Occupational Risk of Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Health Workers of 14 Military Hospitals

Tuberculosis (TB) is a known occupational risk to health workers. Identifying risk factors in health care settings is critical to the prevention of TB for health workers and patients. In 2014, we carried out a TB screening and survey for 902 health workers from 14 selected military hospitals to determine the prevalence rate of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) as well as occupational risk factors. Of all subjects, 19.5% reported having provided TB patient care for 1 year or more (176/902), and 26.9% (243/902) were positive for the tuberculin skin test (TST) (10 mm or more of induration). Additionally, 21.4% (52/243) of those who tested positive were also positive for the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). The proportion of LTBI in the study population was 5.8% (52/902). In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, providing TB patient care for one year or more was the only significant occupational risk factor (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–4.56). This study suggests that military health workers working with TB patients should be regularly examined by chest radiography, TST and IGRA to detect LTBI in the early stage and control nosocomial infection of TB.

The indications, effectiveness and complications of the selective arterial embolization in the management of obstetrical hemorrhage / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: The object of this study was to evaluate the indications, effectiveness and complications associated with arterial embolization as a safe and effective alternative treatment of obstetrical hemorrhage. METHODS: From September 1998 to October 2005, 42 patients who had a pregnancy related hemorrhage which did not respond to treatment using obstetric maneuvers and uterotonic drugs were included in our study. The patients underwent angiographic embolization for the management of intractable obstetrical hemorrhage at Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University Medical Center. All available medical records and telephone interviews were reviewed and detailed to collect adequate clinical data such as clinical status, underlying conditions, amount of transfusion, embolization sites, materials of embolization, hospital stay, the success rate and the complications. RESULTS: We have experienced clinically successful embolization in 40 (95.2%) of 42 patients of obstetrical hemorrhage resulting from various causes. After embolization, the patient's vital sign was stabilized. The causes of hemorrhage were atony of uterus (n=17), cervical pregnancy (n=5), abnormal placentation (n=5), laceration of uterine cervix and vagina (n=6). The average amount of blood transfusion was 10.3 unit (range; 0-63 unit). The average duration of hospitalization was 7.4 days (range; 4-18 days). We were able to follow up on 32 patients. The main complications after embolization were hypomenorrhea (n=6), numbness of lower extremities (n=3). In all cases menses resumed spontaneously after procedures. CONCLUSION: The arterial embolization is one of the safe and the effective procedures and offers patients a fertility-preserving alternative to hysterectomy for treatment of intractable postpartum hemorrhage.

Clinical and Cytogenetic study on 3,672 Genetic Amniocentesis: YUMC 20 years experience from 1985 to 2004 years / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To systematic analyze the change of the annual distribution and indications, age distribution of the patients and chromosomal results according to patient's age and indications in midtrimester genetic amniocentesis METHODS: This study conducted between 1985 and 2004 collected 3,672 amniocenteses procedure which were done at College of Medicine, after prenatal genetic counceling for mothers who have high risk for carrying chromosomally abnormal babies. RESULTS: 1. The incidence of amniocentesis had been in gradual increase since the 1980''s, however, the number has increased sharply for the patiences in mid 1990's. 2. Of the 3,672 amniocentesis cases, 32.2% was maternal age 30 to 34 which was most common age group and followed by age 35 to 39 was 29.9% and age 25 to 29 was 27.8%. 3. The indications for amniocentesis were advanced maternal age (36.1%), abnormal maternal serum markers (31.7%) and abnormal ultrasonographic findings which implies chromosomal abnormality (9.6%). In the 1980's, amniocentesis had earlier been used primarily for those in advanced maternal age groups, at least 35 years older. Recently maternal serum markers and ultrasonography play an important role as an indicator for the amniocentesis. 4. From the 3,672 cases, 3,556 cases showed normal diploidy and 116 cases abnormal karyotype which consisted 3.16%. In autosomal disorders, 36 Down syndrome, 15 Edward syndrome, 2 Patau syndrome were diagnosed. In Sex chromosomal anomaly, 5 Turner syndrome, 6 47XYY, and 2 Klinefelter syndrome. Add to that 31 translocation including 21 Reciprocal translocation and 10 Robertsonian translocation, and 8 deletions and 4 mosaicisms were diagnosed. Of the 354 cases with abnormal ultrasonic findings, 19 (5.4%) resulted in chromosomal anomaly. Of the 1,164 casaes with positive maternal serum markers, 42 (3.6%) resulted in chromosomal anomaly. Those who had abnormal ultrasonographic findings implying chromosomal abnormality were found to have correlation with chromosomal abnomality than other indications. CONCLUSION: Midtrimester genetic amniocentesis is an important diagnostic tool in prenatal diagnosis, of which the annual incidence has been recently increased abruptly. Not only maternal age, but the maternal serum markers and ultrasonograms should be considered in prenatal counseling. Amniocentesis should be well informed to the general population.

