• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
• /
• v.54 no.2
• /
• pp.79-94
• /
• 2022

Due to the highly contagious nature and severity of the respiratory diseases caused by COVID-19, economical and accurate tests are required to better monitor and prevent the spread of this contagion. As the structural and molecular properties of SARS-CoV-2 were being revealed during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic, many manufacturers of COVID-19 diagnostic kits actively invested in the design, development, validation, verification, and implementation of diagnostic tests. Currently, diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 are the most widely used and validated techniques for rapid antigen, and immuno-serological assays for specific IgG and IgM antibody tests and molecular diagnostic tests. Molecular diagnostic assays are the gold standard for direct detection of viral RNA in individuals suspected to be infected with SARS-CoV-2. Antibody-based serological tests are indirect tests applied to determine COVID-19 prevalence in the community and identify individuals who have obtained immunity. In the future, it is necessary to explore technical problems encountered in the early stages of global or regional outbreaks of pandemics and provide future directions for better diagnostic tests. This article evaluates the commercially available and FDA-approved molecular and immunological diagnostic assays and analyzes their performance characteristics.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
• /
• v.16 no.2
• /
• pp.126-131
• /
• 2008

Immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation is routinely used to prevent rejection of the organ, because this decreases the risk of adverse events, infection, and malignancies. Recently, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), which is isolated from the dried bile of adult Chinese bears, has been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of acute rejection of liver allograft during early phase of liver transplantation. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of UDCA on the proliferation of splenocytes exposed to PMA plus ionomycin. Our results demonstrated that UDCA decreased the splenocytes' proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The decreased cell proliferation was accompanied with the decreased secretion of cytokines such as IL-2, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$. In addition, the pretreatment of UDCA on splenocytes stimulated with PMA plus ionomycin decreased the mRNA levels of cytokines (IL-2, IFN-${\gamma}$ and TNF-${\alpha}$) and costimulatory molecules (B7.2 and PD-L1). These results suggest the beneficial effect of UDCA on organ transplantation by decreasing lymphocyte proliferation.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.14 no.1
• /
• pp.49-59
• /
• 1981

This is one case report of surgically treated partial atrioventricular canal. The 22 year-old male patient had no definitive history of frequent respiratory infection and cyanosis in his early childhood. Since his age of 7 years, dyspnea was manifested on exertion. First appearance of congestive heart failure was at his age of 16 years old. The physical examination revealed that the neck veins were distended and heaving of precordium. A thrill was palpable on the left 3rd-4th intercostal space extending from the sternal border toward the apex and Grade IV/VI systolic ejection murmur was audible on it. Neither cyanosis nor clubbing was noted. Liver was palpable about 5 finger breadths. Chest X-ray revealed increased pulmonary vascularity and severe cardiomegaly (C-T ratio = 74%). EKG revealed LAD, clockwise rotation, LVH and trifascicular block. Echocardiogram showed paradoxical ventricular septal movement, narrowed left ventricular outflow tract and abnormal diastolic movement of the anterior leaflet of mitral valve. Right heart catheterization resulted in large left to right shunt (Qp : Qs = 5.7: 1), ASD and moderate pulfllonary hypertension. Finally, left ventriculogram revealed typical goose neck appearance of left ventrlcalar outflow tract. On Oct. 10, 1980, open heart surgery was performed. Operative findings were: 1. Large primum defect ($6{\times}5$ Cm in diameter) 2. Cleft on the anterior leaflet of mitral valve. 3. The upper portion of ventricular septum was descent but no interventricular communication. 4. Downward attachment of the atrioventricular valves on the ventricular muscular septum. 5. Medium sized secumdum defect ($2{\times}1$ Cm in diameter). The cleft was repaired with 4 interrupted sutures. The primum defect was closed with Teflon patch and the secundum defect was closed with direct suture closure. Postoperatively atrial flutter-fibrillation in EKG and Grade U/VI apical systolic murmur were found. The postoperative course was uneventful and discharged on 29th postoperative day in good general conditions.

