• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.9
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• pp.3861-3866
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• 2015

Background: The aim of this study was to analyze the patterns of relapse and survival outcomes in Northern Thai women with recurrent endometrial cancer (EC). Materials and Methods: Medical records were abstracted from EC patients who underwent primary surgery from 1999 to 2012. Data on clinicopathologic variables, sites of first recurrence, time to relapse of disease, and overall survival (OS) was analyzed. Associations between the clinicopathological variables and the rates of disease recurrence were determined. Results: Among 1,204 reviewed records, 42 eligible patients were identified with recurrent disease. The median age was 55 years and the median follow-up time was 26.0 months. The median times to recurrence (TTR) after completion of the initial treatment in the group of local relapse (LR) and distant/combined sites of recurrence (DCSR) was 6.6 (95% CI=4.6 to 8.6 months) and 16.9 months (95% CI=5.6 to 28.2 months), respectively (p=0.36). The 2-year survival and 3-year survival probability in the group of LR was 54.2% (95% CI=27.2 to 81.3%) and 34.7% (95% CI=9.2 to 60.2%), compared to 50.4% (95% CI=41.1 to 59.7%) and 42.1% (95%CI= 24.1 to 60.1%) for those with DCSR. Distant recurrence was the most frequent pattern of relapse. Overall survival was not significantly different in patients with local relapse when compared to those with DCSR (p=0.69). Conclusions: Patients with recurrence of EC after primary treatment had a worse prognosis and clinical aggressiveness. LR and DCSR occurred most during the first three years. The common sites of relapses were vaginal cuff, pelvis, and lungs. No significant clinicopathological predictor for survival outcomes was identified.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.1-6
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• 2016

In recent years, there were frequent exogenous contagious diseases in Eastasia like SARS(severe acute respiratory syndrome), Avian influenza, Swine influenza, MERS etc. But there are various interpretations about their pathological differentiations and lead to controversy to diagnosis and medicinal use. So there needs universal and consistent understanding methods. Several conclusions are obtained from the research on differentiation theories of various epidemic diseases. Essential elements of differential diagnostic system are pathogen, characters and matters of disease and loci, especially three yin and three yang has close affinity with constitutional features or body shape. Binding these 3 categories, an integrated differentiation 3 dimensional coordinates are made. Out of these, each elements of 3 pathogen-axial lines are related with names of exogenous disease, and those of 3 feature-axial lines are related with 8 principal patterns. And those of 3 locus-axial lines implicating therapeutic method are related with steps and location of exterior and interior, 3 yin 3 yang, Defense, Qi, Nutrient and Blood, five viscera and six bowels and tissues. Additionally, 3 lines of each axis consist of factors which have their own affinity each other, so classification of pathogen, feature, locus of disease has layered interconnectedness. This classification system is included in constitutional features of individual patient. Afterwards, these cognitive structure can be used as a general theory guiding method of therapy, prevention and aftercure healthcare.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.161-175
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• 1996

There were many reports that elevations in the levels of active and latent collagenase in gingival crevicular fluid(GCF) have been correlated positively with periodontal disease activity. To provide a simple diagnostic approach for testing GCF collagenolytic activity, the detection limit of enzyme activity was compared using radiofibril assay(Sodek et.al.1981) and spectrophotometric collagenolytic assay(Nethery et al. 1986). The detection limits of both assay for standard bacterial enzyme were similar and the radiofibril assay showed a little (1/2) lower detection limit for tad pole collagenase. To evaluate the relationship between periodontal tissue destruction and the collagenolytic activity, GCF was collected, and latent and active enzyme activities were measured by a spectrophotometric collagenolytic assay. Twelve subjects showing progressive lesions were selected according to the presence of immediate tissue destruction, frequent abscess formation, and increasing need for tooth extraction, and the absence of underlying systemic disease and previous antibiotic medication history within 6 months. Comparisons were made between sites with either: 1) inflammation with a previous history of progressive loss of periodontal tissue and bone support(2l progressive sites): 2) previous history of bone loss and periodontal destruction but now clinically stable(12 comparably stable sites); or 3) no loss of periodontal tissue and bone support(11 control sites including 5 gingivitis sites and 6 healthy sites). Active collagenase activity was the highest in the progressive sites and decreased in the order of the gingivitis sites, the stable sites, and the healthy sites. The total enzyme activity was $2{\sim}3$ fold higher in the progressive sites and the gingivitis sites, compared to the stable and the healthy sites. The ratio of active to total collagenolytic activity was twice in the progressive sites. Analysis of active collagenase level(5mU) and the ratio of active to total collagenolytic activity(0.8) as a diagnositic test indicates that these measurements have the sensitivity of 0.81 and 0.86, the specificity of 0.70 and 0.65, and the overall agreement of 0.75 and 0.73, respectively. Thus, this method has significant merits as a diagnostic tool to determine wherher the site is in a state of remission or progression.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.53-65
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• 1998

