In Korea, the majority of imported malaria cases are Plasmodium vivax and P. falciparum, but Plasmodium ovale cases are rarely reported. We describe an imported case of P. ovale that was confirmed by peripheral blood smear and nested PCR targeting the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene. A 37-yr-old male had visited the Republic of Ghana in tropical West Africa 3 months ago, and suffered from fever and headache since 2 weeks after his return to Korea. The results of rapid malaria test using SD Malaria Antigen/Antibody Kit (Standard Diagnostics, Korea) were negative, but Plasmodium species was observed in Wright-Giemsa-stained peripheral blood smear. For the evaluation of possible mixed infection and identification of species, we performed a nested PCR targeting the SSU rRNA gene. P. ovale single infection was confirmed by PCR. The sequence analysis of the P. ovale SSU rRNA gene showed that our isolate was P. ovale classic type. We should confirm P. ovale infection for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of imported malaria cases in Korea because the number of travelers to P. ovale-endemic regions has recently increased.
Africa, Western ; Coinfection ; Fever ; Genes, rRNA ; Ghana ; Headache ; Humans ; Korea ; Malaria ; Male ; Plasmodium ; Plasmodium ovale ; Plasmodium vivax ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA, Ribosomal ; Sequence Analysis

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a qualitative study to explore the feasibility of mobile applications for self-monitoring of diet. METHODS: We conducted in-depth and focus group interviews with eight laymen who had used mobile dietary applications and eight experts. Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed using an open coding method. RESULTS: The qualitative data of our study revealed two key themes: (1) perceptions, opinions and attitudes towards mobile applications of self-monitoring of diet and (2) future directions to improve mobile applications. CONCLUSIONS: Our qualitative study suggested the potential use of mobile applications as a food-tracking and dietary monitoring tool and the need for improved mobile applications for self-monitoring of diet. The results of our study may provide insights into how to technically improve mobile applications for self-monitoring of diet, how to utilize dietary data generated through mobile applications, and how to improve individual's health though mobile applications.
Clinical Coding ; Diet ; Focus Groups ; Methods ; Mobile Applications

OBJECTIVES: We conducted a qualitative study to explore the feasibility of mobile applications for self-monitoring of diet. METHODS: We conducted in-depth and focus group interviews with eight laymen who had used mobile dietary applications and eight experts. Interviews were audio-recorded and analyzed using an open coding method. RESULTS: The qualitative data of our study revealed two key themes: (1) perceptions, opinions and attitudes towards mobile applications of self-monitoring of diet and (2) future directions to improve mobile applications. CONCLUSIONS: Our qualitative study suggested the potential use of mobile applications as a food-tracking and dietary monitoring tool and the need for improved mobile applications for self-monitoring of diet. The results of our study may provide insights into how to technically improve mobile applications for self-monitoring of diet, how to utilize dietary data generated through mobile applications, and how to improve individual's health though mobile applications.
Clinical Coding ; Diet ; Focus Groups ; Methods ; Mobile Applications

Thyroid hormone resistance (RTH) is characterized by a decreased sensitivity of target tissues to thyroid hormones due to a defect in the THRα- and THRβ-encoded thyroid hormone receptors (THRs). The clinical manifestations range from no symptoms to simple goiter and hypo- or hyperthyroidism, depending on the receptor subtype distribution in the tissues. Here, we report the case of a thyroid hormone-resistant 12-month-old boy carrying a novel THRβ variant who was initially diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism. An extensive evaluation revealed increased free T4 level and inappropriately increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level; a normal lipid profile, sex hormone-binding globulin, and free alpha subunit of TSH; exaggerated TSH response to THR; and no radiological evidence of pituitary adenoma. A targeted next-generation sequencing panel identified a heterozygote c.993T>G (p.Asn331Lys) mutation in the THRβ gene. During the first year of life, a higher dose of levothyroxine was administered to the patient due to uncompensated RTH. Levothyroxine treatment was continued after 3 years to maintain TSH level <5 mIU/mL, but the observed weight gain was poor, height increase was insufficient, and bone development was delayed. However, neither hyperactivity nor developmental delay was observed. Patients with RTH exhibit various clinical features. Due to its heterogeneous nature, genetic test for accurate diagnosis is important to provide proper management.