• Molecules and Cells
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.384-396
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• 2020

Breast cancer is one of the most common life-threatening malignancies and the top cause of cancer deaths in women. Although many conventional therapies exist for its treatment, breast cancer still has many handicaps to overcome. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a well-known cause of tumor recurrences due to the ability of CSCs for self-renewal and differentiation into cell subpopulations, similar to stem cells. To fully treat breast cancer, a strategy for the treatment of both cancer cells and CSCs is required. However, current strategies for the eradication of CSCs are non-specific and have low efficacy. Therefore, surface biomarkers to selectively treat CSCs need to be developed. Here, 34 out of 641 surface biomarkers on CSCs were identified by proteomic analysis between the human breast adenocarcinoma cell line MCF-7 and MCF-7-derived CSCs. Among them, carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecules 6 (CEACAM6 or CD66c), a member of the CEA family, was selected as a novel biomarker on the CSC surface. This biomarker was then experimentally validated and evaluated for use as a CSC-specific marker. Its biological effects were assessed by treating breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) with short hairpin (sh)-RNA under oxidative cellular conditions. This study is the first to evaluate the biological function of CD66c as a novel biomarker on the surface of CSCs. This marker is available as a moiety for use in the development of targeted therapeutic agents against CSCs.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.57-63
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• 2009

Background and Objectives : Peritonsillar abscess is one of the most common illnesses m the ENT field, though its prevalence has been drastically reduced with the development of antibiotics and appropriate early treatment. We analyzed recent clinical characteristics of peritonsillar abscess and compared them with ones of 7 and 14 years ago respectively. Materials and Methods : Sixty-six cases of peritonsillar abscess from 2006 through 2008 were investigated retrospectively and compared with results of 7 and 14 years ago on various clinical factors. Results : Peritonsillar abscess was prevalent in men in their 20s and 30s. Mean period from symptom onset to visit to hospital tended to decrease(5.2 days) but admission days has increased(7.4 days). Body temperature on admission was lower than that of previous studies($36.4^{\circ}C$). Bacteria were isolated in 26 cases(74.2%) out of 35 cases in which culture had been performed. The most common cultured organism was a-hemolytic streptococcus and $\beta$-hemolytic streptococcus that had been most frequently cultured 14 years ago wasn't detected in this study. Conclusion : We found some changes of clinical features in peritonsillar abscess when compared with previous researches. Although there were some differences in cultured organism, antibiotics used commonly-cephalosporin, aminoglycoside, quinolone - were still effective for their eradication.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.145-151
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• 2011

Backgrounds: Multidisciplinary approaches including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are currently being performed to target various cancers in Western Medicine. However, some cancers still remain difficult to battle, which has long attracted many scientists for the discovery of new agents to fight cancers. Ginseng is one of the herbs used in Oriental Medicine including Korea, China and Japan. We have further investigated ginseng for its anticancer effect. Objective: This is a comprehensive review summary of anticancer effect of ginseng and ginsenoids as a possible agent for future cancer treatment. Methods: Data were retrieved from two web sites; www.pubmed.com and www.riss.kr, and authorized texts concerning anticancer effects of ginseng. From collected data, information on anticancer effect of ginseng was thoroughly sorted, restructured, then assessed. Results: Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer belongs to Araliaceae Panax family, a perennial prairie plant with its root known as Ginseng Radix. Ginseng induces anticancer effect through cell cycle arrest, acceleration of apoptosis, anti-angiogenesis, and suppression of metastasis. Anticancer effect of ginseng may be due to single compound or multi-compound actions. Many studies report involvement of immune mechanisms of cytokines, Natural Killer (NK) cells, macrophages and some antibodies in enhancing anticancer effect of ginseng. In near future, possibility of applying these mechanisms into clinical trials is convinced. There were some important findings on saponin in ginsenoids in reviewing for this article; First, eradication of metastatic tumors were influenced by macrophage activation. Second, suppression of malignant melanoma cell metastasis to lung were induced by macrophage and NK cell activation in spleen with red ginseng acidic polysaccharide (RGAP). Third, final metabolites of M1, M4 had exerted anticancer effect of ginseng. Conclusion: Unknown anticancer mechanisms of ginseng have been studied for many years up until now. Ginseng is comprised of multiple bio-chemical compounds that create complex pharmaceutical interactions. Therefore, for its proper usage and safe prescription, studies on different types of ginseng and patients' susceptibility to ginseng according to their constitution and stages of the disease should be further pursued. More efforts are needed to understand the anticancer mechanisms of ginseng as well.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.53 no.1
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• pp.77-83
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• 2015

