• Laboratory Medicine Online
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.26-34
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• 2011

Background: Laboratory diagnosis of new influenza A (H1N1) is crucial for managing patients and establishing control and prevention measures. We compared the diagnostic accuracies of the real time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) test recommended for the confirmation of the new flu and the viral culture method used conventionally for viral disease with that of the rapid antigen test (RAT). Methods: We performed RAT, R-mix culture, and real-time PCR by using 861 respiratory samples collected from December 2009 to January 2010 and evaluated the abilities of these methods to detect new influenza A. The relationship among the positive rates of RAT, grades of culture, and the cycle threshold (Ct) values of rRT-PCR was also evaluated. Results: Of the 861 patients, 308 (35.8%) were diagnosed with new influenza A. The sensitivities, specificities, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values of the tests were respectively as follows: 59.7%, 99.5%, 98.4%, and 81.6% for RAT; 93.2%, 100%, 100%, and 96.3% for R-mix culture; and 95.8%, 100%, 100%, and 97.7% for rRT-PCR. Samples with weak positive grade in culture and those with Ct values of 30-37 in rRT-PCR showed positivities as low as 25.3% and 2.3% in RAT, respectively. The hospitalization rate and death rate of the confirmed patients were 3.2% and 0.3%, respectively, and gastrointestinal symptoms were observed in 7.2% of the patients. Conclusions: R-mix culture and rRT-PCR tests showed excellent reliability in the diagnosis of new influenza A and could be very useful, especially for samples with low viral load.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.167-172
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• 2010

An immunochromatograhy (IC) based infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) detection kit, which employed two anti-IBDV VP2 monoclonal antibodies, was evaluated for rapid diagnosis of infectious bursal disease virus (IBD). The detection limit of the IC kit for IBDV was $10^{3.1}$ to $10^{3.9}$ $EID_{50}$/mL, indicating that the IC kit detected IBDV sensitively as same as double antigen capture ELISA but less than a RT-PCR assay. The IC kit did not detect other viral pathogens such as Newcastle disease virus, infectious bronchitis, avian influenza virus, and infectious larynotracheitis virus. When applied to tissue samples of experimental chickens died 3 or 4 days post infection after very virulent IBDV (strain Kr/D62) infection, the IC kit detected IBDV in all samples of the bursa of Fabricius, spleen, kidney, cecal tonsil and in 87.5%, 37.5% and 0% of liver, thymus and proventriculus samples. In particular, BF tissue samples showed stronger signal bands than other tissues. Positive signal was observed. All except for one thymus sample of samples having negative results by the IC kit showed the same result with DAS-ELISA but RT-PCR assay detected IBDV in some of IC kit negative samples of thymus and proventriculus. When swab samples from the bursa of Fabricius of dead chickens (n=231) on field farms were tested, the sensitivity and specificity of the IC assay relative to RT-PCR was 100% (109/109) and 97.5% (119/122), respectively and kappa value between both assay was 0.97. The kit can provide a useful aid for rapid detection of IBDV in chickens under field circumstances.

• The korean journal of orthodontics
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• v.30 no.3 s.80
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• pp.317-333
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• 2000

The purpose of this study was to determine the proliferative activity of the osteoblasts and fibroblasts in the midpalatal area and to investigate the adjacent periodontal tissues of individual tooth following rapid expansion of the palate. Ten young adult dogs, aged approximately ten months, were used in the experiment. The experimental design was consisted of 1 week expansion group(Group E1, 3 dogs), 2 week expansion group(Group E2, 3 dogs), 2 week expansion and 2 week retention group(Group E3, 3 dogs), and control group(Group C, 1 dog). For each group, expansion screw was activated one time per day(1/4 turn;$90^{\circ}$) following Hyrax-screw application. The experimental animals in each group were sacrificed at 1, 2 and 4 weeks following palatal expansion. Maxillary tissue blocks were obtained and prepared ior the histomorphologic and immunohistochemical studies. Light mcroscope, polarizing microscope, and soft X-ray apparatus were used in this study, and following results were obtained. 1. In polarizing microscopic study, the expansion groups(E1 & E2) showed blue color representing bone resorption and new bone formation in midpalatal suture area. E3 groups skewed less blue color compared to the E1 and E2 group. But yellow color increased by calcification in the E3 groups. 2. Immunohistochemical study revealed that positive responses of the osteoblasts to PCNA and undifferentiated fibroblasts to EGF in E1 group were somewhat increased. Positive response to PCNA and EGF were increased in fibroblasts and the osteoblasts forming new bone in E2 group. In E3 group, the positive response cell concentrated the periphery of edge of palatal process in both PCNA and EGF. 3. Throughout the expansion period(E1 & E2), light microscopic study showed the edges of the extensive resorption and new palatal processes, indicating bone remodeling within the suture. E3 group exhibited less remodeling of midpalatal suture area. E2 group and E3 group showed cementum formation and resorption at the apex of 3rd premolar and 1st molar E3 group exhibited extensive hyalinized zone on the cervical portion of buccal side of 1st molar. 4. Soft X-ray analysis of E1 group showed hypomineralized defect and microfractures in various parts of the suture areas when compared with control animals. There was no significant difference in the degree of mineralization in the midpalatal suture region between the C and E3 groups. Tooth axis showed tipping of 3rd premolar and 1st molar in the E2 group and E3 group. Based upon these experimental results, it is concluded that the undifferentiated mesenchymal cells always presented in midpalatal suture area following RPE. Differentiated osteoblasts and fibroblasts possess proliferating cellular activity until the 2 week retention period. The posterior teeth are tend to tip buccally as RPE force applied. Retention group exhibited irreversible response with severe hyalinized zone on the buccal surface of the first molar.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.47 no.5
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• pp.586-597
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• 1999

Background: Many diagnostic tests have developed to diagnose tuberculosis and other mycobacterial diseases but the diagnosis of tuberculosis relies largely on radiological findings and acid-fast staining of sputum and/or culture. Recently, new serologic diagnostic methods, which are safe and easy to use have been introduced into Korea. In this study, the usefulness of serologic diagnosis for tuberculosis and the disease pattern induced variation of the test were evaluated. Methods: Serological assay was performed upon 108 patients with two test kits, the ICT tuberculosis and the BioSign$^{TM}$TB, which are based upon a rapid immunochromatographic assay technique, capable of being interpreted within 15 minutes. The case groups consisted of 61 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis(36 patients), extrapulmonary tuberculosis(3 patients), or both(22 patients). Control groups consisted of 47 patients with inactive old pulmonary tuberculosis(17 patients), nontuberculous pulmonary disease(16 patients) and nonpulmonary cardiac disease(14 patients). Results : The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value(PPV) and negative predictive value(NPV) of the ICT tuberculosis were 64.3%, 91.5%, 90.0% and 68.3% respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of the BioSign$^{TM}$TB were 76.5%, 95.3%, 94.1 % and 78.8% respectively. Differences in sensitivity were not significant between patients with previous history of tuberculosis or patients without prior history of tuberculosis. The ICT tuberculosis test showed higher sensitivity in pulmonary tuberculosis patients(76.5%) than extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients(33.3%). There was no difference in sensitivity between patients with or without cavitary lesion by chest X-ray. Conclusion: Considering high specificity and PPV, serologic diagnosis using a rapid immunochromatographic assay device is another helpful diagnostic method in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, when combined with previous diagnostic methods such as chest X-ray, microbiologic study but it has limitation in terms of confirming the diagnosis for tuberculosis as the only diagnostic method because of relatively low sensitivity and NPV.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.18 no.3
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• pp.118-124
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• 2003

For the rapid detection of various pathogenic microorganisms from food sample, various kinds of kits have been developed and commercially available in the markets. With the advantages of speed, accuracy and easiness, the market of these kits has gradually increased for the QC and QA field of food company as well as testing facilities or laboratories. In this study, the characteristics such as the detection limit and the sensitivity of immunochromatographic type of rapid detection kit (Donga Co, Korea, D-kit) for E. coli 0157:H7 developed by monoclonal antibody were examined and also the possibility of application of the kit to food samples was evaluated. The reference kits used for comparison study were Reveal E. coli 0157:H7 (Neogen Co., USA, R-kit) and VIP EHEC kit (Biocontrol Inc., USA, V-kit) occupying major market share. In the detection limit test with the E. coli 0157:H7 reference, both R-kit and D-kit showed a distinct positive reaction in $10^4$/ml and weak positive reaction in $10^3$/ml, whereas V-kit showed a same reaction in 105/ml. Also, it was identified that the culture treated with heat showed more sensitivity than no heat treated culture. The sensitivity test was conducted against 22 isolates of E. coli 0157:H7, 7 strains of non-O157:H7 verotoxin-producing E. coli, 40 strains of E. coli with different O and H antigen type, and 38 strains of non-E. coli Enterobacteriaceae, and all of the test strains except three were showed exactly three were showed exactly the same reaction against three kinds of the tested kits. All the three kinds of kits showed a positive reaction against E. coli O157:H19, E. coli O148:H18 and Salmonella galinarium. We suppose that there might be a similarity in serological property between these three strains and O157:H7. From the test results, it can be concluded that there is (was) no difference between the D-kit developed in this study and R-kit or V-kit based on the detection limit and sensitivity.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.9
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• pp.976-985
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• 2005

