• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.37 no.1
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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.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.31.1-31.18
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• 2023

Evidence suggests that the human respiratory tract, as with the gastrointestinal tract, has evolved to its current state in association with commensal microbes. However, little is known about how the airway microbiome affects the development of airway immune system. Here, we uncover a previously unidentified mode of interaction between host airway immunity and a unique strain (AIT01) of Staphylococcus epidermidis, a predominant species of the nasal microbiome. Intranasal administration of AIT01 increased the population of neutrophils and monocytes in mouse lungs. The recruitment of these immune cells resulted in the protection of the murine host against infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a pathogenic bacterium. Interestingly, an AIT01-secreted protein identified as GAPDH, a well-known bacterial moonlighting protein, mediated this protective effect. Intranasal delivery of the purified GAPDH conferred significant resistance against other Gram-negative pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii) and influenza A virus. Our findings demonstrate the potential of a native nasal microbe and its secretory protein to enhance innate immune defense against airway infections. These results offer a promising preventive measure, particularly relevant in the context of global pandemics.

• Applied Chemistry for Engineering
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.255-259
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• 2024

In this study, an aqueous-based redox flow battery (RFB) was constructed using tungstosilic acid (TSA), which is a kind of polyoxometalate, as the negative electrode active material and iron chloride (FeCl3) as the positive electrode active material in a sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) supporting electrolyte. As a result of the cell's performance, it exhibited capacity fading and low energy efficiency. To address these issues, malic acid (MA), an organic additive, was introduced to the positive electrode active material and then tested for electrochemical properties and single cell performance. The malic acid in the iron chloride aqueous solution is working as a chelate agent, and two carboxyl groups are effectively coordinated with iron ions. It was found that MA reduced the electrolyte resistance of the positive electrode active material, leading to chemical stabilization and an increase in capacity and energy efficiency.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.199-215
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• 2024

The Caynarachi Bridge is a 130 m long posttensioned steel-concrete composite bridge built in Peru. The structural performance of this bridge under construction loads is reviewed in this paper using numerical simulation. Hence, a numerical model using shell finite elements to trace its deformational behavior at service conditions is proposed. The geometry and boundary conditions of the superstructure are updated according to the construction schedule. Firstly, the adequacy of the proposed model is validated with the field measurements obtained from the static truck load test. Secondly, the study of other scenarios less explored in research are performed to investigate the effect of some variables on bridge performance such as time effects, sequence of execution of concrete slabs and type of supports conditions at the abutments. The obtained results show that the original sequence of execution of the superstructure better behaves mechanically in relation to the other studied scenarios, yielding smaller stresses at critical cross sections with staging. It is also demonstrated that an improper slab staging may lead to more critical stresses at the studied cross sections and that casting the concrete slab at the negative moment regions first can lead to an optimal design. Also, the long-term displacements can be accurately predicted using an equivalent composite resistance cross section defined by a steel to concrete modulus ratio equal to three. This article gives some insights into the potential shortcomings or advantages of the original design through high-fidelity finite element simulations and reinforces the understating of posttensioned composite bridges with staging.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.277-294
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• 1995

