• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.53 no.4
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• pp.309-316
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• 2021

Sepsis is a physiological response to a source of infection that triggers mechanisms that compromise organ function, leading to death if not treated early. Biomarkers with high sensitivity, specificity, speed, and accuracy that could differentiate sepsis from non-infectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) could bring about a revolution in sepsis treatment. Given the limitations and time required for microbial verification of pathogens, the accurate diagnosis of infection before employing antibiotic therapy is important and clinically necessary. Procalcitonin (PCT), lactate, C-reactive protein (CRP), cytokines, and proadrenomedullin (ProADM) are the common biomarkers used for diagnosis. The procalcitonin (PCT)-guided antibiotic treatment in patients with acute respiratory infections effectively reduces antibiotic exposure and side effects while improving survival rates. The evidence regarding sepsis screening in hospitalized patients is limited. Clinicians, researchers, and healthcare decision-makers should consider these findings and limitations when implementing screening tools, future research, or policy on sepsis recognition in hospitalized patients. The use of biomarkers in pediatric sepsis is promising, although such use should always be correlated with clinical evaluation. Biomarkers may also improve the prediction of mortality, especially in the early phase of sepsis, when the levels of certain pro-inflammatory cytokines and proteins are elevated.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.44 no.4
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• pp.427-436
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• 2018

In this study, we investigated anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial constituents from Daucus carota var. sativa (carrot) areal parts. For the extract and solvent fractions, the anti-inflammatory activities were examined by measuring the nitric oxide (NO) production using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Among them, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction decreased the NO level in a dose-dependent manner. To elucidate further anti-inflammatory mechanisms, EtOAc fraction was evaluated by estimating their effects on the production of prostaglandin $E_2$ and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as on the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). As a result, the EtOAc fraction was determined to inhibit the production of $PGE_2$, IL-$1{\beta}$, IL-6 and reduce the iNOS, COX-2 protein expression. Upon the anti-bacterial tests using Staphylococcus epidermidis and Propionibacterium acnes, n-hexane (Hex) and EtOAc fractions showed the most potent activities. Three phytochemicals were isolated form the EtOAc fraction; diosmetin (1), diosmin (2), cynaroside (3). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on the spectroscopic data including $^1H$ and $^{13}C$ NMR spectra, as well as comparison of the data to the literatures. Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects were studied for the isolates. All of the compounds (1 - 3) decreased the NO production, effectively. Also, compound 3 showed anti-bacterial activity on P. acnes. Based on these results, D. carota var. sativa extract could be potentially applicable as anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial ingredients in cosmetic formulations.

• The Journal of the Convergence on Culture Technology
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• v.5 no.3
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• pp.317-326
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• 2019

The present study aimed to investigate the comparative evaluation of pharmacological efficacy between sulfasalazine alone and combination with herbal medicine on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced UC in mice. Balb/c mice received 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days to induce colitis. Animals were divided into five groups (n = 9): group I-normal group, group II-DSS control group, group III-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg), group IV-DSS + sulfasalazine (60 mg/kg), group V-DSS + sulfasalazine (30 mg/kg) + Radish Extract mixture (30 mg /kg) (SRE). DSS-treated mice developed symptoms similar to those of human UC, such as severe bloody diarrhea and weight loss. SRE supplementation, as well as sulfasalazine, suppressed colonic length and mucosal inflammatory infiltration. In addition, SRE treatment significantly reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory signaling molecules through suppression both MAPK) and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-${\kappa}B$) signaling pathways, and prevented the apoptosis of colon. Moreover, SRE administration significantly led to the up-regulation of anti-oxidant enzyme including SOD and Catalase. This is the first report that Radish extract mixture combined with sulfasalazine protects against experimental UC via the inhibition of both inflammation and apoptosis, very similar to the standard-of-care sulfasalazin.

• Korean Journal of Breeding Science
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.504-509
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• 2018

A new black barley variety, "Heuksoojeongchal," was developed as a cross between "Keunalbori 1" and "Masankwamaek/Mortoni" at the National Institute of Crop Science, RDA in 2014. Heuksoojeongchal had a longer culm length (89 cm) and a later average heading date and maturity than Seodunchalbori. It also had a spike length of 5.0 cm, $543spikes/m^2$, and 54 grains/spike. The 1000-grain weight of Heuksoojeongchal (36.0 g) was heavier than that of Seodunchalbori. Heuksoojeongchal showed resistance to barley yellow mosaic virus (BaYMV). The yield potential of Heuksoojeongchal was approximately 7% higher than that of Seodunchalbori upland, but the average yield potential was similar in upland and paddy fields. Among the quality characteristics, the ${\beta}-glucan$ content (6.7%) was higher and the amylose content (5.5%) was lower than those of Seodunchalbori. The whiteness of the black barley was low, and its absorption rate and spreadability were similar to those of Seodunchalbori.

• Journal of the Korean Chemical Society
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• v.65 no.1
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• pp.15-24
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• 2021

In this study, the extract of Cinnamomum yabunikkei leaves were investigated for the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities and their active constituents were identified. In the anti-inflammatory tests using LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) without causing cell toxicity. In addition, the EtOAc fraction reduced expression of iNOS protein and production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β). Upon the anti-oxidative studies by DPPH and ABTS+ radicals, potent radical scavenging activities were observed in the EtOAc fraction. Five phytochemicals were isolated from the extract of C. yabunikkei leaves; (4S,5R)-4-hydroxy-5-isopropyl-2-methylcyclohex-2-enone (1), methoxy-(3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)ethanediol (2), afzelin (3), nicotiflorine (4) and narcissin (5). As far as we know, compounds 1-5 were isolated for the first time from this plant. In the anti-inflammatory tests for the isolates, compound 1, 3, 4 and 5 were determined to decrease NO production without causing cell toxicity. Furthermore, compound 1 reduced expression of iNOS protein and exhibited potent inhibitory activities of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). Based on these results, it was suggested that the extract and isolated compounds from C. yabunikkei leaves could be potentially applicable as natural source for pharmaceutical and/or cosmetic ingredients.

