• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.6
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• pp.907-913
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• 2010

Human enteroviruses (HEV) are considered one of the major infectious causes of central nervous system infections such as aseptic encephalomeningitis in pediatrics. This study was focused on providing information related to genetic characteristics and diversities of HEV which prevailed between 2007 and 2009 in Busan, Korea. A total of 2,743 specimens were collected from children and screened for isolation of HEV by cell culture and RT-PCR. Among the specimins, 240 isolates were grouped into 21 different HEV serotypes using VP1 RT-PCR. The major etiological agents were CV-A6 and CV-B2 in 2007, E-6 and E-30 in 2008 and CV-B1 in 2009. The occurrence of HEV infections was the most frequent in the summer (May to August, 188 cases, 78.3%). Most of the isolates were identified from specimens from children under 10 years old, with the highest occurrence in the 2 to 4 year old range (15.2%). However, there were no significant differences between male and female children for the isolates. For analyzing genetic characterization, VP1 gene was amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. The phylogenetic tree was established by Clustal W method using DNASTAR software. Using the sequence analysis of the VP1 region, it was classified into 2 groups; HEV-A and HEV-B. The HEV-A group contained 6 serotypes and sequences of 31 isolates were compared within each serotype. The HEV-B group contained 10 serotypes and the sequences of 41 isolates were compared within each serotype. Homology analysis of the VP1 region showed that the identity scores of HEV-A and B isolates were different. In conclusion, genetic divergences were observed among the isolates from children between 2007 and 2009 in Busan.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.331-336
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• 2018

In this study, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) analysis of 40 clinically isolated Candida albicans in tertiary hospitals in Daejeon, Korea, confirmed the nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic relationships of the strains collected from different specimen sources. The general variations found in seven different housekeeping genes of C. albicans, collected from urine and sputum, peripheral blood, central line blood, and other specimens, were analyzed. The phylogenetic tree was divided into 18 sub-clusters (1), a central line blood (2), others (5), sputum (1), peripheral blood (6), sputum (1), and urine (1), and the isolates at the same site were confirmed to have genetic similarity. Consequently, genetic similarity and the potential relevance were found in the strains collected from the same specimen sources. MLST analysis of C. albicans suggests that persistent data accumulation of phylogenetic gene variations of C. albicans may help establish infectious disease studies and epidemiological surveillance systems.

• The Journal of Korean Society of Virology
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• v.26 no.1
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• pp.23-30
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• 1996

대략 36,000 base pairs (bp)의 두 가닥짜리 DNA를 지놈으로 가진 사람 아데노바이러스 (Ad)는 DNA 상동성(相同性) 및 생물학적/생화학적 성격이 특이한 49개의 혈청형이 알려져 있는데, 이들 대부분의 Ad가 영유아군 및 면역능이 저하된 성인에서 치사적 결과를 초래할 수 있다. Ad의 세포향성(向性)(tropism)은 매우 다양하여 종류에 따라 상기도 감염, 각결막염, 영유아 장염등을 유발하는데 최근 Ad의 다양한 병원성에 대한 원인을 분자생물학적 수준에서 규명하려는 노력의 일환으로 지역에 따라 주되게 출현하는 Ad형 규명이 활발히 이루어지고 있다. Ad 동정/확인은 표면을 이루고 있는 group 공통항원인 hexon 단백질을 탐지하는 효소면역 측정법 (EIA)에 의하며, Ad형별은 Ad fiber의 세포독성 중화시험에의 한다. 그러나, 세포독성 중화시험이 엄청난 노동력 및 시간을 요구하면서도 민감도/특이도가 만족스럽지 못하여 이를 개선하기 위하여 검체 또는 세포배양에서 Ad DNA를 추출하여 제한효소 절단형태를 비교하는 방법이 개발되었는데 이는 세포배양에 잘 자라지 않는 바이러스주의 형별뿐만 아니라 지역 분리주들의 지놈 변형주를 관찰하는 분자생물학적/분자역학적 연구에도 도움이 되고 있다. 국내에는 Ad와 관련된 소아장염의 빈도가 rotavirus에 의한 것 다음으로 빈번한데도 Ad40/41외에 주되게 출현하는 장내 Ad형들이 전혀 규명된 바 없고, 한국형 Ad들의 지놈형태가 전혀 보고된 바가 없다. 또한 세계적으로 Ad형별 조사지역이 늘어감에 따라 유아장염과 연관된 Ad 역시 Ad40, 41이 외의 형들이 Ad40, 41을 능가하는 것으로 보고되고 있는 지역도 있으나 국내에서는 Ad40, 41이외의 형들은 그 역학적 중요도가 전혀 알려져 있지 않다. 이로서 본 연구의 목적은 Ad주들에 특이 중화항체를 이용한 세포독성 중화시험과 Ad DNA 절단법을 적용하여 한국형 장내 Ad주들의 형별을 처음으로 시도함과 동시에 1989-1991사이 출현한 Ad들의 유전적 변형을 관찰하려는 것이었다. 두 방법 모두 사용하였을 때 주되게 출현하는 장내 Ad형들은 Ad4l, Ad2, Ad7, Ad5, 및 Ad40이었다. Ad40/41-양성 검체를 제외한 Ad hexon-EIA양성들의 77.5%를 형별 할 수 있었던 Ad DNA의 제한효소 절단방법은 형들간의 교차중화로 특이성이 낮았던 중화방법 (47.5%)보다 매우 효율적이어서 두 가지 방법을 함께 적응하였을 때는 40주중의 81.5%인 35주를 형별 할 수 있었다. 또한Ad DNA 제한 효소 절단방법은 Ad7 변이주 (Ad7b)도 탐지 할 수 있었다.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.36 no.3
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• pp.167-174
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• 2010

