• BMB Reports
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.217-231
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• 2011

T cell exhaustion develops under conditions of antigen-persistence caused by infection with various chronic pathogens, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and myco-bacterium tuberculosis (TB), or by the development of cancer. T cell exhaustion is characterized by stepwise and progressive loss of T cell function, which is probably the main reason for the failed immunological control of chronic pathogens and cancers. Recent observations have detailed some of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence the severity of T cell exhaustion. Duration and magnitude of antigenic activation of T cells might be associated with up-regulation of inhibitory receptors, which is a major intrinsic factor of T cell exhaustion. Extrinsic factors might include the production of suppressive cytokines, T cell priming by either non-professional antigenpresenting cells (APCs) or tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs), and alteration of regulatory T (Treg) cells. Further investigation of the cellular and molecular processes behind the development of T cell exhaustion can reveal therapeutic targets and strategies for the treatment of chronic infections and cancers. Here, we report the properties and the mechanisms of T cell exhaustion in a chronic environment.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.183-191
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• 2020

Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a symbiotic association of a fungus with a photosynthetic partner (the photobiont or phycobiont), usually either a green alga or cyanobacterium. According to more recent studies, the biological activities of lichens and lichen substances include an antibiotic activity, antitumor and antimutagenic activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), allergenic activity, plant growth inhibitory activity, and enzyme inhibitory activity. This study screened lichen extracts with a potent in vitro antifungal activity against plant diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi. The compounds were isolated from Stereocaulon alpinum and Sphaerophorus globosus, and their chemical structures were identified as methyl hematommate, methyl β-orsellinate, 5-hydroxyferulic acid, sphaerophorin, and 2-heptyl-4,6-dimethoxybenzoic acid by electron ionization mass spectrometry (EI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectral analyses. In vitro disease control against Alternaria mali, Cochliobolus miyabeanus, Colletotrium gloeosporioides, and Verticillum dahliae was evaluated. And among the five compounds, only methyl hematommate was effective against A. mali, C. miyabeanus, and C. gloeosporioides. The compounds were isolated from these lichens, which have a similar biosynthetic pathway, respectively. This is the first report of these compounds being isolated from these lichens.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.65 no.6
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• pp.527-531
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• 2008

Although disseminated cryptococcosis occurs most commonly in immunocompromised patients, particularly those with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, it can occur in immune competent persons. There are no case reports of disseminated cutaneous crytpcoccosis associated with pulmonary tuberculosis in Korea. A 71-year-old female presented with fever and multiple cutaneous nodules. She was finally diagnosed with disseminated cutaneous cryptococcosis accompanied by pulmonary tuberculosis, and was treated successfully with anti-tuberculous medication and fluconazole. She had no apparent predisposing conditions for systemic cryptococcosis. We report this case with a review of the relevant literature.

• Journal of the Korean Magnetic Resonance Society
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.74-92
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• 2005

The high resolution solution structure of MCP-3 was determined using multinuclear, multidimensional NMR spectroscopy with an expressed and $^{13}C-\;and\;^{15}N-labeled$ protein. The MCP-3 has a typical chemokine fold including 3 anti-parallel $\beta-sheets$, and a C-terminal helix, but it exists as a monomer in solution under the conditions where the structure was determined (2 mM, pH 5.1 at $30^{\circ}C$). Based on the structure and the amino acid sequence compared to other chemokines we propose that Ile20 and Leu25 in MCP-3 play key roles in the formation of N-loop (residues between the $2^{nd}$ cysteine and the I sheet) which has been implicated as a determinant of chemokine specificity. Additional receptor binding surface is supplied by the 40s loop (residues between the 2 and the 3 sheet) and the binding interface of the acidic N-terminal region of chemokine receptor to MCP-3 would resemble the dimerization interface of CC type dimer.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.934-940
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• 2023

Syneilesis palmata (SP) is a traditional medicinal plant. SP has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) activities. However, there is currently no research available on the immunostimulatory activity of SP. Therefore, in this study, we report that S. palmata leaves (SPL) activate macrophages. Increased secretion of both immunostimulatory mediators and phagocytic activity was observed in SPL-treated RAW264.7 cells. However, this effect was reversed by the inhibition of TLR2/4. In addition, inhibition of p38 decreased the secretion of immunostimulatory mediators induced by SPL, and inhibition of TLR2/4 decreased the phosphorylation of p38 induced by SPL. SPL augmented p62/SQSTM1 and LC3-II expression. The increase in protein levels of p62/SQSTM1 and LC3-II induced by SPL was decreased by the inhibition of TLR2/4. The results obtained from this study suggest that SPL activates macrophages via TLR2/4-dependent p38 activation and induces autophagy in macrophages via TLR2/4 stimulation.

• Radiation Oncology Journal
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.153-157
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• 2012

Purpose: There has been no definite consensus on standard treatment, either local or systemic, for the Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Radiotherapy (RT) can be a good local therapeutic choice especially in non-AIDS associated KS (NAKS) for its indolent behavior. Materials and Methods: Medical records of 17 KS patients treated with RT at the Seoul National University Hospital from February 1998 to January 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. One human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)+ patient with 3 lesions was excluded. The total number of the lesion was 23 among the 16 patients. The median follow-up period was 27.9 months. Correlation between response and variables was analyzed using the logistic regression model. Median age of the patients was 75 years. All the 23 lesions were located at the extremities. Fourteen (61%) of those had pain or local swelling as the initial presentation. Ten patients had possible causes of immunodeficiency and were regarded as iatrogenic, and other 6 were classic KS. Median dose of RT was 36 Gy. Results: No KS-related death was observed. Excluding 2 with short-term follow-up only, complete response and partial response were obtained in 2 (9%) and 19 (73%) lesions, respectively. Of those, 3 lesions underwent local progression. Six had out-of-field recurrence after RT. Symptom improvement was achieved in 13 (93%) of 14 patients. Grade 2 skin toxicities were found in 9 lesions but all got improvement after treatment. When divided into responsive and progressive group, free from progression was not related to any of the possible variables. Conclusion: RT is effective in local control of NAKS resulting great response rate.

