Elucidating Korean meadowsweet (Filipendula glaberrima Nakai)-derived arabinogalactan protein-induced macrophage activation and its associated mechanism of action.

This study aimed to confirm macrophage-stimulatory component from Korean meadowsweet (Filipendula glaberrima; FG) and characterize its compositional and structural properties. FG-CWH, prepared via cool-water extraction and ethanol precipitation, induced the highest secretion of NO (6.0-8.

Marine debris ingestion by adults and fledglings of Swinhoe's storm petrels in the Republic of Korea.

Procellariiformes are highly vulnerable to marine plastic pollution due to their species-specific life histories. In particular, storm petrels are known to be one of the most vulnerable species with respect to plastic ingestion. In this study, we examined the plastic ingestion by adults and fledglings of Swinhoe's storm petrels on Chilbal Island, one of the largest breeding colonies for this species.

Marine litter pollution of breeding colony and habitat use patterns of Black-tailed gulls in South Korea.

Marine litter can affect the survival of the breeding population in seabird colonies. In this study, five 5 m × 5 m quadrats were installed at a Black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) breeding colony on Nan Island to collect marine litter and regurgitated pellets, from which the types, sizes, and quantities of marine litter were identified. Global positioning system (GPS) devices were attached to five adult gulls to investigate their major foraging habitats during the breeding period.

Genetic polymorphism of HLA-DRA and alcohol consumption affect hepatitis development in the Korean population.

Background: Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that has several potential causes; however, the genetic association has recently begun to be studied.

Objectives: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is an essential component of the immune response, and in this study, we conducted a correlation analysis to determine whether genetic polymorphisms of HLA and drinking habits affect hepatitis development.

Methods: Genetic polymorphisms of HLA were investigated using Korean genomic and epidemiological data.

Assessment of the spatiotemporal risk of avian influenza between waterfowl and poultry farms during the annual cycle: A spatial prediction study focused on seasonal distribution changes in resident waterfowl in South Korea.

Previous studies and efforts to prevent and manage avian influenza (AI) outbreaks have mainly focused on the wintering season. However, outbreaks of AI have been reported in the summer, including the breeding season of waterfowl. Additionally, the spatial distribution of waterfowl can easily change during the annual cycle due to their life-cycle traits and the presence of both migrants and residents in the population.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Nakai Ethanolic Extract and Its Chemical Composition.

Many countries are endeavoring to strengthen the competitiveness of their biological resources by exploring and developing wild endemic plants. This study examined the effects of Nakai (FG) on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity using an in vitro system. The bioactive components were also examined using chromatographic techniques.

Plastic debris ingestion by seabirds on the Korean Peninsula.

Plastic ingestion studies in seabirds that analyse the frequency of occurrence and the characteristics of the plastics ingested by each species provide valuable information for marine environmental assessments by quantifying the impacts of marine debris on seabirds. We investigated the frequency of plastic ingestion from a sample of 387 individuals of 11 seabird species on the Korean Peninsula. We found evidence of plastic ingestion in red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator) (33.