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Edible bird's nest (EBN) is a nutritious food with many beneficial effects, including protecting cells against oxidation and infection due to wounds, bacteria, or viruses. EBN has shown anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties in skin cells. Here, we investigated whether EBN has protective effects against photoaging, inflammation, and immunosenescence in hairless mice treated with UVB irradiation. The skin thickness was lower in mice on an EBN diet than in mice treated with UVB alone. The level of hydration was significantly increased, while the index of transepidermal water loss decreased, in groups on the EBN diet. EBN also reduced erythema index in UVB-irradiated mice. At the molecular level, skin elasticity and anti-aging are associated with high expression of elastin, collagen, and filaggrin and low expression of the membrane metalloproteinases, MMP-1 and MMP-2. Inflammatory markers such as interleukins, IL-1β and IL-6, and TNF- decreased significantly in the EBN groups. Caspase-3, an important factor in the apoptotic pathway and in congenital and adaptive immune responses, decreased in the EBN groups. Moreover, EBN diminished the overexpression of immunoglobulin E and elevated mast cell counts in UVB-irradiated mice. Overall, these findings suggest that EBN protects skin against aging and alleviates inflammation in UVB-irradiated hairless mice.

Purpose: Histologic features of diffuse-type gastric cancer indicate that the tumor microenvironment (TME) may substantially impact tumor invasiveness. However, cellular components and molecular features associated with cancer invasiveness in the TME of diffuse-type gastric cancers are poorly understood. Experimental Design: We performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) using tissue samples from superficial and deep invasive layers of cancerous and paired normal tissues freshly harvested from five patients with diffuse-type gastric cancer. The scRNA-seq results were validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and duplex in situ hybridization (ISH) in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues. Results: Seven major cell types were identified. Fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and myeloid cells were categorized as being enriched in the deep layers. Cell type–specific clustering further revealed that the superficial-to-deep layer transition is associated with enrichment in inflammatory endothelial cells and fibroblasts with upregulated CCL2 transcripts. IHC and duplex ISH revealed the distribution of the major cell types and CCL2-expressing endothelial cells and fibroblasts, indicating tumor invasion. Elevation of CCL2 levels along the superficial-to-deep layer axis revealed the immunosuppressive immune cell subtypes that may contribute to tumor cell aggressiveness in the deep invasive layers of diffuse-type gastric cancer. The analyses of public datasets revealed the high-level coexpression of stromal cell–specific genes and that CCL2 correlated with poor survival outcomes in patients with gastric cancer. Conclusions: This study reveals the spatial reprogramming of the TME that may underlie invasive tumor potential in diffuse-type gastric cancer. This TME profiling across tumor layers suggests new targets, such as CCL2, that can modify the TME to inhibit tumor progression in diffuse-type gastric cancer. See related commentary by Huang and Brekken, p. 6284

Background and objective This study was carried out to develop an effective technique for raising seedlings of Veronica pyrethrina Nakai, a native plant species in the Korean Peninsula, in plug trays. Methods To investigate the optimum plug cell size and sowing media, we sowed seed in to plug trays with 34, 21, and 10 mL cells and filled with a commercial horticultural substrate and mixtures of peatmoss and perlite in 1:1, 3:1, and 4:1 ratios. Fertilization levels were set at 0, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg • L−1. Results Plug cell size did not significantly influence the seedling growth of V. pyrethrina. By substrate type, the growth rate was highest in the horticultural substrate, followed by 4:1, 3:1, and 1:1. Growth by fertilization level was higher in all fertilized treatment groups than in the control group, and there was no difference among 500, 1000, and 2000 mg • L−1. Conclusion The results of this study proved that it is most suitable for raising seedlings of V. pyrethrina to sow the seeds in a 10 mL cell plug tray filled with horticultural substrates, and apply fertilizers with less than 500 mg • L−1 concentration.

