• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.4
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• pp.501-509
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• 2021

More than half the world's population is thought to be infected with Helicobacter pylori. Although the majority of infected people are asymptomatic, H. pylori infection may cause gastric ulcers and deadly gastric cancer. Owing to the difficulty and invasiveness of current routine culture and diagnostic methods, a highly sensitive and specific noninvasive assay for H. pylori is of interest. This study highlighted the design and performance of a colorimetric magneto loop-mediated isothermal amplification (CM-LAMP) assay to detect H. pylori in spiked saliva samples. LF primers were coated on magnetic nanoparticles by carbodiimide-induced immobilization and functionally used for solid-phase amplification. During the LAMP reaction at 66℃, biotin-tagged FIPs were incorporated into LAMP amplicons. The colorimetric signal developed after the addition of NeutrAvidin horseradish peroxidase conjugate (NA-HRP) and ABTS. None of the tested microorganisms, including closely related bacteria, was shown positive by the CM-LAMP assay except H. pylori isolates. This novel platform was highly specific and 100-fold more sensitive (40 CFU/ml or 0.2 CFU per reaction) than the PCR and conventional LAMP assays for the detection of H. pylori in spiked saliva. Our results demonstrated the feasibility of using this noninvasive molecular diagnostic test to detect H. pylori in saliva samples.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.184-189
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• 2020

Lyme disease is a common vector-borne disease caused by Borrelia burgdorferi. Erythema migrans represents the most common manifestation during the early phase of this disease; however, systemic manifestations involving the nervous system, joints, or heart are known to occur. We report a case of Lyme disease accompanied by cardiac complications in a 13-year-old Korean male adolescent. The patient developed annular erythematous lesions on his lower extremities after a field trip during his visit to Connecticut, USA, for a boarding school camp, and his skin lesions were consistent with erythema migrans. Indirect immunofluorescence assay and Western blot analysis for Lyme immunoglobulin M showed positive results. Electrocardiography revealed a first-degree atrioventricular block, and he was diagnosed with Lyme carditis and received a 4-week course of oral doxycycline. Follow-up electrocardiography performed a week later revealed normal findings, and the patient showed an uneventful recovery. Lyme carditis often presents as an asymptomatic heart block that can progress to an advanced heart block; however, this condition is reversible with appropriate antibiotic treatment.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.309-318
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• 2020

Besides respiratory infection, COVID-19 has many neurological symptoms not only loss of smell and taste but also fatigue and brain fog. But it is a challenge to treat the neurological symptoms especially of anosmia and ageusia. In order to search for the therapeutic methods, the geographical diversity and pathological mechanisms of the COVID-19 and two symptoms were investigated from the latest clinical studies. Because the environmental conditions of the monsoon climate zone of East Asia and the Mediterranean and Oceanic climate zone of Italy, Britain, United States and tropical Brazil are different, each of diverse etiology and internal milieu should be considered differently in the treatment. SARS-CoV-2 exhibits the dampness-like characteristics and the olfactory and gustatory disorders are particularly more common than other flu or cold. and it tends to show features of damaging the lung qi of olfaction and heart-spleen qi of gustation. The mechanisms of olfactory and gustatory loss are various according to precursory, inflammatory, non-inflammatory and sequelar forms, so the therapeutic method should be designed for each period and pathology. If the process of inflammation arises from nasal and respiratory, olfactory epithelium to the central nervous structure by way of blood brain barrier, the treatment should be corresponded with the stage and depth of pathogen place. And if the olfactory loss is asymptomatic or in the initial stage, it can be applied intranasal topical scent therapy to relieve temporary locking of qi movement, but maybe also used in parallel together with herbs of relieving dampness toxin latent in the lung parenchyma.

• Journal of Home Health Care Nursing
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.178-185
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• 2021

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to explore the risk factors for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) in patients receiving home care nursing. Methods: A total of 117 participants registered for home care nursing provided by the University of C hospital in Seoul were included in the study. Data were based on a survey and urine examination results from June to July 2018. Results: Asymptomatic bacteriuria was identified in 96 (82%) patients. Age, sex, activity, diabetes mellitus, mental status, presence of other diseases, catheter material type, catheter size and fixation, hand washing (care giver), gloving (care giver), perineal care, and bladder irrigation were not recognized as risk factors for CAUTI. Age and catheterization duration were associated with CAUTI. Conclusions: Old age was found to be a risk factor for CAUTI (p=0.048). CAUTI incidence decreased as catheter use exceeded 70 months (p=0.028).

