• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.58 no.2
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• pp.147-152
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• 2020

Malaria is a potent burden on public healthcare worldwide due to requiring rapid diagnosis and treatment. Nowadays, prompt diagnosis with rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) has been widely accepted as an effective diagnostic technique in malaria-endemic countries, primarily due to their easy operation, fast output, and straightforward interpretation. The global availability and use of RDTs have gradually grown over recent decades as field-applicable diagnostic tests for the reliable confirmation of malaria infection and proper case management. This study was conducted to evaluate diagnostic performance of 3 commercially available malaria RDT kits : BIOCREDIT^TM Malaria Ag Pf(pLDH), Malaria Ag Pf(pLDH/pHRPII), and Malaria Ag Pf/Pv(pLDH/pLDH) (where pLDH and pHRPII stand for plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase and histidine-rich protein 2, respectively) for the specific detection of Plasmodium falciparum. A total of 1,129 blood samples including 95 blood samples, confirmed as vivax malaria infection by microscopic examinations and a nested-PCR method, were tested for falciparum malaria infection. The overall sensitivity and specificity of Malaria Ag Pf(pLDH/pHRPII), Malaria Ag Pf/Pv(pLDH/pLDH), and Pf(pLDH) for P. falciparum were 99.0% and 100%, 95.8% and 100%, and 100% and 100%, respectively. It is proposed that the 3 RDT kits perform reliable level of diagnostic accuracy of detection for P. falciparum parasites.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.47-55
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• 1995

Classification of peripheral leucocytes in Korean catfish (Silurus asotus) were performed. The leucocytes were classified on the basis of their morphological, cytochemieal and phagocytic characteristics. Four types of leucocytes were observed in the peripheral blood. Neutrophils were round and 12 - $15{\mu}m$ in diameter with round, oval or 2 - 3 segmented neuclei. Their cytoplam was stained whitish or grey. Lymphocytes were round and 5.5 - $8{\mu}m$ in diameter with large round neuclei which occupied most of the cells. Monocytes were round or irregular cells and 12 - $15{\mu}m$ in diameter with bean - shaped or irreular neuclei. Thrombocytes were oval or spindle - shaped cells with oval or spindle - neucle. The cells with greyish cytoplasm ranged 7.2 to $14.4{\mu}m$ in length and 5.8 to $7.2{\mu}m$ in width. Only neutrophils showed positive reaction in peroxidase and PAS. Neutrophils and monocytes showed active phagocytosis. As the results it is concluded that peripheral leucocytes of Koran catfish could be classified as lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and thrombocytes.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.321-329
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• 2021

This case study reports the effects of complex Korean medicine treatment, including Nangan-jeon, on Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) accompanied by chronic constipation and abdominal pain as the main symptoms. A 39-year-old woman diagnosed with LEMS with major symptoms, including chronic constipation and acute abdominal pain, received Western treatment. The treatment efficacy was weak and symptoms recurred, so the patient received outpatient treatment and 13 days of hospitalization for active Korean medicine treatment, including Nangan-jeon. During outpatient treatment and hospitalization, defecation frequency and the numeric rating scale (NRS) for abdominal pain and abdominal cold feeling were measured. The NRS for abdominal pain and cold decreased from 8 at admission to 3 and 0, respectively, at discharge. Defecation frequency increased significantly from once or twice a month to once every 2-3 days during hospitalization. This study results that complex Korean medicine treatment, including Nangan-jeon may be useful for treating patients who mainly complain of autonomic neurological symptoms, among patients diagnosed with LEMS. In addition, it is believed that it could be basic data applicable to more LEMS patient treatment cases.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.199-211
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• 2019

Objectives : Present study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of various combinations of lemon balm and dandelion (LD) leaf extract on carbon tetrachloride ($CCl_4$)-induced acute liver injury. Methods : Mice were orally treated with 200 mg/kg of LD extracts [1:1, 1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8, 2:1, 4:1, 6:1, or 8:1 (weight : weight)] for 7 days, and then intraperitoneally injected with $CCl_4$ (0.5 mL/kg). Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was used as reference drug. Body weight gain, relative liver weight, serum biochemistry, histopathologic analyses, and hepatic antioxidant system were examined to elucidate the fittest combination ratio of LD extract. Results : All varying combinations of LD extract significantly increased body weight gain and decreased relative liver weight by $CCl_4$. In addition, LD extract reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Histopathological analyses indicated that LD extract significantly decreased histological activity index score, degenerated hepatocytes, and infiltrated inflammatory cells induced by $CCl_4$. Moreover, LD extract reduced lipid peroxidation, and attenuated the reduction of hepatic glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase by $CCl_4$. Although there were no statistical differences in body weight gain between silymarin- and LD extract-treated groups, administration of 1:1, 2:1, and 4:1 combination of LD extract exhibited more favorable hepatoprotective effects than silymarin. Especially, 2:1 combination of LD extract showed the most potent hepatoprotective effects. Conclusion : Of various combinations of LD extract tested, present results suggest that 2:1 combination of LD extract would be a promising herbal formulation to protect liver from oxidative stress.

