• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.188-193
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• 2021

On March 13, 2018 two postflexion larval specimens (18.28 mm and 16.80 mm in standard length) belonging to the family Cryptacanthodidae, suborder Zoarcoidei were collected from Sokcho and Gangneung in Gangwon Province. The family Cryptacanthodidae comprises 4 species worldwide: 3 in the North Pacific Ocean and 1 in the western North Atlantic Ocean. As a result of analyzing 620 bp of the mtDNA COI region, the two postflexion larvae collected in this study were identified as Cryptacanthodes bergi by 99.5% agreement with C. bergi adult registered in NCBI. Postflexion larvae of C. bergi are compressed with large eyes and radial pectoral fins and the anus located in front of the center of the body. Melanophores were intensively distributed along the dorsal midline, except for caudal peduncle, and sporadically distributed on the back of the anus. In addition, there were limited star-like melanophores on the back of the gut. This species showed 0.058 genetic distance when compared mtDNA COI region of C. aleutensis, and it was well distinguished in the distribution pattern of black vesicles of the head, count and measurement traits. Considering the morphological and ecological characteristics of this species, we suggest a new Korean name, " Gwisin-jang-gaeng-i ".

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.35 no.2
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• pp.196-203
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• 2022

Objective: This study compared differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between groups with high and low numbers of fine marbling particles (NFMP) in the longissimus thoracis muscle (LT) of Korean cattle to understand the molecular events associated with fine marbling particle formation. Methods: The size and distribution of marbling particles in the LT were assessed with a computer image analysis method. Based on the NFMP, 10 LT samples were selected and assigned to either high- (n = 5) or low- (n = 5) NFMP groups. Using RNA sequencing, LT transcriptomic profiles were compared between the high- and low-NFMP groups. DEGs were selected at p<0.05 and |fold change| >2 and subjected to functional annotation. Results: In total, 328 DEGs were identified, with 207 up-regulated and 121 down-regulated genes in the high-NFMP group. Pathway analysis of these DEGs revealed five significant (p<0.05) Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathways; the significant terms included endocytosis (p = 0.023), protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum (p = 0.019), and adipocytokine signaling pathway (p = 0.024), which are thought to regulate adipocyte hypertrophy and hyperplasia. The expression of sirtuin4 (p<0.001) and insulin receptor substrate 2 (p = 0.043), which are associated with glucose uptake and adipocyte differentiation, was higher in the high-NFMP group than in the low-NFMP group. Conclusion: Transcriptome differences between the high- and low-NFMP groups suggest that pathways regulating adipocyte hyperplasia and hypertrophy are involved in the marbling fineness of the LT.

• Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy
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• v.52 no.2
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• pp.102-107
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• 2022

Rhododendron keiskei var. hypoglaucum (Ericaceae) was recently reported in Korea, with a disjunct distribution on the southern islands of the Korean Peninsula. Although chromosome numbers and ploidy variations are important traits in angiosperms, gaining a clear understanding the cytological features of Rhododendron has been hampered by the small size of its chromosomes. We herein report the chromosome number, karyotype structure, and genome size of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum for the first time. The chromosome number of the investigated plants was 2n = 26 with x = 13 as the base chromosome number, which is the one of the frequently encountered base chromosome numbers in Rhododendron. The karyotype of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum is composed of metacentric and submetacentric chromosomes similar in length, which ranged from 1.39 to 2.40 ㎛. The DNA 1C-value in all examined accessions was small, ranging from 0.63 to 0.65 pg, further supporting the stable genome size in Rhododendron. These comprehensive cytological results provide a framework for detailed molecular, cytogenetic, and phylogenomic analyses that can be used to interpret the slow species diversification rate in Rhododendron.

• The Korea Journal of Herbology
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• v.37 no.4
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• pp.9-16
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• 2022

Objectives : In the Korean Pharmacopoeia 12th edition (KP 12) and the Korean Herbal Pharmacopoeia (KHP), two authentic herbal medicines are described, namely Bang-gi (Cheong-pung-deung) and Mok-bang-gi, respectively. In China, Bun-bang-gi is also used as herbal medicine. This study was conducted to develop a molecular authentication tool for distinguishing the three herbal medicine used as Bang-gi, which are Sinomeni Caulis et Rhizoma (Rhizome of Sinomenium acutum), Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix (Root of Stephania terandra), and Cocculi Radix (Root of Cocculus trilobus). Methods : Twelve samples of three species (four samples of S. acutum, five samples of S. tetrandra, and three samples of C. trilobus) were collected from different habitats. The sequences of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions were obtained and comparatively analyzed to design the species-specific sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) primers. The specificity of each pair of SCAR primers that amplified species-specific amplicon was evaluated for establishing the singleplex and multiplex PCR assay tools. Results : The singleplex SCAR markers show discriminability in C. acutum, S. tetrandra, and C. trilobus. These SCAR markers were also efficiently authenticated three species in the multiplex SCAR amplification using single PCR reaction. Furthermore, these PCR assay methods were applicable to authenticate dried herbal medicines distributed in the markets. Conclusions : The SCAR markers and PCR assay tools help discriminate the three herbal medicines used as Bang-gi at the species levels and provide a reliable genetic method to prevent the inauthentic distribution of these herbal medicines.

