• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.35 no.1
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• pp.85-99
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• 2008

Avian reovirus (ARV) is a causative agent of viral arthritis/tenosynovitis, and malabsorption syndrome in broiler. The characteristics of malabsorption syndrome caused by ARV are diarrhea, poor feed conversion and stunting. Therefore, ARV infection has been recognized as one of the most important disease in the poultry industry because of economical losses. However, few study of ARV infection in broiler industry has been conducted in Korea. To evaluate the presence of ARV infection in broiler farms, epidemiological survey such as serological test and virus isolation has been conducted. For the serological survey using ELISA method, we selected five broiler farms which were located at different area and had a history of growth retardation, lameness, diarrhea and poor feathering. From these farms serum samples were collected at 1 day, 14 days and market age. All these farms had no history of vaccination against ARV. In addition to serological survey, we tried to isolate ARV from birds of designated farms at market age and collected feces and tissue samples such as cecal tonsil, intestine and liver. We were identified ARV by RT-PCR and transmissible electron microscopy. The samples were inoculated into 9-day-old embryonated eggs via the chorioallantoic membrane to observe the pock formation. For the pathogenicity test of ARV isolates, we inoculated with the isolates to the right footpad of 3-week-old SPF chicks and observed clinical signs and pathological changes for 14 days after challenge. Most broilers sampled for serological survey have maternal antibodies which were widely distributed at 1 day and decreased by 14 days. However, at the market age several broiler farms showed fairly high antibody titer against ARV. This increase of antibody titer at market age means the possible infection of ARV during the grow-out period. Among total 15 samples for the isolation of ARV. 2 samples were positive by RT-PCR and finally identified as a ARV. We inoculated these isolates in the SPF birds and observed that the antibody titer was increased from 7 days after challenge. However, we did not find any clinical signs both control and challenge groups. Based on the above results, it is clear that the ARV infection has been circulated in the broiler industry and caused significant economic losses. Further study is needed to evaluate the virulence of the isolates in the digestive system of broiler and the molecular characteristics of isolates.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.201-212
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• 2005

Purpose : Acute pyelonephritis is one of the most common causes of unexplained fever in children. It may lead to the development of progressive renal damage. However, the deteclion of acute pyelonephritis can be difficult, especially in infants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of various lab tests and imaging studies for acute renal parenchymal changes in children with APN. We correlated the clinical and laboratory manifestations of acute pyelonephritis with the Imaging studies. Methods : We reviewed the records of 115 children (85 males and 30 females) who were hospitalized Outing the period of January 1998 to December 2002 with initial clinical symptoms suggestive of pyelonephritis. The patients' age, sex, duration of fever, laboratory findings, and causative organisms were compared with the findings of imaging studies (Technetium-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan, renal ultrasonography, intravenous pyelography, voiding cystourethrography). Results : No significant relation between the number of febrile days, leukocyte count, causative organism, and the renal abnormalities in the imaging studies were observed. On the other hand, both C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels were significantly elevated in children with positive dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan. Furthermore, females and children older than 1 year presented with significantly higher rate of abnormal dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan findings and vesicoureteral reflux presented by voiding cystourethrography. Conclusion : We recommend females and children older than 1 year who are suspected of acute pyelonephritis be evaluated carefully for renal involvement by performing imaging studies including dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan and voiding cystourethrography. (J Koroan Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2005;9:201-212)

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.47 no.3
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• pp.132-139
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• 2015

Recently, $p16^{INK4a}$/Ki-67 dual immunostaining has been introduced as a new biomarker protocol for early detection of uterine cervical dysplasia and cancer in liquid-based cytology (LBC). We performed the $p16^{INK4a}$/Ki-67 dual immunostaining using a CINtec$^{(R)}$ PLUS kit in a total of 109 LBC cases of cervicovaginal smear and compared its results with those from LBC, HPV hybrid capture II (HC II) test and histological diagnosis. Expression of $p16^{INK4a}$ and Ki-67 was significantly associated with cases of LSIL or higher in cytological diagnosis and cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1 or higher in histological diagnosis (p<0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). Among forty-six cases of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) in LBC, $p16^{INK4a}$ and Ki-67 was expressed in 31 (67.4%), which were positively associated with cases of CIN I lesion or higher in histology. The sensitivity of $p16^{INK4a}$/Ki-67 dual immunostaining for finding lesions of CIN 1 or higher was 89.0%, which was higher than LBC. The specificity was 73.5%, which was higher than that of the HC II test. Based on these results, the $p16^{INK4a}$/Ki-67 dual immunostaining method can be a useful diagnostic marker for improving the sensitivity of LBC and the specificity of HC II test.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.221-227
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• 2006

