• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권22호
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• pp.9679-9685
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• 2014

Background: When evaluating health-economics for cervical cancer prevention policies in Japan, it is important to use Japanese value settings. This study aimed to obtain preference-based measures (preference measures) for hypothesized health states among healthy Japanese women, and to examine differences between the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) and standard gamble (SG) instruments. Materials and Methods: The investigation was performed among female students at a nursing university. We used written hypothetical scenarios describing three grades of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and eight stages of cervical cancer, both at diagnosis and after medical intervention. Preference measures were evaluated using both EQ-5D and SG. Results: We received responses from 136 women. The mean number of respondents per stage was 24.6 (SD: 2.7). At diagnosis, average EQ-5D scores for CIN1, CIN2, CIN3, IA1, IA2, IB1, IB2, IIA, IIB, III, and IV stages were 0.84 (0.14), 0.78 (0.12), 0.73 (0.10), 0.78 (0.12), 0.72 (0.12), 0.63 (0.13), 0.64 (0.12), 0.68 (0.08), 0.62 (0.13), 0.55 (0.21), and 0.18 (0.24), respectively. Using one-way analysis of variance with the Tukey-Kramer method for multiple comparisons (each stage vs. CIN1), we found significant differences for IB1 and more advanced stages (p<0.05). After medical intervention, corresponding EQ-5D scores were 0.84 (0.12), 0.81 (0.12), 0.84 (0.12), 0.80 (0.15), 0.78 (0.11), 0.64 (0.15), 0.63 (0.15), 0.71 (0.15), 0.50 (0.17), 0.52 (0.17), 0.21 (0.28). The multiple comparisons identified significant differences for IB1 and more advanced stages, excepting IIA (p<0.05). SG evaluations were more variable and relatively higher than EQ-5D evaluations. Conclusions: We obtained preference measures for three grades of CIN1-3 and eight stages of cervical cancer. In combination with appropriate sensitivity analyses, these preference measures will provide a basis for an economic evaluation of cervical cancer prevention in Japan. We suggest that EQ-5D is appropriate for cost-utility analysis of this topic.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.138-142
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• 2018

The incidence of tuberculosis (TB) in the Republic of Korea remains high when compared to the incidence in other Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries. The prompt diagnosis and effective treatment of latent TB infection (LTBI) are very important in terms of controlling the burden of TB. The tuberculin skin test (TST) has long been the "gold standard" assay for the diagnosis of LTBI. However, it can show false positive results due to Bacille Calmette-$Gu{\acute{e}}rin$ (BCG) vaccination and infection with many environmental nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) using Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-specific antigens, was developed for the detection of LTBI. The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay is one of the most commonly used forms of the IGRA. In order to compare the diagnostic efficacy of the TST and IGRA in relation to LTBI among BCG-vaccinated healthy donors, whole blood samples were collected from 51 participants, and the results of the TST and IGRA were compared. Of the 51 cases, 18 cases (35.3%) were positive and 33 cases (64.7%) were negative when using the TST, while four cases (7.8%) were positive and 47 cases (92.2%) negative when using the IGRA. There was no correlation between the size of the induration in the TST and the $IFN-{\gamma}$ protein level. In conclusion, the TST showed higher cross-reactivity among the BCG-vaccinated healthy participants, therefore, the IGRA might be the most suitable assay for the rapid screening of LTBI in BCG-vaccinated healthy population, or for TB contact investigation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권6호
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• pp.2361-2368
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• 2015

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in differentiating between benign and malignant enlarged lymph nodes using meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: Pubmed, Embase, SCI and Cochrane databases were searched for studies (up to September 1, 2014) reporting the diagnostic performance of CEUS in discriminating between benign and malignant lymph nodes. Inclusion criteria were: prospective study; histopathology as the reference standard; and sufficient data to construct $2{\times}2$ contingency tables. Methodological quality was assessed using Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2). Patient clinical characteristics, sensitivity and specificity were extracted. The summary receiver operating characteristic curve was used to examine the accuracy of CEUS. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the clinical utility in identification of benign and malignant lymph nodes. Sensitivity analysis was performed after omitting outliers identified in a bivariate boxplot and publication bias was assessed with Egger testing. Results: The pooled sensitivity, specificity and AUROC were 0.92 (95%CI, 0.85-0.96), 0.91 (95%CI, 0.82-0.95) and 0.97 (95%CI, 0.95-0.98), respectively. After omitting 3 outlier studies, heterogeneity decreased. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated no disproportionate influences of individual studies. Publication bias was not significant. Conclusions: CEUS is a promising diagnostic modality in differentiating between benign and malignant lymph nodes and can potentially reduce unnecessary fine-needle aspiration biopsies of benign nodes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.683-686
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• 2014

Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate clinical value of dual-phase $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT with serum procalcitonin (PCT) in identifying cancers in patients with fever of unknown origin (FUO). Methods: PCT test and dual-phase $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT were sequentially performed on 50 consecutive patients with FUO. Two radiologists evaluated all $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT data independently. A consensus was reached if any difference of opinions existed. Final diagnosis was based on a comprehensive analysis of results for the PCT test, dual-phase $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT and bacterial cultivation, regarded as a gold standard. Results: Among 50 patients, 34 demonstrated PCT ${\geq}0.5{\mu}g/L$. Coincidence imaging showed in 37 patients with inflammatory lesions, and 13 with malignancy. Finally, 36 bacterial, 1 fungal and 1 viral infections, as well as 12 cancerous fevers were confirmed by dual-phase $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT with PCT, combined with bacterial cultivation and clinical follow-up. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that dual-phase $^{18}F$-FDG SPECT in association with PCT could be a valuable tool for diagnosis in tumor patients with FUO.

• 한국조리학회지
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• 제23권1호
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• pp.66-78
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• 2017

"Sarcopenia", sarcopenia is an old age syndrome, and used to describe the reduction of skeletal muscle. Initially, it was thought that sarcopenia was only a senile disease characterized by degeneration of muscle tissue. However, its cause is widely regarded as multifactorial, with neurological decline, hormonal changes, inflammatory pathway activation, declines in activity, chronic illness, fatty infiltration, and poor nutrition, all shown to be contributing factors. Skeletal muscle mass can be measured by a variety of methods, currently, the commonly used methods are dual-energy X-ray scanning (DXA), computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), etc. Muscular skeletal disorders can also be assessed by measuring appendicular skeletal muscle (ASM), particularly muscle tissue content. At the same time, sarcopenia refers to skeletal muscle cell denervation, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, hormone synthesis and secretion changes and a series of consequences caused by the above process and is a progressive loss of skeletal muscle syndrome, which can lead to the decrease of muscle strength, physical and functional disorders, and increase the risk of death. Sarcopenia is mainly associated with the aging process, but also related to other causes such as severe malnutrition, neurodegenerative diseases, and disuse and endocrine diseases associated with muscular dystrophy, and it is the comprehensive results of multi-factors, so it is difficult to define that sarcopenia is caused by a specific disease. With the aging problem of the population, the incidence of this disease is increasingly common, and seriously affects the quality of the life of the elderly. This paper reviews the etiology and pathogenesis of myopathy, screening methods and diagnosis, the influence of eating habits, etc, and hopes to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. At present, adequate nutrition and targeted exercise remain the gold standard for the therapy of sarcopenia.

• 대한정형외과 초음파학회지
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• 제6권2호
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• pp.60-64
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• 2013

원위 요골 골절에 대한 수장부 금속판 고정술이 많이 사용되면서, 합병증으로서, 원위 요골 배측 피질골을 관통한 나사못으로 인해 신전건 활막염이나 파열이 발생할 수 있슴이 보고된 바 있다. 그러나, 나사못에 의한 배측 피질골의 관통여부를 표준 방사선 촬영만으로 정확히 평가하기에는 한계가 있다. 저자들은 수장측 금속판 고정술 후 발생한 신전건 건활막염 및 부분 파열이 의심된 환자에 대하여 수술 전 초음파를 이용하여 나사못에 의한 건활막염 및 활막 종괴 형성 소견을 효과적으로 진단하고 수술적 치료를 시행하여 좋은 결과를 얻었기에 이를 보고하고자 한다.

