Risk of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection following NVX-CoV2373 and BNT162b2 vaccinations in Korean Adults: A population-based observational study.

South Korea experienced a low prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 until the emergence of the omicron in early 2022, triggering a major community epidemic. To evaluate effectiveness of NVX-CoV2373 and BNT162b2 vaccines in Korean population, we conducted an observational study utilizing individual-level case data on laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with vaccination record. A total of 47,078 recipients of NVX-CoV2373 vaccine and 7,561 recipients of BNT162b2 vaccine were eligible for the study. Thirty days post-second doses, COVID-19 rates were 7.9% (595 out of 7561) of NVX-CoV2373 recipients and 8.6 % (647 out of 7561) of BNT162b2 recipients experienced COVID-19. NVX-CoV2373 rates increased to 9.8 % and 11.2 % at 60 and 90 days, while BNT162b2 rates were 10.5 % and 11.3 % at the same intervals. The 22-weeks risk ratios for recipients of the NVX-CoV2373 vaccine as compared with recipients of the BNT162b2 vaccine were 1.11 (95 % CI, 0.99 to 1.25) for laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Continued monitoring is essential to evaluate the duration of protection across different vaccine platforms and schedules.

Genome Editing of Golden SNP-Carrying Lycopene Epsilon-Cyclase (LcyE) Gene Using the CRSPR-Cas9/HDR and Geminiviral Replicon System in Rice.

Lycopene epsilon-cyclase (LcyE) is a key enzyme in the carotenoid biosynthetic pathway of higher plants. Using the CRSPR/Cas9 and the geminiviral replicon, we optimized a method for targeted mutagenesis and golden SNP replacement of the LcyE gene in rice. We have exploited the geminiviral replicon amplification as a means to provide a large amount of donor template for the repair of a CRISPR-Cas-induced DNA double-strand break (DSB) in the target gene via homology-directed repair (HDR). Mutagenesis experiments performed on the Donggin variety achieved precise modification of the LcyE loci with an efficiency of up to 90%. In HDR experiments, our target was the LcyE allele (LcyE-H523L) derived from anther culture containing a golden SNP replacement. The phenotype of the homologous recombination (HR) mutant obtained through the geminiviral replicon-based template delivery system was tangerine color, and the frequency was 1.32% of the transformed calli. In addition, the total carotenoid content of the LcyEsg2-HDR1 and LcyEsg2-HDR2 lines was 6.8-9.6 times higher than that of the wild-type (WT) calli, respectively. The reactive oxygen species content was lower in the LcyEsg2-HDR1 and LcyEsg2-HDR2 lines. These results indicate that efficient HDR can be achieved in the golden SNP replacement using a single and modular configuration applicable to different rice targets and other crops. This work demonstrates the potential to replace all genes with elite alleles within one generation and greatly expands our ability to improve agriculturally important traits.

Biochemical Characterization of Orange-Colored Rice Calli Induced by Target Mutagenesis of OsOr Gene.

We generated an orange-colored (OC) rice callus line by targeted mutagenesis of the orange gene (OsOr) using the CRISPR-Cas9 system. The OC line accumulated more lutein, ß-carotene, and two ß-carotene isomers compared to the WT callus line. We also analyzed the expression levels of carotenoid biosynthesis genes by qRT-PCR. Among the genes encoding carotenoid metabolic pathway enzymes, the number of transcripts of the PSY2, PSY3, PDS, ZDS and ß-LCY genes were higher in the OC line than in the WT line. In contrast, transcription of the ε-LCY gene was downregulated in the OC line compared to the WT line. In addition, we detected increases in the transcript levels of two genes involved in carotenoid oxidation in the OC lines. The developed OC lines also showed increased tolerance to salt stress. Collectively, these findings indicate that targeted mutagenesis of the OsOr gene via CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome editing results in ß-carotene accumulation in rice calli. Accordingly, we believe that this type of genome-editing technology could represent an effective alternative approach for enhancing the ß-carotene content of plants.

Impact of Media Coverage on Influenza Vaccine Coverage in Elderly Individuals from 2020 to 2021 in the Republic of Korea.

