Insect pollinators of the endanger orchid Cypripedium japonicum were surveyed and identified during two years, as a part of a conservation project of the orchid at Jukyeup-san and Hwaak-san (Mt.), South Korea. In total 40 individuals of 16 species in 4 families were identified. The dominant family was Halictidae, and Lasioglossum exiliceps Vachal visited the most frequently C. japonicum during the surveys. The average visiting frequency was 2.5 individuals per hour and the highest 4.3, from 12:00 – 13:00 in a day. After 15:00 insects did not visit the flowers at all. However, all of the visiting insects were found to not carry a pollinium or pollens of the orchard on their bodies; pollen carryover by any of the visiting insects did not occur at all. The orchid seems to require certain pollinators in particular body thickness due to its unique pollination mechanism. The orchid has two exit route openings, around 1 cm in diametre, where the entrapped insects can exit and an anther is situated just in front of each opening. It was inferred that a pollen carrier should be around 1 cm in body thickness. Therefore, the candidate species as the proper pollen carriers can be Tetralonia nipponensis Perez, Xylocopa appendiculata circumvolans Smith and Bombus consobrinus Dahlbom among the surveyed visitors.

Emotion regulation has been suggested as a pathway through which personality traits (e.g., extraversion or neuroticism) affect psychological well-being. However, the pathway needs further investigation across cultures due to variations in parts of the relationship reported in recent culture research. With an aim of improving current understanding of the pathway, we investigated the role of emotion regulation mediating the link between personality traits and well-being across two college samples from different cultural backgrounds: Korea and the United States (US). Results of mediation analysis revealed that the extraversion—well-being relationship was fully mediated by the degree to which individuals regulate negative emotions in both Korean and US samples. However, the neuroticism— well-being relationship was partially mediated by emotion regulation in the US sample, while it was fully mediated in the Korean sample. The role of emotion regulation differently functioning across cultures suggests the importance of investigating cultural-specific mechanism of psychological processes.

We carried out DNA barcoding of five Korean Lymantria species to establish identification references library for quarantine inspection. Total of 118 samples including 34 samples obtained through quarantine inspection, two from USDA, and one collected from Philiphine were used for this study. And 30 sequences of 10 species from GenBank of NCBI were used as reference sequences. In a result of DNA barcoding of the Korean Lymantria species, sequence divergence of 148 DNA barcodes ranged from null to 17.0%, intraspecific divergence from null to 1.0%, and interspecific divergence from 5.1 to 17.0%. In NJ tree, L. dispar contained three clusters, which were identified as L. dispar asiatica, L. albescens, and L. xylina, respectively. L. xylina was collected through quarantine inspection on a foreign merchant ship in Yeosu port, and L. albescens was obtained by pheromone trap on L. dispar installed in Busan port. And L. monacha known as single species in Korea was revealed as species complex with three species, L. monacha, L. minomonis, and L. sugii. In subspecies level, L. dispar dispar (EGM) built single cluster, but L. d. asiatica (AGM) and L. d. japonica showed as multiple cluster. Therefore, DNA barcoding lead to rapid and accurate identification in species level, but in subspecies level, only a taxon showing geographically far distance was discriminated from the others. And the results could provide a taxonomic outline of the Korean Lymantria fauna and might be used as identification reference for Lymantria species in quarantine inspection.

A taxonomic review on the Korean Lymantria Hübner, 1819 was conducted. In a result, a total of nine species under four subgenera including two new recorded species were detected as followings: L. dispar asiatica Vnukovskij, 1926, L. xylina Swinhoe, 1903, L. monacha (Linnaeus, 1758), L. minomonis Matsumura, 1933, L. sugii Kishida, 1986, L. lucescens (Butler, 1881), L. mathura Moore, 1865, L. fumida Butler, 1877, and L. bantaizana Matsumura, 1933. Of the two unrecorded species, L. minomonis was found only in Is. Bogildo of Jeollanam-do, the southern part of Korea, and the other one, L. sugii was collected in the middle part of Korea. On the two species, L. xylina and L. fumida, the Korean specimens could not be examined through this study. Therefore, we considered that the two species might be excluded from the Korean Lymantria fauna. Each species was identified on the basis of wing pattern and genitalia of male/female adult. We provided diagnosis, male/female adult habitus photos, male genitalia photos, and female ovipositor photos.

