Genetic variants of interferon lambda-related genes and chronic kidney disease susceptibility in the Korean population.

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common condition leading to renal dysfunction and is closely related to increased cardiovascular and mortality risk. CKD is an important public health issue, and recent genetic studies have verified common CKD susceptibility variants. This research examines the interrelationship between candidate genes polymorphisms of interferon lambda (IFNL) induction, its signaling pathway, and CKD.

Solution process manufacture of a simple, multifunctional flexible sensor based on capacitance measurement.

Conventional sensors are rigid, involve complex processes and structures, and one sensor can detect only one type of stimulus. The manufacturing costs of such devices are high owing to the use of vacuum processes for the formation of thin films and electrodes and the complicated fabrication processes required to construct multiple layers. In addition, the multiple-layer design increases the risk of peeling due to mechanical movement.

A Concurrence of Adenocarcinoma with Micropapillary Features and Composite Glandular-Endocrine Cell Carcinoma in the Stomach.

We report a unique case of synchronous double primary gastric cancer consisting of adenocarcinoma components with micropapillary features and composite glandular-endocrine cell carcinoma components. The patient was a 53-year-old man presenting with a 6-month history of epigastric pain and diarrhea. A subtotal gastrectomy was performed.

Wound healing effects of deoxyshikonin isolated from Jawoongo: In vitro and in vivo studies.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Jawoongo is a traditional drug ointment (with a traditional botanic formula) used for the treatment of burns and wounds in Korea. One of the components of Jawoongo is Lithospermi Radix (LR, the dried root of Lithospermum erythrorhizon Siebold & Zucc., also known as Zicao or Gromwell), which contains deoxyshikonin and its derivatives.

Uncomplicated jejunal diverticulosis with pneumoperitoneum.

Small bowel diverticulosis is a rare finding within all bowel diverticuloses and jejunal diverticulosis is even rarer. Their relative clinical rarity and varied presentation may make diagnosis both delayed and difficult. We experienced a case of jejunal diverticulosis, which was diagnosed intraoperatively.

Inhibitory effects of ginseng sapogenins on the proliferation of triple negative breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells.

Because of poor prognosis, clinical treatment of triple-negative (TN) breast cancer remains the most challenging factor in cancer treatment. Extensive research into alternative cancer therapies includes studying the naturopathic effects of the medicinal herb ginseng. This study investigates the anti-neoplastic properties of ginseng sapogenins and the derivatives: (1) (20(S)-protopanaxadiol (PPD), (2) 20(S)-protopanaxatriol), (3) (20(S)-dihydroprotopanaxadiol, and (4) 20(S)-dihydroprotopanaxatriol).

Synergistic effect of curcumin on epigallocatechin gallate-induced anticancer action in PC3 prostate cancer cells.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and curcumin are well known to naturally-occurring anticancer agents. The aim of this study was to verify the combined beneficial anticancer effects of curcumin and EGCG on PC3 prostate cancer cells, which are resistant to chemotherapy drugs and apoptosis inducers. EGCG showed weaker inhibitory effect on PC3 cell proliferation than two other prostate cancer cell lines, LNCaP and DU145.

Management of postoperative bilomas and biliary injuries associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy with intrabiliary ethanol ablation and micro-coil embolization.

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the treatment of choice for gallbladder stones. One of the major complications associated with LC is bile duct injury; ligation or cutting of a bile duct can result in significant segmental biliary obstruction with cholangitis or bile leak, which can progress to bile peritonitis or biliary fistula. Most postoperative bilomas and bile leaks can be treated by percutaneous drainage and decompression of the biliary system by endoscopic stent placement or nasobiliary drainage.

Hemoperitoneum caused by hepatic necrosis and rupture following a snakebite: a case report with rare CT findings and successful embolization.

We report the computed tomographic and angiographic findings in the case of a recently obtained successful clinical outcome after embolization of the hepatic artery in the case of a snakebite causing hemoperitoneum associated with hepatic necrosis and rupture with active bleeding.