• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.178-184
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• 2004

This research focuses on the overall evaluation of tumor protein (p53) and cell growth marker (Ki-67) in their functions as carcinogenic factors in both a HPV-infected group and in a HPV-noninfected group with the precancerous dysplasia of uterine cervix. Histological grades were determined by the H&E staining and the expression level of p53 and Ki-67 were tested by the immunohistochemistry method. The results were as follows. Among the total of 66 cases, p53 (+) was observed in 19 cases (29.0%) from the mild grade group, 22 cases (33.0%) from the moderate grade group, and 19 cases (29.0%) from the severe grade group. The values correlate with the increase of dysplasia intensity in HPV-noninfected group and showed significant correlation (p<0.05), but there were no significant difference from the HPV-infected group. Among a total of 66 cases, the mitotic index of Ki-67 (+) were observed in 19 cases (29.0%) from the mild grade group, 22 cases (33.0%) from the moderate grade group, and 19 cases (29.0%) from the severe grade group. The values were significantly different against dysplasia intensity (p<0.05), but showed no significant difference from HPV infection. After cross comparing the statistical parameters of p53 and ki-67 in their significance, p53 was shown to be statistically significant with Ki-67 while there was no statistically significant difference with Ki-67 (p<0.05). Taken together, tumor protein (p53) and an index of Ki-67 observed in cervical dysplasia and in HPV related dysplasia of cervix uterine did not have any notable significance with HPV infection. The incidence rate of p53, however, had some significant correlation with dysplasia while Ki-67 had no particular statistical significance. As a result, p53 and Ki-67 can be considered as effective diagnostic markers in predicting the disease progression of dysplasia to cervical cancer.

• The Korean Journal of Cytopathology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-12
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• 2007

Approximately 70% of cervical cancers are caused by HPV types 16/18 and thus the implementation of vaccination programmes with vaccines against HPV types 16/18 will have a major impact on the incidence of cervical cancer worldwide. However, this reduction will not be seen until several decades after full implementation of such vaccination programmes since the vaccines must be given to young adolescents before exposure to the virus and women who are already sexually active are not likely to be protected. Both GSK and Merck insist that even vaccinated women must continue to participate in regular cervical screening by the most sensitive method available since the vaccine can only give protection against up to 70% of cervical cancers. It is unlikely that the current vaccines will be modified to include additional high risk HPV types in the foreseeable future. While HPV testing is highly sensitive, it is not recommended for women under 30 years of age nor for vaccinated women. Additionally, HPV testing has poor specificity. The Digene Hybrid Capture 2 test is licensed for use only in conjunction with a cytology test, not as a stand-alone test, and the high risk panel has recognised cross reactivity with low risk HPV types. None of the other HPV test methods currently commercially available are FDA approved and all must be internally validated before use. This makes comparison of test results between laboratories difficult. The most sensitive and specific screening test currently available for women of all ages is the Cytyc ThinPrep System consisting of the ThinPrep Pap Test (TPPT) and the ThinPrep Imaging System (Imager). The TPPT was the first LBC system approved by the US FDA in 1996 and there are about 4,000 processors in use worldwide. The Imager was FDA approved in 2003 and over 350 systems are in routine use, mainly in the US. 40% of TPPT in the US are processed on Imager. There is clear evidence in peer reviewed literature that the Imager increases laboratory productivity by 100% and growing evidence that Imager detects more high grade SIL than the conventional smear or manual evaluation of TPPT. This aspect is particularly important since the number of cytological abnormalities will decrease as vaccination programmes are implemented. Cytotechnologists will see fewer and fewer abnormal smears and their skills will be put at risk. By doubling throughput, Imager will allow cytotechnologists to maintain their skills.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.245-257
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• 1998

