Isolation, Characterization, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Effect of Marine Actinomycete, Streptomyces Carpaticus MK-01, against Fish Pathogens

ABSTRACT Present study aim to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of crude extract of Marine Streptomyces carpaticus MK-01 isolated from seawater collected from Daejeong-cost of Jeju Island. About 24 actinomycetes strains were isolated and subjected to morphological and molecular analysis that confirmed the isolate as S. carpaticus MK-01. Crude ethyl acetate extract of MK-01 strain showed extensive antibacterial activity against Gram-positive fish pathogenic bacteria namely Streptococcus iniae and S. parauberis with a maximum zone of inhibition (0.92±0.03mm) was recorded against S. parauberis at the minimum extract concentration (3.12µg/ml). The MK-01 ethyl acetate extract shows dose dependant significant increase in antioxidant activity. The 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of MK-01 ethyl acetate extract was attained at 53.71 μg/ml and the effective concentration 50 (EC50) against virus-infected Epithelioma papulosum cyprini cell lines was 8.72 μg/ml of S. carpaticus MK-01 crude ethyl acetate extract.

The First Case of Non-retrospective Clinical Identification of Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome Patient in 2013 in South Korea

In this study, we report the first clinically identified case of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) in a 73-year old man from Jeju Island, South Korea. Although his initial manifestation suggested tsutsugamushi disease with cutaneous lesion, later the patient presented with symptoms characteristic of SFTS. Despite intensive medical therapies upon the clinical diagnosis of SFTS, patient's condition rapidly deteriorated. SFTS is a fatal disease that requires early diagnosis and appropriate supportive treatment.

Evaluation of dietary behavior and nutritional status of elementary school students in Jeju using nutrition quotient / 한국영양학회지

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the food behavior and nutritional status of elementary school students in the Jeju area using Nutrition Quotient (NQ). METHODS: The subjects were 440 students (235 boys and 205 girls) in the fifth and sixth grade at four elementary schools located in Jeju. Demographic, lifestyle, and environmental information was collected using a self-reported questionnaire. The food behavior checklist for children's Nutrition Quotient (NQ), consisting of 19 items, and nutrition education related information were also obtained. RESULTS: The mean score of the children's NQ was poor, reaching 60.3 points. The percentage distribution of NQ grade was 19.8% (lowest), 18.6% (low), 45.0% (medium), 10.7% (high), and 5.9% (highest) and the factor scores for balance, diversity, abstinence, regularity, and practice were 56.6, 68.4, 71.3, 57.4, and 54.8 points, respectively. Compared with the NQ cut-off points for defining malnutrition (balance; 57, diversity; 87, abstinence; 66, regularity; 69, and practice; 67 point), average score of abstinence factor was only above the cut-off point and scores of the other factors were below the cut-off point. Subjects with higher NQ scores tended to have higher levels of exercise activity (p < 0.001), frequency of family meals (p < 0.01), and father's educational levels (p < 0.01) compared to those with lower NQ score. NQ score showed positive association with nutrition education experience and practice (p < 0.001) CONCLUSION: NQ score of elementary school students residing in Jeju was lower than the national average. More opportunities should be provided for participation in nutrition education, which incorporates a range of program strategies, as well as communication and education activities.

Reemergence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus on Jeju Island / 대한수의학회지

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) strains responsible for recent outbreaks in the United States have been occurring in Mainland Korea since late 2013. Over the past 10 years, PEDV outbreaks have not been reported on Jeju Island. However, in late March of 2014, PEDV re-emerged on Jeju Island and was found to be genetically identical to PEDV strains currently circulating in Mainland Korea. The present study was conducted to provide a better understanding of the epidemiology of PEDV and more effective preventive measures against PED.

Reemergence of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus on Jeju Island / 대한수의학회지

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) strains responsible for recent outbreaks in the United States have been occurring in Mainland Korea since late 2013. Over the past 10 years, PEDV outbreaks have not been reported on Jeju Island. However, in late March of 2014, PEDV re-emerged on Jeju Island and was found to be genetically identical to PEDV strains currently circulating in Mainland Korea. The present study was conducted to provide a better understanding of the epidemiology of PEDV and more effective preventive measures against PED.

