• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8245-8250
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• 2014

Previous studies investigating the association between 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene polymorphisms and colon cancer risk have generated conflicting results. The aim of our meta-analysis was to clarify the precise association. A systematic literature search was conducted to identify all relevant studies. Pooled odds ratio (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the strength of the association. In this meta-analysis, a total of 13 articles, involving 5,386 cases and 8,017 controls met the inclusion criteria. Overall, a significant association was found between colon cancer risk and the MTHFR C667 polymorphism (TT vs CC+CT: OR=0.79; 95%CI=0.65-0.96; p=0.017). Stratification by ethnicity revealed that MTHFRC667 was associated with colon cancer risk in the non-Asian group (TT vs CC+CT:OR=0.77, 95%CI=0.68-0.89, p=0.000; TT vs CC: OR=0.84, 95%CI=0.73-0.97, p=0.016). Stratification by source of control indicated that MTHFR C667 also correlated with colon cancer risk in the population-based subgroup (TT vs CC: OR=0.85, 95%CI=0.74-0.97, p=0.017; TT vs CC+CT: OR=0.78, 95%CI=0.68-0.89, p=0.000) and hospital-based subgroup (TT vs CC+CT: OR=0.65, 95%CI=0.49-0.86, p=0.003). However, risk was significantly increased for MTHFR A1298C polymorphisms and colon cancer risk in hospital-based studies (C vs A: OR=1.52, 95%CI=1.26-1.83, p=0.000; CC+AC vs AA: OR=1.93, 95%CI=1.47-2.49, p=0.000) but reduced in population-based studies (CC vs AA: OR=0.83, 95%CI=0.70-0.99, p=0.042). In conclusion, the results of our meta-analysis suggest that the MTHFR C667 polymorphism is associated with reduced colon cancer risk, especially for non-Asian populations.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.8
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• pp.3285-3291
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• 2015

Background: Non-synonymous polymorphisms in XRCC1 hase been shown to reduce effectiveness of DNA repair and be associated with risk of certain cancers. In this study we aimed to clarify any association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk by performing a meta-analysis of published case-control studies. Materials and Methods: PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to explore the association between XRCC1 and CRC. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the association strength. Publication bias was assessed by Egger's and Begg's tests. Results: Up to January 2015, 35 case control studies involving 9,114 CRC cases and 13,948 controls were included in the present meta-analysis. The results showed that the Arg399Gln polymorphism only under an allele genetic model was associated with CRC risk (A vs. G: OR 0.128, 95% CI 0.119-0.138, p<0.001). Also, this meta-analysis suggested that the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism might associated with susceptibility to CRC in Asians (A vs G: OR 0.124, 95% CI 0.112-0.138, p<0.001) and Caucasian (A vs G: OR 0.132, 95% CI 0.119-0.146, p<0.001) only under an allele genetic model. Conclusions: This meta-analysis confirms the association between XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism and CRC risk and suggests that the heterogeneity is not strongly modified by ethnicity and deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2241-2247
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• 2012

Objective: This qualitative study retrospectively examined the experience and psychological impact of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) among Southern Chinese females with unilateral breast cancer history who underwent BRCA1/2 genetic testing. Limited knowledge is available on this topic especially among Asians; therefore, the aim of this study was to acquire insight from Chinese females' subjective perspectives. Methods: A total of 12 semi-structured in-depth interviews, with 11 female BRCA1/BRCA 2 mutated gene carriers and 1 non-carrier with a history of one-sided breast cancer and genetic testing performed by the Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry, who subsequently underwent CPM, were assessed using thematic analysis and a Stage Conceptual Model. Breast cancer history, procedures conducted, cosmetic satisfaction, pain, body image and sexuality issues, and cancer risk perception were discussed. Retrieval of medical records using a prospective database was also performed. Results: All participants opted for prophylaxis due to their reservations concerning the efficacy of surveillance and worries of recurrent breast cancer risk. Most participants were satisfied with the overall results and their decision. One-fourth expressed different extents of regrets. Psychological relief and decreased breast cancer risk were stated as major benefits. Spouses' reactions and support were crucial for post-surgery sexual satisfaction and long-term adjustment. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that thorough education on cancer risk and realistic expectations of surgery outcomes are crucial for positive adjustment after CPM. Appropriate genetic counseling and pre-and post-surgery psychological counseling were necessary. This study adds valuable contextual insights into the experiences of living with breast cancer fear and the importance of involving spouses when counseling these patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.803-805
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• 2014

The IL-16 rs4778889 T/C polymorphism is associated with cancer risk. However, the results are conflicting. We performed this meta-analysis to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship. A comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the strength of association. A total of 6 studies including 1,603 cases and 2,342 controls were identified. With all studies involved, results showed no statistically significant association between IL-16 rs4778889 T/C polymorphism and cancer risk (CC vs. CT+TT: OR=0.74, 95%CI:0.55-1.02, $P_h=0.15$; CC+CT vs. TT: OR=0.89, 95%CI: 0.72-1.10, $P_h=0.03$; CC vs. TT: OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.53-1.00, $P_h=0.08$; CT vs. TT: OR=0.91, 95%CI: 0.79-1.05, $P_h=0.08$; C vs. T: OR=0.89, 95%CI: 0.74-1.07, $P_h=0.02$). In addition, the results were not changed when studies were stratified by cancer type. However, to verify our findings, it is essential to perform more well-designed studies with larger sample sizes in the future.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.5263-5272
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• 2012

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers in China. Adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) is a routine auxiliary treatment for GC recommended by the guidelines issued in 2011 by the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China, but the relevant credible consequences in China have been insufficient because of China's late start and ethical concerns. Methods: A series of databases, including Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Chinese database of the National Knowledge Infrastructure and the VIP database, were searched by 2 reviewers independently for studies investigating AC for GC through March 2012. The retrieved literature was screened according to the eligibility criteria. Results: A total of 35 randomized control trials (RCTs) were subjected to the final analysis, including 4,043 patients in treatment group and 3,884 in the control group, as well as 4 clinical-control trials (CCTs), which accessed the final analysis with 238 and 252 patients, respectively. AC reduced the risk of death as a protective treatment with statistical significance (HR=0.91, 95%CI: [0.85, 0.97], P=0.002), and it seemed more effective for Asian than non-Asian patients. The effects of AC were not influenced by the starting time (P>0.05). D2 lymphadenectomy-based chemotherapy was effective (HR=0.89, 95%CI: [0.80, 0.99], P=0.04). Oral S-1 40 mg/m2 after D2 lymphadenectomy might be a better choice for Asians with advanced GC and might result in a greater reduction of adverse events than in non-Asian patients. GRADE quality assessment determined that the strength of the evidence from foreign studies from Europe, the United States and Asian countries other than China was high, while it was moderate for Chinese studies. Conclusion: AC was effective or even curative in Chinese patients in general, although it is still necessary to optimize a targeted AC scheme for Chinese patients with GC.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2329-2334
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• 2012

Introduction: Many studies have reported that microRNA-21 (miR-21) mihght predict the survival outcome in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) but the opposite opinion has also been expressed. The aim of this study was to summarize the evidence for a prognostic role of miR-21. Materials and Methods: All the eligible studies was searched by Medline and EMBASE and patients' clinical characteristics and survival outcome were extracted. Then a meta-analysis was performed to clarify the prognostic role of the miR-21 expression in different subgroups. Results: A total of 8 eligible articles were yielded covering survival outcomes or clinical characteristics. The combined hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) for overall survival (OS) was 2.19 [0.76, 6.30], while the combined HR (95% CI) of Asian group for OS had a significant result, 5.49 [2.46, 12.27]. The combined HR (95% CI) for recurrence free survival or disease free survival (RFS/DFS) was 2.31 [1.52, 3.49]. Odds ratios (ORs) showed that the miR-21 expression was associated with lymph node status and histological type. Conclusion: miR-21 expression could predict the prognostic outcome of NSCLC in Asians, despite some deficiencies in the study data.

