• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.627-630
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• 2010

The aim of this study is to investigate neutrophil activation markers among canine ICU (intensive care unit) control, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis. These markers include WBC (white blood cells), platelets counts, blood film examination (neutrophilic band to segmentation ratio and neutrophilic degenerative changes), and flow cytometric analysis (CD11b expression of neutrophils). As a result, the mean CD11b fluorescence intensity of neutrophils and the neutrophilic degenerative change scores were both significantly higher in sepsis group (P<0.05). In addition, mortality was also found to be correlated with the up-regulation of CD11b expression in circulating neutrophils. This study demonstrates that CD11b expression of neutrophils could be more a reliable biomarker to predict prognosis in ICU patients than traditional blood film examination according to this study.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.20 no.10
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• pp.1458-1467
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• 2010

The present study was retrospectively designed to define whether preoperative levels of leukocytes and D-dimer are potentially useful factors in predicting perioperative outcomes of coronary heart disease (CHD). There was no relationship between preoperative leukocyte counts (Pre-OP leukocyte) and preoperative D-dimer levels (Pre-OP D-dimer). Pre-OP leukocyte counts each had positive correlation with cardiac troponin-I, creatine kinase-MB or C-reactive protein (cardiac markers) levels at preoperative and postoperative periods. Pre-OP D-dimer levels were positively associated with each cardiac marker at the same periods. Pre-OP leukocyte counts positively related with aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (liver markers), whereas Pre-OP D-dimer level positively or negatively correlated with bilirubin (liver marker), creatinine (renal marker) or glucose levels at preoperative and/or postoperative periods. Pre-OP leukocyte and Pre-OP D-dimer were inversely associated with Pre-OP high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels or left ventricular ejection fraction. Pre-OP leukocyte counts each had positive correlation operation duration and postoperative mechanical ventilation-time (PMVT), whereas Pre-OP D-dimer levels had positive relationship with PMVT, intensive care unit-staying period and hospitalization. The retrospective data suggest that Pre-OP leukocyte and Pre-OP D-dimer levels may be clinically useful factors for predicting perioperative outcomes in patients with CHD.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.62 no.4
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• pp.290-298
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• 2007

Background: The currently available diagnostic markers for pleural effusion have a limited role. The soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) is a molecule recently reported to play an important role in the myeloid cell mediated inflammatory response, and is up regulated in the body fluid by bacterial or fungal products. This study examined the expression of sTREM-1 in pleural effusion. Methods: Between April 2004 and December 2005, 48 patients with pleural effusions were enrolled in this study. The pleural fluids were taken and analyzed for the total protein, glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and sTREM-1. Bacterial cultures and cytology tests were also performed. Results: The clinical diagnoses were 17 parapneumonic, 14 tuberculous, and 13 malignant effusions. Four patients presented with transudates. The mean ages of the parapneumonic, tuberculous and malignant effusion groups were $57.1{\pm}19.7$, $49.5{\pm}18.6$, $66.9{\pm}15.5$, and $76.0{\pm}18.1$. respectively. The level of sTREM-1 expression was significantly higher in the parapneumonic effusions ($344.0{\pm}488.7$) than in the tuberculous effusions ($81.7{\pm}56.6$) and malignant effusions ($39.3{\pm}19.6$). With a cut-off value of 55.4pg/ml, the sensitivity and specificity for a parapneumonic effusion was 70.6% and 74.1%. Conclusion: sTREM-1 expression is significantly higher in parapneumonic effusions, suggesting its potential role as an additional diagnostic marker for pleural effusions.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2023

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is an acute febrile disease that mainly involves histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis in children and young adults. Diagnosis of KFD is even more difficult if image-guided percutaneous biopsy is technically challenging. We present a case of clinically diagnosed KFD in an 11-year-old boy who presented with fever, abdominal pain, and mesenteric lymphadenopathy, resulting in a diagnostic challenge. Additionally, we conducted a systematic review, and our goal was to describe the spectrum of disease, therapy, and outcomes. We identified 15 cases of KFD with symptoms that mimicked mesenteric lymphadenitis. Reports from the Americas, Europe, and Asia were also included. Most patients were male, exhibited leukopenia and elevated inflammatory markers, and recovered without significant sequelae or complications. A high index of suspicion of KFD should be maintained in children presenting with prolonged fever and unusual manifestations, such as mesenteric lymphadenitis.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.24 no.9
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• pp.1030-1038
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• 2014

