• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.7
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• pp.824-831
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• 2009

Purpose : We aimed to investigate the efficacy of and functional recovery after intracerebral transplantation of different doses of mouse mesenchymal stem cells (mMSCs) in immature rat brain with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Methods : Postnatal 7-days-old Sprague-Dawley rats, which had undergone unilateral HI operation, were given stereotaxic intracerebral injections of either vehicle or mMSCs and then tested for locomotory activity in the 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th week of the stem cell injection. In the 8th week, Morris water maze test was performed to evaluate the learning and memory dysfunction for a week. Results : In the open field test, no differences were observed in the total distance/the total duration (F=0.412, P=0.745) among the 4 study groups. In the invisible-platform Morris water maze test, significant differences were observed in escape latency (F=380.319, P<0.01) among the 4 groups. The escape latency in the control group significantly differed from that in the high-dose mMSC and/or sham group on training days 2-5 (Scheffe's test, P<0.05) and became prominent with time progression (F=6.034, P<0.01). In spatial probe trial and visible-platform Morris water maze test, no significant improvement was observed in the rats that had undergone transplantation. Conclusion : Although the rats that received a high dose of mMSCs showed significant recovery in the learning-related behavioral test only, our data support that mMSCs may be used as a valuable source to improve outcome in HIE. Further study is necessary to identify the optimal dose that shows maximal efficacy for HIE treatment.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.9
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• pp.924-928
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• 2005

Purpose : Treatment efficacy for children with speech and language delay has been the subject of considerable debate in recent years. We evaluated the clinical features of children with delayed speech and language and their prognoses according to their etiologies after 6 months of speech and language therapy. Methods : From January, 2000 to March, 2004, we retrospectively reviewed 56 children with speech and language delay who were administered speech and language therapy for 6 months in Uijongbu St. Mary's Hospital. Results : Of 56 cases, the proportion of developmental language disorder was 66.1 percent, structural malformation 19.6 percent, mental retardation 12.5 percent, hearing defect 1.8 percent. The ratio of male to female was 4.6 : 1 and the most frequent age group was over 47 months. The mean age of first spontaneous words with useful meaning was 15.9 months. The mean gestational age of the subjects was 39.8 weeks. The proportion of full-term infants was 96.4 percent and of premature infants was 3.6 percent. As for the birth order, the proportion of the first baby was 51.8 percent, the one of second babies it was 42.9 percent, and percent of third babies it was 7.1 percent. After 6 months of language intervention, 32.4 percent of patients with developmental language disorder showed normal linguistic development. All the patients with mental retardation showed sustained language and speech delay. As for the patients with structural malformations, five out of 11 patients showed normal linguistic development. Conclusion : The relatively advanced old age of majority of participants in this study suggests the necessity of screening test for language delay in this local community.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7367-7369
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• 2013

Background: Inoperable and metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a poor prognosis and low chemotherapeutic efficiency. Sorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor exerting its effects via the RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) and platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-${\beta}$) tyrosine kinases. Randomized studies have shown a significant contribution of sorafenib to life expectancy and quality of life of cancer patients. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the efficacy and side effects of sorafenib therapy in Turkey. Materials and Methods: Data for 103 patients (82 males, 21 females) receiving sorafenib therapy in 13 centers from February 2008 to December 2012 were evaluated. Median age was 61 years and median ECOG performance status was 1 (range: 0-2). 60 patients (58%) had hepatitis B, 15 patients (15%) had hepatitis C infection and 12 patients (12%) had a history of alcohol consumption. All of the patients had Child scores meeting the utilization permit of the drug in our country (Child A). Results: A total of 571 cycles of sorafenib therapy were administered with a median of four per patient. Among the evaluable cases, there was partial response in 15 (15%), stable disease in 52 (50%), and progressive disease in 36 (35%). Median progression-free survival was 18 weeks and median overall survival was 48 weeks. The dose was reduced only in 6 patients and discontinued in 2 patients due to grade 3-4 toxicity, 18 patients (17%) suffering hand-foot syndrome, 7 (7%) diarrhea, and 2 (2%) vomiting. Conclusions: This retrospective study demonstrated better efficacy of sorafenib therapy in patients with advanced HCC compared to the literature while progression-free survival and overall survival findings were comparable. The side effect rates indicate that the drug was tolerated well. In conclusion, among the available treatment options, sorafenib is an efficient and tolerable agent in patients with inoperable or metastatic HCC.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.391-395
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• 2008

