A case of Sotos syndrome presented with end-stage renal disease due to the posterior urethral valve

Won Im Cho,Jung Min Ko,Hee Gyung Kang,Il Soo Ha,Hae Il Cheong 대한의학유전학회 2014 대한의학유전학회지 Vol.11 No.2

Sotos syndrome (SS, OMIM 117550) is characterized by prenatal and postnatal overgrowth with multiple congenital anomalies. However, there have been few cases of growth retardation caused by renal failure from infancy. We report a case of dysplasia of the bilateral kidneys with renal failure and poor postnatal growth. A 2-month-old boy visited the emergency room owing to poor oral intake and abdominal distension. He was born at the gestational age of 38 weeks with a birth weight of 4,180 g. After birth, he had feeding difficulty and abdominal distension. Upon physical examination, his height and weight were in less than the 3rd percentile, while his head circumference was in the 50th percentile on the growth curve. He also showed a broad and protruding forehead and high hairline. Blood laboratory tests showed severe azotemia; emergent hemodialysis was needed. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed bilateral renal dysplasia with multiple cysts and diffuse bladder wall thickening. A posterior urethral valve was suggested based on vesicoureterography and abdominal magnetic resonance findings. Results of a colon study to rule out congenital megacolon did not reveal any specific findings. The conventional karyotype of the patient was 46, XY. Array comparative genomic hybridization study revealed a chromosome 5q35 microdeletion including the NSD1 gene, based on which SS was diagnosed. We describe a case of SS presenting with end stage renal disease due to posterior urethral valve. The typical somatic overgrowth of SS in the postnatal period was not observed due to chronic renal failure that started in the neonatal period.

Analysis of Reverse Link CApacity of CDMA PCS Microcellular System

Hae Won Son,Jong Min Cheong,Noh Hoon Myung 대한전자공학회 1998 대한전자공학회 학술대회 Vol.1998 No.5

Multi-dimensional bioinspired tactics using an engineered mussel protein glue-based nanofiber conduit for accelerated functional nerve regeneration

Cheong, Hogyun,Kim, Jimin,Kim, Bum Jin,Kim, Eunjin,Park, Hae Yeon,Choi, Bong-Hyuk,Joo, Kye Il,Cho, Mi-La,Rhie, Jong Won,Lee, Jong In,Cha, Hyung Joon Elsevier 2019 Acta Biomaterialia: structure-property-function re Vol.90 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>Limited regenerative capacity of the nervous system makes treating traumatic nerve injuries with conventional polymer-based nerve grafting a challenging task. Consequently, utilizing natural polymers and biomimetic topologies became obvious strategies for nerve conduit designs. As a bioinspired natural polymer from a marine organism, mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) fused with biofunctional peptides from extracellular matrix (ECM) were engineered for accelerated nerve regeneration by enhancing cell adhesion, proliferation, neural differentiation, and neurite formation. To physically promote contact guidance of neural and Schwann cells and to achieve guided nerve regeneration, MAP was fabricated into an electrospun aligned nanofiber conduit by introducing synthetic polymer poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) to control solubility and mechanical property. <I>In vitro</I> and <I>in vivo</I> experiments demonstrated that the multi-dimensional tactics of combining adhesiveness from MAP, integrin-mediated interaction from ECM peptides (in particular, IKVAV derived from laminin α1 chain), and contact guidance from aligned nanofibers synergistically accelerated functional nerve regeneration. Thus, MAP-based multi-dimensional approach provides new opportunities for neural regenerative applications including nerve grafting.</P> <P><B>Statement of significance</B></P> <P>Findings in neural regeneration indicate that a bioinspired polymer-based nerve conduit design should harmoniously constitute various factors, such as biocompatibility, neurotrophic molecule, biodegradability, and contact guidance. Here, we engineered three fusion proteins of mussel-derived adhesive protein with ECM-derived biofunctional peptides to simultaneously provide biocompatibility and integrin-based interactions. In addition, a fabrication of robust aligned nanofiber conduits containing the fusion proteins realized suitable biodegradability and contact guidance. Thus, our multi-dimensional strategy on conduit design provided outstanding biocompatibility, biodegradability, integrin-interaction, and contact guidance to achieve an accelerated functional nerve regeneration. We believe that our bioengineered mussel adhesive protein-based multi-dimensional strategy would offer new insights into the design of nerve tissue engineering biomaterials.</P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Enhanced salt coating on FeS2 surface with the addition of Li2O

Hae-Won Cheong 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2012 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.13 No.S1

The electrolytes in thermal batteries are nonconductive solids at ambient temperature, which prevent the self-discharge and corrosion. To meet severe environmental requirements and guarantee acceptable handling yields, all the pellets in cells should have adequate strength, especially for the cathodes due to their poor binding properties among FeS2 particles. By modifying the surface microstructure of FeS2 through molten-salt heat treatment, the inter-particle binding strength is greatly increased, resulting in the enhanced pellet strength and yield. The addition of Li2O also promoted the soft salt coating coverage of hard FeS2 particles, which can be explained by the enhanced wettability of the molten salt.

