Development of ICNP-based inpatient falls prevention catalogue.

OBJECTIVES: The International Council of Nurses supports the development of International Classification for Nursing Practice® (ICNP®) catalogues to support the construction of electronic health records and evidence-based practice. Such a catalogue is needed for inpatient falls. METHODS: The ICNP®-Based Inpatient Fall-Prevention Catalogue ('The Catalogue') was developed following the six steps recommended by the International Council of Nurses: (1) identifying inpatient falls as a priority, (2) gathering relevant concepts from 10 international guidelines and comparing locally defined sets of fall-prevention terms, (3) mapping the concepts to the ICNP® terminology, (4) identifying new concepts, (5) conducting a clinical face validation with a 12-member panel and finalizing The Catalogue and (6) setting a strategy for dissemination. The high-level structure of the International Classification for Patient Safety was used as a theoretical framework. RESULTS: Eighteen nursing care elements and 141 terms were identified. A local vocabulary set had 89 terms (63.1%) that all corresponded to the identified terms. The exact and post-coordination mapping rates to the ICNP® were 75% and 40.6% for assessment/diagnosis/outcomes and interventions, respectively. The 54 new terms corresponded to 52 primitive concepts. An external review of The Catalogue showed that it had adequate understandability and validity. However, one-third of assessments/diagnoses/outcomes and one-fourth of interventions were not found in a tertiary hospital practice. CONCLUSION: A fall-prevention catalogue has been developed based on evidence and a theoretical framework and also clinically validated. IMPLICATION FOR NURSING AND HEALTH POLICY: The Catalogue is a standardized interface terminology and content subset in any electronic health records system that can directly deliver evidence on fall prevention. It can also be used as an informatics tool to aggregate, analyse, interpret and compare nursing data worldwide.

Comparative study of precise measurements of natural radionuclides and radiation dose using in-situ and laboratory γ-ray spectroscopy techniques.

In this study, in-situ and laboratory γ-ray spectroscopy techniques were compared to evaluate the activity concentration of natural radionuclides in soil. The activity concentrations of 238U (226Ra), 232Th, and 40K in the soil in 11 sites were simultaneously measured with in-situ portable HPGe and the NaI(Tl) detectors. In parallel, 55 soil samples collected from these sites were analyzed with a laboratory γ-ray spectroscopy technique (HPGe). A strong correlation was observed between the in-situ and laboratory HPGe techniques with a linear correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.99 for 226Ra and 232Th and 0.975 for 40K, respectively. The in-situ HPGe technique shows a strong correlation with the NaI(Tl) detector. γ-Rays cps of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K of the NaI (Tl) detector were then converted to specific activities (Bq kg-1 unit) in soil using the empirical formulas obtained in this study. The absorbed dose rate in air at 1 m height above ground due to these radionuclides was calculated using the Beck's formula and the results were compared with measured values obtained with an high pressure ionization chamber. The results of the calculated and measured dose rate show a strong correlation of R2 = 0.96. The reliability and precision of analytical spectroscopy techniques of radioactivity and radiation dose were confirmed in this work.

Theileria buffeli infections in grazing cattle in the Republic of Korea.

Theileria infections are encountered worldwide, occasionally resulting in serious economic losses for the livestock industry. This study is an epidemiological survey of Theileria infections in Korean indigenous cattle populations in the Republic of Korea (ROK). Blood samples were collected from 100 cattle in April (n=50) (prior to pastureland grazing), and again four months later, in August (n=50) (half of the cattle put out for grazing and the other half kept in housing). All samples were tested for the presence of Theileria infection based on PCR amplification of the small subunit of ribosomal RNA gene. Twenty-two samples across the whole study were verified as positive for Theileria infection by PCR methods. In August, Theileria infection was markedly increased in grazing cattle (16/25 animals, 64%) compared with indoor cattle (4/25 animals, 16%); affected animals exhibited no clinical signs of infection. The red blood cell, hematocrit, and hemoglobin values were significantly lower in Theileriapositive cattle than in Theileria-negative cattle. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the isolates from this study belonged to the T. buffeli species, and were significantly related to Types A, B, C, and E, and were distinct from T. buffeli Type D, which is known to be more pathogenic. These findings indicate that T. buffeli identified in Korean indigenous cattle have a low-to-mild pathogenicity. These results suggest that the T. buffeli infection is relatively higher in the ROK, and the infection rate may increase following grazing. Taken together, T. buffeli infection may not only be seasonally correlated, but also may be affected by management practices such as pastureland grazing.

