• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• 제39권4호
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• pp.409-416
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• 2023

Bacterial leaf blight of carrots caused by Xanthomonas hortorum pv. carotae (Xhc) is an important worldwide seed-borne disease. In 2012 and 2013, symptoms similar to bacterial leaf blight were found in carrot farms in Jeju Island, Korea. The phenotypic characteristics of the Korean isolation strains were similar to the type strain of Xhc. Pathogenicity showed symptoms on the 14th day after inoculation on carrot plants. Identification by genetic method was multi-position sequencing of the isolated strain JJ2001 was performed using four genes (danK, gyrB, fyuA, and rpoD). The isolated strain was confirmed to be most similar to Xhc M081. Furthermore, in order to analyze the genetic characteristics of the isolated strain, whole genome analysis was performed through the next-generation sequencing method. The draft genome size of JJ2001 is 5,443,372 bp, which contains 63.57% of G + C and has 4,547 open reading frames. Specifically, the classification of pathovar can be confirmed to be similar to that of the host lineage. Plant pathogenic factors and determinants of the majority of the secretion system are conserved in strain JJ2001. This genetic information enables detailed comparative analysis in the pathovar stage of pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, these findings provide basic data for the distribution and diagnosis of Xanthomonas hortorum pv. carotae, a major plant pathogen that infects carrots in Korea.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권3호
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• pp.39.1-39.11
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• 2024

Importance: Salmonella outbreaks linked to poultry meat have been reported continuously worldwide. Therefore, Salmonella contamination of poultry meats in slaughterhouses is one of the critical control points for reducing disease outbreaks in humans. Objective: This study examined the carry-over contamination of Salmonella species through the entire slaughtering process in South Korea. Methods: From 2018 to 2019, 1,097 samples were collected from the nine slaughterhouses distributed nationwide. One hundred and seventeen isolates of Salmonella species were identified using the invA gene-specific polymerase chain reaction, as described previously. The serotype, phylogeny, and antimicrobial resistance of isolates were examined. Results: Among the 117 isolates, 93 were serotyped into Salmonella Mbandaka (n = 36 isolates, 30.8%), Salmonella Thompson (n = 33, 28.2%), and Salmonella Infantis (n = 24, 20.5%). Interestingly, allelic profiling showed that all S. Mbandaka isolates belonged to the lineage of the sequence type (ST) 413, whereas all S. Thompson isolates were ST292. Moreover, almost all S. Thompson isolates (97.0%, 32/33 isolates) belonging to ST292 were multidrug-resistant and possessed the major virulence genes whose products are required for full virulence. Both serotypes were distributed widely throughout the slaughtering process. Pulsed-field gel electrophoretic analysis demonstrated that seven S. Infantis showed 100% identities in their phylogenetic relatedness, indicating that they were sequentially transmitted along the slaughtering processes. Conclusions and Relevance: This study provides more evidence of the carry-over transmission of Salmonella species during the slaughtering processes. ST292 S. Thompson is a potential pathogenic clone of Salmonella species possibly associated with foodborne outbreaks in South Korea.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제24권1호
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• pp.9.1-9.21
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• 2024

The cytokine IL-7 plays critical and nonredundant roles in T cell immunity so that the abundance and availability of IL-7 act as key regulatory mechanisms in T cell immunity. Importantly, IL-7 is not produced by T cells themselves but primarily by non-lymphoid lineage stromal cells and epithelial cells that are limited in their numbers. Thus, T cells depend on cell extrinsic IL-7, and the amount of in vivo IL-7 is considered a major factor in maximizing and maintaining the number of T cells in peripheral tissues. Moreover, IL-7 provides metabolic cues and promotes the survival of both naïve and memory T cells. Thus, IL-7 is also essential for the functional fitness of T cells. In this regard, there has been an extensive effort trying to increase the protein abundance of IL-7 in vivo, with the aim to augment T cell immunity and harness T cell functions in anti-tumor responses. Such approaches started under experimental animal models, but they recently culminated into clinical studies, with striking effects in re-establishing T cell immunity in immunocompromised patients, as well as boosting anti-tumor effects. Depending on the design, glycosylation, and the structure of recombinantly engineered IL-7 proteins and their mimetics, recombinant IL-7 molecules have shown dramatic differences in their stability, efficacy, cellular effects, and overall immune functions. The current review is aimed to summarize the past and present efforts in the field that led to clinical trials, and to highlight the therapeutical significance of IL-7 biology as a master regulator of T cell immunity.

