• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.293-310
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• 1991

Clonorchis sinensis is a common parasite of man in Korea. Researches on the specific antigens of C. sinensis would be valuable not only because those elucidate the molecular characteristics of this fluke but also because it is applicable to immunodiagnosis. Although many monoclonal antibodies have been used in the field of parasite immunology, few articles on monoclonal antibodies against C. sinensis have been published so far. The aim of this study was to analyse C. sinensis antigens recognized by monoclonal antibodies, and to set up ELISA-inhibition test using C. sinensis specific monoclonal antibodies for improved specificity of immunodiagnostic tests. By fusion between spleen cells of the mice immunized with C. sinensis water-soluble crude adult worm antigens and plasmacytoma cells of mouse origin, 29 hybridoma clones secreting anti-C. sinensis monoclonal antibodies were made, and 8 clones among those were found specific. After cell cloning, isotypes of 6 selected specific monoclonal anti- bodies were determined to be IgGl, IgG2b and IgA. Four exposed antigenic determinants of natural infection were recognized by different specific monoclonal antibodies. By enzyme-immunoelectrotransfer blot, 10 KD, 34 KD antigenic determinants were found to be reacted with CsHyb 0714-20, CsHyb 0605-10 monoclonal antibodies, respectively, The antigenic determinant recognized by CsHyb 0714-20 monoclonal antibody was revealed to be located at the surface and parenchyme of a parasite by indirect immunoauorescent antibody technique, and those reacted with CsHyb 0605-10, CsHyb 0714-25 monoclonal antibodies were found at the parenchyme and intestine. The antigenic determinant reacted with CsHyb 0605-23 monoclonal antibody was found mainly around the uterine eggs. Four antigenic determinants recognized by specific monoclonal antibodies were all found to be present in the early eluted fractions of C. sinensis antigens separated by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration. By conventional ELISA, 75% of clonorchiasis cases were found positive, but 7.1% of normal controls and 37.5% of paragonimiasis cases showed false positives. However, by ELISA-inhibition test using C. sinensis specific monoclonal antibody (CsHyb 0605-23), 77.1% of clonorchiasis cases were found positive, and there were no false positives in normal controls or paragonimiasis cases, indicating 100% specificity. The ELISA- inhibition test using monoclonal antibodies was found to have same sensitivity and definitely high specificity in comparison with conventional ELISA for serodiagnosis of human clonorchiasis.

• The Korean Journal of Petroleum Geology
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• v.10 no.1_2 s.11
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• pp.10-17
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• 2004

The Doowoo-ri tidal flat in the southwestern Korean coast is a typical open-coast tidal flat which has no barriers in the offshore such as barrier island and sand bars. The difference of induced wave energy with seasons is affected directly on the distribution of surface sediment and the formation of sedimentary structures because the sedimentation by wind wave is relatively much important element in this open-coast tidal flat. This open-coast tidal flat can be classified into tidal beach, intertidal flat and lower mudflat according to the pattern of geomorphology and sediment type. The intertidal flat can be again divided into 3 types: sand flat, mixed flat and mud flat based on the primary sedimentary structure and sand/mud ratio. Doowoori tidal flat shows a seasonal change in the surface sedimentary facies based on sediment composition and primary sedimentary structure. The change is closely related to the direction and magnitude of monsoon wind and also to storm frequency. In winter and spring, when northwesterly wind is most dominant and strong and also storms are common, sand-flat facies is largely distributed on the intertidal flat, whereas mud-flat facies is most dominant during summer when weak southeasterly wind is common. In the fall season, mixed-flat facies is dominant on the flat. The Doowoori intertidal flat is covered by mud sediment which is ca. 20 cm in thickness in summer season. In winter season, surface sediment is changed from mud to sand because the summer mud is mostly eroded by strong wave action. Can-core peels in the intertidal flat show that parallel laminated mud or sand/mud and climbing ripple cross-laminated sandy silt are dominant on the upper intertidal flat $(0-1.3 {\cal}km)$ during summer season. On the other hand, on lower intertidal flat $(1.7-2.3 {\cal}km)$, dominant sedimentary facies is homogeneous mud. In winter, it is changed into parallel laminated and ripple cross-laminated sand facies.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.79-84
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• 2002

