51
|
Wijetunge DSS, Gongati S, DebRoy C, Kim KS, Couraud PO, Romero IA, Weksler B, Kariyawasam S. Characterizing the pathotype of neonatal meningitis causing Escherichia coli (NMEC). BMC Microbiol 2015; 15:211. [PMID: 26467858 PMCID: PMC4606507 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-015-0547-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neonatal meningitis-causing Escherichia coli (NMEC) is the predominant Gram-negative bacterial pathogen associated with meningitis in newborn infants. High levels of heterogeneity and diversity have been observed in the repertoire of virulence traits and other characteristics among strains of NMEC making it difficult to define the NMEC pathotype. The objective of the present study was to identify genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of NMEC that can be used to distinguish them from commensal E. coli. Methods A total of 53 isolates of NMEC obtained from neonates with meningitis and 48 isolates of fecal E. coli obtained from healthy individuals (HFEC) were comparatively evaluated using five phenotypic (serotyping, serum bactericidal assay, biofilm assay, antimicorbial susceptibility testing, and in vitro cell invasion assay) and three genotypic (phylogrouping, virulence genotyping, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis) methods. Results A majority (67.92 %) of NMEC belonged to B2 phylogenetic group whereas 59 % of HFEC belonged to groups A and D. Serotyping revealed that the most common O and H types present in NMEC tested were O1 (15 %), O8 (11.3 %), O18 (13.2 %), and H7 (25.3 %). In contrast, none of the HFEC tested belonged to O1 or O18 serogroups. The most common serogroup identified in HFEC was O8 (6.25 %). The virulence genotyping reflected that more than 70 % of NMEC carried kpsII, K1, neuC, iucC, sitA, and vat genes with only less than 27 % of HFEC possessing these genes. All NMEC and 79 % of HFEC tested were able to invade human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells. No statistically significant difference was observed in the serum resistance phenotype between NMEC and HFEC. The NMEC strains demonstrated a greater ability to form biofilms in Luria Bertani broth medium than did HFEC (79.2 % vs 39.9 %). Conclusion The results of our study demonstrated that virulence genotyping and phylogrouping may assist in defining the potential NMEC pathotype. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12866-015-0547-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
52
|
Han SH, Hahm SH, Tran AHV, Chung JH, Hong MK, Paik HD, Kim KS, Han YS. A physical association between the human mutY homolog (hMYH) and DNA topoisomerase II-binding protein 1 (hTopBP1) regulates Chk1-induced cell cycle arrest in HEK293 cells. Cell Biosci 2015; 5:50. [PMID: 26312135 PMCID: PMC4550056 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-015-0042-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human DNA topoisomerase II-binding protein 1 (hTopBP1) plays an important role in DNA replication and the DNA damage checkpoint pathway. The human mutY homolog (hMYH) is a base excision repair DNA glycosylase that excises adenines or 2-hydroxyadenines that are mispaired with guanine or 7,8-dihydro-8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG). hTopBP1 and hMYH were involved in ATR-mediated Chk1 activation, moreover, both of them were associated with ATR and hRad9 which known as checkpoint-involved proteins. Therefore, we investigated whether hTopBP1 interacted with hMYH, and what the function of their interaction is. Results We documented the interaction between hTopBP1 and hMYH and showed that this interaction increased in a hydroxyurea-dependent manner. We also mapped the hMYH-interacting region of hTopBP1 (residues 444–991). In addition, we investigated several cell cycle-related proteins and found that co-knockdown of hTopBP1 and hMYH significantly diminished cell cycle arrest due to compromised checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) activation. Moreover, we observed that hMYH was essential for the accumulation of hTopBP1 on damaged DNA, where hTopBP1 interacts with hRad9, a component of the Rad9-Hus1-Rad1 complex. The accumulation of hTopBP1 on chromatin and its subsequent interaction with hRad9 lead to cell cycle arrest, a process mediated by Chk1 phosphorylation and ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR) activation. Conclusions Our results suggested that hMYH is necessary for the accumulation of hTopBP1 to DNA damage lesion to induce the association of hTopBP1 with 9-1-1 and that the interaction between hMYH and hTopBP1 is essential for Chk1 activation. Therefore, we suggest that the interaction between hMYH and hTopBP1 is crucial for activation of the ATR-mediated cell cycle checkpoint. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13578-015-0042-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
|
53
|
El-Damasy AK, Seo SH, Cho NC, Kang SB, Pae AN, Kim KS, Keum G. Design, synthesis, in-vitro antiproliferative activity and kinase profile of new picolinamide based 2-amido and ureido quinoline derivatives. Eur J Med Chem 2015. [PMID: 26218653 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
New 2-amido and ureido quinoline derivatives substituted with 2-N-methylamido-pyridin-4-yloxy group at the 5-position of quinoline (18 final compounds) have been designed and synthesized as anticancer sorafenib congeners. Among the synthesized derivatives, fourteen compounds were selected for evaluation of their antiproliferative activity over a panel of 60 cancer cell lines at a single dose concentration of 10 μM at National Cancer Institute (NCI, USA). Four compounds, 9b-d and 9f showed promising mean growth inhibitions and thus were further tested at five-dose testing mode to determine their IC50 values. The data revealed that 2,4-difluorophenyl (9b) and 4-chloro-3-trifluoromethylphenyl (9d) urea compounds are the most active derivatives with significant efficacies and superior potencies than sorafenib in 36 and 12 cancer cell lines, respectively, belonging particularly to renal carcinoma cell (RCC), ovarian, and non small cell lung cancer (NSCL). Compound 9b and 9d were found to be six and two times more potent than sorafenib against A498 RCC line, with IC50 values of 0.42 μM and 1.36 μM, respectively. Accordingly, compound 9d was screened over a panel of 41 oncogenic kinases at a single dose concentration of 10 μM to profile its kinase inhibitory activity. Interestingly, the compound showed highly selective inhibitory activities ( 81.8% and 96.3%) against BRAF(V600E) and C-RAF kinases with IC50 values of 316 nM and 61 nM, respectively. In addition, molecular docking, cell cycle analysis, compliance to Lipinski's rule of five, and in silico toxicity assessment have been reported.
