Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

K Kim

Publications and source records attributed to K Kim.

At least 667 records · Page 37Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

Aneuploid DNA content in pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

DNA content measurements were performed by flow cytometry on eight ductal-type pancreatic adenocarcinomas. The majority of the neoplasms contained an aneuploid DNA content, with hyperdiploid DNA content being the most common abnormality. Two neoplasms had a diploid DNA content. These latter two patients are alive at 11 mo and 3 mo. The data suggest that a large percentage of pancreatic adenocarcinomas have an aneuploid DNA content. Further study is needed to evaluate the relationship between aneuploid DNA content and survival.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Elevation of cardiac troponin I in the acute stage of Kawasaki disease.

The study was performed to investigate the level of serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI), a marker specific for myocardial damage, using a chemiluminescent immunoassay in the acute febrile stage of Kawasaki disease (KD). The study population consisted of 45 KD patients before intravenous gamma-globulin (IVGG) therapy and a control group of 20 patients without KD. Among KD patients the results from measurements of the level of cTnI were positive in 18 cases (40%) and the creatine kinase (CK)-MB was positive in 11 cases (24%), but in the control group both the cTnI and CK-MB results were negative. Seven KD patients (15.6%) showed increases in both cTnI and CK-MB that were significantly correlated with each other (p < 0.05); however, CK-MB is not heart-specific. A significant increase in the level of cTnI in the acute stage of KD suggests that acute myocarditis or myocardial cell injury begins in the early phase of the disease (p < 0.05). The serologic test for cTnI can thus be a useful method for the early diagnosis of acute myocarditis and may enable early treatment with IVGG to reduce the cardiovascular abnormalities in KD patients.

Acute Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Adrenal function predicts demoralization after losses.

Stressful experiences can cause disturbances in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and the sympathetic-adrenomedullary system. The authors hypothesized that assessments of adrenal function made in the circumstances of stressful losses would predict outcome 1 or 2 years later. The authors collected 24-hour urinary free cortisol, serum cortisol, and 24-hour urinary catecholamines 2 months after intake and used these measures as predictors of depression, anxiety, hopelessness/helplessness, unresolved grief, self-rated health, and help-seeking behavior on follow-up at 13 and 25 months. Adrenal function in the circumstances of a loss predicted only demoralization scores (hopelessness/helplessness) on follow-up.

Adrenal Insufficiency↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Chemical approaches to the study of protein tyrosine kinases and their implications for mechanism and inhibitor design.

Protein tyrosine kinases are critical enzymes for signal transduction. Using C-terminal Src kinase (Csk) as a model system, we discuss progress in three main areas. First, we describe our efforts to measure the transition state of the reaction using peptide substrates containing fluorotyrosine analogs. It is shown that the Brønsted nucleophile coefficient for the reaction is near zero (similar to the nonenzymatic reaction) and the required nucleophile is the neutral phenol (rather than the more chemically reactive phenoxide anion). By studying the kinase reaction in the reverse direction, a Brønsted leaving group coefficient of -0.3 was measured, indicative of protonation of the departing phenol in the transition state. Taken together, these results strongly support a dissociative transition state mechanism for the kinase. These findings set constraints on the design of transition state analog inhibitors. Second, we describe efforts toward defining the specificity of Csk for peptide and protein substrates. The main findings are that local amino acids surrounding a phosphorylated tyrosine can influence recognition, but that long-range interactions probably are more important in a physiologic protein substrate. These findings underscore the complexities in how protein kinases select protein substrates. Third, we describe a new method in protein engineering that has been applied to the study of protein kinases. The method, expressed protein ligation, allows a general approach for ligating synthetic peptides to recombinant proteins. Using expressed protein ligation, obtaining site-specifically phosphorylated proteins and proteins with the incorporation of biophysical probes becomes relatively straightforward. We have used this method to generate a tail phosphorylated, conformationally altered Csk that showed an unexpected increase in kinase activity.

