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A radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula (RCAVF) is associated with better long-term patency and fewer complications. However, RCAVF have lower maturation rate for hemodialysis compared with upper AVF or arteriovenous graft. We performed this study to determine the effect of the radiocephalic (RC) anastomotic length on the AVF maturation.We reviewed the patients who underwent RCAVF creation with a side-to-end manner from March 2015 to December 2018. AVF maturation was defined as successful hemodialysis (HD) in at least two consecutive sessions. We compared the possible factors including the RC anastomotic length between the initial HD success group and initial HD failure group.A total of 114 patients underwent RCAVF creation: 72 males and 42 females (63.2% and 36.8%, respectively). The mean preoperative arteriotomy length of the AVF was 14.1 mm (range 11.0-16.0 mm). Out of 114 patients, initial HD was executed successfully in 83 patients (72.8%). Among the 31 patients with initial HD failure (27.2%) balloon angioplasty was successfully performed in 17 patients, failed in 4 patients, and not performed in 10 patients. The secondary success rate after balloon angioplasty was 87.7%. After factor analysis, pre-emptive AVF (P = 0.01), vein diameter (P0.001), and flow rate (P0.001) were revealed significant factors for initial HD success, but not RC anastomotic length of AVF (P = 0.55).The length of the radiocephalic anastomosis does not affect the RCAVF maturation rate statistically. However, lengthening of arteriotomy on the radial artery may increase the initial success rate of HD.

Laparoscopic hepatectomy for tumors close to the major hepatic veins (HVs) is a technically demanding procedure that is relatively contraindicated. We investigated this surgical technique and the outcomes of intraparenchymal identification of the major HVs using the ventral approach in pure laparoscopic hepatectomy for tumors close to the major HVs. In the present study, tumors

Although protein-induced vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) has been used as a diagnostic tool for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its prognostic value remains unclear.This was a nationwide multicenter study using the database of the Korean Liver Cancer Association. Patients with hepatitis B-related HCC who underwent liver resection as the first treatment after initial diagnosis (2008-2014) were selected randomly. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed for comparative analysis between those with low and high preoperative PIVKA-II. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression were used to identify prognostic factors for HCC-specific survival.Among 6,770 patients, 956 patients were included in this study. After propensity score matching, the 2 groups (n = 245, each) were well balanced. The HCC-specific 5-year survival rate was 80.9% in the low PIVKA-II group and 78.7% in the high PIVKA-II group (P = 0.605). In univariable analysis, high PIVKA-II (106.0 mAU/mL) was not a significant predictor for worse HCC-specific survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.183; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76-1.85; P = 0.461). In multivariable analysis, hyponatremia of135 mEq/L (HR, 4.855; 95% CI, 1.67-14.12; P = 0.004), preoperative ascites (HR, 4.072; 95% CI, 1.59-10.43; P = 0.003), microvascular invasion (HR, 3.112; 95% CI, 1.69-5.74; P0.001), and largest tumor size of ≥5.0 cm (HR, 2.665; 95% CI, 1.65-4.31; P0.001), but not preoperative high PIVKA-II, were independent predictors for worse HCC-specific survival.Preoperative PIVKA-II is not an independent prognostic factor for HCC-specific survival after liver resection for hepatitis B-related HCC.

Background Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISMAD) was previously considered a rare disorder; however, this condition has been increasingly diagnosed as time progressed. Although treatment regimen and treatment outcomes have become clearer, the optimal treatment strategy has not yet been well established. Materials and Methods This study included 54 patients diagnosed with ISMAD by computed tomography (CT) between November 2004 and December 2017. Thirteen patients were excluded from the analysis of natural course as 6 were lost to follow-up, and 7 underwent endovascular therapy. Results Of the 54 patients included in the study, 50 were male, and 4 were female. The mean age of the patients was 52.3 years (range 40–74). The mean follow-up duration was 18.5 months (range 1.0–131.0). Thirty-eight patients were symptomatic, and 16 were asymptomatic. All aneurysmal changes observed on follow-up CT scans were initially classified as type III or IV. Of these patients, 7 underwent endovascular therapy. The failure rate of conservative treatment was 13%. Conclusions Conservative treatment is safe and effective if bowel necrosis or arterial rupture is not present. Symptomatic patients classified as type III or IV on the initial CT scan should be followed up. If there is recurrent pain or aneurysmal progression, endovascular therapy should be performed.

