Fertility Preservation in Young Women With Breast Cancer: A Review / 한국유방암학회지

Fertility preservation is a major concern in young patients diagnosed with breast cancer and planning to receive multimodality treatment, including gonadotoxic chemotherapy with or without age-related decline through long-term endocrine therapy. Most breast cancer patients undergo multimodality treatments; many short-term and long-term side effects arise during these therapies. One of the most detrimental side effects is reduced fertility due to gonadotoxic treatments with resultant psychosocial stress. Cryopreservation of oocytes, embryos, and ovarian tissue are currently available fertility preservation methods for these patients. As an adjunct to these methods, in vitro maturation or gonadotropinreleasing hormone agonist could also be considered. It is also essential to communicate well with patients in the decision-making process on fertility preservation. It is essential to refer patients diagnosed with breast cancer on time to fertility specialists for individualized treatment, which may lead to desirable outcomes. To do so, a multimodal team-based approach and in-depth discussion on the treatment of breast cancer and fertility preservation is crucial. This review aims to summarize infertility risk related to currently available breast cancer treatment, options for fertility preservation and its details, barriers to oncofertility counseling, and psychosocial issues.

Vibraimage Characteristics of Offenders with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder / 생물치료정신의학

Objectives@#：The purpose of this study was to identify characteristic Vibraimage parameters in schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. @*Methods@#：This study retrospectively analyzed subjects who were referred to the National Forensic Hospital in Gongju city for psychiatric evaluation between April 2019 and October 2019. After divided into two groups; Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders group and non-organic non-psychotic disorders group, Vibraimage parameters and MMPI-2 items were compared between the two groups. In addition, we investigated the relations between Vibraimage parameters and MMPI-2 items characteristic of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders by using the Correlation analysis. @*Results@#：Compared to non-organic non-psychotic disorders group, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders group scored low at Aggression (t=-2.752, p=0.007), Tension (t=-2.106, p=0.039), and Suspects (t=-2.617, p=0.011); high at Neuroticism (t=4,215, p<0.001) in the Vibraimage, and the group scored comparatively high at Sc (Schizophrenia) (t=-2.099, p=0.039) and low at Hy (Hysteria) (t=-2.228, p=0.029) in the MMPI-2. The Sc (Schizophrenia) item in the MMPI-2 showed a negative correlation with Suspect parameter (r=0.242 p=0.035) and positive correlation with Neuroticism parameter (r=0.267, p=0.02) in the Vibraimage. @*Conclusion@#：Our findings suggest that Suspect and Neuroticism parameters of the Vibraimage were characteristic in schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, and showed potential as diagnostic tools, especially in psychiatric evaluations.

Vibraimage Characteristics of Offenders with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder / 생물치료정신의학

Objectives@#：The purpose of this study was to identify characteristic Vibraimage parameters in schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. @*Methods@#：This study retrospectively analyzed subjects who were referred to the National Forensic Hospital in Gongju city for psychiatric evaluation between April 2019 and October 2019. After divided into two groups; Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders group and non-organic non-psychotic disorders group, Vibraimage parameters and MMPI-2 items were compared between the two groups. In addition, we investigated the relations between Vibraimage parameters and MMPI-2 items characteristic of schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders by using the Correlation analysis. @*Results@#：Compared to non-organic non-psychotic disorders group, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders group scored low at Aggression (t=-2.752, p=0.007), Tension (t=-2.106, p=0.039), and Suspects (t=-2.617, p=0.011); high at Neuroticism (t=4,215, p<0.001) in the Vibraimage, and the group scored comparatively high at Sc (Schizophrenia) (t=-2.099, p=0.039) and low at Hy (Hysteria) (t=-2.228, p=0.029) in the MMPI-2. The Sc (Schizophrenia) item in the MMPI-2 showed a negative correlation with Suspect parameter (r=0.242 p=0.035) and positive correlation with Neuroticism parameter (r=0.267, p=0.02) in the Vibraimage. @*Conclusion@#：Our findings suggest that Suspect and Neuroticism parameters of the Vibraimage were characteristic in schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders, and showed potential as diagnostic tools, especially in psychiatric evaluations.

