• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.500-521
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• 2021

Echocardiography, an ultrasound scan of the heart, is regarded as the primary physiological test for heart disease diagnoses. How an echocardiogram is interpreted also relies intensively on the determination of the view. Some of such views are identified as standard views because of the presentation and ease of the evaluations of the major cardiac structures of them. However, finding valid cardiac views has traditionally been time-consuming, and a laborious process because medical imaging is interpreted manually by the specialist. Therefore, this study aims to speed up the diagnosis process and reduce diagnostic error by providing an automated identification of standard cardiac views based on deep learning technology. More importantly, based on a brand-new echocardiogram dataset of the Asian race, our research considers and assesses some new neural network architectures driven by action recognition in video. Finally, the research concludes and verifies that these methods aggregating dynamic information will receive a stronger classification effect.

• Nuclear Engineering and Technology
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.2428-2435
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• 2024

Training for radiation protection and control requires a visual understanding of radiation, which cannot be perceived by the human senses. Trainees must also master the effective use of measuring instruments. Traditionally, such training has exposed trainees to radiation sources. Here, we present a novel e-training strategy that enables safe, exposure-free handling of a radiation measuring tool called a survey meter. Our mixed reality radiation-training system merges the physical world with a digital one. Collaborating with a mixed reality headset (HoloLens 2), this system constructs a mock-up of a survey meter in real-world space. The HoloLens 2 employs a browser-based application to visualize radiation and to simulate/share the use of the survey meter, including its physical movements. To provide a dynamic learning experience, the system adjusts the survey-meter mock-up readings according to the operator's movements, distance from the radiation source, the response time of survey meter, and shielding levels. Through this approach, we expect that trainees will acquire practical skills in interpreting survey-meter readings and gain a visual understanding of radiation in real-world situations.

• 한국생물공학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2005.04a
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• pp.296-299
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• 2005

Sugar polymers have been considered as biomaterial. Biomaterials are widely utilized for a medical applications in direct contact with living tissue Clearly, biomaterials must be carefully and microscopically fabricated for optimal acceptance within the living organism in both functional and structural senses. In this study, the enzymatic synthesis of sorbitan methacrylate from 1,4-sorbitan via the manipulation of an immobilized biocatalyst (Novozym 435) and acryl donors (methacrylic acid and vinyl methacrylate) was evaluated.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.9
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• pp.5023-5029
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• 2013

Background: To evaluate knowledge about screening tests and tests without proven screening value in a Greek Breast Unit population undergoing benign vacuum-assisted breast biopsy (VABB). Materials and Methods: This study included 81 patients. Three knowledge-oriented items (recommended or not, screening frequency, age of onset) were assessed. Regarding screening tests two levels of knowledge were evaluated: i). crude knowledge (CK), i.e. knowledge that the test is recommended and ii). advanced knowledge (AK), i.e. correct response to all three knowledge-oriented items. Solely CK was evaluated for tests without proven screening value. Risk factors for lack of knowledge were assessed with multivariate logistic regression. A second questionnaire was administered 18 months after VABB to assess its impact on the performance of tests. Results: Concerning screening tests considerable lack of AK was noted (mammogram, 60.5%; Pap smear, 59.3%; fecal occult blood testing, 93.8%; sigmoidoscopy, 95.1%). Similarly lack of CK was documented regarding tests without proven screening value (breast self-examination, 92.6%; breast MRI, 60.5%; abdominal ultrasound, 71.6%; barium meal, 48.1%; urine analysis, 90.1%; chest X-Ray, 69.1%; electrocardiogram, 74.1%; cardiac ultrasound, 75.3%). Risk factors for lack of AK were: place of residence (mammogram), age (Pap smear), personal income (sigmoidoscopy); risk factors for lack of CK included number of offspring (breast MRI, chest X-Ray), BMI (abdominal ultrasound), marital status (urine analysis), current smoking status (electrocardiogram). VABB's only effect was improvement in mammogram rates. Conclusions: A considerable lack of knowledge concerning screening tests and misperceptions regarding those without proven value was documented.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.439-444
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• 2017

The ability of nematodes to manipulate the immune system of their host towards a Th2 and T regulatory responses has been proposed to suppress the inflammatory response. Clinical trials have proposed a useful effect of helminth infections on improvement of inflammatory disorders. In this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of Syphacia obvelata infection to induce intestinal tolerance in C57BL/6 mice. Mice were infected through the cagemates with self-infected BALB/c mice. Four weeks post-infection, expression levels of $IFN-{\gamma}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, IL-17, and IL-10 were assessed in the supernatant of mesenteric lymph node (MLN) culture. $Foxp3^+Treg$ were measured in MLN cells by flow cytometry. In the S. obvelata-infected group, the percentage of Tregs ($5.2{\pm}0.4$) was significantly higher than the control ($3.6{\pm}0.5$) (P<0.05). The levels of IL-10 ($55.3{\pm}2.2$ vs $35.2{\pm}3.2$), IL-17 ($52.9{\pm}3.8$ vs $41{\pm}1.8$), $IFN-{\gamma}$ ($44.8{\pm}4.8$ vs $22.3{\pm}2.3$) and $TNF-{\alpha}$ ($71.1{\pm}5.8$ vs $60.1{\pm}3.3$) were significantly increased in infected mice compared to the control group (P<0.05). The above results showed the potential effects of S. obvelata to induce intestinal tolerance. Therefore, it seems that S. obvelata may increase the immunological suppressive function in the intestinal tract.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.138-147
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• 2024

