• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.6
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• pp.962-972
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• 2019

Non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) is one of the most frequent causes of bacterial foodborne illnesses. Considering that the main reservoir of NTS is the intestinal tract of livestock, foods of animal origin are regarded as the main vehicles of Salmonella infection. In particular, poultry colonized with Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium), a dominant serotype responsible for human infections, do not exhibit overt signs and symptoms, thereby posing a potential health risk to humans. In this study, comparative genomics approaches were applied to two S. Typhimurium strains, ST1539 and ST1120, isolated from a duck slaughterhouse and a pig farm, respectively, to characterize their virulence and antimicrobial resistance-associated genomic determinants. ST1539 containing a chromosome (4,905,039 bp; 4,403 CDSs) and a plasmid (93,876 bp; 96 CDSs) was phylogenetically distinct from other S. Typhimurium strains such as ST1120 and LT2. Compared to the ST1120 genome (previously deposited in GenBank; CP021909.1 and CP021910.1), ST1539 possesses more virulence determinants, including ST64B prophage, plasmid spv operon encoding virulence factors, genes encoding SseJ effector, Rck invasin, and biofilm-forming factors (bcf operon and pefAB). In accordance with the in silico prediction, ST1539 exhibited higher cytotoxicity against epithelial cells, better survival inside macrophage cells, and faster mice-killing activity than ST1120. However, ST1539 showed less resistance against antibiotics than ST1120, which may be attributed to the multiple resistanceassociated genes in the ST1120 chromosome. The accumulation of comparative genomics data on S. Typhimurium isolates from livestock would enrich our understanding of strategies Salmonella employs to adapt to diverse host animals.

• The Sea:JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF OCEANOGRAPHY
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.422-428
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• 2019

Fish killing dinoflagellate Cochlodinium polykrikoides has been separated into four genetically differentiated subpopulations globally based on large-subunit (LSU) ribosomal RNA gene, and two subpopulations have been found in the South Sea, Korea. In this study, distributions of the East Asia and Philippines ribotypes were surveyed in the South Sea for 3 years (2014~2016) using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The East Asia ribotype was detected in all sampling stations of the South Sea (Tongyeong~Wando) by 40~100% positives for 2014~2016, whereas the Philippines ribotype was detected in some areas of Tongyeong~Goheung by 1~2% positives for only 2016 when the Tsushima Warm Current (TWC) was particularly strengthened. These results indicate that the East Asia ribotype is the dominant subpopulation in the South Sea, also some of C. polykrikoides swimming cells might be transported from offshore to the South Sea via TWC.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.46 no.4
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• pp.346-359
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• 2018

Xanthomonas oryzae, a bacterial pathogen causing leaf blight disease (BLB) in rice, can cause widespread disease and has caused epidemics globally, resulting in severe crop losses of 50% in Asia. The pathogen is seed-borne and is transmitted through seeds. Thus, control of BLB requires the elimination of the pathogen from seeds. Concern about environment-friendly organic production has spurred improvements in a variety of biological disease control methods, including the use of bacteriophages, against bacterial plant pathogens. The present study explored the potential of bacteriophages isolated from diseased plant leaves and soil samples in killing the bacterial pathogen in rice seeds. Eight different phages were isolated and evaluated for their bacteriolytic activity against different pathogenic X. oryzae strains. Of these, a phage designated ${\varphi}XOF4$ killed all the pathogenic X. oryzae strains and showed the broadest host range. Transmission electron microscopy of ${\varphi}XOF4$ revealed it to be a tailed phage with an icosahedral head. The virus was assigned to the family Siphoviridae, order Caudovirales. Seedlings raised from the seeds treated with $1{\times}10^8pfu/ml$ of ${\varphi}XOF4$ phage displayed reduced incidence of BLB disease and complete bacterial growth inhibition. The findings indicate the potential of the ${\varphi}XOF4$ phage as a potential biological control agent against BLB disease in rice.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.811-818
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• 2018

