Importance of pulmonary valve morphology for pulmonary valve preservation in tetralogy of Fallot surgery: comparison of the echocardiographic parameters

Choi, Su Jin,Kwon, Jung Eun,Roh, Da Eun,Hyun, Myung Chul,Jung, Han Na,Lee, Young Ok,Cho, Joon Yong,Kim, Yeo Hyang The Korean Pediatric Society 2020 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.63 No.5

Background: The decision to use transannular patching (TAP) during tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) repair depends on the pulmonary valve annulus size; the z score of the pulmonary annulus is the most commonly used predictor. However, definitive results are not obtained with z scores as different z score data sets are used for different parameters. Purpose: This study aimed to identify the echocardiographic and other key factors that warranted a change in the surgical method during TOF surgery. Methods: Sixty-two patients were enrolled and divided into a pulmonary valve (PV) preservation group and a TAP group. Their medical records were reviewed. Results: The z score for PV annulus (PVA), ratio of the PVA to aortic annulus size, and ratio of PVA to descending aorta (DAO) size were significantly different between the PV preservation and TAP groups (-1.72±1.52 vs. -3.07±1.94, P=0.004; 0.62±0.12 vs. 0.50±0.14, P=0.002; and 1.32±0.32 vs. 1.07±0.36, P=0.008, respectively). For TAP repair, the PVA z score had a sensitivity of 65.4% and specificity of 73.1%, ratio of PVA to aortic annulus size had a sensitivity of 73.1% and specificity of 65.4%, and ratio of PVA to DAO size had a sensitivity of 69.2% and specificity of 57.7%. The TAP group showed more monocuspid PVs (P=0.011), while the PV preservation group showed more tricuspid PVs (P=0.027). Commissurotomy was more frequently performed in the PV preservation group than in the TAP group (P=0.001). Of patients with commissurotomy, 58% showed a PV z score<-2. Conclusion: Although various echocardiographic parameters may serve as predictors for determining surgical methods for TOF patients, the PV morphology and tissue characteristics should also be considered.

Localization of ictal onset zones in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome using directional connectivity analysis of intracranial electroencephalography

Jung, Young-Jin,Kang, Hoon-Chul,Choi, Keom-Ok,Lee, Joon Soo,Kim, Dong-Seok,Cho, Jae-Hyun,Kim, Shin-Hye,Im, Chang-Hwan,Kim, Heung Dong Elsevier 2011 SEIZURE Vol.20 No.6

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P><B>Introduction</B></P><P>Neuroscientists are becoming interested in the application of computational EEG analysis to the identification of ictal onset zones; however, most studies have focused on the localization of ictal onset zones in focal epilepsy. The present study aimed to estimate the ictal onset zone of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) with bilaterally synchronous epileptiform discharges from intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) recordings using directional connectivity analysis.</P><P><B>Methods</B></P><P>We analyzed ictal iEEG data acquired from three LGS patients who underwent epileptic surgery with favorable surgical outcomes. To identify the ictal onset zones, we estimated the functional directional connectivity network among the intracerebral electrodes using the directed transfer function (DTF) method.</P><P><B>Results</B></P><P>The analysis results demonstrated that areas with high average outflow values corresponded well with the surgical resection areas identified using electrophysiologic data and conventional neuroimaging modalities.</P><P><B>Discussions</B></P><P>Our results suggest that the DTF analysis can be a useful auxiliary tool for determining surgical resection areas prior to epilepsy surgery in LGS patients. This is the first research article demonstrating that directional connectivity analysis of iEEG recording data can be used for delineating surgical resection areas in generalized epilepsy patients who need surgical treatment.</P>

Comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses of NaCl-tolerant Staphylococcus sp. OJ82 isolated from fermented seafood

Choi, Sungjong,Jung, Jaejoon,Jeon, Che Ok,Park, Woojun Springer-Verlag 2014 Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Vol.98 No.2

<i>Brevibacterium</i> <i>jeotgali</i> sp. nov., isolated from jeotgal, a traditional Korean fermented seafood

Choi, Eun Jin,Lee, Se Hee,Jung, Ji Young,Jeon, Che Ok International Union of Microbiological Societies 2013 International journal of systematic and evolutiona Vol.63 No.9

