• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.625-630
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• 2016

Background: Despite the established role of the Pap smear test (PST) in prevention and early detection of cervical cancer, it is still rarely practiced in Sudan. Many challenges hinder the establishment of an effective cervical cancer screening program, including socio-cultural factors. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Sudanese women with regard to the Pap smear test and cervical cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 500 married women aged 14 to 58 years were recruited from obstetric clinics, hospitals and universities in Khartoum in 2014. Data were collected using a standardized, pretested questionnaire that inquired socio-demographic characteristics and their KAP about cervical cancer and the PST. Results: More than 52% of participating women were above 30 years of age, and the majority (78.8%) were university degree holders. A total of 486 (97.2 %) of participants were resident in urban areas of Khartoum State. However about 48% of the respondents had never heard about PST, and only 15.8% of the participants had undergone a Pap smear test previously; 46.6% (233/500) knew that the human papilloma virus (HPV) was the causative agent, but only 39.2% (196/500) had heard about HPV vaccination, and only 11.4% (57/500) had received the vaccine. However 68% of the respondents agreed to do Pap smear if properly informed about the test and 75.4% of the respondents agreed to participate in a cervical cancer screening program. Conclusions: Despite a high educational level, less than half of our participants had accurate knowledge about cervical cancer, HPV, and cervical cancer screening. Health education about cervical cancer, HPV and sexually transmitted infections and the role of PST in cervical cancer prevention are crucial when designing interventions aimed at improving cervical cancer screening for Sudanese women.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.30 no.6
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• pp.593-602
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• 2022

The human papillomavirus (HPV)-18 E7 (E7) oncoprotein is a major transforming protein that is thought to be involved in the development of cervical cancer. It is well-known that E7 stimulates tumour development by inactivating pRb. However, this alone cannot explain the various characteristics acquired by HPV infection. Therefore, we examined other molecules that could help explain the acquired cancer properties during E7-induced cancer development. Using the yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) method, we found that the Elk-1 factor, which is crucial for cell proliferation, invasion, cell survival, anti-apoptotic activity, and cancer development, binds to the E7. By determining which part of E7 binds to which domain of Elk-1 using the Y2H method, it was found that CR2 and CR3 of the E7 and parts 1-206, including the ETS-DNA domain of Elk-1, interact with each other. As a result of their interaction, the transcriptional activity of Elk-1 was increased, thereby increasing the expression of target genes EGR-1, c-fos, and E2F. Additionally, the colony forming assay revealed that overexpression of Elk-1 and E7 promotes C33A cell proliferation. We expect that the discovery of a novel E7 function as an Elk-1 activator could help explain whether the E7 has novel oncogenic activities in addition to p53 inactivation. We also expect that it will offer new methods for developing improved strategies for cervical cancer treatment.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.13-18
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• 2017

Objectives : The aim of this study is to investigate anti-inflammation of Leonurus sibiricus methanol extract against UVB-damage in fibroblast. The skin is continuously exposed to damage from environmental stresses. UV radiation causes a variety of biological effects especially on the skin, including inflammation and photoaging. Methods : In this study, we tried to search for Leonurus sibiricus which exhibit protective activities against UVB-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative cell death, NO and $PGE_2$ production. HS68 cells were exposed to UVB ($120mJ/cm^2$) and treated with various concentrations (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, $8mg/m{\ell}$) of Leonurus sibiricus methanol extract for additional 24 h. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels generated by UV radiation were detected using a spectrofluorometer after DCF-DA staining. Also, HS68 cells were irradiated with UVB and then treated with Leonurus sibiricus methanol extract for 12 h. The lipid peroxidation was assayed by measuring the levels of 8-isoprostane secreted into the culture medium. Results : UVB-induced cytotoxicity and cell death were effectively suppressed by treatment of Leonurus sibiricus aqueous methanol extracts. Oxidative cell damage was mediated $PGE_2$ in UVB-induced HS68 fibroblast cell, which was significantly inhibited by treatment with Leonurus sibiricus extracts. Also, the protective effect of these extract seemed to be mediated by inhibited intracellular ROS generation and lipid peroxidation in dose-dependent manner. Conclusion : These results suggest that Leonurus sibiricus aqueous methanol extracts may have anti-aging effects new functional materials against oxidative UVB stress-mediated skin damages.

• Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
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• v.14 no.1_2
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• pp.35-43
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• 1999

A number of disinfection by-products (DBPs) are formed as a result of the addition of chlorine into the public water supply and some of them have been suggested to cause adverse health effects on humans. However, the estimation of human ingestion exposure to each DBP has been performed simply by multiplying the concentration of a chemical in the cold tap water by the volume of water consumed during a given period of time. However, a questionnaire concerning water consumptions administered to sixty people residing in Chunchon showed that the volume of tap water consumed accounted for approximately 70% of the total volume of water consumed and that of heated water represented approximately 94% of tap water ingested. Heating durations for water-containing foods (e. g., soups and pot stews) and heated beverages (e. g., barley tea) were grouped into 10, 20, 30, and 35 minutes. Based on these time frames, an aluminum pot containing one liter of tap water was heated for the above respective time periods using a gas range to determine the variations of the concentrations of individual DBPs by heating. The pH and total residual chlorine were measured before and after heating. Collected water samples were carried to the laboratory and analyzed for eight DBPs and total organic carbon. Chloroform, bromodichloromethane, chloral hydrate, 1, 2-dichloro-2-propanone, 1, 1, 1-trichloropropanone, and dichloroacetonitrile were not detected following heating for 10 minutes and longer. The concentration of dichloroacetic acid (DCAA) was elevated with heating duration, resulting in the averages of 2.0, 3.1, 4.7, and 12 times the initial concentration, respectively, for 10, 20, 30, and 35 minute heating periods. On the other hand, the concentration of trichloroacetic acid (TCAA) decreased with heating duration, with 0.65, 0.40, 0.34, and 0.19 times lower than the initial concentration. Therefore, it is suggested that ingestion exposure to DCAA increases with heating duration but that ingestion exposure to TCAA decreases. In addition, while the amount of DCAA was elevated at the initial time periods (10 or 20 minutes) and then slowly decreased, that of TCAA was rapidly decreased. In conclusion, water-heating processes during cooking influence the concentrations of individual DBPs in the tap water, with lower levels for volatile DBPs and TCAA, and higher levels for DCAA. Therefore, concentration change needs to be taken into consideration in the estimation of human ingestion exposure to DBPs.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 1989

For the cryopreservation of human embryos this study was accomplished as a preliminary experiment. The purpose of this study is to obtain optimal cryoprotectant, addition and dilution method of cryoprotectant and cooling rate for raising survival of frozon and thawed 2-cell mouse embryos. Seeding was done at $-7^{\circ}C$ and the straw contained embryos was plunged at $-30^{\circ}C$ when the slow cooling was ended. Embryos those developed normally to blastocyst after in vitro culture for over 96 hours were regarded as survival ones. The survival was the rate of number of survival embryos against the recovered embryos. The results are followed : 1. The survivals were 6.3, 71.2 and 67.4% respectively, when Glycerol, DMSO and 1,2-Propanediol were used as cryoprotectant. 2. When sucrose was added in freezing solution, the survival was 69.0%. That was higher than the survival of embryos frozen without sucrose in freezing solution. The difference was not significant. 3. Addition and dilution of cryoprotectant by 4 stepwise raised the survival than by direct, but that was not significant. 4. When embryos were frozen by -0.3, -0.5 and $-1^{\circ}C/min$ before plunged into $LN_2$, the survivals were 67.9, 78.0 and 37.0% respectively. The differnce was significant.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.45 no.5
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• pp.575-582
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• 2021

Background: In ginseng, there exists a glycolipoprotein complex with a special form of lipid LPAs called Gintonin. The purpose of this study is to show that Gintonin has a therapeutic effect on rheumatoid arthritis through LPA2 receptors. Methods: Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) were treated with Gintonin and stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β. The antioxidant effect of Gintonin was measured using MitoSOX and H₂DCFDA experiments. The anti-arthritic efficacy of Gintonin was examined by analyzing the expression levels of inflammatory mediators, phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/p65 into the nucleus through western blot. Next, after treatment with LPAR2 antagonist, western blot analysis was performed to measure inflammatory mediator expression levels, and NF-κB signaling pathway. Carrageenan/kaolin-induced arthritis rat model was used. Rats were orally administered with Gintonin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) every day for 6 days. The knee joint thickness, squeaking score, and weight distribution ratio (WDR) were measured as the behavioral parameters. After sacrifice, H&E staining was performed for histological analysis. Results: Gintonin significantly inhibited the expression of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and COX-2. Gintonin prevented NF-κB/p65 from moving into the nucleus through the JNK and ERK MAPK phosphorylation in FLS cells. However, pretreatment with an LPA2 antagonist significantly reversed these effects of Gintonin. In the arthritis rat model, Gintonin suppressed all parameters that were measured. Conclusion: This study suggests that LPA2 receptor plays a key role in mediating the anti-arthritic effects of Gintonin by modulating inflammatory mediators, the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.355-362
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• 1999

