단백질의 구조 예측은 생명 과학 및 의약학 분야의 핵심적인 연구 주제 중 하나로, 단백질의 기능 및 상호작용을 이해하기 위한 주요 정보를 제공할 수 있어 다양한 연구가 수행되고 있다. 이러한 연구의 일환으로 최근 Google DeepMind의 AlphaFold2가 등장하였으며, 단백질 구조 예측 성능을 대폭 향상시켜 CASP(Critical Assessment of Protein Structure Prediction)에서 뛰어난 평가점수를 받아 단백질 구조 예측 분야의 최신 기술을 크게 향상시켰다. 이러한 컴퓨터 기반의 단백질의 구조 예측 방법은, 고전적인 방법을 사용하여 직접 단백질 구조를 결정하는 방법 에 비해 매우 정확하고 빠르며 경제적인 비용으로 수행될 수 있어 단백질 구조 예측 및 생리학 연구를 수행하는 연구자들에게 유용한 방법론이 될 것으로 사료된다. 따라서 본 연구소에서는 곤충을 포함한 무척추 자생동물을 연구하는 연구자들을 위해 단백질 구조 예측을 수행할 수 있도록 64Core/128Threads의 CPU, 256GB의 RAM과 6장의 GeForce RTX 3090으로 이루어진 GPU(Graphical Processing Unit) 고성능 컴퓨터 시스템에 AlphaFold2 program을 구축하였다. 최근 인간을 대상으로 한 단백질 구조 예측 연구는 상당한 진전을 보이고 있지만, 곤충을 포함한 자연계의 동물을 대상으로 한 연구는 여전히 미비한 상황이다. 이러한 자생동물자원연구의 확대를 위해 본 연구소에서 구축한 GPU 시스템 및 생물정보학적 분석 방법이 많이 활용되어야 하며, 이를 위해서는 연구자들 의 협력과 참여가 필요하다.

In the Republic of Korea, public health centers conduct vector mosquito control in accordance with infectious disease prevention laws. However, most public health centers have traditionally conducted periodic, uniform vector control across their respective regions without considering specific information on vector occurrence. In 2021, The Korea Diseases Control and Prevention Agency(KDCA) launched a control project to shift the paradigm toward mosquito control strategy based on mosquito surveillance data. In 2024, 18 local public health centers will participate in this project, which will progressively expanding so that it can be used countrywide. Local public health centers evaluate mosquito monitoring data using data gathered from Daily Mosquito Monitoring System(DMS), which enables them to pinpoint the best times and locations for vector control. Vector control activities carried out by local public health centers are computerized utilizing Vector Control Geographic Information System(VCGIS). Using the new control strategy with mosquito surveillance, the number of mosquito occurrences, number of control activities, and amount of insecticides have decreased compared to the periodic control activities. Based on mosquito surveillance data, it is anticipated that evidence-based mosquito vector control will offer a more efficient and effective means of mosquito control.

Medically significant indoor/ectoparasitic insect populations, including bed bugs and head lice, have developed considerable resistance to insecticides due to limited introduction of new genetic traits and the absence of an overwintering barrier. In contrast, outdoor pests like Anopheles and Culex mosquitoes exhibit fluctuating resistance patterns, likely influenced by factors such as overwintering barriers and relatively wider open habitats. Mosquitoes also face selection pressure from diverse sources beyond public health insecticides unlike bed bugs or head lice. Understanding different factors driving resistance among pests is essential for effective resistance management.

About 1 billion cases of vector-borne infectious diseases occur every year, of which more than 1 million is dead in worldwide. Japanese encephalitis and malaria continue to occur, and infectious diseases such as dengue fever being imported aborad have been increasing significantly due to the increasing number of overseas travelers in Korea. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency has established local centers to monitor pathogen vector population density related to chimate change at 16 locations. We collected 59,389 mosquitoes in traps at 36 collection sites in 30 urban regions and migratory bird habitats in 2023. The trap index was 34.6, and the predominant mosquito species were the Culex pipiens complex, Aedes albopictus, Armigeres subalbatus, Aedes vexans, and Ochlerotatus Koreacus. The mosquitoes were pooled into 4,371 pools to monitor flavivirus infection. In flavivirus dietection, no virus was detected.

