Protoplast fusion is a useful technique for establishing fungal hybrids to overcome the natural barriers. The ultrastructure of protoplast and its fusion process were observed using a scanning electron microscopy(SEM) and a transmission electron microscopy(TEM). The protoplasts were variable in size from 0.5~15microm in diameter, and the mean diameter was about 3~5microm. It was impossible to discriminate protoplasts of Lentinula edodes from protoplasts of Coriolus versicolor by size and surface structure. Big aggregates of the dehydrated protoplasts were observed, after polyethylene glycol 4000 treatment. Nucleus, mitochondria, lipid granules and various vesicles having granules were scattered in the cytoplasm. The vesicles were heterogeneous in size and vary from one protoplast to another. The fused membrane layer of the two protoplasts was observed. Time protoplast membrane contact and reorganization of membrane components were essential condition for protoplast fusion. Transmission electron micrograph showed fused protoplasts and flattening of the cells in the area of the membrane contact. We hope that our electron microscopic observations provide some insights into the understanding of the fusion process of protoplast in fungi.
Cytoplasm ; Fungi ; Hope ; Lentinula* ; Membranes ; Mitochondria ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Protoplasts* ; Shiitake Mushrooms*

No abstract available.
Polymorphism, Genetic*

No abstract available.
Polymorphism, Genetic*

Background: In 2018, Femoral Neck System (FNS), a dedicated fixator for femoral neck fractures, was introduced. This device has been in increasing use because it provides excellent rotational and angular stability. However, the shortest bolt of FNS is 75 mm long. Thus, it is not usable when the axial length of the proximal femur (ALPF), the distance between the innominate tubercle and the surface of the femoral head, is less than 80 mm. In this study, we investigated the incidence and associated factors of small ALPF (< 80 mm) in femoral neck fracture patients. Methods: We measured the ALPF on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of 261 patients (166 women and 55 men), who were operated due to nondisplaced or impacted femoral neck fractures. The ALPF was measured on reconstructed oblique coronal images along the femoral neck. We evaluated the distribution of ALPF, calculated the incidence of small ALPF (< 80 mm), and correlated it with patient’s height, weight, body mass index, age, bone mineral density (T-score), and caput-column-diaphysis angle. Results: The ALPF ranged from 67.4 mm to 107.1 mm (mean, 88.4 mm; standard deviation, 7.2 mm). In 19 patients (8.6%, 19 / 221), the length was < 80 mm. The ALPF was strongly correlated with height (correlation coefficient = 0.707, R2 = 0.500, p < 0.001) and moderately correlated with weight (correlation coefficient = 0.551, R2 = 0.304, p < 0.001). The T-score was moderately correlated with the ALPF (correlation coefficient = 0.433, R2 = 0.187, p < 0.001). The age was moderately correlated with the ALPF (correlation coefficient = –0.353, R2 = 0.123, p < 0.001). Conclusions A considerable percentage of femoral neck fracture patients (8.6%) had small proximal femurs (ALPF < 80 mm), which cannot be operated with FNS. We recommend measuring the ALPF using reconstructed oblique coronal CT images or scaled hip radiographs: en face view of the femoral neck prior to surgery in patients with short stature and/or low body weight. If the ALPF is < 80 mm, the surgeon should prepare other fixation devices.

Background: Concern about bisphosphonate-associated subtrochanteric and femoral shaft (ST/FS) fractures has been raised. However, its real risk is still debatable, because there is no study to estimate risk and benefit of bisphosphonate. The objective of this study was to evaluate the risk of typical hip fractures and ST/FS fractures among bisphosphonate users using nationwide database. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. We evaluated occurrence of the ST/FS and femoral neck and intertrochanteric (FN/IT) fractures among female bisphosphonate new users. Incidence rate of ST/FS and FN/IT fractures were compared between long-term users (≥ 1 year) and short-term users (< 1 year). Number needed to harm (NNH) for ST/FS and number needed to treat (NNT) for typical hip fracture were analyzed. Results: Among 46,420 bisphosphonate users, we identified 14,689 long-term users and 21,840 short-term users. During the study period, 61 long-term users and 36 short-term users had ST/FS fractures, while 204 long-term users and 511 short-term users had FN/IT fractures. The long-term user showed higher incidence rate of ST/FS fractures (67.1/100,000 person-years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 50.3–83.9) comparing with 31.2/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 21.0–41.4) in the short-term users. The incidence rate of FN/IT fractures was 225.5/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 194.6–256.5) in the long-term users and 448.6/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 409.7–487.5) in the short-term users. The NNH for ST/FS was 400, while the NNT for typical hip fracture was 105. Conclusion Our study suggested that physicians keep the significant benefit of bisphosphonate to prevent typical hip fracture in mind, even the concerns about bisphosphonate-associated ST/FS fractures.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: EUS is a useful method to differentiate malignant from benign gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) and to determine resection. However, this results in unnecessary resections of benign gastric SETs. The aim of our study is 1. to investigate clinical factors that may predict malignancy in gastric SET and 2. to determine how many of them have malignant potential in resected gastric SETs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively identified 111 patients who underwent pathologic confirmation for gastric SETs by surgical (104/111, 93.6%) and endoscopic resection between February 2003 and April 2012 and analyzed the clinical, EUS findings and final pathologic diagnosis for these patients. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of EUS for SETs was 58.6% (51/87) and the rate of resection for benign SETs was 31.5% (35/111). In multivariate analysis, old age (> or =65), as well as tumor size (> or =2 cm) and location (upper or middle) were significant predictive factors for malignant potential of gastric SETs. CONCLUSIONS: One-third of endoscopic and surgical resections are performed for benign SETs. Patient's age, tumor size, and location should be considered before resection of gastric SETs. In addition, more accurate tools for histologic confirmation should be developed in order to avoid unnecessary resection.
Endosonography ; Humans ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prevalence ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach