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The pine wood nematode (PWN), Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is a well-known devastating pathogen of economic importance in the Republic of Korea and other countries. In the Republic of Korea, trunk injection of nematicides is the preferred method of control. In this study, the efficacy of 16 locally produced formulations of emamectin benzoate against the PWN are compared through determining their sublethal toxicities and reproduction inhibition potentials. Nematodes were treated with varying concentrations of the tested chemicals in multi-well culture plates, and rates of paralysis and mortality were determined after 24 h. Reproduction inhibition potential was tested by inoculating pre-treated nematodes onto Botrytis cinerea, and in pine twig cuttings. Despite the uniformity in the concentration of the active ingredient, efficacy was contrastingly different among formulations. The formulations evidently conformed to three distinct groups based on similarities in sublethal activity (group 1: LC95 of 0.00768-0.01443 mg/ml; group 2: LC95 of 0.03202-0.07236 mg/ml, and group 3: LC95 of as high as 0.30643-0.40811 mg/ml). Nematode paralysis generally occurred at the application dose of 0.0134-0.1075 μg/ml, and there were significant differences in nematode paralysis rates among the products. Nematode reproduction was only evident at lower doses both on B. cinerea and pine twigs, albeit the variations among formulations. Group 1 formulations significantly reduced nematode reproduction even at a lower dose of 0.001075 µg/ml. The variations in efficacy might be attributed to differences in inert ingredients. Therefore, there is need to analyze the potential antagonistic effects of the large number of additives used in formulations.

There has been no comparative study on the clinical value of magnetic resonance tumor regression grade (mrTRG)1-2 and ycT0-1N0 for the prediction of ypT0-1N0 after concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for rectal cancer. We compared the diagnostic performance between mrTRG1-2 and ycT0-1N0 for predicting ypT0-1N0 as a selection criterion for non-radical management after CCRT in locally advanced rectal cancer.This retrospective study enrolled 291 patients from three referral hospitals between January 2018 and March 2020. The diagnostic performance of ycT0-1N0 and mrTRG1-2 for the prediction of ypT0-1N0 was compared in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value, negative-predictive value, and area under the curve (AUC).Sixty-eight patients (23.4%) achieved ypT0-1N0. Nineteen patients (6.5%) had ycT0-1N0, and 91 patients (31.2%) had mrTRG1-2. For predicting ypT0-1N0, ycT0-1N0 had a sensitivity of 16.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.36‒27.10) and positive-predictive value of 57.9% (95% CI: 36.57‒76.63), while mrTRG1-2 had a sensitivity of 58.8% (95% CI: 46.23‒70.63) and positive-predictive value of 44.0% (95% CI: 36.46‒51.74). When predicting ypT0-1N0, mrTRG1-2 showed a higher AUC (0.680, 95% CI: 0.604‒0.756) than ycT0-1N0 (0.563, 95% CI: 0.481‒0.645) (P 0.001).mrTRG1-2 might be a better indicator than ycT0-1N0 for the selection of non-radical management of advanced rectal cancer post-CCRT. However, additional diagnostic tools are required for predicting ypT0-1N0 because mrTRG1-2 or yc stage on MRI has insufficient evidence for diagnosing ypT0-1N0.

Background The aim of the study is to evaluate the risk factors of anastomotic leakage (AL) and develop a nomogram to predict the risk of AL in surgical management of primary ovarian cancer. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 770 patients with primary ovarian cancer who underwent surgical resection of the rectosigmoid colon as part of cytoreductive surgery between January 2000 to December 2020. AL was defined based on radiologic studies or sigmoidoscopy with relevant clinical findings. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factor of AL, and a nomogram was developed based on the multivariable analysis. The bootstrapped-concordance index was used for internal validation of the nomogram, and calibration plots were constructed. Results The incidence of AL after resection of the rectosigmoid colon was 4.2% (32/770). Diabetes (OR 3.79; 95% CI, 1.31–12.69; p = 0.031), co-operation with distal pancreatectomy (OR, 4.8150; 95% CI, 1.35–17.10; p = 0.015), macroscopic residual tumor (OR, 7.43; 95% CI, 3.24–17.07; p = 0https://ALnomogram.github.io/. Conclusion Four risk factors for AL after resection of the rectosigmoid colon are identified from the largest ovarian cancer study cohort. The nomogram from this information provides a numerical risk probability of AL, which could be used in preoperative counseling with patients and intraoperative decision for accompanying surgical procedures and prophylactic use of ileostomy or colostomy to minimize the risk of postoperative leakage. Trial registration Retrospectively registered.

