• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.1086-1091
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• 2008

The antioxidant activities of the extracts of dangyuja (Citrus grandis Osbeck) leaves were evaluated. The highest phenolic content was obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction (EF) (202.1$\pm$0.8 mg GAE/g dried extract) and it exhibited the highest 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity. The cytoprotective effects of EF on oxidative damage induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) in a human hepatoma cell line, HepG2 cells, were investigated to understand the intracellular antioxidant mechanisms. Treatment of HepG2 cells with EF prior to oxidative stress was found to inhibit reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, lipid peroxidation, and DNA damage in a dose-dependent manner. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) studies on EF resulted in tentative identification of 19 compounds representing 94.3% of the total content. Taken together, these results demonstrated that EF has excellent antioxidant activities and thus dangyuja leaves have great potential as a source for natural antioxidant which can be applied in food products.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.1176-1181
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• 2004

The cytotoxic activities of Cinnamomum cassia (Blume) bark-derived materials toward six human HeLa epithelioid cervix, A549 lung, SK-OV-3 ovarian, SK-MEL-2 melanoma, XF-498 central nerve system, and HCT-15 colon tumor cell lines were evaluated by using sulforhodamine B assay and compared to those of the anticancer agents, cisplatin and mitomycin C. The biologically active constituent of the Cinnamomum bark was characterized as trans­cinnamaldehyde by spectroscopic analysis. The cytotoxic activity of cinnamaldehyde against HeLa, SK-MEL-2, and HCT -15 cell lines was comparable to that of cisplatin and mitomycin C. The compound showed lower activity against A549, SK-OV-3, and XF-498 cell lines than the anticancer agents. Eugenol exhibited moderate activity against SK-OV­3, XF-498, and HCT-15 tumor cells, and trans-cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, $\alpha-pinene,\;and\;\beta-pinene$ showed little or no activity against model tumor cells. Cinnamaldehyde was not mutagenic against four strains (TA 98, TA 100, TA 1535, and TA 1537) of Salmonella typhimurium (Castel and Chalm). These results indicate at least one pharmacological action of C. cassia.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7743-7748
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• 2013

Background: To study the pattern of patient load, personnel and equipment resources from 30-years experience in Southern Thailand. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study collected secondary data from the Division of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the Songklanagarind Hospital Tumor Registry database, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, during the period of 1982-2012. Results: The number of new patients who had radiation treatment gradually increased from 121 in 1982 to 2,178 in 2011. Shortages of all kinds of personnel were demonstrated as compared to the recommendations, especially in radiotherapy technicians. In 2011, Southern Thailand, with two radiotherapy centers, had 0.44 megavoltage radiotherapy machines (cobalt or linear accelerator) per million of population. This number is suboptimal, but could be managed cost-effectively by prolonging machine operating times during personnel shortages. Conclusions: This study identified a discrepancy between workload and resources in one medical school radiotherapy center in Southern Thailand. This information is crucial for future strategic planning both regionally and nationally.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.21
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• pp.9549-9553
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• 2014

Background: Cancer affects patients in many ways including physical, social, emotional, psychological and economic and restricts the functional lives. Psychiatric problems seen among cancer patients may increase the suicide probability and patients perceive suicide as a peaceful death type. The aim of this study was to examine the correlation between functional life and suicide probability among cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with 105 cancer patients as descriptive. The Functional Living Index_Cancer (FLIC)," suicide probability scale" (SPS) and personal information form were used as data collecting tools. Data were evaluated by descriptive analysis, and Pearson's correlation. Results: It was determined that 34.3% of patients thought of suicide. Significant negative correlation was found between functional life and suicide probability (r=-.641, p=0.000), increase being evident in those with poor functional life. Conclusions: It is recommended that cancer patients should be supported for improving their functional lives with help in coping processes for illness and treatment symptoms. Evaluation of the patient mental status to prevent the suicide among this group is an important role for nurses.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7489-7497
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• 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs of 20-24 nucleotides that play important roles in carcinogenesis. Accordingly, miRNAs control numerous cancer-relevant biological events such as cell proliferation, cell cycle control, metabolism and apoptosis. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge and concepts concerning the biogenesis of miRNAs, miRNA roles in cancer and their potential as biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis including the regulation of key cancer-related pathways, such as cell cycle control and miRNA dysregulation. Moreover, microRNA molecules are already receiving the attention of world researchers as therapeutic targets and agents. Therefore, in-depth knowledge of microRNAs has the potential not only to identify their roles in cancer, but also to exploit them as potential biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and identify therapeutic targets for new drug discovery.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.14 no.6
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• pp.813-817
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• 2005

We investigated the effect of a viscous substance from chongkukjang (chongkukjang mucilage) on immunohistochemical reactions in rat gastrointestinal (GI) tracts, Rats fed a steady diet of chongkukjang mucilage showed an increase in the immunoreactive densities of gastrin and serotonin in the pyloric region of their stomachs and duodenal villi, The number of gastrin and serotonin immunoreactive cells was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group. Feeding on dietary chongkukjang mucilage increased the immunohistochemical densities of $CD4^+$ and $CD8^+$ lymphocytes in the mucosa and submucosa of the rats' gastroduodenal region. The universal nitric oxide synthase (uNOS)-immunoreactive neurons and nerve fibers were strongly stained in the vascular walls of the submucosa and myenteric plexus in rats fed the test diet. The results indicate that the intake of chongkukjang mucilage could increase mucosal immune activity, gastrointestinal motility, and blood circulation in the GI tract.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.19-23
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• 2006

