• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.773-780
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• 2000

Background : pH measurement is an important test in assessing the etiology of pleurisy and in identifying complicated parapneumonic effusion. Although the blood gas analyzer is the gold standard method' for pleural pH measurement, pH meter & pH strip methods are also used for this purpose interchangably. However, the correlation among the pH data measured by the three different methods needs to be evaluated. In this study, we measured the pH of pleural fluid with the three different methods respectively and evaluated the correlation among the measured data. Methods : From August 1999 to March 2000, we measured the pleural fluid pH in 34 clinical samples with three methods-blood gas analyzer, pH meter, and pH strip. In the blood gas analyzer and pH meter methods, the temperature of pleural fluid was maintained around $0^{\circ}C$ in air-tight condition before analysis and measurement was performed within 30 minutes after collection. As for the pH strip method, the pleural fluid pH was checked in the ward immediately after tapping and in the clinical laboratory of our hospital. This part is unclear. Results : The causes of pleural effusion were tuberculosis pleurisy in 16 cases, malignant pleural effusion 5 cases, parapneumonic effusion 9 cases, empyema 3 cases, and congestive heart failure 1 case. The pH of pleural fluid (mean$\pm$SD) was 7.34$\pm$0.12 with blood gas analyser, 7.52$\pm$0.25 with pH meter, 7.37$\pm$0.16 with pH strip of immediate measurement and 6.93$\pm$0.201 with pH strip of delayed measurement. The pH measured by delayed pH strip measurement was lower than those of other methods (p<0.05). The correlation of the results between the blood gas analyzer and pH meter(p=0.002, r=0.518) and the blood gas analyzer and pH strip of immediate measurement(p<0.001, r=0.607). Conclusion : In the determination of pH of pleural fluid, pH strip method could be a simple and reliable method under immediate measurement conditions after pleural fluid tapping.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.49-58
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• 1984

The differential diagnosis of atypical mycobacteriosis caused by atypical mycobacteria (with the exception of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis, and Mycobacterium leprae) which are widly distributed in soil and water, from pulmonary tuberculosis is possible only when atypical mycobacteria are isolated and identified. In this investigation, attempts were made to isolate atypical mycobacteria from persons registered as tuberculosis patients in the Anyang Health Center in Anyang City, Kyungki province, Korea. Biological and biochemical tests were performed for the atypical mycobacteria isolated from these patients, also retrospective analysis of clinical and X-ray findings of the patients with bacteriologically confirmed atypical mycobacteriosis were done. The results can be summarized as follows: 1. 103 strains of mycobacteria were isolated among 334 sputum samples from patients. 2. Among the isolated mycobacteria, 10 strains (9.7%) were found to be a atypical mycobacteria and 93 strains (90.3%) were tubercle bacilli of human type. 3. On the basis of Runyon's grouping of atypical mycobacteria, there were 3 strains (30.0 %) of scotochromogen and nonphotochromogen respectively, 4 strains (40.0%) of rapid grower, and no photochromogen. 4. By biochemical tests, 3 strains of scotochromogen were identified as Mycobacterium scrofulaceum (2 strains) and Mycobacterium szulgai (1 strain) 3 strains of nonphotochromogen were Mycobacterium avium-complex (2 strains) and Mycobacterium terriae (1 strain), and 4 strains of rapid grower were Mycobacterium fortuitum (3 strains) and Mycobacterium chelonei. 5. In drug sensitivity tests, all 10 strains isolated atypical mycobacteria showed resistance to various concentration of INH and SM and low concentration (10mcg, 40mcg and 50mcg) of EB, TH, and CS, and were sensitive to only high concentration (20mcg and 100mcg) of EB, TH, CS, and RFP. 6. In analysis of clical findings by the patients with bacteriologically confirmed atypical mycobacteriosis, it was found that clinical symptoms of these patients appeared not to be mild than those of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. The patients with atypical mycobacteriosis had been treated for pulmonary tuberculosis for a long time and they showed no improvement.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.12
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• pp.6273-6276
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• 2012

