• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1403-1407
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• 2015

Background: New tumour biomarkers are being intensely investigated for malignant mesothelioma (MM). Fibulin-3 is produced in MM but its role remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of measuring serum fibulin-3 in the diagnosis and prognosis of MM. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was performed on 43 patients and 40 healthy controls who were admitted to our hospital between January 2012 and January 2014. Data from MM patients, including demographic and clinical features, routine laboratory data, levels of serum fibulin-3, and treatment outcomes were defined as potential prognostic factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for fibulin-3 was used to detect the cut-off value with highest sensitivity and specificity. Univariate survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method in patients with MM. Afterwards, the possible factors identified with univariate analyses were entered into the cox regression analysis. Results: Our results revealed that patients with MM had significantly higher serum levels of fibulin-3 than controls. The results showed that the best cut-off point was 36.6 ng/ml with an AUC (area under the curve)=0.976, sensitivity=93.0% and specificity=90.0. In our study, the initial significant poor prognostic factors were advanced stage, high white blood cell count, high platelet count, high C-reactive protein (p<0.05 for each variable). Later, according to multivariate analysis the results showed only advanced stage as significant parameter (p=0.040). Conclusions: We determined that real use for serum fibulin-3 was not for prognosis but for diagnosis in MM. Also advanced stage was associated with poor MM prognosis.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 2016

Unfortunately, the five-year survival rate of lung cancer is relatively low compared with other cancers. Therefore, better predictors are need for prognosis, therapeutic strategy, risk stratification and predicting long-term mortality of lung cancer. Recently, increasing data suggest that Glasgow Prognostic Score (GPS) and procalcitonin levels are useful predictor cancer prognosis. In this study, we retrospectively investigated the correlation of GPS or procalcitonin to clinical variables in patients with pretreatment lung cancer. In 135 patients with pretreatment lung cancer, GPS, procalcitonin, demographic characteristics, hematological, coagulation, biochemical, inflammatory and cardiac markers were measured. Monocyte, eosinophil, basophil, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, red cell distribution width (RDW), platelet to lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volume to platecrit ratio, D-dimer and prothrombin time (PT) levels were higher, whereas mean platelet volume was lower than their normal ranges. Glucose and sodium levels were low, whereas gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin, creatinine and inorganic phosphorus concentrations were increase compared their normal ranges. Procalcitonin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein and troponin-I concentrations were elevated compared with their normal ranges. GPS had significantly positive or negative relations to cancer stage, hematological, coagulation, biochemical, inflammatory and troponin-I. Based on the data, we suggest that GPS may be a potent and useful predictor for prognosis, therapeutic strategy, risk stratification and predicting long-term mortality of lung cancer.

• Journal of Korean Medicine for Obesity Research
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.36-49
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• 2016

Objectives: Two historical evidence supported the concept of Gamrosu. The first one was Jeho-tang, a selected thirst quencher in Chosun Dynasty and the second one was Saeng-Maek-san, Dongeuibogam's recommendation as one of the qi-vigorating summer beverages. Gamrosu is a modified fasting therapy beverage which is manufactured from those two prescriptions and the carbohydrates (420.6 kcal/d). A retrospective observational study was conducted to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Methods: Thirty-three cases were reviewed at three local Korean Medical clinics that each site's participant has finished the modified fasting for 10 consecutive days. Clinical outcomes were reviewed at pre- and post-fasting sessions by retrieving the changes of body composition, blood pressure, blood chemistries & urine tests, and subjective symptoms & fatigue scores. Results: Demographics of the observed participants were 17 of male and 16 of female. Post-Gamrosu session, -6.89% of body weight, -8.97% of body fat mass were reduced with the nutrition indices being improved (P<0.001). -8.72% of systolic blood pressure, -39.86% of serum triglyceride, -6.75% of fast blood sugar and -8.12% of waist circumference were improved (P<0.05). The levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (-58.34%), CRP (-43.55%) and eosinophil (-21.30%) showed the significant diminished profiles (P<0.05). Liver/kidney functions and the standard of electrolytes were maintained within normal range in stable manners. The fatigue scale scores indicated significant lower scores. Conclusions: Taken together, obesity-related clinical outcomes after a modified fasting therapy with Gamrosu were sufficiently feasible and the observed findings should be considered for further prospective clinical studies.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.4 no.6
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• pp.507-514
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• 2010

