Diagnosis of osteochondral lesions of the talus on Dual-layer spectral detector CT arthrography: clinical feasibility of virtual noncontrast images.

AIM: To compare the image quality of virtual noncontrast (VNC) and true noncontrast (TNC) CT images and to evaluate the clinical feasibility of VNC CT images for assessing osteochondral lesions of the talus (OLTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five OLT patients who underwent ankle CT arthrography (CTA) using dual-layer spectral detector CT were enrolled. Reconstruction of VNC and three-dimensional volume rendering images was performed. Afterward, image noise, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were measured. For the subjective evaluation, two board-certified musculoskeletal radiologists [R2-1] assessed spatial resolution, overall image quality, and lesion conspicuity. The accuracy rate for OLT grading was determined in 23 patients who underwent arthroscopic surgery. RESULTS: While VNC images showed significantly less noise than TNC images, TNC images showed better SNRs and CNRs (p<.01). In the subjective analysis, TNC images showed better overall image quality (p<.001). For the 3D volume rendering images, VNC images scored significantly higher for lesion conspicuity (p<.001). The accuracy rates of CTA and CTA with VNC images for OLT grading were 79.2% and 83.3%, respectively. Regarding confidence level, when CTA and VNC images were evaluated together, the confidence level was significantly higher than that when only CTA images were evaluated (p<.001). CONCLUSION: VNC imaging can provide better confidence level of OLT grading and evaluation of the integrity of the subchondral bone plate when combined with conventional CTA without additional radiation dose to the patient. In addition, VNC images-based 3D volume rendering reconstruction would be helpful for preoperative planning in OLT patients.

Psychoacoustics and neurophysiological auditory processing in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease types 1A and 2A.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hidden hearing loss has been reported in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease; however, the auditory-processing deficits have not been widely explored. We investigated the psychoacoustic and neurophysiological aspects of auditory processing in patients with CMT disease type 1A (CMT1A) and type 2A (CMT2A). METHODS: A total of 43 patients with CMT1A and 15 patients with CMT2A were prospectively enrolled. All patients with CMT disease had normal sound-detection ability by using pure-tone audiometry. Spectral-ripple discrimination, temporal modulation detection and auditory frequency-following response were compared between CMT1A, CMT2A and control groups. RESULTS: Although all participants had normal audiograms, patients with CMT disease had difficulty understanding speech in noise. The psychoacoustic auditory processing was somewhat different depending on the underlying pathophysiology of CMT disease. Patients with CMT1A had degraded auditory temporal and spectral processing. Patients with CMT2A had no reduced spectral resolution, but they showed further reduced temporal resolution than the patients with CMT1A. The amplitudes of the frequency-following response were reduced in patients with CMT1A and CMT2A, but the neural timing remained relatively intact. CONCLUSIONS: When we first assessed the neural representation to speech at the brainstem level, the grand average brainstem responses were reduced in both patients with CMT1A and CMT2A compared with healthy controls. As the psychoacoustic aspects of auditory dysfunctions in CMT1A and CMT2A were somewhat different, it is necessary to consider future auditory rehabilitation methods based on their pathophysiology.

Canavalia ensiformis-derived lectin inhibits biofilm formation of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes.

AIM: A lectin Concanavalin A (ConA) derived from Canavalia ensiformis (jack bean) exhibits high-binding affinity to carbohydrates on bacterial cell surfaces. The objective of this study was to inhibit the biofilm formation of the foodborne pathogens enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli and Listeria monocytogenes using ConA prepared by a membrane-based extraction method. METHODS AND RESULTS: ConA was extracted using a simple and inexpensive membrane method instead of a chromatography approach. The extracted ConA was effective in inhibiting biofilms of E. coli by 30-fold and L. monocytogenes by 140-fold. In addition, ConA decreased the swimming motility of enterohemorrhagic E. coli EDL933 (EHEC) by 37%, resulting in low biofilm formation, as ConA binding to the bacterial cell surfaces might cause a reduced capability to adhere due to low cellular motility. We confirmed that the extracted ConA contains active components at less than 10 kDa as well as ConA multimers (>30 kDa) that repress EHEC biofilms. Additionally, noncell-based mannose reduced the activity of ConA in inhibiting biofilms. CONCLUSIONS: ConA extracted using the membrane-based method is active in inhibiting the biofilm formation by E. coli and L. monocytogenes via the mannose-binding affinity of ConA. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: ConA can be used as a promising anti-adherent and antibiofilm agent in inhibiting biofilm formation by enterohemorrhagic E. coli and L. monocytogenes. The membrane-based extraction approach may be applied for the economic production of biologically active lectins.

