Taxonomic Position and Species Identity of the Cultivated Yeongji 'Ganoderma lucidum' in Korea

Ganoderma lucidum has a long history of use as a traditional medicine in Asian countries. However, the taxonomy of Ganoderma species remains controversial, since they were initially classified on the basis of their morphological characteristics. Recently, it was proposed that G. lucidum from China be renamed as G. sichuanense or G. lingzhi. In the present study, phylogenetic analysis using the internal transcribed spacer region rDNA sequences of the Ganoderma species indicated that all strains of the Korean 'G. lucidum' clustered into one group together with G. sichuanense and G. lingzhi from China. However, strains from Europe and North American, which were regarded as true G. lucidum, were positioned in a clearly different group. In addition, the average size of the basidiospores from the Korean cultivated Yeongji strains was similar to that of G. lingzhi. Based on these results, we propose that the Korean cultivated Yeongji strains of 'G. lucidum' should be renamed as G. lingzhi.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of Novel Laccase Genes in the White-Rot Fungus Flammulina velutipes

The aim of this study was to identify and characterize new Flammulina velutipes laccases from its whole-genome sequence. Of the 15 putative laccase genes detected in the F. velutipes genome, four new laccase genes (fvLac-1, fvLac-2, fvLac3, and fvLac-4) were found to contain four complete copper-binding regions (ten histidine residues and one cysteine residue) and four cysteine residues involved in forming disulfide bridges, fvLac-1, fvLac-2, fvLac3, and fvLac-4, encoding proteins consisting of 516, 518, 515, and 533 amino acid residues, respectively. Potential N-glycosylation sites (Asn-Xaa-Ser/Thr) were identified in the cDNA sequence of fvLac-1 (Asn-454), fvLac-2 (Asn-437 and Asn-455), fvLac-3 (Asn-111 and Asn-237), and fvLac4 (Asn-402 and Asn-457). In addition, the first 19~20 amino acid residues of these proteins were predicted to comprise signal peptides. Laccase activity assays and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses clearly reveal that CuSO4 affects the induction and the transcription level of these laccase genes.

Overproduction of Laccase by the White-Rot Fungus Pleurotus ostreatus Using Apple Pomace as Inducer

Laccase activity of Pleurotus ostreatus is significantly increased by the addition of apple pomace. Among various conditions, the best concentration of apple pomace and cultivation time for the production of laccase by P. ostreatus was 2.5% and 9 days, respectively. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analyses of laccase isoenzyme genes, including pox1, pox3, pox4, poxc, poxa3, and poxa1b, revealed a clear effect of apple pomace on transcription induction. Our findings reveal that the use of apple pomace can be a model for the valuable addition of similar wastes and for the development of a solid-state fermenter and commercial production of oyster mushroom P. ostreatus.

Amiodarone Induced Multiorgan Toxicity in a Patient of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy With Atrial Fibrillation

Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic drug known to have adverse effects on multiple organs. Most studies have reported the side effects of the drug, which may result from rapid administrations or from long-term, high dosage administrations. However, toxicity issues have also been reported from patients administered with low doses of the drug for a long period of time. Here we report a case of an 82-year-old female who had shown symptoms and signs of pulmonary, hepatic, and neurotoxicity after taking amiodarone for 14 months in order to treat her atrial fibrillation without regular outpatient follow-up. We highlight the importance of the recommended evaluations, including lung, liver, and thyroid functions, as well as the neurological examinations in patients treated with amiodarone for a long period of time during regular follow-up.

Paper-Based Analytical Device for Quantitative Urinalysis / 대한배뇨장애요실금학회지

Paper-based analytical devices are fluidic chips fabricated with extremely inexpensive materials, namely paper, thereby allowing their use as a zero-cost analytical device in third-world countries that lack access to expensive diagnostic infrastructures. The aim of this review is to discuss: (1) microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (microPADs) for quantitative analysis, (2) fabrication of two- or three-dimensional microPADs, (3) analytical methods of microPADs, and (4) our opinions regarding the future applications of microPADs for quantitative urinalysis.

