• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.53 no.4
• /
• pp.309-316
• /
• 2021

Sepsis is a physiological response to a source of infection that triggers mechanisms that compromise organ function, leading to death if not treated early. Biomarkers with high sensitivity, specificity, speed, and accuracy that could differentiate sepsis from non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) could bring about a revolution in sepsis treatment. Given the limitations and time required for microbial verification of pathogens, the accurate diagnosis of infection before employing antibiotic therapy is important and clinically necessary. Procalcitonin (PCT), lactate, C-reactive protein (CRP), cytokines, and proadrenomedullin (ProADM) are the common biomarkers used for diagnosis. The procalcitonin (PCT)-guided antibiotic treatment in patients with acute respiratory infections effectively reduces antibiotic exposure and side effects while improving survival rates. The evidence regarding sepsis screening in hospitalized patients is limited. Clinicians, researchers, and healthcare decision-makers should consider these findings and limitations when implementing screening tools, future research, or policy on sepsis recognition in hospitalized patients. The use of biomarkers in pediatric sepsis is promising, although such use should always be correlated with clinical evaluation. Biomarkers may also improve the prediction of mortality, especially in the early phase of sepsis, when the levels of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteins are elevated.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.25 no.3
• /
• pp.132-140
• /
• 2018

Purpose: The number of dengue fever cases is rising due to increasing overseas travel. Vaccination makes severe dengue fever in seronegative individuals after vaccination when they exposure to wild-type dengue virus. We investigated the seroepidemiology of the dengue virus for monitoring of Korean dengue virus immunity and establishing the prevention of dengue infection. Methods: The study was based on 446 residual sera collected from 98 infants (2 months to 1 year old), 152 adolescents (13 to 19 years old), 90 adults (20 to 50 years old), and 106 elderly participants (more than 65 years old) for other studies. Antibody levels for dengue virus immunoglobulin G (IgG) in each age group were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). For each dengue virus IgG positive or equivocal result, an IgG ELISA was performed for Japanese encephalitis virus. Results: Of the 446 serum samples, only 1 (0.2%) adolescent had a positive result from the dengue IgG antibody test. In the dengue virus IgG antibody test, 14 (3.1%) samples showed equivocal results (10 adolescents and 4 elderly). In the 1 positive case of dengue virus IgG, the Japanese encephalitis IgG test was also positive. In the 14 equivocal cases of dengue virus IgG, there were 6 positive, 3 equivocal, and 5 negative of Japanese encephalitis IgG. Conclusions: The seroprevalence rate of dengue virus was very low in Koreans. This study provides important data for establishing the policy for preventive measures of dengue fever. It will be necessary to continuously monitor for dengue virus immunity.

• Journal of The Korea Institute of Healthcare Architecture
• /
• v.28 no.3
• /
• pp.47-54
• /
• 2022

Purpose: This study presents the analysis on space usage of delivery departments in regional public hospitals. The results intention is to achieve improvement of the delivery environment for the mothers and newborns regarding exposure prevention and efficient infection control. The purpose of this study is to provide fundamental data for architectural plans and guidelines for the delivery department. Method: The investigation and analysis were based on research papers, legal systems, public medical statistical data, and the architectural floor plan drawing. For research, 20 regional public hospitals with an operating delivery room were excluded. Regarding data accessibility, 15 regional public hospitals were selected. Results: To overcome the increased vulnerability of the delivery department, the research results of basic data is provided for the establishment to address urgent needs and rapid response. Thus, the research results are as follows: Firstly, the delivery department needs to respond promptly according to the type of patients. For example, in a case of emergency surgery, a connected circulation plan with the related departments is needed. Secondly, for the environment of the delivery area, alleviating anxiety is imperative for pregnant patients and guardians, labor, childbirth, and recovery. Therefore, these needs must be addressed for treatment space and circulation. Lastly, the delivery department is classified into three areas for analysis: access area, treatment area, and support area. In most of the delivery departments of the 15 selected hospitals, there is no space for the access and support area except for the labor and delivery rooms in the treatment area. For the access area, a waiting area, changing room for pregnant women and guardians, and a storage space for contaminated linens are required for infection prevention, safety, and efficiency. For the treatment area, childbirth processes and circulation should have space reserved for labor, delivery, recovery, examination, and treatment. In preparation for an emergency during childbirth, emergency response measures and supporting space needs to be established. For the support area, circulation and rooms are to be designed for medical staff support, activity space, storage and transportation of equipment, and urgent medical treatment. Implications: Along with the low fertility rate and the decrease of medical institutions that operate delivery departments, for the purpose of establishing a public medical service system and a healthy medical environment for mothers and newborns, the researched information demonstrates basic data on space plan of delivery departments in regional public hospitals.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.6 no.1
• /
• pp.116-122
• /
• 1999

