• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.647-653
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• 2016

Background: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting Malaysian women. Recent statistics revealed that the cumulative probability of breast cancer and related deaths in Malaysia is higher than in most of the countries of Southeast Asia. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP2E1 (rs6413432 and rs3813867), STK15 (rs2273535 and rs1047972) and XRCC1 (rs1799782 and rs25487) have been associated with breast cancer risk in a meta-analysis but any link in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, remained to be determined. Hence, we investigated the relationship between these SNPs and breast cancer risk among Malaysian women in the present case-control study. Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood of 71 breast cancer patients and 260 healthy controls and subjected to polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. Results: Our study showed that the c1/c2 genotype or subjects with at least one c2 allele in CYP2E1 rs3813867 SNP had significantly increased almost 1.8-fold higher breast cancer risk in Malaysian women overall. In addition, the variant Phe allele in STK15 rs2273535 SNP appeared to protect against breast cancer in Malaysian Chinese. No significance association was found between XRCC1 SNPs and breast cancer risk in the population. Conclusions: This study provides additional knowledge on CYP2E1, STK15 and XRCC1 SNP impact of risk of breast cancer, particularly in the Malaysian population. From our findings, we also recommend Malaysian women to perform breast cancer screening before 50 years of age.

• KSII Transactions on Internet and Information Systems (TIIS)
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• v.12 no.10
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• pp.4724-4737
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• 2018

Facebook has quickly infused across cultures worldwide to become a common household term for diverse spectra of netizens, especially youngsters. Inherently, interactive in nature, Facebook provides a common cyber enabled platform for online interactions with social friends, living across the world. However, despite its merits, users also experience certain disadvantages, which include but are not limited to rise in feelings of social comparison, decline in self-esteem, contentment and general subjective well-being. This work aims to determine the role of Facebook in spreading envy and identify factors that trigger such emotions. Due to abductive nature of the study, we used pilot interviews and consulted relevant literature to formulate hypotheses. Further, we used deductive approach and conducted a survey. The results showed that frequent use of Facebook, particularly passive following is main predictor of envy, and social interaction is the biggest cause for development of envious feelings in Facebook users. However, insignificant variation was found while investigating relationship between envy and factors, such as pretentiousness, time spent, accomplishment, everything in life, likes on posts, popularity across genders, marital status and genre.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.17
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• pp.7377-7381
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• 2014

CYP2E1 PstI polymorphism G-1259C (rs3813867) genotype distributions vary significantly among different populations and are associated with both diseases, like cancer, and adverse drug effects. To date, there have been limited genotype distributions and allele frequencies of this polymorphism reported in the three major indigenous ethnic groups (KadazanDusun, Bajau, and Rungus) in Sabah, also known as North Borneo. The aim of this study was to investigate the genotype distributions and allele frequencies of the CYP2E1 PstI polymorphism G-1259C in these three major indigenous peoples in Sabah. A total of 640 healthy individuals from the three dominant indigenous groups were recruited for this study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) at G-1259C polymorphic site of CYP2E1 gene was performed using the Pst I restriction enzyme. Fragments were analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis and confirmed by direct sequencing. Overall, the allele frequencies were 90.3% for c1 allele and 9.7% for c2 allele. The genotype frequencies for c1/c1, c1/c2 and c2/c2 were observed as 80.9%, 18.8%, and 0.3%, respectively. A highly statistical significant difference (p<0.001) was observed in the genotype distributions between indigenous groups in Sabah with all Asian and non-Asian populations. However, among these three indigenous groups, there was no statistical significant difference (p>0.001) in their genotype distributions. The three major indigenous ethnic groups in Sabah show unique genotype distributions when compared with other populations. This finding indicates the importance of establishing the genotype distributions of CYP2E1 PstI polymorphism in the indigenous populations.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.2 no.3
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• pp.201-209
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• 2011

The incidence of asbestos-related diseases (ARD) has increased in the last four decades. In view of the historical use of asbestos in Singapore since the country started banning it in phases in 1989 and the long latency of the disease, the incidence of ARD can be expected to increase further. As occupational exposure to asbestos still occurs, preventive measures to eliminate ARD continue to be required to protect the health of both workers and the public from asbestos exposure. The majority of occupational exposures to asbestos at present occur during the removal of old buildings. Preventive measures have been utilized by different government ministries and agencies in eliminating ARD in Singapore over the past 40 years. These measures have included the enforcement of legislation, substitution with safer materials, and engineering controls during asbestos removal as well as improvements in personal hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment. The existing Workman's Compensation System for ARD should be further refined, given that is currently stipulates that claims for asbestosis and malignant mesothelioma be made within 36 and 12 months after ceasing employment.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6289-6294
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• 2012