Purpose : Although influenza is one of the most important causes of acute respiratory tract infections in children, effective antiviral therapies are not common and there are only a few clinical studies on treatment of influenza in children. We evaluated the efficacy of oseltamivir in the treatment of naturally aquired influenza in children during the first half of 2004 in Busan. Methods : From January 2004 to June 2004, throat swabs and nasal washes were performed and cultured for the isolation of influenza virus and tested by rapid antigen detection test(QuickVue influenza test) in children with suspected influenza infections. The children who responded positively to the QuickVue influenza test, we divided into two groups : an oseltamivir treatment group and a control group. We compared their clinical symptoms(including fever duration) and diagnosis. The medical records of patients with influenza virus infection were reviewed retrospectively. Results : A total of 621 individuals were suspected of influenza infection. Influenza viruses were isolated in 79(17.2 percent) out of 621 patients examined. QuickVue influenza tests were positive in 181 cases. The treatment group(83 individuals) received oseltamivir twice daily for 5 days, and the control group(99 individuals) were administered only symptom relief medicine. There was no differences between the two groups in clinical diagnosis and symptoms. Oseltamivir treatment reduced the fever duration and other respiratory symptoms. There were no adverse events associated with oseltamivir treatment. Conclusion : Our data suggest that oral oseltamivir treatment reduces the fever duration and other respiratory symptoms of acute influenza without side effects in children.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.307-318
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• 1989

In recent years much attention has been paid to swine respiratory infection caused by Pasteurella(P) multocida with rapid expansion of pork Industry in Korea. The present study was performed to observe the etiologic situation of P. multocida infection by bacteriological, serological(serotyping) and pathological examinations with the lungs respectively. In addition antibiotic susceptibility test was carried out against the isolated strains of P. multocida. The results obtained are as follows : 1. Eighteen strains(12.8％) wert isolated from the 140 cases of swine lungs examined, and biological and biochemical characteristics of the isolates were the sam as those in the references of other workers, whereas some differences were observed in sugar fermentation and enzyme activity according to the strain of isolates. 2. Capsular serotyping performed on 18 P. multocida revealed that 13 strains(72.2％) were A type and 5 strains(27.8％) were D type, respectively. 3. When serotyping was performed against somatic antigen on 18 strains capsular types of which were identified as described above 9(50％), 3(16.7％) and 4(22.2％) strains belong to 1:A, 3:A and 2:D, respectively, but untypable 2 strains(11.1％) were observed. 4. Antibiotic susceptibility test by employing disc method for 24 kinds of drugs revealed that 15 kinds of antibiotics were sensitive to 18 strains of P. multocida isolated such as ampicillin(l00％), penicillin(100％), cloxacillin(56％), piperacillin(70％), cefotaxime(30%), minocycline(60％), chloramphenicol(95％), erythromycin(39％), kanamycin(17％), gentamicin(70%), amikasin(30%), colistin(78％) and nalidixic acid(5％), respectively, but resistant to 9 kinds of antibiotics such as sulpenicillin, cefazolin, cephalothin, cefametazol, cefoperazone, kitasamycin, oleandomycin. lincomycin and bacitracin. 5. Pathological features of 60 cases of swine lungs indicated that pneumonic .lesions were observed in 38 cases(63.3％) examined by macroscopic finding, in which lesions of 8 cases(13.4％) would correspond to those of mycoplasmal infection, and 30 cases(50％) were similar to viral infection by histopathological finding, whereas 22 cases(36.7％) were considered to be normal by ecropsy or histopathological finding.