Collapse
|
54
|
Yeom M, Sur BJ, Park J, Cho SG, Lee B, Kim ST, Kim KS, Lee H, Hahm DH. Oral administration of Lactobacillus casei variety rhamnosus partially alleviates TMA-induced atopic dermatitis in mice through improving intestinal microbiota. J Appl Microbiol 2015; 119:560-70. [PMID: 25968453 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 05/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus casei variety rhamnosus (LCR35) on Atopic dermatitis (AD)-like symptoms in mice. METHODS AND RESULTS AD-like skin lesions in BALB/C mice were induced by sensitization and subsequent repeated challenges with trimellitic anhydride (TMA) for 10 days. LCR35 was orally administered to the mice once daily throughout the study. In the TMA-induced AD model, orally administered LCR35 suppressed significantly irritant-related scratching behaviour and skin dehydration as well as apparent severity of AD. LCR35 also significantly decreased serum levels of IgE and IL-4, but not IFN-γ, implying the restoration of TMA-induced disruption of Th1/Th2 balance. Quantitative real-time PCR targeting hypervariable regions of 16S rDNA gene of faecal microbiota indicated that the LCR35 treatment increased the population of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacilli, Enterococcus and Bacteroides fragilis group, but decreased those of Clostridium coccoides group. CONCLUSIONS LCR35 has the ability to suppress the development of AD in mice, possibly through the modulation of Th1/Th2 balance and gut microbiota. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY LCR35 has a strong potential as a probiotic for preventing AD.
Collapse
|
55
|
Kwon H, Kim KS, Chun YM, Wu HG, Carlson JNK, Park JM, Kim JI. Evaluation of a commercial orthopaedic metal artefact reduction tool in radiation therapy of patients with head and neck cancer. Br J Radiol 2015; 88:20140536. [PMID: 25993487 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20140536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the image quality and dosimetric effects of the Philips orthopaedic metal artefact reduction (OMAR) (Philips Healthcare System, Cleveland, OH) function for reducing metal artefacts on CT images of head and neck (H&N) patients. METHODS 11 patients and a custom-built phantom with metal bead inserts (alumina, titanium, zirconia and chrome) were scanned. The image was reconstructed in two ways: with and without OMAR (OMAR and non-OMAR image). The mean and standard deviation values of CT Hounsfield unit (HU) for selected regions of interest of each case were investigated for both images. Volumetric modulated arc therapy plans were generated for all cases. Gamma analysis of each dose distribution pair in the patient (1%/1 mm criteria) and phantom (2%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm criteria) images was performed. The film measurements in phantom for two metal beads were conducted for evaluating the calculated dose on both OMAR and non-OMAR images. RESULTS In the OMAR images, noise values were generally reduced, and the mean HU became closer to the reference value (measured from patients without metal implants) in both patient and phantom cases. Although dosimetric difference was insignificant for the eight closed-mouth patients (γ = 99.4 ± 0.5%), there was a large discrepancy in dosimetric calculation between OMAR and non-OMAR images for the three opened-mouth patients (γ = 91.1%, 94.8% and 96.6%). Moreover, the calculated dose on the OMAR image is closer to the real delivered dose on a radiochromic film than was the dose from the non-OMAR image. CONCLUSION The OMAR algorithm increases the accuracy of CT HU and reduces the noise such that the entire radiation treatment planning process can be improved, especially for contouring and segmentation. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE OMAR reconstruction is appropriate for the radiotherapy planning process of H&N patients, particularly of patients who use a bite block.
Collapse
|
56
|
Kim W, Kim HY, Woo J, Rhim HJ, Kang BR, Lee YD, Kim S, Kim JY, Choi EJ, Kim KS, Kim DJ, Kim Y. Real-Time Imaging Reveals Glioblastoma Suppression Effects of Curcumin in Mouse Brains. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/bkcs.10273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
57
|
Aguilar M, Aisa D, Alpat B, Alvino A, Ambrosi G, Andeen K, Arruda L, Attig N, Azzarello P, Bachlechner A, Barao F, Barrau A, Barrin L, Bartoloni A, Basara L, Battarbee M, Battiston R, Bazo J, Becker U, Behlmann M, Beischer B, Berdugo J, Bertucci B, Bigongiari G, Bindi V, Bizzaglia S, Bizzarri M, Boella G, de Boer W, Bollweg K, Bonnivard V, Borgia B, Borsini S, Boschini MJ, Bourquin M, Burger J, Cadoux F, Cai XD, Capell M, Caroff S, Casaus J, Cascioli V, Castellini G, Cernuda I, Cerreta D, Cervelli F, Chae MJ, Chang YH, Chen AI, Chen H, Cheng GM, Chen HS, Cheng L, Chou HY, Choumilov E, Choutko V, Chung CH, Clark C, Clavero R, Coignet G, Consolandi C, Contin A, Corti C, Cortina Gil E, Coste B, Creus W, Crispoltoni M, Cui Z, Dai YM, Delgado C, Della Torre S, Demirköz MB, Derome L, Di Falco S, Di Masso L, Dimiccoli F, Díaz C, von Doetinchem P, Donnini F, Du WJ, Duranti M, D'Urso D, Eline A, Eppling FJ, Eronen T, Fan YY, Farnesini L, Feng J, Fiandrini E, Fiasson A, Finch E, Fisher P, Galaktionov Y, Gallucci G, García B, García-López R, Gargiulo C, Gast H, Gebauer I, Gervasi M, Ghelfi A, Gillard W, Giovacchini F, Goglov P, Gong J, Goy C, Grabski V, Grandi D, Graziani M, Guandalini C, Guerri I, Guo KH, Haas D, Habiby M, Haino S, Han KC, He ZH, Heil M, Hoffman J, Hsieh TH, Huang ZC, Huh C, Incagli M, Ionica M, Jang WY, Jinchi H, Kanishev K, Kim GN, Kim KS, Kirn T, Kossakowski R, Kounina O, Kounine A, Koutsenko V, Krafczyk MS, La Vacca G, Laudi E, Laurenti G, Lazzizzera I, Lebedev A, Lee HT, Lee SC, Leluc C, Levi G, Li HL, Li JQ, Li Q, Li Q, Li TX, Li W, Li Y, Li ZH, Li ZY, Lim S, Lin CH, Lipari P, Lippert T, Liu D, Liu H, Lolli M, Lomtadze T, Lu MJ, Lu SQ, Lu YS, Luebelsmeyer K, Luo JZ, Lv SS, Majka R, Mañá C, Marín J, Martin T, Martínez G, Masi