• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.246-252
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) is useful for patients with biliary cannulation failure or inaccessible papillae. However, it can lead to serious complications such as bile peritonitis in patients with ascites; therefore, development of a safe method to perform EUS-HGS is important. Herein, we evaluated the safety of EUS-HGS with continuous ascitic fluid drainage in patients with ascites. Methods: Patients with moderate or severe ascites who underwent continuous ascites drainage, which was initiated before EUS-HGS and terminated after the procedure at our institution between April 2015 and December 2022, were included in the study. We evaluated the technical and clinical success rates, EUS-HGS-related complications, and feasibility of re-intervention. Results: Ten patients underwent continuous ascites drainage, which was initiated before EUS-HGS and terminated after completion of the procedure. Median duration of ascites drainage before and after EUS-HGS was 2 and 4 days, respectively. Technical success with EUS-HGS was achieved in all 10 patients (100%). Clinical success with EUS-HGS was achieved in 9 of the 10 patients (90%). No endoscopic complications such as bile peritonitis were observed. Conclusions: In patients with ascites, continuous ascites drainage, which is initiated before EUS-HGS and terminated after completion of the procedure, may prevent complications and allow safe performance of EUS-HGS.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.57 no.3
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• pp.384-392
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) is a standard diagnostic method for biliary tract cancer (BTC), and samples obtained in this manner may be used for comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP). This study evaluated the utility of EUS-TA for CGP in a clinical setting and determined the factors associated with the adequacy of CGP in patients with BTC. Methods: CGP was attempted for 105 samples from 94 patients with BTC at the Aichi Cancer Center, Japan, from October 2019 to April 2022. Results: Overall, 77.1% (81/105) of the samples were adequate for CGP. For 22-G or 19-G fine-needle biopsy (FNB), the sample adequacy was 85.7% (36/42), which was similar to that of surgical specimens (94%, p=0.45). Univariate analysis revealed that 22-G or larger FNB needle usage (86%, p=0.003), the target primary lesions (88%, p=0.015), a target size ≥30 mm (100%, p=0.0013), and number of punctures (90%, p=0.016) were significantly positively associated with CGP sample adequacy. Conclusions: EUS-TA is useful for CGP tissue sampling in patients with BTC. In particular, the use of 22-G or larger FNB needles may allow for specimen adequacy comparable to that of surgical specimens.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.55 no.2
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• pp.270-278
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• 2022

Background/Aims: Endoscopic evaluation of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) is useful in determining whether the lesions are benign or malignant. This study aimed to examine the usefulness of peroral pancreatoscopy (POPS) in determining the prognosis of IPMNs. Methods: POPS with videoscopy was performed using the mother-baby scope technique. After surgery, computed tomography/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography or ultrasonography and blood tests were performed every 6 months during the follow-up. Results: A total of 39 patients with main pancreatic duct (MPD)-type IPMNs underwent POPS using a videoscope, and the protrusions in the MPD were observed in 36 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of cytology/biopsy performed at the time of POPS were 85% and 87.5%, respectively. Of 19 patients who underwent surgery, 18 (95%) patients had negative surgical margins and 1 (5%) patient had a positive margin. Conclusions: In IPMNs with dilatation of the MPD, POPS is considered effective if the lesions can be directly observed. The diagnosis of benign and malignant lesions is possible depending on the degree of lesion elevation. However, in some cases, slightly elevated lesions may increase in size during the follow-up or multiple lesions may be simultaneously present; therefore, careful follow-up is necessary.

