A phenomenological study of the experiences of nurses working in integrated nursing care wards in Korea.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to understand the experiences of nurses working in the integrated nursing care service, a relatively recent addition to the Korean hospital infrastructure, to suggest ways in which to address their grievances and needs and improve their job satisfaction, thereby reducing turnover. METHODS: This study adopted a qualitative approach to explore subjects' vivid experiences. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 17 nurses with over one year of experience working in integrated nursing care wards. The main question asked was "Can you describe your experiences in the integrated nursing care ward?" All interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Colaizzi's method for phenomenological research. RESULTS: Six theme clusters were derived from the analysis: "distorted perceptions of the integrated nursing care ward," "challenges owing to distorted perceptions of the integrated nursing care ward," "loneliness and fighting alone," "being ridiculed," "practicing textbook holistic care," and "the satisfaction felt only in the integrated nursing care ward." For the overarching theme, we identified "Satisfaction in providing holistic care despite the challenges." CONCLUSIONS: While working in the integrated nursing care ward, nurses practiced holistic nursing care, which in turn built their self-esteem. However, they experienced greater levels of stress as a result of misinformation. Therefore, dissemination of accurate information is necessary to correct public misunderstandings of the integrated nursing care wards. Further, adequate compensation and support systems are needed to relieve the stress nurses felt because of such misunderstandings. Additionally, nurses should be motivated to continue to provide quality care for the patients and take pride in their work. Future research should explore the physical and mental concerns of nurses working in integrated care wards.

Supplementation with Cynanchum wilfordii radix extract for 8 weeks lowers serum total cholesterol: A controlled, randomized, double-blind clinical trial.

This trial aimed to determine the effect of a standardized Cynanchum wilfordii Radix extract (CWE) on the lipid profiles of individuals with elevated total cholesterol (T-Chol) using a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled design. Ninety-six Korean individuals with elevated T-Chol level (200-240 mg/dL) were recruited and randomly allocated to groups that received VasH300 (300 mg CWE/day, n = 32), VasH600 (600 mg CWE/day, n = 32), or a placebo (n = 32) groups. Primary outcomes included T-Chol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglyceride, and safety (adverse events, biochemical parameters, and hematological parameters). Data were compared using a one-way analysis of variance followed by Duncan's post-hoc tests (among groups) and paired t tests (within groups). Values for T-Chol and LDL-cholesterol were significantly reduced in the VasH300 and groups (VasH300: 4.0 and 6.4%, respectively; VasH600; 3.8 and 5.8% respectively; both p < .05) compared with the placebo group and were not dose-dependent. VasH300 significantly improved the lipid profiles of individuals with elevated T-Chol without any serious side effects. Daily supplementation with VasH might be an alternative strategy with which to modify cholesterol-related parameters, especially in individuals with elevated T-Chol levels.

Agrimonia eupatoria L. (Agrimony) Extract Alters Liver Health in Subjects with Elevated Alanine Transaminase Levels: A Controlled, Randomized, and Double-Blind Trial.

Agrimonia eupatoria L. has been shown to protect against liver injury due to its lipid lowering and antioxidant activities. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of A. eupatoria L. aqueous extract (AEE) on 80 subjects with elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) levels in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week study. This trial was conducted between January 2013 and July 2013 at the Oriental Medical Hospital (Jecheon) of Semyung University. The trial included subjects aged 20 years or older who were diagnosed with mildly to moderately elevated ALT levels (between 45 and 135 IU/L). Subjects received two capsules of placebo or AEE twice a day for 8 weeks. Adverse events were recorded. Eighty subjects were randomized to placebo or AEE groups who had similar baseline characteristics. During the 8 weeks of treatment, 11 subjects were excluded from the analysis for protocol violation or consent withdrawal; efficacy of treatment was, therefore, evaluated in 69 subjects (placebo = 35, AEE = 34). The AEE group showed a significant reduction in ALT and serum triglyceride (TG) at 8 weeks compared with the placebo group (ALT P = .044, TG P = .020). Significant group and time interactions were found in ALT (P = .038), aspartate aminotransferase (P = .040), and TG (P = .010). Alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were not different between the two groups. There were no reported severe adverse events during this study, and total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatine, and total cholesterol levels were normal in both groups. AEE consumption was safe and generally well tolerated without severe adverse events.

