• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.13 no.3
• /
• pp.243-252
• /
• 1995

Purpose : Intraluminal high dose rate brachytherapy is an accepted treatment for the tumors of GI tract. However, there is only some limited clinical data for intraluminal high dose rate brachytherapy for the tumors of GI tract. Materials and Methods : Between February 1991 and July 1993, 18 Patients who have the tumors of GI tract (esophageal cancer-8 cases, rectal cancer-10 cases) were treated with high dose rate Iridium-192 afterloading system (Microselectron-HDR, Nucletron CO, Netherland) at the department of therapeutic radiology, St. Mary's hospital, Catholic university medical college. Age range was 47-87 years with a mean a9e 71 years. All patients were treated with intraluminal high dose rate brachytherapy within two weeks after conventional external radiation therapy and received 3-5 Gy/fraction 3-4 times per week to a total dose 12-20 Gy (mean 17 Gy). Standard fractionation and conventional dose were delivered for external radiation therapy. Total dose of external radiation therapy ranged 41.4-59.4 Gy (mean 49.6 Gy). Median follow up was 19 months Results : The analysis was based on 18 patients, The complete response and partial response in esophageal cancer was similar (38%). Two year rates for survival and median survival were 13% and 10 months, respectively. Among 10 patients of rectal cancers, partial response was obtained in 6 patients (60%). There was no complete response in the patients with rectal cancer, but good palliative results were achieved in all patients. Conclusion : Although the number of patients was not large and the follow-up period was relatively short, these findings suggested that intraluminal high dose rate brachytherapy could be useful in the treatment of the patients with advanced tumors of GI tract.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.16 no.1
• /
• pp.27-33
• /
• 1998

Purpose : To improve the therapeutic results of postoperative recurrent disease and inoperable disease of stomach cancer, we used the thermoradiotherapy. We conducted a retrospective analysis of the results and compared the results of hyperthermia before radiotherapy and those of hyperthermia after radiotherapy Materials and Methods : From July 1994 to November 1996, we treated twenty patients with locally advanced stomach cancer and recurrent stomach cancer with thermoradiotherapy. We divided those patients into two groups : hyperthermia before radiotherapy group (PreRT group : 13 Patients) and hyperthermia after radiotherapy group (PostRT group : 7 patients). We performed radiation therapy with the total tumor dose of 3000-5040cGy in a traction of 180-300cGy and 5 fractions per week. Hyperthermia was performed with 8 MHz radiofrequency apparatus. PreRT group patients were treated daily for 30 minutes before the radiation therapy within the interval of ten minutes. And PostRT group patients were treated with 1-2 sessions Per week for 40-60 minutes after the radiation therapy within the interval of 10 minutes. Results : Overall response rate was $33.3\%$. This response rate appeared the same in both groups. Mean survival and 1 rear survival rate were 10.3 months and $16.5\%$. In PreRT group, mean survival and 1 year survival rate were 6.8 months and $9.0\%$, and in PostRT group, mean survival and 1 year survival rate were 7.7 months and $34\%$. There were no statistically significant difference between the prognostic factors and therapeutic results. Conclusion : The thermoradiotherapy was a safe treatment method in advanced and recurrent gastric cancer when compared with other treatment. Because the number of patients we treated was small and the follow up period was short. we were not able to draw any conclusions about the therapeutic efficacy of the sequence of radiation therapy and hyperthermia. Therefore, further clinical trials of thermoradiotherauy for stomach cancer appear to be warranted.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.37 no.6
• /
• pp.388-395
• /
• 2004

