A study of anti-wrinkle functions and improvement of cream with Phaseolus angularis.

Chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight accelerates skin ageing, which is followed by harsh, thick, dry and loose conditions. One of the most demonstrative symptoms is deep wrinkles induced by skin barrier disruption. Our previous research showed that Phaseolus angularis seed extract (PASE) effectively inhibits skin ageing through UVB protection in HaCaT cells by suppressing skin damage. However, its efficacy has not been evaluated in clinical trials so far. PASE cream's effectiveness was initially tested on the artificial skin model, revealing an increase in filaggrin and defence against skin damage. Based on these results, in this single-centred, randomized, double-blind study, we investigated the anti-ageing effect of PASE in human eye wrinkle areas. For these 21 healthy adult women aged 30 to 59, a PASE cream was applied to the right eye wrinkle area and a placebo to the left eye wrinkle area twice a day (morning and evening) for 12 weeks. The change in thick, deep crease wrinkles around the eyes was confirmed by visual evaluation, skin measurements and a questionnaire. As a result, the surface roughness (R1), maximum roughness (R2), average roughness (R3), smoothness depth (R4) and arithmetic mean roughness (R5) values in the group using the PASE cream all decreased. Particularly, R1, R4 and R5 significantly decreased by 18.1%, 18.6% and 25.0%, respectively. Subjects who applied PASE cream also experienced an improvement in skin moisture nearly twice the time compared to the placebo group. In addition, no participants reported side effects. Our study showed that PASE cream led to clinically significant levels of wrinkle improvement. In conclusion, as PASE is a natural, safe food with no side effects, it can be a good resource for natural anti-wrinkle functional cosmetics in the future.

L'exposition chronique aux rayons ultraviolets (UV) du soleil accélère le vieillissement cutané, qui provoque un épaississement et un assèchement de la peau et la rend plus lâche. La présence de rides profondes induites par la rupture de la barrière cutanée en constitue l'un des symptômes les plus manifestes. Lors d'études précédentes, nous nous sommes rendu compte que l'extrait de graines de Phaseolus angularis (PASE) inhibait efficacement le vieillissement de la peau en assurant la protection anti­UVB des cellules HaCaT grâce à la suppression des lésions cutanées. Cependant, son efficacité n'a pas été évaluée lors d'essais cliniques à ce jour. L'efficacité de la crème PASE a d'abord été testée sur le modèle de peau artificielle, sur laquelle elle a fait augmenter les taux de filaggrine et assuré une défense contre les lésions cutanées. Sur la base de ces résultats, dans cette étude unicentrique, randomisée et en double aveugle, nous avons étudié l'effet anti­âge de la PASE chez l'humain au niveau des rides proches de l'œil. Pour ces 21 femmes adultes en bonne santé âgées de 30 à 59 ans, une crème PASE a été appliquée sur la zone de rides de l'œil droit et un placebo sur la zone de rides de l'œil gauche deux fois par jour (matin et soir) pendant 12 semaines. La modification des rides profondes et épaisses autour des yeux a été confirmée par une évaluation visuelle, des mesures cutanées et un questionnaire. Il a été découvert que les valeurs de rugosité de surface (R1), de rugosité maximale (R2), de rugosité moyenne (R3), de profondeur de douceur (R4) et de moyenne arithmétique (R5) dans le groupe à l'aide de la crème PASE avaient toutes diminué. En particulier, R1, R4 et R5 ont significativement diminué de 18,1 %, de 18,6 % et de 25,0 %, respectivement. Les patients qui ont appliqué la crème PASE ont également présenté une amélioration de l'hydratation de la peau presque deux fois supérieure à celle du groupe placebo. En outre, aucun participant n'a signalé d'effets secondaires. Notre étude a montré que la crème PASE entraînait des niveaux cliniquement significatifs d'amélioration des rides. En conclusion, comme le PASE est un aliment naturel, sûr et dépourvu d'effets secondaires, elle peut constituer une bonne ressource pour les cosmétiques fonctionnels naturels antirides à l'avenir.

