• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.61-66
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• 2005

Purpose : Since hepatitis A virus almost is transmitted by fecal-to-oral route, individual and public sanitation affects the prevalence and ages of hepatitis A infection. We researched the positivity rate of hepatitis A antibody at Pohang to make the basic data for subclinical infection and vaccination schedule. Methods : From January 2004 to February 2005, a total of 603 patients who were admitted at Hangdong University Sunlin Hospital, Dongguk University Hospital, and Christianity Hospital without any hepatic disease and vaccination of hepatitis A were enrolled. IgG antibody to hepatitis A virus were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay(ECLIA). Results : Among 603 patients, 523 patients were less than 15 year of age and 80 patients were in above 15 years. The prevalence rate was 19.3%(101/523) in pediatric group and 70.0%(56/80) in above 15 years. In detail, the prevalence rate was 73.2%(52/71) in 0~5 months, 14.9%(11/74) in 6~11 month, 8.9%(7/79) in 12~17 month, 7.3%(6/82) in 18~23 month, 5.5%(4/72) in 2~3 years, 12.1%(9/74) in 4~8 years, 16.9%(12/71) in 9~14 years, 52.5%(19/40) in 15~29 years, and 92.5%(37/40) in group aged over 30 years. The prevalence rates in male and female showed no significant differences. Conclusion : The prevalence rate of hepatitis A in the group of 4~8 years and 9~14 years at Pohang was lower comparing with previous reports of other cities in Korea. We can postulate that the sanitation of children living at Pohang is at least not bad than other cities. And for the prevalence rate of hepatitis A is increased after 3 years, we should recommend that the vaccination of hepatitis A may be finished until 3 years.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.26 no.2
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• pp.122-129
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• 1998

It were reported that antifungal mechanism of Enterobacter cloacae is a volatile ammonia that produced by the strain in soil, and the production of ammonia is related to the bacterial urease activity. A powerful bacterium SH14 against soil-borne pathogen Fusarium solani, which cause root rot of many important crops, was selected from a ginseng pathogen suppressive soil. The strain SH14 was identified as Bacillus subtilis by cultural, biochemical, morphological method, and $API^{circledR}$ test. From several in vitro tests, the antifungal substance that is produced from B. subtilis SH14 was revealed as heat-stable and low-molecular weight antibiotic substance. In order to construct the multifunctional biocontrol agent, the urease gene of Bacillus pasteurii which can produce pathogenes-suppressive ammonia transferred into antifungal bacterium. First, a partial BamH I digestion fragment of plasmid pBU11 containing the alkalophilic B. pasteurii l1859 urease gene was inserted into the BamH I site of pEB203 and expressed in Escherichia coli JM109. The recombinant plasmid was designated as pGU366. The plasmid pGU366 containing urease gene was introduced into the B. subtilis SH14 with PEG-induced protoplast transformation (PIP) method. The urease gene was very stably expressed in the transformant of B. subtilis SH14. Also, the optimal conditions for transformation were established and the highest transformation frequency was obtained by treatment of lysozyme for 90 min, and then addition of 1.5 ${mu}g$/ml DNA and 40% PEG4000. From the in vitro antifungal test against F. solani, antifungal activity of B. subtilis SH14(pGu366) containing urease gene was much higher than that of the host strain. Genetical development of B. subtilis SH14 by transfer of urease gene can be responsible for enhanced biocontrol efficacy with its antibiotic action.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.73-77
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• 2008

