• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.4335-4338
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• 2015

Background: Oral cancer is the third most common malignancy in Saudi Arabia, the highest incidence of which is reported from Jazan province. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of various locally used substances, especially shamma, with oral cancer in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based case-control study was designed and patient records were scanned for histologically confirmed oral cancer cases. Forty eight patients who were recently diagnosed with oral cancer were selected as cases. Two healthy controls were selected for each observed case and they were matched with age (+/- 5 years) gender and location. Use of different forms of tobacco such as cigarettes, pipe-smoking and shamma (smokeless-tobacco) was assessed. Khat, a commonly used chewing substance in the community was also included. Descriptive analysis was first performed followed by multiple logistic regression (with and without interaction) to derive odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs). Results: Mean age of the study sample (56% males and 44% females) was 65.3 years. Multinomial regression analysis revealed that shamma use increased the odds of developing oral cancer by 29 times (OR=29.3; 10.3-83.1). Cigarette (OR=6.74; 2.18-20.8) was also seen to have an effect. With the interaction model the odds ratio increased significantly for shamma users (OR=37.2; 12.3-113.2) and cigarette smokers (OR=10.5; 2.88-3.11). Khat was observed to have negative effect on the disease occurrence when used along with shamma (OR=0.01; 0.00 - 0.65). Conclusions: We conclude that shamma, a moist form of smokeless tobacco is a major threat for oral cancer occurrence in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. This study gives a direction to conduct further longitudinal studies in the region with increased sample size representing the population in order to provide more substantial evidence.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.6111-6116
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• 2015

Background: Stomach cancer is one of leading causes of death worldwide. In Thailand, the incidence and mortality of stomach cancer are in the top ten for cancers. Effects of DNA repair gene X-ray repair cross complementary protein 1 (XRCC1) polymorphisms and clinicopathological characteristics on survival of stomach cancer in Thailand have not been previously reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of XRCC1 gene and clinicopathological characteristics on survival of stomach cancer patients in Thailand. Materials and Methods: Data and blood samples were collected from 101 newly diagnosed stomach cancer cases pathologically confirmed and recruited during 2002 to 2006 and followed-up for vital status until 31 October 2012. Genotype analysis was performed using real-time PCR-HRM. The data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method to yield cumulative survival curve, log-rank test to assess statistical difference of survival and Cox proportional hazard models to estimate adjusted hazard ratio. Results: The total followed-up times were 2,070 person-months, and the mortality rate was 4.3 per 100 person-months. The median survival time after diagnosis was 8.07 months. The cumulative 1-, 3-, 5-years survival rates were 40.4%, 15.2 % and 10.1 % respectively. After adjustment, tumour stage were associated with an increased risk of death (p= 0.036). The XRCC1 Gln339Arg, Arg/Arg homozygote was also associated with increased risk but statistically this was non-significant. Conclusions: In addition to tumour stage, which is an important prognostic factor affecting to the survival of stomach cancer patients, the genetic variant Gln339Arg in XRCC1 may non-significantly contribute to risk of stomach cancer death among Thai people. Larger studies with different populations are need to verify ours findings.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7237-7241
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• 2013

Background: Smokeless tobacco use in South Asia is believed to be a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality. In India, only a few studies involving health educational intervention by health care providers have demonstrated reduction in smokeless tobacco usage. In the present study we assessed the cessation efforts towards smokeless tobacco by physicians in two high tobacco prevalence states of India. The study also identified opportunities and barriers for integration of tobacco cessation services in routine practices of physicians. Materials and Methods: This mixed method study involved qualitative (phase I) and quantitative research study (phase II). In phase I, 59 in-depth interviews with physicians were conducted. In phase II, a quantitative study conducted among 238 physicians. An inductive approach was followed to analyze qualitative data using ATLAS. Ti software. The Chi-square test was employed to test the association between different variables of interest using SPSS version 17. Results: The majority of physicians related only respiratory problems and cancer with smokeless tobacco. Other major health effects like cardio-vascular problems, oral diseases, and effects on reproductive and neonatal health were recognized only by a few physicians. The age-group of 10-19 years was identified as most vulnerable to smokeless tobacco use. Less than one-third of physicians reported recording smokeless tobacco history of all patients. Findings indicated that less than half of physicians provided information on harmful health effects of smokeless tobacco with regard to specific diseases. Conclusions: The study revealed a low level of knowledge of physicians about harmful effects of tobacco and their suboptimal engagement in tobacco control practices. The study indicates the need of capacity building initiatives to equip physicians with skills in tobacco cessation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.5869-5873
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• 2015

Background: Breast and cervical cancers are among the most frequent and most fatal cancers in women. Life span of patients may be increased and quality of life improved through early diagnosis and treatment. This investigation was performed in order to determine knowledge and practices of female health personnel working at a university hospital regarding breast and cervical cancers. Materials and Methods: This descriptive investigation was performed in Erciyes University Hospitals in 2014. A total of 524 female health personnel were included in the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire of 36 questions prepared by the researchers. The Chi square test and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. Results: The mean age of the study group was $32.8{\pm}6.9$ years, 18.3% being doctors and 81.7% nurses. Of the study group, 60.5% stated that they performed self breast-examination, 4.4% underwent HPV testing, 26.3% thought about taking an HPV test, 34.7% of those who are 40 years and over had mammography regularly and 19.5% of those who were married had a Pap smear conducted regularly. Most important causes of not performing the methods for early diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers are "forget and neglect". Conclusions: It was concluded that female doctors and nurses do not pay sufficient attention to screening programs for breast and cervical cancers. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment should be emphasized during the undergraduate education and in-service training programs. Health condition of personnel and their utilization of preventive health care should be followed by occupational physicians.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.15
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• pp.6219-6225
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• 2014

Background: Increasing evidence from animal, epidemiological and clinical investigations suggest that dietary anthocyanins have potential to prevent chronic diseases, including cancers. It is also noteworthy that human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ErbB2) protein overexpression or ErbB2 gene amplification has been included as an indicator for metastasis and higher risk of recurrence for breast cancer. Materials and Methods: The present experiments investigated the anti-metastasis effects of black rice anthocyanins (BRACs) on ErbB2 positive breast cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. Results: Oral administration of BRACs (150 mg/kg/day) reduced transplanted tumor growth, inhibited pulmonary metastasis, and decreased lung tumor nodules in BALB/c nude mice bearing ErbB2 positive breast cancer cell MDA-MB-453 xenografts. The capacity for migration, adhesion, motility and invasion was also inhibited by BRACs in MDA-MB-453 cells in a concentration dependent manner, accompanied by decreased activity of a transfer promoting factor, urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA). Conclusions: Together, our results indicated that BRACs possess anti-metastasis potential against ErbB2 positive human breast cancer cells in vivo and in vitro through inhibition of metastasis promoting molecules.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.47-54
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• 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors related to dental caries and periodontal disease in Korean adults. Methods: The subjects were 5,149 adults over 19 years old who participated in the 5th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012. Data were analyzed by chi-square test and logistic regression analysis using SPSS 18.0 statistical package program. The questionnaire consisted of 17 questions of independent variables and 2 kinds of dependent variables including dental caries and periodontal diseases by direct interview. The independent variables included 5 questions of general characteristics, 3 questions of health behavior, 5 questions of oral health behavior, and 4 questions of chronic diseases diagnosed by the doctors. Results: The prevalence rate of dental caries was higher in those who did not regularly work out and did not receive regular checkups including dental floss and dental brush use. The prevalence rate of periodontal diseases was higher in male adults, smokers, and those who were obese and had diabetes mellitus, poor oral health care habit without using dental floss and inter-dental brush. Conclusions: In order to prevent the dental caries in the adults, it is very important to do regular exercise and regular dental checkup. The best ways of dental caries prevention include tooth brushing after meal with use of dental floss and inter-dental brush. This study suggests that dental health promotion can be enhanced by smoking cessation, ideal body weight maintenance, timely tooth brushing after meal, and use of dental floss and inter-dental brush.

• Journal of Korean Dental Science
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.87-93
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• 2014

Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate the caries prevention effect of school-based fluoride mouth rinsing (FMR) program implemented in the Hanuul district of Mongolia, which has a very low socioeconomic status and extremely poor infrastructure for oral health. Materials and Methods: One hundred and seventy children aged from 6 to 8 years of the FMR school and 187 children aged from 6 to 8 years of the control school completed the baseline survey. Children from the FMR school rinsed with 0.05% sodium fluoride everyday under supervision, while those from the control school did not. Adjusted caries preventive fraction (CPF) for 2 years were calculated to evaluate the effect of the FMR program. Result: After 2 years, 288 schoolchildren remained in the study. Decayed, missing or filled permanent teeth (DMFT) and index of the FMR and the control schools at baseline were 0.11 and 0.12, respectively, and the average DMFT increment of the FMR and the control schools after 2 years were 0.35 and 0.65, respectively. The adjusted CPF of DMFT was 48.5%. Conclusion: These findings show that a school-based FMR is an effective caries preventive program in a socially deprived community with poor infrastructure for oral health.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.11
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• pp.5005-5009
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• 2016

