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Purpose@#The current study provides national cancer statistics and their secular trends in Korea, including incidence, mortality, survival, and prevalence in 2020. @*Materials and Methods@#Incidence, survival, and prevalence rates of cancer were calculated using the Korea National Cancer Incidence Database, from 1999 to 2020, with survival follow-up until December 31, 2021. Deaths from cancer were assessed using causes-of-death data obtained from Statistics Korea. @*Results@#The number of new cancer diagnoses in 2020 decreased by 9,218 cases (3.6%) compared to 2019. In 2020, newly diagnosed cancer cases and deaths from cancer were reported as 247,952 (age-standardized rate [ASR], 262.2 per 100,000) and 82,204 (ASR, 69.9 per 100,000), respectively. The overall cancer incidence rates increased by 3.3% annually from 1999 to 2012, and decreased by 5.0% annually from 2012 to 2015, thereafter, followed by nonsignificant changes. Cancer mortality rates have been decreasing since 2002, with more rapid decline in recent years. The 5-year relative survival between 2016 and 2020 was 71.5%, which contributed to prevalent cases reaching over 2.2 million in 2020. @*Conclusion@#In 2020, the number of newly diagnosed cancer patients decreased due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, but the overall trend is on the rise. Cancer survival rates have improved over the past decades. As the number of cancer survivors increases, a comprehensive cancer control strategy should be implemented in line with the changing aspects of cancer statistics. The long-term impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on cancer statistics needs to be investigated in the future.
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Objectives@#: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of office workers' stress level and stress vulnerability on heart rate variability (HRV), confirm the significance of objective stress indicators obtained through subjective stress and heart rate variability devices, and examine their effectiveness as an integrated stress measurement tool in community mental health projects. @*Methods@#: From June to July in 2020, 929 workers participated in the stress management and mental health promotion project carried out by K hospital, and their recorded database was used for study analysis with their agreements. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to find out the effects of general stress level, and stress vulnerability on heart rate variability. @*Results@#: All general characteristics were found to have a significant effect on SDNN (ln), RMSSD (ln), LF (ln), and HF (ln), but work experience did not significantly affect RMSSD (ln). Stress level and stress vulnerability did not significantly affect heart rate variability, but stress perception, a sub-factor of stress level, was found to have a significant effect on RMSSD (ln) (β=0.118, p=0.023). @*Conclusions@#: In this study, stress perception, a sub-factor of stress level, was found to be a factor affecting RMSSD (ln). This indicates an association with the activity of parasympathetic nerves in stressful situations, and more follow-up studies are needed to use it as a direct indicator of chronic stress and integrated stress in the community mental health field.
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Background and Objectives@#We reviewed the long-term outcomes after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair with trans-annular incision; and evaluated the effectiveness of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) on outcomes. @*Methods@#This was a retrospective review of clinical outcomes of 180 of 196 TOF patients who underwent total correction with trans-annular incision from 1991 to 1997 (PVR group: 81; non-PVR group: 99). @*Results@#The median age of the patients was 14.0 months (interquartile range [IQR], 10.7–19.8 months) at TOF repair. Ten in-hospital deaths (5.1%) occurred. During the followup, 81 patients underwent PVR at the median age of 13.5 years (IQR, 11.2–17.1 years). The patients in PVR group showed better outcomes than non-PVR group in overall survival rate (100% in PVR vs. 88.7% in non-PVR, p=0.007), in all adverse events (arrhythmia, neurologic complications, 95.5% in PVR vs. 74.6% in non-PVR, p=0.024) at 20 years. Age at TOF repair younger than 1 year (hazard ratio [HR], 2.265; p=0.01) and previous shunt history (HR, 2.195; p=0.008) were predictive for requiring PVR. During follow-up, 10 late deaths (5 sudden deaths) occurred in the non-PVR group, mainly due to ventricular arrhythmia and right ventricular failure; there was 1 late death (not a sudden death) in the PVR group. @*Conclusions@#Long-term survival after repair of TOF with trans-annular incision were acceptable. However, arrhythmias were frequently observed during 20 years of follow-up. The patient age <1 year at the time of TOF repair and shunt implantation prior to TOF repair were predictive factors for requiring PVR.
