• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2003

Type II collagen (CII), major component of hyaline cartilage, has been considered as an auto-antigen in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the clinical and biological significances with regard to the CII autoimmunity need to be clarified in human RA. The presence of antibodies to CII has been identified in sera, synovial fluid, and cartilage of patients with RA. In our study, the increased titer of IgG anti-CII in sera was well correlated with C-reactive protein, suggesting that this antibody may reflect the inflammatory status of RA. The titer of anti-CII antibodies (anti-CII Abs) tended to be higher in early stages of diseases. In our extending study, among 997 patients with RA, 269 (27.0%) were positive for circulatory IgG antibody to CII, those levels were fluctuated over time. It is hard to assess the significant amount of T cell responses to CII and CII (255~274) in RA. By using a sensitive method of antigen specific mixed lymphocyte culture, we can detect the presence of CII-reactive T cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of RA patients. Sixty seven (46.9%) of 143 patients showed positive CII reactive T cell responses to CII or CII (255~274). The frequencies of CII reactive T cells were more prominent in inflamed synovial fluid (SF) than in peripheral blood. These T cells could be clonally expanded after consecutive stimulation of CII with feeding of autologous irradiated antigen presenting cells (APC). Moreover, the production of Th1-related cytokine, such as IFN-${\gamma}$, was strongly up-regulated by CII reactive T cells. These data suggest that T cells responding to CII, which are probably presenting the IFN-${\gamma}$ producing cells, may play an important role in the perpetuation of inflammatory process in RA. To evaluate the effector function of CII reactive T cells, we investigated the effect of CII reactive T cells and fibroblasts-like synoviocytes (FLS) interaction on the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. When the CII reactive T cells were co-cultured with FLS, the production of IL-15 and TNF-${\alpha}$ from FLS were significantly increased (2 to 3 fold increase) and this increase was clearly presented in accord to the expansion of CII reactive T cells. In addition, the production of IFN-${\gamma}$ and IL-17, T cell derived cytokines, were also increased by the co-incubation of CII reactive T cells with FLS. We also examined the impact of CII reactive T cells on chemokines production. When FLS were co-cultured with CII stimulated T cells, the production of IL-8, MCP-1, and MIP-1${\alpha}$ were significantly enhanced. The increased production of these chemokines was strongly correlated with increase the frequency of CII reactive T cells. Conclusively, immune response to CII was frequently found in RA. Activated T cells in response to CII contributed to increase the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which were critical for inflammatory responses in RA. The interaction of CII-reactive T cells with FLS further augmented this phenomenon. Taken together, our recent studies have suggested that autoimmunity to CII could play a crucial role not only in the initiation but amplification/perpetuation of inflammatory process in human RA.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.35 no.5
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• pp.324-333
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• 2001

Purpose: $^{123}I$-labeled fatty acids have been used in the evaluation of regional myocardial energy metabolism. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of $^{123}I$-BMIPP as a liposarcoma-imaging agent. Materials and Methods: We compared in vitro uptakes between liposarcoma(SW872) and glioma(9L) cell lines, and examined biodistribution and in vivo images of $^{123}I$-BMIPP in liposarcoma-bearing nude mice. Cold-BMIPP was labeled with $^{123}I\;using\;Cu^{2+}$ as catalyst. After purification by Sep-pak, radiochemical purity was determined by TLC. We compared cellular uptake between glioma and liposarcoma after incubation of 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 120, and 180 mins with culture medium containing $^{123}I$-BMIPP. The difference in biodistribution was determined between non-feeding (water only) group for 18 hr and feeding group in normal mice (n=6/group) at 0.5, 2, and 24 hr. In liposarcoma-hearing nude mice model, liposarcoma, SW872, ceil lines were injected subcutaneously into the felt thigh of nude mice. The biodistribution of $^{123}I$-BMIPP was evaluated at 0.5, 2, and 24 hr (n:5 / group) and in vivo Image of $^{123}I$-BMIPP was obtained with gamma camera at 2 and 24 hr in liposarcoma-hearing nude mice. Results: Radiolabeling yield and radiochemical purity were 95% and above 99%, respectively. SW872 cell line showed more increased uptake than 9L with 1.5 times at 180 mins. The clearance of $^{123}I$-BMIPP in various tissues was more delayed in the non-feeding group than in the feeding group, especially at delayed time (24 hr) in normal mice, and the major excreting organ was the gastrointestinal tract. In liposarcoma-bearing nude mice, tumor/blood ratio of $^{123}I$-BMIPP was 0.94, 0.75, and 1.38 and tumor/muscle ratio was 0.66, 1.53, and 1.11 at 0.5, 2, and 24hr, respectively. $^{123}I$-BMIPP was selectively localized in liposarcoma at 24 hr image. Conclusions: These results suggest that $^{123}I$-BMIPP can be used as a liposarcoma-imaging agent.

• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.38-45
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• 2012

Purpose: The incidence of community-acquired urinary tract infection (UTI) due to extended-spectrum ${\beta}$-lactamase producing $Escherichia$ $coli$ (ESBL(+) $E.$ $coli$) has increased worldwide. ESBL causes resistance to various types of the newer ${\beta}$-lactam antibiotics, including the expanded spectrum cephalosporins and monobactams. We aimed to investigate the severity of UTI and associated genitourinary malformations in children with febrile UTI caused by ESBL(+) $E.$ $coli$. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 290 patients diagnosed as febrile UTI caused by $E.$ $coli$ between January 2008 and October 2010 at Korea University Medical center. We classified the patients into two groups with ESBL(+) and ESBL(-) $E.$ $coli$ group according to the sensitivity of urine culture. Fever duration, admission period, white blood cell (WBC) counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) in peripheral blood, the presence of hydronephrosis, cortical defects, vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal scar were compared between the two groups. Results: Patients with ESBL(+) $E.$ $coli$ were 32, and those with ESBL(-) $E.$ $coli$ were 258. If we excluded those tested with a sterile urine bag, patients with ESBL(+) $E.$ $coli$ were 22, and those with ESBL(-) $E.$ $coli$ were 212. Whether the results of sterile urine bag tests were included or not, there was no significant difference in all parameters between the two groups statistically. Conclusion: Our data shows that ESBL(+) $E.$ $coli$ may not be related to the severity of UTI and associated genitourinary malformations.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.123-130
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• 1995

This study was performed to obtain the basic data on the serum components of several marine fish species commonly cultured in Korea. Blood samples taken from five species of fish were analyzed for various components of serum, total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (CHOL), glucose (GLC), sodium (Na). Potassium (K), chloride (Cl), Phosphorus (P), lipase (LIPA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). The fish used were coho salmon(Oncorhynchus kisutch), rock fish (Sebastes schlegeli), sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus), olive flounder ( Paralichthys olivaceus) and parrot fish (Oplegnathus fasciatuss) reared at the Chungmu Experimental Fish Culture Satation of KORDI. TP concentration of warm-water species (2.9-5.1 g/dl) was higher than that of cold-water species, and ALB concentration was ranged at the level of 1.2-1.9 g/dl. Coho salmon showed the highest ration of A/G(1.1), and the other species were about 0.5-0.6. The concentrations of TG and CHOL, components of lipids, varied with the different species. The concentration of TG was high, but CHOL concentration was low in olive flounder, while the reversed results were shown by sea bass. The sum of these two components was the highest with 600mg/d1 in olive flounder, and about 400mg/d1 for sea bass and rock fish, and 300mg/d1 for parrot lish and coho salmon. Concentration ot GLC in coho salmon and rock fish ranged from 61 to 76mg/d1 which were about lour times higher than that of flounder. The highest lipase activity was observed in coho salmon, while it was nearly nil in flounder. The reversed tendency was found for TG concentration. Mineral concentrations of Na, Cl and K were 160-204 mmol/l, 137-183mmo1/1 and 0.5-3.1 mmol/l, respectively, but no significant difference between the species was observed. However, the concentrations of P were high in relatively active species such as coho salmon and rockfish. AST activity in all species examined was higher than that of ALT with being highest in coho salmon. The highest ALT activity was found in olive flounder.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.34 no.2
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• pp.91-97
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• 2001

