• Korean Journal of Environment and Ecology
• /
• v.38 no.2
• /
• pp.189-203
• /
• 2024

This study conducted a survey two times at 20 points from April to June and from August to October 2022 to characterize the fish community and reveal the health of the Anyang stream. The survey collected 3,186 individuals belonging to 5 orders, 10 families and 34 species. The dominant species was Zacco platypus (43.4%), followed by Carassius auratus (10.1%), Cyprinus carpio (7.6%), Zacco koreanus (6.2%), Pungtungia herzi (5.2%), Oryzias sinensis (5.1%), Pseudorasbora parva (4.7%), Squalidus gracilis majimae (4.4%), Rhynchocypris oxycephalus (3.5%), Hemiculter eigenmanni (3.3%), Rhodeus ocellatus (1.4%), and Chelon haematocheilus (1.0%). Among the emerged species, 5 species (14.7%), including Rhodeus uyekii, Squalidus japonicus coreanus, and Odontobutis interrupta, were endemic to Korea, and 4 species (11.8%), including Cyprinus carpio (Israeli type), Lepomis macrochirus, Micropterus salmoides, and Poecilia reticulata, were exotic. The fish community analysis showed that the dominance was higher at the upper reaches of the Anyang stream and decreased downstream, and diversity, richness, and evenness were higher in tributary than mainstream. Stream health (fish assessment index, FAI) was generally poor, as it was rated as moderate (C) at seven sites, poor (D) at eight sites, and very poor (E) at five sites. Water quality was evaluated at eight sites, and it was rated as poor (V) at two sites, slightly poor (IV) at one site, moderate (III) at four sites, and slightly good (II) at one site, indicating that the overall water quality was poor and that the water quality had a significant impact on river health and fish habitat. Moreover, it was found that many weirs without fishways were constructed in the Anyang stream and became an obstacle to fish migration. Therefore, a systematic management plan to improve water quality and add fishways is necessary to improve the stream's health and conserve stable fish habitat.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.34 no.7
• /
• pp.465-475
• /
• 2024

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum K9 is a probiotic strain that can be utilized from various bioactive substances isolated from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis larvae. In this study, a genetic analysis of L. plantarum K9 revealed the existence of a bacterial chromosome and three plasmids. The glycolysis pathway and pentose phosphate pathway were examined for their normal functioning via an analysis of the core metabolic pathways of L. plantarum K9. Since the key enzymes, fluctose-1,6-bisphospatase (EC: 3.1.3.11) and 6-phosphogluconate dehydratase (EC: 4.2.1.12)/2-keto-deoxy-6-phosphogluconate (KDPG) aldolase (EC: 4.2.1.55), of gluconeogenesis and the ED pathway were not identified from the L. plantarum K9 genome, we suggest that gluconeogenesis and the ED pathway are not performed in L. plantarum K9. Additionally, while some enzymes, related to fumarate and malate biosyntheses, involved in the TCA cycle were identified from L. plantarum K9, the enzymes associated with the remaining TCA cycle were absent, indicating that the TCA cycle cannot proceed. Meanwhile, based on our findings, we propose that the oxidative electron transport system performs class IIB-type (bd-type) electron transfer. In summary, we assert that L. plantarum K9 performs homolactic fermentation, executes gluconeogenesis and the pentose phosphate pathway, and carries out energy metabolism through the class IIB-type oxidative electron transport system. Therefore, we suggest that L. plantarum K9 has relatively high lactic acid production, and that it has excellent antibacterial activity, as a result, compared to other lactic acid bacterial strains. Moreover, we speculate that L. plantarum K9 has an oxidative electron transport capability, indicating that it is highly resistant to oxygen and suggesting that it has fine cultivation characteristics, which collectively make it highly suitable for use as a probiotic.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• v.30 no.3
• /
• pp.173-179
• /
• 2023

