Trophoblasts, in the placenta, play a role for placental development as well as implantation in the early pregnancy. The characteristics and functions of trophoblast are identified by their localization and potency for proliferation, differentiation, and invasion. Thus, inadequate trophoblast cell death induces trophoblast dysfunction resulting in abnormal placental development and several gynecological diseases. Recently, it was reported that increased immortalization-upregulated protein-2 (IMUP-2) by hypoxia influences trophoblast apoptosis. However, IMUP-2 function on autophagy, which is type II programmed cell death remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed IMUP-2 expression in trophoblast cells (HTR8-SVneo) and compared IMUP-2 effects on cell death including apoptosis and autophagy in trophoblast regardless of IMUP-2 expression. Increased IMUP-2 in trophoblast by IMUP-2 gene transfection induces cell death, especially, apoptosis increases more than autophagy (p<0.05). However, the decreased IMUP-2 in trophoblasts after siRNA treatment decreased apoptosis with the decreased activities of caspase 3 and 7. The expressions of LC3 and MDC as an autophagosome makers and phosphorylated mTOR, which is a negative regulator for autophagy, increased. In addition, the S phase of cell cycle increased in trophoblasts when IMUP-2 expression decreased. Taken together, the alteration of IMUP-2 can control the balance between apoptosis and autophagy of trophoblasts resulting in functional involvement in placental development and in gynecological diseases by regulating the function of trophoblasts.

Spontaneous perirenal hematoma is an unusual but serious complication of tumors, vascular disease, ruptured cyst, or infection. The authors report the case of a diabetic patient who presented with spontaneous perirenal hematoma and who was subsequently diagnosed to have emphysematous pyelonephritis.

Cerebral infarction is one of the leading causes of death worldwide and the most common cause of death from a singledisease in South Korea. Each year, 795,000 people in the U.S. experience a new or recurrent stroke. Approximately 15-30% of cerebral infarctions are of embolic origin related to cardiac abnormalities. Because determination of the etiology of cerebral infarction is crucial to acute management and future prevention, clinicians should pay attention to finding the cardiac source of embolism in patients with cerebral infarction. We report on a case of cerebral infarction by a small papillary fibroelastoma on the mitral valve. The patient was treated with open heart surgery and closure of the patent foramen ovale to prevent further embolic events.

Understanding the host defense mechanisms in response to brown leaf spot disease caused by Cochliobolus miyabeanus is very important for production of resistant plant. In this study, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) in conjunction with mass spectrometry was utilized to unravel changes of stress inducible proteins in rice leaves infected with C. miyabeanus. For this purpose, we firstly observed disease developmental process of C. miyabeanus in rice using trypan blue, anilin blue, acid fuchsin staining, and DAB staining for ROS detection and expressional abundance of ROS related proteins in rice leaves inoculated was confirmed by Western blotting. Proteins were extracted by PEG fractionation and their expression patterns were analyzed by 2-DGE and subjected to image analysis using the ImageMaster 6.0 2D Platinum software, resulting in the identification of 86 differentially expressed protein spots with significantly changes (p<0.05) compared with control. MALDI-TOFTOF-MS analysis revealed that 69 proteins including 42 and 27 significantly up- and down-regulated proteins, respectively, were identified. Based on gene ontology analysis, identified proteins were classified according to their functional groups: metabolism (20%), oxygen-detoxifying (13%), protein stress/defense (24%). Thus, these results for the first time suggest that differentially induced proteins may play a key role for understanding host defense mechanisms during rice -C. miyabeanus interaction.