Purpose : Despite of development of neonatal intensive care, infections, especially catheter-related infection, have been a major problem in newborns on intensive care. Catheter-related infection is closely related to skin colonization so that skin disinfection is crucial to protect newborns from the infection. Cotton balls of seventy percent alcohol made by hospital frequently open to air so that composition of alcohol may be easily evaporated. We hypothesized that 10% povidone would have better disinfection compared to 70% alcohol and normal saline. Methods : The effect of skin disinfection was evaluated in newborn infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU) of Hanyang University Kuri Hospital by a skin swab culture before and after disinfectant exposure. Before skin disinfective preparation, the peripheral intravenous catheter insertion sites were swabbed for culture with sterile cotton moistened with normal saline. Cotton balls of 70% alcohol(Alcohol group, n=20) or 10% povidone and 70% alcohol(povidone group, n=20) were randomly selected. Normal saline swabs were used for controls(n=10). After swabbing, the skin swab culture was done on same sites with same procedure. Results : Before skin disinfection, culture-positivity was shown in 9 of 20 leases of alcohol and povidone groups, respectively and in 8 of 10 cases of the controls. After skin disinfection, culture-positivity was still shown in 3 of 9 cases of the Alcohol group, in 2 of 9 of the Povidone group, and in 6 of 8 cases of the controls. Disinfective effect was significantly different among the 3 groups(p=0.0387). The povidone group had significantly better disinfection than the controls(p=0.0156), but the alcohol group was not significantly different from the controls. Conclusion : The cotton balls of povidone had similar effect of disinfection compared to those of alcohol, but better disinfection than the controls. A disinfective effect of the cotton balls of alcohol was not, however, significantly different from the controls. We suggest that purity of alcohol, quality control of cotton balls of alcohol, and disinfection method should be reevaluated.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.10
• /
• pp.4429-4434
• /
• 2015

Background: Public awareness/knowledge on oral and pharyngeal cancer (OPC), potentially malignant disorders (PMODs) and their risk factors is crucial for prevention and early detection of OPC and PMODs. Yet, there are no published data available on the awareness and knowledge of OPC and PMODs among people living in Far North Queensland, Australia. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as a cross sectional survey. A self-administered questionnaire was designed and consisted of relevant questions to ascertain socio-demographic information, awareness and knowledge of OPC, PMODs and risk factors and questions on participant's exposure to risk factors and dietary history were also included. Survey was carried out at the Dental Clinic of the James Cook University School of Dentistry (JCU Dental), Cairns, Australia. Subjects above the age of 20 years (n=366) were randomly selected during the period from 31st July to 6th September 2013 and questionnaire was distributed to complete while they are waiting for treatment. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS version 21 and the chi -squared test was employed to compare groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study revealed that 52.3% of the respondents were aware of the existence of OPC but only 19.0% were aware of PMODs. Of those who were aware of oral cancer, 92% agreed or strongly agreed that smoking is a strong risk factor for OPC. Similarly a relatively high proportion of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that tobacco chewing (84%), tobacco chewing with areca nut (68%), chewing areca nut alone (51%) and exposure to actinic radiation (71%) as risk factors. However, the results for alcohol intake, age, and HPV infection were found to be relatively poor with proportions 33%, 34%, and 23% respectively. Conclusions: This study revealed an alarming lack of awareness and knowledge of OPC and PMODs.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
• /
• v.30 no.11
• /
• pp.1651-1659
• /
• 2017

Objective: Lao PDR's recent accession to the World Trade Organization necessitates a greater understanding of the patterns and risk of livestock production in order to better align national policy with the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. This eco-health study was conducted to improve understanding of the interrelations between market chains and zoonotic infection risks at two strategic cross border points between Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam. Methods: Information gained from smallholder farmer/trader interviews was integrated with serological surveys for pig-associated zoonoses-including hepatitis E virus (HEV), Taenia solium (T. solium) and trichinella-to identify potential linkages between disease risk and pig production and slaughter in low input systems common across the country. Results: Trichinella and HEV exposure was high in both humans and pigs in both study areas, significantly associated with pig slaughter and the subsequent consumption and handling of raw pork products. T. solium demonstrated a strong geographical and ethnic association with the northern study area bordering Vietnam. With the right knowledge and accessible, affordable inputs, the majority of smallholder farmers indicated a willingness to invest more in pig production, which could simultaneously improve livelihoods and decrease exposure to HEV, Trichinella, and T. solium through increased access to formal markets and an improved slaughter processes. Conclusion: The linkages identified when assessing disease risk in the context of potential economic and cultural drivers of transmission highlight the importance of a systems-based approach for the detection and control of zoonotic disease, and contributes to an improved understanding of the Lao PDR livestock sector.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• v.44 no.2
• /
• pp.65-73
• /
• 2011