• Korean Journal of Bronchoesophagology
• /
• v.10 no.2
• /
• pp.28-34
• /
• 2004

Background : Esophageal perforation due to a traumatic endoscopy or intubation is exceedingly rare. If riot noticed immediately or treated promptly, however, the morbidity and mortality is significant. We performed a retrospective review of patients with iatrogenic hypopharyngo-esophageal perforation to assess the outcome of current management techniques. Material and Methods : We retrospectively analyzed all cases iatrogenic hypopharyngo-esophageal perforation diagnosed at our hospital from January, 1999, through April, 2004. The study group consisted of 11 patients (4 men) with a mean age of 47.6 years (range, 21-83 yr). We reviewed the 11 patients with perforated injuries of the hypopharynx or esophagus during the diagnostic or therapeutic procedures. Result: Perforations were due to diagnostic gastroscopy ($54.5\%$, 6/11), esophageal dilation ($27.3\%$, 3/11), endoscopic port insertion ($9.1\%$, l/11), and tracheal intrathoracic ($9.1\%$, 1/11). Seven patients had intrathoracic and 4 had cervical perforations. Treatment included incision and drainage (5), resection and reconstruction (4), drainage only (1), and observation (2). Nonfatal complications included transient pneumonia (1), and wound infection (1). They occurred in advanced mediastinal abscess ]patients. Mortality was $9.1\%$ (1/11) in old patient who managed medically in cervical esophageal perforation. Conclusions : Current mortality rates in iatrogenic esophageal perforation were improved compared to previous published rates of $19\%\;to\;66\%$ for all patients with this condition. We concluded that aggressive and definitive surgery for thoracic esophageal perforations improving the survival rate, whether diagnosed early or late.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.15 no.9
• /
• pp.3851-3864
• /
• 2014

Cytokine research is currently at the forefront in cancer research. Deciphering the functions of these multiple small molecules, discovered within the cell and in intercellular spaces, with their abundance and pleotrophism, was initially a great challenge. Advances in analytical chemistry and molecular biology have made it possible to unravel the pathophysiological functions of these polypeptides/proteins which are called interleukins, chemokines, monokines, lymphokines and growth factors. With more than 5 million women contracting cervical cancer every year this cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity the world over, particularly in the developing countries. In more than 95% of cases it is associated with human papilloma virus (HPV) infection which is persistent, particularly in those with a defective immune system. Although preventable, the mere magnitude of prevalence of HPV in the world population makes it a dominating current health hazard. The discovery of cytokine dysregulation in cervical cancer has spurted investigation into the possibility of using them as biomarkers in the early diagnosis of cases at high risk of developing cancer. Their critical role in carcinogenesis and progression of cervical cancer is now being revealed to a great extent. From diagnostics to prognosis, and now with a possible role in therapeutics and prevention of cervical cancer, the cytokines are being evaluated in all anticancer approaches. This review endeavours to capture the essence of the astonishing journey of cytokine research in cervical neoplasia.

• 한국균학회소식:학술대회논문집
• /
• 2015.05a
• /
• pp.13-13
• /
• 2015

Rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae, is the most destructive pathogen of rice in the world. This fungus has a biotrophic phase early in infection and switches to a necrotrophic lifestyle after host cell death. During the biotrophic phase, the fungus competes with host for nutrients and oxygen. Continuous uptake of oxygen is essential for successful establishment of blast disease of this pathogen. Here, we report transcriptional responses of the fungus to oxygen limitation. Transcriptome analysis using RNA-Seq identified 1,047 up-regulated genes in response to hypoxia. Those genes were involved in mycelial development, sterol biosynthesis, and metal ion transport based on hierarchical GO terms and well-conserved among three different fungal species. In addition, null mutants of three hypoxia-responsive genes were generated and tested for their roles on fungal development and pathogenicity. The mutants for a sterol regulatory element-binding protein gene, MoSRE1, and C4 methyl sterol oxidase gene, ERG25, exhibited increased sensitivity to hypoxia-mimetic agent, increased conidiation, and delayed invasive growth within host cells, suggesting important roles in fungal development. However, such defects did not cause any significant decrease in disease severity. The other null mutant for alcohol dehydrogenase gene, MoADH1, showed no defect in the hypoxia-mimic condition and fungal development. Taken together, this comprehensive transcriptional profiling in response to a hypoxia condition with experimental validations would provide new insights on fungal development and pathogenicity in plant pathogenic fungi.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
• /
• v.31 no.3
• /
• pp.212-218
• /
• 2015

In this study, we developed a species-specific PCR assay for rapid and accurate detection of three Xanthomonas species, X. axonopodis pv. poinsettiicola (XAP), X. hyacinthi (XH) and X. campestris pv. zantedeschiae (XCZ), based on their draft genome sequences. XAP, XH and XCZ genomes consist of single chromosomes that contain 5,221, 4,395 and 7,986 protein coding genes, respectively. Species-specific primers were designed from variable regions of the draft genome sequence data and assessed by a PCR-based detection method. These primers were also tested for specificity against 17 allied Xanthomonas species as well as against the host DNA and the microbial community of the host surface. Three primer sets were found to be very specific and no amplification product was obtained with the host DNA and the microbial community of the host surface. In addition, a detection limit of $1pg/{\mu}l$ per PCR reaction was detected when these primer sets were used to amplify corresponding bacterial DNAs. Therefore, these primer sets and the developed species-specific PCR assay represent a valuable, sensitive, and rapid diagnostic tool that can be used to detect three specific pathogens at early stages of infection and may help control diseases.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
• /
• v.43 no.2
• /
• pp.19-31
• /
• 2005

