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Kim MK, Cheon J, Lee KS, Chung MK, Lee JY, Lee SW, Kim SW, Chung BH, Park K, Park JK. An open, non-comparative, multicentre study on the impact of alfuzosin on sexual function using the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia. Int J Clin Pract 2010; 64:345-50. [PMID: 19891715 DOI: 10.1111/j.1742-1241.2009.02247.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the effect of alfuzosin on sexual function by using the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). PATIENTS AND METHODS In this multicentre, open-label and non-comparative study, a total of 135 sexually active patients with LUTS were enrolled in Korea to receive alfuzosin 10 mg once daily for 12 weeks. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and a 25-item MSHQ exploring erection ejaculation and satisfaction with sex life were evaluated at baseline after 4 and 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS Of 135 patients (age 58.8 years, duration of LUTS 2.6 years, mean values), 110 (81.5%) completed the study. The ejaculatory domain of the MSHQ significantly improved at the end-point in the intent-to-treat population (score difference of 2.24, p < or = 0.0001, n = 120). The domains of erection and sexual satisfaction improved at the end-point, but the score differences were not statistically significant. After the 12 weeks treatment, the total IPSS score significantly decreased from 17.9 to 12.1 (p < 0.0001), bother score decreased from 3.8 to 2.85 (p < 0.0001) and peak flow rate increased from 11.0 to 14.3 ml/s (p < 0.0001). A significant relationship between ejaculatory domains of MSHQ and IPSS was found. Four patients (2.9%) discontinued the trial for adverse event. CONCLUSIONS Based on the analysis of MSHQ scores before and after alfuzosin treatment, improvement was significant on ejaculatory function, in addition to improvement on LUTS and quality of life. MSHQ is a useful tool to evaluate the male sexual dysfunction.
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Canik JM, Maingi R, Evans TE, Bell RE, Gerhardt SP, Leblanc BP, Manickam J, Menard JE, Osborne TH, Park JK, Paul SF, Snyder PB, Sabbagh SA, Kugel HW, Unterberg EA. On demand triggering of edge localized instabilities using external nonaxisymmetric magnetic perturbations in toroidal plasmas. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2010; 104:045001. [PMID: 20366719 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.104.045001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2009] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The application of nonaxisymmetric magnetic fields is shown to destabilize edge-localized modes (ELMs) during otherwise ELM-free periods of discharges in the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX). Profile analysis shows the applied fields increased the temperature and pressure gradients, decreasing edge stability. This robust effect was exploited for a new form of ELM control: the triggering of ELMs at will in high performance H mode plasmas enabled by lithium conditioning, yielding high time-averaged energy confinement with reduced core impurity density and radiated power.
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Machnik A, Neuhofer W, Jantsch J, Dahlmann A, Tammela T, Machura K, Park JK, Beck FX, Müller DN, Derer W, Goss J, Ziomber A, Dietsch P, Wagner H, van Rooijen N, Kurtz A, Hilgers KF, Alitalo K, Eckardt KU, Luft FC, Kerjaschki D, Titze J. New Approaches to Pathogenesis and Management of Hypertension. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2009. [DOI: 10.2215/01.cjn.0000927080.23541.88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Ritz E, Krum H, Wang Y, Machnik A, Schlaich M, Whitbourn R, Sobotka PA, Sadowski J, Bartus K, Kapelak B, Walton A, Sievert H, Thambar S, Abraham WT, Esler M, Tsun Z, Neuhofer W, Jantsch J, Dahlmann A, Tammela T, Machura K, Park JK, Beck FX, Müller DN, Derer W, Goss J, Ziomber A, Dietsch P, Wagner H, van Rooijen N, Kurtz A, Hilgers KF, Alitalo K, Eckardt KU, Luft FC, Kerjaschki D, Titze J. New Approaches to Pathogenesis and Management of HypertensionCatheter-based renal sympathetic denervation for resistant hypertension: A multicenter safety and proof-of-principle cohort study. Lancet 373: 1275–1281, 2009Klotho gene delivery prevents the progression of spontaneous hypertension and renal damage. Hypertension 54: 810–817, 2009Macrophages regulate salt-dependent volume and blood pressure by a vascular endothelial growth factor-C-dependent buffering mechanisms. Nat Med 15: 545–552, 2009. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2009; 4:1886-91. [DOI: 10.2215/cjn.07561009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Shin SJ, Kim SY, Shin AR, Kim HJ, Cho SN, Park JK. Identification of Rv2041c, a novel immunogenic antigen from Mycobacterium tuberculosis with serodiagnostic potential. Scand J Immunol 2009; 70:457-64. [PMID: 19874550 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2009.02324.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Novel immunogenic antigens are continually required for the improvement of diagnostic techniques for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Some proteins with serodiagnostic value are not expressed under normal culture conditions, but may be induced under specific conditions such as gradual oxygen depletion and low pH, and from inside macrophages. Using a customized amplification library, we previously found that Rv2041c from M. tuberculosis H37Rv was highly expressed in vitro under conditions of low pH and hypoxia. In this study, recombinant (r)Rv2041c was produced in Escherichia coli to examine its role in immune responses. Increased Rv2041c expression in vitro during dormancy and during infection in human macrophages was confirmed by Western blotting and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Interestingly, positive antibody responses to rRv2041c were detected only in those patients with active tuberculosis (TB) and in mice infected with M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Finally, Rv2041c was used successfully in the serodiagnosis of active M. tuberculosis infection in Korean patients in conjunction with other M. tuberculosis proteins, including Ag85 complex, 38 kDa, rESAT-6, rHSP-X and rCFP-10. Our Rv2041c-ELISA had comparable diagnostic sensitivity and equivalent specificity to the use of an M. tuberculosis H37Rv cellular extract. In addition, seven of 46 serum samples collected from TB patients (15.28%) showed positive antibody responses to Rv2041c, but not to the other proteins. These results suggest that Rv2041c can be used to increase assay sensitivity alongside well-known antigens for the serodiagnosis of M. tuberculosis infection.
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Park JK, Goo MJ, Hong IH, Ki MR, Han JY, Jeong KS. Immunohistochemistry Diagnosis of an Ovarian Dysgerminoma in One Bitch. Reprod Domest Anim 2009; 44:855-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01135.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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83
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Shim SK, Choi EN, Yu KO, Park HJ, Kim CM, Lee KH, Park JK, Park PH, Yoon MH, Park SH, Choi YS, Hwang KJ, Park MY. Characterisation of Orientia tsutsugamushi genotypes from wild rodents and chigger mites in Korea. Clin Microbiol Infect 2009; 15 Suppl 2:311-2. [PMID: 19793117 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02254.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Shushakova N, Park JK, Menne J, Fliser D. Chronic erythropoietin treatment affects different molecular pathways of diabetic cardiomyopathy in mouse. Eur J Clin Invest 2009; 39:755-60. [PMID: 19614950 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2362.2009.02165.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies in mice experimental models with acute ischaemic injury revealed that erythropoietin (EPO) has numerous tissue-protective effects in the heart, brain and kidneys. We therefore explored the tissue-protective properties of chronic EPO treatment in an experimental model of the db/db mouse with diabetic heart injury. MATERIAL AND METHODS We randomly treated 11 db/db mice with placebo (saline), 0.4 microg of the continuous erythropoietin receptor activator (CERA) per week (n = 11) or 1.2 microg CERA per week (n = 11) for 14 weeks, and analysed cardiac tissue. The lower CERA dose was a non-haematologically effective dose, whereas the second increased the haematocrit. RESULTS Compared with mice in the placebo group, CERA-treated mice had a reduction in TGF-beta(1) and collagen I expression in cardiac tissue (P < 0.01 vs. higher dose CERA). In addition, an increased expression of the pro-survival intracellular pathway p-AKT was observed (P < 0.05 vs. higher dose CERA). The values for the lower C.E.R.A had an intermediate nonsignificant effect. Furthermore, we were able to show that atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) expression was increased in both CERA groups. CONCLUSIONS Chronic treatment with CERA protects cardiac tissue in diabetic animals, i.e. it inhibits molecular pathways of cardiac fibrosis, and the effects are dose-dependent.
