Neodothiora pruni sp. nov., a Biosurfactant-Producing Ascomycetous Yeast Species Isolated from Flower of Prunus mume

A yeast strain, designated as JAF-11 T , was isolated from flower ofPrunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. in Gwangyang, Republic of Korea. Phylogenetic analysis showed that strain JAF-11 T was closely related to Neodothiora populina CPC 39399 T with 2.07 % sequence divergence (12 nucleotide substitutions and three gaps in 581 nucleotides) in the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene, and Rhizosphaera macrospora CBS 208.79 T with 4.66 % sequence divergence (25 nucleotide substitutions and five gaps in 535 nucleotides) in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Further analysis based on the concatenated sequen ces of the D1/D2 domain of the LSU rRNA gene and the ITS region confirmed that strain JAF-11 T was well-separated from Neodothiora populina CPC 39399 T . In addition to the phylo genetic differences, strain JAF-11 T was distinguished from its closest species, Neodothiora populina CPC 39399 T and Rhizosphaera macrospora CBS 208.79 T belonging to the family Dothioraceae by its phenotypic characteristics, such as assimilation of carbon sources. Hence, the name Neodothiora pruni sp. nov. is proposed with type strain JAF-11 T (KACC 48808 T ; MB 850034).

Lifestyle Factors and Bowel Preparation for Screening Colonoscopy

PURPOSE: The quality of bowel preparation is a major determinant of the quality of colonoscopy. This study evaluated lifestyle factors, including usual dietary style, associated with bowel preparation. METHODS: This retrospective study evaluated 1,079 consecutive subjects who underwent complete colonoscopy from December 2012 to April 2014 at National Cancer Center of Korea. Questionnaires on bowel preparation were completed by the subjects, with the quality of bowel preparation categorized as optimal (excellent or good) or suboptimal (fair, poor or inadequate). Lifestyle factors associated with bowel preparation were analyzed. RESULTS: The 1,079 subjects included 680 male (63.0%) and 399 female patietns (37.0%), with a mean age of 49.6 ± 8.32 years. Bowel preparation was categorized as optimal in 657 subjects (60.9%) and as suboptimal in 422 (39.1%). Univariate analyses showed no differences between groups in lifestyle factors, such as regular exercise, alcohol intake, smoking, and dietary factor. Body mass index (BMI) > 25 kg/m2 was the only factor associated with suboptimal bowel preparation on both the univariate (P = 0.007) and the multivariate (odds ratio, 1.437; 95% confidence interval, 1.104–1.871; P = 0.007) analyses. CONCLUSION: Most lifestyle factors, including dietary patterns, exercise, alcohol intake and smoking, were not associated with suboptimal bowel preparation in Koreans. However, BMI > 25 kg/m2 was independently associated with suboptimal bowel preparation. More intense preparation regimens before colonoscopy can be helpful in subjects with BMI > 25 kg/m2.

Analysis of the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 Gene Ratio in Black Koji Molds Isolated from Meju

Aspergillus luchuensis is known as an industrially important fungal species used for making fermented foods such as awamori and shochu in Japan, makgeolli and Meju in Korea, and Pu-erh tea in China. Nonetheless, this species has not yet been widely studied regarding mating-type genes. In this study, we examined the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 gene ratio in black koji molds (A. luchuensis, Aspergillus niger, and Aspergillus tubingensis) and in Aspergillus welwitschiae isolated from Meju, a fermented soybean starting material for traditional soy sauce and soybean paste in Korea. The number of strains with the MAT1-1 locus was 2 of 23 (A. luchuensis), 6 of 13 (A. tubingensis), 21 of 28 (A. niger), and 5 of 10 (A. welwitschiae). Fungal species A. tubingensis and A. welwitschiae showed a 1 : 1 ratio of MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 mating-type loci. In contrast, A. luchuensis revealed predominance of MAT1-2 (91.3%) and A. niger of MAT1-1 (75%). We isolated and identified 2 A. luchuensis MAT1-1 strains from Meju, although all strains for making shochu in Japan are of the MAT1-2 type. These strains may be a good resource for breeding of A. luchuensis to be used in the Asian fermented-food industry.

