• Toxicological Research
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of marigold methanol extract (MGME) in human dermal fibroblasts. Total polyphenolic and flavonoid contents in MGME were 74.8 mg TAE (tannic acid equivalent)/g and 85.6 mg RE (rutin equivalent)/g, respectively. MGME ($500{\mu}g/mL$) increased 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical-scavenging, and superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like antioxidant activities by 36.5, 54.7, and 14.8%, respectively, compared with the control. At $1,000{\mu}g/mL$, these activities increased by 63.7, 70.6, and 20.6%, respectively. MGME ($100{\mu}g/mL$) significantly increased the synthesis of type 1 procollagen by 83.7% compared with control treatment. It also significantly decreased Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity and MMP-1 mRNA expression by 36.5% and 69.5%, respectively; however, it significantly increased laminin-5 mRNA expression by 181.2%. These findings suggest that MGME could protect human skin against photo-aging by attenuating oxidative damage, suppressing MMP expression and/or activity as well as by stimulating collagen synthesis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.63 no.2
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• pp.52-55
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• 2020

Background: Immunomodulatory properties of interferon (IFN) have been documented. It may induce autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis with hypo- or hyperthyroidism. In addition, it may impair thyroid hormone synthesis through affecting iodide organification in thyroid gland. Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe thyroid function tests disturbances in children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) receiving pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG IFN-α) plus ribavirin. Methods: Fifty children with CHC virus infection who received combined pegylated interferon-alpha with ribavirin were selected. Other 50 apparently healthy children of matched age and sex (considered as control group) were selected. All children (100) were subject to liver function tests, virological studies, and follow-up of thyroid function test during and after the treatment course. Results: Our study showed that 28% of children received combined PEG IFN-α plus ribavirin showed subclinical hypothyroidism. After 24 weeks treatment with combined therapy of IFN plus ribavirin, the mean level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was 3.23±88 mU/mL, while TSH was 1.16±0.77 mU/mL before starting treatment. On the other hand, mean TSH was 1.09±0.92 mU/mL in normal control group. Conclusion: This study revealed an association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and treatment with IFN-alpha and ribavirin in children. Further studies on larger number of patients and longer follow-up duration are recommended for further confirmation.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.237-246
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• 2008

Purpose: Three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) were found to reduce the incidence of acute and late rectal toxicity compared with conventional radiation therapy (RT), although acute and late urinary toxicities were not reduced significantly. Acute urinary toxicity, even at a low-grade, not only has an impact on a patient's quality of life, but also can be used as a predictor for chronic urinary toxicity. With bladder filling, part of the bladder moves away from the radiation field, resulting in a small irradiated bladder volume; hence, urinary toxicity can be decreased. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of bladder volume on acute urinary toxicity during RT in patients with prostate cancer. Materials and Methods: Forty two patients diagnosed with prostate cancer were treated by 3DCRT and of these, 21 patients made up a control group treated without any instruction to control the bladder volume. The remaining 21 patients in the experimental group were treated with a full bladder after drinking 450 mL of water an hour before treatment. We measured the bladder volume by CT and ultrasound at simulation to validate the accuracy of ultrasound. During the treatment period, we measured bladder volume weekly by ultrasound, for the experimental group, to evaluate the variation of the bladder volume. Results: A significant correlation between the bladder volume measured by CT and ultrasound was observed. The bladder volume in the experimental group varied with each patient despite drinking the same amount of water. Although weekly variations of the bladder volume were very high, larger initial CT volumes were associated with larger mean weekly bladder volumes. The mean bladder volume was $299{\pm}155\;mL$ in the experimental group, as opposed to $187{\pm}155\;mL$ in the control group. Patients in experimental group experienced less acute urinary toxicities than in control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. A trend of reduced toxicity was observed with the increase of CT bladder volume. In patients with bladder volumes greater than 150 mL at simulation, toxicity rates of all grades were significantly lower than in patients with bladder volume less than 150 mL. Also, patients with a mean bladder volume larger than 100 mL during treatment showed a slightly reduced Grade 1 urinary toxicity rate compared to patients with a mean bladder volume smaller than 100 mL. Conclusion: Despite the large variability in bladder volume during the treatment period, treating patients with a full bladder reduced acute urinary toxicities in patients with prostate cancer. We recommend that patients with prostate cancer undergo treatment with a full bladder.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.244-251
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• 2017

