목적 : 근시 교정용 비구면렌즈를 대상으로 중심 두께와 굴절률 및 굴절력 그리고 직경이 가장자리 두께와 무게에 어떠한 영향을 미치는지 비교하고 분석하고자 하였다. 방법 : 시중에 판매되고 있는 근시 교정용 렌즈를 굴절률(1.56~1.74)과 굴절력(-3.00~-8.00 D)별로 252개를 대상으로 선정하였다. 굴절률과 굴절력별로 40.00, 50.00 및 60.00 mm 직경 크기로 평산각 가공하여 가장자리 두께와 무게를 측정하여 그 결과를 비교 분석하였다. 결과 : 가장자리 두께는 직경이 1.00 mm 증가하였을 때 0.11 mm 증가하고 굴절력이 –1.00 D 증가하였을 때 0.50 mm 증가하며 굴절률이 한 단계 높아질 때 0.24 mm 감소한 것으로 나타났다. 무게는 직경이 1.00 mm 증가 하였을 때 0.42 g 증가하고 굴절력이 –1.00 D 증가하였을 때 0.75 g 증가하며 굴절률이 한 단계 높아질 때 0.08 g 감소한 것으로 나타났다. 가장자리 두께와 무게와의 인과관계는 직경이 가장 크고, 굴절력, 굴절률, 중심 두께 순으 로 나타났으며 가장자리 두께가 1.00 mm 증가하면 무게는 2.57 g 증가하는 것으로 나타났다. 결론 : 근시안을 비구면렌즈로 교정하고자 할 때, 굴절이상도와 안경렌즈 각 요소와의 관계를 고려하여 안경렌 즈를 선택하면 가장자리 두께 및 무게 감소에 도움이 되리라 사료된다.

In this study, an simultaneous LC-MS/MS multi-residue analytical method was developed and validated for the residues of six neonicotinoid insecticides (acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in honey. Sample preparation included a combination of QuEChERS extraction kit and liquid-liquid extraction method to effectively extract pesticide components from the honey matrix and optimized analytical conditions to achieve high sensitivity and selectivity. The limits of detection (LOD) and the limits of quantitation (LOQ) were set in the range of 6-15 ng/mL and 19-44 ng/mL, respectively and the correlation coefficient (R²) was greater than 0.99, confirming good linearity. In addition, the intra-day recoveries for each pesticide were 75-104%, and the coefficient of variation (CV) was less than 20%, which met the guideline recommended by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The LC-MS/MS method developed in this study is expected to be used as a multi-residue analysis method for 6 neonicotinoid pesticides in honey.

Clove (Syzygium aromaticum) is a highly valued medicinal plant native to Aisa. Widely used as a spice, renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. In this study, clove bud extract (CBE) was prepared at different ethanol concentrations of 50%, 80%, and 90%, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the CBE was evaluated through DPPH, polyphenol, and reducing power assays, revealing its strong antioxidant potential, with 90% ethanol being the most effective extract. HPLC analysis identified eugenol (8.7 mg/g) as the major active compound, known to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Given the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in atopic dermatitis (AD), the therapeutic potential of CBE was explored using a 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (DNCB)-induced AD mouse model. Five-week-old BALB/c mice were induced with AD by topical application of DNCB. CBE was administered topically to the affected skin (back and ear) areas for 4 weeks. The treatment of CBE significantly reduced the severity of clinical dermatitis, decreased epidermal thickness, and lowered mast cell and eosinophil infiltration in skin tissue, as observed through hematoxylin eosin staining and toluidine blue staining. The results demonstrated CBE as a promising therapeutic agent for managing AD through its regulation of skin inflammation and oxidative stress, making it a potential candidate for future treatments of inflammatory skin disorders.

