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Central tolerance is achieved through positive and negative selection of thymocytes mediated by T cell receptor (TCR) signaling strength. Thus, dysregulation of the thymic selection process often leads to autoimmunity. Here, we show that Capicua (CIC), a transcriptional repressor that suppresses autoimmunity, controls the thymic selection process. Loss of CIC prior to T-cell lineage commitment impairs both positive and negative selection of thymocytes. CIC deficiency attenuated TCR signaling in CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) cells, as evidenced by a decrease in CD5 and phospho-ERK levels and calcium flux. We identified Spry4, Dusp4, Dusp6, and Spred1 as CIC target genes that could inhibit TCR signaling in DP cells. Furthermore, impaired positive selection and TCR signaling were partially rescued in Cic and Spry4 double mutant mice. Our findings indicate that CIC is a transcription factor required for thymic T cell development and suggests that CIC acts at multiple stages of T cell development and differentiation to prevent autoimmunity.

Abstract Background Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.) is an aquatic herb species that is a rich source of secondary metabolites such as glucosinolates. Among these glucosinolates, watercress contains high amounts of gluconasturtiin (2-phenethyl glucosinolate) and its hydrolysis product, 2-phennethyl isothiocyanate, which plays a role in suppressing tumor growth. However, the use of N. officinale as a source of herbal medicines is currently limited due to insufficient genomic and physiological information. Results To acquire precise information on glucosinolate biosynthesis in N. officinale, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome of different organs of N. officinale. Transcriptome analysis of N. officinale seedlings yielded 69,570,892 raw reads. These reads were assembled into 69,635 transcripts, 64,876 of which were annotated to transcripts in public databases. On the basis of the functional annotation of N. officinale, we identified 33 candidate genes encoding enzymes related to glucosinolate biosynthetic pathways and analyzed the expression of these genes in the leaves, stems, roots, flowers, and seeds of N. officinale. The expression of NoMYB28 and NoMYB29, the main regulators of aliphatic glucosinolate biosynthesis, was highest in the stems, whereas the key regulators of indolic glucosinolate biosynthesis, such as NoDof1.1, NoMYB34, NoMYB51, and NoMYB122, were strongly expressed in the roots. Most glucosinolate biosynthetic genes were highly expressed in the flowers. HPLC analysis enabled us to detect eight glucosinolates in the different organs of N. officinale. Among these glucosinolates, the level of gluconasturtiin was considerably higher than any other glucosinolate in individual organs, and the amount of total glucosinolates was highest in the flower. Conclusions This study has enhanced our understanding of functional genomics of N. officinale, including the glucosinolate biosynthetic pathways of this plant. Ultimately, our data will be helpful for further research on watercress bio-engineering and better strategies for exploiting its anti-carcinogenic properties.

A taxonomic study of Diartiger Sharp has not been performed for the past 30 years in Korea. In this study, Diartiger songxiaobini is recorded for the first time in Korea, and Diartiger fossulatus dentipes is redescribed to facilitate a comparison of Diartiger subgroups and provide a detailed description. Habitus images, diagnostic characters, and a distributional map of the Korean Clavigeritae species were also provided.

The genus Cryptophagus Herbst comprises over 200 described species worldwide, with 10 Korean species. The genus Micrambe Thomson includes 101 species within 3 subgenera, and a single species, Micrambe (s. str.) abietis (Paykull), is recorded in Korea. In this study, two cryptophagid beetle species, Cryptophagus pumilus Reitter and Micrambe (Micrambinus) bimaculata (Panzer), are reported for the first time in the Korean Peninsula. Illustrations of habitus, diagnostic characters, and distribution maps for these two species are provided.

The genus Silvanoprus Reitter (Coleoptera: Silvanidae: Silvaninae) includes 20 known species worldwide, with 10 species in the Palearctic region and three species in Korea. In this study, two additional Korean species are recorded: Silvanoprus fagi (Guérin-Méneville), Silvanoprus longicollis (Reitter), and Silvanoprus scuticollis (Walker). Redescriptions and illustrations of habitus, diagnostic characters, a distribution map, and a key to the Korean Silvanoprus species are provided.