Korean research project on the integrated exposure assessment of hazardous substances for food safety

OBJECTIVES: This survey was designed to conduct the first nationwide dietary exposure assessment on hazardous substances including the intakes of functional food and herbal medicine. In this paper, we introduced the survey design and the results of the dietary exposure status and internal exposure levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). METHODS: We selected 4867 subjects of all ages throughout Korea. We conducted a food survey, dietary survey, biomonitoring, and health survey. RESULTS: Pb and Cd were the highest (median value) in the seaweed (94.2 mug/kg for Pb; 594 mug/kg for Cd), and Hg was the highest in the fish (46.4 mug/kg). The dietary exposure level (median value) of Pb was 0.14 mug/kg body weight (bw)/d, 0.18 mug/kg bw/d for Cd, and 0.07 mug/kg bw/d for Hg. Those with a blood Pb level of less than 5.00 mug/dL (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reference value for those 1 to 5 years of age) were 99.0% of all the subjects. Those with a blood Cd level with less than 0.30 mug/L (German Federal Environmental Agency, reference value for non-smoking children) were 24.5%. For those with a blood Hg level with less than 5.00 mug/L (human biomonitoring I, references value for children and adults, German Federal Environmental Agency) was 81.0 % of all the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The main dietary exposure of heavy metals occurs through food consumed in a large quantity and high frequency. The blood Hg level and dietary exposure level of Hg were both higher than those in the European Union.

Korean research project on the integrated exposure assessment of hazardous substances for food safety

OBJECTIVES: This survey was designed to conduct the first nationwide dietary exposure assessment on hazardous substances including the intakes of functional food and herbal medicine. In this paper, we introduced the survey design and the results of the dietary exposure status and internal exposure levels of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg). METHODS: We selected 4867 subjects of all ages throughout Korea. We conducted a food survey, dietary survey, biomonitoring, and health survey. RESULTS: Pb and Cd were the highest (median value) in the seaweed (94.2 mug/kg for Pb; 594 mug/kg for Cd), and Hg was the highest in the fish (46.4 mug/kg). The dietary exposure level (median value) of Pb was 0.14 mug/kg body weight (bw)/d, 0.18 mug/kg bw/d for Cd, and 0.07 mug/kg bw/d for Hg. Those with a blood Pb level of less than 5.00 mug/dL (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reference value for those 1 to 5 years of age) were 99.0% of all the subjects. Those with a blood Cd level with less than 0.30 mug/L (German Federal Environmental Agency, reference value for non-smoking children) were 24.5%. For those with a blood Hg level with less than 5.00 mug/L (human biomonitoring I, references value for children and adults, German Federal Environmental Agency) was 81.0 % of all the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The main dietary exposure of heavy metals occurs through food consumed in a large quantity and high frequency. The blood Hg level and dietary exposure level of Hg were both higher than those in the European Union.

Comparison of Nutrient Intake and Diet Quality Between Hyperuricemia Subjects and Controls in Korea

Hyperuricemia is associated with metabolic syndrome as well as gout, and the prevalence of hyperuricemia is increasing in Korea. This study aimed to compare the nutrient intake and diet quality between hyperuricemia subjects and controls. Of the 28,589 people who participated in a health examination between 2008 and 2011, 9,010 subjects were selected whose 3-day food records were available. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from electronic medical records. Diet quality was evaluated using the food habit score (FHS), nutrient adequacy ratio (NAR), and mean adequacy ratio (MAR). The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 13.8% (27.1%, men; 5.2%, women). Body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly higher (p < 0.0001), while high-density cholesterol (p < 0.001) was significantly lower in the hyperuricemia subjects than in the controls. The hyperuricemia subjects had a lower intake of vitamin A (p < 0.004), vitamin C, folate, fiber, and calcium than the controls (p < 0.0001). Intake of vegetables and dairy products was significantly lower, whereas alcohol intake was significantly higher in the hyperuricemia subjects than in the controls ( p < 0.0001). The FHS (p < 0.0001), MAR (p < 0.0001), and NARs for vitamin A (p = 0.01), vitamin B2, vitamin C, folate, and calcium (p < 0.0001) were significantly lower in the hyperuricemia subjects than in the controls. In conclusion, the hyperuricemia subjects reported poorer diet quality than the controls, including higher alcohol intake and lower vegetable and dairy product intake.