Chemistry, Pharmaceutical↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Colorectal cancer screening. Knowledge and practices among Korean Americans.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine knowledge and practices of colorectal cancer screening among Korean Americans. DESCRIPTION OF STUDY: The sample consisted of 104 Korean American men and 159 women, 40 to 69 years of age, living in the Chicago area. The National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) Cancer Control Supplement Questionnaire, prepared by the National Center for Health Statistics, was used to collect data regarding colorectal cancer screening knowledge and practices. The NHIS questionnaire was translated into Korean with minor modification. RESULTS: The percentage of male respondents ever having had a digital rectal exam (DRE) and fecal occult blood test (FOBT) were 13.5% and 10.6%, respectively. Only 11.3% of women reported DRE and 8.8% FOBT. Multiple logistic regression analysis results indicate that gender, education, knowledge of the seven cancer warning signals, and length of residence in the United States were significantly related to having heard of DRE. For those having had DRE, knowledge of the seven cancer warning signals, and length of residence in the United States were the only significant variables. Gender and education were significantly related to having heard of FOBT. None of the variables were found to be significantly related to having had FOBT. The findings indicate that a majority of respondents were unaware of these cancer screening examinations and forego these tests due to an underestimation of their importance. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The findings of this study underscore the importance of cancer education and further research addressing the cancer screening needs of Korean Americans. Currently, Korean Americans do not see healthcare providers or health brochures as valuable sources of health information. Therefore, healthcare professionals need to target this population by 1) coordinating their efforts with church and other community leaders and 2) developing health brochures that are in the Korean language and sensitive to the Korean culture.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Somatic and psychological complaints and their correlates with insomnia in the Japanese general population.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of somatic and psychological complaints (SPCs) and to investigate the association of SPCs with insomnia in a sample of the general adult population of Japan. METHODS: We randomly selected 4000 adult residents (-20 years old) from five areas of Japan using stratified sampling and conducted interviews using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire solicited information about eight somatic symptoms, eight psychological symptoms, three sleep problems, and demographic and health-related information. A total of 3,030 subjects completed questionnaires, giving a response rate of 75.8%. RESULTS: Stiff neck/shoulder (45.3%), backache (35.1%), and fatigue (31.4%) were the most common complaints in this population. In general, SPCs were more prevalent in younger persons and in women. Logistic regression analyses, controlling for other factors, showed that insomnia was significantly associated with a number of SPCs: backache (odds ratio [OR] = 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1-1.6), epigastric discomfort (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.3-2.2), weight loss (OR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.2-3.3), headache (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.3-2.2), fatigue (OR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.4-2.1), worrying (OR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.1-2.3), irritability (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1-1.7), and loss of interest (OR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.2-2.7). CONCLUSIONS: SPCs were common and were largely associated with insomnia in the general adult population of Japan. Further study is needed to examine the causal links between SPCs and insomnia.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Esophageal resection: indications, techniques, and radiologic assessment.

Various surgical procedures are performed for benign and malignant esophageal lesions. These procedures include transthoracic esophageal resection through a right or left thoracotomy and transhiatal blunt esophageal resection (esophagectomy) without thoracotomy. The whole stomach, colon, gastric tube, jejunum, and free revascularized grafts may be used as substitutes for the resected esophagus. Bypass procedures including substernal stomach bypass surgery and substernal or subcutaneous colon bypass surgery are performed for tracheoesophageal fistula, previous esophagectomy without reconstruction, or obstruction due to lye ingestion. The mortality rate for esophageal resection depends on the stage of the tumor, the patient's condition, and the surgeon's skill and is quite low when the procedure is performed by a highly skilled surgeon. The most frequent sources of morbidity related to esophageal surgery include pneumothorax, pleural effusion, pneumonia, and respiratory failure. Mediastinitis and sepsis due to disruption at an anastomosis site cause serious postoperative morbidity and mortality; therefore, thoracic anastomotic leaks require aggressive surgical treatment. Familiarity with these surgical options, the resultant anatomic changes associated with each option, and the expected findings at postoperative imaging is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of surgical procedures and for the early detection and management of surgery-related complications.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Drug allergy.

Undesirable or adverse drug effects occur with 1-15% of drug doses. The mechanisms of these reactions are not always known; however, 5-10% are immunologically mediated allergic reactions. Risk factors for allergic drug reactions include age, type of drug, degree of exposure, and route of administration. Penicillin allergy is the most common example of classical drug allergy. Skin test reagents are available which identify the patient at risk of anaphylaxis from penicillin. These patients can be given penicillin in a carefully monitored desensitization protocol. It is essential to establish first the absolute requirement for the drug in the patient sensitive to it. There are also established methods for administration to the sensitive patient: local anesthetics, measles vaccines, and sulfamethoxazole.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Esophageal leiomyoma: radiologic findings in 12 patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to describe and compare the radiologic findings of esophageal leiomyomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The chest radiographic (n = 12), esophagographic (n = 12), CT (n = 12), and MR (n = 1) findings of surgically proven esophageal leiomyomas in 12 consecutive patients [ten men and two women aged 34 - 47 (mean, 39) years] were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: The tumors, surgical specimens of which ranged from 9 to 90 mm in diameter, were located in the upper (n = 1), middle (n = 5), or lower esophagus (n = 6). In ten of the 12 patients, chest radiography revealed the tumors as mediastinal masses. Esophagography showed them as eccentric, smoothly elevated filling defects in 11 patients and a multilobulated encircling filling defect in one. In 11 of the 12 patients, enhanced CT scans revealed a smooth (n = 9) or lobulated (n = 2) tumor margin, and attenuation was homogeneously low (n = 7) or iso (n = 4). In one patient, the tumor signal seen on T2-weighted MR images was slightly high. CONCLUSION: Esophageal leiomyomas, located mainly in the middle or distal esophagus, are consistently shown by esophagography to be mainly eccentrically elevated filling defects and at CT, lesions showing homogeneous low or isoattenuation are demonstrated.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

A case report of inflammatory pseudotumor involving the clivus: CT and MR findings.

