• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.1225-1233
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• 2015

This study aims to clarify the psychosocial reactions of female patients with gynecological cancer undergoing chemotherapy and in the process of suffering from alopecia and to examine their nursing support. The target group comprised female patients who had received two or more cycles of chemotherapy, were suffering from alopecia, and were aged 30-65. Data were collected from semi-structured interviews, conducted from the time the patients were informed by their doctors that they might experience alopecia due to chemotherapy to the time they actually experienced alopecia and until they were able to accept the change. Inductive qualitative analysis was employed to close in on the subjective experiences of the cancer patients. The results showed the existence of six phases in the psychosocial reactions in the process of alopecia: phase one was the reaction after the doctor's explanation; phase two was the reaction when the hair starts to fall out; phase three was the reaction when the hair starts to intensely fall out; phase four was the reaction when the hair has completely fallen out; phase five was the reaction to behavior for coping with alopecia; and phase six was the reaction to change in interpersonal human relationships. The results also made it clear that there are five types of reaction patterns as follows: 1) treatment priority interpersonal relationship maintenance type; 2) alopecia agitated interpersonal relationship maintenance type; 3) alopecia agitated interpersonal relationship reduction type; 4) alopecia denial interpersonal relationship reduction type; and 5) alopecia denial treatment interruption type. It is important to find out which of the five types the patients belong to early during treatment and provide support so that nursing intervention that suits each individual can be practiced. The purpose of this study is to make clear the process in which patients receiving chemotherapy come to accept alopecia and to examine evidence-based nursing care on patients with strong mental distress from alopecia.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
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• v.43 no.6
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• pp.747-753
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• 2011

It is commonly believed that black soybean (Glycine max: BB) prevents and alleviates hair loss. However, few studies have directly assessed the effect of BB on hair growth. We presently evaluated the mitosis induction on dermal papillae cell and mitogenic effect on NIH3T3 cells in vitro. To elucidate the hair growth promoting effect in vivo, anagen induction and hair restoration were examined in a shaving model of C57BL/6 mice. We also conducted biochemical analysis of blood plasma. Significant stimulation of dermal papillae and NIH3T3 cell proliferation were observed by treatment of BB in a dose-dependent manner. BB markedly promoted hair growth and significantly improved blood total antioxidant capacity and reduced lipid peroxidation and triglyceride level. These results suggest that BB has hair growth promoting effect and it is a potent candidate for the prevention of hair loss.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.167-174
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• 2010

The hair nourisher products are used for prevention of hair loss and classified as quasi-drug in Korea. As concerns about hair loss has been increased, the demand for hair nourisher products has been growing. It is difficult to analyze their main ingredients because they contain various ingredients including natural plant extracts, vitamins, preservatives and exfoliators. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate simultaneous analytical methods of active ingredients in hair nourisher products such as nicotinamide, tocopherol, salicylic acid, dexpanthenol and benzyl nicotinate by HPLC. The active ingredients were separated on a $C_{18}$ column by using acetonitrile/phosphate buffer as a mobile phase, and detected at UV 220, 270 and 300 nm. The calibration curve showed linearity in the range of $12.5{\sim}800\;{\mu}g/mL$ and the recoveries were 97.3 ~ 103.5 % (RSD 0.9 ~ 2.8 %) in liquid matrix and 101.9 ~ 115.9 % (RSD 0.7 ~ 7.7 %) in shampoo matrix. Validated method was applied to hair nourisher products obtained from distribution market. Fortunately, all samples met their criteria. This study might be expected to provide the method for determining active ingredients in hair nourisher products and lead to promote a rapid market entry.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.32 no.6
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• pp.647-652
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• 2021

In this study, Saussurea Lappa roots were extracted using ethanol and n-hexane, and also the effects on proliferation of human hair dermal papilla cells and fibroblast and related signaling pathway were evaluated. 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was conducted for cell proliferation effect of Saussurea Lappa root extract, and extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), serine/threonine protein kinase (Akt), wingless-related integration site (Wnt)/𝛽-catenin signaling pathway, and 5𝛼-reductase expression through western blot analysis were measured. Saussurea Lappa root extract significantly increased human hair dermal papilla cells and propagation of fibroblast, promoted phosphorylation of ERK and Akt that get involved in cell proliferation. Additionally, Saussurea Lappa root extract significantly decreased promotion of Akt phosphorylation and cell proliferation by MEK/ERK inhibitor PD98059 and PI3K/Akt inhibitor LY294002. Also, Saussurea Lappa root extract induced intranuclear 𝛽-catenin accumulation by promoting phosphorylation of 𝛽-catenin (Ser552, 675) through phosphorylation of GSK-3𝛽 (Ser9), and suppressed activation of 5𝛼-reductase type I and II. Overall, Saussurea Lappa root induces cell proliferation through vitalization of ERK and Akt route of human hair dermal papilla cells and fibroblast and apoptosis defense mechanism, and can be helpful in hair loss prevention and hair growth by vitalizing the 𝛽-catenin signaling pathway and inhibiting activation of 5𝛼-reductase, which can be used as a potential hair care products.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.332-336
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• 2020

