• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.72-76
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• 2006

Perinephric abscess is an accumulation of pus in the perinephric space, the area anatomically defined between the kidney and Gerota's fascia. Gram negative organisms are the most prevalent bacterial species found in perinephric abscess. Fever, flank pain, vomiting and abdominal mass are the usual presenting complaints. But with its insidious onset, variable symptoms and rue frequency in children, perinephric abscess has been a major diagnostic problem, leading to delayed diagnosis and inappropriate treatment, which increase the rate of complication and mortality. Clinical diagnosis of perinephric abscess is difficult but must always be considered in children with a febrile septicemic illness. For appropriate treatment, early detection is very important, and either ultrasonography or computed tomography(CT) facilitates the diagnosis and establishment of treatment method. We experienced a case of left perinephric abscess treated by percutaneous drainage in a 1-year 7-month old boy. Review of literature was made briefly.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.25 no.3
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• pp.165-169
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• 2018

Sepsis and meningitis caused by Neisseria meningitidis are rare in neonates, but neonatal sepsis and meningitis are associated with a high rate of mortality. Meningococcal disease is commonly reported in older children and adolescents and is known to be more prevalent in community settings. In this study, a 16-day-old neonate was diagnosed with serogroup B meningococcal sepsis and meningitis. The baby was treated with antibiotics at the early stages of the infection and was discharged in good condition without any complications. This case report can serve to raise awareness of the incidence and importance of meningococcal infection in neonates, especially serogroup B.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.48 no.4
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• pp.447-454
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• 2020

Veillonella spp. have been reported to be the most prevalent nitrate-reducing bacterial species in the oral cavity. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the abundance of Veillonella spp. and nitrite production after nitrate ingestion. Bacterial samples were obtained from the tongue surfaces of 50 university students. The predominant Veillonella spp., V. atypica, V. dispar, and V. rogosae were identified and enumerated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Salivary nitrate and nitrite were measured before and 30, 60, and 90 min after ingestion of 100 ml of beetroot juice. Increased nitrite concentrations were observed in all participants, with a mean increase of 0.61 (0.42-1.10) mM expressed as the median (interquartile range). Veillonella atypica was detected in 40 subjects (80%), V. dispar in 48 (96%), and V. rogosae in 48 (96%), at quantities ranging from 1.3 × 102 to 2.8 × 107 CFU/ml per subject. The strengths of the correlations of the log colony forming unit (CFU) values of V. atypica, V. dispar, V. rogosae, and the log CFU value of the three species together with the increase in nitrite levels were 0.091, 0.114, -0.228, and 0.060, respectively, none of which were significant (p > 0.05). Our results indicate that the abundance of Veillonella spp. is not related to salivary nitrite production after nitrate ingestion.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.59 no.3
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• pp.319-324
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• 2021

Incidence of tsutsugamushi disease (scrub typhus) caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi, is steadily increasing. It is a mite-borne disease transmitted by chigger mites. In this study, the chigger mites were collected from field small mammals in Hwaseong-si (city), Gyeonggi-do (province), Korea, 2019 and 2020. The field small mammals captured were 56 Apodemus agrarius (94.9%) and 3 Crocidura lasiura (5.1%). A total of 7,531 chigger mites were collected from the captured small mammals. Using PCR test, 153 chigger mite pools were examined and 17 pools were reported positive for O. tsutsugamushi. The O. tsutsugamushi were identified to 5 strains; Jecheon strain was most prevalent, followed by Boryong strain. The other strains were OI011, Taguchi, and Shimokoshi. Collectively, these results provide essential regional information on mite-borne tsutsugamushi disease in the Hwaseong-si, and further contribute to bring awareness and rapid diagnosis for the tsutsugamushi disease.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.353-364
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• 2021

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a series of hollow organs that is responsible for the digestion and absorption of ingested foods and the excretion of waste. Any changes in the GI tract can lead to GI disorders. GI disorders are highly prevalent in the population and account for substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare utilization. GI disorders can be functional, or organic with structural changes. Functional GI disorders include functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Organic GI disorders include inflammation of the GI tract due to chronic infection, drugs, trauma, and other causes. Recent studies have highlighted a new explanatory mechanism for GI disorders. It has been suggested that autophagy, an intracellular homeostatic mechanism, also plays an important role in the pathogenesis of GI disorders. Autophagy has three primary forms: macroautophagy, microautophagy, and chaperone-mediated autophagy. It may affect intestinal homeostasis, host defense against intestinal pathogens, regulation of the gut microbiota, and innate and adaptive immunity. Drugs targeting autophagy could, therefore, have therapeutic potential for treating GI disorders. In this review, we provide an overview of current understanding regarding the evidence for autophagy in GI diseases and updates on potential treatments, including drugs and complementary and alternative medicines.