Purpose : p16 gene, mapped to the 9p21 chromosomal region, has emerged as a candidate tumor suppressor gene in human neoplasm. It is an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinase and inhibits Rb phosphorylation. In a variety of tumors including childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), deletion and/or mutation of the p16 gene has been found. Despite their high frequency, the prognostic importance of p16 alterations is still controversial in ALL and has been reported to be either unfavorable or similar to that of other patients. We studied the correlation between loss of p16 protein confirmed by immunohistochemical staining and clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed as ALL. Methods : We performed an immunohistochemical staining for p16 protein in 74 cases of bone marrow biopsy slide initially diagnosed as ALL between January 1998 and December 2006. We reviewed the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, treatment outcomes retrospectively. Results : Of 74 slides, 12 were negative for p16 protein. Seven were males and 5 were females with a median age at diagnosis was 5.8 (1.3-18.8) years. Initial WBC were 17,225 $(500-403,300)/{\mu}L$. By immunologic surface marker analysis, 7 patients were early pre-B CALLA (+) and 5 patients were T-cell ALL. Two patients of intermediate risk group had relapsed and died. Three patients had family history of breast cancer. Four patients died and overall survival rates were $53.5{\pm}18.7%$. Conclusion : Loss of p16 protein is supposed to be an independent risk factor of childhood ALL associated with poor outcomes. In clinical setting, the clinician must take into account p16 status, not only at the genomic but also at the protein level. Further clinical experience on thoroughly investigated cases will help a better understanding between p16 status and clinical outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Society of Forest Science
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• v.90 no.2
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• pp.169-175
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• 2001

Genomic DNAs were extracted from the leaves of 182 ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba L.) planted in 6 regions and subjected to the analysis of both I-SSR and RAPD markers. A total of 227 amplicon variants were generated by PCR using 15 I-SSR primers and 67 amplicons by PCR with 5 RAPD primers. Levels of genetic diversity within 6 populations were turned out to be similar (Shannon's Index, I-SSR : 0.35~0.40; mean of 0.38, RAPD : 0.31~0.38; mean of 0.35, combined : 0.35~0.40; mean of 0.37). Ranks of the level of genetic diversity estimated from I-SSR, RAPD, and combined data were not coincided each other. Majority of genetic diversity was allocated among individuals within populations (I-SSR : 94.31%, RAPD : 93.62%, combined : 93.57%), which resulted in pretty low level of population differentiation. Genetic differentiation between male and female groups was turned out to be quite low (I-SSR : 0.03, RAPD : 0.091, combined : 0.043), which slightly fluctuated when analysis was restricted to the data obtained from 3 regions where both male and female trees were sampled (I-SSR : 0.038, RAPD : 0.084, combined : 0.047). Genetic relationships among the populations, reconstructed by UPGMA, were not coincided with geographic affinity, which might be resulted from sharing of seed sources in some regions. Whereas independent cluster analyses with I-SSR data and RAPD data, respectively, reclassified by sexes revealed two sexual groups in which all the male and the female populations were clustered together, cluster analysis with combined data did not show clear sexual grouping.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.52 no.7
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• pp.766-771
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• 2009

Purpose : The objective of this study was to compare the levels of adipocytokines in obesity group with those in control group and examine their correlation with insulin resistance. Methods : We enrolled 36 obese children (male:female [M:F]=17:19; age, $9.3{\pm}1.9yrs$) with ${\geq}95^{th}$ percentile body mass indexes (BMIs) (obesity group) and 35 healthy children (M:F=16:19; age, $9.1{\pm}2.1yrs$) with $25^{th}-75^{th}$ percentile BMIs (control group). We measured the serum leptin, adiponectin, and resistin levels and insulin resistance in both the groups. Results : The weights, heights, BMIs, fasting sugar levels, insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) values were higher in the obesity group than in the control group. As compared to the control group, the obesity group showed significantly higher leptin levels and lower adiponectin levels; no significant difference was observed in the resistin levels. The leptin/adiponectin (L/A) ratio was higher in the obesity group than in the control group. In the obesity group, HOMA-IR showed significant positive correlations with weight, height, BMI, and leptin level. However, it was not correlated with age and adiponectin and resistin levels. In the obesity group, leptin level showed significant positive correlations with age, weight, height, and BMI, while adiponectin and resistin levels showed no such correlations with the other variables. Conclusion : We suggest that adiponectin plays an important protective role against weight gain in obese children. Further, L/A ratio can be used as a parameter for predicting the prognosis of obese children.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.236-241
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• 2003

Purpose : This study was performed to know the clinical profile and effectiveness of colonoscopic polypectomy in patients with solitary juvenile polyp. Methods : This study included 19 children, aged 1.8 to 11.4 years, who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy and histologically proven solitary juvenile polyps between March 1998 and August 2002. We analyzed their detailed history, clinical manifestations, colonoscopic examination, method of anesthesia and results of colonoscopic polypectomy. Results : The mean age of the 19 cases was $4.7{\pm}2.8year$. The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.1. Hematochezia, the main indication of colonoscopy, was present in all cases. Combined symptoms were mucoid stool or diarrhea(42%), abdominal pain(26%), constipation(11%) and anal fissure(11%). Anemia(Hb <10 g/dL) in four cases recovered spontaneously after polypectomy. Complications associated with premedication, sedation and colonoscopy itself did not occur. Bleeding developed in two cases(11%) after polypectomy. One of them was controlled with hemoclipping. The main site of polyps was the rectosigmoid colon in 15 cases(79%). The size of the polyps ranged from 0.5 to 3.5 cm. The interval between the onset of symptoms and polypectomy was from 0.1 to 42 months. Conclusion : Juvenile polyps are a common cause of benign, chronic and recurrent rectal bleeding. Colonoscopic polypectomy is a simple, safe and effective therapeutic method. So earlier colonoscopy might avoid uneffective treatment and prevent untoward problems such as fear of parents and anemia.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.279-285
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• 2005

Background : Ambient particles during Asian dust events are usually less than $10{\mu}m$ in size, and known to be associated with the adverse effects on the general population. There is little evidence linking Asian dust to adverse effects on the airways. In 2002, the authors found that particulate matter during Asian dust events had an effect on the symptoms and pulmonary function of patients with bronchial asthma. An aggravating factor might be that of a viral infection, but this remains unclear. Conversely, it has been speculated that African dust may carry the virus responsible for foot and mouth disease. Asian dust events are also likely to be responsible for transporting viruses, some of which are pathogenic, and common in many environments. Therefore, in this study, air samples were screened for the presence of viruses. Methods : Air samples were collected 20 times each during Asian dust events and under non-dust conditions, for at least 6 hours per sample, using a high volume air sampler (Sibata Model HV500F), with an airflow rate of 500L/min, between April and August 2003, and between April and August 2004. The samples were then screened for the presence of targeted viruses (Influenza A, B, Hog cholera virus, and Aphthovirus) using a polymerase chain reaction method. Results : One Asian dust event occurred between April and August 2003, and 3 between April and August 2004, with a 24 hour average PM10 level of $148.0{\mu}g/m^3$. The 24 hour average PM10 level was $57{\mu}g/m^3$. There was a significant difference in the PM10 concentration between dusty and clear days. No viruses (Influenza virus, Aphthovirus, and Hog cholera virus) were identified in the air samples obtained during the dusty days. Conclusions : Although no virus was detected in this study, further studies will be needed to identify suspected viruses carried during Asian dust events, employing more appropriate virus detection conditions.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.239-246
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• 2007

Purpose : The progressive deterioration of renal function in children can impose a serious and lifelong impact on their lives. The ultimate goal in the management of children with chronic kidney disease(CKD) is to prolong survival, to prevent complications, and to promote growth and neurodevelopment. The aim of this study is to investigate the risk factors for the decline of renal function in pediatric CKD patients. Methods : Data from patients who met the criteria for the Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative(K/DOQI) CKD stage 2 to 4 between August 1999 and March 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. The estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) was calculated by the Schwartz formula, using serum creatinine levels and height. We calculated the annual eGFR change from the difference between the baseline eGFR and the last eGFR divided by the duration(years) of the follow-up period. We analyzed the association between the annual eGFR change and factors such as age, gender, K/DOQI stage, underlying renal disease, serum calcium, and inorganic phosphorous during the follow-up period. Results : Sixty one children(44 boys & 17 girls) were enrolled. The age at entry was $7.1{\pm}4.7$ years. The annual eGFR change was $-1.2{\pm}11.9 mL/min/1.73m^2/year$. Our study showed that older age(P=0.005). hypocalcemia(P=0.012), and hypenhosphatemia(P=0.002) were significantly related to more rapid decline in renal function. Conclusion : In pediatric CKD, older age, hypocalcemia and hyperphosphatemia are related to more rapid deterioration of renal function.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.45-53
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• 1994

