• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine Technology
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.3-9
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• 2011

Purpose: Generally dual energy X-ray absorptiometry has been used for the purpose of evaluation of osteoporosis and treatment. Recently the interest of obesity came to be high and body percent fat test is increasing. Existing measure of body fat have to scan the whole body can be evaluated, but only lumbar spine and hip measurements was assumed to be whole body fat as well as improving the software. It tries to check whether the part measured value not being whole body measurement has the validity or not compared with the value calculated with the method that it is different, it forgives through a correlation with a (BIA) and (BMI). Materials and Methods: In 2010, the body percent fat was measured among the examinee coming to the Asan Medical Center public health care center from March till August against 90 females more than 40 years old through (DXA) and BIA. BMI utilized the value which wrote an hight and weight measured through the body measuring instrument in the examinee information and is automatically calculated. In addition, it classified as the low weight ($13-18.5kg/m^2$), normal ($18.5-25kg/m^2$), and corpulence ($25-30kg/m^2$) based on BMI and so that it could check whether there was the difference according to the weight or not BMI and BIA and correlation between DXA were analyzed in each group. The statistical program for the analysis used SPSS 12.0. Results: The comparison of DXA at 3 which it divides into the low weight and normal and corpulence groups and BIA did not show the difference noted statistically in all groups and the between group comparison was exposed to do not have a meaning. The body percent fat measured by the correlation analysis result DXA at the state that it doesn't divide into the group showed the high correlation (r=0.908, p0.01) noted statistically compared with BMI and showed the high correlation noted statistically in a comparison with BIA (r=0.927, p0.01). Conclusion: It confirmed that the whole body percent fat presumed from the part bone density measurement showed the excel correlation compared with BIA and BMI and information is high. There is still no clear standard about the presumed whole body percent fat and it is difficult to evaluate the fat evaluation by the bone mineral density measurement. However, it is determined that the information offering which is more objective through the comparative study with the body percent fat which is very efficient and in that it can obtain till the information about a fat as well as diagnosis of the osteoporosis through the bone density checkup is measured by the afterward telegraph bone density checkup and is clinically useful is possible.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.18 no.12
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• pp.1625-1630
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• 2008

A microorganism capable of producing high level of poly-3-hydoxybutyrate (PHB) from xylose was isolated from soil. The isolated strain J-65 was identified as Bacillus megaterium based on the morphological, biochemical and molecular biological characteristics. The optimum temperature and pH for the growth of B. megaterium J-65 were $37^{\circ}C$ and 8.0, respectively. The optimum medium composition for the cell growth was 2% xylose, 0.25% $(NH_4)_2SO_4$, 0.3% $Na_2HPO_4{\cdot}12H_2O$, and 0.1% $KH_2PO_4$. The optimum condition for PHB accumulation was same to the optimum condition for cell growth. Copolymer of ${\beta}$-hydroxybutyric and ${\beta}$-hydroxyvaleric acid was produced when propionic acid was added to shake flasks containing 20 g/l of xylose. Fermenter culture was carried out to produce the high concentration of PHB. In batch culture, cell mass was 9.82 g/l and PHB content was 35% of dry cell weight. PHB produced by B. megaterium J-65 was identified as homopolymer of 3-hydoxybutyric acid by GC and NMR.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.74-81
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• 2016

Ureaplasma species can normally colonize in the bodies of healthy individuals. Their colonization is associated with various diseases including non-gonococcal urethritis, chorioamnionitis, neonatal meningitis, and prematurity. In 2012, the sum of the resistant and intermediate resistant rates of Ureaplasma spp. to ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin was 66.08% and 92.69%, respectively. DNA point mutations in the genes encoding DNA gyrase (topoisomerase II) and topoisomerase IV are commonly responsible for fluoroquinolone resistance. Each enzyme is composed of two subunits encoded by gyrA and gyrB genes for DNA gyrase and parC and parE genes for topoisomerase IV. In the current study, these genes were sequenced in order to determine the role of amino acid substitutions in Ureaplasma spp. clinical isolates. From December 2012 to May 2013, we examined mutation patterns of the quinolone resistance-determining region (QRDR) in Ureaplasma spp. DNA sequences in the QRDR region of Ureaplasma clinical isolates were compared with those of reference strains including U. urealyticum serovar 8 (ATCC 27618) and U. parvum serovar 3 (ATCC 27815). Mutations were detected in all ofloxacin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates, however no mutations were detected in drug-susceptible isolates. Most of the mutations related to fluoroquinolone resistance occurred in the parC gene, causing amino acid substitutions. Newly found amino acid substitutions in this study were Asn481Ser in GyrB; Phe149Leu, Asp150Met, Asp151Ile, and Ser152Val in ParC; and Pro446Ser and Arg448Lys in ParE. Continuous monitoring and accumulation of mutation data in fluoroquinolone-resistant Ureaplasma clinical isolates are essential to determining the tendency and to understanding the mechanisms underlying antimicrobial resistance.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.26-32
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• 2004

