• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.39 no.1
• /
• pp.62-72
• /
• 1992

Background: T-cell mediated cellular immunity has been suggested as an important mechanism in mycobacterial infection and imbalance between helper/inducer and suppressor/cytotoxic T-cell has been suggested as an important immunological abnormality in the pathogenesis of tuberculosis in human. Method: To determine whether there is any difference in T-cell mediated immunity in the pathogenesis of pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis, total numbers of WBC&lymphocytes were counted and helper/inducer and suppressor/cytotoxic cells were calculated by flow cytometry. Blastogenesis after stimulation with Concanavalin-A, Phytohemagglutinin and PPD were measured by $^3H$-thymidine uptake. PPD skin test was performed as an in vivo test. Results: 1)There was no significant difference in the size of PPD skin test between pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis groups. 2)Number of total lymphocytes significantly decreased in tuberculosis patients compared with healthy control group. But there was no significant difference between pulmonary and extrapulmonary tuberculosis groups. 3) Number of HLA-DR and Interleukin-2 receptor (+) cells were significantly increased in tuberculosis patients. But there was no significant difference between pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis groups. 4) There was no significant difference in the numbers of WBC, $T_3$, $T_4$ and $T_8$ lymphocytes and $T_4/T_8$ ratio between tuberculosis patients and healthy controls. 5) There was no significant difference in the blastogenesis after stimulation with specific and non-specific blastogens between tuberculosis patients and healthy controls. 6) The percentage and absolute number of $T_4$ lymphocyte were significantly correlated with the size of PPD skin test. (r=0.689 and 0.598). Conclusion: From these results, it is concluded that there was no difference in T-cell mediated immunity between pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis group. But, because it is suspected that there might be some difference in the role of T-cell mediated immunity in the pathogenesis of pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis or even among the extrapulmonary tuberculosis patients, further studies would be required.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.193-199
• /
• 2003

Purpose : This study was performed to investigate the epidemiologic feature of aseptic meningitis in Pohang city for 6 years from 1997 to 2002. Methods : We reviewed the clinical records of 1,839(1,138 male and 701 female) aseptic meningitis patients who had been admitted to 3 general hospitals in Pohang city from 1997 to 2002. Results : 1,750 cases(1,078 male and 672 female) were selected as aseptic meningitis by reviewing clinical records. The ratio of male to female was 1.6 : 1. Aseptic meningitis occured in children of all age groups, and the prevalent age group was different by year. The most common developed month was June(31.3%), and 84.2% of cases were focused from May to August. The time from the initial manifestation to hospital admission was $4.19{\pm}2.96$ (median 3 days). Conclusion : We were performed to investigate the epidemiologic feature of clinical records of Aseptic meningitis pediatric patients who had been admitted and treated to 3 General hospitals in Pohang city from 1997 to 2002. We have to keep up Our study for consideration of the basic of Aseptic meningitis epidemiology and long term control is necessary to prevention the impact of Aseptic meningitis because Aseptic meningitis pediatric patients were continuously recorded by Epidemiological annual report in Pohang city.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.52 no.3
• /
• pp.284-295
• /
• 2020

In December 2019, the first coronavirus disease- 2019 (COVID-19) patient was reported in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Since then, the number of patients who suffered severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 or 2019-nCoV) has increased dramatically in Korea. This new variant virus induces pulmonary diseases, including cough, sore throat, rhinorrhea, dyspnea, and pneumonia. Because SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus, real-time reverse-transcriptase PCR has been used widely to diagnose COVID-19. As the Korea Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (KCDC) and Ministry of Food & Drug Safety (MFDS) approved emergency use authorization, clinical specimens collected from COVID-19 patients and even healthy people have been clinically diagnosed by laboratory medicine. Based on a literature search, this paper reviews the epidemiology, symptoms, molecular diagnostics approved by KCDC, a current diagnosis of COVID-19 in the laboratories, the difference between molecular and serological diagnosis, and guidelines for clinical specimens. In addition, the Korean guidelines of biosafety for clinical laboratory scientists are evaluated to prevent healthcare-associated infection. The author's experience and lessons as clinical laboratory scientists will provide valuable insights to protect the domestic and international health community in this COVID-19 pandemic around the world.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.46 no.10
• /
• pp.966-971
• /
• 2003

