Evaluation of the Weeds around Capsicum annuum (CA) Cultivation Fields as Potential Habitats of CA-Infecting Viruses.

Capsicum annuum (CA) is grown outdoors across fields in Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. The weeds surrounding these fields were investigated regarding the infection of 11 viruses infecting CA during the year 2014-2018. In the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction diagnosis, 546 out of 821 CA samples (66.

First Report of Passiflora Latent Virus Infecting Passion Fruit (Passiflora edulis) in South Korea.

Passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) viral diseases caused by papaya leaf curl Guangdong virus, cucumber mosaic virus, East Asian Passiflora virus, and euphorbia leaf curl virus have been reported in South Korea (Joa et al. 2018; Kim et al. 2018).

Targeted Sequencing of Ascites and Peritoneal Washing Fluid of Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancers and Their Clinical Applications and Limitations.

Cytology from gastrointestinal (GI) cancers is frequently obtained from ascites and peritoneal washing fluids. Examination of ascites and peritoneal washing fluids from patients with GI cancers can help in the tumor staging and prognosis. Tumor-derived DNA in these cytology samples can be a target for next generation sequencing (NGS).

Serum-Based KRAS Mutation Detection Using Droplet Digital PCR: Clinical Implications and Limitations in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma With Tumor Heterogeneity.

Background: Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has arisen as an alternative target for evaluating somatic mutations in cancer. KRAS mutation status is critical for targeted therapy in colorectal adenocarcinoma (CRAC). We evaluated KRAS mutations in cfDNA extracted from serum and compared the results with KRAS mutations detected in tissue samples.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of the small molecule AMC-04 on apoptosis: Roles of the activating transcription factor 4-C/EBP homologous protein-death receptor 5 pathway.

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is an emerging target pathway for cancer treatment owing to its ability to induce cell death. In our previous analysis of UPR-modulating small molecules, we had reported that piperazine oxalate derivative compounds (AMC-01-04) are able to promote increased phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor-2 alpha (eIF2α). In this study, we found that AMC-04 induces apoptotic cell death via the activation of UPR in human breast and liver cancer cells.

Identification of a Clinical Cutoff Value for Multiplex KRAS Mutation Detection in Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Patients Using Digital Droplet PCR, and Comparison with Sanger Sequencing and PNA Clamping Assay.

KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog) is a major predictive marker for anti-epidermal growth factor receptor treatment, and determination of KRAS mutational status is crucial for successful management of colorectal adenocarcinoma. More standardized and accurate methods for testing KRAS mutation, which is vital for therapeutic decision-making, are required. Digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is an advanced digital PCR technology developed to provide absolute quantitation of target DNA.

Protection and Response of a Tertiary Hospital in South Korea to the COVID-19 Outbreak.

Objective: Here, we present an overview of how a tertiary hospital responded to maintain necessary activities and protect patients and staff from the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

Methods: Gil Medical Center, a tertiary hospital in Incheon, has operated a special response team since January 21, 2020. All visitors were assessed for body temperature and respiratory symptoms, and screened for recent overseas travel.

Eucommia ulmoides leaf (EUL) extract enhances NO production in ox-LDL-treated human endothelial cells.

Eucommia ulmoides leaves (EULs), referred to as Du-zhong, are utilized to lower blood pressure and improve liver and kidney tone, and also have been applied to cardiovascular disease in Korea, China, and Japan. Endothelial dysfunction, which is caused by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) uncoupling, is an initial step in atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of EUL aqueous extract against ox-LDL-induced eNOS uncoupling and its possible mechanisms in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Protective role of quercetin against manganese-induced injury in the liver, kidney, and lung; and hematological parameters in acute and subchronic rat models.

Manganese (Mn) is an important mineral element required in trace amounts for development of the human body, while over- or chronic-exposure can cause serious organ toxicity. The current study was designed to evaluate the protective role of quercetin (Qct) against Mn-induced toxicity in the liver, kidney, lung, and hematological parameters in acute and subchronic rat models. Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into control, Mn (100 mg/kg for acute model and 15 mg/kg for subchronic model), and Mn + Qct (25 and 50 mg/kg) groups in both acute and subchronic models.

Curcumin and Curcuma longa L. extract ameliorate lipid accumulation through the regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum redox and ER stress.

For this study, we examined the effects of curcumin against acute and chronic stress, paying specific attention to ROS. We also aimed to clarify the differences between acute and chronic stress conditions. We investigated the effects of curcumin against acute stress (once/1 day CCl treatment) and chronic-stress (every other day/4week CCl treatment).

Chest wall swelling and pneumothorax after shoulder arthroscopy: Were the 2 events totally independent?

Rationale: Arthroscopic shoulder surgery (ASS) is a low mortality and morbidity procedure, but anesthetic complications are reported. There have been no reports of combined chest wall swelling and pneumothorax after ASS.

Patient Concerns: The patient's right lung was severely collapsed and the mediastinum was deviated after ASS.

β-Cell protection and antidiabetic activities of Crassocephalum crepidioides (Asteraceae) Benth. S. Moore extract against alloxan-induced oxidative stress via regulation of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS).

Background: Medicinal plants are becoming more popular in the treatment of various diseases because of the adverse effects of the current therapy, especially antioxidant plant components such as phenols and flavonoids have a protective role against oxidative stress-induced degenerative diseases like diabetes. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate β-cell protection and antidiabetic activities of Crassocephalum crepidioides (Asteraceae) Benth. S.

