• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 2024

Purpose: Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children is a major challenge for pediatricians. This study was designed to investigate the risk factors for recurrent UTIs and determine the association between recurrent UTIs and clinical findings, including growth patterns in infants and children younger than 24 months of age. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 147 patients <24 months of age with UTIs who were hospitalized between August 2018 and October 2021. The patients were divided into recurrent and single UTI episode groups. Clinical findings and anthropometric and laboratory data were compared between the two groups. Results: In the recurrent UTI group, the weight-for-length (WFL) percentile at the first UTI diagnosis was lower compared to the single UTI episode group, and the weight-for-age percentile at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups after the first UTI decreased (all P<0.05). In univariable logistic regression analysis, higher birth weight, lower WFL percentile, the presence of hydronephrosis, acute pyelonephritis or vesicoureteral reflux, the use of prophylactic antibiotics, and non-Escherichia coli infections were associated with the development of recurrent UTIs (all P<0.05). However, in the multivariable analysis, only the presence of hydronephrosis and prophylactic antibiotic use were independently related to UTI recurrence (P<0.05). Conclusions: The presence of hydronephrosis at the first UTI can be helpful for predicting UTI recurrence in young children aged <24 months. Antibiotic prophylaxis may be associated with UTI recurrence. Potential growth delay should be carefully monitored in infants with recurrent UTI.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.195-204
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• 2024

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is an intervention for severe heart and lung failure; however, it poses the risk of complications, including gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). Comprehensive analyses of GIB in patients undergoing ECMO are limited, and its impact on clinical outcomes remains unclear. Methods: This retrospective study included 484 patients who received venovenous and venoarterial ECMO between January 2015 and December 2022. Data collected included patient characteristics, laboratory results, GIB details, and interventions. Statistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors and assess the outcomes. Results: GIB occurred in 44 of 484 patients (9.1%) who received ECMO. Multivariable analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.06; p=0.0130) and need to change the ECMO mode (OR, 3.74; 95% CI, 1.75-7.96; p=0.0006) were significant risk factors for GIB, whereas no association was found with antiplatelet or systemic anticoagulation therapies during ECMO management. Half of the patients with GIB (22/44, 50%) underwent intervention, with endoscopy as the primary modality (19/22, 86.4%). Patients who underwent ECMO and developed GIB had higher rates of mortality (40/44 [90.9%] vs. 262/440 [59.5%]) and ECMO weaning failure (38/44 [86.4%] vs. 208/440 [47.3%]). Conclusion: GIB in patients undergoing ECMO is associated with adverse outcomes, including increased risks of mortality and weaning failure. Even in seemingly uncomplicated cases, it is crucial to avoid underestimating the significance of GIB.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.51 no.2
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• pp.163-169
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• 2024

Objective: This retrospective study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic endometritis, diagnosed using CD138 immunohistochemistry, among infertile women and to assess the association between chronic endometritis and recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Methods: In total, 266 patients who underwent hysteroscopy due to infertility between 2019 and 2020 were included in the analysis. Of these, 136 patients with RIF and 130 non-RIF patients were included in the study. CD138 immunohistochemistry test results, blood biomarkers (including natural killer cells, white blood cells, and the lymphocyte-to-neutrophil ratio), and data on pregnancy outcomes were obtained. If the CD138 test yielded a positive result, the patients received antibiotic treatment. Results: The overall proportion of CD138-positive patients was 32.7% (87/266). The CD138 positivity rate was not related to the number of cycles with implantation failure. In the RIF patient group, no significant associations were found between CD138 positivity and peripheral blood markers. The clinical pregnancy rates were similar between infertile women treated with antibiotics for chronic endometritis and those without chronic endometritis. Conclusion: To improve the pregnancy rate in infertile patients, it may be helpful to combine CD138 testing with other laboratory tests and administer antibiotic treatment if the result is positive.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.195-204
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• 2004