A fire and explosion accident caused by a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) welding and cutting torch gas leak occurred 10 m underground at the site of reinforcement work for bridge columns, killing four people and seriously injuring ten. We conducted a comprehensive investigation into the accident to identify the fundamental causes of the explosion by analyzing the structure of the construction site and the properties of propane, which was the main component of LPG welding and cutting work used at the site. The range between the lower and upper explosion limits of leaking LPG for welding and cutting work was examined using Le Chatelier's formula; the behavior of LPG concentration change, which included dispersion and concentration change, was analyzed using the fire dynamic simulator (FDS). We concluded that the primary cause of the accident was combustible LPG that leaked from a welding and cutting torch and formed a explosion range between the lower and upper limits. When the LPG contacted the flame of the welding and cutting torch, LPG explosion occurred. The LPG explosion power calculation was verified by the blast effect computation program developed by the Department of Defense Explosive Safety Board (DDESB). According to the fire simulation results, we concluded that the welding and cutting torch LPG leak caused the gas explosion. This study is useful for safety management to prevent accidents caused by LPG welding and cutting work at construction sites.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.29 no.7
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• pp.817-823
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• 2019

Immune system provides defense integrity of body against external invaders. In order to accomplish the important defending role immune system is composed of many different components which are regenerated continuously during lifespan. The key components are professional killing cells such as macrophage, neutrophil, natural killer cell, and cytotoxic T cell and professional blocking molecule, antibody, which is produced by plasma cell, the terminal differentiated B cell. Immune response is orchestrated harmoniously by all these components mediated through antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells. Immune responses can be divided into two ways: innate immune response and adaptive immune response depending on induction mechanism. Aging is a broad spectrum of physiological changes. Likewise other physiological changes, the immune components and responses are wane as aging is progressing. Immune responses become decline and dysregulating, which is called immunosenescense. Immune components of both innate and adaptive immune response are affected as aging progresses leading to increased vulnerability to infectious diseases. Numbers of immune cells and amounts of soluble immune factors were decreased in aged animal models and human and also functional and structural alterations in immune system were reduced and declined. Cellular intrinsic changes were discovered as well. Recent researches focusing on aging have been enormously growing. Many advanced tools were developed to bisect aging process in multi-directions including immune system area. This review will provide a broad overview of aging-associated changes of key components of immunity.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.829-833
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• 2017

Recently, pirate incidents involving passing ships have been continuously occurring in the seas southwest of the Philippines, the Sulu Sea and the Celebes Sea. Pirates in these areas are members of the "Abu Sayyaf Group", which consists of Islamic armed rebels. They have abducted and confined 59 ship crews over the last 13 months to obtain money for group operations. The activities of these pirates, abducting and killing crews, have became a significant threat for marine security in the Sulu and Celebes Seas and for logistic activities in Asia. This study examines and analyzes 22 recent incidents in terms of ships gross tonnage, kind, nationality, incident time, location, etc. The identity of the Abu Sayyaf Group, which has been committing this piracy and represents the de facto power behind the actors responsible, is also unpacked, along with current challenges to resolving these conflicts. Finally, responses passing ships, shipping companies, related countries and the international community should make are proposed.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.29 no.9
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• pp.1401-1411
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• 2019

