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This study aims to analyze the relationship between self-regulated learning ability and learning performance in remote classes perceived by hair major college students, thereby finding methods that can accumulate empirical data on hair major, provide quality education, and contribute to the development of education. To this end, 301 copies of self-written questionnaires by hair major college students were used as data for final analysis. The study examined the effect of self-regulated learning ability on learning performance, which proved that the factors of social, physical, and cognitive domains partially influenced self-regulated learning ability significantly. This means it is essential to provide information and motivate college students to improve their desired knowledge and professional skills, so they accept the limitations of the virtual era and do not lose interest in learning in each space and location. Moreover, for practical classes where communication is slow, setting an exact deadline, presenting practice results for students to check their learning levels, and individual classes according to each stage will maximize students’ satisfaction and the practical efficiency of remote classes. Further, introducing a manpower pool system and inducing continuous interaction will help improve poor communication, maintain a network between instructors and classmates, and raise voluntary learning ability and interest in studying and self-planned learning, thereby enhancing learning outcomes. Follow-up studies will produce more objective results by subdividing and expanding the subjects of analysis. In addition, it is hoped that more competitive professionals are nurtured, and that the hair major department develops by providing high-quality classes.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a clinical diagnosis based on the reproduction of a patient’s symptoms with a provocation test (arm elevation) after excluding other conditions that might cause similar symptoms. Neurologic symptoms and signs can vary from mild paresthesia and numbness to intrinsic hand muscle atrophy. The main controversy in patients with neurogenic TOS involves neurologic-type complaints of paresthesia, numbness, and pain. However, there is no positive objective test to identify the cause. A 54-year-old female patient presented with numbness and radiating pain in her bilateral arms that occurred every time she bowed her head while shampooing. The patient had a history of two neck sprains due to slipping before the onset of symptoms. In addition to pain and numbness in both arms at arm elevation, pain in the suprascapular and occipital areas was also present. After excluding cervical nerve root lesions and other bone abnormalities, the patient's symptoms disappeared by brachial plexus decompression through a supraclavicular approach. It is difficult to diagnose neurogenic TOS with pain and paresthesia without muscle weakness in the upper extremities. If physicians do not consider the possibility of neurogenic TOS in patients with upper extremity paresthesia and pain, unnecessary multiple treatments may be performed, prolonging patients’ suffering. The exacerbation of pain and paresthesia in both arms and hands can occur immediately after the head is lowered during shampooing. This can be interpreted as a characteristic symptom of a constricted interscalene triangle and brachial plexus compression caused by hyperabduction of the arm.

Polyalkenoate cement (PAC) is a promising material for regenerative hard tissue therapy. The ionically rich glass component of PAC encourages bioactive interaction via. the release of essential ions. However, PAC bioactivity is restricted owing to (i) structurally inherent cationic network formers and (ii) surface bacterial biofilm formation. These two factors cause a deficiency in ion release, further complicated by secondary infections and premature therapeutic failure. Here, a multivalent zwitterionic network modifier (mZM) is presented for upregulation of ionic exchange and bioactivity enhancement. By introducing a non-zero charged mZM into PACs, an increase in the proportion of non-bridging oxygen occurs. The network modification promotes ion channel formation, causing a multiple-fold increase in ion release and surface deposition of hydroxy-carbonate apatite (ca. 74%). Experiments ex vivo and animal models also demonstrate the efficient remineralization ability of the mZM. Furthermore, divalent cationic interaction results in bacterial biofilm reduction (ca. 68%) while also influencing a shift in the biofilm species composition, which favors commensal growth. Therefore, PAC modification with mZM offers a promising solution for upregulation of bioactivity, even aiding in customization by targeting site-specific regenerative therapy in future applications.

Biofilms induce microbial-mediated surface roughening and deterioration of cement. In this study, zwitterionic derivatives (ZD) of sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine, were added in concentrations of 0, 1, and 3% to three different types of commercially available resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) (RMC-I: RelyX Luting 2, RMC-II: Nexus RMGI, and RMC-III: GC FujiCEM 2). The unmodified RMGICs served as the control group for comparison. The resistance of Streptococcus mutans to ZD-modified RMGIC was evaluated with a monoculture biofilm assay. The following physical properties of the ZD-modified RMGIC were assessed: wettability, film thickness, flexural strength, elastic modulus, shear bond strength, and failure mode. The ZD-modified RMGIC significantly inhibited biofilm formation, with at least a 30% reduction compared to the control group. The addition of ZD improved the wettability of RMGIC; however, only 3% of the SBMA group was statistically different (P P > 0.05). The experimental groups' flexural strength, elastic modulus, and shear bond strength showed an insignificant decrease from the control group; there was no statistical difference within the RMC-I (P > 0.05). The mode of failure differed slightly in each group, but all groups showed dominance in the adhesive and mixed failure. Thus, the addition of 1 wt.% ZD in RMGIC favorably enhanced the resistance to Streptococcus mutans without any tangible loss in flexural and shear bond strength.

