Estimating the Post-mortem Interval Using Black Larder Beetles (Coleoptera: Dermestidae): A Case Study of Cats Abandoned Indoors in Daegu, Korea / 대한법의학회지

Black larder beetles prefer to feed on decomposing animal bodies, particularly those that are dried. When conditions are dry and warm, these beetles often appear in large numbers on dried animal carcasses. In our case, the dried carcasses of several cats were found nearly skeletonized at a villa in Daegu Metropolitan City on July 13, 2022. There were very few empty pupae of Lucilia sericata (Meigen) in the villa, but many adult black larder beetles, larvae, and larval cast skin (exuviae) (Dermestes haemorrhoidalis Küster) belonging to the family of larder beetles (Dermestidae) were found. We estimated the minimum post-mortem interval to be 44.5 days using temperature data from the nearest meteorological observatory and reported animal carcass decomposition and Dermestidae developmental rates. Police investigation confirmed that the cats were alive at least 3 months ago. Consequently, the neglected cats could not have been deceased in the villa for more than 3 months. As a result, the estimate closely matched the statement from the suspect.

Performance and Knowledge of Nurses on the Practice of Pediatric Sedation

Purpose@#This study aimed to examine the pediatric sedation knowledge and performance of nurses in tertiary hospitals. @*Methods@#Altogether 120 nurses working in the Pediatric Departments of 4 tertiary hospitals in Busan and Kyungnam participated in this descriptive survey. The questionnaire was developed based on domestic and international guidelines and consisted of 40 questions including 18 questions on knowledge and 22 on the performance level of sedation nursing. @*Results@#The mean score regarding the knowledge of pediatric sedation care was 3.14 points and the mean performance level score was 3.44 points. Questions that received low scores in terms of pediatric sedation care knowledge included items regarding the latest policies, level of sedation, and fasting before sedation. Questions that received low scores in the performance level included items regarding psychological preparation before sedation, sedation education considering developmental level and disease, and items related to blood pressure measurement. Pediatric sedation knowledge scores were higher in the groups with higher age, longer clinical experience, higher educational experience, and awareness of sedation guidelines. Performance scores were significantly higher in the groups having educational experience in pediatric sedation and in those exhibiting awareness of sedation guidelines. @*Conclusion@#Sedation education was significantly associated with both knowledge and performance of sedation nursing, conducting educational programs on pediatric sedation nursing.

The Effect of Perceived Patient- and Family-Centered Care on Nurses’ Caring Behavior in Intensive Care Units

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing nurses’ caring behavior. @*Methods@#The descriptive study included 178 intensive care unit (ICU) nurses who completed a self-report structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis using the IBM SPSS/WIN 23.0 program. @*Results@#Significant correlation existed between perception of Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) and nurses’ caring behaviors (r = .36, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis showed that perception of support (β = .36, p < .001), total career length (β = .33, p < .001), and familiarity with PFCC (β = .15, p = .018) affected the caring behavior of ICU nurses. These variables explained 30.0% of the variance in caring behavior. @*Conclusion@#Effective strategies are needed to improve perceptions of support as well as to promote PFCC for increasig the frequency of caring behavior among ICU nurses.

The Effect of Perceived Patient- and Family-Centered Care on Nurses’ Caring Behavior in Intensive Care Units

Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing nurses’ caring behavior. @*Methods@#The descriptive study included 178 intensive care unit (ICU) nurses who completed a self-report structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression analysis using the IBM SPSS/WIN 23.0 program. @*Results@#Significant correlation existed between perception of Patient- and Family-Centered Care (PFCC) and nurses’ caring behaviors (r = .36, p < .001). Multiple regression analysis showed that perception of support (β = .36, p < .001), total career length (β = .33, p < .001), and familiarity with PFCC (β = .15, p = .018) affected the caring behavior of ICU nurses. These variables explained 30.0% of the variance in caring behavior. @*Conclusion@#Effective strategies are needed to improve perceptions of support as well as to promote PFCC for increasig the frequency of caring behavior among ICU nurses.

