• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.17 no.7
• /
• pp.3381-3384
• /
• 2016

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a key factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). About 350 million people are affected by chronic infection which is related to the rapid development of liver diseases as well as hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$) in the liver demonstrates a major genetic polymorphism which is involved in resistance or susceptibility to chronic HBV infection. Materials and Methods: In this study, two populations were studied by the sequence specific primer-polymerase chain reaction (SSP-PCR) method: HBV cases (n=409), who were HBS-Ag+, and healthy controls (n=483). Results: The results shown that the frequency of TNF-${\alpha}$ -308 G/G genotype in healthy controls (47.2%) was significantly higher than in HBV infected patients (28%) (CI = 1.29-2.61, OR = 1.83, P = 0.0004). Also TNF-${\alpha}$ -308 A/A and A/G genotype frequencies in the healthy controls were 4.6% and 48.2% and in patient group were 19.5% and 52.5% (CI = 2.23-7.12, p: 0.0001, OR: 3.94) respectively. Conclusions: We found that among Iranian people TNF-${\alpha}$ -308A allele not only has the highest genotype frequency but also it has the highest frequency in the world population. In addition, TNF-${\alpha}$-308 G/G polymorphism was associated with HBV resistance, whereas TNF-${\alpha}$-308A (A/A or A/G) polymorphism appeared to associated with chronic HBV infection. These data suggested that among the Iranian population, the -308 G/G polymorphism of TNF-${\alpha}$ gene promoter region has the potential to influence the susceptibility to HBV infection and it may be responsible for viral antigen clearance.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.169-176
• /
• 2009

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a syndrome accompanied with the abnormal secretion or function of insulin, a hormone that plays a vital role in controlling the blood glucose level (BGL). Type land 2 DM are most common form and the prevalence of the latter is recently increasing, The aim of this article was to assess whet her Type 2 DM could act as a predisposing risk factor on the pulpo-periapical pathogenesis. Previous literature on the pathologic changes of blood vessels in DM was thoroughly reviewed. Furthermore, a histopathologic analysis of artificially-induced periapical specimens obtained from Type 2 diabetic and DM-resistant rats was compared. Histopathologic results demonstrate that the size of periapical bone destruction w as larger and the degree of pulpal inflammation was more severe in diabetic rats, indicating that Type 2 D M itself can be a predisposing risk factor that makes the host more susceptible to pulpal infection. The possible reasons may be that in diabetic state the lumen of pulpal blood vessels are thickened by atheromatous deposits, and microcirculation is hindered, The function of polymorphonuclear leukocyte is also impair ed and the migration of immune cells is blocked, leading to increased chance of pulpal infection. Also, lack of collateral circulation of pulpal blood vessels makes the pulp more susceptible to infection. These decrease the regeneration capacity of pulpal cells or tissues, delaying the healing process, Therefore, when restorative treatment is needed in Type 2 DM patients, dentists should minimize irritation to the pulpal tissue un der control of BGL.

• The Korean Journal of Health Service Management
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.27-38
• /
• 2012

This study is to find out the correlation among the predisposing, enabling, and need factors in Anderson Behavioral Model using the data from Korea Medical Panel Survey conducted in the early part (April 1 - October 31) of 2008. The findings are as follows. It was found that the utilization rate of western medical service was far higher. the influential factor to choose western or oriental medical service taking western medical institutions as the reference group, the influential factor to choose oriental medical institution has significantly increased when the patient who have covered by medical insurance has one accompanied disease and their age was between 45 - 74, compared to the people less than 45 years old. It also increased when the age of the patient was between 45-54 years old, and in the event those who are not covered by medical insurance have accompanied disease and that the disease mobility period is 2-4 years. reviewing the several characteristics of the utilization of western and oriental medical services by the patient with musculoskeletal system disorders, the number of accompanied disease is an influential factor for the utilization of oriental medical services. And, disease mobility period is a significant factor for the utilization of both western and oriental medical services together, though it is not identified in this study. Therefore, it is expected that mutual cooperation between western and oriental medical services is more required for the patient with musculoskeletal system disorders as the aging society rapidly develops. In order to foster oriental medicine, it is required to specialize in competitive disease such as musculoskeletal system disorders.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.34 no.3
• /
• pp.237-243
• /
• 2001