This study aimed to determine the optimal indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) concentration in a nutrient solution to increase the bioactive compounds while enhancing the plant growth of A. rugosa grown hydroponically. Twenty-eight-day-old plants were transplanted in a plant factory for 32 days. The plants were subjected to various IAA concentrations (10−11, 10−9, 10−7, and 10−5 M) from 8 days after transplanting, and the control treatment (without IAA). Shoot and root fresh weights were effectively improved under 10−7 and 10−9 IAA treatments. Leaf gas exchange parameters were increased under 10−7 and 10−9 IAA treatments. Four of the IAA treatments, except 10−11 IAA treatment, significantly increased the rosmarinic acid (RA) concentration, as well as the tilianin concentration was significantly increased at all IAA treatments, compared with that of the control. Especially, the tilianin concentration of the 10−11 IAA treatment was significantly (1.8 times) higher than that of the control. The IAA treatments at 10−5 and 10−7 significantly raised the acacetin concentrations (1.6- and 1.7-times, respectively) compared to those of the control. These results suggested that 10−7 concentration of IAA in a nutrient solution was effective for enhancing plant growth and increasing bioactive compounds in A. rugosa, which offers an effective strategy for increasing phytochemical production in a plant factory.

Plants respond to root temperature stresses by producing antioxidants as a defense mechanism. Since a number of these are phytochemicals with enhancing effects on human health, we examined the effects of 4 root-zone temperature (RZT) treatments (10, 20, 28, and 36 °C) on plant growth and the main bioactive compound concentrations in each organ of Agastache rugosa plants. We aimed to determine the optimal RZT treatment to increase bioactive compound concentrations with no deleterious effects on plant growth. Four-week-old seedlings were grown in a plant factory for 32 days. Nine plant growth parameters, namely, shoot and root fresh weights, stem and root lengths, leaf length and leaf width, leaf area, and shoot and root dry weights were significantly decreased at 10 and 36 °C compared with other treatments. A similar pattern was observed for the chlorophyll content and leaf gas exchange parameters. Of all the RZT treatments, RZT at 28 °C produced the significantly greatest accumulation of two major bioactive compounds, namely, rosmarinic acid (RA) and tilianin contents per the A. rugosa plant, and had no adverse effects on the overall growth of A. rugosa. This supports the use of 28 °C RZT to successfully improve the bioactive compounds with no adverse influence on plant growth or yield.

The objective of this study was to determine the proper electrical conductivity (EC) of a nutrient solution (NS) for accumulating bioactive compounds of Agastache rugosa without decreasing plant growth. Six-week-old seedlings were transplanted in a deep flow technique system with Hoagland NS with a 2.0 dS·m−1 EC for the initial week. From eight days after transplanting, the plants were treated with six EC treatments of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 dS·m−1 for three weeks. Plant growth parameters, leaf gas exchange parameters, the relative chlorophyll value, and the ratio of variable to maximum fluorescence (Fv/Fm) were measured, and the rosmarinic acid (RA), tilianin, and acacetin concentrations were analyzed at 28 days after transplanting. The results showed that almost all plant growth parameters were maximized at 2.0 and 4.0 dS·m−1 and minimized at 8.0 dS·m−1 compared with the other EC treatments. The relative chlorophyll and Fv/Fm values were maximized at 2.0 and 4.0 dS·m−1. Similarly, leaf gas exchange parameters were increased at 2.0 and 4.0 dS·m−1. The RA content exhibited significantly higher values at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 dS·m−1 compared with other treatments. The tilianin and acacetin contents exhibited the significantly highest values at 4.0 and 0.5 dS·m−1, respectively. These results suggest optimal EC treatment at 4.0 dS·m−1 for increasing bioactive compounds in A. rugosa plants without decreasing plant growth. Excessively high or low EC induced salinity stress or nutrient deficiency, respectively. Furthermore, among the plant organs, the roots of A. rugosa contained the highest RA concentration and the flowers contained the highest tilianin and acacetin concentrations, which revealed a higher utilization potential of the roots and flowers for bioactive compounds.