To evaluate the antioxidant and potential of Humulus japonicus, total polyphenol and flavonoid content, radical scavenging activities, and antitumor activities were measured. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of the methanol extracts from Humulus japonicus were 30.13±1.13 and 13.61±0.49 ㎎ gallic acid equivalent/g extract, respectively. DPPH radical and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities of methanol extracts of Humulus japonicus were 60% and 35%, respectively. The Humulus japonicus higher activities of anticancer activities on liver cancer cell lines compared to other cancer cell lines.

Historically the rise of contagious diseases and epidemics has been mainly caused by lack of food safety knowledge and negligence in personal hygiene. Food poisoning is an example that have been caused by lack of proper knowledge in food safety and personal hygiene. In order to prove this hypothesis, our team distributed a total of 225 survey sheets to middle school students. Survey questions mainly focused on the students' food safety knowledge, personal hygiene and regular dietary habits. We used 12 items to determine the stages of change in teenagers and divided into 3 stages of change: precontemplation stage (poor problem recognition), contemplation and preparation stage (some problem recognition), and action stage. Out of the 225 students surveyed, 105(47.1%) were male and 118 (52.9%) were female; 44.0% were in 7th grade, 33.0% in 8th grade, and 24.0% in 9th grade. In stages of change model, 3.8% were classified in pre-contemplation stage, 31.1% in preparation stage, and 65.1% in action stage. The awareness of the significance of food safety has a strong positive correlation with the stages of change food safety behavior (P<0.001), which suggesting our questionnaires regarding stages of change and food safety behavior were quite credential. Stages of change were also correlated with the consumption of unsanitary foods (P<0.01) and with the frequent hand washing (P<0.05). The stages of change showed a positive correlation with the food safety knowledge level (P<0.05). The four questions (out of 10) with the least percentage of correct answers were questions about the meaning of Norovirus (23.6%), the meaning of expiration date (43.6%), the meaning of food poisoning (36.4%), and proper food-handling (36.0%).

The seven-spotted lady beetle, Coccinella septempunctata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) has a broad ecological range, living almost anywhere there are aphids for feeding. In this study, we isolated and characterized a total of 10 microsatellite loci from the species. The loci were validated and characterized using 25 samples collected from five Korean localities. The number of alleles and heterozygosity observed at each locus ranged from 4 to 16 and from 0.37 to 0.89, respectively. None of the loci deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and there was no indication of significant linkage disequilibrium among pairs of loci. These microsatellite markers should be very valuable markers for population genetic studies of Coccinella septempunctata.

21종류의 폴리스티렌 용기를 대상으로 용출조건에 따른 용기내 증류수로 용출되는 5종의 VOCs(톨루엔, 스티렌, 에틸벤젠, 이소프로필벤젠 및 n-프로필벤젠)를 Purge&Trap 장치를 연결하여GC-FID로 분석하였다. 각 표준물질은 1~50 ng/ mL의 농도범위에서 직선성(r2 =0.9976~0.9995)을 나타냈으며, 검출한계는 0.041~0.092 ng/mL, 정량한계는 0.135~0.304 ng/mL 이었다. 용출조건은 첫째, 60oC에서 30분, 둘째, 95oC에서 30분, 셋째, 실생활에서 컵라면 섭취시를 고려하여 끓은 물을 부은 후 뚜껑을 덮고 3분간 유지한 다음 뚜껑을 열고 5분 동안 개방하여 용출시키는 것으로 설정하였다. 톨루엔, 에틸벤젠, 이소프로필벤젠 및 n-프로필벤젠은 평균용출량이 모든 조건에서 5 ng/mL 이하로 검출되었으며 스티렌의 경우는 60oC에서 평균용출량이 4.02 ng/mL, 95oC에서는 52.71 ng/mL, 컵라면 섭취시의 조건에서는 17.23 ng/mL로 검출되었다.

To understand geographic genetic variation of the species and relationships among populations of the bumble bee, Bombus ardens, that is utilized as green house pollinator we expanded our investigation by sequencing somewhat longer mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) fragment, covering some uninvestigated regions within the species distribution, and analyzing the sequence data in terms of population genetic structure. For the purpose of study, a portion of mitochondrial COI gene, corresponding to "DNA Barcode" region (658 bp) was sequenced from 160 individuals of B. ardens collected over 15 localities in Korea. The sequence data revealed overall relatively low genetic diversity within species, with a maximum sequence divergence of 0.3%. Geographically, one haplotype (BARBA01) was found in all localities surveyed, with the frequency of 91% (145 among 160 individuals), whereas other haplotypes were found in a locality mostly as a single individual, suggesting that haplotype distribution can be summarized as coexistence of widespread, one dominant haplotype and regionally restricted, other haplotypes. Overall, very high rate of per generation female migration (Nm = 4.6 ~ infinite) and very low level of geographic substitution (FST = 0 ~ 0.099) among localities were characteristic. Although some populations were genetically subdivided from the remaining localities in the hierarchical analysis, there was regional polarity on this subdivision. Taken together with gene flow estimates, the nature of genetic divergence of the bumble bee populations is characterized as one that possessing low genetic diversity, high gene flow, and wide spread of one dominant haplotype, consistent with the previous finding. To have further detailed information of this valuable genetic resource, further longer and variable molecular portion is under investigating.