Platelet products are used to treat hemorrhagic or platelet dysfunction diseases. Plateletpheresis involves collecting the platelet components of blood using an apheresis blood-collection system. Various indicators are available for evaluating the qualities of the apheresis platelets. The productivity of platelet collection is evaluated through both the collection efficiency and collection rates. Platelet storage quality can be evaluated in vitro using several indicators, including visual appearance, metabolic activities, volume, platelet count, white blood cell count, microparticles, and various platelet activation markers. Platelet activation markers have been used as indicators of storage quality in various studies. Post-transfusion platelet quality can be evaluated based on the corrected count increment and the percentage of platelet recovery. Although various studies have investigated the aspects of plateletpheresis, no article has systemically presented assessments of the platelet products obtained from different plateletpheresis devices. The present study provides a review of plateletpheresis, including the specifics of the process, the types of devices employed, the platelet quality, the overall efficacy, and the evaluation indicator qualities. Furthermore, the differences in functionality among the different apheresis devices are discussed. Although adverse reactions to the citrate anti-coagulant have been reported, apheresis processing may provide a safer option for donors who are at a high risk for presyncopal or syncopal reactions related to whole blood collection.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.445-456
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• 2008

Telomeres consist of TTAGGG tandem repeated DNA sequences with specific proteins and locate at chromosome ends. Telomeres are essential for chromosome stability and are related with cell senescence, apoptosis and cancer. Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein which has a template for the synthesis of telomeric DNA. This study was carried out to analyze the amount of telomeric DNA and telomerase activity in cattle cells. Analysis of the quantity of telomere in lymphocytes was done at different ages, sex and among Korean cattle and Holstein breeds. The telomerase activity was also analyzed in liver, brain, heart, kidney, and testis tissues of fetal calf and of 18 month old cattle. The amount of telomeres in lymphocytes and other tissue cells was analyzed by Quantitative-Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (Q-FISH) technique using a telomeric DNA probe. Telomerase activity was analyzed by Telomeric Repeat Amplification Protocol assay (TRAP). The amount of telomeric DNA on the lymphocytes during the whole life span was decreased along with age. Quantity of telomeres in Korean cattle was significantly higher than that in Holstein breed. The amount of telomeric DNA in males was significantly higher than that in females. Telomerase activity was up-regulated in most bovine tissues during fetal stage, but was down-regulated in most tissues at mature 18 month age except the testis cells. This study indicates that the amount of telomeres and telomerase activity of cells can be used as an age marker or/and a physiological marker of cattle.

• Sleep Medicine and Psychophysiology
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.107-112
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• 2001

Introduction: Narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy, is known to be closely associated with the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DQB1*0602. Several studies have suggested that HLA-DQB1*0602 is strongly linked with narcolepsy-cataplexy. However, no studies have yet been made on whether HLA DQB1*0602 is associated with Korean patients with narcolepsy. This study was designed to investigate the frequency of HLA-DQB1*0602 of Korean patients with narcolepsy. Methods: Twenty patients were selected (mean age: $28.2{\pm}3.0$, 11 men and 9 women). The patients were confirmed to have narcolepsy by the overnight polysomnography and multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) in addition to their clinical history and symptoms at St. Vincent's Hospital and Korea University Hospital Sleep Disorders Clinic. Any subjects co-morbid with other hypersomnic sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or periodic limb movements during sleep were excluded. Clinical data was collected through a semi-structured interview for narcoleptic patients. All patients and 21 control did HLA typing for the presence of DQB1*0602. Results Obtained were as Follows: 1) Mean sleep latency was 2.4 (${\pm}2.0$ minutes) and mean frequency of sleep-onset REM period was 3.0 (${\pm}1.6$) by MSLT. 2) Characteristic symptoms of narcolepsy investigated were as follows: excessive daytime sleepiness (100%), cataplexy (100%), sleep paralysis (60%), hypnagogic hallucination (70%) and disrupted nocturnal sleep (75%). 3) Strong emotional expression such as laughing (80%) and joking (70%) triggered cataplexy which affects the knee and leg region (80%) and jaw region (30%). 4) HLA-DR2 was found in 90% of patients and 35% in controls. The frequency of HLA-DQB1*0602 in patients and controls was 90%, and 24%, respectively. Conclusions: These results, which exhibit high HLA-DQB1*0602 expression in Korean patients with narcolepsy, suggest that HLADQB1*0602 could be a strong genetic marker in narcolepsy.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.58-65
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• 2011

