• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• 제53권4호
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• pp.236-244
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• 2020

Objectives: Although the World Health Organization (WHO) initiative "My 5 Moments for Hand Hygiene" has been lauded as effective in preventing hospital-associated infections, little is known about healthcare workers (HCWs)' hand hygiene behavior. In this study, we sought to assess knowledge and attitudes towards the concepts in this initiative, as well as associated factors, among Vietnamese HCWs at a general hospital. Methods: A structured questionnaire was administered to HCWs at a central Vietnamese general hospital in 2015. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with HCWs' knowledge and attitudes towards hand hygiene. Results: Of 120 respondents, 65.8% and 67.5% demonstrated appropriate knowledge and a positive attitude, respectively, regarding all 5 hand hygiene moments. Logistic regression indicated better knowledge of hand hygiene in workers who were over 30 years old, who were direct HCWs (rather than managers), who had frequent access to clinical information, and who received their clinical information from training. Those who worked in infectious and tropical disease wards, who had frequent access to clinical information, and who received information from training were more likely to have a positive attitude towards hand hygiene than their counterparts. Conclusions: Although many Vietnamese HCWs displayed moderate knowledge and positive attitudes towards the WHO hand hygiene guidelines, a key gap remained. Regular education and training programs are needed to increase knowledge and to improve attitudes and practices towards hand hygiene. Furthermore, a combination of multimodal strategies and locally-adapted interventions is needed for sustainable hand hygiene adherence.

• Journal of Plant Biotechnology
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• 제44권2호
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• pp.142-148
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• 2017

Drought stress is one of the important factors that restrict the expansion of Hevea brasiliensis cultivation to non-traditional regions experiencing extreme weather conditions. Plants respond to drought stress by triggering expression of several drought responsive genes including transcription factors which in turn trigger expression of various downstream signalling pathways and adaptive networks. Expression of such drought responsive genes may revert back to their original level upon re-watering. However, no reports are available on such phenomenon in Hevea and hence, this study was initiated. For this purpose, NAC transcription factor (NAC tf) was chosen as candidate gene. Its expression levels were monitored under intermittent drought as well as irrigated conditions in two clones (RRII 105 and RRIM 600) of H. brasiliensis with contrasting tolerance level. Copy number of NAC tf was found similar in both the clones. Expression of NAC tf was found highly up-regulated in RRIM 600 (a relatively drought tolerant clone) than in RRII 105 (a relatively drought susceptible clone) throughout the drought incidences which upon re-watering, reached back to its original levels in both the clones. The study indicated the existence of an association between expression of NAC tf and drought tolerance trait exhibited by the tolerant clone RRIM 600. The study also proves the influence of drought and re-watering on the leaf photosynthesis and expression of NAC tf in H. brasiliensis.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제48권4호
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• pp.202-212
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• 2018

Purpose: Bone-to-implant contact (BIC) is difficult to measure on micro-computed tomography (CT) because of artifacts that hinder accurate differentiation of the bone and implant. This study presents an advanced algorithm for measuring BIC in micro-CT acquisitions using a spiral scanning technique, with improved differentiation of bone and implant materials. Methods: Five sandblasted, large-grit, acid-etched implants were used. Three implants were subjected to surface analysis, and 2 were inserted into a New Zealand white rabbit, with each tibia receiving 1 implant. The rabbit was sacrificed after 28 days. The en bloc specimens were subjected to spiral (SkyScan 1275, Bruker) and round (SkyScan 1172, SkyScan 1275) micro-CT scanning to evaluate differences in the images resulting from the different scanning techniques. The partial volume effect (PVE) was optimized as much as possible. BIC was measured with both round and spiral scanning on the SkyScan 1275, and the results were compared. Results: Compared with the round micro-CT scanning, the spiral scanning showed much clearer images. In addition, the PVE was optimized, which allowed accurate BIC measurements to be made. Round scanning on the SkyScan 1275 resulted in higher BIC measurements than spiral scanning on the same machine; however, the higher measurements on round scanning were confirmed to be false, and were found to be the result of artifacts in the void, rather than bone. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that spiral scanning can reduce metal artifacts, thereby allowing clear differentiation of bone and implant. Moreover, the PVE, which is a factor that inevitably hinders accurate BIC measurements, was optimized through an advanced algorithm.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제80권3호
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• pp.255-264
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• 2017

