https://scholar.korea.ac.kr/handle/2021.sw.korea/783 2026-04-05T17:54:54Z https://scholar.korea.ac.kr/handle/2021.sw.korea/267270 Title: Novel human coronavirus in an infant patient with pneumonia, Republic of Korea Authors: Park, Kyungmin; Shin, Minsoo; Natasha, Augustine; Kim, Jongwoo; Noh, Juyoung; Kim, Seong-Gyu; Kim, Bohyeon; Park, Jieun; Seo, Ye-rin; Cho, Hee-Kyung; Byun, Kwan Soo; Kim, Ji Hoon; Lee, Young-Sun; Shim, Jung Ok; Kim, Won-Keun; Song, Jin-Won Abstract: Coronaviruses (CoVs) pose a significant threat to public health, causing a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and outcomes. Beyond precipitating global outbreaks, Human CoVs (HCoVs) are frequently found among patients with respiratory infections. To date, limited attention has been directed towards alphacoronaviruses due to their low prevalence and fatality rates. Nasal swab and serum samples were collected from a paediatric patient, and an epidemiological survey was conducted. Retrospective surveillance investigated the molecular prevalence of CoV in 880 rodents collected in the Republic of Korea (ROK) from 2018 to 2022. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) and phylogenetic analyses characterized the novel HCoV and closely related CoVs harboured by Apodemus spp. On 15 December 2022, a 103-day-old infant was admitted with fever, cough, sputum production, and rhinorrhea, diagnosed with human parainfluenza virus 1 (HPIV-1) and rhinovirus co-infection. Elevated AST/ALT levels indicated transient liver dysfunction on the fourth day of hospitalization. Metagenomic NGS (mNGS) identified a novel HCoV in nasal swab and serum samples. Retrospective rodent surveillance and phylogenetic analyses showed the novel HCoV was closely related to alphacoronaviruses carried by Apodemus spp. in the ROK and China. This case highlights the potential of mNGS to identify emerging pathogens and raises awareness of possible extra-respiratory manifestations, such as transient liver dysfunction, associated with novel HCoVs. While the liver injury in this case may be attributable to the novel HCoV, further research is necessary to elucidate its clinical significance, epidemiological prevalence, and zoonotic origins. 2025-12-31T00:00:00Z https://scholar.korea.ac.kr/handle/2021.sw.korea/271427 Title: Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) improves sleep quality in chronic insomnia disorder: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial Authors: Yeom, Ji Won; Kim, Hyojin; Park, Soohyun; Yoon, Yeaseul; Seo, Ju Yeon; Cho, Chul-Hyun; Lee, Heon-Jeong Abstract: Background: Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that significantly impacts quality of life and health. Conventional treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacological interventions have limitations, underscoring the need for non-invasive alternatives. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) has emerged as a promising therapy to enhance sleep quality by modulating the autonomic nervous system. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of taVNS compared to sham in managing chronic insomnia disorder. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial was conducted with 40 participants diagnosed with chronic insomnia disorder. Participants were randomly assigned to receive taVNS or sham for 30 min daily over six weeks. Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF), and total sleep time. Adverse events were recorded, and objective sleep measures were obtained using Fitbit wearable devices. Results: In the modified intention-to-treat analysis at 6 weeks, the taVNS group exhibited significantly greater reductions in PSQI scores compared to the sham group (mean change: 4.5 ± 3.55 vs. −1.9 ± 2.15; Cohen's d = −1.21; p =.009). ISI scores also improved more in the taVNS group (−7.6 ± 5.23 vs. −4.25 ± 3.48; Cohen's d = −.75; p =.023). Total sleep time increased significantly in the taVNS group (584 ± 1015 min, vs. −10.8 ± 579 min; Cohen's d =.69; p =.019) and improved quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF: 32.2 ± 40.9 vs. 7.95 ± 33.5; Cohen's d =.65, p =.047). No significant adverse events were reported. Conclusions: taVNS significantly improved sleep quality, insomnia severity, and overall quality of life compared to sham. These findings establish taVNS as a safe and effective non-invasive therapy for managing insomnia, with potential for broader clinical applications. © 2025 Elsevier B.V. 2025-09-01T00:00:00Z https://scholar.korea.ac.kr/handle/2021.sw.korea/269409 Title: Nociceptive effects and gene alterations of CMIT/MIT mixture in zebrafish embryos and larvae Authors: Lee, Hong; Kim, Yeonhwa; Cho, Yuji; Jeon, Eun Jung; Jeong, Sang Hoon; Lee, Ju-Han; Kim, Suhyun Abstract: Nociception is a critical biological process that facilitates detecting and avoiding harmful stimuli. Methylisothiazolinone (MIT) and methylchloroisothiazolinone (CMIT) are biocidal agents widely used in disinfectants and cosmetics, however, their effects on nociceptive pathways and neurotoxicity remain insufficiently understood. This study investigated the neurotoxic and nociceptive effects of CMIT/MIT mixtures in zebrafish models. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to CMIT/MIT, and their behavioral and molecular responses to nociceptive stimuli were assessed. Acute exposure (4 −72 h post-fertilization) to CMIT/MIT (15 and 30 μg/L) led to heightened behavioral responses to noxious stimuli, significantly increasing velocity and neuronal activity. Molecular analysis revealed the upregulated expression of nociception-related and inflammatory markers. Subchronic exposure (4 hpf to 28 days post-fertilization) to lower CMIT/MIT concentrations resulted in prolonged freezing responses and reduced the movement in zebrafish larvae. Protein-protein interaction analysis further identified key pathways, including calcium signaling, MAPK, and neuroinflammation, affected by CMIT/MIT exposure. This study provides evidence that even low levels of CMIT/MIT exposure can enhance nociceptive responses by activating sensory neurons and modulating inflammatory pathways, raising concerns about the neurotoxic potential of these widely used biocidal compounds. © 2025 Elsevier B.V. 2025-08-05T00:00:00Z https://scholar.korea.ac.kr/handle/2021.sw.korea/270755 Title: Enhanced behavioral assays in adult Zebrafish using an LED-based experimental tool Authors: Cho, Yuji; Kim, Jaeyoung; Kim, Suhyun Abstract: Animals, which serve as models in human behavior and neuroscience research, offer invaluable insights into the intricate systems that underpin our actions and cognitive processes. Among the diverse array of organisms utilized in such studies, zebrafish are particularly promising subjects for behavioral experimentation. Although various behavioral assays have been developed to analyze neurological abnormalities in adult zebrafish, including anxiety, fear responses, cognitive impairment, and social interaction deficits, these assays are limited by numerous factors, including the spatial constraints of traditional cage setups, variability in experimental techniques, and the impact of animal handling on behavioral outcomes. To address these limitations, we developed a screen-based behavioral tool featuring LED displays positioned on either side of the experimental enclosure. Subsequently, we conducted a series of behavioral analyses, including assessments of learning, social interaction, fear, and preference in adult zebrafish, using this cutting-edge behavioral apparatus. This new approach effectively alleviates spatial constraints by projecting stimuli onto a screen and standardizing the experimental conditions across multiple researchers. Moreover, the screen-based setup minimized experimenter interference within the testing environment, ensuring improved consistency and objectivity in data collection. By overcoming traditional constraints and simplifying experimental procedures, this innovative approach marks a new era in behavioral research, enabling deeper insight into the complex mechanisms of behavior and cognition. 2025-08-01T00:00:00Z