Objectives: In a clinical setting, a ‘trained ear’ is the essentials for speech–language pathologists (SLPs) because most SLPs rely on the auditory - perceptual method during assessment and treatment for speech difficulties. However, transcribing distortion errors using only auditory-perceptual judgement is a difficult task. This study investigated the auditory– perceptual ability in terms of distortion errors for pre and present SLPs.Methods: Sixty pre and present SLPs completed a survey, then performed a perceptual judgement task which was manufactured by electropalatography (EPG). The task consisted of 30 questions, including distorted (dentalized, palatalized, lateralized) and normal speech samples of Korean fricative /s/ with different types of vowels (/ɑ/, /u/) and lengths (1-syllabled, 2- syllabled, sentence).Results: There was no significant difference in the distortion task among three groups. All participants had the highest score in “dentalization”, the lowest in “lateralization”, and all distortion types were perceived better in the /u/ context than /ɑ/. Also, SLPs tended to judge “lateralization” errors as “normal articulation” and many of the participants perceived “palatalization” as “lateralization”.Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that active auditory training for SLPs is necessary to improve auditory perceptual ability, and suggests that EPG could be a useful instrument for the auditory training program.

Cervical interlaminar epidural injection (CILEI) is commonly used to treat acute or chronic pain that affects the head, neck, and upper extremities. Thus far, studies on CILEI have focused on determining the optimal volume of contrast medium or analyzing the spread of contrast medium during a CILEI. To our knowledge, few studies have attempted to assess the correlation between epidurogram patterns and clinical outcomes of CILEI.This study aimed to investigate the relationship between contrast medium spread and pain relief after a CILEI in patients who complained of neck and/or unilateral upper extremity pain.Retrospective cohort study.Tertiary university hospital.Patient demographics, pain duration, and radiographic findings, including cervical simple radiograph and magnetic resonance imaging, were reviewed from medical records. The spread pattern of contrast medium during a CILEI was analyzed based on anteroposterior (AP) and lateral fluoroscopic views. The spread pattern in the AP view was classified into 4 categories using predetermined anatomical references, including the medial border, bisector, and lateral border of the articular pillar at the targeted vertebral level. The spread pattern in the lateral view was divided into 2 groups based on whether the contrast medium was present at the ventral epidural space. Every CILEI procedure was performed under fluoroscopic guidance by skilled experts. A responsive outcome was defined as a reduction in the numeric rating scale for pain by more than 50% at one month postoperatively compared to preoperatively.Among 656 patients, 526 were excluded from the analysis according to predetermined criteria. The remaining 130 patients were analyzed, and 78 (60%) patients showed responsive results one month after a CILEI. According to a multivariable logistic regression analysis, the negative predictors of a CILEI were long symptom duration (P = 0.045), high grade of central stenosis (P = 0.022), and limited spread of contrast medium solely within the central canal in the AP view (P = 0.008).The limitations of this study include its retrospective design, absence of clinical parameters other than pain intensity, and short follow-up period.If the duration of symptoms is lengthy, central stenosis is severe, or contrast medium spread is limitedly solely within the central canal and does not reach the dorsal root ganglion any further, the outcome after a CILEI is likely to be poor. Therefore, efforts should be made to spread injectate around the dorsal root ganglion at the target level.