Rubi Fructus (Rubus coreanus) activates the expression of thermogenic genes in vivo and in vitro.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anti-obesity effect of Rubi Fructus (RF) extract using brown adipose tissue (BAT) and primary brown preadipocytes in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: Male C57BL/6 J mice (n=5 per group) were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks with or without RF. Brown preadipocytes from the interscapular BAT of mice (age, post-natal days 1-3) were cultured with differentiation media (DM) including isobutylmethylxanthine, dexamethasone, T3, indomethacin and insulin with or without RF. RESULTS: In HFD-induced obese C57BL/6 J mice, long-term RF treatment significantly reduced weight gain as well as the weights of the white adipose tissue, liver and spleen. Serum levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were also reduced in the HFD group which received RF treatment. Furthermore, RF induced thermogenic-, adipogenic- and mitochondria-related gene expressions in BAT. In primary brown adipocytes, RF effectively stimulated the expressions of thermogenic- and mitochondria-related genes. In addition, to examine whether LIPIN1, a regulator of adipocyte differentiation, is regulated by RF, Lipin1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and RF were pretreated in primary brown adipocytes. Pretreatment with Lipin1 siRNA and RF downregulated the DM-induced expression levels of thermogenic- and mitochondria-related genes. Moreover, RF markedly upregulated AMP-activated protein kinase. Our study shows that RF is capable of stimulating the differentiation of brown adipocytes through the modulation of thermogenic genes. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that RF prevents the development of obesity in mice fed with a HFD and that it is also capable of stimulating the differentiation of brown adipocytes through the modulation of thermogenic genes, which suggests that RF has potential as a therapeutic application for the treatment or prevention of obesity.

Diagnostic profiling of salivary exosomal microRNAs in oral lichen planus patients.

OBJECTIVE: Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory oral mucosal disease whose exact cause is unclear and which requires efficient diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Identification of disease-specific biomarkers in saliva is an easy, quick, and non-invasive approach for molecular diagnosis. This study was designed to examine salivary exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) that could be candidates for diagnosing and elucidating the pathogenesis of oral lichen planus. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We compared miRNA profiles of salivary exosomes of patients with oral lichen planus with those of healthy controls. Saliva samples from 16 patients with oral lichen planus and eight healthy controls were divided into two sets and examined using miRNA microarray analysis and TaqMan quantitative PCR. RESULTS: The three miRNAs identified (miR-4484, miR-1246, and miR-1290) were further validated. Of these, miR-4484 was significantly upregulated in the salivary exosomes of patients with oral lichen planus. CONCLUSIONS: This study thus identifies a potential miRNA biomarker for oral lichen planus and provides insight into the functions of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of oral inflammatory diseases.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Erysiphe heraclei on Peucedanum japonicum in Korea.

Peucedanum japonicum Thunb., belonging to the family Apiaceae, is distributed in many Asian countries, including Korea. This plant was recently developed as an edible green and is cultivated under organic farming in Korea. In June 2013, plants showing typical symptoms of powdery mildew were found with approximately 50% disease incidence in polyethylene-film-covered greenhouses in Iksan City, Korea. Symptoms first appeared as circular white colonies, which subsequently showed abundant mycelial growth on the leaves, often covering the whole surface. Infected plants were unmarketable mainly due to signs of white fungal growths and reddish discoloration on the leaves. The same symptoms were found on P. japonicum in poly-tunnels in Iksan City and Jinan County of Korea in 2014. Voucher specimens (n = 3) were deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS). Appressoria were lobed, and solitary or in opposite pairs. Conidiophores were cylindrical, 80 to 145 × 8 to 10 µm, and composed of three to four cells. Foot-cells of conidiophores were straight to substraight, cylindrical, and 25 to 63 µm long. Singly produced conidia were oblong-elliptical to oblong, occasionally ovate, 35 to 50 × 13 to 16 µm with a length/width ratio of 2.3:3.1, with angular/rectangular wrinkling of outer walls, and lacked distinct fibrosin bodies. Germ tubes were produced on the perihilar position of conidia. Primary conidia were apically conical, basally truncate, and generally smaller than the secondary conidia. No chasmothecia were found. These structures are typical of the powdery mildew Pseudoidium anamorph of the genus Erysiphe. The specific measurements and morphological characteristics were consistent with those of E. heraclei DC. (2). To confirm the identification, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA from KUS-F27872 was amplified with primers ITS1/ITS4 and sequenced. The resulting 560-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KM491178). The obtained ITS sequence shared >99% similarity with those of E. heraclei from apiaceous hosts, e.g., Daucus carota (KC480605), Pimpinella affinis (AB104513), and Petroselinum crispum (KF931139). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation by gently dusting conidia onto leaves of five healthy potted plants. Five non-inoculated plants served as controls. Inoculated plants developed symptoms after 6 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated plants was identical in morphology to those observed in the field. Powdery mildew of P. japonicum caused by E. heraclei has been reported in Japan (4), and numerous reports of E. heraclei on various species of Peucedanum plants have been made in most part of Europe and East Asia (Japan and far eastern Russia) (1,3). However, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by E. heraclei on P. japonicum in Korea. Occurrence of powdery mildews is a threat to the quality and marketability of this plant, especially in organic farming. References: (1) K. Amano. Host Range and Geographical Distribution of the Powdery Mildew Fungi. Japan Scientific Societies Press, Tokyo, 1986. (2) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No.11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (3) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases, Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., online publication. ARS, USDA. Retrieved August 18, 2014. (4) S. Tanda and C. Nakashima. J. Agric. Sci., Tokyo Univ. Agric. 47:54, 2002.

DJ-1 upregulates breast cancer cell invasion by repressing KLF17 expression.

