• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제29권4호
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• pp.220-230
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• 2023

Identification of the pathogens causing infection is important in terms of patient's health management and infection control. Synovial fluids could be used as clinical samples to detect causative pathogens of prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) using molecular diagnostic assays, therefore, normalization and validation of clinical samples are necessary. Microbial culture is considered the gold standard for all infections, including PJIs. Recently, molecular diagnostic methods have been developed to overcome the limitation of microbial culture. Therefore, guideline for validating clinical samples to provide reliable results of molecular diagnostic assays for infectious diseases is required in clinical field. The present study aimed to develop an accurate validating method of synovial fluid clinical samples using GAPDH gene as an internal control to perform the quantitative PCR TaqMan probe assay to detect pathogens causing PJIs.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.24-30
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• 2012

In this study, we have examined the effects of the storage time and temperature on DNA quality and have also studied the effects of the hydration buffer in which DNA is dissolved. This study was performed using 160 human blood samples collected with informed consent from 2007 to 2008 in the hospital where this cohort study was performed. The DNA extracted was dissolved using distilled water (DW) or Tris-EDTA (TE) buffer, and stored in the deep freezer or refrigerator for up to 10 weeks at $-70^{\circ}C$, $-20^{\circ}C$, $4^{\circ}C$, and $25^{\circ}C$, respectively. DNA integrity was determined by the degree of smearing of DNA on the gel. After four weeks, all of the 20 DNA samples dissolved in DW and stored at $25^{\circ}C$ were entirely degraded. After 10 weeks, 6 of the 20 DNA samples dissolved in TE buffer and stored at $25^{\circ}C$ were fairly degraded, and 4 of the 20 DNA samples dissolved in DW and stored at $4^{\circ}C$ were fairly degraded. The 20 DNA samples dissolved in TE buffer and stored at $4^{\circ}C$ were stable for 10 weeks. DNA samples stored at $-20^{\circ}C$ and $-70^{\circ}C$ did not appear to degrade in either DW or TE buffer, even at the 10-week point. We suggest that TE buffer should use for DNA elution, in order to protect against degradation and to preserve DNA for a long period of time, and the samples should be stored at $-20^{\circ}C$ or $-70^{\circ}C$.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제43권1호
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• pp.6-11
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• 2011

In clinical chemistry tests, the interfering substances such as hemoglobin, lipid, bilirubin, and drugs, etc. can cause the changes of test results performed by spectrophotometrical methods. We evaluated the effects of interfering substances on the test results by adding interfering substances on the samples in the 19 kinds of clinical chemistry tests such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, total protein, albumin, glucose, total cholesterol, total bilirubin, triglyceride, uric acid, calcium, inorganic phosphours, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and C-reactive protein using newly implemented automatic chemical analyzer Toshiba TBA-C8000 under the direction of CLSI EP07-A guideline. Hemolytic samples show increased concentration of total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase and reduced concentration of total bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase by interfering effect. Hyperlipemic samples show increased concentration of total protein and alkaline phosphatase and reduced concentration of low density lipoprotein cholesterol. The samples with conjugated bilirubinemia show increased concentration of inorganic phosphours, otherwise the samples with unconjugated bilirubinemia show no interference or allowable range in the test result.

• 대한수의학회지
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• 제41권4호
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• pp.535-542
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• 2001

A multiplex PCR technique was developed for detecting specifically each Mycobacterium bovis, M. tuberculosis, M. avium and M. avium subsp, paratuberculosis, respectively, using clinical samples of field cattle. To apply this novel technique to clinical specimens, blood sample was obtained from live cows comprising 11 intradermal tuberculin test (ITT)-positive and 17 ITT-negative and tested by multiplex PCR. Positive results were obtained from 15 cows by the multiplex PCR, showing that 4 (23.5%) of the 17 ITT-negative cows were multiplex PCR positive. The multiplex PCR results also showed that among the 15 positive cows, 7 (46.7%) were infected with M. bovis, 1 (6.7%) with M. tuberculosis and 7 (46.7%) with M. avium. The sensitivity and specificity of multiplex PCR in comparison with those of ITT were 100% and 76.5%. The correlation between the multiplex PCR and ITT assays with blood samples was considered excellent, 85.7% agreement and ${\kappa}=0.72$. The results obtained, using reference mycobacterial strains and typed clinical samples, show that the multiplex PCR method may be a rapid, sensitive, and specific tool for the differential identification of various mycobacterial strains in a single-step assay. Therefore, multiplex PCR assay is a useful tool for early diagnosis of tuberculosis in live cattle and to identify the species or complex of mycobacterium from clinical samples.

