Monitoring Culicine Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) as a Vector of Flavivirus in Incheon Metropolitan City and Hwaseong-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, Korea, during 2019

The flaviviruses are small single-stranded RNA viruses that are typically transmitted by mosquitoes or tick vectors and are etiological agents of acute zoonotic infections. The viruses are found around the world and account for significant cases of human diseases. We investigated population of culicine mosquitoes in central region of Korean Peninsula, Incheon Metropolitan City and Hwaseong-si. Aedes vexans nipponii was the most frequently collected mosquitoes (56.5%), followed by Ochlerotatus dorsalis (23.6%), Anopheles spp. (10.9%), and Culex pipiens complex (5.9%). In rural regions of Hwaseong, Aedes vexans nipponii was the highest population (62.9%), followed by Ochlerotatus dorsalis (23.9%) and Anopheles spp. (12.0%). In another rural region of Incheon (habitat of migratory birds), Culex pipiens complex was the highest population (31.4%), followed by Ochlerotatus dorsalis (30.5%), and Aedes vexans vexans (27.5%). Culex pipiens complex was the predominant species in the urban region (84.7%). Culicine mosquitoes were identified at the species level, pooled up to 30 mosquitoes each, and tested for flaviviral RNA using the SYBR Green-based RT-PCR and confirmed by cDNA sequencing. Three of the assayed 2,683 pools (989 pools without Anopheles spp.) were positive for Culex flaviviruses, an insect-specific virus, from Culex pipiens pallens collected at the habitats for migratory birds in Incheon. The maximum likelihood estimation (the estimated number) for Culex pipiens pallens positive for Culex flavivirus was 25. Although viruses responsible for mosquito-borne diseases were not identified, we encourage intensified monitoring and long-term surveillance of both vector and viruses in the interest of global public health.

Effects of a Daily Life-Based Physical Activity Enhancement Program for Middle-Aged Women at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease / 간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a daily life-based physical activity enhancement program performed by middle-aged women at risk for cardiovascular disease. METHODS: This study used a randomized control group pretest-posttest design. Middle-aged women aged 45 to 64 were recruited from two outpatient cardiology departments, and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=28) and a control group (n=30). For the experimental group, after providing one-on-one counseling and education, we provided customized text messages to motivate them in daily life. To monitor the practice of physical activity, they also used an exercise diary and mobile pedometer for 12 weeks. Subjects' physical activities (MET-min/week) were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Their physiological data were obtained by blood tests using a portable analyzer, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0/WIN program. RESULTS: There were significant differences in exercise self-efficacy, health behavior, IPAQ score, body fat, body muscle, and fasting blood sugar between the two groups. However, there were no significant differences in total cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and waist-to-hip ratio. CONCLUSION: Strengthening physical activity in daily life without being limited by cost burden and time and space constraints. Therefore, it is essential to motivate middle-aged women at risk for cardiovascular disease to practice activities that are easily performed in their daily lives.

Effects of a Daily Life-Based Physical Activity Enhancement Program for Middle-Aged Women at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

PURPOSE@#The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a daily life-based physical activity enhancement program performed by middle-aged women at risk for cardiovascular disease.@*METHODS@#This study used a randomized control group pretest-posttest design. Middle-aged women aged 45 to 64 were recruited from two outpatient cardiology departments, and randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=28) and a control group (n=30). For the experimental group, after providing one-on-one counseling and education, we provided customized text messages to motivate them in daily life. To monitor the practice of physical activity, they also used an exercise diary and mobile pedometer for 12 weeks. Subjects' physical activities (MET-min/week) were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Their physiological data were obtained by blood tests using a portable analyzer, and the data were analyzed using the SPSS 21.0/WIN program.@*RESULTS@#There were significant differences in exercise self-efficacy, health behavior, IPAQ score, body fat, body muscle, and fasting blood sugar between the two groups. However, there were no significant differences in total cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and waist-to-hip ratio.@*CONCLUSION@#Strengthening physical activity in daily life without being limited by cost burden and time and space constraints. Therefore, it is essential to motivate middle-aged women at risk for cardiovascular disease to practice activities that are easily performed in their daily lives.

