Search

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is defined as the occurrence of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis in the absence of other systemic diseases. Three pediatric cases have been reported in the Republic of Korea, and we now report a fourth case. A 15-year-old girl presented to the ophthalmology department with a 1-week history of bilateral ocular discomfort that worsened on the day of presentation with redness and pain in both eyes. She was diagnosed with bilateral uveitis, and her baseline examination revealed moderate renal dysfunction and mild proteinuria. A renal biopsy was performed and confirmed the diagnosis of TINU syndrome. She was started on steroid eye drops and a 12-week course of oral steroids at a dose of 40 mg/m2/day, which completely resolved the proteinuria and mild renal function to an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. However, the uveitis did not improve, and despite the addition of oral methotrexate as a second-line treatment, the uveitis remains unresponsive to treatment over 21 months. Further evaluation and treatment are ongoing, and active therapeutic intervention is suggested even at a pediatric age, considering the lack of improvement in renal function and uveitis to date.

Background: Obesity, abnormal fat accumulation in the adipose tissue, has become a serious global public health problem as it increases an individual’s risk of developing various diseases. Objective: This study sought to determine whether the extract from sunflower seed (SUNCA) prevents the development of obesity in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. Design: C57BL/6J mice were fed with AIN93G normal diet (Normal diet), 60% HFD, HFD containing Catechin 100 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) (Catechin), HFD containing SUNCA 25 mg/kg b.w. (SUNCA 25), HFD containing SUNCA 50 mg/kg b.w. (SUNCA 50), or HFD containing SUNCA 100 mg/kg b.w. (SUNCA 100) for 15 weeks. Results: Body weight gain, food efficiency rate, adipose tissue weight, adipose tissue mass, size of adipocytes, and serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein/low-density lipoprotein (VLDL/LDL)-cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase were significantly decreased by SUNCA supplementation in HFD-fed mice. Furthermore, SUNCA supplementation decreased the expression of proteins related to the adipogenesis and lipogenesis pathways and increased the expression of proteins related to the lipolysis and thermogenesis pathways in the adipose tissues of HFD-induced obese mice. Conclusions: Altogether, SUNCA might prevent obesity by suppressing the adipogenesis/lipogenesis pathway and stimulating the lipolysis/thermogenesis pathway in HFD-induced obese mice.

Abstract Because urban flooding occurs frequently, it is important to calculate the areal extent of flooding based on flood volumes and water levels, and thus, the extent of expected damage can be effectively estimated. In this study, urban inundation from heavy rainfall and the contribution of topographic scales to urban river drainage basins in Seoul, Korea are simulated. A light detection and ranging (LiDAR)‐based 1× 1 m digital elevation model (DEM) and a 1:5,000 digital map‐based 10 × 10 m DEM are used in this study for the storm water management model (SWMM). Using a multi‐dimensional flood damage analysis to estimate economic damage, the asset value of each building type is analyzed in connection with the construction cost of buildings, household ratio, and building area, and then, the building damage is calculated at each flood level based on the percentage of building damage. Based on the analysis, 119.6 and 55.8 M USD in damages are expected to occur according to the 1 and 10 m DEMs, respectively. The results of this study can be used to evaluate alternatives for urban flooding mitigation and an optimal mitigation measure can be suggested among the alternatives because the methods used for predicting floods are examined and the associated damages are accurately estimated using digital terrain data at precise scales.

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered as a transitional stage between aging and Alzheimer’s disease. In the present study, we examined the protective effect of Schisandra chinensis (SC) and Ribes fasciculatum (RF) on neuronal cell death in vitro and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in Sprague Dawley® rats in vivo. A mixture of SC and RF extracts (SC+RF) significantly protected against hydrogen peroxide-induced PC12 neuronal cell death. The neuroprotective effect of SC+RF on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in rats was evaluated using the passive avoidance test and the Morris water maze test. In the passive avoidance test, SC+RF-treated rats showed an increased latency to escape, compared to the scopolamine-treated rats. Moreover, SC+RF treatment significantly reduced escape latency in water maze test, compared to treatment with scopolamine alone. To verify the long-term memory, we performed probe test of water maze test. As a result, rat treated with SC+RF spent more time in the target quadrant. Consistent with enhancement of memory function, the brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its downstream molecules (pERK, pATK, and pCREB) are increased in SC+RF treatment in hippocampal area compared with scopolamine treated group. These results suggest that a mixture of SC and RF extracts may be a good therapeutic candidate for preventing mild cognitive impairment.

Background/AimsThe distribution of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes varies geographically. In Korea, genotypes 1 and 2 comprise more than 90% of HCV infections, while genotype 6 is very rare. This study compared the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with genotype 6 HCV infection with those infected with HCV genotypes 1 and 2.MethodsThis was a prospective, multicenter HCV cohort study that enrolled 1,173 adult patients, of which 930 underwent HCV genotype analysis, and only 9 (1.0%) were found to be infected with genotype 6 HCV. The clinical and epidemiological parameters of the genotypes were compared.ResultsThe patients with genotype 6 HCV had a mean age of 41.5 years, 77.8% were male, and they had no distinct laboratory features. A sustained virologic response (SVR) was observed in four (67%) of six patients who received antiviral therapy. Risk factors such as the presence of a tattoo (n=6, 66.7%), more than three sexual partners (n=3, 33.3%), and injection drug use (n=3, 33.3%) were more common among genotype 6 patients than among genotypes 1 or 2.ConclusionsThe epidemiology and treatment response of patients infected with genotype 6 HCV differed significantly from those with genotypes 1 or 2, warranting continuous monitoring.

Background/AimsThe aim of this study was to describe the types and causes of liver disease in patients from a single community hospital in Korea between April 2005 and May 2010.MethodsA cohort of patients who visited the liver clinic of the hospital during the aforementioned time period were consecutively enrolled (n=6,307). Consistent diagnostic criteria for each liver disease were set by a single, experienced hepatologist, and the diagnosis of all of the enrolled patients was confirmed by retrospective review of their medical records.ResultsAmong the 6,307 patients, 528 (8.4%) were classified as acute hepatitis, 3,957 (62.7%) as chronic hepatitis, 767 (12.2%) as liver cirrhosis, 509 (8.1%) as primary liver cancer, and 546 (8.7%) as a benign liver mass or other diseases. The etiologies in the acute hepatitis group in decreasing order of prevalence were hepatitis A (44.3%), toxic hepatitis (32.4%), other hepatitis viruses (13.8%), and cryptogenic hepatitis (9.1%). In the chronic hepatitis group, 51.2% of cases were attributed to viral hepatitis, 33.3% to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and 13.0% to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Of the cirrhoses, 73.4% were attributable to viral causes and 18.1% to alcohol. Of the hepatocellular carcinoma cases, 86.6% were attributed to viral hepatitis and 11.6% to ALD. Among the benign tumors, hemangioma comprised 52.2% and cystic liver disease comprised 33.7%.ConclusionsKnowledge of the current status of the type and cause of liver disease in Korea may be valuable as a basis for evaluating changing trends in liver disease in that country.

