• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.83-89
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• 2015

Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains remain responsible for the majority of diseases caused by mycobacterial infections worldwide, the increase in HIV (human immuno deficiency virus) infections has allowed for the emergence of other non-tuberculous mycobacteria as clinically significant pathogens. M. tuberculosis was detected by two-tube nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria was detected by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with Msp I. Result of niacin test is equal to result of two-tube nested PCR after culture for M. tuberculosis. In this study, acid fast bacilli stain (AFB. stain) >2+ case, Detection of Mycobacteria is similar to result before culture and after culture. AFB. stain <1+ case, result of mycobacteria is distinguished. Conclusionly, these results suggest that identification of mycobacteria must go side by side both culture and PCR for more fast and accuracy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.69 no.5
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• pp.375-380
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• 2010

Lymphoid interstitial pneumonia (LIP) is a rare benign lymphoproliferative interstitial lung disease. LIP has been associated with autoimmune disorders, HIV, viral infections, and so on. Once underlying systemic diseases have been excluded, a diagnosis of idiopathic LIP can be made. Although 6 cases of pathologically confirmed LIP have occurred in Korea, thus far none has been associated with primary Sjogren's syndrome. A 44-year-old man was admitted to hospital due to a dry cough and dypsnea on exertion that had been ongoing for 2 months. A chest radiography showed multiple and variable-sized cystic lesions, on both lungs and both interstitial infiltration and consolidation in both lower lung fields. Tests for autoantibody showed positive results of anti-nuclear antibody and anti-Ro/La antibody. The patient underwent a video assisted thoracoscopic surgery biopsy and pathologically confirmed LIP. We report the first known case of LIP-associated with primary Sjogren's syndrome in Korea.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.242-254
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• 2018

Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that participate in the innate immunity of hosts. Humans constitutively and/or inducibly express ${\alpha}$- and ${\beta}$-defensins, which are known for their antiviral and antibacterial activities. This review describes the application of human defensins. We discuss the extant experimental results, limited though they are, to consider the potential applicability of human defensins as antiviral agents. Given their antiviral effects, we propose that basic research be conducted on human defensins that focuses on RNA viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and dengue virus (DENV), which are considered serious human pathogens but have posed huge challenges for vaccine development for different reasons. Concerning the prophylactic and therapeutic applications of defensins, we then discuss the applicability of human defensins as antivirals that has been demonstrated in reports using animal models. Finally, we discuss the potential adjuvant-like activity of human defensins and propose an exploration of the 'defensin vaccine' concept to prime the body with a controlled supply of human defensins. In sum, we suggest a conceptual framework to achieve the practical application of human defensins to combat viral infections.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.262-267
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• 2007

Implantation of allografts has increased widely with not only the availability of many allogenic bone but also allogenic soft tissues. The aim of tissue banking is to provide surgeons with safe tissues compatible with their intended clinical application. The incidence of tissue transplant-transmitted infection is unknown and can only be inferred from prospective studies. The possibility of donor-to-recipient disease transmission through soft tissue transplantation can be considered by reviewing the risk associated with other transplanted hard tissues. Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections have been transmitted via transplantation of soft tissue allografts such as skin, cornea, dura, pericardium. fascia lata, and heart valves. Corneas have transmitted rabies, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), hepatitis B (HBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), bacteria, and fungi. Heart valves have been implicated in transmitting tuberculosis, hepatitis B. HIV-1 and CMV. CJD has been transmitted by dura and pericardium transplants. Skin has transmitted CMV, bacteria, and fungi. Cadaveric skin, pericardium, dura, and fascia lata have been used in dental patients with intra-oral soft tissue injuries and GBR. This study is review of the considering transmission of infectious disease in allogenic soft tissues and guidelines of reducing the risk. Prior to use, many tissues are exposed to antibiotics, disinfectants, and sterilants, which further reduce or remove the risk of transmitted disease. Because some soft tissue grafts cannot be subjected to sterilization steps, the risk of infectious disease transmission remains and thorough donor screening and testing is especially important.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2015

Prodigiosin, a member of natural red pigment family, is produced by Serratia marcescens, and characterized by a common pyrrolylpyrromethane skeleton. This pigment has been reported with the effects of anticancer, immunosuppressant, antifungal, and algicidal activities. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major cause of hospital infections. In this study, anti-MRSA properties of prodigiosin isolated from Serratia sp. PDGS 120915 were investigated. We identified and purified prodigiosin using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and evaluated anti-MRSA activity. Purified prodigiosin inhibited the growth of MRSA. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of prodigiosin were determined to $32{\mu}g/ml$ against the MRSA strains. Fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) indices of ampicillin and penicillin were indicated synergistic effects of prodigiosin on MRSA.