N, Maurin D, Menchaca-Rocha A, Meng Q, Mo DC, Morescalchi L, Mott P, Müller M, Ni JQ, Nikonov N, Nozzoli F, Nunes P, Obermeier A, Oliva A, Orcinha M, Palmonari F, Palomares C, Paniccia M, Papi A, Pauluzzi M, Pedreschi E, Pensotti S, Pereira R, Picot-Clemente N, Pilo F, Piluso A, Pizzolotto C, Plyaskin V, Pohl M, Poireau V, Postaci E, Putze A, Quadrani L, Qi XM, Qin X, Qu ZY, Räihä T, Rancoita PG, Rapin D, Ricol JS, Rodríguez I, Rosier-Lees S, Rozhkov A, Rozza D, Sagdeev R, Sandweiss J, Saouter P, Sbarra C, Schael S, Schmidt SM, Schulz von Dratzig A, Schwering G, Scolieri G, Seo ES, Shan BS, Shan YH, Shi JY, Shi XY, Shi YM, Siedenburg T, Son D, Spada F, Spinella F, Sun W, Sun WH, Tacconi M, Tang CP, Tang XW, Tang ZC, Tao L, Tescaro D, Ting SCC, Ting SM, Tomassetti N, Torsti J, Türkoğlu C, Urban T, Vagelli V, Valente E, Vannini C, Valtonen E, Vaurynovich S, Vecchi M, Velasco M, Vialle JP, Vitale V, Vitillo S, Wang LQ, Wang NH, Wang QL, Wang RS, Wang X, Wang ZX, Weng ZL, Whitman K, Wienkenhöver J, Wu H, Wu X, Xia X, Xie M, Xie S, Xiong RQ, Xin GM, Xu NS, Xu W, Yan Q, Yang J, Yang M, Ye QH, Yi H, Yu YJ, Yu ZQ, Zeissler S, Zhang JH, Zhang MT, Zhang XB, Zhang Z, Zheng ZM, Zhuang HL, Zhukov V, Zichichi A, Zimmermann N, Zuccon P, Zurbach C. Precision Measurement of the Proton Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays from Rigidity 1 GV to 1.8 TV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2015; 114:171103. [PMID: 25978222 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.114.171103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A precise measurement of the proton flux in primary cosmic rays with rigidity (momentum/charge) from 1 GV to 1.8 TV is presented based on 300 million events. Knowledge of the rigidity dependence of the proton flux is important in understanding the origin, acceleration, and propagation of cosmic rays. We present the detailed variation with rigidity of the flux spectral index for the first time. The spectral index progressively hardens at high rigidities.
Collapse
|
58
|
Yoon SY, Woo J, Park JO, Choi EJ, Shin HS, Roh DH, Kim KS. Intrathecal RGS4 inhibitor, CCG50014, reduces nociceptive responses and enhances opioid-mediated analgesic effects in the mouse formalin test. Anesth Analg 2015; 120:671-677. [PMID: 25695583 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000000607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The regulator of G-protein signaling protein type 4 (RGS4) accelerates the guanosine triphosphatase activity of G(αi) and G(αo), resulting in the inactivation of G-protein-coupled receptor signaling. An opioid receptor (OR), a G(αi)-coupled receptor, plays an important role in pain modulation in the central nervous system. In this study, we examined whether (1) spinal RGS4 affected nociceptive responses in the formalin pain test, (2) this RGS4-mediated effect was involved in OR activation, and (3) the µ-OR agonist-induced antinociceptive effect was modified by RGS4 modulation. METHODS Formalin (1%, 20 µL) was injected subcutaneously into the right hindpaws of male 129S4/SvJae×C57BL/6J (RGS4(+/+) or RGS4(-/-)) mice, and the licking responses were counted for 40 minutes. The time periods (seconds) spent licking the injected paw during 0 to 10 minutes (early phase) and 10 to 40 minutes (late phase) were measured as indicators of acute nociception and inflammatory pain response, respectively. An RGS4 inhibitor, CCG50014, and/or a µ-OR agonist, [D-Ala², N-MePhe⁴, Gly-ol]-enkephalin (DAMGO), were intrathecally injected 5 minutes before the formalin injection. A nonselective OR antagonist, naloxone, was intraperitoneally injected 30 minutes before the CCG50014 injection. RESULTS Mice that received the formalin injection exhibited typical biphasic nociceptive behaviors. The nociceptive responses in RGS4-knockout mice were significantly decreased during the late phase but not during the early phase. Similarly, intrathecally administered CCG50014 (10, 30, or 100 nmol) attenuated the nociceptive responses during the late phase in a dose-dependent manner. The antinociceptive effect of the RGS4 inhibitor was totally blocked by naloxone (5 mg/kg). In contrast, intrathecal injection of DAMGO achieved a dose-dependent reduction of the nociceptive responses at the early and late phases. This analgesic effect of DAMGO was significantly enhanced by the genetic depletion of RGS4 or by coadministration of CCG50014 (10 nmol). CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that spinal RGS4 inhibited the endogenous or exogenous OR-mediated antinociceptive effect in the formalin pain test. Thus, the inhibition of RGS4 activity can enhance OR agonist-induced analgesia. The enhancement of OR agonist-induced analgesia by coadministration of the RGS4 inhibitor suggests a new therapeutic strategy for the management of inflammatory pain.
Collapse
|
59
|
Shin C, Hwang GS, Ahn HC, Kim S, Kim KS. (1)H, (13)C and (15)N resonance assignment of WHEP domains of human glutamyl-prolyl tRNA synthetase. BIOMOLECULAR NMR ASSIGNMENTS 2015; 9:25-30. [PMID: 24378977 DOI: 10.1007/s12104-013-9538-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Human bifunctional glutamyl-prolyl tRNA synthetase (EPRS) contains three WHEP domains (R123) linking two catalytic domains. These three WHEP domains have been shown to be involved in protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions. In translational control of gene expression, R12 repeats is known to interact with 3'UTR element in mRNAs of inflammatory gene for translational control mechanisms. While, R23 repeats interacts with NSAP1, which inhibits mRNA binding. Here we present the NMR chemical shift assignments for R12 (128 amino acids) as a 14 kDa recombinant protein and whole WHEP domains R123 (208 amino acids) as a 21 kDa recombinant protein. 97% of backbone and 98% of side-chain assignments have been completed in R12 analysis and 93 and 92% of backbone and side-chain, respectively, assignments have been completed in R123 analysis based upon triple-resonance experiments.
