The purpose of this research was to develop an information system for diagnostic tests regarding their purpose, method. and notification, and to provide people in the field with easy access to information by using CD-ROM title or data communication. The Joint Application Design Method which is popular in developing information systems was used. First the user requirements for the target system were gathered and analyzed through a survey of patient and nurses in a number of hospitals. Thus. the functions which were to be included were analyzed in details. A list containing all the required tests and their content was defined to be used as the database in the system. Focusing on making the searching procedure easy to use. the researchers defined the input and the output of the system to have for a user-friendly user interface. Searching functions using not only, a name of the test category or a test name itself, but also a disease name were added. Furthermore, the function of maintaining an updated database in an efficient way was also included. This system is useful in that it provides an efficient and effective way to search for any necessary information about diagnostic tests and an easy way to keep the updated database. Based on user and system requirement analysis. user-friendly interface. and the well-defined database. all of which were designed and implemented in this research. it is expected that an Internet-based diagnostic test information system can be developed in a near future.
Access to Information ; CD-ROM ; Diagnostic Tests, Routine* ; Humans ; Information Management ; Information Systems* ; Joints

Purpose: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are widely prescribed for postmenopausal women with breast cancer and are known to cause musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to identify factors associated with AI continuation intention among breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 123 BCS (stages I–III), who had been taking AIs for at least 6 weeks. Participants were recruited from a cancer center in Goyang, Korea, from September to November 2019. Descriptive statistics, Welch analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and simple linear regression were used for the analysis. Results: Belief in endocrine therapy was a significant predictor of AI continuation intention (β=.66, p<.001). The majority of participants (87.0%) reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain since taking AIs and the score for the worst pain severity within 24 hours was 5.08±2.80 out of 10. Musculoskeletal pain, however, was not associated with AI continuation intention. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) was clinically significant (≥13) for 74.0% of the respondents (mean, 17.62±7.14). Musculoskeletal pain severity and pain interference were significantly associated with FCR (r=.21, p<.05; r=.35, p<.01, respectively). Pain interference was significantly associated with belief in endocrine therapy (r=–.18, p<.05). Conclusion AI continuation intention can be modified by reinforcing patients’ belief in endocrine therapy. Musculoskeletal pain may have a negative effect on belief in endocrine therapy and increase FCR among BCS. Thus, awareness of musculoskeletal pain during AI therapy should be raised and further research is required to develop multidisciplinary pain management strategies and clinical guidelines to reinforce belief in endocrine therapy.

Purpose: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are widely prescribed for postmenopausal women with breast cancer and are known to cause musculoskeletal pain. This study aimed to identify factors associated with AI continuation intention among breast cancer survivors (BCS). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 123 BCS (stages I–III), who had been taking AIs for at least 6 weeks. Participants were recruited from a cancer center in Goyang, Korea, from September to November 2019. Descriptive statistics, Welch analysis of variance, Pearson correlation coefficients, and simple linear regression were used for the analysis. Results: Belief in endocrine therapy was a significant predictor of AI continuation intention (β=.66, p<.001). The majority of participants (87.0%) reported experiencing musculoskeletal pain since taking AIs and the score for the worst pain severity within 24 hours was 5.08±2.80 out of 10. Musculoskeletal pain, however, was not associated with AI continuation intention. Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) was clinically significant (≥13) for 74.0% of the respondents (mean, 17.62±7.14). Musculoskeletal pain severity and pain interference were significantly associated with FCR (r=.21, p<.05; r=.35, p<.01, respectively). Pain interference was significantly associated with belief in endocrine therapy (r=–.18, p<.05). Conclusion AI continuation intention can be modified by reinforcing patients’ belief in endocrine therapy. Musculoskeletal pain may have a negative effect on belief in endocrine therapy and increase FCR among BCS. Thus, awareness of musculoskeletal pain during AI therapy should be raised and further research is required to develop multidisciplinary pain management strategies and clinical guidelines to reinforce belief in endocrine therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of embryos using early cleavage to 2-cell stage has been proposed, but a critical time-point for selecting embryos is unclear. The aim of the present study is to provide a guideline including critical time-point in the selection of early cleaving embryo for the reduction of multiple pregnancies as well as the increase of pregnancy rate in human IVF. METHODS: This prospective study was performed in 116 cycles from 85 patients who underwent conventional IVF or ICSI at the infertility clinic of Good Moonhwa Hospital from January 2002 to December 2003. Early cleavage (EC) of embryos to 2-cell stage was assessed at 25 h and 27 h postinsemination/microinjection. Embryos that had early cleaved at each time point were designated as EC-1 and EC-2, respectively, while others were designated as non-early cleavage (NEC). RESULTS: At least one early cleavage embryo was observed in 54 (46.6%) for the EC-1 and 84 (72.4%) for the EC-2 of the 116 cycles assessed. Clinical pregnancy rates (PR) were significantly higher in the EC-1 group (66.7%) compared to the EC-2 group (53.6%) or the NEC group (31.2%) (p<0.05). Significant improvement of the pregnancy rate was found when at least two or more embryos were early cleaved at 25 h postinsemination or when the proportion of early cleavage embryo at 25 h postinsemination was higher than 20% (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The critical time-point for the selection of early cleavage embryos with high implantation potential is more effective in 25 h postinsemination/microinjection compared to 27 h. The proportion as well as number of early cleavage embryos is also an important factor for the prediction of pregnancy outcome and the chance of multiple pregnancies. These results demonstrated that the evaluation of early cleavage embryos to 2-cell stage is an easy, simple, and objective method for the selection of good quality embryos suitable for embryo transfer.
Embryo Transfer ; Embryonic Structures* ; Female ; Humans* ; Infertility ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Pregnancy Rate* ; Pregnancy* ; Pregnancy, Multiple ; Prospective Studies ; Sperm Injections, Intracytoplasmic