PurposeA brain abscess is a serious disease of the central nerve system. We conducted this study to summarize the clinical manifestations and outcomes of brain abscesses.MethodsA retrospective chart review of pediatric patients diagnosed with brain abscesses from November 1994 to June 2009 was performed at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.ResultsTwenty-five patients were included in this study. On average, 1.67 cases per year were identified and the median age was 4.3 years. The common presenting clinical manifestations were fever (18/25, 72%), seizure (12/25, 48%), altered mental status (11/25, 44%), and signs of increased intracranial pressure (9/25, 36%). A total of 14 (56%) patients had underlying illnesses, with congenital heart disease (8/25, 32%) as the most common cause. Predisposing factors were identified in 15 patients (60%). The common predisposing factors were otogenic infection (3/25, 12%) and penetrating head trauma (3/25, 12%). Causative organisms were identified in 64% of patients (16/25). The causative agents were S. intermedius (n=3), S. aureus (n=3), S. pneumoniae (n=1), Group B streptococcus (n=2), E. coli (n=1), P. aeruginosa (n=1), and suspected fungal infection (n=5). Seven patients received medical treatment only while the other 18 patients also required surgical intervention. The overall fatality rate was 16% and 20% of patients had neurologic sequelae. There was no statistical association between outcomes and the factors studied.ConclusionAlthough uncommon, a brain abscess is a serious disease. A high level of suspicion is very important for early diagnosis and to prevent serious consequences.

Fine particulate matter (FPM) is a major component of air pollution and has emerged as a significant global health concern owing to its adverse health effects. Previous studies have investigated the correlation between bone health and FPM through cohort or review studies. However, the effects of FPM exposure on bone health are poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of FPM on bone health and elucidate these effects in vitro and in vivo using mice. Micro-CT analysis in vivo revealed FPM exposure decreased bone mineral density, trabecular bone volume/total volume ratio, and trabecular number in the femurs of mice, while increasing trabecular separation. Histological analysis showed that the FPM-treated group had a reduced trabecular area and an increased number of osteoclasts in the bone tissue. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed that low concentrations of FPM significantly enhanced osteoclast differentiation. These findings further support the notion that short-term FPM exposure negatively impacts bone health, providing a foundation for further research on this topic.

Eurotiales is a relatively large order of Ascomycetes , well-known for their ability to produce secondary metabolites with potential beneficial applications. To understand their diversity and distribution, different environmental sources including soil, freshwater, insect, and indoor air were investigated. Eight strains of Eurotiales were isolated and identified based on their morphological characters and a multi-gene phylogenetic analysis of the ITS, BenA , CaM , and RPB2 regions. We identified eight taxa that were previously not reported from Korea: Aspergillus baeticus , A. griseoaurantiacus , A. spinulosporus , Penicillium anthracinoglaciei , P. labradorum , P. nalgiovense , Talaromyces atroroseus , and T. georgiensis . Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic tree for the eight new records species are presented, and information regarding the records is also discussed., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group on behalf of the Korean Society of Mycology.)

Novel species of fungi described in this study include those from various countries as follows: Australia , Aschersonia mackerrasiae on whitefly, Cladosporium corticola on bark of Melaleuca quinquenervia , Penicillium nudgee from soil under Melaleuca quinquenervia , Pseudocercospora blackwoodiae on leaf spot of Persoonia falcata , and Pseudocercospora dalyelliae on leaf spot of Senna alata . Bolivia , Aspicilia lutzoniana on fully submersed siliceous schist in high-mountain streams, and Niesslia parviseta on the lower part and apothecial discs of Erioderma barbellatum on a twig. Brazil , Cyathus bonsai on decaying wood, Geastrum albofibrosum from moist soil with leaf litter, Laetiporus pratigiensis on a trunk of a living unknown hardwood tree species, and Scytalidium synnematicum on dead twigs of unidentified plant. Bulgaria , Amanita abscondita on sandy soil in a plantation of Quercus suber . Canada , Penicillium acericola on dead bark of Acer saccharum , and Penicillium corticola on dead bark of Acer saccharum . China , Colletotrichum qingyuanense on fruit lesion of Capsicum annuum . Denmark , Helminthosphaeria leptospora on corticioid Neohypochnicium cremicolor. Ecuador (Galapagos) , Phaeosphaeria scalesiae on Scalesia sp. Finland , Inocybe jacobssonii on calcareous soils in dry forests and park habitats. France , Cortinarius rufomyrrheus on sandy soil under Pinus pinaster , and Periconia neominutissima on leaves of Poaceae . India , Coprinopsis fragilis on decaying bark of logs, Filoboletus keralensis on unidentified woody substrate, Penicillium sankaranii from soil, Physisporinus tamilnaduensis on the trunk of Azadirachta indica , and Poronia nagaraholensis on elephant dung. Iran , Neosetophoma fici on infected leaves of Ficus elastica . Israel , Cnidariophoma eilatica (incl. Cnidariophoma gen. nov.) from Stylophora pistillata . Italy , Lyophyllum obscurum on acidic soil. Namibia , Aureobasidium faidherbiae on dead leaf of Faidherbia albida , and Aureobasidium welwitschiae on dead leaves of Welwitschia mirabilis . Netherlands , Gaeumannomycella caricigena on dead culms of Carex elongata , Houtenomyces caricicola (incl. Houtenomyces gen. nov.) on culms of Carex disticha , Neodacampia ulmea (incl. Neodacampia gen. nov.) on branch of Ulmus laevis , Niesslia phragmiticola on dead standing culms of Phragmites australis , Pseudopyricularia caricicola on culms of Carex disticha , and Rhodoveronaea nieuwwulvenica on dead bamboo sticks. Norway , Arrhenia similis half-buried and moss-covered pieces of rotting wood in grass-grown path. Pakistan , Mallocybe ahmadii on soil. Poland , Beskidomyces laricis (incl. Beskidomyces gen. nov.) from resin of Larix decidua ssp. polonica , Lapidomyces epipinicola from sooty mould community on Pinus nigra , and Leptographium granulatum from a gallery of Dendroctonus micans on Picea abies . Portugal , Geoglossum azoricum on mossy areas of laurel forest areas planted with Cryptomeria japonica , and Lunasporangiospora lusitanica from a biofilm covering a biodeteriorated limestone wall. Qatar , Alternaria halotolerans from hypersaline sea water, and Alternaria qatarensis from water sample collected from hypersaline lagoon. South Africa , Alfaria thamnochorti on culm of Thamnochortus fraternus , Knufia aloeicola on Aloe gariepensis , Muriseptatomyces restionacearum (incl. Muriseptatomyces gen. nov.) on culms of Restionaceae , Neocladosporium arctotis on nest of cases of bag worm moths ( Lepidoptera, Psychidae ) on Arctotis auriculata , Neodevriesia scadoxi on leaves of Scadoxus puniceus , Paraloratospora schoenoplecti on stems of Schoenoplectus lacustris , Tulasnella epidendrea from the roots of Epidendrum × obrienianum , and Xenoidriella cinnamomi (incl. Xenoidriella gen. nov.) on leaf of Cinnamomum camphora . South Korea , Lemonniera fraxinea on decaying leaves of Fraxinus sp. from pond. Spain , Atheniella lauri on the bark of fallen trees of Laurus nobilis , Halocryptovalsa endophytica from surface-sterilised, asymptomatic roots of Salicornia patula , Inocybe amygdaliolens on soil in mixed forest, Inocybe pityusarum on calcareous soil in mixed forest, Inocybe roseobulbipes on acidic soils, Neonectria borealis from roots of Vitis berlandieri × Vitis rupestris , Sympoventuria eucalyptorum on leaves of Eucalyptus sp., and Tuber conchae from soil. Sweden , Inocybe bidumensis on calcareous soil. Thailand , Cordyceps sandindaengensis on Lepidoptera pupa, buried in soil, Ophiocordyceps kuchinaraiensis on Coleoptera larva, buried in soil, and Samsoniella winandae on Lepidoptera pupa, buried in soil. Taiwan region (China) , Neophaeosphaeria livistonae on dead leaf of Livistona rotundifolia . Türkiye , Melanogaster anatolicus on clay loamy soils. UK , Basingstokeomyces allii (incl. Basingstokeomyces gen. nov.) on leaves of Allium schoenoprasum . Ukraine , Xenosphaeropsis corni on recently dead stem of Cornus alba. USA , Nothotrichosporon aquaticum (incl. Nothotrichosporon gen. nov.) from water, and Periconia philadelphiana from swab of coil surface. Morphological and culture characteristics for these new taxa are supported by DNA barcodes. Citation : Crous PW, Osieck ER, Shivas RG, et al. 2023. Fungal Planet description sheets: 1478-1549. Persoonia 50: 158- 310. https://doi.org/10.3767/persoonia.2023.50.05., (© 2023 Naturalis Biodiversity Center & Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute.)