<P>A Gram-staining-positive, aerobic, non-motile bacterium, designated strain SJ5-8<SUP>T</SUP>, was isolated from <I>seau-jeot</I> (shrimp jeotgal), a traditional fermented seafood in South Korea. Cells were non-spore-forming rods showing catalase- and oxidase-positive reactions. Growth of strain SJ5-8<SUP>T</SUP> was observed at 10–37 °C (optimum, 30 °C), at pH 6.0–9.0 (optimum, pH 7.5–8.5) and in the presence of 0–14 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 5 %). Phylogenetic inference based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain formed a tight phyletic lineage with members of the genus <I>Brevibacterium</I><I>.</I> Strain SJ5-8<SUP>T</SUP> was most closely related to <I>Brevibacterium yomogidense</I> MN-6-a<SUP>T</SUP>, <I>Brevibacterium daeguense</I> 2C6-41<SUP>T</SUP> and <I>Brevibacterium salitolerans</I> TRM 415<SUP>T</SUP> with similarities of 98.9, 97.5 and 97.4 %, respectively. The DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain SJ5-8<SUP>T</SUP> and the type strains of <I>B. yomogidense</I>, <I>B. daeguense</I> and <I>B. salitolerans</I> were 51.7±1.9 %, 22.2±4.0 % and 52.4±3.8 %, respectively. Chemotaxonomic data (major sole isoprenoid quinone, MK-8(H<SUB>2</SUB>); major diagnostic diamino acid, <I>meso</I>-diaminopimelic acid; major polyamines, putrescine and cadaverine; major cellular fatty acids, anteiso-C<SUB>15:0</SUB>, iso-C<SUB>15:0</SUB> and anteiso-C<SUB>17:0</SUB>; major polar lipids, phosphatidylglycerol and diphosphatidylglycerol; DNA G+C content, 69.3 mol%) also supported the affiliation of strain SJ5-8<SUP>T</SUP> to the genus <I>Brevibacterium</I>. Therefore, strain SJ5-8<SUP>T</SUP> represents a novel species of the genus <I>Brevibacterium</I>, for which the name <I>Brevibacterium</I> <I>jeotgali</I> sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SJ5-8<SUP>T</SUP> ( = KACC 16911<SUP>T</SUP> = JCM 18571<SUP>T</SUP>).</P>

Cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in the rat dentate gyrus after intrathecal treatment with adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells.

Choi, Jung Hoon,Chung, Jin Young,Yoo, Dae Young,Hwang, In Koo,Yoo, Ki-Yeon,Lee, Choong Hyun,Yan, Bing Chun,Ahn, Jin Ok,Youn, Hwa Young,Won, Moo-Ho Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers 2011 Cellular and molecular neurobiology Vol.31 No.8

<P>Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have emerged as a new therapeutic tool for a number of clinical applications, because they have multipotency and paracrine effects via various factors. In the present study, we investigated the effects of adipose-derived MSC (Ad-MSC) transplantation via intrathecal injection through the cisterna magna on cell proliferation and differentiation of endogenous stem cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) using Ki-67 (a marker for proliferating cells), and doublecortin (DCX, a marker for neuroblasts). The transplanted Ad-MSC were detected in the meninges, not in the hippocampal parenchyma. However, the number of Ki-67-immunoreactive cells was significantly increased by 83% in the DG 2 days after single Ad-MSC injection, and by 67% at 23 days after repeated Ad-MSC treatment compared with that in the vehicle-treated group after Ad-MSC transplantation. On the other hand, the number of DCX-immunoreactive cells in the DG was not changed at 2 days after single Ad-MSC injection; however, it was significantly increased by 62% 9 days after single Ad-MSC injection. At 23 days after repeated Ad-MSC application, the number of DCX-immunoreactive cells was much more increased (223% of the vehicle-treated group). At this time point, DCX protein levels were also significantly increased compared with those in the vehicle-treated group. These results suggest that the intrathecal injection of Ad-MSC could enhance endogenous cell proliferation, and the repeated Ad-MSC injection could be more efficient for an enhancement of endogenous cell proliferation and differentiation in the brain.</P>

Hypoadrenocorticism in a 1-Year-Old Korean Shorthair Cat

Jung, Hansol,Jeong, Yunho,Kim, Yoonhwan,Choi, Sooyoung,Park, Inchul,Ahn, Jin-Ok The Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics 2022 한국임상수의학회지 Vol.39 No.3

A one-year-old spayed female Korean Shorthair cat presented to Kangwon National University Veterinary Hospital with vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, and polyuria that lasted for more than two weeks. The body condition score, blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature were abnormally low, and the physical examination findings were consistent with moderate dehydration. Hematological and biochemical tests demonstrated mild azotemia and a low Na:K ratio. Additional abdominal ultrasound imaging revealed reduced size of both adrenal glands. The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test showed decreased post-ACTH cortisol and aldosterone levels and increased endogenous ACTH levels, confirming a diagnosis of primary hypoadrenocorticism. The cat was treated with subcutaneous injections of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) and oral prednisolone supplementation, and subsequent electrolyte analysis showed a normal Na:K ratio. Clinical symptoms were also improved in response to treatment. Hypoadrenocorticism in cats is a very rare disease, but it should not be excluded as a potential diagnosis in favor of kidney diseases or other conditions, especially when the Na:K ratio is low. In addition, the prognosis for the disease and the response to DOCP treatment should be further evaluated in cats.

