• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.5
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• pp.523-531
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• 2006

Background : Cervical tuberculous lymphadenopathy is a very common disease with a similar incidence to pulmonary tuberculosis. Dendritic cells play a role of initial antigen presentation of this illness. Nevertheless, the precise role of these antigen-presenting cells according to the clinical features in unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical implication of dendritic cell infiltration in the cervical lymph nodes. Methods : A review of the clinical characteristics was carried out retrospectively based on the clinical records and radiography. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on the available histology specimens of 72 cases using the S-100b polyclonal antibody for dendritic cells. The number of dendritic cells with tuberculous granuloma were determined. A $X^2$ test, unpaired T test and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. Results : Thirty percent of subjects had previous or concurrent pulmonary TB. Twenty one percent of cases showed a positive reaction on the AFB stain. Within a granuloma, the number of infiltrated dendritic cells was $113.0{\pm}7.0$. The incidence of fever and cough decreased with increasing infiltration of dendritic cells Multivariate regression analysis showed that the infiltration of dendritic cells could significantly contribute to fever. Conclusion : Overall, dendritic cells can control a Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and modulate the immune response, as well as resolve the clinical manifestations of TB lymphadenopathy.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.61 no.3
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• pp.239-247
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• 2006

Background: Culture filtrate proteins secreted by mycobacteria are thought to play an important role in inducing protective immunity and to develop new methods for diagnosing tuberculosis. Methods: A culture filtrate protein of M. avium that was strongly reactive with goat antiserum against M. intracellulare was constructed. Its homologous protein (TB-14) in M. tuberculosis was cloned, expressed and purified. The inductions of IFN-${\gamma}$ stimulated with $10{\mu}g$ of TB-14 recombinant protein and $10{\mu}g$ PPD were estimated by using whole bloods from seven PPD (-) subjects, seven PPD (+) healthy volunteers and nine tuberculosis patients. Results: M. avium culture filtrate protein was confirmed as a hypothetical protein that was termed contig 116. A novel 14-kDa recombinant protein (TB-14) of M. tuberculosis was composed of 148 amino acids, including 30 amino acids of the signal peptide, and it showed 78% homology with M. avium. In the PPD (+) healthy volunteers, recombinant TB-14 protein strongly induced the secretion of IFN-${\gamma}$ in whole blood cultures. Conclusion: These results suggest that TB-14 recombinant protein might play an important role in inducing cell-mediated immunity against tuberculosis. Furthermore, TB-14 protein antigen and its antiserum will be available for the development of new diagnostic tools for tuberculosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.64 no.1
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• pp.15-21
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• 2008

Background: The melanoma antigen-encoding (MAGE) genes are known to be expressed in various cancer cells, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and are silent in all normal tissues except for the testis. In patients with peripheral NSCLC, bronchial washing fluid can be used to detect the MAGE genes, suggesting a diagnosis of lung cancer. In order to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the MAGE test in patients with peripheral NSCLC, bronchial washing fluid was investigated in patients with peripheral pulmonary nodules, which were invisible as detected by bronchoscopy. Methods: Bronchial washing fluid from 37 patients was used for cytological examinations and MAGE gene detection, using RT-nested-PCR of common A1-A6 mRNA. Results were compared to a final diagnosis of patients as confirmed by pathology. Results: Among the 37 subjects, NSCLC was diagnosed in 21 patients, and benign pulmonary diseases were diagnosed in 16 patients. MAGE mRNA was detected in 10 of 21 (47.6%) NSCLC patients, while conventional cytology examinations were positive for MAGE expression in 2 of 21 (9.5%) cases. MAGE expression was observed in 4 of 16 (25%) benign pulmonary disease patients. Conclusion: The MAGE test of bronchial washing fluid can be used as a sensitive predictor of peripheral NSCLC patients.

• Applied Microscopy
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.173-183
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• 2000

This study was designed to observe the ultrastructural localization of synoviocytes, which are concerned with the function of phagocytic synovial cells (type A synoviocytes, macrophage-like synoviocytes), in the knee joint of the human for CD14 and CD105 by cryo-immune-electron microscopic technique. The synovium were dissected and fixed for two hours (in 4% paraformaldehyde and 0.1% glutaraldehyde mixture), and were immerged in 2.3 M sucrose and 20% PVP solution. Finally, they were cut with the cryoultramicrotome and labelled with primary antibodies (monoclonal mouse anti-human CD14, monoclonal mouse anti-human CD105 (endoglin) and secondary (donkey anti-mouse IgG) tagged with 6 nm colloidal gold particles. The tissues were observed under transmission electron microscope. This study was resulted as follows. 1. In the synovium of the human knee joint, CD14+ cells were identified. These cells showed phagocytic synovial cell's features. In the phagocytic synoviocyte, the distributions of CD14 were marked in the cytoplasm, around vacuoles, and in cytoplasmic process, but not detected inside of vacuoles. 2. In the synovium of the human knee joint, CD105+ cells were identified. These cells were recognized endothelial cells and phagocytic synovial cells. In the phagocytic synovial cells, the distributions of CD105 (endoglin) were marked in cytoplasic process, around vacuoles, and in cell membrane, but not detected inside of vacuoles. On the basis of above findings, it is obvious that phagocytic synovial cells were marked at CD 14 and CD 105, and might be play the role of activated macrophages or phagocytes in the synovial membrane.