Mandibular Enlargement, Metastatic Pulmonary Calcification and Gastric Mucosal Calcinosis in a Patient with Chronic Kidney Disease-mineral Bone Disorder / 대한신장학회지

Secondary hyperparathyroidism is one of the most common complications of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Mandibular enlargement, metastatic pulmonary calcification, and gastric mucosal calcinosis are rare complications in these patients. The defect of calcium and phosphorus metabolism may precipitate pathologic calcification at diverse organs and soft tissue, and change bone architecture. In case of involving periarticular area, patients usually present with localized swelling, pain, and reduced mobility in affected sites. However, in case of organ involvement, except in an advanced stage of disease, there are no specific symptoms. Among these patients, treatment strategies include tight control of calcium and phosphate levels, parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism, renal transplantation, and local excision of calcific lesions. We report a case of mandibular enlargement, metastatic pulmonary calcification, and gastric mucosal calcinosis due to CKD with improvement 3 months after medical and surgical treatment.

Ethanol extract of Angelica gigas inhibits croton oil-induced inflammation by suppressing the cyclooxygenase - prostaglandin pathway

The anti-inflammatory effects of an ethanol extract of Angelica gigas (EAG) were investigated in vitro and in vivo using croton oil-induced inflammation models. Croton oil (20 microgram/mL) up-regulated mRNA expression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-I and COX-II in the macrophage cell line, RAW 264.7, resulting in the release of high concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). EAG (1~10 microgram/mL) markedly suppressed croton oil-induced COX-II mRNA expression and PGE2 production. Application of croton oil (5% in acetone) to mouse ears caused severe local erythema, edema and vascular leakage, which were significantly attenuated by oral pre-treatment with EAG (50~500 mg/kg). Croton oil dramatically increased blood levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and PGE2 without affecting tumor-necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and nitric oxide (NO) levels. EAG pre-treatment remarkably lowered IL-6 and PGE2, but did not alter TNF-alpha or NO concentrations. These results indicate that EAG attenuates inflammatory responses in part by blocking the COX-PGE2 pathway. Therefore, EAG could be a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Comparison of Frequency and Amount of Dishes Reported in Semi-Quantitative Dish-based Frequency Questionnaire vs. 12-day Dietary Records

A valid food or dish frequency questionnaire needs to be developed in Korea for accurate dietary assessment because the dietary practices of Koreans are very different from those of other countries. This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of the newly developed, semi-quantitative, dish-based frequency questionnaire (Semi-DFQ) with 12-day dietary records (12-DRs) as a gold standard. The study subjects were 115 men and 173 women aged 30-65 years old. We calibrated the frequency, portion size and daily intake of 112 dish items reported in Semi-DFQ with those in 12-DRs by Spearman rank correlation coefficients (SCCs). The consumption frequency and portion size reported in Semi-DFQ were higher than those in 12-DRs. The SCCs for the consumption frequency of various dishes ranged from -0.07 (fried seaweed) to 0.70 (instant coffee), the portion size ranged from -0.09 (cold seaweed soup) to 0.68 (soju), and the daily intake ranged from -0.07 (fried seaweed) to 0.71 (soju). The SCCs were higher for dishes consumed daily, such as steamed rice, milk, coffee and alcohol, than those of foods eaten rarely. The overall agreements between the Semi-DFQ and 12-DRs were low for categories of consumption frequency and portion size, even though some dishes showed high SCCs. The SCCs of the two methods in consumption frequency and amount were higher among the women and younger subject. The results revealed the limitation of the Semi-DFQ for evaluating the status of usual individual intake. Therefore, the Semi-DFQ can be used in addition as dietary records and 24-hour recall depending on the research aims.

