• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제59권6호
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• pp.252-255
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• 2016

Purpose: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia occurs in various immunocompromised patients. Despite the prophylaxis strategies in clinical practice, certain patients develop P. jirovecii pneumonia. This study was performed to investigate pediatric cases with P. jirovecii pneumonia in a single center. Methods: We identified pediatric patients younger than 19 years with microbiologically confirmed P. jirovecii pneumonia from January 2000 to February 2014. A retrospective chart review was performed. Results: Fifteen episodes of P. jirovecii pneumonia in 14 patients were identified with median age of 8.3 years (range, 0.4-18.6 years). Among these patients, 11 patients had hematology-oncology diseases, 2 had primary immunodeficiency disorders (one with severe combined immunodeficiency and the other with Wiskott Aldrich syndrome), 1 had systemic lupus erythematosus and 1 received kidney transplant. Four patients were transplant recipients; 1 allogeneic and 2 autologous hematopoietic cell transplant and 1 with kidney transplant. The median absolute lymphocyte count at the diagnosis of P. jirovecii pneumonia was $5,156cells/mm^3$ (range, $20-5,111cells/mm^3$). In 13 episodes (13 of 15, 86.7%), patients were not receiving prophylaxis at the onset of P. jirovecii pneumonia. For treatment, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was given as a main therapeutic agent in all 15 episodes. Steroid was given in 9 episodes (60%). Median treatment duration was 15 days (range, 4-33 days). Overall mortality at 60 days was 35.7% (5 of 14). Conclusion: Majority of our patients developed P. jirovecii pneumonia while not on prophylaxis. Continuous efforts and more data are needed to identify high risk patients who may get benefit from P. jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제54권4호
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• pp.447-453
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• 2016

Acanthamoeba, a free-living amoeba, is widely distributed in the environment, water sources, soil, dust, and air. It can cause keratitis in contact lens wearers with poor hygiene and also fatal granulomatous amebic encephalitis (GAE) in immunocompromised hosts. The aim of this study was to gain some insights into the distribution and genotypes of the potentially pathogenic species of Acanthamoeba present in water sources in north of Iran. Total 43 Acanthamoeba species were isolated from 77 water samples taken from different water sources within the Mazandaran province in Northern Iran (Sari city and suburbs). Isolates were identified based on cyst and trophozoite morphological characteristics as well genetics. PCR fragments corresponding to the small-subunit 18S rRNA gene were sequenced for 20 of 43 positive isolates. The results revealed that 83.3% of sequenced isolates belonged to the T4 genotype and the rest belonged to the T2 genotype. Our results indicated that Acanthamoeba is widely distributed in Sari city. As the incidence in Iran of amoebic keratitis has increased in recent years, the exact estimation of the prevalence of this amoeba and its predominant genotype may play a crucial role in prevention of the disease. Sari city has several rivers, seashores, and natural recreational amenities, which attract visitors during the year. This is the first report of Acanthamoeba genotypes from water sources in Sari city, Mazandaran province of Iran, and the results suggest that more attention is needed to protect the visiting population and immunocompromised individuals.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• 제53권1호
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• pp.95-99
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• 2015

Strongyloides stercoralis can cause systemic infection, termed strongyloidiasis, and gastrointestinal ulcer disease in immunocompromised patients. However, to our knowledge, there are no reported cases of comorbid gastric adenocarcinoma and S. stercoralis infection. Here, we report a case of an 81-year-old Korean man who presented with S. stercoralis infection coexisting with early gastric adenocarcinoma (T1aN0M0). S. stercoralis eggs, rhabditiform larvae, and adult females were observed in normal gastric and duodenal crypts. They were also observed in atypical glands representative of adenocarcinoma and adenoma. Preliminary laboratory tests revealed mild neutrophilic and eosinophilic leukocytosis. A routine stool test failed to detect rhabditiform larvae in the patient's fecal sample; however, S. stercoralis was identified by PCR amplification and 18S rRNA sequencing using genomic DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Postoperatively, the patient had a persistent fever and was treated with albendazole for 7 days, which alleviated the fever. The patient was followed-up by monitoring and laboratory testing for 4 months postoperatively, and no abnormalities were observed thus far. The fact that S. stercoralis infection may be fatal in immunocompromised patients should be kept in mind when assessing high-risk patients.

• 한국축산식품학회지
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• 제33권6호
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• pp.730-736
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• 2013