Purpose : Hypercoagulability is present in patients with nephrotic syndrome. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1(PAI-1) is a major inhibitor of plasminogen activators. PAI-1 inactivates both tissue plasminogen activator(tPA) and urokinase plasminogen activator(uPA) by rapid formation of inactive 1:1 stoichiometric complexes. Recently some studies showed that the enhanced PAI-1 expression may be involved in the intraglomerular fibrinogen/fibrinrelated antigen deposition seen in nephrotic syndrome. Methods : PAI-1 gene promoter -844(G/A) polymorphism was evaluated in 146 children with minimal change nephrotic syndrome(MCNS) and 230 control subjects. The patients with MCNS were subdivided into 85 infrequent-relapser(IR) group and 61 frequent relapser(FR) group. PCR of PAI-1 gene promoter region including -844(G/A) and RFLP using the restriction enzyme Xhol were performed for each DNA samples extracted from the groups. Results : The distribution of PAI-1 genotype in the control group was G/G 81(32.5%), A/A 42(16.9%), and G/A 126(50.6%). The distribution of PAI-1 genotypes in the IR group of MCNS was G/G 29(34.1%), A/A 15(17.7%), and G/A 41(48.2%). The distribution of PAI-1 genotype in the FR group of MCNS was G/G 17(27.9%), A/A 18(29.5%), and G/A 26(42.6%). There was a significantly increased frequency of A/A genotype(P=0.0251) in the FR group of MCNS. Conclusion : Our results indicate that the PAI-1 gene promoter A/A genotype may be associated with the FR in MCNS.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.52-59
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• 2003

Purpose : The renin-angiotensin system(RAS) plays an important role in renal growth and development. We have studied the prevalence of renal anomalies and documented the association between karyotype and renal anomalies using IVP and ultrasonography. Furthermore, to investigate the impact of RAS gene polymorphism on renal anomaly in Turner syndrome, we examined the ACE I/D genotype, angiotensinogen(AGT) gene M235T, angiotensin receptor type 1(ATR) gene A1166C. Methods : Cytogenetic analysis was performed in 33 Turner syndrome patients on peripheral blood lymphocytes. Ultrasonography(US) of the kidneys and collecting system and intravenous pyelography(IVP) were perfomed in all patients. Nuclear scintigraphy{Tc 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid(DMSA) scan} was also performed for the definite renal diagnosis if indicated. And, ACE I/D genotype, angiotensinogen(AGT) gene M235T, angiotensin receptor type 1(ATR) gene A1166C were examined by PCR amplification of genomic DNA samples. Results : The prevalence of renal anolmalies in Turner syndrome was 36.4%(12/33). The Karyotype 45, X was observed in 18 of the 33 girls(54.5%), of whom 8(44.4%) had renal anomalies. Mosaic karyotypes were observed in 11(33.3%) and four(12.2%) had a non-mosaic structural aberration of the X chromosome. In this group 4(25.7%) had renal anomalies. More renal anomalies were associated with the 45, X karyotype than those with mosaic/structural abnormalities of X chromosome, but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05). And, there was no significant differences in the RAS gene polymorphism and allele frequencies between renal anomaly group and normal group in Turner syndrome. Conclusion : The prevalence of renal anolmalies in Turner syndrome was 36.4%. There is no significant differences in the RAS gene polymorphism and allele frequencies between the renal anomaly group and the normal group in Turner syndrome.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.10-17
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• 2004

