• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.3915-3920
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• 2014

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a dismal tumor with a high incidence, prevalence and poor prognosis and survival. Management of HCC necessitates multidisciplinary clinics due to the wide heterogeneity in its presentation, different therapeutic options, variable biologic behavior and background presence of chronic liver disease. We studied the different prognostic factors that affected survival of our patients to improve future HCC management and patient survival. Materials and Methods: This study is performed in a specialized multidisciplinary clinic for HCC in Kasr El Eini Hospital, Cairo University, Egypt. We retrospectively analyzed the different patient and tumor characteristics and the primary mode of management applied to our patients. Further analysis was performed using univariate and multivariate statistics. Results: During the period February 2009 till February 2013, 290 HCC patients presented to our multidisciplinary clinic. They were predominantly males and the mean age was $56.5{\pm}7.7years$. All cases developed HCC on top of cirrhosis that was mainly due to HCV (71%). Most of our patients were Child-Pugh A (50%) or B (36.9%) and commonly presented with small single lesions. Transarterial chemoembolization was the most common line of treatment used (32.4%). The overall survival was 79.9% at 6 months, 54.5% at 1 year and 22.4% at 2 years. Serum bilirubin, site of the tumor and type of treatment were the significant independent prognostic factors for survival. Conclusions: Our main prognostic variables are the bilirubin level, the bilobar hepatic affection and the application of specific treatment (either curative or palliative). Multidisciplinary clinics enhance better HCC management.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.55-62
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• 2015

Objectives Social workers can suffer from occupational stress resulting from dealing with clients, which might lead to metal health problems. We aimed to investigate the association of duty-related traumatic experiences and stress coping strategies with post-traumatic stress symptoms among social workers in public sector. Methods A total of 110 social workers in public sector (men 30.9%, $36.5{\pm}7.6$ yrs) participated in this study. All subjects were evaluated the frequency and the impact of duty-related traumatic events. Additionally, they completed questionnaires including the Impact of Event Scale-Revised for post-traumatic stress symptoms, the Beck Depression Inventory-II for depressive symptoms, the Scale for Suicidal Ideation for suicide symptoms and the Ways of Coping Checklist for stress coping strategies. Results The most frequent traumatic events were "Violent or abusive language from a client" (95.0%) and "Client made a fuss" (94.5%). The most distressing traumatic event was "Seeing a dead body on duty" (7.6 out of 10), which predicted post-traumatic stress symptoms (odds ratio 4.04 ; 95% confidence interval, 1.79-9.11). Among 4 types of stress coping strategies, the emotion-focused coping was positively correlated with post-traumatic stress symptoms after controlling age and sex (${\beta}$ = 0.50, p < 0.001). Conclusions Social workers in public sector showed high level of post-traumatic stress symptoms. Duty-related traumatic events and the emotional-focused coping strategies were associated with the severity of post-traumatic stress symptoms. The modification of stress coping strategies would alleviate post-traumatic stress symptoms in social workers in public sector.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.21 no.7
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• pp.1059-1066
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• 2008

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of dietary sulfur (S) and vitamin E (Vit E) supplementation on the quality of beef from longissimus muscle of Hanwoo bulls. Eleven, 29 months-aged Hanwoo bulls were randomly divided into three feed supplementation groups (S (n = 4), Vit E (n = 4) and S+Vit E (n = 3)). S was given as much as 12 g/head/d and Vit E was given as much as 1,200 IU/head/d; both supplements were given for 3 months prior to slaughter. At 24 h post-slaughter, the carcasses were weighed and evaluated by official grader for carcass traits. At 48 h post-slaughter, the M. longissimus from each carcass was collected and stored at $4{\pm}0.2^{\circ}C$ for 10 days. There were no significant differences in yield and quality grades of carcass and proximate composition, physical properties and aroma pattern of meat among all groups. At 5 days of storage, the TBARS value of meat from cattle with S+Vit E supplementation was significantly lower (p<0.05) than other groups; and at 10 days of storage, the TBARS value of meat from cattle with Vit E and S+Vit E supplementations was significantly lower (p<0.05) than from cattle with S supplementation. At 5 days of storage, MetMb concentration of meat from cattle with S+Vit E supplementation was significantly lower (p<0.05) than from cattle with Vit E supplementation; and at 10 days of storage, MetMb concentration of meat from cattle with S+Vit E supplementation was significantly lower (p<0.05) than from other groups. At 10 days of storage, the redness value of meat from cattle with S supplementation was significantly higher (p<0.05) than from cattle with Vit E supplementation and the hue-angle value of meat from cattle with S and S+Vit E supplementations was significantly lower (p<0.05) than from cattle with Vit E supplementation. Dietary Vit E supplementation had a better effect on lipid stability whereas dietary S supplementation had a better effect on OxyMb stability. The dietary combination of S and Vit E created the highest protection for beef from myoglobin oxidation and thus improved the color stability of meat.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.623-635
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• 2011

