• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.1-13
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• 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
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.31-39
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• 2009

Purpose : Neisseria meningitides is one of the most common causative pathogens of bacteremia and meningitis. Recently protein-conjugated vaccines have been developed and included in the routine vaccination schedule in a few countries. In Korea, carriage rates of N. meningitides among healthy adults have been reported. However, systematic data for childhood carriage rates are not available. This study was performed to evaluate the carriage rates of N. meningitides and the serotype distribution among healthy children attending day care centers. Methods : During the period of January through May 2005, nasopharyngeal swabs and culture were obtained from 904 children attending 13 different day care centers located in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province. The Vitek NHI card was used to identify N. meningitides and the crgA gene was detected via polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serotype determination was performed by agglutination test using N. meningitides antisera to serotypes A, B, C, D, 29E, W135, X, Y, and Z. PCR for detection of the org2 and saiD gene confirmed serotypes A, B, C, W135, and Y. Results : The mean age among 904 children was 4.5 years; 6.5% (59/904) were children <2 years old, 53.8% (486/904) were 2-5 years old, and 39.7% (359/904) were >5 years old; 52.0% (468/904) were male. N. meningitides was isolated from only 7 children attending 5 different day care centers and the overall carriage rate of N. meningitides was 0.8%. The detected serotypes of N. meningitides were serotype A (n=2), C (n=2), and Y (n=3). Conclusion : The carriage rate of N. meningitides among healthy children attending day care centers was very low in Korea and the detected serotypes were A, C, and Y.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.28 no.4 s.51
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• pp.863-873
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• 1995

This report describes a preperation and characterization of canine blood lead(Pb) standard reference material(SRM). Three adult beagle dogs(A, B, and C)were orally dosed with gelatin capsules containing $Pb(NO_3)_2$, equivalent to $10\sim80mg$ Pb/kg body weight. Blood was drawn 24 hours after the dose from the cephalic vein into lead free 500ml Pyrex beaker in which EDTA.K was contained as an anticoagulant. The amount of lead given to individual dog was varied arbitrarily. Three month later, 3 canine animals were orally dosed with lead secondarily to make mixed SRM(D1) which was mixed different concentrations of lead in bloods with A1, B1, and C1 in vitro. The SRMs for A, B, C, A1, B1, C1, and D1 were distributed 2ml each into more than 300 lead free bottles, and were stored in refregerator at $4^{\circ}C$. The amount of lead in canine whole blood samples were determined using a Varian 30A atomic absorption spectrophotometer(AAS) with a model GTA-96 graphite tube atomizer with D2 background correction and a Hitachi Z-8100 AAS with Zeeman background correction. The sensitivity and detection limits for lead determination of Varian 30A were $0.46{\mu}g/L,\;0.34{\mu}g/L,\;and\;0.56{\mu}g/L,\;0.14{\mu}g/L$ of Hitachi Z-8100, respectively. Day to day variations in determination of blood lead concentration in a certain sample were $31.11{\pm}1.36{\mu}g/100ml$ by Varian 30A, and $33.08{\pm}0.82{\mu}g/100ml$ by Hitachi Z-8100, showing the difference of 3% between the two results. At the blood lead concentrations of $56.31{\pm}1.98{\mu}g/100ml(A),\;40.89{\pm}0.80{\mu}g/100ml(B),\;59.01{\pm}1.38{\mu}g/100ml(C)$, the precisions of replicated measurements by AAS were 3.52%, 1.96%, and 2.34%, respectively. Coefficient variation(CV) of SRMs(A, B, and C) within a standard sample were ranged from 0.92% to 7.50%, and those between 5 standard samples were 1.21%, 2.64%, and 1.11%, respectively, showing inter-vial variation of $1{\mu}g/100ml$. Lead levels in SRMs during one month storage were unchanged. The overall recoveries were $89.6\sim100.4%,\;91.6\sim101.9%,\;90.3\sim100.0%$ for A, B, and C SRMs, means were $56.46{\pm}2.69{\mu}g/100ml,\;39.35{\pm}1.89{\mu}g/100ml,\;57.40{\pm}2.31{\mu}g/100ml$, and measurement ranges were$52.88{\pm}59.26{\mu}g/100ml,\;37.47{\pm}41.68{\mu}g/100ml,\;54.80{\pm}60.69{\mu}g/100ml$, respectively. Those results were laid within confidence limits values. The lead concentrations in the mixed sample(D1) stored over one month period were ranged from $32.76{\mu}g/100ml\;to\;33.54{\mu}g/100ml$, with CV ranging from 1.2% to 2.7%. The results were similiar to each of single samples(A1, B1, and C1) in respect of homogeneity and stability. Results of the mixed blood sample analysed after 1 month storage at $4^{\circ}C$ by four other laboratories(L1, L2, L3, L4) were similar with those of our laboratory($L5;31.18{\pm}0.24{\mu}g/100ml$, acceptable range by $CDC;25.18\sim37.18{\mu}g/100ml$), showing the concentrations of $25.91{\pm}1.19{\mu}g/100ml(L1),\;34.16{\pm}0.22{\mu}g/100ml(L2),\;35.68{\pm}0.85{\mu}g/100ml(L3),\;30.95{\pm}0.46{\mu}g/100ml(L4)$ in a each samples.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.33-39
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• 2006