This study investigated the seasonal occurrence of bark and wood-boring Coleoptera in Pinus densiflora (Siebold & Zucc.) (Pinales: Pinaceae), and Larix kaempferi (Lamb.) (Pinales: Pinaceae) stands using multi-funnel traps baited with pine volatiles in Korea. The number and species of bark and woodboring beetles caught in traps baited with ethanol, α-pinene, and ethanol+α-pinene were compared to determine the effective attractants. In addition, the effects of other pine volatiles, such as (-)-β-pinene, β-caryophyllene, (±)-limonene, β-myrcene, and 3-carene, were investigated. A total of 13,134 wood-boring beetles from 150 species were collected from pine and larch stands from 2019 to 2020. Tomicus minor (Hartig) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults were more attracted to traps baited with α-pinene, whereas Xyleborinus saxesenii (Ratzeburg) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Cyclorhipidion pelliculosum (Eichhoff) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), and Phloeosinus pulchellus (Blandford) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults were more attracted to traps baited with ethanol. Hylurgops interstitialis (Chapuis) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), Shirahoshizo genus group, Rhagium inquisitor (Linne) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) and Rhadinomerus maebarai (Voss & Chûjô) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) were more frequently attracted to traps baited with ethanol+α-pinene than to traps baited with other attractants. The addition of 3-carene to ethanol+α-pinene enhanced the capture of H. interstitialis, R. inquisitor, and Hylobius (Callirus) haroldi (Faust) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Global warming and changes in ecosystems are either causing a rapid decline in insect diversity on earth or, on the other hand, are increasing the likelihood of unexpected insect pests emerging. This study summarizes and reports the followings: Introduction to the Insects of Red Data Book of Korea and Nationally Protected species, the establishment of monitoring strategy for exotic insects by the investigation of species distribution range through field surveys and others, the dispersal of exotic insects, and with the expansion of exotic insects and development of ecosystem impact prediction model.

Background: Sperm quality and the number of sperm introduced into the uterus during artificial insemination (AI) are pivotal factors influencing pregnancy outcomes. However, there have been no reports on the relationship between sperm concentration at AI and sperm quality in Hanwoo cattle. In this study, we examined sperm quality and pregnancy rates after AI using sperm inseminated at different concentrations. Methods: We evaluated the motility, viability, and acrosomal membrane integrity of sperm at different concentrations (10, 15, 18, and 20 million sperm/straw) in 0.5-mL straws. Subsequently, we compared the pregnancy rates after AI with different sperm concentrations. Results: After freeze-thawing, sperm at the assessed concentrations showed similar viability and acrosomal membrane integrity. After AI, cattle in the 10 million group had significantly lower pregnancy rates compared to those in the 18 and 20 million groups. Conversely, there were no statistically significant variances observed between cattle in the 10 and 15 million groups. Conclusions: Sperm at concentrations of 10, 15, 18 and 20 million per straw exhibited comparable motility, viability, and acrosomal membrane integrity. However, a concentration of at least 18 million sperm per straw is required to achieve a consistent rate of pregnancy rate in Hanwoo cattle after AI.

