Association Between Economic Activity and Depressive Symptoms Among Women With Parenting Children.

BACKGROUND: Balancing parenting and work life poses challenges for women with children, potentially making them vulnerable to depression owing to their dual responsibilities. Investigating working mothers' mental health status is important on both the individual and societal levels. This study aimed to explore the relationship between economic activity participation and depressive symptoms among working mothers. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional study and used data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey collected in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020. The participants in the study were women aged 19 to 50 who were residing with their children. In the total, 3,151 participants were used in the analysis. The independent variable was economic activity, categorized into two groups: 1) economically active and 2) economically inactive. The dependent variable was the depressive symptoms, categorized as present for a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score of ≥ 10 and absent for a score < 10. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between economic activity and depressive symptoms, and sensitivity analyses were performed based on the severity of depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Among women with children, economically active women had reduced odds ratio of depressive symptoms compared with economically inactive women (odds ratio [OR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.36-0.80). In additional analysis, women working as wage earners had the lowest odds of depressive symptoms (OR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.28-0.66). Women working an average of 40 hours or less per week were least likely to have depressive symptoms (OR, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.25-0.69). CONCLUSION: Economic activity is significantly associated with depressive symptoms among women with children. Environmental support and policy approaches are needed to ensure that women remain economically active after childbirth.

Stabilization of radical active species in a MOF nanospace to exploit unique reaction pathways.

We synthesized a metal-organic framework (MOF) using a ligand bearing haloalkoxy chains as a radical precursor. The radicals generated in the MOF upon photoirradiation were stable even at 250 K or under an O2 atmosphere, despite radicals generated from the ligand decomposing at 200 K; thus, the regular arrangement of radicals effectively stabilized them. Moreover, a unique photoproduct was obtained only in the MOF, indicating that the confinement effect in the nanospace enabled a specific reaction that did not occur in the bulk state. We propose a new platform for exploring chemical reactions and materials based on reactive species.

Simultaneous selective removal of cesium and cobalt from water using calcium alginate-zinc ferrocyanide-Cyanex 272 composite beads.

Composite beads consisting of Ca alginate mixed with zinc ferrocyanide (ZnFC) and Cyanex 272 were synthesized in order to selectively adsorb Cs+ and Co2+ from water. Their physicochemical properties of the synthesized composite beads were characterized using various techniques, including FESEM, EDX, FTIR, and TGA. The ZnFC/Cyanex 272/alginate (ZCA) composite beads were then tested as an adsorbent for the selective removal of Cs+ and Co2+ from an aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity increased with increasing ZnFC and Cyanex 272 contents. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir model and pseudo-second-order kinetics. The ZCA composite beads exhibited excellent selectivity toward Cs+ and Co2+ even in the presence of competitive cations (K+, Na+, Fe2+, and Ni2+). The adsorption capacity of the ZCA composite beads for Cs+ and Co2+ was almost maintained after three times of adsorption-desorption process.

Changes in Fecal Calprotectin After Rifaximin Treatment in Patients With Nonconstipated Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Fecal calprotectin, an indicator of colonic inflammation, is associated with nonconstipated irritable bowel syndrome. Rifaximin is an antibiotic used to treat nonconstipated irritable bowel syndrome. We performed a retrospective review of patient charts to investigate the changes in fecal calprotectin levels and intestinal symptoms following treatment with rifaximin in patients with nonconstipated irritable bowel syndrome with elevated fecal calprotectin. METHODS: This study included 198 patients presenting with gastrointestinal complaints consistent with Rome III criteria for irritable bowel syndrome. We treated them with rifaximin for 4-12 weeks, until fecal calprotectin levels were normalized, and divided these into 4-, 8-, and 12-week groups according to the treatment period. Fecal calprotectin levels and gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed following rifaximin therapy. RESULTS: A total of 162 subjects achieved normalized fecal calprotectin values. Of these, most patients who used rifaximin for 8 or 12 weeks showed a significant improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms by the fourth week of treatment, and gradually improved symptoms after 4 weeks. Fecal calprotectin levels were reduced with concomitant improvement of clinical symptoms. In addition, 36 patients who had elevated fecal calprotectin even after 12 weeks of rifaximin treatment showed a gradual reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms and fecal calprotectin during the course of treatment for 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that fecal calprotectin might be a useful biomarker for measuring the effect of rifaximin therapy in nonconstipated irritable bowel syndrome patients with elevated fecal calprotectin values.

