• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.4
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• pp.321-327
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• 2015

Objective : To determine whether the use of contrast enhancement (especially its extent) predicts malignant brain edema after intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods : We reviewed the records of patients with acute ischemic stroke who underwent IAT for occlusion of the internal carotid artery or the middle cerebral artery between January 2012 and March 2015. To estimate the extent of contrast enhancement (CE), we used the contrast enhancement area ratio (CEAR)-i.e., the ratio of the CE to the area of the hemisphere, as noted on immediate non-enhanced brain computed tomography (NECT) post-IAT. Patients were categorized into two groups based on the CEAR values being either greater than or less than 0.2. Results : A total of 39 patients were included. Contrast enhancement was found in 26 patients (66.7%). In this subgroup, the CEAR was greater than 0.2 in 7 patients (18%) and less than 0.2 in the other 19 patients (48.7%). On univariate analysis, both CEAR ${\geq}0.2$ and the presence of subarachnoid hemorrhage were significantly associated with progression to malignant brain edema (p<0.001 and p=0.004), but on multivariate analysis, only CEAR ${\geq}0.2$ showed a statistically significant association (p=0.019). In the group with CEAR ${\geq}0.2$, the time to malignant brain edema was shorter (p=0.039) than in the group with CEAR <0.2. Clinical functional outcomes, based on the modified Rankin scale, were also significantly worse in patients with CEAR ${\geq}0.2$ (p=0.003) Conclusion : The extent of contrast enhancement as noted on NECT scans obtained immediately after IAT could be predictive of malignant brain edema and a poor clinical outcome.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.125-135
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• 2012

This study was carried out to understand the correlation between phylogenetic relationships based on 18S rDNA sequences and growth by salinity of Chlorella-like species. The 18S rDNA sequences of 71 Chlorella-like species which were mainly collected from Korean waters were analyzed. The 18S rDNA sequences of Chlorella-like species were divided into three groups (group A, B and C) and group B was further divided into three subgroups (subgroup B-1, B-2 and B-3). Thirty-seven Chlorella-like species in group A grew well at high salinity (32 psu) but the other groups grew well in freshwater. The sequence identities of the species in group A and B were 97.2-99.5%, but those of 6 species in group C ("Chlorella" saccharophila), which contained group I intron sequences region were 75.0-75.4%. Two representative species of each group were cultured at different salinities (0, 16 and 32 psu) to examine the correlation between the molecular phylogenetic groups and the phenotypic characteristics on cell growth and size by different salinities. The size of cell cultured at different salinities varied according to the species of each molecular phylogenetic group. The size of "Chlorella" saccharophila in group C was bigger and more obviously elliptical rather than that of the other Chlorella-like species. Considering the results on molecular and phenotypic characteristics, the group A and B belonged to Chlorellaceae, but group C was distinctly different from them.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10421-10425
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• 2015

Background: While the incidence of non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) has been rising worldwide, the reasons remain undefined. Recent research has focused on effect of red andf processed meat intake as a risk factor, but with inconclusive results. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis of data published to date, to ascertain the overall association between intake and NHL. Materials and Methods: A published literature search was performed through Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Medline, and Science Citation Index Expanded databases for articles published in English. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) were calculated using random or fixed effects models. Heterogeneity was assessed using Chi-square and I2 statistics. Dissemination bias was evaluated by funnel plot analysis.We performed a formal meta-analysis using summary measures from these studies. Results: In total, 11 published studies were included in the final analysis. The combined analysis revealed that there was significant association between the red meat and NHL risk (OR=1.10, 95%CI: 1.02 to 1.19, p=0.01). Additionally, there was showed significance association between processed red meat and NHL risk (OR=1.17, 95%CI: 1.06 to 1.29, p=0.001). In subgroup analysis, a statistical significant association was noted between diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (OR=1.20, 95%CI: 1.04 to 2.37, P=0.01) and red meat intake. Conclusions: In this meta-Analysis, there was evidence for association between consumption of red meat, or processed meat and risk of NHL, particularly with the DLBCL subtype in the red meat case.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.2853-2856
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• 2012