Background : Cough may be a consequence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness or inflammation. Empirical treatment is important in this context because it difficult to verify the obvious cause of cough using laboratory tests, Corticosteroid has a nonspecific anti-inflammatory effect, and can be used for cough management. However, its response rate has not yet been fully elucidated. This study investigated the short- term effects of inhaled corticosteroid on chronic cough Methods : Patients with chronic cough with a normal chest radiograph and a pulmonary function test were enrolled. Cases with a prior respiratory infection within 8 weeks, a history of bronchial asthma, objective wheezing on examination, subjective symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux or taking an ACE inhibitor were excluded. On the first visit, a methacholine bronchial provocation test, spontaneous sputum eosinophil count performed twice and a paranasal sinus radiograph were checked, and the patients were treated with budesonide turbuhaler $800{\mu}g/day$ for ten days. The primary outcome measure was a decrease in the cough score after treatment. Results : Sixty nine chronic coughers were finally analyzed. The final diagnoses by the routine tests were as follows: bronchial asthma 13.0%, eosinophilic bronchitis 18.8%, paranasal sinusitis 23.2% and non-diagnostic cases 53.6%. The following responses to the inhaled corticosteroid were observed: definite responders, 76.8%, possible responders, 2.9% and non-responders, 20.3%. The response rate was not affected by the final diagnosis even in the non-diagnostic cases. There were minimal adverse drug related effects during the empirical treatment. Conclusion : Routine objective tests such as methacholine provocation, sputum eosinophil count and simple radiographs were notare not suitable for diagnosing chronic cough Therefore, empirical treatment is important. Short term inhaled corticosteroid is effective and can guide a further treatment plan for chronic cough.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.1245-1255
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• 1997

Background : Rifampicin(RFP) is a key component of the antituberculous short-course chemotherapy and the RFP resistance is a marker of multi-drug resistant(MDR) tuberculosis. RPoB gene encodes the $\beta$-subunit of RNA polymerase of M. tuberculosis which is the target of RFP. And rpoB gene mutations are the cause of RFP resistance of M. tuberculosis. Although several reports showed that PCR-SSCP would be a rapid diagnostic method for identifying the RFP resistance, there were few reports Performed using direct, clinical specimens. So we Performed PCR-SSCP analysis of rpoB gene of M. tuberculosis in direct, clinical specimens. Methods : 75 clinical specimens were collected from patients at Asan Medical Center from June to August 1996. After PCR of IS 6110 fragments, 43 both AFB smear-positive and IS6110 fragment PCR-positive specimens were evaluated. The RFP susceptibility test was referred to the referral laboratory of the Korean Tuberculosis Institute. DNA was extracted by bead beater method. And heminested PCR was done using 0.1ul(1uCi) [$\alpha-^{32}P$]-dCTP. SSCP analysis was done using non-denaturating MDE gel electrophoresis. Results : The results of PCR of IS6110 fragments of M. tuberculosis were positive in 55(73%) cases of 75 AFB smear-positive clinical specimens. Of the 55 specimens, RFP susceptibility was confirmed in only 43 specimens. Of the 43 AFB smear-positive and IS6110 fragment-positive specimens, 29 were RFP susceptible and 14 were RFP resistant. All the RFP susceptible 29 strains showed the same mobility compared with that of RFP sensitive H37Rv in SSCP analysis of ropB gene. And all the other RFP resistant 13 strains showed the different mobility. In other words they showed 100% identical results between PCR-SSCP analysis and traditional susceptibility test. Conclusion : The PCR-sseP analysis of rpoB gene in direct clinical specimens could be used as a rapid diagnostic method for detecting RFP resistant M. tuberculosis.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.121-128
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the recent age distribution of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in patients with respiratory infections and the differences in diagnostic usefulness according to the methods used in these patients. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients aged ≤18 years with respiratory infectious diseases who underwent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or a specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) test between July 2016 and February 2019. The diagnosis of M. pneumoniae infection was confirmed by a positive result in the PCR or IgM test. Results: Of the 2,721 patients tested for M. pneumoniae, 2,197 underwent IgM, and 1,144 underwent PCR, with positivity rates of 17% and 20%, respectively. Among the 620 patients tested for both IgM and PCR tests simultaneously, 35% had M. pneumoniae infection, with 14% under 1 year old and 13% under 1-2 years old. The positive rate increased with age in both tests. Higher positive rates were observed in the IgM test before 3 years of age and in the PCR test after 3 years of age. The agreement rate between the two tests was 77.9% (Cohen's kappa 0.402). Conclusions: As age increased, the rates of M. pneumoniae infection also increased. In patients under 2 years of age, 4¬-14% of infections were confirmed depending on the method used. The moderate agreement between the PCR and IgM tests suggests that the simultaneous use of PCR and the IgM test for the early diagnosis should be approached with caution.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Inherited Metabolic disease
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.70-78
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• 2016

