Background: s/Aims: In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which exhibits high mortality and recurrence rates globally, the traits of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that significantly influence recurrence and metastasis are not well understood. CSCs are self-renewing cell types identified in most liquid and solid cancers, contributing to tumor initiation, growth, resistance, recurrence, and metastasis following chemo-radiotherapy or trans-arterial chemoembolization therapy. Methods: CSCs are classified based on the expression of cell surface markers such as CD133, which varies depending on the tumor type. Proteomic analysis of liver cancer cell lines with cancer stem cell potential and HCC cancer cell lines lacking stem cell propensity was conducted to compare and analyze specific expression patterns. Results: Proteomic profiling and enrichment analysis revealed higher expression of the calcium-binding protein S100 family in CD133+ Huh7 cells than in CD133- or wild-type cells. Furthermore, elevated expression of S100 family members was confirmed in an actual CD133+ liver cancer cell line via protein-protein network analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Conclusion The S100 family members are not only new markers of cancer stem cells but will also assist in identifying new treatment strategies for CSC metastasis and tumor advancement.

Background: s/Aims: In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which exhibits high mortality and recurrence rates globally, the traits of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that significantly influence recurrence and metastasis are not well understood. CSCs are self-renewing cell types identified in most liquid and solid cancers, contributing to tumor initiation, growth, resistance, recurrence, and metastasis following chemo-radiotherapy or trans-arterial chemoembolization therapy. Methods: CSCs are classified based on the expression of cell surface markers such as CD133, which varies depending on the tumor type. Proteomic analysis of liver cancer cell lines with cancer stem cell potential and HCC cancer cell lines lacking stem cell propensity was conducted to compare and analyze specific expression patterns. Results: Proteomic profiling and enrichment analysis revealed higher expression of the calcium-binding protein S100 family in CD133+ Huh7 cells than in CD133- or wild-type cells. Furthermore, elevated expression of S100 family members was confirmed in an actual CD133+ liver cancer cell line via protein-protein network analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Conclusion The S100 family members are not only new markers of cancer stem cells but will also assist in identifying new treatment strategies for CSC metastasis and tumor advancement.

Background: s/Aims: In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which exhibits high mortality and recurrence rates globally, the traits of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that significantly influence recurrence and metastasis are not well understood. CSCs are self-renewing cell types identified in most liquid and solid cancers, contributing to tumor initiation, growth, resistance, recurrence, and metastasis following chemo-radiotherapy or trans-arterial chemoembolization therapy. Methods: CSCs are classified based on the expression of cell surface markers such as CD133, which varies depending on the tumor type. Proteomic analysis of liver cancer cell lines with cancer stem cell potential and HCC cancer cell lines lacking stem cell propensity was conducted to compare and analyze specific expression patterns. Results: Proteomic profiling and enrichment analysis revealed higher expression of the calcium-binding protein S100 family in CD133+ Huh7 cells than in CD133- or wild-type cells. Furthermore, elevated expression of S100 family members was confirmed in an actual CD133+ liver cancer cell line via protein-protein network analysis and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Conclusion The S100 family members are not only new markers of cancer stem cells but will also assist in identifying new treatment strategies for CSC metastasis and tumor advancement.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the current status of diabetes management among residents in 11 administrative regions (Si and Gun) of Chungcheongbuk-do, using data from the 2023 Community Health Survey, and to analyze variations according to the types of local governments. Methods: A total of 12,033 residents of Chungcheongbuk-do, aged 19 and older, were selected as study participants through the 2023 Korean Community Health Survey by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes management indicators, including blood glucose awareness, treatment adherence, and complication prevention, were analyzed using SAS Enterprise Guide version 8.3, focusing on regional differences and patterns according to local government classifications. Results: Less than half of the residents of Chungcheongbuk-do were aware of their blood glucose levels, with considerable variation observed across regions. The overall proportion of individuals receiving appropriate diabetes management in Chungcheongbuk-do was 9.6%, but the rates differed significantly between regions. For instance, Yeongdong had the highest rate of diabetes self-management education (57.5%), while Chungju had the lowest (4.3%). The frequency of regular diabetic complication screenings, such as eye and kidney exams, remained suboptimal in most regions, with many falling below 50%. Even among regions with similar local government characteristics, substantial disparities in diabetes management were identified. Conclusions There is a pressing need for Chungcheongbuk-do and its local governments to enhance blood glucose awareness among residents and integrate comprehensive diabetes education into local health care strategies. Tailored health initiatives must be developed at the local level to improve diabetes management outcomes and reduce regional disparities, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the current status of diabetes management among residents in 11 administrative regions (Si and Gun) of Chungcheongbuk-do, using data from the 2023 Community Health Survey, and to analyze variations according to the types of local governments. Methods: A total of 12,033 residents of Chungcheongbuk-do, aged 19 and older, were selected as study participants through the 2023 Korean Community Health Survey by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes management indicators, including blood glucose awareness, treatment adherence, and complication prevention, were analyzed using SAS Enterprise Guide version 8.3, focusing on regional differences and patterns according to local government classifications. Results: Less than half of the residents of Chungcheongbuk-do were aware of their blood glucose levels, with considerable variation observed across regions. The overall proportion of individuals receiving appropriate diabetes management in Chungcheongbuk-do was 9.6%, but the rates differed significantly between regions. For instance, Yeongdong had the highest rate of diabetes self-management education (57.5%), while Chungju had the lowest (4.3%). The frequency of regular diabetic complication screenings, such as eye and kidney exams, remained suboptimal in most regions, with many falling below 50%. Even among regions with similar local government characteristics, substantial disparities in diabetes management were identified. Conclusions There is a pressing need for Chungcheongbuk-do and its local governments to enhance blood glucose awareness among residents and integrate comprehensive diabetes education into local health care strategies. Tailored health initiatives must be developed at the local level to improve diabetes management outcomes and reduce regional disparities, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.