Prevalence, Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Bartonella Species in Republic of Korea.

To determine the prevalence of Bartonella species and identify which species of Bartonella naturally infects the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius) in the Republic of Korea (ROK), spleens from 200 mice were assayed by nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) targeting the RNA polymerase subunit beta (rpoB) gene and the 16S-23S internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region for members of the genus Bartonella. Utilizing PCR techniques, the prevalence of Bartonella spp. ranged from 31.5% (63/200) to 62.0% (124/200) for the rpoB and ITS gene fragments, respectively. The most prevalent species, Bartonella grahamii, was assigned to 17 genotypes and closely related to the zoonotic pathogens, B. taylorii, B. tribocorum, B. phoceensis and B. henselae, which also were detected. Two Bartonella isolates (KRBG28 and KRBG32) were recovered from blood of A. agrarius captured in Gyeonggi Province, ROK. Comparison of the 16S rRNA, hemin-binding protein E (hbpE), glutamate dehydrogenase 1 (gdh1), invasion-associated protein B (ialB), cell division protein (ftsZ), citrate synthase (gltA), 60 kDa heat shock protein (groEL), rpoB gene fragments and the ITS region sequences from the isolates with GenBank was confirmed as B. grahamii. Phylogenetic analysis based on the alignment of concatenated sequences (4933 bp) of KRBG28 and KRBG32 clustered with B. grahamii, forming an independent clade between Asian and American/European B. grahamii genogroups.

Effect of age on atherogenicity of LDL and inflammatory markers in healthy women.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Since using LDL level alone is insufficient as a method to identify individuals with incident coronary artery disease (CAD), other factors may be implicated in the pathogenesis of CAD. Additionally, controversy still remains regarding whether there is an age-related increase in circulating cytokines in healthy individuals. We investigated the influence of age on atherogenicity of LDL and inflammatory markers in healthy women. METHODS AND RESULTS: Two thousand nine hundred forty four healthy women form 30-79 years old (23.3 ± 0.05 kg/m²) were categorized into 5 age groups: 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70-79 years. BMI, smoking, drinking, and metabolic syndrome prevalence adjusted mean values of total-cholesterol progressively increased from the group age 30-39 years to the group age 40-49 and 50-59 years and thereafter decreased in the group age 60-69 and 70-79 years. Serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were higher in women aged 60-79 years than women aged 30-59 years. Plasma ox-LDL levels increased in the group age 50-59 years compared with the group age 30-39 and 40-49 years and further increased in the group age 60-69 and 70-79 years. Mean values of LDL particle size were smaller in women aged 60-79 years than those in women aged 30-59 years. After adjustment for BMI, smoking, drinking, and metabolic syndrome status, age was positively correlated with LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.095, P < 0.001), oxidized LDL (r = 0.305, P < 0.001), hs-CRP (r = 0.150, P < 0.001), TNF-α (r = 0.171, P < 0.001) and IL-6 (r = 0.294, P < 0.001) and negatively with LDL particle size (r = -0.239, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that LDL atherogenicity and inflammatory mediators can be better markers of CAD risk than known risk factors such as elevated concentrations of total- and LDL-cholesterol, decreased HDL-cholesterol levels and smoking in old healthy women.