Purpose : It is now well established that infection and inflammation play an important role in the pathogenesis of ischemic brain damage. The loss of neutrophils from systemic circulation is an associated finding in injury mediated by granulocyte. Periventricular leukomalacia(PVL) caused by ischemia is the principal form of brain injury in premature infants. This study was conducted to evaluate whether the low neutrophil count is associated with periventricular leukomalacia(PVL) in premature infants. Methods : Retrospective review of medical records was undertaken. Subjects were premature infants with a birth weight of less than 1,500 gm, admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Kyungpook University Hospital. A complete blood count of peripheral blood was done within the 1st hour of life. Neutropenia was defined as absolute neutrophil count < $1,500/mm^3$, PVL as increased periventricular echodensities followed by cyst formation on ultrasonography or corresponding signs on brain MRI. Results : Thirteen infants out of a total population of 37 revealed neutropenia. Respiratory distress syndrome and requirement for respiratory support were not different between infants with neutropenia( neutropenia group) and infants without neutropenia(control group). Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and grade 3 and 4 IVH were more frequent in neutropenia group(P<0.05). There was no statistically significant increase of PVL in neutropenia group. The neutrophil count was $18,760.0{\pm}10,266.1/mm^3$, $7,272.0{\pm}7,435.0/mm^3$ infants with PVL and $11,131.7{\pm}3,386.5/mm^3$, $2,407.5{\pm}1,933.1/mm^3$ in infants without PVL, respectively. The frequency of mechanical ventilation and artificial surfactant therapy was higher in infants with PVL compared with infants without PVL, but statistical analysis was not performed due to small number of subjects. Conclusion : A low number of neutrophils in the systemic circulation was not associated with an increased risk of PVL in premature infants.

• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.24 no.8
• /
• pp.1149-1157
• /
• 2017

Inflammation is the first response of the immune system to infection or irritation in our body. The use of medicinal plants has been widely applied as an alternative source for drug development. One of marine natural resources, the anti-inflammatory effect of Ishige sinicola ethanol extract (ISEE), was evaluated by using LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell and mice model. As a result, the production of nitric oxide (NO) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-$1{\beta}$, TNF-${\alpha}$) were inhibited with increasing concentration of ISEE without any cytotoxicity. Furthermore, ISEE suppressed the expression of not only inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) p65, and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in a dose-dependent manner. In mice ear edema test, the formation of edema was reduced at the highest dosage of ISEE and the reduction of the number of infiltrated mast cells was observed in histological analysis. These results indicate that ISEE has a potent anti-inflammatory activity and can be used as a pharmaceutical material for many kinds of inflammatory disease.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
• /
• v.7 no.2
• /
• pp.125-132
• /
• 2003

Purpose : Lipoprotein(a) is a genetically determined risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease and is elevated in patients with renal disease. Especially the patients with nephrotic syndrome exhibit excessively high Lp(a) plasma concentrations. Also the patients with end-stage renal disease have elevated Lp(a) levels. But the mechanism underlying this elevation is unclear. Thus, in this study, by measuring the level of serum Lp(a) in common renal diseases in children, we hoped to see whether there would be a change in Lp(a) in renal diseases other than nephrotic syndrome. Then, we figured out its implications, and looked for the factors that affect the Lp(a) concentrations. Methods : A total of 75 patients(34 patients with hematuria of unknown etiology, 10 with hematuria and hypercalciuria, 8 with IgA nephropathy, 8 with poststreptococcal glomerulone phritis, 3 with $Henoch-Sch\"{o}nlein$ nephritis, 7 with urinary tract infection, and 5 with or- thostatic proteinuria) were studied. The control group included 20 patients without renal and liver disease. Serum Lp(a), total protein, and albumin levels, 24-hour urine protein and calcium excretions, creatinine clearance and the number of RBCs and WBCs in the urinary sediment were evaluated. Data analysis was peformed using the Student t-test and a P-value less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results : LP(a) was not correlated with 24-hour urine calcium and creatinine. Lp(a) level had a positive correlation with proteinuria and negative correlation with serum albumin and serum protein. Among the common renal diseases in children, Lp(a) was elevated only in orthostatic proteinuria (P<0.05). Conclusion : Lp(a) is correlated with proteinuria, serum protein, and serum albumin, but not with any kind of specific renal disease. Afterward, Lp(a) needs to be assessed in patients with orthostatic proteinuria and its possible role as a prognostic factor could be confirmed.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.54 no.2
• /
• pp.110-118
• /
• 2022

