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>

Viability of sprout seeds as affected by treatment with aqueous chlorine dioxide and dry heat, and reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica on pak choi seeds by sequential treatment with chlorine dioxide, drying, and dry heat

Choi, S.,Beuchat, L.R.,Kim, H.,Ryu, J.H. Academic Press 2016 FOOD MICROBIOLOGY Vol.54 No.-

<P>Germination rates of 11 types of sprout seeds (alfalfa, broccoli, kohlrabi, kyona, mustard, pak choi, red kohlrabi, red radish, red young radish, tatsoi, and violet radish) treated with ClO2 (200 mg/ml, 5 min) or dry-heat (80 degrees C/23% relative humidity [RH], 24 h) were determined. Pak choi, red radish, and tatsoi seeds showed highest tolerance to both ClO2 and dry-heat treatments. Next, pak choi seeds were inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 (5.4 log CFU/g) or Salmonella enterica (4.8 log CFU/g) and sequentially treated with ClO2 (200 mg/ml, 5 min), drying (45 degrees C/23% RH, 24 h), and dry heat (80 degrees C/23% RH, 48 h). E. coli O157:H7 was inactivated, but S. enterica was not eliminated (>3.8 log CFU/g reduction). Pak choi seeds inoculated with the pathogens were treated with ClO2, drying, and dry heat and subsequently sprouted for 5 days. When seeds were not completely decontaminated, initial populations of E. coli O157:H7 and S. enterica on seeds (<1.0 log CFU/g) increased to >5.3 and >8.4 log CFU/g of sprouts, respectively. This study shows that sequential treatments of pak choi seeds with ClO2, drying, and dry heat are effective in reducing large numbers of E. coli O157:H7 and S. enterica without loss of seed viability. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.</P>

Effects of sevoflurane on collagen production and growth factor expression in rats with an excision wound

LEE, H.-J.,KWON, J.-Y.,SHIN, S.-W.,BAEK, S.-H.,CHOI, K.-U.,JEON, Y.-H.,KIM, W.-S.,BAE, J.-H.,CHOI, H.-J.,KIM, H.-K.,BAIK, S.-W. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2010 Acta anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Vol.54 No.7

<P>Background</P><P>Sevoflurane is a widely used inhalation anesthetic, but there are no studies on its effect on the wound-healing process. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of exposure time to sevoflurane on wound healing.</P><P>Method</P><P>Male Sprague–Dawley rats were used. Two circular full-thickness skin defects 8 mm in diameter were made on the dorsum of the rats. The animals were divided into six groups according to exposed gas type and time: S1 (sevoflurane, 1 h), S4 (sevoflurane, 4 h), S8 (sevoflurane, 8 h), O1 (oxygen, 1 h), O4 (oxygen, 4 h), and O8 (oxygen, 8 h). The surface area of the wounds was measured 0, 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery. Separately, the mean blood pressures (MBP) and arterial oxygen pressures (PaO<SUB>2</SUB>) were monitored during the sevoflurane exposure. Collagen type I production and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) expression on the wound surface were analyzed. Routine histological analysis was also performed.</P><P>Result</P><P>Exposure duration to sevoflurane had no influence on MBP and PaO<SUB>2</SUB>. The reduction in wound size and collagen type I production was delayed in S8. The expression of TGF-β1 and bFGF on the wound surface in S8 was significantly attenuated in S8. The histology of the S8 demonstrated a delayed healing status.</P><P>Conclusions</P><P>Prolonged exposure to sevoflurane might alter the inflammatory phase of the wound-healing process by attenuation of growth factor expression such as TGF-β1 and bFGF and subsequently by reduced collagen production.</P>

