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In this study, a scientific analysis of the gold leaf layers and internal structure of the Clay Seated Vairocana Buddha Triad in Seonunsa Temple, Gochang (Treasure No. 1752) was conducted. The surface of the Buddha statues is a gold foil, and the gold leaf layer consists of four layers. The gold leaf layer first composed on the molding clay was produced in the order of lacquer-fabrics-lacquer-gold foil. Subsequently, it was confirmed that the work was performed three times in the same way. The composition of the Buddha statues was divided into the head, body or upper body, lower body, and pedestal. The body was made in a cylindrical form by connecting vertically oriented wooden materials, and the head and lower body were also connected to the body in an empty form. Thus, the head, body, and lower body are grafted structures that are connected to a single Bokjang-gong. It was confirmed that the Clay Seated Vairocana Buddha Triad in Seonunsa Temple was made using wood materials for the basic form, after which the detailed form was created with molding clay, and the surface was finished with a process of layering gold foil and substances presumed to be lacquer.

Recently, researches on additive manufacturing (AM) method have been actively carried out as the latest technique for building concrete structures in the construction field. It is known that the additive manufacturing method, also called 3D printing technique, is a method of constructing a structure by printing layers, and the adhesion strength in the interlayer between the layers plays a dominant role in the performance of the structure. In this study, we focused on the formation of interlayer of concrete structure built using additive manufacturing method. In this study, the position of the interlayer was analyzed using the computed tomography (CT) method and the correlation between porosity and tensile bond strength in the analyzed interlayer was tried. As a result of the CT analysis of 13 specimens extracted from the printed specimens, it was confirmed that the porosity was formed high in the interlayer. The porosity of the interlayer was at least 2.15% and 6.66% higher than the average porosity. After analyzing the porosity by CT, the tensile bond strength of the specimens was measured to confirm the tensile bond strength and location of the fracture surface. Tensile bond strengths were 2.58–3.77 MPa with an average of 2.80 MPa using 10 specimens. It was confirmed that all of the fracture surfaces occurred along the interlayer. It was confirmed that there was no correlation between the tensile bond strength and porosity of the test specimens used in this study. Six of the ten specimens failed in the other interlayer, but four specimens failed in the interlayer with the highest porosity. As a result of analysis of the fracture surfaces of six specimens without fracture at the highest porosity, the porosity at the fracture surface was 5.73–9.18%, which was higher by 0.6–3.3% than the average porosity. However, defects occurred during layer output were confirmed from the failure of six specimens. Through this study, we confirmed that the interlayer is the weakest when tensile stress is applied in the perpendicular direction of printing, and that it is necessary to review the defects when applying the printing method.

Background Gintonin inhibits β-amyloid production, increases acetylcholine level in the brain, and promotes neurogenesis. We evaluated the efficacy of gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) in improving the cognitive performance in subjective memory impairment. Methods In this 8-week, randomized, assessor and participant blinded, placebo–controlled study, participants with subjective memory impairment but preserved cognitive function (Korean Mini-Mental State Examination [K-MMSE] score ≥23) were assigned to GEF 300mg/day or placebo. K-MMSE, Korean versions of the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale, color-word stroop test (K-CWST), clinical dementia rating, and Beck depression inventory-II were evaluated along with the safety profiles. The primary outcome was set as the change in the K-MMSE. Results Seventy-six participants complete the study protocol. After 8 weeks, there was no inter-group difference in the primary or secondary outcome score changes. However, GEF group showed an improvement in the K-MMSE scores (P= 0.026), and in the number of correct answers in both word reading (P= 0.008) and color reading (P= 0.005) of K-CWST, although only the improvement in the K-CWST scores were higher than the minimum clinically important difference. The frequency of adverse events was comparable between the groups and all were of mild severity. Conclusion GEF is safe but might not be effective in treating subjective memory impairment within the current study setting. However, GEF showed a trend of improving the global cognition and the frontal executive function. Further large-sized studies with longer follow-up period are warranted. Clinical trial registration This clinical trial was registered at Clinical Research Information Service of Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: KCT0004636.

