Pilot study of fractional microneedling radiofrequency for hidradenitis suppurativa assessed by clinical response and histology.

BACKGROUND: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a devastating chronic inflammatory skin disease with frequent recurrences. Various systemic treatments and procedures have been used but the efficacy of fractional microneedling radiofrequency (FMR) has not been reported. AIM: To evaluate the clinical and histological efficacy of FMR in the treatment of HS lesions. METHODS: An 8-week, prospective, split-body, unblinded study was conducted, which enrolled 10 adult patients with mild to moderate HS to receive 3 sessions of FMR treatment biweekly. HS severity was assessed using the number and type of lesions, HS Physician Global Assessment (HS-PGA) and the modified Sartorius score (mSS). Skin biopsies were performed on participants to assess change in inflammation before and after FMR. RESULTS: Severity of HS was significantly reduced on the FMR-treated side of the body, but not on the control side. Inflammatory HS lesions were significantly reduced after 4 weeks, while HS-PGA and mSS were significantly decreased after 6 weeks. Immunohistochemistry staining showed decreased expression of inflammatory markers including neutrophil elastases, interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-17, tumour necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-ß1 and matrix metalloproteinases. CONCLUSION: FMR may be a viable treatment option for mild to moderate HS.

Atrophic acne scar: a process from altered metabolism of elastic fibres and collagen fibres based on transforming growth factor-ß1 signalling.

BACKGROUND: Atrophic acne scar, a persistent sequela from acne, is undesirably troubling to many patients due to its cosmetic and psychosocial aspects. Although there have been some reports emphasizing the role of early inflammatory responses in atrophic acne scarring, evolving perspectives on the detailed pathogenic processes are promptly needed. OBJECTIVES: Examining the histological, immunological and molecular changes in early acne lesions susceptible to atrophic scarring can provide new insights to understand the pathophysiology of atrophic acne scar. METHODS: We experimentally validated several early fundamental hallmarks accounting for the transition of early acne lesions to atrophic scars by comparing molecular profiles of skin and acne lesions between patients who were prone to scar (APS) or not (ANS). RESULTS: In APS, compared with ANS, devastating degradation of elastic fibres and collagen fibres occurred in the dermis, followed by their incomplete recovery. Abnormally excessive inflammation mediated by innate immunity with T helper 17 and T helper 1 cells was observed. Epidermal proliferation was significantly diminished. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 was drastically elevated in APS, suggesting that aberrant TGF-ß1 signalling is an underlying modulator of all of these pathological processes. CONCLUSIONS: These results may provide a basis for understanding the pathogenesis of atrophic acne scarring. Reduction of excessive inflammation and TGF-ß1 signalling in early acne lesions is expected to facilitate the protection of normal extracellular matrix metabolism and ultimately the prevention of atrophic scar formation. What's already known about this topic? The dermis of atrophic acne scars shows alteration of extracellular matrix components such as collagen fibres. Inflammation in acne lesions is associated with the development of acne scars. What does this study add? Abnormalities in the metabolism of collagen fibres and elastic fibres were observed in the early developmental stages of acne lesions that were progressing into atrophic scars. Exacerbated inflammation and aberrant epidermal proliferation by increased transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 signalling may affect the abnormal extracellular matrix metabolism. What is the translational message? Abnormal changes in elastic fibres and collagen fibres are found in the early developmental process of acne in patients who are prone to atrophic scarring. An early treatment regimen strongly inhibiting inflammation and TGF-ß1 signalling to help the normal recovery of the extracellular matrix components is required to prevent atrophic scarring.

Epidemiology and risk factors of childhood acne in Korea: a cross-sectional community based study.

BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of acne vulgaris appears to be evolving, with an increasingly earlier onset seen in childhood. Relevant studies have been rarely performed in Asia. AIM: We sought to estimate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of acne among schoolchildren, and its association with treatment-seeking behaviour, body mass index (BMI), nutritional habits and other lifestyle elements. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with elementary schoolchildren aged 7-12 years. Children were interviewed by self-administered questionnaires, and were subsequently evaluated by dermatologists. RESULTS: Of 693 children enrolled, 36.2% were diagnosed with acne, and the prevalence increased with age. Additionally, clinical characteristics including severity, duration of disease and lesion distribution were significantly different between the lower (aged 7-9 years) and the higher (aged 10-12 years) grades. Subjective features including recognition about acne and treatment-seeking behaviours were also different between the two groups. Overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2) at 18 years of age; OR = 2.7) and consumption of chocolates/sweets (OR = 1.6) were significant risk factors for acne. CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, the prevalence of acne among elementary schoolchildren was high, but only a few children had received treatment. Physicians should be attentive to childhood acne, and educate patients and their parents about the need to treat it.

Cutaneous manifestations of the subtypes of polycystic ovary syndrome in Korean patients.

BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrinological disorder in women of childbearing-age. Although PCOS has common dermatological manifestations, including hirsutism, acne and androgenetic alopecia, little is known about the dermatological characteristics of PCOS patients in Asia. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study is to elucidate the dermatological characteristics and metabolic and hormonal parameters of Korean PCOS patients classified by the three ASRM/ESHERE criteria. METHODS: We investigated 40 untreated PCOS patients who were newly diagnosed in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology of Seoul National University Hospital. Patients were classified according to the presence of irregular menstruation (IM), polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM) and hyperandrogenism (HA). Acne specific questionnaire, physical examination, and blood sampling were thoroughly conducted. RESULTS: Twenty four patients (60.0%) met the criteria for the IM/HA/PCOM group and sixteen (40.0%) belonged to the IM/PCOM group. Acne was the most commonly observed dermatological manifestation (95.0%) followed by hirsutism (60.0%), seoborrhea (47.5%), acanthosis nigricans (20.0%) and androgenetic alopecia (12.5%). Hirsutism was more frequently observed in the IM/HA/PCOM group; the prevalence of other cutaneous manifestations did not differ significantly. Acne was most often observed on the face and most acne lesions were distributed on the forehead and cheek. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate level was higher in IM/HA/PCOM group, while serum cholesterol and high density lipoprotein concentrations were higher in the IM/PCOM group. CONCLUSION: We described several dermatological manifestations and serum hormonal and metabolic parameters in Korean PCOS patients. Cutaneous manifestations might be the first signs of PCOS; therefore, dermatologists should be more aware of cutaneous manifestations of various ethnicities.

Double-blind, randomized non-inferiority trial of a novel botulinum toxin A processed from the strain CBFC26, compared with onabotulinumtoxin A in the treatment of glabellar lines.

BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxins have been widely used in cosmetic dermatology. Neurotoxin from the CBFC26 strain (NTC) is a recently developed botulinum toxin type A product manufactured through refined procedures. OBJECTIVE: A double-blinded, randomized, multicentre-designed, phase III trial to investigate the non-inferiority of NTC to existing botulinum toxin A, onabotulinumtoxin A in the treatment of moderate to severe glabellar lines. METHODS: A total of 272 subjects were randomized in a 1 : 1 ratio to receive 20 U of NTC or onabotulinumtoxin A. The primary endpoint was the response rate of physicians' assessment (PA) using the Facial Wrinkle Scale at week 4. The secondary endpoints included the response rate of PA at weeks 8, 12 and 16, and photographic assessment at weeks 4, 8, 12 and 16. Subjects' improvement assessment and subjective self-satisfaction levels were also investigated. RESULTS: Response rates for maximum frown were 89.3% in the NTC group and 81.9% in the onabotulinumtoxin A group at week 4. NTC also resulted in comparable results for both the response rates of the other evaluation points and incidence of adverse events compared to those of onabotulinumtoxin A. In subjects' improvement assessment and photographic evaluations, NTC even demonstrated better results compared with onabotulinumtoxin A in the early phase after treatment. Analysis of these results strongly supports the non-inferiority of NTC to onabotulinumtoxin A in the efficacy and safety. CONCLUSION: NTC is as effective as onabotulinumtoxin A in the treatment of glabellar lines, and both products were well tolerated.

