• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.936-940
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• 2015

Human papillomavirus (HPV) type 52 is a high-risk HPV responsible for cervical cancer. HPV type 52 is common around the world and is the most common in some Asian regions. The available prophylactic HPV vaccines protect only from HPV types 16 and 18. Supplementing economical vaccines that target HPV type 52 may satisfactorily complement available prophylactic vaccines. A codon-adapted HPV 52 L1 gene was expressed in the methylotrophic yeast Hansenula polymorpha, which is used as an industrial platform for economical hepatitis B surface antigen particle production in China. We found that the recombinant proteins produced in this expression system could form virus-like particles (VLPs) with diameters of approximately 50 nm. This study suggests that the HPV 52 VLPs produced in this platform may satisfactorily complement available prophylactic vaccines in fighting against HPVs prevalent in Asia.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.13-26
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• 2016

Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is chronic inflammatory disorders of the intestines. Due to limitation of conventional treatment including steroids, herbal medicines have emerged as possible therapeutic options for IBD. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the therapeutic and prophylactic effects and mechanisms of Zostera Marina water extract (ZME) on DSS-induced colitis. Methods: Colitis was induced by DSS in Balb/c mice. In pre-treatment setting, ZME was administered 7 days before DSS treatment and in co-treatment setting, ZME was simultaneously administrated with DSS treatment. In both settings, ZME 100, 300 and 1000 mg/kg were orally administered twice a day, respectively. Mice weight and clinical findings were measured daily. Colon length, macroscopic findings and histological damages of colon mucosa were assessed at the end of experiments. The levels of cytokines including TNF-${\alpha}$, IFN-${\gamma}$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6, IL-10 and IL-17 were measured by Biometric Multiplex Cytokine Profiling method. Results: In a dose dependent manner, ZME significantly inhibited the colon shortening, and improved macroscopic score and histological score. However, there were insignificant changes on inhibition of weight loss and improvement of clinical score. There were no significant differences of effects between co-treatment and pre-treatment settings. ZME 300 and 1000 mg/kg groups significantly inhibited IFN-${\gamma}$. Only ZME 1000 mg/kg group significantly inhibited TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-$1{\beta}$ and IL-6. Conclusions: The current results show the possibility of therapeutic use and its prophylactic application of ZME on inflammatory bowel diseases. Future studies for targeted mechanisms of ZME are needed.

• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.82-90
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• 1992

A pathologic review was made of 1547 cases of thyroid nodule during the 20 years from 1970 to 1989 at the department of Head and Neck surgery of Presbyterian Medical Center in Chonju. 1547 cases were analysed in regard to cancer incidence of thyroid nodule, correlation of preoperative diagnosis with pathology and of frozen section diagnosis with final pathology, surgical procedures employed in managing thyroid itself, location of metastatic nodes, further definite procedure in cnacer cases, effectiveness of prophylactic neck dissection with lymph node pathology. The results are summarized as follows: 1) The cancer incidence of thyroid nodule was 21.7%. 2) The incidence of thyroid cnacer in total neoplasms increased from 1.6% to 2.9%. 3) The thyroid cancer was prevalent in female(5.9:1) and in fifth, fourth and sixth decade of life. 4) The incidence of solitary cold nodule in thyroid cancer was 72.7% (210/289). S) The incidence of thyroid cancer in solitary cold nodule was 28.7% (210/782). 6) The false negative of frozen section (1240 cases) was 19.8%. 7) Histologically, well differentiated carcinoma comprises about 94% of all cases and papillary carcinoma was 78.5% of all cases 8) The most frequent lymphatic metastasis was pre- & paratrachel nodes(63.3%), followed by Level III(50%) and Level II(47.7%). 9) 47.7% among 130 cases of papillary adenocarcinoma and 12.5% among 16 cases of follicular adenocarcinoma, each group treated with prophylactic neck dissection, were confirmed to be occult cervical node metastasis.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.181-187
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• 2018

