• Archives of Plastic Surgery
• /
• v.46 no.5
• /
• pp.441-448
• /
• 2019

Background Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare neuroendocrine malignancy affecting the skin, for which timely diagnosis and aggressive treatment are essential. MCC has most often been reported in Caucasians, and case reports in Asians are rare. This study presents our experiences with the surgical treatment and radiotherapy of MCC in Asian patients. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of seven MCC patients between 2000 and 2018 from a single institution, and analyzed patient characteristics, tumor characteristics, surgical treatment, sentinel lymph node evaluation, reconstruction, adjuvant radiation therapy, and prognosis. Results Eight MCC lesions occurred in seven patients, most commonly in the head and neck region. All patients underwent surgical excision with reconstruction. The final surgical margin was 1.0 cm in most cases, and reconstruction was most commonly performed with a splitthickness skin graft. Five patients received adjuvant radiotherapy, and two patients received sentinel lymph node biopsy. During the follow-up period, three patients remained well, two died from other causes, one experienced recurrence, and one was lost to follow-up. Conclusions We treated seven Asian MCC patients and our series confirmed that MCC is a very dangerous cancer in Asians as well. Based on our experiences, thorough surgical excision of MCC with histopathological clearance should be considered, with sentinel lymph node evaluation if necessary, followed by appropriate reconstruction and careful postoperative observation. Adjuvant radiation therapy is also recommended for all Asian MCC patients. The results of this case series may provide guidance for the treatment of Asian MCC patients in the future.

• Mass Spectrometry Letters
• /
• v.10 no.1
• /
• pp.38-42
• /
• 2019

Damaurone D belongs to the genus Rosa and is a traditional medicinal product used for the treatment of depression, inflammation, and infectious diseases. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the detection of damaurone D in rat plasma and to demonstrate its application in pharmacokinetic studies. Damaurone D and berberine (internal standard) were extracted with acetonitrile using a protein precipitation method. Mass transition was monitored in multiple reaction monitoring mode at m/z $323.2{\rightarrow}267.0$ for damaurone D and m/z $336.1{\rightarrow}320.0$ for berberine in positive ion mode. Analytical validation was conducted by evaluating the specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, matrix effect, extraction recovery, and stability. The calibration curves were linear over 2-1000 ng/mL. The intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy of quality control samples were 4.79-13.33% and 86.23-102.75%, respectively. The matrix effect and extraction recovery were 96.11-98.47% and 96.11-102.25%, respectively. In the pharmacokinetic study after intravenous administration of damaurone D at a dose of 3 mg/kg in rats, the area under the curve and clearance of damaurone D in rat plasma were $16750.26{\pm}2676.10min{\cdot}ng/mL$ and $182.44{\pm}31.36mL/min/kg$, respectively.

• Tribology and Lubricants
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.99-105
• /
• 2019

This study presents an experimental investigation of the wear and oxidation of the bristles of a brush seal in a super-heated steam environment. We construct a model reflecting normal force and radial interference to predict the amount of wear. To monitor the volume loss of the bristle induced by the swirl phenomenon of the rotor, we measure the clearance between the rotor and the brush seal by using a non-contact 3-D device. We calculate the area by using the area-wise measurement method. Considering the obvious brush seal wear variables, we use two disks with different roughness($Ra=0.1{\mu}m$ and $100{\mu}m$) to determine the effect of roughness on wear. Considering an actual steam turbine, we utilize a steam generator and super-heater to generate a working fluid (0.95MPa, 523.15K) that has high kinetic energy. We observe the abrasion of the bristles in the hot steam environment through a scanning electron microscope image. This study also conducted energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis for a qualitative evaluation of local chemistry. The results indicate that the wear and elimination of bristles occur on the disk with high roughness, and the weight increases due to oxidation. Furthermore these results, reveal that the bristle oxidation is accelerated more under super-heated steam conditions than under conditions without steam.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.218-225
• /
• 2019