First Report of Tomato spotted wilt virus in Brugmansia suaveolens in Korea.

Brugmansia suaveolens, also known as angel's trumpet, is a semi-woody shrub or a small tree. Because flowers of B. suaveolens are remarkably beautiful and sweetly fragrant, B. suaveolens is grown as ornamentals outdoors year-round in the tropics and subtropics, and as potted plants in temperate regions (1). In February 2013, virus-like symptoms including mosaic symptoms followed by distortion of leaves were observed in a potted B. suaveolens in a nursery in Chung-Nam Province, Korea. Symptomatic leaves were analyzed for the presence of several ornamental viruses including Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), Tomato bush stunt virus (TBSV), and Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) by immune-strip diagnostic kits that were developed by our laboratory. Positive controls and extract from healthy leaves of B. suaveolens as a negative control were included in each immune-strip assay. TSWV was detected serologically from the naturally infected B. suaveolens, but CMV, TBSV, and TMV were not detected from the B. suaveolens. The presence of TSWV (named TSWV-AT1) was confirmed by commercially available double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA kits (Agdia, Elkhart, IN). TSWV-AT1 was mechanically transmitted from the ELISA-positive B. suaveolens to Capsicum annuum and Nicotiana glutinosa, respectively. Inoculated C. annuum showed chlorotic rings in the inoculated leaves and inoculated N. glutinosa produced mosaic and systemic necrosis in the inoculated leaves after 7 days inoculation, respectively, which were consistent with symptoms caused by TSWV (2). To confirm further TSWV-AT1 infection, reverse transcription (RT)-PCR was performed using the One-Step RT-PCR (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) with TSWV-specific primers, TSWV-NCP-For and TSWV-NCP-Rev (3), designed to amplify a 777-bp cDNA of the nucleocapsid protein (NCP) gene. Total RNAs from naturally infected B. suaveolens, symptomatic C. annuum, and N. glutinosa were extracted using RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). Total RNAs obtained from a Korean isolate of TSWV (Accession No. JF730744) and healthy B. suaveolens were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. The expected size of the RT-PCR product was amplified from symptomatic B. suaveolens, C. annuum, and N. glutinosa but not from healthy leaves of B. suaveolens. The amplified RT-PCR product from TSWV-AT1 was directly sequenced using BigDye Termination kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Multiple alignment of the TSWV-AT1 NCP sequence (AB910533) with NCP sequences of other TSWV isolates using MEGA5 software (4) revealed 99.0% aa identity with an Korean TSWV isolate (AEB33895) originating from tomato. These results provide additional confirmation of TSWV-AT1 infection. It is known that high-value ornamentals may act also as reservoirs for TSWV that can infect other ornamentals and cultivated crops, because TSWV has a very broad host range (2). Elaborate inspections for TSWV and other viruses are necessary for production of healthy B. suaveolens, since the popularity and economic importance of this ornamental plant is increasing. To our knowledge, this is the first report of TSWV in B. suaveolens in Korea. References: (1) Anonymous. OEPP/EPPO Bull. 34:271, 2004. (2) G. Parrella et al. J. Plant Pathol. 85:227, 2003. (3) B.-N. Chung et al. Plant Pathol. J. 28:87, 2012. (4) K. Tamura et al. Mol. Biol. Evol. 28:2731, 2011.

First Report of Cucumber mosaic virus in Catharanthus roseus in Korea.