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Park JK, Moon JH, Kim HK, Choi HJ, Kang JH, Kim HK, Ko BM, Cho YD, Lee MS, Shim CS. Wire-guided endoscopic snare resection of a choledochocele-associated villous adenoma. Endoscopy 2009; 41 Suppl 2:E78-9. [PMID: 19370521 DOI: 10.1055/s-0029-1214429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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Kim HJ, Lee IK, Lee YS, Kang WK, Park JK, Oh ST, Kim JG, Kim YH. A comparative study on the short-term clinicopathologic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery versus conventional open surgery for transverse colon cancer. Surg Endosc 2009; 23:1812-7. [PMID: 19263150 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-009-0348-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2008] [Revised: 10/29/2008] [Accepted: 01/12/2009] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term oncologic stability of laparoscopic surgery for colon cancer was established, and laparoscopic surgery was accepted as an alternative to conventional open surgery for colon cancer. However, transverse colon cancer was excluded from the majority of the previous prospective studies. As a result, debate on laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer continues. This study aimed to compare the clinicopathologic outcome of laparoscopic surgery with that of conventional open surgery for transverse colon cancer. METHODS From August 2004 to December 2007, 106 cases of transverse colon cancer were managed by resection at our institution, and 89 of these cases were included in this study. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), operation time, blood loss, time to first flatus, time to start of diet, hospital stay, complications, tumor size, distal resection margin, proximal resection margin, and number of nodes harvested were compared between the two groups. RESULTS No significant differences were found between the laparoscopic and conventional groups in terms of age, sex, BMI, operation time, or hospital stay. The mean blood loss during the operations was significantly less in the laparoscopic group (113.8 +/- 128.9 ml) than in the conventional group (278.8 +/- 268.7 ml; p < 0.05). Moreover, the time to the first flatus was shorter (2.8 +/- 0.9 days vs. 4.4 +/- 2.0 days; p < 0.00) and the diet was started earlier (3.9 +/- 1.7 days vs. 5.4 +/- 1.9 days; p < 0.00) in the laparoscopic group. No intergroup differences in tumor size, proximal resection margin, or number of lymph nodes were observed. The mean distal resection margin was longer in the laparoscopic group (12.5 +/- 4.1 cm vs. 9.2 +/- 6.2 cm; p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Laparoscopic and conventional open surgeries were found to have similar clinical outcomes in transverse colon cancer, and the oncologic quality of laparoscopic surgery was found to be acceptable compared with conventional open surgery.
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Park JK, Song JH, He TC, Nam SW, Lee JY, Park WS. Overexpression of Wnt-2 in colorectal cancers. Neoplasma 2009; 56:119-23. [PMID: 19239325 DOI: 10.4149/neo_2009_02_119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The binding of the Wnt ligand to its receptor Frizzled, activates the Wnt canonical signaling pathway in carcinogenesis as well as many cellular processes, including cellular proliferation and differentiation. Wnt-2, one of 19 members of the <em>Wnt</em> gene family, is frequently overexpressed in malignant tissues. Here, in order to investigate the role of Wnt-2 in colorectal carcinogenesis, we examined the expression of the Wnt-2 protein in 120 colorectal cancers by immunohistochemistry. Wnt-2 protein was expressed in the cell membrane and cytoplasm and up-regulated in 74 (61.7%) of 120 colorectal cancers. Statistically, overexpression of Wnt-2 protein was not associated with the clinical and pathological parameters studied, including tumor location, tumor size, clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, and 5-year survival (<em>P > </em>0.05). These results indicate that up-regulation of the Wnt-2 protein might play a role in the development of colorectal cancers, as an early event of carcinogenesis. KEYWORDS Wnt-2 protein, expression, immunohistochemistry, tissue microarray, colon cancer.
