• Title/Summary/Keyword: disease outbreak

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Alleviation of PM2.5-associated Risk of Daily Influenza Hospitalization by COVID-19 Lockdown Measures: A Time-series Study in Northeastern Thailand

  • Benjawan Roudreo;Sitthichok Puangthongthub
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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    • 제57권2호
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    • pp.108-119
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    • 2024
  • Objectives: Abrupt changes in air pollution levels associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak present a unique opportunity to evaluate the effects of air pollution on influenza risk, at a time when emission sources were less active and personal hygiene practices were more rigorous. Methods: This time-series study examined the relationship between influenza cases (n=22 874) and air pollutant concentrations from 2018 to 2021, comparing the timeframes before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in and around Thailand's Khon Kaen province. Poisson generalized additive modeling was employed to estimate the relative risk of hospitalization for influenza associated with air pollutant levels. Results: Before the COVID-19 outbreak, both the average daily number of influenza hospitalizations and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 ㎛ or less (PM2.5) concentration exceeded those later observed during the pandemic (p<0.001). In single-pollutant models, a 10 ㎍/m3 increase in PM2.5 before COVID-19 was significantly associated with increased influenza risk upon exposure to cumulative-day lags, specifically lags 0-5 and 0-6 (p<0.01). After adjustment for co-pollutants, PM2.5 demonstrated the strongest effects at lags 0 and 4, with elevated risk found across all cumulative-day lags (0-1, 0-2, 0-3, 0-4, 0-5, and 0-6) and significantly greater risk in the winter and summer at lag 0-5 (p<0.01). However, the PM2.5 level was not significantly associated with influenza risk during the COVID-19 outbreak. Conclusions: Lockdown measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic could mitigate the risk of PM2.5-induced influenza. Effective regulatory actions in the context of COVID-19 may decrease PM2.5 emissions and improve hygiene practices, thereby reducing influenza hospitalizations.

서울시 마포구 관내 어린이집 및 초등학교에서 집단 발병한 세균성 이질 (Outbreak of Shigellosis Occurred in a Preschool and Two Elemetary Schools in Mapo-Gu, Seoul)

  • 박태수;이호준;김수연;이동우;김재윤;백지나;박유미;박미선;이복권
    • Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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    • 제13권1호
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    • pp.71-77
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    • 2006
  • 목 적 : 세균성 이질은 1998년 이후로 발생률이 증가하는 추세에 있고 그 발생이 주로 집단시설 생활자, 학교 단체급식 등을 통해서 이루어지고 있다. 집단 발병한 세균성 이질을 통해 발병양상과 임상경과를 알아보고자 하였다. 방 법 : 2005년 10월부터 11월 사이에 국립의료원 소아과에 입원했던 세균성 이질환자 및 유사환자 모두 32명 대상으로 감염원, 역학, 미생물 검사 및 PFGE 검사를 하였다. 결 과 남아가 17명, 여아가 15명으로 환아들의 연령은 생후 5개월부터 12세까지 연령분포를 보였으며 평균나이는 6.5세였다. 임상 증상은, 설사는 이질환자에서 22명 유사환자에서 7명, 열은 이질환자에서 18명, 유사환자에서 3명, 무증상인 경우도 이질환자에서 1명, 유사환자에서 1명 있었다. 임상증상 지속시간은 대개 3~4일 정도로 짧았고, 직장채변 대변배양검사에서 모두 S. sonnei가 배양되었고 ampicillin, streptomycin, gentamicin, nalicidic acid, TMP/SMX에 내성을 보였으며 3세대 cephalosporin에 감수성을 보였다. 환아들의 치료는 전해질 및 수분공급의 보존적 치료와 함께 3세대 cephalosporin으로 항생제 치료를 병행한 후, 증상이 호전되었으며 직장채변 대변 배양검사에서 이질균 음성으로 나왔다. 이번의 세균성 이질의 집단 유행에서 관내 어린이집의 음식물 검사 및 음용수검사 등에서 감염원은 찾지 못하였다. 세균성 이질로 확진된 24례의 환자 중 3세대 cephalosporin에 감수성이 있는 것으로 알려진 3례에서 cefixime 투여 후에도 직장채변 대변배양검사에서 계속 균이 배양되어 Imipenem으로 대체하여 6일간 투여 후 시행한 연속 3회의 대변배양검사에서는 이질균이 검출되지 않았다. 결 론 : 서울시내 세균성 이질균의 집단 발병의 감염원은 발견되지 않았고, 어린이집과 2차 감염에 의해 초등학교 및 그 가족으로 전파가 이루어졌던 것으로 추정되며, 항생제 감수성 검사와 PFGE 결과에 의하면 같은 균주로 판명되었다. 환아들은 3세대 Cephalosporin 치료 후 대부분 호전되었고 3례만 Imipenem을 추가로 투여하여 치료하였다.

