Distribution of Medical Service Use for Facial Palsy Between Medicine and Traditional Korean Medicine Based on Population-Based Data of Korea.

We investigated the distribution of medical service uses for Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome between medicine and traditional Korean medicine using the National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort data of Korea from 2006 to 2015. Patients were identified with diagnostic codes and medication or treatment claim codes. For Bell's palsy, there were 5,970 (68.8%) patients who used traditional Korean medical service only, whereas for Ramsay Hunt syndrome, there were 749 (93.6%) patients who used medical service only. The proportion of traditional Korean medical service use was higher than that of medical service use in patients with Bell's palsy, while the opposite was found in patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome.

Proteomic evaluation of kimchi, a traditional Korean fermented vegetable, and comparison of kimchi manufactured in China and Korea.

Kimchi is a traditional Korean fermented vegetable, which is also widely consumed in Japan and China. However, little is known about the kimchi proteome. In this study, Korean and Chinese kimchi proteomes were evaluated by shotgun proteomics. A total of 250 proteins were annotated, and 29 of these were expressed at > 1% of the average relative abundance. Discrimination of the geographical origins of Korean and Chinese kimchi samples was possible using multivariate analysis of the proteomic data, and 23 proteins were expressed differently between the two types (p < 0.001), and represent possible markers to discriminate between Chinese and Korean kimchi. This study provides important insights into the kimchi proteome and illustrates the proteomic differences caused by geographical origin.

Overaugmentation to compensate for postextraction ridge atrophy using a putty-type porcine bone substitute material with recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2: 4 weeks of healing in a canine model.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of the present study were (i) to determine the short-term effects of putty-type porcine bone substitute material (PB) with recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) for alveolar ridge preservation (ARP) and (ii) evaluate the early healing of labial overaugmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two groups were randomly assigned to the extraction sockets in mandibular incisors of eight dogs: labial overaugmentation with (i) PB (control) or (ii) rhBMP-2-loaded PB (BMP). Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT), and histologic and histomorphometric analyses were performed after 4 weeks. RESULTS: Micro-CT revealed that some of the overaugmented PB was dispersed in both groups. The new bone volume was significantly larger in the BMP group than in the control group (18.4 ± 3.3 vs. 15.5 ± 3.0 mm3, mean ± SD, P < 0.05). Labial bone resorption was generally found histologically. No signs of mineralization were observed in the overaugmented area despite significantly increased ridge width, as compared to the adjacent tooth area. The area of new bone formation was larger in the BMP group than in the control group overall (23.7 ± 18.8 vs. 18.3 ± 21.2 mm2) and in three parts (apical, middle, and coronal), although the difference was statistically significant only in the coronal part (7.7 ± 7.9 vs. 4.6 ± 6.4 mm2, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of rhBMP-2 enhanced ossification in the coronal part of the extraction socket relative to using PB alone. Overaugmentation increased the ridge dimension with no evidence of ossification in situ at 4 weeks. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In early healing following ARP, rhBMP-2 enhances bone formation within the socket, but ossification in the overaugmented area needs to be studied further.

Sinus floor elevation using implants coated with recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2: micro-computed tomographic and histomorphometric analyses.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the validity of a graft-free sinus floor elevation (SFE) procedure with simultaneous placement of recombinant morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)-coated implants compared to uncoated control implants. METHODS: In 10 rabbits, SFE was performed on both sides. Dental implants were randomly placed in the sinus filled with a blood clot. Test implants were coated with rhBMP-2, whereas in the control group, implants were uncoated. Micro-computed tomographic and histomophometric analyses were performed at 4 and 8 weeks, including measurement for newly formed bone height (NBHm). RESULTS: Bone formation was evident along the implant surfaces up to the apex in test, but limited in control implants at 4 weeks. NBHm amounted to 5.1 mm (Q1 = 4.1; Q3 = 5.3) for test implants and to 3.4 mm (2.6; 3.7) for control implants at 4 weeks. NBHm then decreased to 8 weeks (3.4 mm (3.3; 3.7)) for test implants, whereas in control sites, NBHm increased slightly to 4.4 mm (4.1; 4.5) (p = 0.1250; p = 0.6250). CONCLUSIONS: Implants coated with rhBMP-2 presented a strong osteogenic reaction at 4 weeks with more favorable outcomes in terms of bone formation along the implant surface up to the apex compared to uncoated control implants. Remodeling and resorption process between 4 and 8 weeks did not further improve the outcomes in the test, but in the control group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The use of rhBMP-2-coated implants in a graft-free SFE might show an advantage in early implant stability to prevent collapse of membrane. However, a potential clinical benefit still needs to be proven.