Germ cell tumors (GCTs) originate during the histogenesis of primordial germ cells to mature gametes. Previous studies identified five histogenic mechanisms in ovarian mature teratomas (type I: failure of meiosis I; type II: failure of meiosis II; type III: duplication of the genome of a mature gamete; type IV: no meiosis; and type V: fusion of two different ova), but those of other GCTs remain elusive. In this study, we analyzed 84 GCTs of various pathologic types to identify the histogenesis using single-nucleotide polymorphism array by analyzing copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) and copy number alterations (CNAs). We detected types I and II in ovarian teratomas, type III in ovarian teratomas and yolk sac tumors (YSTs), and type IV in all GCT types. The GCTs with multiple-type histogenesis (I-IV) (ovarian mature/immature teratomas and YST) show meiotic CN-LOH with scant CNAs. Type IV-only GCTs are either with mitotic CN-LOH and abundant CNAs (seminoma, dysgerminoma, testicular mixed GCTs) or with scant CNAs and no CN-LOH (pediatric testicular and mediastinal teratomas). The development sequences of CN-LOH and CNA are different between the multiple type (I-IV) GCTs and type IV-only GCTs. We analyzed two different histologic areas in eight GCTs (one mature teratoma with a mucin-secreting adenoma, two immature teratomas, and five mixed GCTs). We found that GCTs (mature teratoma, immature teratoma, and mixed GCT) showed different genomic alterations between histologic areas, suggesting that genomic differences within a GCT could accompany histologic differentiation. Of note, we found evidence for collision tumors in a mixed GCT. Our data indicate that GCTs may have various histogenesis and intratumoral genomic differences, which might provide important information for the identification of GCTs, especially for those with different histologic areas. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Allium L. is a perennial plant in the Amaryllidaceae family and includes 1,000 species. There are 24 indigenous Allium species in Korea, and they have a high value as genetic resources. However, there is a lack of research on indigenous Allium species and little research on recently classified or unknown Allium species, such as A. pseudojaponicum, A. dumebuchum, and A. ulleungense. Therefore, this study determined the effects of environmental control (temperature and light) on germination responses of four indigenous Allium seeds (A. longistylum, A. taquetii, A. pseudojaponicum, and A. thunbergii). Germination responses were evaluated by germination percentage (GP), days to 50% of germination of final germination rates (T50), mean germination time (MGT), germination uniformity (GU), and germination speed (GS). GP of A. longistylum and A. pseudojaponicum was more than 50% at 5°C, but A. taquetii and A. thunbergii did not germinate at 5°C. A. pseudojaponicum inhabits beaches in the southern region, and but A. longistylum inhabits near rivers and streams. However, A. taquetii and A. thunbergii mainly inhabit mountainous areas. Therefore, this difference is estimated to be in accordance with the environmental conditions of their habitat. At 5°C, the GP of A. longistylum was improved in dark conditions (90.0%) than in light conditions (68.3%); T50 and MGT were also shortened. The GP of A. taquetti increased at 15°C in the dark than light conditions, and T50 and MGT were shortened at 15°C and 20°C. Also, the GP and GU increased. At 5°C, the GP of A. pseudojaponicum was higher in the dark (83.3%) than in light conditions (70.0%); T50 and MGT were shortened at 15°C, and GS increased in the dark. At 15°C and 20°C of A. thunbergii, T50 and MGT were shortened, and GP increased in the dark. Therefore, in the relatively low-temperature group, dark conditions improved some germination responses than the light condition. Most of the four Allium seeds used in the experiment showed more than 90% GP at 15°C - 25°C, but other germination responses showed differences according to temperature and light. The T50, MGT, and GS of A. longistylum and A. thunbergii were the most improved at 20°C and 25°C, while A. taquetii and A. pseudojaponicum had the shortest T50 and MGT at 25°C, and the GS was the fastest. As a result, regardless of light, the proper temperature was 20°C – 25°C for A. longistylum, 25°C for A. taquetii, 25°C for A. pseudojaponicum, and 25°C in darkness and 20°C – 25°C in light for A. thunbergii.

In this study, the medium requirements to increase the production of xylitol by using Candida tropicalis (CT) have been investigated. The technique of single addition or omission of medium components was applied to determine the nutritional requirements. The addition of amino acids such as Asp, Glu, Gln, Asn, Thr, and Gly had no significant effect on CT growth. However, in the absence of other metal ions, there was a higher concentration of cell growth and xylitol production when only Zn(2+) was present in the medium. The analysis of various vitamins unveiled that biotin and thiamine were the only vitamins required for the growth of CT. Surprisingly, when only biotin was present in the medium as a vitamin, there was less growth of CT than when the medium was complete, but the amount of xylitol released was significantly higher. Overall, this study will increase the xylitol production using the single omission or addtion technique.

Phenological shifts associated with climate and environmental change are evident in temperate forests. Further dense and comprehensive observations are necessary to understand the species-specific and regional variation in the responses of plant phenology to climate change. This study first introduces the national-scale phenology network (NPN) over South Korea. By having newly established phenology datasets for the period 2009–2018, we analyze spatial and temporal variations of phenology of 21 deciduous species in spring and autumn as well as 4 evergreen species in spring. For deciduous species, the phenological responses are examined using the dates of budburst, leaf unfolding, leaf coloring, and leaf fall, whereas the times of pollen start and pollen peak are adopted to investigate the responses of evergreen species. The average dates of budburst and leaf unfolding are changed by -1.1 and − 1.3 day/year, respectively, in agreement with the observed trends in temperature. The pollen activity (start and peak) of evergreen species is significantly advanced by 1.4 day/year throughout Korea, suggesting apparent phenological response of evergreen species to the warming. Especially, the shrub had up to 45 % larger temperature sensitivity than the subtree or tree in spring. By contrast, changes in the autumn phenology of deciduous species are not evident because of the large interannual variability in the dates of leaf coloring and leaf fall. Then, the large interannual variation in autumn phenology could constrain the interannual variability in the length of the growing season of temperate forest. We further expect on-going efforts on national-scale phenology monitoring will have an important contribution to understanding vegetation growing season changes related to warming.

Staphylococcus aureus have evolved into diverse lineages, known as clonal complexes (“CC”), which exhibit differences in the coding sequences of core virulence factors. Whether these alterations impact functionality is poorly understood. Here, we studied the highly polymorphic pore-forming toxin LukAB. We discovered that the LukAB toxin variants produced by S. aureus CC30 and CC45 kill human phagocytes regardless of whether CD11b, the previously established LukAB receptor, is present, and instead target the human hydrogen voltage-gated channel 1 (HVCN1). Biochemical studies identified the domain within human HVCN1 that drives LukAB species specificity, enabling the generation of humanized HVCN1 mice with enhanced susceptibility to CC30 LukAB and to bloodstream infection caused by CC30 S. aureus strains. Altogether, this work advances our understanding of an important S. aureus toxin and underscores the importance of considering genetic variation to characterizing virulence factors and understand the tug of war between pathogens and the host.