Purpose : Although hepatitis B vaccine has been available to general population in Korea since 1983, it was difficult to compare various types of hepatitis B virus(HBV) vaccines primarily due to the differences in vaccination schedule, dosage, test methods and seropositive antibody level. In this study we reviewed the results of previous studies published in Korea, which include antibody positive rates and antibody titers of various vaccines, and examined the immunogenicity of these HBV vaccines. Methods : Studies published in medical journals, university journals concerning antibody positive rates following hepatitis B vaccination were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were those studies in which seroprotective antibody rate of 10mIU/mL or the sample ratio unit of 10 RU were used as the cut-off value and in which the test methods were RIA or ELISA. Exclusion criteria were; 1) unclear or inconsistent vaccine dosage, 2) no record of antibody titers or seroconversion rate, 3) no defined antibody rate or ratio for positive rating and 4) the vaccination schedule other than 0-1-2 months or 0-1-6 months. Results : 23 out of 52 studies were subjected for the review for seroconversion rates. 1) As for the immunogenicity in each age group, the seroconversion rates of Hepaccine(Cheil Jedang) were 85.1% in infants, 83.3% in children and 62.7% in adults, indicating higher rates in infants and children compared to adults(P<0.01). The seroconversion rates of Hepavax(Korea Green Cross) were 84.7%, 81.1% and 90.8%, indicating higher rates in infants and adults compared to children(P<0.01). 2) The seroconversion rate of Hepavax was 85.6% with 0-1-6 mo. schedule, 78.5% with 0-1-2 mo. schedule with a statistically significant difference(P<0.01). 4) There was no difference of seroconversion rates between the two doses of Hepavax, $5{\mu}g$ and $10{\mu}g$ in infants and children. 5) In adults the seroconversion rates were 62.7% with Hepaccine, 90.8% with Hepavax, and 94.8% with Engerix-B(SmithKline Beecham). Conclusion : In Korea, the incidence of chronic hepatitis B is high and changing the schedule in vaccination cannot contribute to the increase of the serocoversion rate. And in order to maximize immunogenicity, more effective vaccines as well as more proper vaccination methods should be used.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.153-158
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• 2003

Purpose : The incidence of hepatitis B virus infection has gradually decreased since 1983 when hepatitis B vaccine was firstly produced. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of hepatitis B immunization. Methods : The elementary, middle and high school children in Incheon area were enrolled in this study in 1997 and 1998. Hepatitis B virus surface antigen(HBsAg) was measured using reversed passive hemagglutination(RPHA). Results : The results were as follows The positive rates of HBsAg in elementary, middle and high school children were 0.7%(337/46,861), 2.5%(381/15,026) and 3.1%(681/21,938) respectively in 1997 and 0.6%(257/41,946), 2.7%(379/13,652) and 2.4%(628/25,277) respectively in 1998. The positive rates of HBsAg in children under 19 years of age in 1985, 1990 and 1995 were 6.1, 5.2 and 3.5% respectively. Conclusion : The positive rates of HBsAg in elementary school children in 1997 and 1998 has decreased compared with those of the previous studies. The majority of elementary school children were given hepatitis B vaccination. These results suggest that hepatitis B vaccines used in Korea were effective for prevention of hepatitis B infection in school children.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.139-146
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• 2006

Purpose: Human astrovirus (HAstV) is known to be an important etiologic agent of acute gastroenteritis in infants worldwide. However, the prevalence of HAstV infection varies according to geographic region and patient age. The purpose of our study was to investigate the incidence of HAstV infection among hospitalized children at a tertiary hospital in Seoul. Methods: Fecal samples were collected from hospitalized children up to five years of age with acute gastroenteritis. A total of 812 fecal samples were collected from hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis between February 2004 and January 2005. Fecal specimens were screened for rotavirus, enteric adenovirus and norovirus by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). HAstV positive samples were characterized by RT-PCR. Results: Rotavirus was detected in 16.9% (138/812), norovirus in 11.6% (94/812), and adenovirus in 4.0% (33/812) of the study population. HAstV was detected in 4.0% (33/812) samples by RT-PCR. The age distribution of HAstV positive patients was as follows: <12 month old, 82.0% (27/33); 1~2 years old, 6.0% (2/33); 2~5 years old, 12.0% (4/33). The seasonal distribution of HAstV positive samples was as follows; April (3), May (5), June (4), August (12), September (4), October (2), November (2), and December (1). The peak rate of HAstV infection was observed during the summer season, 2004. A mixed infection of viral agents was confirmed in 2.7% (22 /812) of the study population, most commonly with rotavirus and norovirus, and with rotavirus and HAstV. Genotype 1 was the predominant type (91%, 20/22) and genotype 8 was detected in two cases. Conclusion: The prevalence of HAstV infection was 4.0% in hospitalized children with acute gastroenteritis, and was especially high in infants. HAstV can be considered as an important etiologic agent of gastroenteritis in children.