Primary ridge augmentation with collagenated xenogenic block bone substitute in combination with collagen membrane and rhBMP-2: a pilot histological investigation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to test whether a porcine collagenated bone substitute block (PCBB) and collagen membrane (CM) loaded with bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) used for horizontal ridge augmentation differ from PCBB and CM without BMP-2 regarding the osseointegration of the grafting material and the maintenance of the ridge contour. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two semi-saddle bone defects were created in each side of the mandible of six dogs. The defects were randomly allocated to receive one of the following treatments: bone augmentation using (1) PCBB, (2) PCBB loaded with BMP-2 (PCBB-BMP2), (3) PCBB + CM and (4) PCBB + CM loaded with BMP-2 (PCBB + CM-BMP2). After 12 weeks, one titanium implant was inserted into every site. After 8 weeks, one central histological section of each site was prepared. Histomorphometrical assessments were performed evaluating the augmented area (AA), the area of new bone (NB) (primary outcome), residual bone substitute (BS) and non-mineralized tissue (NMT) within AA in mm2 . In addition, the most coronal and the most buccal localizations of new bone and residual bone substitute, and the most coronal bone-to-implant contact were measured in mm. RESULTS: Clinically, all PCBB were firmly integrated and permitted implant placement. All the implants osseointegrated and exhibited complete hard-tissue coverage of the buccal surface. Bone ingrowth always reached the central portions of PCBB. AA measured 10.4 ± 4.2 mm2 for PCBB, 11.8 ± 2.8 mm2 for PCBB-BMP2, 9.8 ± 2.9 mm2 for PCBB + CM and 8.5 ± 2.2 mm2 for PCBB + CM-BMP2. Only the difference between PCBB-BMP2 and PCBB + CM-BMP2 was statistically significant (P = 0.031). NB reached 2.3 ± 1.3 mm2 for PCBB, 2 ± 0.5 mm2 for PCBB-BMP2, 2.7 ± 1.2 mm2 for PCBB + CM and 1.8 ± 0.7 mm2 for PCBB + CM-BMP2. There were no statistically significant differences regarding NB, the most coronal and the most buccal localizations of new bone, residual bone substitute and bone-to-implant contact (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of BMP-2 to PCBB or CM used for horizontal ridge augmentation did not render a statistically significant improvement in the maintenance of the augmented ridge contour and the new bone formation. PCBB with and without CM showed pronounced bone ingrowth and capacity to maintain the augmented ridge contour. In all the regions previously augmented with PCBB, the implants successfully integrated and presented with complete hard-tissue coverage.

De novo bone formation underneath the sinus membrane supported by a bone patch: a pilot experiment in rabbit sinus model.

AIMS: The objectives of this study were to evaluate bone regeneration beneath a newly devised bone substitute combined with collagen membrane (called a bone patch) lying over a concomitantly placed mini-implant following sinus floor elevation and verify its usefulness as a carrier system for recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sinus floor elevation procedure was performed bilaterally in five rabbits. Either a plain bone patch (control group) or an rhBMP-2-loaded patch (experimental group) was randomly placed beneath the elevated sinus membrane (SM) of both sinuses, where the mini-implants were concomitantly placed. Micro-computed tomographic and histologic analyses were performed at 4 weeks post-surgery. RESULTS: In micro-computed tomography, the median values of the total augmented volume and the mineralized bone volume were significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group (161 vs. 122 mm3 [P < 0.01] and 48 vs. 42 mm3 [P < 0.05], respectively). Histometric analysis revealed the same outcomes, with new bone areas of 6.41 and 2.97 mm2 in the experimental and control groups, respectively (P < 0.001), and bone-to-implant contact ratios of 22.6% and 5.2%, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The newly devised bone patch in this study can support the elevated SM and facilitate bone regeneration from the basal bone with a reduced amount of biomaterial. The addition of rhBMP-2 may shorten the healing time for multidirectional bone regeneration toward the implant.

