Characterization of a unique pH-dependent amylosucrase from Deinococcus cellulosilyticus.

The amylosucrase (ASase, EC 2.4.1.4) utilizes sucrose as the sole substrate to catalyze multifunctional reactions. It can naturally synthesize α-1,4-linked glucans such as amylose as well as sucrose isomers with more favorable properties than sucrose with a lower intestinal digestibility and non-cariogenic properties. The amino acid sequence of the asase gene from Deinococcus cellulosilyticus (DceAS) exhibits low homology with those of other ASases from other Deinococcus species. In this study, we cloned and expressed DceAS and demonstrated its high activity at pH 6 and pH 8 and maintained stability. It showed higher polymerization activity at pH 6 than at pH 8, but similar isomerization activity and produced more turanose and trehalulose at pH 6 than at pH 8 and produced more isomaltulose at pH 8. Furthermore, the molecular weight of DceAS was 226.6 kDa at pH 6 and 145.5 kDa at pH 8, indicating that it existed as a trimer and dimer, respectively under those conditions. Additionally, circular dichroism spectra showed that the DceAS secondary structure was different at pH 6 and pH 8. These differences in reaction products at different pHs can be harnessed to naturally produce sucrose alternatives that are more beneficial to human health.

Characterization of the complete plastome sequence of Korean endemic, Cardamine glechomifolia H.Lév. (Brassicaceae, Brassicales).

In this study, we report the complete plastome sequence of Cardamine glechomifolia H.Lév. 1913 (NCBI acc. no. OP894664). This plastome shows typical quadripartite structure. The plastome size is 154,307 bp, which consists of 84,015 bp large single-copy (LSC), 17,690 bp small single-copy (SSC), and 26,301 bp inverted repeat (IR) regions. The plastome contains 112 genes, including 78 protein-coding, 30 tRNA, and four rRNA genes. The infA gene is pseudogenized. Sixteen genes contain one intron and two genes (clpP and ycf3) have two introns. The phylogenomic analysis conducted in our study reveals that the genus Cardamine, which encompasses C. glechomifolia, exhibits three distinct clades. In order to elucidate the interrelationship among the three clades, it is imperative to conduct additional investigations by augmenting the number of Cardamine samples.

Does the evolution of micromorphology accompany chromosomal changes on dysploid and polyploid levels in the Barnardia japonica complex (Hyacinthaceae)?

BACKGROUND: Chromosome number and genome size changes via dysploidy and polyploidy accompany plant diversification and speciation. Such changes often impact also morphological characters. An excellent system to address the questions of how extensive and structured chromosomal changes within one species complex affect the phenotype is the monocot species complex of Barnardia japonica. This taxon contains two well established and distinct diploid cytotypes differing in base chromosome numbers (AA: x = 8, BB: x = 9) and their allopolyploid derivatives on several ploidy levels (from 3x to 6x). This extensive and structured genomic variation, however, is not mirrored by gross morphological differentiation. RESULTS: The current study aims to analyze the correlations between the changes of chromosome numbers and genome sizes with palynological and leaf micromorphological characters in diploids and selected allopolyploids of the B. japonica complex. The chromosome numbers varied from 2n = 16 and 18 (2n = 25 with the presence of supernumerary B chromosomes), and from 2n = 26 to 51 in polyploids on four different ploidy levels (3x, 4x, 5x, and 6x). Despite additive chromosome numbers compared to diploid parental cytotypes, all polyploid cytotypes have experienced genome downsizing. Analyses of leaf micromorphological characters did not reveal any diagnostic traits that could be specifically assigned to individual cytotypes. The variation of pollen grain sizes correlated positively with ploidy levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study clearly demonstrates that karyotype and genome size differentiation does not have to be correlated with morphological differentiation of cytotypes.

