Diagnostic usefulness of a T cell-based assay for latent tuberculosis infection in kidney transplant candidates before transplantation

Kim, S.-H.,Lee, S.-O.,Park, I.-A.,Park, S.J.,Choi, S.-H.,Kim, Y.S.,Woo, J.H.,Park, S.-K.,Park, J.S.,Kim, S.C.,Han, D.J. Blackwell Publishing Inc 2010 Transplant infectious disease Vol.12 No.2

<P>S.-H. Kim, S.-O. Lee, I.-A. Park, S.J. Park, S.-H. Choi, Y.S. Kim, J.H. Woo, S.-K. Park, J.S. Park, S.C. Kim, D.J. Han. Diagnostic usefulness of a T cell-based assay for latent tuberculosis infection in kidney transplant candidates before transplantation.Transpl Infect Dis 2010: <B>12:</B> 113–119. All rights reserved</P><P>Background</P><P>The presence of latent tuberculosis (TB) infection (LTBI) should be evaluated before kidney transplantation. Although a new T cell-based assay for diagnosing LTBI gave promising results, this assay has not yet been compared with the tuberculin skin test (TST) for diagnosing LTBI in renal transplant candidates before transplantation.</P><P>Patients and methods</P><P>All adult patients admitted to a single institute for renal transplantation over a 1-year period were prospectively enrolled. A clinically predictive risk of LTBI was defined as: (i) recent close contact with a person with pulmonary TB; (ii) abnormal chest radiography; (iii) a history of untreated or inadequately treated TB; or (iv) a new infection (i.e., a recent conversion of TST).</P><P>Results</P><P>Of 209 renal recipients, 47 (22%) had a positive TST≥5 mm, 21 (10%) had a positive TST≥10 mm, 65 (30%) had a positive T-SPOT.<I>TB</I> test, and 25 (12%) had an indeterminate T-SPOT.<I>TB</I> test. The induration size of TST was significantly associated with a high positivity rate on T-SPOT.<I>TB</I> (<I>P</I><0.001). Agreement between T-SPOT.<I>TB</I> test and TST≥10 mm was fair (<I>k</I>=0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.11–0.36). However, neither univariate nor multivariate analysis showed any association between the clinical risk for LTBI and positivity on T-SPOT.<I>TB</I> or TST.</P><P>Conclusion</P><P>T-SPOT.<I>TB</I> test was more frequently positive than TST in renal transplant candidates. However, further longitudinal studies are awaited to determine whether the ability of T-SPOT.<I>TB</I> assay to detect LTBI in renal transplant recipients can better predict the development of TB than can TST after transplantation.</P>

Induction of bone formation by <i>Escherichia coli</i>‐expressed recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 using block‐type macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate in orthotopic and ectopic rat models

Park, J‐,C.,So, S‐,S.,Jung, I‐,H.,Yun, J‐,H.,Choi, S‐,H.,Cho, K‐,S.,Kim, C‐,S. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011 Journal of periodontal research Vol.46 No.6

<P><I>Park J‐C, So S‐S, Jung I‐H, Yun J‐H, Choi S‐H, Cho K‐S, Kim C‐S. Induction of bone formation by</I> Escherichia coli<I>‐expressed recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 using block‐type macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate in orthotopic and ectopic rat models. J Periodont Res 2011; 46: 682–690. © 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S</I></P><P><B>Background and Objective: </B> The potential of the <I>Escherichia coli</I>‐expressed recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (ErhBMP‐2) to support new bone formation/maturation using a block‐type of macroporous biphasic calcium phosphate (bMBCP) carrier was evaluated in an orthotopic and ectopic rat model.</P><P><B>Material and Methods: </B> Critical‐size (Φ 8 mm) calvarial defects and subcutaneous pockets in 32 Sprague–Dawley rats received implants of rhBMP‐2 (2.5 μg) in a bMBCP carrier or bMBCP alone (control). Implant sites were evaluated using histological and histometric analysis following 2‐ and 8‐wk healing intervals (eight animals/group/interval).</P><P><B>Results: </B> ErhBMP‐2/bMBCP supported significantly greater bone formation at 2 and 8 wk (10.8% and 25.4%, respectively) than the control at 2 and 8 wk (5.3% and 14.0%, respectively) in calvarial defects (<I>p</I> < 0.01). Bone formation was only observed for the ErhBMP‐2/bMBCP ectopic sites and was significantly greater at 8 wk (7.5%) than at 2 wk (4.5%) (<I>p</I> < 0.01). Appositional and endochondral bone formation was usually associated with a significant increase in fatty marrow at 8 wk. The bMBCP carrier showed no evidence of bioresorption.</P><P><B>Conclusion: </B> ErhBMP‐2/bMBCP induced significant bone formation in both calvarial and ectopic sites. Further study appears to be required to evaluate the relevance of the bMBCP carrier.</P>