Skin and Soft Tissue Infection due to Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria: Case Series and Literature Review / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are ubiquitous in soil and water. Most NTM cause disease in humans only rarely unless some aspect of host defense is impaired. Recently, rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) is not uncommon, and the prevalence of RGM infection has been increasing. RGM causes a wide spectrum of pulmonary and extrapulmonary diseases and has been shown as an important source for opportunistic infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We report 5 patients of skin and soft tissue infection due to RGM in tertiary medical center in Jeju Island and analyzed 21 patients of skin and soft tissue infection due to RGM in Republic of Korea. Clinical, microbiological and epidemiological data were collected from each patient. NTM isolates were identified using conventional and molecular methods including 16S rDNA gene sequencing. RESULTS: The mean age of the RGM patients (n=26) was 54.9 +/- 15.9 years and 73% were women. Mycobacterium fortuitum complex was the most common (12/26). Antimicrobial resistance for clarithromycin and quinolone were 12% and 60%, respectively. Clarithromycin based therapy was done in 46%. The mean duration of treatment was 21.2 +/- 8.7 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Many cases can be cured after therapy for 4-7 month with at least 2 or 3 antibiotics according to in vitro susceptibility. Recent increasing of NTM cases suggests that species and subspecies identification is epidemiologically important, especially related to medical procedure, and surgery.

First Report of the Lichen Species, Heterodermia flabellata (Fee) D. D. Awasthi, and Updated Taxonomic Key of Heterodermia in South Korea

Heterodermia flabellata (Fee) D. D. Awasthi was found as a new lichen record in Jeju Island of South Korea in 2012. A detailed taxonomic description and comments are provided for the taxa. An updated key for all recorded species of Heterodermia from South Korea is given.

New Records of Lichen Genus Thelotrema Ach. (Thelotremoid Graphidaceae) from South Korea

This study illustrates the status of thelotremoid Graphidaceae in South Korea. The taxonomy and systematics of thelotremoid lichens in the country have recently advanced greatly. Following the earlier known taxa from the group, four new records of the genus Thelotrema are reported and described briefly. An artificial key for all known species under thelotremoid group of Graphidaceae from South Korea is also provided.

Prevalence of porcine parvovirus in pigs with postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in Jeju Island / 대한수의학회지

Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), which was first identified in western Canada in 1991 and more recently in the United States, Europe and Asia, is an emerging disease in pigs. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV-2) is the primary infectious viral agent causing PMWS, but the full expression of the disease may require the presence of other agents. It is reported that there is apparent synergism between PCV-2 and porcine parvovirus (PPV) in increasing the severity of the clinical signs and lesions of PMWS. From January 2006 to May 2008, a total of the 154 lymph node samples were collected from 4~12 weeks old pigs which had been submitted to the College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeju National University, Korea. These pigs were diagnosed as PMWS on the basis of clinical and pathological examination from 48 commercial herds in Jeju Island. Based on the immunohistochemistry, porcine parvovirus was detected in 69 cases (44.8%) from 154 weaned or grower pigs. PPV antigens were detected in the cytoplasm of histiocytic cells multifocally infiltrated in the cortex and paracortex of lymph nodes. The results of this study clarify that PPV is prevalent in pigs with PMWS on Jeju Island. Therefore PPV is one of the most important co-agents in the development of naturally acquired PMWS. This study may be helpful to the control of this disease and to epidemiological aspects.

Maintained Seroprevalence of Toxoplasmosis among the Residents of Jeju Island, Korea

Seroepidemiological status of toxoplasmosis among the residents of Jeju island was surveyed and evaluated by ELISA with crude extract of Toxoplasma gondii. The sera of 2,348 residents (male 1,157 and female 1,191) were collected and checked for the IgG antibody titers, which showed 13.2% positive rate (309 sera). The positive rates were increasing gradually according to the age from 4.3% in teenage to 20.6% in seventies. The positive rates were significantly different between the sex by 16.2% for male and 10.2% for female (P<0.05). This positive rate of toxoplasmosis in Jeju island residents is regarded relatively higher than any other regions of Korea. And the high positive rate may be maintained continuously among Jeju island residents without any clear reasons until now but due to some parts peculiar socio-cultural tradition of Jeju island. Therefore, it is necessary to study further the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis of Jeju island.

Detection of sarcocystic infection in a wild rodent (Apodemus agrarius chejuensis) captured on Jeju island / 한국실험동물학회지

Sarcocystis spp is a causative agent of sarcocystosis. They have a characteristic life cycle infecting both prey and predator. Sarcocystis can cause myositis, atrophy of the adjacent cells and abortion in cattle. In mice, sarcocystosis causes mild cellular reactions without clinical disease. Severe haemorrhage and abortion were also reported. For monitoring the disease in wild rodents of the Korean peninsula, we captured Apodemus agrarius chejuensis on Jeju island and examined the specimen histopathologically. Intramuscular cysts were found and diagnosed as Sarcocystis. Sarcocystic infection has been reported in worldwide. There have been many reported infections in cattle and pigs in Korea. To our knowledge, this is the first report of Sarcocystis in Apodemus agrarius chejuensis captured in Korea.

