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Biomedical subjects

Jong Min Kim

Publications and source records attributed to Jong Min Kim.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Urachal anomalies in children: a single center experience.

The objective of this study is to define optimal diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with urachal anomalies in the pediatric age group. The medical records of 21 children who had undergone surgery for urachal anomalies at Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine from January 1990 to April 2005 were reviewed. The subjects included 14 males and 7 females (M:F 2:1). The four types of urachal anomalies confirmed were a urachal cyst in 10 patients (47.6%), a patent urachus in 6 (28.6%), a urachal sinus in 4 (19.0%) and a urachal diverticulum in 1 (4.8%) patient. The most common presenting complaint was umbilical discharge (n = 10, 40.0%), followed by abdominal mass (n = 9, 36.0%). Urachal anomalies were diagnosed by ultrasonography in 18 patients, and 7 of them were additionally examined by computed tomography. The remaining patients were diagnosed solely by surgical exploration. Excision was performed in all patients and was supplemented by partial cystectomy in three. Umbilical discharge was the most common clinical manifestation in our patients, suggesting that ultrasonography should be performed in patients with umbilical discharge to differentiate urachal anomalies. We found the most common anomaly to be the urachal cyst, and all patients were successfully treated by surgical excision.

Child↗

Metal filament growth in electrically conductive polymers for nonvolatile memory application.

Solution processable polymers that can reproducibly form metal filament by applying voltage are investigated for nonvolatile memory application. Up to present, the understanding of materials enabling to make the metal filament has not been well-documented and the vacuum deposition methods were dominantly used in device fabrication. After screening various polymers, we found that only the polymers having two functionalities, the presence of strongly coordinating heteroatom (S or N) with metal ions and the electrical conductivity, showed the reproducible filament formation behavior. Among the polymers screened, the regiorandom poly(3-hexylthiophene) showed the best switching endurance over 30,000 write-read-erase-read cycles without any switching failure.

Journal Article↗

Naphthopyrone glucosides from the seeds of Cassia tora with inhibitory activity on advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formation.

Three naphthopyrone glucosides, cassiaside (1), rubrofusarin-6-O-beta-D-gentiobioside (2), and toralactone-9-O-beta-D-gentiobioside (3), were isolated from the BuOH-soluble extract of the seeds of Cassia tora as active constituents, using an in vitro bioassay based on the inhibition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) to monitor chromatographic fractionation. The structures of 1-3 were determined by spectroscopic data interpretation, particularly by extensive 1D and 2D NMR studies. All the isolates (1-3) were evaluated for the inhibitory activity on AGEs formation in vitro.

Cassia↗

Constituents of the roots of Pueraria lobata inhibit formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).

Two isoflavone C-glucosides, puerarin (1) and PG-3 (2), a but-2-enolide, (+/-)-puerol B (3), two isoflavone O-glucosides, daidzin (4) and genistin (5), and three pterocarpans, (-)-medicarpin (6), (-)-glycinol (7) and (-)-tuberosin (8), were isolated from a MeOH extract of the roots of Pueraria lobata, using an in vitro bioassay based on the inhibition of the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) to monitor chromatographic fractionation. The structures of 1-8 were determined by spectroscopic data interpretation, particularly by 1D- and 2D-NMR studies, and by comparison of these data with values in the literature. All of the isolates (1-8) were evaluated for their inhibitory activity on AGEs formation in vitro. Of these, puerarin (1), PG-3 (2), and (+/-)-puerol B (3) exhibited more potent inhibitory activity than the positive control aminoguanidine.

4-Butyrolactone↗

Long polymeric tips of atomic force microscopy for large biological samples.

We show a new atomic force microscopy technique for obtaining high-resolution topographic images of large bio-samples. To obtain high-resolution topographic images for the samples, we fabricated a long polymeric tip with a small protrusion using two-photon adsorbed photo-polymerization techniques. The obtained tip length was over 50 microm, and the tip was used directly to visualize COS-1 and 293 cells. Compared with commercial tips, the long tip made it easier to obtain topographic images of the large cells. In the magnified topographic images, the sub-100-nm resolution was confirmed with the long tips. This long probe tip is expected to broaden large sample-related studies and applications in the future.

