• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.173-180
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• 2021

After initial reports of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in April 2020 in Europe, this disease has been known to occur in children with recent history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and most cases have been reported in Europe and the Unites States of America. We report a case of a 14-year-old girl who was diagnosed with MIS-C with acute myocarditis and successfully treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), methylprednisolone, and anakinra. At initial presentation, she had persistent high fever, generalized rash, generalized swelling, abdominal pain, and low blood pressure. She showed a remarkably elevated level of inflammation and cardiac enzyme markers and had a previous history of COVID-19 5 weeks before the initial presentation. After extensive work up, other infectious and non-infectious causes were excluded. She was diagnosed with MIS-C and initially treated with IVIG and high-dose methylprednisolone; however, despite treatment, her heart function deteriorated and coronary artery dilatation progressed. Therefore, anakinra, an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, was administered on hospital day 6, after which her cardiac function exhibited improvement. She was discharged on hospital day 19 without any symptoms, and follow-up echocardiography after 1 month revealed fully recovered heart function with normal coronary arteries.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.12
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• pp.1948-1956
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• 2022

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of selenium (Se) source and level on the physiological response, reproductive performance, serum Se level, and milk composition in gestating sows. Methods: A total of 54 multiparous sows (Yorkshire×Landrace) with average body weight (BW), backfat thickness (BF), and parity were assigned to one of five treatments with 10 or 11 sows per treatment using a 2×2 factorial arrangement with one additional treatment in a completely randomized design. Inorganic or organic Se (IS or OS) sources were added to the diet at 0.30 ppm and 0.50 ppm Se. A non-Se-fortified corn-soybean meal basal diet served as a negative control. Treatments were as follows: i) Control: corn-soybean based diet, ii) IS30: control+inorganic Se 0.30 ppm, iii) IS50: control+inorganic Se 0.50 ppm, iv) OS30: control+ organic Se ppm, and v) OS50: control+organic Se 0.50 ppm. Results: At day 21 of lactation, piglet weight and weight gain in the OS treatments were higher than those in the IS treatments (p<0.05). Meanwhile, adding 0.5 ppm Se also resulted in the same significant differences in piglet BW and weight gain (p<0.05). Colostrum and milk Se concentrations increased (p<0.05) with Se level for both Se sources but were greater when sows were fed organic Se (p<0.05). Except for 24 hours postpartum, the Se concentrations were higher when sows were fed organic Se (p<0.05). Sow serum Se content was greater as Se levels increased from 0.3 ppm to 0.5 ppm at day 110 of gestation, 24 hours postpartum and day 21 of lactation (p<0.05). The pig serum Se concentration increased as the dietary Se level increased (p<0.05) and was higher when the sow dietary Se source was organic (p<0.05). Organic Se 0.5 ppm also had the highest serum Se level at two measured points (p<0.05). Conclusion: Consequently, supplementation with organic Se or 0.5 ppm Se in a gestating diet could improve piglet performance, the Se status of sows and piglets and milk composition, but organic Se at 0.5 ppm is optimal.

• Proceedings of the Botanical Society of Korea Conference
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• 1994.09a
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• pp.29-39
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• 1994