Spotted laurel (Aucuba japonica) is a popular ornamental bush (it has two-colored leaves and red berries) and is used outdoors and indoors for decoration in South Korea. Anthracnose reduces the aesthetic value of spotted laurel leaves. In August 2022, anthracnose symptoms were observed on leaves in a park at Jeju Island, South Korea. Approximately 55% of bushes were infected by this disease. Symptoms consisted of round or irregular lesions that initially appeared as black spots and coalesced into larger, black lesions covering whole leaves and twigs. Entire leaves wither and finally die. To identify the putative causal agent, 12 affected leaves were collected, placed in a plastic box containing moist tissue, and incubated at 25 ºC in the dark to obtain conidial mass. Conidial masses were produced on leaf lesions after 2 days, and then 12 morphologically similar fungal isolates were recovered following single the spore isolation technique on solid potato dextrose agar (PDA) (Cai et al. 2009). Ten-day-old colonies were olivaceous gray with immersed perithecia on the upper side and black at the center on the reverse side. Conidia were aseptate, cylindrical with round ends and measured 14.9 – 22.7 × 5.5 – 9.4 μm (n = 80). Appressoria were brown, irregular in shape, and 7.0 – 16.1 × 5.00 – 9.9 μm (n = 50). Asci were eight-spored, banana-shaped, and measuring 60.8 – 123.1 × 13.00 – 18.9 μm (n = 30). Hyaline ascospores were single-celled, curved or straight with round ends, and ranged in size was 15.5 – 23.3 × 5.1 – 11.8 μm (n = 50). The morphological characteristics of the isolates overlapped with those of Colletotrichum species within the C. gloeosporioides complex, including Colletotrichum fructicola (Weir et al. 2012). Five genomic DNA loci of the isolates, including the partial ITS rDNA region, ACT, GAPDH, TUB, and ApMat genes, were amplified and sequenced using ITSF1/ITS4, ACT-512F/ACT-783R, GDF/GDR, T1/Bt2b, and AM-F/AM-R, respectively (Silva et al. 2012; Weir et al. 2012). The resulting consensus sequences were deposited in the GenBank and the accession numbers (ITS = LC739331- LC739334, TUB = LC739335- LC739338, GAPDH = LC739339- LC739342, ACT = LC739343 -LC739346, ApMat = LC742925 - LC742928) were obtained. A maximum phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the combined data sets of ITS, ACT, GAPDH, TUB, ApMat sequences. The isolates were clustered with reference isolates of C. fructicola (isolates ICMP18581). The pathogenicity test was performed on uninfected, healthy spotted laurel cuttings in the pot. Five leaves per seedling were selected, surface sterilized with 70% ethanol, and rinsed with sterile distilled water (SDW). A sterile pin was used to make 3 to 4 wounds on each side of the leaf from the midrib. 10 μl of spore suspension per wound spot (1 × 106 spores/ml) was applied on the wounds of one site from midrib, and SDW was placed on the wounds of other site as a control. The treated seedlings were covered with sterile plastic bag and kept in a 12-h fluorescent light/dark cycle under greenhouse conditions at 25 ± 2°C and 80% relative humidity. Two seedlings were inoculated with a single isolate, and this experiment was repeated twice. Circular or irregular lesions appeared after 5 days of inoculation, while the control remained asymptotic. Koch’s postulates were fulfilled by reisolating and reidentifying the causal agent from the lesions of inoculated leaves. Colletotrichum fructicola has been reported as the causal agent of anthracnose on mango (Joa et al. 2016), apple (Kim et al. 2018), grapes (Lim et al. 2019), peaches (Lee et al. 2020), and hybrid pear (Choi et al. 2021) in South Korea. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report of C. fructicola causing anthracnose on spotted laurel. This study will be helpful to develop effective management strategies to minimize leaf lesions.

