• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.2 no.2
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• pp.95-103
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• 1998

Purpose : To find and solve the common problems of peritoneal dialysis(PD) by analysing the clinical data of pediatric PD performed in Korea. Methods : 264 cases of CAPD and acute PD had been performed from Nov.1987 to Oct. 1997 in 17 institutions of pediatric nephrology in Korea. Results : CAPD was performed in 114 cases. The mean age of the patients was $10.5{\pm}6.6$ years and male to female ratio was 1.4:1. The original renal diseases of ESRD were proven in 92 cases($80\%$). The common renal disease of ESRD were FSGS($17\%$), reflux nephropathy ($11\%$), chronic glomerulonephritis($9.6\%$). Mean duration of CAPD was $20{\pm}16.9$ months. Peritonitis was the most common complication and incidence was one episode/18.2 patient-months. Other complications were exit site infection in 10 cases, obstruction in 7 cases, leakage of dialysate in 6 cases. The most common etiologic organism of peritonitis was staphylococcus aureus and the next was staphylococcus coagulase(-). Acute PD was performed in 150 cases. Most common underlying causes were congenital heart disease, hemolytic uremic syndrome, sepsis and dehydration. The mean duration was $10.3{\pm}11.3$ days. The most common complication was peritonitis($20.6\%$). The most common etiologic organism was staphylococcus aureus and coagulase(-), acinetobactor and pseudomonas. Conclusion : Reflux nephropathy should be emphasized in early diagnosis and treatment to prevent ESRD. Incidence of congenital anomaly($7\%$) as a original disease of ESRD was relatively low in Korea. Growth status was not significantly improved after CAPD. In acute PD, the incidence of peritonitis was rapidly increased at 2weeks after beginning of dialysis.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.57-63
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• 1999

Purpose : To evaluate the diagnostic significance of simultaneous examination of hematuria and proteinuria in the urinary mass screening for early detection ot incipient renal diseases. Method and Object : During the period of 4 months from August to December in 1997, we did urinary mass screening on students of first grade of high school (16 years aged group) nationwide together with Korean Association of Health(KAH). In the first screening test, Comber-10 $N^{(R)}$ M dipsticks were used to detect proteinuria, hematuria, pyuria and nitrite simultaneously. Total 26,508 students (16 years aged group) from 33 high schools in every province in Korea, respectively, complied to the urinary mass screening. After then, one high school in Seoul was selected to reveal the true incidence of incipient renal diseases among students who showed hematuria in the initial screening through intensive examinations. Those who had hematuria and/or proteinuria visited the Paik hospital, and underwent blood tests and ultrasonographic examinations. The results were evaluated. Results 1) The initial screening revealed that the prevalence of proteinuria, hematuria, pyuria and positive nitrite urine, were $0.73\%,\;2.69\%,\;0.23\%\;and\;0.03\%$, respectively. 2) The first urinary screening among 875 students from one high school in Seoul selected fir the second test showed proteinuria, hematuria, pyuria and positive nitrite urine, were $0.91\%,\;4.68\%,\;0.34\%\;and\;0\%$, respectively. a) Total 8 among 875 students showed proteinuria, but one of them had orthostatic proteinuria and those remaining 7 students had transient proteinuria. b) There were 41 students who had hematuria in the initial screening. Among 33 who complied the second test, only one student showed asymptomatic isolated hematuria and those remaining students were normal. Conclusion : 1) Because of high false positive hematuria rate in the urinary mass screening, it dosen't seem to be appropriate that hematuria screening using dipsticks be included in the urinary mass screening. 2) A unified organization is needed from the fret that so various results of urinary mass screening came out. 3) Positive rates of pyuria and nitrite were so low that validity of urinary mass screening for urinary tract infection needs more studies.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.11 no.1
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• pp.74-82
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• 2007

Purpose : To analyze the clinical characteristics, spontaneous resolution rate and predictive factors of resolution in children with primary vesicoureteral reflux(VUR). Methods : Between October 1991 and July 2003, 149 children diagnosed with primary VUR at Chonbuk National University Hospital were reviewed retrospectively. All of the patients were maintained on low-dose antibiotic prophylaxis and underwent radionuclide cystograms at 1 year intervals over 3 years after the initial diagnosis of VUR by voiding cystourethrogram was made. Results : The median time to resolution of VUR was 24 months and the total 3 year-cumulative resolution rate of VUR was 61.7%. The following variables were associated with resolution of VUR according to univariate analysis-; age<1 year, male gender, mild grade of reflux, unilateral reflux, congenital hydronephrosis as clinical presentation at time of diagnosis of VUR, absence of focal defects in the renal scan at diagnosis, absence of recurrent UTI, renal scars and small kidney during follow-up. After adjustment by Cox regression model, five variables remained as independent predictors of VUR resolution; age<1 yew, relative risk 1.77(P<0.05), VUR grade I+II 2.98(P<0.05), absence of renal scars 2.23(P<0.05), and absence of small kidney 5.20(P<0.01) during follow-up. Conclusion : In this study, spontaneous resolution rate of VUR, even high grade reflux, is high in infants during medical management, and it was related to age, reflux grade at diagnosis, absence of renal scars and small kidney during follow-up. Therefore early surgical intervention should be avoided and reserved for the selected groups.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.186-192
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• 2003

