An Investigation of Soil-biochar Aggregates and Internal and External Surface Deposits on Biochar Particles in a Sandy Earth using Scanning Electron Microscopy

Kerrie Burns,Joe Herbertson,Robert J. Gilkes 한국토양비료학회 2014 한국토양비료학회 학술발표회 초록집 Vol.2014 No.6

Impact of Cranberry Juice and Proanthocyanidins on the Ability of Escherichia coli to Form Biofilms

Paola Andrea Pinzón-Arango,Kerrie Holguin,Terri Anne Camesano 한국식품과학회 2011 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.20 No.5

The effects of cranberry juice cocktail (CJC)and proanthocyanidins (PACs) on biofilm formation were investigated. Escherichia coli strain HB101pDC1 and nonfimbriated strain HB101 were grown in 10 wt% CJC or 120 μg/mL PACs for 12 consecutive cultures. Biofilm formation was investigated by incubating bacteria in 96-well polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plates and studying the optical density of the solution using the crystal violet method. We suspect that biofilm formation occurred due to non-specific interactions between the bacteria and the polymer. Both P-fimbriated E. coli HB101pDC1 and the non-fimbriated strain HB101 formed biofilms. E. coli strain HB101pDC1 formed a thicker and more mature biofilm. Cranberry juice inhibited biofilm formation after the first culture; however, for bacteria grown in PACs, a decrease in biofilm formation was observed with increasing number of cultures. The inhibitory effect was reversible. These results demonstrate that CJC is more effective than isolated PACs at preventing biofilm formation, possibly suggesting that other cranberry compounds also play a role in anti-biofilm activity.

Improving the value of ultrasound in children with suspected appendicitis: a prospective study integrating secondary sonographic signs

Tristan Reddan,Jonathan Corness,Fiona Harden,Kerrie Mengersen 대한초음파의학회 2019 ULTRASONOGRAPHY Vol.38 No.1

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the awareness and inclusion of secondary sonographic signs of appendicitis, in combination with a structured evaluation as part of engagement and training for sonographers, improved appendix visualization rates and reduced equivocal findings in children with suspected acute appendicitis. Methods: This was a prospective study of 230 children at a tertiary children’s hospital in Australia referred for an ultrasound examination of suspected appendicitis. The ultrasound findings, radiology reports, histology, clinical results, and follow-up were collated. Secondary signs were used as an additional assessment of the likelihood of disease where possible, even in the absence of an identified appendix. Results: The implementation of a structured evaluation as part of sonographer engagement and training resulted in a 28% improvement in appendix visualization (68.7%) compared with a prior retrospective study in a similar population (40.7%). The diagnostic accuracy was 91.7%, with likelihood ratios suggesting a meaningful influence of the pre-test probability of appendicitis in children studied (positive likelihood ratio, 11.22; negative likelihood ratio, 0.09.). Only 7.8% of the findings were equivocal. A binary 6-mm diameter cut-off did not account for equivocal cases, particularly lymphoid hyperplasia. Conclusion: Engagement of sonographers performing pediatric appendiceal ultrasound through training in the scanning technique and awareness of secondary signs significantly improved the visualization rate and provided more meaningful findings to referrers

Endometrial ablation and resection versus hysterectomy for heavy menstrual bleeding: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness and complications

Clare Deehan,Iliana Georganta,Anna Strachan,Marysia Thomson,Miriam McDonald,Kerrie McNulty,Elizabeth Anderson,Alyaa Mostafa 대한산부인과학회 2023 Obstetrics & Gynecology Science Vol.66 No.5

To evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of endometrial ablation or resection (E:A/R) compared to hysterectomy for the treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. Literature search was conducted, and randomized control trials (RCTs) comparing (E:A/R) versus hysterectomy were reviewed. The search was last updated in November 2022. Twelve RCTs with 2,028 women (hysterectomy: n=977 vs. [E:A/R]: n=1,051) were included in the analyzis. The meta-analysis revealed that the hysterectomy group showed improved patient-reported and objective bleeding symptoms more than those of the (E:A/R) group, with risk ratios of (mean difference [MD], 0.75; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 0.71 to 0.79) and (MD, 44.00; 95% CI, 36.09 to 51.91), respectively. Patient satisfaction was higher post-hysterectomy than (E:A/R) at 2 years of follow-up, but this effect was absent with long-term follow-up. (E:A/R) is considered an alternative to hysterectomy as a surgical management for heavy menstrual bleeding. Although both procedures are highly effective, safe, and improve the quality of life, hysterectomy is significantly superior at improving bleeding symptoms and patient satisfaction for up to 2 years. However, it is associated with longer operating and recovery times and a higher rate of postoperative complications. The initial cost of (E:A/R) is less than the cost of hysterectomy, but further surgical requirements are common; therefore, there is no difference in the cost for long-term follow-up.

Bayesian Approach to Predicting Acute Appendicitis Using Ultrasonographic and Clinical Variables in Children

Tristan Reddan,Jonathan Corness,Fiona Harden,Wenbiao Hu,Kerrie Mengersen 대한의료정보학회 2019 Healthcare Informatics Research Vol.25 No.3

Objectives: Ultrasound has an established role in the diagnostic pathway for children with suspected appendicitis. Relevant clinical information can influence the diagnostic probability and reporting of ultrasound findings. A Bayesian network (BN) is a directed acyclic graph (DAG) representing variables as nodes connected by directional arrows permitting visualisation of their relationships. This research developed a BN model with ultrasonographic and clinical variables to predict acute appendicitis in children. Methods: A DAG was designed through a hybrid method based on expert opinion and a review of literature to define the model structure; and the discretisation and weighting of identified variables were calculated using principal components analysis, which also informed the conditional probability table of nodes. Results: The acute appendicitis target node was designated as an outcome of interest influenced by four sub-models, including Ultrasound Index, Clinical History, Physical Assessment, and Diagnostic Tests. These sub-models included four sonographic, three blood-test, and six clinical variables. The BN was scenario tested and evaluated for face, predictive, and content validity. A lack of similar networks complicated concurrent and convergent validity evaluation. Conclusions: To our knowledge, this is the first BN model developed for the identification of acute appendicitis incorporating imaging variables. It has particular benefit for cases in which variables are missing because prior probabilities are built into corresponding nodes. It will be of use to clinicians involved in ultrasound examination of children with suspected appendicitis, as well as their treating clinicians. Prospective evaluation and development of an online tool will permit validation and refinement of the BN.

