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Biomedical subjects

C W Kim

Publications and source records attributed to C W Kim.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Der p 2 isoallergens have different allergenicity, and quantification with 2-site ELISA using monoclonal antibodies is influenced by the isoallergens.

BACKGROUND: Der p 2 isoallergens have been reported and the possibility of different allergenicity has also been suggested. In addition, the quantification with 2-site ELISA may be affected by the isoallergens. OBJECTIVES: Two different recombinant Der p 2 (rDer p 2) isoallergens were compared in terms of human IgE responses and the reliability of quantification of them with two-site ELISA kits which use monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as capture and detection of Der p 2. METHODS: Seven different Der p 2 cDNA from the cultured Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (DP) were cloned and polymorphism in nine amino acid residues was found. Two different recombinant isoallergens (rDer p 2A and rDer p 2B) were expressed and compared to their human IgE immune responses by ELISA and the ELISA inhibition test with 23 sera of DP-allergic patients. The reliability of quantification of two different available 2-site ELISA kits, which used mAbs for capture and detection of Der p 2, was evaluated. RESULTS: The ELISA optical density of rDer p 2B-specific IgE (sIgE) was higher than that of rDer p 2A (P < 0.001). The ELISA inhibition curve of rDer p 2B sIgE in pool I sera (n = 5; high sIgE both to rDer p 2A and rDer p 2B) did not show any differences in the 50% inhibition concentration and maximum inhibitory percentage of rDer p 2A and rDer p 2B sIgE. However, with pool II sera (n = 5; markedly higher sIgE to rDer p 2B than rDer p 2A), the 50% inhibitory concentrations (10 microg/mL vs. 40 ng/mL) and maximum inhibitory percentage (61% vs. 99%) of rDer p 2B sIgE with the two recombinant isoallergens were quite different. rDer p 2B could be quantified with two different 2-site ELISA kits, but rDer p 2A was detected by only one kit. CONCLUSION: We conclude that isoallergens of Der p 2 may have different IgE immune responses. Quantification of Der p 2 with 2-site ELISA kits that adopted mAbs, might be affected by the prevalent form of the isoallergens in reservoir dust.

Adult↗

Use of vascularized fibular grafts as a salvage procedure for previously failed spinal arthrodesis.

STUDY DESIGN: A case series of spinal arthrodesis performed with vascularized fibular grafts is presented. OBJECTIVES: The use of vascularized fibular grafts to obtain anterior spinal fusion in patients with complex spinal disorders and poor fusion environments is described. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The fusion success of spinal arthrodesis is dependent on numerous factors, such as the substrate used for arthrodesis (i.e., graft), the biology of the fusion bed, and local host factors. Vascularized grafts have higher success rates for union and can better overcome a poor fusion bed than nonvascular grafts. However, they are associated with higher donor site morbidity and greater technical difficulty. METHODS: Three patients with complex medical histories portending a difficult spinal fusion were treated with anterior arthrodesis using vascularized fibular autografts. Vascular patency was confirmed by bone scintigraphy, and osseous union by radiography and computed tomography. RESULTS: All patients had successful osseous fusion in 3 to 6 months. Deformity was improved. Patients reported decreased pain and resumption to previous activities at 24 months follow-up. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: A vascularized fibular graft is a useful alternative to standard grafts for spinal arthrodesis. Vascularized fibular grafts provide high fusion rates, rapid incorporation, and increased mechanical strength, and thus heal better in a suboptimal graft bed. The procedure is technically demanding, often requiring the expertise of a microvascular surgeon for obtaining the graft and achieving anastomosis. It is best suited in cases where significant difficulty in obtaining a spinal fusion is anticipated.

Adult↗

CD99 regulates the transport of MHC class I molecules from the Golgi complex to the cell surface.

The down-regulation of surface expression of MHC class I molecules has recently been reported in the CD99-deficient lymphoblastoid B cell line displaying the characteristics of Hodgkin's and Reed-Sternberg phenotype. Here, we demonstrate that the reduction of MHC class I molecules on the cell surface is primarily due to a defect in the transport from the Golgi complex to the plasma membrane. Loss of CD99 did not affect the steady-state expression levels of mRNA and protein of MHC class I molecules. In addition, the assembly of MHC class I molecules and the transport from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cis-Golgi occurred normally in the CD99-deficient cells, and no difference was detected between the CD99-deficient and the control cells in the pattern and degree of endocytosis. Instead, the CD99-deficient cells displayed the delayed transport of newly synthesized MHC class I molecules to the plasma membrane, thus causing accumulation of the molecules within the cells. The accumulated MHC class I molecules in the CD99-deficient cells were colocalized with alpha-mannosidase II and gamma-adaptin in the Golgi compartment. These results suggest that CD99 may be associated with the post-Golgi trafficking machinery by regulating the transport to the plasma membrane rather than the endocytosis of surface MHC class I molecules, providing a novel mechanism of MHC class I down-regulation for immune escape.

