• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.40-46
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• 2017

Objective: To describe in vitro development of human embryos derived from an individual with a homozygous pathogenic variant in NLRP7 (19q13.42) and recurrent hydatidiform mole (HM), an autosomal recessive condition thought to occur secondary to an oocyte defect. Methods: A patient with five consecutive HM pregnancies was genomically evaluated via next generation sequencing followed by controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, in vitro fertilization (IVF) with intracytoplasmic sperm injection, embryo culture, and preimplantation genetic screening. Findings in NLRP7 were recorded and embryo culture and biopsy data were tabulated as a function of parental origin for any identified ploidy error. Results: The patient was found to have a pathogenic variant in NLRP7 (c.2810+2T>G) in a homozygous state. Fifteen oocytes were retrieved and 10 embryos were available after fertilization via intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Developmental arrest was noted for all 10 embryos after 144 hours in culture, thus no transfer was possible. These non-viable embryos were evaluated by karyomapping and all were diploid biparental; two were euploid and eight had various aneuploidies all of maternal origin. Conclusion: This is the first report of early human embryo development from a patient with any NLRP7 mutation. The pathogenic variant identified here resulted in global developmental arrest at or before blastocyst stage. Standard IVF should therefore be discouraged for such patients, who instead need to consider oocyte (or embryo) donation with IVF as preferred clinical methods to treat infertility.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.9
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• pp.353-362
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• 2018

The purpose of this study is to suggest a professional consensus on the topics that should be dealt with importantly in the movement program for the recovery of cancer patients in Korea. As a result of calculating the importance of the finalized movement program component, First, the opinions about the environment for the promotion of movement were suggested as pleasant facilities, natural lighting, rest room space, facilities aspect of environment friendly space, education about diseases, participation programs, health feedback, information handouts. Second, the opinions on the purpose of the movement program were suggested to promote prevention and early screening of cancer, education, sharing effective treatment methods of cancer patients, cognitive aspect and psychological support for accurate information transmission, stress relief, and improvement of quality of life. Third, the opinions on the consideration of the movement program suggested stress relieving, cancer patient's needs, correct information delivery, quality of life, and participation of cancer patients. Fourth, the problems of the movement program were presented with different physical characteristics, physical inconvenience, the patient side of passive participation, space narrowness and lack, space aspect of program exclusive space etc.

• Anxiety and mood
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.38-46
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• 2015

Objective : This study investigated the job stress and their association with depression and anxiety among Korean employees. Method : We retrospectively studied 80,842 employees, who receive regular checkups in the Health Screening Center of a one hospital from May, 2012 to April, 2013. A total of 73,975 people were analyzed, who completed a short form of Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS), Center for Epidemiologic Study-Depression (CES-D) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Results : Each of the seven subscales of KOSS was categorized into 4 quartile groups. Higher quartile of KOSS was associated with higher CES-D and BAI score an individual reported. The significantly increased odds ratios (ORs) in the higher scoring group compared to the lower scoring group for the effect of job stress on depression and anxiety remained after adjusting for age, sex, marital status, education, income, BMI, and smoking status. Conclusion : These results from a large number of respondents suggested that job stress might be related to depression and anxiety. Future investigations should design a prospective study to understand a causal relationship between job stress and psychiatric symptoms or disorders.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.2223-2227
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Iranian women. Since development of the disease in Iranian women occurs relatively early, the survival rate matters considerably. In different countries, survival of breast cancer patients varies considerably. Therefore, the one-year, three-year, five-year, and ten-year survival rates for breast cancer in Iran were assessed using a meta-analysis. Materials and Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis was based on valid Iranian sources including SID, MAGIRAN and IRANMEDEX, along with reliable English databases, namely, PUBMED and SCOPUS. In domestic databases, a search was conducted based on key words of breast cancer and survival rate, and in international databases, with "breast cancer" and the equivalent of "neoplasm" of Mesh Word, "survival rate" and "Iran." Then all reviewed papers and theses which met the inclusion criteria were selected for investigation. To conduct the analysis STATA 11.2 software and random-effects models were used. Results: In 24 studies, 22,745 participants were included. The one-year, three-year, five-year and ten-year survival rates were 0.956, 0.808, 0.695 and 0.559, respectively. The minimum and maximum survival rates for 5-years were 0.48 and 0.87. The average age of the onset of the disease was 48.3. Conclusions: As in Iran, since the onset of the disease is at low age, in spite of the relatively high survival rate as compared to other cancers, prevention and screening programs at early age for early stage diagnosis seems necessary.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.327-334
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• 2022