Erucamide from Radish Leaves Has an Inhibitory Effect Against Acetylcholinesterase and Prevents Memory Deficit Induced by Trimethyltin.

In this study, we investigated a potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that was isolated from radish leaf (Raphanus sativus L.) extracts. Through sequential fractionation of radish leaf extract, the active constituent was identified as cis-13-docosenamide (erucamide). To validate the potency, erucamide derived from radish leaves was supplemented in diets and then fed to trimethyltin (TMT)-exposed mice. Specifically, mice had free access to a control diet or diets containing different concentrations of erucamide for 3 weeks, followed by an injection of TMT (2.5 mg/kg body weight). Our results showed that pretreatment of mice with erucamide (20 and 40 mg/kg body weight per day) significantly attenuated the TMT-induced learning and memory deficits that were assessed by Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. These findings suggest that radish leaves, and possibly its isolated erucamide, may have preventive effects against memory deficits related to Alzheimer's disease by modulation of cholinergic functions.

2,4-Bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenol from Cinnamomum loureirii Improves Cognitive Deficit, Cholinergic Dysfunction, and Oxidative Damage in TMT-Treated Mice.

We previously reported that the extract of Cinnamomum loureirii (C. loureirii) significantly inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and identified 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenol (BP) from C. loureirii as a potential AChE inhibitor. The present study, therefore was undertaken to demonstrate the effects of BP from C. loureirii on learning and memory impairment in trimethyltin (TMT)-treated ICR mice. Y-maze and passive avoidance tests were used to test cognitive ability. Further, changes in biochemical parameters in the brain tissue were also assessed in response to TMT injection and BP intervention. BP pre-administration (20, 40 mg/kg/d) in mice significantly protected cognitive dysfunction induced by TMT (p<0.05). Moreover, BP reduced AChE activity and lipid peroxidation but increased acetylcholine levels in the brain. In conclusion, we suggested that BP protected against TMT-induced cognitive dysfunction, and might be a potential agent for alleviating symptoms of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, via modulating cholinergic functions.

Pyropia yezoensis peptide promotes collagen synthesis by activating the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway in the human dermal fibroblast cell line Hs27.

Pyropia yezoensis (P. yezoensis) is a marine algae that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and anti-aging activities. In this study, we investigated the effects of the P. yezoensis peptide, PYP1­5, on collagen synthesis in the human dermal fibroblast cell line Hs27. Skin aging is related to reduced collagen production and the activities of multiple enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which degrade collagen structure in the dermis, and tissue inhibitor of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), which inhibit the action of MMPs. While collagen synthesis is associated with a number of signaling pathways, we examined the increased collagen synthesis via the upregulation of the transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß)/Smad signaling pathway. Using MTS assay, we found that PYP1­5 did not affect cell viability. Moreover, we confirmed that PYP1­5 increased type 1 collagen expression using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), western blot analysis and quantitative PCR. In addition, we identified changes in various enzymes, as well as the mechanisms behind the PYP1­5-induced collagen synthesis. PYP1­5 decreased the MMP-1 protein and mRNA levels, and increased the TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 protein and mRNA levels. In addition, PYP1­5 activated the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway, which increased TGF-ß1, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 expression, while inhibiting Smad7, an inhibitor of the TGF-ß/Smad pathway. Furthermore, PYP1­5 upregulated transcription factor specificity protein 1 (Sp1) expression, which is reportedly involved in type 1 collagen expression. These findings indicate that PYP1­5 activates the TGF-ß/Smad signaling pathway, which subsequently induces collagen synthesis in Hs27 cells.

Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Triggers TNFα Induced-Necroptosis in Rat Retina.

