• Journal of Environmental Impact Assessment
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.477-486
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• 2016

We investigated the growth pattern of Red-tongued viper snakes (Gloydius ussuriensis), which were captured from the islet of the Jeju Island, Gapado between April, 2006 and November, 2009. The results indicated that there were some snakes that grew relatively fast, but most snakes either almost did not grow or grew around 10mm in snout-vent length during one year period. High growth rates was April and June. Since the growth rate of snakes is highly correlated with their foods, these results implied that the feeding activity of Red-tongued viper snakes is high during this period compared to other months. In female, difference in body condition between good-conditioned and bad-conditioned snakes became large as time elapsed from April to June. The body condition of the male Red-tongued viper snakes improved with the progression of time from April till June. Many of the Red-tongued viper snakes were captured between April and June, while they were rarely captured between July and September. Some of the Red-tongued viper snakes were captured during the autumn season. This tendency was because snakes were rarely active during hibernation and peak summer seasons. Thus, Red-tongued viper snakes are active between April and June and between September and November. They then go into hibernation as the temperature dropped in November. Furthermore, the limitation of the movement period of the Red-tongued viper snakes restricted their feeding activities while foods became scarce, which ultimately restricted their overall growth rate. The growth rate of the snakes decreased with age. The snout-vent length of the Red-tongued viper snakes and growth rate showed a negative correlation (r = -0.591), however, it was not statistically significant due to small sample size. The findings from this study could provide meaningful information in the further study of the life cycle of Red-tongued viper snakes.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.5
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• pp.539-544
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• 2005

Purpose : The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiologic role of serum E-selectin, vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-induced cell adhesion mollecule in Kawasaki disease(KD) and to look for the evidence of direct relationship between the plasma levels of soluble E-selectin and the incidence of coronary artery lesion(CAL). Methods : Changes in plasma levels of sE-selectin(n=98) over time were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) in 23 patients with acute KD and 25 age-matched febrile children. Results : Compared with control values, the peak levels of plasma sE-selectin were significantly elevated($mean{\pm}S.E$. : $22.89{\pm}12.53ng/mL$ vs $10.65{\pm}3.42ng/mL$, P=0.01) in KD. 5 patients with CAL, plasma sE-selectin levels before treatment were higher than in 18 patients without CAL($mean{\pm}S.E$. : $39.43{\pm}15.08ng/mL$ and $19.00{\pm}8.32ng/mL$, respectively; P=0.01). Plasma sE-selectin declined rapidly in the majority of KD patients regardless of the presence of CAL. Plasma sE-selectin levels after treatment and convalesent period were similar in KD patients with and without CAL. The plasma levels sE-selectin were correlated with those of white blood cell count(r=0.299, P<0.05), CRP(r=0.430, P<0.05), serum albumin(r=-0.483, P<0.05), serum protein(r=-0.502, P<0.05) and hemoglobin(r=-0.372, P<0.05) not with those of ESR, platelet, or duration of fever. There were significant differences in the initial level of serum sE-selectin between KD with and without CAL($mean{\pm}S.E$. : $39.44{\pm}15.08ng/mL$ vs. $19.00{\pm}17.18ng/mL$) in multivariated linear tests. Conclusion : Plasma sE-selectin levels were significantly higher in KD than in other febrile illness. Higher plamsa levels of sE-selectin may have potential as a predictor of CAL in patients with KD.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.52 no.3
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• pp.251-259
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• 2002

Background : Reduced lung compliance and increased lung resistance are the primary lung mechanical abnormalities in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Although there is little information regarding the mechanisms responsible for the increases in the respiratory resistance of ARDS, bronchodilators have been frequently administered in mechanically ventilated ARDS patients. To determine the effect of a bronchodilator on the respiratory mechanics depending on the level of applied positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), the changes in the respiratory mechanics by salbutamol inhalation was measured under the variable PEEP level in patients with ARDS. Materials and Methods : Fifteen mechanically ventilated paralyzed ARDS patients (14 of male, mean age 57 years) were enrolled in this study. The respiratory system compliance, and the maximum and minimum inspiratory resistance were obtained by the end-inspiratory occlusion method during constant flow inflation using the CP-100 pulmonary monitor (Bicore, Irvine, CA, USA). The measurements were performed at randomly applied 8, 10 and 12 cm $H_2O$ PEEP before and 30 mins after administrating salbutamol using a meter-dose-inhaler (100ug${\times}$6). Results : 1) The maximum inspiratory resistance of the lung was higher than the reported normal values due to an increase in the minimal inspiratory resistance & additional resistance. 2) The maximum inspiratory resistance and peak airway pressure were significantly higher at 12cm $H_2O$ of PEEP compared with those at 10cm $H_2O$ of PEEP. 3) Salbutamol induced a significant decrease in the maximum and the minimum inspiratory resistance but no significant change in the additional resistance only was observed at 12cm $H_2O$ of PEEP(from $15.66{\pm}1.99$ to $13.54{\pm}2.41$, from $10.24{\pm}2.98$ to $8.04{\pm}2.34$, and from $5.42{\pm}3.41$ to $5.50{\pm}3.58cm$ $H_2O$/L/sec, respectively). 4)The lung compliance did not change at the applied PEEP and salbutamol inhalation levels. Conclusion : The bronchodilator response would be different depending on the level of applied PEEP despite the increased respiratory resistance in patients with ARDS.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.160-168
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• 2000

