• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10273-10276
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• 2015

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of nimotuzumab combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of late gastric cancer. Methods: A total of 34 reoccurrence or metastatic patients with late stage gastric cancer who were confirmed by histopathology and/or cytology were selected and randomly divided into observational and control groups, of 17 cases each. Patients in the control group were treated with the standard DCF plan, while patients in observational group additionally received nimotuzumab. The short-term and long-term efficacy and adverse reactions in the 2 groups were followed. Results: The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 64.7% (11/17) and 82.4% (14/17) in observational group and 25.0%(4/16) and 37.5%(6/16) in the control group(ORR and DCR between 2 groups, ${\chi}^2=5.2412$, P=0.0221 and ${\chi}^2=6.9453$, P=0.0084). The median progression-free survival (PFS) time and median overall survival (OS) time were 6.50 months and 12.50 months in observational group and 4.50 months and 8.25 months in the control group (P=0.0212; P=0.0255). The main toxic and side effects in the 2 groups were reduced leukocytes and hemoglobin, gastrointestinal reactions and hair loss and these were relieved after symptomatic treatment and nutrition support therapy. There were no differences in the occurrence of toxic and side effects between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Nimotuzumab combined with DCF plan is effective in treating late stage gastric cancer. A larger scale study is now warranted for confirmation of the findings.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.8
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• pp.283-287
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• 2015

Purpose: We assessed the relationships between iron and vitamin D statuses in breastfed infants and their mothers and evaluated the determinants of iron and vitamin D deficiencies in breastfed infants. Methods: Seventy breastfed infants aged 4-24 months and their mothers participated in this study from February 2012 to May 2013. Complete blood counts, total iron binding capacity, and levels of C-reactive protein, iron, ferritin, calcium, phosphate, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in infants and their mothers were measured. Results: A history of maternal prepregnancy anemia was associated with lower ferritin and 25(OH)D levels in both infants and their mothers. The 25(OH)D level of infants correlated with maternal 25(OH) D levels. The independent risk factors for iron deficiency in breastfed infants were the duration of breastfeeding (odds ratio [OR], 6.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-39.2; P=0.04) and infant body weight (OR, 2.65; 95% CI, 1.07-6.56; P=0.04). The determinants for vitamin D deficiency were the infant's age (OR, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.02-0.97; P=0.046) and maternal 25(OH)D level (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.59-0.92; P=0.01). Conclusion: A maternal history of prepregnancy anemia requiring iron therapy was associated with lower current ferritin and 25(OH)D levels in both infants and their mothers. Therefore, physicians should monitor not only iron but also vitamin D levels in infants who are breastfed by mothers who had prepregnancy anemia.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.3781-3788
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• 2014

This study examined the age-related bone mineral density (BMD), accumulated bone loss rate (ABLR) at different skeletal sites in Korean men using the data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES)(the 1st (2010), 2nd (2010) and the year at the 5th survey). The cubic regression model was found to be the best for describing the age-related changes in BMD. The lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, trochanter, Ward's triangle in the bone mineral density difference were analyzed by ANOVA. The peak BMD was at 20-24 years at the lumbar spine, total hip, femoral neck, trochanter, Ward's triangle, and the 75-79 years of age group had the highest Accumulated Bone Loss Rate. Therefore, intensive management will be necessary for men over 75 years, and a diagnosis of osteoporosis in Korean men should be made according to The International Society for Clinical Densitometry; ISCD.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.40 no.4
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• pp.287-292
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• 2017

A five-year-old, male, Great Dane weighing 107 kg was presented with anorexia, abdominal distension, and dyspnea for 5 days. Physical examination, blood works, radiography, electrocardiography (ECG), and echocardiography were performed. Based on severely low fractional shortening (FS) and marked four chamber enlargement in echocardiography, continuous atrial fibrillation and occasional ventricular premature complex (VPC) on ECG, the dog was diagnosed as dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) concurrent with congestive heart failure. Pleural effusion and ascites were modified transudate. In accordance with DCM scoring system recommended by European Society of Veterinary Cardiology (ESVC), DCM score was 13/15 in this case. Concentrations of cTnI and NT-pro-BNP were 1.0 ng/mL and 693 pmol/L, respectively. Since the former and the latter were remarkably high values, it was certain that the patient had grave prognosis. Intensive care was performed for the dog and the clinical signs as well as the radiographic abnormalities were resolved. However, when he presented serious dyspnea again at 25 days post therapy, the dog was dead. In case of canine DCM, the scoring system for the diagnosis and cardiac biomarkers including NT-pro-BNP and cTnI could be useful to advise owners on the status and prognosis of their dog with DCM.