Objectives : To examine the screening rate of cervical cancer in women and to find out the predictive factors for participation in cervical cancer screening programs within their life-time and within the last two years. Methods : The data was based on self-reported questionnaires from 1,613 women whose ages ranged from 26 to 60 years; this survey was peformed between December 1999 and January 2000. This study analyzed the predictive factors for participation in cervical cancer screening programs within their life-time and within the last two years. A logistic regression analysis was performed in order to derive the significant variables from the predisposing factors(demographic factor, health promotion behavior, reproductive factor), intervention factors(information channel, relation with medical stan, and proximal factors(attitude, social influence, self-efficacy). All analyses were peformed by the PC-SAS 6.12. Results : Our analyses showed that the screening rate for the women who received a cervical cancer screening(Pap smear) more than once within their life-time was 56.1% while those who had received one within the last two years was 34.5%. The significant factors for participation in cervical cancer screening program within their life-time were their income, married age, health promotion score, relation with medical staffs, social influence, and self-efficacy. On the other hand, age, number of pregnancies, menarche age, relation with medical staffs, social influences, and self-efficacy were significant factors for those being screened within the last two years. The predictive power of the logit model within their life-time was 68.8% and that within the last two years was 66.6%. Conclusion : The predictive factors for participation in cervical cancer screening program within their life-time are different from those for within the last two years. and that women's relations with medical staffs and social influences were the critical factors impacting on cervical cancer screening rates.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
• /
• v.40 no.2
• /
• pp.41-46
• /
• 2015

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate a correlation among oral hygiene habits, dryness of mouth, and self-perceived oral malodor and therefore to find out self-care methods which could be a help to reduce oral malodor. Methods: A survey of 296 dental undergraduate students of School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, who wrote consents voluntarily and participated in this study, was conducted using a questionnaire consisting of 17 questions and analyzed to investigate a correlation among oral hygiene habits (frequency of tooth brushing, water gargling, and drinking water, etc.), dryness of mouth indicating the amount of salivary secretion, and self-perceived oral malodor. Results: There was no significant correlation between mechanical cleaning factors and self-perceived oral malodor. The factor showing a strong correlation with severe self-perceived oral malodor was dryness of mouth (p=0.000). Conclusions: There was no correlation between mechanical cleaning habits and self-perceived oral malodor. Participants who felt self-perceived oral malodor more tended to have rather good mechanical cleaning habits. The factor showing a strong correlation with severe self-perceived oral malodor was dryness of mouth. Therefore trying to increase salivary secretion is considered to be a help to reduce self-perceived halitosis.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.39
• /
• pp.1.1-1.7
• /
• 2017

Background: Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by a neoplastic proliferation of plasma cells primarily in the bone marrow. Bisphosphonates (BP) are used as supportive therapy in the management of MM. This study aimed to analyze the incidence, risk factors, and clinical outcomes of medication-related necrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in MM patients. Methods: One hundred thirty MM patients who had previous dental evaluations were retrospectively reviewed. Based on several findings, we applied the staging and treatment strategies on MRONJ. We analyzed gender, age, type of BP, incidence, and local etiological factors and assessed the relationship between these factors and the clinical findings at the first oral examination. Results: MRONJ was found in nine male patients (6.9%). The mean patient age was 62.2 years. The median BP administration time was 19 months. Seven patients were treated with a combination of IV zoledronate and pamidronate, and two patients received single-agent therapy. The lesions were predominantly located in the mandible (n = 8), and the most common predisposing dental factor was a history of prior extraction (n = 6). Half of the MRONJ were related to diseases found on the initial dental screen. Patients with MRONJ were treated with infection control and antibiotic therapy. When comparing between the MRONJ stage and each factor (sign, location, etiologic factor, BP type, treatment, and outcome), there were no significant differences between stages, except for between the stage and sign (with or without purulence). Conclusions: For prevention of MRONJ, we recommend routine dental examinations and treatment prior to starting BP therapy.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
• /
• v.5 no.2
• /
• pp.269-272
• /
• 1992