• 대한한방소아과학회지
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• 제38권2호
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• pp.21-31
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• 2024

Objectives This study aimed to develop consensus-based recommendations for establishing standard clinical practice guidelines for pediatric anorexia through the utilization of a Delphi study. Methods We analyzed existing randomized controlled trials for pediatric anorexia treatment using the Delphi method-a structured process for achieving consensus among a panel of experts. A questionnaire was distributed among a select panel of nine specialists in the field. Results The initial Delphi round led to consensus on 30 distinct recommendations; however, consensus was not reached for 19 other recommendations, prompting a second Delphi round. In the subsequent round, adjustments were made based on feedback from the initial round, and deliberations were held on recommendations that previously lacked consensus. Following these adjustments, consensus was achieved on all recommendations. Additionally, a third Delphi iteration was conducted to address three specific queries that required amendment due to a reevaluation of the evidence levels of certain recommendations. In total, three Delphi rounds were carried out to produce informed recommendations related to the diagnosis, treatment, and general management of anorexia. Conclusions This investigation successfully generated evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric anorexia. The recommendations encompassed various practices, including herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, and Chuna manual therapy, which can be integrated into clinical settings.

• Investigative Magnetic Resonance Imaging
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.77-81
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• 2011

조영 증강 MR 혈관조영 영상에서 척추동맥 기시부의 협착이 과장되어 보이며 종종 가성협착율을 보인다는 것은 잘 알려져 있다. 그러나 뇌의 후방순환의 허혈, 경색의 임상적 중요성을 고려하면, 척추동맥 기시부 협착의 정확한 진단은 매우 중요하다. 따라서 저자들은 thin-slab maximum-intensity projection(MIP) 영상을 이용하여 통상적인 full thickness MIP 영상에서 보이는 척추동맥 기시부의 진성협착과 가성협착을 구분하고자 한다.

• 동의신경정신과학회지
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.249-259
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• 2016

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a standard understanding of neuropsychiatric symptoms and signs of Disease Pattern Identification/syndrome in Korean Medicine. Methods: We investigated various published articles, and the proposals are based on a comparative analysis between Korean medicine literature and DSM5, ICD-10. To improve our understanding, we engaged in a consultation through discussions with the advisory committee. Results: We describe the physical and neuropsychiatric symptoms in a modern sense of the major disease Pattern in Korean Medicine. We also proposed a profound understanding of the neuropsychiatric symptoms and signs of Disease Pattern Identification/syndrome in Korean Medicine. Conclusions: Compared with DSM5, ICD-10, the system of neuropsychiatric diagnosis in Korean medicine, could be profoundly organized into a system in a modern sense. It would be helpful to apply this understanding to clinical practices. There are several points of consideration in this study. The system of neuropsychiatric diagnosis in Korean medicine cannot be a perfect match for DSM5 or ICD-10. In addition, we could not reach a complete consensus on the disease pattern. Although there are some limitations to this study, it is meaningful to have an understanding of the neuropsychiatric symptoms and signs in Korean medicine through discussions with the advisory committee. This trial is expected to be applicable to related research in the future.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• 제30권1호
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• pp.51-58
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• 2017

Background: Recently symptoms-based screening questionnaires have gained attention for screening for a neuropathic pain component (NePC) in various chronic pain conditions. The present study assessed the usefulness of four commonly used NePC screening questionnaires including the Self-completed douleur neuropathique 4 (S-DN4), the ID Pain, the painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ), and the Self-completed Leeds Assessment of neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) questionnaire in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) to assess the presence of NePC. Methods: This is a single-center cross-sectional study where patients with CLBP, with or without leg pain, were included. Participants were initially screened for NePC presence by a physician according to the regular practice, and later assessed using screening questionnaires. The diagnostic accuracy of these questionnaires was compared assuming the physician-made diagnosis as the gold standard. Results: A total of 215 patients with CLBP of which 164 (76.3%, 95% CI, 70.2-81.5) had a NePC were included. S-DN4, ID Pain, and PDQ have an area under the curve (AUC) > 0.8 indicating excellent discrimination. However, S-LANSS has an AUC of 0.69 (0.62-0.75), indicating low discrimination. S-DN4 has a significantly higher AUC as compared to ID Pain (d(AUC) = 0.063, P < 0.01) and S-LANSS (d(AUC) = 0.197, P < 0.01). But the AUC of S-DN4 does not significantly differ from that of PDQ (d(AUC) = 0.013, P = 0.62). Conclusions: S-DN4, ID Pain, and PDQ, but not S-LANSS, have good discriminant validity to screen for NePCs in patients with CLBP. Despite using all the tests, 20-30% of patients with an NePC were missed. Thus, these questionnaires can only be used as an initial clue in screening for NePCs, but do not replace clinical judgment.