Homozygous mutations in NUDT15 R139C are known as the major factor associated with thiopurine-induced early leukopenia, particularly in Asian patients. Therefore, NUDT15 genotyping is currently recommended before thiopurine treatment to identify patients who are NUDT15 poor metabolizers and consider the use of an alternative immunomodulatory therapy. We report a case of a 12-year-old Korean girl with Crohn's disease (CD), in whom thiopurine-induced leukopenia was prevented by initiation of azathioprine (AZA) therapy at a low dose (0.5 mg/kg/day) and early detection of significant hair loss and white blood cell (WBC) count decrease at 17 days from the start of AZA treatment. The WBC count dropped from 8,970/μL to 3,370/μL in 2 weeks, and AZA treatment was stopped because of concerns of potential leukopenia in the near future. Her WBC count recovered to 5,120/μL after 3 weeks. Gene analysis later revealed that she had a homozygous mutation in NUDT15 R139C, resulting in a poor metabolizing activity of NUDT15. In situations when NUDT15 genotyping is unavailable, initiation of AZA therapy at 0.5 mg/kg/day with close observation of hair loss and WBC counts within 2 weeks may be an alternative way to prevent thiopurine-induced early leukopenia in Asian children with CD.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.103-108
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• 2011

Purpose: Opposing portal irradiation with helmet field shape that has been given to a patient with brain metastasis can cause excess dose in patient's scalp, resulting in hair loss. For this reason, this study is to quantitatively analyze scalp dose for effective prevention of hair loss by comparing opposing portal irradiation with scalp-shielding shape and tomotherapy designed to protect patient's scalp with conventional radiation therapy. Materials and Methods: Scalp dose was measured by using three therapies (HELMET, MLC, TOMO) after five thermo-luminescence dosimeters were positioned along center line of frontal lobe by using RANDO Phantom. Scalp dose and change in dose distribution were compared and analyzed with DVH after radiation therapy plan was made by using Radiation Treatment Planning System (Pinnacle3, Philips Medical System, USA) and 6 MV X-ray (Clinac 6EX, VARIAN, USA). Results: When surface dose of scalp by using thermo-luminescence dosimeters was measured, it was revealed that scalp dose decreased by average 87.44% at each point in MLC technique and that scalp dose decreased by average 88.03% at each point in TOMO compared with HELMET field therapy. In addition, when percentage of volume (V95%, V100%, V105% of prescribed dose) was calculated by using Dose Volume Histogram (DVH) in order to evaluate the existence or nonexistence of hotspot in scalp as to three therapies (HELMET, MLC, TOMO), it was revealed that MLC technique and TOMO plan had good dose coverage and did not have hot spot. Conclusion: Reducing hair loss of a patient who receives whole brain radiotherapy treatment can make a contribution to improve life quality of the patient. It is expected that making good use of opposing portal irradiation with scalp-shielding shape and tomotherapy to protect scalp of a patient based on this study will reduce hair loss of a patient.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.13
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• pp.5305-5309
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• 2014

Background: This study aimed to assess the most common physical side effects experienced by local chemotherapy patients. Their perceptions of these side effects and informational needs from clinical pharmacists were also evaluated. Materials and Methods: This was a single-center, cross-sectional study. A face-to-face interview guided by a structured questionnaire with cancer patients admitted to receive repeated cycles of chemotherapy was conducted. Information collected included chemotherapy-related side effects after last chemotherapy experience, the most worrisome side effects, the side effects overlooked by healthcare professionals and the preferred method, amount and source of receiving related information. Results: Of 99 patients recruited, 90 participated in this survey (response rate: 90.9%). The majority were in the age range of 45-64 years (73.3%) and female (93.3%). Seventy-five (83.3%) and seventy-one (78.9%) experienced nausea and vomiting, respectively. Both symptoms were selected as two of the most worrisome side effects (16.7% vs. 33.3%). Other common and worrisome side effects were hair loss and loss of appetite. Symptoms caused by peripheral neuropathies were perceived as the major symptoms being overlooked (6.7%). Most patients demanded information about side effects (60.0%) and they would like to receive as much information as possible (86.7%). Oral conversation (83.3%) remained as the preferred method and the clinical pharmacist was preferred by 46.7% of patients as the educator in this aspect. Conclusions: The high prevalence of chemotherapy-related side effects among local patients is of concern. Findings of their perceptions and informational needs may serve as a valuable guide for clinical pharmacists to help in side effect management in Malaysia.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.8
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• pp.3593-3599
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• 2014

