Characterization of transcription factor genes related to cold tolerance in Brassica napus

Brassica napus is the third most important oilseed crop in the world; however, in Korea, it is greatly affected by cold stress, limiting seed growth and production. Plants have developed specific stress responses that are generally divided into three categories: cold-stress signaling, transcriptional/post-transcriptional regulation, and stress-response mechanisms. Large numbers of functional and regulatory proteins are involved in these processes when triggered by cold stress. Here, our objective was to investigate the different genetic factors involved in the cold-stress responses of B. napus. Consequently, we treated the Korean B. napus cultivar Naehan at the 4-week stage in cold chambers under different conditions, and RNA and cDNA were obtained. An in silico analysis included 80 cold-responsive genes downloaded from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. Expression levels were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and 14 cold-triggered genes were identified under cold-stress conditions. The most significant genes encoded zinc-finger proteins (33.7%), followed by MYB transcription factors (7.5%). In the future, we will select genes appropriate for improving the cold tolerance of B. napus.

Analysis of genome variants in dwarf soybean lines obtained in F6 derived from cross of normal parents (cultivated and wild soybean)

Plant height is an important component of plant architecture and significantly affects crop breeding practices and yield. We studied DNA variations derived from F5 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) with 96.8% homozygous genotypes. Here, we report DNA variations between the normal and dwarf members of four lines harvested from a single seed parent in an F6 RIL population derived from a cross between Glycine max var. Peking and Glycine soja IT182936. Whole genome sequencing was carried out, and the DNA variations in the whole genome were compared between the normal and dwarf samples. We found a large number of DNA variations in both the dwarf and semi-dwarf lines, with one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) per at least 3.68 kb in the dwarf lines and 1 SNP per 11.13 kb of the whole genome. This value is 2.18 times higher than the expected DNA variation in the F6 population. A total of 186 SNPs and 241 SNPs were discovered in the coding regions of the dwarf lines 1282 and 1303, respectively, and we discovered 33 homogeneous nonsynonymous SNPs that occurred at the same loci in each set of dwarf and normal soybean. Of them, five SNPs were in the same positions between lines 1282 and 1303. Our results provide important information for improving our understanding of the genetics of soybean plant height and crop breeding. These polymorphisms could be useful genetic resources for plant breeders, geneticists, and biologists for future molecular biology and breeding projects.

Analysis of genome variants in dwarf soybean lines obtained in F6 derived from cross of normal parents (cultivated and wild soybean)

Plant height is an important component of plant architecture and significantly affects crop breeding practices and yield. We studied DNA variations derived from F5 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) with 96.8% homozygous genotypes. Here, we report DNA variations between the normal and dwarf members of four lines harvested from a single seed parent in an F6 RIL population derived from a cross between Glycine max var. Peking and Glycine soja IT182936. Whole genome sequencing was carried out, and the DNA variations in the whole genome were compared between the normal and dwarf samples. We found a large number of DNA variations in both the dwarf and semi-dwarf lines, with one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) per at least 3.68 kb in the dwarf lines and 1 SNP per 11.13 kb of the whole genome. This value is 2.18 times higher than the expected DNA variation in the F6 population. A total of 186 SNPs and 241 SNPs were discovered in the coding regions of the dwarf lines 1282 and 1303, respectively, and we discovered 33 homogeneous nonsynonymous SNPs that occurred at the same loci in each set of dwarf and normal soybean. Of them, five SNPs were in the same positions between lines 1282 and 1303. Our results provide important information for improving our understanding of the genetics of soybean plant height and crop breeding. These polymorphisms could be useful genetic resources for plant breeders, geneticists, and biologists for future molecular biology and breeding projects.

RNA-Seq De Novo Assembly and Differential Transcriptome Analysis of Korean Medicinal Herb Cirsium japonicum var. spinossimum

Cirsium japonicum belongs to the Asteraceae or Compositae family and is a medicinal plant in Asia that has a variety of effects, including tumour inhibition, improved immunity with flavones, and antidiabetic and hepatoprotective effects. Silymarin is synthesized by 4-coumaroyl-CoA via both the flavonoid and phenylpropanoid pathways to produce the immediate precursors taxifolin and coniferyl alcohol. Then, the oxidative radicalization of taxifolin and coniferyl alcohol produces silymarin. We identified the expression of genes related to the synthesis of silymarin in C. japonicum in three different tissues, namely, flowers, leaves, and roots, through RNA sequencing. We obtained 51,133 unigenes from transcriptome sequencing by de novo assembly using Trinity v2.1.1, TransDecoder v2.0.1, and CD-HIT v4.6 software. The differentially expressed gene analysis revealed that the expression of genes related to the flavonoid pathway was higher in the flowers, whereas the phenylpropanoid pathway was more highly expressed in the roots. In this study, we established a global transcriptome dataset for C. japonicum. The data shall not only be useful to focus more deeply on the genes related to product medicinal metabolite including flavolignan but also to study the functional genomics for genetic engineering of C. japonicum.

The Impact of Appendiceal CT on Patients with Suggestive Appendicitis

PURPOSE: This study was performed to evaluate the contribution of appendiceal computed tomography (CT) in the more accurate diagnosis of acute appendicitis and decrease in the rate of negative appendectomies. METHODS: Between May and August 2005, 146 patients with right lower quadrant (RLQ) abdominal pain and tenderness were diagnosed using appendiceal CT. The appendiceal CT scans were performed with contrast media in the abdominal and pelvic areas. 7 mm slice scans were taken both before and after the contrast media injection, with a time delay. The control group was comprised of 99 patients, who were also checked by abdominal CT or ultrasonography, between December 2004 and April 2005, with the data analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In the study group, 85 of the 146 cases were diagnosed with acute appendicitis on appendiceal CT, and had undergone an appendectomy, including 42 men (mean age 39.9 yr) and 43 women (mean age 44.6 yr). The sensitivity and specificity of appendiceal CT in acute appendicitis were 95.3 and 98.4%, respectively. There were 4 (4.7%) negative appendectomy cases; 2 in men and 2 in women. The control group conprised of 47 men and 52 women. There were 13 (13.1%) negative appendectomy cases; 4 in men and 9 in women. CONCLUSION: The routine use of appendiceal CT, in patients with RLQ abdominal pain and tenderness, resulted in a significant decrease in the negative appendectomy rate.

Colonic Schwannoma

Schwannoma is a common soft tissue tumor, but it appears to be rare among the spindle cell mesencymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal Schwannomas (GIS) are rare and most of them originate in the stomach or the small bowel. GIS of the colon is extremely rare. The most important issue to be addressed for this type of tumor is the difficulty in making the correct preoperative diagnosis. Less than 10% of cases have been diagnosed as schwannoma preoperatively. A 58-year-old man was found to have a 3.5cm sized submucosal transverse colon tumor on the preoperative colonoscopy, abdominal CT and MRI. Wedge resection was done and the submucosal mass was diagnosed as schwannoma on the immunochemical staining. The immunochemical results were negative staining for CD 117(KIT) and CD 34 and positive staining for S-100 protein, which is all consistent with schwannoma. We report here on the first case of colonic schwannoma in Korea, along with a review of the literature.

Effect of wetness on the enamel bonding / 대한치과보존학회지

This study evaluated the microleakage and interfacial gap between enamel and composite resin under the dry and wet condition of the enamel surface. V shaped class 5 cavities were prepared on the occlusal portion of extracted human molars. Samples were divided into three groups: D group (air dry for 10-15 s), BD group (blot dry with moist cotton pellet), and DR group (air dry for 10-15 s and rewet with Aqua-Prep F for 20 s). Cavities were filled using Aelitefil composite resin after applied One-Step. Microleakage was tested by 2% methylene blue dye solution and the data were statistically analysed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test. Also Enamel-resin interface was observed under SEM. Group BD showed statistically lower microleakage than group D (p 0.05). At the enamel-resin interface, group D showed the gap of 2 microm thickness, but group BD and DR showed close adaptation. In conclusion, the use of blot dry and rewetting agent (Aqua-Prep F) resulted in decreased microleakage and improved adhesion between enamel and resin when using One-Step.

The effect of delayed composite resin filling on microtensile bond strength / 대한치과보존학회지

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of immediate or delayed composite resin filling on dentinal microtensile bond strength (microTBS) after applied the adhesive. The coronal dentin of human third molars was exposed. Single-Bond or One-Step was applied on the dentin surfaces, and composite resin were constructed immediately (group 1) or 5 min., 10 min., 15 min., 20 min. and 30 min. (groups 2-6) after an adhesive was applied. The specimens were sectioned and made bar-shaped. Each surface area of them was about 1mm2. The microTBS test was performed by EZ test. The results were analysed by One-way ANOVA and Tukey's test at 95% significance level. The results suggested that the microTBS of Single-Bond to dentin was decreased when the composite resin was constructed 20 min. and 30 min. after Single-Bond was applied. But the microTBS of One-Step was not affected by delayed composite resin filling.