Wuchereria bancrofti, Dirofilaria immitis, and Dirofilaria repens are filarial nematodes transmitted by mosquitoes belonging to Culex, Aedes, and Anopheles genera. Screening by vector dissection is a tiresome technique. We aimed to screen filarial parasites in their vectors by single and multiplex PCR and evaluate the usefulness of multiplex PCR as a rapid xenomonitoring and simultaneous differentiation tool, in area where 3 filarial parasites are coexisting. Female mosquitoes were collected from 7 localities in Assiut Governorate, were microscopically identified and divided into pools according to their species and collection site. Detection of W. bancrofti, D. immitis, and D. repens using single PCR was reached followed by multiplex PCR. Usefulness of multiplex PCR was evaluated by testing mosquito pools to know which genera and species are used by filarial parasites as a vector. An overall estimated rate of infection (ERI) in mosquitoes was 0.6%; the highest was Culex spp. (0.47%). W. bancrofti, D. immitis, and D. repens could be simultaneously and differentially detected in infected vectors by using multiplex PCR. Out of 100 mosquito pools, 8 were positive for W. bancrofti (ERI of 0.33%) and 3 pools each were positive for D. immitis and D. repens (ERI 0.12%). The technique showed 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity. El-Nikhila, El-Matiaa villages, and Sahel Seleem district in Assiut Governorate, Egypt are still endemic foci for filarial parasites. Multiplex PCR offers a reliable procedure for molecular xenomonitoring of filariasis within their respective vectors in endemic areas. Therefore, it is recommended for evaluation of mosquito infection after lymphatic filariasis eradication programs.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.187-192
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• 2008

Most cases of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma occur in adults. MALT lymphoma is very rare in children. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is known to be an important etiologic factor predisposing to the development of gastric MALT lymphoma. A 12-year-old girl was admitted because of intermittent abdominal pain occurring over the preceding 2 years. Nodular gastritis of the stomach was demonstrated on endoscopy. H. pylori infection was confirmed using the rapid urease test and histopathology. Histopathological examination of gastric biopsy specimens revealed lymphoepithelial lesions pathognomonic of MALT lymphoma, and immunohistochemical staining for CD20 was diffusely positive. Therefore, the patient was diagnosed with gastric MALT lymphoma. Clinical manifestations and histopathologic findings compatible with MALT lymphoma improved with the eradication of H. pylori infection. We report a case of primary gastric MALT lymphoma in a child, associated with H. pylori infection and presenting as nodular gastritis.

• Journal of forensic and investigative science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.52-80
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• 2007

In the rapidly changing current society, the Korean National Police(KNP) is facing a lot of demands from the citizens like the protection of subject/victim rights, independence of investigation authority, disclosure of actual truth, and prevention & eradication of crimes. It is widely recognized among the Korean people and the police that the KNP is always standing for the rights of the people and it is high time that the KNP should be restored as the pioneer for the protection of human right. In this situation, the tremendous emphasis is given on the importance of investment in investigative training through the long-term master-plan in order to renovate its constitution, to level up its quality, and to cope with the highly sophisticated crime patterns. Korean police have already shown its outstanding investigative skills of identification of the deceased throughout large cases like Daegu subway arson and tsunami in Southeast Asia. In addition, the skills of cyber crime investigation are highly recognized by foreign law enforcement agencies. However, the investigative skills and abilities are being degraded and the morale of the investigative personnel are falling due to the insufficiently of the finite training budget. Lack of financial support results in the lack of training program and poor training environment, which subsequently leads to the inefficiency of training. Additionally, no long-term budget for fostering specialized investigative agents is allotted. Considering the fact that more than 95% of crimes in Korea are being primarily investigated by the Korean police, we have to understand the importance of the police. By the tremendous investment in investigative training which can lead to the high-quality investigations, the Korean police can ultimately contribute to the protection of safety and life of its people.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.1571-1574
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• 2015

Background: Treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) decreases the prevalence of gastric cancer, and may inhibit gastric precancerous lesions progression into gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of treatment on subsequent gastric precancerous lesion development. Materials and Methods: We prospectively studied 27 patients who had low grade dysplasia at the time of enrollment, in addition to dysplasia atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia observed in all patients. All were prescribed quadruple therapy to treat H. Pylori infection for 10 days. Patients underwent endoscopy with biopsy at enrollment and then at follow up two years later. Biopsy samples included five biopsies from the antrum of lesser curvature, antrum of greater curvature, angularis, body of stomach and fundus. Results of these biopsies were compared before and after treatment. Results: Overall, the successful eradication rate after two years was 15/27 (55.6%). After antibiotic therapy, the number of patients with low grade dysplasia decreased significantly (p=0.03), also with reduction of the atrophic lesions (p=0.01), but not metaplasia. Conclusions: Treatment of H. pylori likely is an effective therapy in preventing the development of subsequent gastric premalignant lesions.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10887-10891
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• 2015