Taxonomy of Ganoderma lucidum from Korea Based on rDNA and Partial beta-Tubulin Gene Sequence Analysis

In the present study, a phylogenetic analysis was undertaken based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) rDNA and partial beta-tubulin gene sequence of the Ganoderma species. The size of the ITS rDNA regions from different Ganoderma species varied from 625 to 673 bp, and those of the partial beta-tubulin gene sequence were 419 bp. Based on the results, a phylogenetic tree was prepared which revealed that Korean Ganoderma lucidum strains belong in a single group along with a G. lucidum strain from Bangladesh.

Simple and Novel Three Dimensional Neuronal Cell Culture Using a Micro Mesh Scaffold

Conventional method of cell culture studies has been performed on two-dimensional substrates. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) cell culture platforms have been a subject of interest as cells in 3D has significant differences in cell differentiation and behavior. Here we report a novel approach of 3D cell culture using a nylon micro mesh (NMM) as a cell culture scaffold. NMM is commonly used in cell culture laboratory, which eliminates the requirement of special technicality for biological laboratories. Furthermore, it is made of a micro-meter thick nylon fibers, which was adequate to engineer in cellular scales. We demonstrate the feasibility of the NMM as a 3D scaffold using E18 rat hippocampal neurons. NMM could be coated with cell adhesive coatings (polylysine or polyelectrolyte) and neurons showed good viability. Cells were also encapsulated in an agarose hydrogel and cultured in 3D using NMM. In addition, the 3D pattern of NMM could be used as a guidance cue for neurite outgrowth. The flexible and elastic properties of NMMs made it easier to handle the scaffold and also readily applicable for large-scale tissue engineering applications.

Hallux Valgus and Cartilage Erosion in First Metatarsal Head: Correlation between Intraoperative Cartilage Erosion and Preoperative Parameters / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To analyze relation between age or parameters measured before operation and cartilage erosion of the first metatarsal head measured during operation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was targeted at 56 patients and 79 feet, who underwent Scarf osteotomy or Scarf and Akin osteotomy from November 2009 through November 2010, and whose cartilage lesion of the first metatarsal head referred to the cartilage grade III or IV of the International Cartilage Repair Society. The measurement parameters were age, hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle (1~2), tibial sesamoid position, proximal articular set angle and distal articular set angle. The cartilage erosion of the first metatarsal head was measured by one surgeon using cellophane. Occupancy rate and frequent involved sites of the cartilage erosion were recorded using AutoCAD(R) and adobe Illustrator CS4 program. SPSS correlation test and T-test were used for statistical analysis of the parameters and the cartilage erosion. RESULTS: The cartilage erosion was incurred frequently in the sagittal groove and the site where subluxation or dislocation of the tibial sesamoild bone occurred but frequent involved sites had no statistical significance with cartilage erosion. The age showed a statistical significance with the cartilage erosion in the correlation test (p=0.003). Especially, the group of over 51 year old patients was turned out to have association with the cartilage erosion, compared to the group of below 51 (p=0.007). But, hallux valgus angle, intermetatarsal angle (1~2), tibial sesamoid position, proximal articular set angle and distal articular set angle were no statistical significance with the cartilage erosion. CONCLUSION: We found the more the age of patients increased (especially above 51), the more cartilage erosion increased. And it is thought that we pay attention to reduce tibial sesamoid bone.