Purpose : About 41% of obtained group A streptococci in the 1998 was reported as erythromycin-resistant streptococci in Seoul, Korea. The most common T serotype was T12, followed by T4 and T28. We'd like to monitor the serological changes and antibiotic sensitivity test of Streptococcus pyogenes obtained from the patients with pharyngotonsillitis and invasive diseases from 1999 through 2001. Also, it could be proposed to choose the proper antibiotic selection in the area where the rate of erythromycin-resistant streptococci is high. Methods : From Jan. 1999 to Oct. 2001, 208 isolates of group A streptococci were collected from inpatients and outpatients with pharyngotonsillitis, scarlet fever, and invasive infections in Seoul and Southern part of peninsula. All isolates were serotyped by T-agglutination, minimum inhibitory concentrations(MICs) which were determined by agar dilution methods, according to the guidelines of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). Results : The most common T serotype was T12(29.8%), followed by T1(23.1%), T4 (14.9%). T1 was prominent serotype compared with previous year. T serotyping, among 25 isolates obtained from the patients with scarlet fever in Southern part of peninsula mostly, was T12, T1, and T4 in order of frequency. All the isolates tested were susceptible to penicillin, cefprozil, vancomycin, ceftriaxone, and chloramphenicol. However, 23 isolates(14.2%) was resistant to erythromycin and 18 isolates(11.1%) was resistant to clarithromycin. Serotype T12 was found to be the most resistant serotype to erythromycin and/or clarithromycin. Conclusion : High rate of erythromycin-resistant streptococci which surveyed in 1998 were reduced to 14.2% in this study. We should have to further evaluate the reason of decreased resistant strains and consider the resistant strains of streptococci in choosing the antibiotics. There was no serological characteristics according to the types of disease entities. Between the serologic distributions in Seoul and the Southern part of peninsula area are same, we could presume that the serological typing of strains obtained over the country may be not different.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.193-200
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• 2011

Purpose : The effect of corticosteroid on severe pneumonia caused by 2009 pandemic influenza (H1N1) A virus is controversial. This study was aimed to present the effects of early, short-term corticosteroid treatment for severe pneumonia with this virus infection. Methods : A retrospective analysis was performed on severe pneumonia patients (37 patients) who had severe respiratory distress at presentation requiring oxygen therapy and received intravenous methylprednisolone (MP, 8-10 mg/kg, divided in 4 doses/day for 2-3 days) with oseltamivir. The clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients were evaluated through the medical records and chest radiographic findings. Results : The mean age and male-to-female ratio of the patients were 6.5${\pm}$2.9 years of age, and 3.4:1 (male 29 patients), respectively. The 5-9 aged group was predominant among the age groups (25 patients, 67.6%). Duration of fever prior to admission was 1.4${\pm}$0.6 days and dyspnea developed within 24 h after beginning of respiratory symptoms in all patients. All patients were previously healthy and received oseltamivir within 48 h. Thirteen patients (35.1%) developed dyspnea during oseltamivir treatment. Following MP infusion, all 37 patients including 13 progressive pneumonia patients during oseltamivir treatment showed an immediate halt in the progression of pneumonic infiltration with rapid clinical improvement. There were no side-effects following steroid use. Conclusion : For severe pneumonia patients, early corticosteroid treatment halted clinical exacerbation, and possibly prevented progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Further controlled clinical studies are needed for the role of corticosteroids and antivirals on severely affected patients with influenza virus infections.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.154-162
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• 2011

Purpose : The aim of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of lower respiratory tract infection due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in young children and to provide information for an effective guideline for palivizumab administration in Korea. Methods : We reviewed medical charts of 167 patients under 3 years of age who were hospitalized in Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital for lower respiratory tract infection between January 2007 and February 2011. Diagnosis of the virus was made based on the multiplex real time polymerase chain reaction. Results : There were 113 patients who were infected by respiratory syncytial virus. 90 patients were term infants and 23 patients were preterm infants. No difference was shown between term and preterm infants except the days of admission which was 9.0${\pm}$6.0 days and 12.6${\pm}$21.0 days respectively. In the preterm group their mean age at the time of admission was 5.21${\pm}$4.9 months and the mean gestational age was 33.1${\pm}$4.3 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 2,152${\pm}$950 g. Only 4 patients were born under 28 weeks gestational age and were candidates for palivizumab administration. Conclusion : Most of the patients with severe RSV lower respiratory tract infection were term or near term infants who were not candidates for palivizumab prophylaxis. A nationwide study is needed to make a new risk stratified guideline for RSV prophylaxis for our country.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.73-79
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• 2009

