In this study, we exarnined the effects of different concentrations of red pepper seed (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%) on pH, total acidity, color, reducing sugar content, total microbes, lactic acid bacteria, and sensory quality， in terms of prolonging the shelf-life of kimchi. The additions of red pepper seed resulted in higher pH leveIs, while total acidity was lower than that of the control. The kimchi with red pepper seed had higher reducing sugar contents than the control. Furthermore, the kimchi with red pepper seed showed higher b-values than the control. During fermentation, the arnounts of lactic acid bacteria and total microbes were higher in the kimchi with red pepper seed than in the control, and the higher ratios resulted in higher quality kimchi. The additions of red pepper seed also resulted in changes of color, flavor, taste, and texture, having a large influence on overall product quality. In conclusion, in terms of preservation and consumption, the 3% and 5% red pepper seed concentrations offered enhanced shelf-life and better quality kimchi products.

Tuberculosis (TB) is still a significant public health problem in Korea. In many cases, it is not easy to diagnose TB. A 13-year-old male patient was admitted for left chest pain for 6 months period. Chest radiography done two months ago during the school screening revealed a pleural effusion in the left lung. All cultures were negative, and 3 sputum samples and his pleural fluid sample tested negative for Acid-fast bacilli. There was no evidence of a malignant effusion. A pleural fluid examination revealed features suggestive of an empyema. Thick and yellowish pus was drawn out. Pleural fluid analysis presented White blood cell 5,200/mm3, and neutrophil-dominant with 60% of neutrophil. In an effort to attain a diagnosis, a video-assisted thoracoscopy procedure was performed with pleural drainage and biopsies. Active chronic granulomatous pleuritis was found through pleural biopsies. He was responsive to treatment and received 6 months of anti-TB therapy with complete clinical resolution. If the clinical picture is in confusion, pleural biopsy is occasionally indicated to diagnose TB pleuritis.