The Association between the Body Mass Index and the Incidence of Depression in Korean Adults: Result from the Korean Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND: Several conflicting studies exist on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and depression. We investigated the effect of BMI on the development of depression in adults aged 45 years and older using the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging Study (KLoSA).METHODS: The data from the wave 1 (2006), wave 2 (2008), wave 3 (2010), wave 4 (2012), and wave 5 (2014) database of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Aging (KLoSA) were analyzed. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale-10. To investigate the relationship between BMI and depression, ANOVA and chi-square test was used. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were generated, and Cox proportional hazard regression modeling was used to estimate the risk of depression according to obesity status, by controlling for age, sex, and health-related, lifestyle, and socioeconomic variables.RESULTS: This study included 6,811 individuals who were not found to have depression in the first survey. The incidence of depression was the highest in the underweight group (underweight, 74.3%; normal, 63.1%; overweight, 59.5%; obese, 63.0%; severe obese, 59.9%, P < 0.001). The risk of depression was significantly lower in the overweight and severe obese groups than in the underweight group after adjusting for age, sex, and demographic, social, and physical factors (overweight: hazard ratio [HR]=0.872, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.775–0.981; severe obese: HR=0.791, 95% CI=0.648–0.966).CONCLUSION: The incidence of depression was the highest in the underweight group. The risk of depression was higher in the underweight group than in the overweight and severe obese groups.

Medical Students' Perception of Family Medicine and Career Choice

BACKGROUND: The role of family medicine specializing in primary care is important. This study examined medical students' perception of family medicine and their career choice, and provides policy and educational implications for family medicine.METHODS: The study used data collected from the 111 medical students from Keimyung University. The questionnaire comprised items pertaining to respondents' demographic information, career plan, and perceptions about family medicine.RESULTS: The most common mode of learning about family medicine was class or clinical practice (68.5%). Further, 73 students (65.8%) reported an intention to select family medicine as their major. These students were most likely to be employed (34 persons). Among the 111 students, 3 (2.8%) choose family medicine as their preferred major. Before receiving clinical practice experience, the most common reason for not choosing family medicine was “does not fit into the reality in Korea” (32.1%). After clinical practice, “lack of professionalism” (44.6%) was the most commonly cited reason.CONCLUSION: Medical students' perception about family medicine was strongly influenced by their experiences during class and clinical practice. Students also reported the need to improve professionalism in family medicine. Building public relations could help improve medical students' awareness about family medicine, and it is also necessary to improve social awareness of family medicine through the support of government such as th family doctor system.

Inhibitory Effect of a Sesquiterpene from Artemisia iwayomogi on Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase by Suppression of I-κBα Degradation in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 Cells

A sesquiterpene was purified from Artemisia iwayomogi methanolic extract during the course of searching anti-inflammatory principle from medicinal plants. A sesquiterpene identified as armefolin inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) and attenuated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein level in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 cells. Armefolin also down-regulated mRNA expressions of iNOS and pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 in LPS-activated macrophages. Moreover, armefolin suppressed the degradation of inhibitory-κBα (I-κBα) in LPS-activated macrophages. These data suggest that armefolin from A. iwayomogi can suppress the LPS-induced production of NO and the expression of iNOS gene through inhibiting the degradation of I-κBα. Taken together, armefolin from A. iwayomogi might be a candidate as promising anti-inflammatory agent.

A 2-month-old boy with hemolytic anemia and reticulocytopenia following intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for Kawasaki disease: a case report and literature review / 소아과

Herein, we report a rare case of hemolytic anemia with reticulocytopenia following intravenous immunoglobulin therapy in a young infant treated for Kawasaki disease. A 2-month-old boy presented with fever lasting 3 days, conjunctival injection, strawberry tongue, erythematous edema of the hands, and macular rash, symptoms and signs suggestive of incomplete Kawasaki disease. His fever resolved 8 days after treatment with aspirin and high dose infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin. The hemoglobin and hematocrit decreased from 9.7 g/dL and 27.1% to 7.4 g/dL and 21.3%, respectively. The patient had normocytic hypochromic anemia with anisocytosis, poikilocytosis, immature neutrophils, and nucleated red blood cells. The direct antiglobulin test result was positive, and the reticulocyte count was 1.39%. The patient had an uneventful recovery. However, reticulocytopenia persisted 1 month after discharge.

