• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.14
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• pp.6067-6071
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• 2015

Background: Gastric cancer accounts for about 8% of the total cancer cases and 10% of total cancer deaths worldwide. It is the second lethal cancer after esophageal cancer and is considered the fourth most common cancer in north and northwest Iran. The bcl2 family has a key role in the regulation of apoptosis and change in its expression can contribute to cancer. This study initially scheduled to determine the expression of bcl2 gene in tissue samples of adenocarcinoma cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 10 samples of gastric adenocarcinoma and 10 of normal tissues from Sari hospital were selected and after DNA extraction from tissues, bcl2 gene expression assayed by real-time PCR. Results: Our results demonstrated higher expression of the bcl2 gene in control compared with cancer and marginal cancer tissues. Conclusions: On one hand BCL2 plays an important role as an oncogene to inhibit apoptosis; on the other hand, it can initiate cell cycle arrest at G0 stage. Our observed association between its expression and patient survival is quite conflicting and may be tissue-specific. The data suggest expression both tumoural and non-tumoral(marginal) groups have lowered expression than controls (P>0.05). Due to the low number of samples we could not examine the relationship with clinicopathological features. However, bcl-2 expression may be important for prognostic outcome or a useful target for therapeutic intervention.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3533-3538
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• 2015

Background: Multiple primary malignancies (MPM) have become increasingly prevalent worldwide. This investigation was aimed at establishing the clinicopathological characteristics of MPM patients and evaluating the impact of the living environment on MPM in the Taiwanese population. Materials and Methods: From January 2009 to December 2013, a total of 8,268 cancer patients were identified in our institutional center. Of these, 125 were diagnosed as MPM and thus enrolled. Data for clinicopathological features and treatment approaches for these MPM patients living in urban or suburb zone were obtained. Findings for the air pollution status in Taiwan were also collected. Results: The most common cancer match of MPM was esophageal cancer with hypopharyngeal cancer (12.8%), followed by colorectal cancer with gastric cancer (6.4%) and colorectal cancer with breast cancer (5.6%). The air quality was significantly worse in the urban than in the suburban zone and there was a remarkably higher portion of MPM patients in the urban zone suffering from grade III and IV post-chemotherapeutic neutropenia (30.8% vs 15.1%, P=0.036). Conclusions: The tumor frequency and site distribution should be taken into the clinical evaluation because there is a relatively high risk of developing MPM. This study also highlighted the potential influence of environmental factors on post-chemotherapeutic neutropenia for patients with MPM.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1315-1319
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• 2015

The fact that long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) aggravates corpus atrophic gastritis in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection has been proven clinically and experimentally. Corpus atrophic gastritis is a known risk factor for gastric cancer. Therefore, gastric neoplasia might be associated with the long-term use of PPIs. One of the causes of worsening corpus atrophic gastritis, leading to the development of adenocarcinoma, might be bacterial overgrowth under conditions of hypochlorhydria. The production of potentially carcinogenic N-nitrosocompounds by nitrosating organisms under conditions of hypochlorhydria might be associated with carcinogenesis. Interactions between bile acids, pH, and H. pylori might also contribute to carcinogenicity, especially in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The concentration of soluble bile acids, which have bactericidal or chemorepellent properties toward H. pylori, in gastric contents is considerably higher in patients undergoing continuous PPI therapy than in healthy individuals with normal acid production. Under these circumstances, H. pylori might colonize the stomach body rather than the pyloric antrum. Hypergastrinemia induced by PPI administration might promote the development of gastric cancer. Because the main cause of corpus atrophic gastritis is H. pylori infection, and not PPI administration, H. pylori infection should be eradicated before starting long-term PPI therapy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2409-2414
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• 2012