Background:N-acetyl transferase (NAT) inactivates the pro-drug isoniazid (INH) to N-acetyl INH through a process of acetylation, and confers low-level resistance to INH in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). Similar to NAT of MTB, NAT2 in humans performs the same function of acetylation. Rapid acetylators, may not respond to INH treatment efficiently, and could be a potential risk factor, for the development of INH resistance in humans. Methods: To understand the contribution of NAT of MTB and NAT2 of humans in developing INH resistance using in silico approaches, in this study, the wild type (WT) and mutant (MT)-NATs of MTB, and humans, were modeled and docked, with substrates and product (acetyl CoA, INH, and acetyl INH). The MT models were built, using templates 4BGF of MTB, and 2PFR of humans. Results: On the basis of docking results of MTB-NAT, it can be suggested that in comparison to the WT, binding affinity of MT-G207R, was found to be lower with acetyl CoA, and higher with acetyl-INH and INH. In case of MT-NAT2 from humans, the pattern of score with respect to acetyl CoA and acetyl-INH, was similar to MT-NAT of MTB, but revealed a decrease in INH score. Conclusion: In MTB, MT-NAT revealed high affinity towards acetyl-INH, which can be interpreted as increased formation of acetyl-INH, and therefore, may lead to INH resistance through inactivation of INH. Similarly, in MT-NAT2 (rapid acetylators), acetylation occurs rapidly, serving as a possible risk factor for developing INH resistance in humans.

• 한국의상디자인학회지
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• 제16권3호
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• pp.219-238
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• 2014

This study attempted to investigate present condition and product planning of global eco-fashion brands that harmonize fashion and sustainability. As research subjects, this study selected 97 oversea fashion brands mentioned in books related to eco-fashion, Black(2011), Brown(2010), Fuad-luke(2009). As for research methods, materials and ethical practices of these selected 97 brands through literature data and their internet site homepages. This study analyzed oversea eco-brands collected 26 British brands, 22 American brands, 36 European brands such as Germany, France, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Finland and so on, except Britain and 13 other regions including Japan, India, Canada, Mexico, and New zealand. In conclusion, the product planning characteristics of these oversea eco-fashion brands can be summarized as follows; community and fair trade, ecological and slow design, recycle, reuse, redesign, and new eco-models. Firstly, brands of 'community and fair trade' manufactured products through fair trade and local community's artisan by ethical practices with organic fabrics. Secondly, brands of 'ecological and slow design' pursued timeless design and multi-functional design as luxury eco-fashion styles. They used organic textiles, hemp, bamboo, soya, tencell, sea cell, and self-sustaining plants. Thirdly, brands of 'recycle, reuse, redesign' aimed for upcycling high-end fashion and used vintage clothes, textile scraps, PET, parachutes, tires, safety belts, advertising banner and so on. In addition, brands of 'new models as eco-fashion' suggested zero-waste cutting, recycling over-printing technology, new sustainable business model, and ethical practices in the supply chain of the fashion industry.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• 제20권4호
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• pp.21-28
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• 2008

