• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• 제49권3호
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• pp.352-359
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• 2022

Background Breast augmentation with implants is the most commonly performed cosmetic plastic surgery in Brazil and worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess patient satisfaction and quality of life following subpectoral breast augmentation with either microtextured or macrotextured implants, using the BREAST-Q. Methods A prospective study was conducted with 40 women with hypomastia undergoing subpectoral breast augmentation. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups to receive either microtextured or macrotextured breast implants. All participants were assessed preoperatively (baseline) and after 2 and 4 months of surgery for quality of life and patient satisfaction with the surgical results, using the BREAST-Q augmentation module, a patient-reported outcome measure. Results The patients had a mean age of 28.9 ± 6.45 years. The microtextured (n = 20) and macrotextured (n = 20) groups were homogeneous for sex, age, education level, marital status, and number of children (p > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in satisfaction with breasts (p < 0.001), psychosocial well-being (p < 0.001), and sexual well-being (p < 0.001) at the 2- and 4-month follow-up visits compared with baseline. The observed improvements were associated with high effect size values of 5.09, 3.44, and 3.90, respectively. In contrast, significant decreases from baseline in physical well-being scores (p = 0.001) were found 2 and 4 weeks after surgery in both groups. Conclusion Subpectoral breast augmentation with either microtextured or macrotextured breast implants improved satisfaction with breasts and quality of life in patients with hypomastia.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.211-217
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• 2022

Purpose: Outcomes between primary gastrostomy tubes and buttons (G-tube and G-button) have not been established in pediatric patients. We hypothesized that primary G-tube have decreased complications when compared to G-button. Methods: A retrospective review of surgically placed gastrostomy devices from 2010 to 2017 was performed. Data collected included demographics, outcomes and 90-day complications. We divided the patients into primary G-tube and primary G-button. Results: Of 265 patients, 142 (53.6%) were male. Median age and weight at the time of surgery were 7 months (interquartile range [IQR], 2-44 months) and 6.70 kg (IQR, 3.98-14.15 kg), respectively. Among the groups, G-tube had 80 patients (30.2%) while G-button 185 patients (69.8%). There were 153 patients with at least one overall complication within 90 days postoperative. There was no significant difference in overall complications between groups (G-tube 63.8% vs. G-button 55.7%, p=0.192). More importantly, there were no significant differences in major complications among the groups, G-tube vs. G-button (5% vs. 4%; p=0.455). Conclusion: Primary G-tube offers no significant advantage in overall, minor or major complications when compared to primary G-button.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제22권6호
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• pp.81.1-81.9
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• 2021

Background: Suid gammaherpesvirus 3, 4, and 5 (porcine lymphotropic herpesvirus - PLHV-1, -2, and -3) are viruses that infect domestic and feral pigs. Objectives: This study examined the presence of PLHV DNA in biological samples from free-living wild boars circulating in a Brazilian geographical region with a high density of commercial domestic pigs. Methods: Lung samples of 50 free-living wild boars were collected by exotic wildlife controller agents between 2017 and 2019 in the state of Paraná, southern Brazil. Lung and spleen fragments were obtained from six fetuses collected by hysterectomy post mortem from a pregnant sow. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay using consensus primers (pan-herpesviruses) was performed to detect PLHV DNA. The samples showing positive results for PLHV DNA were submitted to single-round PCR assays with the specific primers for identifying PLHV-1 (213-S/215-As), PLHV-2 (208-S/212-As), and PLHV-3 (886s/886As). The specificity of the species-specific PCR products was assessed by nucleotide sequencing of the amplicons. Results: Forty-eight (96%) of the 50 lung samples analyzed were positive for PLHV by PCR using pan-herpesvirus primers. In 33 (68.75%) of the positive samples, at least two PLHV species were identified simultaneously. The DNA of PLHV-1, -2, and -3 was found in free-living wild boars of all ages, but not in the fetuses, even though they were from a sow that tested positive for all three viruses. Conclusion: These viruses are endemic to the population of feral pigs in the Brazilian region evaluated, as well as in domesticated pigs.

• 산업진흥연구
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.23-33
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• 2023

현대에 이르러 인터넷의 확산으로 인한 피해들이 매우 다양해지고 있다. 특히, 2008년 이후 K팝의 열풍으로 국내외 음악 시장의 다양해진 저작권 침해로 인한 피해는 인터넷 시장의 가장 큰 문제로 대두되고 있다. 그러나 계속 지능화되어 가는 이러한 범죄들을 해결하기 위한 경찰과 저작권 보호기관들의 인력은 부족한 상황이다. 따라서 공권력의 보완인력으로서 또, 음악저작권 침해 예방과 분쟁에서 피해자를 위한 합법적인 도움을 줄 수 있는 저작권 보호 기관의 대체인력으로서 공익적 탐정의 역할을 찾아보려 한다. 이 연구를 위해 먼저 음악저작권의 개념과 유형, 공익탐정의 개념, 음악저작권의 현황과 제도를 파악하고 보호기관의 제도운영 및 현황 분석과 문헌 고찰을 통하여 음악저작권 보호를 위한 탐정의 역할들을 찾아 보았다. 본 연구결과를 통해 음악저작권 보호라는 공익적 차원에서의 전문탐정의 역할이 앞으로 탐정 산업발전을 성장시키는데 좋은 토양이 될 수 있기를 바란다.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제50권
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• pp.97-107
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• 2023