Zonisamide monotherapy for idiopathic epilepsy in dogs.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of zonisamide as a monotherapy in dogs with idiopathic epileptic seizure. METHODS: The experiment was conducted on 10 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy that were treated at the Seoul National University Hospital for Animals. A diagnosis was conducted based on physical and neurologic examination, complete blood count and chemical analysis, magnetic resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid analyses. Idiopathic epilepsy was diagnosed when all of these examinations were normal. Oral zonisamide was administrated to 10 dogs with idiopathic epilepsy at 5-15 mg/kg per os every 12 h to achieve a concentration of zonisamide in serum of 10-40 µg/mL. The frequency of seizures before and after the administration of zonisamide therapy was recorded and the concentrations of zonisamide in serum were measured. RESULTS: Six (60%) of the dogs were favourable responders to treatment, showing a ≥50% reduction in monthly frequency of seizures. Of the remaining four, two dogs did not show a reduction and the other two showed an increase in frequency of seizures. The mean dosage of zonisamide for favourable responders was 7.92 (SD 3.79) mg/kg, which was administered orally twice a day. Only one dog, which was one of the unfavourable responders in the whole study, experienced mild side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Among the dogs treated with oral zonisamide, 60% responded favourably. The effect of zonisamide as an anticonvulsant drug was demonstrated in this study. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Based on these results, zonisamide monotherapy is effective in some dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

Downregulation of Spry2 by miR-21 triggers malignancy in human gliomas.

Gliomas are associated with high mortality because of their exceedingly invasive character. As these tumors acquire their invasiveness from low-grade tumors, it is very important to understand the detailed molecular mechanisms of invasion onset. Recent evidences suggest the significant role of microRNAs in tumor invasion. Thus, we hypothesized that deregulation of microRNAs may be important for the malignant progression of gliomas. We found that the aberrant expression of miR-21 is responsible for glioma invasion by disrupting the negative feedback circuit of Ras/MAPK signaling, which is mediated by Spry2. Upregulation of miR-21 was triggered by tumor microenvironmental factors such as hyaluronan and growth factors in glioma cells lacking functional phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), but not harboring wild-type PTEN. Consistently with these in vitro results, Spry2 protein levels were significantly decreased in 79.7% of invasive WHO grade II-IV human glioma tissues, but not in non-invasive grade I and normal tissues. The Spry2 protein levels were not correlated with their mRNA levels, but inversely correlated with miR-21 levels. Taken together, these results suggest that the post-transcriptional regulation of Spry2 by miR-21 has an essential role on the malignant progression of human gliomas. Thus, Spry2 may be a novel therapeutic target for treating gliomas.

A rapid molecular method for diagnosing epidemic dermatophytosis in a racehorse facility.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Identification of the species and strain of dermatophyte can play an effective role in control of disease outbreaks by establishing the source of infection. Current methods of identification are based on cultural and microscopic methods, often involving weeks before a positive identification are made. A rapid molecular diagnostic method would therefore be an important laboratory technique, but requires confirmation in equine clinical practice. OBJECTIVES: To test the sensitivity and specificity of molecular diagnostic methods applied to a racehorse herd from the Korean Racehorse Authority (KRA). METHODS: A total of 57 DNA samples were collected from hairs and crusts of skin lesions in KRA racehorses with histories and clinical signs suggestive of dermatophytosis, which was confirmed by dermatophyte-specific PCR amplification analysis using the primer pair for the chitin synthase 1 (CHS1) gene. RESULTS: Thirty-eight racehorses were definitively diagnosed with dermatophytosis using molecular and traditional diagnostic methods. PCR fingerprinting profiles using simple repetitive (GACA)4 primers showed that all diagnosed horses had the same pattern profile. Oligonucleotide sequencing of CHS1 gene PCR products confirmed Trichophyton mentagrophytes as the infectious agent. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that the PCR-based molecular diagnostic method is sensitive and specific and offers fast precise diagnosis of dermatophytosis in horses.

