• Journal of the Korean Data and Information Science Society
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.599-607
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• 2016

The first patient of Middle East respiratory syndrome caused by a novel coronavirus infection in Korea was confirmed on May 20, 2015. After that, MERS spread over the country. In recent years, patients of MERS have been found around the Arabian Peninsula and the case fatality ratio of MERS in those area was been reported to range from 30 to 40%. In this paper, we estimate the case fatality ratio of MERS of Korea using data of 186 infections until December 1, 2015. In this study we propose a novel estimator of the case fatality ratio using information of the patients severity condition as well as records on the days of confirmation and death or recovery of the patient. By using publicly available data of the Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control, we evaluate a performance of the estimator and demonstrate a stability of the estimator from the early stage of the epidemic.

• BMB Reports
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.203-208
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• 2014

To gain insights into the effect of MexB gene under the short interfering RNA (siRNA), we synthesized 21 bp siRNA duplexes against the MexB gene. RT-PCR was performed to determine whether the siRNA inhibited the expression of MexB mRNA. Changes in antibiotic susceptibility in response to siRNA were measured by the E-test method. The efficacy of siRNAs was determined in a murine model of chronic P. aeruginosa lung infection. MexB-siRNAs inhibited both mRNA expression and the activity of P. aeruginosa in vitro. In vivo, siRNA was effective in reducing the bacterial load in the model of chronic lung infection and the P. aeruginosa-induced pathological changes. MexB-siRNA treatment enhanced the production of inflammatory cytokines in the early infection stage (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that targeting of MexB with siRNA appears to be a novel strategy for treating P. aeruginosa infections.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.443-451
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• 2009

Soyangin-Hyeongbangpaedok-san(SHBPDS) is used for treating upper respiratory infections, In an effort to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of SHBPDS, we measured production of several cytokines and immunoglobulin in various immune cells. SHBPDS decreased the secretion of TNF-${\alpha}$, but not that of IL-6 in PMA/A23187 stimulated HMC-1 cells. As for mouse B cells, it induced proliferation and caused differential effects in expressions of surface IgE as determined by flow cytometry and secretions of IgE, IgG1, ILA and INF-${\gamma}$as measured by ELISA but showed little change in CD23 or CD69 expression. SHBPDS increased proliferation in anti-CD3/anti-CD28 stimulated CD4 Th cells. Under the Th1/Th2 polarization conditions, SHBPDS at 200 ${\mu}g/m{\ell}$ suppressed the secretion of INF-${\gamma}$ and IL-4. Based on the above results, we conclude that SHBPDS has antiinflammatory activities in mast cells and different immunomodulatroy effects in B cells and Th cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.242-254
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• 2018

Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that participate in the innate immunity of hosts. Humans constitutively and/or inducibly express ${\alpha}$- and ${\beta}$-defensins, which are known for their antiviral and antibacterial activities. This review describes the application of human defensins. We discuss the extant experimental results, limited though they are, to consider the potential applicability of human defensins as antiviral agents. Given their antiviral effects, we propose that basic research be conducted on human defensins that focuses on RNA viruses, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and dengue virus (DENV), which are considered serious human pathogens but have posed huge challenges for vaccine development for different reasons. Concerning the prophylactic and therapeutic applications of defensins, we then discuss the applicability of human defensins as antivirals that has been demonstrated in reports using animal models. Finally, we discuss the potential adjuvant-like activity of human defensins and propose an exploration of the 'defensin vaccine' concept to prime the body with a controlled supply of human defensins. In sum, we suggest a conceptual framework to achieve the practical application of human defensins to combat viral infections.

