Bacteremic cellulitis caused by non-O1, non-O139 Vibrio cholerae in a patient following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Bacteremia↗
Biomedical subjects
W S Shin
Publications and source records attributed to W S Shin.
Oxygen dynamics in petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated salt marsh soils: III. A rate model.
A model describing oxygen dynamics due to crude oil biodegradation under flooded conditions in saltwater wetlands was developed. The model is composed of three non-linear ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that simulate oxygen uptake, cell growth, and oil degradation simultaneously. The model equations were solved by using a stiff version of ODE solver, ODEPACK, which employs a multistep method and allows the change of step sizes and order of methods (ie., Gear's method). The results of model simulation were compared with experimental data obtained from a fully aerated microcosm study. The results of model simulation indicate that dissolved oxygen concentration in the overlying water rapidly depleted below 3 mg l(-1) unless the reaeration coefficient was higher than 2.0 day(-1). Active aerobic biodegradation of crude oil did not occur under flooded conditions because (i) dissolved oxygen is rapidly depleted, (ii) reaeration is not sufficient enough to replenish dissolved oxygen and (iii) the oil dissolution rate constant decreases over time. The model may lead to better understanding of oxygen demand for a long bioremediation period. The results of this study may be applicable for the establishment of an engineered bioremediation strategy.
Biodegradation, Environmental↗
High fidelity SNP genotyping using sequence-specific primer elongation and fluorescence correlation spectroscopy.
Reliable, efficient and cost-effective modalities are urgently needed for mass screening of gene mutations. Previous reports have shown that SSCP or genechip methods require substantial time and monetary costs, thus limiting their appeal. Sequence Specific Primer Polymerase Chain Reaction (SSP-PCR) is a reliable and cost-effective method that utilizes the 3'-end discrimination properties of polymerase. However, the applicability of conventional SSP-PCR is limited due to the difficulties associated with determining optimal conditions and because mis-matched primers are amplified, resulting in signal noise during end-point assay. To overcome this problem, we eliminated the reverse primers from SSP-PCR, thus preventing amplification of mis-matched primers. We designated this method Sequence-Specific Primer Cycle Elongation (SSPCE). However, the detection of elongated sequence specific primers was difficult using conventional electrophoresis due to the small amounts of amplification product present. We therefore combined SSPCE and Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy, which is a novel technique used to determine the number and size of fluorophores at nano-molar concentrations, and designated the method SSPCE-FCS. We compared conventional SSP-PCR and SSPCE-FCS with regard to determining optimal conditions using two Mitochondrial SNPs (G --> A at position 1598, G --> A at position 12192). We were able to determine the optimal conditions for the SNP at position 1598 using either method. However, optimal conditions could only be determined for SSPCE-FCS with the 12192 mutation because non-specific amplification was observed at a wide range of annealing temperatures in SSP-PCR. We then applied this method to three other SNPs and the results were consistent with the results of sequencing data.
Base Sequence↗
Sequential sorption and desorption of chlorinated phenols in organoclays.
Effect of pH on the sorption and desorption of the chlorinated phenols (2-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol) in HDTMA-montmorillonite organoclays was investigated using sequential batch experiments. 2,4-dichlorophenol exhibited higher affinity in both sorption and desorption than 2-chlorophenol at pH 4.85 and 9.15. For both chlorophenols, the protonated speciation (at pH 4.85) exhibited a higher affinity in both sorption and desorption than the predominant deprotonated speciation (about 80% and 95% of 2-chlorophenate and 2,4-dichlophenate anions at pH 9.15, respectively). Desorption of chlorinated phenols was strongly dependent on the current pH regardless of their speciation during the previous sorption stage. No appreciable desorption resistance of the chlorinated phenols was observed in organoclays after sequential desorptions. Affinity of both chlorophenols in bisolute competitive sorption and desorption was reduced compared to that in a single-solute system due to the competition between solutes. The ideal adsorbed solution theory coupled with the single-solute Freundlich model successfully predicted the bisolute competitive sorption and desorption equilibria.
Adsorption↗
Morphological and physiological restorations of hereditary form of dilated cardiomyopathy by somatic gene therapy.
TO-2 strain hamsters with dilated cardiomyopathy, gene deletion of delta-sarcoglycan (SG) and no expression of alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and delta-SG proteins are useful for developing the potential gene therapy of intractable heart failure. We prepared recombinant adeno-associated virus vector including normal delta-SG gene driven by CMV promoter and intramurally administered in vivo. The transfected myocardium induced robust expression of both transcript and transgene for 2/3 period of the animal's life expectancy. Immunostaining demonstrated reexpression of not only delta-SG but also other three SGs in 40% cells in the transfected region and normalization of the diameter of transduced cardiomyocytes. Hemodynamic study revealed preferential amelioration of the diastolic indices (LVEDP, the dP/dt(min) and CVP). These results provide the first evidence that supplementation of a specific gene with efficient and sustained transfection capability restores the genetic, morphological, and functional deteriorations.