Purpose: We evaluated the efficacy and safety of combined oral and enema therapy using polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 with electrolyte solution for disimpaction in hospitalized children. Methods: We retrospectively studied 28 children having functional constipation who received inpatient treatment between 2008 and 2016. The amount of oral PEG 3350 electrolyte solution administered was 50-70 mL/kg/d (PEG 3350, 3-4.1 g/kg/d), and an enema solution was administered 1-2 times a day as a single dose of 15-25 mL/kg (PEG 3350, 0.975-1.625 g/kg/d). A colon transit time (CTT) test based on the Metcalf protocol was performed in some patients. Results: Administration of oral and enema doses of PEG 3350 electrolyte solution showed $2.1{\pm}0.3$ times and $2.9{\pm}0.4$ times, respectively. After disimpaction, the frequency of defecation increased from $2.2{\pm}0.3$ per week to once a day ($1.1{\pm}0.1$ per day). The number of patients who complained of abdominal pain was reduced from 15 (53.6%) to 4 (14.3%). Before hospitalization, nine patients underwent a CTT test, and 5 of 9 patients (55.6%) were classified as belonging to a group showing abnormalities. And in some patients, mild adverse effects were noted. We examined electrolytes and osmolality before and after disimpaction in 16 of 28 patients, and no abnormalities were noted. Conclusion: In terms of therapeutic efficacy and safety, combined oral and enema therapy using high-dose PEG 3350 with electrolytes is considered superior to conventional oral monotherapy or combined oral and enema therapy on an outpatient basis.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2024

Objectives The craniosacral therapy is closely related to the herbal meridians, so we try to explore, compare and develop pharmacopuncture that can have a synergistic effect. Methods The craniosacral pharmacopuncture, Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture, jungseongohhyeol pharmacopuncture, bamboo salt pharmacopuncture 1.8%, bamboo salt pharmacopuncture 3.0%, and normal saline, which are used with craniosacral therapy in clinical practice, were all made and prepared by ourselves. In order to compare antioxidant activity, 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant powder, total flavonoids, total phenolics methods were all measured. Method validation such as specificity, linearity, precision, and accuracy were performed for craniosacral pharmacopuncture. Results In all antioxidant methods, craniosacral pharmacopuncture showed the highest activity and followed by a Hominis placenta pharmacopuncture. The rest of the pharmacopunctures were measured to have low antioxidant activity. Nodakenin and glycyrrhizin were suitable as index compounds of craniosacral pharmacopuncture and they contained 0.82±0.01 ㎍/mL and 2.56±0.01 ㎍/mL respectively. Conclusions Craniosacral pharmacopuncture has the highest activity in all antioxidant activity experiments, which will help activate craniosacral therapy and quality control is possible through standardized research. Such research will contribute to the development of the oriental medicine industry.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.252-259
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• 2024

Objectives: This study investigated factors associated with the retention of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on antiretroviral therapy (ART) during the first 3 years of treatment. Methods: A retrospective study using electronic health records was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Jakarta, Indonesia. Adult HIV-positive patients who started ART from 2010 until 2020 were included. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with ART retention in the first 3 years. Results: In total, 535 respondents were included in the analysis. The ART retention rates for the first, second, and third years were 83.7%, 79.1%, and 77.2%, respectively. The multivariate analysis revealed a negative association between CD4 count when starting ART and retention. Patients with CD4 counts >200 cells/mL were 0.65 times less likely to have good retention than those with CD4 counts ≤200 cells/mL. The year of starting ART was also significantly associated with retention. Patients who started ART in 2010-2013 or 2014-2016 were less likely to have good retention than those who started ART in 2017-2020, with adjusted odds ratios of 0.52 and 0.40, respectively. Patients who received efavirenz-based therapy were 1.69 times more likely to have good retention than those who received nevirapine (95% confidence interval, 1.05 to 2.72). Conclusions: Our study revealed a decline in ART retention in the third year. The CD4 count, year of enrollment, and an efavirenz-based regimen were significantly associated with retention. Patient engagement has long been a priority in HIV programs, with interventions being implemented to address this issue.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.49 no.3
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• pp.321-328
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• 2022