Comparative Study of Application of Computed Tomography/Ultrasound and Computed Tomography Imaging Guidance Methods in the Microwave Ablation of Liver Cancer.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to assess the clinical value of the combined computed tomography (CT)/ultrasound (US) guidance in microwave ablation (MWA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: From July 16, 2016, to June 20, 2021, medical records of 150 HCC patients treated with MWA were retrospectively analyzed. Ninety-two patients with 115 liver tumors underwent MWA under combined CT/US guidance, and 58 patients with 73 liver tumors received MWA under CT guidance alone. The clinical efficacy of combined CT/US-guided MWA was analyzed. We compared the complications, procedure time, and CT scan times between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The total complete ablation rate and complete ablation rate of high-risk location tumors were significantly higher in the group treated with combined CT/US guidance ( P = 0.0471 and P = 0.0347, respectively), the imaging guidance modality (odds ratio, 0.303; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.095-0.970; P = 0.044) was an independent factor for ablation efficacy. These 2 groups also had significant differences in the procedure time ( P = 0.0171), the incidence rate of pneumothorax ( P = 0.0209), abdominal pain ( P = 0.0196), nausea or vomiting ( P = 0.0026), and intraoperative CT scan times ( P < 0.001). The overall complication rates ( P = 0.4023) and recurrence rates ( P = 0.5063) between the 2 groups were not statistically significant. However, CT/US group has a better short-term progressive free survival (log-rank P = 0.103, Breslow P = 0.030). In multivariate analysis, guidance modality (hazard ratio, 0.586; 95% CI, 0.368-0.934; P = 0.025) and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage (hazard ratio, 2.933; 95% CI, 1.678-5.127; P < 0.001) were risk factor for progressive free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous MWA under the combined CT/US guidance for HCC can improve clinical benefits.

Identification of accession-specific variants and development of KASP markers for assessing the genetic makeup of Brassica rapa seeds.

BACKGROUND: Most crop seeds are F1 hybrids. Seed providers and plant breeders must be confident that the seed supplied to growers is of known, and uniform, genetic makeup. This requires maintenance of pure genotypes of the parental lines and testing to ensure the genetic purity of the F1 seed. Traditionally, seed purity has been assessed with a grow-out test (GOT) in the field, a time consuming and costly venture. Early in the last decade, seed testing with molecular markers was introduced as a replacement for GOT, and Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP) markers were recognized as promising tools for genetic testing of seeds. However, the markers available at that time could be inaccurate and applicable to only a small number of accessions or varieties due to the limited genetic information and reference genomes available. RESULTS: We identified 4,925,742 SNPs in 50 accessions of the Brasscia rapa core collection. From these, we identified 2,925 SNPs as accession-specific, considering properties of flanking region harboring accession-specific SNPs and genic region conservation among accessions by the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) analysis. In total, 100 accession-specific markers were developed as accession-specific KASP markers. Based on the results of our validation experiments, the accession-specific markers successfully distinguised individuals from the mixed population including 50 target accessions from B. rapa core collection and the outgroup. Additionally, the marker set we developed here discriminated F1 hybrids and their parental lines with distinct clusters. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides efficient methods for developing KASP markers to distinguish individuals from the mixture comprised of breeding lines and germplasms from the resequencing data of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa spp. pekinensis).

Admixture of divergent genomes facilitates hybridization across species in the family Brassicaceae.

Hybridization and polyploidization are pivotal to plant evolution. Genetic crosses between distantly related species are rare in nature due to reproductive barriers but how such hurdles can be overcome is largely unknown. Here we report the hybrid genome structure of xBrassicoraphanus, a synthetic allotetraploid of Brassica rapa and Raphanus sativus. We performed cytogenetic analysis and de novo genome assembly to examine chromosome behaviors and genome integrity in the hybrid. Transcriptome analysis was conducted to investigate expression of duplicated genes in conjunction with epigenome analysis to address whether genome admixture entails epigenetic reconfiguration. Allotetraploid xBrassicoraphanus retains both parental chromosomes without genome rearrangement. Meiotic synapsis formation and chromosome exchange are avoided between nonhomologous progenitor chromosomes. Reconfiguration of transcription network occurs, and less divergent cis-elements of duplicated genes are associated with convergent expression. Genome-wide DNA methylation asymmetry between progenitors is largely maintained but, notably, B. rapa-originated transposable elements are transcriptionally silenced in xBrassicoraphanus through gain of DNA methylation. Our results demonstrate that hybrid genome stabilization and transcription compatibility necessitate epigenome landscape adjustment and rewiring of cis-trans interactions. Overall, this study suggests that a certain extent of genome divergence facilitates hybridization across species, which may explain the great diversification and expansion of angiosperms during evolution.