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Exposure Assessment to Suggest the Cause of Sinusitis Developed in Grinding Operations Utilizing Soluble Metalworking Fluids

  • Park, Dong-Uk;Choi, Byung-Soon;Kim, Shin-Bum;Kwag, Hyun-Seok
    • 한국환경보건학회:학술대회논문집
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    • 한국환경보건학회 2005년도 국제학술대회
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    • pp.326-329
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    • 2005
  • A worker who grinded the inner parts of camshafts for automobile engines using water-soluble metalworking fluid (MWF) for 14 years was diagnosed with sinusitis. We postulated that the outbreak of sinusitis could be associated with exposure to microbes contaminated in water-soluble MWF during the grinding operation. To suggest responsible agents for this outbreak, quantitative exposure assessment for chemical and biological agents and prevalence of work-related respiratory symptoms by questionnaire were studied. The exposure ranges of MWF mist (0.59 $mg/m^3$to 2.12 $mg/m^3$) measured during grinding exceeded 0.5 $mg/m^3$ of the recommended exposure limit (REL). Grinder's exposures to bacteria, fungi and endotoxins were also generally higher than not only the proposed standards, but also those reported by several studies to identify the cause of respiratory effects. Statistical test indicated that the prevalence rate of reported symptoms related to nasal cavities showed no significant differences among the operations. Evaluation on grinding operation characteristics and quantitative exposure assessment indicated that repeated exposure to MWF mist including microbes contaminated from the use of water-soluble MWF may cause respiratory diseases like sinusitis or at least increase susceptibility to the development of sinusitis

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Progress and Challenges in the Development of COVID-19 Vaccines and Current Understanding of SARS-CoV-2-Specific Immune Responses

  • Kim, Kyun-Do;Hwang, Insu;Ku, Keun Bon;Lee, Sumin;Kim, Seong-Jun;Kim, Chonsaeng
    • Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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    • 제30권8호
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    • pp.1109-1115
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    • 2020
  • The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is spreading globally, and the WHO has declared this outbreak a pandemic. Vaccines are an effective way to prevent the rapid spread of COVID-19. Furthermore, the immune response against SARS-CoV-2 infection needs to be understood for the development of an efficient and safe vaccine. Here, we review the current understanding of vaccine targets and the status of vaccine development for COVID-19. We also describe host immune responses to highly pathogenic human coronaviruses in terms of innate and adaptive immunities.

효과적 검역체계를 위한 검역법 개선방안 (A Study on the Improvement of Quarantine Act for Effective Quarantine System)

  • 이윤현;김명성;이진홍
    • 보건행정학회지
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    • 제28권3호
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    • pp.301-307
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    • 2018
  • The development of transport is being easily shared with people all over the world. It is necessary to appropriately and effectively revise the domestic quarantine law because the fatal infectious diseases are at risk of being easily shared. Today, Korea has an advanced quarantine system approved by World Health Organization, but it maintains partnerships with related ministries (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, local medical institutions) and to introduce new medical technology (electronic quarantine) is important. And since the prevention of quarantine infectious diseases and prevention of the spread, in order to maintain international cooperation with the International Health Regulations, the quarantine law and the system should be amended and improved effectively and it is also a way to prepare for the outbreak of new quarantine infectious diseases. In the past, Korea has experienced great confusion during the past outbreak of swine flu and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. To prevent similar cases from recurring in the past, the revision of the quarantine law and the improvement of the system should be done to cope with the changing environment (new infections, increased number of overseas travelers, etc.).

소갈병(消渴病) 기전(機轉)에 관한 이론의 변천 (The Transition of Theory on the Outbreak and Transmission of Wasting-Thirst)

  • 조선영;유원준;강연석
    • 한국의사학회지
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    • 제21권2호
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    • pp.95-113
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    • 2008
  • Unsatisfied with the modern medicine's treatment of diabetes, patients diagnosed with the disease turn to alternative medicine for treatment. A look at the percentage of people using alternative medicine marked 72.8% in the United States and more than 60% in Korea in 2006. The most preferred form of alternative medicine turned out to be usage of dietary supplements and herbal medicine. Most of the dietary supplements and herbs that diabetic patients use largely originated from their usage in East Asian Traditional Medicine. As Western Medicine made its way into East Asia in late 18th century, excessive efforts were made to translate Western medical terminology into traditional medical terminology equivalents. In the process of doing so, wasting-thirst became a concept equivalent to diabetes. Theories regarding the pathogenic outbreak and transmission of wasting-thirst has been supplemented and progressed according to needs and even showed new tendencies. Profound understanding of wasting-thirst achieved through historical research is expected to lead to proper application of wasting-thirst treatment methods in treating modern diabetes.