Increased awareness of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) can disrupt vaccination programs. In South Korea, a report of alleged influenza vaccine-related deaths attracted significant media attention in 2020. We retrieved the vaccination coverage and AEFI data to determine their association with media coverage. Between 2015 and 2019, the vaccination coverage rate ranged between 80.5% and 83.3%; however, the vaccination coverage rate declined significantly from 2020 to 2021 to 73.6% (p < 0.0001). During the 43rd week of 2020, following a large amount of media coverage on vaccine safety issues, the number of cases with AEFI reached 60. Between 2015 and 2020, the mortality rate ratios for influenza vaccines and non-vaccines ranged between 0.1296 (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.1262-0.1331, p < 0.0001) and 0.1608 (95% CI, 0.1572-0.1644, p < 0.0001). Vaccine safety surveillance should be continued in conjunction with investigation and transparent risk communication to maintain public trust in vaccines and vaccinations.

Development of in-vitro maturation protocol for rat oocytes; under simple culture vs co-culture with cumulus cell monolayer and its developmental potential via Parthenogenetic/artificial activation.

BACKGROUND: Murine is the most abundantly used as laboratory animal models. There has been a tremendous amount of research including; their evolution, growth, physiology, disease modeling as well as genomic mapping. Rats and mice are the most widely used among them. Although both rats and mice fall under the same category still both are different a lot too. As regarding in vitro maturation and development mouse studies are well established as compared to rats which still lies in the early phase of development. So, we tried to figure out rat oocytes in vitro maturation and their developmental potential by performing 3 experiments i.e. superovulation, in vitro Maturation as simple culture (COC's only), and COC's & cumulus cells co-culture, which later further developed using parthenogenetic activation after IVM. Female Sprague Dawley rat 3-4 week used for these studies, we hyper-stimulated their ovaries using PMSG and hCG 150 IU/kg each. After that, we collected ovaries via dissection and retrieved oocytes. We matured them in TCM 199 supplemented with FSH, Estrogen, EGF, and Pyruvate. After maturation, we activated them using two types of activators i.e. Ethanol 7%, Ionomycin. After that, we saw and compared their developmental potential in vitro. RESULTS: Oocytes matured in COC's and Cumulus cell monolayer co-culture (59% ± 4*) showed significantly more even growth and extrusion of the first polar body as compared to the COC's only culture (53.8 ± 7%*). While oocytes activated using Ionomycin showed more promising development until 8 cells/blastocyst level compared to ethanol 7%. CONCLUSION: we concluded that COC's and cumulus monolayer co-culture is better than COC's only culture. Cumulus monolayer provides extra aid in the absorption of nutrients and supplements thus providing a better environment for oocytes growth. Also, we concluded that matured oocytes showed more developmental capacity after activation via ionomycin compared to ethanol.

Transcriptome comparison between pluripotent and non-pluripotent calli derived from mature rice seeds.

In vitro plant regeneration involves a two-step practice of callus formation and de novo organogenesis. During callus formation, cellular competence for tissue regeneration is acquired, but it is elusive what molecular processes and genetic factors are involved in establishing cellular pluripotency. To explore the mechanisms underlying pluripotency acquisition during callus formation in monocot plants, we performed a transcriptomic analysis on the pluripotent and non-pluripotent rice calli using RNA-seq. We obtained a dataset of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which accounts for molecular processes underpinning pluripotency acquisition and maintenance. Core regulators establishing root stem cell niche were implicated in pluripotency acquisition in rice callus, as observed in Arabidopsis. In addition, KEGG analysis showed that photosynthetic process and sugar and amino acid metabolism were substantially suppressed in pluripotent calli, whereas lipid and antioxidant metabolism were overrepresented in up-regulated DEGs. We also constructed a putative coexpression network related to cellular pluripotency in rice and proposed potential candidates conferring pluripotency in rice callus. Overall, our transcriptome-based analysis can be a powerful resource for the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms establishing cellular pluripotency in rice callus.

Author Correction: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of Mct8 reveals a functional involvement of Mct8 in testis and sperm development in a rat.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.