To crossbreed wild Allium species with imported Allium and obtain new varieties, it is necessary to understand the flowering physiology of Allium species Native to Korea. In this study, we examined the flowering response of four Allium species to photoperiod adjustments. We started the experiment on June 28 using plants with four leaves and one inflorescence. To determine the photoperiodic response, the plants were subjected to long-day (16 h, LD), short-day (9 h, SD), or open field conditions. LD and SD conditions were conducted in a controlled environment with a Phyto-Garden System maintained at 25°C, 70% humidity, and 296 ± 13 μmol･m-2 ･s-1 light intensity. Day extension (DE) treatment was conducted with additional time with 5 μmol･m-2 ･s-1 fluorescent light intensity. The growth parameters (plant height, plant width, leaf length, leaf width, and number of leaves) and flowering characteristics (number of inflorescence and number of days to flowering) were assessed. Under SD condition, the plant height, plant width, leaf length, and leaf width of A. taquetii were higher than those under LD and open field conditions. Among the four Allium species, A. taquetii was the most grown under SD condition after bolting. Under SD condition, the first flower of A. longistylum, A. thunbergii var. teretifolium, A. linearifolium, and A. taquetii bloomed after 51.8 days, 46.5 days, 43.7 days, and 52 days, respectively. Under LD condition, not all species had complete flowering at the end of the experiment. Under open field conditions, the flowers of four A. species bloomed after 97.2 days on average. These results indicate that the four Allium species have an obligate flowering response to photoperiod.

Little is known about genomic alterations of gestational choriocarcinoma (GC), unique cancer that originates in pregnant tissues, and the progression mechanisms from the nonmalignant complete hydatidiform mole (CHM) to GC. Whole-exome sequencing (20 GCs) and/or single-nucleotide polymorphism microarray (29 GCs) were performed. We analyzed copy-neutral loss-of-heterozygosity (CN-LOH) in 29 GCs that exhibited androgenetic CN-LOHs (20 monospermic, 8 dispermic) and no CN-LOH (one with NLRP7 mutation). Most GCs (25/29) harboring recurrent copy number alterations (CNAs) and gains on 1q21.1-q44 were significantly associated with poor prognosis. We detected five driver mutations in the GCs, most of which were chromatin remodeling gene (ARID1A, SMARCD1, and EP300) mutations but not in common cancer genes such as TP53 and KRAS. One patient’s serial CHM/invasive mole/GC showed consistent CN-LOHs, but only the GC harbored CNAs, indicating that CN-LOH is an early pivotal event in HM-IM-GC development, and CNAs may be a late event that promotes CHM progression to GC. Our data indicate that GCs have unique profiles of CN-LOHs, mutations and CNAs that together differentiate GCs from non-GCs. Practically, CN-LOH and CNA profiles are useful for the molecular diagnosis of GC and the selection of GC patients with poor prognosis for more intensive treatments, respectively., Cancer: Mapping markers of maternal malignancy Genomic analysis reveals chromosomal alterations that drive disease progression in a poorly understood class of tumors that form in placental tissue. Gestational choriocarcinoma (GC) arises during pregnancy and can quickly develop into lethal metastatic disease if not treated promptly. To identify the origins of such malignancies, researchers led by Sug Hyung Lee and Yeun-Jun Chung at The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, profiled genetic aberrations in 29 GC specimens. The researchers did not observe any consistent link between these malignancies and a particular set of ‘driver mutations’ underlying tumor progression as has been seen in other solid tumors. However, these GC samples exhibited striking levels of rearrangement between chromosomes. The researchers propose that the gain or loss of genes resulting from these chromosomal abnormalities may be an important contributor to rapidly progressing forms of this disease.

The growth and flowering characteristics of four Korean Veronica species (V. dahurica, V. kiusiana var. diamantiaca, V. pusanensis, V. pyrethrina) were evaluated under various shading levels. Among the study species, V. kiusiana var. diamantiaca has been designated as both an endemic and a rare species (critically endangered) in Korea. V. pusanensis has been designated as both a rare species (data deficient) and an endemic species, as they exist only in Busan, Korea. This study was conducted from March 30 to August 17, 2018 in an experimental plot at the Korea National Arboretum. The study species were cultivated under 0%, 40%, 60%, and 90% shading levels. The fresh shoot weight, number of leaves, and number of branches of V. dahurica grown under 0% – 60% shading levels was significantly higher than when grown under the 90% shading level. The stem caliper of V. pyrethrina grown under 0% – 60% shading levels was significantly higher than under the 90% shading level. V. dahurica and V. pyrethrina grown under 0%, 40%, and 60% shading levels were flowered. Also, time to flowering of V. dahurica and V. pyrethrina grown under 0%, 40%, and 60% shading levels were shorter than when grown under the 90% shading level. The dry weight of the shoots and the visual quality of the kiusiana var. diamantiaca grown under 0% – 40% shading levels were significantly higher than under the 60% – 90% shading levels. The visual quality of V. pusanensis grown under 0%, 40%, 60%, and 90% shading levels were 4.0, 3.0, 2.2, and 1.0, respectively. These results indicate that the four studied Veronica species have different sensitivities to light intensity.

