• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.19-27
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• 2010

To discover genetic markers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we previously applied genome-wide BAC array comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) to 28 autistic patients and 62 normal controls in Korean population, and identified that chromosomal losses on 8p23.1 and on 17p11.2 are significantly associated with autism. In this study, we developed an 8.5K ASD-specific BAC array covering 27 previously reported ASD-associated CNV loci including ours and examined whether the associations would be replicated in 8 ASD patient cell lines of four different ethnic groups and 10 Korean normal controls. As a result, a CNV-loss on 8p23.1 was found to be significantly more frequent in patients regardless of ethnicity (p<0.0001). This CNV region contains two coding genes, DEFA1 and DEFA3, which are members of DEFENSIN gene family. Two other CNVs on 17p11.2 and Xp22.31 were also distributed differently between ASDs and controls, but not significant (p=0.069 and 0.092, respectively). All the other loci did not show significant association. When these evidences are considered, the association between ASD and CNV of DEFENSIN gene seems worthy of further exploration to elucidate the pathogenesis of ASD. Validation studies with a larger sample size will be required to verify its biological implication.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.7
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• pp.3099-3103
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• 2014

TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusions in prostate cancer have a dominant prevalence of approximately 50.0%, but infomration is limited on differences among ethnic and geographical groups. Some studies focusing on Japanese and Korean patients reported a lower incidence. Investigations concerning Chinese revealed controversial results. We evaluated TMPRSS2:ERG, TMPRSS2:ETV1 and TMPRSS2:ETV4 fusions in more than 100 Eastern Chinese prostate cancer patients. Paraffin blocks of needle biopsy and radical prostatectomy were collected from 91 and 18 patients respectively. All patients' clinicopathologic factors were gathered. TMPRSS2:ERG, TMPRSS2:ETV1 and TMPRSS2:ETV4 fusions were tested by multi-probe fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) assay. TMPRSS2:ERG fusions was present in 14.3% biopsy specimens and 11.1% radical prostatectomy patients. Neither TMPRSS2:ETV1 nor TMPRSS2:ETV4 fusion was found in any case. Altogether, 13 (86.7%) TMPRSS2:ERG fusion positive cases possessed deletion pattern and 7 (46.6%) and insertion pattern. Some 5 cases had both deletion and insertion patterns. While 38.5% (5/13) patients with deletion pattern had distant metastasis, except for one metastatic case harboring both deletion and insertion, there were no patients with insertion pattern accompanied with metastasis. There were no differences between fusion positive and negative cases in the distribution of age, PSA, Gleason score and TNM stage. Eastern Chinese prostate cancer patients have a significantly low incidence of TMPRSS2:ERG fusion. They also lack TMPRSS2:ETV1 and TMPRSS2:ETV4 fusion. There are more deletion pattern than insertion pattern in TMPRSS2:ERG positive cases. Fusion positive and negative patients have no clinicopathologic factor differences.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.4591-4594
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• 2013

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Malaysian women. Other than hospital-based results, there are no documented population-based survival rates of Malaysian women for breast cancers. This populationbased retrospective cohort study was therefore conducted. Data were obtained from Health Informatics Centre, Ministry of Health Malaysia, National Cancer Registry and National Registration Department for the period from $1^{st}$ January 2000 to $31^{st}$ December 2005. Cases were captured by ICD-10 and linked to death certificates to identify the status. Only complete data were analysed. Survival time was calculated from the estimated date of diagnosis to the date of death or date of loss to follow-up. Observed survival rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier method using SPSS Statistical Software version 17. A total of 10,230 complete data sets were analysed. The mean age at diagnosis was 50.6 years old. The overall 5-year survival rate was 49% with median survival time of 68.1 months. Indian women had a higher survival rate of 54% compared to Chinese women (49%) and Malays (45%). The overall 5-year survival rate of breast cancer patient among Malaysian women was still low for the cohort of 2000 to 2005 as compared to survival rates in developed nations. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance the strategies for early detection and intervention.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.2265-2270
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• 2016

