Use of supplemental anti-HBc testing of donors showing non-discriminating reactive results in multiplex nucleic acid testing.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Korean Red Cross began nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT) for HIV and HCV in February 2005, and added HBV NAT beginning in June 2012. The current NAT system utilizes a multiplex assay for simultaneous detection of HBV DNA, HCV RNA and HIV-1 RNA. For samples that are reactive in the multiplex assay, we do specific tests for each virus. However, there have been cases of non-discriminated reactive (NDR) results which appear to be the result of non-specific reactions or cross-contamination, although some cases are considered to arise from the presence of low levels of HBV DNA due to occult hepatitis B infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined the incidence of NDR results in previous donations of some NAT-reactive donors. Additionally, for those donors with NDR results, we performed an HBV core antibody (anti-HBc) assay. RESULTS: From November 2015 to March 2016, there were 408 NAT-reactive donors. Of these, nineteen HBV NAT-reactive donors showed a history of NDR results in the past donations. Seven donors showed NDR results more than once. Of 771 NDR donors, 362 (47·0%) were anti-HBc reactive. CONCLUSION: The NDR donors had a substantially higher rate of anti-HBc reactivity than other blood donors indicating that some with anti-HBc reactivity represent donors with occult HBV. Therefore, the incorporation of an anti-HBc testing for NDR donors could improve blood safety testing for the Korean Red Cross.

Effect of the proton irradiation on the thermally activated flux flow in superconducting SmBCO coated conductors.

We investigate changes in the vortex pinning mechanism caused by proton irradiation through the measurement of the in-plane electrical resistivity for H//c in a pristine and two proton-irradiated (total doses of 1 × 1015 and 1 × 1016 cm-2) SmBa2Cu3O7-δ (SmBCO) superconducting tapes. Even though proton irradiation has no effect on the critical temperature (Tc), the resulting artificial point defect causes an increase in normal state electrical resistivity. The electrical resistivity data around Tc shows no evidence of a phase transition to the vortex glass state but only broadens with increasing magnetic field due to the vortex depinning in the vortex liquid state. The vortex depinning is well interpreted by a thermally activated flux flow model in which the activation energy shows a nonlinear temperature change [Formula: see text] (q = 2). The field dependence of activation energy shows a [Formula: see text] with larger exponents above 4 T. This field dependence is mainly due to correlated disorders in pristine sample and artificially created point defects in irradiated samples. Compared with the vortex pinning due to correlated disorders, the vortex pinning due to the appropriate amount of point defects reduces the magnitude of Uo(H) in the low magnetic field region and slowly reduces Uo(H) in high magnetic fields.

Evidence for a preformed Cooper pair model in the pseudogap spectra of a Ca10(Pt4As8)(Fe2As2)5 single crystal with a nodal superconducting gap.

For high-Tc superconductors, clarifying the role and origin of the pseudogap is essential for understanding the pairing mechanism. Among the various models describing the pseudogap, the preformed Cooper pair model is a potential candidate. Therefore, we present experimental evidence for the preformed Cooper pair model by studying the pseudogap spectrum observed in the optical conductivity of a Ca10(Pt4As8)(Fe2As2)5 (Tc = 34.6 K) single crystal. We observed a clear pseudogap structure in the optical conductivity and observed its temperature dependence. In the superconducting (SC) state, one SC gap with a gap size of Δ = 26 cm-1, a scattering rate of 1/τ = 360 cm-1 and a low-frequency extra Drude component were observed. Spectral weight analysis revealed that the SC gap and pseudogap are formed from the same Drude band. This means that the pseudogap is a gap structure observed as a result of a continuous temperature evolution of the SC gap observed below Tc. This provides clear experimental evidence for the preformed Cooper pair model.

Low rate of total hip replacement as reflected by a low prevalence of hip osteoarthritis in South Korea.

OBJECTIVE: We attempted to estimate the rate of total hip replacement (THR) using a national database and the prevalence of hip osteoarthritis (OA) from the reading of intravenous pyelograms (IVPs) in a Korean population. MATERIALS: Reimbursement records from all hospitals in South Korea were extracted from the Health Insurance Review Agency (HIRA) database. Records with both the procedure code corresponding to THR and containing the diagnosis code for hip OA were selected. We estimated the age- and sex-specific rates of THR from 2002 to 2006. Hip joints from 580 subjects older than 70 years old who underwent an IVP were assessed for the presence of OA. RESULTS: The rate of THR increased with age, reaching a peak over the age of 65-69 years, with the age-standardized risk ratios in women vs men of approximately 1.5. Although the rate of THR increased over the 5-year study period, it was significantly lower than that of total knee replacement (TKR) in Korean population (THR vs TKR 1:15.9). The prevalence of hip OA in the IVP cohort was 1.2% (1.7% for men and 0.7% for women). CONCLUSION: The rate of THR was significantly lower than that of TKR in Korean population. Hip OA prevalence among the IVP subjects was 1.2%. Further studies on factors that account for the low prevalence of hip OA among Asians need to be conducted.