Background: Low back pain is a heterogeneous disease. Myofascial pain and enthesopathy of the quadratus lumborum muscle are important causes of lower back and/or buttock pain. However, a concrete, safe, and effective injection technique for the treatment of trigger points and enthesopathy in the quadratus lumborum muscle has not yet been developed., Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the importance of the quadratus lumborum muscle and introduce an effective landmark-based blind injection technique for treating quadratus lumborum trigger points and enthesopathy., Methods: Adult patients ( n  = 17) with lower back and/or buttock pain were placed in the lateral decubitus position. Next, we delicately palpated the quadratus lumborum muscle to accurately locate its lesions, including trigger points, taut bands, and tendon lesions, after five key landmarks had been identified. A newly designed 60-90-mm, 28G thin hypodermic needle was inserted at the tender points. The needle was typically advanced until its tip touched the transverse process to treat myofascial trigger points and tendon lesions in the iliolumbar and lumbocostal fibers, excluding superficial trigger points of the iliocostal fibers. Subsequently, lidocaine (0.5%) or a mixture of lidocaine (0.5%) and dextrose (12.5-15%) was injected., Results: The pretreatment visual analog scale score for all 17 patients decreased from ≥4-8/10 (mean 5.588) to 0-1/10 (mean 0.294) after completion of all treatments. The total number of treatments was one to four in acute and subacute cases and two to eight in chronic cases. The mean follow-up period was 73.5 days (treatment period: range, 4 to 43 days + at least 60 days of follow-up)., Conclusions: Herein, we describe for the first time a landmark-based integrated injection technique for the treatment of trigger points and myofascial pain in the quadratus lumborum; this technique is safe, effective, and can be used with or without steroids, fluoroscopy, or ultrasound guidance., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (© 2022 Sirh, Sirh, Mun and Sirh.)

Background: Tinnitus is a prevalent condition (>10% of the population) affecting the quality of life of 0.5-3% of the population. Although several treatments have been proposed, most of these lack evidence of efficacy in the treatment of chronic tinnitus. Thus, we aimed to evaluate an integrative treatment strategy for subacute and chronic tinnitus., Methods: This retrospective chart review study included 55 patients with tinnitus (subacute, n = 15; chronic, n = 40) who underwent repeated nerve blocks after stimulation of the trigeminal (V) and facial (VII) nerves to modulate the auditory and non-auditory nervous systems via the vestibulocochlear (VIII) cranial nerve pathways. We used a simplified smiley tinnitus-visual analog scale (T-VAS) with scores ranging from 0 to 10 combining the effect of tinnitus loudness, distress, and quality of life as the outcome measure to evaluate the efficacy of our treatment method. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 18.0, SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, United States), one-way and two-way analysis of variance., Results: In more than 87.5% of patients (14/15 subacute, 35/40 chronic), tinnitus disappeared or had significantly reduced by the end of the treatment. The mean T-VAS score reduced significantly from 7.13 to 0.60 in the subacute group and from 7.73 to 1.53 in the chronic group by the end of treatment ( p < 0.05). The benefits were maintained after treatment cessation and at the 1-year follow-up. The average number of treatment procedures was 9.8 ± 3.589 (range, 5-15) in the subacute group and 9.775 ± 3.717 (range, 5-18) in the chronic group., Conclusion: Our results show that the proposed integrative approach is highly effective in treating subacute and chronic tinnitus and represents a promising therapeutic approach., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Sirh, Sirh, Mun and Sirh.)

