PROM1-mediated cell signal transduction in cancer stem cells and hepatocytes.

Prominin-1 (PROM1), also called CD133, is a penta-span transmembrane protein that is localized in membrane protrusions, such as microvilli and filopodia. It is known to be expressed in cancer stem cells and various progenitor cells of bone marrow, liver, kidney, and intestine. Accumulating evidence has revealed that PROM1 has multiple functions in various organs, such as eye, tooth, peripheral nerve, and liver, associating with various molecular protein partners. PROM1 regulates PKA-induced gluconeogenesis, TGFß-induced fibrosis, and IL-6-induced regeneration in the liver, associating with Radixin, SMAD7, and GP130, respectively. In addition, PROM1 is necessary to maintain cancer stem cell properties by activating PI3K and ß-Catenin. PROM1-deficienct mice also show distinct phenotypes in eyes, brain, peripheral nerves, and tooth. Here, we discuss recent findings of PROM1-mediated signal transduction. [BMB Reports 2023; 56(2): 65-70].

Central role of Prominin-1 in lipid rafts during liver regeneration.

Prominin-1, a lipid raft protein, is required for maintaining cancer stem cell properties in hepatocarcinoma cell lines, but its physiological roles in the liver have not been well studied. Here, we investigate the role of Prominin-1 in lipid rafts during liver regeneration and show that expression of Prominin-1 increases after 2/3 partial hepatectomy or CCl4 injection. Hepatocyte proliferation and liver regeneration are attenuated in liver-specific Prominin-1 knockout mice compared to wild-type mice. Detailed mechanistic studies reveal that Prominin-1 interacts with the interleukin-6 signal transducer glycoprotein 130, confining it to lipid rafts so that STAT3 signaling by IL-6 is effectively activated. The overexpression of the glycosylphosphatidylinsositol-anchored first extracellular domain of Prominin-1, which is the domain that binds to GP130, rescued the proliferation of hepatocytes and liver regeneration in liver-specific Prominin-1 knockout mice. In summary, Prominin-1 is upregulated in hepatocytes during liver regeneration where it recruits GP130 into lipid rafts and activates the IL6-GP130-STAT3 axis, suggesting that Prominin-1 might be a promising target for therapeutic applications in liver transplantation.

Hepatocyte-specific Prominin-1 protects against liver injury-induced fibrosis by stabilizing SMAD7.

Prominin-1 (PROM1), also known as CD133, is expressed in hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) and cholangiocytes of the fibrotic liver. In this study, we show that PROM1 is upregulated in the plasma membrane of fibrotic hepatocytes. Hepatocellular expression of PROM1 was also demonstrated in mice (Prom1CreER; R26TdTom) in which cells expressed TdTom under control of the Prom1 promoter. To understand the role of hepatocellular PROM1 in liver fibrosis, global and liver-specific Prom1-deficient mice were analyzed after bile duct ligation (BDL). BDL-induced liver fibrosis was aggravated with increased phosphorylation of SMAD2/3 and decreased levels of SMAD7 by global or liver-specific Prom1 deficiency but not by cholangiocyte-specific Prom1 deficiency. Indeed, PROM1 prevented SMURF2-induced SMAD7 ubiquitination and degradation by interfering with the molecular association of SMAD7 with SMURF2. We also demonstrated that hepatocyte-specific overexpression of SMAD7 ameliorated BDL-induced liver fibrosis in liver-specific Prom1-deficient mice. Thus, we conclude that PROM1 is necessary for the negative regulation of TGFß signaling during liver fibrosis.

Analgesic effect of structured anal skin care for perianal dermatitis after low anterior resection in the rectal cancer patients: prospective, single-center, open-label, therapeutic confirmatory, randomized clinical trial.

Purpose: This prospective, single-center, open-label, therapeutic confirmatory, randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the alleviation of anal pain by applying structured anal skin care including skin protectants in rectal cancer patients with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) combined with anal pain. Methods: From December 2017 to May 2020, 42 patients with LARS (scores of ≥21) and anal pain (visual analogue scale [VAS] score of ≥3) were randomly assigned and observed for 4 weeks. The conventional treatment consisted of dietary management, sitz baths, prohibition of anal scrubbing, loperamide, and dioctahedral smectite. In the anal care group, cleanser, barrier cream, and barrier spray were applied to the anal skin after defecation following the conventional treatment. The primary outcome was analgesic effect on anal pain after 2 weeks of structured treatment (anal care group) or conventional (control group). The cutoff for analgesic effect was a decrease in the anal pain score (VAS score of ≥2 or ≥30% reduction). Results: As a primary outcome, the analgesic effect was significantly higher in the anal care group (P = 0.034). The incontinence-associated dermatitis skin condition score was significantly improved in the anal care group than control group after 4 weeks (P = 0.023). There were no significant differences in LARS scores and quality of life scores between 2 groups. Conclusion: Structured anal skin care has a significant analgesic effect in reducing anal pain and improving anal skin conditions in patients with LARS after rectal cancer surgery.

