• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.2145-2150
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• 2016

Background: Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global public health problem, with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. Human cytosolic glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) include several classes such as alpha (A), mu (M), pi (P), sigma (S), zeta (Z), omega (O) and theta (T). The present study aimed to investigate the role of GST omega genes (GSTO1 and GSTO2) in different groups of patients infected with HBV. Materials and Methods: HBV groups were classified according to clinical history, serological tests and histological analysis into normal carriers (N), acute (A), chronic (CH), cirrhosis (CI) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases. The study focused on determination of the genotypes of GST omega genes (GSTO1 and GSTO2) and GST activity and liver function tests. Results: The results showed that GSTO1 (A/A) was decreased in N, A, CH, CI and HCC groups compared to the C-group, while, GSTO1 (C/A) and GSTO1(C/C) genotypes were increased significantly in N, A, CH, CI and HCC groups. GSTO2 (A/A) was decreased in all studied groups as compared to the C-group but GSTO2(A/G) and GSTO2(G/G) genotypes were increased significantly. In addition, GST activities, albumin and TP levels were decreased in all studied groups compared to the C-group, while the activities of transaminases were increased to differing degrees. Conclusions: The results indicate that GSTO genetic polymorphisms may be considered as biomarkers for determining and predicting the progression of HBV infection.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.20 no.9
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• pp.1276-1282
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• 2010

In traditional mixotrophic cultures of microalgae, all the inorganic nutrients and organic carbon sources are supplied in the medium before inoculation. In this study, however, an alternative approach was adopted in Haematococcus pluvialis Flotow, a microalga capable of growing mixotrophically on sodium acetate (Na-Ac). First, the cells were grown under 75 ${\mu}Mol$ photons $m^{-2}s^{-1}$ phototrophically without Na-Ac until the stationary phase and then exposed to five different light regimes by the addition of Na-Ac (e.g., dark, 20, 40, 75, and 150 ${\mu}Mol$ photons $m^{-2}s^{-1}$). Dry weight (DW), pigments, and especially cell number in alternative mixotrophy (AM) were higher than traditional mixotrophy (TM). Cell number in AM almost doubled up from 21.7 to $42.9{\times}10^4$ cells/ml during 5-day exposure to Na-Ac, whereas the increase was only 1.2-fold in TM. Maximum cell density was reached in 75 ${\mu}Mol$ photons $m^{-2}s^{-1}$ among the light intensities tested. We propose that Na-Ac in TM of H. pluvialis can not be utilized as efficiently as in AM. With this respect, AM has several advantages against TM such as a much higher cell density in a batch culture period and minimized risk of contamination owing to the shorter exposure of cells to organic carbon sources. In consequence, this method may be used for other strains of the species, and even for the other microalgal species able to grow mixotrophically.

• Structural Monitoring and Maintenance
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.131-157
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• 2014

Special track systems used to divert a train to other directions or other tracks are generally called 'railway turnout'. A traditional turnout system consists of steel rails, switches, crossings, steel plates, fasteners, screw spikes, timber bearers, ballast and formation. The wheel rail contact over the crossing transfer zone has a dip-like shape and can often cause detrimental impact loads on the railway track and its components. The large impact also emits disturbing noises (either impact or ground-borne noise) to railway neighbors. In a brown-field railway track where an existing aged infrastructure requires renewal or maintenance, some physical constraints and construction complexities may dominate the choice of track forms or certain components. With the difficulty to seek for high-quality timbers with dimensional stability, a methodology to replace aged timber bearers in harsh dynamic environments is to adopt an alternative material that could mimic responses and characteristics of timber in both static and dynamic loading conditions. A critical review has suggested an application of an alternative material called fibre-reinforced foamed urethane (FFU). The full-scale capacity design makes use of its comparable engineering characteristics to timber, high-impact attenuation, high damping property, and a longer service life. A field trial to investigate in-situ behaviours of a turnout grillage system using an alternative material, 'fibre-reinforced foamed urethane (FFU)' bearers, has been carried out at a complex turnout junction under heavy mixed traffics at Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia. The turnout junction was renewed using the FFU bearers altogether with new special track components. Influences of the FFU bearers on track geometry (recorded by track inspection vehicle 'AK Car'), track settlement (based on survey data), track dynamics, and acoustic characteristics have been measured. Operational train pass-by measurements have been analysed to evaluate the effectiveness of the replacement methodology. Comparative studies show that the use of FFU bearers generates higher rail and sleeper accelerations but the damping capacity of the FFU help suppress vibration transferring onto other track components. The survey data analysis suggests a small vertical settlement and negligible lateral movement of the turnout system. The static and dynamic behaviours of FFU bearers appear to equate that of natural timber but its service life is superior.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.54-59
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• 2013

