• BMB Reports
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• v.57 no.9
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• pp.388-399
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• 2024

Immunotherapy represents a promising treatment strategy for targeting various tumor types. However, the overall response rate is low due to the tumor microenvironment (TME). In the TME, numerous distinct factors actively induce immunosuppression, restricting the efficacy of anticancer immune reactions. Recently, metabolic reprogramming of tumors has been recognized for its role in modulating the tumor microenvironment to enhance immune cell responses in the TME. Furthermore, recent elucidations underscore the critical role of metabolic limitations imposed by the tumor microenvironment on the effectiveness of antitumor immune cells, guiding the development of novel immunotherapeutic approaches. Hence, achieving a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic requirements of both cancer and immune cells within the TME is pivotal. This insight not only aids in acknowledging the current limitations of clinical practices but also significantly shapes the trajectory of future research endeavors in the domain of cancer immunotherapy. In addition, therapeutic interventions targeting metabolic limitations have exhibited promising potential as combinatory treatments across diverse cancer types. In this review, we first discuss the metabolic barriers in the TME. Second, we explore how the immune response is regulated by metabolites. Finally, we will review the current strategy for targeting metabolism to not simply inhibit tumor growth but also enhance antitumor immune responses. Thus, we could suggest potent combination therapy for improving immunotherapy with metabolic inhibitors.

• Annals of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.325-336
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• 2024

Backgrounds/Aims: The efficacy of neoadjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (N-TACE) in resectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains open to debate. While N-TACE may reduce tumor size, its impact on long-term outcomes is inconclusive. Methods: This meta-analysis reviewed studies on N-TACE before surgical resection vs. liver resection (LR) single large hepatocellular carcinoma (SLHCC) up to March 2023 from four online databases. Results: Five studies with 1,556 patients were analyzed. No significant differences between N-TACE and LR groups were observed in 1-, 3-, or 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). No significant differences were noted in intraoperative blood loss between groups. Subgroup analysis showed favorable 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS with combination chemotherapy N-TACE (combination group), and better 1-year OS in the LR group with single-agent chemotherapy N-TACE (single-agent group). Five-year DFS favored LR in the single-agent group, and N-TACE in the combination group. Conclusions: Managing SLHCC requires intricate considerations, and the treatment strategies for this challenging subgroup of HCC need to be improved. The influence of N-TACE on long-term survival depends on the specific chemotherapy regimen employed, and its impact on intraoperative blood loss in SLHCC appears limited.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.156-162
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• 2024

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the inhibitory effects of extracts from Bombyx batryticatus (BBE) and Bombyx mori (BME) on α-glucosidase, DPP-4, and LDL oxidation activities, focusing on their potential applications in managing postprandial hyperglycemia and metabolic syndrome. The results demonstrated that both BBE and BME effectively inhibited α-glucosidase and LDL oxidation, with BBE exhibiting higher inhibitory activity than BME. HPLC analysis identified linolenic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid ethyl ester, pheophorbide a, and pyropheophorbide a as key compounds contributing to these effects. Notably, the identified unsaturated fatty acids and pheophorbides showed strong α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, surpassing that of acarbose, a standard diabetic drug. These results suggest that, in addition to the previously reported 1-DNJ and fibroin proteins, unsaturated fatty acids and chlorophyll-derived pheophorbides may play significant roles in glycemic control. Compounds, particularly those from BBE, present promising opportunities for the development of natural therapeutic agents for diabetes management. The study concludes that BBE and BME have strong potential as functional ingredients in future diabetes treatment strategies, possibly offering enhanced efficacy over conventional inhibitors.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.437-448
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• 2024

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a rapidly increasing neurodevelopmental disorder but currently available treatments are associated with abuse risk, side effects, and incomplete symptom relief. There is growing interest in exploring complementary options, and ginseng has gained attention for its therapeutic potential. This systematic review aimed to assess current evidence on the efficacy of ginseng and its active components, ginsenosides, for ADHD. Eligible studies were identified through searches of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, up to June 2023. The inclusion criteria included both human and animal studies that investigated the effects of ginseng or ginsenosides on ADHD. The risk of bias was assessed according to study type. Six human studies and three animal studies met the inclusion criteria. The results suggest that ginseng and ginsenosides may have beneficial effects on ADHD symptoms, particularly inattention, through dopaminergic/norepinephrinergicmodulation and BDNF/TrkB signaling. Ginseng and ginsenosides have promising potential for ADHD treatment. Due to limitations in evidence quality, such as the risk of bias and variability in study designs, larger controlled studies are essential. Integrating ginseng into ADHD management may have valuable implications for individuals seeking well-tolerated alternatives or adjunctive therapies.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.391-398
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• 2023

