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Biomedical subjects

K S Shin

Publications and source records attributed to K S Shin.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent infection in a pony vaccinated with a Borrelia burgdorferi recombinant OspA vaccine and challenged by exposure to naturally infected ticks.

A pony was vaccinated with recombinant OspA vaccine (rOspA) and then exposed 3 months later to Borrelia burgdorferi-infected ticks (Ixodes scapularis) collected in Westchester County, N.Y. At 2 weeks after tick exposure, the pony developed a high fever (105 degrees F). Buffy coat smears showed that 20% of neutrophils contained ehrlichial inclusion bodies (morulae). Flunixin Meglumine (1 g daily) was given for 2 days, and the body temperature returned to normal. PCR for ehrlichial DNA was performed on blood samples for 10 consecutive days beginning when the pony was first febrile. This pony was monitored for another 3.5 months but developed no further clinical signs. The 44-kDa immunodominant human granulocytic ehrlichiosis antigen gene was amplified by PCR and cloned into a pCR2.1 vector. DNA sequence analysis of this gene showed it was only 8 bp different (99% identity) from the results reported by others (J. W. Ijdo et al., Infect. Immun. 66:3264-3269, 1998). Western blot analysis, growth inhibition assays, and repeated attempts to isolate B. burgdorferi all demonstrated the pony was protected against B. burgdorferi infection. These results highlight the potential for ticks to harbor and transmit several pathogens simultaneously, which further complicates the diagnosis and vaccination of these emerging tick-borne diseases.

Animals↗

Heterotopic pancreas in the stomach: CT findings.

PURPOSE: To describe the computed tomographic (CT) findings of heterotopic pancreas in the stomach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT findings in 12 patients with heterotopic pancreas in the stomach were reviewed. Surgical resection (n = 11) or endoscopic excision (n = 1) was performed in cases of symptomatic heterotopic pancreas (n = 4), suspected submucosal tumors (n = 7), and gastric carcinoma (n = 1). Seven patients underwent helical CT with water as an oral contrast agent; five underwent nonhelical CT with water-soluble contrast material. RESULTS: Nine heterotopic pancreata were in the antrum and one each was in the body, fundus, and perigastric fat. Seven lesions were on the greater curvature aspect; five, on the lesser curvature aspect. Common CT findings were well-defined oval or round masses with smooth or serrated margins in the gastric antral wall. Four of the seven lesions in which helical CT was performed enhanced similarly to normal pancreas. Preoperatively, CT depicted 11 of the 12 lesions, but CT findings were interpreted correctly as heterotopic pancreas in only two; the remaining 10 were misinterpreted as other lesions. Atypical findings were cystic dilatation of heterotopic pancreatic duct in two, unusual location in the fundus or perigastric fat in two, and malignant transformation in one. CONCLUSION: CT findings of heterotopic pancreas in the stomach appear to be nonspecific for diagnosis, except for location.

Adult↗

Role of hyperpolarization attained by linoleic acid in chick myoblast fusion.

Our previous report has suggested that hyperpolarization generated by reciprocal activation of calcium-activated potassium (K(Ca)) channels and stretch-activated channels induces calcium influx that triggers myoblast fusion. Here we show that linoleic acid is involved in the process of generating hyperpolarization in cultured chick myoblasts and hence in promotion of the cell fusion. Linoleic acid dramatically hyperpolarized the membrane potential from -14 +/- 3 to -58 +/- 5 mV within 10 min. This effect was partially blocked by 1 mM tetraethylammonium (TEA) or 30 nM charybdotoxin, a selective K(Ca) channel inhibitor, and completely abolished by 10 mM TEA. Single-channel recordings revealed that linoleic acid activates TEA-resistant potassium channels as well as K(Ca) channels. Furthermore, linoleic acid induced calcium influx from extracellular solution, and this effect was partially blocked by 1 mM TEA and completely prevented at 10 mM, similar to the effect of TEA on linoleic acid-mediated hyperpolarization. Since the valinomycin-mediated hyperpolarization promoted calcium influx, hyperpolarization itself appears capable of inducing calcium influx. In addition, gadolinium prevented the valinomycin-mediated increase in intracellular calcium level under hypotonic conditions, revealing the involvement of stretch-activated channels in calcium influx. Furthermore, linoleic acid stimulated myoblast fusion, and this stimulatory effect could completely be prevented by 10 mM TEA. These results suggest that linoleic acid induces hyperpolarization of membrane potential by activation of potassium channels, which induces calcium influx through stretch-activated channels, and thereby triggers myoblast fusion.

