Search

HYPOTHESIS The concentration of leukocytes influences the quality of platelet-rich plasma (PRP). However, there is no consensus on which type of PRP based on the concentration of leukocytes is the best for lateral epicondylitis (LE). METHODS We systematically searched the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to March 1, 2020. Studies involving randomized controlled trials (RCTs), patients with LE, and treatment with PRP injections were included. PRP was classified into leukocyte-poor (LP)-PRP and leukocyte-rich (LR)-PRP. LR-PRP was defined as PRP with a white blood cell (WBC) concentration exceeding that of whole blood (4.0-10.0 per uL3), while LP-PRP was defined as PRP with a lower WBC concentration than whole blood. The efficacy of PRP was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and success rates. RESULTS Eleven RCTs (six LP-PRP and five LR-PRP) were eligible for inclusion in this review. Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis to evaluate the VAS score. Regarding short-term follow-up, there was no difference in the VAS scores between the LP-PRP and control groups (standard mean difference [SMD], 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.29-0.30; p=0.97), with no heterogeneity (I2=0%). There was also no difference in the VAS scores between the LR-PRP and control groups (SMD, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.57-0.20; p=0.34), with substantial heterogeneity (I2=56.7%). Regarding long-term follow-up, there was no difference in the VAS scores between the LP-PRP and control groups (SMD, -0.73; 95% CI, -1.69-0.23; p=0.134) with substantial heterogeneity (I2=88.4%). The LR-PRP groups had lower VAS scores than the control groups (SMD, -1.06; 95% CI, -2.02--0.09; p=0.032), with substantial heterogeneity (I2=92%). In the LP-PRP group, there was no significant difference in the success rate (odds ratio [OR], 1.08; 95% CI, 0.07-16.47; p=0.956) with substantial heterogeneity (I2=87.7%). In the LR-PRP group, however, the patients who received PRP had a higher success rate than those in the control group (OR, 2.85; 95% CI, 1.67-4.85; p

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) is an important viral pathogen that has an economic impact on the livestock industry worldwide. Autophagy is one of the earliest cell-autonomous defence mechanisms against microbial invasion, and many types of viruses can induce autophagy by infecting host cells.The aim of this study was to identify the role of autophagy in the pathogenesis of non-cytopathic (ncp) BVDV2 infection.Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells were treated with ncp BVDV2, rapamycin, or 3-methyladenine (MA) and ncp BVDV2 and then incubated at 37°C for 24 h. Cells were harvested, and the effects of autophagy were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), confocal laser microscopy, western blotting and qRT-PCR. Apoptotic analysis was also performed using western blotting and flow cytometry.In ncp BVDV2-infected MDBK cells, more autophagosomes were observed by TEM, and the number of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B) with green fluorescent protein puncta was also increased. The ncp BVDV2-infected cells showed significantly enhanced conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II, as well as upregulation of autophagy-related proteins, including ATG5 and Beclin 1, and substantial degradation of p62/SQSTM1. These results are similar to those induced by rapamycin, an autophagy inducer. E2 protein expression, which is associated with viral replication, increased over time in ncp BVDV2-infected cells. Inhibition of autophagy by 3-MA in ncp BVDV2-infected MDBK cells downregulated the expressions of LC3-II, ATG5 and Beclin 1 and prevented the degradation of p62/SQSTM1. Moreover, the expressions of phosphorylated Akt and procaspase-3 were significantly increased in ncp BVDV2-infected cells. In addition, the mRNA level of protein kinase R (PKR) was significantly reduced in ncp BVDV2-infected cells.Our results demonstrate that ncp BVDV2 infection induced autophagy in MDBK cells via anti-apoptosis and PKR suppression. Therefore, autophagy may play a role in establishing persistent infection caused by ncp BVDV.

