Association of factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism and coronary artery disease: A meta-analysis

Background: Factor XIII plays an important role in the stabilization of the linkage between fibrins and in the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD). The association between factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism and CAD risk remains controversial. Methods: We conducted a meta-analysis of 36 studies involving 26,940 cases and 34,694 controls. Subgroup analyses were performed with division of data into disease (myocardial infarction [MI], CAD without MI), age, and sex. Results: Factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism was significantly associated with ove all CAD risk (odds ratio [OR] = 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–1.06, p = 0.004) and MI risk (OR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.07–1.25, p = 0.0003), but not with CAD without MI risk (OR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.87–1.15, p = 0.96). In the subgroup analysis by age and sex, there was no association between Val34Leu polymorphism and CAD. Conclusions: This meta-analysis found that factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism was associated with CAD risk, especially MI, but not with CAD without MI. In addition, age and sex did not affect the relationship between factor XIII Val34Leu polymorphism and CAD risk.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Caused by Space Occupying Lesions

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnosis and treatment of the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) due to space occupying lesions (SOL). MATERIALS and METHODS: Eleven patients and 12 cases that underwent surgery for CTS due to SOL were studied retrospectively. We excluded SOL caused by bony lesions, such as malunion of distal radius fracture, volar lunate dislocation, etc. the average age was 51 years. There were 3 men and 8 women. Follow-up period was 12 to 40 months with an average of 18 months. the diagnosis of CTS was made clinically and electrophysiologically. in patients with swelling or tenderness on the area of wrist flexion creases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or computed tomogram (CT) were additionally taken as well as the carpal tunnel view. We performed conventional open transverse carpal ligament release and removal of SOL. RESULTS: the types of lesion confirmed by pathologic examination were; tuberculosis tenosynovitis in 3 cases, nonspecific tenosynovitis in 2 cases, and gout in one case. Other SOLs were tumorous condition in five cases, and abnormal palmaris longus hypertrophy in 1 case. Tumorous conditions were due to calcifying mass in 4 cases and ganglion in 1 case. Following surgery, all cases showed alleviation of symptom without recurrence or complications. CONCLUSION: in cases with swelling or tenderness on the area of wrist flexion creases, it is important to obtain a carpal tunnel view, and MRI and/or CT should be supplemented in order to rule out SOLs around the carpal tunnel, if necessary.ope

Current Management and Future Strategies of Gastric Cancer

The overall prognosis of gastric cancer has gradually improved over the past decades with growing awareness of potential carcinogens, surveillance programs and early diagnosis, as well as advances in surgical techniques and multimodality treatments. Nevertheless, the outcome of advanced stage disease still remains poor with currently available treatments, and a worldwide consensus on the standard management thereof has not been established. To improve prognosis and quality of life in gastric cancer patients, both standardization and individualization of managements are imperative. Diagnostic tests and surgical procedures need to be further sophisticated and standardized based on more recent evidences from ongoing and future randomized controlled trials, while comprehensive management should be individualized to each patient. Future challenges lie with how to optimize personalized therapies by deciphering biological complexity of gastric cancer and incorporating molecular biomarkers in clinical practice to forecast prognosis and to guide targeted therapeutics in adjunct to current standards of care

Implementation Mechanism of the Four-Group Shift System at Yuhan-Kimberly

Research has long reported the difficulty of adopting a new system into an organization. Therefore, we have examined the introduction process of a new system through Yuhan-Kimberlys case for finding the solution. The new system such as the four-group shift of Yuhan-Kimberly is an effective combination of technological skills and HR management skills respecting human beings. It also generates competitive advantages contributing to the formation of lifelong education, decreased safety-related accidents, and increased product quality and productivity. This system allows employees to trust that the company regards its employees as true companions. From the Yuhan-Kimberlys case, we could reveal the secret of the successful introduction of a new system via a mechanism framework.This work was supported by the second stage of the Brain Korea 21 Project in 2007

Photocatalytic Activity of Titanate Nanotube Powders in a Hybrid Pollution Control System

The photocatalytic activity on decomposition of Rhodamine B (RB) of titanate nanotubes (TNTs) synthesized by alkali hydrothermal treatment method was evaluated using a microwave/UV/photocatalyst hybrid system. The effects of each element technique as well as the synergy effects on decomposition of organic material were investigated. When TNTs were ion-exchanged with HCl, Na+ content was reduced from 8.36 wt% to 0.03 wt%, whereas the TNTs calcined at 723 K was phase-transformed into anatase structure. The RB decomposition rate increased with TNTs dosage as well as with microwave intensity. Effect of addition of auxiliary oxidants on photocatalytic decomposition of RB was also investigated. When ozone was added, the decomposition rate increased with the amount of ozone added. When H2O2 was used as the auxiliary oxidant, however, addition of H2O2 exceeding a threshold amount caused reduction of decomposition rate. A synergy effect was observed when H2O2 addition was combined with microwave-assisted photocatalysis