This study evaluated the immunogenicity of the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in a guinea pig model to refine preclinical assessment methods. 24 guinea pigs were divided into four groups for immunohistochemical, histopathological, and molecular analyses, including qRT-PCR and ELISA. The ELISA results revealed significant elevations in interleukin 2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN- ), and tuberculosis-specific antibodies in vaccinated guinea pigs, particularly γ notable after 6 weeks. Although lung cytokine levels remained unchanged, spleen gene expression showed significant differences in interleukin-17, interleukin-12, interleukin-1β, and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 after 6 weeks. Immunohistochemistry revealed peak IL-2 expression at 8 weeks and significant IFN-γ and TNF-α expression at 6 weeks. This study confirmed the effectiveness of BCG vaccine in guinea pigs, providing crucial insights for future tuberculosis vaccine development and standardizing immune response indicators.

Vespa mandarinia (Vespidae: Hymenoptera) is one of the two largest true hornets known to science. The species is a noted predator of social Hymenoptera and a significant pest of managed honey bees in its native range, but is also known to feed on a wide variety of other species when available. Most of the prey records for V. mandarinia are derived from visual observations in Japan, with sparse observations from other parts of its native range. A population of V. mandarinia was detected in North America in 2019 and five nests were removed between 2019 and 2021. We extracted DNA from larval meconia from four nests collected in Washington State, USA, and amplified the CO1 region to determine the potential prey base. We compared these with sequences generated from three nests in the Republic of Korea, and with prey pellets collected from foraging hornets at several locations in Korea. Results indicate that the prey base was much wider in the ROK than the USA, although social Hymenoptera were the most abundant and common prey items in both regions. Prey range seems to be bound by an intersection of organism size and local biodiversity, with little evidence to suggest that the latter is a limiting factor in colony success.

Fundamental aspects of creating passivation layers for corrosion resistance in nuclear engineering applications, specifically the ability to form complete layers versus porous ones, are being explored in this study. Utilizing a laser ablation technique, 1,064 nm fire at 10 Hz with 60 pulses per shot and 0.5 mm between impact points, aluminum samples are treated in an attempt to create a fully formed passivation layer that will be tested in a LiCl-KCl eutectic salt. By placing these samples into an electrochemical environment mimicking a pyroprocessing system, corrosion rates, resistances and material characteristics are tested for one week and then compared between treated and untreated samples. In initial testing, linear sweep voltammetry indicates corrosion current density for the untreated sample at −0.038 mA·cm−2 and treated samples at −0.024 mA·cm−2 and −0.016 mA·cm−2, respectively. This correlates to a control sample corrosion rate of −0.205 mm·yr−1 and treated rates of −0.130 mm·yr−1 and −0.086 mm·yr−1 for samples 1 and 2. In addition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy circuits show application of a longer-lasting porous passivation layer on the treated metal, compared to the naturally forming layer. However, the current technique fails to create a uniform protection layer across the sample.

Activated carbon (AC) is a versatile and extensively employed adsorbent in environmental remediation. It possesses distinct properties that can be enhanced to selectively target specific pollutants through modifications, including chemical impregnation or incorporation into composite materials. In this study, porous calcium alginate beads (PCAB) were synthesized by incorporating AC and natural alginate through ion gelation in a Ca(II) ion-containing solution, with the addition of sodium lauryl sulfate as a surfactant. The prepared PCAB was tested for Cu(II) removal. PCAB exhibited a spherical shape with higher porosity and surface area (160.19 m2. g−1) compared to calcium alginate beads (CAB) (0.04 m2. g−1). The adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-first-order model for PCAB and the pseudo-second-order model for CAB. The Langmuir isotherm model provided the best fit for adsorption on PCAB, while the Freundlich model was suitable for CAB. Notably, PCAB demonstrated a maximum adsorption capacity of 75.54 mg.g−1, significantly higher than CAB's capacity of 9.16 mg. g−1. Desorption studies demonstrated that 0.1 M CaCl2 exhibited the highest efficiency (90%) in desorbing Cu(II) ions from PCAB, followed by 0.1 M HCl and 0.1 M NaCl. PCAB showed efficient reusability for up to four consecutive adsorption– desorption cycles. The fixed-bed column experiment confirmed the match with the Thomas model to the breakthrough curves with qTH of 120.12 mg.g−1 and 68.03 mg.g−1 at a flow rate of 1 mL.min−1 and 2 mL.min−1, respectively. This study indicated that PCAB could be an effective adsorbent for Cu(II) removal, offering insights for further application and design considerations.

