• Journal of Genetic Medicine
• /
• 제15권2호
• /
• pp.72-78
• /
• 2018

Purpose: Physicians' attitudes may have a strong influence on women's decision regarding prenatal screening options. The aim of this study is to assess the physicians' attitudes toward prenatal screening for fetal aneuploidy including non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) in South Korea. Materials and Methods: Questionnaires were distributed and collected at several obstetrics-gynecological conferences and meetings. The questionnaire included 31 multiple choice and 5 fill-in-the-blank questions. Seven questions requested physicians' demographic information, 17 questions requested information about the NIPT with cell-free fetal DNA, and 12 questions requested information about general prenatal screening practices. Results: Of the 203 obstetricians that completed the survey. In contrast with professional guidelines recommending the universal offering of aneuploidy screening, only 53.7% answered that prenatal aneuploidy testing (screening and/or invasive diagnostic testing) should be offered to all pregnant women. Physicians tended to have positive attitudes toward the clinical application of NIPT as both primary and secondary screening methods for patients at high-risk for fetal trisomy. However, for patients at average-risk for fetal trisomy, physicians tended to have positive attitudes only as a secondary screening method. Physicians with more knowledge about NIPT were found to tend to inform their patients that the detection rate of NIPT is higher. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate expert opinion on prenatal screening in South Korea. Education of physicians is essential to ensure responsible patient counseling, informed consent, and appropriate management after NIPT.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• 제27권2호
• /
• pp.95-103
• /
• 2024

Purpose: Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of mortality in children living in developing countries. The etiology of acute diarrhea in each healthcare center varies depending on place, time, and population. This study aimed to identify pathogen patterns in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and non-HIV children suffering from acute diarrhea, using multiplex real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in an Indonesian tertiary hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National Hospital from March 2019 to April 2020. Results: The study showed that multiplex RT-PCR results were positive in 58.9% of the specimens, with more positive results in HIV-infected children than in non-HIV-infected children (70% vs. 54.7%). Altogether 72 enteropathogens were detected from all specimens. Enteropathogens in non-HIV children with acute diarrhea consisted of bacteria (70.6%) and viruses (29.4%) with a predominance of enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (25.4%), followed by Campylobacter spp. (11.8%), enteropathogenic E. coli (9.8%), Norovirus GII (7.8%), and Clostridium difficile (7.8%). Enteropathogens in HIV-infected children consisted of viruses (57.1%), bacteria (28.6%), and parasites (14.3%) comprising Norovirus GII (24%), Cryptosporidium spp. (14.3%), Campylobacter spp. (14.3%), Norovirus GI (14.3%), and Astrovirus (14.3%). Cryptosporidium spp. was the only parasite found in this study and was found only in HIV-infected children. In non-HIV children with acute diarrhea, most pathogens were invasive bacteria, while in HIV-infected children, more viral and parasite infections occurred, primarily caused by opportunistic pathogens. Conclusion: The pattern of enteropathogens can help clinicians determine further examinations and appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy for the patient.

• 한국진공학회:학술대회논문집
• /
• 한국진공학회 2012년도 제42회 동계 정기 학술대회 초록집
• /
• pp.523-523
• /
• 2012

