Clinical implications of healthcare-associated infection in patients with community-onset acute pyelonephritis

Ha, Young Eun,Kang, Cheol-In,Joo, Eun-Jeong,Park, So Yeon,Kang, Seung Ji,Wi, Yu Mi,Chung, Doo Ryeon,Peck, Kyong Ran,Lee, Nam Yong,Song, Jae-Hoon Informa Healthcare 2011 Scandinavian journal of infectious diseases Vol.43 No.8

<P><I>Background</I>: Clinical and microbiological characteristics of healthcare-associated acute pyelonephritis (HCA-APN) have not been described in detail yet. We sought to delineate the differences between community-associated (CA)- and HCA-APN with specific interest in antibiotic resistance of causative microorganisms. <I>Methods</I>: We conducted a retrospective cohort study during a 1-y period at a large referral center. Patients who visited the emergency department with symptoms and signs of APN were included in the study population. <I>Results</I>: Among 319 cases with community-onset APN, 201 cases (63%) were classified as HCA-APN. Patients with HCA-APN had higher SOFA (sequential organ failure assessment) scores, longer length of hospital stay and a lower rate of complete response to antimicrobial therapy. Patients with complicated APN also had characteristics similar to those seen in HCA-APN. However, 14-day mortality rates were not different between CA-APN vs HCA-APN and between uncomplicated APN vs complicated APN. With regard to microbiological characteristics, Escherichia coli were less common in HCA-APN than in CA-APN (62.7% vs 93.2%, <I>p</I> < 0.001). Among E. coli isolates, quinolone resistance and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) production were more common in HCA-APN than in CA-APN (38.9% vs 12.7%, <I>p</I> < 0.001; 15.9% vs 0.8%, <I>p</I> < 0.001, respectively). <I>Conclusions</I>: HCA-APN, and complicated APN, represents a distinct subset of urinary tract infections with more antibiotic-resistant pathogens and worse outcomes, which physicians should consider to provide optimal treatment.</P>

Screening for latent tuberculosis infection in South Korean healthcare workers using a tuberculin skin test and whole blood interferon-γ assay

Jong Lee, Kyung,Ae Kang, Young,Mi Kim, Young,Cho, Sang-Nae,Wook Moon, Jin,Suk Park, Moo,Kyu Kim, Se,Chang, Joon,Sam Kim, Young Informa Healthcare 2010 Scandinavian journal of infectious diseases Vol.42 No.9

<P>This study compared the results of a tuberculin skin test (TST) and a whole-blood interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) to screen latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) according to risk of TB exposure in South Korea. A cross-sectional comparison of 82 healthcare workers (HCWs) was performed from June 2009 to January 2010. Participants were grouped according to their risk for TB exposure: group 1, frequent and direct contact with active TB patients (<I>n</I> = 35); group 2, no known history of direct contact with active TB patients (<I>n</I> = 47). For the TST (10-mm induration cut-off), the positive response rate was 42.9% in group 1 and 34.0% in group 2 (<I>p</I> = 0.42). For the IGRA, the positive response rate was 40% in group 1 and 10.6% in group 2 (<I>p</I> = 0.002). Results obtained from the TST and the IGRA were not in significant agreement. The working duration of HCWs in TB-related departments was the only significant risk factor for LTBI (odds ratio 1.03; <I>p</I> = 0.031). Further, the IGRA can more accurately discriminate LTBI compared to the TST, based on the risk of TB exposure. These results suggest that the IGRA is diagnostically useful for LTBI in South Korean HCWs.</P>

Experience of complementary and alternative medicine in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and their families: A qualitative study

Kim, Sungha,Chung, Seung Eun,Lee, Sanghun,Park, Jeonghwan,Choi, Sunmi,Kim, Sungchul Informa UK (Informa Healthcare) 2016 Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal d Vol.17 No.3

<P>The purpose of this study was to explore the life experience related to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Data were collected though semi-structured interviews of nine patients with ALS and seven family members, who have used CAM. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and checked for accuracy. The Giorgi's method of phenomenology was used for data analysis. Five constituents forming the units of meaning were: facing the limits of conventional medicine; getting to know CAM; recognizing the ineffectiveness of CAM; using CAM for symptomatic treatment; and seeking new CAM endlessly for complete cure. The study results provide an in-depth understanding of experience with CAM among patients with ALS and their family members. Healthcare providers must give accurate information about the efficacy of CAM as well as its safety and possible adverse effects and should offer patient-centred treatment through active communication throughout the process of diagnosis and treatment.</P>

Clinical and metabolic evaluation of Korean patients with urolithiasis

Park, Kyoung-Jin,Jeon, Seong Soo,Han, Deok Hyun,Lee, Soo-Youn Informa Healthcare 2011 Scandinavian journal of clinical & laboratory inve Vol.71 No.6