Animals↗

Puerariafuran, a new inhibitor of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) isolated from the roots of Pueraria lobata.

A new 2-arylbenzofuran, puerariafuran (1), as well as three known compounds, coumestrol (2), daidzein (3), and genistein (4), were isolated from a MeOH extract of the roots of Pueraria lobata as active constituents, using an in vitro bioassay based on the inhibition of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) to monitor chromatographic fractionation. The structure of 1 was determined by spectroscopic data interpretation, particularly by extensive 1D and 2D NMR studies. All the isolates (1-4) were evaluated for the inhibitory activity on AGEs formation in vitro.

Benzofurans↗

Amperometric immunosensor for direct detection based upon functional lipid vesicles immobilized on nanowell array electrode.

An original electrochemical immunosensor has now been developed that is based upon the spontaneous immobilization of biotinylated, functional lipid vesicles (FLVs) on a polymeric resist layer. An electrode was fabricated utilizing a form of electron-beam (e-beam) that has been used to fabricate 200 nm (nanoscale) wells in the resist layer covering of the gold electrode. The stability of adhered FLVs upon the nanowell (NW) electrode was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). From these observations, we were able to determine that the assembled FLVs primarily adhered as individual molecules, that is, without the aggregation or fusion noted in earlier designs. Additionally, these immobilized FLVs demonstrated clearly defined redox activity in electrochemical measurements. Streptavidin, biotinylated capture antibody, and target proteins were consequently injected in order to set up the immunoassay environment. Electrochemical immunoassay experimentation was performed on the NW array electrode with model proteins, such as human serum albumin (HSA) and carbonic anhydrase from bovine (CAB). We observed a notable current decrease, following the redox path, interrupted by the target HSA, indicating the binding of the capture antibody with the target antigen. On the basis of these results, we propose a new type of immunosensor incorporating this mechanism of spontaneous immobilization of FLVs.

Electrochemistry↗

Spontaneous immobilization of liposomes on electron-beam exposed resist surfaces.

We have found an interesting immobilization technique of liposomes on electron-beam exposed resist surfaces. The immobilized liposomes have been visualized by the atomic force microscope and have shown well-organized three-dimensional physical structures, in which the liposomes maintain their shapes and sizes similar to those of the original design in prepared solution. The immobilization is based on a strong static charge interaction between the resist surface and the liposomes. Further experiments show that very strong charge in the surfaces produces the firm immobilization of the liposome. We believe these findings can be related to various liposome applications such as drug delivery system, electrochemical or biosensors, and nanoscale membrane function studies.

Liposomes↗

Enhanced Mn-SOD immunoreactivity in the dopaminergic neurons of long-evans cinnamon rats.

The abundance of cellular superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) was examined immunocytochemically in different regions of the brain of Long-Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats at 4 and 50 weeks of age. When all animals develop chronic hepatitis, the substantia nigra and striatum showed a marked increase in Mn-SOD immunoreactivity versus Long-Evans agouti (LEA) rats of the same age. Mn-SOD was localized predominantly in dopaminergic neurons. The elevation of Mn-SOD level in the dopaminergic neurons of LEC rats may reflect the oxidative stress caused by copper accumulation in this brain area. Our data suggest that LEC rats may contribute to the mechanistic study of neurological manifestations in nigro-striatal dopaminergic system of Wilson's disease.

Animals↗

Two-photon photopolymerized tips for adhesion-free scanning-probe microscopy.