Natural course of chronic subdural hematoma following surgical clipping of unruptured intracranial aneurysm by pterional approach.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a neurological complication following clipping surgery. However, the natural course and ideal approach for the treatment of clipping-related-CSDH (CR-CSDH) have not been clearly established. We aimed to investigate the course of CR-CSDH using chronological radiological findings. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 28 (3.8%) patients who developed CSDH among 736 patients who underwent surgical clipping using pterional approach for unruptured aneurysms at our institution between December 2010 and December 2018. Patients underwent follow-up CT scan 6-8 weeks after clipping surgery and decision to pursue surgical intervention rests upon the patient's symptom based on the Markwalder's grading scale (MGS) and numeric rating scale (NRS). RESULTS: Of the 28 patients, 3 patients (10.7%) underwent surgery, while 25 (89.2%) showed spontaneous resolution of CR-CSDH. Eighteen patients (64.2%) had mild headache with MGS of 0-1. The mean maximum hematoma volume was 41.9±30.9 ml (5.8-135 ml), and 26 patients (92.8%) had homogeneous hematoma. The mean time to hematoma resolution was 126.7±52.9 days (46-228 days). Comparing group of CR-CSDH volume ≥43 ml or a midline shift ≥5 mm, the difference in presence of linear low-density area (p=0.002) and age (p=0.026) between the conservative and operative groups were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Most CR-CSDH cases spontaneously resolved within 4 months. Therefore, we suggest that close observation should be performed if patient's symptoms are mild and special radiologic findings are present, despite its relatively large volume and midline shifting.

Indirect Decompression of Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture Using Intraoperative Motor Evoked Potential Monitoring-Guided Ligamentotaxis.

Osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures have become common in aging societies and can lead to a decreased quality of life with severe back pain and neurological deficits. Traditional direct decompression and stabilization surgeries can produce sufficient decompression and provide good results. However, after surgical treatment, some elderly patients with numerous chronic diseases often experience severe postoperative complications owing to the long surgery duration and massive bleeding. Therefore, to prevent perioperative morbidity, other surgical methods that simplify the surgical process and reduce the operation time are required. Herein, we describe a case of indirect decompression using ligamentotaxis and sequential anabolic agents. To examine their effectiveness during surgery, we monitored intraoperative motor-evoked potentials. The patient's neurological symptoms improved postoperatively. After the operation, the anabolic agent "romosozumab" was injected monthly to treat osteoporosis, prevent additional fractures, and accelerate posterolateral fusion. On serial follow-up, the anterior body height of the fractured vertebra improved significantly, demonstrating the importance of osteoporosis treatment using anabolic agents. Indirect decompression surgery may have early effects, whereas sequential anabolic agent use may consolidate the long-term effects of surgical treatment.

Iatrogenic mixed pial and dural arteriovenous fistula after pterional approach for surgical clipping of aneurysm: A case report.

Craniotomy is known as a cause of iatrogenic dural cerebral arteriovenous fistula (AVF). However, mixed pial and dural AVFs after craniotomy are extremely rare and require accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment due to their aggressiveness. We present a case of an iatrogenic mixed pial and dural AVF diagnosed 2 years after pterional craniotomy for surgical clipping of a ruptured anterior choroidal aneurysm. The lesion was successfully treated using single endovascular procedure of transvenous coil embolization through the engorged vein of Labbe and the superficial middle cerebral vein. The possibility of the AVF formation after the pterional approach should always be kept in mind because it usually occurs at the middle cranial fossa, which frequently has an aggressive nature owing to direct cortical venous or leptomeningeal drainage patterns. This complication is believed to be caused by angiogenetic conditions due to coagulation, retraction, and microinjuries of the perisylvian vessels, and can be prevented by performing careful sylvian dissection according to patient-specific perisylvian venous anatomy.

Modulation of gut microbiota by rice starch enzymatically modified using amylosucrase from Deinococcus geothermalis.

Amylosucrase can increase the amount of resistant starch (RS) in starch by transferring glucose from sucrose to amylopectin. Here, rice starch was modified using amylosucrase from Deinococcus geothermalis (DgAS). DgAS-modified rice starch (DMRS) increased the side-chain length of amylopectin and appeared in the form of B-type crystals. In vitro digestion analyses revealed that DMRS had a higher RS contents and lower digestion rate than native rice starch. When high-fat diet (HFD)-induced C57BL/6 mice were orally administered DMRS, body weight and white fat tissues of DMRS-fed HFD mice were not significantly different. However, serum leptin and glucose levels were significantly decreased and serum glucagon like peptide-1was increased in these mice. The cecal microbiome in DMRS-fed HFD mice was identified to investigate the role of DMRS in gut microbiota regulation. DMRS supplementation increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Faecalibaculum, and Ruminococcus in mouse gut microbiota. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-022-01238-1.