PURPOSE: A recent study revealed a novel form of cell death, termed necroptosis, or programmed necrosis. Previous research indicated that after ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury to the retina, Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNFα) is increased, which may activate necroptosis. This study observed macroglial cell activation, and in particular, astrocyte activation, after the release of TNFα and other necroptosis factors in the rat retina due to IR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IR was induced in the retinas of adult male Sprague-Dawley rats by increasing the intraocular pressure to 160 mmHg and then allowing reperfusion. In addition, to inhibit necroptosis, Nec-1 (necrostatin-1) was injected intravitreally after IR. Rats were sacrificed after reperfusion at 12 hours, 1, 3, and 5 days, and 1 and 2 weeks. Retinas from each time point were analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blotting (WB) to identify the initiator of necroptosis, TNFα, the expression of necroptosis factors, such as receptor interacting protein (RIP) 1, 3, and inactive caspase 8, and Brn3a. RESULTS: Cell death in the IR-injured retinas was identified by cell counting. We found decreased retinal cell numbers in the inner and outer nuclear layers (INL and ONL), as well as in the ganglion cell layer (GCL). Increased glial cell activation was detected by using glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) IHC. TNFα, RIP1, RIP3, and inactive caspase 8 were mainly expressed in the GCL after IR, as determined by IHC and WB. Nec-1 inhibited RIP1, a necroptosis factor, indicating protection against retinal cell loss after IR injury. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that IR injury triggered increases in both activation of astrocytes and the expression of TNFα. In addition, TNFα, which was activated by IR, triggered the release of necroptosis factors, particularly, in GCL. Inhibition of necroptosis using Nec-1 decreased the level of RIP1 and retinal cell loss in IR-injured retinas.

Responsive Surface Methodology Optimizes Extraction Conditions of Industrial by-products, Camellia japonica Seed Cake.

BACKGROUND: The central nervous system is easily damaged by oxidative stress due to high oxygen consumption and poor defensive capacity. Hence, multiple studies have demonstrated that inhibiting oxidative stress-induced damage, through an antioxidant-rich diet, might be a reasonable approach to prevent neurodegenerative disease. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, response surface methodology was utilized to optimize the extraction for neuro-protective constituents of Camellia japonica byproducts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Rat pheochromocytoma cells were used to evaluate protective potential of Camellia japonica byproducts. RESULTS: Optimum conditions were 33.84 min, 75.24%, and 75.82°C for time, ethanol concentration and temperature. Further, we demonstrated that major organic acid contents were significantly impacted by the extraction conditions, which may explain varying magnitude of protective potential between fractions. CONCLUSIONS: Given the paucity of information in regards to defatted C. japonica seed cake and their health promoting potential, our results herein provide interesting preliminary data for utilization of this byproduct from oil processing in both academic and industrial applications. SUMMARY: Neuro-protective potential of C. japonica seed cake on cell viability was affected by extraction conditionsExtraction conditions effectively influenced on active constituents of C. japonica seed cakeBiological activity of C. japonica seed cake was optimized by the responsive surface methodology. Abbreviations used: GC-MS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometer, MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, PC12 cells: Pheochromocytoma, RSM: Response surface methodology.

Cinnamomum loureirii Extract Inhibits Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Ameliorates Trimethyltin-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction in Mice.

The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been linked to the deficiency of neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) in the brain, and the main treatment strategy for improving AD symptoms is the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. In the present study, we aimed to identify potent AChE inhibitors from Cinnamomum loureirii extract via bioassay-guided fractionation. We demonstrated that the most potent AChE inhibitor present in the C. loureirii extract was 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)phenol. To confirm the antiamnesic effects of the ethanol extract of C. loureirii, mice were intraperitoneally injected with the neurotoxin trimethyltin (2.5 mg/kg) to induce cognitive dysfunction, and performance in the Y-maze and passive avoidance tests was assessed. Treatment with C. loureirii extract significantly improved performance in both behavioral tests, suggesting that this extract may be neuroprotective and therefore beneficial in preventing or ameliorating the degenerative processes of AD, potentially by restoring cholinergic function.

Inorganic nanoparticles in porous coordination polymers.