The prickly pear cactus (Opuntia), native to Mexico, has grown in popularity and is locally grown and adapted on Jeju Island. The fruits of this cactus species are in particular widely employed as raw materials, which are then processed into various food and medicinal items, including chocolates and vitamins, for purposes of human consumption. Because this crop has been dubbed one of Jeju’s iconic agricultural crops, research studies elucidating the prickly pear cactus’ medicinal properties, including antioxidant activity, of this particular plant and related cultivated species have demonstrated high value to the scientific community. Currently, consumers do not purchase products f or c onsumption a lone, but in a ddition f or t heir added health benef its. The present study in particular honed in on two species of prickly pear cactus that are cultivated on Jeju Island which include: ‘Baeknyeoncho’ (Opuntia ficus-indica) and ‘Cheonnyeoncho’ (Opuntia humifusa). From these species, s pecif ci p lant p arts i ncluding t he f lower, mature and y oung stems, roots, a nd f ruit w ere subjected to further antioxidant analysis, which included the determination of polyphenol, flavonoid, DPPH radical, ABTS radical, and anthocyanin levels. These particular antioxidants were determined during two seasons, over the course of the summer and winter. Results revealed that the antioxidant activity for both species was more active during the summer season. Antioxidant levels occurred at the highest rates within t he flowers o f the c actus plants. However, of significant note was that the cactus stem, in both mature and young plants, possessed higher antioxidant activity compared to those of the fruit that is currently employed for commercial purposes.

There is an increasing trend of producing seedlings of Panax ginseng in amended root media in raised beds. Precise control of the fertility of root media is essential for raising healthy seedlings, especially when inert media with a low buffering capacity are used. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of fertility (as measured by EC) of the nutrient solution used for seedling production. One thousand eight hundred seeds were sown for five treatments and a control (300 seeds per treatment, 3 × 3 cm spacing) using root medium [composed of peat moss + perlite (7:3, v/v)] on raised beds with measurements, 120 × 60 × 25 cm (L × W × H) on Mar 9, 2018. Five nutrient solutions with different strengths (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0, 1.2 dS m−1 EC) were prepared with ground water (0.25 dS m−1) and a fertilizer stock solution (2 mM NH4+-N, 12 mM NO3−-N, 1 mM H2PO4−, 8 mM K+, 2 mM Ca2+, 1 mM Mg2+, 1 mM SO42−). Fertigation of the beds started on May 21 using each of six nutrient solutions and fertigation frequencies were controlled using an EC5 soil moisture sensor. The stock solutions were automatically supplied for 30 min when the volumetric water content decreased to 36%. Plant growth measurement and soil analyses were carried out twice: first at 144 days and subsequently at 197 days (from the day of seeds sown). For the first growth measurement, elevated EC in the fertilizer solution resulted in enhanced growth, but statistical differences among treatment solutions were not significant except for the case of ground water. In the second measurement, the seedling growth in terms of dry weight of above- and below-ground plant parts increased significantly in plants treated with the 1.0 dS m−1 EC solution and decreased in plants treated with the (1.2 dS m−1 EC) solution. In both the first and second measurements, the ground tissue nutrient content (T-N, P, K and Ca) was significantly different among treatments. The EC of root media in the case of 1.0 dS m−1 treatment, where the seedling growth was the highest among treatments, was 0.54 dS m−1 at the first measurement and 0.82 dS m−1 at the second measurement. In summary, a root medium with a mixture of peat moss + perlite (7:3, v/v), a leaching percentage of 20–30%, and a nutrient solution with a concentration of 1.0 dS m−1 EC is suitable for the healthy growth of ginseng seedlings.

Photosynthetic bacteria, Rhodobacter spharoides, can grow using carbon dioxide as a carbon source and produce physiologically active compounds. This study was carried out to investigate the impact of R. sphaeroides extract on the growth and quality of lettuce(Lactuca sativa L.) in the LED-plant factory. The concentrations of R. sphaeroides extracts(0, 4, 8 and 12 mg/L) were supplemented in medium on one day and 14 days after transplanting, respectively. The growth of lettuce as affected by extract amount was evaluated at 14, 28 and 35 days after transplanting and the contents of minerals and chlorogenic acid were analyzed at 35 days after transplanting. As a result, higher growth was obtained in the treatment with R. sphaeroides extract than the control. The extract of R. sphaeroides showed the best growth at 4 mg/L concentration(leaf width- 120%, leaf length- 109%, number of leaves- 113%, total leaf area- 144%, fresh weight- top: 153%, root: 142%, dry weight- top: 137%, root: 120%) and the highest effect at the early stage of growth on 14 days after transplanting(leaf width- 115%, leaf length- 123%, number of leaves- 124%, total leaf area- 158%, fresh weight- top: 139%, root: 120%, dry weight- top: 130%, root: 139%). In addition, the extract of 4 mg/L concentration improved the content of minerals and chlorogenic acid contained in lettuce. Therefore, R. sphaeroides extract suggested the possibility of producing high-value crops through promotion of growth and quality improvement of lettuce.

The ornamental performance of 20 Veronica species was evaluated. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the division of plant resources, Korea National Arboretum, for two years using 20 Veronica species. Veronica species have a variety of characteristics, with different growth and flowering patterns. Twenty Veronica species were classified into four groups based on plant form and height. V. armena and V. repens were classified as running (< 10 cm), 4 species, including V. gentianoides ‘Little Blues’, were classified as ascending-short (10 cm - 29 cm), 7 species, including V. gentianoides ‘Blue Streak’, were classified as ascending-middle (30 cm - 60 cm), and 7 species, including V. incana, were classified as ascending-long (60 cm

