The corrosivity of molten salt presents a major challenge for the commercialization of molten salt reactors, which utilize molten salt as both fuel and coolant. To protect structural materials of molten salt reactors, minimizing moisture—the primary source of corrosion—is crucial, necessitating precise moisture concentration measurements. This study examines the role of an inert gas atmosphere in analyzing moisture in molten chloride salts. Four chloride salts with different hygroscopic properties (NaCl, KCl, MgCl2 and ZnCl2) were tested. Each was analyzed in three states: as-received and dried by heating for 6 and 12 hours. Karl Fischer titration was employed to measure the moisture concentrations in salts under both air and an argon-filled glove box. Results showed consistently lower and more stable moisture concentrations in the inert atmosphere, highlighting the necessity of an argon environment for accurate moisture analysis in molten salts.

The efficient fabrication of uranium-based liquid fuels and the structural integrity of reactor materials are critical challenges for the deployment of chloride-based molten salt reactors (MSRs). As part of KAERI’s ongoing MSR development, this study investigates an optimized uranium chlorination process and a corrosion assessment of candidate structural materials under conditions more closely resembling actual reactor cores. To enhance process efficiency and scalability, metallic uranium was converted into uranium trihydride (UH3) via hydriding, achieving 34.1% efficiency. UH3 was chlorinated with ammonium chloride (NH4Cl), yielding uranium trichloride (UCl3) with a conversion rate over 98% and purity above 99%, as confirmed by ICP-OES. The UCl3 was used to fabricate various uranium-based liquid fuels for MSR applications. Simultaneously, the corrosion behavior of SS304, SS316, and Hastelloy-N was evaluated using a natural convection loop filled with a NaCl– MgCl2 eutectic salt mixture. The system operated for 500 hours at 500–580°C to replicate MSR conditions. Corrosion analysis revealed that SS304 suffered severe degradation, SS316 showed moderate resistance, and Hastelloy-N demonstrated superior stability, although some cold leg samples experienced mass gain due to corrosion product deposition. These findings provide key insights into optimizing liquid fuel synthesis and selecting corrosion-resistant materials for safe, long-term MSR operation.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of feeding DDGS and full-fat soybean in the finishing diet on the performance, carcass characteristics and unsaturated fatty acid composition of Hanwoo steers. Thirty Hanwoo steers (average age, 26.4 months; weight, 756.69 kg) were assigned into Control (no additive), DS (DDGS supplemented) and FS (full-fat soybean supplemented). The feeding rate of DDGS and full-fat soybean was set at 10% and 5% in the finishing diet, respectively, and the in vivo trial was conducted for 122 days. The final body weight was 779.81, 774.20 and 791.95 kg for Control, DS and FS, respectively, and the average daily gain was not different among treatments. The feed conversion ratio was lower in FS compared to Control. Carcass cold carcass weight, backfat thickness, M. longissimus dorsi area and marbling scores were not different among treatments, and moisture, crude protein, and crude fat content in carcass were not different. The melting point of sirloin ranged from 25 to 26℃ among treatments. The saturated fatty acid, C18:0, was lower in the FS than in Control. C18:1, the main unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) in carcasses, did not show any difference among treatments, but C18:2 was higher in DS than in Control. Total UFAs were higher in the FS than in Control. Based on the above results, DDGS feeding was effective in improving feed conversion ratio and C18:2 content, and full-fat soybean feeding was effective in improving feed conversion ratio and increasing UFA content.

