Background : Astilboides tabularis (Hemsl.) Engl. is a perennial herbaceous plant, distributed in the northern high mountains of the Korean peninsula and China. It is an excellent ornamental plant currently at risk of overharvesting and therefore, is designated as an endangered wild plant Class II by the Ministry of Environment. Physiological research on A. tabularis has not be reported. Therefore, in this study, using A. tabulari extracts, antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory effects were determined. Methods and Results : The antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of A. tabularis extracts were evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of A. tabularis possesses potent DPPH radical scavenging activity (2.90±0.08㎍/㎖), similar to the scavenging activity of ascorbic acid (2.19±0.06㎍/㎖), and better than the powerful antioxidant α-tocopherol (10.60±0.40㎍/㎖) as well as BHA (butylatedhydroxy anisole)(6.12±0.27㎍/㎖). The ethyl acetate fraction possessed a significantly higher concentration of total phenolic (549.70±2.72㎎GAE/g) and flavonolic content (154.58±1.04㎎QE/g). It was also found that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited high reducing power and inhibition of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species) formation. Different fractions of A. tabularis were tested for anti-inflammatory activity using LPS stimulated Raw 264.7 cells. The n-hexane and ethyl acetate fractions exhibited a high inhibitory effect on NO (Nitrite oxide) production (22.43±1.06%, 19.30±0.45%, respectively) at 200㎍/㎖ concentration. The mRNA of IL-1β, iNOS and COX-2 gene expression was decreased by treatment with the ethyl acetate fraction. These results showed that A. tabularis extracts can be used as natural substances to control inflammation. Conclusion : These result showed that A. tabularis extracts can be used in a variety of antioxidant and other functional product research and development processes as valuable natural materials.

Background : Some of invasive plants, which were introduced from foreign countries, have caused problems in Korea. Invasion of these invasive plants in the ecosystem threatens the habitat of endemic species, reducing biodiversity, and causing a disturbance in the ecological system. Hypochaeris radicata L. (Asteraceae), the most invasive plants in Korea, particularly in Jeju Island, invade farmland, and autochthonous forest, establishing monocultures and modifying the ecosystem structure. This invasive species has become a serious environmental problem because they displace the indigenous plant species. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidantive effects of ethanolic extracts from different parts (root, stem, seed and leaf) of the invasive exotic species Hypochaeris radicata L. Methods and Results : The aim of present study was to estimate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and to investigate in vitro antioxidant potential of ethanolic leaf, root, seed, and stem extracts of the Hypochaeris radicata. Antioxidant activity was assessed by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, reducing power activity, [2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] ABTS+ assay and ferrous ion chelating activity. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined and expressed in gallic acid and quercetin equivalent respectively. The results of the study indicate that the ethanolic extracts of the leaf, root, seed, and stem of H. radicata posses significant scavenging activity against DPPH (21.25% for leaf, 34.98% for root, 60.76% for seed and 45.25% for stem at 250 μg/ml each) and ABTS+ radical scavenging activity (14.85% for leaf, 17.40% for root, 35.91% for seed and 24.70% for stem at 250 μg/ml each), reducing power activity (0.178 absorbance at 300 μg/ml for leaf, 0.211 absorbance at 300 μg/ml for root, 0.447 absorbance at 300 μg/ml for seed, 0.276 absorbance at 300 μg/ml for stem). The free radical scavenging and antioxidant activities may be attributed to the presence of adequate phenolic (gallic acid content is 361.92.98 μg/g in leaf, 356.59μg/g in root, 719.72 μg/g in seed and 512.08 μg/g stem) and flavonoid compounds (219.52 μg/g in leaf, 75.67μg/g in root, 281.39 μg/g in seed and 215.66 μg/g stem). This study revealed that the ethanolic extracts of both leaf, root, seed and stem of H. radicata has demonstrated significant antioxidant activity. Conclusion : In conclusion, the present study has demonstrated that Hypochaeris radicata seed ethanol extracts are rich in phenolics and have a strong antioxidant activity and a radical-scavenging action in all of the tested methods. This suggests that Hypochaeris radicata is a good source of natural antioxidants.

