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Purpose ETV6/RUNX1 (+) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is the most common genetic subtype of pediatric ALL, has a favorable prognosis. In this study, we analyzed the outcome of ETV6/RUNX1 (+) ALL patients treated at our institution with the aim of identifying significant prognostic variables. Materials and Methods Sixty-three patients were diagnosed with ETV6/RUNX1 (+) ALL from 2005 to 2011. Prognostic variables studied included minimal residual disease (MRD) as detected by ETV6/RUNX1 (+) fusion, and the presence of additional cytogenetic abnormalities. Results The 5-year event-free survival was 84.1±4.6%, with 10 patients relapsing at a median of 28.3 months from diagnosis for a 5-year cumulative incidence of relapse of 15.9±4.6%. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence MRD, as detected by real-time quantitative-polymerase chain reaction or fluorescence in situ hybridization for ETV6/RUNX1 fusion at end of remission induction, and the presence of additional structural abnormalities of 12p (translocations or inversions) negatively affected outcome. Despite treatment such as allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation, eight of the 10 relapsed patients died from disease progression for overall survival of 82.5±6.9%. Conclusion ETV6/RUNX1 (+) ALL may be heterogeneous in terms of prognosis, and variables such as MRD at end of remission induction or additional structural abnormalities of 12p could define a subset of patients who are likely to have poor outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sophorae Flos (SF) is a composite of flowers and buds of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott and has been used in traditional Korean and Chinese medicine for the treatment of hemostasis and inflammation. Previous studies reported that SF possesses anti-obesity properties, as well as anti-allergic, anti-proliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the effect of SF in bone resorption has not been studies. In this study, we examined the potential of SF extract (SFE) to inhibit receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) -induced osteoclast differentiation in cultured mouse-derived bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). Methods: BMMs, that act as osteoclast precursors, were cultured with M-CSF (50 ng/ml) and RANKL (100 ng/ml) for 4 days to generate osteoclasts. Osteoclast differentiation was measured by tartrate-resistant acidic phosphatase (TRAP) staining and the TRAP solution assay. Osteoclast differentiation marker genes were analyzed by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. RANKLs signaling pathways were confirmed through western blotting. Results: SFE significantly decreased osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner. SFE inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by suppressing NF-κB activation. By contrast, SFE did not affect phospholipase C gamma 2 or subsequent cAMP response element binding activation. SFE inhibited the RANKL-induced expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells c1 (NFATc1). Conclusions: SFE attenuated the RANKL-mediated induction of NF-κB through inhibition of IκBα phosphorylation, which contributed to inhibiting of RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation through downregulation of NFATc1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nicotine dependence and its severity are often determined by individuals' psychosocial factors. This study purposed to analyze how Korean workers' job stress is related with their nicotine dependence according to demographic and occupational characteristics in order to reduce smoking related to job stress and to establish objective indicators to be used in developing adequate smoking cessation strategies. Methods: The subjects of this study were 4,639 workers who replied to the questionnaire survey. In addition, 1,948 current smokers were separated from non-smokers and ex-smokers, and the relationship between job stress and nicotine dependence was analyzed with the current smoker group. Nicotine dependence was tested using Fagerström's Test of Nicotine Dependence, and stress was measured using a questionnaire on subjective stress felt by workers in their daily life and the short form of the Korean Occupational Stress Scale. Results: The smoking rate was 54.1% among men and 2.5% among women. Nicotine dependence was significantly different according to interpersonal conflict, organization system and lack of reward (p < 0.05). As multivariate logistic analysis, job control, occupational climate and total stress score were statistical significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Job stress was found to be related with smoking status and nicotine dependence. Based on this result, it is suggested to enhance workers' welfare for health promotion in workplace by improving their working environment in order to reduce job stress and consequently to decrease the smoking rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and early outcomes of the Pipeline device for large/giant or fusiform aneurysms. Materials and Methods: The Pipeline was implanted in a total of 45 patients (mean age, 58 years; M:F=10:35) with 47 large/giant or fusiform aneurysms. We retrospectively evaluated the characteristics of the treated aneurysms, the periprocedural events, morbidity and mortality, and the early outcomes after Pipeline implantation. Results: The aneurysms were located in the internal carotid artery (ICA) cavernous segment (n=25), ICA intradural segment (n=11), vertebrobasilar trunk (n=8), and middle cerebral artery (n=3). Procedure-related events occurred in 18 cases, consisting of incomplete expansion (n=8), shortening-migration (n=5), transient occlusion of a jailed branch (n=3), and in-stent thrombosis (n=2). Treatment-related morbidity occurred in two patients, but without mortality. Both patients had modified Rankin scale (mRS) scores of 2, but had an improved mRS score of 0 at 1-month follow-up. Of the 19 patients presenting with mass effect, 16 improved but three showed no changes in their presenting symptoms. All patients had excellent outcomes (mRS, 0 or 1) during the follow-up period (median, 6 months; range, 2-30 months). Vascular imaging follow-up (n=31, 65.9%; median, 3 months, range, 1-25 months) showed complete or near occlusion of the aneurysm in 24 patients (77.4%) and decreased sac size in seven patients (22.6%). Conclusion: In this initial multicenter study in Korea, the Pipeline seemed to be safe and effective for large/giant or fusiform aneurysms. However, a learning period may be required to alleviate devicerelated events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the influence of summer rainfall on Pectinatella magnifica colonies in lotic ecosystems. Of the examined substrate materials, branches and aquatic macrophytes supported more colonies of P. magnifica than that by stones or artificial materials. The influence of rainfall on P. magnifica colonies differed in accordance with the type of substrate material at each study site. In the Geum River, little difference was noted in the number of P. magnifica colonies on branches before (mean ± SE, 24 ± 7.3 individuals) and after rainfall (20 ± 8.4 ind.); other substrate types supported fewer colonies of P. magnifica after rainfall. In contrast, in the Miryang River, rainfall had minimal effect on the number of P. magnifica colonies supported by macrophytes (13 ± 3.8 and 12 ± 4.3 ind., respectively). Artificial material was more abundant in the Banbyeon Stream where it was able to support more colonies of P. magnifica. We found that the structure of different substrates sustains P. magnifica following rainfall. In the Miryang River, free-floating and submerged plants with a relatively heterogeneous substrate surface were the dominant macrophytes, whereas in the Geum River, simple macrophytes (i.e., emergent plants) were dominant. Therefore, we conclude that the substrate type on which P. magnifica grows plays an important role in resisting physical disturbances such as rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The effect of sodium intake on the cardiovascular system remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between sodium intake and cardiovascular structure and function in the nonhypertensive population. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis in 1,586 nonhypertensive subjects who participated in the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study (2007-2008). Sodium intake was assessed by estimating the 24-hour urinary sodium excretion from a spot urine sample. Changes in cardiovascular structure and function were assessed by using tissue Doppler echocardiography, the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and the brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). RESULTS Systolic and diastolic blood pressures increased with increasing tertiles of estimated 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. In multivariate analyses adjusting for covariates, there were stepwise decreases in the baPWV (P = 0.003) and CIMT (P = 0.001) values as the estimated 24-hour urinary sodium excretion increased, whereas no significant differences in left ventricular (LV) structural and functional parameters were observed across the tertiles of estimated 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that the estimated 24-hour urinary sodium excretion was independently and inversely associated with baPWV (P < 0.001) and CIMT (P = 0.001), but not with LV parameters. CONCLUSIONS In the nonhypertensive population, urinary sodium excretion was inversely related to baPWV and CIMT. However, there were no associations between urinary sodium excretion and LV structure or function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study on the Population Structure of Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It is noted that in the 1993 DPRK census, mortality without the military population data and single age-sex specific population were released. It is mentioned that crude death rates of 1996, 1998, and 1999 are other official sources for DPRK population.

The re-unification of the two Koreas is seen as a potential solution to the aging problem and low fertility, along with the increase in the old population structure of the Republic of Korea. Population structure is an indicator of national competitiveness or growth, but little is known officially about the populations of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Understanding the population structure of the DPRK is important to prepare for re-unification and estimate the socio-economic costs of national welfare under a re-unified Korea. In this paper, we assess reliability of the two modern national censuses of DPRK and use the limited resources available to reconstruct the intercensal populations between these two censuses. Excess deaths from the 1995 famine are estimated at 489,972 to 574,306 and are close to the estimates of Goodkind et al. (2011) and the reconstructed populations in the of DPRK implies a big difference between two Koreas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an investigation of microorganisms and pests in plant culture media from imported anthurium pots, a fungal isolate (DUCC4002) was detected. Based on its morphological characters including colony shape on potato dextrose agar, the microstructures of spores observed by light and scanning electron microscopy and the results of phylogenetic analysis using an internal transcribed spacer rDNA sequence, the fungal isolate was identified as Myrothecium roridum. Pathogenicity testing on anthurium leaves revealed that the fungus could colonize and produce sporodochia on the inoculated leaves. This is the first report of M. roridum detected in imported plant culture medium in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identification of insect species is an important task in forensic entomology. For more convenient species identification, the nucleotide sequences of cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene have been widely utilized. We analyzed full-length COI nucleotide sequences of 10 Muscidae and 6 Sarcophagidae fly species collected in Korea. After DNA extraction from collected flies, PCR amplification and automatic sequencing of the whole COI sequence were performed. Obtained sequences were analyzed for a phylogenetic tree and a distance matrix. Our data showed very low intraspecific sequence distances and species-level monophylies. However, sequence comparison with previously reported sequences revealed a few inconsistencies or paraphylies requiring further investigation. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report of COI nucleotide sequences from Hydrotaea occulta, Muscina angustifrons, Muscina pascuorum, Ophyra leucostoma, Sarcophaga haemorrhoidalis, Sarcophaga harpax, and Phaonia aureola. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five cases of off virus infection in Korean black goats were diagnosed in our laboratory between 2010 and 2011. One orf virus (ORF/2011) was isolated from an ovine testis cell line (OA3.Ts) for use as a vaccine candidate. Sequences of the major envelope protein and off virus interferon resistance genes were determined and compared with published reference sequences. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that orf viruses from Korean black goats were most closely related to an isolate (ORF/09/Korea) from dairy goats in Korea. This result indicates that the orf viruses might have been introduced from dairy goats into the Korean black goat population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japanese pine sawyer beetle (Monochamus alternatus) is an economically important pest in coniferous trees. Ophiostoma ips was isolated from the beetle and identified based on analysis of morphological properties and the β-tubulin gene sequence. The fungus easily produced perithecia with a long neck on malt extract agar and its ascospores were rectangular shaped. This is first report of Ophiostoma species associated with the pinewood nematode vector beetle in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mushrooms collected from Deogyu mountain, Korea, in 2011, were identified as four classes, four orders, 13 families, 22 genera, and 33 species. In particular, agaricales was most abundant and comprised more than 70%. Their antioxidant activities were estimated using three different bioassay methods, the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) radical scavenging assay, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and reducing power assay. As a result, the methanol extracts of Stereurn ostrea, Laetiporus suiphureus var. miniatus, and Tyromyces sambuceus exhibited potent antioxidant activity in all bioassays tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During an investigation of fungi from an elm tree infested with bark beetles in Korea, one isolate, DUCC401, was isolated from elm wood. Based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis of the internal transcribed spacer and 28S rDNA (large subunit) sequences, the isolate, DUCC401, was identified as Mariannaea samuelsii. Mycelia of the fungus grew faster on malt extract agar than on potato dextrose agar and oatmeal agar media. Temperature and pH for optimal growth of fungal mycelia were 25°C and pH 7.0, respectively. The fungus demonstrated the capacity to degrade cellobiose, starch, and xylan. This is the first report on isolation of Mariannaea samuelsii in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to present innovative approaches for u-Learning environment in public education with Digital Textbook. The Korean Government has been making efforts to introduce the u-Learning environment to maximize the learning effect in public education with Digital Textbook. However, there are only a few studies that analyze the effectiveness of u-Learning environment and Digital Textbook. This paper reviews the current status of u-Learning environment in Korea and analyzes the satisfaction level with Digital Textbooks. The first survey regarding technological factors was collected from 197 students. The results of the survey revealed that the level of satisfaction has declined over a year. The weakness of the study is that the sample frame is insufficient and survey questions did not reflect diverse factors of learning effectiveness. To supplement these shortcomings, 2,226 students were asked about learning performance. The results of the survey showed that the satisfaction with Digital Textbooks is much higher than that of paper textbooks. However, this paper is limited to u-Learning environments in public education. Therefore, research needs to be improved by reflecting both public and private sectors of education in following studies. This paper suggests useful guidelines to educators in improving their u-Learning environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study designed to assess the relationship between tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α promoter polymorphisms and disease susceptibility to human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27-positive ankylosing spondylitis (AS). One hundred and nineteen HLA-B27 AS patients, 95 HLA-B27 healthy controls, and 135 random healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the TNF-α promoter at positions -1031T/C, -863C/A, -857C/T, -646G/A, -308G/A, and -238G/A were analyzed. Differences between groups were evaluated using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test. Haplotypes from each SNP were constructed, and differences in haplotypic frequencies between groups were evaluated. There were significant differences in the allelic and genotypic frequencies of 1031T/C, -863C/A, and -857C/T TNF-α promoters polymorphisms between HLA-B27 AS patients and random controls, but not between patients with AS and HLA-B27 healthy individuals. TNF-α polymorphisms did not influence the extra-spinal clinical features in patients with AS. The haplotypic sequence -1031T/-863C/-857C/-308G increased the risk of susceptibility to AS compared to random controls ( P < 0.001, OR = 2.756, 