Characterization of Hemagglutinin and Neuraminidase Genes and Oseltamivir Resistance of Influenza Viruses Isolated in Korea

To investigate the pattern of drug-resistance of human influenza virus (A/H1N1) isolated in Korea during 2001~2002, the sequence analysis of hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes and cell-based assay against neuraminidase inhibitor (NI) were performed. Analyses on the nucleotide sequences of NA genes showed that Korean isolates had 98.2 to 98.5% homology with that of the vaccine strain in 2001~2002 season, A/New Caledonia/20/99-like strain. However, there were no significant amino acid substitutions related to the drug-resistance such as E119V, R152K, I222R/Q, H274Y, and R292K. In the sequences of HA gene, no differences were observed on the major antigenic sites as well as the motifs related to the drug resistance. 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) value against oseltamivir, one of NA inhibitors widely used in the treatment for the influenza, was determined by WST-1 assay. The SI values of Korean isolates against oseltamivir were 7.2 to 383.3, showing that these isolates displayed relatively low SI value against the drug. This result provides the useful information for the surveillance of drug-resistant influenza virus and the control of influenza in Korea.

Facet Joint Angle in Lumbar Spine: comparative study between HNP and spinal stenosis and control group / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The importance of facet joint asymmetry has been debated as a cause of the low back pain and sciatica. And many studies have been proposed about the relationship between facet joint angle or facet joint asymmetry and the development of the disc degeneration or disc herniation. In the diagnosis of the spinal disorder, we have been used mainly myelogram and computed tomography. Several years ago, more advancement has been achieved by use of magnetic resonance image (MRI). Author studied the relationship between the facet joint angle and facet joint asymmetry and the development of the herniated nucleus pulposis (HNP) or spinal stenosis by comparision of the facet joint angle and facet joint asymmetry in each groups. Author reviewed the patients who were diagnosed as HNP or spinal stenosis with computerized tomography (CT) or MRI and treated with operative method at the department of orthopaedic surgery, Dong-A University Hospital. Facet joint angles were measured on the mid-disc cut, which was parallel to the inferior vertebral end-plate of the superior vertebra. The angles were measured by a midsagittal line through the disc and intersecting lines formed by conneqting the two end points of each facet. Facet joint asymmetry was determined by the difference between right and left facet joint angles. The results were compared between each groups and comparison group and statistical analysis was performed with the Kruskal- Wallis test in 95% confidence interval. The patients had only one level involved and had no other spinal disorder. 85 cases of HNP (central in 35 cases and lateral in 50 cases) and 50 cases of spinal stenosis were evaluated. The results were as follows: l. At the level of L4-5, the mean facet joint angles (+/-SD) were 42.50+/-5.52 (Rt.), 46.71+/-9.68 (Lt.) in central HNP, 40.91+/-9.11 (Rt.), 41.23+/-8.51 (Lt.) in lateral HNP, 37.77+/-11.41 (Rt.), 37.95+/-11.91 (Lt.) in spinal stenosis and 42.38+/-5.07 (Rt.), 41.25+/-5.85 (Lt.) in control group. 2. At the level of LS-S1, the mean facet joint angles were 48.83+/-5.64 (Rt.), 48.17+/-4.62 (Lt.) in central HNP, 52.20+/-11.30 (Rt.), 51.60+/-9.06 (Lt.) in lateral HNP, 42.67+/-8.89 (Rt.), 43.50+/- 9.85 (Lt.) in spinal stenosis and 43.91+/-7.88 (Rt.), 43.76+/-7.81 (Lt.) in control group. 3. At the level of L4-5, the mean facet asymmery was 6.35+/-6.04 in central HNP, 6.95+/-6.76 in lateral HNP, 6.47+/-5.56 in spinal stenosis and 4.31+/-5.42 in control group. 4. At the level of L5-S1, the mean facet asymmetry was 4.95+/-5.18 in central HNP, 4.72+/-5.25 in lateral HNP, 5.50+/-4.83 in spinal stenosis and 4.42+/-4.96 in control group. In conclusion, there were no statistically significant relationships between the magnitude of the facet joint angle and development of the HNP and spinal stenosis, and between the facet asymmetry and development of the HNP and stenosis.