• Proceedings of the Korean Geotechical Society Conference
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• 2008.03a
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• pp.863-874
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• 2008

We have to judge engineering properties of rock accurately in order to design and construct rock structure safely and economically. Among the rock tests, the test result of UCS(Uniaxial Compressive Strength) is very important factor used in the variety ways for designing and construction of underground structures, rock slope and foundation analysis. But the UCS test has some disadvantages of intact sample preparation such as because the shape of sample has to be regular cylindrical, cube or rectangular. In order to solve those problem, indirect tests are used such as point load test, schmidt hammer test, absorption test, dry density to predict UCS of rock. Those tests are easy to prepare sample and convenient to carry out the tests, so it is simple and costs less. Schmidt hammer test are frequently used in the construction site, because it is handy and easy to use, but there is concern of misuse without classifying the specification of each schmidt hammer. Thus, this study suggested presumptive numerical formula related on each specification of schmidt hammer test, point load test, absorption test and dry density also. We compared presumptive numerical formula and R-square through schmidt rebound assessment method already brought up. Also, through the test we offer the extent of weathering index according to the weathering grade.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.89-95
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• 2012

Background: As Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia has increased in Korea, its relevance to infants, toddlers, and adolescents has magnified as well as. However, it is difficult to perform the serological test and PCR test routinely for diagnosis in actual clinical practice. Thus, the authors conducted this study to help clinicians do presumptive diagnosis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia using clinical, radiological, and hematological findings. Methods: The study population consisted of 224 children between 1 month and 14 years old, hospitalized for radiographically confirmed pneumonia. Patients were divided into two groups of 100 children with Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia, as diagnosed using the ELISA method. Groups with negative result in Mycoplasma IgM antibody test were classified into the viral group (98 patients with respiratory virus) and the bacterial group (46 patients with the bacteria detected in the blood sputum culture or antibiotic treatment except macrolide improved the patient's condition). These groups were compared and analyzed using clinical, hematological, and radiographic differences and scoring system. Results: Clinical, hematological, and radiographic characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia have shown the intermediate level results between bacterial pneumonia and viral pneumonia. In terms of scoring system, the mean score of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia was 4.23, which was the intermediate level between bacterial pneumonia (mean score=6.67) and viral pneumonia (mean score=1.48). Conclusion: Results suggest that the combination of the scoring system information can increase the accuracy in the diagnosis even if they may have difficulties on diagnosis, because clinical manifestations, hematological, and radiographic findings are nonspecific.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.201-207
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• 2018

Blood is a commonly found body fluid at crime scenes, and plays an important role in identifying suspects and in the reconstruction of crime scenes. Although serological detection of blood has been widely used in the field of forensic science, research on the detection of old bloodstains is scarce. This work aimed to compare various methods for the detection of old bloodstains and validate the reliability of their results. Four presumptive tests-Tetramethylbenzidine, $Bluestar^{(R)}$, Leucomalachite Green, Kastle-Meyer tests-and two confirmatory tests-Fecal Occult Blood (FOB) and Rapid Stain $Identification^{(TM)}-Blood$ ($RSID^{TM}-Blood$) tests-were compared. Bloodstain samples from post-mortem cases were collected on gauzes and then stored at room temperature for periods from 7 to 30 years. All the presumptive tests were positive, even for the 30-year-old sample. However, FOB and $RSID^{TM}-Blood$ provided false negative results for some samples stored for 17 years or more (1988 to 2001). The results indicate that FOB and $RSID^{TM}-Blood$ are not reliable for the detection of old bloodstains. These findings can be useful in the selection of an appropriate detection method for serological testing of old bloodstains. In addition, the information will be useful background knowledge when applied in the field of forensic practice.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.84 no.3
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• pp.237-244
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• 2021

Background: The emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB), is a major menace to cast off TB worldwide. Line probe assay (LPA; GenoType MTBDRplus ver. 2) and Xpert MTB/RIF assays are two rapid molecular TB detection/diagnostic tests. To compare the performance of LPA and Xpert MTB/RIF assay for early diagnosis of rifampicin-resistant (RR) TB in acid-fast bacillus (AFB) smear-positive and negative sputum samples. Methods: A total 576 presumptive AFB patients were selected and subjected to AFB microscopy, Xpert MTB/RIF assay and recent version of LPA (GenoType MTBDRplus assay version 2) tests directly on sputum samples. Results were compared with phenotypic culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST). DNA sequencing was performed with rpoB gene for samples with discordant rifampicin susceptibility results. Results: Among culture-positive samples, Xpert MTB/RIF assay detected Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in 97.3% (364/374) of AFB smear-positive samples and 76.5% (13/17) among smear-negative samples, and the corresponding values for LPA test (valid results with Mtb control band) were 97.9% (366/374) and 58.8% (10/17), respectively. For detection of RR among Mtb positive molecular results, the sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF assay and LPA (after resolving discordant phenotypic DST results with DNA sequencing) were found to be 96% and 99%, respectively. Whereas, specificity of both test for detecting RR were found to be 99%. Conclusion: We conclude that although Xpert MTB/RIF assay is comparatively superior to LPA in detecting Mtb among AFB smear-negative pulmonary TB. However, both tests are equally efficient in early diagnosis of AFB smear-positive presumptive RR-TB patients.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.44 no.3
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• pp.124-127
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• 2012