Objective: Traditional Chinese herbal medicines have a very long history. Rosa roxburghii Tratt and Fagopyrum cymosum are two examples of plants which are reputed to have benefits in improving immune responses, enhancing digestive ability and demonstrating anti-aging effects. Some evidence indicates that herbal medicine soups containing extracts from the two in combination have efficacy in treating malignant tumors. However, the underlying mechanisms are far from well understood. The present study was therefore undertaken to evaluate anticancer effects and explore molecular mechanisms in vitro. Methods: Proliferation and apoptosis were assessed with three carcinoma cell lines (human esophageal squamous carcinoma CaEs-17, human gastric carcinoma SGC-7901 and pulmonary carcinoma A549) by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively, after exposure to extract from Rosa roxburghii Tratt (CL) and extract from Fagopyrum cymosum (FR). $IC_{30}$ of CL and FR were obtained by MTT assay. Tumor cells were divided into four groups : control with no exposure to CL or FR; CL with $IC_{30}$ CL; FR with $IC_{30}$ FR; CL+FR group with 1/2 ($IC_{30}$ CL + $IC_{30}$ FR). RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of Ki-67, Bax and Bcl-2 at mRNA and protein levels. Results: Compared with the CL or FR groups, the combination of CL+FR showed significant inhibition of cell growth and increase in apoptosis; the mRNA and protein expression levels of Ki-67 and Bcl-2 in CL+FR group were all greatly decreased, while the expression of Bax was markedly increased. Conclusions: These results indicate that the synergistic antitumor effects of combination of CL and FR are related to inhibition of proliferation and induction of apoptosis.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.25 no.7
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• pp.668-683
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• 1992

To evaluate the current practices of the tube feeding and the status of tube feeding patient 76 adult in-patients at 6 hospitals located in Seoul and Chung-buk province were examined through reviewing patient charts observing patients and interviewing patients nurses dietitians patients' family or care-givers. The results were as follows : 1) An average age of the patients was 54.5 years with 41% over 60 years old. Patients with decreased mental status dysphagia esophageal obstruction and respiratory problem were fed by tubes. 2) The range of duration of tube feeding is between 4 days and 6 years. Most patients were received formula through nasogastric tube(89.5%) while 7.9% of gastrostomy and 2.6% of jejunostomy. Administration method for formula were bolus feeding regardless of the route of formula delivery. 3) Mean total calories received for men were 1590 kcal and 1450 kcal for female. Mean volume per meal was 282m, l and mean frequency of feeding was 5.68 while mean feeding interval 3$\frac{1}{4}$ hours and mean rate of infusion 68.4ml/min. All patients received hospital-blenderi-zed formula as the major source of nutrition. Home-blenderized formula and commercial formula as a supplement were used 35%, 13.2% respectively. 4) Thirty-eight percent of patients was hypoalbuminemia and 61% was at the moderate level of deficiency in hemoglobin. 5) Complications associated with tube feeding were diarrhea (22.4%) constipation(21.1%) vomiting(11.8%) and so on. 6) Serum albumin levels of patients who have complications associated with tube feeding were significantly lower than those of patients without complications In planning a tube feeding regimen the type of a formula must be integrated with both a delivery system and a protocol for administering the tube feeding. the multidisciplinary effort required to deliver enteral therapy is essential to improve current practices used at hospitals.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.14
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• pp.5889-5893
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• 2014

Over-expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been identified as a common feature associated with clinical outcome in many types of cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus (SCCO). However, the clinical importance of EGFR over-expression in SCCO remains unsettled as conflicting results exist. Therefore we carried out the present meta-analysis of published studies for clarification. A total of 13 studies including 1, 150 patients were enrolled. EGFR over-expression was positive in 722 of these cases. With EGFR over-expression, patients had higher depth of invasion, vascular invasion, and poor prognosis. However, expression had no relation with degree of differentiation, histological grade, lymph node metastasis, clinical stage or lymphatic invasion. EGFR over-expression is probably a valuable predictor for the T stage, vascular invasion and OS, and it could be used as a poor prognosis indicator for the esophageal SCC patients. Targeting therapy to EFGR should be considered to the combined treatment in SCCO.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.659-663
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• 2013

Introduction: Squamous cell carcinoma of esophagus (ESCC) is one of the most common cancers in China. Preserved vegetables are processed foods and consumed in high amounts in the high risk areas for ESCC. This study aimed to investigate the relationships of preserved vegetable consumption with ESCC and precancer lesions. Methods: Cases from Yanting cancer hospital with pathological diagnosis of primary cancer, along with controls and individuals diagnosed with precancer lesions by endoscopy with iodine staining were interviewed. Trained staff collected data on dietary habits 1 year before the interview. An unconditional logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios of preserved vegetable consumption for precancer lesions and cancer. Results: Adjusting for potential confounders, intake of preserved vegetables (OR=2.92, 95%CI 1.32~6.47) and longer intake period (OR=5.78, 95%CI 2.26~14.80) were associated with higher risk of ESCC. Compared with lowest intake frequency, the highest was associated with a 3.0-fold risk for precancer lesions and 3.59-fold risk for ESCC (both p<0.05). Conclusion: Consumption of preserved vegetables is a risk factor for esophageal lesions in high risk areas. The carcinogenicity of preserved vegetables needs investigation in further studies and the public health strategies for reducing the consumption might be initiated in high risk areas.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.59-69
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• 2014