Clinical Application of the Threshold Equalizing Noise Test in Patients with Hearing Loss of Various Etiologies: A Preliminary Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We aimed to make a preliminary assessment of the prevalence of cochlear dead regions (DRs) and the factors affecting the results of the threshold-equalizing noise (TEN) test in patients with hearing loss of various etiologies. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between May and July 2014, 109 patients (191 ears) with hearing loss who visited our outpatient clinic were prospectively enrolled. Pure tone audiometry and TEN (HL) test were performed for all the patients. DR at each frequency was indicated by masked thresholds of > or =10 dB above the TEN level and > or =10 dB above the absolute threshold. RESULTS: DR was present in 15.7% (n=30) of the 191 ears. According to disease entity, 16.6% of patients with sensorineural hearing loss had a DR. However, DR was absent in patients with chronic otitis media. According to audiometric configurations, DR was most common in moderately severe, flat hearing loss. Significantly worse hearing thresholds for both mean hearing level and hearing threshold at each frequency were found in the presence of DR (p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that only the mean hearing level (odds ratio: 1.053, 95% confidence interval: 1.021-1.085) affected the presence of DR. CONCLUSIONS: Although performance of the TEN test is limited by frequencies and hearing levels, it provides additional information regarding DRs and may therefore have the potential to be used as a prognostic tool for diverse diseases causing hearing loss.

An Analysis of Articles for International Marriage Immigrant Women Related to Health / 農村醫學 地域保健

OBJECTIVES: This study was for analyzing the research about international marriage immigrant women and a trial to find the right direction for future research. METHODS: Sixty articles published from June, 2004 to June, 2009 were reviewed and analyzed according to the general characteristics, major of author, and theme of health domains. RESULTS: Most of them were master's thesis(71.7%) and journals(21.7%) and doctoral dissertation(6.7%) have been published mostly after thesis. Among 83.3% for quantitative research, descriptive(33.3%) and descriptive correlation(41.7%) methods were the most used and there were some qualitative researches(16.7%). The most frequently used data gathering method was questionnaire(81.7%) and the next was interview(16.7%). The major rates of the author were 61.7% for social welfare and 2.1% for nursing. The investigated variables in social health domain were adaptation(28.3%), and communication(1.7%). In psychological health domain, marriage satisfaction(16.7%), life satisfaction(11.7%), and depression(10.0%) were most researched. Utilization of medical center(5.0%) and health promotion behavior(1.7%) were investigated in physical health domain. CONCLUSIONS: Above this, most articles were researched about the adaptation of international marriage immigrant women. But the life in foreign countries can cause physical and psychosocial unhealthy conditions, so many-sided health related researches are supposed to be conducted for adaptation and prevention health problems of international marriage immigrant women.

Relationships among Lifestyle, BMI, BP, and Serum Lipid Profiles in Working Men / 성인간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine lifestyle, BMI, BP, and lipids profiles in male subjects and to explore the relationships among variables. METHODS: A total of 148 male subjects were recruited from one life insurance company from December 1, 2005 to February 28, 2006. Data collection methods were structured questionnaire, anthropometry and serum analysis. The relationships among lifestyle, BMI, BP, and serum lipid profiles were assessed by descriptive analysis, t-test, ANOVA, and partial Pearson's correlation coefficient of variables after controlling for age, educational level, and economic status. RESULTS: The mean BMI of the participants was relatively high as 25.38(range: 18.38 - 32.83). The differences of serum lipid profiles according to age, educational level, and economic status were significant. 'Use of caffeine and drugs'(r = -.187, p < .05) and 'consciousness of safety'( r= -.200, p < .05) was negatively related to BMI. Higher score of 'type of personality' domain was correlated with lower systolic BP(r = -.221, p < .01) and lower diastolic BP(r = -.195, p < .05) and was positively correlated with HDL(r = .191, p < .05). CONCLUSION: 'Use of caffeine and drugs', 'consciousness of safety' and 'type of personality' of lifestyle as well as 'dietary habit' and 'exercise' played a key role in circulatory disease.