Breast Cancer to Meningioma: A Rare Case of Tumor-to-Tumor Metastasis.

Tumor-to-tumor metastasis (TTM) is defined as the hematogenous metastasis within a primary host tumor from a donor neoplasm. Since there is insufficient evidence regarding the pathophysiology, clinical course, and management of TTM, there are no precise guidelines for its management. A 73-year-old female patient diagnosed with breast cancer was found to have convexity meningioma. Since the size of tumor and peritumoral brain edema increased during follow-up period, the meningioma was treated with surgical resection. Postoperatively, histopathologic examination confirmed metastasis of invasive ductal carcinoma within a secretory meningioma. The final diagnosis was TTM of breast cancer in meningioma. Here, we report a rare case of intra-meningioma metastasis and a review of literature to provide a better understanding of this rare phenomenon.

Tailored antiplatelet therapy in stent assisted coiling for unruptured aneurysms: a nationwide registry study.

BACKGROUND: Antiplatelet therapy, where regimens are tailored based on platelet function testing, has been introduced into neurointerventional surgery. This nationwide registry study evaluated the effect and safety of tailored antiplatelet therapy in stent assisted coiling for unruptured aneurysms compared with conventional therapy using a standard regimen. METHODS: This study enrolled 1686 patients in 44 participating centers who received stent assisted coiling for unruptured aneurysms between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. The standard regimen (aspirin and clopidogrel) was used for all patients in the conventional group (924, 19 centers). The regimen was selected based on platelet function testing (standard regimen for clopidogrel responders; adding cilostazol or replacing clopidogrel with other thienopyridines (ticlopidine, prasugrel, or ticagrelor) for clopidogrel non-responders) in the tailored group (762, 25 centers). The primary outcome was thromboembolic events. Secondary outcomes were bleeding and poor outcomes (increase in modified Rankin Scale score). Outcomes within 30 days after coiling were compared using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The thromboembolic event rate was lower in the tailored group than in the conventional group (30/762 (3.9%) vs 63/924 (6.8%), adjusted OR 0.560, 95% CI 0.359 to 0.875, P=0.001). The bleeding event rate was not different between the study groups (62/762 (8.1%) vs 73/924 (7.9%), adjusted OR 0.790, 95% CI 0.469 to 1.331, P=0.376). Poor outcomes were less frequent in the tailored group (12/762 (1.6%) vs 34 (3.7%), adjusted OR 0.252, 95% CI 0.112 to 0.568, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Tailored antiplatelet therapy in stent assisted coiling for unruptured aneurysms reduced thromboembolic events and poor outcomes without increasing bleeding.

Efficacy of 3D-printed simulation models of unruptured intracranial aneurysms in patient education and surgical simulation.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a 3D-printed aneurysm simulation model (3DPM) in educating patients and improving physicians' comprehension and performance. METHODS: This prospective study involved 40 patients who were diagnosed with unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) and scheduled for surgical clipping or endovascular coiling and randomly divided into two groups (the 3DPM group and the non-3DPM group). The 3DPM was used in preoperative consultation with patients and intraoperatively referenced by surgeons. The patients, 7 neurosurgical residents, and 10 surgeons completed questionnaires (5-point Likert scale) to determine the usefulness of the 3DPM. RESULTS: Patients in the 3DPM group had significantly higher scores in terms of their understanding of the disease (mean 4.85 vs. 3.95, p<0.001) and the treatment plan (mean 4.85 vs. 4.20, p=0.005) and reported higher satisfaction during consultation (5.0 vs. 4.60, p=0.036) than patients in the non-3DPM group. During patient consultation, 3DPMs were most useful in improving doctor-patient communication (mean 4.57, range 4-5). During clipping surgery, the models were most useful in assessing adjacent arteries (mean 4.9, range 4-5); during endovascular coiling, they were especially helpful in microcatheter shaping (mean 4.7, range 4-5). CONCLUSIONS: In general, 3DPMs are beneficial in educating patients and improving the physician's performance in terms of surgical clipping and endovascular coiling of UIAs.

