• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3575-3581
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• 2016

Background: Cancer survival analysis is an essential indicator for effective early detection and improvements in cancer treatment. This study was undertaken to document colorectal cancer survival and associated prognostic factors in Malaysians. Materials and Methods: All data were retrieved from the National Cancer Patient Registry-Colorectal Cancer. Only cases with confirmed diagnosis through histology between the year 2008 and 2009 were included. Retrieved data include socio-demographic information, pathological features and treatment received. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis of all variables was then made using the Log-rank test. All significant factors that influenced survival of patients were further analysed in a multivariate analysis using Cox' regression. Results: Total of 1,214 patients were included in the study. The overall 3- and 5-year survival rates were 59.1% and 48.7%, respectively. Patients with localized tumours had better prognosis compared to those with advanced stage cancer. In univariate analysis, staging at diagnosis (p<0.001), primary tumour size (p<0.001), involvement of lymph nodes (p<0.001) and treatment modalities (p=0.001) were found to be predictors of survival. None of the socio-demographic characteristics were found to exert any influence. In Cox regression analysis, staging at diagnosis (p<0.001), primary tumour size (p<0.001), involvement of lymph nodes (p<0.001) and treatment modalities (p<0.001) were determined as independent prognostic factors of survival after adjusted for age, gender and ethnicity. Conclusions: The overall survival rate for colorectal cancer patients in Malaysia is similar to those in other Asian countries, with staging at diagnosis, primary tumor size, involvement of lymph node and treatment modalities having significant effects. More efforts are needed to improve national survival rates in future.

• Clinical Nutrition Research
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.186-200
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• 2024

Meta-analyses have been conducted with conflicting results on this topic. Due to missing several eligible studies in previous meta-analysis by Lam et al., we conducted an extensive systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in this regard. A comprehensive search was conducted across various databases, including MEDLINE/PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge, Scopus, and Google Scholar, until November 2023. Based on the analysis of 33 studies comprising 2,047 individuals, it was found that there was a significant increase in body weight for each 1 g/day increase in omega-3 lipids (standardized MD [SMD], 0.52 kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31, 0.73; I² = 95%; Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation [GRADE] = low). Supplementation of omega-3 fatty acids did not yield a statistically significant impact on body mass index (BMI) (SMD, 0.12 kg/m²; 95% CI, -0.02, 0.27; I² = 79%; GRADE = very low), lean body mass (LBM) (SMD, -0.02 kg; 95% CI, -0.43, 0.39; I² = 97%; GRADE = very low), fat mass (SMD, 0.45 kg; 95% CI, -0.25, 1.15; I² = 96%; GRADE = low), and body fat (SMD, 0.30%; 95% CI, -0.90, 1.51; I² = 96%; GRADE = very low). After excluding 2 studies, the findings were significant for BMI. Regarding the results of the dose-response analysis, body weight increased proportionally by increasing the dose of omega-3 supplementation up to 4 g/day. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can improve body weight, but not BMI, LBM, fat mass, or body fat in cancer patients; large-scale randomized trials needed for more reliable results.

• The Journal of Korean Academic Society of Nursing Education
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.337-346
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to understand and describe difficulties and needs experienced by head nurses in the clinical practice education of nursing students. Methods: A qualitative descriptive method was employed. A convenience sampling method was used to recruit participants from four hospitals in South Korea. Twenty-one head nurses participated in the first interview and 17 of them participated in the second interview. Data were collected through two in-depth interviews and field notes were written. Qualitative content analysis method was utilized for data analysis using ATLAS.ti 6.2 software. Results: Thirty-one codes and twelve categories were identified. Four themes emerged from data analysis, which included 'too many tasks', 'limitations of student education', 'many differences', and 'lack of support and resources.' Conclusion: This qualitative study described head nurses' many difficulties and needs in the clinical practice education of nursing students. The results of this study provide valuable understanding and knowledge of head nurses' experiences in students' clinical education, which leads to improvement of the quality of clinical education for nursing students.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.51-61
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of needs for professional development and organizational climate on organizational socialization of clinical nurses. A cross-sectional analysis were performed to assess the factors affecting organizational socialization. Methods: The data used in this study were obtained from clinical nurses who were employed in a hospital (N=606). Using multiple regression, we tested variables to assess their effects on organizational socialization in this sample. The data were analyzed using descriptive test, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficiency and stepwise multivariate regression. SPSS 17.0 program was utilized for data analysis. Results: The mean scores of organizational socialization, needs for professional development and organizational climate were statistically differed by career ladder, educational level and position. Organizational socialization had significant positive correlations with the needs for professional development (r=.332, p<.01) and organizational climate (r=.523, p<.01). Those variables including career ladder explained 33.4% of organizational socialization. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that organizational socialization of clinical nurses could be enhanced by meeting the needs for professional development and organizational climate. Developing innovative educations for encouraging clinical nurses' carrier development and creating a positive organizational climate are mandated for clinical nurses to have constructive organizational socialization.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.85-90
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• 2015