• CELLMED
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.20.1-20.23
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• 2021

Background: The pandemic COVID-19 caused by a novel coronavirus SARS-COV-2 has spread like a forest fire. This disease may have serious consequences for pregnant women. Presently, no specific drugs or vaccines exist to battle this disease and researches are underway. Unani medicine has a unique role in prevention and management during epidemics. Here, we reviewed the overview of COVID-19 infection and pregnancy, concept and practices in Unani medicine for flu-like epidemics in general and pregnancy, and safety of Unani drugs for the prevention and treatment of mild symptomatic cases of COVID-19 during pregnancy. Methodology: Unani classical texts and pharmacopoeia were meticulously explored for concepts and practices for flu-like epidemic diseases. Further, we browsed scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus and others for an overview, epidemics and Unani medicine, effectiveness and safety of Unani drugs in COVID-19 and pregnancy. Results: Unani medicine includes prevention and management of flu-like epidemic include quarantine and isolation, aromatic herbal drugs fumigation and spraying for environmental disinfection, ilaj bid tadbir for health promotion and use of health-protecting drugs and symptom-specific drugs in general and related to pregnancy. Lahsun, asalussus, behidana, banafsha, zanjabeel, unnab, etc are in use since antiquity for the prevention and treatment of asymptomatic and mildly symptomatic pregnant women during infectious and epidemic diseases. Conclusion: Currently, the aforementioned plants are proven for antiviral, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities, probably useful in the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, scientific studies have provided new insight into the mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Unani medicines that are safe in pregnancy.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.39.1-39.15
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• 2020

Background: There are various Helicobacter species colonizing the stomachs of animals. Although Helicobacter species usually cause asymptomatic infection in the hosts, clinical signs can occur due to gastritis associated with Helicobacter in animals. Among them, Helicobacter pylori is strongly associated with chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancers. As the standard therapies used to treat H. pylori have proven insufficient, alternative options are needed to prevent and eradicate the diseases associated with this bacterium. Cheonwangbosim-dan (CBD), a traditional herbal formula that is popular in East Asia, has been commonly used for arterial or auricular flutter, neurosis, insomnia, and cardiac malfunction-induced disease. Objectives: The present study investigated the antimicrobial effect of CBD on H. pylori-infected human gastric carcinoma AGS cells and model mice. Methods: AGS cells were infected with H. pylori and treated with a variety of concentrations of CBD or antibiotics. Mice were given 3 oral inoculations with H. pylori and then dosed with CBD (100 or 500 mg/kg) for 4 weeks or with standard antibiotics for 1 week. One week after the last treatment, gastric samples were collected and examined by histopathological analysis, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunoblotting. Results: Our results showed that CBD treatment of AGS cells significantly reduced the H. pylori-induced elevations of interleukin-8, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). In the animal model, CBD treatment inhibited the colonization of H. pylori and the levels of malondialdehyde, inflammation, proinflammatory cytokines, iNOS, and COX-2 in gastric tissues. CBD also decreased the phosphorylation levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase family. Conclusions: This study suggests that CBD might be a prospective candidate for treating H. pylori-induced gastric injury.