Genetic and phylogenetic characterizations of a novel genotype of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N8 viruses in 2016/2017 in South Korea

Kim, Y.I.,Park, S.J.,Kwon, H.I.,Kim, E.H.,Si, Y.J.,Jeong, J.H.,Lee, I.W.,Nguyen, H.D.,Kwon, J.J.,Choi, W.S.,Song, M.S.,Kim, C.J.,Choi, Y.K. Elsevier Science 2017 INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION Vol.53 No.-

<P>During the outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N6 viruses in 2016 in South Korea, novel H5N8 viruses were also isolated from migratory birds. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the HA gene of these H5N8 viruses belonged to clade 2.3.4.4, similarly to recent H5Nx viruses, and originated from A/Brk/Korea/Gochang1/14(H5N8), a minor lineage of H5N8 that appeared in 2014 and then disappeared. At least four reassortment events occurred with different subtypes (H5N8, H7N7, H3N8 and H10N7) and a chicken challenge study revealed that they were classified as HPAI viruses according to OIE criteria. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.</P>

Enhanced adipogenic differentiation and reduced collagen synthesis induced by human periodontal ligament stem cells might underlie the negative effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 on periodontal regeneration

Song, D‐,S.,Park, J‐,C.,Jung, I‐,H.,Choi, S‐,H.,Cho, K‐,S.,Kim, C‐,K.,Kim, C‐,S. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011 Journal of periodontal research Vol.46 No.2

<P> <I>Song D‐S, Park J‐C, Jung I‐H, Choi S‐H, Cho K‐S, Kim C‐K, Kim C‐S. Enhanced adipogenic differentiation and reduced collagen synthesis induced by human periodontal ligament stem cells might underlie the negative effect of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 on periodontal regeneration. J Periodont Res 2011; 46: 193–203. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S</I> </P><P><B>Background and Objective: </B> Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) is a potent inducer for the regeneration of mineralized tissue, but has a limited effect on the regeneration of cementum and periodontal ligament (PDL). The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of rhBMP‐2 on the <I>in vitro</I> and <I>in vivo</I> biologic activity of well‐characterized human PDL stem cells (hPDLSCs) and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of minimal periodontal regeneration by rhBMP‐2.</P><P><B>Material and Methods: </B> hPDLSCs were isolated and cultured, and then transplanted into an ectopic subcutaneous mouse model using a carrier treated either with or without rhBMP‐2. Comprehensive histologic, histometric and immunohistochemical analyses were performed after an 8‐wk healing period. The effects of rhBMP‐2 on the adipogenic and osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs were also evaluated. The effect of rhBMP‐2 on both soluble and insoluble collagen synthesis was analyzed, and the expression of mRNA and protein for collagen types I, II, III and V was assessed.</P><P><B>Results: </B> In the present study, rhBMP‐2 promoted both adipogenic and osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs <I>in vitro</I>, and the <I>in vivo</I> potential of hPDLSCs to form mineralized cementum and organized PDL tissue was down‐regulated following treatment with rhBMP‐2. Collagen synthesis, which plays a crucial role in the regeneration of cementum and the periodontal attachment, was significantly reduced, with associated modification of the relevant mRNA and protein expression profiles.</P><P><B>Conclusion: </B> In summary, the findings of the present study suggest that enhanced adipogenic differentiation and inhibition of collagen synthesis by hPDLSCs appear to be partly responsible for the minimal effect of rhBMP‐2 on cementum and PDL tissue regeneration by hPDLSCs.</P>

Morphometric evaluation of oesophageal wall in patients with nutcracker oesophagus and ineffective oesophageal motility

kim, h. s.,park, h.,lim, j. h.,choi, s. h.,park, c.,lee, s. i.,conklin, j. l. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2008 Neurogastroenterology and motility Vol.20 No.8