Collapse
|
60
|
Rhie YH, Lee SY, Kim KS. Seed dormancy and germination in Jeffersonia dubia (Berberidaceae) as affected by temperature and gibberellic acid. PLANT BIOLOGY (STUTTGART, GERMANY) 2015; 17:327-334. [PMID: 25319374 DOI: 10.1111/plb.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The genus Jeffersonia, which contains only two species, has a trans-Atlantic disjunct distribution. The aims of this study were to determine the requirements for breaking dormancy and germination of J. dubia seeds and to compare its dormancy characteristics with those of the congener in eastern North America. Ripe seeds of J. dubia contain an underdeveloped embryo and were permeable to water. In nature, seeds were dispersed in May, while embryos began to grow in September, and were fully elongated by late November. Germination started in March of the next year, and seeds emerged as seedlings soon after germination. In laboratory experiments, incubation at high temperatures (25 °C, 25/15 °C) for at least 8 weeks was required to initiate embryo growth, while a transfer to moderate temperatures (20/10 °C, 15/6 °C) was needed for the completion of embryo growth. At least 8 weeks at 5 °C was effective in overcoming physiological dormancy and for germination in seeds after the embryos had fully elongated. Thus, both high and low temperatures were essential to break dormancy. Gibberellic acid (GA3 ) treatment could substitute for the high temperature requirement, but not for the low temperature requirement. Based on the dormancy-breaking requirements, it is confirmed that the seeds have deep simple morphophysiological dormancy. This dormancy type is similar to that of seeds of the eastern North American species J. diphylla. Although seeds require 10-11 months from seed dispersal to germination in nature, under controlled conditions they required only 3 months after treatment with 1000 mg·l(-1) GA3 , followed by incubation at 15/6 °C. This represents practical knowledge for propagation of these plants from seed.
Collapse
|
61
|
Kim SY, Kim HJ, Park SY, Lee DE, Kim KS, Park SY, Kim MH, Kwak DW, Ryu HM. Quantification of the placental epigenetic signature of the SERPINB5 gene in maternal plasma of pregnancies complicated by small for gestational age. Placenta 2015; 36:131-7. [PMID: 25553975 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2014.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 08/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To investigate the association between pregnancies with small for gestational age (SGA) neonates and the concentration of cell-free fetal DNA or cell-free total DNA in maternal plasma during the first and second trimesters using tissue-specific epigenetic characteristics of the SERPINB5 gene. METHODS A nested case-control study was conducted with maternal plasma collected at 11 to 26 gestational weeks from 51 women with SGA neonates and 102 controls. We performed a real-time quantitative methylation-specific PCR to quantify concentrations of unmethylated-SERPINB5 (U-SERPINB5) as a cell-free fetal DNA marker and methylated-SERPINB5 (M-SERPINB5) as a cell-free total DNA marker. RESULTS A positive correlation was observed between U-SERPINB5 and M-SERPINB5 concentrations in both control (r = 0.363, p < 0.001) and SGA groups (r = 0.548, p < 0.001). Moreover, the concentration of U-SERPINB5 or M-SERPINB5 was significantly positive correlated with gestational age at sampling in both controls (U-SERPINB5: r = 0.397, p < 0.001; M-SERPINB5: r = 0.275, p = 0.005) and SGA (U-SERPINB5: r = 0.274, p = 0.052; M-SERPINB5: r = 0.439, p = 0.001). However, the concentration of U-SERPINB5 or M-SERPINB5 was not correlated with birthweight. At 11-14 weeks, U-SERPINB5 and M-SERPINB5 concentrations in SGA did not differ significantly from those of controls. There were also no statistically significant differences in the concentrations of U-SERPINB5 and M-SERPINB5 between SGA and controls at 15-26 weeks of gestation. DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that U-SERPINB5 and M-SERPINB5 concentrations in maternal plasma during early pregnancy are not associated with pregnancies who delivered SGA neonates.
Collapse
|
62
|
Kang TS, Hong OS, Kim KS, Yoon CS. Hearing among male firefighters: a comparison with hearing data from screened and unscreened male population. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2015; 25:106-12. [PMID: 25352160 PMCID: PMC4269805 DOI: 10.1038/jes.2014.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We investigated whether hearing loss is associated with firefighting. We conducted cross-sectional study comparing hearing threshold levels (HTLs) of 912 male firefighters with two hearing databases obtained from an otologically normal male Korean population (KONP) and a non-industrial noise-exposed male Korean population (KNINEP), considering age and the main roles of firefighters. Firefighters' age-adjusted HTLs were significantly worse than those of KONP (prevalence ratio (PR)=5.29, P<0.001)but not different from those of KNINEP (PR=0.99, P=0.550). Rescuers (PR=1.005, P<0.001) had worse hearing than the KNINEP after age adjustment. Comparison of firefighters' HTLs (50th and 90th percentiles) with those of KONP and KNINEP by age and frequency showed that firefighters' HTLs had significant increases (poorer hearing) across most age groups and frequencies compared with KONP. Compared with KNINEP, firefighters' HTLs were worse in the younger age groups (<45 years) but not different in the older age groups (>45 years). In conclusion, the hearing thresholds of younger firefighters and rescuers were worse than expected by normal aging alone. Future research should include longitudinal studies to consider variable risk factors, such as military service, smoking, and so on.