Ethylene responsive factor34 mediates stress-induced leaf senescence by regulating salt stress-responsive genes.

Leaf senescence proceeds with age but is modulated by various environmental stresses and hormones. Salt stress is one of the most well-known environmental stresses that accelerate leaf senescence. However, the molecular mechanisms that integrate salt stress signalling with leaf senescence programmes remain elusive. In this study, we characterised the role of ETHYLENE RESPONSIVE FACTOR34 (ERF34), an Arabidopsis APETALA2 (AP2)/ERF family transcription factor, in leaf senescence. ERF34 was differentially expressed under various leaf senescence-inducing conditions, and negatively regulated leaf senescence induced by age, dark, and salt stress. ERF34 also promoted salt stress tolerance at different stages of the plant life cycle such as seed germination and vegetative growth. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the overexpression of ERF34 increased the transcript levels of salt stress-responsive genes including COLD-REGULATED15A (COR15A), EARLY RESPONSIVE TO DEHYDRATION10 (ERD10), and RESPONSIVE TO DESICCATION29A (RD29A). Moreover, ERF34 directly bound to ERD10 and RD29A promoters and activated their expression. Our findings indicate that ERF34 plays a key role in the convergence of the salt stress response with the leaf senescence programmes, and is a potential candidate for crop improvement, particularly by enhancing salt stress tolerance.

ORESARA 15, a PLATZ transcription factor, controls root meristem size through auxin and cytokinin signalling-related pathways.

An optimal size of post-embryonic root apical meristem (RAM) is achieved by a balance between cell division and differentiation. Despite extensive research, molecular mechanisms underlying the coordination of cell division and differentiation are still fragmentary. Here, we report that ORESARA 15 (ORE15), an Arabidopsis PLANT A/T-RICH SEQUENCE-AND ZINC-BINDING PROTEIN (PLATZ) transcription factor preferentially expressed in the RAM, determines RAM size. Primary root length, RAM size, cell division rate, and stem cell niche activity were reduced in an ore15 loss-of-function mutant but enhanced in an activation-tagged line overexpressing ORE15, compared with wild type. ORE15 forms mutually positive and negative feedback loops with auxin and cytokinin signalling, respectively. Collectively, our findings imply that ORE15 controls RAM size by mediating the antagonistic interaction between auxin and cytokinin signalling-related pathways.

Regulation of habenular G-protein gamma 8 on learning and memory via modulation of the central acetylcholine system.

Guanine nucleotide binding protein (G protein) gamma 8 (Gng8) is a subunit of G proteins and expressed in the medial habenula (MHb) and interpeduncular nucleus (IPN). Recent studies have demonstrated that Gng8 is involved in brain development; however, the roles of Gng8 on cognitive function have not yet been addressed. In the present study, we investigated the expression of Gng8 in the brain and found that Gng8 was predominantly expressed in the MHb-IPN circuit of the mouse brain. We generated Gng8 knockout (KO) mice by CRISPR/Cas9 system in order to assess the role of Gng8 on cognitive function. Gng8 KO mice exhibited deficiency in learning and memory in passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests. In addition, Gng8 KO mice significantly reduced long-term potentiation (LTP) in the hippocampus compared to that of wild-type (WT) mice. Furthermore, we observed that levels of acetylcholine (ACh) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in the MHb and IPN of Gng8 KO mice were significantly decreased, compared to WT mice. The administration of nAChR α4ß2 agonist A85380 rescued memory impairment in the Gng8 KO mice, suggesting that Gng8 regulates cognitive function via modulation of cholinergic activity. Taken together, Gng8 is a potential therapeutic target for memory-related diseases and/or neurodevelopmental diseases.

Self-Assembly of Pulverized Nanoparticles: An Approach to Realize Large-Capacity, Long-Lasting, and Ultra-Fast-Chargeable Na-Ion Batteries.

