• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.64 no.6
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• pp.414-421
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• 2008

Background: Recently, in addition to multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) has become rapidly growing public health threat. This study examined the clinical differences between pulmonary TB patients with extensively drug resistance (XDR) and multi-drug resistance (MDR) at the National Medical Center in Korea in order to determine the clinical characteristics associated more with XDR-TB than MDR-TB. Methods: Patients who received a diagnosis of culture-confirmed pulmonary TB and a drug sensitivity test (DST) for anti-TB drugs at the National Medical Center between January 2000 and August 2007 were enrolled in this study. The patients were identified into the XDR-TB or MDR-TB group according to the DST results. The clinical characteristics were reviewed retrospectively from the medical records. Statistical analysis for the comparisons was performed using a ${\chi}^2$-test, independent samples t-test or binary logistic regression where appropriate. Results: A total 314 patients with culture-confirmed pulmonary TB were included. Among them, 18 patients (5.7%) had XDR-TB and 69 patients (22%) had MDR-TB excluding XDR-TB. A comparison of the clinical characteristics, revealed the XDR-TB group to have a higher frequency of a prior pulmonary resection for the treatment of TB (odds ratio [OR], 3.974; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.052~15.011; P value 0.032) and longer average previous treatment duration with anti-TB drugs, including a treatment interruption period prior to the diagnosis of XDR, than the MDR-TB group (XDR-TB group, 72.67 months; MDR-TB group, 13.09 months; average treatment duration difference between two groups, 59.582 months; 95% CI, 31.743~87.420; P value, 0.000). In addition, a longer previous treatment duration with anti-TB drugs was significantly associated with XDR-TB (OR, 1.076; 95% CI, 1.038~1.117; P value, 0.000). A comparison of the other clinical characteristics revealed the XDR-TB group to have a higher frequency of male gender, diabetes mellitus (DM), age under 45, treatment interruption history, cavitations on simple chest radiograph and positive result of sputum AFB staining at the time of diagnosis of XDR. However, the association was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Pulmonary TB patients with XDR have a higher frequency of a prior pulmonary resection and longer previous treatment duration with anti-TB drugs than those with MDR. In addition, a longer previous treatment duration with anti-TB drugs is significantly associated with XDR-TB.

• Advances in Traditional Medicine
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• v.3 no.2
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• pp.100-105
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• 2003

Systematic analysis of caffeine from the commercial samples of Indian tea leaves was performed by a routine method and the content of caffeine was found to be 19.0-37.4 mg/100 g leaves. The caffeine contents from coffee seeds and chicory from Indian origin were analyzed and found to be 0.6540-1.4920 g/100 g seeds. Caffeine contents of roasted Indian chicory roots were lower than either those of Indian tea leaves or Indian coffee seeds. The multidrug resistance (MDR) reversing effects were tested on a mouse leukemia cell line of L-5178 cells by methanol extracts [M1-M15] of Indian tea leaves and coffee seeds, comparing to a control of $({\pm})-verapamil$. The effects were measured by fluorescence ratio between treated and untreated group cells. Among fifteen methanol extracts, a Gemini tea [M6] (fluorescence activity ratio 5.26) had the most potent effect for L-5178 cells. The extract M6 was 0.63-fold of $({\pm})-verapamil$. We suggest that one of mechanisms of reversal by M6 might have strong affinity to dopamine $D_1$ and D_2$ receptors. Further studies with many more tumor and normal cell lines are necessary to confirm the MDR reversal specificity of coffee methanol extracts.

• The Korean Journal of Nuclear Medicine
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• v.38 no.1
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• pp.85-98
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• 2004

Purpose: Cellular uptake of $^{99}mTc$-sestamibi (MIBI) and $^{99}mTc$-tetrofosmin (TF) is low in cancer cells expressing multidrug resistance(MDR) by p-glycoprotein(Pgp) or multidrug related protein(MRP). Verapamil is known to increase cellular uptake of MIBI in MDR cancer cells, but is recently reported to have different effects on tracer uptake in certain cancer cells. This study was prepared to evaluate effects of verapamil on cellular uptake of MIBI and TF in several cancer cells. Materials and Methods: Celluar uptakes of Tc-99m MIBI and TF were measured in erythroleukermia K562 cell, breast cancer MCF7 cell, and human ovarian cancer SK-OV-3 cells, and data were compared with those of doxorubicin-resistant K562(Ad) cells. RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used for the detection of mdr1 mRNA and Pgp expression, and to observe changes in isotypes of PKC enzyme. Effects of verapamil on MIBI and TF uptake were evaluated at different concentrations upto $200{\mu}M\;at\;1{\times}10^6\;cells/ml\;at\;37^{\circ}C$. Radioactivity in supernatant and pellet was measured with gamma counter to calculate cellular uptake ratio. Toxicity of verapamil was measured with MTT assay. Results: Cellular uptakes of MIBI and TF were increased by time in four cancer cells studied. Co-incubation with verapamil resulted in an increase in uptake of MIBI and TF in K562(Adr) cell at a concentration of $100{\mu}M$ and the maximal increase at $50{\mu}M$ was 10-times to baseline. In contrast, uptakes of MIBI and TF in K562, MCF7, SK-OV3 cells were decreased with verapamil treatment at a concentration over $1{\mu}M$. With a concentration of $200{\mu}M$ verapamil, MIBI and TF uptakes un K562 cells were decreased to 1.5 % and 2.7% of those without verapamil, respectively. Cellular uptakes of MIBI and TF in MCF7 and SK-OV-3 cells were not changed with $10{\mu}M$, but were also decreased with verapamil higher than $10{\mu}M$, resulting 40% and 5% of baseline at $50{\mu}M$. MTT assay of four cells revealed that K562, MCF7, SK-OV3 were not damaged with verapamil at $200{\mu}M$. Conclusion: Although verapamil increases uptake of MIBI and TF in MDR cancer cells, cellular uptakes were further decreased with verapamil in certain cancer cells, which is not related to cytotoxicity of drug. These results suggest that cellular uptakes of both tracers might differ among different cells, and interpretation of changes in tracer uptake with verapamil in vitro should be different when different cell lines are used.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.77 no.4
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• pp.161-166
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• 2014

Since tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health concern and the incidence of multi-drug resistant (MDR)-TB is increasing globally, new modalities for the detection of TB and drug resistant TB are needed to improve TB control. The Xpert MTB/RIF test can be a valuable new tool for early detection of TB and rifampicin resistance, with a high sensitivity and specificity. Late-generation fluoroquinolones, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin, which are the principal drugs for the treatment of MDR-TB, show equally high efficacy and safety. Systemic steroids may reduce the overall TB mortality attributable to all forms of TB across all organ systems, although inhaled corticosteroids can increase the risk of TB development. Although fixed dose combinations were expected to reduce the risk of drug resistance and increase drug compliance, a recent meta-analysis found that they might actually increase the risk of relapse and treatment failure. Regarding treatment duration, patients with cavitation and culture positivity at 2 months of TB treatment may require more than 6 months of standard treatment. New anti-TB drugs, such as linezolid, bedaquiline, and delamanid, could improve the outcomes in drug-resistant TB. Nontuberculous mycobacterial lung disease has typical clinical and immunological phenotypes. Mycobacterial genotyping may predict disease progression, and whole genome sequencing may reveal the transmission of Mycobacterium abscessus. In refractory Mycobacterium avium complex lung disease, a moxifloxacin-containing regimen was expected to improve the treatment outcome.

• Earthquakes and Structures
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• v.21 no.6
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• pp.627-639
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• 2021

Fragility curves are being more significant as a useful tool for evaluating the relationship between the earthquake intensity measure and the effects of the engineering demand parameter on the buildings. In this paper, the effect of different site conditions on the vulnerability of the structures was examined through the fragility curves taking into account different strength capacities of the precast columns. Thus, typical existing single-story precast RC industrial buildings which were built in Turkey after the year 2000 were examined. The fragility curves for the three typical existing industrial structures were derived from an analytical approach by performing non-linear dynamic analyses considering three different soil conditions. The Park and Ang damage index was used in order to determine the damage level of the members. The spectral acceleration (Sa) was used as the ground motion parameter in the fragility curves. The results indicate that the fragility curves were derived for the structures vary depending on the site conditions. The damage probability of exceedance values increased from stiff site to soft site for any Sa value. This difference increases in long period in examined buildings. In addition, earthquake demand values were calculated by considering the buildings and site conditions, and the effect of the site class on the building damage was evaluated by considering the Mean Damage Ratio parameter (MDR). Achieving fragility curves and MDR curves as a function of spectral acceleration enables a quick and practical risk assessment in existing buildings.

• Atmosphere
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.197-211
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• 2019

The observational sensitivity of dual-polarization weather radar was quantitatively analyzed by using two different pulse widths. For this purpose, test radar scan strategy which consisted of consecutive radar scan using long (LP: $2{\mu}s$) and short (SP: $1{\mu}s$) pulses at the same elevation angle was employed. The test scan strategy was conducted at three operational S-band dual-polarization radars (KSN, JNI, and GSN) of Korea Meteorological Administration (KMA). First, the minimum detectable reflectivity (MDR) was analyzed as a function of range using large data set of reflectivity ($Z_H$) obtained from JNI and GSN radars. The MDR of LP was as much as 7~22 dB smaller than that of SP. The LP could measure $Z_H$ greater than 0 dBZ within the maximum observational range of 240 km. Secondly, polarimetric observations and the spatial extent of radar echo between two pulses were compared. The cross-polar correlation coefficient (${\rho}_{hv}$) from LP was greater than that from SP at weak reflectivity (0~20 dBZ). The ratio of $Z_H$ (> 0 dBZ) and ${\rho}_{hv}$(> 0.95) bin to total bin calculated from LP were greater than those from SP (maximum 7.1% and 13.2%). Thirdly, the frequency of $Z_H$ (FOR) during three precipitation events was analyzed. The FOR of LP was greater than that of SP, and the difference in FOR between them increased with increasing range. We conclude that the use of LP can enhance the sensitivity of polarimetric observations and is more suitable for detecting weak echoes.

• Journal of Microbiology
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• v.44 no.6
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• pp.632-640
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• 2006

In this study, the biodegradative activities of monocyclic aromatic compounds were determined from the multi-drug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii, which were studied in the form of clinical isolates from a hospital in Korea. These bacteria were capable of biodegrading monocyclic aromatic compounds, such as benzoate and p-hydroxybenzoate. In order to determine which pathways are available for biodegradation in these stains, we conducted proteome analyses of benzoate, and p-hydroxybenzoate-cultured A. baumannii DU202, using 2-DE/MS analysis. As genome DB of A. baumannii was not yet available, MS/MS analysis or de novo sequencing methods were employed in the identification of induced proteins. Benzoate branch enzymes [catechol 1,2-dioxygenase (CatA) and benzoate dioxygenase $\alpha$ subunit (BenA)] of the $\beta$-ketoadipate pathway were identified under benzoate culture condition and p-hydroxybenzoate branch enzymes [protocatechuate 3,4-dioxygenas $\alpha$ subunit (PcaG) and 3-carboxy-cis,cis-muconate cycloisomerase (PcaR)] of the $\beta$-ketoadipate pathway were identified under p-hydroxybenzoate culture condition, respectively, thereby suggesting that strain DU202 utilized the $\beta$-ketoadipate pathway for the biodegradation of monocyclic aromatic compounds. The sequence analysis of two purified dioxygenases (CatA and PcaGH) indicated that CatA is closely associated with the CatA of Acinetobacter radiresistance, but PcaGH is only moderately associated with the PcaGH of Acinetobacter sp. ADPI. Interestingly, the fused form of PcaD and PcaC, carboxymuconolactone decarboxylase (PcaCD), was detected on benzoate-cultured A. baumannii DU202. These results indicate that A. baumannii DU202 exploits a different $\beta$-ketoadipate pathway from other Acinetobacter species.