Background: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is one of the most frequent hematopoietic malignancies in the elderly population; however, knowledge is limited regarding the genetic factors associated with increased risk for CML. Polymorphisms affecting microRNA (miRNA) biogenesis or mRNA:miRNA interactions are important risk factors in the development of different types of cancer. Thus, we carried out a case-control study to test the association with CML susceptibility of gene variants located in the miRNA machinery genes AGO1 (rs636832) and GEMIN4 (rs2740348), as well as in the miRNA binding sites of the genes BRCA1 (rs799917) and KRAS (rs61764370). Materials and Methods: We determined the genotype of 781 Mexican-Mestizo individuals (469 healthy subjects and 312 CML cases) for the four polymorphisms using TaqMan probes to test the association with CML susceptibility. Results: We found a borderline association of the minor homozygote genotype of the KRAS_rs61764370 polymorphism with an increased risk for CML susceptibility (P = 0.06). After gender stratification, this association was significant only for women (odds ratio [OR] = 13.41, P = 0.04). The distribution of the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the four studied SNPs was neither associated with advanced phases of CML nor treatment response. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to show a significant association of the KRAS_rs61764370 SNP with CML. To further determine such an association of with CML susceptibility, our results must be replicated in different ethnic groups.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1565-1570
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• 2015

Background: In Aotearoa/New Zealand cervical screening programmes have reduced cervical cancer; however, half of cervical cancer cases among Pacific women are found among clients who had not attended cervical screening. Hence, we set out to determine health provider perspectives on barriers that prevent their services reaching Pacific women within Aotearoa/New Zealand. Materials and Methods: Twenty semi-structured interviews were conducted with health care providers, Pap smear takers and community workers in the Wellington region. Participants were asked their views on factors that enabled and/or constrained the participation of Pacific women in their cervical screening services. Results: Six interrelated themes influencing participation in cervical screening among Pacific women in the Wellington region were apparent: the funding and practice of service delivery; family always coming first; the cost of screening services; type of employment; the appropriateness of information; and attitudes to self and screening. Conclusions: Determining specific ethnic group actual health needs and meeting them contributes to overall improvement in New Zealand's health status. The results identified the need for improvements to the delivery of screening services including adapting cervical screening services to the requirements of Pacific women through more outreach services at alternate clinic hours; culturally appropriate practitioners; the ability to take up opportunities for health checks and foster long-term relationships; as well as appropriate monitoring and evaluation of approaches. Funding and reporting relationships also need to be compatible with the goal of improving outcomes for Pacific women. Further research into client voices for their particular needs to compliment the service provider perspective as well as minority groups is called for.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.5
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• pp.2945-2948
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• 2013

Background: Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) is the major cause of mammary tumors in mice. There is limited controversial evidence about the probable etiologic role of MMTV- like virus in human breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 Formalin fixed paraffin embedded samples with diagnosis of breast cancer were collected in a period of 3 years from cancer institute of Iran. We selected both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal patients with different histologic grades and different ethnic groups. We evaluated presence of MMTV-like virus env gene through real time PCR method. Results: Forty patients (20 pre and 20 postmenopausal women) were evaluated with the mean age of 49.67. The average tumor size was 39 mm. None of the studied samples were positive for MMTV-like virus env gene target sequences. Conclusions: We found no evidence on the potential role of MMTV-like virus in the carcinogenicity of breast cancer among Iranian women.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.7
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• pp.3053-3060
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• 2016