• The Journal of the Korean Society for Microbiology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.9-17
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• 1980

In the ecology and epidemiologic studies on various serotypes of atypical mycobacteria(AM), Schaefer's bacterial agglutination test(BA) provided the basis of the serologic procedures. Recently, attempts have been made to modify and to simplify the Schaefer's BA such as a slide agglutination test(Engel & Beerwald, 1970), a "simplified" BA(Reznikov & Leggo, 1972), an agglutination inhibition test(Richards & Eacret, 1972) and "micromethod"(Thoen et al., 1975). The BA, however, was not widely applied as a routine laboratory test mainly because it requires much times and labors to perform and partley because it is not applicable to hydrophobic strains either often encountered in the isolation of AM in the clinical bacteriology or stock strains maintained in the laboratory. On the contrary, fluorescent antibody technique with mycobacteria may have advantages over the BA because it is far more simpler in serologic procedures and is applicable to all strains of mycobacteria regardless of smooth or rough types of cultures. At the present, it is well known that the type-specific antigens are lacking on the surface of rough type of AM compared to that on smooth type of strain, but the antigenicity on the surface of the hydrophobic strains of AM which resulted from a series of subculture and the strain in the laboratory for 3 to 6 months has not been clarified. In this study, an attempt to serotype the hydrophobic strains of M. scrofulaceum serotype 41, 42 and 43 by fluorescent anti-complement(FAC) technique was made. The FAC technique with mycobacteria was also described in detail. In the summary, the complement fixing antibody titres of reference sera to smooth types of homologous serotype was highest, but the antibody titres of reference sera to hydrophobic strains of serotypes, 41, 42 and 43 gave two-to 8-folds lower than those to smooth type of strains. Although the sensitivity of type-specific antigens on the hydrophobic strains to reference sera was much lower, using the two units of reference sera determined by titration with hydrophobic strains, three serotypes, i. e., 41, 42 and 43 were specifically differentiated one another by FAC technique. This result indicated that the hydrophobic strains which were maintained in the laboratory at least for 6 months still retain type-specific antigen detectable by FAC technique.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2014

Purpose: The aim for this study was to investigate clinical manifestation of seasonal influenza A and B during the 2012 winter season in Wonju, South Korea. Their clinical and laboratorial characteristics and effect of oseltamivir were compared and analyzed. Methods: Children under the age of 18 years who visited the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital with fever or acute respiratory symptoms and who were diagnosed with influenza A or B by rapid antigen test from nasopharyngeal swab were selected for the study. The medical records of patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Influenza A was detected in 374 patients (83.7%), and influenza B in 72 (16.6%). The incidence of influenza A was highest in February (n=186), while that of influenza B was highest in March (n=36). The most common symptoms were fever (n=434, 97.1%) and cough (n=362, 81.0%). No significant differences were observed between influenza A and B in symptoms and laboratory data. Patients who had used oseltamivir within 2 days showed statistically lower admission rate, shorter admission duration, and lower incidence of pneumonia. Conclusion: This study found no statistical difference between influenza A and B, in symptoms, progression, and laboratory test, but those who were treated with oseltamivir given within 2 days of the onset of fever experienced more positive outcomes.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.21
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• pp.9367-9373
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• 2014

In diagnosis of lung cancer, rapid distinction between small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors is very important. Serum markers, including lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), carcino-embryonic antigen (CEA), neurone specific enolase (NSE) and Cyfra21-1, are reported to reflect lung cancer characteristics. In this study classification of lung tumors was made based on biomarkers (measured in 120 NSCLC and 60 SCLC patients) by setting up optimal biomarker joint models with a powerful computerized tool - gene expression programming (GEP). GEP is a learning algorithm that combines the advantages of genetic programming (GP) and genetic algorithms (GA). It specifically focuses on relationships between variables in sets of data and then builds models to explain these relationships, and has been successfully used in formula finding and function mining. As a basis for defining a GEP environment for SCLC and NSCLC prediction, three explicit predictive models were constructed. CEA and NSE are requentlyused lung cancer markers in clinical trials, CRP, LDH and Cyfra21-1 have significant meaning in lung cancer, basis on CEA and NSE we set up three GEP models-GEP 1(CEA, NSE, Cyfra21-1), GEP2 (CEA, NSE, LDH), GEP3 (CEA, NSE, CRP). The best classification result of GEP gained when CEA, NSE and Cyfra21-1 were combined: 128 of 135 subjects in the training set and 40 of 45 subjects in the test set were classified correctly, the accuracy rate is 94.8% in training set; on collection of samples for testing, the accuracy rate is 88.9%. With GEP2, the accuracy was significantly decreased by 1.5% and 6.6% in training set and test set, in GEP3 was 0.82% and 4.45% respectively. Serum Cyfra21-1 is a useful and sensitive serum biomarker in discriminating between NSCLC and SCLC. GEP modeling is a promising and excellent tool in diagnosis of lung cancer.