Objective: To assess the frequency of regular uptake of national cervical cancer screening (CCS) program and identify associated factors among Korean women. Methods: This study is a fundamental investigation that employs openly accessible public data of Korea through secondary data analysis. A cohort of 4,663 women from the 2007–2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, was followed up for up to 12 years (2007–2018) to obtain the frequency of national CCS. Compliance level with CCS was categorized, and an ordinal logistic regression model was employed to investigate the contributing factors. Results: The regular uptake of CCS in South Korea was low at 18.9%. The trend of regular screening showed significant association with various factors, including age (40–59 years), household income (100%–150% bracket), occupation (service workers), place of residence (small to medium sized cities), education level (middle school graduates), marital status (married), and possession of private insurance. Moreover, individuals with a history of noncervical cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix, a family history of cervical cancer, or a higher frequency of general check-ups demonstrated a stronger adherence to regular CCS uptake. Conclusion Our findings revealed that regular participation in CCS in Korea was lower than anticipated, with factors such as socioeconomic status, personal history of gynecologic issue, and frequency of general health check-ups playing influential roles. However, further research, including an exploration of unexamined psychological barriers to screening, is necessary to gain a better understanding the reasons behind the reduced rates of regular CCS among Korean women.

Objective: To assess the frequency of regular uptake of national cervical cancer screening (CCS) program and identify associated factors among Korean women. Methods: This study is a fundamental investigation that employs openly accessible public data of Korea through secondary data analysis. A cohort of 4,663 women from the 2007–2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, was followed up for up to 12 years (2007–2018) to obtain the frequency of national CCS. Compliance level with CCS was categorized, and an ordinal logistic regression model was employed to investigate the contributing factors. Results: The regular uptake of CCS in South Korea was low at 18.9%. The trend of regular screening showed significant association with various factors, including age (40–59 years), household income (100%–150% bracket), occupation (service workers), place of residence (small to medium sized cities), education level (middle school graduates), marital status (married), and possession of private insurance. Moreover, individuals with a history of noncervical cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix, a family history of cervical cancer, or a higher frequency of general check-ups demonstrated a stronger adherence to regular CCS uptake. Conclusion Our findings revealed that regular participation in CCS in Korea was lower than anticipated, with factors such as socioeconomic status, personal history of gynecologic issue, and frequency of general health check-ups playing influential roles. However, further research, including an exploration of unexamined psychological barriers to screening, is necessary to gain a better understanding the reasons behind the reduced rates of regular CCS among Korean women.

Objective: To assess the frequency of regular uptake of national cervical cancer screening (CCS) program and identify associated factors among Korean women. Methods: This study is a fundamental investigation that employs openly accessible public data of Korea through secondary data analysis. A cohort of 4,663 women from the 2007–2012 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, was followed up for up to 12 years (2007–2018) to obtain the frequency of national CCS. Compliance level with CCS was categorized, and an ordinal logistic regression model was employed to investigate the contributing factors. Results: The regular uptake of CCS in South Korea was low at 18.9%. The trend of regular screening showed significant association with various factors, including age (40–59 years), household income (100%–150% bracket), occupation (service workers), place of residence (small to medium sized cities), education level (middle school graduates), marital status (married), and possession of private insurance. Moreover, individuals with a history of noncervical cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix, a family history of cervical cancer, or a higher frequency of general check-ups demonstrated a stronger adherence to regular CCS uptake. Conclusion Our findings revealed that regular participation in CCS in Korea was lower than anticipated, with factors such as socioeconomic status, personal history of gynecologic issue, and frequency of general health check-ups playing influential roles. However, further research, including an exploration of unexamined psychological barriers to screening, is necessary to gain a better understanding the reasons behind the reduced rates of regular CCS among Korean women.