Background: Previous studies assessing associations between matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) polymorphisms and lung cancer risk reported conflicting results. A meta-analysis was therefore performed to derive a more precise estimation. Method: Case-control studies assessing associations between MMP-2 C735T and C1306T polymorphisms and lung cancer risk were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results: 7 studies with a total of 3,189 lung cancer cases and 3,013 controls were finally included into this meta-analysis. Overall, the MMP-2 C735T polymorphism was associated with lung cancer risk under the homozygote model (CC versus TT: OR =1.44, 95% CI = 1.03-2.02, $I^2$ = 0%), while the MMP-2 C1306T polymorphism also associated demonstrated links with all four models (all P values less than 0.05). Subgroup analyses by race suggested obvious associations between MMP-2 C735T and C1306T polymorphisms and lung cancer risk in Asians but not in Caucasians. There was no evidence for publication bias. Conclusion: Currently available evidence supports teh conclusion that MMP-2 C735T and C1306T polymorphisms influence susceptibility to lung cancer in Asians.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.1263-1267
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• 2014

Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play important roles in pathogenesis and development of cancer. Recently, many studies have show associations between polymorphisms in the promoter regions of MMPs and risk of gastric cancer. The present meta-analysis was conducted in order to investigate the potential association between four polymorphisms in the MMP gene and gastric cancer risk. Methods: A computerized literature search was conducted in databases of Med-line, Embase, Science Citation Index and PubMed till June 2013 for any MMP genetic association study of gastric cancer. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for each gene under dominant and recessive models, and heterogeneity between studies was assessed using the Q test and $I^2$ value. Overall and subgroup analyses according to ethnicity were carried out with Stata 12.0. Results: 14 reports covering 8,146 patients (2,980 in the case group and 5,166 in the control group) were included in the present meta-analysis. We found that the MMP-7 (-181A>G) polymorphism increased the gastric cancer risk in therecessive model (GG vs. AA/AG, OR=1.768, 95% CI =1.153-2.712). For MMP2 -1306 C>T, MMP1-1607 1G/2G, and MMP9-1 562 C>T, there were no associations between these polymorphisms and the risk of gastric cancer under dominant or recessive models. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggested that the MMP7-181 A>G polymorphism may contribute to gastric cancer susceptibility. More studies are needed, especially in Europeans, in the future.

• The Korean Journal of Pain
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• v.28 no.4
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• pp.265-274
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• 2015

Background: Postoperative (PO) pain interferes with the recovery and mobilization of the surgical patients. The impact of the educational status has not been studied adequately up to now. Methods: This prospective study involved 400 consecutive general surgery patients. Various factors known to be associated with the perception of pain including the educational status were recorded as was the preoperative and postoperative pain and the analgesia requirements for the $1^{st}$ PO week. Based on the educational status, we classified the patients in 3 groups and we compared these groups for the main outcomes: i.e. PO pain and PO analgesia. Results: There were 145 patients of lower education (junior school), 150 patients of high education (high school) and 101 of higher education (university). Patients of lower education were found to experience more pain than patients of higher education in all postoperative days (from the $2^{nd}$ to the $6^{th}$). No difference was identified in the type and quantity of the analgesia used. The subgroup analysis showed that patients with depression and young patients (< 40 years) had the maximum effect. Conclusions: The educational status may be a significant predictor of postoperative pain due to various reasons, including the poor understanding of the preoperative information, the level of anxiety and depression caused by that and the suboptimal request and use of analgesia. Younger patients (< 40), and patients with subclinical depression are mostly affected while there is no impact on patients over 60 years old.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.247-251
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• 2013

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate efficient approaches for determining internal target volume (ITV) from four-dimensional computed tomography (4D CT) images used in stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Materials and Methods: 4D CT images were analyzed for 15 patients who received SBRT for stage I NSCLC. Three different ITVs were determined as follows: combining clinical target volume (CTV) from all 10 respiratory phases ($ITV_{10Phases}$); combining CTV from four respiratory phases, including two extreme phases (0% and 50%) plus two intermediate phases (20% and 70%) ($ITV_{4Phases}$); and combining CTV from two extreme phases ($ITV_{2Phases}$). The matching index (MI) of $ITV_{4Phases}$ and $ITV_{2Phases}$ was defined as the ratio of $ITV_{4Phases}$ and $ITV_{2Phases}$, respectively, to the $ITV_{10Phases}$. The tumor motion index (TMI) was defined as the ratio of $ITV_{10Phases}$ to $CTV_{mean}$, which was the mean of 10 CTVs delineated on 10 respiratory phases. Results: The ITVs were significantly different in the order of $ITV_{10Phases}$, $ITV_{4Phases}$, and $ITV_{2Phases}$ (all p < 0.05). The MI of $ITV_{4Phases}$ was significantly higher than that of $ITV_{2Phases}$ (p < 0.001). The MI of $ITV_{4Phases}$ was inversely related to TMI (r = -0.569, p = 0.034). In a subgroup with low TMI (n = 7), $ITV_{4Phases}$ was not statistically different from $ITV_{10Phases}$ (p = 0.192) and its MI was significantly higher than that of $ITV_{2Phases}$ (p = 0.016). Conclusion: The $ITV_{4Phases}$ may be an efficient approach alternative to optimal $ITV_{10Phases}$ in SBRT for early-stage NSCLC with less tumor motion.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7583-7588
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• 2014