Porous coordination polymers (PCPs) have been recently highlighted because of their high synthetic designability in structure and functions. Because of their ordered nanoporous structures with a large surface area and tunable pore surface functionality, PCPs have emerged as a significant class of nanoporous materials with potential applications in gas storage, separation, catalysis, and chemical sensing. Recent research has shown the utility of PCPs as host materials for the confinement of nanoparticles of inorganic polymers (IPs), such as metals, metal oxides, and metal chalcogenides. The fabrication of IP nanoparticles in PCPs (PCP⊃IP) has been studied for manifesting specific nanosized-dependent properties and host-guest synergistic functions. In this review, we describe the recent progress in the accommodation of IPs in the nanochannels of PCPs and the remarkable functions of the composite materials.

Association between Sleep Duration and Impaired Fasting Glucose in Korean Adults: Results from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011-2012.

BACKGROUND: Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is an established risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This study evaluated the relationship between sleep duration and IFG. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 14,925 Korean adults (5,868 men and 9,057 women) ≥19 years of age who participated in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2011 and 2012. Blood glucose levels were measured after at least eight hours of fasting. Study subjects were categorized into three groups based on self-reported sleep duration (<7, 7-8, or >8 h/d). IFG was diagnosed according to recommendations American Diabetes Association guidelines. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with adjustment for covariates. RESULTS: In men, short sleep duration (<7 hours) was associated with increased risk of IFG (odds ratio [OR], 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 1.96) compared to adequate sleep duration (7-8 hours), whereas long sleep duration (>8 hours) was not associated with risk of IFG (OR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.37 to 2.18). In women, sleep duration was not associated with risk of IFG. CONCLUSION: The association between sleep duration and IFG differed by sex; sleep deprivation, was associated with increased risk of IFG, especially in men.

Perilla frutescens Extract Ameliorates Acetylcholinesterase and Trimethyltin Chloride-Induced Neurotoxicity.

One of the critical features of Alzheimer's disease is cognitive dysfunction, which is, in part, due to decreases in acetylcholine (ACh). The ethanol extract of Perilla frutescens was selected for isolating the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor based on preliminary screening. In vivo behavioral tests were performed to examine the effects of the P. frutescens extract on trimethyltin chloride-induced impairment of learning and memory in mice. A diet containing P. frutescens extract effectively reversed learning and memory impairment on the Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. To isolate the active compound from the P. frutescens extract, solvent partitioning, silica gel open column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography were used. The AChE inhibitor was identified as rosmarinic acid.

Synthesis, Magnetic Properties, Map Images, and Water Proton Relaxivities of D-Glucuronic Acid Coated Ln2O3 Nanoparticles (Ln = Ho and Er).

T2 MRI contrast agents cannot be synthesized by using molecules but nanoparticles because appreciable magnetic moments at room temperature are needed. Recently, some of lanthanide (Ln) oxide nanoparticles have shown decent magnetic moments at room temperature and even at ultrasmall particle diameters. In this study, we explored D-glucuronic acid coated Ln2O3 nanoparticles (Ln = Ho and Er) with ultrasmall particle diameters. They showed decent magnetic moments at room temperature and as a result, appreciable transverse water proton relaxivities (r2s) at 1.5 tesla MR field. Clear dose-dependent contrast enhancements in R2 map images were observed in both samples. These results showed that D-glucuronic acid coated Ln2O3 nanoparticles (Ln = Ho and Er) would be potential T2 MRI contrast agents at high MR fields.

Factors Associated with Fatigue in Korean Gastric Cancer Survivors.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the second most common cancer in Korea. Fatigue is a common symptom among cancer survivors. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with fatigue in gastric cancer survivors. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 199 gastric cancer survivors who visited a cancer survivor outpatient clinic from July 2013 to June 2014. Patients were surveyed using a questionnaire containing a fatigue severity scale (FSS) and questions regarding associated symptoms. Participants were divided into fatigue (FSS) and non-fatigue groups based on FSS scores (≥4 and <4, respectively). Age, sex, weight, body mass index, cancer stage, pathology, surgery type, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, comorbid disease, family history of cancer, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise, and laboratory results were investigated. RESULTS: The fatigue and non-fatigue groups contained 42 and 157 survivors, respectively. Their mean age was 58 years, and the mean post-operative period was 6.58 years. Arthralgia (odds ratio [OR], 12.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.21-52.34), dyspnea (OR, 10.54; 95% CI, 2.94-37.80), dyspepsia (OR, 8.26; 95% CI, 2.63-25.96), changed bowel habits (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 1.09-19.11), anemia (OR, 3.18; 95% CI, 1.26-8.05), and regular exercise (OR, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.12-0.77) were significantly associated with fatigue in gastric cancer survivors, while weight, treatment, and depressive mood were not. CONCLUSION: Arthralgia, dyspnea, dyspepsia, bowel habit change, anemia, and regular exercise are associated with fatigue in gastric cancer survivors.

