Biomedical subjects

Y H Yun

Publications and source records attributed to Y H Yun.

12 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Health-related quality of life in disease-free survivors of breast cancer with the general population.

BACKGROUND: Although most of the literature about health-related quality of life (HRQoL) focuses on breast cancer patients, few studies compared the HRQoL in disease-free breast cancer survivors with that of the general population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We administered the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 and Quality of Life Questionnaire Breast Cancer Module, McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, and Brief Fatigue Inventory to 1933 disease-free survivors for over 1 year after being diagnosed with stage 0 to III breast cancer. We performed multivariate-adjusted analyses in all HRQoL comparisons. RESULTS: The scores for some health-related quality of life [corrected] HRQoL scales were comparable for both disease-free breast cancer survivors and the general female population, but [corrected] there was a [corrected] clinically significant difference between the two groups [corrected] in cognitive and social functioning, fatigue, insomnia, financial difficulties, body image, future perspective, breast symptoms, and arm symptoms. [corrected] CONCLUSIONS: Disease-free survivors of breast cancer had good HRQoL, which was less affected by the type of treatment than it was by demographic characteristics, time since surgery, comorbidity, fatigue, and depression.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2005

Predictors of prescription of morphine for severe cancer pain by physicians in Korea.

BACKGROUND: This study was undertaken to identify predictors of the prescription of strong opioids, which are important for the management of severe cancer pain, by Korean physicians. METHODS: A questionnaire based on a hypothetical case designed to assess the prescription of morphine by physicians was administered to 800 specialists in the Korea Cancer Association, of whom 147 (18.4%) responded, and to 2200 specialists in the Korean Academy of Family Medicine, of whom 388 (17.6%) responded. We used a multidimensional approach to identify the predictors of prescription of morphine by physicians. RESULTS: In the hypothetical case scenario, only 16.5% of the respondents stated that they would prescribe morphine for severe cancer pain. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that physicians with a positive attitude regarding opioid addiction [odds ratio (OR) 2.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.54-4.46], experience of pain assessment (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.13-3.87), recent residency training (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.30-4.0) and positive self-evaluation as an oncology specialist (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.41-4.78) were more likely to prescribe morphine. None of the 13 variables in the knowledge dimension significantly predicted prescription of morphine for severe cancer pain. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the survey suggest that we need to develop strategies to develop a positive attitude toward opioids, to increase experience in pain assessment and to improve cancer pain management training among Korean physicians.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Validation of the Korean version of the EORTC QLQ-C30.

This study evaluated the Korean version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 (version 3.0) in terms of psychometric properties and its validation. One hundred and seventy patients completed three questionnaires EORTC QLQ-C30, the Beck depression inventory (BDI), and a brief pain inventory (BPI). Multitrait scaling analyses demonstrated that all scales met multidimensional conceptualization criteria, in terms of convergence and discrimination validity. Cronbach's alpha coefficients for eight multiple-item scales were greater than 0.70, with the exception of cognitive functioning. All interscale correlations were statistically significant in the expected direction (p < 0.01). Multivariate analyses showed that physical and emotional functioning were significant explanatory variables for the global quality-of-life (QOL) scale (regression coefficients: 0.36, p < 0.001; and 0.37, p < 0.001; respectively). All scales were significantly associated with pain severity and interference of the BPI, and with the cognitive-affective and somatic scales of the BDI. The emotional-functioning scale was substantially correlated with the cognitive-affective scale and somatic scale of the BDI. These results demonstrate that the Korean version of the EORTC QLQ-C30 is a valid instrument for evaluating Korean-speaking patients with cancer, and can be used to distinguish clearly between subgroups of patients of differing performance status.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Particle diameter influences adhesion under flow.

The diameter of circulating cells that may adhere to the vascular endothelium spans an order of magnitude from approximately 2 microm (e.g., platelets) to approximately 20 microm (e.g., a metastatic cell). Although mathematical models indicate that the adhesion exhibited by a cell will be a function of cell diameter, there have been few experimental investigations into the role of cell diameter in adhesion. Thus, in this study, we coated 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-microm-diameter microspheres with the recombinant P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 construct 19.ek.Fc. We compared the adhesion of the 19.ek.Fc microspheres to P-selectin under in vitro flow conditions. We found that 1) at relatively high shear, the rate of attachment of the 19.ek.Fc microspheres decreased with increasing microsphere diameter whereas, at a lower shear, the rate of attachment was not affected by the microsphere diameter; 2) the shear stress required to set in motion a firmly adherent 19.ek.Fc microsphere decreased with increasing microsphere diameter; and 3) the rolling velocity of the 19.ek.Fc microspheres increased with increasing microsphere diameter. These results suggest that attachment, rolling, and firm adhesion are functions of particle diameter and provide experimental proof for theoretical models that indicate a role for cell diameter in adhesion.