Background : We studied the anti-oxidant activity and anti-inflammatory effects of Rhododendron lapponicum (L.) Wahlenb. var. parvifolium (Adams) Herder extract (RLE). Methods and Results : The RLE was prepared using methanol. The antioxidant effects of RLE was evaluated for its DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical scavenging activity, reducing power. Subsequently, using the RAW 264.7 cells, the cell viability of RLE was evaluated with or without LPS (lipopolysaccharide), and the anti-inflammatory effects of RLE was also estimated by nitric oxide (NO) and using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The extract showed antioxidant activity (DPPH free-radical scavenging activity) with RC50 value of 57.67 ㎍/㎖. The reducing power of the extract was Abs 0.77 at 250 ㎍/ ㎖. The result indicated that RLE would have significantly high anti-oxidative effects. Cell viability was determined using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. To evaluate anti-inflammatory activity, we examined the inhibitory effects on LPS-induced NO production in RAW 264.7 cells. The NO inhibition rate was 85.44% at 200 ㎍/㎖ RLE. At the same concentration, the expression of pro-inflammatory genes such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 also decreased. In RLE 50 ㎍/㎖ concentration showed the highest decrease. Conclusion : This result suggest that RLE is a novel resource for the development of foods and drugs that possess anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Also, RLE can be developed as an inflammatory agents for cosmetic bases in the future.

Background : This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of water chestnut (Trapa japonica Flerow) extract. Methods and Results : The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of 100% methanol extract of water chestnut were investigated. The methanol extract was evaluated for its total phenolic and flavonoid content, DPPH•(1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) free-radical scavenging activity,reducing power, andeffect on nitric oxide (NO) production and cell viability using real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The total phenolic content was 438.31 ㎍ allic acid equivalent (GAE)/㎎ extract and the total flavonoid content was 61.40 ㎍ quercetin equivalent (QE)/㎎ extract. In addition, results revealed the extract possessed antioxidant activity (DPPH• free-radical scavenging activity) with IC50 value of 5.28 ㎍㎖ The reducing power of the extract was assayed spectro photometrically and showed Abs of 0.71 at 100 ㎍㎖ Furthermore, extracts of water chestnut exhibited no cytotoxicity in RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, the NO assay revealed that LPS-induced NO production was significantly inhibited following treatment with water chestnut extracts. The expression of pro-inflammatory proteins such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. The water chestnut extract also decreased tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) release. Conclusion : Therefore, the present findings provide scientific evidence for the nutritional potential, chemical composition, and biological activities of Trapa japonica Flerow anddemonstrate its potential use as a functional food forapplication in the pharmaceutical industry

May-Thurner syndrome is caused by blockade of local venous flow due to local vascular intimal proliferation, caused by repeated pulsatile compression of the iliac or iliofemoral vein between the iliac artery and the lumbar spine. In this case, we confirmed May-Thurner syndrome using lower extremity computed tomographic angiography and venography. However, on venography, it was impossible to distinguish the left iliac vein from the collateral vein; a thrombus was also seen, although some of the thrombus was not seen clearly. These problems were overcome with use of intravascular ultrasound. We report on intravascular ultrasound guided treatment of May-Thurner syndrome.

May-Thurner syndrome is associated with deep vein thrombosis resulting from chronic compression of the iliac vein against the lumbar vertebrae caused by the overlying common iliac artery. Stent insertion into the compressed lesion is used in treatment of May-Thurner syndrome. Various complications can occur during angioplasty while using a stent. Among these complications, shrinkage of the vein below the stent, a rare complication, was observed in our hospital during treatment of a patient with May-Thurner syndrome. Different complications can occur when venous angioplasty is performed, unlike that when arterial angioplasty is performed.

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.