The relationship between circulating neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and early alteration of metabolic parameters is associated with dietary saturated fat intake in non-diabetic Korean women.

Circulating neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is associated with obesity-related metabolic disorders. This study investigated the relationship between serum NGAL and early alteration of metabolic parameters in non-diabetic Korean women, particularly with respect to saturated fat (SFA) intake. Anthropometric parameters, fasting glycemic status, and levels of lipids, oxidative stress/inflammatory markers, and NGAL were measured in 82 non-diabetic Korean women [Super-healthy group (n=57) with 0 metabolic syndrome risk factor (MetS RF) and MetS-risk group (n=25) with MetS RF≥1]. Age, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, HbA1C, triglyceride, LDL and total-cholesterol, and NGAL levels were higher, and HDL-cholesterol was lower in the MetS-risk group than in the Super-healthy group. Age-adjusted serum NGAL levels were higher in the MetS-risk group than in the Super-healthy group. NGAL increased proportionally with increase in MetS RFs (p=0.038) and correlated positively with BMI, triglycerides, LDL- and total-cholesterol, interleukin-6, white blood cell count, and neutrophil%, and negatively with HDL-cholesterol and superoxide dismutase activity. Serum NGAL levels positively correlated with SFA intake before and after adjustment (age and BMI). Serum NGAL levels were higher in high-SFA consumers [≥7g/day, ≥7% of total calorie intake (TCI)] than in low-SFA consumers (<7g/day, <7% of TCI). Serum NGAL levels were highest in the MetS-risk group consuming higher SFA and lowest in the Super-healthy group consuming lower SFA. However, serum NGAL did not significantly differ between the low-SFA consuming MetS-risk and Super-healthy groups. The relationship between circulating NGAL and early alteration of metabolic parameters is associated with dietary SFA intake in non-diabetic Korean women.

Bone Regenerative Efficacy of Limited-Dose Escherichia Coli-Derived rhBMP-2 With Biphasic Calcium Phosphate Carrier in Rabbit Calvarial Defect Model.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to characterize the healing in rabbit calvarial bone defects after delivery of limited-dose (1.5 µg) Escherichia coli-derived recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (ErhBMP-2), and evaluate biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) as a carrier. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four 8-mm diameter circular calvarial bone defects were made in 16 rabbits and filled with one of the following: (1) nothing, (2) BCP alone, (3) ErhBMP-2-loaded absorbable collagen sponge (ACS), or (4) ErhBMP-2-loaded BCP. The animals were allowed to heal for either 2 or 8 weeks and were evaluated in clinical, microcomputed tomographic, histological, and histomorphometric analyses. RESULTS: Microcomputed tomography revealed extensive new bone formation in both of the limited-dose ErhBMP-2-loaded groups. However, bony collapse of the upper defect borders was found in the ErhBMP-2-loaded ACS group. Histomorphometric examination revealed significantly greater new bone formation at 8 weeks than at 2 weeks in all 4 groups (P < 0.05). Both new bone formation and the size of the augmented area differed significantly between the ErhBMP-2-loaded BCP group (6.88 ± 0.74 and 19.62 ± 0.77) and the ErhBMP-2-loaded ACS group (3.04 ± 0.27 and 5.41 ± 0.43) at 8 weeks of healing. CONCLUSION: ErhBMP-2 promotes bone regeneration in rabbit calvarial defects, even at a limited dose (1.5 µg). The results of this study suggest that BCP is the more efficient carrier for this protein than ACS.

