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Biomedical subjects

S C Kim

Publications and source records attributed to S C Kim.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1997

The Brevibacterium albidum gene encoding the arginine tRNACCG complements the growth defect of an Escherichia coli strain carrying a thermosensitive mutation in the rnpA gene at the nonpermissive temperature.

The Escherichia coli rnpA gene encodes C5 protein, the protein component of RNase P. The rnpA49 mutation renders the C5 protein thermosensitive, which results in thermosensitivity of RNase P function. The chromosomal DNA region from Brevibacterium albidum that complements the rnpA49 mutation was analysed. The gene capable of complementing the growth defect of an rnpA49 mutant strain at nonpermissive temperature was identified as the gene for an arginine tRNA with anticodon CCG by a deletion analysis combined with complementation assays. Transcription of the arginine tRNA gene carried on a multicopy plasmid was correlated with the complementation of the rnpA49 mutation, indicating that the gene product is indeed responsible for complementation of the rnpA49 mutation.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1997

Effects of ultraviolet light on the tension of isolated human cavernosal smooth muscle from non-diabetic and diabetic impotent men.

The effects of ultraviolet (UV) light (310 nm) on human cavernosal smooth muscles were investigated. Cavernosal strips were obtained from men during penile prosthetic surgery. When the cavernosal strips were irradiated with UV light in an organ bath, after precontraction by norepinephrine (100 nM) for 10, 20, 40 and 90 s at intervals of 3 min, the contracted cavernosal smooth muscles from the impotent men without vascular risk factors (controls) showed relaxation depending on the duration of irradiation. However, the relaxation was not found when the strips were pretreated with methylene blue (10 microM) or their epithelia were denuded. The relaxation response of the cavernosal strips from the patients with diabetogenic impotence was significantly reduced compared with that of the controls. Photorelaxation of human cavernosal strips therefore seems to be dependent on endothelium.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Estrogen replacement therapy after coronary angioplasty in women.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of estrogen replacement therapy on long-term outcome, including restenosis, myocardial infarction, stroke and death after a first percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) procedure, in postmenopausal women. BACKGROUND: Observational and epidemiologic studies, basic laboratory research and clinical trials consistently suggest that estrogen replacement therapy is associated with beneficial cardiovascular effects in women. These cardioprotective actions may be particularly relevant to women with coronary artery disease, such as those who have undergone PTCA. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included 337 women who underwent elective PTCA between 1982 and 1994. The treatment group consisted of 137 consecutive women receiving long-term estrogen therapy at the time of elective PTCA and during follow-up. The control group comprised 200 women who were computer-matched with the estrogen group. The mean follow-up period was 65 +/- 35 months. RESULTS: Actuarial survival was superior in the estrogen group; the 7-year survival rate was 93% for the estrogen group versus 75% for the control group (p = 0.001). The cardiovascular event rate (death, nonfatal myocardial infarction or nonfatal stroke) was significantly lower in the estrogen group at 7 years (12% vs. 35% in the control group, p = 0.001). The need for subsequent revascularization during follow-up was similar in the two groups. Multivariable analysis identified diabetes, estrogen therapy (adjusted risk ratio 0.38, 95% confidence interval 0.19 to 0.79) and left ventricular ejection fraction < 40% as independent correlates of cardiovascular death or myocardial infarction during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen replacement therapy was associated with an improved long-term outcome after PTCA in postmenopausal women.

Actuarial Analysis↗
PubMed1997

A dose-response study of alprostadil sterile powder (S.Po.) (Caverject) for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in Korean and Indonesian men.

