Taxonomy includes classification, nomenclature, and identification. Identification assigns unknown fungi to species based on their strain characteristics. Traditionally, fungal taxonomy relied on morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits. However, advancements in molecular phylogeny, especially multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), have revolutionized fungal taxonomy. MLSA combines phylogenetic and genetic approaches. Although effective, MLSA may not fully reflect biodiversity or distinguish between closely related species.Polyphasic taxonomy integrates genotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic data into a consensus classification system. Polyphasic taxonomy was first applied to Rhodotorula glutinis in 2001 and is now widely accepted. Phenotypic traits, such as protein profiles and chemotaxonomic markers, analyzed using techniques such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, are effective for yeast and filamentous fungi. Genotypic data from DNA/RNA sequencing, compared with data from databases such as Index Fungorum and MycoBank, aids species identification and synonym verification. Despite its practicality, the polyphasic approach lacks strict guidelines, resulting in varied interpretations.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally, leading to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Because a significant proportion of the COVID-19 confirmed cases were concentrated in the capital metropolitan area of South Korea, and a large proportion of the population in the area had been adequately vaccinated against COVID-19, we conducted a seroprevalence surveillance study focusing on the residents of the capital metropolitan area in South Korea. Methods: We used a quota-sampling method to obtain blood samples from 1,000 individuals per round, equally stratified across seven age categories and sexes and regions, from five medical institutions located within the capital metropolitan area of South Korea. During five consecutive months (rounds) between January 2022 and May 2022, a total of 5,000 samples were analyzed for anti-spike (S) and anti-nucleocapsid (N) antibodies. Results: High anti-S seropositivity was observed in all age groups, which corresponded to the vaccine coverage during the study period. Both the cumulative incidence based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the estimated seroprevalence based on anti-N seropositivity increased in the fourth and fifth rounds, which corresponded to April 2022 and May 2022. Seroprevalence coincided with the cumulative incidence during the first three rounds, but exceeded from the fourth survey onwards when infection with omicron variants was increased rapidly in Korea. Conclusion Seroprevalence confirmed the number of infection cases outside of PCR testing-based surveillance. Seroepidemiological surveillance can help us understand vaccine responses and detect hidden infections, thereby providing appropriate public health guidance for achieving population-level immunity.

Purpose: Our study aimed to delve beyond a surface-level understanding and explore the various dimensions of the global health curriculum from the perspective of both learners and educators using the Context, Input, Process, and Product (CIPP) model. Methods: From 2020 to 2021, interviews were conducted with a total of 10 individuals, including five students who had taken at least one elective course and at least one elective research course, three teaching assistants (TA), and two faculty members who had taken more than four global health courses in multiple phases in the global health curriculum. Semi-structured interview questions based on the CIPP model were used and qualitative data were analyzed through content analysis. Results: The study identified 12 sub-themes. Students held idealized views of global health careers and sought to bridge the gap through global health classes. They desired early exposure to global health courses, emphasizing both pre-medical and clinical phases. Challenges in adjusting course difficulty and recruiting faculty were identified, along with a preference for interactive teaching methods and offline discussions. The curriculum promoted reflection on medicine’s essence, expanded career perspectives, and emphasized competencies like altruism, communication skills, and crisis management in the evolving global health landscape. Conclusion This study showed that a comprehensive approach is possible from the perspective of learners and educators by identifying strengths, weaknesses, and the value of the curriculum’s goals, plans, implementations, and results through the CIPP model. For optimal curriculum design, a sequential approach from basic to advanced courses is essential, promoting hands-on global health experiences for students.

Taxonomy includes classification, nomenclature, and identification. Identification assigns unknown fungi to species based on their strain characteristics. Traditionally, fungal taxonomy relied on morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits. However, advancements in molecular phylogeny, especially multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), have revolutionized fungal taxonomy. MLSA combines phylogenetic and genetic approaches. Although effective, MLSA may not fully reflect biodiversity or distinguish between closely related species.Polyphasic taxonomy integrates genotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic data into a consensus classification system. Polyphasic taxonomy was first applied to Rhodotorula glutinis in 2001 and is now widely accepted. Phenotypic traits, such as protein profiles and chemotaxonomic markers, analyzed using techniques such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, are effective for yeast and filamentous fungi. Genotypic data from DNA/RNA sequencing, compared with data from databases such as Index Fungorum and MycoBank, aids species identification and synonym verification. Despite its practicality, the polyphasic approach lacks strict guidelines, resulting in varied interpretations.

Taxonomy includes classification, nomenclature, and identification. Identification assigns unknown fungi to species based on their strain characteristics. Traditionally, fungal taxonomy relied on morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits. However, advancements in molecular phylogeny, especially multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA), have revolutionized fungal taxonomy. MLSA combines phylogenetic and genetic approaches. Although effective, MLSA may not fully reflect biodiversity or distinguish between closely related species.Polyphasic taxonomy integrates genotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and phenotypic data into a consensus classification system. Polyphasic taxonomy was first applied to Rhodotorula glutinis in 2001 and is now widely accepted. Phenotypic traits, such as protein profiles and chemotaxonomic markers, analyzed using techniques such as matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, are effective for yeast and filamentous fungi. Genotypic data from DNA/RNA sequencing, compared with data from databases such as Index Fungorum and MycoBank, aids species identification and synonym verification. Despite its practicality, the polyphasic approach lacks strict guidelines, resulting in varied interpretations.