Status of Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Patients with Cancer in Korea: an Online Survey of Online Cancer Support Groups (KCSG PC21-20).

PURPOSE: An increasing number of patients with cancers are interested in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), which lacks scientific evidence. This study aimed to determine how CAM was used and how media affected patients in online cancer support groups (OCSG). Materials and Methods: Between August 18 and September 12, 2021, an online survey was conducted among the members of OCSG. The survey consisted of five parts: baseline characteristics, attitudes toward and experience with CAM, source of information and reliabilities, experience with anthelmintics, and online health information literacy and usage. RESULTS: Among the 644 responders, a total of 221 patients with cancer completed the survey, and 78.2% (173/221) used CAM. The users' median age was 52 years; 46.8% were males, and 43.9% had metastatic disease. Fifty-three CAM users (30.6%) discussed their physicians about CAM. In addition, 16.2% (28/173) of CAM users had the experience of anthelmintics. The use of anthelmintics in patients with cancers was associated with younger age (odds ratio [OR], 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84 to 0.95), metastatic disease (OR, 10.88; 95% CI, 3.39 to 34.86), previous exposure to CAM information (OR, 5.57; 95% CI, 1.01 to 30.72), experience with more types of CAM (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.05), and side effects (OR, 5.10; 95% CI 1.46 to 17.75). CONCLUSION: Use of anthelmintics, a CAM of which information is widespread online, is affected by several factors. This study will provide essential information for developing a CAM management strategy in this digital age.

Low serum vitamin B12 levels are associated with degenerative rotator cuff tear.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 (Vit B12) deficiency results in elevated homocysteine levels and interference with collagen cross-linking, which may affect tendon integrity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether serum Vit B12 levels were correlated with degenerative rotator cuff (RC) tear. METHODS: Eighty-seven consecutive patients with or without degenerative RC tear were enrolled as study participants. Possible risk factors (age, sex, medical history, bone mineral density, and serum chemistries including glucose, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, homocysteine, Vitamin D, Vit B12, homocysteine, and folate) were assessed. Significant variables were selected based on the results of univariate analyses, and a logistic regression model (backward elimination) was constructed to predict the presence of degenerative RC tear. RESULTS: In the univariate analysis, the group of patients with degenerative RC tear had a mean concentration of 528.4 pg/mL Vit B12, which was significantly lower than the healthy control group (627.1 pg/mL). Logistic regression analysis using Vit B12 as an independent variable revealed that Vit B12 concentrations were significantly correlated with degenerative RC tear (p = 0.044). However, Vit B12 levels were not associated with tear size. CONCLUSION: Low serum levels of Vit B12 were independently related to degenerative RC tear. Further investigations are warranted to determine if Vit B12 supplementation can decrease the risk of this condition.

Behaviors and Attitudes toward the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Korean Cancer Patients.

PURPOSE: A cross-sectional survey was conducted to explore the current awareness and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as well as attitudes toward CAM, in patients with cancer and their family members in South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 21 and October 31, 2017, a 25-item questionnaire regarding CAM experiences among cancer patients and their family members was conducted in 10 oncology clinics in South Korea after institutional review board approval at each institution. RESULTS: In total, 283/310 patients were analyzed. The median age was 60 years, and 60% were male. Most of the patients were actively receiving anticancer treatment at the time of the survey. A total of 106 patients (37%) had experienced a median of two types (interquartile range, 1 to 3) of CAM. Belief in CAM (odds ratio [OR], 3.015; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.611 to 5.640) and duration of disease (OR, 1.012; 95% CI, 1.004 to 1.020) were independent factors for using CAM in multivariable analysis. Belief in CAM was significantly associated with current use of CAM (OR, 3.633; 95% CI, 1.567 to 8.424). Lay referral was the most common reason for deciding to use CAM, and only 25% of patients (72/283) discussed CAM with their physicians. CONCLUSION: Patient attitudes toward and confidence in CAM modalities were strongly associated with their CAM experiences, and only a small number of patients had an open discussion about CAM with their physicians. A patient education program for CAM is needed.

The Anticancer Effects of Garlic Extracts on Bladder Cancer Compared to Cisplatin: A Common Mechanism of Action via Centromere Protein M.

Although garlic induces apoptosis in cancer cells, it is unclear whether the effects are similar to those of cisplatin against bladder cancer (BC). Therefore, this study investigated whether garlic extracts and cisplatin show similar activity when used to treat BC. The effect of garlic on T24 BC cell line was examined in a BALB/C-nude mouse xenograft model and compared with that of cisplatin. Tissue microarray analysis and gene network analysis were performed to identify differences in gene expression by control tumors and tumors exposed to garlic extract or cisplatin. Investigation of gene expression based on tissues from 165 BC patients and normal controls was then performed to identify common targets of garlic and cisplatin. Tumor volume and tumor weight in cisplatin (0.05[Formula: see text]mg/kg)- and garlic-treated mice were significantly smaller than those in negative control mice. However, cisplatin-treated mice also showed a significant reduction in body weight. Microarray analysis of tumor tissue identified 515 common anticancer genes in the garlic and cisplatin groups ([Formula: see text]). Gene network analysis of 252 of these genes using the Cytoscape and ClueGo software packages mapped 17 genes and 9 gene ontologies to gene networks. BC (NMIBC and MIBC) patients with low expression of centromere protein M (CENPM) showed significantly better progression-free survival than those with high expression. Garlic extract shows anticancer activity in vivo similar to that of cisplatin, with no evident of side effects. Both appear to act by targeting protein-DNA complex assembly; in particular, expression of CENPM.