Salinity stress affects plants by reducing the water potential and causing ion imbalance or disturbances in ion homeostasis and toxicity. Salinity stress frequently causes both osmotic and ionic stress in plants, resulting in the increase or decrease of certain secondary metabolites in plants. In this study, the effect of NaCl treatment on the nutritional quality of tartary buckwheat plants was studied by conducting an HPLC analysis of phenylpropanoid and anthocyanin content. It was observed that there was no significant change of color in tartary buckwheat during salt treatment. The accumulation of most phenylpropanoid compounds increased slightly in response to the NaCl concentration. The total phenylpropanoid content in tartary buckwheat was the highest at 100 mM NaCl treatment. Seven-day-old wheat plantlets treated with 100 mM NaCl for 2, 4, 6, and 8 days showed the highest accumulation of total phenylpropanoids at day 8 after treatment, while the content of most phenylpropanoids was higher than that in the control during this period. Although the development of tartary buckwheat slightly decreased with NaCl treatment and the accumulation of anthocyanin compounds did not change in plants with a diffident NaCl concentration and time treatment, the results suggest that the salinity treatment of tartary buckwheat causes antioxidant activity improvement by inducing an accumulation of flavonoid and phenolic compounds. However, since the anthocyanin content did not increase, the antioxidant effect of the treatment is not expected to be significant.

AIM: To investigate the clinical features of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus (NDM) patients showing proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) as an initial sign.METHODS: As a retrospective case series, the medical records of a total of four hundred and thirty-two patients who underwent a vitrectomy due to PDR were reviewed to find the subjects. Of 432 patients, six cases of NDM patients showing PDR as an initial sign were included and analyzed with their systemic and ocular features. Main outcome measures:the systemic features and ocular features [preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraoperative findings].RESULTS: The mean onset age of visual symptoms was 36.3 years old. The mean serum insulin and C-peptide titer was below the normal range. The mean fasting plasma glucose was 178mg/dL and the mean postprandial 2h plasma glucose was 306mg/dL. The mean HbA1c at diagnosis was 11.02%. In all cases, an acute progressive fibrovascular proliferation was observed. Intraoperative retinal tears were found in three cases of six. The mean preoperative BCVA was +0.67±0.58 logMAR and the mean BCVA at postoperative 6 months was +0.20±0.30 logMAR.CONCLUSION: All patients were considered to have latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA). A rapid deterioration of kidney function as well as poor diabetic control status at diagnosis was observed in all six cases. The ocular features of the patients showed acute progressive fibrovascular proliferation and relatively favorable postoperative visual acuity.

Traditionally, Agastache rugosa (Korean mint) has been widely used to treat various infectious diseases. The aims of this study were to: (i) determine the phenylpropanoid content of the plant using high-performance liquid chromatography; (ii) undertake total anthocyanin, flavonoid, and phenolic assays; (iii) and evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the methanol extracts from the stem, leaves, and flowers of Korean mint. The total anthocyanin, flavonoid, and phenolic content assays showed that the flowers had higher phenolic levels than the stem and leaves. The reducing power, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl superoxide radical scavenging abilities, and the hydrogen peroxide radical scavenging activities were also evaluated so that the antioxidant activities of the extracts from the different plant parts could be evaluated. The flower extracts revealed higher antioxidant properties than the other parts. The antibacterial properties of the methanol extracts from A. rugosa were analyzed by the disc diffusion method, and the flower extracts had higher antibacterial activities against the six bacterial strains used in the study than the other parts. This study provides information on the synergistic antioxidant and antibacterial properties of phenolics derived from the different parts of Korean mint.

