De novo Transcriptome Assembly of Senna occidentalis Sheds Light on the Anthraquinone Biosynthesis Pathway

Senna occidentalis is an annual leguminous herb that is rich in anthraquinones, which have various pharmacological activities. However, little is known about the genetics of S. occidentalis, particularly its anthraquinone biosynthesis pathway. To broaden our understanding of the key genes and regulatory mechanisms involved in the anthraquinone biosynthesis pathway, we used short RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) and long-read isoform sequencing (Iso-Seq) to perform a spatial and temporal transcriptomic analysis of S. occidentalis. This generated 121,592 RNA-Seq unigenes and 38,440 Iso-Seq unigenes. Comprehensive functional annotation and classification of these datasets using public databases identified unigene sequences related to major secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways and critical transcription factor families (bHLH, WRKY, MYB, and bZIP). A tissue-specific differential expression analysis of S. occidentalis and measurement of the amount of anthraquinones revealed that anthraquinone accumulation was related to the gene expression levels in the different tissues. In addition, the amounts and types of anthraquinones produced differ between S. occidentalis and S. tora. In conclusion, these results provide a broader understanding of the anthraquinone metabolic pathway in S. occidentalis.

Systemic Expression of Genes Involved in the Plant Defense Response Induced by Wounding in Senna tora

Wounds in tissues provide a pathway of entry for pathogenic fungi and bacteria in plants. Plants respond to wounding by regulating the expression of genes involved in their defense mechanisms. To analyze this response, we investigated the defense-related genes induced by wounding in the leaves of Senna tora using RNA sequencing. The genes involved in jasmonate and ethylene biosynthesis were strongly induced by wounding, as were a large number of genes encoding transcription factors such as ERFs, WRKYs, MYBs, bHLHs, and NACs. Wounding induced the expression of genes encoding pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins, such as PR-1, chitinase, thaumatin-like protein, cysteine proteinase inhibitor, PR-10, and plant defensin. Furthermore, wounding led to the induction of genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis and the accumulation of kaempferol and quercetin in S. tora leaves. All these genes were expressed systemically in leaves distant from the wound site. These results demonstrate that mechanical wounding can lead to a systemic defense response in the Caesalpinioideae, a subfamily of the Leguminosae. In addition, a co-expression analysis of genes induced by wounding provides important information about the interactions between genes involved in plant defense responses.

Expression of Colorectal Cancer Antigenic Protein Fused to IgM Fc in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa)

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a tumor-associated antigen and a potential target for tumor vaccine. The EpCAM is a cell-surface glycoprotein highly expressed in colorectal carcinomas. The objective of the present study is to develop an edible vaccine system through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa). For the transformation, two plant expression vectors containing genes encoding for the EpCAM recombinant protein along with the fragment crystallizable (Fc) region of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and Joining (J)-chain tagged with the KDEL endoplasmic reticulum retention motif (J-chain K) were constructed. The vectors were successfully transformed and expressed in the Chinese cabbage individually using Agrobacterium. The transgenic Chinese cabbages were screened using genomic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in T₀ transgenic plant lines generated from both transformants. Similarly, the immunoblot analysis revealed the expression of recombinant proteins in the transformants. Further, the T₁ transgenic plants were generated by selfing the transgenic plants (T₀) carrying EpCAM-IgM Fc and J-chain K proteins, respectively. Subsequently, the T₁ plants generated from EpCAM-IgM Fc and J-chain K transformants were crossed to generate F₁ plants carrying both transgenes. The presence of both transgenes was validated using PCR in the F₁ plants. In addition, the expression of Chinese cabbage-derived EpCAM-IgM Fc × J-chain K was evaluated using immunoblot and ELISA analyses in the F₁ plants. The outcomes of the present study can be utilized for the development of a potential anti-cancer vaccine candidate using Chinese cabbage.

International classification of abdominal wall planes (ICAP) to describe mesh insertion for ventral hernia repair

BACKGROUND

Nomenclature for mesh insertion during ventral hernia repair is inconsistent and confusing. Several terms, including 'inlay', 'sublay' and 'underlay', can refer to the same anatomical planes in the indexed literature. This frustrates comparisons of surgical practice and may invalidate meta-analyses comparing surgical outcomes. The aim of this study was to establish an international classification of abdominal wall planes.

