• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.47-53
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• 2011

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ST) is one of the most common serovars isolated from humans and animals. It has been suggested that ST infections in Koreans are largely due to the consumption of contaminated pork and beef. To investigate the genotypes, phage types, and antimicrobial resistance patterns for ST isolates of different origins, a total of 70 ST strains, including 19 isolates from humans, 44 isolates from pigs, and 6 isolates from cattle, were analyzed using pulsedfield gel electrophoresis (PFGE), phage typing, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Forty-three distinct PFGE patterns were generated from 70 ST isolates, which were grouped into 14 PFGE groups (from A to N) at the level of 75% similarity. The most prevalent group was the A (A1-A17 subtypes) group, encompassing 54.5% (38/70) of ST isolates. ST isolates from pigs and cattle mostly belong to groups A and L, whereas ST isolates from humans mostly belong to groups F and C. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests using 11 antimicrobial agents showed that resistance to tetracycline (TE) (81.4%) was highly prevalent, followed by streptomycin (S) (64.3%) and nalidixic acid (NA) (31.4%) resistance. A total of seventeen antimicrobial resistance patterns were observed. Only 8.6% of isolates, including a reference strain, were susceptible to all antimicrobial agents tested. The most prevalent resistance pattern was TE-S (37.1%), which was seen in 66.6% of bovine, 40.8% of swine and 21.1% of human isolates. Three ST isolates from humans (15.9%) showed resistance to 7-8 antimicrobials. The most predominant phage type (PT) was U302 (64.3%), followed by DT170 (10.0%). PFGE types did not coincide with antimicrobial resistance patterns and phage types; therefore, the combination of those types allowed for further differentiation between tested ST isolates.

• Journal of English Language & Literature
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• v.58 no.6
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• pp.1143-1165
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• 2012

Tinted with ontological concern, Ted Hughes passes through an existential climate, eventually confirms death( or nothingness) as the new foundation of his poetry, and explores the various paradoxical effects of nothingness. Nihilism, fraught with rather negative and traumatic themes such as death, melancholy, and despair can, however, generate being (even in multiple modes), animalistic vitality, and insubstantial specters. Among these new functions of nothingness animality and spectrality are the most notable in Hughes's poetry. A considerable number of animals and bioorganisms that Hughes introduces exhibit the enormous energy derived from the dignity of death, from subversive challenges against the established hierarchy, and from new and dynamic multifaceted sources of nothingness. In other words, Hughes's animals, yield surplus power beyond themselves, as if they are demi-gods; in short, they feature the sublime as unidentified terrifying effects of nothingness. In a sense, animality means allowing some level of violence without legal sanction. Hughes inaugurates this kind of all bigotry-eradicating violence and attempts to subvert higher beings such as humans and gods, and existing doctrines: thrushes rise up against the animal and human worlds; a rush of ghostly crabs at night press through the human world. Hughes also resists the highest being, God, employing the technique of rewriting God's theology. Dirty, anomalous crows attack, subvert, and dismember the delicate, indurate, and thorough system of logos. Hughes, of course, does not place the animals merely in lofty regard, aware of the ulterior deprivation of the sublime animality, the trace of existential negativity. Thus, a seemingly omnipotent crow can become a mere beggar guzzling ice cream from the garbage bin on the beach. In addition, the violent and dignified aspects of nothingness can be transformed to reveal the thin and trivial traits as unreliable specters. Dark, heavy, and terrible nullity lessens its own volume and mass, and exposes the airy waves of shadows or specters. However, owing to nullity's untraceable track, the scarcity and unfamiliarity of the phantoms inversely display their foreign gigantic effects such as fantasy and violence.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.54.1-54.11
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• 2020

Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading cause of severe infections in humans and animals worldwide. Studies elucidating the population structure, staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec types, resistance phenotypes, and virulence gene profiles of animal-associated MRSA are needed to understand spread and transmission. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine 1) clonal complexes and spa types, 2) resistance phenotypes, and 3) virulence/resistance gene profiles of MRSA isolated from animals in Switzerland. Methods: We analyzed 31 presumptive MRSA isolates collected from clinical infections in horses, dogs, cattle, sheep, and pigs, which had tested positive in the Staphaurex Latex Agglutination Test. The isolates were characterized by spa typing and DNA microarray profiling. In addition, we performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing using the VITEK 2 Compact system. Results: Characterization of the 31 presumptive MRSA isolates revealed 3 methicillinresistant Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolates, which were able to grow on MRSA2 Brilliance agar. Of the 28 MRSA isolates, the majority was assigned to CC398 (86%), but CC8 (11%) and CC1 (4%) were also detected. The predominant spa type was t011 (n = 23), followed by t009 (n = 2), t034 (n = 1), t008 (n = 1), and t127 (n = 1). Conclusions: The results of this study extend the current body of knowledge on the population structure, resistance phenotypes, and virulence and resistance gene profiles of MRSA from livestock and companion animals.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.66 no.2
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• pp.279-294
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• 2024