A series of gold (Au) nanostructures, having different morphologies, were fabricated for amperometric selective detection of carbon monoxide (CO), a biologically important signaling molecule. Au layers were electrodeposited from a precursor solution of 7 mM HAuCl 4 with a constant deposition charge (0.04 C) at various deposition potentials. The obtained Au nanostructures became rougher and spikier as the deposition potential lowered from 0.45 V to 0.05 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). As prepared Au layers showed different hydrophobicity: The sharper morphology, the greater hydrophobicity. The Au deposit formed at 0.05 V had the sharpest shape and the greatest surface hydrophobicity. The sensitivity of an Au deposit for amperometric CO sensing was enhanced as the Au surface exhibits higher hydrophobicity. In fact, CO selectivity over common electroactive biological interferents (L-ascorbic acid, 4-acetamidophenol, 4-aminobutyric acid and nitrite) was improved eminently once the Au deposit became more hydrophobic. The most hydrophobic Au was also confirmed to sense CO exclusively without responding to nitric oxide, another similar gas signaling molecule, in contrast to a hydrophobic platinum (Pt) counterpart. This study presents a feasible strategy to enhance the sensitivity and selectivity for amperometric CO sensing via the fine control of Au electrode nanostructures.

Objective: The use of oblique lateral interbody fusion at the L5-S1 level (OLIF51) is increasing, but no study has directly compared OLIF51 and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) at the L5-S1 level. We evaluated the usefulness of OLIF51 by comparing clinical and radiologic outcomes with those of TLIF at the same L5-S1 level., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed and compared 74 patients who underwent OLIF51 (OLIF51 group) and 74 who underwent TLIF at the L5-S1 level (TLIF51 group). Clinical outcomes were assessed with the visual analogue scale for back pain and leg pain and the Oswestry Disability Index. Mean disc height (MDH), foraminal height (FH), disc angle (DA), fusion rate, and subsidence rate were measured for radiologic outcomes., Results: The OLIF51 group used significantly higher, wider, and larger-angled cages than the TLIF51 group (p<0.001). The postoperative MDH and FH were significantly greater in the OLIF51 group than in the TLIF51 group (p<0.001). The postoperative DA was significantly larger in the OLIF51 group than in the TLIF51 group by more than 10º (p<0.001). The fusion rate was 81.1% and 87.8% at postoperative 6 months in the OLIF51 and TLIF51 groups, respectively, and the TLIF51 group showed a higher fusion rate (p<0.05). The subsidence rate was 16.2% and 25.3% in the OLIF51 and TLIF51 groups, respectively, and the OLIF51 group showed a lower subsidence rate (p<0.05)., Conclusion: OLIF51 was more effective for the indirect decompression of foraminal stenosis, providing strong mechanical support with a larger cage, and making a greater lordotic angle with a high-angle cage than with TLIF.

Recurrence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) frequently occurs after surgical evacuation. However, the value of follow-up postoperative imaging and measuring volumetric factors to predict recurrence are still controversial. Herein, we aimed to assess the optimal timing for follow-up referential imaging and the critical depressed brain volume for CSDH recurrence. A total of 291 patients with CSDH who underwent burr hole craniotomy between January 2012 and December 2018 were consecutively enrolled in this study. Patients' medical records and radiologic data were evaluated to predict the recurrence and analyzed using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) and binary logistic regression. Of the 291 patients, 29 (10.0%) showed recurrence after surgical evacuation. Based on ROC analysis, comparisons of depressed brain volume pre-operation, 24 h post-operation, and 7 days post-operation showed that the depressed brain volume at 7 days after surgery featured the largest area under the curve (AUC: 0.768, 95% CI, 0.709-0.811). The cut-off value of the depressed brain volume on postoperative day 7 was 51.6 cm 3 ; this value predicted the recurrence of CSDH with a sensitivity and specificity of 79.3% and 67.9%, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, the depressed brain volume (>50 cm 3 ) at 7 days was the sole significant risk factor related to the recurrence of CSDH in this series (OR: 6.765, 95% CI, 2.551-17.942, p < 0.001). The depressed brain volume > 50 cm 3 visualized on CT scans at postoperative 7 day is the critical volume affecting recurrence of CSDHs. This result could be helpful carrying in patients with CSDH to determine the proper postoperative treatment strategy.

During an investigation of fungi of the order Mucorales from freshwater and sediment samples in Korea, we isolated six strains, NNIBRFG6649, NNIBRFG6255, NNIBRFG1498, CNUFC-YJ13, CNUFC-YR7, and NNIBRFG2739. The morphology and phylogeny of these strains were analyzed. Based on the morphological characteristics and molecular data from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, the isolates NNIBRFG6649 and NNIBRFG6255 were identified as Mucor abundans , and M . aligarensis , respectively. The isolates NNIBRFG1498 and CNUFC-YJ13 were identified as M . moelleri , whereas the isolates CNUFC-YR7 and NNIBRFG2739 were identified as M. heterogamus . To the best of our knowledge, M. abundans , M . aligarensis , M . moelleri , and M. heterogamus have not yet been reported in Korea., (© 2019 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group on behalf of the Korean Society of Mycology.)

Margaritispora aquatica is an aquatic fungal species found in leaf litter. Here, we report the 42.5-Mb draft genome sequence of M. aquatica strain NNIBRFG339, which comprises 61 scaffolds and has an overall G+C content of 45.77% and an N 50 value of 1.856 Mb., (Copyright © 2019 Goh et al.)

Aquanectria penicillioides is a common aquatic fungal species. Here, we report the 53.7-Mb draft genome sequence of A. penicillioides strain NNIBRFG19, which has an overall G+C content of 47.93%, comprising 13 scaffolds with an N 50 value of 4.932 Mb.

Hymenoscyphus tetracladius (anamorph, Articulospora tetracladia) is a common aquatic hyphomycetous fungus. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of H. tetracladius strain NNIBRFG329, which comprises 41.8 Mb in 20 scaffolds with an overall G+C content of 46.95% and an N 50 value of 3.973 Mb.

During a biodiversity survey of undiscovered taxa in Korea, two zygomycetous fungal strains were isolated. The first strain, EML-FSDY6-1 was isolated from a soil sample collected at Dokdo Island in the East Sea of Korea in 2013, and the second strain, EML-DG-NH3-1 was isolated from a rat dung sample collected at Chonnam National University garden, Gwangju, Korea in 2014. Based on the morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer, 18S and 28S rDNA, actin and translation elongation factor-1α genes. EML-FSDY6-1 and EML-DG-NH3-1 isolates were confirmed as zygomycete species, Absidia pseudocylindrospora and Absidia glauca, respectively. Neither species has previously been described in Korea.