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, motile, light-yellow, and rod-shaped bacterium, designated as NY-02T, was isolated from the sludge of a wastewater treatment plant in Hanam City, Republic of Korea. The comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that the strain formed a distinct lineage within the genus Simplicispira and was most closely related to S. suum SC1-8T (99.0%), S. limi EMB325T (98.3%), S. psychrophila LMG 5408T (98.2%), and S. piscis RSG39T (97.4%). Both average nucleotide identity (ANI) and DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) values between strain NY-02T, and its closes type strains [S. suum SC1-8T, S. limi EMB325T, S. psychrophila LMG 5408T, and S. piscis RSG39T] were lower than the cut-off (≥ 95–96% for ANI and ≥ 70% for DDH) to define a bacterial species. The genome comprises of 3,709,074 bp with a G + C content of 64.2 mol%. Ubiquinone 8 (Q-8) was the predominant quinone. The major fatty acids were C16:0 and summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c), and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, and phosphatidylethanolamine. The results of the physiological, biochemical, and taxonomic analyses in addition to low ANI and DNA-DNA relatedness values (82.2% and

The ubiquitous presence of microplastics (MPs) across all oceans has emerged as a significant marine hazard as worldwide plastic production continues to grow. Now and during the next 20-30 years will be the time to confront the implications of the plastic industry's rise, which has resulted in the large-scale global production of millions of plastic-based items, varying from a single pen to automobiles. Inappropriate management, lack of awareness of the detrimental effects, reckless universal use, and the indiscriminate disposal of plastic based synthetic materials, has turned Earth into a "plastic planet”. It is critical to have a throughout understanding of MPs' potential from sink to source as well as the processes that govern their distribution and uptake and exchange in ecosystems, to properly comprehend their potential consequences and ecological harm. The goal of the present study was to identify the scenarios of microplastics structure, functions and subsequent impact to the marine organisms. Diversified origins of MPs in the oceans and their negative effects on marine animals have been discussed critically in this review. Because of their small size, these plastic particles are easily ingested by a wide range of marine life (e.g., fish, Mollusca, Arthropoda, Annelida, Echinodermata, Nematoda, phytoplankton, zooplankton, algae, birds, Mammalia, marine reptiles, and coral), putting their health at risk. The ability of MPs to absorb a variety of dangerous hydrophobic chemicals from the environment directly transfers these toxins into the food chain. As a result, many laws and rules have been created to address the major issue of MP pollution in the marine ecosystem and it must be improved and implemented worldwide. To avert future dangers, it is critical to stop producing it and replace it with environmentally suitable alternatives.

Background Euphorbia jolkinii Boiss. is a perennial species native to Jeju Island and the southern coastal area of Korea. Particularly on Jeju Island, the yellow flowers of E. jolkinii Boiss. have a high ornamental value because of their contrast with basalt. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different temperatures (5, 15, 20, and 25 °C) and gibberellic acid (GA3) concentrations (0, 10, 100, or 1000 mg/L) on seed dormancy and germination of E. jolkinii. In addition, we classified the seed dormancy type and compared types with those of other species in the same genus. Results The number of seeds with viable embryos and endosperms was approximately 66%. The final germination percentages at 5, 15, 20, and 25 °C were 51.7%, 83.5%, 2.6%, and 0.0%, respectively. In GA3 concentration experiments, the final germination percentages of 0, 10, 100, and 1000 mg/L were 83.5%, 91.7%, 79.1%, and 83.4%, respectively, at 15 °C conditions, and 0.0%, 6.9%, 13.2%, and 27.3%, respectively, at 25 °C. Conclusions Germination improved at temperatures of 15 °C or lower. Furthermore, GA3 treatment effectively reduced germination times. Thus, the seeds of E. jolkinni were classified as having non-deep physiological dormancy.

High concentration of particulate matter (PM) threatens public health and the environment. Increasing traffic in the city is one of the main factors for increased PM in the air. Urban green spaces play an important role in reducing PM. In this study, the leaf surface and in-wax PM (sPM and wPM) accumulation were compared for 11 plant species widely used for landscaping in South Korea. In addition, biochemical characteristics of leaves (ascorbic acid chlorophyll content, leaf pH, and relative water content) were analyzed to determine air pollution tolerance. Plant species suitable for air quality improvement were selected based on their air pollution tolerance index (APTI) and anticipated performance index (API). Results showed a significant difference according to the accumulation of sPM and wPM and the plant species. PM accumulation and APTI showed a positive correlation. Pinus strobus showed the highest PM accumulation and APTI values, while Cercis chinensis showed the lowest. In 11 plants, API was divided into five groups. Pinus densiflora was classified as the best group, while Cornus officinalis and Ligustrum obtusifolium were classified as not recommended.

SummaryEarly blastomeres of mouse preimplantation embryos exhibit bi-potential cell fate, capable of generating both embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages in blastocysts. Here, we identified three major 2 cell (2C) specific endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) as the molecular hallmark of the bi-potential plasticity. Using the LTRs of all three 2C-ERVs, we identified Klf5 as their major upstream regulator. Klf5 is essential for bi-potential cell fate: a single Klf5-overexpressing ESC generated terminally differentiated embryonic and extra-embryonic lineages in chimeric embryos, and Klf5 directly induces both ICM and TE specification genes. Intriguingly, Klf5 and Klf4 act redundantly during ICM specification, whereas Klf5 deficiency alone impairs TE specification. Klf5 is regulated by multiple 2C-specific transcription factors, particularly Dux, and the Dux/Klf5 axis is evolutionarily conserved. Altogether, the 2C-specific transcription program converges on Klf5 to establish bi-potential cell fate, enabling a cell state with dual activation of ICM and TE genes.