METHODS

A Delphi study was conducted involving 20 internationally recognized abdominal wall surgeons. Different terms describing anterior abdominal wall planes were identified via literature review and expert consensus. The initial list comprised 59 possible terms. Panellists completed a questionnaire that suggested a list of options for individual abdominal wall planes. Consensus on a term was predefined as occurring if selected by at least 80 per cent of panellists. Terms scoring less than 20 per cent were removed.

RESULTS

Voting started August 2018 and was completed by January 2019. In round 1, 43 terms (73 per cent) were selected by less than 20 per cent of panellists and 37 new terms were suggested, leaving 53 terms for round 2. Four planes reached consensus in round 2, with the terms 'onlay', 'inlay', 'preperitoneal' and 'intraperitoneal'. Thirty-five terms (66 per cent) were selected by less than 20 per cent of panellists and were removed. After round 3, consensus was achieved for 'anterectus', 'interoblique', 'retro-oblique' and 'retromuscular'. Default consensus was achieved for the 'retrorectus' and 'transversalis fascial' planes.

CONCLUSION

Consensus concerning abdominal wall planes was agreed by 20 internationally recognized surgeons. Adoption should improve communication and comparison among surgeons and research studies.

Identification and characterization of transcription factors regulating Arabidopsis HAK5

Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and reproduction. HAK5, an Arabidopsis high-affinity K transporter gene, plays an important role in K uptake. Its expression is up-regulated in response to K deprivation and is rapidly down-regulated when sufficient K levels have been re-established. To identify transcription factors regulating HAK5, an Arabidopsis TF FOX (Transcription Factor Full-length cDNA Over-eXpressor) library containing approximately 800 transcription factors was used to transform lines previously transformed with a luciferase reporter gene whose expression was driven by the HAK5 promoter. When grown under sufficient K levels, 87 lines with high luciferase activity were identified, and endogenous HAK5 expression was confirmed in 27 lines. Four lines overexpressing DDF2 (Dwarf and Delayed Flowering 2), JLO (Jagged Lateral Organs), TFII_A (Transcription initiation Factor II_A gamma chain) and bHLH121 (basic Helix-Loop-Helix 121) were chosen for further characterization by luciferase activity, endogenous HAK5 level and root growth in K-deficient conditions. Further analysis showed that the expression of these transcription factors increased in response to low K and salt stress. In comparison with controls, root growth under low K conditions was better in each of these four TF FOX lines. Activation of HAK5 expression by these four transcription factors required at least 310 bp of upstream sequence of the HAK5 promoter. These results indicate that at least these four transcription factors can bind to the HAK5 promoter in response to K limitation and activate HAK5 expression, thus allowing plants to adapt to nutrient stress.

First Report of Leaf Blight Caused by Pantoea agglomerans on Rice in Korea

In September 2009, leaf blights were observed on rice (Oryza sativa L., variety Dongjin 1 and Hopyeong) in paddy fields located in Gwangyang and Naju, Jeonnam Province, Korea. Lesions appeared first as water-soaked stripes or light brown-to-slightly reddish spots on the upper blades of the leaves, ultimately causing leaf blight and stalk rot. Ten strains of bacteria were isolated from the blighted leaf samples and four isolates (EML-ORY1, -ORY2, -ORY3, and -ORY4) suspected to be Pantoea spp. were selected on the basis of colony types and sampling sites. The isolates readily grew at 27 to 32°C but growth was significantly lower at 35°C. Using the API 20E system, EML-ORY1, 2, and 3 showed the same reaction patterns and gave 15 positive reactions whereas EML-ORY4 gave 11 positive reactions, but results were negative for arginine dihydrolase, citrate utilization, sorbitol fermentation, and rhamnose fermentation. All strains were considerably different from Pantoea agglomerans ATCC27155, which produced nine positive reactions. The strains were identified based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. A neighbor-joining tree was generated for the four isolates using PHYLIP with the following known bacterial strains: P. agglomerans DSM3493; P. vagans LMG24199; P. eucalypti LMG24197; P. ananatis ATCC19321; and Kluyvera georgiana ATCC51603. The four isolates from rice formed a monophyletic cluster and were most closely related to P. agglomerans DSM3493 (GenBank AJ2334231) with an average 16S rRNA sequence similarity of 99.0%. GenBank Accession numbers for the four isolates are: EML-ORY1, HM854282; -ORY2, HM854283; -ORY3, HM854284; and -ORY4, HM854285. On the basis of molecular phylogenetic analyses and API 20E test, we determined that the causal pathogen might be a subspecies of P. agglomerans. Pathogenicity tests were performed on 2-week-old rice seedlings (variety Hopyeong) in duplicate with bacterial suspensions containing 1.5 × 10⁹ CFU/ml with 0.001% Tween 20. Of the isolates, EML-ORY3 demonstrated the strongest pathogenicity to rice seedlings when evaluated by five scoring systems on the basis of symptom development and severity levels. Disease symptoms appeared 3 days after artificial inoculation. Symptoms on the inoculated leaves were similar to those of natural infection and included water-soaked stems with a light brown color, blighted leaves, and stalk rot, with no symptoms found on water-treated controls. P. agglomerans, formerly called Enterobacter agglomerans (or Erwinia herbicola), is a group of gram-negative bacteria that belong to the family Enterobacteriaceae (3). Pantoea spp. are known to cause different diseases on a broad range of host plants including gypsophila, cotton, pineapple, maize, barley, onion, melons, and eucalyptus and also have been implicated as opportunistic pathogens in humans (1,2). P. agglomerans has been widely found in nature on leaves, fruits, and the seeds of many crops and is a known endophyte (1,2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of rice leaf blight caused by a putative subspecies of P. agglomerans in Korea. The importance of this pathogen to rice production in Korea is unknown. References: (1) Y. Feng et al. J. Appl. Microbiol. 100:938, 2006. (2) S. Manulis and I. Barash. Mol. Plant Pathol. 4:307, 2003. (3) M. P. Starr. The genus Erwinia. Page 1260 in: The Prokaryotes: A Handbook on Habitats, Isolation and Identification of Bacteria. Springer-Verlag, NewYork, 1981.