We experienced a case of pleural effusion while treating postherpetic neuralgia in a 70 year old male patient. The patient had scar and color change on the skin along the course of the right Th4-5 intercostal nerve, characteristics of healed herpes zoster. The patient also complained of severe pain along the lesion site which made sleeping difficult. He had been treated with; epidural blocks with or without catheterization; epidural or regional corticosteroids; multiple intraspinal and intercostal blocks with local anesthetic; or neurolytic, alcohol, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, etc., for about six months by the time of pleural effusion development. We came to the conclusion that the effusion was due to pleural irritation by multiple intercostal nerve blocks, because it was bloody and developed on the affected right side, although the patient had a history of a certain hepatic pathology and pulmonary tuberculosis which may be a predisposing factor to the effusion.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
• /
• v.20 no.3
• /
• pp.171-188
• /
• 2003

This study, based on stages of behavioral change, was aimed at suggesting strategies for the adoption of moderate drinking habits for community-based health education designed to help rural people. An interview survey was conducted during the period from March 4 to April 5, 2002 by sampling 467 rural people living in 6 villages covered by a public healthcare clinic. The results of this study can be summarized as follows； 1. The perceived non-moderate drinkers were less prepared for behavioral change. 2. The heavier drinking habits were ‘drinking alone’, ‘meals accompanied by drinking’ and ‘drinking twice or more at a time’. The agricultural off-season and the custom of brewing liquor at home were negative environmental factors for moderate drinking. 3. The predisposing factors affecting moderate drinking were recognition of health, expectation of the drinking effect, etiquette encouraging overdrinking and control of drinking. The reinforcing factors were stress from ordinary life and perception of being loved. The enabling factor was accessibility to the public healthcare clinic. 4. Rural residents are less motivated to participate in health education for moderate drinking. Based on the above findings, health education strategies for each stage can be suggested as follows： 1) Pre-contemplation stage： improvement of perception, motivation, sharing of experiences, and reawakening. 2) Contemplation/preparation stag e： measurement of value, departure from the inertia against a change, formation of a habit, and reinforcement of the behavior. 3) Action/maintenance stage： creation of a social atmosphere, encouragement of participation, change of life style, and improvement of environment.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.459-469
• /
• 1995

The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of gingival recession (GR)and cervical abrasion(CA) and to relate some considered factors to them. We selected 308 subjects, consisting of male 174 and female 134, who had 14 teeth at least. As age increased, the prevalence rates of GR & CA was increased. And both the rates of GR & CA were higher in male than in female. Interestingly, the effect of alcohol consumption was the highest in GR and smoking affected CA highly among several variables. However, we could not prove the direct relationship between drinking & smoking and GR & CA. Only we assumed poor oral hygiene due to drinking & smoking as one of predisposing factors. The result of this study did not show the obvious factor which affected GR and CA greatly. The present study suggested that GR & CA should be related to a number of factors.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.801-803
• /
• 2013

Intraduction: There is known to be a relationship between vitamin D level and more aggresive breast cancer subtypes, especially triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It was reported that sunlight exposure has an effect on the prognosis of patients with cancer, possibly related to the conversion of vitamin D to its active form with sunlight. We aimed to evaluate the effect of sunlight exposure on patients with TNBC. Materials-Methods: A total of 1,167 patients with breast cancer from two different regions of Turkey (Antalya and Kayseri, regions having different climate and sunlight exposure intensity over the year) were analysed retrospectively. The ratio of patients with TNBC was identified in those two regions. Results: The ratio of patients with TNBC was 8% and 12% for Kayseri and Antalya regions, respectively, and this difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p=0.021). Discussion: Sunlight exposure may be associated with more prevalent TNBC. This finding should be investigated with a prospective study.