Objectives: The present study is aimed an electropalatographic investigation of Korean fricatives /s/ and /s*/. All data from this study is based on the production of 5- adult speakers who speak Korean as their first language.Methods: Electropalatography (EPG) is an instrumental technique for showing tongue and palate contact during speech. The participants recorded /s/ and /s*/ in CV (/si/, /sɑ/, /su/, /s*i/, /s*ɑ/, /s*u/) and VCV (/ɑsi/, /ɑsɑ/, /ɑsu/, /ɑs*i/, /ɑs*ɑ/, /ɑs*u/) context using EPG and then, four variables were analyzed: row of medial groove (RMG), medial groove width (MGW), medial groove length (MGL), and maximum contact frame (MCF).Results: There was significantly greater medial groove width and maximum contact frame for / s*/ compared to /s/. The difference between /si/ and /sɑ/ was also found in the row of medial groove, medial groove width and maximum contact frame. /si/ was produced further back, and had a longer medial groove length. Also, it showed more total tongue-palate contact than /sa/.Conclusion: A various range of palatal contact patterns were found between typical adults for perceptually normal /s/ and /s*/. The results provided the information about tongue–palate pattern of Korean fricatives /s/ and /s*/. These findings would be utilized to build the basic data and useful information for Korean EPG system.

Since the onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, virtual simulation has emerged as an alternative to traditional teaching methods as it can be employed within the recently established contact-minimizing guidelines. This prospective education study aimed to develop a virtual reality simulator for a lumbar transforaminal epidural block and to demonstrate its efficacy.We developed a virtual reality simulator using patient image data processing, virtual x-ray generation, spatial registration, and virtual reality technology. For a realistic virtual environment, a procedure room, surgical table, C-arm, and monitor were created. Using the virtual C-arm, X-ray images of the patient's anatomy, the needle, and indicator were obtained in real time. After simulation, trainees could get feedback from adjusting the visibility of the structures (such as skin and bones). The training of lumbar transforaminal epidural block using the simulator was evaluated in 20 inexperienced trainees. Trainees' procedural time, rating score, number of C-arm taken, and overall satisfaction were recorded as primary outcomes.The group using the simulator showed a higher global rating score (p = 0.014), reduced procedural time (p = 0.025), reduced number of C-arm uses (p = 0.001), and higher overall satisfaction score (p = 0.007).We created an accessible and effective virtual reality simulator that can be used to teach a lumbar transforaminal epidural block, without radiation exposure, for inexperienced trainees. The results of this study indicate that the proposed simulator will prove to be a useful aid for teaching a lumbar transforaminal epidural block.

The navigable percutaneous disc decompression (PDD) device L'DISQ is an effective and safe option for the treatment of lumbar discogenic pain. However, few studies have evaluated the prognostic factors of successful PDD using this device.This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors associated with the successful outcome of PDD using the L'DISQ for treating lumbar discogenic pain by following up patients before and one, 2, 3, and 6 months after the procedure.Retrospective cohort study.Tertiary university hospital.A successful outcome was defined as a= 50% reduction in the numeric rating scale scores for pain and a= 40% reduction in the Oswestry Disability Index scores at 6 months after the procedure. Clinical parameters and patient demographics, including pain duration, history of surgery, number of treatment levels, and the radiographic findings of lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were also examined.Of the 106 patients included, 80 (75.5%) had successful outcomes at 6 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of high-intensity zones (HIZs) (P = 0.016) was an independent positive predictor of successful PDD outcomes; conversely, migration of the herniated disc (P = 0.017) and bilaterally herniated discs (P = 0.001) were negative predictors.The limitations of this study were its retrospective design, absence of a control group, and difficulty in predicting the effect when multiple levels were involved because of the use of MRI characteristics of the disc as a predictor.The presence of HIZs, the absence of migration of herniated discs, and the presence of unilaterally herniated discs are positive predictors of successful outcomes of PDD using the L'DISQ.

We incorporated zwitterionic materials into light-curable fluoride varnish (LCFV) in order to inhibit biofilm accumulation and prevent dental caries, and the properties of LCFV with three different zwitterionic materials, namely, 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), carboxybetaine methacrylate (CBMA), and sulfobetaine methacrylate (SBMA) polymers (each at a weight percentage of 3%), were compared; unmodified LCFV without any zwitterionic material was used as a control. Material properties including film thickness and degree of conversion (DC) of each type of LCFV were evaluated. In addition, protein-repellent effects and inhibitory effects on Streptococcus mutans adhesion and saliva-derived biofilm accumulation of LCFV were estimated. Finally, the preventive effect of LCFV on enamel demineralization was assessed in vitro on extracted human teeth specimens stored in S. mutans-containing medium. The film thickness of LCFV significantly decreased with the incorporation of zwitterionic materials compared to the control LCFV, whereas there were no significant differences in the DC among all of the LCFV groups. Furthermore, the amount of adsorbed protein, adherent S. mutans colony-forming unit (CFU) counts, and saliva-derived biofilm thickness and biomass were all significantly lower for LCFV with incorporated zwitterionic materials compared with the control. All LCFV groups including the control showed certain preventive effects against enamel demineralization during a 14-day immersion in the medium with S. mutans and sucrose, and the depth of demineralization was significantly lower in LCFV with zwitterionic materials than in the control. Thus, the incorporation of zwitterionic materials such as MPC, CBMA, and SBMA appears to confer superior antifouling effects to LCFV.