To understand geographic genetic variation of the species and relationships among populations of the bumble bee, Bombus ardens, we sequenced a portion of mitochondrial COI gene, which corresponds to "DNA Barcode" region (658 bp) from 101 B. ardens individuals collected over 11 localities in Korea. The sequence data were used to investigate genetic diversity within populations and species, geographic variation within species, phylogeographic relationship among populations, and phylogenetic relationship among haplotypes. A total of nine haplortpes were found, but they very close to each other (a maximum sequence divergence of 0. 304%). Summarized, overall moderate to low genetic diversity within populations and species was characteristic, concordant with the high potential to disperse of B. ardens in Korea. There was no clear regional subdivision was observed and relatively high rate of gene flow among localities and low FST was characteristic.

최근 미세먼지, 내분비장애, 환경 호르몬등에 의해 피부 염증 질환 환자들이 증가함에 따라 화장품 소재 개발 연구는 스테로이드, 항히스타민제 등의 피부염 치료 합성화합물 보다 이를 대체할 수 있는 천연물 기반의 보다 안전한 소재 발굴에 관심이 더 증가되고 있다. 따라서 본 연구에서는 여러 가지 천연 약재 스크리닝을 거쳐 피부 효능 효과가 검증된 두충, 익지인, 백강잠의 한방추출물(Mix)을 선정하고, 이들의 새로운 피부 효능을 규명하여 천연 화장품 소재를 개발하고자 하였다. 우선 한방추출물(Mix)의 항산화 효능을 검증하기 위해 DPPH assay를 수행한 결과 400 μg/mL 농도 조건에서 약 98.8% DPPH radical 소거 활성을 확인하였다. 한방추출물(Mix)의 미백효능을 확인하기 위해 B16F10 세포주를 활용하여 한방추출물에 의한 멜라닌 합성량을 측정하였다. 400 μg/mL 농도 조건에서 α-MSH 처리군 대비 27.1% 수준까지 멜라닌 합성량이 감소하여 미백 효능 활성에 대해 유의성 있는 결과를 확인하였다. 또한 한방추출물(Mix)의 항염증 효능을 확인하기 위해 LPS 자극으로 활성화된 RAW264.7 대식세포에서 NO(nitric oxide) 합성 및 iNOS, COX-2의 유전자 발현을 관찰한 결과 모두 유의적으로 감소되는 것을 확인하였다. 염증성 사이토카인으로 알려진 IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α의 mRNA 발현을 분석한 결과에서도 한방추출물에 의해 효과적으로 억제되는 것을 확인하였다. 마지막으로 피부장벽 기능 강화를 확인하기 위해 인간 각질형성세포인 HaCaT을 이용해 tight junction 구성 단백질 인 claudin 1 유전자의 발현 변화를 관찰한 결과 한방추출물에 의해 mRNA 발현이 농도 의존적으로 증가되는 것을 확인하였다. 따라서 본 연구를 통해 우리는 두충, 익지인, 백강잠을 함유한 한방추출물(Mix)이 항산화, 항염, 미백, 그리고 피부장벽 강화 등에 유효한 소재임을 확인하였고, 향후 피부 임상시험 등이 이뤄진다면 피부염 환자에 효과적인 천연 화장품 소재로 개발될 수 있을 것이다.

