• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.5
• /
• pp.533-538
• /
• 2006

Purpose : The headache, one of the symptoms of meningitis, is related to abrupt elevation of intracranial pressure(ICP) or stimulation of intracranial nociceptive structure. However, in cases of mild elevation of ICP or normal findings of cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) analysis, patients sometimes complain of headaches. Therefore, other pathways may contribute to the occurrence of headaches in aseptic meningitis or meningismus. We intend to investigate the role of substance P(SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP) in aseptic meningitis or meningismus. Methods : We measured leukocyte count, the concentration of protein and glucose in CSF and ICP of patients with meningeal irritation sign. We also measured SP and CGRP levels by using immunoassay. We analyzed the relationship between the presence of headache and the value of SP and CGRP. Results : The concentrations of CGRP($18.8{\pm}10.5ng/mL$) in CSF and ICP($14.8{\pm}4.5cmH_2O$) in aseptic meningitis group were significantly higher than in those($14.1{\pm}7.4ng/mL$ and $12.0{\pm}5.1cmH_2O$, respectively) of the meningismus group(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the SP levels between the two groups. In the aseptic meningitis group, the concentrations of SP and CGRP were significantly higher in the normal ICP group than in the elevated ICP group(P<0.05). Conclusion : Headaches in children with aseptic meningitis or meningismus is considered to be related to the elevation of the CSF levels of SP and CGRP.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.6
• /
• pp.623-629
• /
• 2006

Purpose : The mortality rate of neonatal sepsis has been decreased, however, the incidence has not significantly decreased because of increased invasive procedures. This study was designed to make guidelines for choosing antibiotics by analyzing the causative microorganisms and their antibiotics sensitivity test according to the onset of neonatal sepsis. Methods : One hundred seven cases of culture proven sepsis in 89 patients admitted to the NICU of Chonnam University Hospital from Jan. 2000 to Dec. 2004, were enrolled. By reviewing the medical records, clinical data, laboratory findings, causative organisms and their antibiotics sensitivity, and mortality were analyzed. Results : The incidence of neonatal sepsis was 1.7 percent and more prevalent in premature and low birth weight infants. 85.4 percent of neonatal sepsis was late onset. Almost all microorganisms(92.9 percent) were gram-positive in early onset, however, two thirds were gram-positive and one third were gram-negative and Candida in late onset. Gram-negative organisms and Candida were more prevalent in patients who had central line. Gram-positive organisms were sensitive to vancomycin, teicoplanin, and gram-negative were sensitive to imipenem, and cefotaxime. Conclusion : Neonatal sepsis was more prevalent in premature and low birth weight infants. More than 90 percent were gram-positive in early onset, however, one third was gram-negative and Candida in late onset. The first choice of antibiotics were a combination of third generation cephalosporin and clindamycin in early onset, and third generation cephalosporin and glycopeptide in late onset. If there is no response to antibiotics treatment, the use of antifungal agents should be considered.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.49 no.6
• /
• pp.665-671
• /
• 2006

Purpose : To study the effects of growth hormone(GH) treatment on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance in children with idiopathic short stature(ISS). Methods : Glucose and insulin concentrations were measured during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) before and after GH treatment(0.6-0.7 IU/kg/week) in 20 patients with ISS. Insulin resistance was assessed by homeostasis model assessment(HOMA). Results : During OGTT, the mean blood glucose level did not show any significant changes after GH treatment. However, mean blood insulin levels of fasting and 30 minutes of OGTT showed significant increases after GH treatment, accompanying significant increases of insulin resistance. There was no difference in change of glucose, insulin levels and insulin resistance before and after GH treatment between two groups of body mass indices(BMI) of 25< and >25. There also was no significant difference between two groups of with and without family histories of diabetes mellitus (DM). There was no case of newly developed impaired glucose tolerance, fasting glucose tolerance, nor newly developed DM. Conclusion : GH treatment with doses of 0.6-0.7 IU/kg/week for mean 9.6 months in patients with ISS did not show any significant changes in blood glucose levels during OGTT. However, GH treatments induced considerably higher fasting insulin levels compared to pretreatment, resulting in statistically higher insulin resistance. Higher BMI and family history of DM did not induce any significant changes in glucose, insulin level and insulin resistance after GH treatment than the other groups.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.52 no.7
• /
• pp.811-817
• /
• 2009