<P>Abstract </P><P>The pathogenesis of nutcracker oesophagus (NE) and ineffective oesophageal motility (IEM) is unclear. Damage to the enteric nervous system or smooth muscle can cause oesophageal dysmotility. We tested the hypothesis that NE and IEM are associated with abnormal muscular or neural constituents of the oesophageal wall. Oesophageal manometry was performed in patients prior to total gastrectomy for gastric cancer. The oesophageal manometries were categorized as normal (<I>n</I> = 7), NE (<I>n</I> = 13), or IEM (<I>n</I> = 5). Histologic examination of oesophageal tissue obtained during surgery was performed after haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and trichrome staining. Oesophageal innervation was examined after immunostaining for protein gene product-9.5 (PGP-9.5), choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS). There were no significant differences in inner circular smooth muscle thickness or degree of fibrosis among the three groups. Severe muscle fibre loss was found in four of five patients with IEM. The density of PGP-9.5-reactive neural structures was not different among the three groups. The density of ChAT immunostaining in the myenteric plexus (MP) was significantly greater in patients with NE (<I>P</I> < 0.05) and the density of nNOS immunostaining in the circular muscle (CM) was significantly greater in IEM patients (<I>P</I> < 0.05). The ChAT/nNOS ratio in both MP and CM was significantly greater in NE patients. NE may result from an imbalance between the excitatory and inhibitory innervation of the oesophagus, because more than normal numbers of ChAT-positive myenteric neurones are seen in NE. Myopathy and/or increased number of nNOS neurones may contribute to the hypocontractile motor activity of IEM.</P>

Genetic diversity and pathogenic potential of low pathogenic H7 avian influenza viruses isolated from wild migratory birds in Korea

Kim, Y.I.,Kim, S.W.,Si, Y.J.,Kwon, H.I.,Park, S.J.,Kim, E.H.,Kim, S.m.,Lee, I.W.,Song, M.S.,Choi, Y.K. Elsevier Science 2016 Infection, genetics and evolution Vol.45 No.-

To detect the circulation of H7 avian influenza viruses, we characterized H7 viruses found in migratory birds and live poultry markets of South Korea from 2005 to 2014. Phylogenic analysis revealed that while all viruses clustered into the Eurasian-lineage of H7 avian viruses, at least 12 distinct genotypes were represented. Most H7 viruses contained at least one gene segment from the highly-pathogenic A/Sck/Hong Kong/YU100/02(H5N1)-like avian virus, and they could be separated into at least two antigenic groups. Although we did not detect genetically identical strains, HI assay demonstrated close cross-reactivity of some isolates with the H7N9 viruses from China. Animal studies revealed that most of the genotypes could replicate in the lungs of mice and chickens without prior adaptation and some, particularly H7N4 and H7N7 subtypes, induced mortality in mice. These results reinforce growing pandemic concerns regarding recent H7 viruses and emphasize the importance of continued surveillance of avian influenza viruses in the wild.

Effects of dextrorotatory morphinans on brain Na⁺ channels expressed in Xenopus oocytes

Lee, J.H.,Shin, E.J.,Jeong, S.M.,Lee, B.H.,Yoon, I.S.,Lee, J.H.,Choi, S.H.,Kim, Y.H.,Pyo, M.K.,Lee, S.M.,Chae, J.S.,Rhim, H.,Oh, J.W.,Kim, H.C.,Nah, S.Y. North-Holland ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2007 european journal of pharmacology Vol.564 No.1