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a well known major cause of gastric cancer and even when asymptomatic infected patients are at elevated risk. Functional dyspepsia (FD) is also one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases, which greatly impacts the quality of life. H. pylori infection and psychosocial stress are frequently associated with FD but limited studies have confirmed the relationships, especially in Southeast Asian countries. Here we aimed to investigate the prevalence and impact of H. pylori infection, anxiety and depression on Thai FD patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center in Thailand, during February 2013-January 2014. All FD patients were diagnosed and categorized by Rome III criteria into epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) and postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) groups. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to evaluate psychological status. The presence of H. pylori was defined as positive with H. pylori culture, positive rapid urease test or positive histology. Results: Three hundred FD patients were included, 174 (58%) female. Overall mean age was 54.8+15.1 years. There were 192 (64%) patients with PDS and 108 (36%) with EPS. H. pylori infection was demonstrated in 70 (23.3%) patients. Anxiety and depression were documented in 69 (23%) and 22 (7.3%), respectively. H. pylori infection, anxiety and depression were significantly higher in PDS than EPS patients (27.1% vs 16.7%; p=0.04; OR=1.86; 95%CI=1.01-3.53 and 29.7% vs 11.1%; p=0.0002; OR=3.4; 95%CI=1.7-7.1 and 10.4% vs 1.9%; p=0.006; OR=6.2; 95%CI=1.4-38.9, respectively). Conclusions: H. pylori infection, anxiety and depression were commonly found in Thai FD patients and more prevalent in PDS than EPS. H. pylori eradication might be the key to success for the treatment of Thai FD patients and prevent the development of gastric cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.24
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• pp.10957-10960
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• 2015

Background: The CYP2C19 genotype has been found to be an important factor for peptic ulcer healing and H. pylori eradication, influencing the efficacy of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical correlations of the CYP2C19 genotype in patients with gastritis, peptic ulcer disease (PUD), peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) and gastric cancer in Thailand. Materials and Methods: Clinical information, endoscopic findings and H. pylori infection status of patients were assessed between May 2012 and November 2014 in Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand. Upper GI endoscopy was performed for all patients. Five milliliters of blood were collected for H. pylori serological diagnosis and CYP2C19 study. CYP2C19 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (RFLP) and classified as rapid metabolizer (RM), intermediate metabolizer (IM) or poor metabolizer (PM). Results: A total of 202 patients were enrolled including 114 with gastritis, 36 with PUD, 50 with PUB and 2 with gastric cancer. Prevalence of CYP2C19 genotype was 82/202 (40.6%) in RM, 99/202 (49%) in IM and 21/202 (10.4%) in PM. Overall H. pylori infection was 138/202 patients (68.3%). H. pylori infection was demonstrated in 72% in RM genotype, 69.7% in IM genotype and 47.6% in PM genotype. Both gastric cancer patients had the IM genotype. In PUB patients, the prevalence of genotype RM (56%) was highest followed by IM (32%) and PM(12%). Furthermore, the prevalence of genotype RM in PUB was significantly greater than gastritis patients (56% vs 36%: p=0.016; OR=2.3, 95%CI=1.1-4.7). Conclusions: CYP2C19 genotype IM was the most common genotype whereas genotype RM was the most common in PUB patients. All gastric cancer patients had genotype IM. The CYP2C19 genotype RM might be play role in development of PUD and PUB. Further study in different population is necessary to verify clinical usefulness of CYP2C19 genotyping in development of these upper GI diseases.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2014.02a
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• pp.260-260
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• 2014

Dermatophytes can invade in keratinized tissues and cause dermatophytosis [1] that rank among the most widespread and common infectious diseases world-wide. Although several systemically and topically administered drugs with activities against these fungi are available, still complete eradication of some of these infections, is difficult and relapses and remissions are often observed [2,3]. In addition, some people are allergic to many of the available drugs which add complications even more. Therefore, the search for novel, selective and more effective therapy is always required and it may help the clinicians to choose the correct treatment for their patients. Non-thermal plasmas primarily generate reactive species and recently have emerged as an efficient tool for medical applications including sterilization. In this study, we evaluated the ability of non-thermal dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma for the inactivation of clinical isolates of Trichophyton genera, Trichophyton mentagrophytes (T. mentagrophytes) and Trichophyton rubrum (T. rubrum), which cause infections of nails and skin and, are two of the most frequently isolated dermatophytes [4]. Our results showed that DBD plasma has considerable time dependent inactivation potential on both T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum in-vitro. Furthermore, the mechanisms for plasma based T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum inactivation and planning for in-vivo future studies will be discussed.