• Advances in nano research
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• 제8권4호
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• pp.323-333
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• 2020

In recent years, there has been an upsurge for the usage of buckling restrained braces (BRB) rather than ordinary braces, as they have evidently performed better. If the overall brace buckling is ignored, BRBs are proven to have higher energy absorption capacity and flexibility. This article aims to deliberate an economically efficient yet adequate type of all-steel BRB, comprised of the main components as in traditional ones, such as : (1) a steel core that holds all axial forces and (2) a steel restrainer tube that hinders buckling to occurr in the core; there is a more practical detailing in the BRB system due to the elimination of a filling mortar. An investigation has been conducted for the proposed rectangular-tube core BRB and it is hysteric behavioral results have been compared to previous researches conducted on a structure containing a similar plate core profile that has the same cross-sectional area in its core. A loss of strength is known to occur in the BRB when the limiting condition of local buckling is not satisfied, thus causing instability. This typically occurs when the thickness of the restrainer tube's wall is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the core plate or its width. In this study, a parametric investigation for BRBs with different formations has been performed to verify the effect of the design parameters such as different core section profiles, restraining member width to thickness ratio and relative cross-sectional area of the core to restrainer, on buckling load evaluation. The proposed BRB investigation results have also been presented and compared to past BRB researches with a plate profile as the core section, and the advantages and disadvantages of this configuration have been discussed, and it is concluded that BRBs with tubular core section exhibit a better seismic performance than the ones with a plate core profile.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권1호
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• pp.369-374
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• 2014

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer death in the world. Genetic variants in 8q24.21 including rs10505477 and rs6983267 have been hypothesized to be involved in susceptibility to CRC. This study aims to investigate the possible association between these loci and their haplotypes with CRC risk in Iranian population. Materials and Methods: Subjects were recruited from two hospitals in Tehran. The rs10505477 and rs6983267 polymorphisms were genotyped by TaqMan real time PCR using subject genomic DNA, extracted either from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue of patients or from blood of the controls by standard methods. Results: A total of 715 subjects (380 CRC patients and 335 matched controls) were genotyped in this study. Allele and genotype analysis of the rs10505477 and rs6983267 polymorphisms by gender, age at diagnosis, tumor location, tumor grade, and tumor node metastasis (TNM) showed no significant association with CRC risk. There was a significant relationship between GG haplotype and susceptibility to age at diagnosis for both <60 and ${\geq}60$ (p=0.0005 and p=0.000004, respectively) and between GT and CRC in the age at diagnosis ${\geq}60$ (Table 3: p=0.031). The GG haplotype was less frequent in CRC patients with the age at diagnosis <60, but was more common in subjects with the age at diagnosis ${\geq}60$. Conclusions: Results of this study suggests that the rs6983267 and rs10505477 polymorphisms alone may not be relevant to CRC risk, but their GG haplotype plays a notable role in age at diagnosis of CRC in the Iranian population.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권2호
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• pp.1121-1126
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• 2013

