• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.129-138
• /
• 2014

Purpose: Streptococcus pyogenes is an important cause of invasive diseases in children. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of invasive infections due to S. pyogenes in children in Korea. Methods: A retrospective study of children under 18 years of age with invasive infections due to S. pyogenes at Seoul National University Children's Hospital between March 1992 and December 2012, and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between March 2003 and December 2012 was conducted. Demographic factors, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment, mortality and morbidity of all patients were reviewed. Results: A total of 30 among 36 cases identified as invasive disease due to S. pyogenes were available for review. There was a predominance for male subjects (male:female=2.75:1). The median age was 50 months (range 12 days to 15 years) and 53.3% were under 5 years of age. Skin and soft tissue infections (9/30, 30.0%), bacteremia without identified focus (4/30, 13.3%) and bone and joint infections (6/30, 20.0%) were the most frequent clinical presentations. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (3/30, 10.0%) pulmonary, abdomen and central nervous system infections (2/30, 6.7%) were also seen. There was a peak in number of patients in year 2012 (9/30, 30.0%). There were no cases of mortality. Erythromycin and clindamycin resistance rates were low by 3.8% and 7.5%, respectively. Conclusion: We studied the clinical presentations of invasive infections due to S. pyogenes during the past 20 years in Korean children. The findings of this study help us understand the characteristics of the disease, enhancing early recognition and prompting adequate antibiotic therapy which is important in reducing morbidity and mortality.

• Journal of Dental Rehabilitation and Applied Science
• /
• v.26 no.4
• /
• pp.405-417
• /
• 2010

Previous studies have already shown that mouthguard is effective in protecting jaw bone, teeth and oral tissue against sports trauma. However, other than severe trauma, repetitive force, such as disorders like clenching, cause teeth or oral tissue damage. These kinds of disorders usually present pathologic attrition in the posterior teeth, resorption in alveolar bone, loss of teeth and destruction of occlusion. Wearing a mouthguard is believed to be effective in preventing these disorders. But its effect is not examined thoroughly enough. The purpose of this study is to identify whether mouthguard is effective in reducing strain caused by clenching. Mandibular first molars in the normal occlusal relationship without any history of dental treatment were chosen. Biaxial type strain gauge was placed on the buccal surface of the tooth. Having maximum occlusal force, measured by load cell, as a standard, clenching intensity were divided into three stages; moment of slightly tooth contact, medium bite force (50% of maximum bite force), maximum bite force. Strain occurring in dentition in each stage with and without mouthguard was measured. Changes in strain (on dentition) between each stage and difference in strain, between with or without mouthguard were recorded by PCD-300 analyzer and PCD-30 soft ware. The data was statistically analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. The following results were drawn; Without mouthguard, strain given on dentition increased as the clenching force increased. With mouthguard, strain given on dentition also increased as the clenching force increased. With mouthguard, strain decreased, in all cases of clenching force stages. Data on the moment of slightly tooth contact stage, had no statistical significance. However, with mouthguard, 50-90% of decrease in strain could be obtained in maximum occlusal force, compared to the group without mouthguard. Mouthguard decreased the strain on the dentition, caused by clenching. Therefore, mouthguard seems to be effective in preventing damage on dentition, by acting against clenching, which occurs both consciously and unconsciously during sports activities.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.39 no.8
• /
• pp.1179-1186
• /
• 2010