The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of calcium chloride (CaCl2) used as a de-icing agent on growth and physiological responses of three ground cover plants, Hosta longipes, Iris ensata, and Iris pseudoacorus. CaCl2 concentration was set to be 0 mM (control), 9 mM (0.1%), 18 mM (0.2%), and 54 mM (0.6%). After treatment with CaCl2 for 3 months, plant heights, fresh weights of shoots and roots, photosynthetic rates, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll content (SPAD), and leaf water potential were measured. After Hosta longipes was treated with CaCl2 for 60 days, physiological damage began to occur in all treatment groups except for the control group. Those treated with 54 mM CaCl2 completely withered. At 90 days after treatment (DAT), there were significant differences for all measured parameters for Hosta longipes compared to the control (p &lt, 0.001). The higher the treatment concentration, the lower the photosynthetic rate, the SPAD, and the leaf water potential. There was no significant difference in plant height in Iris ensata after 60 DAT (p &gt, 0.05), but in other physiological responses, there was a significant difference by concentration (p &lt, 0.001). Iris ensata had a visually healthier state at 90 DAT, showing the smallest reduction in photosynthetic rate at 60 DAT and 90 DAT. Its SPAD value was increased more at 90 DAT than at 60 DAT, indicating its higher resistance to CaCl2. Iris pseudoacorus showed similar results as Iris ensata. Over time, the 54 mM treatment resulted in significant damage. Among these three plants, Iris ensata showed the highest tolerance to CaCl2. Therefore, they are considered to be highly beneficial ground cover plants for green infrastructure in urban areas with high CaCl2 concentrations.

In addition to somatic mutations, germline genetic predisposition to hematologic malignancies is currently emerging as an area attracting high research interest. In this study, we investigated genetic alterations in Korean acute lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma (ALL) patients using targeted gene panel sequencing. To this end, a gene panel consisting of 81 genes that are known to be associated with 23 predisposition syndromes was investigated. In addition to sequence variants, gene-level copy number variations (CNVs) were investigated as well. We identified 197 somatic sequence variants and 223 somatic CNVs. The IKZF1 alteration was found to have an adverse effect on overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) in childhood ALL. We found recurrent somatic alterations in Korean ALL patients similar to previous studies on both prevalence and prognostic impact. Six patients were found to be carriers of variants in six genes associated with primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID). Of the 81 genes associated with 23 predisposition syndromes, this study found only one predisposition germline mutation (TP53) (1.1%). Altogether, our study demonstrated a low probability of germline mutation predisposition to ALL in Korean ALL patients.

Preharvest sprouting (PHS) is a key global issue in production and end-use quality of cereals, particularly in regions where the rainfall season overlaps the harvest. To investigate transcriptomic changes in genes affected by PHS-induction and ABA-treatment, RNA-seq analysis was performed in two wheat cultivars that differ in PHS tolerance. A total of 123 unigenes related to hormone metabolism and signaling for abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellic acid (GA), indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and cytokinin were identified and 1862 of differentially expressed genes were identified and divided into 8 groups by transcriptomic analysis. DEG analysis showed the majority of genes were categorized in sugar related processes, which interact with ABA signaling in PHS tolerant cultivar under PHS-induction. Thus, genes related to ABA are key regulators of dormancy and germination. Our results give insight into global changes in expression of plant hormone related genes in response to PHS.

Nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase3 (NPP3) catalyzes the hydrolysis of extracellular nucleotides. It is expressed by immune cells and some carcinomas, e.g. of kidney and colon. Together with ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73), NPP3 produces immunosuppressive, cancer-promoting adenosine, and has therefore been proposed as a target for cancer therapy. Here we report on the discovery of 4-[(4-methylphthalazin-1-yl)amino]benzenesulfonamide (1) as an inhibitor of human NPP3 identified by compound library screening. Subsequent structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies led to the potent competitive NPP3 inhibitor 2-methyl-5-{4-[(4-sulfamoylphenyl)amino]phthalazin-1-yl}benzenesulfonamide (23, K(i) 53.7 nM versus the natural substrate ATP). Docking studies predicted its binding pose and interactions. While 23 displayed high selectivity versus other ecto-nucleotidases, it showed ancillary inhibition of two proposed anti-cancer targets, the carbonic anhydrases CA-II (K(i) 74.7 nM) and CA-IX (K(i) 20.3 nM). Thus, 23 may act as multi-target anti-cancer drug. SARs for NPP3 were steeper than for CAs leading to the identification of potent dual CA-II/CA-IX (e.g.34) as well as selective CA-IX inhibitors (e.g.31).

BACKGROUND/AIM The mechanism responsible for B-cell translocation gene 1 (BTG1) down-regulation in breast carcinoma remains unknown. We examined the BTG1 expression status in breast carcinoma cells and investigated the mechanism underlying the observed alterations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four breast carcinoma cell lines (SK-BR-3, MDA-MB-231, T-47D, and MCF-7), and one normal mammary epithelial cell line (MCF-10A) were analyzed. BTG1 expression was examined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot. Methylation status of the BTG1 promoter was analyzed using methylation-specific PCR (MSP). To investigate the effect of methylation on BTG1, the cells were treated with a demethylating agent. RESULTS The carcinoma cells expressed significantly lower levels of BTG1 mRNA and protein than normal cells. The BTG1 promoter was highly methylated in the carcinoma cells. 5-aza-2-deoxycytidine significantly restored BTG1 expression. CONCLUSION Down-regulation of BTG1 expression through epigenetic repression is involved in mammary carcinogenesis. BTG1 is a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for breast carcinoma.