• Korean Journal of Cleft Lip And Palate
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• v.7 no.2
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• pp.123-132
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to obtain normative nasalance scores for adult subjects speaking the Korean language. Additional objectives of the study were to determine if speaker sex played a role in differences in nasalance score and there was significantly correlation of nasalance score with nasalance slope score. The subjects include 75 healthy young Korean adults with normal oral and velopharyngeal resource and function. They had no history of speech problem, were judged as having normal speech and resonance at the time of testing, and had no upper respiratory tract infections or allergies at the time of testing. The Nasometer II 6400 was used to obtain nasalance scores and nasalance slope scores for /a/, /i/, /e/, /o/, /u/, /ja/, /je/, /wi/, /p'ap'i/ and /sasi/. The data of nasalance and nasalance slope were analyzed statistically. The mean nasalance score of the female was significantly higher than that of male at /a/, /i/, /wi/, /p'ap'i/ and /sasi/(p <0.10). The mean nasalance score of /i/ was highest and that of /o/ was the lowest. In this study, we could not and the relationship of the nasalance score and the closing slope score. However, there was negative correlation between the mean nasalance score and the opening slope score at ie/ and /;ai, positive to /sasi/. These normative nasalance scores for normal young adults speaking the Korean language provide important reference information for Korean cleft palate teams. In the future study of velopharygneal activity with the Nasometer, the opening slope score will be able to be the important parameter.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.251-256
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• 2011

Purpose: A nasolabial cyst is a rare non-odontogenic, soft-tissue, developmental cyst arising anywhere on the face inferior to the nasoalar region. It is thought to arise from either epithelial remnants trapped along the lines of fusion during the development of face or the remnants of the developing nasolacrimal duct. This study examines various features of nasolabial cysts with bony involvement to provide a basis for correct diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Eight cases of nasolabial cyst treated in Soonchunhyang Hospital between March 2002 and July 2010 were examined in terms of their clinical features and radiological and histological findings. Seven patients underwent surgical excision of the cyst via an intraoral, sublabial approach. One underwent incision and drainage. Results: Our eight patients were seven women and one man. The most frequent symptoms and signs were facial deformity and swelling of the nasolabial fold. Computed tomography (CT) showed a well-circumscribed cystic mass lateral to the pyriform aperture. Seven cases had erosive lesions on CT, and the intraoperative findings were consistent with a nasolabial cyst with a bony defect. Typical histopathological findings showed that these cysts were most frequently lined with respiratory epithelium with ciliated columnar cells and cuboid cells. No patient developed complications or recurrences. Conclusion: A nasolabial cyst is often unrecognized or confused with other intranasal masses, including fissural and odontogenic cysts, midface infections, or swelling in the nasolabial area. Therefore, a careful clinical and radiological evaluation should be preformed when considering the differential diagnosis. We present eight patients with nasolabial cysts treated via a gingivobuccal approach with excellent functional and cosmetic results.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.249-253
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• 2019

Various factors negatively affect poultry production, including a multitude of avian pathogens. Among them, Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS) cause world-wide economic losses in the poultry industry. Although respectively, MG and MS induce chronic respiratory disease and synovitis in poultry, these pathogens often manifest as clinically inapparent infections and many countries are therefore having difficulties effectively eradicating them. In this study, five broiler breeder farms in Korea were investigated for the presence of Mycoplasma infection from 2016 to 2018. Serum samples were collected for detection of antibodies to mycoplasma species using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Additionally, the production index and feed conversion rate of broilers were recorded. According to this investigation, broiler breeder farms in 2018 were serologically negative for Mycoplasma infection with broilers exhibiting a high production index and low feed conversion rate. Thus, eradicating mycoplasma in poultry farms is critical for improving chick quality and overall poultry production.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.507-516
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• 1994

