• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.66 no.1
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• pp.82-89
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• 2023

Objective : Rathke's cleft cysts (RCCs) are nonneoplastic cysts. Most of them are asymptomatic and stable; when symptomatic, RCCs are surgically fenestrated and drained. However, the outcomes remain unclear. The authors evaluated the outcomes of RCC decompression. Methods : Between 2004 and 2019, 32 RCCs were decompressed in a single tertiary institution. The clinical characteristics, intraoperative findings, postoperative complications, and endocrinological and surgical outcomes were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent sequential imaging at least twice and at least 12 months after surgery were included in the analysis. Results : Patients' mean age was 40.8±14.9 years, and 62.5% were women. The mean follow-up duration was 62.3±48.6 months. In 21 patients (65.6%), no residual cysts were identified on postoperative magnetic resonance imaging. Of the 18 patients with preoperative visual field defects, 17 (94.4%) experienced postoperative visual improvement. Postoperative complications included endocrinological deterioration in 11 patients (34.4%), permanent diabetes insipidus in 11 (34.4%), infection in four (12.5%), intrasellar hemorrhage in three (9.4%), and cerebrospinal fluid leak in two (6.3%). Follow-up images revealed cyst recurrence in nine patients (28.1%), an average of 20.4 months after surgery; in three patients, the cysts were symptomatic, and resection was repeated. Multivariable analysis revealed that postoperative endocrinological deterioration was the only independent factor associated with cyst recurrence (p=0.028; hazard ratio, 6.800). Conclusion : Our findings showed that although only cyst fenestration for decompression was performed to preserve pituitary function, more pituitary dysfunction occurred than expected. Besides, the postoperative hormonal deterioration itself acted as a risk factor for cyst recurrence. In conclusion, surgery for RCC should be more careful.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.11 no.5
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• pp.268-280
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• 2011

Background: Dengue virus, which belongs to the Flavivirus genus of the Flaviviridae family, causes fatal dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS) with infection risk of 2.5 billion people worldwide. However, approved vaccines are still not available. Here, we explored the immune responses induced by alternating prime-boost vaccination using DNA vaccine, adenovirus, and vaccinia virus expressing E protein of dengue virus type 2 (DenV2). Methods: Following immunization with DNA vaccine (pDE), adenovirus (rAd-E), and/or vaccinia virus (VV-E) expressing E protein, E protein-specific IgG and its isotypes were determined by conventional ELISA. Intracellular CD154 and cytokine staining was used for enumerating CD4+ T cells specific for E protein. E protein-specific CD8+ T cell responses were evaluated by in vivo CTL killing activity and intracellular IFN-${\gamma}$ staining. Results: Among three constructs, VV-E induced the most potent IgG responses, Th1-type cytokine production by stimulated CD4+ T cells, and the CD8+ T cell response. Furthermore, when the three constructs were used for alternating prime-boost vaccination, the results revealed a different pattern of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses. i) Priming with VV-E induced higher E-specific IgG level but it was decreased rapidly. ii) Strong CD8+ T cell responses specific for E protein were induced when VV-E was used for the priming step, and such CD8+ T cell responses were significantly boosted with pDE. iii) Priming with rAd-E induced stronger CD4+ T cell responses which subsequently boosted with pDE to a greater extent than VV-E and rAd-E. Conclusion: These results indicate that priming with live viral vector vaccines could induce different patterns of E protein-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses which were significantly enhanced by booster vaccination with the DNA vaccine. Therefore, our observation will provide valuable information for the establishment of optimal prime-boost vaccination against DenV.

• Journal of Convergence for Information Technology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.139-145
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• 2018

Ransomeware is a kind of malware. Computers infected with Ransomware have limited system access. It is a malicious program that must provide a money to the malicious code maker in order to release it. On May 12, 2017, with the largest Ransomware attack ever, concerns about the Internet security environment are growing. The types of Ransomware and countermeasures to prevent cyber terrorism are discussed. Ransomware, which has a strong infectious nature and has been constantly attacked in recent years, is typically in the form of Locky, Petya, Cerber, Samam, and Jigsaw. As of now, Ransomware defense is not 100% free. However, it can counter to Ransomware through automatic updates, installation of vaccines, and periodic backups. There is a need to find a multi-layered approach to minimize the risk of reaching the network and the system. Learn how to prevent Ransomware from corporate and individual users.

• Safety and Health at Work
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.275-283
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• 2020

Background: In the absence of a vaccine or treatment, the most pragmatic strategies against an infectious disease pandemic are extensive early detection testing and social distancing. This study aimed to summarize public and workplace responses to Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) and show how the Korean system has operated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: Daily briefings from the Korean Center for Disease Control and the Central Disaster Management Headquarters were assembled from January 20 to May 15, 2020. Results: By May 15, 2020, 11,018 COVID-19 cases were identified, of which 15.7% occurred in workplaces such as health-care facilities, call centers, sports clubs, coin karaoke, and nightlife destinations. When the first confirmed case was diagnosed, the Korean Center for Disease Control and Central Disaster Management Headquarters responded quickly, emphasizing early detection with numerous tests and a social distancing policy. This slowed the spread of infection without intensive containment, shut down, or mitigation interventions. After entering the public health blue alert level, a business continuity plan was distributed. After entering the orange level, the Ministry of Employment and Labor developed workplace guidelines for COVID-19 consisting of social distancing, flexible working schedules, early identification of workers with suspected infections, and disinfection of workplaces. Owing to the intensive workplace social distancing policy, workplaces remained safe with only small sporadic group infections. Conclusion: The workplace social distancing policy with timely implementation of specific guidelines was a key to preventing a large outbreak of COVID-19 in Korean workplaces. However, sporadic incidents of COVID-19 are still ongoing, and risk assessment in vulnerable workplaces should be continued.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.161-165
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• 2002