Background/Aim: Six prostate cancer (PCa) susceptibility loci were identified in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in populations of European decent. However, the associations of these 6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with PCa has remained tobe clarified in men in Northern China. This study aimed to explore the loci associated with PCa risk in a Northern Chinese population. Methods: Blood samples and clinical information of 289 PCa patients and 288 controls from Beijing and Tianjin were collected. All risk SNPs were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-high resolution melting curve technology and gene sequencing. Associations between PCa and clinical covariates (age at diagnosis, prostate-specific antigen [PSA], Gleason score, tumor stage, and level of aggressiveness) and frequencies of alleles and genotypes of these SNPs were analyzed using genetic statistics. Results: Among the candidate SNPs, 11p15 (rs7127900, A) was associated with PCa risk (P = 0.02, odds ratio [OR] = 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09-2.46). Genotypes showed differences between cases and controls on 11p15 (rs7127900, A), 11q13 (rs7931342, T), and HNF1B (rs4430796, A) (P = 0.03, P = 0.01, and P = 0.04, respectively). The genotype TG on 11q13 (rs7931342, T) was positively associated with an increased Gleason score (P = 0.04, OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.02-4.55). Patients carrying TG on 17q24 (rs1859962, G) were negatively associated with an increased body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.03, OR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.21-0.92) while those with AG on HNF1B (rs4430796, A) were more likely to have PSA increase (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Our study suggests that 11p15 (rs7127900, A) could be a susceptibility locus associated with PCa in Northern Chinese. Genotype TG on 11q13 (rs7931342, T) could be related to an increased Gleason score, AG on HNF1B (rs4430796, A) could be associated with PSA increase, and TG on 17q24 (rs1859962, G) could be negatively associated with an increased BMI in Chinese men with PCa.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.239-244
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• 1998

Purpose : The incidence of hepatitis A virus infection in Korea has decreased recently. However, the prevalence in children and young adults is on an increasing trend in Inchon-Kyunggi prefecture. Economic development that leads to better living conditions and improves hygiene facilities has reduced the rate of HAV infection. This study was designed to evaluate the recent seroprevalence rate of hepatitis A in children and adolescents. Methods : Study population consisted of 612 children and adolescents aged 1 to 17 years in Inchon-Kyunggi prefecture. Serum samples were collected between 1996 and 1997 and tested for anti HAV by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay(MEIA). Results : According to age, the seropositive rates were 10.5%(male 13%, female 6.7%) in 1 year-old group, 0% in 3, 5, 11 and 13 year-old group, 6%(male 8%, female 4%) in 15 year-old group, and 11%(male 14%, female 8%) in 17 year-old group. Conclusion : This study showed that seropositive rate of HAV infection increased with age. While it revealed extremely low incidence of HAV infection in children less than 13 years old, they are also likely 10 be exposed 10 the infection. Our findings suggest that the effective administration of vaccination is needed in selected and high risk groups.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
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• v.17 no.3
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• pp.227-246
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• 1994