Amantadine and Zanamivir Resistance of Influenza A/H3N2 Viruses Isolated in Korea, 2002/03~2003/04

To investigate the emergence and prevalence of antiviral resistance, we analyzed influenza A/H3N2 viruses isolated in Korea during 2002/03 to 2003/04 season by genetic and phenotypic assay. For the genetic analysis to the amantadine, an M2 protein inhibitor, the M gene was amplified by RT-PCR and regions corresponding to the amino acid at positions 27, 30, and 31 were amplified by nested PCR with size of 154 bp, 95 bp, and 153 bp fragments, respectively. A total of 3 of 31 (9.7%) viruses were found to be mutated by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with Sca I and sequence analysis, showing the single amino acid change (Ser to Asn) at position 31. Also it was observed that their growths in Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells were unaffected by amantadine (up to 1 microgram/ml) in both plaque assay and WST-1 assay, confirming that these viruses were resistant against amantadine. We also examined the resistant pattern against zanamivir, a neuraminidase inhibitor, for 15 Korean influenza A/H3N2 viruses isolated in 2002~2003 season. Sequence analysis showed that there were no genetic changes of NA genes including R292K, K274Y, R152K, and E119V which were related to resistance against the neuraminidase inhibitor. In the NA inhibition assay to zanamivir, Korean isolates were found to be sensitive, ranging from 0.17 nM to 1.77 nM in 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)). These results suggest that monitoring for the antiviral resistance should be intensified and maintained to provide guideline for prophylaxis and treatment of influenza in Korea.

The Development of Community Health Service for the Demented Elderly in Cooperation Between Private Medical Facilities and Public Health Centers

PURPOSE: This research was carried out to present an ideal cooperative model between the public and private health sectors for the management of community dementia patients. METHOD: In this study a public-private cooperative council was formed, basic data for dementia patients and their families were collected, and a dementia service program was carried out in cooperation between the two sectors. RESULTS: The survey data shows the majority of the registered patients were undergoing a chronic diseases which would make the dementia health service inefficient. The cooperative public-private council adopted the reinforcement of medical service to the public enrolled dementia patients. The intensive medical service program showed effects on the health status of the dementia patients. CONCLUSION: The results of this study pointed out that change of the health insurance program supportive to the private sectors to be made; a referral system for the public health sector to the private sector should be established; and expanding the capacity of the visiting health program in the public health sector is needed.

Comparison of a Waterless, Brushless Chlorhexidine/Ethanol Emollient with Povidone-Iodine Surgical Scrubs / 병원감염관리

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare a 1% chlorhexidine gluconate/6l% ethanol (CHG/Ethanol) emollient and 7.5% povidone-iodine (PVI) scrub for antibacterial efficacy and effect on skin condition. METHODS: Twelve healthy newly employed nurses were recruited for this clinical study to evaluate the two hand cleansing agents. The CHG/Ethanol emollient hand preparation was applied without scrubbing and 7.5% PVI was applied using a scrub brush in 5-minute surgical scrubbing. Subjects used one method for 5 days and switched to the other method for another 5 days. Samples were taken for bacterial counts using the glove juice technique before and one minute after hand cleansing and again at the end of surgical operation on Day 1, 2, and 5. The VSS (Visual Scoring of Skin condition) scores and HSA (Hand Subject Assessment) scales were used to evaluate skin condition. RESULTS: Log reduction in bacterial counts by CHG/Ethanol emollient was greater than by PVI immediately after hand cleasing (log3.73 vs log1.66) and at the end of surgical operation (log3.49 vs log1.93) on Day 1. But there were no significant difference on Day 2 and 5. CHG/Ethanol emollient caused fewer skin problems than PVI; the VSS scores of the CHG/Ethanol emollient were better than those of PVI on Day 2, 3, 4, and 5 (P24.5 vs 23.0-->19.3). CONCLUSION: Compared to PVI, the CHG/Ethanol emollient hand preparation was shown to be more antibacterial and less irritation to skin. The results showed the possibility of using the waterless, scrubless agent for surgical hand scrub in Korea.

Characterization of Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase Genes and Oseltamivir Resistance of Influenza Viruses Isolated in Korea

To investigate the pattern of drug-resistance of human influenza virus (A/H1N1) isolated in Korea during 2001~2002, the sequence analysis of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes and cell-based assay against neuraminidase inhibitor (NI) were performed. Analyses on the nucleotide sequences of NA genes showed that Korean isolates had 98.2 to 98.5% homology with that of the vaccine strain in 2001~2002 season, A/New Caledonia/20/99-like strain. However, there were no significant amino acid substitutions related to the drug-resistance such as E119V, R152K, I222R/Q, H274Y, and R292K. In the sequences of HA gene, no differences were observed on the major antigenic sites as well as the motifs related to the drug resistance. 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value against oseltamivir, one of NA inhibitors widely used in the treatment for the influenza, was determined by WST-1 assay. The SI values of Korean isolates against oseltamivir were 7.2 to 383.3, showing that these isolates displayed relatively low SI value against the drug. This result provides the useful information for the surveillance of drug-resistant influenza virus and the control of influenza in Korea.