Whole genome sequence of lactic acid bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici strain S1

Abstract Pediococcus acidilactici strain S1, a lactic acid-fermenting bacterium, was isolated from makgeolli-a Korean traditional fermented alcoholic beverage. Here we report the 1,980,172 bp (G + C content, 42%) genome sequence of Pediococcus acidilactici strain S1 with 1,525 protein-coding sequences (CDS), of which 47% could be assigned to recognized functional genes. The genome sequence of the strain S1 might provide insights into the genetic basis of the lactic acid bacterium with alcohol-tolerant.

Draft genome sequence of alcohol-tolerant bacteria Pediococcus acidilactici strain K3

Abstract Pediococcus acidilactici strain K3 is an alcohol-tolerant lactic acid bacterium isolated from nuruk, which is a traditional Korean fermentation starter for makgeolli brewing. Draft genome of this strain was approximately 1,991,399 bp (G+C content, 42.1%) with 1525 protein-coding sequences (CDS), of which 44% were assigned to recognized functional genes. This draft genome sequence data of the strain K3 will provide insights into the genetic basis of its alcohol-tolerance.

The Effects of Self-directed Practice using Peer-tutoring on Confidence, Performance and Learning Satisfaction of Nursing Students in Practicing Core Nursing Skills / 한국간호교육학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of the non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest study was to test the effects of self-directed nursing practice using peer-tutoring, on the level of confidence, performance and learning satisfaction of nursing students in practicing core nursing skills. METHODS: The data were collected from 80 junior nursing students at a nursing college in Daejeon before and after 3 weeks of intervention on practicing six core nursing skills, according to the highest order of priority. The subjects were divided into the peer-tutoring practice group (PTPG, n=40) and the lecturer-guided practice group (LGPG, n=40). The data were analyzed using mean, frequency, and t-test. RESULTS: The PTPG scored statistically higher than the LGPG on the performance of ‘indwelling urinary catheterization’ and ‘wearing protection equipment while entering quarantine room & disposing waste’ The PTPG scored statistically higher than the LGPG on the confidence of ‘indwelling urinary catheterization’ and ‘inserting intravenous catheterization’. The PTPG scored statistically higher on learning satisfaction than LGPG. CONCLUSION: The results showed that self-directed nursing practice using peer-tutoring could be effective for nursing students in improving proficiency in core nursing skills and might be applied to core nursing skills training.

Apoptotic Effect of Macrophages against Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) causing tuberculosis as an intracellular pathogen initially infects alveolar macrophages following aerosol inhalation. Thus, macrophages play a critical role in the establishment of Mtb infection and macrophage cell death, a common outcome during Mtb infection, may initiate host- or pathogen-favored immune responses, resulting in facilitating protection or pathogenesis, respectively. In addition, virulent Mtb strains are known to inhibit apoptosis and consequently down-regulates immune response using a variety of strategies. In many recent studies have shown that virulent Mtb can either augment or reduce apoptosis by regulating expression of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic proteins belonging to Bcl-2 family proteins. In this review, we will discuss and dissect the apoptotic pathways of Bcl-2 family proteins in Mtb-infected macrophages.

Molecular identification of blow flies recovered from human cadavers during crime scene investigations in Malaysia

Forensic entomology applies knowledge about insects associated with decedent in crime scene investigation. It is possible to calculate a minimum postmortem interval (PMI) by determining the age and species of the oldest blow fly larvae feeding on decedent. This study was conducted in Malaysia to identify maggot specimens collected during crime scene investigations. The usefulness of the molecular and morphological approach in species identifications was evaluated in 10 morphologically identified blow fly larvae sampled from 10 different crime scenes in Malaysia. The molecular identification method involved the sequencing of a total length of 2.2 kilo base pairs encompassing the 'barcode' fragments of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI), cytochrome oxidase II (COII) and t-RNA leucine genes. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the presence of Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya rufifacies and Chrysomya nigripes. In addition, one unidentified blow fly species was found based on phylogenetic tree analysis.

