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>

Caspase-cleaved tau exhibits rapid memory impairment associated with tau oligomers in a transgenic mouse model

Kim, Y.,Choi, H.,Lee, W.,Park, H.,Kam, T.I.,Hong, S.h.,Nah, J.,Jung, S.,Shin, B.,Lee, H.,Choi, T.Y.,Choo, H.,Kim, K.K.,Choi, S.Y.,Kayed, R.,Jung, Y.K. Blackwell Science ; Academic Press 2016 Neurobiology of disease Vol.87 No.-

<P>In neurodegenerative diseases like AD, tau forms neurofibrillary tangles, composed of tau protein. In the AD brain, activated caspases cleave tau at the 421th Asp, generating a caspase-cleaved form of tau, TauC3. Although TauC3 is known to assemble rapidly into filaments in vitro, a role of TauC3 in vivo remains unclear. Here, we generated a transgenic mouse expressing human TauC3 using a neuron-specific promoter. In this mouse, we found that human TauC3 was expressed in the hippocampus and cortex. Interestingly, TauC3 mice showed drastic learning and spatial memory deficits and reduced synaptic density at a young age (2-3 months). Notably, tau oligomers as well as tau aggregates were found in TauC3 mice showing memory deficits. Further, i.p. or i.c.v. injection with methylene blue or Congo red, inhibitors of tau aggregation in vitro, and i.p. injection with rapamycin significantly reduced the amounts of tau oligomers in the hippocampus, rescued spine density, and attenuated memory impairment in TauC3 mice. Together, these results suggest that TauC3 facilitates early memory impairment in trans genic mice accompanied with tau oligomer formation, providing insight into the role of TauC3 in the AD pathogenesis associated with tau oligomers and a useful AD model to test drug candidates. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.</P>

돼지 교배조합별 등심의 품질특성 비교

정지택(J. T. Jeong),최영석(Y. S. Choi),이진규(J. K. Lee),최정석(J. S. Choi),정영철(Y. C. Jung),정종현(J. H. Jung),최양일(Y. I. Choi) 충북대학교 동물생명과학연구소 2016 동물생명과학연구 Vol.8 No.-

This study was conducted to compare the quality characteristics of pork loin from crossbred combination in pigs. The crossbred combination were Y×Y, YL×Y, YL×D and YL×L(L:Landrace, Y:Yorkshire, D:Duroc). In the proximate composition, the moisture content of YL×D was higher compared with the other crossbred combination. The fat content of YL×Y was significantly higher compared with the other crossbred combination(p<0.05). There ware no significantly difference in share force, WHC, dip loss and cooking loss. The lightness (L<SUP>*</SUP>) value of YL×Y was significantly higher compare with the other crossbred combination(p<0.05). The redness (a<SUP>*</SUP>) values of Y×Y was higher compared with the other crossbred combination. In sensory characteristics, the juiciness, tenderness, flavor and overall acceptability of YL×D were higher compared with the other crossbred combination. As results, it is considered that this information about crossbred combination pigs would be used as a basic data for improvement of pork quality.

Mepivacaine-induced contraction involves increased calcium sensitization mediated via Rho kinase and protein kinase C in endothelium-denuded rat aorta

Ok, S.H.,Kwon, S.C.,Yeol Han, J.,Yu, J.,Shin, I.W.,Lee, H.K.,Chung, Y.K.,Choi, M.J.,Sohn, J.T. North-Holland ; Elsevier Science Ltd 2014 european journal of pharmacology Vol.723 No.-

Mepivacaine is an aminoamide local anesthetic that produces vasoconstriction in vivo and in vitro. The goals of this in vitro study were to determine whether mepivacaine-induced contraction involves calcium sensitization in isolated endothelium-denuded aortas, and to investigate the specific protein kinases involved. The effects of mepivacaine and potassium chloride on intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca<SUP>2+</SUP>]<SUB>i</SUB>) and tension in the presence or absence of Y-27632 or GF 109203X were measured simultaneously using the acetoxymethyl ester of fura-2-loaded aortic strips. Cumulative mepivacaine concentration-response curves were generated in the presence or absence of the following inhibitors: Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor GF 109203X, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor PD 98059, c-Jun NH<SUB>2</SUB>-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor SB 203580. Phosphorylation of PKC and MAPK, and membrane translocation of Rho kinase were detected in vascular smooth muscle cells by Western blotting. The slope of the mepivacaine-induced [Ca<SUP>2+</SUP>]<SUB>i</SUB>-tension curve was higher than that of the KCl-induced [Ca<SUP>2+</SUP>]<SUB>i</SUB>-tension curve. Pretreatment with Y-27632 or GF 109203X shifted the mepivacaine-induced [Ca<SUP>2+</SUP>]<SUB>i</SUB>-tension curve to the lower right. Pretreatment with Y-27632, GF 109203X, PD 98059, or SP600125 attenuated mepivacaine-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner. Y-27632 and GF 109203X attenuated mepivacaine-induced Rho kinase membrane translocation and PKC phosphorylation, respectively. PD 98059 and SP600125 attenuated mepivacaine-induced ERK and JNK phosphorylation, respectively. Taken together, these results indicate that mepivacaine-induced contraction involves increased calcium sensitization mediated by Rho kinase and PKC. Such contraction mainly involves activation of ERK- and JNK-mediated pathways.

