• BMB Reports
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.662-669
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• 2007

Although the function of cellular prion protein (PrP$^C$) and the pathogenesis of prion diseases have been widely described, the mechanisms are not fully clarified. In this study, increases of the portion of non-glycosylated prion protein deposited in the hamster brains infected with scrapie strain 263K were described. To elucidate the pathological role of glycosylation profile of PrP, wild type human PrP (HuPrP) and two genetic engineering generated non-glycosylated PrP mutants (N181Q/N197Q and T183A/T199A) were transiently expressed in human astrocytoma cell line SF126. The results revealed that expressions of non-glycosylated PrP induced significantly more apoptosis cells than that of wild type PrP. It illustrated that Bcl-2 proteins might be involved in the apoptosis pathway of non-glycosylated PrPs. Our data highlights that removal of glycosylation of prion protein provokes cells apoptosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.80 no.4
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• pp.358-367
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• 2017

Background: Bacterial pneumonia occurring after respiratory viral infection is common. However, the predominant bacterial species causing pneumonia secondary to respiratory viral infections other than influenza remain unknown. The purpose of this study was to know whether the pathogens causing post-viral bacterial pneumonia vary according to the type of respiratory virus. Methods: Study subjects were 5,298 patients, who underwent multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction for simultaneous detection of respiratory viruses, among who visited the emergency department or outpatient clinic with respiratory symptoms at Ulsan University Hospital between April 2013 and March 2016. The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 251 clinically significant bacteria were identified in 233 patients with post-viral bacterial pneumonia. Mycoplasma pneumoniae was the most frequent bacterium in patients aged <16 years, regardless of the preceding virus type (p=0.630). In patients aged ${\geq}16years$, the isolated bacteria varied according to the preceding virus type. The major results were as follows (p<0.001): pneumonia in patients with influenza virus (type A/B), rhinovirus, and human metapneumovirus infections was caused by similar bacteria, and the findings indicated that Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia was very common in these patients. In contrast, coronavirus, parainfluenza virus, and respiratory syncytial virus infections were associated with pneumonia caused by gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: The pathogens causing post-viral bacterial pneumonia vary according to the type of preceding respiratory virus. This information could help in selecting empirical antibiotics in patients with post-viral pneumonia.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.100-108
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• 2007

Gene therapy has become a promising strategy for the treatment of genetically based diseases, such as cancer, which are currently considered incurable. A major obstacle in the field of cancer gene therapy is the development of a safe and efficient delivery system for therapeutic gene transfer. Non-viral vectors have attracted great interest, as they are simple to prepare, stable, easy to modify and relatively safe compared to viral vectors. In this review, an insight into the strategies developed for polyethylenimine (PEI)-based non-viral vectors has been provide, including improvement of the polyplex properties by incorporating hydrophilic spacer, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Moreover, this review will summarize the strategies for the tumor targeting. Specifically, a targeted polymeric gene delivery system, PEI-g-PEG-RGD, will be introduced as an efficient gene delivery vector for tumor therapy, including its functional analysis both in vitro and in vivo.

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.57-63
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• 2003

The bovine rotavirus(BRV), bovine coronavirus(BCV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus(BVDV) are main viruses of bovine viral diarrhea disease. These viruses could be rapidly amplified by the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). This study was conducted to develop rapid and accurate diagnostic methods of these viral diseases by multiplex RT-PCR. Specific primers were designed based on the sequences reported by Chang KO et. al. (1997) and Schroeder BA, et. al. (1990), RNA were prepared from the cultured viruses, first-stranded DNAs were synthesised by reverse transcriptase. PCR were conducted to amplify specific regions of the viruses by multiplex. Three bands such as 1,062bp for BRV, 458bp for BCV, and 300bp for BVDV were successfully produced by multiplex RT-PCR. In conclusion, this result suggested that these viruses could be diagnosed rapidly and accurately by multiplex RT-PCR.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.12
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• pp.7045-7056
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• 2013