Purpose: Hypophosphatemic rickets is a hereditary disease, characterized by hypophosphatemia due to renal phosphate wasting, impaired renal production of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$, rachitic bone deformities and impaired growth. The purpose of this study is to provide clinical profiles of patients with hypophosphatemic rickets in our hospital. Methods: Between July 1983 and February 2004, 56 patients were diagnosed as having hypophosphatemic rickets. The medical records of these patients were reviewed retrospectively. Clinical manifestations, family histories, laboratory data, treatment outcomes were described. Results: Fifty six patients were enrolled in this study. The average age at symptom onset and diagnosis were 20 months and 5 years respectively. Fourteen patients had family histories. The main clinical manifestations were bow legs and short stature. There was a significant negative correlation between the ages and the height z-scores at the time of diagnosis(r=-0.47, P=0.005). Initial laboratory data showed normocalcemia, hypophosphatemia, elevated serum alkaline phosphatase, decreased tubular reabsorption of phosphate and a normal range of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin $D_3$ Radiographic examinations of bone revealed fraying, widening and cupping of the metaphyseal ends. Treatment consisted of Joulie solution and vitamin D metabolites, and resulted in improved biochemical and radiographic findings. However, height z-scores remained essentially unchanged(P=0.224). Complications of treatment were frequently observed, including hyperparathyroidism, nephrocalcinosis, and hypercalciuria. Sixteen patients had corrective osteotomy and 4 of them underwent leg lengthening together. Conclusion: There was a gap of several years between the onset of symptoms and the diagnosis. Early treatment seems to be essential to growth. For the earlier treatment, the offsprings of affected parents should be followed up closely.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.24 no.10
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• pp.1346-1353
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• 2014

In the present study, an anthraquinone derivative, questinol was successfully isolated from the broth extract of the marine-derived fungus Eurotium amstelodami for the first time. The structure of questinol was determined based on the analysis of the MS and NMR spectral data as well as comparison of those data with the published data. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effect of questinol in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells was investigated. The results showed that questinol did not exhibit cytotoxicity in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells up to $200{\mu}M$. Questinol could significantly inhibit NO and $PGE_2$ production at indicated concentrations. Questinol was also found to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-${\alpha}$, IL-1${\beta}$, and IL-6. Furthermore, the western blot analysis showed that questinol suppressed the expression level of iNOS in a dose-dependent manner. However, questinol could slightly inhibit the expression of COX-2 at the concentration of $200{\mu}M$. Therefore, our study suggests that questinol might be selected as a promising agent for the prevention and therapy of inflammatory disease.

• Journal of Korean Academy of Rural Health Nursing
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.133-144
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the trends of disease of residents who had treatment in primary health care posts in N-county over the past seven years (1997-2003). The data will assist in planning responses to changes in the health care environment and in planning health promotion programs. Method: A retrospective descriptive survey was conducted of the computerized records of primary health care done by community health practitioners over the last seven years. Cross analysis was conducted among the data using SAS, and the results were displayed in frequencies and percentages. The data were collected from May to September 2004. Results: The results of the study are as follows: 1. The six most frequent diseases were ranked as follows: diseases of the 1) respiratory system, 2) musculoskeletal system and connective tissue, 3) digestive system, 4) skin and subcutaneous tissue, 5) circulatory system, and 6) symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings. Especially in 2002, circulatory system related disease rose two steps in the ranking and digestive system related disease went a step down. 2. The patients' use of primary health care posts over the past seven years continued to increase on the whole. Conclusions: According to these results, each primary health care post should carry out special health promotion programs that fit the local society of N- county and are in accordance with changes in health care needs.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.138-146
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• 2022

Purpose: Children with celiac disease (CD) are at an increased risk of low bone mineral density (BMD) owing to malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamins, inflammation, and malnutrition. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for low BMD in Iranian children with CD. Methods: This prospective cohort study examined 149 Iranian children with CD between 2011 and 2018 at Zabol University of Medical Sciences. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected from patients' medical records. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with low areal BMD (BMD-Z <-2) in the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Descriptive data were analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, and relative frequency. Data were analyzed using the chi-square test, t-test, and analysis of variance. Results: Of the 149 children with CD, 27.5% had osteoporosis. The mean body mass index (BMI) Z score was -1.28±1.2. Lower BMI was associated with a higher likelihood of BMD-Z (odds ratio 2.17; p≤0.05). Conclusion: Overall, the findings of this study showed that there was no correlation among Marsh classification, presence of specific human leukocyte antigens, and low BMD in Iranian children with CD. BMI can be a predictor of bone density in children with CD and may be applied clinically in early screenings to evaluate the bone health status in these children.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.91-99
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• 2012

