• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.60 no.2
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• pp.171-179
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• 2006

Background : Despite the emerging danger of MDR-TB to human beings, there have only been a limited number of drugs developed to treat MDR-TB since 1970. This study investigated the cross-resistance rate between rifampicin (RFP) and rifabutin (RBU) in order to determine the efficacy of rifabutin in treating MDR-TB. In addition, the results of rifabutin were correlated with the rpoB mutations, which are believed to be markers for MDR-TB and RFP resistance. Methods : The MICs of RBU were tested against 126 clinical isolates of MDR-TB submitted to the clinical laboratory of National Masan TB Hospital in 2004. Five different concentrations ($10-160{\mu}g/ml$) were used for the MICs. The detection of the rpoB mutations was performed using a RFP resistance detection kit with a line probe assay(LiPA), which contains the oligonucleotide probes for 5 wide type and 3 specific mutations (513CCA, 516GTC, and 531TTG) The rpoB mutation was determined by direct sequencing. Results : The rate of cross-resistance between RFP and RBU was 70.5%(74/105) at $20{\mu}g/ml$ RBU(ed note: How much RFP?) Most mutations (86.3%) occurred in the 524~534 codons. The His526Gln, His526Leu, Leu533Pro, Gln513Glu, and Leu511Pro mutations(Ed note: Is this correct?) were associated with the susceptibilty to RBU. Conclusion : Based on the cross-resistance rate between RFP and RBU, RBU may be used effectively in some MDR-TB patients. Therefore, a conventional drug susceptibility test for RBU and a determination of the critical concentration are needed. However, rpoB gene mutation test may be have limited clinical applications in detecting RBU resistance.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.83-89
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• 2015

Although Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains remain responsible for the majority of diseases caused by mycobacterial infections worldwide, the increase in HIV (human immuno deficiency virus) infections has allowed for the emergence of other non-tuberculous mycobacteria as clinically significant pathogens. M. tuberculosis was detected by two-tube nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria was detected by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) with Msp I. Result of niacin test is equal to result of two-tube nested PCR after culture for M. tuberculosis. In this study, acid fast bacilli stain (AFB. stain) >2+ case, Detection of Mycobacteria is similar to result before culture and after culture. AFB. stain <1+ case, result of mycobacteria is distinguished. Conclusionly, these results suggest that identification of mycobacteria must go side by side both culture and PCR for more fast and accuracy.

• Journal of Physiology & Pathology in Korean Medicine
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.1643-1651
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• 2004

This experimental study was designed to investigate the effects of SIEGESBECKIAE HERBA extract (SHE) on the change of cerebral hemodynamics 〔regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and mean arterial blood pressure(MABP)〕 in normal condition and cerebral ischemic rats, and to determine the mechanism of action of SHE. This study was designed to investigate whether or not SHE inhibit lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in neuronal cells and cytokines production in serum of cerebral ischemic rats. The results were as follows SHE increased rCBF significantly in a dose-dependent manner, but MABP was not changed by SHE in normal rats. The SHE-induced increase in rCBF was significantly inhibited by pretreatment with indomethacin (IDN), an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase but was increased by methylene blue (MTB), an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase. SHE inhibited lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity significantly in neuronal cells. rCBF was increased significantly and stably by SHE(10㎎/㎏, i.p.) during the period of cerebral reperfusion, which contrasted with the findings of rapid and marked increase in control group in ischemic rats. In serum by drawing from femoral arterial blood after middle cerebral arterial occlusion(MCAO) for 1hr and reperfusion for 1hr, the sample group was decreased IL-1β production significantly compared to that of the control group. In serum by drawing from femoral arterial blood after MCAO 1hr and reperfusion 1hr, sample group decreased TNF-α production significantly compared to that of the control grolilp. In serum by drawing from femoral arterial blood after reperfusion 1hr, sample group increased TGF-β production significantly compared to that of the control group. In serum by drawing from femoral arterial blood after MCAO for 1hr and reperfusion for 1hr, IL-10 production of the sample group was similar to that of control group. These results suggested that SHE had inhibitive effect on the brain damage by inhibited LDH activity, IL-1β and TNF-α production, but accelerated TGF-β production.

• Journal of Soil and Groundwater Environment
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.45-52
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• 2003

A gas-substrate degrading bacterium, Nocardia SW3, was isolated from the gasoline contaminated aquifer using propane and butane as carbon and energy sources. We have examined the effects of substrate concentration, temperature and pH on the gas substrate degradation as well as MTBE cometabolic degradation. The result for the effect of substrate concentration showed that the maximum degradation rates of propane and butane were 30.6 and 25.4 (n㏖/min/mg protein) at 70 $\mu$㏖, respectively. The optimum temperature and pH for the degradation of gas substrate were $30^{\circ}C$ and 7, respectively. Substrate degradation activity, however, was still active in broad range of pH from 5 to 8 and temperature between $15^{\circ}C$and$35^{\circ}C$. The degradation activity of Nocardia SW3 for the MTBE was similar to the both substrates. The observed maximal transformation yields ($T_y$) were 46.7 and 35.0 (n㏖ MTBE degraded $\mu$㏖ substrate utilized), and the maximal transformation capacities ($T_c$) were 320 and 280 (n㏖MTBE degraded/mg biomass used) for propane and butane oxidizing activity on MTBE, respectively. And also, TBA was detected as by-product of MTBE and it was continuously degraded further.