Objectives: In homeopathy, it is claimed that more homeopathically-diluted potencies render more protective/curative effects against any disease condition. Potentized forms of Condurango are used successfully to treat digestive problems, as well as esophageal and stomach cancers. However, the comparative efficacies of Condurango 6C and 30C, one diluted below and one above Avogadro's limit (lacking original drug molecule), respectively, have not been critically analyzed for their cell-killing (apoptosis) efficacy against lung cancer cells in vitro, and signalling cascades have not been studied. Hence, the present study was undertaken. Methods: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays were conducted on H460-non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by using a succussed ethyl alcohol vehicle (placebo) as a control. Studies on cellular morphology, cell cycle regulation, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), changes in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and DNA-damage were made, and expressions of related signaling markers were studied. The observations were done in a "blinded" manner. Results: Both Condurango 6C and 30C induced apoptosis via cell cycle arrest at subG0/G1 and altered expressions of certain apoptotic markers significantly in H460 cells. The drugs induced oxidative stress through ROS elevation and MMP depolarization at 18-24 hours. These events presumably activated a caspase-3-mediated signalling cascade, as evidenced by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot and immunofluorescence studies at a late phase (48 hours) in which cells were pushed towards apoptosis. Conclusion: Condurango 30C had greater apoptotic effect than Condurango 6C as claimed in the homeopathic doctrine.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.511-520
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• 2020

Purpose: Thickened infant formulas reduce regurgitation frequency and volume. Because the digestive tolerance of locust bean gum-containing formulas is controversial, the effectiveness and tolerance of a locust bean gum-thickened formula in infants presenting with regurgitation was evaluated. No other interventions were allowed during the 1 month follow-up period. Methods: We conducted an open, prospective, observational study of a locust bean gum-thickened formula administered to infants presenting with moderate to severe regurgitation according to parents during 1 month. Effectiveness and tolerance were assessed by evaluating gastrointestinal symptoms and quality of life indicators. Results: A total of 2,604 infants with an average age of 9.3±4.3 weeks were included in this 1 month trial. Regurgitation frequency and estimated volume decreased significantly (p<0.001) and the episodes were resolved completely in 48% of the infants. A significant decrease in duration of crying and episodes of gas (p<0.001), with improvement in quality of life parameters, was observed. Stool frequency increased and stool consistency softened (p<0.001) to levels within the physiologic range, consistent with the increased fiber load (0.42 g/100 mL). Conclusion: Locust bean gum-thickened formula decreased infant regurgitation, was well tolerated, and improved parental quality of life. Stool composition and frequency of the infants remained within the physiologic range.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.25 no.12
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• pp.1530-1536
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• 1992

From January 1984 to December 1991, One hundred sixty five patients with carcinomoa of the esophagus were treated surgically at the department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Seoul National University Hospital. Among them, hospital records were available in 121 patients and were included in this study. There were 115 men and 6 women, with ages ranging from 40 years to 79 years[mean age of 59.2 years]. The most frequent preoperative symptoms included dysphagia[72.7%], weight loss[60.3%], chest pain or discomfort[14.9%], general malaise[13.2%]. All were treated surgically: 100 patients were managed by curative or palliative resection with reconstruction, and 6 by palliative bypass surgery. In 15 patients, explorative thoracotomy or laparotomy was only done due to unresectability. [operability: 87.6%, resectability: 82.6%] All specimens[those from resectable 100 cases] were sent to pathology, and histopathologic examinations were done; squamous cell carcinomas were found in 95 cases, adenocarcinoma in l. Adenosquamous carcinomas were found in 3, and malignant melanoma in l. Postoperative complications occurred in 34 cases; anastomotic site leakage[10], which was followed by empyema in 9 of them, wound problem[7], hepatic failure[6], pneumonia [3], post-operative bleeding[3], chylothorax[2], post-operative stricture[2], sepsis[1], and tracheobronchial fistula[1]. Hospital deaths were in 6 cases[Hospital mortality: 5.0%]. During the follow up period, 26 patients were proven to be recurrence of cancer locally or distantly. The one, two, and five-year actuarial survival raf.es were 71.3$\pm$4.5%, 57.4$\pm$5.6%, 34.7$\pm$8.9%, respectively. The data from this study suggested that esophagectomy with reconstruction of gastrointestinal tract could be performed with a low operative mortality and a few serious postoperative complications and achieved reasonable long term palliation for carcinoma of the esophagus.