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae, more than 90 serotypes of which exist, is recognized as an etiologic agent of pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Immunization with a pneumococcal pep27 mutant (${{\Delta}}pep27$) has been shown to confer comprehensive, long-term protection against even nontypeable strains. However, ${{\Delta}}pep27$ is effective as a vaccine only after at least three rounds of immunization. Therefore, treatments capable of enhancing the efficiency of ${{\Delta}}pep27$ immunization should be identified without delay. Panax ginseng Mayer has already been shown to have pharmacological and antioxidant effects. Here, the ability of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) to enhance the efficacy of ${{\Delta}}pep27$ immunization was investigated. Methods: Mice were treated with KRG and immunized with ${{\Delta}}pep27$ before infection with the pathogenic S. pneumoniae strain D39. Total reactive oxygen species production was measured using lung homogenates, and inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase and antiapoptotic protein expression was determined by immunoblotting. The phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages was also tested after KRG treatment. Results: Compared with the other treatments, KRG significantly increased survival rate after lethal challenge and resulted in faster bacterial clearance via increased phagocytosis. Moreover, KRG enhanced ${{\Delta}}pep27$ vaccine efficacy by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production, reducing extracellular signal-regulated kinase apoptosis signaling and inflammation. Conclusion: Taken together, our results suggest that KRG reduces the time required for immunization with the ${{\Delta}}pep27$ vaccine by enhancing its efficacy.

• Journal of Gynecologic Oncology
• /
• v.29 no.6
• /
• pp.87.1-87.4
• /
• 2018

Objective: Upper paraaortic lymph node dissection (UPALD) to the infrarenal level is one of the most challenging robotic procedures. Because robotic system has the limitation in robotic arm mobility. This surgical video introduces a novel robotic approach, lower pelvic port placement (LP3), to perform optimally and simultaneously both UPALD and pelvic procedures in gynecologic cancer patients using da Vinci Xi system. Methods: The patient presented with high-grade endometrial cancer. She underwent robotic surgical staging operation. For the setup of the LP3, a line was drown between both anterior superior iliac spines. At 3 cm below this line, another line was drown and four robotic ports were placed on this line. Results: After paraaortic lymph node dissection (PALD) was completed, the boom of robotic system was rotated $180^{\circ}$ to retarget for the pelvic lateral displacement. Robotic ports were placed and docked again. The operation was completed robotically without any complication. Conclusion: The LP3 was feasible for performing simultaneously optimal PALD as well as procedures in pelvic cavity in gynecologic cancer patients. The advantage of LP3 technique is the robotic port placement that affords for multi-quadrant surgery, abdominal and pelvic dissection. The LP3 is facilitated by utilizing advanced technology of Xi system, including the patient clearance function, the rotating boom, and 'port hopping' that allows using every ports for a camera. The LP3 will enable surgeons to extend the surgical indication of robotic surgical system in the gynecologic oncologic field.

• Asia-Pacific Journal of Business
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.145-165
• /
• 2020

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to suggest strategies and solutions for entering China in the tariff and non-tariff sectors of the cosmetic industry. Design/methodology/approach - This study analyzed the import tariff rate of cosmetics in China, and analyzed the export cost by actually interviewing the exporting companies to derive the economic effect of non-tariff measures. Findings - First, We proposed the use of the FTA business model (basic cosmetics), the use of Korea-China FTA tariffs (foam cleansing, toothpaste), and the use of APTA tariffs (perfume). Second, We proposed cooperation between the governments to facilitate customs clearance procedures and improvement of FTA awareness among corporate practitioners. Third, We proposed the expansion and support of the AEO MRA system and the expansion of Korea-China MOU conclusions regarding the certification system, and the international standardization of domestic licensing system and technical conditions. Fourth, We proposed the use of government-supported projects related to obtaining overseas certifications and overseas expansion through collaboration with the same industry. Research implications or Originality - HS3304 products excluded from the Korea-China FTA should take full advantage of the FTA business model. In addition, the non-tariff measure costs are fixed costs per year, so the ratio decreases as the number of exports and export volume increases.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
• /
• v.24 no.1
• /
• pp.24-31
• /
• 2021

Objectives: Accumulation of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to oxidative stress. Increased production of ROS, such as superoxide anion, or a deficiency in their clearance by antioxidant defences, mediates cellular pathology. Grewia Spp fruits are a source of bioactive compounds and have notable antioxidant activity. Although the antioxidant capacity of Grewia Spp has been studied, there is very limited evidence that links the antioxidant activities of Grewia bicolor and Grewia flava to the inhibition of free radical formation associated with damage in biological systems. Methods: This study evaluated the protective effects of Grewia bicolor and Grewia flava extracts against free radical-induced oxidative stress and the resulting cytotoxicity effect using HeLa cells. Antioxidant properties determined using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and total phenolic content (TPC) assays showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) antioxidant activity in Grewia flava (ethanol extract) than Grewia flava (water extract) and Grewia bicolor (ethanol and water extracts). Results: Using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5diphenyltetrazolium bromide or MTT assay, cytotoxicity results showed that extracts of Grewia bicolor and Grewia flava were less toxic to HeLa cells at tested concentrations compared to the untreated control. This confirmed the low toxicity of these edible fruits at the tested concentrations in HeLa cells. Furthermore, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell loss was effectively reduced by pre-incubating HeLa cells with Grewia bicolor and Grewia flava extracts, with Grewia flava (ethanol extract) revealing better protection. Conclusion: The effect was speculated to be associated with the higher antioxidant activity of Grewia flava (ethanol extract). Additional studies will warrant confirmation of the mechanism of action of such effects.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.29 no.5
• /
• pp.455-464
• /
• 2021