Diplogasteroides sp., a cryptic population of D. haslacheri, and Parasitorhabditis terebranus were reported from the frass of Monochamus alternatus galleries in dead Pinus thunbergii for the first time in Korea. Females and males are morphologically characterized and their linked DNA barcodes (18S-rRNA, 28S-rRNA, ITS-rRNA and COI) supplied. Females and males of the two species from Korea conform to the original species descriptions from Europe and the USA, with variations in a few details in morphometrics. Specifically, Diplogasteroides sp. is morphologically very similar to D. haslacheri. However, it cannot be designated as D. haslacheri due to the existence of cryptic species complex within the haslacheri group (D. haslacheri, D. asiaticus, D. nix, D. andrassyi, and D. carinthiacus), a condition requiring hybridization studies to test species identity within the group. Based on analysis of COI sequences, differences among these cryptic species are evident. Thus, in addition to hybridization tests, the COI might be a powerful DNA barcoding marker for the precise identification of these cryptic species within the genus. Additionally, this is the first molecular characterization of P. terebranus, and the species is herein recorded for the first time outside its type locality.

Since the introduction of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS), early diet after surgery has been emphasized and clinical outcomes have improved, though vomiting has been reported frequently. We defined diet failure based on clinical manifestation and images after colon cancer surgery and attempted to analyze underlying risk factors by comparing the early diet group with the conventional diet group. All consecutive patients underwent colectomy with curative intent at a single institution between August 2015 and July 2017. The early diet group was started on soft diet on the second day after surgery, while the conventional group started the same after flatulence. The primary outcome was the difference in the incidence of diet failure between the two groups. Secondary outcomes were analyzed to determine risk factors for diet failure and readmission due to ileus. Overall, 293 patients were included in the conventional diet group and 231 in the early diet group. There were no significant differences between the two groups, except for shorter hospital stays in the early diet group (median 8 days, p

Oral sulfate tablets are abundantly used for bowel preparation before colonoscopy. However, their efficiency and safety for bowel preparation before colorectal surgery remain ill-defined. Herein, we aimed to compare the surgical site infection rates and efficiency between oral sulfate tablets and sodium picosulfate.We designed a prospective, randomized, phase 2 clinical trial. Patients with colorectal cancer aged 19-75 years who underwent elective bowel resection and anastomosis by minimally invasive surgery were administered oral sulfate tablets or sodium picosulfate. Eighty-three cases were analyzed from October 2020 to December 2021. Surgical site infection within 30 days after surgery was considered the primary endpoint. Postoperative morbidities, the degree of bowel cleansing, and tolerability were the secondary endpoints.Surgical site infection was detected in 1 patient (2.5%) in the oral sulfate tablet group and 2 patients (4.7%) in the sodium picosulfate group, indicating no significant difference between the 2 groups. Postoperative morbidity and the degree of bowel cleansing bore no statistically significant differences. Furthermore, none of the investigated tolerability criteria, namely bloating, pain, nausea, vomiting, and discomfort, differed significantly between the 2 groups. The patients' willingness to reuse the drug was also not significantly different between the 2 groups.Although we could not establish the noninferiority of oral sulfate tablets to sodium picosulfate, we found no evidence suggesting that oral sulfate tablets are less safe or tolerable than sodium picosulfate in preoperative bowel preparation.