BACKGROUND: DJ-1 (PARK7) was reported as an oncogene in a Ras-dependent manner. Recent studies have shown that DJ-1 stimulates cell proliferation, cell invasion, and cancer metastasis. However, the molecular mehchanism by which DJ-1 induces cancer cell invasion and metastasis remains unclear. METHODS: Breast cancer cells were transfected with DJ-1 siRNA or DJ-1 overexpression to investigate the effect of DJ-1 on KLF17 expression. ID-1 luciferase promoter assay was performed to evaluate DJ-1-dependent KLF17 expression changes. In addition, Epistasis analysis of DJ-1 and KLF17 was performed to evaluate their regulatory interactions. Ras inhibitors were pretreated to determine whether DJ-1 regulates cell invasion in a Ras-dependent manner. RESULTS: I n the present study, we found increased DJ-1 expression in highly invasive breast cancer cells as compared with non-metastatic cells. Furthermore, DJ-1 promoted breast cancer cell invasion by downregulating E-cadherin and increasing Snail expression. Interestingly, exogenous DJ-1 overexpression markedly decreased mRNA and protein expression of KLF17, the EMT negative regulator. These data were confirmed by ID-1 promoter activity, which is directly regulated by DJ-1-dependent KLF17 transcription factor. Epistasis analysis showed that KLF17 overexpression overcomes increased cell invasion by DJ-1, suggesting that KLF17 might be one of the downstream signalling molecules of DJ-1. Acceleration of cell invasion by DJ-1 was alleviated by Ras inhibitors, suggesting that DJ-1 cooperates with Ras to increase cell invasion. CONCLUSION: Altogether, these data suggest for the first time that DJ-1 acts as an EMT-positive regulator in breast cancer cells via regulation of the KLF17/ID-1 pathway.

A genome-wide association study of survival in small-cell lung cancer patients treated with irinotecan plus cisplatin chemotherapy.

We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) influencing overall survival (OS) of small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients. We prospectively collected blood samples from 139 SCLC patients who participated in phase II studies of irinotecan and cisplatin (IP) chemotherapy as first-line therapy. Among 334 127 SNPs, which passed quality control, seven showed significant association with OS. The rs16950650CT, rs7186128AG or GG, rs17574269AG, rs8020368CC, rs4655567CC, rs2166219TT or rs2018683TT showed shorter OS compared with control alleles. Among the seven SNPs, rs4655567, rs8020368 and rs2018683 were significantly associated with a resistant relapse (RR). In the multivariate analysis, rs8020368CC was significantly associated with higher risk of RR (odds ratio=16.7, P=0.007). In vitro and in silico analysis showed that SNPs in C14orf49 might be associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This exploratory GWAS identified candidate SNPs that may be predictive of the clinical outcome of SCLC patients receiving IP.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces biocellatus on Agastache rugosa in Korea.

Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) Kuntze, known as Korean mint, is an aromatic plant in the Lamiaceae. It is widely distributed in East Asian countries and is used as a Chinese traditional medicine. In Korea, fresh leaves are commonly added to fish soups and stews (3). In November 2008, several dozen Korean mints plants growing outdoors in Gimhae City, Korea, were found to be severely infected with a powdery mildew. The same symptoms had been observed in Korean mint plots in Busan and Miryang cities from 2008 to 2013. Symptoms first appeared as thin white colonies, which subsequently developed into abundant hyphal growth on stems and both sides of the leaves. Severe disease pressure caused withering and senescence of the leaves. Voucher specimens (n = 5) were deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS). Appressoria on the mycelium were nipple-shaped or nearly absent. Conidiophores were 105 to 188 × 10 to 13 µm and produced 2 to 4 immature conidia in chains with a sinuate outline, followed by 2 to 3 cells. Foot-cells of the conidiophores were straight, cylindrical, slightly constricted at the base, and 37 to 58 µm long. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid to barrel-shaped, measured 25 to 40 × 15 to 23 µm (length/width ratio = 1.4 to 2.1), lacked distinct fibrosin bodies, and showed reticulate wrinkling of the outer walls. Primary conidia were obconically rounded at the apex and subtruncate at the base. Germ tubes were produced at the perihilar position of conidia. No chasmothecia were observed. The structures described above were typical of the Oidium subgenus Reticuloidium anamorph of the genus Golovinomyces. The measurements and morphological characteristics were compatible with those of G. biocellatus (Ehrenb.) V.P. Heluta (1). To confirm the identification, molecular analysis of the sequence of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) of isolate KUS-F27200 was conducted. The complete ITS rDNA sequence was amplified using primers ITS5 and P3 (4). The resulting 514-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KJ585415). A GenBank BLAST search of the Korean isolate sequence showed >99% similarity with the ITS sequence of many G. biocellatus isolates on plants in the Lamiaceae (e.g., Accession Nos. AB307669, AB769437, and JQ340358). Pathogenicity was confirmed by gently pressing diseased leaf onto leaves of five healthy, potted Korean mint plants. Five non-inoculated plants served as a control treatment. Inoculated plants developed symptoms after 7 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on inoculated plants was identical morphologically to that observed on the original diseased plants. The pathogenicity test was repeated with identical results. A powdery mildew on A. rugosa caused by G. biocellatus was reported from Romania (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by G. biocellatus on A. rugosa in Korea. The plant is mostly grown using organic farming methods with limited chemical control options. Therefore, alternative control measures should be considered. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No. 11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., online publication, USDA ARS, retrieved 17 February 2014. (3) T. H. Kim et al. J. Sci. Food Agric. 81:569, 2001. (4) S. Takamatsu et al. Mycol. Res. 113:117, 2009.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera xanthii on Verbena brasiliensis in Korea.

