Targeting isoforms of RON kinase (MST1R) drives antitumor efficacy.

Recepteur d'origine nantais (RON, MST1R) is a single-span transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) aberrantly expressed in numerous cancers, including various solid tumors. How naturally occurring splicing isoforms of RON, especially those which are constitutively activated, affect tumorigenesis and therapeutic response, is largely unknown. Here, we identified that presence of activated RON could be a possible factor for the development of resistance against anti-EGFR (cetuximab) therapy in colorectal cancer patient tissues.

Liposome-assisted penetration and antiaging effects of collagen in a 3D skin model.

Background: Collagen is a major component of the extracellular matrix that supports the epidermal layers of the skin; thus, many strategies have been made to enhance the topical delivery of collagen for antiaging purposes. In addition, our previous study indicated that liposome can help the penetration of active ingredients into the skin.

Aims: To produce stable collagen-encapsulated liposomes to improve the topical delivery of collagen.

Clinical evaluation of the brightening effect of chitosan-based cationic liposomes.

Background: Cationic liposomes can enhance the permeability of drugs in 3-D skin. Chitosan is considered a safe material for percutaneous delivery; thus, this study uses chitosan-incorporated cationic liposomes.

Aims: This study investigated the improvement in skin brightness, melanin, and melasma after treatment niacinamide-incorporated chitosan cationic liposomes.

Dual irradiation-triggered anticancer therapeutics composed of polydopamine-coated gold nanoparticles.

The therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticles depends on their ability to release encapsulated photosensitizers. Here, surface-engineered metallic gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were irradiated with dual near-infrared (NIR) light to enhance the release of photosensitizer. Dopamine hydrochloride was surface-polymerized to polydopamine (PDA) layers on AuNP, and chlorin-e6 (Ce6) was chemically tethered to primary amines of PDA.

Comparison Study of the Effects of Cationic Liposomes on Delivery across 3D Skin Tissue and Whitening Effects in Pigmented 3D Skin.

Charged phospholipids are employed to formulate liposomes with different surface charges to enhance the permeation of active ingredients through epidermal layers. Although 3D skin tissue is widely employed as an alternative to permeation studies using animal skin, only a small number of studies have compared the difference between these skin models. Liposomal delivery strategies are investigated herein, through 3D skin tissue based on their surface charges.

Recurrence Rate of Herpes Zoster and Its Risk Factors: a Population-based Cohort Study.

Background: Herpes zoster (HZ) is generally thought to occur once in a lifetime and recurrence is considered to be limited to immunocompromised individuals. Although HZ recurrence rates seem to be increasing, there have been few studies exploring these rates in the general population. We investigated the recurrence rate and associated risk factors in the general population.

Simvastatin enhances the radiosensitivity of p53‑deficient cells via inhibition of mouse double minute 2 homolog.

Simvastatin exhibits anticancer activities, but its molecular mechanisms and radiosensitizing effects relative to p53 status remain unclear. In this study, we investigated whether the combination of simvastatin and ionizing radiation (IR) would enhance the antitumor effects of IR alone in HCT116 p53+/+ and p53‑/- colon cancer cells. Using colony formation assays and a xenograft mouse model, we found that simvastatin potently stimulated radiosensitization of HCT116 p53‑/- cells and xenograft tumors.

Digoxin enhances radiation response in radioresistant A549 cells by reducing protein phosphatase 2A.

Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a ubiquitous multifunctional enzyme usually known as a tumor suppressor. Recent studies have reported that although inhibition of PP2A leads to acceleration of cell growth, it also induces damaged cells to pass through the cell cycle and renders them sensitive to radiotherapy. Here, we investigated the radiosensitizing effects of digoxin as a PP2A inhibitor in two non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell types (H460 and A549) with differential sensitivity to radiation.

Enhanced anticancer effects of a mixture of low-dose mushrooms and Panax ginseng root extracts in human colorectal cancer cells.

Worldwide, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in men and the second most common in women. As conventional colorectal cancer therapies result in various side effects, there is a need for adjuvant therapy that can enhance the conventional therapies without complications. In this study, we investigated the anticancer effects of combined mixture of the several medicinal mushrooms and Panax ginseng root extracts (also called Amex7) as an adjuvant compound in the treatment of human colorectal cancer.

Intense Pulsed Light Alone and in Combination with Erbium Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser on Small-to-Medium Sized Congenital Melanocytic Nevi: Single Center Experience Based on Retrospective Chart Review.

Background: Treatment of congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN) with intense pulsed light (IPL) has recently produced promising results.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and histological outcomes of small-to-medium sized CMN treated with IPL alone and in combination with erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er: YAG) laser.

Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 26 small-to-medium sized CMN treated as described above.

Recognition of sign language with an inertial sensor-based data glove.

Communication between people with normal hearing and hearing impairment is difficult. Recently, a variety of studies on sign language recognition have presented benefits from the development of information technology. This study presents a sign language recognition system using a data glove composed of 3-axis accelerometers, magnetometers, and gyroscopes.

Arduino-based automation of a DNA extraction system.

There have been many studies to detect infectious diseases with the molecular genetic method. This study presents an automation process for a DNA extraction system based on microfluidics and magnetic bead, which is part of a portable molecular genetic test system. This DNA extraction system consists of a cartridge with chambers, syringes, four linear stepper actuators, and a rotary stepper actuator.

Psychometric Properties of a Short Korean Version of the Revised Obsessive Intrusion Inventory.

Objective: The Revised Obsessive Intrusion Inventory (ROII) is a 52-item scale that evaluates obsessional intrusive thoughts. The aim of the present study was to validate a short, 20-item Korean version of the ROII (ROII-20).

Methods: Of the 1125 participants who completed the ROII-20, 895 participants completed the scale to examine the factor structure of the scale.

2-Hydroxy-3,4-naphthochalcone (2H-NC) inhibits TNFα-induced tumor invasion through the downregulation of NF-κB-mediated MMP-9 gene expression.

The control of tumor metastasis is important for the successful prevention and treatment of cancer. Emerging evidence indicates that various natural and synthetic chalcones exhibit antimetastatic activity through the inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), although the precise mechanism by which this occurs is currently unclear. In this study, 2-hydroxy-3,4-naphthochalcone (2H-NC) was found to reduce tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα)-induced MMP-9 mRNA expression and gelatinolytic enzyme activity.

A new synthetic 2'-hydroxy-2,4,6-trimethoxy-5',6'-naphthochalcone induces G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by disrupting the microtubular network of human colon cancer cells.

Methoxylated chalcones exert antitumor activities. In the present study, we characterized the cytotoxicity of methylated chalcone derivatives against human colon cancer cells. We synthesized a group of methoxychalcones and explored the molecular mechanisms underlying inhibition of tumor growth by these materials.

c-Myb negatively regulates Ras signaling through induction of dual phosphatase MKP-3 in NIH3T3 cells.

Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-3 (MKP-3) negatively regulates ERK1/2 MAPK in a feedback loop. However, little is known about the molecular mechanism by which Ras signaling induces MKP-3 expression. In the present study, we demonstrate that exogenous expression of constitutively active H-Ras increases the level of MKP-3 mRNA.

Targeting cancer cells via the reactive oxygen species-mediated unfolded protein response with a novel synthetic polyphenol conjugate.

Purpose: The selective killing of tumor cells is an important strategy for cancer therapeutics. The aim of this study was to develop a novel antitumor agent that is safe for normal cells with the ability to selectively target cancer cells.

Experimental Design: On the basis of quantitative structure-activity relationship, we synthesized a novel polyphenol conjugate (E)-3-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-(2-methoxyphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (DPP-23).