Summary Seven species belonging to Suborder Hoplolaimina are characterised using integrative taxonomy, considering both morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses of the 28S-rRNA, ITS-rRNA and COI gene sequences. It is evident that, as more populations of Pratylenchus zeae are continuously characterised, the species continues to display an ever-increasing intraspecific genetic variation within the 28S-rRNA and ITS-rRNA genes. However, the COI gene sequences exhibit minimum intraspecific variation and thus might be the most powerful DNA barcoding marker for the precise identification of P. zeae and should therefore be recommended as a complementary technique in the identification process of the species. Pratylenchus zeae, Meloidogyne graminicola and Heterodera pratensis are characterised herein for the first time in Korea, while the presence in Korea of P. penetrans, P. scribneri, H. avenae, and M. marylandi, is molecularly confirmed.

Summary Six species belonging to the Criconematina, including a morphologically cryptic population within the Mesocriconema curvatum-group, are characterised based on integrative taxonomy based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic inferences from analyses of the 28S-rRNA, ITS-rRNA and COI gene sequences. Mesocriconema sp. 1 is morphologically similar to M. nebraskense and M. curvatum, differing from M. curvatum by the occasional presence of 1-2 anastomoses and a relatively higher R value, and from M. nebraskense by only a narrowed first lip annulus. However, based on COI gene sequence analysis, significant differences among the three species are evident. The sequence information in the COI gene among Mesocriconema spp. continues to reveal the existence of cryptic species within well-established species designations, and the concept of Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units might be helpful in grouping the different lineages according to sequence identities. Mesocriconema nebraskense is detailed herein for the first time outside the USA. DNA sequences of Hemicycliophora labiata were similar to those in GenBank while the existence in Korea of M. curvatum, Hemicriconemoides brachyurus and Paratylenchus nanus is molecularly confirmed.

Summary Hemicycliophora labiata was reported from the rhizosphere of Poa pratensis and for the first time in Korea. Females and juveniles are molecularly characterised and morphological and morphometric descriptions supplied. Species identification was made using an integrative approach considering morphological characteristics and the results of the analyses of the D2-D3 expansion segment of 28S rRNA, ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 of rRNA and the partial COI gene sequences. The phylogenetic position of H. labiata is resolved after recent misidentifications due to the existence of a wide morphological plasticity within the genus. Females and juveniles from Korea conform to the original description and also to subsequent species descriptions from Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and India. Despite the close morphological similarities with H. typica de Man, 1921, the two species can be adequately differentiated based on molecular data. This is the first molecular characterisation of H. labiata. The use of molecular markers in species delimitation continues to explore the existence of species complexes, thus providing a better understanding of the unresolved species biodiversity within this speciose genus.

A new spiral nematode Helicotylenchus asiaticus n. sp., recovered from sandy rhizosphere of Poa pratensis from Korea, is characterized based on integrative taxonomy, considering both morphological and molecular phylogenetic inferences from analyses of the 28S-rRNA and ITS-rRNA gene sequences. Additionally, H. caudatus is characterized for the first time outside its type locality; notes on the taxonomic status of H. microlobus are stated, and the existence of H. dihystera in Korea is molecularly confirmed. The new species is characterized by a lip region not offset; hemispherical, bearing 4–5 annuli; stylet knobs sloping posteriorly, rarely anteriorly flattened; spermatheca, offset and filled with sperms; incisures of the lateral field areolated in pharyngeal region, with incomplete areolation in the tail region; inner incisures usually distally modified into a u-shape or y-shaped configuration; phasmids postanal, situated at 3–8 annuli posterior to anus level; tail conical, bearing 8–15 annuli, ending in a rounded to pointed extremity; and males abundant. The new species is morphologically similar to H. erythrinae, H. californicus, H. electropicus, H. tropicus, H. conicus, H. elegans, H. interrogativus, H. saxeus, H. certus and H. silvaticus but differs from all, either by lip region shape, stylet knob shape, sperm filled spermatheca, phasmid position, tail termini shape and (or) presence of males. Sequence data analyses from amplified regions suggest that Helicotylenchus asiaticus n. sp. is a sister species to unidentified Helicotylenchus sp. From Korea.