Marine resources have various biological activities and their constituents are more novel than those of land organisms. Several biologically active constituents have been found in marine organisms. Recently, many studies have reported that marine animals (MAs) can be used as functional ingredients in functional foods or nutraceutical due to their health benefits. However, no studies have extensively investigated the cosmeceutical activities of MAs extracts. Here, 70% ethanol extracts of 38 MAs were investigated for their activities of whitening and anti-aging properties for use as materials in novel cosmeceuticals. Anti-aging activities were determined by skin aging-related enzyme activities (anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-hyaluronidase) and whitening activities (anti-tyrosinase, anti-3,4-dihydroxyl-L-phenylalanine [DOPA] oxidation) evaluated by colorimetric method. Among the 38 MAs, we found that Urechis unicinctus and Petrosia corticata extracts showed the strongest inhibitory effects against tyrosinase and DOPA oxidation, respectively. Our results additionally showed that Protankyra bidentata extract might provide a major source of anti-hyaluronidase and anti-elastase; meanwhile, anti-collagenase effects were similar in most MAs. Overall, these results suggest that extracts of marine animals have potential as a tyrosinase, collagenase, elastase, and hyaluronidase inhibitors. Taken together, MA resources could be considered as a novel cosmeceutical agent to be applied in cosmetic industry.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.40-51
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• 2024

Background: Ginsenoside 20(S)-Rg3 shows promising tumor-suppressive effects in ovarian cancer via inhibiting NF-kB signaling. This study aimed to explore the downstream tumor suppressive mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg3 via this signaling pathway. Materials and methods: A systematical screening was applied to examine the expression profile of 41 kinesin family member genes in ovarian cancer. The regulatory effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on KIF20A expression was studied. In addition, we explored interacting proteins of KIF20A and their molecular regulations in ovarian cancer. RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) was used for bioinformatic analysis. Epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and A2780 were used as in vitro and in vivo cell models. Commercial human ovarian cancer tissue arrays were used for immunohistochemistry staining. Results: KIF20A is a biomarker of poor prognosis among the kinesin genes. It promotes ovarian cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Ginsenoside Rg3 can suppress the transcription of KIF20A. GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation (IP) assays confirmed that KIF20A physically interacts with BTRC (β-TrCP1), a substrate recognition subunit for SCF^β-TrCP E3 ubiquitin ligase. In vitro ubiquitination and cycloheximide (CHX) chase assays showed that via interacting with BTRC, KIF20A reduces BTRC-mediated CDC25A poly-ubiquitination and enhances its stability. Ginsenoside Rg3 treatment partly abrogates KIF20A overexpression-induced CDC25A upregulation. Conclusion: This study revealed a novel anti-tumor mechanism of ginsenoside Rg3. It can inhibit KIF20A transcription and promote CDC25A proteasomal degradation in epithelial ovarian cancer.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.19
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• pp.8455-8460
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• 2014

Background: The National Central Cancer Registry of China (NCCR) affiliated to the Bureau of Disease Control, National Health and Family Planning Commission of China is responsible for cancer surveillance in the entire country. Cancer registration data from each local registry located in each province are collected by NCCR annually to be analyzed and published to provide useful information for policy makers and cancer researchers. Materials and Methods: Until 1st June, 2013, 219 population-based cancer registries submitted data of 2010 to the National Central Cancer Registry of China covering about 207,229,403 population, and 145 cancer registries were selected after quality evaluation for this study. Colorectal cancer cases were selected from the database according to ICD-10 coded as "C18-C20". We calculated the crude incidence and mortality rates by sex, age groups and location (urban/rural). The China population in 2000 and Segi's population were used as standardized populations for the calculation of age-standardized rates. The 6th National Population Census data of China was used to combined with the cancer registries' data to estimate the colorectal cancer burden in China in 2010. Results: Colorectal cancer was the sixth most common cancer in China. It was estimated that there were 274,841 new cases diagnosed in 2010 (157,355 in males and 117,486 in females), with the crude incidence rate of 20.1/100,000, highest in males in urban areas. Age-standardized rates by China standard population of 2000 (ASRcn) and World standard population (Segi's population, ASRwld) for incidence were 16.1/100,000 and 15.9/100,000 respectively. There were 132,110 cases estimated to have died from colorectal cancer in China in 2010 (76,646 men and 55,464 women) with the crude mortality rate of 10.1/100,000. The ASRcn and ASRwld for mortality were 7.55/100,000 and 7.44/100,000 respectively, higher in males and urban areas than in females and rural areas. The incidence and mortality rates increased with age, reaching peaksin the 80-84 year old, and oldest age groups, respectively. Conclusions: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common incident cancers and cause of cancer death in China. Primary and secondary prevention, with attention to a health lifestyle, physical activity and screening should be enhanced in the general population.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.12-20
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• 2020