This open-label, dose-escalation study investigated the efficacy and safety of alprostadil (PGE1, prostaglandin E1) Sterile Powder (S.Po.) (Caverject) for treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in 84 men with ED of various etiologies lasting > or = 4 months. Doses started with 2.5 micrograms, then 5 micrograms, 10, 15, 20, 30, up to a 40 micrograms maximum. Eligible patients received single alprostadil injections in the physician's office until an erection occurred. Ten minutes after injection, the patient's erection was clinically evaluated. Optimal response was defined as erection sufficient to permit vaginal penetration and lasting 30-60 min. The patient also reported his own evaluation of response and any side effects. Patients were 24-65 y old (mean: 43.7 y), had ED of psychogenic, vascular, or neurogenic origin lasting 4 months-30 y (mean: 3.75 y). Of 84 patients enrolled, 82 completed the study. In the 82 patients who completed the study 78 (92.9%) achieved an optimal response; 18/78 patients (23.1%) had an optimal response at 2.5 micrograms, 9/78 (11.5%) at 5 micrograms, 21/78 (26.9%) at 10 micrograms, 12/ 78 (15.4%) at 15 micrograms, and 11/78 (14.1%) at 20 micrograms. Only 5/78 (6.4%) at 30 micrograms and 2/78 (2.6%) at 40 micrograms achieved an optimal response. Mean optimal alprostadil dose was 11.9 micrograms, and the mean minimal effective dose was 9.9 micrograms. Mean onset of erection was 11.2 min; mean duration of erection was 50.5 min. Penile pain in five patients (6%) was the only reported side effect.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Experience with EDAP LT02 extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in 1363 patients: comparison with results of LT01 SWL in 1586 patients.

A new piezoelectric lithotripter, the EDAP LT02, differs from the earlier LT01 in two important respects: a stone-localization system consisting of ultrasound and fluoroscopy and more energy per shockwave. The results of SWL monotherapy with the LT02 in 1363 patients and with the LT01 in 1586 patients who completed SWL treatment were compared. All of the stones could be localized by ultrasound (62.7%), fluoroscopy (0.3%), or both (37%) on the LT02, but the renal stones of three patients who had a history of open renal surgery and 29 upper ureteral stones could not be localized by real-time ultrasound on the LT01. The success rate (stone free or residual fragments < 4 mm in diameter) with the LT02 and LT01 according to stone location was not significantly different: 86.4% and 88.5%, respectively, for renal stones, 89.1% and 88.9% for ureteral stones, and 87.0% and 89.0% overall. The overall stone-free rate of LT02 and LT01 SWL was 78.8% and 87.9%, respectively. For mid-ureteral stones, the success rate with LT02 SWL was 76.8%. (Such stones were not an indication for LT01 SWL.) The mean number of treatment sessions with the LT02 (1.9) was much less (P < 0.001) than with the LT01 (3.3). The retreatment rates of LT02 and LT01 SWL were 68.2% and 198.2%, and the auxiliary treatment rates were 3.4% and 6.3%, respectively. Thus, the efficiency quotient was 45.9% in LT02 SWL, which was much higher than the 28.9% of the LT01. There was no significant difference in the occurrence of complications between LT02 and LT01 SWL. Therefore, LT02 piezoelectric lithotripsy is more efficient than the LT01 in localizing stones and can lessen the number of treatment sessions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria: an electron microscopic examination.

We report electron microscopic findings from both hyperchromic and achromic macules of dyschromatosis universalis hereditaria (DUH). The keratinocytes of the hyperchromic macules contained numerous, fully melanized melanosomes; almost all of them were aggregated to form the melanosome complex. In contrast, the melanosomes were absent from both keratinocytes and melanocytes of achromic macules, even though intact melanocytes were found. Our results suggest that DUH may be a disorder of melanosome production and distribution in epidermal melanin units rather than a a disorder of melanocyte number.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Efficacies of ofloxacin, rifampin, and clindamycin in treatment of Staphylococcus aureus abscesses and correlation with results of an in vitro assay of intracellular bacterial killing.

We studied the efficacies of ofloxacin, rifampin, and clindamycin in a Staphylococcus aureus abscess model and seven antimicrobial regimens in an intracellular killing assay. Ofloxacin plus rifampin was the most effective regimen in the abscess model, and rifampin and ofloxacin were the most active regimens in the intracellular killing assay.