Acute Renal Failure Complicated by Valaciclovir in a Patient with IgA Nephropathy / 대한신장학회지

Valaciclovir is L-valyl ester of acyclovir which has the antiviral effect against herpes zoster virus and Cytomegalovirus. Its adverse effects were reported as nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Although the mechanism of nephrotoxicity of valaciclovir is indeterminate, several hypotheses such as obstructive uropathy and interstitial nephritis have been suggested. We experienced a 54-year-old female patient with IgA nephropathy who developed acute renal failure after taking valaciclovir. She did not develop either central neuropathy or respiratory muscle weakness. The serum creatinine was normalized after 6 days by withdrawal of valaciclovir and hydration. When we use valaciclovir in the elderly or patients with preexisting renal disease, we should monitor the renal function carefully.

A Case of Recurred Uterine Cervical Cancer Presented as Only Huge Mediastinal Mass / 결핵및호흡기질환

Uterine cervical cancer is the 5(th) most common malignancy in Korean women. With the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, earlier stage cancers are being diagnosed with longer survival rates being anticipated. Accordingly, recurrent cancers are being encountered more often in clinical practice. Most recurrent uterine cervical cancer patients, have intra-pelvic lesions and adjacent lymph node involvement, while a distant metastasis alone is extremely rare. A mediastinal recurrence of uterine cervical cancer is not common with most manifesting as small lymph node enlargements. We report a case of a 46-year-old woman with recurrent uterine cervical cancer presenting only as a huge mediastinal mass without a local recurrence.

A Case of Partial Intestinal Obstruction due to Ascaris lumbricoides / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Ascaris lumbricoides (A. lumbricoides) is the largest and most common human intestinal helminth in the world. However, the prevalence of ascariasis has, in recent years, been very low in Korea. The majority of patients infected with A. lumbricoides are asymptomatic. However, sometimes these infections may give rise to intestinal obstructions or pancreatobiliary disease, via retrograde migration through the ampulla of Vater. Intestinal obstruction associated with A. lumbricoides is a complication that is frequently observed in children living in endemic areas. However, no cases of A. lumbricoides-associated intestinal obstruction have been reported in Korea since 1967. In this report, we describe the case of a 78-year-old man, who presented with sustained nausea and postprandial vomiting, and was diagnosed with a partial intestinal obstruction due to A. lumbricoides after undergoing an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Four cases of gastric submucosal mass suspected as anisakiasis

Anisakiasis is a parasitic disease caused by ingestion of raw fish infected with anisakid larvae. Endoscopic changing patterns of submucosal lesions in chronic gastric anisakiasis have not been known yet. Here we report 4 cases of suspected gastric anisakiasis which were improved during follow-up periods without surgical treatment. The patients presented with abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting after consuming raw marine fish, and visited our gastroenterology outpatient department. Their endoscopic findings showed firm and yellowish submucosal masses accompanied with eccentric erosions. Histologic findings showed severe eosinophilic infiltrations. In blood tests, peripheral eosinophil counts and total IgE levels were elevated. We believed that all cases were caused by larval anisakid infections. The submucosal mass lesions disappeared during the follow-up periods of 2 to 4 mo.

Serotype of yersinia pseudotuberculosis isolated from animals in korea

No abstract available.

Expressions of c-fos and c-myc genes during 3'-methyl-4-dimethylaminoazobenzene (3'-MeDAB)-induced rat hepatocarcinoma

We investigated the expression of the growth-related nuclear proto-oncogenes, c-fos and c-myc, in early preneoplastic regions and tumor nodules of 3'-MeDAB induced rat hepatocarcinoma. To amplify the levels of these transcripts, we gave cycloheximide (100 mg/kg B.W. i.p.) to each group of rats. The elevated levels of the 2.2 kb c-fos and 2.4 kb c-myc transcripts appeared as early as the 2nd week after feeding on the 3'-MeDAB diet and lasted through the 4th; 6th weeks and tumor. Southern blot analysis indicated that gross amplification or rearrangements were not observed in DNA of the preneoplastic livers and hepatoma nodules. We also measured the rate of the incorporation of [3H] thymidine into hepatic DNA in order to monitor the rate of cell proliferation occurring at the early preneoplastic periods. We have found that the rate of [3H] thymidine incorporation corresponds to the elevated levels of c-fos and c-myc transcripts in the precancerous stages. This finding suggests that the elevated expressions of c-fos and c-myc may result from the continuous cell proliferative stimuli generated in the carcinogen altered cells, which is essential to the initiation and promotion of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis.