• Journal of Chest Surgery
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.82-88
• /
• 2008

Background: Descending necrotizing mediastinitis (DNM) is a serious disease originating in odontogenic or oropharyngeal infection with high mortality despite adequate antibiotics and aggressive surgery. We analyzed results of treatment for DNM. Material and Method: We studied 8 cases diagnosed as DNM from 1998 to 2007. All patients received emergent surgical drainage and debridement with broad spectrum antibiotics just after diagnosis. Antibiotics were changed after bacterial susceptibility testing. The surgical approach included 2 cases of cervicotomy, 6 cases of cervicotomy, and a thoracotomy. Result: The interval between symptom onset and hospitalization was $4.6{\pm}1.8$ days ($1{\sim}9$ day). DNM originated in 4 cases of odontogenic infection (50%), 2 cases of oropharyngeal infection (25%), and 2 cases of unknown origin (25%). Causative organisms were found in 6 cases; Streptococcus in 4 cases, Staphylococcus in 1 case, and Klebsiella in 1 case. The Endo DNM classification was type I (2 cases), IIA (3 cases), and IIB (3 cases). The incidence of thoracotomy was 75%. The surgical mortality rate was 25% (2/8). The cause of death was multiple organ failure caused by septic shock. All mortality cases received only cervicotomy and aggravated infections after initial drainage. Conclusion: Early diagnosis, immediate surgical drainage, and adequate antibiotics, including covered anaerobes, are required. Thoracotomy should be performed with cervicotomy even for localized DNM.

• Korean Journal of Microbiology
• /
• v.44 no.3
• /
• pp.212-220
• /
• 2008

A Pn10 DNA probe was introduced as a Prevotella nigrescens ATCC $33563^T$-specific DNA probe. In that study, the specificity of the Pn10 was tested with only type or reference strains of 5 oral bacterial species. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the specificity of the Pn10 using the wild type strains of P. nigrescens and is to develop the P. nigrescens ATCC $33563^T$-specific PCR primers based on the nucleotide sequence of the Pn10. The specificity of the Pn10 DNA probe was determined by Southern blot analysis. The nucleotide sequence of Pn10 DNA probes was determined by chain termination method. The PCR primers were designed based on the nucleotide sequence of cloned DNA fragment. The data showed that Pn10 DNA probe were hybridized with the genomic DNAs from P. nigrescens ATCC $33563^T$ and KB6. The Pn10 homologous region, KB6-Pn10, of P. nigrescens KB6 was cloned by PCR and sequenced. The Pn10 and KB6-Pn10 DNA fragments were consisted of 1,875 bp and 1,873 bp, respectively. The percent identity of the two was 98.8% and the divergence of them was 0.6%. The two primer sets (Pn10-F-AC/ Pn10-R-AC and Pn10-F-A/ Pn10-R-A), designed base on the nucleotide sequences of Pn10 DNA probe, were specific to the P. nigrescens ATCC $33563^T$. The two PCR primer sets could detect as little as 4 pg of genomic DNA of P. nigrescens ATCC $33563^T$. These results indicate that the two PCR primer sets have proven useful for the identification of P. nigrescens ATCC $33563^T$, especially with regard to the maintenance of the strain.

• Development and Reproduction
• /
• v.11 no.3
• /
• pp.167-177
• /
• 2007

In the present study, we isolated three human adult stem cells including adipose tissue-derived stem cells(HAD), umbilical cord-derived stem cells(HUC), and amnion-derived stem cells(HAM) and analysed their characteristics. And we examined whether HAD could be used as therapeutical cells for the heart diseases. Both HAM and HUC appeared very similar morphology but HAD was different. Doubling time of HUC was most fast, but total doubling numbers of HUC was same with HAM. Total doubling numbers of HAD was much more than others. Expression patterns of genes and proteins of three human adult stem cells were very similar. Also they were differentiated into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. In addition, they expressed many cardiomyocyte-related genes. But expression pattern of genes is a little different. When HAD were cultivated in the presence or absence of various combinations of BMP and FGF after 5-azacytidine expose for 24 h, expression of Cmlc-1, and ${\alpha}1c$ genes was significantly increased. However, expression of troponin T, troponin I and Kv4.3 genes was not changed. Based on these observations, it is suggested that HAD, HUC, and HAM might be used as potentially therapeutical cells for clinical application.

