Impact of Glutathione S-Transferase M1 and T1 Gene Polymorphisms on the Smoking-Related Coronary Artery Disease

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) plays a key role in the detoxification of xenobiotic atherogen generated by smoking. To analyze the effect of GSTM1/T1 gene polymorphisms on the development of smoking-related coronary artery disease (CAD), 775 Korean patients who underwent coronary angiography were enrolled. The subjects were classified by luminal diameter stenosis into group A (>50%), B (20-50%), or C (<20%). GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene polymorphisms were analyzed using multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for GSTM1/T1 genes and CYP1A1 gene for internal control. Of 775 subjects, 403 patients belonged to group A. They had higher risk factors for CAD than group B (N=260) and group C (N=112). The genotype frequencies of null GSTM1 and GSTT1 showed no significant differences among 3 groups. Considering the effect of GSTM1 gene polymorphisms on the smoking-related CAD, smokers with GSTM1 null genotype had more increased risk for CAD than non-smoker with GSTM1 positive genotype (odds ratios [OR], 2.07, confidence interval [CI], 1.06-4.07). Also the effect of GSTT1 gene polymorphism on smoking-related CAD showed the same tendency as GSTM1 gene (OR, 2.00, CI, 1.05-3.84). This effect of GSTM1/T1 null genotype on smoking-related CAD was augmented when both gene polymorphisms were considered simultaneously (OR, 2.76, CI, 1.17-6.52). We concluded that GSTM1/T1 null genotype contributed to the pathogenesis of smoking-related CAD to some degree

Immunohistochemical Analysis of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Correlation with Clinical Parameters and Prognosis

Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) vary in their biologic behavior. Recurrence and tumor-related mortality may be attributable to molecular abnormalities in primary tumors. This study evaluated such immunophenotypes with regard to cell cycle regulation and proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis, to determine their significance for patient outcome. Core biopsies from 219 patients with NSCLC were assembled on tissue microarrays, and the expressions of p16, p21, p27, cyclin B1, cyclin E, Ki-67, caspase-3, survivin, bcl-2, VEGF, and endostatin were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Despite previously described prognostic relevance of some of the investigated molecules, many of those markers were not directly associated with recurrence or survival. However, there was a trend for p16 immunoreactivity to be associated with a good prognosis (57% vs. 42% in 5-yr survival) (p=0.071). bcl-2 expression was strongly correlated with a better outcome (65% vs. 45% in 5-yr survival) (p=0.029), and the hazard of death for bcl-2 positive patients was 0.42 times of that for bcl-2 negative patients (p=0.047). A multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazards model confirmed that the lymph node status (p=0.043) and stage (p=0.003) were other independent prognostic factors. Our results suggest that p16 and bcl-2 provide prognostic information independent of the TNM stage in NSCLC

Bacterial Inactivation of Wound Infection in a Human Skin Model by Liquid-Phase Discharge Plasma

Background: We investigate disinfection of a reconstructed human skin model contaminated with biofilm-formative Staphylococcus aureus employing plasma discharge in liquid. Principal Findings: We observed statistically significant 3.83-log10 (p,0.001) and 1.59-log10 (p,0.05) decreases in colony forming units of adherent S. aureus bacteria and 24 h S. aureus biofilm culture with plasma treatment. Plasma treatment was associated with minimal changes in histological morphology and tissue viability determined by means of MTT assay. Spectral analysis of the plasma discharge indicated the presence of highly reactive atomic oxygen radicals (777 nm and 844 nm) and OH bands in the UV region. The contribution of these and other plasma-generated agents and physical conditions to the reduction in bacterial load are discussed. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the potential of liquid plasma treatment as a potential adjunct therapy for chronic wounds

A Study on the Improvement of Efficiency by Detection Solar Module Faults in Deteriorated Photovoltaic Power Plants

In recent years, photovoltaic (PV) power generation has attracted considerable attention as a new eco-friendly and renewable energy generation technology. With the recent development of semiconductor manufacturing technologies, PV power generation is gradually increasing. In this paper, we analyze the types of defects that form in PV power generation panels and propose a method for enhancing the productivity and efficiency of PV power stations by determining the defects of aging PV modules based on their temperature, power output, and panel images. The method proposed in the paper allows the replacement of individual panels that are experiencing a malfunction, thereby reducing the output loss of solar power generation plants. The aim is to develop a method that enables users to immediately check the type of failures among the six failure types that frequently occur in aging PV panels—namely, hotspot, panel breakage, connector breakage, busbar breakage, panel cell overheating, and diode failure—based on thermal images by using the failure detection system. By comparing the data acquired in the study with the thermal images of a PV power station, efficiency is increased by detecting solar module faults in deteriorated photovoltaic power plants

A Study on the Improvement of Efficiency by Detection Solar Module Faults in Deteriorated Photovoltaic Power Plants

In recent years, photovoltaic (PV) power generation has attracted considerable attention as a new eco-friendly and renewable energy generation technology. With the recent development of semiconductor manufacturing technologies, PV power generation is gradually increasing. In this paper, we analyze the types of defects that form in PV power generation panels and propose a method for enhancing the productivity and efficiency of PV power stations by determining the defects of aging PV modules based on their temperature, power output, and panel images. The method proposed in the paper allows the replacement of individual panels that are experiencing a malfunction, thereby reducing the output loss of solar power generation plants. The aim is to develop a method that enables users to immediately check the type of failures among the six failure types that frequently occur in aging PV panels&mdash;namely, hotspot, panel breakage, connector breakage, busbar breakage, panel cell overheating, and diode failure&mdash;based on thermal images by using the failure detection system. By comparing the data acquired in the study with the thermal images of a PV power station, efficiency is increased by detecting solar module faults in deteriorated photovoltaic power plants