PURPOSE: Glioblastoma (GBM) is classified as one of the most aggressive and lethal brain tumor. Great strides have been made in understanding the genomic and molecular underpinnings of GBM, which translated into development of new therapeutic approaches to combat such deadly disease. However, there are only few therapeutic agents that can effectively inhibit GBM invasion in a clinical framework. In an effort to address such challenges, we have generated anti-SEMA3A monoclonal antibody as a potential therapeutic antibody against GBM progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We employed public glioma datasets, Repository of Molecular Brain Neoplasia Data and The Cancer Genome Atlas, to analyze SEMA3A mRNA expression in human GBM specimens. We also evaluated for protein expression level of SEMA3A via tissue microarray (TMA) analysis. Cell migration and proliferation kinetics were assessed in various GBM patient-derived cells (PDCs) and U87-MG cell-line for SEMA3A antibody efficacy. GBM patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models were generated to evaluate tumor inhibitory effect of anti-SEMA3A antibody in vivo. RESULTS: By combining bioinformatics and TMA analysis, we discovered that SEMA3A is highly expressed in human GBM specimens compared to non-neoplastic tissues. We developed three different anti-SEMA3A antibodies, in fully human IgG form, through screening phage-displayed synthetic antibody library using a classical panning method. Neutralization of SEMA3A significantly reduced migration and proliferation capabilities of PDCs and U87-MG cell line in vitro. In PDX models, treatment with anti-SEMA3A antibody exhibited notable tumor inhibitory effect through down-regulation of cellular proliferative kinetics and tumor-associated macrophages recruitment. CONCLUSION: In present study, we demonstrated tumor inhibitory effect of SEMA3A antibody in GBM progression and present its potential relevance as a therapeutic agent in a clinical framework.
Antibodies ; Brain ; Brain Neoplasms ; Cell Line ; Cell Movement ; Computational Biology ; Dataset ; Down-Regulation ; Genome ; Glioblastoma* ; Glioma ; Heterografts ; Humans ; Immunoglobulin G ; In Vitro Techniques ; Kinetics ; Macrophages ; Mass Screening ; Methods ; RNA, Messenger ; Semaphorin-3A

PURPOSE: This study aimed to set priorities for improving the medical device distribution structure and to suggest an innovative improvement plan for the distribution structure using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method, focusing on stakeholders in the medical device industry. METHODS: This study conducted a survey with 35 specialists using the AHP method, which is a multiple-criteria decisionmaking methodology, in order to set priorities for improvement plans to address the problems faced by the medical device distribution structure. RESULTS: The AHP analysis showed that supply stability was the most important factor, followed by greater transparency, efficiency, smart supply, and cost reduction. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to establish a stable supply system and manage crises through supply stability, as well as to provide opportunities for fair trade through greater transparency. As steps towards those goals, we propose establishing a unique device identification system, an information disclosure system, online distribution, and a group purchasing organization system in Korea.
Disclosure ; Group Purchasing ; Korea ; Methods ; Online Systems ; Specialization

Dectin-1 is a major receptor that recognizes fungal cell wall β-glucan. We previously reported that heat-killed Saccharomyces cerevisiae (HKSC), a Dectin-1 agonist, selectively induces IgG1 class switching in mouse B cells. Dectin-1 is also expressed on human B cells; however, Dectin-1 function in human B cells remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the direct effect of in vitro stimulation using HKSC on Ig class switching in human B cells. HKSC selectively induced the expression of germline γ4 transcripts (GLTγ4) by human B cell line 2E2, and HKSC significantly augmented GLTγ4 promoter activity. Moreover, HKSC selectively enhanced GLTγ4 expression and IgG4 production by anti-CD40-activated human tonsillar resting B cells. Thus, these results suggest that Dectin-1 maybe involved in selective IgG4 class switching by human B cells.
Animals ; B-Lymphocytes* ; Cell Line ; Cell Wall ; Humans* ; Immunoglobulin Class Switching ; Immunoglobulin G* ; In Vitro Techniques ; Mice ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae* ; Saccharomyces*

PURPOSE: Chronic upper airway obstruction causes hypoxemic pulmonary vasoconstriction, which may lead to right ventricle (RV) dysfunction. Adenotonsillar hypertrophy (ATH) is the most common cause of upper airway obstruction in children. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate RV function in children with ATH. METHODS: Twenty-one children (male/female, 15/6; mean age, 92.3~39.0 months; age range, 4-15 years) with ATH and 21 healthy age- and gender-matched controls were included in this study. Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and RV myocardial performance index were measured by transthoracic echocardiography. Further, the plasma level of N-terminal of probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), an indicator of RV function, was determined. RESULTS: The snoring-tiredness during daytime-observed apnea-high blood pressure (STOP) questionnaire was completed by the patients' parents, and loud snoring was noted in the ATH group. The plasma NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in the ATH group than that in the controls (66.44+/-37.63 pg/mL vs. 27.85+/-8.89 pg/mL, P=0.001). The echocardiographic parameters were not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSION: We were unable to confirm the significance of echocardiographic evidence of RV dysfunction in the management of children with ATH. However, the plasma NT-proBNP level was significantly higher in the ATH group than that in the control, suggesting that chronic airway obstruction in children may carry a risk for cardiac dysfunction. Therefore, more patients should be examined using transthoracic echocardiography. In addition, pediatricians and otolaryngologists should consider cardiologic aspects during the management of children with severe ATH.
Airway Obstruction ; Blood Pressure ; Child* ; Echocardiography ; Heart Ventricles* ; Humans ; Hypertrophy* ; Parents ; Plasma ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; Snoring ; Vasoconstriction