Atherogenecity of LDL and unfavorable adipokine profile in metabolically obese, normal-weight woman.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship of visceral adiposity with adipocytokines and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particle distribution and oxidation in Asian metabolically obese, normal-weight (MONW) individuals has not been evaluated. We aimed to investigate the association between visceral adiposity and adipocytokines and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in MONW Korean women with normal glucose tolerance. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: We examined the metabolic characteristics of 135 non-obese (BMI <25 kg/m(2)) women aged 25-64 years. Twenty-five women (BMI <25 kg/m(2) and visceral fat adiposity (VFA) > or =100 cm(2)) were classified as MONW and 25 women (BMI <25 kg/m(2) and VFA <100 cm(2)), pair-matched for age, weight, height, and menopausal status, as control group. Plasma lipid profiles and adipocytokines were evaluated in these two groups. RESULTS: MONW subjects had higher systolic (P < 0.05) and diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.005) and higher concentrations of triacylglycerol (TG) (P < 0.005), insulin (P < 0.01), and free fatty acid (FFA) (P < 0.05) than control subjects. There was no significant difference between two groups in LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations; however, MONW subjects had smaller LDL particles (P < 0.01) and higher concentrations of oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) (P < 0.05) compared with controls. Moreover, MONW subjects had higher concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) (P < 0.05), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P < 0.05) and leptin (P < 0.05), and lower plasma adiponectin concentrations (P < 0.05). Higher intake of saturated fat with lower ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to saturated fatty acids (SFA) and lower fiber intake than normal subjects were found in MONW women. DISCUSSION: We found an unfavorable inflammatory profile and a more atherogenic LDL profile in MONW female subjects even in the absence of a known CVD risk factors. Moreover, MONW consumed more saturated fat and less fiber than the control group.

The association of SNP276G>T at adiponectin gene with circulating adiponectin and insulin resistance in response to mild weight loss.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the adiponectin (ADIPOQ) locus influence changes in circulating adiponectin and the features of insulin resistance in response to a weight loss intervention. SUBJECTS: In total, 294 nondiabetic/overweight-obese Koreans participated in a clinical intervention study lasting 12 weeks involving a caloric reduction of -300kcal/day. METHODS: Plasma adiponectin, blood lipids, glucose and insulin concentrations were measured at baseline and after weight loss. Insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) derived from fasting glucose and insulin concentrations. We genotyped for three SNPs, 45T>G, 276G>T and -11377C>G. RESULTS: At baseline, HOMA-IR was significantly higher in GG homozygotes than in carriers of the T allele at SNP276G>T of the adiponectin gene (P<0.05). With regard to SNP45T>G and SNP -11377C>G, we did not find any genotype related differences in baseline levels of HOMA-IR and adiponectin. In the 45/276 haplotype test, homozygous for the TG haplotype had significantly lower concentrations of plasma adiponectin (P<0.05). After the 12-week weight loss intervention, the significant decreases in HOMA-IR (P<0.001) and increases in adiponectin (P<0.01) were observed in GG homozygotes at SNP276, which were not shown in carriers of the T allele. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the decreases in HOMA-IR between the GG homozygotes and carriers of the T allele at SNP276 (P<0.05). Regarding SNP45T>G and SNP -11377C>G, there was no association between SNP45T>G and SNP -11377C>G and decreases in HOMA-IR. In the 45/276 haplotype test, there was a significant difference in changes of adiponectin levels among those with different haplotype combinations (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The SNP276G>T of the ADIPOQ gene is associated with different responses of circulating adiponectin and insulin resistance to mild weight loss in overweight-obese subjects.

Genetic variation at the perilipin locus is associated with changes in serum free fatty acids and abdominal fat following mild weight loss.

