• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.120-124
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• 2016

Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the stomach is a very rare disease. However, the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, and prognosis of gastric SCC are controversial and remain to be elucidated. Herein, we report a case of primary gastric SCC of the remnant stomach after subtotal gastrectomy. A 65-year-old man was admitted to our hospital due to epigastric discomfort and dizziness. He had undergone subtotal gastrectomy 40 years previously for gastric ulcer perforation. Endoscopy revealed a normal esophagus and a large mass in the remnant stomach. Abdominal computed tomography revealed enhanced wall thickening of the anastomotic site and suspected metachronous gastric cancer. Endoscopic biopsy revealed SCC. Total gastrectomy was performed with Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy. A 10-cm tumor was located at the remnant stomach just proximal to the previous area of anastomosis. Pathologic examination showed well-differentiated SCC extended into the subserosa without lymph node involvement (T3N0M0). The patient received adjuvant systemic chemotherapy with 6 cycles of 5-FU and cisplatin regimen, and he is still alive at the 54-month follow-up. According to the treatment principles of gastric cancer, early detection and radical surgical resection can improve the prognosis.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.1480-1485
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• 2009

We conducted this study to report the clinical manifestations of 5 acute viral hepatitis type A treated by oriental medical treatment. Five hepatitis A patients who visited OO oriental hospital from May 2008 to July 2009 were treated by oriental medical treatment, including herbal acupuncture, acupuncture and herbal medicine and western medical treatment, including fluid therapy and peroral medicine. Prodromes were similar to influenza and duration from symptom onset to first visit were $5.0\;{\pm}\;1.6$ days. Chief symptoms included jaundice, itching, dark urine, anorexia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort. The mean values of the initial laboratory test were serum total bilirubin(TB) of $3.62\;{\pm}\;2.77\;mg/dL$, aspartate aminotransferase(AST) of $729\;{\pm}\;422\;IU/L$, alanine aminotransferase(ALT) $774\;{\pm}\;754\;IU/L$. The peak mean values of those were $6.30\;{\pm}\;2.13\;mg/dL$, $2177\;{\pm}\;2573\;IU/L$, $2238\;{\pm}\;1682\;IU/L$ respectively. The mean duration of hospitalization were $15\;{\pm}\;3$ days. Follow-up at 3 weeks after discharge showed that all patients recovered without complications. Treatment of oriental medicine has effectiveness on acute viral hepatitis type A. Further study is needed.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.329-336
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• 2003

Objective : We evaluated the therapeutic effect of Banwhasasimtang dry extract powder on gastrointestinal symptoms and its side effects in patients with functional dyspepsia. Methods : Patients with functional dyspepsia, defined as discomfort in the epigastrium. A total 45 patients participated in this study. Dyspeptic symptoms ratio was obtained by patients, total point of symptom score/total 21 points x 100(%). On each of symptom after 4 weeks administration of Banwhasashim-tang was made by variation of symptom score: If symptoms score of posttreatment is lower than that of pretreatment, it is improved ; Otherwise aggravated, and if there is no change between them, unchangeable. When a full health condition of normal control is assumed 100%, relative health condition of dyspeptic patient could be calculated from 'full health condition-dyspeptic symptoms ratio'. Therefore a whole satisfaction rate on symptom improvement was presented with variation of a relative health condition to dyspepsia between pretreatment and post. Results : Banwhasashimtang significantly improved symptoms in patients. The significance was shown in both all seven items(p<0.01, respectively) and 19.2% (p<0.01) of increase of a whole satisfaction rate on symptom improvement. There is no remarkable side-effect in all laboratory test, excepting 1 case of abdominal pain and another one case of recurred pain of chronic prostatitis. Conclusion : Banwhasashimtang extract provides symptomatic relief in functional dyspepsia and is no remarkable side-effect drug.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.251-256
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• 2001