Synthesis of extremely competent materials is of great interest in addressing the energy storage concerns. Manganese oxide nanowires ( MnO2 NWs) are prepared in situ with multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and graphene oxide (GO) using a simple and effective hydrothermal method. Powder XRD, Raman and XPS analysis are utilized to examine the structural characteristics and chemical state of composites. The initial specific discharge capacity of pure MnO2 NWs, MnO2 NWs/ MWCNT and MnO2 NWs/rGO composites are 1225, 1589 and 1685 mAh/g, respectively. The MnO2 NWs/MWCNT and MnO2 NWs/rGO composites showed stable behavior with a specific capacity of 957 and 1108 mAh/g, respectively, after 60 cycles. Moreover, MnO2 NWs/rGO composite sustained a specific capacity of 784 mAh/g, even after 250 cycles at a current density of 1 A/g showing outstanding cycling stability.

Background: Kinesio taping (KT) is an intervention method used to improve early function after surgery; however, the effect of KT varies depending on the intervention method. Objectives: To investigated systematically review and quantitatively analyze the effect of KT randomized controlled trials (RCTs) applied to Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to determine the value of the treatment method for TKA patients. Design: A systemic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Studies were identified by searching multiple electronic databases from January 2023 to February 2023. We selected RCTs comparing KT or no treatment, standard physical therapy, multimodal therapeutic approaches. When possible, we pooled data using random-effects meta-analysis. The Cochrane Bias Method Group's seven-item risk of bias (RoB) assessment tool was used for RCTs. The main outcomes were pain, swelling, and ROM. Results: Three trials (290 patients) provided sufficient data and were similar enough to be pooled for meta-analysis. The standardized mean difference for a reduction of pain was SMD = -1.02, 95 % CI -1.93 to -0.12; p= 0.03; I2= 92 %. The standardized mean difference for a reduction of swelling was SMD= - 0.23, 95 % CI -0.50 to -0.05; p= 0.10; I2= 58 %. The standardized mean difference for ROM was SMD= 1.06, 95 % CI -0.08 to 2.20; p= 0.07; I2= 95 %. Conclusion: KT has a large effect on pain reduction in TKA patients and could be used as an additional treatment option, but a small effect was observed in swelling and ROM.

Background: Disuse Syndrome is defined as a significantly reduced functional state due to acute disease or surgery. Despite the many advantages to robot rehabilitation, there have been no reported cases of robot rehabilitation being applied to patients with disuse syndrome. Objectives: To investigated report cases of robot rehabilitation in patients diagnosed with disuse syndrome after severe COVID-19 infection. Design: Case report. Methods: The subject of this study was an 81-year-old male who was 161 cm tall and weighed 55.3 kg. At the time of admission to the hospital, the patient had a manual muscle testing (MMT) score of 36 points and a modified barthel index (MBI) score of 7 points. Additionally, the patient had a fall risk assessment score of 10 and a visual analogue scale of 6 for lower back pain. The patient's MMT, trunk impairment scale (TIS), and MBI were followed up. The patient received acute rehabilitation treatment for 4 weeks, followed by additional robotic rehabilitation. For 4 weeks, a standing tilt robot and a wearable robot were applied for 2 weeks each. Results: After 4 weeks of intervention, MMT, TIS, and MBI were improved in the patients. MMT improved from 36 points to 41 points. TIS improved from 0 to 13 points. MBI improved from 7 points to 29 points. Conclusion: There is a need to pay more attention to the rehabilitation of patients with disuse syndrome in recovery rehabilitation hospitals. It is speculated that robot-assisted rehabilitation can be applied to patients with disuse syndrome.

Background: Mobilization movements was applied with different forces and frequencies for different clinicians. Force transmission varies with frequency. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of frequency- specific application of grade III PA movement on muscle tone and muscle activity around the lumbar vertebrae. Design: A one group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Twenty study subjects applied grades III of PA movement exercise of 0.5 Hz and 1 Hz with a force of 13 N around the 1st and 3rd lumbar vertebrae, and muscle tone and muscle activity were measured and compared before and after. Results: This study showed that 0.5 Hz grade III PA activity exerted an effect on the decrease in muscle tone of the 1st and 3rd right and left lumbar muscles. It was found that 0.5 Hz affected the right side of L1 and 1.0 Hz affected the left side of L1 in near-activity when applying the grade III PA movement by frequency. Conclusion: In the future, it will be necessary to investigate the effect of applying frequency according to various grades of PA movement.