2019 Tabletop Exercise for Laboratory Diagnosis and Analyses of Unknown Disease Outbreaks by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

OBJECTIVES: The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has published "A Guideline for Unknown Disease Outbreaks (UDO)." The aim of this report was to introduce tabletop exercises (TTX) to prepare for UDO in the future. METHODS: The UDO Laboratory Analyses Task Force in Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in April 2018, assigned unknown diseases into 5 syndromes, designed an algorithm for diagnosis, and made a panel list for diagnosis by exclusion. Using the guidelines and laboratory analyses for UDO, TTX were introduced. RESULTS: Since September 9th, 2018, the UDO Laboratory Analyses Task Force has been preparing TTX based on a scenario of an outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus. In December 2019, through TTX, individual missions, epidemiological investigations, sample treatments, diagnosis by exclusions, and next generation sequencing analysis were discussed, and a novel coronavirus was identified as the causal pathogen. CONCLUSION: Guideline and laboratory analyses for UDO successfully applied in TTX. Conclusions drawn from TTX could be applied effectively in the analyses for the initial response to COVID-19, an ongoing epidemic of 2019 - 2020. Therefore, TTX should continuously be conducted for the response and preparation against UDO.

Epidemiological Characteristics of COVID-19 Outbreak at Fitness Centers in Cheonan, Korea.

BACKGROUND: In February 2020, a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak was reported in fitness centers in Cheonan, Korea. METHODS: From February 24 to March 13, an epidemiological investigation was conducted on the fitness center outbreak. All those who were screened were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Contacts were traced and self-isolated for 14 days. We determined the epidemiological characteristics of confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and estimated the time-dependent reproduction number to assess the transmission dynamics of the infection. RESULTS: A total of 116 cases were confirmed, and 1,687 contacts were traced. The source cases were 8 Zumba instructors who led aerobics classes in 10 fitness centers, and had the largest average number of contacts. A total of 57 Zumba class participants, 37 of their family members, and 14 other contacts were confirmed as cases. The attack rate was 7.3%. The contacts at Zumba classes and homes had a higher attack rate than other contacts. The mean serial interval (± standard deviation) were estimated to be 5.2 (± 3.8) days. The time-dependent reproduction number was estimated to be 6.1 at the beginning of the outbreak, but it dropped to less than 1, 2 days after the epidemiological investigation was launched. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the COVID-19 outbreak was effectively contained with rigorous contact tracing, isolating, and testing in combination with social distancing without a lock-down.

CRISRP/Cas9-mediated knockout of Mct8 reveals a functional involvement of Mct8 in testis and sperm development in a rat.

Thyroid hormone (TH) has long been believed to play a minor role in male reproduction. However, evidences from experimental model of thyrotoxicosis or hypothyroidism suggests its role in spermatogenesis. Cellular action of TH requires membrane transport via specific transporters such as monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8). SLC16A2 (encodes for MCT8) inactivating mutation in humans can lead to Allan-Herndon Dudley-syndrome, a X-linked psychomotor and growth retardation. These patients present cryptorchidism which suggests a role of MCT8 during spermatogenesis. In this study, we found that Mct8 is highly expressed during early postnatal development and decreases its expression in the adulthood of testis of wild-type male rats. Histological analysis revealed that spermatogonia largely lacks MCT8 expression while spermatocytes and maturing spermatids highly express MCT8. To further understand the role of Mct8 during spermatogenesis, we generated Slc16a2 (encodes MCT8) knockout rats using CRISPR/Cas9. Serum THs (T3 and T4) level were significantly altered in Slc16a2 knockout rats when compared to wild-type littermates during early to late postnatal development. Unlike Slc16a2 knockout mice, Slc16a2 knockout rats showed growth delay during early to late postnatal development. In adult Slc16a2 knockout rats, we observed reduced sperm motility and viability. Collectively, our data unveil a functional involvement of MCT8 in spermatogenesis, underscoring the importance of TH signaling and action during spermatogenesis.

Contact Tracing during Coronavirus Disease Outbreak, South Korea, 2020.

We analyzed reports for 59,073 contacts of 5,706 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) index patients reported in South Korea during January 20-March 27, 2020. Of 10,592 household contacts, 11.8% had COVID-19. Of 48,481 nonhousehold contacts, 1.9% had COVID-19. Use of personal protective measures and social distancing reduces the likelihood of transmission.

Huge Intramural Duodenal Hematoma Complicated with Obstructive Jaundice following Endoscopic Hemostasis.

