Genomic and functional features of yeast species in Korean traditional fermented alcoholic beverage and soybean products.

In this review, we describe the genomic and physiological features of the yeast species predominantly isolated from Nuruk, a starter for traditional Korean rice wines, and Jang, a traditional Korean fermented soy product. Nuruk and Jang have several prevalent yeast species, including Saccharomycopsis fibuligera, Hyphopichia burtonii, and Debaryomyces hansenii complex, which belong to the CUG clade showing high osmotic tolerance. Comparative genomics revealed that the interspecies hybridization within yeast species for generating heterozygous diploid genomes occurs frequently as an evolutional strategy in the fermentation environment of Nuruk and Jang. Through gene inventory analysis based on the high-quality reference genome of S. fibuligera, new genes involved in cellulose degradation and volatile aroma biosynthesis and applicable to the production of novel valuable enzymes and chemicals can be discovered. The integrated genomic and transcriptomic analysis of Hyphopichia yeasts, which exhibit strong halotolerance, provides insights into the novel mechanisms of salt and osmo-stress tolerance for survival in fermentation environments with a low-water activity and high-concentration salts. In addition, Jang yeast isolates, such as D. hansenii, show probiotic potential for the industrial application of yeast species beyond fermentation starters to diverse human health sectors.

Genomic features, aroma profiles, and probiotic potential of the Debaryomyces hansenii species complex strains isolated from Korean soybean fermented food.

Fermented soybean products are gaining attention in the food industry owing to their nutritive value and health benefits. In this study, we performed genomic analysis and physiological characterization of two Debaryomyces spp. yeast isolates obtained from a Korean traditional fermented soy sauce "ganjang". Both Debaryomyces hansenii ganjang isolates KD2 and C11 showed halotolerance to concentrations of up to 15% NaCl and improved growth in the presence of salt. Ploidy and whole-genome sequencing analyses indicated that the KD2 genome is haploid, whereas the C11 genome is heterozygous diploid with two distinctive subgenomes. Interestingly, phylogenetic analysis using intron sequences indicated that the C11 strain was generated via hybridization between D. hansenii and D. tyrocola ancestor strains. The D. hansenii KD2 and D. hansenii-hybrid C11 produced various volatile flavor compounds associated with butter, caramel, cheese, and fruits, and showed high bioconversion activity from ferulic acid to 4-vinylguaiacol, a characteristic flavor compound of soybean products. Both KD2 and C11 exhibited viability in the presence of bile salts and at low pH and showed immunomodulatory activity to induce high levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. The safety of the yeast isolates was confirmed by analyzing virulence and acute oral toxicity. Together, the D. hansenii ganjang isolates possess physiological properties beneficial for improving the flavor and nutritional value of fermented products.

Primary cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma presenting as bilateral erythematous patches on the arms.

Natural killer/T-cell lymphoma is a rare, Epstein-Barr virus-associated type of cytotoxic lymphoma thatpresents mainly in the nasal cavity and its vicinity. Very few cases of primary cutaneous extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma have been reported till date. All the previously reported cases of primary cutaneous extranodalnatural killer/T-cell lymphoma presented as lesions resembling cellulitis, subcutaneous nodules or ulcers. We report a rare case which presented as erythematous and purpuric round patches on the arms and was finally diagnosed as primary cutaneous extranodalnatural killer/T-cell lymphoma, following a skin biopsy. The atypical patchy lesions presented a diagnostic challenge. We herein describe this clinically novel atypical patch-like presentation of primary cutaneous extranodalnatural killer/T-cell lymphoma together with the key histopathologic features and highlights of the previously reported cases.

Incidence and patterns of hemolytic anemia in acute dapsone overdose.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic anemia is one of the complications related to the chronic consumption of dapsone. However, in acute dapsone overdose, there have been few case reports regarding hemolytic anemia. Herein, we reported the prevalence and patterns of hemolytic anemia in acute dapsone overdose, and compared clinical features including mortality in the non-hemolytic anemia and the hemolytic anemia groups. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 43 consecutive acute dapsone overdose cases that were diagnosed and treated at the emergency department of the Wonju Severance Christian Hospital between January 2006 and January 2014. RESULTS: There were 13 male patients (30.2%) and the ages of all patients ranged from 18 to 93 years with a median of 67 years. The ingested dose varied from a minimum of two 100-mg tablet to a maximum of twenty five 100-mg tablets. All patients had methemoglobinemia irrespective of the presence of hemolytic anemia. Among 43 patients, 30 patients (69.8%) were shown to have hemolytic anemia and hemolytic anemia developed the day after admission and persisted for more than 6 days after admission. Even though mortality rate was not significantly higher in the hemolytic anemia group, the hemolytic anemia group had significantly longer total admission and intensive care unit admission stays than the non-hemolytic group. CONCLUSIONS: A significant proportion of the patients with acute dapsone overdose is associated with occurrence of hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia may be developed the day after admission and persisted for more than 6 days after admission. Therefore, monitoring of serum hemoglobin level is necessary.

Dapsone intoxication: clinical course and characteristics.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Dapsone is used as an antibiotic for leprosy and for dermatological disorders and may cause methemoglobinemia. The aims of this study are to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with dapsone ingestion to identify risk factors associated with mortality. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study of adult ED patients with methemoglobinemia because of dapsone intoxication admitted to a tertiary care hospital from September 2003 to December 2008. Data collected included demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics, as well as survival to discharge. Characteristics of young (less than or equal to 55 years) and older (greater than age 55) patients were compared. The main outcome was in-hospital mortality. RESULTS: There were 46 patients included in the study. The minimum intoxication dose was two 100 mg tablets and the maximum was 100 tablets. Changes in mental status were more common in the older patients. Methemoglobin levels were slightly higher in the younger patients, but both groups were treated with similar doses of methylene blue. Shock and death were more common in the older patients. CONCLUSIONS: Late presentation to medical care and an altered mental status at the time of presentation were predictive of death after dapsone intoxication. Methemoglobin levels tended to be higher in those who died.