Influence of Stress and Anxiety on Depression in Central Asian Koreans in Korea / 정신간호학회지

Purpose@#This study was designed to identify the influence of stress and anxiety on depression in Central Asian Koreans living in Korea. @*Methods@#We used a cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study design, to survey 159 Central Asian Koreans between July 2 and Dec 17, 2019. To analyze the data, we used descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA with the Scheffétest, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression using the SPSS/WIN 23.0 program. @*Results@#Multiple-regression analysis revealed that how long the subjects had been living in Korea (β=.07, p=.034), their active problem- solving skills (β=-.47, p=.031), and their anxiety levels (β=1.54, p<.001) were significant factors that explained approximately 44% of the variance in depression. @*Conclusion@#We concluded that long-term residence and the skills to face and cope with, anxiety and stress can help lower the rates of depression of Central Asians living in Korea.

Influence of Stress and Anxiety on Depression in Central Asian Koreans in Korea / 정신간호학회지

Purpose@#This study was designed to identify the influence of stress and anxiety on depression in Central Asian Koreans living in Korea. @*Methods@#We used a cross-sectional, descriptive correlational study design, to survey 159 Central Asian Koreans between July 2 and Dec 17, 2019. To analyze the data, we used descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA with the Scheffétest, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and hierarchical multiple regression using the SPSS/WIN 23.0 program. @*Results@#Multiple-regression analysis revealed that how long the subjects had been living in Korea (β=.07, p=.034), their active problem- solving skills (β=-.47, p=.031), and their anxiety levels (β=1.54, p<.001) were significant factors that explained approximately 44% of the variance in depression. @*Conclusion@#We concluded that long-term residence and the skills to face and cope with, anxiety and stress can help lower the rates of depression of Central Asians living in Korea.

Demands for Mental Health Nursing Education and Works of Nurses at Private Psychiatric Hospital: A Mixed Methods Research / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this mixed-method study was to identify the demand for mental health nursing education and work of nurses at a private psychiatric hospital.METHODS: The survey of demand for mental nursing education was conducted by including 231 nurses at a private psychiatric hospital from November to December, 2017. Qualitative research by two focus groups was conducted from October to November, 2018.RESULTS: The mean of mental health nursing education demands according to major category were the therapeutic environment (4.27±0.76), substancerelated and addictive disorders (4.18±0.68), therapeutic relationship and communication (4.17±0.64), respect for human (4.11±0.74), and neurocognitive disorders (4.07±0.74). The qualitative research participants’ demands for mental health nursing education were classified into five categories: ‘discrimination power’, ‘communication techniques’, ‘psychiatric drugs’, ‘coping method’, and ‘legal issues’.CONCLUSION: Nurses with less psychiatric careers have strong need to learn a therapeutic environment and alcoholism, and nurses with more experience in psychiatry have education of humanities. Nurses at private psychiatric hospitals have high demand for continous education of updated mental nursing to expand their extensive experience required for becoming more professional nurses in future.

The effects of frailty and cognitive impairment on 3-year mortality in older adults.