Background The purpose of this study was to classify the possible indications for a combined approach to distal radius fractures (DRFs) by investigating surgical outcomes of patients treated according to our treatment algorithm. Methods A combined approach was performed in 32 patients. Patients who were thought to need a combined approach were classified into three types according to the combined injuries associated with loss of volar cortical buttresses in DRFs. The classifications included the following: type 1, free intra-articular fragments; type 2, distally migrated dorsal fragments located beyond the wrist joint; and type 3, centrally impacted articular fragments and displaced dorsal fragments, not reduced by indirect methods. Results Seven patients had type 1 fractures treated with volar plates and excision of the intra-articular fragments. Fourteen patients had type 2 fractures: 12 were treated with volar plates and excision of dorsal fragments, and 2 with relatively large unstable dorsal fragments were treated with combined volar and dorsal plates. The remaining 11 patients had type 3 fractures treated with combined volar and dorsal plates. At the latest follow-up, the radiographs revealed an average of 16.9° of radial inclination, an average of 4.2° of volar tilt, and an average of 7.5 mm of radial height. According to the Garland and Werley scores, the functional results were excellent for 3 patients, good for 25, and fair for 4. Conclusions The classification system indicated when an additional dorsal approach was needed in unstable DRFs, and it may establish useful guidelines for appropriate surgical decision-making.

Korean water deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus) are widespread in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Mostly, Korean water deer are essential hosts for maintaining ticks and tick-borne diseases (TBDs). Here, we investigated the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) among rescued Korean water deer. Anaplasma phagocytophilum (21.4%, 6/28), Anaplasma capra (14.3%, 4/28), Babesia capreoli (3.6%, 1/28), and Coxiella burnetii (3.6%, 1/28) were detected, but Borrelia burgdorferi, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and Theileria infections were not found. A. phagocytophilum was the most commonly detected pathogen, and co-infection with A. capra and B. capreoli was also noted in one Korean water deer. To our knowledge, this is the first article of B. capreoli infection in Korean water deer in the ROK. The infecting isolate of A. phagocytophilum was genetically characterized by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene and ankyrin-related protein (ankA) gene. Although the 16S rRNA gene alone may not be informative enough to delineate distinct host species, ankA-based phylogeny revealed a high identity of Korean water deer sequences with those of the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis. A. capra was detected by using citrate synthase gene (gltA), heat-shock protein (groEL), and major surface protein 4 (msp4) genes. Phylogenetic tree based on these gene markers revealed that there were at least two distinct variants within A. capra circulating in the ROK. One variant originated from different hosts including humans, ticks, goats, and sheep, whereas the other variant was reported recently in Korean water deer in the ROK. Consequently, these sequences were identified to belong to a zoonotic species. Sequencing analysis of the 18S rRNA gene revealed that our isolate belonged to B. capreoli and was distinct from Babesia divergens and Babesia venatorum. Moreover, our isolate showed 92.2% homology with B. capreoli sequences, indicating that these differences may be attributed to the different tick species that transmit B. capreoli or to different host species. Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis of C. burnetii based on 16S rRNA and IS1111 genes revealed that our isolate was grouped with several strains of C. burnetii and was genetically distant from Coxiella-like bacteria isolates. The present results highlight that Korean water deer act as potential reservoir hosts for zoonotic TBPs, and thus play an important role in the transmission of TBDs in humans, animals, and livestock.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), which is prevalent worldwide, is one of the most important viral pathogens and causes substantial economic loss to the livestock industry. Despite its importance, BVDV is largely unnoticed in the Republic of Korea (ROK). In this study, we report the case of a steer with BVDV that died suddenly due to severe enteritis. Two 1-year-old Korean indigenous cattle in the same herd presented severe hemorrhagic diarrhea. Case 1 had severe dehydration and died after 3 days, whereas case 2 had anorexia, depression, and severe diarrhea with mucus and blood. Only case 2 was necropsied, and BVDV2a was detected in the tissues of its alimentary tract. Gross lesions, including erosion, ulceration, and extensive hemorrhage, were observed in the digestive tract mucosa. Immunohistochemistry revealed marked positive staining for BVDV2a antigen in the large intestine. This report describes the first case of hemorrhagic disease caused by acute BVDV2a infection, which is characterized by high mortality in Korean indigenous cattle. This study will help establish vaccination and control strategies for BVDV in the ROK.

