Association between genetic variants in the IRGM gene and tuberculosis in a Korean population.

PURPOSE: To investigate immunity-related guanosine triphosphatase family M (IRGM) genetic variants associated with susceptibility to tuberculosis (TB) in a Korean population. METHODS: We conducted a prospective case-control study including 193 patients with active TB in Severance Hospital and 230 age- and sex-matched unrelated controls registered in Yonsei Cardiovascular Genome Center. Based on associations with other chronic inflammatory conditions, we analyzed the allele and genotype frequencies of rs72553867, rs10065172, and rs12654043 among patients with TB and healthy controls. RESULTS: The T allele of rs10065172 was significantly associated with protection against developing TB based on allele frequency [P = 0.042; odds ratio (OR) 0.75] and genotype distribution in the codominant model (P = 0.036; OR 0.73). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to identify a significant association between the IRGM single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs10065172 and susceptibility to active TB disease in an Asian population. The results suggest that IRGM genetic variants could be associated with susceptibility to active TB disease in the Korean population.

Fate of nitrogen species in nitrate reduction by nanoscale zero valent iron and characterization of the reaction kinetics.

This study investigates the fate of nitrogen species during nitrate reduction by nanoscale zero valent iron (NZVI) as well as the related kinetics. The NZVI used for the experiments was prepared by chemical reduction without a stabilizing agent. The pseudo first order kinetic constant of nitrate reduction at 30 degrees C with an NZVI/nitrate ratio of 1.25:1, which were the reference conditions of this study, was 4.08 h(-1) (R(2)=0.955). A nitrogen mass balance was established by quantitative analysis of aqueous-phase and gas-phase nitrogen species. The results confirm that the nitrate was converted to ammonium ion, that ammonia stripping subsequently occurred under a strong alkaline condition, and that the total amount of aqueous nitrogen was consequently reduced. The nitrate reduction rate also increased with a lower pH and a higher temperature when microscale ZVI was used. However, in contrast to the reaction by microscale ZVI, the nitrate reduction rate by NZVI was higher for an unbuffered condition, possibly due to the abundance of surface atoms and the smaller size.

Evidence of transnatal auditory learning.

There is converging evidence for fetal retention of auditory experience into early postnatal life, but critical tests with appropriate controls are rare due to methodological hurdles. Research has been conducted on newborn response to naturally occurring stimuli such as heartbeats, intrauterine recordings, pre- and postnatal versions of the maternal voice, father's voice, and unfamiliar voices. Postnatal experience cannot be ruled out as a possible explanation for many results. Only one critical prenatal exposure experiment with postnatal testing has been carried out and published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal. Interpretation of acoustic and linguistic information on intrauterine recordings suggests that the prosodic features of speech (pitch contours, rhythm, and stress) are available to the fetus. This is compatible with newborn responses and may contribute to language acquisition during the first year. There is no sound evidence that providing extra prenatal auditory stimulation benefits the developing child, and there are potential risks.

Pityriasis amiantacea.

Pityriasis amiantacea is an easily recognizable cutaneous disease that is characterized by scaling of the scalp and temporary alopecia. The scaling, described as thick and asbestos-like, binds down tufts of hair. The alopecia may be temporary or scarring. Despite a well-established clinical description, no definitive etiology has been uncovered. This disease may represent seborrheic dermatitis, superficial fungal or pyogenic infections, lichen planus, or psoriasis. Histologically, the disease is characterized by eczematous features. We report a case of pityriasis amiantacea in an 11-year-old girl with simultaneous findings of psoriasis as well as review the literature on the etiology of this disease.

The role of mother's voice in the organization of brain function in the newborn.

Newborn infants prefer the sound of the maternal voice within the first two days after birth. This early preference may be based on prenatal experience. The mother's voice is reported to be the most intense acoustical signal measured in the amniotic environment. Data showing the ability of the newborn to demonstrate voice preferences are presented. We have also investigated the response of the perinatal autonomic nervous system to speech sound stimulation. Both the newborn and fetus show heart rate decelerations in response to speech sounds. This cardiorespiratory attentional response occurs during sleep when sensory stimulation is probably influencing perinatal brain development. Early experience with voice has both acute and enduring effects on the developing brain. These effects have ramifications for the development of the auditory system, as well as for later social and emotional development. Further speculation and discussion on the form, function and assessment of newborn responsiveness to voice will be offered.