Neuronal modeling of alternating hemiplegia of childhood reveals transcriptional compensation and replicates a trigger-induced phenotype.

Alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC) is a rare neurodevelopmental disease caused by heterozygous de novo missense mutations in the ATP1A3 gene that encodes the neuronal specific α3 subunit of the Na,K-ATPase (NKA) pump. Mechanisms underlying patient episodes including environmental triggers remain poorly understood, and there are no empirically proven treatments for AHC. In this study, we generated patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and isogenic controls for the E815K ATP1A3 mutation that causes the most phenotypically severe form of AHC.

Factors affecting diabetic screening behavior of Korean adults: a multilevel analysis.

Purpose: We investigated the role of individual and community level factors on diabetes screening test behavior.

Methods: We used individual-level data from 170,193 adults aged 30 years or older who were not diagnosed with diabetes and participated in the 2009 community health survey. Community-level data includes 253 communities and were collected from various national statistics.

α-Glucosidase inhibiton and antiglycation activity of laccase-catalyzed catechin polymers.

Catechin polymers were produced by laccase (12 U/mL) in a mixture of sodium acetate buffer (1% (+)-catechin, 100 mM, pH 5) and methanol (buffer:methanol = 95:5, v/v). The freeze-dried catechin polymers were recovered from the precipitate after dialysis followed by centrifugation. Catechin polymers extracted with 20% ethanol had potent inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase with an IC50 value of 4 μg/mL, and they were present as a mixture of dimers, trimers, and tetramers.

Existence of glioma stroma mesenchymal stemlike cells in Korean glioma specimens.

Purpose: It was presented that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be isolated from western glioma specimens. However, whether MSCs exist in glioma specimens of different ethnicities is unknown. To verify the existence of MSCs in an independent cohort, we undertook studies to isolate MSCs from a group of Korean patients.

[The knowledge, attitude and practice of blood pressure management from the patient's viewpoint: a qualitative study].

Objectives: This study adopted a qualitative method to explore the layman's beliefs and experience concerning high blood pressure and its management in order to develop a strategy to increase adherence to proper medical treatment.

Methods: Semi-structured interviews that focused on personal experiences with hypertension and its management were conducted with 26 hypertensive patients. The participants were selected according to a BP above 140/90 mmHg (hypertension stage 1), based on the seventh report of the Joint National Committee on prevention, detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood pressure (JNC-VII).

[The relations of socioeconomic status to health status, health behaviors in the elderly].

Objectives: To analyze the relationships of socioeconomic status(SES) to health status and health behaviors in the elderly.

Methods: Data were obtained from self-administered questionnaire of 4,587 persons, older than 65 years, living in a community. We measured the sociodemographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, health status (subjective health status, acute disease, admission experience, dental state, chronic disease etc.