Purpose: We measured the Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (OLBPDI) and related factors in patients with low back pain. Methods: The sample consisted of 50 patients who received physical therapy at the physical therapy units of the Andong Seoul Sintong Clinic, St. Luke Clinic, and Yeongju Seoul Sintong Clinic in Andong and Yeongju city from October, 2007, to February, 2008. The OLBPDI questionnaire was administered by 5 physical therapists as a cross-sectional study. Student's t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA/Tukey and Scheffe) were used to analyze OLBPDI score differences. We also used nonparametric statistic analysis (Wilcoxon rank sum test, Median test). Pearson correlation analysis (Spearman correlation analysis) was used to analyze the relationship between OLBPDI and the visual analogue scale (VAS). Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of independent variables on pain scores as defined by the OLBPDI. Results: The average patient age was 37.1 years (range: 18$\sim$78 years old), and time from onset was 21.7 months (1$\sim$180). OLBPD and VAS scores were 12.70 (3.0$\sim$28.0) and 5.14 (1$\sim$8), respectively. OLBPDI scores were 14.4 in patients taking medicine and 11.57 in those who did not. There was a statistically significant relationship between OLBPDI and VAS (r=0.54, p=0.0001; r=0.55, p=0.0001 by Spearman coefficient). Gender ($\beta$=6.14, p=0.0124), age ($\beta$=-2.01, p=0.0324), weight ($\beta$=0.31, p=0.0222), time from onset ($\beta$=1.54, p=0.0044), and VAS score ($\beta$=1.59, p=0.0004) were significantly associated with OLBPD by multiple regression analysis. Conclusion: Variables associated with OLBPD were gender, age, weight, time from onset, and VAS score. Collecting information on the pain index using OLBPDI was acceptable to patients with low back pain. Further research should explore the pain index by using larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods.

• Korean Journal of Acupuncture
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• 제30권4호
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• pp.305-318
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• 2013

Objectives : The aim of this study was to examine the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) at an acupoint, HT8(Sobu), on normal humans by using power spectral analysis. We examined the effect on the Heart Rate Variability(HRV), and the balance of the autonomic nervous system. Methods : Thirty-two healthy volunteers participated in this study. EEG(Electroencephalogram) power spectrum exhibits site-specific and state-related differences in specific frequency bands. A thirty-two channel EEG study was carried out on thirty-two subjects(14 males; mean age=23.5 years old, 18 females; mean age=21.5 years old). HRV and EEG were simultaneously recorded before and after acupuncture. Results : In the ${\alpha}$(alpha) band, during the HT8-acupoint treatment, the power values in the ${\alpha}$(alpha) band significantly decreased(p<0.05) at 28 channels. In the ${\beta}$(beta) band significantly decreased(p<0.05) at 26 channels. In ${\delta}$(delta) band significantly decreased(p<0.05) at 18 channels. In ${\theta}$(theta) band significantly decreased(p<0.05) at 20 channels. ${\alpha}/{\beta}$ values were increased at 6 channels and decreased at 10 channels.${\beta}/{\theta}$ values were increased at 10 channels and decreased at 19 channels. Mean-RR(RR-interval), Complexity, RMSSD(Root mean square of successive differences), SDSD(Standard deviations differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals), norm HF showed a significantly increased and mean-HRV, norm LF, LHR(LF/HF Ratio) showed a significantly decreased after HT8-acupoint treatment(p<0.05). Conclusions : These results suggest that EA at the HT8 mostly causes significant changes on alpha(28 channels), beta(26 channels), delta(18 channels), theta(20 channels) bands and mean-HRV, mean-RR, complexity, RMSSD, SDSD, norm LF, norm HF and LHR. If practicing EA at the HT8, it will regulate the function of the cerebral cortex, decrease activity of the sympathetic and increase parasympathetic nervous activity.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• 제47권3호
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• pp.182-192
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• 2017