Along with the multiple neuroprotective effect, recent studies suggest that gintonin might increase the blood brain barrier permeability. We evaluated the effect of gintonin on the vascular permeability changes in different brain segments, using dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this 8-week, randomized, open label pilot study, ten participants with subjective memory impairment but preserved cognitive function assigned to gintonin-enriched fraction (GEF) 300 mg/day or placebo groups. Korean versions of the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale (ADAS-K) and DCE-MRI parameters including Ktrans and Vp in different brain segments were evaluated at baseline and at 8 weeks after treatment. Nine participants completed the study protocol. No adverse events occurred during the observation period for 8 weeks in both groups. Following gintonin administration, increment trends of the brain permeability that did not reach a statistical significance were observed in the left hippocampus (Ktrans and Vp, both, p = 0.062), left thalamus and in left putamen (Ktrans, p = 0.062), and left insula and right amygdala (Vp, p = 0.062), but not in the control placebo group. The increment of the Ktrans value in the left thalamus from the baseline was highly correlated with the change of the ADAS scores (r = -0.900, p = 0.037). Gintonin might enhance the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability in the brain structures involved in cognitive functions. Further efficacy exploration for the synergistic effect of gintonin's BBB permeability enhancement to its other cognitive enhancing mechanisms are warranted. Trial registration Clinical Research Information Service Identifier: KCT0003418.

This study aims to develop a simple and rational stress-strain model of confined concrete in compression. Considering the confinement effect provided by the lateral reinforcement, the specified properties of confined concrete was formulated using regression analysis of 123 data sets as follows: modulus of elasticity, strength gain factor, strains at peak stress and 85% of the peak stress on the descending branch. Numerical and parametric analysis were carried out to derive equations for the key parameter determining the slopes of the ascending and descending branches of the stress-strain curves of confined concrete. The reliability of the developed model is examined using a normalized root mean-square error obtained from a comparison of model estimates with the experimental data. The proposed model gives superior accuracy and mathematical simplicity.

Background In Asia, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the leading weight loss procedure for treating morbid obesity. However, long-term results of isolated LSG performed in patients with lower body mass index (BMI) (30–35 kg/m2) are scarce.

Microinjection moulding of high-aspect-ratio microstructures is important for the fabrication of various microsystem components. Successful microinjection moulding technologies may depend on accurate understanding of the cavity filling process of a polymer melt and a reasonable prediction of the filling degree in a microchannel. To date, there has been a lack of adequate investigations of the filling process in injection moulding for microcantilever structures. In this study, the microinjection moulding of microcantilevers was performed with dynamic mould temperature control and cavity pressure measurement. The influences of injection flow rate, peak cavity pressure, melt temperature, and mould temperature on the filling length were observed. A simple, one-dimensional analytical model was developed that describes the relationship of the four process parameters with the filling length. The measured cavity pressure profiles were applied to the numerical analyses. The model was validated by comparison with both experimental measurements and simulation results and showed acceptable agreement among the processing parameters. The development of the cavity pressure and the temperature transition of the melt in the microchannels had a critical influence on the filling process. The increase in the mould temperature over the glass transition temperature during a filling stage using the mould temperature control system was the most effective way to maximize the filling length. The combination of the theoretical model and cavity pressure measurements can be used to predict the filling length and design the injection mould for high-aspect-ratio microstructures.

Seed oil triacylglycerol (TAG) composition of 32 soybean varieties were determined and compared using ¹H-NMR. The contents of linolenic (Ln), linoleic (L), and oleic (O) ranged from 10.7% to 19.3%, 37.4%-50.1%, and 15.7%-34.1%, respectively. As is evident, linoleic acid was the major fatty acid of soybean oil. Compositional differences among the varieties were observed. Natural oils containing unsaturated groups have been regarded as important nutrient and cosmetic ingredients because of their various biological activities. The TAG profiles of the soy bean oils could be useful for distinguishing the origin of seeds and controlling the quality of soybean oils. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which the TAG composition of various soybean oils has been analyzed using the ¹H-NMR method.