Does the Surgical Approach Matter in Treating Odontoid Fractures? A Comparison of Mechanical Complication Rates Between Anterior Versus Posterior Surgical Approaches: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Objective: Odontoid fractures are treated surgically through the anterior or posterior approach. Each surgical approach has its advantages and disadvantages, so the preferred approach remains debatable. There are few meta-analyses or systemic reviews on the mechanical complications of surgical treatment for odontoid fractures. This meta-analysis aimed to compare the operation-related morbidity, including mechanical complications, and mortality of patients with odontoid fractures, treated via the anterior or posterior approach. Methods: A systematic search was performed on PubMed/Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for the studies up to October 2023 on the complication rate of the surgical treatment of odontoid fractures, related to the surgical approach. The risk ratios (RR) with the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled to assess the mechanical complication rates, other complications, revision surgery, and mortality, depending on the surgical approach. Results: A total of 1,519 studies were retrieved using the search strategy, and 782 patients from 15 articles were included in this meta-analysis. Mechanical complications were significantly more frequent in the anterior surgical group with low heterogeneity. The incidences of fracture nonunion and revision surgery were also higher in the anterior surgery group. However, there was no significant difference in systemic complications and mortality rates between the two groups. Conclusion: The posterior approach was more advantageous than the anterior approach in terms of mechanical complications, fusion rates, and incidence of revision surgery. However, further studies, should be performed to strengthen these results.

Evaluation of Stent Apposition in the LVIS Blue Stent-Assisted Coiling of Distal Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysms : Correlation with Clinical and Angiographic Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the stent apposition of a low-profile visualized intraluminal support (LVIS) device in distal internal carotid artery (ICA) aneurysms, examine its correlation with clinical and angiographic outcomes, and determine the predictive factors of ischemic adverse events (IAEs) related to stent-assisted coiling. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed a prospectively maintained database of 183 patients between January 2017 and February 2020. The carotid siphon from the cavernous ICA to the ICA terminus was divided into posterior, anterior, and superior bends. The anterior bends were categorized into angled (V) and non-angled (C, U, and S) types depending on the morphology and measured angles. Complete stent apposition (CSA) and incomplete stent apposition (ISA) were evaluated using unsubtracted angiography and flat-panel detector computed tomography. Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin 200 mg and clopidogrel 75 mg was administered. Clopidogrel resistance was defined as fewer responders (≥10%, <40%) and non-responders (<10%) based on the percent inhibition (%INH) of the VerifyNow system. These were counteracted by a dose escalation to 150 mg for fewer responders or substitution with cilostazol 200 mg for non-responders. IAEs included intraoperative in-stent thrombosis, transient ischemic attack, cerebral infarction, and delayed in-stent stenosis. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictive factors for ISA and IAEs. RESULTS: There were 33 ISAs (18.0%) and 27 IAEs (14.8%). The anterior bend angle was narrower in ISA (-4.16°±25.18°) than in CSA (23.52°±23.13°) (p<0.001). The V- and S-types were independently correlated with the ISA (p<0.001). However, treatment outcomes, including IAEs (15.3% vs. 12.1%), aneurysmal complete occlusion (91.3% vs. 88.6%), and recanalization (none of them), did not differ between CSA and ISA (p>0.05). The %INH of 27 IAEs (13.78%±14.78%) was significantly lower than that of 156 non-IAEs (26.82%±20.23%) (p<0.001). Non-responders to clopidogrel were the only significant predictive factor for IAEs (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The angled and tortuous anatomical peculiarity of the carotid siphon caused ISA of the LVIS device; however, it did not affect clinical and angiographic outcomes, while the non-responders to clopidogrel affected the IAEs related to stent-assisted coiling.

Anatomical safety and precaution of transarterial embolization of a falcotentorial dural arteriovenous fistula fed by the artery of Davidoff and Schechter: Case report and review of the literature.

The artery of Davidoff and Schechter (ADS), a pure meningeal branch of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), is often reported as a feeder of the tentorial dural arteriovenous fistula (TDAVF). However, there are few reported cases of embolization via this artery. We present an interesting case of a patient with incidentally found TDAVF fed by the ADS and with fetal type posterior communicating artery, in which the feeder was confused with the PCA due to the similar pathways around the brain stem. It was successfully treated with transarterial embolization through the ADS. We reviewed related published articles to determine the safety of embolization via the ADS.