The aim of this in-vitro study is to evaluate the effect of potassium iodide (KI) on erythrosine-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) against Streptococcus mutans biofilms. S. mutans ATCC 25175 was cultured to form a biofilm on a hydroxyapatite disk. After diluting erythrosine to 20 μM and KI to 10, 50, and 100 mM, respectively, PDT was performed. The number of surviving bacteria was calculated as colony forming units (CFU)/mL and the statistical significance of the difference between groups was confirmed by Bonferroni post-hoc analysis. Cell viability was visually evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). As a result of the experiment, a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in CFU was observed in the experimental groups in which PDT was performed after applying KI regardless of the concentration of KI. In addition, a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in CFU was observed in the experimental group to which 100 mM KI was applied compared to 10 mM KI. The same results were confirmed when observing CLSM. KI significantly improved the efficacy of erythrosine-mediated PDT on S. mutans biofilms at all concentrations. This may compensate for the low sensitivity of PDT to biofilm-state bacteria strains, but it is necessary to establish an optimal clinical protocol through further research.

• Journal of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Probes
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.80-84
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• 2017

Re-188 is an excellent and practical radioisotope produced by W-188/Re-188-generator for therapy. We prepared Re-188-tin colloid for therapy of various diseases and tried to treat peritoneal effusion in animal model. Sarcoma-180 cells were injected into ICR mice to induce peritoneal effusion and the mice were grown for 3 d. Re-188-tin colloids (0.25, 0.5, and 1 mCi/mL per 30 g body weight) were injected into the mice and the mice were grown for 90 d. Planar gamma scintigraphy showed even distribution of Re-188-tin colloid radioactivity. Bax expression was found to be dose dependent to Re-188-tin colloid. Normal saline treated group showed the shortest survival time. Among the treated groups, 0.5 mCi dose group showed the longest survival time. In conclusion, Re-188-tin colloid was prepared successfully and showed the feasibility to use as a peritoneal effusion treatment in mice.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.10
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• pp.1093-1099
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• 2006

Purpose : Homocysteine is a strong and independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The deleterious effects of homocysteine included endothelial dysfunction, arterial intimal-medial thickening, wall stiffness and procoagulant activity. However, the precise mechanism responsible for homocysteine release in children with coronary artery disease is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to investigate serum homocysteine and tumor necrosis $factor(TNF)-{\alpha}$ levels and identify whether these levels had any association with the development of coronary artery lesions in Kawasaki disease(KD). Methods : Serum homocysteine and $TNF-{\alpha}$ levels were measured in 24 KD patients(group 1, eight patients with normal coronary artery; group 2, 16 patients with coronary artery lesions) and 21 controls(group 3, 10 afebrile controls; group 4, 11 febrile controls). Blood samples were drawn from each study group before and after intravenous immunoglobulin(IVIG) therapy and in the convalescent stage. Results : The homocysteine levels before IVIG therapy were significantly higher in group 1 than in group 3, and in group 2 than in group 3 and 4. The $TNF-{\alpha}$ levels before IVIG therapy were significantly higher in group 2 than group 3 and 4. Serum homocysteine and $TNF-{\alpha}$ levels were highest in group 2 before IVIG therapy. In the acute KD patients, serum homocysteine levels correlated significantly with $TNF-{\alpha}$ levels. Conclusion : The increased serum homocysteine levels in the acute stage increase the susceptibility to coronary arterial lesions in KD. $TNF-{\alpha}$ may also play an important role in the formation of coronary arterial lesions in KD.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.6991-6996
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• 2015

In the past decade, the incidence and mortality rates of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) have been increasing worldwide. The relatively low responsiveness of CCA to conventional chemotherapy leads to poor overall survival. Recently, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL or Apo2L) has emerged as the most promising anti-cancer therapeutic agent since it is able to selectively induce apoptosis of tumor cells but not normal cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect of TRAIL in CCA cell lines (M213, M214 and KKU100) compared with the immortal biliary cell line, MMNK1, either alone or in combination with a subtoxic dose of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). We found that recombinant human TRAIL (rhTRAIL) was a potential agent which significantly inhibited cell proliferation and mediated caspase activities (caspases 8, 9 and 3/7) and apoptosis of CCA cells. The combined treatment of rhTRAIL and 5-FU effectively enhanced inhibition of CCA cell growth with a smaller effect on MMNK1. Our finding suggests TRAIL to be a novel anti-cancer therapeutic agent and advantage of its combination with a conventional chemotherapeutic drug for effective treatment of CCA.