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Lee JS, Choi JC, Kang SY, Kang JH, Park JK. Heat stroke: increased signal intensity in the bilateral cerebellar dentate nuclei and splenium on diffusion-weighted MR imaging. AJNR Am J Neuroradiol 2009; 30:E58. [PMID: 19179428 DOI: 10.3174/ajnr.a1432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Sohn H, Lee KS, Kim SY, Shin DM, Shin SJ, Jo EK, Park JK, Kim HJ. Induction of cell death in human macrophages by a highly virulent Korean Isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the virulent strain H37Rv. Scand J Immunol 2009; 69:43-50. [PMID: 19140876 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2008.02188.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that virulent strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis induce apoptosis in macrophages less often than do attenuated strains. K-strain, which belongs to the Beijing family, is the most frequently isolated clinical strain of M. tuberculosis in Korea. In this study, we investigated the differential induction of cell death in human monocytic THP-1 cells by K-strain and H37Rv, a virulent but laboratory-adapted strain of M. tuberculosis. Although no significant difference in growth rate was observed between the cells exposed to K-strain and those exposed to H37Rv, the levels of protective cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-12p40 were lower in K-strain-infected cells than in H37Rv-infected cells. Cell viability assays showed that both K-strain and H37Rv, but not heat- or streptomycin-killed bacteria, induced THP-1 cell death in a TNF-independent manner. In contrast, double staining with fluorochrome-labelled inhibitors of caspase and propidium iodide and lactate dehydrogenase release assays revealed that K-strain induced significantly higher levels of necrotic cell death, rather than apoptosis, in THP-1 cells than did H37Rv. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Bfl-1 and Bcl-xL in the cells were significantly upregulated following infection with K-strain compared with H37Rv, whereas Bax was slightly upregulated in response to infection with both H37Rv and K-strain. These results suggest that the highly virulent K-strain keeps cellular apoptosis as a host defense mechanism to a minimum and induces necrosis in macrophages.
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Lee YS, Lee IK, Kang WK, Cho HM, Park JK, Oh ST, Kim JG, Kim YH. Surgical and pathological outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer. Int J Colorectal Dis 2008; 23:669-73. [PMID: 18379794 PMCID: PMC2386750 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-008-0471-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2008] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Several multi-institutional prospective randomized trials have demonstrated short-term benefits using laparoscopy. Now the laparoscopic approach is accepted as an alternative to open surgery for colon cancer. However, in prior trials, the transverse colon was excluded. Therefore, it has not been determined whether laparoscopy can be used in the setting of transverse colon cancer. This study evaluated the peri-operative clinical outcomes and oncological quality by pathologic outcomes of laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Analysis of the medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic colorectal resection from August 2004 to November 2007 was made. Computed tomography, barium enema, and colonoscopy were performed to localize the tumor preoperatively. Extended right hemicolectomy, transverse colectomy, and extended left hemicolectomy were performed for transverse colon cancer. Surgical outcomes and pathologic outcomes were compared between transverse colon cancer (TCC) and other site colon cancer (OSCC). RESULTS Of the 312 colorectal cancer patients, 94 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for OSCC, and 34 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for TCC. Patients with TCC were similar to patients with OSCC in age, gender, body mass index, operating time, blood loss, time to pass flatus, start of diet, hospital stay, tumor size, distal resection margin, proximal resection margin, number of lymph nodes, and radial margin. One case in TCC and three cases in OSCC were converted to open surgery. CONCLUSIONS Laparoscopic surgery for transverse colon cancer and OSCC had similar peri-operative clinical and acceptable pathological outcomes.
