• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.182-189
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• 2007

Purpose : The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the growth and neuropsychologic function following treatments for pediatric hematologic and oncologic diseases. Healthy monozygotic twins served as ideal controls for comparison to exclude possible confounding factors. Methods : Seven children treated with various hematologic and oncologic diseases were included in the study: acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL; n=2), Diamond-Blackfan anemia twins (n=2), and aplastic anemia (n=3). The median age at the diagnosis was 5.2 (0.3-15) years. The median duration of follow-up was 7.2 (4.9-10) years. Controls were healthy monozygotic twins. Growth was measured and the percentile channels were evaluated sequentially for patients. The K-WISC III was applied and compared in 5 pairs of patients and controls. Results : Similar growth profiles were noted for the twins. The percentiles at diagnosis was 3-10 in 3, 25-50 in 2, and 50-75 in 2 cases. All patients stayed in their growth percentiles through follow-up, except for 1 patient who became obese. For IQ tests, the mean behavioral, verbal and full scale IQ scores of patients were 88.0, 93.8, and 89.8, respectively, and those from their corresponding controls were 92.2, 97.0, and 91.7 (P>0.05). However, 2 children who were treated for ALL had lower IQ scores. Conclusion : Similar growth profiles were observed in the monozygotic twins in terms of height and weight. The IQ scores of patients were similar to those of monozygotic twins. However, prophylactic CNS-directed therapy for leukemia might adversely affect the IQ scores. A further prospective study on larger number of twins is warranted.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.218-227
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• 2009

Purpose: To investigate the radiobiologic effects of neutron and X-ray irradiation on DU-145 prostate carcinoma cells by identifying the differences of HIF-$1\alpha$ expression and apoptosis. Materials and Methods: Nude mice were injected with the human prostate cancer cell line, DU-145, and then irradiated with 2 Gy and 10 Gy X-rays, or 0.6 Gy and 3.3 Gy neutrons, respectively. The mice were sacrificed at 24 hours and 120 hours after irradiation. The expression levels of HIF-$1\alpha$, Bcl-2 and Bax were compared with immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. The apoptotic indexes were compared with the Terminal deoxynucleotidyl biotin-dUTP nick and labeling (TUNEL) assay. Results: At day 1, HIF-$1\alpha$ and Bcl-2 expression decreased, while Bax expression and the number of TUNEL positive cells increased in neutron irradiated groups for the control and X-ray irradiated groups. The Bcl-2/Bax ratio was significantly lower in the neutron irradiated groups regardless of dose (p=0.001). The same pattern of the differences in the expressions of the HIF-$1\alpha$, Bcl-2, Bax, Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and apoptotic indexes were indentified at day 5. HIF-$1\alpha$ expression was related with Bcl-2 (p=0.031), Bax (p=0.037) expressions and the apoptotic indexes (p=0.016) at day 5. Conclusion: Neutron irradiation showed a decrease in HIF-$1\alpha$, Bcl-2 expression, and Bcl-2/Bax ratio, but increased Bax expression regardless of dose. This study suggests that the differences radiobiological responses between photon and neutron irradiation may be related to different HIF-$1\alpha$ expression and subsequent apoptotic protein expressions.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.193-200
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• 2000

Purpose : This study was designed and performed for evaluations of clinical manifestation and course of the children under 2 year of age with respiratory tract infection and positive respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) antigen. Methods : The selection criteria of the patients were children under 24 month-of-age, Clinical manifestation of respiratory tract infection, and positive RSV antigen that was detected by Vitek ImmunoDiagnostic Assay System(VIDAS) from nasal cavity. The additional laboratory and simple chest X-ray findings were reviewed from the chart of children who were admitted Wonkwang university hospital from October 1999 to March 2000. Results : Total number of patients enrolled on this study was 102. The 48(47%) children were RSV antigen positive by VIDAS method. Abnormal chest X-ray findings were noticed in 38 cases. The male to female sex ratio of 48 RSV antigen positive cases was 1.2 : 1. The mean and range of age was $10.2{\pm}5.9$ and 1.0~24 months. The peak outbreak of cases was noticed on November, 1999. All of the cases shows coughing but rale was audible in 30 cases(60%). Dyspnea, wheezing, and intercostal retraction were noticed 11(23%), 15(31%), and 10(21%) cases respectively. The most common chest X-ray finding was scattered patch infiltration that was noticed in 30 cases(63%). The mean total white blood cell counts in peripheral blood was $12,608{\pm}4,686/mm^3$. The mean blood level of IgA and IgE were $50.8{\pm}20.9$ and $72.1{\pm}98.3mg/dL$ respectively. The C-reactive protein was $16.0{\pm}18.5mg/L$. Total 5 cases need a mechanical respiraton. The duration of admission was under 7 days in 36 cases(75%). Conclusion : The RSV antigen was detected commonly in late fall and winter season. The severity of children under 2 years old with RSV respiratory tract infection take in some degree a gave courses.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.79-87
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• 1998

Purpose : The P1 protein of Mycoplasma pneumoniae mediates the attachment of the pathogen to its host cell and elicits a strong humoral immune response during infection with this organism. Mycoplasma pneumoniae strains can be classified into two groups(I and II) by PCR method of P1 cytadhesin gene. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of each group. Methods : From 155 patients with Mycoplasma pneumoniae, who admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Sung-Ae and Kwangmyung Sung-Ae Hospital between November 1996 and October 1997, we collected their throat swabs or nasopharyngeal aspirates for DNA extraction and serum for indirect hemagglutination test of Mycoplasma pneumoniae. The group specific PCR amplification were performed using specific oligonucleotide primers designed for P1 gene genotyping. Results : Group I(137 patients, 88.4%) occurred frequently than group II(18 patients, 11.6%). In both group, the most prevalent season was winter in 1996(Nov. to Dec.) and fall in 1997(Aug. to Oct.) The prevalent age was four to six years old. The number of male was more than female in both group; Group 1(1.2:1), Goup 2(1.6:1). No significant relationship were found between two groups in duration of fever and hospital days(P>0.05). The rate of high antibody titers(>1:5120) was lower in group I(6/137, 4.4%) than group II(2/18, 11.1%). Conclusion : Group I was much more prevalent than group II during 1996~1997 in Korea. There was no difference between two groups in epidemiological and clinical parameters except the rate of high antibody titers. Further follow-up survey will be needed for the epidemiologic and clinical studies of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Korea.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.1-10
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• 2004

Background: Currently, the cardiopulmonary machine with non-pulsatile pumps, which are low in internal circuit pressure and cause little damage to blood cells, is widely used. However, a great number of experimental studies shows that pulsatile perfusions are more useful than non-pulsatile counterparts in many areas, such as homodynamic, metabolism, organ functions, and micro-circulation. Yet, many concerns relating to pulsatile cardiopulmonary machines, such as high internal circuit pressure and blood cell damage, have long hindered the development of pulsatile cardiopulmonary machines. Against this backdrop, this study focuses on the safety and effectiveness of the pulsatile cardiopulmonary machines developed by a domestic research lab. Material and Method: The dual-pulsatile cardiopulmonary bypass experiment with total extracorporeal circulation was conducted on six calves, Extracorporeal circulation was provided between superior/inferior vena cava and aorta. The membrane oxygenator, which was placed between the left and right pumps, was used for blood oxygenation. Circulation took four hours. Arterial blood gas analysis and blood tests were also conducted. Plasma hemoglobin levels were calculated, while pulse pressure and internal circuit pressure were carefully observed. Measurement was taken five times; once before the operation of the cardiopulmonary bypass, and after its operation it was taken every hour for four hours. Result: Through the arterial blood gas analysis, PCO2 and pH remained within normal levels. PO2 in arterial blood showed enough oxygenation of over 100 mmHg. The level of plasma hemoglobin, which had total cardiopulmonary circulation, steadily increased to 15.87 $\pm$ 5.63 after four hours passed, but remained below 20 mg/㎗. There was no obvious abnormal findings in blood test. Systolic blood pressure which was at 97.5$\pm$5.7 mmHg during the pre-circulation contraction period, was maintained over 100 mmHg as time passed. Moreover, diastolic blood pressure was 72.2 $\pm$ 7.7 mmHg during the expansion period and well kept at the appropriate level with time passing by. Average blood pressure which was 83$\pm$9.2 mmHg before circulation, increased as time passed, while pump flow was maintained over 3.3 L/min. Blood pressure fluctuation during total extracorporeal circulation showed a similar level of arterial blood pressure of pre-circulation heart. Conclusion: In the experiment mentioned above, pulsatile cardiopulmonary machines using the doual-pulsatile structure provided effective pulsatile blood flow with little damage in blood cells, showing excellence in the aspects of hematology and hemodynamic. Therefore, it is expected that the pulsatile cardiopulmonary machine, if it becomes a standard cardiopulmonary machine in all heart operations, will provide stable blood flow to end-organs.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.33 no.1
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• pp.94-99
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• 1999

Purpose: Radiation-induced chromosomal damage and apoptosis were compared in human lymphocytes. Materials and Methods: Peripheral lymphocytes from 10 normal volunteers (6 males, 4 females, age range $23{\sim}41$ years) were irradiated by gamma rays from a cell irradiator. Doses of irradiation were 0 (control), 0.18, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 25 Gy. Irradiated lymphocytes were examined by metaphase analysis for chromosomal aberrations and by flow cytometry for apoptosis. Results of both studies were compared according to dose. Results: Number of dicentric and ring chromosomes (D+R) was $0.5{\pm}0.53$ at baseline, which was significantly increased after radiation according to the dose. The fraction of cells showing annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate uptake was $0.51{\pm}$0.39%, which increased to $3.58{\pm}1.85%$ by 2 Gy irradiation, and then decreased. The fraction of cells showing propidium iodide (PI) uptake was $0.52{\pm}0.12%$, which significantly increased according to dose (upto $15.64{\pm}5.99%$ by 20 Gy irradiation). D+R and PI uptake were well correlated (r=0.84, p<0.001). Conclusion: Radiation-induced chromosomal aberration was correlated to nuclear uptake of PI, a marker of late apoptosis.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.9-19
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• 1995

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of sawdust bedding barn on manure handing, management labour and physiological aspect of dairy cows, and then to establish the criteria on the optimum utilization method of sawdust bedding barn. 46 tie stall barns and 49 sawdust bedding barns were surveyed to cmopare the milk productivity between two different barns, and also 5 tie stall barns, 15 sawdust bedding barns and 1 rice hull bedding barn were selected to study the utilization situation of sawdust barn in Kyung-Ki province area. The major results obtained were as follows; 1. The roof material of sawdust barn were consisted of 66% vinyl house, 23% PVC light and 11% slate and galvanum coated tin. Most of the floor structure was earth ground with the rate of the approximately 82%. 2. The average occupied area of sawdust bed per cow was 15.2 $m^2$, depth that 30 cm and the utilization period was 12 months. 3. Milk Yield was significantly higher at sawdust barn than at tie stall barn(P<0.01). Bacterial and somatic cell count in raw milk were less at the sawdust barn than in tie stall barn. However, there was not significance difference between two barns. 4. The labour hour needed to cow management in the sawdust barn was approximately 48% of that of tie stall barn. 5. The temperature and moisture content measured in sawdust bed were closely affected by seasonal ambient temperature. The skin and hair of cow were much cleaner at the PVC light roofed sawdust barn than any other roof materials. 6. The additives used for improving of fermentation did not show any effect on temperature and moisture content in sawdust bed. When the ambient temperature was $30.4^{\circ}C$, the surface temperature of measured 1 cm above the sawdust bed was $12.2^{\circ}C$ lower and the temperature of 100 cm above the sawdust bed was $2.4^{\circ}C lower under shading net facility than that of vinyl roofed one.7. The hoof length of miking cow was 7.95 cm in tie stall and 9.19 cm in sawdust barn with high significance (P<0.01). And disease occurence such as mastitis and foot-rot tended to decrease in the sawdust barn. 8. The number of total bacteria and coliform bacteria were less in the sawdust bed compared with earth ground resting area. And a parasite strongyloides papillosus was detected but without any infected cow. 9. The nitrate($NO_3N$) content in non-roofed earth ground resting area and earth ground under the sawdust bed was likely to pollute the ground water. 10. In economic point of view, rice hull bedding barn was the cheapest among different systems. And in the sawdust bedding barn PVC light + slate roofed barn was most desirable, and vinyl roofed one the least.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.162-166
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• 2009

Purpose : Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common bacterial infectious disease in childhood. Renal scarring is an important complication of UTIs. Known risk factors for renal scarring are younger age, anatomic defects, delayed treatment, and causative pathogens other than Escherichia coli. The aim of this study was to compare the characteristics of clinical and laboratory features of UTI with E. coli to those with non-E. coli in infants. Methods : We reviewed the medical records of 1,120 infants under 12 months of age who had been admitted for UTIs between January 1998 and December 2007. All patients who were diagnosed with UTIs were divided into two groups (E. coli and non-E. coli UTIs). Results : Three hundred twenty-four of 1,120 cases met the inclusion criteria. The number of E. coli and non-E. coli UTIs was 273 (84.3%) and 51 (15.7%), respectively. As compared to the non-E. coli UTI group, the E. coli UTI group was younger (3.59 vs. 4.47 months, P =0.008), a longer duration of pyuria (3.96 vs. 3.06 days, P =0.01), higher peripheral white blood cell counts (13.89 vs. $12.13{\times}10^3/mm^3$, P =0.043), and lower rates of high degree (III-V) vesico-ureteral reflux (P =0.005). Conclusion : UTIs with E. coli might have more severe clinical features and a lower prevalence of high grade vesicoureteral reflux than UTIs with non-E. coli. However, no difference was noted in the clinical response to antibiotic therapy between the two groups.

• Reproductive and Developmental Biology
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.139-143
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• 2007

This study was performed to investigate the reproductive characteristics of the cloned Hanwoo bulls produced by SCNT. The semen ejaculated from the cloned bulls (C-38 and C-39) and normal Hanwoo bull was properly measured the volume, the number of sperm, and the viability of frozen-thawed sperm. The sperm activity was analyzed using computer assisted sperm analysis (CASA). To analyze fertilizing ability of the cloned bulls, in vitro fertilization and artificial insemination were performed using the frozen-thawed semen. There were no differences in semen volume, sperm concentration, and the viability of frozen-thawed sperm between cloned bulls and normal bull. The difference was statistically significant in total motility, curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), and average-path velocity (VAP) of both cloned bulls compared to those of normal Hanwoo bull, respectively (p<0.05). The cleavage and blastocyst development rate were not different between the groups. five cloned cows were artificially inseminated using the frozen-thawed semen of C-38, two of them became pregnant. Two second generation calves (one male and one female) were produced. Based on these results, the cloned Hanwoo bulls showed normal reproductive abilities of semen parameters and sperm activity to their comparators and produced cloned calves, although there are some individual differences on the parameters.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Biology
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• v.23 no.3 s.59
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• pp.293-303
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• 2005

Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes is widely distributed in the North East Asia including Korea, Japan and east China, and commonly used for freshwater toxicity tests and cytotoxicological studies worldwide. In this study, a series of experiments were conducted to identify the potential of the fish as a standard test species for saltwater toxicity evaluation such as marine receiving waters, ocean-dumped materials and sediment pore waters etc. Hatching, growth and mortality rates of the fish were estimated with the wide ranges of salinity from freshwater to seawater (35 psu). Direct exposure of the fertilized eggs in freshwater to the wide ranges of salinity (from 0 to 35 psu) without pre- acclimation to the saltwater revealed no significant differences in hatching rates by salinities (p =0.24). On the other hand, medaka larvae hatched in freshwater and exposed to saltwater directly showed high mortality at > 25 psu treatment groups (p < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference in mortality of medaka larvae hatched in 13.8 and 14.2 psu at the wide ranges of salinities ($0\~35$ psu). Growth rates of medaka larvae hatched in the above two salinities showed no differences in body length either from 0 to 35 psu treatment groups (p =0.64 for 13.8 psu group and p=0.32 for 14.2 psu group). The number of gill chloride cell in medaka larvae sharply increased when the larvae were exposed to high salinity. Reference tests with zinc chloride revealed 96h $LC_{50}=8.84(7.19\~10.87)mg\;L^{-1}$ using 7~10 day old medaka larvae. These were comparable or better sensitivity in comparison with the other standard test species such as North American sheepshead minnow Cyprinodon variegatus. Based on the results of these experiments, hatching rates and larvalmortality of medaka must be good toxicity parameters for seawater bioassay and the species seems to be a good standard species for both the freshwater and seawater toxicity test.