12E7 Antigen↗

Antiosteoporotic activity of Dae-Bo-Won-Chun in ovariectomized rats.

The preventive effect of the herbal formulation, "Dae-Bo-Won-Chun" (DBWC), on the progress of bone loss induced by ovariectomy (OVX) was studied in rats. From light microscope analyses, porous or erosive appearances were observed on the surface of trabecular bone of tibia in ovariectomized rats, whereas those of the same bone in sham-operated rats were composed of fine particles. The trabecular bone area and trabecular thickness in ovariectomized rats decreased by 50% from those in sham-operated rats, these decreases were completely inhibited by administration of DBWC at a concentration of 10 mg/kg per day for 7 weeks. The mechanical strength of the neck of the femur was decreased by ovariectomy, and this was significantly suppressed by the administration of DBWC. Serum phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and thyroxine levels in ovariectomized rats increased compared with those in sham-operated rats, and increases were completely inhibited by the administration of DBWC. These results strongly suggest that DBWC is effective in preventing the development of bone loss induced by ovariectomy in rats.

Animals↗

Malignant triton tumor of the nasal cavity.

BACKGROUND: Malignant triton tumor is usually an aggressive sarcoma consisting of a malignant schwannoma with rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. However, malignant triton tumor of the nasal cavity is very rare. METHODS: A case report of a 38-year-old woman with polypoid mass, which bled easily in the right nasal cavity, and nasal obstruction is presented with a review of the literature pertaining to this unusual case. RESULTS: The malignant triton tumor was treated with wide surgical excision followed by radiation therapy. Histopathological diagnosis of the malignant triton tumor was made on the surgical specimen. The patient's postoperative course was unremarkable, and follow-up at 5 years reveals no evidence of disease. CONCLUSIONS: A malignant triton tumor in the nasal cavity is a rare disease. Head and neck surgeons should recognize the possibility of malignant triton tumor occurring in the nasal cavity.

Adult↗

Color characteristics of low-chroma and high-translucence dental resin composites by different measuring modes.

The objective of the described research was the evaluation of the effects of the differences in the color-measuring geometry (SCE, SCI) and the standard illuminant on the color and color change after polymerization and thermocycling of resin composites. White, translucent, and conventional shades of two brands of resin composites were measured before and after polymerization and after thermocycling according to the CIE L*a*b* color scale on a reflection spectrophotometer with SCE and SCI geometry under the standard illuminants A, D65, and C. Under both SCE and SCI modes, the color differences (DeltaE*) of specimens between the values measured under illuminants A and D65 or A and C were larger than those between D65 and C in unpolymerized, polymerized, and thermocycled conditions. With SCE geometry, DeltaE* after polymerization of the white shade group was 8.7-9.8 under D65, and was higher than the conventional shade group (p < 0.05) in both materials. With SCE geometry, DeltaE* between polymerized and thermocycled white, translucent shade was 4.4-7.1 under D65. With SCI geometry, the results were in general agreement with those of SCE mode. After polymerization, DeltaE* measured under illuminant A was generally higher than that under D65 or C (p < 0.01). After thermocycling, the color change was different depending on the color-measuring geometry and standard illuminant.

Barium↗

Simultaneous organic and nitrogen removal from municipal landfill leachate using an anaerobic-aerobic system.

An anaerobic-aerobic system including simultaneous methanogenesis and denitrification was introduced to treat organic and nitrogen compounds in immature leachate from a landfill site. Denitrification and methanogenesis were successfully carried out in the anaerobic reactor while the organic removal and nitrification of NH4+,-N were carried out in the aerobic reactor when rich organic substrate was supplied with appropriate hydraulic retention time. The maximum organic removal rate was 15.2 kg COD/m3 d in the anaerobic reactor while the maximum NH4+-N removal rate and maximum nitrification rate were 0.84kg NH4+-N/m3/d and 0.50kg NO3--N/m3/d, respectively, in the aerobic reactor. The pH range for proper nitrification was 6-8.8 in the aerobic reactor. The organic compounds inhibited nitrification so that the organic removal in the anaerobic reactor could enhance the nitrification rate in the following aerobic reactor. The gas production rate was 0.33 m3/kg COD and the biogas compositions of CH4, CO2, and N2 were kept relatively constant, 66-75, 22-32, and 2-3%, respectively.

