RAD51 separation of function mutation disables replication fork maintenance but preserves DSB repair.

Homologous recombination (HR) protects replication forks (RFs) and repairs DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Within HR, BRCA2 regulates RAD51 via two interaction regions: the BRC repeats to form filaments on single-stranded DNA and exon 27 (Ex27) to stabilize the filament. Here, we identified a RAD51 S181P mutant that selectively disrupted the RAD51-Ex27 association while maintaining interaction with BRC repeat and proficiently forming filaments capable of DNA binding and strand invasion.

Compact Measurement of the Optical Power in High-Power LED Using a Light-Absorbent Thermal Sensor.

LED (Light-Emitting Diode) presents advantages such as luminescence, reliability, durability compared with conventional lighting. It has been widely applied for life, healthcare, smart farm, industry, and lighting from indoor to the automotive headlamp. However, the LED is vulnerable to thermal damage originated from the high junction temperature, especially in high power applications.

Importance of microbial extracellular vesicle in the pathogenesis of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and its diagnostic potential.

There are rising evidences of the human microbiome as a potentially influential player that is actively engaged in shaping the pathogenetic processes and other unresolved issues both in asthma and other chronic respiratory diseases, particularly of the airways. The biological components such as microbiome in inhaled air can induce immune dysfunction and inflammation, leading to inflammatory pulmonary disorders such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Microbe-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) with biologically active information or functions can reprogram their respective target cells and EV may have a role for the development of asthma and COPD.

Lung Disease Diagnostic Model Through IgG Sensitization to Microbial Extracellular Vesicles.

Purpose: Recently, there has been a rise in the interest to understand the composition of indoor dust due to its association with lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Furthermore, it has been found that bacterial extracellular vesicles (EVs) within indoor dust particles can induce pulmonary inflammation, suggesting that these might play a role in lung disease.

Methods: We performed microbiome analysis of indoor dust EVs isolated from mattresses in apartments and hospitals.

Lactobacillus plantarum-derived Extracellular Vesicles Protect Atopic Dermatitis Induced by Staphylococcus aureus-derived Extracellular Vesicles.

Purpose: The microbial environment is an important factor that contributes to the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD). Recently, it was revealed that not only bacteria itself but also extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted from bacteria affect the allergic inflammation process. However, almost all research carried out so far was related to local microorganisms, not the systemic microbial distribution.

The age-related characteristics of adults with asthma who visited emergency departments in Korea from 2007 to 2012.

Background: Understanding the patterns of emergency department (ED) visits of patients with asthma is important for disease control and prevention of exacerbations.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of adult patients who visited EDs because of their asthma.

Methods: Patients with asthma, ages ≥19 years old, who visited 117 EDs throughout Korea between January 2007 and December 2012 were identified in the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS) data base using the International Classification of Disease, 10th revision, codes J45 (asthma) and J46 (status asthmaticus).

Importance of indoor dust biological ultrafine particles in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory lung diseases.

The role of infectious agents in the etiology of inflammatory diseases once believed to be non-infectious is increasingly being recognized. Many bacterial components in the indoor dust can evoke inflammatory lung diseases. Bacteria secrete nanometer-sized vesicles into the extracellular milieu, so-called extracellular vesicles (EV).

Clinical course of asthma patients with H1N1 influenza infection and oseltamivir.

Background: H1N1 influenza virus prevailed throughout the world in 2009. However, there are few reports on the clinical features of H1N1 influenza infection in adult asthma patients. We evaluated the clinical features in asthma patients with H1N1 influenza infection who took oseltamivir and compared them to those with other upper respiratory infections.

Phytochemical analysis and effects of Pteris vittata extract on visual processes.

The present study was designed to explore the possible effects of Pteris vittata on visual sensitivity, ERG waves, and other components of the visual system. Electrophysiological techniques including electroretinography (ERG) were used in the present study. The phytochemical composition of the extract was investigated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) techniques.

MicroRNA and diseases: therapeutic potential as new generation of drugs.

MicroRNA (miRNA) is a small non-coding regulatory RNA of 21-25 nucleotides (nts) in length. miRNA works as a post-transcriptional regulator of a specific mRNA by inducing degradation or translation repression resulting in gene silencing. A large number of miRNA have been reported and many more are yet to be discovered.

Influence of the Adjuvants and Genetic Background on the Asthma Model Using Recombinant Der f 2 in Mice.

Der f 2 is the group 2 major allergen of a house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) and its function has been recently suggested. To determine the optimal condition of sensitization to recombinant Der f 2 (rDer f 2) in murine model of asthma, we compared the effectiveness with different adjuvants in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Mice from both strains sensitized with rDer f 2 by intraperitoneal injection or subcutaneous injection on days 1 and 14.