The effects of sudden changes of water temperature (WT) on the stress response and physiological change of the cultured olive flounder in large (FL) and small (FS) size, and fat cod (FC) were examined by manipulating WT (2 types) in a flow through seawater culture system with 6 tanks (water vol. 270 L/tank). The WT was decreased from $20^{\circ}C$ to $10^{\circ}C$ within 5 hours ($2^{\circ}C/hour$) and maintained at $10^{\circ}C$ for 21 hours (Exp. I), and it was raised from $20^{\circ}C$ to $30^{\circ}C$ within 5 hours and maintained at $30^{\circ}C$ for 21 hours (Exp.II). In Exp. I, the levels of blood hematocrit at 5 hours ($10^{\circ}C$) in FS was significantly decreased from $13.5\pm2.0\%\;to\;11.3\pm2.3\%$, but FC at 2.5 hours ($15^{\circ}C$) ($19.0\pm0.3\%\;to\;23.2\pm3.8\%$) was increased, The blood hemoglobin concentration of all fish in Exp, II was significantly increased until 8 hours after raising WT from $20^{\circ}C$ to $30^{\circ}C$. In Exp. I and II , the levels of plasma cortisol in FL, FS and FC was changed from $5.2\pm8.5ng/mL,\;4.4\pm4.5ng/mL\;and\;2.7\pm0.4ng/mL$, respectively, before sudden drop and rise of WT. The levels of plasma cortisol of in FL ($164.0\pm53.1ng/mL$) and FC ($207.9\pm25.4ng/mL$) were significantly increased by the lowering WT sharply during whole experiment. The FL ($12.6\pm2.0ng/mL$) and FS ($4.0\pm3.9ng/mL$) showed no significant differences in cortisol level according to sudden rise of WT (5 hours). But it in FC ($44.7\pm18.2ng/mL$) was increased. In Exp. I, the plasma glucose levels of all fish groups were decreased after 5 hours ($10^{\circ}C$), The plasma lactic acid concentration of FL and FS showed no significant differences until 5 hours after raising WT from $20^{\circ}C$ to $30^{\circ}C$, But it in FC was significantly increased with WT raise.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.465-472
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• 2001

The effects of water level reduction in rearing tank and fish transference during fish selection process on the stress response (hematological factors, cortisol, glucose, lactic acid and osmolality) of tank-reared olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus of large (FL), small (FS) and Japanese croaker, Nibea japonica (JC) were examined in running seawater culture system. The water level of rearing unit was lowered from 33 cm to 8 cm in the course of 2 minutes in the water level reduction experiment. The fish were removed from rearing tank (12 ton) to 450 L tank in 30 seconds after capture in the fish transference experiment, In water level reduction, the hematocrit of FL was significantly increased from $14.6\%$ at beginning to $23.5\%$ after 10 hours, However, it decreased to the value of beginning after 46 hours. Plasma cortisol concentration of FL was the highest concentration (13.7 ng/mL) after 22 hours, but it decreased to 4.0 ng/mL at the end of experiment. Cortisol concentration of FS did not show any significant difference during the experiment. The cortisol concentration of JC were significantly higher at 4 hours (282.3 ng/mL) and 22 hours (350.5 ng/mL), Glucose concentration of JC was the highest (138.0 mg/dL) at 22 hours. Lactic acid concentration was not different between experimental groups. In the fish transference experiment, red blood cell of FL was increased from $1.9\times10^6\;cell/{\mu}\;L\;to\;4.2\times10^6\;cell/{\mu}L$ in 24 hours. Blood hemoglobin of JC were significantly elevated in 24 hours. At 1 hour after transference, plasma cortisol concentrations in both fish species were increased to 95.3 ng/mL in FL and 175.5 ng/mL in JC. Glucose concentration of JC was increased to 132.5 mg/dL at 1 hour, 129.5 mg/dL at 3 hours after transference.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.50 no.12
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• pp.1194-1199
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• 2007

