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.

Cross-protective efficacies of highly-pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 vaccines against a recent H5N8 virus

Park, S.J.,Si, Y.J.,Kim, J.,Song, M.S.,Kim, S.m.,Kim, E.H.,Kwon, H.i.,Kim, Y.I.,Lee, O.J.,Shin, O.S.,Kim, C.J.,Shin, E.C.,Choi, Y.K. Academic Press 2016 Virology Vol.498 No.-

<P>To investigate cross-protective vaccine efficacy of highly-pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses against a recent HPAI H5N8 virus, we immunized C57BL/6 mice and ferrets with three alum-adjuvanted inactivated whole H5N1 vaccines developed through reverse-genetics (Rg): [Vietnam/1194/04xPR8 (clade 1), Korea/W149/06xPR8 (clade 2.2), and Korea/ES223N/03xPR8 (clade 2.5)]. Although relatively low cross-reactivities (10-40 HI titer) were observed against heterologous H5N8 virus, immunized animals were 100% protected from challenge with the 20 mLD(50) of H5N8 virus, with the exception of mice vaccinated with 3.5 mu g of Rg Vietnam/1194/04xPR8. Of note, the Rg Korea/ES223N/03xPR8 vaccine provided not only effective protection, but also markedly inhibited viral replication in the lungs and nasal swabs of vaccine recipients within five days of HPAI H5N8 virus challenge. Further, we demonstrated that antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of an antibody-coated target cell by cytotoxic effector cells also plays a role in the heterologous protection of H5N1 vaccines against H5N8 challenge. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.</P>

VP2 capsid domain of the H-1 parvovirus determines susceptibility of human cancer cells to H-1 viral infection

Cho, I-R,Kaowinn, S,Song, J,Kim, S,Koh, S S,Kang, H-Y,Ha, N-C,Lee, K H,Jun, H-S,Chung, Y-H Nature America, Inc. 2015 Cancer gene therapy Vol.22 No.5

Although H-1 parvovirus is used as an antitumor agent, not much is known about the relationship between its specific tropism and oncolytic activity. We hypothesize that VP2, a major capsid protein of H-1 virus, determines H-1-specific tropism. To assess this, we constructed chimeric H-1 viruses expressing Kilham rat virus (KRV) capsid proteins, in their complete or partial forms. Chimeric H-1 viruses (CH1, CH2 and CH3) containing the whole KRV VP2 domain could not induce cytolysis in HeLa, A549 and Panc-1 cells. However, the other chimeric H-1 viruses (CH4 and CH5) expressing a partial KRV VP2 domain induced cytolysis. Additionally, the significant cytopathic effect caused by CH4 and CH5 infection in HeLa cells resulted from preferential viral amplification via DNA replication, RNA transcription and protein synthesis. Modeling of VP2 capsid protein showed that two variable regions (VRs) (VR0 and VR2) of H-1 VP2 protein protrude outward, because of the insertion of extra amino-acid residues, as compared with those of KRV VP2 protein. This might explain the precedence of H-1 VP2 protein over KRV in determining oncolytic activity in human cancer cells. Taking these results together, we propose that the VP2 protein of oncolytic H-1 parvovirus determines its specific tropism in human cancer cells.

Peroxiredoxin II promotes hepatic tumorigenesis through cooperation with Ras/Forkhead box M1 signaling pathway

Park, Y-H,Kim, S-U,Kwon, T-H,Kim, J-M,Song, I-S,Shin, H-J,Lee, B-K,Bang, D-H,Lee, S-J,Lee, D-S,Chang, K-T,Kim, B-Y,Yu, D-Y Macmillan Publishers Limited 2016 Oncogene Vol.35 No.27

<P>The current study was carried out to define the involvement of Peroxiredoxin (Prx) II in progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying molecular mechanism(s). Expression and function of Prx II in HCC was determined using H-ras(G12V)-transformed HCC cells (H-ras(G12V)-HCC cells) and the tumor livers from H-ras(G12V)-transgenic (Tg) mice and HCC patients. Prx II was upregulated in H-ras(G12V)-HCC cells and H-ras(G12V)-Tg mouse tumor livers, the expression pattern of which highly similar to that of forkhead Box M1 (FoxM1). Moreover, either knockdown of FoxM1 or site-directed mutagenesis of FoxM1-binding site of Prx II promoter significantly reduced Prx II levels in H-ras(G12V)-HCC cells, indicating FoxM1 as a direct transcription factor of Prx II in HCC. Interestingly, the null mutation of Prx II markedly decreased the number and size of tumors in H-ras(G12V)-Tg livers. Consistent with this, knockdown of Prx II in H-ras(G12V)-HCC cells reduced the expression of cyclin D1, cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth and tumor formation in athymic nude mice, whereas overexpression of Prx II increased or aggravated the tumor phenotypes. Importantly, the expression of Prx II was correlated with that of FoxM1 in HCC patients. The activation of extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK) pathway and the expression of FoxM1 and cyclin D1 were highly dependent on Prx II in H-ras(G12V)-HCC cells and H-ras(G12V)-Tg livers. Prx II is FoxM1-dependently- expressed antioxidant in HCC and function as an enhancer of Ras(G12V) oncogenic potential in hepatic tumorigenesis through activation of ERK/FoxM1/cyclin D1 cascade.</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>

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.

