• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.75-84
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• 2013

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an endemic parasitic infection in the Mediterranean region, including Libya and its Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We aimed at studying the occupational relevance as well as other epidemiological aspects of CL. We investigated 140 CL cases who attended at Gharyan outpatient polyclinic during a period of 6 months in 2009. CL infection was clinically diagnosed and confirmed by demonstration of Leishmania parasites on smears from lesions. Our findings showed that males were more affected than females (P=0.04), and people above 10-years were more affected than younger ones (P=0.0001). A significant percent of CL cases belonged to Al-Kawasem subprovince (P=0.0001). Farm-related activities were the most frequent occupations among CL cases (P=0.04). In addition to farm workers, housewives and students are at risk groups since they are engaged at farm activities. Moreover, those who have occupations that require staying outdoors for a part of night, e.g., policemen, are also at risk. Compared to children, adult CL patients had multiple lesions (P=0.001) that were more prevalent in their upper and lower extremities than the face (P=0.0001). We conclude that CL is a major health problem in Al-jabal Al-gharbi province of Libya. The presence of rodents and sandflies makes it a suitable environment for Leishmania to spread in an endemic epidemiological pattern. Being engaged in farming activities or outdoor occupations increases the risk of infection. Various clinical patterns of CL suggest the presence of more than 1 species of Leishmania at Al-jabal Al-gharbi province. We propose that the 2 species responsible for CL in this area are L. major and L. tropica. Further investigations to identify the leishmanial species responsible for CL at Al-jabal Al-gharbi together with adoption of preventive and control programs are needed.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.291-294
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• 2019

Primary amebic encephalitis (PAM) is a devastating central nervous system infection caused by Naegleria fowleri, a free-living amoeba, which can survive in soil and warm fresh water. Here, a 43-year-old healthy male was exposed to warm freshwater 5 days before the symptom onset. He rapidly developed severe cerebral edema before the diagnosis of PAM and was treated with intravenous conventional amphotericin B while died of terminal cerebral hernia finally. Comparing the patients with PAM who has similar clinical symptoms to those with other common types of meningoencephalitis, this infection is probably curable if treated early and aggressively. PAM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of purulent meningoencephalitis, especially in patients with recent freshwater-related activities during the hot season.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.18 no.4
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• pp.221-224
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• 2002

In vitro and in vivo activities of a biocontrol agent, Serratia plymuthica strain A2l-4, was evaluated for the control of Phytophthora blight of pepper, Strain A2l-4 inhibited mycelial growth, germination of zoosporangia and cystospores, and formation of zoospore and zoosporangia of Phytophthora capsici in vitro. In the pot experiment, incidence of Phytophthora blight of pepper in non-treated control was 100% at 14 days after inoculation, while no disease was observed in the plot treated with S. plymuthica A2l-4. In the greenhouse test, infection rate of pepper in the non-treated plots was 74.5%, while it was only 12.6％ in the plots treated with A2l-4. Results indicate that S. plymuthica A2l-4 is a potential biocontrol agent for Phytophthora blight of pepper.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.9 no.6
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• pp.557-561
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• 2023

This study aims to assess how effective environmental management can be accomplished through monitoring of environmental conditions in patient discharge rooms within healthcare facilities through direct observation and the use of fluorescent markers. From March to July 2013, this study evaluated 448 check-out beds in wards and intensive care units before and 494 after intensive environmental monitoring activities. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0 program. According to the study's findings, direct observation increased from 95.2% prior to the implementation of intensive environmental monitoring activities to 98.9% following the implementation, which was statistically significant. The non-detection rate of fluorescent markers exhibited an increase from 96.1% prior to the commencement of intensive environmental monitoring activities to 98.0% following their implementation. However, it should be noted that this observed increase was not deemed statistically significant. In light of the results of this research, it is imperative to evaluate the effectiveness of environmental management by employing a variety of assessment methods, including direct observation and fluorescent markers.

• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.58 no.1
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• pp.89-95
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• 2015

Helicobacter pylori infection causes gastrointestinal diseases such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and may lead to gastric cancer. Several studies have reported that lactobacilli present on broccoli show inhibitory activity against H. pylori. Here, we evaluated aqueous broccoli, fermented by Lactobacillus plantarum MG208, for its fermentation characteristics and anti-H. pylori activities including antibacterial activity, growth inhibition, anti-adhesion, and urease inhibition. The results indicated that the fermentation characteristics changed significantly depending on the amount of aqueous broccoli used for fermentation (p <0.05). There was no significant difference between the samples before fermentation (p >0.05). However, a significant concentration-dependent difference was noted in antibacterial activity and urease inhibition (p <0.05) following the addition of aqueous broccoli. Growth inhibition in the 10 mg/mL sample was significantly higher as compared to the negative control and similar to that with amoxicillin (positive control) (p <0.05). Anti-adhesion activity of aqueous broccoli was also significantly different (p <0.05) from the negative control. Therefore, aqueous broccoli fermented by L. plantarum MG208 could prove useful as a functional diet for protection of the gastric environment against H. pylori infection.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
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• v.15 no.4
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• pp.337-347
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• 2021

