• Advances in concrete construction
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.35-57
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• 2023

Majority of the plastic produced each year is being disposed in land after single-use, which becomes waste and takes up a lot of storage space. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find alternative solutions instead of disposal. Recycling and reusing the PET plastic waste as aggregate replacement and fiber in concrete production can be one of the eco- friendly methods as there is a great demand for concrete around the world, especially in developing countries by raising human awareness of the environment, the economy, and Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is a key development in concrete technology that offers a number of attractive features over traditional concrete applications. Recently, in order to improve its durability and prevent such plastics from directly contacting the environment, various kinds of plastics have been added. This review article summarizes the latest evident on the performance of SCC containing recycled PET as eco-friendly aggregates and fiber. Moreover, it highlights the influence of substitution content, shape, length, and size on the fresh and properties of SCC incorporating PET plastic. Based on the findings of the articles that were reviewed for this study, it is observed that SCC made of PET plastic (PETSCC) can be employed in construction era owing to its acceptable mechanical and fresh properties. On the other hand, it is concluded that owing to the lightweight nature of plastic aggregate, Reusing PET waste in the construction application is an effective approach to reduces the earthquake risk of a building.

• FOCUS: LIFE SCIENCE
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• 제1호
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• pp.2.1-2.6
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• 2024

This article provides detailed instructions for the correct installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of capillary gas chromatography (GC) columns. It emphasizes the importance of proper installation to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the column. The document covers various aspects such as column trimming, installation, conditioning, testing, storage, and ferrule selection. The installation process involves ensuring that the heated zones of the GC are cool before placing the column cage in the column oven. It is essential to avoid sharp bends or stress on the capillary column during installation and to connect the front end of the column into the GC inlet at the recommended insertion distance. The document also provides guidance on trimming the column, including the use of a ceramic wafer or capillary column cutter to achieve a clean, burr-free cut. For previously used columns, it recommends removing any capillary caps, positioning the nut and ferrule, and trimming 1-2 cm from the column. After installation, the column should be purged with carrier gas to remove any oxygen and avoid oxidizing the column. Conditioning the column involves ramping to the upper isothermal temperature limit and maintaining this temperature for a specified duration. It is crucial to maintain carrier gas flow during conditioning and not exceed the upper temperature limit of the column to avoid phase damage. The document also discusses testing column performance using a suitable method and performing a test injection to assess performance. It provides recommendations for column storage, including flame-sealing the capillary ends or using retention gaps for long-term storage. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of routine maintenance and replacement of GC consumables to extend the column's lifetime. Ferrule selection is another important aspect covered in the article, with a variety of ferrule materials available for different applications. The characteristics of common ferrule options are presented in a table, including temperature limits, reusability, and suitability for specific detector types.

• FOCUS: LIFE SCIENCE
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• 제1호
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• pp.1.1-1.4
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• 2024

This article provides comprehensive guidance on the maintenance, cleaning, regeneration, and storage of silica-based HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography) columns. The general considerations emphasize the importance of using in-line filters and guard cartridges to protect columns from blockage and irreversible sample adsorption. While these measures help, contamination by strongly adsorbed sample components can still occur over time, leading to an increase in back pressure, loss of efficiency, and other issues. To maximize column lifetime, especially with UHPLC (Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography) columns, it is advisable to use ultra-pure solvents, freshly prepared aqueous mobile phases, and to filter all samples, standards, and mobile phases. Additionally, an in-line filter system and sample clean-up on dirty samples are recommended. However, in cases of irreversible compound adsorption or column voiding, regeneration may not be possible. The document also provides specific recommendations for column cleaning procedures, including the flushing procedures for various types of columns such as reversed phase, unbonded silica, bonded normal phase, anion exchange, cation exchange, and size exclusion columns for proteins. The flushing procedures involve using specific solvents in a series to clean and regenerate the columns. It is emphasized that the flow rate during flushing should not exceed the specified limit for the particular column, and the last solvent used should be compatible with the mobile phase. Furthermore, the article outlines the storage conditions for silica based HPLC columns, highlighting the impact of storage conditions on the column's lifetime. It is recommended to flush all buffers, salts, and ion-pairing reagents from the column before storage. The storage solvent should ideally match the one used in the initial column test chromatogram provided by the manufacturer, and column end plugs should be fitted to prevent solvent evaporation and drying out of the packing bed.