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Kim SY, Jo EK, Kim HJ, Bai K, Park JK. The effects of high-power microwaves on the ultrastructure of Bacillus subtilis. Lett Appl Microbiol 2008; 47:35-40. [PMID: 18544141 DOI: 10.1111/j.1472-765x.2008.02384.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the microbicidal mechanisms of high-power microwave (2.0 kW) irradiation on Bacillus subtilis and to determine the effect of this procedure on the ultrastructure of the cell wall. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed viability test, examined cells using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and measured the release of intracellular proteins and nucleic acids. The inactivation rate of B. subtilis by 2.0-kW microwave irradiation was higher than that of a domestic microwave (0.5 kW). Few proteins were released from either microwaved or boiled cells. However, the leakage of nucleic acids from 2.0-kW-microwaved cells was significantly higher than that of 0.5-kW-microwaved or boiled cells. Therefore, we examined ultrastructural alterations of microwaved or boiled cells to analyse the pattern of release of cytoplasmic contents. Although boiled cells did not show any ultrastructural changes on TEM, 2.0-kW-microwaved cells showed disruption of the cell wall. CONCLUSION The microbicidal mechanisms of 2.0-kW microwave irradiation include damage to the microbial cell wall, breakage of the genomic DNA, and thermal coagulation of cytoplasmic proteins. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY TEM images showed that the cytoplasmic protein aggregation and cell envelope damage by microwave irradiation were different from the ultrastructural changes observed after boiling.
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Park JK, Kang MY, Kim YH, Jo HC, Shin JK, Choi WJ, Lee SA, Lee JH, Choi WS, Paik WY. PKC delta in preeclamptic placentas promotes Bax dissociation from 14-3-3 zeta through 14-3-3 zeta phosphorylation. Placenta 2008; 29:584-92. [PMID: 18472156 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2008.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2007] [Revised: 03/16/2008] [Accepted: 03/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated placental apoptosis and the expression of and interactions between 14-3-3 and Bcl-2 family proteins during preeclampsia. In addition, we explored the mechanism of Bax dissociation from 14-3-3, hypothesizing that PKC-mediated phosphorylation of 14-3-3 results in dissociation of Bax from 14-3-3 proteins, and leads to apoptosis. METHODS Placental samples from 10 women with preeclampsia and 10 normotensive control patients were analyzed using M30-specific immunohistochemistry to assess placental apoptosis. Biochemical markers of cellular apoptosis, such as cleaved caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, 14-3-3, and PKC were followed by Western blotting. Interaction of 14-3-3 proteins with Bax and with PKC was assessed by immunoprecipitation. RESULTS M30-positive cells were widespread in the preeclamptic placentas. The levels of cleaved caspase-3, Bax, 14-3-3 zeta, phospho-(Ser)-14-3-3, and PKC delta were significantly higher in the preeclamptic placentas than in normal placentas. Preeclampsia was also associated with weaker interactions between 14-3-3 zeta and Bax and stronger interactions between 14-3-3 zeta and PKC delta. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that PKC delta in preeclamptic placentas promotes Bax dissociation from 14-3-3 zeta through the phosphorylation of 14-3-3 zeta. This finding may at least in part explain the apoptosis-inducing activity of PKC delta, revealing the important role of PKC delta in the development of apoptosis-related diseases such as preeclampsia.
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Ahn CH, Park HD, Lee YO, Park JK. Appearance of novel G-bacteria belonging to acidobacteria in a dairy wastewater treatment plant. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY 2008; 29:497-504. [PMID: 18661733 DOI: 10.1080/09593330801984530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
A dairy wastewater treatment plant operates a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and stimulates enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) process with alternating anaerobic and aerobic cycles. Occasionally, the plant suffers from a high suspended solids problem in the supernatant. Interestingly, the occurrence of high suspended solids coincided with times when the EBPR process failed to remove phosphorus. To find out if there was a relationship between the EBPR failure and the high suspended solids problem, effluent samples were collected from the site during the period of poor phosphorus removal and examined microscopically. It was found that cocci-shaped bacteria (3-4 microm in diameter) were abundant in the effluent samples and they were clustered in tetrads. These were believed to be G-bacteria and results of both Gram and Neisser staining tests were negative, suggesting that they had few intracellular polyphosphate granules. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence analysis, the phylogenetic information of in situ G-bacteria was obtained. It was found that all of the recovered clones were clustered in the phylum of Acidobacteria.