Effects of cheonggukjang on immunohistochemical reactions in gastrointestinal (GI) tract of rats were investigated. $CD4^+/CD8^+$ immunoreactive cells of cheonggukjang-fed diet groups were more strongly stained in lamina propria of mucosa and submucosa than those of basal diet group. Universal nitric oxide synthase immunoreactive density in colon was mildly stained in surface epithelium and mucous secretory gland, and strongly stained in submucosa and myenteric plexus in muscle layers of all cheonggukjang-fed diet groups. Protein kinase C-${\alpha}$ immunoreactive cells in colons of 15 and 25% cheonggukjang-fed diet groups were more strongly stained in mucosa, submucosa, and muscle layers than those of basal diet group. These results indicate mucosal immune activity, gastrointestinal motility, blood circulation, and physiological activities of enteroendocrine cells in GI tract could be increased with cheonggukjang intake.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.34 no.9
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• pp.1748-1756
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• 2024

Biofilm formation by bacteria poses a significant challenge across diverse industries, displaying resilience against conventional antimicrobial agents. Nanoparticles emerge as a promising alternative for addressing biofilm-related issues. This review aims to assess the efficacy of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles in inhibiting or disrupting biofilm formation by various bacterial species. It delineates trends, identifies gaps, and outlines avenues for future research, emphasizing best practices and optimal nanoparticles for biofilm prevention and eradication. Additionally, it underscores the potential of nanoparticles as substitutes for traditional antibiotics in healthcare and combating antibiotic resistance. A systematic literature search, encompassing Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar from 2015 to 2023, yielded 48 publications meeting the review criteria. These studies employed diverse methods to explore the antibacterial activity of nanoparticles against biofilm-forming bacteria strains. The implications of this study are profound, offering prospects for novel antimicrobial agents targeting biofilm-forming bacteria, often resistant to conventional antibiotics. In conclusion, nanoparticles present a promising frontier in countering biofilm-forming bacteria. This review delivers a structured analysis of current research, providing insights into the potential and challenges of nanoparticle utilization against biofilm-related challenges. While nanoparticles exhibit inherent antimicrobial properties with applications spanning healthcare, agriculture, and industries, the review acknowledges limitations such as the narrow scope of tested nanoparticles and the imperative need for extensive research on long-term toxicity and environmental impacts.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.8
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• pp.3841-3850
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• 2012

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the knowledge and perceptions of Malaysian tradition healers towards cancer and cancer prevention. Methodology: A total of 25 participants agreed to participate in this qualitative study during the period from $20^{th}$ July 2011 until $24^{th}$ of September 2011. The proposal of this study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Management and Science University (MSU). Once the participant agreed to be interviewed, date, time and place of the interviews were determined. Consent form was obtained from participants before the interview began. Participants were briefed about the study and its purpose, and after asking their permissions, their replies were recorded. The data was organized into themes and analyzed manually. Results: Twenty-five Malaysian traditional healers participated in this qualitative study. The age of participants ranged between 26 to 78 years old. The majority were in the age group of 31-60 years old, male, Chinese, degree holders with a monthly income ranging from 1,000-5,000 Ringgit Malaysia (RM) and were married (56%, 80%, 48%, 52%, 68%, 84% respectively). The majority defined cancer as having high cholesterol or abscess accumulation. A few of them defined cancer as a type of cell growth. The majority mentioned that food and unhealthy lifestyles are the primary causes of cancer. Surprisingly some of them mentioned that cancer is caused by interference by ghosts. Regarding the diagnosis of cancer, the majority mentioned that they refer their patients to modern physicians' medical report when it comes to diagnosing or treating patients with cancer. The most common cancers that many patients came to seek treatment were breast cancers, followed by colon cancers, liver and lung cancers. Conclusions: Despite good knowledgeabout the causes of cancer among traditional healers, misconceptions still exist. Insufficient knowledge about the definition of cancer was noted among the traditional healers. This urges immediate action by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia to set up a strict regulation and regular monitoring of the traditional healers nationally. Traditional and Complementary Medicine may be integrated into the healthcare system and need to have sustained cooperation for the benefit of patients since about 80% of patients use traditional medicines.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.136-147
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• 2013

Purpose: This study developed a program to facilitate evidence-based practice (EBP) in one nursing organization, and identifies the effects of the program on the nurses' EBP facilitators. Methods: The program was based on the Transtheoretical Model of stages of organizational change, a literature review, the cases of hospitals overseas, and a prior study. To identify the effects of the program, a one-group pretest-posttest study was conducted with 45 nurses who participated in the EBP implementation. Results: The program consisted of EBP educational sessions, consultations with academic nursing faculty and clinical EBP mentors, and support from the administration and relevant departments. After the EBP program, there was a statistically significant difference in belief in the value of EBP between the pretest and the posttest (t=2.31, p=.026). However, no significant differences were found between the pretest and the posttest for organizational support to develop EBP (t=0.62, p=.537), skills in locating and evaluating research reports (s=-1.00, p=.987), knowledge of research language and skills (s=-1.00, p=.986), and time to devote to EBP (s=-23.00, p=.711). Conclusion: The findings provide important data that can be used to develop and implement strategies for enhancing EBP in clinical settings in Korea.