Background: The increasing prevalence of smartphone use has been associated with musculoskeletal pain; however, the specific roles of demographic factors, smartphone usage time, posture, contents and state of addiction on pain in the upper-body regions remain unclear. Objects: This study investigated the influence of smartphone usage characteristics, including age, occupation, visual condition, duration, content, and posture, as well as smartphone addiction, on musculoskeletal pain in upper-body regions. This study aimed to comprehensively elucidate the factors contributing to the pain associated with smartphone use. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 316 participants aged 20–59 years. Data on personal characteristics, smartphone use patterns, state of addiction (measured using the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version), and musculoskeletal discomfort (Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and Cornell Hand Discomfort Questionnaire) were collected. Binary logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors of pain in different body regions. Results: Younger age (20–30 years), being housewives or students, and vision impairment (shortsightedness) significantly increased the likelihood of neck, shoulder, and hand pain. Prolonged smartphone use (7–10 hours daily) and gaming were strongly associated with elevated pain risk, whereas moderate usage (1–4 hours daily) may be protect against lumbar pain. Non-neutral postures, especially side lying, have emerged as critical risk factors, with left-side lying linked to hand pain and right-side lying linked to upper back pain. Smartphone addiction consistently predicted pain across all regions by amplifying physical strain through prolonged engagement and poor posture. Conclusion: This study highlighted the multifactorial nature of smartphone-related musculoskeletal pain, emphasizing the roles of demographic characteristics, usage patterns, and addiction. These findings provide a foundation for developing tailored ergonomic and behavioral interventions to mitigate pain risks, particularly in high-use populations. Future research should validate these findings through longitudinal studies and objective measures.

Background: This study was conducted to increase meat production by 30% compared to the present by selecting a giant cow over 1,000 kg and applying biotechnologies. Methods: After OPU from 1,100 kg of giant cow, the calves were produced in Hanwoo surrogate mothers. Among 23 calves six male heads were selected, three heads of them were chosen as candidate sires, and the rest three heads were raised for 30 months for performance test. The semen of three candidate sires from the age of 22 months were collected and frozen, and the calves were produced by artificial insemination. The calf was raised to the age of 30 to 33 months and performed a progeny test. Results: The average birth weight of 23 calves born by transferring giant cow-derived embryos was 42.8 kg, and the average weight of carcass from three bulls was 615.3 kg in the performance test. In the progeny test, the average birth weight of calves born after artificial insemination of semen from giant cow-derived candidate sires was 41 kg, and the average weight of carcass after raised to the age of 30 to 33 months was 562.7 kg. As a result of performance and progeny tests, it is 148 and 96 kg higher in giant cow-derived beef cattle than the average carcass (467 kg) from general Hanwoo cattle, respectively. Conclusions: This study will have laid a great foundation for the future improvement of the Korean beef industry.

This study was conducted to investigate changes in the productivity of Italian ryegrass seeds according to the timing of harvest after heading in the southern region. The Italian ryegrass variety ‘Greencall’ was sown in Jinju, Gyeongsangnam-do, in the fall of 2022. Four harvest timings were tested (30, 40, 50, and 60 days after heading), with a randomized complete block design and three replicates. Sowing in the test plots took place on October 10, 2022, and harvesting was carried out from 30 days after heading on May 18 to 60 days. The plant height was the longest (99.1 cm) in the plot harvested 30 days after heading and decreased as the harvest was delayed. No significant differences were observed among treatments in terms of lodging resistance, disease resistance, and cold resistance. However, lodging severity increased over time after heading (7∼9). Disease incidence was also higher in plots harvested 50 and 60 days after heading. The length of the spike was shortest (38.76 cm) in the plot harvested 50 days after heading, and the number of seeds per spike was the lowest (42 seeds/spike) in the plot harvested 60 days after heading. The dry matter content of seeds increased with the delay in harvest, while dry matter yield decreased, with the lowest yield observed in the plot harvested 40 days after heading (3,031 kg/ha, p<0.05). The dry matter content of seed straw was highest at 75.73% in the plot harvested 50 days after heading and dropped to 34.99% 60 days after heading due to rainfall. The dry matter productivity of the seed straw was the lowest in the plot harvested 40 days after heading. The feed value of the seed straw also decreased with delayed harvest, with an average RFV (Relative Feed Value) of 91. In conclusion, the optimal harvest timing for fall-sown Italian ryegrass intended for seed production in the southern region appears to be 30 days after heading.