NonHDL cholesterol values have been suggested as a risk marker for cardiovascular disease. NonHDL cholesterol values were calculated, using a very simple measurement [nonHDL cholesterol=serum total cholesterol-HDL cholesterol]. This formula is very useful as a screening tool for identifying dyslipoproteinemias, risk assessment, and assessing the results of hypolipidemic therapy. The data from the 2009 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Analysis was done for 1,992 subjects with lipid panels (Cholesterol, HDL, LDLdirect and Triglycerides) results. We studied the relationship between nonHDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. As a result, nonHDL cholesterol values were plotted against the LDL direct and calculated values. The linear regression equation for nonHDL cholesterol and direct LDL cholesterol was $nonHDLchol=23.60+1.03{\times}LDLdirect$ (p<0.0001, $r^2=0.80$) in all subjects. The subjects were classified into triglyceride values. When triglycerides are below 400 mg/dL, the linear fit to LDL direct is found to be $[nonHDLchol=17.34+1.07{\times}LDLdirect]$ (p<0.0001, $r^2=0.88$) and to the Friedewald LDL calculation is $[nonHDLchol=23.10+1.02{\times}LDLcalc]$ (p<0.0001, $r^2=0.82$). For triglycerides above 400 mg/dL, the linear fit equation is $[nonHDLchol=87.57+0.92{\times}LDLdirect]$ (p<0.0001, $r^2=0.50$) and to the LDL calculated, it is $[nonHDLchol=142.70+0.50{\times}LDLcalc]$ (p<0.0001, $r^2=0.32$). This study provides examples of the utility of nonHDL cholesterol concentrations in clinical medicine.

• CELLMED
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.4.1-4.3
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• 2018

The purpose of this article was to examine the effects of reed pipe music listening on fatigue recovery. A great number of the moderns are suffering from mental and physical exhaustion these days. It was well known for leading to cause various diseases and health problems. A reed pipe is completely natural and a basic instrument. As everyone knows, spending time in nature also helps you feel better and refreshable. From old times, we rested in the bosom of nature. The author think reed pipe music is one of the most beautiful and useful gifts presented by nature to humans. Listening reed pipe music is a good way to value and enjoy the purity of nature. Also, you can find peace and stillness, and relax and rest in the woods. That way, we could feel the throbbing pulse of life in nature and we have gotten some solace and rest from natural healing power. The author think listening reed pipe music is a nice approach to sharing nature, as well as communicating with it. Therefore, the author think listening to reed pipe music is a wonderful way to recovery fatigue and you can truly relax in nature. It will heal us rest and feel better and a reed pipe music is nature-friendly music that gives you relax and heals you to recovery fatigue.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.20-28
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• 1993

From 1981 to 1991, twenty one vascularized bone grafts had been performed for the treatment of large bone defects of the extremities, with average follow-up of 65.4 months. Fibulae were used in 15 patients Including two cases of osteocutaneous flap, iliums in 5 including two of osteocutaneous flap, and osteocutneous rib in one. Ten of these patients were treated for segmental defects derived from trauma or infection sequelae of long bones, while eight for locally aggressive benign or malignant bone tumors ; and three for congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia. The location of the lesions were 8 cases in tibia; 7 in humerus ; 3 in forearm bone ; 2 in foot ; and 1 in femur. The length of bone defects were averaged as 10 cm, ranging from 3 to 17.5. In eighteen patients(85.7%), the operation was successful. The duration from operation to bony union was average 5.1 months on successful cases, and three of them needed additional procedures, such as bone graft and electrical stimulation to promote bony union. Local recurrence was found in one case of chondrosarcoma, resulting in AK amputation. Wound infections were noted each one case on donor or recipient site. In five cases, the fracture of grafted bone, which united with cast immobilization in four, occurred average 16.7 months after operation.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.1077-1082
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• 2016

Background: The three standard biomarkers used in breast cancer are the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The Ki-67 index, a proliferative marker, has been shown to be associated with a poorer outcome, and despite absence of standardization of pathological assessment, is widely used for therapy decision making. We aim to study the role of the Ki-67 index in a group of Asian women with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: A total of 450 women newly diagnosed with Stage 1 to 3 invasive breast cancer in a single centre from July 2013 to Dec 2014 were included in this study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between Ki-67 (positive defined as 14% and above) and age, ethnicity, grade, mitotic index, ER, PR, HER2, lymph node status and size. All analyses were performed using SPSS Version 22. Results: In univariable analysis, Ki -67 index was associated with younger age, higher grade, ER and PR negativity, HER2 positivity, high mitotic index and positive lymph nodes. However on multivariable analysis only tumour size, grade, PR and HER2 remained significant. Out of 102 stage 1 patients who had ER positive/PR positive/HER2 negative tumours and non-grade 3, only 5 (4.9%) had a positive Ki-67 index and may have been offered chemotherapy. However, it is interesting to note that none of these patients received chemotherapy. Conclusions: Information on Ki67 would have potentially changed management in an insignificant proportion of patients with stage 1 breast cancer.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.171-175
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• 2006