Influence of appication time of self-etching primers on dentinal microtensile bond strength / 대한치과보존학회지

This study evaluated the influence of application time of self-etching primers on microtensile bond strength (microTBS) to dentin using three self-etching primer adhesive systems. Dentin surfaces were exposed from forty-eight human molars. They were conditioned with three self-etching primers (Clearfil SE Bond [SE], Unifil Bond [UF], Tyrian SPE + One Step Plus [TY]) and different primining times (10s, 20s, 30s and 40s). Composite resins were bonded to dentin surfaces and specimens were made. microTBS was tested and statistically compared using by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's Test The results of this study presented that priming time for 10s in SE and UF groups and for 30s and 40s in TY group was highly decreased microTBS to dentin.

Effect of rewetting agent on dentinal microtensile bond strength / 대한치과보존학회지

This study investigated that the effect of rewetting agent on dentinal microtensile bond strength (microTBS). Human molars were sectioned to expose the superficial dentin surfaces. Samples were divided into two groups according to type of adhesives-Single Bond (S) and One-Step (O)], and again subdivided into five groups by different dentin surface treatment-dry for 15s (D), blot dry (BD) or dry for 15s, and rewet with different rewetting agents [distilled water (DW), Gluma Desensitizer (GD) and Aqua-Prep (AP)] for 30s. After application of adhesive, composite resin was built up on the bonding surface. Each tooth was sectioned to obtain stick with 1 mm2 cross sectional area and the microTBS was determined by EZ test. In the S group, the mean microTBS of GD, AP and BD group was significantly higher than that of DW and D group (p < 0.05). In the O group, the mean microTBS of AP, GD, BD and DW group was significantly higher than that of D group (p < 0.05). The data suggested that Gluma Desensitizer and Aqua-Prep could be successfully used as rewetting agents, and Distilled water could be acceptable in aceton based adhesive system only.

Marginal microleakage of single step adhesives / 대한치과보존학회지

This study evaluated the marginal microleakage of five single step adhesives. Class V cavity preparations with occlusal margins in enamel and gingival margins in dentin were prepared on both buccal and lingual surfaces of extracted human molar teeth. Prepared teeth were randomly divided into five groups and restored using one of the single step adhesives and composite resins: Prompt L-Pop/Filtek Z-250 (Group 1), AQ Bond/Metafil CX (Group 2), One-Up Bond F/Palfique Toughwell (Group 3), Futurabond/Admira (Group 4), Xeno III/Spectrum TPH (Group 5). The restored teeth were thermocycled. Microleakage was assessed by dye penetration using 2% methylene blue dye solution. The teeth were bisected buccolingually and evaluated for microleakage under steromicroscope. The data were statistically analysed by Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney tests. The results of this study were as follows; 1. Microleakage of enamel margins in group 3 was statistically higher than that in groups 1, 2, 4, 5 (p < 0.05). 2. Microleakage of dentin margins in group 1 was statistically higher than that in groups 2, 5, and that in group 3 was statistically higher than that in groups 2, 4, 5 (p < 0.05). 3. Dentin marginal microleakage was higher than enamel marginal microleakage in all experimental groups. In conclusion, Prompt L-Pop showed the least leakage at enamel margin, and AQ Bond showed at dentin margin in this study. Marginal miroleakage in dentin was higher than that in enamel.

Influence of microhardness and fluoride content of tooth structure by fluoride-containing restorative materials / 대한치과보존학회지

The purpose of this study was to compare the microhardness and the fluoride content of enamel and dentin around fluoride- or non fluoride-containing restorations. Forty extracted human teeth were used and prepared cervical cavities on proximal surface. Experimental teeth were divided into five groups. Group 1 : Prime & Bond NT and Z100, Group 2 : Prime & Bond NT and F2000, Group 3 : Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and Z100, Group 4 : Scothcbond Multi-purpose and F2000, Group 5 : Fuji II LC. The cavities were filled with dentin adhesives and restorative materials. After each tooth was bisected, one half was tested microhardness and the other half was analyzed the fluoride at the enamel and dentin by an EPMA-WDX device. The results were as follows: 1. There was no statistical difference among the microhardness of enamel surface in all group. 2. The microhardness at dentin of 100 microm point in Group 2 and 20 microm point in Group 4 was lower than that of normal dentin (p>0.05). 3. There was no statistical difference among the fluoride content of enamel surface in all group. 4. The fluoride content at the dentin of 30 microm point in Group 2 and 5 were higher than those at 100 microm and 200 microm point in Group 2 and normal dentin (p<0.05). 5. At the dentin of 30 microm point, Group 2 showed higher fluoride content than Group 1 and 3, and Group 5 showed higher fluoride content than other groups.