Effect of Chaenomeles sinensis Extract on Choline Acetyltransferase Activity and Trimethyltin-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment in Mice.

The aim of this study was to search for a novel choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activator from plants traditionally grown in Korea. An ethanol extract from Chaenomeles sinensis Koehne showed the highest ChAT-activating effect in vitro in an assay that used human neuroblastoma cells and [(14)C]acetyl-CoA. The active compound was speculated to be stearic acid methyl ester (SAME). In an in vivo experiment, C. sinensis extract and SAME improved trimethyltin (TMT)-induced deficits in learning and memory in mice as assessed by a Y-maze behavioral test and a passive avoidance test. The C. sinensis extract might attenuate the TMT-induced brain disorder. This study suggests that SAME from C. sinensis might be useful in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

Characterization of Nutritional Composition, Antioxidative Capacity, and Sensory Attributes of Seomae Mugwort, a Native Korean Variety of Artemisia argyi H. Lév. & Vaniot.

Few studies have investigated Seomae mugwort (a Korean native mugwort variety of Artemisia argyi H. Lév. & Vaniot), exclusively cultivated in the southern Korean peninsula, and the possibility of its use as a food resource. In the present study, we compared the nutritional and chemical properties as well as sensory attributes of Seomae mugwort and the commonly consumed species Artemisia princeps Pamp. In comparison with A. princeps, Seomae mugwort had higher contents of polyunsaturated fatty acids, total phenolic compounds, vitamin C, and essential amino acids. In addition, Seomae mugwort had better radical scavenging activity and more diverse volatile compounds than A. princeps as well as favorable sensory attributes when consumed as tea. Given that scant information is available regarding the Seomae mugwort and its biological, chemical, and sensory characteristics, the results herein may provide important characterization data for further industrial and research applications of this mugwort variety.

Quality evaluation on use of camellia oil as an alternative method in dried seaweed preparation.

The fatty acid and volatile compound compositions of camellia oil were analyzed in this study. The impacts of the replacement of conventional vegetable oil with camellia oil on the sensory attributes of dried seaweed were also determined. C18:1 (83.59%), followed by C16:0 and C18:2, were the most abundant fatty acids in camellia oil. A total of 11 and 32 volatile compounds were identified in camellia oil and sesame oil, respectively. In the preference test, the camellia oil samples received a higher, although insignificant, liking rating in overall acceptability of appearance. Overall, there were no differences between the sensory attributes of camellia oil and sesame oil. This finding, combined with the unique fatty acid composition, thermal stability, and health benefits of camellia oil indicate that further study into the use of camellia oil in foods is warranted.

An optimized extraction technique for acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from the Camellia japonica seed cake by using response surface methodology.

The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the extraction conditions for the acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibitory activity and extraction yield from Camellia japonica seed cake. Predicted values for AchE inhibition and extraction yield were 19.41 and 13.35%, respectively, which are in good agreement with the experimental values from validation, suggesting that RSM may provide a useful tool to optimization processes.

Ligand-size dependent water proton relaxivities in ultrasmall gadolinium oxide nanoparticles and in vivo T1 MR images in a 1.5 T MR field.

The dependence of longitudinal (r1) and transverse (r2) water proton relaxivities of ultrasmall gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles on the surface coating ligand-size was investigated. Both r1 and r2 values decreased with increasing ligand-size. We attributed this to the ligand-size effect. In addition the effectiveness of d-glucuronic acid-coated ultrasmall Gd2O3 nanoparticles as T1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents was confirmed by measuring the in vitro cytotoxicity and using in vivo T1 MR images in a mouse in a 1.5 T MR field.