The fabrication of battery anodes simultaneously exhibiting large capacity, fast charging capability, and high cyclic stability is challenging because these properties are mutually contrasting in nature. Here, we report a rational strategy to design anodes outperforming the current anodes by simultaneous provision of the above characteristics without utilizing nanomaterials and surface modifications. This is achieved by promoting spontaneous structural evolution of coarse Sn particles to 3D-networked nanostructures during battery cycling in an appropriate electrolyte. The anode steadily exhibits large capacity (∼480 mAhg-1) and energy retention capability (99.9%) during >1500 cycles even at an ultrafast charging rate of 12 690 mAg-1 (15C). The structural and chemical origins of the measured properties are explained using multiscale simulations combining molecular dynamics and density functional theory calculations. The developed method is simple, scalable, and expandable to other systems and provides an alternative robust route to obtain nanostructured anode materials in large quantities.

Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Suppresses the Expression of TNF-α-Induced MMP-1 via MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathways in Human Dermal Fibroblasts.

Deeper wrinkles and loss of elasticity are one of the skin-aging symptoms. Collagen breakdown by matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), which is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pro-inflammatory cytokines, has been known to be responsible for these skin-aging symptoms. Therefore, much attention has been paid to chemicals to suppress the MMP-1 activity. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), catechin rich in green tea, has been reported to show antioxidant and protect skin from various stimuli such as UV and chemicals. In this study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of EGCG on MMP-1 gene expression and secretion in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-treated human dermal fibroblast cells (Hs68 cells). Pre-treatment with EGCG (10 and 20 µM) suppressed TNF-α-induced MMP-1 expression and secretion. EGCG also reduced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) significantly but not that of p38 activation and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Besides, EGCG (10 and 20 µM) showed the inhibitory effect on mitogen-activated protein extracellular kinase (MEK) and Src phosphorylation which is reported to be upstream signal proteins of ERK signal pathway. Based on these results, EGCG might have potential activity to slow down the skin-aging through inhibition of collagen breakdown, which remains to be elucidated.

Tidal volume and stroke volume changes caused by respiratory events during sleep and their relationship with OSA severity: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: Breath-by-breath tidal volume (TV) and beat-by-beat stroke volume (SV) were continuously measured in patients with OSA undergoing polysomnography (PSG). The objectives were to (1) determine the changes in TV/SV in response to respiratory events and (2) assess the relationship between these changes and the disease severity. METHODS: From the PSG data of nine patients with OSA, six different types of respiratory events were identified, i.e., flow limitation (FL), respiratory effort related arousal (RERA), hypopnea with arousal only (Ha), hypopnea with desaturation only (Hd), hypopnea with arousal and desaturation (Had), and apnea. The measured TV and SV values during and after each respiratory event were compared with the pre-event baseline values. RESULTS: The mean TV/SV reductions during all hypopneas and apneas were 38.1%/4.2% and 70.5%/8.8%, respectively. Among three different hypopnea types, the reductions in TV during Hd and Had were significantly greater than those during Ha. The TV reductions during Ha and FL were similar. After RERA, Ha, Had, and apnea, there was an overshoot in TV and SV values, whereas there was no overshoot after FL and Hd. During RERA, there was no reduction in TV/SV. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in TV during and after each type of respiratory event were significantly different in most cases. The changes in SV between hypopnea and apnea were different with statistical significance. The AHI does not properly account for the ventilation losses caused by respiratory events. Thus, TV measurements might be useful in the future in assessing the OSA severity in conjunction with the AHI.

Comparison of Anti-Bacterial Efficacy between Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation and 980 nm-GaAlAs Laser Application in Two Root Types.