Background/aim This study investigated drugs able to sensitize P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-overexpressing resistant KBV20C cancer cells to vincristine or eribulin treatment and assessed their associated mechanisms of action. Materials and methods Eight tyrosine kinase inhibitors (lapatinib, gefitinib, imatinib, erlotinib, nilotinib, pazopanib, cediranib, and vandetanib) and one serine/threonine kinase inhibitor (selumetinib) were evaluated for their sensitizing effects on vincristine-resistant KBV20C cells at relatively low doses. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting, annexin V analyses, and rhodamine uptake tests were further performed to investigate their mechanisms of action. Results Co-treatment of KBV20C cells with lapatinib, gefitinib, imatinib, or erlotinib at low doses highly sensitized them to vincristine treatment. These drugs reduced cellular viability, increased G2 arrest, and up-regulated apoptosis when co-administered with vincristine. In a detailed quantitative analysis using lower doses, we demonstrated that lapatinib, with high P-gp inhibitory activity, yielded the best pairing for sensitizing P-gp-overexpressing KBV20C cells to vincristine. Co-treatment with eribulin and lapatinib, gefitinib, or erlotinib also increased the sensitivity of KBV20C cells, suggesting that they can be combined with other antimitotic drugs to sensitize resistant cancer cells. Lapatinib was shown to have a higher P-gp-inhibitory activity than verapamil, even at lower doses, indicating that its sensitizing of cells to vincristine involves its P-gp-inhibitory effects. However, interestingly, imatinib- and erlotinib-sensitizing of cells to vincristine appears to be independent of their P-gp inhibition. Conclusion These findings provide valuable information regarding the sensitizing of drug-resistant cells and indicate that imatinib and erlotinib may be used in patients with potentially resistant cancer without any toxic effects from P-gp inhibition.

Background/aim Previously, we showed that KBV20C cancer cells highly resistant to antimitotic drugs were sensitized by co-treatment with a repositioned drug fluphenazine. Materials and methods Considering that fluphenazine plays a role as a histamine receptor antagonist, we investigated low doses of 21 other histamine receptor antagonists (lidocaine, cimetidine, chlorpromazine, diphenhydramine, promethazine, ranitidine, famotidine, clemastine, chlorpheniramine, desloratadine, loratadine, cyproheptadine, azelastine, brompheniramine, carbinoxamine, fexofenadine, hydroxyzine, levocetirizine, meclizine, nizatidine, and pemirolast) to identify repositioned drugs for their sensitizing effects on antimitotic drug-resistant KBV20C cells at relatively low doses. Results Co-treatment with loratadine, and with azelastine highly sensitized KBV20C cells to vincristine treatment. Loratadine and azelastine reduced cell viability, increased G2 arrest, and up-regulated apoptosis when co-administered with vincristine. In detailed quantitative analysis, combination of vincristine with loratadine had a higher sensitization effect than that with azelastine. Azelastine had a higher P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-inhibitory activity, similar to that of verapamil, indicating that sensitization by vincristine-azelastine involved the P-gp-inhibitory effects of azelastine. However, loratadine had a very low P-gp-inhibitory activity, suggesting that loratadine sensitization to vincristine is independent of the P-gp-inhibition. Co-treatment with eribulin and loratadine increased the sensitization of KBV20C cells, suggesting that loratadine can be combined with other antimitotic drugs to sensitize resistant cancer cells. Conclusion These findings provide important information regarding the sensitization of drug-resistant cells and indicate that loratadine may be used in patients with potentially resistant cancer without any toxic effects from P-gp inhibition.