Estrogens are ubiquitous signaling molecules that influence nearly every cell type, and exert profound effects on embryonic development, and differentiation. Wnt pathway, which recruits β-catenin into nuclei, and activates The Wnt-dependent transcription factors, also plays an important role in embryonic development and stem cell maintenance, and differentiation. Accumulating evidences indicate that potential convergence between these two pathways in carcinoma cells. However, physiological roles of estrogens in development and differentiation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are relatively unknown. Here, we demonstrated that estrogenic compounds 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and genistein (GEN) significantly increased β-catenin expression in undifferentiated hESCs cultured in feeder-free media. Interestingly, GEN treatement induced an increased trend of mesendodermal gene expressions, and significantly inhibited ectodermal gene expressions (Nestin and Pax6) in embrioid body (EB). Expectantly, GEN increased epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related gene expression (Snail2, and Twist), whereas decreased E-cadherin on day 6 of EB development. Taken together, these suggest that estrogens may in part the powerful effects on normal hESC differentiation. Mechanistic studies of estrogen signaling continue to suggest novel drug targets for stem cells and will also improve screening methods of developmental toxicity.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are of great interest for cell-based therapies and tissue engineering approaches, as these cells are capable for extensive self-renewal and display a multilineage differentiation potential. Clinical application of these cells for degenerative and age-related diseases has been accumulating. However, preparation of MSC before the onset of the diseases, it needs to develop the cryopreservation method. Most cryopreservation methods include fetal bovine serum (FBS) which is essential for effective cryopreservation. Yet it should not be used clinically because of the potential risk of infection. In the present study, we investigated whether human serum albumin (HSA), human serum (HS), and knockout serum replacement (KSR) can be used as an alternative of FBS for cryopreservation of human adipose derived stem cells (hADSC). Cells cryopreserved with 9% HSA showed much higher viability after thawing compared with cells frozen with 5% or 1% HSA. Cells cryopreserved with 90% HS or KSR exhibited greater viability than cells frozen with 25% and 5% HS or KSR, respectively. Viability of cells frozen with 9% HSA, 90% HS or 90% KSR was comparable to that with 90% FBS. Morphology and proliferation ability of these cells were not affected by cryopreservation when compared the freshly obtained cells. Cryopreserved hADSC expressed transcription factor genes including Oct3/4, Nanog, Nestin and Sox2, which are related to the self-renewal of stem cells. Flow cytometric analyses showed that both fresh and cryopreserved hADSC were positive for the antigens of HLA-ABC, CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105, CD166, and negative for HLA-DR, CD31, and CD34. Similar to fresh cells, cryopreserved hADSC could differentiate into mesodermal lineages, adipogenic, osteogenic, or chondrogenic cells. These results suggest that 9% HSA, 90% HS or 90% KSR can be used to replace FBS during successful cryopreservation of hADSC.

We previously reported that purified hepatocyte-like cells derived from human embryonic stem cell (hESC) promoted the liver tissue recovery not only by cell replacement, but also by delivering proteins (secretome) that enhance endogenous host liver regeneration. In this study, we investigated possible therapeutic effects of secretomes obtained from undifferentiated hESC and mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC), and explored the underlying mechanism in a mouse model of chronic liver injury. Mice pre-intoxicated with dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) were treated with single intraperitoneal injection of secretome or medium used to support the growth of hESCs or hMSCs. Both hESC- and MSC-secretomes induced robust host liver regeneration, as determined by biochemical and histological analyses. The expression of MMP2 was significantly increased in the liver that received hESC- or hMSC-secretome, compared to control groups. In contrast, expression of α-SMA, a hallmark of activated hepatic stellate cells, was profoundly decreased after administration of both secretomes. These results suggest that hESCs and MSCs may release soluble factors that support the host tissue regeneration of chronically injured liver.

The human eyelid adipose-derived stem cells (HEACs) are known as a candidate source for stem cell-based therapy. HEACs possess the ability to proliferate in vitro and multipotency to differentiate into adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic cells. To be used later than the time of collection, a long-term storage is needed. In this study, we investigated stem cell characteristics after cryopreservation of HEACs for 6 months and 1 year in liquid nitrogen. Frozen-thawed stem cells have shown that cumulative cell and doubling numbers were similar to those of fresh HEACs. After thawing, HEACs expressed stem cell-related genes of SCF, NANOG, OCT4, and TERT, ectoderm-related genes of NCAM and FGF5, mesoderm/endoderm-related genes of CK18 and VIM. They also consistently expressed transcripts of the immune-related genes of HLA-ABC and β2M. To induce mesodermal differentiation, cell were cultivated in adipogenic, osteogenic or chondrogenic medium for 2～3 weeks. After each differentiation culture, HEACs expressed adipocyte-, osteocyte- and chondrocytespecific genes. They were also stained with Oil red O, von Kossa, or alcian blue, revealing adipogenic, osteogenic, or chondrogenic character, respectively. The results suggest that long-term storage up to 1 year do not affect their biological properties, HEACs may be suitable for clinical application on cell-based therapies.

"Hyehwa" an Asiatic lily cultivar was released in 1998 at National Institute of Horticultural and Herbal Science (RDA), Suwon, Korea. The cross was made in 1991 between Asiatic lily "White Bird", a white colored, and "Avignon", an unspotted scarlet red colored. It was preliminarily selected as A93-20 in 1993. Its multiplication, bulbing growth and flowering characteristic tests were conducted from 1994 to 1998. A new cultivar "Hyehwa" flowers in middle of June and grows 98.7 cm in height. Flowers bloom upward-facing, thick orange (RHS, 28A). Year-round flowering is possible by storage of the bulb under -1.5℃ conditions. For forcing culture, it is necessary to add calcium to the fertilizer or remove side scales to prevent leaf scorch. Botrytis disease control is needed in the wet season.