Animals↗

PubMed1999

Cloning and characterization of a nuclear S6 kinase, S6 kinase-related kinase (SRK); a novel nuclear target of Akt.

Akt is stimulated by several growth factors, and mediates their cell survival signals. Recent studies have shown that Akt may play an intermediate role between phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and p70 S6 kinase (p70S6K). Here we show that a novel nuclear p70S6K-related kinase (SRK) exists and that its in vivo function is also augmented by over-expression of Akt. Conceptual translation of the SRK cDNA revealed that the catalytic domain of SRK was highly homologous to that of p70S6K, and that the treatment of wortmannin or rapamycin strongly inhibited the phosphorylation and the activation of SRK, as in p70S6K. However, the N- and C-terminal domains of SRK were quite different from those of p70S6K. In immunolocalization analyses, we demonstrated a constitutive nuclear localization of SRK and the presence of a nuclear localization signal in its C-terminus. In vitro S6 phosphotransferase activities of SRK were stimulated with a slower kinetics by a variety of agonists to p70S6K. Interestingly, over-expression of the proto-oncogene Akt resulted in EGF-independent activation of SRK, while over-expression of kinase-dead Akt actually had an inhibitory effect. This relationship between Akt and SRK suggests that SRK may be a novel target of Akt and perhaps an important downstream component in the nuclear function of Akt.

Catalytic Domain↗

PubMed1998

Home telecare system integrated with periodic health reminder and medical record & multimedia health information.

The necessity of home telecare system is growing due to increase in desire for health promotion owing to increase in chronic diseases, aged population and medical expenses. Already, we computerized patient's data and offer periodic health reminder to patients for health promotion by using Life-time Health Monitoring Program (LHMP). Our study connected LHMP to the Web on internet by CGI as an electronic medical record; enabling reference to patient's medical records anywhere. The study also made possible video teleconsultation and constructed multimedia database to provide health-related information to the patients. On these bases, a flow chart was developed using the home telecare to practice manage patients with chronic diseases, old patients, and the handicapped. Further standardization in data, establishment of law bases for home telecare system, development of rules for medical fees and active utilization of biomedical telemetry will be needed to extend home telecare system.

Home Care Services↗

PubMed1997

Acute Myelitis after hepatitis B vaccination.

We report a case of myelitis after plasma-derived hepatitis B vaccination. The patient was a 31-year-old man who presented with progressive sensory symptoms in extremities that developed 2 weeks after a third vaccination. MRI of the cervicothoracic region revealed swelling and T2 high signal at the level of C4 to C5 cord, and isolated enhancement in the posterior columns between C4 and C5 cord. The significance of MRI findings and HLA haplotype of the patient will be briefly discussed.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1996

Initial hemocompatibility studies of titanium and zirconium alloys: prekallikrein activation, fibrinogen adsorption, and their correlation with surface electrochemical properties.

Two novel metal alloys, Ti-13Nb-13Zr and Zr-2.5Nb, have been engineered for applications in orthopedic implants because of their favorable mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with bone and tissue. These alloys also have the ability to form a hard, abrasion-resistant, ceramic surface layer upon oxidative heat treatment (diffusion hardening, DH). Previous studies have indicated that these and other ceramics cause limited hemolysis and exhibit remarkable structural integrity after extended exposure to physiological environments. Such observations suggest that DH Ti-13Nb-13Zr and ZrO2/Zr-2.5Nb could be used successfully as components in blood-contacting devices. Materials intended for such applications must possess properties that do not elicit adverse physiological responses, such as the initiation of the coagulation cascade or thrombus formation. In the present study measurements of prekallikrein activation, fibrinogen adsorption from diluted human plasma, and the strength of fibrinogen attachment as judged by residence-time experiments were performed to evaluate the potential hemocompatibility of these materials. The results of the prekallikrein activation and fibrinogen-retention studies correlated well with two electrochemical properties of the alloys, the open circuit potential and reciprocal polarization resistance. The results indicate that both the original and treated Ti and Zr alloys activate prekallikrein and adsorb as well as retain fibrinogen in amounts similar to other materials used as components of blood-contacting devices. On the basis of these studies, these alloys appear to be promising candidates for cardiovascular applications and merit further investigation.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed1996

Posterior pedicular screw instrumentation and anterior interbody fusion in adult lumbar spondylolysis or grade I spondylolisthesis with segmental instability.