For centuries, humans have leveraged the health-promoting properties of plants for our well-being. While research has been conducted on numerous medicinal plants, the specific benefits of many species remain underexplored. Eupatorium Japonicum (EJ), a member of the Asteraceae family, has historically been consumed in Japan, South Korea, China, and Vietnam for its traditional use in soothing digestive issues. This study aimed to explore the radical scavenging and antiinflammatory efficacy of EJ extract using RAW 264.7 cells. The radical-scavenging effects were assessed using the DPPH and ABTS assays, where an anti-oxidative molecule in the test sample will react with a stable free radical in DPPH and ABTS causing discoloration. The anti-inflammatory efficacy was assessed using the nitric oxide (NO) assay in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, where the amount of NO produced in response to infection was measured using Griess reagent. Reversetranscriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real-time PCR were executed to confirm the anti-inflammatory activity by measuring the RNA levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The DPPH and ABTS assays revealed that EJ extract decreased oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner (7.8-1,000 μg/mL) compared to ascorbic acid and Trolox respectively. EJ extract significantly reduced NO production concentration independently. Furthermore, EJ extract showed no cytotoxic effects as determined through the MTT assay. RT-PCR and real-time PCR analyses revealed inhibition of mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6). Western blotting demonstrated EJ’s anti-inflammatory activity by reducing protein levels of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6. These findings suggest that EJ extract exhibits anti-inflammatory activities and can be further evaluated in the future.

Background: Lower limb strength is crucial for stability and functional movement, such as walking, running, squatting, and balance, with the gluteus maximus (Gmax) being pivotal. Squat exercises are commonly used to strengthen the Gmax; however, the impact of ankle position on muscle activation during squats is not well understood. Objects: This study examined Gmax and lower limb muscle activation patterns in three ankle positions during squats, aiming to optimize rehabilitation strategies and enhance exercise prescriptions. Methods: Surface electromyography recorded the activation levels of the Gmax, vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis oblique (VLO), and biceps femoris (BF) across three ankle positions: neutral (NEU), dorsiflexion (DF), and plantarflexion (PF). A repeated-measures design was employed, involving 30 healthy adults (26 males and 4 females) aged 18–30 years. Muscle activation patterns were statistically analyzed to identify significant variations across these conditions, with the significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: During squats, DF of the ankle joint significantly increased Gmax activation compared with PF and NEU positions, indicating that an ankle position closer to DF may enhance hip extension. In contrast, PF was associated with heightened activation of the VMO and VLO, suggesting that this position may be beneficial for exercises focusing on knee stability. No significant changes were observed in the BF activation across the ankle positions, indicative of its limited involvement in response to variations in ankle positioning. Conclusion: These results underscore the importance of ankle joint positioning in modulating lower-limb muscle engagement during squatting. Ankle DF may be recommended to maximize Gmax activation, which is beneficial for hip-focused strengthening, whereas PF may supports knee stability by targeting quadriceps activation. This study provides evidence for adjusting ankle positioning during squat exercises to optimize specific rehabilitation and performance outcomes.

Background: Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent often causes nephrotoxic side effects. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is known to induce pro-inflammatory responses, often leading to septic renal injury. We hypothesized that the combination of cisplatin and LPS would amplify renal injury, thereby improving a renal injury model. Therefore, we administered both agents to mice and evaluated renal injury indicators. Methods: Eight-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were injected with cisplatin (8, 10, or 12 mg/kg) and LPS (5 mg/kg) on days 1 and 4 following of each week. Mice were euthanized at specific time points to assess renal injury. Body weight, renal weight, area, and BUN levels were measured to evaluate renal damage. Additionally, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichrome (MT) staining were performed to assess histological changes. Results: The combination of cisplatin and LPS significantly reduced body and renal weight compared to cisplatin alone. A high dose of cisplatin (12 mg/kg) resulted in a 50% mortality, while, lower doses (8 and 10 mg/kg) showed 100% survival. Significant renal injury was observed in the 10 mg/kg cisplatin group administered for two weeks. In the 8 mg/kg cisplatin group, no changes were observed after two weeks, but renal damage appeared after four weeks. Histological evaluations in the 10 mg/kg cisplatin group administered for two weeks showed renal injury features, including tubular damage and fibrosis. Conclusions: Administering cisplatin (10 mg/kg) with LPS for two weeks or cisplatin (8 mg/kg) with LPS for four weeks resulted in a distinct renal injury, effectively establishing a renal injury mouse model.

Background: Stroke patients commonly experience functional declines in balance and gait due to decreased muscle strength and coordination issues caused by brain damage. Through repetitive training, robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) can aid in promoting neuroplasticity in stroke patients and help them acquire effective gait patterns. Additionally, convalescent rehabilitation hospitals help to ensure rapid recovery through intensive rehabilitation training. Objects: This study investigated the effects of RAGT frequency on gait and balance recovery in stroke patients in convalescent rehabilitation hospitals, providing data to optimize rehabilitation efficiency, enhance functional recovery, and support the development of personalized strategies to ensure safer and more rapid returns to daily life. Methods: This study compared the frequency of RAGT by analyzing a group receiving two units of RAGT per day for 5 days per week with a group receiving two units of RAGT per week as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program, totaling 16 units daily, in a convalescent rehabilitation hospital. Results: In the 10-minute walking test, statistical significance was observed both within and between groups, whereas the Functional Ambulation Category, Fugl-Meyer Assessment–lower extremities, Berg Balance Scale, and timed up-and-go tests showed significance only within groups. Conclusion: End-effector RAGT and traditional gait training significantly improve gait ability, balance, and lower limb function in stroke patients.

Background: Limited ankle dorsiflexion (DF) range of motion (ROM) is associated with mechanical dysfunctions and chronic ankle instability. Uphill treadmill walking exercise (UTWE) has the potential to improve ankle mobility and function. Objects: This study aimed to examine the immediate effects of a 15° UTWE on DF ROM and torque generation in patients with limited DF. Methods: The study included 20 adults, comprising 10 males and 10 females, with a mean age 28 years and a passive DF range of 5°–12°. After baseline assessments, participants completed 30 minutes of UTWE on a 15° incline treadmill, followed by post-assessments. DF ROM was evaluated during the stance phase of gait, and in both open-kinematic-chain (OKC) and closed-kinematic-chain (CKC) conditions using a goniometer and Image J software. DF and plantar flexion (PF) peak torque were measured with a Biodex Dynamometer. Results: Post intervention, maximum DF ROM during the stance phase of gait increased significantly from a mean of 8.54° ± 3.97° to 11.03° ± 4.41°. The DF ROM in the OKC and CKC conditions increased significantly from a mean of 8.90° ± 0.62° and 21.55° ± 0.72° to 18.00° ± 1.13° and 28.20° ± 1.00°, respectively (p < 0.0001). DF peak torque increased from 16.20 ± 1.28 N/m to 21.52 ± 1.39 N/m, and PF peak torque increased from 25.26 ± 2.51 N/m to 44.22 ± 4.20 N/m (p < 0.0002). Conclusion: UTWE significantly enhanced DF ROM and ankle torque, indicating that it may be an effective intervention for improving ankle function and preventing injury in clinical and rehabilitation settings.