This study was conducted to estimate the genetic and environmental effects on lactation yield and milk compositions in Holstein cows. The data analysis were the records of 159 cows rearing at Nation Animal Breeding Institute from 1990 to 1991. The least square means were estimated on milk and fat yield in lactation yield, and the percent of fat, protein, solids-not-fat and total solid in milk composition. The results obtained are summarized as follows: 1. The average yield of milk and fat in 305 days were $7,26.56{\pm}3,57.24$ and $254.65{\pm}44.94Kg$ and the percent of fat, protein, solids-not-fat and total solid were $3.69{\pm}0.43$, $3.32{\pm}0.41$, $9.15{\pm}0.49$ and $12.75{\pm}0.96$ and the coefficients of variation were 18.68, 17.64, 11.88 and 12.34% for milk yield, fat yield, fat percent and protein percent, respectively. 2. The effect of sires was highly significant at 1% level in milk and fat yield and fat percent, and significant at 5% level in protein and total solid percent. Among the sires, B, L and O sire were superior in milk yield with 7,571.22, 7,499.11 and 7,420.58 Kg, and A, F and K sire were superior in protein percent with 3.75, 3.64 and 3.65, respectively. 3. The effect of parity was highly significant at 1% level in milk yield, and significant at 5% level in fat yield. Among the parities, the 3rd parity was superior in milk and fat yield with 7,634.54 and 274.98 Kg, and the 4th and over was superior in fat and protein percent with 3.90 and 3.50, respectively. 4. The effect of calving seasons was highly significant at 1% level in milk yield, and significant at 5% level in fat yield, and the percent of fat, protein and total solid. Among the calving seasons, spring and winter were superior in milk yield with 7,310.31 and 7,364.57 Kg, also spring and winter were superior in protein percent with 3.68 and 3.52, respectively.

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.241-246
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• 2007

Purpose: $[^{11}C]6-OH-BTA-1$ ([N-methyl-$^{11}C$]2-(4'-methylaminophenyl)-6-hydroxybenzothiazole, 1), a -amyloid imaging agent for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease in PET, can be labeled with higher yield by a simple loop method. During the synthesis of $[^{11}C]1$, we found the formation of by-products in various solvents, e.g., methylethylketone (MEK), cyclohexanone (CHO), diethylketone (DEK), and dimethylformamide (DMF). Materials and Methods: In Automated radiosynthesis module, 1 mg of 4-aminophenyl-6-hydroxybenzothiazole (4) in 100 l of each solvent was reacted with $[^{11}C]methyl$ triflate in HPLC loop at room temperature (RT). The reaction mixture was separated by semi-preparative HPLC. Aliquots eluted at 14.4, 16.3 and 17.6 min were collected and analyzed by analytical HPLC and LC/MS spectrometer. Results: The labeling efficiencies of $[^{11}C]1$ were $86.0{\pm}5.5%$, $59.7{\pm}2.4%$, $29.9{\pm}1.8%$, and $7.6{\pm}0.5%$ in MEK, CHO, DEK and DMF, respectively. The LC/MS spectra of three products eluted at 14.4, 16.3 and 17.6 mins showed m/z peaks at 257.3 (M+1), 257.3 (M+1) and 271.3 (M+1), respectively, indicating their structures as 1, 2-(4'-aminophenyl)-6-methoxybenzothiazole (2) and by-product (3), respectively. Ratios of labeling efficiencies for the three products $([^{11}C]1:[^{11}C]2:[^{11}C]3)$ were $86.0{\pm}5.5%:5.0{\pm}3.4%:1.5{\pm}1.3%$ in MEK, $59.7{\pm}2.4%:4.7{\pm}3.2%:1.3{\pm}0.5%$ in CHO, $9.9{\pm}1.8%:2.0{\pm}0.7%:0.3{\pm}0.1%$ in DEK and $7.6{\pm}0.5%:0.0%:0.0%$ in DMF, respectively. Conclusion: The labeling efficiency of $[^{11}C]1$ was the highest when MEK was used as a reaction solvent. As results of mass spectrometry, 1 and 2 were conformed. 3 was presumed.