Rapid Prenatal Diagnosis of Trisomy 21 by Real-time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction with Amplification of Small Tandem Repeats and S100B in Chromosome 21

Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) is the most common congenital anomaly, and it occurs in one out of 700-1000 births. Current techniques such as amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling (CVS) require lengthy laboratory culture procedures and high costs. This study was undertaken to establish a rapid prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of fetal DNA from amniotic fluid. Real-time quantitative PCR was performed with DNA templates obtained from 14 normal blood samples, 10 normal amniotic fluid samples, 14 Down syndrome blood samples, and 7 Down syndrome amniotic fluid samples. Primers for D21S167 and S100B of chromosome 21 were used. Primers that direct the amplification of the 165-bp fragment of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) -1 gene on chromosome 12 using a PCR primer were included to generate an internal standard for quantitation. The relative levels of D21S167 and S100B were 2.6 and 2.4 times higher in the blood of Down syndrome patients than those in the control group. The differences between these two groups were statistically significant (p-values were 0.0012 and 0.0016, respectively). The relative levels of D21S167 and S100B were 2.1 and 2.7 times higher in the amniotic fluid of Down syndrome fetuses than those in the control group. The difference between these two groups was statistically significant (p-values were 0.0379 and 0.0379, respectively). Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 by real-time quantitative PCR using STR (small tandem repeats) amplification of D21S167 and S100B is a useful, accurate and rapid diagnostic method. Furthermore, it may also be useful for prenatal diagnosis with fetal DNA from maternal blood, and for preimplantation genetic diagnosis and prenatal counseling.

Cytogenetic study in 14,402 patients referred for suspected congenital disorders in Korea: YUMC 31 years experience from 1974 to 2004 years / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To make a guideline for cytogenetic study and diagnosis through systematic analysis of types and the incidences of chromosomal abnormalities obtained from various types of congenital disorder in Korea. METHODS: The cytogenetic study was performed on 14,402 patients with suspected chromosomal abnormalities at our genetic laboratory of the medical research center between January 1, 1974 to December 31, 2004 and additionally the FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization) study was done on 272 patients between January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2004. RESULTS: Total number of case requiring cytogenetic study were 33 in starting year (1974) and by 1983, the number increased rapidly to 481 cases. The number of case was maximum of 894 cases in 1993 and it started to decline from 1996 to 714. Overall chromosomal aberrations were 2,100 cases (14.58%). Autosomal chromosomal abnormalities were 1,257 cases (8.73%). Among those cases, Down syndrome was 848 cases (5.89%), Edward syndrome was 38 cases (0.26%), and Patau syndrome was 6 cases (0.04%) in order of frequency. Sex chromosomal abnormalities were 843 cases (5.85%) in total. Among those cases, Turner syndrome was 527 cases (3.66%), Kleinfelter syndrome was 267 cases (1.85%). Chromosomal abnormality rate in 535 couples with recurrent spontaneous abortions was 5.98% (32 couples). And chromosomal aberration in 1068 cases with primary amenorrhea was 63.95% (683 cases). The diagnostic rate of microdeletion syndrome by FISH method was 22.71%, and marker chromosome was 20.56%. CONCLUSION: From cytogenetic analysis of 14,402 cases performed in single institute during 31 years, we performed a study on the types and the incidences of chromosomal abnormalities. We hope we could suggest a guideline for studies and treatments of congenital disorders in Korea. Along with the cytogenetic study, FISH study was also required.