Background: This study attempted a comparative analysis of three splint fabrication methods currently used in clinical fields. Traditional Orthotic Fabrication Method Utilizing Thermoplastic Resin, the Methodology for creating assistive devices using 3D scanner, commercial CAD software, and 3D printing technology, and the Fabrication Method of Arm Splint Based on XR (eXtended Reality) Algorithm. Objectives: The study recruited 12 undergraduate students majoring in physical therapy and occupational therapy who had sufficient knowledge of splints, with an equal gender distribution. The study randomized the participants and conducted the experiment and overall process using a stratified approach. Design: Clinical applied technology experiment Methods: The study used QUEST 2.0 (Quebec User Evaluation of Satisfaction with assistive Technology ver. 2.0) to survey standardization, weight, ease of use, safety, durability, usability, effectiveness, and patient satisfaction, and statistically analyzed all results as quantitative indicators. Results: The score of QUEST 2.0 showed different aspects in some items, and it is difficult to say that certain technologies are superior overall. Conclusion: The study attempted an intuitive interpretation of the results. Overall, it was concluded that the XR method, which allows for easy and fast fabrication, is likely to be more readily accepted in future clinical practice.

Background: Back stabilization exercises have been applied to decrease low back pain. Pilates exercise can help stabilize the low back and pelvic alignment, and uses equipment such as cadillac, reformer, chair, and barrel. Objectives: This study was conducted to confirm the effects of pilates exercise using cadillac equipment and self-exercise using back pain educational materials on pain, pelvic inclination, and single leg stance ability in adult women with back pain. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Twenty-five participants (female 25) with unspecified low back pain with lumbar hyperextension and anterior pelvic tilt were recruited. 25 adult women with back pain were randomly divided into a pilates group and a selfexercise group. Pilates exercise intervention using a cadillac was administered to the pilates group, and posture and lifestyle education materials for back pain were provided to the self-exercise group. All of the interventions were conducted 3 times a week for 4 weeks, 50 minutes per session, and the results are as follows. Results: Data analysis in each group revealed statistical differences between self-exercise and divided into a Pilates intervention. A visual analog scale (VAS)/oswestry disability index (ODI) decreased pain in both groups, Independent t-test decreased pain in both groups, but there was no significant difference. Data analysis divided into a pilates group revealed statistical differences between a VAS/ODI and pelvic tilt angle and static balance. It has been shown to increase scores or relieve pain. Conclusion: Through this study, it was confirmed that the pilates exercise using cadillac can be effectively used to reduce back pain, improve pelvic alignment, and improve single leg stance ability in adult women with low back pain.

Background: Swallowing disorder is a common disease that can cause various complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia, and poor quality of life, and can affect people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. Swallowing disorder rehabilitation is a complex process involving various skills such as exercise, diet modification, and posture adjustment. This study implements a rehab program for swallowing disorders using the Kinesio Tapping technique. Design: Prospective pilot case study. Objectives: To improve laryngeal detachment by providing external support to the muscles involved in swallowing using kinesio taping for conventional complex swallowing disorder rehabilitation. Methods: The study included 16 participants who were diagnosed with swallowing difficulties after a stroke and admitted to a rehabilitation ward in Ulsan. The average age of the participants, consisting of 9 males and 7 females, was 69.0 years (SD=1.23) and 64.0 years (SD=1.45), respectively. The stroke types were hemorrhagic and infarction, with onset periods ranging from 6 to 12 months (SD=1.11) in all participants. Each participant received a video fluoroscopy study (VFSS) for six months using the taping method developed by the research team. Kinesio taping techniques were developed by two professional physical therapists and one occupational therapist based on anatomical movements. Results: Significant differences were observed in self-training on the bed after the rehabilitation program compared to the initial period Kinesio taping can help improve laryngeal dislocation and reduce the risk of aspiration by providing external support to the muscles involved in swallowing. However, the effectiveness and optimal application techniques of kinesio taping in the rehabilitation of swallowing disorders are not yet clear. Conclusion: The results of this study could lead to the development of a new treatment protocol that incorporates kinesio taping as a standard therapy for the rehabilitation of swallowing disorders in bedridden patients.