Non-Responders to Intravenous Immunoglobulin and Coronary Artery Dilatation in Kawasaki Disease: Predictive Parameters in Korean Children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In Kawasaki disease (KD), high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) significantly lowers the coronary complications. However, some patients either do not respond to initial therapy or develop coronary complications. We aimed to identify the predictive factors for unresponsiveness to initial IVIG therapy and coronary artery dilatation (CAD; defined by Z-score≥2.5) in the acute phase and convalescent phase. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 703 patients with KD, admitted to Gachon University Gil Medical Center between January 2005 and June 2013. The patients were divided into two groups-IVIG responders vs. non-responders-based on the IVIG treatments, and presence of fever after treatment. Further, these groups were divided into two subgroups based on their CAD. RESULTS: Among the 703 patients with KD, the rate of non-responders to initial IVIG was 16.8%. Serum total bilirubin, platelet count, and neutrophil proportion were independent predictive parameters of unresponsiveness (p<0.05). CAD was found in 234 patients (33.3%) in the acute phase, and in 32 patients (4.6%) in the convalescent phase. Male gender, fever duration, serum C-reactive protein, and white blood cell count were related to CAD (p<0.05). CAD was detected more frequently in non-responders than in the responders (47.5% vs. 31.5%, p=0.001). Kobayashi, Egami, and Sano scoring systems applied to our study population reflected low sensitivities (28.0-33.9%). CONCLUSION: Several independent parameters were related to unresponsiveness to the initial IVIG or CAD. These parameters might be helpful in establishing more focused and careful monitoring of high-risk KD patients in Korea.

Food allergen sensitization in young children with typical signs and symptoms of immediate-type food allergies: a comparison between monosensitized and polysensitized children / 소아과

PURPOSE: The clinical interpretation of children sensitized to allergens is challenging, particularly in children with food allergies. We aimed to examine clinical differences between children with monosensitization and those with polysensitization to common food allergens and to determine risk factors for polysensitization in young children <10 years of age with immediate-type food allergies. METHODS: The study included children <10 years of age with signs and symptoms indicative of immediate-type food allergies. Serum total IgE level was measured, and ImmunoCAP analysis for food allergens was performed. RESULTS: The mean age of the study subjects was 1.6+/-1.6 years (75 boys and 51 girls). Thirty-eight children (30.2%) were monosensitized and 88 children (69.8%) were polysensitized. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the development of polysensitization to common food allergens was positively associated with a parental history of allergic rhinitis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 6.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.78-22.13; P=0.004), season of birth (summer/fall) (aOR, 3.10; 95% CI, 1.10-8.79; P=0.033), and exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of age (aOR, 3.51; 95% CI, 1.20-10.25; P=0.022). CONCLUSION: We found significant clinical differences between children with monosensitization and those with polysensitization to common food allergens and identified risk factors for the development of polysensitization in young children with immediate-type food allergies. Clinicians should consider these clinical risk factors when evaluating, counseling, treating, and monitoring young children with food allergies.

Clinical presentations of Chlamydia pneumoniae in children hospitalized for acute respiratory infections: a comparison to Mycoplasma pneumonia

PURPOSE: Chlamydia pneumoniae is a common intracellular bacterial pathogen and plays an important role in acute respiratory infections. The purpose of this study was to investigate clinical presentations of C. pneumoniae in children with acute respiratory infections. METHODS: We examined the medical records of pediatric patients (age<18 years) admitted with acute respiratory infections of C. pneumoniae to Gachon University Gil Medical Center between March 1, 2011 and August 31, 2014. We compared the clinical features of C. pneumoniae infection with that of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection. RESULTS: We confirmed acute respiratory infections of C. pneumoniae in 110 patients out of 2,156 patients (5.1%) admitted with acute respiratory infections. The mean age was 37.2+/-30.1 months. More than half of them (54.5%) had coinfection. C. pneumoniae infection had mild and subacute courses. The mean duration of symptoms prior to admission was 8.5+/-13.8 days. There were remarkable seasonal variations and prevalence was higher in December and April (P=0.03 and P=0.02, respectively). Although rhinorrhea and pharyngeal injection were more common in C. pneumoniae infection (P<0.05), clinical signs and symptoms were similar between C. pneumoniae and M. pneumoniae. Extrapulmonary manifestations such as skin lesion, Gastrointestinal symptoms, hepatitis, and neurologic symptoms were common (41.0%) in C. pneumoniae infection and, had similar incidence in M. pneumoniae infection. CONCLUSION: C. pneumoniae is an important infectious agent of acute respiratory infections in children. Clinical pictures of C. pneumoniae are similar to M. pneumoniae, even in extrapulmonary manifestations. C. pneumoniae should be taken into consideration in differential diagnosis of acute respiratory infection in children.