In this study, we investigated optimal light conditions for enhancement of the growth and accumulation of glucosinolates and phenolics in the sprouts of canola (Brassica napus L.). We found that the shoot lengths and fresh weights of red light-irradiated sprouts were higher than those of sprouts exposed to white, blue, and blue + red light, whereas root length was not notably different among red, blue, white, and blue + red light treatments. The accumulations of total glucosinolates in plants irradiated with white, blue, and red lights were not significantly different (19.32 ± 0.13, 20.69 ± 0.05, and 20.65 ± 1.70 mg/g dry weight (wt.), respectively). However, sprouts exposed to blue + red light contained the lowest levels of total glucosinolates (17.08 ± 0.28 mg/g dry wt.). The accumulation of total phenolic compounds was the highest in plants irradiated with blue light (3.81 ± 0.08 mg/g dry wt.), 1.33 times higher than the lowest level in plants irradiated with red light (2.87 ± 0.05 mg/g dry wt.). These results demonstrate that red light-emitting diode (LED) light is suitable for sprout growth and that blue LED light is effective in increasing the accumulation of glucosinolates and phenolics in B. napus sprouts.

We sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of the soil-dwelling rove beetle Tyraphus nitidus Raffray, 1909, from Korea. The mitochondrial genome was 16,742 bp in length and consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNAs). Except cox2, cox3, which use single T residue, and nad4, nad5, which use single A residue, typical PCGs use mitochondrial stop codon (TAR). The nucleotide base composition of the mitogenome is 42.2 % (A), 8.4 % (G), 36.6 % (T), and 12.8 % (C). Our phylogenetic analyses under the maximum likelihood and Bayesian inferences produced a tree congruent in topology, placing the newly sequenced T. nitidus as sister to Diartiger fossulatus Sharp, 1883, within the subfamily Pselaphinae.

Using the Monte Carlo method, the impact of the angular distribution of the electron source on the dose distribution for the 2.5 MeV ELV electron accelerator was explored. The experiment measured the 3-D dose distribution in the irradiation chamber for electron energies of 1.0 MeV and 2.5 MeV. The simulation used the MCNP6.2 code to evaluate three angular distribution models of the source: a mono-directional beam, a cone shape, and a triangular shape. Of the three models, the triangular shape with angles θ = 30°, φ = 0° best represents the angle of the scan hood through which the electron beam exits. The MCNP6.2 simulation results demonstrated that the triangular model is the most accurate representation of the angular distribution of the electron source for the 2.5 MeV ELV electron accelerator.

The genus Cryptophagus Herbst is one of the largest groups of the family Cryptophagidae Kirby (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea), and found in soil litter, under bark, nests of small animals, social insects, and stored products. Approximately 200 species of this genus have been described in the world and seven species have been recorded in the Korean Peninsula. During taxonomic study of this genus, we identified three additional species, Cryptophagus nitidulus Miller, C. obsoletus Reitter, and C. rufomaculus Lyubarsky, from Korean Peninsula. Redescriptions and illustrations of habitus, diagnostic characters, and collection localities for each species are provided.

The genus Atomaroides Lyubarsky is monotypic and distributed in China and Russian Far East. The genus Serratomaria Nakane & Hisamatsu includes three described species in Japan and Southeast Asia. In this study, two genera, Atomaroides and Serratomaria, are reported for the first time in Korea, with A. ussurica (Lyubarsky) and S. vulgaris Sasaji, respectively. Redescriptions and illustrations of habitus, diagnostic characters, and collection localities for each species are provided.

The genus Bryaxis Kugelann (Goniaceritae: Bythinini) is the most species-rich genus of the subfamily Pselaphinae and is mainly distributed in the Palearctic region. Although previous studies have documented 14 species in the Korean Peninsula, the true diversity, ecology, and immature stages of the genus are still inadequately known. In this study, five new Korean species are described: B. grandinodus sp. nov., B. uljinensis sp. nov., B. fabaiformis sp. nov., B. girinensis sp. nov., and B. nemorosus sp. nov. Illustrations of the habitus and other morphological details, and a distribution map are provided. In addition, Bryaxis leechanyoungi Nomura & Lee, 1993 is proposed as a new synonym of B. mahunkai Löbl, 1975 based on the original description and illustrations of diagnostic characters.