Agriculture has played a significant role in the national economy, contributing to food security, driving economic growth, and safeguarding the dietary habits of the population. Korean agriculture has been compelled to focus on intensive farming due to its limited cultivation area, excessive input costs, and the limitations of agricultural mechanization. In the Republic of Korea (R.O.K), the concept of environmentally friendly animal agriculture began to be introduced in the early 2000s. This concept ultimately aims to cultivate sustainable animal agriculture (SAA) through environmentally friendly production practices, ensuring the healthy rearing of animals to supply safe animal products. Despite the government's efforts, there are still significant challenges in implementing environmentally friendly agriculture and SAA in the R.O.K. Therefore, the objective of this review is to establish the direction that the animal agriculture sector should take in the era of climate crisis, and to develop effective strategies for SAA tailored to the current situation in the R.O.K by examining the trends in SAA in the U.S. The animal agriculture sector in the U.S. has been working towards creating a SAA system where humans, animals, and the environment can coexist through government initiatives, industry research, technological support, and individual efforts. Efforts have been made to reduce emissions like carbon, and improve factors affecting the environment such as the carbon footprint, odor, and greenhouse gases associated with animal agriculture processes for animals such as cattle and pigs. The transition of the U.S. towards SAA appears to be driven by both external goals related to addressing climate change and the primary objectives of responding to the demand for safe animal products, expanding consumption, and securing competitiveness in overseas export markets. The demand for animal welfare, organic animal products, and processed goods has been increasing in the U.S. consumer market. A major factor in the transformation of the U.S. animal agriculture sector in terms of livestock specifications is attributed to environmentally friendly practices such as high-quality feed, heat stress reduction, improvements in reproductive ability and growth period reduction, and efforts in animal genetic enhancement.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.87-90
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• 2012

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most common cancer in northeastern Thailand. At present, effective diagnosis of CCA either in humans or animals is not available. Monitoring the development and progression of CCA in animal models is essential for research and development of new promising chemotherapeutics. Ultrasonography has been widely used for screening of bile duct obstruction in CCA patients. In this study, we preliminarily investigated the applicability of ultrasonography to monitor the development and progression of CCA in Syrian golden hamsters (n=8) induced by Opisthorchis viverrini (OV)/dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) administration. Ultrasonography and histopathological examination of hamsters was performed at week 0, 20, 24 and 28 of OV infection or at the start of water/Tween-80 administration to controls. The ultrasonographic images of liver parenchyma and gallbladders of OV/DMN-induced CCA hamsters showed sediments in gallbladder, thickening of gallbladder wall, and hypoechogenicity of liver parenchyma cells. The ultrasonographic images of liver tissues were found to correlate well with histopathological examination. Although ultrasonography does not directly detect the occurrence of CCA, it reflects the thickening of bile ducts and abnormality of liver tissues. It may be applied as a reliable tool for monitoring the development and progression of CCA in animal models in research and development of new promising chemotherapeutics for CCA.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.344-351
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• 2009

Purpose: Optical imaging is providing great advance and improvement in genetic and molecular imaging of animals and humans. Optical imaging system consists of optical imaging devices, which carry out major function for monitoring, tracing, and imaging in most of molecular in-vivo researches. In bio-luminescent imaging, small animals containing luciferase gene locally irradiate light, and emitted photons transmitted through skin of the small animals are imaged by using a high sensitive charged coupled device (CCD) camera. In this paper, we introduced optical imaging system for the image acquisition of bio-luminescent signals emitted from small animals. Materials and Methods: In the system, Nikon lens and four LED light sources were mounted at the inside of a dark box. A cooled CCD camera equipped with a control module was used. Results: We tested the performance of the optical imaging system using effendorf tube and light emitting bacteria which injected intravenously into CT26 tumor bearing nude mouse. The performance of implemented optical imaging system for bio-luminescence imaging was demonstrated and the feasibility of the system in small animal imaging application was proved. Conclusion: We anticipate this system could be a useful tool for the molecular imaging of small animals adaptable for various experimental conditions in future.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.279-282
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• 2024

This study aimed to verify the results of emotional analysis with respect to canine behavior as reported in the existing animal behavior field based on the dog vestibular emotional reflex (VER) principle, and to evaluate humans and animals based on empathy gained through true communication rather than human-centered interpretation. A total of 200 canines were divided into non-daily and daily situation groups (n=100 each). To assess the psychological and emotional state of each group, these changes were applied to the principle of VER, and six measurement values were selected: positive emotion (balance and energy), negative emotion (tension/anxiety and stress), and body condition (inhibition and neuroticism). The results showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in positive emotions, negative emotions, and body conditions between the two groups. In addition, balance, energy, tension/anxiety, inhibition, and neuroticism were higher in the non-daily situation group than in the daily situation group, with an exception for stress. Compared with the canine daily situation groups, canine in the non-daily situation groups instinctively observed their surroundings to cope with possible threats, had decreased concentration, and elevated vitals due to high-intensity anxiety. This can be perceived as a state of immediate reaction to possible situations/threats. In conclusion, it was confirmed through Vibra Image technology that canine instability mainly affects three factors: positive emotion, negative emotion, and physical condition.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.245-254
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• 2021