Foxp3(+) regulatory T (T(reg)) cells are dominant suppressor cells which regulate conventional T (T(conv)) cells. Inside tumor microenvironment, T(reg) cells have been known to become potent in suppressing T(conv) cell responses, thereby enabling tumor cells to circumvent immune response. However, the underlying mechanism by which tumor-infiltrating T(reg) cells display enhanced suppressive function is still unresolved. To understand characteristics and function of tumor-infiltrating T(reg) cells as well as T(conv) cells in the tumor site, we analyzed their phenotypes either within tumor burden or at distant site of tumor using both heterotopic and orthotopic mouse cancer models. Compared to CD8(+) T cells at distant site of tumor, tumor-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells dramatically upregulated programmed death 1 (PD-1) and other inhibitory receptors, thereby being more exhausted functionally. Tumor-infiltrating CD4(+) T cells also expressed higher level of PD-1 than CD4(+) T cells at distant site of tumor but very surprisingly, upregulation of PD-1 occurred in CD4(+)Foxp3(+) T(reg) as well as CD4(+)Foxp3(-) T(conv) cells. Moreover, tumor infiltrating T(reg) cells upregulated other inhibitory receptors such as T cell immunoglobulin mucin 3 (TIM-3), cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR), and lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3). These results suggest that upregulation of PD-1 and other inhibitory receptors on tumor-infiltrating T(reg) cells is related with their enhanced suppressive function.

Department of Psychiatry, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, Cheonan, KoreaNoonan syndrome is characterized by short stature, typical facial dysmorphology, and congenital heart defects. The main facial features of Noonan syndrome are hypertelorism with down-slanting palpebral fissures, ptosis, and low-set posteriorly-rotated ears with a thickened helix. The cardiovascular defects most commonly associated with this condition are pulmonary stenosis and hy-pertrophic cardiomyopathy. Other associated features are webbed neck, chest deformity, mild intellectual deficit, cryptorchidism, poor feeding in infancy, bleeding tendency, and lymphatic dysplasias. The patient is a 10-year-old boy. He had experienced repeat-ed febrile convulsions. He had typical facial features, a short stature, chest deformity, cryptorchidism, vesicoureteral reflux, and mental retardation. His language and motor development were delayed. When he went to school, it was difficult for him to pay at-tention, follow directions, and organize tasks. He also displayed behavior such as squirming, leaving his seat in class, and running around inappropriately. Clinical observation is important for the diagnosis, so we report a patient who was diagnosed with Noonan syndrome, mental retardation, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

This research demonstrated and compared the effects of shade and far infrared drying (FIRD) of gamguk (Chrysanthemum indicum L., CE) flowers extract on total phenolic (TP), total flavonoid (TF) content, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activities. The research data revealed that the TP and TF contents were highest in FIRD treated CE flower extracts. Similarly, the effect of CE on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW264.7 cells showed in a dose dependent manner. Further, the CE inhibited the tumor necorsis factor (TNF)-α, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression, and prostaglandis E2 (PGE2) production. The anticancer activity was monitored in A549 lung cancer cell, which showed that FIRD treated CE inhibited cell proliferation significantly (p

The effect of light emitting diode (LED) light and far infrared irradiation (FIR) on total phenol, isoflavones and antioxidant activity were investigated in soybean (Glycine max L.) sprout. Artificial blue (470 nm), green (530 nm) LED and florescent light (control) were applied on soybean sprout, from three to seven days after sowing (DAS) in growth chamber. The photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and photoperiod was 150 &plusmn, 5 &mu, mol m&minus, 2s&minus, 1 and 16 h, respectively. The FIR was applied for 30, 60 and 120 min at 90, 110 and 130 &deg, C on harvested sprout. Total phenolic content (TP) (59.81 mg/g), antioxidant capacity (AA: 75%, Ferric Reduction Antioxidant Power (FRAP): 1357 &micro, M Fe2+) and total isoflavones content (TIC) (51.1 mg/g) were higher in blue LED compared to control (38.02 mg/g, 58%, 632 &micro, M Fe2+ and 30.24 mg/g, respectively). On the other hand, TP (64.23 mg/g), AA (87%), FRAP (1568 &micro, M Fe2+) and TIC (58.98 mg/g) were significantly increased by FIR at 110 &deg, C for 120 min among the treatments. Result suggests that blue LED is the most suitable light to steady accumulation of secondary metabolites (SM) in growing soybean sprout. On the other hand, FIR at 110 &deg, C for 120 min is the best ailment to induce SM in proceed soybean sprout.