Catharanthus roseus, commonly known as Madagascar rosy periwinkle (also called vinca), is a tropical perennial herb of the family Apocyanaceae. Periwinkle is a bedding plant widely used in Korea because of its drought tolerance, low maintenance, and varied flower colors. In May 2013, virus-like foliar symptoms, including a mosaic with malformation of leaves, were observed on a periwinkle plant in a greenhouse located in Chonbuk Province, Korea. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was identified in the symptomatic plant by serological testing for the presence of CMV coat protein (CP) with an immune-strip kit developed by our laboratory. The presence of CMV was confirmed by serological detection with a commercially available double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA kit (Agdia, Elkhart, IN). Sap from the serologically positive sample was mechanically inoculated to test plants using 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). The virus (named CMV-Vin) caused necrotic local lesions on Chenopodium amaranticolor at 5 days-post-inoculation (dpi), while mild to severe mosaic was observed in Capsicum annuum, Cucumis sativus, Cucurbita pepo 'Cheonggobong,' Nicotiana glutinosa, N. tabacum'Samsun NN,' Physalis angulate, and Solanum lycopersicum 'Pink-Top' 10 to 14 dpi. Examination of the inoculated plant leaves by DAS-ELISA and electron microscopy (leaf dips) showed positive reactions to CMV and the presence of spherical virions ~28 nm in diameter, respectively. To verify whether CMV was the causal agent for the disease symptoms observed in naturally infected periwinkle, virus-free periwinkle (10 plants) was mechanically inoculated by sap from local lesions on C. amaranticolor inoculated with CMV-Vin. At 6 weeks after inoculation, all plants produced systemic mosaic and distortion of leaves, resulting in strong DAS-ELISA reactions for CMV, whereas mock-inoculated periwinkle plants remained symptomless and virus-free. The presence of CMV-Vin in all naturally infected and mechanically inoculated plants was further verified by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Total RNAs were extracted with a RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA) and RT-PCR was carried out with the One-Step RT-PCR Kit (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) using a pair of primers, CMVCPFor and CMVCPRev (1), which amplified the entire CP gene. RT-PCR products (657 bp) were obtained from all naturally infected and mechanically inoculated plants as well as from a positive control (viral RNAs from virions), but not from healthy tissues. The amplified RT-PCR products were directly sequenced using BigDye Termination kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Multiple alignment of the CMV-Vin CP sequence (Accession No. AB910598) with CP sequences of other CMV isolates using MEGA5 software revealed that 91.8 to 99.0% and 71.0 to 73.0% identities to those of CMV subgroup I and subgroup II, respectively. These results provide additional confirmation of CMV-Vin infection. Being perennial, periwinkle plants could serve as a reservoir for CMV to infect other ornamentals and cultivated crops (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of CMV infection on periwinkle in Korea. References: (1) S. K. Choi et al. Virus Res. 158:271, 2011. (2) P. Palukaitis et al. Adv. Virus. Res. 41:281, 1992.

First Report of Cucumber mosaic virus in Saintpaulia ionantha in Korea.

African violet (Saintpaulia ionantha) is an ornamental species of the family Gesneriaceae and is characterized by fleshy leaves and colorful flowers. This popular, exotic ornamental, originally from Kenya and Tanzania, is vegetatively produced from cutting and tissue culture (1). In May 2013, virus-like foliar symptoms, including a mosaic with dark green islands and chlorosis surrounding the veins, were observed on an African violet plant in a greenhouse located in Icheon, Korea. Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was identified in the symptomatic plant by serological testing for the presence of CMV coat protein (CP) with a commercial immunostrip kit (Agdia, Elkhart, IN). The presence of CMV was confirmed by serological detection with a commercially available double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA kit (Agdia). Sap from the serologically positive sample was mechanically inoculated to test plants using 10 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). The virus (named CMV-AV1) caused necrotic local lesions on Chenopodium amaranticolor at 5 days post-inoculation (dpi), while mild to severe mosaic was observed in Nicotiana glutinosa, N. tabacum 'Samsun NN,' Cucurbita pepo 'Super-Top,' Physalis angulate, and Solanum lycopersicum 'Unicorn' 10 to 14 dpi. Examination of the inoculated plant leaves by DAS-ELISA and electron microscopy (leaf dips) showed positive reactions to CMV and the presence of spherical virions ∼28 nm in diameter, respectively. To verify whether CMV-AV1 is the cause of disease symptoms observed in African violet, virus-free African violet (10 plants) was mechanically inoculated by sap from local lesions on C. amaranticolor inoculated with CMV-AV1. At 8 weeks after inoculation, all plants produced systemic mosaic and chlorosis surrounding veins, resulting in strong DAS-ELISA reactions for CMV, whereas mock-inoculated African violet plants remained symptomless and virus-free. The presence of CMV-AV1 in all naturally infected and mechanically inoculated plants was further verified by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. Total RNAs were extracted with the RNeasy Plant Mini Kit (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany), according to the manufacturer's instructions. RT-PCR was carried out with the One-Step RT-PCR Kit (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA) using a pair of primers, CPTALL3 and CPTALL5 (2), amplifying the entire CP gene and part of an intergenic region and 3'-noncoding region of CMV RNA3. RT-PCR products (960 bp) were obtained from all naturally infected and mechanically inoculated plants as well as from positive control (viral RNAs from virions), but not from healthy tissues. The amplified RT-PCR products were purified with QIAquick PCR Purification Kit (Qiagen) and sequenced using BigDye Termination kit (Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA). Multiple alignment of the CMV-AV1 CP sequence (Accession No. AB842275) with CP sequences of other CMV isolates using MEGA5 software revealed that 91.8 to 99.0% and 71.0 to 73.0% identities to those of CMV subgroup I and subgroup II, respectively. These results provide additional confirmation of CMV-AV1 infection. CMV may pose a major threat for production of African violet since the farming of African violet plants is performed using the vegetative propagation of the African violet leaves in Korea. In particular, mosaic and chlorosis symptoms in African violet cause damage to ornamental quality of African violet. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CMV infection of African violet in the world. References: (1) S. T. Baatvik. Fragm. Flor. Geobot. Suppl. 2:97, 1993. (2) S. K. Choi et al. J. Virol. Methods 83:67, 1999.