Purpose : We undertook this study to improve our understanding of the epidemiologic and clinical features of nonpolioenterovirus (NPEV) infections, especially enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections, in Korean children. Methods : Between April and June 2000, NPEVs were detected by RT-PCR and cultures of specimens obtained from patients with aseptic meningitis, acute respiratory disease, and acute gastroenteritis which were associated with enteroviral exanthem and vesicular pharyngeal enanthem, such as herpangina, and hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). EV71 was identified by sequencing the VP1 gene. The clinical and epidemiologic data were analyzed retrospectively after all 87 NPEV-positive patients were divided into 4 groups, according to the clinical manifestations. Sixteen patients who mainly had symptoms of acute gastroenteritis were in group A, 21 patients with symptoms and signs of lower respiratory tract infections were in group B, 42 patients with a HFMD rash only were in group C with or without fever, and 8 patients with aseptic meningitis or paralysis were in group D. For the 11 EV71-positive patients, 1 was in group A, 2 were group B, 7 were in group C, and 1 was in group D. Results : There were 87 NPEV infections, including 11 EV71 infections. The mean age of the patients was 2 years and 11 months, ranging from 1 day to 15 years. There were no fatal cases among a total of 87 NPEV infections and no significant differences in clinical severity between the EV71 and other NPEV infections. Conclusion : NPEV infections in children were common during the 3 months in the spring of 2000. Unlike in southeast Asia, where fatal EV71 infection outbreaks have occurred since 1997, the clinical features of EV71 infection in Korean children are mild.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.99-104
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• 1983

Aiming at the total 200 pregnant women including 150 ones registered with the Health Center of Chung Ku District and 50 ones registered with the Health Center of Mapo District, we have conducted a research study of the socio-medical characteristics, maternal child health, and the status of nutritional intake which has utilized the application of convenient method for the study of nutritional status, during the period of April 20 to May 25, 1983. And we have obtained the following conclusions: 1. Regarding age distribution, the pregnant women aged from 26 to 30 were most numerous, which was 54.0%. The percentage of women who experienced the first pregnancy was 12.0% and the percentage of those who experienced the second pregnancy was 37.0%, which was the highest. Regarding the weeks of pregnancy of the pregnant women, the first trimesterr was 11.5%, the second trimester 30.0%, and the third trimester 58.6%. 2. Regarding academic achievements, the pregnant women who graduated from middle schools reached 43.5%, which was the highest percentage. Regarding economic status, the pregnant women who owned their own houses were only 21.0%. And the pregnant women whose monthly income was from 300,000 won to 400,000 won were 40%, which was the most numerous. 5. The women above 15 years old who experienced the first menstruation were 84.0%. And those who experienced abortion were totally 54.4%. and 35.5% among those women experienced artificial abortion. 4. 70.5% of the pregnant women said that their health condition was excellent, 24.5% felt subjective complaints, and 5.0% specially received medical consultation for their diseases. 5. 82.0% received prenatal care, but 60.5% regularly received prenatal care. 68.0% received the education for nutrition and only 19.5% regularly received the education for nutrition. 6. Regarding the family composition, the families consisting of two generations were 47.0%, which was the most numerous. 97.5% of the preparation for meals was conducted by housewives. They said that they did not lack time for meal preparation. 7. 94.9% of the pregnant women said that they had eaten as in ordinary times during their pregnancy. 25.5% said that there were tabooed foods. Tabooed foods are chiefly pork, chicken, milk, and eggs. 68.0% don't drink milk during pregnancy, 32.5% take the intake of vitamins, and 20.5% take iron supplement. 8. The average amounts of the intake of protein, fat, and carbohydrate of a pregnant women are 49.3gm, 29.4gm, and 205.1gm respectively, which showed the phenomenon in which the amount of the intake of nutrition increased as the weeks of pregnancy increased. The average amount of the intake of salt was 14.2gm. 9. Regarding the hemoglobin value of all pregnant women, those whose hemoglobin value was less than 11.0gm were 66.5%, those whose hemoglobin value was 11 to 12 gm were 16.5%. and those whose hemoglobin value was above 12gm were 17.0%. The pregnant women whose hemoglobin value was less than 11.0gm in the first trimester of pregnancy, in the second trimester, and in the trimester were 81.8%, 62.8%, and 64.9% respectively. This shows that the phenomenon of anemia increased as the weeks of pregnancy increased 10. Regarding physical development of a pregnant woman during prenatal period, the height and weight were $156.7cm{\pm}14.1$ and $51.1kg{\pm}58$ respectively. When the standard increase of a prenatal weigt gain is set as 100%, the women over the range of 100% were 28.0% and the women under the range of 80% were 37.0%.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.28 no.4 s.51
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• pp.845-862
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• 1995