Garlic powder (GP) was supplemented in the diet to assess the growth efficiency, nutritional retention, and fecal score of growing pigs. In total, 80 growing pigs ([Yorkshire × Landrace] × Duroc) were arbitrarily allotted (22.04 ± 0.56 kg primary average body weight) to two different trial groups with eight repetitions (three males and two females) in each pen for the 42-day trial. The dietary treatment consisted of control (CON, basal diet), which included 0.2% GP (TRT1). Growing pigs fed the GP diet exhibited an increase (p < 0.05) in body weight on day 42 and a lower (p < 0.05) overall feed conversion ratio compared to the CON pigs; however, the average daily gain and feed intake showed no difference (p > 0.05). Additionally, nutrient utilization of dry matter was greater (p < 0.05) in the GP-supplemented diet group than in the CON group. The feeding methods did not adversely affect the nitrogen and energy utilization and the fecal score significantly (p > 0.05). In summary, growing pigs fed the GP diet showed increased growth and nutritional utilization, and no adverse impact on the fecal score; thus, it could be utilized as a stimulant for improved growth performance.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.140-144
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• 2024

This study aims to contribute to resolving the critical issue of weed management in newly established alfalfa fields, study has been conducted on effective herbicide use. The study evaluated the impact of various domestically available foliar herbicides on alfalfa phytotoxicity, weed control, yield, and nutritive value. The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design with four treatments. Alfalfa 'SW 5615' seeded in the spring of 2024 on a 1 ha field (March 18), with herbicide treatments including fluazifop-P-butyl (FPB), bentazone (BEN), and a mixture of these herbicides (MIX). Herbicide efficacy, alfalfa yield, and nutritive value were assessed 30 days post-application. Results indicated that the MIX treatment achieved superior weed control comparable to hand weeding (HW), although it exhibited higher phytotoxicity, requiring extended recovery periods. While MIX led to lower overall yield, it enhanced alfalfa purity, resulting in higher crude protein (CP) content and relative feed value (RFV) compared to other treatments. The study concludes that despite the potential for increased phytotoxicity, mixed herbicide treatments could offer a strategic advantage in enhancing the quality of alfalfa feed through effective weed management, thereby improving CP and RFV, critical factors for the nutritional value of alfalfa. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing weed management practices in alfalfa cultivation, suggesting that mixed herbicide application, although associated with increased phytotoxicity on the plants, could improve the overall feed quality by reducing weed competition.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.79-84
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• 2009

Purpose: Medial or Lateral epicondylitis is one of the most common causes of elbow pain and recently ESWT (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) is welcomed as a new treatment modality and has been performed in many clinics. The purpose of this study is to report the clinical result after the ESWT treatment for the lateral or medial epicondylitis of the elbow. Materials and Methods: From Nov. 2005 to Jan. 2009, seventy four cases of seventy two (11 male, 61 female) patients diagnosed as medial or lateral epicondylitis of the elbow are included in this study. The average age was 52.4 years old. Authors used visual analogue scale (VAS) to assess the degree of pain at rest and during work, comparing the score before the ESWT treatment with that of $6^{th}$, $12^{th}$ and $24^{th}$ week after the treatment. Authors also checked the number of awakeness during sleep due to pain and compared them before and after the ESWT treatment. Results: Average resting pain score improved from 4.60 before the treatment to 2.01 at $6^{th}$ week, 0.43 at $12^{th}$ week and 0.16 at $24^{th}$ week. Average pain score during working also showed quite an improvement with time from 7.20 before the treatment to 4.05 at $6^{th}$ week, 2.01 at $12^{th}$ week and finally 0.36 at $24^{th}$ week. We checked the frequency of sleep arousal during a week, and also found similar significant treatment efficacy as the average frequency decreased from 9.64 per week before the treatment to 1.21, 0.08 and 0.09 per week at $6^{th}$ week, $12^{th}$ week and $24^{th}$ week, respectively. Conclusion: ESWT for medial or lateral epicondylitis is thought to be one of the effective treatment modalities for those patient group not quite responsive to other conservative treatment.