The authors describe a rare case of inflammatory pseudotumor involving the clivus, where a soft tissue mass lesion, with extension into the prevertebral retropharyngeal space and the cavernous sinuses, was detected by CT and MRI. The mass resembled a malignant tumor or aggressive infectious lesion, and the final diagnosis of inflammatory pseudotumor was a diagnosis of exclusion, decided after histopathological examination.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Reduced transforming growth factor-beta type II receptor (TGF-beta RII) expression in adenocarcinoma of the lung.

BACKGROUND: TGF-beta type II receptor is considered as one of the tumor suppressor genes, and altered expression of TGF-beta RII has been found in many kinds of cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven NSCLC cell lines and 21 surgically resected NSCLC tissues were obtained. The growth inhibition by TGF-beta 1 was examined by MTT assay. Northern blot and Southern blot analysis were performed for TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta RII in NSCLC cell lines. TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta RII expression were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 21 surgically resected NSCLC tissues. RESULTS: Six of 7 NSCLC cell lines were resistant to TGF-beta 1. Southern blot analysis for TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta RII showed no genetic changes. However, mRNAs of TGF-beta RII were barely detectable in 3 of 7 cell lines, and mRNAs of TGF-beta 1 were almost undetectable in 2 of 7. IHC revealed decreased TGF-beta RII expression in 6 of 21 surgically resected NSCLC tissues (5 adenocarcinomas, 1 sarcomatoid carcinoma). Being analyzed by the histologic subtypes, TGF-beta RII decreased in 5 of 8 adenocarcinomas but in only 1 of 13 non-adenocarcinomas (p = 0.0139). On the other hand, TGF-beta 1 was expressed at a higher level in 20 of 21 tumors. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that decreased TGF-beta RII expression may play a role in human lung carcinogenesis, especially in adenocarcinoma.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of GM-CSF and IL-2 co-expression on the anti-tumor immune response.

We evaluated the effect of potential therapeutic genes, GM-CSF and IL-2 respectively, or in combination of both cytokines, on the activation of systemic antitumor responses. CT26 tumor cells were modified to secrete GM-CSF and/or IL-2. The growth rate of the modified tumor cells versus the parental CT26 cells did not show any difference. When we implanted the CT26 tumor cells which secrete either GM-CSF or IL-2, delayed and suppressed tumorigenicity was observed. However, another CT26 cell line which expresses both GM-CSF and IL-2 (CT26/GMCSF/IL-2) did not form any tumor mass in the immunocompetent syngeneic Balb/c mice, showing the potential immune responses. Immunohistochemical examination of the modified tumor masses implanted with the cells expressing GM-CSF or IL-2 showed increased necrosis and infiltration of NK (CD56+) lineage cells and macrophage/monocytes. In the vaccination model, the growth of rechallenged wild-type CT26 was more suppressed int he mice which were injected with GM-CSF or IL-2, however, the wild-type CT26 tumor formed normal tumor mass in the mice vaccinated with CT26/GM-CSF/IL-2 showing acute non-T-cell mediated immune response. As a treatment, we injected those modified tumor cells into the established tumor. There we could find tumor growth suppression by the injection of cytokine-modified CT26 cells, especially by the CT26/GM-CSF/IL-2. In the present study we could induce the eradication of tumorigenicity by the transfection of both GM-CSF and IL-2 genes and a potent role in the growth suppression of an established tumor.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Multifocal primary CNS T cell lymphoma of the spinal cord.

The majority of primary central nervous system lymphomas (PCNSL) are of B cell origin, and those of T cell origin are a distinct rarity. Furthermore, spinal cord involvement of T cell PCNSL is extremely rare and only a small number of cases have been reported. The authors report a case of multifocal T cell PCNSL mainly involving the intramedullary (IM) portion ofthe spinal cord in a 57-year-old woman. Neurological examination showed right leg weakness and hypesthesia below the T10 level. Magnetic resonance images revealed multiple well enhancing masses in the IM portion ofthe cervical and thoracic spinal cord and the cerebellum. Cytological examination of the cerebrospinal fluid revealed no malignant cells. As the mass at the C7 level was the largest among multiple masses, open biopsy was performed at that level. Histopathological examination confirmed malignant peripheral T cell lymphoma, unspecified (PTCL-U), small- and medium-sized cell type. Clinical and laboratory investigations failed to reveal any evidence of lymphomatous deposits elsewhere in the body. After biopsy, the patient received cranio-spinal irradiation, which included the whole brain and the spinal neuraxis. The clinical course, pathological findings and treatments are discussed and a review of the literature included.