Complete DiGeorge syndrome (cDGS) refers to DGS with profound T cell deficiency. Herein, we present the case of an infant with cDGS suffering from refractory cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and who was treated with CD45RA+ depleted lymphocyte infusion. The patient was diagnosed with cDGS by fluorescence in situ hybridization which verified 22q11.2 deletion and as well as by the observed profound T cell deficiency (CD3+ T cells 69/μL, CD4+ T cells 7/μL). On the 45th day of age, CMV viremia was first detected with a plasma viral load (VL) of 120,000 IU/mL. Ganciclovir treatment effectively reduced VL post 56 days of treatment; however, VL subsequently rebounded. A CMV UL97 phosphotransferase M460V mutation conferring ganciclovir resistance emerged and foscarnet was incorporated. Despite this, high titers of CMV viremia (VL 2,820,000 IU/mL) and CMV retinitis were complicated. To restore T cell immunity and treat refractory CMV infection, CD45RA+ depleted CMV-specific lymphocytes from the patient's father were infused twice on the 196th and 207th days after birth. After receiving the second infusion, a decline in CMV VL was observed, with a decrease to 87,100 IU/mL by the tenth day following infusion, despite the failure in maintaining T cell increase. The patient died of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia and Elizabethkingia meningoseptica sepsis on the 222nd day after birth. CD45RA+ depleted lymphocyte infusion may be a therapeutic option for refractory CMV disease in cDGS patients.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.51 no.3
• /
• pp.280-288
• /
• 2023

In strawberry farming, most parts of strawberry stems but the fruit have been dumped. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of strawberry stems which are thrown away after farming. For this, strawberry stem extracts were obtained, using hot water and 70% ethanol. First, total polyphenol contents of the hot water and ethanol extract were checked (265.4 ± 0.12 mg TAE/100 g, 503.88 ± 0.2 mg TAE/100 g). For analysis of antioxidant activities, electron donating ability (EDA) and 2,2'-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging activity were measured. Both extracts increased in a dose-dependent fashion, and similar effects with vitamin C (control group) were confirmed. In terms of cell viability of the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems, 'RAW 264.7' was 99% or higher at 500 ㎍/ml. In addition, cell experiments were conducted at 50, 100 and 500 ㎍/ml where cell viability is above 99%. In terms of inhibition of the inflammatory mediator 'nitric oxide (NO)', the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems were 37.9% and 38.8% respectively, confirming the inhibition of NO production. To check anti-inflammatory activities, protein and mRNA expressions of 'iNOS' and 'COX-2' were measured, using RAW 264.7. Compared to the LPS group, the protein expression of the inflammatory mediators was inhibited in the hot water and ethanol extract-treated groups. The above results confirmed that the hot water and ethanol extracts of strawberry stems are valuable as natural substances with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
• /
• v.51 no.4
• /
• pp.465-473
• /
• 2023

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the bioconversion ability of single (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CBT LP3, Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis CBT SL6, Streptococcus thermophilus CBT ST3) and multi-strain probiotics to convert rutin to quercetin in roasted tartary buckwheat, and to assess their biological activities. To evaluate the bioconversion efficiency, each strain was cultured for 24 h in MRS media with 5% roasted tartary buckwheat 'Hwangguem-Miso' powder. After then, rutin and quercetin contents were determined by HPLC. Additionally, the biological activities were compared before and after bioconversion of an ingredient. Anti-oxidant effects were measured by DPPH and ABTS assays. Anti-inflammatory effects were determined by measuring NO production, and levels of iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-4 using an LPS-induced Raw 264.7 cell model. The bioconversion rate under the combination of three species of probiotics significantly increased more than single species. Antioxidant efficacy results showed the highest activity when the combination of three species of probiotics cultured. The pro-inflammatory factors such as nitric oxide, iNOS, TNF-a, and IL-6 were significantly decreased when the three types of probiotics were combined than single strain was cultured. In addition, level in the anti-inflammatory factor IL-4 was increased. The multi-strain probiotics showed increased bioconversion efficiency, effects of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compared to the single strain. These findings suggest that the fermentation of tartary buckwheat by probiotics may be a valuable candidate for developing functional foods with anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation.