Radiation therapy (RT) has been emerging as one of the palliative treatments for locally advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, hepatic toxicity is a major obstacle in radiotherapy for HCC. The purpose of this study is to identify proteins indicating radiation-induced hepatic toxicity in cirrhotic rats, which can be used as possible biomarkers. Liver cirrhosis was induced in Wistar rats with thioacetamide (TAA) 0.3 g/L in drinking water for 9 weeks. The development of liver cirrhosis was observed histologically. Radiation hepatic injury was induced by treating 1/3 of the liver with 10 Gy single dose radiation. To find out commonly expressed proteins, liver tissue and serum were analyzed using two-dimensional electrophoresis and quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry. Identified proteins were validated using western blotting. Histological examination showed that the degree of hepatic fibrosis increased by radiation in liver cirrhosis. It was associated with a decrease in the proliferation of cell nuclear antigen and an increase of apoptosis. The proteomic analysis of liver tissue and serum identified 60 proteins which showed significant change in expression between the TAA-alone and TAA-plus-radiation groups. Among these, an increase of heparanase precursor and decrease of hepatocyte growth factor were shown commonly in liver tissue and serum following radiation. Hepatic fibrosis increased following radiation in cirrhotic rats. These proteins might be useful in detecting and monitoring radiation-induced hepatic injury.

Recently, additional pedestrian passages are installed on urban tunnels in Korea. The lighting environment of the pedestrian passages should be appropriate to pedestrians. In this study, illuminance and discomfort glare where measured for determining the actual impact that pedestrians will be influenced by the tunnel lighting condition. Illuminance and discomfort glare were measured in `S tunnel` which is located in Dong-Jack, Seoul, at day and night. And field survey on illuminance and discomfort glare was conducted to identify subjective responses of pedestrians. From the results of measurements and the survey, it is known that the lighting environment of the pedestrian passage in the tunnel is slightly dark especially at day time. UGR values which were measured at night were also higher than that at day. The results and methods of this study will be useful data for the `Environmental Improvement of Pedestrian passage in Tunnel` project which was begun by Seoul City at 1st December 2008.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of the CIE standard on lighting environments to Korea. In the field study, horizontal and the vertical illuminance was measured at the pedestrian road in the central business district of a city, and the questionnaires were conducted to get information regarding pedestrian`s satisfaction with lighting environment. Four areas were selected for this survey. That areas have different type of pedestrian roads concerning the lighting conditions and the number of walkers. From the results of the measurements, It is known that the illuminance of pedestrian roads is different according to the lighting conditions and the number of poot passengers. Also the results of questionnaires show that the illuminance of the pedestrian roads affect to the pedestrian`s satisfaction. Lastly, the CIE standard on lighting environments is applicable to the central business district of the cities in Korea.

Impact of daylighting on the visual environment can improve occupant`s well-being by providing visual comfort. Also, daylighting can save energy. However, glare from window can be a direct hazard to vision and can cause serious discomfort. Selecting glare source on a window plane is very important for evaluating discomfort glare from windows. But former glare indices can not identify the range of the glare source properly. In this study, difference in glare sensation with uniform and non-uniform glare sources are evaluated to identify the range of the glare source. The glare source was assumed as window model. The window was divided into three parts with different luminance values. The experiment was conducted under 1[m], 1.5[m], 3[m] distance from the glare source. Two results were obtained from the experiments. First, the degree of discomfort glare increased as average window luminance increased. Second, the middle and lower part of the window plane can affect evaluation of discomfort glare as well as the upper part of the window plan. These results can be used for selecting the glare source in a window with non-uniform luminance.

Discomfort Glare from the artificial light sources is an important issue in assessment of lighting quality for healthy buildings. Glare, as a factor of the characteristics of brightness, which has been defined as the sensation produced by contrast and luminance within an entire field view, unfavorably influences the occupants who performs visual tasks. It may cause annoyance and discomfort by interruption of visibility. In the whole visual field, glare can be determined by effects of the position, the luminance and the size of the light source and brightness of the surroundings. Therefore, experimental equipment is required to maintain a constant visual lighting environment. Recent studies have been developed and used the instrument for glare sensation evaluation but the instruments showed some difficulties to verify the correlation of glare indicators. The instrument have been developed with reference to former studies. It is called the Glare Tester. This is consist of 2[m]-diameter vertical dome screen painted with white flat paint, and light sources installed inside the screen. These light sources can provide various range of brightness at any inner surface of the screen. 2 Glare light sources can provide the value of luminance within the range of . Moreover, 12 light sources are used for background luminance and it can perform the value of luminance within the range of . Several experiments have been conducted using this Glare Tester to evaluate the range of the visibility, the values of BCD and the glare sensation in lower and upper visual field.

The effects of native sweet potato starch (NSPS) and sweet potato starch modified by acetylation (MSPS) on dynamic rheological properties of surimi sols were investigated by small-deformation oscillatory measurements. Dynamic frequency sweeps of surimi sols at 10℃ showed that the addition of NSPS and MSPS resulted in a reduction of storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G"). The tan δ values (ratio of G"/ G') of all samples were in the range of 0.15～0.54 over a wide range of frequency, indicating that all surimi sols are more elastic than viscous. The characteristic G' thermograms of surimi sols during heating from 10 to 90℃ were influenced by the addition of starch. The tan δ values of all samples were maintained nearly constant above 45℃, showing that the G' is proportional to the G" irrespective of starch effects.

Notes on Three Species of the Genus Euphoriomyces (Laboulbeniales) from KoreaTaxonomic Studies on Myelochroa from KoreaMolecular Analysis of Korean Anzia opuntiella (Lichenized Ascomycota) Based on...

In Asia, laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the leading weight loss procedure for treating morbid obesity. However, long-term results of isolated LSG performed in patients with lower body mass index (BMI) (30-35 kg/m(2)) are scarce.We retrospectively reviewed 75 patients with BMI of 30-35 kg/m(2) who underwent LSG from January 2003 to January 2013. Seventy-one of these patients who had more than 6 months of follow-up were included in this report. LSG was performed laparoscopically using a linear stapler over a 48-French bougie from 2003 to 2006. Since 2007, 36-French bougie was used for resection, and a continuous seromuscular suture at the resection margin was added.Mean age at the time of surgery was 33.7 ± 10.3 years in our patients. Mean weight was 85.7 ± 9.0 kg and mean BMI was 32.4 ± 1.6 kg/m(2) preoperatively. The percentage of excess BMI loss (%EBL) in the postoperative first, third, and fifth year was 84.1 ± 25.5, 79.8 ± 31.0, and 78.5 ± 28.5%, respectively. Follow-up rate at the first, third, and fifth year was 90.0, 71.9, and 42.9%. There were no 30-day perioperative mortality and major complications including bleeding and leakage.These findings show that LSG is a safe and effective weight loss option for Korean patients with lower BMI. Randomized prospective control studies between gastric banding, or Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, and LSG are needed to confirm long-term weight loss effect and safety of LSG in this group of patients.

Background: In this porcine survival model, we compared laparoscopic computer-mediated flexible circular stapled (SurgASSIST) gastro-jejunostomies in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) to open hand-sewn (HS) and laparoscopic end-to-end (EEA) anastomosis. Methods: RYGBP was performed in 15 pigs. Depending on the technique used to create the gastro-jejunostomy, the pigs were divided in 3 groups. In group A, a standard two-layer hand-sewn anastomosis were performed. In group B and C, gastro-jejunostomies using EEA (B) or SurgASSIST (C) were attempted. Operation time, intraoperative technical failure, postoperative anastomotic leakage, and necropsy results were measured. Results: 14 pigs survived surgery. One leakage from the gastro-jejunostomy was detected intraoperatively in group B. There was no evidence of leakage postoperatively from the proximal gastro-jejunostomy in any groups. No statistical difference was found between the groups concerning the operation time or the diameter and degree of healing of the anastomosis. Conclusion: We found the SurgASSIST system safe for performing gastro-jejunostomies in laparoscopic RYGBP. There were no anastomotic failures intra- or postoperatively. At necropsy, there was no evidence of anastomotic stricture or delayed healing processes.

