• Korean Journal of Microbiology
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.169-175
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• 1989

To study the role of mutant precore region in expression and secretion of hapatitis B viral core antigen, we have cloned core antigen gene(HBc) with or without precore region in geterologous expression vectors containing SV40 promoter, yeast promoter, and lambda $P_{L}$ promoter. In COS cells transfected with plasmid containing C-gene with precore region, antigens were detected in both cell extract and cultured medium. However, in the cells transfected with plasmids containing C-gene without precore or with mutated precore region by one nucleotide (T) addition at the nucleotide 1,821, HBcAg was detected only in cell extracts. These results support that the mutation by one nucleotide addition shifted the initiation codon of precore region to 53 nucleotides upward and the elongated precore region also played a major role in the secretion of HBcAg in mammalian cells. In the case of yeast and E. coli, HBcAg was detected only in cell extracts in spite of the presence of precore region, which suggest that precore region could not affect HBcAg secretion in these system.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.95-100
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• 2013

Background: This study was performed to investigate the epidemiologic and clinical features of acute respiratory viral infection in hospitalized children. Methods: From 2010 to 2012, we tested nasopharyngeal swab specimen in 1,584 hospitalized children with multiple real-time polymerase chain reactions to identify 10 kinds of respiratory viruses (including influenza virus A, B (FluA, FluB), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (MPV), adenovirus (AdV), human coronavirus (CoronaV), human enterovirus (HEV), human bocavirus (HBoV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), and human rhinovirus (Rhinovirus)). We analyzed the positive rate, annual and seasonal variations, and clinical features (respiratory tract and non-respiratory tract) according to the retrospective review of medical records. Results: Respiratory viruses were detected from 678 (42.8%) of 1,584 patients. The most common detected virus was RSV (35.0%), and then AdV (19.0%), HEV (18.1%). The critical period of the respiratory viral infection was during the first 12 months of a child's life. PIV increased by 8.4%, 12.1%, and 21.1% annually. Bronchiolitis was most frequently caused by RSV, and croup was frequently caused by PIV. The most common cause of meningitis was HEV. Hepatitis-associated respiratory virus was developed 111 in 678 cases. Conclusion: Although this study was confined to a single medical center for three years, we identified the epidemiology and clinical feature of respiratory viruses in Daegu from 2010 to 2012. Future surveillance will be necessary for annual and seasonal variations.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.122-132
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• 1999

Purpose : Hepatitis B virus DNA transfected cell line(HepG2.2.15) was cultured to evaluate the effect of herbs on the expression of HBeAg and the replication of HBV. HepG2.2.15 produces HBV particles as well as viral proteins into cell culture media. Methods : Extracts of herbs were adminitered to the cells on the proper concentration. Culture media was collected 48 hours after the herbal administration and HBeAg level in the media was examined by ELISA method. To confirm that the anti-viral effect was not due to direct cytotocixity of the extracts, normal cell proliferation was shown by cell counting. And as of the interference in protein synthesis of HepG2.2.15 by herb-extracts, we used the result of study that we performed before by ${\alpha}FP$ assay using EIA method. Results& Conclusion : Herb medicines like 地楡(Sanguisorbae Radix) and 覆盆子(Rubi Frusctus) showed significant inhibitory effect on HBeAg expression at p<0.01 and 五味子(Acanthopanacis Cortex) at p<0.05. Whereas, though some herbs such as ?草根(Rubiae Radix), 山査(Crataegii Fructus), 白芍藥(Paeoniae Radix Alba), and 大黃(Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) showed the tendecy to suppress HBeAg. most of them were not significant statistically. From the above, we could conclude that those herb medicines can be applied to patients effectively and further studies on effective fraction of some herbs are thought to be needed.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.37-47
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• 1993