Analysis of distribution patterns of Propionibacterium acnes phylotypes and Peptostreptococcus species from acne lesions.

BACKGROUND: The precise roles of Propionibacterium acnes and other anaerobic bacteria in the pathogenesis of acne are still unclear. Recent studies have shown that P. acnes can be further classified into several phylotypes with distinct phenotypes and virulence. Their distribution patterns in acne lesions have rarely been demonstrated. OBJECTIVES: To analyse distribution patterns of P. acnes phylotypes and Peptostreptococcus species on the skin surface of patients with acne and healthy controls, and in comedones, papules and pustules from patients. METHODS: A total of 370 samples from 95 patients with acne and 65 samples from 65 healthy controls were investigated. Three P. acnes phylotypes and three Peptostreptococcus species were identified by polymerase chain reaction primarily using type-specific primers. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the microflora of the skin surface samples between patients with acne and healthy controls. In acne lesions, distribution patterns between skin surface and comedonal lesions were similar, but they were significantly different from those of both papules and pustules. In the inflammatory acne lesions, the proportion of type IA P. acnes was increased, while those of type IB and II were decreased. The proportion of Peptostreptococcus species was also increased significantly in the inflammatory lesions. CONCLUSIONS: At the precision of this qualitative study, our results do not provide any evidence that different phylotypes in the surface microflora might be important in triggering acne. However, type IA P. acnes and Peptostreptococcus species might be more closely associated with inflammatory acne lesions.

The clinical and histological effect of home-use, combination blue-red LED phototherapy for mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris in Korean patients: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Blue and red light have been reported to have beneficial effects on acne. However, there has been no double-blind, randomized study of acne treatment for combined blue and red light-emitting diode (LED) devices, and the associated molecular mechanisms have rarely been investigated. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and histological changes of combined blue and red LED phototherapy for acne vulgaris. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with mild-to-moderate acne were randomly assigned to either a home-use irradiation group using an LED device, or a control group using a sham device. The treatment group was instructed to serially irradiate their forehead and cheeks with 420-nm blue light and 660-nm red light for 2.5 min twice daily for 4 weeks. RESULTS: At the final visit at 12 weeks, both inflammatory and noninflammatory acne lesions had decreased significantly, by 77% and 54%, respectively, in the treatment group. No significant difference was observed in the control group. In the treatment group, sebum output reduction, attenuated inflammatory cell infiltrations and a decreased size of the sebaceous gland were found. The immunostaining intensities for interleukin (IL)-8, IL-1α, matrix metalloproteinase-9, toll-like receptor-2, nuclear factor-κB, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor and sterol response element binding protein (SREBP)-1 were reduced concomitantly. Messenger RNA expression of SREBP-1c was also decreased. No severe adverse reactions were reported. CONCLUSIONS: This LED phototherapy was safe and effective for treating not only inflammatory but also noninflammatory acne lesions, with good compliance. The experimental results correlated well with clinical results, partly elucidating the related molecular mechanisms.

p53 codon 72 polymorphism and the risk of esophageal cancer: a Korean case-control study.

