Macrofungi remain underexplored in various regions of the world. Because macrofungi play an important role in terrestrial ecosystems, it is essential to investigate their biodiversity in such regions. In this study, we aimed to comprehensively investigate the macrofungal diversity of Taebaeksan National Park, South Korea. We sampled macrofungi from the park in 2023 and conducted detailed morphological observations and molecular analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA. Our analysis revealed six previously unknown species: Cortinarius iliopodius, Cotylidia fibrae, Fulvoderma australe, Lyophyllum infumatum, Russula velenovskyi, and Strobilomyces cingulatus. Herein, we provide detailed morphological descriptions, high-resolution photographs, and molecular phylogenetic analyses to support the taxonomic placement and identification of these taxa. Our findings enable a more comprehensive understanding of macrofungal biodiversity in this region.

This study establishes standardized necropsy protocols and describes the anatomical characteristics of greater horseshoe bats (Rhinolophusferrumequinum), with sex-based comparisons and interspecific analysis. Six deceased bats (4 males, 2 females) were collected from South Korea between May and August 2025. Comprehensive necropsies were performed following Biosafety Level 2 protocols. Body weight showed no significant sexual dimorphism (females: 18.23 ± 1.26 g; males: 17.22 ± 3.42 g; p = 0.720). Of 13 morphometric parameters, only the second digit length (D2) was significantly longer in males (40.00 ± 0.82 mm) than females (36.50 ± 2.12 mm; p = 0.034). Internal anatomy revealed flight adaptations, including pectoral muscles comprising >80% of muscle mass, asymmetric two-lobed lungs, and a 170 mm intestinal tract where the stomach and cecum were indistinct. Males exhibited symmetrical, white, round testes (5 mm diameter) located 15 mm from the abdominal cavity. Mild hepatic lipidosis was observed in 33% of specimens, but no parasites or wing lesions were found. Comparative analysis with Miniopterusfuliginosus from Jeju Island highlighted interspecific differences in body size and morphology. This study provides essential baseline data for the health monitoring and conservation management of Korean bat populations.

Amitriptyline hydrochloride (AMT), a tricyclic antidepressant, is known to exhibit antimicrobial effects against a wide range of bacterial species. This study aims to evaluate the effect of AMT on Brucella (B.) abortus infection in RAW 264.7 cells and ICR mice, which has not yet been clearly characterized. The results showed that all tested concentrations of AMT had no direct bactericidal effect on B. abortus survival at any incubation time point. Interestingly, RAW 264.7 cells pre-treated with a non-toxic high concentration of AMT before B. abortus infection showed a significant reduction in the phagocytosis of B. abortus at 20 min post-infection, compared to untreated cells. However, AMT treatment did not affect the intracellular replication of B. abortus compared to the control cells. Based on the reduced bacterial uptake observed in-vitro, an in-vivo experiment was conducted to assess whether daily oral administration of AMT at a dose of 20 mg/kg could inhibit B. abortus growth in ICR mice. The results showed that AMT treatment slightly increased both organ weights and bacterial loads, suggesting possible systemic effects of prolonged AMT exposure. In summary, these preliminary results provide initial insight into the potential effects of AMT on B. abortus infection both in-vitro and in-vivo. Therefore, further study should focus on dose optimization in-vivo and exploration of the underlying cellular mechanisms involved in AMT-mediated inhibition of phagocytosis during Brucella infection.