Clinical risk factors associated with the development of wheezing in children less than 2 years of age who required hospitalization for viral lower respiratory tract infections / 소아과

PURPOSE: Wheezing following viral lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children <2 years of age is an important risk factor for the development of asthma later in life; however, not all children with viral LRTIs develop wheezing. This study investigated risk factors for the development of wheezing during viral LRTIs requiring hospitalization. METHODS: The study included 142 children <2 years of age hospitalized for LRTIs with at least one virus identified as the cause and classified them into children diagnosed with LRTIs with wheezing (n=70) and those diagnosed with LRTIs without wheezing (n=72). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the viruses detected between the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, after adjusting for potentially confounding variables including sex and age, the development of wheezing was strongly associated with parental history of allergic diseases (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 20.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.22-126.48), past history of allergic diseases (aOR, 13.95; 95% CI, 1.34-145.06), past history of hospitalization for respiratory illnesses (aOR, 21.36; 95% CI, 3.77-120.88), exposure to secondhand smoke at home (aOR, 14.45; 95% CI, 4.74-44.07), and total eosinophil count (aOR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.01-1.02). CONCLUSION: Past and parental history of allergic diseases, past history of hospitalization for respiratory illnesses, exposure to secondhand smoke at home, and total eosinophil count were closely associated with the development of wheezing in children <2 years of age who required hospitalization for viral LRTIs. Clinicians should take these factors into consideration when treating, counseling, and monitoring young children admitted for viral LRTIs.

Analysis of clinical characteristics and causes of chest pain in children and adolescents / 소아과

PURPOSE: Chest pain is common in children and adolescents and is a reason for referral to pediatric cardiologists. Although most cases of chest pain in these age groups are benign and do not require treatment, timely diagnosis is important not to miss life-threatening diseases requiring prompt treatment. We investigated certain clinical characteristics that may be useful in the diagnosis of such critical diseases. METHODS: Patient medical records between July 2006 and September 2013 were retrospectively examined. We included 517 patients who presented with chest pain to the Department of Pediatrics at Kyung Hee University Hospital in Gangdong. RESULTS: Most cases of chest pain were idiopathic in origin (73.6%), followed by cases with respiratory (9.3%), musculoskeletal (8.8%), cardiac (3.8%), gastrointestinal (2.9%), and psychiatric (1.4%) causes. In 6 patients (1.2%) with air-leak syndrome including pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum, the pain was abrupt, continuous, and lasted for a short period of 1-2 days after onset in the older adolescents. Of the patients with cardiac pain, 13 had cardiac arrhythmias (65.0%), 6 had congenital heart diseases (30%), and 1 had coronary aneurysms caused by Kawasaki disease (5.0%). One patient with atrial flutter had only symptoms of syncope and chest pain. CONCLUSION: The abrupt, continuous chest pain of a short duration in the older children was characteristic of air-leak syndrome. In patients with pneumomediastinum, radiological diagnosis was difficult without careful examination. Combined syncope should not be neglected and further cardiac workup is essential in such patients.

Impact of 12-hour Shifts on Job Satisfaction, Quality of Life, Hospital Incident Reporting, and Overtime Hours in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit / 간호행정학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare job satisfaction, quality of life (QOL), incident report rate and overtime hours for 12-hour shifts and for 8-hour shifts in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). METHODS: A descriptive survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 36 staff nurses from a PICU in a regional hospital in Korea. Data were collected using self-administrated questionnaires regarding job satisfaction and QOL at 6 months before and after the beginning of 12-hour shifts. Incident report rate and overtime hours for both 12-hour and 8-hour shifts were compared. Comparisons were made using chi2-test, paired t-test and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: After 12-hour shifts were initiated, job satisfaction significantly increased (t=3.93, p<.001) and QOL was higher for nurses on 12-hour shifts compared to 8-hour (t=7.83, p<.001). There was no statistically significant change in incident report rate (chi2=0.15, p=.720). The overtimes decreased from 36.3+/-34.7 to 17.3+/-34.9 minutes (Z=-8.91, p<.001). CONCLUSION: These results provide evidence that 12-hour shifts can be an effective ways of scheduling for staff nurses to increase job satisfaction and quality of life without increasing patient safety incidents or prolonged overtime work hours.