Silage inoculants, which include beneficial microorganisms like lactic acid bacteria (LAB), play a vital role in modern silage production by enhancing fermentation quality. This study evaluated the effectiveness of various commercial inoculants on the fermentation dynamics of Italian ryegrass silage over 45 days. The treatments included a control group and five inoculant formulations: T1 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum), T2 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus), T3 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactiplantibacillus buchneri), T4 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactiplantibacillus acidophilus and Lactiplantibacillus bulgaricus), and T5 (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus and Enterococcus faecium). After 45 days, all treatment groups exhibited significantly higher crude protein (CP) content compared to the control group (80.64 g/kg dry matter (DM), p<0.05). Treatments T2 and T5, which incorporated combinations of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Pediococcus pentosaceus and Enterococcus faecium, showed higher CP contents at 105.53 and 107.05 g/kg DM, respectively. The inoculated silages also demonstrated a rapid pH reduction within the early days, with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in T1 reducing the pH to 4.0 within four days. Additionally, inoculated treatments had significantly higher lactic acid levels than the control (67.96 g/kg DM, p<0.05), and T3 (Lactiplantibacillus buchneri) produced higher acetic acid levels (16.07 g/kg DM, p<0.05) than other inoculants. The control group also had a notably higher ammonia nitrogen content. In conclusion, while single-strain inoculants like Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are effective for rapid acidification, the use of combined bacterial strains can further enhance silage quality by improving lactic acid fermentation and nutrient preservation, particularly in treatments like Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus and Lactiplantibacillus buchneri and Enterococcus faecium.

A 17-year-old spayed female Shih Tzu dog, weighing 5.0 kg, presented with frequent coughing and respiratory distress. Blood tests revealed mild thrombocytosis, and thoracic ultrasonography and radiography confirmed a significant amount of pleural effusion. However, the thoracic radiographs showed no radiopaque nodules or interstitial patterns indicative of thoracic tumors. Thoracentesis was performed to relieve effusion-induced thoracic pressure, yielding a hemorrhagic serosanguinous pleural fluid. The cytological analysis of this fluid revealed mesothelial cells, supporting the clinical diagnosis of mesothelioma in situ. To address the patient’s clinical symptoms, an aggressive management approach was implemented with chest tube placement to address recurrent pleural effusion after initial thoracentesis. During treatment, the patient exhibited stable health and adapted well to daily life. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of mesothelioma in situ with hemorrhagic malignant pleural effusion in South Korea. Using a chest tube as an aggressive treatment successfully alleviated dyspnea symptoms and provided symptomatic relief in a patient with mesothelioma in situ.

Background: South Korea has recently faced record-high temperatures, which have adversely affected dairy production. Holstein cows, the primary dairy breed globally, are particularly sensitive to heat stress. In contrast, Jersey cows have shown greater heat tolerance, as demonstrated by phenotypic studies. Methods: We investigated physiological and molecular responses to heat stress in Holstein and Jersey cows by measuring rectal temperature, milk yield, and average daily gain, confirming Holstein cows’ greater vulnerability. To explore molecular mechanisms, we analyzed circulating microRNA profiles from whole blood samples collected under heat stress and normal conditions using microRNA-sequencing. Differential expression patterns were compared between the two breeds to identify biological pathways associated with heat stress. Results: Four microRNAs (bta-miR-20b, bta-miR-1246, bta-miR-2284x, and bta-miR- 2284y) were significantly differentially expressed in both breeds under heat stress (|FC| ≥ 2, p < 0.05). Notably, bta-miR-20b and bta-miR-1246 were linked to corpus luteum function and progesterone biosynthesis, while bta-miR-2284x and bta-miR- 2284y were associated with immune responses. A comparison of 11 potential heat stress-related microRNAs identified in previous studies of Holstein cows revealed consistent expression trends in Jersey cows, albeit with lower fold changes, suggesting their superior heat resilience. Conclusions: Our study highlights the physiological and microRNA-based differences in heat stress responses between Holstein and Jersey cows. Jersey cows exhibited greater resilience, supported by more stable microRNA expression profiles and improved heat stress indicators, making them a promising breed for dairy production in increasingly hot climates.