토복령은 우수한 항균, 항산화, 항염증 효능을 가진 소재로 알려져 있다. 이러한 토복령(Smilax china)의 추출물의 기능성을 화장품에 적용하기 위한 기초연구로써 토복령에서 발견되는 플라보노이드인 quercetin, catechin, naringenin의 농도별 경피 투과 특성을 조사할 필요성이 있다. Marzulli의 정의에 적 용한 결과 케르세틴의 Kp 값은 0.1 mg/mL에서 "빠름"으로 분류되었고, 0.2 및 0.4 mg/mL에서 "보통"으로 분류되었다. 특히, 농도가 증가함에 따라 투과 속도가 감소하는 경향이 있었다. 나린제닌의 경우 Flux 값은 각각 0.1, 0.2 및 0.4 mg/mL 농도에서 0.69, 1.07 및 1.42 μg/hr/cm²이었으며, 해당 Kp 값은 각각 6.95, 5.34 및 3.56이었다. 나린제닌의 Kp 값은 모든 농도에서 "보통" 범주에 속하며, 케르세틴과 관찰된 것과 같이 농도가 높아짐에 따라 투과 속도가 감소하였다. 카테킨의 경우 Flux 값은 각각 0.1, 0.2 및 0.4 mg/mL 농도에서 0.75, 1.09 및 1.66 μg/hr/cm²이었으며, 해당 Kp 값은 각각 7.55, 5.46 및 4.16이었다. 카테킨의 Kp 값은 모든 농도에서 일관되게 "보통"으로 분류되었다. 여드름 저해능 및 항염증 효능이 우수 한 토복령 추출물의 유효성분인 quercetin, catechin, naringenin의 경피 투과 특성이 보통 이상으로 나타나 기능성 화장품에 사용할 수 있는 우수한 천연물 소재인 것을 확인할 수 있었다.

Henricia specimens were collected using a dual approach of trimix scuba diving and fishing nets. This inclusive collection encompasses the discovery of two species highlighted in this study and introduces and provides comprehensive descriptions for Henricia kinkasana and Henricia longispina aleutica. The descriptions offered in this study were derived from the thorough examinations of external morphological characteristics. The documentation provides detailed insight into key traits related to the abactinal and actinal skeletons and spines of these newly recorded species in Korea. This comprehensive examination contributes to our understanding of the distinct morphological characteristics defining each species within the genus Henricia.

뒷흰가는줄무늬밤나방은 쌀, 밀, 옥수수와 같은 농작물에 피해를 주는 해충이다. 본 연구에서는 국내 뒷흰가는줄무늬밤나방의 미토콘드리아 게놈(15,314b)을 분석하였다. 13개의PCG와2개의 rRNA (13,376bp)를 연결한 서열을 사용한 계통발생 분석 결과, 뒷흰가는줄무늬밤나방과 멸 강나방 사이의 가장 높은 노드 수치로 자매분류군을 형성하였다. 밤나방상과(Noctuoidea)의 각 과(Noctuidae, Euteliidae, Nolidae, Erebidae 및 Notodontidae)들은 가장 높은 노드수치로 단계통을 형성하였다.

In 2006, Cambodian Agriculture Research and Development Institute (CARDI) bred a high-quality tomato ‘Neang Pich’ variety. Since ‘Neang Pich’ is susceptible to Sclerotium rolfsii (S. rolfsii), it is severely affected the production major tomato growing regions. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of seven S. rolfsii tolerant rootstocks on growth and yield in graft cultivation of ‘Neang Pich’ tomato. ‘Neang Pich’ seedlings were used as scion and non-grafted control. Six eggplant genotypes (‘2017053’, ‘2017062’, ‘17CJVC2’, ‘No. 80’, ‘VI041979A’, ‘VI041996’) and a commercial tomato variety (‘Hulk’) were used as rootstock. The grafted and non-grafted tomatoes were grown in a plastic greenhouse and open field. The survival rate of plants did not differ between plastic greenhouse (80.2%) and open field (79.5%). The top and root fresh weight of plants grown in a plastic greenhouse increased by 77% and 11% compared to the open field and the dry weight increased by 48% and 10%, respectively. The top (309 g) and root (18.9 g) fresh weight, and the top (90.5 g) and root (6.39 g) dry weight depending on rootstock were the highest in plants grafted onto ‘2017062’. The yield of tomatoes in a plastic greenhouse (19.5 MT/ha) was 65% higher than that of open field (11.8 MT/ha). The yield of tomatoes depending on rootstock were the highest in ‘2017062’ (17.8 MT/ha). The effect of cultivation practice and grafting on pH and sugar content (oBrix) of the fruit was non-significant difference (p0.05). The scion diameter, top fresh weight, fruit weight and yield (MT/ha) were significant difference (p0.05) in the interaction effect between tomato cultivation practices (plastic greenhouse and open field) and rootstock.