The epidemiology of total knee replacement in South Korea: national registry data.

OBJECTIVE: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent among the elderly in Asian countries; however, the utilization of total knee replacement (TKR) is unknown. Using data from a national registry, we sought to estimate the incidence of TKR by age and sex, and the trend for TKR utilization from 2002 to 2005 in South Korea. METHODS: Reimbursement records from all hospitals in South Korea were extracted from the Health Insurance Review Agency (HIRA) database. Records with both the procedure code corresponding to a TKR and the diagnosis code of knee OA were selected. We estimated the age- and sex-specific rates of TKR. To compare the rate of TKR between men and women, we calculated age-standardized risk ratios. A TKR registry from a single centre containing more clinical information was analysed, and the differences in the clinical features between men and women were compared. RESULTS: From 2002 to 2005, 47 961 TKRs were performed in subjects over the age of 40 yrs due to OA. The rate of TKR has increased over the 4 yrs and was much higher in women than in men. Compared with men, the age-standardized rate ratios for TKR in women ranged from 7.4 to 8.0. The single-centre registry data revealed that there was no difference in age, disease duration and the Kellgren-Lawrence grade at the time of surgery between men and women. CONCLUSION: Using a national database, we found that the rate of TKR increased steadily from 2002 to 2005 in South Korea. The TKR rate in women was much higher than that in men. Risk factors that account for such disparity in TKR utilization need to be further investigated.

Thermal activation energy of 3D vortex matter in NaFe1-x Co x As (x = 0.01, 0.03 and 0.07) single crystals.

We report on the thermally activated flux flow dependency on the doping dependent mixed state in NaFe1-x Co x As (x = 0.01, 0.03, and 0.07) crystals using the magnetoresistivity in the case of B//c-axis and B//ab-plane. It was found clearly that irrespective of the doping ratio, magnetoresistivity showed a distinct tail just above the T c,offset associated with the thermally activated flux flow (TAFF) in our crystals. Furthermore, in TAFF region the temperature dependence of the activation energy follows the relation [Formula: see text] with q = 1.5 in all studied crystals. The magnetic field dependence of the activation energy follows a power law of [Formula: see text] where the exponent α is changed from a low value to a high value at a crossover field of B = ∼2 T, indicating the transition from collective to plastic pinning in the crystals. Finally, it is suggested that the 3D vortex phase is the dominant phase in the low temperature region as compared to the TAFF region in our series samples.

Arthritis information on the Web and its influence on patients and physicians: a Korean study.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess the contents of Web-sourced arthritis information and to determine its influence on arthritis patients and medical practice in Korea. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted using the word "arthritis". Web sites found in the Korean language were critically assessed according to authorship, the type of publication, contents, financial interests, and the type of financial interest. Questionnaire surveys of arthritis patients and rheumatologists were performed to appraise the impact of the arthritis information on the Web. RESULTS: Among 138 web sites retrieved, 18.8% were classified as advertisement and 44.9% as having financial interests, such as the promotion of products or services. Among 257 arthritis patients surveyed, 28% reported that they searched for arthritis information on the web, and the parameters significantly associated with Internet searching were a younger age, being employed, and having a higher income and a higher education. While the difference in ratings regarding the accuracy of Web-sourced arthritis information between physicians and patients was not significant, only 16.1% of physicians responded that their patients understand the Internet content accurately. Physicians also tended to reply more negatively about the contents and the influence of Web-sourced arthritis information than patients. CONCLUSION: Analysis of Korean arthritis web sites revealed many sites with financial interests. There was also a discrepancy found between patients and physicians regarding the impact of Web-sourced arthritis information on the doctor-patient relationship. Because the impact of the Internet on health care is expected to increase, physicians need to be prepared to help patients benefit from information obtained from the Internet.

Anti-nucleosome antibody: significance in lupus patients lacking anti-double-stranded DNA antibody.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical significance of anti-nucleosome antibodies in SLE patients lacking anti-double stranded DNA (dsDNA) antibodies. METHODS: IgG anti-nucleosome antibodies were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) in the sera of SLE patients. Anti-dsDNA antibodies were measured by Farr assays and ELISA, not only in the samples taken for anti-nucleosome testing, but also in sera obtained regularly during the follow-up. RESULTS: Ninety-eight (76.0%) out of 129 patients with SLE had anti-nucleosome antibodies. Twenty-five patients (19.4%) consistently showed little or no anti-dsDNA reactivity during the course of their disease, and among these anti-nucleosome antibodies were present in the sera of 15 (60.0%). Of the patients with anti-dsDNA-negative SLE, renal disorders were present in 8 patients (32.0%), all of whom had anti-nucleosome antibodies. Renal disorders were not found in patients (n = 10) who had neither anti-dsDNA nor anti-nucleosome antibodies. Other autoantibodies such as anti-Ro, anti-Sm and anti-cardiolipin were not associated with renal disorders in this group. The levels of anti-nucleosome antibody strongly correlated with the SLEDAI scores, but inversely correlated with serum complement levels in anti-dsDNA negative SLE patients. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the anti-nucleosome antibody may be a useful marker for diagnosis and activity assessment of anti-dsDNA negative SLE. Anti-nucleosome antibody may be an important factor for renal involvement in this subgroup of patients.