• Cartoon and Animation Studies
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• s.32
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• pp.335-361
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• 2013

This study examines the ethnoscape of TV dramas on three Korean nationwide television channels from 2005 to 2012 by breaking down how many non-Koreans appear and how they are represented. Among all TV dramas, 6.4% show non-Korean characters of which are generally supportive or small roles. These characters are categorized into four groups: adoration, sympathy, proximity, and other. The adoration group consists mostly of white males from USA or Europe that have professional careers such as medical doctors or lawyers and are positively represented with attractive appearance and nice character. On the other hand, the sympathy group is made up of Southeast, Central Asians and blacks. They are mainly represented as an underprivileged group: females and low-paid workers. In the proximity group are the Japanese and Chinese characters. The Japanese are often represented as rich people that are highly competent or are able to easily cooperate with Koreans. This result shows that Korean TV dramas provide racial and ethnic stereotypes. Though rarely, some dramas represent various lives of foreigners and racial others in Korea. This study contributes to the establishment of sound multiculturalism by analyzing representation of racial others in TV dramas and internalized stereotypes of foreigners in the diverse and multicultural Korean society.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.22
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• pp.9699-9706
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• 2014

Background: The predictive value of the xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) Lys751Gln polymorphism regarding clinical outcomes of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) receiving oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy has been evaluated in numerous published studies, but the results remain inconclusive. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to determine the precise role of the XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism in this clinical situation and optimize individual chemotherapy. Materials and Methods: A multiple search strategy was used to identify eligible studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs), generalized odds ratio (ORG) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the objective response, while hazard ratios (HRs) with 95%CIs were used for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results: A total of 17 studies including 2,286 patients met the inclusion criteria. Overall, the XPD 751Gln allele was associated with a non-significant reduced objective response to oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in all patients or in the Asian and Caucasian subgroups. However, poor PFS and OS of CRC patients treated with oxaliplatin-based regimens were significantly related to the XPD 751Gln allele in the dominant model (PFS: HR=2.10, 95%CI: 1.65-2.67; OS: HR=3.18, 95%CI: 1.57-6.47). On stratified analysis by ethnicity, these relationships were more pronounced in Asians (PFS: HR=2.49, 95%CI: 1.79-3.47; OS: HR=5.25, 95%CI: 3.46-7.94) than in Caucasians (PFS: HR=1.73, 95%CI: 1.22-2.46; OS: HR=1.78, 95%CI: 1.06-2.99). Conclusions: The XPD Lys751Gln polymorphism may have prognostic value in patients with CRC undergoing oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.154-171
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• 2006

By comparing to Chinese American banks, this research shows the uniqueness of Korean American banks. This article argues that instead of the cultural attributes and/or informal financial institutions, formal financial institutions, such as the ethnic banks studied here, are responsible for the business success of Asians abroad. However, ethnic banks have different development trajectories depending on their respective ethnic communities. Korean American banks are notably different from Chinese American banks in terms of growth, profitability, and banking strategies. Although both ethnic banks exercise relationship banking strategies in their loan portfolios, their deposit compositions are very different and cause significant differences in financial performance. The focus on business loans and high rates of non-interest deposits allow for higher growth rates in Korean American banks. Therefore, relationship banking does not adequately explain the differences of ethnic banks. This research attempts to understand the underlying factors in choosing banking strategies by mainly focusing on the unique examples found in Korean and Chinese immigrant societies. For Chinese Americans, the heterogeneity of their population composition and foreign influence dominate their bank structures. On the other hand, Korean American homogeneity and business orientation are distinctly different. The influence of Korean capital is not significant when compared to overseas Chinese capital.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.901-907
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• 2012

Objective: Cumulative evidence suggests that MLH1, the key component in the mismatch pathway, plays an important role in human cancers. Two potential functional polymorphisms (-93G>A and I219V) of MLH1 have been implicated in cancer risk. The aim of this meta-analysis was to summarize the evidence for associations. Methods: Eligible studies were identified by searching the electronic literature PubMed, ScienceDirect and Embase databases for relevant reports and bibliographies. Studies were included if of case-control design investigating MLH1 polymorphisms (-93G>A and I219V) and cancer risk with sufficient raw data for analysis. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were used to evaluate the strength of associations. Results: Our meta-analysis from 33 published case-control studies showed the variant A allele of -93G>A polymorphism to be associated with increased risk in all genetic models (AA vs. GG: OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.03-1.44), especially among non-Asians (AA vs. GG: OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04-1.58). For the I219V polymorphism, however, there was no main effect associated with overall cancer risk in any genetic model. Conclusions: The meta-analysis suggested that the MLH1 -93G>A polymorphism may be a biomarker of cancer susceptibility. Large sample association studies and assessment of gene-to-gene as well as gene-to-environment interactions are required to confirm these findings.