Verbena brasiliensis Vell., commonly known as Brazilian verbena, is native to South America and has been introduced into North America, coastal Europe, southern Africa, and Australasia. Though partly cultivated for garden use, it is invasive in riverine areas and also on roadsides, forest margins, pastures, and waste areas (4). In Korea, this plant was first reported in 1998 in Jeju Island and has become widely naturalized by replacing indigenous plants and disrupting native ecosystems in most of southern part of Korea (3). Since 2009, powdery mildew on Brazilian verbena has been consistently found in several locations of Busan City, Korea. Symptoms appeared as circular to irregular white patches, which subsequently showed abundant hyphal growth on both sides of the leaves and on stems. High disease severity caused poor growth of the plants, resulting in premature senescence and reduced flowering. Specimens (n = 5) were deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS). Appressoria on the mycelium were nipple-shaped or nearly absent. Conidiophores were 140 to 190 × 11 to 12.5 µm and produced 2 to 7 immature conidia in chains with a crenate outline. Foot-cells in conidiophores were straight, cylindric, relatively short, 50 to 65 µm long, and constricted at the very base of branching point from the hypha. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid to ovate, measured 28 to 38 × 18.5 to 22 µm (length/width ratio of 1.2 to 1.8), and contained distinct fibrosin bodies. Germ tubes were produced from the lateral position of conidia. No chasmothecia were observed. These structures are typical of the powdery mildew Euoidium anamorph of the genus Podosphaera. The morphological characteristics and measurements were consistent with those of P. xanthii (Castagne) U. Braun & Shishkoff (1). To confirm the identity, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of the isolate KUS-F27220 was amplified with primers ITS1/ITS4, and sequenced. The resulting 477-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KJ472787). A GenBank BLAST search of this sequence revealed 100% identity with Podosphaera sp. on V. bonariensis and V.× hybrida from Japan (AB462804 and AB040347). The Podosphaera sp. isolates listed above are now placed in P. xanthii (1). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation by gently pressing a diseased leaf onto leaves of three healthy, potted 2-month-old Brazilian verbena plants. Three non-inoculated plants served as controls. Inoculated plants developed signs and symptoms after 6 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated leaves was identical morphologically to that originally observed on diseased plants. Powdery mildew of Verbena spp. associated with Podosphaera sp. (including Sphaerotheca sp.) has been globally reported, but not on V. brasiliensis (1,2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew disease caused by P. xanthii on V. brasiliensis globally. Our field observations suggest that the powdery mildew could limit expansion of V. brasiliensis in Korea. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No.11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication, ARS, USDA, Retrieved February 18, 2014. (3) C. G. Song and Y. H. Yang. The Naturalized Plants in Jeju Island. Nam-Jeju County, Jeju, Korea, 2005. (4) P. F. Yao. Kew Bull. 45:101, 1990.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces sonchicola on Ixeris chinensis in Korea.

Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nakai, known as Chinese ixeris, is distributed from Siberia to Japan, including Korea, Taiwan, and China. The whole plant has been used in folk medicine in Asia (4). In Korea, the plants of Chinese ixeris have been gathered and used as a wild root vegetable. During summer to autumn of 2011, Chinese ixeris leaves were found to be heavily infected with a powdery mildew in several locations of Korea. Symptoms first appeared as thin white colonies, which subsequently developed into abundant hyphal growth on both sides of the leaves, leading to drying of the leaves. The same symptoms on Chinese ixeris leaves were continuously observed in 2012 and 2013. Voucher specimens (n = 10) were deposited at Korea University Herbarium (KUS). Hyphal appressoria were moderately lobed or nipple-shaped. Conidiophores arose from the lateral part of the hyphae, measured 100 to 270 × 10 to 12.5 µm, and produced 2 to 6 immature conidia in chains with a sinuate outline. Basal parts of foot-cells in conidiophores were curved. Conidia were barrel-shaped to ellipsoid, measured 26 to 36 × 13 to 19 µm (length/width ratio = 1.7 to 2.4), lacked fibrosin bodies, and showed reticulate wrinkling of the outer walls. Primary conidia were ovate with conical-obtuse apex and subtruncate base. Germ tubes were produced on the perihilar position of conidia. Chasmothecia were not observed. The morphological characteristics were typical of the Euoidium type anamorph of the genus Golovinomyces, and the fungus measurements and structures were consistent with those of G. sonchicola U. Braun & R.T.A. Cook (1). To confirm the identification, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA sequences from a representative material (KUS-F26212) was amplified using primers ITS5/P3 and sequenced (3). The resulting 416-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KF819857). A GenBank BLAST search revealed that the isolate showed >99% sequence similarity with those of G. cichoracearum from Sonchus spp. (e.g., AB453762, AF011296, JQ010848, etc.). G. sonchicola is currently confined to G. cichoracearum s. lat. on Sonchus spp., based on molecular sequence analyses (1). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation by gently pressing a diseased leaf onto leaves of five healthy potted Chinese ixeris. Five non-inoculated plants served as controls. Inoculated plants developed symptoms after 6 days, whereas the controls remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated plants was identical morphologically to that originally observed on diseased plants. Powdery mildew infections of I. chinensis associated with Golovinomyces have been known in China (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew disease caused by G. sonchicola on I. chinensis in Korea. Farming of Chinese ixeris has recently started on a commercial scale in Korea. Though no statistical data are available, we postulate the cultivation area in Korea to be approximately 200 ha, mostly growing without chemical controls. Occurrence of powdery mildews poses a potential threat to safe production of this vegetable, especially in organic farming. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No.11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) F. L. Tai. Bull. Chinese Bot. Sci. 2:16, 1936. (3) S. Takamatsu et al. Mycol. Res. 113:117, 2009. (4) S. J. Zhang et al. J. Nat. Prod. 69:1425, 2006.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera xanthii on the Invasive Weed, Bidens pilosa, in Korea.

