The objective of this study was to determine the ultrasonication-assisted extraction conditions that maximize the DPPH radical scavenging activity of extracts obtained from the stems of Lespedeza bicolor Turcz through the application of the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Before delving into the analysis of extraction conditions using the RSM model, we conducted efficiency validation of ultrasonication-assisted extraction and executed single-factor experiments for ethanol concentration, extraction time, and extraction temperature. The data obtained from these single-factor experiments were employed to construct the Box-Behnken Design (BBD). In these results, in the single-factor experiments, it was evident that the parameters for ethanol concentration, extraction time, and extraction temperature exhibited quadratic trends. The single-factor experiments allowed us to discern the trends for each parameter leading to the maximum antioxidant capacity, and this data was subsequently applied to the BBD. Following the completion of initial experiments, a Response Surface Methodology (RSM) model was constructed based on Box-Behnken Design (BBD). According to the predictive model developed in this study, it was anticipated that performing ultrasonic-assisted extraction for 85.0412 minutes at an ethanol concentration of 32.573% and an extraction temperature of 51.5608°C will result in a DPPH radical scavenging activity of 79.7146%. The predictive results were statistically verified through a comparative analysis with actual measurements and ANOVA analysis, confirming the statistical significance of the model. The finding of this study underscore the significance of optimizing extraction conditions in the precise quantification of the antioxidant potential for economic advantages in both experimental and industrial contexts.

Background: Individuals with pes planus tend to overuse the extrinsic foot muscles, such as the tibialis anterior (TA) and peroneus longus (PL), to compensate for the weakened intrinsic foot muscles, such as the abductor hallucis (AbdH). Furthermore, differences in weight-bearing can affect the activity of muscles in both the intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscles. To date, no study has compared the effects of the short foot exercise (SFE) and toe spread-out exercise (TSO) on intrinsic and extrinsic foot muscle activity and the corresponding ratios in different weight-bearing positions. Objects: To compare the effects of the SFE and TSO on AbdH, TA, and PL activity and the AbdH/TA and AbdH/PL activity ratios in the sitting and standing positions in individuals with pes planus. Methods: Twenty participants with pes planus were recruited. Surface electromyography was used to assess the amplitudes of AbdH, TA, and PL activity. Participants performed both exercises while adopting both the sitting and standing positions. Results: No significant interaction between exercise and position was found regarding the activity of any muscle or ratio of the activity, except for PL activity. We observed a significant increase in AbdH activity during the TSO compared to the SFE, and no significant difference in TA and PL activity between the two exercises. AbdH, TA, and PL activity were significantly higher in the standing position than in the sitting position. Furthermore, the AbdH/PL activity ratio significantly increased in the sitting position, although there was a significant increase in AbdH activity in the standing position. Conclusion: In individuals with pes planus, we recommend performing the TSO in the sitting position, which may increase the activity of the AbdH while concurrently decreasing the activity of the TA and PL, thus strengthening the AbdH.

Background: The serratus anterior (SA) is a muscle that performs protraction of the scapulothoracic joint and plays a role in stabilizing the scapula. Imbalances or weaknesses in SA activation are associated with a variety of shoulder dysfunctions, making selective SA strengthening important for rehabilitation. Objects: We aimed to compare the muscle activation of the pectoralis major (PM), SA, external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) during the push-up plus (PUP) exercise with isometric hip adduction (HA) and abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM). Methods: Nineteen healthy male participants performed three PUP exercises: standard PUP, PUP with ADIM, and PUP with HA. Surface electromyography was used to measure and analyze the muscle activity for PM, SA, EO, and IO. Results: PUP with HA showed the lowest PM activity and highest SA activity, and no significant difference was observed between PUP and PUP with ADIM. PUP with ADIM showed significantly the highest EO and IO activity, followed by PUP with HA and PUP. Additionally, PUP with HA showed the lowest PM/SA ratio, and no significant difference was noted between PUP and PUP with ADIM. Conclusion: PUP with HA was able to show high SA muscle activity while reducing PM muscle activity. In addition, PUP with HA can lead to higher EO and IO muscle activity than standard PUP. This exercise could be used as a practical exercise method to selectively strengthen SA and improve scapular muscle stability during early shoulder rehabilitation.