Low-FODMAP formula improves diarrhea and nutritional status in hospitalized patients receiving enteral nutrition: a randomized, multicenter, double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) are poorly absorbed, short-chain carbohydrates that play an important role in inducing functional gut symptoms. A low-FODMAP diet improves abdominal symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. However, there were no study for the effect of FODMAP content on gastrointestinal intolerance and nutritional status in patients receiving enteral nutrition (EN). METHODS: In this randomized, multicenter, double-blind, 14-day clinical trial, eligible hospitalized patients receiving EN (n = 100) were randomly assigned to three groups; 84 patients completed the trial (low-FODMAP EN, n = 30; moderate-FODMAP EN, n = 28; high-FODMAP EN, n = 26). Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured; stool assessment was performed using the King's Stool Chart and clinical definition. RESULTS: Baseline values were not significantly different among the three groups. After the 14-day intervention, diarrhea significantly improved in the low-FODMAP group than in the moderate- and high-FODMAP groups (P < 0.05). King's Stool scores in diarrhea subjects were significantly and steadily reduced in the low-FODMAP group compared with the other two groups (P for time and EN type interaction <0.05). BMI increased significantly in the low- and high-FODMAP groups during the intervention (P < 0.05 for both), and showed a trend toward increasing in the moderate-FODMAP group (P < 0.10). Serum prealbumin increased significantly in all groups by 14-day; by 3-day, it had increased to the levels at 14-day in the low-FODMAP group. At 14-day, serum transferrin had increased significantly in the moderate-FODMAP group. In addition, subjects were classified by final condition (unimproved, normal maintenance, diarrhea only improved, constipation only improved, and recurrent diarrhea/constipation improved). Seventy-five percent of the diarrhea improved group consumed the low-FODMAP EN formula. 38.5 and 46.2% of recurrent diarrhea/constipation improved group consumed the low- and moderate-FODMAP EN respectively. BMI significantly increased in all groups except the unimproved. Prealbumin levels significantly increased in the diarrhea-improved and recurrent diarrhea/constipation groups at 3-day and continued by 14-day, and in the constipation-improved group at 14-day. Transferrin levels significantly increased in the diarrhea-improved and recurrent diarrhea/constipation groups at 14-day. CONCLUSION: Low-FODMAP EN may improve diarrhea, leading to improved nutritional status and facilitating prompt recovery from illness.

Fermentation of Smilax china root by Aspergillus usami and Saccharomyces cerevisiae promoted concentration of resveratrol and oxyresveratrol and the free-radical scavenging activity.

BACKGROUND: Smilax china root, which is rich in resveratrol and oxyresveratrol, has been used as emergency foods as well as folk medicine. This study investigated changes in concentration of bioactive components and the free-radical scavenging capacity of Smilax china root during fermentation by Aspergillus usami and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. RESULTS: Resveratrol, oxyresveratrol and piceid were quantified as major constituents in Smilax china root by using UPLC-ESI-MS. The concentration of oxyresveratrol and resveratrol remarkably increased through fermentation and the transformation of piceid to resveratrol. Its concentration in 4% Smilax china root was 1.16-2.95 times higher than that of a 2% preparation throughout fermentation. The vitamin C equivalent antioxidant capacity of 2% Smilax china root was 1.51-1.91 times higher than that of 4% Smilax china root during fermentation. Meanwhile, ABTS free-radical scavenging capacity was enhanced up to 95.07 and 99.35% for 2% and 4% Smilax china root, respectively. CONCLUSION: Results from our study propose that bioactive components in Smilax China root were highly extracted by fermentation followed by saccharification and ethanol production, resulting in enhanced free-radical scavenging capacity. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry.

Risk for depression and anxiety in patients with facial palsy based on population-based data from Korea.

BACKGROUND: Several studies point out the association of facial palsy with psychiatric distress such as depression and anxiety. However, there have been few studies on this association based on population-based data. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk for depression and anxiety disorders in patients with Bell's palsy and in those with Ramsay Hunt syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service National Sample Cohort. From 2006 to 2015, patients with Bell's palsy and those with Ramsay Hunt syndrome were defined using diagnostic and medication claim codes. Patients with depression or anxiety were defined using diagnostic and medication claim codes. Occurrences of depression and anxiety were included in analyses. RESULTS: There were significantly higher risks for depressive and anxiety disorders in the group of patients with Bell's palsy than in the control group, as well as in the group of patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: There were significantly higher risks for depression and anxiety in patients with facial palsy including Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome based on population-based data from Korea.

Presence of an ultra-small microbiome in fermented cabbages.