Succulents are ornamental plants that are popularly used in landscaping and as potted plants. Miniatureplants that are planted in miniature pots for small spaces or tables, or in elaborateaccessories such as key chains, key holders or hanging pots, have recently become more popular. Their unique characteristics and aesthetic appeal have increased their demand especially for those species that do not grow extensively during transport or for special cases in which they are placed into tiny containers to be used in key chains. This study investigated the effects of the plant growth inhibitors chlormequat, paclobutrazol, and daminozide, on two Echeveria species, Echeveria ‘A Grimme One’ and Echeveria ‘Little Rose’. Results revealed that the plant growth inhibitors successfully controlled the growth of Echeveria species at specific concentrations. Among the inhibitors applied to the succulents, paclobutrazol at 100 ppm was found to be the most effective treatment for both the species.

Few studies have reported how temperature influences growth and development of succulents, including anthocyanin production, which could fetch better prices in the market, and understanding the factors influencing such pigments would benefit farmers. The present study investigated the effect of temperature (10°C, 20°C, and 30°C) on the growth, development, and anthocyanin concentrations in Echeveria agavoides and E. marcus. In E. agavoides, similar growth performance was observed at 10°C and 20°C based on plant height and diameter. However, subjecting the species to a high temperature of 30°C resulted in a decrease in plant height. In E. marcus, optimal growth performance was observed at 20°C. Different temperatures did not significantly affect succulent quality and color hues. Only L* values were significantly different among the Hunter’s Lab values. Similar results were observed following anthocyanin and image analyses, both of which were not significantly affected by temperature. However, an intense red pigment was observed at 20°C compared with the green pigment observed at 10°C and 30°C based on the image analysis. The results suggest that temperature influences growth, development, and anthocyanin content of Echeveria succulents, and 20°C could be the optimal temperature for the cultivation of the species.

This study aims to examine the effects of cold durations and photoperiods on dormancy break, growth, and flowering of Patrinia rupestris native to Korea. First, we monitored the growth and flowering phenology of plants growing in an open field from March to October, 2018. For the dormancy breaking experiments, P. rupestris was maintained at 4°C for 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks under short-day conditions andfor cold treatment. The plants were then transferred to long-day conditions (9 h + 4h night interruption) in room chamber set at 25°C. To determine photoperiodic responses, P. rupestris was maintained under short- (9 h, SD), middle- (12 h, MD), and long-day (16 h, LD) conditions in room chamber set at 25°C following natural chilling accumulation. In open field conditions, P. rupestris blooms in the late summer from August to September with attractive yellow flowers. Time to first flower significantly decreased following 9 or 12 weeks of cold storage compared with the plants subjected to 3 or 6 weeks of cold storage. P. rupestris required ≥9 weeks of chilling treatment to achieve ≥33% flowering. Plant height was the highest in the LD condition (50.1 cm) compared with the SD (16.7 cm) and MD (16.1 cm) conditions. All plants grown under LD conditions flowered, but not all plants grown under SD and MD conditions did (0% flowering) after 16 weeks of forcing. P. rupestris demonstrated both obligate vernalization and long-day flowering responses.

This study explores four core vocational development programmes for former Korean elite athletes that were designed to develop their linguistic and cross-cultural competencies and professional know...

Purpose Intraoperative peritoneal washing cytology (PWC) is used to determine treatment strategies for gastric cancer with suspected serosal invasion. However, a standard staining method for intraoperative PWC remains to be established. We evaluated the feasibility of a rapid and simple staining method using Shorr's stain for intraoperative PWC in advanced gastric cancer. Materials and methods Between November 2012 and December 2014, 77 patients with clinical T3 or higher gastric cancer were enrolled. The sensitivity, specificity, and concordance between the Shorr staining method and conventional Papanicolaou (Pap) staining with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) immunohistochemistry (IHC) were analyzed. Results Intraoperative PWC was performed laparoscopically in 69 patients (89.6%). The average time of the procedure was 8.3 minutes, and the average amount of aspirated fluids was 83.3 mL. The average time for Shorr staining and pathologic review was 21.0 minutes. Of the 77 patients, 16 (20.7%) had positive cytology and 7 (9.1%) showed atypical findings; sensitivity and specificity were 73.6% and 98.2% for the Shorr method, and 78.9% and 98.2% for the Pap method with CEA IHC, respectively. Concordance of diagnosis between the 2 methods was observed in 90.9% of cases (weighted κ statistic=0.875) and most disagreements in diagnoses occurred in atypical findings (6/7). In overall survival, there was no significant difference in C-index between the 2 methods (0.459 in Shorr method vs. 0.458 in Pap with CEA IHC method, P=0.987). Conclusions Shorr staining could be a rapid and reliable method for intraoperative PWC in advanced gastric cancer.

A Gram-stain-negative, facultatively anaerobic, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated THG-SD5.5T, was isolated from a soil sample collected in a tangerine field, Republic of Korea. According to the 16S rRNA gene sequence comparisons, the isolate was identified as a member of the genus Chitinophaga and to be closely related to Chitinophaga ginsengihumi KACC 17604T (97.9%) and Chitinophaga rupis KACC 14521T (97.5%). The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with other species of the genus Chitinophaga were in the range 92.8–95.5%. Catalase test was positive. Oxidase test was negative. The DNA G + C content was determined to be 46.1 mol%. DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain THG-SD5.5T and C. ginsengihumi KACC 17604T and C. rupis KACC 14521T were 45.1% and 15.6%, respectively. Strain THG-SD5.5T was also found to be able to grow at 24–33 °C, at 0–5% NaCl and at pH 5.5–9.0. The major fatty acids were identified as anteiso-C15:0, C16:0, anteiso-C17:0 and C18:0. The dominant respiratory quinone was identified as menaquinone-7 (MK-7). The polar lipids were found to be diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified aminolipid, two unidentified phospholipids and three unidentified lipids. Based on these phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characterisations, strain THG-SD5.5T (= KACC 19338T = CGMCC 1.16304T) is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Chitinophaga, for which the name Chitinophaga aurantiaca sp. nov. is proposed.

