• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.38-41
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• 2019

The aim of this study was to estimate of prediction of whelping day and to confirm the accuracy of prediction of whelping day in small pet bitches. The gestation length from the each based on days was $66.64{\pm}2.32days$ ($Mean{\pm}S.D$) when the Cornification index (CI) was over 90% after the first vaginal discharge, $64.65{\pm}2.87days$ from the day of CI peak, $63.46{\pm}1.63days$ from the day of ovulation by progesterone concentrations, and $57.67{\pm}2.43days$ from the first day of cytologic diestrus, respectively. The whelping day was estimated 66 days when the CI was over 90% after the first vaginal discharge, 64 days from the day of CI peak, 63 days from the day of ovulation by progesterone concentrations, and 57 days from the first day of cytologic diestrus, respectively. The accuracy of the prediction of whelping day was 90.0% with a precision of ${\pm}2days$ when the CI was over 90% after the first vaginal discharge, 77.5% from the day of CI peak, 86.2% from the day of ovulation by progesterone concentrations, and 81.2% from the first day of cytologic diestrus, respectively. These results indicated that the prediction of parturition day by vaginal cytology was useful method for management of reproduction and parturition in small pet bitches.

• The Journal of the Korea institute of electronic communication sciences
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• v.14 no.3
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• pp.619-626
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• 2019

The advances of semiconductor and circuitry technology dovetailed with nano processing techniques have further enhanced micro-miniaturization, sensitivity, longevity and reliability in MID(Medical Implant Device). Nevertheless, one of the remaining challenges is whether power can sufficiently and continuously be supplied for the operation of the MID. Self-powered MID that harvest biomechanical energy from human motion, respiratory and muscle movement are part of a paradigm shift. In this paper, we developed a rechargeable pacemaker through self-power generation with the triboelectric nanogenerator. We demonstrate a fully implanted pacemaker based on an implantable triboelectric nanogenerator, which act as a storage as well as active movement on a large-animal(dog) scale. The self-power pacemaker harvested from animal motion is 2.47V, which is higher than the required pacemaker device sensing voltage(1.35V).

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.150-154
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• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the etiological distribution, therapeutic outcome, and survival time in canine epilepsy. The medical records of 57 epileptic dogs were reviewed for the evaluation of etiological distribution. Among them, 27 dogs (47%) and 30 dogs (52%) had idiopathic epilepsy (IdE) and structural epilepsy (StE), respectively. Twenty-nine dogs (IdE: 16 dogs, StE: 13 dogs) were evaluated for therapeutic outcome and survival time. The incidence of generalized epileptic seizure (IdE, 56% vs. StE, 44%; P = 0.043) and the median seizure frequency at the time of first presentation (IdE, 2.0/month vs. StE, 13.3/month; P < 0.01) were significantly different between the two groups. Although pre-treatment seizure frequency and duration were not different, the median duration of seizure in the IdE group (0.5 min) was significantly shorter than that in the StE group (3 min) after treatment (P < 0.01). In addition, the median frequency of seizure was relatively lower in the IdE group (0.25/month) compared to the StE group (2.00/month) following antiepileptic therapy (P = 0.053). The median survival time of the IdE group (1.5 years [95% CI, 1.0-2.3 years]) was significantly longer than that of the StE group (0.4 year [95% CI, 0.2-1.3 years]) (P < 0.01). The information on etiological data and intracranial lesions may be useful for predicting treatment response and prognosis in epileptic dogs.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Environmental Restoration Technology
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.133-144
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• 2021

This study aims to estimate location of land mammals habitat by analyzing spatial data and investigate how to apply environmental DNA monitoring methodology to lotic system in Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. Environmental DNA sampling points are selected through spatial analysis with QGIS open source program by overlaying Kernel density of wild boar(Sus scrofa), elevation, slope and land-cover map, and 81 samples are collected. After 240 mL of water was filtered in each sample, metabarcoding technique using MiMammal universal primer was applied in order to get a whole list of mammal species whose DNA particles contained in filtered water. 8 and 22 samples showed DNA of wild boar and water deer, respectively. DNA of raccoon dog, Eurasian otter, and Siberian weasel are also detected through metabarcoding analysis. This study is valuable that conducted in outdoor lotic system. The study suggests a new wildlife monitoring methodology integrating overlayed geographic data and environmental DNA.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.60 no.4
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• pp.289-293
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• 2022