Primary Endobronchial Leiomyosarcoma: One case report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Primary endobronchial leiomyosarcoma is extremely rare, which is uncommon of primary endobronchial tumors. We report a primary endobronchial leiomyosarcoma. A 19-year-old male patient was admitted to the hospital ulcerative endobrochial tumor in the origin of left lower lobar bronchus and bronchoscopic biopsy showed a endobronchial leiomyoma. The patient underwent a left lower sleeve lobectomy and final pathologic diagnosis was primary endobronchial leiomyosarcoma. After 4 months, follow-up bronchoscopy reveled local recurrence of a endobronchial leiomyosarcoma on a left main bronchus. A left completion pneumonectomy was perfomed and he was discharged without complications.

Radiation Therapy for Bone Metastasis from Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 대한간학회지

BACKGROUND/AIM: Recent advances in both diagnosis and treatment have markedly improved the prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Bone metastasis has become a clinical problem in the treatment of HCC patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the palliative effect of radiotherapy for painful bone metastasis from HCC. METHODS: From January 1991 to June 2000, 51 patients (77 sites) with painful bone metastasis from HCC were retrospectively analyzed. Ages ranged from 21 to 80 years (median 55 years). The male:female ratio was 7.5:1. Synchronous or metachronous bone metastasis was seen in 20 (39%) and 31 patients (61%), respectively. The most common symptom of bone metastasis was pain (45 patients, 88%). Twenty-one patients (41%) had a solitary bone metastasis while 30 (59%) had multiple ones. The sites of bone metastasis, in order of frequency, were the vertebra (38), rib (20), and pelvis (19). The total radiation dose ranged from 12.5 to 50 Gy (median 30 Gy). The Wisconsin Brief Pain Questionnaire was used to evaluate pain response. RESULTS: The overall 1 and 2 year survival rates from the time of bone metastasis were 15% and 4%, respectively. The median survival time was 5 months. Intrahepatic stage(p=0.014), and metastasis to other organs(p=0.019) were significant prognostic factor for survival by univariate analysis. There was, however, no independent prognostic factor on multivariate analysis. Pain relief after radiotherapy was achieved for 56 sites (73%). CONCLUSION: The expected life span (median 5 months) in this group of patients suggests a strong necessity for effective treatment for symptomatic palliation. Radiation therapy was effective in pain palliation for bone metastasis from HCC, and this could improve patients' quality of life.

EEG and Topographic Frequency Analysis of Laser Therapeutic Efficacy in Occipital Headaches / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: It is controversial that an electrocardiography (EEG) is valuable in evaluation of patients with headache. The purpose of this study was to determine whether EEG brain mapping can be a useful indicator for evaluating the analgesic efficacy of treatment on the patient with an occipital headache. METHODS: We did an EEG on 20 patients with occipital headaches at the peri-laser application period. The laser was radiated for 3 minutes a third of the total distance from the external occipital protuberance to the mastoid process on the superior nuchal line. An EEG was taKen before laser radiation as control use, and at 10, 30 and 60 minutes after laser radiation by 32 channel electrodes (international 10 20 system). The EEG mapping was red for the high electric potential and blue for the low electric potential. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the alpha wave increased significantly in parieto-occipital and occipital region at 60 minutes after laser radiation (P < 0.05). DarK red color was increased especially in occipital region at 60 minutes after laser radiation, compared with EEG mapping before laser radiation. Good and Fair improvements were observed in 55% of the patients with occipital headaches. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that EEG can be a valuable indicator in the evaluation of analgesic efficacy of treatment in the patients suffering from occipital headaches. Pain scores were assessed by the patient with the visual analogue scale (VAS).