Animals↗
Hepatosplenic tuberculosis mimicking disseminated candidiasis in patients with acute leukemia.
Two cases of hepatosplenic tuberculosis in patients with acute leukemia during or after chemotherapy following prolonged neutropenia are presented. Tuberculosis should be considered as one cause of hepatosplenic abscesses during prolonged neutropenia, especially in countries where the disease is endemic.
Acute Disease↗
Benefits-based analysis of visitor use of Sorak-san National Park in Korea.
Benefits-based management seeks to provide recreation benefits for recreation participants by managing the physical environments in which recreation occurs. This study investigates the relationship between benefits desired by visitors and the physical, social, and managerial characteristics of settings that facilitate realization of recreation benefits. Data such as perceived benefits from recreation experiences, setting attributes that significantly influenced perceived benefits, and sociodemographic variables were collected from 376 visitors to Sorak-san National Park in the eastern part of the Korean peninsula. Cluster analysis was used to group visitors' desired benefits into 12 domains: relationship with nature/scenery, escaping pressure, learning about nature, family togetherness, introspection, exploration, autonomy/achievement, being with friends, leading others, skills/learning, risk taking, and meeting/observing new people. Multiple regression was used to link benefit domains with the characteristics of settings. The social attribute of recreation settings was linked to eight of the ten benefit domains. There were two statistically strong multiple regression correlations: (1) between domain of "relationship with nature/scenery" and the attributes "forest/water," "attractive nature," and "facility/maintenance" and (2) between the domain of "escaping pressure" and the attributes "attractive nature" and "social." The results of this study are useful to managers in their efforts to provide recreation opportunities for visitors to achieve beneficial outcomes.
Adolescent↗
Oxygen dynamics in crude oil contaminated salt marshes: I. Aerobic respiration model.
A simple model was developed to predict oxygen demand exerted by aerobic biodegradation of spilled crude oil and fertilizer added to stimulate biodegradation in salt marsh sediment. The role of aerobic respiration (AR) was determined using first-order G kinetics. The G kinetic rate constants were calculated from laboratory data sets through linear regression. The effect of oil and fertilizer on AR was quantified by comparing three treatments: (i) control (no oil and fertilizer amended), (ii) fertilized, and (iii) oiled and fertilized sediments. The effects of dissolved oxygen concentration in the overlying water and surface mass transfer coefficient were investigated. Aerobic respiration was strongly dependent on the overlying dissolved oxygen concentration when crude oil and fertilizer were added. Oiled/fertilized cores did not show higher SOD and AR than control cores when overlying DO concentration dropped below 5 mg l(-1). Results indicate that higher aerobic respiration in oiled/fertilized is exerted by aerobic biodegradation of crude oil and that major biodegradation of crude oil occurs only when DO level is high (> 5 mg l(-1)).
Accidents↗
Oxygen dynamics in crude oil contaminated salt marshes: II. Carbonaceous sediment oxygen demand model.
The role of carbonaceous sediment oxygen demand (CSOD) due to oxidation of sulfides reduced in oxygen dynamics in crude oil contaminated salt marshes was investigated through a mathematical model. An existing CSOD model was calibrated from laboratory data sets through nonlinear regression. The effect of oil and fertilizer on CSOD was quantified by comparing three treatments (i) control (no oil and fertilizer amended) (ii) fertilized, and (iii) oiled and fertilized sediments. CSOD was directly proportional to sulfate reduction. Higher CSODs under oiled/fertilized and fertilized conditions were primarily due to increased sulfate reduction rates under these conditions. Reaction velocity for oxidation of dissolved sulfide in the aerobic layer, kappaH2S,d1, was significantly greater than that of particulate sulfide oxidation, kappaH2S,p1. This indicates that dissolved sulfides are dominant over particulate sulfides and directly related to CSOD in salt marshes. The CSOD was linearly dependent on the overlying dissolved oxygen concentration when crude oil and fertilizer were added.
Bacteria, Aerobic↗
Application of synthetic poly(DADM) flocculants for dye wastewater treatment.
Poly(DADM) flocculants were synthesized and applied for the removal of color, turbidity and organic materials from dye wastewater. The effect of poly(DADM) on color removal was investigated by comparing two treatments: (i) alum alone and (ii) alum/poly(DADM) in combination. The effects of poly(DADM) flocculant, poly(DADM) concentration, poly(DADM) types and pH on the removal efficiency of coloring materials were investigated. Poly(DADM) flocculants were highly efficient in the removal of color and turbidity from dye wastewater. Compared to treatment with alum alone, the addition of a small amount of poly(DADM) (25 mg l(-1)) reduced alum dosage by 50% while improving color removal efficiency. Highly efficient color removal was obtained in wide pH ranges by adding poly(DADM) as a flocculant. Our results indicate that the use of poly(DADM) flocculant is cost effective in dye wastewater treatment by reducing sludge production and the dosage of inorganic coagulant. Effects of zeta potential were also investigated.