Methanol extract of the aerial parts of barley (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i>) suppresses lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory responses <i>in vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i>

Choi, Ki-Choon,Hwang, Jung-Min,Bang, Sung-Jun,Son, Young-Ok,Kim, Beom-Tae,Kim, Dong-Hern,Lee, Seung-Ah,Chae, Minseon,Kim, Da Hye,Lee, Jeong-Chae Informa Healthcare USA, Inc. 2013 PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY Vol.51 No.8

<P><I>Context</I>: Recently, there has been renewed interest in barley (<I>Hordeum vulgare</I> L. Poaceae) as a functional food and for its medicinal properties.</P><P><I>Objective</I>: This study examines the anti-inflammatory potential of the active fractions of barley and the mechanisms involved.</P><P><I>Materials and methods</I>: The macrophages were exposed to 100 μg/mL of each of the barley extracts in the presence of 1 μg/mL lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and after 24 or 48 h of incubation, cells or culture supernatants were analyzed by various assays. The anti-inflammatory potential of barley fractions was also investigated using the LPS-injected septic mouse model. The active constituents in the fractions were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).</P><P><I>Results</I>: The active fractions, named F<SUB>4</SUB>, F<SUB>7</SUB>, F<SUB>9</SUB> and F<SUB>12</SUB>, inhibited almost completely the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and inducible NO synthase. Pre-treatment with these fractions at 100 μg/mL diminished the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels to 19.8, 3.5, 1.2 and 1.7 ng/mL, respectively, compared to LPS treatment alone (41.5 ng/mL). These fractions at 100 μg/mL also suppressed apparently the secretion of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β and the DNA-binding activity of nuclear factor-κB in LPS-stimulated cells. Mice injected intraperitoneally with LPS (30 mg/kg BW) showed 20% survival at 48 h after injection, whereas oral administration of the fractions improved the survival rates to 80%. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of the derivatives of benzoic and cinnamic acids and fatty acids in the fractions.</P><P><I>Discussion and conclusion</I>: The aerial parts of barley are useful as functional food to prevent acute inflammatory responses.</P>

Rapid diagnosis of CMT1A duplications and HNPP deletions by multiplex microsatellite PCR /

Choi, Byung Ok,Kim, Joon Ki,Lee, Kyung Lyong,Yu, Jin Seok,Hwang, Jung Hee,Chung, Ki Wha Korean Society for Molecular and Cellular Biology 2007 Molecules and cells Vol.23 No.1

Nefopam Reduces Dysesthesia after Percutaneous Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy

Ok, Young Min,Cheon, Ji Hyun,Choi, Eun Ji,Chang, Eun Jung,Lee, Ho Myung,Kim, Kyung Hoon The Korean Pain Society 2016 The Korean Journal of Pain Vol.29 No.1

Background: Neuropathic pain, including paresthesia/dysesthesia in the lower extremities, always develops and remains for at least one month, to variable degrees, after percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD). The recently discovered dual analgesic mechanisms of action, similar to those of antidepressants and anticonvulsants, enable nefopam (NFP) to treat neuropathic pain. This study was performed to determine whether NFP might reduce the neuropathic pain component of postoperative pain. Methods: Eighty patients, who underwent PELD due to herniated nucleus pulposus (HNP) at L4-L5, were randomly divided into two equal groups, one receiving NFP (with a mixture of morphine and ketorolac) and the other normal saline (NS) with the same mixture. The number of bolus infusions and the infused volume for 3 days were compared in both groups. The adverse reactions (ADRs) in both groups were recorded and compared. The neuropathic pain symptom inventory (NPSI) score was compared in both groups on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, 30, 60, and 90. Results: The mean attempted number of bolus infusions, and effective infused bolus volume for 3 days was lower in the NFP group for 3 days. The most commonly reported ADRs were nausea, dizziness, and somnolence, in order of frequency in the NFP group. The median NPSI score, and all 5 median sub-scores in the NFP group, were significantly lower than that of the NS group until postoperative day 30. Conclusions: NFP significantly reduced the neuropathic pain component, including paresthesia/dysesthesia until 1 month after PELD. The common ADRs were nausea, dizziness, somnolence, and ataxia.

Carbon monoxide reverses adipose tissue inflammation and insulin resistance upon loss of ovarian function

Choi, Eun-Kyung,Park, Hyun-Jung,Sul, Ok-Joo,Rajasekaran, Monisha,Yu, Rina,Choi, Hye-Seon American Physiological Society 2015 AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-ENDOCRINOLOGY AND M Vol.308 No.8

<P>We hypothesized that carbon monoxide (CO) might suppress chronic inflammation, which led to metabolic disturbances. Ovariectomy (OVX) was performed in mice to mimic chronic inflammation secondary to loss of ovarian function. OVX increased fat mass and the infiltration of highly inflammatory CD11c cells into adipose tissue (AT), resulting in a disturbance of glucose metabolism. Treatment of CO attenuated these; CO decreased recruitment of CD11c-expressing cells in AT and reduced expression of CD11c in bone marrow-derived macrophages, protecting them from M1 polarization. Upregulated cGMP and decreased reactive oxygen species were responsible for the inhibitory activity of CO on CD11c expression; knockdown of soluble guanylate cyclase or heme oxygenase-1 using small interfering RNAs reduced this inhibition substantially. Improved OVX-induced insulin resistance (IR) by CO was highly associated with its activity to attenuate AT inflammation. Our results suggest a therapeutic value of CO to treat postmenopausal IR by reducing AT inflammation.</P>