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MESH Headings
- DNA, Bacterial/chemistry
- DNA, Bacterial/genetics
- Dairying
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
- Microscopy, Phase-Contrast
- Phosphorus/metabolism
- Phylogeny
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Proteobacteria/genetics
- Proteobacteria/growth & development
- Proteobacteria/isolation & purification
- Proteobacteria/metabolism
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/chemistry
- RNA, Ribosomal, 16S/genetics
- Waste Disposal, Fluid/methods
- Water Pollutants, Chemical/metabolism
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Lee MY, Koh SB, Koh JH, Nam SM, Shin JY, Shin YG, Kong ID, Ryu SY, Lee TY, Park JK, Chung CH. Relationship between gamma-glutamyltransferase and metabolic syndrome in a Korean population. Diabet Med 2008; 25:469-75. [PMID: 18346161 DOI: 10.1111/j.1464-5491.2008.02415.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate associations between gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and components of metabolic syndrome (MS), insulin resistance and inflammatory markers in the Korean population. METHODS The 3508 subjects enrolled in this survey participated in the Korean Rural Genomic Cohort (KRGC) study. Written consent was obtained from the local ethical committee. Of these participants, 1437 were men (mean age 56.9 +/- 7.9 years) and 2071 were women (mean age 55.8 +/- 8.1 years). We measured GGT levels and various biochemical markers. To examine insulin resistance status, we used the homeostasis assessment method for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). For inflammatory marker, we used C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. RESULTS Serum GGT levels were significantly higher in the MS group compared to the healthy patient group [23 (5-1403) vs. 19 (5-1920) IU/l; P = 0.01]. The prevalence of MS and adjusted relative risk were both significantly increased from the lowest to highest GGT quartiles; these results persisted after adjustments for multiple confounders. Positive correlations were established between GGT and HOMA-IR or CRP. CONCLUSION These results suggest that GGT levels may be a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, inflammation and MS.
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Kim TN, Balakrishnan A, Lee BC, Kim WS, Dvorankova B, Smetana K, Park JK, Panigrahi BB. In vitro fibroblast response to ultra fine grained titanium produced by a severe plastic deformation process. JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE. MATERIALS IN MEDICINE 2008; 19:553-7. [PMID: 17619956 DOI: 10.1007/s10856-007-3204-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2006] [Accepted: 06/06/2007] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
The in vitro response of the mouse fibroblast cell line 3T3 on the surface of ultrafine grained titanium [produced by a severe plastic deformation (SPD) process] has been studied in this work. SPD Ti showed much higher strength than the coarse grained Ti and equivalent to that of Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Better cell proliferation was observed on SPD Ti compared to conventional Ti and Ti-6Al-4V alloy. This could be attributed to the increased surface free energy by reduction in the grain size and possibly the presence of a large number of nano size grooves at the triple point junctions in SPD Ti sample. There was no significant difference in the results of cytotoxicity tests of fine and coarse grained materials.