Purpose : It was generally accepted now a days that the pathogenesis of preeclampsia, small for gestational age (SGA), intrauterine growth retardation and fetal origin of adult diseases were related with a endothelial cell dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to know the relation of such diseases by assessing the level of endothelin-1. Methods : SGA babies, newborns of preeclampsia and normal control mother were included in this study. Isolated endothelial cells were centrifugated and mixed with media in $37^{\circ}C$, 5% $CO_2$ to obtain confluent monolayer of cultured human umbilical venous endothelial cell (HUVEC). Endothelin-1 levels were determined by Endothelin-1 colorimetric (EIA) Kits. We examined the endothelin-1 level in the HUVEC supernatants from SGA baby, and newborns from preeclampsia as well as normal mother. Also, we compared the endothelin-1 level of cultured normal HUVEC incubated with serum from cord blood of SGA, babies of preeclampsia or normal control mother. Results : The endothelin-1 levels in cultured HUVEC supernatants of three groups showed no significant difference but the endothelin-1 levels of cultured normal HUVEC incubated with serum from preeclampsia mother or SGA mother was significantly higher than those from newborns of control mothers (P<0.05). Conclusion : These findings suggest that there may be the factor which affect the endothelin-1 level in serum of cord blood from SGA and preeclampsia.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.619-623
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• 2005

Purpose : Bacteremia in immunocompromised pediatric cancer patients can lead to high morbidity and mortality, if not treated early and properly. The incidence and antibiotic sensitivities to common pathogens of bacteremia in pediatric cancer patients are liable to change, according to region and time. We investigated the causative organisms and antibiotic sensitivities of bacteremia in pediatric cancer patients to assess the adequacy of empiric antimicrobial therapy. Methods : From September 1995 to August 2003, we retrospectively evaluated 58 episodes in 39 pediatric cancer patients with bacteremia treated at the Pediatric Department of Yeungnam University Hospital. We investigated and analyzed the causative organisms and the antibiotic sensitivity test results by reviewing the records of the microbiologically proven positive blood culture results. Results : The incidence of bacteremia in pediatric cancer patients in this study was 5.7 percent (58 episodes out of 1,022 occasions of blood cultures). Gram-positive organisms were isolated more often than gram-negative organisms (63.8 percent vs 36.2 percent) in the following order : Staphylococcus epidermidis (37.9 percent), Staphylococcus aureus (17.3 percent), Escherichia coli (12 percent), Streptococcus (8.6 percent), Enterobacter (6.9 percent), Klesiella (6.9 percent), Serratia (3.5 percent), Acinetobacter (3.5 percent), Proteus (1.7 percent) and Morganella morganii (1.7 percent). In antibiotic sensitivity tests, only six of 37 isolates (16 percent) of gram positive bacteria were sensitive to penicillin and 15 of 37 isolates (40 percent) were sensitive to oxacillin. All except one Staphylococcus aureus were sensitive to vancomycin and all except one Staphylococcus epidermidis were sensitive to teicoplanin among 37 isolates of gram positive bacteria. In the case of gram negative bacteria, two of 21 isolates (10 percent) and four of 21 isolates (19 percent) were sensitive to cefotaxime and ceftazidime, respectively. Only six of 21 isolates (29 percent) were sensitive to aminoglycoside, but all 21 isolates (100 percent) were sensitive to imipenem. All seven isolates tested after the year 2000 were sensitive to meropenem. Conclusion : In conclusion, we should choose the proper antimicrobials in treating pediatric cancer patients with suspected bacteremia, reflecting the increasing episodes of gram positive bacteremia and polymicrobial resistance of gram positive and negative organisms.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.48 no.10
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• pp.1107-1115
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• 2005