• Journal of Korean Public Health Nursing
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.63-76
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• 1999

The purpose of this study was to provide the basic data for developing a program for effective health education about AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) by investigating the knowledge and attitudes of middle and high school students about AIDS. The subjects were 476 middle school students and 658 high school students from Seoul and Kang Won province. The data were collected from November 19 to December 18. 1996. using a 56-item questionnaire. and analyzed by SAS program for t-test. x2-test. and pearson correlation coefficients. The results were as follows : 1. High school students had more knowledge than middle school students about AIDS. 2. Male. students from Seoul. and students who had drinking experience and smoking experience among middle school students. and male. students from Seoul. and students of non-coeducation among high school students were more knowledgeable about AIDS. 3. Misconceptions about the transmission of AIDS through non-intimate contact were especially common among middle school students. And a high proportion of middle and high school students knew very little about the symptoms of AIDS. 4. High school students had more positive attitudes toward AIDS than middle school students. 5. Students from Seoul and students who had smoking experience among middle school students. and students from Seoul and non-coeducation and students who had substance use experience among high school students were more positive attitudes about AIDS. 6. Most of the middle and high school students agreed that there is a need for AIDS education. 7. Middle and high school students reported that had learned about AIDS mostly from TV. Since students in the middle-school age group are especially at risk for developing AIDS­related behaviors. this study findings suggest that it is crucial to develop school-based AIDS education programs that help students acquire the knowledge and attitudes to adopt and maintain behaviors that reduce the risk of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection and other related health problems.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.1
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• pp.28-36
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• 2024

Objectives: This study investigated the impact of socioeconomic factors and sexual orientation-related attributes on the rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and infection among men who have sex with men (MSM). Methods: A web-based survey, supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea, was conducted among paying members of the leading online portal for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer and questioning (LGBTQ+) community in Korea. The study participants were MSM living in Korea (n=942). COVID-19 vaccination and infection were considered dependent variables, while sexual orientation-related characteristics and adherence to non-pharmacological intervention (NPI) practices served as primary independent variables. To ensure analytical precision, nested logistic regression analyses were employed. These were further refined by dividing respondents into 4 categories based on sexual orientation and disclosure (or "coming-out") status. Results: Among MSM, no definitive association was found between COVID-19 vaccination status and factors such as socioeconomic or sexual orientation-related attributes (with the latter including human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] status, sexual orientation, and disclosure experience). However, key determinants influencing COVID-19 infection were identified. Notably, people living with HIV (PLWH) exhibited a statistically significant predisposition towards COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, greater adherence to NPI practices among MSM corresponded to a lower likelihood of COVID-19 infection. Conclusions: This study underscores the high susceptibility to COVID-19 among PLWH within the LGBTQ+ community relative to their healthy MSM counterparts. Consequently, it is crucial to advocate for tailored preventive strategies, including robust NPIs, to protect these at-risk groups. Such measures are essential in reducing the disparities that may emerge in a post-COVID-19 environment.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.191-197
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• 2005

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Tat protein transduction domain (PTD) is responsible for highly efficient protein transduction across plasma membranes. In a previous study, we showed that Tat-Cu,Zn-superoxide dismutase (Tat-SOD) can be directly transduced into mammalian cells across the lipid membrane barrier. In this study, we fused the human SOD gene with a Tat PTD transduction vector at its N- and/or C-terminus. The fusion proteins (Tat-SOD, SOD-Tat, Tat-SOD-Tat) were purified from Escherichia coli and their ability to enter cells in vitro and in vivo compared by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. The transduction efficiencies and biological activities of the SOD fusion protein with the Tat PTD at either terminus were equivalent and lower than the fusion protein with the Tat PTD at both termini. The availability of a more efficient SOD fusion protein provides a powerful vehicle for therapy in human diseases related to this anti-oxidant enzyme and to reactive oxygen species.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.25 no.6
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• pp.109-117
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• 2020

An edutainment system aims to help learners to recognize problems effectively, grasp and classify important information needed to solve the problems and convey the contents of what they have learned. Edutainment contents can be usefully applied to education and training in the both scientific and industrial areas. Our present work proposes an edutainment system that can be applied to a drug discovery process including virtual screening by using intuitive multi-modal interfaces. In this system, a stereoscopic monitor is used to make three-dimensional (3D) macro-molecular images, with supporting multi-modal interfaces to manipulate 3D models of molecular structures effectively. In this paper, our system can easily solve a docking simulation function, which is one of important virtual drug screening methods, by applying gaming factors. The level-up concept is implemented to realize a bio-game approach, in which the gaming factor depends on number of objects and users. The quality of the proposed system is evaluated with performance comparison in terms of a finishing time of a drug docking process to screen new inhibitors against target proteins of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in an e-drug discovery process.