Incidence of Hip Fractures in Jeju Island, South Korea: A Prospective Study (2002-2006)

BACKGROUND: This study was perfomed to estimate the incidence of hip fractures of people older than 50 years in South Korea. METHODS: Information of patients over 50 years of age who had sustained a hip fracture were obtained from the records of eight hospitals in Jeju Island between 2002 and 2006 to calculate the incidence of hip fractures in this age group. RESULTS: There were 820 hip fractures during the study period. The mean age of the patients at the time of fracture was 77.8 years (71.3 years in 181 men, 79.7 years in 639 women). The crude incidence was 128/100,000 (66.1/100,000 in men, 174.4/100,000 in women). The age-specific incidence according to the 10-year age groups increased from 19.3/100,000 for those 50 to 59 years of age to 1,095.4/100,000 for those over 90 years of age (18.9/100,000-960.4/100,000 in men and 19.7/100,000-1112.1/100,000 in women). The standardized incidence of hip fracture to the Caucasian population in the United States in 1990 was 100/100,000 for men and 207/100,000 for women. CONCLUSIONS: Hip fractures will become an important socioeconomic problem in South Korea due to the rapid aging of the population.

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis due to Brucella abortus in a Cirrhotic Patient in Jeju Island / 감염과화학요법

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is the common infectious disease in liver cirrhosis patients with a fever. Brucellosis is a rare cause of bacterial peritonitis. A case indigenous to a citizen of Jeju, he ate a raw veal of cow four times in last 2 months prior to admission. The gram-negative bacilli were isolated from blood and peritoneal fluid cultures. He was confirmed brucellosis by serologic work- ups. This isolate was confirmed as Brucella abortus by using PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and omp2. This is the first case of bruellosis that was diagnosed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in liver cirrhosis patient among native korean citizens. Successful treatment was obtained by using a regimen of doxycycline and gentamicin. Brucella should be suspected as a cause of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with no response to standard spontaneous bacterial peritonitis treatments.

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis due to Brucella abortus in a Cirrhotic Patient in Jeju Island / 감염과화학요법

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis is the common infectious disease in liver cirrhosis patients with a fever. Brucellosis is a rare cause of bacterial peritonitis. A case indigenous to a citizen of Jeju, he ate a raw veal of cow four times in last 2 months prior to admission. The gram-negative bacilli were isolated from blood and peritoneal fluid cultures. He was confirmed brucellosis by serologic work- ups. This isolate was confirmed as Brucella abortus by using PCR amplification of 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and omp2. This is the first case of bruellosis that was diagnosed spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in liver cirrhosis patient among native korean citizens. Successful treatment was obtained by using a regimen of doxycycline and gentamicin. Brucella should be suspected as a cause of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with no response to standard spontaneous bacterial peritonitis treatments.

Treatment of Osteoporosis after Hip Fractures in Patients Older than 50 Years

PURPOSE: This study examined the rate in which a diagnostic workup and treatment for osteoporosis are performed on patients with a hip fracture in Jeju Island, South Korea. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study reviewed the medical records and radiographs of 174 patients (141 women and 33 men) older than 50 years and diagnosed with femoral neck or intertrochanteric fractures at 8 hospitals in Jeju Island during 2005. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 78.3 years (range, 50-104 years). The number of patients examined with bone densitometry and treated for osteoporosis after the hip fracture was calculated. RESULTS: DXA was performed on 35 patients (20.1%) diagnosed with osteoporosis (T-score < -2.5). Of these 35 patients, 27 patients were treated for osteoporosis after a hip fracture. Among the 174 patients, only 27 patients (15.5%) had received medication for osteoporosis. CONCLUSION: The detection and treatment of osteoporosis are essential for reducing the incidence of another fracture after a hip fracture. However, a diagnostic study and the treatment for osteoporosis were performed only in a small portion of hip fracture patients.

Detection of swine hepatitis E virus in the porcine hepatic lesion in Jeju Island

Swine hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen due to its close genomic similarity to human HEV. The prevalence of swine HEV in the hepatic lesion of pigs from the Jeju Island was investigated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In total, 40 pigs with hepatitis lesions were selected from 19 different farms, based on examination by microscopy. RTPCR findings revealed swine HEV in 22 cases (55%), including 18 suckling pigs and 4 growing pigs. Several histopathological lesions, including multifocal lymphoplasmacytic hepatitis, portal inflammation, and focal hepatocellular necrosis, were observed in liver sections of swine HEV PCR-positive pigs. The present study suggests that the prevalence of swine HEV is very high in the pig population in Jeju Island, and that pigs are infected at early stages of growth (under 2 months of age). The high prevalence of swine HEV in pigs in Jeju Island and the ability of this virus to infect across species puts people with swine-associated occupations at possible risk of zoonotic infection.