Objectives: This study aims to assess the current status of diabetes management among residents in 11 administrative regions (Si and Gun) of Chungcheongbuk-do, using data from the 2023 Community Health Survey, and to analyze variations according to the types of local governments. Methods: A total of 12,033 residents of Chungcheongbuk-do, aged 19 and older, were selected as study participants through the 2023 Korean Community Health Survey by Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Diabetes management indicators, including blood glucose awareness, treatment adherence, and complication prevention, were analyzed using SAS Enterprise Guide version 8.3, focusing on regional differences and patterns according to local government classifications. Results: Less than half of the residents of Chungcheongbuk-do were aware of their blood glucose levels, with considerable variation observed across regions. The overall proportion of individuals receiving appropriate diabetes management in Chungcheongbuk-do was 9.6%, but the rates differed significantly between regions. For instance, Yeongdong had the highest rate of diabetes self-management education (57.5%), while Chungju had the lowest (4.3%). The frequency of regular diabetic complication screenings, such as eye and kidney exams, remained suboptimal in most regions, with many falling below 50%. Even among regions with similar local government characteristics, substantial disparities in diabetes management were identified. Conclusions There is a pressing need for Chungcheongbuk-do and its local governments to enhance blood glucose awareness among residents and integrate comprehensive diabetes education into local health care strategies. Tailored health initiatives must be developed at the local level to improve diabetes management outcomes and reduce regional disparities, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals with diabetes.

Purpose: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a prognostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the prognostic value of AFP levels in patients who achieved complete response (CR) to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for HCC. Materials and Methods: Between 2005 and 2018, 890 patients with HCC who achieved a CR to TACE were recruited. An AFP responder was defined as a patient who showed elevated levels of AFP (>10 ng/mL) during TACE, but showed normalization or a >50% reduction in AFP levels after achieving a CR. Results: Among the recruited patients, 569 (63.9%) with naïve HCC and 321 (36.1%) with recurrent HCC after complete resection were treated. Before TACE, 305 (34.3%) patients had multiple tumors, 219 (24.6%) had a maximal tumor size >3 cm, and 22 (2.5%) had portal vein tumor thrombosis. The median AFP level after achieving a CR was 6.36 ng/mL. After a CR, 473 (53.1%) patients experienced recurrence, and 417 (46.9%) died [median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 16.3 and 62.8 months, respectively]. High AFP levels at CR (>20 ng/mL) were independently associated with a shorter PFS [hazard ratio (HR)=1.403] and OS (HR=1.284), together with tumor multiplicity at TACE (HR=1.518 and 1.666, respectively). AFP non-responders at CR (76.2%, n=359 of 471) showed a shorter PFS (median 10.5 months vs. 15.5 months, HR=1.375) and OS (median 41.4 months vs. 61.8 months, HR=1.424) than AFP responders (all p=0.001). Conclusion High AFP levels and AFP non-responders were independently associated with poor outcomes after TACE. AFP holds clinical implications for detailed risk stratification upon achieving a CR after TACE.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of stabilization of retinyl palmitate (RP) on its skin permeation and distribution profiles. Skin permeation and distribution study were performed using Franz diffusion cells along with rat dorsal skin, and the effect of drug concentration and the addition of pectin on skin deposition profiles of RP was observed. The skin distribution of RP increased in a concentration dependent manner and the formulations containing 0.5 and 1 mg of pectin demonstrated significantly increased RP distributions in the epidermis. Furthermore, it was found that skin distribution of RP could be further improved by combined use of pectin and ascorbyl palmitate (AP), due largely to their anti-oxidative effect. These results clearly demonstrate that the skin deposition properties of RP can be improved by stabilizing RP with pectin. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that pectin could be used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations as an efficient stabilizing agent and as skin penetration modulator.
Animals ; Diffusion ; Epidermis ; Rats ; Skin*