Collapse
|
63
|
Aguilar M, Aisa D, Alpat B, Alvino A, Ambrosi G, Andeen K, Arruda L, Attig N, Azzarello P, Bachlechner A, Barao F, Barrau A, Barrin L, Bartoloni A, Basara L, Battarbee M, Battiston R, Bazo J, Becker U, Behlmann M, Beischer B, Berdugo J, Bertucci B, Bigongiari G, Bindi V, Bizzaglia S, Bizzarri M, Boella G, de Boer W, Bollweg K, Bonnivard V, Borgia B, Borsini S, Boschini MJ, Bourquin M, Burger J, Cadoux F, Cai XD, Capell M, Caroff S, Casaus J, Cascioli V, Castellini G, Cernuda I, Cervelli F, Chae MJ, Chang YH, Chen AI, Chen H, Cheng GM, Chen HS, Cheng L, Chikanian A, Chou HY, Choumilov E, Choutko V, Chung CH, Clark C, Clavero R, Coignet G, Consolandi C, Contin A, Corti C, Coste B, Crispoltoni M, Cui Z, Dai M, Delgado C, Della Torre S, Demirköz MB, Derome L, Di Falco S, Di Masso L, Dimiccoli F, Díaz C, von Doetinchem P, Donnini F, Du WJ, Duranti M, D'Urso D, Eline A, Eppling FJ, Eronen T, Fan YY, Farnesini L, Feng J, Fiandrini E, Fiasson A, Finch E, Fisher P, Galaktionov Y, Gallucci G, García B, García-López R, Gargiulo C, Gast H, Gebauer I, Gervasi M, Ghelfi A, Gillard W, Giovacchini F, Goglov P, Gong J, Goy C, Grabski V, Grandi D, Graziani M, Guandalini C, Guerri I, Guo KH, Habiby M, Haino S, Han KC, He ZH, Heil M, Hoffman J, Hsieh TH, Huang ZC, Huh C, Incagli M, Ionica M, Jang WY, Jinchi H, Kanishev K, Kim GN, Kim KS, Kirn T, Kossakowski R, Kounina O, Kounine A, Koutsenko V, Krafczyk MS, Kunz S, La Vacca G, Laudi E, Laurenti G, Lazzizzera I, Lebedev A, Lee HT, Lee SC, Leluc C, Li HL, Li JQ, Li Q, Li Q, Li TX, Li W, Li Y, Li ZH, Li ZY, Lim S, Lin CH, Lipari P, Lippert T, Liu D, Liu H, Lomtadze T, Lu MJ, Lu YS, Luebelsmeyer K, Luo F, Luo JZ, Lv SS, Majka R, Malinin A, Mañá C, Marín J, Martin T, Martínez G, Masi N, Maurin D, Menchaca-Rocha A, Meng Q, Mo DC, Morescalchi L, Mott P, Müller M, Ni JQ, Nikonov N, Nozzoli F, Nunes P, Obermeier A, Oliva A, Orcinha M, Palmonari F, Palomares C, Paniccia M, Papi A, Pauluzzi M, Pedreschi E, Pensotti S, Pereira R, Pilo F, Piluso A, Pizzolotto C, Plyaskin V, Pohl M, Poireau V, Postaci E, Putze A, Quadrani L, Qi XM, Räihä T, Rancoita PG, Rapin D, Ricol JS, Rodríguez I, Rosier-Lees S, Rozhkov A, Rozza D, Sagdeev R, Sandweiss J, Saouter P, Sbarra C, Schael S, Schmidt SM, Schuckardt D, Schulz von Dratzig A, Schwering G, Scolieri G, Seo ES, Shan BS, Shan YH, Shi JY, Shi XY, Shi YM, Siedenburg T, Son D, Spada F, Spinella F, Sun W, Sun WH, Tacconi M, Tang CP, Tang XW, Tang ZC, Tao L, Tescaro D, Ting SCC, Ting SM, Tomassetti N, Torsti J, Türkoğlu C, Urban T, Vagelli V, Valente E, Vannini C, Valtonen E, Vaurynovich S, Vecchi M, Velasco M, Vialle JP, Wang LQ, Wang QL, Wang RS, Wang X, Wang ZX, Weng ZL, Whitman K, Wienkenhöver J, Wu H, Xia X, Xie M, Xie S, Xiong RQ, Xin GM, Xu NS, Xu W, Yan Q, Yang J, Yang M, Ye QH, Yi H, Yu YJ, Yu ZQ, Zeissler S, Zhang JH, Zhang MT, Zhang XB, Zhang Z, Zheng ZM, Zhuang HL, Zhukov V, Zichichi A, Zimmermann N, Zuccon P, Zurbach C. Precision Measurement of the (e^{+}+e^{-}) Flux in Primary Cosmic Rays from 0.5 GeV to 1 TeV with the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 113:221102. [PMID: 25494065 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.113.221102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We present a measurement of the cosmic ray (e^{+}+e^{-}) flux in the range 0.5 GeV to 1 TeV based on the analysis of 10.6 million (e^{+}+e^{-}) events collected by AMS. The statistics and the resolution of AMS provide a precision measurement of the flux. The flux is smooth and reveals new and distinct information. Above 30.2 GeV, the flux can be described by a single power law with a spectral index γ=-3.170±0.008(stat+syst)±0.008(energy scale).
Collapse
|
64
|
Moser S, Moreschini L, Yang HY, Innocenti D, Fuchs F, Hansen NH, Chang YJ, Kim KS, Walter AL, Bostwick A, Rotenberg E, Mila F, Grioni M. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy of tetragonal CuO: evidence for intralayer coupling between cupratelike sublattices. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 113:187001. [PMID: 25396389 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.113.187001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We investigate by angle-resolved photoemission the electronic structure of in situ grown tetragonal CuO, a synthetic quasi-two-dimensional edge-sharing cuprate. We show that, in spite of the very different nature of the copper oxide layers, with twice as many Cu in the CuO layers of tetragonal CuO as compared to the CuO(2) layers of the high-T(c) cuprates, the low-energy electronic excitations are surprisingly similar, with a Zhang-Rice singlet dispersing on weakly coupled cupratelike sublattices. This system should thus be considered as a member of the high-T(c) cuprate family, with, however, interesting differences due to the intralayer coupling between the cupratelike sublattices.
Collapse
|
65
|
Aguilar M, Aisa D, Alvino A, Ambrosi G, Andeen K, Arruda L, Attig N, Azzarello P, Bachlechner A, Barao F, Barrau A, Barrin L, Bartoloni A, Basara L, Battarbee M, Battiston R, Bazo J, Becker U, Behlmann M, Beischer B, Berdugo J, Bertucci B, Bigongiari G, Bindi V, Bizzaglia S, Bizzarri M, Boella G, de Boer W, Bollweg K, Bonnivard V, Borgia B, Borsini S, Boschini MJ, Bourquin M, Burger J, Cadoux F, Cai XD, Capell M, Caroff S, Casaus J, Cascioli V, Castellini G, Cernuda I, Cervelli F, Chae MJ, Chang YH, Chen AI, Chen H, Cheng GM, Chen HS, Cheng L, Chikanian A, Chou HY, Choumilov E, Choutko V, Chung CH, Clark C, Clavero R, Coignet G, Consolandi C, Contin A, Corti C, Coste B, Cui Z, Dai M, Delgado C, Della Torre S, Demirköz MB, Derome L, Di Falco S, Di Masso L, Dimiccoli F, Díaz C, von Doetinchem P, Du WJ, Duranti M, D'Urso D, Eline A, Eppling FJ, Eronen T, Fan YY, Farnesini L, Feng J, Fiandrini E, Fiasson A, Finch E, Fisher P, Galaktionov Y, Gallucci G, García B, García-López R, Gast H, Gebauer I, Gervasi M, Ghelfi A, Gillard W, Giovacchini F, Goglov P, Gong J, Goy C, Grabski V, Grandi D, Graziani M, Guandalini C, Guerri I, Guo KH, Habiby M, Haino S, Han KC, He ZH, Heil M, Hoffman J, Hsieh TH, Huang ZC, Huh C, Incagli M, Ionica M, Jang WY, Jinchi H, Kanishev K, Kim GN, Kim KS, Kirn T, Kossakowski R, Kounina O, Kounine A, Koutsenko V, Krafczyk MS, Kunz S, La Vacca G, Laudi E, Laurenti G, Lazzizzera I, Lebedev A, Lee HT, Lee SC, Leluc C, Li HL, Li JQ, Li Q, Li Q, Li TX, Li