This study is a qualitative study conducted to provide basic data for therapists working in long-term care hospitals to improve their countermeasure strategies for new infectious diseases and improvement of the treatment room infection management system, and to help therapists understand their infection management work. Colaizzi's phenomenological research method was applied as the research method. Telephone interviews were conducted with nine occupational therapists and physical therapists working in nursing hospitals. The contents of the interview were recorded with the consent of the study subjects, and additional confirmation was received by email. The recorded content was analyzed after transcription, and the meaning and nature of the experience coping with COVID-19 were described. The content was organized into 6 themes, 17 main meaning and 49 meaning units. In accordance with the COVID-19 situation, the infection control system has been strengthened by reinforcing infection control education in nursing hospitals, practicing infection control, and supervising infection control outside business hours. It was found that the treatment environment was changed due to the restriction of treatment activities by practicing distancing in the treatment room, adjusting rest and meal times during working hours, and strengthening infection control. In addition, the therapist's role has been expanded and the paradigm of treatment has changed, such as considering the untact intervention, and they have experienced cohort quarantine, pre-tested for COVID-19, vaccinations, and side effects from COVID-19. However, due to the infection work, the therapist's work burden is increased, and the person is experiencing fear, depression, and work stress from the spread of COVID-19. They were also aware of the need for nursing hospital care personnel support, such as guaranteeing rest after vaccination and providing infection control tools and equipment. The results of this study are expected to be used as basic data for human and physical support for the development of infectious disease response strategy programs in nursing hospital treatment rooms and for infection control in nursing hospitals.

• Health Policy and Management
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• v.32 no.3
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• pp.304-316
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• 2022

Background: As prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission in healthcare settings has become a critical component in its effective management, COVID-19 specific infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines were developed and implemented by numerous countries. Although largely based on the current evidence-base, guidelines show much heterogeneity, as they are influenced by respective health system capacities, epidemiological risk, and socioeconomic status. This study aims to analyze the variations and concurrences of these guidelines to draw policy implications for COVID-19 response and future guidelines development. Methods: The contents of the COVID-19 IPC guidelines were analyzed using the categories and codes developed based on "World Health Organization guidelines on core components." Data analysis involved reviewing, appraising and synthesizing data from guidelines, which were then arranged into categories and codes. Selection of countries was based on the country income level, availability of COVID-19 specific IPC guideline developed at a national or district level. Results: The guidelines particularly agreed on IPC measures regarding application of standard precautions and providing information to patients and visitors, monitoring and audit of IPC activities and staff illnesses, and management of built environment/equipments. The guidelines showed considerable differences in certain components, such as workplace safety measures and criteria for discontinuation of precautions. Several guidelines also contained unique features which enabled a more systematic response to COVID-19. Conclusion: The guidelines generally complied with the current evidence-based COVID-19 management but also revealed variances stemming from differences in local health system capacity. Several unique features should be considered for benchmark in future guidelines development.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.82 no.2
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• pp.94-101
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• 2019

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous organisms that are generally found not only in the natural environment but also in the human engineered environment, including water, soil, and dust. These organisms can form biofilms and can be readily aerosolized because they are hydrophobic owing to the presence of the lipid-rich outer membrane. Aerosolization and subsequent inhalation were the major route of NTM lung disease. Water distribution systems and household plumbing are ideal habit for NTM and the main transmission route from natural water to household. NTM have been isolated from drinking water, faucets, pipelines, and water tanks. Studies that used genotyping have shown that NTM isolates from patients are identical to those in the environment, that is, from shower water, showerheads, tap water, and gardening soil. Humans are likely to be exposed to NTM in their homes through simple and daily activities, such as drinking, showering, or gardening. In addition to environmental factors, host factors play an important role in the development of NTM lung disease. The incidence and prevalence of NTM lung disease are increasing worldwide, and this disease is rapidly becoming a major public health problem. NTM lung disease is associated with substantially impaired quality of life, increased morbidity and mortality, and high medical costs. A more comprehensive understanding of the infection source and epidemiology of NTM is essential for the development of new strategies that can prevent and control NTM infection.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.281-299
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• 2003

Even though the rate of infection of HIV is very low compared to other countries, data show a steady rise in HIV infection rates among young people in South Korea. A peer education program was provided to prevent the incidence of AIDS in young people. The program used peer leaders to provide AIDS related information and counseling for middle school students. Peer leaders received special training in AIDS related education and counseling to assist their friends. Peer leaders worked with their mends in one-to-one or small group settings. A pretest-posttest control design (six months after intervention) was used to evaluate the effects of the peer education program for prevention of AIDS. A post-intervention survey found that do you mean six months after the program or after six months of programs of peer program activities, the experimental groups(groups with peer educators) showed better knowledge, more positive attitudes, and less sexual activity when compared to control groups of non-participants(groups without peer educators). Peer leaders showed significant gains in knowledge about HIV transmission, more positive attitudes and self-efficacy not to engage in high-risk behaviors. Peer education was an effective tool for increasing knowledge, improving attitudes and self-efficacy, and encouraging appropriate behavior change.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Rural Architecture
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.73-84
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• 2024

This study investigated the outpatient departments of Infectious Disease Hospitals by Region, which play an important role in establishing regional medical networking, to find a spatial structure that can provide a safe environment for efficient diagnosis and treatment, as well as a rational medical procedure in case of crisis. Department layout and adjacencies were derived by considering the access procedures according to patient classification, medical procedures by department, and connectivity with other departments. Based on the results derived by setting up zones according to infection control, activities, and objects, and analyzing the division of zones, the composition of areas by activities, movement flows by objects and treatment units, it can be used as basic data for the architectural plan of the Infectious Disease Hospital. Also, there are implications that can be used as basic data for planning related facilities by analyzing spatial relationships according to user behavior.