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Cudraxanthone D (CD) is a natural xanthone compound derived from the root barks of Cudrania tricuspidata . However, the biological functions of CD in human metabolism have been rarely reported until now. Autophagy is the self-degradation process related to cancer cell metastasis. Here, we elucidated the effects of CD on human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells’ metastatic ability. We confirmed that CD effectively decreased the proliferation and viability of SCC25 human OSCC cells in time- and dose-dependent manners. Also, the metastasis phenotype of the SCC25 cell (migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition [EMT]) was inhibited by CD. To further investigate the mechanism by which CD inhibited the metastatic capacity, we detected the relationship between EMT and autophagy in the SCC25 cells. The results revealed that CD inhibited the metastasis of the SCC25 cells by attenuating autophagy. Thus, our findings produced a potential novel agent for the treatment of human OSCC metastasis.
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Cudraxanthone D (CD) is a natural xanthone compound derived from the root barks of Cudrania tricuspidata . However, the biological functions of CD in human metabolism have been rarely reported until now. Autophagy is the self-degradation process related to cancer cell metastasis. Here, we elucidated the effects of CD on human oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells’ metastatic ability. We confirmed that CD effectively decreased the proliferation and viability of SCC25 human OSCC cells in time- and dose-dependent manners. Also, the metastasis phenotype of the SCC25 cell (migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition [EMT]) was inhibited by CD. To further investigate the mechanism by which CD inhibited the metastatic capacity, we detected the relationship between EMT and autophagy in the SCC25 cells. The results revealed that CD inhibited the metastasis of the SCC25 cells by attenuating autophagy. Thus, our findings produced a potential novel agent for the treatment of human OSCC metastasis.
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Background and Objectives@#We reviewed the long-term outcomes after tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair with trans-annular incision; and evaluated the effectiveness of pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) on outcomes. @*Methods@#This was a retrospective review of clinical outcomes of 180 of 196 TOF patients who underwent total correction with trans-annular incision from 1991 to 1997 (PVR group: 81; non-PVR group: 99). @*Results@#The median age of the patients was 14.0 months (interquartile range [IQR], 10.7–19.8 months) at TOF repair. Ten in-hospital deaths (5.1%) occurred. During the followup, 81 patients underwent PVR at the median age of 13.5 years (IQR, 11.2–17.1 years). The patients in PVR group showed better outcomes than non-PVR group in overall survival rate (100% in PVR vs. 88.7% in non-PVR, p=0.007), in all adverse events (arrhythmia, neurologic complications, 95.5% in PVR vs. 74.6% in non-PVR, p=0.024) at 20 years. Age at TOF repair younger than 1 year (hazard ratio [HR], 2.265; p=0.01) and previous shunt history (HR, 2.195; p=0.008) were predictive for requiring PVR. During follow-up, 10 late deaths (5 sudden deaths) occurred in the non-PVR group, mainly due to ventricular arrhythmia and right ventricular failure; there was 1 late death (not a sudden death) in the PVR group. @*Conclusions@#Long-term survival after repair of TOF with trans-annular incision were acceptable. However, arrhythmias were frequently observed during 20 years of follow-up. The patient age <1 year at the time of TOF repair and shunt implantation prior to TOF repair were predictive factors for requiring PVR.