Background: Lateral instability of the ankle is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal ankle injuries. The peroneus longus (PL) and peroneus brevis (PB) contribute to ankle stability. In early rehabilitation, isometric exercises have been selected for improvement of ankle stability. To effectively train the peroneal muscles during eversion, it is important to consider ankle and body posture. Objects: This study aimed to compare activation of the PL, PB, and biceps femoris (BF) muscles during eversion in different ankle postures (neutral [N], plantarflexed [PF]) and body postures (sitting and side-lying). Methods: Thirty healthy individuals with no history of lateral ankle sprains within the last 6 months were included in the study. Maximal isometric strength of eversion and muscle activation were measured simultaneously. Muscle activation at submaximal eversion was divided by the highest value obtained from maximal isometric eversion among the four postures (percent maximal voluntary isometric contraction [%MVIC]). To examine the differences in muscle activation depending on posture, a 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. Results: There were significant interaction effects of ankle and body postures on PL muscle activation and evertor strength (p < 0.05). The PL muscle activation showed a significantly greater difference in the side-lying and PF conditions than in the sitting and N conditions (p < 0.05). Evertor strength was greater in the N compared to the PF condition regardless of body posture (p < 0.05). In the case of PB and BF muscle activation, only the main effects of ankle and body posture were observed (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Among the four postures, the side-lying-PF posture produced the highest muscle activation. The side-lying-PF posture may be preferred for effective peroneal muscle exercises, even when considering the BF muscle.

Background: Sleep accounts for approximately one-third of a person’s lifetime. It is a relaxing activity that relieves mental and physical fatigue. Pillows of different sizes, shapes, and materials have been designed to improve sleep quality by achieving an optimal sleep posture. Objects: This study aimed to determine which pillow provides the most comfortable and supports the head and neck during sleep, which may enhance sleep quality. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy adults (19 males and 9 females) with an average age of 29 years participated in this cross-sectional study. This experiment was conducted while the participants laid down for 5 minutes in four different pillow conditions: (1) no pillow (NP), (2) neck support foam pillow (NSFP), (3) standard microfiber filled pillow (SFP), and (4) hybrid foam pillow (HFP). The head-neck peak pressure, cranio-vertebral angle in supine (CVAs), cranio-horizontal angle in supine (CHAs), chin-sternum distance (CSD), and muscle tone of sternocleidomastoid were analyzed using one-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: The head-neck peak pressure was the highest in the NSFP condition, followed by the NP, SFP, and HFP conditions. The CVAs, CHAs, and CSD of the SFP were lower than those of the other pillows. Muscle tone was the highest in the NP condition, followed by the of NSFP, HFP, and SFP conditions. The participants subjective comfort level in both the supine and side-lying postures was highest in the HFP condition, followed by the SFP and NSFP conditions. Conclusion: This study can be used to establish the importance of pillow selection for highquality sleep. The results of this study, suggest that a hybrid pillow with a good supportive core and appropriate fluffiness can maintain comfort and correct cervical spine alignment during sleep.

The balloon flower (Platycodon grandiflorum A. DC.) is a medicinal and perennial flowering plant. Jangback is an important white-flower type balloon flower cultivar registered in South Korea, but no molecular marker was available to differentiate it from other white-flower lines. Therefore, we evaluated five P. grandiflorum white-flower lines and identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) derived from the chloroplast TrnL-F genomic sequence that specifically differentiated Jangback from the other four genotypes. Cultivar identification was achieved by detecting allelic variations of the SNP using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) analysis and high resolution melting (HRM) curve analysis. The present study describes a rapid and reliable method to authenticate the medicinally and economically valuable white-flower Jangback cultivar. Our results indicate that the plastid TrnL-F region provides for marker assisted identification and selection in intraspecific polymorphism studies, thereby the identified SNP marker provides a robust tool along with ARMS-PCR and HRM curve analysis for rapid and efficient identification of the medicinally valuable Jangback cultivar.