Background Both QKI and TMEFF2 genes are considered putative tumor suppressor genes (TSGs). In gastric (GC) and colorectal (CRC) cancers, downregulation of their expressions is known to be frequent. However, QKI and TMEFF2 mutations that could potentially inactivate their functions are not reported in cancers. Methods In a genome database, we observed that both QKI and TMEFF2 harbor mononucleotide repeats, which could be mutated in cancers with high microsatellite instability (MSI-H). For this, we studied 79 GCs and 124 CRCs for the mutations and their intratumoral heterogeneity (ITH). Results Six of 34 GCs (17.6%) and 10 of 79 CRCs (12.7%) with MSI-H exhibited QKI frameshift mutations while five of 79 CRCs (6.3%) with high MSI (MSI-H) exhibited TMEFF2 frameshift mutations. However, we found no such mutation in microsatellite stable/low MSI (MSS/MSI-L) cancers within the mononucleotide repeats. We also studied ITH for the detected frameshift mutations in 16 cases of CRCs and detected that QKI and TMEFF2 frameshift mutations showed regional ITH in 2 (12.5%) and 1 (6.3%) cases, respectively. Conclusions Our data show that candidate TSG genes QKI and TMEFF2 harbor mutational ITH as well as the frameshift mutations in GC and CRC with MSI-H. From this observation, frameshift mutations of QKI and TMEFF2 may play a role in tumorigenesis through their TSG inactivation in GC and CRC.

We report a non-covalent loading of ginsenoside compound K (CK) onto our previously reported gold nanoparticles (DCY51T-AuCKNps) through one-pot biosynthesis using a probiotic Lactobacillus kimchic...

Pretibial myxedema (PTM) is an infiltrative dermopathy seen in Graves' disease. It is also infrequently associated with hypothyroidism. Here, we describe a rare case of PTM with hypothyroidism in which thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibodies were found. An 82-year-old female presented with a 1-year history of a large pruritic plaque which was present over both her legs and feet. Histopathology of a skin biopsy showed markedly increased dermal mucin. These changes were suggestive of PTM. This case provides evidence that an autoimmune mechanism could play a central pathogenetic role in such cutaneous manifestations.

Uroplakin (UP) tetraspanins and their associated proteins are major mammalian urothelial differentiation products that form unique two-dimensional crystals of 16-nm particles (“urothelial plaques”) covering the apical urothelial surface. Although uroplakins are highly expressed only in mammalian urothelium and are often referred to as being urothelium specific, they are also expressed in several mouse nonurothelial cell types in stomach, kidney, prostate, epididymis, testis/sperms, and ovary/oocytes. In oocytes, uroplakins colocalize with CD9 on cell-surface and multivesicular body-derived exosomes, and the cytoplasmic tail of UPIIIa undergoes a conserved fertilization-dependent, Fyn-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation that also occurs in Xenopus laevis eggs. Uroplakin knockout and antibody blocking reduce mouse eggs’ fertilization rate in in vitro fertilization assays, and UPII/IIIa double-knockout mice have a smaller litter size. Phylogenetic analyses showed that uroplakin sequences underwent significant mammal-specific changes. These results suggest that, by mediating signal transduction and modulating membrane stability that do not require two-dimensional-crystal formation, uroplakins can perform conserved and more ancestral fertilization functions in mouse and frog eggs. Uroplakins acquired the ability to form two-dimensional-crystalline plaques during mammalian divergence, enabling them to perform additional functions, including umbrella cell enlargement and the formation of permeability and mechanical barriers, to protect/modify the apical surface of the modern-day mammalian urothelium.

In this study, novel, hollow superparamagnetic copper ferrite (CuFe(2)O(4)) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by a low-temperature hydrothermal method. The hollow magnetic spheres were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy to confirm their morphology and size. The hollow NPs were demonstrated as the support for biological materials by the immobilization of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase on the inner and outer surfaces of the hollow spheres. The immobilization of the enzyme was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infra-red spectroscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The immobilized enzyme was shown to have an immobilization efficiency of 84.5%, with approximately 176 mg g(−1) of enzyme loading, for the hollow-NPs support. The immobilized enzyme exhibited high storage and temperature stability. The reusability of the immobilized lipase was more than 80% after 10 cycles of repeated use.

Background Acute alcoholic intoxication patients (AAIP) are a common public health problem. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive laboratory analysis for these patients to investigate the co-morbid medical problem. Methods We retrospectively reviewed laboratory findings of AAIP who were transferred to the emergency department (ED) from January 2017 to June 2017. Results A total of 160 male patients were enrolled. Sixteen patients (16/160, 10.0%) and three patients (3/160, 1.9%) had macrocytic anemia and microcytic anemia, respectively. A total of 33 patients (33/160, 20.6%) showed thrombocytopenia (7.0%). Positive rates of hepatitis B surface antigen and antiHBs antibody (anti-HBs Ab) were 3.5% (5/141) and 49.0% (68/141), respectively. Conclusion Patients with AAIP who were transferred to ED had various laboratory abnormalities (anemia, thrombocytopenia, high HbA1c). They had low positive rate of anti-HBs Ab. This might be a public health problem, suggesting the need of hepatitis B virus vaccination program for AAIP. Our data suggest the need of further nationwide studies.