Purposes : Recently, acute gastroenteritis broke out among the neonates transferred from postpartum care centers located in Seoul, and Gyeounggi area. Thus, we researched the cause, progress and characters of the disease by analyzing the cases from 9 hospitals in Seoul and Gyeounggi area. Methods : We conducted retrospective study of 33 neonates transferred from postpartum care centers from October 2001 to July 2002 : we divided the neonates into 2 groups. The severe group had any of following 5 conditions : blood pH <7.20, respiratory difficulty, mechanical ventilation, shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. And the rest were classified into the moderate group. Results : The severe group was significantly more aged than the moderate group(P= 0.005). Weight loss was significantly severe in the severe group(P=0.0512). In blood gas analysis, bicarbonate was less in the severe group than the moderate group(P=0.032). In the virus examination, rotavirus was detected in 7 cases, and astrovirus was detected in 1 case. In the severe group, 4 neonates were dead. Conclusion : In acute gastroenteritis of neonates, early diagnosis and treatment are important. Thus, the legislation of postpartum care center is needed, and the medical specialists should be stationed in postpartum care center. We assume that the severe group had severe conditions because they were treated comparatively late. However, to find out the cause of the disease and to cope with it, the nationwide epidemiologic study on acute gastrenteritis of neonates is needed.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.129-138
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• 2014

Purpose: Streptococcus pyogenes is an important cause of invasive diseases in children. We aimed to describe the clinical characteristics of invasive infections due to S. pyogenes in children in Korea. Methods: A retrospective study of children under 18 years of age with invasive infections due to S. pyogenes at Seoul National University Children's Hospital between March 1992 and December 2012, and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between March 2003 and December 2012 was conducted. Demographic factors, clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, treatment, mortality and morbidity of all patients were reviewed. Results: A total of 30 among 36 cases identified as invasive disease due to S. pyogenes were available for review. There was a predominance for male subjects (male:female=2.75:1). The median age was 50 months (range 12 days to 15 years) and 53.3% were under 5 years of age. Skin and soft tissue infections (9/30, 30.0%), bacteremia without identified focus (4/30, 13.3%) and bone and joint infections (6/30, 20.0%) were the most frequent clinical presentations. Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (3/30, 10.0%) pulmonary, abdomen and central nervous system infections (2/30, 6.7%) were also seen. There was a peak in number of patients in year 2012 (9/30, 30.0%). There were no cases of mortality. Erythromycin and clindamycin resistance rates were low by 3.8% and 7.5%, respectively. Conclusion: We studied the clinical presentations of invasive infections due to S. pyogenes during the past 20 years in Korean children. The findings of this study help us understand the characteristics of the disease, enhancing early recognition and prompting adequate antibiotic therapy which is important in reducing morbidity and mortality.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.31 no.1
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• pp.57-66
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• 1993

The potential of fumagillin dicyclohexylamine salt to treat and prevent intestinal giant-cystic disease in Israel carp, Cyprinus carpio nudus, was monitored in field experimental studies. In experiment 1 (therapeutic), most fish were already naturally infected with more advanced stage of Relohqnellu: kitnuet. Fumagillin was administered to ash (mean body weiht of 830 g for a Penod of one month at a dose of 10.62 mg in the first group and 5.3 mg in the second group per fi sh per day. In experiment 2 (fprophylactlcl), most flesh also were already naturally infected with an early developmental stage of the protozoa and fish (average body weight of 484 g) were administered fumagillln for 45 days at a dose of 3.95 mg per fish per day. In both experiments, the cumulative mortalities of fish and the extrusion rates of the polar filaments of the spores were significantly decreased in a dose-independent fashion. In experiment 2 no dead fish were observed. No adverse side effects of the drug were observed among fish from any dosage group. In experiment 2, an oval or dot-like concave lesion of most cysts developed at the 7th day and the vegetative form was never observed at the 17th day postmedication and the cysts were grossly reduced in size as compared with the control group, beginning at the 24th day until the end of the study. In contrast, it was scarcely effective to the cysts in experiment 1. Taking the seasonal development of the protozoa into consideration, the above results revealed that oral administration of fumagillin at 3.95 mg/500 g body weight/day for a month Is the optimal dose for the treatment and prevention of thelohanellosls caused by T kitnuei among C. carpio nudus.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.136-143
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• 2000