목적 : 본 연구에서는 강원도 강릉지역의 중학교 3학년의 굴절 상태를 분석하여 지역적 기초자료로 사용하고자 한다. 방법 : 남학생 208안, 여학생 117안 총 325 안을 대상으로 연구를 진행하였으며, 등가구면 굴절이상 정도의 분 류는 정시 기준은 –0.25 D ~ +0.25 D, 경도 근시 –0.50 D~ -2.75 D, 중등도 근시 –3.00 D ~ 5.75 D, 고도 근 시 –6.00 D 이상으로 나누어 분류하여 굴절 상태를 분석하였다. 결과: 근시 291안 평균 굴절력은 –2.94±1.91 D, 남학생은 –2.85±1.89 D, 여학생은 –3.11±1.94 D로 조사되었 다. 근시 정도의 분류를 비교했을 때 경도 근시는 –1.40±0.75 D, 중등도 근시는 –4.06±0.87 D, 그리고 고도 근시는 –6.78±0.89 D으로 나타났으며 총 325안의 평균 굴절력은 –2.63±2.03 D로 나타났다. 성별에 따른 근시의 평균 굴절 력은 경도 근시는 남학생 –1.37±0.71 D, 여학생 –1.47±0.82 D, 중등도 근시는 남학생 –4.03±0.86 D, 여학생 –4.11±0.89 D, 고도 근시는 남학생 –6.63±0.86 D, 여학생 –7.09±0.94 D으로 나타났다. 난시의 평균 굴절력을 비교해 본 결과 남학생 –1.43±1.00 D, 여학생은 –1.34±0.98 D로, 경도 근시는 남학생 –1.24±0.97 D, 여학생 –0.92±0.41 D(t=-2.10, p<0.050)로, 고도 근시는 남학생 –1.44±0.49 D, 여학생 –2.50±1.76 D(t=2.34, p< 0.050)으로 나타났다. 결론 : 학생들은 근시 범위 중에서 중등도 근시의 비율이 가장 높았으며 여학생에서 경도 중등도 그리고 고도 근시 범위 모두 더 높은 굴절력이 나타났고, 난시 비교에서는 고도 근시 범위에 해당되는 난시에서만 여학생이 높 게 나타났다. 앞으로도 시력 관리에 도움이 될 만한 연구가 계속되어야 할 것으로 생각된다.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different feeding levels of domesticated barnyard millet and imported Bermuda hay on the growth performance and structural development of female and male growing goats. A 4×4 Latin square design was used, involving 8 goats with an average age of 3 months: 4 females and males with an initial body weight (BW) of 10.6 kg and 16.0 kg, respectively. Goats were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments: T1 (1.5% BW barnyard millet), T2 (1.5% BW Bermuda hay), T3 (2.0% BW barnyard millet), and T4 (2.0% BW Bermuda hay) over a 22-week period. Results indicated that the highest final body weight (FBW) was significantly observed at the highest feeding level (T4), with females reaching 14.9 kg and males 20.9 kg, while the highest average daily gain (ADG) values were recorded for females in T3 at 75.7 g/d and males in T4 at 81.0 g/d (p<0.05). Dry matter intake (DMI) was highest in the T4 group for both females (437.4 g/d) and males (635.9 g/d), with significant differences observed across treatments (p<0.05), whereas the feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed an improving trend, particularly with a value of 6.0 for females in T4. For structural development, the highest feeding levels led to significant increases in body length, body depth, chest width, and chest girth of both sex. Female and male in T4 achieved body lengths of 53.5 cm and 61.8 cm, and body depths of 45.2 cm and 54.8 cm, respectively. Chest width and girth reached 15.9 cm and 66.5 cm in males, and 13.5 cm and 56.5 cm in females. In conclusion, higher feeding levels, especially with Bermuda hay, may positively influence the growth performance and structural development of goats.

The role of the gut microbiota in colorectal cancer (CRC) development has garnered attention, highlighting probiotics as potential adjuncts in CRC prevention and treatment. In recent years, probiotics and their derivatives have demonstrated mechanisms that may contribute to anticancer properties. This study investigates the cytotoxic effects of Bifidobacterium bifidum KCTC 3357, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus KCTC 5033, Limosilactobacillus reuteri VA 103, Bacillus galactosidilyticus VA 107, and Lactococcus taiwanensis VE101 on CT-26 mouse colon carcinoma cells using live cells, heat-killed cells (paraprobiotics), and cell-free supernatants (CFS, postbiotics) through an MTT assay. The results indicate that live bacterial strains, such as KCTC 3357, VA 103, and VA 107, promoted CT-26 cell viability, while heat-killed cells and CFS exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity. Inactivated forms of KCTC 3357 and VE 101, as well as CFS at 10 mg/mL concentration of KCTC 5033, VA 103, and VE 101, showed the strongest antiproliferative effects. These findings suggest that non-viable probiotic derivatives, such as paraprobiotics and postbiotics, offer promising therapeutic potential for CRC, providing a safer and more stable alternative to live probiotics. However, further research is required to explore their mechanisms of action, in vivo efficacy, and potential clinical applications.