PURPOSE: The mortality rate in critically ill patients with acute renal failure (ARF) remains unacceptably high, despite numerous advances in dialysis techniques and intensive care medicine. We evaluated clinical characteristics and prognostic factors in ICU patients with ARF requiring continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all ICU patients who received CRRT at the Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital from September 2002 to October 2007. RESULTS: Total number of patients who required CRRT in ICU was 58. The mean age was 58.3+/-14.8 years. The treatment duration of CRRT was 63.5+/-40.7 hours. The mechanical ventilation rate was 82.8%, vasoactive drug 79.3%, sepsis 39.7%. APACHE II score was 25.2+/-7.9, SAPS II score 48.1+/-15.1, CCF score 9.3+/-3.6, the number of organ dysfunction 2.1+/-1.3. Overall mortality rate was 48%. When we compared sepsis group with non-sepsis group, the number of organ dysfunction and severity of illness were significantly higher in sepsis group than that of non-sepsis group. A mortality rate of sepsis group was significantly higher than non-sepsis group (82.6% vs 31.3%, p<0.001). In univariate analysis, significant risk factors for mortality were the number of organ dysfunction, severity of illness, MAP, platelet count, serum albumin level, and a type of hemofilter. Significances of all these factors were lost in multiple linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION: A large scaled, prospective randomized multi-center trials are needed to confirm the beneficial effect of CRRT in patient with ARF in ICU.
Acute Kidney Injury ; APACHE ; Critical Illness ; Dialysis ; Humans ; Critical Care ; Intensive Care Units ; Linear Models ; Medical Records ; Platelet Count ; Renal Insufficiency ; Renal Replacement Therapy ; Respiration, Artificial ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Sepsis ; Serum Albumin

PURPOSE:Renal disease is the major cause of mortality and morbidity in systemic lupus erythematosus. The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic outcome of patients with lupus nephritis (LN) for 21 years. METHODS:We conducted a retrospective study of 100 patients with biopsy proven LN who were admitted at Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital between 1985 and 2006, and were followed with a mean of 73 months. We diagnosed renal pathology according to WHO 1995 classification, and analyzed the therapeutic and long-term outcome of patients with LN treated with steroid alone or steroid with intravenous cyclophosphamide (CYC). RESULTS:The mean age at the time of renal biopsy was 28. 3 years and male to female ratio was 1:9.9. The initial therapy consisted of steroid alone in 69 patients and steroid with intravenous CYC in 31 patients. The proportion of diffuse proliferative LN and titer of anti ds-DNA were significantly higher in patients treated with steroid and CYC than in patients with steroid alone. The percentage of patients with clinical response was significantly higher in patients with steroid and CYC than in patients with steroid alone (p=0.018). The patients who experienced clinical response had an excellent long term outcome compared with those who had no clinical response. CONCLUSION:The clinical response was significantly higher in CYC combination regimen than steroid alone. The response to therapy in LN was an important factor for long-term prognosis. The early diagnosis and aggressive treatment with immunosupppressive agents are valuable for better outcome in patient with LN.
Biopsy ; Cyclophosphamide ; DNA ; Early Diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic ; Lupus Nephritis ; Male ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nasal mucosal pH have a direct effect on the alteration of the physio-chemical characteristics of the nasal mucosa. Previous studies have reported the normal mucosal pH to be within the range of 5.3-7.0, mucosal pH with sinusitis to be within 6.8-7.6 and mucosal pH with rhinitis to be within 7.2-8.3. However, no consideration was paid to the conditions that influence the pH and there were no measured pH value by different methods. This study was therefore designed with the latest trend method in pH measurement with the purpose of evaluating pH in nasal secretion and creating an objective parameter for a beneficial manifestation of mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We measured the pH values from 30 normal control group (group 1), 30 patients with chronic sinusitis (group 2), and 30 patients with allergic rhinitis (group 3). Nasal secretion was obtained through filter paper absorption method and, using a micro pH electrode with pH meter, pH was measured in nasal secretion. RESULTS: pH in nasal secretion in this study was higher than the nasal mucosal pH from previously reported studies. pH values in nasal secretion showed a significant difference between three groups (group 1:7.86, group2:8.06, group 3:8.24) in this study (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The measurement of pH in nasal secretion seems to be a useful parameter for monitoring and assessing the state of nasal mucosa. And we recommend this study as a method for obtaining an objective parameter for pH measurement in nasal cavity.
Absorption ; Electrodes ; Humans ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Nasal Cavity ; Nasal Mucosa ; Rhinitis ; Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial ; Sinusitis