This study was carried out to determine the application rate of pig slurry for red pepper. Field experiment was designed with non-fertilizer, chemical fertilizer recommended by soil testing (CFRST) and pig slurry treatments. In pig slurry (PS) plots, pig slurry was applied as basal fertilizer with different equivalents to nitrogen of chemical fertilizer plot (60%: PS60, 80%: PS80, 100%: PS100, 120%: PS120) and chemical fertilizer was top-dressed additionally. Soil organic matter contents after 50 day of planting and after experiment in the plots treated with PS were higher than that of CFRST plot, whereas content of $NO_3-N$ of CFRST plot was higher than that of PS plot. Growth of red pepper were lowest in the non-fertilizer plot. Plant lengths of red pepper at 50 day after planting were similar among the different treatments, plant lengths of red pepper of PS100, PS120 and CFRST at 100 day after planting were higher than those of the PS60 and PS80 plots. But Main stem and stem diameter of red pepper were not different among the treatments. Uptake rate of N, P and K by red pepper plant were 27-44, 9-16 and 41-68% for total N, $P_2O_5$ and $K_2O$, respectively. Utilization of applied fertilizer ingredient by red pepper plant were in the order of PS80> PS60> FRST> PS100> PS120. Yield of red pepper tends to increase by 3% in the PS100 compared with the CFRST, but there was not significant difference between PS120 and CFRST. Chemical component of run-off collected from the furrow of the red pepper field was not different among the treatments. Greenhouse gases ($CH_4$ and $N_2O$) emission of non-fertilizer, PS100 and CFRST during the whole red pepper growth period were 4.0, 4.8 and $5.9kg\;CH_4\;ha^{-1}$, and 0.74, 6.68 and $8.38kg\;N_2O\;ha^{-1}$. Emission of $CH_4$ and $N_2O$ in PS100 was higher than those of CFRST by 23% and 26%, respectively. In this connection, to be used the pig slurry for red pepper, it is required that pig slurry must be decomposed for six months or more. Consequently, pig slurry equivalent to nitrogen of basal fertilizer of CFRST with additional top dressing of chemical fertilizer is recommend as an optimum application rate of pig slurry for red pepper.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.4 no.1
• /
• pp.31-35
• /
• 2010

Recently, the incidents of direct or indirect radiation exposure due to increase of use of radiation or radioisotope are on the increase in medical and industrial circles. If cells are irradiated, free radicals are created through biological process, and cells are directly or indirectly damaged. This research intends to explore into the effect of saponin at the level of cell (in vitro) and entity (in vivo), using red ginseng extract "saponin", as radioprotective agent. In the experiment implemented at the level of cell (in vitro), degree of cell activity was measures by adding mouse mesenchymal stem cells "C3H/10T1/2 cells" into red ginseng extract "saponin(0, 0.05, 0.2, and 0.4 g/L)", and then the optimal concentration of saponin influencing cells was calculated, in 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after gamma irradiation at the optimal concentration of saponin, each cell survival rate was observed through XTT assay. The best time period of cultivation for the optimal activity of C3H/10T1/2 cells was as 48 hours, and the degree of optimal activity was shown at 0.05 g/L. In 48 hours after irradiation of 5 Gy to C3H/10T1/2 cells at 0.05 g/L, the degree of activity of cells increased by 10%. In the experiment implemented at the level of entity (in vivo), red ginseng extract "saponin" at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day was injected into the abdominal cavity of six-week immature mouse for two weeks. Right after the last abdominal injection, total body irradiation of gamma rays was carried out at a dose of 5 Gy and 10 Gy. And after irradiation, the blood sample was taken, and then the number of red corpuscles was counted. In result, the decrement of experimental group treated with red ginseng extract "saponin" was 2.3 times larger than that of control group. In view of the results so far achieved, it was revealed that red ginseng extract "saponin" has a radiation exposure protection effect in the experiment implemented at the level of cell (in vitro). In case of animal experiment, the decrement of number of red corpuscles decreased. Finally, it is necessary to carry out more various researches continuously.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.168-180
• /
• 1987

This study was performed to observe histopathological changes and serological reactions in chronic anisakiasis of rabbits. Each rabbit was infected per os with 30 larvae of Anisakis type I. Their sera were collected chronologically and the rabbits were killed for histopathological examination, 3, 13, 20, 30, 60, 90 and 150 days after the infection. The results were summarized as below. 1. Most of the larvae were recovered from the stomach, but a few from the omentum, intestine, mesentery and abdominal wall. The recovery rates and distribution of worms by organ were not differed by duration of infection. 2. Histologically the lesion was abscess type on 13 days, i.e., the dead worms were surrounded by fibrinous exudate, histiocytes and thick zone of numerous inflammatory cells. After 30 days, histiocytes were found to invade the worms and the lesion was changing into abscessgranulomatous type. Also a calcified worm was found on the 30th day. After then the worms were observed to be dissolved slowly until 90 days. On 150 day, only one calcified worm was observed. 3. The levels of serum IgG antibody by ELISA reached their maximum 30 days after the infection. After then, it decreased slowly until 150 days after the infection. Above serological and histopathological findings indicated that antigenic stimulation from degenerating Anisakis larvae was the greatest during the first 30 days after infection. This period was corresponding with the beginning of worm resolution or calcification. Serologic test by ELISA would be a valuable tool for confirming chronic anisakiasis.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.33 no.3
• /
• pp.201-210
• /
• 1995