Background: The prevalence of tuberculosis in Korea decreased remarkably for the past 30 years, while the incidence of disease caused by mycobacteria other than tuberculosis is unknown. Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases performed national survey to estimate the incidence of mycobacterial diseases other than tuberculosis in Korea. We analyzed the clinical data of confirmed cases for the practice of primary care physicians and pulmonary specialists. Methods: The period of study was from January 1981 to October 1994. We collected the data retrospectively by correspondence with physicians in the hospitals that referred the specimens to Korean Institute of Tuberculosis, The Korean National Tuberculosis Association for the detection of mycobacteria other than tuberculosis. In confirmed cases, we obtained the records for clinical, laboratory and radiological findings in detail using protocols. Results: 1) Mycobacterial diseases other than tuberculosis were confirmed that 1 case was in 1981, 2 cases in 1982, 4 cases in 1983, 2 cases in 1984, 5 cases in 1985, 1 case in 1986, 3 cases in 1987, 1 case in 1988, 6 cases in 1989, 9 cases in 1990, 14 cases in 1990, 10 cases in 1992, 4 cases in 1993, and 96 cases in 1994. Cases since 1990 were 133 cases(84.2%) of a total. 2) Fifty seven percent of patients were in the age group of over 60 years. The ratio of male to female patients was 2.6:1. 3) The distribution of hospitals in Korea showed that 61 cases(38.6%) were referred from Double Cross Clinic, 42 cases(26.6%) from health centers, 21 cases(13.3%) from tertiary referral hospitals, 15 cases(9.5%) from secondary referral hospitals, and 10 cases(6.3%) from primary care hospitals. The area distribution in Korea revealed that 98 cases(62%) were in Seoul, 17 cases(10.8%) in Gyeongsangbuk-do, 12 cases(7.6%) in Kyongki-do, 8 cases(5.1%) in Chungchongnam-do, each 5 cases(3.2%) in Gyeongsangnam-do and Chungchongbuk-do, 6 cases(3.8%) in other areas. 4) In the species of isolated mycobacteria other than tuberculosis, M. avium-intracellulare was found in 104 cases(65.2%), M. fortuitum in 20 cases(12.7%), M. chelonae in 15 cases(9.5%), M. gordonae in 7 cases(4.4%), M. terrae in 5 cases(3.2%), M. scrofulaceum in 3 cases(1.9%), M. kansasii and M. szulgai in each 2 cases(1.3%), and M. avium-intracellulare coexisting with M. terrae in 1 case(0.6%). 5) In pre-existing pulmonary diseases, pulmonary tuberculosis was 113 cases(71.5%), bronchiectasis 6 cases(3.8%), chronic bronchitis 10 cases(6.3%), and pulmonary fibrosis 6 cases(3.8%). The timing of diagnosis as having pulmonary tuberculosis was within 1 year in 7 cases(6.2%), 2~5 years ago in 32 cases(28.3%), 6~10 years ago in 29 cases(25.7%), 11~15 years ago in 16 cases(14.2%), 16~20 years ago in 15 cases (13.3%), and 20 years ago in 14 cases(12.4%). Duration of anti-tuberculous treatment was within 3 months in 6 cases(5.3%), 4~6 months in 17 cases(15%), 7~9 months in 16 cases(14.2%), 10~12 months in 11 cases(9.7%), 1~2 years in 21 cases(18.6%), and over 2 years in 8 cases(7.1%). The results of treatment were cure in 44 cases(27.9%) and failure in 25 cases(15.8%). 6) Associated extra-pulmonary diseases were chronic liver disease coexisting with chronic renal failure in 1 case(0.6%), diabetes mellitus in 9 cases(5.7%), cardiovascular diseases in 2 cases(1.3%), long-term therapy with steroid in 2 cases(1.3%) and chronic liver disease, chronic renal failure, colitis and pneumoconiosis in each 1 case(0.6%). 7) The clinical presentations of mycobacterial diseases other than tuberculosis were 86 cases (54.4%) of chronic pulmonary infections, 1 case(0.6%) of cervical or other site lymphadenitis, 3 cases(1.9%) of endobronchial tuberculosis, and 1 case(0.6%) of intestinal tuberculosis. 8) The symptoms of patients were cough(62%), sputum(61.4%), dyspnea(30.4%), hemoptysis or blood-tinged sputum(20.9%), weight loss(13.3%), fever(6.3%), and others(4.4%). 9) Smear negative with culture negative cases were 24 cases(15.2%) in first examination, 27 cases(17.1%) in second one, 22 cases(13.9%) in third one, and 17 cases(10.8%) in fourth one. Smear negative with culture positive cases were 59 cases(37.3%) in first examination, 36 cases (22.8%) in second one, 24 cases(15.2%) in third one, and 23 cases(14.6%) in fourth one. Smear positive with culture negative cases were 1 case(0.6%) in first examination, 4 cases(2.5%) in second one, 1 case (0.6%) in third one, and 2 cases(1.3%) in fourth one. Smear positive with culture positive cases were 48 cases(30.4%) in first examination, 34 cases(21.5%) in second one, 34 cases(21.5%) in third one, and 22 cases(13.9%) in fourth one. 10) The specimens isolated mycobacteria other than tuberculosis were sputum in 143 cases (90.5%), sputum and bronchial washing in 4 cases(2.5%), bronchial washing in 1 case(0.6%). 11) Drug resistance against all species of mycobacteria other than tuberculosis were that INH was 62%, EMB 55.7%, RMP 52.5%, PZA 34.8%, OFX 29.1%, SM 36.7%, KM 27.2%, TUM 24.1%, CS 23.4%, TH 34.2%, and PAS 44.9%. Drug resistance against M. avium-intracellulare were that INH was 62.5%, EMB 59.6%, RMP 51.9%, PZA 29.8%, OFX 33.7%, SM 30.8%, KM 20.2%, TUM 17.3%, CS 14.4%, TH 31.7%, and PAS 38.5%. Drug resistance against M. chelonae were that INH was 66.7%, EMB 66.7%, RMP 66.7%, PZA 40%, OFX 26.7%, SM 66.7%, KM 53.3%, TUM 53.3%, CS 60%, TH 53.3%, and PAS 66.7%. Drug resistance against M. fortuitum were that INH was 65%, EMB 55%, RMP 65%, PZA 50%, OFX 25%, SM 55%, KM 45%, TUM 55%, CS 65%, TH 45%, and PAS 60%. 12) The activities of disease on chest roentgenogram showed that no active disease was 7 cases(4.4%), mild 20 cases(12.7%), moderate 67 cases(42.4%), and severe 47 cases(29.8%). Cavities were found in 43 cases(27.2%) and pleurisy in 18 cases(11.4%). 13) Treatment of mycobacterial diseases other than tuberculosis was done in 129 cases(81.7%). In cases treated with the first line anti-tuberculous drugs, combination chemotherapy including INH and RMP was done in 86 cases(66.7%), INH or RMP in 30 cases(23.3%), and not including INH and RMP in 9 cases(7%). In 65 cases treated with the second line anti-tuberculous drugs, combination chemotherapy including below 2 drugs were in 2 cases(3.1%), 3 drugs in 15 cases(23.1%), 4 drugs in 20 cases(30.8%), 5 drugs in 9 cases(13.8%), and over 6 drugs in 19 cases (29.2%). The results of treatment were improvement in 36 cases(27.9%), no interval changes in 65 cases(50.4%), aggravation in 4 cases(3.1%), and death in 4 cases(3.1%). In improved 36 cases, 34 cases(94.4%) attained negative conversion of mycobacteria other than tuberculosis on cultures. The timing in attaining negative conversion on cultures was within 1 month in 2 cases(1.3%), within 3 months in 11 cases(7%), within 6 months in 14 eases(8.9%), within 1 year in 2 cases(1.3%) and over 1 year in 1 case(0.6%). Conclusion: Clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of mycobacterial diseases other than tuberculosis were summarized. This collected datas will assist in the more detection of mycobacterial diseases other than tuberculosis in Korea in near future.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.163-171
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• 1980

