Chonbuk National University

About: Chonbuk National University is a education organization based out in Jeonju, South Korea. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Apoptosis & Nanofiber. The organization has 14820 authors who have published 28884 publications receiving 554131 citations.

Antimicrobial Activity of Methanol Extract from Ficus carica Leaves Against Oral Bacteria

Abstract: Ficus carica L. (fig) belongs to the mulberry tree (Moraceae) which is one of the oldest fruits in the world. It has been used as a digestion promoter and a cure for ulcerative inflammation and eruption in Korea. The present study investigated the antimicrobial activity of methanol (MeOH) extract of figs against oral bacteria. The MeOH extract (MICs, 0.156 to 5 ㎎/㎖; MBCs, 0.313 to 5 ㎎/㎖) showed a strong antibacterial activity against oral bacteria. The combination effects of MeOH extract with ampicillin or gentamicin were synergistic against oral bacteria. We suggest that figs could be employed as a natural antibacterial agent in oral care products.

Cobalt nanofibers encapsulated in a graphite shell by an electrospinning process

Abstract: As cobalt is an important ferromagnetic material and the nanofibrous shape greatly improves the magnetic properties, we are introducing cobalt nanofibers encapsulated in graphite shell to gain the advantages of the nanofibrous shape as well as to produce protected materials. An electrospun nanofiber mat consisting of cobalt acetate and poly(vinyl alcohol) has been calcined in argon atmosphere at 850 °C. Calcination of cobalt acetate in an inert atmosphere leads to the production of pure cobalt which strongly enhanced graphitization of the utilized polymer to form a graphite shell. Physicochemical characterization analyses indicated that the final product was pure cobalt nanofibers enveloped in a 10 nm thick graphite shell. The graphite shell did not affect the magnetic properties of the synthesized graphite-encapsulated cobalt nanofibers compared with the bare ones which reveal preeminent magnetic characteristics; moreover the shell modifies some of these properties to be temperature independent.

Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome in South Korea, 2013-2015

Abstract: Background Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging infectious disease that was recently identified in China, South Korea and Japan. The objective of the study was to evaluate the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of SFTS in South Korea. Methods/Principal Findings SFTS is a reportable disease in South Korea. We included all SFTS cases reported to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) from January 2013 to December 2015. Clinical information was gathered by reviewing medical records, and epidemiologic characteristics were analyzed using both KCDC surveillance data and patient medical records. Risk factors for mortality in patients with SFTS were assessed. A total of 172 SFTS cases were reported during the study period. SFTS occurred throughout the country, except in urban areas. Hilly areas in the eastern and southeastern regions and Jeju island (incidence, 1.26 cases /105 person-years) were the main endemic areas. The yearly incidence increased from 36 cases in 2013 to 81 cases in 2015. Most cases occurred from May to October. The overall case fatality ratio was 32.6%. The clinical progression was similar to the 3 phases reported in China: fever, multi-organ dysfunction, and convalescence. Confusion, elevated C-reactive protein, and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin times were associated with mortality in patients with SFTS. Two outbreaks of nosocomial SFTS transmission were observed. Conclusions SFTS is an endemic disease in South Korea, with a nationwide distribution and a high case-fatality ratio. Confusion, elevated levels of C-reactive protein, and prolonged activated partial thromboplastin times were associated with mortality in patients with SFTS.