Pure laparoscopic anatomical segmental resection has rarely been reported because this technique frequently presents technical difficulties. We describe the laparoscopic resection of anatomical segment VI using the Glissonian approach and a modified liver hanging maneuver. Rouviere’s sulcus is identified after retracting superiorly the gallbladder. The Glissonian approach for anatomical resection of segment VI can be performed with minimal dissection of the liver parenchyma around the sulcus. After clamping the Glissonian pedicle in the sulcus, the ischemic area fed by the portal pedicle was confirmed. The right triangular ligament was divided to create a small opening for placement of the hanging tape along the ischemic line. The liver parenchymal transection was performed along the hanging tape. Four patients underwent pure laparoscopic anatomical segment VI resection using the Glissonian approach and a modified liver hanging maneuver. The median operation time was 205 min (range, 110–250 min), and median estimated blood loss was 110 mL (range, 100–350 mL). The median postoperative hospital stay was 5 days (range, 4–8 days). There was no postoperative morbidity or mortality. The Glissonian approach at Rouviere’s sulcus as a landmark combined with the modified liver hanging maneuver may be safe and useful for laparoscopic anatomical segment VI resection.

Purpose: Laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colon cancer is one of the most frequent procedures performed in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. In this study, we analyzed clinical and long-term oncological outcomes of left-sided colon cancer patients who underwent conventional laparoscopic surgery (CLS) and hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS). Methods: A total of 172 CLS patients and 72 HALS patients for left-sided colon cancer from July 2001 to December 2011 were included in this study. The collected data included the clinical and oncological outcomes. We analyzed overall survival and disease-free survival by tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64 years, and male patients were predominant. The mean follow-up period was 58.1 months. The number of patients that belong in each TNM stage 0, I, II, III, and IV was as follows: 17 (7%), 47 (19.2%), 70 (28.7%), 80 (32.8%), and 30 (12.3%), respectively. Overall 5-year survival rate for TNM stage I, II, III, and IV was 87.1%, 82.8%, 82%, and 12%, respectively. Overall 5-year survival rate for CLS group and HALS group was 90.2% and 66.7%, 86.5% and 77%, 88.7% and 67.4%, and 18.9% and 0%, respectively. Disease-free 5-year survival rate for TNM stage I, II, and III was 97.7%, 90.7%, and 72.8%, respectively. Disease-free 5-year survival rate for CLS group and HALS group was 97.3% and 100%, 100% and 78.8%, and 81% and 55.1%, respectively. Conclusion: These data show the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for left-sided colon cancer in terms of long-term oncological outcomes.

A robotic system was mainly designed to allow precise dissection in deep and narrow spaces. We report the clinical and oncologic outcomes of totally robotic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. Between July 2009 and January 2012, 60 consecutive patients undergoing robotic surgery for rectal cancer at the Eulji University Hospital were included. The mean total operation time, docking time, and surgeon console time were 466.8 ± 115.6, 7.5 ± 6.7, and 261 ± 87.5 min, respectively. Oral intake of diet was started at 3.3 ± 0.9 days and the mean hospital stay was 8.6 ± 2.4 days. All 60 procedures were technically successful without the need for conversion to open or laparoscopic surgery. Complications included anastomotic leakage, anastomotic stricture, postoperative bleeding, ileus, and perineal wound infection in 3 (5 %), 1 (1.7 %), 2 (3.3 %), 2 (3.3 %), and 1 (1.7 %) patient, respectively. The mean distal resection margin and total number of lymph nodes harvested was 3.1 ± 1.7 cm and 20.1 ± 11.5, respectively. During the mean follow-up period of 48.5 months (range, 7–75), the 4-year overall and disease-free survival rates were 87.7 and 72.8 %, respectively. A totally robotic approach for rectal cancer operations was a time-consuming procedure, although we already had a lot experience in laparoscopic colorectal surgery. However, the dexterity of the robotic surgery could enable the surgeon to expand the choice of surgical methods according to the condition of the rectal cancer without the need for conversion.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common primary mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract and usually appear as a well-circumscribed mass. However, it may be difficult to confirm the extent of the disease for some GISTs. A 70-year-old asymptomatic female presented for a regular physical exam. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy showed a 2.0 cm protruding mass on the gastric fundus. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed an ill-defined heterogenous hypoechoic lesion (3.0×1.5 cm). A computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a 4.5 cm multifocal calcified mass at the gastric body as well as at the gastric fundus. Laparoscopic gastric wedge resection was performed according to the extent of multifocal calcifications that are shown on the CT. Intraoperative specimen mammography and intraoperative biopsy might be helpful to obtain a tumor-free margin. Final pathologic diagnosis was an intermediate risk GIST in multilobular form. In patients with diffuse multifocal calcifications in the stomach, the possibility of GIST should be considered.