Aerobiosis↗

2-(Allylthio)pyrazine, a cancer chemopreventive agent, inhibits liver fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine in rats: role of inhibition of transforming growth factor-beta1 expression.

Exposure to nitrosamines may be the occupational risk factor for liver cirrhosis. 2-(Allylthio)pyrazine, a chemopreventive agent, inhibits CYP2E1 and induces phase II enzymes. We examined the effects of 2-(allylthio)pyrazine on hepatic fibrosis, a prepathologic state of cirrhosis, and on the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 induced by dimethylnitrosamine. Treatment of rats with dimethylnitrosamine for 4 weeks increased plasma alanine/aspartate amino-transferase and y-glutamyl transpeptidase activities, and bilirubin content, whereas the total plasma protein and albumin levels were decreased. 2-(Allylthio)pyrazine inhibited dimethylnitrosamine-induced increases in the enzyme activities and bilirubin, and restored the plasma protein and albumin contents. Masson's trichrome staining showed that dimethylnitrosamine induced liver fibrosis, the extent of which was reduced by 2-(allylthio)pyrazine treatments. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that 2-(allylthio)pyrazine inhibited production of transforming growth factor-beta1 mRNA by dimethylnitrosamine. These results demonstrated that 2-(allylthio)pyrazine might inhibit dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis due to suppression of CYP2E1 expression and transforming growth factor-beta1 production.

Animals↗

Histone deacetylases induce angiogenesis by negative regulation of tumor suppressor genes.

Low oxygen tension influences tumor progression by enhancing angiogenesis; and histone deacetylases (HDAC) are implicated in alteration of chromatin assembly and tumorigenesis. Here we show induction of HDAC under hypoxia and elucidate a role for HDAC in the regulation of hypoxia-induced angiogenesis. Overexpressed wild-type HDAC1 downregulated expression of p53 and von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor genes and stimulated angiogenesis of human endothelial cells. A specific HDAC inhibitor, trichostatin A (TSA), upregulated p53 and von Hippel-Lindau expression and downregulated hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor. TSA also blocked angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. TSA specifically inhibited hypoxia-induced angiogenesis in the Lewis lung carcinoma model. These results indicate that hypoxia enhances HDAC function and that HDAC is closely involved in angiogenesis through suppression of hypoxia-responsive tumor suppressor genes.

Animals↗

Short-term phytohaemagglutinin-activated mononuclear cells induce endothelial progenitor cells from cord blood CD34+ cells.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were recently demonstrated to exist in human cord blood. Phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), a potent mitogen for mononuclear cells was used to induce EPCs from unsorted cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs). Adherent cells in clusters appeared approximately 24 h after CBMCs were cultured in plain Roswell Park Memorial Institute media containing 10% fetal bovine serum (culture media) and PHA. Adherent cells were further propagated for 1 week in plain culture media. Flow cytometry and Di-I staining analyses showed that CD45-, CD34+, Flk-1+, CD31+ or VE-cadherin+ EPCs were induced and that they were mainly from the CD34+ cell compartment. When enriched CD34+ cells alone were stimulated with culture supernatant of the PHA-activated CBMCs, they neither proliferated readily nor induced EPCs. Because EPCs first appeared within the clustering cells that expressed high levels of fibronectin and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), our data suggest that both cell-cell/cell-matrix interaction and the local VEGF action are important in the induction of EPCs. Thus, we demonstrate for the first time that EPCs are induced from human cord blood stem cell populations that interact with neighbouring PHA-activated CBMCs. This finding may have a significant implication in inflammatory cell-mediated vasculogenesis and angiogenesis in vivo.

Antigens, CD34↗

Heterogeneity of IgE epitopes of vinyl sulphone reactive dye: human serum albumin that react with IgE.