• Food Science and Preservation
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.208-213
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• 2010

We sought to optimize parboiled rice preparations with respect to nutritional composition and to compare the physicochemical properties of polished, glutinous rices and Olbyossal (parboiled rice). Crude lipid contents (all w/w) were: brown glutinous rice (1.92%) > Olbyossal (1.13%) > glutinous rice (1.08%) > polished rice (0.32%). The crude ash content of Olbyossal was greater than that of polished rice. There was no significant difference in crude protein level between Olbyossal and polished rice. Total dietary fiber content (all figures are w/w) was higher in Olbyossal (3.79%) than in polished rice (1.67%). With respect to mineral content, P (249.16 mg%), K (144.67 mg%), Na (35.41 mg%), and Mg (30.24 mg%) levels were higher in Olbyossal than in polished rice. There was no significant difference in fatty acid or amino acid content between polished rice and Olbyossal. The L value (lightness) of Olbyossal was lower than that of polished rice but the hardness of Olbyossal was greater.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.1981-1984
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• 2013

Objective: The optimal duration of adjuvant trastuzumab treatment in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of 6 months of adjuvant trastuzumab treatment in patients with stage II or III HER2-positive breast cancer. Methods: The records of patients with HER2-positive stage II or III breast cancer who were admitted to the Breast Center of Taipei Medical University Hospital and Yuan's General Hospital between 2000 and 2008 were reviewed. All patients received adjuvant trastuzumab at an initial dose of 4 mg/kg followed by a maintenance dose of 2 mg/kg/week for 22 weeks in combination with chemotherapy. Results: A total of 51 patients were included with a mean age of 46.9 years. Approximately 55% of the patients had stage III disease. The mean follow-up time from initiation of treatment was 45.2 months (range, 0.9 to 85 months). During follow-up, 46 patients (90.2%) did not experience tumor recurrence. The mean estimated disease free survival was 80.2 months. The estimated 1-, 2-, 5-, and 7-year survival rates were 97.9%, 93.1%, 93.1%, and 93.1%, respectively. The most common adverse effects were gastrointestinal symptoms (21.6%), chills (17.6%), dizziness (9.8%), and bone pain (7.8%). No cardiac or hematologic adverse events occurred. Conclusion: Adjuvant therapy with trastuzumab for 6 months resulted in a clinical benefit in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.406-416
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• 2012

Purpose: The purposes of this secondary data analysis study were first to identify the number of Korean adults achieving goals set by the American Diabetes Association for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and secondly to identify the characteristics associated with lack of goals attainment. Methods: The sample was 413 Koreans with diagnosed diabetes aged thirty years or older who participated in the Fourth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Goals attainment for HbA1c, BP, and LDL-C were presented in percentages. Logistic regressions were used to examine associations between participants' characteristics and lack of goals attainment. Results: About 48% had HbA1c<7%, 48.2% had BP<130/80mmHg, and 34.1% had LDL-C<100mg/dL. Only 8.7% of the sample achieved all three parameters. In multivariate analysis, younger age, longer diabetes duration, insulin use, and abdominal obesity were associated with not meeting HbAlC goal. Smoking and use of antihypertensive medication were associated with BP${\geq}$130/80 mmHg. No use of lipid lowering agents was associated with LDL-C${\geq}$100 mg/dL. Conclusion: Many Koreans with diabetes were not at goals for HbA1c, BP, and LDL-C. For optimal control, appropriateness of therapy and poor lifestyle habits should be assessed periodically and managed accordingly.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.110-119
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• 2009