A hydrophobic polymeric tip of atomic force microscopy has been fabricated by two-photon adsorbed photopolymerization methods (TPAP). The fabrication was performed by a layer-by-layer polymerization of sliced multiple three-dimensional computer-aided design data. The used base resin was composed of acrylate and epoxy, which showed hydrophobic properties after the photopolymerization. For the sharp tip fabrication, we used a "dynamic partial polymerization method" which applied "the threshold effect" of TPAP to maximize the fabrication resolution. To investigate the performance of the fabricated polymeric tip, we have imaged several organic, inorganic, and biological samples using contact or dynamic force mode. The imaging results showed the hydrophobic polymeric tips solved various problems related to the tip adhesion to hydrophilic sample surfaces. Finally, the topographic image resolution of sub-5 nm was obtained using the polymeric tips for the hydrophilic mica surface.

Equipment Design↗

Co-effect of aqueous solubility of drugs and glycolide monomer on in vitro release rates from poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) discs and polymer degradation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of aqueous solubility of model drugs and glycolide monomer (GM) from poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) discs on in vitro release rates and polymer degradation. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a water-soluble compound, and dexamethasone in a water-insoluble base form were selected as model drugs. Glycolide monomer, that has moderate solubility in water, was a non-toxic and biodegradable additive as a derivative material of hydrolysis of PLGA in order to obtain desirable drugs release rates. PLGA discs with or without GM were formulated by means of compression molding method. The prepared polymeric discs were incubated at 37 degrees C in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.4) and characterized at scheduled time points for water uptake, mass loss, diameter and morphology change, molecular weight and composition change using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), gel-permeation chromatography (GPC), and H-NMR, respectively. The supernatants were taken out of the sample vials and were analyzed for drug release. The 5-FU release was found to be increasing in proportion to the drug loading amount with an initial burst for 5 days, while dexamethasone release showed inverse relationship with the increasing drug loading amount. However, the release behaviors of 5-FU and dexamethasone polymeric discs containing GM showed faster release rates than control discs (without GM) and did not show lag periods during the in vitro release test due to adding GM, which acted as a channeling agent that has moderate solubility in water. Polymer degradation was found to be affected by aqueous solubility of drugs and GM. In conclusion, we observed that drugs release rates were influenced by their aqueous solubility and loading amount and also GM plays a major role in controlling drug release rates regardless of solubility of drugs. This system appears to be promising for controlled drug delivery aimed at local therapy.

Dexamethasone↗

24-nor-Ursane type triterpenoids from the stems of Rumex japonicus.

Fractionation of an EtOAc-soluble extract of the stems of Rumex japonicus led to the isolation of two new 24-norursane type triterpenoids, 2alpha,3alpha,19alpha-trihydroxy-24-norurs-4(23),12-dien-28-oic acid (1) and 4(R),23-epoxy-2alpha,3alpha,19alpha-trihydroxy-24-norurs-12-en-28-oic acid (2), along with the known compounds myrianthic acid (3), tormentic acid, and emodin. The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, particularly by extensive 1D and 2D NMR studies.

Carbohydrate Conformation↗

Characterization of degradation behavior for PLGA in various pH condition by simple liquid chromatography method.

The aim of this study was to detect the amount of lactic acid (LA) and glycolic acid (GA) in poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) by development a simple HPLC method and to determine the pH of media, which can influence on degradation of PLGA and drug release. Analysis of in vitro degradation behavior of PLGA with two different molecular weights as 8000 and 33,000 g/mol were performed in various media conditions (pH 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0 of PBS and distilled water (approx. pH 5.8)). Also, effect of some additives on PLGA degradation was also investigated in pH 7.0 of PBS. GA and LA were easily detected by a simple HPLC method (retention time: 6.5 min and 10.2 min, respectively). The result showed that GA was released larger amount than that of LA considering the initial sample weight of polymers, due to the higher hydrophilic property. In the lower pH of media conditions, the PLGA was faster degraded generally. The presence of various additives, moreover, affected decrease of pH and slight acceleration of LA and GA detection.

Biocompatible Materials↗

Effect of lactide/glycolide monomers on release behaviors of gentamicin sulfate-loaded PLGA discs.