The hair nourisher products are used for prevention of hair loss and classified as quasi-drug in Korea. As concerns about hair loss has been increased, the demand for hair nourisher products has been growing. It is difficult to analyze their main ingredients because they contain various ingredients including natural plant extracts, vitamins, preservatives and exfoliators. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate simultaneous analytical methods of active ingredients in hair nourisher products such as nicotinamide, tocopherol, salicylic acid, dexpanthenol and benzyl nicotinate by HPLC. The active ingredients were separated on a $C_{18}$ column by using acetonitrile/phosphate buffer as a mobile phase, and detected at UV 220, 270 and 300 nm. The calibration curve showed linearity in the range of $12.5{\sim}800\;{\mu}g/mL$ and the recoveries were 97.3 ~ 103.5 % (RSD 0.9 ~ 2.8 %) in liquid matrix and 101.9 ~ 115.9 % (RSD 0.7 ~ 7.7 %) in shampoo matrix. Validated method was applied to hair nourisher products obtained from distribution market. Fortunately, all samples met their criteria. This study might be expected to provide the method for determining active ingredients in hair nourisher products and lead to promote a rapid market entry.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.845-850
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• 2011

Norovirus (NoV) causes major acute non-bacterial gastroenteritis in humans. NoV genus is a member of the family Caliciviridae, which is transmitted by contaminated food and water or from human to human. Many genotypes of genogroups I and II have been reported because of their high genetic diversity. To obtain molecular epidemiological information on gastroenteritis sporadic cases in Busan, Korea, we analyzed the nucleotide sequences of NoV strains detected during 2008~2010. We performed one step RT-PCR amplifying the open reading frame (ORF) 2 (capsid region) followed by semi-nested PCR. Fecal samples were collected from 4,071 acute gastroenteritis, and genotypes of the 421 positive samples were determined by sequence analysis. Based on partial sequence of capsid region, 7 NoV were categorized into genogroup I and 13 into genogroup II. Prevalent genotypes among gastroenteritis patients within Busan were GII.4, GI.6, GII.5 in 2008~2010. The results of this study will contribute to the currently available epidemiological data and improve public health and hygiene via development of diagnostic methods and sustainable surveillance.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.83-90
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• 2007

Purpose : Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (4S) is a well known disease defined by clinical, microbiological and histological criteria caused by Staphylococcus aureus. This disease is uncommon but has been increasingly recognized. We investigated the clinical features of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Methods : We reviewed retrospectively medical records of 53 patients diagnosis of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome who were admitted to Changwon Fatima hospital from February 2002 to December 2005. These patients were divided into 3 clinical types; generalized type, intermediate type, abortive type. Age, sex ratio, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, response to therapy and prognosis were investigated. Result : 1)The mean age of patients was 2.8 years, ranging from 20 days to 7 years. Male-to-female ratio was 1.9:1. 2) By clinical types, 6 patients were in the generalized type (11%), 29 patients in the intermediate type (55%), 18 patients in the abortive type (34%). The coexisting diseases were variable, including conjunctivitis (25 cases), atopic dermatitis (11 cases), otitis media (1 case). On laboratory findings, most of patients didn't have leukocytosis or increased C-reactive protein. 4) A total of fifteen Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcal Aureus (MRSA) strains were isolated from September 2003 through December 2005. Fourteen strains were positive for exfoliative toxin B gene by PCR and negative for enterotoxin, toxic shock syndrome toxin and Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes. 5) The mean duration of admission was 7.3 days. Patients were treated with vancomycin or amoxacillin/clavulanate or ampicillin/sulbactam or cefuroxime without significant sequelaes. Conclusion : Recently, Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome caused by exfoliative toxin B produced by MRSA in the Changwon area has been increasing.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.55 no.3
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• pp.213-218
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• 2023