As the wafer geometric requirements continuously complicated and minutes in tens of nanometers, the expectation of real-time add-on sensors for in-situ plasma process monitoring is rapidly increasing. Various industry applications, utilizing plasma impedance monitor (PIM) and optical emission spectroscopy (OES), on etch end point detection, etch chemistry investigation, health monitoring, fault detection and classification, and advanced process control are good examples. However, process monitoring in semiconductor manufacturing industry requires non-invasiveness. The hypothesis behind the optical monitoring of plasma induced ion current is for the monitoring of plasma induced charging damage in non-invasive optical way. In plasma dielectric via etching, the bombardment of reactive ions on exposed conductor patterns may induce electrical current. Induced electrical charge can further flow down to device level, and accumulated charges in the consecutive plasma processes during back-end metallization can create plasma induced charging damage to shift the threshold voltage of device. As a preliminary research for the hypothesis, we performed two phases experiment to measure the plasma induced current in etch environmental condition. We fabricated electrical test circuits to convert induced current to flickering frequency of LED output, and the flickering frequency was measured by high speed optical plasma monitoring system (OPMS) in 10 kHz. Current-frequency calibration was done in offline by applying stepwise current increase while LED flickering was measured. Once the performance of the test circuits was evaluated, a metal pad for collecting ion bombardment during plasma etch condition was placed inside etch chamber, and the LED output frequency was measured in real-time. It was successful to acquire high speed optical emission data acquisition in 10 kHz. Offline measurement with the test circuitry was satisfactory, and we are continuously investigating the potential of real-time in-situ plasma induce current measurement via OPMS.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제14권6호
• /
• pp.3843-3846
• /
• 2013

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess prognosis after resection of giant tumors (including lobectomy or pneumonectomy) in the mediastinum. Materials and Methods: Patients with resection of a giant tumor in the mediastinum of the thoracic cavity received ICU treatment including dynamic monitoring of vital signs, arterial blood pressure and CVP detection, determination of hemorrhage, pulmonary function and blood gas assay, treatment of relevant complications, examination and treatment with fiber optic bronchoscopy, transfusion and hemostasis as well as postoperative removal of ventilators by invasive and non-invasive sequential mechanical ventilation technologies. Results: Six patients were rehabilitated successfully after ICU treatment with controlled postoperative errhysis and pulmonary infection by examination and treatment with fiber optic bronchoscopy without second application of ventilators and tubes after sequential mechanical ventilation technology. One patient died from multiple organ failure under ICU treatment due to postoperative active hemorrhage after second operative hemostasis. Conclusions: During peri-operative period of resection of giant tumor (including lobectomy or pneumonectomy) in mediastinum ofthe thoracic cavity, the ICU plays an important role in dynamic monitoring of vital signs, treatment of postoperative stress state, postoperative hemostasis and successful removal of ventilators after sequential mechanical ventilation.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
• /
• 제23권5호
• /
• pp.423-429
• /
• 2020

Purpose: Alimentary tract duplication (ATD) is a rare congenital condition that may occur throughout the intestinal tract. Clinical symptoms are generally related to the involved site, size of duplication, or associated ectopic mucosa. This study aimed to identify clinical implications by anatomical locations and age group and then suggest a relevant management according to its distinct features. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of pediatric patients who received a surgical management due to ATD. Furthermore, data including patients' demographics, anatomical distribution of the duplication, clinical features according to anatomical variants, and outcomes were compared. Results: A total of 25 patients were included in this study. ATD developed most commonly in the midgut, especially at the ileocecal region. The most common clinical presentation was abdominal pain, a sign resulting from intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal bleeding, and intussusception. The non-communicating cystic type was the most common pathological feature in all age groups. Clinically, prenatal detection was relatively low; however, it usually manifested before the infantile period. A laparoscopic procedure was performed in most cases (18/25, 72.0%), significantly in the midgut lesion (p=0.012). Conclusion: ATD occurs most commonly at the ileocecal region, and a symptomatic one may usually be detected before the early childhood period. Surgical management should be considered whether symptom or not regarding its symptomatic progression, and a minimal invasive procedure is the preferred method, especially for the midgut lesion.