• Journal of Korean society of Dental Hygiene
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.183-194
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• 2019

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the factors related to the completion status of continuing education and to help develop professional ability by presenting improvement directions. Methods: A questionnaire survey involving 500 dental hygienists working at 155 dental clinics in Gwang-ju was conducted between June 19 and July 29, 2017. Descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and t-tests were conducted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 21.0 for Windows. Finally, to investigate the factors related to the completion of continuing education, logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: The odds ratio (OR) was higher in the group with more than 16 years of total work carrier (OR=3.40, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.22-9.45) than that in the group with 1-5 years of work carrier. Groups receiving information from associations (OR=5.35, 95% CI=1.74-16.40), groups that directly search for information (OR=6.53, 95% CI=1.84-23.12), and groups receiving information from colleagues (OR=3.55, 95% CI=1.17-10.77) had higher ORs than groups receiving no information. The OR was higher in the group receiving cost support for participation (OR=2.20, 95% CI=1.06-4.55) than the group receiving no support. Regarding total education completion status in 2012-2014, groups that completed grades 1-7 (OR=2.51, 95% CI=1.35-4.64) and those that completed grade 8 or higher (OR=14.37, 95% CI=7.68-26.89) had higher ORs than groups who received no education. Conclusions: The rate of completion of continuing education can be increased by reviewing the course contents, publicity activities, and cost of continuing education.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.266-273
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• 2019

Heavy metal contamination in freshwater ecosystem has been receiving increased worldwide attention due to their direct or indirect effect on human health and aquatic organisms. In this study, we investigated biological effects such as survival rate, growth rate, emergence rate, sex ratio and mouthpart deformity of Chironomus plumosus. The survival rate of C. plumosus decreased with the increase in heavy metal concentration as well as exposure time after cadmium (Cd) or zinc (Zn) exposure. The growth rate decreased at days 4 and 7 after Cd exposure and significantly reduced at the relatively high concentration of $50mg\;L^{-1}$ Cd. The emergence rate was decreased at $50mg\;L^{-1}$ Cd and $100mg\;L^{-1}$ Zn. The sex ratio showed imbalance pattern at relatively low concentrations (0.5 and $2mg\;L^{-1}$ Cd) with high proportion of male and relatively high concentration ($100mg\;L^{-1}$ Zn) with high proportion of female (60%). In addition, mentum deformities were observed at high concentration of Cd and Zn. These results suggest that heavy metal exposure in aquatic ecosystem may affect biological and morphological responses, and aquatic midge C. plumosus is a potential indicator for assessment of environmental pollutant such as heavy metals.

• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
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• v.34 no.3
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• pp.303-308
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• 2019

L-carnitine is found in high levels in muscle tissues. It has been developed as a nutrient and dietary supplement, and also used as a therapeutic supplement in various diseases including type II diabetes, osteoporosis and metabolic neuropathies. However, it is not fully understood how it affects cellular mechanisms in colorectal cancer. Therefore, we attempted to determine the effect of L-carnitine in HCT116 human colorectal cancer cells. First, the HCT116 cells were exposed to L-carnitine for 24 hours at 0-40 mM, and then analyzed for cellular proliferation, oxidative stress and related mechanisms. In a MTT assay, L-carnitine inhibited cellular proliferation and induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HCT116 by DCF-DA analysis. To analyze the mechanism of L-carnitine in colorectal cancer cells, we performed a western blot analysis for pERK1/2 and pp38 MAP kinase. The western blot showed that L-carnitine significantly increased protein levels of pERK1/2 and pp38 compared with control. Taken together, we found that L-carnitine has anti-proliferative function via increased ROS and activation of ERK1/2 and p38 pathway in HCT116. These findings suggest that L-carnitine may have an anti-proliferative role on colorectal cancer.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.20 no.7
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• pp.332-340
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• 2019