본 연구는 완주에서 재배된 세계 주요 11개 적포도 품종으로 제조된 적포도주의 향기 성분을 headspace-solid phase microextraction 분석법으로 확인하였다. 향기성분은 총 75종이 확인되었다. 아로마화합물은 그들의 OAV 값에 의해 5 그룹으로 나뉘었다. 알콜, 알데하이드, 에스테르, C6 화합물이 11개 적포도주의 주요한 향기성분이었다. Isoamy alcohol 알콜과 phenylethyl 알콜은 11개 포도주에서 공통적으로 꽃향기, 달콤한 향을 나타내는데 중요한 물질이었다. Octanoic acid, ethyl ester, hexanoic acid ethylester은 모든 레드와인에서 과실향과 꽃향, 달콤한 향을 내는 중요한 성분이었다. 1-Hexanol은 모든 포도주에서 분석되었으나 풀향을 나타내는 향으로 나타났다. Chanceller, Malbec, marchel, Nsrsha, Pinot Meunier, Sangiovetto 포도주의 주요 향기성분은 과실 향인 것으로 나타났으며 Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Vert 포도주의 주요 향기성분은 풀향인 것으로 조사되었다. 또한, MBA와 Narsha 포도주의 경우 꽃향이 주요 향인 것으로 조사되었다. 본 연구 결과를 바탕으로 적포도주용 품종을 육성할 때 선발기준으로 향기성분 분석을 활용할 수 있을 것으로 판단되었다.

The study compared the juice and wine odorants of the Cheongsoo grape cultivar with those of Chardonnay and Reisling wines. The volatile compounds of the three grape varieties were analyzed using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The most common volatile compounds in the juices from the three cultivars were terpenes, C13-norisoprenoids, etones, alcohols, and aldehydes. Terpenes were established as the most abundant group of volatiles in Cheongsoo grape juice, where as aldehydes predominated in Chardonnay and Riesling juices. Forty-two volatile compounds (acids, alcohols, esters, and others) were detected in the three white wines. The concentration of esters was about four times higher in Cheongsoo wine than in Chardonnay and Riesling wines. Five esters found in the Cheongsoo wine, namely, isoamyl acetate, ethyl butanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, and ethyl decanoate, exhibited high odor activity values (OAV) of >1. Furthermore, only Cheongsoo wine had a high OAV for isoamyl acetate odorant, which is associated with banana and sweet aromas. Therefore, the abundant and varied esters are believed to be key volatile fruity/sweet odorants in Cheongsoo wine.

Background : Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multidrug-resistant (MDR) strain. Especially, MRSA is developing resistance to available antibacterial agents and causing complications in the treatment of infections related to skin, soft tissue, respiratory, bone, joint, and endovascular disorders. Therefore, antibacterial agent combination therapy appears to be a useful option, particularly in developing countries where antibiotic availability is limited. (+)-Usnic acid (UA) is uniquely found in lichens, and is especially abundant in genera such as Usnea and Cladonia. UA has antimicrobial activity against human and plant pathogens. Therefore, UA may be a good antibacterial drug candidate for clinical development. Methods and Results : In search of a natural products capable of inhibiting this multidrug-resistant bacteria, we have investigated the antimicrobial activity of UA against MRSA. In this study, the effects of a combination of UA and permeable agents against MRSA were investigated. For the measurement of cell wall permeability, UA with concentration of Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was used. In the other hand, Sodium azide (NaN3) was used as inhibitors of ATPase. These results suggest that the antibacterial effect of UA was potentiated by membrane-binding agents and ABC transporter-inhibiting agents, implying that antibacterial activity is associated with damage of the cell wall and inhibition of ATPase function by UA. Conclusion : UA and in combination with EDTA and NaN3 could lead to the development of new combination antibiotics against MRSA infection. The results of this study appear to be promising, and they are expected to enhance the use of natural products as drugs.

The study aimed to evaluate the usability of sterile bag collection (SBC) urinalysis and urine culture for diagnosing urinary tract infections (UTI). Urine culture is key for diagnosing UTI, and transurethral catheterization (TUC) or suprapubic aspiration is recommended for non-toilet-trained children. Although urine testing using SBC is non-invasive and easy, UTI can be diagnosed only if other criteria including clinical symptoms and positive urinalysis results are met. This study included 228 infants who were hospitalized for unexplained fever from October 2015 to June 2016. TUC culture, SBC urinalysis, and urine culture were performed for all patients. UTI was diagnosed when the TUC culture results met the criterion of ≥104 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. When UTI diagnosis was made based on SBC urine colony counts ≥105 CFU/mL, the false-positive and false-negative rates were 6.3% and 70.0%, respectively. When the criterion was set as ≥104 CFU/mL, they were 23.7% and 30.0%, respectively. When both the criteria of ≥105 CFU/mL and positive urinalysis results were met, the false-positive rate was 2.4%, and the false-negative rate was 80%. Our results suggest that diagnosing UTI using SBC urinalysis and urine culture is not useful in infants with unexplained fever.