Mycobacterial cell walls comprise thick and diverse lipids and glycolipids that act as a permeability barrier to antibiotics or other chemical agents. The use of OH radicals from a non-thermal plasma jet (NTPJ) for the inactivation of mycobacteria in aqueous solution was adopted as a novel approach. Addition of water vapor in a nitrogen plasma jet generated OH radicals, which converted to hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) that inactivated non-pathogenic Mycobacterium smegmatis and pathogenic Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv. A stable plasma plume was obtained from a nitrogen plasma jet with 1.91 W of power, killing Escherichia coli and mycobacteria effectively, whereas addition of catalase decreased the effects of the former. Mycobacteria were more resistant than E. coli to NTPJ treatment. Plasma treatment enhanced intracellular ROS production and upregulation of genes related to ROS stress responses (thiolrelated oxidoreductases, such as SseA and DoxX, and ferric uptake regulator furA). Morphological changes of M. smegmatis and M. tuberculosis H37Rv were observed after 5 min treatment with $N_2+H_2O$ plasma, but not of pre-incubated sample with catalase. This finding indicates that the bactericidal efficacy of NTPJ is related to the toxicity of OH and $H_2O_2$ radicals in cells. Therefore, our study suggests that NTPJ treatment may effectively control pulmonary infections caused by M. tuberculosis and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) such as M. avium or M. abscessus in water.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.7
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• pp.1052-1061
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• 2019

Objective: This study was conducted to identify duck liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2) and demonstrate its antimicrobial activity against various pathogens. Methods: Tissue samples were collected from 6 to 8-week-old Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus), total RNA was extracted, and cDNA was synthesized. To confirm the duck LEAP-2 transcript expression levels, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted. Two kinds of peptides (a linear peptide and a disulfide-type peptide) were synthesized to compare the antimicrobial activity. Then, antimicrobial activity assay and fluorescence microscopic analysis were conducted to demonstrate duck LEAP-2 bactericidal activity. Results: The duck LEAP-2 peptide sequence showed high identity with those of other avian species (>85%), as well as more than 55% of identity with mammalian sequences. LEAP-2 mRNA was highly expressed in the liver with duodenum next, and then followed by lung, spleen, bursa and jejunum and was the lowest in the muscle. Both of LEAP-2 peptides efficiently killed bacteria, although the disulfide-type LEAP-2 showed more powerful bactericidal activity. Also, gram-positive bacteria was more susceptible to duck LEAP-2 than gram-negative bacteria. Using microscopy, we confirmed that LEAP-2 peptides could kill bacteria by disrupting the bacterial cell envelope. Conclusion: Duck LEAP-2 showed its antimicrobial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Disulfide bonds were important for the powerful killing effect by disrupting the bacterial cell envelope. Therefore, duck LEAP-2 can be used for effective antibiotics alternatives.

• Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.275-288
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• 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of animal carcasses treatment and quarantine management of infectious diseases of livestock, and to present the effectiveness of quarantine and follow-up management of livestock infectious diseases. Method: Actually, a livestock epidemic occurred and the burial site and burial management facility that treated livestock carcasses were visited on-site to analyze the management status and problems. Result: The burial method of livestock outbreaks of livestock infectious diseases and the long-term follow-up management accordingly requires a large amount of manpower and budget to be spent. For example, it can be seen that it is an inefficient quarantine system. Conclusion: It is necessary to review plans for the establishment of integrated livestock infectious animal carcasses treatment facilities at the level of metropolitan cities, districts, and municipalities with the government, where there is no fear of secondary infectious disease transmission and no follow-up management is required.

• Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.375-384
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• 2021

This study explored the change in keywords and topics in newspaper articles related to schizophrenia after the Gangnam murder case. The study examined newspaper articles related to schizophrenia for five years before and after the Gangnam murder case. A semantic network analysis was conducted using the NetMiner 4.4.1 program. 610 articles between 2013 and 2018 were retrieved from 8 national newsletters. The most frequent core keyword was 'treatment' before the murder case, but 'incidents' after the case. Four topics were identified: 'becoming chronic if missing the time of treatment due to prejudice', 'being curable with early treatment', 'living an ordinary life with medication', 'being indicted as a murderer while impaired by a mental disorder' before the murder case. After the case, four topics were identified: 'committing murder for delusions, not misogyny', 'medication non-adherence leads to more impulsive behavior', 'claiming leniency for criminals due to the mental impairment', 'killing the police who were mobilized to stop stabbing rampage'. These findings suggest that newspaper articles should provide accurate information about schizophrenia to reduce prejudice and stigma toward patients with schizophrenia and other forms of mental illness.