Malaria remains to be one of the most severe global public health concerns. Traditionally, Aspilia Africana and Warburgia ugandensis have been used to treat malaria in several African countries for millennia. In the current study, A. africana calli (AaC), A. africana in vitro roots (AaIR), A. africana wild leaf (AaWL), and W. ugandensis stem bark (WuSB) were dried and pulverized. Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy was used to analyze the powdered samples, while 80% ethanolic extracts of each sample were assayed for antiplasmodial activity (against Plasmodium falciparum strains DD2 (chloroquine-resistant) and 3D7 (chloroquine-sensitive)) and cytotoxicity. WuSB showed the highest antiplasmodial activity (IC₅₀ = 1.57 ± 0.210 ㎍/ml and 8.92 ± 0.365 ㎍/ml against P. falciparum 3D7 and DD2, respectively) and selectivity indices (43.90 ± 7.914 and 7.543 ± 0.051 for P. falciparum 3D7 and DD2, respectively). The highest total polyphenolic contents (total phenolic and flavonoid contents of 367.9 ± 3.55 mg GAE/g and 203.9 ± 1.43 mg RUE/g, respectively) were recorded for WuSB and the lowest were recorded for AaC. The antiplasmodial activities of the tested plant tissues correlated positively with total polyphenolic content. The high selectivity indices of WuSB justify its traditional applications in treating malaria and present it as a good candidate for discovering new antimalarial compounds. We recommend elicitation treatment for AaIR, which showed moderate antiplasmodial activity against P. falciparum DD2, to increase its secondary metabolite production for optimal antimalarial activity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권15호
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• pp.6359-6364
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• 2015

Background: Preclinical studies have shown that the combination of an aromatase inhibitor (AI) and capecitabine in estrogen receptor (ER)- positive cell lines enhance antitumor efficacy. This retrospective analysis of a group of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) evaluated the efficacy and safety of combined AI with capecitabine. Materials and Methods: Patients with hormone receptor-positive metastatic breast cancer treated between 1st January 2005 and 31st December 2010 with a combination of capecitabine and AI were evaluated and outcomes were compared with those of women treated with capecitabine in conventional dose or AI as a monotherapy. Results: Of 72 patients evaluated, 31 received the combination treatment, 22 AI and 19 capecitabine. The combination was used in 20 patients as first-line and 11 as second-line treatment. Mean age was 46.2 years with a range of 28-72 years. At the time of progression, 97% had a performance status of <2 and 55% had visceral disease. No significant difference was observed between the three groups according to clinical and pathological features. Mean follow up was 38 months with a range of 16-66 months. The median PFS of first-line treatment was significantly better for the combination (PFS 21 months vs 8.0 months for capecitabine and 15.0 months for AI). For second-line treatment, the PFS was longer in the combination compared with capecitabine and Al groups (18 months vs. 5.0 months vs. 11.0 months, respectively). Median 2 year and 5 year survival did not show any significant differences among combination and monotherapy groups. The most common adverse events for the combination group were grade 1 and 2 hand-for syndrome (69%), grade 1 fatigue (64%) and grade 1 diarrhoea (29%). Three grade 3 hand-foot syndrome events were reported. Conclusions: Combination treatment with capecitabine and AI used as a first line or second line treatment was safe with much lowered toxicity. Prospective randomized clinical trials should evaluate the use of combination therapy in advanced breast cancer to confirm these findings.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권14호
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• pp.5715-5719
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• 2015

Background: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy of women in the world. The disease is caused by infectious and non-infectious, environmental and lifestyle factors. Tobacco smoke has been one of the most widely studied environmental factors wiith possible relevance to breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of tobacco smoking in breast cancer patients in a hospital based cohort and to establish prognostic implications if any. Materials and Methods: A retrospective audit of 100 women with pathological diagnosis of invasive breast cancer was included in this study. The verbal questionnaire elicited information on current and previous history of exposure to smoking in addition to active smoking. All analyses were adjusted for potential confounders, including stage at presentation, alcohol intake, hormonal replacement therapy, oral contraceptive intake, obesity and menopausal status. Results: The mean age at presentation of breast cancer was $51.4{\pm}10.86$ years. Mean age of presentation was $53.1{\pm}11.5$ and $45.7{\pm}11.9$ years in never smokers and passive smokers, respectively. Age at presentation varied widely in patients exposed to tobacco smoke for >10 years in childhood from $40.3{\pm}12.0$ years to $47.7{\pm}13.9$ in patients exposed for > 20years as adults. Among passive smokers, 60.9% were premenopausal and 39.1% of patients were postmenopausal. In never smokers, 71.4% were post menopausal. Expression of receptors in non-smokers vs passive smokers was comparable with no significant differences. Metastatic potential in lung parenchyma was slightlyelevated in passive smokers as compared to never smokers although statistically non-significant. Conclusions: An inverse relationship exists between the intensity and duration of smoking and the age at presentation and poor prognostic factors. The results strongly suggest efforts should be taken to prevent smoking, encourage quitting and restrict exposure to second hand smoke in India.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.2301-2305
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• 2016

