• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.368-378
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• 2020

Purpose: Vitamin D deficiency may cause bone loss and increased inflammation, which are well-known symptoms of periodontal disease. This study investigated whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels are associated with periodontal disease status and tooth loss. Methods: Cross-sectional data from 5,405 individuals aged ≥50 years (2,253 males and 3,152 females) were obtained from the 2008-2010 Dong-gu study, a prospective cohort study of risk factors for chronic diseases. Periodontal examinations were conducted to evaluate the number of remaining teeth, the periodontal probing depth (PPD), the clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing. The percentages of sites with PPD ≥4 mm and CAL ≥4 mm were recorded for each participant. The severity of periodontitis was classified using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Periodontology case definitions. Serum 25(OH)D levels were classified as reflecting severe deficiency, deficiency, insufficiency, or sufficiency. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess the associations of serum 25(OH)D levels with periodontal parameters and the number of remaining teeth after adjusting for confounders including age, smoking status, alcohol consumption status, month of blood collection, and physical activity. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between serum vitamin D levels and severe periodontitis. An overall statistical analysis and a stratified analysis by sex were performed. Results: Overall, the rates of severe deficiency, deficiency, insufficiency, and sufficiency were 6.5%, 67.9%, 22.4%, and 3.2%, respectively. After adjustment for confounders, vitamin D levels were directly associated with the number of remaining teeth, an association that was significant in males, but not in females. Sufficient serum 25(OH)D was associated with a low frequency of severe periodontitis. Conclusions: This population-based cross-sectional study indicates that low serum 25(OH) D is significantly associated with tooth loss and severe periodontitis in Koreans aged 50 years and older.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.2
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• pp.224-235
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• 2022

Objective : Since the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, neurointerventionists have been increasingly concerned regarding the prevention of infection and time delay in performing emergency thrombectomy procedures in patients with acute stroke. This study aimed to analyze the effects of changes in mechanical thrombectomy protocol before and after the COVID-19 pandemic on procedure time and patient outcomes and to identify factors that significantly impact procedure time. Methods : The last-normal-to-door, first-abnormal-to-door, door-to-imaging, door-to-puncture, and puncture-to-recanalization times of 88 patients (45 treated with conventional pre-COVID-19 protocol and 43 with COVID-19 protection protocol) were retrospectively analyzed. The recanalization time, success rate of mechanical thrombectomy, and modified Rankin score of patients at discharge were assessed. A multivariate analysis was conducted to identify variables that significantly influenced the time delay in the door-to-puncture time and total procedure time. Results : The door-to-imaging time significantly increased under the COVID-19 protection protocol (p=0.0257) compared to that with the conventional pre-COVID-19 protocol. This increase was even more pronounced in patients who were suspected to be COVID-19-positive than in those who were negative. The door-to-puncture time showed no statistical difference between the conventional and COVID-19 protocol groups (p=0.5042). However, in the multivariate analysis, the last-normal-to-door time and door-to-imaging time were shown to affect the door-to-puncture time (p=0.0068 and 0.0097). The total procedure time was affected by the occlusion site, last-normal-to-door time, door-to-imaging time, and type of anesthesia (p=0.0001, 0.0231, 0.0103, and 0.0207, respectively). Conclusion : The COVID-19 protection protocol significantly impacted the door-to-imaging time. Shortening the door-to-imaging time and performing the procedure under local anesthesia, if possible, may be required to reduce the door-to-puncture and door-to-recanalization times. The effect of various aspects of the protection protocol on emergency thrombectomy should be further studied.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.4079-4083
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• 2014

Background: Previous studies have showed that argonaute 2 is a potential factor related to genesis of several cancers, however, there have been no reports concerning gliomas. Methods: Paraffin specimens of 129 brain glioma cases were collected from a hospital affiliated to Binzhou Medical University from January 2008 to July 2013. We examined both argonaute 2 mRNA and protein expression by real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). The survival curves of the patients were determined using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression, and the log-rank test was used for statistical evaluations. Results: Both argonaute 2 mRNA and protein were upregulated in high-grade when compared to low-grade tumor tissues. Multivariate analysis revealed that argonaute 2 protein expression was independently associated with the overall survival (HR=4.587, 95% CI: 3.001-6.993; P=0.002), and that argonaute 2 protein expression and WHO grading were independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival (HR=4.792, 95% CI: 3.993-5.672; P<0.001, and HR=2.109, 95% CI: 1.278-8.229; P=0.039, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test indicated that high argonaute 2 protein expression had a significant impact on overall survival (P=0.0169) and progression-free survival (P=0.0324). Conclusions: The present study showed that argonaute 2 expression is up-regulated in gliomas. Argonaute 2 might also serve as a novel prognostic marker.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.19 no.10
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• pp.125-133
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• 2014