21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD), most common form of congenial adrenal hyperplasia, is categorized into classical forms, including the salt-wasting (SW) and the simple virilizing (SV) types, and nonclassical (NC) forms based on the severity of the disease. Newborn screening for 21-OHD has been performed in Korea since 2006. $17{\alpha}$-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) is a marker for 21-OHD and is measured using a radioimmunoassay or a fluoroimmunoassay. Premature and low birth weight infants are likely to give false positive 17-OHP findings, therefore, cutoff values for these infants should be determined based on gestational weeks or birth weight. ACTH simulation test is helpful when the 17-OHP shows equivocal increase, and it is gold standard for diagnosis of NC type. Recently, liquid chromatography linked with tandem mass spectrometry was developed for rapid, highly specific, and sensitive analysis of multiple analytes. Molecular analysis of CYP21A2 is useful for confirming diagnosis of mild SV or NC type, predicting prognoses, and genetic counseling. In order to make newborn screening for 21-OHD more efficient, early detection of boy with SW type, early determination of girl with ambiguous genitalia, detection of NC type, and overcoming of false positive in premature and low birth weight infants should be considered. Above all, early treatment should be started when the patient is suspected as having 21- OHD clinically before confirming the diagnosis to prevent adrenal crisis. Here, author reviewed recent articles of guideline and proposed guideline for 21-OHD.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.18-37
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• 1989

