etection of infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus and white spot syndrome virus in whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) imported from Vietnam to South Korea

n this study, whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) imported from Vietnam were collected from South Korean markets, and examined for 2 viruses: infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV, recently classified as decapod penstyldensovirus-1), and white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). Among 58 samples, we detected IHHNV in 23 samples and WSSV in 2 samples, using polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analyses.This is the first report of IHHNV and WSSV detection in imported shrimp, suggesting that greater awareness and stricter quarantine policies regarding viruses infecting shrimp imported to South Korea are required.

Novel Associations between Related Proteins and Cellular Effects of High-Density Lipoprotein

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES@#Recent studies have examined the structure-function relationship of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This study aimed to identify and rank HDL-associated proteins involved in several biological function of HDL.@*METHODS@#HDLs isolated from 48 participants were analyzed. Cholesterol efflux capacity, effect of HDL on nitric oxide production, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression were assessed. The relative abundance of identified proteins in the highest vs. lowest quartile was expressed using the normalized spectral abundance factor ratio.@*RESULTS@#After adjustment by multiple testing, six proteins, thyroxine-binding globulin, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, plasma serine protease inhibitor, vitronectin, angiotensinogen, and serum amyloid A-4, were more abundant (relative abundance ratio ≥2) in HDLs with the highest cholesterol efflux capacity. In contrast, three proteins, complement C4-A, alpha-2-macroglobulin, and immunoglobulin mu chain C region, were less abundant (relative abundance ratio <0.5). In terms of nitric oxide production and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression, no proteins showed abundance ratios ≥2 or <0.5 after adjustment. Proteins correlated with the functional parameters of HDL belonged to diverse biological categories.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In summary, this study ranked proteins showing higher or lower abundance in HDLs with high functional capacities and newly identified multiple proteins linked to cholesterol efflux capacity.

Novel Associations between Related Proteins and Cellular Effects of High-Density Lipoprotein

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have examined the structure-function relationship of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). This study aimed to identify and rank HDL-associated proteins involved in several biological function of HDL.METHODS: HDLs isolated from 48 participants were analyzed. Cholesterol efflux capacity, effect of HDL on nitric oxide production, and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression were assessed. The relative abundance of identified proteins in the highest vs. lowest quartile was expressed using the normalized spectral abundance factor ratio.RESULTS: After adjustment by multiple testing, six proteins, thyroxine-binding globulin, alpha-1B-glycoprotein, plasma serine protease inhibitor, vitronectin, angiotensinogen, and serum amyloid A-4, were more abundant (relative abundance ratio ≥2) in HDLs with the highest cholesterol efflux capacity. In contrast, three proteins, complement C4-A, alpha-2-macroglobulin, and immunoglobulin mu chain C region, were less abundant (relative abundance ratio <0.5). In terms of nitric oxide production and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 expression, no proteins showed abundance ratios ≥2 or <0.5 after adjustment. Proteins correlated with the functional parameters of HDL belonged to diverse biological categories.CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study ranked proteins showing higher or lower abundance in HDLs with high functional capacities and newly identified multiple proteins linked to cholesterol efflux capacity.

A Case of Sarcoidosis in a Stonemason Exposed to Crystalline Silica / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: Sarcoidosis is a systemic granulomatous disease that can affect any organ, the exact cause of which is uncertain. Currently, investigations of crystalline silica improve the mechanism how it works the course of autoimmune diseases and some hypothesis supports that it also can attribute to sarcoidosis. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 53-year-old male, who works as a stonemason for 30 years. Sarcoidosis was suspected based on his chest X-ray and CT(Computed tomography). A biopsy was performed and he was indeed diagnosed with sarcoidosis. CONCLUSION: It is thought that sarcoidosis is more prevalent in the people who work at places with a risk of exposure to crystalline silica. This case suggests that if a patient gets sarcoidosis after being exposed to crystalline silica, or after once being diagnosed with silicosis, his or her sarcoidosis may have occurred due to exposure to crystalline silica.