Gastric cancer is generally associated with poor survival rates and accounts for a remarkable proportion of global cancer mortality. The prevalence of gastric carcinoma varies in different regions of world and across teh various ethnic groups. On the basis of pathological assessment, gastric cancer can be categorized as intestinal and diffuse carcinomas. The etiology is diverse, including chemical carcinogen exposure, and high salt intake Helicobacter pylori also plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of certain gastric carcinomas. The development of gastric cancer involves various alterations in mRNAs, genes (GOLPH3, MTA2) and proteins (Coronins). miRNAs, Hsa-mir-135b, MiR-21, miR-106b, miR-17, miR-18a, MiR-21, miR-106b, miR-17, miR-18a and MiRNA-375, miRNA-195-5p are the latest diagnostic biomarkers which can facilitate the early diagnosis of gastric carcinomas. Recent development in the treatment strategies for gastric carcinoma include the introduction of monoclonal antibodies, TKI inhibitors, inhibitors of PDGFR ${\beta}$, VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, Anti-EGFR and anti-HER2 agents which can be applied along with conventional therapies.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10757-10762
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• 2015

The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility of VIA screening with cryotherapy and to record normative values for indicators anticipated in similar low resource settings. Women aged 30-49 years were targeted, resulting in 1961 women screened and treated at two primary health care (PHC) centres near Suva, Fiji. Recruitment was through provision of information, education and communication (IEC). Referrals to a gynaecology outpatient department (OPD) at a referral hospital occurred throughout the screening pathway. Participation was 32% (95%CI 31-33%), higher in iTaukei (Melanesians) women (34%, 95%CI 33-36) compared to Fijians of Indian descent (26%, 95%CI 24-28). Regression analysis, adjusted for confounders, indicated significantly lower participation in those of Indian descent, and age groups 35-39 and 45-49 years. Of those examined by VIA, 190 were positive with aceto-white lesions (9.9%), within the expected range of 8-15%, with minor geographic and ethnic variation. Positive VIA results were more common in the peri-urban area, and in those aged 35-39 years. Of women aged 30-49 years, 59 received cryotherapy (none of whom had significant complications), 91 were referred to OPD, two cervical carcinomas were identified and eight cervical intra-epithelial neoplasms (CIN) II-III were diagnosed. These results provide normative findings from a community-based VIA screening program for other similar low resource settings.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.59 no.7
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• pp.127-139
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• 2009

The purpose of this study is to research the change of Tibet's commercial district following Tibet's globalization(traditional clothing to modern clothing). Tibet's traditional culture is fastly changing for two major reasons: Chinese government's persistent assimilation policy on minority ethnic groups and globalization, a powerful trend worldwide. Therefore this investigation was conducted on the most preeminent feature of life, clothing culture, at capital city Lhasa where modernization is most prominent and fast in Tibet. For this, the first field investigation was conducted between February 5th and 15th, 2007. and the second investgation was between January 16th and 25th, 2008. As a result, the study on clothing globalization in Lhasa, Tibet, reaches the conclusion as follows: Based on such developments, commerce of Lhasa has been modernized, bringing about great change in composition and formation of its commercial district. Stores have been modernized and their service quality has improved. While the number of traditional clothes shops has decreased, various types of modern clothes shops have emerged. Modern clothes stores mostly consist of quality men's wear shops, casual clothing shops targeting those in their 20s, and sportswear shops reflecting global trend. This composition indicates that it is men and younger generation who first adopt new culture emerged through globalization. Tibet's modernization and social development have become an integral part of globalization and public sentiment. Therefore, its modernization will be driven by power and capability of the public, rather than by policy control of the central government.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.341-354
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• 2007

Since Goryo was established during the early tenth century, Koreans have believed that Goguryo, which ruled almost all of the Manchurian territory, was one of the Three Kingdoms of their ancestors. This Korean perspective conflicts with the Chinese perspective that Goguryo was a Chinese local government in Manchuria and the northen parts of Korean Peninsula. Modern Chinese people wish, by the measure of Manchurian Project, that the history of China includes the histories of all the ethnic groups in Manchurian territory. Although Chinese people attempt unreasonably to regard Goguryo as an old Chinese local government, it is not from the Korean nationalistic viewpoint but from the scientific historian viewpoint that this Chinese perspective should be criticised and corrected. We should remember that the nationalistic viewpoints in East Asia may hinder the establishment of mutual cooperation and security in the region.