Galaxy evolution studies require the measurement of the physical properties of galaxies at different redshifts. In this work, we build supervised machine learning models to predict the redshift and physical properties (gas-phase metallicity, stellar mass, and star formation rate) of star-forming galaxies from the broad-band and medium-band photometry covering optical to near-infrared wavelengths, and present an evaluation of the model performance. Using 55 magnitudes and colors as input features, the optimized model can predict the galaxy redshift with an accuracy of σ(Δz/1+z) = 0.008 for a redshift range of z < 0.4. The gas-phase metallicity [12 + log(O/H)], stellar mass [log(Mstar)], and star formation rate [log(SFR)] can be predicted with the accuracies of σNMAD = 0.081, 0.068, and 0.19 dex, respectively. When magnitude errors are included, the scatter in the predicted values increases, and the range of predicted values decreases, leading to biased predictions. Near-infrared magnitudes and colors (H, K, and H −K), along with optical colors in the blue wavelengths (m425–m450), are found to play important roles in the parameter prediction. Additionally, the number of input features is critical for ensuring good performance of the machine learning model. These results align with the underlying scaling relations between physical parameters for star-forming galaxies, demonstrating the potential of using medium-band surveys to study galaxy scaling relations with large sample of galaxies.

Background: Multiple fractures, particularly femoral fractures, are increasingly prevalent and associated with high mortality rates and significant functional impairments. This highlights the urgent need for effective rehabilitation strategies, such as robot-assisted training, to enhance recovery and improve quality of life. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of robotassisted rehabilitation for multiple femoral fractures. Design: Single-subject design. Methods: A 15-day A-B-A' single-subject design was employed. A man in his 30s with multiple fractures underwent standard rehabilitation during the baseline (A) and regression baseline (A') phases, with robotic therapy introduced during the intervention phase (B). Daily assessments of mobility and balance were analyzed using the two-standard deviation method. Results: Robotic therapy led to significant improvements: the TUG test time decreased from 16.21±0.64 seconds (A) to 10.63±0.46 seconds (B) and 9.64±0.35 seconds (A'). The 10 MWT time improved from 6.31±0.64 seconds (A) to 5.41±0.17 seconds (B) and 5.01±0.12 seconds (A'). LOS increased from 364.01±35.83 cm² (A) to 484.67±29.97 cm² (B) and 518.03±18.82 cm² (A'). Plantar pressure imbalance (59.2% right, 40.8% left in A) was corrected to nearly equal distribution in B (49.4%/50.6%) and A' (50.8%/49.2%). Conclusion: Robotic rehabilitation therapy improves balance and weightbearing capacity in patients with multiple fractures, suggesting its effectiveness as an early intervention following bone union.

Background: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is very common disease. Strength exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise were used to improvement of function for CAI. Isokinetic strength and balance are related to functional movement of lower extremity. Objectives: The purpose was to analyze the effect of muscle strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise on isokinetic strength and balance in young adults with CAI. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: The subjects were 30 young adults with CAI. The subjects randomly divided into three groups: strengthening exercise, balance exercise, and proprioceptive exercise. They performed each exercise for 20 minutes, three times a week for four weeks. They measured isokinetic strength of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec, static and dynamic balance before and after exercise. Results: The isokinetic strengths of dorsiflexor and plantar flexor of 60°/sec and 120°/sec were significantly higher in the strengthening exercise group than in the balance exercise group. The static and dynamic balance was significantly higher in the balance exercise group than in other two groups. Conclusion: Strengthening exercise, balance exercise, proprioceptive exercise can improve the muscle strength for CAI. Strengthening exercise and balance exercise can more improve balance than proprioceptive exercise for CAI.