Present investigations were undertaken in order to clarify the clinical status of Korean native cattle and dairy cattle(holstein). Blood, Feces and urine samples were collected from 247 Korean native cattle(222 adult and 25 calf), 224 dairy cattle(211 adult and 13 calf) at Chonbuk area and analyzed for clinical, serum chemical, hematological and urinary findings. In addition, we were examined the infection rate of Theileriosis, internal patasite and ring worm. The mean value for each component was calculated by statistical analysis using Excel computer program. From these investigations the following results were obtained. The mean values for RBC, PCV and etc in 433 adult cow(Korean native cattle and dairy cattle) were similar with other reports. But the mean values for MCHC of all species were lower than normal. Adult Korean native cattle and adult dairy cattle which showed hematologically normal levels were only 9.01% and 9.48%, respectively. Ahnormally high values for PCV, RBC and Hb were recorded in 7.66% of adult Korean native cattle, 20% of Korean native calf, 15.38% of dairy calf. Adult Korean native cattle and adult dairy cattle which showed hematologically anemia were 4.95% and 19.43% respectively, but all in Korean native calf and dairy calf showed normal values. Adult Korean native cattle, adult dairy cattle, Korean native calf and dairy calf which showed normal serum protein level were 84.0%, 90.8%, 50% and 44.4%, respectively. In present investigations, 50% of Korean native calf and 55.6% of dairy calf were decreased serum protein values under normal range. These abnormally decreased serum protein values mean the shortage of antibody, and these have a possibility to occrus to pneumonia and diarrhea. From these results, the economical loss caused by pneumonia was calculated as 124, 038, 833 won in the KNC and 742, 703, 430 won in the dairy calf rearing in Chonbuk area. Calculated economical loss caused by enteritis was 56, 658, 690 won in Korean native cattle. 476, 775, 799 won in dairy calf and the total loss amount to 533, 434, 488 won in Chonbuk area. Abnormally high values($21.7{\pm}4.0mg/dl) for serum calcium were recorded 49.6% in dairy cattle. The mean values of serum total cholesterol were $170.8{\pm}99.8mg/dl in Korean native cattle, $196.0{\pm}40.6mg/dl$ in Korean native calf, $202.9{\pm}86.0mg/dl$ in adult dairy cattle and $289.4{\pm}97.5mg/dl$ in dairy calf. The infection rate of internal parasite were as follows； adult Korean native cattle：21.2%, Korean native calf：80%, adult dairy cattle：67.8%. The estimated economical loss caused by internal parasites infection were 1, 120, 855, 837 won in Korean native calf, 4, 994, 959, 405 won in adult Korean native cattle, 3, 334, 751, 066 won in adult holstein, and the total loss amount to 9, 450, 566, 308 won. The infection rate of theileriosis were 1.4% in Korean native cattle and 6.6% in dairy cattle. The presumed Economical loss by T. sergenti infection were 154, 408, 482 won in Korean native cattle and 171, 577, 237 won in dairy cattle rearing at Chonbuk area. The infection rat of ringworm were 0.5% in Korean native cattle, 0.9% in adult dairy cattle and 7.7% in dairy calf. The presumed economical loss by dermatomycophyte were 12, 061, 532 won in Korean native cattle, 16, 895, 403 won in dairy cattle, and the total estimated loss amount to 28, 955, 935 won a year in Chonbuk area. The infection rate of ringworm were 0. 5% in Korean native cattle, 0.9% in adult dairy cattle and 7.7% in dairy calf. The presumed economical loss by dermatomycophyte were 12, 061, 532 won in Korean native cattle, 16, 895, 403 won in dairy cattle, and the total estimated loss amount to 28, 955, 935 won a year in Chonbuk area.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.441-446
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• 2001

Flumazenil is a competitive antagonist of benzodiazepines. It is usually administered intravenously. However, if the intravenous route is not available then other routes of drug administration should be considered. This study was designed to evaluate the reversal effects of flumazenil after nasal administration. Twenty-five young, healthy adult volunteers participated in this clinical trial. The dosage of 0.08mg/kg midazolam was administered intravenously to induce deep sedation. Ten minutes after midazolam administration, 0.5mg of flumazenil was dropped nasally, over a period of one minute. Blood samples were taken to measure the concentration of midazolam and flumazenil at 0, 5, 10, and 20min after nasal administration of flumazenil, using High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The degree of sedation was evaluated with sedation score and bispectral index (BIS), Statistical analysis was performed by multivariate ANOVA and correlation analysis (P<0.05). Peak serum flumazenil concentration was reached in 10min. Sedation score decreased after midazolam administration and showed a significant increase after flumazenil administration. However, BIS decreased during the first 10min after midazolam administration and then no significant changes after flumazenil administration. There were two instances representing rapid and complete reversal of midazolam after intranasal administration of flumazenil. In conclusion, intranasal flumazenil administration may be effective in some patients when intravenous route is not available in condition of benzodiazepine overdose.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.324-329
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• 2009

Purpose : Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) is a rare disease, but its prognosis is fatal because of lack of efficient treatment modality. Recently, it has been reported that there was epidemic AIP in Korea. This study aims to investigate the past and current status of AIP in Korea. Methods : We performed a nationwide survey and a prospective study. From August 6 to 15, 2008, a questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the prevalence, local distribution, and response to current treatments. The questionnaire was answered by pediatrician working in 23 referral centers in Korea. In addition, 5 referral centers in Seoul performed a preliminary prospective observational study by obtaining clinical data and specimens from appropriate patients. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed the samples for possible pathogens. Results : The survey showed 78 AIP cases had occurred and 36 patients had died. Lung biopsy was performed only on 20 patients. In 2008, 9 AIP cases developed. In a prospective study, 9 (M:F=5:4) patients developed AIP in spring and 7 (78%) died, with the mean rate of death occurring 46 days after diagnosis. Human corona virus 229E, cytomegalovirus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and parainfluenza virus were isolated from the respiratory specimens. Conclusion : This study showed nationwide prevalence of AIP in Korea. In addition, because of the high mortality rate and rapid progress, pediatricians need to be aware of the disease. Further studies and a nationwide network are required for reducing the morbidity and mortality rates related to AIP.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.248-254
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• 2007