• FOCUS: LIFE SCIENCE
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• 제1호
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• pp.3.1-3.7
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• 2024

The article discusses the critical role of chromatography in the analysis and purification of proteins in biopharmaceuticals, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive characterization for ensuring their safety and efficacy. It highlights the use of Avantor® ACE® HPLC columns for the separation and purification of proteins, focusing on the analysis of intact proteins using reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) with fully porous particles. This article also details the application of different mobile phase additives, such as TFA and formic acid, and emphasizes the advantages of using type B ultra-pure silica-based columns for efficiency and peak shape in biomolecule analysis. Additionally, it addresses the challenges of analyzing intact proteins due to slow molecular diffusion and introduces the concept of solid-core (or superficially porous) particles, emphasizing their benefits over traditional porous particles for the analysis of therapeutic proteins. Furthermore, it discusses the development of Avantor® ACE® UltraCore BIO columns, specifically designed for the high-efficiency separation of large biomolecules, such as proteins, and demonstrates their effectiveness in achieving high-resolution separations, even for higher molecular weight proteins like monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). In addition, it underscores the complexity of analyzing and characterizing intact protein biopharmaceuticals, requiring a range of analytical techniques and the use of wide-pore stationary phases, operated at elevated temperatures and with relatively shallow gradients. It highlights the comprehensive range of options offered by Avantor® ACE® wide pore columns, including both fully porous and solid-core particles, bonded with a variety of complementary stationary phase chemistries to optimize selectivity during method development. The use of ultrapure and highly inert base silica is emphasized for enabling the use of lower concentrations of mobile phase modifiers without compromising analyte peak shape, particularly beneficial for LC-MS applications. Then the article concludes by emphasizing the significance of reversed-phase liquid chromatography and its compatibility with mass spectrometry as a valuable tool for the separation and analysis of intact proteins and their closely related variants in biopharmaceuticals.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• 제57권2호
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• pp.120-125
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• 2024

Background: This study aimed to assess the outcomes of patients with complex rib fractures undergoing operative or nonoperative management at our major trauma center. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who were considered for surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) at a single major trauma center from May 2016 to September 2022 was performed. Results: In total, 352 patients with complex rib fractures were identified. Thirty-seven patients (11%) fulfilled the criteria for surgical management and underwent SSRF. The SSRF group had a significantly higher proportion of patients with flail chest (32 [86%] vs. 94 [27%], p<0.001) or Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15 (37 [100%] vs. 129 [41%], p<0.001). No significant differences were seen between groups for 1-year mortality. Patients who underwent SSRF within 72 hours were 6 times less likely to develop pneumonia than those in whom SSRF was delayed for over 72 hours (2 [18%] vs. 15 [58%]; odds ratio, 0.163; 95% confidence interval, 0.029-0.909; p=0.036). Prompt SSRF showed non-significant associations with shorter intensive care unit length of stay (6 days vs. 10 days, p=0.140) and duration of mechanical ventilation (5 days vs. 8 days, p=0.177). SSRF was associated with a longer hospital length of stay compared to nonoperative patients with flail chest and/or ISS >15 (19 days vs. 13 days, p=0.012), whilst SSRF within 72 hours was not. Conclusion: Surgical fixation of complex rib fractures improves outcomes in selected patient groups. Delayed surgical fixation was associated with increased rates of pneumonia and a longer hospital length of stay.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권2호
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• pp.28.1-28.11
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• 2024

Background: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection is ubiquitous around the world. Diagnosis of the porcine circovirus-associated disease requires clinic-pathological elements together with the quantification of viral loads. Furthermore, given pig farms in regions lacking access to sufficient laboratory equipment, developing diagnostic devices with high accuracy, accessibility, and affordability is a necessity. Objectives: This study aims to investigate two newly developed diagnostic tools that may satisfy these criteria. Methods: We collected 250 specimens, including 170 PCV2-positive and 80 PCV2-negative samples. The standard diagnosis and cycle threshold (Ct) values were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Then, two point-of-care (POC) diagnostic platforms, convective polymerase chain reaction (cPCR, qualitative assay: positive or negative results are shown) and EZtargex (quantitative assay: Ct values are shown), were examined and analyzed. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of cPCR were 88.23% and 100%, respectively; the sensitivity and specificity of EZtargex were 87.65% and 100%, respectively. These assays also showed excellent concordance compared with the qPCR assay (κ = 0.828 for cPCR and κ = 0.820 for EZtargex). The statistical analysis showed a great diagnostic power of the EZtargex assay to discriminate between samples with different levels of positivity. Conclusions: The two point-of-care diagnostic platforms are accurate, rapid, convenient and require little training for PCV2 diagnosis. These POC platforms can discriminate viral loads to predict the clinical status of the animals. The current study provided evidence that these diagnostics were applicable with high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of PCV2 infection in the field.

• 심성연구
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• 제26권2호
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• pp.189-208
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• 2011

칼 융의 심리학은 "종교의 시녀"(제임스 하이직)라고 불리기도 하는데, 이는 인간의 무의식을 종교적인 것으로 이해하는 융의 접근을 잘 나타내는 말일 것이다. 융에 의하면 인간의 의식과 무의식에 대한 이분법은 세계의 여러 종교에 등장하는 상징들에 의해서 극복된다. 또한 그는 종교적 상징은 상징적인 방식으로 이해되어야 한다고 주장하였다. 종교적인 상징이 문자적이고 교의적으로 이해된다면, 상징들은 인간에게 구원을 가져다줄 수 있는 그들의 역동적인 힘을 잃어버리게 되는 것이다. 이 소론에서는 예수 그리스도의 배타성에 대한 상징적이고 직관적인 이해에 대해서 논하였다. 오직 그리스도만이 유일회적으로 모든 인류에게 구원을 가져다 준다는 기독교의 고백은 상징적이고 직관적으로 이해될 수 있다. 다시 말해서 그리스도는 그가 구원자로 고백될 때마다 언제나 새로운 존재로서 이해되어야 하는 것이다. 상징으로서의 그리스도는 결코 역사적인 과거태가 될 수 없다. 이 논문에서는 일본의 불교철학자 야나기 무네요시(柳宗悅)의 부처이해에 대해서 언급하였다. 이를 통해서 그리스도에 대한 상징적이고 직관적인 이해가 어떻게 가능할 것인가를 논구하기 위함이다.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제22권7호
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• pp.1132-1141
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• 2021