OBJECTIVES: Frailty and cognitive impairment in late life increase the risk of mortality. Physical frailty is closely associated with cognitive impairment. The aim of the study was to examine the independent and interaction effects of frailty and cognitive impairment in predicting mortality. STUDY DESIGN: A nationally representative sample of community-dwelling Koreans aged 65 years and older (n=11,266) was followed for 3 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frailty was categorized using Fried's phenotype model. Cognitive impairment was defined as more than 1.5 standard deviations below the age-, gender-, and education-specific norm of the Mini-Mental State Examination. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to analyze the mortality risk by frailty status and the moderating effect of cognitive impairment. RESULTS: Frailty was associated with cognitive impairment, with 922 (19.1%), 1609 (28.1%), and 392 (42.8%) of the nonfrail, prefrail, and frail group, respectively, being cognitively impaired. Compared with the nonfrail group, those who were prefrail (hazard ratio [HR]=1.38; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10, 1.73) and frail (HR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.46) had higher mortality rates, after adjusting for sociodemographic variables, health behaviors, and chronic conditions. Cognitive impairment was associated with a 30% increased mortality rate. A significant interaction between frailty and cognitive impairment was observed (p=0.003). Compared with those nonfrail and not cognitively impaired, frail persons with cognitive impairment had a lower survival rate (HR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.26, 2.93). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty was a significant predictor of 3-year mortality in community-dwelling older adults, with the association being moderated by baseline cognitive status. Taking cognitive function into account may allow better prediction of adverse outcomes of frailty in later life.

Adaptation Process in the Workplace in Korean Adults with Alcohol Use Disorder / 정신간호학회지

PURPOSE: This purpose of study was to describe the adaptation process in the workplace in Korean adults with alcohol use disorder. METHODS: Twelve participants were recruited at hospital outpatients, Alcoholic Anonymous, and addiction treatment centers from October 2016 to January 2017. Inclusion criteria were Korean adults aged 18 and older who were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder and had a job for at least one year. Data were analyzed using Strauss and Corbin's grounded theory method. RESULTS: From open coding, 74 final concepts, 18 sub-categories, and 10 categories were identified. Results showed that the central phenomenon was ‘struggling to stand confidently’. The core categories were ‘withstanding life by embracing reality as an addict’, and the adaptation process appeared ‘selection stage’, ‘determination stage’, and ‘management stage’. The adaptation process of Korean adults with alcohol use disorder in the workplace was compared to ‘pearl in oyster’, which can be a process of breaking through pain. CONCLUSION: Our study findings provide an in-depth understanding of the experiences of an alcoholic's job life. Mental health nurses need to be actively involved in developing vocational rehabilitation programs for addicts.

Caveolin-1 deficiency induces premature senescence with mitochondrial dysfunction.

Paradoxical observations have been made regarding the role of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) during cellular senescence. For example, caveolin-1 deficiency prevents reactive oxygen species-induced cellular senescence despite mitochondrial dysfunction, which leads to senescence. To resolve this paradox, we re-addressed the role of caveolin-1 in cellular senescence in human diploid fibroblasts, A549, HCT116, and Cav-1-/- mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Cav-1 deficiency (knockout or knockdown) induced cellular senescence via a p53-p21-dependent pathway, downregulating the expression level of the cardiolipin biosynthesis enzymes and then reducing the content of cardiolipin, a critical lipid for mitochondrial respiration. Our results showed that Cav-1 deficiency decreased mitochondrial respiration, reduced the activity of oxidative phosphorylation complex I (CI), inactivated SIRT1, and decreased the NAD+ /NADH ratio. From these results, we concluded that Cav-1 deficiency induces premature senescence via mitochondrial dysfunction and silent information regulator 2 homologue 1 (SIRT1) inactivation.

Comparison of Health Status and Nutrient Intake between Depressed Women and Non-depressed Women: Based on the 2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

This study aimed to provide supporting data for the management of dietary habits in depression by comparing health and nutrition in adult Korean women according to depression status. A total of 2,236 women aged between 19 and 64 years who participated in the 2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were divided into a depression group (n = 315) and a non-depression group (n = 1,921). Among 19-29-year-old women, the depression group showed higher proportions of individuals with impairment of everyday activities, menopause, and suicidal thoughts than the non-depression group. The depression group showed lower intake of cereal, chocolate, meat, and carbonated drinks, as well as a lower index of nutritional quality (INQ) for protein, iron, and niacin. Among 30-49-year-old women, the depression group showed higher proportions of individuals with impairment of everyday activities, chronic disease, stress, and suicidal thoughts. The depression group showed lower intake of rice with mixed grains and higher intake of instant and cup noodles than the non-depression group. Among 50-64-year-old women, the depression group showed higher proportions of individuals with impairment of everyday activities, menopause, stress, and suicidal thoughts. The depression group showed lower intake of vegetables, mushrooms, and seaweed, lower nutritional intake of fat, saturated fat, and n-3 fatty acids, as well as a lower INQ for niacin and a lower Recommended Food Score. For all age groups, individuals with depression showed poorer health and nutritional intake than healthy individuals, demonstrating a correlation of depression with health and nutritional intake.