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.27 no.2
• /
• pp.183-195
• /
• 2002

흑색 색소를 형성하는 그람음성 혐기성 세균은 급성 임상 증상을 가진 환자의 근관에서 자주 발견되는 세균으로서 세균 및 세균의 성분과 산물이 치근단 병소의 생성과 밀접하게 연관된 것으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구는 흑색 색소를 형성하는 그람음성 혐기성 세균 중 가장 발현율이 높은 Prevotella nigrescens가 배양된 세포에 미치는 세포 독성을 연구하고자 하였다. 두 가지 세포주 및 사람의 치은섬유모세포를 일차배양하여 사용하였으며, 세포주에 따른 독성 발현에 차이가 있는지를 비교하였다. P. nigrescens ATCC 33563 표준 균주 및 임상 균주로는 환자의 감염된 근관으로부터 165 rRNA primer를 사용한 중합효소 연쇄반응으로 P. nigrescens 6 균주를 동정하여 사용하였다. 세균배양액, 세균의 초음파 추출단백질 및 lipopolysaccharide (LPS)를 MC3T3-El 조골세포, NIH3T3 섬유모세포 및 치은섬유모세포에 첨가한 후 MTT분석법으로 세포의 활성을 측정하였으며, 세포의 형태학적 변화를 도립현미경으로 관찰하였다. 세균배양액을 100$\mu\textrm{l}$ 첨가한 경우는 세가지 세포주 모두에서 통계적으로 유의하게 세포의 활성을 억제하였다. 세균의 초음파 추출단백질 12.5$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml 와 25$\mu\textrm{g}$/ml 는 NIH3T3세포에 통계적으로 유의한 세포독성을 보였다. 세 가지 세포주에 대한 LPS의 세포 독성 효과는 첨가된 LPS의 농도 및 균주에 따라 다양하게 나타났다. 심하게 손상된 세포는 세포의 단일층이 수축되고 세포가 응집되었으며 세포가 배양용기의 바닥에서 떨어지는 양상이 도립 현미경하에서 관찰되었다. 본 연구의 결과 P. nigrescens가 숙주 반응을 조절하여 치수 및 치근단 병소의 유발 및 악화에 기여하는 세균으로 작용할 수 있음을 시사한다. 조직과 함께 제거하고 포르말린에서 48시간 고정시킨 후 파라핀에 포매한 다음에 micro-tome을 사용하여 6$\mu\textrm{m}$로 serial section을 시행하였다. 정중선 부위의 시편에 Hematoxylin-Eosin staining을 시행한 후 Olsson, Orstavik 그리고 Mjor 등의 방법에 따라 조직학적 변화를 관찰한 후 slight(1), moderate(2), severe inflammation(3)의 단계로 분류하였다. 얻어진 결과를 통계처리 프로그램인 Jandel사의 Sigmastat을 이용하여 Kruskal Wallis Test로 통계처리를 하였다. 결과 : (Table omitted) 결론 : 1) Pulp Canal Sealer를 제외한 모든 군에서 시간이 지남에 따라 유의성 있게 염증이 감소되는 양상을 보였다(p<0.05). 2) Pulp Canal Sealer는 1주, 2주, 12주에서 강한 염증반응을 보였다. 3) AH 26과 AH Plus에서는 1주, 2주에서 강한 염증반응을 보였으나 12주에서는 염증반응이 감소하였다. 4) 새로 개발된 봉함제 Adseal-1,2는 1주, 2주에서는 가장 약한 염증반응을 보이나 4주, 12주 후에는 AH Plus와 비슷한 수준의 염증 반응을 보였다. 5) Pulp Canal Sealer를 제외한 모든 군에서 인정할 만한 생체친화성을 보였다. 6) Adseal-2가 Adseal-1에 비하여 전반적으로 낮은 염증반응을 보였다. 7) 각 군간 결과의 차이에 통계적 유의성은 없었다(p>0.05).mmunity. Then, a hierarchical language is to defeat its own purpose.중 행정부가 북한에 대해 실시한 포용정책이 어떠한 성과를 거두고 어떠한 문제점을 간과하고 있는가에 대해 논의하고, 대북 정책의 새로운 지평을 논의하는 것을 목적으로 하고 있다. 1) 포용 정책은 세계의

• Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics
• /
• v.32 no.2
• /
• pp.102-110
• /
• 2007

The purpose of this study was to obtain the basic information for the improvement of dental environment by investigating the presence of methicillin- or vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA or VRSA) isolated from dental health care workers (DHCWs) and environment of the Chosun University Dental Hospital (CUDH) and a private dental clinic (control group). Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was isolated from anterior nares of 42 DHCWS and 38 sites, unit chairss, x-ray devices, computers, etc., at 10 departments of the CUDH and 20 DHCWs and 11 sites at the private dental clinic. S. aureus was isolated on mannitol salt agar plate and confirmed by PCR with S. aureus species-specific primer. Antimicrobial susceptibility test of clinical isolates of S. aureus against several antibiotics including methicillin (oxacillin) was performed by investigating minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using broth microdilution assay. In addition, PCR was performed to detect the methicillin- or vancomycin-resistant gene. The data showed that one strain of S. aureus was isolated from DHCWs of the CUDH and three strains of S. aureus was isolated from 3 samples of the private dental clinic, respectively. All of the isolates from the CUDH and the private dental clinic had resistance to penicillin G, amoxicillin and vancomycin and susceptibility to oxacillin and ciprofloxacin. The S. aureus strains were already obtained the resistance to penicillin G and amoxicillin. These results suggest that two dental clinics were under relatively safe environment.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
• /
• v.43 no.1
• /
• pp.55-68
• /
• 2010

The seasonal variation of microbial community, based on the bacteria, heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNF), phytoplankton and ciliates, was investigated at three sites in the eutrophic brackish water of Lake Shihwa and its adjacent areas from May 2007 through May 2008. At the upstream-region site St. 1, compared to the other two sites, significantly lower salinities and higher concentrations of nutrients and chlorophyll $\alpha$ (Chl. $\alpha$) were recorded. The annual average abundances of bacteria at St. 1, St. 2 and St. 3 were $6.8{\times}10^6$, $7.4{\times}10^6$ and $4.6{\times}10^6\;cells\;mL^{-1}$, respectively. As for the annual average concentrations of HNF, $19{\times}10^2$, $6.7{\times}10^2$ and $5.9{\times}10^2\;cells\;mL^{-1}$, were recorded in St. 1, St. 2 and St. 3 respectively. The highest ciliate abundance appeared at St. 1 on 29 April, 2008 and in which, 99% were autotrophic ciliate Mesodinium rubrum (Myrionecta rubra). Significant linear correlations between the biomass of bacteria and Chl. $\alpha$ were found, however, no significant relationships between ciliates abudance/biomass and their prey organisms were detected in all three sites, implying relatively low energy transfer efficiencies between them. These results indicated that the trophic relationship between ciliates and their prey organisms in the microbial community might be influenced by indirect route since higher trophic level organisms did not directly correlate to those of lower trophic level, although high primary productions were detected in the eutrophic brackish water of Lake Shihwa and its adjacent areas.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.20 no.1
• /
• pp.103-112
• /
• 2010

Pemetrexed has demonstrated clinical activity in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) as well as other solid tumors. It transports into the cells via reduced folate carrier (RFC) and is polyglutamated by folypolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS). Pemetrexed directly inhibits several folate-dependent enzymes such as thymidylate synthase (TS), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), and glycinamide ribonucleotide formyltransferase (GARFT). We investigated the effects of genetic variations and the expression of RFC, FPGS, TS and DHFR enzymes on drug sensitivity to pemetrexed in NSCLC cells. Polymorphisms in RFC, FPGS, and DHFR were genotyped in four NSCLC cells - A549, PC14, HCC-1588, and H226. Real-time RT-PCR and Western blot was performed to evaluate mRNA transcripts and protein of these genes. The cytotoxicity of pemetrexed was measured by SRB assay. In PC14 and H226 cells, increased mRNA expressions of RFC and FPGS were associated with higher cytotoxicity to pemetrexed. 2R/2R genotype of TS and its increased mRNA expression were associated with drug resistance to pemetrexed in A549 cells, whereas 3R/3R genotype in TS with decreased mRNA expression was associated with higher sensitivity in H226 cells. After pemetrexed treatment, an inverse change of DHFR mRNA and protein expression was found. The strongest linkage disequilibrium (LD) was discovered between-1726C>T and -1188A>C SNP of DHFR gene. Our findings suggest the cytotoxic effect of pemetrexed may be associated with genetic polymorphisms and the expression level of genes involved in pemetrexed metabolisms in NSCLC cells.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.510-518
• /
• 2003

Protective effects of natural components including genistein (4',5,7-trihydroxyisoflavone) from Glycine max MERRILL on the rose-bengal sensitized photohemolysis of human erythrocytes were investigated. Genistein $(10{\sim}100\;{\mu}m)$ suppressed photohemolysis in a concentration-dependent manner, and was more effective than the lipid peroxidation chain blocker, ${\alpha}$-tocopherol (Vit. E). Glycoside of genistein, genistin, the water-soluble antioxidant, L-ascorbate, and the iron chelator, myo-inositol hexaphosphoric acid dodecasodium salt (sodium phytate) did not exhibit protective effect against photohemolysis. L-Ascorbate and sodium phytate stimulated photohemolysis at high concentration $(500\;{\mu}m)$. ${\alpha}$-Carotene 3,3'-diol (lutein), a singlet oxygen $(^1O_2)$ quencher, exhibited pronounced protective effect, an indication that $^1O_2$ is important in photohemolysis sensitized by rose-bengal. Reactive oxygen scavenging activities $(OSC_{50})$ of natural antioxidants including genistein on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in $Fe^{3+}-EDTA/H_2O_2$ system using the luminol-dependent chemiluminescence assay were in the order of sodium phytate > L-ascorbate > ${\alpha}$-tocopherol > genistein > genistin. $OSC_{50}$ value of genistein, genistin, ${\alpha}$-tocopherol, L-ascorbate, and sodium phytate were 41.0, 109.0, 9.0, 5.2, and $0.56{\mu}m$ respectively. The order of free radical (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, DPPH) scavenging activity $(FSC_{50})$ was L-ascorbate > ${\alpha}$-tocopherol > genistein > genistin. These results indicate that genistein can function as an antioxidant in biological systems, particularly skin exposed to solar UV radiation by scavenging $^1O_2$ and other ROS, and to protect cellular membranes against ROS.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
• /
• v.50 no.2
• /
• pp.222-228
• /
• 2001

Backgrounds : Recent technological developments have introduced a new method to identifying M. tuberculosis complex DNA in clinical samples directly. The direct amplification test (DAT) is approved for identifying M. tuberculosis complex in respiratory specimens that are smear-positive for acid-fast bacilli (AFB). When there is a discrepancy between the AFB smear and DAT, no information on their clinical utility is currently available. In this study, the diagnostic reliability of DAT was investigated in suspected pulmonary tuberculosis patients whose sputum AFB smear was negative. Methods : From June 1, 1998 through May 30, 1999, 909 patients with presumed active pulmonary tuberculosis were enrolled. A sputum AFB stain, culture, DAT and/or biopsy were performed. Using the criteria of clinical tuberculosis or confirmed tuberculosis, the positive predictive value of DAT in diagnosing pulmonary tuberculosis was investigated. Results : The positive predictive value of DAT was 82.1% by the clinically active tuberculosis criteria. However, it decreased to 61.5% when diagnosis was restricted to only to culture positive or biopsy proven cases. The false positive rate of DAT was 18.0%. Conclusion : The DAT is a valuable diagnostic method in suspected patients whose sputum AFB is was negative.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.19 no.8
• /
• pp.1073-1080
• /
• 2009

A number of studies have demonstrated that the regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce the risks of colorectal, oesophageal and lung cancers. NSAIDs have been shown to exert their anti-cancer effects through inducing apoptosis in cancer cells. The susceptibility of tumor cells to anti-tumor drug-induced apoptosis appears to depend on the balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic programs such as nuclear factor kB (NF-kB), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt/protein kinase B (PKB) and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathways. We examined the effects of pro-survival PI3K and ERK1/2 signal pathways on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in response to NSAIDs including sulindac sulfide and NS398. We show that simultaneous inhibition of the Akt/PKB and ERK1/2 signal cascades could synergistically enhance the potential pro-apoptotic activities of sulindac sulfide and NS398. Similar enhancement was observed in cells treated with sulindac sulfide or NS398 and 100 ${\mu}$M genistein, an inhibitor of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) that are upstream of PI3K and MEK1/2 signaling. We further demonstrate that NAG-1 is induced and plays a critical role(s) in apoptosis by NSAIDs-based combined treatment. In sum, our results show that combinatorialtreatment of sulindac sulfide or NS398 and genistein results in a highlysynergistic induction of apoptotic cell death to increase the chemopreventive effects of the NSAIDs, sulindac sulfide and NS398.