• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.6
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• pp.180-186
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• 2018

Purpose: Despite the availability of molecular methods, identification of the causative virus in children with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) has proven difficult as the same viruses are often detected in asymptomatic children. Methods: Multiplex reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to detect 15 common respiratory viruses in children under 15 years of age who were hospitalized with ARI between January 2013 and December 2015. Viral epidemiology and clinical profiles of single virus infections were evaluated. Results: Of 3,505 patients, viruses were identified in 2,424 (69.1%), with the assay revealing a single virus in 1,747 cases (49.8%). While major pathogens in single virus-positive cases differed according to age, human rhinovirus (hRV) was common in patients of all ages. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza virus (IF), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) were found to be seasonal pathogens, appearing from fall through winter and spring, whereas hRV and adenovirus (AdV) were detected in every season. Patients with ARIs caused by RSV and hRV were frequently afebrile and more commonly had wheezing compared with patients with other viral ARIs. Neutrophil-dominant inflammation was observed in ARIs caused by IF, AdV, and hRV, whereas lymphocyte-dominant inflammation was observed with RSV A, parainfluenza virus, and hMPV. Monocytosis was common with RSV and AdV, whereas eosinophilia was observed with hRV. Conclusion: In combination with viral identification, recognition of virus-specific clinical and laboratory patterns will expand our understanding of the epidemiology of viral ARIs and help us to establish more efficient therapeutic and preventive strategies.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.247-255
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• 2019

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Accurate, early identification of acutely malnourished children has the potential to reduce related child morbidity and mortality. The current World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines classify non-oedematous acute malnutrition among children under five using Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) or Weight-for-Height Z-score (WHZ). However, there is ongoing debate regarding the use of current MUAC cut-offs. This study investigates the diagnostic performance of MUAC to identify children aged 6-24 months with global (GAM) or severe acute malnutrition (SAM). SUBJECTS/METHODS: Cross-sectional, secondary data from a community sample of children aged 6-24 months in Niger were used for this study. Children with complete weight, height and MUAC data and without clinical oedema were included. Using WHO guidelines for GAM (WHZ < -2, MUAC < 12.5 cm) and SAM (WHZ < -3, MUAC < 11.5 cm), the sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), predictive values, Youden Index and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were calculated for MUAC when compared with the WHZ reference criterion. RESULTS: Of 1161 children, 23.3% were diagnosed with GAM using WHZ, and 4.4% with SAM. Using current WHO cut-offs, the Se of MUAC to identify GAM was greater than for SAM (79 vs. 57%), yet the Sp was lower (84 vs. 97%). From inspection of the ROC curve and Youden Index, Se and Sp were maximised for MUAC < 12.5 cm to identify GAM (Se 79%, Sp 84%), and MUAC < 12.0 cm to identify SAM (Se 88%, Sp 81%). CONCLUSIONS: The current MUAC cut-off to identify GAM should continue to be used, but when screening for SAM, a higher cut-off could improve case identification. Community screening for SAM could use MUAC < 12.0 cm followed by appropriate treatment based on either MUAC < 11.5 cm or WHZ < -3, as in current practice. While the practicalities of implementation must be considered, the higher SAM MUAC cut-off would maximise early case-finding of high-risk acutely malnourished children.

• Nutrition Research and Practice
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• v.17 no.4
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• pp.780-788
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• 2023

