The genus Pleurastrum is a coccoid green alga comprising 10 species worldwide. Pleurastrum exhibits simple morphology and high polymorphism, which complicates the understanding of its diversity. We examined the morphological and ultrastructural characteristics of Pleurastrum using light, confocal, and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, we performed phylogenetic analysis based on multigene sequences (nuclear SSU rDNA, 5.8S, internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region, and plastid rbcL and tufA genes) from Pleurastrum strains to report two previously unrecorded freshwater species (Pleurastrum insigne and Pleurastrum microstigmatum) in Korea. The vegetative cells were predominantly spherical, with a few being ellipsoidal, and each cell contained a chloroplast with one pyrenoid. The sporangia produced several daughter cells, while the biflagellate zoospores were ellipsoidal and motile. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that P. insigne and P. microstigmatum form well-supported monophyletic clades. Analysis of ITS2 secondary structures revealed similar patterns, with several differences in nucleotide sequences and insertions between the two species. The findings of this study expand the known distribution of Pleurastrum and enhance our understanding of its species diversity in Korea.

Exosome-like particles (ELPs) derived from natural products have attracted considerable interest for drug delivery and therapeutic applications. Mushroom-derived exosome-like particles (MELPs) are an unexplored group with significant biomedical potential. Because medicinal and edible mushrooms are rich in bioactive compounds, such as polysaccharides, proteins, and phenolic acids, it is likely that their ELPs also carry these compounds during their biogenesis. Hence, MELPs containing these beneficial compounds, which exhibit favorable characteristics such as nanosize, stability, and cellular uptake properties, should be considered a novel potential natural nanocarrier. Here, we have detailed the current understanding of MELPs in terms of their biological functions, physicochemical characteristics, molecular cargo, and isolation methods. We have also highlighted their potential applications in cancer therapy, immune modulation, inflammation, and microbiome regulation. Moreover, we have outlined the challenges and future directions for standardizing the isolation protocol to yield large-scale production and for elucidating the mechanistic pathways. As MELP research advances, it may emerge as a next-generation nanocarrier in natural therapeutics and green nanomedicine.

Esophageal perforation can be caused by Boerhaave syndrome, foreign body ingestion, trauma, operative injury, or tumors. The condition can be fatal and requires emergency treatment. In this case report, we describe an esophageal perforation following gastric calibration tube insertion during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The female patient developed an esophageal perforation after gastric calibration tube insertion during laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, even though there were no complications during the tube insertion. She had mucosal inflammation of the distal esophagus stemming from gastroesophageal reflux disease. Therefore, the perforation has occurred because the repeated adjustments of the calibration tube may have further damaged the mucosal area that was already weakened by gastroesophageal reflux disease. It is estimated that even slight mucosal inflammation can heighten the risk of esophageal perforation. We hope this report will help elucidate the causes and probability of encountering esophageal perforation due to mucosal inflammation.

본 연구는 W.B. 예이츠의 시 나는 너의 주 (“Ego Dominus Tuus”)를 분석 하여 예이츠의 핵심적인 시적 장치인 가면과 신플라톤주의 철학을 통해 자아의 분화라는 주제를 탐구한다. 신플라톤주의 철학은 물질세계를 환상으로 상정하고 이상적 영역 추구 를 강조한다. 힉과 일레의 대화는 객관성과 주관성을 동시에 드러내며, 예이츠가 자아의 이중성을 탐구하는 방식을 보여준다. 이러한 상호작용은 예이츠가 가면을 통해 물질적 한 계를 초월하여 이상적 영역에 도달하는 방식을 보여준다. 가면은 상상력을 고취하는 수단 으로서 플라톤적 또는 신플라톤적 이상에 도달하는 데 도움을 준다. 본 연구는 현실과 영 적 초월에 대한 예이츠의 철학적 성찰을 조명하고, 이 복잡한 시를 해석하는 데 필수적인 가면과 신플라톤주의 사상과 관련된 그의 시적 원리에 대한 심층적인 이해를 제공한다.