Human caliciviruses (HuCVs) cause sporadic cases and outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis (AGE). Three maior genogrovps of HuCVs have been described including the Norwalk virus (NV)-, the Snow Mountain virus (SMA)-, and the Sapporo-genogroups. This study describes the detection and genetic variation of HuCVs from hospitalized infants with AGE in Korea by RT-PCR and sequencing. The cDNA fragments of 206 to 470bp corresponding to the region of 3 primer pairs (36/35, 35/51 or 3/51) in the polymerase region of NV were generated. Of 185 stools screened, 8% were positive by RT-PCR and their sequences showed that all strains contained the GLPSG and YGDD motifs which are conserved for HuCVs. Amino acid (aa) sequence analysis showed that these strains can be divided into 3 maior genogroups. High conservation was observed in that one strain shares 100% of as sequence with Southampton virus, another shares 99% with the Sapporo virus, and six strains share 90 to 95% with Snow Mountain virus. However, significant sequence variation was also found in other strains. This study indicates that all maior genogroups of HuCVs are circulating in Korea.
Disease Outbreaks ; DNA, Complementary ; Gastroenteritis ; Genetic Variation ; Genotype ; Humans* ; Infant ; Korea* ; Norwalk virus ; RNA Replicase* ; Sapovirus ; Sequence Analysis ; Snow

Sequence comparison of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of human caliciviruses (HuCVs) from Korean children with gastroenteritis revealed significant genetic variation among them. cDNA clones were produced from the HuCVs collected from pediatric population during a period of 1987-1994. The application of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using primers directed to the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase region within ORF1 of Norwalk virus (NV) showed that 13.7% of HuCVs yielded PCR products of similar size to the NV prototype, NV8Flla/68/US, with exceptions of HuCV185/87/Korea and HuCV1115/90/Korea. Computer analyses showed that the PCR products had a continuous protein encoding frame on the positive strand, and contained GLPSG and YGDD amino acid motifs at the predicted distance from primers. Alignment of the amino acid sequences of HuCVs with previously published sequences for Snow Mountain agent (SMA), NV, and Sapporo/82/Japan indicated that these strains can be divided into four major genogroups. There were 10 (45%) SMA-like CVs, one (4.5%) NV-like HuCVs, two (9%) Sapporo-like HuCVs, and nine (41%) unidentified HuCVs. This fourth genogroup should be investigated further. HuCV185/87/Korea and HuCV1115/90/Korea, Sapporo-like CVs, were genetically distinct from previously characterized HuCVs and more closely related to known animal CVs. One of the animal CV-like strain, HuCV185/87/Korea, showed nucleotide and amino acid homology of only 67% and 73% with the prototype Sapporo/82/Japan. Further characterization of animal and human CV genomes and studies of possible cross-transmission of CVs from animals to humans are likely to be beneficial in understanding the epidemiology of HuCVs.
Amino Acid Motifs ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Child ; Clone Cells ; DNA, Complementary ; Epidemiology ; Gastroenteritis ; Genetic Variation ; Genome ; Genotype ; Humans* ; Korea* ; Norwalk virus ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; RNA Replicase ; Snow

BACKGROUND: There is concem about the rising incidence of skin cancer. However, few articles have reported the change in the clinical and epidemiological aspects of skin cancer. OBJECTIVE: We performed this study in order to clarifiy the recent changes in cutaneous premalignant and malignant lesions. METHODS: A statistical analysis was made using 101 cases of cutaneous premalignant lesions and 205 cases of ma]ignant tumors out of a total number of 20,175 new outpatients that visited the Department of Dermatology at the Seoul National University Hospital during a 6 year period(1990-1995). RESULTS: The frequency of premalignant lesions was 0.50% and that of malignant tumors was 1.02%. The frequency showed an increasing tendency compared to previous reports. In the premalignant lesion cases, actinic keratosis was most common and represented a figure of 82.2%. Among the malignant tumors, basal cell carcinoma was most frequent at 24.4%. Age, sex and anatomical site distribution of basal cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma was no different. The mean age of squamous cell carcinoma was greater than in previous reports and main preceding lesions were actinic keratosis and cheilitis. The frequency of lymphoma was markedly increased but the reason for this remains to be determined. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed the continous increasing incidence of skin cancers and emphasize the need for public eduacation, early diagnosis and proper treatment.
Carcinoma, Basal Cell ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; Cheilitis ; Dermatology ; Early Diagnosis ; Humans ; Incidence ; Keratosis, Actinic ; Lymphoma ; Melanoma ; Outpatients ; Seoul ; Skin Neoplasms ; Statistics as Topic*