Role of the Meckel’s Cartilage in Embryonic Mandibular Development of Mice

J. W Choi,S. B Han,J. H Sung,H. I Shin 대한구강악안면병리학회 2005 대한구강악안면병리학회지 Vol.29 No.5

Mecke!'s car t ilage is one of the ea rliest structu re to appear in a mandible derived from the lï rst branchi a l a rch and serves as the primorclium I"or the formation 01‘ mandible‘ mall eus. incus. and sphenomandibular li gament However. its direct role a nd the mechanism in mandibular clevelopment a re not well elucidated. 1'0 address t his Issue‘ we observed morphol ogical and histological changes and gene expression patterns in the Mecke!'s cart ilage 01" a cleveloping mouse. I"rom E13.5 to E18.5 embryos. using skeletal preparation samples a ncl routinely prepa red s lide secti ons for light mi croscopic observation in various sectional planes. The following methods were per |‘ ormecl : H&E staining I"or general hi st이 og i cal observation ‘ Von Kossafor detection of minerali zation. TRAP activ ity staining for locali zaLion 01’ osteoclastic cell s. immunohistochemistry for !Iα@-1 a ncl -9 forevaluati on of enzy matic activity 01" osteoclasLic cell s. a ncl in situ hybricli zation for detection of collagen type 1. Il. ancl X mRNA ex presslon‘ respecLively. AL E1 3.5 Mec kel's cartilage appeared as a V-shaped rod fused a t the micl line and thin minera li zed ma ndibular buccal plaLe was I"ormed lateral to. and at some clistance from. Meckel’s carti lage in an intramembranous ossi lïcation mocle. WiLh the progression of tooth development. t he Meckel’s in carti lage adjacent incisors revealecl hyperLrophi c chonclrocyte di ff"er entiation with minerali zation of the chondroid matrix. The Meckel’s car Li lage was replacecl with bone by o~ L eoc l asLs . showing strong immunoreact ivity for MMP- l ancl -9 from E16 5 Wi Lh ti me‘ Lhis bony replacement of Meckel's cartilage in an endochondral ossification mode was ex Lenclecl up Lo the mid-porLion of Lhe molar sockets til l EI8.5. The bony replacement of minera li zed hypertrophic chondrocyte zone expressing X collagen mHNA conLri buted to the formation of thick mandibular lingual plate . 1'hese f"i ndings suggesL LhaL mandibular formalion and development is closely relatecl with not only Mecke!'s carLi lage. buL also wiLh Lhc developing LooLh. and thaL C'erLai n in f"l uence from the developing tooth may play a role in detcrmin in g Lhe faLc of Meckel’s ca rLi lage cluring ma ndi bular development.

Serum lactoferrin level as a serologic biomarker for allergic rhinitis

Choi, G. -S.,Shin, S. -Y.,Kim, J. -H.,Lee, H. -Y.,Palikhe, N. S.,Ye, Y. -M.,Kim, S. -H.,Park, H. -S. Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2010 Clinical and experimental allergy Vol.40 No.3

<P>Summary</P><P>Background</P><P>Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a very common disease and a risk factor for allergic asthma. The discovery of new biomarkers for the early detection of AR would improve the clinical outcomes and reduce socio-economic burden. We sought to identify a novel serologic marker for detection of AR using a proteomic approach.</P><P>Methods</P><P>To identify the proteins involved in AR, comparative proteomics was applied using nasal lavage fluids (NLFs) taken before and after a nasal provocation test (NPT) with <I>Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus</I> (<I>Dpt</I>) in a subject with AR sensitized to <I>Dpt</I>. The clinical relevance of the identified proteins was evaluated by ELISA using NLFs and sera from the three study groups: <I>Dpt</I>-sensitive AR; asymptomatic <I>Dpt</I>-sensitive controls; and non-atopic healthy controls. The sensitivities and specificities of the candidate proteins for predicting AR were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.</P><P>Results</P><P>In proteomic analysis, lactoferrin expression was up-regulated after NPT. The validation study using ELISA showed a significantly lower serum lactoferrin level in the AR group than those of the other two groups (<I>P</I><0.05, respectively). To discriminate between subjects with or without AR, the optimal serum cut-off level of lactoferrin was set at <307 ng/mL using the ROC curve. The sensitivity and specificity for predicting AR were 81.4% and 58%. When combined with serum <I>Dpt</I>-specific IgE level, the sensitivity and specificity for predicting AR were 76.7% and 79.2%.</P><P>Conclusion</P><P>These results suggest that the serum lactoferrin level is associated with the phenotype of <I>Dpt</I>-sensitive AR, and in combination with the serum <I>Dpt</I>-specific IgE level, may be a potential serologic marker for early detection of AR.</P><P><I>Cite this as</I>: G.-S. Choi, S.-Y. Shin, J.-H. Kim, H.-Y. Lee, N. S. Palikhe, Y.-M. Ye, S.-H. Kim and H.-S. Park, <I>Clinical & Experimental Allergy</I>, 2010 (40) 403–410.</P>

Survival and colonization of <i>Escherichia coli</i> O157:H7 on spinach leaves as affected by inoculum level and carrier, temperature and relative humidity

Choi, S.,Bang, J.,Kim, H.,Beuchat, L.R.,Ryu, J.‐,H Blackwell Publishing Ltd 2011 Journal of applied microbiology Vol.111 No.6