Background: Palliative chemotherapy with cisplatin/5-fluorouracil (5FU) is the commonest regimen employed for metastatic and recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCCHN) and nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, this regimen is cumbersome requiring 5 days of admission to hospital. Carboplatin/5FU may be an alternative regimen without compromising survival and response rates. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and toxicity of carboplatin/5FU regimen with the cisplatin/5FU regimen. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study looked at patients who had palliative chemotherapy with either cisplatin/5FU or carboplatin/5FU for metastatic and recurrent SCCHN and NPC. It included patients who were treated at UKMMC from $1^{st}$ January 2004 to $31^{st}$ December 2009 with either palliative IV cispaltin 75 $mg/m^2$ D1 only plus IV 5FU 750 $mg/m^2$ D1-5 infusion or IV Carboplatin AUC 5 D1 only plus IV 5FU 500 $mg/m^2$ D1-2 infusion plus IV 5FU 500 $mg/m^2$ D1-2 bolus. The specific objectives were to determine the efficacy of palliative chemotherapy in terms of overall response rate (ORR), median progression free survival (PFS) and median overall survival (OS) and to evaluate the toxicities of both regimens. Results: A total of 41 patients were eligible for this study. There were 17 in the cisplatin/5FU arm and 24 in the carboplatin/5FU arm. The ORR was 17.7 % for cisplatin/5FU arm and 37.5 % for carboplatin/5FU arm (p-value=0.304). The median PFS was 7 months for cisplatin/5FU and 9 months for carboplatin/5FU (p-value=1.015). The median OS was 10 months for cisplatin/5FU arm and 12 months for carboplatin/5FU arm (p-value=0.110). There were 6 treatment-related deaths (6/41=14.6%), four in the carboplatin/5FU arm (4/24=16.7%) and 2 in the cisplatin/5FU arm (2/17=11.8%). Grade 3 and 4 hematologic toxicity was also more common with carboplatin/5FU group, this difference being predominantly due to grade 3-4 granulocytopenia (41.6% vs. 0), grade 3-4 anemia (37.5% vs. 0) and grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia (16.6% vs. 0). Conclusions: Carboplatin/5FU is not inferior to cisplatin/5FU with regard to its efficacy. However, there was a high rate of treatment-related deaths with both regimens. A better alternative needs to be considered.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• 제58권6호
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• pp.23.1-23.17
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• 2016

Background: The functionality of myofibrillar proteins is a major factor influencing the quality attributes of muscle foods. Nonetheless, the relationships between muscle type and oxidative changes in chevon during ageing are meagrely elucidated. Postmortem changes in antioxidant status and physicochemical properties of glycolytic gluteus medius (GM) and oxidative infraspinatus (IS) muscles in goats were compared. Methods: Twenty Boer bucks (9-10 months old, body weight of $36.9{\pm}0.725kg$) were slaughtered and the carcasses were subjected to chill storage ($4{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C$). Analyses were conducted on GM and IS muscles sampled on 0, 1, 4 and 7 d postmortem. Results: Chill storage did not affect the antioxidant enzyme activities in both muscles. The IS had greater (P < 0.05) superoxide dismutase and catalase activities than GM. Carotenoid and tocopherol contents did not differ between muscles but decreased (P < 0.05) over storage. The IS had higher (P < 0.05) glycogen and ultimate pH and lower (P < 0.05) shear force and cooking loss than GM. The carbonyl content, % metmyoglobin, drip loss and TBARS increased (P <0.05) while free thiol, metmyoglobin reducing activity (MRA), shear force and myoglobin decreased (P < 0.05) over storage. Muscle type had no effect (P > 0.05) on free thiol, MRA and TBARS. The GM had lower (P < 0.05) redness on d 0 and 1 than IS while the IS had greater carbonyl, % metmyoglobin and drip loss than GM on d 7. The reflective density of slow myosin heavy chain (MHC) was higher (P < 0.05) while the density of fast MHC and actin was lower (P < 0.05) in IS than GM. Regardless of muscle type, the density of MHC decreased (P < 0.05) while that of actin was stable over storage. Nonetheless, the degradation of fast and slow MHC was greater (P < 0.05) in IS than GM. Muscle type had no effect (P > 0.05) on consumer preference for flavour, juiciness and overall acceptability. However, IS had higher (P < 0.05) tenderness score than GM on d 1 and 4 postmortem. Intramuscular fat was higher (P< 0.05) in IS compared with GM. Fatty acid composition did not differ between the muscles. However, GM had lower (P < 0.05) n-6/n-3 ratio than IS. The n-3 and n-6 PUFA declined (P < 0.05) while the SFA increased (P < 0.05) over storage. Conclusion: The changes in myofibrillar proteins and physicochemical properties of goat meat during postmortem chill storage are muscle-dependent.

