• Journal of fish pathology
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.161-171
• /
• 1994

In order to elucidate the outbreak mechanisms of a new disease which is characterized by an intense congestion in central venus sinuses(CVS) of gill filaments in cultured eel. these experiments were carried out; epidemically surveyed on the cultured eel farms in the vicinity of Kunsan city and experimentaliy outbreaked the disease in the stressful condition such as thermal and handling shock and innoculated the supernatant from the homogenate of naturally severe congested gill into eels and onto the monolayer of the CHSE-214. Although the frequency of congestion in eels of B, C, D and E farms were higher than in eels of A farms, the water qualities(stocked and cultured water) among farms were not a great difference. In eels of B, C, D and E farms, the values of haematocrit(Ht), haemoglobin(Hb), total protein(Tp), albumin(Alb), glucose(Glu), magnesium(Mg) were lower and the values of calcium(Ca), methemoglobin(Met-Hb), glutamic pyruvic transminase(GPT), glutamic oxalacetic transminase(GOT) higher than in eels of A farms. These valules have not related to the frequency of congestion. An intensive congestion and dilataton in CVS of gill filaments in experimentally handling-stressed eels produced similar histopathological changes to those observed in the spontaneously diseased eel, but not in eels experimentally injected with filtering contents. The cytopathic effect on the CHSE-214 was not observed. In stressed eels the congestion of gill was increased in relation to either the decrease ranges of water temperature or the incerase in accllimated times. And increase in Ht, Met-Hb, Alb, Glu, GOT and GPT and decrease in Mg, Hb and Tp were found, which had a close relationship to congestion of gill. Cortisol were increased according to the decrease ranges in acclimated water temperature. From these results, decrease in water temperature during selection placed eels upon the stressed condition, made increase in ionic strength in blood stream, and CVS was dilatated owing to the increased blood inflow.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.53 no.4
• /
• pp.495-502
• /
• 2010

Purpose : Sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the newborn, particularly in preterm. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence rate, causative pathogens and clinical features of neonatal sepsis in one neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 6 years. Methods : This study was retrospectively performed to review the clinical and laboratory characteristics including sex, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, length of hospitalization, length of total parenteral nutrition, presence of central venous catheter, underlying diseases, laboratory findings, microorganisms isolated from blood culture, complications and mortality in 175 patients between January 2003 and December 2008. Results : 1) Sepsis was present in 175 of 3,747 infants for 6 years. There were more gram-positive organisms. 2) The gram-negatives were more prevalent in preterm. There were no significant differences of other clinical features between two groups. 3) Underlying diseases were found in 73.7%, and the most common disease was cardiovascular disease. The most common organisms of gram-positives and gram-negatives were methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Serratia marcescens. 4) There was statistically significant difference on platelet counts between two groups (P<0.05). 5) Complications were found in 18.3% and septic shock was the most common. MRSA was the most common pathogen in sepsis with complication. 6) The mortality rate was 7.4%. 7) There were differences in monthly blood stream infection/1,000 patient-days. Conclusion : The studies about the factors that can influence neonatal sepsis will contribute to decrease the infection rates in NICUs.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.24 no.2
• /
• pp.71-78
• /
• 2017