• Journal of East-West Nursing Research
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.70-75
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• 2010

Purpose: Nursing students face constant threats of blood-borne infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C during their clinical rotation period. This study was done to determine the frequency and risk of the exposure to blood and body fluids. Methods: The data was collected using a questionnaire. Ninety eight junior & senior nursing students were participated in this study. Results: 75.6% of the participants reported more than once during practicum. The exposure occurred most frequently while checking the blood glucose (65.3%). The general ward (45.3%) was the most frequent site for the occurrence of the exposure. However, only eight cases (10.7%) were reported to the medical or nursing personnel in charge. Conclusions: This study shows nursing students are in a great risk of the exposure to blood & body fluid. The risk is highest in the general ward during checking the blood glucose. Thorough education on preventive measures, should be provided to nursing students prior to clinical practium.

• Mycobiology
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• v.51 no.6
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• pp.452-462
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• 2023

Opportunistic infections due to Cryptococcus neoformans and C. gattii species complexes continue to rise unabated among HIV/AIDS patients, despite improved antifungal therapies. Here, we collected a total of 20 environmental and 25 presumptive clinical cryptococcal isolates from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of 175 patients enrolled in an ongoing clinical trial Ambition 1 Project (Botswana-Harvard Partnership). Identity confirmation of the isolates was done using MALDI-TOF MS and PCR. We describe the diversity of the isolates by PCR fingerprinting and sequencing (Oxford Nanopore Technology) of the intergenic spacer region. Mating types of the isolates were determined by amplification of the MAT locus. We report an unusual prevalence of 42.1% of C. neoformans × C. deneoformans hybrids Serotype AD (n = 16), followed by 39.5% of C. neoformans Serotype A (n = 15), 5.3% of C. deneoformans, Serotype D (n = 2), 7.9% of C. gattii (n = 3), and 5.3% of C. tetragattii (n = 2) in 38 representative isolates that have been characterized. Mating type-specific PCR performed on 38 representative environmental and clinical isolates revealed that 16 (42.1%) were MATa/MAT𝛼 hybrids, 17 (44.7%) were MAT𝛼, and five (13.2%) possessed MATa mating type. We used conventional and NGS platforms to demonstrate a potential link between environmental and clinical isolates and lay a foundation to further describe mating patterns/history in Botswana.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7045-7056
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• 2013

Since the first report of RNA interference (RNAi) less than a decade ago, this type of molecular intervention has been introduced to repress gene expression in vitro and also for in vivo studies in mammals. Understanding the mechanisms of action of synthetic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) underlies use as therapeutic agents in the areas of cancer and viral infection. Recent studies have also promoted different theories about cell-specific targeting of siRNAs. Design and delivery strategies for successful treatment of human diseases are becomingmore established and relationships between miRNA and RNAi pathways have been revealed as virus-host cell interactions. Although both are well conserved in plants, invertebrates and mammals, there is also variabilityand a more complete understanding of differences will be needed for optimal application. RNA interference (RNAi) is rapid, cheap and selective in complex biological systems and has created new insight sin fields of cancer research, genetic disorders, virology and drug design. Our knowledge about the role of miRNAs and siRNAs pathways in virus-host cell interactions in virus infected cells is incomplete. There are different viral diseases but few antiviral drugs are available. For example, acyclovir for herpes viruses, alpha-interferon for hepatitis C and B viruses and anti-retroviral for HIV are accessible. Also cancer is obviously an important target for siRNA-based therapies, but the main problem in cancer therapy is targeting metastatic cells which spread from the original tumor. There are also other possible reservations and problems that might delay or even hinder siRNA-based therapies for the treatment of certain conditions; however, this remains the most promising approach for a wide range of diseases. Clearly, more studies must be done to allow efficient delivery and better understanding of unwanted side effects of siRNA-based therapies. In this review miRNA and RNAi biology, experimental design, anti-viral and anti-cancer effects are discussed.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.43-56
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• 1994