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related death and cancer-related incidence worldwide. The potential of microRNA-21 (miR-21) as a biomarker for CRC detection has been studied in several studies. However, the results were inconsistent. Therefore, we conducted the present meta-analysis to systematically assess the diagnostic value of miR-21 for CRC. Materials and Methods: Using a random-effect model, the pooled sensitivity (SEN), specificity (SPE), positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) were calculated to evaluate the diagnostic performance of miR-21 for CRC. A summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve and an area under the curve (AUC) were also generated to assess the diagnosis accuracy of miR-21 for CRC. Q test and I2 statistics were used to assess between-study heterogeneity. Publication bias was evaluated by the Deeks' funnel plot asymmetry test. Results: A total of 986 CRC patients and 702 matched healthy controls from 8 studies were involved in the meta-analysis. The pooled results for SEN, SPE, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC were 57% (95%CI: 39%-74%), 87% (95%CI: 78%-93%), 4.4 (95%CI: 2.4-8.0), 0.49 (95%CI: 0.32-0.74), 9 (95%CI: 4-22), and 0.83 (95%CI: 0.79-0.86), respectively. Subgroup analyses further suggested that blood-based studies showed a better diagnostic accuracy compared with feces-based studies, indicating that blood may be a better matrix for miR-21 assay and CRC detection. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that miR-21 has a potential diagnostic value for CRC with a moderate level of overall diagnostic accuracy. Hence, it could be used as auxiliary means for the initial screening of CRC and avoid unnecessary colonoscopy, which is an invasive and expensive procedure.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.23 no.3
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• pp.180-185
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• 1979

Electrochemical reduction behavior from 2-butyne-1, 4-diol (BID) to 2-butene-1,4-diol (BED) by the use of various cathodes, such as Ti, Zr, Ni, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au, Zn, Hg, Pb and graphite has been studied. It has been found that cathodic polarization curve with metal of IB subgroup such as Cu, Ag and Au consisted of one wave in BID-alkaline solution, whereas it was not formed any wave in BED solution. Therefore, it was found that the cathode which was the most suitable in order to proceed in this reaction was Cu, Ag and Au. At cyclic voltammetry using a silver cathode in BID-alkaline solution, the current of the peak was proportional to square root of the sweep rate of potential and also proportional to concentration of BID. Activation energy was calculated for 3.75 kcal/mole from the plot of log $I_l$ vs. 1/T. Consequently, the reduction current of BID with a silver cathode in alkaline solution was found the diffusion current.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3465-3470
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• 2014

Background: Previous studies have generated conflicting evidence regarding associations between family history and survival after gastric cancer surgery. In this study, we investigated this question using a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: To identify relevant studies, PubMed and Embase databases were searched up to June 2013. Two reviewers independently assessed search results and data extraction of included studies. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for overall survival (OS) were calculated based on fixed- or random-effects models. Homogeneity of effects across studies was assessed using $x^2$ test statistics and quantified by $I^2$. Results: A total of five studies were selected according to the inclusion criteria. The total number of patients included was 2,030, which ranged from 145 to 598 per study. There was no significant difference in OS by family history of cancer (HR=0.83, 95%CIs=0.50-1.38), but subgroup analysis of patients with a first-degree family history of cancer (HR=0.74, 95%CIs=0.60-0.93) and gastric cancer family history (HR=0.56, 95%CIs=0.41-0.76) tended to show better OS in these patients. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that a first-degree family history of cancer or gastric cancer family history is associated with better survival of gastric cancer patients after surgery, after a systematic review of five previous studies. These results can be applied by clinicians when counselling patients regarding their risk of death from gastric cancer. Further study is needed to investigate the underlying mechanism between family history and survival in gastric cancer patients.