Recently, Bacillus has been identified as one of food poisoning bacteria especially in products of cereal foods in foreign countries. Therefore, the quantitative distribution of Bacillus cereus in market foods, its physiological characteristics, growth rate by temperature and heat resistance of its spore were examined. Thirty two samples of cooked rice, 20 samples of kimbab(cooked rice rolled with laver), 23 samples of rice cake, 13 samples of rice ana 13 samples of barley were collected from restaurents and food stores in Busan, Korea during the period from May to November in 1980. Forty samples of 101 samples submitted to the test appeared positive for Bacillus cereus showing abut $40\%$ in detection ratio. Detection ratio of Bacillus cereus was higher than $50\%$ in barley and rice, and about $30\%$ in rice products. Average Bacillus cereus content of in the samples was $2.6\times10^6/g$ in cooked rice, $2.3\times10^6/g$in kimbab, $4.9\times10^4/g$ in rice cake while that in rice and barley was about $10^3/g$. The result of biochemical tests of the bacterium was $100\%$ positive in catalase, egg yolk reaction, gelatin hydrolysis and glucose fermentation, $100\%$ negative in xylose, arabinose and mannitol oxidation, about $90\%$ positive in acetoin production, $80.0\%$ positive in nitrate reduction and citrate utilization and $55.0\%$ positive in starch hydrolysis test. Isolation ratio of Bacillus ceresus which showed haemolysis positive and starch hydrolysis negative results, was about $38\%$ in 40 strains examined. It is known that those strains has a close relation to food poisoning accident. Growth rate and generation time of Bacillus cereus isolated from the cooked rice were $0.34hr^{-1},\;2.02hr\;at\;20^{\circ}C,\;0.73hr^{-1},\;0.95hr\;at\;30^{\circ}C\;and\;0.49hr^{-1},\;1.44\;hr\;at\;40^{\circ}C$ respectively. Heat resistance value of Bacillus cereus spores suspended in phosphate buffer solution was $D_{90}=29.0min,\;D_{95}=8.7min,\;D_{98}=3.7\;min\;and\;D_{101}=2.3\;min(z=10.5)$.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.66 no.5
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• pp.962-980
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• 2024