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P><B>Aims: </B> To determine survival and colonization of <I>Escherichia coli</I> O157:H7 on spinach leaves as affected by inoculum level and carrier, temperature and relative humidity (r.h.).</P><P><B>Methods and Results: </B> Spinach leaves were inoculated with suspensions of <I>E.?coli</I> O157:H7 in distilled water (DW) and 0·1% peptone water (PW) and incubated at 4, 12 and 25°C and 43, 85 and 100% r.h. The number of <I>E.?coli</I> O157:H7 on leaves (5·6 or 1·9 log CFU per leaf) inoculated using DW as a carrier medium increased significantly at 25°C and 100% r.h. within 120 h but remained constant or decreased significantly under other test conditions. <I>E.?coli</I> O157:H7 on leaves (5·4 log CFU per leaf) inoculated using PW as a carrier increased significantly within 72 and 24 h, respectively, at 12 or 25°C and 100% r.h.; counts using a low inoculum (2·2 log CFU per leaf) increased significantly within 24 h at 25°C.</P><P><B>Conclusions: </B> <I>Escherichia coli</I> O157:H7 can colonize on spinach leaves at 12 or 25°C in a 100% r.h. environment. Organic matter in the inoculum carrier may provide protection and nutrients which enhance survival and colonization.</P><P><B>Significance and Impact of the Study: </B> Colonization of <I>E.?coli</I> O157:H7 on spinach leaves as affected by organic matter in the inoculum, temperature and r.h. was determined. These observations will be useful when developing strategies to prevent growth of <I>E.?coli</I> O157:H7 on pre‐ and postharvest spinach.</P>

Prediction of stone-free status and complication rates after tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a comparative and retrospective study using three stone-scoring systems and preoperative parameters

Choi, S. W.,Bae, W. J.,Ha, U. S.,Hong, S. H.,Lee, J. Y.,Kim, S. W.,Cho, H. J. Springer Science + Business Media 2017 World journal of urology Vol.35 No.3

<P>To investigate the factors predictive of surgical outcomes of tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (TPCNL) and to compare the predictability and accuracy of the Guy's stone score, S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry, and CROES nomogram. We reviewed retrospectively the surgical outcomes recorded consecutively and imaging data of preoperative computed tomography scans of 141 patients who had undergone TPCNL from June 2012 to October 2015. Guy's, S.T.O.N.E., and CROES stone-scoring systems (SSSs) and other prognostic factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. The initial stone-free and complication rates after TPCNL were 78.7 (111/141) and 17.0 % (24/141). On univariate analysis, all three scoring systems were identified as significant factors in terms of stone-free rate (SFR). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the Guy's stone score and stone burden 385 mm(2) had significant correlations with stone-free status [odds ratios (OR) = 3.220, p = 0.001 and OR = 6.451, p = 0.002, respectively]. Guy's stone score (OR = 1.879, p = 0.013) was an independent risk factor for the development of complications. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the Guy's, S.T.O.N.E., and CROES SSSs and stone burden showed good results (0.821, 0.816, 0.820, and 0.800, respectively). Pairwise comparison of ROC curves showed that there was no significant difference between each final score and stone burden. Of the three scoring systems, Guy's stone score was the only significant predictive factor for SFR and complication rates after TPCNL in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Stone burden was significantly associated with a postoperative stone-free status (SFS).</P>

Genetic relationship of H3 subtype avian influenza viruses isolated from domestic ducks and wild birds in Korea and their pathogenic potential in chickens and ducks

Choi, J.G.,Kang, H.M.,Kim, M.C.,Paek, M.R.,Kim, H.R.,Kim, B.S.,Kwon, J.H.,Kim, J.H.,Lee, Y.J. Elsevier Scientific Pub. Co 2012 Veterinary microbiology Vol.155 No.2