The aim of this study was to assess whether p53 codon 72 polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer (EC) in South Korea. We conducted a case-control study including 340 patients with EC, and 1700 controls. P53 codon 72 polymorphism was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The frequencies of p53 codon 72 polymorphisms (Arg/Arg, Arg/Pro, and Pro/Pro) in EC were 39.4%, 45.6%, and 15.0%, respectively; frequencies in the controls were 43.2%, 45.6%, and 11.2%, respectively. Compared with the Arg/Arg genotype, the OR of the Arg/Pro genotype was 1.09 (95% CI = 0.85-1.41) and that of the Pro/Pro genotype was 1.47 (95% CI = 1.02-2.11) for EC overall. When adjusted by age, gender, and smoking status, the OR of the Arg/Pro genotype was 1.24 (95% CI = 0.92-1.67) and that of the Pro/Pro genotype was 1.77 (95% CI = 1.15-2.74) for EC overall. In never-smokers and ever-smokers, the OR of the Arg/Pro genotype was 0.59 (95% CI = 0.37-0.95) and 1.39 (95% CI = 1.00-1.91), respectively, and there was a significant difference in the homogeneity test (P= 0.011). We observed that the p53 codon 72 polymorphism was associated with an increased risk of EC in this Korean case-control study, and smoking status modified the association between the p53 codon 72 polymorphism and the risk of EC.

Predictive value of a fragmented QRS complex in diagnosing patients with myocardial ischemia.

BACKGROUND: A fragmented QRS complex (fQRS) is caused by conduction abnormalities of the ventricle secondary to myocardial ischemia and/or scar in patients with myocardial infarction. However, the implications of the fQRS in the development of coronary artery disease with myocardial ischemia in those without a scar remain unknown. METHODS: We studied electrocardiograms (ECGs) obtained from 150 patients (60.5 ± 8.5 years, 102 men) with myocardial ischemia, which was confirmed by performing both, a nuclear exercise stress test and coronary angiography. We also studied ECGs obtained from 601 patients (58.5 ± 10.0 years, 315 men) who showed a negative nuclear exercise stress test (control group). Patients in whom the nuclear exercise stress test showed a myocardial scar were excluded. RESULTS: An fQRS was more commonly observed in patients with myocardial ischemia (n = 48, 32.0%) than in the control group (n = 133, 22.1%) (P = 0.011). The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of fQRS in diagnosing myocardial ischemia were 32.0, 77.9, 26.5, and 82.1%, respectively. The fQRS (odds ratio 1.580, 95% confidence interval 1.020-2.446, P = 0.040) was an independent predictor of myocardial ischemia after adjusting for age, sex, current smoking habits, ST-T changes on ECG, as well as histories of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia. Moreover, the fQRS showed an incremental prognostic value over conventional risk factors (χ2 = 5, P = 0.032) and over a combination of conventional factors and ST-T changes (χ2 = 9, P = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS: The fQRS is a moderately sensitive and independent predictor of myocardial ischemia.

Evaluation of abundance of artificial radionuclides in food products in South Korea and sources.