In western medicine, there are some reports about herbal medicine induced hepatitis, but in oriental medicine, there are few reports about that. We experienced one case of drug acute cholestatic-hepatitis in the treatment of oriental medicine for HNP. We treated the patient with acupuncture, physical therapy and herb medicine. The patient's symptoms improved after two weeks of treatment. In the course of treatment, the patient intermittently complained of general weakness, nausea, yellowish urin, dyspepsia, and abdominal discomfort. We recognized that total bilirubin(7.2mg/dl), direct bilirubin(5.5mg/dl), serum transaminase(AST 360U/L, ALT 354U/L), alkaline phosphatase(16.6 K/A), urobilinogen(++) and bilirubin(++) were elevated. We diagnosed drug induced hepatitis. We stopped giving herb medicine and began giving Saeng gan gunbi-tang and Injin-oryung-san. Saeng gan gunbi-tang and Injin-oryung-san have been used to treat hepatic disease and have been known to have beneficial effects. After 3weeks on medication, the clinical symptoms and liver function improved. So, we report this case to bring more attention to the safety and toxicity of herbal medicine.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.447-456
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• 2020

Objectives: This review aimed to present the characteristics of hepatocellular cancer patients treated by Korean medicine. Methods: Sixty hepatocellular cancer patients in a Korean medicine hospital from July 2012 to December 2019 were studied. We evaluated the general characteristics, overall therapies, and chief complaints of the patients. Results: Of the patients, 55% were stage IV, and Korean medicine was accompanied by conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy, operation, and transarterial chemoembolization. An average number of hepatocellular cancer patients had admitted to the hospital. The patients' chief complaints were dyspnea, general weakness, abdominal discomfort, and cancer-related pain. Conclusions: This study illustrates the general characteristics of hepatocellular cancer patients on Korean medicine treatments. These findings suggest that further investigations with a rigorous study design and more participants are needed.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.285-293
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• 2023

Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a digestive disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort or pain accompanied by a change in stool condition. Owing to its complicated mechanisms, a standard treatment for IBS has not yet been established. Yukgunja-tang (YGT) is a Korean herbal medicine known in Asia to be effective in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms. In this study, we will conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the efficacy and safety of YGT in IBS treatment. Methods and analysis: English databases, such as Embase, Medline (via PubMed), Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, will be searched for articles published up to April 2023. Additional databases, such as five Korean, one Chinese, and one Japanese database, will be included. RCTs and quasi-RCTs will also be included in the assessment of the efficacy of YGT. The overall efficacy rate will be the primary outcome, and data such as IBS quality-of-life measurements, global symptom scores, and adverse events will be the secondary outcomes. Review Manager Version 5.3 will be used for evaluation, and the risk of bias (RoB) will be evaluated using Cochrane Collaboration's RoB tool. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach will be used to score the quality of evidence. Conclusion: This study will demonstrate the efficacy and safety of YGT for treating patients with IBS.

• Journal of Digestive Cancer Research
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.66-69
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• 2017

Approximately 40% of patients with colorectal cancer have metastatic lesions at the time of diagnosis, and chemotherapy is generally prescribed for these patients. Though several drugs are used, 5-FU has long been the backbone of chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Capecitabine is an oral 5-FU prodrug approved by the FDA in 2005 and is used alone or in combination for treatment of colorectal cancer. Recently, capecitabine has been used for a number of off-label indications, including the treatment of advanced or metastatic colorectal cancer. Here, we report a rare case of a 59-year-old woman, diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer who first presented with abdominal discomfort and dyspepsia. She showed a partial response to palliative first line FOLFOX chemotherapy, which had to be stopped due to peripheral neuropathy, as a side effect. She was next put on a second line chemotherapy regimen with capecitabine alone, since then she showed good treatment response without any disease progression.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.9
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• pp.1149-1161
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• 2023