Juniperus chinensis var. sargentii Henry is a short and creeping evergreen shrub which reaches about 50㎝ in height and occurs in the northeast Asia and in high mountains over the South Korea. Its distribution is restricted, and the number of individuals are gradually decreasing. This study was conducted to estimate spatial pattern, genetic diversity and spatial genetic structure of J. chinensis var. sargentii. A total of 131 clumps were studied in the study area (40m × 60m). The spatial pattern of this population was random (Aggregation index R

Background: Emergent colostomies are associated with increased morbidity related to second closure operations. The purpose of this canine pilot study was to create a minimally invasive procedure that would reduce the time interval and morbidity involved with colostomy reversals after left colon end colostomies. Methods: Six mongrel dogs underwent modified laparoscopic Hartmann’s procedures in which the stapled end of the rectal stump was approximated to the left colon proximal to the stoma. After 1 week, they underwent an endoluminal colostomy reversal with a computer-mediated, circular stapling device and varying anvil insertion methods. Variables recorded included anvil insertion technique and feasibility, OR time, complications, and number of days to first meal and bowel movement. A contrast enema performed 1 week post colostomy reversal ruled out anastomosis leaks and stenosis. The dogs were euthanized and subjected to necropsy. Results: Of four anvil insertion techniques tested, the most feasible employed a large-bore needle to perforate through the stapled end of the Hartmann pouch into the lumen of the left colon. Simultaneous endoluminal views of the rectal stump with a sigmoidoscope and the left colon lumen with an endoscope permitted a controlled and safe needle puncture. Through the needle, a guide wire was inserted to withdraw the anvil via the colostomy into place. A transanally inserted stapler was then married to the anvil under fluoroscopic guidance, thus completing the anastomosis. The colostomy was then taken down and transected at the level of the colocolostomy. Average operating time was 126 min (range 90–180), diet was tolerated within 1.5 days, and average number of days to first bowel movement was 2.5. The absence of stenosis, leaks, and inadvertent visceral injuries confirmed feasibility. Conclusions: In this canine model, a dual endoscopic-assisted colostomy reversal with a computer-mediated, circular stapling device is feasible. Using this technique, colostomy reversals can possibly be performed 1 week post-colostomy without entering the peritoneal cavity, thus reducing the number of invasive operations and subsequent morbidity required to manage emergent colon perforations.

In order to develop an efficient micropropagation technique for an endangered species, Stellera rosea N., stem node cultures were conducted on MS medium supplemented with cytokinins. Generally, BA was better than zeatin on shoot proliferation from stem nodes, whereas zeatin showed more effective on shoot elongation. In vitro rooting of shoots was achieved by application of an auxin pre-culturing method. Overall rooting rate was relatively low and differed depending on the culture period. Pre-culturing of shoots for 15 days at 1.0mg/L IBA revealed a slightly better rooting efficiency reaching 30％ rooting rate than NAA. Root induction rate by NAA also varied with concentration of NAA and culture periods. Total 51％ of the rooted plantlets survived on artificial soil mixture and grew normally without any distinct morphological variation. The results suggest that the endangered Stetllera plants are propagated via in vitro culture system, but still need to more study for the improvement of rooting and acclimatization of the plantlets in soil.

Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is a well-known emerging open procedure that appears to be as effective as other bariatric operations and has been shown to provide excellent long-term weight loss. Therefore we looked at the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic BPD-DS procedure compared to open BPD-DS in superobese patients (body mass index >60). A retrospective study of 54 superobese patients (body mass index >60) was carried out from July 1999 to June 2001: laparoscopic BPD-DS in 26 patients and open BPD-DS in 28 patients. Median preoperative body weight was 189.8 kg (range 155.1 to 271.2 kg) in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group and 196.5 kg (range 160.3 to 298.9 kg) in the open BPD-DS group. Median body mass index was 66.9 kg/m(2) in the laparoscopic group and 68.9 kg/m(2) in the open group. The two groups were compared by means of the unpaired t test, which yielded the following results: Major morbidity occurred in six patients (23%) in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group and in five patients (17%) in the open BPD-DS group (P = 0.63). There were two deaths in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group (7.6% mortality) and one death (3.5% mortality) in the open BPD-DS group (P = 0.51). Preoperative comorbidity was improved in eight patients in the laparoscopic BPD-DS group and two patients in the open BPD-DS group (P < 0.02). Laparoscopic BPD-DS is a technically feasible procedure that results in effective weight loss similar to the open procedure. However, both open and laparoscopic BPD-DS procedures are associated with appreciable morbidity and mortality in the superobese population. Additional studies are needed to determine the best surgical treatment for superobesity.

Background: The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is now performed laparoscopically widely with low morbidity and mortality. However, in some cases long-term adequate weight loss is not satisfied because of dilatation of the gastrojejunostomy. Therefore, a prosthetic material and bio-membranes have been used to prevent dilatation. In this study, we used posterior rectus sheath by laparoscopy, to evaluate feasibility and safety of the procedure. Methods: 20 Yorkshire pigs, under general anesthesia, had a standard laparoscopic RYGBP. In addition, 10 had their gastrojejunostomy anastomosis wrapped with 2x10 cm posterior rectus sheath. Clinical and operative outcome after operation were compared with the control group of laparoscopic RYGBP cases. Results: The median weight of the pigs was 46.1 kg (range 42-51) in the posterior rectus sheath-applied group and 45.2 kg (range 42-49) in the control group. All gastrojejunostomies in the posterior rectus sheath-applied group were successfully reinforced laparoscopically. Both groups loss weight compared with their normal growth weight, but there was no significant difference in the median weight loss between the two groups. Two pigs in the posterior rectus sheath-applied group developed a stenosis at the gastrojejunostomy anastomosis following RYGBP. All pigs in the posterior rectus sheath-applied group were found to develop hypertrophic smooth muscle and connective tissue scarring at the gastrojejunostomy on histologic examination. Conclusion: Laparoscopic application of posterior rectus sheath around the gastrojejunostomy in laparoscopic RYGBP is feasible and safe. The sheath-applied group developed stenosis and connective tissue scarring. Additional research is needed to evaluate effectiveness in preventing dilation of the anastomosis.

Background: Small bowel transplantation represents a valid therapeutic option for patients with intestinal failure, obviating the need for long-term total parenteral nutrition. Recently, reports have shown the feasibility of performing living related intestinal transplantation using segmental small bowel grafts. The limitations of this technique include inadequate harvested small bowel lengths, as compared with the lengths obtained in cadaveric small bowel harvests, and large incisions for the donor. In this pilot study, we evaluated the feasibility of laparoscopically harvesting long segments of proximal jejunum for small bowel transplantation using a porcine model. The results can be used to evaluate the potential for applying this technique in human cases. Methods: For this study 10 yorkshire pigs were used. Under general anesthesia, each pig underwent laparoscopic segmental resection of 200 cm of proximal jejunum on a vascular pedicle. The harvested graft then was autoreimplanted using an open technique by anastomosing the vascular pedicle to the superior mesenteric vessels. Success was determined 2 hours after anastomosis by visually identifying a pink graft with viable-appearing mucosa, an artery with a strong thrill, and palpable venous flow. The animals were then sacrificed. Results: The mean operation time required to laparoscopically harvest the small bowel graft was 80 min (range, 35–120 min), and the mean length of harvested graft was 220 cm (range, 200–260 cm). The mean length of the graft's vascular pedicle was 4.5 cm (range, 4–5 cm). All 10 grafts were successfully harvested laparoscopically and then reimplanted using an open technique. All the grafts maintained good vascular flow, and showed no evidence of mucosal necrosis at necropsy. Obviously, further studies would be required to examine the long-term results of reimplanting a laparoscopically harvested small bowel graft, but proposals for such studies is beyond the scope of this report. Conclusion: Minimally invasive techniques can be used to harvest proximal small bowel grafts for living related small bowel transplantation.