Rapid-Growing Intracranial Immature Teratoma Presenting Obstructive Hydrocephalus and Abducens Nerve Palsy: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Intracranial immature teratoma is an extremely rare disease with poor prognosis and requires complicated treatment. Owing to the deep midline location of the tumor, total surgical resection of the tumor is challenging. We present our experience with a fast-growing pineal gland immature teratoma in a 4-year-old boy, who presented with obstructive hydrocephalus and abducens nerve palsy, which was treated with total surgical resection of the tumor. In addition, we aimed to determine the appropriate treatment modality for intracranial immature teratomas by reviewing the literature and investigating the prognosis.

Antioxidant Capacity of Potentilla paradoxa Nutt. and Its Beneficial Effects Related to Anti-Aging in HaCaT and B16F10 Cells.

Skin aging is a natural process influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, and many skin anti-aging strategies have been developed. Plants from the genus Potentilla has been used in Europe and Asia to treat various diseases. Potentilla paradoxa Nutt. has been used as a traditional medicinal herb in China and has recently been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Despite the biological and pharmacological potential of Potentilla paradoxa Nutt., its skin anti-aging effects remain unclear. Therefore, this study evaluated the free radical scavenging, moisturizing, anti-melanogenic, and wound-healing effects of an ethanol extract of Potentilla paradoxa Nutt. (Pp-EE). Pp-EE was found to contain phenolics and flavonoids and exhibits in vitro antioxidant activities. α-Linolenic acid was found to be a major component of Pp-EE on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pp-EE promoted the expression of hyaluronic acid (HA) synthesis-related enzymes and suppressed the expression of HA degradation-related enzymes in keratinocytes, so it may increase skin hydration. Pp-EE also showed inhibitory effects on the production and secretion of melanin in melanocytes. In a scratch assay, Pp-EE improved skin wound healing. Taken together, Pp-EE has several effects that may delay skin aging, suggesting its potential benefits as a natural ingredient in cosmetic or pharmaceutical products.

The effectiveness of systemic and endovascular intra-arterial thrombectomy protocol for decreasing door-to-recanalization time duration.

OBJECTIVE: Variable treatment strategies and protocols have been applied to reduce time durations in the process of acute stroke management. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of our intra-arterial thrombectomy (IAT) protocol for decreasing door-to-recanalization time duration and improve successful recanalization. METHODS: A systemic and endovascular protocol included door-to-image, image-to-puncture and puncture-to-recanalization. We retrospectively analyzed the patients of pre- (Sep 2012-Apr 2014) and post-IAT protocol (May 2014-Jul 2018). Univariate analysis was used for the statistical significance according to variable factors (age, gender, the location of occluded vessel, successful recanalization TICI 2b-3). Independent t-test was used to compare the time duration. RESULTS: Among all 267 patients with acute stroke of anterior circulation, there were 50 and 217 patients with pre- and post-IAT protocol. Age, gender, and the location of occluded vessel have no statistical significance (p＞0.05). In pre- and post-IAT group, successful recanalization was 39 of 50 (78.0%) and 185/217 (85.3%), respectively (p＜0.05). Post-IAT (48.8%, 106/217) group had a higher tendency of good outcome than pre-IAT group (36.0%, 18/50) (p＞0.05). Pre- and post-IAT group showed 61.7±21.4 vs. 25±16.0 (p＜0.05), 102.0±29.8 vs. 82.7±30.4 (min) (p＜0.05), and 79.1±47.5 vs. 58.4±75.3 (p＜0.05) in three steps, respectively. Conclusions: We suggest that the application of systemic and endovascular IAT protocols showed a significant time reduction for faster recanalization in patients with LVO. To build-up the well-designed IAT protocol through puncture-to-recanalization can be needed to decrease time duration and improve clinical outcome in recanalization therapy in acute stroke patients.

Middle temporal vein access for transvenous embolization of Cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula: A case report and review of literature.

Transvenous endovascular treatment is the first choice for treating most cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistulas (CDAVFs). Among several available venous routes, the inferior petrosal sinus is the most commonly used. We report a case of CDAVF treated with endovascular treatment via the middle temporal vein (MTV). A 65-year-old man presented with unilateral chemosis and exophthalmos for approximately two months. Digital subtraction angiography showed a right CDAVF with predominant venous drainage toward the right superior ophthalmic vein. The superior ophthalmic vein primarily drained into the dilated MTV. Both sides of the inferior petrosal sinus were occluded; therefore, transvenous embolization was performed via the MTV route. The fistula was completely obliterated. The patient's symptoms improved and the postoperative course was uneventful. The transfemoral approach via the MTV to treat CDAVF provides a crucial alternative when other venous routes are difficult or impossible to navigate with a catheter.

