• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.1243-1250
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• 2003

This study was designed to elucidate the synergistic cytotoxic mechanisms of the co-treatment of adriamycin and Paljinhangahm-dan in human hepatoma malignant cancer cell line, HepG2. The combination of adriamycin and the ethanol extract of Paljinhangahm-dan synergistically augmented the cytotoxicity of Adriamycin and Paljinhangahm-dan in HepG2 cells. The cytotoxicity of two drugs was revealed as apoptosis characterized by DNA fragmentaton in agarose gel electrophoresis. The apoptotic cytotoxicity of adriamycin and Paljinhangahm-dan was accompanied by the cleavage of procaspase -3 protease and PARP. Of note, anti apoptotic Bcl2 protein was obviously decreased, but Fas was dramatically increased in HepG2 cells co-treated with Adriamycin and Paljinhangahm -dan. In addition, through 2-D gel electorphoresis, we observed that the expression levels of a lot of proteins were obviously changed by the status of drug treatments. This results suggest that the synergistic cytotoxicity of the co-treatment of adriamycin and Paljinhangahm-dan might be caused by the changes of the expression levels of a lot of proteins which play pivotal roles in cell survival or death.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.24 no.2
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• pp.151-159
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• 2008

Rhus verniciflua Stokes(RVS), one of traditional medicinal plants in Asia, was found to have pharmacological activities such as antioxidative and antiapoptotic effects, raising the possibility for the development of a novel class of anti-cancer drugs. Thus, potential genotoxic effects of RVS in three short-term mutagenicity assays were investigated, which included the Ames assay, in vitro Chromosomal aberration test, and the in vivo Micronucleus assay. In Ames test, the addition of RVS water extracts at doses from 313 up to 5000 mg/plate induced an increase more than 2-fold over vehicle control in the number of revertant colonies in TA98 and TA1537 strains for detecting the frame-shift mutagens. The similar increase in reversion frequency was observed after the addition of RVS ethanol extracts. To assess clastogenic effect, in vitro chromosomal aberration test and in vivo micronucleus assay were performed using Chinese hamster lung cells and male ICR mice, respectively. Both water and ethanol extracts from RVS induced significant increases in the number of metaphases with structural aberrations mostly at concentrations showing the cell survival less than 60% as assessed by in vitro CA test. Also, there was a weak but statistically significant increase in number of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes(MNPCEs) in mice treated with water extract at 2000 mg/kg while ethanol extracts of RVS at doses of up to 2000 mg/kg did not induce any statistically significant changes in the incidence of MNPCEs. Therefore, our results lead to conclusion that RVS acts as a genotoxic material based on the available in vitro and in vivo results.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.216-222
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• 2016

Purpose: To evaluate the benefit of adjuvant radiation therapy (RT) for retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS) following gross tumor removal. Materials and Methods: We reviewed 77 patients with primary RPLS surgically treated between January 2000 and December 2013. Cases with gross residual disease were excluded. Tumor grade was evaluated according to the French Federation of Cancer Centers Sarcoma Group (FNCLCC) system. Adjuvant RT was delivered to 32 patients (42%) using external beam RT alone. Median follow-up time was 36 months (range, 5 to 169). Results: Among 77 patients, 33 (43%) presented with well-differentiated, 31 (40%) with de-differentiated, 8 (10%) with myxoid/round and 4 (5%) with pleomorphic morphology. The RT group included less well-differentiated subtype than surgery group (28% vs. 53%). During follow up, 34 patients (44%) showed local recurrence. Local recurrence rate was lower in the RT group (38%) compared to the surgery group (49%). The 3-year local control rate (LC) was 55.6%, and the 3-year overall survival (OS) was 82.1%. Tumor histology and FNCLCC grade were significantly associated with local recurrence. There was no statistical significance of adding adjuvant RT in LC (p = 0.312). However, patients with tumor histology other than well-differentiated subtype showed marginally decreased local recurrence rate after adjuvant RT (3-year LC, RT 43.9% vs. no RT 35.3%; p = 0.087). Conclusion: RPLS patients receiving RT experienced less local recurrence. We suggest that the addition of adjuvant RT may be related to improvement of LCs, especially in patients with non-favorable histologic subtypes.

