A new quantitative real-time PCR method to measure human miRNAs using the PROMER technology.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNA molecules that play a crucial role in regulating gene expression. Dysregulation of miRNAs is associated with various human diseases, including cancer. Accurate quantification of miRNAs in bodily fluids or tissue biopsy samples is essential for their use as biomarkers in tumor diagnosis, yet current methods remain suboptimal.

Chromosomal copy number analysis of products of conception by conventional karyotyping and next-generation sequencing.

Purpose: Chromosomal abnormalities are a major cause of spontaneous abortion, and conventional G-banded karyotyping (G-banding) is mainly utilized for chromosomal analysis. Recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS) has been introduced for chromosomal analysis. Here, we aimed to investigate the applicability and utility of NGS-based chromosomal analysis of products of conception (POC) on chorionic villus samples from spontaneous abortion.

Evaluation of Neutrophil Activation Status According to the Phenotypes of Adult Asthma.

Purpose: Neutrophils are considered key effector cells in the pathogenic mechanisms of airway inflammation in asthma. This study assessed the activation status of neutrophils in adult asthmatics, and the therapeutic potential of FTY720, a synthetic sphingosine-1-phosphate analog, on activated neutrophils using an stimulation model.

Methods: We isolated peripheral blood neutrophils (PBNs) from 59 asthmatic patients (including 20 aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease [AERD] and 39 aspirin-tolerant asthma [ATA] groups).

Prediction of Postnatal Growth Failure among Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

Postnatal growth failure (PGF) in preterm infants remains an important clinical issue. In this study, we analysed the incidence of PGF among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and evaluated the risk factors for PGF based on the data of 2799 VLBW infants obtained from the Korean Neonatal Network database from 2013 to 2014. PGF was defined as a decrease in weight Z score between birth and discharge of more than -1.

Long-chain fatty acid triglyceride (TG) metabolism disorder impairs male fertility: a study using adipose triglyceride lipase deficient mice.

Study Question: Does the deletion of adipose triglyceride lipase (Atgl) gene impair male fertility?

Summary Answer: The deletion of Atgl gene impaired male fertility but the effect was partially reversed by a low long-chain triglyceride (TG) diet.

What Is Known Already: ATGL specifically hydrolyses long-chain fatty acid TG to diacylglycerol and a high level of expression of ATGL in testes has been reported. However, the role of ATGL in male fertility is unknown.

Analysis of National Pharmacovigilance Data Associated with Statin Use in Korea.

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical manifestations, age distribution and risk factors of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) of statins. Korean Adverse Event Reporting System (KAERS) database records (July 2009-June 2014) on statin-treated adults were used. ADRs classified as 'certain', 'probable' and 'possible' based on the WHO-Uppsala Monitoring Centre criteria were analysed.

Effect of lipid metabolism on male fertility.

Cholesterol and lipid homeostasis is important for male fecundity. However, the plasma total cholesterol level does not reflect sperm concentration and motility. Adipose tissue in mammals is the main tissue contributing to the dynamic equilibrium of lipid synthesis and catabolism.

The protein phosphatase 2C clade A protein OsPP2C51 positively regulates seed germination by directly inactivating OsbZIP10.

Protein phosphatase 2C clade A members are major signaling components in the ABA-dependent signaling cascade that regulates seed germination. To elucidate the role of PP2CA genes in germination of rice seed, we selected OsPP2C51, which shows highly specific expression in the embryo compared with other protein phosphatases based on microarray data. GUS histochemical assay confirmed that OsPP2C51 is expressed in the seed embryo and that this expression pattern is unique compared with those of other OsPP2CA genes.

Functional characterization and reconstitution of ABA signaling components using transient gene expression in rice protoplasts.

The core components of ABA-dependent gene expression signaling have been identified in Arabidopsis and rice. This signaling pathway consists of four major components; group A OsbZIPs, SAPKs, subclass A OsPP2Cs and OsPYL/RCARs in rice. These might be able to make thousands of combinations through interaction networks resulting in diverse signaling responses.

Insulin pump therapy in transient neonatal diabetes mellitus.

Neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM) is a rare disease requiring insulin treatment. Its treatment is primarily focused on maintaining adequate glycemic control and avoiding hypoglycemia. Although insulin pump therapy is frequently administered to adults and children, there is no consensus on the use of insulin pumps in NDM.