Syphilis is an infectious and sexually transmitted chronic disease caused by Treponema pallidum. On the basis of clinical findings, the disease has been divided into a series of overlapping stages, which are used to help guide treatment and follow-up. Persons who have syphilis might seek treatment for signs or symptoms of primary infection, secondary infection and tertiary infection. Latent infections are detected by serologic testing. A presumptive diagnosis of syphilis is possible with the use of two types of serologic tests: nontreponemal tests and treponemal tests assay. The use of only one type of serologic test is insufficient for diagnosis, because each type of test has limitations, including the possibility of false-positive test results in persons without syphilis. KFDA published Koreans guideline of Sexually transmitted infections in 2011. Two hundred samples were tested by RPR card test and Mediace RPR test with simultaneously. The agreement between RPR card test and Mediace RPR test was 95%, the discrepant samples was 5%. The characteristics of 10 discrepant samples was RPR card Positive and Mediace RPR negative nine samples, RPR card negative and Mediace RPR positive one sample. The nine samples were confirmed as FTA-ABS by KFDA guideline of syphilis test algorism, all IgM test was Negative, all IgG test was reactive. So, these cases were past or latent syphilis. The one sample was false-positive reaction.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.78-82
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• 2009

Eight commercially packaged kimchi products were examined over 15 days of storage at $4^{\circ}C$ to evaluate the occurrence of Hafnia alvei (H. alvei). Additionally, 7 saeujeot products, as a possible ingredient source, were analyzed to examine the bacteria's origin. Over the storage period, kimchi samples had decreasing pH levels, which stabilized at pH 4.2; acidity increased to $0.9{\pm}0.1%$. Lactose-nonfermenting bacteria, which H. alvei belongs to, gradually reduced in numbers over the kimchi storage. However, the relative frequency of H. alvei to lactose-nonfermenting bacteria tended to increase. From the kimchi samples, 58 H. alvei-presumptive colonies were selected. Forty three colonies turned out to be H. alvei and 15 colonies were identified as other strains or uncertain identifications when the API 20E system was used. From further test, 3 of the 43 colonies were H. alvei (-) against the phage test. Finally, H. alvei was isolated from saeujeot, indicating that this ingredient can be an originating source of H. alvei in kimchi.

• Journal of Korean Society on Water Environment
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• v.26 no.5
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• pp.871-879
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• 2010

To figure out the removal efficiency of indicator and pathogenic bacteria by unit processes of a sewage treatment plant using activated sludge process, analyses were done for incoming sewage, influent and effluent of primary clarifier, aeration tank, secondary clarifier and final discharge conduit of the plant. A matrix of bacterial items (average of bacterial reduction [log/ml], p value of paired t-test, number of decreased cases of twenty analyses, removal percentage only for decreased cases) between incoming sewage and final effluent of the plant were heterotrophic plate counts (1.54, 0.000, 20, 95.01), total coliforms (1.38, 0.000, 19, 83.94), fecal coliforms (0.90, 0.000, 20, 94.84), fecal streptococci (0.90, 0.000, 20, 98.08), presumptive Salmonella (0.23, 0.561, 7, 99.09), and presumptive Shigella (1.02, 0.002, 15, 92.98). Total coliforms, fecal coliforms, heterotrophic plate counts, and fecal streptococci showed highest decrease through secondary clarifier about 1-log (p<0.001) between 88% and 96%, and primary clarifier represented the significant (p<0.05) decrease. However, final effluent through discharge conduit showed higher total coliforms and fecal streptococci than effluent of secondary clarifier (p<0.05). In addition, final effluent once violated the water quality standard while effluent of secondary clarifier satisfied the standard. Hence some control measures including elimination of deposits in discharge conduit or disinfection of final effluent are necessary.

• 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.

• BMB Reports
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• v.45 no.10
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• pp.545-553
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• 2012

Determination of the type and origin of the body fluids found at a crime scene can give important insights into crime scene reconstruction by supporting a link between sample donors and actual criminal acts. For more than a century, numerous types of body fluid identification methods have been developed, such as chemical tests, immunological tests, protein catalytic activity tests, spectroscopic methods and microscopy. However, these conventional body fluid identification methods are mostly presumptive, and are carried out for only one body fluid at a time. Therefore, the use of a molecular genetics-based approach using RNA profiling or DNA methylation detection has been recently proposed to supplant conventional body fluid identification methods. Several RNA markers and tDMRs (tissue-specific differentially methylated regions) which are specific to forensically relevant body fluids have been identified, and their specificities and sensitivities have been tested using various samples. In this review, we provide an overview of the present knowledge and the most recent developments in forensic body fluid identification and discuss its possible practical application to forensic casework.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.89-92
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• 2011

The routine identification and differentiation of Brucella species is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, which frequently places personnel at risk of laboratory-acquired infection. Here, we describe the development of a rapid multiplex PCR assay for the confirmation of presumptive Brucella isolates. The assay was able to identify and differentiate major human pathogens, namely B. abortus, B. melitensis, and B. suis, in a single test of less than an hour and a half.