To conduct a network meta-analysis (NMA) comparing the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) among patients who underwent either isolated anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction or combined lateral extra-articular tenodesis (LET) or anterolateral ligament reconstruction (ALLR).RCTs that compared isolated ACL reconstruction and combined LET or ALLR were included with minimum 12 months follow-up. Studies that used the double-bundle technique were excluded. Outcome assessment included the number of positive pivot shifts, amount of anterior tibial translation, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective, Tegner, and Lysholm scores. Bayesian NMA and the surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) were evaluated.A total of 1,077 patients from 11 RCTs were enrolled in this study. In NMA, the odds ratios (ORs) of positive pivot shift were significantly lower in ACL + ALLR (OR: 0.17; 95% CI: 0.027-0.67) than isolated ACL reconstruction, but no difference between ACL + ALLR and ACL + LET. There were no significant differences in anterior tibial translation among the techniques, but the IKDC subjective and Lysholm scores of ACL + ALLR and ACL + LET were significantly higher than isolated ACL reconstruction. ACL + ALLR were the most preferred in terms of residual pivot shift, anterior tibial translation, and IKDC subjective scores (SUCRA = 88.2%, 86.4%, and 93.1%, respectively). Additional lateral procedures resulted in significantly lower risk of graft failure (OR: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.1-0.71) than isolated ACL reconstruction.ACL + ALLR were found to have significantly better outcomes in terms of knee rotational stability and graft failure rate than isolated ACL reconstructions, but the clinical outcomes were uncertain after a minimum 12 months follow-up. Considering the greatest probability of obtaining better knee rotational stability in this NMA, ACL + ALLR was found to be the most preferred technique for patients with ACL injury.Level II, network meta-analysis and systematic review of Level I and II studies.

Babesiosis is a tick-borne disease caused by intraerythrocytic protozoa belonging to the genus

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is associated with severe diarrhea in calves, winter dysentery in adult cattle, and respiratory diseases in cattle. However, there is limited information regarding its molecular characterization in the Republic of Korea (KOR). This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of BCoV in diarrheic calves, perform global comparison of BCoV genome sequences, and suggest a new nomenclature. A total of 521 fecal samples were collected from diarrheic pre-weaned native Korean calves (age £60 days) from 100 herds in the KOR. The samples were divided into three groups based on age as follows: 1-21 days (n = 433), 21-40 days (n = 64), and 41-60 days (n = 24). The full-length Spike (S) gene was amplified and sequenced. The phylogenetic tree was constructed using the maximum-likelihood method and the evolutionary rates were estimated. BCoV infection was detected in 20 (3.8%) calves by real-time RT-PCR analysis, and nine full-length genome sequences were obtained from the 20 BCoV-positive samples. Genomic comparison analysis showed that these 2019-2020 variants exhibited the highest nucleotide sequence identity (98.6%-99.2%) with that of water deer (Hydropotes inermis) isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of the full genomes of the S gene revealed the following four BCoV groups: G1, classical BCoV strains; G2, 2002 Korean, Japan, Vietnam, Cuba, and USA strains/isolates; G3, European strains/isolates; and G4, Korean isolates (2004 and 2006 Korean isolates, 2010 BCoV-like, 2017 water deer, and 2019-2020 variants). The evolutionary rates accelerated from G1 to G4. This grouping was also closely related to the nucleotide substitution rate. Using molecular clock analysis of the S gene, the most recent common ancestor of each group was estimated to have originated in 1953, 1979, 1986, and 1993, respectively. Recently identified BCoV variants in the KOR are undergoing slow evolution. These findings provide useful information for understanding the molecular characterization of BCoVs. Further research is necessary to conduct recombination analysis to support BCoV evolution.

Objective To evaluate the distribution of multiple anterior bridging bone (ABB) patterns using a newly designed interbody cage with 4 anterior holes that enable communication between the inside and outside of the cage and to estimate its mechanical effect by finite element analysis (FEA). Methods Patients underwent single-level lumbar interbody fusion using ABB cages. Two raters evaluated the distribution patterns of ABB on computed tomography scans 1 year after surgery. We defined the term H-fusion as the presence of complete anterior extracage and intracage bone bridging, with ≥1 ABBs between them. We performed finite element analysis to investigate the effect of ABB on maximal stiffness. Results The study enrolled 98 patients. ABB was most frequently observed in the medial hole of the cages (73.7%). The mean number of ABBs was 3.65, and H-fusion was observed at 135 levels (34%). Postoperative improvement in the Oswestry Disability Index was significantly higher in patients who achieved interbody fusion and H-fusion than in patients who did not. As ABB was added, the increment in the relative maximal stiffness was most affected under flexion and extension forces. Conclusions We observed an average of 3.65 complete ABBs. Finite element analysis demonstrated that ABB could increase the stability in fused segments, especially under flexion and extension stress. Our results suggest that the ABB cage, which allows communicating cross-bridging between inside and outside of the cage, may facilitate a more stable fusion process than a conventionally designed cage.