Anticancer effect of Saussurea lappa extract via dual control of apoptosis and autophagy in prostate cancer cells.

To demonstrate the mechanisms of the curative effect of Saussurea lappa ethanol extract (SLE) against prostate cancer, we evaluated the effect of SLE on the induction of apoptosis and autophagy and investigated whether SLE-induced autophagy exerts a pro-survival or pro-apoptotic effect in lymph node carcinoma of the prostate (LNCaP) prostate cancer cells. SLE was prepared using 100% ethanol and added to LNCaP cells for 24 hours. Cell viability was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay, and cell apoptosis was evaluated by Tali assay. The expression of apoptosis-related mRNA and proteins was analyzed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. SLE treatment decreased the viability of LNCaP cells and increased Bax expression while suppressing the expression of pro-caspases-8/9/3, PARP, Bid, and Bcl-2, thereby inducing apoptosis in LNCaP cells. Cell proliferation related proteins, including p-Akt, androgen receptor, and prostate-specific antigen, were suppressed by SLE treatment. SLE also induced autophagy in LNCaP cells, and inhibition of autophagy enhanced the apoptosis induced by SLE treatment. These results suggest that SLE exerts anticancer effects through the induction of both cellular apoptosis and autophagy, and apoptotic cell death can be facilitated by blocking autophagy in SLE-treated LNCaP cells. Therefore, SLE might be a potential anticancer agent for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Inhibitory effects of norlignans isolated from Anemarrhena asphodeloides on degranulation of rat basophilic leukemia- 2H3Cells.

Anemarrhena asphodeloides is known to suppress inflammation and lower various fevers. To determine the active component of A. asphodeloides, ethanol (EtOH) extract of A. asphodeloides rhizomes was fractionized. The compounds isolated from the dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) soluble fraction were identified as 4'-O-methylnyasol (1), nyasol (2), 3″-methoxynyasol (3), 3″-hydroxy-4″-methoxy-4″-dehydroxynyasol (4), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (5), and 4-hydroxyacetophenone (6). The four norlignans (1-4) potently inhibited the release of ß-hexosaminidase from immunoglobulin E (IgE)/dinitrophenol-conjugated bovine serum albumin (DNP-BSA)-treated rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 and A23187 plus phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate co-treated isolated rat primary mast cells, as markers of degranulation and histamine release. The intraperitoneal treatment with the EtOH extract significantly suppressed the fetal reaction, and serum histamine release induced by compound 48/80 in mice. These results suggest that the four active norlignan compounds and the EtOH extract of A. asphodeloides may have potential to be developed as medicines for the treatment of allergies by inhibiting the activation of mast cells.

Cynanchum wilfordii Radix attenuates liver fat accumulation and damage by suppressing hepatic cyclooxygenase-2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase in mice fed with a high-fat and high-fructose diet.

Excessive consumption of fat and fructose augments the pathological progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through hepatic fibrosis, inflammation, and hepatic de novo lipogenesis. We hypothesized that supplementation with Cynanchum wilfordii extract (CWE) decreases fat accumulation in the liver by suppressing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The beneficial effect of CWE was evaluated in a murine model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Mice were fed either a normal diet or an atherogenic diet with fructose (ATHFR) in the presence or absence of CWE (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg; n=6/group). Treatment with ATHFR induced a hepatosplenomegaly-like condition (increased liver and spleen weight); this pathological change was attenuated in the presence of CWE. The ATHFR group exhibited impaired liver function, as evidenced by increased blood levels of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase, fat accumulation in the liver, and lipid profiles. Supplementation of CWE (100 and 200 mg/kg, P<.05) ameliorated these impaired liver functions. Atherogenic diet with fructose increased the protein levels of COX-2 and p38 MAPK, as well as the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. These signaling pathways, which are associated with the inflammatory response, were markedly suppressed after CWE treatment (100 and 200 mg/kg). In summary, CWE supplementation reduced high-fat and high-fructose diet-induced fat accumulation and damage in the liver by suppressing COX-2, NF-κB, and p38 MAPK.