W, Li Y, Li ZH, Li ZY, Lim S, Lin CH, Lipari P, Lippert T, Liu D, Liu H, Lomtadze T, Lu MJ, Lu YS, Luebelsmeyer K, Luo F, Luo JZ, Lv SS, Majka R, Malinin A, Mañá C, Marín J, Martin T, Martínez G, Masi N, Maurin D, Menchaca-Rocha A, Meng Q, Mo DC, Morescalchi L, Mott P, Müller M, Ni JQ, Nikonov N, Nozzoli F, Nunes P, Obermeier A, Oliva A, Orcinha M, Palmonari F, Palomares C, Paniccia M, Papi A, Pedreschi E, Pensotti S, Pereira R, Pilo F, Piluso A, Pizzolotto C, Plyaskin V, Pohl M, Poireau V, Postaci E, Putze A, Quadrani L, Qi XM, Rancoita PG, Rapin D, Ricol JS, Rodríguez I, Rosier-Lees S, Rozhkov A, Rozza D, Sagdeev R, Sandweiss J, Saouter P, Sbarra C, Schael S, Schmidt SM, Schuckardt D, Schulz von Dratzig A, Schwering G, Scolieri G, Seo ES, Shan BS, Shan YH, Shi JY, Shi XY, Shi YM, Siedenburg T, Son D, Spada F, Spinella F, Sun W, Sun WH, Tacconi M, Tang CP, Tang XW, Tang ZC, Tao L, Tescaro D, Ting SCC, Ting SM, Tomassetti N, Torsti J, Türkoğlu C, Urban T, Vagelli V, Valente E, Vannini C, Valtonen E, Vaurynovich S, Vecchi M, Velasco M, Vialle JP, Wang LQ, Wang QL, Wang RS, Wang X, Wang ZX, Weng ZL, Whitman K, Wienkenhöver J, Wu H, Xia X, Xie M, Xie S, Xiong RQ, Xin GM, Xu NS, Xu W, Yan Q, Yang J, Yang M, Ye QH, Yi H, Yu YJ, Yu ZQ, Zeissler S, Zhang JH, Zhang MT, Zhang XB, Zhang Z, Zheng ZM, Zhuang HL, Zhukov V, Zichichi A, Zimmermann N, Zuccon P, Zurbach C. Electron and positron fluxes in primary cosmic rays measured with the alpha magnetic spectrometer on the international space station. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 113:121102. [PMID: 25279617 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.113.121102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Precision measurements by the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer on the International Space Station of the primary cosmic-ray electron flux in the range 0.5 to 700 GeV and the positron flux in the range 0.5 to 500 GeV are presented. The electron flux and the positron flux each require a description beyond a single power-law spectrum. Both the electron flux and the positron flux change their behavior at ∼30 GeV but the fluxes are significantly different in their magnitude and energy dependence. Between 20 and 200 GeV the positron spectral index is significantly harder than the electron spectral index. The determination of the differing behavior of the spectral indices versus energy is a new observation and provides important information on the origins of cosmic-ray electrons and positrons.
Collapse
|
66
|
Accardo L, Aguilar M, Aisa D, Alpat B, Alvino A, Ambrosi G, Andeen K, Arruda L, Attig N, Azzarello P, Bachlechner A, Barao F, Barrau A, Barrin L, Bartoloni A, Basara L, Battarbee M, Battiston R, Bazo J, Becker U, Behlmann M, Beischer B, Berdugo J, Bertucci B, Bigongiari G, Bindi V, Bizzaglia S, Bizzarri M, Boella G, de Boer W, Bollweg K, Bonnivard V, Borgia B, Borsini S, Boschini MJ, Bourquin M, Burger J, Cadoux F, Cai XD, Capell M, Caroff S, Carosi G, Casaus J, Cascioli V, Castellini G, Cernuda I, Cerreta D, Cervelli F, Chae MJ, Chang YH, Chen AI, Chen H, Cheng GM, Chen HS, Cheng L, Chikanian A, Chou HY, Choumilov E, Choutko V, Chung CH, Cindolo F, Clark C, Clavero R, Coignet G, Consolandi C, Contin A, Corti C, Coste B, Cui Z, Dai M, Delgado C, Della Torre S, Demirköz MB, Derome L, Di Falco S, Di Masso L, Dimiccoli F, Díaz C, von Doetinchem P, Du WJ, Duranti M, D'Urso D, Eline A, Eppling FJ, Eronen T, Fan YY, Farnesini L, Feng J, Fiandrini E, Fiasson A, Finch E, Fisher P, Galaktionov Y, Gallucci G, García B, García-López R, Gast H, Gebauer I, Gervasi M, Ghelfi A, Gillard W, Giovacchini F, Goglov P, Gong J, Goy C, Grabski V, Grandi D, Graziani M, Guandalini C, Guerri I, Guo KH, Haas D, Habiby M, Haino S, Han KC, He ZH, Heil M, Henning R, Hoffman J, Hsieh TH, Huang ZC, Huh C, Incagli M, Ionica M, Jang WY, Jinchi H, Kanishev K, Kim GN, Kim KS, Kirn T, Kossakowski R, Kounina O, Kounine A, Koutsenko V, Krafczyk MS, Kunz S, La Vacca G, Laudi E, Laurenti G, Lazzizzera I, Lebedev A, Lee HT, Lee SC, Leluc C, Levi G, Li HL, Li JQ, Li Q, Li Q, Li TX, Li W, Li Y, Li ZH, Li ZY, Lim S, Lin CH, Lipari P, Lippert T, Liu D, Liu H, Lolli M, Lomtadze T, Lu MJ, Lu YS, Luebelsmeyer K, Luo F, Luo JZ, Lv SS, Majka R, Malinin A, Mañá C, Marín J, Martin T, Martínez G, Masi N, Massera F, Maurin D, Menchaca-Rocha A, Meng Q, Mo DC, Monreal B, Morescalchi L, Mott P, Müller M, Ni JQ, Nikonov N, Nozzoli F, Nunes P, Obermeier A, Oliva A, Orcinha M, Palmonari F, Palomares C, Paniccia M, Papi A, Pauluzzi M, Pedreschi E, Pensotti S, Pereira R, Pilastrini R, Pilo F, Piluso A, Pizzolotto C, Plyaskin V, Pohl M, Poireau V, Postaci E, Putze A, Quadrani L, Qi XM, Rancoita PG, Rapin D, Ricol JS, Rodríguez I, Rosier-Lees S, Rossi L, Rozhkov A, Rozza D, Rybka G, Sagdeev R, Sandweiss J, Saouter P, Sbarra C, Schael S, Schmidt SM, Schuckardt D, Schulz von Dratzig A, Schwering G, Scolieri G, Seo ES, Shan BS, Shan YH, Shi JY, Shi XY, Shi YM, Siedenburg T, Son D, Spada F, Spinella F, Sun W, Sun WH, Tacconi M, Tang CP, Tang XW, Tang ZC, Tao L, Tescaro D, Ting SCC, Ting SM, Tomassetti N, Torsti J, Türkoğlu C, Urban T, Vagelli V, Valente E, Vannini C, Valtonen E, Vaurynovich S, Vecchi M, Velasco M, Vialle JP, Vitale V, Volpini G, Wang LQ, Wang QL, Wang RS, Wang X, Wang ZX, Weng ZL, Whitman K, Wienkenhöver J, Wu H, Wu KY, Xia X, Xie M, Xie S, Xiong RQ, Xin GM, Xu NS, Xu W, Yan Q, Yang J, Yang M, Ye QH, Yi H, Yu YJ, Yu ZQ, Zeissler S, Zhang JH, Zhang MT, Zhang XB, Zhang Z, Zheng ZM, Zhou F, Zhuang HL, Zhukov V, Zichichi A, Zimmermann N, Zuccon P, Zurbach C. High statistics measurement of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays of 0.5-500 GeV with the alpha magnetic spectrometer on the international space station. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 113:121101. [PMID: 25279616 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.113.121101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
A precision measurement by AMS of the positron fraction in primary cosmic rays in the energy range from 0.5 to 500 GeV based on 10.9 million positron and electron events is presented. This measurement extends the energy range of our previous observation and increases its precision. The new results show, for the first time, that above ∼200 GeV the positron fraction no longer exhibits an increase with energy.