In cardiovascular disorders, understanding of endothelial cell (EC) function is essential to elucidate the disease mechanism. Although the mouse model has many advantages for in vivo and in vitro research, efficient procedures for the isolation and propagation of primary mouse EC have been problematic. We describe a high yield process for isolation and in vitro culture of primary EC from mouse arteries (aorta, braches of superior mesenteric artery, and cerebral arteries from the circle of Willis). Mouse arteries were carefully dissected without damage under a light microscope, and small pieces of the vessels were transferred on/in a Matrigel matrix enriched with endothelial growth supplement. Primary cells that proliferated in Matrigel were propagated in advanced DMEM with fetal calf serum or platelet-derived serum, EC growth supplement, and heparin. To improve the purity of the cell culture, we applied shearing stress and anti-fibroblast antibody. EC were characterized by a monolayer cobble stone appearance, positive staining with acetylated low density lipoprotein labeled with 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate, RT-PCR using primers for von-Willebrand factor, and determination of the protein level endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Our simple, efficient method would facilitate in vitro functional investigations of EC from mouse vessels.
Animals ; Arteries ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Cerebral Arteries ; Endothelial Cells* ; Heparin ; Lipoproteins ; Mesenteric Artery, Superior ; Mice* ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III

BACKGROUND: There are growing evidences that structural and functional brain reserves may be crucial in cognitive function of late life. In old men, height as an important marker of growth and development, is related to late life cognitive decline or dementia. The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship of height to cognitive function in community dwelling old women. METHODS: A total of 150 community dwelling old women who can carry out daily life independently were recruited in this study. We measured height, weight and blood pressure with an automatic device and investigated medical history and behavioral habits. We obtained fasting blood samples for the glucose and lipid profile tests and measured physical performance. The Korean version of Mini Mental State Examination (K-MMSE) was used for the assessment of cognitive function. RESULTS: The acceptable cognition group (K-MMSE score > or = 24) was taller than the impaired cognition group (K-MMSE score < 24) (mean height 150.9 +/- 6.1, 148.0 +/- 5.4, respectively, P-value < 0.01). In Pearson correlation analysis, height was positively associated with K-MMSE score (r = 0.342, P < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that height independently related to K-MMSE score after adjustment of age, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, alcohol drinking, residential district, education, gait speed (beta = 0.102, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Height was independently associated with cognitive function in community dwelling old women. For the evaluation of the relationship between height and cognition in diverse cohorts, many studies will be necessary.
Alcohol Drinking ; Blood Pressure ; Body Height ; Cognition ; Cognitive Reserve ; Cohort Studies ; Dementia ; Fasting ; Female ; Gait ; Glucose ; Growth and Development ; Humans ; Hyperlipidemias ; Linear Models ; Male ; Waist Circumference

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to identify differences in physiological.psychological.environmental.behavioral characteristics between obese and control children participating in a health camp and to identify the factors related to childhood obesity. METHODS: Two hundred eighty seven children aged 6 to 12 years were recruited from a health camp for elementary students in D city, Korea. Data collection was done on November 28 and 29, 2009. Anthropometric measurements, blood tests, and self-report surveys were conducted. Chi-square test, independent t-test, ANCOVA, and multiple logistic regression were performed using PASW statistics 18.0. RESULTS: Obese children had adverse conditions for both physiological and psychological characteristics. In terms of environmental and behavioral characteristics, high maternal BMI and more than two hours of TV watching were significantly associated with high risk of childhood obesity (OR=1.11, 95% CI=1.02-1.21; OR=2.05, 95% CI=1.23-3.41). CONCLUSION: Through a multi-factorial approach, the current study identified the differences between obese and control children participating in a health camp and risk factors of childhood obesity. These findings provide preliminary data and perspectives on intervention research for prevention and management of childhood obesity.
Aged ; Child ; Community Health Nursing ; Data Collection ; Hematologic Tests ; Humans ; Korea ; Logistic Models ; Obesity ; Risk Factors ; Child Health

