Distribution, Characterization, and Diversity of the Endophytic Fungal Communities on Korean Seacoasts Showing Contrasting Geographic Conditions

This study analyzed the distribution of endophytic fungi in 3 coastal environments with different climatic, geographical, and geological characteristics: the volcanic islands of Dokdo, the East Sea, and the West Sea of Korea. The isolated fungal endophytes were characterized and analyzed with respect to the characteristics of their host environments. For this purpose, we selected common native coastal halophyte communities from three regions. Molecular identification of the fungal endophytes showed clear differences among the sampling sites and halophyte host species. Isolates were also characterized by growth at specific salinities or pH gradients, with reference to previous geographical, geological, and climate studies. Unlike the East Sea or West Sea isolates, some Dokdo Islands isolates showed endurable traits with growth in high salinity, and many showed growth under extremely alkaline conditions. A smaller proportion of West Sea coast isolates tolerate compared to the East Sea or Dokdo Islands isolates. These results suggest that these unique fungal biota developed through a close interaction between the host halophyte and their environment, even within the same halophyte species. Therefore, this study proposes the application of specific fungal resources for restoring sand dunes and salt-damaged agricultural lands and industrialization of halophytic plants.

A Case of Eosinophilic Fasciitis Presenting as Pitting Edema of the Lower Extremities

Eosinophilic fasciitis is a rare disease characterized by diffuse fasciitis with peripheral eosinophilia and progressive induration and thickening of the skin and soft tissues. We report a 19-year-old female who presented with pitting edema in both lower extremities. She had a history of excessive physical activity before her symptoms developed. Physical examination revealed 2+ pitting edema in both lower legs. She complained of mild pain in both knee joints and feet, with no tenderness or heating sensations. Laboratory results were unremarkable except for severe eosinophilia. Parasite infection, venous thrombosis, and cardiac and renal problems were excluded. A magnetic resonance imaging study of both lower extremities revealed increased signal intensity in the subcutaneous lesions, consistent with superficial inflammation of the fascia. Mixed perivenular lymphoplasmacytic and eosinophilic infiltration in the subcutaneous lesion were observed on biopsy. The patient was treated with corticosteroids, resulting in remarkable improvement in both edema and eosinophilia.

Lymphadenopathy of Kimura's disease Associated with Nephrotic Syndrome: A case report

Kimura's disease is an important category of reactive lymphadenopathy especially among Asians. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology and is characterized by angiolymphoid proliferation and eosinophilia. The patient was a 17-year-old man with a 3-year-history of submandibular lymphadenopathy Who was referred to Kyung Hee University Hospital for evaluation of enlarging mass. He had a history of nephrotic syndrome for 7-8 years since 1984. Laboratory findings were not specific except for peripheral blood eosinophilia. The submandibular lymph node showed florid germinal enters, increased postcapillary venules in the paracortex, eosinophilic infiltration, and sclerosis. In this paper, a case of lymphadenopathy of Kimura's disease associated with nephrotic syndrome is reported.

Cytologic Features of Papnicolaou Smears of Malignant Melanoma Arising in Vagina: A Cese Report / 대한세포병리학회지

Primary malignant melanoma of vagina is a rare tumor which is easily misinterpretated in routine cytologic examination. We lately experienced a case of primary malignant melanoma of the vagina with direct cervical extension diagnosed by Pap smear. The cervicovaginal smear showed variable sized clusters of epithelial cells or singly scattered abnormal epithelial cells. Most of the tumor cells had round hyperchromatic nuclei with prominent nucleoli and brownish pigments in cytoplasm. The cytologic findings are compared with histologic features of resected specimen.