Introduction: Gutkha contains harmful and carcinogenic chemicals and oral cancer caused by tobacco usage has been reported as a major preventable cause of death worldwide by the World Health Organization. The Telangana state government implemented a ban on gutkha usage starting in 2013 but how effective this ban has been remains unclear. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the actual impact of the gutkha ban on users and vendors. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among gutkha users and tobacco vendors in Ranga Reddy district, Telangana. Based on a pilot study the sample size was determined as 368 and 384 for users and vendors respectively. Two separate questionnaires were administered to these groups. The parameters studied mainly included knowledge regarding the ban, and its impact. Results: About 49.1% of the users were aware of the ban on gutkha. Newspapers were the main source of information regarding the ban as reported by 45.3% of users. After the ban, 29.8% of gutkha users switched to other tobacco products. Awareness of health hazards and non-availability of gutkha was the most important reason stated for quitting or reducing consumption. Conclusion: The perspective of ban when visualized from the users point of view depicted a negative impact while the vendors portrayed a positive impact. Considering the addictive potential of the ingredients of gutkha, recording the effects of the ban on regular consumers and determining whether they can still obtain the products by illicit trade, would be noteworthy for implementation of strict rules.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.153-166
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• 2007

The job of dental hygienists is specialized, and they have to be capable of performing their primary duties including prevention of oral diseases, oral prophylaxis, and oral health education. To ensure their successful job performance, dentists should have an accurate understanding of their duties and need a change of mind-set about them. And there should be written legal and concrete regulations on the coverage of their work in order to let them boost their job performance with pride and a sense of responsibility. The purpose of this study was to examine the actual roles and job performance of dental hygienists in clinical field in an attempt to discuss the substantial job performance of dental hygienists and their job enlargement. It's basically meant to help enhance the efficiency and quality of medical services. The subjects in this study were 471 dental hygienists in dental clinics, dental hospitals, university hospitals and general hospitals across the nation, on whom a survey was conducted in person from March 2 to 25, 2005. The collected data were analyzed with SPSS Win 12.0 program, and the findings of the study were as follows: 1. The major jobs they currently performed included oral health education, hospital management, simple duties, extensive dental hygiene duties and joint treatment assistance. They hoped to continue to be responsible for oral health education, preventive treatment and extensive dental hygiene duties. 2. As for their current job by age, extensive dental hygiene duties, preventive treatment, joint treatment assistance, preserving treatment, prosthetic treatment and pediatric treatment were most conducted by the dental hygienists who were at the age of 26 to less than 31, and those who were at the age of 31 and up were most responsible for hospital management and simple duties. 3. As to job awareness by workplace, their workload was statistically significantly different according to their workplace. The hospital employees took care of more work than those in clinics. 4. Concerning job awareness by age, the younger dental hygienists suffered more role conflicts and were given a less free hand in work handling, the middle-aged group's job was uncertain. Legal regulations about the coverage of their work should be prepared in detail as a measure to stir up their responsible job performance and pride. In order to take advantage of experienced dental hygienists, their duties should be more differentiated and specialized, and their working conditions should be improved to boost their job satisfaction. That is, they should be given ample chances for promotion and serving as a middle manager and be given fair treatment according to their career. If their work is accurately darified and specialized based on career, it will boost the efficiency of dental treatment. Dental hygienists also should direct sustained efforts into self-development in order to become a skilled and professional oral health personnel.

• The Journal of Korean Society for School & Community Health Education
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.39-55
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to provide the necessary fundamental data in composing a systematic text content of the public health by analyzing each text, domain, and teaching contents suggested in the textbooks as well as teachers' guides of the 7th elementary school education curriculum, while the study subjects were as follows. 1. The health education content suggested in the 7th physical education curriculum were analyzed and examined. 2. The health teaching content of each textbook in the 7th elementary school curriculum was to be analyzed and examined. In order to resolve the above research issues, the physical, spiritual, and social domain along with the (1) Proper living habit, (2) Health and nutrition, (3) Sex education, (4) Prevention of the sense-organic diseases, (5) Cleanliness of food, (6) Oral hygiene, (7) Individual health and public health, (8) Safety in living, (9) Abuse and usage of medication, educational content suggested in the 7tand (10) Environment pollution focused around the health of the elementary school education curriculum was analyzed and its outcome was as below First, compared with the 6th elementary school education curriculum, the health content suggested in the 7th elementary school education curriculum was decreased. Second, although each grade's teaching content of the health domain in the physical education was considered in its structure following after the according systems, they were preponderant in partial subjects such as the safety in living, nutrition, proper living habit, sport, and health in sport. oo. Third, the health education content was organized in 4 units such as the physical growth and development, prevention of diseases, safe living, and leisure living(leisure, spiritual health, and etc.) for the 3rd and 4th grade. Then, as for 5th and 6th grade, it was organized in 3 units such as the understanding the human body, prevention of disease, and leisure and safe living. Fourth, in the physical educational health domain, a strong point was constructed within the physical, spiritual, and social areas of the elementary school physical education. Fifth, the number of the public health education contents directly related with the health education was 43 as with 25 indirect contents. Sixth, each grade's domain unit structure of the public health content was heavy upon the physical and social area throughout every grade while in opposite, the spiritual domain' s unit structure was weak. In according to each grade, the physical domain was stressed in 4, 5, and 6 grades while the social domain was stressed in 1, 5, and 6 grades.