Background: Research evidence suggests a debilitating impact of the diagnosis of cancer on the quality of life of the afflicted individuals, their spouses and their families. However, relatively few studies have been carried out on the impact on the QOL of adolescents living with parents diagnosed with cancer. This paper presents a sub-analysis on the impact of parental cancer (colorectal, breast and lung) on adolescents. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on adolescents aged 13-18 years old. Upon ethical clearance obtained from UMMC Medical Ethics Committee, patients with colorectal, breast or lung cancer and their adolescent children were recruited from the Clinical Oncology Unit of University of Malaya Medical Centre. Respondents who gave consent completed a demographic questionnaire and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory, via the post, email, home visit or meetings at the clinics. Results: 95 adolescents from 50 families responded, giving a response rate of 88 percent. The adolescent's mean age was 16 years (ranging between 13-18 years). Adolescents with parental cancer had the lowest mean score in emotional functioning (p<0.05). Male adolescents had significantly higher quality of life overall and in physical functioning compared to female adolescents. Adolescents with a father with cancer had better school functioning compared to adolescents whose mothers had cancer. Families with household income of RM 5000 and above have significantly better quality of life compared to families with lower household income. Conclusions: Adolescent sons and daughters of parents with a cancer diagnosis show lowered QOL, particularly with reference to emotional functioning and school performance. Addressing the needs of this young group has been slow and warrants special attention. Revisiting the risk and resilience factors of adolescents might also inform tailored programs to address the needs of this neglected adolescent population.

• Journal of Acupuncture Research
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.171-183
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• 2007

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of Erythrinae Cortex herbal-acupuncture solution(EC-HAS) at the Joksamni($ST_{36}$) of mice with collagen II-induced arthritis(CIA). Methods : The author performed several experimental procedures to observe the effects of the EC-HAS at the arthritis. The severity of arthritis, changes of cytokine level and antibody level, histological changes of the CIA mouse joint were analyzed. Results : 1. The incidence of arthritis and arthritis index were significantly decreased in the cases which were treated with the EC-HA. 2. Cartilage destruction and synovial cell proliferation were reduced, and the expression of the collagen fibers was similar with that of the normal group. 3. The levels of IL-6, $IFN-{\gamma}$, $TNF-{\alpha}$, $IL-1{\beta}$ in serum of the CIA mice which were treated with the EC-HA were significantly decreased compared with those of the normal group. 4. The levels of IgG, IgM and anti-collagen II in serum of CIA mice when they treated with the EC-HA were significantly decreased compared with those of the normal group. 5. The expression ratio of $CD4^+$ to $CD8^+$ cells in the EC-HA treated mice were maintained as much as the normal group of the lymph nodes in the CIA mice. 6. The $CD3e^+CD69^+$ and $CD11b^+Gr-1^+$ cell populations in the knee joint were significantly decreased in the EC-HA treated group. Conclusions : These results suggest that the EC-HA at the ST36 may be responsible roles to control on the synovial cell proliferation and to prevent the cartilage destruction in rheumatoid arthritis. These results will be important supporting evidence for the practical use of the EC-HA at rheumatoid arthritis clinic in the future.

• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.259-272
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• 2000

About the acupuncture & moxibustion therapy of allergic rhnitis, nasal discharge(鼻涕), stuffy nose(鼻塞), and rhinorrlea with turbid discharge(鼻淵), the results are obtained as follows: 1. It appeared that the reasons for allergic rhnitis are the lung's contacting to Wind-Coid(風寒), Damhwa(痰火), and accumulated fever of stomach, the reasons for nasal discharge(鼻涕) is the Cold-Hot of a lung. the reasons for stuffy nose(鼻塞) is the harmonization of the Lung(肺氣), the reasons for the rhinorrlea with turbid discharge(鼻淵) are the heat of the Brain(腦熱), heat of the Gallbladder(膽熱), most probably. 2. When we do a acupuncture & moxibustion therapy for the allergic rhnitis, we used P'ungmun(風門), Shinjong(神庭), mostly. For the nasal diacharge(鼻涕) ; Yonghyang(迎香), P'ungmun(風門), Sangsong(上星) and Sugu(水溝) were the most useful acupuncture point. For the stuffy nose(鼻塞) ; Sangsong(上星), Yonghyang(迎香), Hapkok(合谷), and Sugu(水溝) were used most frequently. For the rhinorrlea with turbid discharge(鼻淵); Sangsong(上星), Hapkok(合谷), Yonghyang(迎香), and P'ungji(風池) were the best acupuncture point. 3. Concerning the frequencies of the acupuncture & moxibustion therapy for these four symptoms, Bladder Meridian(膀胱經) and Governor Vessel Meridian(督脈) were the most useful ones. As to the acupuncture point, Sangsong(上星), Yonghyang(迎香), Sugu(水溝) and Hapkok(合谷) were used most repeatedly.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6585-6590
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• 2013