Background: Ruptured aneurysm of the middle colic artery is very rare. Its concomitance with isolated dissection of the superior mesenteric artery (SMAD) has not yet been reported in the literature. Case report: A previously well 56-year-old man was referred to our hospital with acute-onset pain throughout the entire abdomen. A ruptured aneurysm of the middle colic artery and isolated SMAD were revealed using a computed tomography (CT) scan. Coil embolization was successfully performed for a ruptured aneurysm of the middle colic artery. During the immediate postprocedural period, the patient had ischemic colitis, but he recovered in a few days with conservative treatment. Close observation was elected to address the SMAD because the condition was not thought to be responsible for any symptoms. The CT scan followed after 2 years showed no change in SMAD. Conclusions: We successfully performed endovascular treatment for a ruptured aneurysm of the middle colic artery. For the incidentally detected SMAD, close observational management was chosen.

Surgical bypass for peripheral arterial occlusive disease can be performed using different graft materials. Autogenous greater saphenous vein (GSV) is the treatment of choice because of its superior long-term patency. We report a case of femoropopliteal bypass with varicose GSV in a 77-year-old man who was presented with limb ischemia and both varicose veins. We successfully performed bypass with varicose vein. He has been doing well for 15 months after the operation, and a computed tomography angiography of the lower leg, performed on the 15th postoperative month, demonstrated widely patent femoropopliteal bypass graft and no structural change.

The structure of the IT industry has always evolved in line with technological progresses and changes in consumer preferences, as well as with regulatory trends. This is why, when assessing the effect that a new technology or industry policy may have on the national economy, companies and policy-makers need to consider dynamic structural changes affecting the IT industry. One of the most popular existing methods for economic impact analysis is based on a traditional input-output table, and is conducted over a period between the current time and a given time in the future. In this study, we compare the accuracy of RAS and Cross Entropy (CE), the two most widely employed methods for updating input-output (IO) tables, by applying them to Korean IT industries. The main results of this study are the following. In terms of the accuracy of input coefficient estimates, we have found that both the RAS and CE methods have a tendency to overestimate or underestimate them. When the Korean industry was first divided into fourteen sectors, and the RAS and CE methods were applied to each of the fourteen industries, it was difficult to discern a consistent trend for the two methods concerning their accuracy in estimation of input coefficients. Secondly, when used to update an IO table in which the IT industry is subdivided into IT equipment and services, neither the CE nor RAS method proved distinctly superior to the other. Third, in light of the above two findings, we concluded that updating IO tables is best done through a hybrid method combining the CE and RAS methods. This paper proposes a procedure consisting of two steps: IO tables are first updated using the two methods, which are once again updated by employing the OLS average approach through the use of optimal weights.

The aim of present study was to assess the effects of a eutectic mixture of topical anesthetics (EMLA cream) on pain responses of preschoolers during venipuncture. The pain responses were reported by children, nurses, and the children’s mothers. The pre- and post-test-designed study, which included a non-equivalent control group, was carried out in a pediatric unit at E University Hospital in South Korea. Pain responses during venipuncture were measured by the self-reporting of the children using the Face Pain Rating Scale (FPRS), the Procedure Behavior Checklist by nurses (PBCL), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) by mothers, in addition to measurements of the children’s pulse rate and level of oxygen saturation. EMLA cream was effective in decreasing the pain responses of the children as assessed by FPRS, PBCL, and VAS scores. However, pulse rate and level of oxygen saturation of the children during venipuncture were not significantly different between the two groups. EMLA cream could be a useful option for reducing pain in preschool children during invasive procedures.