Collapse
|
67
|
Kim KS, Hwang YW, Lee HG, Won TY. A numerical study on the charge transport in TPD/Alq3-based organic light emitting diodes. JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY 2014; 14:5839-5843. [PMID: 25936012 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2014.8795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
We report our simulation study on the charge transport characteristic of the multi-layer structure for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). We performed a numerical simulation on a multilayer structure comprising a hole transport layer (HTL), an emission layer (EML), and an electron transport layer (ETL) between both electrodes. The material of the HTL is TPD (N,N'-Bis (3-methylphenyl)-N,N'-bis(phenyl) benzidine), and the ETL includes Alq3 (Tris (8-hyroxyquinolinato) aluminium). Here, we investigated the parameters such as recombination rates which influence the efficiency of the charge transport between layers in bilayer OLEDs. We also analyzed a transient response during the turn on/off period and the carrier transport in accordance with the variation of the injection barrier and applied voltage. In addition, our numerical simulation revealed that the insertion of the EML affects the photonic characteristics in bilayer structure and also the efficiency due to the difference in the internal barrier height.
Collapse
|
68
|
Ecker KL, Donohue PK, Kim KS, Shepard JA, Aucott SW. The impact of group B Streptococcus prophylaxis on early onset neonatal infections. J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2014; 6:37-44. [PMID: 24246457 DOI: 10.3233/npm-1363312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if changes have occurred in the causative pathogens and/or antibiotic susceptibility profiles in early onset neonatal infections since initiation of group B Streptococcus (GBS) prophylaxis and to determine risk factors for ampicillin/penicillin resistant microorganisms. STUDY DESIGN Data on 220 infants with positive blood, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid cultures for bacteria or fungi at ≤seven days of age from 1990-2007 were examined and divided into three epochs, based on intrapartum antibiotic prophylactic (IAP) practices. Pathogens and antibiotic resistance were compared among epochs. RESULTS A significant decrease in the incidence of GBS infections occurred over time, with no change in the incidence of other pathogens or the emergence of antibiotic resistance, including the very low-birthweight population. In regression analysis, ampicillin resistance was associated with male gender (OR 3.096). CONCLUSIONS No emergence of antibiotic resistant pathogens was found following IAP use. Changing microorganisms and increasing antibiotic resistance found in prior studies are likely multifactorial. Further study is needed to continue to reduce the rates of common early onset pathogens.
Collapse
|
69
|
Jung M, Park SJ, Kim HS, Kim JB, Kim KS, Kwon SH, Oh JH, Kim WS. Recurrent syncope associated with idiopathic jugular vein stenosis. Report of a young female patient. Herz 2014; 40:722-4. [PMID: 24938218 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-014-4074-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2013] [Revised: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
70
|
Kim KS, Lee C, Song SH, Cho SJ, Park S, Moon KH, Ryu DS, Park S. Impact of internal spermatic artery preservation during laparoscopic varicocelectomy on recurrence and the catch-up growth rate in adolescents. J Pediatr Urol 2014; 10:435-40. [PMID: 24314819 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2013.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effectiveness of laparoscopic varicocelectomy (LV) in adolescents with varicocele and analyze the impact of internal spermatic artery (ISA) preservation on surgical outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data on 92 adolescents with left varicocele who underwent LV between December 1998 and January 2011 were retrospectively analyzed. The mean age of the patients was 13.2 ± 2.1 years. Age, grade of disease, number of ligation veins, recurrence rates, and catch-up growth were analyzed in patients who underwent ISA preservation and ligation. The median duration of the follow-up was 21 months. RESULTS ISA preservation was performed on 50 patients (54%). There were no significant inter-group differences in terms of age, varicocele grade, number of ligation veins, and catch-up growth (93% vs. 90%). The patients who received artery preservation demonstrated a higher recurrence rate (22%) than those who received artery ligation (5%; p = 0.032). Among 13 patients who had persistent or recurrent varicocele, nine were treated with embolization and one was treated with magnification-assisted subinguinal varicocelectomy. None of these 10 patients demonstrated recurrence or testicular atrophy. CONCLUSIONS LV with ISA ligation can reduce the recurrence rate and results in the same catch-up growth rate in comparison with LV with ISA preservation.