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the pathogens of blood stream infection (BSI) in children with hemato-oncologic disorders, to analyze susceptibility patterns of microorganisms to guide empirical antimicrobial therapy, and to compare temporal trends of the pathogen and antimicrobial susceptibility with those of previous studies. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of children with hemato-oncologic disorders whose blood culture grew pathogens at the Seoul National University Children's Hospital between 2011 and 2015. Results: A total of 167 patients developed 221 episodes of bacteremia. Among 229 pathogens, gram-negative bacteria (GNB) accounted for 69.0% (64.0% in 2002 to 2005, 63.4% in 2006 to 2010); gram-positive bacteria (GPB) accounted for 28.8% (31.3% in 2002 to 2005, 34.6% in 2006 to 2010); and fungus accounted for 2.2%. Among GNB, Klebsiella species (53.2%, 84/158) and Escherichia coli (19.6%, 31/158) were common. Staphylococcus aureus (48.5%, 32/66) and viridans streptococci (21.2%, 14/66) were frequently isolated among GPB. The susceptibilities of oxacillin and vancomycin in GPB were 54.8% and 96.9% (51.5% and 95.5% in 2002 to 2005; 34.1% and 90.5% in 2006 to 2010), respectively, whereas in GNB, the susceptibilities of cefotaxime, piperacillin/tazobactam, and imipenem were 73.2%, 77.2%, and 92.6% (75.9%, 82.8%, and 93.4% in 2002 to 2005; 62.8%, 82.9%, 93.8% and in 2006 to 2010), respectively. There were no significant differences in the proportion of etiologic agents or the antimicrobial susceptibilities between the current study and that of the previous two studies from 2002 to 2010. Overall fatality rate was 13.1%. Conclusions: GNB predominated in BSI among children with hemato-oncologic disorders. The etiology of bacteremia and antimicrobial susceptibility were comparable to those of the previous studies. Thus, piperacillin/tazobactam can be used as the initial empirical antimicrobial agent in febrile neutropenia.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.23 no.6
• /
• pp.812-824
• /
• 2013

Reserpine, an anti-hypertensive drug, is able to positively modulate several phenotypes associated with $A{\beta}$ toxicity in a Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated into the therapeutic effects of reserpine on mammalian neurodegenerative disorders, and found that significant alteration of the key factors influencing AD was detected in Tg2576 mice after reserpine treatment for 30 days. The aggressive behavior of Tg2576 mice was significantly improved upon reserpine treatment, whereas their social contact was consistently maintained. Furthermore, the levels of $A{\beta}$-42 peptide in the hippocampus of the brain and blood serum were lower in the reserpine-treated group than in the vehicle-treated group. Among g-secretase components, the expression levels of PS-2, Pen-2, and APH-1 were slightly lower in reserpine-treated Tg2576 mice, although a significant change in nicastrin (NCT) expression was not detected. Furthermore, the serum level of nerve growth factor (NGF) increased in reserpine-treated Tg2576 mice compared with vehicle-treated mice. Among down-stream effectors of the NGF receptor TrkA signaling pathway, reserpine treatment induced elevation of TrkA phosphorylation and reduction of ERK phosphorylation. In addition, in the NGF receptor $p75^{NTR}$ signaling pathway, the expression levels of $p75^{NTR}$ and Bcl-2 were enhanced in reserpine-treated Tg2576 mice compared with vehicle-treated mice, whereas the expression level of RhoA declined. Overall, these results suggest that reserpine can help relieve AD pathogenesis in Tg2576 mice through downregulation of $A{\beta}$-42 deposition, alteration of ${\gamma}$-secretase components, and regulation of NGF metabolism.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.355-362
• /
• 2002