Comparison of Health Status and Nutrient Intake between Depressed Women and Non-depressed Women: Based on the 2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

This study aimed to provide supporting data for the management of dietary habits in depression by comparing health and nutrition in adult Korean women according to depression status. A total of 2,236 women aged between 19 and 64 years who participated in the 2013 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were divided into a depression group (n = 315) and a non-depression group (n = 1,921). Among 19-29-year-old women, the depression group showed higher proportions of individuals with impairment of everyday activities, menopause, and suicidal thoughts than the non-depression group. The depression group showed lower intake of cereal, chocolate, meat, and carbonated drinks, as well as a lower index of nutritional quality (INQ) for protein, iron, and niacin. Among 30-49-year-old women, the depression group showed higher proportions of individuals with impairment of everyday activities, chronic disease, stress, and suicidal thoughts. The depression group showed lower intake of rice with mixed grains and higher intake of instant and cup noodles than the non-depression group. Among 50-64-year-old women, the depression group showed higher proportions of individuals with impairment of everyday activities, menopause, stress, and suicidal thoughts. The depression group showed lower intake of vegetables, mushrooms, and seaweed, lower nutritional intake of fat, saturated fat, and n-3 fatty acids, as well as a lower INQ for niacin and a lower Recommended Food Score. For all age groups, individuals with depression showed poorer health and nutritional intake than healthy individuals, demonstrating a correlation of depression with health and nutritional intake.

PTP1B inhibitory and anti-inflammatory effects of secondary metabolites isolated from the marine-derived fungus Penicillium sp. JF-55.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) plays a major role in the negative regulation of insulin signaling, and is thus considered as an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes. Bioassay-guided investigation of the methylethylketone extract of marine-derived fungus Penicillium sp. JF-55 cultures afforded a new PTP1B inhibitory styrylpyrone-type metabolite named penstyrylpyrone (1), and two known metabolites, anhydrofulvic acid (2) and citromycetin (3). Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited PTP1B activity in a dose-dependent manner, and kinetic analyses of PTP1B inhibition suggested that these compounds inhibited PTP1B activity in a competitive manner. In an effort to gain more biological potential of the isolated compounds, the anti-inflammatory effects of compounds 1-3 were also evaluated. Among the tested compounds, only compound 1 inhibited the production of NO and PGE2, due to the inhibition of the expression of iNOS and COX-2. Penstyrylpyrone (1) also reduced TNF-α and IL-1ß production, and these anti-inflammatory effects were shown to be correlated with the suppression of the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α, NF-κB nuclear translocation, and NF-κB DNA binding activity. In addition, using inhibitor tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), an inhibitor of HO-1, it was verified that the inhibitory effects of penstyrylpyrone (1) on the pro-inflammatory mediators and NF-κB DNA binding activity were associated with the HO-1 expression. Therefore, these results suggest that penstyrylpyrone (1) suppresses PTP1B activity, as well as the production of pro-inflammatory mediators via NF-κB pathway, through expression of anti-inflammatory HO-1.

Polyaniline-based conducting polymer compositions with a high work function for hole-injection layers in organic light-emitting diodes: formation of ohmic contacts.

It is a great challenge to develop solution-processed, polymeric hole-injection layers (HILs) that perform better than small molecular layers for realizing high-performance small-molecule organic light-emitting diodes (SM-OLEDs). We have greatly improved the injection efficiency and the current efficiency of SM-OLEDs by introducing conducting polymer compositions composed of polyaniline doped with polystyrene sulfonate and perfluorinated ionomer (PFI) as the HIL. During single spin-coating of conducting polymer compositions, the PFI layer was self-organized at the surface and greatly increased the film work function. It enhanced hole-injection efficiency and current efficiency by introducing a nearly ohmic contact and improving electron blocking. Our results demonstrate that solution-processed polyaniline HILs with tunable work functions are good candidates for reducing process costs and improving OLED performance.

Molecular cloning of a pepper gene that is homologous to SELF-PRUNING.

