• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.11.1-11.20
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• 2022

Vibrio harveyi belongs to the Vibrio genus that causes vibriosis in marine and aquatic fish species through double-stranded DNA virus replication. In humans, around 12 Vibrio species can cause gastroenteritis (gastrointestinal illness). A large amount of virus particles can be found in the cytoplasm of infected cells, which may cause death. Despite these devastating complications, there is still no cure or vaccine for the virus. As a result, we used an immunoinformatics approach to develop a multi-epitope vaccine against most pathogenic hemolysin gene of V. harveyi. The immunodominant T- and B-cell epitopes were identified using the hemolysin protein. We developed a vaccine employing three possible epitopes: cytotoxic T-lymphocytes, helper T-lymphocytes, and linear B-lymphocyte epitopes, after thorough testing. The vaccine was developed to be antigenic, immunogenic, and non-allergenic, as well as having a better solubility. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed significant structural stiffness and binding stability. In addition, the immunological simulation generated by computer revealed that the vaccination might elicit immune reactions in the actual life after injection. Finally, using Escherichia coli K12 as a model, codon optimization yielded ideal GC content and a higher codon adaptation index value, which was then included in the cloning vector pET2+ (a). Altogether, our experiment implies that the proposed peptide vaccine might be a good option for vibriosis prophylaxis.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.38 no.3
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• pp.229-238
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• 2022

Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. niveum (Fon) is the most serious soil-borne disease in the world and has become the main limiting factor of watermelon production. Reliable and quick detection and quantification of Fon are essential in the early stages of infection for control of watermelon Fusarium wilt. Traditional detection and identification tests are laborious and cannot efficiently quantify Fon isolates. In this work, a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay has been described to accurately identify and quantify Fon in watermelon plants and soil. The FONRT-18 specific primer set which was designed based on identified specific sequence amplified a specific 172 bp band from Fon and no amplification from the other formae speciales of Fusarium oxysporum tested. The detection limits with primers were 1.26 pg/µl genomic DNA of Fon, 0.2 pg/ng total plant DNA in inoculated plant, and 50 conidia/g soil. The PCR assay could also evaluate the relationships between the disease index and Fon DNA quantity in watermelon plants and soil. The assay was further used to estimate the Fon content in soil after disinfection with CaCN₂. The real-time PCR method is rapid, accurate and reliable for monitoring and quantification analysis of Fon in watermelon plants and soil. It can be applied to the study of disease diagnosis, plant-pathogen interactions, and effective management.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.253-263
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• 2023

Purpose: Although chylous ascites is a frequent complication of radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, proper diagnostic criteria and optimal treatment strategies have not been established. This study aimed to identify the clinical features of chylous ascites and evaluate the treatment outcomes. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent radical gastrectomy between 2013 and 2019. Diagnosis was made when milky fluid or elevated triglyceride levels (≥100 mg/dL) appeared in the drains without a preceding infection. The clinical features, risk factors, and treatment outcomes were assessed according to the initial treatment modalities for fasting and non-fasting groups. Results: Among the 7,388 patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer, 156 (2.1%) experienced chylous ascites. The median length of hospital stay was longer in patients with chylous ascites than in those without (median [interquartile range]: 8.0 [6.0-12.0] vs. 6.0 [5.0-8.0], P<0.001). Low body mass index (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.9; P<0.001), advanced gastric cancer (aOR=1.51, P=0.024), open surgery (reference: laparoscopic surgery; aOR=1.87, P=0.003), and extent of surgical resection (reference: subtotal gastrectomy, total gastrectomy, aOR=1.5, P=0.029; proximal gastrectomy, aOR=2.93, P=0.002) were associated with the occurrence of chylous ascites. The fasting group (n=12) was hospitalized for a longer period than the non-fasting group (n=144) (15.0 [12.5-19.5] vs. 8.0 [6.0-10.0], P<0.001). There was no difference in grade III complication rate (16.7% vs. 4.2%, P=0.117) or readmission rate (16.7% vs. 11.1%, P=0.632) between the groups. Conclusions: A fat-controlled diet and medication without fasting provided adequate initial treatment for chylous ascites after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.43 no.5
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• pp.751-766
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• 2023