• Development and Reproduction
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.115-123
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• 2000

A few enzymeimmunoassay (EfA) for testosterone (T) have been reported but was not suitable for all biological samples. The present study was designed to develop a rapid, ultrasensitive EIA and to apply this technique for study the physiological changes of T in biological samples. Saliva samples were collected at 06:00～09:00 hour during one menstrual cycle from 18 normally menstruating women and on 09:00～10:00 hour from 20 normal men. The present study shows an established EIA for testosterone, using horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which was covalently bonded to testosterone-3-carboxymethyloxime (T-3-CMO). One batch of T-antisera was also covalently linked to microcrystalline cellulose particles by a mixed anhydride method in order to facilitate separation of bound and free steroids. The established EIA was validated in terms of sensitivity, accuracy, specificity, precisions etc., comparing with conventional radioimmunoassay. The sensitivity of the established EIA was less than 25 pg/tube. The correlation coefficients between the expected T-values and observed T-values measured by EIA or RIA were r=0.985 and r=0.941 respectively. The cross reactivity of antiserum in EIA was a little higher than that of RIA, especially by 5 ${\alpha}$-DHT. The intra- and inter-assay precisions of the present EIA were similar to those of RIA. The present study also demonstrates that the normal T-values in saliva of Korean male ＆ female samples are 265.65${\pm}$15.80 pmol／l and 109.74${\pm}$ 12.01 pmol／l, respectively. The present EIA seems to be established and suitable for use in the endocrinological studies. The advantages of this EIA system also might make the present T-EIA an ideal procedure for use in a routine assay of ordinary laboratory with a conventional spectrophotometer.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.239-244
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• 2001

To examine the effects of feed additives on the expression of Perpheral blood cell surface molecules, phagocytosis and antigen specific antibody formation, broilers were randomly assigned to T$_1$, T$_2$, T$_3$, and T$_4$ groups. T$_1$ group was fed diet without any additives for 13 weeks, T$_2$ was fed diet with full fat flax, T$_3$ was fed diet with full fat flax containing $\alpha$-tocopherol, and T$_4$ was fed diet with full-fat flax containing $\alpha$-tocopherol and selenium. Since 5 weeks feeding the data were examined by luminometer. After 2 weeks adminstration of different feeding, although all treated groups (T$_2$, T$_3$, and T$_4$,) showed slightly increased chemiluminescence (CL) responses than T$_1$, this result was not significant. After 4 weeks feeding there was no significant increase of CL in the Phagocytes like neutrophils and macrophages of T$_2$ group compared to T$_1$. But phagocytes from T$_3$ and T$_4$ group showed in creased $O_2$- (6%, 18% respectively) as well as $H_2O$$_2$ (9.5% and 10.9%, respectively) induced CL responses. After 8 weeks feeding there was more than 50% increase $O_2$- induced CL in T$_3$ and T$_4$ group, but $H_2O$$_2$ induced CL responses in T$_3$ and T$_4$ group was slightly increased (6.6% and 9.3%, respectively).

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.30 no.2
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• pp.65-74
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• 1992

The tegumental ultrastructure of juvenile and adult Echinostoma cinetorchis (Trematoda: Echinostomatidae) was observed by scanning electron microscopy. Three-day (juvenile) and 16-day (adult) worms were harvested from rats (Sprague-Dawley) experimentally fed the metacercariae from the laboratory-infected fresh water snail, Hippeutis cantori. The worms were fifed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde, processed routinely, and observed by an ISI Korea DS-130 scanning electron microscope. The 3-day old juvenile worms were elongated and ventrally curved, with their ventral sucker near the anterior two-fifths of the body. The head crown was bearing 37∼38 collar spines arranged in a zigzag pattern. The lips of the oral and ventral suckers had 8 and 5 type II sensory papillae respectively, and bewteen the spines, a few type III papillae were observed. Tongue or spade-shape spines were distributed anteriorly to the ventral sucker, whereas peg-like spines were distributed posteriorly and became sparse toward the posterior body. The spines of the dorsal surface were similar to those of the ventral surface. The 16-day old adults were leaf-like, and their oral and ventral suckers were located very closely. Aspinous head crown, oral and ventral suckers had type II and type III sensory papillae, and numerous type I papillae were distributed on the tegument anterior to the ventral sucker. Scale-like spines, with broad base and round tip, were distributed densely on the tegument anterior to the ventral sucker but they became sparse posteriorly. At the dorsal surface, spines were observed at times only at the anterior body. The results showed that the tegument of E. cinetorchis is similar to that of other echinostomes, but differs in the number and arrangement of collar spines, shape and distribution of tegumenal spines, and type and distribution of sensory papillae.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.21 no.3
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• pp.174-180
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• 2014