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study examined the relationship between famine exposure in early life and the risk of type 2 diabetes in adulthood during the 1959-1961 Chinese Famine. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A total of 3,418 individuals aged 35-74 years free of diabetes from two studies in 2006 and 2009 were followed up prospectively in 2009 and 2012, respectively. Famine exposure was classified as unexposed (individuals born in 1962-1978), fetal exposed (individuals born in 1959-1961), child exposed (individuals born in 1949-1958), and adolescent/adult exposed (born in 1931-1948). A logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between famine exposure and diabetes after adjustment for potential covariates. RESULTS: During a three-year follow-up, the age-adjusted incidence rates of type 2 diabetes were 5.7%, 14.5%, 12.7%, and 17.8% in unexposed, fetal-exposed, child-exposed, and adolescent/adult-exposed groups, respectively (P < 0.01). Relative to the unexposed group, the relative risks (95% confidence interval) for diabetes were 2.15 (1.29-3.60), 1.53 (0.93-2.51), and 1.65 (0.75-3.63) in the fetal-exposed, child-exposed, and adolescent/adult-exposed groups, after controlling for potential covariates. The interactions between famine exposure and obesity, education level, and family history of diabetes were not observed, except for the urbanization type. Individuals living in rural areas with fetal and childhood famine exposure were at a higher risk of type 2 diabetes, with relative risks of 8.79 (1.82-42.54) and 2.33 (1.17-4.65), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These findings indicate that famine exposure in early life is an independent predictor of type 2 diabetes, particularly in women. Early identification and intervention may help prevent diabetes in later life.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.6-11
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• 2018

Purpose: Mid-upper-arm circumference (MUAC) is considered an alternative screening method for obesity. The aims of this investigation were to examine the ability of MUAC to correctly identify children with elevated body mass index (BMI) and to determine the best MUAC cutoff point for identification of children with high BMI. Methods: Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and MUAC) from a cross-sectional sample of 7,921 Pakistani children aged 5-14 years were analyzed. Pearson correlation coefficients between MUAC and other anthropometric measurements were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimal MUAC cutoff point for identifying children with high BMI. Results: Among 7,921 children, the mean (${\pm}$standard deviation) age, BMI, and MUAC were 10.00 (${\pm}2.86years$), 16.16 (${\pm}2.66kg/m^2$), and 17.73 (${\pm}2.59cm$), respectively. The MUAC had a strong positive correlation with BMI. The optimal MUAC cutoff points indicating elevated BMI in boys ranged from 16.76 to 22.73, while the corresponding values in girls ranged from 16.38 to 20.57. Conclusion: MUAC may be used as a simple indicator of overweight/obesity in children, with reasonable accuracy in clinical settings.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.8-13
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• 2015

Antenatal hydronephrosis (ANH) is one of the most common abnormal findings detected on prenatal ultrasound (US), and it has been reported in 1-5% of all pregnancies. The likelihood of significant postnatal pathologic abnormality in the urinary tract correlates with the degree of anterior-posterior diameter (APD) according to the gestational age. Detection of urologic anomalies prenatally permits fetal interventions that avoid complications in rare cases of bladder outlet obstruction with oligohydramnios even though their final benefits still remain controversial. There is no clear consensus on the extent and mode of postnatal imaging after a diagnosis of ANH. US is the mainstay of the postnatal evaluation and helps guide further testing with voiding cystourethrography (VCUG) and diuretic renography. Although most algorithms continue to recommend generous VCUG for identification of lower urinary tract anomalies, VCUG may be safely reserved for high grade ANH cases or any grade of ANH with dilated distal ureter without increasing the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). There are conflicting studies about efficacy of postnatal prophylactic antibiotics. It still seems reasonable to consider use of a prophylactic antibiotic to prevent infant UTIs in high-risk populations, such as females and uncircumcised males with high grades of hydronephrosis, hydroureteronephrosis, or vesicouretral reflux.

• Korean Journal of Human Ecology
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.113-128
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• 2012

The purpose of this study was to identify key components in developing educational programs designed to enhance pre-service teachers' professionalism. Key program characteristics identified and implemented through this study are as follows: First, programs should provide opportunities for trainees to reflect on goal identification and setting goals as professional teachers. Second, programs should emphasize the relationship between the pre-service teachers' personal qualities and professional development. Third, programs should include and integrated and holistic approach to integrating content and teaching methodology. Fourth, the program's educational content should unfold in a gradual and sequential manner. Fifth, the program should support a strong relationship between senior teachers and juniors pre-service teachers. Sixth, the program should take advantage of the physical and human resources in the pre-service teacher's community. Seventh, the program should employ circular and formative evaluation of contents and teaching methods as a way of facilitating development and improvement. This study develops and demonstrates an extensive model program that fits these criteria. Also included is discussion related to further studies.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.129-137
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• 2017