This paper develops a bankruptcy prediction model on an Artificial Neural Network for hotel management. A bankruptcy prediction model has a specific feature to predict a bankruptcy of the whole hotel business after evaluate bankruptcy possibility on the basis of business performance data of each branch. here are many traditional statistical models for bankruptcy prediction such as Multivariate Discriminant Analysis or Logit Analysis. However, we chose Artificial Neural Network because the method has accuracy rates of prediction better than those of other methods. We first selected 100 good enterprises and 100 bankrupt enterprises as experimental data and set up a bankruptcy prediction model by use of a tool for Artificial Neural Network, NeuroShell. The model and its experiments, which demonstrated high efficiency, can certainly provide great help in decision making in the field of hotel management and in deciding on the bankruptcy or financial solidity of each branch of serviced residence hotel.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1839-1843
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• 2015

Background: MicroRNAs are a class of noncoding RNAs which regulate multiple cellular processes during tumor development. The purpose of this report is to investigate the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of miR-218 in human gliomas. Materials and Methods: Quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) was conducted to detect the expression of miR-218 in primary normal human astrocytes, three glioma cell lines and 98 paired glioma and adjacent normal brain tissues.Associations of miR-218 with clinicopathological variables of glioma patients were statistically analyzed. Finally, a survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional hazards model. Results: The expression level of miR-218 in primary normal human astrocytes was significantly higher than that in glioma cell lines (p<0.01). Also, the expression level of miR-218 in glioma tissues was significantly downregulated in comparison with that in the adjacent normal brain tissues (p<0.001). Statistical analyses demonstrated that low miR-218 expression was closely associated with advanced WHO grade (p=0.002) and low Karnofsky performance score (p=0.010) of glioma patients. Kaplan-Meier analysis with the log-rank test showed that patients with low-miR-218 expression had poorer disease-free survival and overall survival (p=0.0045 and 0.0124, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that miR-218 expression was independently associated with the disease-free survival (p=0.009) and overall survival (p=0.004) of glioma patients. Conclusions: Our results indicate that miR-218 is downregulated in gliomas and that its status might be a potential valuable biomarker for glioma patients.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.226-231
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• 2013

Purpose: The role of metastasectomy has been debatable and unclear in the treatment for patients with metastatic gastric cancer. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the role of metastasectomy on the overall survival of these patients. Materials and Methods: In 2,406 patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastric cancer between 1998 and 2010, 188 (7.8%) patients had their first surgery for metastatic gastric cancer. To minimize the bias of systemic chemotherapy, 99 patients who received postoperative chemotherapy (fewer than 2 cycles) were excluded. The primary gastrectomy or metastasectomy had not been enforced in the following cases. Patients with far advanced peritoneal dissemination, multiple liver and lung metastasis (more than 2), and a poor general condition (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group>2) were excluded. Based on the metastasectomy, the patients were classified into two groups, gastrectomy with metastasectomy and gastrectomy only group. Results: There was no significant difference between both groups in clinicopathological characteristics except for the mean age (P=0.047). The univariate analysis for overall survival show statistical significances in metastasectomy (P=0.026), distal gastrectomy (P=0.047), and combined resection of another organ (P=0.047) group. With a multivariate analysis, metastasectomy was a significant factor in patient survival after surgery (odds ratio 1.679; P=0.034). Conclusions: Based on our results, we assume that a detailed strategy for surgery is needed to improve the overall survival of patients with metastatic gastric cancer. Therefore, we suggest that a metastasectomy can help prolong overall survival in some patients with metastatic gastric cancer.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.1
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• pp.22-28
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• 2010