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and abdominal ultrasonogra- phic(US) features of spontaneously reduced transient small bowel intussusception in chlidren. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and US findings of 98 children with intussusception who were admitted to the Pediatric Department of Ulsan Dong-Kang General Hospital from Mar. 1999 to Feb. 2000. Results: 1) Among 98 cases, there were 12 cases (12.3%) of transient small bowel intussusception(TSBI) and 86 cases (87.7%) of classic intussusception (CI). 2) The peak incidence of age in TSBI was over 3 years, which was older than that in CI. With regard to sex distribution, male predominated in both type. 3) Clinical symptoms and signs including cyclic irritability, vomiting, bloody stool, and abdominal mass in TSBI group were less common than those in CI group (41.7%, 33.4%, 0.0%, 0.0% vs 91.9%, 59.3%, 41.9%, 26.7%, respectively) but persistent abdominal pain was more common in TSBI group than in CI group (58.5% vs 11.2%). 4) The size of total target sign and surrounding peripheral hypoechoic rim of TSBI group on US were smaller than those of CI group ($11.95{\pm}2.61$ mm, $2.08{\pm}1.15$ mm vs $26.91{\pm}5.98$ mm, $7.86{\pm}2.77$ mm, respectively). 5) Concomittant illness was found more frequently in TSBI group than in CI group (66.7% vs 26.7%). 6) All case of TSBI group were reduced spontaneouly, which were confirmed by US, but none of CI group. Conclusion: Transient small bowel intussusception is probably more common than generally thought and its clinical and US findings is quite different from classical obstructing intussus-ception. Because all of our cases resulted in spontaneous reduction, we recommend careful observation and repeat examination rather than an immediate operation in transient small bowel intussusception.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.168-177
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• 2013

Purpose: To identify the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of human metapneumovirus infections (hMPV) in children compared to respiratory syncytial virus A (RSV A) and B (RSV B). Method: A retrospective review of medical records was performed in 36 patients with hMPV infection, 106 with RSV A infection, and 51 with RSV B infection, from September 2007 to July 2012. Results: The peak incidence of hMPV infection was observed in May, whereas for RSV infections in November and December. hMPV infection occurred in older patients compared to RSV A and B infection ($29.9{\pm}32.5$ months vs. $13.6{\pm}15.4$ months, P<0.001; $29.9{\pm}32.5$ months vs. $12.1{\pm}13.5$ months, P<0.001, respectively). hMPV infection was more often associated with fever compared to RSV A (97.2% vs. 67.9%, P<0.001), while wheezing was less frequent compared to RSV A and B infection (16.7% vs. 47.2%, P=0.001; 16.7% vs. 37.3%, P=0.037, respectively). hMPV infection was more often diagnosed as pneumonia compared to RSV A infection (72.2% vs. 50.0%, P=0.047) while bronchiolitis was less frequent than in RSV A (5.6% vs. 34.9%, P=0.001) or RSV B infection (5.6% vs. 29.4%, P=0.006). In addition, intravenous antibiotic was more often prescribed for patients with hMPV infection than those with RSV A and B (69.4% vs. 39.6%, P=0.002; 69.4% vs. 43.1, P=0.015, respectively). Conclusion: This study identified characteristics of hMPV infection compared to RSV A and B infection. Seasonality in spring, higher age group, and higher proportion of pneumonia in hMPV infections may be a useful guide for management of respiratory viral infections in children.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.20 no.3
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• pp.131-138
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• 2013