OBJECTIVE: Perilipin (PLIN) is a class of protein-coating lipid droplets in adipocytes. We aimed to examine the association between common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at PLIN locus with circulating free fatty acid (FFA) and abdominal fat distribution in response to weight loss. METHODS: Non-diabetic/overweight-obese Koreans (n=177) participated in a 12-week calorie restriction (-300kcal/day) program. Seven SNPs (6209T>C, 10076C>G, 10171A>T, 11482G>A, 13042A>G, 13048C>T and 14995A>T), abdominal fat areas (visceral/subcutaneous fat areas at 1st lumbar and 4th lumbar levels), serum lipids, glucose, insulin, FFA, oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and urinary 8-epi-prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)) were examined. RESULTS: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms 10076C>G/10171A>T showed the strongest positive linkage disequilibrium (LD) (D'=0.923, R (2)=0.839, P<0.001) and SNPs11482G>A/14995A>T showed moderate positive LD (D'=0.824, R (2)=0.578, P<0.001). Calorie restriction induced 4.6% weight loss with significant abdominal fat reduction. In response to weight loss, subjects with nCA/nCA haplotypes at SNPs 10076C>G/10171A>T showed greater reduction in FFA levels than those with CA/CA haplotype (CA/CA: C/C at SNP 10076 and A/A at SNP 10171, nCA: non-CA haplotype carrier). On the other hand, subjects with nGA/nGA haplotype at SNPs 11482G>A/14995A>T had increased FFA levels with a rapid loss in abdominal fat, whereas GA/GA haplotype carriers had reduction in FFA levels. These results still remained significant after adjusting for age, gender and BMI. Prostaglandin F(2alpha) and oxidized LDL were also more reduced in GA/GA haplotype carriers than in nGA haplotype carriers. This effect remained significant after adjusting for baseline level, age, gender and BMI. Paradoxically, nGA haplotype carriers had increased levels of urinary PGF(2alpha) after weight reduction. CONCLUSION: Fasting plasma FFA changes following a modest weight loss in overweight-obese subjects are influenced by the genetic variability at the PLIN locus. Furthermore, circulating FFA changes rather than body fat itself may determine changes in lipid peroxides such as urinary PGF(2alpha) and oxidized LDL.

Occurrence and characteristics of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157 in calves associated with diarrhoea.

Little is known of the association of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7/NM (EHEC O157) with disease in naturally infected calves, although cattle have been known as a major source for EHEC O157 outbreaks in humans. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of EHEC O157 in calves associated with/without diarrhoea to examine if EHEC O157 is involved in calf diarrhoea and to characterize the isolates. Four hundred and ninety eight diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic young calves from 115 different farms were examined. Of 244 diarrhoeic calves, 24 (9.8%) were positive for EHEC O157, and of 254 non-diarrhoeic calves, 7 (2.8%) were positive. EHEC O157 was recovered from 12/76 (15.79%) of diarrhoeic calves less than 2-week-old, and no EHEC O157 was detected in this age group of non-diarrhoeic calves. This implicates EHEC O157 as a possible cause of the disease in naturally infected neonatal calves. The occurrence of EHEC O157 was relatively lower in the older calves (aged older than 8 weeks) and no significant difference was found in the occurrence rates between these diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic calves. PCR analysis of virulence markers revealed that the isolates carried various virulence genes such as Ehly, eae, stx1 and stx2, which underlines the potential importance of these attributes for the infection, colonization and possible pathogenesis of calf diarrhoea.

Production and the characterization of monoclonal antibody against CD43, K06.

A monoclonal antibody against human CD43 has been developed and designated as K06. Its reactivity in the lymphoid organs was different from that of known anti-CD43 monoclonal antibodies suggesting that this may recognize a novel epitope of human CD43 molecule. The CD43 epitope detected by anti-K06 monoclonal antibody was highly expressed in cortical thymocytes, platelets, and myeloid cells of normal peripheral blood, and its reactivity was comparable to that of known anti-CD43 monoclonal antibodies. However, the density of this epitope was lower in the medullary thymocytes. Biochemical studies indicated that anti-K06 monoclonal antibody could recognize glycosylated moiety of CD43 antigen. The expression profile of anti-K06 monoclonal antibody in several cell lines was somewhat different from that of known anti-CD43 antibodies. In addition, CD43 ligation through the K06 epitope appeared to induce apoptosis in human leukemic cell line, Molt-4. We therefore assume that K06 epitope of human CD43 might have some role in T-cell development.

Digenetic trematodes, Acanthatrium sp. and Lecithodendrium sp., as vectors of Neorickettsia risticii, the agent of Potomac horse fever.