• Clinical Endoscopy
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.527-533
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• 2024

Background/Aims: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided hepaticogastrostomy (EUS-HGS) performed at the intrahepatic bile duct segment 3 (B3) is widely used for biliary drainage. Although performing post-puncture procedures is easier in the intrahepatic bile duct segment 2 (B2) when using a conventional oblique-viewing (OV) EUS scope, this method may cause transesophageal puncture and severe adverse events. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of B2 puncture using a novel OV-EUS scope. Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we prospectively enrolled and collected data from 45 patients who consecutively underwent EUS-HGS procedures with a novel OV-EUS scope between September 2021 and December 2022 at our cancer center. Results: The technical success rates of B2-EUS-HGS and EUS-HGS were 93.3% (42/45) and 97.8% (44/45), respectively. The early adverse event rate was 8.9% (4/45) with no cases of scope changes or transesophageal punctures. The median procedure time was 13 minutes (range, 5-30). Conclusions: B2-EUS-HGS can be performed safely with the novel EG-740UT (Fujifilm) OV-scope without transesophageal puncture and with a high success rate. B2-EUS-HGS using this novel OV scope may be the preferred strategy for EUS-HGS.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.42-47
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• 2009

In this study, the somatic chromosome of 14 taxa of Korean Galium L. were investigated. Among them were a few taxa for which the somatic chromosome number was determined for the first time. The somatic chromosome numbers of Korean Galium L. were 2n = 22, 24, 44, 48, 66, 72, 77, 88 and so basic chromosome numbers were x = 11 or 12. Those taxa having the basic chromosome number x = 11 showed polyploidy, including diploid, tetraploid, heptaploid, and octoploid. Tetraploid and hexaploid can be observed in those taxa with the basic number x = 12. The eleven taxa reported 11 for the first time are G. spurium var. echinospermon (Wallr.) Hayek (2n = 44), G. gracilens (A. Gray) Makino (2n = 22), G. pogonanthum Franch. & Sav. (2n = 22, 44), G. trachyspermum A. Gray (2n = 22, 44), G. japonicum (Maxim.) Makino & Nakai (2n = 77), G. trifloriforme Kom. (2n = 44), G. dahuricum Turcz. var. dahuricum (2n = 48, 72), G. dahuricum var. tokyoense (Makino) Cufod. (2n = 22), G. kinuta Nakai & Hara (2n=66), G. verum var. trachycarpum for. nikkoense (Nakai) Ohwi (2n = 44), G. verum var. asiaticum for. pusillum (Nakai) M. Park (2n = 44). The taxa with the same chromosome numbers as previously reported ones were G. boreale L. (2n=22) and G. verum var. asiaticum Nakai for. asiaticum (2n = 44). The chromosome number of G. trifidum L. (2n = 22) was different from the previous report. Two infraspecific taxa of G. dahuricum showed differences in their basic chromosome numbers (x = 11 for G. dahuricum Turcz. var. dahuricum and x = 12 for var. tokyoense (Makino) Cufod. The somatic chromosome number for G. dahuricum Turcz. var. dahuricum was found to be 2n = 48 (tetraploid) or 72 (hexaploid), while that of G. dahuricum var. tokyoense (Makino) Cufod. was found to be 2n = 22 (diploid). Therefore, basic chromosome numbers for members of the genus Galium can be used as valuable characters in delimiting infrageneric sections and investigating interspecific relationships.

• Korean Journal of Organic Agriculture
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.963-974
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• 2015

This study was conducted to determine the effects of organic vegetable cultivation on the soil physical properties in 33 farmlands under plastic greenhouse in Korea. We were investigated 5~8 farms per organic vegetable crops during the period from August to November 2014. The main cultivated vegetables were leafy lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.), Perilla leaves (Perilla frutescens var. Japonica Hara), cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), strawberry (Fragaria ananassa L.) and tomato (Lycopersicon spp.). We have analyzed soil physical properties. The measured soil physical parameters were soil plough layer, soil hardness, penetration resistance, three soil phase, bulk density and Porosity. The measurement of the soil plough layer, soil hardness and penetration resistance were carried out direct in the fields, and the samples for other parameters were taken using the soil core method with approximately 20 mm diameter core collected from each organic vegetable field. Soil plough layer was average 36 cm and ranged between 30 and 50 cm, and slightly different depending on the sorts of vegetable cultivation. The soil hardness was $0.17{\pm}0.15{\sim}1.34{\pm}1.02$ in the topsoil, $0.55{\pm}0.34{\sim}1.15{\pm}0.62$ in the subsoil. It was not different between topsoil and subsoil, but showed a statistically significant difference between the leafy and fruit vegetables. Penetrometer resistance is one of the important soil physical properties that can determine both root elongation and yield. The increase in density under leafy vegetables resulted in a higher soil penetrometer resistance. Soil is a three-component system comprised of solid, liquid, and gas phases distributed in a complex geometry that creates large solidliquid, liquid-gas, and gas-solid interfacial areas. The three soil phases were dynamic and typically changed in organic vegetable soils under greenhouse. Porosity was characterized as range of $54.2{\pm}2.2{\sim}60.3{\pm}2.4%$. Most measured soils have bulk densities between 1.0 and $1.6gcm^{-3}$. To summarize the above results, Soil plough layer has been deepened in organic vegetable cultivation soils. Solid hardness (the hardness of the soil) and bulk density (suitable for the soil unit mass) have been lowered. Porosity (soil spatial content) was high such as a well known in organic farmlands. Important changes were observed in the physical properties according to the different vegetable cultivation. We have demonstrated that the physical properties of organic cultivated soils under plastic greenhouse were improved in the results of this study.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.45 no.1
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• pp.96-107
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• 2015