Although the officially confirmed incidence of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome(AIDS) has remained low thus far in Korea, the progression of the pandemic has been rapid, concerned about an eventual increase in transmission. Until a vaccine or cure is found, public information and education remain an important weapon against AIDS. For the year 2000, the current WHO projection is that there will be a cumulative total of 40 million HIV infections in man, woman and children, of which more than 90％ will be in the developing countries. The incerased mortality among adults and children has raised concerns that AIDS may become so devastaing as to reverse positive population growth rates and wipe out entire population. In order to plan for the rising incidence of patient with AIDS, an assessment of AIDS-related cognition and behavior, attitude of the recognized high-risk groups is necessary. Considering that undergraduates have sexuality active and more oriented toward sexual concerns than other ages. Adolescents today are more sexually involved than in the past: The media, including films, music, and television, reinforce sexual concerns by preseating images of highly sexual adolescents. Incidence of both petting and sexual intercourse in higher and occurs at earlier ages, they are important reservoir of AIDS infection. Hence, it has become important to emymerats and describe the knowledge, attitude and behavior of them, I want.. This information will eventually guide the direction of change in public policies and education programs to meet the challenges of AIDS. The objective of this study were to identity Knowledge, Attitude, Experience of Sex and AIDS in Korea. The data were collected by survey at Korean Federation for AIDS Affairs, INC. and J university, K junior college. After October in 1993, surveyed with 507 student during their's college days in Seoul. The questionnaire was designed to provide information on sex and AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes and experience. AIDS-related knowledge was measured by using 26 questions on mode of transmission and AIDS-related attitudes were measured by 7 questions, AIDS-related experience was measured by 5 questions. There were the main dependent variables in our study, In conclusion, students during their university day need to develop AIDS-preventive education programs. Clearly, the many AIDS-prevention educational effort need to be guided by well trained health agents. Financial supports from all sectors (i.e., public and private) of our society are required to achieve that end. Further researches on AIDS-related Knowledge and Attitude and behaviors of undergraduates are needed for the development of comprehensive AIDS prevention programs.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.4
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• pp.269-276
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• 2008

Background: Although the prevalence of tuberculosis infections (PTBI) is one of the basic epidemiologic indices, no survey has been carried out since 1995 because the nation-wide tuberculosis prevalence survey was changed to a surveillance system. Subjects without a BCG scar are examined in a tuberculin survey. However, it is very difficult to select these subjects under high vaccination coverage. It is important to evaluate the impact of BCG vaccinations on the tuberculin response and estimate the PTBI regardless of the BCG vaccination status. Methods: A nation-wide, school-based cross-sectional tuberculin survey was carried out among first graders in elementary school in 2006. A total of 5,148 children in 40 schools were selected by quota sampling. Tuberculin testing with 0.1 ml of two tuberculin units of PPD RT23 was carried out on 4,018 children. The maximum transverse diameter of induration was measured 48 to 72 hours later. The presence of a BCG scar was checked separately. Results: There were no BCG scars in 6.3% of the subjects. The mean induration size of tuberculin testing was $3.7{\pm}4.4mm$, which included 1,882 (46.8%) subjects with an induration size of 0 mm. The PTBI was 10.9% (439 subjects) using a cut-off point of ${\geq}10mm$ (conventional method). The annual risk of tuberculosis infections (ARTI) was 1.9% when the mean age of the subjects was assumed to be 6 years. There was no difference in the PTBI according to the presence or absence of a BCG scar [11.2% vs 7.6% (OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 0.98~2.43)]. Using a mirror image technique with 16 mm as the cut-off point, the PTBI and ARTI had decreased to 2.4% and 0.4% respectively. Conclusion: PTBI and ARTI, as estimated by conventional methods, appear to be high among BCG vaccinated children. A mirror image technique is more suitable for estimating the indices in a country with an intermediate burden of tuberculosis than the conventional method.