Using dilution plating method, 47 fungal isolates were obtained from a soil sample collected from Dokdo in the East Sea of Korea in 2013. In this study, two fungal isolates, EML-MFS30-1 and EML-DDSF4, were confirmed as undescribed species, Metarhizium guizhouense and Mortierella oligospora in Korea based on current classification system using multi loci including rDNA internal transcribed spacer, large subunit, small subunit, and β-tubulin (BTUB) genes. Herein, detailed morphological descriptions on characters of the undescribed fungal species as well as their molecular phylogenetic status are provided with comparisons to related species.

A fungal isolate EML-NCP01 was recovered from agricultural soil in Ulleung Island, Korea. Phylogenetic analysis of internal transcribed spacer and β-tubulin genes identified the isolate as the Penicillium species P. raphiae. Morphologically, the EML-NCP01 isolate was identical to the previous description of P. raphiae. The species presented here has not been reported in Korea.

Spanish needles (Bidens bipinnata L.) is an annual herb that belongs to a genus of flowering plants in family Asteraceae native to United States, and tropical regions around world. The plant produces important flavonoid compounds quercitin and hyperoside that function as anti-allergens, anti-inflammatories, anti-microbials, and anti-cancer agents. Between July and October 2011 and 2012, white superficial mycelia were observed initially on leaf and stem portions, but later progressed to the flower head. Surveys showed that the disease was widespread in Gwangju and most areas of South Korea. Abundant, necrotic, dark brown spots showing chasmothecia were frequently observed in October and were abundant on the adaxial surface of leaves. Chasmothecia were blackish brown to yellow without typical appendages. They ranged from 51.2 to 71.1 (mean 66.8) μm in diameter. Conidia were formed singly and the primary conidia were ellipsoid, rounded at the apex, truncated base, and ranged from 25.4 to 33.2 (mean 27.3) μm long × 10.2 to 12.2 (mean 11.3) μm wide. Conidiophores were erect, 60.1 to 101.3 (mean 98.3) μm long × 6.2 to 9.2 (mean 7.3) μm wide. From extracted genomic DNA, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region inclusive of 5.8S and 28S rDNA was amplified with ITS1F (5'-TCCGTAGGTGAACCTGCGG-3') and LR5F (5'-GCTATCCTGAGGGAAAC-3'), and LROR (5'-ACCCGCTGAACTTAAGC-3') and LR5F primer sets, respectively. rDNA ITS (GenBank Accession No. JX512555) and 28S (JX512556) homologies of the fungus (EML-BBPW1) represented 99.6% (532/534) and 100% (661/661) identity values with Podosphaera xanthii (syn. P. fusca) AB040349 and P. xanthii (syn. P. fusca) AB462798, respectively. The rDNA sequence analysis revealed that the causal fungus matched P. xanthii (syn. P. fusca), forming a xanthii/fusca group (3,4). A pathogenicity test was performed on three plants in a greenhouse. The treated leaves were sealed in vinyl pack in humid condition for 2 days. Seven days after inoculation, similar symptoms were observed on the inoculated Spanish needles plant leaves. No symptoms were observed on control plants treated with distilled water. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by re-observing the fungal pathogen on the inoculated leaves. Podosphaera (syn. Sphaerotheca) xanthii (or fusca) has been known as an ubiquitous species with a broad host range. So far, five records regarding P. xanthii (=P. fusca) have been found in plants of genus Bidens. P. xanthii has been reported to occur on B. cernua in Belarus and Switzerland. In addition, the powdery mildew species was reported to occur on B. frondosa and B. tripartita in Korea, Russia, and Switzerland (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by P. xanthii on Spanish needles (B. bipinnata) in Korea. References: (1) U. Braun et al. Schlechtendalia 10:91, 2003. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , 2012. (3) H. B. Lee. J. Microbiol. 51:1075, 2012. (4) S. Takamatsu, et al. Persoonia 24:38, 2010.

Platanus occidentalis L. (sycamore) is an important shade tree distributed throughout the Northern Hemisphere and in South Korea. It has been widely used as an ornamental tree, especially in urban regions and by roadsides. The average rate of roadside planting throughout South Korea covers about 5.7% (up to 38% in Seoul), equivalent to 0.36 million trees. In early July 2012, after a rainy spell in summer, an outbreak of powdery mildew on sycamore was first observed on roadside trees in Gwangju, a southern province of South Korea. A more extensive nationwide survey revealed no powdery mildew in northern or central regions of South Korea. The disease has spread rapidly within Gwangju, even though fungicide applications were carried out after the rainy spell. Major symptoms included white, superficial mycelia, grey to brown lesions on the surface of the leaves due to the presence of a hyperparasite (tentatively identified as Ampelomyces sp.), a slight chlorosis, and severe leaf distortion followed by defoliation. Conidiophores were produced singly, straight, and unbranched, with lengths of 35.2 to 315.2 μm (average 170.4 μm). Conidia were ellipsoid or doliiform, ranging in size from 34.9 to 47.4 μm (average 38.2 μm) long × 16.5 to 26.8 μm (average 23.9 μm) wide. Primary conidia had a truncate base and rounded apex; secondary conidia had both a truncate base and apex. The conidial outer surface had a reticulated wrinkling. Cleistothecia (i.e., sexual spore structures) were not found during the survey, which extended from July to October. These characteristics and the host species match those of Microsphaera platani (syn. Erysiphe platani), which was described on P. occidentalis in Washington State (2). Fungal rDNA was amplified using primers ITS1 and LR5F (4) for one sample (EML-PLA1, GenBank JX485651). BLASTn searches of GenBank revealed high sequence identity to E. platani (99.5% to JQ365943 and 99.3% to JQ365940). Recently, Liang et al. (3) reported the first occurrence of powdery mildew by E. platani on P. orientalis in China based only on its morphology. Thus, in this study, author could only use ITS sequence data from the United States and Europe to characterize the isolate. To date, nine records of powdery mildews of Platanus spp. have been reported worldwide: on P. hispanica from Brazil, Japan, Hungary, and Slovakia; P. orientalis from Israel; P. racemosa from the United States; P. × acerifolia from the United Kingdom and Germany; and Platanus sp. from Argentina and Australia (1). Interestingly, the hyperparasite, Ampelomyces sp., was found with E. platani, suggesting that there may be some level of biocontrol in nature. Pathogenicity was confirmed by gently pressing diseased leaves onto six leaves of healthy sycamore plants in the field in September. The treated leaves were sealed in sterilized vinyl pack to maintain humid condition for 2 days. Similar symptoms were observed on the inoculated leaves 10 days after inoculation. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by re-observing the fungal pathogen. To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by E. platani on sycamore in South Korea. References: (1) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA. http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , 2012. (2) D. A. Glawe. Plant Health Progress, doi:10.1094/PHP-2003-0818-01-HN, 2003. (3) C. Liang et al. Plant Pathol. 57:375, 2008. (4) T. J White et al., pp. 315-322 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. M. A. Innis et al., ed. Academic Press, New York, 1990.