This article reviews recent analytical techniques using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) immunoassay for clinical and bio analysis. We classified the techniques into two categories, direct and indirect analysis, which depend upon a guideline of whether tagging materials are used or not. Direct analysis is well known, and generally used in conjunction with various other techniques, such as laser ablation, chromatographic separations, etc. Recently, indirect analysis using tagging elements has intensively been discussed because of its importance in future applications to bio and clinical analysis, including environmental and food industries. The method has shown advantages of multiplex detection, excellent sensitivity, and short analysis time owing to signal amplification and magnetic separation. Now, it expands the application field from small biomolecules to large cells.

• Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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• 2001.04a
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• pp.222.2-223
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• 2001

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.70-84
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• 2018

Purpose: This study was conducted to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Korean version of the clinical learning environment, supervision and nurse teacher evaluation scale (CLES+T) that measures the clinical learning environment and the conditions associated with supervision and nurse teachers. Methods: The English CLES+T was translated into Korean with forward and back translation. Survey data were collected from 434 nursing students who had more than four days of clinical practice in Korean hospitals. Internal consistency reliability and construct validity using confirmatory and exploratory factor analysis were conducted. SPSS 20.0 and AMOS 22.0 programs were used for data analysis. Results: The exploratory factor analysis revealed seven factors for the thirty three-item scale. Confirmatory factor analysis supported good convergent and discriminant validities. The Cronbach's alpha for the overall scale was .94 and for the seven subscales ranged from .78 to .94. Conclusion: The findings suggest that the 33-items Korean CLES+T is an appropriate instrument to measure Korean nursing students'clinical learning environment with good validity and reliability.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3715-3720
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• 2014

Background: It is controversial whether Tai Chi (TC) benefits breast cancer survivors (BCS) on quality of life (QoL). We therefore undertook a meta-analysis to assess this question. Materials and Methods: A computerized search through electronic databases was performed to identify relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcome was QoL, while secondary outcomes included body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), and muscle strength. Results: Five RCTs involving 407 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled standardized mean differences were 0.10 (95% confidence interval (CI): -0.35-0.54) for physical well-being, 0.03 (95%CI: -0.18-0.25) for social/family well-being, 0.24 (95%CI: 0.02-0.45) for emotional well-being, 0.23 (95%CI: -0.03-0.49) for functional well-being, and 0.09 (95%CI: -0.19-0.36) for additional concerns. TC failed to improve BMI, BMD, and muscle strength. Conclusions: There is currently lack of sufficient evidence to support TC improving QoL and other important clinical endpoints.

• The Journal of the Korean dental association
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• v.53 no.7
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• pp.476-484
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• 2015

Purpose: This study intended to analyze the validity of clinical effectiveness data of clinical trials testing systemic titrated extract of Zea Mays L. unsaponifiable fraction chemotherapeutic agent. Material and Methods: Among 5 clinical trials claimed as proof of clinical effectiveness on the Web site of the manufacturer of this chemotherapeutic agent, a review of 4 clinical trials, written in either Korean or English, was conducted. Data were extracted from studies for the following variables: year of publication, age, sample size, follow-up period, combination with contemporary periodontal treatments, randomization, randomization check, blinded measurement, and statistical test type. Results: The study subjects' age intervals were too diverse to decide a common target population to generalize the findings. No study stated clearly the rationale for the sample size determination. Follow-up period to observe the start of clinical effectiveness was inconsistent and decided without any rationale of pathophysiological latent period. Randomization to make the comparisons on the same start line was performed but failed in a study. Randomization effect was not checked in 4 studies. Performance of blinded measurement of clinical outcomes to prevent bias was unclear in 2 studies. Type of statistical test was inappropriate in 3 studies. Conclusions: Based on the analysis of the validity of data on clinical and demographic variables, the four available clinical trials have not demonstrated compelling evidence of therapeutic effectiveness of systemic titrated extract of Zea Mays L. unsaponifiable fraction chemotherapeutic agent to improve prognosis of periodontal disease either with the contemporary periodontal treatment or without it.

• 대한임상약리학회:학술대회논문집
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• 1998.12a
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• pp.60-60
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• 1998