This study was designed and undertaken to analyse the factors associated with sexual satisfaction in diabetic patients. The data were collected from September to November, 1997. The subjects in this study were 77 diabetic patients who visited to check their blood glucose level to the outpatient department of internal medicine in one of hospitals located in Taejon city, The questionnaires developed by Derogatis L. R. were used. Data were analysed using percentages, means, 1-test, ANOVA and Peason-correlation coefficients, done with the SAS program. The results of this study were as follows ; 1. The mean score of sexual satisfaction in diabetic patients was higher than the mid level as 3.14 points in the 5 points scale and male patients' score was a little higher than female's. 2. The mean score of factors associated with sexual life was 3.54 points in spouses' support, 3.44 points in sexual attitude and 2.60 points in body image in the 5 points scale, and 2.76 points in the sexual act in the 6 points scale. The score of above all factors were higher in male patients than female patients. 3. The significant factors associated with sexual satisfaction were spouses' support, body image and sexual act. That is, the higher spouses' support, the more positive body image and the more frequent sexual act, the higher patients' sexual satisfaction. 4. In the relationships between the sexual satisfaction and the general characteristics of the diabetic patients, only religion and the period of disease were statistically significant differents, but the relationships between the sexual satisfaction and the period of disease showed a significant inverse correlation. This results showed that the degree of sexual satisfaction in diabetic patients was relatively high. The major factors associated with sexual satisfaction were spouses' support, body image and sexual act, religion and the period of disease. So, the above factors have to be considered during the nursing intervention on diabetic patients' sexual life.

• Korean Journal of Occupational Health Nursing
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.362-372
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• 2016

Purpose: This study intended to grasp real context of Cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related factors of Korean blue-collar workers, especially CVD-related knowledge, perception, beliefs, benefits and barriers of behaviors according to the health belief model. Methods: We interviewed twenty two workers working in two small-sized companies and performed two series of focus group interviews. Data were analyzed by deductive content analysis approach based on Elo & $Kyng{\ddot{a}}s$. Results: Excepting participants who have CVD risk factors, most participants had lower level of CVD risk perception. The level of CVD knowledge was low but there was difference by gender. CVD-related beliefs were 'fatal disease', 'caused by lifestyle' and 'difficult to prevent by themselves'. The risk reduction behaviors were motivated by current or family history of hypertension. But there were barriers to interfere practice of preventive behaviors such as poor quality of food provided by cafeteria in the workplace, frequent overtime, victim mentality as one of vulnerable social group, housework and financial burden, lack of facilities for rest and physical activity in the workplace. Conclusion: To develop intervention for reducing CVD risks in Korean blue-collar workers, we need to focus on improving CVD knowledge and perception and modifying work-related environments such as low quality of food and lack of facilities for rest and physical activity in the workplace.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.6007-6010
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• 2015

Background: Chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) is a malignant hematopoietic disorder, the most common of all adult leukemias with a distinctive immunophenotype. It is well established that CLL patients can have autoimmune complications, amongst them autoimmune hemolytic anemia as the most frequent. This study was carried out to determine the frequency of direct Coombs Test positivity in CLL patients and its possible correlation with Rai staging, hematological parameters and biochemical markers. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross sectional study was carried at Liaquat National Hospital from January 2011 to June 2013. Sixty untreated patients with B- chronic lymphoid leukemia were enrolled. Complete blood count, direct Coombs test, serum urea, creatinine, uric acid and LDH levels were determined. Data were compiled and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Results: Out of 60 patients, 42(70%) were males and 18(30%) were females. Mean age was $59{\pm}9.2years$. Male to female ratio was 2.1: 1. The frequency of direct antiglobulin test (DAT) positivity was found to be 23.3%. The monospecific IgG was positive in 11 patients (18.3%); C3d positivity was evident in 1 patient (1.6%) and 2 patients (3.3%) had dual IgG and C3d positivity. The mean hemoglobin was $10.8{\pm}2.4gm/dl$. Significantly low mean hemoglobin of $8.3{\pm}3.0gm/dl$ was seen in Coombs positive patients compared with negative patients having a mean hemoglobin level of $11.7{\pm}1.6gm/dl$ (P<0.001). DAT positivity also demonstrated a positive association with advanced Rai stage III disease (P<0.01). No associations were noted with age, gender and biochemical markers. Conclusions: Direct Coombs test positivity in CLL in our patients, unlike in Western studies, appears relatively high, indicating significant autoimmune hemolytic anemia and advanced Rai stage in our setting. DAT positivity can be considered as a surrogative marker for advanced clinical disease.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1587-1590
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• 2015