• Korean journal of applied entomology
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• v.25 no.2 s.67
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• pp.113-120
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• 1986

Soybeans collected from different locations in Korea were planted for tests of seed transmission of soybean mosaic virus (SMV). The percentage of seed transmission ranged from 20.5 to 29.5% in 14 seedlots including soybean cultivar Namhe and 12 to 19% in other 44 seedlots. However, no seed transmission of SMV was observed in soybean cultivar Younkiyongho. SMV was detected from embryo and cotyledon of soybean seeds. The infection of SMV was highly detected from premature seeds than from fully mature seeds, and higher from seeds harvested from plants infected before June 20 than plants infected around July 20 and August 20. No significant relationship was observed between seed transmission of SMV and mottling of seeds. The incidence of soybean mosaic disease followed by one month after peak of aphid population. The number of aphids was less on leaves of soybeans with short and dense trichomes whereas it was higher on leaves of soybean with long and sparse trichomes. Generally, the number of aphids was decreased on leaves with long and dense trichomes as the growth progressed. Soybean cultivar Columbus and 14 cultivars were susceptible, Chief and 14 cultivars were moderate, but Jangbaek and 17 other cultivars were resistant to SMV when inoculated with one isolate of SMV.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.232-239
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• 1997

Purpose: The incidence of hepatitis A virus(HAV) infection has markedly decreased in the last 20 years due to industrialization and improvements in the standard of living and hygiene in Korea. The reduction in seroprevalence rates indicates infection potential for young adult population, and a need for vaccinations in high-risk adults and children groups has been suggested. In this study we evaluated the seroprevalence rates and natural infection rates of hepatitis A in children and adolescent to obtain the basic data for vaccination of hepatitis A. Methods: A total of 334 children and adolescent subjects below 20 years old in Kyonggi-do province were examined for HAV antibody and seroprevalence rates in each age group was investigated. In 584 elementary school students residing in Kyonggi-do province, serum samples collected in 1993 and 1996 from the same subjects for investigation of natural seroconversion rates. Method of testing antibody was enzyme immunoassay. Results: 1) The seropositive rate of HAV in 334 subjects aged below 20 years old was 5.4%. According to age, the seropositive rates were 27.3% in infant group, 0.0% in 1~4 year-old group, 0.0% in 5~9 year-old group, 2.9% in 10~14 year-old group and 15.0% in 15~19 year-old group. 2) In the study of 584 elementary school children, only one subject showed seropositive in 1993, and in 1996 three different subjects showed seropositive results(0.5%); the natural seroconversion rate during 3 years was 0.5%. 3) The seroprevalence rates of below 20 year-old subjects reported in previous studies were 63.8% in 1979 and 47.3% in 1989 while the present study showed the rate at 5.4%. Conclusion: Since natural antibody formation is rarely occurring, there is a high risk for apparent hepatitis A infection in adults. Therefore vaccination in high risk groups is essential at present, and in order to reduce the chance for hepatitis A infection in adults, vaccination in children may be needed.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.25 no.1
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• pp.22-28
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• 2019

This study researched the current occurrence status of viral diseases of solanaceous crops in the main production areas of Gangwon region, for four years from 2014 to 2018. From 2014 to 2018, in eight cities and counties including Chuncheon, CMV, BBWV2, PMMoV, TSWV, and PVY occurred in chilli peppers. In case of tomato, the research was performed in 2017 and 2018 while TSWV and TYLCV were verified in Chuncheon, Hoengseong, and Cheorwon. Especially, TYLCV occurred in Chuncheon region for the first time in 2017, which was verified in 2018. Lastly, the current occurrence status of viral diseases of bell peppers was researched in seven cities and counties like Gangneung, Hoengseong, and Cheorwon from 2015 to 2018. In the results, CMV, BBWV2, PMMoV, PepMoV, and TSWV were verified in bell peppers of Gangwon region. During the research period, there were no crops suspected or infected by BWYV, so that it is judged that there is no villiferous or infected aphid by this virus in Gangwon-do. Such results of this study could be used as the basic data for the stable production of crops through the early prevention of plant diseases occurring in the solanaceous crops of Gangwon region.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.129-138
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• 2023