Purpose : $Henoch-Sch\"{o}nlein$ purpura(HSP) nephritis has a variable range of prevalence from 25 to 50% among HSP patients and is a common cause of chronic glomerulonephritis in children. In our study, we evaluated the distribution and the association of the angioten-sinogen(AGT) M235T polymorphism with the clinical manifestations, particularly proteinuria in children with HSP with or without nephritis. Methods : The AGT M235T polymorphism was determined in children with HSP nephritis (n=33) or HSP without nephritis(n=28) who had been diagnosed at Busan Paik hospital from January 1996 to June 2001. The M235T polymorphism of the AGT gene was determined by PCR amplification of the genomic DNA. Results : The M235T polymorphism of AGT gene frequency was MM 75%, MT : 25%, TT : 0% in HSP and MM : 64%, MT : 36%, TT : 0% in HSP nephritis, there was no significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies between the two groups. No significant differences in clinical manifestations at onset and last follow-up were seen between the two genotypes. When statistical analysis was done according to the presence of the M allele, the amount of 24-hour urinary protein excretion and the incidence of moderate to heavy proteinuria(>500 $mg/m^2/day$) at onset and at last follow-up were higher in the MT genotype than in those of in the MM genotype but these difference were not statistically significant. Conclusion : We suggest a lack of association between M235T polymorphism of the AGT gene and clinical manifestations in children with HSP nephritis. However, further follow-up studies based on sufficient number of patients and long term follow up periods are necessary to confirm the role of M235T polymorphism of AGT gene in children with HSP nephritis.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.8 no.1
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• pp.33-42
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• 2004

Purpose : Children with nephrotic syndrome(NS) are under high risk for metabolic bone disease(MBD) as a complication of long-term glucocorticoid therapy. We prospectively evaluated the effect of oral bisphosphonate(alendronate) therapy in children with NS, which has proven efficacy in adult patients with glucocorticoid induced MBD. Methods : Among 58 children with NS, aged 5 to 8 years and haying a disease duration of more than 2 years, 30(51.7%) were enrolled to meet the selection criteria, less than -1.0 Z-scores of lumbar spine bone mineral density(BMD) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). These 30 children were divided into three groups and each were assigned to receive alendronate, calcitriol, and no-medication, respectively for one year. Lumbar spine BMD was followed up every 6 months and the biochemical indexes were measured before and 1 year after the treatment. There were no significant difference among groups with respect to the average age, the initial BMD, and the cumulative steroid doses. Analysis of the treatment efficacy was done by the % change of BMD and by the changes in Z-scores of lumbar spine BMD. Results : Mean age and disease duration of patients at the initial lumbar spine BMD evaluation was $7.4{\pm}1.7$ years and $2.2{\pm}1.2$ years, respectively. Twenty-three of 30 children(76%) had osteopenia, and seven(23%) had osteoporosis. There was no difference in the biochemical values among the groups, before and 1 year after the treatment(P<0.05). Twenty two children(73.3%) with frequent relapsing or steroid dependant NS had more frequent MBD, compared to the 8 children(26.6%) with infrequent relapsing NS. The one year % changes of BMD were 8.56 in alendronate group, 5.79 in calcitriol group, and 1.9 in no-medication group. The changes in Z-score of lumbar spine BMD increased in the alendronate group and the calcitriol group, but not in the no-medication group. One year % changes of BMD were different among groups(P=0.0002). Significant differences were found between the alendronate and the no-medication group, and between the calcitriol and the no-medication group(P<0.05). There was no difference between the alendronate and the calcitriol group. No serious adverse effect was observed in the alendronate group. Conclusion : Children with NS receiving high dose steroids are under the high risk of BMD and should undergo regular BMD evaluation. Z-score of lumbar spine BMD was a useful parameter in diagnosing low bone mass in children. Alendronate weekly oral therapy was effective and relatively safe in increasing the lumbar spine BMD in children with NS having steroid induced MBD.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.143-153
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• 2010