The electronic properties of Carbon Nanotube(CNT) are currently the focus of considerable interest. In this paper, the electronic properties of finite length effect in CNT for the carbon nano-scale device is presented. To Calculate the electronic properties of CNT, Empirical potential method (the extended Brenner potential for C-Si-H) for carbon and Tight Binding molecular dynamic (TBMD) simulation are used. As a result of study, we have known that the value of the band gap decreases with increasing the length of the tube. The energy band gap of (6,6) armchair CNT have the ranges between 0.3 eV and 2.5 eV. Also, our results are in agreements with the result of the other computational techniques.

Ionizing radiation induces modification of the tumor microenvironment such as tumor surrounding region, which is relevant to treatment outcome after radiotherapy. In this study, the effects of pre-irradiated tumor beds on the growth of subsequently implanted tumors were investigated as well as underlying mechanism. The experimental model was set up by irradiating the right thighs of C3H/HeN mice with 5 Gy, followed by the implantation of HCa-I and MIH-2. Both implanted tumors in the pre-irradiated bed showed accelerated-growth compared to the control. Tumor-infiltrated lymphocyte (TIL) levels were increased, as well as pro-tumor factors such as IL-6 and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta 1) in the pre-irradiated group. In particular, the role of pro-tumor cytokine interleukin-17A (IL-17A) was investigated as a possible target mechanism because IL-6 and TGF-beta are key factors in Th17 cells differentiation from naive T cells. IL-17A expression was increased not only in tumors, but also in CD4+ T cells isolated from the tumor draining lymph nodes. The effect of IL-17A on tumor growth was confirmed by treating tumors with IL-17A antibody, which abolished the acceleration of tumor growth. These results indicate that the upregulation of IL-17A seems to be a key factor for enhancing tumor growth in pre-irradiated tumor beds.

Background and Aim Although transnasal endoscopy (TNE) is generally a comfortable and safe procedure, it has some disadvantages, such as complicated preprocessing and occasional repulsion reaction during catheterization. In an attempt to simplify the preprocessing method, the efficacy of a catheter-free method in which a catheter is not inserted into the nasal cavity was assessed. Methods The present study was a prospective, open-label, single-center, randomized controlled study with parallel assignment allocation 1:1. Between March 2009 and August 2009, a total of 93 TNE-naive patients were enrolled and randomized. Patients were prospectively randomized into two groups (catheter-free vs catheter-insertion method). Patients who prepared according to the catheter-free method and who were unsuccessful underwent the catheter-insertion method. Clinical characteristics, success rate, complications, vital signs, acceptability, and tolerability were assessed and compared. Results Success rates of the catheter-free and catheter-insertion methods were 88% (n = 44) and 88% (n = 38) (P > 0.05), respectively. Causes of failure in the catheter-free method included severe rhinalgia (n = 1, 2%) and narrowing of the nasal cavity (n = 5, 10%). Causes of failure in the catheter-insertion method included narrowing of the nasal cavity (n = 5, 11%). Six patients whose TNE failed with the catheter-free method also experienced failed TNE with the catheter-insertion method. There were no statistical differences in vital signs, acceptability, and tolerability. Conclusion The catheter-free method is sufficient for preparation for TNE. The success rate of TNE depends more on the structure of the nasal cavity than the preprocessing method.

The effects of far infrared irradiation (FIR) on protopanaxatriol and propanaxadiol ginsenoside were investigated with ultrafine powdered red ginseng and compared with untreated sample. The study showed that FIR treatment increased the Rf, Rg2, and Rh1 production in a temperature dependent manner, but Rg1 and Re decreased with temperature. Similarly, Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 increased with temperature. The maximum increase was observed at 215°C with 2.09, 4.67, 17.23 and 18.57 times for Rb3, Rg3, Rk1 and Rg5 respectively. Likewise, Rd and Rc also increased gradually with temperature. However, Rb1 showed negative effects with temperature, showing decreased activities with increasing temperature. Overall, this research is expected to be helpful in enhancing the bioactive ginsenoside in ultrafine powdered red ginseng by optimizing the FIR conditions.