Background: Ultramicrobacteria (UMB), also known as ultra-small bacteria, are tiny bacteria with a size less than 0.1 µm3. They have a high surface-to-volume ratio and are found in various ecosystems, including the human body. UMB can be classified into two types: one formed through cell contraction and the other that maintains a small size. The ultra-small microbiome (USM), which may contain UMB, includes all bacteria less than 0.2 µm in size and is difficult to detect with current methods. However, it poses a potential threat to food hygiene, as it can pass through sterilization filters and exist in a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. The data on the USM of foods is limited. Some bacteria, including pathogenic species, are capable of forming UMB under harsh conditions, making it difficult to detect them through conventional culture techniques. Methods: The study described above focused on exploring the diversity of USM in fermented cabbage samples from three different countries (South Korea, China, and Germany). The samples of fermented cabbage (kimchi, suancai, and sauerkraut) were purchased and stored in chilled conditions at approximately 4 °C until filtration. The filtration process involved two steps of tangential flow filtration (TFF) using TFF cartridges with different pore sizes (0.2 µm and 100 kDa) to separate normal size bacteria (NM) and USM. The USM and NM isolated via TFF were stored in a refrigerator at 4 °C until DNA extraction. The extracted DNA was then amplified using PCR and the full-length 16S rRNA gene was sequenced using single-molecule-real-time (SMRT) sequencing. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) was used to confirm the presence of microorganisms in the USM of fermented cabbage samples. Results: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to identify the differences between USM and NM in fermented cabbages. Although the size of the USM (average 2,171,621 bp) was smaller than that of the NM (average 15,727,282 bp), diversity in USM (average H' = 1.32) was not lower than that in NM (average H' = 1.22). In addition, some members in USM probably underwent cell shrinkage due to unfavorable environments, while others maintained their size. Major pathogens were not detected in the USM in fermented cabbages. Nevertheless, several potentially suspicious strains (genera Cellulomonas and Ralstonia) were detected. Our method can be used to screen food materials for the presence of USM undetectable via conventional methods. USM and NM were efficiently separated using tangential flow filtration and analyzed via single-molecule real-time sequencing. The USM of fermented vegetables exhibited differences in size, diversity, and composition compared with the conventional microbiome. This study could provide new insights into the ultra-small ecosystem in fermented foods, including fermented cabbages.

Erratum: Effect of Breakfast Consumption and Meal Time Regularity on Nutrient Intake and Cardiometabolic Health in Korean Adults.

[This corrects the article on p. 240 in vol. 10, PMID: 34095015.].

Effect of Ultraviolet-C Light-Emitting Diode Treatment on Disinfection of Norovirus in Processing Water for Reuse of Brine Water.

Processes in the food industry that use large amounts of water have been an important cause of waterborne disease outbreaks, as they expose individuals to risks for waterborne disease transmission. Developing technologies to ensure the hygiene and safety of food-processing steps is an urgent concern from an economic perspective. Furthermore, economic benefits can be derived if the processed water can be reused under microbiologically safe conditions. Among the major manufacturing processes in the kimchi industry, the brining process for salted kimchi cabbages requires a considerable amount of brine (approximately 2,000-2,500 l/1,000 kg of raw cabbage). The aim of this study was to establish virucidal conditions with ultraviolet-C light-emitting diodes (UVC LEDs) that can ensure the microbiological safety of brine water samples with various turbidities for reuse after disinfection. For quantitative analysis, first of all, magnetic bead separation (MBS) technique was used to capture and recover the human norovirus (HuNoV) virus particles; propidium monoazide (PMA) combined with RT-qPCR (PMA-RT-qPCR) was subsequently used to selectively detect infectious norovirus. Overall, as the turbidity of the brine water samples increased, the reduction in the HuNoV genogroup II genotype 4 (HuNoV GII.4) levels by UVC LED disinfection decreased. The derived inactivation rate constant (kinac ) and inactivation curves (calculated using the log-linear model) were studied as a function of turbidity based on the exponential one-phase inactivation kinetics of HuNoV. Using an impeller system set at 100 rotations/min (rpm) with an eight-nephelometric turbidity unit (NTU) sample (the lowest turbidity studied), the kinact based on the levels of viral genomic RNA concentrations was approximately 2.15-fold higher than that observed without rotation (0 rpm). Moreover, the kinact increased 1.69-fold with a 56-NTU sample (the highest turbidity studied) when the impeller system was set at 100 rpm. UVC LED treatment decreased the HuNoV GII.4 population more effectively in conjunction with the impeller system (100 rpm) than without the impeller system. Our novel findings and model provide fundamental and scientific data that may help reuse brine water and ensure its microbiological safety through disinfection. Our study highlights the benefits of UVC LED treatment in successfully eliminating waterborne viruses in a prompt, resistance-reducing, and energy-efficient approach at the laboratory scale, which lays the foundation for future plant-scale studies of UVC LED-disinfection systems.