Serious issues about the changes in the environmental conditions on earth associated with human activities have arisen, and the interest in these problems has increased. It is urgent to determine how the expansion of terrestrial UV-B radiation due to the stratospheric ozone depletion influences living matters. In this connection, we have been investigating the effects of UV-B radiation on the growth of rice cultivars (Oryza sativa L.). We report here some physiological and genetic aspects of resistance to inhibitory effects of UV-B radiation on growth of rice cultivars as described below. Elevated UV radiation containing large amount of UV-B and a small amount of UV-C inhibited the development of plant height, the photosynthetic rate and the chlorophyll content in rice plants in a phytotron. Similar results were obtained in experiments, in which elevated UV-V radiation. Similar results were obtained in experiments, in which elevated UV-B radiation (transmission down to 290 nm) was applied instead of UV-B radiation containing a small amount of UV-C. The inhibitory effects of UV radiation was alleviated by the elevated CO2 atmospheric environment or by the exposure to the high irradiance visible radiation. The latter suggested the possibility that the resistance to the effects of UV radiation was either due to a lower sensitivity to UV radiation or to a greater ability to recover from the injury caused by UV radiation through the exposure to visible radiation. The examination of cultivar differences in the resistance to UV radiation-caused injuries among 198 rice cultivars belonging to 5 Asian rice ecotypes (aus, aman, boro, bulu and tjeleh) from the Bengal region and Indonesia and to Japanese lowland and upland rice groups showed the following: Various cultivars having different sensitivities to the effects of UV radiation were involved in the same ecotype and the same group, and that the Japanese lowland rice group and the boro ecotype were more resistant. Among Japanese lowland rice cultivars, Sasanishiki (one of the leading varieties in Japan) exhibited more resistance to UV rakiation, while Norin 1 showed less resistance, although these two cultivars are closely related. It was thus indicated that the resistance to the inhibitory effects of UV radiation of rice cultivars is not simply due to the difference in the geographical situation where rice cultuvars are cultivated. Form the genetic analysis of resistance to the inhibitory effects of UV radiation on growth of rice using F2 plants generated by reciprocally crossing Sasanishiki and Norin 1 and F3 lines generated by self-fertilizing F2 plants, it was evident that the resistance to the inhibitory of elebated UV radiation in these rice plants was controlled by recessive polygenes.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.55 no.4
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• pp.368-375
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• 2022

Gut contents analysis is essential to predict the impact of organisms on food source changes due to variations of the habitat environment. Previous studies of gut content analysis have been conducted using traditional methods, such as visual observation. However, these studies are limited in analyzing food sources because of the digestive process in gut organ. DNA metabarcoding analysis is a useful method to analyze food sources by supplementing these limitations. We sampled marine fish of Pennahia argentata, Larimichthys polyactis, Crangon affinis, Loligo beka and Sepia officinalis from Gwangyang Bay and Yeosu fisheries market for analyzing gut contents by applying DNA metabarcoding analysis. 18S rRNA v9 primer was used for analyzing food source by DNA metabarcoding. Network and two-way clustering analyses characterized the relationship between organisms and food sources. As a result of comparing metabarcoding of gut contents for P. argentata between sampled from Gwangyang Bay and the fisheries market, fish and Copepoda were analyzed as common food sources. In addition, Decapoda and Copepoda were analyzed as common food sources for L. polyactis and C. affinis, respectively. Copepoda was analyzed as the primary food source for L. beka and S. officinalis. These study results demonstrated that gut contents analysis using DNA metabarcoding reflects diverse and detailed information of biological food sources in the aquatic environment. In addition, it will be possible to provide biological information in the gut to identify key food sources by applying it to the research on the food web in the ecosystem.

• Korean Journal of Plant Resources
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.133-171
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• 2023

This study was conducted to prepare basic data by analyzing the biological values and environmental factors of algific talus slope in order to respond to climate change due to the greenhouse effect, and to establish plans for forest biodiversity preserving and managing. Meteorological information was measured and the flora of vascular plants were investigated for six algific talus slope by seasonally from 2020 to 2021. As a result of the investigation, the temperature of all 6 algific talus slope was lower than that of the area where the algific talus slope was located in summer, and flora was 101 families, 350 genera, 621 species, 18 subspecies, 57 variants, 7 varieties, 703 taxa. In sum, it is judged that the algific talus slope has sufficient reasons and value to be preserved because it has excellent micrometeorological value from the cold wind blowing in summer and phytogeographical value in which various plants live in a small area. However, in spite of such an important area, the management of algific talus slope is insufficient, and the algific talus slope is damaged or the ecosystem of the algific talus slope is disturbed. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a systematic conservation and management plan by designating algific talus slope as a forest genetic resource reserve and OECM.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.42 no.2
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• pp.228-235
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• 1997