Purpose: Contact and distance osteogenesis occur around all endosseous dental implants. However, the mechanisms underlying these processes have not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that these processes occur independently of each other. To test this, we used titanium (Ti) tubes to physically separate contact and distance osteogenesis, thus allowing contact osteogenesis to be measured in the absence of possible triggers from distance osteogenesis. Methods: Sandblasted and acid-etched (SLA) and modified SLA (modSLA) implants were used. Both types had been sandblasted with large grit and then etched with acid. The modSLA implants then underwent additional treatment to increase hydrophilicity. The implants were implanted into rabbit tibiae, and half were implanted within Ti tubes. The bone-to-implant contact (BIC) ratio was calculated for each implant. Immunohistochemical analyses of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 expression and new bone formation (Masson trichrome stain) were performed. Results: The implants outside of Ti tubes were associated with good bone formation along the implant surface. Implantation within a Ti tube significantly reduced the BIC ratio (P<0.001). Compared with the modSLA implants, the SLA implants were associated with significantly higher BIC ratios, regardless of the presence or absence of Ti tubes (P=0.043). In the absence of Ti tubes, the bone adjacent to the implant had areas of new bone formation that expressed BMP-2 at high levels. Conclusions: This study disproved the null hypothesis and suggested that contact osteogenesis is initiated by signals from the old bone that undergoes distance osteogenesis after drilling. This signal may be BMP-2.

• Environmental Engineering Research
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• 제18권2호
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• pp.95-101
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• 2013

Alternative sources of water are sought in some water stressed communities in the study area. The study focuses on the Aguata-Awka area of southeastern Nigeria. Aquifers occur at great depths, and surface waters may be far from homesteads. The scarcity of water has necessitated the people to adopt various local technologies for harvesting rainfall. The local technology includes collecting rainwater from roofs and channeling the water into large underground tanks, shallow wells and surface reservoirs. Large concrete tanks of $6m{\times}6m{\times}4m$ dimensions are often built underground and can store $144m^3$ of water. Surface reservoirs built on 4 m concrete pillar supports having dimensions of $10m{\times}10m{\times}4m$ and have a storage capacity of $400m^3$. Water samples were collected at 3 different locations of Agulu, Ekwulobia, and Awka and were analyzed for their physical, chemical, and bacteriological parameters. Results indicate a range of values for pH, 5.9 to 7.1; turbidity, 0.9 to 2.7; total dissolved solids, 80 to 170 mg/L; total hardness, 4.5 to 6.4 mg/L; magnesium, 1.2 to 1.4 mg/L; bicarbonate, 19.4 to 83.6 mg/L; and sulfate, 3.6 to 6.4 mg/L. Bacteriological analysis results were negative for fecal and total coliform counts. All parameters, with the exception of pH where aluminum and galvanized iron roofs are used for collection, fall within the recommended guidelines for drinking water quality of the World Health Organization, and the Standard Organization of Nigeria, new Nigerian standards for drinking water quality. Magnesium is above the maximum permitted level for consumer acceptability of the Nigerian standards for drinking water quality. The water can be classified as fresh moderately hard and soft. The water can be described as a calcium and bicarbonate type.

• 대한정형도수물리치료학회지
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• 제9권2호
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• pp.47-58
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• 2003

To closely examine the effects of the massage treatment as one method of curing hypertension by exploring the effects that one-time circulation-centered massage has on a hypertensive's blood pressure, this study selected as the subject ten among fifty-year-old essential hypertensives visiting N clinic, and measured and compared their blood pressures before and after I gave them massage. After stabilizing them, I measured their blood pressures. In their prone and supine postures, I gave them rubbing massage for twenty minutes from positions proximal to their hearts to ones distal from their hearts to help their artery circulation and circulation-centered stroking massage for ten minutes from positions distal from their hearts to ones proximal to their hearts to help their vein circulation. After the massage, I had them rest for five minutes and measured their blood pressures. Regarding each item analyzed, I calculated the mean and standard deviation before and after the massage. The difference before and after the massage was tested by corresponding t-test and the level of significance was made p<0.05. The findings are as follows. First, systolic pressure was $157.70{\pm}7.48$ before the massage and $143.00{\pm}9.39$, which is less than before the massage, after the massage, showing statistically significant difference (p<.05). Secondly, diastolic pressure was $97.80{\pm}6.56$before the massage and $95.20{\pm}5.18$, which is less than before the massage, after the massage, not showing statistically significant difference (p<.05).