Purpose There have been recent studies of the 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in the staging, detection, and follow-up of the breast cancer occurrence and recurrence. There was controversy concerning the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT for staging primary breast cancer. In this study, we investigated the potential effects of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the initial assessment of patients with primary breast cancer. Methods From January 2008 to December 2009, 154 consecutive biopsy-proven invasive breast cancer patients were enrolled in this study. Patients underwent conventional imaging studies including mammography, breast ultrasonography (USG), and magnetic resonance imaging for local assessment, and plain chest X-ray, liver USG, and bone scan to rule out distant metastasis. All 154 patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT in the initial assessment. Results 18F-FDG PET/CT did not detect primary breast lesions in 16 patients with a sensitivity of 89.6% and detected only 5 multiple lesions (12.5%) out of 40 cases. Histologically confirmed axillary lymph node (LN) metastases were in 51 patients, and the sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG PET/CT to detect metastatic axilla were 37.3% and 95.8%, respectively; whereas the corresponding estimates of USG were 41.2% and 93.7%, respectively. Eleven extra-axillary LN metastases were found in eight patients, and seven lesions were detected by 18F-FDG PET/CT only. The sensitivity and specificity of 18F-FDG PET/CT in detecting distant metastasis were 100% and 96.4%, respectively; whereas the sensitivity and specificity of the conventional imaging were 61.5% and 99.2%, respectively. Conclusion 18F-FDG PET/CT cannot be recommended as a primary diagnostic procedure in breast cancer, but it has the potential to be used as an additional imaging tool for the detection of axillary metastasis, distant metastasis, and extra-axillary LN metastasis. 18F-FDG PET/CT cannot solely replace the conventional diagnostic procedure in primary breast cancer. The best approach may be the combination of different imaging modalities.

Eosinophilic myenteric ganglionitis is a disorder characterized by infiltration of the Auerbach myenteric plexus by eosinophils. As a cause of chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO), eosinophilic myenteric ganglionitis has been rarely reported and the majority of the reported cases in the literature were children. We experienced a case of eosinophilic myenteric ganglionitis associated with CIPO in a 53-year-old female patient. Histologic examination of the resected descending colon showed moderate eosinophilic infiltrates with hypogangliosis in the myenteric plexus. Immunohistochemical study revealed increased number of CD4-positive lymphocytes and stronger but scantier glial fibillary acid protein expression in the inflamed myenteric plexus.

Background Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is widely performed since the early 2000s, but there are few long-term results. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of EVLA employed for treating varicose veins of the lower limbs by duplex ultrasonographic study. Methods A total of 24 limbs of 17 patients who underwent EVLA between 2004 and 2007 were examined with duplex ultrasonographic scans. The mean follow-up period was 66.1 months. Results There were five recurrences of saphenofemoral junction reflux. The occlusion rate was 79.2% at a mean follow-up of 66.1 months. There were 14 recanalizations and 5 recurrences of the great saphenous vein. Five partial and nine total recanalizations were observed. Conclusions EVLA is an effective and minimally invasive treatment for varicose veins. Our long-term result was acceptable, but the result was not outstanding.

This study aims to figure out IT needs internalized in our daily lives through expert FGI, examine the general characteristics of them by verifying and classifying them through a survey, and also analyze the chief fields of industry for future society by the types of IT needs. Through this analysis, the paper suggests the directivity of future IT technology, and it can be utilized as foundational data to develop IT convergence technology. First of all, according to the result of drawing the keywords through the concrete future IT needs by the detailed activities through the FGI, this study found intellectualization, integration, virtualization, automation, customization, and safety, etc. According to the result of classifying the IT needs through the survey based on that and examining the characteristics, this study classified them into emphasis on life automation, emphasis on intellectual authenticity, emphasis on information search and convenience, and emphasis on convergence. And each type showed different general characteristics from one another. And in future society, the area of energy was valued the most, and the importance of industry showed somewhat difference by the types of IT needs.