BWMK1, a Rice Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, Locates in the Nucleus and Mediates Pathogenesis-Related Gene Expression by Activation of a Transcription Factor

Cheong, Yong-Hwa,Moon, Byeong-Cheol,Kim, Jong-Kyong,Kim, Cha-Young,Kim, Min-Chul,Kim, Ihn-Hyoung,Park, Chan-Young,Kim, jong-Cheol,Park, Byung-Ouk,Koo, Seong-Cheol,Yoon, Hae-Won,Chung, Woo-Sik,Lim, Cha Plant molecular biology and biotechnology research 2004 Plant molecular biology and biotechnology research Vol.2004 No.-

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are known to transduce plant defense signals, but the downstream components of the MAPK have as yet not been elucidated. Here, we report an MAPK from rice (Oryza sativa), BWMK1, and a transcription factor, OsEREBP1, phosphorylated by the kinase. The MAPK carries a TDY phosphorylation motif instead of the more common TEY motif in its kinase domain and has an unusually extended C-terminal domain that is essential to its kinase activity and translocation to the nucleus. The MAPK phosphorylates OsEREBP1 that binds to the GCC box element (AGCCGCC) of the several basic pathogenesis-related gene promoters, which in turn enhances DNA-binding activity of the factor to the cis element in vitro. Transient co-expression of the BWMK1 and OsEREBP1 in Arabidopsis protoplasts elevates the expression of the β-glucuronidase reporter gene driven by the GCC box element. Furthermore, transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants overexpressing BWMK1 expressed many pathogenesis-related genes at higher levels than wild-type plants with an enhanced resistance to pathogens. These findings suggest that MAPKs contribute to plant defense signal transduction by phosphorylating one or more transcription factors.

Surface modified ceramic fiber separators for thermal batteries

Hae-Won Cheong 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2012 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.13 No.S1

A wide range of possible hazards existing in thermal batteries are mainly caused by thermal runaway, which results in overheating or explosion in extreme case. Battery separators ensure the separation between two electrodes and the retention of ion-conductive electrolytes. Thermal runaways in thermal batteries can be significantly reduced by the adoption of these separators. The high operating temperature and the violent reactivity in thermal batteries, however, have limited the introduction of conventional separators. As a substitute for separators, MgO powders have been mostly used as a binder to hold molten salt electrolyte. During recent decades the fabrication technology of ceramic fiber, which has excellent mechanical strength and chemical stability, has undergone significant improvement. In this study we adopted wet-laid nonwoven paper making method instead of the electrospinning method which is costly and troublesome to produce in volume. Polymeric precursor can readily be coated on the surface of wet-laid ceramic paper, and be formed into ceramic film after heat treatment. The mechanical strength and the thermo-chemical stability as well as the wetting behaviors of ceramic separators with various molten salts were investigated to be applicable to thermal batteries. Due to their excellent chemical, mechanical, and electrical properties, wet-laid nonwoven separators made from ceramic fibers have revealed positive possibility as new separators for thermal batteries which operate at high temperature with no conspicuous sign of a short circuit and corrosion.

BWMK1, a Rice Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase, Locates in the Nucleus and Mediates Pathogenesis-Related Gene Expression by Activation of a Transcription Factor

Cheong, Yong-Hwa,Moon, Byeong-Cheol,Kim, Jong-Kyong,Kim, Cha-Young,Kim, Min-Chul,Kim, Ihn-Hyoung,Park, Chan-Young,Kim, Jong-Cheol,Park, Byung-Ouk,Koo, Seong-Cheol,Yoon, Hae-Won,Chung, Woo-Sik,Lim, Cha Plant molecular biology and biotechnology research 2003 Plant molecular biology and biotechnology research Vol.2003 No.-

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are known to transduce plant defense signals, but the downstream components of the MAPK have as yet not been elucidated. Here, we report an MAPK from rice (Oryza sativa), BWMK1, and a transcription factor, OsEREBP1, phosphorylated by the kinase. The MAPK carries a TDY phosphorylation motif instead of the more common TEY motif in its kinase domain and has an unusually extended C-terminal domain that is essential to its kinase activity and translocation to the nucleus. The MAPK phosphorylates OsEREBP1 that binds to the GCC box element (AGCCGCC) of the several basic pathogenesis-related gene promoters, which in turn enhances DNA-binding activity of the factor to the cis element in vitro. Transient co-expression of the BWMK1 and OsEREBP1 in Arabidopsis protoplasts elevates the expression of the β-glucuronidase reporter gene driven by the GCC box element. Furthermore, transgenic tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants overexpressing BWMK1 expressed many pathogenesis-related genes at higher levels than wild-type plants with an enhanced resistance to pathogens. These findings suggest that MAPKs contribute to plant defense signal transduction by phosphorylating one or more transcription factors.