Background: The early detection of anthracycline- induced cardiotoxicity is very important since it might be useful in prevention of cardiac decompensation. This study was designed with the intent of assessing the usefulness of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and NT- Pro BNP estimation in early prediction of anthracycline induced cardiotoxicity. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study histologically proven breast cancer patients who were scheduled to receive anthracycline containing combination chemotherapy as a part of multimodality treatment were enrolled. Baseline cardiac evaluation was performed by echocardiography (ECHO) and biomarkers like cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and N terminal- pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT- Pro BNP). All patients underwent cTnT and NT- Pro BNP estimation within 24 hours of each cycle of chemotherapy and were followed up after 6 months of initiation of chemotherapy. Any changes in follow up ECHO were compared to ECHO at baseline and cTnT and NT- Pro BNP levels after each cycle of anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Results: Initial data were obtained for 33 patients. Mean change in left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVDD) within 6 months was $0.154{\pm}0.433cms$ (p value=0.049). Seven out of 33 patients had an increase in biomarker cTnT levels (p value=0.5). A significant change in baseline and follow up LVDD was observed in patients with raised cTnT levels (p value=0.026) whereas no change was seen in ejection fraction (EF) and left atrial diameters (LAD) within 6 months of chemotherapy. NT- Pro BNP levels increased in significant number of patients (p value ${\leq}0.0001$) but no statistically significant change was observed in the ECHO parameters within 6 months. Conclusions: Functional monitoring is a poorly effective method in early estimation of anthracycline induced cardiac dysfunction. Estimation of biomarkers after chemotherapy may allow stratification of patients in various risk groups, thereby opening window for interventional strategies in order to prevent permanent damage to the myocardium.

• 한국산학기술학회논문지
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• 제21권3호
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• pp.289-295
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• 2020

본 논문은 영어를 외국어로 학습하는 한국 대학생 124명을 대상으로 하며, 애니메이션을 이용한 영어 학습에 대한 선호도를 학습자 변인 별로 차이가 있는지를 알아보았다. 즉 학습자의 흥미도를 고려한 애니메이션을 선정하여 학습을 진행한 후에 학습 전, 학습 중, 학습 후의 학습 활동 선호도를 학습자의 성별과 영상 학습 관심 정도와 비교하였다. 또한 학습자의 흥미 정도와 각 문항들과의 관계를 분석하였다. 연구 분석의 결과를 보면, 학습자의 성별에 따라서 수업활동에서 유의미한 차이를 보이고 있다. 전체적으로 여학생의 영상 학습 활동이 높게 나타나고 있다. 학습자들의 영상 수업에 대한 선호도에 따른 비교에서 하위 그룹 학습자들은 대체로 수업 전 활동에서 높은 비율을 보이고 있으며, 상위 그룹은 수업 중과 수업 후 활동에 비중을 보이고 있다. 학습 활동 문항과 각 그룹 간의 상관관계에서 단어 추론, 내용 토론, 그리고 단어 복습 문항에서 각 그룹들 간의 유의미한 차이를 보이고 있다. 이 연구의 결과를 볼 때, 애니메이션 영어 학습에서 학습자의 성향을 고려할 필요가 있다. 또한 애니메이션 영어 학습을 위한 학습 자료의 개발과 운영에 있어서 이러한 학습자 요인에 대한 결과를 적용할 필요가 있다.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제47권2호
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• pp.185-187
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• 2009

The prevalence of Enterobius vermicularis infection among preschool children was reported to be low based on a 5-year screening program in Taipei City, Taiwan. The Taipei City government intended to terminate the E. vermicularis screening program among preschool children. Thus, we were entrusted with confirming whether pinworm infections among preschool children in Taipei City had truly declined. From each of 12 administrative districts 2-3 kindergartens were randomly selected for investigation. In total, 4,349 children were examined, of which 2,537 were boys and 1,812 were girls. The cellophane tape adhered to a glass slide was used, and all examinations were done by certified medical technologists. Results indicated that the overall prevalence rate of pinworm infections was 0.62% (27/4,349). Although the infection rate was higher among boys (0.67%, 17/2,537) than in girls (0.55%, 10/1,812), no significant difference was found ($X^2$=0.399, P=0.62). According to the administrative district, the infection rate ranged from no positive cases of E. vermicularis infection in the Xinyi, Zhongzhen, and Wanhua Districts (0%; 0/299, 0/165, and 0/358, respectively), to 0.26% (1/131) in Songshan District, with the highest rate of 1.88% (7/373) in Wenshan District. Because the overall infection rate (0.62%, 27/4,349) in the present study was unchanged compared to that (0.40%, 197/49,541) previously reported in 2005, we propose that regular pinworm screening and treatment programs should be continued in some parts of Taipei City.