Anti-obesity effect of Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum Baker extract in high-fat diet-induced and monogenic obese mice.

This study determined the anti-obesity effect of Crinum asiaticum var. japonicum Baker extract (CAE) on adipocytes and obese mice. The inhibitory effects of CAE on adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis were determined using differentiation induction medium in 3T3-L1 cells. To get an insight into underlying molecular actions of CAE, we investigated the changes in the expression levels of genes involved in lipogenesis by CAE treatment using qRT-PCR. CAE strongly suppressed adipocyte differentiation through downregulation of PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBP ß, and aP2. CAE treatment could also suppress the expression levels of ACC, FAS, LPL and HMGCR gene in 3T3-L1 cells. Male C57BL/6 strain and C57BL/6J-ob/ob strain mice were fed with HFD containing 60% fat and normal diet in the presence or absence of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg CAE for 7 weeks. CAE supplementation could highly suppress the body weight gain and epididymal fat accumulation without changes in food uptake in both obese models. Increases in total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride were highly suppressed in the presence of CAE. In summary, CAE has an anti-obesity effect and this anti-obesity potential might be associated with downregulation of genes involved in adipocyte differentiation and lipogenesis.

Antiallergic Activity of Ethanol Extracts of Arctium lappa L. Undried Roots and Its Active Compound, Oleamide, in Regulating FcεRI-Mediated and MAPK Signaling in RBL-2H3 Cells.

The antiallergic potential of Arctium lappa L. was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats, ICR mice, and RBL-2H3 cells. Ethanol extract (90%) of A. lappa (ALE, 100 µg/mL) inhibited the degranulation rate by 52.9%, determined by the level of ß-hexosaminidase. ALE suppressed passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) in rats and attenuated anaphylaxis and histamine release in mice. To identify the active compound of ALE, we subsequently fractionated and determined the level of ß-hexosaminidase in all subfractions. Oleamide was identified as an active compound of ALE, which attenuated the secretion of histamine and the production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in cells treated with compound 48/80 or A23187/phorbol myristate acetate (PMA). Oleamide suppressed FcεRI-tyrosine kinase Lyn-mediated pathway, c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK/SAPK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38-MAPKs). These results showed that ALE and oleamide attenuated allergic reactions and should serve as a platform to search for compounds with antiallergic activity.

Prunus mume leaf extract lowers blood glucose level in diabetic mice.

Context Diabetes is a common metabolic disease with long-term complications. Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. (Rosaceae) fruits have shown to ameliorate glucose intolerance. However, the antidiabetic effects of P. mume leaves have not been investigated. Objective This study evaluated the effects of P. mume leaf 70% ethanol extract (PMLE) on alleviating diabetes in vivo and in vitro. Materials and methods PMLE was fractionated into n-hexane, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol (BuOH) and water. Polyphenol and flavonoid contents in PMLE fractions were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and the aluminium chloride colorimetric method, respectively. We evaluated α-glucosidase inhibition using a microplate reader at 400 nm. Adipocyte differentiation by lipid accumulation was measured using Nile Red staining. Male imprinting control region (ICR) mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 100 mg/kg, i.p.). High-fat diets were provided for three weeks prior to PMLE treatments to induce type 2 diabetes. PMLE (0, 5, 25 or 50 mg/kg) was administrated for four weeks with high-fat diets. Results The EtOAc fraction of PMLE inhibited α-glucosidase activity (IC50 = 68.2 µg/mL) and contained 883.5 ± 14.9 mg/g of polyphenols and 820.1 ± 7.7 mg/g of flavonoids. The 50 mg/kg PMLE supplement reduced 40% of blood glucose level compared to obese/diabetes mice. Obese/diabetic mice treated with 50 mg/kg PMLE showed a lower level of triacylglycerol (320.7 ± 20.73 mg/dL) compared to obese/diabetes mice (494.9 ± 14.80 mg/dL). Conclusion The data demonstrate that P. mume leaves exert antidiabetic effects that may be attributable to high concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids.