Purpose: According to previous reports about the experimental study of transport disk distraction osteogenesis (TDDO) for the reconstruction of bone defects, TDDO showed great feasibility of successful bone regeneration. However, those studies had some limitations in their design and analysis of the results, either. In this report, we intended to verify the effect of TDDO in the reconstruction of skull defects with a combined result of distraction osteogenesis and bone graft of transported disk (TD)., Methods: Six female dogs were operated on and were given a 35×15-mm bilateral skull defect. In the experimental group, TDDO with internal distractors (7×14-mm TD) was performed. On the other side, in the control group, the bone defects were left to heal naturally. The distraction was performed from the postoperative fifth day at a rate of 1 mm/d. The distraction progressed for 14 days, and then the TD was maintained in the middle of the bone defect area. The 40% of the original bone defect area was left the same as the control side. The TD was expected to be survived as a bone graft during the consolidation period. After 3½ months of a consolidation period, the remained bone defects were measured by three-dimensional computed tomography. The solidity of the new bone was compared with the bone tissue of the normal skull bone., Results: In the study group, the new bone formation was estimated to be 62.3% (SD, 25.1%) of the defect area, and in the control group, it was 44.8% (SD, 27.3%). The difference between the 2 groups was significant (P=0.04). The solidity of the newly generated bone by TDDO was not different from the normal skull (P=0.74)., Conclusions: In this study, the concept of TDDO and bone graft seemed to promote new bone formation. The role of the TD could include bone regeneration from distraction osteogenesis as well as autogenous bone graft, although it needs more investigation. The relationship between the duration of distraction and the positive role of the TD as an autogenous bone graft in TDDO for better clinical application may be investigated.

Gypsophilas commonly cultivated are Gypsophila elegans B. and G. paniculata L. In September of 2009 and 2010, a severe wilt symptom due to crown rot was observed on G. paniculata (cv. Bristol Fairy) in greenhouses in Yeosu, South Korea. The area of cultivation (~8 ha) in Yeosu covers 90% of production in the Jeonnam Province. Disease outbreak was 20 to 30% in affected greenhouses. Early symptoms included brown discoloration surrounding basal stems and slight wilting. Late symptoms included a sunken stem rot next to the roots, root rot, severe wilting, and dying plants. The causal fungus appeared to invade plants through the basal stem, causing a crown rot that prevented the plant from taking up water and nutrients. Crown rot occurred on young and mature plants. Ten fungal isolates were recovered from basal stems and roots of wilted plants. Microconidia were abundantly produced on potato dextrose agar (PDA), V8 juice agar (VA), carnation leaf agar (CLA), and oatmeal agar (OA). Microconidia were single celled, variable, oval-ellipsoid cylindrical, straight to curved, club-to-kidney shaped or spindle shaped on OA, more slender on VA. Macroconidia were not found on any media used. Microconidia on PDA were 5.9 to 15.1 (9.9) × 2.7 to 4.3 (3.5) μm. Germinated conidia (or false conidia) were often formed on CLA. Conidiophores as phialides were singly formed but often branched. Length of conidiophores was up to 31.1 μm on CLA. Small-sized chlamydospores were rarely found. Fusarium isolates (EML-GYP1, 2, and 3) were selected and identified. From extracted genomic DNA, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region including 5.8S rDNA was amplified using ITS1F (5'-CTTGGTCATTTAGAGGAAGT-3') and LR5F (5'-GCTATCCTGAGGGAAAC-3') primers. Sequence analyses by BLAST indicated that the isolates (GenBank HM560019, HM560020, and HM560021) were most similar to F. proliferatum (EF4534150) with sequence identity values of 99.3, 99.4, and 99.1%, respectively. The causal fungus was determined to be F. proliferatum based on morphological data and ITS rDNA sequences. Pathogenicity tests with the three isolates were performed on 10 plants of G. paniculata using the dipping method. Healthy roots and basal stems were soaked in a conidial suspension adjusted to ~1.2 × 10 6 conidia/ml (distilled water) for 15 min. Plants were potted in sterile soil, kept in a humid chamber for 72 h, and moved to a greenhouse. The experiment was carried out in duplicate and repeated two times. Similar symptoms to those observed in the greenhouses were seen 7 days after inoculation. The causal fungus was reisolated from the artificially inoculated basal stems, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Control plants whose basal stems and roots were dipped in sterile water showed no crown rot and wilt symptoms. EML-GYP2 was determined to be the most pathogenic. Ten records of disease caused by three Fusarium species (Fusarium sp., F. oxysporum, and F. udum) have been found on gypsophilas (1), but only F. oxysporum has been reported to cause wilt on G. elgans in Korea (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of crown rot on gypsophila caused by F. proliferatum in Korea as well as the world. References: (1) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , October 27, 2010, (2) W.-G. Kim and H.-M. Koo. Page 381 in: List of Plant Diseases in Korea. The Korean Society of Plant Pathology, 2009.

