• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.221-229
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• 2002

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) persistence was established and maintained in Vero cell culture for over 1 year. Eleven clones of plaque morphology mutant JEV, with large and small plaque sizes, were obtained from the cell culture supernatant. Genomic RNA replication efficiency of the mutants in naive Vero cell appeared to correspond to their different plaque sizes. No significant changes in envelop protein ORF or in non-coding regions at both ends of the RNA genome suggested that there could be an unidentified factor(s) playing role in JEV attenuation. Unlike to the replication of wild-type JEV, the mutants did not induce severe degree of cytopathic effect in Vero cells upon infection. While obvious decrease of Bcl-2 and its mRNA expression and sharp increase of p53 in naive Vero cells infected with either wild-type JEV or the large plaque-forming mutant, those changes were not observed with the small plaque-forming one. Together with these observation, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and chromosomal DNA profile in the Vero cells infected with the mutants suggest that an overall changes in cytopathic effect in the plaque morphology mutants-infected cells should be primarily due to the reduced genomic RNA replication and the compromised degree of p53-independent apoptosis by the virus infection at least in part.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.225-229
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• 2010

The aim of this study is to clarify the clinical features of Hap/orchis taichui infection in humans in Nan Province, Thailand, and to correlate the clinical features with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like symptoms. In this study area, only H. taichui, but neither other minute intestinal flukes nor small liver flukes were endemic. The degree of infection was determined by fecal egg counts and also by collecting adult worms after deworming. The signs and symptoms of individual patients together with their hematological and biochemical laboratory data were gathered to evaluate the relationship between the clinical features and the severity of infection. Special emphasis was made to elucidate the possible similarities of the clinical features of H. taichui infection and IBS-like symptoms. The results showed useful clinical information and the significant (> 50%) proportion of haplorchiasis patients complained of abdominal pain, lassitude, and flatulence, which were the important diagnostic symptoms of IBS. This study has reported a possible link between H. taichui and IBS, and H. taichui might probably play a role in the etiology of these IBS-like symptoms.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.22
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• pp.9905-9908
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• 2014

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is the most common chronic infectious agent in the stomach. Most importantly, it may lead to atrophy, metaplasia and cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of H. pylori infection and to detect early mucosal changes that may lead to malignant degeneration in children. Materials and Methods: Children who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were included. Familial history of gastric cancer was noted. Endoscopic examinations were performed by a single pediatric gastroenterologist. A minimum of three biopsy samples were collected during endoscopy. The patients were accepted as H. pylori infected if results of biopsies and rapid urease test were both positive. Biopsies were evaluated for the presence and degree of chronic inflammation, the activity and severity of gastritis, glandular atrophy and intestinal metaplasia. Results: A total of 750 children (388 boys, 362 girls) were evaluated in our study, with a mean age of 10.1 years. A total of 390 patients (52%) were found to be infected with H. pylori. Among the H. pylori infected patients, 289 (74%) were diagnosed to have chronic superficial gastritis, 24 (6.2%) had gastric atrophy. Most strikingly, intestinal metaplasia was observed in 11 children, all were in the H. pylori positive group. There was no difference in the mean of age, gender and socioeconomic class between H. pylori infected and non-infected groups. The frequency of gastric cancer in family members (4 in number) was higher in patients with H. pylori infection. No gastric cancer case was reported from the parents of non-infected children. The worst biopsy parameters (atropy and metaplasia) were improved after H. pylori eradication on control endoscopy. Conclusions: The current study shows a higher prevalence of familial history of gastric cancer in H. pylori infected children. Intestinal metaplasia was also higher in the infected children. Eradication of H. pylori infection for this risk group may prevent subsequent development of gastric cancer.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.117-127
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• 2000

