• International Journal of Highway Engineering
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.53-62
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• 2017

PURPOSES : This research was a fundamental study on the application of an integral $TiO_2$ solution to asphalt concrete pavement. The integral $TiO_2$ solution was produced in pilot production equipment; application of the integral $TiO_2$ solution to asphalt pavement was conducted to examine the pollution-reducing capability of photocatalytic compounds such as $TiO_2$. The photocatalytic $TiO_2$ reacted with air pollutants, converting them into small amounts of relatively benign molecules. METHODS : In this study, laboratory experiments were conducted using five various testing methods. Tensile strength ratio (TSR) and British pendulum test (BPT) were conducted in order to evaluate the properties of asphalt pavement subsequent to the integral $TiO_2$ solution coating. In addition, methylene blue testing, a measurement of nitrate on the coated pavement, and nitrogen oxide (NOx) reduction testing were conducted in order to evaluate photocatalytic reaction. Lastly, a UV-A lamp was used as a light source for photocatalytic reactions. RESULTS : Test results indicated no change in the properties of asphalt pavement following the integral $TiO_2$ solution coating. In order to evaluate the performance of asphalt pavement as a function of $TiO_2$, the moisture susceptibility and skid resistance were investigated. The moisture susceptibility and skid resistance satisfied there quirements related to pavement quality and safety specification. Furthermore, the effects of reduction of air pollution were significantly improved as determined via the methylene blue test and NOx reduction test. The $TiO_2$-paved asphalt specimen exhibited approximately 43% reduction of NOx. CONCLUSIONS : This study has suggested that applying $TiO_2$ rarely impacts asphalt pavement performance measures such as moisture susceptibility and skid resistance, and that its application may be a better means of reducing air pollution. Further studies, such as proper $TiO_2$ dosage rates and compatibility with various pavement types, are required to broaden and generalize its application.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.16 no.13
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• pp.5377-5383
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• 2015

Background: Participation is one of the major factors affecting the long-term success of population-based prostate cancer screening programs. The aim of this study was to explore strong factors linked to participation in prostate cancer screening among older Jordanian adults using the Health Belief Model (HBM). Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from Jordanian older adults, aged 40 years and over, who visited a comprehensive health care center within the Ministry of Health. A pilot test was conducted to investigate the internal consistency of the the Champion Health Belief Model Scale for prostate cancer screening and the clarity of survey questions. Sample characteristics and rates of participation in prostate cancer screening were examined using means and frequencies. Important factors associated with participation in prostate cancer screening were examined using bivariate correlation and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: About 13% of the respondents had adhered to prostate cancer screening guidelines over the previous decade. Four out of the seven HBM-driven factors (perceived susceptibility, benefits and barriers to PSA test, and health motivation) were statistically significant. Those with greater levels of susceptibility, benefits of PSA test and health motivation and lower levels of barriers to PSA testing were more likely to participate in prostate cancer screening. Family history, presence of urinary symptoms, age, and knowledge about prostate cancer significantly predicted the participation in prostate cancer screening. Conclusions: Health professionals should focus more on the four modifiable HBMrelated factors to encourage older adults to participate in prostate cancer screening. Intervention programs, which lower perceived barriers to PSA testing and increase susceptibility, benefits of PSA testing and health motivation, should be developed and implemented.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.301-307
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• 1987

A total of 42 strains of Candida albicans were examined for susceptibility to three antifungal agents, amphotericin B(AMB), 5-fluorocytosine(5-FC), and ketoconazole(KTZ), using defined medium, synthetic amino acid medium-fungal(SAAM-F), supplemented yeast nitrogen base(SYNB) and undefined medium Sabouraud's dextrose broth(SDB) and Kimmig broth media. A tube dilution method was used with minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs) determined after incubation for 24 hour and 48 hours. All testes were performed in duplicate. In general, MICs were more reproducible after 48 hour of incubation. Forthermore, MICs determined after incubation for 48 hours were significantly higher than those determined after 24 hours. The actural MICs obtained with the different antifungal agents were clearly influenced by the test medium used. The rank order of AMB MICs according to the test medium was as follows: SAAM-F>SYNB>SDB>Kimmig broth. With 5-FC, the following pattern was observed: SYNB>SAAM-F>SDB>Kimmig borth. For ketoconazole, the MICs according to the test medium was SAAM-F>SDB>SYNB> Kimmig broth. In amphotericin B, the MICs mean value with the test medium was as follows: SDB, 0.24 mcg/ml; Kimmig broth, 0.29 mcg/ml; SYNB, 0.21 mcg/ml and SAAM-F, 0.15mcg/ml. The actural value of 5-FC was; SDB, 37.20 mcg/ml; Kimmig broth, 67.41mcg/ml; SYNB, 21.29 mcg/ml and SAAM-F, 24.61 mcg/ml and in ketoconazole, the MICs value was; SDB, 1.83 mcg/ml; Kimmig broth, 4.08 mcg/ml; SYNB, 1.95 mcg/ml and SAAM-F, 1.41 mcg/ml. The results of this investigation suggested that broth dilution susceptibility testing of yeast and yeast-like fungi are best performed with an incubation period of 48 hours. Furthermore, medium composition can significantly influence the results of such testing.