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Background@#Although previous in vivo studies explored urinary microRNA (miRNA), there is no agreement on nephrotoxicity-specific miRNA biomarkers. @*Objectives@#In this study, we assessed whether urinary miRNAs could be employed as biomarkers for nephrotoxicity. @*Methods@#For this, literature-based candidate miRNAs were identified by reviewing the previous studies. Female Sprague-Dawley rats received subcutaneous injections of a single dose or repeated doses (3 consecutive days) of gentamicin (GEN; 137 or 412 mg/kg). The expression of miRNAs was analyzed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction in 16 h pooled urine from GEN-treated rats. @*Results@#GEN-induced acute kidney injury was confirmed by the presence of tubular necrosis.We identified let-7g-5p, miR-21-3p, 26b-3p, 192-5p, and 378a-3p significantly upregulated in the urine of GEN-treated rats with the appearance of the necrosis in proximal tubules.Specifically, miR-26-3p, 192-5p, and 378a-3p with highly expressed levels in urine of rats with GEN-induced acute tubular injury were considered to have sensitivities comparable to clinical biomarkers, such as blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, and urinary kidney injury molecule protein. @*Conclusions@#These results indicated the potential involvement of urinary miRNAs in chemical-induced nephrotoxicity, suggesting that certain miRNAs could serve as biomarkers for acute nephrotoxicity.
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Background@#Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now considered as a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is commonly related to NAFLD in the absence of viral hepatitis or alcohol abuse. Previous studies have indicated that elevated ALT is associated with diabetes or metabolic syndrome in adults, but the clinical significance of ALT or NAFLD in pregnancy has not been well determined. The objective of this study was to determine the association between elevated ALT in early pregnancy and the development of gestational diabetes or preeclampsia in late pregnancy. @*Methods@#In this retrospective cohort study, pregnant women who met the following inclusion criteria were included: 1) singleton pregnancy; 2) ALT levels were measured in antenatal outpatient clinic at 4–20 weeks of gestation; 3) patients were screened for gestational diabetes and delivered in Cheil General Hospital and Women's Healthcare Center. Cases with viral hepatitis or other liver diseases were excluded. The early ALT levels were divided into two groups (normal ALT [≤ 95th percentile] and elevated ALT [> 95th percentile]), and the frequency of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia was compared between the two groups of cases. Gestational diabetes was screened and diagnosed by two-step procedure (50 g oral glucose challenge test and 75 g glucose challenge test with World Health Organization [WHO] criteria). @*Results@#A total of 2,322 women met the inclusion criteria. Cases with elevated early ALT levels (> 95th percentile) had a higher risk of subsequent gestational diabetes and preeclampsia (gestational diabetes by WHO criteria, 2.1% in normal ALT vs. 6.5% in elevated ALT, P < 0.01; preeclampsia, 1.0% in normal ALT vs. 4.1% in elevated ALT, P < 0.05). This relationship between elevated ALT and increased risk of gestational diabetes/preeclampsia remained significant after adjustment for maternal age and pre-pregnancy body mass index. @*Conclusion@#Elevated unexplained ALT in early pregnancy is associated with the risk of subsequent development of gestational diabetes and preeclampsia in late pregnancy.
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Objective@#To evaluate the longitudinal changes of swallowing kinematics based on videofluoroscopic swallowing studies (VFSSs) in subacute stroke patients grouped according to the method of dietary intake. @*Methods@#Sixty-nine subacute stroke patients who had taken at least 2 successive VFSSs were included. Subjects were allocated into 3 groups according to the degree of swallowing function recovery—not improved group (tube feeding recommended to patients at both studies), improved group (tube feedings recommended initially to patients and oral feeding recommended at follow-up study), and well-maintained group (oral feeding at both studies recommended to patients). Initial VFSS was performed during the subacute stage of stroke, 1 to 12 weeks after the onset of stroke, and follow-up VFSS was performed at least once. Kinematic variables were calculated by two-dimensional motion analysis of multiple structures, including the hyoid bone, epiglottis, and vocal cord. Changes of kinematic variables were analyzed in serial VFSSs. @*Results@#At the initial VFSS, the well-maintained group showed significantly larger angles of epiglottic folding than the not improved group, while at the follow-up VFSS, the improved and the well-maintained groups showed significantly larger epiglottic folding angles than the not improved group. The distribution of epiglottic folding angles was in a dichotomous pattern, and each cluster was related to the swallowing function. @*Conclusion@#This study showed that improved epiglottic folding angles are associated with the recovery of the swallowing process and suitability for oral feeding among various kinematic variables in subacute stroke patients.
