Comparative Analysis of Gut Microbiota in Humans Living with and Without Companion Animals.

Cohabitation with companion animals (CAs) has been suggested as a significant modifier of gut microbial diversity. This study investigated the influence of cohabitation with CAs on human gut microbiota composition. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, we analyzed the gut microbiota of 20 families with CAs (40 adults, 20 children) and 20 families without CAs (40 adults, 20 children).

First Investigation of the Spring Dietary Composition of Siberian Musk Deer () Using Next-Generation Sequencing.

Understanding the dietary composition of the Siberian musk deer () is critical for informing conservation efforts, particularly given the species' vulnerable status in the Republic of Korea and its limited ecological data. Previous dietary studies have relied on conventional methods with limitations in taxonomic precision, hindering comprehensive insights into their feeding ecology. To address this gap, we used Next-Generation Sequencing to analyze 16 fecal samples collected in April from Gangwon Province, the habitat of .

Whole genome sequencing analysis of enteropathogenic from human and companion animals in Korea.

Importance: This study is essential for comprehending the zoonotic transmission, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic diversity of enteropathogenic (EPEC).

Objective: To improve our understanding of EPEC, this study focused on analyzing and comparing the genomic characteristics of EPEC isolates from humans and companion animals in Korea.

Methods: The whole genome of 26 EPEC isolates from patients with diarrhea and 20 EPEC isolates from companion animals in Korea were sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq X (Illumina, USA) and Oxford Nanopore MinION (Oxford Nanopore Technologies, UK) platforms.

Insights into the Gut Microbial Diversity of Wild Siberian Musk Deer () in Republic of Korea.

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of wildlife. However, its composition and diversity remain unexplored, particularly in threatened species such as the Siberian musk deer (SMD). This study aimed to elucidate the gut microbiota composition within different wild SMD communities for assessing their health status.

Effects of Antimicrobial Administration Route on Growth and Antimicrobial Resistance in Weaned Piglets.

This study aimed to determine how the route of antimicrobial administration affected the growth performance of weaned piglets. Additionally, we aimed to investigate potential differences between antimicrobial resistance developed by antimicrobials administered orally through drinking water, and those administered through feed, in weaned piglets. The research was undertaken on a farm housing 500 sows and involved 150 weaned piglets at 21 days of age.

Safety and Effectiveness of Regdanvimab for COVID-19 Treatment: A Phase 4 Post-marketing Surveillance Study Conducted in South Korea.

Introduction: Regdanvimab, a neutralising monoclonal antibody (mAb) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), received approval for the treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Korea in 2021. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety in South Korea mandate that new medications be re-examined for safety and effectiveness post-approval in at least 3000 individuals. This post-marketing surveillance (PMS) study was used to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of regdanvimab in real-world clinical care.

Comparative Genetic Characterization of CTX-M-Producing Isolated from Humans and Pigs with Diarrhea in Korea Using Next-Generation Sequencing.

Pathogenic causes intra- and extraintestinal diseases in humans and pigs and third-generation cephalosporins are the primary option for the treatment of these diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics and correlation between CTX-M-producing from humans and pigs regarding CTX-M-producing using next-generation sequencing and bioinformatic tools. Among the 24 CTX-M-producing , three types of CTX-M genes (CTX-M-12, CTX-M-14, and CTX-M-15) were detected in humans and four types of CTX-M genes (CTX-M-14, CTX-M-15, CTX-M-55, and CTX-M-101) were detected in pigs.

Comparative genetic characterisation of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli isolated from integrated and conventional pig farm in Korea.

Objectives: Pig-farming systems consist of integrated or conventional farms, and many antimicrobials are used to treat bacterial infections. The objective of this study was to compare characteristics of third-generation cephalosporin resistance and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)/pAmpC β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli between integrated and conventional farms.

Methods: Third-generation cephalosporin-resistant E.

Development of a Method for the Fast Detection of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase- and Plasmid-Mediated AmpC β-Lactamase-Producing and from Dogs and Cats in the USA.

Antibiotic resistance, such as resistance to beta-lactams and the development of resistance mechanisms, is associated with multifactorial phenomena and not only with the use of third-generation cephalosporins. Many methods have been recommended for the detection of ESBL and pAmpC β-lactamase production but they are very subjective and the appropriate facilities are not available in most laboratories, especially not in clinics. Therefore, for fast clinical antimicrobial selection, we need to rapidly detect ESBL- and pAmpC β-lactamase-producing bacteria using a simple method with samples containing large amounts of bacteria.

Comparative genetic characterization of CMY-2-type beta-lactamase producing pathogenic Escherichia coli isolated from humans and pigs suffering from diarrhea in Korea.

Background: Pathogenic Escherichia coli are an important cause of bacterial infections in both humans and pigs and many of antimicrobials are used for the treatment of E. coli infection. The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics and relationship between humans and pigs regarding third-generation cephalosporin resistance and CMY-2-producing E.