Inefficient rumen microbial fermentation is a major factor limiting intake of low quality roughage in ruminants. In this study, the effect of energy supplementation on rumen microbial fermentation, absorption of balanced digestion products and voluntary feed intake in sheep was investigated. A basal diet of a urea-treated mixture of wheaten chaff and barley straw (3:1 DM) containing 22.2 g N/kg DM was used. Four Merino-cross wethers weighing $45{\pm}4.38\;kg$ and fitted with permanent rumen and abomasal cannulae were allocated to four treatments in a $4{\times}4$ Latin square design. The dietary treatments were basal diet ($E_0$), or basal diet supplemented with sucrose (112.5 g/d) administered to the animals intra-ruminally ($E_R$), abomasally ($E_A$), or through both routes (50:50) ($E_{RA}$). Feed intake (basal and dietary) was increased (p<0.05) by sucrose supplementation through the rumen ($E_R$) or abomasum ($E_A$). However, there was no difference (p>0.05) in intake between animals on the control diet and those supplemented with sucrose through both intraruminal and abomasal routes ($E_{RA}$). The digestibility of DM and OM was highest in $E_R$ and $E_A$ supplemented animals. Although the rumen pH was reduced (p<0.001) in animals supplemented with sucrose entirely intra-ruminally ($E_R$), the in sacco degradation of barley straw in the rumen was not adversely affected (p>0.05). Intra-ruminal sucrose supplementation resulted in a higher concentration of total VFA, acetate and butyrate, while the pattern of fermentation showed a higher propionate: acetate ratio. Intra-ruminal supplementation also increased (p<0.05) the glucogenic potential (G/E) of the absorbed VFA. However, there was no difference (p>0.05) in microbial protein production between the four dietary treatments. Protozoa numbers were increased (p<0.05) by intra-ruminal supplementation of sucrose.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.27 no.12
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• pp.2180-2189
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• 2017

Psychrophilic phytases suitable for aquaculture are rare. In this study, a phytase of the histidine acid phosphatase (HAP) family was identified in Morchella importuna, a psychrophilic mushroom. The phytase showed 38% identity with Aspergillus niger PhyB, which was the closest hit. The M. importuna phytase was overexpressed in Pichia pastoris, purified, and characterized. The phytase had an optimum temperature at $25^{\circ}C$, which is the lowest among all the known phytases to our best knowledge. The optimum pH (6.5) is higher than most of the known HAP phytases, which is fit for the weak acidic condition in fish gut. At the optimum pH and temperature, MiPhyA showed the maximum activity level ($2,384.6{\pm}90.4{\mu}mol{\cdot}min^{-1}{\cdot}mg^{-1}$, suggesting that the enzyme possesses a higher activity level over many known phytases at low temperatures. The phytate-degrading efficacy was tested on three common feed materials (soybean meal/rapeseed meal/corn meal) and was compared with the well-known phytases of Escherichia coli and A. niger. When using the same amount of activity units, MiPhyA could yield at least $3{\times}$ more inorganic phosphate than the two reference phytases. When using the same weight of protein, MiPhyA could yield at least $5{\times}$ more inorganic phosphate than the other two. Since it could degrade phytate in feed materials efficiently under low temperature and weak acidic conditions, which are common for aquacultural application, MiPhyA might be a promising candidate as a feed additive enzyme.

• Journal of the Korean Crystal Growth and Crystal Technology
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.102-105
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• 2009

The accelerated life time test of the MLCCs with different $BaTiO_3$ particle sizes were conducted at $150^{\circ}C$, 75 V condition and the effect of $BaTiO_3$ particle size on the breakdown voltage and degradation characteristics of MLCCs was investigated. The MLCCs were prepared by using the $BaTiO_3$ particles having the size of $0.525{\mu}m$, $0.555{\mu}m$, $0.580{\mu}m$ and Ni-electrode, respectively. The MLCCs which have the particle size of $0.525{\mu}m$, $0.555{\mu}m$, and $0.580{\mu}m$, respectively were confirmed to meet the standard requirements of X5R(change capacitance within ${\pm}15%$ at $-55{\sim}85^{\circ}C$) by TCC(Temperature Coefficient of Capacitance). The effect of the $BaTiO_3$ particle size on the insulation resistance behavior of MLCCs was confirmed by BDV(Breakdown Voltage) measurements and the cause and degree of degradation of MLCCs were characterized by XPS analysis after the accelerated life test. The MLCCs with $0.525{\mu}m-BaTiO_3$ showed better insulation resistance and BDV characteristics compare to other MLCCs and XPS analysis revealed that the MLCCs degradation is caused by the NiO peak and $BaTiO_3$ peak decrease.