Purpose : Inflammation plays a major role in the pathogenesis of RDS and BPD in the immature lung. We investigated the possible role of IL-10 and IL-12 in the cord blood of preterm newborns with RDS or BPD. Methods : Forty preterm newborns whose mothers received antenatal care at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital between January 2003 to June 2005, and agreed to testing their cord blood samples were enrolled. The gestational ages were below 34 weeks. Cord blood level of IL-10 and IL-12 were determined by ELISA. We separated the patients into 2 groups (RDS group and non-RDS group, BPD group and non-BPD group) and compared the cytokine levels and clinical records of the groups. Results : Cord blood IL-10 level showed a significant inverse correlation with gestational age and birth weight (P=0.001, P=0.005). Preterm infants with RDS showed higher IL-10 level (1.0 vs 0.1 pg/mL; P=0.001) in the cord blood than those without RDS. The differences remained statistically significant after correction for the effect of gestational age between both preterm groups. Despite similar cord blood IL-10 levels, preterm infants with BPD showed no significant difference with those without BPD. Conclusion : Cord blood IL-10 levels are increased in preterm infants which may be due to the immuno-suppression occurring during pregnancy and to fetal immaturity because these levels are inversely correlated with the gestational age. So, Cord blood IL-10 level can be used as the predictor of RDS.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.157-168
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• 2020

Advancements in segmentation methodology has made automatic segmentation of brain structures using structural images accurate and consistent. One method of automatic segmentation, which involves registering atlas information from template space to subject space, requires a high quality atlas with accurate boundaries for consistent segmentation. The Allen Mouse Brain Atlas, which has been widely accepted as a high quality reference of the mouse brain, has been used in various segmentations and can provide accurate coordinates and boundaries of mouse brain structures for tractography. Through probabilistic tractography, diffusion tensor images can be used to map comprehensive neuronal network of white matter pathways of the brain. Comparisons between neural networks of mouse and human brains showed that various clinical tests on mouse models were able to simulate disease pathology of human brains, increasing the importance of clinical mouse brain studies. However, differences between brain size of human and mouse brain has made it difficult to achieve the necessary image quality for analysis and the conditions for sufficient image quality such as a long scan time makes using live samples unrealistic. In order to secure a mouse brain image with a sufficient scan time, an Ex-vivo experiment of a mouse brain was conducted for this study. Using FSL, a tool for analyzing tensor images, we proposed a semi-automated segmentation and tractography analysis pipeline of the mouse brain and applied it to various mouse models. Also, in order to determine the useful signal-to-noise ratio of the diffusion tensor image acquired for the tractography analysis, images with various excitation numbers were compared.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.94-100
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• 2001

Purpose : Enterovirus is a common cause of aseptic meningitis and nonspecific febrile illness in young children. During the summer and fall months, enterovirus-infected young children are frequently admitted and evaluated to rule out bacterial sepsis and/or meningitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between nonpolio enterovirus infection and febrile illness in infants under 3 months of age during the summer, fall months by using a stool culture to identify the presence of enterovirus. Methods : Patients included febrile infants under 3 months of age admitted to Masan Fatima Hospital for sepsis evaluation from May 1999 to September 1999. Cultures were performed from stool and Cerebrospinal fluid samples and then were tested for enterovirus infection. Viral isolation and serotype identification were performed by cell culture and immunofluorescent testing. Enteroviruses not typed by immunofluorescent testing were confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results : A total of 44 febrile infants were enrolled; of those, 20(45%) were positive for enterovirus. Two enterovirus culture-positive infants had concomitant urinary tract infection and one had Kawasaki disease. All infants infected with an enterovirus recovered without complications. Serotype of 20 enteroviruses were isolated from stool, 3 of echovirus type 9, 1 of echovirus type 11, 1 Coxsachievirus type B4, 15 of untyped enteroviruses. One untyped enterovirus was isolated in the CSF. Conclusion : Nonpolio enterovirus infections are associated with nonspecific febrile illnesses in infants under 3 months of age.