Antimicrobial resistance poses challenges to humans and animals, especially to the poultry sector in control of fowl typhoid with antibiotics, leading to increased mortality and food insecurity. Therefore, it is essential to develop more effective medications as alternatives to antibiotics. Currently, zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles are of such significant interest due to their antibacterial properties. This study aimed to evaluate antimicrobial activity of zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles against fowl typhoid in broilers. Ninety broiler chicks were raised under suitable management conditions. On day 10 of age, chicks were divided into six groups: control negative, control positive, T₁, T₂, T₃, and T₄. On day 19 of age, chicks in all groups except control negative were infected with Salmonella gallinarum (0.2 mL, 10⁸ CFU/mL). After appearance of clinical signs, the treatments (Florfenicol; 50 mg/L drinking water [T₁], and zinc oxide + copper oxide nanoparticles; 25 + 10 mg/kg/d [T₂], 37.5 + 15 mg/kg/d [T₃], and 50 + 20 mg/kg/d [T₄]) were administered to chicks. Chicks were sacrificed on 26th and 30th day of age, and samples of blood and tissue were obtained. Hematological analysis with gross and histopathological examination of spleen, thymus and bursa of Fabricius was performed. Results revealed that there was no visible congestion in spleen and thymus of T₃ and T₄ at 11th day post infection. Antibody level against new castle's disease and lymphoproliferative response showed no significant difference in all groups. However, phagocytic response in nanoparticles treated groups exhibited a notable (p < 0.01) distinction compared to control positive. Notably, T₃ demonstrated the highest level of phagocytic activity. Hematological parameters, including lymphocytes, heterophils, eosinophils, and heterophils/lymphocytes ratio in groups T₂, T₃, and T₄, indicated significant (p < 0.01) difference compared to control positive. However, lymphocytes, heterophils, and heterophils/lymphocytes ratio in groups T₂, T₃, and T₄ showed no significant difference when compared to T₁. Nanoparticle treated groups showed decreased (p < 0.01) congestion of spleen and thymus as compared to control positive. Overall, zinc oxide and copper oxide nanoparticles have potential to serve as an alternative to florfenicol in treatment of fowl typhoid.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.180-190
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• 1989