The non-ELR-containing CXC chemokines Mig and IP-10 have been shown to function as chemotactic cytokines for activated T lymphocytes. In this study, we examined the potential involvement of Mig and IP-10 in antimycobacterial response of mice immunized or infected with M. bovis BCG. The accumulation of Mig and IP-10 mRNA in resident peritoneal monocytes ($RPM{\Phi}$) was slightly reduced by stimulation with vBCG, and the degree was greater for 24 hr culture even though IFN-${\gamma}$ was added. Expression of Mig, IP-10, and IFN-${\gamma}$ in 24 hr delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response was stronger in vBCG-immune mice than in the non-immune. The increase of DTH measured by foot-pad thickness appears to be clearly related to the levels of chemokines Mig and IP10 messages and those of IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-12. Stimulation with vBCG for 2 days decreased or completely dropped the levels of Mig message in non-immune or immune splenocytes, respectively, whereas IP-10 message was slightly decreased in 2 days culture. Moreover, messages for IL-12 (p40) showed similar kinetics for Mig. The levels of Mig and IP-10 mRNA during the course of infection with BCG were not readily changed in lungs, livers, and spleens from BCG-infected mice. Although there was no obvious changes of Mig and IP-10 messages in the target organs during infection process, we found that the infection progressed over the first 3 wk before being contained by the emerging immune response suggested from detectable amount of IFN-${\gamma}$ mRNA around this time. In view of selectivity of chemokines Mig and IP-10 for activated T cells, these data suggest that chemokine Mig and IP-10, especially in collaboration with IL-12 and IFN-${\gamma}$, may playa role as T cell recruiters in immune response against mycobacterial infection.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.5
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• pp.2689-2694
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• 2016

Background: Most studies of human papilloma virus (HPV) are aimed at the natural history of the infection and its relation to cancer; however, there are few studies to assess knowledge of the general population. Our aim was analyze the degree of knowledge of Argentinians about HPV infection and its prevention. Materials and Methods: We conducted a voluntary, anonymous and non-binding survey with 27 multiple-choice items, in twelve private and public establishments, selected to include a broad population in terms of education, age and gender. The survey consisted of three sections: individual characteristics of the volunteer, HPV infection basic knowledge, its prevention and the virus relationship with other cancers. Results: One thousand two hundred ninety seven volunteers aged 18 to 80 participated. The total number of correct answers was 45.1%. The correct answers for relationship HPV and cervical cancer was 62.1%. Almost 55% did not know about types of HPV that the vaccines for protection. Statistical analysis showed that women, single people, workers, the better educated, those who have had a STDs or HPV and receiving information through medical or educational establishments had greater knowledge of the topic. Only 0.2% of participants answered all questions correctly. Conclusions: Knowledge plays an important role in health care and the deficiency found in our population could influence the success of the measures taken in the fight against cervical cancer. In this regard, we believe it would be appropriate, not only to emphasize early diagnosis and vaccine implementation, but also incorporate new communication strategies, facilitating reception of accurate and precise information by all strata of society.

• Journal of radiological science and technology
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.71-77
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• 2020

This study aims to explain the process of providing important medical images for the diagnosis of pneumonia caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through the only mobile hospital computed tomography (CT) in Korea. Since January 28, 2020, medical imaging examinations have been provided to confirmed and suspected COVID-19 patients, and the quality of images was evaluated based on the objective and subjective indicators. In order to prevent the transmission in the hospital that may occur due to exposure to medical staff and general patients, personal protective equipment was worn and the separate route was used blocking human infection factors. For 11 weeks, a total of 185 tests were performed for 98 confirmed patients and 72 suspected patients. The average time to complete the test was 33 minutes. In the course of the test, no cross-infection cases were examined. During the outbreak of the COVID-19, the only mobile hospital CT room of Korea provided medical imaging examinations without infection among medical staff and patients and also provided adequate medical images without significant difference (p >0.05) in determining the degree of pneumonia progression compared to a stationary in-hospital CT.

• Korea Journal of Hospital Management
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.34-43
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• 2014

This study was conducted to investigate the degree of nurses' knowledge, attitudes, and compliance with hospital infection standard precautions. The study subjects were nurses in a university hospital in Daegu, South Korea, and a self-administered survey was carried out using a standardized questionnaire from 1st to 15th August, 2012. A total of 187 questionnaires were used for analysis. Those who were injured by a syringe needle for the last year accounted for 29.96%, and those exposed to patients' blood or body fluid on their damaged skin/mucous membranes accounted for 26.2%. There were statistically significant differences in attitude and compliance according to safety environment for hospital infection standard precautions. The knowledge score of the subjects about standard precautions was $15.30{\pm}1.51$ on a 19 point scale and had significant difference according to the subjects' education level. The attitude score was $2.86{\pm}0.49$ on a 4 point scale and had significant difference depending on how experienced they were on the career. The compliance score was $3.41{\pm}0.38$ on a 4 point scale and had significant difference depending on their age and their experience on the career. In conclusion, it can be said that systematic and continuous practical training is required to improve compliance with standard precautions. Particularly, it is needed to provide less experienced nurses with educational opportunities along with their supervisors' ongoing attention and position personnel appropriately.