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is a genetically inherited disorder that may cause skin abnormalities and tumors that form on nerve tissues. These tumors can be small or large and can occur anywhere in the body, including the brain, spinal cord, or other peripheral nerves. Retroperitoneal lymphangiomas are very rare benign malformations of the lymphatic system. About 95% lymphangiomas occur in the skin and the subcutaneous tissues of the head, neck and axillary region and the remaining 5% appear in other parts of the body such as lungs, pleura, pericardium, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and the mesentery. Herein, we report the case of a giant retroperitoneal lymphangioma in a patient with NF-1 with a review of the literature.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to provide basic data which is necessary for educating nursing and medical students for establishing a desirable sense of ethics values Method: In this descriptive research, a total of 140 nursing students and 124 medical students were selected. The tools used for data analysis were descriptive statistics, t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Scheffe test by using SPSS/WIN 12.0 version. Result: When the differences in the consciousness of biomedical ethics of nursing and medical students were compared, statistically significant differences were found in the category of brain death (t

The most recent executions in South Korea took place in December 1997, when 23 people were executed at short notice on the same day. Similarly, nineteen executions occurred in 1995 and 15 in 1994, in each instance occurring all on the same day. These group executions seem to reflect cultural factors that monthly statistics alone do not capture. No executions have occurred since 1998, but this de facto suspension has not been reinforced by law. Since 1999, lawmakers have thrice endorsed a bill favoring life imprisonment without parole in place of the death penalty, but each time the proposal has stalled and failed to move forward. The need remains to develop a culturally appropriate pro-abolition argument that could persuade the Korean public that the death penalty is unworkable and wrong. On 21 January 2007, in the Inhyeokdang case, the Korean Court acquitted 8 persons who had been executed 32 years earlier. The hope is that, in light of strong arguments based on the risk to innocent persons and the irreversibility of capital punishment, Korea will effectively transition from de facto to formal abolition.

Background Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection (ISMAD) is not a rare disease. However, its optimal treatment strategy has not yet been established. Methods This study included 13 consecutive patients with ISMAD who were treated between April 2010 and July 2013 according to published treatment guidelines. Through a literature search, 10 studies on treatments and outcomes for ISMAD that were published from 2007 to the present were analyzed. Results In the present study, 11 patients had acute onset abdominal pain and 2 patients were asymptomatic. Twelve patients were treated with conservative treatment, whereas 1 patient underwent coil embolization. In the literature review, initial conservative treatment, endovascular procedure, and surgical repair were done in 172, 25, and 14 patients, respectively. Bowel resection was done in 8 patients (3.7%) due to bowel necrosis. Conservative treatment failed in 15 patients (6.8%) during follow-up. Conclusions If bowel necrosis or arterial rupture was not present, conservative treatment of ISMAD was a safe and effective treatment. Aneurysmal type IV patients on computed tomography scan should be carefully followed up, and if there is a recurrence of pain or aneurysmal progression, an endovascular procedure could be safely performed.

Recent empirical studies find that the wage rate differences across industries are not so countercyclical as widely believed. We consider intra-industry wage differences which refer to wage differences across more narrowly defined industries and find stronger evidence of countercyclicality.

Heterotopic pancreas, also known as ectopic pancreas, is found mainly in the stomach, duodenum, or jejunum. Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) is the non-invasive precursor of pancreatic cancer and gastritis cystica profunda (GCP) is considered a precursor of gastric cancer. As with most putative cancer precursor lesions, the diagnosis and treatment of these lesions has been controversial. A patient with no history of gastric surgery visited our institution for a regular evaluation. Endoscopy showed a 2 x 2 cm sized, protruding mass lesion with overlying normal mucosa on the fundus of stomach. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and computed tomography (CT) led to the possible diagnosis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor with cystic change. Laparoscopic gastric wedge resection was performed with intra-operative endoscopic guidance. Microscopic examination identified the mass as pancreatic tissue. Furthermore, it demonstrated PanIN, grade 3 (PanIN-3) mixed pancreatobiliary and intestinal type, arising in the heterotopic pancreas and associated with GCP. This report describes a rare case of a PanIN lesion combined with GCP as precursors of precancerous lesions in heterotopic pancreas and stomach.

Introduction There are few reports in the literature of gastroepiploic artery aneurysm (GEAA). Therefore, there are still no established guidelines for its management. Report A 55-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain. Computed tomography revealed a large hematoma around the stomach with contrast extravasation at the right GEAA. An emergency laparoscopic aneurysmectomy was performed. Discussion We report our experience of successful laparoscopic aneurysmectomy for a ruptured GEAA.