Relationship between virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance genes of pathogenic Escherichia coli from diarrheic weaned piglets.

A total of 690 pathogenic Escherichia (E.) coli isolates from weaned piglets were examined for antimicrobial resistance phenotypes, resistance genes, and virulence gene profiles. Also, 29 enterotoxigenic E.

GSPE Protects against Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice via Ameliorating Epithelial Apoptosis through Inhibition of Oxidative Stress.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown cause which leads to alveolar epithelial cell apoptosis followed by basement membrane disruption and accumulation of extracellular matrix, destroying the lung architecture. Oxidative stress is involved in the development of alveolar injury, inflammation, and fibrosis. Oxidative stress-mediated alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) apoptosis is suggested to be a key process in the pathogenesis of IPF.

Detection of Linezolid-Resistant and Isolates from the Layer Operation System in Korea.

Linezolid (LNZ) is one of the most important antimicrobial agents against infections caused by gram-positive bacteria, including enterococci. In a layer operation system, antimicrobial resistance can be transferred to commercial layers via the fecal-oral route. This study investigated the presence and distribution of LNZ-resistant and in a layer operation system.

Molecular characterization of fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli from broiler breeder farms.

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) have been used effectively antimicrobial agents of choice for treatment of various infections caused by E. coli and FQs-resistance of E. coli from broiler breeders has been implicated in its vertical transmission to their offspring.

Histiocytic pleural effusion: the strong clue to malignancy.

Background: There have been many studies on the clinical characteristics of neutrophilic, lymphocytic, and/or eosinophilic pleural effusion. While caring for patients with pleural effusion, we found that histiocytic pleural effusion (HisPE) was not uncommon. However, few studies have explored HisPE.

The occurrence of CTX-M-producing E. coli in the broiler parent stock in Korea.

A large number of antimicrobials are used for the treatment of bacterial infections, and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) in livestock and the transfer of resistant isolates to humans poses a serious potential risk to public health. In particular, broiler parent stock produce thousands of eggs for commercial broiler chickens and can transfer antimicrobial-resistant bacteria and drug-resistance genes to chicks.

Clinical Importance of Work-Exacerbated Asthma: Findings From a Prospective Asthma Cohort in a Highly Industrialized City in Korea.

Purpose: Work-related asthma (WRA) occupies about 10%-30% of all asthma cases. Among 2 subtypes of WRA (occupational asthma [OA] and work-exacerbated asthma [WEA]), the rate of WEA has been reported to increase recently. WRA is described as having worse characteristics than non-WRA (NWRA), while WEA is known to show similar severity to OA in terms of symptoms and exacerbations.

Combinatorial Strategies for Long-term Control of HIV Infection.

AIDS is a disease caused by a chronic infection of HIV. Recently, long-term control of HIV infection has been demonstrated through the bone marrow transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), in which the C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) gene is mutated innately. However, it is very difficult to obtain CCR5 mutant HSC that match human leukocyte antigen between donor and recipient.

Molecular characteristics of optrA-carrying Enterococcus faecalis from chicken meat in South Korea.

The purpose of this study was to identify the genetic environment of optrA gene in linezolid (LZD)-resistant Enterococcus faecalis from chicken meat and to describe the probable mechanism of dissemination of the optrA gene through plasmid or chromosomal integration. Whole genome sequencing and analysis revealed that all 3 E. faecalis isolates confirmed as LZD- and chloramphenicol-resistant carried fexA adjacent to the optrA gene as well as a variety of resistance genes for macrolides, tetracyclines, and aminoglycosides, simultaneously.

Active tuberculosis risk associated with malignancies: an 18-year retrospective cohort study in Korea.

Background: Active tuberculosis (TB) develops in approximately 10% of people with a latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). TB guidelines recommend that LTBI screening and treatments target high-risk patients. Malignancies are not universally considered a high-risk factor for active TB.

Characteristics of linezolid-resistant Enterococcus faecalis isolates from broiler breeder farms.

Linezolid is an oxazolidinone class antibiotic used for treatment infections caused by various multidrug-resistant gram-positive pathogens including enterococci. However, recently, linezolid-resistant isolates in animals are considered as a human health hazard. In a broiler operation system, antimicrobial resistance can be transferred to the environment and commercial broiler via the fecal-oral route.

Human Leukocyte Antigen Class I Pseudo-Homozygous Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are an important type of cell that are highly recognized for their safety and efficacy as a cell therapy agent. In order to obtain MSC, primary tissues (adipose tissue, bone marrow, and umbilical cord blood) must be used; however, these tissues, especially umbilical cord blood, are difficult to obtain due to various reasons, such as the low birth rate trend. In addition, to maximize the safety and efficacy of MSC as allogenic cell therapeutic agents, it is desirable to minimize the possibility of an immune rejection reaction after in vivo transplantation.