• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
• /
• v.46 no.12
• /
• pp.1224-1229
• /
• 2003

Purpose : Bacterial meningitis is a serious disease, especially in the neonatal period, and it carries a significant degree of mortality and morbidity. Group B streptococcus(GBS) is a common cause of neonatal bacterial meningitis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical manifestations, treatment results and complications of GBS meningitis. Methods : We analyzed 29 cases retrospectively who had been admitted to the pediatric ward or NICU in Asan Medical Center from May 1990 to January 2002. They had proven GBS in culture or latex agglutination test in CSF. Results : The male to female ratio was 1 : 1.9. There were two cases of early onset type and 27 cases of late onset type. All cases had normal birth weight with full term at delivery. The perinatal predisposing factors were premature rupture of membrane(two cases), and maternal colonization(two cases). The most common presenting symptoms were fever and irritability. Associated diseases were GBS sepsis(21 cases). There was relatively high sensitivity to penicillin derivatives. There were abnormal brain CT or MRI findings in 16 cases(64%), such as infarction, encephalomalatic change, effusion, hydrocephalus, hemorrhage and abscess. The intensive care unit admission rate and the incidence of DIC were higher in the group with complications. Two cases were discharged against advice. Conclusion : We recommend early detection and active treatment in Group B streptococcal meningitis to improve the prognosis.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.21 no.8
• /
• pp.1134-1141
• /
• 2011

Transmembrane protein 21 (TMP21) is a member of the p24 cargo protein family and has been shown to modulate ${\alpha}$-secretase-mediated A${\beta}$ production which was specifically observed in the brains of subjects with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In order to investigate whether TMP21 could affect nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor signaling pathway, the alteration of NGF receptors and their downstream proteins were detected in TMP21 over-expressed cells. CMV/hTMP21 vector used in this study was successfully expressed into TMP21 proteins in B35 cells after lipofectamin transfection. Expressed TMP21 proteins induced the down-regulation of ${\gamma}$-secretase complex components including Presenlin-1 (PS-1), PS-2, Nicastrin (NST), Pen-2 and APH-1. Also, the expression level of NGF receptor $p75^{NTR}$ and RhoA were significantly higher in CMV/hTMP21 transfectants than vehicle transfectants, while their levels returned to vehicle levels after NGF treatment. However, the phosphorylation of NGF receptor TrkA was dramtically decreased in NGF No-treated CMV/hTMP21 transfectants compared with vehicle transfectants, and increased in NGF treated CMV/hTMP21 transfectants. In TrkA downstream signaling pathway, the phosphorylation level of ERK was also decreased in CMV/hTMP21 transfectants, while the phosphorylation of Akt was increased in the same transfectants. Furthermore, NGF treatment induced the increase of phosphorylation level of Akt and ERK in CMV/hTMP21 transfectants. Therefore, these results suggested that over-expression of TMP21may simultaneously induce the up-regulation of $p75^{NTR}$/RhoA expression and the down-regulation of TrkA/ERK phosphorylation through the inhibition of ${\gamma}$-secretase activity.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.17 no.1
• /
• pp.23-29
• /
• 2010

Purpose : Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is the most common disease during the infantile period, therefore early diagnosis and treatment are important. Pyuria is a useful clinical parameter for the initial diagnosis of a UTI. In this study we aimed to compare the clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings in relation to the duration of pyuria in infants with UTIs. Methods : Three hundred seventy-four infants <12 months of age who were admitted between January 1995 and December 2005 for the first episode of a febrile UTI were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the duration of pyuria as follows: group 1, pyuria resolved <3 days after initial treatment; and group 2, pyuria lasted at least 3 days after initial treatment. Results : There were no significant differences between the two groups in relation to gender, age, total duration of fever, and organisms in the urine. Group 2 had a significantly higher peripheral blood leukocyte count ($14,360.86{\pm}5,526.16cells/mm^3$ vs. $11,822.55{\pm}5,687.26cells/mm^3$, P <0.001), erythrocyte sedimentation rate ($32.81{\pm}19.34mm/hr$ vs. $23.74{\pm}20.43mm/hr$, P <0.001), and C-reactive protein ($6.84{\pm}5.68mg/dL$ vs. $3.78{\pm}3.99mg/dL$, P <0.001) than group 1. There was a significantly higher incidence of hydronephrosis and a higher grade of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) in group 2 compared to group 1. Conclusion : In infants with UTI, pyuria of longer duration is related to severe UTI and higher grade VUR, therefore aggressive radiologic studies may be necessary.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.15 no.1
• /
• pp.36-44
• /
• 2008