Purpose : Neonatal hydronephrosis is diagnosed with an incidence of 4.5-7% of pregnancies. Recently, early detection of neonatal hydroneprosis with antenatal ultrasonography has be-come possible. But consensus about its management has not been reached, especially concerning surgical intervention. The purpose of this study is to analyze the natural course of neonatal hydronephrosis and to determine the guideline of surgical intervention and follow up study. Methods : Sixty nine hydronephrotic kidneys were confirmed from April 2001 to April 2005. All cases were rechecked by ultrasonography once at least and had a minimum follow-up of 6 months. We classified the patients into 4 groups according to the anterior posterior pelvic diameter(APPD) on perinatal ultrasonography. Ultrasonography to measure the APPD diameter and Society for Fetal Urology(SFU) grade, $^{99m}Tc-MAG3$ scan were done to a set protocol. Pyeloplasty was peformed according to the protocol. Results : Pyeloplasty was not needed in most cases where the APPD was below 10 mm and where the SFU grade were less than grade 3. Many cases with APPD 10 mm above or SFU grade III above had undergone pyeloplasty. We found a correlation between obstruction grade on MAG3 scan and whether surgery was performed or not. Conclusion : If APPD is above 10 mm, SFU grade is above grade 3 or urinary tract obstruction is suspected by MAG3 scan, pyeloplasty must be considered. In cases where APPD is below 10mm and SFU grade is less than grade 3, we can observe the natural course of neonatal hydronephrosis with consecutive follow-up. (J Korean Soc Pediatr Nephrol 2006;10:33-39)

• Current Research on Agriculture and Life Sciences
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• v.5
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• pp.119-126
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• 1987

This study was conducted to elucidate the most appropriate method to obtain auxotrophic mutants from Valsa ceratosperma, the causal fungus of apple canker, which may be used as a gene marker in detecting the transfer of the factors of avirulent strains to virulent strains. Among the 3 kinds of synthetic media tested, each have two formula for minimal and complete, the medium which has been used in study of Endothia parasitica (E. P medium) was turned out to be most appropriate for the growth of V. ceratosperma. A medium for single colony formation from pycnidiospore of this fungus was developed by adding 0.5% L - sorbose to the E. P minimal medium. The period of incubation in dark for preventing the photoreactivation after U. V irradiation was estimated as about 60hrs at which most of the spores become binucleate. Largest number of putative auxotrophs were obtained at about 50second of irradiation to the spores smeared on the medium for single colony formation, at which the survival rate of spores was 5 to 6 percent. With these method developed in this experiment, 161 isolates of putative auxotrophs were detected among which the nutrient requirement for 10 isolates were determined. Five out of 10 mutants were still virulent to apple tree and all but one could not sporulate.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.27-43
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• 1992