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.

Catalpol suppresses advanced glycation end-products-induced inflammatory responses through inhibition of reactive oxygen species in human monocytic THP-1 cells

Choi, H.J.,Jang, H.J.,Chung, T.W.,Jeong, S.I.,Cha, J.,Choi, J.Y.,Han, C.W.,Jang, Y.S.,Joo, M.,Jeong, H.S.,Ha, K.T. Elsevier 2013 Fitoterapia Vol.86 No.-

Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) play a pivotal role in the development of diabetic complications by inducing inflammation. We previously reported that the fresh roots of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch., which have been used for the treatment of diabetes in traditional Korean medicine, also have the potential to suppress AGE-mediated inflammatory response in THP-1 cells. In the present study, we isolated catalpol from R. glutinosa, and examined whether it has anti-inflammatory effects on AGE-stimulated THP-1 cells. Catalpol reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory mediates, such as monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), and receptor for AGE (RAGE). Promoter and electromobility shift assays showed that transcriptional activation of NF-κB was significantly reduced by catalpol treatment, while AP-1 was not. Catalpol also suppressed AGE-induced phosphorylation of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases, degradation of IκBα and the nuclear localization of NF-κB. Moreover, the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) elicited by AGE was also suppressed by catalpol treatment, through dual action of reducing ROS itself and inhibiting NADPH oxidase activity. Our findings indicate that catalpol suppresses AGE-mediated inflammation by inhibiting ROS production and NF-κB activity. We suggest that catalpol, a major constituent of the fresh roots of R. glutinosa, contributes to the prevention of AGE-mediated diabetic complications.

肺結核에서의 Nitroblue Tetrazolium 色素還元에 關한 硏究

최인영,최영희,최진학 한일병원 1976 한일병원 임상잡지 Vol.5 No.1

"교통사고 발생에 대한 역학적 고찰"

최창욱,이병일,김연일,최순용 순천향대학교 1987 논문집 Vol.10 No.2

A retrospective study has been made of 916 cases of road traffic casualties who were treated at the Soon Chun Hyang Univ. Hospital between July, 1984 t6o December, 1985. This study was conducted to find out the nature and pattern of the traffic accident from the clinical and epidemiological standpoint. The aim of this study was not to indicate direct preventive measures but to focus attention on fields in which best results should be given by the preventive measures. The results obtained were as follows : 1. In this survey, male dominated in number(male : female=1.7 : 1). The highest incidence was in th age group between 21-30 year(23.4%) and younger age group showed 61%(ages between 21-50 years). 2. The prominence of accident victims according to the level of education was high school and primary school(32.8%, 29.8'%). The high incidence were in office workers, students, and drivers were the commonest victim in car passenger accidents. 3. The high incidence was during 5 PM to 10 PM(36.6%), coincidence with day time (10 AM to 5 PM, 23.5%). After free of suspension of traffic, accident incidence was increased to three times before that(8.5%). 4. Causalties showed a maximum during the summer vacation, and weather was relatively good. 5. About 27.8% of total passenger causalties sustained injury at highway, and 22.8% of pedestrian injury were developed at pedestrian's crossings. 6. About 20.2% of injured drivers were in drunken state on arrival, and 27.1% pedestrians were also drunken. 7. Over 47.9% of all causalties were injured by passenger car accidents, and 24.5% by bus and 21.7% by truck and other type of specific vehicles. 8. The highest portion of trauma risk was front seat area. 9. Only 6.2% of the passengers taken seat belt at passenger traffic accidents. 10. The duration between time of injury and arrival at hospital was commonly one hour*18.3%), meat of them was transported by taxi and bus. 11. The highest incidence of the associated injury was head injury(48.9%), the second was plastic injury. 12. In orthopaedic injury, tibia and fibular fracture was most common.

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.

변곡점 및 단구간 에너지평가에 의한 음성의 천이구간 특징분석

최일홍,장승관,차태호,최웅세,김창석 한국음성과학회 1998 음성과학 Vol.3 No.-

In this paper, I would like to propose a dividing method by estimating the inflection points and the average magnitude energy in speech signals. The method proposed in this paper gave not only a satisfactory solution for the problems on dividing method by zero-crossing rate, but could estimate the feature of the transient period after dividing the starting point and transient period in speech signals before steady state. In the results of the experiment carried out with monosyllable speech, it ws found that even through speech samples indicated in D.C. level, the staring and ending point of the speech signals were exactly divided by the method. In addition to the results, I could compare with the features, such as the length of transient period, the short term energy, the frequency characteristics, in each speech signal. Keywords: inflection points, speech signal, transient period, short-term energy