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D-pinitol is an analog of 3-methoxy-D-chiro-inositol found in beans and plants. D-pinitol has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Additionally, D-pinitol induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis in breast and prostate cancers. However, to date, no study has investigated the anticancer effects of D-pinitol in oral cancer. Therefore, in this study, whether the anticancer effects of D-pinitol induce apoptosis, inhibit the epithelialto-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and arrest cell cycle was investigated in squamous epithelial cells. D-pinitol decreased the survival and cell proliferation rates of CAL-27 and Ca9-22 oral squamous carcinoma cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Evidence of apoptosis, including nuclear condensation, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and caspase-3 fragmentation, was also observed. D-pinitol inhibited the migration and invasion of both cell lines. In terms of EMT-related proteins, E-cadherin was increased, whereas N-cadherin, Snail, and Slug weredecreased. D-pinitol also decreased the expression of cyclin D1, a protein involved in the cell cycle, but increased the expression of p21, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. Hence, D-pinitol induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in CAL-27 and Ca9-22 cells, demonstrating an anticancer effect by decreasing the EMT.
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D-pinitol is an analog of 3-methoxy-D-chiro-inositol found in beans and plants. D-pinitol has anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and anticancer effects. Additionally, D-pinitol induces apoptosis and inhibits metastasis in breast and prostate cancers. However, to date, no study has investigated the anticancer effects of D-pinitol in oral cancer. Therefore, in this study, whether the anticancer effects of D-pinitol induce apoptosis, inhibit the epithelialto-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and arrest cell cycle was investigated in squamous epithelial cells. D-pinitol decreased the survival and cell proliferation rates of CAL-27 and Ca9-22 oral squamous carcinoma cells in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Evidence of apoptosis, including nuclear condensation, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase, and caspase-3 fragmentation, was also observed. D-pinitol inhibited the migration and invasion of both cell lines. In terms of EMT-related proteins, E-cadherin was increased, whereas N-cadherin, Snail, and Slug weredecreased. D-pinitol also decreased the expression of cyclin D1, a protein involved in the cell cycle, but increased the expression of p21, a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor. Hence, D-pinitol induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in CAL-27 and Ca9-22 cells, demonstrating an anticancer effect by decreasing the EMT.
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Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity level can be used as a diagnostic marker for anticholinesterase pesticide poisoning. In this study, we aimed to establish a baseline level of normal brain AChE activity in wild birds. AChE activity was measured in the brains of 87dead wild birds (26 species). The level of AChE activity ranged from 6.40 to 15.9 µmol/min/g of brain tissue in normal wild birds. However, the brain tissue AChE activity level in wild birds exposed to organophosphate (OP) pesticide was 48.0%–96.3% of that in the normal birds. These results may serve as reference values to facilitate routine diagnosis and monitoring of OP-poisoned wild birds.