The antiradical property of hot water extract from dried radish (DR) or dried radish roasted with pressure (DRRP) was investigated in vitro and in LLC-PK1 cell system. The contents of total free amino acid and reducing sugar in DR were decreased by 72.86% and 3.17%, respectively, after pressurized roasting. In vitro test, $IC_{50}$ for DR and DRRP for DPPH radical scavenging activity were 646.70 and $135.45\;{\mu}g/mL$, 896.10 and $566.98\;{\mu}g/mL$ for superoxide anion radical, and 722.26 and $531.84\;{\mu}g/mL$ for hydroxy radical, respectively. The radical scavenging effects of DRRP was significantly greater than those for DR (p<0.001). These radical scavenging effects of DR and DRRP were confirmed in LLC-$PK_1$ at which oxidative stresses were induced by superoxide, nitric oxide and peroxynitrite generated in the treatment of pyrogallol, SNP, and SIN-1, respectively. Cell viability was increased in the presence of DR or DRRP, dose dependently (p<0.05), and TBARS formation was decreased. The protective effects of DRRP against oxidative damage in LLC-$PK_1$ were greater than those of DR at the same concentration tested (p<0.05). This superior antiradical activity of DRRP might be due to the products produced during the pressurized roasting in addition to the antioxidative compounds originally present in the radish. 5-hydroxyl methyl furfural (5-HMF) known as an intermediate product of the maillard reaction was detected in DRRP (0.57 mg/g), but not from DR. In conclusion, daily consumption of DRRP may prevent oxidative damage by retarding oxidative stress.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.52 no.3
• /
• pp.324-329
• /
• 2009

Purpose : Acute interstitial pneumonia (AIP) is a rare disease, but its prognosis is fatal because of lack of efficient treatment modality. Recently, it has been reported that there was epidemic AIP in Korea. This study aims to investigate the past and current status of AIP in Korea. Methods : We performed a nationwide survey and a prospective study. From August 6 to 15, 2008, a questionnaire survey was conducted to identify the prevalence, local distribution, and response to current treatments. The questionnaire was answered by pediatrician working in 23 referral centers in Korea. In addition, 5 referral centers in Seoul performed a preliminary prospective observational study by obtaining clinical data and specimens from appropriate patients. The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention analyzed the samples for possible pathogens. Results : The survey showed 78 AIP cases had occurred and 36 patients had died. Lung biopsy was performed only on 20 patients. In 2008, 9 AIP cases developed. In a prospective study, 9 (M:F=5:4) patients developed AIP in spring and 7 (78%) died, with the mean rate of death occurring 46 days after diagnosis. Human corona virus 229E, cytomegalovirus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and parainfluenza virus were isolated from the respiratory specimens. Conclusion : This study showed nationwide prevalence of AIP in Korea. In addition, because of the high mortality rate and rapid progress, pediatricians need to be aware of the disease. Further studies and a nationwide network are required for reducing the morbidity and mortality rates related to AIP.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.207-215
• /
• 2014

To investigate the biological benefits of Korean traditional vegetables, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extracts from blanched and dried sprouts of evening primrose (Oenothera laciniata, OL) and gooseberry (Actinidia arguta, AA) were measured. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of OL were higher than those of AA; OL contained 60.4 mg tannic acid/g dry weight and 31.9 mg rutin/g dry weight, while AA contained 33.0 mg tannic acid/g dry weight and 20.3 mg rutin/g dry weight. The $IC_{50}$ value for DPPH radical scavenging activity was $58.2{\mu}g/mL$ for OL ethanol extract and $122.1{\mu}g/mL$ for AA ethanol extract. The reducing power upon $500{\mu}g/mL$ of ethanol extract treatment was as strong as $52.1{\mu}g$ ascorbate eq./mL for OL and $45.3{\mu}g$ ascorbate eq./mL for AA. Regarding anti-inflammatory effects, inhibition rate against 5-lipoxygenase (LOX) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 activities were 29.5% and 79.5% for OL, as well as 11.5% and 39.1% for AA, respectively at a concentration of $250{\mu}g/mL$. Lipopolysaccaride ($1{\mu}g/mL$)-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells subjected to OL ethanol extract at various concentrations ($0{\sim}25{\mu}g/mL$) showed significantly reduced synthesis of nitrite oxide (NO), prostaglandin (PG) E2, and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxicity, although TNF-${\alpha}$ synthesis was not affected. In conclusion, both OL and AA sprouts showed strong antioxidative activity, whereas OL showed very strong anti-inflammatory activity via effective reduction of NO, PGE2, and IL-6 synthesis in LPS-activated macrophage cells.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
• /
• v.49 no.3
• /
• pp.135-143
• /
• 2016