The event-free survival (EFS) for pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has shown remarkable improvement in the past several decades. In Korea also, a recent study showed 10-year EFS of 78.5%. Much of the improved outcome for pediatric ALL stems from the accurate identification of prognostic factors, the designation of risk group based on these factors, and treatment of appropriate duration and intensity according to risk group, done within the setting of cooperative clinical trials. The schema of first-line therapy for ALL remains mostly unchanged, although many groups have now reported on the elimination of cranial irradiation in all patients with low rates of central nervous system relapse. Specific high risk subgroups, such as Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) ALL and infant ALL continue to have significantly lower survival than other ALL patients. The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors into therapy has led to enhanced outcome for Ph+ ALL patients. Infant ALL patients, particularly those with MLL rearrangements, continue to have poor outcome, despite treatment intensification including allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. Relapsed ALL is a leading cause of mortality in pediatric cancer. Recent advances in immunotherapy targeting the CD19 of the ALL blast have shown remarkable efficacy in some of these relapsed and refractory patients. With improved survival, much of the current focus is on decreasing the long-term toxicities of treatment.

• Korean Journal of Social Welfare
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• v.48
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• pp.302-332
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• 2002

This study aimed at finding out the effectiveness of Solution-Focused Group Therapy Program in reducing delinquents' problematic behaviors and increasing their self-esteem, impulse control, communication with the parents and bettering their daily life habits. Thirty one male delinquents under probation from a Probation Center in Seoul were chosen and given a Solution-Focused Group Therapy for 30 hours. For a comparison purpose another 31 male delinquents were chosen from the same Center. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Program, items were selected and used from Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale. Youth Outcome Questionnaire Self Report 2.0, Brief Family Therapy Center-Child/Teen Solution Identification Scale. Participants' and parents' self-reports on participants' changes and session progress records were also used for qualitative evaluation. The results showed some positive changes in participants' self-esteem, self-control, communication style with parents, and daily life habits. No illegal act was reported after nine months upon this Program, which posits this type of Solution-Focused Group Therapy Program as a viable solution for the prevention and recidivism of juvernile crimes.

• Journal of Electrical Engineering and Technology
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.633-637
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• 2013

A wide range of applications for Foot Print Recognition System is discussed in this paper. The whole concept works under the principle that foot print is a parameter associated with biometrics that is very common as well as distinct. Its foremost application is at the government hospitals in the under developed and third world nations where there aren't the best of facilities. This system can be applied in the maternity ward of the hospitals for the identification or differentiation of the infants. Till date there has been no specialized system adopted for this purpose. The Foot Print Recognition System will overcome all the defects of any biometrics when applied here. Since the child will be very delicate for an iris scan and it will not be able to open its eyes wide or to correctly place its finger print on the sensor since the hands of a new born infant will be closed for a while. The Foot Print Recognition system can also be implemented in temples where there are cases of theft often reported. This can be used to grant access to the karpagraham of the deity by authorized users alone. These 2 applications of FPRS are discussed in this paper.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.58 no.5
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• pp.159-164
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• 2015

Most guidelines for chronic urticaria (CU) in infants and children are based on limited pediatric evidence. Current evidence used to guide treatment in children is extrapolated from data focusing on older age groups. CU in children is a different and complex condition than that in adults. Furthermore, there is little published information regarding urticaria in Korean children. The aim of the present article is to review recent research on chronic childhood urticaria and improve the current understanding of its pathogenesis and management. The classification and definition of urticaria in adults also applies to children. CU is defined as a daily occurrence of spontaneous wheals, angioedema, or both for >6 weeks. The precise pathophysiology of CU is unknown and the rates of successful identification of a cause in children with CU vary from 20%-50%. There is no established laboratory test to evaluate the presence of urticaria. The natural course of childhood CU is undetermined, with limited reports discussing long-term outcomes. Second-generation H1 antihistamines are the cornerstone of management, while limited therapeutic drugs are available for adults.