Rapid prenatal diagnosis for chromosomal aneuploidy using cDNA microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: Prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis is limited to metaphase karyotype analysis of cultured cells obtained by amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. Moreover, genome wide analysis cannot be performed by FISH analysis using specific probe. Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) offers a number of advantages over conventional cytogenetic analysis and FISH. Microarray CGH can be highly comprehensive, amenable to very high resolution, sensitive and fast. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical use of cDNA microarray CGH for detection of fetal aneuploidy. METHODS: 21 amniotic fluid samples and 6 chorionic villi samples were obtained from 27 pregnant women in 9-19 gestational weeks. Genomic DNA was extracted from each sample and amplified. For cDNA microarray CGH analysis, test DNA sample and reference DNA sample were labeled with Cy3-dUTP and Cy5-dUTP, respectively. Each sample of labeled test and reference DNA was hybridized to microarray. The result was analysed with axon scanner and compared with cytogenetic analysis and FISH. RESULTS: In 27 cases, 3 cases with trisomy 21 and 1 case with trisomy 18 had increased hybridization signals on chromosome 21 and chromosome 18. One case with 45,X had decreased signals on chromosome X. One case with 46,X,i(Xq) had decreased signal on short arm of chromosome X and increased signal on long arm. And one case with 47,XYY had two fold increased signal on Y chromosome. cDNA microarray based CGH correctly identified fetal aneuploidy in all of the 7 cases with aneuploid fetuses. CONCLUSION: Prenatal genetic diagnosis by cDNA microarray-based CGH is an useful, innovative, rapid and accurate method. It is promising technique allowing rapid screening for whole chromosomal changes including aneuploidy, and may augment standard karyotyping techniques for prenatal genetic diagnosis by providing additional molecular information. This method may aid the discovery and description of minor genetic aberration, potentially enhancing future prenatal genetic diagnostic application.

Chorionic Villus Sampling: Clinical and Cytogenetic Study of the First 1,058 Cases in YUMC from 1984 to 2004 years / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the feasibility, accuracy and safety of Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS). METHODS: We analyzed the outcome of 1,058 cases of CVS performed for prenatal genetic diagnosis between 7 and 12 weeks of gestation in the outpatient prenatal genetic clinic in Yonsei University Medical Center (1,030 cases by trans-cervical method and 28 cases by trans-abdominal). Fetal Karyotyping was obtained by direct or indirect culture methods using Gimsa and Gimsa-Banding. RESULTS: Advanced maternal age was the most common indication for CVS (34.7%). The overall sampling success rate was 98% (1040/ 1,058), representing 92.5% in 7 to 8 weeks, 98.0% in 9 to 10 weeks, and 98.9% in 11 to 12weeks of gestation. The majority of cases (94.6%) required one or two aspirations. Cytogenetic analysis routinely included direct overnight and long-term culture methods, which revealed 27 chromosomal abnormalities (2.6%). Of 1,040 cases in which CVS were successful, 989 delivered normal baby, 23 resulted in fetal loss, 25 had therapeutic termination (24 with chromosome abnormalities and 1 with normal chromosome with huge myoma), and 3 with chromosome abnormalities were loss to follow up. The overall fetal loss rate was 2.2% (23/1,058). No congenital anomalies were found to be related to CVS in these series. CONCLUSION: When performed by experienced operators and cytogeneticists beyond 9 weeks of gestation, CVS is a feasible, accurate and safe method for prenatal genetic diagnosis capable of replacing genetic amniocentesis.

Cytogenetic Study in 535 Couples with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortions in Korea / 대한불임학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to investigate the types and the incidences of chromosomal abnormalities, and to provide an explanation for the genetic causations of recurrent spontaneous abortions in Korean population. METHODS: Cytogenetic studies were carried out in 535 couples with at least two spontaneous first trimester abortions from January 1981 to December 2003. For karyotype analysis, we used modified Moorhead method by Giemsa staining and Giemsa-Trypsin-Giemsa banding RESULTS: The overall incidence of chromosome abnormality was 32 out of 535 cases (5.98%). There were 25 cases (4.67%) of translocation and 7 cases (1.31%) of inversion. In translocation, 5 cases (0.93%) of Robertsonian translocation and 20 cases (3.74%) of reciprocal translocation were observed. In inversion, 6 cases (1.12%) of inversion of chromosome 9 and one case (0.19%) of inversion of chromosome 18 were found. CONCLUSION: In this study, overall chromosomal abnormality rate in couples with recurrent spontaneous abortions is much higher than that in the general population. So, chromosomal analysis should be offered for the prognostic information in genetic counseling such as prenatal diagnosis in couples with repetitive reproductive failure.