Bidens pilosa L., known as Spanish needle or cobbler's peg, is a cosmopolitan weed, originating from South America and common in all tropical and subtropical areas of the world. In Korea, this plant was first reported in 1992 (3), and has become naturalized widely by replacing indigenous plants and disrupting native ecosystems. In the autumn of 2012, hundreds of Spanish needles growing around an industrial complex in Milyang in southern Korea were observed to be severely infected with a powdery mildew. Symptoms first appeared as circular to irregular white patches, which subsequently showed abundant hyphal growth on both sides of the leaves, and on young stems and inflorescences. Red-purplish discoloration and crinkling of the leaves were also observed. Appressoria on the mycelium were nipple-shaped or nearly absent. Conidiophores measured 100 to 190 × 11 to 13 µm, and produced 2 to 5 immature conidia in chains with a crenate outline, at the end of 2 to 3 straight cells of the conidiophore. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid to barrel-shaped, measured 28 to 42 × 16.5 to 21 µm (length/width ratio of 1.4 to 2.0), and had distinct fibrosin bodies. Dark brown chasmothecia were found partly embedded in the mycelial felt on leaves and stems, were spherical, gregarious to scattered, and 80 to 100 µm in diameter. Each contained a single ascus and had a terminal oculus 17 to 23 µm wide. Asci were sessile, 70 to 90 × 52 to 65 µm, and contained eight ascospores, each 22 to 28 × 16 to 20 µm. The structures and measurements were consistent with those of Podosphaera xanthii (Castagne) U. Braun & Shishkoff (1). Specimens were deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS). To confirm identity of the causal fungus, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA of isolate KUS-F27201 was amplified with primers ITS5 and P3 (4), and sequenced directly. The resulting 476-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KC484700). A GenBank BLAST search of this sequence revealed >99% similarity with those of many P. xanthii isolates on plants in the Asteraceae. Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation by gently pressing diseased leaf onto leaves of five healthy, potted, young Spanish needle plants. Five non-inoculated plants served as a control treatment. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 25 ± 2°C. Inoculated plants developed symptoms after 8 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on the inoculated plants was identical morphologically to that originally observed on diseased plants, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Powdery mildews of B. pilosa caused by Podosphaera species have been reported in North America, Africa, and Asia (India and China), but not from Korea (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by P. xanthii on Spanish needles in Korea. The field observations suggest that the powdery mildew could limit expansion of this invasive weed in Korea. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No. 11. CBS, Utrecht, The Netherlands, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication, USDA ARS, retrieved 28 February 2013. (3) S. H. Park. Colored Illustrations of Naturalized Plants of Korea. Ilchokak Publishers, Seoul, Korea, 1995. (4) S. Takamatsu et al. Mycol. Res. 113:117, 2009.

First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Golovinomyces asterum var. solidaginis on Invasive Weed Solidago gigantea in Korea.

Solidago gigantea Aiton (syn. S. serotina Aiton), known as giant goldenrod, is native to North America and has been invasive in Europe and Asia. In Korea, this plant was accidentally introduced around the 1960s and has become widely naturalized by replacing indigenous plants and disrupting the native ecosystem (3). In October 2012, hundreds of giant goldenrod plants growing wild in riverine areas and roadsides were found affected by a powdery mildew in Busan, Korea. Voucher specimens were deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS). Symptoms first appeared as circular to irregular white patches, which subsequently showed abundant hyphal growth on both sides of the leaves. Appressoria on the mycelium were nipple-shaped to moderately lobed. Conidiophores measured 120 to 240 × 10 to 12.5 µm, were arising laterally from hyphal mother cells, and produced 2 to 6 immature conidia in chains with a sinuate outline, followed by 2 to 3 cells. Foot-cells in conidiophores were 42 to 70 µm long and characterized by a distinctly curved base. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid to ovate, measured 28 to 42 × 17 to 24 µm (length/width ratio = 1.4 to 2.1), contained small oil drops, lacked distinct fibrosin bodies, and produced germ tubes on the subterminal position. No chasmothecia were observed. The morphological characteristics described above were typical of the Euoidium type anamorph of the genus Golovinomyces, and the fungus measurements and structures were consistent with those of G. asterum var. solidaginis U. Braun (1). To confirm the identity of the causal fungus, the complete ITS region of rDNA from isolate KUS-F27219 was amplified with primers ITS5 and P3 (4) and sequenced. The resulting 508-bp sequence was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KC513763). A GenBank BLAST search of this sequence revealed >99% similarity with the ITS sequences of G. cichoracearum from Australia (GQ183940 ex Solidago sp.) and Japan (AB077625 ex S. altissima L. and AB077627 ex S. virgaurea subsp. asiatica Kitam. ex Hara). The G. cichoracearum isolates on Solidago spp. listed above are now placed in G. asterum var. solidaginis (1). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation by gently pressing diseased leaves onto leaves of five healthy potted giant goldenrods. Five non-inoculated plants served as controls. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at 24 to 30°C. Inoculated plants developed signs and symptoms after 7 days, whereas the control plants remained symptomless. The fungus present on inoculated plants was morphologically identical to that originally observed, fulfilling Koch's postulates. Association of S. gigantea with Golovinomyces powdery mildews has been known in North America, South America, Europe, New Zealand, Central Asia (Iran, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan), and Japan (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew caused by G. asterum var. solidaginis on S. gigantea in Korea. Our field observations suggest that the powdery mildew could be a limiting factor to suppress the expansion of this invasive weed in Korea. References: (1) U. Braun and R. T. A. Cook. Taxonomic Manual of the Erysiphales (Powdery Mildews), CBS Biodiversity Series No.11. CBS, Utrecht, 2012. (2) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication, ARS, USDA, retrieved January 22, 2013. (3) S. M. Oh et al. Kor. J. Weed Sci. 22:280, 2002. (4) S. Takamatsu et al. Mycol. Res. 113:117, 2009.

First Report of Zonate Leaf Spot Caused by Hinomyces moricola on Japanese Hop in Korea.

Japanese hop (Humulus japonicus Siebold & Zucc. = H. scandens (Lour.) Merr.), native to East Asia, is an annual, climbing or trailing vine. The vines can spread to cover large areas of open ground or low vegetation, eventually blanketing the land and vegetation. Pollen of H. japonicus is allergenic, and this species is considered as one of the important causes of pollinosis in Korea and China. It is a notorious invasive weed in the United States and also in France, Hungary, and Italy (1). In September 2012, zonate leaf spots were observed on Japanese hops growing in wetlands in Yeongdong County of Korea. A voucher specimen was preserved in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS-F26901). Initial symptoms included grayish-green to grayish-brown spots without border lines. As the lesions enlarged, they coalesced, leading to leaf blight. Sporophores on the leaf lesions were dominantly hypophyllous, rarely epiphyllous, solitary, erect, easily detachable, and as long as 700 µm. The upper portion of the sporophores consisted of a pyramidal head was ventricose, 320 to 520 µm long and 110 to 150 µm wide. The fungus was isolated from leaf lesions and maintained on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Sclerotia were produced on PDA after 4 to 5 weeks at 18°C without light, but conidia were not observed in culture. These morphological and cultural characteristics were consistent with those of Hinomyces moricola (I. Hino) Narumi-Saito & Y. Harada (= Cristulariella moricola (I. Hino) Redhead) (3,4). An isolate was preserved in the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection (Accession No. KACC46955). Genomic DNA was extracted using the DNeasy Plant Mini DNA Extraction Kit (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA). The complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified with the primers ITS1/ITS4 and sequenced. The resulting sequence of 452 bp was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. KC460209). A BLAST search in GenBank revealed that the sequence showed an exact match with those of C. moricola (JQ036181 ex Acer negundo and JQ036182 ex Glycine max). To determine the pathogenicity of the fungus, according to the procedure of Cho et al. (2), sporophores with the pyramidal head were carefully detached from a lesion on the naturally infected leaf using a needle. Each sporophore was transferred individually onto five places of four detached healthy leaves. The leaves were placed in dew chambers and incubated at 16°C. Symptoms were observed after 2 days on all inoculated leaves. A number of sporophores and immature sclerotia which were morphologically identical to the ones observed in the field were formed on the abaxial surface of the leaf 2 weeks after inoculation. The pathogen was reisolated from lesions on the inoculated leaves, confirming Koch's postulates. No symptoms were observed on the control leaves kept in humid chambers for 2 weeks. H. moricola was known to cause zonate leaf spots and defoliation on a wide range of woody and annual plants (3). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Hinomyces infection on Japanese hops in Korea. References: (1) Anonymous. Humulus japonicus (Cannabaceae): Japanese hop. Eur. Medit. Plant Prot. Org. (EPPO). 2012. (2) S. E. Cho et al. Plant Dis. 96:906, 2012. (3) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication, ARS, USDA, Retrieved December 8, 2012. (4) S. A. Redhead. Can. J. Bot. 53:700, 1975.

Anti-diabetic effect of quercetin in type 2 diabetes mellitus by regulating the microRNA-92b-3p/EGR1 axis.

Insulin resistance (IR) is predominantly causal for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). To solve this problem, this study particularly determined the role of quercetin (Que) in controlling IR in T2DM mice. The T2DM mouse model was established, and given 20 mg/kg/d Que by gavage for 6 weeks, and the lentiviral vector that interfered with microRNA-92b-3p (miR-92b-3p) or early growth response 1 (EGR1) expression was injected into the tail vein of T2DM mice. Blood glucose homeostasis and histopathological changes in the pancreas were observed after the corresponding treatment. miR-92b-3p and EGR1 expressions were assessed in T2DM mice, as well as their interlink. In results we found that Que could improve IR and pancreatic histopathological changes in T2DM mice. Low miR-92b-3p and high EGR1 were expressed in T2DM mice, while Que could upregulate miR-92b-3p to target EGR1. Enhancing miR-92b-3p or reducing EGR1 could further improve IR and pancreatic histopathological changes in T2DM mice after Que administration. Nevertheless, silencing miR-92b-3p or overexpressing EGR1 contributed to the opposite results. We concluded that Que exerted anti-diabetic effects in T2DM mice by regulating the miR-92b-3p/EGR1 axis.

Pan-Asian adapted ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with endometrial cancer.

The most recent version of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of patients with endometrial cancer was published in 2022. It was therefore decided, by both the ESMO and the Indian Society of Medical and Paediatric Oncology (ISMPO), to convene a virtual meeting in July 2022 to adapt the ESMO 2022 guidelines to take into account the variations in the management of endometrial cancer in Asia. These guidelines represent the consensus opinion of a panel of Asian experts representing the oncological societies of China (CSCO), India (ISMPO), Indonesia (ISHMO), Japan (JSMO), Korea (KSMO), Malaysia (MOS), the Philippines (PSMO), Singapore (SSO), Taiwan (TOS) and Thailand (TSCO). Voting was based on scientific evidence and was conducted independently of the current treatment practices and treatment access constraints in the different Asian countries, which were discussed when appropriate. The aim of this guideline manuscript is to provide guidance for the optimisation and harmonisation of the management of patients with endometrial cancer across the different regions of Asia, drawing on the evidence provided by Western and Asian trials whilst respecting the variations in clinical presentation, diagnostic practices including molecular profiling and disparities in access to therapeutic options, including drug approvals and reimbursement strategies.

Cystic changes in desmoplastic fibroma of bone: a new MRI finding.

AIM: To evaluate the magnetic resonance imaging features of desmoplastic fibroma (DF) of bone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two radiologists retrospectively evaluated imaging findings of pathologically confirmed DFs in eight patients. Involved sites and longitudinal location in long bones were evaluated using radiography and computed tomography (CT). At MRI, the presence of low signal areas on T2-weighted images (low-T2), enhancement, cystic changes, and locations of the mass were evaluated. The location of masses was evaluated, based on cortical disruption and adjacent soft-tissue extension. RESULTS: Involved sites were the femur in three patients, the tibia in two, and the humerus, fibula, and pubic bone in one each. Of the seven masses in the long bones, three were located in the epi- and metaphysis, two in the meta- and diaphysis, one in the diaphysis, and one in the epiphysis. Seven masses had areas of low T2-weighted or heterogeneous enhancement, and three (38%) showed cystic changes. cortical disruption was seen at MRI in six of eight patients (88%). CONCLUSION: DFs contained cystic change. Cortical disruption may also occur, which may cause confusion with malignant lesions.

A comparison of intra-operative blood loss and acid-base balance between vasopressor and inotrope strategy during living donor liver transplantation: a randomised, controlled study.

Administration of vasopressors or inotropes during liver transplant surgery is almost universal, as this procedure is often accompanied by massive haemorrhage, acid-base imbalance, and cardiovascular instability. However, the actual agents that should be used and the choice between a vasopressor and an inotrope strategy are not clear from existing published evidence. In this prospective, randomised, controlled and single-blinded study, we compared the effects of a vasopressor strategy on intra-operative blood loss and acid-base status with those of an inotrope strategy during living donor liver transplantation. Seventy-six adult liver recipients with decompensated cirrhosis were randomly assigned to receive a continuous infusion of either phenylephrine at a dose of 0.3-0.4 µg.kg(-1).min(-1) or dopamine and/or dobutamine at 2-8 µg.kg(-1).min(-1) during surgery. Vascular resistance was higher over time in the phenylephrine group than in the dopamine/dobutamine group. Estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the phenylephrine group than in the dopamine/dobutamine group (mean (SD) 4.5 (1.8) l vs 6.1 (3.4) l, respectively, p=0.011). Patients in the phenylephrine group had lower lactate levels in the late pre-anhepatic and the early anhepatic phase and needed less bicarbonate administration than those in the dopamine/dobutamine group (median (IQR [range]) 40 (0-100 [0-160]) mEq vs 70 (40-163 [0-260]) mEq, respectively, p=0.018). Postoperative clinical outcomes and laboratory-measured hepatic and renal function did not differ between the groups. Increased vascular resistance and reduction of portal blood flow by intra-operative phenylephrine infusion is assumed to decrease the amount of intra-operative bleeding and thereby ameliorate the progression of lactic acidosis during liver transplant surgery.

First Report of Leaf Spot Caused by Septoria erigerontis on Erigeron strigosus in Korea.

Erigeron strigosus Muhl. ex Willd., known as daisy fleabane, is native to North America and was accidently introduced to Korea in the 1990s (2). It is increasingly invasive in natural and managed ecosystems throughout Korea. In June 2011, a leaf spot was first observed on daisy fleabanes growing wild in Hongcheon County of Korea. A voucher specimen was deposited in the Korea University Herbarium (KUS-F25759). Symptoms developed on lower leaves as small, distinct, reddish brown lesions, which enlarged progressively and turned into pale, dull brown spots surrounded by dark purplish-brown margins. Black pycnidia became visible in the lesions. Pycnidia were epigenous, occasionally hypogenous, scattered, dark brown to rusty brown, globose, embedded in host tissue or partly erumpent, 60 to 160 µm in diameter, with ostioles measuring 10 to 30 µm in diameter. Conidia were straight to mildly curved or even flexuous, guttulate, hyaline, 30 to 75 × 1.5 to 2 µm, and one- to seven-septate. Based on the morphological characteristics, the fungus was consistent with Septoria erigerontis Peck (3,4). Conidia were harvested from cirrhi of pycnidia on leaf lesions with a drop of sterile water and then directly streaked onto water agar media using a bacterial loop. Isolates were incubated at 24°C for 48 h. Germinating conidia were individually transferred to potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. An isolate was deposited in the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection (Accession No. KACC46120). Genomic DNA was extracted using the DNeasy Plant Mini DNA Extraction Kit (Qiagen Inc., Valencia, CA). The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified using the ITS1/ITS4 primers and sequenced. The resulting sequence of 505 bp was deposited in GenBank (Accession No. JX480493). A GenBank BLAST search was conducted with the 505-bp sequence showing 100% identity with the sequences of S. erigerontis ex Erigeron annuus (EF535638, GU269862). Pathogenicity was tested by spraying leaves of three potted plants with a conidial suspension (2 × 105 conidia/ml) harvested from a 4-week-old PDA culture. Control leaves were sprayed with sterile distilled water. The plants were placed in a dew chamber at 26°C in darkness and continuous dew for the first 24 h and then moved to a greenhouse bench. After 7 days, leaf spot symptoms identical to those observed in the field developed on the leaves inoculated with the fungus. No symptoms were observed on control plants. S. erigerontis was reisolated from the lesions of inoculated plants, fulfilling Koch's postulates. A leaf spot disease of E. strigosus associated with S. erigerontis has been reported in the United States and Canada (1). To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf spot on E. strigosus caused by S. erigerontis outside of North America as well as in Korea. References: (1) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Syst. Mycol. Microbiol. Lab., Online publication. ARS, USDA, Retrieved June 2, 2012. (2) S. H. Park. Colored Illustrations of Naturalized Plants of Korea. Ilchokak Publishers, Seoul, Korea, 1995. (3) M. J. Priest. Fungi of Australia: Septoria. ABRS/CSIRO Publishing, Melbourne, Australia, 1997. (4) E. Radulescu et al. Septoriozele din Romania. Ed. Acad. Rep. Soc. Romania, Bucuresti, Romania, 1973.

First Asian Report of Leaf Spot of Ambrosia trifida Caused by Septoria epambrosiae.

Ambrosia trifida L., known as giant ragweed, is native to North America and was introduced in Korea in the 1970s (4). It is now widely naturalized, and since 1999, has been designated as one of 11 most 'harmful nonindigenous plants' by the Korean Ministry of Environment because of its adverse effects on native plants. Various strategies to eradicate this noxious weed have been unsuccessful (4). In June 2008, leaf spot symptoms on this weed were found in Inje, Korea. Hundreds of giant ragweed growing along stream banks contained leaf spots with leaf yellowing and premature defoliation. Leaf lesions were 1 to 5 mm in diameter, angular to irregular, dark brown without a distinct margin, later becoming pallid with a brown margin. Between 2008 and 2011, the authors observed the same symptoms in Dongducheon, Yangku, Namyangju, and Pocheon, Korea. Voucher specimens have been housed in the herbarium of Korea University. Numerous black pycnidia were formed on the lesion. Pycnidia were amphigenous, globose, dark brown, ostiolate, and measured 80 to 130 µm in diameter. Conidia were filiform, straight to mildly curved, eguttulate, hyaline, 18 to 36 × 1.5 to 2.5 µm, one to three septate, subtruncate at the base, and tapering to a rounded apex. Single-conidial isolations onto potato dextrose agar formed dark grayish colonies. Pycnidia matured after 5 weeks when plates were incubated under fluorescent illumination for 12-h photoperiods at 25°C. On the basis of morphological and cultural characteristics, the fungus was identified as Septoria epambrosiae D.F. Farr (2). Three isolates were deposited in the Korean Agricultural Culture Collection (KACC). Preliminary morphological identification of the fungal isolates was confirmed by molecular data. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified using the ITS1/ITS4 primers and sequenced. The resulting sequences of 449 bp obtained from the three isolates were identical to each other. They showed 100% similarity when compared with a sequence of S. epambrosiae (GenBank No. AF279582). The nucleotide sequence of a representative isolate (KACC43850) was deposited in GenBank (No. JN695498). Pathogenicity was confirmed by inoculating the leaves of three seedlings with a conidial suspension (~2 × 105 conidia/ml). Three noninoculated seedlings served as controls. Plants were maintained in a glasshouse at 100% relative humidity for 48 h. After 6 days, typical leaf spots, identical to the one observed in the field, started to develop on the leaves of the inoculated plants. No symptoms were observed on the control plants. The fungus was successfully reisolated from the symptomatic plants, fulfilling Koch's postulates. A leaf spot disease associated with S. epambrosiae has previously been recorded on A. artemisiifolia in Hungary (1-3) and A. trifida in North America (2,3). To our knowledge, this is the first report of S. epambrosiae on giant ragweed in Asia. Because of its potential as a biocontrol agent, further studies are needed. References: (1) G. Bohar and I. Schwarczinger. Plant Dis. 83:696, 1999. (2) D. F. Farr and L. A. Castlebury. Sydowia 53:81, 2001. (3) D. F. Farr and A. Y. Rossman. Fungal Databases. Systematic Mycology and Microbiology Laboratory, ARS, USDA. Retrieved from http://nt.ars-grin.gov/fungaldatabases/ , September 20, 2011. (4) S. M. Oh et al. Impacts of Invasive Alien Weeds and Control Strategies of Noxious Weeds in Korea. National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, Suwon, Korea, 2007.