• BMB Reports
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.126-131
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• 2017

P48 Ebp1 is expressed in rapidly proliferating cells such as cancer cells and accelerates cell growth and survival. However, its expression pattern and role in central nervous system development have not been studied. Here, we demonstrated the spatiotemporal expression pattern of p48 Ebp1 during embryonic development and the postnatal period. During embryonic development, p48 Ebp1 was highly expressed in the brain. Expression gradually decreased after birth but was still more abundant than p42 expression after birth. Strikingly, we found that p48 Ebp1 was expressed in a cell type specific manner in neurons but not astrocytes. Moreover, p48 Ebp1 physically interacted with beta tubulin but not alpha tubulin. This fits with its accumulation in distal microtubule growth cone regions. Furthermore, in injured hippocampal slices, p48 Ebp1 introduction promoted axon regeneration. Thus, we speculate that p48 Ebp1 might contribute to microtubule dynamics acting as an MAP and promotes CNS axon regeneration.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.66-73
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• 2009

Tumor angiogenesis is a process leading to formation of blood vessels within tumors and is crucial for maintaining a supply of oxygen and nutrients to support tumor growth and metastasis. Vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) plays a key role in tumor angiogenesis including induction of endothelial cell proliferation, migration, survival and capillary tube formation. VEGF binds to two distinct receptors on endothelial cells. VEGFR-2 is considered to be the dominant signaling receptor for endothelial cell permeability, proliferation, and differentiation. Bevacizumab(Avastin, Genetech, USA) is a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor. It is used in the treatment of cancer, where it inhibits tumor growth by blocking the formation of new blood vessels. The goal of this study is to identify the anti-tumor effect of Bevacizumab(Avastin) for oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines. Human squamous cell carcinoma cell line(HN4) was used in this study. We examined the sensitivity of HN4 cell line to Bevacizumab(Avastin) by using in vitro proliferation assays. The results were as follows. 1. In the result of MTT assay according to concentration of Bevacizumab(Avastin), antiproliferative effect for oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines was observed. 2. The growth curve of cell line showed the gradual growth inhibition of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines after exposure of Bevacizumab(Avastin). 3. In the apoptotic index, groups inoculated Bevacizumab(Avastin) were higher than control groups. 4. In condition of serum starvation, VEGFR-2 did not show any detectable autophosphorylation, whereas the addition of VEGF activated the receptor. Suppression of phosphorylated VEGFR-2 and phosphorylated MAPK was observed following treatment with Bevacizumab(Avastin) in a dose-dependent manner. 5. In TEM view, dispersed nuclear membrane, scattered many cytoplasmic vacuoles and localized chromosomal margination after Bevacizumab(Avastin) treatment were observed. These findings suggest that Bevacizumab(Avastin) has the potential to inhibit MAPK pathway in proliferation of oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines via inhibition of VEGF-dependent tumor growth.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.360-364
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• 2009

Objective : Several treatment options have proven effective for metastatic brain tumors, including surgery and stereotactic radiosurgery. Tumors with cystic components, however, are difficult to treat using a single method. We retrospectively assessed the outcome and efficacy of gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for cystic brain metastases after stereotactic aspiration of cystic components to decrease the tumor volume. Methods : The study population consisted of 24 patients (13 males, 11 females; mean age, 58.3 years) with cystic metastatic brain tumors treated from January 2002 to August 2008. Non-small cell lung cancer was the most common primary origin. After Leksell stereotactic frame was positioned on each patient, magnetic resonance images (MRI)-guided stereotactic cyst aspiration and GKRS were performed (mean prescription dose : 20.2 Gy). After treatment, patients were evaluated by MRI every 3 or 4 months. Results : After treatment, 13 patients (54.2%) demonstrated tumor control, 5 patients (20.8%) showed local tumor progression, and 6 patients (25.0%) showed remote progression. Mean follow-up duration was 13.1 months. During this period, 10 patients (41.7%) died, but only 1 patient (4.2%) died from brain metastases. The overall median survival after these procedures was 17.8 months. Conclusion : These results support the usefulness of GKRS after stereotactic cyst aspiration in patients with large cystic brain metastases. This method is especially effective for the patients whose general condition is very poor for general anesthesia and those with metastatic brain tumors located in eloquent areas.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.44-50
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• 2013

Background The aim of this investigation was to systematically review the current literature to provide the best data for indications, outcomes, survival, and complication rates of pedicled propeller perforator flaps for upper body defects. Methods A comprehensive literature review for articles published from January 1991 to December 2011 was performed using the PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Databases. Articles without available full-text, single case reports or papers with excessive missing data were excluded. Papers reporting pedicle-perforator (propeller) flaps used for lower extremity reconstruction were excluded from meta-analysis. Results From the initial 1,736 studies our search yielded, 343 studies qualified for the second stage of selection. Of 117 full-text reports screened, 41 studies, met the definitive inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of the selected 41 articles, 26 were case series, original papers or retrospective reviews and were included, whereas 15 were case report papers and therefore were excluded. Two hundred ninety-five propeller flaps were reported to have been used in a total of 283 patients. Indications include repair of trauma-induced injuries, post-trauma revision surgery, cancer resection, chronic infection, pressure sores, and chronic ulcers with a major complication rate (3.3%) comparable to that of free flaps. No specific exclusion criteria for the procedure were presented in the studies reviewed. Conclusions Pedicled propeller flaps are a versatile and safe reconstructive option that are easy and quick to raise and that provide unlimited clinical solutions because of the theoretical possibility of harvesting them based on any perforator chosen among those classified in the body.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.238-243
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• 2013