Purpose: Ultraviolet (UV)-induced oxidative stress contributes to several adverse biological effects on skin. Many phenolic phytochemicals have been shown to have antioxidant properties and protect skin cells from UV-induced oxidative damage. In this study, we investigated whether or not Aralia elata (AE) has a protective effect against UVB-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), ultimately leading to photoaging. Methods: Phenolic content of dried AE and antioxidant properties of AE extract in 70% ethanol weredetermined by measuring DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The effect of AE extract on cellular ROS generation and expression levels of oxidative stress-response proteins such as superoxide dismutase (SOD)-1, catalase, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf)-2, and heme oxygenase (HO)-1 in UVB-irradiated ($75mJ/cm^2$) human keratinocytes (HaCaT) were further determined by 2'-7'-dichlorofluoresceine diacetate assay and Western blotting, respectively. Results: The total phenolic and flavonoid contents of dried AE were 20.15 mg tannic acid/g and 18.75 mg rutin/g, respectively. The $IC_{50}$ of AE extract against DPPH radical was $98.5{\mu}g/mL$, and ABTS radical scavenging activity and FRAP upon treatment with $1,000{\mu}g/mL$ of AE extract were $41.8{\mu}g\;ascorbic\;acid\;(AA)\;eq./mL$ and $29.7{\mu}g\;AA\;eq./mL$,m respectively. Pretreatment with AE extract significantly reduced (p < 0.05) ROS generation compared to that in UVB-irradiated control HaCaT cells. Pretreatment with AE extract reversed reduction of Nrf-2 and SOD-1 protein expression and induction of HO-1 protein expression caused by UVB exposure in HaCaT cells, whereas it did not affect catalase expression. Conclusion: AE extract in 70% ethanol demonstrated a protective effect against UVB-induced oxidative stress and decreased expression of Nrf-2 and SOD-1 in human keratinocytes. These findings suggest that AE ethanol extract might have potential as a natural resource for a skin anti-photoaging product in the food and cosmetic industry.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.31-37
• /
• 2015

This study was conducted to investigate the bactericidal activity of electrolyzed water (EW) against coliform bacteria on Undaria pinnatifida (UP). The UP was washed with 15% EW, tap water (TW), and distilled water in the following order: 15% EW for 5 and 10 min (1st to 3rd washing process), TW for 1 min, and distilled water for 10 min (3rd to 5th washing process). The washing processes using 15% EW and distilled water occurred a total of 6 times. The number of viable cells, coliform bacteria, and molds in the untreated sample were in the range of 10¹ to 10³ CFU/g. In the case of the UP with 15% EW for 5 min sample, the viable cell counts were reduced by 1-2 log cycles as compared with the untreated sample. The coliform bacteria were not detected except after the 1st EW washing process. Mold counts were not detected in all treatments. In the UP with 15% EW for 10 min sample, the viable cells, coliform bacteria, and mold counts were not detected. In color, there were no significant differences among samples. In sensory evaluation, the UP treated with 15% EW for 10 min (first washing process) got higher scores for color, aroma, and taste than others. These results suggest that the treatment of 15% EW for 10 min is the most effective way to reduce coliform bacteria of the UP.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
• /
• v.47 no.4
• /
• pp.547-554
• /
• 2005

An experiment was conducted to investigate the dietary effects of a transgenic Aspergillus oryzae(AO) culture on the performance, egg quality and intestinal microflora of layers. A total of 840 Hy-line Brown layers of 39wks old were assigned to one of the following 7 dietary treatments: control(C), C+0.2% AO culture, C+0.5% AO culture, C+0.2% transgenic AO culture, C+0.5% transgenic AO culture, C+0.2% transgenic mutant AO culture, and C+0.5% transgenic mutant AO culture. The transgenic AO was made by inserting Salmonella gallinarum gene to AO. And the transgenic mutant AO was made by inserting Salmonella gallinarum gene to mutant AO which was mutated by UV irradiation. Each treatment was replicated six times with 20 birds housed in 2 bird cage. Twenty birds units were arranged according to completely randomized block design. Feeding trial lasted for 8wks under 16 hour lighting regimen. Laying performance and egg quality were significantly(P<0.05) affected by the treatments. Transgenic AO culture supplementation at the level of 0.2% significantly increased egg production, while its egg weight was significantly decreased compared to that of the control. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio(FCR) were not significantly different among the AO treatments and the control. The eggshell strength of the AO treatments was significantly higher than that of the control. Transgenic mutant AO culture supplemented at the level of 0.5% significantly increased egg yolk color. Intestinal microflora were significantly(P<0.05) affected by the treatments. The cfu of Lactobacilli spp. significantly increased and those of Salmonella species and E. coli decreased in the AO treatments. The transgenic AO and transgenic mutant AO culture were more effective than the AO culture in reducing the cfu of Salmonella species and E. coli. It is concluded that supplementation of the transgenic AO culture at the level of 0.2% could be recommended for the improvement of egg production. Supplementation of transgenic AO or transgenic mutant AO culture at 0.2% level effectively controlled intestinal Salmonella species population.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.519-527
• /
• 2009

The main nutritional problem of sorghum$\times$sudangrass hybrid silage is low quality and dry matter (DM) contents. This experiment was conducted to evaluate whether field pre-wilting treatment of sorghum$\times$sudangrass hybrid silage increases DM content and forage quality of the silage. The experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were consisted of five different wilting days: 0 day (direct cut silage), 0.5 day, 1 day, 2 days and 3 days. Sorghum$\times$sudangrass hybrid silage with pre-wilting showed low 4.00 pH values, however direct cut silage (control) showed a 4.30 value because of its high moisture content. The DM content of sorghum$\times$sudangrass hybrid silage with pre-wilting was high above 25.1% after 1 days, however that of direct cut silage had 17.6%. And the effluent of wilted silage was decreased with prolonged wilting period, but that of direct cut silage produced effluent of 183 mL/kg. Crude protein and ether extract with wilted silage were decreased, however crude ash was increased with prolonged wilting period. Silage with pre-wilting had higher acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents than control silages, while its non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) showed the opposite results. Lactic acid and total organic acid were increased with prolonged wilting period. For the palatability of dairy goat, silage with 2 days wilting was highest among silages. The experiment results indicate that wilted sorghum$\times$sudangrass hybrid silage could be recommended as effective method for reducing effluent, increasing pH and forage quality more than direct cut silage. Optimum pre-wilting day of sorghum$\times$sudangrass hybrid silage may be 1 days.

• Horticultural Science & Technology
• /
• v.32 no.6
• /
• pp.819-826
• /
• 2014

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of night-time far-infrared irradiance quality of red pepper dried in greenhouses. This study involved 4 treatments: sunlight alone (control), or sunlight plus nightly far-infrared irradiation at $250W{\cdot}6.6m^{-2}$ ($250W{\cdot}6.6m^{-2}$), far-infrared irradiation at $250W{\cdot}3.3m^{-2}$ ($250W{\cdot}3.3m^{-2}$), or far-infrared irradiation $500W{\cdot}3.3m^{-2}$ ($500W{\cdot}3.3m^{-2}$). The drying periods were 12 days in $500W{\cdot}3.3m^{-2}$ and $250W{\cdot}3.3m^{-2}$, and 14 days in $250W{\cdot}6.6m^{-2}$, and 15 days in the control. The daytime temperature was same among the treatments. The lowest temperature was at $23.8^{\circ}C$ in control, and $29.5-37.2^{\circ}C$ in far-infrared irradiation treatments. The marketable yield was 7-14% higher in far-infrared irradiation treatments compared to the control. The rate of marketability was higher in far-infrared irradiation treatments (93.6-96.3%) than in the control (87.0-87.5%). The American Spice Trade Association (ASTA) value was greatest in the $250W{\cdot}3.3m^{-2}$ treatment, followed by $250W{\cdot}6.6m^{-2}$, then $500W{\cdot}3.3m^{-2}$, and finally the control. Capsaicinoid content showed no regular trend among the treatments. Our results provide an optimized method for reducing drying time of red pepper under sunlight, and improving the quality of dried red pepper.