Purpose : The hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia thrombocytopenia, and acute renal failure. It is ole of tile most common cause of acute renal failure in children but few reports are available in Korea. Thus we investigated the 23 patients diagnosed as HUS during last 14 years. Method : We retrospectively investigated the etiologic factor, clinical manifestations laboratory findings, treatment modalities, and final outcomes of the patients. Then patients were divided into two groups according to outcome, md comparison was performed. Group A(8) comprised patients who progressed to end-stage renal disease or expired. Group B(15) comprised patients who completely recovered after dialysis treatment. Result The number of patients aged less than 4 years were 17; between 5 and 10 were 4 and more than 10 were 2. The gende ratio was M:F=2 : 1. The etiologic factors were as follows: acute gastroenteritis in 14 patients including 4 bloody diarrhea, upper respiratory tract infection in 7 patients, and 1 patient with herbal mediation. The overall mortality rate was 22$\%$: 2 patients died of US complications, 2 patients died of sepsis, and 1 patient died of pulmonary hemorrhage. Group A (Hb 4.8${\pm}$1.2 g/dL) showed lower value in hemoglobin than group B (Hb 6.3${\pm}$1.7 g/dL) during hospital stay (P< 0.05), And the time interval between tile disease onset and dialysis treatment was significantly longer in group A ($11.9{\pm}9.1\;days\;vs\;2.8{\pm}2.1\;days$) (P< 0.05). Conclusion : Overall mortality rate was 22$\%$. Low hemoglobin value and the prolonged time interval between the disease onset and dialysis treatment were related with poor prognosis. So early diagnosis and appropriate intensive care including dialysis treatment is essential to achieve better outcome in children.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.36 no.4
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• pp.267-272
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• 2003

Background: Common treatment modalities for tracheal stenosis include conservative methods such as repeated balloon dilatation, removal of obstructive material through bronchoscopy and T-tube insertion as well as operative treatment methods. Recent advances in surgical approaches through tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis have been reported to give better functional and anatomical results. Material and Method: Between March 1990 and July 2002, 41 patients who received tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis at Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan were studied retrospectively. Result: The causes for tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis included 26 cases of postintubation stenosis, 10 cases of primary tracheal tumors (3 benign, 7 malignant), 1 case of endobronchial tuberculosis, 2 cases of traumatic rupture, and 2 cases of tracheal invasion of a thyroid cancer, Of the 41 patients who received tracheal resection and reconstruction, 29 received tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis, and 12 received laryngotracheal anastomosis with cricoid or thyroid cartilage resection. Four of these patients received supralaryngeal release. The average length of the resected trachea was $3.6{\pm}1.0$cm. Of the 41 patients who received tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis, 30 (73.2%) experienced no postoperative complications, and 8 (19.5%) experienced granulation tissue growth and/or minor infections which improved after conservative management. Good or satisfactory results were therefore achieved in 92.7%. Complications included repeated granulation tissue growth in 7, wound infection in 2, anastomotic site dehiscence in 2, restenosis resulting in dyspnea on exertion in 1, and repeated postoperative aspiration requiring retracheostomy in 1. There was no early postoperative mortality. There were 3 cases of hospital death. Conclusion: In cases of proper length of tracheal lesion, excellent results were obtained after tracheal resection and end-to-end anastomosis. But, granulation tissue growth is so serious complication, it is necessary for continuous study and efforts to prevent it.

• Toxicological Research
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.343-357
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• 1992