Medication compliance is essential to improve person's health status through pharmacotherapy. Since separation of dispensing and prescription has been implemented, the importance of pharmacist's role on medication counseling have been emphasized, especially among outpatients. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of patient's satisfaction with pharmacist's medication counseling on medication compliance among outpatients. We used the 2005 Korea National Health and Nutrition Survey data to examine medication compliance of persons who visited pharmacy. Ordered logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess whether patient's satisfaction with pharmacist's medication counseling was associated with medication compliance. Overall, 86.17% of study subjects(5,494) reported to take the prescribed medicines correctly and 80.54% of respondents were satisfied with pharmacist's medication counseling. Logistic regression analysis presents patient's satisfaction with pharmacist's counseling is significantly associated with medication compliance after controlling patient's characteristics(proxy-measured by age, family income, educational attainments, comorbid conditions). Interestingly, even patients who are dissatisfied with pharmacist's counseling have slightly higher odds of better compliance to medication therapy than those without pharmacist's counseling. In addition, higher educational attainments and older age groups are associated with better medication compliance. In conclusion, pharmacist's medication counseling appears to be effective in improving medication compliance. Further research that assess medication counseling in detail needs to develop strategies to improve medication adherence.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.202-210
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• 2012

Methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (MPG-EPO), a continuous erythropoietin receptor activator, is a new erythropoiesis-stimulating agent with a long half-life. The purpose of this prospective study is to assess the effects of once-monthly subcutaneous MPG-EPO on hematological responses and nutritional status in peritoneal dialysis patients. Forty four patients undergoing stable peritoneal dialysis were enrolled into the study. Darbepoetin alfa therapy, in peritoneal dialysis patients, was converted to the monthly administration of subcutaneous MPG-EPO for 6 months. The starting dose of MPG-EPO was based on the previous weekly dose of darbepoetin alfa. The dose adjustments were performed to maintain the hemoglobin (Hb) levels in a target range of 10.5-11.0 g/dL. If the Hb levels exceeded 11.0 g/dL, MPG-EPO was temporarily interrupted for 1 month. The mean Hb levels were stable with the values of $9.5{\pm}1.1$ g/dL at baseline, and $10.4{\pm}0.9$ g/dL at the 6th month after conversion. The mean differences in the changes of Hb levels between the baseline and the 6th month were $0.9{\pm}1.4$ g/dL, which was statistically significant. However, the mean differences of iron, transferrin saturation and ferritin concentrations were not significant. It did not show significant differences in the changes of the nutritional parameters. These results suggest that the once-monthly subcutaneous administration of MPG-EPO for 6 months effectively maintains the Hb levels and nutritional status in peritoneal dialysis patients. Taken together, the once-monthly subcutaneous administration of MPG-EPO was practical and might improve the clinical compliance for the management of renal anemia in peritoneal dialysis patients.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.10
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• pp.892-897
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• 2010

Purpose: This study evaluated the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and risk factors for metabolic derangement in young adults with childhood-onset hypopituitary growth hormone deficiency (ACOHGHD). Methods: Thirty patients with ACOHGHD who were treated with hormone-replacement therapy, aged 18 to 29 years, who visited the Seoul National University Children's Hospital between September 2009 and February 2010 were enrolled. Height, weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and blood pressure were measured, and the clinical and hormonal features were reviewed retrospectively. We evaluated measures of metabolic derangement in the enrolled patients and in the data of healthy adults aged 20 to 29 years taken from the 2005 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) as part of the National Cholesterol Education Program-the Adult Treatment Panel III. Results: Compared with the KNHANES participants, patients with ACOHGHD had significantly large waist circumference (men and women), high systolic blood pressure (BP) (women) and diastolic BP (men), and high serum triglyceride levels (women). The duration of illness correlated significantly with central obesity ($r^2$=0.546, $P$=0.003). The prevalence of MetS was 10% in patients with ACOHGHD and 2.3% in KNHANES participants. The prevalence of central obesity and MetS was higher in patients with ACOHGHD than in KNHANES participants ($P$<0.001 and $P$=0.042, respectively). Conclusion: Abdominal obesity correlated with the duration of illness in patients with ACOHGHD. Waist circumference should be measured in the clinic to prevent MetS, particularly in patients with a long history of ACOHGHD, regardless of age or sex.