Purpose: This study aimed to study the antibody response of Japanese encephalitis vaccination in children using different kinds of vaccines (inactivated vaccine, live attenuated vaccine or interchanged) and evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccines to provide the basis of efficient immunization schedule of Japanese encephalitis. Methods: Measurement of the neutralization antibody (NTAb) titers following Japanese encephalitis vaccination using different vaccines for 170 children, 2-6 year of age, who visited six university hospitals and are confirmed by immunization records. Results: Among 170 children who were given primary immunization on Japanese encephalitis, 103 children were given inactivated vaccine, 64 children were given live attenuated vaccine and 3 children were given interchangeably. NTAb titers were more than 1:10 in all children of three groups. The geographic mean antibody titer was 322 in inactivated vaccine group and 266 in live attenuated vaccine group. However, there was no significant difference between two groups. In both groups, the NTAb titer showed the peak at 1-4 months after the third immunization and declined. The NTAb titers of three children who were given two kinds of vaccines alternately were 1:135, 1:632, and 1:2511, respectively. Conclusion: According to the results of this study in children younger than 6 years old, there is no significant difference in effectiveness between inactivated and live attenuated vaccines. However, further studies for the changes of antibody titers for a longer period of time on larger population are required.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.11-18
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• 2017

The purpose of this survey was to collect basic data on breeding systems of animal welfare-approved laying hen farms in Korea. Questionnaires were mailed to 64 animal welfare-approved farms, and 20 questionnaires (31.3%) were returned. The housing systems were fabric coverlet (4 farms, representing 20%), naturally farmed (Yamagisi, 7 farms, 35%), and steel panel-framed housing (9 farms, 45%). The 20 farms had stocking densities of $2{\sim}3birds/m^2$ (2 farms; 10%), $4{\sim}5birds/m^2$ (10 farms; 50%), and $6{\sim}7birds/m^2$ (8 farms; 40%). Breeding methods were floor-housed (14 farms; 70%), free-range (3 farms; 15%), and floor plus free-range (3 farms; 15%). Stocking density was $4{\sim}6birds/m^2$ at most of the farms with fabric coverlet and naturally farmed housing and $6{\sim}7birds/m^2$ at seven farms (of 9 farms) with a steel panel-framed housing. The daily feed intake of 11 farms (55%) was between 120 and 130 g, which included 3 farms (15%) with fabric coverlet, 3 farms (15%) with naturally farmed housing, and 5 farms (25%) with steel panel-framed housing. The age of peak production was 24~28 weeks overall 20 farms. Over 80% of production on fabric coverlet, naturally farmed, and steel panel-framed house farms was on 3, 4 and 6 farms, respectively. Respiratory disease on the 20 farms represented 55% of total disease incidence, and of each housing type represented 75% (fabric coverlet), 70% (naturally farmed) and 33% (steel panel-framed). E. coli disease was only found in the steel panel-framed housing. Most of the animal welfare-approved eggs were sold at large markets or a real sale markets. Egg price was 200~250 won per egg. These results indicate the current situation of animal welfare-approved farms and could be caused that windowless poultry house was applied to animal welfare approved farms.

• Clinical and Experimental Reproductive Medicine
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.117-131
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• 2000

Objectives: To develop a new immunohistochemical marker system for supplementation of the Noyes histological classification of the endometrium in women of child bearing age with regular menstrual cycles, and to employ this system to evaluate pathologic factors involved in endometriosis, and thus to ascertain if it is useful in diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Endometrial biopsies were sampled from the posterior fundus of 41 (24 proliferative phases, 17 secretory phases) women with regular menstrual cycles (28-32 days), and each sample was immunohistochemically stained according to Noyes et al (1975) for determination of expression for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), integrin ${\alpha}_1$, ${\alpha}_4$, ${\beta}_3$, COX-1 and COX-2. Then, the PR, integrin ${\beta}_3$ and COX-2 which were clearly expressed in the luteal phase was with endometrial samples were obtained from 20 cases of normal patients (group 1) and 25 cases with endometriosis (group 2) after confirming the day of ovulation by sex steroid level measurements 7-8 days after ovulation Results: In the regular menstruation group the expression of ER showed a tendency to be increased in the proliferative phase and decreased in the secretory phase, and was the highest in the proliferative phase. However, PR in the stromal cells showed no change in the entire menstrual cycle while in the epithelial cells, PR reached a peak in the late proliferative phase and was almost absent in the secretory phase. Integrin (${\alpha}_1$, ${\alpha}_4$, and ${\beta}_3$ expression in the epithelial cells was absent in the proliferative phase but ${\alpha}_1$ was strongly expressed starting from the early secretory phase into the entire secretory phase. ${\alpha}_4$ was expressed strongly in the early and mid secretory phases and disappeared in the late proliferative phase, while ${\beta}_3$ appeared after the mid secretory phase and continued to be expressed until the late secretory phase. Expression in the stromal cells was weak overall and did not show any cyclic pattern. COX-1 expression was shown as a cyclic pattern in the stromal and epithelial cells and was particularly strongly expressed in the mid secretory phase of epithelial cells, and in the mid secretory and menstruation phase of stromal cells. In the endometrial epithelial cells there was strong expression during the entire cycle with stronger expression in the secretory phase compared to the prolferative phase. COX-2 was clearly expressed in the late proliferative, early and mid secretory phases in the stromal cells. No expression was observed in the proliferative phase of the epithelial cells, but which began to appear in the early secretory phase reaching a significant pattern from the mid secretory phase onwards. There was almost no expression in the stromal cells. In the cases with endometriosis showing normal endometrial maturation according to the Noyes classification, PR expression was increased while Integrin-${\beta}_3$의 expression was significantly decreased compared to the normal group. Also, COX-2 expression was slightly decreased in the stromal cells of patients with endometriosis while it was significantly increased in the stromal cells. Conclusion: Immunohistochemical markers can supplement the original Noyes classification of histological endometrial dating and therefore ascertain existing pathologic conditions. Particularly for patients with endometriosis with normally mature endometrial cells, changes in COX-2 and integrin expression patterns may assist in elucidating pathophysiologic mechanisms and therefore aid in the diagnosis of abnormal implantation conditions, and consequently determine a treatment modality.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.59-66
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• 2011

Purpose: We previously reported that concurrent reactivation of latent Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in children with hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is common and EBV reactivation with HAV infection adversely affects the clinical features of hepatitis. However, the incidence of concurrent reactivation was not accurate because the detection of EBV reactivation was based on serologic methods. Therefore, we studied the effects of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-proven EBV reactivation, thus a more precise concurrence, on acute HAV infection in children. Methods: PCR were conducted in 34 patients, who had enrolled previous study and diagnosed with acute HAV infection between January 2008 and June 2010. Their medical records were reviewed. Results: Among 34 patients with acute HAV infection, 12 patients (35.3%) had EBV reactivation which was proven using serologic and molecular biologic techniques. There were significant differences in the peak levels of AST and ALT between the reactivated and non-reactivated groups (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively). The duration of full recovery from hepatitis was more prolonged in the reactivated group (p<0.001). Clinical parameters, such as serum protein (p<0.001) and albumin concentrations (p<0.001), atypical lymphocyte count (p=0.001), prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR, p<0.001), and splenomegaly (p<0.001), showed significant differences. The clinical features in the reactivated sub-group >10 years of age revealed more liver dysfunction compared to the non-reactivated sub-group. A comparison with a previous study was performed. Conclusion: PCR-proven reactivation of latent EBV in children with HAV infection is common and EBV reactivation with HAV infection adversely affects the clinical features of hepatitis, especially in older children.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.4 no.1
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• pp.35-43
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• 1986

Study patients with head and neck carcinoma were studied retrospectively to assess the impact of treatment on survival and local control rate by stage in the Dept of Radiation Therapy, Korea University Hae Wha Hospital between March 1981 and March 1986. Prior to definite radiotherapy, patients were evaluated by physical examination and radiologic studies including chest, laryngogram and CT scan and then these patients were grouped according to the American Joint Committee (AJC) staging system. They were treated with RT alone or postoperative irradiation to the dose of 7,200 cGy/8 weeks and 6,000 cGy/7 weeks respectively. The results were obtained and as follows; 1. Overall male to female sex ratio was 3.6:1. The peak age of patients with head and neck cancer was 6th decade. 2. In all patients treated by RT, the ratio of squamous cell 1 carcinoma to non-squamous cell carcinoma was 3.5:1 (60/77 patients). 3. The incidence according to the anatomic site of primary tumor was 22 cases in the larynx, 12 cases in PNS, 7 cases in nasopharynx, 6 cases in oropharynx, and 3 cases in hypopharynx. 4. According to AJC staging system,4 cases were Stage 1,7 in Stage II, 19 in Stage III and 27 in Stage IV. 5. The overall incidence of cervical lymph node metastases was $43\%$ and subdigatric and submaxillary triangle lymph nodes were the most frequent site of metastases. 6. Local control was achieved in $48\%$ of patients treated by radio-therapy. 7. The lung was the most common site for distant metastases, comprising 4 cases among 7 cases in which distant metastases occured. 8. The overall estimated 5-year survival rate was $43\%$ in the head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy by life-table analysis.