Objects: In July 2 2010, a diarrhea outbreak occurred among the workers in a company in Gyeungju city, Korea. An epidemiological investigation was performed to clarify the cause and transmission route of the outbreak. Methods: We conducted a questionnaire survey among 193 persons, and we examined 21 rectal swabs and 6 environmental specimens. We also delegated the Daegu Bukgu public health center to examine 3 food service employees and 5 environmental specimens from the P buffet which served a buffet on June 30. The patient case was defined as a worker of L Corporation and who participated in the company meal service and who had diarrhea more than one time. We also collected the underground water filter of the company on July 23. Results: The attack rate of diarrhea among the employees was 20.3%. The epidemic curve showed that a single exposure peaked on July 1. The relative risk of attendance and non-attendance by date was highest for the lunch of June 30 (35.62; 95% CI, 2.25 to 574.79). There was no specific food that was statistically regarded as the source of the outbreak. $Bacillus$ $cereus$ was cultured from two of the rectal swabs, two of the preserved foods and the underground water filter. We thought the exposure date was lunch of June 30 according the latency period of $B.$ $cereus$. Conclusions: We concluded the route of transmission was infection of dishes, spoons and chopsticks in the lunch buffet of June 30 by the underground water. At the lunch buffet, 50 dishes, 40 spoons, and chopsticks were served as cleaned and wiped with a dishcloth. We thought the underground water contaminated the dishes, spoons, chopsticks and the dishcloth. Those contaminated materials became the cause of this outbreak.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.50 no.6
• /
• pp.594-600
• /
• 2018

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important pathogenic bacterium. To control STEC, the characteristics of the ECP33 and NOECP91 coliphages, which belong to the Myoviridae family, were analyzed. The host inhibition range for a total of 44 STEC strains was 45.5% for ECP33 and 65.9% for NOECP91. ECP33 and NOECP91 were relatively stable at $65^{\circ}C$, 50 ppm of sodium hyperchlorite, and a pH value of 4-10. However, the two phages were susceptible to a temperature of $70^{\circ}C$. NOECP91 was killed within 1 h after exposure to 30% ethanol, but ECP33 showed high tolerance even after exposure to 70% ethanol for 1 h. Interestingly, the inhibition of STEC growth according to the multiplicity of infection of 0.1 was confirmed until no growth was observed after 10 hours of culture with the phages. Therefore, the ECP33 and NOECP91 phages may be applied as a biological control agent for Shiga toxin-producing E. coli.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.54 no.4
• /
• pp.265-271
• /
• 2021

Intertidal mud crab (Macrophthalmus japonicus) is an organism with a hard chitinous exoskeleton and has function for an osmotic control in response to the salinity gradient of seawater. Crustacean exoskeletons change in their natural state in response to environmental factors, such as changes in the pH and water temperature, and the presence of pollutant substances and pathogen infection. In this study, the ecotoxicological effects of irgarol exposure and heavy metal distribution were presented by analyzing the surface roughness of the crab exoskeleton. The exoskeleton surface roughness and variation reduced in M. japonicus exposed to irgarol. In addition, it was confirmed that the surface roughness and variation were changed in the field M. japonicus crab according to the distribution of toxic heavy metals(Cd, Pb, Hg) in marine sediments. This change in the surface roughness of the exoskeleton represents a new end-point of the biological response of the crab according to external environmental stressors. This suggests that it may affect the functional aspects of exoskeleton protection, support, and transport. This approach can be utilized as a useful method for monitoring the aquatic environment as an integrated technology of mechanical engineering and biology.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.29 no.3
• /
• pp.141-146
• /
• 2022

Purpose: Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is difficult to diagnose owing to its non-specific symptoms. Delayed diagnosis increases the risk of nosocomial infections. We examined the TB status of infants and healthcare workers who were in proximity to preterm twins diagnosed with congenital TB 63 days after birth and 48 days after admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: Contact investigations were conducted on 24 staff members and 35 infants who had contact with the twins with congenital TB. Results: Two of the exposed infants, both of whom had received the Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine, had positive tuberculin skin test results. Four of the 24 exposed staff members had positive interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) test results before exposure and were not re-tested after exposure; the remaining 20 had negative IGRA test results. All exposed staff members and infants had normal chest radiographic findings. Conclusions: Although transmission of TB in the NICU is unusual, it can occur. These results support the need for a systematic investigation of the TB status of exposed infants, their family members, and healthcare workers.