The case of an early retroperitoneal abdominal pregnancy implanted on inferior vena cava successfully resected through laparoscopic surgery is reported here. A 28-year-old woman presented with vaginal spotting and amenorrhrea for 7(+5) weeks. Although a diagnosis of right cornual ectopic pregnancy by transvaginal ultrasound was made and a laparoscopic wedge resection of the left uterine cornus was performed, the beta-human chorionic gonadotropin level remained high. Abdominal ultrasonography and computerized tomography of the abdomen demonstrated a 3.4x2.6 cm sized hypervascular cystic mass along the anterior aspect of the Inferior vena cava. A diagnosis of retroperitoneal abdominal pregnancy was made and a laparoscopic resection was performed. This is the first retroperitoneal abdominal pregnancy that has been treated through laparoscopy.

This study is to research into the economic effects of introducing of the ubiquitous City(u-City) industry in Korea. For the purpose, we define the conception of the u-City industry. And to analyze, we redistribute the Input-Output table from Korean bank. The methodological framework proposed in this paper addresses the strength of the economic effects that it reflects the endogenous model of the household. Also this paper is to estimate and analyze the forecast of final demand that do not exist in the marketplace. The results show that production derivative effect is about 2,940 trillions won, and value added creation 2,264 trillions won from 2007 to 2012.

Purpose Recently, randomized controlled trials have reported that conservative therapy can be a treatment option in patients with noncomplicated appendicitis. However, preoperative diagnosis of noncomplicated appendicitis is difficult. In this study, we determined predictive factors to distinguish patients with noncomplicated appendicitis from those with complicated appendicitis. Methods A total of 351 patients who underwent surgical treatment for acute appendicitis from January 2011 to December 2012 were included in this study. We classified patients into noncomplicated or complicated appendicitis groups based on the findings of abdominal computed tomography and pathology. We performed a retrospective analysis to find factors that could be used to discriminate between noncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. Results The mean age of the patients in the complicated appendicitis group (54.5 years) was higher than that of the patients in the noncomplicated appendicitis group (40.2 years) (P < 0.001), but the male-to-female ratios were similar. In the univariate analysis, the appendicocecal junction's diameter, appendiceal maximal diameter, appendiceal wall enhancement, periappendiceal fat infiltration, ascites, abscesses, neutrophil proportion, C-reactive protein (CRP), aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin were statistically significant factors. However, in the multivariate analysis, the appendiceal maximal diameter (P = 0.018; odds ratio [OR], 1.129), periappendiceal fat infiltration (P = 0.025; OR, 5.778), ascites (P = 0.038; OR, 2.902), and CRP (P < 0.001; OR, 1.368) were statistically significant. Conclusion Several factors can be used to distinguish between noncomplicated and complicated appendicitis. Using these factors, we could more accurately distinguish patients with noncomplicated appendicitis from those with complicated appendicitis.

In market economies, competition is viewed as a positive force which can effectively increases the welfare of consumers. Most countries adopting a market-based economic system have competition laws in place to ensure and promote competition. The essential elements of a competition law, common to most national varieties, are regulation of monopoly or oligopoly, regulation of mergers, prohibition of unfair trade practices and prohibition of cartels. The ultimate goal of this body of law is to guarantee effective competition in the market. Meanwhile, starting from the 1990s, we have been witnessing worldwide the practice known as `strategic alliance' among market competitors gaining ground at an accelerating pace. The question facing competition authorities in countries around the world is therefore whether strategic alliances are a phenomenon that needs to be regulated by the government. In this paper, we review some countries. And we try to draw a reasonable regulation direction for the telecommunications strategic alliance regulation.