Objective: To investigate changes in the median nerve, retinaculum, and carpal tunnel on ultrasound after successful endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR). Materials and Methods: This prospective study involved 37 wrists in 35 patients (5 male, 30 female; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 56.9 ± 6.7 years) with primary carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). An in-house developed scoring system (0-3) was used to gauge the clinical improvement after ECTR. Ultrasound was performed before ECTR, and at 1, 3, and 12 months post-ECTR. Changes in the median nerve, flexor retinaculum, and carpal tunnel morphology on ultrasound after ECTR were analyzed. Ultrasound parameters for different clinical improvement groups were compared. Results: All patients improved clinically after ECTR. The average clinical improvement score ± SD at 12 months post-ECTR was 2.2 ± 0.7. The median nerve cross-sectional area proximal and distal to the tunnel decreased at all time intervals post-ECTR but remained swollen compared to normal values. Serial changes in the median nerve caliber and retinacular bowing after ECTR were more pronounced at the tunnel outlet than at the tunnel inlet. The flexor retinaculum had reformed in 25 (68%) of 37 wrists after 12 months. Conclusion: Postoperative changes in median nerve and retinaculum parameters were most pronounced at the tunnel outlet. Even in patients with clinical improvement after ECTR, nearly all ultrasound parameters remain abnormal at one year post-ECTR. These ultrasound parameters should not necessarily be relied upon to diagnose persistent CTS after ECTR.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제21권5호
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• pp.35.1-35.16
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• 2021

Gulf War Veterans' Illnesses (GWI) encompasses a broad range of unexplained symptomology specific to Veterans of the Persian Gulf War. Gastrointestinal (GI) distress is prominent in veterans with GWI and often presents as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Neurotoxins, including organophosphorus pesticides and sarin gas, are believed to have contributed to the development of GWI, at least in a subset of Veterans. However, the effects of such agents have not been extensively studied for their potential impact to GI disorders and immunological stability. Here we utilized an established murine model of GWI to investigate deleterious effects of diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) exposure on the mucosal epithelium in vivo and in vitro. In vivo, acute DFP exposure negatively impacts the mucosal epithelium by reducing tight junction proteins and antimicrobial peptides as well as altering intestinal microbiome composition. Furthermore, DFP treatment reduced the expression of IL-17 in the colonic epithelium. Conversely, both IL-17 and IL-17C treatment could combat the negative effects of DFP and other cholinesterase inhibitors in murine intestinal organoid cells. Our findings demonstrate that acute exposure to DFP can result in rapid deterioration of mechanisms protecting the GI tract from disease. These results are relevant to suspected GWI exposures and could help explain the propensity for GI disorders in GWI Veterans.

• Hip & pelvis
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• 제35권4호
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• pp.228-232
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• 2023

Purpose: Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) has an enormous physiological and psychological burden on patients. Surgeons rightly wish to minimise this risk. It has been shown that a standardised, evidence-based approach to perioperative care leads to better patient outcomes. A review of current practice was conducted using a cross-sectional survey among surgeons at multiple centers nationwide. Materials and Methods: An 11-question electronic survey was circulated to hip and knee arthroplasty consultants nationally via the BOA (British Orthopaedic Association) e-newsletter. Results: The respondents included 56 consultants working across 19 different trusts. Thirty-four (60.7%) screen patients for asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) preoperatively, with 19 (55.9%) would treating with antibiotics. Fifty-six (100%) screen for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and treat if positive. Only 15 (26.8%) screen for methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) or empirically eradicate. Zero (0%) routinely catheterize patients perioperatively. Forty-one (73.2%) would give intramuscular or intravenous gentamicin for a perioperative catheterisation. All surgeons use laminar flow theatres. Twenty-six (46.4%) use only an impervious gown, 6 (10.7%) exhaust pipes, and 24 (42.3%) surgical helmet system. Five different antimicrobial prophylaxis regimens are used 9 (16.1%) cefuroxime, 2 (3.6%) flucloxacillin, 19 (33.9%) flucloxacillin and gentamicin, 10 (17.9%) teicoplanin, 16 (28.6%) teicoplanin and gentamicin. Twenty-two (39.3%) routinely give further doses. Conclusion: ASB screening, treatment and intramuscular gentamicin for perioperative catheterisation is routinely practiced despite no supporting evidence base. MSSA screening and treatment is underutilised. Multiple antibiotic regimens exist despite little variation in organisms in PJI. Practice varies between surgeons and centers, we should all be practicing evidence-based medicine.