• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.11 no.2
• /
• pp.99-105
• /
• 2008

Purpose: In terminally ill cancer patients, accurate prediction of survival is necessary for clinical and ethical reasons, especially in helping to avoid harm, discomfort and inappropriate therapies and in planning specific care strategies. The aim of the study was to investigate prognostic factor of dying patients. Methods: We enrolled the terminal cancer patients from Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital from 2004 until their death. We observed symptoms shown in dying patients and assess 17 common symptoms shown in terminally ill cancer patients, performance status, pain and analgesic use. Results: Average period from hospitalization to death was 11.7 days. The most important prognostic factor is performance status (KPS), average KPS at enrollment is 48% and at last 48 hours is 25%. Physical symptoms that have significant prognostic importance are poor oral intake, weakness, constipation, decreased Karnofsky performance status, bed sore, edema, jaundice, dry mouth, dyspnea. Dying patients showed markedly decreased systolic blood pressure, cyanosis, drowsiness, abnormal respiration, death rattle frequently at 48 hours before death. Conclusion: If we assess the symptoms more carefully, we can predict the more accurate prognosis. The communication about the prognostic information will influence the personal therapeutic decision and specific care planning.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
• /
• v.47 no.1
• /
• pp.133-141
• /
• 2017

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between awareness of nutrition labeling and menstrual cycle irregularity in women from a nationally representative sample of the Korean population. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was performed using hierarchical multi-variable logistic regression analysis models. A total of 4,324 women aged 19~54 years from the 2010~2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participated in the study. The participants were classified into three groups based on self-report responses to a questionnaire about their awareness of nutrition labels: Reading, Not-Reading, and Not-Knowing Groups. Results: The Reading, Not-Reading, and Not-Knowing Groups comprised 46.4%, 44.9%, and 8.7% of the participants, respectively, and 53.6% of the participants had never used nutrition labels. In the Not-Knowing Group, irregular menstrual cycles for more than 3 months were significantly more common than women with irregular menstrual cycles for up to 3 months and women with regular menstrual cycles. Women in the Not-Knowing Group were more likely to exhibit menstrual cycle irregularity (adjusted odds ratio: 1.63, 95% confidence interval: 1.10~2.41) compared to women in the Reading Group after adjusting for age, body mass index, smoking status, alcohol intake, exercise regularity, stress, depression, suicidal ideation, metabolic syndrome, age at menarche, parity, and use of oral contraceptives. Conclusion: No awareness of nutrition labeling appears to be associated with a higher prevalence of menstrual cycle irregularity in a nationally representative group of Korean women.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.15
• /
• pp.6347-6352
• /
• 2015

Background: Breast malignancies are one of the leading causes of deaths in females worldwide. There are a number of risk factors associated with breast cancer but in Karachi Pakistan there are insufficient data available. Materials and Methods: A case control study was conducted on females in age group between 30-80 years. This study was accomplished by retrospective data collection in Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 108 females with primary malignancy of breast were included along with 108 matched controls. Relationship of various factors with disease was studied using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios with 95 % confidence intervals. Results: A total of 14 variables were analyzed and based on and 7 were found to be risk factors: old age, family history of breast cancer, family history of other carcinomas, personal history of breast carcinoma, early age of menarche, older age of mother at first delivery and lower number of children. Five factors, parity, breast feeding, history of oral contraceptive pills intake, past history of oophorectomy and hysterectomy showed protective associations. One variable, use of hormonal replacement therapy, showed a controversial link and one other, marital status, was not significant in this study. Conclusions: It is concluded that most of the well-known risk factors for breast cancer are also associated with the disease in the female population of Karachi, Pakistan. High risk patients should be the focus with the help of this study so that screening can be more effective for early diagnosis before clinically evident breast malignancy.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.66-70
• /
• 2014

X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a uncommon metabolic disorder which derived by peroxismal ${\beta}$-oxidation and elevation of serum very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA). VLCFA is mainly accumulated in the myelin of the central nervous system and adrenal cortex, by which the expressed symptoms of this disease are mainly neurologic and endocrinologic (such as adrenal insufficiency). The mutations in the ABCD1 gene causes X-linked ALD, nevertheless its phenotypes and genotypes are poorly coordinated. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy with X-linked ALD who developed vomiting, fatigue and poor oral intake. Severe dehydration and hyponatremia were found in initial physical examination and laboratory test, but his motor/sensory nerve function and mental status were completely normal. We diagnosed ALD with diffuse high-intensity signal in both parietotemporal cerebellar white matter in brain MRI and elevated serum VLCFA. Later, we confirmed a novel c.1635-1G>A (IVS6-1G>A) mutations of the ABCD1 gene. With the discrepancy between its phenotypes and genotypes, various phenotypes could be seen in X-ALD patient. Careful examination and further studies for these patients will be needed.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
• /
• v.21 no.3
• /
• pp.161-165
• /
• 2020