When the Internet phone service, generally PC-to-phone, first entered into the telecommunications market, no regulatory issues were arisen in managing the service. While incumbent fixed telecommunications service enterprises had given with tremendous duties to continue the job categorized `facilities-based telecommunication service provider', and which can be unreasonable and unfair if Internet phone service enterprises are allowed to enter into the fixed telecommunications market without any regulation. Thus, new regulatory framework has worked for the Internet phone service named VoIP service generally in the fixed telecommunications market. Recently, VoIP is provided not only in the fixed telecommunications market but also in the mobile market as Wi-Fi phone is feasible in the wireless LAN environment. Furthermore, bundled service of Wi-Fi and cellular phone service will be launched soon, and the next version will be a mobile VoIP service operating like a cellular phone service. Thus, in this paper, we forecast the regulatory issues arising when the wireless or mobile VoIP service enterprises enter the mobile market, by analyzing both aspects of the incumbent operator's rights and the market liberalization. In market economies, competition is viewed as a positive force which can effectively increases the welfare of consumers. Most countries adopting a market-based economic system have competition laws in place to ensure and promote competition. The essential elements of a competition law, common to most national varieties, are regulation of monopoly or oligopoly, regulation of mergers, prohibition of unfair trade practices and prohibition of cartels. The ultimate goal of this body of law is to guarantee effective competition in the market. In this paper, we review some countries. And we try to draw a reasonable regulation direction for the telecommunications strategic alliance regulation

Introduction On 3 April 1997, the UN Commission on Human Rights approved Resolution 1997/12, (‘Question of the Death Penalty’), presented by Italy with forty-five other countries co-sponsoring: the resolution was passed with twenty-seven votes in favour, eleven against and fourteen abstentions. It is not surprising that the issue of the death penalty should be addressed by retentionist countries in a relativist mode, and it is significant to note that the two groups, that is Asian and Islamic countries, that held the forefront, especially at the 53rd session of the Commission, in the battle against the Italian resolution, are the most vocal and most articulate in developing the theme of relativism in all matters pertaining to human rights. Countries in the Far East, South Korea, North Korea, China and Japan, are probably the most articulate and the earliest proponents of the relativist approach. All these countries included in their arguments the complaint that the resolution proposed by Italy constituted an inadmissible attempt, on a matter as delicate as that of capital punishment, to impose views that were culturally specific and did not show sufficient respect for other traditions, and which were also – particularly as far as the Islamic countries were concerned – of a religious nature. As far as the issue of capital punishment is concerned, a major component of ‘Asian values’ is Confucianism, which is characterised by justice and retribution. South Korea: from retentionist to de facto abolitionist? The supreme penalty under Korean law is death by hanging.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the perioperative and long-term oncologic outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) and standard laparoscopic surgery (SLS) and assess the role of HALS in the management of right-sided colon cancer. Methods The study group included 53 patients who underwent HALS and 45 patients who underwent SLS for right-sided colon cancer between April 2002 and December 2008. Results The patients in each group were similar in age, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score, body mass index, and history of previous abdominal surgeries. Eight patients in the HALS group and no patient in the SLS group exhibited signs of tumor invasion into adjacent structures. No differences were noted in the time to return of normal bowel function, time to toleration of diet, lengths of hospital stay and narcotic usage, and rate of postoperative complications. The median incision length was longer in the HALS group (HALS: 7.0 cm vs. SLS: 4.8 cm, P < 0.001). The HALS group had a significantly higher pathologic TNM stage and significantly larger tumor size (HALS: 6.0 cm vs. SLS: 3.3 cm, P < 0.001). The 5-year overall, disease-free, and cancer-specific survival rates of the HALS and the SLS groups were 87.3%, 75.2%, and 93.9% and 86.4%, 78.0%, and 90.7%, respectively (P = 0.826, P = 0.574, and P = 0.826). Conclusion Although patients in the HALS group had more advanced disease and underwent more complex procedures than those in the SLS group, the short-term benefits and the oncologic outcomes between the two groups were comparable. HALS can, therefore, be considered an alternative to SLS for bulky and fixed right-sided colon cancer.

Mycotic aneurysms are uncommon, but are fatal without appropriate management. Previous reports have shown that anaerobes and gram-negative organisms are less common but more dangerous than other causative agents of mycotic aneurysm. We report the case of a 60-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis in the aorta, and a 10-day of history of lower abdominal pain and fever. This man was diagnosed with an uncommon abdominal aorta mycotic aneurysm caused by Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron and Acinetobacter lwoffii. The aneurysm was successfully treated with antibiotics therapy and aorto-bi-external iliac artery bypass with debridement of the infected aortic wall. We present this case together with a review of the relevant literature.