• International Journal of Stem Cells
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• 제16권2호
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• pp.145-155
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• 2023

Background and Objectives: Embryologically, mesodermal development is closely related to the development of various organs such as muscles, blood vessels, and hearts, which are the main organs that make up the body. However, treatment for mesoderm developmental disorders caused by congenital or acquired factors has so far relied on surgery and drug treatment for symptom relief, and more fundamentally, treatment for mesoderm developmental disorders is needed. Methods and Results: In our study, microRNA (miRNA), which plays an important role in the mesoderm development process, was identified and the developmental function was evaluated. miRNAs consist of small nucleotides, which act as transcription factors that bind to the 3' untranslated region and suppressed target gene expression. We constructed the human embryonic stem cell (hESC) knockout cell line and analyzed the function and characteristics of miR-5739, which plays an important role in mesoderm lineage. miR-5739 acts as a transcription factor targeting SMA, Brachyury T, Hand1, which controls muscle proliferation and differentiation, and KDR gene, which regulates vessel formation in vitro. In vivo results suggest a role in regulating muscle proliferation and differentiation. Gene ontology analysis confirmed that the miR-5739 is closely related to genes that regulate muscle and vessel proliferation and differentiation. Importantly, abnormal expression of miR-5739 was detected in somatic cells derived from patients with congenital muscle disease. Conclusions: Our study demonstrate that miR-5739 gene function significantly affects transcriptional circuits that regulate muscle and vascular differentiation during embryonic development.

• 한국균학회지
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• 제51권3호
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• pp.179-190
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• 2023

Grapevine downy mildew, caused by Plasmopara viticola, significantly damages vineyards and is one of the most devastating diseases affecting cultivated grapes worldwide. In this study, we characterized the phenotypic and molecular traits of 11 P. viticola isolates from four grape-growing regions in South Korea. Additionally, we investigated the diversity of pathogenicity among these isolates and conducted an assay to evaluate the response of grape cultivars to P. viticola infection. Lemon-shaped sporangia were identified in the collected isolates, which released zoospores into the suspension at room temperature. Within a few hours of inoculation, the zoospores developed germ tubes. We tested 11 P. viticola isolates for pathogenicity in 845 grape cultivars to screen for grape host resistance to downy mildew infection. Among the tested isolates, JN-9 showed the highest virulence. Grape cultivars displayed varying phenotypic reactions to P. viticola infection: approximately 7% were highly susceptible, 41% were susceptible, 20% were moderately susceptible, 8% were resistant, and 24% exhibited extreme resistance. Phylogenetic analysis based on four genomic regions (internal transcribed spacer 1 [ITS1], actin, beta-tubulin, and cytochrome c oxidase II) revealed a close evolutionary relationship among all the Korean isolates, forming a single monophyletic lineage. Notably, these isolates showed greater similarity to European isolates than to American isolates. This comprehensive study contributes to a deeper understanding of the identity and behavior of P. viticola, which is crucial for developing effective resistance strategies against this pathogen in grape cultivars cultivated in South Korea.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• 제25권4호
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• pp.45.1-45.12
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• 2024

Importance: Although the role of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) in calf diarrhea and respiratory disorders is well documented, its contribution to neurological diseases is unclear. Objective: This study conducted virological investigations of calves showing diarrhea and respiratory and neurological signs. Methods: An outbreak of diarrhea, respiratory, and neurological disorders occurred among the 12 calves in July 2022 in Istanbul, Türkiye. Two of these calves exhibited neurological signs and died a few days after the appearance of symptoms. One of these calves was necropsied and analyzed using molecular and histopathological tests. Results: BCoV RNA was detected in the brain, lung, spleen, liver, and intestine of the calf that had neurological signs by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Immunostaining was also observed in the intestine and brain. A 622 bp S1 gene product was noted on gel electrophoresis only in the brain. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the BCoV detected in this study had a high proximity to the BCoV strain GIb with 99.19% nucleotide sequence homology to the strains detected in Poland, Israel, Türkiye, and France. No distinct genetic lineages were observed when the brain isolate was compared with the respiratory and enteric strains reported to GenBank. In addition, the highest identity (98,72%) was obtained with the HECV 4408 and L07748 strains of human coronaviruses. Conclusions and Relevance: The strain detected in a calf brain belongs to the GIb-European lineage and shares high sequence homology with BCoV strains detected in Europe and Israel. In addition, the similarity between the human coronaviruses (4408 and L07748) raises questions about the zoonotic potential of the strains detected in this study.

• Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• 제48권3호
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• pp.405-415
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• 2024

Background: Hypersaline environments (> 40 practical salinity units [PSU]) represent some of the most extreme conditions on Earth, supporting a variety of halophilic and halotolerant bacteria, archaea, and protists. The taxon Heterolobosea includes numerous halophilic protists, making it a valuable model for studying eukaryotic adaptation to high salinity. Particularly, the genus Pharyngomonas, a deep-branching lineage within Heterolobosea, comprises mainly obligate halophiles, providing insights into early protist adaptations in hypersaline environments. Additionally, these protozoa play crucial ecological roles as grazers of bacteria and archaea, and are prey for higher trophic levels in hypersaline environments. Results: In the present study, two previously reported amoeboflagellates were isolated for the first time from hypersaline waters (~300 PSU) in two solar salterns in the Republic of Korea. Microscopic observations revealed that both strains exhibited the characteristic morphologies of Pharyngomonas, including amoeboid, flagellate, and cyst forms. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of their 18S rRNA gene sequences confirmed their close relationship to known Pharyngomonas kirbyi strains. The two strains demonstrated growth within a salinity range of 75-200 PSU, with optimal growth observed at 75-100 PSU, confirming their status as true halophiles. All known P. kirbyi strains are obligate halophiles, exhibiting a clear instance of adaptive radiation of halophilic eukaryotes. Additionally, the genus Pharyngomonas has been found in hypersaline environments across multiple continents (Asia, Europe, North America, Australia, and Africa), suggesting that it plays an ecologically significant role as a grazer of prokaryotes or prey for higher trophic levels in these habitats. Conclusions: On the bases of morphological and molecular analyses, two strains identified as P. kirbyi were isolated and characterized for the first time from solar salterns in the Republic of Korea. This discovery highlights the presence and adaptation of halophilic eukaryotes in such extreme environments. The confirmation of these strains as obligate halophiles provides additional evidence for the adaptive radiation of halophilic eukaryotes. Furthermore, the ecological role of Pharyngomonas species underscores their importance as trophic regulators in hypersaline ecosystems. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the diversity, adaptation, and ecological functions of halophilic eukaryotes in extreme environments.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제52권9호
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• pp.1015-1020
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• 2009

목 적 : 알레르기 환자와 정상인에서 형질세포양 수지상세포의 분포, TLR9 mRNA 양과 $IFN-{\alpha}$의 분비능에 차이가 있는지 알아보고자 하였다. 방 법 : 19명의 알레르기 환자와 17명의 건강한 성인을 대상으로 하였다. 말초혈액단핵세포를 채취하여 Lineage Cocktail(CD3, CD14, CD16, CD19, CD20, CD56)음성, HLA-DR 양성이면서 CD123양성을 유세포 분석기로 분석하였다. 말초혈액단핵세포에 TLR9 작용제(agonists)인 CpG-ODN 2216과 음성 대조를 위해 CpG-ODN 2206으로 자극하고 24시간 후 상청액을 추출하여 $IFN-{\alpha}$의 농도를 측정하였다. 또한 real time RT-PCR을 이용하여 TLR9 mRNA 정량분석을 시행하였다. 결 과 : 말초혈액단핵세포에서 형질세포양 수지상세포의 분포는 알레르기 환자가 평균 $0.1{\pm}0.04%$, 대조군이 평균 $0.25{\pm}0.23%$이었다. TLR9 mRNA 상대적인 양을 나타내는 ${\Delta}{\Delta}Ct$는 알레르기 환자에서 $1.29{\pm}0.41$이었고 대조군은 $1.25{\pm}0.23$이었다. TLR9 리간드인 CpG-ODN 2216 자극에 따른 $IFN-{\alpha}$의 분비능은 알레르기 환자에서 $911{\pm}829pg/mL$ 이었고 대조군에서 $1,095{\pm}888pg/mL$ 이었다. 이 세 결과에서 통계적인 차이는 없었다. 결 론 : TLR9을 통한 신호전달이 알레르기 환자의 면역반응을 대표하지는 않는 것으로 보이며, 향후 더 자세한 TLR9의 역할에 대한 연구가 필요하다.