Background and Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the anti-bacterial efficacy of passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI) and a 980-nm-gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) laser using a real-time DNA-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Materials and Methods: Eighty-six extracted single- and double-rooted human teeth were used in the experiment. The following four experimental groups were evaluated, as well as a control group: group 1: single root + PUI (n = 20); group 2: single root + laser application (n = 20); group 3: double roots + PUI (n = 20); group 4: double roots + laser application (n =20); control group (n = 6): 3 single roots, 3 double roots. The qPCR assay was performed in three stages to evaluate the efficacy of the adjunctive method against Enterococcus faecalis. SEM analysis was also used to examine the microstructure of root canal surfaces. The data were statistically analyzed using the Friedman test and the Kruskal-Wallis test with Bonferroni adjustment. Results: The decrease in the DNA levels from S1 (before preparation) to S2 (just after preparation) was highly significant in all groups, and decreases in DNA levels from S2 to S3 (after incubation for 1 week) were found in all experimental groups except group 1. An inter-group analysis showed that PUI was significantly more effective in terms of antibacterial efficacy than GaAlAs laser irradiation in single root (p < 0.05). However, in double roots, experimental groups did not show significantly lower DNA levels than the control group (p > 0.05). SEM images showed that cleaning of the root canal surface and reduction of dentin debris were achieved only in single-rooted teeth when using PUI application. Conclusions: Two adjunctive methods were effective in reducing E. faecalis in single rooted tooth.

TGFam-Finder: a novel solution for target-gene family annotation in plants.

Whole-genome annotation error that omits essential protein-coding genes hinders further research. We developed Target Gene Family Finder (TGFam-Finder), an alternative tool for the structural annotation of protein-coding genes containing target domain(s) of interest in plant genomes. TGFam-Finder took considerably reduced annotation run-time and improved accuracy compared to conventional annotation tools. Large-scale re-annotation of 50 plant genomes identified an average of 150, 166 and 86 additional far-red-impaired response 1, nucleotide-binding and leucine-rich-repeat, and cytochrome P450 genes, respectively, that were missed in previous annotations. We detected significantly higher number of translated genes in the new annotations using mass spectrometry data from seven plant species compared to previous annotations. TGFam-Finder along with the new gene models can provide an optimized platform for comprehensive functional, comparative, and evolutionary studies in plants.

Production of human tissue-type plasminogen activator (htPA) using in vitro cultured transgenic pig mammary gland cells.

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a protein involved in the breakdown of blood clots. We have previously produced a human tPA (htPA)-overexpressing transgenic pig using a mammary gland-specific promoter. In this study, we have established a transgenic pig mammary gland cell line that produces recombinant htPA. The mammary gland cells grew well and retained their character over long periods of culture. There was no difference in the extent of apoptosis in transgenic cells compared to wild-type mammary gland cells. In addition, the transgenic mammary gland cells expressed and secreted htPA into the conditioned media at a concentration similar to that in milk. This transgenic cell line represents a simple and ethical method for recombinant htPA production.

Genome and evolution of the shade-requiring medicinal herb Panax ginseng.

Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, reputed as the king of medicinal herbs, has slow growth, long generation time, low seed production and complicated genome structure that hamper its study. Here, we unveil the genomic architecture of tetraploid P. ginseng by de novo genome assembly, representing 2.98 Gbp with 59 352 annotated genes. Resequencing data indicated that diploid Panax species diverged in association with global warming in Southern Asia, and two North American species evolved via two intercontinental migrations. Two whole genome duplications (WGD) occurred in the family Araliaceae (including Panax) after divergence with the Apiaceae, the more recent one contributing to the ability of P. ginseng to overwinter, enabling it to spread broadly through the Northern Hemisphere. Functional and evolutionary analyses suggest that production of pharmacologically important dammarane-type ginsenosides originated in Panax and are produced largely in shoot tissues and transported to roots; that newly evolved P. ginseng fatty acid desaturases increase freezing tolerance; and that unprecedented retention of chlorophyll a/b binding protein genes enables efficient photosynthesis under low light. A genome-scale metabolic network provides a holistic view of Panax ginsenoside biosynthesis. This study provides valuable resources for improving medicinal values of ginseng either through genomics-assisted breeding or metabolic engineering.

ORESARA15, a PLATZ transcription factor, mediates leaf growth and senescence in Arabidopsis.