OsKu70 is associated with developmental growth and genome stability in rice

The cellular functions of Ku70 in repair of DNA double-stranded breaks and telomere regulation have been described in a wide range of organisms. In this study, we identified the rice (Oryza sativa) Ku70 homolog (OsKu70) from the rice genome database. OsKu70 transcript was detected constitutively in every tissue and developmental stage examined and also in undifferentiated callus cells in rice. Yeast two-hybrid and in vitro pull-down experiments revealed that OsKu70 physically interacts with OsKu80. We obtained loss-of-function osku70 T-DNA knockout mutant lines and constructed transgenic rice plants that overexpress the OsKu70 gene in the sense (35S:OsKu70) or antisense (35S:anti-OsKu70) orientation. The homozygous G2 osku70 mutant lines were more sensitive than wild-type plants to a DNA-damaging agent (0.01%-0.05% methyl-methane sulfonate), consistent with the notion that OsKu70 participates in the DNA repair mechanism. Terminal restriction fragment analysis revealed that telomeres in homozygous G2 osku70 mutants were markedly longer (10-20 kb) than those in wild-type plants (5-10 kb), whereas telomere length in heterozygous G2 osku70 mutant and T2 OsKu70-overexpressing transgenic (35S:OsKu70) rice resembled that of the wild-type plant. In contrast to what was observed in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) atku70 mutants, homozygous G2 osku70 rice plants displayed severe developmental defects in both vegetative and reproductive organs under normal growth conditions, resulting in sterile flowers. Analysis of meiotic progression in pollen mother cells demonstrated that up to 11.1% (seven of 63) of G2 mutant anaphase cells displayed one or more chromosomal fusions. These results suggest that OsKu70 is required for the maintenance of chromosome stability and normal developmental growth in rice plants.

First Report of Powdery Mildew on Trident Maple Caused by Sawadaea nankinensis in Korea