Two populations of Tylenchorhynchus annulatus, recovered from loamy-soil rhizosphere of Zoysia japonica from Korea are described and illustrated based on integrative taxonomy, considering both morphological and molecular phylogenetic inferences from analyses of the 28S-rRNA and ITS-rRNA gene sequences. One of the populations manifested variation in species diagnostic characters; continuous lateral field incisures past the phasmid was not a constant character in all specimens examined, with some specimens manifesting fusion of inner incisures of the lateral field below the level of the phasmid and incomplete areolation of the lateral fields. The fusion of the inner incisures of the lateral field past the phasmid level is therefore a variable character within the group, and when used alone, may not be taxonomically reliable to delineate species within the genus. This is molecularly supported by genetic resemblance of the two populations with other characterized T. annulatus isolates based on D2-D3 expansion segment and ITS-rRNA. The overlapping disparities between the two populations are therefore herein treated as intraspecific variations within T. annulatus populations. Furthermore, comparison within all the published sequences of T. annulatus are made and recommendations for sequence corrections are given. Tylenchorhynchus thermophilus is characterized herein for the first time in Korea while T. annulatus and T. claytoni are molecularly confirmed.

Background Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLND) is an option in the treatment of rectal cancer and may reduce local recurrence/improve disease-free survival. Advancements in minimally invasive technology have improved the ability to identify anatomy and neurovascular structures that may help in LPLND. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and oncological safety of laparoscopic LPLND compared with the open LPLND. Method Between July 2010 and July 2019, patients from three tertiary referral hospitals who underwent LPLND with total mesorectal excision for primary rectal cancer were included. Baseline patient characteristics, perioperative outcomes, pathologic results, recurrence, and survival were compared between the laparoscopic and open groups. Results There were 126 and 70 patients in the laparoscopic and open groups respectively. The laparoscopic group had less estimated blood loss (100 ml versus 300 ml, P Conclusion Laparoscopic LPLND was associated with improved perioperative outcomes and non-inferior oncological outcomes.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the degree of heat generation when a novel drill design with an irrigation slot was used with metal sleeve-free (MF) and metal sleeve-incorporated (MI) surgical guides in an environment similar to that of the actual oral cavity.A typodont with a missing mandibular right first molar and 21 bovine rib blocks were used. Three-dimensional-printed MF and MI surgical guides, designed for the placement of internal tapered implant fixtures, were used with slot and non-slot drills. The following groups were compared: group 1, MI surgical guide with slot drill; group 2, MI surgical guide with a non-slot drill; and group 3, MF surgical guide with a slot drill. A constant-temperature water bath at 36°C was used. The drilling was performed in 6 stages, and the initial, highest, and lowest temperatures of the cortical bone were measured at each stage using a non-contact infrared thermometer.There were no temperature increases above the initial temperature in any drilling procedure. The only significant difference between the non-slot and slot groups was observed with the use of the first drill in the MI group, with a higher temperature in the non-slot group (Within the limitations of this study, implant-site preparation with the surgical guide showed no critical increase in the temperature of the cortical bone, regardless of whether there was a slot in the drill. In particular, the slotted drill had a cooling effect during the initial drilling.