Anti-inflammatory effects of Saururus chinensis aerial parts in murine macrophages via induction of heme oxygenase-1.

Saururus chinensis (Lour.) Baill. is a perennial plant distributed throughout Northeast Asia and its roots have been widely used as a traditional medicine for hepatitis, asthma, pneumonia, and gonorrhea. This study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of an extract of S. chinensis of the aerial parts (rather than the root), and the signaling pathway responsible for this effect in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages. The subfraction 4 (SCF4) from the n-hexane layer of the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of S. chinensis exhibited the highest nitrite-inhibitory activity. SCF4 significantly inhibited the production of nitrite and the expression of pro-inflammatory mediators via heme oxygenase-1 upregulation. SCF4 caused significant phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and Akt, which subsequently induced the nuclear translocation of p-p65 nuclear factor-κB and Nrf2. SCF4 also suppressed the phosphorylation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (p-STAT1). The heme oxygenase-1 inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin attenuated the inhibitory effect of SCF4 on lipopolysaccharide-stimulated nitrite production and expression of inflammatory mediators, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and p-STAT1. We identified sauchinone as the active compound in S. chinensis extract and SCF4. Sauchinone was shown to significantly inhibit nitrite production and inflammatory mediators expression via heme oxygenase-1 upregulation. These results suggest that S. chinensis extract, SCF4, and its active compound, sauchinone, could be used as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 and DNA repair by uranium.

Uranium has radiological and non-radiological effects within biological systems and there is increasing evidence for genotoxic and carcinogenic properties attributable to uranium through its heavy metal properties. In this study, we report that low concentrations of uranium (as uranyl acetate; <10 µM) is not cytotoxic to human embryonic kidney cells or normal human keratinocytes; however, uranium exacerbates DNA damage and cytotoxicity induced by hydrogen peroxide, suggesting that uranium may inhibit DNA repair processes. Concentrations of uranyl acetate in the low micromolar range inhibited the zinc finger DNA repair protein poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 and caused zinc loss from PARP-1 protein. Uranyl acetate exposure also led to zinc loss from the zinc finger DNA repair proteins Xeroderma Pigmentosum, Complementation Group A (XPA) and aprataxin (APTX). In keeping with the observed inhibition of zinc finger function of DNA repair proteins, exposure to uranyl acetate enhanced retention of induced DNA damage. Co-incubation of uranyl acetate with zinc largely overcame the impact of uranium on PARP-1 activity and DNA damage. These findings present evidence that low concentrations of uranium can inhibit DNA repair through disruption of zinc finger domains of specific target DNA repair proteins. This may provide a mechanistic basis to account for the published observations that uranium exposure is associated with DNA repair deficiency in exposed human populations.

Anticancer activities of self-assembled molecular bowls containing a phenanthrene-based donor and Ru(II) acceptors.

Nano-sized multinuclear ruthenium complexes have rapidly emerged as promising therapeutic candidates with unique anticancer activities. Here, we describe the coordination-driven self-assembly and anticancer activities of a set of three organometallic tetranuclear Ru(II) molecular bowls. [2+2] Coordination-driven self-assembly of 3, 6-bis(pyridin-3- ylethynyl) phenanthrene (bpep) (1) and one of the three dinuclear arene ruthenium clips, [(η6-p-iPrC6H4Me)2Ru2-(OO\OO)][OTf]2 (OO\OO =2, 5-dioxido-1, 4-benzoquinonato, OTf = triflate) (2), 5, 8-dioxido-1, 4-naphthoquinonato (3), or 6, 11-dioxido-5, 12-naphthacenediona (4), resulted in three molecular bowls 5-7 of general formula [{(η6-p-iPrC6H4Me)2Ru2-(OO\OO)}2(bpep)2][OTf]4. All molecular bowls were obtained as triflate salts in very good yields (>90%) and were fully characterized using multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and elemental analysis. The structure of the representative molecular bowl 5 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The anticancer activities of molecular bowls 5-7 were determined by 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, autophagy, and Western blot analysis. Bowl 6 showed the strongest cytotoxicity in AGS human gastric carcinoma cells and was more cytotoxic than doxorubicin. In addition, autophagic activity and the ratio of apoptotic cell death increased in AGS cells by treatment with bowl 6. Bowl 6 also induced autophagosome formation via upregulation of p62 and promotion of the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II. Moreover, bowl 6 promoted apoptotic cell death through downregulation of Akt/mTOR activation, followed by increased caspase-3 activity. These results suggest that bowl 6 induces gastric cancer cell death via modulation of autophagy and apoptosis. Bowl 6 is a potent anticancer agent and a potential treatment for human gastric cancer that merits further study.

Anti-Osteoarthritic Effects of the Litsea japonica Fruit in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis Induced by Monosodium Iodoacetate.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative chronic disease that affects various tissues surrounding the joints, such as the subchondral bone and articular cartilage. The onset of OA is associated with uncontrolled catabolic and anabolic remodeling processes of the joints, including the cartilage and subchondral bone, to adapt to local biological and biochemical signals. In this study, we determined whether 70% ethanolic (EtOH) extract of Litsea japonica fruit (LJFE) had beneficial effects on the articular cartilage, including structural changes in the tibial subchondral bone, matrix degradation, and inflammatory responses, in OA by using a rat model of monosodium iodoacetate-induced OA. Our results showed that administration of LJFE increased the bone volume and cross-section thickness, but the mean number of objects per slice in this group was lower than that in the OA control (OAC) group. In addition, the LJFE decreased the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Compared to the OAC group, the group treated with high doses of LJFE (100 and 200 mg/kg) showed a more than 80% inhibition of the expression of matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases. Our results suggest that LJFE can be used as a potential anti-osteoarthritic agent.

A Controlled, Randomized, Double-blind Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Vegetables and Whole Grain Powder That Is Rich in Dietary Fibers on Bowel Functions and Defecation in Constipated Young Adults.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of vege-powder (VP), mainly consisted of chicory, broccoli, and whole grains, on bowel habit improvement and constipation alleviation. METHODS: Using the Roman standard II, 96 male and female subjects in their twenties with constipation symptoms were divided into a control group or VP group. Subjects in a control group were supplied with rice flakes-powder (RFP) and subjects in the VP group were provided with 30 g of VP twice daily for 4 weeks. Constipation relief effectiveness was surveyed on 5-point Likert scales depending on stool hardness, amount of stool, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and straining to defecate at day 0, 14, and 28 of RFP or VP intake. RESULTS: Repeated measures analysis of variance analysis revealed that VP intake caused significant temporal changes in stool hardness, amount, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and straining to defecate. In addition, significant differences between control and VP groups were found in stool hardness, amount, sensation of incomplete evacuation, and straining to defecate at day 14 and 28 of experimental diet consumption. VP supplement for 2 weeks significantly increased the evacuation frequency (1.04 ± 0.71), compared to control group (0.41 ± 0.64) and this increase was maintained at 4 week of diet supplements. CONCLUSIONS: This result showed that constipated subjects who consumed VP, mainly consisting of chicory, broccoli, and whole grains, improved constipation symptoms at 2 and 4 weeks of consumption compared to those of control group who were provided with RFP.

Conventional Cisplatin-Based Combination Chemotherapy Is Effective in the Treatment of Metastatic Spermatocytic Seminoma with Extensive Rhabdomyosarcomatous Transformation.

A 52-year-old man was presented with a huge left testicular mass and palpable cervical lymphadenopathy with retroperitoneal lymph node enlargement on an abdominal computed tomography. A left radical orchiectomy and an ultrasound-guided neck node biopsy were performed. A pathological examination revealed spermatocytic seminoma with extensive rhabdomyosarcomatous transformation, a condition known to be highly resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. The patient received four cycles of etoposide, ifosfamide and cisplatin (VIP) chemotherapy. A repeat computed tomography revealed a substantial regression consistent with a partial response. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection was attempted, which revealed rhabdomyosarcoma; however, complete microscopic resection was not achieved. After surgery, the residual abdominal lymph node progressed and salvage paclitaxel, ifosfamide and cisplatin (TIP) chemotherapy was employed, which again achieved a partial response. Here, we present a first case report of a spermatocytic seminoma with extensive rhabdomyosarcomatous transformation and multiple metastatic lymphadenopathies that showed a favorable response to platinum-based systemic chemotherapy.

Identification of novel functional null allele of SLC26A4 associated with enlarged vestibular aqueduct and its possible implication.

Mutations in the SLC26A4 gene, which encodes pendrin, cause congenital hearing loss as a manifestation of Pendred syndrome (PS) with an iodide organification defect or nonsyndromic enlarged vestibular aqueduct (NSEVA, DFNB4). There have been reports of differences between PS and NSEVA, including their auditory phenotypes and molecular genetic bases. For appropriate genetic diagnosis and counseling, it is important to functionally characterize SLC26A4 variants. In this study, we identified and evaluated a novel null mutation of SLC26A4 and report our method of assessing the pathogenic potential of mutations in SLC26A4, one of the most frequent causative genes of deafness in humans. A 3-year-old female with progressive sensorineural hearing loss and her parents were recruited. They underwent clinical, audiological, radiological and genetic evaluations, which revealed that the female patient had an enlarged vestibular aqueduct and an incomplete partition type II anomaly in the cochlea bilaterally. Sanger sequencing of the SLC26A4 gene was also performed. For a confirmatory genetic diagnosis, we first characterized the anion/base exchange ability of mutant pendrin products in HEK 293 cells and, if necessary, evaluated whether the mutant pendrin traffics to the plasma membrane in COS-7 cells. We also expressed a null function mutant, p.H723R, and a previously documented polymorphism, p.P542R, as controls. The pure tone average was 66 dB HL in the right ear and 75 dB HL in the left ear. Sequencing of SLC26A4 revealed a known pathogenic mutation (p.H723R) and a novel missense variant (p.V510D) as a compound heterozygote. When we expressed the p.V510D mutant pendrin in mammalian cells, the rate constants for Cl-/HCO3- exchange were 10.96±4.79% compared with those of wild-type pendrin. This figure was comparable to that of p.H723R, indicating p.V510D to be another pathogenic mutation with a null function. The p.V510D pendrin product was shown to be entrapped in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at 24-30 h after transfection, and not trafficked to the plasma membrane in COS-7 cells, suggesting retention in the ER and abnormal trafficking as the pathogenic mechanism. This was similar to p.H723R, which is a null function founder mutant in this population but is a candidate variant for future drug therapy to rescue the abnormal cell trafficking. Impaired cellular trafficking due to ER retention and abolished exchange activity of the newly detected p.V510D indicates the pathogenic potential of this variant. These missense variants may be good candidate variants for drug therapy if the intrinsic exchange activity is not damaged by the change.

Cancer Preventive Potential of Kimchi Lactic Acid Bacteria (Weissella cibaria, Lactobacillus plantarum).

The number of death due to cancer has been increasing in Korea. Chemotherapy is known to cause side effects because it damages not only cancerous cells but healthy cells. Recently, attention has focused on food-derived chemopreventive and anti-tumor agents or formulations with fewer side effects. Kimchi, most popular and widely consumed in Korea, contains high levels of lactic acid bacteria and has been shown to possess chemopreventive effects. This review focuses on Weissella cibaria and Lactobacillus plantarum, the representatives of kimchi lactic acid bacteria, in terms of their abilities to prevent cancer. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms by which lactic acid bacteria in kimchi prevent carcinogenic processes and improve immune functions.

Statistical 3D Distribution Analysis of Prostate Cancers in Korean Using Digital Processing Techniques.

OBJECTIVES: Several researchers have shown that three dimensional (3D) distribution analysis of prostate cancer is helpful when initiating needle biopsy procedures. Knowledge regarding the distribution of prostate cancer could enhance understanding of the pathophysiology involved and improve detection of these malignancies. We propose utilizing digital processing techniques to analyze prostate cancer distribution in a 3D setting. METHODS: Pre-made radical prostatectomy sample slices were digitized with a resolution of 76 dpi. Slices of each sample were aligned and registered by deformation algorithm and interpolated for analysis of relative distribution statistics. We analyzed 80 samples saved in electronic medical record and compared the detection rate of preoperative needle biopsies and radical prostatectomies using our 3D analysis technique. RESULTS: The statistical 3D distribution of prostate cancer was evaluated using a 36-sector process. Results were represented in the following two ways: distribution of a single patient, and statistical distribution of prostate cancers of multiple patients. The overall concordance rate was 62.7% between the two methods; therefore a technique is needed which can raise this percentage. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest using the normalization method to develop a software tool which permits reconstruction of the 3D distribution of prostate cancer from 2D legacy images and reduces the loss of image quality as well. This application will facilitate detection of prostate cancer by aiding in the determination of the most effective clinical position via partial sampling with decreased patient inconvenience.

Short-term efficacy of enzyme replacement therapy in Korean patients with Fabry disease.

Fabrazyme has been widely used for treatment of Fabry disease since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2003. This study was undertaken to assess the short-term efficacy and safety of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for Fabry disease in Korea. Eight male patients and three female symptomatic carriers aged 13 to 48 yr were included. Fabrazyme was administered by intravenous infusion at a dose of 1 mg/kg every 2 weeks. Plasma and urine globotriaosylceramide (GL-3) levels, serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and 24-hr urine protein levels were measured every 3 months. Kidney biopsies, ophthalmologic exams, and pure tone audiometry were performed before and 1 yr after ERT. Kidney function, including serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, and the 24-hr urine protein level, remained stable during ERT. Plasma and urine GL-3 levels were reduced within 3 to 6 months of ERT initiation. Microvascular endothelial deposits of GL-3 were decreased from renal biopsy specimens after 1 yr of treatment. The severity of sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus did not improve after ERT. ERT is safe and effective in stabilizing renal function and clearing microvascular endothelial GL-3 from kidney biopsy specimen in Korean patients with Fabry disease.

Two cases of isolated diffuse mesangial sclerosis with WT1 mutations.

Here we report two cases of isolated diffuse mesangial sclerosis (IDMS) with early onset end-stage renal failure. These female patients did not show abnormalities of the gonads or external genitalia. Direct sequencing of WT1 PCR products from genomic DNA identified WT1 mutations in exons 8 (366 Arg>His) and 9 (396 Asp>Tyr). These mutations have been reported previously in association with Denys-Drash syndrome (DDS) with early onset renal failure. Therefore we suggest that, at least in part, IDMS is a variant of DDS and that investigations for the WT1 mutations should be performed in IDMS patients. In cases with identified WT1 mutations, the same attention to tumor development should be required as in DDS patients, and karyotyping and serial abdominal ultrasonograms to evaluate the gonads and kidney are warranted.