This study examines the influence of pre-service early childhood teacher's social support and adaptability to college life on teacher's efficacy. The study subjects were 394 pre-service early childhood teachers. The instruments were Social Support Scale, Adaptability to College Life Scale and Teacher Efficacy Scale. The collected data were analyzed by using SPSS program. Frequency and percentage were used to determine the general background of the pre-service teachers. To examine social support, adaptability to college life and teacher efficacy of pre-service early childhood teachers, descriptive statistics analysis was conducted. To assess the relationship among social support, adaptability to college life and teacher efficacy of pre-service early childhood teachers, Pearson's correlation analysis was carried out. To examine the effects and relative explanation of esocial support, adaptability to college life and teacher efficacy of pre-service early childhood teachers, multiple regression analysis was conducted. From the study results, first, pre-service early childhood teachers had higher social support, adaptability to college life and teacher efficacy rates than average. Second, there was a positive correlation among social support, adaptability to college life and teacher efficacy of pre-service early childhood teachers. Third, teacher efficacy of pre-service early childhood teachers was influenced by their social support, and adaptability to college life. The study results suggest that a teacher efficacy improvement program for pre-service early childhood teachers should be provided for ensuring their social support. The study results also emphasize the necessity of social support and adaptability to college life improvement program for pre-service early childhood teachers.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Nursing Research
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.223-232
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• 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to apply patient-engaged bedside handoffs in comprehensive care units, and to evaluate the effects of bedsides to nurses and patients. Methods: This study employed a cluster randomized cross-over design.Electrical Medical Record (EMR)-based handoffs and patient-engaged bedside handoffs were alternatively applied to 104 patients, who were assigned to a total of 30 clusters (nursing handoff teams) in 4 comprehensive care units at the S medical center in Seoul, and the patients evaluated each type of handoffs. A total of 139 nurses were also participated in the same units and evaluated each type of handoffs. Data were analyzed using t-test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, ANOVA, and Kruskal-Walls test. Results: The patient's satisfaction of the patient-engaged bedside handoffs was higher than that of the EMR-based handoffs (Z=-5.16, p<.001). On the other hand, the nurse's satisfaction of the patient-engaged bedside handoffs was significantly lower than that of the EMR-based handoffs (t=13.21, p<.001). There were no differences in length of the reporting time between two types of handoffs (t=-0.48, p=.634). Conclusion: Patient satisfaction with the patient-engaged bedside handoffs was higher than that of EMR-based handoffs, and nurses' satisfaction with the patient-engaged bedside handoffs was significantly lower than that of EMR-based handoffs. Future studies are needed regarding the impacts of patient-engaged bedside handoffs on the quality of healthcare by identifying the benefits of the handoffs.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.117-124
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• 2019

Objective : Chronic acid reflux esophagitis (CARE), one of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is increasing worldwide. Coptidis rhizoma extract (CRE) is a traditional herb that cures a variety of diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of CR on rats with chronic acid reflux esophagitis. Methods : The antioxidant activities were evaluated through radical scavenging assays using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazolin-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays. CARE was surgically induced in 5-week-old male SD rats by ligating the border between forestomach and glandular portion with a 2-0 silk tie and covering the duodenum using 18-Fr $N{\acute{e}}laton$ catheter. To evaluate the esophageal protective effect of CRE, rats were divided into 3 groups: Nor (normal rats), Veh (chronic acid reflux esophagitis induced rats), CR (chronic acid reflux esophagitis induced rats treated with CRE 200 mg/kg body weight). Results : The administration of CRE significantly prevented the mucosal injury of the esophagus tissue and histological findings improved the esophageal lesion. It has been shown that inflammation is prevented by the increase of antioxidant-related factors (Nrf-2, HO-1, SOD, catalase, and GPx-1/2) through the antioxidant pathway of esophageal tissue. The administration of CRE reduced the increase of serum peroxynitrite ($ONOO^-$) and markedly reduced the protein expression of inflammatory mediator such as $NF-{\kappa}Bp65$, $p-I{\kappa}B{\alpha}$, iNOS, and IL-6. Conclusions : Overall, these results suggest that CRE administration confirmed the protective effect of esophageal mucosa, suggesting that it is a potential treatment for chronic acid reflux esophagitis.