Objective: In humans, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an androgen-dependent ovarian disorder. Aberrant gene expression in folliculogenesis can arrest the transition of preantral to antral follicles, leading to PCOS. We explored the possible role of altered gene expression in preantral follicles of estradiol valerate (EV) induced polycystic ovaries (PCO) in a mouse model. Methods: Twenty female balb/c mice (8 weeks, 20.0±1.5 g) were grouped into control and PCO groups. PCO was induced by intramuscular EV injection. After 8 weeks, the animals were killed by cervical dislocation. Blood serum (for hormonal assessments using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique) was aspirated, and ovaries (the right ovary for histological examinations and the left for quantitative real-time polymerase) were dissected. Results: Compared to the control group, the PCO group showed significantly lower values for the mean body weight, number of preantral and antral follicles, serum levels of estradiol, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and follicle-stimulating hormone, and gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9 and BMPR2 (p<0.05). Serum progesterone levels were significantly higher in the PCO animals than in the control group (p<0.05). No significant between-group differences (p>0.05) were found in BMP6 or BMP15 expression. Conclusion: In animals with EV-induced PCO, the preantral follicles did not develop into antral follicles. In this mouse model, the gene expression of TGFB1, GDF9, and BMPR2 was lower in preantral follicles, which is probably related to the pathologic conditions of PCO. Hypoandrogenism was also detected in this EV-induced murine PCO model.

• BMB Reports
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• v.36 no.5
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• pp.499-504
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• 2003

There has been increasing interest in studying the various effects of organophosphate insecticides in humans and experimental animals. Only a few data are available on the effect of the organophosphate insecticide, diazinon, on lipid metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of diazinon on plasma lipid constituents in mammalian animals. The plasma levels of total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and phospholipids (PL) were measured in albino rats that were orally treated with a single dose of diazinon at a level of $LD_{50}$ or with repeated daily doses at the levels of $\frac{1}{2}$, $\frac{1}{8}$, and $\frac{1}{32}$ $LD_{50}$ for 2, 8, and 32 days, respectively. After a 24 h post-treatment with a single $LD_{50}$ dose of diazinon, TC was not significantly changed, the HDL-C and PL levels were significantly decreased, but the LDL-C and TG levels were significantly increased. Separate daily oral administrations of diazinon at $\frac{1}{2}$ $LD_{50}$, $\frac{1}{8}$ $LD_{50}$, and $\frac{1}{32}$ $LD_{50}$ doses resulted in a significant decrease in HDL-C and PL, with no significant change in TG. The LDL-C levels were significantly increased and TC showed no significant change with $\frac{1}{2}$ $LD_{50}$ and $\frac{1}{32}$$LD_{50}$ doses of diazinon, whereas a significant decrease in the levels of TC, HDL-C, as well as LDL-C, was observed with the $\frac{1}{8}$ $LD_{50}$ dose. These data suggest that diazinon may interfere with lipid metabolism in mammals.

• ALGAE
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.303-313
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• 2012

Cyanobacteria are well known for their production of a multitude of highly toxic and / or allelopathic compounds. Among the photosynthetic microorganisms, cyanobacteria, belonging to the genus Nostoc are regarded as good candidate for producing biologically active secondary metabolites which are highly toxic to humans and other animals. Since so many reports have been published on the poisoning of different animals from drinking water contaminated with cyanobacteria toxins, it might be assumed that bioactive compounds are found only in aquatic species causes toxicity. However, the discovery of several dead dogs, mice, ducks, and fish around paddy fields, prompted us to study the toxic compounds in a strain of Nostoc which is most abundant in the paddy fields of Iran, using polymerase chain reaction and liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array detector and mass spectrophotometer. Results of molecular analysis demonstrated that the ASN_M strain contains the nosF gene. Also, the result of ion chromatograms and $MS^2$ fragmentation patterns showed that while there were three different peptidic compound classes (anabaenopeptin, cryptophycin, and nostocyclopeptides), there were no signs of the presence of anatoxin-a, homoanatoxin-a, hassallidin or microcystins. Moreover, a remarkable antifungal activity was identified in the methanolic extracts. Based on the results, this study suggests that three diverse groups of potentially bioactive compounds might account for the death of these animals. This case is the first documented incident of toxicity from aquatic cyanobacteria related intoxication in dogs, mice, and aquatic organisms in Iran.