This experiments were conducted to determine the effect of allelopathy and autotoxicity in alfalfa. Among several alfalfa cultivars, the substances exudated from seven cultivars including Medicago sativa, c.v. Luna, Sparta, Magnum, Husky, Milkmaker, Challenger and Anchor inhibited the germination and seedling growth of radish, ranging from 60 to 80％. When allelopathic substances were exudated from the soil of the alfalfa-cultivated field, the increased levels of substance retarded the germination rate and seedling growth of radish and alfalfa. The inhibition rate was about 80％, compared with that of control. Thus, this study indicates that the allelopathy and autotoxicity substances of alfalfa influenced the germination and seedling growth in alfalfa itself and radish. When allelopathic substances were analysed by using gas chromatograph, several kinds of phenol compounds were detected as follows; Salicylic acid, hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid, syringic acid, coumaric acid, and ferulic acid.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.42 no.4
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• pp.276-285
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• 2022

This study evaluated the effect of lactic acid bacteria (LAB, a mixture of Enterococcus faecium and Lactobacillus plantarum) supplementation, the storage temperature, and storage period on the fermentation characteristics and in vitro ruminal digestibility of a total mixed ration (TMR). The TMR was prepared into two groups, namely, CON (control TMR without the LAB) and ML (supplementing a mixture of E. faecium and L. plantarum in the ratio of 1% and 2% (v/w), respectively). Both groups were divided and stored at 4℃ or 25℃ for 3, 7, and 14 d fermentation periods. Supplementing LAB to the TMR did not affect the chemical composition of TMR except for the lactate and acetate concentration. Storage temperatures affected (p<0.05) the chemical composition of the TMR, including pH, lactate, and acetate contents. The chemical composition of TMR was also affected (p<0.05) by the storage period. During in vitro rumen fermentation study, the ML treatment showed lower (p<0.05) dry matter digestibility at 24 h incubation with a higher pH compared to the CON. There was no difference in the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of TMR between the CON and ML treatment however, at 24 h, ML treatment showed lower (p<0.05) IVDMD with a higher pH compared to the CON. The effects of storage temperature and period on IVDMD were not apparent at 24 h incubation. In an in vivo study using Holstein steers, supplementing LAB to the basal TMR for 60 d did not differ in the final body weight and average daily gain. Likewise, the fecal microbiota did not differ between CON and ML. However, the TMR used for the present study did include a commercial yeast in CON, whereas ML did not; therefore, results were, to some extent, compromised in examining the effect of LAB. In conclusion, storage temperature and period significantly affected the TMR quality, increasing acetate and lactate concentration. However, the actual effects of LAB supplementation were equivocal.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.7
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• pp.909-914
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• 2023

While searching for the bacteria which are responsible for degradation of pesticide in soybean field soil, a novel bacterial strain, designated 5-5^T, was isolated. The cells of the strain were Gram-staining-positive, aerobic and non-motile rods. Growth occurred at 10-42℃ (optimum, 30℃), pH 5.5-9.0 (optimum, pH 7.0-7.5), and 0-2% (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 1%). The predominant fatty acids were C_15:0 anteiso, C_17:0 anteiso, and summed feature 8 (C_18:1 ω7c and/or C_18:1 ω6c). The predominant menaquinone was MK-9 (H₂). Diphosphatidylglycerol, glycolipids, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylglycerol were the major polar lipids. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain 5-5^T is a member of the genus Sinomonas and its closest relative is Sinomonas humi MUSC 117^T, sharing a genetic similarity of 98.4%. The draft genome of strain 5-5^T was 4,727,205 bp long with an N50 contig of 4,464,284 bp. Genomic DNA G+C content of strain 5-5^T was68.0 mol%. The average nucleotide identity (ANI) values between strain 5-5^T and its closest strains S. humi MUSC 117^T and S. susongensis A31^T were 87.0, and 84.3 % respectively. In silico DNA-DNA hybridization values between strain 5-5^T and its closest strains S. humi MUSC 117^T and S. susongensis A31^T were 32.5% and 27.9% respectively. Based on the ANI and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization analyses, the 5-5^T strain was considered as novel species belonging to the genus Sinomonas. On the basis of the results from phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, strain 5-5^T represents a novel speciesof the genus Sinomonas, for which the name Sinomonas terrae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 5-5^T (=KCTC 49650^T =NBRC 115790^T).