Trident maple (Acer buergerianum Miq.) is widely grown in Korea as an ornamental tree as well as for the art of bonsai. During 2008 and 2009, a powdery mildew was observed on trident maple plants at the campus of Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea. Further surveys revealed the disease to be widespread on this species in other areas including Jeonbuk and Chungnam provinces in Korea. White, superficial mycelia were observed on young shoots and leaves early in spring. Both macroconidia and microconidia were produced beginning in May and conidial production continued through the summer into September and October. Production of chasmothecia was observed starting in September and continued into October. Macroconidia were produced in chains that were sinuate in outline. Individual macroconidia were barrel shaped and 23.4 to 30.0 (26.6) × 15.6 to 21.1 (18.1) μm. Foot cells of macroconidial conidiophores were 26.7 to 110.7 (48) × 7.1 to 11.2 (8.8) μm with one to five following cells. Microconidia were broadly ellipsoidal to subglobose and 8.9 to 12.5 (10.5) × 4.3 to 5.8 (5.1) μm. Chasmothecia typically were formed on adaxial leaf surfaces and 193.2 to 238.1 (216.8) μm in diameter. Appendages bore uncinate to circinate apices and were 176.8 to 267.7 (211.5) × 4.3 to 8.0 (6.2) μm. From extracted genomic DNA, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region inclusive of 5.8S rDNA was amplified with ITS1F (5'-CTTGGTCATTTAGAGGAAGT-3') and LR5F (5'-GCTATCCTGAGGGAAAC-3') primers. The causal fungus was determined to be Sawadaea nankinensis (F.L. Tai) S. Takam. & U. Braun (2) on the basis of morphological data and ITS rDNA sequences. A BLAST search of GenBank with an ITS sequence from this fungus determined that the five sequences exhibiting the highest max score values (1,811 to 2,004) were from S. nankinensis; these sequences produced max ident values from 94% to 99%. In contrast, max score and max ident values from sequences of other Sawadaea spp. were lower, including scores of 1,063 and 98% similarity for S. polyfida var. japonica, 915 and 97% for S. tulasnei, and 913 and 97% for S. bicornis. Pathogenicity tests were conducted on field-grown plants in two replicates. These plants were inoculated with a paintbrush to apply conidia (~5 × 10⁶/ml) collected from powdery-mildew-infected leaves. Inoculated plants developed powdery mildew symptoms within 5 days of inoculation and resembled those observed on naturally infected plants. S. nankinensis (synonym Uncinula nankinensis) was first reported on A. buergerianum from China in 1930 (2). Recently, S. nankinensis (F.L. Tai) S. Takam & U. Braun was reported to occur on A. buergerianum in Japan (3). Until now, three Sawadaea spp. (S. bicornis (Wallr.) Homma, S. negundinis Homma, and S. tulasnei (Fuckel) Homma) have been reported to cause powdery mildew on A. ginnala, but only S. bicornis (= U. circinata Cooke & Peck) has been reported to cause powdery mildew on A. ginnala in Korea (1). However, no Sawadaea sp. previously was reported to cause powdery mildew on A. buergerianum. To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew on trident maple (A. buergerianum) caused by S. nankinensis in Korea. References: (1) H. D. Shin. Erysiphaceae of Korea. National Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology, 2000. (2) F. L. Tai. Page 1517 in: Sylloge Fungorum Sinicorum. Science Press, Academia Sinica, Peking, 1979. (3) S. Takamatsu et al. Mycoscience 49:161, 2008.

Structure and expression of OsUBP6, an ubiquitin-specific protease 6 homolog in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Although the possible cellular roles of several ubiquitin-specific proteases (UBPs) were identified in Arabidopsis, almost nothing is known about UBP homologs in rice, a monocot model plant. In this report, we searched the rice genome database ( http://signal.salk.edu/cgi-bin/RiceGE ) and identified 21 putative UBP family members (OsUBPs) in the rice genome. These OsUBP genes each contain a ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase (UCH) domain with highly conserved Cys and His boxes and were subdivided into 9 groups based on their sequence identities and domain structures. RT-PCR analysis indicated that rice OsUBP genes are expressed at varying degrees in different rice tissues. We isolated a full-length cDNA clone for OsUBP6, which possesses not only a UCH domain, but also an N-terminal ubiquitin motif. Bacterially expressed OsUBP6 was capable of dismantling K48-linked tetraubiquitin chains in vitro. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR indicated that OsUBP6 is constitutively expressed in different tissues of rice plants. An in vivo targeting experiment showed that OsUBP6 is predominantly localized to the nucleus in onion epidermal cells. We also examined how knock-out of OsUBP6 affects developmental growth of rice plants. Although homozygous T3 osubp6 T-DNA insertion mutant seedlings displayed slower growth relative to wild type seedlings, mature mutant plants appeared to be normal. These results raise the possibility that loss of OsUBP6 is functionally compensated for by an as-yet unknown OsUBP homolog during later stages of development in rice plants.