The present study aimed to investigate the role of yeast extract and silver nitrate on the enhancement of phenylpropanoid pathway genes and accumulation of rosmarinic acid in Agastache rugosa cell cultures. The treatment of cell cultures with yeast extract (500 mg/L) and silver nitrate (30 mg/L) for varying times enhanced the expression of genes in the phenylpropanoid pathway and the production of rosmarinic acid. The results indicated that the expression of RAS and HPPR was proportional to the amount of yeast extract and silver nitrate. The transcript levels of HPPR under yeast extract treatment were 1.84-, 1.97-, and 2.86-fold higher than the control treatments after 3, 6, and 12 h, respectively, whereas PAL expression under silver nitrate treatment was 52.31-fold higher than in the non-treated controls after 24 h of elicitation. The concentration of rosmarinic acid was directly proportional to the concentration of the applied elicitors. Yeast extract supplementation documented the highest amount of rosmarinic acid at 4.98 mg/g, whereas silver nitrate addition resulted in a comparatively lower amount of rosmarinic acid at 0.65 mg/g. In conclusion, addition of yeast extract to the cell cultures enhanced the accumulation of rosmarinic acid, which was evidenced by the expression levels of the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway genes in A. rugosa.

The genus Euconnus Thomson (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Scydmaeninae) includes four species in Korea. In this study, E. (s. str.) fustiger and E. (s. str.) dulcis are recorded for the first time Korea and E. (Cladoconnus) rudimentalis is redescribed. As a result, the number of the Korean species of Euconnus is increased to six. A key descriptions, habitus illustrations, diagnostic characters, and a distribution map are provided.

The mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Aleochara (Aleochara) curtula (Goeze, 1777) (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) is reported. This mitogenome (GenBank accession no. OL675411) is 16,600 bp in size and consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes (tRNAs), and two ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA). Most PCGs use typical mitochondrial stop codon (TAR) except for cox3, which uses a single T residue. The A, G, T, and C nucleotide base composition of the mitogenome is 40.61%, 7.66%, 40.34%, and 11.39%, respectively. The phylogenetic analyses recovered the monophyly of Aleocharinae.

PCL nanofibrous scaffolds are widely used as bone scaffolds, and they can increase the efficiency of bone regeneration by loading drugs and/or growth factors onto them. However, to obtain a more effective bone regeneration effect, it is necessary to increase drug loading and release efficiency. In this study, conductive hydrogel forming nanofibrous scaffolds were prepared to increase drug efficiency. GO has an excellent conductivity and biocompatibility, making it an efficient conductive polymer for bone differentiation. Electrospun PCL was immersed in a mixed solution of GO and PVP and then crosslinked using gamma-ray irradiation. It was confirmed that GO/PVP-PCL was successfully prepared through its characterization (morphology, thermal, chemical, electrical, and biological properties). In addition, drug-release efficiency was confirmed by electrical stimulation after loading the sample with BMP-2, a bone-regeneration growth factor. Compared to PCL, it was confirmed that GO/PVP-PCL has an approximately 20% improved drug-release efficiency and an excellent mineralization of the scaffolds using SBF. After culturing MG63 cells on GO/PVP-PCL, a high effect on osteodifferentiation was confirmed by ALP activity. Therefore, GO/PVP-PCL prepared by a gamma-ray-induced crosslinking reaction is expected to be used as biomaterial for bone-tissue engineering.

Polymer blending is a method in which polymers with different properties are mixed so that each advantage appears in one polymer blend. Improved thermal and mechanical properties of blends can be prepared by blending with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) of a non-polar polymer and polyurethane (PU) of a polar polymer. However, a compatibilizer is required because it has the disadvantage that blending has low miscibility due to the different phases. In this study, HDPE/PU blends with new and excellent physical properties were developed through optimal composition with improved compatibility between the HDPE and PU. In addition, the effects of improving the physical properties through electron-beam crosslinking were confirmed. In general, a crosslinking structure of HDPE is formed by electron beam irradiation to increase its thermal stability and strength, but its elongation is rapidly decreased. In particular, the elongation of HDPE irradiated at 100 kGy was about 110%, which was decreased about five times compared to unirradiated HDPE (510%). However, the HDPE/PU blend with improved compatibility (PU 30) showed an elongation of about 450% while maintaining excellent strength (22.5 MPa), which was increased by about four times compared to the HDPE irradiated at 100 kGy. In particular, the thermal stability of PU 30 irradiated at 100 kGy at a high temperature (180 °C) was improved more than six times compared to the HDPE. Therefore, it is possible to develop HDPE/PU blends with new and excellent physical properties by improving compatibility and using electron beam crosslinking technology.