• Research in Plant Disease
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.239-249
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• 2020

To find out the cause of the fire blight outbreak in apples and pears of Korea in 2019, we investigated disease appearing situation of thirty fire blight infected orchards, and interviewed farmers to determine the cultivation characteristics. Fire blight occurred mostly in orchards that had infected more than 2 years before. The cause of this were as follows: farmers did not know the symptoms of the disease properly. It is presumed that it has spread from the first occurrence to the surrounding orchards by flower-visiting insects or farmers and to a short distance or a long distance by the same cultivator or co-farmer. These series of processes repeated in the newly spreading area, and then disease reports increased as farmers became aware of fire blight. To minimize the spread of fire blight in Korea, it suggested that thorough education of farmers for early diagnosis and quantitative detection technology that can diagnose even in no symptom showing plants. And chemical or biological spraying systems suitable for domestic cultivation methods, which are producing large fruits, and molecular epidemiological studies of pathogens.

• Journal of fish pathology
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.81-98
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• 2021

As Korea declared that the entire country is free from ISA (Infectious salmon anaemia) based on the OIE aquatic code in 2019, it is necessary to improve the import quarantine system that meets the level of ISA management in Korea. Currently, Korea imports Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout from countries which have history of ISA outbreak such as Norway and the United States, so there is a constant possibility that trade with these countries will bring ISAV (Infectious salmon anaemia virus) into Korea. Therefore, some amendments to the Aquatic Life Diseases Control Act (ALDCA) are needed to prevent the entry of ISAV into the Korea through international trade. The amendment to the ALDCA should contain a list of countries, zones or compartments that the Korean competent authority has allowed or banned imports of ISA-susceptible fish. In addition, the subordinate statutes or administrative rules of the ALDCA need to be revised so that on-site inspections/audit can be conducted for the evaluation of the ISA management system in exporting countries. After the revision of the subordinate statutes or administrative rules, it is necessary to strengthen the present import conditions in line with those that meet the level of ISA management in Korea. As for the strengthened import conditions, the competent authorities of exporting countries must export only salmonid fish produced in zones or compartments declared freedom of ISA to Korea, and must prove through lab-testing that ISAV should not be detected in the fish exporting to Korea. In addition, official veterinarians/fish health professionals of the exporting country should check the health status of the fish within 72 hours prior to export. Also, competent authorities of the exporting countries must attest that fish storage containers and water, ice and other equipment used for transportation should be cleaned and disinfected to avoid contamination with pathogens, including ISA. Therefore, the proposed measures presented here will further improve the current import condition for salmonid fish and assist decision-making on strategies to reduce the risk of ISA introduction into Korea. Also, it is expected to contribute to maintain the status of ISA-free country.

• Korean Journal of Poultry Science
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.229-235
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• 2020

Avian influenza virus infection, one of the most important diseases recognized in the poultry industry, is known to cause changes in cytokine and serum protein levels. However, the normal ranges and/or age-dependent changes in important cytokines and serum proteins associated with influenza infection have not been fully elucidated. In this study, the levels of cytokines (interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and interferon-γ) and serum proteins (vitamin D binding protein and ovotransferrin) were determined in 1-week- to 4-week-old broilers at 1-week intervals after challenge with a low pathogenic influenza virus. The results showed that the physiological levels of cytokines and serum proteins varied with aging during the 4 weeks. The levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 increased from 20% to 35% after influenza infection compared to those in the negative control group, indicating that these cytokines may be used to monitor disease progression.

• Journal of Life Science
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.574-580
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• 2021

This study investigated the pathogenicity of different genotypes of infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) strains isolated from infected rainbow trout in Gangwon Province. RtPc0314c and RtPc0314g strains belonging to the JRt-Shizuoka lineage and RtPc0816g strain belonging to the JRt-Nagano lineage showed 100% cumulative mortality when inoculated at a high titer. In addition, more rapid necrosis was observed in rainbow trout infected with RtPc0314c and RtPc0314g mutations. When inoculated at a low titer, 100% mortality was not observed until the end of the experiment, but the mortality was higher in rainbow trout infected with a mutant strain belonging to the JRt-Shizuoka linage than a mutant strain belonging to the JRt-Nagano lineage. A histopathological analysis showed a clear signature of infection in kidney and spleen tissues upon infection with RtPc0314c and RtPc0314g but no signature of infection associated with the Rt03186 strain. Based on the results in this study, it seems that strains belonging to the JRt-Shizuoka lineage in Gangwon Province IHNV are more pathogenic.

• Journal of the Korea Convergence Society
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.45-51
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• 2022

Fear of contact exists due to the prevention of the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19. When using the common entrance door of an apartment, access is possible only if the resident enters a password or obtains the resident's permission. There is the inconvenience of having to manually enter the number and password for the common entrance door to enter. Also, contactless entry is required due to COVID-19. Due to the development of ICT, users can be easily identified through the development of face recognition and voice recognition technology. The proposed method detects a visitor's face through a CCTV or camera attached to the common entrance door, recognizes the face, and identifies it as a registered resident. Then, based on the registered information of the resident, it is possible to operate without contact by interworking with the elevator on the server. In particular, if face recognition fails with a hat or mask, the visitor is identified by voice or additional authentication of the visitor is performed based on the voice message. It is possible to block the spread of contagiousness without leaving any contactless function and fingerprint information when entering and exiting the front door of an apartment house, and without the inconvenience of access.