Changes in the gut microbiome cause recolonization by pathogens and inflammatory responses, leading to the development of intestinal disorders. Probiotics administration has been proposed for many years to reverse the intestinal dysbiosis and to enhance intestinal health. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effects of two newly designed probiotic mixtures, Consti-Biome and Sensi-Biome, on two enteric pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli that may cause intestinal disorders. Additionally, the study was designed to evaluate whether Consti-Biome and Sensi-Biome could modulate the immune response, produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and reduce gas production. Consti-Biome and Sensi-Biome showed superior adhesion ratios to HT-29 cells and competitively suppressed pathogen adhesion. Moreover, the probiotic mixtures decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β. Cell-free supernatants (CFSs) were used to investigate the inhibitory effects of metabolites on growth and biofilms of pathogens. Consti-Biome and Sensi-Biome CFSs exhibited antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity, where microscopic analysis confirmed an increase in the number of dead cells and the structural disruption of pathogens. Gas chromatographic analysis of the CFSs revealed their ability to produce SCFAs, including acetic, propionic, and butyric acid. SCFA secretion by probiotics may demonstrate their potential activities against pathogens and gut inflammation. In terms of intestinal symptoms regarding abdominal bloating and discomfort, Consti-Biome and Sensi-Biome also inhibited gas production. Thus, these two probiotic mixtures have great potential to be developed as dietary supplements to alleviate the intestinal disorders.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.68-71
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• 2024

In the context of the massive spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the development of a COVID-19 vaccine is urgently needed. The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been widely applied across global populations. Herein, we report a case of acute interstitial nephritis with acute kidney injury in a young healthy subject after administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. A 20-year-old man was admitted with abdominal discomfort and nausea. He had received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine 6 days before. At 9 days after vaccination, his kidney function was decreased, with serum creatinine levels of 1.8 mg/dL. Even with supportive care with hydration, his kidney function worsened, and he underwent a kidney biopsy. The pathology findings revealed diffuse interstitial infiltration of inflammatory cells, predominantly comprising lymphocytes, with preservation of the glomerulus. No abnormal findings were noted by immunofluorescence or electron microscopy. Based on a diagnosis of drug-related acute interstitial nephritis, we treated the patient with high-dose prednisolone. After administration of prednisolone, kidney function slowly improved. A close linkage between COVID-19 vaccination and acute interstitial nephritis should be considered in the clinic, despite the low incidence.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.97-106
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• 2010

Aim of the study: An alternative source of adult stem cells that could be obtained in large quantities, under local anesthesia, with minimal discomfort would be advantageous. Adipose tissue could be processed to obtain a fibroblast-like population of cells or adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ATSCs). This study was performed to confirm the availability of ATSCs in bone tissue engineering. Materials amp; Methods: In this study, adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cell was extracted from the liposuctioned abdominal fat of 24-old human and cultivated, and the stem cell surface markers of CD 105 and SCF-R were confirmed by immunofluorescent staining. The proliferation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell and ATSCs were compared, and evaluated the osteogenic differentiation of ATSCs in a specific osteogenic induction medium. Osteogenic differentiation was assessed by von Kossa and alkaline phosphatase staining. Expression of osteocyte specific BMP-2, ALP, Cbfa-1, Osteopontin and osteocalcin were confirmed by RT-PCR. With differentiation of ATSCs, calcium concentration was assayed, and osteocalcin was evaluated by ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay). The bone formation by 5-week implantation of HA/TCP block loaded with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and ATSCs in the subcutaneous pocket of nude mouse was evaluated by histologic analysis. Results: ATSCs incubated in the osteogenic medium were stained positively for von Kossa and alkaline phosphatase staining. Expression of osteocyte specific genes was also detected. ATSCs could be easily identified through fluorescence microscopy, and bone formation in vivo was confirmed by using ATSC-loaded HA/TCP scaffold. Conclusions: The present results show that ATSCs have an ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and formed bone in vitro and in vivo. So ATSCs may be an ideal source for further experiments on stem cell biology and bone tissue engineering.