• The Korean Journal of Applied Statistics
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.859-870
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• 2015

Economic-traits of livestock are affected by environmental and genetic factors. We are interested in genetic factors that influence the economic-traits of Korean cattle. It is necessary to adjust environmental factors in order to enhance the accuracy of the genetic effect analysis. In this paper, we propose a statistical model of Korean cattle that exclude environmental breeding farm and age factors. We formulated an adjusted economic-trait value, and applied multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) method to data of before-and-after adjustment to identify major FABP4 genes. We were able to increase the accuracy of the analysis after adjustment and identify superior FABP4 genes that influence grade and fatty acid.

• Annals of Laboratory Medicine
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• v.38 no.6
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• pp.569-577
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• 2018

Background: The increasing prevalence of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) infection represents a global public health emergency. We evaluated the usefulness of a newly developed multiplexed, bead-based bioassay (Quantamatrix Multiplexed Assay Platform [QMAP], QuantaMatrix, Seoul, Korea) to rapidly identify the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and detect rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistance-associated mutations. Methods: A total of 200 clinical isolates from respiratory samples were used. Phenotypic anti-TB drug susceptibility testing (DST) results were compared with those of the QMAP system, reverse blot hybridization (REBA) MTB-MDR assay, and gene sequencing analysis. Results: Compared with the phenotypic DST results, the sensitivity and specificity of the QMAP system were 96.4% (106/110; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9072-0.9888) and 80.0% (72/90; 95% CI 0.7052-0.8705), respectively, for RIF resistance and 75.0% (108/144; 95% CI 0.6731-0.8139) and 96.4% (54/56; 95% CI 0.8718-0.9972), respectively, for INH resistance. The agreement rates between the QMAP system and REBA MTB-MDR assay for RIF and INH resistance detection were 97.6% (121/124; 95% CI 0.9282-0.9949) and 99.1% (109/110; 95% CI 0.9453-1.0000), respectively. Comparison between the QMAP system and gene sequencing analysis showed an overall agreement of 100% for RIF resistance (110/110; 95% CI 0.9711-1.0000) and INH resistance (124/124; 95% CI 0.9743-1.0000). Conclusions: The QMAP system may serve as a useful screening method for identifying and accurately discriminating MTBC from non-tuberculous mycobacteria, as well as determining RIF- and INH-resistant MTB strains.

• Journal of Pharmacopuncture
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• v.26 no.3
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• pp.265-275
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• 2023

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fruit juices on Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens involved in Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) among tribal women in the district Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India. Methods: Fresh juices of lemon (Citrus limon), amla/Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica), pineapple (Ananas comosus), mosambi/sweet lime (Citrus limetta), orange (Citrus sinensis), kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa), and pomegranate (Punica granatum) fruits were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against bacterial pathogens involved in UITs and STIs among tribal women. Physico-chemical analysis of fresh fruits was also carried out by measuring the pH, moisture, protein, fat, crude fibre, carbohydrate, and ascorbic acid content. Results: Lemon and amla juice showed better antibacterial activity against the pathogens as compared to other juices. MIC results fruit juices against UTIs and STIs pathogens vary depending on the specific pathogen and juice chemical constituents. The physico-chemical analysis showed that the moisture content was highest in mosambi (90%), followed by orange (87%). Ascorbic acid content was found highest in amla (540 mg/100 g), followed by kiwi (90.3 mg/100 g). Pomegranate showed highest concentration of carbohydrate (15.28 g/100 g), fat (1.28 g/100 g), and protein (1.65 g/100 g). Lemon juice had lowest pH of 2.20, followed by amla 2.67. Conclusion: The lemon juice showed highest antibacterial activity against MDR bacterial pathogens involved in UTIs and STIs among tribal women in district Anuppur, Madhya Pradesh, India. The low pH of lemon may be responsible for its high antibacterial activity as compared to other juices.