<P><B><I>Background.</I></B> The purpose of the present study was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of clinical and metabolic factors in order to determine the characteristics of urolithiasis in a Korean population, compared with other ethnic groups. In addition, clinical and metabolic factors associated with calcium oxalate (CaOx) and uric acid (UA) stone formation were compared. <B><I>Methods.</I></B> A total of 211 Korean patients with urolithiasis were analysed. Biochemical components in 24-hour urine were determined and the relative supersaturation (RSS) was calculated using the EQUIL 3 software program. Physical analysis of stone composition using Fourier Transform-Infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), blood chemistry, and demographics were also investigated. <B><I>Results.</I></B> A previous history of urolithiasis and male gender were found to be clinical risk factors related to urolithiasis. Metabolic abnormalities, including hypercalciuria, low urine volume, natriuresis, hypocitraturia, and hyperoxalaturia were commonly found in 24-hour urine. Korean patients had higher calcium, lower citrate, lower phosphate, lower urine volume, and higher RSS with respect to UA than Caucasian patients. Patients with CaOx stone formation (<I>n</I> == 100) were younger and excreted a higher level of calcium and higher UA at a higher pH than patients with UA stones (<I>n</I> == 37). A significant difference in RSS was observed with respect to CaOx, while there was no significant difference in RSS with respect to UA between them. <B><I>Conclusions.</I></B> Metabolic abnormalities, including hypercalciuria, low urine volume, natriuresis, hypocitraturia, and hyperoxalaturia were important findings in Korean patients with urolithiasis. In addition, clinical and metabolic characteristics of CaOx stone formers differed in comparison with UA stone formers.</P>

Poly I:C inhibits cell proliferation and enhances the growth inhibitory effect of paclitaxel in oral sqaumous cell carcinoma

Park, Jong-Hwan,Jeon, Do-In,Yoon, Hyo-Eun,Kwon, Seong-Min,Kim, Soo-A,Ahn, Sang-Gun,Yoon, Jung-Hoon Informa Healthcare 2012 Acta odontologica scandinavica Vol.70 No.3

<P><B><I>Objective.</I></B> Toll-like receptors (TLR) signaling has dual effect of promoting tumor progression and anti-cancer property. This study was designed to determine the effect of polyinosinic-polycytidilic acid (poly I:C), a TLR3 agonist, on the proliferation of oral cancer cells. <B><I>Materials and methods:</I></B> Human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell lines, YD-10B and YD-8, were used. TLRs expression was examined by RT-PCR and IL-8 production by poly I:C was examined by ELISA. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis were performed to determine the molecular mechanism of poly I:C-induced cell death. <B><I>Results.</I></B> TLR3 was functionally expressed in YD-10B and YD-8 cells. Treatment of poly I:C inhibited the cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis revealed that poly I:C induced apoptosis via a mitochondria-dependent pathway. In addition, combination treatment with poly I:C and paclitaxel more significantly inhibited cell proliferation compared with poly I:C or paclitaxel alone. <B><I>Conclusions.</I></B> Poly I:C effectively inhibits oral cancer cell proliferation and can be considered as a candidate to improve the inhibitory effect of anti-cancer drugs.</P>

Emergency department visits due to pesticide poisoning in South Korea, 2006-2009

Ko, Yousun,Kim, Hyun Joong,Cha, Eun Shil,Kim, Jaeyoung,Lee, Won Jin Informa Healthcare 2012 Clinical toxicology Vol.50 No.2

<P><I>Objectives.</I> The objective of this study is to estimate the numbers and rate of emergency department visits in South Korea that are the result of pesticide poisoning and to describe their epidemiologic characteristics. <I>Materials and methods.</I> Data collected from the National Emergency Department Information System were used to estimate the number of emergency department visits due to pesticide poisoning in South Korea for the period spanning 2006 through 2009. Emergency department visits for pesticide poisoning were defined by ICD-10 codes (T60.0-T60.9). National estimates and their 95% confidence intervals were calculated per 100 000 population. <I>Results.</I> Among the 65 877 total poisoning-related emergency department visits in the data, 11 985 (18.2%) were emergency department visits resulting from pesticide poisoning. During the study period, the annual average rate of emergency department visits for pesticide poisoning was 26.8 per 100 000 population. Intentional pesticide poisoning (51.4%) was more frequent than unintentional. The fatality rate from intentional pesticide poisoning was also higher than that from unintentional or cases where the intention was unknown. In terms of age-specific rates of emergency department visits for pesticide poisoning, they increased with age, as did the gap between men and women. <I>Conclusions.</I> This study provide estimates for emergency department visits due to pesticide poisoning at the national level and suggests that pesticide poisonings, both intentional and unintentional, require significant public health interventions in South Korea.</P>

Blood levels of phosphatidylethanol in pregnant women reporting positive alcohol ingestion, measured by an improved LC-MS/MS analytical method

Kwak, Ho Seok,Han, Jung-Yeol,Ahn, Hyun-Kyong,Kim, Min-Hyoung,Ryu, Hyun-Mee,Kim, Moon-Young,Chung, Hee-Jung,Cho, Dong-Hee,Shin, Chan-Young,Velazquez-Armenta, Elvia Y.,Nava-Ocampo, Alejandro A. Informa Healthcare 2012 Clinical toxicology Vol.50 No.10