Timing of Adiposity Rebound and Determinants of Early Adiposity Rebound in Korean Infants and Children Based on Data from the National Health Insurance Service.

Adiposity rebound (AR) is defined as the second rise in the body mass index (BMI) usually occurring in early childhood. This study aimed to investigate the timing of AR and the factors determining early AR (EAR) by tracking BMI patterns using large-scale longitudinal nationwide data (n = 142,668; 73,389 boys and 69,279 girls) over seven time periods (4-6, 9-12, 18-24, 30-36, 42-48, 54-60, and 66-71 months). The average BMI rebound indicating AR was found before the age of 5 years (6th time period, 54-60 months). Interestingly, children experiencing BMI rebound during the 4th to 6th time periods showed a small increase in the proportion of underweight in the 2nd time period, but a dramatically higher proportion of underweight during the corresponding time period, similar to M-shaped patterns. In contrast, overweight or obese children in the above group showed opposite W-shaped patterns. The parameters predicting the risk of EAR are diverse for each time period by sex. Adequate breastfeeding before the age of 1 year, adequate diet, and reduced sugar-sweetened beverage consumption after the age of 1 year were important for reducing EAR. This study presents for the first time, the timing of AR and the major determinants of EAR among Korean infants and children based on large-scale nationwide data.

Physicochemical stability and virucidal effect of diluted, slightly acidic electrolyzed water against human norovirus.

This study aimed to evaluate the virucidal effect and potential use as a disinfectant of undiluted and diluted slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) on human noroviruses (HuNoVs) using the in vitro suspension test and in food test. The oxidization reduction potential of SAEW gradually decreased with the increase in distilled water volume. Moreover, as the volume of distilled water and the dilution ratio increased, the available chlorine concentration of the samples significantly decreased from 31.2 ± 0.63 (SAEW) to 1.3 ± 0.21 (1:10 dilution of SAEW solution) (p < 0.05). Undiluted SAEW presented the lowest pH (5.56 ± 0.02) and as SAEW was diluted in distilled water, the pH of the sample increased. Considering the standard reduction values of pathogenic virus (> 4.00 log reduction), the reduction value of HuNoVs in cabbage samples was 4.65 (GI.6) and 4.28 (GII.4) log. These results suggest the potential application of SAEW for inactivating HuNoVs in the food industry. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-021-01011-w.

Pregnancy outcomes after living kidney donation from a nationwide population-based cohort study from Korea.

While most living kidney donors experience good outcomes and high rates of satisfaction, kidney donation can increase the risk of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia. However, pregnancy outcomes in non-white donors are limited. We conducted a nationwide cohort study of 112 living kidney donors and 672 matched healthy non-donors using the Korean National Health Insurance Claims Database. Donors and healthy non-donors were matched according to age, year of cohort entry, residency, income, number of pregnancies, and the time to the first pregnancy after cohort entry. We assessed pregnancy outcomes of live kidney donors compared with matched healthy non-donors using the nationwide database. Gestational hypertension or preeclampsia was more common in kidney donors than in non-donors (8.9% vs. 1.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 2.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-6.50). However, the incidence of severe gestational hypertension or preeclampsia that required antihypertensive medication was comparable (2.7% vs. 0.9%; P = 0.121). The time from donation to delivery within 5 years and primiparity were risk factors for preeclampsia in donors. Low birth weight, stillbirth, and ectopic pregnancy were not significantly different between the two groups. Maternal death occurred in two non-donor cases, but none occurred in donors compared to non-donors. Our findings indicate that kidney donors are associated with an increased risk of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia than matched healthy non-donors. However, the probabilities of serious maternal and fetal outcomes remained low and are not increased significantly after kidney donation.

Metatranscriptomic and metataxonomic insights into the ultra-small microbiome of the Korean fermented vegetable, kimchi.