In order to obtain basic information on soil inprovement and management of two reclaimed paddy soils, Munpo and Pori series, this study was carried out by investigating the change of physico-chemical and soil mechanical properties. 1. In the Munpo series, the contents of salt in the soil and ground water before paddy rice transplanting at 6 years after reclamation were 0.60 and 1.84%, respectively, and the safty cultivation of paddy rice was possible after 20 years, while that of the Pori series was after 12 years. 2. In the Munpo series, the change of the soil particle size according to the ages after reclamation showed negative correlation with sandy contents, but clay contents had positive correlation both in the surface and subsurface soils. The pori series showed reverse tendency. 3. Between the N-value and Atterberg limits and the ages showed negative correlation in both Munpo and Pori series, but clay-activity showed positive. Arid the cole values showed positive correlation in the Munpo series, but negative in the Pori series. 4. Cone penetrating resistance in the surface of the Munpo series after 6 years of reclamation was 62.9, after 20 years 24.5 and $16.7kg/cm^2$ in 15cm of soil depth at depth of 22.5cm after 27 years. In the Pori series, it was $3kg/cm^2$ at 15-20cm of soil depth after 12 years and it used after being creation of hard pan layer after 23 years. 5. Change of the clay minerals by the different year after accomplishment of tidal reclamation did not show. The major clay minerals were illite and kaolinite, and accessory clay minerals were montmorillonite and vermiculite in both Munpo and Pori series.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.214-222
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• 2004

Purpose: Appropriate antibiotic therapy is important in childhood urinary tract infection and the selection of anibiotics is based on antimicrobial sensitivity of Escherichia coli. Extended-Spectrum ${\beta}-Lactamase(ESBL)$ is an enzyme produced by gram-negative bacilli that has the ability to hydrolyse penicillins, broad-spectrum cephalosporin and monobactam. There have been many reports of outbreaks of hospital infection by ESBL-producing organism. However, community-acquired infection with ESBL-producing organism are rare. This study was performed to retrospectively identify the incidence, characteristics and risk factors of ESBL (+) E. coli in community-acquired childhood UTI. Methods: In 288 children admitted in Ewha Womans University Hospital with E. coli UTI from Mar 2001 to February 2003, ESBL was isolated. ESBL was confirmed by the utilization of an automatized machine(Vitek GNS 433 card) using liquid medium dilution method according to National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standard. The clinical characteristics, risk factors, antimicrobial resistance and treatment effectiveness were compared with ESBL(-) E. coli UTI. Results: Of 288 E. coli isolates, 31(10.8%) produced ESBL and 93.5%(29/31) occurred in infants younger than 6 month of age(P<0.01). No significant differences were noted in prior antibiotic use, prior admission history and underlying urogenital anomaly. Antimicrobial resistance was significantly higher in ESBL(+) E. coli compared with control patients (P<0.05). Although ceftriaxone showed 100% resistance in ESBL(+) E. coli, bacteriologic sterilization rate after ceftriaxone therapy was higher(96.8%). However, the recurrence rate of febrile UTI within 6 months was higher(25.8%) than control patients(6.6%). Conclusion: Epidemiologic study is required to find out any new risk factors of community-acquired ESBL(+) E. coli UTI and changes in selection of empirical antibiotics should be considered.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.74-80
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• 1996

This experiment was conducted to obtain the basis of degradation of remaining agricultural chemicals accumulated in upland soils of Honam district in Korea. The population. relative growth rate(RGR). chlorothalonil(TPN)-degradation ability and bacterialogical characteristics of TPN resistant strains were investigated in TPN levels of 0, 25, 50, 100 and $500{\mu}l/ml$ compared with Mancozeb. A number of TPN-resistant bacteria were differ in the area of examined and were decreased with higher levels of TPN. The resistance of bacteria was stronger in TPN than Mancozeb but the resistance of fungi was vise versa. RGR of bacteria in the culture was the highest at the level of $50{\mu}l/ml$ and the lowest in $500{\mu}l/ml$ of TPN. TPN-degradation ability of bacteda isolated in various TPN levels was varied : only 8 percentage of bacteria showed 75 percentage or more degradation ability. The higher the concentration in TPN resistance, the larger the number of strains carried great ability to decompose pesticide residues. The strains having higher decomposition ability was rod-shapes cells and senstive to heat. Analyses of the indol production, methyl red, and V-P test have given similar results, with negative reaction in all these strain, while the other biochemical characteristics were differ in the strains. Based on these, these strains might be classified into Pseudomonas sp., Corynebacterium sp., Acinetobacter sp. and Moraxcella sp.