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular zoonotic bacterium with a global distribution. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of C. burnetii in different animals and to asses...

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common species of microsporidia that infects humans and animals worldwide. However, no information is available on E. bieneusi infection among zoo animals in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Here, we investigated the prevalence of E. bieneusi among animals kept in zoos and the zoonotic potential of the E. bieneusi identified. E. bieneusi was detected only in one African lion (Panthera leo) with diarrhea, using PCR and sequencing analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the rRNA gene. A phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS gene showed that the lion isolate was classified into a novel genotype KPL belonging to Group 2. The KPL genotype identified in this study differed from genotype I in 6 nucleotides and from genotype I-like in 3 nucleotides, respectively, indicating that Group 2 has the capacity to infect a wide range of hosts. This is the first report of the presence of E. bieneusi in an African lion housed in a zoo in the ROK. Further investigation is necessary to study E. bieneusi infection among zoo animals in various regions and to determine the transmission route, in order to control E. bieneusi infection.

Group A rotavirus (RVA) is the most common diarrhea-causing pathogen among humans and animals worldwide. Rotavirus infection in neonatal calves causes major problems in the livestock industry. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and genetic diversity of bovine rotavirus (BoRVA) infections in calves with diarrhea and to perform whole genome analysis of an unusual strain, designated as RVA/Calf-wt/KOR/KNU-GJ2/2020/G5P[7], that was detected in a 2-day-old diarrheic calf. From 459 diarrheic calves aged 1-40 days, fecal samples were collected and BoRVA infections were screened using real-time RT-PCR targeting VP6 gene. BoRVA was detected in 195 (42.4%) samples and was most prevalent in calves aged 1-10 days (47.2%). No significant difference in the BoRVA infection rate was observed between calves born in herds that were (42.1%) and were not (42.6%) vaccinated against BoRVA. A binomial regression analysis revealed that calves aged 1-10 days (95% confidence intervals [CI]:1.18-24.34; P = 0.000) and 11-20 days (95% CI: 0.76-16.83, P = 0.000) had a 5.37- and 3.58-fold higher BoRVA prevalence in comparison to those aged 31-40 days, respectively. The RVA-positive samples were subsequently subjected to amplification of the VP7 and VP4 genes for determining G and P genotypes. Overall, 45 (23.1%, 45/195) and 63 (32.3, 63/195) sequences for VP7 and VP4 were obtained. In this study, four G and three P genotypes were identified. G6 (86.7%) was the most prevalent genotype, followed by G8 (8.9%), G10 (2.2%), and G5 (2.2%). P[5] (92.1%) was the most frequently detected, followed by P[11] (6.3%), and P[7] (1.6%). The G6P[5] (82.2%) is the most common combination found in Korean native calves with diarrhea, whereas G6P[11] (4.4%) and G10P[11] (2.2%) had relatively low prevalence. G8P[5] (8.9%) was identified for the first time in diarrheic calves in the KOR. The uncommon strain KNU-GJ2 exhibited a G5-P[7]-I5-R1-C1-M2-A1-N1-T1-E1-H1 genotype constellation possessing a typical porcine RVA backbone, with the exception of the VP3 gene, which is derived from bovine. Phylogenetically, except for VP3, ten gene segments of KNU-GJ2 were closely related to porcine, porcine-like, and reassortant bovine strains. Interestingly, the VP3-M2 gene of KNU-GJ2 clustered with bovine-like strains as well as reassortant porcine and bovine strains. Comparison of the NSP4s within a species-specific region of amino acids 131-141 demonstrated that KNU-GJ2 belonged to genotype B with porcine RVAs; however, it differed from porcine RVAs by one to three amino acids. The present study is fundamental to understanding the epidemiology and genotypes of circulating RVAs throughout the KOR and underscoring the importance of continuous monitoring and molecular characterization of RVAs circulating within animal populations for future vaccine development.