We previously demonstrated that dextromethorphan (DM; 3-methoxy-17-methylmorphinan) analogs have neuroprotective effects. Here, we investigated the effects of DM, three of its analogs (DF, 3-methyl-17-methylmorphinan; AM, 3-allyloxy-17-methoxymorphian; and CM, 3-cyclopropyl-17-methoxymorphinan) and one of its metabolites (HM; 3-methoxymorphinan), on Na<SUP>+</SUP> channel activity. We used the two-microelectrode voltage-clamp technique to test the effects of DM, DF, AM, CM and HM on Na<SUP>+</SUP> currents (I<SUB>Na</SUB>) in Xenopus oocytes expressing cRNAs encoding rat brain Nav1.2 α and β1 or β2 subunits. In oocytes expressing Na<SUP>+</SUP> channels, DM, DF, AM and CM, but not HM, induced tonic and use-dependent inhibitions of peak I<SUB>Na</SUB> following low- and high-frequency stimulations. The order of potency for the inhibition of peak I<SUB>Na</SUB> was AM-CM > DM=DF. The DM, DF, AM and CM-induced tonic inhibitions of peak I<SUB>Na</SUB> were voltage-dependent, dose-dependent and reversible. The IC<SUB>50</SUB> values for DM, DF, AM and CM were 116.7+/-14.9, 175.8+/-16.9, 38.6+/-15.5, and 42.5+/-8.5 μM, respectively. DM and its analogs did not affect the steady-state activation and inactivation voltages. AM and CM, but not DM and DF, inhibited the plateau I<SUB>Na</SUB> more effectively than the peak I<SUB>Na</SUB> in oocytes expressing inactivation-deficient I1485Q-F1486Q-M1487Q (IFMQ3) mutant channels; the IC<SUB>50</SUB> values for AM and CM in this system were 8.4+/-1.3 and 8.7+/-1.3 μM, respectively, for the plateau I<SUB>Na</SUB> and 43.7+/-5.9 and 32.6+/-7.8 μM, respectively, for the peak I<SUB>Na</SUB>. These results collectively indicate that DM and its analogs could be novel Na<SUP>+</SUP> channel blockers acting on the resting and open states of brain Na<SUP>+</SUP> channels.

Evaluation of the zoonotic potential of a novel reassortant H1N2 swine influenza virus with gene constellation derived from multiple viral sources

Lee, J.H.,Pascua, P.N.Q.,Decano, A.G.,Kim, S.M.,Park, S.J.,Kwon, H.I.,Kim, E.H.,Kim, Y.I.,Kim, H.,Kim, S.Y.,Song, M.S.,Jang, H.K.,Park, B.K.,Choi, Y.K. Elsevier Science 2015 INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION Vol.34 No.-

In 2011-2012, contemporary North American-like H3N2 swine influenza viruses (SIVs) possessing the 2009 pandemic H1N1 matrix gene (H3N2pM-like virus) were detected in domestic pigs of South Korea where H1N2 SIV strains are endemic. More recently, we isolated novel reassortant H1N2 SIVs bearing the Eurasian avian-like swine H1-like hemagglutinin and Korean swine H1N2-like neuraminidase in the internal gene backbone of the H3N2pM-like virus. In the present study, we clearly provide evidence on the genetic origins of the novel H1N2 SIVs virus through genetic and phylogenetic analyses. In vitro studies demonstrated that, in comparison with a pre-existing 2012 Korean H1N2 SIV [A/swine/Korea/CY03-1½012 (CY03-1½012)], the 2013 novel reassortant H1N2 isolate [A/swine/Korea/CY0423/2013 (CY0423-12/2013)] replicated more efficiently in differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial cells. The CY0423-12/2013 virus induced higher viral titers than the CY03-1½012 virus in the lungs and nasal turbinates of infected mice and nasal wash samples of ferrets. Moreover, the 2013 H1N2 reassortant, but not the intact 2012 H1N2 virus, was transmissible to naive contact ferrets via respiratory-droplets. Noting that the viral precursors have the ability to infect humans, our findings highlight the potential threat of a novel reassortant H1N2 SIV to public health and underscore the need to further strengthen influenza surveillance strategies worldwide, including swine populations.

운반기체와 Ligand의 첨가가 MOCVD Cu 증착에 미치는 영향에 관한 연구

최정환(J. H. Choi),변인재(I. J. Byun),양희정(H. J. Yang),이원희(W. H. Lee),이재갑(J. G. Lee) 한국진공학회(ASCT) 2000 Applied Science and Convergence Technology Vol.9 No.3