Vitamin K intake has been reported as an essential factor for bone formation. The current study was conducted under the hypothesis that insufficient vitamin K intake would affect inflammatory markers and bone mineral density in young adult women. The study was a cross-sectional design that included 75 women in their 20s. Physical assessments, bone mineral density measurements, 24-hr dietary recalls, and biochemical assessments for high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and percentages of undercarboxylated osteocalcin (%ucOC) were performed. An analysis of vitamin K nutritional status was performed comparing first, second, and third tertiles of intake based on %ucOC in plasma. Vitamin K intake levels in the first, second, and third tertiles were $94.88{\pm}51.48\;{\mu}g$, $73.85{\pm}45.15\;{\mu}g$, and $62.58{\pm}39.92\;{\mu}g$, respectively (P < 0.05). The T-scores of the first and third tertiles were 1.06 and -0.03, respectively, indicating that bone mineral density was significantly lower in the group with lower vitamin K intake (P < 0.05). There was a tendency for different serum hs-CRP concentrations between the first ($0.04{\pm}0.02$) and third tertiles ($0.11{\pm}0.18$), however this was not statistically significant. Regression analysis was performed to identify the correlations between vitamin K nutritional status, inflammatory markers, and bone mineral density after adjusting for age and BMI. Serum hs-CRP concentrations were positively correlated with vitamin K deficiency status (P < 0.05). And bone mineral density, which was represented by speed, was negatively correlated with vitamin K deficiency status (P < 0.05). In conclusion, status of vitamin K affects inflammatory status and bone formation. Therefore, sufficient intake of vitamin K is required to secure peak bone mass in young adult women.

• The Korean Journal of Health Service Management
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.71-82
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• 2013

Arterial stiffness(AS) is an important pathologic state of vascular injury. This study was carried out to elucidate the effect of physiological variables on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity(BAPWV), index of AS. Four hundred adults(volunteers) participated in this study. Body indices, biochemical, cardiac and inflammatory markers, and right(Rt)- and left(Lt)-BAPWV were measured. Body mass index(BMI), Rt- and Lt-BAPWV, glucose, triglyceride, alkaline phosphatase(ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase(GGT), creatinine, uric acid, troponin-I(TNI), NT-proBNP and high sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) levels were higher than the reference value of each variable. Rt- and Lt-BAPWV were directly correlated with age, body weight, BMI, glucose, ketone, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, ALP, GGT, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein-B, blood urea nitrogen, heart rate, TNI, creatine kinase, CK-MB, lactic dehydrogenase, myoglobin, hs-CRP, lipase, reumatoid factor, fibrinogen and D-dimer (P<0.05, P<0.01, P<0.001 or P<0.000, respectively), but inversely associated with total bilirubin, uric acid, apolipoprotein-A1 and GFR (P<0.05). These observations suggest that a variety of physiological variables may influence BAPWV, resulting in increased risk or prevention of cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular attacks. Therefore, physiological variables affecting BAPWV should be regularly controlled.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.2
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• pp.43-48
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• 2018

Purpose: Human adenovirus infection mimics Kawasaki disease (KD) but can be detected in KD patients. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical differences between KD with adenovirus infection and only adenoviral infection and to identify biomarkers for prediction of adenovirus-positive KD from isolated adenoviral infection. Methods: A total of 147 patients with isolated adenovirus were identified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, 11 patients having KD with adenovirus, who were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin therapy during the acute phase of KD were also evaluated. Results: Compared with the adenoviral infection group, the KD with adenovirus group was significantly associated with frequent lip and tongue changes, skin rash and changes in the extremities. In the laboratory parameters, higher C-reactive protein (CRP) level and presence of hypoalbuminemia and sterile pyuria were significantly associated with the KD group. In the multivariate analysis, lip and tongue changes (odds ratio [OR], 1.416; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.151-1.741; P=0.001), high CRP level (OR, 1.039; 95% CI 1.743-1.454; P= 0.021) and sterile pyuria (OR 1.052; 95% CI 0.861-1.286; P=0.041) were the significant predictive factors of KD. In addition, the cutoff CRP level related to KD with adenoviral detection was 56 mg/L, with a sensitivity of 81.8% and a specificity of 75.9%. Conclusion: Lip and tongue changes, higher serum CRP level and sterile pyuria were significantly correlated with adenovirus-positive KD.

• Journal of Korean Academic Society of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.288-299
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• 2019

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify factors influencing asthma, with a focus on obesity and systemic inflammation, in Korean adults. Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of data from the sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2015). A total of 3,693 individuals aged ≥19 years were included. The prevalence of asthma was 1.6% in the normal weight group (n=23), 1.4% in the overweight group (n=13), and 2.9% in the obese group (n=39). Data included markers associated with systemic inflammation such as high sensitivity C-reactive protein level, leukocyte count, hemoglobin level, and hematocrit value based on previous studies. The results were analyzed using a complex sampling design analysis and by multiple logistic regression analysis with SPSS WIN 24.0 program. Results: In the obese group, age between 50 and 59 years (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=14.06, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.84-27.14); age between 60 and 69 years (AOR=3.30, 95% CI=1.34-8.14); age ≥70 years (AOR=3.22, 95% CI=1.31-7.93); female gender (AOR=2.32, 95% CI=1.12-4.78); leukocyte count (AOR=1.18, 95% CI=1.01-1.38), and hemoglobin levels (AOR=0.60, 95% CI=0.45-0.81) were identified as factors influencing asthma. Conclusion: The results can be used to develop nursing interventions to prevent asthma associated with obesity in hospitals or home-based healthcare settings.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.11
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• pp.359-364
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• 2017