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic and morphological responses of Italian ryegrass to waterlogging stress during its early growth stage. Waterlogging increased the number of adventitious roots and root porosity, indicating an enhanced oxygen transport mechanism. Phenolic compound levels were increased in both leaf and root tissues under waterlogging stress compared to the control, suggesting the development of a non-enzymatic antioxidant system. Waterlogging treatment also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels only in roots. Total soluble carbohydrates and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity increased under waterlogging stress, suggesting an increased activity of carbohydrate breakdown and energy conversion mechanisms. This study suggests that Italian ryegrass exhibits significant metabolic and morphological adaptations to waterlogging stress during its early growth stage. These adaptations demonstrate that Italian ryegrass has developed tolerance mechanisms to cope with such stress.

Background: Rotator cuff tears often cause shoulder pain and functional limitations that may require conservative treatment or surgical intervention. Identifying preoperative differences in muscle strength and function can aid in treatment decisions. Objects: This study aimed to compare the preoperative shoulder muscle strength and functional outcomes between patients undergoing arthroscopic rotator cuff repair and those receiving conservative treatment. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 315 patients with rotator cuff tears, including 145 who underwent surgery and 170 who received conservative treatment. Shoulder isokinetic muscle strength (external rotator, internal rotators, abductor, and adductors) and functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] and Constant-Murley shoulder scores) were measured. The conservative treatment group was assessed during a hospital visit, whereas the surgery group was tested on the morning of the surgery. An independent t-test was used to evaluate the preoperative shoulder strength and functional scores. Results: The conservative treatment group showed lower deficits in external (11.3 ± 23.9) and internal (11.7 ± 15.5) rotators compared to the surgery group (26.3 ± 33.8 and 17.1 ± 26.1, respectively; p = 0.001). Abductor and adductor deficits (18.2 ± 25.3 and 9.8 ± 16.8) were also lower in the conservative treatment group (30.7 ± 31.6 and 21.9 ± 28.4, respectively; p = 0.036 and p = 0.001). The external per internal rotator ratio (50.9 ± 16.8; p = 0.003) and ASES scores were higher (74.5 ± 14.8; p = 0.047) was higher in the conservative treatment group. Conclusion: The conservative treatment group had lower shoulder strength deficits, better muscle balance, and higher ASES scores than the surgery group, indicating superior functional outcomes. These findings suggest that assessing preoperative muscle strength and function might provide valuable insights into treatment planning for patients with rotator cuff tears.

목적 : 본 연구는 중국 안과병원에 방문한 저도와 중등도 근시 청소년을 연구 대상으로 각막굴절교정 렌즈에 의한 단기간의 근시 진행 억제 효과가 있는지 관찰하고자 하였다. 방법 : J안과에 방문한 근시환자 중 40명의 환자 저도 근시군 20명(40안), 중등도 근시군 20명(40안)을 대상으 로 각막굴절교정 렌즈를 처방하고 6개월 동안 추적 관찰하였다. 각막굴절교정 렌즈 착용 후 1개월, 3개월, 6개월 후 각각 각막굴절교정 렌즈 교정 후 시력과 안축의 길이, 각막곡률, 안압, 각막 중앙 두께 등을 검사하여 분석 및 비교하였다. 통계분석은 SPSS 27.0 소프트웨어를 사용하였다. 결과 : 저도근시군과 중등도근시군의 교정시력이 모두 향상되었으며, 두 군 간의 차이는 통계학적 으로 유의하 였으며, 안축 길이는 중등도근시군의 안축 성장이 작았고, 두 군 간의 차이는 통계학적으로 유의하였다. 각막 곡률 은 중등도 근시 군의 각막 곡률이 더 많이 감소했으며, 두 군 간의 차이는 통계적으로 유의했다. 각막굴절교정 렌 즈를 착용한 환자는 안압과 각막 중앙 두께 측면에서 기준치와 유의한 변화가 없었다. 결론 : 각막굴절교정 렌즈는 청소년의 근시를 효과적으로 교정되었으며, 근시 진행을 억제하는 방법 중 하나로 근시 정도에 따라 차이가 있었다. 또한 청소년들의 근시 통제 효과는 중등도 근시 환자가 저도 근시 환자보다 더 효과적이었다.

The Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a zoonotic pathogen that affects the nervous systems of humans, pigs, and horses. It has been classified into five genotypes (G1-G5) based on molecular analysis of the pre-membrane or envelope gene. In the Republic of Korea, the predominant JEV genotype has recently shifted from G3 to G1 and G5, highlighting the need for a rapid and accurate diagnostic method. In this study, we designed specific common and differential primer sets for JEV G1, G3, and G5 to detect the JEV gene. Four specific primer sets for JEV G1, G3, and G5 were used to selectively amplify the target gene. The detection limits of the common primer set for JEV G1, G3, and G5 were 100, 0.1, and 10 TCID50/reaction, respectively. The detection limits of the three differential primer sets were 1, 0.1, and 1 TCID50/reaction, respectively. No cross-reactivity was observed with non-JEV reference viruses. We successfully developed a multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to distinguish the three JEV genotypes. Our multiplex RT-PCR assay is highly sensitive and specific, providing a reliable tool for confirming JEV infection in suspected samples. Additionally, our assay can be applied to suspected mosquito samples and commercial veterinary biological products.

Sequential zone picking is an order picking method designed to enhance warehouse efficiency by dividing the storage area into multiple zones and picking items in a sequential order across these zones. Picked items are often placed in dedicated totes and transported between zones using a conveyor system, which manages the picking flow but can occasionally result in inefficiencies during the process. This study presents a variant of the sequential zone picking system, called a dual-lane zone picking system (DZP), which consists of two parallel conveyor lanes without buffers between consecutive zones. This conveyor configuration allows the picker in each zone to alternate processing between the two lanes, thereby lessening the constraints of tote transitions between zones and improving both system throughput and picker utilization. We design and conduct a series of experiments using a discrete-event simulation model to evaluate the performance of DZPs. The experiment results indicate that DZP surpasses the original single-lane zone picking system by shortening the system’s mean flow time in low flow intensity scenarios and achieving a higher maximum throughput and worker utilization in high flow intensity scenarios. Additionally, we investigate the effects of the number of zones and order batching size on the performance of DZP to gain further insights into the system’s operational control.

Background: A disrupted activation balance or temporal control between the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles can cause excessive patellar lateral gliding, leading to patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Selective VMO strengthening exercises are recommended for patients with PFPS. Kinesio taping (KT), developed using elastic tape considering the movement of muscles and joints, has been recommended as a treatment for PFPS due to its effects, such as normalizing muscle tension, enhancing joint and muscle sensory input, and improving blood circulation. KT can induce both facilitation and inhibition effects on muscles, depending on the application direction and tension. Conflicting findings regarding effectiveness suggest the need for more studies on taping techniques to selectively strengthen the VMO. Objects: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of patellar medial glide taping (PMGT), vastus medialis oblique facilitatory taping (VMOFT), and combined taping (CT) during wall squats on the muscle activation of the VMO and VL, and to compare the ratio of VMO vs. VL (VMO/VL). Methods: Seventeen healthy adult females participated in this study. During the wall squat using each taping technique, the muscle activity of the VMO and VL, and the VMO/VL ratio, were measured through electromyography. Results: The results showed significant difference in the VMO/VL ratio with PMGT and CT (p < 0.05). However, there were no significant differences in the activation of the VMO during the wall squat with PMGT and VMOFT (p > 0.05). Also, there were no significant differences in VL activation across all taping techniques (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study indicate, that the CT technique was more effective in activating the VMO compared to other taping techniques. These findings support the use of a technique combining PMGT and VMOFT to selectively activate the VMO.