Helicobacter pylori is a bacterium that naturally thrives in acidic environments and has the potential to induce various gastrointestinal disorders in humans. The antibiotic therapy utilized for treating H. pylori can lead to undesired side effects, such as dysbiosis in the gut microbiota. The objective of our study was to explore the potential antibacterial effects of nisin and lactic acid (LA) in yogurt against H. pylori. Additionally, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of nisin and LA in human gastric (AGS) cells infected with H. pylori. Nisin and LA combination showed the strongest inhibitory activity, with confirmed synergy at 0.375 fractional inhibitory concentration index. Also, post-fermented yogurt with incorporation of nisin exhibited antibacterial effect against H. pylori. The combination of nisin and LA resulted in a significant reduction of mRNA levels of bacterial toxins of H. pylori and pro-inflammatory cytokines in AGS cells infected with H. pylori. Furthermore, this also increased bacterial membrane damage, which led to DNA and protein leakage in H. pylori. Overall, the combination of nisin and LA shows promise as an alternative therapy for H. pylori infection. Additionally, the incorporation of nisin into foods containing LA presents a potential application. Further studies, including animal research, are needed to validate these findings and explore clinical applications.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.39-46
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• 2023

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) is an acute febrile disease that mainly involves histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis in children and young adults. Diagnosis of KFD is even more difficult if image-guided percutaneous biopsy is technically challenging. We present a case of clinically diagnosed KFD in an 11-year-old boy who presented with fever, abdominal pain, and mesenteric lymphadenopathy, resulting in a diagnostic challenge. Additionally, we conducted a systematic review, and our goal was to describe the spectrum of disease, therapy, and outcomes. We identified 15 cases of KFD with symptoms that mimicked mesenteric lymphadenitis. Reports from the Americas, Europe, and Asia were also included. Most patients were male, exhibited leukopenia and elevated inflammatory markers, and recovered without significant sequelae or complications. A high index of suspicion of KFD should be maintained in children presenting with prolonged fever and unusual manifestations, such as mesenteric lymphadenitis.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF CROP SCIENCE
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• v.68 no.3
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• pp.175-187
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• 2023

Peanuts, also known as groundnuts (Arachis hypogaea L.), are globally recognized as a vital oilseed crop. Peanuts are rich in proteins (e.g., arginine), oils (e.g., oleic acid and linoleic acid), fiber, vitamins (e.g., niacin and tocopherol), and carbohydrates and are consumed worldwide. However, the presence of aflatoxin (AF) has garnered substantial attention since its initial discovery as the causative agent of Tukey's X disease in the United Kingdom in 1960. Among the 18 aflatoxins identified, aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) has the highest toxic activity and causes hepatocellular carcinoma. It is classified as Group I by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organization (WHO). The present study was conducted to evaluate aflatoxin B₁ resistance of 102 peanut accessions and select putative aflatoxin B₁-resistant peanut accessions to aflatoxin B₁. One hundred and one Korean germplasms harvested in 2020 were inoculated with A. flavus to identify aflatoxin-resistant cultivars, and the aflatoxin B₁ concentration was measured using an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detector. Twenty-six accessions with aflatoxin B₁ concentrations lower than those of the check plant 55-437 were chosen for the development of aflatoxin-resistant varieties in Korea. As Korean aflatoxin-resistant varieties have not yet been developed, the findings of the present study are expected to provide useful information for the development of aflatoxin-resistant cultivars.

• Journal of Korean Critical Care Nursing
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.99-108
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• 2023

Purpose : This retrospective study aims to provide basic data for intervention to improve clinical outcomes and identify the characteristics of the rebound hyperthermia (RHG) and non-rebound hyperthermia (NRHG) groups by checking body temperature in patients with post-cardiac arrest syndrome. Method : The study involved 118 patients who completed target temperature management (TTM) in an acute-care unit. Data were analyzed for frequency, percentages, mean, standard deviation, median, and quartiles, and compared using the chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U-test. Results : Rebound hyperthermia (RH) was observed in 74 (62.7%) patients, predominantly male (69.5%), with an average age of 64.54 ± 15.98, and a body mass index of 23.22 ± 4.75kg/m² (overweight). Hypertension (50%) was the most common co-morbidity, followed by diabetes and heart disease (33.1%). Neuron-specific enolase levels were higher in the NRHG 24, 48, and 72 hours after recovery of spontaneous circulation (p = .037, p < .001, p = .008). The APHCHE IV was also higher in the NRHG (p < .001). RH occurred 25.49 (7.28-52.96) hours after TTM completion, lasting for 2 (1-3) hours. Temperature reduction strategies included notifying doctors, administering antipyretics, and nursing intervention, with the latter being the most common at 94.6%. Half of the subjects in the RHG and 77.3% in the NRHG fell into cerebral performance categories 3, 4, and 5 (p = .003). Conclusion : RH is more likely a body mechanism related to CPR and TTM than a result of pathogenic infection. Therefore, we require an active intervention for hyperthermia, and a patient-specific nursing intervention protocol.

• Journal of Periodontal and Implant Science
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• v.54 no.1
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• pp.37-43
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• 2024

Purpose: The inflammatory response due to inflammatory cytokines, bacterial pathogens, and the altered lipoprotein metabolism in patients with periodontitis indicates that infection with periodontal anaerobic bacteria may influence atherogenesis in vitro and in vivo. We aimed to explore the effect of periodontitis concerning clinical and ultrasound markers of early atherosclerosis. Methods: In this case-control study, a total of 30 systemically healthy adults (15 with periodontitis and 15 without periodontitis) over 40 years of age were studied. Periodontitis was determined by measuring the clinical attachment level (CAL) and radiographic bone loss (RBL). Conventional cardiovascular risk factors, including body mass index, serum levels of total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG), and high-density and low-density lipoprotein (HDL and LDL, respectively) cholesterol were evaluated. Carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) was measured using ultrasonography. Results: The mean values of the CAL and carotid IMT were 5.02±0.9 mm and 0.084±0.01 cm vs. 1.6±0.61 mm and 0.072±0.02 cm in the periodontitis and healthy groups, respectively, reflecting statistically significant differences (P=0.001 and P=0.037, respectively). There were statistically significant differences in the serum levels of TCH, TG, and LDL between the 2 groups (P=0.017). The CAL and RBL were positively associated with carotid IMT and serum cholesterol levels, except for HDL, whereas tooth loss was not associated with any markers (P<0.05). Compared to the healthy group, participants with periodontitis exhibited 2.09 times higher odds (95% confidence interval, 1.22-3.59) of having subclinical atherosclerosis. Conclusions: The presence of periodontitis increased the risk of atherosclerosis.

• The Korean journal of internal medicine
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• v.39 no.1
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• pp.77-85
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• 2024

Background/Aims: There may be many predictors of anticoagulation-related gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB), but until now, systematic reviews and assessments of the certainty of the evidence have not been published. We conducted a systematic review to identify all risk factors for anticoagulant-associated GIB to inform risk prediction in the management of anticoagulation-related GIB. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to search PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases (from inception through January 21, 2022) using the following search terms: anticoagulants, heparin, warfarin, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, apixaban, DOACs, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, risk factors. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria, studies of risk factors for anticoagulation-related GIB were identified. Risk factors for anticoagulant-associated GIB were used as the outcome index of this review. Results: We included 34 studies in our analysis. For anticoagulant-associated GIB, moderate-certainty evidence showed a probable association with older age, kidney disease, concomitant use of aspirin, concomitant use of the antiplatelet agent, heart failure, myocardial infarction, hematochezia, renal failure, coronary artery disease, helicobacter pylori infection, social risk factors, alcohol use, smoking, anemia, history of sleep apnea, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, international normalized ratio (INR), obesity et al. Some of these factors are not included in current GIB risk prediction models. such as anemia, co-administration of gemfibrozil, co-administration of verapamil or diltiazem, INR, heart failure, myocardial infarction, etc. Conclusions: The study found that anemia, co-administration of gemfibrozil, co-administration of verapamil or diltiazem, INR, heart failure, myocardial infarction et al. were associated with anticoagulation-related GIB, and these factors were not in the existing prediction models. This study informs risk prediction for anticoagulant-associated GIB, it also informs guidelines for GIB prevention and future research.

• The Korean Journal of Mycology
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.41-47
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• 1985

Eighteen plant residues were added to soil and the amended soil was inoculated with chlamydospores (5,000 cells/g soil) of Fusarium solani causing root rot of ginseng in soil to test the effects of amendment using pea (Pisium sativa L.) as an index plant. Distributional conditions of microogranisms in soil were compared with each other before and after dealing with soil amendment by plant debries. Infection rate by index plant's infectivity showed a higher degree in the treatment of wheat crushed than in control group, and followed by stalk of sweet potato, chinese cabbage, ginseng leaves and soybean pod. On the other hand, the de­creasing order of infection rate was root of garlic, welsh onion, cabbage leaf and stalk, green onion stalk, wheat straw and barley straw. In comparison with control group, the propagules of fungi increased in the treatment of ginseng leaves, soybean ground, wheat crushed, maize stalk, and chinese cabbage, but decreased in the root of garlic, cabbage, and barley straw. Population of total bacteria increased in the treatment of soybean ground, chinese cabbage, radish stalk, welsh onion, and wheat crushed, but decreased in barley straw, tobaco root, ginseng stalk, and wheat straw. The numbers of actinomycetes increased only in the treatment of soybean ground in a comparison with control and also decreased in the garlic stalk and tobaco root. The propagules of Fusarium spp increased in the treatment of chinese cabbage, welsh onion, radish stalk, wheat crushed, and sweet potato stalk, wheat crushed, and sweet potato stalk, but decreased in the treat­ment of wheat straw, ginseng leaves, and cabbage than control.