• Journal of fish pathology
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• 제37권1호
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• pp.79-88
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• 2024

Aeromonas spp. infections have been reported to cause significant economic losses not only in the ornamental fish industry but also in aquaculture. In December 2022-January 2023, an Aeromonas infection occurred on a goldfish in korea, A gram-negative bacterium was isolated from the skin and internal organs of infected goldfish (Carassius auratus). The results showed that the isolate was identified as Aeromonas veronii using 16S rDNA targeted oilgpnucleotide primers, furthermore characteristics of A. veronii was confirmed by enterotoxin gene, infectious experiment, antibiotic resistance. In-vivo pathogenicity of isolates to goldfsh resulted in 100% mortality in challenged host within one week of post experiment injection. As a result of PCR analysis targeting three enterotoxin-encoding genes, cytotoxic enterotoxin (act) was identified in A. veronii isolate in this study. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of isolate showed it was to susceptible to most antimicrobial agents tested but resistant to ampicillin, imipenem, meropenem and clindamycin.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.163-177
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• 2024

The fingerprint image quality relies on the clearness of separated ridges by valleys and the uniformity of the separation. The condition of skin still dominate the overall quality of the fingerprint. However, the identification performance of such system is very sensitive to the quality of the captured fingerprint image. Fingerprint image quality analysis and enhancement are useful in improving the performance of fingerprint identification systems. A fuzzy technique is introduced in this paper for both fingerprint image quality analysis and enhancement. First, the quality analysis is performed by extracting four features from a fingerprint image which are the local clarity score (LCS), global clarity score (GCS), ridge_valley thickness ratio (RVTR), and the Global Contrast Factor (GCF). A fuzzy logic technique that uses Mamdani fuzzy rule model is designed. The fuzzy inference system is able to analyse and determinate the fingerprint image type (oily, dry or neutral) based on the extracted feature values and the fuzzy inference rules. The percentages of the test fuzzy inference system for each type is as follow: For dry fingerprint the percentage is 81.33, for oily the percentage is 54.75, and for neutral the percentage is 68.48. Secondly, a fuzzy morphology is applied to enhance the dry and oily fingerprint images. The fuzzy morphology method improves the quality of a fingerprint image, thus improving the performance of the fingerprint identification system significantly. All experimental work which was done for both quality analysis and image enhancement was done using the DB_ITS_2009 database which is a private database collected by the department of electrical engineering, institute of technology Sepuluh Nopember Surabaya, Indonesia. The performance evaluation was done using the Feature Similarity index (FSIM). Where the FSIM is an image quality assessment (IQA) metric, which uses computational models to measure the image quality consistently with subjective evaluations. The new proposed system outperformed the classical system by 900% for the dry fingerprint images and 14% for the oily fingerprint images.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
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• 제20권1호
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• pp.148-157
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• 2019

Objective: To evaluate the current status of managing adverse reactions to iodinated contrast media (ICM) for computed tomography in referral hospitals in South Korea compared with hospitals in other countries. Materials and Methods: This survey investigation involved 59 Korean and 15 overseas hospitals using guideline-based questionnaires consisting of 24 items in 7 main categories related to managing adverse reactions to ICM. Results: Informed written consent with risk factor evaluation was appropriately performed in most of the Korean hospitals. There was considerable variability in assessing renal function across the hospitals; serum creatinine level was used as a reference in 76.4% of Korean hospitals. The Korean hospitals preferred a more stringent approach to determining normal renal function (p = 0.01), withholding metformin (p = 0.01), and fasting before ICM exposure (p < 0.001) compared with overseas hospitals. All the Korean hospitals had an emergency protocol and in-hospital system for adverse reactions to ICM. The Korean (87.7%) and overseas hospitals (100%) were similarly equipped with epinephrine (p = 0.332), but only 38.6% of Korean hospitals were equipped with a bronchodilator (p = 0.004). For patients with a previous hypersensitivity reaction to ICM, 62.3% of Korean hospitals pre-medicated with anti-histamine and corticosteroid according to the severity of the previous reaction, and changed the culprit ICM in 52.8%, while skin test was performed in 17%. Conclusion: In general, Korean referral hospitals were well-prepared regarding informed consent, protocol, and an in-hospital system for managing adverse reactions to ICM. Nevertheless, there was considerable variability in details and management, thus requiring standardization by reflecting current guidelines.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• 제32권1호
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• pp.83-90
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• 2024