Survival Rates of the 5 Major Cancers in Jeju Island Residents, 2000-2001 / 예방의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to calculate the survival rates of cancer patients in Jeju Island residents from 2000 to 2001, based on their major primary sites of occurrence. METHODS: Data were extracted from the database of the Jejudo Cancer Registry (JCR). The eligible population comprised 2,382 cancer cases, whose cancers were diagnosed from 1 January 2000 through 31 December 2001. Of the eligible population, 1,438 patients with 5 major cancers defined by the level of incidence rates were selected as the study participants. The period of survival for each case was calculated from the date of first diagnosis to the date of death, or the end of follow-up, i.e., 31 December 2003. The observed survival rates (OSR) and relative survival rates (RSR) were calculated according to sex, age-group, and primary sites of occurrence. RESULTS: The 3-year OSR and RSR in 5 major cancers were higher in women than in men except 75 year-old over group. The 3-year RSR of stomach, colorectum, liver, and lung in both sexes were 61.0%, 62.6%, 24.7%, and 22.8%, respectively. The respective rates in JCR showed some statistically significant differences from those in the Korea Central Cancer Registry (KCCR). CONCLUSIONS: These results would suggest some clues about prognostic factors of major cancers in Korean, and could apply to planning and evaluating of cancer control strategies in Jeju Island.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Shigellosis in Jeju Island in 2003 / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Shigellosis is one of the most important contagious diseases in Korea. Especially, Jeju island has been known as the main and large outbreak area in Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of shigellosis in Jeju island, 2003. METHODS: Patients with shigellosis, confirmed by culture in Jeju island in 2003, were included in this study. We retrospectively reviewed epidemiologic questionnaires, medical records, and official documents. We also collected data from direct interview with the patients with shigellosis. Epidemiological analysis was performed by 3 categorized events and ages. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients were included in this study. S. sonnei was identified in all of the patients. Shigellosis mainly occurred in preschool-aged children. However, there was no statistical difference according to sex. Although there were asymptomatic cases (15.15%), the chief complaints were loose stool (69.7%) and abdominal pain (12.12%). Initial symptoms in symptomatic patients were abdominal pain (43.43%) and fever (31.31%). The median duration of isolation in the hospital was 7 days. CONCLUSION: Large and chronic epidemic outbreaks of shigellosis have occurred in Jeju island. Throughout this survey, we could show the epidemiological characteristics and the nature of shigellosis in Jeju island.

Epidemiological Characteristics of Shigellosis in Jeju Island in 2003 / 감염과화학요법

BACKGROUND: Shigellosis is one of the most important contagious diseases in Korea. Especially, Jeju island has been known as the main and large outbreak area in Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of shigellosis in Jeju island, 2003. METHODS: Patients with shigellosis, confirmed by culture in Jeju island in 2003, were included in this study. We retrospectively reviewed epidemiologic questionnaires, medical records, and official documents. We also collected data from direct interview with the patients with shigellosis. Epidemiological analysis was performed by 3 categorized events and ages. RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients were included in this study. S. sonnei was identified in all of the patients. Shigellosis mainly occurred in preschool-aged children. However, there was no statistical difference according to sex. Although there were asymptomatic cases (15.15%), the chief complaints were loose stool (69.7%) and abdominal pain (12.12%). Initial symptoms in symptomatic patients were abdominal pain (43.43%) and fever (31.31%). The median duration of isolation in the hospital was 7 days. CONCLUSION: Large and chronic epidemic outbreaks of shigellosis have occurred in Jeju island. Throughout this survey, we could show the epidemiological characteristics and the nature of shigellosis in Jeju island.

Mortality and Activity after Hip Fracture: A Prospective Study / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: This prospective study conducted to estimate mortality and activity of hip fracture among persons over 50 years of age, in Jeju island, Korea during the year 2002. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred forty-nine patients among 150 patients over 50 years of age who lived in Jeju island and sustained a femoral neck or intertrochanteric fracture during the year 2002 were followed-up for average 2 years. Standardized annual mortality ratio was calculated and comparison was made between hip fracture patients and general population in Jeju island. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine patient were followed-up (35 in men, 114 in women). The mean age of patients was 77.4 years (range 50-98 years). Mortality at 2 years (range, 1.6-2.6 years) was 28.2% (42 patients), mortality at 1 year was 16.8% (25 patients) and mortality at 6 months was 12.1% (18 patients). Patients who were classified as poor (Halpin grade III and IV) increased in number from preoperative 11 patients to postoperative 37 patients. CONCLUSION: Considering 28.2% of high mortality and 25.2% of poor activity who can not do outside activity at average 2 year follow up, the hip fracture is life threatening risk factor of elderly. Prevention falling and hip fracture risk is needed.