This study aims to assess the possible strain-dependent variations in detection of ToxopLosmn antigens and antibodies. The virulent RH strain or avirulent Beverley strain of T gondii were injected into mice, intraperitoneally, and their antigens, antibodies and parasites were identified from the blood or tissues: liver, brain and spleen by ELISA, Western blot and PCR. In mice infected with RH strain, circulating antigens and parasitemia were first detected from 2 days after infection, and ToxopIasma DNA were found in the blood, liver, brain and spleen from 3 days after infection. It was impossible to detect specific IgM and IgG antibodies to T gondij and any specific band was not found by Western blot. In mice infected with Beverley strain, circulating antigens were detected between day 10 and day 35. The Toxoplusma DNA was found in the blood and liver from day 15 until day 60, and in the brain from day 20. But Toxoplosma DNA in the spleen were mainly detected between day 10 and day 30. The IgM antibodies were first appeared on day 10 post-infection, and were noted obviously increased between day 15 and 25. The IgG antibodies were first detected on day 15, and showed progressively increased titers. The antibody binding bands were specific according to infection period. Sera from mice infected with Beverley strain reacted mainly with the antigen of 27.5-kDa and 32.5-kDa. In conclusion, mice infected with RH strain revealed Toxoplosma antigens strongly, but not antibodies. However. mice infected with Beverley strain revealed both the Toxoplasma antigens and antibodies. The present results showed that immune responses are different between avirulent and virulent T gonnii.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.15-22
• /
• 1998

An in uitro culture technique was established for harvesting Strongwloides venezuelensis free-living infective larvae using a nutrient broth medium as a substitute for rat-feces in polyvinyl culture bags ($10{\;}{\times}{\;}12{\;}cm$). The egg hatch rate V) in sterile saline at different incubation temperatures (X) was expressed as the quadratic function, Y = $-0.192X^2$ + 8.673x - 19.550 (r = 0.901). The highest (100%) egghatch rate was observed at $25^{\circ}C$. A significant difference (p<0.05) in development rate W) of free-living infective larvae was observed between different concentrations of nutrient broth (X) which was highest (20.6%1 in 0.12% nutrient broth concentrations, incubated at $20^{\circ}C$ for 5 days [Y = $-864.032X^2$ + 245.995X- 0.560 (r = 0.875)]. Yields (Y) of infective larvae were observed relatively high when the culture medium was incubated at higher temperatures (X) which peaked at $25^{\circ}C$ (20.0%) than at lower temperatures. $15^{\circ}C$M (10.9%) and $20^{\circ}C$ (18.1%) [Y = $-0.189X^2$ + 8.387x- 72.795 (r = 0.981)]. The period W) required for the development of infective larvae decreased with higher incubation temperatures (X) [Y = $0.035X^2$ - 2.025X + 32.375 (r = 0.995)] The highest yield (19.2%) of infective larvae was obtained from culture bag inoculated with 15.000 eggs than with below and over 15,000 eggs in 0.12% nutrient broth and incubated at $25^{\circ}C$ for 4 days. The newly adapted culture method (from egg to third-stage larva) may be useful as a bio-bar/bioassay system for screening new chemical products, anthelmintics and pesticides, as well as for parasito immunological studies with Strongwloides species.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• v.9 no.1
• /
• pp.1-13
• /
• 2006