Background: Recent cases of spinal cord infarction combined with cerebral infarction have demonstrated improved walking ability through pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation. However, studies on the efficacy of multidisciplinary approaches remain limited. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate rehabilitation strategies and establish a foundation for clinical practice, focusing on physical and occupational therapy for patients with spinal cord and cerebral infarctions. Design: A case study. Methods: A 70-year-old woman with combined spinal cord and cerebral infarction underwent 20 weeks of rehabilitation. Functional outcomes were assessed using Grip Strength, Manual Muscle Test (MMT), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Manual Function Test (MFT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-Meter Walking Test (10MWT), and Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI). Results: Over 20 weeks, Grip Strength improved to 6 kg (left) and 13 kg (right), MMT increased from 97 to 103 points, and TIS improved from 2 to 10 points. MFT scores increased to 18 (left) and 25 (right). BBS improved from 1 to 23 points, and the 10MWT time decreased to 19.84 seconds. K-MBI scores rose from 12 to 39 points. Conclusion: A multidisciplinary approach, including robotic therapy, significantly improved functional recovery, facilitating reintegration into daily life.

Background: Stroke patients often exhibit excessive kyphosis of the spine and a forward head posture (FHP), which negatively impacts their daily activities. These postural abnormalities not only negatively affect functional movement but also exacerbate musculoskeletal problems. Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the effect of backward walking on FHP in stroke patients. Design: Single-case experimental design (A-B-A’ design). Methods: The study was conducted over a total of 8 weeks, comprising 24 sessions: 3 baseline sessions (A), 18 intervention sessions (B), and 3 regression baseline sessions (A'). No backward walking intervention was performed during baseline (A) and regression baseline (A’). To determine changes in FHP, the craniovertebral angle (CVA) was measured at all sessions. Results: The CVA increased in the intervention (B) and regression baseline (A’) compared to the baseline (A). Conclusion: Backward walking was effective in improving FHP, and the effect was maintained after intervention (B) in patients with stroke. Therefore, backward walking was effective in improving the postural alignment of stroke patients.

식품첨가물 카민과 코치닐 추출물은 붉은 색을 띄는 색 소로, 주로 코치닐 곤충에서 유래하며 카민산이 주요 성 분으로 사탕, 어묵과 같이 널리 소비되는 식품에 일반적 으로 사용되고 있다. 최근 카민산은 특정 단백질과 관련된 알레르기 반응과 연관이 있는 것으로 보고되고 있다. 본 연 구는 highperformance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD)와 C18 UG120 컬럼을 사용하 여 카민산을 정량시험법을 개발하고 밸리데이션을 수행하 였다. HPLC 최적 분석조건은 이동상 (A)물-트리플루오로 아세트산(trifluoroacetic acid, TFA) 0.1% 및 (B)아세토니트 릴-TFA 0.1%, 유속 1.0 mL/min, 컬럼온도 30oC에서 수행하 였으며, 검량선(0.2-50 mg/L) 범위에서 우수한 결정계수 (r2≥0.9999)를 보였다. 또한, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)를 활용한 정성 분석을 통해 limit of detection (LOD) 0.05 mg/k, limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.15 mg/kg을 보였다. 또한, 일내 및 일간 밸리데이 션에서 정확도(87.3-97.1%, 회수율)와 정밀도(0.48-8.90%, 상대표준편차)이었으며, 측정 불확도 또한 추정하였다. 개 발된 분석법은 다양한 식품 유형에 적용 가능하며, 카민과 코치닐 추출물의 모니터링을 통해 카민산과 관련된 잠재적 인 문제가능성을 확인하는 데 활용될 수 있을 것으로 사료 된다.