Candidemia is a major cause of nosocomial infections resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. It remains a serious risk in inpatients and increases medical treatment costs. From 2009 to 2018, Candida strains (3,533) isolated from blood culture tests at the S Hospital were analyzed according to the period, year, sex, age, ward, etc. During the entire period, 54,739 of 717,996 blood culture tests showed a positive rate (7.6%) and the Candida isolation rate was 3,533 (6.4%) out of 1,036 patients. Among the Candida isolates, C. albicans was most common (33.8%), followed by C. tropicalis (28.6%), C. glabrata (19.8%), C. parapsilosis (7.8%), and C. krusei (4.0%). In early (2009~2013)/late (2014~2018) isolation, C. tropicalis decreased by 3.8% and C. glabrata increased by 3.4%. After 50 years of age, the higher the separation frequency. C. parapsilosis (31.3%) in 1~10s, C. tropicalis (30.3%) and C. glabrata (27.6%) in 41~50s, and C. tropicalis (28.6%) in 80s are relatively frequent. has been separated C. krusei was isolated in a relatively high proportion from females (60.9%). Therefore, a systematic and continuous nosocomial infection control system should be established for appropriate treatment as per antifungal treatment guidelines. The system should continuously monitor the distribution of Candida species and provide rapid identification results.

• Journal of Korea Entertainment Industry Association
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.131-142
• /
• 2021

Purpose: Clinical practicums via non-face-to-face methods were inevitable due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We developed an online program for emergency nursing care and identified the feasibility of the program and the learning achievements of students. Methods: This was a methodological study. The program was developed by three professors who taught theory and clinical practicum for adult nursing care and clinical experts. Students received four hours of video content and two task activities every week in four-week program. Real-time interactive video conferences were included. Qualitative and qualitative data were collected. Results: A total of 96 students participated in the program. The mean score for overall satisfaction with the online program was 4.72(±1.02) out of 6. Subjects that generally had high learning achievement scores were basic life support care, fall prevention, nursing documentation, infection control, and anaphylaxis care. As a result of a content analysis of 77 reflective logs on the advantages of this program, students reported that "experience in applying nursing process," "case-based learning and teaching method," and "No time and space constraints" were the program's best features. Conclusion: Collaboration between hospitals and universities for nursing is more important than ever to develop online content for effective clinical practicum.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
• /
• v.12 no.4
• /
• pp.359-369
• /
• 2007

Amoebophrya is an obligate endoparasitic eukaryotic dinoflagellate infecting host species and eventually killing them within a short period. Because of its host specificity and significant impacts on population dynamics of host species, it has long been proposed to be a potential biological agent for controlling harmful algal bloom (HAB). For several decades, the difficulties of culturing host - parasite systems have been a great obstacle to further research on the biology of Amoebophrya but recent success of several culture systems reactivates this research field. In this study, as a preliminary work for understanding the impacts of Amoebophrya on the population dynamics of host species, semimonthly occurrence of infected host dinoflagellates by Amoebophrya spp. had been observed in Jinhae Bay for two years and with a host - parasite system cultivated, host specificity of Amoebophrya spp. on several dinoflagellates was tested. Amoebophrya spp. were observed in the cellular organelle and cytoplasm of several species including Akashiwo sanguinea, Ceratium fusus, Dinophysis acuminata, Heterocapsa triquetra, Oblea sp., Prorocentrum minimum, P. triestinum, Scrippsiella spinifera, and S. trochoidea. Among them two host - parasite systems for an athecate dinoflagellate, A. sanguinea, and for a thecate dinoflagellate, H. triquetra, had been able to be successfully established as laboratary cultures. Cross-infection tests for 6 species of dinoflagellates in which Amoebophrya was observed or had been reported to exist confirmed high preference for host species of the parasite. Through the continuous research on Amoebophrya occurring in Korean coastal waters, we need to maintain various host - parasite culture systems, which will be very helpful for understanding its ecological role in marine food webs and for applying the species to biologically control harmful algal blooms.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.48 no.9
• /
• pp.946-952
• /
• 2005

Purpose : Vancomycin-resistant enterococci(VRE) are now nosocomial pathogens in Korea. But little is known about the prevalence of stool colonization with VRE in neonates in Korea. So we studied the prevalence and risk factors of VRE colonization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit(NICU). Methods : From January 2000 to December 2004, the medical records of 294 neonates(127 cases of VRE group and 167 cases of non-VRE group, according to the results of stool culture) were reviewed retrospectively. We studied the annual prevalence of VRE and risk factors of VRE colonization in neonates. Results : From 2000 to 2003, the prevalence rate of VRE in NICU increased. After preventing VRE transmission, the prevalence rate of VRE has decreased. Conclusion : VRE colonization increased recently. Risk factors of VRE colonization were prematurity, lower birth weight, longer hospitalization and use of vancomycin or 3rd generation cephalosporin, compared with the non-VRE group. To prevent VRE transmission among newborns, aggressive infection control strategies by NICU staffs must be implemented immediately for all babies.