Intramural hematoma of the duodenum is a relatively unusual complication associated with the endoscopic treatment of bleeding peptic ulcers. Intramural hematomas are typically resolved spontaneously with conservative treatment alone. We report a case of an intramural duodenal hematoma following endoscopic hemostasis with epinephrine injection therapy, which was associated with transient obstructive jaundice in a patient undergoing hemodialysis. The patient developed biliary sepsis due to obstruction of the common bile duct secondary to the huge hematoma. He was treated with fluoroscopy-guided drainage catheter insertion, which spontaneously resolved the biliary sepsis through conservative treatment in 6 weeks. Fluoroscopy-guided drainage may impact the treatment of intramural hematomas that involve life-threatening complications.

Species composition of and fumonisin production by the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex isolated from Korean cereals.

To assess the risk of fumonisin contamination in Korean cereals, we isolated colonies of the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) from barley, maize, rice and soybean samples from 2011 to 2015. A total of 878 FFSC strains were isolated mostly from maize and rice, and species identity of the isolates were determined using the DNA sequence of the translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF-1α) and RNA polymerase II (RPB2) genes. Fusaria recovered from Korean cereals included F. fujikuroi (317 isolates and a frequency of 36%), F. proliferatum (212 isolates and 24.1%), F. verticillioides (170 isolates and 19.4%), F. concentricum (86 strains and 9.8%), F. andiyazi (56 isolates and 6.4%), F. subglutinans (28 isolates and 3.2%), F. thapsinum (5 isolates and 0.6%), and F. circinatum (2 isolates and 0.2%). The rice samples were dominated by F. fujikuroi (47.4%), F. proliferatum (27.3%), and F. concentricum (15.1%), whereas maize samples were dominated by F. verticillioides (33.9%), F. fujikuroi (25.3%), and F. proliferatum (21.1%). A phylogenetic analysis of 70 representative isolates demonstrated that each species was resolved as genealogically exclusive in the ML tree. Fumonisin production potential was evaluated using a PCR assay for the fumonisin biosynthesis gene, FUM1 in all of the isolates. Most of the isolates tested (94%) were positive for FUM1. All of the isolates assigned to F. fujikuroi, F. proliferatum, F. verticillioides and F. thapsinum were positive for FUM1 irrespective of their host origin. Seventy-seven representative isolates positive for FUM1 were examined for fumonisin production in rice medium. The majority of F. proliferatum (26/27, 96.3%), F. verticillioides (16/17, 94.1%) and F. fujikuroi (19/25, 76.0%) produced both FB1 and FB2. Notably, 16 of 19 fumonisin-producing F. fujikuroi produced >1000µg/g of fumonisins (FB1+FB2) in rice medium, which is higher than that in previous reports. These results suggest that F. fujikuroi can produce high levels of fumonisins similar to F. verticillioides and F. proliferatum.

Comparative genomics of geographically distant Fusarium fujikuroi isolates revealed two distinct pathotypes correlating with secondary metabolite profiles.

Fusarium fujikuroi causes bakanae ("foolish seedling") disease of rice which is characterized by hyper-elongation of seedlings resulting from production of gibberellic acids (GAs) by the fungus. This plant pathogen is also known for production of harmful mycotoxins, such as fusarins, fusaric acid, apicidin F and beauvericin. Recently, we generated the first de novo genome sequence of F. fujikuroi strain IMI 58289 combined with extensive transcriptional, epigenetic, proteomic and chemical product analyses. GA production was shown to provide a selective advantage during infection of the preferred host plant rice. Here, we provide genome sequences of eight additional F. fujikuroi isolates from distant geographic regions. The isolates differ in the size of chromosomes, most likely due to variability of subtelomeric regions, the type of asexual spores (microconidia and/or macroconidia), and the number and expression of secondary metabolite gene clusters. Whilst most of the isolates caused the typical bakanae symptoms, one isolate, B14, caused stunting and early withering of infected seedlings. In contrast to the other isolates, B14 produced no GAs but high amounts of fumonisins during infection on rice. Furthermore, it differed from the other isolates by the presence of three additional polyketide synthase (PKS) genes (PKS40, PKS43, PKS51) and the absence of the F. fujikuroi-specific apicidin F (NRPS31) gene cluster. Analysis of additional field isolates confirmed the strong correlation between the pathotype (bakanae or stunting/withering), and the ability to produce either GAs or fumonisins. Deletion of the fumonisin and fusaric acid-specific PKS genes in B14 reduced the stunting/withering symptoms, whereas deletion of the PKS51 gene resulted in elevated symptom development. Phylogenetic analyses revealed two subclades of F. fujikuroi strains according to their pathotype and secondary metabolite profiles.