A new spray chrysanthemum cultivar, 'Yellow PangPang' was released by National Horticultural Research Institute (NHRI), Rural Development Administration (RDA), in 2005. The cross between 'Restone' and 'Focus' was made in 2001. After evaluation for the characteristics including shading culture in summer and retarding culture in spring and consecutive selection from 2002 to 2005, final selection was made. The natural flowering time of "Yellow PangPang" is late October, but year-round flowering is possible by shading and illumination. It has pompon type flowers with yellow petals and greenish yellow flower center. It shows very strong stem hardness, especially flower neck, and excellent flower setting. The diameter of flower is 3.9 cm. The number of flowers per stem is 11.3 and the days to flower under the short day treatment is about 54 in autumn season. It has long vase life of 21 days in autumn.

A new spray chrysanthemum cultivar, 'Innocence' was released by National Horticultural Research Institute (NHRI), Rural Development Administration (RDA), in 2005. It was selected from the progenies of open pollination of 'Sei-Alps' in 2002. After evaluation for the characteristics including shading culture in summer and retarding culture in spring between 2002 and 2005, final selection was made. The natural flowering time of "Innocence" is late October, but year-round flowering is possible by shading and illumination. It has round and wide petal, single type flowers with pure white petals and yellowish green flower center. The flowers are large and volumed. The plant shows vigorous growth. The diameter of flower is 7.4 cm. The number of flowers per stem is 9.3 and number of petals per flower is 27.7. The days to flower under short day treatment is about 57 and its vase life is 19 days in autumn season.

A new spray chrysanthemum cultivar, 'Pink Pride' was released by National Horticultural Research Institute (NHRI), Rural Development Administration (RDA), in 2005. The cross between 'Grand Pink' and 'YeonJa' was made in 2001. The characteristics were investigated from 2002 to 2005 for the evaluation and selection of this variety, including shading culture in summer and retarding culture in spring. The natural flowering time of "Pink Pride" is late October, but year-round flowering is possible by shading and illumination. It has pollenless, single type flowers with pink petals and green flower center. The growth of plant is very vigorous and resistant to white rust (Puccinia horiana Henn). The diameter of flower is 6.6 cm. The number of flowers per stem is 11.7 and number of petals per flower is 27. The days to flower under short day treatment is about 56 and its vase life is 19 days in autumn season.

A new white multi-flowering gladiolus with pale greenish core “Wind Ensemble” was released by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NHRI) in 2003. A cross was made between white multi-flowering cultivar “White Nova”, which was released at the NHRI in 2002 and white line “95-24 (True Love × Madame Valdiek)”. It was crossed in 1999 and finally selected in 2003 after investigation of the characteristics for 4 years from 2000 to 2003. “Wind Ensemble” has multiple middle sized florets. This cultivar is middle flowering without stem bending. It has good production of cormlets, vigorous growth and resistant to virus, Fusarium and thrips. The width of “Wind Ensemble” flower is 11.2 cm. The plant height is 130 cm. Days to flowering of “Wind Ensemble” is average 100days in summer season.

A new bright white gladiolus “White Lace” was released by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NHRI) in 2004. A cross was made between late flowering white cultivar “White Goddess” and vigorous white cultivar “Amsterdam”. It was crossed in 1999 and finally selected in 2004 after investigation of the characteristics for 5 years from 2000 to 2004. “White Lace” has a bright white color and multi-flowering florets more than 20 florets with good simultaneous flowering more than 8 florets. This cultivar is middle flowering without stem bending. It has good production of cormlets, vigorous growth and resistant to virus, Fusarium and Thrips. The width of “White Lace” flower is 11.5 cm. The plant height is 137cm. Days to flowering of “White Lace” is average 93days in summer season.

A new bright scarlet gladiolus “Adlib Scarlet” was released by the National Horticultural Research Institute (NHRI) in 2003. A cross was made between early flowering salmon line “94-18 (Arianne×Hongkwang)” and early flowering salmon cultivar “Adlib Salmon”, which was released at the NHRI in 2000. It was crossed in 1999 and finally selected in 2003 after investigation of the characteristics for 4 years from 2000 to 2003. “Adlib Scarlet” has a multiple middle sized bright scarlet florets with good simultaneous flowering. This cultivar is early flowering and moderately resistant against virus and neck rot. It has vigorous growth without stem bending. The width of “Adlib Scarlet” flower is 10.8 cm. The plant height is 132 cm. Days to flowering of “Adlib Scarlet” is average 92days in summer season.