Background: Although FOLFOX (infusional fluorouracil/leucovorin plus oxaliplatin) is established as a standard chemotherapeutic regimen, the long term efficacy of adjuvant XELOX (oral capecitabine plus intravenous oxaliplatin) in Asian colorectal cancer (CRC) patients remains anecdotal. Moreover, uncertainties persist as to whether pharmacogenetic differences in Asian populations preclude equally tolerable and effective administration of these drugs. Method: One hundred consecutive patients with resected colorectal cancer received adjuvant XELOX (oxaliplatin 130 $mg/m^2$ on day 1 plus capecitabine 900 $mg/m^2$ twice daily on day 1 to 14 every 3 weeks for 8 cycles) at Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. Endpoints monitored during follow-up were disease-free survival (DFS) and disease recurrence, overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs). Results: The median patient age was 56 years, 56% were diagnosed with rectal cancer and 44% with colonic cancer. After a median follow-up of 4.3 years (95% confidence interval, 3.2-4.7), 24 recurrences were confirmed including 13 patients who died due to progressive disease. Four-year DFS was 81% in colon cancer patients and 67% in rectal cancer patients (p=0.06 by log-rank test). For the cohort as a whole, OS was 90% at 3 years and 84% at 5 years. Treatment-related AEs led to early withdrawal in four patients. The commonest non-hematological AEs were neuropathy (91%), hand-foot syndrome (49%) and diarrhea (46%), while the commonest grade 3/4 AEs were neutropenia (11%) and diarrhea (10%). Conclusion: These results confirm the favourable long term survival benefit with good tolerability in using adjuvant XELOX in treating East Asian colorectal cancer patients.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.266-276
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• 1996

Numerous factors are known to affect the accuracy of elastomeric impression materials. Factor often overlooked is the quality of the bond between putty and wash during corrective reline impression technique. The putty-wash bond strength must be strong enough to over-come the local stress at putty-wash interface. It is not always possible to avoid saliva contamination in making corrective wash impres-sion. And putty preliminary impression material con be used as a template for provisional restoration. Human saliva and the residual monomer of autopolymerizing acrylic resin are thought to affect the bond strength and the failure type. This study examined the effect of contaminants like human saliva, and residual resin monomer on the putty-wash bond strength and the effectiveness of treatment. 1. Of the tested three brands of Vinyl Polysiloxane impession meterial, Express Exhibited the greatest bond strength followed by Eamix and Perfect showed the lowest putty-wah bond strength. 2. Coating the putty substrates with human saliva did not produce decreased failure load in all the breands of Vinyl Polysiloxane impression meterail. 3. Of the three brands of VPS impression material that were exposed to methhylmethacry-late resin(Jet), only the putty-wash bond strength of the Perfect group diminished signifi-cantly. Moreover, all the specimens from group C of Perfect exhibited adhesive failure. 4. Exposing the substrates to ethylmethacrylate resin(SNAP. diminished the putty-wash bond strength significantly. With Perfect and Examix, failure occurred cohesively through the light-body, whereas with Express, failure occurred adhesive-cohesively. 5. Removing approximately 1mm thickness of the contaminated putty interface was the most effective treatment in countering the undesirable effect caused by residual resin monomer. The putty-wash bond strength of the groups that were treated with 1mm even putty reduction was not significantly different from those of control groups. With Perfect and Examix, cleaning the specimens with gauze soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol increased the putty-wash bond strength, but was not as effective as 1mm even reduction of contaminated putty substrates. With Express, 70% isoproryl alcohol treatment exhibi0ted comparable putty-wash bond strength to that of control group.

• Journal of the Earthquake Engineering Society of Korea
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• v.10 no.4 s.50
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• pp.67-76
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• 2006

In this paper the moment transfer efficiency of a web and the strain concentration at the RHS (Rectangular Hollow Section) column-to-steel beam connections was evaluated. Initially, non-linear finite element analysis of five bare steel beam models was conducted. The models were designed to have different detail at their beam-to-column connection, so that the flexural moment capacity was different respectively. Analysis results showed that the moment transfer efficiency of the analytical model with RHS-column was poor when comparing to model with WF(Wide Flnage)-column due to out-of-plane deformation of the RHS-column flange. The presence of scallop and thin plate of RHS column was also a reason of the decrease of moment transfer efficiency, which would result in a potential fracture of the steel beam-to-column connections. Analytical results were compared with the previous experimental results. The analytical and the previous experimental results showed that the strain concentration was inversely proportional to the moment transfer efficiency of a beam web and the deformation capacity of connection was poor as their moment transfer efficiency degrades. Further finite element analyses of composite beam with a floor slab revealed that the neutral axis moved toward the top flange and the moment transfer efficiency of a beam web decreased, which led to premature failure of the connection.