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Han DH, Chae MR, So I, Park JK, Lee SW. The effects of dopamine receptor agonists on BK Ca channels and signal transduction mechanism in corpus cavernosal smooth muscle cells. Int J Impot Res 2007; 20:53-9. [PMID: 18094703 DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijir.3901623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effect of dopamine receptor agonists on potassium channels' activity and their signal transduction pathway in corporal smooth muscle cells. We used cultured human corporal smooth muscle cells. The whole cell and cell-attached configuration of the patch-clamp technique were used for electrophysiological recordings, and enzyme immunoassay was used for measuring cyclic AMP (cAMP) and cyclic GMP levels. Extracellular application of 10 microM dopamine and apomorphine significantly increased whole-cell K(+) currents by 283.5+/-55.7% (at +60 mV; n=12, P<0.001), 292.4+/-58.8.0% (at +60 mV; n=9, P<0.005), respectively. We confirmed that the increase in whole-cell currents was mainly due to activation of the tetraethylammonium-sensitive large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channels (BK(Ca) channels). Enzyme immunoassay indicated that dopamine and apomorphine stimulates cAMP levels in corporal smooth muscle cells in a concentration-dependent fashion. The activation of BK(Ca) channels by dopamine receptor agonists in corporal smooth muscle cells might be one of the mechanisms in inducing penile erection.
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Jeon BY, Kim HJ, Kim SC, Jo EK, Park JK, Paik TH, Kim SJ, Cho SN. Protection of mice against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection by immunization with aqueous fraction of Triton X-100-soluble cell wall proteins. Scand J Immunol 2007; 67:18-23. [PMID: 18021187 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2007.02031.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The aqueous fraction of Triton X-100-soluble proteins (TSP-Aq) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis cell wall was reported to stimulate T-cell responses in peripheral blood monocytes from tuberculosis (TB) patients and to induce Th1 cytokines, suggesting presence of protective antigens. In this study, therefore, we examined the protective efficacy of TSP-Aq against M. tuberculosis infection in a mouse model. C57BL/6 mice were immunized with TSP-Aq or culture filtrate proteins (CFP) mixed with incomplete Freund's adjuvant or with BCG followed by i.v. challenge with M. tuberculosis H37Rv. TSP-Aq induced strong interferon-gamma production by spleen cells, and mice immunized with TSP-Aq antigens gave a significant reduction in M. tuberculosis CFU counts by 1.17-1.32 log10 CFU in the lungs and 1.31-2.08 log10 CFU in the spleen from 6 to 28 weeks. The degree of protection offered by TSP-Aq was comparable to that of CFP and of the BCG vaccine. The results demonstrated that the TSP-Aq antigens confer a significant level of protection against the growth of the organism in the lungs and spleen in a mouse model of TB and indicate that TSP contains major protective antigens of M. tuberculosis.
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Park JK, Kim JW, Lee HJ, Chung JH, Ha EY, Oh DJ, Song JY. Dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene polymorphisms and psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2007; 144B:944-5. [PMID: 17503472 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Lee Y, Seo YJ, Lee JH, Park JK. High-dose prednisolone and psoralen ultraviolet A combination therapy in 36 patients with vitiligo. Clin Exp Dermatol 2007; 32:499-501. [PMID: 17608760 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2007.02387.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that systemic corticosteroids arrest the progress of vitiligo and lead to repigmentation, but they may produce unacceptable side-effects. The use of high-dose prednisolone therapy to minimize the side-effects of systemic steroids has been reported, but there have been no reports on the effectiveness of such treatment combined with phototherapy. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with intravenous prednisolone and psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA). In 36 patients with vitiligo, intravenous methylprednisolone for 3 days was followed by PUVA twice weekly. After 6 months, vitiligo lesions on the face were reduced in size by 57.5%, on the upper extremities by 34.5%, on the trunk by 30.4% and on the lower extremities by 26.3%. Overall, improvement was seen in 13 patients (36.1%), with >50% repigmentation. Side-effects were mild and transient. We conclude that combination treatment of high-dose prednisolone therapy and PUVA may represent a highly effective therapeutic option for generalized vitiligo.
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Kim TN, Balakrishnan A, Lee BC, Kim WS, Smetana K, Park JK, Panigrahi BB. In vitro
biocompatibility of equal channel angular processed (ECAP) titanium. Biomed Mater 2007; 2:S117-20. [DOI: 10.1088/1748-6041/2/3/s06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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