Background: Posaconazole is a broad-spectrum triazole antifungal agent and the most recommended prophylactic antifungal agent for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) undergoing induction chemotherapy. In this study, we evaluated the status and effectiveness of posaconazole as a prophylactic antifungal agent in pediatric patients receiving induction chemotherapy for AML. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of 36 pediatric patients with AML (between January 2013 and September 2017) at the Yonsei University Health System. Invasive fungal disease (IFD) was assessed as the primary endpoint of prophylactic antifungal effect. The secondary endpoints were incidence of fever, persistent fever despite the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics for 72 h, alteration of antifungal agent, intensive care unit admission, and death within 100 days. Results: Among the 36 patients, 18 patients used posaconazole, 12 were treated with suspension formula, and 6 of them were treated with tablets. Eighteen patients did not use antifungal agents prophylactically. The mean number of days of posaconazole administration was $26.8{\pm}16days$. IFD occurred in 2/18 (11.1%) patients in the no prophylaxis group and in 1/18 (5.6%) patients in the posaconazole group (p=0.49). Conclusion: Posaconazole is expected to be useful for the prevention of IFD in pediatric patients with AML undergoing induction chemotherapy. Prospective studies of the effectiveness of posaconazole prophylaxis should be conducted in more pediatric patients in the future.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.10
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• pp.4211-4214
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• 2015

Background: Prognostic value of prophylactic level VII nodal dissection in papillary thyroid carcinoma has been highlighted. Materials and Methods: A total of 27 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma with N0 neck underwent total thyroidectomy with level VI and VII nodal dissection through same collar neck incision. Multicentricity, bilaterality, extrathyroidal extension, level VI and VII lymph nodes were studied as separate and independent prognostic factors for DFS at 24 months. Results: 21 females and 6 males with a mean age of 34.6 years old, tumor size was 5-24 mm. (mean 12.4 mm.), multicentricity in 11 patients 2-4 foci (mean 2.7), bilaterality in 8 patients and extrathyroidal extension in 8 patients. Dissected level VI LNs 2-8 (mean 5 LNs) and level VII LNs 1-4 (mean 1.9). Metastatic level VI LNs 0-3 (mean 1) and level VII LNs 0-2 (mean 0.5). Follow-up from 6-51 months (mean 25.6) with 7 patients showed recurrence (3 local and 4 distant). Cumulative DFS at 24 months was 87.8% and was significantly affected in relation to bilaterality (p-value <0.001), extrathyroidal extension (p-value <0.001), level VI positive ((p-value <0.001) and level VII positive ((p-value <0.001) LNs. No recurrences were detected during the follow-up period in the absence of level VI and level VII nodal involvement. Conclusions: Level VII prophylactic nodal dissection is an important and integral prognostic factor in papillary thyroid carcinoma. A larger multicenter study is crucial to reach a satisfactory conclusion about the necessity and safety of this approach.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.2241-2247
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• 2012

Objective: This qualitative study retrospectively examined the experience and psychological impact of contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) among Southern Chinese females with unilateral breast cancer history who underwent BRCA1/2 genetic testing. Limited knowledge is available on this topic especially among Asians; therefore, the aim of this study was to acquire insight from Chinese females' subjective perspectives. Methods: A total of 12 semi-structured in-depth interviews, with 11 female BRCA1/BRCA 2 mutated gene carriers and 1 non-carrier with a history of one-sided breast cancer and genetic testing performed by the Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry, who subsequently underwent CPM, were assessed using thematic analysis and a Stage Conceptual Model. Breast cancer history, procedures conducted, cosmetic satisfaction, pain, body image and sexuality issues, and cancer risk perception were discussed. Retrieval of medical records using a prospective database was also performed. Results: All participants opted for prophylaxis due to their reservations concerning the efficacy of surveillance and worries of recurrent breast cancer risk. Most participants were satisfied with the overall results and their decision. One-fourth expressed different extents of regrets. Psychological relief and decreased breast cancer risk were stated as major benefits. Spouses' reactions and support were crucial for post-surgery sexual satisfaction and long-term adjustment. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that thorough education on cancer risk and realistic expectations of surgery outcomes are crucial for positive adjustment after CPM. Appropriate genetic counseling and pre-and post-surgery psychological counseling were necessary. This study adds valuable contextual insights into the experiences of living with breast cancer fear and the importance of involving spouses when counseling these patients.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.37 no.3
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• pp.156-165
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• 2019

Purpose: Prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) is a standard treatment for limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) showing a response to initial treatment, but many patients do not receive PCI due to comorbidities or refusal. This study aims to define the patient group for whom PCI can be omitted with minimal risk. Materials and Methods: Patients with LS-SCLC who underwent radiotherapy with curative aim at our institution between January 2004 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who did not receive PCI were evaluated for brain metastasis-free survival (BMFS), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and prognostic factors for survival, and treatment outcomes were compared with a patient cohort who received PCI. Results: A total of 350 patients achieved a response following thoracic radiotherapy, and 190 of these patients did not receive PCI. Stage I-II and a complete response (CR) to initial therapy were good prognostic factors for BMFS and OS on univariate analysis. Patients with both stage I-II and a CR who declined PCI showed comparable 2-year BMFS to those who received PCI (92% vs. 89%). In patients who achieved CR, PCI did not significantly improve OS or PFS. Conclusion: There should be less concern about omitting PCI in patients with comorbidities if they have stage I-II or a CR, with brain metastasis control being comparable to those patients who receive PCI.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.72-78
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• 1991