Recombinant human epidermal growth factor treatment of radiation-induced severe oral mucositis in patients with head and neck malignancies

Mucositis of the oral cavity and pharynx is a major dose-limiting factor in the application of radiotherapy (RT) to patients with head and neck cancer. Therefore, we evaluated the wound healing effect of human recombinant epidermal growth factor (rhEGF) in head and neck cancer and lymphoma patients with irradiation (with or without combined chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis). Patients at Asan Medical Center who had undergone definitive RT of the head and neck region with or without combined chemotherapy and who had developed severe oral mucositis (higher than the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade 3) were treated with topical rhEGF twice daily for 7 days. The evaluation of response with regard to oral mucositis was performed 1 week later. Of the 11 treated patients, three had nasopharyngeal carcinoma, three had carcinoma of the oropharynx, two had carcinoma of the oral cavity, one had carcinoma of the hypopharynx and two had lymphoma of the head and neck. Six patients received RT only, and five patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy. All patients showed improvements in their oral mucositis after topical treatment with rhEGF in that the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grade was significantly decreased (P = 0.0000). This finding suggests that rhEGF is effective and safe for the treatment of radiation-induced mucositis. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage and fractionation schedule.

Controlled growth of vertically aligned ZnO nanowires with different crystal orientation of the ZnO seed layer

A novel synthesis and growth method achieving vertically aligned zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires on a silicon dioxide (SiO(2)) coated silicon (Si) substrate is demonstrated. The growth direction of the ZnO nanowires is determined by the crystal structure of the ZnO seed layer, which is formed by the oxidation of a DC-sputtered Zn film. The [002] crystal direction of the seed layer is dominant under optimized thickness of the Zn film and thermal treatment. Vertically aligned ZnO nanowires on SiO(2) coated Si substrate are realized from the appropriately thick oxidized Zn seed layer by a vapor-solid growth mechanism by catalyst-free thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD). These experimental results raise the possibility of using the nanowires as functional blocks for high-density integration systems and/or photonic applications.

Suppression of RICE TELOMERE BINDING PROTEIN 1 results in severe and gradual developmental defects accompanied by genome instability in rice

Although several potential telomere binding proteins have been identified in higher plants, their in vivo functions are still unknown at the plant level. Both knockout and antisense mutants of RICE TELOMERE BINDING PROTEIN1 (RTBP1) exhibited markedly longer telomeres relative to those of the wild type, indicating that the amount of functional RTBP1 is inversely correlated with telomere length. rtbp1 plants displayed progressive and severe developmental abnormalities in both germination and postgermination growth of vegetative organs over four generations (G1 to G4). Reproductive organ formation, including panicles, stamens, and spikelets, was also gradually and severely impaired in G1 to G4 mutants. Up to 11.4, 17.2, and 26.7% of anaphases in G2, G3, and G4 mutant pollen mother cells, respectively, exhibited one or more chromosomal fusions, and this progressively increasing aberrant morphology was correlated with an increased frequency of anaphase bridges containing telomeric repeat DNA. Furthermore, 35S:anti-RTBP1 plants expressing lower levels of RTBP1 mRNA exhibited developmental phenotypes intermediate between the wild type and mutants in all aspects examined, including telomere length, vegetative and reproductive growth, and degree of genomic anomaly. These results suggest that RTBP1 plays dual roles in rice (Oryza sativa), as both a negative regulator of telomere length and one of positive and functional components for proper architecture of telomeres.

Percutaneous direct puncture glue embolization of high-flow craniofacial arteriovenous lesions: a new circular ring compression device with a beveled edge

SUMMARY

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a newly designed circular ring compression device that allows safe and effective glue injection during preoperative embolization of high-flow superficial craniofacial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The device was used in 4 cases of craniofacial AVM with multiple feeding arteries and draining veins. It provided a safe glue injection route as well as effective compression of radiating multiple venous drainage routes.

Isolation and functional characterization of the Ca-DREBLP1 gene encoding a dehydration-responsive element binding-factor-like protein 1 in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Pukang)