The H3 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) is one of the most frequently isolated subtypes in domestic ducks, live poultry markets, and wild birds in Korea. In 2002-2009, a total of 45 H3 subtype AIVs were isolated from the feces of clinically normal domestic ducks (n=28) and wild birds (n=17). The most prevalent subtypes in domestic ducks were H3N2 (35.7%), H3N6 (35.7%), H3N8 (25.0%), and H3N1 (3.6%, novel subtype in domestic duck in Korea). In contrast, H3N8 (70.6%) is the most prevalent subtype in wild birds in Korea. In the phylogenetic analysis, HA genes of the Korean H3 AIVs were divided into 3 groups (Korean duck, wild bird 1, and wild bird 2) and all viruses of duck origin except one were clustered in a single group. However, other genes showed extensive diversity and at least 17 genotypes were circulating in domestic ducks in Korea. When the analysis expanded to viruses of wild bird origin, the genetic diversity of Korean H3 AIVs became more complicated. Extensive reassortments may have occurred in H3 subtype influenza viruses in Korea. When we inoculated chickens and ducks with six selected viruses, some of the viruses replicated efficiently without pre-adaptation and shed a significant amount of viruses through oropharyngeal and cloacal routes. This raised concerns that H3 subtype AIV could be a new subtype in chickens in Korea. Continuous surveillance is needed to prepare the advent of a novel subtype AIV in Korea.

Comparison of contractile mechanisms of sphingosylphosphorylcholine and sphingosine-1-phosphate in rabbit coronary artery

Choi, S.-K.,Ahn, D.-S.,Lee, Y.-H. Oxford University Press 2009 Cardiovascular research Vol.82 No.2

<P>AIMS: Although stimulation with sphingosylphosphorylcholine (SPC) or sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) generally leads to similar vascular responses, the contractile patterns and their underlying signalling mechanisms are often distinct. We investigated the different reliance upon Ca2+-dependent and Ca2+-sensitizing mechanisms of constriction in response to SPC or S1P in coronary arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS: Contractile responses, changes in [Ca2+]i, and phosphorylation of myosin light chain phosphatase-targeting subunit (MYPT1) were measured. SPC induced a concentration-dependent sustained contraction. S1P evoked a rapid rise in force (initial transient), which was followed by a secondary sustained force. In the absence of extracellular Ca2+, the concentration dependency of constriction to SPC was shifted to the right, but with no change in maximum force, whereas S1P-induced contraction was significantly blunted. Cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) significantly decreased the initial transient force induced by S1P. In isolated single cells, S1P markedly increased [Ca2+]i, whereas only a modest elevation was noted with SPC. The S1P-induced elevation of [Ca2+]i was abolished by pre-treatment with CPA and was significantly reduced in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. In beta-escin-permeabilized strips, SPC augmented pCa 6.3-induced force; this was significantly inhibited by fasudil hydrochloride. S1P induced little or no augmentation of pCa 6.3-induced force. In intact arteries, SPC-induced contraction was completely inhibited by fasudil hydrochloride. Fasudil hydrochloride had no effect on the initial transient force induced by S1P but significantly inhibited the secondary sustained force. SPC induced a several-fold increase in Thr696 and Thr853 phosphorylation of MYPT1, but S1P did not affect phosphorylation of MYPT1. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that constriction of coronary arteries in response to the bioactive lipid S1P or SPC occurs by distinct signalling pathways. Activation of the RhoA/RhoA-associated kinase pathway and subsequent phosphorylation of MYPT1 play a key role in SPC-induced coronary contraction, whereas elevation of [Ca2+]i is crucial for S1P-induced coronary constriction.</P>

Surveillance of avian influenza virus in wild bird fecal samples from South Korea, 2003-2008.

Kang, H M,Jeong, O M,Kim, M C,Kwon, J S,Paek, M R,Choi, J G,Lee, E K,Kim, Y J,Kwon, J H,Lee, Y J [Wildlife Disease Association] 2010 JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE DISEASES Vol.46 No.3

<P>We analyzed the results from nationwide surveillance of avian influenza (AI) from birds in South Korea's major wild bird habitats and the demilitarized zone of South Korea, 2003-2008. Of 28,214 fecal samples analyzed, 225 yielded influenza viruses, for a prevalence of 0.8%. Hemagglutinin (HA) subtypes H1-H12 and all nine neuraminidase (NA) subtypes were detected. The dominant HA subtypes were H6, H1, and H4, and the most common NA subtypes were N2, N1, and N6. Among the 38 HA/NA subtype combinations, the most common were H4N6, H6N1, and H5N2. Thirty-seven low-pathogenic AI (LPAI) viruses of the H5 and H7 subtype were detected. Among them, we identified bird species for 16 H5- and H7-positive fecal samples using a DNA bar-coding system instituted in 2007; all birds were identified as Anseriformes. The HA gene of the H5 wild bird isolates belonged to the Eurasian avian lineage, and could be clearly distinguished from the sublineage H5N1 highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) of the Eurasian and American avian lineages. Whereas H7 LPAI viruses did not group as a separate sublineage with H7 HPAI viruses, H7 isolates were closely related with the Eurasian avian lineage.</P>