Background Primary malignant tumors of the hand, although unusual, may present varied and often complex clinical problems. The main treatment modality of skin cancer of the hand has changed. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 43 patients who underwent surgery for malignant skin tumors of the hand during an 18-year period, from September 1994 to February 2012. The characteristics of the tumor, methods of reconstruction, and long-term results were reviewed. Results We had 43 patients with 27 melanomas, 14 squamous cell carcinomas, and 2 sarcomas. Their ages ranged from 19 to 74 years (mean, $53.4{\pm}14.5$ years), from 46 to 79 years (mean, $59.7{\pm}9.6$ years), and from 15 to 43 years (mean, $29{\pm}19.8$ years), respectively. Thirty-four cases occurred on the fingertip (16 of those cases on the thumb), 5 cases occurred on the palm, and 4 cases on the dorsum of the hand. Amputation was most frequently used in early cases, but recently, tissue-sparing excision has been performed frequently. The incidence of local recurrence was 3 cases and distant metastasis was 1 case, and the 5-year survival rate was 100%, except in 4 cases due to follow-up loss. Conclusions The principles of treatment-to be curative and to preserve function and appearance-are important points. "Preservative surgery" preserves function and cosmesis of the involved finger or hand dorsum or palm. Preservative surgery not only emphasizes less resection and surgery of a smaller scale, but also optimal reconstruction of the soft tissue defect of the digit.

• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.901-910
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• 2008

Incidence of Plasmodium vivax malaria in South Korea have been reemerged from mid-1990 and infected around 1600 patients annually recent years. The authors calculated the distribution of malaria infection and prevalence in South Korea using incidence (2001-2006) and incubation period distributions by a back-calculation formula and the least squares estimation method. The estimated infection has a normal distribution with a mean 207 and a standard deviation 30.7 days. In addition, the authors found the estimated daily average prevalence is 628.8 patients.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.65-70
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• 1987

하인두암은 거의 대부분 이상동(Pyriform Sinus) 에서 발생하며 상당한 정도 진행 시까지 별다른 증상을 나타내지 않는다. 저자들은 1966년부터 1985년까지 만 20년간 하인두에서 발생된 암환자 63명을 중심으로 임상 관찰 및 문헌고찰과 함께 발표하는바이다. 원발병소로는 전체 중 58명에서 이상동, 하인두벽(hypopharyngeal wall) 3명, Postcricoid hypopharynx 와 pharyngopalatine fold 에서 각각 1명씩의 발생빈도를 보였다. 저자들은 설저(base of tongue)암, supraglottic Ca. 및 경부 식도(cervical esophagus)암 경우는 모두 제외시켰다. 임상증상으로서는 경부 종괴(lump)가 33 예로써 가장 현저했으며 또한 첫증상으로써 연하곤란(dysphagia) 또는 sore throat를 나타낸 경우는 32 예 이었다. 그 외에 hoarseness 가 20 예, bloody sputum 4 례 및 호흡곤란 2 예의 순이었다. 내원까지의 증상기간은 대부분 $4{\sim}6$ 개월 이었다. 흡연관계는 1일 1값 이상의 중등도 흡연 경우는 전체의 58% 이었으며 흡연 사실이 있었던 경우는 전체의 88% 이었다. 연령별 발생빈도는 50대$\sim$60대에서 48명으로서 현저히 높았다. 완치 목적의 수술적 치료는 24명에서 시행하였으며 치료 거절은 16명이었다. 치료 거절하였던 환자들 중 81% 가 임상적 제 4 병기였으며 보조적 치료 요법을 실시한 환자들의 78% 에서 제 4 병기였다. 또한 완치 목적의 치료 실시 경우의 67% 에서 제 4 병기였다. 수술요법은 일반적으로 "후두 인두 적출술 및 양측 경정맥 임파군 곽청술"(laryngopharyngectomy with bilateral jugular dissection) 또는 후두 인두 적출술 및 동측의 표준 광범위 경부 곽청술(standard radical neck dissection) 과 반대측의 경정맥 임파군 곽청술을 시행하였다. 3 년 이내와 3 년 이상무병 상태(free of disease) 경우가 각각 4명씩이었다. 마지막 예후 추적 조사시까지 무병 상태였던 환자를 포함하여 예후 추적 조사기간 중 추적 실패 경우는 7명이었다. 확정된 3 년 생존율(determinate 3-year survival rate) 은 31% 이었다. 수술 사망이 1명 있었으며 재발경우는 9 명이었다. 재발부위로는 원발병소 재발이 7명, 경부 재발 1명 및 원격전이가 1명 이었으며, 저자들은 이에 대한 실패 원인을 규명코져 하였다.