Hidden Y Chromosome and Marker Chromosome Identification by FISH (Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization) in Turner Syndrome / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of hidden Y chromosome and marker chromosome identification by FISH (Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization) in Turner syndrome. METHODS: Data was collected retrospectively from 25 patients with or without marker chromosome confirmed Turner syndrome by chromosomal study in Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yonsei University Medical Center. FISH was performed on all patients for hidden Y chromosome and marker chromosome identification. RESULTS: FISH showed the origin of marker chromosome in 9 patients whose karyotypes were 45,X/ 46,X+mar, 5 patients were positive for SRY gene. Of 16 patients whose karyotypes were 45,X or 45,X/46,XX, there was no hidden Y chromosome indentification by FISH. CONCLUSION: FISH for marker chromosome identification in Turner syndrome is a rapid and effective procedure. But to enable widespread use of hidden Y chromosome identification by FISH in Turner syndrome, further studies involving many cases are warranted.

Rapid Prenatal Diagnosis of Trisomy 21 by Real-Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction / 대한산부인과학회잡지

OBJECTIVE: Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) is the most common chromosomal anomaly which occurs 1 out of 700-1000 birth. Current techniques such as amniocentesis, chorionic villi sampling (CVS), require lengthy laboratory culture procedures and high costs. This study was undertaken to establish a rapid prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction of fetal DNA from amniotic fluid. METHODS: Real-time quantitative PCR was performed with DNA template obtained from 14 normal serum, 10 normal amniotic fluid samples, 14 Down syndrome serum, and 7 Down syndrome amniotic fluid samples. Primers for D21S167 and S100B of chromosome 21 were used. Primers that direct amplification of 165-bp fragment of the IGFI (Insulin-like growth factor-1) gene on chromosome 12 are included to generate an internal standard for quantitation. RESULTS: The relative levels of D21S167 and S100B were 2.6 and 2.4 times higher in the serum of Down syndrome patients compared to the control group. The difference between these two groups was statistically significant (P-value: 0.0012 and 0.0016). The relative levels of D21S167 and S100B were 2.1 and 2.7 times higher in the amniotic fluid of Down syndrome fetuses compared to control group. The difference between these two groups was statistically significant (P-value 0.0379 respectively). CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 by real-time quantitative PCR-associated STR (small tandem repeats) analysis of D21S167 and S100B is useful, accurate and rapid diagnostic method and also can be employed in diagnosis of trisomy 13, 18. Furthermore, it may also be useful for prenatal diagnosis with fetal DNA from maternal blood and for preimplantation genetic diagnosis.

The Long-term Follow-up Studies of Childhood Obesity after Puberty / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: We studied the prevalence and long-term trend of childhood obesity after puberty to help in managing and treating obesity. METHODS: We surveyed obesity index of children at age 13 and 17 who was diagnosed as obesity at their age 7. 1,559 students consisting of 753 boys and 806 girls had followed up since 1992 until 2002. Obesity was defined as the obesity index over 20 percent. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was 3.1% at age 7, 7.1% at age 13 and 13.0% at age 17, which increased significantly with getting older in age in both sex. Among obese children at age 7, 67.5 percent remained obese at age 17. 66.6% of the obese boys at age 7 and 68.4% of the obese girls at age 7 remained obese at age 17. The proportion of severe obesity in obese boys was increased as they were old, but not in obese girls. The progression to moderate and severe obesity at age 17 was prominent for obese boys at age 7, compared to the obese girls. 12.7% of normal weight boys at age 7 and 9.8% of normal weight girls at age 7 became obese at age 17. CONCLUSION: We think that the prevention and treatment of obesity during puberty is as important as those in the childhood.

Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Trisomy 21 from Maternal Peripheral Blood

This study was undertaken to establish a noninvasive prenatal genetic diagnostic method for trisomy 21 using the fetal nRBCs that is rarely present in maternal circulation. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 30 women with an advanced maternal age, abnormal triple marker test results, or abnormal ultrasound findings such as an increased nuchal translucency. The blood samples were treated with heparin. The triple density gradient centrifugation, and MACS using CD45 and CD71 were used to isolate the fetal cells. FISH analysis using probe 21 was performed with GPA-immunostaining. The study population consisted of 30 patients from 13 to 25 weeks of gestation, and nRBCs were separated in all cases. In GPA-immuno FISH analysis using probe 21, 3 cases of trisomy 21 were diagnosed and these results were confirmed by the amniocentesis. In conclusion, a prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 through GPA- immuno fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using separated fetal nRBCs is a useful, innovative, accurate, rapid and non-invasive diagnostic method.

Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Korea / 대한소아혈액종양학회지

PURPOSE: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) accounts for approximately 75% of all cases of childhood leukemia. We investigated epidemiology, clinical and laboratory features and treatment outcome of the children with ALL in Korea during recent 5 years. METHODS: One thousand forty nine patients were enrolled between January 1994 and December 1998 from 37 major hospitals in Korea. The data regarding the clinical and laboratory features including age, WBC counts at diagnosis, immunophenotype, morphology, cytogenetics and treatment outcome of patients were analyzed retrospectively by review of patient's medical records. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed. The differences between groups analyzed by log-rank test. RESULTS: There were 597 males and 452 females. The distribution between the age 2 and 5 years is most common in 46.1%. The annual incidence rate per 100,000 population varied from 1.6 to 2.2. The 5 year event free survival (EFS) rates according to good prognostic factors were as follows: 67% bet ween 1-9 year of age at diagnosis, 69% in under 10,000/mm3of initial WBC count, 74% in early pre-B cell CALLA ( ) immunophenotype, 65% in L3 morphology, 68% in no CNS invasion. Most of patients were treated by CCG treatment protocol. The 5 year EFS was 63%. Main complications were sepsis (21.8%) and hemorrhage (12.5%). The relapse rate was 15.6%. The common causes of death were sepsis, DIC, pneumonia, relapse. CONCLUSION: Our results could provide the most recent and important information about acute lymphoblastic leukemia of children in Korea.

Clinical Usefulness of Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH) in the Diagnosis of Genetic disease / 대한산부인과학회잡지

INTRODUCTION: The traditional cytogenetic analysis requires relatively long cell culture time, intensive labour and trained personnel. But, in clinical situations, rapid diagnosis of genetic disease is very important for urgent decision for future management. So we need more rapid and precise diagnostic tools for clinical genetic counselling. The fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been studied for detecting chromosomal aneuploidies because this method can get rapid and precise results of cytogenetic studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical utility of fluorescence in situ hybridization technique as a diagnostic tool of chromosomal anomaly. METHODS: Peripheral blood or gonadal tissue were obtained from the patients (n=63) clinically suspicious of genetic disease. Chorionic villi (n=6), amniotic fluid (n=9), and fetal cord blood (n=2) were obtained from 15 pregnancies undergoing fetal karyotyping at 9 to 30 weeks of gestation for prenatal genetic counselling. Karyotyping was performed by both traditional cytogenetics and FISH, using commercially available kits. After the procedures, the results of FISH were compared with the results of traditional cytogenetic studies. RESULTS: In a blind series of 17 samples all, including trisomy 21 (1 case), trisomy 18 (1 case), monosomyX (1 case), 47,XYY (1 case), and 47,XXY (1 case), were correctly identified. FISH results were correspondent with conventional karyotyping results in 7 patients with intersex except one case of suspicious of mosaicism. In nine children of Turner syndrome, the results of two methods were correspondent too. There was a fluorescent signal defect in band 15 q11-q13 in one of chromosome 15 in 18 children of 29 patients, clinically suspicious of Prader-Willi syndrome, with FISH method and only four patients were diagnosed as Prader-Willi syndrome with G-banding microscope. It was impossible to identify the defect in chromosome 15 q11-q13 in 10 (34%) children by both methods. Two children of 11 patients, clinically suspicious of Angelman syndrome, were diagnosed as Angelman syndrome with both method respectively. And four children were diagnosed as Angelman syndrome only with FISH method. In 5 cases, we cannot detect the defect in chromosome 15 q11-q13 with both methods. In four cases of Williams syndrome, the results of both methods were as follows; 1 case (25%): diagnosed as Williams syndrome by both methods; 2 cases (50%): diagnosed