Background: Using wearable passive back-support exoskeletons in workplace has attracted attention as devices that support the posture of workers, enhance their physical capabilities, and reduce physical risk factors. Objects: This study aimed to investigate the effect of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton on the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks at various heights. Methods: Twenty healthy adult males were selected as subjects. Electromyography (EMG) was used to assess the activity of the erector spinae muscles while performing lifting tasks at three distinct heights (30, 40, and 50 cm), with and without the application of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton. EMG data were gathered before and after the application of the orthosis. Results: The use of the Wearable Passive Back Support Exoskeleton resulted in a significant decrease in muscle activity when lifting a 10 kg object from heights of 30 and 40 cm (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in muscle activity when lifting from a height of 50 cm compared with that at lower heights (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of a wearable passive back-support exoskeleton led to a decrease in the activity of the erector spinae muscles during lifting tasks, irrespective of the object's height. Our results suggest that the orthosis we tested may help decrease risk of lower back injuries during lifting.

Hymenoptera is one of the most important pollinators for many crops and wild plants in Korea. Many species visit in flowers for acquirement energy source of adults, and especially bees need pollen for rearing larvae. So, bees forage on flowers more than other insects. In 2023, specice number of bees in Korea is 308 species under 6 families, 38genera. However, many bees as like bumblebees are reduced rapidly because of climate change to warm, habitat destruction as like urbanization and pestcide abuse as like Neonicotinate. For example, in Gwangreung forests there were 6 species records : Bombus ignitus, B. ardens, B. koreanus, B. ussuriensis, B. atripes and B. opulantus. But, in 2023 we could find only two species Bombus ignitus and B. ardens. Bees need protection of Habitat, healthe, and food plants by human.

Pollination is an important ecosystem service mostly provided by diversity of pollinating insects and other animals. As in the anthropocene biodiversity crisis with the climate change, pollination systems are experiencing strongly challenged such as pollinator diversity and abundance decline, pollinator health weakness, pollinator-plant network instability as well as the crop-pollinator habitat fragmentation and insuitability. Here we present some research progress conducted from our group in the last decade. As the pollination dependence of Korean agriculture increases, pollination contribute ap. one forth of national agricultural production, and is responsible substantial portion of vitamin and mineral provisioning. Pollinator diversity is declining in various crop systems and network connectivity is decreasing. Still in agricultural landscape, honeybee (Apis spp) is the main pollinator, accounting ap. 70% of bees, and showed the possible resource partitioning between the native, A. cerana and the introduced, A. mellifera. Simulation of crop-pollinating insect distribution suitability showed up and down directional responses, but more on the negative Further research area for better understanding and stabilizing the plant-pollinator system was proposed.

Ecdysteroids were first discovered in silkworm larvae in 1954 and are known to act as molting hormones in insects. Recently, biologically active phytoecdysone has gained increasing interest as it affects many physiological functions in mammals and has been reported to have a wide range of pharmacological properties such as protein synthesis and anticancer. 20-Hydroxyecdysone is a class of ecdysteroids commonly found in plants and animals and is known to stimulate antibody formation in humans, reduce cholesterol levels, and exert anabolic and blood sugar-lowering effects. In order to determine the content of 20-Hydroxyecdysone in Achyranthes japonica (roots) and Protaetia brevitarsis (larvae), which are known to have related benefits, we wanted to confirm their value as medicinal ingredients. The results of the analysis showed 0.0389 ug/g for Protaetia brevitarsis and 4.36 ug/g for Achyranthes japonica. These results confirm that plants secrete high concentrations of ecdysteroids to prevent insect damage, and are expected to be used as a basis for future research on the extraction of 20-Hydroxyecdysone for biological control and pharmacological use.