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is associated with severe diarrhea in calves, winter dysentery in adult cattle, and respiratory diseases in cattle. However, there is currently limited information regarding its molecular characterization in the Republic of Korea (KOR). Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of BCoV in diarrheic pre-weaned calves (aged ≤60 days) and compared BCoV genome sequences identified globally. A total of 846 fecal samples were collected from calves with diarrhea across 100 beef farms in the KOR. The samples were divided into three groups based on age as follows: 1-10 days (n = 490), 11-30 days (n = 277), and 31-60 days (n = 79). BCoV infection was detected in 50 calves by real-time RT-PCR analysis. The results showed that the prevalence of BCoV was associated with calf age (P = 0.028) and was significantly higher in calves aged 31-60 days (odds ratio: 2.69, 95% confidence interval: 1.24-5.85; P = 0.012) than in those aged 1-10 days. Our findings show that BCoV is an important etiological agent of diarrhea in calves aged 31-60 days. Fifteen full genome sequences (2019-2021 variants) of the spike, hemagglutinin/esterase, and nucleocapsid were obtained from the 50 BCoV-positive samples. Phylogenetic analysis of each gene revealed that BCoVs circulating worldwide might have no boundary between enteric and respiratory tropisms, demonstrating the presence of three BCoVs groups: the classical, Asia/USA, and European. Initially, Korean BCoVs were originated from the USA, but diverged since the 1980s and rapidly evolved independently, unlike in other Asian countries. In this study, Korean BCoVs are more recent BCoVs and present relatively high nucleotide substitution rates in all genes compared with other BCoVs. Our results showed that the 2019-2021 variants undergo continuous genetic evolution and that there are genetic differences among globally distributed BCoVs.

Cryptosporidium spp. are protozoan parasites that belong to subphylum apicomplexa and cause diarrhea in humans and animals worldwide. Data on the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. and its subtypes among calves in the Republic of Korea (KOR) are sparse. Hence, our study aimed to investigate the prevalence and association between the age of calf and the identified Cryptosporidium spp. and to determine the genotypes/subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned calves with diarrhea in the KOR. A total of 460 diarrheic fecal samples were collected from calves aged 1−60 days and screened for Cryptosporidium spp. by the 18S rRNA gene. Species identification was determined using the sequencing analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, and C. parvum-positive samples were subtyped via the sequence analysis of the 60-kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. Sequence analysis based on the 18S rRNA gene revealed the presence of three Cryptosporidium spp., namely, C. parvum (n = 72), C. ryanae (n = 12), and C. bovis (n = 2). Co-infection by these species was not observed. The infection rate was the highest in calves aged 11−20 days (26.1%, 95% CI 17.1−35.1), whereas the lowest rate was observed in calves aged 21−30 days (7.7%, 95% CI 0.0−16.1). The prevalence of C. parvum was detected exclusively in calves aged ≤20 days, and the highest infection rate of C. ryanae was seen in calves ≥31 days of age. The occurrence of C. parvum (χ2 = 25.300, P = 0.000) and C. ryanae (χ2 = 18.020, P = 0.001) was significantly associated with the age of the calves. Eleven different subtypes of the IIa family that belonging to C. parvum were recognized via the sequence analyses of the gp60 gene. Except for two (IIaA18G3R1 and IIaA15G2R1) subtypes, nine subtypes were first identified in calves with diarrhea in the KOR. IIaA18G3R1 was the most frequently detected subtype (72.2% of calves), followed by IIaA17G3R1 (5.6%), IIaA15G2R1 (4.2%), IIaA19G4R1 (4.2%), IIaA16G4R1 (2.8%), IIaA17G4R1 (2.8%), IIaA19G3R (2.8%), IIaA14G1R1 (1.4%), IIaA14G3R1 (1.4%), IIaA15G1R1 (1.4%), and IIaA19G1R1 (1.4%) These results suggest that the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. is significantly associated with calf age. Furthermore, the findings demonstrate the high genetic diversity of C. parvum and the widespread occurrence of zoonotic C. parvum in pre-weaned calves. Hence, calves are a potential source of zoonotic transmission with considerable public health implications.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in cattle and how that prevalence is influenced by cattle breed and growth type. A total of 491 cattle [cattle breed: 216 dairy cattle and 275 beef cattle, growth type: indoor housed (n = 294) and grazing (n = 197)] were used. The presence of C. burnetii DNA and antibodies was detected from blood and serum samples using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The overall prevalence of C. burnetii was: 10.8% (95% CI: 8.0&ndash, 13.5%) using PCR and 8.8% (95% CI: 6.3&ndash, 11.3%) using ELISA. The prevalence of C. burnetii was significantly higher in beef cattle than in dairy cattle using both PCR (13.5% vs. 7.4%, P = 0.032) and ELISA (14.5% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.000), respectively. Comparison by growth type revealed that C. burnetii infection was significantly higher in grazing cattle than in housed cattle when using both PCR (24.9% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.000) and ELISA (21.3% vs. 0.3%, P = 0.000). Beef cattle were at a significantly higher risk of contracting C. burnetii compared with dairy cattle (odds ratio = 3.20, 95% CI: 1.80&ndash, 5.67, P = 0.000). The risk of contracting C. burnetii in grazing cattle was increased by 32.57-fold (95% CI: 12.84&ndash, 82.61, P = 0.000) compared with indoor housed cattle. The phylogenetic analysis based on the IS1111 gene revealed that our sequences grouped with human, tick, goat, and cattle isolates/strains found in several countries. C. burnetii sequences circulating in the Republic of Korea exhibit genetic variations. Thus, grazing is a high risk factor for the prevalence and transmission of C. burnetii.