Since the first report of RNA interference (RNAi) less than a decade ago, this type of molecular intervention has been introduced to repress gene expression in vitro and also for in vivo studies in mammals. Understanding the mechanisms of action of synthetic small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) underlies use as therapeutic agents in the areas of cancer and viral infection. Recent studies have also promoted different theories about cell-specific targeting of siRNAs. Design and delivery strategies for successful treatment of human diseases are becomingmore established and relationships between miRNA and RNAi pathways have been revealed as virus-host cell interactions. Although both are well conserved in plants, invertebrates and mammals, there is also variabilityand a more complete understanding of differences will be needed for optimal application. RNA interference (RNAi) is rapid, cheap and selective in complex biological systems and has created new insight sin fields of cancer research, genetic disorders, virology and drug design. Our knowledge about the role of miRNAs and siRNAs pathways in virus-host cell interactions in virus infected cells is incomplete. There are different viral diseases but few antiviral drugs are available. For example, acyclovir for herpes viruses, alpha-interferon for hepatitis C and B viruses and anti-retroviral for HIV are accessible. Also cancer is obviously an important target for siRNA-based therapies, but the main problem in cancer therapy is targeting metastatic cells which spread from the original tumor. There are also other possible reservations and problems that might delay or even hinder siRNA-based therapies for the treatment of certain conditions; however, this remains the most promising approach for a wide range of diseases. Clearly, more studies must be done to allow efficient delivery and better understanding of unwanted side effects of siRNA-based therapies. In this review miRNA and RNAi biology, experimental design, anti-viral and anti-cancer effects are discussed.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.131-140
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• 2001

Objectives : During March-May, 2000, a measles outbreak occurred at Youngduk, Korea. This county is divided into two areas with different historical and socioeconomic background. The outbreak occurred in one of these areas. We conducted a comparative epidemiologic study on the two areas in order to evaluate the factors related to the epidemic. Materials and Methods : We selected two groups, grades 3 and 5 in a primary schools in each area. We investigated outbreak-related factors using parent-questionnaires, the vaccination history from the student's health record and the records concerning the recent measles-outbreak from the local health center. Serologic test on measles-IgG and -IgM antibody was done. Results : The infection rate was 31.5% for the epidemic area and 3.7% for non-the epidemic area according to clinical or serological criteria (p<0.001). No difference was seen in the measles vaccination rate, residence at the time of vaccination or past measles infection history between the two areas. In the epidemic area, the attack rate for the 4-6 year-old MMR booster group(20.5%) was higher than the non-booster group(32.4%), but was not found significantly. Vaccine efficacy was 29.6% in the epidemic area and 87.0% in the non-epidemic area (p<0.001). The IgG level and positive rate were significantly different between the two areas (median 10727 IU/ml, 98.9% in epidemic area; median 346 IU/ml, 85.9% in the non-epidemic area, p<0.001). However, the IgG level and positive rate between the measles-cases and non-cases were not significantly different. Conclusions : This outbreak took place in mostly vaccinated children. These results suggest that a reduction of herd immunity for immunity failure after vaccination may be one of the feasible factors related to the outbreak pattern in the two areas. The results of the IgG level and positive rate suggest that re-establishment of a normal value for IgG level and of a qualitative method for IgG are needed.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.177-184
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• 2006

This study was performed to evaluate the prevalence of high risk Human papilloma virus (HPV), Herpes simplex virus type 1, 2 (HSV-1,2), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Human Immuno deficiency virus (HIV) infection with sexual transmitted viral diseases in Busan during 2004 to 2005. six hundred seventy four samples of cervical swabs were tested for sexually transmitted viral diseases. Among the isolated viruses, 23 (3.4%) samples were HPV and 3 (0.4%) and 9 (1.3%) samples were HSV 1 and 2, respectively. Among the 586 serum samples tested for viruses, HSV IgM 121 (3.6%), HSV-1 IgG 487 (83.1%), HSV-2 IgG 135 (23.0%), HBsAg 26 (4.4%), HBeAg 7 (1.2%), and HIV (0%) types were found. HPV genotypes were detected in 16 patients, of which 13 cases were high risk type HPV, 3 cases were low risk type HPV, and multi infection were detected in 7 cases. In the age distribution of the patients, 7.2% of infection tested from cervical swabs occurred in under the age of 20, while 100% of infection was found to occur in those who were 40 years old or older in the serum samples. The outbreak pattern in their occupations was found to be the highest at the health organization (amusement quarter) for the cervical swabs, and at infirmary (commercial sex worker) for the serum samples, respectively.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.175-192
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• 1989