말라리아는 Anopheles 모기들에 의해 전파되며, 대한민국에서는 코로나 팬데믹 기간 동안(2020~2022) 약 200~300명대의 말라리아 환자가 발생하였으나, 지난 2023년에는 그 수가 폭증해 약 800명의 환자가 발생하였다. 현재까지 모기를 방제하기 위한 가장 효율적인 수단은 살충제를 사용한 방제이나, 지속적으로 이러한 화합물에 노출된 모기 개체군은 살충제에 저항성을 갖게 되는 것으로 알려져 있다. 이에 본 연구에서는 대한민국의 주요 말라리아 발생 지역인 비무장지대 부근 및 이외 지역인 용산, 평택, 오산에서 채집을 진행하였으며, 채집된 An. sinensis에 대해서 살충제 저항성과 관련되어 있다고 알려진 유전자인 acetylcholinesterase-1(ace-1)와 voltage-gated sodium channel(vgsc) 영역에 대한 저항성 돌연변이 보유 여부를 각각 확인하였다. 실험 결과 채집된 모든 지역에서 G119S(ace-1), L1014F,C(vgsc) 돌연변이가 발견되었으며, 그 빈도는 계절과 장소에 따라 차이를 나타내었다. 본 실험 결과는 향후 말라리아 감염 억제를 위한 매개체 연구에 활용될 수 있을 것으로 기대된다.

수염풍뎅이(Polyphylla laticollis manchurica)는 과거에는 흔히 발견되었으나, 1970년대 이후 한반도 내 개체수 가 급격히 감소하여 2005년 환경부에 의해 멸종위기 야생생물 Ⅰ급으로 지정되었다. 또한 해당종의 분자생물학적 연구는 멸종위기종이라는 특성으로 인해 제한적으로 진행되었다. 그로 인해 NCBI 등 공공 데이터베이스에서 제공되는 서열정보들 또한 부족한 실정이다. 이 연구는 이러한 한계를 극복하고 수염풍뎅이의 유전적 특성을 규명하기 위해 생물정보학적 기술을 활용하여 전사체 분석을 진행하였다. Illumina HiSeq 2500 플랫폼을 사용하여 53,433,048개의 RNA reads를 얻었으며, Trinity와 TGICL을 이용한 De novo 어셈블리 분석을 통해 18,172개의 unigenes를 생성하였다. 생성된 unigenes는 GO, KOG, KEGG, PANM DB를 활용하여 annotation을 진행하였다. 그 결과, GO 분석에서는 ‘binding and catalytic activities’와 관련된 항목이 높은 발현을 보였으며, KOG 분석의 경우 ‘Cellular Processes and Signals’ 범주가 높은 비율을 나타내었다. KEGG 분석을 통해 2,118개의 unigenes가 metabolic 카테고리에 annotation된 것을 확인하였다. SSR 모티프 분석에서는 AT/AT (42.90%) 모티프, AAT/ATT (13.13%) 모티프 순으로 많이 나타나는 것을 확인하였다. 이 연구를 통해 분석한 결과 들을 이용하여 유전자원 및 종 정보를 실시간 제공 및 정보 공유가 가능하도록 Database 및 web-interface를 구축하 였으며, 이러한 자료들은 국내 멸종위기종인 수염풍뎅이의 고유한 유전적 특성을 발굴 및 확보할 수 있는 기반자 료로써 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료된다.

장내 미생물 군집은 소화 과정, 면역 시스템, 질병 발생 등 숙주의 다양한 면에 광범위한 영향을 주는 것으로 알려져 있으며, 주요 장내 미생물 종은 숙주의 생리 기능에 핵심적인 역할을 수행한다고 발표된 바 있다. 곤충의 장내 미생물 군집에 관한 연구가 최근 활발히 이루어지고 있으며, 이들 연구는 주로 장내 미생물 군집과 기생충, 병원체 간의 상호작용, 종간의 신호 전달 네트워크, 먹이의 소화 과정 등을 중심으로 이루어지고 있다. 이러한 연구들은 대부분 Illumina MiSeq을 활용하여 16S rRNA 유전자의 V1부터 V9 영역 중 선택된 특정 부분을 대상으로 짧은 서열 정보를 대상으로 진행되었다. 그러나, 최근에는 PacBio HiFi 기술이 상용화되면서 16S rRNA의 전장 분석이 가능할 수 있게 되었다. 이번 연구는 장수말벌(Vespa mandarinia)의 해부를 통해 gut과 carcass 부분을 분리한 뒤, 각 샘플을 Illumina MiSeq과 PacBio HiFi 기술을 활용하여 미생물 군집 간의 차이점을 확인하기 위하여 수행되었다.

