https://scholarworks.korea.ac.kr/kumedicine/handle/2020.sw.kumedicine/535 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 01:07:17 GMT 2026-04-09T01:07:17Z https://scholarworks.korea.ac.kr/kumedicine/handle/2021.sw.kumedicine/80386 Title: Epidemiological surveillance and genomic characterisation of betacoronavirus in Apodemus agrarius from Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces, Republic of Korea, 2017–2019 Authors: Kim, Jongwoo; No, Jin Sun; Park, Kyungmin; Lee, Seung-Ho; Natasha, Augustine; Pangestu, Haryo Seno; Klein, Terry A.; Kim, Heung Chul; Kim, Won-Keun; Song, Jin-Won Abstract: Coronaviruses (CoVs) infect a broad range of hosts and cause illnesses of varying severity, ranging from the common cold to severe acute respiratory syndrome, posing significant public health concerns. Although rodents are recognized as natural reservoirs of CoVs, genomic surveillance of rodent-borne Betacoronavirus(β-CoV) has not been conducted in the Republic of Korea (ROK). 511 Apodemus agrarius specimens collected in Gyeonggi and Gangwon Provinces between 2017 and 2019 were examined, with CoV RNA detected in 6.7% (34/511) of the intestinal tissue samples using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. This study represents the first molecular evidence of β-CoV in A. agrarius in the ROK. Phylogenetic analysis revealed two distinct genetic groups: A. agrarius CoV 1 (AaCoV-1) and AaCoV-2. The complete coding genome sequence of AaCoV-1 revealed the highest genomic similarity to China rat CoV HKU24, species B. ratti, and the subgenus Embecovirus. AaCoV-1 is predicted to have a high level of zoonotic potential, highlighting the need for epidemiological and pathogenic studies to assess its potential for human transmission. This report provides substantial insights into the molecular epidemiology, geographic distribution, and zoonotic potential of rodent-borne β-CoVs, contributing to a unified one health framework for the enhanced surveillance and risk control of emerging CoVs. © 2026 Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://scholarworks.korea.ac.kr/kumedicine/handle/2021.sw.kumedicine/80386 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z https://scholarworks.korea.ac.kr/kumedicine/handle/2021.sw.kumedicine/79330 Title: Structure-guided design of a bivalent SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine with NTD stabilizing mutations enhances broad immunity Authors: Yeo, Jinah; Yun, Mi-ran; Kim, Seo-Yeon; Seok, Jong-Hyun; Jeon, Ji Hyang; Lee, Taeyoung; Kim, Jeonghun; Kim, Kisoon; Park, Man-Seong; Kim, Dokeun; Kim, You-Jin Abstract: SARS-CoV-2 evolution, particularly the emergence of Omicron variants, has challenged vaccine efficacy, necessitating antigens with broad and variant-specific protection. To design mRNA vaccine antigens with broad-spectrum immunity and enhanced stability, we developed two spike antigens using in silico optimization: Css_dsg S, the ancestral strain-Delta variant consensus with stabilizing mutations, and Omi_dsg S, an Omicron-adapted design. Computational analysis identified two critical N-terminal domain stabilization sites consistently enhancing protein expression across variants, suggesting their potential as universal stabilizing elements. Css_dsg S elicited robust IFN-gamma T cell responses and significantly elevated neutralizing antibody titers against variants in BALB/c mice. Omi_dsg S induced strong immune responses in vivo. A bivalent mRNA vaccine combining both antigens elicited superior neutralizing antibody responses and conferred enhanced protection against BN.1 and BA.5 challenges in K18-hACE2 mice. These findings support computationally optimized spike antigens, particularly the bivalent formulation, as a promising strategy for next-generation vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 variants. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT https://scholarworks.korea.ac.kr/kumedicine/handle/2021.sw.kumedicine/79330 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z https://scholarworks.korea.ac.kr/kumedicine/handle/2021.sw.kumedicine/77822 Title: Filtering evaluation of multiplex respiratory virus-like particles by machine learning-assisted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy Authors: Song, Sojin; Kim, Soohyun; Lee, Jeong Seop; Kang, Hyun Wook; Seok, Jong Hyeon; Park, Man-Seong; Choi, Nakwon; Sung, Young Joon; Sim, Sang Jun Abstract: The persistent threat of respiratory viral infections emphasizes the need for face masks with effective virus protection. Masks provide an immediate physical barrier against respiratory droplets, particularly without effective therapeutic interventions. Conventional filtration performance tests cannot replicate key viral characteristics or the real-world environment of viruses within respiratory droplets. Here, we developed a cutting-edge system for mask evaluation using machine learning (ML)-assisted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) with multiplex respiratory virus-like particles (VLPs). Our microfluidic spray system generates human respiratory droplets containing VLPs with adjustable specific viral properties, simulating real-world transmission conditions. Additionally, the developed ML-based advanced one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) model efficiently analyzed complex SERS spectral datasets, quantifying the distribution of Raman dye-tagged VLPs with over 92 % accuracy. Consequently, this high-throughput, multiplexed system enables precise evaluation of mask filtration performance under realistic conditions and provides valuable insights into viral droplets across diverse environments, supporting evidence-based public health strategies to control respiratory infections. © 2025 Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://scholarworks.korea.ac.kr/kumedicine/handle/2021.sw.kumedicine/77822 2025-11-01T00:00:00Z https://scholarworks.korea.ac.kr/kumedicine/handle/2021.sw.kumedicine/78055 Title: The prevalence of reasons for tooth extraction in cats Authors: Kim, Chun-Geun; Kwon, Daehyun; Lee, Kyuyoung; Kim, Se Eun; Jo, Hyun Min Abstract: Objectives This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diseases leading to tooth extraction in a large population of cats and to identify factors associated with each condition, including age, sex, breed, and tooth position.Methods All cats underwent a thorough dental examination and full mouth dental radiographs to assess their oral health. Each tooth was classified according to its primary pathological condition, and extraction was performed based on clinical criteria specific to each disease. Tooth extractions were then performed using appropriate methods based on the condition of each tooth. For a detailed analysis of each disease, a comparative study was conducted considering factors such as sex, age, breed, and tooth position.Results Periodontitis (33.41%), feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS, 32.40%), and tooth resorption (TR, 15.21%) were the three most frequent reasons for tooth extraction in cats. Periodontitis and TR tended to significantly increase in prevalence with age, while FCGS showed a decreasing trend with age. Periodontitis was most commonly observed in the maxillary first molar teeth and mandibular incisor teeth, and least frequently in the canine teeth, with no statistically significant differences by sex or breed. FCGS showed a higher prevalence in domestic shorthair cats, and a slightly higher extraction rate in intact females compared to spayed females. There were no statistically significant differences by tooth location. TR was most frequently found in the mandibular third premolar teeth, with no significant variation by sex. While some breeds showed higher TR prevalence, the distribution varied across breeds.Conclusions and relevance This study underscores the importance of tailored dental care for cats, especially as they age, and highlights the need for further studies to explore the links between factors such as nutrition, genetics, and oral health. A better understanding of these aspects can lead to improved overall health and quality of life for cats. Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT https://scholarworks.korea.ac.kr/kumedicine/handle/2021.sw.kumedicine/78055 2025-07-01T00:00:00Z