BACKGROUND: Vinyl sulphone reactive dye (vRD), which consists of vinyl sulphone reactive groups and a chromogen, can elicit IgE-mediated occupational asthma (OA) by haptenation. Human serum albumin (HSA) is known as the most reliable carrier protein for the vRD, the IgE epitopes of vRD-HSA are not well characterized. In this study we evaluated the epitope of vRD-HAS-specific IgE. METHODS: Two vRD (Remazole Black-GR and Remazole Orange-3R), Procion Red-MX-5B, which has a dichlorotriazine reactive group, and vinyl sulphone (VS), were haptenated to HSA, respectively. vRD-HSA was denatured by heat or mercaptoethanol treatment and the allergenicities of denatured and non-denatured vRD-HSA were compared by ELISA and IgE immunoblotting using the sera of six vRD-OA patients. vRD-HSA-specific, Procion Red-MX-5B (pRD)-HSA-specific and VS-HAS-specific IgE were also measured with ELISA and the cross-reactivity between them was evaluated with ELISA inhibition. RESULTS: Denaturation of vRD-HSA by heat affected its allergenicity markedly in five of six sera of RD-OA. When vRD was conjugated to the pre-heated HSA, its allergenicity also disappeared or was markedly attenuated compared with the vRD-HSA in five of six sera. Mercaptoethanol treatment markedly affected the allergenicity of the RD-HSA in all six RD-OA sera. Immunoblotting from non-denatured PAGE showed strong IgE affinity to vRD-HSA but immunoblotting from denatured SDS PAGE did not show IgE affinity. Among six RD-OA patients, five and four patients had pRD-HSA-specific and VS-HSA-specific IgE, respectively. However, the vRD-HSA-specific IgE was neither inhibited by pRD-HSA nor VS-HSA CONCLUSION: We considered that the conformational structure of HSA would be critical for the IgE epitopes during the haptenation process and both of the chromogen and reactive groups of the vRD would contribute to the formation of IgE epitope. Our results also confirmed the heterogeneity of IgE epitopes in the RD-HSA complex.

Adult↗

Epstein-Barr virus-associated peripheral T-cell lymphoma in adults with hydroa vacciniforme-like lesions.

We describe two Korean adult patients who had necrotizing papulovesicles mainly on their faces. Skin biopsy specimens showed perivascular and periadnexal infiltrate of atypical lymphoid cells with vasculitis in the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. In situ hybridization demonstrated a latent infection of Epstein-Barr virus in the majority of lymphoid cells in the dermis. These patients were diagnosed as having T-cell lymphoma. Interestingly, large granular lymphocytosis was found in the peripheral blood of Case 2.

Adult↗

Coexpression of Bcl-6 and CD10 in diffuse large B-cell lymphomas: significance of Bcl-6 expression patterns in identifying germinal center B-cell lymphoma.

Most follicular lymphomas (FLs) transform to diffuse lymphoma eventually, comprising a significant proportion of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Judging by bcl-2 rearrangement (bcl-2R), one third of DLBCLs are believed to be of FL derivation in the Western population. However, bcl-2R is not specific and is not detectable in every case of FL. In East Asia, FL is uncommon but DLBCL is not. The proportion of tumors of FL origin in DLBCL is not known in this region. The coexpression of Bcl-6 and CD10 proteins, a reliable marker to identify germinal center (GC) B-cell lymphoma including FL, was analyzed in primary nodal DLBCLs (n = 104) diagnosed at major hospitals in Seoul during a recent 2-year period, along with well-defined cases (n = 17) of nodal FL as controls. Bcl-2 protein expression (n = 77) was also studied along with bcl-2R (n = 64), by polymerase chain reaction. Formalin-fixed archival specimens were used in all these assays. The Bcl-6/CD10 coexpression was observed in 35 DLBCLs (34%) and 14 FLs (82%), and most of them showed a pattern of Bcl-6 expression similar to that of the GC. Bcl-2 expression or bcl-2R did not correlate with Bcl-6/CD10 coexpression. Histologically, compartmentalizing sclerosis was associated with a high rate of the coexpression (8 of 10). In conclusion, to detect GC B-cell lymphoma in routine biopsy specimens, a pattern of Bcl-6 staining similar to the GC must be identified. Bcl-6+/CD10+ GC B-cell lymphomas thus defined comprised one third of primary nodal DLBCLs in Korea. The incidence rate is similar to that in the West. The reasons for the discrepancy between the incidence of GC B-cell lymphoma and the paucity of the follicular pattern in East Asian subjects warrant further studies.

Adolescent↗

Clinicopathologic characteristics of Epstein-Barr virus-incorporated gastric cancers in Korea.

We evaluated the rate of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in gastric carcinomas of Korean patients and investigated the associations between EBV infection and clinicopathological characteristics, the survival rates of patients, and p53 overexpression. EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER)-in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry for p53 protein were done in 306 consecutive gastric carcinoma cases, of which 17 (5.6%) showed EBV infection. Of these 17 EBV-positive cases, one case strongly expressed p53 protein, while 98 (34%) of 285 EBV-negative cases overexpressed p53 (p < 0.05). The EBV-positive gastric carcinomas tended to have lymphoid stroma. They were mostly of the poorly differentiated type, negative for p53 immunoexpression, more prevalent in male patients, and diffuse according to Lauren's classification (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the survival rate for the EBV status. In conclusion, the EBV infection rate among gastric carcinomas in Korea is similar to that ascertained in other countries. An inverse correlation between EBV and p53 overexpression was disclosed. Further study is needed to find out whether or not two genetic changes could be functionally overlapping during gastric carcinogenesis.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Could ionizing radiation forestall cauliflower ear?