최근에 치명적인 바이러스, 특히 에이즈를 이르키는 Human Immunodificiency Virus (HIV), 또는 간에 심각한 병을 이르키는 Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)와 같은 무서운 바이러스가 환자의 피나 분비물을 통하여 의사에게 전염되는 사례가 늘어감에 따라 이제는 환자의 피나 분비물의 침투를 막기 위해 방수성과 방균성을 가진 수술복 착용이 절대적으로 필요하게 되었다. 따라서 본 연구의 목적은 1. 수술가운을 만드는 5가지 대표적인 직물의 방수성과 방균성을 측정하고 2. 세탁시 표백제의 사용유무가 그 직물의 방수성과 방균성에 미치는 영향을 알아보고 3. 반복세탁이 그 직물의 방수성과 방균성에 미치는 영향을 알아 보는데 있다. 이 실험을 위해 3가지 재사용 수술가운과 (Gore-tex$^R$, membrane reinforced; Compel$^{TM}$, fabric reinforced; Acep$^{TM}$, non-reinforced) 두 가지 일회용 가운 (Evolution$^R$ gown, fabric reinforced; Evolution$^R$ Specialty, film reinforced)이 사용되었다. 표백제를 사용한 세탁이 직물의 방수성과 방균성에 미치는 영향을 알아보기 위해 재사용 가운을 세탁, 건조, 살균을 하였다. 세탁과 살균의 빈도수는 1, 20, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80번 이였다. 방수성 측정방법으로 1. Impact Penetration test (AATCC 42-1985), 2. Elbow Lean test, 3. Synthetic Blood Resistance test (ASTM F 23. 40. 01)가 사용되었고 방균성 측정방법으로 Viral Resistance test (ASTM F 23. 40. 02)가 사용되었다. 실험 결과는 다음과 같다. 1. Gore-Tex$^R$ 가운과 Evolution$^R$ Specialty 가운은 방수성과 방균성의 성질을 가졌다. 그러나 표백제를 사용하여 70번 세탁한 Gore-Tex$^R$ 가운은 membrane의 구조가 파괴되어서 방균성을 상실했다. 2. Evolution$^R$ 가운, Acep$^{TM}$ 가운과 Compel$^{TM}$ 가운은 오직 Impact Penetration test만 통과했다. 즉 이 직물들은 큰 압력의 가함이 없는 splash resistance만 가지고있다. 그러나 Acep$^{TM}$ 가운과 Compel$^{TM}$ 가운은 20번과 60번 세탁 후 각각 그들의 splash resistance 마져도 상실했다.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.201-212
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• 2023

Purpose: The gastrointestinal system is the most commonly affected organ, followed by the lungs, in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PID). Hence, it is common for children with PIDs to present with gastrointestinal symptoms. We aimed to analyze the clinical and histopathological findings of patients who were initially admitted to pediatric gastroenterology/hepatology clinics and subsequently diagnosed with PIDs to identify the clinical clues for PIDs. Methods: The demographic, laboratory, and histopathological findings, treatment modality, and outcomes of patients initially admitted to the pediatric gastroenterology/hepatology unit and subsequently diagnosed with PIDs were recorded. Results: The study included 24 patients (58.3% male; median age [range]: 29 [0.5-204] months). Common clinical presentations included chronic diarrhea (n=8), colitis (n=6), acute hepatitis (n=4), and acute liver failure (n=2). The association of autoimmune diseases, development of malignant diseases, and severe progression of viral diseases was observed in 20.8%, 8.3%, and 16.6% of the patients, respectively. Antibody deficiency was predominantly diagnosed in 29.2% of patients, combined immunodeficiency in 20.8%, immune dysregulation in 12.5%, defects in intrinsic and innate immunity in 4.2%, autoinflammatory disorders in 8.3%, and congenital defects of phagocytes in 4.2%. Five patients remained unclassified (20.8%). Conclusion: Patients with PIDs may initially experience gastrointestinal or liver problems. It is recommended that the association of autoimmune or malignant diseases or severe progression of viral diseases provide pediatric gastroenterologists some suspicion of PIDs. After screening using basic laboratory tests, genetic analysis is mandatory for a definitive diagnosis.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.130-136
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• 2008

Purpose: Lamivudine is known to be effective for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in adults. However, data on lamivudine therapy in pediatrics is limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and durability of lamivudine therapy for chronic hepatitis B in Korean children. Methods: A total of 44 children (27 males and 17 females, ages 6 months to 14.8 years, mean age 6.7 years) with chronic hepatitis B who received lamivudine (3 mg/kg/day, max 100 mg) for at least 12 months were enrolled. We evaluated the serum AST, ALT and serological HBV markers (HBsAg and anti-HBs, HBeAg and anti HBe, and HBV DNA) periodically. Predictive three year cumulative seroconversion rates were obtained using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Twenty one (48%) of 44 children achieved seroconversion of HBeAg by three years, while 23 (42%) children did not. HBV DNA was cleared in 34 (77%) children and the serum ALT levels were normalized in 41 children (93%). The three year cumulative seroconversion rates were 60% for HBeAg, and the clearance rates were 76% for HBV DNA. Eighteen children who discontinued lamivudine after HBeAg seroconversion maintained the therapeutic response for three years (treatment duration 13~58 months mean 24 months). Viral breakthrough developed in 12 children (27%) during the therapy and the YMDD mutation was documented in 11 children (25%). The mean duration for the development of a mutation was 22.7 months. Loss of HBsAg occurred in 6 children (14%). The pretreatment ALT levels were higher in responders; however, the differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that lamivudine treatment had a favorable effect and durable therapeutic response in children with chronic hepatitis B. Long term follow-up and alternative therapy are warranted for those patients who do not respond to this treatment.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.9-14
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• 2015

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the seropositive prevalence of blood-borne infection in neurotrauma patients who underwent emergent surgical intervention, especially patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), syphilis and human immunodefIciency virus (HIV). Methods: A retrospective review identified 559 patients with traumatic brain injury and spinal trauma who underwent emergent surgery between 2007 and 2014. We reviewed the medical records and extracted data, including age, sex, location of lesion, result of serologic tests, time interval of admission and surgery after presenting to emergency room. Serologic tests for HBV, HCV, syphilis and HIV were performed and analyzed to determine whether the seropositive results were confirmed by the surgeon before surgery. Results: The majority of the patients were male (74.6%), and the mean age was $55.4{\pm}20.2years$. Most patients underwent surgery due to traumatic brain injury (90.0%). Fifty-three patients (10.0%) showed a positive result on at least one serologic test. Seropositive rates according to pathogens were 0.5% for syphilis, 5.2% for HBV and 3.9% for HCV. No positive results were noted on the serologic tests for HIV. HBV in patients with spinal cord injury and age from 40 to 49 years were associated with high serologic positive rate, and that result was statistically significant. However, no statistically significant differences were found in the other variables. Serologic results could not confirmed before surgery in the majority of the cases (62.1%), and 10.4% of these patients showed seropositive results. Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize the importance of taking precautions and conducting rapid serologic testing in preventing the occupational transmission of blood-borne viruses to health-care workers.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6997-7005
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• 2013

Aim: To present an epidemiological and histological perspective of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (including liver and biliary tract) at the Section of Histopathology, Department of Pathology, AKUH, Karachi, Pakistan. Materials and Methods: All consecutive endoscopic biopsies and resections between October 1 and December 31, 2012 were included. Results: A total of 2,323 cases were included. Carcinoma was overwhelmingly the commonest diagnosis on esophageal biopsies (69.1%); chronic helicobacter gastritis (45.6%) followed by adenocarcinoma (23.5%) were the commonest diagnoses on gastric biopsies; adenocarcinoma (27.3%) followed by ulcerative colitis (13.1%) were the commonest diagnoses on colonic biopsies; acute appendicitis (59.1%) was the commonest diagnosis on appendicectomy specimens; chronic viral hepatitis (44.8%) followed by hepatocellular carcinoma (23.4%) were the commonest diagnoses on liver biopsies; chronic cholecystitis was the commonest diagnosis (over 89%) on cholecystectomy specimens. Conclusions: Squamous cell carcinoma comprised 88.8% of esophageal cancers. About 67% were in the lower third and 56.5% were moderately differentiated; mean ages 49.8 years for females and 55.8 years for males; 66% cases were from South West Pakistan. Over 67% patients with gastric adenocarcinoma were males; mean ages 59 and 44 years in males and females respectively, about 74% gastric carcinomas were poorly differentiated; and 62.2% were located in the antropyloric region. About 63% patients with colorectal adenocarcinoma were males; mean ages 46.1 and 50.5 years for males and females respectively; tumor grade was moderately differentiated in 54%; over 80% were located in the left colon. In 21.2% appendicectomies, no acute inflammation was found. Acute appendicitis was most common in young people. Hepatitis C (66.3%) was more common than hepatitis B (33.7%); about 78% cases of hepatocellular carcinoma occurred in males; females comprised 76.7% patients with chronic cholecystitis; and 77.8% patients with gall bladder carcinoma. All resection specimens showed advanced cancers. Most cancers occurred after the age of 50 years.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.348-354
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• 2007

Purpose : Perinatal hepatitis B viral infection is decreasing; however, 10% of babies to HBeAg positive mothers still become chronic carriers despite perinatal prophylaxis. Although, the cause of prophylaxis failure is still unclear, an importance of maternal HBV-DNA level at the delivery time has been suggested. This study was established to certify if it would be a useful predictable factor for the outcome of perinatal prophylaxis. Methods : Twenty-nine HBeAg positive mothers whose babies had known outcomes of prophylaxis were selected. To determine the amount of maternal HBV-DNA, a quantitative PCR was performed with the WHO International Standard for HBV DNA NAT assays. Results : The mean logarithm HBV-DNA level of mothers with failed outcomes was significantly higher than that of mothers with succeessful outcomes (7.99 vs. 6.72, P=0.015). The predictable maternal HBV-DNA cut-off level to prophylaxis outcome was $2.83{\times}10^7copies/mL$ (100 pg/mL). None out of the case 16 (0%) who had below this level, and 5 out of 13 (38.5%) who had above this level of maternal HBV-DNA failed in perinatal prophylaxis. Conclusion : Mothers with higher levels of HBV-DNA at delivery time would be prone to a worse outcome of prophylaxis using the conventional approach. Perinatal prophylaxis failure rate can be reduced, if we try to introduce more potent prophylactic treatment into the cases with this risk factor.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.44-50
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• 2010

Purpose: To estimate the viral suppressive effect of entecavir monotherapy in Korean children and adolescents with lamivudine-resistant chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: One milligram of entecavir was administered once daily to 6 patients (4 boys; mean age, 17.5 years; range, 15.10~24.6 years) with lamivudine-resistant CHB for a mean duration of therapy of 13.4 months (range, 1~21.1 months). The therapeutic results were compared with 11 patients who received adefovir (0.3 mg/kg/day [maximal dose 10 mg]) for at least 12 months (mean, 33.4 months; range, 12.4~58.3 months). The serum HBV DNA level and serologic markers were measured every 2 months. Results: The interval to a HBV DNA titer decrement (>1 $log_{10}$) was 1.2${\pm}$0.2 and 4.4${\pm}$5.2 months (p=0.185) for the entecavir and adefovir groups, respectively. The interval to a HBV DNA titer decrement (>2 $log_{10}$) was 2.4${\pm}$2.3 and 9.2${\pm}$7.3 months (p=0.025), for the entecavir and adefovir groups, respectively. Conclusion: The therapeutic efficacy of entecavir was favorable in children and adolescents, especially in shortening the interval to a >2 $log_{10}$ decrement in the HBV DNA titer. Long-term follow up is needed to determine the therapeutic efficacy of entecavir for lamivudine-resistant CHB in children and adolescents.