This study was done in order to analyze the factors which influenced the performance level of community health practitioners' task. Interview survey was done during the period from August to October, 1986. Interviewee were 166 CHPs among total of 217 CHPs in Kyonggi province area. Multiple stepwise regression and canonical correlation analysis were used to identify major factors influenced to perform community health practitioners' task. The results of this study were summarized as follows: 1. General characteristics of CHPs 1) Personal characteristics The average age of CHPs was 37.8 years and their marital status was $77.6\%$ of married, educational back-ground was $65.3\%$ of junior college graduation. Their job career was $38.6\%$ of between 1-3 years, $33.3\%$ of between 3-5 years, $22.2\%$ of less than 1 years. Most of CHPs$(62.8\%)$ were fully satisfied with their job, $33.3\%$ were moderately, and $3.8\%$ were not satisfied. 2) Working environmental condition Only $31.7%$ of CHPs were satisfied with their working condition of primary health post, $26.6\%$ were not satisfied. Half of CHPs$(52.5\%)$ replied having good cooperation with health center, $10.1\%$ replied bad. Cooperation with health subcenter was good in $32.9\%$, and bad in $21.9%$. Cooperation with private health institutions was good in $34.2\%$, bad in $21.6%$. 2. Performance level of community health practitioners' task Among a total of 52 contents of their functions medical history taking. physical examination, referral of diagnostic laboratory work-up($(86.4\%)$, health assessment of pregnant women$(82.1\%)$, development of health information system$(79.4\%)$, supervision of health workers $(78.4\%)$, follow-up of family planning acceptors$(77.3\%)$, and follow-up of family planning acceptors' side effects$(77.3\%)$ were actively performed. Diagnosis of pregnancy$(62.1\%)$, sampling of drinking water for quality test$(52.5\%)$, making list of equipment' & supplies $(51.5\%)$, evaluation of primary health post activities $(37.6\%)$, organization of village health workers$(32.4\%)$ and management of village health workers $(30.1\%)$ were poorly performed. 3. Stepwise multiple regression analysis of job function The factors which influenced the performance level of community health practitioners' function were age, marital status, educational level, job career, job satisfaction, satisfaction of working environment of primary health post, cooperation of health center, cooperation of health center, cooperation of private health instiutions in orders. These 9 variables were able to explain job function from $25.7\%$ of program planning to $6.7\%$ of management of common disease. 4. Canonical correlation analysis between the performance of function and general characteristics of CHPs. Cooperation of private health institutions was found to be the factor influencing task performance of community organization, management of primary health post, technical supervision of health personnels. Job satisfaction of CHPs was also found to be the factor influencing task performance of family planning, management of common disease and maintenance of health information system.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.9 no.5
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• pp.91-97
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• 2018

This study has been conducted to see the expression of $TGF-{\beta}_1$, c-Myc, Erb-B2 and $Thymosin-{\beta}_4$ genes in ethanol - damaged liver tissues. Experimental groups were divided into 2 groups, one where damaged liver was caused by 25% ethanol and normal group administered with purified water. Results of test showed the expression of $TGF-{\beta}_1$, c-Myc, and $Thymosin-{\beta}_4$ genes was higher in the experimental group treated with 25% ethanol than in the normal group. Erb-B2 gene was not expressed clearly. Thus, it is considered that we can expect to utilize $TGF-{\beta}_1$, c-Myc 및 $Thymosin-{\beta}_4$ as auxiliary data and find clinical meanings of diagnosis on hepatic diseases, In addition to serologic and histological examination by convergence examining the gene expression status by molecular diagnostic techniques in liver-related disease prevention and diagnosis through results of this study.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.68 no.5
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• pp.280-285
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• 2010

Background: $QuantiFERON^{(R)}$-TB Gold In Tube (QFT-G IT) has been used for diagnosing latent tuberculosis infection and active tuberculosis (TB) since 2007. However, there has not been enough data on QFT-G IT for universal use in children. In this study, we evaluated the clinical usefulness of the QFT-G IT in pediatric practice. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 70 patients younger than 18 years of age who had taken QFT-G IT and had a tuberculin skin test (TST) between July 2007 and July 2009 at Wonju Christian Hospital. The subjects were divided into two groups, asymptomatic TB exposure group and disease group. Four patients who were taking immunosuppressants during the study period were excluded. Results: A total of 66 immunocompetent children were included in this study. Among 27 asymptomatic children who had contact histories of TB, 6 (22.2%) were found to be positive by QFT-G IT. Eleven (40.7%) and 5 (18.5%) children were found to be positive by TST with cutoff values of ${\geq}5mm$ and ${\geq}10mm$, respectively. Agreement was fair to good between QFT-G IT and TST (${\kappa}=0.59$: cutoff value ${\geq}5mm$, ${\kappa}=0.7$: cutoff value ${\geq}10mm$). In disease group, 14 patients (35.9%) were diagnosed with active tuberculosis, 8/14 (57.1%) were positive on TST and 9/14 (64.3%) on QFT-G IT. The positive rate of acid-fast bacilli smear, TB-polymerase chain reaction, and culture for tuberculosis was 11% (1/9), 27.3% (3/11) and 33.3% (3/9), respectively. Conclusion: Our data support that the QFT-G IT can be used as an additional diagnostic tool for latent and active tuberculosis infection in children.