Purpose : Orbital cellulitis is rare, but it could be from the serious complication of sinusitis in children. It is often difficult to distinguish periorbital cellulitis from orbital cellulitis. The purpose of this study is to describe the clinical features of orbital and periorbital cellulitis in a pediatric population and to assess the predisposing factors and their complications. Methods : Forty-one patients aged 18 years and younger who were admitted between January 2000 and December 2006 to Hanil General Hospital and Kyunghee University Hospital with orbital or periorbital cellulitis. The retrospective analyses included clinical characteristics of orbital and periorbital cellulitis, dermographics, past history, predisposing factors, clinical presentations, treatments, and complications. Results : Among 41 patients, 34 patients had periorbital cellulitis, 7 patients had orbital cellulitis. While paranasal sinus disease was the most common predisposing cause in orbital cases, skin lesion, insect bite, dacrocystitis and conjunctivitis were the common causes in periorbital cases. In comparison with periorbital cases, orbital cases had higher level of white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein. Blood cultures were taken in 23 patients, but only one had Staphylococcus aureus from blood. Only one case had surgical incision and drainage and recovered without complications. Conclusion : From the results of our data, when patient shows erythematous swelling of periorbital area with opthalmoplegia, chemosis and proptosis, orbital CT scan is required to make diagnosis of orbital cellulitis. Most cases of orbital cellulitis can be treated successfully without surgical intervention. If there is no clinical improvement, repeated CT scan and/or surgical intervention should be considered.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.11 no.1
• /
• pp.90-100
• /
• 2004

Objective : Urinary tract infection(UTI) is a frequent serious bacterial infection in young infants. The clinical presentation may be non-specific and variable, depends on factors such as the age and the level of infection. Children with renal involvement may be at risk of permanent renal damage. Experimental studies have shown that renal lesions caused by acute febrile UTI may be prevented or diminished by early diagnosis and treatment. Therefore, it is important to find a method that can permit early diagnosis and identification of patients who are at risk for progressive renal damage. We designed this study to identify related factors in culture positive UTI infants, and also to identify related factors in culture negative UTI infants, who are febrile with pyuria, by using renal imaging and functional studies including renal sonography, DMSA scan and VCUG. Methods : Retrospectively analyzed the medical records of 136 febrile infants with pyuria over 2 years(from January 2001 to February 2003). Urine culture was done in all cases, and regardless of urine culture findings, renal imaging study was done if symptomatic UTI suspected. Results : Total 57 organisms were isolated in 53 patients. E. coli was the most common organism(86%), followed by E. faecalis, M. morganii, Proteus species, P. aeruginosa, S. aureus and E. fergusonii. Most of the isolates had high sensitivity on cephalosporins or amikacin and had low sensitivities on aminopenicillins. Abnormal acute phase DMSA scan or VCUG findings were seen in both urine culture positive and negative group without statistical differences(P>0.05). In febrile infants with pyuria, fever over 48 hours, older age and high CRP related to abnormal acute phase DMSA scan findings regardless urine culture results. Conclusion : 1st or 3rd generation cephalosporins with amikacin could be the first choice of treatment for UTI. Febrile infants with positive urine culture dose mean urinary tract infection but not acute pyelonephritis which directly relates to cortical damage which could be confirmed by acute phase DMSA scan. Even cases with negative urine culture findings, acute pyelonephritis should be concerned in febrile infants with pyuria who are older than 3 months of age, has fever over 48 hours or high CRP level. And in such cases, acute phase DMSA scan and VCUG should be evaluated for early treatment and long term prognosis.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.54 no.4
• /
• pp.403-414
• /
• 2003

