• The Journal of Korean Society of Virology
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.175-182
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• 1998

We investigated the rate of hepatitis G virus infection among 50 patients who were not infected with the hepatitis C virus but showed symptoms of hepatitis. Viral RNA was extracted from the patients' sera and cDNA was synthesized and amplified by RT-PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) using random hexamer and 5 primers (470-20-1-77F, 470-20-1-211R, 470-20-1-211R-biotin, GV57-4512MF, GV57-4657MR). The amplified PCR products were confirmed by electrochemiluminescence (ECL), liquid hybridization (LH) and Southern blotting (SB). Among the 50 PCR products, by means of ECL, we found 4 samples to be positive and 5 samples to be indeterminate. The GV45-89M probe (5'-CYCGCTGRTITGGGGTGTACfGGAAGGC-3') was end-labelled with gamma-$^{32}P$ ATP and used for liquid hybridization with the PCR products. By using liquid hybridization, we detected specific bands from 4 positive sera and also from one indeterminate serum as determined by ECL. An 1.5% agarose gel electrophoresis of the 9 PCR products which were HGV positive or indeterminate as determined by ECL showed a 160bp band from 4 positive and one indeterminate serum. The 5 PCR products proved to be positive when SB was applied with the GV45-89M probe as well as when LH was applied. LH and SB were shown to have higher sensitivity and specificity than ECL. Two cases among 5 positive cases had relatively high SGOT, SGPT, ALP values when compared with other 48 cases. In summary, we confirmed hepatitis G virus infection in 5 cases among 50 Korean patients showing symptoms of viral hepatitis.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.14 no.11
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• pp.6241-6243
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• 2013

Objective: To explore the predictive value of tumor markers, including cancer antigen 72-4 (CA72-4), cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) and cancer antigen 125 (CA125), in single or combined detection, for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Methods: 120 patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer from August 2011 to March 2013 and 80 patients diagnosed with benign ovarian tumors were enrolled in this test, along with 50 health examination women randomly selected from the database as controls. Serum levels of CA72-4, CA15-3 and CA125 in this study were determined by electrochemiluminescence (ECL). Results: Serum levels of CA72-4, CA15-3 and CA125 in ovarian cancer were higher than those in healthy group and benign group (P<0.01).The sensitivity of combined detection of those three tumor markers for diagnosis of ovarian cancer was obviously higher than with single detection with each marker (P<0.01). Conclusions: CA72-4, CA15-3 and CA125 could be a good combination in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Patients whose tumor markers continue to increase should be highly suspected of malignancy.

• Bulletin of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.99-105
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• 2006

Polyamine dendrimers functionalized with electrochemiluminescent (ECL) polypyridyl Ru(II) complexes, dend-$[CO-(CH_2)_3-mbpy{\cdot}Ru(L)_2]_3(PF_6)_6$ (dend: N$(CH_2CH_2NH)_3$-, L: bpy, o-phen, phen-Cl, DTDP), were synthesized through the complexation of dendritic polypyridyl ligands to Ru(II) complexes. Their electrochemical redox potentials, photoluminescence (PL), and relative ECL intensities were studied. The ECL emissions produced by the reaction between the electro-oxidized $Ru^{3+}$ species of polyamine dendrimers and tripropylamine as a coreactant were measured in a static system with potential cycles between 0.8 and 1.3 V or through flow injection analysis with a potential of +1.3 V, and were compared to that of $[Ru(o-phen)_3](PF_6)_2{\cdot}Dend-[CO-(CH_2)_3-mbpy{\cdot}Ru(bpy)_2]_3(PF_6)_6$ showed an ECL intensity that was two-fold greater than that of the reference complex $[Ru(o-phen)_3](PF_6)_2$.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.63-67
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• 2006

Apple scar skin, one of the most destructive diseases affecting apple, is caused by Apple scar skin viroid (ASSV d). Fruit dappling appeared on several cultivars in Korea and has been distributed to major cultivated areas since 2001. ASSVd was identified from infected fruits by using nucleic acid sequence-based amplification with electrochemiluminescence (NASBA-ECL). NASBA-ECL method was faster and hundredfold more sensitive than reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for ASSVd detection in apple leaves/ stems. ASSVd was rapidly transmitted to the entire tree in the second year after artificial inoculation. The ASSVd could be transmitted efficiently by using contaminated pruning scissors to both lignified stems (60 to $70\%$) and green shoots (20 to $40\%$) of apple tree and young plants. Dipping of contaminated scissors in $2\%$ sodium hypochlorite solution effectively prevented viroid transmission. In the ASSV d-infected fruits, the viroid was easily detected from fruit skin, seed coat, and embryo. Moreover, embryo and endosperm separately excised from the ASSVd-infected seeds were ASSVd positive in NASBA-ECL assay. Seedlings germinated from ASSVd-positive seeds showed $7.7\%$ infection rate., which indicated that ASSVd is seed-borne.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.96-100
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• 2013