95% CI = 1.894-4.010), whereas the sequence -1031C/-863A/-857C/-308G appeared to be associated with decreased susceptibility to AS compared to random controls ( P = 0.006, OR = 0.396, 95% CI = 0.231-0.679). This study indicates that TNF-α promoter polymorphism between controls and AS patients with HLA-B27 genetic background is not associated with susceptibility to AS. However, TNF-α polymorphism, irrespective of HLA-B27, increases risk of susceptibility to AS in general population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundPrehypertension is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, there are few population-based studies on the changes of cardiovascular structure and function that characterize prehypertension. The aim of this study was to assess whether prehypertension is associated with abnormalities of cardiovascular structure and function in the general Korean population.MethodsWe analyzed the cross-sectional relationships between prehypertension and cardiovascular structure and function in a sample from the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study. A total of 1,671 individuals (54.5% women; mean age: 53 ± 6 years) without hypertension and diabetes mellitus were enrolled. Cardiovascular structure and function were assessed by conventional echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), carotid ultrasonography, and pulse wave velocity (PWV).ResultsThe left ventricular (LV) mass index was significantly higher in subjects with prehypertension than in those with normotension (41 ± 8 g/m2.7 vs. 38 ± 7 g/m2.7, P < 0.001). LV diastolic parameters, such as the E/A ratio, TDI Ea velocity, and E/Ea ratio, were also impaired in subjects with prehypertension (all P < 0.001). Compared with normotension, prehypertension was characterized by a significantly higher common carotid artery intima-media thickness and a higher brachial-ankle PWV (all P < 0.001). These abnormalities of cardiovascular structure and function remained significant after adjustment for covariates.ConclusionsIn this population-based cohort, we found that subtle alterations in cardiovascular structure and function were already present at the prehypertensive stage. Whether such subtle alterations convey an increased risk of cardiovascular events and whether the changes are reversible with treatment warrant further study.American Journal of Hypertension (2011). doi:10.1038/ajh.2010.213 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past three decades, dike constructions along the shores and dredging activities for navigation purposes have caused significant sedimentologic/morphologic modifications of a mid-channel bar situated in the tidal seaway of outer Asan Bay, Korea, as shown by a comparison of two sediment datasets collected in the channel and over the bar in 1977 and 2008. In addition, three hydrographic charts published in 1976, 1989, and 2006 were analyzed using GIS to estimate sand volume budgets and any bar migration. The bar is currently about 15 km long and 2–5 km wide, with a relief of 15 m. It is elongated in the tidal flow direction, but asymmetric in cross section. Chart analyses reveal a dramatic reduction in size and volume over the study period. An approximate 19% net loss in total sediment volume was calculated between 1976 and 1989. Since then, a net gain of about 7% has been estimated. The surface areas between selected depth contours reveal a similar pattern, i.e., substantial shrinking until 1989, followed by slight expansion up to 2006. Comparing selected textural parameters (mean grain size, sorting) of a 2008 sediment sampling campaign with those of a 1977 survey, it was found that mean grain sizes have decreased by as much as 1-phi interval, and that the sediments have become more poorly sorted in the vicinity of the bar over the 30-year study period, probably due to a sudden decrease in tidal energy flux after completion of the adjacent dikes. A particular feature is the temporary response of the bar to man-made impacts, characterized by substantial shrinking along its southwestern flank, and slight expansion along its northeastern flank. The observed changes in bar morphology can plausibly be explained by a sudden decrease in sediment supply resulting from a reduction in tidal prism in the wake of diking. The bar initially shrunk, but since 1989 has begun to gradually recover. To compensate the deficit, the bar has lowered its base level by scouring troughs along both flanks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and the distribution of high-risk HPV genotypes among 2,308 high-risk Korean women to predict how much the current prophylactic HPV vaccines might affect the prevention of cervical cancer in Korea. HPV DNA was detected in 939 women (40.7%) but only one-third of women were positive for HPV-16 and/or HPV-18, the genotypes used for developing the HPV vaccines. Thus, the development of area-specific HPV vaccines based on dominant HPV genotypes in our country is needed for preventing HPV infection and the development of premalignant lesions in the cervix of Korean women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study on the application of rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) isolates on determining the genetic characterization of RHDV strains on rabbits in Korea between 2006 and 2008. It cites the completion of the VP60 region phylogenetic analysis. It states that the Korean RHDV isolates belonged to the subtype A. A significant substitution of two amino acids in RHDVa subtype is noted in the animal experiment. Moreover, it emphasizes that RHDV subtype A strain is the predominant viral strains in the country.

