of neoplasia - lung squamous cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, or small cell carcinoma, mesothelioma, breast cancer, lymphoma/leukemia and miscellaneous. Receiver operator characteristic analysis was performed to evaluate sensitivity and specificity of biomarkers. The Kruskal-Wallis test showed significant differences in levels of pleural effusion CEA (P<0.01), AFP (P<0.01), CA153 (P<0.01) and CA199 (P<0.01), but not CA125 (P>0.05), among the seven groups. Receiver operator characteristic analysis showed that, compared with other four tumor markers, CA153 was the best biomarker in diagnosing malignant pleural effusions of lung adenocarcinoma (area under curve (AUC): 0.838 (95%confidence interval: 0.787, 0.888); cut-off value: 10.2U/ml; sensitivity: 73.2% (64.4-80.8)%, specificity: 85.2% (77.8-90.8)%), lung squamous cell carcinoma (AUC: 0.716 (0.652, 0.780); cut-off value: 14.2U/ml; sensitivity: 57.6% (50.7-64.3)%, specificity: 91.2% (76.3-98.0)%), and small-cell lung cancer (AUC: 0.812 (0.740, 0.884); cut-off value: 9.7U/ml; sensitivity: 61.5% (55.0-67.8)%, specificity: 94.1% (71.2-99.0)%); CEA was the best biomarker in diagnosing MPEs of mesothelioma (AUC: 0.726 (0.593, 0.858); cut-off value: 1.43ng/ml; sensitivity: 83.7% (78.3-88.2)%, specificity: 61.1% (35.8-82.6)%) and lymphoma/leukemia (AUC: 0.923 (0.872, 0.974); cut-off value: 1.71ng/ml; sensitivity: 82.8% (77.4-87.3)%, specificity: 92.3% (63.9-98.7)%). Thus CA153 and CEA appear to be good biomarkers in diagnosing different causes of malignant pleural effusion. Our findings implied that the two tumor markers may improve the diagnosis and treatment for effusions of unknown primaries.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.175-182
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• 2019

This study was conducted to test the assessment validity and examine the cut-off scores for driving risk as a part of the Self-report Assessment Forecasting Elderly Driving Risk (SAFE-DR) development project. The 132 senior drivers were categorized as either risky of 58 or safe of 74 drivers through the Drivers 65 Plus. Based on this initial assessment, we analyzed the risk prediction cut-offs. Furthermore, we tested the construct, content, and predictive validity. The cut-off score for the prediction of driving risk was found to be 74.5 points. The positive predictive value was 88.6%, and the negative predictive value was 86.3% about the cut-off score, signifying an excellent level of discrimination. Convergent validity, nomological validity, and content validity were found to be appropriate. Therefore, this study confirms that SAFE-DR is an appropriate assessment that can be used to screen dangerous elderly drivers.

• Journal of Sasang Constitutional Medicine
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.365-378
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• 2014

Objectives This study was performed to investigate the cut-off values of abdominal circumference and Body Mass Index(BMI) according to Sasang Constitution. Methods A total of 1,773 persons, namely 440 male people and 1,333 female people, in ages from 40 to 69 years old, participated in this research. They are all included in the community based Genomic cohort in Wonju in years from 2006 to 2013. The diagnostic criteria of metabolic syndrome was used followed by the National Cholesterol Education Program in Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and Asian pacific guideline for only abdominal obesity. Results The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 34.8% for men and 37.6% for women in this research. Taeeumin was the highly significant risk type for the metabolic syndrome in both sexes. Cut-off values of abdominal circumference were 88.3 cm in men, 80.3 cm in women, and cut-off values of BMI were $24.2kg/m^2$ in men and $25.3kg/m^2$ in women. For men, cut-off values of abdominal circumference were 79.5cm in Soyangin, 88.8 cm in Taeeumin and 79.5 cm in Soeumin, and cut-off values of BMI were $23.2kg/m^2$ in Soyangin, $25.6kg/m^2$ in Taeeumin and $20.6kg/m^2$ in Soeumin. For women, cut-off values of abdominal circumference were 76.3 cm in Soyangin, 80.3 cm in Taeeumin and 76.8 cm in Soeumin, and cut-off values of BMI were $22.4kg/m^2$ in Soyangin, $24.9kg/m^2$ in Taeeumin and $21.3kg/m^2$ in Soeumin. Conclusions Although 90 cm in men, 80 cm in women as an Asian pacific guideline were regarded as quite approximate to the mean value of abdominal circumference and $25kg/m^2$ to BMI. But if the results could be allocated in terms of the Sasang constitutional method, the cut-off values for Soyangin and Soeumin should be lowered than now.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.387-394
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• 2005

