• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.17 no.2
• /
• pp.65-72
• /
• 2013

Purpose: Urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by gram-positive uropathogens is usually hospital-acquired and associated with predisposing conditions. However, the incidence of gram-positive bacteria in community-acquired UTIs has recently increased worldwide. We aimed to investigate the clinical significance of UTI and associated genitourinary malformations in young children with febrile UTIs caused by gram-positive bacteria. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 566 patients (age, <1 year) who visited the Korea University Medical Center for febrile UTIs between January 2008 and May 2013. We classified the patients into the following two groups: gram-positive (P group) and gram-negative (N group), according to the results of urine culture. The fever duration; white blood cell (WBC) counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in peripheral blood; and the presence of hydronephrosis, cortical defects, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), and renal scarring were compared between the two groups. Results: The number of patients with gram-positive bacteria was 23 (4.1%) and with gram-negative bacteria was 543 (95.9%). The most common pathogen was Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis showed the highest incidence among gram-positive uropathogens. Patients with gram-positive bacteria showed longer fever duration compared to that in patients with gram-negative bacteria (P vs. N, $3.4{\pm}1.2$ vs. $2.9{\pm}1.6$ days, P <0.05). The incidence of VUR was increased in the gram-positive group compared to that in the gram-negative group (P vs. N, 55.6 vs. 17.8%, P<0.05). However, there were no significant differences in other laboratory and radiologic findings. Conclusion: The findings of our study show that community-acquired UTIs in patients younger than 1 year of age, caused by gram-positive uropathogens, can be associated with prolonged fever duration and the presence of VUR.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.18 no.4
• /
• pp.522-529
• /
• 2008

High-temperature requirement A2(HtrA2) has been known as a human homologue of bacterial HtrA that has a molecular chaperone function. HtrA2 is mitochondrial serine protease that plays a significant role in regulating the apoptosis; however, the physiological function of HtrA2 still remains elusive. To establish experimental system for the investigation of new insights into the function of HtrA2 in mammalian cells, we first obtained $HtrA2^{+/+}$ and $HtrA2^{-/-}$ MEF cells lines and identified those cells based on the expression pattern and subcellular localization of HtrA2, using immunoblot and biochemical assays. Additionally, we observed that the morphological characteristics of $HtrA2^{-/-}$ MEF cells are different form those of $HtrA2^{+/+}$ MEF cells, showing a rounded shape instead of a typical fibroblast-like shape. Growth rate of $HtrA2^{-/-}$ MEF cells was also 1.4-fold higher than that of $HtrA2^{+/+}$ MEF cells at 36 hours. Furthermore, we verified both MEF cell lines induced caspsase-dependent cell death in response to apoptotic stimuli such as heat shock, staurosporine, and rotenone. The relationship between HtrA2 and heat shock-induced cell death is the first demonstration of the research field of HtrA2. Our study suggests that those MEF cell lines are suitable reagents to further investigate the molecular mechanism by which HtrA2 regulates the balance between cell death and survival.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.45-52
• /
• 2007

Purpose : A simple, rapid, and highly sensitive analytical method for Gb3 in plasma was developed without labor-ex tensive pre-treatment by electrospray ionization MS/ MS (ESI-MS/MS). Measurement of globotriaosy lceramide (Gb3, ceramide trihex oside) in plasma has clinical importance for monitoring after enzyme replacement therapy in Fabry disease patients. The disease is an X-linked lipid storage disorder that results from a deficiency of the enzyme ${\alpha}$-galactosidase A (${\alpha}$-Gal A). The lack of ${\alpha}$-Gal A causes an intracellular accumulation of glycosphingolipids, mainly Gb3. Methods : Only simple 50-fold dilution of plasma is necessary for the extraction and isolation of Gb3 in plasma. Gb3 in diluted plasma was dissolved in dioxane containing C17:0 Gb3 as an internal standard. After centrifugation it was directly injected and analyzed through guard column by in combination with multiple reaction monitoring mode of ESI-MS/MS. Results : Eight isoforms of Gb3 were completely resolved from plasma matrix. C16:0 Gb3 occupied 50% of total Gb3 as a major component in plasma. Linear relationship for Gb3 isoforms w as found in the range of 0.001-1.0 ${\mu}g$/mL. The limit of detection (S/N=3) was 0.001 ${\mu}g$/mL and limit of quantification was 0.01 ${\mu}g$/mL for C16:0 Gb3 with acceptable precision and accuracy. Correlation coefficient of calibration curves for 8 Gb3 isoforms ranged from 0.9678 to 0.9982. Conclusion : This quantitative method developed could be useful for rapid and sensitive 1st line Fabry disease screening, monitoring and/or diagnostic tool for Fabry disease.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.7 no.1
• /
• pp.81-93
• /
• 1990

The author fractographically analyized the cause of metal failure(the first time this procedure has been used for this metal failure)and also analyized it clinically. In this study, I selected eight cases which have been analyized fractographically. In all these cases, the analysis was done after treatment of metal failure of implants internally fixed to femur shaft fractures at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yeung-Nam University Hospital during the six year period from May 1983 to September 1989. 1. Metal failure occured in five dynamic-compression plates, one Jewett nail, one screw in Rowe plate, and one interlocking nail. 2. The clinical cause of metal failure was deficiency of medial butress in five cases, incorrect position of implant in one case, and incorrect selection of implant in two cases. 3. The time interval between internal fixation and metal failure was four months in one case, between five months to twelve months in six cases, three years in one case. 4. The fractographically analytical cause of metal failure was ; first, impact failure, one case, second, fatigue failure, six cases, machining mark(stress liser), four cases type : low consistent cyclic fatigue failure irregular cyclic fatigue failure third, stress corrosion crack, one case. 5. 316L Stainless Steel has good resistance to corrosion. However, when its peculiar surface film is destroyed by fretting, it shows pitting corrosion. This is, perhaps, the main cause of metal failure. 6. It is possible that mechanical injury occured in implants during the manufacturing of implants or that making a screw hole is the main cause of metal failure.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
• /
• v.22 no.2
• /
• pp.166-182
• /
• 2005

Background: Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors are family of molecules that regulate the cell cycle. The CDKN2, a CDK4 inhibitor, also called p16, has been implicated in human tumorigenesis. The CDKN2 inhibits the cyclin/CDK complexes which regulate the transition from G1 to S phase of cell cycle. There is a previous report that homozygous deletion of CDKN2 region on chromosome 9p21 was detected frequently in astrocytoma, glioma and osteosarcoma, less frequently in lung cancer, leukemia and ovarian cancer, but not detected in colon cancer and neuroblastoma. However, little is known about the relationship between CDKN2 and laryngeal cancer. Therefore this study was initiated to investigate the role of CDKN2 in human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma development.1) Materials and methods: We used 5 human laryngeal carcinoma cell lines whether they have deletions or losses of CDKN2 gene expression by DNA-PCR or RT-PCR, respectively. We examined 8 fresh frozen human laryngeal cancer tissues to detect the loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of CDKN2. PCR was performed by using microsatellite markers of short arm of human chromosome 9 (D9S126, D9S144, D9S156, D9S161, D9S162, D9S166, D9S171, D9S200 and D9SIFNA). For informative cases, allelic loss was scored if the signal of one allele was significantly decreased in tumor DNA when compared to the same allele in normal DNA. Results: The CDKN2 DNA deletion was observed in 3 cell lines. The CDKN2 mRNA expression was observed in only one cell line, which was very weak. LOH was detected in 7 cases (87.5%). Conclusion: These results suggest that CDKN2 plays a role in the carcinogenesis of human laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Prosthodontics
• /
• v.59 no.4
• /
• pp.487-496
• /
• 2021

Full mouth rehabilitation is re-organizing the occlusion of the remaining teeth and missing teeth considering the functions, esthetics, and neuromuscular harmony. With the loss of multiple teeth, the patient's occlusal plane gradually collapses and the vertical dimension can be reduced. Since reduced vertical dimension can be a potential etiology of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles, prosthetic restoration with increased vertical dimension is required. This case report is about a 68 years old patient with vertical dimension loss due to worn dentition and multiple loss of teeth. In this case, the loss of vertical dimension is assessed carefully using the digital dentistry technology. Using CAD software in digital analysis step, the occlusal plane was established and evaluated using several criteria. Orienting the position of the bone and teeth using CBCT image, patient's condition was visualized in 3 dimension and treatment planning was possible virtually. The information that matches the patient's condylar position with the articulator, which is the virtual face bow, is reproduced on the actual articulator, and evaluated again. After the evaluation, provisional prosthesis was fabricated and it was confirmed that the patient adapts without any abnormality. This was implemented as a final prosthesis. As a result, the patient obtained satisfying results, utilizing the benefits of digital dentistry technology and traditional methods.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
• /
• v.20 no.7
• /
• pp.228-235
• /
• 2019

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 6 weeks' accelerated rehabilitation with anti-gravity treadmill exercise on VAS, ROM, isokinetic myofunction, and dynamic stability after surgery of modified brostrom operation in chronic ankle instability patients. The subjects of this study were 12 chronic ankle instability patients who underwent modified Brostrom operation(MBO) by the same doctor. 6 weeks' accelerated rehabilitation program is scheduled to perform for 60min, everyday, and also anti-gravity program performed for 15~30min, everyday. The visual analog scale(VSA) and significantly decreased(p<.001) and ROM in all of dorsal flexion, plantar flexion, inversion and eversion significantly increased(p<.05) after 6 weeks' accelerated rehabilitation with anti-gravity treadmill exercise. Both inversion and eversion peak torque at $60^{\circ}/sec$(p<.001, p<.01) and at $180^{\circ}/sec$(p<.001) significantly increased after 6 weeks' accelerated rehabilitation with anti-gravity treadmill exercise respectively. In muscle defect, although inversion(p<.01) and eversion(p<.001) at $60^{\circ}/sec$ and inversion(p<.01) at $180^{\circ}/sec$ significantly decreased, eversion at $180^{\circ}/sec$ tended to decrease but did not change significantly after 6 weeks' accelerated rehabilitation with anti-gravity treadmill exercise. The dynamic stability significantly increased after 6 weeks' accelerated rehabilitation with anti-gravity treadmill exercise(p<.001). These results suggest that 6 weeks' accelerated rehabilitation with anti-gravity treadmill exercise has positive effect of VAS, ROM, isokinetic myofunction, and dynamic stability after surgery of modified brostrom operation in chronic ankle instability patients. Therefore, we consider that the accelerated rehabilitation with anti-gravity treadmill exercise, which is safely and fast method, has effect on more faster recovery of ankle stability, play ground and normal daily activities.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
• /
• v.55 no.1
• /
• pp.51-61
• /
• 2022

Earthenware horn cups with horse head decorations were excavated from Tomb No. 7 of Bokcheon-dong, Dongraegu, Busan Metropolitan City. Made of earth in the shape of a horn, these cups are considered to have been used to drink alcohol or beverage. Large numbers of earthenware horn cups of various shapes were excavated from tombs located in the old territories of Silla and Gaya. A pair of earthenware horn cups were excavated from Tomb No. 7, and the two cups are almost identical in overall shapes and manufacturing techniques despite different sizes. Conservation treatment was carried out for the bigger one of the two horn cups this time. There are two cracks toward the horse head decorations around the mouth with missing parts observed. The chest of the horse touches the ground with one side decorating the horse head and the other side facing the conical mouth of the horn cup. It is in the U shape, striking a balance based on two legs attached behind. The surface of the horn cup was made with a potter's wheel, and the connection to the horse head has traces of cutting and trimming. The horse head is expressed realistically with its features including the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth well apprehended and its color is grey This study intended to investigate manufacturing techniques of the artifact by examining its internal structure through the condition survey in a non-destructive way. CT imaging was used to figure out its manufacturing techniques and to diagnose its condition, and accordingly the scientific conservation treatment was conducted to stabilize the artifact. The precise diagnosis on conservation condition found that there are two chips in the spout with their cracks extended. One of the chips is connected with separation added to the crack. The material which has been used for connection in the past was collected for the infrared spectroscopic analysis, which was identified to be nitrocellulose resin for the connection. Therefore, this conservation treatment focused on removing the old material and preventing the spread of cracks. Before conservation treatment, the condition survey and scientific examination for the artifact were carried out to secure data about the earthenware horn cup with horse head decorations(Treasure). Based on them, effective plans for its conservation treatment was sought for and then existing adhesive was safely removed, and restoration material was selected to take into account its reversibility. In addition, the conservation treatment according to optimal methodologies was conducted through the consultation meeting with experts.

• Korean Journal of Culture and Social Issue
• /
• v.22 no.4
• /
• pp.595-622
• /
• 2016

This study aims to understand the process of family reunion of the ex-offenders. To this end, Korea Rehabilitation Agency under Ministry of Justice and Healthy Family Support Center conducted intensive interviews with ex-offenders, their families and with 8 counselors who are in charge of ex-offenders and their families' residential, psychological, and educational support. The data collected through the interviews were analyzed by Consensus Qualitative Research(COR). The followings are the results: the counselors found out that most of ex-offenders had experienced unhappy childhood which was lack of healthy relationship with their parents. Secondly, counselors noticed a common feature among the families of ex-offenders. The common feature was that they keep the fact that one of their parents was imprisoned to their children as a secret. Thirdly, through the data analysis, counselors could understand various factors that affect reunion of ex-offenders' families: the factors that helped successful reunion were ex-offenders' sense of responsibility, open and healthy communication among family members, and mutual understanding of being a good family member, whereas, irresponsible dependance to other family members, denier and avoidance from the family members against ex-offenders, and lost sense of being a family member were the factors that discouraged the reunion. It turned out that the kinds of crime that ex-offenders committed also affected family reunion. The processes of reunion were easier for those who served their time with fraud, embezzlement, whereas, it was much more challenging for those who served their time with rape, violence, or murder. Fourthly, counselors learned that "relaxation" is the key factor in the process of reunion of ex-offenders' families. They also emphasized that there should be thorough monitoring process before the intervention in the reunion process. This study contributes in terms of finding healthy ways of intervention with ex-offenders' families and developing programs that help ex-offenders to recover their relationship with their family.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
• /
• v.54 no.3
• /
• pp.227-236
• /
• 2019

Purpose: To evaluate the results of tibial lateral plateau fractures using arthroscopic-assisted reduction and internal fixation without cortical window or bone grafts. Materials and Methods: From March 2009 to March 2017, 27 patients with Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures with articular depression and displacement over 5 mm on a computed tomography (CT) scan, who were treated with arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation and followed-up for at least 18 months, were enrolled in this study. Under arthroscopic guidance, the depressed fracture fragment was reduced using a freer and fixed with 5.0 or 6.5 mm cannulated screws through the inframeniscal portal without a cortical window or bone graft. The clinical and radiological results were evaluated using a Rasmussen system. Second look arthroscopy was performed in thirteen patients during the implant removal operation. Results: All fractures healed completely with a mean union time of 8.7 weeks (range from 8 to 12 weeks). Twenty four patients had good to excellent clinical results and 25 patients had good to excellent radiological results according to the Rasmussen classification. A well-healed articular surface with fibrocartilage was also found in 13 cases with second look arthroscopy. The 8 cases on CT scan at outpatient department follow-up showed bone union without bone grafting. Conclusion: Arthroscopic-assisted fixation of tibial lateral plateau fractures is a useful method without a cortical window or bone graft that produces good clinical results.