Background: Chronic lymphoid leukemia (CLL) is the most frequent type of adult leukemia. The Rai and Binet staging systems have been well recognized as standards for assessing the treatment requirements and overall survival in CLL patients. However, there is a need to seek newer prognostic markers to identify stable or progressive forms of CLL that will facilitate risk-adapted treatment strategies. Currently a molecular biomarker ZAP-70 has attracted interest as providing prognostic information in CLL patients. Objective: To determine the frequency of ZAP-70 positivity in B-CLL patients at disease presentation. Materials and Methods: From January 2011 to September 2014, 89 patients were diagnosed to have chronic lymphoid leukemia. Complete blood count was done on an automated analyzer (Cell Dyne, Abott Architect, USA), while immunophenotyping was conducted for each patient to establish the diagnosis of the disease. ZAP-70 expression was evaluated by flow cytometry. Data were compiled and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Results: Out of the total of 89 B-CLL patients, 62 (69.7%) were male and 27 (30.3%) were females with a male to female ratio of 2:1. The mean age was $57.5{\pm}12.1years$. The frequency of ZAP-70 positivity in our B-CLL patients was found to be 13.5%. ZAP-70 positivity was significantly correlated with stage III disease and high absolute lymphocytic count (P<0.05). No correlation of ZAP-70 could be established with age and gender (p>0.05). Conclusions: The frequency of ZAP-70 in our patients appears low. It is approximately half that in international data. We would recommend to screen all the newly diagnosed patients with CLL for ZAP-70 protein expression for risk stratification, family counseling and to predict overall survival.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.4999-5002
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• 2012

Introduction: There is epidemiological evidence indicating that the metabolic syndrome increases the risk of colorectal cancer. Since there is little information about this issue in Iran, the present study was conducted to evaluate prevalence of metabolic syndrome and its components in patients with colorectal cancer. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional survey involved 200 patients with a new diagnosis of colorectal cancer. Demographic information of patients was collected through the interview with them. Components of metabolic syndrome including fasting glucose serum, triglyceride, high density lipoprotein, blood pressure and waist circumference were measured for all of the patients. Results: A total of 72 colorectal cancer patients (36%) met metabolic syndrome criteria with rates of 76% for women and 24% for men. BMI in metabolic syndrome patients was higher than other colorectal cancer patients. Disease history including hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular disease was most frequent in metabolic syndrome patients. Pathological characteristics of colorectal cancer were not significantly associated with the disease. Conclusion: The findings of present study indicated that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in CRC patients is relatively high. Therefore, further analytical and multi centric studies are needed to better understand the role of metabolic syndrome in development of CRC in Iran. If this association is confirmed in future studies, metabolic syndrome patients should be considered in CRC screening programs.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.5245-5249
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• 2012

Background: Opisthorchis viverrini infection is a serious public-health problem in Southeast Asia especially in Lao PDR and Thailand. It is associated with a number of hepatobiliary diseases and the evidence strongly indicates that liver fluke infection is the major etiology of cholangiocarcinoma. Objectives: This study aimed to determine actual levels of Opisthorchis viverrini infection in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Northeast Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted during a one year period from October 2010 to September 2011. O. viverrini infection was determined using a modified Kato's thick smear technique and socio-demographic data were collected using predesigned semi-structured questionnaires. Results: A total of 1,168 stool samples were obtained from 516 males and 652 females, aged 5-90 years. Stool examination showed that 2.48% were infected with O. viverrini. Males were slightly more likely to be infected than females, but the different was not statistically significant. O. viverrini infection was most frequent in the 51-60 year age group and was found to be positively associated with education and occupation. Positive results were evident in 16 of 32 districts, the highest prevalence being found in Non Daeng with 16.7%, followed by Pra Thai with 11.1%, Kaeng Sanam Nang with 8.33%, and Lam Ta Men Chai (8.33%) districts. Conclusion: This study indicates that O viverrini is still a problem in some areas of Nakhon Ratchasima, the patients in this study bing suitable for the purpose of monitoring projects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2967-2971
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• 2013

Background: Extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma (EES)/primitive neuroectodermal tumours (PNET) are rare soft tissue sarcomas. Prognostic factors and optimal therapy are still unconfirmed. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis on patients to explore the clinic characteristics and prognostic factors of this rare disease. A total of 37 patients older than 15 years referred to our institute from Jan., 2002 to Jan., 2012 were reviewed. The characteristics, treatment and outcome were collected and analyzed. Results: The median age was 28 years (range 15-65); the median size of primary tumours was 8.2 cm (range 2-19). Sixteen patients (43%) had metastatic disease at the initial presentation. Wide surgical margins were achieved in 14 cases (38%). Anthracycline or platinum-based chemotherapy was performed on 29 patients (74%). Radiotherapy was delivered in 13 (35%). At a median follow-up visit of 24 months (range 2-81), the media event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 15.8 and 30.2 months, respectively. The 3-year EFS and OS rates were 24% and 43%, respectively. Metastases at presentation and wide surgical margins were significantly associated with OS and EFS. Tumour size was significantly associated with OS but not EFS. There were no significant differences between anthracycline and platinum based chemotherapy regarding EFS and OS. Conclusions: EES/PNET is a malignant tumour with high recurrence and frequent distant metastasis. Multimodality therapy featuring wide surgical margins, aggressive chemotherapy and adjuvant local radiotherapy is necessary for this rare disease. Platinum-based chemotherapy can be used as an adjuvant therapy.