This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection according to cattle breeds and growth types. A total of 491 cattle [cattle breed: 216 dairy cattle and 275 beef cattle; according to growth type: indoor housing (n = 294) and grazing (n = 197)] were tested for the presence of C. burnetii DNA and antibodies against C. burnetii using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, 10.8% and 8.8% of the cattle were positive by PCR and for C. burnetii antibodies, respectively. The prevalence of C. burnetii was significantly higher in beef cattle than in dairy cattle using PCR (13.6% vs 7.4%; P = 0.032) and ELISA (14.6% vs 1.4%; P = 0.000), respectively. The overall infection rate of C. burnetii was significantly high in grazing cattle (PCR: 24.9%, ELSIA: 21.3%; P = 0.000) compared with housing cattle (PCR: 1.4%, ELISA: 0.3%). The results indicate that beef cattle have a significantly higher risk of contracting C. burnetii infection compared with dairy cattle (21.5% vs. 7.9%, χ2 = 5.82, P = 0.000, odds ratio = 3.197, 95% CI: 1.80-5.67). In addition, the infection of C. burnetii was significantly associated with grazing (P = 0.000). Moreover, a risk of contracting C. burnetii infection in grazing cattle was increased by 32.57-fold (95% CI: 12.84-82.60, P = 0.000) compared with indoor housed cattle. The phylogenetic analysis based on the IS111 gene revealed that our isolates were grouped together with humans, ticks, goats, and cattle isolates found in several countries. C. burnetii isolates circulating in the Republic of Korea exhibit genetic variations. Consequently, our results suggest that cattle are potential reservoirs for C. burnetii infection and most importantly, grazing acts as a high risk factor for the occurrence and transmission of this infection.

Korean water deer (

Calf diarrhea leads to substantial economic losses in the livestock industry worldwide due to medical treatment costs, retarded growth performance, and even death. The objective of this study was to investigate changes in serum protein profiles and acute phase proteins in calves with diarrhea and identify the association between these changes and diarrhea. A total of 185 Korean beef calves were used and divided into 3 groups by age: 1 to 10 days (n = 46), 11 to 20 days (n = 65), and 21 to 30 days (n = 74). Blood and fecal samples were collected from each calf. Serum concentrations of total protein, protein fractions (albumin, α1-globulin, α2-globulin, β-globulin, and γ-globulin), haptoglobin (Hp), and serum amyloid A (SAA) were analyzed. Compared to calves without diarrhea, calves with diarrhea had significantly lower albumin concentrations at 11 to 20 days and 21 to 30 days of age (P = 0.017 and P = 0.000, respectively) and significantly higher α1-globulin fractions at 21 to 30 days of age (P = 0.01). Interestingly, α2-globulin fractions were significantly higher in diarrheic calves in all age groups, whereas γ-globulin fractions were significantly lower in calves with diarrhea aged 1 to 10 days, compared with normal animals. In calves with diarrhea, the concentration of Hp was significantly higher, whereas SAA levels were not different between normal and diarrheic calves. In addition, a positive correlation was found between α2-globulin and Hp (P = 0.0004). Taken together, these results provide useful information about the use of serum protein profiles and Hp as prognostic and diagnostic markers for animal health status.