Objectives: Fine particulate matter pollution has emerged as a significant life-threatening issue in Thailand. Recognizing the importance of environmental health literacy (EHL) in disease prevention is crucial for protecting public health. This study investigated EHL levels and aimed to identify associated factors among village health volunteers (VHVs) in the upper northern region of Thailand. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect data from 710 VHVs using the EHL assessment tool developed by the Department of Health, Thailand. Results: The overall EHL score was moderate (mean, 3.28 out of a possible 5.0), with the highest and lowest domain-specific mean score for the ability to make decisions (3.52) and the ability to access (3.03). Multiple linear regression revealed that the factors associated with EHL score were area of residence (urban areas in Chiang Mai: B=0.254; urban areas in Lampang: B=0.274; and rural areas in Lampang: B=0.250 compared to rural areas in Chiang Mai), higher education levels (senior high school: B=0.212; diploma/high vocational certificate: B=0.350; bachelor's degree or above: B=0.528 compared to elementary school or lower), having annual health checkups compared to not having annual health check-ups (B=0.142), monthly family income (B=0.004), and individuals frequently facing air pollution issues around their residence (B=0.199) compared to those who reported no such issues. Conclusions: The VHVs exhibited moderate EHL associated with residence area, education, health check-ups, family income, and residential air pollution. Considering these factors is vital for enhancing VHVs' EHL through strategic interventions.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.16
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• pp.6889-6894
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• 2015

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world, with a wide variation in incidence rates across different geographical areas. In Iran GC is the most common cancer in males and it is reported to be the third most prevalent after breast and colorectal in females. A geographical information system (GIS) allows investigation of the geographical distribution of diseases. The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between gastric cancer and effective climatic factors using GIS. The dispersion distribution and the relationship between environmental factors effective on cancer were measured using Arc GIS. Of all cases, 672 (73.8%) were in males with a sex ratio of 3 to1. The highest incidence by cities was seen in Namin with 137.5 per 100,000. The results of this study showed that the distribution of GC around the Sabalan volcanic mountain was significantly higher than other places in the same province. These results can be considered as a window to future comprehensive research on gastric cancer.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.58 no.5
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• pp.487-490
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• 2015

Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a relapsing-remitting disorder for which steroid administration is a key to control the progression. CLIPPERS can exhibit radiological features similar to malignant lymphoma, whose diagnosis is confounded by prior steroid administration. We report a case of CLIPPERS accompanied by abnormal elevation of ${\beta}-2$ microglobulin in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A 62-year-old man started to experience numbness in all fingers of his left hand one year ago, which gradually extended to his body trunk and legs on both sides. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated numerous small enhancing spots scattered in his brain and spinal cord. CSF levels of ${\beta}-2$ microglobulin were elevated; although this often indicates central nervous system involvement in leukemia and lymphoma, the lesions were diagnosed as CLIPPERS based on the pathological findings from a biopsy specimen. We emphasize the importance of biopsy to differentiate between CLIPPERS and malignant lymphoma because the temporary radiological response to steroid might be the same in both diseases but the treatment strategies regarding the use of steroid are quite different.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.159-163
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• 2016

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer in the world, and the fourth in Iran in both genders. The aim of this study was to find predictive factors for CRC survival. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 570 patients referred to the radiotherapy oncology department of Shiraz Namazi hospital from 2005 to 2010 were retrospectively analysed. Data were collected by reviewing medical records, and by telephone interviews with patients. Survival analysis was performed using the Cox's regression model with survival probability estimated with Kaplan-Meier curve. The log-rank test was used to compare survival between strata. Data was analyzed with Stata 12. Results: The five-year survival rate and the mean survival time after cancer diagnosis were 58.5% and $67{\pm}4months$. On multivariate analysis, age of diagnosis, disease stage and primary tumor site, lymphovascular invasion and type of treatment (in colon cancer) were significant factors for survival. Conclusions: Age of diagnosis and type of treatment (adjuvant therapy in patients with colon cancer) were two modifiable factors related to survival of CRC patients. Therefore earlier diagnosis might help increase survival.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.25 no.4
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• pp.344-353
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• 2022

Objectives: Auraptene is the most abundant natural prenyloxycoumarin. Recent studies have shown that it has multiple biological and therapeutic properties, including antioxidant properties. Erythrocytes are constantly subjected to oxidative damage that can affect proteins and lipids within the erythrocyte membrane and lead to some hemoglobinopathies. Due to the lack of sufficient information about the antioxidant effects of auraptene on erythrocytes, this study intended to evaluate the potential of this compound in protecting radical-induced erythrocytes damages. Methods: The antioxidant activity of auraptene was measured based on DPPH and FRAP assays. Notably, oxidative hemolysis of human erythrocytes was used as a model to study the ability of auraptene to protect biological membranes from free radical-induced damage. Also, the effects of auraptene in different concentrations (25-400 µM) on AAPH-induced lipid/protein peroxidation, glutathione (GSH) content and morphological changes of erythrocytes were determined. Results: Oxidative hemolysis and lipid/protein peroxidation of erythrocytes were significantly suppressed by auraptene in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Auraptene prevented the depletion of the cytosolic antioxidant GSH in erythrocytes. Furthermore, it inhibited lipid and protein peroxidation in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Likewise, FESEM results demonstrated that auraptene reduced AAPH-induced morphological changes in erythrocytes. Conclusion: Auraptene efficiently protects human erythrocytes against free radicals. Therefore, it can be a potent candidate for treating oxidative stress-related diseases.