• Journal of Practical Agriculture & Fisheries Research
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.137-150
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• 2010

Traditionally, like many people in mountain region of the Himalaya, the Lwang communities depend on mix of subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and seasonal migrant labor for their livelihoods. These traditional systems are characterized by low productivity, diverse use of available natural resources (largely for home consumption), limited markets, and some aversion for innovation. The potential to generate wealth through commerce has largely been untapped by these mountain residents and thus is undervalued in local and national economies. Introduction of organic tea farming is a part of Lwang community's several initiatives to break the vicious poverty cycle Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) played facilitating roles in all their efforts since beginning. In five years, the tea plantation emerged as a new means for secured a livelihood. This study aims to analyze the current practices in tea farming both in terms of farm management and soil nutrient status(technical) and the prosperity of the tea farmers (social). The technical aspect covers the soil and tea leaf analysis of various nutrients contents in the soil and tea leaf. Originally, the technical aspect of the study was not planned but later during the consultation with the advisor it was taken into consideration which added value to the research study. The sample were collected from different locations and analyzed on the field itself. The other part of the study i.e. the social aspect was done through questionnaire survey and focus group discussion. the tea farming provided them not only a new opportunity but also earned an identity in the region. This initiative was undertaken as a piloting measure. Now that the tea is in production with processing unit established locally, more serious consideration has to be given for better yield and economic prosperity. This research finding will help the community to analyze their efforts and make correction measures in tea garden management and application of fertilizer. It is also expected to fill up the gaps of knowledge and information required to reduce economic stresses and enhance capacity of farmers to make the tea farming a sustainable and beneficial business. The findings are expected to Sustainability of organic tea farming has direct impacts on biodiversity conservation compared to the other traditional farming practices that are more resource intensive. The study will also contribute to identify key action points required for reducing poverty while conserving environment and enhancing livelihoods

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.24 no.4
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• pp.51.1-51.17
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• 2023

Background: To date, various genotypes of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) have co-circulated and in Korea, GI-15 and GI-19 lineages were prevailing. The spike protein, particularly S1 subunit, is responsible for receptor binding, contains hypervariable regions and is also responsible for the emerging of novel variants. Objective: This study aims to investigate the putative major amino acid substitutions for the variants in GI-19. Methods: The S1 sequence data of IBV isolated from 1986 to 2021 in Korea (n = 188) were analyzed. Sequence alignments were carried out using Multiple alignment using Fast Fourier Transform of Geneious prime. The phylogenetic tree was generated using MEGA-11 (ver. 11.0.10) and Bayesian analysis was performed by BEAST v1.10.4. Selective pressure was analyzed via online server Datamonkey. Highlights and visualization of putative critical amino acid were conducted by using PyMol software (version 2.3). Results: Most (93.5%) belonged to the GI-19 lineage in Korea, and the GI-19 lineage was further divided into seven subgroups: KM91-like (Clade A and B), K40/09-like, QX-like (I-IV). Positive selection was identified at nine and six residues in S1 for KM91-like and QX-like IBVs, respectively. In addition, several positive selection sites of S1-NTD were indicated to have mutations at common locations even when new clades were generated. They were all located on the lateral surface of the quaternary structure of the S1 subunits in close proximity to the receptor-binding motif (RBM), putative RBM motif and neutralizing antigenic sites in S1. Conclusions: Our results suggest RBM surrounding sites in the S1 subunit of IBV are highly susceptible to mutation by selective pressure during evolution.