Subject(s)
Acetylcholinesterase , Birds , Brain , Diagnosis , Organophosphates , Poisoning , Reference ValuesABSTRACT
In vitro prediction of hepatotoxicity can enhance the performance of non-clinical animal testing for identifying chemical hazards. In this study, we assessed high-content analysis (HCA) using multi-parameter cell-based assays as an in vitro hepatotoxicity testing model using various hepatotoxicants and human hepatocytes such as HepG2 cells and human primary hepatocytes (hPHs). Both hepatocyte types were exposed separately to multiple doses of ten hepatotoxicants associated with liver injury whose mechanisms of action have been described. HCA data were obtained using fluorescence probes for nuclear size (Hoechst), mitochondrial membrane potential (TMRM), cytosolic free calcium (Fluo-4AM), and lipid peroxidation (BODIPY). Cellular alterations were observed in response to all hepatotoxicants tested. The most sensitive parameter was TMRM, with high sensitivity at a low dose, next was BODIPY, followed by Fluo-4AM. HCA data from HepG2 cells and hPHs were generally concordant, although some inconsistencies were noted. Both hepatocyte types showed mild or severe mitochondrial impairment and lipid peroxidation in response to several hepatotoxicants. The results demonstrate that the application of HCA to in vitro hepatotoxicity testing enables more efficient hazard identification, and further, they suggest that certain parameters could serve as sensitive endpoints for predicting the hepatotoxic potential of chemical compounds.
Subject(s)
Animals , Humans , Calcium , Cytosol , Fluorescence , Hep G2 Cells , Hepatocytes , In Vitro Techniques , Lipid Peroxidation , Liver , Membrane Potential, MitochondrialABSTRACT
Pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (PAVF) is a complication of the Glenn shunt. A 57-year-old tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) patient, who had undergone a Glenn shunt and TOF total correction, complained of dyspnea and cyanosis. PAVFs were present in the right lung, and right lung perfusion was nearly absent. After coil embolization, takedown of the Glenn shunt, and reconstruction of the right pulmonary artery, the patient's symptoms were relieved. Extrapulmonary radioisotope uptake caused by the PAVFs shown in lung perfusion scans decreased, and right lung perfusion increased gradually. Although the development and resolution of PAVFs after a Glenn shunt have been reported in the pediatric population, this may be the first report on this change in old age.
Subject(s)
Humans , Middle Aged , Arteriovenous Fistula , Cyanosis , Dyspnea , Embolization, Therapeutic , Fontan Procedure , Hepatopulmonary Syndrome , Lung , Perfusion , Pulmonary Artery , Tetralogy of FallotABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is characterized by uncontrolled hyperproliferation, aberrant differentiation, and dermal infiltration of immune cells. Recent studies have reported that Wnt5a and Notch1 signaling are altered in psoriatic skin lesions. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the interaction of Wnt5a with Notch 1 with respect to inflammation-mediated epidermal hyperproliferation in psoriasis. METHODS: Expression of Wnt5a and Notch1 signaling-related proteins were examined in psoriatic skin biopsies. Wnt5a was upregulated in human keratinocytes by treating the cells with its recombinant form (rWnt5a). RESULTS: In psoriatic lesions, expression of Wnt5a increased while that of Notch1 decreased when compared to that in non-lesional and normal skin. Treatment with rWnt5a increased the proliferation of keratinocytes and increased their secretion of interleukin (IL)-23, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Further, exposure of keratinocytes to IL-1alpha, TNF-alpha, transforming growth factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma downregulated Notch1 as well as HES 1, which is downstream to Notch1, but increased the Wnt5a levels. The upregulated Wnt5a in keratinocytes downregulated both Notch1 and HES1. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that Wnt5a and Notch1 signaling exert counteracting influences on each other and are involved, in part, in the pathomechanism of psoriasis.
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Humans , Biopsy , Interferon-gamma , Interleukin-12 , Interleukins , Keratinocytes , Psoriasis , Skin , Tumor Necrosis Factor-alphaABSTRACT
Hypoplastic left heart complex (HLHC) consists of less severe underdevelopment of the left ventricle without intrinsic left valvular stenosis, i.e., a subset of hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). HLHC patients may be able to undergo biventricular repair, while HLHS requires single ventricle palliation (or transplant). However, there is no consensus regarding the likelihood of favorable outcomes in neonates with HLHC selected to undergo this surgical approach. This case report describes a neonate with HLHC, co-arctation of the aorta (CoA), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) who was initially palliated using bilateral pulmonary artery banding due to unstable ductus-dependent circulation. A postoperative echocardiogram showed newly appearing CoA and progressively narrowing PDA, which resulted in the need for biventricular repair 21 days following the palliation surgery. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 13 without complications and is doing clinically well seven months after surgery.