Plant leaves undergo a series of developmental changes from leaf primordium initiation through growth and maturation to senescence throughout their life span. Although the mechanisms underlying leaf senescence have been intensively elucidated, our knowledge of the interrelationship between early leaf development and senescence is still fragmentary. We isolated the oresara15-1Dominant (ore15-1D) mutant, which had an extended leaf longevity and an enlarged leaf size, from activation-tagged lines of Arabidopsis. Plasmid rescue identified that ORE15 encodes a PLANT A/T-RICH SEQUENCE- AND ZINC-BINDING PROTEIN family transcription factor. Phenotypes of ore15-1D and ore15-2, a loss-of-function mutant, were evaluated through physiological and anatomical analyses. Microarray, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and chromatin immunoprecipitation as well as genetic analysis were employed to reveal the molecular mechanism of ORE15 in the regulation of leaf growth and senescence. ORE15 enhanced leaf growth by promoting the rate and duration of cell proliferation in the earlier stage and suppressed leaf senescence in the later stage by modulating the GROWTH-REGULATING FACTOR (GRF)/GRF-INTERACTING FACTOR regulatory pathway. Our study highlighted a molecular conjunction through ORE15 between growth and senescence, which are two temporally separate developmental processes during leaf life span.

Comparison of sagittal values between lateral decubitus plain radiography and supine computed tomography in thoracolumbar fractures: a greater degree of kyphosis is observed in plain radiography than CT.

OBJECTIVE: Radiologic parameters are important factors for planning the treatment for thoracolumbar fracture. However, we noted that measurements of the degree of kyphosis by lateral decubitus plain radiography were greater than supine CT. The cause of this discrepancy is unclear. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the plain radiographs and CT scans of 90 patients with thoracolumbar fractures (fracture group). We measured the segmental sagittal angle (SSA) on lateral decubitus plain radiographs and in the median sagittal plane on CT scans obtained in the supine position. The method agreement (plain radiography versus CT) was determined by utilizing Bland-Altman plots. For the purpose of comparison, the same analyses were performed in a group of age and sex-matched controls (normal group). After establishing the method disagreement in the fracture group, the factors that contributed to the difference in the SSA between plain radiography and CT, as well as their threshold values, were determined. RESULTS: On Bland-Altman plots for the fracture group, the mean difference was 4.53° [95% confidence interval (CI) - 4.87° to 13.93°]. For the normal group, the mean difference was - 0.64° (95% CI - 5.87° to 4.58°). On univariate analysis, male sex, thoracolumbar level, and SSA(X) were significant factors associated with ∆SSA (P = 0.03, 0.002, and 0.000, respectively). Multivariable regression analysis showed that SSA(X) was the only significant factor. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that the optimal threshold of SSA(X) was 17° with a sensitivity of 78% and a specificity of 75% (area under curve: 0.752). CONCLUSIONS: The mean SSA determined on lateral decubitus plain radiographs indicated significantly more kyphosis than that determined on CT images obtained in supine position. When the SSA on plain radiography is more than 17°, there might be a significant discrepancy between the two imaging modalities. This discrepancy seems to be mainly attributable to the difference in patient positioning (lateral decubitus position for plain radiography versus supine position for CT imaging).

Extent of linkage disequilibrium and effective population size of Korean Yorkshire swine.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to characterize linkage disequilibrium (LD) and effective population size (Ne) in a Korean Yorkshire population using genomic data from thousands of individuals. METHODS: We genotyped 2,470 Yorkshire individuals from four major Grand-Grand-Parent farms in Korea using the Illumina PorcineSNP60 version2 BeadChip, which covers >61,565 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located across all chromosomes and mitochondria. We estimated the expected LD and inferred current Ne as well as ancestral Ne. RESULTS: We identified 61,565 SNP from autosomes, mitochondria, and sex chromosomes and characterized the LD of the Yorkshire population, which was relatively high between closely linked markers (>0.55 at 50 kb) and declined with increasing genetic distance. The current Ne of this Korean Yorkshire population was 122.87 (106.90; 138.84), while the historical Ne of Yorkshire pigs suggests that the ancestor Ne has decreased by 99.6% over the last 10,000 generations. CONCLUSION: To maintain genetic diversity of a domesticated animal population, we must carefully consider appropriate breed management methods to avoid inbreeding. Although attenuated selection can affect short-term genetic gain, it is essential for maintaining the long-term genetic variability of the Korean Yorkshire population. Continuous and long-term monitoring would also be needed to maintain the pig population to avoid an unintended reduction of Ne. The best way to preserve a sustainable population is to maintain a sufficient Ne.

Sex differences in associations among metabolic syndrome, obesity, related biomarkers, and colorectal adenomatous polyp risk in a Japanese population.