Background: Hemodialysis patients are prone to ischemic events potentially aggravated by hypoxia. The key player in adaptation to hypoxia is hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α). Therefore, we investigated the association of HIF-1α polymorphisms with ischemia/hypoxia-related events in hemodialysis patients. Methods: Patients on maintenance hemodialysis were enrolled from 4 training hospitals in Korea. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of HIF-1α were genotyped. The association of these SNP with hypoxia-related clinical outcomes (ischemic diseases and anemia) and cancer was analyzed. Results: A total of 376 patients participated in the study. No significant difference in genotype distribution was found between subjects with and without the hypoxia-related events. Three sets of linkage disequilibrium blocks were made for haplotype analyses (rs2783778 and rs7148720 in 5′ upstream region; rs7143164 and rs10873142; rs2301113, rs11549465 and rs2057482). Of these, the CT haplotype in the first set was associated with both acute myocardial infarction and frequent intradialytic hypotension (acute myocardial infarction: adjusted odds ratio = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.03–0.69; frequent intradialytic hypotension: adjusted odds ratio = 0.29, 95% CI: 0.12–0.72). Conclusion: Genetic polymorphisms of HIF-1α were associated with acute myocardial infarction and intradialytic hypotension in hemodialysis patients. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrothermal-chemical (ETC) propulsion with the control of a combustion process yet requires large electrical energies for an appreciable effect. Referring to the changed tendency of focusing ETC researches on the early ignition phase, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), Korea, has been studying an electrothermal ignition for a 120-mm gun using a capillary plasma injector. Under the condition of a limited capillary geometry, design efforts with various liner materials have been done to achieve robust capillary discharges capable of transferring energies around 100 kJ. Electrical properties were estimated with the help of plasma theories and compared with experimental results. Experiments using a closed vessel and a gun-chamber simulator have been done to investigate the burning behaviors and the early phase of an electrothermal ignition, respectively. The closed vessel was designed for both a plasma and a conventional ignition. The burning rates could be obtained up to 70 MPa. The gun-chamber simulator was designed in the shape of the chamber of a 120-mm gun except for an acrylic chamber wall withstanding up to 30 MPa. Through prior tests using the closed vessel and the gun-chamber simulator, appropriate electrical energies and propellant have been selected. Firings of the full-scale 120-mm gun have been done using JA2 propellant. Electrical pulses of 1-2.5-ms duration in the energy from 20 to 120 kJ were applied. Aside from ignition capability, the results showed a possibility of a control on the peak pressure. Currently, ADD, Korea, continues the research to enhance the efficiency of the plasma injector, to compact the pulse forming network, and to investigate the electrothermal ignition properties of LOVA propellant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The first Korean individual diploid genome sequence data (KOREF) was publicized in December 2008. Results: A Korean genome variation analysis and browsing server (Gevab) was constructed as a database and web server for the exploration and downloading of Korean personal genome(s). Information in the Gevab includes SNPs, short indels, and structural variation (SV) and comparison analysis between the NCBI human reference and the Korean genome(s). The user can find information on assembled consensus sequences, sequenced short reads, genetic variations, and relationships between genotype and phenotypes. Conclusion: This server is openly and publicly available online at http://koreagenome.org/en/ or directly http://gevab.org. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector-borne arboviruses produce mild to severe symptoms in domestic animals. Bovine ephemeral fever (BEF), Akabane, Aino, and Chuzan virus have been primarily attributed to reproductive disorders or febrile diseases in cattle, and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is mainly associated with reproductive failures in swine. We investigated antibody titers from domestic swine against four bovine arboviruses (BEF, Akabane, Aino, and Chuzan virus) and from cattle against JEV in Korea. While the positive rates for Akabane and BEF were 37.4% and 15.7%, the positive incidence of Chuzan and Aino were relatively low, with positive rates of 3.04% and 0.4%, respectively, based on a virus neutralization assay. Antibody titers against more than one virus were also frequently detected in domestic swine. The incidence of JEV was 51.3% among domestic cattle. In addition, one positive case was detected in the thoracic fluids from 35 aborted calves, based on the hemagglutination inhibition test. Our results indicate that swine are susceptible hosts of bovine arboviruses without showing clinical symptoms in a natural environment. Moreover, we confirmed that JEV could be associated with reproductive failure in pregnant cattle, as were other vector-borne bovine arboviruses assessed in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1906 Itō Hirobumi invited Ume Kenjirō (1860-1910), a drafter of the Meiji Civil Code, to oversee the creation of a modern legal system in protectorate Korea. Ume's legal reform, which focused on writing a Korean civil law and establishing modern judicial administration, was imbued with nineteenth-century natural law theory, and it proceeded under the assumption of the continuing existence of an independent Korea. Cut short by annexation, Ume's saga in Korea highlights the insights and tensions underlying colonial legal reform and presents a powerful case that legal development under Japanese influence needs to be considered from a perspective detached from the nationalists paradigm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of Korean legal historians have argued that Chosŏn Korea had a tradition of customary law and that it was suppressed and distorted by the Japanese during the colonial period. But a comparison of Korean "custom" with that in late medieval France, where the legal concept of customary law developed, reveals that custom as a judicial