Ubame oak (Quercus phillyraeoides A. Gray) is native to eastern Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. In 2009 and 2010, a powdery mildew on Q. phillyraeoides growing in clusters and singly was observed in three locations on the campus of Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea. White superficial conidia of the powdery mildew fungus occurred on adaxial and abaxial surfaces. However, the white powdery growth was more abundant on the adaxial surface. Leaf symptoms commonly appeared white from May to October. Along with the typical white powdery mildew, spot and/or necrotic symptoms with irregular violet-to-wine red surfaces were also frequently observed on overwintered leaves. A voucher specimen has been deposited in EML (Environmental Microbiology Laboratory) herbarium collection, Chonnam National University (EML-QUP1). Conidia were commonly formed singly but also occurred in chains. Primary conidia were obovoid to ellipsoid, with a rounded apex and subtruncate base. Secondary conidia were generally obovoid to ellipsoid or sometimes cylindrical but dolioform when mature. The size was 30.1 to 43.2 (average 37.7) × 14.1 to 21.1 (average 18.1) μm with length/width ratio of 1.8 to 2.4 (average 2.1). Conidiophores were erect and up to 102.2 μm long. No chasmothecia were found. From extracted genomic DNA, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region inclusive of 5.8S rDNA was amplified with ITS1F (5'-CTTGGT CATTTAGAGGAAGT-3') and LR5F (5'-GCTATCCTGAGGGAAAC-3') primers (4). Sequence analysis by BLASTN search indicated that EML-QUP1 (GenBank Accession No. HQ328834) was closest to E. quercicola (GenBank Accession No. AB292691) with >99% identity (478 of 480), forming a monophyletic quercicola clade in the resulting phylogenetic analysis. The causal fungus was determined to be Erysiphe quercicola on the basis of morphology and sequence data analysis. Major genera including Cystotheca, Erysiphe, Microsphaera, and Phyllactinia have been reported to cause powdery mildews on Quercus plants. Until now, 22 Erysiphe species including E. abbreviata, E. alphitoides, E. calocladophora, E. gracilis, E. polygoni, and E. quercicola have been reported to cause powdery mildews on Quercus spp. (1). Of these, four Erysiphe species including E. alphitoides, E. gracilis, E. quercicola, and an unidentified Erysiphe sp. have been found on Q. phillyraeoides from Japan (1-3). E. quercicola was reported to occur on five Quercus species: Q. crispula, Q. phillyraeoides, and Q. serrata in Japan, Q. robur in Australia, and Quercus sp. in Australia, Iran, and Thailand (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf powdery mildew caused by E. quercicola on Q. phillyraeoides in Korea. References: (1) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA. Retrieved October 7, 2010, from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , 2010. (2) S. Limkaisang et al. Mycoscience 47:327, 2006. (3) S. Takamatsu et al. Mycol. Res. 111:809, 2007. (4) T. J. White et al. PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.

To identify novel bioinsecticidal agents, a bacterial strain, Serratia sp. EML-SE1, was isolated from a dead larva of the lepidopteran diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) collected from a cabbage field in Korea. In this study, the insecticidal activity of liquid cultures in Luria-Bertani broth (LBB) and nutrient broth (NB) of a bacterial strain, Serratia sp. EML-SE1 against thirty 3rd and 4th instar larvae of the diamondback moth was investigated on a Chinese cabbage leaf housed in a round plastic cage (Ø 10 x 6 cm). 72 h after spraying the cabbage leaf with LBB and NB cultures containing the bacterial strain, the mortalities of the larvae were determined to be 91.7% and 88.3%, respectively. In addition, the insecticidal activity on potted cabbage containing 14 leaves in a growth cage (165 x 83 x 124 cm) was found to be similar to that of the plastic cage experiment. The results of this study provided valuable information on the insecticidal activity of the liquid culture of a Serratia species against the diamondback moth.

Trident maple (Acer buergerianum Miq.) is widely grown in Korea as an ornamental tree as well as for the art of bonsai. During 2008 and 2009, a powdery mildew was observed on trident maple plants at the campus of Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea. Further surveys revealed the disease to be widespread on this species in other areas including Jeonbuk and Chungnam provinces in Korea. White, superficial mycelia were observed on young shoots and leaves early in spring. Both macroconidia and microconidia were produced beginning in May and conidial production continued through the summer into September and October. Production of chasmothecia was observed starting in September and continued into October. Macroconidia were produced in chains that were sinuate in outline. Individual macroconidia were barrel shaped and 23.4 to 30.0 (26.6) × 15.6 to 21.1 (18.1) μm. Foot cells of macroconidial conidiophores were 26.7 to 110.7 (48) × 7.1 to 11.2 (8.8) μm with one to five following cells. Microconidia were broadly ellipsoidal to subglobose and 8.9 to 12.5 (10.5) × 4.3 to 5.8 (5.1) μm. Chasmothecia typically were formed on adaxial leaf surfaces and 193.2 to 238.1 (216.8) μm in diameter. Appendages bore uncinate to circinate apices and were 176.8 to 267.7 (211.5) × 4.3 to 8.0 (6.2) μm. From extracted genomic DNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region inclusive of 5.8S rDNA was amplified with ITS1F (5'-CTTGGTCATTTAGAGGAAGT-3') and LR5F (5'-GCTATCCTGAGGGAAAC-3') primers. The causal fungus was determined to be Sawadaea nankinensis (F.L. Tai) S. Takam. & U. Braun (2) on the basis of morphological data and ITS rDNA sequences. A BLAST search of GenBank with an ITS sequence from this fungus determined that the five sequences exhibiting the highest max score values (1,811 to 2,004) were from S. nankinensis; these sequences produced max ident values from 94% to 99%. In contrast, max score and max ident values from sequences of other Sawadaea spp. were lower, including scores of 1,063 and 98% similarity for S. polyfida var. japonica, 915 and 97% for S. tulasnei, and 913 and 97% for S. bicornis. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on field-grown plants in two replicates. These plants were inoculated with a paintbrush to apply conidia (~5 × 10 6 /ml) collected from powdery-mildew-infected leaves. Inoculated plants developed powdery mildew symptoms within 5 days of inoculation and resembled those observed on naturally infected plants. S. nankinensis (synonym Uncinula nankinensis) was first reported on A. buergerianum from China in 1930 (2). Recently, S. nankinensis (F.L. Tai) S. Takam & U. Braun was reported to occur on A. buergerianum in Japan (3). Until now, three Sawadaea spp. (S. bicornis (Wallr.) Homma, S. negundinis Homma, and S. tulasnei (Fuckel) Homma) have been reported to cause powdery mildew on A. ginnala, but only S. bicornis (= U. circinata Cooke & Peck) has been reported to cause powdery mildew on A. ginnala in Korea (1). However, no Sawadaea sp. previously was reported to cause powdery mildew on A. buergerianum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew on trident maple (A. buergerianum) caused by S. nankinensis in Korea. References: (1) H. D. Shin. Erysiphaceae of Korea. National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2000. (2) F. L. Tai. Page 1517 in: Sylloge Fungorum Sinicorum. Science Press, Academia Sinica, Peking, 1979. (3) S. Takamatsu et al. Mycoscience 49:161, 2008.