• 대한의생명과학회지
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.28-34
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• 2021

The main cause of cervical cancer is a persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV). Cervical cancer is reported as a preventable cancer in more than 80% of cases with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Papanicolaou test (Pap test) has been a global strategy to prevent cervical cancer, and recently, HPV test has been reported to be effective against cervical cancer and precancerous lesions. However, pelvic examinations give patients anxiety, discomfort, pain, distress, and psychological stress. HPV test via a urine sample caused less physical and psychological stress and more advantage than the Pap test. Therefore, it is necessary to study the usefulness of the HPV test for easy-to-collect urine samples. A total of 220 samples were collected from a pair of cervical and urine samples from 110 women and only 108 pairs of samples out of 110 were used because 2 cases were not amplified by β-globin. Among 108 pairs of cervical and urine samples, the prevalence of HPV was 37.0% (40/108) in cervical samples, 34.3% (37/108) in urine samples and HR-HPV was 22.2% (24/108) in cervical samples, 18.5% (20/108) in urine samples. In this study, urine samples showed a lower positive rate of HPV than cervical samples. There were many variables that could affect the condition of the urine sample. However, the HR-HPV agreement rate of the cervix and urine samples was 94.44% and the Kappa value was 0.823, which was "almost perfect". Through these results showed the significance of cervical cancer screening using a urine sample. Cervical screening is crucial, as cervical cancer can be prevented in more than 90% of cases. Urine samples collected by non-invasive methods may have the potential advantage of increasing acceptance of cervical cancer screening. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a new cervical cancer screening strategy using urine samples through further study based on the results of this study.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• 제48권2호
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• pp.142-149
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• 2021

Objective: Bacteriospermia and urogenital infections are common problems in male infertility. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of bacteriospermia on sperm parameters and clinical outcomes in semen samples infected with two common bacteria (Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Escherichia coli) in northern Iran. Methods: Microbiological tests were performed to isolate and identify organisms from 435 semen samples from infertile couples. Semen samples were assessed according to the World Health Organization criteria. The protamine status, chromatin structure, chromatin condensation, and acrosome reaction of sperm and assisted reproductive outcomes were determined in couples with different male infertility factors. Results: Among the total cases, the two most prevalent pathogens were considered: S. saprophyticus (38.2%) and E. coli (52.9%). In the semen samples infected with E. coli, the spontaneous acrosome reaction and abnormal chromatin condensation were more common (p<0.05). Significant increases in abnormal chromatin condensation and deprotamination were seen in the presence of S. saprophyticus. In washed semen, tight adhesion between the sperm midpiece and S. saprophyticus was observed. There was also a significant decrease in the fertilization rate using semen samples infected with S. saprophyticus and E. coli during in vitro fertilization cycles (p<0.001). In addition, the presence of S. saprophyticus and E. coli in semen samples was associated with a lower likelihood of clinical pregnancy in couples with various factors of male infertility. Conclusion: Poor results of assisted reproductive techniques may be correlated with semen samples infected with two common bacteria in northern Iran.

• 대한임상검사과학회지
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• 제41권1호
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• pp.42-46
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• 2009

Unlike most bacteria, Treponema pallidum subspecies cannot be readily isolated or sustained in cell culture for numerous generations. In korea, two non treponemal tests are currently considered as standard; the VDRL slide test and RPR card test. These tests are based on an antigen composed of an alcoholic solution containing measured amount of cardiolipin, cholesterol, and sufficient purified lecithin to produce reactivity. The nontreponemal reagin tests measure immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG to lipoidal material released from damaged host cells as well as to lipoprotein-like material and possibly by cardiolipin released from the treponemes. The object of the evaluation was to evaluate the performance of the Mediace RPR kit on the automated biochemistry analyzer system as a method for screen method of syphilis as well as to identify BFP possibility. For evaluation of routine screening test, a total 2,380 specimens tested by Mediace RPR from 28th Oct, 2007 to 22th Feb, 2008. For evaluation of BFP possiblility, we measured samples which have potential BFP reaction in Syphilis test such as ANA (anti-nuclear antibody) positive (135 samples), CRP (C-reactive protein) positive (100 samples), RF (Rheumatoid factor) positive (26 samples), and other potential BFP cases (17 samples) including total 278 samples. These samples were tested quantitative test Mediace RPR with Hitachi 7600 P module. For comparison with current manual test, VDRL slide test were performed. Of these 2380 specimens, 2350 were negative, 30 were positive, and one were positive with TPHA. Both methods agreed for 2356 (98.9%) samples. Of the 30 samples showed positive results over 1.0 R.U, 6 samples showed positive results with VDRL test. Of these 6 samples, 1 samples showed positive with TPHA test. The combination of the Automated Biochemistry analyzer and VDRL test for retest can be increase efficiency of syphilis screening test.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.143-152
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• 2004