BACKGROUND: Glycolic acid has become an important and popular agent for chemical peel. Even though many clinicians perform superficial chemical peel to treat facial acne with glycolic acid, as yet there has been no well-controlled clinical trinls for the comparison of this new peeling agent and Jessner's solution. OBJECTIVE: To compare these two chemical peelI agents, our study was focused on three aspects : 1) treatment effects (acne improvement), 2) side effects (erythema, exfoliation), 3) patients preferences of the treatments. METHOD: Sixteen patients with facial acne vulgaris were treated with 70% glycolic acid and Jessner's solution on each side of the face simultaneously. Treatments were repeated biweekly with acne grading. Patient's subjective preferences were asked after the treatment.
Acne Vulgaris* ; Humans

Objective: To find the genuine structure with anti-acetylcholinesterase(anti-AChE)from the phenolic glycosides abundant in Leonurus japonicus(Lamiaceae).The assay for anti-AChE activity is often used to lead anti-Alzheimer's drugs. Methods: The five phenolic glycosides, tiliroside, leonurusoside C, 2'''-syringoylrutin, rutin, and lavanduliofolioside were isolated from L. japonicus. The activities of the glycosides were relatively low. Seven compounds including p-coumaric acid, caffeic acid, hydroxytyrosol, salidroside, syringic acid, kaempferol, and quercetin, which are produced by the hydrolysis of the five glycosides, were also assayed for anti-AChE activity. Results: Of those seven compounds, the five compounds other than salidroside and syringic acid exhibited potent anti-AChE activities.In particular,the IC50s of caffeic acid and quercetin were (1.05 ± 0.19)and (3.58 ± 0.02)μg/mL, respectively. Rutin was the most abundant flavonoid in the extract(9.18 mg/g as measured by HPLC). Conclusion: The substances with potent anti-AChE were caffeic acid, quercetin, p-coumaric acid, kaempferol, and hydroxytyrosol that can be produced from their glycosides.

Compositional differences in flavonoids are varied in the big family of Compositae. By summarizing our previous analytical studies and other scientific evidences, new strategy will be possible to further analyze flavonoids and utilize them for human health. The HPLC analytical method has been established in terms of linearity, sensitivity, accuracy, and precision. Herbs of the family of Compositae have considerable amounts of peroxynitrite (ONOO-)-scavenging effects and their phenolic substances. These effects may contribute to the prevention of disease associated with excess production of ONOO-, depending on the high content of flavonoid substances.
Asteraceae* ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Flavonoids ; Humans ; Peroxynitrous Acid ; Phenol

No abstract available.
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune

BACKGROUND: In platelets transfusion, alloimmunization against the HLA and HPA antigen present in the white blood cells/platelets of the donor blood occurred. In addition, unexpected red blood cell alloantibodies might be produced by the alloimmunization of red blood cells antigens in the transfused platelet component. Therefore, this study examined the incidence of red blood cell alloantibodies after platelet transfusion. METHODS: From January to December 2018, adult patients who requested platelet concentrates or single donor platelets were enrolled. The results of pre/post-transfusion test, including antibody screening test and antibody identification test, were collected the incidence of red blood cell alloantibody formation was then analyzed, retrospectively. RESULTS: A total of 685 patients received 11,894 units of platelet concentrates and 1,402 units of single donor platelets. The median patient age was 64 years and the number of blood transfusions was 4.1. The amount of transfusion per session was 7.3 units, and the total transfused platelet concentrates was 30.9 units. New red blood cell alloantibodies were detected in 0.9% of all patients, and the identification results were observed as unidentified non-specific antibody in 66.7% and anti-E antibodies in 33.3%. The incidence of alloantibody was proportional to the frequency and amount of platelet transfusion. CONCLUSION: This paper reported the incidence of red blood cell alloantibody after platelet transfusion for the first time in Korea. Although matched platelet concentrates supply may be not practical in terms of cost-effectiveness, it may be useful to recognize the possibility of red blood cell alloimmunization and expand the understanding of extended matching transfusion.
Adult ; Antibodies ; Blood Platelets ; Blood Transfusion ; Erythrocytes ; Humans ; Incidence ; Isoantibodies ; Korea ; Mass Screening ; Platelet Transfusion ; Retrospective Studies ; Tissue Donors

Background: Blood transfusion is frequently performed as a supportive therapy during the diagnosis and chemotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This study examined the frequency of blood transfusion and analyzed the correlation with the treatment response during induction therapy in patients with AML. Methods: From January 2018 to December 2020, blood transfusion information was collected from 23 patients diagnosed with AML during induction therapy. The frequency and volumes of blood transfusions according to the treatment response were collected and analyzed with the overall survival retrospectively. Results: The blood transfusion was performed in all patients with AML during induction therapy. The transfusion frequency and volumes were a median of five (1∼13) times and nine (2∼27) units for red blood cells, respectively.In the platelets, the median frequency was seven (2∼21) times, and the transfusion volumes were 42 (12∼128) units. At the time of the treatment response evaluation, the transfusion dependence was 0% in morphological complete remission and 20% in the morphological leukemic-free state for both RBC and platelets, and 78% for RBC and 67% for platelets in treatment failure. Although not statistically significant, transfusion independence for more than eight weeks after induction therapy showed a better overall survival (P=0.312). Conclusion When the treatment response was good, the dependence on blood transfusion decreased. The transfusion frequency is expected to help predict the patient's treatment response and prognosis along with the peripheral blood counts.