Purpose: Chronic periodontitis (CP) seems to be associated with stress and depression, but little information on this possible association is available in the literature. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the association among stress, the salivary cortisol level (SCL), and CP. Methods: Seventy systemically healthy subjects were included in the study from January to September 2011. Full medical and dental histories were obtained, and the following measurements were recorded: 1) probing depth; 2) clinical attachment level; 3) bleeding on probing; and 4) tooth mobility. Saliva samples were collected for the evaluation of SCL (via a highly sensitive electrochemiluminescence immunoassay), and all subjects also answered a questionnaire (i.e., the Zung Self-rating Depression Scale). The odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated, and one way analysis of variance and the Tukey-Kramer method were performed. Results: A total of 36 subjects with CP (51.4%) and 34 without CP were evaluated. Of them, all of the subjects with CP and one periodontally healthy subject were diagnosed with depression. Subjects with moderate CP had statistically significantly higher levels of SCL than subjects with a diagnosis of slight CP (P=0.006). Also, subjects with severe CP showed the same outcome when compared to those with slight CP (P=0.012). In addition, 46 subjects presented high SCL whereas 24 had a normal level. CP was found to be correlated with the SCL, with an OR of 4.14 (95% CI, 1.43 to 12.01). Conclusions: Subjects with a high SCL and depression may show an increased risk for CP.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.62 no.11
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• pp.416-421
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• 2019

Background: The seropositivity rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) antibodies is known to be ≥95% after hepatitis B virus vaccination during infancy. However, a low level or absence of anti-HBs in healthy children is discovered in many cases. Recent studies in adults reported that a reduced anti-HBs production rate is related to obesity. Purpose: To investigate whether body mass index (BMI) affects anti-HBs levels in healthy children following 3 serial dose vaccinations in infancy. Methods: We recruited 1,200 healthy volunteers aged 3, 5, 7, or 10 years from 4-day care centers and 4 elementary schools. All subjects completed a questionnaire including body weight, height, and vaccine type received. Levels of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBs in all subjects were analyzed using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The standardized scores (z score) for each sex and age were obtained using the lambda-mu-sigma method in the 2017 Korean National Growth Charts for children and adolescents. Results: Our subjects (n=1,200) comprised 750 males (62.5%) and 450 females (37.5%). The overall anti-HBs seropositivity rate was 57.9% (695 of 1,200). We identified significant differences in mean BMI values between seronegative and seropositive groups (17.45 vs. 16.62, respectively; P<0.001). The anti-HBs titer was significantly decreased as the BMI z score increased adjusting for age and sex (B=-15.725; standard error=5.494; P=0.004). The probability of anti-HBs seropositivity based on BMI z score was decreased to an OR of 0.820 after the control for confounding variables (95% confidence interval, 0.728-0.923; P=0.001). Conclusion: There was a significant association between anti-HBs titer and BMI z score after adjustment for age and sex. Our results indicate that BMI is a potential factor affecting anti-HBs titer in healthy children.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.50 no.1
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• pp.53-62
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• 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships of serum folate (vitamin B9), cobalamin (vitamin B12) levels and diet with semen parameters (semen standard parameters [SSP] and DNA fragmentation index [DFI]) in infertile men. Methods: Sperm samples were assessed for SSP and DFI (using the sperm chromatin dispersion test). Serum vitamin concentrations were measured with an immuno-electrochemiluminescence assay, and men completed a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Results: Serum folate levels were positively correlated with sperm progressive motility and DFI. A comparison of SSP between two groups of patients according to serum folate concentration (B9 <4.840 ng/mL and B9 ≥4.840 ng/mL) showed significantly higher sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility in the latter group. However, there was no difference between these groups regarding DFI. Interestingly, serum folate levels were significantly higher in patients with a high DFI (using the cut-offs of 30% or 18%). FFQ data showed that the consumption of fruits and egg yolk correlated positively with sperm concentration and sperm motility, respectively. Conclusion: Serum folate levels showed significant associations with sperm concentration and sperm progressive motility. However, the positive association of serum folate with DFI raises the need for careful prescription of folate supplements.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.5
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• pp.422-430
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• 2023