Animals↗

Down-regulation of phospholipase D during differentiation of mouse F9 teratocarcinoma cells.

Phospholipase D has been recognized as playing an important role in signal transduction in many types of cells. We investigated the expression of phospholipase D during the differentiation of F9 embryonal teratocarcinoma cells. The ADP ribosylation factor-dependent phospholipase D activity, as measured by an in vitro assay, and H2O2-induced phospholipase D activity and phospholipase D protein content in whole cells were decreased during the differentiation of F9 cells induced by a combination of dibutyryl cyclic AMP and all-trans retinoic acid. In contrast, these changes were not observed when cells were induced by retinoic acid. These results suggest that down-regulation of phospholipase D protein is associated with differentiation of F9 cells to a parietal endoderm lineage.

Animals↗

Expression of SET is modulated as a function of cell proliferation.

We explored a biological role of SET as it relates to cell proliferation and differentiation. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the expression of SET was ubiquitous and diffuse over the whole embryo on gestational day 15. At a later stage of development, SET was expressed at relatively lower levels and localized to specific tissues and cells. On embryonic day 19, specific SET immunoreactivity was found in the epithelium of skin, respiratory tract, intestine, and retina as well as in muscle and cartilage. In these cells SET was stained mostly in the nucleus, which was supported indirectly by nuclear transport of enhanced green fluorescence protein-SET fusion proteins in ECV304 endothelial cells. Set mRNA expression was further confirmed in various cultured cells, including NIH 3T3 cells, L6 myoblast cells, human umbilical vein endothelial cells, and ECV304 cells. Using F9 teratocarcinoma cell lines, which were stimulated to differentiate into the two different cell lineages of parietal and visceral endoderm, we have further examined the role of SET. The expression of set mRNA and SET protein was diminished about three-fold in both differentiated endoderm cells compared to the undifferentiated F9 cells. However, when F9 cells were subjected to serum starvation, reduction of set mRNA abundance also took place at a similar level to that observed in response to differentiation. Consistent with this, quiescent L6 myoblast showed a marked downregulation of set mRNA compared to proliferating cells. These results suggest that SET is involved mainly in the regulation of cell proliferation rather than differentiation during embryonic development.

3T3 Cells↗

An unusual case of colonic duplication causing chronic constipation in a child.

A case of colonic duplication producing chronic constipation in a 8-year-old boy is presented. Barium enema studies demonstrated a long tubular shape of duplication that branched out from the lower part of descending colon. Successful surgical treatment was achieved by excision of the duplication with a portion of adjacent bowel and an end-to-end anastomosis.

Child↗

Drug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis in a tertiary referral hospital in Korea.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the resistance rate and to correlate the clinical characteristics of resistant tuberculosis with the patients of pulmonary tuberculosis who were referred to the university hospital. METHODS: We prospectively performed sensitivity tests for all patients who were diagnosed as active tuberculosis by sputum smear or sputum culture from January, 1995 to June, 1996. Patients profile, previous treatment history, patterns of drug resistance, initial chest films and other clinical findings were analysed. RESULTS: Overall, 24(26.0%) of the 92 patients had resistance to at least one drug and 8(8.6%) had resistance to isoniazid(INH) and rifampin(RFP). Among the 66 patients without previous tuberculosis therapy, 11(16.6%) were drug-resistant and 2(3.0%) were multi-drug resistant. Among the 26 patients with previous therapy, 13(50.0%) were drug-resistant and 6(23.0%) were multi-drug resistant. For all 92, resistance to INH was most common (19.5%), followed by RFP (9.7%) and ethambutol (9.7%). Drug resistance was significantly high in previously treated patients and in cavity-positive patients. Treatment failure was also high in previously treated patients with resistant tuberculosis. In patients with primary resistance, treatment failure was not observed. CONCLUSION: Sensitivity tests are strongly recommended in all culture positive patients with previous therapy but, in patients with primary resistance, sensitivity tests are not required. Proper combination chemotherapy should be given under careful surveillance.