A screening method using the 35S promoter and nos terminator for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is not sufficient to cover all GM soybean events. In this study, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (also known as quantitative polymerase chain reaction, qPCR) array targeting eight screening assays combined with a prediction system was developed for the rapid tracking of GM soybeans. Each assay’s specificity was tested and confirmed using 17 GM soybean events that have been approved in Korea. The sensitivity of each assay was determined to range from 0.01% to 0.05% using DNA mixtures with different GM ratios, and it was validated by the results of three experimenters. The applicability of this study was tested by monitoring 23 processed foods containing soybeans. It was figured out that 13 of the 23 samples included GM soybeans. The prediction system combined with screening results will be helpful to trace the absence/presence of GM soybean events. This new qPCR array and prediction system for GM soybean detection provides rapid, convenient and reliable results to users.

Degenerative arthritis of the knee joint has become a major social problem worldwide due to population aging. There are several treatment options for knee osteoarthritis, and the intraarticular injection of sodium hyaluronate is commonly selected by many clinicians as a nonsurgical treatment. However, the efficacy of the treatment is controversial. In this pilot study, we aimed to compare polynucleotide sodium (Conjuran®) with sodium hyaluronate (Hyruan Plus®) and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether-crosslinked sodium hyaluronate (Synovian®) in terms of analgesic efficacy after intraarticular injection in patients with knee osteoarthritis. One of the three intraarticular agents was selected according to what agents were available for outpatients when each patient was enrolled in the study. The 15 enrolled patients were subdivided into 3 groups of 5 patients each. Three injections were performed under ultrasound guidance at a 1-week intervals over a total of 3 weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, the Korean version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (K-WOMAC), the EuroQol five-dimension scale (EQ-5D) score, and the Korean version of the painDETECT Questionnaire (K-PDQ) score were evaluated before injection and at 1, 2, and 6 weeks after the start of the treatment protocol. The primary endpoint was the change in weight-bearing pain at 4 weeks after the last injection. Secondary endpoints included pain at rest and during walking and the K-WOMAC, EQ-5D, and K-PDQ scores. Weight-bearing pain decreased significantly more from pretreatment to 6 weeks after the start of the treatment protocol in the polynucleotide sodium-treated patients than in the patients who were treated with other agents (p = 0.006, one-way ANOVA). There were no significant between-group differences in the other secondary endpoints. No adverse events occurred. In conclusion, polynucleotide sodium could effectively reduce weight-bearing pain in the patients with knee osteoarthritis compared to standard hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation.

Persistent or recurrent back and leg pain following spinal surgery, known as failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS), significantly limits daily life activities. A lumbar epidural injection can reduce adhesions, inflammation, and nerve compression, although the epidural space can be distorted due to dura mater and epidural tissues changes after spinal surgery. This study analyzed subdural injection during lumbar epidural injection in FBSS patients. We retrospectively analyzed data from 155 patients who received a lumbar interlaminar epidural injection to manage FBSS. We grouped the patients based on the injected contrast medium appearance in the subdural (group S) or epidural spaces (group E) in fluoroscopic contrast images. Demographic, clinical, surgical and fluoroscopic data were recorded and evaluated, as were the pain scores before and after injection. There were 59 patients (38.1%) in the subdural group. Injection distance from the surgery level differed between the groups. Risk of subdural injection at level 1 distance from the surgery level had an odds ratio of 0.374, and at level &ge, 2, it was 0.172, when compared to level 0. Subdural incidence differed with the distance from surgical site. Physicians should strive to reduce subdural incidence when the injection is planned at surgery site in FBSS.

Since pits and fissures are the areas most commonly affected by caries due to their structural irregularity, bioactive resin-based sealant (RBS) may contribute to the prevention of secondary caries. This study aims to investigate the mechanical, physical, ion-release, enamel remineralisation, and antibacterial capabilities of the novel RBS with bioactive glass (BAG) and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC). For the synthesis, 12.5 wt% BAG and 3 wt% MPC were incorporated into RBS. The contact angle, flexural strength, water sorption, solubility, and viscosity were investigated. The release of multiple ions relating to enamel remineralisation was investigated. Further, the attachments of bovine serum albumin, brain heart infusion broth, and Streptococcus mutans on RBS were studied. Finally, the thickness and biomass of a human saliva-derived microsm biofilm model were analysed before aging, with static immersion aging and with thermocycling aging. In comparison to commercial RBS, BAG+MPC increased the wettability, water sorption, solubility, viscosity, and release of multiple ions, while the flexural strength did not significantly differ. Furthermore, RBS with MPC and BAG+MPC significantly reduced protein and bacteria adhesion and suppressed multi-species biofilm attachment regardless of the existence of aging and its type. The novel RBS has great potential to facilitate enamel remineralisation and suppress biofilm adhesion, which could prevent secondary dental caries.