The Effectiveness of A Floor Gully with Grating to Prevent the Oviposition of Aedes (Stegomyia) Aegypti (Linneaus): A Laboratory Study / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a floor gully come with grating to prevent the oviposition of Aedes aegypti in the floor trap. In order to conduct the test, two containers were placed into a mosquito cage (30 cm × 30 cm × 30 cm). Both containers were filled with declorinated seasoned tap water and covered with floor gully c/w grating and normal floor gully, respectively. A total of 50 gravid Ae. aegypti females were then released into the cage and left for a week. All the eggs obtained from the test were allowed to remain inside the containers for the eggs to hatch. The number of hatched larvae was counted and recorded. Five replicates were conducted concurrently. There was a significant difference of Ae. aegypti larvae obtained between container with floor gully c/w grating and normal floor gully (p <0.05). A total of 96.41% reduction of Ae. aegypti larvae was obtained in the container with floor gully c/w grating compared with the normal floor gully, indicating that the floor gully c/w grating used in this study was able to prevent oviposition of Ae. aegypti in holding water.

Screening and formulation of chemoattractant coatings for artificial reef structures.

This study was carried out to augment the colonization of marine benthic communities on artificial reef structure. Increasing marine pollution along with various natural hazards cause severe damages to marine algae and associated fauna. In recent years, artificial reefs have been deployed in coastal regions of several parts of the world in order to increase the marine productivity. They are mainly built with concrete materials, however their leachates have considerable impacts on algae. Therefore to increase the algal colonization five chemoattractants such as ferrous sulfate, zinc oxide, ammonium nitrate, sodium phosphate and ferrous lactate were screened against spores of a fouling alga, Ulva pertusa. FeSO4 / ZnO (8:2) and ferrous lactate coatings showed the highest spore attachment with 52 +/- 5.2 cm2 and 79.5 +/- 10.2 cm2 spores respectively (p<0.01). Furthermore using these chemoattractants, coating formulations were made and their performances were investigated at East coast (Ayajin harbor) and South coast (Meejo harbor) of Korea. A maximum fouling coverage (with green algae 25%, red algae 11.3% and brown algae 63.7%) was estimated from ferrous lactate coatings (p<0.01). Different composition of coating formulations and their chemoattractive properties were evaluated.

First report of the signal fly, Scholastes sp. (Diptera:Platystomatidae) visiting animal carcasses in Malaysia

Signal fly, Scholastes sp. (Diptera: Platystomatidae) was observed associated with animal carcasses in Malaysia. The first observation was on a monkey carcass, which was killed by using a handgun and immediately placed in a forested area in Gombak, Selangor while the second observation was on a pig that died of natural causes and whose carcass was placed in an oil palm plantation in Tanjung Sepat, Selangor. Both animal carcasses were visited by Scholastes sp. flies during the fresh decomposition period. However, the role Scholastes flies in the decomposition process remains unknown. In this paper, we report the occurrence of Scholastes sp. on animal carcasses in Malaysia for the first time.

Comparative field evaluation of residual-sprayed deltamethrin WG and deltamethrin WP for the control of malaria in Pahang, Malaysia.

The bioefficacy of indoor residual-sprayed deltamethrin wettable granule (WG) formulation at 25 mg a.i./m2 and 20 mg a.i./m2 for the control of malaria was compared with the current dose of 20 mg/m2 deltamethrin wettable powder (WP) in aboriginal settlements in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, Malaysia. The malaria vector has been previously identified as Anopheles maculatus. The assessment period for the 20 mg/m2 dosage was six months, but for the 25 mg/m2 dosage, the period was 9 months. Collections of mosquitoes using the bare-leg techniques were carried out indoors and outdoors from 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. All mosquitoes were dissected for sporozoites and parity. Larval collections were carried out at various locations to assess the extent and distribution of breeding of vectors. A high incidence of human feeds was detected during May 2005 and a low incidence during January 2005 for all the study areas. Our study showed that deltamethrin WG at 25 mg/m2 suppressed An. maculatus biting activity. More An. maculatus were caught in outdoor landing catches than indoor landing catches for all the study areas. The results indicate that 25 mg/m2 WG is good for controlling malaria for up to 9 months. Where residual spraying is envisaged, the usual two spraying cycles per year with 20 mg/m2 deltamethrin may be replaced with 25 mg/m2 deltamethrin WG every 9 months.