Background: Microstomia is defined as a condition with a small sized-mouth that results in functional impairment such as difficulty with food intake, pronunciation, and poor oral hygiene and cosmetic problems. Several treatment methods for microstomia have been proposed. None of them are universally applicable. This study aims at analyzing the cases treated at our institution critically reviewing the pertinent literature. Methods: The medical records of all microstomia patients treated in our hospital from November 2015 to April 2018 were reviewed retrospectively. Of these, all patients who received surgical treatment for microstomia were included in the study and analyzed for etiology, chief complaint, surgical method, and outcomes. The functional outcomes of mouth opening and intercommissure distance before and after the surgery were evaluated. The cosmetic results were assessed according to the patients' satisfaction. Results: Five patients with microstomia were corrected. Two cases were due to scar contracture after chemical burn, two cases derived from repeated excision of skin cancer, and one patient suffered sequela of Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The following surgical methods were applied: one full-thickness skin graft on the buccal mucosa, three buccal mucosal advancement flaps after triangular excision of the mouth corner, and one local buccal mucosal flap. Mouth opening was increased by 6.0 mm, and the intercommissure distance improved by 7.2 mm on average. Follow-up was 9.6 months (range, 5-14 months). Cosmetic assessment was as follows: two patients found the results excellent, three judged it as good. Conclusion: Microstomia has several causes. In order to achieve optimal functional recovery and aesthetic improvement it is important to precisely evaluate the etiologic factors and the severity of the impairment and to carefully choose the appropriate surgical method.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.14
• /
• pp.5715-5719
• /
• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy of women in the world. The disease is caused by infectious and non-infectious, environmental and lifestyle factors. Tobacco smoke has been one of the most widely studied environmental factors wiith possible relevance to breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of tobacco smoking in breast cancer patients in a hospital based cohort and to establish prognostic implications if any. Materials and Methods: A retrospective audit of 100 women with pathological diagnosis of invasive breast cancer was included in this study. The verbal questionnaire elicited information on current and previous history of exposure to smoking in addition to active smoking. All analyses were adjusted for potential confounders, including stage at presentation, alcohol intake, hormonal replacement therapy, oral contraceptive intake, obesity and menopausal status. Results: The mean age at presentation of breast cancer was $51.4{\pm}10.86$ years. Mean age of presentation was $53.1{\pm}11.5$ and $45.7{\pm}11.9$ years in never smokers and passive smokers, respectively. Age at presentation varied widely in patients exposed to tobacco smoke for >10 years in childhood from $40.3{\pm}12.0$ years to $47.7{\pm}13.9$ in patients exposed for > 20years as adults. Among passive smokers, 60.9% were premenopausal and 39.1% of patients were postmenopausal. In never smokers, 71.4% were post menopausal. Expression of receptors in non-smokers vs passive smokers was comparable with no significant differences. Metastatic potential in lung parenchyma was slightlyelevated in passive smokers as compared to never smokers although statistically non-significant. Conclusions: An inverse relationship exists between the intensity and duration of smoking and the age at presentation and poor prognostic factors. The results strongly suggest efforts should be taken to prevent smoking, encourage quitting and restrict exposure to second hand smoke in India.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.31 no.4
• /
• pp.442-451
• /
• 2021

Microplastics are fragments of any type of plastic with a size less than 5 mm. Ocean pollution by microplastics is now a worldwide concern in relation to marine ecosystems and human health. The widespread contamination by microplastics means that they can be ingested by and accumulated in diverse species of wildlife, such as fish, mussels, oysters, clams, and scallops. Once ingested, the microplastics can be observed in the intestines, liver, and kidney, and even in the brain. Seafood is one of the major sources of protein intake in humans; therefore, seafood consumption could be pathway for human microplastics exposure. Accumulating evidence indicates that repeated oral exposure to microplastics induces pathologic and functional changes in the reproductive, cardiac, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and even nervous systems of rodents. Maternal exposure to microplastics during gestation and lactation alters metabolic homeostasis in the offspring. Given that seafood provides more than 20% of the total protein intake by over 310 million people worldwide, a reasonable assumption is that microplastics could be substantially accumulated in the human body and impair physiological function. In this review, we have summarized the current status of microplastics contamination in the ocean, their accumulation and toxicities in marine animals and rodents, their exposure to humans, and their potential impacts on human health.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.334-346
• /
• 2007

