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Meta-analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells as a Prognostic Marker in Lung Cancer

  • Ma, Xue-Lei;Xiao, Zhi-Lan;Liu, Lei;Liu, Xiao-Xiao;Nie, Wen;Li, Ping;Chen, Nian-Yong;Wei, Yu-Quan
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.13 no.4
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    • pp.1137-1144
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    • 2012
  • Introduction: Recent studies have shown that circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play potential roles as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers with various cancer types. The aim of this study was to comprehensively and quantitatively summarize the evidence for the use of CTCs to predict the survival outcome of lung cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Relevant literature was identified using Medline and EMBASE. Patients' clinical characteristics, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) together with CTC positive rates at different time points (before, during and after treatment) were extracted. A meta-analysis was performed to clarify the prognostic role of CTCs and the correlation between the CTC appearance and clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 12 articles containing survival outcomes and clinical characteristics and 15 articles containing only clinical characteristics were included for the global meta-analysis. The hazard ratio (HR) for OS predicted by pro-treatment CTCs was 2.61 [1.82, 3.74], while the HR for PFS was 2.37 [1.41, 3.99]. The HR for OS predicted by post-treatment CTCs was 4.19 [2.92, 6.00], while the HR for PFS was 4.97 [3.05, 8.11]. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to histological classification and detection method. Odds ratio (OR) showed the appearance of pro-treatment CTCs correlated with the lymph node status, distant metastasis, and TNM staging, while post-treatment CTCs correlated with TNM staging only. Conclusion: Detection of CTCs in the peripheral blood indicates a poor prognosis in patients with lung cancer.

Demethylation of CpG islands in the 5' upstream regions mediates the expression of the human testis-specific gene MAGEB16 and its mouse homolog Mageb16

  • Liu, Yunqiang;Wang, Meiling;Jiang, Siyuan;Lu, Yongjie;Tao, Dachang;Yang, Yuan;Ma, Yongxin;Zhang, Sizhong
    • BMB Reports
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    • v.47 no.2
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    • pp.86-91
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    • 2014
  • Tissue-specific gene expression is regulated by epigenetic modification involving trans-acting factors. Here, we identified that the human MAGEB16 gene and its mouse homolog, Mageb16, are only expressed in the testis. To investigate the mechanism governing their expression, the promoter methylation status of these genes was examined in different samples. Two CpG islands (CGIs) in the 5' upstream region of MAGEB16 were highly demethylated in human testes, whereas they were methylated in cells without MAGEB16 expression. Similarly, the CGI in Mageb16 was hypomethylated in mouse testes but hypermethylated in other tissues and cells without Mageb16 expression. Additionally, the expression of these genes could be activated by treatment with the demethylation agent 5'-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5'-aza-CdR). Luciferase assays revealed that both gene promoter activities were inhibited by methylation of the CGI regions. Therefore, we propose that the testis-specific expression of MAGEB16 and Mageb16 is regulated by the methylation status of their promoter regions.

Effect of Baekyeum on Intestinal Motility

  • Lim Jong Won;Cho Jung Hyo;Son Chang Gue;Shin Jang Woo;Lee Yeon Weol;Yoo Hwa Seung;Lee Nam Hun;Yun Dam Hee;Cho Chong Kwan
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine
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    • v.26 no.4
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    • pp.56-61
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    • 2005
  • Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Baekyeum (BKE) on intestinal motility. Methods: The effects of BKE on intestinal motility at the physiological state were evaluated by determination of intestinal motility after administration of a charcoal meal. The effects of BKE on intestinal motility at cabachol-induced activated state and loperamide induced suppressed state were also evaluated by determination of intestinal motility after administration of charcoal meal. Results: BKE didn't affect the intestinal motility in physiological state, and BKE didn't affect the intestinal motility at the carbachol-induced activated state. BKE activated significantly the intestinal motility at the loperamide-induced suppressed state. Conclusions: It can be concluded that BKE is an effective herbal prescription for cancer-patients with gastrointestinal dysfunction, especially intestinal stasis.

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Effects of Galhwahyejung-tang (GHT) on Protection for Alcohol-induced Liver Injury

  • Ahn Tae-Kyu;Shin Jang-Woo;Cho Chong-Kwan;Cho Jung-Hyo;Yoo Hwa-Seung;Lee Yeon-Weol;Lee Nam-heon;Yun Dam-hee;Son Chang-Gue
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine
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    • v.26 no.1 s.61
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    • pp.76-84
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    • 2005
  • Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the protective efficacy of GHT on alcoholic liver injury. Methods: We measured the rate of alcohol oxidation, serum level of liver enzyme, lipid peroxidation level in liver tissue, and inflammatory related cytokine expressions in the liver. Results : GHT showed liver protective effects, lowered the levels of AST and LDH in serum and inhibited lipid peroxidation in liver tissue, and enhanced alcohol oxidation. GHT treatment up-regulated IL-10 in the liver, whereas it down­regulated $TNF-\alpha,\;TGF-\beta$, and Fas ligand. Conclusion : From these results, GHT is presumed to work in the liver in protective roles not through the pathway of alcohol metabolism but mainly by anti-inflammation activity in our model.