Background : Proteasome inhibitors can promote either cell survival or programmed cell death, depending on both the specific type and proliferative status of the cell. However, it is not well known whether inhibition of proteasome activity is related to apoptosis in lung cancer cells. In addition, the exact mechanisms responsible for apoptosis induced by proteasome inhibition are not well understood. In the present study, we have examined the effect of proteasome inhibition on lung cancer cells and tried to test the mechanisms that may be associated with the apoptosis of these cells. Methods : We examined the effect of proteasome inhibition with MG132 or PS-341 on cell survival in A549 and NCI-H157 lung cancer cells using MTT assay, and analyzed the cleavage of PARP by Western blot analysis to find evidence of apoptosis. Next, we evaluated the activation of caspase 3 by Western blot analysis and the activity of JNK by immunocomplex kinase assay. We also examined the changes in anti-apoptotic pathways like ERK and cIAP1 by Western blot analysis after inhibition of proteasome function. Results : We demonstrated that MG132 reduced cell survival by inducing apoptosis in A549 and NCI-H157 cells. Proteasome inhibition with MG132 or PS-341 was associated with activation of caspase 3 and JNK, reduced expression of activated ERK, and downregulation of cIAP1. Conclusion : Apoptosis induced by proteasome inhibition may be associated with the activation of pro-apoptotic pathways like caspase 3 and JNK and the inactivation of anti-apoptotic pathways in lung cancer cells.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Tobacco Science Conference
• /
• 1997.10a
• /
• pp.134-152
• /
• 1997

Plant viruses of tobacco including tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and potato virus Y (PVY) cause severe economic losses in leaf-tobacco production. Cultural practices do not provide sufficient control against the viruses. Use of valuable resistant cultivars is most recommendable for the control of the viruses. However, conventional breeding programs are not always proper for the development of virus-resistant plants mostly owing to the frequent lack of genetic sources and introduction of their unwanted properties. Therefore, we tried to develop virus-resistant tobacco plants by transforming commercial tobacco cultivars, NC 82 and Burley 21, with coat protein (CP) or replicase (Nlb) genes of TMV and PVY necrosis strain (PVY-VN) with or without untranslated region (UTR) and with or without mutation. Each cDNA was cloned and inserted in plant expression vectors with 1 or 2 CaMV 35S promotors, and introduced into tobacco leaf tissues by Agrobacterium tumefaciens LBA 4404. Plants were regenerated in kanamycin-containing MS media. Regenerated plants were tested for resistance to TMV and PVY In these studies, we could obtain a TMV-resistant transgenic line transformed with TMV CP and 6 genetic lines with PVY-VN cDNAs out of 8 CP and replicase genes. In this presentation, resistance rates, verification of gene introduction in resistant plants, stability of resistance through generations, characteristics of viral multiplication and translocation in resistant plants, and resistance responses relative to inoculum potential and to various PVY strains will be shown. Yield and quality of leaf tobacco of a promising resistant tobacco line will be presented.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.40 no.4
• /
• pp.449-454
• /
• 2008

This research examined whether feeding single extracts or complex extracts of Bulnesia sarmienti, together with a high fat diet, could improve serum lipid levels and reduce fat mass in rats. Test groups were fed the extracts, combined with a high fat diet, for eight weeks, and subdivided into seven groups: normal, control, and five treatment groups (BS: B. sarmienti extracts; BS-S: B. sarmienti and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge extracts; BS-M: B. sarmienti and Morus alba Linne extracts; BS-SM1: B. sarmienti, Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge and Morus alba Linne extracts; and BS-SM2: BS-SM1 extracts at a 2-fold concentration). After feeding the test substance for 8 weeks, no significant differences were found for food intake, water intake, change in body weight, or food efficiency ratios (FER) among the groups. However, serum LDL-cholesterol had increased by 14.1% in the BS-S group. When compared with the control group, total cholesterol levels in the BS, BS-S, BS-M, BS-SM1, and BS-SM2 groups were reduced by 36.0, 14.5, 40.4, 17.5, and 22.5%, respectively, with the greatest change shown in the BS-M group. In terms of triglycerides, levels in BS, BS-S, BS-M, BS-SM1, and BS-SM2 had decreased by 41.9, 8.5, 62.3, 17.7, and 14.5%, respectively. Compared to the control group, the BS group showed a significant decrease in fat mass. In conclusion, the BS and BS-M groups showed significant effects with respect to improved serum lipid profiles and body fat mass when they were fed a high fat diet in combination with the respective extracts.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Food Culture
• /
• v.6 no.2
• /
• pp.215-222
• /
• 1991