Adolescent↗

The activation gate of a voltage-gated K+ channel can be trapped in the open state by an intersubunit metal bridge.

Voltage-activated K+ channels are integral membrane proteins containing a potassium-selective transmembrane pore gated by changes in the membrane potential. This activation gating (opening) occurs in milliseconds and involves a gate at the cytoplasmic side of the pore. We found that substituting cysteine at a particular position in the last transmembrane region (S6) of the homotetrameric Shaker K+ channel creates metal binding sites at which Cd2+ ions can bind with high affinity. The bound Cd2+ ions form a bridge between the introduced cysteine in one channel subunit and a native histidine in another subunit, and the bridge traps the gate in the open state. These results suggest that gating involves a rearrangement of the intersubunit contacts at the intracellular end of S6. The recently solved structure of a bacterial K+ channel shows that the S6 homologs cross in a bundle, leaving an aperture at the bundle crossing. In the context of this structure, the metal ions form a bridge between a cysteine above the bundle crossing and a histidine below the bundle crossing in a neighboring subunit. Our results suggest that gating occurs at the bundle crossing, possibly through a change in the conformation of the bundle itself.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Pulp reconstruction of fingers with very small sensate medial plantar free flap.

The essence in dealing with the pulp deficit accompanying fingertip injuries lies in functional restitution of the inherent skin texture and characteristics unique to that area and sufficient preservation of digital length, along with successful restoration of fine tactile sensation indispensable to delicate and skillful maneuvers. Among various techniques used to meet such demands, the very small sensate medial plantar free flap can be considered an excellent method in view of the skin texture that allows firm grasping, durability to friction rub, a cushion effect, and adequate sensation. Six cases of finger pulp reconstruction with the very small sensate medial plantar free flap are presented. At follow-up examination (an average follow-up of 24.3 months), the patients were evaluated clinically and neurologically. The operative procedures, advantages, and results in clinical cases are presented. Satisfactory results were obtained with sufficient preservation of digital length and good sensory recovery. No functional deficit was found at the donor site.

Adult↗

Paenibacillus campinasensis sp. nov., a cyclodextrin-producing bacterium isolated in Brazil.

An alkaliphilic, endospore-forming bacterium isolated from Brazilian soil was taxonomically studied and is proposed as a new Paenibacillus species. This organism (strain 324T) was particularly distinguishable from other Paenibacillus species by its ability to grow optimally at pH 10 and 40 degrees C. The DNA G+C content was 5.0 mol%. The diamine acid of the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. MK-7 was the predominant menaquinone and anteiso-C15:0 was the major fatty acid. Levels of 16S rDNA similarity between strain 324T and other Paenibacillus species were 90.6-95.9%. Phylogenetically, strain 324T formed an evolutionary lineage distinct from other species within the evolutionary radiation encompassing the genus Paenibacillus. Based on phenotyic and chemotaxonomic properties, and phylogenetic inference, it is proposed that strain 324T should be placed in the genus Paenibacillus as a new species is strain 324T should be placed in the genus Paenibacilus as a new species, Paenibacillus campinasensis. This type strain of the new species is strain 325T (= KCTC 0364BP).

Bacillus↗

Opposite effect of intracellular Ca2+ and protein kinase C on the expression of inwardly rectifying K+ channel 1 in mouse skeletal muscle.

The level of inwardly rectifying K+ channel 1 (IRK1) mRNA decreased upon denervation and increased during muscle differentiation in mouse skeletal muscle. To identify the mechanism(s) underlying the regulation of IRK1 mRNA expression, we examined its expression using the well differentiated C2C12 mouse skeletal muscle cell line as a model system. Since nerve-induced muscle activity results in contraction, it was questioned whether the changes in IRK1 expression might be relevant to the increased intracellular calcium that functions as a cytoplasmic messenger in excitation-contraction coupling. Indeed, activation of either L-type calcium channels or ryanodine receptors increased the level of IRK1 mRNA. More directly, ionomycin activated the IRK1 expression in time- and dose-dependent manners, which was abolished by treatment with EGTA. Genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, also abolished the stimulating effect of ionomycin. Meanwhile, activation of protein kinase C by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA) markedly decreased the level of IRK1 mRNA, which required ongoing protein synthesis. Actinomycin D experiments revealed that ionomycin increased the half-life of IRK1 mRNA from 0.86 to 1.97 h, but TPA decreased it to 0.38 h. However, neither ionomycin nor TPA appreciably altered the rate of IRK1 gene transcription. Based on these observations, we conclude that intracellular calcium and protein kinase C are oppositely involved in the muscle activity-dependent regulation of IRK1 gene expression and that both act at the level of mRNA stability.