We aimed to compare the short- and long-term outcomes of simultaneous laparoscopic, hybrid, and open resection for colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 647 patients with simultaneous resection of colorectal cancer and liver metastases between January 2006 and December 2018 at three tertiary referral hospitals. Patient’s baseline characteristics, perioperative outcomes, pathological examination results, liver-specific recurrence rate and survivals were compared between the propensity score-matched groups. Forty-two and 81 patients were selected for the laparoscopic vs. hybrid groups, and 48 and 136 patients for laparoscopic vs. open groups, respectively. The laparoscopic group had fewer wound complications (2.1 vs. 13.2%; p = 0.028) than the open group, and a shorter postoperative hospital stay than the hybrid and open groups (8 vs. 11 days, p

Background: Mangosteen and propolis extracts (MAEC) have been potential therapeutic agents known to exhibit powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and immunological efficacy of MAEC as well as safety and patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) on gingivitis and incipient periodontitis. Methods: This study was performed on 104 patients diagnosed with gingivitis or incipient periodontitis. At baseline, the participants were randomly allocated to either the test group, with daily intake of a single capsule containing 194 mg of MAEC for eight weeks, or control group, with placebo. Clinical periodontal evaluation and immunological parameters from saliva and gingival sulcular fluid were assessed at baseline, four, and eight weeks. Individual PROMs were assessed by OHIP-14 questionnaires. Results: There was a significant difference of modified gingival index at four and eight weeks between the test and control groups. In the test group, crevicular interleukin (IL)-6 was reduced, and the salivary matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 was increased after eight weeks. PROMs were improved up to four weeks compared to placebo. Conclusion: Oral administration of MAEC would have a potential to reduce gingival inflammation clinically and immunologically in the patients with gingivitis and incipient periodontitis.

A new needle nematode, Paralongidorus koreanensis n. sp., recovered from rhizosphere of Poa pratensis and Zoysia japonica from Korea, is described and illustrated based on inferences from morphological and molecular data. Additionally, the existence and taxonomic status of X. diffusum and X. insigne in Korea is also duly confirmed. Phylogenetic inferences were based on an integrative approach considering the analyses of the 28S rRNA, ITS1 rRNA, SSU rRNA and the partial COI gene sequences. The new species is characterized by medium body length (4.2–5.5 mm); lip region rounded, slightly set off from the body by a shallow indentation, 15.0–18.3 μm wide; amphidial fovea stirrup shaped; guiding ring anteriorly positioned (28.6–33.6 μm from anterior end); odontostyle moderately long (99.4–109.7 μm); tail short (34.0–43.5 μm), hemispherical to bluntly rounded. Males rare in population. Spicules moderate, 70 μm long; 13 irregular spaced ventromedian precloacal supplements anterior to the adanal pair; four juvenile developmental stages clearly distinguishable. The new species is morphologically similar to P. bikanerensis, P. inagreinus, P. hanliae, P. spasskii, P. nudus, P. indicus and P. sali but differs from all, either by lip region shape and width, amphidial fovea shape, body and odontostyle length, female tail length and shape or spicule length. Sequence data analyses from amplified regions suggest that it’s a sister species to P. bikanerensis and P. sali, and the three species are consistently placed in a clade outside the main clade for Paralongidorus. Xiphinema insigne and X. diffusum DNA sequences were similar to the respective species sequences available in GenBank.

Plant-parasitic nematodes are not only an important constraint on agricultural crop production, but also cause both direct and indirect damage to turfgrass, which is a ground cover plant. However, studies on plant-parasitic nematodes of turfgrass in Korea are scarce. A survey for plant-parasitic nematodes was carried out on 13 golf courses in Korea. The results yielded 28 species/taxa belonging to 16 genera and 12 families of plant-parasitic nematodes. Among the isolated species, Helicotylenchus microlobus, Mesocriconema nebraskense, Tylenchorhynchus claytoni, Mesocriconema sp., and Meloidogyne graminicola were the most prevalent species in all management zones. Twelve species were new records of plant-parasitic nematodes in Korea. Highest maximum densities were showed by T. claytoni, Paratylenchus nanus, M. nebraskense, M. graminicola, and H. microlobus. Diversity (H’), was significantly higher in fairways compared to tees and greens, though species evenness (J’) and dominance (D) showed no statistically significant differences. This information is crucial in nematode problem diagnosis, and the subsequent formulation of management strategies.