• Korean Journal of Ichthyology
• /
• v.36 no.1
• /
• pp.48-57
• /
• 2024

Distribution status and extinction threat evaluation of an endangered species, Cobitis choii, were investigated from 2015 to 2019. In 2015 and 2018, we investigated past appearance sites of C. choii. In 2015, 163 individuals from nine sites were collected by surveying 19 stations. In 2018, 19 individuals from five sites were collected by surveying 22 sites. In 2019, 156 individuals from 12 sites were collected as a result of a survey of 79 sites of past appearance and potential appearance of C. choii. Appearance regions were Mihocheon (Baekgokcheon (2 sites), Chopyeongcheon (1 sites)), Gapcheon (3 sites), Yugucheon (2 sites), Jicheon (4 sites), and Geumgang mainstream (2 sites). Among these appearing regions, Baekgokcheon, Yugucheon, and Mihocheon mainstreams showed a sharp decline in population. Baekgokcheon was estimated to have a habitat change due to a project to raise the bank of Baekgok Reservoir. Yugucheon was estimated to have a habitat disturbance due to flood-induced collapse and reconstruction of weir. Mihocheon mainstream was estimated to have water pollution and habitat disturbance. On the other hand, Chopyeongcheon and Geumgang mainstream were newly habitat identified and Gapcheon was noted to show an increase in the number of individuals. After performing extinction threat evaluation, C. choii was evaluated as Endangered (EN A2ac) due to its rapid population decline (more than 50%) in its habitats of Baekgokcheon, Yugucheon, and Mihocheon based on criteria A, while it was evaluated as Vulnerable (VU B1ab (iii,v) +B2ab +B2ab (iii,v)) due to its narrow extent of occurrence (EOO, 1,735 km²) and area of occupancy (AOO, 36 km²) in 6 locations with a continuous population decline based on criteria B. Therefore, the final threat of extinction grade was evaluated as Endangered (EN A2ac). In Baekgokcheon, Yugucheon, and Mihocheon mainstream where the population has declined rapidly recently, conservation measures are urgently required to increase its population.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.83 no.2
• /
• pp.254-264
• /
• 2022

The Korean Society of Radiology and Medical Guidelines Committee amended the existing 2016 guidelines to publish the "Korean Clinical Practice Guidelines for Adverse Reactions to Iodide Contrast for Injection and Gadolinium Contrast for MRI: The Revised Clinical Consensus and Recommendations (2022 Third Edition)." Expert members recommended and approved by the Korean Society of Radiology, the Korean Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, and the Korean Nephrology Society participated together. According to the expert consensus or systematic literature review, the description of the autoinjector and connection line for the infection control while using contrast medium, the acute adverse reaction, and renal toxicity to iodized contrast medium were modified and added. We would like to introduce the revised contents.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
• /
• v.82 no.3
• /
• pp.562-574
• /
• 2021

MRI has the advantages of having excellent soft-tissue contrast and providing functional information without any harmful ionizing radiation. Although previous technical limitations restricted the use of chest MRI, recent technological advances and expansion of insurance coverage are increasing the demand for chest MRI. Recognizing the need for guidelines on appropriate use of chest MRI in Korean clinical settings, the Korean Society of Radiology has composed a development committee, working committee, and advisory committee to develop Korean chest MRI justification guidelines. Five key questions were selected and recommendations have been made with the evidence-based clinical imaging guideline adaptation methodology. Recommendations are as follows. Chest MRI can be considered in the following circumstances: for patients with incidentally found anterior mediastinal masses to exclude non-neoplastic conditions, for pneumoconiosis patients with lung masses to differentiate progressive massive fibrosis from lung cancer, and when invasion of the chest wall, vertebrae, diaphragm, or major vessels by malignant pleural mesothelioma or non-small cell lung cancer is suspected. Chest MRI without contrast enhancement or with minimal dose low-risk contrast media can be considered for pregnant women with suspected pulmonary embolism. Lastly, chest MRI is recommended for patients with pancoast tumors planned for radical surgery.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
• /
• v.37 no.1
• /
• pp.35-61
• /
• 2024