• Journal of the korean academy of Pediatric Dentistry
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.693-698
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• 2006

In Class I cavity, the highest C-factor could be obtained and it means the highest polymerization shrinkage stress. In this study, high C-factor model was designed. The pulpose of present study was to determine differences of Microtensile bond strength (MTBS) of class I cavity pulpal and axial wall specimens in primary molar. Twenty clean mandibular 2nd primary molars were randomly divided into two groups Different composite Resins (Filtek Z250, 3M ESPE & Filtek Supreme, 3M ESPE) were bulk filled and photo cured. Axial wall specimens and pulpal specimens were prepared at the same teeth, All specimens were divided into 4 groups and MTBS were evaluated. Group ZP : Filtek Z250-Pulpal wall Group ZA : Filtek Z250-Axial wall Group SP : Filtek Supreme - Pulpal wall Group SA : Filtek Supreme - Axial wall The results were as follows: 1. Mean MTBS of ZP & ZA and SP & SA were significantly different(p<.001). 2. There was no significant difference between MTBS of ZP & SP and ZA & SA.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.32 no.2
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• pp.71-79
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• 2015

Background: Recent studies have shown that the nontuberculosis mycobacterium (NTM) recovery rate in clinical cultures has increased within Korea. However, another study conducted by a secondary hospital within Daegu reported different results. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand and evaluate the microbiological distribution and clinical features of NTM in Daegu. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 11,672 respiratory specimens undergoing acid fast bacilli (AFB) culture from 6,685 subjects who visited Yeungnam University Respiratory Center from January 2012 to December 2013. Results: Of the 11,672 specimens undergoing AFB culture, 1,310 specimens (11.2%) showed positive results. Of these specimens, NTM was recovered from 587 specimens, showing a recovery rate of 44.8%. Identification test for NTM was performed on 191 subjects; the results were as follows: M. avium-intracellulare complex (MAC) 123 (64.4%), M. abscessus 20 (10.5%), M. kansasii 12 (6.3%), and 33 other NTM germ strains. Of the 382 subjects with NTM, 167 were diagnosed with pulmonary NTM disease (43.7%), however virulence differed depending on NTM strain. Multivariate analysis showed that nodular bronchiectasis, the nodules, and finding consistent with cavity under imaging study were statistically significant for triggering pulmonary NTM disease. AFB culture showing MAC and M. abscessus was statistically significant as well. Positive predictive value for NTM polymerase chain reaction (NTM-PCR) was 88.6%. Conclusion: Results for NTM recovery rate within the Daegu area were similar to those for the Seoul metropolitan area. We can assume that NTM infection is increasing in our community, therefore AFB-positive subjects (1) should undergo NTM-PCR, (2) should have their culture results checked for differentiation of mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTB) from NTM, and (3) undergo NTM identification test to confirm its type. Administration of treatment with the above results should be helpful in improving the patients' prognosis.

• Herbal Formula Science
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.105-119
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• 2006

Objectives & Methods : This present study was performed to investigate the effect of Hwadamtongrak-Tang extract (HTT) on the regulation of cerebral hemodynamics in terms of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and mean arterial blood pressure (MABP)] in normal and cerebral ischemic rats. Also the effects of HTT on changes in local blood flow, inhibition of LD H activity in neuronal cells, and levels of cytokine production in the serum were determined in the ischemic rat model. The major findings are summarized below. Results : 1. HTT significantly increased rCBF in a dose-dependent manner, but MABP was not changed by HTT treatment. These results suggest that HTT may increase rCBF by dilating cerebral arterial diameter. 2. HTT-induced increase in rCBF was blocked by pretreatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (IDN, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) and MABP was significantly increased by ID N. 3. Pretreatment of methylene blue $(MTB,\;10\;{\mu}g/kg,\;i.p.)$, an inhibitor of guanylate cyclase, significantly decreased both rCBP and MABP in HTT-treated rats. 4. HTT treatment significantly increased rCBP to a stable level during the period of cerebral reperfusion. 5. HTT significantly inhibited LD H activity in neuronal cells, suggesting a neuroprotection by HTT. 6. Serum interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$ and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ levels were significantly decreased in the femoral artery 1 hr after middle cerebral arterial occlusion in HTT-treated rats. IL-10 levels in the serum were significantly increased by HTT treatment whereas transforming growth factor $(TGF)-{\beta}$ levels were similar between HTT-treated and control groups. 7. Serum interleukin $(IL)-1{\beta}$ and tumor necrosis factor $(TNF)-{\alpha}$ levels were significantly decreased in the femoral artery 1 hr after reperfusion in HTT-treated rats. Serum IL-10 levels were significantly decreased in HTT-treated rats compared with the control group, and no significant changes in $(TGF)-{\beta}$ in the serum were observed by HTT treatment. Conclusions: The present data suggest that HTT may have an anti-ischemic effect via the improvement of cerebral hemodynamics and thus protect the brain from ischemic damage.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.15 no.4 s.71
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• pp.652-656
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• 2005