Professional practitioners who are required to stand for long periods of time frequently complain about vein-related symptoms. Compression stocking are effective for vein-related symptoms, but there is not enough evidence on the effect of the length of compression stockings for nursing students. To compare oedema, pain, and satisfaction according to different lengths of compression stockings worn by female nursing students. This study was conducted as a randomized clinical trial. The participants included 20 female nursing students in their first semester of clinical practice training. Compression stockings with 25&ndash, 32 mmHg pressure were used in the study, the participants were divided into two groups based on the length of compression stocking: knee length and thigh length. Differences between groups regarding pain, oedema, and satisfaction were analysed using t-tests, paired t-tests, and Mann&ndash, Whitney U tests, when appropriate. There were no significant differences in pain, oedema, and satisfaction between the two groups. However, pain in right legs of the thigh-length stocking group significantly increased after clinical training shift compared with that before the shift (t = &minus, 2.377, p = 0.041). Both groups reported high satisfaction. There were no differences in pain, oedema, and satisfaction in both legs based on the length of compression stockings, but side effects appeared in participants wearing the thigh-length stockings, nevertheless, satisfaction was high in both groups. It may be important to suggest nursing students to wear knee-length compression stockings during clinical practice training.

(1) Background: In response to the notification made by an elementary school authority that reported a number of elementary school children being absent in three schools as a result of gastroenteritis symptoms on 4 July 2018, in Gyeongsangbuk-Do Province, South Korea, an epidemic investigation was carried out to determine the extent, cause, and source of the outbreak in order to prevent secondary cases and make recommendations to prevent future recurrences. (2) Methods: In this epidemiologic study, a total of 106 human subjects (school children, staff members, and cooks) who had consumed the possibly contaminated foodstuffs were enrolled retrospectively. Human specimens from clinically defined cases, food and drinks, supply and storage of them, and environmental and sanitary conditions were also assessed by observation, laboratory tests, and survey questionnaires&mdash, where and whatever applicable. The attack rate and positive rate for human specimens were first presented followed by the calculation of the relative risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI (confidence intervals) in order to identify the exposure and outcome relationships. (3) Results: The attack rate was 12.26% (13/106) for those who had ingested the food items at the three schools and the positive rate of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) was 15.38% (2/13). The relative risk (RR) of developing food poisoning of those who consumed the cucumber chili with ssamjang and seasoned cucumber and chives were 4.55 (95% CI 1.05&ndash, 19.54) and 9.20 (95% CI 1.24&ndash, 68.22), respectively. In addition, within the human specimens as well as the water and environmental samples different strains of diarrhoeagenic enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) were detected. (4) Conclusions: Provision of safe and wholesome water access to all elementary schools by concerned authorities, especially during the likely seasons of water source contamination, as well as health education promotion about foodborne outbreaks to all school stakeholders is therefore recommended.

(1) Background: In response to the notification made by an elementary school authority that reported a number of elementary school children being absent in three schools as a result of gastroenteritis symptoms on 4 July 2018, in Gyeongsangbuk-Do Province, South Korea, an epidemic investigation was carried out to determine the extent, cause, and source of the outbreak in order to prevent secondary cases and make recommendations to prevent future recurrences. (2) Methods: In this epidemiologic study, a total of 106 human subjects (school children, staff members, and cooks) who had consumed the possibly contaminated foodstuffs were enrolled retrospectively. Human specimens from clinically defined cases, food and drinks, supply and storage of them, and environmental and sanitary conditions were also assessed by observation, laboratory tests, and survey questionnaires—where and whatever applicable. The attack rate and positive rate for human specimens were first presented followed by the calculation of the relative risk ratio (RR) with 95% CI (confidence intervals) in order to identify the exposure and outcome relationships. (3) Results: The attack rate was 12.26% (13/106) for those who had ingested the food items at the three schools and the positive rate of enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) was 15.38% (2/13). The relative risk (RR) of developing food poisoning of those who consumed the cucumber chili with ssamjang and seasoned cucumber and chives were 4.55 (95% CI 1.05–19.54) and 9.20 (95% CI 1.24–68.22), respectively. In addition, within the human specimens as well as the water and environmental samples different strains of diarrhoeagenic enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) were detected. (4) Conclusions: Provision of safe and wholesome water access to all elementary schools by concerned authorities, especially during the likely seasons of water source contamination, as well as health education promotion about foodborne outbreaks to all school stakeholders is therefore recommended.