Purpose: Some hormonal and electrolyte abnormalities have been reported in pediatric patients with urinary tract infection (UTI). This study aimed to investigate the relationships between the imbalance of electrolytes and the severity of infection and associated urologic anomalies in children with febrile UTI. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 267 patients with febrile UTI who were admitted to Korea University Guro Hospital during the period from January, 2007 until February, 2010. According to the presence of hyponatremia or hyperkalemia, clinical parameters and associated renal anomalies, such as hydronephrosis, cortical defects and vesicoureteral reflux, were compared. Results: 42.7% of all patients had decreased concentration of serum sodium. In patients with decreased concentration of serum sodium, cortical defects were significantly increased compared to normal patients (40.4% vs. 14.4%, P <0.05). White blood cell (WBC) counts ($15,721{\pm}6,553/uL$ vs. $12,885{\pm}5,367/uL$, P <0.05), C-reactive protein (CRP) ($61.8{\pm}56.1$ mg/L, vs. $29.9{\pm}39.8$ mg/L, P <0.05), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) ($43.9{\pm}34.3$ mm/hr vs. $27.4{\pm}26.8$ mm/hr, P <0.05) in peripheral blood showed significant increases in the group with decreased concentration of serum sodium. Duration of fever, presence of gastrointestinal symptom, the incidence of hydronephrosis and vesicoureteral reflux did not differ between the two groups. None of the patients had significant hyperkalemia. Conclusion : We suggest that decreased concentration of serum sodium in febrile UTI might be a helpful marker for leukocytosis and increased CRP and ESR in peripheral blood, and acute pyelonephritis.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.41-48
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• 2005

Purpose: Non-A, B, C viral hepatitis is the name given to the disease with clinical viral hepatitis, but in which serologic evidence of A, B, C hepatitis has not been found. Little is known about the etiology and clinical features of non-A, B, C viral hepatitis in children. Methods: A clinical analysis of 45 cases with non-A, B, C viral hepatitis who were admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Hospital, from January 2001 to June 2004 was carried out retrospectively. Patients who were positive for HBsAg, anti-HAV and anti-HCV and had toxic, metabolic, autoimmune, or neonatal hepatitis were excluded in this study. Results: Among 45 cases of non-A, B, C viral hepatitis, the etiology was unknown in 26 (57.8%), CMV (cytomegalovirus) in 14 (31.1%), EBV (Epstein Barr virus) in 2 (4.4%), HSV (herpes simplex virus) in 2 (4.4%) and RV (rubella virus) in 1 (2.2%). Twenty seven out of 45 (60.0%) patients were under 1 year of age. Sixteen (33.3%) patients had no specific clinical symptoms and were diagnosed incidentally. On physical examination, twenty seven out of 45 patients (60.0%) had no abnormal findings. Forty three out of 45 patients (95.6%) showed classic clinical course of acute viral hepatitis, whereas fulminant hepatitis developed in two patients. Mean serum ALT (alanine aminotransferase) level was $448.7{\pm}771.9IU/L$. Serum ALT level was normalized in 31 out of 45 patients (81.6%) within 6 months and all patients within 18 months. Aplastic anemia was complicated in a case. Conclusion: Although most patients with non-A, B, C viral hepatitis showed a good prognosis, a careful follow-up would be necessary because some of them had a clinical course of chronic hepatitis, fulminant hepatitis and severe complication such as aplastic anemia.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.66-75
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• 2011

Purpose: Early diagnosis and treatment of febrile urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is important to prevent kidney damage. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between the presence of pyuria, the severity, and underlying genitourinary anomalies in patients with UTI. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 293 patients with febrile UTI who were admitted to Korea University Guro Hospital during the period from June, 2007 until January, 2010. We divided the patients into two groups, one with the finding of pyuria at admission, and the other without, and compared the fever duration, white blood cell counts (WBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in peripheral bloods, hydronephrosis, cortical defects, vesicoureteral reflux and admission period. Results: Among the 293 patients with febrile UTI, 189 patients showed findings of pyuria whereas 104 patients did not. Patients with pyuria showed an increment of WBC ($14,694{\pm}485.2$ vs. $11,374{\pm}451.2/uL$, P <0.05) and CRP ($46.9{\pm}3.9$ vs $17.1{\pm}3.6$ mg/L, P <0.05) in peripheral blood sample. The presence of cortical defects (21.7 Vs 5.8%, P <0.05) and vesicoureteral reflux (15.9 Vs 6.7%, P <0.05) was also increased in patients with pyuria compared to patients without pyuria. There were no specific differences in fever duration, admission period, and hydronephrosis. Within the group with pyuria, CRP in peripheral blood sample increased proportionally with the increment of pyuria (P <0.05). Conclusion: In patients with febrile UTI, the increment of WBC in the urine sample can be a helpful predictor for increased CRP in peripheral blood and acute pyelonephritis.