In this paper, the relationship of chamber contamination and the intensity change of specific wavelength was investigated. "diff_CO" formula was introduced to rule out background noise caused by external conditions and to detect when the polymer is removed from the chamber. As RF time increased, diff_CO trend showed the decrease of the maximum peak and increased number of small intensity peaks. From the diff_CO change, it was possible to determine when the chamber needs to be cleaned without opening the chamber.

We have applied a digital pulse shape analysis (DPSA) to Compton suppression for a high-purity coaxial germanium detector (HPGe) as a means of verifying the DPSA method that we have recently developed to extract information for the interaction positions of gamma rays in semiconductor detectors. Our DPSA method is based on chi-square fitting the measured pulse shapes to the calculated ones obtained by the weighting potential method. In order to investigate the performance of the Compton suppression technique using our DPSA method, we have extracted the experimental peak-to-total (P/T) ratios for 662-keV gamma rays emitted from a 137Cs standard source. The experimental P/T ratios were compared with the ones obtained by a conventional BGO suppressor system. Applying the Compton suppression technique using the DPSA method to the BGO suppression system, we could also improve the P/T ratios. The experimental results were in good accord with the ones obtained by a Monte Carlo simulation.

With an increasing concern about environmental pollution and rising price of fossil fuels, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an important alternative energy source in a transportation sector. A rapid deployment of EVs may have significant impacts on demand for electricity in a power system. Also, a large-scale deployment of EVs can introduce greater uncertainty in EV charging patterns and loads. This paper presents a Stratified Latin Hypercube Sampling (SLHS)-based probabilistic load flow (PLF) method incorporating electric vehicle charging load. In this paper, probabilistic EV charging load is modeled by using the EV penetration level, hourly traffic patterns, and EV charging scenarios. The Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS)-based PLF requires a significant amount of computation time to obtain accurate results. In this paper, SLHS technique is also applied to reduce the computation time of the PLF. A numerical example is presented to show the performance of the proposed method.

In this work we present the pulse rise-time method by using signals from one electrode to determine the interaction depth in a 16-pixellated CdZnTe (CZT) detector manufactured by eV Products. Pulse shapes were theoretically calculated by varing the depth in steps of 0.5 mm with fixing the in-plane position. The electric field in the CZT detector was calculated numericallly by using the weighting potential method. The depth information was extracted by the rise-time correlation using calculations for anode pulse shapes. In order to check the accuracy of the pulse shape calculation, we performed a maximum-likelihood fitting process by comparing measured pulse shapes with calculated ones. The pulse shapes were digitally recorded by using a 64-channel 62.5 MS/s digitizer (v1740B) manufactured by CAEN . Gamma rays emitted from a 22Na standard source were bombarded on the negatively biased contact of the CZT detector. The low energy tail of a photo peak attributed to the hole trapping in the energy spectrum was corrected by using the rise-time correlation. The energy resolution was improved from 9.3% to 6.5% for the 511-keV photo peak with the T50 rise-time correlation.

In this work we present results on the measurement of the drift mobility and the mobility-lifetime product of charge carriers in a 16-pixellated CdZnTe detector. For the determination of an interaction position based on the pulse rise-time method in a CZT detector, it is necessary to characterize the transport properties governed by drift mobility and lifetime for electrons and holes. In order to extract the transport properties of an electron and a hole, we bombarded 5.5-MeV alpha particles from a 241Am source and 81-keV gamma rays emitted from a 133Ba source on the negatively biased contact of the CZT detector. A time-of-flight (TOF) method was used to measure the electron drift mobility at room temperature whose value turned out to be 906.4 cm2/V⋅ s. With the Hecht's equation, the electron mobility-lifetime product was also determined from the bias-dependent alpha response and was equal to (9.88 ± 2.33) × 10−3 cm2/V. On the other hand, the hole mobility-lifetime product was evaluated by a model based on the average charge collection efficiency which accounts for the absorption probability with a given photon energy. By using a single parameter fitting of the model, we obtained the hole mobility-lifetime product of (8.28 ± 0.17) × 10−4 cm2/V.