Purpose: This study was designed to analyze the relationship between the presence and severity of depression and chewing problems (CPs) in a representative sample of the general population. Materials and Methods: Health surveys and examinations were conducted on a nationally representative sample (n = 8150) of Korean was conducted. CPs was determined by a simple survey response concerning "Do you feel uncomfortable about chewing your food because of problems with your mouth such as teeth, dentures and gums?" Depression was defined as individuals with a total score ≥ 10 on the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 survey. Data regarding demographics, socioeconomic history and comorbid health conditions were used to analyze adjusted logistic regression models. Results: In the Korean population, the prevalence of depression was significantly greater in individuals with CP (17.2%) than in those without CP (10.2%). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of depression was significantly associated with CPs (adjusted odd ratio [aOR]: 1.90, P < 0.001). The risk of CPs increased with increasing severity of depression as follows: severe depression (OR: 2.62, P < 0.001), moderately severe depression (OR: 2.19, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The presence of depression was significantly associated with CPs, especially in severely depressed individuals. Depression screening should be considered in treating CP patients.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.86-97
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• 1978

The mobile medical service has been operated for many years by a number of medical schools and hospitals as a most convenient means of medical service delivery to the people residing in such area where the geographical and socioeconomic conditions are not good enough to enjoy modern medical care. Despite of official appraisal showing off simply with numbers of outpatients treated and medical persons participated, however, as well recognized, the capability (in respect of budget, equipment and time) of those mobile medical teams is so limitted that it often discourages the recipients as well as medical participants themselves. In the midst of rising need to secure medical service of good quality to all parts of the country, and of developing concept of primary health care system, authors evaluated the effectiveness of and problems associated with mobile medical servies program through the community diagnosis of a village (Opo-myun, Kwangju-gun) to obtain the information which may be halpful for future improvement. 1. Owing to the nationwide Sae-Maul movement powerfully practiced during last several years, living environment of farm villages generally and remarkably improved including houses, water supply and wastes disposal etc. Neverthless, due to limitations in budget time and lack of knowledge (probably the most important), these improvements tend to keep up appearances only and are far from the goal which may being practical benefit in promoting the health of the community. 2. As a result of intensive population policy led by the government since 1962, there has been considerable advances in understanding and the rate of practicing family planning through out the villages and yet, one should see many things, especially education, to be done. Fifty eight per cent of mothers have not received prenatal check and the care for most (72%) delivery was offered by laymen at home. 3. Approximately seven per cent of the population was reported to have chronic illness but since only a few (practically none) of the people has had physical check up by doctors, the actual prevalence of chronic diseases may reach many times of the reported. The same fact was observed also in prevalence of tuberculosis; the patients registered at local health center totaled 31 comprising only 0.51% while the numbers in two neighboring villages (designated as demonstration area of tuberculosis control and mass examination was done recently) were 3.5 and 4.0% respectively. Prevalence rate of all dieseses and injuries expereinced during one month (July, 1977) was 15.8%. Only one tenth of those patients received treatment by physicians and one fifth was not treated at all. The situation was worse as for the chronic patients; 84% of all cases either have never been treated or discontinued therapy, and the main reasons were known to be financial difficulty and ignorance or indifference. 4. Among the patients treated by our mobile clinic, one third was chronic cases and 45% of all patients, by the opinion of doctors attended, were those who may be treated by specially trained nurses or other paramedics (objects of primary care). Besides, 20% of the cases required professional managements of level beyond the mobile team's capability and in this sense one may conclude that the effectiveness (performance) of present mobile medical team is quite limitted. According to above findings, the authors would like to suggest following for mobile medical service and overall medicare program for the people living in remote country side. 1. Establishment of primary health care system secured with effective communication and evacuation (between villages and local medical center) measures. 2. Nationwide enforcement of medical insurance system. 3. Simple outpatient care which now constitutes the main part of the most mobile medical services should largely be yielded up to primary health care unit of the village and the mobile team itself should be assigned on new and more urgent missions such as mass screening health examination of the villagers, health education with modern and effective audiovisual aids, professional training and consultant services for the primary health care organization.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4517-4520
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• 2012

Introduction: Northeastern Iran is known as a high risk area of upper gastrointestinal cancers. Recent reports have suggested a declining trend for these cancers as well as an increase in the incidence of other malignancies including breast cancer. Our present aim was to describe the epidemiological pattern of breast cancer in this region during 2004-2009. Methods: All new cancer cases from public and private diagnostic and therapeutic centers of Golestan province were registered. A structured questionnaire was prepared and used based on the standerds of the International Association of Cancer Registries. The international classification of diseases for oncology was considered for coding. Age standardized incidence rates (ASR) of breast cancer were calculated. Results: A total of 11,038 new cancer cases were registered during 2004-2009, of which, 1,101 (10%) were females with breast cancer. The median age of the breast cancer patients was 46 years. The ASR for breast cancer was 28 per 100,000 person-years. We found an unusual rapid increase in breast cancer rate at the age of 25 years. The ASR of breast cancer was significantly lower in females from Turkmen ethnicity and those from rural areas(P value <0.01). Conclusion: Our study showed high rate of breast cancer in Golestan province of Iran. We found an unusual peak of breast cancer in young women. So, the age of starting screening programs may need to be revised in this area. The rate of breast cancer was significantly lower in women from Turkmen ethnicity. Further studies are warranted to clarify the role of important determinants, especially regarding the ethnic disparity, on breast cancer in this region.