Minimum 1 Year Results of Arthroscopic Pull-out Repair for Posterior Root Tear of Medial Meniscus / 대한스포츠의학회지

This study is to evaluate clinical and arthroscopic second-look results of arthroscopic repairs of posterior root tears of medial meniscus which may cause loss of circumferential hoop tension and extrusion of meniscus. From October 2006 to May 2009, fifty-eight patients (59 knees) underwent arthroscopic pull-out repairs. Clinical results were evaluated using Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score for 12-month follow-up. Second-look arthroscopy was done to evaluate meniscal healing in 21 cases. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to assess status of repaired meniscus and tibial tunnel position in 9 patients. Average preoperative HSS score and IKDC score of 59 cases were 69.5 and 36.0, respectively. Average postoperative HSS score and IKDC score of 59 cases had been changed into 90.3 (p<0.001) and 66.8 (p<0.001), respectively. Second-look arthroscopies revealed complete or incomplete healing except one case. Two patients showed increased one grade according to the Kellgren-Lawrence radiologic classification system and others showed no change. Of 9 patients who performed MRI, six patients showed complete healing. The average position of tibial tunnel was 4.8 mm anterior and 5.7 mm medial to center of posterior cruciate ligament. Arthroscopic pull-out repair technique using transtibial tunnel seems to be simple and effective procedure for posterior root tear of medial meniscus. Further evaluation of arthroscopic repair of posterior root tear of medial meniscus should be needed to prove the effectiveness on the prevention of osteoarthritis of knee.

Evaluation of the Factors Affecting Root Tears of the Posterior Horn of the Medial Meniscus as Confirmed during Total Knee Arthroplasty

PURPOSE: We examined the incidence of root tear of the medial meniscus posterior horn among patients who had undergone total knee replacement and we analyzed the factors that cause this tear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 258 knees of 173 patients who had undergone total knee replacement from January 2008 to June 2009. The mean age was 68.8 (range: 50~87). There were 23 men (28 cases) and 150 women (230 cases). We performed statistical correlation analysis between the assumed causes of meniscal tears (age, gender, grade of osteoarthritis, the predisposition site, BMI and varus deformity) and root tears. RESULTS: Meniscal tears were observed in 182 cases (70.5%), and there were 18 cases (64.2%) of 28 cases and 164 cases (71.3%) of 230 cases in the men and women, respectively. Root tear had correlation with the severity of osteoarthritis (p=0.040) and varus deformity (p=0.030), but other underlying factors didn't show significant correlation (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Root tears of the medial meniscus posterior horn in total knee arthroplasty were related to the severity of osteoarthritis and varus deformity, but active interventions are required whether or not there are predisposing factors that cause osteoarthritis.

The Clinical Results Using the Second Look Arthroscopic Findings and MRI after Allogenic Meniscal Transplantation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical results and the changes of allogenic meniscal transplantation by using the second look arthroscopic findings and the MRI changes after surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 1997 to February 2007, among the patients that underwent allogenic meniscal transplantation, we chose 25 patients who underwent secondary arthroscopic evaluation. 16 of these 25 patients were men and 8 were women. Secondary arthroscopic evaluation was done without MRI in 3 cases. The mean age was 36.1 yr and the average follow up period was 28 months. Biopsy by the secondary arthroscopic evaluation was done in 2 cases. We evaluated the clinical results by the Lysholm knee scoring scale, the Knee Society Score (KSS) system and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score. RESULTS: Second-look arthroscopy after allogenic meniscal transplantation revealed that 23 cases seemed normal at the probing procedure. 5 cases showed a decreased posterior horn size. The MRI findings and secondary arthroscopic findings matched in all cases. The clinical Lysholm score improved from preoperative 65.4 points to postoperative 80.6 points, the Knee Society Score (KSS) improved from preoperative 64.6 points to postoperative 82.6 points, the functional score improved from preoperative 70.2 points to postoperative 85.6 points and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score improved from preoperative 66.4 points to postoperative 82.5 points (p=0.000). The function after surgery improved on all the tests and this was proved by paired t-tests. CONCLUSION: Allogenic meniscal transplantation showed good results on the second look arthroscopy and the follow-up MRI and according to the clinical functional outcome. We think that confirmation through arthroscopy after follow-up MRI for the patients with clinical knee problems seems to be necessary.

Management of Hypertrophic Scar after Burn Wound Using Microneedling Procedure (Dermastamp(R))

PURPOSE: Hypertrophic scars after burn wound management remain a difficult problem for many burn surgeons despite of new treatment option is developed. After burn wound healed with scarring or pigmentation, the patient suffer in daily life with the cosmetic results and scar symptoms. Dermastamp(R) is new treatment modality on burn scar management in our burn center. Dermastamp(R) is stamp shaped and it contains 0.8 mm or 2.1 mm long multiple stainless steel needles. Dermastamp(R) was simply pressed down on the scar 3~4 times and makes 200~300 holes on 1 cm2 scar area. Dermastamping breaks the dense collagen fiber and fibroblast in the scar tissue and rearranges collagen fiber and fibroblast in the scar tissue. METHODS: The 51 patients were selected. The group consisted of 26 male and 25 female patients. 21 patients were adult and 30 patients were children. Stamping area of the 18 patients was below 25 cm2, 6 patients were in 25 to 100 cm2, and 27 patients were above 100 cm2, stamping area. They received Dermastamp(R) treatment 3 to 23 times in every 1 or 2 weeks interval at least 2 months. The 33 patients received Dermastamp(R) under local anesthesia and other 18 patients received under volatile induction anesthesia. Hypertrophic scar is evaluated with Vancouber Scar Scale (VSS) score by two surgeons and scar height using Sonography (17 patients). And pathologic study (17 patients) was done on volunteer cases. RESULTS: Clinically improvements with VSS score (1 to 6 points down) were noted in all patients group. Scar height was lowered (0.8 to 3.6 mm) on sonography and pathologic report revealed collagen fiber rearrangement and scar height thinning in examined group. CONCLUSION: Microneedling procedure is a effective modality of management on hypertrophic scarring and pigmentation. Microneedling induces collagen fiber rearrangement on scar tissue and thinner the scar height in pathology and improves clinical evaluating with VSS score and patients symptoms.

Isolation of Genes Specifically Expressed in Different Developmental Stages of Pleurotus ostreatus Using Macroarray Analysis

The oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) is one of the most important edible mushrooms worldwide. The mechanism of P. ostreatus fruiting body development has been of interest both for the basic understanding of the phenotypic change of the mycelium-fruiting body and to improve breeding of the mushrooms. Based on our previous publication of P. ostreatus expressed sequence tag database, 1,528 unigene clones were used in macroarray analysis of mycelium, fruiting body and basidiospore developmental stages of P. ostreatus. Gene expression profile databases generated by evaluating expression levels showed that 33, 10, and 94 genes were abundantly expressed in mycelium, fruiting body and basidiospore developmental stages, respectively. Among them, the genes specifically expressed in the fruiting body stage were further analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Northern blot to investigate temporal and spatial expression patterns. These results provide useful information for future studies of edible mushroom development.

Treatment of Mallet Finger Fracture by Extension Block K-wire Fixation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the extension block fixation technique for a bony mallet finger. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five patients that received extension block fixation for bony mallet finger were enrolled in this study between July 2001 and October 2005. The fracture type was classified by the Wehbe and Schneider method. The average follow up period was 15 months, ranging between 12-52 months. The results were classified by the Crawford criteria. RESULTS: There was 30 cases of type I, 5 cases of type II and no cases of type III, with 11 cases of subtype A, 22 cases of subtype B, and 2 cases of subtype C. The average time from injury to operation was 12 days, which included three cases of over 28 days. The K-wire was removed 30 days after the operation, and joint exercises were initiated immediately. There were 10 cases with excellent outcomes, 18 cases with good outcomes, 4 cases with fair outcomes, and 3 cases with poor outcomes. The poor outcome had complications such as subluxation of the DIP joint, lag between injury to operation time (more than 4 weeks), and more than 1 mm displacement. CONCLUSION: The extension block technique for the treatment of bony mallet finger is relatively simple and results in satisfactory bone union.