Haemaphysalis longicornis는 사람과 동물에게 여러 심각한 병원체를 전달하는 주요 매개체로, 한반도에 널리 분포하고 있다. H. longicornis는 Rickettsia spp., Borrelia spp., Francisella spp., Coxiella spp., 그리고 중증열성혈소판 감소증후군 바이러스 (SFTS virus) 등을 매개하는 것으로 알려져 있다. 국내에 서식하는 H. longicornis의 미생물 군집과 관련된 연구는 많이 진행되지 않은 것으로 확인되었다. 이 연구는 한반도 내 다양한 지역에서 채집된 H. longicornis의 미생물군집 다양성을 지역별, 성장 단계 및 성별에 따라 분석하였다. 2019년 6월부터 7월까지 질병관리청 권역별기후변화매개체감시거점센터 16개 지역에서 채집한 H. longicornis의 16S rRNA 유전자 V3-V4 영역을 PCR로 증폭 후 Illumina MiSeq 플랫폼으로 시퀀싱하였다. Qiime2를 활용한 미생물 다양성 분석을 통해 총 46개의 샘플에서 1,754,418개의 non-chimeric reads를 얻었으며, 평균 126개 의 operating taxonmic unit (OTU) 을 식별하여 총 1,398개의 OTU를 확인하였다. 대부분의 지역에서 Coxiella spp.가 우점종으로 나타났으며, 특히 Coxiella endosymbiont는 가장 높은 우점도를 보이며, Coxiella burnetii와 계통 발생 학적으로 유사한 것으로 확인되었다. 이 연구를 통해 분석된 결과는 각 지역의 H. longicornis 미생물군집 데이터 베이스 구축에 활용되었으며, 이를 통해 지역별 미생물군집의 특이성을 식별할 수 있게 하였다. 이는 한반도의 H. longicornis에 의한 질병 전파 연구와 이를 통한 공중보건 개선에 기여할 것으로 기대된다.

최근 하천 환경 개선을 위한 노력과 연속성확보의 일환으로 인공구조물에 대한 철거 정책이 시행되고 있으나, 인공구조물 철거가 하천 환경에 미치는 장기적인 영향에 대해서는 명확하게 알려지지 않았다. 이에 본 연구는 하천 내 인공구조물 철거의 장기적인 영향을 분석하고, 지속 가능한 하천 관리 방안을 모색하기 위해 수행되었다. 설악산에 위치한 가는고래골의 인공구조물을 대상으로 2021년 8월부터 2023년 10월까지 8회에 걸쳐 조사한 결과, 조사기간동안 총 3문 3강 8목 11과 85종이 출현하였다. 총 출현종수는 보의 철거 전(총 44종)과 비교하여 철거직후(43종) 다소 감소하였으나, 이후 점진적으로 증가(2022년 56종, 2023년 64종)하였으며, 특히 절지동물 문에 해당하는 분류군의 증가가 확인되었다. 인공구조물과의 거리에 따른 출현종수는 구조물과 가까울수록 종수가 현저히 감소하였으며, 이격될수록 종수가 증가하였다. 장기적인 조사결과 인공구조물과 이격되어 있는 정점부터 점진적인 종수의 안정화가 확인되었으며, 인공구조물 철거지점과 가까운 지점에서는 지속적인 하상 변화가 관찰되고 회복이 느렸다. 이에 인공구조물 철거 후, 빠른 회복을 위해서는 초기 주변환경을 고려한 서식환 경의 조성 및 관리에 관한 추가적인 연구가 필요할 것으로 보인다.