Animals↗

Rhamnogalacturonan II from the leaves of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer as a macrophage Fc receptor expression-enhancing polysaccharide.

A complex pectic polysaccharide (GL-4IIb2) has been isolated from the leaves of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, and shown to be a macrophage Fc receptor expression-enhancing polysaccharide. The primary structure of GL-4IIb2 was elucidated by composition. 1H NMR, methylation, and oligosaccharide analyses. GL-4IIb2 consisted of 15 different monosaccharides which included rarely observed sugars, such as 2-O-methylfucose, 2-O-methylxylose, apiose, 3-C-carboxy-5-deoxy-L-xylose (aceric acid, AceA), 3-deoxy-D-manno-2-octulosonic acid (Kdo), and 3-deoxy-D-lyxo-2-heptulosaric acid (Dha). Methylation analysis indicated that GL-4IIb2 comprised 34 different glycosyl linkages, such as 3,4-linked Fuc, 3- and 2,3,4-linked Rha, and 2-linked GlcA, which are characteristic of rhamnogalacturonan II (RG-II). Sequential degradation using partial acid hydrolysis indicated that GL-4IIb2 contained alpha-Rhap-(1-->5)-Kdo and Araf-(1-->5) Dha structural elements, an AceA-containing oligosaccharide, and uronic acid-rich oligosaccharide chains in addition to an alpha-(1 -->4)-galacturono-oligosaccharide chain. FABMS and methylation analyses suggested that the AceA-containing oligosaccharide was a nonasaccharide in which terminal Rha was additionally attached to position 3 of 2-linked Arap of the octasaccharide chain observed in sycamore RG-II. Component sugar and methylation analyses assumed that the uronic acid-rich oligosaccharides possessed a similar structural feature as those in sycamore RG-II. GL-4IIb2 had a larger molecular mass (11,000) than sycamore RG-II (approximately 5000).

Animals↗

Unilateral multilayered musculocutaneous V-Y advancement flap for the treatment of pressure sore.

We have devised a modified technique using the gluteus maximus musculocutaneous flap as multilayered sliding V-Y advancement to cover pressure sores on the sacral area. Nine patients with relatively large (average 7 x 7 cm) sacral grade IV pressure sores underwent unilateral multilayered V-Y advancement flap. All patients were followed for a minimum of 8 weeks. The mean postoperative follow-up was 32.3 months, with a range of 24 to 39 months. Using this technique, the success of surgery, i.e., the percentage of sores that healed, was 100 percent in our patients. The advantages of this technique include sufficient advancement of the flap, coverage of large ulcer defects using only a unilateral musculocutaneous flap, and preservation of the contralateral gluteus maximus muscle for future use.

Aged↗

A possible role of inwardly rectifying K+ channels in chick myoblast differentiation.

We examined the developmental change of inwardly rectifying K+ channels (IRK) and its possible role in myogenesis. Northern blot analysis revealed an increase in the level of IRK mRNA during myogenesis. Accordingly, IRK current was not detectable in replicating myoblasts but first appeared in aligned myoblasts that were competent for fusion and gradually increased thereafter. The time course change of IRK activity was closely related to the increase in resting membrane potential during myogenesis. Application of 0.5 mM Ba2+ to the bath depolarized the membrane and blocked IRK currents dramatically but not outwardly rectifying K+ currents. Myoblasts devoid of IRK had low resting K+ permeability, whereas myotubes that possess IRK had high resting K+ permeability. In some aligned myoblasts, anomalous hyperpolarization was elicited by increasing extracellular K+ concentration, which may be attributable to the increased conductance of IRK. Noteworthy was the fact that maximal fusion was obtained at this range of K+ concentration. These findings imply that IRK is responsible for the change in the K+ permeability during chick myogenesis, which may provide a larger driving force for Ca2+ influx that is a prerequisite for myoblast fusion.