Abscess↗
PubMed1997

Immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine in preterm infants when the first dose of vaccine is delayed until hospital discharge. METHODS: One hundred two preterm infants (23 to 36 weeks gestational age) born to hepatitis B surface antigen-negative mothers were enrolled. Immunization was initiated just before hospital discharge with subsequent doses 1 and 6 months later. Serum specimens were obtained before the administration of each vaccine dose and 3 months after the last dose and were tested for antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (antiHBs). RESULTS: Eighty-seven infants (85%) completed the study. Ninety percent (n = 78) of infants who completed the study seroconverted (antiHBs > or = 10 mIU/mL); 10% (n = 9) remained seronegative at study completion. The geometric mean antibody titer to hepatitis B surface antigen for infants who seroconverted was 200 mIU/mL. Nonresponders (NR) differed from responders (R) in birth weight (NR = 2090 g, R = 1560 g) gestational age (NR = 33 weeks, R = 31 weeks), and weight gain before vaccine initiation (NR = 244 g, R = 633 g). There were no differences in weight or age at vaccine initiation, Apgar scores, interval between vaccine doses, or bacterial infections, steroid use, or transfusions before vaccine initiation. CONCLUSIONS: Ninety percent of preterm infants responded to hepatitis B vaccine when the first dose of vaccine was delayed until hospital discharge. Nonresponders were more likely to be preterm infants of higher birth weight and higher gestational age, and to have gained less weight before vaccine initiation.

Gestational Age↗
PubMed1996

cDNA cloning and characterization of buforin I, an antimicrobial peptide: a cleavage product of histone H2A.

A cDNA containing coding information for buforin I, the toad stomach antimicrobial peptide, was identified by PCR. The cloned cDNA encoded a protein of 129 amino acids whose 39-amino-acid N-terminus was identical to buforin I. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the cloned cDNA revealed that it had over 90% amino acid homology with histone H2A, the replication-dependent protein. Both Northern and Southern blot analysis of the toad genome suggested that histone H2A and buforin I were encoded by the same gene. A specific protease responsible for the generation of buforin I from histone H2A was found to be present in the crude extracts of the toad stomach. These results suggest that there exists a specific regulation mechanism which converts the toad histone H2A to the antimicrobial peptide buforin I.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Solution structure of an antimicrobial peptide buforin II.

The structure of 21-residue antimicrobial peptide buforin II has been determined by using NMR spectroscopy and restrained molecular dynamics. Buforin II adopts a flexible random structure in H2O. In trifluoroethanol (TFE)/H2O (1:1, v/v) mixture, however, buforin II assumes a regular alpha-helix between residues Val12 and Arg20 and a distorted helical structure between residues Gly7 and Pro11. The model structure obtained shows an amphipathic character in the region from Arg5 to the C-terminus, Lys21. Like other known cationic antimicrobial peptides, the amphipathic structure might be the key factor for antimicrobial activity of buforin II.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

A common origin for woody Sonchus and five related genera in the Macaronesian islands: molecular evidence for extensive radiation.

Woody Sonchus and five related genera (Babcockia, Taeckholmia, Sventenia, Lactucosonchus, and Prenanthes) of the Macaronesian islands have been regarded as an outstanding example of adaptive radiation in angiosperms. Internal transcribed spacer region of the nuclear rDNA (ITS) sequences were used to demonstrate that, despite the extensive morphological and ecological diversity of the plants, the entire alliance in insular Macaronesia has a common origin. The sequence data place Lactucosonchus as sister group to the remainder of the alliance and also indicate that four related genera are in turn sister groups to subg. Dendrosonchus and Taeckholmia. This implies that the woody members of Sonchus were derived from an ancestor similar to allied genera now present on the Canary Islands. It is also evident that the alliance probably occurred in the Canary Islands during the late Miocene or early Pliocene. A rapid radiation of major lineages in the alliance is consistent with an unresolved polytomy near the base and low ITS sequence divergence. Increase of woodiness is concordant with other insular endemics and refutes the relictural nature of woody Sonchus in the Macaronesian islands.

Atlantic Islands↗
PubMed1996

Structural requirements for FokI-DNA interaction and oligodeoxyribonucleotide-instructed cleavage.