Purpose : This study was performed evaluate optimal dose for disimpaction, efficacy and safety of PEG 4000 in children with chronic functional constipation. Methods : Eighty six children with chronic functional constipation were enrolled in this prospective study at Konkuk university hospital March, 2003 through August, 2006. Success in disimpaction with PEG 4000 was defined as meeting at least two out of three criteria; resolution of chief complaint, getting easiness of defecation with respect to frequency of bowel movement and hardness of stool based on defecation diary, and decrease in fecal impaction on simple abdominal X-ray test. Adverse effects of PEG 4000 were monitored clinically and biochemically. Results : Eighty three out of 86 children completed the study, and success rate of disimpaction was 99% (82/83). The mean dose of PEG 4000 for disimpaction was $0.93{\pm}0.28g/kg/day$ (0.4-2.0 g/kg/day, Max.: 30 g/day). Frequency of bowel movement increased ($5.02{\pm}2.71/wk$ vs. $11.25{\pm}5.43/wk$) in most children (79/83). Fecal impaction on simple abdominal X-ray test improved with statistical significance in 25 children (P=0.0007). Because of adverse effect of PEG 4000, 3 children did not complete the study; urticaria, severe diarrhea, diarrhea and abdominal pain. One 6-year-old girl who completed the study complained tingling sensation in the hand and foot without laboratory abnormality (4/86, 4.7%). Laboratory test revealed hyperosmolality without clinical symptom in 1 child, and eosinophilia in 6 children. Conclusion : The average safe and effective dose of PEG 4000 for disimpaction was $0.93{\pm}0.28g/kg/day$ (0.4-2.0 g/kg/day, Max : 30 g/day) in children with chronic functional constipation.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.40-46
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• 2008

Purpose: We wanted to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of modified FOLFOX-6 chemotherapy for treating recurrent or inoperable gastric cancer patients. Materials and Methods: From April 2006 to August 2007, 35 patients with recurrent gastric cancer after curative resection and 43 patients with inoperable gastric cancer underwent chemotherapy, and the results were retrospectively investigated. Results: 78 patients were assessable for response and toxicity, and they underwent an average of 7.1 cycles of chemotherapy. The response was evaluated according to the RECIST criteria. 11 partial responses (14.1%), 35 cases of stable disease (44.9%), and 32 cases of progressive disease (41%) were observed. The median time to progression was 6 months, and the average overall survival was 13 months. CTCAE grade 1 or 2 anemia (52.6%) was the most prevalent toxicity. Other common toxicities included thrombocytopenia (17.9%) and peripheral neuropathy (30.8%). There were 13 changes in the chemotherapy regimen to S1-cisplatin due to disease progression, but only an average of 1.76 cycles of S1-cisplatin were delivered due to severe toxicities and poor compliance. Conclusion: Acceptable efficacy and toxicity were seen as 59% of the patients showed non-progression, and no grade 3 or 4 toxicities were observed. In conclusion, the modified FOLFOX-6 chemotherapy is considered to be the proper 1st-line choice as a palliative treatment for recurrent or inoperable gastric cancer patients.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.58 no.5
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• pp.465-472
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• 2005

Background : The survival benefit associated with first-line chemotherapy in lung cancer has led to the need for second-line chemotherapy, for which Docetaxel ($Taxotere^{(R)}$) has proven efficacy in both settings. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of docetaxel in patients with non-small cell lung cancer who had failed first-line platinum-based chemotherapy. Methods : Thirty one patients with non-small-cell lung cancer, who had failed first-line platinum-based chemotherapy, between March 1999 and August 2003, were enrolled in this study. Patients received intravenous docetaxel, either $75mg/m^2$ or $100mg/m^2$, with routine premedication every three weeks. Results : Fourteen patients (45.2%) had a partial response. The median survival and progression-free survival times were 12.5 months (95% CI 7.3-17.6) and 3.0 months (95% CI 1.6-4.5), respectively. This study showed 2 factors gave different survival benefits; the age (< 60 years: 20.1 months vs. ${\geq}60years$: 6.6 months, p = 0.0105) and the histological type (adenocarcinoma: 25.6 months vs. others: 7.9 months, p=0.0055). The predominant toxicity was neutropenia, which occurred as WHO grade 3 or 4 in 38.7 % of patients. One treatment-related death was also reported. Non-hematological toxicity was minor and easily controlled. There were no significant statistical differences in the survival benefit and toxicity between the two doses. Conclusion : Docetaxel, as second-line monotherapy, was well tolerated and effective in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer who failed first-line platinum-based chemotherapy.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.11
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• pp.1089-1094
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• 2003

Purpose : Polyethylene glycol(PEG) with electrolytes has been used for intestinal clearance for colonoscopy and operations in children. But its efficacy and safety for disimpaction in children with chronic functional constipation has been studied little. Methods : This study enrolled 26 patients with chronic functional constipation(11 children had failed to disimpaction by conventional management at OPD) who were admitted to the Eul-Ji Hospital between May 2000 and July 2003. PEG with electrolytes was administered per oral and/or rectal enema. We observed the effects for disimpaction by measuring the frequency and consistency of stools, and by simple abdominal X-ray. We evaluated the safety by measuring serum electrolytes and osmolarity in three hours after PEG with electrolytes administration, and by observation of the clinical status of the patients. The protocol of PEG with electrolytes was a dose of 60-80 mL/kg within three hours per oral and/or of 15-25 mL/kg by rectal enema. Results : In all patients, simple abdominal X-ray films showed improvements of fecal impaction. Consistency and frequency of stool were improved in all patients except one. As for side effects, diarrhea developed in three patients(11.5% of all patients). Headaches developed in one patient(3.8% of all patients) but it improved without treatment. Serum electrolytes was checked in 16 patients after PEG with electrolytes management and mild hypernatremia(146 mmol/L) was checked in one patient. Serum osmolarity was checked in 11 patients after PEG with electrolytes management and was normal in all patients. Conclusion : PEG with electrolytes was effective and safe for disimpaction in children with chronic functional constipation, including patients who had failed in disimpaction by conventional management.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.45 no.4
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• pp.363-372
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• 2019