The present study examined the reproductive factors and food intake pattern which influence on the breast cancer risk in Daegu${\cdot}$Gyungbuk area. The case subjects were 103 patients newly diagnosed as breast cancer at Kyungpook National University Hospital. The control subjects were 159 healthy women selected by frequency matching of age and menopausal status in the same community. The survey was conducted by individual interviews using questionnaires which include general and reproductive characteristics, dietary habits, and food frequency. The odds ratios were calculated by using unconditional logistic regression after adjusting for confounding variables. The mean age of the subjects was 50 yrs, and mean body mass index was significantly high in the patient group than in the control. The patient group had a significantly higher familial history of breast cancer and a significantly shorter breast-feeding period compared to the control group. It has been found no significant relationship between extrinsic hormone use such as oral contraceptives or estrogen replacement therapy and breast cancer risk. In regard of food habits, a high preference for the cooking method of steaming rather than frying, panbroiling or roasting was significantly associated with lower relative risk of breast cancer. The higher intake frequencies of fruits for all subjects, and seaweeds only for postmenopausal subjects were related with a significantly lower relative risk of breast cancer. The results of the study suggest that the possible risk factors for the breast cancer occurrence include high BMI, family history, less breast feeding experience, preference for the cooking method of frying, and less consumption of fruits and seaweeds. This study provides an useful data for nutrition education to prevent breast cancer for the residents in Daegu${\cdot}$Gyungbuk area.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
• /
• v.15 no.3
• /
• pp.311-327
• /
• 2009

This study was performed to determine the health and nutritional risk factors associated with hypertension in Koreans over the age of 50 in a high-income class (more than twice as much family income as the 2005 Korean minimum cost of living, 668,540 Won). A total of 505 subjects aged over 50 from the 2005 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) were divided into two groups: A hypertension group (HG) (N=151, Systolic Blood Pressure ${\geq}$140 mmHg or Diastolic Blood Pressure ${\geq}$90 mmHg) and normal group (NG) (N=354). Subjects who took hypertension medicines or underwent diet therapy were excluded. In HG, mean daily alcohol intake and the amount of alcohol consumption per one occasion were significantly higher than in NG, respectively. A greater number of hypertension subjects answered that they drank alcohol to reduce stress as compared to normal subjects. HG also took fewer dietary supplements than NG. Mean body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, fasting blood sugar level, and 2 hour postprandial blood sugar following a glucose load were significantly higher in HG than in NG, respectively. Also, iron, thiamin, and niacin intakes and the consumption frequency of seaweeds were significantly lower in HG than in NG, respectively. Finally, obesity (BMI ${\geq}$25 $kg/m^2$), abdominal obesity (waist circumference ${\geq}$90 cm for males, ${\geq}$ 80 cm for females), high blood sugar level 2 hours after an oral glucose load (${\geq}$140~200 mg/dl), and hypertriglyceridemia (serum TG ${\geq}$200 mg/dl) were related to a significantly higher risk of hypertension in the subjects (odds ratio: 1.884~3.040). In conclusion, dietary factors such as higher alcohol consumption; lower intakes of iron, thiamin, and niacin; lower consumption frequency of seaweeds; and metabolic syndrome were associated with hypertension in the study subjects.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.436-442
• /
• 2008

Hydroxyproline and Pro-Hyp dipeptide are the digestive products of collagen hydrolysate called collagen peptide. Some suggested that collagen peptides could improve aged or damaged skins, however, the effects of collagen peptides on the skin have not been known. In this study, we investigated the effects of digestive products of collagen peptides, hydroxyproline and Pro-Hyp dipeptide on skin quality using the UV-damaged dorsal skin of hairless mouse as a model system. Female SKH hairless mice were pre-irradiated with UV for 7 weeks, and then hydroxyproline, Pro-Hyp dipeptide were orally administered for 7 weeks with UV irradiation. Wrinkle formation (by replica image), skin elasticity, barrier status (by TEWL, transepidermal water loss), epidermis thickness, and biophysical changes in the stratum comeum (by hematoxylin & eosin staining) were examined. With the oral peptide treatment, effects such as skin barrier maintenance, anti-skin thickening, and recovery of the stratum corneum were observed. These results indicate that oral intake of collagen peptides may have beneficial effects on damaged skin cells.