A total of 9, 012 cases was submitted for diagnosis of chicken diseases to Veterinary Research Institute, Rural Development Administration from domestic chicken farms during 18 years from 1971 to 1988. Of them, 6, 181 cases diagnosed as the infectious disease were investigated for the detection rate of infections on basis of you, season , and chicken age. The results obtained were summarized as followings：1. Detection rate or the infections was lowest as 49.3% in the year 1973, and highest as 78.6% in 1985 (average 68.6%). 2. Of infections detected, bacterial diseases were most frequent (32.6%), and followed in order by viral (26.3%), parasitic (7.7%), and fungal diseases (2.1%) in geneal. 3. The most frequently detected bacterial diseases in order of prevalence were mycoplasmosis (8.8%), colibacillosis (8.5%), and staphylococcosis (5.8%), and followed by salmonellosis pullorum disease , yolk sac disease, and salpingitis (0.8-1.5%). 4. In viral diseases, 7.5% of infections detected was lymphoid leukosis and 7.2%-Marek's disease, 4.4%-Newcastle disease, 2.0%-infectious laryngotracheitis, 1.7%-infectious bursal disease, and 1.0%-avian encephalomyelitis, while detection rate of infectious bronchitis, egg drop syndrome '76, and inclusion body hepatitis was less than 1.0%, respectively. 5. The most prevalent parasitic disease was coccidiosis (4.5%), followed by ascariasis (1.4%). The detection rate of other parasitic diseases including leucocytozoonosis, black head , heterakiasis, and ectoparasitosis was very as 0.2-0.7%, respectively： In fungal diseases, 2.0% of infections was detected as aspergillosis, and followed by candidiasis (0.1%). 6. Detection rate of the infections on basis of season was somewhat higher in summer. (27.7%), and autumn (27.7%) than in winter (23.5%), and spring (21.5%) in general. In bacterial, viral, and fungal diseases, there were the similar tendencies of detection rate as in infections, while parasitic diseases were much highly detected in summer (34.3%), and autumn (39.5%) than in any other season. 7. Among bacterial diseases colibacillosis was most frequently detected in summer, and staphylococcosis in autumn. In detection rate of viral diseases, Marek's disease, infectious laryngotracheitis, and infectious bursal disease was highest in summer, lymphold leukosis, fowl pox and egg drop syndrome '76 in autumn, and infectious trachitis in winter, repectively. The majority of important parasitic diseases including coccidiosis were highly detected in summer and autumn. 8. On basis of chicken age, detection rate of infections were highest in chicken of growing period between 30 and 150 days of age (41.4%), and followed by 35.3% in laying chicken over 150 days of age, and 17.3% in chicken of brooding age under 30 days of age. Bacterial, and parasitic diseases were most frequently detected in chicken of growing period, viral diseases in chicken of growing, and laying period as nearly equal rate of detection, and fungal diseases in chicken of brooding age.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.113-120
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• 2010

To understand protozoan, viral, and bacterial infections in diarrheal patients, we analyzed positivity and mixedinfection status with 3 protozoans, 4 viruses, and 10 bacteria in hospitalized diarrheal patients during 2004-2006 in the Republic of Korea. A total of 76,652 stool samples were collected from 96 hospitals across the nation. The positivity for protozoa, viruses, and bacteria was 129, 1,759, and 1,797 per 10,000 persons, respectively. Especially, Cryptosporidium parvum was highly mixed-infected with rotavirus among pediatric diarrheal patients (29.5 per 100 C. parvum positive cases), and Entamoeba histolytica was mixed-infected with Clostridium perfringens (10.3 per 100 E. histolytica positive cases) in protozoan-diarrheal patients. Those infected with rotavirus and C. perfringens constituted relatively high proportions among mixed infection cases from January to April. The positivity for rotavirus among viral infection for those aged $\leq$ 5 years was significantly higher, while C. perfringens among bacterial infection was higher for $\geq$ 50 years. The information for association of viral and bacterial infections with enteropathogenic protozoa in diarrheal patients may contribute to improvement of care for diarrhea as well as development of control strategies for diarrheal diseases in Korea.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.118-124
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• 2015

Purpose: The symptoms and signs of urinary tract infection (UTI) in early infancy are non-specific. Prompt diagnosis of UTI is important, as untreated UTI results in renal damage. Especially, febrile UTI in young infants coexist with other serious bacterial infections. The purpose this study was to propose modified Rochester criteria to differentiate viral infection from urinary tract infection. Methods: We carried out a retrospective investigation of 168 infants less than three months old with a tympanic temperature $>38^{\circ}C$ who were admitted to Chung-Ang University Hospital between 2011 and 2014. We compared the symptoms, physical examination results, and laboratory data between viral infection and UTI groups. A modified Rochester criterion was composed of statistically significant factors. Results: A total of 76 and 92 infants with UTI and a viral infection, respectively, were included. Statistically significant differences in gender, previous admission history, neutrophil ratio, and urine WBC count were found between the two study groups. Using a cut off value of 3 points, the sensitivity and specificity of the modified Rochester criteria were 71.28% and 78.57%, respectively. Conclusion: The modified Rochester criteria may give an outline for identifying young infants with UTI.