Objectives: Prolactin is vital for breastfeeding and milk production, and its secretion is influenced by factors related to the mother, infant, and environment. To date, no study has concurrently investigated the correlation of these factors with serum prolactin levels during lactation. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the correlations among maternal and infant factors, lead exposure, and serum prolactin levels during lactation. Methods: A cross-sectional approach was employed in Surabaya, Indonesia, among 110 exclusively lactating mothers. The mothers' daily diets were determined using multiple 24-hour recalls, while blood lead levels were measured with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Serum prolactin levels were assessed using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. For bivariate analysis, we employed the Spearman correlation, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests, while for multivariate analysis, we utilized multiple linear regression. Results: The average serum prolactin level of the lactating mothers was 129.19±88.96 ng/mL. Positive correlations were found between serum prolactin levels and breastfeeding frequency (p<0.001), protein intake (p<0.001), and calcium intake (p=0.011) but had negative correlation with blood lead levels (p<0.001) and vitamin B6 intake (p=0.003). Additionally, prolactin levels were not significantly associated with maternal age; parity; intake of calories, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, folic acid, magnesium, or iron; infant age; or infant sex. Conclusions: Breastfeeding frequency had a stronger positive relationship with serum prolactin levels than protein and calcium intake. However, lead exposure was associated with reduced serum prolactin levels during lactation. Consequently, specific interventions from policymakers are necessary to manage breastfeeding in mothers exposed to lead.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.49 no.5
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• pp.539-544
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• 2006

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to determine whether N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP) may be used to differentiate acute Kawasaki disease(KD) from other clinically similar diseases. Methods : Using electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, NT-proBNP concentrations were measured in the acute phase within 10 days after the onset of KD(n=58) and in the convalescent phase, 60 to 81 days after the onset(n=51), and also in patients with acute febrile disease as a control(n=34). Echocardiography was performed to detect pericardial effusion(PE) and coronary artery lesions(CAL), and to measure the left ventricular dimension at diastole(LVIDd) and ejection fraction(LVEF). The cutoff value of NT-proBNP for separating KD from other diseases was determined. Results : NT-proBNP concentration in the acute phases of KD was significantly higher than that in the control group($1,501.6{\pm}2,132.6$ vs. $139.0{\pm}88.8pg/mL$, P<0.0001). In KD patients, NT-proBNP was elevated in the acute phase and was lowered in the convalescent phase($1,466.0{\pm}2,173.2$ vs. $117.5{\pm}95.5pg/mL$, P<0.0001). The cutoff value of 260 pg/mL discriminated KD patients from other patients, with a sensitivity of 93 percent and a specificity of 88 percent. The NT-proBNP was higher in patients with PE(n=17) compared with those without PE(n=41)($1,784.2{\pm}1,903.1$ vs. $1,384.4{\pm}2,232.6pg/mL$, P=0.52). Comparison of NT-proBNP could not be done between patients with CAL and those without, owing to a small number of patients with CAL(n=3). There was no correlation between NT-proBNP and LVEF index(r=0.104, P=0.46) or LVIDd index(r=0.171, P=0.22). Conclusion : NT-proBNP increases in the acute phase of KD and decreases to within normal range in the convalescent phase. NT-proBNP >260 pg/mL may be highly suggestive of acute KD. NT-proBNP may be used as a diagnostic tool for KD.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.61-66
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• 2005

Purpose : Since hepatitis A virus almost is transmitted by fecal-to-oral route, individual and public sanitation affects the prevalence and ages of hepatitis A infection. We researched the positivity rate of hepatitis A antibody at Pohang to make the basic data for subclinical infection and vaccination schedule. Methods : From January 2004 to February 2005, a total of 603 patients who were admitted at Hangdong University Sunlin Hospital, Dongguk University Hospital, and Christianity Hospital without any hepatic disease and vaccination of hepatitis A were enrolled. IgG antibody to hepatitis A virus were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay(ECLIA). Results : Among 603 patients, 523 patients were less than 15 year of age and 80 patients were in above 15 years. The prevalence rate was 19.3%(101/523) in pediatric group and 70.0%(56/80) in above 15 years. In detail, the prevalence rate was 73.2%(52/71) in 0~5 months, 14.9%(11/74) in 6~11 month, 8.9%(7/79) in 12~17 month, 7.3%(6/82) in 18~23 month, 5.5%(4/72) in 2~3 years, 12.1%(9/74) in 4~8 years, 16.9%(12/71) in 9~14 years, 52.5%(19/40) in 15~29 years, and 92.5%(37/40) in group aged over 30 years. The prevalence rates in male and female showed no significant differences. Conclusion : The prevalence rate of hepatitis A in the group of 4~8 years and 9~14 years at Pohang was lower comparing with previous reports of other cities in Korea. We can postulate that the sanitation of children living at Pohang is at least not bad than other cities. And for the prevalence rate of hepatitis A is increased after 3 years, we should recommend that the vaccination of hepatitis A may be finished until 3 years.