Purpose: Cancer incidence is known to be higher in patients with inborn errors of immunity (IEI) compared to the general population in addition to traditionally well-known infection susceptibility. We aimed to investigate cancer occurrence in patients with IEI in a single center. Methods: Medical records of IEI patients treated at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea were retrospectively reviewed from November 1994 to September 2023. Patients with IEI and cancer were identified. Results: Among 194 patients with IEI, seven patients (3.6%) were diagnosed with cancer. Five cases were lymphomas, 4 of which were Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated lymphomas. The remaining cases included gastric cancer and multiple myeloma. The median age at cancer diagnosis was 18 years (range, 1-75 years). Among patients with cancer, underlying IEIs included X-linked lymphoproliferative disease-1 (XLP-1, n=3), activated phosphoinositide 3-kinase delta syndrome (APDS, n=2), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) haploinsufficiency (n=2). Seventy-five percent (3/4) of XLP-1 patients, 40.0% (2/5) of APDS patients, and 50.0% (2/4) of CTLA-4 haplo-insufficiency patients developed cancer. Patients with XLP-1 developed cancer at earlier age (median age 5 years) compared to those with APDS and CTLA-4 (P<0.001). One patient with APDS died during hematopoietic cell transplantation. Conclusions: Cancer occurred in 3.6% of IEI patients at a single center in Korea. In addition to infectious complications and inflammation, physicians caring for IEI patients should be aware of the potential risk of cancer, especially in association with EBV infection.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.239-248
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• 2001

The purpose of this study was to analyze risk factors for nosocomial pneumonia in patients admitted to NS ICU, and to provide a basic data to decrease respiratory nosocomial infection rate engendered from medical environments in NS ICU. The study site was the NS ICU at a university hospital located in Seoul, Korea. The subjects were 31 patients diagnosed with nosocomial pneumonia, who were selected from the initial list of 300 potential subjects who had been a) admitted between September 1999 and January 2000, and September 2000 and January 2001, b) resided at the NS ICU over 72 hours. The diagnostic standard of nosocomial pneumonia was based on the nosocomial infection guides of C university hospital. The data were analyzed using frequencies and logistic regression analysis. The sputums obtained from the subjects were cultivated and causal viruses were separated. The results were as follows: 1. The nosocomial pneumonia rate was $10.3\%$. There were 7 types of causal viruses separated from the sputum. and the most prevalent type of virus was MRSA as $62.2\%$. 2. The factors significantly influencing the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia included age, the residential duration at the NS ICU, GCS scores, diabetes mellitus, insertion of tracheal tube and its duration, tracheostomy and its length of insertion, the use of artificial ventilator and the length of its use, and the insertion of naso-gastic tube. The most significant risk factor among these was the insertion of tracheal tube (odds ratio=18.684. $95\%$ CI=6.849-50.974), followed by the use of tracheostomy (odds ratio=15.419, $95\%$ CI=6.615-35.942), the insertion of naso-gastric tube (odds ratio=14.875, $95\%$ CI=6.396-34.595), and the use of artificial ventilator (odds ratio=13.000. $95\%$ CI=5.633­30.001). 3. Regarding the use of the mechanical aids, the insertion of tracheal tube resulted in 12.968 times increase of the nosocomial pneumonia rate, and the use of artificial ventilator lead 6.714 times increase of the nosocomial pneumonia rate. One point increase of the GCS score resulted in the 1.210 times increase of the nosocomial pneumonia rate. For patients who had tracheal tube, tracheostomy, and artificial ventilator, one day increase of their residential duration at NS ICU lead 1.073 times increase of the nosocomial pneumonia rate. 4. In terms of duration of the mechanical aid usage, one day increase in the use of artificial ventilator engendered 1.080 times increase in the nosocomial pneumonia rate. One day increase of the residential duration at the NS ICU lead 1.604 times increase in the nosocomial pneumonia rate. As one point of the GCS score increased, 0.876 times decrease of the nosocomial pneumonia rate was reported. These study findings show that the risk factors significantly influencing the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia include the use of tracheal tube, tracheostomy, naso-gastic tube, and artificial ventilator. It is recommended that nurses working at NS ICU should pay more attention to the patients with these factors as the risky group for the nosocomial pneumonia, and thus make more active efforts to provide nosocomial pneumonia prevention strategies for them. In further studies patients admitted to the different types of ICUs such as internal medicine or surgery unit ICU will be also included, and more wide investigation of nosocomial pneumonia risk factors will be conducted through one-year longitudinal follow up.