norm was absent in premodern Korea. The Korean "customary law" that has been postulated as a true source of private law in Korean historiography was the invention of the Japanese colonial jurists. The Japanese collected Korea's popular usages that were supposed to serve as an antecedent for a modern civil law, and colonial judges employed the legal instrument of custom in reordering Korean practices into a modern civil legal framework. In colonial Korea, custom played the role of an intermediary regime between tradition and the demands of modern civil law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiologic data on obesity as a risk factor for colonic adenoma with respect to gender have not yet been confirmed. Here, we aimed to compare the prevalence of colonic adenoma and of advanced polyps in age-stratified men and women at baseline, to examine the role of body mass index (BMI) on colonic adenoma risk according to age and gender, and to examine the influence of menopausal status. A total of 1744 asymptomatic patients (946 men, 798 women) who underwent colonoscopy for cancer screening at Ewha Mokdong Hospital, Seoul, Korea, between February and June 2005, were eligible. BMI was assessed, and histology, size, and location of the adenoma were examined for each patient. Women were interviewed for menopausal status and a history of hormone replacement therapy. A significant increase in the prevalence of colonic adenoma and of advanced polyps was found to occur with age ( P for trend < 0.01). The prevalences of adenoma and advanced polyps were higher in men in most age groups ( P < 0.01), but no significant difference in prevalences was observed between genderes in patients 70 years of age or older. Moreover, a positive association between BMI and the prevalence of colonic adenoma and advanced polyps was shown in relatively young individuals of both gender (men in their thirties, P < 0.05; women in their forties, P < 0.05), and premenopausal women according to hormonal status ( P = 0.01). Our data suggest that obesity increases the risk of colonic adenoma in relatively young people and in premenopausal women subject to estrogen effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug rash with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is characterized by fever, rash and internal organ involvement after exposure to certain drugs. Most of the aromatic anticonvulsants, such as phenytoin, phenobarbital, and carbamazepine, can induce DRESS. Cross-sensitivity between not only the aromatic anticonvulsants, but also the aromatic and non-aromatic anticonvulsants, is possible. We report here a case of a Korean woman who had previously tolerated valproate, but developed DRESS due to valproate after carbamazepine intake, which indicates cross-sensitivity. Her skin lesions displayed diffuse oedematous patches on the entire body associated with tense bullae on her arms and legs. Circulating auto-antibody to 190-kDa antigen was detected in the patient's serum by indirect immunofluorescence and immunoblotting, which might contribute to a pathogenic role in DRESS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The BRAFV600E mutation, the most common genetic alteration reported in papillary thyroid carcinoma, has been associated with poor prognostic factors. Aim To determine whether the presence of the BRAFV600E mutation is associated with poor prognosis in Korean patients with conventional papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (micro-PTC). Patients and methods DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded thyroid tumour specimens taken from 60 patients with conventional micro-PTC, as well as from nine patients with follicular variant papillary carcinoma, six with nodular hyperplasia, four with follicular carcinoma (including one with Hürthle cell carcinoma), four with follicular adenoma (including two with Hürthle cell adenoma) and one each with medullary carcinoma, poorly differentiated carcinoma and anaplastic carcinoma. The presence of the BRAFV600E mutation was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of exon 15 followed by direct sequencing. Results The BRAFV600E mutation was detected in tumour samples from 31 of 60 conventional micro-PTC patients (52%), but was not detected in patients with other types of thyroid tumours. The age distribution, tumour size, extrathyroid extension, multifocality and staging did not differ significantly between patients with and without the BRAFV600E mutation. Conclusion In Korean patients with conventional micro-PTC, the presence of the BRAFV600E mutation was not significantly associated with prognostic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral traditions can contain elements of historical evidence and convey meaning. The narrative pattern of oral epics serves not merely as "a mnemonic device" that aids in recalling significant historical events but makes meaningful connections to the cultural experience of identity politics. On Cheju Island, a volcanic island located some fifty miles below the southernmost tip of the Korean peninsula, the indigenous sense of identity and history is expressed and accentuated in the fate of the shrine deities who are portrayed as exiles in shamanic epics such as ponhyang ponp'uri. The tragic heroism in the cliché of exile and return of the shrine deities recapitulates the historical identity of Cheju people as "exiles at the frontier." After Cheju Island lost political autonomy as an independent kingdom, Tam-ra, in the early twelfth century, the Cheju people's cultural memory of isolation and redemptive desire for liberation from the mainland state's domination becomes intelligible and justifiable textually through the heroic acts of exiled deities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genetic divergence, population genetic structure, and possible speciation of the Korean firefly, Pyrocoelia rufa, were investigated on the midsouthern Korean mainland, coastal islets, a remote offshore island, Jedu-do, and Tsushima Island in Japan. Analysis of DNA sequences from the mitochondrial