• Journal of Korean Traditional Oncology
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.23-36
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• 2020

Objective: This study was aimed to report the therapeutic effects of herbal medicine on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Methods: The prior studies were searched from the databases included PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, CNKi, CiNii, KISS, NDSL, KMBASE, and OASIS until September 2020. The main search keywords were chemotherapy, peripheral neuropathy, and herbal medicine, and only randomized controlled trials that analyzed the therapeutic efficacy of herbal medicine were included. The Cochrane's Risk of Bias was used for assessment of the risk of bias and the Review Manager 5.3 program was used for meta-analysis. Meta-analyses were grouped by the administration routes of herbal medicines (oral administration or topical use). Results: Nine studies with a total of 563 participants were included. Compared with usual care, the effective rate was higher in oral administrated herbal medicine (RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.25 to 2.23; p<0.001, I2=31%). In addition, topical herbal medicine showed an significantly higher effective rate than placebo (RR 2.20, 95% CI 1.52 to 3.18; p<0.001, I2=0%) and usual care (RR 2.24, 95% CI 1.74 to 2.89; p<0.001, I2=66%). There was no severe adverse effect in all participants. Conclusions: Herbal medicine appears to improve neuropathy caused by chemotherapy in cancer patients more than conventional therapy of CIPN. However, as there is heterogeneity between the included studies and a lack of blinding, further well-designed researches are more needed.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.99-104
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• 2021

In this study, we investigated safety and efficacy of a low temperature immunization protocol with NNV in red spotted grouper, Epinephelus akaara and long tooth grouper, Epinephelus bruneus and seven band grouper, Hyporthodus septemfasciatus. Further, growth rate between immunized and naïve fish was evaluated during the experiment to check side effect of immunization. Three grouper species were immunized by immersion method with live NNV at 10^5.0 TCID₅₀/mL at 16.5℃ for 30 min and reared for 120 days at natural sea water temperature. To evaluate growth rate, total length and wet weight was measured 7 times after immunization. Immunized three grouper species were challenged by intramuscular inoculation with NNV at 10^4.2 TCID₅₀/100 µL/fish. Immunization at low temperature with live NNV did not show any clinical symptoms of infection, mortality and inhibition of growth. After challenge, cumulative mortality of naïve seven band grouper, red spotted grouper, long tooth grouper were 45, 10, 20 %, respectively. However no mortality was observed at immunized groupers. Thus, it was demonstrated that immunization at low temperature with live NNV are able to protect three different species of groupers without inhibition of growth.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.771-779
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• 2022

Background: As a kind of common complication of the surgery of perianal diseases, perianal ulcer is known as a nuisance. This study aims to develop a kind of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rg3 (Rg3)-loaded hydrogel to treat perianal ulcers in a rat model. Methods: The copolymers PLGA₁₆₀₀-PEG₁₀₀₀-PLGA₁₆₀₀ were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization process and Rg3-loaded hydrogel was then developed. The perianal ulcer rat model was established to analyze the treatment efficacy of Rg3-loaded hydrogel for ulceration healing for 15 days. The animals were divided into control group, hydrogel group, free Rg3 group, Rg3-loaded hydrogel group, and Lidocaine Gel® group. The residual wound area rate was calculated and the blood concentrations of interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were recorded. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, Masson's Trichrome (MT) staining, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), Ki-67, CD31, ERK1/2, and NF-κB immunohistochemical staining were performed. Results: The biodegradable and biocompatible hydrogel carries a homogenous interactive porous structure with 10 ㎛ pore size and five weeks in vivo degradation time. The loaded Rg3 can be released sustainably. The in vitro cytotoxicity study showed that the hydrogel had no effect on survival rate of murine skin fibroblasts L929. The Rg3-loaded hydrogel can facilitate perianal ulcer healing by inhibiting local and systematic inflammatory responses, swelling the proliferation of nuclear cells, collagen deposition, and vascularization, and activating ERK signal pathway. Conclusion: The Rg3-loaded hydrogel shows the best treatment efficacy of perianal ulcer and may be a candidate for perianal ulcer treatment.