Purpose: Acute gastroenteritis in children is one of the frequently encountered diseases with relatively high admission rate. The aim of this study is to determine the isolation trends of common and emerging pathogens in acute gastroenteritis in children over a 12-month period in a community hospital. Methods: The study group included the children who were hospitalized to Seoul National University Boramae Hospital from April, 2003 to March, 2004 or visited outpatient clinic from April, 2003 to July, 2003 with presenting features of acute gastroenteritis. Stool specimens were obtained within 2 days after the visit and examined for the following pathogens: rotavirus, adenovirus, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, pathogenic Escherichia coli (E.coli), Campylobacter and Yersinia species. Viral study was done with commercial kits for antigen detection. Identification of the bacterial pathogens was done by culture using selective media. For pathogenic E.coli, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done with the target genes related to the pathogenecity of enterotoxigenic E.coli (ETEC), enteropathogenic E.coli (EPEC) and enterohemorrhagic E.coli (EHEC). Results: The 130 hospitalized children and 28 outpatients were included in this study. The majority of children (>93%) were less than 6 years. Pathogens were isolated in 47% of inpatients and 43% of outpatients, respectively. Rotavirus was the most frequently identified pathogen, accounting for 42.3% of inpatients and 29.6% of outpatients. Nontyphoidal salmonella is the most commonly isolated bacterial pathogen (3.9%) in hospitalized children. Pathogenic E.coli (EPEC, ETEC) was detected in 2.1% (2/97) of inpatients and 25% (3/12) of outpatients. EHEC, adenovirus, Campylobacter, Yersinia and Shigella species were not detected in this study. Conclusion: Rotavirus is the most common enteropathogen in children with acute gastroenteritis. Nontyphoidal salmonella and pathogenic E.coli are important bacterial pathogens. Campylobacter species may not be commonly detected organism in hospitalized children with acute diarrhea.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.135-142
• /
• 2011

Purpose : Hospital associated infection (HAI) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms has been recognized as an important issue in the world, especially in critically ill patients such as the patients admitted in the intensive care unit. There are fewer papers about MDR-HAI in pediatric patients compared to adult patients. In this study, we investigated the incidence and associated factors of MDR-HAI in children admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital. Methods : We retrospectively evaluated 135 children who were admitted in ICU for at least 3 days between January 2009 and December 2010. HAI cases were divided into MDR-HAI group and non-MDR-HAI group. Clinical characteristics and various associated factors were compared between those groups. Results : In 39 patients, 45 cases of ICU-related HAI were developed. ICU-related HAI incidence was 47.7 per 1000 patientdays. Thirty-six cases (80.0%) were MDR-HAI. Acinetobacter baumannii was isolated more commonly in MDR-HAI group. And the followings were found more frequently in MDR-HAI group than non-MDR-HAI group: medical condition as an indication for ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, urinary catheterization and previous use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Among the risk factors, previous use of broad-spectrum antibiotics was the independent risk factor for MDR-HAI. Conclusion : ICU-related HAI incidence was higher than previously reported. Previous use of broad-spectrum antibiotics was the independent risk factor for MDR-HAI. To investigate the characteristics of MDR-HAI in children admitted in ICU, further studies with a larger sample size over a longer period of time are warranted.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.18 no.2
• /
• pp.109-116
• /
• 2011

Purpose : Pneumococcus is one of the most important causes of invasive infection through the childhood period. In January 2008, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) published revised penicillin breakpoints for Streptococcus pneumoniae and penicillin susceptibility rates of S. pneumoniae increased in Korea. This study was performed to determine the probability of oral amoxicillin for the empirical treatment achieving bactericidal exposure against pneumococcus using pharmacodynamics model. Methods : Twenty-three isolates of pneumococci were subjected to determine minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for ${\beta}$-lactams and macrolide. For the ${\beta}$-lactams, exposure of fT >MIC (time that free drug concentrations remain above the MIC) for 50% of the administration interval have determined the probability of target attainment (PTA), and regimens that had a PTA >90% were considered optimal. An analysis was performed by applying MIC of 23 isolates to a 5000-patient Monte Carlo simulation model. Results : Among 23 isolates from healthy children, 7 (30.4%) isolates were MIC ${\leq}$1.0 ${\mu}g$/mL and 19 (82.6%) were MIC ${\leq}$2 ${\mu}g$/mL for amoxicillin. Amoxicillin 40 mg/kg/day achieved PTA >90% at MIC ${\leq}$1.0 ${\mu}g$/mL but PTA decreased to 52% at MIC 2 ${\mu}g$/mL, whereas amoxicillin 90 mg/kg/day can predict 97% of PTA at MIC 2 ${\mu}g$/mL. Overall, oral amoxicillin 90 mg/ kg/day for the empirical treatment against pneumococcus can expect more successful response in Korean children. Conclusion : Considering the resistantce pattern of pneumococci in Korean children, we estimate that oral amoxicillin 90 mg/kg/day will provide a pharmacodynamic advantage for the empirical treatment against pneumococcus. And low dose amoxicillin or macrolide are expected to have higher chance of treatment failure than high dose oral amoxicillin.