One fifth dilution of formocresol is usually used for pulpotomy of the primary teeth and emergency pulpotomy of the permanent teeth. However the use of formaldehyde has been subjected to criticism because it may be absorbed into the blood stream and become distributed systemically, it nay also alter the pulp tissue rendering it immunologically active, and have carcinogenic potential. Recently Depulpin$^{\circledR}$(VoCo., Germany) gains popularity as a devitalizing agent during root canal therapy in spite of high concentration of 49 % paraformaldehyde because it facilitate devitalization of pulp and make root canal therapy easier But there have been not enough publications about the reaction of pulp and periapical tissue caused by Depulpin. This study was performed to evaluate the histological changes in pulp and periapical tissue of rats after pulpotomy using formocresol and Depulpin and to elucidate the toxic effects of these agents. Thirty six Sprague-Dawley rats were anesthetized by intraperitoneal injection of ketamine Maxillary first molar teeth were used for pulpotomy with formocresol and Depulpin. Rats were sacrificed after 2 days, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. Specimens were histologically observed by light microscope changes in pulp and periapical tissue. The obtained results were as follows. 1. Formocresol group A zone of fixed tissue. in which odontoblasts could clearly be defined, was present directly underneath the pulpotomy dressing in almost all teeth of this group. This was followed by an area of necrotic tissue which resembled dried out fibrous tissue with no cellular detail except some pyknotic nuclei. In the specimens of after 2 days, 4 days, 1 week, 2 weeks in which vital tissue was present, it was separated from the fibrous area by a zone of inflammation. In the specimens of after 3 weeks and after 4 weeks, inflammatory infiltrate was in the periodontal ligament adjacent to the apical foramina of the teeth. 2. Depulpin$^{\circledR}$ group The area of necrotic tissue which had no cells and fibers, was present adjacent to the dressing. This was followed by dried out fibrous tissue with no cellular details except some pyknotic nuclei, A short stump of vital pulp with odontoblasts was present at the end of the canal after 2 days. Inflammatory infiltrate was in the periodontal ligament after 4 days and after 1week. Severe root resolution and necrosis of periapical tissue opposite the root resorption site were defined after 2 weeks and after 3 weeks. Periapical lesion which consist of necrotic tissue surrounded by a fibrous connective wall, was found after 4 weeks. The results indicated that Depulpin can cause more adverse reaction to the dental pulp and periapical tissue than formocresol, and further studies are needed for its clinical use with safety.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.31 no.5
• /
• pp.775-781
• /
• 2002

The T-type amino acid transporter 1 (TATI) is a Na$^{+}$-independent amino acid transporter which selectively trans- ports aromatic amino acids subserving the amino acid transport system T. To understand the transport properties of aromatic amino acids by human TAT1 (hTATl ), we have examined the hTATl -mediated aromatic amino acid transports using a Xenopus laeuis oocyte expression system. When expressed in Xenopin laeuis oocytes, hTATl induced L- [$^{14}$ C]tryptophan transport which was not dependent on Na$^{+}$ or Cl$^{[-10]}$ in the medium. Uptake was time-dependent and exhibited a linear dependence on incubation time up to 30 min. The L- ($^{14}$ C)tryptophan uptake was highly inhibited by L-isomers of tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine, whereas other L-amino acids did not inhibit hTATl -mediated L- ($^{14}$ C)tryptophan uptake. The hTATl induced the relatively low-affinity transport of aromatic amino acids such as L- ($^{14}$ C)tryptophan, L- ($^{14}$ C)tyrosine and L- ($^{14}$ C)phenylalanine (Km values: 450～750 $\mu$M), consistent with the properties of classical amino acid transport system T. The L- ($^{14}$ C)tryptophan uptake did not show any remarkable pH dependence within the pH range of 5.5 to 8.5. The time-dependent efflux of L- ($^{14}$ C)tryptophan was detected from the oocytes expressing hTATl, which was not affected by the presence or absence of L-tryptophan in the extracellular medium, indicating that hTATl-mediated transport is due to the facilitated diffusion. Expression of hTATl in Xenopu laevis oocytes induced the transport of tryptophan, tyrosine and phenylalanine, indicating that hTATl is a transporter subserving system T These results suggest that hTATl has essential roles in the absorption of aromatic amino acids from epithelial cells to the blood stream. Hecause hTATl is proposed to be crucial to the efficient absorption of aromatic amino acids from intestine and kidney, its defect such as blue diaper syndrome could be involved in the disruption of aromatic amino acid transport.ort.

• Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
• /
• v.17 no.3
• /
• pp.179-184
• /
• 2014

Purpose: We investigated the safety and efficacy of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in terminally ill cancer patients. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients who underwent PICC at the hospice-palliative division of KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation) Medical Center between January 2013 and December 2013. All PICCs were inserted by an interventional radiologist. Results: A total of 30 terminally ill cancer patients received the PICC procedure during the study period. Including one patient who had had two PICC insertions during the period, we analyzed a total of 31 episodes of catheterization and 571 PICC days. The median catheter life span was 14.0 days (range, 1~90 days). In 25 cases, catheters were maintained until the intended time (discharge, transfer, or death), while they were removed prematurely in six other cases (19%; 10.5/1000 PICC days). Thus, the catheter maintenance success rate was 81%. Of those six premature PICC removal cases, self-removal due to delirium occurred in four cases (13%; 7.0/1000 PICC days), and catheter-related blood stream infection and thrombosis were reported in one case, each (3%; 1.8/1000 PICC days). Complication cases totaled eight (26%; 14.1/1000 PICC days). The time to complication development ranged from two to 14 days and the median was seven days. There was no PICC complication-related death. Conclusion: Considering characteristics of terminally ill cancer patients, such as a poor general condition, vulnerability to trivial damage, and a limited period of survival, PICC could be a safe intravenous procedure.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
• /
• v.14 no.2
• /
• pp.155-158
• /
• 2010

Purpose: $^{99m}Tc$-macroaggregated albumin (MAA) hepatic arterial perfusion scintigraphy was known for useful method to evaluate patients receiving intraarterial chemotherapy for liver cancer. This study evaluate about usefulness of normal liver on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from HCC patients. This study is to see the usefullness of Hepatic Arterial Perfusion Scintigraphy (HAPS) by measuring mass size, shape, lung shunting and tumor to normal ratio (T/N ratio) in relative blood stream of HCC patients compared with HCC on normal liver. Materials and Methods: From June 2009 to September 2009, HAPS studies were performed on 7 patients (men 6, women 1, mean 64) who were diagnosed HCC. HAPS was performed after proper hepatic artery $^{99m}Tc$-MAA of 5 mCi (185 MBq) injection by catheter. We performed anterior, posterior, both lateral view, SPECT of chest and abdomen. Then we set up ROI and calculated lung shunting, T/N ratio for each count, count/pixel (mean value). Results: Tumor and liver size analyzed by ROI of anterior, posterior view are 2.0-10.8 cm (mean 3.75 cm), 8.8-18.5 cm (mean 14.6 cm). T/N ratio analyzed by total tumor and total normal mean value are 2.41-5.76 (mean 3.8). lung shunting analyzed by total liver count is 3.14-13.92% (mean 6.77%). Conclusion: HAPS with $^{99m}Tc$-MAA can evaluate mass size, location, quantitative analysis through T/N ratio. also HAPS can evaluate detection of arteriovenous shunt through lung uptake before radioisotope therapy. Therefore HAPS with $^{99m}Tc$-MAA can be useful method in aspect of evaluation and treatment of HCC.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Near Infrared Spectroscopy Conference
• /
• 2001.06a
• /
• pp.1031-1031
• /
• 2001