• The Journal of Korean Obstetrics and Gynecology
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.124-141
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• 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan combination therapy for the treatment of precocious puberty. Methods: 6 databases were searched from the date of inception until April 2021 for relevant studies. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized controlled trials (nRCTs) which focused on effects of Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan on precocious puberty. Results: Total 8 literatures were included in qualitative analysis and meta analysis on results was conducted on 4 synthesizable studies. The response rate was significantly higher in Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan combination group than in conventional therapy group. Also, serum estradiol and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level were significantly lower in Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan combination group than in conventional therapy group. Conclusions: It seems that combination therapy of Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan can effectively reduce serum estradiol and FSH level while increasing response rate significantly. Further high quality studies are needed to supplement the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of Jibaekjihwang-hwan and Daeboeum-hwan on precocious puberty.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.5
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• pp.730-740
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• 2022

Objective : Although several commercialized bone cements are used during percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) for patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF), there are no reports using domestic products from South Korea. In this study, we investigated the safety and efficacy of Spinofill^® (Injecta Inc., Gunpo, Korea), a new polymethyl methacrylate product. Methods : A prospective, single-center, and single-arm clinical trial of 30 participants who underwent PVP using Spinofill^® for painful thoracolumbar OVCF was performed with 6-months follow-up. Clinical and surgical outcomes included the Visual analog scale (VAS), Korean-Oswestry disability index (K-ODI), and Odom's criteria, complication rate, and recurrence rate. Radiological outcomes were evaluated by measuring the findings of postoperative computed tomography and simple radiograph. Results : The pain of VAS (from 8.95±1.05 to 4.65±2.06, p<0.001) and the life quality based on K-ODI (from 33.95±5.84 to 25.65±4.79, p<0.001) improved significantly, and successful patient satisfaction were achieved in 20 patients (66.7%) 1 day after surgery. These immediate improvements were maintained or more improved during the follow-up. There was no surgery- or product-related complications, but OVCF recurred in two patients (6.7%). Favorable cement interdigitation was reported in 24 patients (80.0%), and extra-vertebral cement leakage was reported in 13 patients (43.0%). The mean vertebral height ratio (from 60.49%±21.97% to 80.07%±13.16%, p<0.001) and segmental kyphotic angle (from 11.46°±8.50° to 7.79°±6.08°, p=0.002) improved one day after surgery. However, these short-term radiological findings somewhat regressed at the end. Conclusion : The overall outcomes of PVP using Spinofill^® were as favorable as those of other conventionally used products.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.439-448
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• 2023

Tick infestation causes a significant threat to human and animal health, requiring effective immunological control methods. This study aimed to investigate the potential of recombinant Haemaphysalis longicornis enolase protein for tick vaccine development. The exact mechanism of the recently identified enolase protein from the H. longicornis Jeju strain remains poorly understood. Enolase plays a crucial role in glycolysis, the metabolic process that converts glucose into energy, and is essential for the motility, adhesion, invasion, growth, and differentiation of ticks. In this study, mice were immunized with recombinant enolase, and polyclonal antibodies were generated. Western blot analysis confirmed the specific recognition of enolase by the antiserum. The effects of immunization on tick feeding and attachment were assessed. Adult ticks attached to the recombinant enolase-immunized mice demonstrated longer attachment time, increased bloodsucking abilities, and lower engorgement weight than the controls. The nymphs and larvae had a reduced attachment rate and low engorgement rate compared to the controls. Mice immunized with recombinant enolase expressed in Escherichia coli displayed 90% efficacy in preventing tick infestation. The glycolytic nature of enolase and its involvement in crucial physiological processes makes it an attractive target for disrupting tick survival and disease transmission. Polyclonal antibodies recognize enolase and significantly reduce attachment rates, tick feeding, and engorgement. Our findings indicate that recombinant enolase may be a valuable vaccine candidate for H. longicornis infection in experimental murine model.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.224-236
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• 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a mobile-based breastfeeding promotion program (M-BFGDM) that helps mothers with gestational diabetes. Methods: Forty-seven mothers participated in the study, of whom 22 were in the experimental group and 25 in the control group. To verify the effects, a lag design before and after the non-equivalence control group was used. The data collection for the experimental group was done before and after the intervention. Results: In the results, breastfeeding knowledge showed a significant difference in the interaction between measurement period and group (χ² = 8.14, p = .017), whereas breastfeeding intention did not show a significant difference in the interaction (χ² = 4.73, p = .094). There was no difference in self-efficacy interaction (F = 0.13, p = .856). The breastfeeding method showed no difference in interaction (F = 0.04, p = .952), whereas cross-analysis showed a significant difference in breastfeeding practice rate between the experimental group and the control group at 1 month postpartum (χ² = 7.59, p = .006). Conclusion: A mobile-based breastfeeding promotion program was developed and applied for gestational diabetic mothers, resulting in an increase in breastfeeding knowledge and an improvement in breastfeeding practice rate one month after childbirth. In addition, M-BFGDM managed to create a breastfeeding practice environment with fewer time and place restrictions. A program study that complements motivation is needed to improve breastfeeding in pregnant diabetic mothers in the future.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.4
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• pp.2557-2561
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• 2013

