Background: As the number of large-scale studies involving multiple organizations producing data has steadily increased, an integrated system for a common interoperable format is needed. In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a number of global efforts are underway to develop vaccines and therapeutics. We are therefore observing an explosion in the proliferation of COVID-19 data, and interoperability is highly requested in multiple institutions participating simultaneously in COVID-19 pandemic research. Results: In this study, a laboratory information management system (LIMS) approach has been adopted to systemically manage various COVID-19 non-clinical trial data, including mortality, clinical signs, body weight, body temperature, organ weights, viral titer (viral replication and viral RNA), and multiorgan histopathology, from multiple institutions based on a web interface. The main aim of the implemented system is to integrate, standardize, and organize data collected from laboratories in multiple institutes for COVID-19 non-clinical efficacy testings. Six animal biosafety level 3 institutions proved the feasibility of our system. Substantial benefits were shown by maximizing collaborative high-quality non-clinical research. Conclusions This LIMS platform can be used for future outbreaks, leading to accelerated medical product development through the systematic management of extensive data from non-clinical animal studies.

During a Korean mushroom diversity survey from 2011 to 2014, we found one new Xylaria species (X. ripicola sp. nov.) and one Xylaria species that had not been previously observed in Korea (X. tentaculata). To confirm the phylogenetic placement of the new species, we conducted a phylogenetic investigation based on internal transcribed spacer regions of ribosomal DNA sequences. Additionally, the new species, X. ripicola, was subsequently analyzed for RNA polymerase II subunit sequences. We also evaluated the macroscopic and microscopic features of this species. Herein, X. ripicola is described as a new species that was collected from a natural beach habitat and X. tentaculata is formally reported as newly found in Korea.
Agaricales ; Ascomycota ; Classification ; DNA, Ribosomal ; Ecosystem ; Korea* ; Phylogeny ; RNA Polymerase II

Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is a safe, durable, and effective procedure. However, complications could occur with stent graft devices. When the renal ostia become obstructed by this device, renovascular hypertension may result. In general, renal artery occlusion secondary to stent graft impingement remains uncommon. We herein describe a patient with renal atrophy, new-onset hypertension, and elevated serum renin and aldosterone levels following endovascular aneurysm repair. Blood pressure and the levels of renin and aldosterone were normalized by renal artery stenting.
Aldosterone ; Aneurysm ; Aortic Aneurysm ; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal* ; Atrophy ; Blood Pressure ; Blood Vessel Prosthesis ; Endovascular Procedures ; Humans ; Hypertension ; Hypertension, Renovascular ; Renal Artery Obstruction ; Renal Artery* ; Renin ; Stents

We conducted five times surveys, in June, September and October in 2012; June and September 2013, to catalog the mushroom flora in Ulleung-gun, Republic of Korea. More than 400 specimens were collected, and 317 of the specimens were successfully sequenced using the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer barcode marker. We also surveyed the morphological characteristics of the sequenced specimens. The specimens were classified into 2 phyla, 7 classes, 21 orders, 59 families, 122 genera, and 221 species, and were deposited in the herbarium of Korea National Arboretum. Among the collected species, 72% were saprophytic, 25% were symbiotic, and 3% were parasitic. The most common order was Agaricales (189 specimens, 132 species), followed by Polyporales (47 specimens, 27 species), Russulales (31 specimens, 22 species), Boletales (10 specimens, 7 species), and so on. Herein, we also reported the first Bovista species in Korea, which was collected from Dokdo, the far-eastern island of Korea.
Agaricales* ; DNA, Ribosomal ; Humans ; Korea ; Polyporales ; Republic of Korea*

The successful treatment of community-acquired pneumonia requires appropriate, empirical antimicrobial therapy. The etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of major pneumonia pathogens can differ by country. Therefore, the ideal treatment guidelines for community-acquired pneumonia should be based on the studies performed in each country. We developed a treatment guideline for community-acquired pneumonia for immunocompetent adults in Korea. This guideline was developed by the joint committee of the Korean Society for Chemotherapy, the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases, and the Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory diseases.
Adult ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; Communicable Diseases ; Humans ; Joints ; Korea ; Pneumonia ; Tuberculosis

A successful therapy of community-acquired pneumonia requires appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy. Etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of major pathogens of pneumonia can differ by country. Therefore, an ideal treatment guideline of community-acquired pneumonia should be based on the studies performed in each country. We developed a treatment guideline for community-acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent adults in Korea. This guideline was developed by the joint committee of the Korean Society for Chemotherapy, the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases, and the Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory diseases.
Adult ; Communicable Diseases ; Community-Acquired Infections ; Humans ; Joints ; Korea ; Pneumonia ; Tuberculosis