Rapid morphological changes in fish larvae during growth make adult classification criteria ineffective for identifying larval fishes. Therefore, species identification of fish larvae requires understanding morphological changes during growth stages within and between species. However, for many fish larvae, the lack of morphological trait information, along with physical damage or protein degradation that occurs during specimen collection and preservation in the wild, creates obstacles for morphology-based identification. A fish larva (10.0 mm SL) collected from the coastal waters of the western Korean Peninsula in August 2019 exhibited morphological characteristics and melanophore distribution patterns closely matching those of an unidentified species of the family Platycephalidae (sp.5). Its MT-CO1 amplicon sequences identified it as Cociella crocodilus, through genetic similarity with MT-CO1 reference sequences and phylogenetic analyses of related species. This study provides significant insights into the early life stages of Cociella crocodilus, marking the first identification of this species at the larval stage.

Agriculture plays a critical role in Uganda’s economy, contributing to 24% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and serving as the primary source of livelihood for a large portion of the population. Organic horticulture presents a promising pathway for sustainable development, offering economic opportunities through access to niche markets both locally and internationally. However, effective management for pests and diseases remains a major challenge in organic horticulture. This review addresses pest and disease issues affecting non-traditional export crops in Uganda, such as pepper, bitter gourd, and aubergine. Additionally, it provides an overview of botanical pesticides currently used in Uganda, along with approved organic fungicides (e.g., lime sulfur, copper) and insecticides (e.g., paraffinic oils, pyrethrum). This review explores physical and chemical properties, target pests, benefits, drawbacks, and active ingredients of these substances. The ultimate aim is to offer Ugandan farmers expanded options for managing pests and diseases in organic horticulture.

목적: 본 연구의 목적은 원주지역의 초등학생 전 학년 원시안을 조절마비제 점안 전후의 굴절이상 정도를 비교하여 지역 내 굴절상태의 기초자료로 활용하고자 한다. 방법 : 나이에 따라 8세 17안, 9세 13안, 10세 6안, 11세 1안, 12세 9안, 13세 4안 모두 50안의 원시안으로 남자 13안, 여자 37안을 대상으로 하였다. 원시 정도에 따른 굴절력은 경도 원시 +0.25~+0.75 D, 중등도 원시 +1.00~+1.75 D, 고도 원시 +2.00 D 이상으로 그룹 분류하여 굴절검사를 진행하였다. 결과 : 나이별 원시안의 MR과 CR의 비교에서는 8세 어린이들의 CR의 원시도가 MR 보다 0.46±0.47 D 높게 측정되었으며(t=3.23, p<0.050), 나이가 가장 많은 13세 어린이들은 CR의 원시도가 MR보다 가장 많은 1.06± 0.63 D 정도 차이가 나타났다(t=1.89, p<0.059). 12세 어린이들은 0.44±0.30 D 정도의 차이가 나타났으며, 전체 나이 중 가장 적은 차이를 보였다(t=2.76, p<0.050). 그리고 원시 굴절 정도에 따라 MR과 CR 정도를 비교하였더 니 8세 어린이들의 경도 원시의 CR 값이 MR 값보다 0.55±0.55 D 정도 높게 측정되었다(t=2.54, p<0.050). 12 세 어린이들의 경도 원시의 CR 값은 MR 값보다 0.35±0.22 D 정도 높게 측정되었다(t=2.12, p<0.050). 결론 : 원주지역 원시안 초등학생을 대상으로 현성 굴절검사와 조절마비 굴절검사를 비교하였더니 12세 어린이 들에게서 가장 적은 MR과 CR의 굴절력 차이가 관찰되었고, 나이가 가장 많은 13세 어린이에게서 가장 많은 굴절 력 차이가 나타났다. 또한 원시 굴절 정도에 따른 비교에서는 경도 원시에서 고도 원시로 갈수록 더 많은 굴절 차 이가 나는 것을 확인할 수 있었다.

