• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.46 no.10
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• pp.966-971
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• 2003

Purpose : It is now well established that infection and inflammation play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic brain damage. The loss of neutrophils from systemic circulation is an associated finding in injury mediated by granulocyte. Periventricular leukomalacia(PVL) caused by ischemia is the principal form of brain injury in premature infants. This study was conducted to evaluate whether the low neutrophil count is associated with periventricular leukomalacia(PVL) in premature infants. Methods : Retrospective review of medical records was undertaken. Subjects were premature infants with a birth weight of less than 1,500 gm, admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Kyungpook University Hospital. A complete blood count of peripheral blood was done within the 1st hour of life. Neutropenia was defined as absolute neutrophil count < $1,500/mm^3$, PVL as increased periventricular echodensities followed by cyst formation on ultrasonography or corresponding signs on brain MRI. Results : Thirteen infants out of a total population of 37 revealed neutropenia. Respiratory distress syndrome and requirement for respiratory support were not different between infants with neutropenia( neutropenia group) and infants without neutropenia(control group). Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and grade 3 and 4 IVH were more frequent in neutropenia group(P<0.05). There was no statistically significant increase of PVL in neutropenia group. The neutrophil count was $18,760.0{\pm}10,266.1/mm^3$, $7,272.0{\pm}7,435.0/mm^3$ infants with PVL and $11,131.7{\pm}3,386.5/mm^3$, $2,407.5{\pm}1,933.1/mm^3$ in infants without PVL, respectively. The frequency of mechanical ventilation and artificial surfactant therapy was higher in infants with PVL compared with infants without PVL, but statistical analysis was not performed due to small number of subjects. Conclusion : A low number of neutrophils in the systemic circulation was not associated with an increased risk of PVL in premature infants.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.592-597
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• 2010

Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome (HIES) is a rare immunodeficiency disease which is characterized by high serum IgE levels, eczema, and recurrent infections. Herein we present the case of a patient with HIES associated with STAT3 gene ($stat3$) mutation. A 16 year-old girl was admitted to our hospital due to hemoptysis caused by pneumonia with bronchiectasis. She had a history of recurrent skin and respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia caused by MRSA (methicillin-resistant $Staphylococcus$ $aureus$) and $Pseudomonas$ $aeruginosa$. On physical examination, a broad round shaped nose, oral thrush, and chronic eczematous skin rash over her whole body were found. Laboratory data showed an elevated eosinophil count ($750/{\mu}L$) and total IgE level (5,001 U/mL). The patient's National Institutes of Health (NIH) score for HIES was 44. Direct sequencing of the STAT3 gene revealed that the patient was heterozygous for a missense mutation in the DNA binding domain of the STAT3 protein (c.1144C>T, p. Arg382Trp). HIES should be suspected in patients with recurrent infections and can be confirmed by clinical scoring and genetic analysis.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.495-502
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• 2010

Purpose : Sepsis is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the newborn, particularly in preterm. The objective of this study was to analyze the incidence rate, causative pathogens and clinical features of neonatal sepsis in one neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for 6 years. Methods : This study was retrospectively performed to review the clinical and laboratory characteristics including sex, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, length of hospitalization, length of total parenteral nutrition, presence of central venous catheter, underlying diseases, laboratory findings, microorganisms isolated from blood culture, complications and mortality in 175 patients between January 2003 and December 2008. Results : 1) Sepsis was present in 175 of 3,747 infants for 6 years. There were more gram-positive organisms. 2) The gram-negatives were more prevalent in preterm. There were no significant differences of other clinical features between two groups. 3) Underlying diseases were found in 73.7%, and the most common disease was cardiovascular disease. The most common organisms of gram-positives and gram-negatives were methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Serratia marcescens. 4) There was statistically significant difference on platelet counts between two groups (P<0.05). 5) Complications were found in 18.3% and septic shock was the most common. MRSA was the most common pathogen in sepsis with complication. 6) The mortality rate was 7.4%. 7) There were differences in monthly blood stream infection/1,000 patient-days. Conclusion : The studies about the factors that can influence neonatal sepsis will contribute to decrease the infection rates in NICUs.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.11
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• pp.1198-1204
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• 2008

Purpose : The cause of subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis, a rare disease in children, has not been completely clarified. This study was aimed to investigate the disease mechanism by examining clinical, radiologic, and immunohistochemical findings in children diagnosed with subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis after an excisional biopsy. Methods : We examined 19 lymph node tissue specimens from 17 children diagnosed with subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis at Gyeongsang National University Hospital from March, 1998 to July, 2006. A retrospective survey of the medical records was performed. CT findings were analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining was done on tissues obtained by excisional biopsy from all patients. Results : The patient's age ranged from 5 to 19 years (average age :11.8 years). The main symptoms included a neck mass (17/19), pain in the mass (6/17), and fever (12/19). The palpable lymph nodes were mostly cervical in location; the maximum diameter, which was measured radiologically, was less than 3 cm in all 10 cases. The masses were pathologically divided into proliferative, necrotic, and xanthomatous types. With immunohistochemical staining the masses were divided into lesion (L), perilesion (PL), and necrosis (N). The CD8 staining was stronger than the CD4 staining for all regions in three types. The CD4 staining intensity was mainly increased in the perilesion, and CD8 was mainly increased in the lesion. Conclusion : We compared the radiologic findings, clinical symptoms, and pathology to help understand the cause of disease in patients with subacute necrotizing lymphadenitis.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.57-68
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• 1982

In order to investigate the effect of dietary protein and energy on growing female and male rats, Sprague-Dawley 90 female rats and 54 male rats of 3 weeks old weighing approximately 70-80g and 65-75g, respectively, were subjected to feeding trials for 8 weeks and then subsquently to metabolic trials for 2 weeks. Three dietary energy levels (3200, 3600, 4000 kcal ME/kg) were employed and each energy level contained three protein levels (15, 25, 35% of 3600 kcal ME/kg) and three fat levels (10, 20, 40% of 3600 kcal ME/kg) by addition of an appropriate amount of carbohydrate and the following results were obtained. The body weight gain of female rats was highest for LPHE ration but that of male rats was highest for LPME ration. The weight gains both of female and male rats were not affected by the level of protein. Food efficiencies both of female and male rats was affected by the level of protein, whereas that of male rats was not. Protein efficiencies of female and male rats were highest at low protein level and tended to decrease as the level of protein increased, but that of female rats was highest at high energy level, while that of male rats was highest at medium energy level. The analysis of the body composition after feeding trials for 8 weeks has shown that the contents of body water and protein were not affected by protein level both in female and male rats. The content of body fat increased remarkably as the protein and energy levels increased in case of female rats, but it was not affected by the protein and energy levels in case of male rats. From the above-mentioned experimental results it may be con eluded that the best formula of diet of growing female rats may be composed of low protein (13%) and high energy levels (4000 kcal/kg) whereas that for male rats may be composed of low protein (13%) and medium energy levels (3600 kcal/kg), since all the efficiencies of food, protein and energy have shown to be best at these levels.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.241-257
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• 2000

Autogenous periosteal grafts are an attractive alternative to existing barrier membrane materials since they meet the reqiurements of an ideal material. But no histological data are available on the effectiveness of periosteal membranes in the treatment of periodontal defects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate effect of autogenous periosteal graft on periodontal regeneration histologically. Class II furcation defects were surgically created on the second, third and the fourth premolars bilaterally in the mandibules of six mongrel dogs. The experimental sites were divided into three groups according to the treatment modalities; control group - surgical debridement only; Group I- autogenous periosteal membrane placement after surgical debridement; Group II-autogenous periosteal membrane placement after surgical debridement and bone grafting. The animals were sacrificed at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after periodontal surgery and the decalcified and undecalcified specimens were prepared for histological and histometrical analysis. Clinically all treated groups healed without significant problems. Under light microscope, at 2 weeks, control group showed significant apical epithelial migration and bone remodelling only below the notch area. But for the group I, II with autogenous periosteal graft, less apical migration of epithelium appeared and large amount of osteoid tissue showed above the notch area. Grafted periosteal membrane was indiscernable at 4 weeks, so periosteal membrane might be organized to surrounding tissues. Histometrically, at 4 and 12 weeks, all the test and control groups didn't show significant change of epithelial zone but new attachment level tended to be gained in the test groups than control group. These results suggest that autogenous periosteal grafts should be a good alternative for guided tissue regeneration.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.283-288
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• 2013

To evaluate the ability of the submerged plant, Ceratophyllum demersum's (C. demersum) to remove nutrients and to inhibit growth of cyanobacteria, a total of 6 mesocosms were conducted in a batch reactor for 9 days. From the 84 hr of the experiment, C. demersum was stabilized and showed daily cycle trends according to changes in pH and DO levels. The concentration of nutrients, $NH_3{^+}$, $NO_3{^-}$ and $PO_4{^3}$ continuously decreased until 9 days of the experiment, with the rapid decrease in nutrient concentration for the first 24 hours. High correlation coefficient ($r^2{\geq}0.96$, p<0.001) between the amount of C. demersum's biomass per unit area and the nutrients removal level were derived, and greater C. demersum's biomass per unit area showed higher removal efficiency of nutrients. However, there were differences in the C. demersum's activity level between batch reactors with higher and similar density of the C. demersum, but nonetheless water purification effect appears to have a significant influence due to attached algae and microorganisms. The growth rate of harmful cyanobacteria, Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) with C. demersum's density of 2,500 g $fw/m^2$ (100% of cover degree) was 0.31 /day, compared to the growth rate of 0.47 /day for the control group (0% of cover degree). In terms of number of cells, the control group had 1.7 times higher number of cells than the experimental group, proving that C. demersum has the ability to inhibit the growth of harmful cyanobacteria.

• Analytical Science and Technology
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• v.9 no.4
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• pp.336-344
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• 1996

The extraction of trace cobalt, copper, nickel, cadmium, lead and zinc in urine samples of organic and alkali metal matrix into chloroform by the complex with a dithizone was studied for graphite furnace AAS determination. Various experimental conditions such as the pretreatment of urine, the pH of sample solution, and dithizone concentration in a solvent were optimized for the effective extraction, and some essential conditions were also studied for the back-extraction and digestion as well. All organic materials in 100 mL urine were destructed by the digestion with conc. $HNO_3$ 30 mL and 30% $H_2O_2$ 50 mL. Here, $H_2O_2$ was added dropwise with each 5.0 mL, serially. Analytes were extracted into 15.0 mL chloroform of 0.1% dithizone from the digested urine at pH 8.0 by shaking for 90 minutes. The pH was adjusted with a commercial buffer solution. Among analytes, cadmium, lead and zinc were back-extracted to 10.00 mL of 0.2 M $HNO_3$ from the solvent for the determination, and after the organic solvent was evaporated, others were dissolved with $HNO_3-H_2O_2$ and diluted to 10.00 mL with a deionized water. Synthetic digested urines were used to obtain optimum conditions and to plot calibration-eurves. Average recoveries of 77 to 109% for each element were obtained in sample solutions in which given amounts of analytes were added, and detection limits were Cd 0.09, Pb 0.59, Zn 0.18, Co 0.24, Cu 1.3 and Ni 1.7 ng/mL, respectively. It was concluded that this method could be applied for the determination of heavy elements in urine samples without any interferences of organic materials and major alkaline elements.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.11
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• pp.1152-1157
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• 2008

Purpose : Since the infant formula milk has been produced in Korea, it has faced a low rate of breast milk feeding, though breast milk feeding is a little increasing. Therefore, the Korean Pediatric Society launched its website for breast-feeding consultation to provide information to the general public and enhance the health of growing infants. The consultation results were analyzed to identify the problems that mothers encounter during breast-feeding. Methods : From August 1, 2004 to July 31, 2007, 1001 mothers who visited the online consultation webpage (www. pediatrics.or.kr) of the Korean Pediatric Society asked 1,021 questions. The questions were divided into 3 major categories and 14 specific categories. Interesting questions asked more than 100 times were retrospectively analyzed. Results : The results for the major categories were as follows: 413 questions (40.3%) were on how to breast-feed, 315 (30.8%) on problems of feeding mothers, and 293 (28.8%) on problems of the fed babies. In the specific categories, 22.2% of the questions were on how to breast-feed. With the increasing number of working couples and working mothers, many questions were asked on the problems of breast-feeding after returning from work. Conclusion : The author expects that analyses of these consultations will contribute to the enhancement of information on the consultation website, thus enabling to provide clearer answers to people's increased interest in and concerns on breast-feeding. Furthermore, this research will help to establish correct breast-feeding practice.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.10
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• pp.987-994
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• 2007

Purpose : This study investigated the clinical significance of AN in children and adolescents with obesity induced metabolic complications. Methods : Forty-nine patients who had obesity induced metabolic complications were participated in this cross-sectional study. Obesity induced metabolic complications are as follows: hypertension, dyslipidemia, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)>3.16. Clinical characteristics, such as, age, percentage-weight-for-height (PWH), pubertal status, blood pressure (BP), fasting plasma insulin level, fasting and post-oral glucose tolerance test 2-hour glucose levels, liver function test, lipid profile, HOMA-IR were compared according to the presence of AN. Results : Sixty-five percent of patients had AN, 57.1% NASH, 57.1% dyslipidemia, 55.1% hypertension, 46.9% IFG, 24.5% HOMA-IR>3.16 and 16.2% IGT. The patients who were moderately to severely obese with AN had higher incidence of IGT and HOMA-IR>3.16. The patients with AN had significantly higher diastolic BP ($79.4{\pm}6.9$ vs $75.4{\pm}5.6mmHg$), fasting levels of plasma insulin ($10.6{\pm}6.0$ vs $6.2{\pm}5.4{\mu}IU/mL$), HOMA-IR index ($2.6{\pm}1.4$ vs $1.4{\pm}1.3$) and PWH ($42.4{\pm}13.0$ vs $34.3{\pm}1.8%$). The increasing tendency for the presence of AN was significantly related to the cumulative number of obesity induced metabolic complications. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of AN was significantly associated with fasting plasma insulin level, PWH and IFG. Conclusion : AN could be useful as a clinical surrogate of obesity induced metabolic complications.