Purpose : We performed this study to compare the TSH and free $T_4$ levels according to gestational age and birth weight, and to reevaluate the cut-off values in the neonatal screening test for congenital hypothyroidism. Methods : Total 2,133 neonates(1,749 healthy newborns and 384 sick neonates) were screened in Dankook University Hospital from May 2000 to January 2003. Neonates with abnormal TSH values (higher than $20{\mu}IU/mL$) or abnormal free $T_4$ levels(lower than 1 ng/dL) were recalled to recheck the thyroid function test. At that time, physical examinations and history-taking regarding perinatal problem, medication history, and mother's illness were undertaken. Results : Serum TSH and free $T_4$ values revealed no significant difference according to sex, delivery type, and Apgar score. The free $T_4$ levels showed statistically significant differences, with gestational age or birth weight(P<0.01). The recall rate of neonates due to abnormal screening test was 7.48 percent. Compared with original cut-off values, the recall rate of the new cut-off values setted to TSH higher than $20{\mu}IU/mL$ or free $T_4$ lower than 0.64 ng/dL decreased from 7.48 percent to 4.8 percent in the healthy group. But, it compromised sensitivity when applied to the sick group. Conclusion : In this study, neonatal free $T_4$ levels were significantly different according to birth weight, gestational age, and the presence of compromised condition. Although the recall rate by TSH > $20{\mu}IU/mL$ or free $T_4$ <1 ng/dL was relatively high, it was impossible to set up new cut-off values without compromising sensitivity. We think studies including a larger study population will be required to change the cut-off values.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.414-427
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• 2011

The Means-end theory has successfully been applied in academics circles and is one of the qualitative methodologies, aiming at classifying into groups based on the specific values that they pursue. The more specific purposes of this study is to identify the relationship between the levels of abstraction and HVM(Hierarchical Value Map) and to identify the statistical changes in frequency activated cell and ladders among A-C-V. And lastly, to suggest the HVM according to the levels of abstraction. The subjects of this study includes the 100 hikers who joined the hiking at least once a year for 2007. The results of analysis show that as the level of abstraction goes up, the HVM itself is depicted more simple and the loss of information is also occurred. Consequently, the decision of levels of abstraction is should be made on the basis of objective validity.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.289-299
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• 2000

The study was performed to investigate the distributions of swine pleuropneumonia in Kyongbuk western area by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera collected from 400 slaughtered pigs in 3 slaughter houses during the period from May 1999 to october 1999 were tested to detect antibodies against A pleuropneumonie serotype 2 and 5. The optimal dilution of CBE antigen, conjugate and serum for this ELISA were determined 1 : 400, 1 : 20,000, 1 100, respectively. The optimal dilution of OW antigen, conjugate and serum for this ELISA were determined 1 : In, 1 : 20,000, 1 : 200, respectively. Cut-off value in this ELISA was determined by mean absorbance (at 492 nm) of negative control sera added with the triple value of the standard deviation. Cut-off value in ELISA by CBE and OMP antigen were 1.134 and 1.217, respectively. By the ELISA, positive reaction rates to A pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 and 5 for CBE antigen were 38.8% and 18.8%, and for OMP antigen were 42.8% and 23.5% of the 400 samples, respectively.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.22 no.4
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• pp.350-357
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• 2019