본 연구에서는 쑥에서 서식하는 Pleotrichophorus pseudoglandulosus (Palmer, 1952) 를 처음으로 보고한다. 무시성충에 대한 형태학적 정보, 기주식물, 분포지역, 한국에 분포하는 Pleotrichophorus 속 종들에 대한 분류키를 제공한다.

Background: Porcine pluripotent stem cells (pPSCs) would provide enormous potential for agriculture and biomedicine. However, authentic pPSCs have not established yet because standards for pPSCs-specific markers and culture conditions are not clear. Therefore, the present study reports comparative pluripotency characteristics in porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSCs) derived from different viral transduction and reprogramming factors [Lenti-iPSCs (OSKM), Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) and Sev-iPSCs (OSKM)]. Methods: Porcine fibroblasts were induced into Lenti-iPSCs (OSKM) and Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) by using Lentiviral vector and Sev-iPSCs (OSKM) by using Sendaiviral vector. Expressions of endogenous or exogenous pluripotency-associated genes, surface marker and in vitro differentiation in between Lenti-piPSCs (OSKM), Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) and Sev-piPSCs (OSKM) were compared. Results: Colonial morphology of Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) closely resembles the naïve mouse embryonic stem cells colony for culture, whereas Sev-iPSCs (OSKM) colony is similar to the primed hESCs. Also, the activity of AP shows a distinct different in piPSCs (AP-positive (+) Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) and Sev-iPSCs (OSKM), but AP-negative (-) LentiiPSCs (OSKM)). mRNAs expression of several marker genes (OCT-3/4, NANOG and SOX2) for pluripotency was increased in Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) and Sev-iPSCs (OSKM), but Sev-iPSCs (OSKM). Interestingly, SSEA-1 of surface markers was expressed only in Sev-iPSCs (OSKM), whereas SSEA-4, Tra-1-60 and Tra-1-81 were positively expressed in Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL). Exogenous reprogramming factors continuously expressed in Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) for passage 20, whereas Sev-iPSCs (OSKM) did not express any exogenous transcription factors. Finally, only Lenti-iPSCs (OSKMNL) express the three germ layers and primordial germ cells markers in aggregated EBs. Conclusions: These results indicate that the viral transduction system of reprograming factors into porcine differentiated cells display different pluripotency characteristics in piPSCs.

Aligned with the recent shift in fruit consumption trends, there is a growing increase in the cultivation of these fruits. Thus, various types of small fruits, including blueberries, have recently been introduced and cultivated in Korea. According to the data, there has been a notable uptick in blueberry farming, in stark contrast to the decline in cultivation of black raspberries, black chokeberries, and blackcurrants. New varieties of blueberries continue to be introduced and cultivated, aligning with the recent consumption trends and are expected to be consistently cultivated in the future. Despite the decrease in the other berries, health benefits associated with all berries have ignited growing consumer interest, resulting in domestic and international market expansion. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of identifying plant varieties that are well-suited to Korea's climatic conditions, validating efficient cultivation strategies, and establishing robust distribution networks to foster sustainable development in the berry industry.

Nasopharyngeal stenosis is defined as a morphological transition of narrowing at the nasopharyngeal region. A 2-yearold, castrated male, Korean short hair cat was referred to the animal medical center, Gyeongsang National University. According to clinical signs, diagnostic imaging, and physical examination, nasopharyngeal stenosis was diagnosed. The staphylectomy was performed using a CO2 laser, and there were not any post-operative complications. The patient was discharged in two days. This report describes the case of nasopharyngeal stenosis in cat and represents that laser ablation could be a good option for surgical management of the nasopharyngeal region with a low complication rate.