‘New Breeding Techniques (NBTs)’ have been one of hot issues, since their future will be affected profoundly by national as well as international regulatory landscapes. In this review, we compare characteristics of NBTs with conventional and genetic modification, and analyze genetically modified organism (GMO) regulatory systems in the context of possible regulation of NBTs. NBTs are very heterogeneous in terms of principles, methodologies, and final products. As Living Modified Organisms (LMO) is defined in the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety (CPB) as an organism containing novel combination of genetic materials obtained by the use of modern biotechnology, CPB as well as other national legislations locate itself somewhere in the middle between product-based and process-based regulations. It is also noted that jurisdictions with regulatory systems more oriented to product-based one tend to be more productive and decide or may decide to exempt site-directed nucleases-1 from GMO regulation. In this context, Korean legislations are reviewed to clarify the commons and differences in GMO definitions. Act on Transboundary Movement of LMO Act, Food Sanitation Act and Agricultural and Fishery Products Quality Control Act are three major acts to regulate GMOs. It is noted that there are differences in the definition of LMO or GM food/products especially between the LMO Act and the Food Sanitation Act. Such differences may cause conflicts between Acts when policydecision regarding the regulation of NBTs is made. Therefore, it is necessary to reorganize legislations before policies regarding the regulation of any techniques from biotechnology are made.

BACKGROUND/AIM The present study was designed to identify drugs that could sensitize P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-overexpressing resistant KBV20C cancer cells to treatment with Halaven (HAL) or vincristine (VIC). MATERIALS AND METHODS Using relatively low doses or IC50 concentrations of drugs to sensitize anti-mitotic drug-resistant KBV20C cells, pimozide (PIM) sensitized HAL-resistant KBV20C cancer cells, with higher P-gp inhibitory activity than another anti-psychotic drug, fluphenazine (FLU). RESULTS The first-generation P-gp inhibitor verapamil required a dose that was similar to that of PIM for P-gp inhibition, suggesting that PIM has a similar specificity for binding P-gp to prevent efflux of anti-mitotic drugs. Furthermore, co-treatment with PIM and another anti-mitotic drug, VIC, also increased sensitization of KBV20C cells, suggesting that PIM can be combined with other anti-mitotic drugs to sensitize resistant cancer cells. PIM caused a reduction in cell viability and an increase in the number of cells arresting at the G2 phase of the cell cycle. PIM induced both early and late apoptosis in KBV20C cells in response to HAL treatment. Furthermore, the DNA damage marker pH2AX, the cell-cycle protein pRb, and the pro-apoptotic protein C-PARP levels increased after HAL-PIM co-treatment, indicative of a mechanism involving G2 phase arrest and an increase in the number of cells undergoing apoptosis. CONCLUSION PIM may be a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancers that are resistant to anti-mitotic drugs.

Background/aim The present study was designed to identify conditions that would increase the sensitivity of resistant cancer cells to anti-mitotic drugs. Materials and methods Previously, we showed that KBV20C cancer cells highly resistant to Halaven® (HAL) were sensitized by co-treatment with fluphenazine (FLU). In this study, we found that low doses of aripiprazole (ARI), another antipsychotic drug, sensitized HAL-resistant KBV20C cancer cells. We then investigated the mechanisms and roles of ARI in the sensitization of HAL-treated KBV20C cancer cells. Results First-generation P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor verapamil required a dose that was nearly four-fold higher than that of ARI for P-gp inhibition, which suggested that ARI had a high specificity for P-gp binding to prevent efflux of anti-mitotic drugs. ARI was also found to sensitize HAL-treated KBV20C cells at a low dose, approximately 4-fold lower than that of verapamil. Co-treatment of ARI with another anti-mitotic drug, vincristine, also increased the sensitization of KBV20C cells. ARI caused a reduction in cell viability, increased G2 arrest, and up-regulated expression of the DNA damage protein, pH2AX, when co-treated with HAL. Moreover, G2 phase arrest and apoptosis in HAL-ARI co-treated cells resulted from the up-regulation of retinoblastoma protein, reduced extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway activity, and down-regulation of cell division cyclin protein. Conclusion Cancer cells that are highly resistant to HAL can be sensitized with the antipsychotic drug, ARI, which exerts specific P-gp inhibitory effects at a low dose.