• 대한의용생체공학회:의공학회지
• /
• 제23권5호
• /
• pp.397-403
• /
• 2002

뇨당 측정 시스템은 소변 속의 글루코오스 농도를 측정함으로서 당뇨 수치를 모니터링하는 비침습적인 당뇨병 자가 진단 장치이다. 본 논문에서는 기존의 침습형 혈당측정방법의 불편성과 비색계를 이용한 뇨당 검사법의 단점을 보완한 뇨당 측정시스템을 설계하였다. 뇨당 측정시스템은 뇨당 측정용 화학센서, 신호검출부, 디지털 제어 및 신호분석부, 디스플레이부 및 전원부로 구성된다. 뇨당측정용 센서로는 재현성이 뛰어나고 다루기가 간편하며 저렴한 가격으로 대량 생산할 수, 있는 일회용 뇨당측정용 전류화학센서를 개발하였다. 설계한 뇨당 측정시스템의 성능을 평가하기 위하여 사람의 소변에 임의의 농도의 글루코오스 성분을 섞은 용액에 대하여 글루코오스 성분 분석시 사용되는 표준장비와의 비교분석을 통해서 글루코오스 농도 검출에 대한 신뢰성 평가를 수행하였다. 회귀분석에 기초한 신뢰성 평가를 수행한 결과 표준오차는 2.85282로 나타났다. 또한, 화학센서를 사용해서 측정하는 시스템을 평가 시 중요한 파라미터인 S.D(Standard Deviation)는 10%로서 임상적으로 유효한 15% 범주 내에 있음을 확인하였고, C.V(Coefficient of Validation)값은 ,5%이내이므로 혈당센서의 기준으로 평가해 볼때 만족하는 결과를 보였다.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
• /
• 제7권1호
• /
• pp.53-58
• /
• 2010

목 적: 모체 혈장으로부터 가장 효과적으로 세포 유리 DNA(cell free DNA, cf-DNA)를 추출하는 방법을 찾기 위해 우리는 viral DNA 추출 방법과 일반 혈액DNA 추출 방법을 이용하여 비침습적 임신 초기 태아 성별 확인 결과를 비교하였다. 대상 및 방법: 임신 초기 44명의 임산부로부터 모여진 모체 혈장을 통한 전향적 연구가 구성되었다. Cf-DNA는 viral DNA 추출 방법과 일반 혈액 DNA 추출 방법을 이용하여 각각 추출되었다. 정량 형광-중합효소 연쇄 반응(QF-PCR)을 이용하여SRY 와AMXY 유전자를 검출하였다. QF-PCR의 진단 정확도는 최종 분만 기록을 토대로 결정하였다. 결 과: 전체 44명의 여성이 실험에 참여하였지만, 최종 분만 기록은 단지 36명의 여성에서 획득하였다. 이들 중 16명은 남아를 20명은 여아를 임신하였다. 두 추출 방법에서 태아 성별의 진단적 정확도는 일반 혈액 DNA 추출 방법에 경우 63.9% (23/26)였으며 viral DNA 추출 방법에 경우 97.2% (35/36) 였다. 결 론: QF-PCR을 이용한 비침습적 임신초기 태아 성별 확인에 있어 viral kit를 사용하는 것이 높은 진단적 정확도를 이끌 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

• Korean Journal of Radiology
• /
• 제20권1호
• /
• pp.58-68
• /
• 2019

Objective: To compare digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and conventional full-field digital mammography (FFDM) in the detectability of breast cancers in patients with dense breast tissue, and to determine the influencing factors in the detection of breast cancers using the two techniques. Materials and Methods: Three blinded radiologists independently graded cancer detectability of 300 breast cancers (288 women with dense breasts) on DBT and conventional FFDM images, retrospectively. Hormone status, histologic grade, T stage, and breast cancer subtype were recorded to identify factors affecting cancer detectability. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare cancer detectability by DBT and conventional FFDM. Fisher's exact tests were used to determine differences in cancer characteristics between detectability groups. Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to determine whether the detectability score differed according to cancer characteristics. Results: Forty breast cancers (13.3%) were detectable only with DBT; 191 (63.7%) breast cancers were detected with both FFDM and DBT, and 69 (23%) were not detected with either. Cancer detectability scores were significantly higher for DBT than for conventional FFDM (median score, 6; range, 0-6; p < 0.001). The DBT-only cancer group had more invasive lobular-type breast cancers (22.5%) than the other two groups (i.e., cancer detected on both types of image [both-detected group], 5.2%; cancer not detected on either type of image [both-non-detected group], 7.3%), and less detectability of ductal carcinoma in situ (5% vs. 16.8% [both-detected group] vs. 27.5% [both-non-detected group]). Low-grade cancers were more often detected in the DBT-only group than in the both-detected group (22.5% vs. 10%, p = 0.026). Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER-2)-negative cancers were more often detected in the DBT-only group than in the both-detected group (92.3% vs. 70.5%, p = 0.004). Cancers surrounded by mostly glandular tissue were detected less often in the DBT only group than in the both-non-detected group (10% vs. 31.9%, p = 0.016). DBT cancer detectability scores were significantly associated with cancer type (p = 0.012), histologic grade (p = 0.013), T and N stage (p = 0.001, p = 0.024), proportion of glandular tissue surrounding lesions (p = 0.013), and lesion type (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Invasive lobular, low-grade, or HER-2-negative cancer is more detectable with DBT than with conventional FFDM in patients with dense breasts, but cancers surrounded by mostly glandular tissue might be missed with both techniques.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• 제15권1호
• /
• pp.161-166
• /
• 2014