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Prognostic Value of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Expression in Resected Gastric Cancer

  • Liu, Lei;Ma, Xue-Lei;Xiao, Zhi-Lan;Li, Mei;Cheng, Si-Hang;Wei, Yu-Quan
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.13 no.7
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    • pp.3089-3097
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    • 2012
  • Background and Aims: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potential prognostic biomarker for patients with resected gastric cancer. However, its role remains controversial. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of published literature. Methods: Relevant literature was identified using Medline and survival data from published studies were collected following a methodological assessment. Quality assessment of eligible studies and meta-analysis of hazard ratio (HR) were performed to review the correlation of VEGF overexpression with survival and recurrence in patients with gastric cancer. Results: Our meta-analysis included 44 published studies with 4,794 resected patients. VEGF subtype for the prediction of overall survival (OS) included tissue VEGF (HR=2.13, 95% CI 1.71-2.65), circulating VEGF (HR=4.22, 95% CI 2.47-7.18), tissue VEGF-C (HR=2.21, 95% CI 1.58-3.09), tissue VEGF-D (HR=1.73, 95% CI 1.25-2.40). Subgroup analysis showed that HRs of tissue VEGF for OS were, 1.78 (95% CI 0.90-3.51) and 2.31 (95% CI 1.82-2.93) in non-Asians and Asians, respectively. The meta-analysis was also conducted for disease free survival (DFS) and disease specific survival (DSS). Conclusion: Positive expression of tissue VEGF, circulating VEGF, VEGF-C and VEGF-D were all associated with poor prognosis in resected gastric cancer. However, VEGF demonstrated no significant prognostic value for non-Asian populations. Circulating VEGF may be better than tissue VEGF in predicting prognosis.

Effects of Armillaria mellea Extract on Macrophage and NK Cell Activity

  • Park Byoung-Wook;Shin Jang-Woo;Cho Jung-Hyo;Son Chang-Gue;Lee Yeon-Weol;Yoo Hwa-Seung;Lee Nam-Heon;Yun Dam-Hee;Cho Chong-Kwan
    • The Journal of Korean Medicine
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    • v.25 no.4
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    • pp.161-170
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    • 2004
  • Objective : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Armillaria mellea extract (AME) on immune modulation focused on anti-cancer activity. Methods : To prove the effects of AME, we performed NO assay, NK cytotoxicity assay and RT-PCR of cytokine related with macrophage and NK cell activity. Results : AME increased NO production produced by macrophages in part. AME also enhanced the NK cell activities in destroying target cells (YAC-1 cells). AME up-regulated gene expression of IL-l, iNOS, TNF-a in RAW 264.7 cells and IL-l, IL-2, IFN-(equation omitted), TNF-a in splenocytes, respectively. Conclusion : From the above results, we assumed that AME is a potential drug for anti-cancer by activation of the macrophages and NK cells.

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HOCl Oxidation-modified CT26 Cell Vaccine Inhibits Colon Tumor Growth in a Mouse Model

  • Zhou, Rui;Huang, Wen-Jun;Ma, Cong;Zhou, Yan;Yao, Yu-Qin;Wang, Yu-Xi;Gou, Lan-Tu;Yi, Chen;Yang, Jin-Liang
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.13 no.8
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    • pp.4037-4043
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    • 2012
  • Despite progress in elucidating mechanisms associated with colorectal cancer and improvement of treatment methods, it remains a frequent cause of death worldwide. New and more effective therapies are therefore urgently needed. Recent studies have shown that immunogenicity of whole ovarian tumor cells and subsequent T cell response were potentiated by oxidation modification with hypochlorous acid (HOCl) in vitro and ex vivo. These results prompted us to investigate the protective antitumor response with an HOCl treated CT26 colorectal cancer cell vaccine in an in vivo mouse model. Administration of HOCl modified vaccine triggered robust antitumor immunity to autologous tumor cells in mice and prolonged survival period significantly. In addition, increased necrosis and apoptosis were found in tumor tissue from the oxidation group. Interestingly, ELISPOT assays showed that specific T cell responses were not elicited in response to the immunizing cellular antigen, in contrast to raising sera antibody titer and antibody binding activity shown by ELISA assay and flow cytometry. Further evaluation of the mechanisms underlying HOCl modified vaccine mediated humoral immunity highlighted the role of antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. These results combined with previous studies suggest that HOCl oxidation modified whole cell vaccine has wide applicability as a cancer vaccine because it can target both T cell- and B cell-specific responses. It may thus represent a promising approach for the immunotherapy of colorectal cancer.