• Weed & Turfgrass Science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.23-29
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• 2013

This study was conducted to clarify effects of weed control methods on damages from agricultural chemicals of pear trees, growth of weeds and states of pear trees after treating pear orchards with different methods of weed controlling, density of GLU and application times. The growth and occupation rate were investigated after 10, 20 and 40 days of weeding treatment. According to a result of the first treatment conducted when weeds in the lower parts of crown in a pear orchard began to grow and grew about 20 cm, unwoven cloth covering showed the highest control value with 100% in all 14 kinds of grasses. In comparison, Stellaria aquatica and catchweed bedstraw showed 96.7% and 97.3% respectively in the 20 DAT investigate after the first treatment of GLU 540 g a.i. ha-1 and the high control value of 100% in other all kinds of grasses. According to an investigation of stalk enlargement, length of new shoot and the number of new shoot made to know differences in tree growth following treatment of the lower part of crown, to use weed killers two or three times a year or to eliminate grasses with machines have positive effects on cross growth of pear trees.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.207-216
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• 2015

Purpose: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has been introduced for small-sized single and oligo-metastases in the brain. The aim of this study is to assess treatment outcome, efficacy, and prognostic variables associated with survival and intracranial recurrence. Materials and Methods: This study retrospectively reviewed 123 targets in 64 patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with SRS between January 2006 and December 2012. Treatment responses were evaluated using magnetic resonance imaging. Overall survival (OS) and intracranial progression-free survival (IPFS) were determined. Results: The median follow-up was 13.9 months. The median OS and IPFS were 14.1 and 8.9 months, respectively. Fifty-seven patients died during the follow-up period. The 5-year local control rate was achieved in 85% of 108 evaluated targets. The 1- and 2-year OS rates were 55% and 28%, respectively. On univariate analysis, primary disease control (p < 0.001), the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status (0-1 vs. 2; p = 0.002), recursive partitioning analysis class (1 vs. 2; p = 0.001), and age (<65 vs. ${\geq}65$ years; p = 0.036) were significant predictive factors for OS. Primary disease control (p = 0.041) and ECOG status (p = 0.017) were the significant prognostic factors for IPFS. Four patients experienced radiation necrosis. Conclusion: SRS is a safe and effective local treatment for brain metastases in patients with NSCLC. Uncontrolled primary lung disease and ECOG status were significant predictors of OS and intracranial failure. SRS might be a tailored treatment option along with careful follow-up of the intracranial and primary lung disease status.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.361-369
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• 2015

The precise mechanism underlying the therapeutic efficacy of an extraction powder of Angelica gigas (AGE) for the treatment of degenerative osteoarthritis was investigated in primary cultured rabbit chondrocytes and in a monosodium-iodoacetate (MIA)-induced osteoarthritis rat model. The treatment with AGE (50 μg/mL) effectively inhibited NF-B activation. The anti-inflammatory mechanism was clarified by gelatin zymography and western blotting measurements of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) activities. The AGE (50 μg/mL) treatment significantly reduced MMP-9 activity. The constituents of AGE— decursinol, decursin, and decursinol angelate—were determined by LC-MS/MS after a 24 hr treatment of rabbit chondrocytes. The contents of the major products, decursin and decursinol angelate, were 3.62±0.47 and 2.14 ±0.36 μg/mg protein, respectively in AGE-treated (50 μg/mL) rabbit chondrocytes. An in vivo animal study on rats fed a diet containing 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg AGE for 3 weeks revealed a significant inhibition of the MMPs in the MIA-induced rat articular cartilage. The genetic expression of arthritic factors in the articular cartilage was examined by RT-PCR of collagen Type I, collagen Type II, aggrecan, and MMP (MMP3, MMP-9, MMP13). Specifically, AGE up-regulated the expression of collagen Type I, collagen Type II, and aggrecan and inhibited MMP levels at all tested concentrations. Collectively, AGE showed a strong specific site of action on MMP regulation and protected against the degeneration of articular cartilage via cellular regulation of MMP expression both in vitro and in vivo.