• KSBB Journal
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.153-159
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• 1999

Fifteen microbes have been isolated from Jangja pond in Kuri-Si, Kyeonggi-Do. Among them, two strains showed excellent COD removal from wastewater, which were named Pseudomonas sp. BLP2052 and Flavobacterium sp. BLP20515, respectively. Optimal pH and temperature for the cell growth were 7.0 and $30^{\circ}C$ for both strains. Pseudomonas sp. BLP2052 and Flavobacterium sp. BLP20515 was applied to the reactor to treat wastewater and 66.0% and 65.7% COD (chemical oxygen demand) removal was achieved, respectively. Comparing these results to the case of applying mixed microbes present in Jangja pond, COD removal rate was 15% less. But when adding the selected microbes to the wastewater containing mixed microbes, COD removal rate increased by 5%. After 84 hour operation, we achieved 85.6% COD removal. When inhibitors were added less than 100 ppm, during the microbial wastewater treatment, Fe, Zn, Al, phenol and Cr influenced microbial activity more deterioratively in order. In the case of over 300 pm, Cr, Fe, Zn, Al and phenol showed severe deteriorative effect in order.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.28 no.6
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• pp.555-561
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• 2011

Laparoscopic surgery is a well-established alternative to open surgery across disciplines. However, in veterinary medicine, laparoscopic surgery in dogs was rarely reported because of small abdominal size for multiple ports insertion. The concept of single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is to perform the entire laparoscopic operation through a single incision rather than conventional multiple small skin incisions. Indirect evidence of potential benefits of SILS, decreases operative morbidity related to reduction in port size, already exists. Therefore, this study was performed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of the modified form of SILS using flexible endoscope in Cholecystectomy before clinical adoption. A 2 cm single periumbilical incision was performed, and flexible endoscope was introduced into the abdominal cavity. A laparoscopic grasper was inserted into the abdominal cavity for the traction of gall bladder. Cystic duct and artery were ligated by 5 mm Hem-o-lok$^{(R)}$. Then, gall bladder was dissected and resected from the liver with 5 mm Autonomy Laparo-Angle Maryland dissector and endoscopic needle knife. Resected gall bladder was wrapped by using specimen pouch and was retrieved through abdominal incision from the cavity. All three gall bladders were successfully removed. Hematological changes were not observed during examination periods. No leakage sign was identified at necropsy. The flexible endoscope, as distinct from conventional rigid laparoscope, allows the visualization from various angles and the wide range of motion, result in less crowding.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.27-35
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• 2007

Purpose: Organophosphate (OP) compounds insecticides are the most commonly associated with serious human toxicity all over the world. The aim of this study was to identify sociocultural factors that contribute to high incidence of pure OP poisoning and prevent OP poisoning in order to reduce the factors responsible for deaths in South Korea. Methods: This is the 38 multi-centers survey and prospective study of pure OP poisoning by structural reporting system and hospital records from August 2005 to July 2006. 238 patients with acute pure OP poisoning were enrolled. We collected patient information regarding poisoning, clinical, and demographic features. Results: The mean age was $55.32{\pm}17.3$ years old. The most frequent site of exposure was their own residence(85.7%). Frequent compounds involving pure OP poisoning were dichlorvos(22.7%), methidathion(8.4%), and phosphamidon(6.7%). Intentional poisoning was 77.9%. The most frequently route of exposure was ingestion(94.5%). The mean arrival time to hospital after poisoning was 12.7 hours and mean hospitalization duration was 12.9 days. 2-PAM was administered to 101 patients in mean doses of 6.3 g/day intravenously. Atropine was administered to 81 patients in mean doses of 74.6 mg/day (maximal 910 mg/day). The presence of lower level of GCS score, respiratory complications, hypotension, acute renal failure, and serious dysrhythmia was associated with serious and fatal poisoning. Overall final mortality in pure OP poisoning was 9.7%(23/238). Conclusion: This study highlights the problem of pure OP poisoning in South Korea as a basic national survey. Futhermore this might help the establishment of strict policies availability of OP and the statistics of OP poison exposure in South Korea.

• Science of Emotion and Sensibility
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.309-316
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• 2010

This paper proposes healthcare bathing system for improving the multisensory function and not washing. We designed various types of bathtub for developing bathing system. This system consists of whirlpool bathtub for multisensory stimulation, a cover of bathtub with visual-auditory stimulation function, a small size PC for main control, touch panel, digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), color-changeable LED mood lighting system for improving visual sensibility and speaker. We investigate the effects on autonomic nervous system during bathing with healthcare bathing system for improving the multisensory functions. To analysis physiological parameter, body temperature, blood pressure, intraocular pressure and heart rate variability (HRV) were measured before, during and after bath using healthcare bathing system. Experiments were performed on partial immersion bath and the water temperature was kept $39{\pm}0.5^{\circ}C$. The body temperature and the heart rate variability of the subject were measured every 5 minutes before, during, and after the bath. In analysis of HRV, the parasympathetic nerve increased from starting bath and decreased after 15 minutes. So the subjects felt comfortable at 15 minutes after starting bath. Blood pressure decreased to 16mmHg maximumly however pulse increased. Bath using healthcare bathing system for improving the multisensory functions affects positively the circulation of the blood. From this results, it leaves something to be desired in evaluation of serviceability and physiological analysis using the healthcare bathing system, however, we expect to analyze more clearly the relationship between the serviceability of product, physiological change and sensibility by various physiological parameters.