COI protein-coding gene revealed 20 mtDNA-sequence-based haplotypes with a maximum divergence of 5.5%. Phylogenetic analyses using PAUP, PHYLIP, and networks subdivided the P. rufa into two clades (termed clade A and B) and the minimum nucleotide divergence between them was 3.7%. Clade A occurred throughout the Korean mainland and the coastal islets and Tsushima Island in Japan, whereas clade B was exclusively found on Jeju-do Island. In the analysis of the population genetic structure, clade B formed an independent phylogeographic group, but clade A was further subdivided into three groups: two covering western and eastern parts of the Korean peninsula, respectively, and the other occupying one eastern coastal islet and Japanese Tsushima Island. Considering both phylogeny and population structure of P. rufa, the Jeju-do Island population is obviously differentiated from other P. rufa populations, but the Tsushima Island population was a subset of the Korean coastal islet, Geoje. We interpreted the isolation of the Jeju-do population and the grouping of Tsushima Island with Korean coastal islets in terms of Late Pleistocene-Holocene events. The eastern-western subdivision on the Korean mainland was interpreted partially by the presence of a large major mountain range, which bisects the midpart of the Korean peninsula into western and eastern parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farfugium japonicum is used in traditional medicine and as an edible herb in China and Korea. In July 2013, leaf spots were observed in F. japonicum seedlings at Ulleung Island, Gyeongsangbuk Province, Korea. Early symptoms on the leaf adaxial surface included roughly circular yellow spots that later developed brown, necrotic centers. The aecia were hypophyllous, cupulate, yellowish, 180-430 μm in diameter, clustered, and erumpent with a peridium with a recurved margin. The aeciospores were globoid, 14-17 × 13--16 μm, light yellow or colorless, and densely verrucose. The 28S rDNA sequence of the isolate was identical to each other and shared 99% identity with Puccinia caricis. This is the first report of rust caused by R caricis in F japonicum in Korea or elsewhere in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ambrosia beetle, Platypus koryoensis, is an economically important pest affecting oak trees in Korea. Candida kashinagacola was isolated from galleries of the beetle in oak wood and identified by analyses of morphology, physiological properties, and nucleotide sequence of the large subunit ribosomal DNA. This is the first report on Candida species associated with oak wilt disease vectored by the ambrosia beetle, Platypus koryoensis, in Korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on the electrothermalchemical (ETC) gun experiment in Korea in 2002. Purpose of the experiment; Importance of a pulse-forming network in the ETC gun; Types of ammunition used in the experiment.

Background Obesity and low muscle mass may coexist as age-related changes in body composition. We aimed to investigate the effect of visceral adiposity and skeletal muscle mass on left ventricular (LV) structure and function in the general population. Methods A total of 1941 participants without known cardiovascular disease were enrolled from the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study. Visceral fat area (VFA) was assessed by computed tomography. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) was estimated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and was used as a percentage of body weight (ASM/Wt). LV structure and function were assessed by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) echocardiography. Results Across VFA tertiles, ASM increased, but ASM/Wt decreased (all P < 0.001). In multivariate models adjusted for conventional cardiovascular risk factors, LV mass index and LV diastolic parameters, such as left atrial dimension, TDI Ea velocity, and E/Ea ratio, were significantly impaired as VFA increased. On the other hand, an increase in ASM/Wt was associated with a decrease in LV mass index and improvement of LV diastolic parameters. With regard to LV mass index and TDI Ea velocity, VFA and ASM/Wt showed synergistic effects (all P interaction < 0.05). When both VFA and ASM/Wt were simultaneously included in the same model, both remained independent predictors of LV mass index and TDI Ea velocity. Conclusions More visceral fat and less muscle mass are independently and synergistically associated with an increase in LV mass index and impairment of LV diastolic parameters. Further research is needed to explore the complex mechanisms underlying these associations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wild silkmoth Antheraea yamamai Guérin-Méneville, 1861 (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is an important producer of silk that is superior to the silk produced by traditional domesticated silkworm. In this study, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of An. yamamai collected from Jeju Island, which is the southernmost island approximately 100 km offshore southward from the Korean Peninsula. Determining this sequence will be necessary for tracing the biogeographic history of the species and developing molecular markers for identifying the origin of commercial products. Comparison of the sequence divergence among two available and the current mitogenomes revealed a low but substantial number of substitutions, totaling 23 nucleotides in the whole genome. CytB and ND5 showed the highest variability with five and four variations, respectively, suggesting that these regions will be prior regions to target for subsequent biogeographic and diagnosis study. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on all available sequences of Saturniidae showed that An. yamamai is a sister to the congeneric species An. pernyi, corroborating that Antheraea is a highly supported monophyletic group. The tribe Saturniini was clearly non-monophyletic and interrupted by Attacini and Bunaeini. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Concentrations of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAs) were measured in egg yolks of three species of birds, the little egret (Egretta garzetta), little ringed plover (Charadrius dubius), and parrot bill (Paradoxornis webbiana), collected in and around Lake Shihwa, Korea, which receives wastewaters from an adjacent industrial complex. Mean concentrations of perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) ranged from 185 to 314 ng/g ww and were similar to those reported for bird eggs from other urban areas. Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were also found in egg yolks often at great concentrations. Mean concentrations of perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUnA) ranged from 95 to 201 ng/g ww. Perlluorooctanoic acid was detected in 32 of 44 egg samples, but concentrations were 100-fold less than those of PFOS. Relative concentrations of PFAs in all three species were similar with the predominance of PFOS (45-50%). There was a statistically significant correlation between PFUnA and perfluorodecanoic acid in egg yolks (p<0.05), suggesting a common source of PFCAs. Using measured egg concentrations and diet concentrations, the ecological risk of the PFOS and PFA mixture to birds in Lake Shihwa was evaluated using two different approaches. Estimated hazard quotients were similar between the two approaches. The concentration of PFOS associated with 90th centile in bird eggs was 100-fold less than the lowest observable adverse effect level determined for birds, and those concentrations were 4-fold less than the suggested toxicity reference values. On the basis of limited toxicological data, current concentrations of PFOS are less than what would be expected to have an adverse effect on birds in the Lake Shihwa region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in elderly patients has been increasing in a number of countries. A few reports concerning pegylated interferon-α (PEG-IFN-α)-based combination treatment in elderly chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients have been published, with slightly different treatment outcomes. Objectives: We investigated the treatment response and safety of PEG-IFN-α plus ribavirin combination therapy in elderly patients with CHC. Patients and Methods: Among a total of 181 treatment-naïve CHC patients (60 patients with genotype 1, 121 patients with genotype 2 or 3), 38 were aged ≥ 65 years (defined as the elderly group) and 143 were aged < 65 years (defined as the non-elderly group).Results: The overall sustained virologic response (SVR) was lower in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group, but it was not significantly different (65.8 % vs. 76.2 %, P = 0.15). In a subgroup analysis, among patients with genotype 1, the elderly group had a significantly lower SVR rate than the non-elderly group (30.8 % vs. 66.0 %, P = 0.03). However, the SVR rate in patients with HCV genotype 2 or 3 was comparable between the two groups (84.0 % vs. 81.3 %, P = 0.85). HCV genotype was significantly associated with SVR in the elderly patients (genotype 1 vs. 2 or 3, odds ratio: 0.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.000-0.869, P = 0.03). The incidence of premature discontinuation of treatment (21.1 % vs. 9.1 %, P = 0.05) and dose modification (52.6 % vs. 31.5 %; P = 0.02) due mainly to adverse events or laboratory abnormalities, were higher in the elderly group than in the non-elderly group. Conclusions: PEG-IFN-α plus ribavirin combination therapy might be considered for elderly CHC patients, especially for genotype 2 or 3, with vigilant monitoring of adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New onion hybrid cultivar, "Yeongpunghwang" was developed from cross between "MOS8", male sterile line and "Mokpo 11", pollen line by Mokpo Sub-Station, National Institute of Horticultural & Herbal Science, RDA in 2008. The crossing line was performed yield test in 2003. IT was evaluated as "Mokpo 11" in the regional yield trial test(RYT) from 2006 to 2008 during three years. This line is semi-erect plant growth type and has green leaf colour. It has broad ovate bulb shape and yellow skin colour in bulb characteristics. Plant height, leaf number, and bolting rate was 78cm, 7.9, and 3.9%, respectively. Lodging date as harvesting indicator was on 26 May. The yield potential of "Yeongpunghwang" was out-yielding 6% compare to check variety ("Sunpower") by with 8,344 kg/10a in RYT. It showed moderated cold hardness in all regional location which was conducting RYT, including Muan, Goheung, Changyeong and Andong. So this variety was recommend as a leading variety at southern area of korea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The endemic HPV-genotype spectrum was very different according to the geographical regions and the epidemiological groups. Objectives: We investigated the distribution of high-risk HPV genotypes for commercial sex workers to make the road map for introducing the developed HPV vaccines into our country. Materials and Methods: 1,077 women engaging in sexually high-risk occupations were enrolled in this study. The distribution of high-risk HPV genotypes was investigated with HPV DNA chips developed by Biomedlab and MyGene Inc. Results: The prevalence of HPV infection and high-risk HPV genotype in Korean commercial sex workers was 40.0 % (431/1,077) and 28.4 % (306/1,077), respectively. The dominant HPV genotypes were HPV-16 (25.0 %), HPV-58 (11.3 %), HPV-53 (9.0 %). HPV-18 (8.2 %), and HPV-51 (8.0 %). Only one-third of 388 HPV-infected women were infected with HPV-16 and/or 18. HPV genotypes used for developing the HPV vaccines. Also. the type of HPV infection in 388 HPV-infected women was 49.2 % in single infection and 78.9 % in high-risk HPV genotype infection, respectively. Conclusions: Our results suggest that the expanded HPV genotypic spectrum should be investigated for the development of effective HPV vaccines in our country as well as the introduction of the developed HPV vaccines such as Cervarix and Gardasil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]