The purpose of this study is to detect and evaluate the change of urban vegetation of Seoul during 1980s. Large areas covered with agricultural crops or forests were converted to residential and commercial areas, roads, schools, sports complexes, etc. There were also widespreas concerns on the deterioration of the quality of urban vegetation due to severe air pollution, overcrowding of nature parks, and idling of farm lands by land speculators. The image used for this study were MSS(Oct. 4, 1979) and TM(Apr. 26, 1990). The Green Vegetation Index of Kauth & Thomas(1976) was for the analysis. The GVI were resampled with 75$\times$75m grids and overlaid with the jurisdictional boundaries of 22 districts of Seoul. The results were reclassified to 6 classes, class 6 representing grids with the most vigorous vegetation or the best vegetation improvement in 1980s. The finding of this study can be summarized as follows : First, the most vigorous vigorous vegetation, in terms of GVI, of the 1979 image can be found at paddy fields located on alluvial near Han River. Broad-leaf forests located on hilly terrains have higher GVI than conifers located on the upper-parts of mountains. The average GVI of the northern part and southern part of Han River are 3.56 and 3.74, respectively. The main reason why the southern part has higher GVI is that there are more prime agricultural lands. Districts of Kangseo, Yangcheon, and Songpa have the highest percentage of grids of GVI class 6, and the percentages are 3.55 %, 3.47 %, and 2.69 %, respectively. Second, the most vigorous vegetation of the 1990 image can be found at the grass lands of the Yongsan golf club and the Sungsu horse racing track. The GVI of farm lands is lower than forest because most agricultural crops are at the early stage of growing season when the TM image was taken. The size of built-up area is much larger than of 1979. On the other hand, vegetation patches surrounded by developed area become smaller and have stronger contrast to surrounding area. The average GVI of the northern part and southern part of Han River are 3.57 and 3.51, respectively. The main reason why the southern part has lower GVI is the at more large-scale urban development projects were carried out in there during 1980s. Districts of Tobong, Nowon, and Seocho have the highest percentage of class 6, and the perecentages are 16.58 %, 10.14 %, and 8.50% respectively. Third, the change of urban vegetation in Seoul during 1980s are significant. Grids of GVI change classes 1 and 2, which represent severe vegetation loss, occupy 15.97% of Seoul. Three districts which lost the most vegetation are Yangcheon, Kangseo, and Songpa, where the percentages of GVI class 1 are 13.42%, 13.39% and 9.06%, respectively. The worst deterioration was mainly caused by residential developments. On the other hand, the vegetation of some part of Seoul improved in this period. Grids of GVI change classes 5 and 6 occupy 9.83 % of Seoul. Distircts of Jung, Yongsan, and Kangnam have the highest percentage of grids with GVI change classes 5 and 6, and their percentages are 22.31%, 19.17%, and 13.66%, respectively. The improvement of vegetation occurred in two areas. Forest vegetation is generally improving despite of concerns based on air pollution and heavy use by recreationists. Vegetation in open spaces established in riverside parks, large residential areas, and major public facilities are also improving.

• Korean Journal of Remote Sensing
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• v.37 no.6_1
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• pp.1773-1784
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• 2021

In order to minimize damage to oil spill accidents in the ocean, it is essential to collect a spilled area as soon as possible. Thus satellite-based remote sensing is a powerful source to detect oil spills in the ocean. With the recent rapid increase in the number of available satellites, it has become possible to generate a status report of marine oil spills soon after the accident. In this study, the oil spill area was calculated using various satellite images for the Symphony oil spill accident that occurred off the coast of Qingdao Port, China, on April 27, 2021. In particular, improving the accuracy of oil spill area determination was applied using high-resolution commercial satellite images with a spatial resolution of 2m. Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2, LANDSAT-8, GEO-KOMPSAT-2B (GOCI-II) and Skysat satellite images were collected from April 27 to May 13, but five images were available considering the weather conditions. The spilled oil had spread northeastward, bound for coastal region of China. This trend was confirmed in the Skysat image and also similar to the movement prediction of oil particles from the accident location. From this result, the look-alike patch observed in the north area from the Sentinel-1A (2021.05.01) image was discriminated as a false alarm. Through the survey period, the spilled oil area tends to increase linearly after the accident. This study showed that high-resolution optical satellites can be used to calculate more accurately the distribution area of spilled oil and contribute to establishing efficient response strategies for oil spill accidents.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.243-250
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• 2018