Purpose: This study was performed to assess the clinical and epidemiological changes after the introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in Korea, as well as to determine the efficacy of the rotavirus vaccine among hospitalized rotaviral gastroenteritis patients over the past two years. Methods: We analyzed yearly and seasonal patterns of 1,165 inpatients who were hospitalized for rotaviral gastroenteritis under the age of 5 years between 2006 and 2013. We also conducted a survey among 460 gastroenteritis patients who were hospitalized between 2012 and 2013 regarding the rotavirus vaccination and the symptoms of gastroenteritis. Among those individuals surveyed, clinical indices were analyzed for 124 patients who were tested positive for the rotavirus antigen. Results: The incidence of Rotaviral gastroenteritis have decreased significantly by year 2010. After the introduction and widespread dissemination of the rotavirus vaccine, the onset of the disease and the seasonal peak have been delayed. Overall, the vaccinated group showed a lower rate of positivity than the unvaccinated group. Among the hospitalized rotaviral gastroenteritis patients, the vaccinated group had a shorter hospitalization period, less severe clinical symptoms of gastroenteritis, and better laboratory test results. Conclusions: After introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in Korea, there were two main trends observed: 1) the overall level of disease incidence was reduced; 2) the severity of rotaviral gastroenteritis cases also decreased. Based on this data, more children should receive vaccination in order to prevent the rotavirus infection and decrease the severity of rotaviral gastroenteritis.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.452-458
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• 1999

Objectives: The authors conducted the study to evaluate bias when potentially diseased subjects were included in cohort members while analyzing risk factors of chronic liver diseases. Methods: Total of 14,529 subjects were followed up for the incidence of liver diseases from January 1993 to June 1997. We have used databases of insurance company with medical records, cancer registry, and death certificate data to identify 102 incident cases. The cohort members were classified into potentially diseased group(n=2,217) when they were HBsAg positive, serum GPT levels higher than 40 units, or had or has liver diseases in baseline surveys. Cox's model were used for potentially diseased group, other members, and total subjects, respectively. Results: The risk factors profiles were similar for total and potentially diseased subjects: HBsAg positivity, history of acute liver disease, and recent quittance of smoking or drinking increased the risk. while intake of pork and coffee decreased it. For the potentially diseased, obesity showed marginally significant protective effect. Analysis of subjects excluding the potentially diseased showed distinct profiles: obesity increased the risk, while quitting smoking or drinking had no association. For these intake of raw liver or processed fish or soybean paste stew increased risk; HBsAg positivity, higher levels of liver enzymes and history of acute liver diseases increased the risk. Conclusions: The results suggested the potential bias in risk ratio estimates when potentially diseased subjects were included in cohort study on chronic liver diseases, especially for lifestyles possibly modified after disease onset. The analytic strategy excluding potentially diseased subjects was considered appropriate for identifying risk factors for chronic liver diseases.

• Journal of Korea Game Society
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.11-18
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• 2004

The on-line games in the past were played by only two persons exchanging data based on one-to-one connections, whereas recent ones (e.g. MMORPG: Massively Multi-player Online Role-playings Game) enable tens of thousands of people to be connected simultaneously. Specifically, Korea has established an excellent network infrastructure that can't be found anywhere in the world. Almost every household has a high-speed Internet access. What made this possible was, in part, high density of population that has accelerated the formation of good Internet infrastructure. However, this rapid increase in the use of on-line games may lead to surging traffics exceeding the limited Internet communication capacity so that the connection to the games is unstable or the server fails. expanding the servers though this measure is very costly could solve this problem. To deal with this problem, the present study proposes the load distribution technology that connects in the form of local clustering the game servers divided by their contents used in each on-line game reduces the loads of specific servers using the load balancer, and enhances performance of sewer for their efficient operation. In this paper, a cluster system is proposed where each Game server in the system has different contents service and loads are distributed efficiently using the game server resource information such as CPU utilization. Game sewers having different contents are mutually connected and managed with a network file system to maintain information consistency required to support resource information updates, deletions, and additions. Simulation studies show that our method performs better than other traditional methods. In terms of response time, our method shows shorter latency than RR (Round Robin) and LC (Least Connection) by about 12%, 10% respectively.