Sensitization patterns to common allergens in Korean children younger than 6 years of age presenting with typical symptoms or signs of allergic diseases: a single center study

PURPOSE: Population studies have reported that sensitization to inhalant allergens is rare in young children; however, most subjects in those studies had little or no symptoms or signs highly suggestive of allergic diseases. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of sensitization to inhalant allergens in young children with symptoms and/or signs of allergic disease. METHODS: We analyzed the results of all specific IgE tests performed at our hospital laboratory in children younger than 6 years presenting with symptoms and/or signs highly suggestive of allergic diseases between 2008 and 2013. Specific IgE tests for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae, Alternaria alternata, German cockroach, cat dander, egg white or egg yolk, milk, peanut, and soybean were performed on 295 children; a specific IgE concentration > or =0.35 or > or =0.2 IU/mL was considered positive. We also compared allergen sensitization rates using the two cutoff values. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-one children (61.4%) were positive to at least 1 allergen tested and 53 children (18.9%) were positive to at least 1 inhalant allergen when a specific IgE concentration > or =0.35 IU/mL was considered positive. The children were more likely to have asthma or allergic rhinitis when they were sensitized to any inhalant allergen, particularly house dust mites. The prevalence of sensitization to inhalant allergens increased with age (P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of polysensitization among different age groups, but sensitization to both inhalant and food allergens significantly increased with age. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that specific IgE tests to common inhalant allergens, particularly the house dust mites, may be considered when performing blood screening tests for young children presenting with symptoms and/or signs of allergic diseases.

Norovirus Infections in Asymptomatic Food Handlers in Elementary Schools without Norovirus Outbreaks in Some Regions of Incheon, Korea

Norovirus (NV) has caused large outbreaks of gastroenteritis in schools. Studies of NV epidemiology in schools related to NV outbreaks have been frequently reported. However, reports of that in schools without outbreaks are not found. Presently, NV molecular epidemiology surveillance was carried out in asymptomatic food handlers working at nonoutbreak elementary schools in Incheon, Korea, in March, April and December, 2009. NV prevalence was examined by real-time reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) and the positive products were re-evaluated by conventional RT-PCR for sequencing. Fecal samples (n = 776) were collected from 776 food handlers in 60 schools. NV was detected in 26 of them (3.4%). Of these, 17 (65%) were positive for NV GII and 10 (38%) were positive for NV GI. Of the 26 samples, 19 were positive by conventional RT-PCR. Sequencing of these 19 strains revealed GII/4 (n = 5), GI/6 (n = 3), GI/14 (n = 2), GII/8 (n = 2), GI/2 (n = 2), GI/10 (n = 1), GII/1 (n = 1), GII/3 (n = 1), GII/7 (n = 1), and GII/16 (n = 1). In this survey, the food handler population unrelated to NV outbreaks was found to normally contain asymptomatic carriers of NV. The excretion of NV from asymptomatic food handlers should be an infection source of NV outbreaks.

Prenatal detection of skeletal dysplasia using ultrasound and molecular diagnosis / 대한산부인과학회지