Purpose: Recently, massive proteinuria has been observed in some transplant patients after switching cyclosporine A (CsA) to sirolimus. To evaluate the pathogenesis of sirolimus-associated proteinuria, we investigated the early changes in slit diaphragm molecules by various administrative conditions of sirolimus and CsA. Methods: In vitro-Mouse podocytes were incubated with buffer (C), sirolimus ($10\;{\mu}g/mL$) after CsA ($10\;{\mu}g/mL$) (C-S), sirolimus only (S) and CsA and sirolimus simultaneously (C+S) for 12, 24, and 48 hours. In vivo- twenty four SPF female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups buffer (C), sirolimus after 2 weeks of CsA (C-S), sirolimus only (S) and CsA and sirolimus simultaneously (C+S). All groups were treated by intraperitoneal injection every other day for 4 weeks (CsA: 25 mg/kg, sirolimus: 0.5 mg/kg). The changes in mRNA of slit diaphragm molecules were examined by RT-PCR. Results: The mRNA of nephrin was significantly decreased in group C-S and C+S in vitro. In vivo, the mRNA of nephrin in all groups using sirolimus and the mRNA of podocin in group C-S and C+S were decreased. Microscopically, group C-S and C+S showed small vacuolization and calcification in proximal tubular epithelial cells. Immunohistochemistry using nephrin and podocin antibodies did not show remarkable decrease of staining along the glomerular capillaries. Electron-microscopically, focal fusion of foot processes was seen in group C-S and C+S. Conclusion: This study suggests the decrease of slit diaphragm molecules (nephrin and podocin) in podocyte may be one of the causes of sirolimus associated proteinuria, and podocyte injury by sirolimus may need a primary hit by CsA to develop the proteinuria.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.12 no.2
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• pp.143-149
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• 2008

Purpose : Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase(NAG) and beta 2-microglobulin(B2M) is considered to be a marker of tubulointerstitial injury. The aim of this study was to examine the urinary levels of NAG and B2M in children with various renal diseases. Methods : We studied 21 children(8.9$\pm$4.5 years, Male:Female=14:7) and they were divided into three groups: group I(steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome-4 patients), group II(various kinds of glomerulonephritis-4 patients), and group III(normal urinalysis or non-glomerular renal diseases-13 patients). Results : Urinary NAG levels in groups I and II were significantly higher than those in group III(19.4$\pm$11.5 and 30.0$\pm$30.1 vs. 4.7$\pm$3.9, P=0.01), while urinary B2M levels did not differ among the 3 groups, although urinary NAG levels were positively correlated with urinary B2M levels(r=0.49, P=0.03). Urinary NAG and B2M levels were all correlated with proteinuria(r=0.79, P<0.001 and r=0.68, respectively, P=0.001) serum albumin(r=-0.72, P<0.001 and r=-0.57, respectively, P=0.01) and cholesterol(r=0.58, P=0.006 and r=0.56, respectively, P=0.013) levels. Conclusions : Urinary excretions of NAG and B2M are increased in children with steroidsensitive nephrotic syndrome and various kinds of glomerulonephritis, suggesting tubular dysfunction might be present in these diseases.

• Neonatal Medicine
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.213-220
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• 2009

Purpose: Hearing loss is one of the common birth defects in humans, with a reported prevalence of 1-3 per 1000 newborns. We investigated the incidence of hearing loss and evaluated the use of neonatal hearing screening test in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) graduates who are at greater risk for hearing loss than normal newborns. Methods: The neonates admitted to the NICU of Asan Medical Center from 1 March, 2003 to 30 March, 2008 who were available for follow-up were included. Those who failed the first auditory brainstem response prior to discharge were retested with the stapedial reflex test, auditory brainstem response and tympanometry in the Otolaryngology department. Results: Of 2,137 neonates, 2,000 (93.5%) neonates were tested prior to discharge. Sixty-seven neonates (3.4%) failed the first newborn hearing screening test. Of 67 infants, 52 infants were retested for a second hearing test. Excluding 10 infants (19.2%) who were lost during follow-up, 16 infants were confirmed to have hearing impairment of which 12 and 4 infants had unilateral and bilateral hearing loss, respectively. Of 16 infants, 5 did not meet the criteria set by the Korean National Health Insurance Corporation. Conclusion: The prevalence of hearing impairment in NICU graduates is about 0.8%, excluding those who were lost for follow up, necessitating a systemic and effective hearing assessment program among these high risk infants and more generous national insurance coverage.