• Journal of Forest and Environmental Science
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.110-121
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• 2022

Leaf functional traits widely have been used to understand the environmental controls of resource utilization strategy of plants along the environmental gradients. By using key leaf functional traits, we quantified the relationships between leaf traits and local climate throughout the distributional range of Rhododendron caucasicum Pall. in eastern and western Georgian mountains (the South Caucasus). Our results revealed, that all traits showed high levels of intraspecific variability across study locations and confirmed a strong phenotypic differentiation of leaf functional variation along the east-west longitudinal gradient in response to the local climate; out of the explored climatic variables, the moisture factors related to precipitation and number of precipitation and dry days for winter and growth seasons were more strongly related to leaf trait variation than the elevation and air temperature. Among studied leaf traits, the leaf specific area (SLA) showed the highest level of variability indicating the different resource utilization strategies of eastern and western-central Rh. caucasicum individuals. High SLA leaves for western-central Caucasian individuals work in relatively resource-rich environments (more humid in terms of precipitation amount and the number of precipitation days in winter) and could be explained by preferential allocation to photosynthesis and growth, while eastern Caucasian samples work in resource-poor environments (less humid in terms of precipitation amount and the number of precipitation days in winter) and the retention of captured resources is a higher priority appearing in a low SLA leaves. However, more evidence from a broader study of the species throughout its distribution range by including additional environmental factors and molecular markers are needed for firmer conclusions of intraspecific variability of Rh. caucasicum.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.938-948
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• 2022

Gastric cancers (GC) are generally malignant tumors, occurring with high incidence and threatening public health around the world. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial roles in modulating various cancers, including GC. However, the functions of circRNAs and their regulatory mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain largely unknown. This study focuses on both the role of circCOL1A2 in CRC progression as well as its downstream molecular mechanism. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blot were adopted for gene expression analysis. Functional experiments were performed to study the biological functions. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and subcellular fraction assays were employed to detect the subcellular distribution. Luciferase reporter, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), RNA pull-down, and immunofluorescence (IF) and immunoprecipitation (IP) assays were used to explore the underlying mechanisms. Our results found circCOL1A2 to be not only upregulated in GC cells, but that it also propels the migration and invasion of GC cells. CircCOL1A2 functions as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sequestering microRNA-1286 (miR-1286) to modulate ubiquitin-specific peptidase 10 (USP10), which in turn spurs the migration and invasion of GC cells by regulating RFC2. In sum, CircCOL1A2 sponges miR-1286 to promote cell invasion and migration of GC by elevating the expression of USP10 to downregulate the level of RFC2 ubiquitination. Our study offers a potential novel target for the early diagnosis and treatment of GC.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.93-98
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• 2022

To assess the feasibility of silk sericin for non-textile application, the storage stability and biological safety of sericin were examined. It was extracted at 37℃, 70℃, 100℃, and 121℃ for 1, 3, and 5 h to elucidate the effect of extraction condition on the stability and safety of silk sericin. The solubility was increased till approximately 26% with extraction temperature of 121℃ for 1 h. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed that the molecular weight distribution depended on the extraction conditions. Extracted sericin displayed typical UV absorption bands upon spectrometric analysis. To examine the reproducibility of its obtained conformation, sericin was extracted thrice and its circular dichroism (CD) spectra was measured each time. Most CD spectra showed reproducibility regardless of temperature and time except under 100℃ extraction condition. The diversity of CD spectrum showed gradual reduction and was finally coincident with extraction time from 1 to 5 h. Notably, sericin has a negative peak of approximately 200 nm attributed to random coil conformation, regardless of extraction condition. However, at the 100℃ extraction condition, sericin showed both bands to be negative bands of approximately 200 and 220 nm, respectively. Sericin was centrifuged to determine the stability of storage conditions. The sericin extracted at 100℃ and 121℃ for 1 h was found to form gel rapidly within 1 h, but at 121℃ condition, the gel fraction was approximately 20% within 1 h which retained its phase regardless of storage time. The gel fraction of sericin extracted at 100℃ for 5 h increased with time, however at the 121℃ for 5 h condition, the gel fraction was measured to be less than 10% regardless of increase in storage time. Petriflim^TM AC plates test showed that sericin was safe from aerobic bacteria activity by extraction under high temperature.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.6
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• pp.92.1-92.8
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• 2022