Neorickettsia (formerly Ehrlichia) risticii, the agent of Potomac horse fever (PHF), has been recently detected in trematode stages found in the secretions of freshwater snails and in aquatic insects. Insectivores, such as bats and birds, may serve as the definitive host of the trematode vector. To determine the definitive helminth vector, five bats (Myotis yumanensis) and three swallows (Hirundo rustica, Tachycineta bicolor) were collected from a PHF endemic location in northern California. Bats and swallows were dissected and their major organs examined for trematodes and for N. risticii DNA using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Adult digenetic trematodes, Acanthatrium sp. and/or Lecithodendrium sp., were recovered from the gastrointestinal tract of all bats and from one swallow. The intestine of three bats, the spleen of two bats and one swallow as well as the liver of one swallow tested PCR positive for N. risticii. From a total of seven pools of identical digenetic trematodes collected from single hosts, two pools of Acanthatrium sp. and one pool of Lecithodendrium sp. tested PCR positive. The results of this investigation provide preliminary evidence that at least two trematodes in the family Lecithodendriidae are vectors of N. risticii. The data also suggest that bats and swallows not only act as a host for trematodes but also as a possible natural reservoir for N. risticii.

Transmission of Anaplasma phagocytophila (human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent) in horses using experimentally infected ticks (Ixodes scapularis).

Most human granulocytic ehrlichiosis (HGE) studies carried out in horses use needle inoculation of infected leucocytes or cell cultures. This route of inoculation does not accurately reflect natural infection of the tick-borne agent. To investigate whether tick transmission influences the course of granulocytic ehrlichiosis in the horse model, experimental transmission through infected laboratory-reared Ixodes scapularis ticks was attempted into two healthy horses. One additional horse served as negative control and was exposed to uninfected ticks. Eleven days after exposure to nymphal or adult ticks infected with Anaplasma phagocytophila (HGE agent) the two horses developed severe clinical and laboratory signs consistent with granulocytic ehrlichiosis. Bacteraemia was determined at various time points in the two horses by observation of morulae within neutrophils and by detection of A. phagocytophila genomic DNA by PCR of peripheral blood leucocytes. Further, both horses seroconverted. In contrast the control horse stayed uninfected. The results demonstrate that A. phagocytophila can be experimentally transmitted by infected nymphal and adult ticks and that the agent is able to produce a severe disease, similar to naturally occurring cases. Therefore, tick transmission is highly reproducible and can be successfully used in the equine animal model in order to study HGE.

Noninvasive transthoracic low frequency ultrasound augments thrombolysis in a canine model of acute myocardial infarction--evaluation of the extent of ST-segment resolution.

BACKGROUND: Recently it has been demonstrated that transcutaneous delivery of ultrasound combined with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is more effective than tPA alone in recanalizing acutely thrombosed canine coronary arteries. In the present study, we investigated the incidence of partial (> or =50%) and complete (> or =70%) ST-segment elevation resolution in the precordial leads of dogs with experimental acute myocardial infarction that were treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) alone or in combination with noninvasive transcutaneous delivery of high-intensity low frequency (27[emsp3 ]kHz) ultrasound. METHODS: Thrombotic coronary occlusions were induced in the midportion of left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery by electrical injury in 24 dogs. All dogs were given intravenous heparin and tPA. Dogs were randomized to tPA alone (n=12) or combined tPA and adjunctive transcutaneous ultrasound (US) delivery (n=12). Electrocardiograms were recorded at 1) baseline, 2) after coronary occlusion just before initiation of therapy, 3) when coronary angiography showed recanalization of the coronary artery (or at 90 minutes after initiation of therapy if reperfusion did not occur before then) and 4) 90 minutes later. ST amplitude was measured in all 6 precordial leads. RESULTS: ST-segment amplitude at baseline was comparable between the tPA and the US group. Before initiation of therapy, sum of ST-segment elevation tended to be higher in the US group. At reperfusion and 90 minutes thereafter, sum of ST-segment amplitude tended to be smaller for the US group than in the tPA group (p<0.001 for the time effect; p=0.118 for the time x group interaction). Up to 90 minutes after initiation of therapy >/=50% resolution of the sum of precordial ST elevation was detected in 7 out of 11 dogs (63.6%) in the tPA group versus 10 out of 11 dogs (90.9%) in the US group. Ninety minutes thereafter, 3 out of 7 dogs in the tPA group (42.9%) versus 9 of 11 dogs in the US group (81.8%) had >/=50% resolution of the sum of precordial ST elevation. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of tPA with noninvasive transcutaneous delivery of low frequency high-intensity ultrasound resulted in greater resolution of ST-segment elevation when reperfusion occurs and 90 minutes thereafter, as well as a higher rate of epicardial coronary artery reperfusion.