Perilla or kkaennip (Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton), an annual herb of the mint family, Lamiaceae, is used in salads and kimchi and for wrapping sliced raw fish. In September 2007, a disease occurred on greenhouse-produced perilla (cv. Manchu) in Gwangyang and Jeonnam provinces, Korea. Symptoms included leaf blight and irregularly shaped stem lesions approximately 1 to 3 cm long. Plants eventually died. In some greenhouses, 10 to 30%, and occasionally as much as 70%, of the plants were affected. Isolations on potato dextrose agar yielded a fungus with single conidiophores (439 to 656 [average 524] μm long × 6.2 to 11.6 [average 9.2] μm wide) with three to eight septa. Conidia were fusiform, obclavate to subcylindrical, straight or curved, and 30.4 to 180.1 (average 98.2) μm long × 6.7 to 18.1 (average 10.5) μm wide with 5 to 16 (commonly 13) distosepta. On the basis of morphological data and ITS rDNA sequences, the fungus was identified as Corynespora cassiicola (Berk. & Curt.) Wei. (1,2). Sequences of one isolate, EML-COR1, were more than 99% identical to sequences of C. cassiicola ATCC64204 (GenBank Accession No. AY238606) and C. cassiicola (GenBank Accession No. EF490450). In pathogenicity tests, the stems and leaves of two 2-month-old wounded and nonwounded potted plants (cv. Manchu) were sprayed until runoff with a conidial suspension of 5 × 10 4 conidia per ml. The plants were maintained for 48 h in a humid chamber and then moved to a greenhouse. Symptoms similar to those observed in the commercial greenhouse developed on wounded stems within 10 days. On nonwounded plants, symptoms developed 3 to 4 weeks after inoculation. C. cassiicola was reisolated from these lesions. Control plants (sprayed with distilled water) remained symptomless. The experiment was repeated with similar results. Although C. cassiicola causes blight of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), sesame (Sesamum indicum L.), and other crops, to our knowledge, this is the first report of C. cassiicola on perilla. References: (1) M. B. Ellis. Page 372 in: Dematiaceous Hyphomycetes. 1971. (2) J. L. D. Silva et al. Plant Pathol. 55:580, 2006.

In this report, a reliable peptide nucleic acid (PNA) microarray-based method for accurately detecting single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in human genes is described. The technique relies on the mismatched cleavage activity of a single-strand specific (SSS) nuclease. PCR amplification was performed to prepare gene fragments containing the mutation sites. The amplified fragments were then employed as templates for the SSS nuclease reaction using chimeric probes, modified with biotin at the 5' end and extended with a unique anchoring zip-code complement sequence at the 3' end. The SSS nuclease promotes cleavage of heteroduplex DNAs at base mismatched positions to produce crumbled chimeric probes in the presence of imperfectly matching template strands. In contrast, the probes remain intact when they interact with perfectly matched template strands. Only the non-fragmented probes generate fluorescence signals after treatment with streptavidin-Cy3 on the PNA zip-code array. This methodology was used to successfully genotype selected Korean-specific BRCA mutation sites with wild type and mutant samples. The investigation has led to the development of a reliable SSS nuclease-based system for the diagnosis of human genetic mutations or SNPs.

Here we describe a label-free detection strategy for point mutation in breast cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 utilizing ligation chain reaction (LCR) and zip-code array. We amplified the genomic regions containing mutation sites by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to prepare the template for LCR. Then we ligated a primary probe extended by zip-code complementary at the 5' end with a 3'-thiol modified secondary probe. The resulting ligated product was labeled with gold nanoparticles and allowed to hybridize with corresponding zip-code sequences on the microarray. Finally, we applied silver enhancement to amplify the signals. Using this strategy, we successfully genotyped BRCA1 mutation, which was detected by naked eye.

A simple, highly efficient immobilization method to fabricate DNA microarrays, that utilizes gold nanoparticles as the mediator, has been developed. The fabrication method begins with electrostatic attachment of amine-modified DNA to gold nanoparticles. The resulting gold-DNA complexes are immobilized on conventional amine or aldehyde functionalized glass slides. By employing gold nanoparticles as the immobilization mediator, implementation of this procedure yields highly homogeneous microarrays that have higher binding capacities than those produced by conventional methods. This outcome is due to the increased three-dimensional immobilization surface provided by the gold nanoparticles as well as the intrinsic effects of gold on emission properties. This novel immobilization strategy gives microarrays that produce more intense hybridization signals for the complementary DNA. Furthermore, the silver enhancement technique, made possible only in the case of immobilized gold nanoparticles on the microarrays, enables simple monitoring of the integrity of the immobilized DNA probe.

We describe here ligation-based strategy to detect mutations in BRCA1 utilizing zip-code microarray technology. In our first approach, PCR was performed to amplify the genomic regions containing the mutation sites. The PCR products were then used as templates in a subsequent ligation reaction using two ligation primers that flanked the mutation site. The primary allele-specific primer is designed to contain a base of mutation site at its 3' end with 5' complementarity to the respective zip-code sequence while the secondary common primer is modified by biotin at its 3' end. Depending on the genotype of samples at the mutation site, the nick between the two ligation primers can be sealed in the presence of DNA ligase. The ligation products were then hybridized on the zip-code microarray followed by staining with streptavidine-cy3 to generate a fluorescent signal. Using this strategy we successfully genotyped selected Korean-specific mutation sites in exon 11 of BRCA1 with a wild type and two heterozygote mutant samples. Furthermore, we also demonstrated that ligase chain reaction using unamplified genomic DNA as direct templates is enough to generate sufficient signals for correct genotypings in a multiplexed manner, verifying first that PCR is not essential for this microarray-based strategy.

Background: The authors propose an expanded technique of the temporoparietal facial flap of sufficient size to provide complete coverage in a single-stage procedure for the projected three-dimensional autogenous cartilage framework, including the tragus or lobule., Methods: A temporoparietal fascial flap measuring 9 x 9 cm was prepared and wrapped around an expander. The expander was gradually infused with saline solution. Approximately 6 months after the first operation, a projected three-dimensional auricular framework was covered by the expanded temporoparietal fascial flap. Nine patients underwent total ear reconstruction using the expanded temporoparietal fascial flap technique. Of these, two cases were anotia, five were failed reconstructed microtia, and two were posttraumatic absence of ear., Results: A final aesthetic assessment of the results was analyzed subjectively. Three cases showed excellent results, four cases showed good results, one case showed a fair result, and one case showed a poor result., Conclusions: This expansion technique is indicated in reconstruction of anotia patients who require longer and wider fascial flaps and in auricular reconstruction patients undergoing microvascular free fascial flap transfer for lessening postoperative vascular obstruction, when microvascular anastomosis is performed on the retroauricular region. The technique is also indicated in salvage auricular reconstruction for patients with an unusual vascular pattern on the temporoparietal fascial flap, or for patients showing a vascular insufficiency of the flap's distal portion after flap elevation.