Garlic extract in bladder cancer prevention: Evidence from T24 bladder cancer cell xenograft model, tissue microarray, and gene network analysis.

There is a growing interest in the use of naturally occurring agents in cancer prevention. This study investigated the garlic extract affects in bladder cancer (BC) prevention. The effect of garlic extract in cancer prevention was evaluated using the T24 BC BALB/C-nude mouse xenograft model. Microarray analysis of tissues was performed to identify differences in gene expression between garlic extract intake and control diet, and gene network analysis was performed to assess candidate mechanisms of action. Furthermore, we investigated the expression value of selected genes in the data of 165 BC patients. Compared to the control group, significant differences in tumor volume and tumor weight were observed in the groups fed 20 mg/kg (p<0.05), 200 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg of garlic extract (p<0.01). Genes (645) were identified as cancer prevention-related genes (fold change >2 and p<0.05) by tissue microarray analysis. A gene network analysis of 279 of these genes (p<0.01) was performed using Cytoscape/ClueGo software: 36 genes and 37 gene ontologies were mapped to gene networks. Protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway including AKAP12, RDX, and RAB13 genes were identified as potential mechanisms for the activity of garlic extract in cancer prevention. In BC patients, AKAP12 and RDX were decreased but, RAB13 was increased. Oral garlic extract has strong cancer prevention activity in vivo and an acceptable safety profile. PKA signaling process, especially increasing AKAP12 and RDX and decreasing RAB13, are candidate pathways that may mediate this prevention effect.

Kicking modality during erratic-dynamic and static condition effects the muscular co-activation of attacker.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of different kicking modality, i.e., erratic-dynamic target (EDT) versus static target (ST) on the performance of the roundhouse kick in two groups of taekwondo athletes of different skill level. Three-dimensional analysis and surface electromyography (SEMG) analysis were performed on 12 (Group A: six sub-elite, Group B: six elite) athletes to investigate muscle co-activation pattern under two conditions, i.e., EDT versus ST. In the results, the muscle recruitment ratio of the agonistic muscles was higher for Group A, whereas Group B had higher recruitment ratio for antagonist muscles. Overall, the co-activation index (CI) of hip joints appeared higher in the extensors for Group A, whereas higher CI was observed in flexor muscles for Group B with comparatively higher CI during EDT condition than ST condition. Higher value of CI was observed in flexor muscles of the knee joints among Group A during EDT conditions, in contrast, higher CI in the extensor muscles was observed among Group B during ST conditions. In conclusion, the study confirmed that erratic-dynamic movements of target could change the movement coordination pattern to maintain the joint stability of participants.

Removal of acetic acid from simulated hemicellulosic hydrolysates by emulsion liquid membrane with organophosphorus extractants.

Selective removal of acetic acid from simulated hemicellulosic hydrolysates containing xylose and sulfuric acid was attempted in a batch emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) system with organophosphorus extractants. Various experimental variables were used to develop a more energy-efficient ELM process. Total operation time of an ELM run with a very small quantity of trioctylphosphine oxide as the extractant was reduced to about a third of those required to attain almost the same extraction efficiency as obtained in previous ELM works without any extractant. Under specific conditions, acetic acid was selectively separated with a high degree of extraction and insignificant loss of xylose, and its purity and enrichment ratio in the stripping phase were higher than 92% and 6, respectively. Also, reused organic membrane solutions exhibited the extraction efficiency as high as fresh organic solutions did. These results showed that the current ELM process would be quite practical.

A triple-isotope approach for discriminating the geographic origin of Asian sesame oils.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the geographic location and climatic characteristics of the sesame-producing sites on the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen stable isotope ratios of Korean sesame oil. In addition, the study aimed to differentiate Korean sesame oil from Chinese and Indian sesame oils using isotopic data in combination with canonical discriminant analysis. The isotopic data were obtained from 84 roasted oil samples that were prepared from 51 Korean, 19 Chinese, and 14 Indian sesame seeds harvested during 2010-2011 and distributed in Korea during the same period. The δ(13)C, δD, and δ(18)O values of Korean sesame oil were negatively correlated with latitude, distance from the sea, and precipitation (May-September), respectively. By applying two canonical discriminant functions, 89.3% of the sesame oil samples were correctly classified by their geographic origin, indicating that the triple-isotope approach is a useful tool for the traceability of the oils.