Subject(s)
Humans , Infant, Newborn , Aorta , Consensus , Constriction, Pathologic , Ductus Arteriosus, Patent , Heart Defects, Congenital , Heart Ventricles , Heart , Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome , Pulmonary ArteryABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of chin tuck maneuver on aspiration and pharyngeal residue using both videofluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). METHOD: Subjects with dysphagia were trained by occupational therapists for chin tuck maneuver at least for a week. After training, all participants underwent VFSS and FEES simultaneously with each neutral and chin tuck posture with various tests diets. The modified penetration-aspiration scale (mPAS) and a new scale for pharyngeal residue were used for evaluation of aspiration and pharyngeal residue. RESULT: A total of 35 patients (mean age, 64.2±12.1 years) were included. A significant change in the mPAS was caused by chin tuck posture in thin liquid (P=0.02) only in the VFSS evaluation. The vallecular residues were decreased by chin tuck posture in rice porridge (right, P=0.01; left, P=0.009), and thin liquid (right, P=0.007; left, P=0.01). The pyriform sinus residues were also decreased by chin tuck posture in rice porridge (right: P=0.02; left: P=0.03), curd-type yogurt (right, P=0.02; left, P=0.005), and thin liquid (right, P=0.001; left, P=0.003). CONCLUSION: Chin tuck maneuver is effective in preventing penetration or aspiration and in decreasing pharyngeal residues when evaluated by simultaneous VFSS and FEES.
Subject(s)
Humans , Chin , Deglutition Disorders , Deglutition , Diet , Endoscopy , Fees and Charges , Fluoroscopy , Methods , Posture , Pyriform Sinus , YogurtABSTRACT
Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) and transposition of the great arteries (TGA) with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and pulmonary stenosis (PS) are complex heart diseases, the treatment of which remains a surgical challenge. The Rastelli procedure is still the most commonly performed treatment. Aortic root translocation including an arterial switch operation is advantageous anatomically since it has a lower possibility of conduit blockage and the left ventricle outflow tract remains straight. This study reports successful aortic root transpositions in two patients, one with DORV with VSD and PS and one with TGA with VSD and PS. Both patients were discharged without postoperative complications.
Subject(s)
Humans , Arterial Switch Operation , Arteries , Double Outlet Right Ventricle , Heart Diseases , Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular , Heart Ventricles , Postoperative Complications , Pulmonary Valve StenosisABSTRACT
We report a case of a 53-year-old male with traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (SCI). He could not maintain a standing position because of painful spasticity in his lower limbs. A magnetic resonance imaging and electromyography indicated chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy, explaining his chronic low back pain before the injury. For diagnostic as well as therapeutic purposes, transforaminal epidural steroid injection (ESI) to the right L5 root was performed. After the intervention, the spasticity decreased and his ambulatory function improved. This case illustrates that lumbar radiculopathy concomitant with a cervical SCI can produce severe spasticity and it can be dramatically improved by ESI.
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Electromyography , Low Back Pain , Lower Extremity , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Muscle Spasticity , Radiculopathy , Spinal Cord Injuries , Spinal CordABSTRACT
We report the case of a 37-year-old man who suffered from biventricular failure due to left isomerism, inferior vena cava interruption with azygos vein continuation, bilateral superior vena cava, double outlet of right ventricle, complete atrioventricular septal defect, pulmonary stenosis, and isolated dextrocardia. Heart transplantation in patients with systemic venous anomalies often requires the correction and reconstruction of the upper & lower venous drainage. We present a case of heart transplantation in a patient with left isomerism, highlighting technical modifications to the procedure, including the unifocalization of the caval veins and reconstruction with patch augmentation.