A Comparison of LCPlate versus Conventional T-plate Fixation about the Reduction Loss in the Treatment of Distal Radial Fracture

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical & radiological outcome between LCP and conventional T-plate fixation in the treatment of distal radial fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to October 2006, 26 patients were treated by LCP fixation and 20 patients were treated by conventional T-plate fixation for distal radial fracture. We used the X-ray to calculate the radial inclination, radial length and volar tilting, then compared the loss of correction after the operation between both groups. We also evaluated the clinical functional outcome by Mayo wrist score. RESULTS: The average follow-up since operation was ten months in both LCP and conventional T-plate fixation group. According to Frykmann classification, there were 1 case of type 1 (4%), 2 of type 2 (8%), 5 of type 3 (19%), 14 of type 4 (54%), 1 of type 5 (4%), 2 of type 7 (8%), 1 of type 8 (4%), and to AO classification, 4 of type A (15%), 22 of type C (85%) in LCP group. In conventional T-plate group, according to Frykmann classification, there were 12 cases of type 3 (60%), 4 of type 4 (20%), 3 of type 7 (15%), 1 of type 8 (5%), and to AO classification, 6 of type B (30%), 14 of type C (70%). In LCP group, the loss of correction between immediate post-operation and last follow-up was about 1.03 degrees in radial inclination, -1.09 mm in radial length, -2.08 degrees in volar tilting at each, and in conventional T-plate group, 2.4 degrees in radial inclination, -0.82 mm in radial length, -2.11 degrees in volar tilting at each. There was no statistical significance (p>0.05) in two groups. In the clinical functional outcome (according to Mayo wrist score), 92% of patient showed above good result in LCP group and 85% of patient showed above good result in conventional T-plate group. There was no infection, delayed union. CONCLUSION: Treatment by Interposition of fragments and shortening in the intractable nonunion of humerus with a bony defect can achieve not only good functional result, shortened bone union time and improved in shoulder and elbow motion.

A Comparative Study of Interlocking IM Nailing and LCP Fixation through MIPPO Technique in the Treatment of Distal Metaphyseal Tibial Fracture / 대한족부족관절학회지

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the outcome between interlocking IM nailing and LCP fixation in the treatment of distal metaphyseal tibial fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2007, 17 patient were treated by interlocking IM nail and 13 patient were treated by LCP fixation for distal metaphyseal tibial fracture. RESULTS: According to AO classification, there were 2 type A1 fracture (12%), 6 type A2 fracture (36%), 3 type A3 fracture (18%), 4 type B1 fracture (24%), 1 type B3 fracture (6%), 1 type C1 fracture (6%) in interlocking IM nailing group and 1 type A2 fracture (7.7%), 2 type A3 fracture (15.4%), 3 type B1 fracture (23%), 3 type B2 fracture (23%), 3 type C1 fracture (23%), 1 type C2 fracture (7.7%) in LCP fixation group. The clinical functional outcome (according to AOFAS score) is 75.6 point in IM nailing group and 81.5 point in LCP fixation group. In IM nailing group, 65% of patient showed satisfactory result and In LCP fixation group, 77% of patient showed satisfactory result. CONCLUSION: There is no difference on clinical results between IM nailing and MIPPO (minimal invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis) group in the treatment of distal tibia fracture. But MIPPO group have higher subjective satisfactory score and less complication rate. The weakness of our study is a small case number and limited follow-up and we believe a better designed prospective study will be needed.

Effect of Casing Layer on Growth Promotion of the Edible Mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus

Various bacteria were isolated from the casing layer soil of the culture bed of P. ostreatus and their role in fruiting body induction of the edible mushroom, P. ostreatus, was investigated. Analysis of the bacterial community isolated from the casing layer soil revealed that the composition of genera and number of cultivable bacteria were different for each sterilizing treatment. Bordetella was predominant in the bulk soil whereas Flavobacterium was predominant after sterilization of the casing layer soil. Fluorescent Pseudomonas was predominant in the non-sterilized casing layer soil. Total number of the bacterial genera in the casing layer soil was higher than that in the bulk soil. In particular, an increase in the fluorescent Pseudomonas population was observed in the non-sterilized casing layer accompanied by induction of fruiting body and enhanced mushroom production yield. The results suggested that specific bacterial populations in the casing layer play an important role in the formation of primodia and the development of basidiome in P. ostreatus.