• Perspectives in Nursing Science
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.65-76
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• 2013

Purpose: To identify an associations between health care workers' uniforms and health care-associated infection. Methods: Electronic databases, including Ovid-Medline, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, EMBASE, KMbase, and KoreaMed, were searched. The search terms included doctor, nurse, health care worker/staff/assistant, clothing, (white) gown, uniform, (neck)tie, and attire. Only papers published in English and Korean were included. Results: 16 studies were selected from 1,900 references screened. All of the studies were non-comparative studies except for one. Four were conducted with doctors, six with nurses, one with health care workers including physiotherapists and one for medical staff plus visitors in a neonatal intensive care unit. Doctors more frequently changed their uniforms than neckties; therefore, the degree of contamination was more serious in neckties. The cuff zone was more likely to be heavily contaminated than other areas of long-sleeve gowns. Coats become contaminated quickly once worn, and colony counts reached a similar level within the first few hours after wearing them. Wearing a plastic apron or protective clothing did not prevent the bacterial contamination of nurses' uniforms, and the best way to decrease the contamination was changing to newly laundered uniforms before starting every duty. Conclusion: Healthcare workers' uniforms are a potential source of health care-associated infection although there was no robust evidence. The government must establish standards for laundering of uniforms or a requirement for institutions to provide a laundering service for healthcare workers' uniforms.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.236-242
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• 2013

Purpose: The objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the factors affecting the spread of odontogenic infection. Furthermore, this study was performed to apply to future treatments. Methods: A total of 65 patients, who had received treatment for odontogenic infections from 2010 to 2012 for 3 years, were enrolled in this study. The causes of infection, presence of systemic disease, and complications, durations of treatment, treatment methods, and inflammation levels were compared with the data. Results: Patients over 70 years with systemic disease required immediate drainage, systemic antibiotic therapy and hospitalization. We can determine the direction of the early diagnosis and treatment through blood tests (white blood cells, neutrophil, C-reactive protein [CRP]) and computed tomography. Patients over 70 years with systemic disease had the highest percentage. In addition, these patients showed high levels of inflammation index, such as CRP average of 24.8 and needed for a long-term treatment period and a wide range of surgical incision & drainage several times. Systemic diseases, particularly diabetes mellitus and hypertension, accelerate the spread of infection and had a negative effect that delays healing. Eventually, five of the 65 patients showed serious systemic complications. Conclusion: When evaluating cervico-facial infected patients due to odontogenic infection, the most important thing is deciding the appropriate diagnosis and degree of disease. Considering the patient's systemic status and age, we need to decide the treatment plan. Especially, those patients over 70 years with systemic disease should be treated with rapid surgical approach, and the use of a wide range of antibiotics and intensive care. If proper treatment principle does not apply, severe life-threatening complications will result, such as necrotizing fascitis, acute airway obstruction, mediastinitis, and others.

• Journal of agricultural medicine and community health
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.3-11
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• 1986

In order to observe the infestation rate and intensity of C. sinensis in Yeoju Eup, Kyung-gi Do, 9,512 stool specimens were collected from the inhabitants through student's helps. The specimens were examined by cellophane thick smear technique and Stoll's egg dilution technique. The epidemiological status was analysed statistically by the regession equation and catalytic curve with the results obtained from this area. The results are as follows: 1) Collection rate oft he stool samples was 66.5%, 9.512 out of 14,300 inhabintants complied with our survey. 2) The infestation rate of C.sinensis was 5.0%, and for male 7.8%, for female 2.3%. 3) Average E.P.G. by Stoll's egg dilution technique in this area was 1,572, and for male 1,853, for female 676. 4) The degree of the intensity of C. sinensis infection by E.P.G. count was distributed as 65.2% in light infection, 32.0 % in moderate infection, 2.8% in heavy infection and none in very heavy infection. 5) The intensity of endemicity in this area was represented with the regression equation calculated with cumulative percentages of E.P.G. counts. Regression equation was y=3.887+1.695 log x and Cs. $D_{50}$ was 4.54. 6) The two-stage catalytic model was applied and the calculation lead to the equation $y=0.267(e^{-0.004t}-e^{-0.019t})$; a=0.004 < b=0.019. 7) Other helminthic infection rate in this area was 1.4% in A.lumbricoides 2.7% in T. trichiura, 1.6% in M. yokogawai md 0.2% in Taenia sp. respectively.