This study presents a comprehensive account of the flora of hydrophytes and hygrophytes on Jeju Island. This approach aims to contribute to fundamental information about the conservation of plant diversity in wetlands. Field surveys were carried out from May of 2010 to September of 2014 in various types of wetlands on Jeju Island. A total of 189 taxa, including 52 families, 98 genera, 181 species, 6 varieties, 2 forma and 189 taxa, were found. Among them, 99 taxa (38 families, 60 genera, 96 species and 3 varieties) were hydrophytes and 90 taxa (23 families, 45 genera, 85 species, 3 varieties and 2 forma) were hygrophytes. In addition, Eleocharis${\times}$yezoensis H. Hara (Cyperaceae) was newly added to the flora of Korea. The protected wild plants designated by the Ministry of the Environment were 5 taxa, including Brasenia schreberi J. F. Gmel. and Dysophylla yatabeana Makino. The endangered species found included one Critically Endangered Species (i.e., Mankyua chejuense B.-Y. Sun, M. H. Kim & C. H. Kim), 5 Endangered Species (e.g., Lysimachia leucantha Miq.) and 7 Vulnerable Species (e.g., Tillaea aquatica L.). The floristic regional indicator plants found in this area were 44 taxa comprising 10 taxa of grade V, 7 taxa grade IV, 15 taxa of grade III, 5 taxa of grade II, and 7 taxa of grade I. The identified naturalized plants were 10 taxa; 8 families, 8 genera, 9 species and 1 variety. In the wetlands on Jeju Island, high plant species diversity was shown, and a number of rare plants and phytogeographically important plants were found. For these reasons, we consider that the wetlands on Jeju Island are very important areas from a botanical point of view. It is necessary to establish specific protection and maintenance policies in an effort to conserve these wetlands and species.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.18 no.6
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• pp.939-948
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• 2008

The effects of goat's beard (Aruncus dioicus var ramtschaticus Hara) ethanol extracts (AD) on the streptozotocin-induced diabetic symptoms and oxidative stress in rats were assessed. Experimental plots were divided into normal controls (NC), diabetes controls (DM), diet with 0.3% AD after diabetes induction (SA), and diet with 0.6% AD after diabetes induction (SB), then fed for 5 weeks. In the SA and SB groups as compared with the DM group, diabetic symptoms including weight loss, increase in feed and water intake, and enlargement of the liver and kidney were improved. The levels of blood glucose and serum fructosamine were reduced by $17.9{\sim}27.2%$ and $25.6{\sim}32.6%$, respectively. The activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-cholesterol in the serum were reduced by $25.6{\sim}30.3$, $42.37{\sim}55.51$, $26.85{\sim}30.44$ and $37.29{\sim}39.11%$, respectively, whereas the level of HDL-cholesterol was increased by $37.29{\sim}39.11%$. Hepatic total (T) and O type (O) activities of xanthine oxidoreductase, O/T ratio(%) and level of lipid peroxide were significantly decreased, while the level of glutathione was increased, and also the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione S-transferase were increased by $56.84{\sim}94.90%$ and $57.14{\sim}68.92%$, respectively. In the above results, it was noted that AD has an antidiabetic effect which alleviated hyperglycemia and the AD reduced and/or prevented the tissue damage caused by diabetes yia the inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating systems concurrent with an increase in ROS scavenging.