Equivalent inductance model for the design analysis of electrodynamic suspension coils for hyperloop.

Hyperloop is a new concept of ground transportation. In Hyperloop, travelling occurs in near-vacuum tubes under 0.001 atm at a subsonic speed of up to 1200 km/h. During acceleration to and driving at a subsonic speed, magnetic levitation is employed. Thus far, various levitation technologies in existing high-speed maglev trains have been considered. Among those technologies, superconducting (SC) electrodynamic suspension (EDS) is a highly effective levitation system for Hyperloop owing to its advantages of a large levitation gap, levitation stability, and control being unnecessary. However, analyzing an EDS system requires the electromagnetic transient analysis of complex three-dimensional (3D) features, and its computational load generally limits the use of numerical methods, such as the 3D finite element method (FEM) or dynamic circuit theory. In this study, a novel model that can rapidly and accurately calculate the frequency-dependent equivalent inductance was developed. The developed model was then applied to design an EDS system using the decoupled resistance-inductance equations of levitation coils. Next, levitation coils of SC-EDS were designed and analyzed for use in Hyperloop. The obtained results were compared with the FEM results to validate the developed model. In addition, the model was experimentally validated by measuring currents induced by moving pods.

Posterior condylar canal dural arteriovenous fistula as a rare cause of glossopharyngeal neuralgia: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The symptoms of dural arteriovenous fistula (dAVF) vary according to the location of the fistula and the pattern of venous drainage. Here, we report the case of a patient with a dAVF-induced glossopharyngeal neuralgia. CASE DESCRIPTION: We report a case of a patient with right glossopharyngeal neuralgia caused by a posterior condylar canal (PCC) dAVF. The glossopharyngeal neuralgia was accompanied by persistent tinnitus and repetitive right side otalgia, as well as ipsilateral shoulder and throat pain, lasting for about 30 s. However, there were no specific findings on otoscopic examination. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging was performed to determine the cause of the symptoms, and a right PCC dAVF was observed. The dAVF was successfully obliterated using transvenous coil embolization. After embolization, the patient's symptoms were completely resolved. CONCLUSION: Although glossopharyngeal neuralgia caused by dAVF is rare, it can present due to intracranial lesions located adjacent to the glossopharyngeal nerve or vagus nerve. Brain MRI is therefore required to identify secondary causes in all patients with glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

Micromorphological differentiation of Korean Disporum species using light and scanning electron microscopy.

The genus Disporum Salisb. is widely distributed in East Asia, yet phylogenetically relevant morphological traits useful for differentiating many of the small, perennial, herbaceous species remain poorly described. To address this, leaf, floral, pollen, and orbicule micromorphology of four Korean Disporum species was investigated using light and scanning electron microscopy. All Korean Disporum species examined had hypostomatic leaves, with anomocytic stomatal complexes found only on the abaxial epidermis. Guard cell length varied among species, ranging from 44.30 µm in D. viridescens to 53.49 µm in D. uniflorum. The epidermal cells of the investigated Disporum taxa had sinuate anticlinal cell walls on both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. The surface of the guard and subsidiary cells were either smooth with weak striations or had strongly wrinkled striations. The pollen grains of all Korean Disporum taxa were monads, monosulcate with granular aperture membranes, subprolate to prolate in shape with microreticulate or verrucate exine surfaces. The mean size of pollen grains ranged from 46.38 to 49.92 µm in polar length and from 34.39 to 39.58 µm in equatorial diameter across species. Sexine ornamentation was a taxonomically relevant trait for differentiating Korean Disporum taxa. Additionally, the presence of orbicules as well as the orbicular characters (e.g., size, shape, ornamentation, and association pattern) are described for the first time in species from this genus. The present investigation of leaf and floral micromorphology using light and scanning electron microscopy provides valuable information for the taxonomic differentiation and identification of Disporum species in Korea. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: A detailed micromorphological description of leaf, floral characters (tepal, stigma, style), pollen and orbicule is provided for Korean Disporum species using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM). The presence of orbicules and their taxonomic implications in Korean Disporum species are described for the first time. Phylogenetically informative pollen and orbicule micromorphological characters are described, improving understanding the systematic relationships of Korean species in the genus Disproum.