The mammary gland is made up of remarkably sensitive tissue, which has the capability of producing a large volume of secretion, milk, under normal or healthy conditions. When bacteria enter the gland and establish an infection (mastitis), inflammation is initiated accompanied by an influx of white cells from the blood stream, by altered secretory function, and changes in the volume and composition of secretion. Cell numbers in milk are closely associated with inflammation and udder health. These somatic cell counts (SCC) are accepted as the international standard measurement of milk quality in dairy and for mastitis diagnosis. NIR Spectra of unhomogenized composite milk samples from 14 cows (healthy and mastitic), 7days after parturition and during the next 30 days of lactation were measured. Different multivariate analysis techniques were used to diagnose the disease at very early stage and determine how the spectral properties of milk vary with its composition and animal health. PLS model for prediction of somatic cell count (SCC) based on NIR milk spectra was made. The best accuracy of determination for the 1100-2500nm range was found using smoothed absorbance data and 10 PLS factors. The standard error of prediction for independent validation set of samples was 0.382, correlation coefficient 0.854 and the variation coefficient 7.63%. It has been found that SCC determination by NIR milk spectra was indirect and based on the related changes in milk composition. From the spectral changes, we learned that when mastitis occurred, the most significant factors that simultaneously influenced milk spectra were alteration of milk proteins and changes in ionic concentration of milk. It was consistent with the results we obtained further when applied 2DCOS. Two-dimensional correlation analysis of NIR milk spectra was done to assess the changes in milk composition, which occur when somatic cell count (SCC) levels vary. The synchronous correlation map revealed that when SCC increases, protein levels increase while water and lactose levels decrease. Results from the analysis of the asynchronous plot indicated that changes in water and fat absorptions occur before other milk components. In addition, the technique was used to assess the changes in milk during a period when SCC levels do not vary appreciably. Results indicated that milk components are in equilibrium and no appreciable change in a given component was seen with respect to another. This was found in both healthy and mastitic animals. However, milk components were found to vary with SCC content regardless of the range considered. This important finding demonstrates that 2-D correlation analysis may be used to track even subtle changes in milk composition in individual cows. To find out the right threshold for SCC when used for mastitis diagnosis at cow level, classification of milk samples was performed using soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA) and different spectral data pretreatment. Two levels of SCC - 200 000 cells/$m\ell$ and 300 000 cells/$m\ell$, respectively, were set up and compared as thresholds to discriminate between healthy and mastitic cows. The best detection accuracy was found with 200 000 cells/$m\ell$ as threshold for mastitis and smoothed absorbance data: - 98% of the milk samples in the calibration set and 87% of the samples in the independent test set were correctly classified. When the spectral information was studied it was found that the successful mastitis diagnosis was based on reviling the spectral changes related to the corresponding changes in milk composition. NIRS combined with different ways of spectral data ruining can provide faster and nondestructive alternative to current methods for mastitis diagnosis and a new inside into disease understanding at molecular level.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.144-151
• /
• 1994

Background: Miliary tuberculosis almost always results from the discharge of infected caseous material into the blood stream, usually from a well hidden lymph node in the presentation of this disease in the past four decades, and although it is seen less frequent1y today than previously, its presentation and manifestation may require greater suspicion and diligence by the physician. We investigated the clinical characteristics, predisposing factors and accompanying diseases of miliary tuberculosis and tried to acquire the early diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Methods: A retrospective clinical study was done on 40 cases of miliary tuberculosis admitted to Hanyang University Hospital from Mar. 1989 to Dec.1992. The study investigated age and sex distribution, seasonal distribution, duration of symptoms before admission, pre-disposing factors, clinical symptoms, biochemical findings, chest X-ray findings, extrapulmonary tuberculosis associated with miliary tuberculosis, prognosis and mortality rate. Results: 1) The patients were most common in the age group between 20 and 29(23%) and the ratio of male to female was 1.4:1(male 23 : female 17). 2) Sputum smears for tubercle bacilli were positive in 5 cases(13%). 3) The most common clinical symptoms were fever with chilling(47.5%), coughing(47.5%), second most common symptom was dyspnea(32.5%), and the physical findings on admission were tachycardia(30%), weight loss(27.5%), meningeal signs(17.5%) in order. 4) The predisposing factors were heavy alcohol drinking(6 cases), steroid use(3 cases), pregnancy(2 cases) etc. 5) The chest X-ray findings on admission were miliary shadow only(40%), in addition pneumonic infiltration, pleurisy, and calcification in order. 6) The extrapulmonary tuberculosis associated with miliary tuberculosis were tuberculous meningitis(30%), bone and joint tuberculosis(17.5%), intestinal tuberculosis(15%) in order. 7) Biochemical findings were increased SGOT/SGPT(32.5%), increased alkaline phosphatase(32.5%), hypoalbuminemia(15%), hyponatremia(15%) etc. 8) About 4-6 weeks later after treatment(INH, RFP, PZA, EMB), 26 cases(65%) were improved on clinical symptoms or chest X-ray, 12 cases(30%) were stationary or aggravated, and 2 cases(5%) were died. Conclusion: For the early diagnosis and treatment of miliary tuberculosis, we must see its presentation and manifestation with greater interest and suspicion and investigate its predisposing factors and accompanying diseases.