• Annals of Clinical Microbiology
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.69-74
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• 2018

Laboratory medicine is a specialized division that supports physicians in the care of patients by providing rapid and accurate in vitro diagnostic tests. Standardization of every component of a specific test is essential for producing accurate results. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) was founded to develop a formal consensus process for standardization in 1968, and has been publishing standards and guidelines covering all aspects of clinical, research, and other laboratory work. CLSI guidelines are widely used around the world for standardization. The CLSI antimicrobial susceptibility testing subcommittee (AST SC) consists of 6 standing and many ad hoc working groups. Members of the AST SC review submitted proposals and suggestions, decide on approving these submissions in face-to-face meetings held twice a year, and revise CLSI documents accordingly. As these face-to-face meetings are open to anyone who registers to attend, I strongly encourage the members of our Society to attend and actively participate in document development.

• Biomedical Science Letters
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.73-80
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• 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and antifungal susceptibilities of Candida spp. from blood culture to provide useful information on empirical treatment of Candidemia. We investigated distribution and antifungal susceptibilities of Candida spp. isolated from blood culture during an 8-years (2016-2023) in a C-University hospital. Over 8 years, 1,182 Candida strains from blood culture were isolated, which was fourth most common cause of bloodstream infection. Among nonduplicated 350 Candida strains, C. albicans was the most common with 45.43%, followed by C. glabrata (17.43%), C. tropicalis (17.43%), C. parapsilosis (14.86%), C. guilliermondii (1.71%), C. krusei (0.86%), C. lusitaniae (0.86%), C. ciferrii (0.57%). In the antifungal susceptibility testing on 323 Candida strains, the non-susceptibility rate was 2.48% for amphotericin B, 1,71% for flucytosine, 3.09% for fluconazole, 4.66% for voriconazole, 5.57% for caspofungin, and 0.62% for micafungin. In particular, C. albicans showed non-susceptibility of 8.23% to voriconazole, and C. glabrata showed 14.81% and 24.59% to fluconazole and caspofungin, respectively. These data showed that the prevalence of candidemia is very common, and antifungal resistance in Candida spp., especially C. glabrata, is increasing. Therefore, periodic surveillance of prevalence and antifungal susceptibility of blood culture is very important for clinical laboratory.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.147-156
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• 2022

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common infections in different age groups, including children. Bacteria are the main etiological agents of UTIs. The aim of the present study was to isolate, identify, and determine the antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria isolated from children with UTIs from Baghdad, Iraq. Three hundred and two urine samples were collected from children aged 6 months to 12 years. The samples were cultured on blood agar and MacConkey agar. The selected colonies were subjected to biochemical tests and antibiotic susceptibility analysis using the Vitek^® 2 Compact automated microbial identification system. In this sample, 299 bacteria were identified, of which, 267 were gram-negative bacteria, and 32 were gram-positive bacteria. Escherichia coli (56%) was the most commonly isolated gram-negative bacteria, followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14%), Enterobacter spp. (10.48%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.36%), Proteus spp. (7.8%), Acinetobacter baumannii (1.5%), and Morganella morganii (0.37%). Enterococcus faecalis (62.5%) was the most commonly detected gram-positive bacteria, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (37.5%). E. coli and P. aeruginosa were the most antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Among the tested antibiotics, meropenem showed 100% sensitivity, followed by imipenem (97.4%), amikacin (91.8%), and tobramycin (83.5%). In contrast, the high frequencies of resistance were observed with cefixime (93.2%), cefotaxime (78.7%), and ceftriaxone/cefotaxime (71.2%). In conclusion, carbapenems and aminoglycosides are highly recommended for the empirical treatment of UTIs, while, Quinolones, penicillins, and cephalosporins are not suggested. Frequent antibiotics susceptibility testing are warranted to determine the resistance pattern of UTI bacteria.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.86 no.1
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• pp.47-56
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• 2023