To investigate sex differences in the associations among metabolic syndrome, obesity, adipose tissue-related biomarkers, and colorectal adenomatous polyps, a cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted on 489 consecutive individuals who underwent their first colonoscopy at 3 hospitals. Plasma concentrations of adiponectin and leptin, as well as homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance were also evaluated. The presence and number of adenomatous polyps, including advanced adenoma, were higher in men than in women. Metabolic syndrome was a risk factor for adenomatous polyps in both sexes. Large waist circumference was an independent risk factor for adenomatous polyps in men, and high BMI and large waist circumference were risk factors for adenomatous polyps in women. Interestingly, low BMI was associated with large adenomatous polyps (≥10 mm) and advanced adenoma, and waist-hip ratio was involved in proximal adenomatous polyp development only in women. In contrast, the highest quartile of leptin concentration had a 3.67-fold increased adenomatous polyp risk compared with the lowest quartile only in men. These results indicate that regarding colorectal pathogenesis, sex differences were identified in obesity but not in metabolic syndrome. Visceral obesity and a high serum leptin level may be risk factors for colorectal adenomatous polyp development in Japanese men.

A new screening method for multidirectional shoulder instability on magnetic resonance arthrography: labro-capsular distance.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the capsular dimension as measured on magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) between patients with multidirectional instability (MDI) of the shoulder and control subjects without instability. Ultimately, we aimed to develop an easy and reliable new screening method to assess MDI of the shoulder using MRA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRA images of patients with MDI of the shoulder (n = 25) during a 6-year period (February 2010 to May 2015) were retrospectively reviewed. A control group (n = 26) without instability was also identified. The capsular area was measured using a new screening method we termed labro-capsular (LC) distance. MRA images of the two groups were randomly mixed, and two orthopedic surgeon reviewers recorded anterior, posterior, and inferior LC distance measurements on axial and coronal images using a mid-glenoid cut. RESULTS: The inferior LC distance increased significantly in the patient group versus control group (P < 0.001), but there were no statistically significant differences in the anterior (P = 0.1165) and posterior (P = 0.5229) LC distances. An inferior LC distance >16.88 mm is most suggestive of MDI of the shoulder because of its high sensitivity (76 %) and specificity (96 %). CONCLUSION: The inferior LC distance can be easily and quickly measured and used as an effective clinical screening method for atraumatic MDI of the shoulder.

Prunus mume leaf extract lowers blood glucose level in diabetic mice.

Context Diabetes is a common metabolic disease with long-term complications. Prunus mume Sieb. et Zucc. (Rosaceae) fruits have shown to ameliorate glucose intolerance. However, the antidiabetic effects of P. mume leaves have not been investigated. Objective This study evaluated the effects of P. mume leaf 70% ethanol extract (PMLE) on alleviating diabetes in vivo and in vitro. Materials and methods PMLE was fractionated into n-hexane, dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), n-butanol (BuOH) and water. Polyphenol and flavonoid contents in PMLE fractions were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and the aluminium chloride colorimetric method, respectively. We evaluated α-glucosidase inhibition using a microplate reader at 400 nm. Adipocyte differentiation by lipid accumulation was measured using Nile Red staining. Male imprinting control region (ICR) mice were injected with streptozotocin (STZ, 100 mg/kg, i.p.). High-fat diets were provided for three weeks prior to PMLE treatments to induce type 2 diabetes. PMLE (0, 5, 25 or 50 mg/kg) was administrated for four weeks with high-fat diets. Results The EtOAc fraction of PMLE inhibited α-glucosidase activity (IC50 = 68.2 µg/mL) and contained 883.5 ± 14.9 mg/g of polyphenols and 820.1 ± 7.7 mg/g of flavonoids. The 50 mg/kg PMLE supplement reduced 40% of blood glucose level compared to obese/diabetes mice. Obese/diabetic mice treated with 50 mg/kg PMLE showed a lower level of triacylglycerol (320.7 ± 20.73 mg/dL) compared to obese/diabetes mice (494.9 ± 14.80 mg/dL). Conclusion The data demonstrate that P. mume leaves exert antidiabetic effects that may be attributable to high concentrations of polyphenols and flavonoids.