본 연구는 국내에서 실내 관상용으로 많이 활용되는 스킨답 서스의 실내재배 시 적정 인공광원, 수경재배 전기전도도 농 도 및 용토를 선발하기 위하여 수행하였다. 실내재배 시 인공 광원은 형광등, 적청 LED, 백색 LED로 처리하였다. 수경재배 시 양액 농도는 EC 1.2, 1.6, 2.0ds·m-1 수준으로 하였고, 재 배용토는 제올라이트, 코코피트, 펄라이트, 황토볼 4가지로 달리하였다. 스킨답서스의 실내 재배 시 줄기 길이는 형광등 과 적청 LED 처리보다 백색 LED 처리에서 길어졌다. 잎의 크기는 적청 LED 처리에서 형광등과 백색 LED 처리보다 커 지는 경향이었다. 엽록소 지수값은 백색 LED>적청 LED>형광 등 순으로 높았다. 수경재배 시 스킨답서스의 줄기길이는 EC 농도가 높아질수록 길어지는 경향이었고, 용토별로 비교하면 제올라이트와 코코피트에서 높은 경향이었다. 엽록소 지수값 도 EC 농도와 비례하여 높아졌고, 용토별로는 제올라이트와 코코피트에서 높았다. 스킨답서스의 생체중도 EC 농도가 높 을수록 높았고, 제올라이트와 코코피트에 높은 경향이었다. 상기 결과들을 종합할 때, 스킨답서스의 NFT를 이용한 실내 재배 시 적정 인공광원으로는 백색 LED를, 수경재배 양액의 농도는 EC 1.6∼2.0ds·m-1를, 그리고 NFT 용토는 제올라이 트나 코코피트가 적합하다는 것을 알 수 있었다.

This study was conducted to develop a seed propagation protocol of Hemerocallis taxa native to the Korean Peninsula. In this study, the seed dormancy types were classified. The germination traits of H. thunbergii, H. dumortieri, H. hakuunensis, and H. hongdoensis were also characterized. The initial embryo to seed length ratio (E:S ratio) in seeds of the four Hemerocallis species was between 0.80 and 0.90 at harvest, however, the E:S ratio did not increase until just before germination. Thus, seeds of the four Hemerocallis species had no morphological dormancy (MD), and at least 84% of seeds of all tested species germinated at 25/15℃ under light within 30 days. The lower the incubation temperature, the lower the germination rate of seeds of the four Hemerocallis species. However, the temperature range for germination was expanded due to old stratification. Gibberellin treatment increased the germination rate or germination speed at a relatively low temperature of 15/6℃. However, this treatment did not improve the germination rate as much as the temperature at 25/15℃. Under 15/5℃ of incubation, cold stratification increased the final germination percentage and rate/speed and expanded the temperature range for germination from high to low (25/15℃ → 15/6℃). This indicates that the seeds have a conditional dormancy (CD) that germinates in a narrow temperature range. In conclusions, the four Hemerocallis seeds exhibited nondeep physiological dormancy.

To develop quality-improved bakery products, the influence of the partial replacement of wheat flour by Artemisia princeps leaf powder (APP) on the quality characteristics of cookies, including antioxidant activities, was investigated. Studies were carried out to evaluate the addition of different percentages of APP on the quality characteristics of cookies prepared by incorporating APP (1-4%) into wheat flour. The incorporation of APP significantly affected the cookies’ physicochemical parameters and sensory acceptance attributes. Such incorporation at different levels significantly reduced moisture content while increasing the cookie dough’s density (p<0.05). The spread ratio, loss rate, L*, and b* values of the cookies decreased, but their hardness and a* value increased significantly with increasing levels of APP substitution (p<0.05). 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline- 6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) radical scavenging activities were significantly increased (p<0.05) with higher APP substitution and were well-correlated. Hedonic sensory results showed that cookies fortified with 2% APP generally received satisfactory and acceptable acceptance scores. Consumers seemed to prefer the cookie texture in terms of chewiness when the samples were softer and lighter but less reddish, whereas taste acceptance may be a dominant factor in overall acceptability.