Workload of Healthcare Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak in Korea: A Nationwide Survey

Cheong Hae Suk,Kwon Ki Tae,Hwang Soyoon,Kim Shin-Woo,Chang Hyun-Ha,Park Se Yoon,Kim Bongyoung,이신원,Park Jiho,Heo Sang Taek,Oh Won Sup,Kim Yeonjae,Park Kyung-Hwa,Kang Chang Kyung,Oh NamHee,Lim Su Jin,Yu 대한의학회 2022 Journal of Korean medical science Vol.37 No.6

Background: As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is ongoing, heavy workload of healthcare workers (HCWs) is a concern. This study investigated the workload of HCWs responding to the COVID-19 outbreak in South Korea. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted from September 16 to October 15, 2020, involving 16 healthcare facilities (4 public medical centers, 12 tertiary-care hospitals) that provide treatment for COVID-19 patients. Results: Public medical centers provided the majority (69.4%) of total hospital beds for COVID-19 patients (n = 611), on the other hand, tertiary care hospitals provided the majority (78.9%) of critical care beds (n = 57). The number of beds per doctor (median [IQR]) in public medical centers was higher than in tertiary care hospitals (20.2 [13.0, 29.4] versus 3.0 [1.3, 6.6], P = 0.006). Infectious Diseases physicians are mostly (80%) involved among attending physicians. The number of nurses per patient (median [interquartile range, IQR]) in tertiarycare hospitals was higher than in public medical centers (4.6 [3.4–5] vs. 1.1 [0.8–2.1], P = 0.089). The median number of nurses per patient for COVID-19 patients was higher than the highest national standard in South Korea (3.8 vs. 2 for critical care). All participating healthcare facilities were also operating screening centers, for which a median of 2 doctors, 5 nurses, and 2 administrating staff were necessary. Conclusion: As the severity of COVID-19 patients increases, the number of HCWs required increases. Because the workload of HCWs responding to the COVID-19 outbreak is much greater than other situations, a workforce management plan regarding this perspective is required to prevent burnout of HCWs.

Sensing characteristics and surface reaction mechanism of alcohol sensors based on doped SnO2

Hae-Won Cheong,이만종 한양대학교 세라믹연구소 2006 Journal of Ceramic Processing Research Vol.7 No.3

Using gas chromatographic analyses, the effects of additives (PdCl2, Al2O3, and La2O3) on the alcohol-sensing properties of SnO2-based sensor elements were investigated. Also, the decomposition products of the alcohol gases and their decomposition steps at the surface of the SnO2-based powder elements were analyzed. Ethanol was catalytically oxidized by the SnO2-based powders. With the PdCl2-doped SnO2, the C–C bond clea vage product, methane, was produced. This seems to be related with the significant promotional role of PdCl2-doping in the sensing of ethanol, especially at temperatures below 300 oC. With the La2O3-doped SnO2, relatively large amounts of CO and CO2 were produced, resulting in an enhanced sensitivity. On the other hand, with the Al2O3-doped SnO2, selective dehydration, which consumes the less adsorbed oxygen species ( ), seems to degrade the sensitivity. When exposed to methanol, the SnO2-based sensors showed oxidation products consisting of CO, CO2 and H2O and sensing characteristics similar to those seen with ethanol.

Different therapeutic associations of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors with coronavirus disease 2019 compared with usual pneumonia

( Hae-young Lee ),( Juhee Ahn ),( Juhong Park ),( Chang Kyung Kang ),( Sung-ho Won ),( Dong Wook Kim ),( Jong-heon Park ),( Ki-hyun Chung ),( Joon-sung Joh ),( Ji Hwan Bang ),( Cheong Hee Kang ),( Myo 대한내과학회 2021 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.36 No.3

Background/Aims: Although it is near concluded that renin-angiotensin system inhibitors do not have a harmful effect on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), there is no report about whether angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) offer any protective role. This study aimed to compare the association of ARBs and ACEIs with COVID-19-related mortality. Methods: All patients with COVID-19 in Korea between January 19 and April 16, 2020 were enrolled. The association of ARBs and ACEIs with mortality within 60 days were evaluated. A comparison of hazard ratio (HR) was performed between COVID-19 patients and a retrospective cohort of pneumonia patients hospitalized in 2019 in Korea. Results: Among 10,448 COVID-19 patients, ARBs and ACEIs were prescribed in 1,231 (11.7%) and 57 (0.6%) patients, respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and history of comorbidities, the ARB group showed neutral association (HR, 1.034; 95% CI, 0.765 to 1.399; p = 0.8270) and the ACEI groups showed no significant associations likely owing to the small population size (HR, 0.736; 95% CI, 0.314 to 1.726; p = 0.4810). When comparing HR between COVID-19 patients and a retrospective cohort of patients hospitalized with pneumonia in 2019, the trend of ACEIs showed similar benefits, whereas the protective effect of ARBs observed in the retrospective cohort was absent in COVID-19 patients. Meta-analyses showed significant positive correlation with survival of ACEIs, whereas a neutral association between ARBs and mortality. Conclusions: Although ARBs or ACEIs were not associated with fatal outcomes, potential beneficial effects of ARBs observed in pneumonia were attenuated in COVID-19.