This study was to establish irradiation process for serving ginseng chicken porridge to immune-compromised patients. Raw chicken, glutinous rice, ginseng, garlic, dried jujube and carrot were used as raw materials for ginseng chicken porridge. The initial level of microorganisms contaminated in raw materials and their predominant species were determined. The level of microorganism detected in raw chicken and in ginseng were 3.4 Log CFU/g and 4.7 Log CFU/g, respectively. Major predominant microorganisms were Pseudomonas fragi in chicken, Enterobactor faecalis in carrot, and Bacillus subtilis in other materials. Chicken and carrot were excluded from irradiation treatment because ordinary thermal treatment can inactivate the microorganisms contaminated in those materials. Five kGy of gamma ray was the effective sterilizing dose required to inactivate B. subtilis in glutinous rice, garlic and jujube, and 10 kGy in ginseng. Ginseng chicken porridge was prepared with each of raw materials gamma-irradiated with the selected sterilizing doses. Control was ginseng chicken porridge prepared with non-irradiated materials. The growth of microorganisms was not observed in the chicken porridge prepared with irradiated raw materials. Sensory results showed that the score of flavor and off-flavor was slightly lower in ginseng chicken porridge prepared with irradiated raw materials than in control. This was considered to be due to the increase of TBARS values by gamma irradiation. However, there was no significant difference on overall acceptance between the porridge prepared with irradiated raw materials and control. The results showed that the individual gamma irradiation of raw materials can be applied to prepare ginseng chicken porridge as meals for the immunocompromised patients.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제2권1호
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• pp.85-92
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• 1999

저자들은 15세 된 남아와 8세된 남아에서 C. parvum에 의한 위장관염 2례를 경험하였으며 전자 현미경상으로 확진하여 보고하는 바이다. 향후 국내에서도 소아의 설사질환의 원인으로서 cryptosporidiosis에 대한 임상의들의 많은 관심이 요구된다.

• 약학회지
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• 제58권2호
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• pp.81-90
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• 2014

In order to determine the functional benefits of Cordyceps militaris in the immune system, we examined the immunomodulatory activities of C. militaris using an immunocompromised C57BL/6 mice, mouse spleen cells, RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, and A549 lung carcinoma cells. Mice were injected intraperitioneally with an immunosuppressive drug, cyclophosphamide, and then administered orally with 30, 100 and 300 mg/kg of 50% ethanol extract of C. militaris (CME 30, CME 100 and CME 300) for 14 days. CME increased splenocyte proliferation and natural killer (NK) cell activity compared to 3% hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-treated control mice. CME also increased the production of Th1 cytokines, IL-2 and TNF-${\alpha}$ in spleen cells isolated from CME-injected mice and in vitro, which suggested the enhanced cellular immunity in response to CME. CME also increased splenocyte proliferation, NK cell activity, and IL-2 and TNF-${\alpha}$ production compared to 1 ${\mu}M$ methotrexate-treated spleen cells in vitro. We examined whether C. militaris regulates the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. CME inhibited LPS-induced NO production and iNOS expression in a dose dependent manner, while COX-2 expression was remained unchanged. In addition, CME also has free radical scavenging activity, indicating its antioxidant activity. These results indicate that C. militaris enhances immune activity by promoting immune cell proliferation and cytokine production.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• 제44권1호
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• pp.96-104
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• 2020

Objectives: Oleanolic acid, a minor element of ginsenosides, and its derivatives have been shown to have cytotoxicity against some tumor cells. The impact of cytotoxic effect of oleanolic acid 3-acetate on ovarian cancer SKOV3 cells and endometrial cancer HEC-1A cells were examined both in vivo and in vitro to explore the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Cytotoxic effects of oleanolic acid 3-acetate were assessed by cell viability, phosphatidylserine exposure on the cell surface, mitochondrial release of cytochrome C, nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor, depolarization of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (∆Ψ_m), and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In vivo inhibition of tumor growth was also assessed with xenografts in immunocompromised mice. Results: Oleanolic acid 3-acetate exhibited potent cytotoxicity toward SKOV3 and HEC-1A cells by decreasing cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner. Importantly, oleanolic acid 3-acetate effectively suppressed the growth of SKOV3 cell tumor xenografts in immunocompromised mice. Furthermore, oleanolic acid 3-acetate induced apoptotic cell death as revealed by loss of ∆Ψ_m, release of cytochrome c, and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor with a concomitant activation of many proapoptotic cellular components including poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, Bcl-2, and caspases-8, caspase-3, and caspase-7. Oleanolic acid 3-acetate, however, caused a decrease in ROS production, suggesting the involvement of an ROS-independent pathway in oleanolic acid 3-acetate-induced apoptosis in SKOV3 and HEC-1A cells. Conclusion: These findings support the notion that oleanolic acid 3-acetate could be used as a potent anticancer supplementary agent against ovarian and endometrial cancer. Oleanolic acid 3-acetate exerts its proapoptotic effects through a rather unique molecular mechanism that involves an unconventional ROS-independent but mitochondria-mediated pathway.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.187-192
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• 2007

REOviruses (Respiratory Enteric Orphan viruses) are ubiquitous, non-enveloped viruses containing 10 segments of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as their genome. They are common isolates of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tract of humans but are not associated with severe disease and are therefore considered relatively benign. An intriguing characteristic of reovirus is its innate oncolytic potential, which is linked to the transformed state of the cell. When immortalized cells are transfected in vitro with activated oncogenes such as Ras, Sos, v-erbB, or c-myc, they became susceptible to reovirus infection and subsequent cellular lysis, indicating that oncogene signaling pathways are exploited by reovirus. This observation has led to the use of the virus in clinical trials as an anti-cancer agent against oncogenic tumors. In addition to the exploitation of oncogene signaling, reovirus may further utilize host immune responses to enhance its antitumor activity in vivo due to its innate interferon induction ability. Reovirus is, however, not entirely benign to immunocompromised animal models. Reovirus causes so-called "black feet syndrome" in immunodeficient mice and can also harm neonatal animals. Because cancer patients often undergo immunosuppression due to heavy chemo/radiation-treatments or advanced tumor progression, this pathogenic response may be a hurdle in virus-based anticancer therapies. However, a genetically attenuated reovirus variant derived from persistent reovirus infection of cells in vitro is able to exert potent anti-tumor activity with significantly reduced viral pathogenesis in immunocompromised animals. Importantly, in this instance the attenuated, reovirus maintains its oncolytic potential while significantly reducing viral pathogenesis in vivo.