목적: 급성 설사로 입원한 소아의 대변 검체에서 rotavirus, adenovirus, astrovirus, calicivirus 및 enterovirus의 바이러스 항원을 검출하고 임상 증상과의 연관성을 알기 위해 본 연구를 시도하였다. 방법: 이화여자대학교 의과대학 목동병원 소아과에 1996년 3월부터 1999년 12월 사이에 입원하였던 소아 74명의 대변을 채취하였는데, 53개는 급성 설사 환자에서 채취하여 이를 설사군으로, 21개는 동일시기에 설사가 없는 타질환으로 입원한 소아에서 무작위로 채취하여 이는 대조군으로 분류하였다. 대변 검체는 영하 $20^{\circ}C$에서 냉동 보관 후 단클론 항체를 이용한 간접 효소 면역측정법으로 바이러스 항원 검출을 하였고 각 바이러스 검출과 임상 증상을 비교하였다. 결과: 바이러스 항원은 설사군에서 46례와 대조군에서 14례 검출되었다. 이 중 enterovirus 47례, rotavirus 26례, adenovirus 16례, astrovirus 11례, 그리고 calicivirus가 11례 검출되었다. 시기적으로 바이러스 항원은 봄(3>5월)에 많이 검출되었다(63%). 하나의 바이러스 항원이 검출된 경우는 설사군 22례, 대조군 6례로 모두 28례이었다. 바이러스 항원이 동시 검출된 경우는 30례이며, Salmonella group B와 enterovirus의 동시 감염 2례 있었다. 여러 항원이 검출된 30례를 세분하면, 두 종류의 바이러스가 검출된 경우가 15례, 세 종류의 바이러스가 검출된 경우가 11례, 네 종류의 바이러스가 검출된 경우가 2례, 다섯 종류의 바이러스가 모두 검출된 경우도 2례 있었다. 대변에서 바이러스 항원이 동시 검출된 다중성이나 종류에 따른 임상 증상의 차이는 없었다. 결론: 본 연구에서는 대변 내 바이러스 항원에 대한 단클론 항체를 이용한 간접 효소 면역측정법으로 검사하였으며, 각 바이러스 항원과 임상 증상과의 연관성은 없었다. 앞으로 더 많은 소아를 대상으로 역전사 중합효소 연쇄반응, 바이러스 배양 검사 등으로 다양하게 검사하여 소아 설사의 바이러스성 원인과 역학이 연구되어야 할 것이다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제25권5호
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• pp.745-752
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• 2015

Tuberculosis (TB) is the most common mycobacterial infection in developing countries, requiring a rapid, accurate, and well-differentiated detection/diagnosis. For the rapid detection and discrimination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) from non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), a novel, simple, and primer-combined single-step multiplex PCR using three primer pairs (6110F-6110R, 1081F-1081R, and 23SF-23SR; annealing on each of IS6110, IS1081, and 23S rDNA targets), hereafter referred to as a triplex PCR, has been developed and evaluated. The expected product for IS6110 is 416 bp, for IS1081 is 300 bp, and for 23S rDNA is 206 bp by single PCR, which was used to verify the specificity of primers and the identity of MTC using DNA extracted from the M. tuberculosis H37Rv reference strain (ATCC, USA) and other mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT) templates. The triplex PCR assay showed 100% specificity and 96% sensitivity; the limit of detection for mycobacteria was ~100 fg; and it failed to amplify any target from DNA of MOTT (50 samples tested). Of 307 blinded clinical samples, overall 205 positive M. tuberculosis samples were detected by single PCR, 142 by conventional culture, and 90 by AFB smear methods. Remarkably, the triplex PCR could subsequently detect 55 positive M. tuberculosis from 165 culture-negative and 115 from 217 AFB smear-negative samples. The triplex PCR, targeting three regions in the M. tuberculosis genome, has proved to be an efficient tool for increasing positive detection/discrimination of this bacterium from clinical samples.

• 한국임상약학회지
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• 제19권2호
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• pp.120-130
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• 2009

The objective of this study was to analyze and to improve therapeutic drug monitoring(TDM) service of vancomycin in a local hospital. Patients with TDM service between September 2005 and December 2008 were included and the data were collected for vancomycin use and components of TDM. During that period, 421 cases of TDM service of vancomycin in 236 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The first dosages of vancomycin were appropriate in 135(57.2%) patients and administration of vancomycin was discontinued in 126(53.4%) patients due to therapeutic failure or adverse drug reaction. MRSA was identified in 191(80.9%) patients and 135(70.7%) samples for the identification were sputum. According to the TDM reports, 232(55.1%) serum samples were obtained at the steady-state conditions and 55.5% of the samples that were drawn before the steady-state was due to the physician's inappropriate knowledge about the steady-state. Based on the time of vancomycin administration, 35.8% of the samples were not obtained at the recommended sampling time. For the patients in general wards, the most common reason for the incorrect samples was routine serum sampling by the laboratory medicine phlebotomists between 6 and 8 a.m. except sunday. In contrast, samples drawn by nurses or physicians at inappropriate time were the most common reason for the incorrect samples with patients in the intensive care units. Physicians accepted 68.5% of the recommendations for vancomycin dosage and administration. In conclusion, TDM service of vancomycin needs to be improved in inappropriate sampling time and vancomycin dosage. For solving these problems, current team made of TDM pharmacists and physicians of laboratory medicine can be expanded to include a physician of infectious diseases, nurses and laboratory medicine phlebotomists as new members. Through the TDM service of vancomycin by the new team, we can settle the problems and make the guideline for the scientific controversies associated with therapeutic monitoring of vancomycin.