Objective: This study was performed to compare the clinical response to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) according to the size of baseline ovarian cyst. Method: From February 1992 to March 1999, a retrospective analysis was done of 272 cases who underwent COH using mid-luteal phase long protocol of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) for IVF-ET. These cases were divided into four group; group 1 (n=63) had cysts with mean diameters between 20.0 and 29.0 mm on their baseline ultrasound on cycle day 3, group 2 (n=57, $30.0{\sim}49.0mm$), group 3 (n=68, >50.0 mm) and control group (n=84). Cases were excluded according to the following criteria; pure male factor infertility, the presence of only one ovary, high CA-125 level and previous endometriosis. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between cases with baseline ovarian cyst <50.0 mm in diameter and control group in any of the parameters. However, cases with baseline ovarian cyst>50.0 mm in mean diameter needed more amount of human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), showed significantly lower estradiol ($E_2$) level, the number of follicle >15.0 mm on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) administration, the number of oocytes retrieved, the number of mature oocytes, and pregnancy rate compared with control group. Conclusion: This study suggests that cases with baseline ovarian cyst <50.0 mm in diameter do not adversely impact on IVF-ET outcome. However, cases with baseline ovarian cyst >50.0 mm in diameter had adverse effects on various parameters. Therefore, to improve the outcome of IVF-ET in these cases, ovarian cyst aspiration prior to initiating COH may be required.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.44 no.9
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• pp.1270-1278
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• 2015

In vitro anticancer effects of black soybean doenjang on HT-29 human colon cancer cells were studied. SD (soybean doenjang prepared with nine-time baked bamboo salt) and BD (black soybean doenjang prepared with nine-time baked bamboo salt) were compared with CD (commercial doenjang). There were no significant differences between experimental groups in terms of pH, amino-type nitrogen, and ammonia-type nitrogen levels of the doenjang samples. BD showed the highest antioxidative effect, followed by SD and CD in that order. BD also showed the highest total polyphenol concentration of all samples. CD, SD, and BD extracts showed no toxic effects on normal RAW 264.7 cells at a concentration ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 mg/mL. BD exhibited anticancer effect on HT-29 cells by MTT assay. Also, BD manipulated mRNA expressions in certain factors; it suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines such as $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-6, and COX-2, promoted cell-cycle-related genes of p21, and p53, suppressed expression of cyclin D1, and suppressed anti-apoptotic Bcl-2; such manipulation by BD was the strongest, followed by SD and CD in order. From the results above, BD exhibited the highest anticancer effects by inhibiting growth of HT-29 cells, probably by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, cell cycling related genes, etc. These results might be due to using black soybeans containing high levels of polyphenol, including anthocyanins.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.30 no.8
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• pp.680-687
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• 2020

Several studies have proved Hovenia dulcis extracts to be an effective antidote for alcoholism, and they are frequently used in the clinical treatment of alcoholic liver disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-senescent activities of 80% methanol fractions of H. dulcis Thunberg in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. The ethanol ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest inhibition of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl radical scavenging (RC₅₀=3.6±0.8 ㎍/ml) as well as the highest total phenol content (417.2antiholic liver disease. Extracts from e & Tech., Sungkyunkwan University, progressed in the HDF cells, SM22 expression (p<0.001) and β-galactosidase staining intensity increased (p<0.001). An increase in SM22 expression is associated with slower aging which suggests that its expression is high in early aging. HDF treatment using the ethyl acetate fraction significantly increased production of EGF (p<0.01) and PDGF-BB (p<0.01) while SHH expression was reduced (p<0.05). These results suggest that an 80% ethyl acetate fraction of H. dulcis can suppress early aging and demonstrate the potential application of the fraction as a natural anti-senescence agent.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.9.1-9.11
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• 2022

Background: Escherichia coli, which causes subclinical or clinical mastitis in cattle, is responsible for transmitting antimicrobial resistance via human consumption of raw milk or raw milk products. Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular characteristics of 183 E. coli from bulk tank milk of five different dairy factories in Korea. Methods: The molecular characteristics of E. coli such as serogroup, virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and integron genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction and antimicrobial susceptibility were tested using the disk diffusion test. Results: In the distribution of phylogenetic groups, group D was the most prevalent (59.6%) and followed by group B1 (25.1%). The most predominant serogroup was O173 (15.3%), and a total of 46 different serotypes were detected. The virulence gene found most often was fimH (73.2%), and stx1, fimH, incC, fyuA, and iutA genes were significantly higher in isolates of phylogenetic group B1 compared to phylogenetic groups A, B2, and D (p < 0.05). Among 64 E. coli isolates that showed resistance to at least one antimicrobial, the highest resistance rate was observed for tetracyclines (37.5%). All 18 integron-positive E. coli carried the integron class I (int1) gene, and three different gene cassette arrangements, dfrA12+aadA2 (2 isolates), aac(6')-Ib3+aac(6')-Ib-cr+aadA4 (2 isolates), and dfrA17+aadA5 (1 isolate) were detected. Conclusions: These data suggest that the E. coli from bulk tank milk can be an indicator for dissemination of antimicrobial resistance and virulence factors via cross-contamination.