• 한국잡초학회지
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• 제30권2호
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• pp.68-83
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• 2010

Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L.) occurred sympatrically with other weeds and the rice crop in Malaysian rice granaries. We conducted field surveys in 2006-2008 seasons in 7 farm blocks of Selangor's North West Project, Malaysia to enlist the new biotypes of weedy rice (NBWR) and assess their spatio-temporal pattern of distribution based on quantitative and dispersion indices. No less than 16 accessions of NBWR were identified based on their special traits, viz. panicle type, pericarp colour, presence or absence of awn, seed type and degree of grain shattering. The NBWR accessions exhibited a combination of morphological traits from open panicle, grain with awns, red pericarp, short grain type, and degrees of grain shattering. Others mimic commercial rices with close panicle, awnless grains, white pericarp, long or short grain-type. Invariably, the NBWRs mimic and stand as tall as cultivated rice namely MR219, MR220, or MR235 and these NBWR accessions stand among equals morphologically vis-a-vis the commercial rice varieties. Most accessions displayed varying degrees of grain shattering in excess of 50%, except Acc9 and Acc12. The seasonal dynamics of on the prevalence of dominant NBWR accessions were also displaying significant differences among farm blocks. While Bagan Terap farm block, for example, did not record any measurable changes in the dominant NBWR accessions over seasons, the Sungai Leman farm block recorded measurable season-mediated changes in the dominant NBWR accessions. Sungai Leman started with NBWR Acc3, Acc4, Acc5, Acc7, Acc8, and Acc12 in season 1 of 2006/2007, but no measurable records of Acc3 and Acc5 were shown in season 2 of 2007. In season 3 of 2007/2008, only Acc8 and Acc12 prevailed in the farm block. In Sawah Sempadan farm block, season 3 of 2007/2008 showed much reduced prevalence of NBWRs leaving only Acc8 and Acc12. Most accessions registered clump or under-dispersed spatial distribution pattern based on quantitative indices: variance-to-mean ratio (VMR) and Lloyd's patchiness values. The dynamics on the extent of infestation and prevalence of dominant NBWR accessions registered both season- and farm-block mediated differences. Most accessions showed VMR >1 thus indicative of having a clump or clustered spatial distribution, as exemplified by Acc3, Acc4, Acc7, Acc8 and Acc12 in all farm blocks throughout three seasons. Some accessions have either random or uniform distribution in a few farm blocks. The Acc8 has the highest population counts based on important value index, followed by Acc12, and both were the most dominant accession while Sawah Sempadan was the worst farm block infested by NBWR compared to other farm blocks. These results were discussed in relation with the current agronomic and weed management practices, water availability and extension services in the granary.

• 대한환경공학회지
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• 제35권8호
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• pp.564-570
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• 2013

산성광산배수처리를 위한 국내 대부분의 처리시설은 자연정화법을 사용하고 있으며 이들 중 일부 처리장에서는 고농도의 망간이 유출되고 있는데 이는 망간산화를 위해 높은 pH (>9)가 요구되기 때문이다. 본 연구는 망간처리 공정 중 경제성을 높일 수 있는 생물학적 망간처리의 가능성을 타진하는데 그 목적이 있으며 망간산화미생물은 Pseudomonas sp. MN5를 이용하였다. 회분식 실험을 통해 수질조건에 따른 영향을 분석한 결과 pH 7에서 최고산화속도는 $10.4mg/L{\cdot}h$로 나타났다. 망간산화미생물을 담지한 연속류 실험결과 운전 초기 망간 농도는 42 mg/L에서 6 mg/L 이하로 크게 감소하였지만 망간산화미생물의 산소소비에 의한 혐기조건 형성으로 망간의 재용출 현상이 나타났다.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제57권4호
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• pp.341-357
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• 2019

