Every protein can be characterized by either a distinct motif or a combination of motifs. Nevertheless, little is known about the relationships among (more than two) the motifs. Some of the proteins in the world are share motifs for evolutional or other biological benefits - they can save energy, time and resource for controlling and managing a variety of proteins. In some cases of motifs, the tendency is quite common and they can act the 'hub' motif of a network of the motif associations. The hubs are structurally and functionally important in themselves and also important in disease-related mutations. They will be highly resistant mutation to conserve their functions. But, in case of the a rare mutation, mutations on the position of hub can more easily cause fatal diseases.

OBJECTIVE: The freezing response in rats has been used widely as an index of fear in threatening or stressful situations. Considering its importance in basic studies of affective disorders and in drug testing, it is necessary to develop a reliable, automated system for measuring the freezing response accurately. METHODS: We developed the Vision-Based Analysis for Freezing (V-BAFF) system to analyze the freezing response in rats, based on several image-processing modules and motion classification schemes generated from our own experience. We compared the performance of V-BAFF with that of experienced human observers. RESULTS: The level of freezing measured with V-BAFF was highly correlated with that measured by human observers. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that V-BAFF could yield a bias-free, accurate, and efficient measurement of freezing in rats.
Animals ; Freezing ; Humans ; Mood Disorders ; Rats

urpose: Misonidazole is a radiosensitizer that binds in hypoxic cells. The purpose of this study was to find out the feasibility of I-131-Iodomisonidazole (IMISO) for imaging of tumor hypoxia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tosyl precursor was dissolved in acetonitrile and I-131-NaI was added to synthesize IMISO. Balb/c mice inoculated with CT-26 adenocarcinoma were injected with IMISO. Mice were sacrificed at 1,2,4,24 hr and % of injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) was determined. For scintigraphy and MRI, mouse bearing CT-26 adenocarcinoma was administered with IMISO and imaging was performed 4 hr after. Then, mouse body was fixed and microtomized slice was placed on radiographic film for autoradiography. RESULTS: %ID/g of tumor was 1.64 (1h), 0.98 (2h), 0.85 (4h) and 0.20 (24h), respectively. At 24h, %ID/g of tumor was higher than that of all other tissues except thyroid. Tumor to muscle ratio increased with time and tumor to blood ratio also increased with time and reached 1.53 at 24 hr. On autoradiogram, tumor was well visualized as an increased activity in central hypoxic area of the tumor which corresponds to the area of high signal intensity on T2-weighted MR image. On scintigraphy, tumor uptake was visualized. CONCLUSION:: This RESULTS suggest that IMISO may have a potential for tumor hypoxia imaging in mouse model. However, further study is needed to improve it's localization in tumor tissue and to achieve acceptable images of tumor hypoxia.
Adenocarcinoma* ; Animals ; Anoxia* ; Autoradiography ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Mice* ; Misonidazole ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Thyroid Gland ; X-Ray Film

Copy number variations at multiple chromosomal loci, including 16p11.2, have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a neurodevelopmental disease that affects 1~3% of children worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of human genes at the 16p11.2 loci in synaptic development using Drosophila larval neuromuscular junctions (NMJ), a well-established model synapse with stereotypic innervation patterns. We conducted a preliminary genetic screen based on RNA interference in combination with the GAL4-UAS system, followed by mutational analyses. Our result indicated that disruption of klp68D, a gene closely related to human KIF22, caused ectopic innervations of axon branches forming type III boutons in muscle 13, along with less frequent re-routing of other axon branches. In addition, mutations in klp64D, of which gene product forms Kinesin-2 complex with KLP68D, led to similar targeting errors of type III axons. Mutant phenotypes were at least partially reproduced by knockdown of each gene via RNA interference. Taken together, our data suggest the roles of Kinesin-2 proteins, including KLP68D and KLP64D, in ensuring proper synaptic wiring.
Autistic Disorder ; Axons ; Child ; Drosophila* ; Genes, vif ; Humans* ; Neuromuscular Junction* ; Phenotype ; RNA Interference ; Synapses ; Autism Spectrum Disorder

Purpose: This report describes the development of a simulation scenario for medical student that incorporates cultural diversity within the context of family presence during resuscitation (FPDR). Methods: Using a hybrid simulation approach, we designed a scenario focusing on communication with a family that immigrated from Korea to the United States during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The scenario objectives were for learners to perform CPR with family presence, communicate with the family, and understand and negotiate cultural needs. Following a pilot scenario with two inexperienced volunteer medical students as learners, the program was evaluated through anonymous surveys and informal focus group feedback. Results: Students noted that this simulation differed from previous experiences as compared with emphasizing family communication rather than patient diagnosis or treatment. Students valued experiencing the practical application of cultural competence concepts. The suggestions for scenario improvement included balancing two student participation roles, adjusting the timeline, and utilizing a standardized family member. Conclusion This pilot study suggests that an FPDR simulation program can be effectively repeated with multiple medical students and applied to CPR simulations involving diverse cultural backgrounds.

Purpose: This report describes the development of a simulation scenario for medical student that incorporates cultural diversity within the context of family presence during resuscitation (FPDR). Methods: Using a hybrid simulation approach, we designed a scenario focusing on communication with a family that immigrated from Korea to the United States during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The scenario objectives were for learners to perform CPR with family presence, communicate with the family, and understand and negotiate cultural needs. Following a pilot scenario with two inexperienced volunteer medical students as learners, the program was evaluated through anonymous surveys and informal focus group feedback. Results: Students noted that this simulation differed from previous experiences as compared with emphasizing family communication rather than patient diagnosis or treatment. Students valued experiencing the practical application of cultural competence concepts. The suggestions for scenario improvement included balancing two student participation roles, adjusting the timeline, and utilizing a standardized family member. Conclusion This pilot study suggests that an FPDR simulation program can be effectively repeated with multiple medical students and applied to CPR simulations involving diverse cultural backgrounds.

