• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 2024

27-Hydroxycholesterol (27OHChol), a prominent cholesterol metabolite present in the bloodstream and peripheral tissues, is a kind of immune oxysterol that elicits immune response. Recent research indicates the involvement of 27OHChol in metabolic inflammation (meta-inflammation) characterized by chronic responses associated with metabolic irregularities. 27OHChol activates monocytic cells such that they secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and increase the expression of cell surface molecules such as pattern-recognition receptors that play key roles in immune cell-cell communication and sensing metabolism-associated danger signals. Levels of 27OHChol increase when cholesterol metabolism is disrupted, and the resulting inflammatory responses can contribute to the development and complications of metabolic syndrome, including obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases. Since 27OHChol can induce chronic immune response by activating monocyte-macrophage lineage cells that play a crucial role in meta-inflammation, it is essential to understand the 27OHChol-induced inflammatory responses to unravel the roles and mechanisms of action of this cholesterol metabolite in chronic metabolic disorders.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.515-522
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• 2015

Treculia africana Decne, a breadfruit species, is native to many parts of West and Tropical Africa. The breadfruit belongs to the family Moraceae and is one of the four members of the genera Treculia. The crude extract of T. africana has been used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent for various ailments, such as whooping cough. In this study, we evaluated the anti-oxidative and anti-cancer activities of the methanol extract of T. africana Decne (META) and the molecular mechanisms of its anti-cancer effects in human colon carcinoma HT29 cells. The META exhibited anti-oxidative activity through a DPPH radical scavenging capacity and inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent manner in HT29 cells. META treatment induced apoptosis of HT29 cells, showing an increase in the percentage of both SubG1 cells and Annexin V-positive cells and the formation of apoptotic bodies in a dose-dependent manner. META-mediated apoptosis was associated with the up-regulation of the death receptor FAS and Bax and a decrease in the Bcl-2 expression. META-treated HT29 cells also showed the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria into the cytosol, activation of caspase-3, caspase-8, and caspase-9, and proteolytic cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP). These findings suggest META may exert an anti-cancer effect in HT29 cells by inducing apoptosis through both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.386-397
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• 2021

Purpose: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are epigenetic post-transcriptional regulators that modulate gene expression and have been identified as biomarkers for several diseases, including cancer. This study aimed to systematically review the relationship between miRNAs and periodontal disease in humans, and to evaluate the potential of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of disease. Methods: The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines (reference number CRD42020180683). The MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and SciELO databases were searched for clinical studies conducted in humans investigating periodontal diseases and miRNAs. Expression levels of miRNAs across the different groups were analysed using the collected data. Results: A total of 1,299 references were identified in the initial literature search, and 23 articles were finally included in the review. The study designs were heterogeneous, which prevented a meta-analysis of the data. Most of the studies compared miRNA expression levels between patients with periodontitis and healthy controls. The most widely researched miRNA in periodontal diseases was miR-146a. Most studies reported higher expression levels of miR-146a in patients with periodontitis than in healthy controls. In addition, many studies also focused on identifying target genes of the differentially expressed miRNAs that were significantly related to periodontal inflammation. Conclusions: The results of the studies that we analysed are promising, but diagnostic tests are needed to confirm the use of miRNAs as biomarkers to monitor and aid in the early diagnosis of periodontitis in clinical practice.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.5
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• pp.1881-1895
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• 2015

Background: The vascular endothelial growth factor family has been implicated in tumorigenesis and metastasis. The prognostic value of each vascular endothelial growth factor family member, particular VEGF/VEGFR co-expression, in patients with non-small lung cancer remains controversial. Materials and Methods: Relevant literature was identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science. Studies evaluating expression of VEGFs and/or VEGFRs by immunohistochemistry or ELISA in lung cancer tissue were eligible for inclusion. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from individual study were pooled by using a fixed- or random-effect model, heterogeneity and publication bias analyses were also performed. Results: 74 studies covering 7,631 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Regarding pro-angiogenesis factors, the expression of VEGFA (HR=1.633, 95%CI: 1.490-1.791) and VEGFR1 (HR=1.924, 95%CI: 1.220-3.034) was associated separately with poor survival. Especially, VEGFA over-expression was an independent prognostic factor in adenocarcinoma (ADC) (HR=1.775, 95%CI: 1.384-2.275) and SCC (HR=2.919, 95%CI: 2.060-4.137). Co-expression of VEGFA/VEGFR2 (HR=2.011, 95%CI: 1.405-2.876) was also significantly associated with worse survival. For lymphangiogenesis factors, the expression of VEGFC (HR=1.611, 95%CI: 1.407-1.844) predicted a poor prognosis. Co-expression of VEGFC/VEGFR3 (HR=2.436, 95%CI: 1.468-4.043) emerged as a preferable prognostic marker. Conclusions: The expression of VEGFA (particularly in SCC and early stage NSCLC), VEGFC, VEGFR1 indicates separately an unfavorable prognosis in patients with NSCLC. Co-expression VEGFA/VEGFR2 is comparable with VEGFC/VEGFR3, both featuring sufficient discrimination value as preferable as prognostic biologic markers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.7
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• pp.4195-4198
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• 2013