Tumor necrosis factor-${\alpha}$(TNF), a polypeptide hormone secreted primarily by activated macrophages, was originally identified on the basis of its ability to cause hemorrhagic necrosis and tumor regression in vivo. Subsequently, TNF has been shown to be an important component of the host responses to infection and cancer and may mediate the wasting syndrome known as cachexia. These systemic actions of TNF are reflected in its diverse effects on target cells in vitro. TNF initiates its diverse cellular actions by binding to specific cell surface receptors. Although TNF receptors have been identified on most of animal cells, regulation of these receptors and the mechanisms which transduce TNF receptor binding into cellular responses are not well understood. Therefore, in the present study, the mechanisms how TNF receptors are being regulated and how TNF receptor binding is being transduced into cellular responses were investigated in rat liver plasma membranes (PM) and ME-180 human cervical carcinoma cell lines. $^{125}I$-TNF bound to high ($K_d=1.51{\pm}0.35nM$)affinity receptors in rat liver PM. Solubilization of PM with 1% Triton X-100 increased both high affinity (from $0.33{\pm}0.04\;to\;1.67{\pm}0.05$ pmoles/mg protein) and low affinity (from $1.92{\pm}0.16\;to\;7.57{\pm}0.50$ pmoles/mg protein) TNF binding without affecting the affinities for TNF, suggesting the presence of a large latent pool of TNF receptors. Affinity labeling of receptors whether from PM or solubilized PM resulted in cross-linking of $^{125}I$-TNF into $M_r$ 130 kDa, 90 kDa and 66kDa complexes. Thus, the properties of the latent TNF receptors were similar to those initially accessible to TNF. To determine if exposure of latent receptors is regulated by TNF, $^{125}I$-TNF binding to control and TNF-pretreated membranes were assayed. Specific binding was increased by pretreatment with TNF (P<0.05), demonstrating that hepatic PM contains latent TNF receptors whose exposure is promoted by TNF. Homologous up-regulation of TNF receptors may, in part, be responsible for sustained hepatic responsiveness during chronic exposure to TNF. As a next step, the post-receptor events induced by TNF were examined. Although the signal transduction pathways for TNF have not been delineated clearly, the actions of many other hormones are mediated by the reversible phosphorylation of specific enzymes or target proteins. The present study demonstrated that TNF induces phosphorylation of 28 kDa protein (p28). Two dimensional soidum dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis(SDS-PAGE) resolved the 28kDa phosphoprotein into two isoforms having pIs of 6.2 and 6.1. The pIs and relative molecular weight of p28 were consistent with those of a previously characterized mRNA cap binding protein. mRNA cap binding proteins are a class of translation initiation factors that recognize the 7-methylguanosine cap structure found on the 5' end of eukaryotic mRNAs. In vitro, these proteins are defined by their specific elution from affinity columns composed of 7-methylguanosine 5'-triphosphate($m^7$GTP)-Sepharose. Affinity purification of mRNA cap binding proteins from control and TNF treated ME-180 cells proved that TNF rapidly stimulates phosphorylation of an mRNA cap binding protein. Phosphorylation occurred in several cell types that are important in vitro models of TNF action. The mRNA cap binding protein phosphorylated in response to TNF treatment was purifice, sequenced, and identified as the proto-oncogene product eukaryotic initiation factor-4E(eIF-4E). These data show that phosphorylation of a key component of the cellular translational machinery is a common early event in the diverse cellular actions of TNF.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.33 no.2
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• pp.148-153
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• 2005

Malaria is a re-emerging infectious disease that is spreading to areas where it had been eradicated, such as Eastern Europe and Central Asia. To avoid the mortality from malaria, early detection of the parasite is a very important issue. The peripheral blood smear has been the gold standard method for the diagnosis of malaria infection. Recently, several other methods have been introduced for quantitative detection of malaria parasites. Real time PCR that employs fluorescent labels to enable the continuous monitoring of PCR product formation throughout the reaction has recently been used to detect several human malaria parasites. 18S rRNA sequences from malaria parasites have been amplified using Taqman real time PCR assay. Here, a SYBR Green-based real time quantitative PCR assay for the detection of malaria parasite-especially, Plasmodium vivax - was applied for the evaluation of 26 blood samples from Korean malaria patients. Even though SYBR Green-based real time PCR is easier and cheaper than Taqman-based assay, SYBR Green-based assay cannot be used because 18S rRNA cannot be specifically amplified using 1 primer set. Therefore, we used DBP gene sequences from Plasmodium vivax, which is specific for the SYBR Green based assays. We amplified the DBP gene from the 26 blood samples of malaria patients using SYBR Green based assay and obtained the copy numbers of DBP genes for each sample. Also, we selected optimal reference gene between ACTB and B2M using real time assay to get the stable genes regardless of Malaria titer. Using selected ACTB reference genes, we successfully converted the copy numbers from samples into titer, ${\sharp}$ of parasites per microliter. Using the resultant titer from DBP based SYBER Green assay with ACTB reference gene, we compared the results from our study with the titer from Taqman-based assay. We found that our results showed identical tendency with the results of 18S rRNA Taqman assay, especially in lower titer range. Thus, our DBP gene-utilized real time assay can detect Plasmodium vivax in Korean patient group semi-quantitatively and easily.