Coloring Agents↗
Improvement of water treatment performance by using polyamine flocculants.
In this study, polyamine flocculants were synthesized and applied to Nak-dong river raw water in Korea to examine their efficiency in reducing turbidity, total organic carbon (TOC) and UV254. Synthesized polyamines were effective as flocculants for water treatment and the addition of organic polymer caused a reduction of 50-80% of the consumption of polyaluminium chloride (PAC). The effects of polyamine on the removal of turbidity, TOC and UV254 were investigated via both jar and pilot tests. The adsorption and separation mechanisms for the removal of turbidity and TOC by using the polymer flocculants were also observed.
Adsorption↗
A novel homoplasmic mutation in mtDNA with a single evolutionary origin as a risk factor for cardiomyopathy.
To clarify the relationship between variation in mtDNA and the development of cardiomyopathy (CM), the complete sequences of mtDNAs of two brothers with dilated CM were compared with those of 181 patients who had CM and with those of 168 control subjects. Five patients with CM shared a novel homoplasmic point mutation (G12192A tRNA(His)), and all of them demonstrated the evolutionarily related D-loop sequence. The results suggest that this novel mutation originated from the same ancestor and that its presence strongly predisposes carriers to CM.
Cardiomyopathies↗
Bile acids increase intracellular Ca(2+) concentration and nitric oxide production in vascular endothelial cells.
The effects of bile acids on intracellular Ca(2+) concentration [Ca(2+)](i) and nitric oxide production were investigated in vascular endothelial cells. Whole-cell patch clamp techniques and fluorescence measurements of [Ca(2+)](i) were applied in vascular endothelial cells obtained from human umbilical and calf aortic endothelial cells. Nitric oxide released was determined by measuring the concentration of NO(2)(-). Deoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid and the taurine conjugates increased [Ca(2+)](i) concentration-dependently, while cholic acid showed no significant effect. These effects resulted from the first mobilization of Ca(2+) from an inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP(3))-sensitive store, which was released by ATP, then followed by Ca(2+) influx. Both bile acids and ATP induced the activation of Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current. Oscillations of [Ca(2+)](i) were occasionally monitored with the Ca(2+)-dependent K(+) current in voltage-clamped cells and Ca(2+) measurements of single cells. The intracellular perfusion of heparin completely abolished the ATP effect, but failed to inhibit the bile acid effect. Deoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid enhanced NO(2)(-) production concentration-dependently, while cholic acid did not enhance it. The bile acids-induced nitric oxide production was suppressed by N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, exclusion of extracellular Ca(2+) or N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-l-naphthalenesulphonamide hydrochloride (W-7) and calmidazolium, calmodulin inhibitors. These results provide novel evidence showing that bile acids increase [Ca(2+)](i) and subsequently nitric oxide production in vascular endothelial cells. The nitric oxide production induced by bile acids may be involved in the pathogenesis of circulatory abnormalities in liver diseases including cirrhosis.
Animals↗
Liver disease during the first post-transplant year in bone marrow transplantation recipients: retrospective study.
Liver dysfunction is a common problem in BMT recipients and it is important to determine the etiology in order to institute appropriate therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible causes of liver dysfunction during the first post-transplant year in BMT recipients and to identify a possible relationship between pre-existing liver dysfunction and viral hepatitis with prognosis after BMT. We reviewed liver status before and after BMT in 130 consecutive patients at the Catholic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center. Liver dysfunction during the first post-transplant year occurred in 85 out of 101 (84. 2%) allogeneic BMT recipients and 13 out of 29 (44.8%) autologous BMT recipients. In allogeneic BMT, GVHD and drug hepatotoxicity were major causes. In autologous BMT, drug hepatotoxicity was the most common cause. Eighteen out of 130 patients (13.8%) had abnormal liver function tests before BMT. These patients did not have an increased risk of post-transplant liver dysfunction, GVHD, and death compared to patients who had normal liver function tests prior to BMT. Nine patients were hepatitis B antigen positive and three patients were anti-HCV positive prior to BMT. There was no significant increase in the incidence of post-transplant liver dysfunction, GVHD, and death in these patients.
Adult↗
Dystrophin disruption might be related to myocardial cell apoptosis caused by isoproterenol.