Purpose: This report describes the development of a simulation scenario for medical student that incorporates cultural diversity within the context of family presence during resuscitation (FPDR). Methods: Using a hybrid simulation approach, we designed a scenario focusing on communication with a family that immigrated from Korea to the United States during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The scenario objectives were for learners to perform CPR with family presence, communicate with the family, and understand and negotiate cultural needs. Following a pilot scenario with two inexperienced volunteer medical students as learners, the program was evaluated through anonymous surveys and informal focus group feedback. Results: Students noted that this simulation differed from previous experiences as compared with emphasizing family communication rather than patient diagnosis or treatment. Students valued experiencing the practical application of cultural competence concepts. The suggestions for scenario improvement included balancing two student participation roles, adjusting the timeline, and utilizing a standardized family member. Conclusion This pilot study suggests that an FPDR simulation program can be effectively repeated with multiple medical students and applied to CPR simulations involving diverse cultural backgrounds.

Purpose: This report describes the development of a simulation scenario for medical student that incorporates cultural diversity within the context of family presence during resuscitation (FPDR). Methods: Using a hybrid simulation approach, we designed a scenario focusing on communication with a family that immigrated from Korea to the United States during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The scenario objectives were for learners to perform CPR with family presence, communicate with the family, and understand and negotiate cultural needs. Following a pilot scenario with two inexperienced volunteer medical students as learners, the program was evaluated through anonymous surveys and informal focus group feedback. Results: Students noted that this simulation differed from previous experiences as compared with emphasizing family communication rather than patient diagnosis or treatment. Students valued experiencing the practical application of cultural competence concepts. The suggestions for scenario improvement included balancing two student participation roles, adjusting the timeline, and utilizing a standardized family member. Conclusion This pilot study suggests that an FPDR simulation program can be effectively repeated with multiple medical students and applied to CPR simulations involving diverse cultural backgrounds.

PURPOSE: I-131 labeled (2'-deoxy-2-iodo-p-D-arabinofuranosyl) adenine (IAD) may be involved in DNA synthesis during active proliferation of tumor cells. We conducted this study to find out the biodistribution of IAD and its feasibility for scintigraphic tumor imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tosyl acetyl-adenosine was dissolved in acetonitrile, and I-131-NaI was added and heated to synthesize IAD. Female Fisher 344 rats innoculated with breast tumor cells were injected witb 0.27 MBq of IAD. Rats were sacrificed at 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 24h and the % of injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) was determined. For scintigraphy, rats bearing breast cancer were administered with 1.11 MBq of IAD and imaging was perforrned after 2 and 24h. Then, rat body was fixed and rnicrotomized slice was placed on radiographic film for autoradiography, RESULTS: %ID/g of tumor wa.' 0.74 (0.5h), 0.73 (1h), 0.55 (2h), 0.38 (4h), and 0.05 (24h), respectively. At 1h after injection, %ID/g of tumor was higher than that of heart (0.34), liver (0.42), spleen (0.47), kidney (0,69), muscle (0.14), bone (0.33) and intestine (0.51). However, %1D/g of tumor was lower than blood (1.06), lung (0.77), and thyroid (177.71). At 4h, %ID/g of tumor in comparison with other tissue did not change. Tumor contrast expressed by tumor to blood ratio was 0.69 and tumor to muscle ratio was 5.11 at 1h. However, these ratios did not improve through 24h. On autoradiogram and scintigraphy at 2 and 24 hour, the tumor was well visualized. CONCLUSION: This results suggest that Ial) may have a potential for tumor scintigraphy. However, further work is needed to improve localization in tumor tissue.
Adenine ; Animals ; Autoradiography ; Breast Neoplasms* ; Breast* ; DNA ; Female ; Heart ; Hot Temperature ; Humans ; Intestines ; Kidney ; Liver ; Lung ; Radionuclide Imaging* ; Rats* ; Spleen ; Thyroid Gland ; X-Ray Film

In this study, we aimed to determine the antinociceptive and/or anti-inflammatory effect of Bang-Poong (BP, Radix Ledebouriellae) on Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Traditionally, BP has been used to treat several inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Whole BP is extracted into two fractions that were ethylacetate and hexane-soluble fractions. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats (n=30, 130-150 g) were subcutaneously administered by the Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) into the plantar surface of right hindpaw. Twelve days after the injection of FCA, the rats initially showed typical inflammatory edema and arthritis-related symptoms on the contralateral side (i.e. left hindpaw). Both antinociceptive (evaluation of mechanical, thermal pain threshold and analysis of spinal Fos expression) and anti- inflammatory (evaluation of paw edema, serum interleukin-6 level and x-ray analysis) effect of BP extracts were examined. The ethylacetate fraction of BP (BPE) significantly suppressed the FCA-induced paw edema as well as the serum level of interleukin-6 and it alleviated the radiological changes. Moreover, both mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were attenuated by the treatment of BPE. In addition, spinal Fos expression that was increased by FCA- injection was suppressed in BPE group. Therefore, this study showed that BPE produced significant both antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects on FCA- induced arthritis in rats, while hexane fraction of BP did not show these effects. In conclusion, it is suggested that the ethylacetate fraction of BP is recommended to alleviate the arthritis-related symptoms in human according to the results of this study.
Analgesics/*pharmacology ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/*pharmacology ; Arthritis, Experimental/*drug therapy/radiography ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/*pharmacology ; Edema/veterinary ; Hindlimb/radiography ; Hyperalgesia/veterinary ; Interleukin-6/blood ; Male ; Pain Measurement/veterinary ; *Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts/pharmacology ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Spinal Cord/metabolism