Descending necrotizing mediastinitis is a life-threatening infection originating in the head or the neck and descends into the mediastinum. Even in the era of antibiotics, mortality rate has been reported to be 25 ∼ 40%. Prompt diagnosis and treatment is mandatory for delayed diagnosis and inappropriate drainage of the mediastinum are the main causes of high mortality Surgical management ranges from cervical drainage to routin thoracotomy:however, the optimal management still needs to be defined particularly in respect to effective mediastinal drainage. Although posterolateral thoracotomy incision has been considered as a standard approach, potential disadvantages including postoperative pain, risk of wound complication and delayed recovery remain to be concerned. Thoracoscopic approach is an attractive treatment modality as it can provide an excellent exposure with minimal incision and can complete drainage from the mediastinum and the neck in one-staged manner We describe here two cases of descending necrotizing mediastinitis successfully managed by thoracoscopic drainage.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.18 no.2
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• pp.145-169
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• 2001

In recent years, health care cost containment concerns have resulted in an increase in outpatient (or same-day) surgery. Many procedures previously performed on an inpatient surgery basis have been shifted to outpatient settings. Anesthesia for outpatient surgery is exactly the same as inpatient anesthesia, except that the primary concern is the selection of patients who can be discharged safely on the day of surgery. The anesthesiologist should have a sound rational basis for choice of pharmacologic agents that are geared to expeditious patient discharge from the hospital. Cost concerns aside, outpatient surgery has many additional advantages in the pediatric setting. It minimizes the length of time the child is hospitalized, decreases separation anxiety, promotes parental involvement in the child's postoperative care in the more congenial environment of home, and decreases risk of nosocomial infection and iatrogenic illness.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.153-157
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• 2024

Septic arthritis of the manubriosternal joint is a rare condition, especially in adolescents, who often present with nonspecific symptoms that can mimic more common conditions such as musculoskeletal chest pain, costochondritis. Here, we report a case of septic arthritis in a 17-year-old girl and highlight the challenges in diagnosing and managing this condition in adolescents. Initially presenting with acute chest pain diagnosed as transient nonspecific chest pain, the patient's subsequent visits to the emergency department unveiled escalating symptoms, including high fever, prompting advanced imaging. Ultimately, the diagnosis of septic arthritis of the manubriosternal joint was confirmed, with blood culture growth revealing Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Diagnostic delays have been attributed to the absence of typical symptoms and patient reluctance to be hospitalized. Our case emphasizes the importance of considering rare infectious etiologies in adolescents with chest pain and emphasizes the need for heightened suspicion in unusual anatomical sites. Further research is required to elucidate the pathogenesis and risk factors associated with this condition to aid in prompt diagnosis and treatment.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.140-146
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• 2020

Dengue fever (DF) is endemic throughout tropical and subtropical regions; however, it is not endemic in Korea. Imported infectious diseases should be suspected when encountering returned travelers with non-specific symptoms such as fever, rash, and headache. Persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, hemorrhagic tendency, hepatic enzyme abnormalities, and proteinuria are risk factors for the development of severe DF in a patient with DF. Severe hyperglycemia is also known to be related to poor prognosis in acute illness, and with certain underlying diseases that present with hyperglycemia, such as diabetes, it is related to the progression of severe DF. We report a DF case with severe hyperglycemia in an adolescent returning from India. Pediatric DF cases reported in Korea were also reviewed.

• Asian Journal of Innovation and Policy
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.108-131
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• 2021

The increase of international trade across countries and borders results in increased risks associated with the inflow of new pests and diseases. These risks are likely to be increased more rapidly due to climate change. Some countries implement strict regulations on imports to prevent these risks and protect biosecurity, food safety, and public health. However, the problems arise when the diseases and pests are found in a country where their economic structure largely depends on agricultural exports and cause ripple effects on other industries and ecosystems. Therefore, establishing an effective quarantine system is essential to protect and recover from the damage caused by non-native diseases and pests. This study's objectives are 1) analyzing the agricultural policies relate to the quarantine system on diseases and pests in Korea, 2) evaluating the Korea plant quarantine system's value, and 3) simulating plant quarantine policy strategies. We estimated the Korean quarantine system's benefits on diseases and pests to reach these objectives. The benefits are measured with a willingness to pay from respondents surveyed by the contingent valuation method (CVM). The CVM approach directly asks people how much they would willingly pay for food security. Finally, the Korean quarantine system's values are simulated with several policy scenarios and different scales of infection at the regional level. The results of this study can deliver policy implications on the quarantine system innovation in developing countries including Asia.

• Convergence Security Journal
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.85-90
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• 2013

To provide high-quality services, national public institutions and companies have provided information and materials over the internet network. However, a risk of malware infection between transmission and reception of data leads to exposure to various security threats. For this reason, national institutions have proceeded with projects for network separation since 2008, and data linkage has been made using network connection storage through network separation technologies, along with physical network separation. However, the network connection storage has caused waste of resources and problems with data management due to the presence of the same data in internal network storage and external network storage. In this regard, this study proposes a method to connect internal and external network data using NAS storage as a way to overcome the limitations of physical network separation, and attempts to verify the priority of items for the optimization of network separation by means of AHP techniques.