In order to develop the desirable drug release patterns such as no lag time and exact zero-order release rate, gentamicin sulfate (GS)-loaded poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) discs containing lactide monomer (LM) or glycolide monomer (GM) were prepared. LM or GM was applied for the controlling drug release pattern due to its non-toxic and biodegradable nature. Water absorption, mass loss, pH change, and morphology of discs were examined to study the effect of LM or GM addition. GS release showed near zero-order profile in the GS-loaded polymeric discs prepared in the presence of LM or GM (10%). The channel of GS-loaded PLGA containing LM or GM was formed by the dissolution of LM or GM. Water uptake of disc increased till 21 days from the beginning of the test. The pH variations of media declined in the same manner with the result of mass loss. The antibiosis of GS was also confirmed by bacterial inhibition zone test using the prepared polymeric discs. From these results, we expected that the polymeric discs containing LM or GM would be a good dosage form as a topically implantable device which can get rid of lag period from PLGA matrix.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Overexpression of redox factor-1 negatively regulates NO synthesis and apoptosis in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Redox factor-1 (Ref-1) is a ubiquitously expressed protein with proven roles as a modulator of redox-sensitive transcription, and as an endonuclease in the base excision repair pathway of oxidatively damaged DNA. Although Ref-1 is induced by a variety of oxidative stress and protects cells against oxidative stress, the function of Ref-1 in regulating nitric oxide (NO) synthesis has not been elucidated to date. We investigated the role of Ref-1 in regulating NO synthesis and NO-mediated apoptosis employing adenoviral-mediated overexpression of Ref-1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophage RAW 264.7 cells. LPS treatment produced NO synthesis and NO-mediated apoptosis. Forced overexpression of Ref-1 suppressed LPS-stimulated NO synthesis. In parallel with this, Ref-1 also mitigated alteration of inducible NO synthase expression and NO-mediated apoptosis. Our findings suggest that Ref-1 is implicated in protection against cell death resulting from oxidative stimuli containing NO.

Adenoviridae↗

Electrochemical detection of nonlabeled oligonucleotide DNA using biotin-modified DNA(ss) on a streptavidin-modified gold electrode.

In the electrochemical detection of nonlabeled DNA, it is important to control the bonding at the interface between the DNA and the electrode. Atomic force microscope (AFM) was taken for the commonly used thiol-modified DNA on a gold surface. It was found that the coverage of the DNA was very low. On the other hand, a streptavidin-modified gold electrode provided a much better alternative where DNA hybridization resulted in large changes in the electrochemical reaction responses. This work demonstrates that streptavidin-modified gold electrodes could be used in the development of a new electrochemical protocol for the detection of nonlabeled DNA.

Journal Article↗

Holographic optical elements recorded in silver halide sensitized gelatin emulsions. Part 2. Reflection holographic optical elements.

Silver halide sensitized gelatin (SHSG) holograms are similar to holograms recorded in dichromated gelatin (DCG), the main recording material for holographic optical elements (HOEs). The drawback of DCG is its low energetic sensitivity and limited spectral response. Silver halide materials can be processed in such away that the final hologram will have properties like a DCG hologram. Recently this technique has become more interesting since the introduction of new ultra-fine-grain silver halide (AgHal) emulsions. In particular, high spatial-frequency fringes associated with HOEs of the reflection type are difficult to construct when SHSG processing methods are employed. Therefore an optimized processing technique for reflection HOEs recorded in the new AgHal materials is introduced. Diffraction efficiencies over 90% can be obtained repeatably for reflection diffraction gratings. Understanding the importance of a selective hardening process has made it possible to obtain results similar to conventional DCG processing. The main advantage of the SHSG process is that high-sensitivity recording can be performed with laser wavelengths anywhere within the visible spectrum. This simplifies the manufacturing of high-quality, large-format HOEs, also including high-quality display holograms of the reflection type in both monochrome and full color.

Journal Article↗