Ephedrine sulfate was administrated 30 healthy parturients undergoing elective repeat cesarean section under spinal anesthesia. Fifteen patients received ephedrine infusion (0.01% solution, beginning with approximately 5 mg/min) immediately after induction of spinal anesthesia to maintain maternal systolic blood pressure between 90% and 100% of the baseline systolic blood pressure (mean dose of ephedrine 31.6mg). Fifteen patients (contral group) received 20mg of ephedrine as an intravenous bolus, and additional 10mg increments, if neccessary, when systolic blood pressure decreased to 80% of the baseline systolic blood pressure (mean dose of ephedrine 26.8 mg). Nausea and/or vomiting occurred in seven women in the control group and one patient in the infusion group (p<0.001). Apgar scores, fetal blood gas tension, and time for onset of respiration was comparable in the two groups. The results suggest that prophylactic ephedrine infusion is safe and desirable in healthy parturients undergoing cesarean section under spinal anesthesia.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.254-259
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• 2021

Background: Prophylactic antibiotics are commonly used in craniofacial surgeries. Despite the low risk of surgical site infection after nasal surgery, a lack of consensus regarding the use of antibiotic prophylaxis in the closed reduction of nasal bone fractures has led to inappropriate prescribing patterns. Through this study, we aimed to investigate the status of prophylactic antibiotic use in closed reductions of nasal bone fractures in Korea. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort of Korea from 2005 to 2015. We analyzed the medical records of patients who underwent closed reduction of nasal bone fractures. The sex, age, region of residence, comorbidities, and socioeconomic variables of the patients were collected from the database. Factors that affect the prescription of perioperative antibiotics were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: A total of 3,678 patients (mean±standard deviation of age, 28.7±14.9 years; 2,850 men [77.5%]; 828 women [22.5%]) were included in this study. The rate of antibiotic prescription during the perioperative period was 51.4%. Approximately 68.8% of prescriptions were written for patients who had received general anesthesia. The odds of perioperative prophylactic antibiotic use were significantly higher in patients who received general anesthesia than who received local anesthesia (odds ratio, 1.59). No difference was found in terms of patient age and physician specialty. Second-generation cephalosporins were the most commonly prescribed antibiotic (45.3%), followed by third- and first-generation cephalosporins (20.3% and 18.8%, respectively). In contrast, lincomycin derivatives and aminoglycosides were not prescribed. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that there was a wide variety of perioperative antibiotic prescription patterns used in nasal bone surgeries. Evidence-based guidance regarding the prescribing of antimicrobial agents for the closed reduction of nasal bone fractures should be considered in future research.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.277-283
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• 2018

Objectives: Ethanol withdrawal following its chronic use is a serious outcome and challenging to treatment. The chronic use of ethanol induces a progressive neuroplasticity in different reigns of brain. In this study we evaluated the effects of aqueous extract of Crocus sativus L. (saffron) and its active compound, crocin, on the withdrawal behavior induced after repeated administration of ethanol, in two regimens of prophylactic (administration of drugs concomitant with the induction of dependence) and treatment (administration of drugs during the period of ethanol withdrawal) in mice which received ethanol. Methods: Ethanol dependence was induced by oral administration of 10% v/v ethanol (2 g/kg) for 7 days. The aqueous extracts of saffron (40, 80 and 160) and crocin (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) were administered to mice in two regimens of prophylactic (along with ethanol) and treatment (during withdrawal period). Diazepam (1 mg/kg) was used as a positive control. Six hours after discontinuation of the ethanol, seizure was evaluated by the sub-convulsive dose of pentyleneltetrazole (PTZ) (30 mg/kg). The open field test and Rota rod test were used for evaluation of locomotor activity and motor incoordination, respectively. Results: Both extracts and crocin increased the number of crossed lined in the open field test. PTZ kindling seizure was inhibited in animals received extract (80 and 160 mg/kg) in both regimens. Motor incoordination was only improved following administration of crocin. Conclusion: The aqueous extract of saffron and crocin can be considered as safe agents and reliable alternative to diazepam in management of ethanol withdrawal syndrome.