Primary Left Atrial Myxosarcoma: One case Report / 대한흉부외과학회지

Primary cardiac myxosarcoma is extremely rare, which is uncommon in primary cardiac tumors. We report a primary cardiac myxosarcoma in a 40-year-old female patient who was admitted to the hospital because of exertional dyspnea and palpitation. The patient underwent emergency operation immediately after the intracardiac (left atrium) tumor was discovered by an echocardiography. Palliative tumor removal was done and final pathologic diagnosis was primary cardiac myxosarcoma. She was discharged without complications.

Bullectomy Using 2 mm Videothoracoscope in Primary Spontaneous Pneumothorax / 대한흉부외과학회지

Video assisted thoracoscopic bullectomy has brought us the relief of postoperative pain and wound infection,cosmetically good results, short hospital admission and early return to society. Especially, we have tried to decrease operative wound minimally for better cosmetic results by using 2 mm videothoracoscope. From November 18, 1999 to April 19, 2000, we have performed 20 cases of video-assisted thoracoscopic bullectomy using 2 mm video-thoracoscope in primary spontaneous pneumothorax surgically indicated without conversion to open thoracotomy. Operative wound was almost similar to that in closed thoracostomy. The lesion of primary spontaneous pneumothorax was localized and pleural adhesion was absent or not severe. Thus, we cauld perform bullectomy using 2 mm videothoracoscope in primary spontaneous pneumothorax and decrease operative wound.

Cavernous Sinus Lesions Treated in Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Field / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cavernous sinus is a small venous space enclosed by leaves of dura and periosteum and located on either side of sella turcica. Approach and treatment of lesions of this sinus are very difficult and perilous because they contain critical neural and vascular structures. Surgery relating to cavernous sinus lesions are extremely rare in otorhinolaryngology and such surgeries are usually referred to the fields of neurology and neurosurgery. However, in the case of a lesion that extends from the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses, an intranasal approach is necessary and cooperation with head and neck surgeons are desirable to achieve a superior result. This study examines the nature of these rare cases of cavernous sinus lesions and assesses the results of cooperation with doctors of other specialties. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We summarize here three cases of cavernous sinus lesions (angiofibroma, tuberculosis, foreign body) extendeding from the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses. These lesions were treated in cooperation with a reconstructive surgeon and a neurosurgeon. RESULT: All of these cases showed successful results. CONCLUSION: Close cooperation from each department is critical in order to achieve successful results.

Treatment of Posterior Epistaxis with Posterior Endoscopic Laser Photocoagulation / 대한이비인후과학회지

Epistaxis is a common otolaryngologic emergency. Posterior epitaxis is more frequent in the elderly and associates with hypertension and arteriosclerosis. This is apt to be more vigorous in volume, is more difficult to identify the active bleeding point, and is more troublesome to contol. A number of different treatments are used to control the posterior epistaxis. Some of these are deep anterior packing, posterior packing, nasal balloon tamponade, arterial ligation, arterial embolization and posterior endoscopic cautery. Recently we directly photocoagulated the bleeding points in 7 cases of posterior epistaxis using endoscope and KTP/532 laser. The epistaxis was controlled in all cases without any significant complication.

Percutaneous Epiphysiodesis / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Leg length discrepancy in the growing children was developed by multiple causes; such as congenital, infection, traumatic, and mechanical facotrs etc. The discrepancy have been treated by several methods including bony lengthening which is preferable method, but epiphysiodesis also has been one of the valuable methods in which was applied to the treatment of mild to moderate leg length discrepancy in the growing children. We report on patients(15 cases) with leg length discrepancy treated by percutaneous epiphysiodesis since July 1986. There were 8 males and 7 females and the average age of them was 12.6 years old. And we also performed an experimental study which was to find out the effectiveness of the pereutaneous physeal destruction comparing the techningues between curette and drill in the bony models. The causes of leg length discrepancy were trauma in 8 cases and osteomyelitis in 2 cases, congenital dislocation of the hip in 2 cases, poliomyelitis, Legg-Galve-Perthes disease, congenital hemihypertropy in each 1 case. The average preoperative leg length discrepancy was 2.6cm(range:1.9-3.7cm), and average anticipated discrepancy without operation have been 3.7cm(range:2.2-6.3cm) at maturity. The final discrepancy was 0.9cm after 43 months follow-up. According to the result by experimental study, percutaneous epiphysiodesis with curette technique would be more effective and safe than drill thchnique. Percutaneous epiphysiodesis might be one of the useful methods for the treatment of mild to moderate degree of leg length discrepancy in the growing children, and also could be applied combining with bony lengthening for treatment of severe degree of leg length discrepancy.