We followed prospectively some hospital-delivered mothers to identify characteristics of those not initiated breast-feeding and predictors of breast-feeding discontinuation in monthly telephone interviews. Recruits were composed of 482 mothers who delivered their babies at one university hospital and one OB/GYN clinic in September to November 1991. Breast-feeding discontinuation was defined as switch to 100% formula lasting more than one week regardless of solid foods. Average age of the study subjects was 27.3 years of age(standard deviation 3.2). Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated native place, occupation, method of delivery and method of feeding considered to be better for maternal health were statistically significant(p<0.1) between initiators and non-initiators of breast feeding. In starting cohort(N=242) of those initiated breast-feeding, that median of breast-feeding discontinuation were 5 months and 25th and 75th percentiles were 3 and 9 months respectively. In Cox's proportional hazard model, mothers with $10\sim13$ years of education were 2.63 times (95% confidence interval, CI $1.50\sim4.60$) more likely to discontinue than those with less than 9 years of education and those with more than 13 years of education were 3.55 time (95% CI $1.99\sim6.33$). Compared with house wife, mothers with part-time jobs were 1.99 times (95% CI $0.86\sim4.57$) more likely to discontinue and those with employed full-time were 1.55 times (95% CI $0.96\sim2.51$). These results suggest that the predictors of initiation and discontinuation of breast-feeding may be different and different target populations should be selected to promote initiation and to prevent discontinuation of breast-feeding according to the period after birth.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.30 no.3 s.58
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• pp.508-517
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• 1997

Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is one of the major health problems in Korea and HBsAg positive rate was known to be about $5\sim15%$ in general population. This study was conducted to identify the positive rates of serum HBsAg and anti-HBs among community population regarded as having hish HBV vaccination rate than in previous decade, using EIA(Enzyme immunoassay) method, in Seo-Gu, Taegu, Korea. The study subjects were 1,160 who visited Seo-Gu Health Center for check-up serologic markers of hepatitis 3. The data were obtained from the serologic test for hepatitis markers and questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain the general characteristics, vaccination history, past history of hepatitis and other liver disease, and exposure history to risk factors of hepatitis of the study subjects. The positive rates of HBsAg and anti-HBs were 5.2% and 62.4% respectively. The positive rates of HBsAg for male and female were 6.6% and 4.3% respectively. The age was divided into two groups as group I (less than 15 years old), group II (more than 16 years old) according to the hypothesis that these two groups might be different in HBV vaccination rate. HBV vaccination rates for group I and II were 83.1% and 52.3%. The positive rates of HBsAg for group I and II were 2.6% and 6.5%. The positive rates of HBsAg for the vaccinated people of the group I and II were 2.2% and 3.5%, the positive rates of anti-HBs for the vaccinated people of the group I and II were 70.1% and 71.1% respectively. The most significant factor in positive rate of HBsAg was 'hepatitis carrier in family'. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that 'hepatitis history' and 'hepatitis carrier in family' were significant variables for positivity of HBsAg, and 'hepatitis B vaccination' was only a significant variable for positivity of anti-HBs.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.29 no.4 s.55
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• pp.721-732
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• 1996

This study was conducted to investigate the status of pregnancy and delivery and relationship among knowledge, attitude and practice about pregnancy and delivery in poor country, Nepal. A questionnaire survey by interviewer was conducted to examine the general characteristics, knowledge about pregnancy and delivery, attitude about pregnancy and delivery, the rate of prenatal care and delivery condition of women who had an experience of delivery during last year$(1994.4.13\sim1995.4.12)$ at a rural area, nepal(Dolakha Bazar Area). The major findings are as follows ; Among respondents, 87.5 percentage never had health education and the degree of knowledge about pregnancy and delivery was low. Among respondents, 56.6 percentage had the attitude that they didn't want antenatal care, 42.8 % of respondents answered that they wouldn't visit hospital or health center when vaginal bleeding occurred and 82.9% thought that the delivery itself was dirty. The proportion of women who experienced antenatal care was 28.3%, the proportion of health facilities delivery was 5.3%, which was very low and 82.6% of home delivery case didn't sanitate the tool to cut the umbilical cord. The women who had positive attitude about antenatal care and health facility utilization experienced more antenatal care and health facilities delivery. On consideration of above findings, health education for pregnancy and delivery is required to improve mother-child health status in poor country. To make efficient health education, the target population group, such as the uneducated, inhabitants far from health center or medical facility, must be chosen. To help the poor countries in medical field, the study on health status and its related factors on these countries like this article would be required.