곤충호텔은 곤충이 서식할 수 있도록 인위적으로 만든 구조 물로서 정원이나 텃밭 등 다양한 곳에서 활용되고 있다. 하지만 식생유형, 재료, 설치 방식 등에 따른 곤충 유입 효과에 대한 검증은 부족하며, 국가 또는 지역에 따른 곤충의 종류와 생육환 경이 다름에도 불구하고 곤충호텔에 대한 국내 연구는 전무한 실정이다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 국립수목원을 대상으로 구체적 인 식생유형 및 재료에 따른 유입 곤충 특성을 확인하고, 국내 실정에 맞는 효과적인 곤충호텔 설치 및 관리방안에 대한 기준 을 제시하고자 하였다. 조사구는 세 가지 식생유형(초지, 침엽수 림, 활엽수림)으로 구분하였으며, 각 식생의 조사구에 두 가지 재료(참나무, 잣나무)를 활용한 곤충호텔을 설치하였다. 조사는 2년동안(2022~2023) 진행되었으며, 매년 4~9월까지 주 1회 씩(총 48회) 곤충호텔의 유입 곤충을 직접 채집하였다. 곤충호 텔에서 채집된 곤충은 총 9목 46과 129종 3,057개체로, 2022 년에는 7목 34과 85종 1,750개체, 2023년에는 8목 35과 77종 1,307개체가 출현하였다. 연도별로 비교하면 1차년도에 유입 된 곤충의 개체수가 2차년도 보다 약 1.3배 많았고, 재료의 부식 에 따른 곤충의 구성도 달라졌다. 식생유형에 따라 구분하면 기간에 상관없이 활엽수림에서 유입 곤충이 가장 많았고, 침엽 수림에서 가장 적었다. 또한 재료에 따른 구분에서는 참나무가 잣나무보다 유입 곤충이 많았다. 참나무의 경우 유입 곤충의 연도별 차이가 적은 반면, 잣나무는 1년차에 비해 2년차에 약 2.3배 줄었다. 상관분석과 계층적 군집분석을 통한 곤충의 유입 특성은 식생유형보다는 재료의 영향이 큰 것으로 확인되었고, 식생유형만 비교했을 경우 초지에 비해 활엽수림과 침엽수림의 유사성이 높았다. 결론적으로 생물 다양성 증진을 목적으로 곤 충호텔을 설치하고자 한다면 초지나 활엽수림에 참나무 재료를 사용하는 것이 유리하며, 잣나무 재료를 이용한다면 1년 주기로 재료 교체가 필요할 것으로 판단된다. 하지만 특정 재료를 선호 하는 곤충의 기주특이성이 확인되었기 때문에 다양한 종류의 재료를 같이 사용하는 것도 하나의 방법이라고 사료된다. 향후 이를 기반으로 전시원에서 실질적으로 활용할 수 있는 곤충호텔 모델 개발로 확대해 나갈 예정이다.

국립수목원 전시원의 지속가능하고 친환경적인 관리를 위하 여 유기물 멀칭재 처리에 대한 잡초 억제 효과를 조사하였다. 대표적 잡초인 쑥군락과 바랭이군락을 대상으로 고정방형구 (1×1㎡)를 3반복 설치하였다. 처리구의 유기물 멀칭재는 5가지 재료로 활엽수 우드칩, 침엽수 바크, 갈참나무 낙엽, 메타세쿼이 아 낙엽, 칠엽수 과피를 사용하였다. 멀칭재 중에서 갈참나무 낙엽, 활엽수 우드칩, 칠엽수 과피가 비교적 잡초 억제 효과가 높은 것으로 나타났다. 갈참나무 낙엽은 지중 온도를 낮게 유지 하는 효과가 상대적으로 좋았기 때문에 토양의 보습 효과가 뛰 어날 것으로 판단된다. 유기물 멀칭재 처리는 일년생식물의 발 생은 억제하고, 지중식물 및 반지중식물의 생육에 도움을 주는 효과가 있었다. 멀칭재의 무게보다 재료에 의한 빛 차단 면적이 잡초를 억제하는 주된 요인이었다. 본 연구 결과는 국립수목원 전시원에서 발생하는 부산물을 활용한 친환경적 관리 방안 수립 에 활용될 것이며, 향후 잡초의 발생 시기에 따른 멀칭 시기 및 유기물 멀칭재의 유지 관리에 대한 추가적인 연구가 필요하다.