• 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.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.81-86
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• 2023

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiologic findings of the postoperative maxillary cysts (POMCs) and investigate the relationship between lesion size and clinical symptoms depending on the time elapsed after radical maxillary sinus surgery. Methods: A total of 29 patients who were diagnosed with POMCs at Chonnam National University Dental Hospital were selected. Clinical and radiologic findings were investigated. POMC cases were divided into two groups: those with <24 years between maxillary sinus surgery and POMC diagnosis and those with >24 years. The chi-square test was used to compare the differences between the two groups. Results: The average period from surgery to POMC detection was 24.32 years; however, the period could not be confirmed in four patients. The average patient age was 52.75 years, and 12 (41.3%) patients were in their 50s. POMC-related clinical symptoms were as follows: buccal pain and swelling, dull pain, toothache, abscess, sensory abnormality, and asymptomatic. Twenty (69.0%) cases showed unilocular radiolucency and 9 (31.0%) revealed multilocular radiolucency. Seven cases (35.0%) were misdiagnosed as odontogenic lesions, resulting in the delayed treatment of POMCs. No statistical significance was found between the two groups with respect to symptoms, expansion to the surrounding area, presence of secondary cysts, and mesiodistal length of cyst on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. However, the buccopalatal length of the cyst on CBCT images was significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: The buccopalatal length of POMCs observed on CBCT images was related to the time elapsed since surgery. The lack of awareness of POMCs may lead to misdiagnosis as an odontogenic infection and delayed treatment. Therefore, dentists must recognize the clinical and radiologic features of POMCs to differentiate it from dental infections.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.121-129
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• 1987

To evealuate the status of hepatitis B virus infection in the mothers and neonates and to determine the maternal-neonatal transmission of hepatitis B virus, 2,276 term pregnant women were screened for the presence of serum HBsAg, at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yeungnam University Hospital, during the period of 18 months from Jan. 1986 to Jun. 1987, and the sera of sixty-six HBsAg carrier mothers and their neonates were tested for HBV markers and liver enzymes. The results were as follows : 1. The prevalence rate of asymptomatic HBsAg carrier in the term pregnant women was 4.7%(53/1,279). 2. Positive rates of HBsAg and anti-HBs 10 the sera of sixty-six neonates born to asymptomatic HBsAg carrier mothers were 12.1% and 9.1%, respectively. Transient elevation of SGOT(three to four times of upper normal limit) was detected in one of eight HBsAg-positive neonates and one of six anti-HBs positive neonates. 3. Positive rates of anti-HBc, HBeAg and anti-HBe to the sera of sixty-six asymptomatic HBsAg carrier term pregant women were 93.9%, 45.5% and 50%, respectively. The rates of transmission of maternal anti-HBc, HBeAg and anti-HBe to the neonates were 85.5%(53/62), 90%(27/30) and 87.9%(29/33). respectively. 4. Serum HBsAg was detected in four of thirty neonates born to HBeAg positive HBsAg carrier mother, three of thirty-three neonates born to anti-HBe positive HBsAg carrier mothers, and one of three neonates born to both HBeAg and anti-HBe negative HBsAg carrier mothers.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.70 no.2
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• pp.125-131
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• 2011

Background: The clinical manifestation of $M.$ $tuberculosis$ infection ranges from asymptomatic latent infection, to focal forms with minimal symptoms and low bacterial burdens, and finally to advanced tuberculosis (TB) with severe symptoms and high bacillary loads. We investigated the diagnostic sensitivity of the whole-blood interferon-${\gamma}$ release assay according to the wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. Methods: In patients diagnosed with active TB that underwent $QuantiFERON^{(R)}$ (QFT) testing, the QFT results were compared with patients known to be infected with pulmonary tuberculosis (P-TB) and extra-pulmonary TB (EP-TB). In addition, the results of the QFT test were further analyzed according to the radiographic extent of disease in patients with P-TB and the location of disease in patients with EP-TB. Results: There were no statistical differences in the overall distribution of QFT results between 177 patients with P-TB and 84 patients with EP-TB; the positive results of QFT test in patients with P-TB and EP-TB were 70.1% and 64.3%, respectively. Among patients with P-TB, patients with mild extents of disease showed higher frequency of positive results of QFT test than that of patients with severe form (75.2% vs. 57.1%, respectively; p=0.043) mainly due to an increase of indeterminate results in severe P-TB. Patients with TB pleurisy showed lower sensitivity by the QFT test than those with tuberculous lymphadenitis (48.8% vs. 78.8%, respectively; p=0.019). Conclusion: Although QFT test showed similar results between overall patients with P-TB and EP-TB, individual sensitivity was different according to the radiographic extent of disease in P-TB and the location of disease in EP-TB.