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate a possible association between the anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody (anti-tTG) titer and stage of duodenal mucosal damage and assess a possible cut-off value of anti-tTG at which celiac disease (CD) may be diagnosed in children in conjunction with clinical judgment. Methods: This observational study was conducted at a gastroenterology clinic in a tertiary hospital from April 2012 to May 2013. Seventy children between 6-months and 18-years-old with suspected CD underwent celiac serology and duodenal biopsy. Statistical analyses were done using SPSS 16. Diagnostic test values were determined for comparing the anti-tTG titer with duodenal biopsy. An analysis of variance and Tukey-Kramer tests were performed for comparing the means between groups. A receiver operating characteristics curve was plotted to determine various cut-off values of anti-tTG. Results: The mean antibody titer increased with severity of Marsh staging (p<0.001). An immunoglobulin (Ig) A-tTG value at 115 AU/mL had 76% sensitivity and 100% specificity with a 100% positive predictive value (PPV) and 17% negative predictive value (NPV) for diagnosis of CD (p<0.001, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75-1). Conclusion: There is an association between the anti-tTG titer and stage of duodenal mucosal injury in children with CD. An anti-tTG value of 115 AU/mL (6.4 times the upper normal limit) had 76% sensitivity, 100% specificity, with a 100% PPV, and 17% NPV for diagnosing CD (95% CI, 0.75-1). This cut-off may be used in combination with clinical judgment to diagnose CD.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.95-102
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• 2012

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to define the cut off values of cold hypersensitivity of hands by using digital infrared thermographic imaging(DITI). Methods: Thermographic images of 130 patients with cold hypersensitivity of hands(CHHG, n=65) and non-cold hypersensitivity of hands(NCHHG, n=65) were retrospectively reviewed. We used the temperature difference the palm(PC8) and the upper arm(LU4) for diagnosing cold hypersensitivity of hands. The temperature differences of between two groups were analysed using independent samples t-tests. The cut off values were calculated by ROC curve analysis. Analyses were undertaken using SPSS version 17.0. P value of < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The temperature difference the palm(PC8) and the upper arm(LU4) were significantly different between groups(p < 0.001). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were 70.8%, 73.8%, respectively both hands. The AUC was 0.822 on right hand and 0.818 on left hand. The optimum cut-off value was defined as $-0.05^{\circ}C$. Conclusions: These results suggest that DITI is a reliable instrument for estimating the cold hypersensitivity of hands.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.85-92
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• 2013

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to find diagnostic points and define the cut off values of hot flashes by using digital infrared thermographic imaging. Methods: Thermographic images of 75 patients with hot flashes (HF, n=35) and non-hot flashes (NHF, n=40) were retrospectively reviewed. We used the temperature difference between Ex-HN3 and CV17, LU4, CV12, CV4 for diagnosing hot flashes. The temperature differences of between two groups were analysed using independent samples t-tests. The cut off values were calculated by received operating characteristic curve analysis. Analyses were undertaken using SPSS version 17.0. and p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The temperature difference Ex-HN3 and LU4 were the most significantly different between groups (p<0.001). Using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were 65.7%, 72.5%, 0.729, respectively. The optimum cut off value was defined as $1.00^{\circ}C$. Conclusions: These results suggest that the digital infrared thermographic imaging is a reliable instrument for estimating hot flashes.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.12 no.5
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• pp.677-682
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• 2018

This study evaluated the usefulness of the elasticity score and elasticity ratio in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant lesion in breast elastography. We performed a retrospective analysis based on the results of core needle biopsy histology. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to confirm the difference between the 5-degree elasticity score and the Fisher's Exact test. ROC curve analysis was used to determine the elasticity score and the best cut-off value of the elasticity ratio for the prediction of malignant lesions. There was a statistically significant difference (p= .000) between the homogeneity of the elasticity score and the difference of the elasticity ratio between the benign and malignant lesion groups. On the ROC curve analysis, the elasticity score and the elasticity ratio for predicting benign and malignant lesion were determined as AUC 0.806, 0.824, cut-off value 3, 4.4 (p= .001). Therefore, the elasticity score and elasticity ratio may be useful in the differential diagnosis of breast mass.