Self-fertility in Chromocrea spinulosa is a consequence of direct repeat-mediated loss of MAT1-2, subsequent imbalance of nuclei differing in mating type, and recognition between unlike nuclei in a common cytoplasm.

The filamentous fungus Chromocrea spinulosa (Trichoderma spinulosum) exhibits both self-fertile (homothallic) and self-sterile (heterothallic) sexual reproductive behavior. Self-fertile strains produce progeny cohorts that are 50% homothallic, 50% heterothallic. Heterothallic progeny can mate only with homothallic strains, and progeny also segregate 50% homothallic, 50% heterothallic. Sequencing of the mating type (MAT) region of homothallic and heterothallic strains revealed that both carry an intact MAT1-1 locus with three MAT1-1 genes (MAT1-1-1, MAT1-1-2, MAT1-1-3), as previously described for the Sordariomycete group of filamentous fungi. Homothallic strains, however, have a second version of MAT with the MAT1-2 locus genetically linked to MAT1-1. In this version, the MAT1-1-1 open reading frame is split into a large and small fragment and the truncated ends are bordered by 115bp direct repeats (DR). The MAT1-2-1 gene and additional sequences are inserted between the repeats. To understand the mechanism whereby C. spinulosa can exhibit both homothallic and heterothallic behavior, we utilized molecular manipulation to delete one of the DRs from a homothallic strain and insert MAT1-2 into a heterothallic strain. Mating assays indicated that: i) the DRs are key to homothallic behavior, ii) looping out of MAT1-2-1 via intra-molecular homologous recombination between the DRs in self-fertile strains results in two nuclear types in an individual (one carrying both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 and one carrying MAT1-1 only), iii) self-fertility is achieved by inter-nuclear recognition between these two nuclear types before meiosis, iv) the two types of nuclei are in unequal proportion, v) having both an intact MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-2-1 gene in a single nucleus is not sufficient for self-fertility, and vi) the large truncated MAT1-1-1 fragment is expressed. Comparisons with MAT regions of Trichoderma reesei and Trichoderma virens suggest that several crossovers between misaligned parental MAT chromosomes may have led to the MAT architecture of homothallic C. spinulosa.

Effects of radiofrequency, electroacupuncture, and low-level laser therapy on the wrinkles and moisture content of the forehead, eyes, and cheek.

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of radiofrequency (RF), electroacupuncture (EA), and low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which are used in physical therapies, on facial wrinkles and moisture. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 30 female participants aged 30-55 years participated in this study and the results will be used as a reference for further development of skin physical therapy. Thirty adult females were assigned to an LLLT (n=10), EA (n=10), or RF group (n=10). The intervention was performed in two 15-minute sessions per week for six weeks. Subjects' skin tone and pigmentation were observed before and after the intervention. [Results] Treatment of the under eye area showed that wrinkles were significantly decreased on both sides after RF, EA, and LLLT. Treatment of the eye rims indicated that wrinkles significantly decreased on the right side after RF, EA, and LLLT. [Conclusion] The application of LLLT, EA, and RF had positive effects on wrinkle and moisture content of adult women's faces.

Anti-bacterial effects of enzymatically-isolated sialic acid from glycomacropeptide in a Helicobacter pylori-infected murine model.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) colonization of the stomach mucosa and duodenum is the major cause of acute and chronic gastroduodenal pathology in humans. Efforts to find effective anti-bacterial strategies against H. pylori for the non-antibiotic control of H. pylori infection are urgently required. In this study, we used whey to prepare glycomacropeptide (GMP), from which sialic acid (G-SA) was enzymatically isolated. We investigated the anti-bacterial effects of G-SA against H. pylori in vitro and in an H. pylori-infected murine model. MATERIALS/METHODS: The anti-bacterial activity of G-SA was measured in vitro using the macrodilution method, and interleukin-8 (IL-8) production was measured in H. pylori and AGS cell co-cultures by ELISA. For in vivo study, G-SA 5 g/kg body weight (bw)/day and H. pylori were administered to mice three times over one week. After one week, G-SA 5 g/kg bw/day alone was administered every day for one week. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1ß, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were measured by ELISA to determine the anti-inflammatory effects of G-SA. In addition, real-time PCR was performed to measure the genetic expression of cytotoxin-associated gene A (cagA). RESULTS: G-SA inhibited the growth of H. pylori and suppressed IL-8 production in H. pylori and in AGS cell co-cultures in vitro. In the in vivo assay, administration of G-SA reduced levels of IL-1ß and IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokines whereas IL-10 level increased. Also, G-SA suppressed the expression of cagA in the stomach of H. pylori-infected mice. CONCLUSION: G-SA possesses anti-H. pylori activity as well as an anti-H. pylori-induced gastric inflammatory effect in an experimental H. pylori-infected murine model. G-SA has potential as an alternative to antibiotics for the prevention of H. pylori infection and H. pylori-induced gastric disease prevention.

Comprehensive study on the roles of released ions from biodegradable Mg-5 wt% Ca-1 wt% Zn alloy in bone regeneration.

We report here the effect of micro-environmental changes from biodegradable magnesium alloys on the activities of cells - osteoblasts, osteoclasts and macrophages - which play critical roles in each phase of the bone-regeneration process. Despite positive bone formation effects from several in vivo studies, minimal progress has been made in identifying underlying mechanisms through in vitro studies, which are currently concentrated on osteoblastic activities. The observed in vitro and in vivo results indicated that alkaline pH and released magnesium and zinc ions derived from Mg-5 wt% Ca-1 wt% Zn alloy biodegradation promote the progress of bone formation. In contrast, alkaline pH and magnesium ions remarkably suppressed osteoclastic activities and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, closely related to osteolysis and prosthesis failure. Findings from the present study conclude that the degradation of Mg-5 wt% Ca-1 wt% Zn alloys can promote new bone formation by simultaneously affecting the complex combination of variable cellular activities and phases. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Effects of low-level laser therapy, electroacupuncture, and radiofrequency on the pigmentation and skin tone of adult women.

[Purpose] In this study, the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), electroacupuncture (EA), and radiofrequency (RF), which are used in physical therapy, on the pigmentation and skin tone of adult women's faces were investigated to provide basic data for skin interventions. [Subjects and Methods] Thirty adult females were assigned to either an LLLT group (n=10), an EA group (n=10), or an RF group (n=10). The intervention was performed in two 15-minute sessions per week for six weeks. Subjects' skin tone and pigmentation were observed before and after the intervention. [Results] The EA group showed significant reductions in pigmentation in the left and right eye rims, as well as in the left cheek. The RF group showed significant post-intervention reductions in pigmentation under the left eye, as well as in the left and right eye rims and the left cheek. The LLLT group showed significant increases in skin tone in the forehead and both eye rims. The RF group showed significant increases in skin tone under both eyes. [Conclusion] The application of LLLT, EA, and RF had positive effects on pigmentation and skin tone of adult women's faces.

Characterization of Nivalenol-Producing Fusarium culmorum Isolates Obtained from the Air at a Rice Paddy Field in Korea.

Together with the Fusarium graminearum species complex, F. culmorum is a major member of the causal agents of Fusarium head blight on cereals such as wheat, barley and corn. It causes significant yield and quality losses and results in the contamination of grain with mycotoxins that are harmful to humans and animals. In Korea, F. culmorum is listed as a quarantine fungal species since it has yet to be found in the country. In this paper, we report that two isolates (J1 and J2) of F. culmorum were collected from the air at a rice paddy field in Korea. Species identification was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis using multi-locus sequence data derived from five genes encoding translation elongation factor, histone H3, phosphate permease, a reductase, and an ammonia ligase and by morphological comparison with reference strains. Both diagnostic PCR and chemical analysis confirmed that these F. culmorum isolates had the capacity to produce nivalenol, the trichothecene mycotoxin, in rice substrate. In addition, both isolates were pathogenic on wheat heads and corn stalks. This is the first report on the occurrence of F. culmorum in Korea.