Polyphenolic Extract of Euphorbia supina Attenuates Manganese-Induced Neurotoxicity by Enhancing Antioxidant Activity through Regulation of ER Stress and ER Stress-Mediated Apoptosis.

Manganese (Mn) is an important trace element present in human body, which acts as an enzyme co-factor or activator in various metabolic reactions. While essential in trace amounts, excess levels of Mn in human brain can produce neurotoxicity, including idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD)-like extrapyramidal manganism symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the protective role of polyphenolic extract of Euphorbia supina (PPEES) on Mn-induced neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanism in human neuroblastoma SKNMC cells and Sprague-Dawley (SD) male rat brain.

Protective effect of Curcuma longa L. extract on CCl-induced acute hepatic stress.

Background: The Curcuma longa L. (CLL) rhizome has long been used to treat patients with hepatic dysfunction. CLL is a member of the ginger family of spices that are widely used in China, India, and Japan, and is a common spice, coloring, flavoring, and traditional medicine.

Turmeric extract and its active compound, curcumin, protect against chronic CCl4-induced liver damage by enhancing antioxidation.

Background: Curcumin, a major active component of turmeric, has previously been reported to alleviate liver damage. Here, we investigated the mechanism by which turmeric and curcumin protect the liver against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced injury in rats. We hypothesized that turmeric extract and curcumin protect the liver from CCl4-induced liver injury by reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, and increasing glutathione peroxidase activation.

Dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm associated with tuberculous pleural effusion.

We present the case of thoracic aortic aneurysm associated with the tuberculous pleural effusion. An 82-year-old woman underwent emergency stent graft under a diagnosis of dissecting thoracic aortic aneurysm. Preoperative computed tomography revealed right pleural effusion supposed to the hemothorax caused by the dissecting aneurysm.

A simple, flexible and high-throughput cloning system for plant genome editing via CRISPR-Cas system.

CRISPR-Cas9 system is now widely used to edit a target genome in animals and plants. Cas9 protein derived from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9) cleaves double-stranded DNA targeted by a chimeric single-guide RNA (sgRNA). For plant genome editing, Agrobacterium-mediated T-DNA transformation has been broadly used to express Cas9 proteins and sgRNAs under the control of CaMV 35S and U6/U3 promoter, respectively.

TMBIM6 (transmembrane BAX inhibitor motif containing 6) enhances autophagy and reduces renal dysfunction in a cyclosporine A-induced nephrotoxicity model.

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is widely used as an immunosuppressor in transplantation. Previous studies reported that CsA induces autophagy and that chronic treatment with CsA results in accumulation of autophagosomes and reduced autophagic clearance. Autophagy is a prosurvival process that promotes recovery from acute kidney injury by degrading misfolded proteins produced in the kidney.

Comparison of TGF-β, PDGF, and CTGF in hepatic fibrosis models using DMN, CCl4, and TAA.

Three chemotoxins including dimethylnitrosamine (DMN), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), and thioacetamide (TAA) are commonly used in hepatofibrotic models. We aimed to draw characteristics of histopathology and pro-fibrogenic cytokines including TGF-β, PDGF and CTGF among three models. Rats were divided into six groups and intra-peritoneally injected with DMN (10 mg/kg, for three weeks, three consecutive days weekly), CCl4 (1.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Terminalia chebula against t-BHP-Induced Acute Liver Injury in C57/BL6 Mice.

We aimed to identify the hepatoprotective effects of Terminalia chebula water extract (TCW) and its corresponding pharmacological actions using C57/BL6 mice model of tert-butylhydroperoxide-(t-BHP-) induced acute liver injury. Mice were orally administered with TCW (0, 50, 100, or 200 mg/kg) or gallic acid (100 mg/kg) for 5 days before t-BHP (2.5 mM/kg) injection.

Bacillus anthracis genomic DNA enhances lethal toxin-induced cytotoxicity through TNF-α production.

Background: Bacillus anthracis is the etiological agent of anthrax. Lethal toxin (LT) produced by B. anthracis is a well-known key virulence factor for anthrax because of its strong cytotoxic activity.

Chunggan extract, a traditional herbal formula, ameliorated alcohol-induced hepatic injury in rat model.

Aim: To evaluate protective effects of Chunggan extract (CGX), a traditional herbal formula, under 4 wk of alcohol consumption-induced liver injury.

Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley Rats were orally administered 30% ethanol daily for 4 wk with or without CGX. The pharmaceutical properties were assessed through liver enzymes, histopathology, fibrogenic cytokines, and alcohol metabolism in hepatic tissues as well as by in vitro experiment using HSC-T6 cells.

Modulation of radiation-induced alterations in oxidative stress and cytokine expression in lung tissue by Panax ginseng extract.

We investigated the modulating effect of Panax ginseng extract (PGE) on radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) by measuring early changes in oxidative stress levels, cytokine expression, and the histopathology of mouse lung tissue treated with high dose of X-ray radiation. The mice were pretreated with 25, 50, and 100-mg/kg doses of PGE orally for four consecutive days, and their thoraces were then exposed to 15-Gy X-ray radiation 1 h after the last administration of PGE on day 4. The pretreatments with 50 and 100 mg/kg PGE led to significant reductions in the elevation of lipid peroxidation levels at 2 and 10 days, respectively, after irradiation.