Through the use of subtractive hybridization analysis, we have identified 14 partial cDNA clones (pCa-DSRs) that are rapidly induced by dehydration in hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) roots. The predicted proteins encoded by Ca-DSRs are putatively involved in processes as diverse as primary and secondary metabolism, protein degradation, and stress responses, indicating the complexity of cellular responses to water deficit in hot pepper roots. Particularly, we investigated the detailed structural properties and expression profiles of Ca-DSR2 (Ca-DREBLP1: dehydration-responsive element binding-factor-like protein 1) encoding a protein that contains a single ERF/AP2 DNA-binding domain. Based on the conserved 14th valine and 19th glutamic acid residues in the ERF/AP2 domain, a basic amino acid stretch (PKKPAGRKKFR) near its N-terminal region, and DSAW signature sequence at the end of its ERF/AP2 domain, Ca-DREBLP1 was classified as a member of a DREB1-type subfamily. Gel retardation assays revealed that Ca-DREBLP1 was able to form a specific complex with the DRE/CRT motif, but not with the GCC box. When fused to the GAL4 DNA-binding domain, the Ca-DREBLP1(190-215) mutant could effectively function as a trans-activator in yeast. This suggests that the extreme C-terminal region plays an essential role in transcription activation. In hot pepper plants, Ca-DREBLP1 was rapidly induced by dehydration, high salinity and, to a lesser extent, mechanical wounding, but not by cold stress. Thus, although the structural features of Ca-DREBLP1 resemble those of the DREB1-type proteins of Arabidopsis thaliana and rice plants, its induction patterns are reminiscent of the DREB2-type proteins, indicating that Ca-DREBLP1 is a novel class DREB subfamily in hot pepper.

The ethylene-responsive factor like protein 1 (CaERFLP1) of hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) interacts in vitro with both GCC and DRE/CRT sequences with different binding affinities: possible biological roles of CaERFLP1 in response to pathogen infection and high salinity conditions in transgenic tobacco plants

From a pathogen-inoculated hot pepper (Capsicum annuum L. cv. Pukang) leaf EST, we identified a cDNA clone, pCaERFLP1, encoding a putative transcription factor that contains a single ERF/AP2 DNA binding domain. CaERFLP1 was most closely related to tomato LeERF2 (73%), both of which belong to the novel ERF class IV typified by the N-terminal MCGGAIL signature sequence, while it had a limited sequence identity (25-30%) with Arabidopsis AtERFs and tobacco NtERFs. Quantitative gel retardation assays revealed that bacterially expressed full-length CaERFLP1 was able to form a specific complex with both the GCC box and DRE/CRT motif, with its binding affinity for GCC being stronger than for DRE/CRT. When fused to the GAL4 DNA binding domain, the N-terminal CaERFLP1(1-37) and C-terminal CaERFLP1(198-264) mutant polypeptides could function individually as transactivators in yeast. This suggests that two separate domains of CaERFLP1 may play distinct roles in transcription activation. In particle co-bombardment experiments, CaERFLP1 activated the transcription of reporter genes containing the 4X[GCC] element in tobacco cells. In hot pepper plants, the steady-state level of CaERFLP1 mRNA was markedly induced by multiple environmental factors, such as pathogen infection, ethylene, mechanical wounding and high salinity. Furthermore, ectopic expression of CaERFLP1 in transgenic tobacco plants resulted in partially improved tolerance against the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae and salt stress (100 mM NaCl). Consistently, various defense-related genes, including GCC box-containing PR genes and the DRE/CRT-containing LTI45 (ERD10) gene, were constitutively expressed in 35S::CaERFLP1 tobacco plants. Thus, it appears that CaERFLP1 is functional in tobacco cells, where it induces the transactivation of some GCC- and DRE/CRT-genes to trigger a subset of stress response. Here, the possible biological role(s) of CaERFLP1 is discussed, especially with regard to the possibility that CaERFLP1 has multiple functions in the regulation of GCC- and DRE/CRT-mediated gene expression in hot pepper plants.

Generation and analysis of end sequence database for T-DNA tagging lines in rice

We analyzed 6749 lines tagged by the gene trap vector pGA2707. This resulted in the isolation of 3793 genomic sequences flanking the T-DNA. Among the insertions, 1846 T-DNAs were integrated into genic regions, and 1864 were located in intergenic regions. Frequencies were also higher at the beginning and end of the coding regions and upstream near the ATG start codon. The overall GC content at the insertion sites was close to that measured from the entire rice (Oryza sativa) genome. Functional classification of these 1846 tagged genes showed a distribution similar to that observed for all the genes in the rice chromosomes. This indicates that T-DNA insertion is not biased toward a particular class of genes. There were 764, 327, and 346 T-DNA insertions in chromosomes 1, 4 and 10, respectively. Insertions were not evenly distributed; frequencies were higher at the ends of the chromosomes and lower near the centromere. At certain sites, the frequency was higher than in the surrounding regions. This sequence database will be valuable in identifying knockout mutants for elucidating gene function in rice. This resource is available to the scientific community at http://www.postech.ac.kr/life/pfg/risd.

Solitary fibrous tumour of the face: a rare case report

Solitary fibrous tumour is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that most commonly involves the pleura. The diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumour is primarily histological. It consists of histological and positive immunohistochemical findings of CD-34 and vimentin. Recently, solitary fibrous tumour has been reported to occur in extrapleural soft tissues, such as the orbit, nasal cavity, abdominal cavity, parotid gland, scalp and neck. In an extensive review of the literature, we found no reports of solitary fibrous tumour arising in the facial soft tissue, other than in the parotid gland. This rare location of an uncommon lesion can lead to a confusing diagnosis. We report a case of solitary fibrous tumour originating in the temporal region of the face, and call for awareness of this tumour among plastic surgeons.

Sensate sole-to-sole reconstruction using the combined medial plantar and medialis pedis free flap

The coverage of soft-tissue defects of the sole needs special consideration because of the forces of weight bearing on the reconstruction. A variety of free tissue transfers have been advocated for soft-tissue replacement of the weight-bearing portions. However, there is no doubt that the ideal tissue for resurfacing the sole is the plantar tissue itself. The authors present a case of reconstructing the sole with the combined medial plantar and medialis pedis free flap that involves approximately 70% of the weight-bearing portion. This contralateral, combined fasciocutaneous free flap based on the posterior tibial-medial plantar vascular system is a good alternative in covering extensive sole injuries.

The effect of prostaglandin E1 versus ischemia-reperfusion injury of musculocutaneous flaps

The purpose of this study was twofold. To evaluate whether prostaglandin El can increase the survival of the flap, and to determine its function against ischemia-reperfusion injury in musculocutaneous flaps. Thirty-five Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 to 350 g were analyzed. The transverse rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap was used in all rats. The rats were divided into three groups: group 1 (N = 15), the control group with 4-hour ischemic injury and intraflap injection of normal saline followed by reperfusion; group 2 (N = 15), prostaglandin E1 intraflap injection of 1 microg immediately after ischemic injury and reperfusion 4 hours later; and group 3 (N = 5), the sham-operated group. Analysis consisted of flap skin survival area measurements, immunohistochemical study using anti-intercellular adhesion molecule (anti-ICAM-1) monoclonal antibody, and histological evaluation including endothelium-sticking leukocytes at 24 hours and 5 days after reperfusion. The group treated with prostaglandin E1 showed immunohistochemical findings with decreased expression of ICAM-1 on the surface of the endothelium, and histology showed significant (p < 0.01) reduction of leukocyte adhesion at 24 hours and 5 days after reperfusion. These two factors were considered to play a role against ischemia-reperfusion injury, and led to improved survival of the flap. These results suggest that prostaglandin E1 may increase flap survival and may have a protective mechanism against ischemia-reperfusion injury by decreasing leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion through decreased expression of ICAM-1.

A vascularized osteocutaneous fibular free flap for reconstruction of a complex injury of the foot

The foot plays a vital role in standing and gait. Its function results from harmonious interaction of bones, joints, and soft tissue. An imbalance or a defect in these structures can result in problems. The cuneiform bone of the foot consists of three bones: medial, intermediate, and lateral. Its structure plays an important role in maintaining the skeletal arch and it supports the body's weight. A defect or dislocation can disrupt the distribution of the weight-bearing complex of the foot and can lead to difficult gait.

A quantitative evaluation of pigmented skin lesions using the L*a*b* color coordinates

The evaluation of pigmentary skin lesions by clinical doctors has been based on subjective and qualitative judgements. Observations have mostly relied on visual inspection, making the effects of treatment difficult to evaluate with any precision. For this reason there is a real need for an objective method to evaluate prognosis after treatment. Recent scientific measurements such as reflectance spectrophotometry and reflectance colorimetry have provided accurate quantitative color information about skin lesions, but these techniques are costly and difficult to apply in the clinical field. The purpose of this study was to develop a simple and cost-effective way of evaluating treatment results. We have developed a software program using the L*a*b* color coordinate system to quantify the effect of treatment and have successfully demonstrated its clinical usefulness. Our method compares the relative color difference between normal skin and skin lesions before and after treatment, instead of measuring the absolute color of skin lesions. The accuracy of our quantitative color analysis was confirmed by the simulated images of hemangioma and ota nevus. Clinical efficacy was also confirmed through a blind test involving 3 clinicians who were asked to grade the treatment effects of 13 cases of hemangioma and 7 cases of ota nevus. These subjective clinical grades correlated well with the treatment results obtained using the proposed color analysis system (Correlation coefficient = 0.84).