Purpose: To assess current practice in the treatment of osteoporosis in patients who underwent treatment for hip fracture in South Korea. Materials and Methods: A survey of 97 members of the Korean Hip Society, orthopedic hip surgeons who administer treatment for hip fractures in South Korea, was conducted. The survey was conducted for assessment of demographic data and perceptions regarding the management of osteoporosis in patients who have undergone treatment for hip fracture. Analysis of the data was performed using descriptive statistical methods. Results: The majority of participants were between the age of 41 and 50 years, and 74% were practicing in tertiary hospitals. Testing for serum vitamin D levels (82%) was the most commonly performed laboratory test. Calcium and vitamin D were prescribed for more than 80% of patients by 47% and 52% of participants, respectively. Denosumab was the most commonly used first-line treatment option for osteoporosis in hip fracture patients. Bisphosphonate was most often perceived as the cause of atypical femoral fractures, and the most appropriate time for reoperation was postoperative 12 months. Teriparatide was most preferred after cessation of bisphosphonate and only prescribing calcium and vitamin D was most common in high-risk patients for prevention of atypical femoral fracture. Conclusion: The results of this study that surveyed orthopedic hip surgeons showed that most participants followed the current strategy for management of osteoporosis. Because the end result of osteoporosis is a bone fracture, active involvement of orthopedic surgeons is important in treating this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the current status of venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention in Korean patients with hip fractures. Materials and Methods: A survey using a questionnaire on the experiences and protocols of VTE prevention was conducted among 570 members of the Korean Hip Society. Results: A total of 97 surgeons responded, with a response rate of 17.0%. Of the 97 participants, 61.9% answered that they had encountered one or more cases of symptomatic VTE in the past year. Mechanical prophylaxis was applied most often (30.9%) until the point of ambulation in standard-risk patients and most often (34.0%) extended until discharge in high-risk patients. Chemical prophylaxis was most often prescribed for a particular period of time rather than for recovery of walking ability (24.7% in standard-risk patients and 26.8% in high-risk patients). Dual prophylaxis was administered in the standard-risk group by 58.8% of the participants and in the high-risk group by 83.5%. Among the participants, 73.2% answered that they had been attentive to wound complications during chemical prophylaxis. More than half of the participants (59.8%) reported that they did not perform routine screening for VTE after surgery. Conclusion: The results of our survey provided information regarding the current status of VTE prevention for patients undergoing surgery for treatment of hip fractures in Korea as well as a baseline for establishment of educational programs and guidelines in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study examined the methods for treatment of femoral neck fracture (FNF) preferred by members of the Korean Hip Society (KHS) and identified factors that influence decisions regarding the surgical intervention of choice. Materials and Methods: A total of 97 members of the KHS responded to the 16-question survey which included questions about the mean number of surgeries performed each month for treatment of femoral neck fractures, the cut-off age for deciding between internal fixation and arthroplasty, the implant used most often, usage of cement, and factors influencing each decision. Results: The mean cut-off age used when deciding between internal fixation and arthroplasty was 64 years old. Hemiarthroplasty (HA) (70%) was the most preferred option for treatment of displaced FNFs in cases where arthroplasty was indicated (total hip arthroplasty [THA] 19% and dual mobility THA 11%). The main reasons for selection of arthroplasty over reduction with internal fixation were age and pre-fracture ambulatory status. Pre-trauma ambulatory status and/or sports activity were the main factors in selection of HA over THA. Cement was used by 33% of responders. Poor bone quality and a broad femoral canal were factors that influenced the usage of cement. Conclusion: Management of FNFs in the elderly is a major health problem worldwide; thus, remaining alert to current trends in treatment is essential for surgeons. The mean cut-off age used in deciding between internal fixation and arthroplasty was 64 years old. HA is the preferred method for treatment of displaced FNFs for members of the KHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]