Lung cancer is the most common causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and a lack of effective methods for early diagnosis has greatly impacted the prognosis and survival rates of the affected patients. Tumor-initiating cells (TICs) are considered to be largely responsible for tumor genesis, resistance to tumor therapy, metastasis, and recurrence. In addition to representing a good potential treatment target, TICs can provide clues for the early diagnosis of cancer. MicroRNA (miRNA) alterations are known to be involved in the initiation and progression of human cancer, and the detection of related miRNAs in TICs is an important strategy for lung cancer early diagnosis. As Hsa-miR-155 (miR-155) can be used as a diagnostic marker for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a smart molecular beacon of miR-155 was designed to image the expression of miR-155 in NSCLC cases. TICs expressing CD133 and CD338 were obtained from A549 cells by applying an immune magnetic bead isolation system, and miR-155 was detected using laser-scanning confocal microscopy. We found that intracellular miR-155 could be successfully detected using smart miR-155 molecular beacons. Expression was higher in TICs than in A549 cells, indicating that miR-155 may play an important role in regulating bio-behavior of TICs. As a non-invasive approach, molecular beacons could be implemented with molecular imaging to diagnose lung cancer at early stages.

• Toxicological Research
• /
• 제26권4호
• /
• pp.329-337
• /
• 2010

Inhaled inorganic dusts, such as coal, can cause inflammation and fibrosis in the lungs, known as pneumoconiosis. Diagnosis of pneumoconiosis depends on morphological changes by radiological findings and functional change by pulmonary function test (PFT). Unfortunately, current diagnostic findings are limited only to lung fibrosis, which is usually irreversibly progressive. Therefore, it is important that research on potential and prospective biomarkers for pneumoconiosis should be conducted prior to initiation of irreversible radiological or functional changes in the lungs. Analytical techniques using exhaled breath condensate (EBC) or exhaled gas are non-invasive methods for detection of various respiratory diseases. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers, such as EBC pH or fractional exhaled nitric oxide ($FE_{NO}$), and pneumoconiosis among 120 retired coal miners (41 controls and 79 pneumoconiosis patients). Levels of EBC pH and FENO did not show a statistically significant difference between the pneumoconiosis patient group and pneumoconiosis patients with small opacity classified by International Labor Organization (ILO) classification. The mean concentration of $FE_{NO}$ in the low percentage $FEV_1$ (< 80%) was lower than that in the high percentage (80% $\leq$) (p = 0.023). The mean concentration of $FE_{NO}$ in current smokers was lower than that in non smokers (never or past smokers) (p = 0.027). Although there was no statistical significance, the levels of $FE_{NO}$ in smokers tended to decrease, compared with non smokers, regardless of pneumoconiosis. In conclusion, there was no significant relationship between the level of EBC pH or $FE_{NO}$ and radiological findings or PFT. The effects between exhaled biomarkers and pneumoconiosis progression, such as decreasing PFT and exacerbation of radiological findings, should be monitored.