The purposes of this investigations were survey of the occurred bacterial diseases, development of new animal health drug, guidance to formers on the treatment and control methods of diseases. Some series of investigations have been carried out by microbiological, pathological and serological examinations. The results could be summarized as follows. 1. A total of 953 cases of outbreaked swine diseases have been diagnosed in Clinical pathology laboratories, Bayer Vet Res Institute during 8 years (from 1986 to 1993). The high incidence diseases were colibacillosis, pleuropneumonia, streptococcal infection and pasteurellosis in decreasing order. 2. Pleuropneumonia caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was the most important respiratory diseases and pasteurellosis by Pasteurella multocide could be confirmed in several cases. 3. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae 50 strains were isolated and identified by biochemical and serological tests. In serotyping test, 22 isolated strains were serotype 5, 21 strains as serotype 2, each 2 strains as serotype 3 and 7 by the coagglutination test. 4. Colibacillosis and edema discase caused by Escherichia coli has been the most predominant outbreaked disease in this investigations. The 100 isolates of E coli strains were sensitive to amikacin, colistin, enrofloxacin, gentamycin and trimethoprim -sulfamethoxazole. 5. Swine erysipelas caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was confirmed 25 cases as acute septicemic forms. Isolates of E rhusiopathiae were highly sensitive to ampicillin, cephalothin, enrofloxcin, penicillin and tetracycline. 6. The 49 cases of hemorrhagic and necrotic enteritis in piglets were observed and 13 strains of Clostridium perfringens could be isolated and confirmed by biological and serological test. Isolates of Clostridium perfringens type C were highly sensitive to ampicillin, cephalothin, enrofloxacin, penicillin and trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole. 7. The 14 strains of Streptococcus suis type II could be isolated from meningitis of piplets. 8. Polyserositis caused by Haemophilus parasuis and salmonellosis were observed and confirmed. Also Corynebacterial infections and several parasitosis have been also observed in this investigations.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.202-207
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• 2004

Group A streptococcus, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes, is a common bacterial pathogens of the upper respiratory tract and skin infections in children, but this organism is a less common cause of pneumonia, pericarditis. However, pneumonia that is caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, may be rapidly progressive course with developing severe consequences. It may be focal but often is bilateral and diffuse involvement of lung. Empyema is commonly developed, and pleurocentesis often yields thin, watery fluid that continues to flow out when a chest tube is inserted. Antimicrobial resistance to the ${\beta}$-lactam antibiotics has not been reported against group A streptococci, whereas increasing resistance to the macrolides seems to be directly related to the consumption of specific antimicrobial agent use in the community. Clindamycin resistance is uncommon but does occur. We experienced one case of group A streptoccoccal pneumonia with empyema and pericardial effusion, and treated successfully with amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin and roxithromycin.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.17 no.1
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• pp.107-119
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• 1984

At the preliminary survey of Seosan demonstration project for integration of family planning and maternal and child health service, 6 questions about morbid conditions of all household members were included. Definition of morbid condition used at the survey was self-conceived physical or mental infirmity which had been caused by diseases or accidents, resulting in obstacles to ordinary daily life for past 30 days. Analyzing those morbidity data, the following results were obtained. 1. The morbid person rate was 192.2 per 1,000 persons and the morbidity rate 214.2 per 1,000 persons. 2. The percentage of household which had at least one morbid person was 61.9% and average number of morbidity per one household was 1.1. 3. Analyzing the 1st morbid condition of the total 4,433 morbid persons, morbidity rate of male was 194.6 per 1,000 persons and that of female was 189.8 per 1,000 persons. 4. The highest age specific morbidity rate was that of $0{\sim}4$ years of age, and it was 304.3 per 1,000 persons. The lowest was that of $10{\sim}14$ years of age and the rate of 93.8 per 1,000 persons. 5. The following was the order of five major diseases which were classified according to 17 International Classification of Diseases. (1) Symptoms and Ill defined conditions : 17.3% (2) Disease of the Digestive system : 15.7% (3) Infections and Parasitic disease 14.3% (4) Disease of the Respiratory system : 13.7% (5) Disease of the Nervous system and sense organs : 9.4% 6. 30 leading morbid conditions were described in Table III-2 and which composed 70.6% of total morbid conditions. 7. The percentage of the morbid conditions of which duration was longer than 90 days was 40.5%. 8. Of the total 4,433 morbid persons, 4,394 morbid persons responded for the morbid condition management method. Of those, Hospital & clinic (35.3%), drug store (40.0%), herb drug store (3.6%), health center (2.2%) ware selected for the 1st place or method for management morbid condition, and 18.0% did not search for morbid condition management.