Between 1988 and 1993, we treated 21 adults with symptomatic lumbar spondylolysis by a combined surgery of posterior stabilization and anterior interbody fusion. Our indication for this combined surgery was persistent pain that was unresponsive to conservative measures and segmental instability on flexion-extension roentgenogram. The patients' mean age at the time of surgery was 34 years (range 24-42 years). All patients showed degenerated disks on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging. The mean follow-up period was 30.4 months. The clinical result was excellent or good in 95%, and the radiographic fusion was successful in 95%. Prolonged pain at the donor site was the most common complication, which usually disappeared by 3 months after the operation. We recommend the combined surgery of posterior instrumentation and anterior fusion to stabilize symptomatic adult lumbar spondylolysis.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

An investigation of bone necrosis and healing after cryosurgery, phenol cautery or packing with bone cement of defects in the dog femur.

A corticocancellous core was removed from the lateral condyle of both femurs in 26 skeletally mature dogs. The cavity was treated with cryosurgery, phenol cautery or packing with bone cement. The animals were killed after 1, 4, and 12 weeks in the phenol and cement groups, and also after 24 weeks in the cryosurgery group. The extent of the bone necrosis and healing was assessed in each group. After cryosurgery the extent of necrosis was profound in that the area of damage was 365% compared to the area of the cavity; the depth of necrosis extended between 2.5 and 14 mm, beyond the cavity wall. The effect of phenol was negligible in that only microscopic areas of superficial focal necrosis were found around the cavity wall. Bone cement produced an area of necrosis of 153% compared with the cavity, with a depth of between 1.3 and 2.8 mm. Regeneration in the region of necrosis after cryosurgery was only scanty by 4 weeks, but by 12 weeks considerable areas of regeneration were identified and complete healing was observed by 24 weeks. Regeneration of the necrotized bone produced by bone cement packing was rapid and similar to that of the control specimens. These findings suggest that cryosurgery could play a significant role as a surgical adjunct to curettage in locally aggressive benign bone tumours and in some malignancies. Phenol cautery is not regarded as an adequate treatment after curettage of bone tumours. Although the extent of necrosis was relatively small, packing with bone cement is thought to be a useful choice in benign cases.

Animals↗

PubMed1986

Metastasis of lung carcinoma to proximal femur after hip implant.

Adenocarcinoma of the lung metastasized to the site of hemiarthroplasty for a femoral neck fracture in a 73-year-old woman who had no evidence of preexisting primary or metastatic tumor. The mechanism of the metastasis in this patient remains a question, but it seems likely that metastatic tumor seeding occurred as the result of surgical trauma after the prosthetic implantation.

Adenocarcinoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Development of terminal cancer prognostic score as an index in terminally ill cancer patients.

Cancer patients, families, clinicians, and health-policy administrators need accurate information about the prognosis of survival of terminally ill cancer patients. The aim of this study was to compare survival times and prognostic factors, and develop a new prognostic index for terminally ill cancer patients. This prospective study was performed on 91 patients with solid tumor, and therefore, no longer subjects of anti-cancer therapy. Association was sought between survival times and a range of clinical characteristics. The median survival time of 91 terminal cancer patients was 54.0 days. Univariate analysis showed that 11 factors provide statistically significant prognostic survival information. Multivariate analysis adjusted for the primary tumor site demonstrated that severe anorexia (aRR 1.95, 95% C.I. 1.24-3.05), severe diarrhea (aRR 3.49, 95% C.I. 1.10-11.05), and mild confusion (aRR 1.94, 95% C.I. 1.15-3.27) are independent negative predictors of survival. The Terminal Cancer Prognostic score (TCP score), which was based on three predictors proved to be a significant predictor. The TCP score might be a useful index for predicting survival.

Adult↗