The difference between Kimchi, Japanese pickles, Korean Salted and fermented fish intestines and Japanese Salted and fermented fish intestines was investigated by comparising composition of inorganic cation in them. A high-performance liqid chromatography was used for the determination of Na, K, Ca and Mg in Kimchi, Japanese pickles and Salted and fermented fish intestines. The Kimchi samples analyzed were produced in the home, in the restaurant, in the nunnery and by food manufactures in Korea, and the pickles used were produced by food manufactures in Japan, and Salted and fermented fish intestines used were produced by food manufactures in Korea or Japan. The results obtained were summarized as following: (1) Sodium chloride in Kimchi was $1.8{\pm}0.37%$, $2.8{\pm}0.60%$ in Asazuke, Japanese picles which the fresh vegitables was seasoned with sodium chloride and seasoning, $1.8{\pm}0.32%$ in Japanese Kimchi, Japanese pickles which the fresh vegitables was seasoned with the mixture of sodium chloride, garlic powder, red peper's powder and seasoning, $5.3{\pm}0.66%$ in Shoyu Zuke, Japanese pickles which the salted vegetables was seasoned with sodium chloride and seasoning after desalting. (2) Na/K value in Kimchi was $1.7{\pm}0.17$ and $4.6{\pm}1.44$ in Asazuke, $2.6{\pm}0.85$ in Japanese Kimchi and $27.3{\pm}6.79$ in Shoyu zuke respectively. (3) Kimchi contained more K and Ca than Japanese pickles. (4) Kimchi remarkably contained the Ca originating to salted and fermented fish intestines. As the results of this study, it was presumed that while Kimchi and Japanese pickles is well known as a food that contributed to high blood pressure, Kimchi and Japanese Kimchi might not cause the high blood pressure because they have an excellent balance of Na/K value and low Na content. And also it was considered that these differences might be caused by the difference of th food taste between and Korean and Japanese people.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
• /
• v.17 no.4
• /
• pp.299-306
• /
• 1999

Purpose : The human genetic disorder ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is a multisystem disease characterized by extreme radiosensitivity. The recent identification of the gene mutated in AT, ATM, and the demonstration that it encodes a homologous domain of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K), the catalytic subunit of an enzyme involved in transmitting signals from the cell surface to the nucleus, provide support for a role of this gene in signal transduction. Although ionizing radiation was known to induce c-fos transcription, nothing is known about how ATM or PKCI mediated signal transduction pathway modulates the c-fos gene transcription and gene expression. Here we have studied the effect of PKCI on radiation sensitivity and c-fos transcription in normal and AT cells. Materials and Methods: Normal (LM217) and AT (AT5BIVA) cells were transfected with PKCI expression plasmid and the overexpression and integration of PKCI was evaluated by northern blotting and polymerase chain reaction, respectively. 5 Gy of radiation was exposed to LM and AT cells transfected with PKCI expression plasmid and cells were harvested 48 hours after radiation and investigated apoptosis with TUNEL method. The c-fos transcription activity was studied by performing CAT assay of reporter gene after transfection of c-fos CAT plasmid into AT and LM cells. Results: Our results demonstrate for the first time a role of PKCI on the radiation sensitivity and c-fos expression in LM and AT cells. PKCI increased radiation induced apoptosis in LM cells but reduced apoptosis in AT cells. The basal c-fos transcription activity is 70 times lower in AT cells than that in LM cells. The c-fos transcription activity was repressed by overexpression of PKCI in LM cells but not in AT cells. After induction of c-fos by Ras protein, overexpression of PKCI repressed c-fos transcription in LM cells but not in AT cells Conclusion: Overexpression of PKCI increased radiation sensitivity and repressed c-fos transcription in LM cells but not in AT cells. The results may be a. reason of increased radiation sensitivity of AT cells. PKCI may be involved in an ionizing radiation induced signal transduction pathway responsible for radiation sensitivity and c-fos transcription. The data also provided evidence for novel transcriptional difference between LM and AT cells.