The Relationship between the Experience of an Accident and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Bus Drivers / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: Mental fitness issues have recently become a point of dispute in the field of health. Drivers are occupationally in danger of a possible accident, and are also exposed to other factors aside from accidents that threaten their mental health. The purpose of this research is to examine the level and state of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and overall mental fitness in bus drivers. In addition, we wish to understand the various causes that can influence PTSD. METHODS: From April 1 to June 30, 2009, taking the region and number of workers into consideration, survey sheets were distributed to selected bus drivers who belonged to the public transportation union. The questionnaire included questions on experiences, details of accidents, the characteristics of the working environment, and the status of mental health. We used the Davidson Trauma Scale to investigate PTSD symptoms and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale to evaluate depression. RESULTS: Regardless of the type of accident, the group of bus drivers with accident experience showed stronger signs of suffering from PTSD. It seemed that the experience of an accident that caused the death of passengers or conflict with passengers were important factors for PTSD. Within the PTSD group, we found more symptoms of depression, and also this group is more likely to take time off work. CONCLUSIONS: The experience of an accident threatens the mental health of bus drivers. Since bus drivers are responsible for the safety of many citizens, we must work towards finding ways to protect their mental health.

A Case of Primary Osteoarthritis of Both Elbow Joints in a Worker Using Sledge-hammers / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: The incidence of primary osteoarthritis of elbow is very low in individuals without work-related risk factors, and primary osteoarthritis of the elbow is rarely symptomatic. Because it is difficult to prove these conditions are work-related, the patients with work-related elbow osteoarthritis don't tend to be compensated in Korea. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 51-year old male, with an occupational history as a sledgehammer user for 23 years. He has been complaining of pain for 3 years. Physical examination of the elbow showed painful end-range motion and the radiographs showed osteophytes and, loose bodies, but relatively-preserved joint spaces, which were typical characteristic of primary osteoarthritis. CONCLUSION: The authors report on a case of primary osteoarthritis of both elbows that was associated with repetitive high shear force due to long-term use of the sledgehammer.

A Case of Caplan's Syndrome with Silicosis / 대한산업의학회지

BACKGROUND: Caplan originally described a condition, now reffered to as Caplan's syndrome or Caplan's disease, where progressive massive fibrosis was exhibited by coal miners with multiple pulmonary nodules, and rheumatoid arthritis. This syndrome is very rare in Korea. CASE REPORT: The patient was a 49-year old male, with occupational history as a stonemason for 25 years. Silicosis was diagnosed by chest X-ray, while rheumatoid arthritis was diagnosed by immunological examination. Caplan's syndrome was confirmed based on these findings, occupational history, and clinical symptoms. DISCUSSION: The authors report on the patient's Caplan's syndrome, with a particular focus on his silicosis.

Paradoxical effects of elastase inhibitor guamerin on the tissue repair of two different wound models: sealed cut and exposed tongue wounds

Innate elastase inhibitors are known to be putatively involved in the regulation of tissue inflammation by inhibiting polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) derived proteinases. The aim of this study was to evaluate affects of leukocyte elastase suppression and PMN infiltration on wound healing in mouse by administering the recombinant elastase inhibitor guamerin (rEIG) in two different wound models; 1) impaired pin-punctured dorsal mucosa of anterior tongue wound, 60 mice, treated with saline containing rEIG that were fed ad libitum and 2) stable linear excisional cutaneous wound, 40 mice, covered with fibrin sealant containing rEIG. The progress of healing was analyzed by histological methods. The tongue wounds treated with rEIG became edematous around the pin-punctured tongue wound, and influx of inflammatory cells and PMN into the underlying stromal tissue were seen rapidly after wounding and peaked between 2-4 days. Whereas the control mice showed almost no wheal formation in the pin-punctured wound, a far lesser levels of PMN infiltration, and almost complete wound closure in 4 days. In the other model, the liner excisional cutaneous wound treated with fibrin sealant containing rEIG showed early wound constriction, lesser degree of inflammatory cells influx, and complete reepithelialization in 4-5 days, whereas the wound of control mice with the fibrin sealant alone showed contrary delayed reepithelialization, greater degree of inflammatory cell infiltration, and consequencial formation of greater granulation tissue at wound site. Taken together, these data suggest paradoxical effects of rEIG on the wound healing where in the wound exposed to infiltrating milieu of microorganisms in the oral cavity, the rEIG aggravates the wound healing by interfering with other innate defensive factors and extended greater flux of PMNs to inflamed wound site, while in the wound enclosed by fibrin, the rEIG accelerated wound healing by inhibiting the inflammation-generated proteases and the acute inflammatory reaction.