• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.13 no.6
• /
• pp.2735-2738
• /
• 2012

Background: Our objective was to clarify the clinical and biological characteristics of basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) and non-basal-like breast cancer (TN3BKE) in Heilongjiang. Methods: We examined, by immunohistochemistry, expression of biological markers cytokeratin (CK) 5/6 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and B cell specific moloney murine leukemia virus integration site 1( Bmi-1) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We studied the correlation between BLBC and several factors related to tumor progression, along with its prognostic value. Results: In the 229 cases of operable TNBC, BLBC was detected in 178 (77.7%) and TN3BKE- in 51 (22.2%). There was no significant difference in clinicopathological factors between them, However, BLBC was significantly associated with Bmi-1 expression (P=0.000) and shorter disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.045) and overall survival (OS) (P = 0.041). Conclusions: Compared with the non-basal group, patients with BLBC have a high expression of Bmi-1 and a poor prognosis.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• v.21 no.5
• /
• pp.525-528
• /
• 2011

The Raf-1 kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP) can regulate multiple key signaling pathways. Specifically, RKIP binds to Raf-1 kinase and inhibits the Ras-Raf-1-MEK1/2- ERK1/2 pathway. Additionally, Raf-1 has been shown to translocate to mitochondria and thereby protect cells from stress-mediated apoptosis. Recently, HBx was found to stimulate the mitochondrial translocation of Raf-1, contributing to the anti-apoptotic effect. We found that RKIP was downregulated during HBx-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. In this study, we show that RKIP bound to Raf-1 and consequently inhibited the translocation of Raf-1 into mitochondria. This promoted the apoptosis of cells treated with apoptotic stimulus. Thus, the downregulation of RKIP increased the level of free Raf-1 and thereby elevated the mitochondrial translocation of Raf-1 during HBx-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. The elevated Raf-1 mitochondrial translocation induced the increased anti-apoptotic effect and subsequently promoted HBx-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis.

• Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.35 no.2
• /
• pp.152-157
• /
• 1997

Infection of human fibroblast (HF) cells with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) result in changes in the intracellular level of second messengers. Since nitric oxide (NO) production has been known to be related with other second messengers, it is probable that HCMV infection of HF cells may involve NO. To test this possibility, the amount of NO was measured following ogenous addition of NO generators such as sodium nitroprusside (SNP) or S-nitroso-N-a-cetylpenicillamine (SNAP) immediately after HCMV infection, however, inhibited virus multiplication. Furthermore, immunoblot experiment using monoclonal antibody to HCMV major immediate early (MIE) proteins or CAT assay using pCMVIE/CAT (plasmid containing CAT gene driven by HCMV MIE promoter) revealed that SNP or SNAP blocked the MIE gene expression. SNP was more effective than SNAP in hibiting HCMV multiplication or MIE gene expression. SNP produced more NO than SNAP in inhibiting HCMV multiplication or MIE gene expression. SNP produced more NO than SNAP. Although the mechanism for the inhibition of HCMV multiplication and MIE gene expression by NO is still elusive some correlation with NO-mediated inhibition of HCMV-induced increase in cytosolic free Ca$\^$2+/ concentration ([Ca$\^$2+/]) was observed. The increase of [Ca$\^$2+/] following HCMV infection was inhibited by SNP, and less effectively by SNAP. Raising [Ca$\^$2+/ with bromo-A23187 partially reversed the SNP block of MIE gene expression. Thus, there appear to e some relationships among NO. [Ca$\^$2+/], and HCMV MIE gene expression.

• BMB Reports
• /
• v.40 no.3
• /
• pp.396-403
• /
• 2007

Proline accumulation has been shown to correlate with tolerance to drought and salt stresses in plants. We attempt to introduce the wild-type, mutant, and fusion proBA genes derived from Bacillus subtilis into Arabidopsis thaliana under the control of a strong promoter cauliflower mosaic virus 35S (CaMV35S). The transgenic plants produced higher level of free proline than control and the overproduction of proline resulted in the increased tolerance to osmotic stress in transgenic plants. Besides, the mutation in proBA genes, which were proved to lead $\alpha$-glutamyl kinase ($\alpha$-GK) reduces sensitivity to the end-product inhibition and the fusion of proB and proA also result in increasing proline production and confer osmotolerance in transgenic lines.

• Journal of the Optical Society of Korea
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.392-397
• /
• 2009

We designed a wavelength interrogation-based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor to detect avian influenza DNA (AI-DNA). Hybridization reactions between target AI-DNA probes and capture probes immobilized on a gold surface were monitored quantitatively by measuring the resonance wavelength in the visible waveband. The experimental results were consistent with numerical calculations. Although the SPR detection technique does not require the DNA to be labeled, we also evaluated fluorescently-labeled targets to verify the hybridization behavior of the AI-DNA. Changes in resonance were found to be linearly proportional to the amount of bound analyte. A wavelength interrogation-type SPR biosensor can be used for rapid measurement and high-throughput detection of highly pathogenic AI viruses.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
• /
• v.43 no.3
• /
• pp.125-130
• /
• 2000

An antiviral protein (CAP30) with ribosome-inactivating activity was purified from the leaves of Chenopodium album L. through ammonium sulfate precipitation and column chromatography using S-Sepharose, Blue-Sepharose, FPLC Suprose12 HR, and FPLC Mono-S. The molecular wight of CAP30 was estimated to be 30kD. CAP30 was thermostable, maintaing its activity even after incubation at $70^{\circ}C$ for 30 min, and was stable in the pH range of 6 to 9. In a cell-free in vitro translation system using rabbit reticulocyte lysate, protein synthesis was inhibited by the addition of CAP30 with an $IC_{50}$ of 2.26pM. The comparison of N-terminal amino acid sequences of this protein with known ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) revealed that it had some sequence homology with PAP-S and PAP-R from pokeweed (Phytolacca americana)and dodecandrin from P. dodecandra, but had no sequence homology with RIPs from other plants belonging to different orders. The mosaic symptoms on tobacco leaves caused by cucumber mosaic virus infection was completely inhibited by 100 ng/ml of the pure CAP30 protein.