Blastocystis is a genus of unicellular heterokont parasites belonging to a group of organisms known as Stramenopiles, which includes algae, diatoms, and water molds. Blastocystis includes several species that habitat in the gastrointestinal tracts of organisms as diverse as humans, farm animals, birds, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and cockroaches. It is important to public health and distributed globally, but its prevalence in dogs in Korea has not been reported to date. Here, we collected 787 canine fecal samples and assessed Blastocystis infection by age, sex, region, season, and diarrhea symptoms. We determined Blastocystis subtypes using phylogenetic analyses based on 18S rRNA gene sequences. We identified, 10 Blastocystis positive samples (1.3%). A higher proportion of infected dogs was asymptomatic; however, infection rates did not significantly differ according to region, age, sex, and season. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Blastocystis sp. identified belonged to 4 subtypes (STs), ST1, ST5, ST10, and ST14, thus revealed the genetic diversity of Blastocystis sp. in dogs Korean. This is first report on the presence of Blastocystis sp. in dogs Korean. This study revealed a lower infection rate than expected and differed from previous studies in STs. Further studies are warranted to observe the national infection status of Blastocystis in dogs and the genetic characteristics of this genus.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.63 no.6
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• pp.1411-1422
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• 2021

Lactobacillus acidophilus is a gram-positive, microaerophilic, and acidophilic bacterial species. L. acidophilus strains in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and other animals have been profiled, but strains found in the canine gut have not been studied yet. Our study helps in understanding the genetic features of the L. acidophilus C5 strain found in the canine gut, determining its adaptive features evolved to survive in the canine gut environment, and in elucidating its probiotic functions. To examine the canine L. acidophilus C5 genome, we isolated the C5 strain from a Korean dog and sequenced it using PacBio SMRT sequencing technology. A comparative genomic approach was used to assess genetic relationships between C5 and six other strains and study the distinguishing features related to different hosts. We found that most genes in the C5 strain were related to carbohydrate transport and metabolism. The pan-genome of seven L. acidophilus strains contained 2,254 gene families, and the core genome contained 1,726 gene families. The phylogenetic tree of the core genes in the canine L. acidophilus C5 strain was very close to that of two strains (DSM20079 and NCFM) from humans. We identified 30 evolutionarily accelerated genes in the L. acidophilus C5 strain in the ratio of non-synonymous to synonymous substitutions (dN/dS) analysis. Five of these thirty genes were associated with carbohydrate transport and metabolism. This study provides insights into genetic features and adaptations of the L. acidophilus C5 strain to survive the canine intestinal environment. It also suggests that the evolution of the L. acidophilus genome is closely related to the host's evolutionary adaptation process.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.40 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2023

The growing market for companion animals, combined with their increasing lifespan, has generated an increased interest in companion animal immunity enhancers. Ginsenoside, a saponin component of ginseng and an essential ingredient of red ginseng marc (produced during red ginseng production), is effective in improving immunity. In this experiment, a powder mixture of red ginseng marc and steamed red ginseng extract powder (RGME) was orally administered to dogs for eight weeks. Subsequently, blood samples were collected and tested every four weeks. In addition, canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (cPBMCs) were stimulated with or without interleukin-2 (IL-2) to evaluate their proliferation and cytokine secretion abilities. Proliferation assay suggests that the administration of RGME effectively enhanced numbers of cPBMCs under IL-2 stimulation. Furthermore, in the RGME group, a significant increase in the concentration of interferon gamma released from cPBMCs under IL-2 stimulation was observed. In conclusion, RGME might be an effective health supplement for improving immunity in dogs.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.46.1-46.12
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• 2023