A successful therapy of community-acquired pneumonia requires appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy. Etiology and antimicrobial susceptibility of major pathogens of pneumonia can differ by country. Therefore, an ideal treatment guideline of community-acquired pneumonia should be based on the studies performed in each country. We developed a treatment guideline for community-acquired pneumonia in immunocompetent adults in Korea. This guideline was developed by the joint committee of the Korean Society for Chemotherapy, the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases, and the Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory diseases.
Adult ; Communicable Diseases ; Community-Acquired Infections ; Humans ; Joints ; Korea ; Pneumonia ; Tuberculosis

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PURPOSE: First, to examine the association between bone mineral density (BMD) and the halo phenomenon, and second, to investigate risk factors predisposing to the halo phenomenon and its correlation with clinical outcomes. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: The few in vivo studies regarding the relationship between pedicle screw stability and BMD have shown conflicting results. METHODS: Forty-four female patients who underwent spine fusion surgery due to spinal stenosis were included in this study. The halo phenomenon and fusion state were evaluated through plain radiographs performed immediately after surgery and through the final outpatient follow-up examination. BMD, osteoarthritis grade in the hip and knee joints, and surgical outcome were also evaluated. RESULTS: BMD was not related to the halo phenomenon, but age, absence of osteoarthritis in the knee, and non-union state were found to be significant risk factors for the halo phenomenon. However, the radiological halo phenomenon did not correlate with clinical outcome (visual analogue scale for back pain and leg pain). CONCLUSIONS: The halo phenomenon is a simple phenomenon that can develop during follow-up after pedicle screw fixation. It does not influence clinical outcomes, and thus it is thought that hydroxyapatite coating screws, expandable screws, cement augmentation, and additional surgeries are not required, if their purpose is to prevent the halo phenomenon.
Back Pain ; Bone Density ; Durapatite ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hip ; Humans ; Knee ; Knee Joint ; Leg ; Osteoarthritis ; Outpatients ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Spinal Stenosis ; Spine

BACKGROUND: Sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli(AFB) examined microscopically is the most important diagnostic test for pulmonary tuberculosis. However, the AFB observed on the smear may represent either M. tuberculosis or nontuberculous mycobacteria(NTM). This study examined the recovery rate of NTM from the AFB smear-positive sputum specimens in a tertiary hospital in Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed the results for the 1,889 AFB smear-positive and culture-positive sputum specimens collected from 844 patients from July, 1997 to December, 2001. RESULTS: The 1,889 sputum specimens collected from 844 patients tested positive on both microscopy and culture during the 4.5 years. The NTM were recovered from 10.3%(195/1,889) of the smear-positive sputum specimens and 11.0%(93/844) of patients with smear-positive sputum. The NTM were isolated more than two times in 44.1%(41/93) of the patients from whom the NTM was recovered. Trends of the recovery rate of the NTM from the AFB smear-positive sputum specimens were increasing from 6.5%(17/262) in the latter half of 1997 to 17.8%(36/202) in the latter half of 2001 (p<0.001, test for trend). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that some patients with AFB smear-positive sputum have NTM pulmonary disease rather than pulmonary tuberculosis in Korea.
Diagnostic Tests, Routine ; Humans ; Korea ; Lung Diseases ; Microscopy ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis ; Nontuberculous Mycobacteria* ; Sputum* ; Tertiary Care Centers ; Tuberculosis ; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

BACKGROUND: Mantle cell lymphoma/leukemia (MCL) is a distinctive disease entity that has been characterized by specific histopathologic, immunologic, and cytogenetic features. The characteristic cytogenetic abnormality of MCL is t(11;14)(q13;q32), that results in cyclin D1 overexpression. We have experienced 12 MCL cases with bone marrow involvement that were lacking evidence of t(11;14). We tried to review the cases. METHODS: We reviewed the bone marrow findings, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic studies including fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using IGH/CCND1 probes and medical records of 12 patients that were diagnosed with MCL based on immunophenotypic results during the period 1997 to 2001. RESULTS: The patients had a median age of 63 (50-70) years with male-to-female ratio of 3:1. All patients showed hepatosplenomegaly with varying degrees of peripheral blood involvement (2-93%), and lymphocytosis was found in 7 cases. Other presenting features were palpable lymph nodes (83%) and B symptoms (25%). The malignant cells were quite heterogenous in morphology from centrocytic to blastic variants. Most cases showed typical immunophenotypes-expression of CD19, bright CD20, FMC7, CD5 and bright-light chains with negative CD23. Immunohistochemical staining with cyclin D1 on marrow biopsies showed mostly negative results. Among the eleven cases in which cytogenetic studies were possible, four cases showed complex karyotypes, and three that involved 14q32. Strikingly, no one showed t(11;14) in G-banding analysis and only 2 cases showed IGH/CCND1 rearrangement by FISH. CONCLUSTIONS: Most MCL cases with typical immunophenotypic findings did not show evidence of specific cytogenetic features. Although further workups for molecular pathogenesis and clinical follow-up of the above cases need to be done, we suggest a new disease entity, t(11;14)-negative MCL.
Biopsy ; Bone Marrow* ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Cyclin D1 ; Cytogenetics ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Karyotype ; Lymph Nodes ; Lymphocytosis ; Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell ; Medical Records