Noninvasive transcutaneous low frequency ultrasound enhances thrombolysis in peripheral and coronary arteries.

Previous studies have shown that external ultrasound with low frequencies and high intensities can enhance thrombolytic drug-induced clot dissolution during in vitro experiments. In this series of studies, we evaluated the efficacy of peripheral and coronary thrombolysis in vivo in animals by using noninvasive transcutaneous ultrasound combined with thrombolytic drugs (streptokinase and tPA) and/or microbubbles agents (dodecafluoropentane [DDFP] and perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin [PESDA]). Thrombotic occlusions were induced in 74 rabbit iliofemoral arteries and 24 canine left anterior descending (LAD) coronary arteries in this in vivo study. By using the combination of transcutaneous ultrasound and streptokinase, the angiographic patency rate in rabbit iliofemoral arteries was higher (56%-100%) than with ultrasound (6%; P < or = 0.0036) and streptokinase alone (6%; P < or = 0.0012). Also, with transcutaneous ultrasound and microbubbles, the angiographic patency rates were 76%-100% as compared with ultrasound alone (0%, P < or = 0.0003) or microbubbles alone (9%, P < or = 0.0001). In the canine study of acute myocardial infarction, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade flow at 90 minutes in the tPA alone group was 0.92 +/- 1.4 as compared with 2.42 +/- 1.9 in the tPA plus transthoracic ultrasound group (P = 0.006). There was much improved reperfusion with tPA plus ultrasound as compared with tPA alone. In vivo animal studies demonstrate that noninvasive transcutaneous ultrasound can greatly enhance the effect of clot dissolution with thrombolytic drugs and/or microbubbles, and has the potential for clinical application as an adjunctive method to improve arterial thrombolysis.

Generation of a murine single chain Fv (scFv) antibody specific for cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) using a phage display library.

With the long-term goal of generating CMV-resistant transgenic plants using antibody genes, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody that binds to the cucumber mosaic virus was isolated from a scFv phage display library by four rounds of affinity selection with CMV-Mf as an antigen. The scFv has the identical binding specificity to CMV as a monoclonal antibody that is generated by the hybridoma fusion technique, and recognized purified preparations of CMV isolates belonging to either subgroup I or II in immunoblotting. The nucleotide sequences of the recombinant antibody showed that a heavy chain variable region (V(H)) gene belonged to the VH3 subgroup and the kappa light chain variable region (V kappa) came from the Vkappa4 subgroup. Our results demonstrate that the scFv phage display library, an alternative approach to the traditional hybridoma fusion technique, has a potential applicability in the study of plant virus and plant pathology.

Differential diagnosis of Salmonella gallinarum and S. pullorum using PCR-RELP.

Salmonellosis in poultry of Korea is a significant health problem, which causes substantial economic losses. The most common causative agents of chicken salmonellosis ar S. gallinarum and S. pullorum. Traditional methods used to detect Salmoenella spp. In chicken are tedious, time consuming and confer little guarantee of sensitivity and species specificity. Therefore, a rapid and sensitive method for the differentiation of Salmonella serogroup D was assessed. We first amplified the rfbS genes by PCR and characterized the amplified product by nucleotide sequence analysis. The homology of nucleotide sequence was 99.7% between S. gallinarum and S. pullorum rfbS genes. Further comparisons of the sequences of S. gallinarum, S. gallinarum fied strain, S. pullorum and S. typhi(GenBank Accession No.M29682) showed a homology of 98.3%. The predicted amino acid sequence homology was 97.1%, 97.1% and 97.5%, respectively. Based on this comparison of these nucleotide sequences, we found unique restriction enzyme sites within the rfbS genes of S. gallinarum and S. pullorum. Thus, the PCR products could be further digested with restriction enzymes TfiI and PleI for use in a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RELP) technique. This method can be applied in the differential diagnosis between S. gallinarum and S. pullorum.