Objectives : As a substitute for high-price ginseng, this study attempted to examine a possibility of the ferment extract of Panax ginseng sprout whether leaves and roots can be used together as a cosmetic ingredient with anti-oxidative and wrinkle-care effects. Methods : In terms of a test method, antioxidant activities were confirmed through total polyphenol contents, total flavonoid contents, DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging activity using the Panax ginseng sprout. In addition, to assess wrinkle-care effectiveness, the cytotoxicity of the extract was analyzed through MTT assay, and inhibition of collagenase activity in the cells was tested using the Panax ginseng sprout fermented by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Resuits : The content of polyphenols and flavonoids in natural plants was highest in Panax Ginseng Sprout Extract at 100℃, which also demonstrated high DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging activity. MTT assay demonstrated that the Panax Ginseng Sprout Ferment Extract did not have a cytotoxic effect in CCD-986SK cell. Also, Panax Ginseng Sprout Ferment Extract was found to inhibit MMP-1 expression by 51.85±6.09% at a concentration of 10%. Conclusions : Therefore, this study has confirmed a possibility of Panax ginseng sprout ferment extract as a cosmetic ingredient with MMP-1-inhibitory effects.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• 제56권1호
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• pp.85-88
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• 2024

Electroencephalography (EEG) is a test that diagnoses epilepsy and measures brain function. During EEG, the space between the electrode and the skin is filled with a conductive paste to reduce the impedance between the electrode and the scalp, which helps measure the EEG signals. This study compared the artifacts of the two representative conductive pastes (Ten20 and Elefix). The artifacts, noise, and satisfaction were surveyed after using the two conductive pastes. The two conductive pastes had similar artifacts and noise, but the survey results showed that the Elefix conductive paste had better satisfaction and adhesion. This result may be explained by the imprinting effect according to the experience of using the Elefix conductive paste first in the EEG class. Hence, further research is needed.

• Composites Research
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• 제37권2호
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• pp.126-131
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• 2024

The moisture absorption rate and structural strength changes of oven-cured composite skin based on closed molds were studied. Moisture absorption was performed on specimens with and without filler applied. The specimens were exposed to moisture for up to 231 days. Tensile and compression tests were conducted with and without filler application. As a result of the test, the moisture absorption rates of the tensile and compressive specimens without filler were 2.4 and 0.3% higher, respectively, than those with the filler applied. The tensile and compressive strengths of the specimen without filler applied were average 305 MPa and 139 MPa, respectively, and the tensile and compressive strengths of the specimen with filler applied were 313 MPa and 166 MPa, respectively, appeared high.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.57.1-57.12
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• 2024

Importance: Sheep and goat pox (SGP) virus infection is a highly fatal viral infection of small ruminants that causes major production losses in sheep and goats in Ethiopia while also limiting international trade. Objective: This study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of SGP infection and assess related risk variables. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to August 2023 on 384 serum samples taken from sheep and goats. A serum neutralization test was conducted to detect the presence of antibodies against the SGP virus in Wolaita Sodo Regional Laboratory. Results: The overall seroprevalence rate of SGP was 4.95%. Factors such as sheep (8.26%), female sheep and goats (7.45%), older sheep and goats (8.33%), larger flock size of sheep and goats (10.47%), poorly conditioned sheep and goats (31.58%), sheep and goats with a tick on their skin (10.38%), and animals that had not been vaccinated (5.17%) were found to have higher seroprevalence. Furthermore, the seropositivity in sheep was five times greater than in goats (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 4.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-15.99). Additionally, large-sized flocks of sheep and goats were more likely to be seropositive to pox disease than small-sized flocks (AOR, 6.73; 95% CI, 1.58-28.67). Conclusions and Relevance: Thus, the study revealed the prevalence of SGP in the Wolaita zone. Additional research should be conducted to estimate the extent of the disease at the regional level, and management measures should be implemented to reduce the economic losses associated with this condition.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• 제33권3호
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• pp.306-315
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• 1999