The effects of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL) and its major lipid constituent lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) on Ca2+ entry were investigated in cultured human umbilical endothelial cells (HUVECs) using fura-2 fluorescence and patch-clamp methods. OxLDL or LPC increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and the increase of [Ca2+]i by OxLDL or by LPC was inhibited by La3+ or heparin. LPC failed to increase [Ca2+]i in the presence of an antioxidant tempol. In addition, store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOC), which was evoked by intracellular Ca2+ store depletion in Ca2+-free solution using the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump blocker, 2, 5-di-t-butyl-1, 4-benzohydroquinone (BHQ), was further enhanced by OxLDL or by LPC. Increased SOC by OxLDL or by LPC was inhibited by U73122. In voltage-clamped cells, OxLDL or LPC increased [Ca2+]i and simultaneously activated non-selective cation (NSC) currents. LPC-induced NSC currents were inhibited by 2-APB, La3+ or U73122, and NSC currents were not activated by LPC in the presence of tempol. Furthermore, in voltage-clamped HUVECs, OxLDL enhanced SOC and evoked outward currents simultaneously. Clamping intracellular Ca2+ to 1 micrometer activated large-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (BKCa) current spontaneously, and this activated BKCa current was further enhanced by OxLDL or by LPC. From these results, we concluded that OxLDL or its main component LPC activates Ca2+-permeable Ca2+-activated NSC current and BKCa current simultaneously, thereby increasing SOC.
Constriction ; Cyclic N-Oxides ; Endothelial Cells ; Estrenes ; Fluorescence ; Fura-2 ; Heparin ; Humans ; Lipoproteins ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; Lysophosphatidylcholines ; Pyrrolidinones ; Sarcoplasmic Reticulum ; Spin Labels

BACKGROUND: Increased abdominal obesity is clearly associated with metabolic diseases and associated with increased risk for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. But the mechanisms underlying these associations are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to correlate the regional body composition with pulse wave velocity in the overweight and obese women. METHODS: We investigated 104 overweight and obese participants. Regional body composition was distinguished by anthropometry, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and computed tomography (CT). For estimates of arterial stiffness, we measured brachial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Fasting blood glucose, lipid parameters, CRP, and free fatty acid were measured. Pearson's correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted to identify the relationship between baPWV and regional body composition. RESULTS: Average age, fasting blood sugar, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride, HOMA-IR, abdominal visceral fat area measured by CT, visceral fat area/ subcutaneous fat area (VSR), and visceral fat area/midthigh muscle area (VMR) were all significantly higher in the visceral obesity group than the subcutaneous obesity group. BaPWV was positively correlated with age, blood pressure, triglyceride, waist circumference, waist hip ratio, abdominal visceral fat area measured by CT, and VSR and inversely correlated with thigh subcutaneous fat area. In multiple regression models, after adjustment for confounding factors, baPWV was independently correlated with abdominal visceral fat area measured by CT (R2=0.560, P=0.006). CONCLUSION: Abdominal visceral fat area measured by CT was the only measurement positively associated with baPWV which explains the relationship of regional body composition and arterial stiffness.
Abdominal Fat* ; Absorptiometry, Photon ; Ankle ; Anthropometry ; Atherosclerosis ; Blood Glucose ; Blood Pressure ; Body Composition ; Cardiovascular Diseases ; Fasting ; Female ; Humans ; Intra-Abdominal Fat ; Metabolic Diseases ; Obesity ; Obesity, Abdominal ; Overweight* ; Pulse Wave Analysis ; Subcutaneous Fat ; Thigh ; Triglycerides ; Vascular Stiffness* ; Waist Circumference ; Waist-Hip Ratio

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated in various cells, including vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells, and regulate ion channel functions. KCa3.1 plays an important role in endothelial functions. However, the effects of superoxide and hydrogen peroxide radicals on the expression of this ion channel in the endothelium remain unclear. In this study, we examined the effects of ROS donors on KCa3.1 expression and the K+ current in primary cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The hydrogen peroxide donor, tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP), upregulated KCa3.1 expression, while the superoxide donors, xanthine/xanthine oxidase mixture (X/XO) and lysopho-sphatidylcholine (LPC), downregulated its expression, in a concentration-dependent manner. These ROS donor effects were prevented by antioxidants or superoxide dismustase. Phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK) was upregulated by TBHP and downregulated by X/XO. In addition, repressor element-1-silencing transcription factor (REST) was downregulated by TBHP, and upregulated by X/XO. Furthermore, KCa3.1 current, which was activated by clamping cells with 1 microM Ca2+ and applying the KCa3.1 activator 1-ethyl-2-benzimidazolinone, was further augmented by TBHP, and inhibited by X/XO. These effects were prevented by antioxidants. The results suggest that hydrogen peroxide increases KCa3.1 expression by upregulating pERK and downregulating REST, and augments the K+ current. On the other hand, superoxide reduces KCa3.1 expression by downregulating pERK and upregulating REST, and inhibits the K+ current. ROS thereby play a key role in both physiological and pathological processes in endothelial cells by regulating KCa3.1 and endothelial function.
Antioxidants ; Benzimidazoles ; Constriction ; Endothelial Cells ; Endothelium ; Hand ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Humans ; Hydrogen ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; Ion Channels ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular ; Oxidoreductases ; Pathologic Processes ; Phosphotransferases ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; Superoxides ; tert-Butylhydroperoxide ; Tissue Donors ; Transcription Factors