• Journal of Korean Medical Science
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• 제33권44호
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• pp.273.1-273.15
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• 2018

Background: Sparganosis is a larval cestodiasis caused by the plerocercoid of Spirometra spp. Since the first description of human sparganosis in 1924, several hundred cases have been reported in Korea. However, systematic approaches for literature surveys of Korean sparganosis have seldom appeared. Methods: We searched publicly available databases such as PubMed, Research Information Sharing Service, and Korea Medical Citation Index with relevant Medical Subject Headings. Results: At least 438 Korean sparganosis cases have been described from 1924 to 2015. Preoperative diagnosis has been significantly increased since the 1980s due to popularization of serological and imaging diagnostics. Cases were largely detected from fifth decades in general, but cerebral sparganosis was detected in relatively young age groups (third and fourth decades). Sparganosis was prevalent in men (75.9%). Consumption of frog/snake and drinking unfiltered water were found in 63.4% and 16.9% of patients, respectively. Most frequently affected sites were subcutaneous tissues (49.9%), followed by the central nervous system (36.2%). Involvements of visceral organs (7.6%), ocular regions (3.6%), and muscles (2.7%) were noticed. In women, breast sparganosis constituted a large proportion (34.2%). Sparganosis associated with immunocompromised patients has recently been reported. Conclusion: Sparganosis has been continuously reported in Korea during the past 90 years, although its incidence has decreased during the last 20 years. The disease is mostly characterized by subcutaneous nodule, but infection of the worm in vital organs often results in serious illness. Continuous awareness is warranted to monitor sparganosis occurrence and associated clinical consequences.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제5권2호
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• pp.150-157
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• 2002

목 적: 비장티푸스성 살모넬라균은 세균성 위장관염 및 장열 등을 일으키는 중요한 원인균으로 전 세계적으로 발생률이 증가할 뿐 아니라 항생제에 대한 다제내성률도 증가하는 추세이다. 그러나 이에 대한 소아에서의 연구 보고는 많지 않아 저자들은 비장티푸스성 살모넬라 위장관염의 임상양상과 항생제 내성률 등에 대하여 알아보고자 하였다. 방 법: 2000년 1월부터 2002년 6월까지 서울대학교 어린이병원에 내원하여 비장티푸스성 살모넬라 위장관염으로 진단받은 환아를 대상으로 임상양상, 항생제 내성률 및 변역 상태에 따른 내성률과 다제내성률 등을 조사하였다. 결 과: 대변 검사상 비장티푸스성 살모넬라균이 분리된 99례 중, 남아가 66례 여아가 33례였다. 2세 이상 3세 미만이 23례로 가장 많았으며 5세 미만에서 발생한 경우가 전체의 71%에 해당하였고 평균 연령은 4.0세였다. 25례는 항암 화학요법이나 스테로이드 및 면역 억제제 치료 등으로 면역 기능이 저하된 환자였다. 혈청군 중 D군이 65례로 가장 많았고 B군이 16례, C군과 E군이 각각 8례였다. 3례에서 균혈증이 동반되었다. 항생제에 대한 내성률을 보면 ampicillin에 31%, chloramphenicol에 12%, TMP-SMX에 20%, cefotaxime에 11%, cefixime에 8%의 내성률을 보였으며 ciprofloxacin은 모든균주에서 감수성을 보였다. Cefotaxime과 cefixime에 대한 내성률은 변역가능이 저하된 환아군에서 각각 24%, 14.3%로 정상군에서의 6.8%, 5.6%보다 유의하게 높았다 (p<0.05). 연령별(5세 미만 vs 5세 이상), 혈청군별(D군 vs 비D군) 내성률의 차이는 없었다. 한편 3가지 이상의 항생제에 내성을 보이는 다제내성균은 11례에서 동정되었고, 변역가능이 저하된 환아군에서의 동정률이 24%로 정상군에서의 동정률인 6.8%보다 유의하게 높았다(p<0.05). 결 론: 비장티푸스성 살모넬라 위장관염인 소아환자에서 항생제 치료를 해야 하는 경우에, 소아에서 안정성이 확립되지 않은 quinolone을 제외한다면 3세대 cephalosporin을 1차 선택제로 고려할 수 있다. 그러나 본 연구에서처럼 변역 가능이 저하된 환자에서는 cefotaxime과 cefixime에 대한 내성률과 다제내성률이 유의하게 높으므로 적절한 항생제 선택에 주의해야 할 것이며 향후 이에 대한 연구가 더 필요하리라 생각된다.