BACKGROUND/AIM The study focused on identifying the mechanisms or drugs that could sensitize P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-overexpressing resistant KBV20C cancer cells to halaven (HAL) or vincristine (VIC) treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Based on the relatively low dose or IC50 values for sensitizing anti-mitotic drug-resistant KBV20C cells, the aging-related drugs donepezil (DON) and sildenafil citrate (SID) were selected. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), western blotting, and annexin V analyses were performed to investigate the mechanism of action of DON and SID in HAL-treated KBV20C cells. RESULTS DON or SID reduced cell viability, increased G2 arrest, and up-regulated the expression of the DNA damaging protein pH2AX when used as co-treatment with HAL. DON and SID induced both early and late apoptosis in KBV20C cells in response to HAL treatment, without increasing autophagy. VIC-DON and VIC-SID co-treatments increased sensitization of KBV20C cells, suggesting that DON and SID can be combined with other anti-mitotic drugs for sensitizing resistant cancer cells. When the sensitization efficacies of DON and SID were compared to that of the anti-psychotic repositioned drug fluphenazine (FLU), HAL-SID or HAL-FLU co-treatments were found to have better sensitization effects than HAL-DON suggesting that HAL-SID sensitization mechanism is different from that of HAL-DON. In addition, DON was found to have higher P-gp inhibitory activity than FLU or SID. CONCLUSION These results suggest that HAL-FLU or HAL-SID sensitization in KBV20C cells involves both cytotoxic and P-gp inhibitory effects, whereas HAL-DON sensitization may involve only P-gp inhibitory activity of DON.

2'-Fucosyllactose (2-FL) is one of most abundant oligosaccharides in human milk, which is involved in many biological functions for infant health. Since 2-FL has a great potential in application to functional food materials and pharmaceuticals, several microbial systems for mass production of 2-FL have been developed in recent years. Microbial production of 2-FL was suggested to be influenced by a number of factors including fucosylation activity of α-1,2-fucosyltransferase. In the present study, the wcfB gene coding for α-1,2-fucosyltransferase from Bacteroides fragilis was screened from eleven candidates of putative α-1,2-fucosyltransferase. Introduction of the wcfB gene allows the lacZ-deleted strain of E. coli expressing the genes for guanosine 5'-diphosphate (GDP)-l-fucose biosynthetic enzymes to produce 2-FL. As a result of fed-batch fermentation, 15.4g/L extracellular concentration of 2-FL with 2-FL yield of 0.858g/g lactose and productivity of 0.530g/L/h were obtained. In addition, the feasibility of industrial production of 2-FL using this microbial system was demonstrated by performing fed-batch fermentation in a 75L bioreactor.

In this study, we have developed the manufacturing technology for high strength gray cast irons by using the spent permanent magnet scraps. The cast specimen inoculated by using a spent magnet scraps showed the excellent tensile strength up to 306MPa. This tensile strength value is 50MPa higher than that of the specimen cast without inoculation, and is similar to that of the specimen inoculated by using the expensive misch-metal. These superior mechanical properties are attributed to complex sulfides created during solidification that promote the formation and growth of Type-A graphite. It is therefore concluded that spent magnets scrap can provide an efficient and cost-effective inoculation agent for the fabrication of high-performance gray cast iron.

Herein we evaluate the effect of nanodiamond (ND) incorporation on the mechanical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposite. Three quantities of ND (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 wt.%) were tested against the control and zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO). Flexural strength and elastic modulus were measured using a three-point bending test, surface hardness was evaluated using the Vickers hardness test, and surface roughness was evaluated using atomic force microscopy (AFM), while fungal adhesion and viability were studied using Candida albicans. Samples were also analyzed for biofilm thickness and biomass in a saliva-derived biofilm model. All groups of ND-PMMA nanocomposites had significantly greater mean flexural strengths and statistically improved elastic modulus, compared to the control and ZrO groups (P &lt, 0.001). The Vickers hardness values significantly increased compared to the control group (P &lt, 0.001) with 0.3% and 0.5% ND. ND addition also gave significant reduction in fungal adhesion and viability (P &lt, 0.001) compared to the control group. Finally, salivary biofilm formation was markedly reduced compared to the ZrO group. Hence, the incorporation of 0.1&ndash, 0.5 wt.% ND with auto- polymerized PMMA resin significantly improved the flexural strength, elastic modulus, and surface hardness, and provided considerable fungal resistance.