Tuberculosis is the leading infectious disease in the world. It is urgent to develop new vaccine and treating drugs. Besides vaccines, we want to know the effects of regular swim training on TB infection in the mouse model. This study was designed to examine the effects of regular swim training on lung and spleen TB counts and $INF-\gamma$ activity in the trained mice at different temperature. The trained mice underwent a 10-wk endurance swim training (5 times/wk) in water at $29\~33^{\circ}C$ (WWG) and $21\~23^{\circ}C$(CWG) for 60 min. And they were divided into 3 groups according to the regular swim training (CG; control, WWG; warm water group, and CWG; cold water group). Mice were challenged by aerosol infection with M. tuberculosis H37Rv using an inhalation device (Glas-Col, Terre Haute, Ind.) calibrated to deliver bacteria into lungs. Three weeks after immunization, the mice were challenged. Four weeks after challenge, the mice were sacrificed and the numbers of viable bacteria in lung and spleen were determined by plating serial dilution of whole organ homogenates on nutrient Middlebrook 7H11 agar (Difco, Detroit, MI). Colonies were counted after four weeks incubation at $37^{\circ}C$. All data were expressed as mean, standard deviation by using SPSS package program (win 10.0). The result through the statistical analysis of this data were summarized as follows; In the weight changes, there were significant differences among CG, WWG, and CWG following the swim training at different temperature, and CWG was the lowest. In the change of $INF-\gamma$ following the swim training, there were significant differences (p<.05) among CG, WWG, and CWG after stimulated with media and CFP. In MTB counts, there were significant differences (p<.05) between CG and WWG in the lung. And also there were significant differences (p<.05) among CG, WWG, and CWG. These results suggest that regular swim training suppress Th1 immune response caused by decreased $INF-\gamma$ level in the WWG, Also For the WWG, highly increased level of TB counts appear in the lung and spleen compare to CG.

• Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.54-59
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• 2006

Background: Although there have been several studies regarding the clinical value of an automated TB-PCR study using sputum, bronchial washing, and other body fluid samples for the detection of pulmonary tuberculosis, there are only a few reports on the use of fresh tissue samples. Materials and methods: The acid-fast bacilli stain(AFB), tuberculosis culture, automated TB-PCR study, and histopathology examination were performed in 42 fresh tissue samples. Results: Among the 42 cases, 18 cases were diagnosed with tuberculosis based on the clinical findings. Sixteen of the 18 cases were TB-PCR positive and of these 16 cases, only 2 cases were positive in the AFB stain or culture study. However, all 18 cases showed the histopathology findings of chronic granulomatous inflammation that was compatible with tuberculosis. Based on the clinical findings, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictability, and negative predictability of the automated TB-PCR study were 88.9%, 100%, 100%, and 92.3% respectively. Conclusion: An automated TB-PCR assay is an important diagnostic tool for diagnosing tuberculosis in fresh tissue samples.

• Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.289-297
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• 2019

Objectives: To identify the positive rate of and the risk factors associated with latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI) in mine workers, the objectives of the present study evaluated those among former mine workers. Methods: Between January 2015 and May 2017, former male mine workers who had been subjects for epidemiology research for work-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) and had received QuantiFERON-$TB^{(R)}$ Gold In-Tube(QFT-GIT) from the Institute of Occupation and Environment(IOE) under Korea Workers' Compensation and Welfare Service(KCOMWEL) were selected as the study subjects. To identify significant variables for increased risk of LTBI, logistic regression analysis was performed. Results: A total of 736 male former mine workers were selected as study subjects. The positive rate of LTBI among subjects was 69.2%(509/736). The current smoking[odds ratio(OR), 2.3; 95% confidence interval(CI), 1.1-4.9], COPD(OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 0.9-2.3), department loading(OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.9-3.4) and mining(OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 0.9-2.5), and working duration of over 20(OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.9-3.1) and over 30 years(OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.9-4.9) were associated with increased risk of LTBI. The interferon-gamma(IFN-${\gamma}$) level after stimulation with Mycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB)-specific antigens showed a significantly negative correlation with age(r=-0.126). Conclusions: The present study determined that the high positive rate of LTBI among mine workers was associated with not only the host factors but also the occupational exposure to mine dust.