Presently, pertinent information on the ultra-small microbiome (USM) in fermented vegetables is still lacking. This study analyzed the metatranscriptome and metataxonome for the USM of kimchi. Tangential flow filtration was used to obtain a USM with a size of 0.2 µm or less from kimchi. The microbial diversity in the USM was compared with that of the normal microbiome (NM). Alpha diversity was higher in the USM than in NM, and the diversity of bacterial members of the NM was higher than that of the USM. At the phylum level, both USM and NM were dominated by Firmicutes. At the genus level, the USM and NM were dominated by Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Weissella, belonging to lactic acid bacteria. However, as alpha diversity is higher in the USM than in the NM, the genus Akkermansia, belonging to the phylum Verrucomicrobia, was detected only in the USM. Compared to the NM, the USM showed a relatively higher ratio of transcripts related to "protein metabolism," and the USM was suspected to be involved with the viable-but-nonculturable (VBNC) state. When comparing the sub-transcripts related to the "cell wall and capsule" of USM and NM, USM showed a proportion of transcripts suspected of being VBNC. In addition, the RNA virome was also identified, and both the USM and NM were confirmed to be dominated by pepper mild mottle virus (PMMoV). Additionally, the correlation between metataxonome and metatranscriptome identified USM and NM was estimated, however, only limited correlations between metataxonome and metatranscriptome were estimated. This study provided insights into the relationship between the potential metabolic activities of the USM of kimchi and the NM.

Nondestructive classification of soft rot disease in napa cabbage using hyperspectral imaging analysis.

Identification of soft rot disease in napa cabbage, an essential ingredient of kimchi, is challenging at the industrial scale. Therefore, nondestructive imaging techniques are necessary. Here, we investigated the potential of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) processing in the near-infrared region (900-1700 nm) for classifying napa cabbage quality using nondestructive measurements. We determined the microbiological and physicochemical qualitative properties of napa cabbage for intercomparison of HSI information, extracted HSI characteristics from hyperspectral images to predict and classify freshness, and established a novel approach for classifying healthy and rotten napa cabbage. The second derivative Savitzky-Golay method for data preprocessing was implemented, followed by wavelength selection using variable importance in projection scores. For multivariate data of the classification models, partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), support vector machine (SVM), and random forests were used for predicting cabbage conditions. The SVM model accurately distinguished the cabbage exhibiting soft rot disease symptoms from the healthy cabbage. This study presents the potential of HSI systems for separating soft rot disease-infected napa cabbages from healthy napa cabbages using the SVM model, especially under the most effective wavelengths (970, 980, 1180, 1070, 1120, and 978 nm), prior to processing. These results are applicable to industrial multispectral images.

Ten-Year Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion in Patients With Single-Level Lumbar Spondylolisthesis.

STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the clinical and radiological results of minimally invasive (MI) versus open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) in patients with single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis over a 10-year period. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Few studies have compared 10-year follow-up outcomes between MI-TLIF and open TLIF. METHODS: We retrospectively collected the outcome data of patients with single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis who underwent TLIF procedures using an MI (n = 108) or open (n = 53) approach. Fifty-two (48%) and 31 (58%) patients in the MI-TLIF and open TLIF groups, respectively, completed the 10-year follow-up. A primary clinical outcome included the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) as well as visual analog scale (VAS) scores for back and leg pain at baseline and at 2, 5, and 10 years postoperatively. The radiographic fusion rate and incidence of secondary surgery due to adjacent segment disease were assessed at 2, 5, and 10 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Intraoperative blood loss and length of hospitalization were significantly lower in the MI-TLIF group than in the open TLIF group. At 2 years postoperatively, the ODI and VAS scores for back and leg pain were significantly lower in the MI-TLIF group than in the open TLIF group. No significant differences were found in VAS scores for back and leg pain or ODI scores between the two groups at 10 years postoperatively. Radiographic fusion rates and prevalence of secondary surgery for adjacent segment disease were not significantly different between the groups at 10 years postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of MI-TLIF for patients with single-level lumbar spondylolisthesis is comparable to that of open TLIF over 10-years. However, MI-TLIF may have superior perioperative recovery and 2-year postoperative functional outcomes than open TLIF.Level of Evidence: 3.