Floristic study can help to understand the current status of species diversity, evaluate and predict distribution changes of plants based on the specimens, and record the climate environment and biodiversity of the Korean Peninsula. Boraebong is an area that has plant resources of conservation value, but there is concern about artificial interference through trail and forest road. Therefore, this study aims to report the vascular plants of Boraebong based on voucher specimens and photos and to use them as baseline data to conserve biodiversity of Boraebong. Also, it will be useful to prevent additional influx of invasive species through comparison with previous studies. The investigation was carried out 11 times from April to September in 2022 and confirmed a total of 455 taxa including 87 families, 269 genera, 401 species, 13 subspecies, 35 varieties, 6 forms. In addition, we confirmed the 4 taxa of red list plants (EN 2 taxa, NT 2 taxa), 18 taxa of Korean endemic plants, and 102 taxa of floristic target species (V degree 1 taxon, IV degree 16 taxa, III degree 31 taxa, II degree 31 taxa, I degree 23 taxa). Furthermore, alien plants 17 taxa, invasive species 2 taxa, useful plants 439 taxa were confirmed in Boraebong. As the results of comparison with previous studies, 98 total taxa including 38 families, 76 genera, 86 species, 1 subspecies, 8 varieties, 3 forms were newly identified in this study.

• The Journal of Korean Society for Radiation Therapy
• /
• v.35
• /
• pp.41-51
• /
• 2023

Purpose: This study compares and analyzes the image quality of 3D-CBCT(Cone Beam Computed-Tomography) and Gated CBCT according to baseline changes during SBRT(Stereotactic Body RadioTherapy) in lung cancer patients to find a useful CBCT method for correcting movement due to breathing Materials and methods : Insert a solid tumor material with a diameter of 3 cm into the QUASAR^TM phantom. 4-Dimentional Computed-Tomography(4DCT) images were taken with a speed of the phantom at period 3 sec and a maximum amplitude of 20 mm. Using the contouring menu of the computerized treatment planning system Eclipse^TM Gross Tumor Volume was outlined on solid tumor material. Set-up the same as when acquiring a 4DCT image using Truebeam STx^TM, breathing patterns with baseline changes of 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm were input into the phantom to obtain 3D-CBCT (Spotlight, Full) and Gated-CBCT (Spotlight, Full) images five times repeatedly. The acquired images were compared with the Signal-to-Noise Ratio(SNR), Contrast-to-Noise Ratio(CNR), Tumor Volume Length, and Motion Blurring Ratio(MBR) based on the 4DCT image. Results: The average Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Contrast-to-Noise Ratio, Tumor Volume Length and Motion Blurring Ratio of Spotlight Gated CBCT images were 13.30±0.10%, 7.78±0.16%, 3.55±0.17%, 1.18±0.06%. As a result, Spotlight Gated-CBCT images according to baseline change showed better values than Spotligtht 3D-CBCT images. Also, the average Signal-to-Noise Ratio, Contrast-to-Noise Ratio, Tumor Volume Length and Motion Blurring Ratio of Full Gated CBCT images were 12.80±0.11%, 7.60±0.11%, 3.54±0.16%, 1.18±0.05%. As a result Full GatedCBCT images according to baseline change showed better values than Full 3D-CBCT images. Conclusion : Compared to 3D-CBCT images, Gated-CBCT images had better image quality according to the baseline change, and the effect of Motion Blurring Artifacts caused by breathing was small. Therefore, it is considered useful to image guided using Gated-CBCT when a baseline change occurs due to difficulty in regular breathing during SBRT that exposes high doses in a short period of time