<P><I>Objective.</I> A reliable biomarker of low alcohol exposure during pregnancy is needed to clarify the controversy on the teratogenicity of low-to-moderate alcohol levels. <I>Methods.</I> Blood samples were obtained from 13 pregnant women who self-reported alcohol ingestion between 2.5 and 20 drinks/week, and from 26 controls. Total lipids were extracted, and phosphatidylethanol (PEth) species 16:0/16:0, 16:0/18:1, and 16:0/18:1 were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on a reverse-phase phenyl column. These PEth species were quantified by MS/MS using phosphatidylpropanol as internal standard, with electrospray ionization and MRM. <I>Results.</I> PEth species were not detected in women who abstained from alcohol ingestion during pregnancy, whereas PEth-16:0/18:1 was > 5 nmol/L in those with positive alcohol ingestion. PEth species were detected for up to 4 weeks after cessation of exposure. <I>Conclusions.</I> PEth-16:0/18:1 was detected in pregnant women at 4-6 weeks after their last low-to-moderate alcohol ingestion, and therefore appears to be a reliable biomarker of prenatal alcohol exposure to study the teratogenicity of alcohol at these exposure levels.</P>

The mitochondrial genome of <i>Apodemus peninsulae</i> (Rodentia, Muridae)

Oh, Dae-Ju,Kim, Tae-Wook,Chang, Min-Ho,Han, Sang-Hyun,Oh, Hong-Shik,Kim, Se-Jae Informa Healthcare 2011 Mitochondrial DNA Vol.22 No.4

<P>The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the Korean field mouse <I>Apodemus peninsulae</I> was sequenced and found to be 16,266 bp in length. The mt protein-coding genes of <I>A</I>. <I>peninsulae</I> had ATG, GTG, ATC, and ATA as initiation codons and TAA, TAG, TA, and T as termination codons. Two forms each of <I>trnL</I> and <I>trnS</I> and the three tRNA clusters, IQM, WANCY, and HSL were identified, as in the typical Rodentia mt genome. Among tRNAs, abnormal cloverleaf structure of <I>trnS</I><SUP>(AGY)</SUP> was identified in DHU arm. The <SMALL>L</SMALL>-strand replication origin has the potential to form a stable stem-loop structure and control region has several conserved sequence elements.</P>

Effects of Duplicate Administration of Human Neural Stem Cell After Focal Cerebral Ischemia in the Rat

Song, Miyeoun,Kim, Young-Ju,Kim, Yoon-Ha,Roh, Jina,Kim, Seung U.,Yoon, Byung-Woo Informa Healthcare 2011 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE - Vol.121 No.8

<P>We investigated the functional and histological recovery of middle cerebral artery occluded (MCAo) rats after of duplicate intravenous (i.v.) injection of human neural stem cells (hNSCs). Rats received i.v. injections of hNSCs (HB1.F3, 4 ×? 10<SUP>6</SUP> cells) on day 1 (1C), day 7 (7C), or both days 1 and 7 (1/7C) following MCAo. Functional recovery of rats was evaluated 1 day before MCAo and 1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days following MCAo, using the modified neurological severity score (mNSS), and cylinder test. Nissl staining and anti-human nuclear matrix antigen /NeuN or GFAP were used to measure infarct size and investigate the migration and differentiation of injected cells. Treatment with hNSCs did not significantly affect infarct size of ischemic animals. Behavior evaluation using mNSS showed that functional deficits in the 1C group were reduced faster than in the 7C and 1/7C groups, and functional recovery in 1/7C rats was significantly more pronounced than that in the 7C group (day 21). Injected cells were identified at the boundary of lesions, where they had differentiated into neurons and astrocytes. Our study suggests that duplicate i.v. administration of hNSCs after stroke offers no advantages over single administration, 1 day following an ischemic event.</P>

Acupressure for Treating Neurological Disorders: A Systematic Review

Lee, Jeong-Sook,Lee, Myeong Soo,Min, Kyungyoon,Lew, Jae-Hwan,Lee, Beom-Joon Informa Healthcare 2011 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE - Vol.121 No.8

<P>The objective of this review is to assess the clinical evidence for or against acupressure as a treatment for neurological disorders. We searched the literature from 12 databases from their inception to July 2010. We included any type of controlled clinical trial (CCT) in which patients with neurological disorders were treated with acupressure. The methodological quality of all clinical trials was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias analysis. In total, two randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and four CCTs were included. Four studies (one RCT and three CCTs) compared the effects of acupressure with routine care or no treatment in patients with stroke and showed significant effects of acupressure on improving patient function and symptoms. One RCT, which compared acupressure with sham acupressure and no treatment in patients with headache, also showed that acupressure significantly reduced headache severity and pain. However, all trials were open to methodological limitations and a high risk of bias. In conclusion, current evidence showing that acupressure is an effective treatment for improving function and symptoms in patients with stroke is limited. However, the evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions concerning the effects of acupressure on other neurological disorders. More rigorous studies are warranted.</P>