The leaves and stems of Centella asiatica have a long history of their usage as a medicine for the treatment of skin diseases such as ulcers and psoriasis, especially in Asia. Triterpenoids, the active components of Centella asiatica including asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid, have shown to inhibit skin inflammation as well as improve skin photoaging. The main objective of this study is to investigate whether the Centella asiatica ripened with lava seawater which is rich in minerals known to be beneficial to human body can provide anti-inflammatory and moisturizing effects to skin. HPLC analysis showed that the concentration of triterpenoids increased further after ripening Centella asiatica with lava seawater. In order to confirm the inflammatory efficacy of the extract of the extract of the ripened Centella asiatica, the production of NO in LPS-activated RAW 264.7 cells and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in PM10 or UVB-induced HaCaT cells were observed. We found that the extract of the ripened Centella asiatica inhibited the expression of NO, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-a and had higher inhibitory effect compared to the extract of the non-ripened Centella asiatica. In order to confirm the skin moisturizing effect, we investigated the synthesis of HA in HaCaT cells. The result showed HA production was enhanced in a concentration-dependent manner from the ripened group, while there was no efficacy from the non-ripened group. Taken together, it is concluded that the extract of the Centella asiatica ripened with lava seawater was effective in anti-inflammation and moisturization.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.66 no.2
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• pp.93-97
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• 2009

Background: Belotecan (Camtobell, CKD-602, Chongkundang Pharm., Korea), a camptothecin derivative, has anticancer effects by inhibiting topoisomerase I such as topotecan. This study observed the response, survival and toxicity of belotecan monotherapy after the failure of etoposide and platinum (EP). Methods: Forty nine small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients (M/F=41/8; age, 64.5${\pm}$7.6 (mean${\pm}$SD) years), who failed in their first line chemotherapy were enrolled in this study. Twenty one SCLC patients showed relapsed lung cancer more than 90 days after their priorEP chemotherapy (sensitive relapse group, SR) and 28 patients relapsed within 90 days (refractory relapse group, RR). Results: The response rate was 25%. Eleven patients showed partial responses and 5 patients could not be checked. The response rate of the SR and RR patients was similar. The relative dose intensity was lower in the responders (78${\pm}$15%) than non-responders (83${\pm}$13%, p=0.03). The median survival time (MST) was 10.3 months (290 days). The MST of the non-responders and responders was 186 days (95% CI; 67-305) and 401 days (95% CI; 234-568, p=0.07), respectively. The median progression free survival (MPFS) was similar in the SR (79 days) and RR (67 days) patients. Grade 3-4 neutropenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia were observed in 59.6%, 12.8% and 23.4% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: The efficacy and survival were demonstrated in the second-line setting. However, a randomized comparative trial with topotecan will be needed.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.390-395
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• 2008

Background: Since the early 1980s, interferon-alpha ($IFN-{\alpha}$) has been used as adjuvant therapy in pediatric patients with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). However, its efficacy in adults needs to be validated. Since 2002, Samsung Medical Center's guidelines have mandated regular injection of $IFN-{\alpha}$ in patients with RRP to prevent recurrence. To evaluate these guidelines, patient data were investigated. Methods: Five patients diagnosed as having RRP by bronchoscopy and histopathology were included. After initial bronchoscopic intervention, including laser cauterization, all patients received subcutaneous injection of 6 million units of $IFN-{\alpha}$ every 2 months. Further bronchoscopic intervention was carried out as needed. Patients were regularly evaluated using bronchoscopy or computed tomography. Results: The median age of the patients was 44 years (range 13~68), and the median duration of papillomatosis was 31 years (range 1~45). Three and two patients had juvenile-onset and adult-onset disease, respectively. Two patients had a history of tracheostomy at the time of diagnosis. The median duration of $IFN-{\alpha}$ therapy was 56 months (range 12~66). Two patients showed complete remission at 12 and 36 months after $IFN-{\alpha}$ injection, respectively. The other three patients showed partial remission, and the number of laser therapy sessions was significantly reduced.Conclusion: Intermittent $IFN-{\alpha}$ injection is effective in patients with long-standing RRP and can reduce the number of laser therapy sessions required in their treatment.