Acanthamoeba, one of free-living amoebae (FLA), remains a high risk of direct contact with this protozoan parasite which is ubiquitous in nature and man-made environment. This pathogenic FLA can cause sight-threatening amoebic keratitis (AK) and fatal granulomatous amoebic encephalitis (GAE) though these cases may not commonly be reported in our clinical settings. Acanthamoeba has been detected from different environmental sources namely; soil, water, hotspring, swimming pool, air-conditioner, or contact lens storage cases. The identification of Acanthamoeba is based on morphological appearance and molecular techniques using PCR and DNA sequencing for clinico-epidemiological purposes. Recent treatments have long been ineffective against Acanthamoeba cyst, novel anti-Acanthamoeba agents have therefore been extensively investigated. There are efforts to utilize synthetic chemicals, lead compounds from medicinal plant extracts, and animal products to combat Acanthamoeba infection. Applied nanotechnology, an advanced technology, has shown to enhance the anti-Acanthamoeba activity in the encapsulated nanoparticles leading to new therapeutic options. This review attempts to provide an overview of the available data and studies on the occurrence of pathogenic Acanthamoeba among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members with the aim of identifying some potential contributing factors such as distribution, demographic profile of the patients, possible source of the parasite, mode of transmission and treatment. Further, this review attempts to provide future direction for prevention and control of the Acanthamoeba infection.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제27권4호
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• pp.258-265
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• 2024

Purpose: To date, there is no region-specific guideline for pediatric endoscopy training. This study aimed to illustrate the current status of pediatric endoscopy training in Asia-Pacific region and identify opportunities for improvement. Methods: A cross-sectional survey, using a standardized electronic questionnaire, was conducted among medical schools in the Asia-Pacific region in January 2024. Results: A total of 57 medical centers in 12 countries offering formal Pediatric Gastroenterology training programs participated in this regional survey. More than 75% of the centers had an average case load of <10 cases per week for both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies. Only 36% of the study programs employed competency-based outcomes for program development, whereas nearly half (48%) used volume-based curricula. Foreign body retrieval, polypectomy, percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy, and esophageal variceal hemostasis, that is, sclerotherapy or band ligation (endoscopic variceal sclerotherapy and endoscopic variceal ligation), comprised the top four priorities that the trainees should acquire in the autonomous stage (unconscious) of competence. Regarding the learning environment, only 31.5% provided formal hands-on workshops/simulation training. The direct observation of procedural skills was the most commonly used assessment method. The application of a quality assurance (QA) system in both educational and patient care (Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network) aspects was present in only 28% and 17% of the centers, respectively. Conclusion: Compared with Western academic societies, the limited availability of cases remains a major concern. To close this gap, simulation and adult endoscopy training are essential. The implementation of reliable and valid assessment tools and QA systems can lead to significant development in future programs.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• 제55권2호
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• pp.215-225
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• 2022

Background/Aims: The Thai Association for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy published recommendations on safe endoscopy during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This study aimed to assess the practicality and applicability of the recommendations and the perceptions of endoscopy personnel on them. Methods: A validated questionnaire was sent to 1290 endoscopy personnel globally. Of these, the data of all 330 responders (25.6%) from 15 countries, related to the current recommendations on proper personal protective equipment (PPE), case selection, scope cleaning, and safety perception, were analyzed. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine the relationships between the variables. Results: Despite an overwhelming agreement with the recommendations on PPE (94.5%) and case selection (95.5%), their practicality and applicability on PPE recommendations and case selection were significantly lower (p=0.001, p=0.047, p<0.001, and p=0.032, respectively). Factors that were associated with lower sense of safety in endoscopy units were younger age (p=0.004), less working experience (p=0.008), in-training status (p=0.04), and higher national prevalence of COVID-19 (p=0.003). High prevalent countries also had more difficulty implementing the guidelines (p<0.001) and they considered the PPE recommendations less practical and showed lower agreement with them (p<0.001 and p=0.008, respectively). A higher number of in-hospital COVID-19 patients was associated with less agreement with PPE recommendations (p=0.039). Conclusions: Using appropriate PPE and case selection in endoscopic practice during a pandemic remains a challenge. Resource availability and local prevalence are critical factors influencing the adoption of the current guidelines.