Purpose: The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been shown to be associated with systemic inflammation in obese adults with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and its relation to inflammatory markers in obese Thai children. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Children with history of endogenous obesity, chronic diseases, drug ingestion, and any acute illness within 2 weeks prior to enrollment were excluded. Their fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels, oral glucose tolerance tests, insulin, lipid profiles, and selected inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels, were tested. Results: In this study, 58 obese Thai children (female, 20; male, 38) with a mean body mass index z score of $5.1{\pm}2.2$ were enrolled. The prevalence of MetS and prediabetes was 31% and 17.2%, respectively. None of the children had diabetes. FBG levels, 2-hour glucose levels, and lipid profiles were not statistically different between those with and without MetS. However, obese children with MetS had higher insulin levels and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance values. Elevated hs-CRP levels were found in 69% of the cases, although it was not statistically different between the 2 groups. Conclusion: We described a substantial prevalence of MetS in Thai obese children. Regardless of MetS status, two-thirds of the obese children had elevated hs-CRP level, indicating subtle ongoing inflammatory process. This chronic inflammation feasibly predisposes them to CVD in the future, even in children without MetS.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.212-218
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• 2011

Purpose: Intracorporeal anastomosis during laparoscopic gastrectomy is becoming increasingly prevalent. However, selection of the anastomosis method after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is equivocal because of a lack of technical feasibility and safety. We compared intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy with gastrojejunostomy using linear staplers to evaluate the technical feasibility and safety of intracorporeal anastomoses as well as its' minimally invasiveness. Materials and Methods: Retrospective analyses of a prospectively collected database for gastric cancer revealed 47 gastric cancer patients who underwent laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with either intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy or gastrojejunostomy from March 2011 to June 2011. Perioperative outcomes such as operation time, postoperative complication, and hospital stay were compared according to the type of anastomosis. Postoperative inflammatory response was also compared between the two groups using white blood cell count and high sensitivity C-reactive protein. Results: Among the 47 patients, 26 patients received gastroduodenostomy, whereas 21 patients received gastrojejunostomy without open conversion or additional mini-laparotomy incision. There was no difference in mean operation time, blood loss, and length of postoperative hospital stays. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative complication or mortality between two groups. However, significantly more staplers were used for gastroduodenostomy than for gastrojejunostomy (n=6) than for gastroduodenostomy and (n=5). Conclusions: Intracorporeal anastomosis during laparoscopic gastrectomy using linear stapler, either gastroduodenostomy or gastrojejunostomy, shows comparable and acceptable early postoperative outcomes and are safe and feasible. Therefore, surgeons may choose either anastomosis method as long as oncological safety is guaranteed.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.9 no.3
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• pp.47-58
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• 2021

Purpose : This study aimed to investigate the association between asthma and oral health and factors influencing asthma in adults. We also investigated whether asthma is related to mental health and physiological factors of blood. Methods : Data from 12,639 adults was taken from the 7th period (2016~2018) Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and analyzed using with SPSS 22.0 statistical program. Statistical analysis of data included frequency analysis, cross-analysis, and logistic regression analysis. For continuous data, an independent sample t-test was performed. The statistical significance level was defined as 0.05. Results : The probability of asthma occurrence was statistically different within general characteristics (gender, age, school grade, income, and drinking). By independent variables in a logistic regression analysis, the asthma diagnosis group had more people with speech discomfort (OR=1.37), chewing discomfort (OR=1.29), and oral pain (OR=.73). We found that people with asthma had a more unfavorable perception of their health (OR=1.73), suffered more depression (OR=.45), stress (OR=.66), and limited activity (OR=2.38). Moreover, the white blood cell count (OR=1.10) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein test (OR=1.06) also showed higher values than the control group. Conclusion : Our study showed that oral health and mental health were associated with the asthma, and influencing factors were oral health and behavior and mental health-related characteristics. Therefore, it is necessary to understand asthma-related risk factors for oral health and recognize the importance of systematic oral care education and regular dental visits for patients receiving asthma treatment. Thus, this study provides valuable insights on appropriate oral health management and prevention of asthma in patients.