Background: Efficacy of childhood cancer treatment in low-income countries may be impacted by parents' and health-care providers' perspectives on chemotherapy-related side-effects. This study explores prevalence and severity of side-effects in childhood cancer, and compares health beliefs about side-effects between parents and health-care providers, and between nurses and doctors in Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured questionnaires were filled in by 40 parents and 207 health-care providers in an academic hospital. Results: Parents exporessed a desire to receive more information about side-effects (98%) and worried about this aspect of treatment (90%), although side-effects were less severe than expected (66%). The most frequent was behavior alteration (98%) and the most severe was hair loss. Only 26% of parents consulted doctors about side-effects. More parents, compared to health-care providers, believed that medicines work better when side-effects are more severe (p<0.001), and accepted severe side-effects (p=0.021). More health-care providers, compared to parents, believed that chemotherapy can be stopped or the dosage altered when there are side-effects (p=0.011). More nurses, compared to doctors, stated that side-effects were unbearable (p=0.004) and made them doubt efficacy of treatment (p<0.001). Conclusions: Behavior alteration is the most frequent and hair loss the most severe side-effect. Apparent discrepancies in health beliefs about side-effects exist between parents and health-care providers. A sustainable parental education program about side-effects is recommended. Health-care providers need to update and improve their knowledge and communication skills in order to give appropriate information. Suchmeasures may improve outcome of childhood cancer treatment in low-income countries, where adherence to therapy is a major issue.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.23
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• pp.10273-10276
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• 2015

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of nimotuzumab combined with chemotherapy in the treatment of late gastric cancer. Methods: A total of 34 reoccurrence or metastatic patients with late stage gastric cancer who were confirmed by histopathology and/or cytology were selected and randomly divided into observational and control groups, of 17 cases each. Patients in the control group were treated with the standard DCF plan, while patients in observational group additionally received nimotuzumab. The short-term and long-term efficacy and adverse reactions in the 2 groups were followed. Results: The objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 64.7% (11/17) and 82.4% (14/17) in observational group and 25.0%(4/16) and 37.5%(6/16) in the control group(ORR and DCR between 2 groups, ${\chi}^2=5.2412$, P=0.0221 and ${\chi}^2=6.9453$, P=0.0084). The median progression-free survival (PFS) time and median overall survival (OS) time were 6.50 months and 12.50 months in observational group and 4.50 months and 8.25 months in the control group (P=0.0212; P=0.0255). The main toxic and side effects in the 2 groups were reduced leukocytes and hemoglobin, gastrointestinal reactions and hair loss and these were relieved after symptomatic treatment and nutrition support therapy. There were no differences in the occurrence of toxic and side effects between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Nimotuzumab combined with DCF plan is effective in treating late stage gastric cancer. A larger scale study is now warranted for confirmation of the findings.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.18
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• pp.7805-7809
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• 2014

Objective: To explore the clinical efficacy and prognostic factors of chemoreduction combined with topical treatment of advanced intraocular retinoblastoma (RB). Materials and Methods: A total of 22 eyes from 17 children with RB were selected for the study and treated with chemoreduction combined with topical cryotherapy, transpupillary thermotherapy (TTT) or episcleral plaque brachytherapy. Clinical and follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed. Results: All children received 2~6 courses of chemoreduction treatment, ($4.5{\pm}0.8$ courses on average); 17 eyes from 13 children were treated by chemoreduction combined with cryotherapy or TTT and 5 eyes from 4 children with chemoreduction combined with $^{125}I$ episcleral plaque brachytherapy. The eye retention rate was 81.8% (18/22), among which 38.9% (7/18) featured restored or maintained good vision. Postoperative follow-up period was 7 to 34 months, ($18.6{\pm}5.2$ months on average). The recurrence rate was 41.2% (7/17), among which 57.1% (4/7) were controlled by supplementing or appending cryotherapy or TTT treatment during the follow-up period. The tumor basal diameter and thickness were significantly reduced (P<0.05 or P<0.01) after treatment. All children demonstrated different degrees of hair loss, 70.6% (12/17) with different degrees of gastrointestinal reactions, 5.88% (1/17) with neutropenia and 11.8% (2/17) being seriously infected during the chemotherapeutic treatment. Univariate and logistic regression analysis showed that tumor basal diameter before treatment had a significant effect on the prognosis (P<0.01). Conclusions: Chemoreduction combined with topical therapy can effectively control RB in the short term, and tumor basal diameter before treatment is an independent risk factor for prognosis.