Tumor-associated carbonic anhydrases are linked to metastases in primary cervical cancer

Purpose: Carbonic anhydrase IX (CA9) has emerged as an important surrogate marker for hypoxia in solid tumors. CA12 shares a role with CA9 in acidification of micromilieu but it is less strictly regulated by hypoxia than CA9. In this study, we investigated expression of CA9 and CA12 mRNA in primary cervical cancer. We also examined whether CA9 expression can be an indicator of reoxygenation of tumor by measuring its mRNA expression during fractionated radiotherapy. Methods: Tumor tissues were obtained from 59 patients with uterine cervical cancer who underwent radiotherapy, and a second biopsy was taken after patients had received either 10 or 20 Gy of radiation. The follow-up period ranged from 2.4 to 75 months (median=23 months). The ratio of CA9 and β-actin mRNA expression was determined both pre- and during radiation treatment by RT-PCR. Results: CA9 and CA12 mRNA expression was detected in 62.7 and 88.1% of tumors (i.e. patients), respectively, and co-expression was observed in 61% of patients. Multivariate analysis revealed that CA9 expression was the most significant factor associated with metastasis-free survival (P=0.008, hazard ratio 34.8), whereas CA12 mRNA expression was linked to a lower risk of metastasis (P=0.007, hazard ratio of 0.07). Tumor CA9 expression was not altered following either 10 or 20 Gy of radiotherapy. Conclusion: The strong correlation between CA9 expression and metastasis suggests that CA9 expression might be an important indicator for identifying patients who require more aggressive systemic therapy. J.-Y. Kim and H.-J. Shin contributed equally to this work.     

Daily spiritual experiences,social support,and depression among elderly Korean immigrants

Objectives: This study examined the associations of daily spiritual experiences (DSE) and social support with depression to find viable coping resources and enhance the quality of life among elderly Korean immigrants.

Method: We used Smith's (2003) theory of religious effects and Baron and Kenny's (1986) approach for mediation analysis to explain the mediating role of social support between DSE and depression. The sample consisted of 200 elderly Korean immigrants who were aged 65 or older (mean age?=?72.5, range?=?65–89) living in the New York City Metropolitan area. Hierarchical regression model was used with SPSS version 17.0 to analyze cross-sectional data.

Results: Elderly Korean immigrants in the present sample were found to be moderately engaged in DSE but not experiencing a fair level of social support. Respondents reported no depression on the average but 30% of them (60 out of 200 respondents) were experiencing mild to severe depression. Both DSE and social support were inversely related with depression, and the relationship between DSE and depression was mediated by social support.

Conclusion: These findings are only suggestive and should not be generalized to a larger population. However, this study supports the importance of DSE and social support in the life of elderly Korean immigrants as a way to alleviate depression. Mental health professionals may consider facilitating social network when elderly Korean immigrants suffer from depression.     

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Virus in Ticks Collected from Humans,South Korea, 2013

We investigated the infection rate for severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) among ticks collected from humans during May–October 2013 in South Korea. Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks have been considered the SFTSV vector. However, we detected the virus in H. longicornis, Amblyomma testudinarium, and Ixodes nipponensis ticks, indicating additional potential SFTSV vectors.