• 한국환경생태학회지
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• 제29권5호
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• pp.693-702
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• 2015

동절기에 제주도 지역에서 도래하는 떼까마귀의 유전적 특성과 집단 간 유연관계를 구명하기 위해, 미토콘드리아 COI 유전자 서열의 다형성에 기반한 모계 계통 구조와 계통 유연관계를 분석하였다. 떼까마귀 DNA는 우도와 제주도 내에서 발견된 깃털과 사체 시료에서 분리하였다. 결정된 COI 서열들(n=41)은 떼까마귀(Corvus frugilegus)에서 기존에 보고된 서열들과 97.0% 이상 일치하였다. 제주도 떼까마귀 COI 서열들은 3가지 haplotype(J01-J03)으로 구분되었으나 지역-특이적인 양상을 보이지 않아, 이들이 하나의 모계 기원에서 유래한 집단임을 알 수 있었다. 떼까마귀 전체 COI 서열에서 8개의 COI haplotype들이 발견되었다. 이 중 3가지 haplotype들은 러시아 동부, 몽골, 한국 등 동북아시아의 COI 서열들을 포함하였고, 나머지 5가지는 중앙아시아, 중동아시아, 러시아 서부, 유럽국가의 떼까마귀에서 발견되었다. 계통수 상에서 떼까마귀의 COI 서열들은 측소적 종분화 단계인 2아종, C. f. frugilegus와 C. f. pastinator인 2개의 모계 계통으로 뚜렷하게 구분되었다. DNA barcoding 분석을 통한 연구결과는 모계 계통의 구조, 계통 유연관계 및 분자생태를 이해하는 데 중요한 정보를 제공할 것이다.

• 대순사상논총
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• 제30집
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• pp.235-270
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• 2018

도수(度數)라는 용어가 증산(甑山) 강일순(姜一淳, 1871~1909)에 의해 종교적으로 재해석되어 '세상을 다스리는 법칙'이라는 의미로 사용되었다. 특히 도수는 새롭게 열릴 후천(後天)을 지배할 새로운 법도라는 뜻으로 사용되어 이른바 그의 천지공사(天地公事)에서 중요하게 부각되었다. 그리고 증산의 계시(啓示)를 받아 무극도(無極道)와 태극도(太極道)라는 새로운 종교운동을 일으킨 정산(鼎山) 조철제(趙哲濟, 1895~1958)는 증산이 사용했던 도수에 "이상향을 이루기 위한 모든 종교적 행위"라는 보다 확대된 의미를 부여하였다. 한국종교사에서 도수라는 용어는 조선 말기에 출현한 종교적 천재였던 증산 강일순에 의해 새롭게 해석되었고, 도수사상의 맥(脈)은 정산 조철제가 창교한 무극도와 태극도에 면면히 이어졌으며, 훗날 박한경(朴漢慶, 1917~1996)이 1969년에 세운 대순진리회(大巡眞理會)로 발전적으로 계승되었다. 도수사상은 증산이 자신이 바로 상제(上帝)라는 종교적 자각에서 비롯되었고, "이제 선천상극(先天相克)의 도수를 후천상생(後天相生)의 도수로 바꾼다."는 종교적 선언에서 형성되었다. 증산이 강조한 것은 도수의 가변성(可變性)이다. 인간이 결코 벗어날 수 없는 운명의 굴레처럼 정해지고 강요된 우주의 질서와 법칙은 없다는 것이 증산의 생각이다. 선천으로 규정된 낡고 지나간 세상에서 도수는 '정해진 법칙과 규범'으로 인정되었다면, 이제 다가오는 후천을 맞아 증산은 스스로 상제의 권위와 능력으로 선천의 도수를 후천의 도수로 뜯어고쳐 새로 결정했다고 믿어진다. 정산은 일생에 걸쳐 매우 많은 도수를 보았다. 증산이 행했던 도수는 비교적 그 수가 적은데 비해, 증산의 사상을 이어받은 정산은 거의 모든 그의 종교적 행위에 도수라는 이름을 붙였다. 증산의 도수가 정산에 의해 더욱 확대되고 외연이 넓혀졌다.