The aim of this in vitro study was to test the effect of microinjection (Mi) of foreign gene into the rabbit egg pronucleus and epidermal growth factor (EGF) addition on the blastocyst rate, the cell number and the diameter of embryos, and to determine possible relationships between embryo cell number and embryo diameter. Blastocyst rate was significantly decreased in gene- Mi (G-Mi/E0) group (63.1%) comparing to intact ones (83.5%, $p_1$<0.05). The addition of EGF at 20ng/ml (G-Mi/E20) or 200 ng/ml (GMi/ E200) to gene-Mi embryos did not affect blastocyst rate (65.6 and 55.2% resp.). As a control for Mi, the eggs were microinjected with the same volume of phosphate-buffered solution (PBS-Mi) instead of the gene construct solution. Cell numbers and embryo diameters were measured from embryo images obtained on confocal laser scanning microscope. Bonferroni-modified LSD test showed that the embryo cell number in PBS-Mi group was significantly lower ($p_1$<0.05) and in gene-Mi group was tended to decrease compared with intact embryos. Embryo diameter was not different among experimental groups. No effect of EGF given at any doses both on the cell number and embryo diameter was found. A positive correlation between cell number and embryo diameter was observed in all groups of embryos. Since embryo diameter was not changed under the influence of Mi or EGF addition in this study, this seems to be more conservative characteristics of the embryo morphology. These results suggest that the pronuclear microinjection compromises developmental potential of embryos, decreasing blastocyst rate and embryo cell number, whilst embryo diameter is not affected. No effects of EGF on studied parameters were confirmed. Declined quality of Mi-derived embryos is caused by the microinjection procedure itself, rather than by the gene construct used.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.146-157
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• 2013

Objectives : The purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects of short-term oral health care on children at community care centers, in order to allow them to maintain good oral health. Methods : The SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science), Window Version 18.0 was used to analyze the data for the children's present conditions of oral health; their ability to maintain good oral health; their general knowledge about oral health; changes in their oral health awareness; habit formations concerning oral health; and the satisfaction level of oral health education. Results : 1. While the average number of teeth before the program is 19.84(6.19), that of teeth after the program is 21.33(6.10). 2. Average test scores on oral health information of post-program are improved more than those of pre-program. 3. The 8th measurement of O'Leary plaque index is 3.27, which shows significant changes. 4. Satisfaction level with the program is 4.75(0.45), which shows that children are satisfied with the program. Conclusions : The paper shows that in order to maintain the oral health of children at community care centers, their habit formation and practice for the oral health is important. It also shows that cooperation among communities and public health centers is important to develop various oral health education programs like the program.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2013

Objectives : In order to make a proposal of a Korean standard dental hygiene curriculum, the job description of the National Health Personnel Licensing Examination Board was analyzed to prepare a job analysis matrix of dental hygienist to select required core competency. Methods : Data were analyzed to test the job validity of dental hygienist and categorize the duties of dental hygienist. A proposal of a standard dental hygiene curriculum was mapped out by making a comparative analysis of the courses necessary for American authorization of dental hygiene curriculum, existing proposals of Korean standard dental hygiene curriculum and the courses of the departments of dental hygiene offered by domestic three-year colleges and four-year universities. Results : Basic medicine courses were reinforced or newly offered to provide an opportunity for students to transfer to a domestic four-year university or to a foreign university. In the field of clinical dental hygiene and practice, preventive dentistry, prophylaxis and practice were integrated, and the names of the related courses were unified to give a chance for students to engage in comprehensive dental hygiene practice. There were different courses for dental clinical science at present. In this proposal, students should earn 125 credits in total. Conclusions : Standard dental hygiene curriculum proposal was required by three-year and four-year colleges across the nation. To make it happen, the original names of dental hygiene courses should be used, and the dental hygiene certification and evaluation institute that is under the umbrella of the Korean Dental Hygienists Association should lay out the standard of the KSDHEP to facilitate the utilization of the standard dental hygiene curriculum proposal.