"Determinate" and "indeterminate" inflorescences in plants are controlled by a single recessive gene, for example, SELF-PRUNING (SP) in Solanum lycopersicum, TERMINAL FLOWER1 in Arabidopsis, CENTRORADI-ALIS in Antirrhinum, and CENTRORADIALIS-like gene in tobacco. Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an indeterminate species in which shoots grow indefinitely. In this study, we cloned and characterized the pepper SP-like gene (CaSP). RT-PCR revealed that the CaSP transcript accumulates to higher levels in floral buds than in other organs. Comparison of genomic DNA and cDNA sequences from indeterminate and determinate pepper plants revealed the insertion of a single base in the first exon of CaSP in the determinate pepper plants. CaSP is annotated in linkage group 8 (chromosome 6) of the SNU2 pepper genetic map and showed similar synteny to SP in tomato. Transgenic tobacco plants overexpressing CaSP displayed late-flowering phenotypes similar to the phenotypes caused by overexpression of CaSP orthologs in other plants. Collectively, these results suggest that pepper CaSP is an ortholog of SP in tomato.

Array comparative genomic hybridization analysis of uterine leiomyosarcoma.

PURPOSE: Using a genome-wide array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH), DNA copy number changes in uterine leiomyosarcoma were analyzed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 4 cases of uterine leiomyoma and 7 cases of uterine leiomyosarcoma. The paraffin-fixed tissue samples were microdissected under microscope and DNA was extracted. Array-based CGH and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) were carried out with Genome database (Gene Ontology). RESULTS: Uterine leiomyoma showed no genetic alterations, while all of 7 cases of uterine leiomyosarcoma showed specific gains and losses. The percentage of average gains and losses were 4.86% and 15.1%, respectively. The regions of high level of gain were 7q36.3, 7q33-q35, 12q13-12q15, and 12q23.3. And the regions of homozygous loss were 1p21.1, 2p22.2, 6p11.2, 9p21.1, 9p21.3, 9p22.1, 14q32.33, and 14q32.33 qter. There were no recurrent regions of gain, but recurrent regions of loss were 1p21.1-p21.2, 1p22.3-p31.1, 9p21.2-p22.2, 10q25-q25.2, 11q24.2-q25, 13q12-q12.13, 14q31.1-q31.3, 14q32.32-q32.33, 15q11-q12, 15q13-q14, 18q12.1-q12.2, 18q22.1-q22.3, 20p12.1, and 21q22.12-q22.13. In the high level of gain regions, BAC clones encoded HMGIC, SAS, MDM2, TIM1 genes. Frequently gained BAC clone-encoded genes were TIM1, PDGFR-beta, REC Q4, VAV2, FGF4, KLK2, PNUTL1, GDNF, FLG, EXT1, WISP1, HER-2, and SOX18. The genes encoded by frequently lost BAC clones were LEU1, ERCC5, THBS1, DCC, MBD2, SCCA1, FVT1, CYB5, and ETS2/E2. A subset of cellular processes from each gene was clustered by Gene Ontology database. CONCLUSION: Using array-CGH, chromosomal aberrations related to uterine leiomyosarcoma were identified. The high resolution of array-CGH combined with human genome database would give a chance to find out possible target genes present in the gained or lost clones.

A Case with Gastric Carcinoid Tumor Removed by Endoscopical Procedure / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Gastric carcinoid tumors were previously believed to be rare lesions, representing less than 2% of all carcinoid tumors and less than 1% of all stomach neoplasms. More recent studies have demonstrated that they may constitute as much as l0-30% of carcinoid tumors. We recently experienced a 35-years old businessman with gastric carcinoid tumor who camplained of postprandial epigastric discomfort. Gastrofiberscope showed protruding mass with central depression and erasion which was located on greater curvature of lower body and its size was 1 x 1 cm. Gastroendoscopic biopsy was per formed. It was identified to carcinoid tumor(Argyrophilic tumor). EUS(endoscopic ultrasonography) revealed that the lesion was limited to submucosa without evidence of any metastasis to adjacent lymph node. The carcinoid tumor was successfully removed by endoscopic polypectomy. Gastrofiberscope and EUS 9months after polypectomy showed that the lesion was nearly normal mucosa without submucosal thickening.

The evaluation of the combined use of serum ?hCG and ultrasound in diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy / 대한산부인과학회잡지

No abstract available.

Clinical and statistic analysis of cesarean section / 대한산부인과학회잡지

No abstract available.

Meoadjuvant chemotherapy with Cisplatin and Mitomycin-C followed by radical hysterectomy or radiation therapy in patients with locally advanced cervical cancer / 대한산부인과학회잡지

No abstract available.