The FokI restriction endonuclease recognizes the double-stranded (ds) 5'-GGATG-3' site and cuts at the 9th and 13th nucleotides downstream from the 5'-3' and 3'-5' strands, respectively. To elucidate the interaction between FokI and DNA, and the effect of Mg2+ on this interaction, we used FokI with various combinations of dsDNA, single-stranded (ss) DNA and oligodeoxyribonucleotides (oligos) containing a double-stranded hairpin carrying the FokI recognition site. Oligo- and dsDNA-FokI interactions showed that for fully effective recognition, two or more base-pairs were required outside the 5'-GGATG-3' site. When using FokI with ssDNA and oligos, precise cutting with no observable byproducts was observed at the 9th or 13th nucleotide. This was independent of whether the region between the recognition and cut sites was perfectly complementary or whether there were up to four mismatches in this region, or a single mismatch within the cut site. Moreover, FokI cleavage, when followed by step-wise filling-in of FokI cohesive ends in the dsDNA, allowed FokI to recleave such sites when two or more nucleotides were added, releasing 2-mer, 3-mer, or 4-mer single-stranded chains. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays showed that the DNA helix was bent when complexed with FokI (without Mg2+. Such a complex, when formed in the absence of Mg2+, did not accept the subsequently added Mg2+ for several minutes. This suggests a tight, diffusion-resistant contact between the enzyme and the cognate DNA sequence. In the presence of Mg2+, the half-life of the complex FokI and dsDNA was 12 minutes at 22 degrees C. In the absence of Mg2+, such a complex, possessing a terminally located 5'-GGATG-3' site, had a half-life of 1.5 to 2 minutes. However, if magnesium ions were present, this complex had a stability similar to that of a complex formed with dsDNA containing a centrally located 5'-GGATG-3' site.

Base Sequence↗
PubMed1996

A novel antimicrobial peptide from Bufo bufo gargarizans.

A potent and structurally novel antimicrobial peptide was isolated and characterized from the stomach tissue of Bufo bufo gargarizans, an Asian toad. The 39-amino acid peptide, named buforin I, was purified to homogeneity by heparin-affinity column and reverse-phase HPLC. The amino acid sequence of buforin I was identical in 37 of 39 amino-terminal residues of Xenopus histone H2A. The buforin I showed strong antimicrobial activities in vitro against a broad-spectrum of microorganisms and was found to be more potent than magainin 2. In addition, a 21-amino acid peptide, named buforin II, which was derived from buforin I, showed more potent antimicrobial activities than buforin I.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1996

Generalized multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma.

Multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma is a rare benign fibrohistiocytic vascular condition that mainly affects middle-aged women. Grouped reddish-brown papules are found in the extremities. We describe a case of multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma occurring in a 24-year-old man who presented with multiple papules on the trunk and extremities. This is the first report of generalized multinucleate cell angiohistiocytoma.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Sequential amplification of cloned DNA as tandem multimers using class-IIS restriction enzymes.

In order to make high-copy-number multimers of DNA fragments in a tandem unit, two different gene amplification vectors (pSK9 and pBBS1) were developed. Two identical class-IIS restriction enzyme sites (BspMI for pSK9 and BbsI for pBBSI) were inversely oriented in each vector with the same cut site, creating asymmetric and complementary cohesive ends (5'-CCCC and 5'-GGGG). Multimers were made by: (i) cloning a target DNA into the class-IIS restriction enzyme cut site of each vector; (ii) excision of the monomeric insert by digestion with the class-IIS restriction enzyme; (iii) isolation of the fragments; (iv) self-ligation of the fragments; (v) cloning into the original vector digested with the class-IIS restriction enzyme; and (vi) repeating steps (i) through (v) to generate higher-order multimers. Various-sized multimers of a 93-bp DNA fragment encoding magainin, an antimicrobial peptide, were obtained with the gene amplification vector, pBBS1. Larger multimers, up to about 108 copies, were constructed from the monomer by the sequential amplification procedure. Of six different Escherichia coli hosts examined for the stability of multimers, the multimers were the most stable in E. coli D1210. The gene amplification vector system described here is very efficient and can be applied in the construction of tandem multimers of any kind of DNA, as long as the cloned DNA does not contain the cut site of the class-IIS restriction enzyme to be utilized.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed1996

Treatment of posttraumatic chronic high-flow priapisms by superselective embolization of cavernous artery with autologous clot.

Two cases of high-flow priapism that occurred after blunt perineal trauma and lasted for 35 days (case 1) and 40 days (case 2) were successfully treated by embolization of the lacerated cavernous arteries with autologous clots. Cavernous arterial blushes were demonstrated on selective internal pudendal arteriograms in both cases. Case 1 with left cavernous arterial laceration restored 80% of premorbid erectile function with successful intercourse 4 months after superselective embolization. In case 2 with bilateral cavernous arterial lacerations, premorbid erectile function was fully resumed 2 months after bilateral embolization of the cavernous arteries at intervals of 15 days. None developed local or systemic complications.

Adult↗