Background: Heartworm infection in dogs is caused by Dirofilaria immitis and common in shelter animals and outdoors dogs. Caval syndrome can develop with severe infection and physical heartworm removal is essential with heartworm burdens. In this study, we used an improved transvenous heartworm extraction brush, which was expected to cause less cardiovascular damage and allow easier manipulation. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate efficacy of this improved transvenous heartworm extraction brush. Methods: The brush was designed to improve upon the limitations of the previous brush-type devices. The brush was made of a polyvinyl chloride tube and threads of polyamides or polyglyconates. Metal material was inserted at the front tip for easy visualization under fluoroscopy. The eight dogs diagnosed with caval syndrome with large numbers of heartworms and pulmonary hypertension were used in this study. The removal procedure began with the dissection of the subcutaneous tissue around the right jugular vein. The device was inserted through the jugular vein. After insertion, the tube was rotated to catch the heartworms and extracted with the heartworms hanging on the threads. The procedure was repeated several times. Lastly, jugular vein and skin sutures were made. Adulticidal therapy was administered after heartworm removal. Results: The mean number of removed heartworms was 10.5 ± 4.24 and mean number of remaining heartworms was 0.63 ± 1.06. Total procedure time was 72.63 ± 51.36. Except for three cases, heartworms were not detected on ultrasonography after the procedure. No procedure-related side effects were observed within the 1- to 2-mon. Conclusions: An improved transvenous heartworm extraction brush is efficient for heartworm removal in dogs with caval syndrome.

• Journal of Environmental Science International
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.279-282
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• 2024

This study aimed to verify the results of emotional analysis with respect to canine behavior as reported in the existing animal behavior field based on the dog vestibular emotional reflex (VER) principle, and to evaluate humans and animals based on empathy gained through true communication rather than human-centered interpretation. A total of 200 canines were divided into non-daily and daily situation groups (n=100 each). To assess the psychological and emotional state of each group, these changes were applied to the principle of VER, and six measurement values were selected: positive emotion (balance and energy), negative emotion (tension/anxiety and stress), and body condition (inhibition and neuroticism). The results showed a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in positive emotions, negative emotions, and body conditions between the two groups. In addition, balance, energy, tension/anxiety, inhibition, and neuroticism were higher in the non-daily situation group than in the daily situation group, with an exception for stress. Compared with the canine daily situation groups, canine in the non-daily situation groups instinctively observed their surroundings to cope with possible threats, had decreased concentration, and elevated vitals due to high-intensity anxiety. This can be perceived as a state of immediate reaction to possible situations/threats. In conclusion, it was confirmed through Vibra Image technology that canine instability mainly affects three factors: positive emotion, negative emotion, and physical condition.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.79-87
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• 2024

The tarsus in dogs has a complex structure that makes its evaluation relatively challenging. Because an accurate diagnosis of the tarsus is difficult through basic examinations alone, imaging tests are essential. Previous studies have explored the anatomical and radiological features of the canine tarsus using several imaging modalities. However, the imaging utility of the tarsus across different modalities has not been thoroughly evaluated. This study aimed to visualize the tarsal structures using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography, compare their utility, and propose suitable imaging modalities and conditions for evaluating specific tarsal structures. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound scans of the tarsus of four healthy dogs were performed, and two observers rated the utility of each image on a five-point scale. Although MRI is more beneficial for assessing the tarsal structures than ultrasound, ultrasound also appears clinically useful for evaluating the cranial tibialis muscle, deep digital flexor tendon, subcutaneous fat, joint space, and superficial digital flexor tendon. In addition, each structure of interest can be evaluated for optimal visibility using specific ultrasound sections, MRI sequences, and planes. In veterinary clinical practice, an initial assessment using ultrasound imaging with optimal visibility is required and if further evaluation is necessary, MRI examinations with optimal MRI sequences and planes can be performed.