Background: Feline calicivirus (FCV) is widespread throughout the world. An FCV infection is associated with conjunctivitis, rhinitis, and mouth ulcers that can lead to the animal's death. Because vaccination is not always effective, it is necessary to monitor the infection regularly. Objectives: This study examined the FCV epizootic situation in the Moscow metropolitan area by conducting a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the virus isolates. Methods: Samples from 6213 animals were examined by a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. For phylogenetic analysis, 12 nucleotide sequences obtained from animal samples were selected. Sequencing was performed using the Sanger method. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using the Maximum Likelihood method. Results: The FCV genome was detected in 1,596 (25.7%) samples out of 6,213. In 2018, calicivirus was detected in 18.9% of samples, 27.8% in 2019, 21.4% in 2020, and 32.6% in 2021. Phylogenetic analysis of the F ORF2 region and the ORF3 start region led to division into two FCV genogroups. Most of the isolates (8 out of 12) were close to the Chinese strains. On the other hand, there were isolates closely related to European and American strains. The isolates circulating in Moscow were not included in clusters with vaccine strains; their nucleotide similarity varied from 77% to 83%. Conclusions: This study revealed a high prevalence and genetic diversity of the FCV in Moscow. The epizootic situation remains stably tense because 24 viruses were detected in 25% of animals annually.

• Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.54 no.6
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• pp.912-917
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• 2021

We investigated the distribution, molecular characteristics, and antimicrobial resistance of Vibrio vulnificus isolated from seawater at Gadeok Island, the Republic of Korea between June to October. Interestingly no isolates were detected between December to February. The detection rate of V. vulnificus was high (80-100%) from July to September 2019 and from June to September 2020. This coincided with the relatively low salinity of the seawater, which ranged from 7.8-29.9 practical salinity units for that period. Additionally, V. vulnificus had a high detection rate at sampling stations near the Nakdong river. The detection rates of virulence genes, such as vvhA, viuB, and vcgC, among the isolates were 97.1%, 44.1%, and 57.4% in 2019 and 100%, 43.0%, and 50.0% in 2020, respectively. Notably, viuB and vcgC were detected in V. vulnificus isolated between June to October when water temperature was above 20℃. The antimicrobial susceptibility analysis of 80 isolates revealed that most of the strains were susceptible to most antimicrobial agents. However, some isolates showed intermediate resistance to cefepime (18.8%), cefoxitin (58.8%), and erythromycin (22.5%). Of note, 3.8% of the tested strains were resistant to cefoxitin. The minimum inhibitory concentration of highly cefoxitin-resistant strains was determined to be less than 32 ㎍/mL.

• Mycobiology
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• v.49 no.6
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• pp.589-598
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• 2021

White strains of Hypsizygus marmoreus are more difficult to cultivate than are brown strains; therefore, new white strain breeding strategies are required. Accordingly, we constructed the genetic map of H. marmoreus with 1996 SNP markers on 11 linkage groups (LGs) spanning 1380.49 cM. Prior to analysis, 82 backcrossed strains (HM8 lines) were generated by mating between KMCC03106-31 and the progenies of the F1 hybrid (Hami-18 × KMCC03106-93). Using HM8, the first 23 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of yield-related traits were detected with high limit of detection (LOD) scores (1.98-9.86). The length, thickness, and hardness of the stipe were colocated on LG 1. Especially, length of stipe and thickness of stipe were highly correlated given that the correlation coefficients were negative (-0.39, p value ≤ .01). And a typical biomodal distribution was observed for lightness of the pileus and the lightness of the pileus trait belonged to the LG 8, as did traits of earliness and mycelial growth in potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. Therefore, results for color traits can be suggested that color is controlled by a multi-gene of one locus. The yield trait was highly negatively correlated with the traits for thickness of the stipe (-0.45, p value ≤ .01). Based on additive effects, the white strain was confirmed as recessive; however, traits of mycelial growth, lightness, and quality were inherited by backcrossed HM8 lines. This new genetic map, finely mapped QTLs, and the strong selection markers could be used in molecular breeding of H. marmoreus.