Stimulatory effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles on visual sensitivity and electroretinography b-waves in the bullfrog eye.

During the last decade, a large number of studies have focused on the development of nanomaterials for medical applications. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the stimulatory effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles in the vertebrate visual system. Zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized through photoluminescence, ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction measurements.

Murine subcutaneous immunotherapy models with beneficial immunological and physiological effects.

Background: Immunotherapy was introduced 100 years ago and has a unique role in the treatment of allergic diseases in that only immunotherapy can induce long-term immunological tolerance. However, only a few mouse models of immunotherapy have been developed so far.

Objective: We tried to establish murine immunotherapy models that have similar findings in human using subcutaneous rush immunotherapy-like schedule.

Differences in airway inflammation according to atopic status in patients with chronic rhinitis.

Background: Chronic rhinitis is a heterogeneous group of diseases that cause nasal inflammation. And the nose may be a window into the lung in the concept of "one airway one disease."

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate differences between the different forms of chronic rhinitis in terms of lower airway inflammation.

Surveillance of contrast-media-induced hypersensitivity reactions using signals from an electronic medical recording system.

Background: Contrast-media (CM) hypersensitivity is a well-known adverse drug reaction. Surveillance of adverse drug reactions usually depends on spontaneous reports. However, the rate of spontaneous reports is low.

Effects of Rubus coreanus extract on visual processes in bullfrog's eye.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: The fruit of Rubus coreanus (Rosaceae) is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac, astringent, restorative and tonic in Asian countries. It is advised for treating diseases related to liver, kidney and urinary dysfunction, premature greying, blurred vision, infertility, impotence and premature ejaculation. Additionally, there is a long history of different parts of the plants being used in the treatment of ophthalmic diseases.

Clinical features of clinically diagnosed eosinophilic liver abscesses.

Purpose: Eosinophilic liver abscesses (ELAs) are frequently encountered in the clinical field based on typical computed tomography (CT) findings and the presence of peripheral eosinophilia. In this study, the authors evaluated the clinical features and natural course of CT diagnosed ELAs.

Methods: The medical records of patients that underwent abdominal CT from July 2004 to February 2008 at Seoul National University Hospital were retrospectively evaluated.

Two cases of h(2)-receptor antagonist hypersensitivity and cross-reactivity.

H(2)-receptor antagonists, such as cimetidine, ranitidine and famotidine, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for gastric acid-related disorders. These compounds are generally well-tolerated and anaphylactic reactions to them are rare. Here, we report two cases of H(2)-receptor antagonist-induced anaphylactic reactions: the first presented with sudden dyspnea, sneezing, urticaria, and swelling of the eyelids after ranitidine intake.

Alveolar macrophages modulate allergic inflammation in a murine model of asthma.

The role of alveolar macrophages (AMs) in the pathogenesis of asthma is still unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of AM in the murine model of asthma. AMs were selectively depleted by liposomes containing clodronate just before allergen challenges, and changes in inflammatory cells and cytokine concentrations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were measured.

Association between subcutaneous abdominal fat and airway hyperresponsiveness.

Epidemiological studies have shown that obesity is significantly associated with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). The aim of this study was to determine the effect of abdominal fat distribution on the prevalence of AHR. This study was conducted on subjects who visited the Seoul National University Hospital Gangnam Center from October 2003 to January 2009.

A case of chlorpheniramine maleate-induced hypersensitivity with aspirin intolerance.

Antihistamines are commonly used to treat allergic disease, such as allergic rhinitis, urticaria, and angioedema. Although several previous reports describe hypersensitivity to antihistamines such as cetirizine and hydroxyzine, documented cases of chlorpheniramine hypersensitivity are extremely rare. Here, we report the case of a 45-year-old Korean woman who presented with urticaria after ingesting a cold medication.

The financial burden of asthma: a nationwide comprehensive survey conducted in the republic of Korea.

Purpose: Asthma-related morbidity and mortality are increasing, and the financial burden imposed by this condition will substantially increase. Nevertheless, little information is available regarding the nature and magnitude of the burden due to asthma at the national level. This study was conducted to characterize the financial burden imposed by asthma in the Republic of Korea at the national level.

A case of recurrent toxocariasis presenting with urticaria.

Human toxocariasis is the most prevalent helminthiasis in Korea and other industrialized countries. The clinical features of toxocariasis are diverse, according to the involved organ. Typically, Toxocara spp.

Physicians' preferences for asthma guidelines implementation.

Purpose: Patient care based on asthma guidelines is cost-effective and leads to improved treatment outcomes. However, ineffective implementation strategies interfere with the use of these recommendations in clinical practice. This study investigated physicians' preferences for asthma guidelines, including content, supporting evidence, learning strategies, format, and placement in the clinical workplace.