Purpose: The aims of this study was to compare and evaluate the clinical characteristics, laboratory data, and prognosis for infants under age 1 year with CMV hepatitis and those with viral hepatitis of unknown etiology. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted of infants under age 1 year who were admitted with acute hepatitis. The exclusion criteria consisted of: autoimmune, genetic, metabolic, toxic, HAV, HBV, HCV, toxoplasma, rubella, herpes simplex, and Epstein-Barr virus. The 30 patients included were divided into two groups based on markers for CMV (IgM anti-CMV, CMV PCR in urine, CMV culture in urine). Results: The median age of patients (n=15) was 2.8 months. No other organ involvement was detected in any patient. Peak serum total bilirubin levels (n=4) ranged from 2.6 to 6.7 mg/dL. Peak serum ALT levels ranged from 51 to 1,581 IU/L. The duration of ALT elevation ranged from 1.5 weeks to 26 weeks (median 9 weeks). All had recovered in full without ganciclovir; there were no cases of hearing loss. The median age of controls (n=15) was 2.5 months. Peak serum total bilirubin levels (n=4) ranged from 1.6 to 9.1 mg/dL. Peak serum ALT levels ranged from 26 to 1,794 IU/L. No significant differences were observed between both groups regarding the peak serum ALT levels, peak serum total bilirubin levels, duration of hyperbilirubinemia and ALT elevation. Conclusion: Although it was not possible to differentiate congenital infection with perinatal infection in this study, the prognosis of patients with CMV hepatitis without other organ involvement was good without ganciclovir treatment.

• Journal of Korean Medicine Rehabilitation
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.169-186
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• 2009

Obejectives : The electroacupuncture(EA) on regional fat is often used by oriental medicine doctors in Korea. However, there have been few studies about safety and biocompatibility of its application. Therefore we investigated the safety and change of mechanical character of electroacupuncture after its application on localized fat deposit. Methods : Online surveys were completed from Aug 21 2008 to Aug 28 2008, by email, the online survey data were obtained from nearly 10,002 Korean medical doctors who listed their email address on the website of association of korean oriental medicine. This study includes an experiment on the physical strength and biological property of long needles. We represent each method which were collected in advance survey, then sealed the needles off and did laboratory experiment, which includes surface observation, analysis, vickers hardness test, and also biocompatibility and toxicity test. Results : There was no considerable difference about the physical property after applying electric current, the cell survival rate did not change in comparison with controlled group either. Conclusions : Although it seems there are no considerable acupuncture-related problem, we still need additional studies about clinical effectiveness difference related operation condition. Besides, it will need research on the actual condition, standardization, and criteria about the comsumed needle in Korea.

• ETRI Journal
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• v.37 no.2
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• pp.222-232
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• 2015

In this paper, we propose a dual-phase approach to improve the process of heart disease prediction in a mobile environment. Firstly, only the confident frequent rules are extracted from a patient's clinical information. These are then used to foretell the possibility of the presence of heart disease. However, in some cases, subjects cannot describe exactly what has happened to them or they may have a silent disease - in which case it won't be possible to detect any symptoms at this stage. To address these problems, data records collected over a long period of time of a patient's heart rate variability (HRV) are used to predict whether the patient is suffering from heart disease. By analyzing HRV patterns, doctors can determine whether a patient is suffering from heart disease. The task of collecting HRV patterns is done by an online artificial neural network, which as well as learning knew knowledge, is able to store and preserve all previously learned knowledge. An experiment is conducted to evaluate the performance of the proposed heart disease prediction process under different settings. The results show that the process's performance outperforms existing techniques such as that of the self-organizing map and gas neural growing in terms of classification and diagnostic accuracy, and network structure.