• Macromolecular Research
• /
• v.8 no.2
• /
• pp.80-88
• /
• 2000

Biodegradable microspheres were prepared with poly(L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA, 75 : 25 by mole ratio) by an oil/oil solvent evaporation method for the sustained release of anti-AIDS virus agent, AZT The microspheres of relatively narrow size distribution (7.6$\pm$ 3.8 ㎛) were obtained by controlling the fabrication conditions. The shape of microspheres prepared was smooth and spherical. The efficiency of AZT loading into the PLGA microsphere was over 93% compared to that below 15% for microspheres by a conventional water/oil/water method. The effects of Preparation conditions on the morphology and in vitro AZT release pattern were investigated. in vitro release studies showed that different release pattern and release rates could be achieved by simply modifying factors in the fabrication conditions such as the type and amount of surfactant, initial amount of loaded drug, the temperature of solvent evaporation, and so on. PLCA microspheres prepared by 5% of initial drug loading, 1.0% (w/w) of surfactant concentration, and 25$\^{C}$ of solvent evaporation temperature were free from initial burst effect and a near-zero order sustained release was observed. Possible mechanisms of the near-zero order sustained release for our system have been proposed.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.57 no.5
• /
• pp.505-511
• /
• 2019

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is a rare sight-threatening corneal infection, often reporting from contact lens wearers. An asymptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected Thai male without history of contact lens use complained foreign body sensation at his left eye during motorbike riding. He had neither specific keratitis symptoms nor common drugs responding, which contributed to delayed diagnosis. By corneal re-scraping, Acanthamoeba-like cysts were detected by calcofluor white staining and agar culture. The etiological agent obtained from the culture was molecularly confirmed by Acanthamoeba spp.-specific PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. The results from BLAST and phylogenetic analysis based on the DNA sequences, revealed that the pathogen was Acanthamoeba T4, the major genotype most frequently reported from clinical isolates. The infection was successfully treated with polyhexamethylene biguanide resulting in corneal scar. This appears the first reported AK case from a non-contact lens wearer with HIV infection in Thailand. Although AK is sporadic in developing countries, a role of free-living Acanthamoeba as an opportunistic pathogen should not be neglected. The report would increase awareness of AK, especially in the case presenting unspecific keratitis symptoms without clinical response to empirical antimicrobial therapy.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
• /
• v.21 no.4
• /
• pp.93-102
• /
• 2021

The world is facing an unprecedented economic, social and political crisis with the spread of COVID-19. The Corona Virus (COVID-19) and its global spread have resulted in declaring a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The deadly pandemic of 21st century has spread its wings across the globe with an exponential increase in the number of cases in many countries. The developing and underdeveloped countries are struggling hard to counter the rapidly growing and widespread challenge of COVID-19 because it has greatly influenced the global economies whereby the underdeveloped countries are more affected by its devastating impacts, especially the life of the low-income population. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) were particularly useful in spreading key emergency information and helping to maintain extensive social distancing. Updated information and testing results were published on national and local government websites. Mobile devices were used to support early testing and contact tracing. The government provided free smartphone apps that flagged infection hotspots with text alerts on testing and local cases. The purpose of this research work is to provide an in depth overview of emerging technologies and recent ICT developments to combat COVID-19 Pandemic. Finally, the author highlights open challenges in order to give future research directions.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.14 no.12
• /
• pp.7101-7106
• /
• 2013

Background: The prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative resection varies greatly. Few studies had investigated the risk factors for early recurrence (recurrence-free time ${\leq}$ 1 year) of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCCs meeting Milan criteria. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on the 224 patients with HCC meeting Milan criteria who underwent curative liver resection in our center between February 2007 and March 2012. The overall survival (OS) rate, recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate and risk factors for early recurrence were analyzed. Results: After a median follow-up of 33.3 months, HCC reoccurred in 105 of 224 patients and 32 died during the period. The 1-, 3- and 5-year OS rates were 97.3%, 81.6% and 75.6% respectively, and the 1-, 3- and 5-year RFS rates were 73.2%, 53.7% and 41.6%. Cox regression showed alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 800 ng/ml (HR 2.538, 95% CI 1.464-4.401, P=0.001), multiple tumors (HR 2.286, 95% CI 1.123-4.246, P=0.009) and microvascular invasion (HR 2.518, 95% CI 1.475-4.298, P=0.001) to be associated with early recurrence (recurrence-free time ${\leq}$ 1-year) of HCC meeting Milan criteria. Conclusions: AFP > 800 ng/ml, multiple tumors and microvascular invasion are independent risk factors affecting early postoperative recurrence of HCC. In addition resection appears capable of replacing liver transplantation in some situations with safety and a better outcome.