Coffee is a major traded item worldwide. Uganda, where the coffee sector provides a livelihood to 1.8 million households, is Africa’s second-biggest coffee exporter. Pests and diseases are significant constraints affecting coffee production. Although the Ugandan government has implemented strategies to assist farmers in addressing these constraints, coffee pests and diseases continue to affect the yield and quality of coffee crops. This ongoing issue highlights the need for more effective and sustainable solutions to protect coffee production in Uganda. This review examined two prevalent diseases and two major pests known to significantly impact Uganda’s coffee systems. It explored strategies that pathogens and pests would utilize to invade and colonize coffee plants. Furthermore, this review evaluated current challenges and prospects for improving coffee pest and disease management. By offering valuable insights and recommendations, it aims to equip agricultural stakeholders with the knowledge needed to develop and implement more effective strategies for combating these persistent threats to coffee production in Uganda.

This study was conducted to investigate changes in immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, nutrient content, and microbial communities of fresh and heat-treated Holstein colostrum collected from a colostrum bank operated by a local agricultural technology center in Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea. Of the 16 colostrum samples, 8 were heated at 60℃ for 30 min under a pressure of 0.9–1 bar. The colostrum samples were stored at −70℃ until use, at which time they were thawed at 50–55℃ in a water bath to analyze IgG levels, chemical composition, and microbiome, which was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using the Illumina MiSeq-PE250 platform. The IgG concentrations were similar in fresh and heat-treated colostrum. The fat, protein, and lactose contents also did not differ in these samples. However, somatic cell count (SCC) was lower in heat-treated colostrum than those in fresh colostrum (p<0.05). At the phylum level for the microbiome of fresh colostrum, Proteobacteria (44.16%) was the most abundant taxa, followed by Bacteroidota (33.26%), Firmicutes (10.04%), Actinobacteriota (7.14%), and a marginal difference in the order of abundance was observed in heat-treated colostrum. At the genus level, bacteria belonging to Sphingomonas, Delftia, Ochrobactrum, Simplicispira, and Lactobacillus were more abundant (p<0.05) in the heat-treated colostrum, while the abundance of Acinetobacter in the fresh colostrum was four times more (p<0.05) than that in the heat-treated colostrum. Our results demonstrated that heating does not affect IgG level and colostrum composition but reduces SCC (p<0.05), suggesting that heat-treated colostrum can potentially be put to further use (e.g., feeding Hanwoo calves) without compromising its quality. Differences in the microbiome between the fresh and heat-treated colostrum were limited. Further studies are required to extensively investigate the quality and safety of colostrum collected from dairy farms to ensure better utilization and processing at a local agricultural technology center.

Probiotics have been evaluated as therapeutic agents for cancer treatment in an increasing number of studies. This study investigated the inhibitory and cytotoxic effects of specific Lactobacillus strains on a human colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line (HT-29). The strains assessed were Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri VA 102, Ligilactobacillus (L.) animalis VA 105, and Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri KCTC 3594 (ATCC 23272). The viability of HT-29 cells was evaluated using the MTT assay. The findings revealed that cell-free supernatants (CFS) exhibited significant anticancer effects. Heat-inactivated L. reuteri VA 105 and L. reuteri KCTC 3594 induced a pronounced reduction in cell viability. Furthermore, live cultures of L. reuteri VA 105 and L. reuteri VA 102 also showed reduced cell viability compared to the control group. These results suggest that CFS and heat-inactivated cells may be more suitable for therapeutic applications than live bacteria owing to their improved safety profiles and reduced potential for adverse effects. Our findings also emphasize the potential anticancer benefits of these LAB strains.