Enhancement of hydrogen-storage performance of MgH₂ by Mg₂Ni formation and hydride-forming Ti addition

Song, M.Y.,Kwak, Y.J.,Lee, S.H.,Song, J.,Mumm, D.R. Pergamon Press ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2012 International journal of hydrogen energy Vol.37 No.23

MgH<SUB>2</SUB>, rather than Mg, was used as a starting material in this work. A sample with a composition of MgH<SUB>2</SUB>-10Ni-4Ti was prepared by reactive mechanical grinding. Activation of the sample was completed after the first hydriding cycle. At n = 1, the sample desorbed 2.53 wt% H for 10 min, 3.99 wt% H for 20 min, 4.58 wt% H for 30 min, and 4.68 wt% H for 60 min at 593 K under 1.0 bar H<SUB>2</SUB>. At n = 2, the sample absorbed 3.59 wt% H for 5 min, 4.55 wt% H for 25 min, and 4.60 wt% H for 45 min at 593 K under 12 bar H<SUB>2</SUB>. The inverse dependence of the hydriding rate on the temperature in the initial stage and the normal dependence of the hydriding rate on the temperature in the later stage were discussed. The rate-controlling step for the dehydriding reaction of activated MgH<SUB>2</SUB>-10Ni-4Ti was analyzed as the chemical reaction at the hydride/α-solid solution interface.

Photoluminescence properties and synthesis of nano-sized YAG: Ce³⁺ phosphor via novel synthesis method

Song, Y.H.,Choi, T.Y.,Masaki, T.,Senthil, K.,Yoon, D.H. Elsevier 2012 CURRENT APPLIED PHYSICS Vol.12 No.2

This study reports an approach for enhancing the luminescent properties of Y<SUB>3</SUB>Al<SUB>5</SUB>O<SUB>12</SUB>: Ce<SUP>3+</SUP><SUB>0.07</SUB> using an organic compound precursor. The Y<SUB>3</SUB>Al<SUB>5</SUB>O<SUB>12</SUB>: Ce<SUP>3+</SUP><SUB>0.07</SUB> nano-sized phosphors had a relatively uniform particle size, approximately 50-80 nm, when sintered at 1200 <SUP>o</SUP>C for 1 h. The photoluminescence results showed the maximum peak intensity when the concentration of Ce<SUP>3+</SUP> ions was 0.07 mol. The results suggest that nano-sized phosphors synthesized from organic compound precursors can be used as alternative efficiency emitting phosphors in the LED applications.

Biological evaluation of anti-influenza viral activity of semi-synthetic catechin derivatives

Song, J.M.,Park, K.D.,Lee, K.H.,Byun, Y.H.,Park, J.H.,Kim, S.H.,Kim, J.H.,Seong, B.L. Elsevier/North-Holland 2007 ANTIVIRAL RESEARCH Vol.76 No.2

Catechin derivatives with different alkyl chain length and aromatic ring substitutions at the 3-hydroxyl group were synthesized from epigallocatechin (EGC) and (+)-catechin (C) and their anti-influenza viral activity were evaluated in vitro and in ovo. Pronounced antiviral activity was observed for derivatives carrying moderate chain length (7-9 carbons) as compared to those with aromatic rings, whereas the 5'-hydroxyl group of the trihydroxy benzyl moiety did not significantly contribute to antiviral activity. The derivatives exerted inhibitory effects for all six influenza subtypes tested including three major types of currently circulating human influenza viruses (A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B type), H2N2 and H9N2 avian influenza virus. The compounds strongly inhibited adsorption of the viruses on red blood cell (RBC). They also restricted the growth of avian influenza virus in ovo with minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 5-10μM far exceeding the neuraminidase (NA) inhibitor oseltamivir or M2 proton channel inhibitor amantadine. The antiviral activity appears to be mediated by interaction with hemagglutinin (HA)/viral membrane rendering HA less fusogenic at the initial stage of infection. The broad spectrum activity against various subtypes of influenza viruses may complement the limitations of current antivirals and contribute for managing potentially emerging influenza pandemic. The structure-activity data of catechin derivatives may usefully guideline future research endeavors for applying green tea catechins as alternative anti-viral agents.

대학생의 인터넷중독 및 스마트폰 중독 정도와 미술 치료 인식에 대한 조사 연구

박혜원,송승윤,윤하영,이경현,이소영,이지원,진예은,최시온,허은서,황다빈,신주현,이인영 이화여자대학교 간호학회 2018 이화간호학회지 Vol.- No.52

Purpose: Investigate the level of Internet and smart phone addiction of college students and difference of their perception on the art therapy. Method: Data was collected using 4 categories of questionnaires. Participants of this study were 383 college students who are currently attending universities located in seoul, Kyung-Ki and Incheon. The Chi-square test, One-way Analysis of Variance, Scheffé test were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 23.0 Result: First, the study has established that the status of attending universities, grade, people who living with, age affected the level of Internet addiction of college students. In terms of the level of smart phone addiction of college students, the status of attending universities, gender, age were the affective factors. Second, there was a significant difference on the perception of the advantages of the art therapy and the level of acknowledging it, depending on the level of Internet addiction. Finally, depending on the level of smartphone addiction, there was a significant difference in the level of perception of the art therapy, expectation toward the art therapy and the helpfulness of art therapy. The more the participants are close to the addicted level, the more they want to experience the art therapy. Conclusion: These results suggest. First, it is necessary to use bigger group of participants. Second, it is necessary to improve the research methods for college students. Third, nurse should offer holistic care toward the patients regarding their general characteristics by adapting this study. Finally, it is necessary to improve the art therapy programs for the college students who are addicted to the Internet and smartphone and to develop researches proving the effectiveness of these programs.