Repeated trauma to the ear very often results in "cauliflower ear." Many methods have been suggested to prevent an injured ear from demonstrating a cauliflowerlike deformity. The principles of treatment are evacuation of the hematoma, control of the reaccumulation of fluid, and maintenance of the cartilage contour. The authors studied the effect of ionizing radiation on deformed rabbit ears induced by repeated trauma. Twenty ears (10 rabbits) were used in the experiment. The animals were divided into four groups (control, preradiation, low dose, and high dose). Hematoma was produced by pounding the lateral side of the auricle 10 times with a 50-g weight at a height of 15 cm. The thickness of the injured and uninjured sites was measured, and histological analysis was performed for each group. The thickness of the ears of the irradiated groups was significantly less than the control group. The authors think that radiation treatment of repeatedly injured ears could prevent ear deformity, and could possibly be an adjunctive form of management of cauliflower ear in addition to hematoma evacuation and compression therapy.

Animals↗

Comparison of color of resin composites of white and translucent shades with two shade guides.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the color of resin composites of white, translucent, and conventional shades with shade guides, based on the analysis of the color distribution of shade guides. The influence of color measuring mode, specular component included (SCI) or excluded (SCE), was also determined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The labial portions of shade guide tabs (Vita and Chromascop) were polished flat with up to 2400-grit SiC paper. Color coordinates were measured according to CIE L*a*b* color scale on a reflection spectrophotometer with both the SCE and SCI modes. The color coordinates of white, translucent, and conventional shades of two brands of resin composites were measured and compared with those of the shade guides. RESULTS: There was no logical order in the color distribution of the two shade guides. The color of white and translucent shades of resin composites was located on the low CIE a* and CIE b* value area. The CIE L*, a*, b* values of resin composite with the same color designations were different, depending on the brand of material. The color difference (deltaE*) of shade guides by the measuring mode (SCE vs. SCI) was between 3.2 and 6.5.

Color↗

Role of skin prick test and serological measurement of specific IgE in the diagnosis of occupational asthma resulting from exposure to vinyl sulphone reactive dyes.

OBJECTIVES: Some patients with occupational asthma resulting from exposure to reactive dyes have skin reactivity to the causative dyes and specific IgE to reactive dyes have been found in these patients. However, the usefulness of skin prick tests (SPTs) and serological measurement of specific IgE in screening, diagnosis, and monitoring the occupational asthma resulting from exposure to reactive dyes have not yet been assessed. In this study, the clinical validation of SPTs and measurement of specific IgE to vinyl sulphone reactive dyes by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was evaluated. METHODS: 42 Patients with occupational asthma from reactive dyes (true positive group) were enrolled. In these the causative reactive dye was confirmed by bronchial challenge test. 93 Asymptomatic factory workers with negative challenge to the reactive dye (true negative group) and 16 unexposed controls with negative challenge to the reactive dye were also enrolled. Skin prick tests were done with 10 mg/ml reactive dye in 0.4% phenol/0.9% saline. IgE specific to reactive dye conjugated to human serum albumin (HSA) was measured with enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). RESULTS: None of the unexposed controls had a positive response to SPTs. The sensitivity (76.2% v 53.7%), specificity (91.4% v 86.0%), positive predictive value (80.0% v 62.9%), and negative predictive value (89.5% v 80.8%) of SPTs were higher than those of ELISAs. The mean weal size of reaction to reactive dye was weakly correlated with the ELISA optical density of IgE to reactive dye conjugate in patients with occupational asthma from reactive dyes (n=41, r=0.337, p<0.05). In four patients with occupational asthma from reactive dyes and eight control subjects exposed to reactive dye, IgE specific to reactive dye conjugated to HSA was detected with ELISA even though they showed negative skin reactivity. Six patients completely avoided the reactive dye for a mean (SD) 27.8 (10.3) months, IgE specific to reactive dyes decreased in all six patients (p<0.05) during this time. CONCLUSIONS: Both SPTs and detection of IgE specific to reactive dye in serum samples could be valuable for screening, diagnosis, and monitoring occupational asthma resulting from exposure to reactive dyes. These two tests would complement each other.

Adult↗