Critical role of CAV1/caveolin-1 in cell stress responses in human breast cancer cells via modulation of lysosomal function and autophagy

Shi, Yin,Tan, Shi-Hao,Ng, Shukie,Zhou, Jing,Yang, Na-Di,Koo, Gi-Bang,McMahon, Kerrie-Ann,Parton, Robert G,Hill, Michelle M,del Pozo, Miguel A,Kim, You-Sun,Shen, Han-Ming LANDES BIOSCIENCE 2015 AUTOPHAGY Vol.11 No.5

Xi Jinping’s Leadership Style: Master or Servant?

KERRY BROWN 이화여자대학교 국제지역연구소 2016 Asian International Studies Review Vol.17 No.2

Much commentary has been made about the amount of power that Xi Jinping has accrued since the leadership transition over 2012 and into 2013. He is interpreted by many as being the most powerful of modern Chinese leaders. But his leadership needs to be interpreted carefully within the organisation that he leads and whose interests he and his colleagues serve–the Communist Party of China. Looking at his relationship with this body reveals a more complex framework within which to see his real authority, one which implies that he is as much a servant of its corporate interests as he is an autonomous, self-serving agent.

Differences in Working Memory Profiles amongst Children with Low Versus Average Academic Performances

Kerry Lee,Yu Xi Peh 대한사고개발학회 2008 The International Journal of Creativity & Problem Vol.18 No.1

Previous studies showed working memory span predicted mathematical performance. However, it was unclear whether working memory span differed amongst children with poorer performances in mathematics (PM), English literacy (PL), or in both areas (PML). 150 Primary 5 pupils participated in the study. Assignment to performance groups was based on two standardised literacy measures and a mathematical problem solving task. Children scoring at or below the 25th percentile were classified as having performed poorly in that area. Working memory capacity was measured using the Working Memory Test Battery for Children. PML had similar working memory profiles as PL, but had lower scores than PM. Children classified as PM had similar profiles as did normally achieving children. These findings suggest children with difficulties in different topic areas may not benefit equally from working memory based intervention.

Air-coupled ultrasonic tomography of solids: 1 Fundamental development

Kerry S. Hall,John S. Popovics 국제구조공학회 2016 Smart Structures and Systems, An International Jou Vol.17 No.1

Ultrasonic tomography is a powerful tool for identifying defects within an object or structure. But practical application of ultrasonic tomography to solids is often limited by time consuming transducer coupling. Air-coupled ultrasonic measurements may eliminate the coupling problem and allow for more rapid data collection and tomographic image construction. This research aims to integrate recent developments in air-coupled ultrasonic measurements with current tomography reconstruction routines to improve testing capability. The goal is to identify low velocity inclusions (air-filled voids and notches) within solids using constructed velocity images. Finite element analysis is used to simulate the experiment in order to determine efficient data collection schemes. Comparable air-coupled ultrasonic signals are then collected through homogeneous and isotropic solid (PVC polymer) samples. Volumetric (void) and planar (notch) inclusions within the samples are identified in the constructed velocity tomograms for a variety of transducer configurations. Although there is some distortion of the inclusions, the experimentally obtained tomograms accurately indicate their size and location. Reconstruction error values, defined as misidentification of the inclusion size and position, were in the range of 1.5-1.7%. Part 2 of this paper set will describe the application of this imaging technique to concrete that contains inclusions.

Benefaction of probiotics for human health: A review

Kerry, Rout George,Patra, Jayanta Kumar,Gouda, Sushanto,Park, Yooheon,Shin, Han-Seung,Das, Gitishree 行政院衛生署藥物食品檢驗局 2018 JOURNAL OF FOOD AND DRUG ANALYSIS Vol.26 No.3

<P> Humans are a unique reservoir of heterogeneous and vivacious group of microbes, which together forms the human-microbiome superorganism. Human gut serves as a home to over 100-1000 microbial species, which primarily modulate the host internal environment and thereby, play a major role in host health. This spectacular symbiotic relationship has attracted extensive research in this field. More specifically, these organisms play key roles in defense function, eupepsia along with catabolism and anabolism, and impact brain-gut responses. The emergence of microbiota with resistance and tolerance to existing conventional drugs and antibiotics has decreased the drug efficacies. Furthermore, the modern biotechnology mediated nano-encapsulated multiplex supplements appear to be high cost and inconvenient. Henceforth, a simple, low-cost, receptive and intrinsic approach to achieve health benefits is vital in the present era. Supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics has shown promising results against various enteric pathogens due to their unique ability to compete with pathogenic microbiota for adhesion sites, to alienate pathogens or to stimulate, modulate and regulate the host's immune response by initiating the activation of specific genes in and outside the host intestinal tract. Probiotics have also been shown to regulate fat storage and stimulate intestinal angiogenesis. Hence, this study aims to underline the possible beneficial impact of probiotics for human health and medical sectors and for better lifestyle. </P>