Purpose: We performed this study to evaluate the process of radiation induced apoptosis in A431 skin epithelial cancer cell line. Materials and Methods: Low to high dose radiation (0, 2, 5, 10, 25 Gy) was given to A431 cells by Cs-137 cell irradiator. Apoptosis was evaluated by cell morphology, dye exclusion test, and DNA laddering. Results: Cell viability decreased as the radiation dose increased. Number of apoptotic bodies increased as radiation dose increased. It increased most significantly at 12 hours after irradiation. Lactate dehydrogenase activity in culture medium increased according to radiation dose and time after irradiation. DNA ladders could be identified in irradiated cells, but, it had no correlation with radiation dose or time after irradiation. Conclusion: Radiation-induced apoptosis which was the main course of cell death in A431 cells could be analyzed quantitatively by counting apoptotic bodies under microscope. Apoptosis increased as radiation dose increased.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제46권3호
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• pp.284-290
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• 2003

Purpose : A new airway inflammatory marker, exhaled nitric oxide(ENO) has been reported to correlate with bronchial hyperresponsiveness(BHR) and atopy. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship of ENO with BHR or atopy in patients with asthma and with allergic rhinitis. Methods : The subjects consisted of 55 children with asthma, 17 with allergic rhinitis, and 14 healthy controls. The asthma group was subdivided into the atopic asthma group(n=37) and the nonatopic asthma group(n=18) and the allergic rhinitis group into BHR group(n=7) and non-BHR group(n=10). All were investigated with spirometry and measurements of ENO concentration. The correlations between ENO concentration and both methacholine $PC_{20}$(provocative concentration causing a 20% decrease in forced expiratory volume in one second) and the number of allergen skin test positivity were analyzed. Results : ENO concentrations of both asthma and allergic rhinitis groups were significantly greater than that of control(P<0.01). ENO concentration of atopic asthma was significantly greater than that of nonatopic asthma(P<0.01). In allergic rhinitis, ENO concentration did not differ according to the presence or absence of BHR(P=0.50). ENO concentrations correlated significantly with the number of skin test positivity(r=0.32, P=0.02) or methacholine $PC_{20}$(r=-0.38, P<0.01) in asthma group, but not in the allergic rhinitis group(r=0.42, P=0.09; r=-0.06, P=0.83). Conclusion : In asthma patients, some pathogenetic mechanisms associated with atopy and BHR seem to influence ENO concentration. In allergic rhinitis patients, some factors other than BHR may be important in determining ENO concentration.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• 제48권5호
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• pp.730-739
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• 2000

Background : The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical manifestations and efficacy of treatment regimens in order to determine the adequate combination of anti-tuberculotic agents and duration of treatment for tuberculous lymphadenitis. Methods : We made a review of 373 patients with tuberculous lymphadenitis, who were admitted to four medical college hospitals in Taegu Korea from 1989 to 1998, and their diagnoses were confirmed histologically and bacteriologically. Results : The incidence of tuberculous lymphadenitis was 71.3% in women and 57.7% were between the ages of 20 and 39 years. The most common symptom was painless swelling. The most commonly involved lymph nodes were unilateral superficial cervical lymph node groups. Tuberculous lymphadenitis was accompanied with active pulmonary tuberculosis, commonly. The sensitivity of fine needle aspiration(FNA) in tuberculous lymphadenitis was 79.6%, and 92.2% of the patients had a strong positive reaction to the tuberculin skin test. The most commonly prescribed anti-tuberculotic regimen was the combination of INH, RMP, EMB, and PZA(62.6 %). Eighty percent of patient were treated for 9-12 months. There was no significantly difference in the recurrence rate of tuberculous lymphadenitis between the combinations of anti-tuberculotic agent, including INH and RMP, and between the durations of treatment, for a period of 6 months of more. Conclusion : The combination of FNA cytologic examination and tuberculin skin test may be helpful in the diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis. We propose that the combination of anti-tuberculotic agents, INH, RMP, EMB, and PZA, be prescribed to patients for 6 to 9 months.