When it comes to 'Team Medical Care' in Japan, clinical laboratory technologists have actively engaged in various kinds of teams, such as a diabetes team, a nutrition support team, an infection control team and a medical practice support team. Overall, with continual changes in the medical environment, clinical laboratory technologists are recently being required to not only conduct phlebotomy, specimen collection, laboratory testing, and electrocardiography, but also get actively involved in 'medical practice assistance or support' in collaboration with medical doctors and nurses. Therefore, it is anticipated that resident clinical laboratory technologists in wards or emergency rooms in Korea will be better able to contribute to improving medical quality and securing medical safety by functioning as a link to the clinical laboratory, while medical doctors and nurses will have a reduced burden of work and can dedicate themselves to better patient care.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.229-240
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• 2008

Animal mucins have structural characteristics similar to human salivary mucins. Animal mucins have been regarded as suitable substances for saliva substitutes. Since animal mucin molecules in saliva substitutes and host-derived antimicrobial salivary molecules exist simultaneously in whole saliva and the pellicles of patients with dry mouth, interactions may occur between these molecules. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of animal mucins on peroxidase activity in solution and on the surface of hydroxyapatite(HA) surfaces. The effects of animal mucins on peroxidase activity were examined by incubating porcine gastric mucin(PGM) or bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM) with either bovine lactoperoxidase(bLPO) or saliva samples. For solid-phase assays, immobilized animal mucins or peroxidase on three different HA surfaces(HA beads, HA disc, and bovine tooth) were used. Peroxidase activity was determined with an NbsSCN assay. The obtained results were as follows: 1. PGM enhanced the enzymatic activity of bLPO in solution phase. PGM did not affect the enzymatic activity of peroxidase in saliva sample(POS). 2. BSM did not affect the enzymatic activities of both bLPO and POS in solution phase. 3. HA-adsorbed PGM increased subsequent bLPO adsorption in all three HA phases. The activity of POS was increased on both the HA beads and bovine tooth. 4. The peroxidase activities on the HA beads and disc were increased when the HA surfaces were exposed to a mixture of bLPO and PGM. 5. The binding affinity of bLPO to PGM was greater than that of bLPO to BSM. Collectively, our results suggest that animal mucins affects the enzymatic activity of peroxidase on the HA surfaces as well as in solution. Saliva substitutes containing animal mucins may affect the function of antimicrobial components in natural saliva and saliva substitutes.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.219-224
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to provide basic data necessary for the prevention of food poisoning and safe food management. We examined 872 food samples for B. cereus in accordance with the MFDS Food Code and investigated characteristics of their harboring toxin genes. We detected and isolated 113 strains of B. cereus from 78 food samples (8.9%), and the average detection level was 48 CFU/g. B. cereus isolates carried at least 1 toxin gene among the emetic toxins and 5 enterotoxin genes. The toxin gene profiles of B. cereus were classified into 18 different types of isolates showing genetic diversity. Among the strains, 34 (30.1%) had all 5 enterotoxin genes (Cytk-nheA-entFM-bceT-hblC), accounting for the highest percentage. The entFM and nheA genes were major enterotoxin genes, while the emetic toxin gene, CER, was the least detected in B. cereus isolated from food samples.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.50 no.3
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• pp.217-224
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• 2018

Thread lifting has become popular as a minimally invasive technique for facial rejuvenation. Commercially available threads are composed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), or polydioxanone (PDO). However, the histological changes that occur in response to implanted threads are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate histological changes that occur in response to implantation with three types of bioresorbable threads (PLLA, PCL, PDO) in rat skin. PLLA, PCL and PDO threads were implanted in the dorsal skin of Sprague Dawley rats and tissue samples were harvested 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks post-implantation. To evaluate histologic changes induced by bioresorbable face-lifting threads, tissue samples were stained with hematoxylin & eosin, Masson's trichrome stain and Herovici's collagen stain. All three threads induced neocollagenesis of type 3 collagen in the rat skin. The amount of collagen induced by the threads was dependent on the thread surface area. The PDO cavern-type thread was most effective in inducing neocollagenesis due to its extensive surface area. Our results suggest that type 3 collagen induced by bioresorbable threads depends on the thread surface area to uphold the dermis and contributes to facial rejuvenation.