Effect of follicle stimulation hormone and luteinizing hormone on cumulus cell expansion and in vitro nuclear maturation of canine oocytes.

In general, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) play important roles in the regulation of cumulus cell expansion and oocyte maturation. We investigated the effects of supplementation of FSH or LH in in vitro maturation (IVM) medium on the incidence of cumulus cell expansion and nuclear maturation in canine oocytes. Cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in TCM-199 supplemented with 10% foetal bovine serum (FBS), 1 mg/ml cysteine, 0.2 mm pyruvic acid and different concentrations of FSH or LH (control, 0.5, 5 or 50 microg/ml) at 38.5 degrees C, 5% CO(2) in air for 72 h. The cumulus cell expansion was measured by microscopic visualization, and nuclear maturation of denuded oocytes was determined by staining with 10 microg/ml Hoechst33342 for 30 min. The cumulus cell expansion in the 5 microg/ml FSH group (397.2 +/- 64.3 microm) was significantly higher than those in the control, 0.5, and 50 microg/ml FSH groups (168.3 +/- 19.1, 286.0 +/- 69.7 and 300.0 +/- 84.3 microm, respectively; p < 0.05). However, there was no difference in cumulus cell expansion among the control, 0.5, 5 and 50 microg/ml LH groups (165.6 +/- 20.2, 160 +/- 26.5, 172 +/- 20.5 and 168 +/- 23.1 microm, respectively; p > 0.05). After 72 h of IVM, the proportion of nuclear development to the MI-MII stage in the 0.5 microg/ml FSH group (15.1%) was higher than those in the control, 0.5 and 50 microg/ml FSH groups (0.9%, 6.5% and 8.0%, respectively; p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in nuclear maturation to the MI-MII stage among control, 0.5, 5 and 50 microg/ml LH groups (4.6%, 2.3%, 5.4% and 8.6%, respectively; p > 0.05). This study indicated that a FSH supplement in IVM medium can increase cumulus cell expansion and nuclear maturation, while the nuclear maturation rate remained low. Further studies are required to improve the nuclear development to the MI-MII stages in canine oocytes.

Cats cloned from fetal and adult somatic cells by nuclear transfer.

This work was undertaken in order to study the developmental competence of nuclear transfer (NT) into cat embryos using fetal fibroblast and adult skin fibroblast cells as donor nuclei. Oocytes were recovered by mincing the ovaries in Hepes-buffered TCM199 and selecting the cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) with compact cumulus cell mass and dark color. Homogenous ooplasm was cultured for maturation in TCM199+10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) for 12 h and used as a source of recipient cytoplast for exogenous somatic nuclei. In experiment 1, we evaluated the effect of donor cell type on the reconstruction and development of cloned embryos. Fusion, first cleavage and blastocyst developmental rate were not different between fetal fibroblasts and adult skin cells (71.2 vs 66.8; 71.0 vs 57.6; 4.0 vs 6.1% respectively; P < 0.05). In experiment 2, cloned embryos were surgically transferred into the oviducts of recipient queens. One of the seven recipient queens was delivered naturally of 2 healthy cloned cats and 1 stillborn from fetal fibroblast cells of male origin 65 days after embryo transfer. One of three recipient queens was delivered naturally of 1 healthy cloned cat from adult skin cells of female origin 65 days after embryo transfer. The cloned cats showed genotypes identical to the donor cell lines, indicating that adult somatic cells can be used for feline cloning.

Treatment with cyclosporin switching to hydroxychloroquine in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic benefit of cyclosporin A (CSA) switching to hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Thirty four patients with RA who displayed residual inflammation and disability despite partial responses to prior maximal tolerated doses of methotrexate, were included. All were treated with a staged approach using CSA for 24 weeks to induce clinical improvement, followed by HCQ for 16 weeks to maintain the improvement. Seven ACR core set measures were evaluated every four to eight weeks. RESULTS: During a 40 week open trial, 27/34 patients completed the study. CSA treatment significantly reduced the tender joints score, swollen joints score, visual analogue pain scale, patient's or doctor's global assessment, patient's self assessed disability, and C reactive protein. Compared with the time of entry into the trial, patients who switched from CSA to HCQ still possessed significantly lower levels of most variables, determined at 28, 32, and 40 weeks. According to the ACR 20% improvement definition, 15/27 (56%) patients had improved at 24 weeks after CSA treatment, and 14/27 (52%) remained improved at 16 weeks after the change to HCQ. Frequent side effects, such as hypertrichosis, gastrointestinal trouble, and hypertension, were noted during CSA treatment, but most of these disappeared after switching to HCQ. The mean levels of blood pressure and serum creatinine were significantly increased during CSA treatment, but returned to normal after changing to HCQ. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that CSA switching to HCQ treatment may be an effective strategy for patients with RA partially responding to methotrexate, particularly those with toxicity due to CSA.