• Journal of the Korean Applied Science and Technology
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.1487-1495
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• 2018

In this study, we investigated collagen production and hyaluronic acid production effects for wrinkle improvement test on 50 kinds of land plants and 10 kinds of marine plants native to Jeju Island as a part of developing customized cosmetic materials. Collagen and hyaluronic acid are recognized as major factors affecting skin aging. Cerastium holosteoides var. hallaisanense Mizushima extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) produced more than 190% of collagen in the extracts of 50 kinds of land plants. Vicia angustifolia var. segetilis K. Koch. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) produced more than 160% of collagen. Ftsia japonica Decne. et Planch. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Euonymus japonica Thunb. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Suaeda malacosperma H.Hara extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Elaeagnus umbelellata Thunb. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Sedum oryzifolium Makino extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Vicia unijuga A. Br. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), and Brassica juncea var. integrifolia Sinsk. extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 140% collagen production effect. Among the 10 species of marine plants, Sargassum macrocarpum C. Agardh extract ($50{\mu}g/mL$) produced more than 190% of collagen, and Carpopeltis angusta (Harvey) Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Codiumcoactum Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), and Codium tenuifolium S. Shimada, T. Tadano & J. Tanaka extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 140% collagen production. Suaeda malacosperma H.Hara extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed the effect of producing hyaluronic acid more than 140%, and Ftsia japonica Decne. et Planch. extract ($20{\mu}g/mL$) and Wistaria floribunda A.P. DC extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 130% hyalunonic acid production effect. Among the 10 species of marine plants, Peyssonnelia capensis Montagne extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) was the most effective. Carpopeltis angusta (Harvey) Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), Codiumcoactum Okamura extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$), and Codium tenuifolium S. Shimada, T. Tadano & J. Tanaka extract ($100{\mu}g/mL$) showed more than 120% hyalunonic acid production. Jeju resources, which have good collagen and hyaluronic acid production, showed the potential to be applied to solve the skin troubles of customized cosmetics in the future.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.5
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• pp.511-519
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• 2021

The Perilla frutescens var. japonica HARA is widely cultivated in Korea for vegetable leaves and oil seeds. Perilla species have been used for food and medicine and are known to contain many functional compounds. In this study, we investigated the functional compound contents of Perilla during its growth stages to analyze the optimal harvest time and conditions. The contents of the Perilla sprouts were analyzed according to culture environment and days of growth. Sprouts grown in soil under natural light conditions showed high rosmarinic acid (23.19±0.16 mg/g) and GABA (0.55±0.05 mg/g) content. Therefore, the results suggest that 6 to 8 days after sowing in soil under natural light conditions was the optimum harvest condition for sprouts. Also, the functional compounds of Perilla were analyzed according to growth stage and plant part. As a result, caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid exhibited the highest content in the stage from vegetative growth to reproductive growth (0.28±0.03 ~ 0.30±0.07 mg/g rosmarinic acid and 20.60±7.02 ~ 19.37±3.18 mg/g caffeic acid), and luteolin and GABA showed the highest content in the reproductive growth stage and in the early stages of vegetative growth, respectively (31.11±2.98 ~ 22.35±1.64 ㎍/g luteolin and 0.42±0.09 ~ 0.37±0.04 mg/g GABA). It was confirmed that the content of caffeic acid (0.34±0.03 mg/g), rosmarinic acid (55.22±9.33 mg/g) and luteolin (1,044.89±6.72 ㎍/g) was the highest during the bolting stage. Overall, we identified the timing of the highest level of functional compounds in the sprouts and mature leaves of Perilla. These results suggest a suitable harvest time and conditions for sprouts and leaves for the use of Perilla as a functional material.