Food samples are collected nationwide from January 2016 to February 2017 and their contents of artificial radionuclides are measured to address the growing concerns regarding the radioactive contamination of food products in Korea. Specifically, 900 food samples are collected for this study and their contents of representative artificial radionuclides 134Cs, 137Cs, 239,240Pu, and 90Sr are analyzed. The analysis shows that the activity concentrations of 137Cs in fish range from minimum detectable activity (MDA) to 340 mBq/kg of fresh weight. The concentration factor (CF) determined for 137Cs as a measure of its bioavailability is calculated to be ca. 74 and found to be very similar to that (100) recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency. With an MDA of <0.221 mBq/kg, the results reveal that 239,240Pu values in fish are below the MDA. The activity concentrations of 137Cs and 90Sr are lower than the MDA in both shellfish and seaweed, while the activity concentrations of 239,240Pu in shellfish range from 0.26 to 2.18 mBq/kg, and for seaweed samples range from 2.07 to 3.38 mBq/kg. The atom ratios of 240Pu/239Pu in shellfish caught at the Korean coast vary from 0.209 to 0.237, with a mean of 0.227. The higher 240Pu/239Pu atom ratio determined in shellfish is thought to be caused by the plutonium transported from the Pacific Proving Grounds rather than other sources such as the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. The activity concentrations of 137Cs in mushrooms are found to vary from 1.0 to 21.4 Bq/kg, with the highest concentrations observed in the Oak (shiitake) and Sarcodon asparatus. 134Cs is detected in three mushroom specimens collected from Jeju Island and about 3-3.6% of 137Cs present in the wild mushrooms native to the Jeju Island are introduced as a result of the Fukushima nuclear plant accident. The annual effective doses of 137Cs received through consumption of mushrooms and fish are 2.0 × 10-4 mSv yr-1 and 3.9 × 10-5 mSv yr-1, and those values are negligible compared to the annual effective doses limit of 1 mSv yr-1.

Duration curve analysis for the assessment of pathogen loading from diffuse sources.

Pathogen level of surface waters has received great attention for protecting public health. In this study, total coliform, fecal coliform and Escherichia coli concentrations were monitored as the pathogen indicator organisms at six monitoring stations in the Geum River, Korea. Rainfall runoff from two agricultural-forestry watersheds was analyzed for their microbial aspect as well. Total coliform concentration of the Geum River showed high correlation with the flow rate. To estimate total coliform loading on the Geum River in probability scale, the duration curve method was applied. In addition, a standard duration curve reflecting the water quality criteria was constructed to determine water quality compliance. Under the assumption of linearity between flow rate and total coliform concentration of the Geum River, total coliform duration curve revealed that total coliform concentrations exceed the desired criteria mainly due to pollutants from diffuse sources.

CXXC5 is a negative-feedback regulator of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway involved in osteoblast differentiation.

The positive roles of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway in osteoblast differentiation and bone mineral density (BMD) maintenance have been clearly demonstrated in both animal experiments and clinical investigations. CXXC finger protein 5 (CXXC5), a recently identified negative regulator of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, showed altered cellular localization and function, which were dependent on the cell type in previous studies. However, the in vivo function of CXXC5 has not been clearly investigated yet. Here, we characterized CXXC5 as a negative regulator of osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. Deficiency of CXXC5 resulted in elevated BMD in mice without any severe gross developmental abnormalities. CXXC5 exerted a negative-feedback effect on the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway via Wnt-dependent binding to Dishevelled (Dvl) during osteoblast differentiation. Suppression of the Dvl-CXXC5 interaction using a competitor peptide resulted in the activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway and osteoblast differentiation, and accelerated thickness growth of ex vivo-cultured calvariae. Overall, CXXC5 is a negative-feedback regulator induced by Wnt/ß-catenin signaling that inhibits osteoblast differentiation and bone formation via interaction with Dvl.

Expression of antisense PC1 in stably transfected RIN5F cells significantly reduces CCK 8 biosynthesis.

The subtilisin-like endoprotease PC1 (PC3) has been implicated in the processing of a number of prohormones. To evaluate whether PC1 may be important for the processing of pro CCK to CCK 8, stable cell lines expressing a portion of the PC1 cDNA in the antisense orientation were established from RIN5F cells. These cells express CCK mRNA, produce and display regulated secretion of CCK 8. One of the clones, R1E8, expresses antisense PC1 mRNA as determined by reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT-PCR) and contains a significantly reduced level of PC1 protein. As compared to both RIN5F and RIN5F control cells (transfected with the expression plasmid containing no antisense message), R1E8 contains only about 30% cell content of CCK 8. These results suggest that PC1 may be important for the processing of CCK 8 from pro CCK.