Animals↗

Involvement of K(Ca) channels and stretch-activated channels in calcium influx, triggering membrane fusion of chick embryonic myoblasts.

Calcium influx is known to be prerequisite for membrane fusion of myoblasts. However, little is known about the channels that are responsible for the entry of calcium into the cells. Here we show that K(Ca) channels and stretch-activated channels are involved in the calcium influx. Upon analysis of single-channel recordings, calcium sensitivity of K(Ca) channels in myoblasts was found to be about sixfold higher than that in myotubes. Their density in myoblasts (1.68 micron(-2)) was also about sixfold higher than that in myotubes (0.27 micron(-2)). In addition, the opening of the calcium-permeable cationic channels in myoblasts was found to increase with membrane stretching and could be blocked by gadolinium. The density of stretch-activated channels was 0.22 micron(-2) for myoblasts, and the relative permeability of calcium to potassium was P(Ca)/P(K) approximately 3.6. The channels could generate inward calcium currents to open K(Ca) channels in physiological solution. Furthermore, the activation of K(Ca) channels by phloretin dramatically hyperpolarized the resting membrane potential of myoblasts and this effect could be reversed upon treatment of tetraethylammonium. While phloretin induced precocious fusion, tetraethylammonium or gadolinium blocked not only the phloretin-induced precocious fusion but also the spontaneous fusion of myoblasts. These results suggest that hyperpolarization generated by reciprocal activation of stretch-activated channels and K(Ca) channels is involved in the calcium influx that triggers myoblast fusion.

Animals↗

Mode of action and active site of an extracellular peroxidase from Pleurotus ostreatus.

The properties of the haem environment of an extracellular peroxidase from Pleurotus ostreatus were studied by electronic absorption spectroscopy. A high-spin ferric form was predominant in the native enzyme and a high-spin ferrous form in the reduced enzyme. Cyanide was readily bound to the haem iron in the native form, thereby changing the enzyme to a low-spin cyano adduct. The electronic absorption spectra of the enzyme were similar to those of lignin peroxidase from Phanerochaete chrysosporium. Compound III of the enzyme was formed after the addition of an excess of H2O2 to the native enzyme, and thereafter spontaneously reverted to the native form. The enzyme oxidized 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1,3-dihydroxyp ropane in the presence of H2O2 to produce 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1-oxo-3-hydroxypr opane , 2,6-dimethoxyhydroquinone, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-3-hydroxypropanal, 2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-3-hydroxypropanoic acid, 2,6-dimethoxy-1,4-benzoquinone and guaiacol. A similar oxidation pattern was demonstrated with a one-electron oxidant, ammonium cerium(IV)nitrate. Free radicals were detected as intermediates of the enzyme-mediated oxidation of 1-(3,5-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(2-methoxyphenoxy)-1,3-dihydroxyp ropane and acetosyringone. These results can be explained by the mechanisms involving an initial one-electron oxidation of the lignin substructure. This radical may undergo C alpha-C beta cleavage, C alpha-oxidation and alkyl-phenyl cleavage.

Binding Sites↗

Reduction mammaplasty by central pedicle flap with short submammary scar.

Reduction mammaplasty was performed in 30 patients by combining the central pedicle flap method with the short submammary scar (3-S) technique to avoid the common drawbacks of currently popular dermoglandular procedures. Reduction was accomplished by using perforating vascular branches from the pectoralis major muscle and its fascia supplying the nipple and breast parenchyme instead of the subdermal plexus. The central vascular pedicle supplying the nipple-areola complex was preserved. Only the periphery of the breast parenchyme was resected circumferentially, with the exception of the inferolateral portion, so as not to injure the sensory nerve. The remaining breast parenchyme was preserved in an inverted cone shape. The nipple-areola complex was safely transposed with great freedom, and the amount of resection was accurately adjusted for symmetry. No cases of nipple-areola complex sensory change occurred postoperatively, and lactation is possible because of preservation of the lactiferous ducts. The length of postoperative scars was reduced by using the short submammary scar technique. We believe this combined method is ideal in patients requiring resections ranging from 200 to 600 g per breast with good skin elasticity and moderate degree of ptosis.

Adolescent↗