Female↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Cytosolic and nuclear progesterone receptors in normal and luteal-phase-defect endometrial cells.

Endometrial biopsies were taken from 93 infertility patients registered in the Reproductive Endocrinology Clinic at the Medical College of Ohio. These endometrial specimens were assayed for nuclear and cytoplasmic progesterone receptors. Only the data from 53 normoprolactinemic euthyroid and nonhirsute patients were considered. Eighteen patients were found to have luteal phase defect by two consecutive out-of-phase biopsies. The remaining 35 patients had in-phase biopsies and were used as controls. Both groups were similar in age and clinical characteristics. Although we noted that the luteal-phase-defect group had fewer nuclear and cytoplasmic progesterone receptors than did the control group, the difference was not statistically significant.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Identification and isolation of Cryptosporidium parvum genes encoding microtubule and microfilament proteins.

Microtubules and microfilaments are highly conserved cytoskeletal polymers hypothesized to play essential biomechanical roles in the unusual gliding motility of Apicomplexan zoites and in their invasion of, and development within, host epithelial cells. We have identified and isolated Cryptosporidium parvum genes encoding the microtubule proteins alpha- and beta-tubulin and the microfilament protein actin by screening a lambda gt11 C. parvum genomic DNA library with degenerate oligonucleotide and heterologous cDNA hybridization probes respectively. The alpha- and beta-tubulin genes have been partially sequenced and the deduced peptide sequences show greatest homology with the tubulins of the related parasites, T. gondii and P. falciparum. The complete nucleic acid sequence of the actin gene predicts a 376 amino acid, 42 kDa protein having 85% sequence identity with the P. falciparum actin I and the human gamma-actin proteins. Each of these cytoskeletal protein genes was demonstrated to be of cryptosporidial origin by Southern analyses of C. parvum chromosomes fractionated by pulsed field gel electrophoresis; the cloned alpha- and beta-tubulin genes hybridized with chromosomes of ca. 1,200 and 1,500 kb respectively and the cloned actin gene also hybridized with a 1,200 kb chromosome.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Amplification of a Cryptosporidium parvum gene fragment encoding thymidylate synthase.

Currently, there is no effective therapy for cryptosporidiosis and it is unclear why antifolate drugs which are effective treatments for infections caused by closely related parasites are not also effective against Cryptosporidium parvum. In protozoa, the target of these drugs, dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), exists as a bifunctional enzyme also manifesting thymidylate synthase (TS) activity and is encoded by a fused DHFR-TS gene. In order to prepare a probe to isolate the C. parvum DHFR-TS gene we have used degenerate oligonucleotides whose sequences are based on strongly conserved regions of TS protein sequence to prime the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with C. parvum DNA. The PCR amplified a 375-bp DNA fragment which was cloned and sequenced; the deduced amino acid sequence had significant identity with known TS sequences, including strict conservation of all phylogenetically invariant TS amino acid residues. The cloned PCR fragment was used as a probe to isolate a number of overlapping clones from a C. parvum genomic library which were definitively shown to be of cryptosporidial origin by genomic Southern and molecular karyotype analyses. The deduced protein sequence of C. parvum TS was most similar to the bifunctional TS enzymes of Plasmodium chabaudi and Plasmodium falciparum.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Fine needle aspiration cytology of sarcomas metastatic to the lung.

A review was made of the morphologic features of cells aspirated from 17 sarcomas (5 malignant fibrous histiocytomas, 3 fibrosarcomas, 3 leiomyosarcomas, 3 endometrial stromal sarcomas, 1 osteosarcoma and 2 poorly differentiated sarcomas) metastatic to the lung, paying particular attention to the morphologic differences between the cells of sarcoma and carcinoma and between the cells of the different types of sarcoma. In general, sarcomas were characterized by loosely cohesive, rather flat, cellular aggregates and isolated cells. Three-dimensional cell balls or clusters were not present in any case. Cellular pleomorphism was a common, though not invariable, feature. Each type of sarcoma showed some morphologic distinctiveness; however, certain morphologic features were common to more than one type of sarcoma. By comparing the cytologic features of metastatic sarcomas in aspirates with the histologic features of the primary neoplasms, it should usually be possible to decide if a pulmonary lesion is a metastatic sarcoma.

Biopsy, Needle↗