The real nature of the West Wind in Shelley's Ode to the West Wind (셸리의 Ode to the West Wind에 나타난 서풍의 실체)

  • Jeon, Woong-Ju
    • English Language & Literature Teaching
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    • no.5
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    • pp.259-272
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    • 1999
  • The real nature of the west wind in Shelley's Ode to the West Wind is the divine providence which influences all things in this world- that is, whether they are on land, in the sky, or in the sea. The divine providence is the manifestation of something beyond the present and tangibel object. In the first stanza, the real nature of the west wind in this poem is the wild wind, the breath of Autumn's being, the unseen presence, the azure sister of the Spring, a Destroyer, a Preserver, the winged seed, a creator, a philosopher, a poet, Shelley, and the wild spirit moving everywhere. In the second stanza, the real nature of the west wind in this poem is cloud, the angel of rain and lightning, fierce Maenad, the approaching storm, the congregated might, the black rain, the fire, hail, solid atmosphere, the tremendous power of revolutionary change, and the power that influences all things in the sky. In the third stanza, the real nature of the west wind in this poem is the voice that makes the oozy woods which wear the sapless foliage of the Atlantic, and the power makes the blue Mediterranean wake from his summer dream. the fit medium of expression which Shelley's soul was seeking for, Shelley's passion, Shelley's partner, Shelley's co-worker, and a strong presence which influences in the sea. In the fourth stanza, the real nature of the west wind in this poem is the mightest presence, the power, the strength, the free presence, the uncontrollable, the wanderer over heaven, a vision, the tameless, the swift, the proud and the God who can save Shelley form the heavy weight of hours and lift Shelley as a wave a leaf, a cloud. In the fifth stanza, the real nature of the west wind in this poem is the mighty harmony, the fierce Spirit, Shelley's spirit, the impetuous spirit, incanation of this verse, spark, the trumpet of a prophecy, the Providence which can make the Winter depart and call Spring, and the prophet. To conclude, the real nature of the west wind in this poem is Shelley's accumulated insight that he visulize his impulse of revolutionary thought.

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Effect of East-West pain treatment for Central Poststroke Pain on alleviation of pain and Rehabilitation (뇌졸중 후 중추성 통증 환자에 대한 동서협진이 진통과 재활에 미치는 영향)

  • Lee, Hyun-jong;Kim, Su-young;Lee, Sang-hoon;Seo, Dong-min;Lee, Doo-ik;Kim, Keun-sik;Lee, Jae-dong;Lee, Yun-ho;Yang, Hyung-in;Park, Jae-kyung;Choi, Do-young
    • Journal of Acupuncture Research
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    • v.20 no.2
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    • pp.42-49
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    • 2003
  • Purpose : In order to study the effectiveness of East-West pain treatment on central poststroke pain(CPSP), we evaluated its effect on alleviation of pain and rehabilitation of CPSP patients who were treated with eletroacupuncture and west pain treatment for four weeks. Methods : Twenty four patients diagnosed by their pain characteristics of central pain form stroke were treated with sympathetic nerve block, gabapentin, amitriptyline, and electroacupuncture for four weeks. Pain intensity through the visual analogue scale(VAS), and improvements of mobility and rehabilitation through the modified Barthel index(MBI) and Rankin scale(RS), respectively, before and after pain treatment were also assessed. Results : VAS pain scores were significantly improved from $7.7{\pm}1.7$ to $4.4{\pm}2.0$ with pain treatment(p<0.05). In accordance with improvement of ain scores, RS and MBI scores ere also improved from $2.88{\pm}0.95$ to $2.13{\pm}1.01$ and from $83.0{\pm}16.9$ to $94.7{\pm}9.5$(p<0.05), respectively, with pain treatment(p<0.05). Conclusions : It was suggested that the active pain treatment was contributed to the rehabilitation of CPSP patients, resulting in improvement of quality of life of CPSP patients. Futhermore, East pain treatment in combination with West pain treatment may be useful modality to alleviate CPSP.

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Inhibition of HIV-1 Protease by isoflavonoids from Erythrina senegalensis

  • Lee, Ji-Suk;Ma , Chao-Mei;Hattori Masao;Oh, Won-Keun;Ahn, Jong-Seog;Kim, Yong-Hae;Tanyi Mbaforj;Wandji Jean;Tanee FomumZ
    • Proceedings of the PSK Conference
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    • 2002.10a
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    • pp.377.3-378
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    • 2002
  • Eight compounds were isolated from the MeOH extracts of Erythrina senegalensis for HIV-1 protease inhibitors. Their structures were elucidated as eight isoflavonoids by spectroscopic analysis. These compounds showed dose dependent inhibitory activities on HIV-l protease with $IC_{50}$ values from 0.5 to 30.0 ${\mu}$M. (omitted)

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