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of stabilization of retinyl palmitate (RP) on its skin permeation and distribution profiles. Skin permeation and distribution study were performed using Franz diffusion cells along with rat dorsal skin, and the effect of drug concentration and the addition of pectin on skin deposition profiles of RP was observed. The skin distribution of RP increased in a concentration dependent manner and the formulations containing 0.5 and 1 mg of pectin demonstrated significantly increased RP distributions in the epidermis. Furthermore, it was found that skin distribution of RP could be further improved by combined use of pectin and ascorbyl palmitate (AP), due largely to their anti-oxidative effect. These results clearly demonstrate that the skin deposition properties of RP can be improved by stabilizing RP with pectin. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that pectin could be used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations as an efficient stabilizing agent and as skin penetration modulator.
Animals ; Diffusion ; Epidermis ; Rats ; Skin*

BACKGROUND: The tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with pulmonary atresia (PA) and a ductus-dependent pulmonary circulation (no major aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs)) has been treated with staged repair or primary repair depending on the preference of surgeons or institutions. We evaluated the 19-year outcome of staged repair for this anomaly to find out whether our surgical strategy should be changed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients with TOF/PA with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) who underwent staged repair from June 1991 to October 2010 were included in this retrospective study. The patients with MAPCAs were excluded. The average age at the first palliative shunt surgery was 40.8+/-67.5 days (range: 0~332 days). Thirty-one patients (31/44, 70%) were neonates. The average weight was 3.5+/-1.6 kg (range: 1.6~8.7 kg). A modified Blalock-Taussig (BT) shunt was performed in 38 patients, classic BT shunt in 4 patients, and central shunt in 2 patients. Six patients required concomitant procedures: pulmonary artery angioplasty was performed in 4 patients, pulmonary artery reconstruction in one patient, and re-implantation of the left pulmonary artery to the main pulmonary artery in one patient. Four patients required a second shunt operation before the definitive repair was performed. Thirty-three patients underwent definitive repair at 24.2+/-13.3 months (range: 7.3~68 months) after the first palliative operation. The average age at the time of definitive repair was 25.4+/-13.5 months (range: 7.6~68.6 months) and their average weight was 11.0+/-2.1 kg. For definitive repair, 3 types of right ventricular outflow procedures were used: extra-cardiac conduit was performed in 30 patients, trans-annular patch in 2 patients, and REV operation in 1 patient. One patient was lost to follow-up after hospital discharge. The mean follow-up duration for the rest of the patients was 72+/-37 months (range: 4~160 months). RESULTS: Ten patients (10/44, 22.7%) died before the definitive repair was performed. Four of them died during hospitalization after the shunt operation. Six deaths were thought to be shunt-related. The average time of shunt-related deaths after shunt procedures was 8.7 months (range: 2 days~25.3 months). There was no operative mortality after the definitive repair, but one patient died from dilated cardiomyopathy caused by myocarditis 8 years and 3 months after the definitive repair. Five-year and 10-year survival rates after the first palliative operation were 76.8% and 69.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There was a high overall mortality rate in staged repair for the patients with TOF/PA with PDA. Majority of deaths occurred before the definitive repair was performed. Therefore, primary repair or early second stage definitive repair should be considered to enhance the survival rate for patients with TOF/PA with PDA.
Angioplasty ; Arteries ; Cardiomyopathy, Dilated ; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hospitalization ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Lost to Follow-Up ; Myocarditis ; Pulmonary Artery ; Pulmonary Atresia ; Pulmonary Circulation ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Tetralogy of Fallot