Collagen studies for pediatric ureteropelvic junction obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction is the most common form of urinary tract obstruction in pediatrics. There is controversy regarding the need for early surgical intervention in many patients with apparent neonatal UPJ obstruction. To demonstrate the differences in type and amount of collagen in adult and pediatric UPJ obstruction, collagen studies were performed. METHODS: The experimental groups are 9 pediatric patients with UPJ obstruction and 13 adult patients with UPJ obstruction. Six patients with normal UPJ were assigned as controls for each experimental group. The collagen content of UPJ was quantitated by hydroxyproline analysis. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting for collagen types I and III were performed. RESULTS: The collagen content of pediatric UPJ was significantly lower in value than that of adult UPJ (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining revealed that collagen type I was located in interfascicular space and collagen type III was located in intrafascicular space in both age groups. In Western blotting the relative intensity of collagen type III for pediatric UPJ was weaker than that of adult groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a larger series of patients should be examined to determine whether quantitative analysis for collagen types I and III would provide some kind of prognostic test for UPJ outcome in pediatric patients.

N-nitrosocarbofuran, but not carbofuran, induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in CHL cells.

Carbofuran (CF) is one of the most widely used carbamate pesticides in the world applied for insect and nematode control. Due to its widespread use in agriculture and households, contamination of food, water, and air has become serious, and consequently adverse health effects are inevitable in humans, animals, wildlife and fish. It has been reported that CF alone or in combination with other carbamate insecticides influences the level of reproductive and metabolic hormones such as thyroxine and corticosterone, and results in impairment of endocrine, immune and behavioral functions. In this study, we evaluated the effects of CF and its metabolite, the N-nitroso derivative N-nitrosocarbofuran (NOCF), on genotoxicity, cell growth, cell cycle and apoptosis of Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (CHL) cells. NOCF, but not CF, induced genotoxicity determined by Ames test. NOCF inhibited the growth of Chinese hamster lung fibroblast (CHL) cells with an IC(50) of 12.8 microM. NOCF induced apoptosis of CHL cells, which was demonstrated by morphological changes, DNA fragmentation and flow cytometric analysis. Treatment of CHL cells with NOCF induced significant G(2)/M cell cycle arrest. Caspase-3, an executioner of apoptosis was also activated by the treatment of CHL cells with NOCF. These results suggest that NOCF, that is an important metabolite of CF, leads to the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in CHL cells.

Long-term results of percutaneous endourologic management of renal infundibular stricture.

PURPOSE: The long-term result of percutaneous endourologic management in the relief of infundibular stricture is not clear. We reviewed the long-term efficacy in our series of patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients underwent percutaneous endourologic management between August 1990 and February 1996. This study included the 21 who could be followed for more than 2 years (mean 4.8 years). The causes of stricture were tuberculosis (N = 18; 86%) and stone (N = 3; 14%). We made a cold-knife incision in eight patients; the others underwent only dilation with fascial dilators from 20F to 30F. Success was defined as symptomatic improvement and radiographic resolution of obstruction. RESULTS: The overall success rate was 76% (16 of 21). Seven of the eleven patients (64%) with concomitant ureteral stricture had a successful result. In the nine patients with multiple infundibular strictures, five procedure (56%) were successful. The success rates of the cold-knife or fascial dilator were 88% (7 of 8) and 69% (8 of 13), respectively. In the five patients in whom the procedure failed, ureteral stricture was associated in four and multiple infundibular strictures in four. All of them had tuberculous infundibular strictures. No significant difference in the success rate was observed according to the duration of indwelling catheter. There was no significant complication except pyelonephritis in four patients, which was controlled with conservative treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous endourologic management is an effective and safe procedure to treat renal infundibular stricture. Risk factors for failure are multiple infundibular strictures and concomitant ureteral stricture. If the procedure does fail, other treatments have not been compromised. Cold-knife incision seems to be more effective than dilation.