Comparative Study for the Results of Ankle Fracture Depending onthe Extension of the Posterior Malleolus Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Posterior malleolus fractures of the ankle involve the articular surface of the distal tibia, and are related to the axis of weight bearing, which often causes difficulty in reduction and fixation. It was assumed that patients with ankle fractures combined with posterior malleolus fractures would be more prone to arthritis than those without such fractures. The main aim of this article was to define the relationship between early arthritis and an ankle fracture with a concomitant trimalleolar fracture or bimalleolar fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among the patients who had undergone an open reduction and internal fixation of the ankle joint between Nov. 2000 and Sep. 2005, 52 patients had a bimalleolar fracture or a trimalleolar fracture, and underwent metal removal. A retrospective clinical and radiological analysis was performed on the 52 patients. The mean follow up period was 25 months. Thirty-six patients had a bimalleolar fracture without a posterior malleolus fracture, and 16 patients had a trimalleolar fracture with internal fixation. The mean ages of the two groups were 36 and 43 years of age, and there were no significant differences in the gender distribution, route of trauma, and smoking between the two groups. The post operational rehabilitation treatment was applied equally to both groups. RESULTS: The VAS score of thebimalleolar fracture and trimalleolar fracture was 8.8 and 8.6, respectively. The AOFAS score of the bimalleolar fracture and trimalleolar fracture was 84.0 and 83.5, respectively, showing no significant difference. Only the patients who underwent metal removal were included because of the radiological analysis. The Kellgren-Lawrence scale of the bimalleolar fracture and trimalleolar fracture was 1.00 and 1.31, respectively, showing no significant difference. CONCLUSION: This study showed that patients with ankle fractures concomitant with posterior malleolus fractures had equally favorable outcomes to those patients with ankle fractures without a concomitant posterior malleolus fracture. Studies with more cases, a longer follow up, and prospective approaches will be needed to confirm these results.

Color Doppler Sonography Surveillance for Deep Vein Thrombosis after Hip Surgery

Purpose: To validate the value of Duplex Color Doppler Ultrasonography (DDU) for the incidence and location of postoperative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) that developed after hip surgery Materials and Methods: 260 consecutive patients who did not undergo any preventive treatment for DVT and underwent hip surgery (osteosynthesis for femoral neck and intertrochanteric fracture, acetabular fracture, and hip joint arthroplasty) from July, 2003 to May, 2005 were evaluated for the incidence of DVT. DDU was carried out on 7th postoperative day in all cases. Results: DVT was detected in 16 cases (6.2%) with 7 being in the femoral vein and 3 in the calf vein. Only two cases showed clinical symptoms such as pain and edema but no pulmonary embolism developed. Conclusion: The incidence of DVT obtained from DDU after hip surgery was 6.2 %, and no serious complications developed due to the early diagnosis. DDU is valuable as a screening test for postoperative DVT as well as for the prevention of serious complications such as pulmonary embolism.

Isolation and Characterization of Dikaryotic Mutants from Pleurotus ostreatus by UV Irradiation

Protoplasts of the wild type strain of Pleurotus osteatus were mutagenized with UV light, and 3,000 colonies were examined for abnormal mycelial and fruiting phenotypes. Forty one strains displayed variant phenotypes in mycelia and fruiting processes. The variant phenotypes were classified into 6 groups: (1) auxotrophic strains, which are incapable of growing on minimal media and can only grow when provided with their specific requirements; (2) abnormal vegetative strains, which grow very slowly on minimal and complete media; (3) primordiumless strains, which fail to develop to the formation of primordia; (4) maturationless strains, which form primordia, but do not form mature fruiting bodies; (5) specifically colored strains, which have Specific bluish grey or bluish white pileus; (6) poorly spored strains, which fail to produce basidiospore or which produce few spores. These variant strains may be useful in genetic breeding programs and for the studies of fungal development and genetics.