Background: There is a global increase in isolation of nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). The aim of the study was to analyze longitudinal trends of NTM identification and pattern of antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Methods: NTM recovery rates, distribution of NTM species identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility pattern of NTM at Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital between January 2016 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 52,456 specimens from 21,264 patients were submitted for mycobacterial culture, of which 2,521 from 1,410 patients were NTM positive over five years (January 2016 to December 2020). NTM isolation showed an increasing trend from 2016 to 2020 (p<0.001, test for trend) mainly caused by Mycobacterium avium complex. The vast majority of M. avium complex were susceptible to key agents clarithromycin and amikacin. For Mycobacterium kansasii, resistance to rifampin and clarithromycin is rare. Amikacin was the most effective drug against Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies abscessus and Mycobacterium subspecies massiliense. Most of M. subspecies massiliense were susceptible to clarithromycin, while the majority of M. abscessus subspecies abscessus were resistant to clarithromycin (p<0.001). Conclusion: There was an increasing trend of NTM isolation in our hospital. Resistance to key drugs was uncommon for most NTM species except for M. abscessus subspecies abscessus against clarithromycin.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Nondestructive Testing
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• v.24 no.1
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• pp.22-28
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• 2004

Since the used materials of furnace heater tube with different kinds of thermal degradation were not commonly available, the HK-40 steel specimens were heat-treated isothermally at elevated temperature to simulate the microstructure at the service temperature. HK-40 steel specimens with five different aging time were prepared by isothermal heat treatment at $1050^{\circ}C$. The characteristics of the magnetic susceptibility have been investigated for the degradation evaluation of HK-40 steel. The magnetic susceptibility at room temperature increases as the extent of degradation of the materials increases. The variation of magnetic susceptibility was compared with the variation of tensile properties and Vickers hardness. To investigate the effect of the microsturctural change on the characteristics of tensile properties, hardness and magnetic susceptibility, the microstructures were examined by a scanning electron microscope(SEM) and the chemical compositions were analyzed by a energy spectrometer of SEM. As a result, the magnetic susceptibility method can be suggested as one of the nondestructive evaluation methods for the degradation of the HK-40 steel.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.3
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• pp.273-285
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• 2010

Completion of the human genome project has allowed a deeper understanding of molecular pathophysiology and has provided invaluable genomic information for the diagnosis of genetic disorders. Advent of new technologies has lead to an explosion in genetic testing. However, this overwhelming stream of genetic information often misleads physicians and patients into a misguided faith in the power of genetic testing. Moreover, genetic testing raises a number of ethical, legal, and social issues. Diagnostic genetic tests can be divided into three primary but overlapping categories: cytogenetic studies (including routine karyotyping, high-resolution karyotyping, and fluorescent in situ hybridization studies), biochemical tests, and DNA-based diagnostic tests. DNA-based testing has grown rapidly over the past decade and includes preandpostnatal testing for the diagnosis of genetic diseases, testing for carriers of genetic diseases, genetic testing for susceptibility to common non-genetic diseases, and screening for common genetic diseases in a particular population. Theoretically, once a gene's structure, function, and association with a disease are well established, the clinical application of genetic testing should be feasible. However, for routine applications in a clinical setting, such tests must satisfy a number of criteria. These criteria include an acceptable degree of clinical and analytical validity, support of a quality assurance program, possibility of modifying the course of the diagnosed disease with treatment, inclusion of pre-and postnatal genetic counseling, and determination of whether the proposed test satisfies cost-benefit criteria and should replace or complement traditional tests. In the near future, the application of genetic testing to common diseases is expected to expand and will likely be extended to include individual pharmacogenetic assessments.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.63 no.3
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• pp.29.1-29.5
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• 2023

An adult raccoon dog with extensive, deep, and contaminated wounds on the right hip and multiple fractures was rescued. The open wound was managed daily by debridement and flushing for 3 weeks. Modified active drainage was then performed, and antibiotics administered according to the antibiotic susceptibility test. After 2 weeks, the exudate disappeared and the drain was removed. After monitoring for 1 month, the animal was released in to the wild. This case shows that even if infection remains, rapid wound repair is possible if appropriate antibiotic selection through regular examination and active drainage are combined.