Sarcolemma integrity is stabilized by the dystrophin-associated glycoprotein complex that connects actin and laminin-2 in contractile machinery and the extracellular matrix, respectively. Interruption of the connection by the primary gene defect or acquired pathological burden can cause cardiac failure. The purposes of the present study were to verify whether dystrophin is disrupted in acute myocardial injury after the isoproterenol overload (10 mg/kg) and to examine its relation to myocardial cell apoptosis in rats. This injury from 4-16 h at the subendocardium was accompanied by dystrophin disruption and dislocation from subsarcolemma to cytoplasm, which were confirmed by immunohistology and Western blotting. However, delta-sarcoglycan was thoroughly preserved in sarcolemma. The dystrophin degradation preceded the appearance of apoptotic cells and exactly coincided with the transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling-positive cardiomyocytes (TUNEL), as was verified by double-staining. These data suggest that beta-adrenergic stimulation induces dystrophin breakdown followed by apoptosis.
Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗
Peroxynitrite production by TNF-alpha and IL-1beta: implication for suppression of osteoblastic differentiation.
To determine the roles of nitric oxide (NO) and its metabolite, peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), on osteoblastic activation, we investigated the effects of a NO donor [ethanamine, 2, 2'-(hydroxynitrosohydrazono)bis- (dNO)], an O(-2) donor (pyrogallol), and an ONOO(-) scavenger (urate) on alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity and osteocalcin gene expression, which are indexes of osteoblastic differentiation. dNO elevated ALPase activity in the osteogenic MC3T3-E1 cell line. The combination of dNO and pyrogallol reduced both ALPase activity and osteocalcin gene expression. Because both indexes were recovered by urate, ONOO(-), unlike NO itself, inhibited the osteoblastic differentiation. Furthermore, treatment with a combination of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) was found to yield ONOO(-) as well as NO and O(-2). The reductions in ALPase activity and osteocalcin gene expression were also restored by urate. We conclude that ONOO(-) produced by TNF-alpha and IL-1beta, but not NO per se, would overcome the stimulatory effect of NO on osteoblastic activity and inhibit osteoblastic differentiation.
Alkaline Phosphatase↗
Detection of human herpesvirus 6 variant A in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from multiple sclerosis patients.
Several authors report that human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) variants have different epidemiologies, in vivo tropism and pathogenic potentials. However, it is not well known what pathogenic roles its neurotropism might have in the variant type. As some active plaques of multiple sclerosis (MS) brain tissue harbor HHV-6 DNA divergent from the prototype virus, the possibility that the variant strain may play a role in the pathogenesis of MS has been suggested. Therefore, we tried to investigate the role of HHV-6 variants in the pathogenesis of MS. As HHV-6 is predominantly a T-cell-tropic virus, we examined HHV-6 DNA sequences in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 34 MS patients, 6 with idiopathic transverse myelitis, 2 with optic neuritis and 20 healthy controls. Nested polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the HHV-6 genome. To discern HHV-6 variants A and B, amplification products were digested by restriction enzyme. We found that 7 of 34 MS patients and 2 of 6 patients with idiopathic transverse myelitis had the HHV-6 genome. On the contrary, there was no HHV-6 genome in the control group. All genomic sequences were of HHV-6 variant A (HHV-6A). Our results suggest that the detection of HHV-6A in the PBMC of patients with MS may raise the possibility of a relationship between latent HHV-6A infection and the pathogenesis of MS.
Adolescent↗
In vitro activities of quinupristin/dalfopristin and eight other antimicrobial agents against 360 clinical isolates from Korea.
The emergence of multi-drug resistant gram-positive cocci such as methicillin-resistant (MR) staphylococci, vancomycin-resistant (VR) enterococci, and vancomycin-intermediate resistant S. aureus (VISA) has given new urgency to the development of new antimicrobial agents. One of these is quinupristin/dalfopristin (Q/D). We decided to determine the susceptibility of gram-positive cocci isolated at two university hospitals in Seoul to Q/D and compare the results with eight other antimicrobial agents. We investigated 120 isolates of S. aureus including 49 MRSAs and one VISA, 120 isolates of coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS), 64 E. faecalis and 56 E. faecium, including seven strains of VR E. faecium. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) for several antimicrobials, including vancomycin and Q/D, were determined by broth microdilution. All S. aureus including VISA were susceptible to Q/D. Q/D MIC90 for both methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) and MRSA was 0.25 g/mL. 49 (87.5%) of 56 E. faecium including six of seven VR E. faecium were susceptible to Q/D. E. faecalis were not susceptible to Q/D (only 1.5% susceptible), but were inhibited by ampicillin (94% susceptible) or vancomycin (95%). CNS was susceptible to Q/D (96% susceptible) and vancomycin (100% susceptible). One of 38 staphylococci and two of 17 E. faecium were tolerant to Q/D. In conclusion, Q/D showed excellent activity against all species of gram-positive cocci including MRSA, VISA, and VR E. faecium except E. faecalis, and may provide a valuable option for the treatment of infections caused by these emerging nosocomial pathogens of gram-positive cocci.
Anti-Bacterial Agents↗