Uncontrolled inflammation is considered the pathophysiological basis of many prevalent metabolic disorders, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases. The inflammatory response is a self-limiting process that produces a superfamily of chemical mediators, called specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs). SPMs include the ω-3-derived family of molecules, such as resolvins, protectins, and maresins, as well as arachidonic acid-derived (ω-6) lipoxins that stimulate and promote resolution of inflammation, clearance of microbes, and alleviation of pain and promote tissue regeneration via novel mechanisms. SPMs function by binding and activating G protein-coupled receptors, such as FPR2/ALX, GPR32, and ERV1, and nuclear orphan receptors, such as RORα. Recently, several studies reported that SPMs have the potential to attenuate lipid metabolism disorders. However, the understanding of pharmacological aspects of SPMs, including tissue-specific biosynthesis, and specific SPM receptors and signaling pathways, is currently limited. Here, we summarize recent advances in the role of SPMs in resolution of inflammatory diseases with metabolic disorders, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity, obtained from preclinical animal studies. In addition, the known SPM receptors and their intracellular signaling are reviewed as targets of resolution of inflammation, and the currently available information on the therapeutic effects of major SPMs for metabolic disorders is summarized.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
• /
• v.46 no.2
• /
• pp.266-274
• /
• 2022

Colon cancer, the third most frequent occurred cancer, has high mortality and extremely poor prognosis. Ginsenoside, the active components of traditional Chinese herbal medicine Panax ginseng, exerts antitumor effect in various cancers, including colon cancer. However, the detailed molecular mechanism of Ginsenoside in the tumor suppression have not been fully elucidated. Here, we chose the representative ginsenoside Rg3 and reported for the first time that Rg3 induces mitophagy in human colon cancer cells, which is responsible for its anticancer effect. Rg3 treatment leads to mitochondria damage and the formation of mitophagosome; when autophagy is inhibited, the clearance of damaged mitochondria can be reversed. Next, our results showed that Rg3 treatment activates the PINK1-Parkin signaling pathway and recruits Parkin and ubiquitin proteins to mitochondria to induce mitophagy. GO analysis of Parkin targets showed that Parkin interacts with a large number of mitochondrial proteins and regulates the molecular function of mitochondria. The cellular energy metabolism enzyme GAPDH is validated as a novel substrate of Parkin, which is ubiquitinated by Parkin. Moreover, GAPDH participates in the Rg3-induced mitophagy and regulates the translocation of Parkin to mitochondria. Functionally, Rg3 exerts the inhibitory effect through regulating the nonglycolytic activity of GAPDH, which could be associated with the cellular oxidative stress. Thus, our results revealed GAPDH ubiquitination by Parkin as a crucial mechanism for mitophagy induction that contributes to the tumor-suppressive function of ginsenoside, which could be a novel treatment strategy for colon cancer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.32 no.5
• /
• pp.638-644
• /
• 2022

Probiotics modulate the gut microbiota, which in turn regulate immune responses to maintain balanced immune homeostasis in the host. However, it is unclear how probiotic bacteria regulate immune responses. In this study we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of heat-killed probiotics, including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KC3 (LP3), Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CKDB008 (LP8), and Limosilactobacillus fermentum SRK414 (LF4), via phagocytosis, nitric oxide (NO), and pro-inflammatory cytokine production in macrophages. We thus found that heat-killed LP8 could promote the clearance of foreign pathogens by enhancing the phagocytosis of macrophages. Treatment with heat-killed LP8 induced the production of NO and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. In addition, heat-killed LP8 suppressed the production of NO and cytokines in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, suggesting that heat-killed LP8 exerts immunomodulatory effects depending on the host condition. In sum, these results indicate that heat-killed LP8 possesses the potential for immune modulation while providing a molecular basis for the development of functional probiotics prepared from inactivated bacterial cells.