Prevalence and Associated Factors of Snoring in School-Aged Children

PURPOSE: We studied the prevalence of snoring and its association with diseases, obesity and environmental factors, as well as sleep disturbance arising from snoring, in school-aged children. METHODS: The survey was performed by a special questionnaire on 1,707 children at elementary schools from 1 to 30 July 2001 in Gwangju City. The prevalence of snoring, associated factors, and sleep disturbance were evaluated. RESULTS: 266(16.5%) of the children snored at least once a week. 73(4.3%) of the children snored almost every day. Regarding the associated factors of snoring : There was a statistically significant difference between snoring and nonsnoring groups due to gender, obesity, sinusitis, tonsillar hypertrophy, bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis. Of them, male gender, tonsillar hypertrophy, and obesity were significant risk factors for development of snoring. Especially, the odds ratio increased to 1.048(CI, 1.004-1.659), 1.748(CI, 1.175-2.599), and 2.266(CI, 1.300-3.950) in children with an obesity index of 20-29%, 30-49%, >or=50%, respectively. There was a statistically significant association of snoring with decreased sleep duration, sleep talking, and drowsiness during the day as a result of sleep disturbance. CONCLUSION: 16.5% of school-aged children snored at least once a week. The association of snoring with tonsillar hypertrophy, obesity and gender as risk factors was demonstrated in this study.

The Prevalence and Associated Factors of Constipation in the School-aged Children / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

PURPOSE: Constipation in childhood is a significant problem, however, understanding of its epidemiology has been limited in Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of constipation in school-aged children, helping to manage and prevent it. METHODS: This cross-sectional, descripsive observational prevalence study included children (2 grade, 1st and 6th grade) who were attending two elementary schools in Gwangju. The prevalence of constipation, associated symptoms, and risk factors were evaluated by questionnaire. A child was considered to be constipated when he or she defecated two or less times per week. RESULTS: The prevalence of constipation was 15.4%. There is no significant difference between both sexes and grades. Of the causes of constipation, there was statistically significant difference in exercise deficiency, frequent intake of convenience food, long-time watching TV, unbalanced diet and enuresis history between constipation and normal group. Especially, long-time watching TV, exercise deficiency, and enuresis history were risk factors for development of constipation. Only 27.1% of children with constipation were treated by laxative and enema. CONCLUSION: Even though the prevalence of constipation was high, more than half of them was not treated at all. We should endeavor to educate the children and their parents to prevent constipation by evaluating the feeding and behavioral habit completely, and treating them properly.

Effect of Iron-Uptake systems on the Growth of Staphylococcus aureus in Amniotic Fluid / 대한주산의학회잡지

No abstract available.

Meconium as an Iron Source for the Growth of Staphylococcus Aureus in Amniotic Fluid / 대한주산의학회잡지

No abstract available.

staphylococcus Aureus Growth Inhibition in Amniotic Hluid -Antibody fot the Transferrin-binding Protein- / 대한주산의학회잡지

No abstract available.

Altered renal nitric oxide system in experimental hypertensive rats

The present study was aimed at investigating whether the development of hypertension is related with an altered expression of nitric oxide synthases (NOS) in the kidney. By Western blot analysis, the expression of bNOS and ecNOS isoforms was determined in the kidney of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-salt and two-kidney, one clip (2K1C) rats. In DOCA-salt hypertension, the expression of both bNOS and ecNOS was decreased, along with tissue contents of nitrites. In 2K1C hypertension, the nitrite content of the clipped kidney was decreased along with ecNOS levels, whereas neither the nitrite content nor the expression of NOS isoforms was significantly altered in the contralateral non-clipped kidney. These results suggest that the development of hypertension is associated with an altered renal expression of NOS and nitric oxide generation in DOCA-salt and 2K1C rats.