Orbital floor and infraorbital rim reconstruction after total maxillectomy using a vascularized calvarial bone flap

A number of techniques have been introduced to support the orbital floor after maxillectomy without orbital exenteration. These methods include skin graft or muscular sling, but they have resulted in severe complications, such as enophthalmos, global ptosis, diplopia, and facial deformity. Currently, advanced microvascular reconstruction using bone and soft tissue is performed by many surgeons. This usually results in the filling of the postmaxillectomy defect, but the lack of support for the orbital rim and floor by the bone flap may still cause the complications mentioned above. Vascularized calvarial bone flap was chosen in this study for reconstruction of the orbital floor and infraorbital rim to function as a buttress, to reconstruct recipient sites of poor vascular bed after radiation therapy, and to withstand further postoperative radiation. By providing a solid floor and rim, these complications can be prevented with satisfactory function and aesthetically acceptable results. From September of 1995 to July of 1998, we performed vascularized bone flap for the reconstruction of the orbital floor and infraorbital rim in four cases after total maxillectomy involving the orbital floor. With a follow-up period from 19 to 35 months (mean, 27 months), we obtained significant improvement of functional and aesthetically acceptable results without global ptosis, enophthalmos, diplopia, or severe facial contour deformity.

Clinical features and outcome of Acanthamoeba keratitis

We retrospectively reviewed 11 patients with culture-proven Acanthamoeba keratitis who presented at the National Taiwan University Hospital between 1989 and 1996. We assessed predisposing factors, initial diagnosis, clinical presentation, treatment, and outcome. A history of contact lens-wear, poor contact lens hygiene, intractable eye pain, and ring infiltrates in the cornea were the most prominent characteristics and clinical manifestations. Acanthamoeba keratitis was often misdiagnosed, with herpetic keratitis (7/11) being the most common initial diagnosis from referring hospitals. These patients were usually treated on the basis of the inaccurate diagnosis for more than 1 month (range 1-8 mo) before referral. All patients ultimately received penetrating keratoplasty because of poor response to delayed medical treatment. We suggest that inadequate contact lens hygiene may be important in Acanthamoeba keratitis. This condition is often misdiagnosed and, as early diagnosis is a major factor for successful medical treatment in such patients, awareness in clinical practice is critical.

Effects of pulsatile reperfusion on globally ischemic myocardium

To evaluate the effects of pulsatile reperfusion on the post ischemic myocardium, two categories of sheep were put on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In Category I, the hearts of 23 sheep were arrested by global ischemia for 30 min, reperfused with pulsatile flow in 10 animals (P group), and non pulsatile flow in 13 animals (NP group), and then defibrillated. The incidence of ventricular fibrillation was much higher in the NP group than the P group, 77% versus 40% (p < 0.05). The lipoperoxide products and creatinine kinase from coronary sinus blood were elevated, but there were no significant differences between the two groups during 2 hour reperfusion. In the P group, less ultrastructural damage was observed, and Na+ and H2O accumulations in the subendomyocardium were significantly less than in the NP group, at 7.11 +/- 0.60 versus 9.98 +/- 1.10 mg/g dry weight (p < 0.05) and 82.58 +/- 0.47% versus 84.3 +/- 0.38% (p < 0.05), respectively. In Category II, the ischemic time of 17 sheep (eight in the P group, nine in the NP group) was prolonged to 45 min, and animals were supported by CPB after defibrillation. Myocardial energy phosphates were measured with high-performance liquid chromatography, and triphenyltetrazolium chloride was used to delineate the infarct size. After 2 hour of reperfusion, there were no significant differences in myocardial AMP and ADP between the two groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Effect of pulsatile reperfusion on myocardial high energy phosphates following global ischemia

To evaluate the effects of pulsatile reperfusion (PR) on the postischemic myocardial phosphometabolites, 17 sheep were put on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) and randomly divided into a pulsatile group (P group) and nonpulsatile group (NP group). The heart was arrested by global ischemia for 45 minutes, then defibrillated and reperfused for 2 hours while the circulation was supported by CPB. Myocardial needle biopsies were obtained, and ATP, ADP, and AMP were measured with high performance liquid chromatography. There were no significant differences between the two groups in myocardial ADP and AMP. However, after 120 minutes of reperfusion, the myocardial ATP was restored in the P group, but continued to decrease further in the NP group. Experimental results imply that PR might reduce reperfusion injury and promote recovery of the ischemic myocardium.