BACKGROUND: Recently, the use of $^{131}I$ for diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer has been increasing, and the radionuclide is continuously released into aquatic ecosystem. This study was carried out to investigate the $^{131}I$ concentrations in mainstreams, tributaries, and sewage wastewater treatment plants (SWTPs) of the Yeongsan River Basin and to identify their origins from the assessment of behaviors in the rivers. METHODS AND RESULTS: The water samples were collected from 19 sites including mainstreams (13), tributaries (4) and SWTPs (2). The $^{131}I$ concentration was measured using a gamma-ray spectrometry with a HPGe detector. The $^{131}I$ in SWTPs was detected mostly in the discharged effluent at the sampling sites. However, from the surface water of the rivers, $^{131}I$ was found only at two sites from each sampling period of the first (MS4 and MS10) and the second half (MS4 and MS7) of the year 2017. The concentrations of $^{131}I$ in the effluent discharged from SWTPs were in the range of 0.0870 to 3.87 Bq/L for SWTP1, and $^{131}I$ in the river revealed that it was not detected in the upper streams of the mainstreams and tributaries, while continuous detection was found in the SWTPs and downstream sites affected by the effluent. However, the concentration of $^{131}I$ decreased downstream, eventually becoming undetectable. Such behavior was closely related to the behavior found in the SWTPs. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that medically-derived $^{131}I$ was discharged to the river via sewage effluent at the SWTPs. It is necessary to evaluate the influence of aquatic ecosystems through continuous monitoring in the future.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.131-140
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• 2022

Purpose: Since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic began, new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have emerged, and distinct epidemic waves of COVID-19 have occurred for an extended period. This study aimed to analyze the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children with COVID-19 from the third wave to the middle of the fourth epidemic wave in Korea. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of hospitalized patients aged ≤18 years with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19. The study periods were divided into the third wave (from November 13, 2020 to July 6, 2021) and the fourth wave (from July 7 to October 31, 2021). Results: Ninety-three patients were included in the analysis (33 in the third and 60 in the fourth waves). Compared with the third wave, the median age of patients was significantly older during the fourth wave (6.7 vs. 2.8 years, P=0.014). Household contacts was reported in 60.2% of total patients, similar in both periods (69.7 vs. 55.0%, P=0.190). Eighty-one (87.1%) had symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among these, 10 (12.3%) had no respiratory symptoms. Anosmia or ageusia were more commonly observed in the fourth epidemic wave (10.7 vs. 34.0%, P=0.032). Most respiratory illness were upper respiratory tract infections (94.4%, 67/71), 4 had pneumonia. The median cycle threshold values (detection threshold, 40) for RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) and envelope (E) genes of SARS-CoV-2 were 21.3 and 19.3, respectively. There was no significant difference in viral load during 2 epidemic waves. Conclusions: There were different characteristics during the two epidemic waves of COVID-19.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.110-118
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• 2002

This study was conducted to investigate the physiology of optimal reproductive age in Hanwoo for protection to decrease of reproductivity and improvement of production of offspring. Thirty two cows were devided into 4 groups of treatments : T1(12 months of age and 0.5kg daily gain), T2(12 months of age and 0.8kg daily gain), T3(15 months of age and 0.5kg daily gain) and T4(18 months of age and 0.5kg daily gain). The days of the first heat of treated cows were 263.3±6.4 days and average weight was 181.1±11.3kg. The conception rates of first insemination were 25%(T1) and 75%(T4), and the number of insemination of T3 and T4(both 1.5) was lower than those of T1 and T2(2.3 and 2.4), respectively. With regard to estrus return after the first parturition, T1, T2, T3 and T4 showed 66.2,76.7, 62.4 and 68.5 days, respectively, indicating the average days of estrus return was 65.7. Plasma progesterone(P4) concentration was nearly the same during the observation periods of treated cows and P4 began to be detected after 12months. Only 5(15.6%) out of 32cows showed normal estrus cycle and ovulation before 12 months. During the peri-parturition period, P4 concentration was rapidly decreased and there was no detection of P4 from parturition to 40 days after milking. P4 would be released again on 45 day after parturition. The results imply that the optimal reproductive age of Hanwoo heifers would be around at the 14 months of age, 110cm height and 265kg weight.