The predictive value of GSTT1 polymorphisms in predicting the early response to induction BCG therapy in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the predictive value of glutathione S transferase mu (GSTM1) and theta (GSTT1) polymorphisms in early response to bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) induction therapy in patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. METHODS: GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were analyzed by multiplex polymerase chain reaction using blood genomic DNA from 135 patients with primary non-muscle invasive bladder cancer who were being treated with a single induction course of BCG. BCG nonresponsiveness (early BCG failure) was defined as a tumor recurrence or progression within 12 months after BCG induction therapy. The predictive value of GST polymorphisms was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS: Patients carrying a GSTT1-positive genotype demonstrated a higher likelihood of early BCG failure regardless of cigarette smoking. After stratification based on the tumor stage and grade, the high-risk group (T1G3) with a GSTT1-positive genotype showed a 14-fold higher risk of early BCG failure compared with those with a GSTT1-null genotype. In a combined analysis of 2 genes, the GSTT1-positive/GSTM1-null genotype had a higher risk of BCG nonresponsiveness compared with the GSTT1-null/GSTM1-null genotype (odds ratio = 4.17, 95% CI: 1.54-11.26). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, the GSTT1-positive genotype was an independent predictor of early BCG failure (odds ratio = 3.67, 95% CI: 1.61-8.38). Kaplan-Meier estimates revealed a significant difference in disease-free survival depending on the GSTT1 genotype (log rank test, P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that the GSTT1-positive genotype is an independent predictor of early BCG failure. These results can help determine whether patients would benefit from adjuvant BCG treatment or may require more aggressive alternative therapies.

Diagnostic role of prostate resection in the elderly patients who experience significant co-morbidity with a high clinical suspicion of prostate cancer.

The necessity of routine prostate biopsy prior to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in elderly comorbid patients with a high prostate specific antigen (PSA) level remains controversial. We assessed the role of TURP in prostate cancer diagnosis in these individuals. A total of 197 patients underwent TURP in conjunction with prostatic needle biopsy. Pathologic reviews of specimens of TUR chips and biopsy cores were analyzed. Overall, prostate cancer (CaP) was detected in 114 patients (57.6%). Ninety-eight cancers (86%) were detected with TURP and biopsy, and seven cancers (6.1%) with only TURP. The Gleason score of a TUR-specimen was identical to that of the biopsy-core in 43.9% of cases. Variables associated with diagnostic accuracy in the TUR-specimens included the prebiopsy PSA level, prostate specific antigen density (PSAD), and the Gleason score in biopsy cores. In patients with a PSA level and a PSAD that was greater than 15.4 ng/mL and 0.69 ng/mL/g, respectively, 100% of the cancers were detected in the TUR-specimens. Our results suggest that a prostatic biopsy might be omitted prior to TURP in elderly patients with significant co-morbidity and levels for PSA of >15.4 ng/mL.

Characterization of new biosurfactant produced by Klebsiella sp. Y6-1 isolated from waste soybean oil.

To obtain predominant bacteria degrading crude oil, we isolated some bacteria from waste soybean oil. Isolated bacterial strain had a marked tributyrin (C4:0) degrading activity as developed clear zone around the colony after incubation for 24h at 37 degrees C. It was identified as Klebsiella sp. Y6-1 by analysis of 16S rRNA gene. Crude biosurfactant was extracted from the culture supernatant of Klebsiella sp. Y6-1 by organic solvent (methanol:chloroform:1-butanol) after vacuum freeze drying and the extracted biosurfactant was purified by silica gel column chromatography. When the purified biosurfactant dropped, it formed degrading zone on crude oil plate. When a constituent element of the purified biosurfactant was analyzed by TLC and SDS-PAGE, it was composed of peptides and lipid. The emulsification activity and stability of biosurfactant was measured by using hydrocarbons and crude oil. The emulsification activity and stability of the biosurfactant showed better than the chemically synthesized surfactant. It reduced the surface tension of water from 72 to 32 mN/m at a concentration of 40 mg/l.

Isolation and structural analysis of bamylocin A, novel lipopeptide from Bacillus amyloliquefaciens LP03 having antagonistic and crude oil-emulsifying activity.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain LP03 isolated from soil, produced an antagonistic compound that strongly inhibited the growth of plant-pathogenic fungi and a lipopeptide biosurfactant. Also, isolated strain LP03 had a marked crude oil-emulsifying activity as it developed a clear zone around the colony after incubation for 24 h at 37 degrees C. LP03 was identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens by analysis of partial 16 S rRNA gene and partial gyrA gene sequence. The lipopeptide was purified by acid precipitation of cell-free culture broth, extraction of the precipitates with methanol, silica gel column chromatography, and reverse-phase, high-pressure liquid chromatography. The purified biosurfactant was analyzed biochemical structure by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). The masses of the two peaks were observed by HPLC chromatography. Their masses were determined to be 1,044 and 1,058 m/z with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. As constituents of the peptide and lipophilic part of the m/z 1,022.6, seven amino acids (Glu-Leu-Met-Leu-Pro-Leu-Leu) and beta-hydroxy-C13 fatty acid were determined by ESI-MS/MS. The lipopeptide of 1,022.6 Da differed from surfactins in the substitution of leucine, valine and aspartic acid in positions 3, 4, and 5 by methionine, leucine, and proline, respectively. Novel lipopeptide was designated as bamylocin A.