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and assure the hygienic safety of the Bibimbap production in elementary school foodservice in accordance with the HACCP(Hazzard Analysis Critical Control Point) program. The time-temperature relationship and the microbiological quality(total plate count and coliform bacteria count) were assessed to find the critical control point(CCP) during each of the production phase. In the pre-preparation phase, the risk factors of the raw ingredients exceeded the standard level suggested by Solberg et al. Mungbean starch jelly, egg and Kochujang were satisfactory in that no coliform groups were observed over the standard TPC level. In particular, there was a high the risk of beef from the early stages in terms of the coliform level. In the pre-preparation phase, green pumpkin had more coliform groups than the standard level even after washed, which calls for special attention to washing, sterilization, secondary infection of the handler, and the required time for pre-preparation of raw vegetables. In the cooking phase, the temperature of the soybean sprout and mungbean starch jelly decreased to 42$^{\circ}C$ and 26$^{\circ}C$, respectively, which was within the risk zone. In particular, mungbean starch jelly had a great risk factor even after boiling in hot water. During the storage stage before serving, a lot of ingredients were exposed to poor management of temperature and time and thus exceeded the standard level in the total plate counts. In particular, the microbiological count of beef was five times the standard level. Green pumpkins and soybean sprouts were left at 15-38$^{\circ}C$ that is within the risk zone for a long period of time after they were cooked. It is highly recommended that the time of the storage stage before consumption should be shortened and that proper devices should be used to prevent proliferation of bacteria. The number of TPC of the utensils was satisfactory enough, but the knife used exceeded the standard level and thus was a risk factor of bacteria proliferation.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.11-20
• /
• 1993

Bony ankylosis is an intraarticular condition where there is fusion of the bony surfaces of the joint : The condyle and the glenoid fossa. It occurs in both children and adults, unfortunately more frequently in the former, in whom early recognition and correction is particularly critical. Trauma is well proven to be the predominant cause of TMJ ankylosis. Infection, rheumatoid arthritis and neoplasm are another, significant cases of TMJ ankylosis. The necessity for using an interpositional material to prevent TMJ reankylosis has been widely discussed and many interpositional materials have been used, including temporal muscle and fascia, dermis, auricular cartilage, fascia lata, fat, Lyo-dura, Silastic and various metals. The temporal muscle and fascia have been widely used pedicled flap for head and neck reconstruction. The use of a temporal muscle and fascia for reconstruction of the TMJ, particularly in cases of ankylosis is a very reasonable option. Its principle advantages are its autogenous nature, resilience, and proximity to the joint, allowing for a pedicled transfer of vascularized tissue into the joint area. However, the viability of temporal muscle and fascia is a critical question. We treated 2 cases of TMJ ankylosis with temporal muscle and fascia transfer and one case with temporal fascia. We obtained satisfactory results as to functional aspects.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
• /
• v.16 no.16
• /
• pp.6935-6939
• /
• 2015

Background: Currently, a comprehensive program for screening and early detection of cervical cancer does not exist in Iran. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smears and some related factors among women living in Zanjan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2012 in Zanjan on 4274 married women aged 20-65 years. The study participants were selected through two-stage cluster sampling. After obtaining written consent, demographic and fertility questionnaires were completed. Samples from cervix were obtained through a standard method using the Rover Cervex- Brush. Evaluation and interpretation of the samples were reported using the Bethesda 2001 method. Data were statistically analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression models. Results: Most inflammatory changes in the samples were mild (37.4%). Abnormal atypical changes in the epithelial cells were found in 4.04%. The highest percentage of abnormal changes in the epithelial cells was atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) (1.9%). Abnormal results of Pap smear was significantly and independently associated with age, papillomavirus infection, and lack of awareness about Pap smear tests. Conclusions: Given the high prevalence of inflammatory and precancerous changes in this study, compared to other studies in Iran and other Muslim countries, and the effect of demographic variables and individual factors on abnormal results, increasing the awareness of women and their families regarding the risk factors for cervical cancer, preventive measures such as screening, and timely treatment seem necessary.