Background: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent mediator of angiogenesis. VEGF production is regulated by HIF-$1{\alpha}$ and EGFR. This study examined the relationship between the clinicopathological factors and VEGF, HIF-$1{\alpha}$ and EGFR protein overexpression, and evaluated their prognostic value in patients with a surgically resected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Patients who underwent a surgical resection at Kangnam St. Mary's hospital were reviewed retrospectively. The core biopsy samples from 54 patients with NSCLC were assembled on a tissue microarray (TMA), and immunohistochemical staining for the VEGF, HIF-$1{\alpha}$ and EGFR proteins was performed. The overexpression of these proteins was evaluated in relation to age, gender, histology and staging by univariate analysis. The clinicopathological prognostic factors were analyzed. Results: Multivariate analysis performed by Cox regression (odds ratio 2.8, 95% CI 1.0~8.2, p=0.046) revealed HIF-$1{\alpha}$ overexpression to be an unfavorable factor. There was no correlation between the overexpression of these proteins and the clinicopathological factors. VEGF showed a positive relationship with EGFR, but there was no statistical significance [$p(x^2)=0.06$]. Conclusion: HIF-$1{\alpha}$ overexpression predicts shorter survival in patients with a surgically resected NSCLC. Therefore, HIF-$1{\alpha}$ may be a poor prognostic factor in NSCLC.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.102-108
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• 2018

Purpose: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is rare but potentially fatal. The overall outcome is highly variable. This study aimed to identify a simple and dynamic parameter that helps predict the mortality of CDH patients in real time, without invasive tests. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 59 CDH cases. Maternal and fetal information included the gestational age at diagnosis, site of defect, presence of liver herniation, and lung-to-head ratio (LHR) at 20 to 29 weeks of gestational age. Information regarding postnatal treatment, including the number of days until surgery, the need for inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and survival, was collected. The highest respiratory severity score (RSS) within 24 hours after birth was also calculated. Results: Statistical analysis showed that a younger gestational age at the initial diagnosis (P<0.001), a lower LHR (P=0.001), and the presence of liver herniation (P=0.003) were prenatal risk factors for CDH mortality. The RSS and use of iNO and ECMO were significant factors affecting survival. In the multivariate analysis, the only remaining significant risk factor was the highest preoperative RSS within 24 hours after birth (P=0.002). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.9375, with a sensitivity of 91.67% and specificity of 83.87% at the RSS cut-off value of 5.2. The positive and negative predictive values were 82.14% and 92.86%, respectively. Conclusion: Using the RSS as a prognostic predictor with simple calculations will help clinicians plan CDH management.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.39 no.4
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• pp.463-470
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• 2018

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the validity of phase angle as a prognostic factor for survival in patients with metastatic cancer. Methods: Data of patients with metastatic cancer who visited the Korean medicine cancer center at Kyung Hee University Hospital in Gangdong from April 2016 to February 2018 were collected for this study. The values of phase angle (PhA) and blood hemoglobin (Hb), C-reactive protein (CRP), and serum albumin levels were also investigated by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results: In total, 86 patients were analyzed. The cut-off value of the phase angle was determined as 5.0. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that phase angle (HR 3.15, 95% CI 1.79-5.54) and CRP (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.24-3.73) predicted survival with statistical significance. The median overall survival of the low PhA group ($PhA{\leq}5.0$) was 1.8 months (95% CI 0.6-2.9 months) and 7.2 months (95% CI 5.2-9.2 months) in the high PhA group (PhA>5.0)(p<0.001). Conclusions: The phase angle could be an independent prognostic factor for patients with metastatic cancer. Further research is required to confirm these findings and their correlation with other indexes.

• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.67-75
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• 2018

Multidimensional scaling (MDS) is an exploratory analysis of multivariate data to represent the dissimilarity among objects in the geometric low-dimensional space. However, a general MDS map only shows the information of objects without any information about variables. In this study, we used MDS based on the algorithm of Torgerson (Theory and Methods of Scaling, Wiley, 1958) to visualize some clusters of objects in categorical data. For this, we convert given data into a multiple indicator matrix. Additionally, we added the information of levels for each categorical variable on the MDS map by applying the partition method of Shin et al. (Korean Journal of Applied Statistics, 28, 1171-1180, 2015). Therefore, we can find information on the similarity among objects as well as find associations among categorical variables using the proposed MDS map.