Background and Objective: Though researched for years, the prognostic role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-$1{\alpha}$) in gastric cancer is still controversial. We thus undertook a systematic review to assess the relationship. Method: A systematically literature search of Pubmed, Embase, Web of Science, China Biological Medicine Disc and Cochrane Library was undertaken in February 2013, and the reference lists of articles were retrieved. Results: 12 trials (1,555 participants) were included to assess the association between HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression and survival. Summary hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated. HIF-$1{\alpha}$ expression was significantly correlated with poor overall survival of gastric cancer patients (HR=1.34, 95%CI: 1.13-1.58; P=0.0009), but not with poor disease free survival of gastric cancer patients (HR=1.67, 95%CI: 0.99-2.82; P=0.06). Conclusion: HIF-$1{\alpha}$ was associated with poor OS, but not DFS, especially for Asian patients. But studies evaluating relationships of HIF-$1{\alpha}$ with OS and DFS in non-Asian gastric cancer patients appear needed.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.392-396
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• 1991

Mu d1(Ap lac) bacteriophage can be used to search for genes which are members of a common regulatory network without having to know the functions of the genes in advance. Aim was for obtaining the loci in the SOS network as well as temperature inducible loci. For this purpose, recA441 allele was used. This allele encodes a thermosensitive recA gene product; thus, the recA441 allele can be activated upon temperature upshift without by external DNA damage. Approximately 10, 000 colonies were screened, and then searched for the colonies which expressed .betha.-galactosidase higher level at 42.deg.C than at 30.deg.C. The strains identified fell into two dlasses; (i) ones in which the increased expression was $recA^{+}$ $lexA^{+}$ -dependent, that is, din(damage-inducible) genes which were due to the activation of recA441 allele and (ii) ones in which the increased expression was $recA^{+}$ $lexA^{+}$ -independent and only temperature-inducible, tin genes. Rough mapping position was obtained for these genes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.6997-7002
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• 2015

Background: In cervical cancer patients it has been reported that there in a significant Ki-67/MIB-1 expression is correlated with survival in cervical cancer patients. However, the prognostic value is still not well understood. Materials and Methods: In the present meta-analysis the prognostic value of Ki-67/MIB-1 with regard to overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in cervical cancer was investigated. The databases of PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Science Direct and Wiley Online Library were used to identify appropriate literature. Results: In order to explore the relationship between Ki-67/MIB-1 and cervical cancer, we have included 13 studies covering 894 patients in the current meta-analysis. The effect of Ki-67/MIB-1 on OS for pooled random effects HR estimate was 1.63 (95%confidence interval (CI) 1.09-2.45; P<0.05). The pooled HR for DFS was 1.26 (95%CI 0.58-2.73; P>0.05) and the subgroup analysis indicated Ki-67/MIB1 was associated with DFS (HR=3.67, 95%CI 2.65-5.09) in Asians. Conclusions: According to this meta-analysis, Ki-67/MIB-1 has prognostic value for OS in patients suffering from cervical cancer. For better evaluation of the prognostic role of Ki-67/MIB-1 on DFS, studies with larger numbers of patients are needed to validate present findings in the future.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.15 no.12
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• pp.25-33
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was using a meta-analysis to estimate effect size of emotional intelligence program. Using a statistical method, meta-analysis has advantages that prove intervention's amount and direction. Meta-analysis facilitates comprehensive analysis. Through the data collection, 33studies were selected and 92 effect size were calculated as analysis objects. The overall effect size of emotional intelligence program was 0.839. Depend on subordinate scope, the emotional cognition had the largest effect size. Next were the understanding domain, application domain, the regulation domain and the expression domain. Analysis on age of participant, adult group had the largest effect size. Next were the elementary students group and the adolescent group. Based on the findings, implications for future study were discussed.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.22 no.7
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• pp.361-369
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• 2022

The purpose of this study was to review the effectiveness of drama program for the people with developmental disabilities in Korea by using method of meta-analysis. At first, master's theses, doctoral dissertations, and journal articles published in Korea up to January, 2022 were reviewed. Resultingly a total of 13 studies were eligible base upon the inclusion criteria. The mean effect sizes and test for homogeneity of effect size (Q-statistic) were analyzed by using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software 2.0. The main findings of this study are as follows. First, the average effect sizes for drama program for people with developmental disabilities were ES= 0.8335 for sociality, ES= 0.6512 of self-expression. Second, by analysing the moderate variables of the effect size for drama program for people with developmental disabilities, 'age', 'the number of session' 'the type of drama program', 'the major of drama director' were statistically significant. The research and practice implications of drama programs for people with developmental disabilities in Korea were suggested.

• Korean Institute of Interior Design Journal
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• v.16 no.3 s.62
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• pp.21-29
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• 2007

The communication in a play has a dual structure, which is composed of the communications within a play and in a theatre space. This research focuses on the scene design that creates the background or the theme of a play and communicates theme of a play to the audience. A scene design of a theatre has meta-linguistic aspects, which is the image or mood as the theme of a play. The scene design is composed of various design elements of space and objects as the properties of a play. Design elements and the objects are the design languages in various form; plane, three-dimensional, multi-dimensional form. These design languages have the significant meanings as signs like human language. The play works chooses the rhetorical expression to arouse the audience's sympathy. The scene design is completed with rhetorical expression for communication in theatre too. This research defines the category of meanings that design elements of scene design can create and the rhetorical expression of the scene design language. King Lear directed by Robert G. Anderson was analyzed with the category of design elements as a sign and the pattern of the rhetorical expression. The scene design for a play is completed effectively by the rhetorical expression of design elements as the design language for the communication with the audience in theatre.