Transduction of yeast cytosine deaminase mediated by HIV-1 Tat basic domain into tumor cells induces chemosensitivity to 5-fluorocytosine

Enzyme/prodrug approach is one of the actively developing areas for cancer therapy. In an effort to develop more effective enzyme/prodrug systems, cell-permeable cytosine deaminase was produced by fusing yeast cytosine deaminase (yCD) in frame with RKKRRQRRR domain of HIV-1 Tat which is an efficient delivery peptide of the foreign proteins into cells. The purified Tat-yCD fusion protein expressed in Escherichia coli was readily transduced into mammalian cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. A significant level of the transduced Tat-yCD protein was recovered in the cell and was stable for 24 h as indicated by both results of the enzymatic assay of 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) conversion to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Western blot analysis. The cells transduced with Tat-yCD become highly sensitive to the cytotoxicity of 5-FC, while cells treated with yCD are unaffected by 5-FC. In addition, a strong bystander effect was observed with conditioned media from cells transduced with Tat-yCD added to non-transduced cells. Tat-yCD fusion protein demonstrated here for its ability to transduce into cells and convert nontoxic prodrug 5-FC to the toxic antimetabolite 5-FU, may be a useful approach for cancer therapy.

Early and Late Bowel Complication Following Irradiation of Cancer of the Uterine Cervix-Whole Pelvis Exlernal : Irradiation end High-Dose-Rate Inlracavitary Irradiation / 대한치료방사선과학회지

Cervix cancer is the most common female cancer in Korea. In spite of their relatively local invasive tendency, still 44% of patient will develop recurrent cancer This result suggests that more aggressive local treatment may increase the cure rate but increased complication risk also cannot be avoidable. Various institutions proposed different treatment regimen, but recommended dose were about 4500 cGy for whole pelvis and 8000 cGy at point A, even though they agreed that those doses may not be satisfactory for control of bulky disease. 96 cases of invasive cervical cancer, treated with postoperative or primary radiation therapy were analyzed to determine the complication rate and prognostic factor in our treatment regimen which is 500~1000 cGy higher than other institution. Mean follow up duration was 21 months. Symptomatic patients including mild but persistent abdominal discomfort was 46%, but only 1 patient (1%) had operative treatment because of incomplete obstruction of small bowel. Most symptoms appeared within 12 months and most common complaints were frequent bowel movement. Barium enema and sigmoidoscopy were performed for persistent symptomatic patients. Only one patient had abnormal finding in barium enema which showed inefficiency of this method for detecting bowel complication. Patient's age, total tumor dose, total TDF, rectal dose were not significant risk factors for complication, but boost dose, previous history of operation had some relationship with complication risk. Even though dose of point A and rectum is 500~1,000 cGy higher than other institution, such a low rate of severe complications may suggest that fear of complications should not be overestimated than cure rate and the possibility of more aggressive treatment for better local control should not be underestimated.

Clinical Observation on 29 Cases of Congenital Syphilis

Authors made clinical observation on 29 cases of congenital syphilis, who were born from 54 cases of syphilitic mothers, at the St. Paul's Hospital from Jan. 1976 to Dec. 1980. The results were as follows. 1. The incidence of syphilis among the admitted pregnant women for delivery was 0.9%. 2. The incidence of neontal syphilis from the 54 syphilitic mothers was 53.7%. 3. Among the 54 syphilitic pregnant women, only 16.7% of them were treated properly. 4. The incidence of pretermneonate and low birth weight neonate were 55.1% and 62.0% among 29 cases of congenital syphilis. 5. The principal clinical features of congenital syphilis were hepatosplenomegaly, skin manifestation, jaundice and poor sucking. 6. The mortality rate of congenital syphilis during neonatal period was 13.8%. 7. The concentration of VDRL titer of patientsa ppeared to have positive relationship with the degree of clinical manifestations.