OBJECTIVE: To determine the accuracy and usefulness of prenatal ultrasonographic and molecular genetic diagnosis in detection of skeletal dysplasia. METHODS: This study was based upon data of the 17 cases of skeletal dysplasia diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound and 7 cases by molecular diagnosis performed among the 17 cases and the 2 cases who has familial skeletal dysplasia by molecular diagnosis during the first trimester at Ewha and Eulji University from March 1998 to August 2005. A final diagnosis was sought on the basis of radiographic studies, molecular testing, or both. RESULTS: The mean gestational age at diagnosis was 24.9 weeks (range, 17 to 35 weeks). Nine cases were diagnosed before 24 weeks. A final diagnosis was obtained in 16 cases (94.1%). There was 1 false-positive diagnosis. The antenatal diagnosis was correct in 14 cases (82.4%). The 8 cases were prenatally confirmed and 1 case was postpartum confirmed using molecular genetic testing and accurate antenatal diagnosis and prediction was done. We were able to rule out skeletal dysplasia through chorionic villus sampling during the first trimester in the 2 cases with the family history with skeletal dysplasia. CONCLUSION: Prenatal diagnosis of skeletal dysplasia can be a considerable diagnostic challenge. However, skeletal dysplasia is correctly diagnosed on the basis of prenatal meticulous ultrasound and antenatal prediction of lethality was highly accurate. Using prenatal molecular diagnosis, skeletal dysplasia can be diagnosed at first trimester of pregnancy and nonlethal skeletal dysplasia can be confirmed when prenatal ultrasound was nonspecific.

Epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni Outbreak in a Middle School in Incheon, Korea

On July 6, 2009, an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred among middle school students in Incheon. An investigation to identify the source and describe the extent of the outbreak was conducted. A retrospective cohort study among students, teachers, and food handlers exposed to canteen food in the middle school was performed. Using self-administered questionnaires, information was collected concerning on symptoms, days that canteen food was consumed, and food items consumed. Stool samples were collected from 66 patients and 11 food handlers. The catering kitchen was inspected and food samples were taken. Of the 791 people who ate canteen food, 92 cases became ill, representing an attack rate of 11.6%. Thirty-one (40.3%) of the 77 stool specimens were positive for Campylobacter jejuni. Interviews with kitchen staff indicated the likelihood that undercooked chicken was provided. This is the first recognized major C. jejuni outbreak associated with contaminated chicken documented in Korea.

The Results of Transcatheter Occlusion of Patent Ductus Arteriosus: Success Rate and Complications Over 12 Years in a Single Center

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Percutaneous occlusion of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has become increasingly attractive with the evolution of devices and techniques. We reviewed results for percutaneous occlusion of PDA using various devices in a single center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was done for 118 consecutive procedures performed in 111 patients with PDA between January 1996 and December 2007. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 4.5 years (0.9 to 60.3 years); body weight was 16.9 kg (6.8 to 74.7 kg). The median PDA diameter at the pulmonic end was 3.8 mm (0.7 to 10 mm); mean pulmonary artery pressure was 21.0 mmHg (7 to 60 mmHg). Complete occlusion occurred in 76/111 (68.4%) immediately after implantation and in 100/111 (90.0%) at one year of follow-up. Second procedures for residual shunts were done in 7 patients. After the year 2001, the complete closure rate was 95.2% compared to 71.4% before 2001. Complications associated with the procedure were left pulmonary artery narrowing (all <20 mmHg) in 14, arrhythmia in 2, and death in 1. CONCLUSION: Evolution of devices, cumulative experience, and health insurance covering the cost of devices have contributed to good outcomes in our center for percutaneous occlusion of PDA. Our results have improved over the years, particularly with the use of the Amplatzer duct occluder.

Epidemiology of Foodborne Norovirus Outbreak in Incheon, Korea

On June 14, 2008, an outbreak of gastroenteritis occurred among elementary school students in Incheon. We conducted an investigation to identify the source and described the extent of the outbreak. We performed a retrospective cohort study among students, teachers and food handlers exposed to canteen food in the elementary school. Using self-administered questionnaires we collected information on symptoms, days of canteen food eaten, food items consumed. Stool samples were collected from 131 symptomatic people and 11 food handlers. The catering kitchen was inspected and food samples were taken. Of the 1,560 people who ate canteen food, 117 were symptomatic cases, and the attack rate was 7.5%. Consumption of cucumber-crown daisy salad (RR=2.71), fresh cabbage mix (RR=2.23), dried radish salad (RR=3.04) and young radish kimchi (RR=2.52) were associated with illness. Sixty-four (45%) of the 142 stool specimens were positive for Norovirus. Norovirus was detected in 2 food handlers. Interviews with kitchen staff indicated the likelihood of contamination from an infected food handler to the dried radish salad during food processing. The excretion of Norovirus from asymptomatic food handlers may be an infection source of Norovirus outbreaks.