• Journal of Oral Medicine and Pain
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.118-122
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• 2023

In this study, we investigate the emergence of bullous pemphigoid (BP) after the administration of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus Disease 2019 (SARSCOVID-19) vaccine. The study presents two cases of women, aged 47 and 53, diagnosed with BP following SARS-COVID-19 vaccination. BP is a common autoimmune blistering disorder prevalent among older populations, with an incidence rate ranging from 2 to 40 cases per million individuals. This condition arises when autoantibodies target adhesive proteins in the skin, resulting in blister formation and mucosal erosion. Drug-induced bullous pemphigoid (DIBP) shares similarities with the classic form of BP but may be influenced by medication usage. Notably, DIBP exhibits distinct characteristics, such as affecting a younger demographic and involving mucosal regions more prominently than classic BP. The growing incidence of BP is linked to factors such as an aging population and the rise of drug-induced cases. This case report provides valuable insights into comprehending DIBP, elucidating post-vaccination discomforts, particularly those related to oral lesions and the exacerbation of existing lesions. By elucidating these aspects, we aim to advance the understanding of DIBP within the medical community.

• Journal of Wellbeing Management and Applied Psychology
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.63-68
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• 2023

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the national obligation of public health support for residents in medically vulnerable areas in Korea, and to propose a suitable model for public health institutions in this region. Research design, data, and methodology: A survey targeting residents was conducted from August 10 to August 17, 2021, with a sample size of 177 general citizens. The survey utilized a structured questionnaire administered online through Google, employing convenience random sampling. After an editing process to ensure data accuracy, the final dataset of 174 valid samples underwent encoding, coding, and cleaning using the IBM SPSS Statistics 22.0 program for analysis. Results: Health status revealed a moderate level, and 63.8% reported having chronic diseases, particularly prevalent among the elderly. External healthcare institutions were commonly utilized, with proximity and competence of doctors being primary reasons. Respondents expressed a need for improving the public health and medical system, emphasizing the establishment of a County Health Centre and expanding medical departments. Conclusions: In this region, the region's unique challenges, including education, employment, population decline, aging, and transportation, require multidimensional efforts and urgent intervention by public entities. Long-term strategies involve considering the establishment of a health and medical institute, adjusting health centre resources to local realities, and fostering a cooperative system for collaboration among residents and institutions.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.4
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• pp.428-438
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• 2023

Clonorchis sinensis is commonly found in East Asian countries. Clonorchiasis is prevalent in these countries and can lead to various clinical symptoms. In this study, we used overlap extension polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system to isolate a cDNA encoding the choline transporter of C. sinensis (CsChT). We subsequently characterized recombinant CsChT. Expression of CsChT in X. laevis oocytes enabled efficient transport of radiolabeled choline, with no detectable uptake of arginine, α-ketoglutarate, p-aminohippurate, taurocholate, and estrone sulfate. Influx and efflux experiments showed that CsChT-mediated choline uptake was time- and sodium-dependent, with no exchange properties. Concentration-dependent analyses of revealed saturable kinetics consistent with the Michaelis-Menten equation, while nonlinear regression analyses revealed a Km value of 8.3 µM and a Vmax of 61.0 pmol/oocyte/h. These findings contribute to widen our understanding of CsChT transport properties and the cascade of choline metabolisms within C. sinensis.

• Journal of Korean Medical classics
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.25-39
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• 2024

Objectives : This paper focuses on recent research related to the relationship between 'Pizhuweiwei(脾主爲衛)' and intestinal flora, and suggests Korean Medical treatment methods that can treat and prevent diseases related to Spleen Deficiency(脾虛) such as ulcerative colitis, atrophic gastritis, diabetes, and obesity that is prevalent today. Methods : This study summarizes recent research results based on various literature on the relationship between the spleen and intestinal flora. Results : Polysaccharides contained in Jianpi herbs(健脾藥) have the effect of increasing beneficial bacteria and maintaining the diversity of intestinal microorganisms to improve intestinal function, managing intestinal metabolites to improve the body's immune function, and regulating the intestinal immune defense system. Therefore, based on the theory of 'Pizhuweiwei(脾主爲衛)', if the symptoms are treated through the spleen with Spleen-strengthening herbal medicinals, it could provide a substantial starting point for improving immunity. Conclusions : Polysaccharides contained in Jianpi herbs(健脾藥) could be considered as potential probiotics based on research findings which show that polysaccharides can regulate the intestinal flora and strengthen weak spleen, playing an important role.

• Archives of Obesity and Metabolism
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.14-26
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• 2024

Ultra-processed foods, falling under group 4 of the Nova classification system, are manufactured from processed food ingredients such as oils, fats, sugars, starch, and protein isolates, containing minimal to no whole food. They commonly incorporate flavorings, colorings, emulsifiers, and various cosmetic additives to enhance their palatability. Ultra-processed foods have become increasingly prevalent in contemporary society owing to their convenience, affordability, extended shelf life, and enhanced taste and aroma through additives. This surge in the consumption of ultra-processed foods has sparked discussions regarding its adverse health effects. Numerous studies have highlighted that an increased intake of ultra-processed foods elevates the risk of metabolic disorders, such as cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes, along with an increased risk of various cancers. Moreover, its association with an increased mortality risk underscores the importance of recognizing that opting for these foods based solely on taste and convenience is risky. Thus, by recognizing dietary habits as modifiable factors that can prevent health issues, maintaining a balanced diet with diverse nutrient intakes is crucial for overall health. Therefore, raising awareness and understanding of ultra-processed food consumption can significantly contribute to promoting healthy lifestyles.