Purpose : An outbreak of ESBL-producing Shigella sonnei enteritis was unprecedented not only in Korea but throughout the world in the past. We intended to devise a management guideline for ESBL-producing shigellosis based on analysis of clinical manifestations and response to therapy. Methods : We analyzed 103 patients who were admitted to the hospital with acute GI symptoms and were shown positive result for S. sonnei on stool culture. We performed sensitivity test to the antibiotics and DNA sequencing of ESBL gene in the isolated S. sonnei colonies. In addition, we retrospectively analyzed their clinical characteristics, laboratory results, and clinical and microbiological responses to the antibiotics. Results : Among the clinical manifestations, fever was the most frequent(96.1%), followed by diarrhea(93.2%), abdominal pain(76.7%), headache(71.8%), vomiting(65.0%), and nausea(41.7%). The fever was sustained for average of 2.0 days and diarrhea for 3.9 days. Watery diarrhea was the most common(69%) followed by mucoid(26%), and bloody stool(5%). On peripheral blood smear, leukocytosis was noted in 53.4% of patients, and 78.6% of patients tested positive for serum CRP response. On stool direct smear, 11.7% of patients showed more than 50 WBCs/HPF, and 9.7% of patients between 5 to 20 WBCs/HPF. Stool occult blood was positive in 71% of patients. Production of CTX-M-14 type ESBL was reported for all S. sonnei strains isolated from this outbreak. Microbiological eradication rates to various antibiotics were as follows : 100%(9/9) to ciprofloxacin, 100% 5/5) to azithromycin, 6.9%(5/72) to cefdinir, 0%(0/8) to ceftriaxone, 12.5%(1/8) to ceftizoxime, 0%(0/ 8) to TMP/SMX, 42.9%(3/7) to ampicillin/sulbactam, 20%(1/5) to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, and 68.8 %(11/16) to imipenem/cilastatin. Conclusion : It is presumed that azithromycin can be an attractive option for the treatment of ESBL-producing S. sonnei enteritis in pediatric population, given its cost-effectiveness and safety. Although ciprofloxacin is another cost-effective agent, its use in pediatric population may be a bit too premature.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.83-90
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• 2007

Purpose: In this study, it was investigated whether commercially produced beer is able to prevent a lymphocyte from radiation induced apoptosis. Materials and Methods: Whole blood samples were acquired from 5 healthy volunteers (male, 26$\sim$38 years old) and the lymphocyte were isolated by density gradient centrifugation. Radiation induced apoptosis of the lymphocyte were investigated by 0.5 Gy, 1.0 Gy, 2.0 Gy, 3.0 Gy to 5.0 Gy irradiation. In some experiments, the donor drunk beer and then blood samples were collected. In other experiments, melatonin or glycine betain was added to lymphocyte culture medium. Treated or untreated lymphocytes were cultured for 60 hours and radiation induced apoptosis of the lymphocyte was analyzed by annexin-V staining through flow cytometery. Results: Relative radiation induced apoptosis ratio of the untreated lymphocytes is 1.22$\pm$1.1, 1.22$\pm$1.1, 1.38$\pm$1.0, 1.47$\pm$1.1, 1.50$\pm$1.2 by radiation dose of 0.5 Gy, 1.0 Gy, 2.0 Gy, 3.0 Gy and 5.0 Gy respectively. Relative radiation induced apoptosis ratio of lymphocytes is isolated from beer drunken donors is 0.97$\pm$1.0, 0.99$\pm$1.0, 1.11$\pm$0.9, 1.29$\pm$1.1, 1.15$\pm$1.1 by radiation doses respectively which are reduced 21.5% compared with untreated lymphocyte. Relative radiation induced apoptosis ratio of the lymphocytes is isolated from non-alcohol beer drunken donors is 1.22$\pm$1.1, 1.17$\pm$1.1, 1.13$\pm$1.3, 1.38$\pm$1.2, 1.32$\pm$1.1 by radiation dose of 0.5 Gy, 1.0 Gy, 2.0 Gy, 3.0 Gy and 5.0 Gy respectively which are reduced 10.8% compared with the untreated lymphocyte. Conclusion: As a result, it is suggested that beer may protect the lymphocyte from radiation damage and inhibit apoptosis.