(hfac)Cu(l,5-COD)(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentadionato Cu(I) 1,5-cyclooctadine) 증착원을 이용하여 MOCVD(Metal Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition) Cu 박막을 형성하였고, 운반기체가 MOCVD Cu 증착 특성에 미치는 영향에 관하여 조사하였다. 증착된 Cu 박막은 H₂ 운반 기체를 사용한 경우 Ar을 운반기체로 사용한 경우에 비하여 증착률의 증가와 더불어 낮은 비저항을 갖는 박막을 얻을 수 있었다. 또한 표면 거칠기의 개선과 강한 (111) 우선 배향성을 나타내는 박막을 얻을 수 있었으나 접착성의 경우에 있어서는 H₂ 운반 기체를 사용한 경우 감소하는 결과를 나타내었다. 이러한 접착성 감소의 원인은 AES분석에서 확인된 바와 같이 박막내부에 존재하는 F의 영향인 것으로 사료된다. H(hfac) ligand의 첨가 효과에 대하여 조사한 결과에서는 Ar 운반 기체를 사용한 경우 H(hfac) 첨가 시 증착률의 향상이 이루어졌으나 H₂ 운반 기체의 경우 큰 변화를 나타내지 않았고, 비저항의 경우에는 운반 기체와 관계없이 감소하는 결과를 보여 H(hfac) 사용이 증착 특정 개선에 효과적으로 나타났다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 운반기체 변화 및 H(hfac) ligand의 첨가 실험을 통해 MOCVD Cu의 증착기구를 조사하였으며, 이러한 공정조건의 변화가 Cu 박막의 표면거칠기 개선과 동시에 비저항을 낮추는 역할을 하는 것으로 나타났다. The deposition characteristics of MOCVD Cu using the (hfac)Cu(1,5-COD)(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentadionato Cu(I) 1,5-cyclooctadine) have been investigated in terms of the effects of carrier gas such as hydrogen and argon as well as the effects of H(hfac) ligand addition. MOCVD Cu using a hydrogen carrier gas led to a higher deposition rate and lower resistivity than an argon carrier gas system. The improvement in the surface roughness of the MOCVD Cu films and the (111) preferred orientation texture was obtained by using a hydrogen carrier gas. However, the adhesion characteristics of the films showed relatively weaker compared to the Ar carrier gas system, probably due to the larger amount of F content in the films, which was confirmed by the AES analyses. When an additional H(hfac) ligand was added, the deposition rate was significantly enhanced in the case of an argon + H(hfac) carrier gas system while significant change in the deposition rate of MOCVD Cu was not observed in the case of the hydrogen carrier gas system. However, the addition of H(hfac) in both carrier gases led to lowering the resistivity of the MOCVD Cu films. In conclusion, this paper suggests the deposition mechanism of MOCVD Cu and is expected to contribute to the enhancement of smooth Cu films with a low resistivity by manipulating the deposition conditions such as the carrier gas and addition of H(hfac) ligand.

돼지 H-FABP 유전자의 다형성 및 경제 형질과의 연관성 구명

최봉환,김태헌,이지웅,조용민,이혜영,조병욱,정일정 한국동물자원과학회 2003 한국축산학회지 Vol.45 No.5

The purpose of this study was to detect association between genetic variation and economic trait in the porcine heart type fatty acid-binding protein gene as a candidate gene for the traits related with growth and meat quality in pigs. The H-FABP is a 15-kDa protein expressed in several tissues with high demand for fat metabolism such as cardiac and skeletal muscle and lactating mammary gland. H-FABP is small intracellular protein involved in fatty acid transport from the plasma membrane to the site of β-oxidation and/or triacylglycerol or phospholipid synthesis. In this study, H-FABP PCR-RFLP was performed in F_(2) population composed of 214 individuals form an intercross between Korean Native Boars and Landrace sows. PCR products form tow primer sets within H-FABP gene were amplified in 850bp and 700bp. Digestion of PCR products with the restriction digestion enzymes HaeⅢ and Hinf Ⅰ, revealed fragment length polymorphisms(RFL. Ps). The genotype frequencies from H-FABP/HaeⅢ was .29 for genotype DD, .53 for genotype Dd, and .15 for genotype dd, respectively. The genotype frequencies of HH, Hh, and hh from H-FABP(hinf Ⅰ was .38, .41, and .20, respectively, in the population.Relationships between their genotypes and economic traits were estimated. In H-FABP/HaeⅢ locus, there were specific genotypes(Dd and dd) associated with economic traits such as body weight. In H-FABP/Hinf Ⅰ Iocus, Genotypes of HH and Hh associated with growth traits such as body weights at 5, 12, and 30 week of age (p<.05 or p<.001) and back fat thickness, body fat including abdominal and trimmed fat (p<.001) and intramuscular fat(p<.05). The 'H'allele was positivecly associated with gaining of body weight and fatness deposition. In conclusion, a significant association of the H-FABP gene from its genetic variation was found on body weight, intramuscular fat and backfat thickness.