A new graft cactus (Gymnocalycium marsoneri x mihanovichii x G. mihanovichii) cultivar, 'Hwangjo' was developed from a interspecific cross between an orange colored G. marsoneri x mihanovichii breeding line '9834036', a line with characteristics of vigorous growth and stable color under the strong sun light, and an orange colored graft cactus (G. mihanovichii) breeding line 'IG177' and through line selection at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Rural Development Administration in 2005. It was developed with the aim to breed a bright and vivid orange colored cultivar. Its characteristic evaluation was conducted three times during 2003 to 2005. The color of both body and tubercle was yellow. The shape of globe was flattened round and it had 8 to 10 deep ribs. The spine was semi erect, medium sized and grayish brown color. Growth was faster than the comparison cultivar, 'Hugwang'. Propagation capability was excellent, setting 15 tubercles per globe. Characteristics of the cultivar could be maintained by vegetative propagation. Strong sun light and virus infection should be avoided.

A new graft cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) cultivar, 'Simhong' was developed from a cross between graft cactus breeding line 'Keumhong', a cultivar revealing a red colored globe with yellow colored tubercles, and a dark red line '9502052' and consecutive line selection at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Rural Development Administration in 2005. It was developed with the aim to breed a dark red cultivar. Its characteristic evaluation was conducted three times during 2003 to 2005. The color of both body and tubercle was dark red. The shape of the globe was flattened round and it had 8 to 10 deep ribs. The spine was medium sized, straight and dark brown. Its growth was faster than the comparison cultivar, 'Jinhong'. Propagation capability was excellent, setting 12 tubercles per globe. Characteristics of the cultivar could be maintained by vegetative propagation. Strong sun light and virus infection should be avoided.

A new graft cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii x G. marsoneri x mihanovichii) cultivar, 'Yeonsim' was developed from a interspecific cross between two black with pink graft cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) breeding line '9603026' and G. marsoneri x mihanovichii breeding line 'BP', a line with the characteristics of wide spacing between ribs, and vigorous growth and through line selection at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Rural Development Administration in 2005. It was developed with the aim of breeding cultivars with new colors and globe shapes. Its characteristic evaluation was conducted during 2003 to 2005. The color of both body and tubercle was pink. The shape of the globe was flattened round and it had 7 to 9 deep ribs. The spine was short, straight and brown color. Growth was faster than the comparison cultivar, 'Yeonhwa'. Propagation capability was excellent, setting 12 tubercles per globe. Characteristics of the cultivar could be maintained by vegetative propagation. Strong sun light and virus infection should be avoided.

A new graft cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii) cultivar ‘Suyeon’ was developed from a cross between two pink with black breeding lines ‘9603010’ and ‘9603026’, by line selection at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Rural Development Administration in 2005. It was developed with the aim of breeding a cultivar showing vigorous growth and multiple colors. A line ‘9603010’ was derived from a cross between a black line and a pink line. Investigation into characteristics was conducted three times from 2003 to 2005. The color of both body and tubercle was pink with black. The shape of the globe was round and it had 7 to 9 deep ribs. The spine was short and straight, and its color was brown. Growth was retarded compared to a comparative cultivar ‘Ojack’, on the other hand, showed good propagation capability, setting 11 tubercles per globe. Characteristics of the cultivar could be maintained by vegetative propagation. Growers should take care to protect them from strong sun light and virus infection.

A new kidney bean cultivar, “Noghyeob 1” was developed at the Yeongnam Agricultural Research Institute (YARI) in 2005. “Noghyeob 1” was selected from a cross between KLG50074 and KLG50063. It has determinate growth habit, white flower, green pod color, oval shape of crossed section of pod at the harvesting time for edible pod, white seed coat and middle seed size (21.1 grams per 100 seeds). The average yield of edible pod of “Noghyeob 1” was 24.25 M/T per hectare in the yield trials which were carried out at the green house in spring and autumn in 2005. It was 7 percent higher than that of the check cultivar “Kangnangkong 1”.