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산촌 중학교 보건교사의 코로나19 집단감염 발생 대응 사례 (A Case Report of the COVID-19 Outbreak Response by a Middle School Health Teacher in a Mountain Village)

  • 조아람
    • 한국농촌간호학회지
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    • 제16권2호
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    • pp.54-59
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    • 2021
  • Purpose: This study aimed to describe a school health teacher's experience working in a mountain village during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2021. Methods: The study used a case study method based on the school records and reports to the local office of education. Results: In T City, since the first COVID-19 case confirmed on March 8, 2020, as of May 17, 21, a total of 21 cases have occurred, including two third-year students of H Middle School. Since then, one additional case was confirmed on May 18, one more on May 25, and one more on May 27, resulting in a total of five confirmed cases. During this period, 42 students and 13 teachers were self-quarantined, all students and staff were tested for COVID-19 PCR, and students received remote classes. The role of school health teacher can be described through three categories: "collaborator", "care coordinator", and "educator". The school health teacher did a lot of work until the situation came to an end, successfully fulfilling these three roles. Conclusion: Some suggestions were made to prepare a more effective communicable disease response system suitable for public health infrastructure of non-urban area.

원마일웨어와 홈웨어에 대한 소비자 인식 변화: 코로나19 발생의 영향 (Changes in Consumer Perception of One Mile-Wear and Home Wear: The Impact of Covid-19 Outbreak)

  • 최영현;이규혜
    • 패션비즈니스
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    • 제25권2호
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    • pp.110-126
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    • 2021
  • This study aims to explore consumers' perception regarding "one-mile wear" and "home wear" fashion, an emerging trend during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and to identify the changes in consumers' perception of this style before and after the pandemic. The data collection period was set as one year before and after the outbreak as of January 1, 2020, and blog posts with keywords "one-mile wear" and "home wear" were collected. Further, textual data crawled and refined using Python 3.7 libraries, and centralities were measured and visualized through NodeXL 1.0.1 and Ucinet 6. According to the results, first, consumers' perception regarding one-mile wear fashion was divided into the following eight categories: wearing situation, expected attribute, style, item, color, textile, shape, and target wearer. Second, before the pandemic, home wear was recognized as pajamas or indoor wear; after the pandemic, home wear was recognized as one-mile wear, outdoor wear, and daily wear. Moreover, keywords, such as "telecommuting", "social distancing", "untact", and "upper body", appeared after the pandemic. It was confirmed that consumers' perception of home wear was affected by the pandemic.

EMERGING DISEASE PROBLEMS IN KOREAN RICE AND THEIR ORIGINS

  • Brown William M.
    • 한국응용곤충학회지
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    • 제15권1호
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    • pp.39-46
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    • 1976
  • As the technology of rice production in Korea has rapidly developed and progressed over the last few years, many problems in rice production have been solved. But with the introduction of new genetic material, the increased use of pesticides, higher fertilizer rates and closer plantings, new problems are beginning to emerge. The brown plant hopper outbreak in 1975 resulted to a great extent from some of the changes in management practices. Some rice diseases and nutritional problems that have existed in Korea but have not been considered of serious consequence, are now becoming increasingly severe and possibly as limiting as the hopper outbreak in 1975. Other diseases and nutritional problems are completely new and their cause and significance have not yet been adequately defined. In this discussion there is no Intention to state, nor is there evidence to support a statement, that any of these problems are going to be limiting factors in the future production of rice on the Korean peninsula. Rather this is an attempt to bring together some of the current field problems in Korean rice so that they can be discussed and where necessary receive suitable consideration for research and control.

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Outbreak of Phytophthora Rot on Pear Under Environmental Conditions Favorable to the Disease

  • Jee, Hyeong-Jin;Cho, Weon-Dae;Nam, Ki-Woong;Park, Young-Seob
    • The Plant Pathology Journal
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    • 제17권4호
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    • pp.231-235
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    • 2001
  • From April to May 1998, Phytophthora rot on pear, which has not been reported in Korea before, became an epidemic in the southeast part of the country under abnormally higher temperature and prolonged rainy days. Average temperature was about $3^{\circ}$ higher than in normal years, and 29 days were rainy during the 2 months in the areas surveyed. Over 1,000 orchards estimated at about 270 ha in 19 cultivation areas were infected by the disease, which occurred on all parts of the tree such as leaves, shoots, branches, stems, and flower clusters. Among 43 isolates collected from various locations and plant parts, 41 were identified as Phytophthora cactorum while 2 were identified as P. cambivora based on their mycological characteristics. The representative isolates revealed strong pathogenicity not only to pear but also to apple and peach. Among 23 pear cultivars tested, 7 were estimated as susceptible, 4 were moderate, and 11 were resistant to the pathogen. Results suggest that Phytophthora disease on pear is a potential threat to pear cultivation when environmental factors are favorable to disease development.

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