This study presents the results of mosquito surveillance monitoring in Chungnam Province from 2017 to 2020. A total of 130,750 mosquitoes were collected, and we analyze variations of mosquito populations with emphasis on the most abundant species. We also provide the field survey data based on the different habitats in Chungnam Province.

In the study, a variation of Haemaphysalis longicornis, a major vector of fever-causing conditions, was statistically analyzed to identify the spatial and climatic factors affecting the time-dependent variations of its population. The survey occurred in different habitats in South Korea. In addition, we developed a predictive model by using a probability function to find the peak occurrence time annually. As a result, the numbers of adults and nymphs were found to be related to temperature and relative humidity and their population peaked at the end of May in all habitats except deciduous forests. This study is expected to provide information on habitat types, times, and climate patterns that require attention to help control H. longicornis populations.

2003년 국내에 침입한 외래종 등검은말벌(Vespa velutina nigrithorax)은 현재 남한 전체에 확산된 상태이며 이들로 인한 사회 경제적 피해는 지속적으로 증가하고 있다. 따라서 이들을 방제하기 위한 다양한 방법이 시도되 고 있으나 그 효과는 대부분 미미한 상황이다. 그러나 최근 생물학적 방제에 대한 관심이 집중되는 상황에서 외래종 등검은말벌에 대한 새로운 포식자 2종이 발견되어 이를 보고하고자 한다. 2023년 8월 11일 전북 무주군 적상면 일대에서 오소리 배설물 조사 중 배설물 속에 다량의 말벌 사체가 발견되었고 분석 결과 10여개체의 등검 은말벌로 나타났다. 이는 일반적으로 땅벌류를 주로 포식하는 오소리가 대형 말벌류를 포식하는 첫 기록이다. 또한 2023년 12월 10일 안동 일대에서 등검은말벌 벌집 조사를 하던 중 벌집에 10여 마리의 직박구리가 벌집 외피를 깨고 내부에 있는 애벌레와 성충들을 포식하는 장면이 관찰되면서 벌매에 이어 새로운 조류 포식자를 기록한다.

외래종 등검은말벌은 양봉농가에 막대한 경제적 피해를 입히는 대표적인 양봉 해충으로 알려져 있다. 본 연구 에서는 경북 의성 및 안동 일대에서 양봉장 주변 2km 지점 내에 발생하는 등검은말벌의 벌집 밀도에 대해 조사하 였다. 조사기간은 2023년 12월 1-20일까지 조사되었으며 육안, 망원경 및 드론을 통해 가능한 한 모든 지점을 조사하였다. 이번 조사에서 발견된 총 등검은말벌 벌집 수는 133개로 조사되었다. 그 중 의성에 위치한 5곳의 양봉장에서는 총 67개로 평균 13.4개, 안동에 위치한 5곳의 양봉장에서는 총 66개로 평균 13.2개로 나타나 두 지역이 거의 유사한 경향을 나타내었다. 10개의 양봉장 중 안동 안기동 일대 양봉장에서 최대 26개의 등검은말벌 벌집이 발견되었으며 의성 단촌 일대 양봉장에서는 4개만이 발견되어 큰 격차를 보였다. 양봉장에 피해는 주는 등검은말벌의 출현 비율은 주변 벌집 밀도에 영향을 직접적으로 받고 있기 때문에 정확한 밀도 및 거리 등을 토대로 적절한 방제 전략이 필요할 것으로 보인다.

This study investigated the distribution and diversity of spider communities living in natural and semi-natural environments located in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea, and thereby emphasizes the importance of urban planning and biodiversity conservation. In this study, we documented 128 spider species through pit-fall trapping, sweeping, and manual collection methods and analyzed their alpha and beta diversity, nestedness, and interactions. As a result, natural habitats (forests) showed higher biodiversity and more complex species interactions. Despite anthropogenic impacts, such as human activities, urban habitats have shown notable biodiversity. Nestedness analysis and association rule learning reveal diverse community structures in multiple habitats and intricate interspecies relationships. This study highlights the importance of habitat heterogeneity in supporting biodiversity and the importance of considering multiple ecological factors in urban planning.