Purpose : Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are used as first-line agents for the treatment of persistent asthma; however, their use is accompanied by apprehension of potential systemic adverse effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of ICS on bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism in children with asthma. Methods : From February 2008 to September 2008, 26 asthmatic children treated with ICS (ICS group), 15 asthmatic children treated with leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) (LTRA group), and 30 healthy children (Control group) were selected from the Korea University Anam Hospital. BMD and serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) levels were measured. The asthmatic children underwent spirometry and methacholine bronchial challenge test. Results : There were no significant differences in BMD in the lumbar spine (P=0.254) and proximal femur (P=0.297) among the 3 groups. The serum BALP levels were significantly higher in both the ICS (P=0.017) and LTRA (P=0.025) groups than in the Control group. None of the parameters pertaining to ICS use, such as the mean daily dose during the last 6 months, the total cumulative dose, duration of use, and age of commencement of use, showed significant correlations with BMD (P>0.05 for all parameters). Conclusions : We demonstrated that a low dose of ICS does not exert any significant adverse effect on bone metabolism in asthmatic children. These findings support the current recommendations with regard to the use of ICS for asthmatic children.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.51 no.7
• /
• pp.754-759
• /
• 2008

Purpose : Abnormal activation patterns of Th1/Th2-cells have been suggested to increase the prevalence of allergic diseases. Prevention is regarded as an important corner stone in the management of allergic diseases. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between cord blood levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12 in preterm newborns and the development of allergic respiratory diseases in infancy Methods : Forty-six preterm newborns born at the Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital between January 2003 and July 2005, were enrolled for this study, and consent was obtained to test their cord blood samples. Clinical history was obtained from the hospital records. Cord blood was obtained at birth and kept frozen until it was tested. The levels of IL-4, IL-10, and IL-12 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results : All infants were followed-up for a median of $16.0months{\pm}13.2d$ (range, 12.0 to 36.0 months). Eighteen infants who developed wheezing showed lower cord blood levels of IL-12 ($366.60{\pm}140.40$ vs $435.09{\pm}91.20pg/mL$, P=0.009). Cord blood levels of IL-4 and IL-10 showed no significant difference between the two groups. Four newborns who later developed asthma, and infants with asthma showed lower IL-12 level in the cord blood than other groups. Conclusion : Lower concentration of cord blood levels of IL-12 in newborns who later developed wheezing and asthma suggested that they had abnormal activation patterns of Th1/Th2-cells at the time of birth, and cord blood IL-12 level can be used as a predictor of allergic respiratory diseases.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.51 no.6
• /
• pp.584-596
• /
• 2008

Purpose : This study was conducted to investigate treatment compliance and related factors in pediatric patients. Methods : Three hundred and fifty-five patients diagnosed with various acute diseases at a teaching hospital or clinic in October 2003 were enrolled. Data were analyzed using the Health Belief Model, which includes items on self-efficacy and family assistance. Results : The study found that 62.9% of pediatric patients adhered faithfully to agreed-upon hospital revisits, 41.6% complied with dose timings instructions, 65.8% precisely took medication, and 27.2% complied with all of these requirements. According to ${\chi}^2$ test analysis, the factors found to be related to therapeutic compliance (the taking of medicines requested) were; susceptibility, severity, benefit, barriers, mother's self-efficacy, and family assistance (P<.05). Multiple logistic analysis and path analysis showed that susceptibility, severity, barriers, and mother's self-efficacy were related to therapeutic compliance (P<.05). Moreover, mother's self-efficacy was identified as the most important factor. Conclusion : To improve therapeutic compliance among pediatric patients, parental education is necessary, and a health care professional must take a thorough history of how the medication was taken before it is assumed that treatment failure is attributable to the medication prescribed. Furthermore, the type of device recommended for dosing should be determined by clinicians. In addition, it is important that pediatric medications be discussed in relation to their palatability and internal acceptability.

• Korean Journal of Soil Science and Fertilizer
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.43-50
• /
• 1978

In order to compare the effectiveness of different phosphorus forms (pulverized as regranulized) and formulars (compound fertilizers) of fused phosphate and to compare the effectiveness of boron from different forms (straight borax, granulized with fused phosphate and included in compound fertilizer), a field experiment was conducted on a relatively fertile upland soil using soybean as a test crop. Results are summarized as following. 1. Yield of soybean was significantly higher in the plots fertilized with P when compared to check plot (no p). However, no significant differences were observed among the different forms or formulars of fused phosphate, indicating that the regranulization or formulation of compound fertilizer did not influence the effectiveness of phosphorus. 2. The application of boron, regardless of its formular, brought about higher B content in plant tissue and higher grain yield. There was a tendency that boron contained in ragranulized fused phosphate was more effective than straight borax. The results also indicated that when boron is to be included in NPK compound fertilizer, its content should be at the least 1.5% as $B_2O_3$. 3. The effectiveness of boron appeared as increased number of pod, higher B, and Ca contents in plant and the amounts of uptake of these elements by soybean. 4. The analysis of soil after the experiment indicated that different forms or formulars of fused phosphate were similarly effective in increasing the available P, Ca, and Mg contents in the soil. 5. Slight increase in available B contents in the experimental plot soils applied with boron fertilizer was observed after the trial.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
• /
• v.29 no.7
• /
• pp.778-782
• /
• 2007

This study investigated the dechlorination mechanisms of TCE by Fe(II) associated with cement. Batch slurry experiments were peformed to investigate the behaviors of selected ions; Fe(II), Fe(III), $Ca^{2+}$, $SO_4^{2-}$ in cement/Fe(II) system. The kinetic experiments of TCE in cement/Fe(II) systems showed that injected Fe(II) was mostly sorbed on cement within 0.5 day and 90% of injected 200 mM sulfate was sorbed on cement within 0.5 day when $[TCE]_0$ = 0.25 mM and $[Fe(II)]_0$ = 200 mM. The kinetic experiments of TCE in hematite/CaO/Fe((II) systems were conducted for simulation of cement/Fe(II) system. Calcium oxide that is one of the major components in cement hydration reactions or has a reactivity in limited conditions. Hematite assumed the ferric iron oxide component of cement. The reactivities observed in hematite/CaO/Fe(II) system were comparable to those reported for cement/Fe(II) systems containing similar molar amounts of Fe(II). The behavior of Fe(II) and $SO_4^{2-}$ sorbed on solid phase at an early stage of reaction in hematite/CaO/Fe(II) system was similar to that of cement/Fe(II) system. Ferric ion was released from hematite at an early period of reaction at low pH. The experimental evidence of kinetic test using hematite/CaO/Fe(II) system implies that the reactive reductant is a mixed-valent Fe(II)-Fe(III) mineral, which may be similar to green rust. Fe(II) sorbed on cement can be converted to new mineral phase having a reactivity such as Fe(II)-Fe(III) (hydr)oxides in cement/Fe(II) systems.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.25 no.1
• /
• pp.93-102
• /
• 2015

The characteristics of frozen soils are one of most important factors for foundation design in cold region. The objective of this study is to evaluate the shear strength and stiffness of frozen soils according to the confining conditions during the freezing and shearing phase. A direct shear box is constructed for the frozen specimens and bender elements are mounted on the wall of the shear box to measure shear wave velocities. Specimens are prepared by mixing sand and silt with a silt fraction of 30% in weight and the degree of saturation of 10%, giving a relative density of 60% for all tests. The temperature of the specimens in the freezer is allowed to fall below -5℃, and then direct shear tests are performed. A series of vertical stresses are applied during the freezing and shearing phase. Shear stress, vertical displacement, and shear wave along the horizontal displacement are measured. Experimental results show that in all the tests, shear strength increases with increasing vertical stress applied during the freezing and shearing phases. The magnitude of the increase in shear strength with increasing vertical stress during shearing under fixed vertical stress in the frozen state is smaller than the magnitude of the increase in vertical stress during freezing and shearing. In addition, the change in shear wave velocities varies with the position of the bender elements. In the case of shear waves passing through the shear plane, the shear wave velocities decrease with increasing horizontal displacement. This study provides an evaluation of the properties of shear strength and stiffness of frozen soils under varied confining condition.

• The Journal of Engineering Geology
• /
• v.27 no.4
• /
• pp.405-416
• /
• 2017

This study evaluated a model unconfined aquifer comprising a sand or gravel layer, a filter layer, a pumping well, and an observation well. The model was employed in step drawdown tests and then used to assess the permeability of each test tank. The optimal yield and well efficiency were then calculated. Evaluation of yield by step in sand layer filters of equal thickness gave optimized watering rates of 22.03 L/min in the double filter and 19.71 L/min in the single filter. The double filter's yield was 115.0% that of the single filter. A comparison of double and single filters, each 10 cm thick, showed the double filter to have a maximum yield of 182.7%. Yields for the gravel layer were 73.56 L/min for a double filter and 65.47 L/min for a single filter of the same thickness; the former value is 112.3% of that of the latter. Comparison of double and single filters with 10-cm-thick gravel layers revealed that the double filter had a maximum yield of 160.9%. Results for sand wells showed the double filter to have a maximum efficiency of 70.4% and the single filter to have a minimum efficiency of 37.1%. Gravel-layer well efficiencies were >66.5% for both double and single filters (each 30 cm thick), but only 22.5% for a 10-cm-thick single filter. This study confirms that permeability improved as the filter material became thicker; it also shows that a double filter has a higher yield and well efficiency than a single filter. These results can be applied to the practical design of wells.