Identification of differentially expressed cDNAs in Acanthamoeba culbertsoni after mouse brain passage

Free-living amoebae of the genus Acanthamoeba are causative agents of granulomatous amebic encephalitis and amebic keratitis. Because the virulence of Acanthamoeba culbertsoni cultured in the laboratory is restored by consecutive brain passages, we examined the genes induced in mouse brain-passaged A. culbertsoni by differential display reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (DDRT-PCR). Enhanced A. culbertsoni virulence was observed during the second mouse brain passage, i.e., infected mouse mortality increased from 5% to 70%. Ten cDNAs induced during mouse brain passage were identified by DDRT-PCR and this was confirmed by northern blot analysis. BlastX searches of these cDNAs indicated the upregulations of genes encoding predictive NADH-dehydrogenase, proteasomal ATPase, and GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase B, which have previously been reported to be associated with A. culbertsoni virulence factors.

Efficacy of a Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis tablet formulation, vectobac DT, for control of dengue mosquito vectors in potable water containers.

VectoBac DT, a tablet formulation of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) was evaluated for the potential control of dengue vectors in various types of potable water containers. On introduction to containers, the tablet sinks to the bottom and the Bti toxins are found concentrated at the sides and the base, while the treated water column is free of Bti toxins within 24 hours after tablet introduction. In a simulated study, earthen, HDPE and plastic containers were kept covered and laboratory-bred larvae were introduced to determine the control by the tablet. The efficacy and persistence of the tablet, with a control of > 90%, was significantly longer in earthen containers in comparison to the HDPE and plastic containers. Efficacy and persistence were observed in earthen containers for a minimum period of 5.5 months (166 days) both without water replenishment and with weekly, 50% water volume, replenishment, and for a maximum period of 2.2 months (66 days) with daily, 50% water volume, replenishment. In plastic and HDPE containers, the tablet activity had a persistence of 2.1 months (63 days) without water replenishment and 1.8 months (54 days) with weekly water replenishment. The efficacy and persistence of the VectoBac DT was significantly longer in the earthen containers, with or without regularly treated water exchange, due to the Bti toxins being embedded in the porous earthen container surfaces, which protects them from rapid degradation. Lesser toxin amounts are removed from the water column during water exchange. The efficacy of VectoBac DT was also evaluated for the control of natural infestation of Aedes larvae which were resistant to temephos at the WHO diagnostic dosage of 0.012 mg/l. The tablet significantly reduced the pupal density by 8 fold in earthen containers for 67 days and 5 fold in HDPE containers for 55 days in comparison to untreated containers (p < 0.05). However, the tablet was effective for a shorter period of 25 days post-tablet-introduction due to fungal infestation in the treated plastic containers. There is a need to determine the capacity of the VectoBac DT to reduce the dengue vector population to a threshold which will prevent dengue outbreaks in dengue endemic areas.

Effect of ten chlorophytes on larval survival, development and adult body size of the mosquito Aedes aegypti.

The effect of ten microalgal chlorophytes isolated from mosquito breeding containers on the survival, larval development and adult body size of the mosquito Aedes aegypti was investigated. All larvae fed with six of the microalgal isolates died after 7 days. These isolates were found to be resistant to digestion by mosquito larvae. Delayed pupation and body size reduction of the mosquitos fed with Chlorococcum UMACC 218 and Scenedesmus UMACC 220 were observed. In contrast, larvae fed with Ankistrodesmus convolutus UMACC 101 and Chlorococcum UMACC 213 were bigger in size than those fed with normal insectory feed. The present study showed that microalgal chlorophytes have the potential to be used as larvicidal agents for mosquitos.