Background: Chemoradiation (CRT) using cisplatin-based regimens has become the standard of care in the treatment of squamous cell head and neck cancers (SCHNC). The impact of taxanes as radiosensitizing agents with concurrent CRT regimens is unknown. We therefore retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a weekly cisplatin+docetaxel combination with CRT in locally advanced SCHNC. Methods: Sixty-six patients with locally advanced SCHNC (39.4% stage IV, 53% stage III, and 7.6% stage II) were assessed retrospectively. Total radiation dose to the PTV of gross disease (primary and/or node) was 70 Gy/35 fractions, 5 fractions per week. Minimum doses of 60 Gy and 50 Gy were administered to PTVs of elective high risk and low risk disease, respectively. Chemotherapy (CT) consisted of weekly cisplatin (20 $mg/m^2$)+docetaxel (20 $mg/m^2$) concurrently with RT. Results: The median age of the patients was 58 years (range, 32-77). Objective response rate was 83.3%. The 2-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 75.7% and 78.3%, respectively. The most common grade 3 and 4 toxicities were mucositis (36.4%), nausea and vomiting (12.1%), neutropenia (4.5%). Conclusion: Weekly cisplatin and docetaxel concurrent with RT for locally advanced SCHNC was found tolerable with high efficacy.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4773-4776
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• 2012

Objectives: To assess the efficacy, side effects, and the impact on quality of life with $Qinin^{(R)}$ (Cantharidin sodium) injection combined with chemotherapy for gastric cancer patients. Method: A consecutive cohort of 70 patients were divided into two groups: experimental group with cantharidin sodium injection combined with chemotherapy, while the control group received chemotherapy alone. After more than two courses of treatment, efficacy, quality of life and side effects were evaluated. Results: The response rate of experimental group was not significantly different from that of the control group (P>0.05), but differences were significant in clinical benefit response and KPS score. In addition, gastrointestinal reactions and the incidence of leukopenia were lower than in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusions: $Qinin^{(R)}$ (Cantharidin sodium) injection combined with chemotherapy enhances clinical benefit response, improving quality of life of gastric cancer patients and reducing side effects of chemotherapy. Thus $Qinin^{(R)}$ (Cantharidin sodium) injection deserves to be further investigated in randomized control clinical trails.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2020

Background: Nivolumab and pembrolizumab are antagonists of the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) receptor that function as immuno-oncological agents. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nivolumab and pembrolizumab in elderly patients in outpatient settings. Methods: The safety and efficacy of nivolumab and pembrolizumab were compared retrospectively among patients at the Veterans Health Service (VHS) Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, from September 1, 2017 to August 25, 2018. Results: Eighty-seven patients were selected for the study. The median progression-free survival was 63 days for nivolumab (95% confidence interval (CI), [14 to 282]) vs. 243 days for pembrolizumab (95% CI, [22 to 348]) (p =0.04). The objective response rate (ORR) was 0% in the nivolumab group vs 5.6% in the pembrolizumab group (p =0.310). All the patients exhibited treatment-related adverse effects. More than 89% of the patients exhibited diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Pneumonia, of grades three or higher, was the most common adverse effect, followed by weakness and anorexia. Conclusions: There was no statistically significant difference between the nivolumab group and the pembrolizumab group with respect to the ORR. The incidence and severity of the adverse effects in this study were higher than those of previous studies; however, these adverse effects are generally manageable in a real-world clinical setting. Further randomized controlled studies will be necessary to confirm these results in elderly patients.