Collapse
|
71
|
Kim KH, Kuh SU, Park JY, Lee SJ, Park HS, Chin DK, Kim KS, Cho YE. Association between BMP-2 and COL6A1 gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament of the cervical spine in Korean patients and family members. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2014; 13:2240-7. [PMID: 24737472 DOI: 10.4238/2014.march.31.4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
COL6A1 and BMP-2 genes have been implicated in ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) susceptibility in Japanese and Chinese Han populations. However, no study has yet investigated the DNA of unaffected family members of patients with OPLL. This study investigated differences in genetic polymorphisms of BMP-2 and COL6A1 between Korean patients with OPLL and their family members (with and without OPLL). A total of 321 subjects (110 patients with OPLL and 211 family members) were enrolled in the study. Associations between two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the BMP-2 gene (Ser37Ala and Ser87Ser) and two SNPs of COL6A1 [promoter (-572) and intron 33 (+20)] with susceptibility to OPLL of the cervical spine were investigated between the two groups (OPLL+ and OPLL-). Of the 321 subjects, 162 had cervical OPLL (50.4%; 110 patients, 52 family members). There was a familial tendency of OPLL in 34 of the 110 families (30.9%). Allele and haplotype frequencies of the four SNPs in the BMP-2 and COL6A1 genes did not differ significantly between the OPLL+ and OPLL- groups, even when excluding participants over 50 years of age. This is the first report identifying SNPs of COL6A1 and BMP-2 in Korean patients and family members with OPLL. Although allele and haplotype frequencies were similar with those of a previous study in Japanese and Chinese patients, unaffected family members also showed similar rates of these SNPs in the present study. These results suggest that these SNPs may not directly influence the expression of OPLL.
Collapse
|
72
|
Zhang H, Tian XJ, Mukhopadhyay A, Kim KS, Xing J. Statistical mechanics model for the dynamics of collective epigenetic histone modification. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2014; 112:068101. [PMID: 24580708 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.112.068101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic histone modifications play an important role in the maintenance of different cell phenotypes. The exact molecular mechanism for inheritance of the modification patterns over cell generations remains elusive. We construct a Potts-type model based on experimentally observed nearest-neighbor enzyme lateral interactions and nucleosome covalent modification state biased enzyme recruitment. The model can lead to effective nonlocal interactions among nucleosomes suggested in previous theoretical studies, and epigenetic memory is robustly inheritable against stochastic cellular processes.
Collapse
|
73
|
Kim KS, Hwang YW, Won TY. Numerical study on exciton transport and light emission for organic light emitting diodes with an emission layer. JOURNAL OF NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY 2013; 13:8050-8054. [PMID: 24266189 DOI: 10.1166/jnn.2013.8174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports the results of a numerical study on carrier injection and exciton transport in an organic light emitting diode (OLED) structure based on tris (8-hydroxyquinolinato) aluminum (Alq3). Because charge accumulation at the interfaces between the emission layer (EML) and transport layer are believed to increase the recombination rate, which also increases the exciton density, a numerical study was performed on the effect of inserting an EML in the bilayer structure. In the first case considered, the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of the EML was aligned with the LUMO of the hole transport layer (HTL), whereas the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of the EML was aligned with the HOMO of the electron transport layer (ETL). In the second case, the LUMO of the EML was aligned with the LUMO of the ETL and the HOMO of the EML was aligned with the HOMO of the HTL. In case of a charge-blocking device, most of the recombination appeared to occur at both edges of the EML because the electric field exhibited a peak in these areas. On the other hand, in the case of the charge-confining device, the electric field was confined at the interface between the EML and ETL. This paper also discussed the effect of the insertion of a doping layer as transport layer.
Collapse
|
74
|
An YS, Lee DH, Yoon JK, Lee SJ, Kim TH, Kang DK, Kim KS, Jung YS, Yim H. Diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT, ultrasonography and MRI. Detection of axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients. Nuklearmedizin 2013; 53:89-94. [PMID: 24220324 DOI: 10.3413/nukmed-0605-13-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic abilities of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/CT) compared with those of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for axillary lymph node staging in breast cancer patients. PATIENTS, METHODS Preoperative 18F-FDG PET/non-contrast CT, ultrasonography and MRI were performed in 215 women with breast cancer. Axillary lymph node dissection was performed in all patients and the diagnostic performance of each modality was evaluated using histopathologic assessments as the reference standard. ROC curves were compared to evaluate the diagnostic ability of several imaging modalities (i. e., ultrasonography, MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT). RESULTS In total, 132 patients (61.4%) had axillary lymph node metastasis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy for the detection of axillary lymph node metastasis were 72.3%, 77.3%, 66.7%, 81.6%, 75.3% for ultrasonography, 67.5%, 78.0%, 65.9%, 79.2%, 74.0% for MRI, and 62.7%, 88.6%, 77.6%, 79.1%, 78.6% for 18F-FDG PET/CT, respectively. There was no significant difference in diagnostic ability among the imaging modalities (i.e., ultrasonography, MRI and 18F-FDG PET/CT). The diagnostic ability of 18F-FDG PET/CT was significantly improved by combination with MRI (p = 0.0002) or ultrasonography (p < 0.0001). The combination of 18F-FDG PET/CT with ultrasonography had a similar diagnostic ability to that of all three modalities combined (18F-FDG PET/CT+ultrasonography+MRI, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION The diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/CT for detection of axillary node metastasis was not significantly different from that of ultrasonography or MRI in breast cancer patients. Combining 18F-FDG PET/CT with ultrasonography or MRI could improve the diagnostic performance compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT alone.
Collapse
|
75
|
Park HW, Yoon HK, Han SB, Lee BS, Sung IY, Kim KS, Kim EA. Brain MRI measurements at a term-equivalent age and their relationship to neurodevelopmental outcomes. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2013; 35:599-603. [PMID: 23988755 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a3720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE An increased prevalence of disabilities is being observed as more preterm infants survive. This study was conducted to evaluate correlations between brain MR imaging measurements taken at a term-equivalent age and neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years' corrected age among very low-birth-weight infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Of the various brain MR imaging measurements obtained at term-equivalent ages, reproducible measurements of the transcerebellar diameter and anteroposterior length of the corpus callosum on sagittal images were compared with neurodevelopmental outcomes evaluated by the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (II) at 2 years' corrected age (mean ± standard deviation, 16.1 ± 6.4 months of age). RESULTS Ninety infants were enrolled. The mean gestational age at birth was 27 weeks and the mean birth weight was 805.5 g. A short corpus callosal length was associated with a Mental Developmental Index <70 (P = .047) and high-risk or diagnosed cerebral palsy (P = .049). A small transcerebellar diameter was associated with a Psychomotor Developmental Index <70 (P = .003), Mental Developmental Index <70 (P = .004), and major neurologic disability (P = .006). CONCLUSIONS A small transcerebellar diameter and short corpus callosal length on brain MR imaging at a term-equivalent age are related to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at a corrected age of 2 years and could be a useful adjunctive tool for counseling parents about future developmental outcomes.
Collapse
|