Mechanistic Study of Enhanced CO Oxidation Activity on Rare-Earth and Transition Metal Doped CeO2

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Necessity of Individualized Approach for Gastric Subepithelial Tumor Considering Pathologic Discrepancy and Surgical Difficulty Depending on the Gastric Location

Background: Depending on the location of gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs), surgical access is difficult with a risk of postoperative complications. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics of small-sized gastric SETs and their surgical outcomes depending on location and provide considering factors for their treatment plans. Methods: This single-center, retrospective study reviewed patients who underwent surgical resection for gastric SETs (size 65 years (odds ratio (OR), 3.183; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.310–7.735; p = 0.011), and non-cardiac SETs (OR, 2.472; 95% CI, 1.110–5.507; p = 0.030) were associated with a significant risk of malignancy. Compared to SETs in other locations, cardiac SETs showed more complications (3 versus 0; p = 0.000), and open conversion rates (2 versus 0; p = 0.003). However, the proportion of GISTs of SETs in the cardia is not negligible (52.9%). Conclusions: Considering the malignancy risk of SETs, active surgical resection should be considered in old age and/or location in the non-cardiac area. However, in young patients, SETs located in the gastric cardia have a considerably benign nature and are associated with poor short-term surgical outcomes. An individualized surgical approach for asymptomatic small SETs according to the gastric location is warranted

Dynamic compressive properties obtained from a split Hopkinson pressure bar test of Boryeong shale

Dynamic compressive properties of a Boryeong shale were evaluated by using a split Hopkinson pressure bar, and were compared with those of a Hwangdeung granite which is a typical hard rock. The results indicated that the dynamic compressive loading reduced the resistance to fracture. The dynamic compressive strength was lower in the shale than in the granite, and was raised with increasing strain rate by microcracking effect as well as strain rate strengthening effect. Since the number of microcracked fragments increased with increasing strain rate in the shale having laminated weakness planes, the shale showed the better fragmentation performance than the granite at high strain rates. The effect of transversely isotropic plane on compressive strength decreased with increasing strain rate, which was desirable for increasing the fragmentation performance. Thus, the shale can be more reliably applied to industrial areas requiring good fragmentation performance as the striking speed of drilling or hydraulic fracturing machines increased. The present dynamic compressive test effectively evaluated the fragmentation performance as well as compressive strength and strain energy density by controlling the air pressure, and provided an important idea on which rock was more readily fragmented under dynamically processing conditions such as high-speed drilling and blasting.110Nsciescopuskc

Contralateral development of acute subdural hematoma (SDH) immediately following a burr-hole craniostomy for chronic SDH

Background: Burr-hole trephination is a widely used surgical technique for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). Although various postoperative complications following burr-hole craniostomy have been discussed, no contralateral acute SDH (ASDH) immediately after the initial surgery without concurrent hemorrhages has been reported so far; we experienced this very rare complication in a previously healthy 84 year old male. Details of this very rare case are presented in this report. Materials and methods: 87 patients with chronic SDH underwent a burr hole trephination, that is, craniostomy between July 2012 and June 2014; there were 47 male and 40 female patients. 24 of 87 patients harbored bilateral SDHs. 67 of 111 lesions were drained with two catheters and the remaining 44 employed a single catheter. Results: Unsatisfactory results following the craniastomy included recurrence, insufficient drain, aggravated acute SDH and contralateral development of incracranial hemorrhage. Contralateral intracranial hemorrhage occurred to three patients. One died and the other two were discharged without any sequelae. One of the three contralateral hemorrhages was a mere ASDH which was complicated to a previously healthy 84 year old male within less than an hour after the initial surgery. The patient was discharged without sequelae. Conclusion: This report represents a contralateral ASDH that occurred less than an hour after a burr-hole trephination for CSDH. Several hypotheses concerning the etiology of this rare complication, albeit inconclusive, are worth contemplation. Excessive drain of CSDH must be refrained from in order not to encounter any unexpected complications

Effect of Cation Influx on the Viability of Freeze-Dried <em>Lactobacillus brevis</em> WiKim0069

Extension of the storage stability of freeze-dried lactic acid bacteria is important for industrialization. In this study, the effect of cation influx from soy powder, which contains high amounts of cations, as a cryoprotective agent on the viability of freeze-dried Lactobacillus brevis WiKim0069 was tested. Compared to that in the absence of the soy powder, bacterial viability was significantly higher in the presence of soy powder. Approximately 4.7% of L. brevis WiKim0069 survived in the absence of the protective agent, whereas 92.8% viability was observed in the presence of soy powder. However, when cations were removed from the soy powder by using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and a cationic resin filter, the viability of L. brevis WiKim0069 decreased to 22.9–24.7%. When the soy powder was treated with ethylene glycol tetraacetic acid, the viability was higher than when it was pretreated with EDTA and a cationic resin filter, suggesting that Mg2+ had a role in enhancing the viability of L. brevis WiKim0069. Cold adaptation at 10 °C prior to freeze-drying had a positive effect on the storage stability of freeze-dried L. brevis WiKim0069, with 60.6% viability after 56 days of storage. A decrease in the fluorescence polarization value indicated an increase in membrane fluidity, which regulates the activity of ion channels present in the cell membrane. Cold adaptation caused activation of the cation channels, resulting in increased intracellular influx of cations, i.e., Ca2+ and Mg2+. These results suggest that cold adaptation can be used to improve the storage stability of L. brevis WiKim0069